Travel Tips!

So- One day I will write a book all about this topic, promise! I often get asked many questions about traveling, everything from booking flights to packing, eating in foreign countries to how to navigate around. I am always more than happy to answer any question and probably give you a story that fits with it as well! I've sure had my fair share of (embarrassing) blunders while traveling.

For now, however, I'll keep it all short and sweet! Think of this as a type of outline for my future book- I've got to save some of the material, right?!

*Flights*
Booking flights is often one of the most stressful elements of traveling, but it really doesn't have to be! Giving yourself plenty of time to book your flight is probably my biggest tip!
-Don't be afraid to price compare among several different websites.
-Always, always, always look up various "promotional codes" on search engines depending on what site you're using. It's worth the 30 second search and attempt. I've once saved $25 on a flight by trying a promotional code I found! (It might not sound like a lot, but if you think about it, it's a couple of cups of gelato or ice cream!)
-BE FLEXIBLE! Try to keep your travel plans flexible, around 3 days, if possible. Doing this will allow you to pick the cheapest flights available. (My latest flight, for example, had a nearly $100 difference if I returned on a Wednesday rather than a Thursday. That $100 would pay for a cheaper hotel and gas home, rather than a red-eye on Thursday; and a late night drive.)
-Take pictures of your luggage with you in your carry-on bag! Forbid your luggage doesn't arrive with you, you'll be able to show those in the luggage claim department exactly what your bags look like!

*Hotels/Hostels*
-Price compare.
-While cheaper places my sound like a good idea, being 2 trains and a bus ride from the city-center may end up costing you more than the price difference of getting a more expense hotel or hostel close to the city in the end.
-Check out various reviews. And- don't forget if you really liked the place (or were totally disgusted with it) to leave a review on the website which you found the place! If you think others should stay there, let them know. Likewise, if it was a dive, take one for the team and write about it-send the warning to the others!

*Packing*
I probably get the most questions about packing, and that's ok! It's probably the biggest pressure you'll have of your trip. If you don't pack the right kind of clothes or not enough, you may find yourself having to buy clothes while you're there (Oh, darn!), but this might not always be economical. (And let's face it, while there may be the stereotype that all American are rich, especially if you're traveling, truth is-you've probably spent a large portion of your money on getting there, right!?)
-Not to jinx you, but plan on your luggage not arriving when you do. Have at least 2 days worth of clean underwear and an extra outfit in your carry-on bag. It's just easier this way.

While I've always tried the "pack early and see if you really need everything you've packed" method, it never works. (I've heard that if you pack a week before you need and have to use all the items you've packed, then they are all needed, if you haven't touched it, don't take it.) I am an over-packer, but, hey, I like to be prepared!
-This, however, doesn't mean that I don't take things that don't have a purpose. Shirts, pants, skirts, etc, must all have at least 2 outfit possibilities. Making various combinations of the pieces that you bring with you are essentials.
-Accessories can make the outfit! Taking a couple of different necklaces that you can wear with various tops will make the difference in your options. Having 1 top that can be dressy with a nice silver necklace and casual with some chunky beads and bracelets is a lot more practical than having pieces that are only dressy or only casual.
-When taking trips for less than a month- it IS possible to only pack in your carry-ons! Promise!

Here is a link that is a great example of how to pack a purposeful carry-on:  How To Pack a Carry On

-Start with all of your things inside out, as you wear them, fold them back up and put them back into your suitcase if you're traveling for a short time and have ultra-limited space.

(I'll update this page as things "come" to me!)

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