Travel Tips

Here I’ll share with you a variety of things:

• Practical travel tips
• Destination suggestions (some for those on a budget)
• Fun/random facts about places I’ve visited

Travel

5 Things My 86-Year-Old Grandma Taught Me About Travel

Traveling with my grandmother reminded me of some very important lessons about travel and how to make the most of it.

How to Deal With Travel-Wary Parents

So you want to travel. But your parents aren’t very excited about it. What to do? Here are a few helpful hints.

How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

I’ve flown to New Zealand and back — twice. I’ve flown over the Arctic to China. And I’ve traveled to Italy and Ireland once apiece. Suffice it to say, I’m no stranger to long-haul flights. Thanks to my experience, here are some tips on how to make those long flights a little more bearable.

9 Money-Saving Tips For Travelers From Travelers

Travelers share their best tips and tricks on ways to cut down on expenses and save money to put toward travel.

Converting to Carry-on-Only Travel (and Some Packing Tips)

I’ll admit it: I’m a chronic over-packer. But I’m really trying to change my ways. In this post, I outline my quest to become a carry-on-only traveler, and then throw in some packing tips that could be useful to anyone traveling with any size luggage.

6 Dumb Reasons People Don’t Travel

A guest post at Gap Year Escape.

We sure make a lot of excuses for why we CAN’T travel — whether it’s because of money, time, fear, etc. But you know what? Most of those reasons we give are really dumb. And here’s why.

Why You Should Get Lost While Traveling

Most people don’t like to be lost. They don’t like feeling out of the loop, or like they’ve missed something. Most of all, they don’t like feeling vulnerable in a strange place. I understand this — I’m the same way. But, the more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve come to realize that, sometimes, getting lost is okay. In fact, getting lost can often be better than finding your way on the first try.

6 Ways to be a More Adventurous Traveler

A guest post at Maiden Voyage.

As a country, America doesn’t travel much. In fact, based on all the figures I’ve seen, less than 30 percent of Americans even own passports. Why is this? Money is probably one reason. And the fact that we’re all about work, work, work in the U.S. is probably another. And I’d be willing to bet that fear of the unknown also factors in. Well, America, don’t be afraid. Here are six tips for being more adventurous on your next trip.

Movies to Inspire Travel

Movies — with their exotic backdrops and intriguing characters — can act as a pull to a specific destination or region of the world. Here are some movies that, over the years, have inspired me — in different ways and for different reasons — to travel.

Why Guided Tours are Not the Devil

I know not everyone is a fan of guided tours. In fact, among the travel community, many people look down upon those who would choose a guided tour over going it alone, arguing that dependence on a tour guide makes the experience in a place less “authentic.” Well, I’m not sure I agree. Check out what makes a guided tour good, and decide for yourself if a tour is right for you.

Life is Short. Travel Now.

Life is far too short to put travel off until “later.” Here’s an inspirational post on why you should take advantage of the here and now and follow your travel dreams.

New Zealand

New Zealand: A Guide to Popular Culture

Learn about the fashion, food, television, and slang that makes New Zealand unique.

Best New Zealand Activities for Thrill-Seekers

A guest post for Travel With a Mate.

So you’re an adrenaline junkie. Don’t worry — so am I. And my adventurous streak has led me to some pretty dangerous stunts — many of them in New Zealand. Here, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most thrilling things to try in New Zealand.

Top Things to Eat, Drink in NZ

So you’re traveling to New Zealand. You’ve picked out what adventure activities you’re going to try, what cities you’ll check out, and where you’re going to stay. But have you thought about what you’re going to eat?

5 Roads Less Traveled in New Zealand

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand that involves a rental car, you’ll probably get all sorts of suggestions on all the best places to see, eat and stay. But what about some of those less-traveled roads? How about those not-so-well-known spots? All of New Zealand is postcard-perfect, but there are some areas that are slightly more perfect than others.

Tips for your first time… in New Zealand

A guest post for Finding the Universe.

Some must-dos and must-sees for your first time in New Zealand, from cities to visit to adventures to have to foods to eat.

A Guide to Packing for Travel to New Zealand

A guest post for Kamuka Blog.

Here are some practical suggestions for what to pack if you’re headed to New Zealand.

15 Things You Might Not Know About New Zealand

A list of fun New Zealand facts — some of which may surprise you!

The Shotover Jet — A Thrilling Jetboat Ride

Ever heard of jetboating? Think you might like to try it out in New Zealand? Well here’s everything you need to know about this exhilarating adventure activity!

New Zealand Smackdown: North Island vs. South Island

Having trouble deciding which of New Zealand’s islands is best for you? Check out this “smackdown” review, which details the strengths and weaknesses of each one, from the cities to the landscapes to the wildlife and everything in between.

The U.S.

Planning for Hawaii on a Budget — Oahu

This is a guest post at Go Backpacking.

Even though the South Pacific is often viewed as a pricey place to visit, that doesn’t mean a budget traveler can’t afford the tropics. In fact, even such popular (and pricey) destinations like Hawaii can be done on a budget if you do your homework and plan ahead.

Using the Bus to Get Around Honolulu

Some practical tips on how to use TheBus (local bus service) to navigate around the Hawaiian island of Oahu. If you can’t rent a car in Honolulu, TheBus is the perfect budget option.

The Things I Learned in Hawaii

Even though Hawaii is still a part of the United States, it’s easy to feel like you’re headed to a completely different country when you travel there. You find things in Hawaii that you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S. Find out some of the things I learned there.

Wandering in Chicago — Why You Should Stray From the Path

Even though I like to plan my travel carefully, plans become more like rough guidelines once I actually get to a destination. And that’s okay. Sometimes straying off-plan is the best thing you can do, especially in a great city like Chicago.

Love to Laugh? Don’t Miss Chicago Improv

Chicago has a very lively and talented improv scene, and if you’re going to spend any amount of time in the city, I highly recommend checking some of these funny people out. Here are some suggestions on where and when to go.

7 Useful Apps for a Great American Road Trip

Thinking of road tripping across the U.S.? Then don’t leave without these great travel apps.

Grand Canyon Smackdown: North Rim vs. South Rim

In this comparison post, find out how the well-known South Rim compares to the lesser-visited North Rim at the Grand Canyon.

China

Things You Should Know Before Your First Trip to China

A post for Travel Generation.

Planning to visit China anytime soon? Let me be the first to tell you that it can be an overwhelming place to travel. But here are some tips to help you be more prepared before you go.

Cruising

Cruising to Alaska: Tips for Success

I know it’s not the right option for everybody, but I think cruising can be a great all-inclusive vacation if you know what to expect and how to enjoy it. If you’re considering an Alaskan cruise for your next travel adventure, check out my tips on how to make the most of it, as well as my list of things to know before you go.

Cruises as Family Vacations

Family vacations are practically mandatory in the American household. Whether it’s simply pitching a tent and going camping, or packing up the car for a cross-country road trip, we’ve all been there at some point or another. The key to a memorable family vacation (and one that’s memorable for the right reasons) is choosing one that satisfies all palettes. Impossible, you say? Well consider this: How about a cruise vacation?

Study Abroad

Study Abroad: Things to Consider

Planning to study abroad anytime soon? If so, you probably have a lot to think about. Read some of my tips on everything from passports to packing, housing to having fun.

Planning a Trip

How I Plan: The Research

Planning a trip in the near future? If so, then you’re probably overwhelmed with the amount of information out there — from guide books to travel agents to endless sites on the Internet. There’s a lot to learn, and, if you’re like me, you probably want to go into travel planning as informed as possible. Here are my tips on where to start.

How I Plan: The Itinerary

After you’ve done your research and have decided what you want to see and do in your intended destination(s), the next step is to start piecing together a loose itinerary.