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Travel Planning, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

Large Family Vacations: 8 Tips for Traveling Cheap

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Even with a large family, it is easy to slash traveling expenses. Traveling with large family can be a fun adventure for the entire family. It is also fun to discover how far the family can make their dollars stretch. Here are eight ways to save when going on large family vacations.


1. If at all possible, drive instead of flying. Even if gas prices are soaring, it is generally cheaper to drive than to fly for large families. Plan well ahead of time to make your road trip all about attractions, and not miles. Plan to drive several hours a day and stop along the way to take in relevant historical sights and attractions. Driving increases the family’s ability to see and feel the world around them. If anyone uses a wheelchair, make sure every accommodation is available for the trip.

2. Pack well. It is easy enough for small families to lose track of clothing. With large families, it is almost a given. Knowing how to pack for a large family can save a lot of headaches on the trip. Pack outfits in gallon zipper bags. Keep pajamas in a special bag.

3. Make it a priority to find lodging accommodation that fit your family’s size. It is difficult to fit a family of five or six into a standard hotel room. Rooms that adjoin can also end up being quite expensive. Why not look for vacation home rentals or an extended stay hotel with all the necessary accommodations?

4. National parks are beautiful and can provide some of the best memories for vacationing families. You may even plan your family vacation around several national parks. Consider renting a lodge for your large family if one is available. Some families even choose to camp outside.

 


5. You may or may not be familiar with the term “shoulder season.” This includes the weeks just before and after your destination’s peak season. Traveling during shoulder seasons can lower your costs and save on lodging or airfare. For example, ski resort areas are less crowded in the autumn while the weather is still nice. For the beach, the shoulder season is May or September. Also, there is a good chance that families can upgrade to bigger suites, without additional cost, during a shoulder season.

6. When traveling with large family numbers by air, book the family flight far in advance. Airlines usually post their schedules about 300 days in advance or so. Beyond 300 days, prices generally increase. Families should also look for nonstop flights. Connecting flights generally cost more money. With large families, it is preferable for everyone to sit together too.

7. Decide on locations, venues, and dates and get everyone to agree. Everyone usually has a place they would like to visit or experience. Most People also have a place they would rather not visit. Let one family member take charge and gather all the information well ahead of time. Plan the trip based on what the youngest family member can handle. Be ready for multiple breaks during the day and lots of stops.

8. Buy your family snacks in local grocery stores. This can be a small adventure all by itself. Local stores offer a glimpse of what it would be like to live in your vacation destination. How does the store pack its fruits and vegetables? What new candies are available? Are there familiar brands your family prefers? Buying in local grocery stores, if available, can reduce food bills. It is also a good idea to bring water if you can to rinse off scrapes and to clean sticky fingers and hands.

Your family can also tap into the power of technology. There are apps you can download for nearby gas stops, sites to see along the route, local restaurants, inexpensive hotel accommodations, rental cars, vehicle maintenance, attractions, medical assistance, and so much more. Technology can be a great friend when it comes to family road trips. A travel agent can also help find your family the very best deals. Some travel deals offer specials for five or more people. Utilize your travel agent’s insider information to your advantage and enable your family to have the time of their life.

Infographic, Travel Tips

Backpackers Guide to Packing [Infographic]

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Preparing to backpack is about a lot more than filling an ample bag with a ton of stuff you think you might need over the next weeks. Of course, this method might get you to the train station quicker, and you might not even notice the problem for a few hours – but our bodies were not made to carry randomly assembled weights on our backs, and a poorly thought-out pack will soon result in unexpected aches and pains just when you’re meant to be enjoying your adventure. The ‘chuck it in’ method will also likely result in finding yourself far from home with several items you don’t need while something vital is missing; and you’re bound to find, when a burly border guard is staring down on you or you’re exhausted and ready to pass out for the night, that your passport or toothbrush is right at the bottom of your bag.

The key to avoiding these pitfalls is twofold: picking and packing. The day before you travel, take time to lay out your stuff into a pile of essentials and one of ‘wish’ items. Once you’ve done a dummy pack of all the essential gear, you’ll know how much of your wish list will fit in the bag – and how much you can bear to carry. Essentials are items that will make your travels comfortable, safe and easy, without doubling up on other items.

There is a science to the packing part: put lightweight stuff to the bottom of your bag, heavy things closest to your back, and mid-weight things in the middle and top. By now, you’ve already twigged it’s useful to put your passport, toothbrush, and any medication in a separate pocket where it can be easily accessed.

It’s by no means a quick process, which is why it’s calming to pack comfortably in advance of your departure time. You can also ease the process by referring to this excellent new infographic, which comes replete with suggestions about just what constitutes an ‘essential item’ and a few more tips on making that weight comfortable on your back. It’s the adventure of a lifetime, and you’ll want to free up that concern so you can enjoy the rest of your trip.

A-Backpackers-Guide-to-Packing-DV4

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Infographic, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Packing Tips: How to Pack the Right Way [Infographic]

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Packing Tips & Tricks for Travel

Many people like to fantasize about travelling around the world at some point in their life. But, most of them are unable to go beyond fantasizing. There are many reasons for this. The thought of running out of finances along with being on the road in unfamiliar locations is quite terrifying for most people. On the other hand, mankind is paving the way for commercial travel to space. It would require millions of dollars for a single person, and who has that kind of money. But, still the thought that one-day people would be able to go visit the moon and stay there is nothing short of exhilarating.

But, world travel or a trip to the moon is a major commitment, which a majority of people cannot afford. However, what most people can do is visit the wonders of this world, even if just for the weekend. We would suggest The Northern Lights as a starting point, or taking a walk under the midnight sun in the Swedish Lapland. It is a beautiful place and if you think that hiking on a normal trail is awe-inspiring, we would suggest a hike on Mountain Luosavaara in the soft light of the midnight sun. If you are impressed by these but, not really very well equipped to handle the cold and carrying a bag, we would suggest that you practice at home with some gear from Backcountry before starting your trip. Being fit is essential on these excursions.

The most important skill for this type of hike is packing like a pro. Start with a decent backpack, which will distribute the weight evenly. Then prepare a list of the items that you will need on your trip. If camping is involved as well, make sure to choose the appropriate tent and sleeping bags. And of course have some backup for your camera devices; after all, you do want to take some memorable photos back to show the world.

Packing for such a trip can be tough, so we have prepared a detailed infographic about packing tips to make the job easier for you, just read through it and remember to send us a pick or two as a sign of appreciation.
Packing Tips: How To Pack The Right Way

Co-produced by: Rebateszone & Travelfore

Travel Tips

Know Your Way Around Airport No-Fly Items

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When it comes to boarding the plane, it is all about safety. Fire extinguishers are safe and necessary when it comes to fires. However, did you know that you are forbidden from carrying a fire extinguisher on board? It is one of those items that contain compressed gas and that is the reason why this item that is considered very safe becomes hazard when on plane. Also, there’s very few, if any, reasons for a passenger to carry a fire-extinguisher to an airport. Yet, the rules exist, and they are there because someone has at some point attempted to perform these acts. Here are some of the items that you should be very careful about when you try to take them with you on your flight.

grounded airplane

Potential Weapons

It is not impossible to carry firearms on the plane, but there are restrictions and rules about it. They definitely need to be checked in. However, any sort of firearms, including the flare guns and similar guns, as well as replicas, need to be put into separate containers and checked as separate baggage, not to mention approved of beforehand by the customs offices of the place of departure and place of arrival. There are cases in which firearms can be taken on board, but that is only the case for law enforcement officials. Even they have to be flying under special conditions. Also, all the power tools, tools, kitchen utensils and other sharp and blunt objects that can be used as weapons cannot be taken on board.

Liquids and Gases

Compressed gases are generally not allowed on planes. However, some containers, like deodorants that do not exceed 50 ml in quantities are allowed by certain companies. These are details that you need to check with your company before flying. As for the liquids, you can take them on board, but your liquids and pasts must be in containers that are less than 100 ml and in a sealed plastic bag. They also need to be shown during the check in.

airport baggage

Sports Gear

All sorts of spears, bats, sticks and other objects that can potentially cause harm cannot be allowed as cabin baggage. Some companies have different types of check in rules and regulations when it comes to sports gear. That is why you need to call the company and be very precise about the description of your sports gear.

Metal and Valuables

You are allowed to carry gold, silver and other precious metals on board. However, there are weight restrictions that you need to respect. You can carry them in the form or jewelry, coins or bars. It seems that the most convenient way to transport gold is to carry 100 oz gold bars with you rather than coins. Of course, airport personnel has the right to check the baggage and to apply their own rules and regulations about the content of your bag. Generally, gold bars should not be a problem for any of the big companies.

Food

Fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed at all times. If you plan on taking jams, sauces and dips with you, especially in glass jars, they will have to be in your checked baggage. Moreover, all the cheese, meat and poultry should have special licenses and they should be checked. If you want to bring your own snacks for a short flight, make sure that you use dried fruit and nuts, combined with fresh fruit. Granola bars and similar snacks will keep you full until you land.

lift off airplane

The golden rule of thumb is to check the website of the company that you travel with and the local airport to see the restrictions that they have concerning the baggage. These are the general rules that you can expect, but there are many factors that influence the decisions of the companies to allow or forbid something from the plane or require it to get checked in. To avoid prolonging the boarding process and causing inconvenience, make sure that you inform yourself in time.

Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Packing the Perfect Traveler’s Hygiene Kit

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No matter how thorough we are while packing for vacation, once we reach our dream destination, something’s always missing. Unfortunately, that something is usually a part of our hygiene kit. 4 out of 5 times it’s the toothbrush. It makes sense, right? While we are deciding on the number of shirts we won’t even get to wear, and the books we won’t ever open, something as insignificant as a toothbrush has to slip out of our minds. Don’t worry, though. As annoying as it is, this is a small problem that can instantly be solved with the help of a permanently pre-packed hygiene kit.

Or at least a packing list for creating one on the go.

Packing the Perfect Traveler's Hygiene Kit

Oral Hygiene

  1. Toothbrush. Let’s start with what we already mentioned. The toothbrush is a no-brainer, but did you know that you could save on space by getting one in a tiny size? Even in a foldable version?There is almost too many different sorts with different functions, and all of them only serve to clean your teeth! Still, a regular brush with a safety cap will serve most people just fine.
  2. Toothpaste. Buy a compact traveler’s tube; you won’t use it for too long. Alternatively, you can always be a little ahead of your time and buy toothpaste sachets or toothpaste tablets.

3.  Floss. Although its primary purpose is to keep your mouth clean, we are sure you will find at least a dozen other functions for this handy item. Using it as a string in a pinch to sew up holes and a temporary luggage lock are the first things to come to mind.

Hair and Body Wash

  1. Shampoo and Conditioner. Or better said – don’t bring both. Shampoo and conditioner bottles are large and crammy even when they are travel-sized, which is why 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioners were invented. Take advantage, and wrap your hair in a mask when you get back home if you really have to.
  2. Facial Skin Care. If you have problematic skin, then you will need to bring your facial regime with you wherever you go, in order not to ruin the results you’ve achieved before the trip. But as you are most likely changing climates, some alteration in your daily routine could be just fine. You will need something light and airy, and cleverly packaged to fit in your kit. Modern organic skin care products are the best in the market to cover the quirky packaging needs of constant travelers, and they feel better on the face. Look there before you hit the supermarket.Body wash. Soap or body wash, you know what suits you better. Traveling is dirty work, and dirty work calls for a healthy scrub. Once again, organic soaps are often better as they are more obviously infused with ingredients that soothe the skin, prevent inflammations, moisturize… whatever you may need. Shower gels are easier to pack than soap bars, so keep that in mind.

J_W_Hulme_dopp_kit

Shaving Kit

  1. Razor. Important for both ladies and gentlemen. Disposable razors are always a good enough option for traveling, so keep your fancy Braun back home. Ladies, of course, can take care of all shaving problems ahead by simply waxing before the trip, if the trip is a shorter one.
  2. Shaving cream. What’s a razor without a proper shaving cream? And if you’re sensitive, a mild aftershave lotion? This counts especially if you are going to a warm or wet climate, because sweat/water can be very uncomfortable upon freshly mis-shaven skin.

Paraphernalia

  1. Nail clippers. Don’t leave your house without them. Stainless steel ones are great for humid climates.
  2. Hairbrush. You can’t rely on the place you will be staying to have a brush. Bring one with you, especially if you’re an active traveler who does a lot of things in high winds. #tangled
  3. Lip balm. Cracked lips are not only unattractive, they are painful, too. Boy or girl, traveling without lip balm is fool’s work.

So, these are a few things we consider essential for any travel hygiene kit. Of course, your personal habits will maybe demand some additions to this list. Still, use this as a basis for your preparations and a quick check before you hit the road, just to be sure that you will have your toothbrush when you need it the most.