Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Rio de Janeiro
and we’re talking about mosquito prevention. Mosquitos are everywhere, and a
lot of travelers worry about getting Zika or Yellow Fever when traveling to
countries with mosquitos. So, today we’re sharing some tips on how you can
avoid mosquito bites while traveling.
#1 Mosquito Repellant Lotion or Spray
Do not leave home without bug repellant. Chances are, you’ve
tried out a few and know what you like, so you’re better off to travel with
your preferred brand than to be searching all over once you land at your
destination. We’ve found that mosquito repellant lotion with 30-50% DEET is the
most effective against mosquitos, although you may want to do some research
before using this on kids. We use non-DEET spray on the kids. We’ve also used
lemongrass oil for the kids, and even some wristbands that are pre-treated with
bug repellant to keep mosquitos away.
Mosquitos aren’t generally a year-round problem. You can avoid
them pretty easily by carefully timing your visit. For example, in the winter
in Brazil, there aren’t many mosquitos. Summer months are when the mosquitos
really come out in Brazil and other places. So, the easiest way to prevent
mosquito bites is to visit when the mosquitos aren’t active.
#3 Vitamin B
Many travelers swear by increasing their B-vitamin intake to keep
mosquitos away. This could be an old wive’s tale so you may want to talk to
your doctor, but some people will take a B-7 or a B-complex vitamin to help
avoid mosquitos.
#4 Hotel Room Location
Another trick to avoid mosquitos is to get a hotel room on a
higher floor. This is especially true if you have a balcony that you would like
to enjoy. By getting a room above the 6th floor, you’ll see far fewer mosquitos
than the folks staying on the ground floor.
#5 Mosquito Nets
If you are traveling somewhere a bit more rural, like the
Pantanal, or the Amazon, you might want to bring a mosquito net that goes over
your bed at night. (Check with your lodging; as thy may provide these already.)
There are also personal headnets, or a full mosquito suit, that you can wear
when out and about during active mosquito hours.
#6 Avoid Standing Water
Anytime you see standing water, there will likely be mosquitos
hanging around, so if you can avoid standing water, you’ll reduce your chances
of mosquito bites. This is why you won’t see many bathtubs in Brazil; they
mostly have showers to avoid standing water.
#7 Clothing Choice
Your choice of clothing can help you avoid mosquito bites.
Wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants that are loose, and not tight to your
skin, is a good tactic. Mosquitos are also supposedly attracted to dark colors,
so if you wear white or khaki, light colored clothing, this can also help avoid
mosquito bites.
This won’t help you avoid getting bit by mosquitoes, but it’s always important to visit your local travel health clinic before a trip to see what vaccines you need. Things like Yellow Fever and malaria can be vaccinated against if you are traveling to a country where these are still a common occurrence.
These are our tips for avoiding mosquito bites. Do you have
some you’d like to add? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips and
advice, check out these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! People talk a lot about Europe,
and we obviously love coming here, but there are some places in Europe, and
rumors about traveling in Europe, that are overrated.
Today, we’re talking about the most overrated European cities
and attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and aren’t sure where to
go, you’re going to want to read this first.
#1 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is neat, but it’s not nearly as cool as London or Paris.
The reason we think it’s one of the most overrated cities is that anytime US
News is reporting from the European Union, it’s often from Brussels. Hearing
about Brussels so much makes people think it’s a “must visit” city in Europe,
but there are better places to visit. Yes, the Grand Place in Brussels is
beautiful, but beyond that, there are only a handful of museums and Mannikin
Pis which is also totally overrated. If you really want to visit Belgium, we
recommend Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp over Brussels.
#2 Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
The truth is, they have bull runs all over Spain. For some
reason, Pamplona has become the most famous bull run, but it’s mostly drunk
American college students taking over the town. Most people that get injured
during the running of the bulls are drunk, and they get hurt because they are
being stupid, usually having nothing to do with the bulls. If you want to watch
a running of the bulls without the crazy crowds, find a smaller town near
Barcelona. Running of the bulls isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s actually
how they get the bulls to the bullfights, so it’s happening all over Spain,
without the overrated fanfare of Pamplona.
#3 Eastern Europe Deals
A lot of people want to visit Eastern Europe for a cheap
vacation. It may be slightly more affordable, but as tourism in Eastern Europe
continues to grow, prices are becoming more on par with Central Europe.
Especially when it comes to hotels, you’re going to pay a lot and not get much
in return. It’s more affordable than London or Paris, but it’s not as cheap as
Southeast Asia. Also, remember Prague is Central Europe, not Eastern Europe, so
the prices there are more on par with Austria and Germany than with Eastern
European countries.
I lived in Europe for 13 years and easily made friends in many
countries. Sure, there will be Europeans who don’t like America, but it’s
generally an opinion on the politics of the US, not you personally. There seems
to be this fear that Europeans hate Americans, and some American travelers even
go so far as to put a Canadian flag on their bags to avoid harassment. This
Anti-Americanism is totally overblown and virtually non-existent. Even in
France, we’ve never experienced any Anti-American sentiments.
#5 Seeing Only One Major City
Many travelers will visit London or Paris and then say they’ve
been to Europe. While technically this is true, it’s akin to visiting New York
City and thinking you’ve “seen America.” Europe is an incredibly diverse
continent with diverse cities, small villages and anything in between. Europe
has 44 different countries, each with their own culture, language and cuisine.
Many countries have very different cultures within their borders, too. To
really see “Europe,” you really need several visits across multiple countries.
#6 Arrogant Europeans
There’s this perception that Europeans are all arrogant, and we
tend to picture the French when we think of this. In truth, Europeans are
incredibly friendly. Of course, each culture is different, as we already
mentioned, but in general, we have had wonderful interactions in every European
country that we’ve visited.
#7 French Riviera
The French Riviera is known as the playground for the rich and
famous of Europe, so it has this reputation as a very “chic” destination. That
reputation translates to really high prices and huge crowds in the summer.
Expect to pay a lot for your hotels and you have to book them very early to get
what you want. It can feel like all of Europe is on the French Riviera in the
summer. With crowds, you’ll also see a lot of pickpockets and tourist scams.
The crowds and the thieves tend to take away from the “chic-ness” of the French
Riviera.
The town of Pisa in Italy is totally overrated. There’s nothing
to see besides the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it looks exactly like every photo
you’ve already seen. If you really want to see the tower, take a day trip from
Florence or Lucca. Don’t plan to stay in Pisa as you’ll run out of things to do
very quickly.
#9 Gondola Rides in Venice
People seem to think a gondola ride in Venice is this peaceful,
romantic outing. In truth, it’s super expensive, around 70-80 Euros for a ride,
and the gondolier doesn’t always sing. In general, it’s a touristy rip-off and
there are better ways to spend your money in Venice.
#10 Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London
For whatever reason, tons of tourists want to visit this
attraction in London to see wax replicas of the Royal Family, celebrities or
American politicians. It’s super expensive; when I visited it was around 50 US
Dollars. It’s really a pretty cheesy tourist attraction; there are much better
things to do with your time and money in London. Go to the British Museum or
the National Gallery, which are both free.
#11 Expense of European Vacations
Americans have this perception that European vacations are super
expensive. It’s just not true; we travel to Europe often and it doesn’t have to
cost a fortune. Yes, the flights can be pricy, but once you are in Europe, you
don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun. If you think Europe is too
expensive, there are ways to save money while traveling.
These are some of the things we find that are overrated, or
overblown, about traveling to Europe from the United States. What are some of
the most overrated cities or attractions you’ve experienced in Europe? Tell us
in the comments below! And if you want more travel tips and advice, check out
these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! We have so many posts about what to
do while you’re traveling, but this post is about the things you need to do
before you travel. This isn’t about the travel documents you need, or how to
plan your trip, but a vacation checklist of those little things you need to
before you leave. We have tips for keeping your house safe while traveling, and
we even have work tips for those of us with full-time jobs.
#1 Call Your Bank & Credit Card
If you are traveling out of the country, make sure you call your
bank and credit cards to let them know of your travel plans. If you forget to
do this, you may land to find your transactions declined. For some banks, you
can even set a travel alert online. However, if you use a small local credit
union, you really need to make sure you do this because if you land in Europe
on Saturday morning, you might not be able to reach anyone at the bank until
Monday.
#2 Get an International Data Package for your Phone
Don’t be surprised by a huge cell phone bill when you get back
home. Call your provider before you leave and discuss the options for your
trip. Some international plans can cover you for the entire duration of your
trip, others may go by a 24-hour window, which is great if you only plan to use
your data for emergencies during the trip. I’ve had friends come home to a $700
phone bill after a week’s vacation; don’t let that happen to you!
#3 Pay Your Bills
Getting ready for a trip can be hectic, but don’t forget to pay
all of your bills before you leave so you can avoid any late fees. If you
travel a lot, online bill pay can be a lifesaver because you don’t have to wait
for bills to come in the mail and you can pay them anytime. Not only can paying
bills late hurt your credit score, you could come home to find your power shut
off if you’ve forgotten to pay the bill while traveling.
#4 Cut Your Nails
This is one people don’t think about, but cut your fingernails
and toenails before you leave because your nails will grow on vacation! If you forget
nail clippers, you don’t want to be running around trying to find some during
your travels, so having super short nails at the start of your trip will help.
Now, let’s add some things to your pre-trip checklist that
will help keep your home safe while you travel.
Don’t let your mail pile up while you are gone. Let the Post
Office know you are traveling, and they will hold your mail while you are gone.
You can do this online, or fill out a form at your local post office. I
recommend stopping it for the day before you leave, and having it all delivered
a day or two after you return. This helps give you a buffer in case you are
delayed getting home. Similarly, if you subscribe to newspapers, put your
subscription on hold until you get back. A pile of newspapers outside is a
green light for thieves.
#6 Set Timers on Your Lights
Set some timers on the lights in your home. You can buy them at a
hardware store or online, and may even be able to do this with some home
security apps on your phone. Set the timers for various times so that lights go
on and off throughout the day, making it look like someone is home. Don’t just
get a timer that comes on and off at the same time every day. Test them out
before you leave to ensure they work and make sense. (i.e. don’t have one that comes
on every day at 3am)
#7 Tell A Trusted Neighbor You’ll Be Gone
Letting a neighbor know you’ll be gone is a good safety measure.
They can alert you to anything weird they might see at your house, and they can
also grab any packages that get delivered while you are gone. In the winter,
they might check that your pipes don’t freeze, or in the summer, they might be
able to mow your lawn so it’s not obvious that you are gone.
#8 Set Your Home Alarm
If you travel often, a home alarm system is an excellent
investment. Some systems have various levels of security; I recommend putting
it at the highest setting while you are gone. Many systems now include cameras
you can monitor online from your cell phone, and many will automatically
contact the police when the alarm is tripped.
#9 Put Valuables in a Safety Deposit Box
If you have really valuable items, and worry that your home could
get broken into while you’re gone, put them in a safety deposit box at your
bank. This includes jewelry, cash, backup drives and expensive electronics that
you’re not traveling with.
#10 Check Your Insurance Policy
Before you leave, make sure you review your home insurance
policy, making sure that it’s up to date and will cover anything that might
occur while you are gone. This can include a home robbery, or even frozen pipes
that burst and damage your home. They can also add a travel policy to cover
things like photography equipment while you are traveling.
#11 Consider a House-sitter
Some people feel better having someone stay at the house while
they are gone, rather than leaving it empty. This can be friends or family, or
you can hire a professional. You can have someone just drop by periodically, or
have someone move in while you are gone. Whatever you are most comfortable
with.
For those of you with full-time jobs, we have some work tips
for how you can ensure a smooth transition from work to vacation and back to
work again.
Make sure you set up your out of office response in your email
and voicemail Include the date you will be back, and who to contact in the case
of something urgent. In most email systems, you can even schedule this ahead of
time, so you don’t have to worry about this being the last thing you do before
you leave for vacation.
#13 Assign Backups
Have your backup plan clearly agreed upon and written out. Don’t
rely on just a verbal agreement. This is information you can include in your
out of office email, or something you can send out to clients or stakeholders
before you leave to let them know everything will be covered in your absence.
#14 Clear Your Calendar for Your First Day Back
You will need your first day back in the office to catch up on
emails and messages. Don’t schedule any meetings this day unless absolutely
necessary, so you can get caught up before diving back into new projects.
Having the first day blocked out will also save you if there are any travel
delays. If you miss a flight and have to spend an extra night somewhere, you
won’t be scrambling to reschedule meetings on top of everything else going on.
#15 Schedule a Buffer Day
Even better than a clear calendar at work is taking an extra day
after your trip to catch up. I know, most of us want to maximize our vacation
time and spend it all at the destination, but having an extra vacation day once
you are home can be a lifesaver. Think about the unpacking, laundry, grocery
shopping and everything else you have to catch up on.
And one thing you should not do before you leave on
vacation….
Don’t Announce Your Trip on Social Media
The best way to keep your home safe while you are gone is not to
let the entire world know you are leaving. It’s tempting to share your
excitement with everyone on social media, but if the wrong person knows you
won’t be home for an extended period, they may see it as an invitation to rob
you while you’re gone. Even if you think you’re just sharing with friends, it can
be surprisingly easily for someone to find your address and your home. The best
thing to do is to save your photos until you are back home from your trip and
then share with social media.
These are the little things at home and at work that people
tend to forget before traveling. What other things would you add to this
pre-trip checklist? Let us know in the comments below! For more travel tips and
advice, check out these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Beijing, China. I’m
teaching here for a few weeks, and having a great time. China is an amazing
country, and the people are wonderful. But the process of getting a Chinese
Visa keeps a lot of people from visiting. You have to have a visa to visit
China, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. Keep in mind, this whole
process starts long before your trip; China does not issue visas on arrival
like some other countries. So, let’s get started on the process of how to get a
visa for China?
What Do I Need for a China Visa Application?
First, you will need a valid passport. Your passport needs to be
valid for six months after you return from China. If you don’t have a passport,
you cannot move forward with the China visa application. So, getting a passport
or renewing your existing passport, is the first step. Here is a brief
checklist for the China visa application; we’ll go into more details on these
things below.
Checklist:
Valid Passport (including your signature)
Photocopy of passport
Additional Passport pictures
Completed visa application
Travel documents (flights and hotels)
Visa application fee
Which China Visa Application Do I Need?
For tourists, you will need the tourist visa. This is the China
Tourist Visa (L) that allows tourists to stay up to 30 days with a single entry
visa. If you plan to leave China and return, say for a day trip to Hong Kong,
you will need to get a double entry visa. Make sure you read through all of the
options to choose the one that applies best for you. A China visa service can
help with this; more on that below.
The application is pretty extensive, so allow some time to sit
down and answer all of the questions. Some things you need to provide include:
Your name
Family name
Where you will be staying
Who is paying for your trip
Why you are visiting
Which visa you are applying for
How Should I Fill Out the China Visa Application?
When you pull up the form online, it will open a PDF file for
you. It’s best to fill this out on your computer and print it out with your
answers typed in. If you can’t do this on your computer, then make sure you use
a black ink pen and write in all capital letters on your application. If
something doesn’t apply to you, write “none” in the application. Do not leave anything blank, or your
application may be returned.
You will need to send in photos with your visa application. They
are the same requirements as a passport photo.
Plain, light background
Nothing covering your head or ears
No glasses
What Travel Documents do I Need?
You will need to provide your travel itinerary along with your
visa application. This includes your flight confirmations showing your arrival
date and departure from China. You will also need to provide full details of
where you are staying. This means you will need to book your hotels before you
apply for your visa. (You can change them later if needed, but you must have
something to send with your application.)
What if I am Staying with Friends or Family?
If you are not staying at a hotel, and plan to stay with friends
or family in China, they will need to submit an invitation. You can get a
sample letter online. Always verify with the consulate website to find out what
must be included.
How Much Does the China Visa Cost?
Yes, you have to pay a fee for the privilege of all this
paperwork! The price ranges from $145 to $165 and will vary based on how
quickly you need the visa returned to you. The typical turnaround time is 5-6
business days, but you can pay more to expedite the processing.
What Do I Do With the China Visa Application?
For many people, it’s a matter of finding the nearest Chinese
Embassy or consulate-general where you can drop off your paperwork. The Embassy
is in Washington DC, while the consulates-general are located in New York,
Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston. If you don’t live near one of
these places, the easiest thing to do is to use a China visa service that will
do all of the work for you.
How Does a China Visa Service Work?
The extra convenience will cost you, but it’s worth it. Using a
visa service, you mail everything to them, they review it all to ensure you’ve
filled out everything correctly, and they will walk you through anything you
need to review. They will then hand deliver your application to the local
consulate, and pick it up when ready, then mail everything back to you. When
our family of four traveled to China, we used a visa service to simplify the
process. (Mailing your passport can be nerve-wracking; I recommend using FedEx
so you can track your documents every step of the way.)
What Do I Do With The Chinese Visa?
It’s actually a sticker that takes up a page in your passport
book. Once you arrive in China, you’ll produce your passport, with the visa
inserted, get a stamp and be on your way.
Yes, getting a Chinese visa is a bit of a hassle, but it’s
totally worth it. You won’t regret going through with the process once you land
in this amazing country. If you’re ready to start planning your trip to China,
check out some of these other blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in the Loire Valley
of France. While we love to share all of the exciting and fun things about
traveling the world as a family, there are some downsides, too. Today
we’re doling out safety advice for travelers. Some things are just unavoidable,
but there travel safety tips can help you stay safe while traveling.
#1 Research
Safety while traveling starts before you ever leave home. Yeah,
spontaneous travel is awesome, but a bit of research can really pay off in the
long run. Find out which neighborhoods to stay in, which neighborhoods to avoid
and any outstanding travel warnings. Of course, you can’t predict terror
attacks or earthquakes, but you can learn that Barcelona is the pickpocketing
capital of the world.
#2 Dress the Part
You don’t have to be a fashionista while traveling, but there are
ways you can downplay your tourist status by blending in. How you are dressed
can affect how you are treated while traveling. Looking like a tourist can make
you a target for thieves, who will assume you are probably carrying lots of
cash and valuables like camera equipment.
Leave any valuable jewelry at home. It’s not worth losing, or
making yourself a target because of your jewelry. Likewise, having to carry a
ton of luggage around makes you an easy target. You want to be able to travel
lightly, and have one hand free to keep it on your wallet or handbag at all times.
#4 Wear a Money Belt
The best way to avoid being robbed of cash while traveling is to
wear a money belt. Many travelers use this method of how to hide cash while
traveling. There are some you wear around your neck, and others that go around
your waist. They are worn under your clothes, and should be used for the bulk
of your cash and cards throughout the day. Keep a small amount of cash readily
available in a pocket, and pop into a discreet spot if you need to get more
money out of your money belt.
#5 Use the Hotel Safe
When you arrive at your hotel, make sure you use the in-room safe
for your passport and any valuable items. (Carry a copy of your passport with
you, and keep the original in the safe.) I also recommend to keep your luggage
locked while it’s in the hotel room, so that nothing goes missing while you are
out for the day.
#6 Don’t Go Out Alone Late at Night
Some places are safer than others, but in general, it’s not a
great idea to be out in a strange city on your own after dark. Ask your hotel
concierge for advice and find out if it’s safe, and what areas you should
avoid. Unfortunately, women traveling alone need to be extra cautious.
#7 Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you do go out, always be aware of your surroundings. It may
sound paranoid, but being on alert can help keep you safe. Pay attention if
someone strange is watching or following you, know where exits are located, and
be careful not to stray into a shady area.
#8 Not Everyone is Trying to Help You
Yes, you will meet amazing people throughout your travels, who
will help you. But, not everyone is so kind. Be cautious with unsolicited help,
like when someone offers you a drink, or offers to store your luggage.
#9 Don’t Forget Protection
This can mean a lot of things. Protection from sexually
transmitted diseases is one caution to exercise. When you are riding in taxis,
make sure you use the seatbelts. Wear helmets on your cycling and scooter
tours.
Even the most seasoned travelers know to ask for help from
friends, fellow travelers and travel professionals. If your hotel has a
concierge, ask them for tips and advice, bounce ideas off them to see if they
think it’s safe. Some of the best information you can get is from fellow
travelers. The tourism board isn’t going to tell you where you’re most likely
to get pickpocketed, but other travelers will not hesitate to share that info.
#11 Have Backup Copies
Always keep a copy of your passport separate from your actual
passport. It’s not a bad idea to carry extra passport photos in the event you
lose your passport and need to have a new one made. Also, keep a sheet of phone
numbers for your credit card companies and banks. If your card gets stolen, you
can easily call the credit card company and alert them.
#12 Know Where to Go For Help
When you arrive in a new country, make sure you know what phone
number to dial for help. It’s also a great idea to learn how to say “help” in
the local language.
#13 Avoid Protests & Demonstrations
If you see large gatherings of people, whether it’s a protest or
demonstration, just stay away. It can be tempting to move in closer and find
out what’s going on, but you don’t want to get swept up in anything. A big
group of people can also be a big target, so just do your best to avoid these,
as interesting as they may seem.
I hope these travel safety tips make you feel better about
traveling. With these tips, you can travel a bit safer and have better peace of
mind knowing you are prepared for whatever comes at you. We want our fans to
have wonderful, and safe, travels. For more travel tips and advice, check out
these blog posts and videos:
Hey
there, fellow travelers! While we love to share all of the exciting and fun
things about traveling the world as a family, there are some downsides, too.
Today, half of our family isn’t feeling well so it seems like the perfect
opportunity to talk about the seven most common ailments that travelers may run
into. It’s no fun to be sick while traveling, so there are some thing you can
look out for to stay healthy while traveling. (This list is completely
unscientific and based on our own personal experiences; we are not doctors! Not
the medical kind, anyways.)
#1
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Also known as Montezuma’s Revenge in Mexico,
traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most common travel ailments you’ll find. This
one is stressful because you’re always worried about the nearest bathroom and
it may even keep you home for the day. There are so many reasons you might get
traveler’s diarrhea, including the local water and food. A lot of traveler’s
diarrhea can be traced back to water, including the water used to wash fruits
and vegetables.
This is such a common travelers ailment. When
you’re walking around old towns on cobblestone streets, and uneven sidewalks,
it’s so easy to twist your ankle or take a tumble. You’ll also find a lot of
bars, restaurants, restrooms have steps between rooms and so you really have to
watch your step. Even in hotel rooms, don’t try to find your way around in the
dark as you’re likely to trip on furniture. A simple little slip can really
ruin the rest of your trip.
This is another frequent issue while
traveling. It’s not usually intentional poisoning, but when you are traveling
around and eating out so frequently, your odds of contracting food poisoning
are greater. When you visit a restaurant while traveling, take a gut check of
your surroundings. Is it clean, are they handling the food properly, are locals
eating there?
#4
Strep Throat
This is common, and often caught on the flight
to your destination, or in the airport. Do not make it worse by forcing
yourself to get out and sightsee. Take a day off and rest, or go to the
pharmacy and ask for some help. Pharmacists in other countries can often do
more than the pharmacists in the US, and may be able to prescribe medication if
you need it.
#5
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sometimes travelers let their guard down a bit
when traveling. But the same STD’s that are rampant in America are also present
in every other country you will travel to. If you are going to be sexually
active while traveling, make sure you protect yourself. It’s best to be
prepared because it’s not always easy to find condoms at the last minute when you
need them.
#6 Car
Accidents
One of the most common ways for Americans to
get hurt abroad is in a car accident. Whether as a pedestrian, driver or
passenger, navigating unfamiliar roads can be dangerous. Use extra caution when
driving, or crossing the street. Even in a taxi, make sure you buckle up.
#7
Serious Diseases
Lastly, there are some serious diseases you
can contract abroad that may kill you. Things like Malaria, Typhoid, Dengue
Fever, Rabies and Yellow Fever are all dangerous, but preventable with
vaccines. Before you visit any country, check with the CDC for the recommended
vaccines you need. Your needs may depend on activities as well. Talk to your
doctor or visit your local travel vaccine clinic for advice.
Be
Ready For Travel Sickness
Rather than waiting for something to happen,
we always carry a bit of medicine for most of these ailments in a First Aid
kit. This saves us from having to find a pharmacy in the middle of the night,
and gives us peace of mind. Here are the things we pack in our First Aid kit
for every trip:
Immodium
Pepto-Bismol
Advil/Ibuprofen
DayQuil
NyQuil
Benadryl
ACE Bandage
Hopefully
this helps you be aware of common travel ailments so you can avoid them, or at
least have a head’s up on how to handle them if they come up. For more travel
tips and advice, check out these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in New York City, so I thought
I would share some tips and advice for New York hotels. Finding affordable
hotels in NYC is nearly impossible, but there are many places to stay in New
York. There are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Airbnbs, hostels and more. For
today’s post, we’re focusing on New York hotels, and what you need to know
before you visit New York.
How Much Will I Spend for a New York Hotel?
New York hotels are expensive; there’s no way around it. The
average New York hotel rate is around $300 per night. And remember, the
advertised rate is just the room rate. New York hotel taxes are very high.
Currently, the total tax on a New York City hotel room is 14.75%, plus a flat
fee of $3.50 per day. So, a $250 room rate becomes $290 per night with taxes
and fees.
When is Low Season in New York?
And there’s really no “low season” in New York when you can get a
deal on hotels. New York receives 50 to 60 million visitors per year, including
tourists and business travelers, so the hotels are never hurting for business.
How Do I Find New York Hotel Deals?
I recommend booking early to lock in a rate, and then checking
back periodically to see if the rates have dropped. It’s sometimes possible to
find deals on hotels, but generally, the longer you wait, the more you will
pay.
How Can I Save Money in New York?
The great thing about New York is that even though your hotel
will be expensive, there are tons of free, or inexpensive, things to do in New
York. A lot of museums have a “suggested” entry price, so you pay what you can
afford.
What Can I Expect in a New York Hotel Room?
For starters, New York hotel rooms are notoriously small. You’ll
feel like a “real” New Yorker living in a tiny apartment. Real estate in New
York is some of the most expensive in the United States, so they really try to
get as many rooms in a hotel as possible. New York hotels are more like
European hotels; very small with single beds sometimes, so if you are visiting
New York with kids, makes sure you get a room large enough. Don’t expect two
big double beds like you have anywhere else in the States.
What Amenities do New York Hotels Offer?
New York hotels will have the standard amenities you expect. Most
hotels will have WiFi, but check ahead if it’s free or not. (Many chain hotels
require you to enroll in their loyalty program to receive free WiFi.) Not all
hotels offer a free breakfast, but it’s possible to find cheap breakfast in New
York at a local diner or bagel shop.
Yes, the water in New York is safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste
that great. I recommend buying bottled water, and keeping a few in your hotel
room because the tap water is gross.
Where Should I Stay in New York?
This varies greatly, as there are so many cool New York
neighborhoods. Most first-time visitors to New York find hotels in Manhattan to
be the best for sightseeing. Your interests can really help narrow down where
to stay in New York. Try to figure out what you want to see in New York, and
stay in an area central to the places you’ll be visiting. A few places where
visitors stay in New York include:
Financial District – great for business
travelers, very quiet at night
Mid-Town – popular with tourists, home to many
New York attractions like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center
Brooklyn – a trendy borough with lots of
restaurants
SOHO – neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for
shopping, high-end restaurants and nightclubs
Greenwich Village – LGBT-friendly neighborhood,
known for cafes and bars, jazz music and Washington Square Park.
Meatpacking District – warehouse district now
home to trendy restaurants and hotels, Chelsea Market and the High Line
How Do I Get Around New York?
The New York subway is great, and super easy to use. There’s also
a ton of taxis, Uber and Lyft rides in New York. It’s really easy to get around
New York. Manhattan is very walkable, so you’ll probably spend a lot of time
just walking around. This also makes it easy to stay in other boroughs and
commute in for sightseeing.
Should I Tip the Housekeeping Staff?
I recommend tipping your hotel housekeeper between $2 and $5 per
day. You’ll get better service, and it’s just a nice thing to do. I like to
leave a quick thank you note for the staff, along with their tip. Housekeeping
usually makes around minimum wage, and probably has to commute pretty far to
work in New York.
Yes! Always use the bathroom before you leave the hotel! Public
bathrooms in New York are generally disgusting. We try to only use restrooms in
museums or our hotel, because it’s not a fun experience. Especially if you are
visiting New York with kids.
Are you ready to book your New York hotel room? We hope these tips help you prepare for your trip! For more travel tips and advice, check out these travel tips and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re answering some
questions from our readers. One of the questions we receive frequently is from
those who want to teach English abroad. These are a few of the most common
questions we receive in regards to teaching overseas.
How Do I get a Job Teaching English Abroad?
It’s not as easy as you might think to find a job teaching
English abroad, even though a lot of people seem to do this. The search for
good English teaching jobs for non-certified teachers is difficult. However, there
are a few things you can do to make it easier to find these jobs. The best
thing you can do is to get a TEFL Certificate. TEFL stands for Teaching English
as a Foreign Language, and many places require this certificate before they
will hire you to teach abroad. Your Visa may also require proof of
certification. The TEFL course is available online or through a local community
college. I would suggest finding one that offers you the opportunity to teach a
class before you finish as it then allows you to have an idea what it is like
to actually teach a class before you show up in a foreign land to teach.
There are some places that will allow you to teach without the
TEFL. You’ll have to research carefully to determine who requires the TEFL
course and who does not. Also, remember you will need a work permit or living
permit in order to work in many countries. That is something you will need to
arrange before you show up in country. Having a TEFL Certificate or an equivalent
could make getting a work permit or visa slightly easier as it proves you are a
trained skilled worker.
What Type of Teaching is Available?
Most programs place English teachers in schools, however there are
also private programs you can look into. These often pay more, and may require
a specialty in addition to TEFL. When Mark was living in Lithuania and Brazil
he was able to arrange higher paying private English business tutoring sessions
for business executives. This may take more time to develop as you will need a
network to help bring you in clients. The classroom set up at larger language
schools like Wall Street Institute or Berlitz make for good starting points.
Some students may want extra classes and that is your opportunity to set up private
lessons.
Can I Teach English in Europe?
Yes, there are programs available in Europe. If you are coming
from the U.S. you are at a disadvantage to Europeans who want to teach English
as they will receive preference when hiring as the European Union requires EU
citizens to be chosen first for open job positions. This may be one reason why there are so many
Americans that teach English in Asian countries such as South Korea.
Do your research on companies that offer you teaching positions.
There are numerous stories now about teachers going unpaid, or working in less
than ideal circumstances. Try to talk to someone who has done this program
previously, and get a first-hand account. There are numerous resources online
as well as suggestions from the firms that run the TEFL programs. Things to
look for, if they offer you a place to stay, make sure you have picture of the
actual property, not just a promise. Additionally, if the school does not offer
you contacts to speak to about the position, I personally would be wary.
If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, we hope
this helps answer some of your questions! For more travel tips and advice,
check out these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! We know that not all travel is
sunshine and rainbows, but there are many reasons we love to travel, despite
the little everyday annoyances we hit along the way. We have a lot of posts on
things you’ll love, and hate, about travel, but it’s not always so extreme.
Today, we’re talking about the little things that might annoy you when
traveling. Hopefully, if you anticipate them ahead of time, they won’t be so
annoying.
#1 Weather
The biggest travel annoyance can often be the weather. You can
control where you stay, where you eat, and what attractions to see, but you
can’t control the weather. You can try to visit when the weather is usually
good, but even that’s not a guarantee. Have some rainy day plans in case you
need them. (And a good rain jacket!)
#2 Long Lines
If you are traveling to popular destinations during peak travel
season, you’re likely to wait in a lot of long lines. It can feel like you
spend more time in line than you do in the attraction. For the most popular
attractions, pre-book your tickets online.
In many countries, most shops are closed on Sundays. It’s not
everywhere, but we’ve seen it enough that it’s kind of annoying. Also, many
things that are open on Sundays will close fairly early, including restaurants.
Plan ahead and get your shopping done on other days. Don’t wait until Sunday!
#4 Museums Closed on Mondays
Another thing you have to plan around is that many museums are
closed on Mondays. This is pretty standard, so you really have to plan around
it. Make sure you do your research ahead of time and plan out your itinerary.
#5 Toilets
Sometimes you have to pay for public toilets, other times you
don’t. Since it’s not really standard one way or the other, you always have to
keep some coins on hand just in case. The other option is to pop into a
restaurant and buy something so you can use their restroom.
#6 Tipping
Tipping is different in every country, and it can be so annoying
to keep track of who to tip and how much. Even if you do your research online,
you may be caught off guard and asked for a tip, so you never really know
what’s the proper tipping culture. We have tipping guides for all the countries
we’ve traveled to.
#7 Cultural Nuances
Exploring different cultures is part of the fun of traveling, but
there can be some cultural nuances that catch you off guard. For example, in
Portugal, they bring you bread, butter and olives at the start of a meal, but
they are not complimentary, and you will be charged for them. In many other
countries, bread and butter, or chips and salsa, are complimentary. So, you may
want to ask when it’s brought to the table.
#8 Random Holidays
Of course, every country has different holidays than the U.S. But
it can be annoying if you don’t know about it ahead of time, and arrive to find
everything closed for a holiday. You can look online ahead of time, or ask the
front desk of your hotel when you arrive.
#9 Drivers License Requirements
The requirement for international drivers’ license seems to be
completely random. Some countries will accept your American drivers license,
while others require you to produce an international drivers license. Even in
the U.S. the requirements will vary from state to state, and company to
company.
#10 Random Airline Fees
It used to be you purchased a plane ticket and that was it. Over
the last ten or 15 years, the airlines have cut back on services and now charge
for seemingly everything. No more full soda, light snack or heaven forbid, a
full meal! Now, you have to pay for everything. You will pay to check a bag,
pick your seat, have a snack, watch a movie, connect to WiFi, and on and on.
Some airlines will even charge you to bring a carry-on!
Travel is a privilege and these little travel annoyances are a
small price to pay. My best advice is just to roll with it, and go with the
flow and remember how lucky we all are to be able to explore the world. Fore
more of our travel tips and advice, check out these blog posts and videos:
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in Prague, and we’re
about to fly back to the United States tomorrow. I thought this would be a good
time to share our tips for surviving a long haul flight. These tips apply to
all flights, but especially those longer than seven hours or so. Long flights
can be stressful for many travelers, and knowing what to take on a long haul
flight can make a huge difference in your experience.
Check Airline Reviews
Every airline is different, and your choice can make a huge
difference in your experience. Read reviews about long-haul airlines to see
what your fellow travelers have to say. Are the seats comfortable, how is the
service, what is the on-time percentage? Read up on their handling of baggage
as well; there are airlines we avoid because of frequent lost baggage issues.
Explore Upgrade Options
A few extra inches of leg
room can make a huge difference in the comfort of your flight. Sometimes, the
economy “plus” section is not much more than the economy seat, and it’s worth
the splurge. We prefer to save our miles for upgrades rather than free flights
because we feel it’s a better value for our miles.
Choose Your Seat Wisely
The last place you want to be on a long-haul flight is in the
middle seat. Always reserve a window seat or an aisle seat. For tall or heavy
passengers, the aisle is usually best as you can spread out a bit between
beverage and meal service. Many travelers prefer the window seat so you
actually have someplace to rest your head. The emergency exit row and bulkhead
rows offer more legroom, usually for a higher price, but you’ll have to put
everything in the overhead bin as opposed to under the seat in front of you.
Try to avoid the row in front of the exit row, as those seats often don’t
recline.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
The best long haul flight outfit is loose clothing you can layer.
Not only will you be more comfortable in loose clothing, but you will lessen
the risk of DVT, which can happen when tight clothing restricts blood flow.
Remember, you might be in these clothes for 15 hours or more, by the time you
get to your destination hotel to change. Have a few layers you can easily add
and remove as the temperature fluctuates in the plane, and wear shoes that are
easy to take off and put back on. (This will help you get through security more
quickly, too.) Comfortable socks and underwear can make a huge difference in
your comfort. A little seam that’s a nuisance on a normal day can become
downright painful after 9 hours digging into your skin! Compression socks are
also key.
Pack Thoughtfully
Think about what you will need during the flight. Anything you
might want access to should be in your personal item under the seat in front of
you, not in the larger carry-on in the overhead bin. This goes double if you
don’t have the aisle seat; that guy in the aisle seat doesn’t want you leaning
in over him, rifling through your bags over his head. It’s really important to
pack as light as you can. After a 15-hour flight, you’ll be glad you don’t have
a heavy suitcase to haul around.
Every traveler is different, but there are some key items you
should have readily available in your personal item that goes under the seat in
front of you.
Phone
Wallet
Passport
Battery Pack
Cables
Headphones or Ear Plugs
Medication
Entertainment options – books, laptop, Kindle,
etc.
Eye Mask
Toothbrush and toothpaste
While in-flight entertainment is pretty good, the options only
change once a month, so if you have two long-haul flights in the same month,
you’re going to run out of movies to watch. Make sure you have a few loaded up
on your laptop for the return flight, especially if you are flying with kids!
Bring Snacks!
You’ll usually have a couple of meals on a long-haul flight, but
you never know what you’re going to get. (Unless you read the airline reviews
ahead of time.) Some airlines put snacks out in the galley that passengers can
grab throughout the flight, while others do not. It’s always a good idea to
have some snacks packed in your carryon just in case. You may get hungry
between meals, or not like what is served and this way you’ll have a backup
plan so you’re not starving when you land.
Stay Hydrated
Drink as much water as possible during your flight to stay
hydrated. Every time they come by with water, take advantage of it. This also
forces you to get up and use the restroom frequently, which is good for your
circulation. Staying hydrated is a good way to get a jump start on jet lag,
too.
Don’t forget to entertain the kids too!
Move Around
Try to get up every couple of hours to get your blood flowing.
This will help you avoid DVT and just help you from having sore muscles after
sitting still for 15 hours. If you are in the middle or window seat and can’t
get up as often, try to do some leg and foot stretches while in your seat. I
like to spell the alphabet with my feet and it’s a good stretch of the lower
legs.
Look for Extra Seats
If you’re lucky, your long-haul flight won’t be entirely full,
and you can move to another seat, or spread out across several seats. Make sure
you ask the flight attendant if it’s OK to move.
Be Nice to the Crew
This should go without saying, but the flight attendants and
pilots deserve your respect, so be nice to them. Their primary job is to get
you to your destination safely, so the easier you can make that job for them,
the nicer they will be to you. You might even chat them up and hear some fun
travel stories from their job.
This is the most important trick for surviving a long-haul
flight. Nobody wants to sit in a tiny seat, eating bad food for 15 hours. Your
attitude can make a huge difference in your flight experience.
Flying on long haul flights doesn’t have to be bad
What are your go-to tips for long-haul flights? Tell us in the
comments! For more travel tips and advice, check out these blog posts and
videos:
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