Trying to keep in touch with the folks back home while abroad can be difficult, if not downright expensive. However, with a little bit of knowledge (and the right kind of mobile phone), you can keep your friends and family abreast of your journeys without going broke.
We've all had to do it. Washing clothes while you're traveling can be a royal pain, especially during the summer when your clothes get a little (a lot) stinkier than usual. A simple household cleaner may be just the solution for your travel cleaning problems. Traditional cleaners are sold in convenient travel packs, but have left us far from satisfied. Clothes may get a little cleaner, but things just don't smell clean. If you're counting on cleaning your clothes in your hotel room to get you through your trip, you can be in for an unpleasant surprise. However, we've found that Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds do an awesome job at cleaning clothes (along with floors, walls, cars, dishes, etc.) in the sink, even with cold water. So, next time you're packing for a trip, include a small bottle of Sal Suds and you'll be able to use your baggage space for more souvenirs instead of underwear.
Get your cheap on. Whether you're on a trip and looking for a cheaper place to get souvenirs, or you're looking for a fun day trip in, and around, your home town, the hunt for thrift stores offers something for everyone. Want a unique t-shirt to remember your vacation by, but don't want to drop $20 at a tourist trap? Hit up your local Goodwill and dig through their racks. We've had visitors strike souvenir gold in several different cities, so no matter where you are traveling (at least in North America) you're likely to find something up your alley, while supporting a worthy cause.
There are certain times of the year when you just don't want to be somewhere. Take Washington, DC, for instance, where most tourists visit in the summer when it's hot, sticky and downright miserable. But, a smart tourist knows to go in the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more pleasant and you can see such natural beauties, such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in April.
Timing is everything when it comes to travel, and knowing what to expect and when to expect it is a crucial step in planning a successful trip. Click below to see my tips on planning when to go somewhere.
Intelligent Travel: Big Island Best Bets
If you're headed to the Big Island any time soon, be sure to look at their tips to enjoy the best of Hawaii without breaking the bank.
Some travel for food, some for art, and some people are searching for that special place in the world that speaks to them. Our first interviewee, and a long-time friend of mine, has been fortunate enough to find that place in Lebanon. Over the past few years, he's been traveling there to do volunteer work, and in the process has found a second home. His experiences have given him a unique perspective on travel, one that I couldn't help but want to share. Check out our interview below to see what he's learned about packing light, traveling in unfamiliar places, and simply traveling well.
This is one tree house you wished you had has a kid. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, BC gives you a birds-eye view from its expansive 136 meter skyway built in 1888.
Travel Blogs: Dealing With Loneliness on the Road
Dear Travellious,
I've been hearing more and more about travel insurance lately, but I'm not quite sure what it is or if it might be useful. Could you clue me in?
Chuck, from Idaho
It's not easy to get in three balanced meals when you're traveling. We've talked about some ideas for eating well when you're at the airport or in transit, but what about when you've reached your destination? Internet culinary goddess, Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks, offers some for how to eat healthy while you're on the road.
The Elkep Evi Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey allows you to step back in time without having to leave behind any modern luxuries. The hotel, like much of Cappadocia, is literally carved into rock and makes for a truly unique overnight experience. One thing is for sure, these hotel walls will save you a phone call to the front desk to complain about your neighbors.
Did you ever wonder how tortillas were made? Martha Stewart got a lesson on her recent trip to Mexico and shares what she learned on her blog.
Fall. Summer has left, the harvest is in, and a new color scheme is in full effect. The greens of summer are replaced with a warmer palette full of reds, oranges, and, as you can see from High Park, in Toronto, yellows. What better excuse to do some exploring than to get an eyeful of autumn leaves?
Big cities have lots to see and many travelers often fall into the trap of trying to see too much, too quickly. If you're going to be staying for several days, it pays to listen to your mom's advice: don't wander too far.
Viator Travel Blog: Singapore in 3 Days
I'm usually skeptical of must-do guides, but this one is more along my lines of thinking. Design, food, and art, sounds good to me!
Faugh a Ballach! Half soft-pitch softball, half golf, Irish Road Bowling gives us all another great reason to visit the Emerald Isle. The whole point of the sport is to hurl a bowl (a small, metal ball) down a country road; going the furthest distance in the fewest number of throws.
A match can take a while, so if your attention span is limited, you may need the aid of a few Irish beverages. Even if you have patience, you may still want a few. After all, when in Rome...
