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Top 10 Best Travel Trailers

best travel trailers which features the black pearl galaxy upgrades, plus a rear living layout, triple slides, and a convenient kitchen island!

One of the most exciting ways to travel the highways in North America is in a Recreational Vehicle or RV. Travel trailers, one of the most popular types of RVs, are lightweight but sturdy vehicles that you pull behind your large SUV or powerful truck, and in some cases, your minivan. The great benefits of best travel trailers are that they are lightweight but comfortable on the road because you’re towing them behind a regular vehicle.

Traditional RVs can be clunky and awkward, especially due to many people’s unfamiliarity with driving them. With a travel trailer, on the other hand, you’re able to drive a vehicle you’re comfortable and familiar with. Most trailers on the market today also include the best conveniences you have in your own home, including beautiful interiors, slide-out beds, bunk beds, entertainment systems, built-in satellite TVs, generators, and showers. It’s almost like you never left home.

Quick Navigation
Travel Trailers
Buyers Guide for the Best Travel Trailers
Interior and Exterior
Inside Features
The Top 10 Best Travel Trailers on the Market
Airstream Classic 30
Imagine 2150RB
Sportsmen S330IK
I-Go Pro
Reflection 313RLTS
Revere 33BH
Prowler 29P RKS
Jay Flight 28BHBE
Surveyor 243RBS
Travel Star 324RLTS
Final Considerations

Travel Trailers

Another great thing about the best travel trailers is that you can park them at a campsite, then unhook your towing vehicle to go on other adventures. The best travel trailers can come in several different sizes, from miniature teardrop units that clock in about 12 feet in length, to gigantic 33 feet long trailers. They can also range in price anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. It’s always important to make sure whatever vehicle you’re using to tow can safely pull your trailer and all your gear.

Buyers Guide for the Best Travel Trailers

Before we discuss the best trailers on the market, it’s important to go over some available features. When purchasing, you may want to have a list of items you need versus those that you want. As you keep these features in mind, you’re sure to choose the right trailer for you and your family.

Interior and Exterior

To determine whether a travel trailer is right for you and your family, you want to inspect the ways it looks and feels on the inside and the outside. Do you enjoy the way the interior looks? Does it have enough space for you, your family, and all your belongings? Would you enjoy spending lots of time on it? These questions are important to ask because the travel trailer is going to serve as a temporary home for long stretches of time. That’s too much time to spend looking at an interior you dislike or sitting on an uncomfortable couch.

Inside Features

Other than the main area and the interior design, it’s also important to analyze the different appliances and arrangements within the travel trailer. Here are some of the top ones to inspect:

  • Kitchen

Ensuring you are comfortable cooking in your kitchen and have plenty of countertop space is a must. Cooking meals and storing food is one of the most important aspects of your mobile travel trailer, and you want to have an experience you enjoy. Be sure to check that the cooking appliances, like ovens or microwaves, are ones you like and use, and that your sinks are deep enough to be usable.

  • Bathroom

Some people may argue this is the most important aspect of your trailer, as this is what separates standard camping from travel trailer life. There are several different types of RV toilets available, so make sure you like the kind that’s in your potential trailer buy. Some trailers even have showers, which is another bathroom feature you’ll need to inspect. Finally, make sure that the bathroom has enough room for everyone in your family. Some bathrooms and showers can be quite small, which is an issue for taller individuals.

  • Sitting Areas

These include any areas with tables, chairs, or couches. Almost all best travel trailers feature sitting areas in large living room areas. If you work on your computer, you may want to ensure you have a workspace at the table. Additionally, a larger family may require a bigger table as well. As always, you probably want to make sure the chairs are comfortable enough to sit in for long stretches of time.

  • Beds

Beds are complex in trailers, as they often fold out of tables or couches to form their sleeping state. Getting a good night’s sleep is important, so check out the quality of the beds to make sure they fit your preferences.

The Top 10 Best Travel Trailers on the Market

Here you’ll find the unique advantages of ten of the best travel trailers you can currently buy. These each have different strengths and may be made for different lifestyles and families, so always be sure to consider your own needs before reading through the list.

Airstream Classic 30

One of the most classic, timeless, and infamous RVs available, the Airstream Classic 30 is an iconic sight on any highway in North America. The classic silver bullet design has been refined to perfection over many years, to the point that serious RV fans consider it the ultimate RV of all time. Inside, the Airstream Classic 30 contains all the comforts of home, as it blends modern technology with classic style. These include a full kitchen and dining area, plenty of cabinet space, and a sleeping area fit for a king. By purchasing an Airstream RV, owners are also allowed to join various Airstream club private chapters in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Imagine 2150RB

Crafted to deliver lightweight travel trailers without sacrificing solid construction and high-quality materials, the Imagine travel trailer line is one of the most popular on the market today. The 2150RB is the newest addition, offering a number of different floorplans all of which feature a spacious living area, complete with a table and entertainment system options.

These trailers begin under 6,000 pounds, which makes them the perfect choice for any buyer towing with a medium-duty truck or SUV. The manufacturer, Grand Design RV, focuses on offering more premium features and top-quality RVs than any other company in their class, and they are all made in America. In fact, the company manufactures their travel trailer models at their Middlebury, Indiana factory. The Imagine 2150RB RV is yet another testament to their American excellence.

Sportsmen S330IK

The Sportsmen line from KZ-RV provides some of the finest RVs on the market for the price. They’re famous for superior design, sturdy construction, and wonderfully lightweight tow-ability. This specific Sportsmen RV, the S330IK, offers an open layout with triple sides and an Island Kitchen.

Additionally, with a comfortable bedroom set up in the front, the dawn can gently wake you up from a night of sound sleep. KZ, Inc., the company that produces the Sportsmen, recently won its 15th annual RVDA Quality Circle Award and for every single product category possible, which hasn’t happened to any other RV company in the industry. For a top-quality RV, look no further than the Sportsmen S330IK.

I-Go Pro

A deluxe lightweight towable RV line from EverGreen RV, the I-Go Pro has all the bells and whistles you could want. The I-Go Pro has up to five different floor plans you can choose from, perfect for any buyer who wants a simple-to-use trailer with every premium feature available. These include a sleek, upgraded kitchen, top-of-the-line entertainment systems, and a molded fiberglass front cap for the ultimate design and protection.

I-Go Pros are structurally sound as well, complete with a DuraLite double welded aluminum structure, held up by six-sided double welded aluminum frames built into the roof, walls, and floors. Additionally, all windows, doors, and baggage doors are lined with header framing for a unique look and feel. A boat-load of features at an affordable price is what EverGreen is known for, and the company’s proven it once again with their I-Go Pro model.

Reflection 313RLTS

Another line from Grand Design RV, the Reflection models of best travel trailers are custom-built for high value and luxury, though they can still be towed. Whether it’s a fifth wheel or travel trailer, the Reflection models are lightweight and offer stellar interior floorplans. The Reflection 313RLTS is no exception.

Furthermore, with aluminum entry steps, a universal docking station, gourmet kitchen, hardwood trim moldings, floating island, and a deep kitchen sink, the 313RTLS is built for your every comfort. Plus, it offers a tri-fold bed for superior sleeping and couches for ultimate relaxation.

Revere 33BH

With fresh new exteriors and wide-track axles, Shasta’s updated Revere travel trailers are beasts on and off the road. The 33BH offers numerous upgrades, including recessed stoves in the kitchen, rounded interior walls throughout the living space, and deep, under-mounted sinks. Shasta’s Revere line has been specifically manufactured to have a residential feel, with all the materials that render your living area as comfortable and cozy as you’d find in any home.

Accordingly, the Revere 33BH is one of the roomiest models on this list, as it offers up to seven feet of interior headroom. When you use the extra deep slides available, you and your family can enjoy tons of free space on your vacation.

Prowler 29P RKS

Heartland RV’s Prowler 29P RKS is one of their “travel class” trailers. These unique best travel trailers are built with the intention of enduring years of traveling. With lots of room for people within, the Prowler 29P is a towable travel trailer that weighs around 6,000 pounds. Most full-size SUV’s and three-quarter-ton pickups can handle travel trailers at this size without any issue.

Moreover, owners are consistently impressed with the amount of space the Prowler 29P is able to pack into its interior floorplan. This Heartland trailer is perfect for any family who likes to travel a lot.

Jay Flight 28BHBE

Jayco’s Jay Flight models have become one of the top-selling best travel trailers in America. The 28BHBE model offers a number of standard features that any RV enthusiast wants to have, including durable floors, two standard beds, fully usable kitchen, large (and convertible) dining room table, and comfortable living area. Plus, you can even upgrade your Jay Flight 28BHBE model to the Elite Package.

Additionally, this supersized upgrade offers some convenient creature comforts, including trailers with super slides for expandable living room area, bunkhouse floorplans loved by kids all over, and an exterior kitchen option, taking your tailgating abilities to the next level. Every Jayco RV comes complete with a Sway Command Tow Control Technology that can keep the RV’s inhabitants safe at all times.

Surveyor 243RBS

This Forest River Inc. manufactured travel trailer offers owners an affordable but luxurious experience on the road. The Surveyor 243RBS is both lightweight and easy to tow, and its efficient design means everybody is comfortable from the driver to the inhabitants. Plus, it offers some opulent features, including 22-inch ovens and shiny galley countertops.

It also has a recessed glass stove cover that allows you to expand your kitchen’s counter space to accommodate more people or food. What’s more, the Surveyor 243RBS provides some residential-style appliances, including roomy pantries and large cabinets.

Finally, the living area features an entertainment center that the whole family can enjoy, too.

Travel Star 324RLTS

Starcraft RV’s Travel Star line is a luxurious way to enjoy the life on the road. With several different floor plans available, the Travel Star 324RLTS can accommodate up to ten different adults sleeping inside its walls.

Plus, with a rear lounge triple slide, buyers receive a number of interior materials and appliances. The 324RLTS is built with TuffShell vacuum-bonded lamination, a sturdy and durable material that keeps the travel trailer around for years to come. In addition, with fiberglass sidewalls, welded aluminum framing, and metal backers, the Travel Star trailer can withstand the harshest inclement weather while the inhabitants stay warm and dry.

Furthermore, if you want a bit more in the way of luxury, there’s always the option to upgrade to the Galaxy Black Pearl Edition. But if these luxurious offerings sound like a deal, look no further than the Travel Star 324RLTS.

Final Considerations

In summary, always consider your needs and the needs of your family when picking out a travel trailer. As this list shows, best travel trailers come in all varieties and all levels of comfort and luxury. Older individuals traveling with just a spouse may like a smaller and nicer trailer, while growing families may prefer something with lots of space that’s reliable.

Moreover, whatever the reason for your journey, ensure you find a travel trailer that fits your needs and your budget.



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9 Reasons to Travel by Train

reasons-to-travel-by-train

The experience of traveling by train really has a charm of its own. As opposed to airplane travel, the means of transportation preferred by Americans, train travel presents quite a few advantages, from financial, ecological and recreational points of view. Choosing trains to reach your destinations will offer you a memorable experience every time, while turning you into an authentic traveler instead of just a mere tourist. This is why we have decided to stack up our favorite 9 reasons to travel by train. Discover them all below and think twice before wasting time and money by purchasing airplane tickets. Bon voyage!

luggage-space

1. Enjoy Luggage Space

We have all faced the financial burden of traveling by plane with luggage. All travelers must pay a baggage fee according to the weight of their bags. Some airlines can charge as much as $65 for just one 34-pound piece of luggage. The great feature about train travel is that you do not face any weight limit whatsoever and you can carry your entire luggage completely free of charge. This will not only save you money, but you also won’t have to wait forever in order to pick up your bags after your trip.

sight-seeing

2. Sight-seeing in Movement

Another fantastic advantage you enjoy if you travel by train is that you have the chance to see breath-taking landscapes from the comfort of your seat. Although airplane travel also offers an exceptional view, you usually only get to see the clouds. By train, you can enjoy the sheer beauty of nature and gorgeous scenery right in front of your eyes. Trust me, you won’t be planning on taking a nap while on a train trip: the view will be too spectacular for you to resist.

save-money

3. Save Money

Remember what we said about saving money on luggage? Well you should know that by traveling via train you will also be saving money on your tickets. A LOT of money. Train ticket fares can be up to 50% cheaper than plane tickets, and with a lot less stress and hassle. Even more so, many train operators offer a wide range of deals and discounts for military workers, children, students and seniors. If you are in one of the demographic categories, you should really try taking the train more.

get-social

4. Get Social

What can be better than making friends while you travel? As getting around by train is a more intimate experience than its airborne counterpart, you benefit from great conversation with your fellow compartment-mates. Most trains have rows of seats facing each other, so you will be able to discuss freely with other passengers. If you’re traveling abroad, trains offer the chance of getting to know the locals and discovering hidden gems and elements of their culture just by having a casual conversation.

eco-friendly

5. Travel Eco-friendly

Who says that you can’t be friendly to the environment by traveling? Even though walking or bike-riding as the best eco-friendly solutions for travel, you should know that trains are a lot less harmful than other popular means of transport, like airplanes or automobiles. Studies show that the carbon emitted by trains is less like to damage our surroundings than the carbon emitted by airplanes. This is due to the fact that carbon from trains does not directly emit in the upper atmosphere. If you’re traveling a long distance and can’t walk or bike, you really should consider taking the train to do your part in protecting the environment.

save-time

6. Save Time

If you tend to travel by plane, you already know how much time you lose with the entire process. From traveling to the outskirts of a city and spending a fortune on a taxi, to arriving at the airport at least 2 hours beforehand, to waiting ages to check in and go through security… all of these will cost your whole hours of your precious time. If you travel by train, you usually can enter the station just half an hour before and stroll to your designated platform and hop on.

go-underground

7. Go Underground

Who ever said that trains can only take you from city to city or country to country? One of the most efficient means of local transport is definitely the underground metro or subway. Whether you’re in a big city in your own country or visiting capitals abroad, the subway is the best solution for getting around. It’s the fastest way to travel inside a city and it’s really affordable. If you’re staying for just a day, you have the chance to buy a 1-day pass and ride around as much as you like. Also, many metro stations around the world still have awesome trains decorated with graffiti and street art, which will make you appreciate the system from a different point of view.

enjoy-comfort

8. Enjoy Comfort

We all know that traveling by airplane or car can get quite uncomfortable at one point. If you’re on  a plane, the only way you can stretch and move around is by walking the small isle to the bathroom, whereas traveling by car involves frequent stops for moving around a bit in order to avoid numbness. Trains, on the other hand, allow passengers to get up and walk around freely throughout their entire trip. If you’re traveling to a different country by train, you probably will enjoy a great restaurant where you can get a bite to eat while admiring the scenery from the window.

travel-interrail

9. Travel Interrail

Interrail is probably one of the most awesome features about traveling in Europe. For those of you who do not know, interrail is based on hopping on and hopping off as you please, with 1-country, regional and even global passes. Eurail is a great option for traveling this magnificent continent by train, and the options really are limitless. You can really get spontaneous with this form of travel and end up visiting multiple countries for great prices and conditions. Choose to create irreplaceable memories and really consider taking the train the next time you are planning to travel.

Photo credits: Oldblog.luxetravel.com, Boards.cruisecritic.com, Walls4joy.com, Dailymail.co.uk, Atulmaharaj.wordpress.com, Theguardian.com, Travelwithagingparents.com, Fatcap.org, Topholidays.net, Slo-zeleznice.si.

Travel Tips For Women Over 50 Years Traveling Alone

travel-tips

You have to have patience. Even if you are an experienced solo traveler, every time you go on a new trip it is normal to take your time to adjust to the solo travel and get rid of those initial nerves, that you are out in the world alone and you have to handle everything by yourself. This is why, information is primordial. Read the following travel tips for women over 50 years traveling alone.

Safety Measures

safety

Plan everything ahead before you travel and choose your destination based on solid information.

Moving from one place to another and arriving in a place with a foreign language and culture can be stressful. This is why you have to plan everything ahead. You have to know what train/bus to take, how much it costs, where you have to arrive, and even buy the ticket in advance if possible.

If you want to travel to more cities and are not planning to stay in the same place, book in advance at least your first night of accommodation and try arriving there at noon. This way you will have time to check out the place and surroundings, and if you don’t like it, you have time to leave. Remember, everything looks better in daylight.

Prepare a first aid kit into categories. Make sure you carry with you all the medication you might need, from tummy troubles, pain creams and pills, bandaids, antibiotic ointments and so on, You know best what you might need, so prepare that carefully.

Safety Measures

When arriving in the new city, take your time to settle in, to get to know the city and see what’s safe and what’s not. This will give you more confidence and also it makes you to be less a target for potential trouble.

Try to stay in public, as it is much safer than private. Never, go into private cars or homes with people you have recently met.

Show confidence. If you have the feeling that you might have gotten lost, look around and choose someone to ask for help. Just follow your instinct, and you will find the right person, However, if you are just standing and appear vulnerable, the wrong person might choose you.

Don’t be afraid to make your point. If a stranger tries to rush you to make a decision, refuse to be rushed. No matter if it’s a vendor, a cab driver, or whoever, take your minutes to think, so you can make the correct decision.

Use your common sense but be rude if necessary. Traveling to a different country with a different culture, might be challenging, but there are some basic safety measures from home that apply anywhere. Find out if the area where your hotel is located, is safe. Avoid taking shortcuts trough empty parks or dark streets. When you are traveling alone, leave a note about where you are, in your hotel room or at the front desk person. Don’t go helping someone alone, always ask someone to go with you. If necessary, be rude and trust your instinct.

A woman travelling by herself should always take extra safety measures, no matter what her age is. Here is a tip that will make you feel extra safe. Always carry a rubber door stop with you when you travel. You can find it at most of the supermarkets and they are portable, small, and it takes just a few minutes to put it under your hotel and sleep without worries. Just keep in mind, that there are certain hotels or Bed&Breakfast, that don’t have a chain on the doors and you never know who has the keys to your room. Better safe than sorry.

It doesn’t matter that you are not in your 20s anymore, this rule applies for every woman. Dress conservatively in order to avoid attention. This applies  no matter if you are in America or Europe.

You should keep in mind, that other women are not necessarily safe. Even though women feel safer when around women, the world is full of dangerous women as well, who would lure you into dangerous situations. So, be careful.

Choosing the right purse is critical. Go for a purse that you can wear across your shoulders, but the ideal choice would be a pack designed with security features.

Packing

Don’t overdo it with packing, pack as light as you can. It will require more thinking, to prepare your travel wardrobe, but you will be more at ease with a lighter luggage.

Pick a base colour, like, brown, beige, black, navy and a contrast colour like white or beige, and maybe another colour or tow to accessorise all together. On the internet there are plenty of videos on how to pack light.

Always pack a pair of comfortable shoes, as nothing will ruin your trip, faster than sore feet.

Here is a bonus tip for traveling. Make sure you always have a small bag of almonds with you. If you get hungry and there are still many hours until lunch or dinner, snack on some almonds. They will give you energy and will stop your hunger. Buy your supplies before you leave.

Getting lonely

It is always difficult to start traveling by yourself, as there are times when you start thinking about many factors, especially when you are doing it for the first time. Wont it be acquired to walk around by yourself no one to talk to, eat by yourself?  If you feel you cant handle all of these things, try subscribing to a group of your age. Don worry if there are mostly couples, as people traveling in groups are very social and you won’t feel like the third wheel.

No matter how bold and brave you are as a woman, traveling alone will always get lonely at one point and you will experience extreme loneliness. The truth is you are alone, so its natural for that to happen.

What you can do to ease your way into that, is to look for restaurants which have communal tables, this way you can chat with new people. Don’t worry about feeling out of place, as many of the people who are choosing this type of restaurants are there for the same reason as you are.

A woman dining alone

Never go to a restaurant without a book or a magazine. You don’t want to stare at the wall while waiting for the food. Keep yourself busy as it will make you feel less conscious.

The days when loneliness strikes you the most, go out and don’t let it control you. Put on your dress and go have dinner at a nice restaurant, maybe even the best in town, if you can afford it.

Join tourist small day groups, as it is a great way to meet people, who you might have the chance to keep seeing during your stay.

Choose smaller hotels, because they are much friendlier places. You could ask to join a table of people in the morning, at breakfast, or you can hang in the lounge n the evening, maybe someone will ask if they can join you.

Since you are traveling alone, and you don’t have no one to comfort you, to hug you, to kiss you, why not pamper yourself? Go get a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a massage, all these are safe ways to get in contact with people.

When it comes to Europe, the majority of its cities are great for women of a certain age. If going to London, Rome, Paris, Florence, Berlin, Madrid, or Barcelona, you can stay in colorful neighborhoods that have access to local markets, public transportation, cultural attractions and historical sites. For example, in the UK, the cities are offering English language theatre  plays, films and lecturers, and in some museums you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea, or even have dinner.

Image Source: Women’s Health,RESCUEWIRE,the guardian

Crash Course for the Impulse Traveler – Decide / Fly / Stay / See

Modern travel offers a plethora of options, especially for those who have time and money to spare. There are so many beautiful things that we have to see in this world. We are not only talking about the crowded streets of Paris, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon or other renowned places. We are also taking about corners of the world that are off the beaten track. Every country and culture has something unique that is definitely worth seeing.

But how do you decide on a place to visit, and once you do decide, where do you start? Do you know what exactly you want to visit once there, and do you know where you will be staying? These are only some of the questions that travelers ask themselves before embarking on another adventure. This is a crash course for the impulse traveler who cannot decide how to fly, where to stay and what to see.

How to decide where you want to go

The biggest question for all globe trotters, the one that can turn them from eager planners to red-faced balls of stress is: Where should I go next? The truth is that choosing your next destination can be an overwhelming and daunting task. The following tips will help you narrow down your searches:

  • Choose places within a certain travel time radius: the first thing you should consider when choosing your next destination is the time you will be spending on the road. If you only have two weeks of vacation it isn’t quite ideal to spend half that time on the road. There are several free map tools, including “How far can I travel”, which show you how far you can go in set amount of time. Enter your parameters to get an idea of what places are within your travel radius.
  • Crash Course for the Impulse TravelerWhat type of traveler are you? Do you prefer to visit museums or explore the vast wilderness of an Amazonian rain forest? Each traveler has a unique personality. Some are romantic while others are adventurous; some are intellectual while others are danger junkies and the list goes on. If you’re more of an ‘off-the-beaten-track’ type of traveler you might want to visit small villages as opposed to cities. If you are a romantic or intellectual traveller, European capitals and places with heritage will resonate with you.
  • Determine your Budget: one of the biggest problems that travelers face is under-budgeting. There is nothing worse than running out of money while on a trip. To avoid this, one most plan finances ahead. Find out how much your flights & accommodations cost, set money apart for visiting and have a little something extra for backup. Your budget can also help you determine where you can travel. Don’t forget to include bus & public transit ticket prices and food prices. If you are a new traveler, you can also check out lists of cheap places that you can visit.
  • Choose your top activities: Another question you have to answer is what type of activities you will want to fill your time with. For example, if you prefer exploring the outdoors, you should go to places that are renowned for their natural beauty. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with local cuisine, you should choose places with reputation for excellent food and drinks.

What Resources to Use When Planning a Trip

It happens to most of us: we find a new travel website that should be this or that. We are excited or skeptical or both. Nevertheless, we have no idea whether the information on that website is useful or not. We are not 100% sure if the services offered are the real-deal. There are not very many online tools that you can use to plan your trip and even fewer online resources for reviews, hotels, accommodations & travel advice:

  1. TripAdvisor: is without a doubt the most comprehensive resource for travelers. There are so many features worth mentioning but we will stick to the basics. First and foremost, TripAdvisor is a place to find the best hotels. Each hotel has its own page with reviews, photos, amenities, Q&A, tips and more. Probably the best aspect of TripAdvisor is the sheer amount of reviews.

This website is so important for the travel industry that hotel owners actually take the time to respond to each and every review posted by visitors. On TripAdvisor you can also find vacation rentals, restaurants, things to do, trending locations, flights and more.

  1. Cheap Flights & Price Comparison: when it comes to traveling, you have to make the educated choice. A little extra research can save you hundreds of dollars, especially when it comes to flying. There are several online services that you can use for comparing prices and finding the cheapest flights such as FareCompare, Kayak and SkyScanner.
  1. Booking.com: is the world leader in booking accommodations online. According to statistics, over 750.000 rooms are reserved through the website on a daily website. This is a definite go-to place for those who are still planning their trips.
  1. AirBnb: I planned accommodation for my last trip with the help of AirBnB. If you are looking for a different experience (not the hotel one), you should consider booking through AirBnB. What this website does is connect people who want to rent their homes with travelers who are interested in unusual accommodations. Spending your holiday in a local home will definitely change the perception of the place that you are visiting.

The best thing about the website is nature of the search engine: you can enter details such as room type, price, amenities, period of booking etc. in order to narrow down your search. Once you find a place that you like you can contact the host or click on the Book It button. The host will accept or decline your request and payment can be made through Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, Discover, Paypal and even Google Wallet. The money is frozen in AirBnB’s account until you check in. The payment will be released 24 hours after check-in. Obviously, travelers also have the option of leaving reviews for their hosts.

  1. HomeStay: HomeStay is extremely similar to AirBnB. From the landing page you can type down your desired location/region/suburb, check in and check out date, and the search engine will filter relevant results for you. Most of the accommodations available on HomeStay are personal homes and apartments. Each location has real photos, details of amenities, price information and more. The booking system works almost like the one on AirBnb. We almost forgot. On both HomeStay and Airbnb you can also become a host, and have travelers stay in your home. 

Frequent Flyer Programs (FFP)

This is a loyalty program offered by most airlines. The concept of Frequent flying is simple: airline client who enroll for the program and gather frequent-flyer distance can redeem them for air travel and other benefits (example: class upgrades, lounge access, priority booking etc.). If you travel a lot you should definitely enroll for Frequent Flyer programs to acquire bonuses. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to fly with only one airline in order to accumulate points.

For more information about Frequent Flyer programs please check out FlyerTalk, an online forum for discussion on this topic. You should also check the official website of your preferred airline for FFPs, or enquire a consultant about them.

How to Find out What to See & What to Do

There are so many online resources that you can use to find out about places that are worth visiting, and activities that are worth doing that we will not mention all of them. The first place you need to visit is a great travel blog. If you are looking for a personal opinion about a place, blogs are the place to go. There are hundreds of amazing Travel Blogs worth checking out. If you have no idea where to start you should check out Telegraph’s ‘World’s Best Travel Blogs’ article. If these blogs do not satisfy your curiosity, here are a few extra tools that you can use:

  • Good Old Google: Each location has specific attractions, which are usually listed on specific websites. If I were to list all the credible resources for specific locations it would take me half a day to put it together. Therefore, the best way to find interesting places and fun activities is by using Google. Simply type in “Places to see in *Your Destination*” and the search engine will provide with relevant results. Compare two or three articles to check the veracity of the information.
  • TripIt: If you still don’t know what you want to see, or you simply cannot be bothered with these details, you can use a service like TripIt, which provides a master itinerary for your upcoming travel. Amusingly enough the motto of TripIt is “TripIt, the ‘I Can’t find my flight number’ travel organization app.”
  • Tripomatic: is another itinerary creation tool. All you have to do is to write down your destination and visiting period and the website will automatically create an itinerary with places to visit, attractions etc. You will also be able to see a map of all the interesting attractions from your itinerary. The website also offers car rental & accommodation services as well as a list of activities and events.

This concludes our crash landing course for impulse travelers. Remember, sometimes it is better to plan the details of a trip ahead of time. This will give you more time to enjoy your trip.

International Travel Tips Packing: Unusual Tricks for Traveling Light

The point of traveling isn’t about carrying as much useless stuff around you as you can, but about having just enough items to feel comfortable and have fun. The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, and there’s nothing worse than dragging an oversized baggage around with you all day. The best international travel site will always tell you to pack wisely. Nobody will ever brag about how much stuff he/she managed to stuff in their bags, but about how much fun they had. Modern age travel is all about dynamism, and ingenuity. international travel suitcases

Recommended Read: Packing List & Tips for an Overseas Trip

#1 Traveling Overseas; Regulations and Rules

 

If you are planning on flying, you probably know that international airports regulations force us to downsize our pack rat tendencies. Here are a few unusual tricks that will help you to not only maintain the weight below limitations, but also bring stuff you buy along the way, home. They should work regardless of the fact that you are traveling for a year or a week.

international travel tips packing light

Remember that packing light isn’t only about saving time and money, but also about the way you travel. If you want to feel comfortable and liberated when traveling overseas, you will refrain from pouring your entire closet in it. In case you are really missing something, you can purchase it abroad. Please not that very destination is different, and will require special preparation (be sure to also check out traveling south America tips and traveling Australia Tips)

 

#2 What to Take When Traveling Abroad: Unusual Advice

The biggest question is how is it possible to fit a whole trip’s worth in one, small suitcase or bag? The answer is as simple as it may sound: by giving up on all the things that are useless when traveling. Frugal thinking is the best idea. Instead of packing for the worst case scenario, one should think about the best-case scenario.

 

  • Only Bring One Pair of Jeans: All the denim lovers out there will probably be appalled by this idea. Is it even possible to make do with only one pair? The answer is yes, as long as you go for a pair that looks elegant enough for evenings, and is also comfortable enough for casual walks. For special occasions you can use a dress and accessories.
  • Nalgene and Small Bottles: Instead of carrying the entire shampoo or shower cream lotion with you, you can repack them in smaller bottles. Alternatively, small items can also be neatly packed in nalgene and waterproof containers.
  • Plastic Bags: have been used since the dawn of time. They are excellent not only for saving room, but also for protecting against leaking, or containing dirty clothes. Inventive travelers can even transform them into rudimentary umbrellas. We recommend that you use ziplocked bags for this purpose. Chances are that you will be asked to unpack at customs, but instead of rummaging through your stuff, all you need to do is share the contents of your small, neatly packed up luggage.
  • Tuck Small Things Into the Shoes: The space in the shoes is often not used. What better way to tuck away your underwear and socks if not here? Not only will you save space, but nobody but you will know where they are. This is less effective when you travel abroad alone.
  • Compress Bulky Clothes: If you are prepared to make a small investment, you can squeeze the air out of bulky clothes with a compression sack that you can purchase from the supermarket. This can be extremely useful if you are trying not to exceed the weight limit at the airport.
  • Split of Clothes When Traveling with Others: Even when you do all you can for safe travel abroad, unexpected problems may appear. One of them would be having your luggage lost. To avoid catastrophes you can split up your stuff with friends. So if someone loses their luggage they will still have clean clothes available upon arrival.
  • Using Purses for Clothes Stuffing: For some unknown reason, it seems that bags are easier to pack when they are rolled, not folded. If you roll tissue on paper, your stuff will get wrinkled.
  • Stick to One Neutral Color Scheme to reduce the need for useless accessories, shoes and other clothing items. You could also use tops that work with multiple outfits.
  • Wear Your Jacket on the Plane: one of the best ways to outsmart the system is by wearing your jacket before you embark on your flight. Not only are jackets large, but they are also not suitable for packing (most of them get wrinkles).
  • Ditch the Hair-drier: What is the point in taking a hair drier if you are going to stay in a 3-4 star hotel? Be aware that not all diffuser attachments fit on the packing list.

what not to pack hair drier

These are the main things that you should consider when traveling overseas with light baggage. If there are things that you should never forget to include, they represent paper-work (the VISA, credit card numbers, travel insurance, foreign currency and , passport).

 

Optional Packing List:

  • A multi-tool for peeling fruit and opening bottles.
  • A quick-dry campaign towel for long rides.
  • Medications, hat and sunglasses for the summer.
  • Converters, foreign currency, a money belt and an inflatable travel pillow.

 

We hope that these tricks will make packing easier, and we really hope that you will be able to cut down on the amount of useless stuff that you are taking with you abroad.

Overseas Travel Checklist: What You Need Before Embarking on your Adventure

Embarking on a journey across the world can be the adventure of a life-time, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared to deal with unexpected situations. As much as we enjoy traveling, getting organized can be a pretty daunting task. While it may be possible to survive without your favorite T-Shirt or underwear, there is nothing more frustrating than forgetting your passport, or papers at home. This is exactly why it is vital to prepare a list of necessary items well in advance.

 

The Overseas Travel Checklists should also include a comprehensive itinerary, proof of vaccinations and travel medications, and of course, a visa, when needed. There are a number of countries that cannot be accessed without it: Canadian travel visas are not that hard to obtain, but the Brazil Tourist visa is an entirely different story. Also, before you can experience the lush wildlife of one of the most exotic continents, you will have to register an Australian travel visa application.

overseas travel checklist suitcase

As you can see, every country has a specific set of rules which will make overseas traveling a bit difficult. Here is a quick check-list of items and documents that you should never forget, as well as a few tricks that will ensure safe travel abroad.

 

Overseas Travel Checklist #1: A couple of Months Before the Trip

Every trip begins with careful planning.  When you think about what to take when traveling abroad, you should not only focus on clothes, jewelry and other trivial stuff. There are many other items and problems to consider. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to travel abroad alone, or commit to traveling for a year, because the following items on the check-list are vital for every situation:

 

  1.       Check, and Re-Check Your Itinerary: As dreadful as it can be to create the perfect itinerary, it is important, especially if you are traveling on a budget. Make sure that all the dates, baggage allowance, seat allocations, and destinations are correct. You will have to deal with them sooner or later (preferably sooner).
  2.       Make Sure Your Passport is Valid for 6 More Months: You simply cannot leave the country without a valid passport. What countries do you need a passport for? When do you need passport? These questions require answers. Also make sure that you have up-to-date photos for it.
  3.       Take care of Travel Insurance: It is irresponsible to not have insurance when traveling overseas. It is the only way to protect yourself from unexpected events. Keep in mind that home and medical insurance might be enough to protect your baggage and health.
  4.       Book accommodations well in advance: Booking accommodations in a timely manner can help you save money, and avoid the unpleasant situation of having nowhere to spend the night. You can compare multiple hotels on the map, and pin-point the best deal for your needs.
  5.       Talk to Your Doctor About Vaccinations & Travel Medication: If you read traveling South America traveling tips, or Australia traveling tips you will see that certain regions require vaccinations for additional protections. Other regions require medication to combat diseases like Malaria. Consult with your doctor in advance.
  6.       Arrange Car Hire: Taxi’s are extremely costly overseas. Buses and other public means of transportation may also add-up to the cost of your trip. The most affordable way to travel in a foreign country is by far the cheapest way to move around. Shop around for car rental services in the area.

 important documents for overseas travel

Overseas Travel Checklist #2: One Week Before the Trip

With less than a week until the great adventure you must be excited. However, don’t get too excited because there are still some things that you should take care of. Before you go through the checklist, head on to the best international travel site for more information about your destination. Here’s what you should take care of until the time comes:

  1.       Check out the Immigration rules and Customs of the Countries you will be entering: As we already mentioned, every country has different rules, and to each their own. It is important to read about the policies and entry requirements for each.
  2.       Think About Carry-on and Checked Luggage: Carry-on luggage has a lot of restrictions and conditions. Make sure it only includes essential items like ticket, wallet etc. Checked luggage also has certain restrictions: if it is overweight you will be charged an extra fee. Secure your items with a lock, and have the luggage labeled with your contact details. There is also a list of prohibited items in carry-on luggage. To see it, head to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
  3.       Obtain Local Currency: Even the worth of a taxi drive is enough for when you land. Once you are there, there are plenty of ATM’s and foreign exchange location.
  4.       Note the Location of US Embassies: You never know what may happen, so it is a good idea to learn where the US embassies are. They will help you immensely if you run into problems abroad.
  5.       Re-Check Your Important Documents and Itineraries: A few things you should not be caught dead without are your passport, credit card, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, insurance documents, and travel visas. Make photocopies of them and put them in a separate bag.

 

Overseas Travel Checklist #3: A few Days Before the Trip

You’re almost ready to set off! There are only a few things that you must take care of. We will not go through the baggage list, because you can find it online (by the way, here’s a good list). There are only three things to remember:

visa for traveling overseas

  1.       Double Check the Paper-work: We know that it’s like the hundred time we tell you about this, but you will thank us. Double-check your passport, insurance paperwork, photos, tickets, ID, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, Visas and credit cards. It’s your last chance!
  2. Plan Transportation to the Airport Wisely: If your plane arrives at a given time, you should be there 2-3 hours before it leaves, especially for international flights. If you are traveling from another city, calculate the time with a one hour error.
  3.  Pack Light: It is vital to pack light and wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you are preparing for a long international flight.

10 Essential Clothes Packing Tips for the Hopelessly Disorganized

The hopelessly disorganized seem to be a species all their own: on the one hand, much like anyone else, they do enjoy traveling; on the other, though, their chronic inability to get organized often causes them to freeze up and/or fly off into a panic. If you belong in this very special category, check out our list of twenty vital clothes packing tips, which are guaranteed to bring order even into the lives of the most desperately messy travelers out there.

Getting started: Method-focused clothes packing tips

1. Your luggage is your life

It may sound pretentious, but this is one of those packing luggage tips that comes from a trustworthy source: “When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life”, said acclaimed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. And she’s right. Want to turn your life around? You’re certainly not the only one: according to a Post Office poll, 37 per cent of British travelers say they’re disorganized. 55 per cent of women find it harder to pack than men – but, in earnest, about 30 per cent of women also pack the bags of their male companion.

2. Pack tight, not light clothes packing tips

Traveling light has been touted endlessly, as the best way to make a journey. And, as far as travel packing advice goes, it’s still sound advice – but the truth is that, when packing, you want to utilize as much of the space available to you as you possibly can. What’s your ultimate goal? To avoid creasing your clothes. How do you do that? There’s a wide range of methods, which include folding, bundling, rolling, plastic wrapping, etc.. Whatever you choose, make sure you get everything in there packed in tightly. Ziploc bags work particularly well, as does vacuuming up your wrapped clothing items.

3. Get help

No, we don’t mean professional psychotherapeutic aid. However, if you want a couple of tips, instructions, or tutorials on the best and quickest ways to fold up your shirts, you can either check out Butler Bureau, or the countless video tutorials on YouTube.

4. How much can I bring along?

Sky may be the limit for some, but the truth is most airlines have several strict rules about the type of cabin luggage you can bring along. Typically, in terms of air travel packing tips it’s one piece per person, weighing in at 44lbs (or 20 kg), and measuring about 22in in height. Such a suitcase is able to carry two pairs of long bottoms, five shirts or t-shirts, three sweatshirts, cardigans, or sweaters, and two dresses.

Down to business: The actual packing process

5. What do you need?

It all starts with rounding up all the clothes you expect you’re going to need on your journey. Try to categorize them as much as possible, either by function or by color. Then, mentally dress yourself up, from your toes all the way up to your ears. You are actually creating several distinct outfits for your stay – and the key is to bringing along more tops than bottoms, since they tend to get dirty quicker. Then, once you’ve got all your outfit elements down pat, subtract one of them and leave it behind. In most cases, you’re still not going to wear everything else that you’ve packed up. As for shoes, follow the rule of three: one comfortable shoe, loafer, or sandal, one running or track shoe, and a dressier shoe, if the occasion calls for it. Remember that heels are always complicated to pack, because of their shape and stiffness.

6. Wrinkles and creases

There are some items which inevitable crease, no matter how well you pack them – but there are also others which are better suited for traveling. Knitwear, wool, cotton, and some synthetics tend to fare better when packed up.

7. Roll or fold?

It’s actually advisable to do a bit of both, depending on the type of garment and fabric you’re working with. According to the clothes packing tipsacclaimed author of The Packing Book, Judy Gilford, you can safely (and tightly) roll up cotton pants, knitted items, underwear, jeans, and t-shirts, since they either don’t crease, or can also be worn a bit creasy. On the other hand, if you’re packing any rougher or stiffer fabrics, such as blazers, shirts that require starch, or any other clothes for special occasions (dresses, skirts, etc.), you need to fold them properly. And, you know what? If you live in London, you can actually pay a professional service to do this for you, as well as wash, dry clean, and iron all your clothes.

8. Layer it like a cake

Do you bake? Great! It’s going to come in very handy for brushing up on your traveling packing tips, since you’re essentially going to approach your suitcase like one big cream-filled cake. The bottom layer consists of the rolled up items, the filling will be the folded ones, while around the rolled items, you can stuff belts, shoes, and other accessories (hint: go easy on the expensive jewelry, watches, etc.). It’s also advisable to top everything off with a dry cleaning clothing bag, which will keep the clothes rolling around during the journey. This is a good thing, since they won’t settle in one place long enough as to develop creases.

On the road again: Using your clothes intelligently

9. Doubling up

Note that, if you’ve been following our clothes packing tips up to this point, you stand before a light, organized suitcase, full of essential items. Some of your clothes are actually versatile enough to be used for several purposes: leggings, for instance, can be paired up with a comfortable tunic shirt, but they can also be used for sleeping in them. Some pairs of pants can turn into capris or even shorts, and you can even use knitwear as pillows, either on the road, or at your destination.

10. Washing up, moving on

Ideally, you should ask if the hotel or hostel you’re staying at has laundry facilities, but make sure to also inquire about the price, since such services do tend to be on the pricey side. This is especially true on cruise ships, so come prepared. If you don’t want to pay for doing the laundry, pack soap sheets or a small pack of detergent, as well as a sink stopper and a laundry line. You’ll be good to go, in fresh new clothes, in a matter of days.

Tips for Traveling Alone in Europe – For All Types of Travelers

So you’re finally making your life-long dream of seeing Europe come true. Only you’re going it alone. That may put a damper on how excited you are about the trip, but it really shouldn’t. In order to make sure that you have the best possible trip across the Old World, we’ve scoured the Internet high and low. We looked at advice dispensed by the best travel bloggers out there. We asked friends with experience in this field. And for all those planning to travel around the world, we put together a list of tips for the second best travel experience after that – a journey across Europe. Here’s our concise list of tips for traveling alone in Europe, no matter who you are or what your traveling style is.

Tips for women traveling alone across Europe

  1. Be street-smart. This doesn’t have anything to do with where you usually live, but a lot to do with self-confidence and flexibility. Carry cash, a map, and a phrase guide. Take out money from ATMs in broad daylight. Look confident. Approach women or families for help. Avoid dark, shady areas. solo woman traveling alone
  2. Use mass transit wisely. Ask the hotel/hostel owner about how safe the local train station is, if you need to wait there at night. Ask for a female compartment companion (this will work in Spain, or even in France, where fulfilling such demands comes at a cost; in others, however, this is impossible). Avoid sleeping alone on the train.
  3. Know how to handle men. If you want to avoid unwanted attention, there’s no reason you can’t wear a fake wedding ring. Know that in the south, especially in the Mediterranean, you will receive unwanted attention from men – particularly in countries like Italy, Turkey, Spain, etc.. Be forthright about your boundaries and don’t hesitate to act up if you feel endangered.

Tips for solo students traveling in Europe

 

  1. Bring your student ID along. You have no idea how much money you’ll be saving. From free entrances to museums in most countries, to travel discounts, and even cheaper accommodation, your student ID card is basically your free meal ticket (unfortunately, that’s just a manner of speaking). There are extra perks if you’re under 26, but you can still save some money as an adult post-grad student, for instance. solo student traveling alone tips
  2. Book wisely. Since you’re probably going to choose a hostel or B&B, be savvy about it. Avoid the fancy ones, since they’re not likely to help you make new friends. Go for those with a kitchen and plenty of lounging areas. PS: free breakfasts are always a nice bonus.
  3. Make friends, but be smart about it. Of course you’re going to go out and party, but before you get absolutely smashed with people you barely know, it’s wise to form a bit of a bond with them and see what kind of people they are. Lounge around with them one evening at the hostel – have a few drinks, too, it’ll allow you to gauge their resistance to alcohol. Explore the city. Form trust.
  4. Be flexible. You are going to like some places and enjoy others far less. What’s the point of feeling trapped someplace you’re not enjoying, when this is supposed to be the time of your life, right? But I need to plan a trip like this one, alone across Europe, you might say. You can, but you should probably book a Eurail pass, which will allow you to travel flexibly to 24 countries on the continent, all with a single ticket.
  5. Shop for food. If you paid heed to the second item on our list of tips for traveling alone in Europe, you’ve already booked a hostel with a kitchen. You can take full advantage of this by spending your cash on food at the closest grocery store nearby.

Solo Europe travel tips for backpackers

1.      Please pack light. Yes, we know you’ve heard this one a million times before, but it is crucial. Here are a few useful pointers:

  •         Keep your backpack small. You may find that a larger one won’t fit on all the different types of trains, ferries, and buses in Europe.
  •         Abide by this travel items checklist: an appropriate outfit for visiting holy places (they don’t allow skin to be exposed, as a general rule); plenty of socks and underwear (not all hostels have washing machines); copies of your ID stored in different places

   2.       Know thy train schedule. Here’s the deal – while some countries in Europe, such as those up north or, say, Germany, have very reliable train systems, most of them don’t. Likewise, most staff members at the train station don’t speak English. Make a point of taking down train numbers, stops before you need to get off and all the scheduling details. For travel plans international backpackers can check out Route Planner, which is basically a comprehensive directory of most train schedules in Europe.

3.      Avoid camping. Not only is it somewhat unsafe to camp when traveling solo, but you’d also be missing out on all the fun at meeting new people at the hostel.

4.      Hostels are not home. Yes, you may have found your hostel room empty when you checked in. Or perhaps you’ve made friends with your roommates. This is no excuse to leave valuable goods or money unattended when you’re not around, because you still don’t know these people, nor do you know if there’s going to be 12 of them there when you get back.

5.      Talk to people. Yes, it does go without saying, but it’s about more than just socializing. If you don’t know how to decide where to travel, you can be sure that fellow backpackers you meet at the hostel will be dying to let you know about this awesome city you didn’t know about. Roughly map out the biggest destinations on your route, but stay flexible for the most part. If you talk to other people and get great hints, you never know where you might end up next.

solo backpacker europe tips

 

The Ultimate List of Traveling Alone Tips

There used to be quite the massive stigma attached to solo travel. However, as socially accepted coupling patterns and other social norms change, so is people’s attitude toward traveling alone. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 2009 alone saw 22.2 million Americans (out of a total of 170 million) take a trip by themselves for leisure purposes. There are numerous travel companies and tour operators out there who have caught on to this shift in attitudes and are trying to cater to this relatively underexplored segment of solo journeymen and women. And some of the world’s most acclaimed travel bloggers explain that the appeal of undertaking a solo journey is nearly too intense to put into words. The one linked above first had this experience at 22 and ended up seeing 30 countries alone, over the course of 21 years. These are some of the reasons for which today we’ve whipped up a travel items checklist for the single traveler. They’re not all about material possessions, though, as much as they are about planning, safety, and efficiency. We want your experience alone on the road to be as rewarding as possible.

Learn to like your own company

Keisuke Jinushi did. He’s a 28 year-old freelance photographer from Japan, who enjoyed his 15 minutes of Internet fame, when his hilarious series of selfies went viral. The photos depict Jinushi with an imaginary girlfriend, in a wide range of travel photos taken  learn to love your own companyduring his journeys. While you don’t necessarily have to start snapping up pictures of your mug and plaster them all over Instagram, you can develop a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance, as you travel on your own. As Nikki Bayley writes for CNN, there’s something very empowering in knowing that not a single soul in the world can track you down. There’s also a lot to be said about incessantly tweeting, blogging, calling, emailing, and Skyping while you’re away on vacation on your own. The less you reveal and the less frequent your contact with those back home, the more pleasurable the return and reunion will be. That being said, though…

Stay safe

Yes, it’s cool to wander off to some remote beach on your own, or trek at your own pace across the countryside, or not have to wait around after someone else – and miss your connecting train. But – and this is one major “but” – nothing is important as safety. Here are some tips to bear in mind, while exploring foreign destinations on your own:

  • Leave a trace. Register with your local embassy on arrival, especially if you plan to visit remote areas, with no phone signal. Provide them with a route of your travel plans. International solo tourists from the U.S. can actually enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for free, which ensures you’ll receive assistance from the State Department, in the case of an emergency. You can also do the same for family and friends before you depart: send them a Google Maps course for your journey, so they know where you are, at least roughly.
  • Blend in. Don’ts: standing on a corner, looking puzzled, with a map or traveling guide; wearing tourist-y clothing; being clueless as to local transport schedules and routes, hotel check-in times, etc.. You need to look local, which is easier to do confused and alone travelerwhen you’re not part of a big group. You also need to come prepared, because cab drivers, for instance, are more likely to try and dupe a solo traveler than a group/couple.
  • Protect your privacy. This is all a matter of fine lines: there’s a fine line between making new friends while traveling and disclosing too much about yourself. For instance, if you don’t want to let on that you’re on your own, mention that you’re meeting a friend there, when asking for directions to a certain place. Don’t disclose that you’ll be up in your room alone to locals you’ve just met, no matter how friendly they seem. Hint: some of the biggest conmen in history were particularly charming and agreeable.

Choose the right tour operator

It doesn’t make much sense to have to pay more when you’re traveling alone, does it? However, as most of you already know, there’s such a thing as a single supplement, or single surcharge for people who travel on their own. What can you do to avoid this? Here’s a list of suggestions:

  • Find a company with a lower single surcharge. Some tour operators will offer a discount of 60 to 80 per cent for the single supplement. Some of them will match you up with like-minded solo travelers, based on preferences, age, background, etc.
  • Find a company that organizes solo travelers’ tours. Some travel companies organize singles-only trips, which can actually be a great way to meet someone new and fun. And if you’re a straight female who’s not looking to date, you can join a women’s only tour, too.
  • Go it alone but ask for a match–up. If groups and tours are not your thing but you still find yourself thinking “I need to plan a trip for myself”, you can ask your regular travel operator if there’s any way they could match you up with someone taking the same journey around the same time. This way, you can avoid the singles’ supplement.

Take yourself to town

Do you suffer from the dreaded solomangarephobia? You’re not alone, that’s for sure. Yes, that right there is the clinical name of the fear of eating alone. However, the experience can be pleasurable in and of itself. And if you’re completely alone in a new town, but want to meet people and explore the local single’s scene, the prestigious Zagat guides will help you understand how to decide traveling alone tips invite for a bitewhere to travel on your own, since they include a dedicated section on the Singles Scene in many cities. And, besides, when you go out on your own, there are plenty of options at your disposal, designed to make you feel less awkward. You can sit at the bar, take up a table at an outdoor café, bring a book to keep you company. And female travelers can check out Invite for a Bite, which helps women meet up with other women for lunch, dinner, or brunch, both at home and while traveling.

Your First Trip Overseas: Honing the Right Mindset in 7 Easy Steps

Excited about your first trip across the border? You should be, because it’s going to be the kind of experience you remember for the rest of your life. However, you should bear in mind that there’s a right and a wrong way to travel abroad and it’s all about your mindset. Lucky for you, we’re here with tips on how to achieve the right attitude while traveling. first trip overseas - Istanbul Grand Bazaar

1. Things are nothing like at home

This bears repeating into infinity: your first time traveling overseas is going to cause culture shock. It’s going to have you discover realities and cultures you’ve never seen before. It will amaze, scare, and tire you but, at the end of the day, you will love it for this. Don’t take this lightly: there are customs around the world that will come as a major surprise – did you know, for instance, that in parts of Asia, passing gas after a meal is considered the supreme compliment? There are plenty more ‘weird’ habits such as this one out there, so the key is to be prepared to meet them all without judgment.

2. Bargain, but do it cleverly

In some parts of the world, not bargaining for souvenirs or other purchases is considered an offense. Yes, that’s right: if you’re heading to Turkey or parts of the Middle East, you need to understand that the local vendors do expect you to bargain. It’s a social practice very deeply ingrained in their culture – only if you consider the over 3,000 shops in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, you’ll get a feel of what we mean. There is, of course, an art to bargaining, from the time of the day you choose (11:00 to 13:00 works best at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar), to how you play into the seller’s power plays. But, at the end of the day, it’s also an exercise in flexibility, and a skill that’s likely to help you get better deals back home, too.

3. Always try the food first trip overseas Chinese street food

Trying out local cuisines is probably one of the best parts about traveling overseas. From the amazing array of wines and cheeses in France, to some seriously weird street food in Singapore, Thailand, or China, it’s worth trying everything once (unless, of course, you have an allergy). The point is not to act reckless in order to look cool, but to stay open-minded and try to create as authentic an experience as possible. If you’re visiting Tuscany or Sicily, steer clear of the high-end fancy tourist trap restaurants. Invest in a visit to a restaurant with Michelin stars, if you can (but be warned that you probably need to book well in advance). Or, better yet, follow some locals and check out their favorite eateries: they will have you eating pasta and pizza like you never even knew existed!

4. Make friends

Go out to the public square with a bottle of the preferred local beverage: you’re guaranteed to meet interesting new people within minutes, and end up discovering new attractions, sharing tips and tales, and just soaking in the atmosphere. Alternatively, if you’re technologically inclined and bring along a mobile device while you travel, you can use an app like Trippal. This app will allow you to create and tag your own route and search for international travelers with the same route, or for local users of the app. You can share details of your trip with them, ask for advice, or even arrange to meet up, for socializing and making new friends during your first international trip. trippal app first trip overseas

5. Have insurance, will travel

No, we’re not trying to sell you anything here, except, perhaps a bit of common sense. No, no one wants to think about accidents, health hazards, and death risks when traveling abroad – especially if it’s their first time. However, you wouldn’t want to be faced with an exorbitant healthcare bill, if push comes to shove, would you? And the worst part is that you can’t even foretell and budget for those costs, according to industry analyses. In the United States, for instance, health care costs vary widely across areas. A routine dentist visit may cost you around $100, but it can go all the way up to $300. Get travel health insurance, because, let’s face it, you’d much rather spend the kind of money healthcare requires on more fun things.

6. Don’t try to see the whole world in one go

Since this is your first time overseas, you might be tempted to take a month, or even a gap year off, and spend six months in eighty different places on the world map. However, the best and most memorable travel experiences are never these, but the ones which allow you to spend a lot of time in fewer places. Think about it: the more destinations you try to cram into a single journey, the more bus terminals, airports, customs checks and visas you will require. And it’s not that you can’t pull off all these things, but, at the end of the journey, they will leave you feeling depleted of energy and zombie-like.

Why not try an approach like ethical traveling, which is partly based on eco-tourism? This can give you the jolt of excitement that multiple destinations can provide, but you would actually be spending a lot of time in one or a handful of places, working toward restoring the economical welfare of an area. Research says integrated ecotourism can generate up to 95 per cent in revenue for local economies.

7. Forget the comfort zone

The comfort zone is all well and good, for, well, comfort – but staying resolutely inside it at all times will do nothing for enriching your experiences. Ever though rice wine (which is 50 per cent alcohol, by the way) could be a good idea in the morning? In some parts of Asia, for instance, you’ll be hard-pressed to turn down an offer of the beverage, no matter how early in the day it may be for you, as this tale from Lintao, County Gansu, China, will tell you. No matter how convinced you are that you know what will happen, give everything a shot once. You never know what’s going to happen.