From large backpacks bags to smaller duffels, every traveller needs a proper travel bag according to their need. So here are some of the helpful tips to pack like a pro… CONTINUE READING >>
Be it a short trip or a long family vacation, packing is the pivotal aspect that needs proper planning to do it right. From large backpacks bags to smaller duffels, every traveller needs a proper travel bag according to their need. Many consider packing is a very difficult job. It needs patience as even if it is for a couple of days, one has to carry all the important stuff. And the problem is many ends up with either over packing or under packing.
So here are some of the helpful tips to pack like a pro.
Luggage Weight
This is one of the major guidelines that you must follow if you are travelling abroad or anywhere by flight. You cannot over pack other than the accepted weight for a cabin in the airway you fly. Make sure that the cabin bag is properly measured before you board the plane. Learn about the maximum luggage weight as per the airline’s policy for both international and domestic flights. If your luggage weighs exceeds the limit you will have to pay more which will increase your overall trip cost.
Create A Checklist
Never ignore the importance of packing checklist. It is always advisable to pack three days earlier before your departure. This will save you from last minute hassle. Craft a list for essential clothes, additional items, toiletries, dry foods, gadgets and so on. It is always a fruitful idea to pack early and list all the things you need to pack beforehand. Even if you have forgotten to pack something, you can always check your list and confirm that.
Give Your Time
Packing cannot be done hurriedly. If you rush with packing before your trip, you will fail to pack many important things. So the solution is to give time and pack with patience. Travellers tend to forget necessary items when they try to pack quickly. The trick is to sit and relax, read the checklist and then start working accordingly.
Layers Work
While you are travelling it is better to wear clothes in layers so that you can change your dress as and when as per climates. But more than this, layers work great when you pack that way. Packing in layers helps you to get more space in your cabin bag so that you can organise things neatly. But the best part is layered help the travel security agent to easily screen your items in the bag and you spend less time in the security line.
Roll Them
One of the widely accepted packing tips is to roll clothes. Folding takes more space and even creases your clothes. But with rolling you will find more space in your bag and can pack more in a tidy way. Tightly packed clothes in rolls will not wrinkle and will not shift from its place.
Packing before travelling is only a matter of time, knowledge and some useful tips. Once you get everything right, packing will get easier. Hope these above-mentioned tips will make your next travel packing smooth and fast. So stop making a fuss on packing and be a perfect pucker!
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Being well organised will avoid a raft of minor (and major) inconveniences which can mar your trip, as well as letting you get the most out of your money and your time… CONTINUE READING >>
When planning travel there is a lot to think about: flights, accommodation, insurance, payments, and health and security – to name just a few!
Being well organised will avoid a raft of minor (and major) inconveniences which can mar your trip, as well as letting you get the most out of your money and your time.
If this sounds more like hard work ten a holiday, never fear: we have compiled a list of the top ten tips for an organised trip, to make everything go smoothly with as little stress as possible.
1. Set Up Flight Alerts
Although as a general rule flights will be cheaper the further you book them in advance, fares can go up or down. Set up fare alerts for the date and destination(s) you would like to travel to on sites such as Kayak or Skyscanner, and you will notified as soon as flight prices drop so you can immediately book your tickets.
2. Use Flight Booking Sites But Also Check Airlines’ Sites
Sites like Kayak, Skyscanner and Expedia are great for comparing fares across different airlines and finding the best deal. However, sometimes you miss out on features or services by booking via the site rather than directly with the airline, such as upgrading your luggage allowance while booking.
For this reason the best approach is to use multi-airline sites to find the best deal, but then go to the actual airline’s site to make your booking.
3. Buy Extra Luggage Allowance Online
The great thing about travel in 2018 is the range of budget airlines around offering some incredible bargains on fares, including international and intercontinental routes. However beware that many of these fares do not include any baggage allowance which will need to be purchased separately.
It is much cheaper to book extra luggage online in advance, rather than on check in. In some cases the prices to buy extra luggage are divided into three tiers: price available on booking, price when purchased online before or during online check in and price when purchased at the airport.
So be sure to check the luggage allowance included in your fare and buy any additional luggage you need well in advance.
Storing suitcases is often necessary during a trip, for example while you explore for the day between checking out of your accommodation and moving on to your next destination, or while making the most of a stop-over on route to somewhere else.
Finding somewhere to securely store you luggage will mean you can make the most of this time and use the extra day to explore more of your destination. Save time and often money by booking your storage online in advance.
5. Investigate Vaccinations
No matter your destination, you should always check with your doctor to see if you will require vaccinations. There is nothing worse than ruining your trip by getting ill, and travel to certain parts of the world can expose to some serious illnesses! Even if you have had vaccinations for previous trips it is important to seek medical advice as most vaccines last only 2 to 5 years (which varies depending on the vaccine) so you may need a booster.
Be sure to consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip, as some vaccines require a series of injections and a certain amount of time to come into effect.
6. Check Your Mobile Roaming Plan
One sure fire way to blow out your holiday budget is by racking up a sky-high mobile phone bill through international roaming charges. Make sure you know how much your phone company will charge you for phone calls, texts and data, as well as if you need to do something in particular to turn on roaming. Beware that some companies charge you to receive text messages while overseas even if they don’t when you are at home.
Excessive data charges is often where people are tripped up: you may not even be realising that your phone is automatically downloading emails or performing updates until you are hit with steep data charges on your next bill. A good bet is to turn off data on your phone while you’re away and use wifi, which you will find at hotels and cafes everywhere, instead.
7. Inform Your Bank
Avoid having your ATM or credit card suddenly blocked due to unusual usage by making sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling, and let them know where you will be going and when. These days most banks will let you do this online through their online banking system so it’s as easy as completing a simple form, which can save you a lot of hassle later.
8. Look Into Visas Before You Leave
Another important aspect to arrange before you go on any international trip are visas. Many countries have visa waiver programs particularly for citizens of the UK, the EU, Australia and the US, or a “visa on arrival” which simply means paying a small fee to customs and immigration after you land.
However, in other cases you must purchase a visa online before you leave and your airline will not allow you to board your plane without seeing proof of your visa. All visitors to the USA, for example, must apply for a ESTA “visa waiver” even if they are just transiting through the country and will not leaving the international terminal.
Be sure to check this in advance, and arrange and necessary visas: which can usually be done online, although sometimes you may need to go to the local Embassy. In either case, these often take a few days or more to process, so be sure to arrange this at least a week before you fly.
9. Check Other Entry Requirements
In other cases, you will not need a visa but customs and immigration will have specific requirements, so you should check this before flying and have everything prepared. The most common requirements are proof of onward travel (that is a plane booking or something else to show when you are leaving the country again), proof of vaccinations against certain diseases and sometimes even extra passport photos.
Make sure you have a copy of your return tickets on your phone – usually a screen shot of your booking is sufficient for customs officers and airlines. Also carry proof of your vaccinations with you – your doctor should give you a document for this.
10. Change or Take Out Local Currency At The Airport
You finally arrive at your destination – you’ve made it! You survived the long flight, got through customs, thankfully your bags arrived with you and you grab a taxi at the airport. Upon arriving at your accommodation the taxi asks to be paid and you suddenly realise you have no local currency!
In the past travellers went to the bank before heading off on a journey and changed money, along with picking up some travellers’ cheques. Luckily things are a lot easier these days. Almost every airport in the world will have a currency exchange station and ATMs, so be sure you use one of these before leaving the airport.
We feel wildly fortunate that our three offspring have managed to successfully navigate their ways through higher education and are all off into their careers.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t remember what it is like having them away in school.
A few years ago, after our youngest made his way off to college, we asked for ideas on creating the ultimate college care package. Here’s what we came up with:
The #1 Suggested Item – Homemade Baked Goods
Jan, a reader from our Facebook Page suggested: “How about brownies and ch.chip cookies – NOT out of a box! Nobody gets homemade any more it seems.”
Jane, also from Facebook added: “Homemade caramel fudge brownies…”
I am SO not a baker. And brownies? Don’t get me started. My only attempts have turned out runny goo or a black brick-like substance.
Jane had inadvertently suggested the impossible. But since we have the smartest and most clever readers, I dove right in.
Because we are purposefully homeless, I borrowed a kitchen (don’t ask) and started with Jan’s cookies.
Easy, really anyone can do cookies. I didn’t burn the bottom of a single one! The trick is to actually allow the oven to preheat.
For packing, I put four to a baggy, for busy college student grab-n-go ease.
That’s not cheese in the picture.
Believe it or not, the brownies were perfect! Well, until the caramel topping part.
I really thought I had followed the directions to the letter, but as usual, things went terribly awry.
The caramel wouldn’t spread without decimating the brownies underneath and then it cooled into a rock-hard mess. Cutting them into squares (squares being a very flexible term) took a Herculean effort that required sculpting tools.
I sent them on anyway with the hope The Boy doesn’t yank a filling out.
Things I couldn’t mess up by cooking them
Wendy from Twitter said: “Anything local that they can’t buy where they are now. My kid is from Hawaii, live in NYC, so Crack Seed Shop care pkg is (love.)”
I really related to Wendy (after googling what crack seed was — it’s safe!); our kids all graduated high school
on a small tropical island. The conch shell horn is family tradition, The Piglet drove her dorm-mates crazy with her incessant blowing.
The Boy went to a college with a rich sports tradition, so the horn came in handy at football games.
Laurie from Facebook: “Rolls of quarters for the laundromat were always a hit!”
Mary Anne exclaimed, “Money!”
LOVE the rolls of quarters. Especially since we expected our kids to work for daily basics while in college, it’s a good way to give them a little money without ACTUALLY giving them money.
College is ridiculously expensive and we feel strongly that to appreciate it, they must pitch in. Though, like
Mary Anne, we sneak them checks for their birthdays and such.
Another no-money cheat is gift cards for groceries, restaurants, clothes, etc.
Another Twitter pal: “Lots of storage solutions if there is a dorm involved!”
Absolutely wonderful idea.
Dorms are tight spaces and anything you can find to create space would be most welcome.
The Boy received a laundry basket for this suggestion, as he was post-dorm.
No one is better at cracking an inappropriate, yet wickedly hysterical joke than The Boy’s “Uncle” Rich:
“How about a stack of nudey magazines and a 5 pack of Red Stripe?”
While The Boy may well enjoy those things, I found a magazine that I hoped he would find equally stimulating: Entrepreneur.
The lead story?
Family friend, Devin, was equally as scary: “Technology.
Some cool gadget he doesn’t have yet… but for entertainment, not education. (ipod, psp,video watch…) Or, the funny option: Magnums.”
Holy crap! Devin’s kids get video watches?
We got The Boy a movie (movies are technology, right?), he’s a pilot, so Airplane! is a cult classic among his friends.
I’m ignoring the condom suggestion. The Boy would kill me for blogging about his condom situation.
Another note on movies. We sent both The Piglet and Decibel “best of” video DVDs in their first care package. They included funny clips of them, family antics, theatrical productions, band & choir recitals,
etc. They LOVED it! Of course we have no footage of The Boy, so he didn’t get one.
Thank you notes.Make sure you include stamps. Get the most masculine ones you can find if your spawn is a male.
Doesn’t mean that they will actually be sent, but it ups the odds. I’m happier to get a thank you phone call myself, seems much more personal (and fun!) but am satisfied with an e-mail.
But, the older crowd considers those means of communication rude – my mother-in-law included. So my kids send real live old fashioned thank you notes (I think).
Microwave mac ‘n cheese / soup / ramen noodles. These just-add-water comfort foods are great for care packages, and college students put these way up on their favorites list.
They also work as a nice packing buffer for breakable things! Other nice packing materials:
— local newspaper sections (homesick babies read these)
— small bags of chips (the ones with lots of air in them)
— and sanitary products (sounds strange, but these are EXPENSIVE and are appreciated).
More GREAT ideas from our brilliant readers:
Favorite snack foods
Lynn @MamaSays, says (from the comments below): A cookbook aimed at new cooks, some essential spices
Melissa suggests (from the comments below): Kites (for spring) and the little guns that shoot nerf-type balls. Stress relievers!
TSogge says (from the comments below): Couple pairs of new underwear!
More ideas from Your GypsyNesters:
The Boy uses his conch shell horn at a football game!
Toiletries:Shampoo, creams and potions, deodorant, contact lens supplies from www.contactlensesplus.com, special soap, acne lotion, perfume — that kind of stuff. The Boy got toilet paper this time. He and his roommates can’t seem to keep it in stock. We sent it as a joke, but I’m sure it will be put to use.
Things for their computer:Print cartridges, computer paper, etc.
Pics from Home: Stick ’em in a frame if you are feeling fancy. Or not. They’ll love ’em either way.
Make sure you send enough food to share: College kids are ravenous wolves. No better way to make a new friend than to share a cookie or two.
One of the best times to get away and escape day to day life is in the long, bleak months of winter. The promise of warmth and sunshine is a wonderfully uplifting experience to look forward to… CONTINUE READING >>
One of the best times to get away and escape day to day life is in the long, bleak months of winter. The promise of warmth and sunshine when it’s going to be below zero at home is a wonderfully uplifting experience to look forward to. There are many good reasons to plan a winter break, and a surprisingly extensive range of destinations to choose from, so rather than feeling glum about summer coming to an end, have a browse through some travel brochures and start planning your sun-kissed winter vacation.
The benefits of taking a sunshine break
There are particular benefits associated with traveling to somewhere warm and sunny, especially for the older generations:
• Winter can be a cruel time if you suffer from weather-sensitive pain. Most older folks have some degree of arthritis, and for many, it becomes almost crippling, particularly when it’s cold and wet. Barometric pressure is to blame, and falls in atmospheric pressure that accompany cold, wet weather affect the nerves and tissues that are involved in conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Warmth nearly always relieves pain symptoms to some degree, and can help with stiffness in the joints and muscles too. So soaking up the sun and avoiding the cold, damp winter at home could ease your symptoms significantly.
• Winter can also be a depressing time, made worse as you get older. You can’t get outside and enjoy all the activities that you would during the better weather, and when there’s a prolonged spell of bad weather, it can make you feel isolated and lower your spirits. There’s also limited light during the day, which can affect your mood; in severe cases leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a depressive condition caused by insufficient light levels in vulnerable people. Looking forward to a break from the wintry conditions, and enjoying your time in the sun will help relieve the mood-lowering effect of winter.
Planning your trip
Booking well in advance gives you longer to enjoy the positive effects of having your break to look forward to. Therefore it’s a good idea to get browsing and book up early. Companies like Teletext Holidays offer all inclusive winter sun vacations at very reasonable prices to locations such as the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, and Dubai. Some of these destinations may involve long-haul travel arrangements, so it’s a good idea to stay as long as you can to get the most out of your trip. Many resorts offer special Christmas packages that give you the festive feeling while enjoying the warmth of warmer climates, which can be a first-class idea, particularly if you wouldn’t be having a family get-together this year.
There aren’t really any negative aspects to taking a winter sunshine break, with the possible exception of having to come back to a damp and drizzly climate at home again! However, the benefits of taking a winter break far outweigh any attack of the doldrums when you return – and if you do feel blue when you get home, just start planning your next trip.
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Purchasing a house and moving during the winter may seem inconvenient, but it may also lead to considerable savings. Here are five reasons you may want to consider moving in the winter… CONTINUE READING >>
Purchasing a house and moving during the winter may seem inconvenient, but it may also lead to considerable savings. If you are looking at a market with low inventory and have as of yet not been able to secure a home, it may also mean you have much less competition. Below are five reasons you may want to consider moving in the winter.
Sellers May Be More Motivated
Homes are typically priced slightly less during the winter, possibly since homes sold during the winter have taken longer to sell. Combine this with any number of pressing reasons, from having to move due to work or a financial obligation, and you have a seller who may be willing to accept a lower offer, any offer, just to move on.
You Get an Objective View of the Property
Any property that exists in a place where winters reach below freezing will appear less lush and lively in the winter. Trees lose their leaves, flowers die back, lawns are virtually non-existent, but on the plus side, you will get to decide on a fireplace.
While this might make it harder to see the potential of a home, it can also make it easier to take stock of the actual building and not get sidetracked. And, if you want to see the house in another season, you can always ask for pictures.
There May Be Less Competition or Fewer Offers
Lower selling prices may be the result of fewer offers. With the holidays and the cold weather, winter isn’t always the ideal time to move from house to house. It can be tricky to coordinate and uncomfortable. Changing schools can also be an additional hassle. However, if you are in a position to move or aren’t bothered by a little extra work, you may have less competition and end up scoring a great deal.
You Will Have a Better Idea of Winter Conditions
If you’re moving to a new area, like Colorado Springs, but you aren’t sure what to expect come winter, this is the ideal time to discover all the things you need to do to make winter as comfortable as possible. If there is a pool involved, see what the current owners do to winterize it. How much snow is typical? Will you have to deal with thin sheets of ice on the driveway or pools of frozen water collected in cracked concrete?
Tax Benefits and Deduction Restrictions
Home ownership can make your taxes more complicated, but it also comes with a few benefits. Selling a home comes with a substantial number of tax benefits and deductions. Depending on the seller, those deductions may need to be taken in a specific year. If it’s already winter, that deadline may be fast approaching.
For example, if a seller needed to make repairs to a home to make it ready for sale, they can deduct those expenses but only if the repairs and improvements are made within 90 days of closing. If they’re already listing in winter, that gives them a short window to sell the house in a less-than-optimal market. If this is the case, a seller may be willing to accept a lower offer to speed things up instead of taking a loss on this or other similar deduction.
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When planning a road trip, it can be difficult to find the route that allows you to see the sights. However, with some simple planning and a reasonable timescale, you will be surprised how much you can see on your trip… CONTINUE READING >>
When planning a road trip, it can be difficult to find the route that allows you to see the sights. However, with some simple planning and a reasonable timescale, you will be surprised how much you can see on your trip. So, grab your USA Esta Visa and start planning your once of a lifetime American road trip!
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
This national forest is home to not only some of the most amazing wooded areas in the state, but some of the world’s most iconic waterfalls and best vineyards, making for an amazing trip.
However, if visiting any of these locations does not appeal to you, then you can also look up into the starry sky at night and witness some of the most amazing star constellations of the open sky. This is perfect for the smaller ones who want to learn about what is out there in the big wide world.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Everyone loves spending time down at the beach, so why not take a road trip to Daytona Beach? This amazing stretch of road gives you an amazing sea view as well as a large amount of the open road making this the perfect stop for any American road trip. With a pier and amazing activities for all ages coupled with some of the best views of the area, this destination is the perfect stop for a day or two.
With plenty of hotels in the area as well as events such as live music in bars and restaurants and the south by southwest photography exhibition, there is something for everyone no matter what time of year you decide to visit.
Arches National Park, Utah
With plenty to do in this amazing location, this is another location that makes one of the best stops for you. With rock arches from as far as the eye can see you can go hiking, cycling and stargazing with the most amazing views and peaceful atmosphere for you to spend your time. In addition to this, there is a campground at the location that allows you to pitch up your campervans and enjoy a night with the family in your own peace and tranquillity.
Cleveland Ohio
Located along the coast, the city of Cleveland Ohio is home to a multitude of points of interest for you to visit on your trip. With activities such as the Rock and roll hall of fame as well as the Cleveland art museum, there is plenty for you to see and do. Alternatively, why not take a day trip onto Lake Eire and experience the Cleveland skyline from the water. At night this amazing skyline is lit up a number of different colours make it look even more beautiful, with amazing bridges showcasing the very best of architecture in this area this really is a sight to behold.
No matter where you decide to stop off on your American road trip, there is something for the whole family with hours and hours of picturesque locations to help break up the hours spent on the open road. Enjoy!
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There is not a more beautiful time to ride a motorcycle, then in the fall, and no matter where you are in the United States, there is a must-see highway waiting for you… CONTINUE READING >>
There is not a more beautiful time to ride a motorcycle, then in the fall. The cool breeze hitting your face, the changing colors of the leaves, and the constant reminders of nature’s beauty all make riding in the fall a treat. No matter where you are in the United States, there is a must-see highway in the fall waiting for you.
This fall take off your waterproof motorcycle cover and hit the road for some of the most remarkable rides in the United States.
The great Beartooth Highway is a great western destination for all bikers in the fall. Providing access to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, the park is an entryway to the nation’s most beautiful parks.
The highway makes its way across a rough Beartooth mountain range and holds the title for the highest elevated highway in the northern Rocky Mountains. Beartooth is home to some stunning views, numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, and up-close and personal wildlife viewing.
This ride will be your best bet if you are riding in the Rocky Mountains region.
Tail of the Dragon (Deal’s Gap)– Tennessee, North Carolina
The Tail of the Dragon is a highway that never disappoints bikers from all over the United States. The very short eleven-mile stretch contains 318 curves that give US Highway 129 its name.
Tail of the Dragon is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Cherokee National Forest giving bikers the ultimate scenery when riding this road. This highway is even featured in movies like The Fugitive, and Two-Lane Blacktop.
Tight turns, cold wind blowing on your face, and wildlife encounters are all things you can expect from this ride in the fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway– North Carolina, Virginia
The mid-October leaf change is a big reason the Blue Ridge Parkway hosts 15-million visitors every year. Traveling through mountains like Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, will give bikers the most extraordinary views when winding through the Southern Appalachians.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers riders a chance to go back in time to two-lane roads and slowing life down to just enjoy the views. On this ride, you will experience everything from Cherokee culture, to Southern Appalachian agriculture with lots of opportunities to entertain visitors.
The parkway is world renowned for their biodiversity and wildlife.
Tunnel of Trees– Coastal Michigan
The M-119 highway takes bikers across the coast of Lake Michigan giving them an opportunity to see beautiful fall foliage. The 20-mile stretch of road starts in Petoskey, Michigan and takes you through the tourist town of Harbor Springs.
This road weaves along the banks of Lake Michigan, with rich hardwoods aligning each side of the highway. The trees create a tree canopy giving bikers a chance to see the changing leaf colors, and beautiful waterfront views.
This short highway will bring bikers from the Midwest and beyond in the fall.
Pacific Coast Highway– Oregon, California
A portion of State Route 1, along with the Pacific Coastline, is a beautiful place to ride in the fall. The Northwest United States provide great fall views among giant trees, next to beautiful coastline.
The drive takes five hours to complete and is considered a thrill-seeking road. No guard-rails are just one thing that creates a little danger for bikers. The steep cliffs, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs provide scenic bikers a little thrill as well.
This road also is not as crowded during the fall as it is during the peak months of July and August, which makes fall a great time to check this thrilling highway out.
Skyline Drive– Virginia
Skyline Drive is one of the most photographed stretches of highways in the United States, and maybe even the world. This is no exception during the fall season. Skyline Drive runs for 105 miles north and south, along with the Blue Ridge Mountains and in the Shenandoah National Park.
The highway contains nearly 70 overlooks and keeps a strict 35 miles per hour, speed limit. Being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the highway consists of lots of wildlife and beautifully colored leaves.
This road gives riders a chance to slow down and take in all of nature’s beauty.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway– Arkansas
What a better place to experience fall riding for bikers then the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. This byway was named the top motorcycle ride in the United States by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll.
The 24-mile ride takes you through the Arkansas River Valley’s world-class vineyards and beneath the cliffs of the rugged Ozark terrain. The road was named for two reasons. The first, being because the highway is the shortcut route to get to Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas football games.
The other reason is that the highway is as curvy as a pig’s tail. Regardless, the highway brings lush flora, and many tourist stops along the way and leads you all the way to the Missouri border.
Conclusion
After traveling these seven highways, your appreciation for our nation’s beauty will be restored. No better time of year does mother nature show off her good-looks then in the fall, and there is no better way to see that than on your bike. The crisp fall air and beautiful views make these rides legendary, but the only sights of each ride make each of these seven stops special for bikers all over the country. So, hit the road, and get to exploring this fall!
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