Category: Packing

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How to Plan a Fantastic Couple’s Trip on a Budget

A Guest Post by Jesse

photo via Pexels

Gearing up for a couple’s trip takes a lot of planning and preparation, and if you aren’t careful, it can also take a lot of money. However, there are some fabulous options. From stateside weekends to cheap getaways in countries like Cancun, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica that won’t break the bank but will leave you and your significant other with a lot of great memories.

If you want to include some friends, you can save even more by getting group rates or splitting the cost of a vacation rental. You can also save on all the things you need for the trip by looking for discounts, promo codes, and cashback opportunities. By shopping smart and planning well, you can create a memorable, fun adventure trip without spending a ton of cash. TravelsandEscapes offers some resources to help you get started:

Double-check your phone

While most people want to unplug during their vacation, you’ll still want to be reachable by your friends and family members in case of an emergency, so making sure your phone has the right plan for your needs is essential. The last thing you want to do is get caught in an unfamiliar place and find out you have no service! Talk to your provider to find out if your phone will work abroad, and then see what sort of interim plan they offer if you’ll be out of the country. Many give affordable pricing for short trips.

Share the cost

Traveling can be pricey, but if you split the cost with some friends or family members, you can stay in affordable and comfortable hotels or rentals. Look for deals on sites like VRBO and Expedia; you can usually even find extra savings with a coupon code.

When deciding who to travel with, think about a couple that would be a great addition but keep in mind that you should all be able to get along, and everyone should have similar endurance levels when it comes to trying new things or being active so no one is left behind. Find out beforehand how much they want to spend and work out an agreement before the trip gets underway so there will be no confusion or hurt feelings down the road. If you’re going to stay in a place that has a kitchen, you can even share the cost of groceries and reduce your travel budget a bit since you won’t be eating out as much.

Plan ahead of time

Planning a trip takes some time, so give yourself plenty of it in order to make sure you’re able to book the events or activities you’re interested in, particularly if you plan to travel internationally. Look online to find out the rules of each destination beforehand; for instance, you may need certain vaccines, or you may not be able to bring food and drink along to certain places, or you might have to pay for some activities separately within one main event. Planning well will allow you to be prepared and will cut back on your last-minute or unforeseen expenses.

Keep in mind that you may still want to have emergency cash on hand during the trip, so this should be worked into your budget. While you should have some on hand, have a plan for friends or family to wire you money in the event of an emergency. For example, if your credit card is stolen in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you can easily access quick cash from a variety of locations. Fees are zero to none with a service like Remitly, and your family can count on secure transfers.

Putting together a fabulous couple’s trip on a budget is a great way to bond with your significant other, and it can also help you broaden your horizons a bit. By planning well and shopping smart, you can ensure that everyone has a great time without the stress and expenses that can come with a major trip.

Check out more travel tips at https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/02/vaccination-card-2/

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Traveling With a Resealable Bag

For me, traveling with a resealable bag is essential. Why? There are so many uses for  one. Here are some of my favorites.

Traveling with a resealable bag in your suitcase is a good idea. Maybe you went swimming and your swimsuit is not quite dry. Instead of trying to wrap it in your laundry bag, zip it up and keep everything else in your suitcase dry. What if your socks are smelly from  the  last hike you took and you didn’t have time to wash them? Seal them in the bag and nothing else smells like dirty laundry.

Traveling with a resealable bag in your carry on is essential if you have lots of stuff you want to have handy during a long flight. By using this, you can place the entire bag in the seat pocket in front of you. Hand sanitizer, headphones, your phone, your book, glasses, a bag of almonds, and other things you want within reach fit nicely in here instead of stuffing them individually in the seat pocket in front of you. That way your things do not come in contact with any leftover germs in the pocket.

Traveling with a resealable bag in your purse or carry-on bag is a good place to put things you want to find easily and quickly. If you are like me, my carry-on bag is full of lots of stuff. I do not want to try and find a small item that has fallen to the bottom of the bag, especially when I am in a hurry. Need a pen to fill out a customs’ form? What about lip gloss for the dry air on the plane? How about keeping them in the resealable bag?

There are many reasons for traveling with a resealable bag. Do you have any favorites?

For more tips and ideas check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Essential Items to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

When traveling, there are essential items to pack in your carry-on bag. Depending on how, where, and when you travel you might have favorites or additions to this list.

getting ready to pack and travel
Getting ready to travel

Essential Items to Pack

A toothbrush is one of the absolute essential items to pack. This is especially important to me if I am flying, but also is essential if I am on a driving trip. I want a toothbrush handy in my carry-on bag.

Medications are another of the essential items to pack and have handy. If you are flying, TSA highly recommends not putting any medications in checked luggage. These may be as simple as pain meds or your prescription meds. Both are important.

Portable charges are not only handy, but essential. You have no idea if the airport has outlets or if they are all in used. Keeping your phone charged is handy if you need to contact the airline about a change of flight.

Some extra clothes are always essential items to pack. Of course, this depends on how long your trip or flight is, but who doesn’t like some fresh clothes to wear?

I take a reusable water bottle. This could be as simple as buying a bottle of water once you are through security or bringing your own from home. Empty of course.

Extra face masks are definitely essential items to pack. Since you want to change your regularly be sure to pack plenty in your carry-on bag.

Speaking of masks, if you need to block out light so you can get some rest, then sleep masks might be essential items for you.

Since I do not like being cold, essential items to pack for me include shawls. They do not take up much room in my carry-on bag. You may want to include a lightweight blanket instead.

Some essential items to pack for some people include a good set of headphones to block out noise. This is important on long flights to get some rest or to watch your favorite movie.

Small bottles of hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and lotions are all essential items in my carry-on bag. I can clean my hands, the tray table when flying, and the door handle when driving.

Why Pack These Items?

Face it, flight delays seem to be getting more frequent. Cancellations can happen to just about any flight. Plan on being without your checked luggage and carry the essential items with you. If you are driving, your luggage may be out of reach or in the back of the trunk. If you have these essential items in a bag closer to you, your trip can be more enjoyable.

It you would like more travel tips, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Dollar-Stretching Tips for Travelers

Guest post by Jesse at jesse@soulful-travel.com

Dollar-Stretching Tips for Travelers

Photo via Pixabay by ThePixelman

Traveling has many benefits, but for those who don’t have much time or money, it can be difficult to get away. Fortunately, there are several ways you can travel to just about anywhere your heart desires without breaking the bank, and if you do a bit of research ahead of time, you’ll save yourself several hours of driving or walking by looking for the best destinations for your needs.

That research is important; while the idea of jetting off to a new city is romantic and fun, it’s not ideal for those looking for a way to save time and money. Do some homework to find not only the best deal on transportation, but the best deal on a place to stay and how to find one close to everything you need. For instance, if you grab a hotel room by the airport simply because it has the cheapest rate, you might find yourself having to spend extra money on a cab or Uber to get to restaurants and events, or you might have to walk long distances to get there, which will take up valuable time.

Travels and Escapes shares some great tips on how to avoid wasting hours and dollars on your next trip.

Plan ahead

Planning your trip a couple of months in advance will often ensure you get the best deal on accommodations and plane tickets. You can also plan your departure and arrival on days that aren’t typically peak travel times; Tuesdays are usually the best days to get a good price for air travel, according to BudgetTravel.

Do some homework

Make sure you know everything worth knowing about your transportation and accommodations before you book anything. Resorts sometimes have added, “hidden” fees that you won’t see until the end of your stay, which can be a nasty surprise to say the least. Understanding exactly what you’ll be responsible for will help you stay on budget and will give you peace of mind.

Think locally

Travel doesn’t have to be exclusively to faraway places; you can likely find all sorts of fun things to do in cities near you. Look online for the best cities to visit that are within an hour or two of your hometown and take a day or weekend trip. This is a great option for people who have full schedules and can’t afford to take a longer trip.

You don’t even have to leave town! Simply rent a vacation home in San Diego and stay near the city’s attractions that interest you. For example, if you want to enjoy San Diego’s thriving restaurant and music scene, you can find a home in the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’d prefer to spend time near the water, look for a home near one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches. Most vacation homes come with fully equipped kitchens, so you’ll be able to save substantially by cooking your own meals instead of eating out all the time.

Take public transit

Just about anywhere you visit will have some form of public transportation, so take advantage of it! It’s usually either free or very inexpensive, and if you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing it’s the way to go if you want to save money (and shoe leather).

Remember that traveling on a budget means you’ll need to be careful about keeping your funds safe. Never flash your cash in public, and, if possible, wear a travel pack that straps to your body to keep your money and credit cards close. With a little planning, you’ll be able to take the trip you’ve always wanted to take and keep your cash where you want it: in your pocket.

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Safe Holiday Road Tripping: Pandemic Edition

Safe Holiday Road Tripping: Pandemic Edition

Visit Travels and Escapes for more travel tips, photos, and getaway ideas.

Traveling home for the holidays? As families remain wary of air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are opting to drive to their holiday destination rather than fly. Road trips have hazards of their own, however. Not only must travelers contend with icy roads and holiday traffic, but driving isn’t a foolproof way to avoid illness. To arrive at your destination in good health and good spirits, here’s what you need to know.

Prepare your car.

There’s never a good time to break down in the middle of nowhere, but especially not in the midst of a pandemic. However, if you’ve been working from home and limiting travel, your car may not be running in peak condition. Schedule a tune-up with special attention paid to the tires, brakes, and battery. Alternatively, consider renting a car for your road trip.

You’ll also want to protect your car’s interior from the wear and tear of a road trip. All-weather floor mats are a must for winter travel because they protect your car’s carpets from slush, salt, and grime. Look for rubber construction and raised edges to trap dirt and moisture. Kick mats and car seat protectors are also worthy investments if you value a clean interior. Don’t forget a hanging trash can to contain drink cups and food containers.

Pack heavy.

One big advantage of road trips? You can pack a lot of stuff in a car if you’re smart about it. That’s good news during the pandemic when families should avoid pit stops as much as possible. A hitch-mount rack makes it easy to stow a cooler full of food without consuming precious cargo space, while packing cubes and backseat car organizers keep the interior tidy. Instead of loading up on bottled water, fill a 5-gallon travel jug and pack reusable bottles.

Of course, not everything should be stowed away. Store your trusty hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes for gas pumps, and plenty of face masks where you can easily access them and keep a smaller, soft-sided cooler in the cargo area to replenish during stops.

Plan your rest stops.

Normally, you’d drive until you’re tired and then find the closest chain hotel to rest for the night. But when illness is afoot, it’s worth putting more thought into your overnight accommodations.

Vacation rentals, whether through Airbnb or another service, are a better option than hotels right now because families can rent an entire house or apartment with a full kitchen. That eliminates any need for indoor dining or sharing space with strangers.

What about bathroom breaks?

When duty calls, what should you do? While the pandemic presents an additional reason to be concerned about public bathroom cleanliness, you can be smart about pit stops. Wear a mask, wash your hands thoroughly, and use hand sanitizer after leaving the restroom if you touch handles while exiting. If possible, use single-stall restrooms or time bathroom breaks so you stop at interstate rest stops, which tend to be quiet and well-kept, rather than gas station bathrooms.

To quarantine or not to quarantine?

Getting to your destination is only half the battle. Once there, you’ll need to decide if your family should quarantine for 10 days before visiting loved ones. There’s no question that quarantining is the safest option, but is it really necessary?

Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal risk tolerance, as well as the risk tolerance of the people you’re visiting. Consider your activities before leaving on the road trip. Did your family quarantine prior to travel, or did you recently spend time with people outside of your household? Did you travel through areas with high community spread? Are your loved ones low-risk, or are they likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19? If you choose not to quarantine, wearing masks and maintaining separate accommodations will make your stay safer.

Road trips are a safer solution for holiday travel during a pandemic, but it’s still smart to be careful when you get behind the wheel. From making certain that your car is road-worthy to limiting stops along the way, these tips will ensure your upcoming trip is as safe as possible.

This guest post was brought to you courtesy of Jesse Clark.

Soulful-travel.com :: Jesse@soulful-travel.com

“Not all who wander are lost” — J.R.R. TOLKIEN

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TSA Regulations

TSA Rules You Might Not Be Aware Of

When it’s time to fly again…here are some helpful reminders from the TSA.

Medications and Prescriptions Are Allowed

It is still a good idea to pack your medication in the original bottle. The TSA allows your to bring as much as you need in your checked or carry-on luggage as long as it goes through proper screening. For a liquid medication, separate it into a bottle of 3.4 ounces and notify an officer at the checkpoint of your liquid prescription. It’s important to note that some states have laws requiring prescription labels on medication, so check with your state before traveling.

Solid Foods Are Permitted in Carry-Ons

The TSA permits solid food in carry-on bags. Any non-solid foods must be put in a sealed container and then into a quart-sized bag to follow the liquid requirements.

Eating Utensils Are Permitted in Carry-Ons

You may bring round-bladed butter knives and forks on the plane.

Creams and Lotions Are Considered Liquids

According to the TSA, anything that you can pour, pump, spread, squeeze, smear, spray, or spill is considered to be a liquid and must follow the 3.4 ounces or less rule. Keep this in mind when buying souvenirs or a new lotion you want to try. Even items like nut butter, sunscreen, face creams, and perfumes must be under 3.4 ounces. This is true even if they are factory-sealed and unopened. If you must travel with such an item, place it in a sealed bag in your checked luggage instead.

Expensive Jewelry Must Stay On

For travelers who like to dress up, we have good news. The TSA actually prefers you leave your diamonds on at the security checkpoint. This prevents costly items from being stolen from the bin or lost during the screening process.

You Can Bring Plants on the Plane

As long as your plant fits neatly into the overhead bin or underneath your seat, the TSA says you can fly with it. Do check your state regulations to make sure you aren’t bringing a prohibited plant across state borders.

All Undeveloped Film Must Be Inspected

If you are traveling with a traditional film camera, you need to know about this rule. If you are worried about your film being ruined, ask for a physical inspection of the film at the beginning of the screening process. This is before your bags go on the belt to be screened.