Tag: travel tips

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Ten Travel Tips For Long Flights: Survive The Haul

Long plane flights aren’t fun. But they can be a lot better if you know a few simple tricks. These travel tips for long flights will take you from an air novice to a flying pro.

A passenger that could use some travel tips for long flights.

1. Pack Snacks

Digesting on a plane is harder than on land. With that said, you still make sure you bring plenty of snacks. Being hungry will make the time pass a whole lot slower. Make sure to prioritize high-protein foods like meats or nuts to keep you full the longest!

2. Avoid Caffeine

You should avoid caffeine when you’re flying for a lot of reasons. For starter’s it’ll dehydrate you, which is a big factor in jet lag. Another reason to avoid it is it’ll mess up your sleep. Sleeping is probably the best time-killer when you’re on a plane. If you’re all hopped up you’re not sleeping on the plane or after you get off.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes

A lot of the tips for long flights on this list contribute to letting you sleep and relax on the plane. Planes are stressful, it’s why it’s so important to try and relax. Comfy clothes will help you do that. You don’t have to wear a sweat-suit, but jeans and a comfy t-shirt will serve you well.

4. Bring Noise-Cancelling Headphones

They’re not as expensive as they used to be. Do yourself a favor and get a pair of headphones that has active noise cancellation. It’ll help to cut the background noise on a plane and help you sleep. Or it’ll help you focus on your other electronic entertainment!

5. Bring Entertainment (Especially Books)

Speaking of entertainment, make sure to bring plenty of it. You’re going to be stuck in one place for a long time, you’ve got to have a plan. Bring a tablet, a Kindle, a game system, or even just your phone. One thing to keep in mind is to bring some non-electric stuff. There’ll be around and hour on either side for take-off and landing where you can’t use your phone!

A wing of a plane.

6. Moisturize

The recirculated air on planes will dry you out fast. It’s important to rehydrate yourself. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. You should also bring chapstick and lotion to keep your lips and skin hydrated!

7. Bring A Pillow And Blanket

There’s a reason they make these in travel size. Plane seats are super uncomfortable for seemingly no reason. If you bring your own pillow and blanket you’ll always be able to get comfy wherever you are.

8. Charge Your Devices

Always make sure to charge your devices before you get on the plane. You never know if the plane will have any sort of charging port. Better yet, charge your devices and an extra power bank. Power banks give you a much longer battery life for very little weight. 

9. Podcasts And Audio-Books

These are both getting more popular as time goes on, and it’s for good reason. Podcasts and audio-books take up much less battery than games or video. They’ll keep your devices kicking much longer. Plus, there are thousands, maybe millions of hours of free podcasts available. You can get apps to download these pods to your device, so you don’t even need internet!

10. Avoid Jet Lag

When you’re on a plane, you’ve got to be aware of jetlag. Tips for long flights can only go so far in preventing it. It’s pretty much unavoidable, but you can make it less intense. Make sure you’re hydrating on the plane. Avoid alcohol if you can. Alcohol will dehydrate you even more and it can give you a hangover. If you can, try to catch some sleep on the plane. An eye mask will help block out the sun too to keep your circadian rhythm on track!

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Ten Travel Tips For Europe Adventures

Europe has quite the reputation, and for good reason. It’s got thousands of years of history, attractions, and things to do and see! But if you’re an American going to Europe for your first time, there are some things to keep in mind. These travel tips for Europe will let you skip the rookie step and hop right into being a pro traveler.

A beautiful European vista one could see when making use of Travel Tips For Europe.

1. Cabs Aren’t Worth It

Most major European cities have robust public transit. Buses, trains, trolleys, and even boats can take you anywhere you need. Cabs might seem more convenient, but they’re a huge money sink. Multiple cab rides will add up very quickly!

2. Get Your VAT Refund

This isn’t something that we have to think about in the states, but European countries have a “Value-Added Tax”. Since we aren’t members of the EU, we aren’t required to pay it. But they’ve still got to take it when you buy things. So if you keep your receipts, you can be issued a refund for all of the VAT that you paid during your trip.

3. Get Good Shoes

If you’re going to Europe, you’re probably going to be walking a lot. So it pays to get a good pair of shoes. If you’re trying to hike around in flats, dress shoes, or heels, your feet are going to be screaming at you! And if that happens early in the trip, it’ll affect the rest of your time abroad.

4. Buy Tickets Early

This is true for all kinds of travel, but it’s one of the especially good travel tips for Europe. Book your plane, your hotels, your activities, everything in advance! You’ll probably get discounted rates on everything if you do. But even more than that, things might sell out if you wait too long!

5. Travel By Train

Europe isn’t actually that big of a place. If you want to see multiple countries, you don’t have to fly! Save money and hassle by taking the train. Europe has an excellent system of trains between countries, make use of it!

One of the most iconic landmarks a person might see while making use of Travel Tips For Europe.

6. Know Your Currency

Euros are an international currency, but they’re not a blanket solution. Every country you go to will probably have some currency that you should be aware of. When my wife and I went to Ireland we actually ended up in Northern Ireland without realizing it. We were lucky that our lunch spot would trade us Pounds for some Euros or we might have been out of luck!

7. Spend Your Coins

Still on the topic of currency, spend your coins! European countries have $1 and $2 coins that you’ll get a lot of in change. If you don’t use them as you get them, you’ll jingle like a leprechaun by the end of your trip!

8. Carry Your Passport

Always keep your passport with you and somewhere safe. If you’re from out of the country, it’s your most important possession. Getting caught without it could put you in a crazy international limbo. And nobody wants that!

9. Register With The State Department

For the same reason, register your trip’s dates and destinations with the state department. They’re your friend! It’s simple and easy to do and it ensures that if things go south on a global scale, they’ll have your back. This is especially important if you’re traveling alone. If you go missing, they’ll come looking for you!

10. Learn Some Local Language

So many people go to foreign countries these days without bothering to learn any of their language. It’s important for a few reasons. For starters, it’s a great intro to the culture. If you get good, it’ll actually help you communicate with people while you’re there. But even if you aren’t any good, people will appreciate that you’re trying, and they’ll be a lot nicer to you!

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Ten Travel Tips To Save Money: Travel On A Budget

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. These travel tips to save money will keep you living your best life, and doing it on the cheap! There are things you can do while you’re planning and while you’re on the trip that can save you money and stress!

A Map surrounded by all the cash you could save with these travel tips to save money.

1. Go Off-Season

Everyone likes to take their trips in the spring and summer, but is it the best time? The weather might be nice, but businesses know about the surge. They upcharge everything! You can travel for much less if you simply time your trips for the off season. Go north in the summer, go south in the winter. I think you’ll find that the change of weather is even better that way!

2. AirBnB’s

The travel overnight game is changing. While hotels used to the obvious answer to the question “Where will we stay?”, that’s quickly fading. AirBnB (and other rent-a-room services) are making huge headway, and it’s for good reason! AirBnB rooms are always cheaper and often much nicer than getting a hotel! Plus you might even have easy kitchen and laundry access.

3. Book Ahead Of Time

Make your plans far in advance! Lots of activities and tours will increase rates the closer you get to the date. Planes and hotels shoot their rates right up if you’re trying to plan during prime time. By planning early, you’ll directly save money on everything!

4. Use Public Transit

Rental cars are nice to have, but they get expensive fast. If you can avoid needing one by using public transit, you can save a ton! Most major cities have pretty robust bus and train systems. They take a little bit to learn, but it’s well worth it!

5. Pocket Wifi

Using your cell phone abroad isn’t easy. You might need to get a special sim card from your provider, at an exorbitant rate. You could try to get a prepaid phone while you’re there, but that’s not easy either. Your best bet is to get  a pocket wifi. These can be rented at the airport and for a low steady fee, you’ll get a mobile hotspot you can take with you! This means you can use any device you’ve got, with no special considerations!

The midwest, a low cost but beautiful travel destination.

6. Walk As Much As You Can

I mentioned using transit over rentals and taxis, but there’s an even better method. Just walk! You might save money by picking a hotel or BnB that’s close to the things you want to see. Plus you’ll get to see parts of your destination from angles you might not otherwise!

7. Shop And Cook Locally

This can be a fun experience in itself. Instead of going out for every meal, cook one in! Go to the local market and buy raw ingredients, they’re always cheaper. If you have any interest in cooking, this is a great way to sample the culture first hand!

8. Get Big Lunch And Small Dinner

Restaurants and bars often charge less for lunch than they do for dinner. So if you time your big meals, you can get decadent lunches for cheap! There’s no set rule for which meal has to be the most important. 

9. Talk To Locals

Make it a point to ask locals where to shop, eat, or what to see. Whether it’s your AirBnB owner, your bartender, or friends, locals always know how to avoid tourist traps! 

10. Pick Cheap Places

Finally, pick cheap places! Your own country has dozens if not hundreds of hidden gems scattered all about. Overseas is going to cost you big, there’s no way around it. If you can find a cozy BnB in your local “wine-country” you can save a mint and still have a great time! This is my favorite of the travel tips to save money. My wife and I have gone on tons of “small” trips that are just as fun as big ones, but a fraction of the price! Your vacation is what you make it.

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Ten Tips For Traveling With Babies

Traveling with a baby isn’t easy, but it can be easier if you prepare. With the right tips and tools you can make the job a lot easier on yourself. Below is a list of some very important tips for traveling with babies that’ll help you keep your sanity!

Woman making use of Tips For Traveling With Babies.

1. Pack Light

The first tip might seem counterintuitive coming from a travel accessory blog, but pack light. This might be the most important of the tips for traveling with babies. With the right accessories you can actually pack lighter than you would without them. Slim down and only bring what you need. Prioritize light and efficient items. It’ll make you more agile and it’ll reduce the stress of dealing with all that stuff.

2. Wear Your Baby

This tip fold right in, wear your baby instead of using a stroller. This is another way to stay agile and light. Dealing with a big stroller or car-seat is never fun, if you can avoid it you’ll be a lot better off. Plus babies love it! They like being close to you and you can easily bounce them to sleep.

3. Buy Diapers There

Yet another way to pack lighter, buy diapers at the location. You don’t need to bring enough diapers to last the whole trip. You just need enough to last the travel and some wiggle room for locating diapers. This will really help you slim down as diapers can get bulky fast. Chances are, your baby won’t know the difference!

4. Travel Insurance

When you’re traveling with a baby, you want to minimize risks. One big risk any time you fly is that they lose your luggage. If that ever happens, travel insurance will be worth its weight in gold! One of the worst situations you could be in is finding yourself somewhere far away without any of your supplies!

5. Know Where To Find A Doctor

The worst situation you could find yourself in is if something is wrong with your baby while you’re away. That’s why you should always have a plan! Look ahead to the places you’ll be and plan out where you’ll go if something happens. That way, just in case, you know exactly where you need to go if the worst comes to pass!

6. Minimize Moving 

Sometimes when you take a trip, especially abroad, you may plan on staying in a few places. You might want to hop hotels or B&Bs every couple days to hit as much as possible. Don’t do this with a baby! Most of the stress comes from the traveling itself. So if you can pick and stick with one place, you’ll have a lot less overhead to stress about!

7. Prepare For Baby Jet Lag 

Baby jet lag is a real thing. Their internal clocks are still forming so they’re very delicate. This means that if you fly a few times zones over, your baby is going to think it’s the morning in the middle of the night. You can’t really avoid it so you just have to prepare.

8. Extra Plane Seats

If you can afford it, having an extra seat for your baby will provide a lot of comfort. Especially as they get older, they’ll get squirmier. You can even change your baby in the seat next to you if you have to! If you can’t afford an extra seat, it might be worth it to ask if there are any extras. Just ask if you could be seated next to them and they might help you out!

9. Fly During Sleep Time

If you can, time your flight for during your baby’s nap or bedtime. This will hopefully let them snooze right through and be none the wiser on the other side!

10. Pacifiers For Take-Off And Landing

Finally, you’ll want pacifiers for take-off and landing. The pressure difference for us isn’t comfortable. For baby’s it can bring on a meltdown. If your baby is sucking on a pacifier, it’ll naturally help them equalize.

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Travel Accessories For Hiding Money (And Some Tricks!)

When you’re traveling you won’t be familiar with your surroundings. You may be in a strange, or even foreign place. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that people don’t always have the best intentions. If you’re a clueless tourist there are many that might see you and want to take advantage. The least confrontational of these criminals is the pick-pocket. They look like anyone else on the street and can come from anywhere. If they’re any good you won’t even know you’ve been picked until they’re far away. You don’t want to find yourself stranded money-less in a foreign place. The travel accessories for hiding money on this list are your best bet for avoiding that!

Money-Pocket Belts

The first money-hiding spot on this list is the money belt. There are quite a few belts out there that are canvas or some other material, and they hide an inner pocket. This pocket is big enough for some cards and some money and it’ll keep them close at hand. While it’s possible that a very skilled pickpocket could still get it, that’s very unlikely.

Even more than that, no one is going to expect you to have a secret money belt. Any pickpocket is just looking for a quick wallet grab or maybe even your watch. But they’re not going to be on the lookout for a money belt.

Here’s an example of a money-belt.

Hidden-Pocket Infinity Scarves

Money hiding belts are useful, but they’re not the most stylish travel accessories to hide money. If you’re looking for a stylish way to hide things, you need an infinity scarf. This is a relatively new invention but a much needed one. And it works a lot like a money-hiding belt. It’s just a stylish infinity scarf, but with a secret pocket. This pocket is even easier to access than the belt because it’s hanging around your neck.

This is basically as useful as a fanny pack. And let’s not kid ourselves, fanny packs are incredibly useful. They’re just not that fashionable these days. The security infinity scarf gives you the perfect blend of form and function with very easy access.

Here’s an example of a security scarf.

Using Decoy Wallets

This is a trick that I always use when I travel to major cities or anywhere else with a high crime risk. Just pick up a couple cheap wallets from your local dollar store. Put a couple dollars and a spent gift card or two in it and carry it with you. I’ll usually put my real wallet somewhere safe like in a drawstring bag or in my inner jacket pocket. Then I’ll keep my decoy wallet in my side or back pocket.

This way, you’ll have an early warning system for if there’s a pickpocket risk. And it’ll keep your real stuff safe if something does happen. This is even useful for if you’re mugged as you can throw the fake wallet and get away!

Don’t Keep All Your Money In One Place!

This comes to another good rule of thumb when you’re traveling. Don’t keep all your money in one place. Whether it’s decoy wallets, a money belt, or even just spreading it out in your bag. Don’t put yourself in a situation where someone can get all of your money at once. By spreading it out, even if you get picked, you’ll still have some spread around.

If you have backups, you can’t get caught without money. As long as you’ve got some cash, you’ll be able to collect yourself. You can get to a phone or back to your hotel and you can figure out where to go from there. You especially shouldn’t keep your cash with anything you can’t live without like your passport. Money can be replaced, passports are a lot harder!

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