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Tips & Checklists

Here’s A Cruise Packing List That Won’t Make You Crazy

Seriously. A cruise packing list doesn't have to be hard.

FUN CRUISE FACT

Last year, 26 million people set sail on a cruise ship, or roughly the population of Georgia -- plus North and South Carolina.

people watching a show on a cruise ship


They floated the deep waters of the Caribbean, the luxurious rivers of Europe, or the icy brilliance of Alaska.

They travelled as singles, couples, or families with kids in tow.

It’s not as simple as it sounds. Because cruises often visit different counties with varying climates, it is important to know what to take with you before you set sail.

cruise ships on sail

Hunker down and settle in. Going on a cruise is exciting. If you've never been, the anticipation is probably already getting to you

You don't need to panic about your cruise packing list. Once you understand what you can and can't bring, the rest is common sense.

via GIPHY

THE BEST LUGGAGE FOR YOUR CRUISE DISAPPEARS

Unless you’re lucky enough to book a luxury suite for your cruise, the space you’ll stay in will be small.

It’s essential that you choose the right luggage for your cruise. Once empty, you will want luggage that folds up or stores easily in the small spaces provided.

It disappears, kind of.

Luckily, you can take along four types of luggage that are large enough to store all of your belonging, and small or versatile enough to tuck away in one of the cabin’s small spaces.

FOLDING GARMENT BAG

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Depending on the type of cruise you take, you may need to pack some formal clothes for your trip. Nothing is better for fancy dresses or tuxes than a folding garment bag.

Your clothes won’t get as wrinkled as they would in a traditional piece of luggage— and if they do, we’ve got a tip for you below!

Another plus to this type of bag is that it hangs in the closet when not in use. That will free up other storage space in your cabin.

Be sure to purchase a folding garment bag that has strong hooks and plenty of space for hangers.

SOFT SUITCASE ON WHEELS

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You should choose the largest soft roller suitcase that you can for this piece of luggage. A soft suitcase expands and lets you squeeze more into it.


There's a really good reason:

The wheels on the suitcase make it easier to get on and off the boat.


Once you unpack the suitcase, you should tuck it underneath the cabin furniture if possible, or if not, put it on the floor of your closet.

Toiletry or cosmetic bag

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To carry your shampoo, toothpaste, makeup, lotions, suntan oil, and other health and beauty items, tuck a toiletry or cosmetic bag inside of your suitcase.


You will want to carry along these items because most cruise lines don’t provide them in the cabin. You'll have to hit the Days Inn for that complimentary toothpaste before you depart.


The other option is to buy the sundries and toiletries you need onboard. That might -- get a little pricey.

DON'T FORGET YOUR BACKPACK

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When cruising, you will make excursions regularly.


A backpack serves two purposes in your cruise luggage:

First, it gives you more room to pack smaller items from your cruise packing list. You can easily fit blow dryers, curling irons, mini irons, books, and children’s toys in it.

But that's not all!

It will also come in handy when you go onshore for trip excursions.


Make sure your backpack contains plenty of pockets and compartments and is large enough to carry everything you'll need -- but not so big that it will hold you back...

FUN CRUISE FACT

Have you ever wondered why people call boats a “she?” No one knows for sure, but some speculate that it’s because many men name their ships after the woman they love. Others say it’s because people used to name ships after goddesses. But an anonymous writer summed up his thoughts in an off-color saying that hangs in vessel wardrooms across the U.S.:

​

“A ship is called a she because there is always a great deal of bustle around her; there is usually a gang of men about; she has a waist and stays; it takes a lot of paint to keep her good-looking; it is not the initial expense that breaks you, it is the upkeep; she can be all decked out; it takes an experienced man to handle her correctly; and without a man at the helm, she is absolutely uncontrollable. She shows her topsides, hides her bottom and, when coming into port, always heads for the buoys."

statue of a woman

THE ENDLESS VARIETY OF CRUISES

Not all cruises are the same: In fact, many cruise lines specialize in the types of cruises they offer.

Before you pack, make sure you're packing for the right trip.

gymnastics

FITNESS:

When getting away doesn't mean gaining 10 pounds

love

ROMANCE:

A cruise made for couples

toy

YOUNG KIDS:

Kid-focused cruises provide daycare and scores of activities for kids

senior couple

SENIORS:

Cruises for seniors are for relaxation and new connections

teen friendship

TEENS:

Offers things like onboard surfing and late-night pizza parties

shopping bag

LUXURY:

For people who want fine dining with a view from their stateroom

food diet

FOODIE:

Some cruise lines are partnering with celebrity chefs to offer foodie experiences

searching worldwide

ENRICHMENT:

A cross between fun and a learning experience.

party

PARTY:

Sit in a late-night piano bar or dance the night away on party-themed cruises.

man dancing

ENTERTAINMENT

These come with Disney shows, water-based acrobatics, ice skating performances, and even aerial performances.

beach

ONSHORE:

Intimate onshore evenings with a jazz quartet, helicopter rides, and local cultural events

swimming pool

WATER LOVERS:

Lots of water activities such as kayaking, banana boats, windsurfing, water skiing, and floating bars

solo

SOLOS:

Shared social spaces and meetups, and events for singles.

FUN CRUISE FACT

Did you know that one study suggests it may be just as affordable for seniors to retire on a cruise ship instead of an assisted living facility?

couple on a ship with their thumbs up

LET'S PACK!

Now that you know where you're going and what kind of cruise you're taking, It's time to pack.

cruise meme

We can forego the cruise packing list of things like socks, underwear, toothbrush, and mouthwash. While cruises are often "all-inclusive," they don't often provide any of the comforts of home.

Here's what you really need to consider:

Bring the things you need. Pack clothing appropriate for the climate you're cruising. Check with your cruise line and see if you should bring some formal wear for a posh dinner.

Covering the basics is no different from any other trip.

But, it's not a basic trip...

... it's a cruise!  So, yeah, there are some basic rules you'll want to follow to avoid problems.

NEVER PUT THESE IN YOUR CHECKED SUITCASE

When going on your cruise, you will have a carry-on bag as well as bags that you give the cruise line to take to your room. There are certain things you should never put in the suitcase that you hand over to the crew. Lost luggage and missing items aren't exclusive to airlines.

valuables
medication
books and documents

Valuables

Medication

Important Paper and Documents

It’s never a good idea to pack valuable in a suitcase that you can’t keep your eye on. The valuables could be damaged or stolen when the suitcase is out of your sight.

Remember, those locks don't do a whole lot to defend against the mighty ball-point:

If you pack your medication in your suitcase and it gets lost, you could be in serious trouble. Instead, when creating your cruise packing list, be sure to include medications in your carry-on bag, so it’s never out of your sight.

Remember to keep all valuables with you when making your cruise packing list, and that includes important papers and documents. Pack these in your carry-on to ensure they don’t get lost.


DON'T BE THAT PERSON - LEAVE THIS STUFF HOME

sports equipment

Sports Equipment

Not all cruise lines allow passengers to take sports equipment on board, so it’s important that you check with yours. That includes things like baseball bats, skateboards, or surfboards.

walkie talkie

Walkie-Talkies, Ham Radios

Not all cruise lines allow passengers to take walkie-talkies or ham radios onboard. But some will allow very simple walkie-talkies. Check with your cruise line if you plan to take these items onboard.

bottle of rum

Alcohol

Cruise lines don’t allow passengers to take alcohol onto the ship, so don’t put any in your suitcase. Remember, the cruise line personnel screens your bags, and you don’t want to start your adventure on the wrong foot.

illegal drugs

Drugs

It’s a no-brainer that you should never pack illegal drugs in your suitcase when going on a cruise, but did you know that your perfectly legal medication may be illegal in another country? For example, codeine is illegal in Dubai. Be safe and check your destination countries websites to find out if any of your medications are illegal there.

flammable object

Anything You Can Light

When taking a cruise, you’re not allowed to have an open flame in your cabin. That means you shouldn’t pack candles, incense holders, or anything else that would meet this standard.

coffee maker

Coffee Makers, Irons, and Percolators

Cruise lines don’t allow passengers to take and plug in certain electronics such as coffee maker and irons. You will find irons in the laundry room of the ship, and you can get coffee at breakfast or in a lounge.

knife weapon

Weapons

Cruise ships don’t allow passengers to take any type of weapon on board, especially guns and knives.

FUN CRUISE FACT

After Hurricane Katrina wrecked New Orleans, Tulane University brought in a cruise ship to house 150 of its students until they rebuilt the campus. Those lucky students spent five months on the MV Dream Ship from Europe.

group of happy people

UNUSUAL ITEMS THAT MAKE YOUR CRUISE FANTASTIC

When searching for things to include in your cruise packing list, you need to go to the experts who have been on many cruises. They understand what’s needed to make your cruise all it can be. And that’s why we searched out this list of unusual items that should make your cruise packing list — but you won’t find them on most cruise packing list sites.

  • Single-use laundry packs
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Shoe organizer
  • Dental repair kit
  • Small umbrella or rain poncho
  • Ear plugs and eye cover
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Your own pillow
  • Downloaded movies and books
  • Lanyard for room key and ID
  • Your own tea or coffee
  • Wrinkle-release spray

Also, if you are a woman, don't forget feminine products if you use them. That is definitely not something you want to have to purchase while on the ship. Besides, it's just annoying when you forget them.

FUN CRUISE FACT

The MV Lyubov Orlova is a Russian cruise ship that retired in 2010 after sailing for 30 years. She was sold for parts, but on the way, a storm hit, she came loose, and she hasn’t been seen since. The last time anyone saw her was on February 23, 2013, about 1,300 miles off of Iceland’s West Coast.

MV Lyubov Orlova cruise ship

TECH AND GADGETS TO PACK FOR YOUR CRUISE

In addition to practical things like lanyards and laundry detergent, you should take along some gadgets and tech items to make the most of your trip. Read the list below and decide which items you will add to your cruise packing list.

man sitting on chair using a laptop
  • Selfie stick
  • Waterproof camera or video camera
  • ​Flexible tripod
  • Binoculars
  • Mini speakers
  • ​A USB charger and power strip
  • Waterproof smartphone case
  • RFID wallet
  • Smartphone projector
  • Language translator
  • Wireless keyboard

You might also want to bring your laptop with you just in case an emergency comes up at work and you need to work from your cabin for a little bit. Just make sure that you do not obsess about work. You're on vacation; you should enjoy yourself.

cruise packing list: DON'T GO OVERBOARD

FUN CRUISE FACT

Cruise ships store an incredible amount of food per trip. For instance, Crystal Symphony’s 10-day food supply weighs in at an impressive 60 tons. Cruise lines go through about 2,550 eggs a day, 28,730 shrimp a week, and some lines use 2,000 recipes for a 7-day cruise.

carnival buffets

3 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU PACK YOUR CLOTHES

Every cruise itinerary is different, and to complicate things even more, each cruise line has a dress code.

But we’ve put together a sample cruise packing list of the essential clothes every woman should consider taking—and broken them down into the type of day and activity you’ll wear them for.

SEA DAYS

Days aboard the ship at sea are casual and include lots of indoor and outdoor activities. You'll need typical vacation wear, like swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts and tank-tops, hats, flip-flops, and sunglasses.

Excursion DAYS

Island hopping and ports of call mean a little more cover. Maxi dresses or shorts and a t-shirt are perfect for excursion days, but be sure to include comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or wrap in case temperatures drop.

EVENING DINNERS

Most cruises offer at least one opportunity to dress formal for dinner, and others may actually require it. The dress code for your cruise will depend on your cruise line.

Make sure you read your literature, check the websites and do all the research you need to ensure that dinner with the Captain is a memorable event.


The bottom line on clothing is, know your climate. The cruise company will have recommendations for the type of clothing you should have handy.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware." - Martin Buber

HOW TO USE PACKING CUBES TO MAXIMIZE SPACE

To save space, make use of packing cubes in your luggage.

These ingenious cubes help you make the most of your luggage space. The individual cubes consist of a soft mesh fabric with a zipper.

packing things and organize in a travel bag

To make the most of them, fold your clothes and then roll them up slicing them into the cube one by one. If you zip up the packing cube more each time you add a garment, it will help maximize the space and make the process easier.

HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Yes, there is always the chance that your trip isn't a complete escape. You may have to bring -- the children.

If so, don't fret. Cruise ships are typically family-friendly. Some even specialize in taking the kids so you can enjoy yourselves as adults.

cruise packing list for vacation


Still, the time will come to go back to the cabin, and you want your little ones to be as happy as possible. Make sure you remember the staples to help keep them happy.

  • A portable tub
  • Quiet time activities for when you want some downtime
  • Medicines​
  • Umbrella stroller
  • Sun protection
  • Beach toys
  • Sippy cups
  • Nightlight
  • Portable video game system
  • Blankie or favorite stuffed animal
  • Wireless keyboard

NOW GO - ENJOY YOURSELF

We hope you've enjoyed scrolling through our little look into how easy and fun it can actually be to put together a cruise packing list.

via GIPHY

A cruise is a great vacation that will bring to places you've only dreamed of seeing. Trying to think of all the things you might need when you get there can be stressful.

The best thing to do is to eliminate the things you don't need and the things you can't bring. Focus on making sure you'll be comfortable above all else.

Do these things and doublecheck your cruise packing list before you go and you're on your way to a successful voyage.

via GIPHY

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

The 30 Essential Travel Items Checklist

One’s traveling style has a lot to do with one’s personality, if you ask me. However, no matter if you like to travel light, or to make sure you have all the comfort you need at your disposal, there are certain items you should always remember to pack and take along. If you’re an avid traveler like myself, I bet there are going to be some interesting items for you, on my ultimate checklist of essential travel items. Read on, and let me know what you think.

1. Speaker for iPhone

You will need a speaker for your iPhone when traveling, simply because the smart phone will work as a sort of headquarters to all your  Mini Portable Speaker with Rechargeable Battery and Enhanced Bass Resonatoroperations. I’m not going to get into what a hassle it is to lose or have your iPhone stolen (or to lose it) when traveling abroad – suffice to say that, without speakers listening to your favorite music, having long conversations over Skype or watching your favorite show from back home is far, far more tiring and less satisfactory.

You can take your media all over the world with you and turn any hotel room into your living room. It’s never just you who’s traveling, it’s all your friends, your songs, and your movies and shows. Remember that next time you start packing.  Travel speakers are quite small, and most often designed to able to live in your luggage.

2. Travel light -Luggage Scale

I can’t possibly stress how important this is. The best way to approach this is to check out baggage weight conditions on the website of each airline you’re going to be flying. They tend to differ greatly, especially across continents (that’s mostly because commercial airlines in Europe are smaller than in the U.S., so they have less room for luggage). It’s also a good idea to measure your luggage, since cabin baggage size also matters.

SONY DSC

What happens if you don’t pay attention to baggage weight? You essentially get two options: you can either leave some things behind at the airport, or you can pay extra, in order to be allowed to carry everything. Hint: those extra charges run high, especially on low-cost airlines. Think around $40-50. Sometimes, I have been known to pick up a souvenir or two along the way.  That changes the weight of my bags, and I need to make sure the weight is distributed to meet the airline’s requirements.  A small, light-weight luggage scale like the one to the left becomes essential for me, and I have also had the joy of sharing it with other travelers waiting in line, and madly repacking suitcases.  And it’s also a flashlight.

3.   Bottle stopper

Wine bottle stopper
Zyliss Bottle Stopper Image via finishlinestudios.com

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to experience the local cuisine and drinks. Now, if you take a trip across Europe, for instance, you’ll be amazed at all the different varieties of great wines they have in many countries there – and this also applies to parts of the United States, South America, and Africa. Now, as pleasurable as a good bottle of wine can be, at the end of a long day spent exploring, there are few things more infuriating than struggling to shove the cork back down the bottle’s neck. And it’s a shame to throw away perfectly good wine, in case you don’t manage to finish the bottle all in one evening. Since polishing whole bottles each night isn’t exactly a good idea either (at least not all the time…), a bottle stopper can turn into your best friend, for wine-infused evenings abroad. And make sure to get one that clicks securely shut.  Often you will want to put the partial bottle in the small refrigerator laying on its side.  PS: They tend to be small, so make sure you put them on a checklist in order not to forget them.

4.   iPad camera connector

Of course you’re going to take pictures when traveling – and you’re going to be taking lots of them, too. The iPad tends to produce a better quality viewing experience than most digital cameras, thanks to its ample screen size, which is why I usually prefer to employ the tablet. There’s just one tiny issue to take into consideration: the fact that, without an Apple camera connector, there’s no way I can download my pics and vids onto the tablet.

04 iPad camera connector

When I forget to pack the connector, I need to free up space on my camera’s memory card, or purchase more memory. So I try not to forget to pack the iPad camera connection kit. It’s tiny and makes it very easy to instantly download my travelogue photos and videos onto the tablet. I can then share them with family and friends back home and it’s far easier to keep up with the progress of my journey like this.

5. Listerine breath stripslisterine breath strips for travel

Fresh breath is never optional, no matter where I travel to, how outdoorsy the experience, or how remote the location. However, in some situations, it’s next to impossible to brush my teeth, which is why Listerine breath strips come in very handy. FYI, they’re available in four different flavors and dissolve instantly in your mouth – so you don’t have to ruin your stomach or keep chewing inelegantly, as is the case with chewing gum.

They also tend to last longer, in terms of effects, than mouthwash and most other dental hygiene solutions for when you’re on the go. Tip: they’re not available all over the world, since it seems most Listerine fans are U.S. or Australia based, so if you’re planning to leave the continent, remember to always pack a big batch in your luggage.

6. Soap box

Since we’re on the topic of hygiene, let’s consider it a little while longer. In some cases, you just need your own favorite brand of soap. Maybe you’ve got ultra-sensitive skin and want to avoid getting it even drier because of travel and using other types of toiletries. Maybe you’re camping or making your way from hostel to hostel, with limited access to toiletries in the first place.

soap box for travelers

A soap box will help you deal with all these issues without a snag. They’re compact and keep your soap dry, ready for use whenever you need it. They’re easier to pack along than shower gel bottles and safer, in terms of making sure they don’t spill or run in your luggage – and, no, you don’t want your clothes all sudsy because of an improperly closed bottle of shower gel. Finally, they help you avoid having to look for a supermarket and buying a new bar of soap in every location, allowing you to spend more time exploring the area.

PS.  Tide also makes a bar soap for clothes washing, but we have only found it overseas.  When we see it, we buy a couple bars.  And then the soap box becomes a way to transport your clothes washing bar – but try to get a different color box, so you don’t take a shower with your clothes washing bar.

7.   Reading lightreading light for books on the go, traveling

One of my favorite ways to catch some shuteye, be it in a hotel room, a tent, an airport lounge, or a plane, is by letting my magazines lull me to sleep with their words and stories. Reading never fails to transport me into an alternate reality – in a way, I love it because it’s very similar to traveling, only it allows you to take flights of fancy, instead of actual flights.

However, the light in hotel rooms is sometimes too bright. Airplanes can be pitch dark, when you fly at night and you’re the only one who wants to read, while everyone else is trying to sleep. Alternatively, maybe you want to explore a map in the dark and forgot to pack a flashlight (who does, these days, anyway?). A compact, yet powerful reading light will save you in each and every single one of these situations.

8.   Wine opener

Remember what I was saying earlier, about enjoying wine while traveling? I know I do, and that’s why I never leave home without a wine opener. Yes, a dedicated tool for opening bottles of wine, because sometimes your Swiss army knife won’t be able to handle the cork on some bottles. Since I don’t want to have to struggle with this process too much, nor do I want to risk breaking my Swiss knife, I simply take a wine opener along.

wine opener waiters corkscrew

It also saves me the trouble of having to go down to the hotel’s front desk in the middle of the night, asking them to lend me their own opener. And when it comes to enjoyment, believe me, it pays off to come prepared. I personally prefer a compact opener, which doesn’t take up too much space in my luggage.  And remember not to put it in your carry-on luggage, airline security frowns on such devices.

9.  Cardsdeck of playing cards for travel

It may seem old-fashioned for some, nowadays, in the day and age of apps, games, devices, tablets, and online gaming. However, I never forget to bring along a pack of good old playing cards. Why? Because they allow for actual in-person socialization. Because, no matter where I travel to, there’s always someone willing to join in on a card game I know, or teach me a game I’ve never heard of.

Cards are easy to pack along, don’t take up that much space and they provide the perfect opportunity for meeting people and making new friends across different cultures. They will strike up conversations, make entire evenings more animated and fun, and never require being recharged, like all your gadgets do. To boot, when you play cards, you actually save battery life on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or whatever other electronic gizmo you’d decided to bring along.

10. Laundry line

I tend to travel for long spans of time, from one country to the next, from one exotic destination to the other. If I’m away for a few days only and expecting a major event, like a formal dinner, business meeting, or family affair (a wedding, for instance), I will take my formal attire to the dry cleaners. In other situations, however, I prefer to do my own laundry at a local laundromat. And then there are places I’ve visited, where there were no washing machines or dry cleaners to speak of.

laundry line outdoor drying for travelers

So, what was I supposed to do – toss out my dirty laundry and buy new, clean clothes? No, the solution is far simpler than that. I just remember to pack along a laundry line, whenever I travel. Like most other items on this list of essentials, it barely takes up any space in the luggage and it’s always easy to find a place to put it up and hang out my freshly washed clothes to dry. And, presto: I always have clean clothes in the morning

11. Scented candle

You may think that packing along a scented candle is optional, but for me, it’s actually an essential. There are many things with which this item helps. It creates a cozier, homier atmosphere, even in the most remote or impersonal hotel rooms. It freshens up the stodgy air in those rooms. It helps me relax and invites meditation. It’s great for creating a mood, if this should be the case on a particular evening.

Since scents create very powerful associations, bringing along a scented candle, no matter where I travel, is like packing a very important, ineffable part of home. I always remember to stock up on my favorite brand and scents when I return back home, then slip one into my bag as I head out the door to the airport. Bonus: scented candles also help ward off mosquitoes in the more pest-infested parts of the world.

  12. Overseas phoneoverseas travel phone

Since I can’t fathom traveling without a cell phone in my pocket, I’ve made it a point to invest in a calling device that I only use overseas. In most countries in the world today, it is relatively easy to buy pre-paid SIM cards for that particular country.  Depending on the country, on your pre-paid SIM you might get very good rates for calling back to your home country, but the main purpose is to be able to call locally and stay connected to your travel partner.  So, you want to make sure that the pre-paid SIM you buy in-country has SMS capabilities.  When you buy your travel cell phone, make sure you get a quad-band phone; that will insure that you can use it in most parts of the world.

13. iPhone telephoto lensiphone telephoto lens for travel photography

Indeed, I do travel with a special international phone for voice calls, but I also pack along my iPhone, because it makes connecting via Wi-Fi very easy – and also because I love taking pictures with it. And, speaking of picture taking, you haven’t lived (nor used its iPhone to the full extent of its picture taking capabilities) until you’ve tried the iPhone telephoto lens. Yes, professional photographers may sneer, but you’ll be laughing in their faces, too, when they see the results. The lens is easy to attach to your phone via an iPhone case, and the telephoto powers it lends to your device span the 8x-12x range. In terms of how easy it is to pocket, there’s no comparison between this iPhone lens and a typical telephoto lens – a 500m Sigma, for instance, is a monster compared to this tiny fellow. You will love what this lens is able to do with panoramic shots, taken off hills, roofs, or on the shores of the ocean.  And how easy it is living in your pocket, and easily attaching for that perfect long range shot.

14. Swiss army knife fork spoon

It might seem like the total traveler’s cliché, but I do like living up to it. I never leave home without my trusty Swiss army knife (again, packed in my checked luggage). However, since I prefer dedicated tools to those that promise to do a lot of things (and usually do them poorly), I keep my selection of Swiss army knife on the simple side. All I want mine to do is double as a spoon, a fork, and a knife. I really like wandering through grocery stores in foreign lands.

swiss army knife

With this handy little tool I never have to worry about how I’m going to consume my lunch, no matter how impromptu it may be, or how unlikely the location is for dining. My advice, in this respect, is to steer clear of those ads that promise to sell you a packed toolbox, in the form of a Swiss army knife. If you’re the kind who does need some hardware tools around, too, when traveling, check out the Multi-man tool below. For your choice of Swiss army knife, though, keep things stripped down to the bare essentials.

15. Multi-man toolmulti man tool

As I was saying above, I’m not the kind to oppose multipurpose tools out of principle – in fact, I’m partial to them, since my traveling often has me fixing things, adjusting them, or making them work on the go, right after they’ve broken down for some reason. Yet, instead of a Swiss army knife, I opt for a Multi-man tool, which packs all the essentials I need. In my case, these are pliers, a carabineer and a wire cutter. In your case, however, they might differ, so my advice is this: figure out what you usually need when traveling. Know your needs, then go browsing online. The selection of multi-man tools, currently available for sale online and off- is massive. It’s guaranteed to bring you to just the combo of tools you need, be they blades, bottle openers, screwdrivers, or whatever else. I did once forget my tool at home and had to deal with a broken zipper without it – but since that experience turned out to be far harder than I may have ever imagined, I’ve learned my lesson and made it a point to always check if I’ve packed the multi-man tool along.

16. Rubber bands rubber bands for travel

Some of the best inventions in the world are also the simplest: duct tape, Post-It notes, and, if you ask me, the same goes for rubber bands. They will work in just about any situation in which you want to make things stick together. Of course, they won’t hold as well as glue or sewing, but sometimes, when you’re out on the road a lot, there’s just no time or place to take care of things thoroughly. In such situations, keeping a bunch of simple rubber bands around is a great fix. I personally use them to separate different types of foreign currency, when traveling to many countries as part of the same itinerary, but I’ve also found myself tying and binding many other items together. In a sense, remembering to bring rubber bands along when traveling just goes to show how such experiences teach you a priceless lesson in resourcefulness.

17. Backup disk

I can’t possibly stress how important my electronic data is to me. When I travel, I’m basically packing along my entire life, all in one single laptop. Having that laptop mysteriously break down in some remote country or exotic location would be a hassle, to put it mildly. That’s why I’ve made a small investment (compared to how much peace of mind it brings), into an external hard-drive. I use this disk to back up all my information, before, during, and after traveling.

17 backup disk

It also helps with taking pictures, since particularly long and/or spectacular journeys often have me taking pictures or recording videos in the hundreds of GBs. I usually pack the backup disk in my cabin luggage and try to keep it on me as much as possible. However, for situations in which this is simply not feasible, I’ve also bought a shock-proof case for the drive. This helps put my mind at ease when flying overseas, since baggage handlers do tend to sometimes manhandle your bags. With the case, though, I know that, whatever happens, my data is completely safe.

Western Digital MyPassport- 500GB

18. Connecting cords

As you may have already noticed, I’m a big Apple fan: I own and use an iPhone, iPad, and Mac laptop. What all these devices have in common is the famous white Apple connecting cord, which I never leave home without. It’s essential for transferring data from one device to the next, but it can also help with restoring some battery life when traveling. For instance, there are occasions when I know there won’t be a plug available for a long time – and that’s when I whip out my laptop, connect the iPhone, the iPad, or both, to the laptop via the data transfer cable, and make sure I’m covered, in terms of battery life, at least for a little while longer.

connecting cords for phone and laptop

Battery life notwithstanding, though, I can think of few other things which are more important to me when traveling than this little cable. Without it (and without a Wi-Fi connection), I have no way of downloading data out of my mobile devices – and I prefer to avoid using the Bluetooth function. It also comes in handy for creating a hotspot, when I absolutely must use my laptop and have no Wi-Fi or cable Internet connection around.  And because they are very light and easy to pack, and I sometimes forget them in a hotel room, I also take a second cable in my luggage.

19. Backup power supply

And speaking of essential Apple products, I can pretty much say the same thing about my laptop’s backup power supply.

backup power supply for phone and laptop

It makes me feel more secure, in the event that I might lose the first one, or that it might get lost during lengthy and complex luggage transfers. Traveling without it might not seem like a big deal for many, but, as you may have already realized it, I like to travel prepared. In the case of the backup power supply, it stems from a particularly long journey across Europe, during which my power supply got, well… misplaced, and I had to spend serious money on a second one. I’ve learned my lesson and now know never to leave home without it.

20. Electric Travel Adapters and extension cordelectric travel adaptor

This one is almost a no-brainer: if you’re from North America or Australia and are planning to travel to just about any other place in the world (mostly to Europe and parts of Asia), you are going to be lost without electric travel adapters. I also add a handy extension cord, for cables that are simply too short – one such cable is the connection cable for my iPhone and iPad.  By adding the extension cord with multiple sockets on the one end, then I only need a single adapter, plug in the extension cord, and have 3 or 4 sockets to use for my various devices.

I use electric travel adapters purchased in a set, like the one pictured here, because they cover for absolutely all types of plugs I’ve come across in my journeys. There is literally no type of plug known to and made by man that this set won’t make usable for a North American. Of course, if you do happen to forget them, it’s likely that you can purchase a set on arrival in most urban locations. However, they are overpriced abroad and far more affordable if you simply remember to buy them back home and pack them into your suitcase.

21. Inflatable Hangers

inflatable hangers for travelWhen you do your laundry in your hotel room, you most often need to hang the laundry to dry.  If that laundry is a shirt or a top, and you hang it on a plastic hanger, you will most often end up with unseemly creases in the most unusual places.  And even worse, if all that is available are metal hangers, you might even end up with rust stains.  Inflatable hangers are an easy answer.  Light weight, easy to pack, and re-pack.  You inflate them when you need them, and remove the air to pack.  These were a later refinement to our packing list after about four years of travel.

 

22. Travel locktravel lock for personal belongings

You can be the most trusting person out there, but you will still need a travel lock when you are out on the road as much as I am. Think endless luggage transfers, countless hands that touch and handle your belongings, and missed connections. I want to make absolutely sure that my bags and their contents are safe, even if I always pack my most valuable possessions in my cabin luggage or carry-on. My travel lock of choice is a rather traditional one, with a numeric combination for a code.  But make sure to get one that is TSA approved, that way you won’t have the authorities cutting it off and leaving you lock-less.

If you’re more verbally inclined, you can opt for one that carries a combination of letters – but the most important thing you need to look at is just how safe and sturdy the lock is. As for mine, I tried picking it myself, when I thought I’d forgotten my code. Needless to say, I didn’t manage to, but, luckily, I was able to retrieve the code and open it the orthodox way.

23.Computer lock

computer lock for laptops Along those same lines, my computer lock is much more important than my travel lock. Though I always make sure to have all my information backed up in the cloud and on external hard drives before and during my trips, I still wouldn’t want my computer and all the priceless information on it to end up in the wrong hands.

The Internet is already filled with such stories, some of them alarming, some humorous, but I still wouldn’t want to chance such a fate. The protection I carry for my computer is three-fold: there’s a physical lock on it, a password to my hard-drive, and also an app installed that will track down the device no matter where it ends up in the world. I also periodically archive and encrypt the highly sensitive information on my machine, just to make absolutely sure it’s as safe as can be.

24. Socks to go over shoessocks to go over shoes for travel

When packing shoes in your luggage, especially when you may have other hard items, such as electronics, or gifts or anything else, you would prefer that your shoes don’t get scuffed.   And at the same time, you would prefer your clean clothes not be exposed to the the soles of your shoes.  So to protect your clothes from your shoes, and your shoes from other objects, simply cover your shoes with socks.  Since the socks you use are likely to get dirty from the shoes, we don’t use socks we plan to wear, but use socks we keep for this very purpose.  If you ever fly Business or First class, save those little footies, as they are very stretchy, and seem to be just the thing for this purpose.

25. Laundry Soap sheets

Perhaps one of the biggest inventions since bread came sliced, these laundry soap sheets make keeping your clothes clean a breeze when traveling. Not only are they biodegradable and entirely safe, but they’re also far easier to carry around when traveling than a bar of soap. They dissolve almost instantly when they come into contact with water and leave you with a handful of suds and bubbles.

laundry soap sheets for travel

I like to pack them along for more rugged trips, when I know access to conventional toiletries is going to be difficult. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a fun little anecdote for you: during a tour of France, there was a small mishap at one of the first hotels where I was staying. Long story short, all my clothes ended up reeking of smoke and had to be washed. A single soap sheet managed to clean a pair of pants, a t-shirt and two pairs of socks. Q.e.d.?

26. Kindlekindle for reading while traveling

As much as I love printed books, there’s also a lot to be said about the convenience of carrying a Kindle for reading when you travel. They’re small, light, and can literally pack all the world’s literary heritage inside. I particularly like the look and feel of my own Kindle, which allows me to look up words, is easy on the eyes and can be customized, too. For those which prefer not to carry too much technology with them when traveling, there’s also the option of downloading the Kindle app, which works on any computer, smartphone or tablet. However, if you’re a dedicated reader like myself, investing in a Kindle will do you a world of good. This is especially true since it rids you of any issues with getting a new book while traveling, in case you finished the one you’d packed along. With Kindle it’s incredibly easy to simply download any title you want, just about anywhere. I also have a few magazine subscriptions set up on mine, which allow me to remain up-to-speed with the goings-on in my fields of interest.  And the backlighting means never having to worry if there is a lamp on your side of the bed.

27. Bill Paying Service

There are plenty of options to making sure the bills are all taken care of when you travel. Personally, I like to manage mine as I go along, off my smartphone – especially since there’s a bunch of great apps, both from banks, as well as from utility providers.

bill paying service while you travel

However, you can also set up your card for automatic monthly withdrawals, straight from your account into those of your utility providers. Since I’m sometimes away for a whole month, this helps me make sure I never fall behind with any payments and am then forced to return to a house without Internet, or who knows what else.

28. Phone setups for overseas travelphone setups for overseas travel

Setting up your phone for traveling abroad largely depends on your needs, traveling style and duration of your stay. For instance, I choose to always reset my data counts when traveling, in order to keep my data transfer limits in check (those costs do tend to run somewhat high). I also make sure I have all my favorite travel apps installed on all devices: smartphone, tablet, and laptop. As I mentioned earlier, I have a permanent overseas voice call subscription, but you may only want to activate yours for specific durations of time, depending on where you’re traveling to, how long you plan on staying there, and the purpose of your voyage. Last but not least, I deactivate apps that I know will eat up battery life while traveling, if they’re not specifically useful for me during the course of that voyage.

29. GPS flash card for European maps

I don’t always rent cars for driving across Europe during my travels there, but when I do, I always take along my my personal GPS and flash card for the continent I will be in. In fact, of late I’ve included it on my checklist of essential travel items for each voyage, since these maps now also come in handy when I use local public transport systems, walk, or hike. They do tend to be somewhat expensive, but they’ll save you a fortune on traditional, printed maps, and, on the plus side, you rarely ever have to worry about the maps being outdated with a GPS flash card: some of the higher-end options even provide real-time traffic updates.

GPS flash drive for European travel

Alternatively, you can use a mobile app for the same purpose, with the same results. My only advice is to make sure you shop around and check out product reviews, because you definitely don’t want to end up in the middle of Europe with a map that has nothing to do with the reality of your surroundings.

 

30. Skype for calls back homeskype for calls back home

Believe me, the good people over at Skype aren’t paying me to tell you this, but there’s really no comparing their mobile application with any other VoIP service out there. It comes in extremely handy when trying to get in touch with someone calling you from back home. You can also use the PC application and call people for free, or make paid calls from your mobile device, at the lowest rates ever. They don’t cater to absolutely all the countries in the world, but their list of supported locations is ample and likely to satisfy even the most avid and active globetrotters. I know I’ve never had any complaints with the quality of their services, so I always make sure to update the app each time they come out with a new version.  Get it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.

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.

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.

Packing Your Bags

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Packing for Trips/Cruises/Overseas Journeys/Local Trips

Magazines routinely run articles on how to pack. I’ve read quite a few of them and each time I encounter one I wonder if the writer has actually traveled, or just excerpted all the previous articles.  Here are my packing tips.  Whether you are going overseas or vacationing in the next state is irrelevant other than the airline weight restrictions.

  1. How you pack is dependent on how you travel. For instance, if you are going from home to one destination (whether on land or a cruise ship) it makes no difference how you pack as long as you can zip your suitcase. If you will be making a series of stops  I advise arranging your suitcase so that you need disturb the minimum number of layers. Repacking everyday is a nuisance best avoided, even if it means washing out your unmentionables nightly.
  2. The great divide: to lay flat or roll.  Contrary to the experts, I have found it makes little difference, things pretty much take up the same amount of room. Rolling wrinkles them worse, so I pack flat.  It’s up to you.
  3. Many articles will advise packing your clothes in tissue paper to prevent wrinkles.  I just use other clothes to pad those which wrinkle badly.  Works fine and takes no additional space. Besides, after a couple weeks that tissue is a wreck.#3. Packing for Overseas travel versus US travel.  Having done a great deal of both, I see no difference in the process. You may have stricter weight restrictions on overseas flights, but you are still packing clothes and other assorted items into a case. Whether the clothes include ball gowns or wet suits isn’t really the issue.
  4. As you pack the bag, fill in all the air spaces (suitcase corners, insides of shoes, space between stacks of clothes) with smaller items which either don’t wrinkle or you don’t care about: underwear, bathing suits, PJs.
  5. The articles always seem to assume that you will only be carrying clothes.  I have lived out of suitcases for years on end and can attest that I carry more than clothes.  I pack those things which will make me comfortable while living in a hotel and those items can be weighty, bulky and eat up space. (See Travel checklists)
  6. I consider packing light the most crucial element if I have to handle my luggage repeatedly.  Better to do laundry more often, wear the same clothes…whatever it takes to reduce the load. Twenty years ago I took a large 28” suitcase for a multi-month trip. I just returned from a two month voyage on which I took a 24” bag. The next one will be carry on size. You need fewer things than you think you do.  Always.

Checklist for Traveling Overseas

The list below is arranged in categories, with some description of the issues for each category. This is a generic list, that is, it tries to cover the required ground, and should give you ideas for what you want to add, but is not comprehensive.
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Planning: Is this your first trip overseas? Planning to travel around the world?

  1. Travel Agent: When to use a travel agent: Is this your first trip overseas?
  2. Passport: What countries do you need a passport for? For US citizens, the answer is almost everywhere. You can get away in Mexico and Canada and on some cruises with a Passport Card, but why do something that has limited usage.
  3. Budget: Estimate the basics: flights, other transportation, accommodations, food, visas, immunizations, insurance
  4. Where to Go: How to decide where to travel. If it is your first trip overseas, go somewhere easy: somewhere that speaks your language, someplace that has a culture similar to your own.

  5. Passports & Visas: What countries do you need a passport for? Now, the answer is almost always. Exceptions: Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Caribbean cruise travel, beginning and ending on same ship, does NOT require a passport. Travel by Land or Sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands – you still need at least a Passport Card. Regarding Visitors Visa questions: FIRST check the consular section for each country you are thinking about traveling to. Then decide if you need help with your visas. If you do, try a site like https://www.visahq.com NOTE: visas can be expensive, especially if you use a service like VisaHQ.
  6. Do you need immunizations?: check out the CDC at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
  7. Review the best international travel sites: www.TripAdvisor.com is certainly one of my go to generic sites. I also use www.wikivoyage.com when I know the country I’m interested in, but want an overview of the places within the country I might be interested in.
  8. What will you do with your home, bills and other obligations while you are away?: Turn off newspaper delivery, put a hold on mail, make arrangements for your pets
  9. Insurance: Do you need medical insurance to travel abroad? Does a travelers insurance policy cover everything I need it to?

  10. Check you own medical insurance policy to see if you are covered overseas.
  11. Make your own determination of your likelihood (probability, usually expressed as a percentage chance) of needing trip protection.
  12. If you need medical insurance for travel abroad or a travelers insurance policy, use the internet to do a search for what you might need.
  13. Packing: Luggage packing tips abound on the internet, and on this site. My maxims are:

  14. To pack as light as possible to give me the most flexibility and the least hassle.
  15. To plan on doing laundry, so pack far fewer clothes.
  16. Try to get away with 2 pairs of shoes, the ones you wear to the plane and one more.
  17. If this isn’t your first rodeo, then keep a list of all the things you forgot on previous trips.
  18. If losing a particular piece of gear would leave you unable to do what you want, AND you think it would be difficult to replace on the road, consider a backup. Eg., I do not take a backup computer plug if I’m going to the capitals of Europe, but I do when going to the mountains in Sri Lanka.
  19. Flying: It’s a long way to Tipperary. I don’t use the miles I earn on various credit cards and airlines to get free trips. I use those miles to get upgrades from Economy to Business Class. It makes all the difference in the world on a 10 hour trip.

  20. If you travel once a year overseas, or multiple times inside your home country, you should try to maximize your loyalty miles on one airline and/or one credit card that gives you miles.
  21. Accommodations: This is likely to be the most expensive item for your trip; more than the flights. Spend your time here making sure you know what is important to you in the place you stay, and looking for deals.

  22. www.booking.com has become my go to site for checking prices and amenities for hotels. They offer decent prices, sometimes very good prices, but importantly they allow me to select by amenities, and location, and review score AND they have one of the widest selection of hotels in very small locations.
  23. But particularly when I expect to stay in one place for a week or more, I have gone with www.airbnb.com , a home sharing/renting site. I’m not much into sharing a bedroom in someone’s home, the least expensive, but renting an apartment outright is often much less expensive than a hotel.
  24. What to See & Do: Spend some time, just reading about the place you want to visit. Read from enough different sites, that you begin seeing the similarities and the special places that one site might mention. Keep in mind, that if 2 or 3 different sites mention a place to see, that you are likely to see many other tourists there.

  25. The aforementioned sites: www.TripAdvisor.com and www.WikiVoyage.com are excellent places to identify key sights that you don’t want to miss.
  26. BUT, don’t go to far down their lists. Instead map your own adventures to try to find out how the locals live. Transform yourself from Tourist to Traveler. One of the best ways to do that is to find “interesting” restaurants, but make it an adventure trip that takes you through neighborhoods and stores and places where locals do their daily business.
  27. What to Eat: If you enjoy eating and trying new foods, this can be the most important part of a trip abroad. If you are a picky eater, then try to read about local foods ahead of time, to find the menu items that do appeal to you and those that don’t. But enjoy the total restaurant experience of new foods and trying to communicate with waiters what you do and don’t want. It is part of the adventure.

  28. You have travelled thousands of miles to see and experience this new culture and place. McDonalds is not going to give you that feel for a new country that is probably the reason you went in the first place.
  29. Find out what the local specialties are: try a Google search with the country name and the word “foods”, eg, “Sri Lankan foods”
  30. Then in your search for restaurants, look to see what mentions they give to the foods you found in your search.
  31. Recording Memories: Maybe you are going to share them with the person you take the trip with. Maybe you will run it as a screen saver on your TV or computer. Or maybe you just want something to jog your memory of a memorable experience. Taking pictures or videos (and sometimes voice recordings) is easier than ever.

  32. In my early years traveling I had an SLR camera and multiple lenses, filters, etc. and the camera bag to tote it all with. But the issue became, the hassle of carrying it everywhere. So now I travel with my iPhone, that I carry anyway, and my pics are shown to friends on my 56” TV in my home suffering no problems from being blown up. My phone/camera is always available, and I’m able to take a pic on a moments notice. And video too.
  33. Sharing with Friends: I find that developing a sharing format, also makes it much more likely that I will review the trip for myself at a later date. Keeping a journal or writing just a simple comment about each picture, also provides a context that becomes more valuable the further away from the trip I get.

  34. Do you remember years ago, a friend would invite you over to see their slides from a recent trip, and you would sit through hundreds of slides showing Jimmy in 6 different poses? Unfortunately that left a bad taste in peoples mouths. But today, we do a Marco Polo Club and get about 30 friends together to share one or two people’s experiences. A more complete description of our Marco Polo Club will follow on another post.
  35. Another way I share larger slide shows with friends is to set up my TV with my computer and use AppleTV or a screen saver or other such mechanism to simply do a continuous slide show as a background with music to have a group or a few friends or a group over. When someone sees something that particularly catches their eye, they might ask about it, but otherwise it is just background.

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