Page 2

Pushing the boundaries: 5 ways to experiment while traveling

What better chance to push your boundaries than when you’re traveling? Make the most of the experience by fully immersing yourself in a different culture, trying new things that might challenge your limits but will form some of your fondest memories. Here are five ways you can easily experiment when you’re in new places:

bungee-jump-1

Do something that scares you

Whether it’s a sky dive, multi-day trek or an up-close encounter with an animal, traveling is a great chance to push yourself to do something you might not otherwise do. As a starting point, check out this list of the world’s highest bungee jumps, an all-time favorite with travelers.

Try street food 

Food is one of the best ways you can experiment in other countries. It’s a great chance to try new flavor combinations and live how the locals do. And street food is as close as you can get an authentic meal. The assumption that street food has been sitting on a “dusty mat on the side of the road for days before it gets into your mouth” has been dispelled, and these are some great tips for avoiding any dodgy food. Instead, they point out street food is typically cooked as and when you order it. While you’re there, why not try the local delicacy? Whether it’s deep-fried insects or an unusual flavor combination, you might be pleasantly surprised by the flavor. But you’ll definitely have pushed your boundaries.

Try the local language

A lot of people don’t try to communicate in another language because they’re scared they might embarrass themselves if they get it wrong. But that’s not the case. Most locals respect the fact travelers are trying to speak the language and will help
where possible. What’s more, being able to speak another language is a valuable skill to return home with.

ATTRACTIONS0615-machu-picchuGet active

Some of the world’s best sites and experiences require a decent level of fitness. Want to trek to Machu Picchu, visit some of the highest mountain peaks, or learn to dive? You better be ready to push your mental and physical limits.

tuk-tuk-tours1

Take public transport

At first, this might not sound like a challenge at all. But the public transport in other countries isn’t always what we’re used to. Thought you had crammed onto a commuter train? Try getting anywhere in Delhi. Felt like no-one paid attention to the rules of the road in the western world? Take a taxi in Thailand. Here are ten unusual modes of transport to get you started.

 

What experiences would you recommend from your travels? Share them with us.

That one thing you absolutely must have before your next trip

Missed my flight / Travel insurance

We’re not talking a new suitcase or outfit. We’re not talking about an updated passport or visa. And it’s not even the essentials that complete any tropical vacation that we’re talking about, such as sunscreen and bug spray. (Side note: these are also probably some things you might need.)

Allianz Travel Insurance

The one thing that every traveler must have before they leave for their trip? Travel insurance! Alas, not enough travelers protect themselves with a policy, and some find out the hard way that this is not a good decision. There are many different types of travel insurance policies out there, and what’s covered and what you’ll pay will vary. Generally speaking, though, a travel insurance policy won’t cost much at all (especially in the grand scheme of things) and may offer you protection if:

1. Your travel plans change due to something unexpected, and while it could be something awesome, you need to reschedule or cancel.

2. Or maybe you can’t go at the last minute because of something bad.

3. A natural disaster occurs while you’re on vacation and you need to evacuate.

4. You miss your flight, your flight connection, etc.

5. You get sick on your trip and need medical care.

InsureandGo travel insurance has you covered for trip cancellation, lost baggage, and more!

6. Something changed since you booked your trip, and you no longer feel safe traveling to that particular destination.

7. You’re already on your trip and you need to go home early, due to illness, canceled flights, etc.

8. The airline loses your luggage.

9. You plan on participating in a “risky sport” during your travels.

10. You get in an auto accident while driving a rental car.

Note that travel insurance policies will vary; some will include a lot more than the examples above, and others will only include a couple of the above points. Your best bet is to speak with a travel insurance company or an insurance agent to learn more about the travel insurance options that are best suited for your needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about travel insurance policies before your next trip, compare plans with Allianz Travel Insurance.

What are your thoughts on travel insurance: a must-have or not necessary?

5 spa treatments you won’t believe exist

Ahh, the spa—what better way to relax when you’re on vacation? (Or, you know, even when you haven’t left town).

From body wraps to massages and everything in between, it seems there’s a treatment for everything these days. But we bet you haven’t heard about any of these insanely cool spa treatments that actually exist, and we know you’ll want to book your appointment ASAP if you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary:


The treatment: Green tea, sake, red wine, and coffee baths

Where you can find it: Yunessun in Hakone, Japan

What it does: Why stop at drinking your favorite beverages when you can also swim in them? As strange as it sounds, the spa promises that each bath provides an array of different benefits: The green tea bath improves circulation, sake will improve your skin, red wine rejuvenates, and coffee helps with the skin and fatigue (especially if you drink some while you’re doing laps!)

The cost: Flat admission charge ranging between $10 and $27, depending on your age and where you want to bathe (or drink?)

The treatment: Cactus massage

Where you can find it: Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico 

What it does: OK, so it’s not officially called the cactus massage, but this spa’s signature massage (the Hakali massage) is probably unlike anything you’ve ever done. Don’t worry, this isn’t as bad as it sounds. The pricklies are removed from the cactuses (cacti?) and they actually provide additional healing benefits.

The cost: $195-$285, 50-80 minutes

The treatment: Bird poop facial

Where you can find it: Shizuka New York Day Spa, New York City, New York

What it does: Who says you need to leave the country to find something weird at a spa? The bird doo-doo facial (referred to technically as the Geisha Facial) uses droppings from Japanese nightingale. The properties in the poo is meant to brighten, nourish, and soften the skin.

The cost: $180, 60 minutes


Murad.com

The treatment: Blood facial

Where you can find it: Prasad Cosmetic Surgery, New York City, New York

What it does: Had your heart set on getting a strange facial in the Big Apple, but not really a fan of bird poop? The Vampire Facial with Dr. Prasad just might be up your alley. As their site says, the facial “combines platelet rich plasma (PRP) with the use of sterile micro needle dermal stimulation.” AKA blood. Benefits include softening of wrinkles and fine lines and reversal of superficial sun damage.

The cost: $1,200, 45 minutes (may vary)

 

The treatment: Snake massage

Where you can find it: Ada Barak’s Carnivorous Plant Farm, Israel

What it does: Who knew massages could get weird, too? Well, they can at Ada Barak’s Carnivorous Plant Farm in Israel, where you can receive a massage by snakes. Pretty cool if you’re a fan of snakes, but if you aren’t, quite possibly the stuff that nightmares are made out of. Just think twice before asking for firmer pressure.

The cost: $70

 

Out of curiosity, what’s the strangest spa experience you’ve ever had? Have you ever tried any of the treatments on our list? We’d definitely like to hear about it!

This is India: A visit to the Land of Dreams

It’s been a whopping five months since my last International getaway, so needless to say, I was not only excited to be getting out of the country once again—but to be exploring entirely new territory. Our visit included the standard staple cities that make up the Golden Triangle (Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi) in addition to Ranthambore National Park.

5W0C9081

Arriving in India

We arrived in Delhi very early in the morning—just a little after 4AM. Pintu, our driver for the trip, greeted us by the arrivals gate with one of those spiffy signs that tour operators have with the parties’ names on them. It simply read “Mr. Butch,” and I was kind of hoping it’d say Mr. and Mrs., but I’d soon learn that women are basically non-existent in India.

The sun had barely begun to break through the clouds, and it was already obvious that the driving in this country was pure insanity. Horns were blaring for no apparent reason, but I eventually discovered that unlike other countries in which leaning on a horn is basically a way of telling someone to take a long walk off a short bridge, it’s actually a common courtesy in India. In fact, virtually every truck in the country has three simple words painted on the back to remind drivers just how much a honk or two is greatly appreciated when passing: “Horn OK Please”


Peregrine

TruckIndia

This is because lanes, while somewhat designated, are still completely ignored and weaving in and out of traffic and passing about 22 cars a second is just a standard part of maneuvering throughout the country. I don’t even think the vehicles in India are built with turn signals, speedometers, or even brakes for that matter. It gives whole new meaning to living in the fast lane.

Pintu’s eyes darted to the rearview mirror, and upon our reaction to almost witnessing cars colliding into each other (and other people, not just on foot—but on motorbikes and with babies in tow) and explained to us that nobody in the country has a thread of patience.

10338537_10152410084720132_6085891584568577368_o

“How do you, um, cross the street safely here?” I asked. “Everyone just seems to make a run for it.”

“That’s how you do it. You just hold your hand up, wave it at the driver, and run,” he explained. “This is India.”

_W0C9028

Delhi

We began our day in Delhi shortly after 7AM and were back at our hotel by 2PM. Blame it on exhaustion or jet lag, or perhaps even being overwhelmed by the heat and the extreme overpopulation of Delhi  (almost 10 million), but we were more than ready to call it a day. I think with proper planning and a swift driver like Pintu, it’s easy to see the best sights that this particular city has to offer in just a few short hours. We visited Humayun’s Tomb, the Old Delhi Bazaar, the Red Fort, Bahai Lotus Temple, and my favorite of all, the Qutab Minar.

5W0C9015

I’d also like to say this part of my day was the most traumatic because I witnessed a fairly small dog attack, kill, and then eat a big, beautiful parrot. Just when I thought that must have been one exceptionally hungry dog, I saw another attack and devour some other woodland critter. If you plan on visiting Qutab Minar, please bring these poor dogs some Kibbles ‘n Bits or something.

5W0C9201

Jaipur

The next morning we began what we thought would be a 3-hour drive to Jaipur (an error on our part during the planning process), but was informed that it was, in fact, more like 5 hours. Let’s just say that driving over 2.5 hours and thinking you’re almost there, only to hear you’re only half way, is soul-crushing when you’re dealing with 115 degrees on a sunny day. While the car we were in was very comfortable, it was just sizzling hot outside. I don’t even think riding around in a portable igloo would’ve made a difference.

When I reached for one of the bottles of water we had brought with us, I quickly remembered that you have to check to make sure that the bottles are properly sealed. While so many people in India are friendly, there are others that will think nothing of making others terribly ill through the consumption of Indian tap water, as long as it means making some quick cash by passing off said water in disguise as something that’s actually drinkable. I opened a bottle that seemed questionable—the seal just didn’t seem legit to me.

“If you are not sure, then don’t drink that one,” Pintu said. “This is India.”

We were delighted to finally arrive for our first of two days in Jaipur, where we visited the Galta Monkey Temple, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Amber Palace, and Jalmahal. But first, we started off at the bazaar to pick up some souvenirs.

“Be careful here,” Pintu warned. “One person may talk to you while his partner pickpockets.”

“Let me guess,” I said. “This is India?”


5W0C9940

Ranthambore National Park

Up until this point, all of our routes—while hectic—had been smooth sailing (smooth driving?). Roads weren’t fantastic, but they were nothing compared to the hellish ordeal that is Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park. It felt like the rollercoaster that nobody wanted to be on for about 6 hours. We had an afternoon safari drive shortly after our arrival, so by this point, Dramamine had become my best friend.

This park was the reason we visited during May, which is India’s hottest month of the year. Ranthambore is known for its tiger sightings, but going just almost any other time of the year results in disappointment for many. The jungle is lush and water is plentiful, so tigers are often deeply hidden in the bush and with no reason to come out. In May, it’s not only easy to spot tigers from a distance due to miles of twiggy trees, but many of them will wander in search of water.

Dealing with what was easily the hottest weather I had ever experienced was certainly worth it in the end, as we saw six tigers over the course of three days. That averages out to about one tiger per safari. Not bad at all.

_W0C1030

Agra

After being in a Dramamine-induced coma for a few hours due to the warnings of another insanely bumpy ride to our next destination, we arrived in Agra—home of the wonderful Taj Mahal. Aside from the actual tiger sightings themselves, this might have been the best part of the entire trip. It was certainly the most relaxing, and the Taj lived up to everything I thought it would be. We also made a visit to the Agra Fort.

148201641

The Food

Understandably so, everyone always wants to know about the food in a foreign land. India is not only no exception to this, but piques the curiosity of many. I was reluctant to include this section because I really didn’t want to talk about this again, as it sends a shiver down my spine in a not-so-good way. Let’s just put it this way: Indian food and I can be chalked up as a relationship that started off wonderful, but just did not work out. It pulled me in quickly with its tasty flavors, vibrant colors and enticing smells, and then betrayed me just days later.

I absolutely love spicy food and was thrilled by the fact that they love everything with such zing. But then I quickly realized that literally having everything pack quite a punch (even down to the damn potato chips) is actually a curse. And by the way, American spicy does not even come close to Indian spicy. I don’t know how they handle it. I want to say they get used to it, but when your driver (who has lived in India his entire life) even has to continuously roll down his window to let out his fart clouds and then make a few quick “emergency” pit stops, it kind of makes you wonder.

Essential Travel Information:

Getting to India: You have a lot of options for flying to India, including the awesome Etihad Airways. If you can’t find a flight that matches your itinerary, you can also use a flight search engine like CheapOAir, which helps you find the best-priced and most convenient airfare option available.

Where we stayed: With the exception of staying at the Hyatt Regency New Delhi when we first arrived, we stayed at Oberoi properties throughout our stay in India, which I highly recommend. They were amazing, and for luxury resorts, not too expensive! To be more specific, we stayed at the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, the Oberoi Vanyavilas near Ranthambore National Park, and Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra.

Getting around India: We hired a driver and we highly recommend it, but a lot of people prefer fully guided tours and train travel throughout India is very popular, too. Tour Radar offers a ton of different tour options for India, including rail travel itineraries and other tours.

Continued: Tips and warnings for those visiting India

The weirdest souvenirs from around the world

Marionette puppets and weird souvenirs

When you’ve visited a beautiful place or had a great vacation, it’s natural to want to take home a little momento (or, you know, a few). But let’s face it, some of souvenirs can be kinda corny, or even downright tacky. If you want something that makes people ask, “where the hell did you get that thing from,” then read on to learn more about some of the wackiest things around the world that are actually sold as souvenirs:

The item: Marionette Puppet

Where you can get it: Czech Republic

Why it would make an interesting souvenir: Because handcrafted marionette puppet making dates back to the 18th century, what better way than to remember your visit to Czech Republic, and also scare the crap out of anyone who comes over? Creepy, or just cool: You decide.

Order it online instead: If you forgot to pick one up during your visit to Czech Republic, no worries: it’s easy order one of these horrifying little puppets from Amazon. 

The item: Kilt Koozie

Where you can get it: Scotland

Why it would make an interesting souvenir: You could just buy yourself a kilt from Scotland, but why stop there when your beer and soda bottles can look just as awesome?

Order it online instead: You can just tell people you went to Scotland and picked up what is essentially a skirt for your beer, or you can order it, and nobody will know the difference.

The item: Dracula mug

Where you can get it: Romania

Why it would make an interesting souvenir: Because this is the one thing you should be expected to bring back after a trip from Romania, no matter how bizarre it is. Even better? Use it at the office. Year-round.

Order it online instead: If you forgot to bring back souvenirs for people, this is the perfect, cheap option and people will totally believe you bought it from Romania, even though you got it on Amazon.


The item: Alligator head

Where you can get it: New Orleans, Louisiana

Why it would make an interesting souvenir: Not really sure why anyone would actually want this, but perhaps if you’re a hunter and you want to pretend this is what you did on your trip…

Order it online instead: If you really need one of these for whatever reason (??) and you don’t come across the opportunity to buy one during your travels, you can (surprisingly) get an authentic one from Amazon.

 

The item: Kopi Luwak coffee, aka poop coffee

Where you can get it: Philippines

Why it would make an interesting souvenir: Asia produces some of the best coffee in the world, and if you’re traveling there, why not bring some home? After all, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to bring home coffee that’s made with…poop. As strange as it does sound, it’s actually very common and produces some of the tastiest coffee there is. It’s the shit!

Order it online instead: No need to travel if you want to try some different coffee out. Amazon offers some pretty good options!

 

We’d love to hear about some of the weirdest souvenirs you’ve ever seen or purchased on your travels. Leave us a comment!

Seeing the best of Disney World in a single day

Walt Disney World best attractions

If you’ve only got one day at Disney, you may be tempted to just stay at one park and see what you can. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Each park has a lot to offer, and taking your time can be a much less stressful experience, especially if you haven’t been to Disney World before. But Disney World also offers park hopper passes that allow guests to visit all four of their theme parks in the same day, so if you’re up for the challenge, you can follow our recommendations for the best of what each park has to offer:

Magic Kingdom best attractions

Magic Kingdom

You’ve gotta make a visit to Magic Kingdom, which is Disney’s staple park. Magic Kingdom offers something for everyone and for all ages. Our favorites include:

Magic Kingdom rides: Big Thunder Mountain railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and one of the newest attractions, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Magic Kingdom entertainment: Mickey’s Philhar Magic, Wishes (the evening fireworks at Cinderella Castle)

Magic Kingdom dining: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant (reservations recommended)

Epcot Disney World best attractions

Save up to 30% on Orlando Theme Parks!

Epcot

Visit the entire world in one day with a visit to Epcot, which is easily accessible via monorail from the Magic Kingdom. Our favorites include:

Epcot rides: Mission: SPACE, Spaceship Earth, Soarin’ (which has been recently updated), Test Track, and the latest addition, Frozen Ever After

Epcot entertainment: Innoventions, IllumiNations

Epcot dining: Tokyo Dining, Restaurant Marrakesh (reservations recommended)

Disney's Hollywood Studios best attractions

Hollywood Studios

Experience some of your favorite Disney films through the rides and attractions at Hollywood Studios, formerly known as MGM Studios. Our favorites include:

Hollywood Studios rides: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Mania, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Hollywood Studios entertainment: Fantasmic, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

Hollywood Studios dining: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Tune-In Lounge

Disney's Animal Kingdom best attractions

Animal Kingdom

Take a walk on the wild side and visit Disney’s newer theme park, Animal Kingdom, which is way more than your typical zoo. Our favorites include:

Animal Kingdom rides: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids

Animal Kingdom entertainment: Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder

Animal Kingdom dining: Rainforest Café, Flame Tree Barbecue, Nomad Lounge

Discount Disney Tickets

Other Tips for Seeing More at Disney in One Day:

Don’t forget about fast pass, which allows you to return back during a specific time window and skip the line. You only get so many fast passes per day, so use them wisely.

Buy your tickets online and ahead of time, because you can make some of your fast pass reservations in advance.

Consider staying at a Disney property the night before so that you can take advantage of the magic hour and get into the park before other guests can.

Also consider avoiding summertime and holidays, and even weekends if you can. Going during the offseason and on a weekday will mean very few crowds and much shorter lines, making it easier to see a lot more.

What’s your #1 tip for optimizing your time in Disney?

Some of the world’s best shopping destinations

Shopping in Singapore

For some people, shopping is just another activity that is part of their travel itinerary. But for others, their next trip is based solely on a destination that offers some great shopping. While the following destinations also have tons of other things to offer, they are also some of the world’s best shopping destinations:

Shopping in Paris, France

Paris

It’s considered the fashion capital of the world, so it’s no surprise that Paris tops any list when it comes to shopping destinations. From big name designers to local boutiques, Paris has endless options for tourists and residents alike looking to do some serious damage. With their main focus being fashion, you can always be sure to find the runway’s hottest looks at stores like Chanel and Christian Dior. Some of the ritziest shops are located along the Champs-Élysées, but Paris is also home to several outlet malls and antique shops if that’s more your speed.

Car Rental Deals

Shopping in Milan, Italy

Milan

If you’re looking for high-end designer brands and you’ll be in Italy, you’ll be pretty satisfied with what Milan has to offer—after all, it’s another one of the world’s leading cities when it comes to fashion. While it’s almost impossible to escape all the boutiques and designer shops that line the streets of Milan, the heart of the city’s shopping district is at the Quadrilatero d’Oro, which translates to Rectangle of Gold. Here, you’ll find flagship stores for various high-end fashion icons, including Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Shopping in Singapore

Singapore

Shopping isn’t all about clothing, shoes, and accessories (although, these things are certainly a big part of it). If you don’t really care much about fashion, but still love to shop, Singapore can be just what you’re looking for. While shopping is aplenty throughout Singapore, the place you want to go to is Orchard Street, which has been dubbed as “Asia’s best shopping street.” Sure, it has it’s fair share of clothing and fashion retailers—and by fair share, we mean pretty much every designer you can think of, from high-end to tight budget. But Orchard Street also has a plethora of other goodies, including electronics, home décor, books, and so much more. With malls stacked upon malls stacked upon malls (it’s seriously so convoluted you might end up getting lost), a shop-a-holic can easily spend a few days at Orchard Road.

Shopping in New York City

New York City

How can we make an article about shopping destinations without including New York City? In terms of being the fashion capital, it may not be Paris—but it comes close. When it comes to retail variety, New York certainly doesn’t disappoint. Fifth Avenue can’t be missed, especially during the holidays—even if you’re just window shopping, the storefronts are always amazing. If you’re looking for, ahem, designer imitations, you can head to Chinatown for purses, watches, and other accessories (FYI we don’t condone this, but it seems to be a New York tradition. Proceed at your own risk). Other popular shopping neighborhoods include SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Uptown. You’ll also want to the infamous Macy’s, which had been the largest store in the world from 1924 until 2009 (which is now Shinsegae in South Korea).

Get to Know New York!

Shopping in Philadelphia Center City

Philadelphia

As of summer 2016 with an expansion, the King of Prussia Mall—located just outside Philly—will be the biggest mall in the United States. With more than 400 retailers (!), pretty much any store you could possibly want is at the King of Prussia Mall. If you want to do some outdoor shopping in the city, Rittenhouse Square is a top choice, with stores like Swarovski, Nordstrom Rack, and Urban Outfitters. And another awesome thing about shopping in Pennsylvania? No sales tax on clothing and shoes—ever.

Shopping in Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Another terrific city for shopping in Asia? Hong Kong. While they have plenty of big shopping malls and you can find a lot of the same retailers you shop at back at home, Hong Kong is also well-known for their street markets, mini-malls, and night markets. You can find just about anything you could possibly need at extremely affordable prices—from clothing and accessories, to electronics and luggage. The great thing about shopping at these street markets is that there are no set prices, and you can haggle everything.

Shopping at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis

Although King of Prussia Mall may now be the largest in the United States, the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota follows closely behind. What sets this mall apart from so many others throughout the country isn’t just its size, but all the cool things you can do at the mall when you aren’t shopping or simply need a break. Want to get married? Try out a flight simulator? Visit an aquarium? Take in a live comedy show? Get lost in a house of mirrors? These are some of the many other things you can do when you’re not browsing through the mall’s hundreds of stores.

How did we do with this list? Anything that shouldn’t be here because there’s something much cooler that should be in its place? Let us know and we’ll keep it in mind for our next round up of amazing shopping destinations!

Taking the stress out of airline travel

Whether you have a deathly fear of flying and require a trip to the airport bar prior to boarding, or you enjoy it, there’s no denying that airline can be stressful in general. Packing accordingly, arriving early enough, delays and cancelations, long journeys, connections—it can all add a damper to any getaway, which is the last thing you want. Although it may not always be possible to completely eliminate the stress of air travel, the following can certainly help:

Get the parking situation finalized before you leave

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than trying to figure out where to park on the day you’re leaving, especially if you’re running late. If you will be driving to the airport, make the decision ahead of time about whether you’ll be parking closer to the airport or in the airport’s economy lot, if available. Note that you’ll usually need extra time if you’ll be parking in the economy lot, so plan accordingly and leave earlier for the airport. Map out where you’re going well before your trip so you know exactly how to get to the parking lot—remember that your GPS will take you directly to the airport, which is not necessarily the same address as the parking lot. You’ll also want to strong consider paying for your airport parking in advance, which can save you time and also save you a lot of money, especially for those longer trips. We highly recommend Park ‘N Fly, which offers a lot of great perks, including discounts for booking in advances, free car washes while you’re gone (how cool is that?) and more.


Make packing a cinch

It can be disheartening when airport security tells you have to throw away your favorite liquid and cream products, or when your suitcase simply won’t fit in the overhead bin and you have to check it in. Prepare ahead of time by ensuring your carry-on bag is small enough to not only fit above you, but preferably under the seat in front of you, just in case there’s not any space. If you want something that really will stand the test of time (which is essential if you travel often, especially on a plane) then we recommend something like the Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Med Trip Expandable Case.

You can also ensure you have everything you need on board with you by sticking to the 3-1-1 rule and keeping your liquids under 3 ounces and putting them in a one-quart Ziploc. Buy travel-sized versions of your favorite products ahead of time, or buy small containers and fill them up before you go.



Consider a lounge pass

Waiting around at your gate for hours can be a drag, but not if you have access to the airline’s lounge. Think complimentary refreshments (food as well, sometimes), comfy furnishings, free Wi-Fi, private posh restrooms, and so on. It may not be worth it if you’re traveling domestically, but if you’ve got an international flight that you have to arrive extra early for? Most definitely worth it, especially if you’ve got flight connections with the same airline; your pass will usually allow you 24-hour access in all of the airline’s lounges.

Explore your different seat options

First-class travel isn’t just for the rich and famous, and you may be able to upgrade for next to nothing (or nothing at all). If there’s availability, you may be able to use vouchers and/or miles if you’re a frequent flier, or if you’ve got a credit card that racks up airline points. Even an upgrade to economy plus can mean significantly more room and for not much more money Virgin Atlantic offers an affordable premium economy option for those looking to upgrade on their next flight, and you’ll literally feel like it’s first class.

You’ll be glad you made the decision to upgrade when you’re not practically sharing a seat with a total stranger. The free alcohol in first and business class certainly helps, too.


Make your flight more comfortable

With or without first-class, making your flight a more enjoyable one overall can be easy if you plan ahead. Always make sure you travel with a good pair of headphones, because the ones they sell on-board are awful and the ones at the airport are very overpriced. Whether you decide to watch a movie, tune out a chatty neighbor or ignore the cries of a screaming baby, you’ll be grateful you brought along those headphones.

Also remember that it can be rather cold on-board, and not all airlines will supply blankets for passengers. You may want to consider bringing a travel blanket, or at the very least, a warm jacket. Consider something that is designed for cold weather, but without the bulk, which makes it easy to pack and bring on-board—but without sacrificing warmth.

Don’t forget your travel pillow, also, which will especially come in handy if you plan to sleep and/or you’ve got a long flight. This is also something you want to buy beforehand, because you’ll pay far more than you should at the airport.


Now we want to hear from you: How do you prepare for a flight, and what are your must-haves when flying?

New Zealand campervans are the coolest way to get around

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, you’ll quickly discover that this tiny country has a ton to see. Renting a car is certainly an option, but with all of the different cities you’ll want to visit, you’ll be changing hotels almost nightly. Who has the time (or the budget) for that? And, depending on how quickly you’re on the move, it may not be the most convenient option.


Enter the coolest, most efficient way to explore New Zealand: Campervans. It’s like your self-guided cruise ship on wheels. Unpack once and you’re done, and you’ve got your transportation and your lodging all in one. And they’re quickly increasing in popularity, so if you’ve got a New Zealand trip coming up soon, you’ve better reserve yours fast.

Aside from some of the obvious benefits we just mentioned, let’s explore some of the other awesome advantages of renting a campervan on your New Zealand trip:

You’ll get to see more

There is no check-in or check-out hotel schedule to follow, so you can stay in a particular as long as you want or leave when you’re ready. If you’re not traveling alone, you can take turns driving while someone sleeps so there isn’t any wasted time. This means being able to fit things into your itinerary that you may not have otherwise had time for, and it means having the time to stop along the way for any unexpected, interesting sights that you want to check out.

You’ll have everything you need on the go

The amenities you’ll have will vary by the specific campervan you reserve, but it’s not uncommon to have a full-sized bed, comfy lounging area, and a small cooking area. Some campervans even come equipped with Wi-Fi!


Lots of sleeping options

When you’re ready to settle in for the night, you have a lot of options for where you’re allowed to park. This includes camping sites, national parks, caravan parks, and so on. Many campervan accommodation areas are completely free of charge, which means you can save a bundle on your vacation overall.

Different from motorhomes

The campervans you commonly find in New Zealand are not the same thing as motorhomes, though they offer a lot of the same conveniences as motorhomes. They are much smaller than motorhomes and therefore, easier to manage; they are usually just the size of a regular car or a minivan. These small vehicles comfortably fit everything you need for a comfortable lodging experience! Motorhomes are also available for similar itineraries in New Zealand, and could be a better option for larger families.

Travel easily from one island to the other

Another neat benefit of campervans? If you’re visiting both the North Island and South Island, many campervan rentals will allow customers to bring their cars (no unpacking required) onto the ferry to their next destination. Once they’re there, they can simply hop into their campervan and continue their journey! This is definitely not something you can do with a full-sized motorhome.


Now, just getting to New Zealand: that’s kinda the tricky part. Unless you live in Australia, you’re probably pretty far from New Zealand, but there are still plenty of flights daily worldwide to New Zealand. You can fly via Hawaiian Airlines from the United States. If you live near Los Angeles, (or connect in LAX) you can fly also directly with a couple different airlines; American Airlines just launched their direct service to New Zealand in 2016. CheapFlights.com is a great tool for finding the best flight for your trip.

Have you ever traveled through New Zealand in a campervan? We’d love to hear about your experience!

Best places to go shopping in Las Vegas

Las Vegas strip aerial view

All those gambling winnings burning a hole in your pocket? You’re in luck—Vegas is more than just casinos, nightclubs, and swimming pools (can’t forget the swimming pools). Vegas also has some pretty awesome shopping, too. On and off the strip, these are some of our favorite shopping hotspots:


Miracle Mile Shops

Located right inside the Planet Hollywood, this shopping mall is super convenient if you’re staying anywhere on the strip. This mall truly has it all, in addition to tons of restaurants and entertainment venues! It may not seem like an enormous shopping complex can fit in there at first glance, but the Planet Hollywood is like the Tardis of the Vegas strip—it’s bigger on the inside. It’s also a great option if you’re tagging along with a gambler and you need something to do to kill the time—just convince them to go to the Planet Hollywood’s casino and you won’t have far to go at all for an awesome shopping experience.

The Forum Shops

If you prefer quality over quantity, head to another popular shopping spot on the Las Vegas Strip—The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. With high-end shops like Chanel and Gucci, it’s easy to see how it’s the highest-grossing mall in the country. It’s been around since 1992, so it’s also one of the oldest shopping centers in the area, and has won numerous awards throughout the years.

Grand Canal Shoppes

 Grab your passport and head over to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Okay, so you may not exactly need your passport, but you’ll almost feel like you will—shopping at the Venetian hotel truly feels like being in Venice, Italy. The mall boasts of more than 160 stores, including Tory Burch and Michael Kors. Don’t forget to go for a romantic gondola ride with that special someone! Or, you know, alone as well—totally fine. No judgment.

Book Your Next Trip to Vegas Through VEGAS.com Today!

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

Want to splurge on some designer goods, but don’t want to pay top dollar? Hop into a rental car and head to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. Located just four miles from the Las Vegas Strip, the outlet center offers discounted prices for high-end brands such as Burberry and True Religion.

Fashion Show Mall

Conveniently located across the Wynn, the Fashion Show Mall is another great option if you’re looking for a huge mall to spend the day in (or you just want a place to escape the intense desert heat). If you’ve had enough of all the buffets and just want something a little more familiar, you can also find several dining staples, such as Capital Grille and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

Grand Bazaar Shops

Welcome one of the newest shopping centers to the scene: the Grand Bazaar Shops. The two-acre outdoor shopping mall features some of your favorite retailers and restaurants, and is located at the Bally’s Las Vegas. And in true Vegas style, they also put on a nightly light-and-sound show at 9pm and midnight.

Essential Travel Information

Flights: Tons of airlines fly to Vegas. It can be overwhelming. Whether you want the cheapest flight available or the most convenient, CheapOAir is a fast and easy tool that lays out all of your options, and is always offering amazing deals to Vegas. Save up to $30 more when you use promotional code VEGAS30.

Getting around: There is so much to see and do when you’re in Vegas. You could rent a car, or you could put the navigation into the (sober) hands of someone else and take the Big Bus Tours Las Vegas, which allows for unlimited on and off at several stops throughout Vegas.

Hotels: So many awesome hotels and casinos to choose from! Whether you want to stay directly on The Strip, or perhaps downtown, a quick search on BestOfVegas.com lets you compare rates for all available rooms for your travel dates.

Entertainment: Entertainment and Las Vegas go hand-in-hand. Seriously, you can’t make a trip to Vegas without taking in at least one of their amazing shows. For tickets and to find out what’s going on when you’ll be in town, check out VegasTickets.com.

Vacation planning: Feeling overwhelmed? From flights to entertainment to show tickets, you really can’t beat the resources available on Vegas.com, the ultimate go-to guide for your Las Vegas vacation planning.

 

Whether you’re a local or you travel to Vegas so often you consider it a second home, we’d love to know—what’s your favorite place to shop? Did we miss something seriously awesome that should be included? Share!

123...8Page 2 of 8

Follow us on Instagram @travelblurbs

© 2016 Travel Blurbs