Skiing is an exhilarating activity that allows us to enjoy some incredible views while getting a workout in at the same time, what more could we ask for? No matter where you are in the world, if there’s a mountain with snow, you should consider testing out the slopes because you might learn and see more than you were expecting! Here's four ski destinations to make sure you check out while traveling.
Les Deux Alpes, France Les Deux Alpes is in the southeastern part of France in Venosc, home to the largest skiable glacier in all of Europe and its France’s second oldest ski resort. Because this resort is on a glacier, skiing can take place year-round. Les Deux Alpes offers about 137 miles of skiable runs and over 7,000 feet of vertical drop! This is an excellent location no matter your level of experience and is also a choice option for families. Whether your kids are just learning to ski or have no interest in skiing at all, they’ll easily find entertainment while you get your fair share of runs in. Just drop them off in ski lessons or take them to a childcare center on the mountain! Beyond skiing, there’s so much entertainment to partake in at the resort including, spas, fitness centers, a bowling alley, a museum, a library, restaurants, bars and even clubs! You can go swimming or head to the ice rink to go ice skating, or, if you’re looking for more adventure, you can check out different views of the mountain by going paragliding or snowshoeing. With a variety of different activities, this is an excellent resort to check out if you’re in the southeastern part of France with your family, friends, or loved ones! Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Located in the Dolomites in Northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski resort that fits the needs for all levels of skiers with over 74 miles of ski runs to play on. Cortina d’Ampezzo also has several other activities you can partake in if you want a break from skiing. Why not brush up on some local history and dive into the Great War in the Dolomites? You can choose to go on a guided tour, where you’ll find people dressed up in vintage uniforms from the war reenacting tales from the past, or, you can head over to the Lagazuoi 5 Torri, the tourist information center, where you can view remnants of the war, such as, the war tunnels and trenches. If history isn’t your thing but you still want to explore the Dolomites, you can opt in for snowshoeing to indulge in breath-taking views. Or maybe you just want to enjoy your time and relax by heading to one of the spas on the mountain. With multiple places to choose from, you can take in the views while hanging out in hot bath barrels with a nice warm beverage of your choice! Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is known as “The Matterhorn Ski Paradise.” It’s Switzerland’s highest ski resort with an altitude of over 12,000 feet. With 223 miles of runs to choose from, it’s the perfect mountain for any level of experience. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, you can take lessons, or you can head straight for the slopes. For the more advanced, try testing out your skill at the Snow Park, where you’ll find rails, jibs, tables, boxes, and more! Want a break from skiing, but still looking for entertainment? At Zermatt, you can go ice-skating or sledding. You can check out the mountain by hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, or you can go on a guided husky sleigh ride! Another way people enjoy the mountain is by viewing it from above by paragliding or in a helicopter ride. Once you’re done with your adventures on the mountain, you can find entertainment all around. Check out some of the restaurants on the mountain, especially the ones with views of the Matterhorn. You can even visit sheep on the mountain and learn about animals and traditional farming. This is especially great if you have little ones with you! Lastly, the Zermatt hosts musical festivals outdoors. Who doesn’t love listening to live music while hanging out at the mountain!? And don’t worry, there are plenty of places to stay, whether you want somewhere to stay on the mountain, or nearby. Kitzbühel, Austria If you’re looking for some urban flair, you’ll want to check out Kitzbühel, east of Innsbruck. This alpine town not only offers incredible skiing, but events and other outdoor activities. To start, it is known to be Austria’s best ski resort with over 100 miles of marked slopes. Like many resorts, this location is great for all levels of experience. They offer classes for beginners and even for more advanced skiers to help further develop skills. Other activities you might find yourself interested in trying while at the mountain include snowshoeing and winter hiking. Either option will allow you to see the incredible views of the Tyrlean mountain landscape. There are multiple trails to choose from with guided tours available to view some of the region’s most stunning spots! Cross country skiing is another popular pursuit while you’re at the mountain. With over 40 miles of trails, you can find the best one based on your experience and the style you prefer. And don’t worry, all the routes have a great selection of restaurants and small huts you can take breaks at! Other activities you can find here include swimming, ice skating, tobogganing and spa facilities. This makes it a perfect place to visit to fit everybody's needs. What makes Kitzbühel an incredible place to travel to, is the diverse culinary experience. Kitzbühel is home to more than 13-award-winning restaurants and with over 60 different mountain “huts” and restaurants throughout the mountain, you’re bound to find a spot that everyone will enjoy. Some of these huts and restaurants are small, romantic, cozy, and some are even hidden! Kitzbühel also offers a variety of events that make it a truly unique destination. If you’re into the more adventurous events, you’ll want to visit during the Hahnenkamm Races. This is, “the world’s most prestigious ski race,” where some of the best athletes in the world will compete. The most popular event at Hahnenkamm is the Streif downhill race and slalom on the Ganslernhang. The other popular events that happen at Kitzbühel include Easter and Advent. During Easter, kids can partake in Easter egg dying and making candles and pastries. There’s a large Easter Market, as well as an extensive family program, and the tradition of the unveiling of the giant Easter egg. Then during Advent, the town turns into a Christmas postcard! You’ll find live performances, pony rides, bell chiming, Christmas stories for children, writing workshops, crafts and many more activities. Whether skiing is a new hobby or something you’ve been doing since you were a kid, spending time at these iconic ski resorts redefines peak experience. As always, I’m here and would love to discuss your next ski trip or any other adventure you have in mind. We can look at all the moving parts of your upcoming trip — what you need, what you want, what your dream is — and together we can come up with a vacation you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your life. Call or email us today and we’ll make sure you Get Busy Livin’! Safe travels, Dan
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Recently, Governor Cuomo announced a new option for New Yorkers to “test out” of the current mandatory 14-day quarantine. This updates the previously issued October 8, 2020 guidance and allows for significantly more flexibility in our ability to venture out of the state for new adventures!
Previously, upon returning from your vacation or even day trips to any non contiguous states, you would be required to self-isolate for 14-days to prevent any additional transmision of the COVID-19 virus. However, following yesterday’s announcement, any fellow travellers meeting the below criteria will be able to leave their quarantine upon receipt of the second negative test result. “1. For travelers who traveled outside of New York for more than 24 hours, such travelers must obtain testing within 72 hours prior to arrival in New York, AND 2. Such travelers must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of three days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine.” This reduces the total time we would have to set aside for a vacation by 10 days, providing the guidelines are followed. While this may seem insignificant, those 10 days added another obstacle to any travel plans we could put together, turning what would otherwise be a 4 day trip to upwards of 18! In our opinion, this is a huge step forward for travel becoming more accessible once again and we’re looking forward to being able to plan some new adventures in the near future. Additional information regarding quarantine guidelines, requirements, and other questions that may arise can be found on the NY State of Health website at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory. Be sure to keep in mind: these loosened guidelines apply exclusively to states and countries on the quarantine list, open travel is available to many other places from Turks & Caicos to California. You can always check in with us if you're uncertain about a destination, and we'll do everything we can to make sure your dream vacation comes together! And as always, you can always reach out to us directly regarding any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 and travel, and if you’re looking to take care of that travel bug we would love to help you start planning. Call or email us today to Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan When it comes time to buy a travel-loving friend a gift, it’s easy to feel stuck on what to get. Journals are great — but not all travelers are journalers, and those that are often have at least a few blank ones on hand. Here are unique takes on classic ideas for the various kinds of travelers in your life.
For the foodie: send delicious global flavors right to their doorstep. Try The World with top chefs from Argentina to Morocco and assembles gorgeous boxes filled with curated delicacies from each country. Delivered every month, each box contains descriptions for how to use the tasty and exotic flavors in your own recipes. For the well-accessorized: customize a favorite map to make cufflinks, bracelet, or pendant. Have a special place you want to commemorate? Maybe the place of a first date, or a favorite childhood destination? This can be a beautiful and deeply personal way to show your traveler that you know what matters to them most. For the crafty commemorator: check out this simple, beautiful way to re-trace steps and wonderful memories with a map and thread. The maps can be titled, as well. Imagine a wall decorated with these minimalist representations of adventures! For the traveler who has everything and wants to give back: Why not make a donation to a favorite cause in your traveler’s name? You can choose organizations that support environmental stewardship, advocate for people in crisis, promote education, or help bring beauty. For the traveler who’s always up for adventure: I’ve written before about how experiences pack the biggest punch, happiness-wise. At Experience Days you can give the gift of a lifelong great memory to someone you care about. Try everything from hang gliding to art lessons throughout the United States. What a great surprise for honeymooners or a friend’s next big adventure! For the gadget-junkie: this funky, color-coded 4-in-1 adapter is perfect for the tech-savvy traveling family and will help ensure everything stays running smoothly. For the hardcore gadget-junkie, what about these stylish vests, hoodies, and jackets with interior pockets (for men and women) to hold everything from smartphones to keys to water bottles? For the photographer: If your friend is never without their smartphone or camera, why not make it easy for them to create beautiful, lasting photo albums, calendars, or prints of their best shots? At Artifact Uprising, they can connect directly with their Instagram account and assemble their most gorgeous memories. And as always, if you want to take your gift to the next level, you can always talk to us about planning anything from a romantic getaway to a fresh adventure with old friends. Give us a call or send us an email today and let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe travels, Dan When it comes to taking a cruise on a river or ocean, it’s pretty tough to go wrong. Both offer incredible views, luxurious amenities, and the opportunity to explore interesting ports.
But each one comes with its own unique perks, and depending on your specific needs for your next trip, you might find that one is a slightly better fit than the other. So what are the major differences? One big difference can be summed up in one word: intimacy. River cruises tend to be much smaller (190 max vs. up to 6,200 on the largest ocean cruises), and as a result, you’re much more likely to be interacting with other passengers and crew members. That smaller scale translates to all areas of the river cruise. You dine on a regular schedule at tables with other passengers (wine is included in the price of the cruise). Instead of 50 different things to do on board, amenities tend to be more modest with river cruises — think libraries, a workout room, cultural programs, and free Wifi vs. ten kids’ playrooms, glitzy Broadway shows, and a skydiving simulator. There tend to be fewer kids on river cruises, making them popular for couples seeking quiet and relaxed time together. You stop almost every day at a new port with river cruises, often for walking tours through quaint towns with little tourist traffic, and you’re always in view of land. With ocean cruises, you can go days without seeing land, and ports of call and excursions tend to be more exotic and high-adventure. Because of their larger size, ocean cruises offer plenty of options for many ages, from young kids to octogenarians, and they are often more able to accommodate a wide variety of special health needs. For this reason, they tend to make the best option for multi-generational family gatherings that include young children. For the traveler who is into high-octane adventure, ocean cruises provide a wide variety of activities on board, as well as exotic and more daring day excursions. River cruises do tend to be more expensive per person — but that price also includes more things. Ocean cruises have a lower sticker price per person, but you are often charged extra for alcohol and other amenities. When you’re getting ready to plan your next on-the-water trip, here are a few questions to consider:
As always, I’m here and would love to discuss your next cruise or any other adventure you have in mind. We can look at all the moving parts of your upcoming trip — what you need, what you want, what your dream is — and together we can come up with a cruise you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your life. Call or email us today and we’ll make sure you Get Busy Livin’! Safe travels, Dan We all want to get the most bang for our buck when planning our vacations, and we all want to find great deals while we’re traveling. It’s wise to keep an eye out for potential savings or good deals on unique items when we’re exploring other states, cultures, and countries.
The problem, of course, is that scammers know we’re looking, and they’re looking for us, hoping that we’ll fall for whatever they’ve cooked up. Here are five of the most common scams — and some easy tips to help you or someone you love avoid becoming the next victim. IN THE MAIL You come home from running errands and grab the mail. In the stack, you see a postcard or “official” looking envelope declaring that you’ve won a luxurious trip to a fun and exotic location. Why it’s a scam: Often these scams use vague language by offering free airfare, but give no real, concrete information about the trip — and here’s the catch — or the many, many fees you will be required to pay that can often add up to thousands of dollars. In addition, these “free trip” solicitations are often lead-ins to lengthy sales pushes on time-share investments. How to avoid becoming a victim: If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Jennifer Karchmer, a staff writer for CNNMoney, says, “Before you pay for any travel package, get all the details in writing, including the total cost and refund policy.” If a company isn’t willing to do this, head for the hills and don’t look back. ONLINE In this scenario, you receive an intriguing email that invites you to visit a website. On the site page, you’ll be invited to fill out a form in order to be entered for a chance to win a free vacation to a popular destination like Florida, the Caribbean, or Mexico. Why it’s a scam: Magically, when you fill out the form, you will then receive an email congratulating you on being a winner — and prompting you to call an 800 number, at which point you will be asked to give your credit card number to “hold your spot” and claim your prize. You will likely never hear from this company again after that phone call. How to avoid becoming a victim: Never, never, never give your credit card information over the phone unless you know the company you are dealing with (like your bank, or a company that you make purchases from often and know their track record). OVER THE PHONE / TELEMARKETERS Your phone rings (usually during dinner) and you are enthusiastically informed that you’ve won a free cruise or trip. Like the promotional postcard or mailer, the language they use will be intriguing but extremely vague — words like luxury, exotic, five-star, once-in-a-lifetime — and the pressure will be strong to make a decision immediately. Why it’s a scam: Reputable travel agents do not need to use such heavy-handed tactics. They will gladly outline any details you ask for — timing of the trip, any associated fees, allowances, total costs, restrictions, and refund policies. They’ll take the time to walk you through everything. They will not ask for credit card info over the phone on a first call, if ever. How to avoid becoming a victim: Above all, listen to your gut. If something seems fishy, pay attention to that and confidently say, “No.” Karchmer’s advice: “Request that your phone number be added to their ‘do not call’ list and get off the phone as quickly as possible.” The Better Business Bureau (which allows you to check the reputation of any real business) offers these five simple Scam Red Flags: Salespersons who use high-pressure tactics, like demanding your credit card number before explaining all the conditions of an offer. Postcard or fax promotional mailings that require you to pay a fee or to purchase membership in a travel club, in order to claim a vacation or travel prize. Low rates on air travel requiring you to purchase an additional ticket for a companion. Offers by companies attempting to subvert U.S. postal authorities by requiring a messenger or courier to deliver the travel package to you in exchange for your payment. Companies that require you to wait at least 60 days before taking your trip. In any of these situations, it is perfectly acceptable for you to flatly refuse and exit the conversation immediately. It’s your money, and your time: you get to choose to spend them wisely. And of course, if you want to avoid the scams altogether, you can always call or email us to start planning your next big adventure. Safe travels! Dan Planning ahead during COVID has become increasingly difficult, closures and travel limitations are changing on a weekly basis and it’s hard to keep track of, even for us! Luckily United Airlines has provided an interactive map for you to stay up to date on the latest.
This map lists everything from whether or not entry into a state is allowed, to potential quarantine measures, testing requirements, and even mask mandates for all 50 states. On top of that, the color coded features and additional menus can provide even more information from state specific rules to restrictions unique to each area. We’re hoping providing this puts some of the power back in the hands of our favorite people, the travelers! There’s a piece of planning your own dream adventure that’s immensely satisfying. From discovering new activities to seeking out new and incredible destinations, there’s always a new vacation to dream about. We know deciding on your destination is only half the battle, and when you’re ready to take that next step we would love to hear from you. Whether it’s making the actual travel arrangements, or helping you round out your vacation to include more than just your original goals, we’re happy to help! Give us a call or send an email today and let's Get Busy Livin’! And for our New York friends, we have good news! Governor Cuomo announced today that six states — California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio — have been removed from New York State's COVID-19 travel advisory. The Northern Mariana Islands have also been removed, however, Puerto Rico has been added. For the latest NY information The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are available at forward.ny.gov. Safe travels! Dan People are always talking about taking their “dream vacation” — but largely what people mean when they say this is that every detail of the trip was planned flawlessly, everything went according to plan, and the service and food were stellar.
But what if the key to having the best vacations of your life has as much to do with how you approach traveling as it does with where you go and the number of stars on your hotel? Here are ways you can make the most of your next adventure. 1. Take responsibility for enjoying your vacation. Sounds weird, right? Especially since we often think an enjoyable vacation means that nothing goes wrong. I mean, what if your flight is late? What if they lose your bags? What if the hotel shower has terrible water pressure? What if your passport gets stolen? What if you get seasick — or worse? If you resolve to be the one who decides if you enjoy your time, then you get to decide how you’re going to respond to each situation and what you’re going to make of it. Is it going to be a catastrophe that ruins your trip — or fodder for an exciting story at your next dinner party? Of course, you can always avoid some of these headaches by planning your trip with a travel advisor. Many (including us) offer 24/7 assistance, so if you’re ever in a pickle your travel planner will be there to lend a hand. 2. Take yourself less seriously. Traveling is an act of vulnerability, especially if you’re headed someplace where the language, food, and culture are vastly different from your own. You don’t have to be an expert; you don’t even really have to know what’s going on. If you make a mistake, the world will not end. The more easily you can laugh at yourself, the more positive the experience will be -- plus it’ll make you a better travel companion! 3. Stay curious and humble. The world is full of surprises. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be amazed by what you discover. Ever wonder why it’s so much fun to see regular everyday “boring” things through the eyes of a kid? They don’t know that they’re supposed to be “cool” and avoid looking silly in front of others — they just experience everything as if it’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened. And you know what? They’re almost always having way more fun than those of us over 30. As adults, we have the choice to let go of cynicism and embrace wonder. 4. Trust more and be more generous. Anyone who loves to travel will tell you this: the world is mainly populated by good-hearted people who will extend help and hospitality when and if you need it. While it’s always wise to be aware and educated on potential scams and dangers depending on where you travel — the truth is, 99 people out of 100 will gladly help you out of jam and will go out of their way to show you the best spirit of their culture. Open up a little and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. 5. Let go of your attachment to The Plan. Perhaps above all, being a great traveler means you have to be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan — and wonderful things can happen as a result. Think of the “wrong” turn you took that brought you to the most breathtaking vineyard you’d ever seen, or the cancelled day trip that led to a day of meandering through spice-scented streets where you had the best curry of your life. In the most significant ways, like all of the rest of life, the most valuable and memorable parts of traveling can’t be planned. That is the enduring beauty and draw of striking out on a new adventure. A common thread among these resolutions is the ability to let go of anxiety, relax and enjoy yourself. Hiring a Travel Professional is one of the best ways to avoid the most stressful parts of travel altogether. I can do all the planning, handle all the details, and you get to focus on enjoying yourself. I will also be on call for you while you are on your trip to handle any complications or emergencies that may come up. Let me take all the stress out of organizing and leave all the fun to you, reach out for a free consultation today! Safe Travels, Dan No matter what happens, here’s how you can be the best travel companion on your next adventure.9/15/2020 Whether you’re going for a couple of weeks or even for months together, there are some foundational things that are critical to making travel with someone else successful. Ashlea Halpern is an editor at Traveler magazine who recently spent a year globetrotting with her boyfriend. Here are some of her best tips for making it work so you can come back from your journey stronger than ever.
Be clear on what you’re good at and what you’re not good at — and play up each other’s strengths. You might be awesome at small details, or you might be more of a big-picture kind of person. Either one is fine, of course — but be honest with yourself and your travel companions about where you excel. Use your gifts to help make the trip better, and let your travel partner do the same. If you hate navigating and you’re no good at it, then don’t insist on being the one to find the hotel at 11pm in a city of ten million people. Find another way to get that done. When you see yourself and your companion get more done when you balance each other out, then differences don’t have to be catastrophic. Feel free step out of your comfort zone, but be clear about your boundaries. Yes, traveling is all about expanding and learning, and it’s good to try all kinds of new things. But don’t be afraid to set limits. If you absolutely do not want to go skydiving, don’t do it — but if it’s someone else’s dream, offer to be there cheering them on. If you really want to try roasted beetles, go for it! But if your friend refuses, respect that and move on. There are plenty more adventures ahead to enjoy together. Find small certainties within the chaos. So much of travel is uncertain, but that’s what makes it exciting. You’re in a new place, surrounded by things you might not recognize, trying to navigate through language and cultural barriers. If you’re traveling long-term, you know the agony and exhaustion of flight changes, train schedules, taxi rules, late nights, early mornings. Fatigue can make you vulnerable to illness, impatience, and arguments. Take an honest look at yourself and identify one or two things you need to do every day to keep you grounded. Is it a good breakfast? A great cup of coffee? A reasonable bedtime? An afternoon walk? Time with a good book? Then, to the best of your ability, try to honor those needs, even when everything is up in the air. Compromise with your travel partner — if they’re an early riser and you prefer sleeping late, find a way to meet in the middle -- or try to accommodate those natural tendencies. Maybe they get up at six and read the paper or work out while you snooze for an extra hour. These small concessions will pay huge dividends later on when the time comes where you have to make sacrifices due to schedules or other needs. It’s okay to spend time apart. Especially if you’re an introvert or even if you’re travelling with your partner. You might need alone time to stay sane, or you might just want to spend an afternoon exploring and adventuring on your own, talking to new people, doing different things. It’s okay! It’s normal to get sick of spending weeks at a time in close quarters with the same person. A little pre-planned, cordial time apart might be the exact thing that helps you be at your best together. When things get tough, stand together. It’s normal to bicker about small things. Everyone does. But when there’s something major, remember that you are a team. Hold off on blame, engage empathy, and get to work — together. Don’t forget to be silly. Laughter has saved many relationships, whether you're with your partner or your best friend. It brings us back to what matters. It helps us take ourselves less seriously. It reminds us that it’s more important to be connected than it is to be right. Recognize when your travel partner is trying to lighten the mood, and don’t be afraid to let go and be goofy together. That time when everything was going wrong, and you stopped and realized how ridiculous it all was, and you laughed so hard that you both had tears rolling down your cheeks — that will stay with you forever. Go with it and you’ll have some incredible memories to look back on. If you’re ready to embark on the fun, crazy adventure of traveling with your favorite person, give me a call! I’d love to help you make it the best experience yet. You can reach me by clicking here. When I was a kid, the image that came to mind when I heard “bed and breakfast” was one of an old house filled with antiques, soft four-posted beds, a wandering cat or an old sleepy dog on the property, maybe run by a sweet elderly couple. It felt like being home while on vacation.
While this image certainly has its own kind of rustic charm, it should be said that the bed and breakfast has evolved significantly in the last several decades. In fact, many B&Bs today provide all of the plush luxury of a hotel — plus the added bonus of more privacy, more personal attention, and lovingly made home cooked meals, often in the tradition of the country or region where you’re staying. In these unique spaces, you don’t just get a plate of pancakes and some coffee in the morning. You can get multi-course meals with complimentary wine service in the evenings, plus easy accommodations for dietary needs. You can find top-of-the-line spas, in-room fireplaces, gorgeous swimming pools, breathtaking views, and peaceful grounds to walk. Just like at a big hotel, you can choose to interact with other guests, or you can opt for private room service. You can be in the heart of a busy city like Amsterdam or Chicago, just steps away from main attractions — or you can rest in total quiet in the green Irish countryside or overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps best of all, when you stay in a B&B, you are one of a handful of guests staying in a place that is owned and operated by someone who is personally invested in your experience. You’ll feel personally taken care of — which you are. As one happy reviewer put it: “The thing that made our stay was the personal touches. We now have a problem, though – nothing else will compare!” If you want to jump start your imagination with some unbelievable photos, you can check out this 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards for B&Bs. And when you’re ready for your next romantic, cozy getaway, I’d love to help you plan it down to the last perfect detail. I might even be able to find you a place with a friendly old dog if you like. Call or email us today and we’ll get you started. New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
Even when we have great intentions, it’s easy to overload our suitcases. We wind up dragging a lot of stuff around. There’s more to keep track of; it winds up being a lot of physical and mental clutter. And, of course, we wind up paying a ton of extra fees for the additional weight and luggage we travel with. So, rather than viewing efficient packing as a practice in minimalism, take it as a challenge that helps you make the most of every vacation: you have what you need, you’re freed up to not have to lug around a bunch of extra weight, and you can put that saved money towards a special souvenir, a nice dinner out, or your next adventure. So what are the secrets that seasoned travelers use to guarantee professional level packing? Here are our top 6: 1. Remember the 80/20 Principle — that is, 20% of what you pack will be 80% of what you actually wear. If you’re like most people, you’ve already noticed this. You pack four pairs of shoes, but you really only wear one pair every day on vacation. You pack three sweaters and a shawl that you never use, because you wind up just wearing your favorite light jacket that goes with everything you own. Cut down on extras and bring the clothes you truly plan on wearing. 2. Don’t pack for every possible situation. Pack for an average day because there’s no way you can cover every contingency. Look at the forecast, the average temps and weather for that time of year, and go with that. If there’s a freak week of rain in what’s normally a sunny season — unless you’re headed to an extremely remote area that sees few travelers, it’s very unlikely that you won’t be able to purchase a rain coat or an umbrella where you are. Plus you’ll have an extra souvenir to take home from your adventures. 3. It’s okay to do laundry. If you’re going to be gone for three weeks, pack enough clothes for one. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, almost every resort or town in the world has a laundromat or laundry service. If you’re feeling like you want a break from daily tasks and routines and you’re really looking forward to the luxury of having other people pamper you, have your clothes laundered and folded for you. It’s still often cheaper than luggage fees, and it's a vacation! Treat yourself. 4. For warmth, go with layers over bulk. Pick several thin layers with insulating, wicking fabrics (merino wool is a great one) over a big jacket. Heavier items like jackets and sweaters don’t offer the flexibility that smaller or lighter items have. They’re just hot, and when the sun comes out you have to cart around a huge coat. On the other hand, a compact zip-up fleece can roll up easily into a bag or backpack in the afternoon and then come back out again for that sunset walk on the beach. 5. Think: mix and match, simplified palette, and multi-function items. If three tops match three bottoms, you’ve got nine possible outfits. As one of our favorite travel bloggers, Fred Perotta, says: bring pieces, not outfits. 6. If you’ve got to have something bulky and heavy — wear it, don’t pack it. Hiking boots, down jacket, that awesome cable knit wool cardigan — these might very well have a great place on your trip, but they shouldn’t be in your suitcase. Wear them on the plane. You can easily pack several versatile layers for the space that one sweater would take up. If you’re ready to pack for an adventure, I’d love to talk to you about it. I know we can find a place that’s just right for you — and I’ll even give you insider tips packing suggestions for your specific destination! You can reach me today by clicking here. |
AuthorDan Laiosa, Archives
August 2021
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