Category: Travel Tips

Travelling with pets

Nowadays, it has become a common practice to experience the world alongside your faithful companion. Long gone are the days when you had to deliberate whether you’ll be able to travel at all since no one is available to take care of your furry family member while you’re gone.

Not only are you able to find boarding kennels or pet sitters more easily these days, but it is also possible for you, given the right circumstances, to take your dog on a journey with you.

Getting the paperwork ready

Flying can be cumbersome even without pets. All of the rules, regulations and security checks can be a real pain in the neck sometimes. But, as is the case with people, good preparation and understanding of these procedures will smoothen your pet’s liftoff.

First of all, always get a certificate of health from your veterinarian. Some airlines will ask for this document, others won’t. Regardless of airline-specific pet policy, this piece of paper is necessary for any owner that decides to bring the pet along. Keep in mind though that this document must be fairly recent, as most airlines that allow pets on board will require it to be less than 10 days old.

Secondly, consider getting a pet passport from the vet. According to the Pet Travel Scheme, or PETS for short, animal companions with passports can travel to any member countries without undergoing quarantine. These member countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and European Union countries. Any other countries will require proof of complete inoculation of the pet, mainly against rabies.

Read more: A definitive travel packing list for a family trip

Rules of engagement

There are several important things that every dog owner should know if they intend to travel by plane. Of course, a lot of these guidelines vary from one airline to another, but it’s always important to get informed about all possible outcomes.

• Besides being healthy, your pet also needs to be inside of an airline approved carrier. What this means is that the carrier must be able to fit under an airplane seat.
• Airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets that are allowed to travel at the same time. For this reason, it is prudent to call ahead and reserve a slot in a cabin for your dog.
• It is common for pet owners to get the middle seat because it has got the most under-seat space available. You might even get to preboard the plane if you’re travelling with a pet!
• Be prepared to pay a hefty pet fee. Depending on your airline, a one-way flight might cost a 100$ or even more.
• Bringing pets in the cabin is regarded as bringing carry-on baggage. This lets you take just one more personal item with you, so choose wisely.

If your dog is too big, then there are only two other options to consider. It can either travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold or as manifest cargo if it is unaccompanied. The latter happens when an airline outsources pet transport to some other commercial line. Service and emotional support dogs are usually allowed with the passenger regardless of size.

Speaking of size, each airline determines the maximum dimensions of the carrier allowed on the plane. For example, United Airlines allows for carriers that are not longer than 18 inches and no more than 11 inches high. This is an average estimate for most airlines, some of them only vary slightly. Make sure to check approved dimensions before doing anything else really.

So not only does your dog need to conform to these dimensions, but it must also be of proper weight. Air companies usually require the combined weight of your dog and the carrier to be no more than 20 pounds. There are those that don’t propose such limitations, however, they do require your pup to be small enough to fit comfortably under the seat.

Airlines that allow pets in-cabin

Here are some examples of airlines that let pets join the ride and their weight requirements:

• America Airlines. Pet and carrier weight shouldn’t exceed 20 pounds. On an international or 12 hour flight, pets are not allowed in-cabin.
• Alaska Air. This company will also let you bring a pet along. The limit is also 20 pounds. A return flight will cost additional $200 in total.
• Delta. This one lets your pet fly without weight limitations, but as we have previously mentioned, it must be comfortable.
• Air France. Air France allows animals weighing up to 17 pounds to fly in-cabin. Others have to travel by either freight or in the hold.

Dogs that match the criteria

After examining all of the rules and familiarizing you with what to expect, we can now cover dog breeds that fit under airplane seat. Obviously, only small dogs are allowed, but the question is what we consider to be a small dog. Since most carriers that abide by airline dimension requirements don’t exceed 3 pounds in weight, small dogs are all those that weigh less than 17 pounds and fit such a carrier comfortably. Of course, this is only relevant if there is a weight limit involved.

So what are some of the breeds that can fit under the seat properly?

There is nothing to worry about if you have a (or a dog that is a mix of these breeds):

• Maltese,
• Yorkshire Terrier,
• Pomeranian,
• Brussels Griffon,
• Shih Tzu,
• Pekingese,
• Chihuahua,
• Dachshund,
• Bichon Frise,
• Norwich Terrier,
• Havanese.

We are well aware that it is possible for any of these doggies to grow out of proportion, but usual specimens will fit just right.

If you have a service dog, then you should know that there are pet relief stations for it to enjoy at most airports.

Some precautions to be made

Best dog breeds to take on a flight with you are naturally small and peaceful dogs. Anxious pups will have too many issues aboard an airplane, and it might be best to find a nice home for them to stay there while you’re away. However, anxiety is not the only reason why some dogs shouldn’t go flying. For short snout breeds, flying could potentially be life-threatening, as they could face serious respiratory problems at higher altitudes.

Read more: The best time to see Northern Lights in Norway

As far as being prepared goes, make sure you have enough dog food and their favorite treats available at hand. If it is possible for you, bring DryFur. This leak-proof pad will pick up all the moisture and keep the pup warm and dry. Your dog will have to stay locked up for the entire flight, so make sure to bring some toys along, but don’t smother it. Your furry friend will still need proper ventilation, so don’t stuff the carrier with unnecessary items.

Another important thing to remember is to keep the dog in its carrier even after you’ve arrived at the terminal. You might be tempted to let it stretch its legs, but it is not advisable. The pet should remain inside until you reach airport security, at which point you’ll take it out.

Bottom line

As you’ve no doubt realized by now, different airlines apply different rules when it comes to travelling with pets. It is very important to always contact your airline of choice directly, as to avoid any misunderstandings later. The Humane Society of the United States advises against pets travelling by air unless they really need to. It can be very traumatizing sometimes, so really think your decision through. But, if you’ve ever wondered if small dogs can fly in the cabin, we hope that we have solved your dilemma.

An opportunity to go on a trip is always a blessing – but sometimes, planning for it might seem the opposite! Natural-born planners might bask in the opportunity to be in charge of every detail of a trip, but many people still find it an overwhelmingly challenging task. If you belong to the latter, relax. This guide on how to plan for a trip will be a big help in making such a task less of a burden.

The Right Approach

The best approach on how to plan for a trip is to think of it as step by step process. It is important to have a planning process that you can refer to so you plan your trip without missing out on any detail. Here’s a simple planning guide that you can consult. Keep in mind that each trip or travel destination will be different, so the steps outlined here may be adjusted to fit your particulars!

1. Do your research. When you plan for a trip, you want to read up and know everything about the countries or destination you plan to explore so you have an idea of the things you need to prepare for. Consulting reputable sites on Google will help. Information on airfare, accommodation, and list of places to visit will be your starting point.

2. Draft a rough budget. From your research, start computing how much you might need to spend for travel, lodging, food, transportation, shopping and sightseeing. Then, compare the total with how much you’ve set aside for this trip. If your budget comes up short, figure out ways to save money or spend more time setting aside funds for it. You can start saving early for tickets so you can meet your expense total.

3. Check your calendar. When you’ve more or less hit your budget requirements so you can fully enjoy your trip, it’s time to come up with tentative dates! Check everyone’s schedule to know which dates to block off. From here, you can also check the weather so you know what to expect and what your packing must-haves will be.

Read more: Air Travel Tips for Seniors

4. Book your tickets and accommodations. Now you can start booking! Purchase plane tickets and reserve your accommodations online. Study the routes and figure out which one will be best for your party in terms of time and costs. Be sure to consider special requests and needs of your travelling party (i.e. bassinet request for a baby for the plane, no-smoking hotel wings for an asthmatic spouse) when you start your bookings.

5. Regroup to create an itinerary. Itinerary planning is easier when everyone in your traveling group is involved in it. Sit down with the other adults and children to discuss what sightseeing activities you all want to visit, which restaurants and/or local cuisine to try out, and other elements that will comprise your entire vacation.

Then, divide all of these activities across the number of days you will be on vacation. You now have a rough idea about what each day will be like, and will thus be able to do further planning better.

6. Book or reserve activity tickets. While you can very well line up at a theme park to buy tickets, doing everything online will is one of the ways to save time when you’re already there.

7. Study how you will get around. Identify which bus or train routes and transfers are needed to get to the different areas included in your itinerary. While rental cars are nice, many travelers often commute to save on costs and experience the city the way locals do. When you know how you are getting from point A to point B, you can finetune your daily schedule as you’re now able to account for travel time.

8. Create packing lists for everyone. If you’re not going to pack everyone’s luggage by yourself, give each person a list of must-brings. You can just check if everything on the list made it to the suitcase once they’re all done. Don’t forget to bring items such as medicines and other particulars that each family member will need for the duration of your trip!

9. Attend to paperwork. Gather your essential travel papers and identification cards. Scan them and send them to yourself in an email. This is a safety precaution in case you have the bad luck of losing some or all of them. Each family member should have a backup portfolio of their IDs, passports, and other important travel documents that they can readily pull up in case of emergencies.

10. See to the money details. Prior to leaving for your trip, you might want to go to the bank and sort out travel credit and currencies. Look for the lowest exchange rate and buy the currency you need beforehand. This will come in handy when you arrive at your destination airport and will need cash for taxis. Also, keep in mind that some banks have steep ATM fees – so having enough cash plus a couple of credit cards will serve you well.

11. Make arrangements for your home. Part of good travel planning is leaving your home knowing that it is in safe hands. Figure out who can check on it and mind your pets and plants if you have them. If you will be away for a longer time, you might want to pause some services you subscribe to (paper route, weekly gardening, etc.).

12. Prepare your emergency call list. Mark or put a start on the following contact numbers on your phone, or input them if you don’t have it yet: your bank manager, contact persons for accommodations and tours, doctors, and any other individuals whom you might suddenly need to reach out to while you’re away.

13. Take note of the prices of the goods you want to buy – and where to buy them. There are many forums or sites that disclose what a good price is for popular souvenirs, food, and special items that your destination is known for. Being aware of this will guide you as you buy or go shopping without succumbing to bloated prices that many tourists are tricked into paying for.

14. Do some last-minute shopping. For sure, there will be some items that you need to buy for your trip. This can be toiletries, weather-appropriate articles of clothing, and the like. You will know what you are lacking once you are finished packing, so round up everyone’s lists and make a final shopping trip for items that you will need. Some travelers find that packing light is easy to achieve when they shop for toiletries at their destination, but keep in mind that this can also eat up your travel budget.

Read more: Best Places to Visit in Europe when you are on a Budget

And there you have it – a no-nonsense guide that’s flexible enough for practically any trip. These simple steps will do a lot to make trip planning easier. Following it will help you decide on the details of your trip faster and save on the cost of travelling. The key is to do everything way ahead of time so you are not rushing things the closer you get to your departure date. In addition, early planning will often translate into cheaper airfare, better seats, and great discounts when booking hotels. If this sounds appealing, you can start planning for your trip pronto!

The great thing about travel is that almost anyone can do it – even senior citizens! These days, more and more retirees are using their hard-earned money to see and experience the world. And rightfully so, after decades of hard work. If you know of a senior citizen (or are one yourself) who’ll be on a plane to an exciting new destination, keep reading! These air travel tips for seniors will surely make the trip more comfortable – and perhaps, even an experience in itself.

Booking Your Flights and More: Always Ask for Help

Today’s flight booking system seems like a breeze for younger generations. However, many seniors who aren’t tech-savvy might find it a bit overwhelming – especially with all the details they are faced with! When it comes to air travel tips for seniors, the first thing they should do prior to their flight is to ask for help. Older travelers can have their kids or grandchildren guide them through the booking process for flights, accommodations, and sightseeing tickets. With a keen eye out for the latest deals and best options, your son or granddaughter can help prepare a better and more cost-efficient trip itinerary for senior citizens like you.

As a special request, ask him or her to get you a seat with extra legroom for maximum comfort – especially if you are flying economy class. Booking a seat with extra legroom can be done online as well. If you have food issues or a special diet, see if there is a menu option that will accommodate your needs. If choices are limited, arrange to pack some of the food that you need or want to eat during the flight, along with your pre-booked meal.

And of course, make sure your communication options are duly installed. Familiarize yourself with the protocols of making international calls in case of an emergency or if you need to get in touch with a family member while you are away.

Prep for Your Medical Concerns

A lot of senior citizens have varying health concerns, which they should prepare for way in advance. This includes stocking up and packing medicines and paraphernalia for medical conditions and curating a travel wardrobe that protects them against harsh aircraft temperature. A checkup with your geriatrician is a good thing to do before travelling. You and your doctor can sort out any health issues which may come up at any time during your trip. Also, make sure that you pack your medicines and other things meant to address health issues in your hand carry and not your check-in luggage. In case of a medical emergency, you will want to have immediate access to it.

Getting Around the Airport

When at the airport, it is wise thing to avail of special services for older travelers. A wheelchair is readily available for your comfort, and you can ask for assistance from special services to handle your baggage for you. The plus side of being in a wheelchair? You can pass through security checkpoint faster than others. While everyone will line up to go past the security checkpoint, airport security personnel will automatically prioritize senior citizens. This is especially true if you have mobility issues. These early boarding privileges are available to senior citizens, the disabled, pregnant women and families with infants.

Inside the Aircraft

After passing through early boarding and getting inside the aircraft, never hesitate to ask the flight attendant to help you store your luggage in the cabin. Change into or wear comfortable clothing for the duration of the flight, and make sure that your personal effects are stored in a neat bag underneath your seat. You should have easy access to your medications if you have medical conditions. While you wear comfortable clothing, you might also find extra comfort in a sturdy neck pillow or a fluffy scarf that you can whip out of your bag when you need the flight to be more relaxing.

Attend to Your Health Concerns

If you have medications that you need to take onboard, ensure that they have been packed separately from the rest of your bigger medical kit for less hassle. This is an even smaller pack than the one in your hand carry, which is likely stowed in the cabin. The simplest way of going about this is to separate all the medicines you need during the flight in a small plastic case tucked away in your bag. Set an alarm on your phone for when you need to take them so you don’t forget!

Did you know that it is very easy to catch a virus while onboard a plane? Because of close quarters and a cold environment, viruses stay much longer and affect more people in an aircraft – especially if they have weak immune systems. You might want to load up on vitamins days before the flight, and a dose or two while onboard can surely help.

Air Transit

One of the things you will want to attend to without having to line up for it is your toilet time. This is especially true if you have mobility issues or health issues and the thought of standing in line while in a wobbly aircraft seems daunting. What you can do as a senior citizen is to immediately go to the bathroom before takeoff and again before you deplane. On long flights, you might want to relieve yourself before or during the meal distribution. Most people will be sitting in their seat waiting for their in-flight meal. Avoid going to the bathroom after eating, because this is usually when a lot of passengers will want to relieve themselves.

When on long flights, don’t forget to get up every now and then to stretch! Sitting in a cramped seat for an hour or two can do a number on your bones. A short walk up and down the aisle will do a lot to get your blood moving. If you regularly do this, you will avoid cramping issues or stiffness when it’s time to get off the aircraft.

If you are traveling with your spouse, do spend part of the flight going over your travel itinerary. This is a great way to pass time and build up your excitement for what awaits you as a couple when you get to your destination. Travelling as a couple is always fun, even when you’re in your twilight years!

Filling Out Documents

Savvy senior travelers will probably have no problem filling out embarkation and disembarkation cards. For those who aren’t used to air travel going to other countries, ask the flight attendant for help with this. He or she can guide you in what needs to be filled out, or even fill it out for you if you find it difficult to write in a small space. Make sure that everything you need to present to immigration is within reach before you even get to your destination.

Read more: Must Have Travel Packing List for a Family trip

If the flight attendant has time, ask him or her for anything that you should steer clear of when you get to your destination. Since they travel frequently, they might be able to provide good advice on which money changers to avoid or which particular tours are not worth the money. These can save you from a whole world of stress!

Leaving the Airplane

The busiest times during a flight are often the times when people settle in their seats (before takeoff) and leave it (after landing). While flight attendants and airport security try to prioritize and provide assistance for seniors, a narrow aircraft aisle might prevent you from zipping to the front of the queue. The best thing to do is to simple remain in your seat and wait for most of the passengers to get off. You will have more room to navigate, collect your things, and exit the aircraft at your own pace.

Travelling as a senior citizen need not be an intimidating experience, thanks to these travel tips that will surely serve you well – before, during and after your flight!

Going on a vacation with the family? If you’re packing for your brood, the last thing that you want to happen is to forget something essential!

What you need is a must have travel packing list for a family trip. Here’s a definitive travel packing list that will come in handy, no matter where your destination is. The travel packing tips and suggestions for each category in this travel packing checklist will help you tailor fit the exact things each particular family member will need.

Clothing

For most people, the biggest bulk of their packed luggage will go towards clothing. This always comes first in a must have travel packing list for a family trip. Here’s what you’ll likely need for your family vacation from our best travel packing list:

• Complete set of clothing for each day of travel – including airport clothes for both ways. Your travel abroad packing list includes tops, bottoms, and underclothes.

• Outerwear and layering accessories. Depending on the weather, your destination or travel season, ensure that you have a jacket to keep you warm, thermal underwear, scarves, mittens and the like. 1-2 pieces of each should suffice since you’ll be reusing them throughout your trip.

• Sleep wear. Ideally, you’d bring one set of sleepwear for each night of your trip. But if you’re trying to save on luggage space, you can perhaps use one set for at least two nights. The idea is that you’re relatively clean and have showered when you put them on, so they won’t be subjected to as much dirt as your regular day time clothes. For sleepwear, one set consists of a top, bottom, and underwear.

• Socks. Since socks are easy to pack, have a fresh pair for each day of your trip. Socks absorb a lot of sweat from a whole day of exploring, so a clean pair each day is a must!

Clothing packing tip 1: Use travel packing organizers for your clothes. Also known as packing cubes, these allow you to keep the same things together so they don’t get mixed up in your suitcase. They also compress your clothes together, so you have more room in your luggage for other stuff.

Clothing packing tip 2: Have separate drawstring bags or packing cubes for dirty clothes. These ensure that they don’t get mixed up with your clean ones. It’ll also make laundry sorting easier when you get home, as you know that everything in that particular bag goes into the wash.

Clothing packing tip 3: Distribute your clothing travel packing essentials across everyone’s luggage. In case one or several luggage goes missing or rerouted, you’ll be glad to have at least one set of clothing to use from your travel companions’ suitcases. Label your suitcases with your address and other personal details.

Read more: 8 Baggage Fee Hacks That Stick It To Airlines

Bathroom Effects

Bringing your own toiletry helps you save more (because you can use your foreign currency to buy other stuff) and assures you that you have everything you need that works for you.

• Toiletries from head to toe. When you write up your family vacation packing list, take note of everyone’s specific body cleaning items and ensure that you packed everything they use. This includes shampoo, conditioner, hair products, toothpaste, mouthwash, facial wash, soap, body wash and lotion.

• Cleaning paraphernalia. Make sure you pack your towel (a thin one will dry faster), toothbrush, facial and body sponge plus anything else you think you might need.

• Makeup items. Aim to bring the bare minimum to create a decent face for day time and night time. Choose multipurpose products to lighten your bag, such as a color tint that can be used for your lips, cheeks and eyes.

• Special creams and serums. Part of your essential items to pack when travelling are any special creams or serums to address hair, body, and skin concerns.

Toiletry packing tip #1: Decant your products so you don’t have to bring the whole bottle. Estimate how much you need for your trip and just bring enough to use for it.

Toiletry packing tip #2: Put everything in zip lock bags. You never know when or what might cause a spill, so bagging everything before storing them in your kit is a smart move.

Electronics

Everyone’s trip packing list for family trips will include electronics, especially for photography. While these will vary across families, these are what you might want to bring:

• Chargers. Always bring chargers for all your gadgets, stowed and labelled in a separate bag.

• Voltage converters or adaptors. Included in our list of the best travel packing ideas are plug converters that allow you to use your electronics safely according to the voltage of the country you are visiting.

• Battery pack/charger. This will give your mobile phones and cameras extra power when you’re running low and can’t afford to charge up.

• Memory card, USB sticks. If you don’t have cloud storage, a memory card or data transfer stick will come in handy in freeing up your device’s storage space for more photo ops.

Gadget packing tip #1: Charge your devices and battery packs every night. Always start the day with a full charge! During the day, place your phone on low power setting to conserve battery.

Gadget packing tip #2: Get a local mobile Wi-Fi for all-day surfing. You can get this at the airport and load it up with prepaid credits. With it, you can use Google maps, book tickets, check out bus schedules, and more – without the need for physical brochures or flyers.

Gadget packing tip #3: Get cloud storage so you can transfer your photos remotely, keeping it secure.

Read more: The Ultimate Travel Photography Kit

Medicines

Medicines are important for a family road trip or flight, especially if you have babies and toddlers. Our expert advice for essential travel medicine includes:

• Medicine for individual concerns. This includes maintenance medication, asthma vials, allergy tablets, and anything that will address flare ups or specific conditions.

• Fever and cold medication. You never know if a bug might make you sick!

• Pain relief medication. Many travel packing tips and tricks lists include ibuprofen and body pain relievers to help you recover faster after a tiring day of exploring, or if you unintentionally hurt yourself.

• Vitamins. When you pack for a family make sure to include vitamins so you won’t easily catch viruses and bugs while out.

• Diarrhea and motion sickness. Sensitive stomachs and motion sickness can be avoided and easily treated if you bring a few vials of medicine that will address these issues.

Medicine packing tip 1#: Don’t forget to bring a prescription. In case you lose your essential medicines, you might be able to repurchase if you have an official prescription to show the local drugstore.

Medicine tip packing 2#: Buy travel-sized versions of your medicines. Get the smaller doses just so you know you have what you need without bringing too much of it.

Medicine tip packing #3: Use a clear, zippered compartment and label everything. This keeps medicines organized so you have an easy time reaching out for what you need.

Paper Work

Documents are so important, especially when travelling to a foreign country. Ensure that everyone has proper documentation and the necessary paper work, among other things.

• Travel documents. This includes passport visa, boarding pass, insurance information, plane tickets and multiple forms of identification. Can you travel when your passport is about to expire? Check your port of entry and find out how many months of validity they will require before letting you in.

• Printable travel itinerary or travel guide with entrance tickets and passes to travel activities. Make sure everyone has his or her own copy of this.

• Emergency contacts list. Have a laminated card with your doctors’ name and contact info, your medical info and conditions (blood type, special health concerns, allergies, etc.) and keep them in your bag at all times. This list also includes the people you travel with and their contact info, your bank’s direct line, etc.

Document packing tip #1: Scan all your documents and send them to everyone’s email. In an emergency, you can pull up your info to help with verifications. Photocopy all your paper work and keep a set in everyone’s pack. Again, this is for verification purposes in case you lose something.

Document packing tip #2: Consider getting health insurance and bring the paperwork for it. Hospitals abroad may be pricey, so this will come in handy.

Document packing tip #3: Keep your papers in a waterproof kit to protect it.

Money

Apart from shopping, you’ll need cash for getting around and paying for many things. These tips and tricks about cash will be good to note:

• Foreign currency. Compute how much you need for everything, then add an additional 50% of the total amount to it as a buffer.

• Your country’s currency. A small amount will do, just so you have some ready cash when you get home to pay for travel tax, taxi service, etc.

• Credit or debit cards. Bring 1-2 cards with a substantial credit limit in case you suddenly have to make a big ticket purchase (ex. emergency air tickets, additional hotel stays, hospital bills, etc.)

• Call cards for local and international. Staying in touch is essential, so make sure you have what you need for this.

Money packing tip #1: Google the best money changers in the city to get more for your cash. Exchange some at the airport, but the bulk of your spending allowance can be exchanged in the city. There are many free packing and travelling advice online that includes where the best money changers are, so do your research!

Money packing tip #2: Always convert the amount in your local currency to determine if you are getting a good price for what you’re buying.

Money packing tip #3: Stow a little bit of cash in everyone’s bags and pockets. In case of theft or wallet loss, you’ll have some on hand to get back to your hotel.

These travel tips for your next big vacation should come in handy when it’s time to pack what everyone will need. Involve the entire happy family in packing to make the load lighter, and don’t forget to let children bring a few toys so they can occupy themselves on the plane! You can read more here on some tips for traveling with your kids.

How to Travel With Large Dog: An Essential Primer for Owners

Planning to go off on an adventure with your pet? Knowing the essentials of pet travel with a large dog is important, no matter which mode of transport you plan to take. You’ll certainly lower your stress levels when you are aware of the dos and don’ts. Travelling will be so much easier when you are sure that your pooch will be safe – on a plane, in your car, and everything in between.

Travel With a Large Dog via Airplanes: What You Need to Prep For

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can dogs travel on planes?” the answer is yes. Booked a flight and there’s absolutely no way that you can leave your pet behind? You’ll be happy to know that most airlines have provisions for letting your dog onboard their aircrafts. We say most because flying internationally with a large dog (or a dog of any size, for that matter) is still bound to come with restrictions on some airlines or destinations. If you use search tools to find the best airline or travel deal, step it up by looking for airline requirements for travelling with large dogs.

Knowing the TSA requirements for flying with a large dog should be your first order of business. While the TSA will not restrict service animals or pets, you still need to follow the established pet policy. When you pass through the airport’s security check, your dog will have to be taken out of its cargo or pet carrier. After that, he will then be carried or walked through the terminal’s metal detector. While checked baggage get screened through X-ray machines on conveyor belts, your pet will simply pass the same way as you do.

Next, you need to know airlines requirements for specific dog breeds. Some dog breeds have specific restrictions when it comes to airline travel. Each trip might be different, because regulations differ across airlines and travel destinations. One fairly common requirement for dogs that weigh more than twenty pounds is for them to arrive at the destination via cargo or checked baggage. A health certificate from your veterinarian is also required to clear your dog as fit to travel via airplane. This is a common requirement, and should ideally be dated within ten days from the time of your flight.

Destination-wise, do find out if there are requirements to prepare for when you fly in with your dog. This is true even if you are just going to a local destination. Hawaii, for example, has a lengthy checklist of canine conditions for tourists traveling with dogs. This checklist often takes a minimum of four months to fulfill. If you fail to do so then your dog will be impounded for a maximum of 120 days with you footing the bill for it.

There are also seasonal restrictions to consider. Delta Airlines and American Airlines, for example, will not allow your dog to fly onboard the aircraft as baggage if the temperature is higher than 85 degrees. Meanwhile, Alaskan Airlines impose restrictions on pet travels during the holidays. While many dog owners will find such a rule disappointing, you need to respect and follow each airlines’ right to their own regulations.

If your large dog is a brachycephalic breed (apart from being over 20 pounds) he is likely to be banned from air travel due to breed restrictions. Brachycephalic dogs like boxers and bulldogs are known for their cute snub nose, which becomes a concern when traveling by air. Big dogs with snub noses often have breathing problems. Cabin pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature changes in an aircraft all have the potential to further exacerbate your dog’s breathing problems when exposed to such for many hours.

Traveling With Large Dog in Car: How to Make It More Comfortable

Can dogs travel in cars? Yes they can, and this mode of travel is by far the most lenient one out of all – usually because there aren’t many concerns that car travel brings unlike air. But still, there are important health and safety considerations that the law and common sense will require of you as the owner.

Can dogs travel on trains? In the United States, large train operators generally have a no pets allowed policy. However, changes to this policy are already taking place. Amtrak has a new pet policy of letting cats and dogs on the train provided they weigh less than 20 pounds and have less than 7 hours of travel time.

That being said, here are some tips that will make travelling with your dog by car more comfortable for him, and less stressful for you!

• Restrain your dog to keep him safe. Your dog’s safety is the first thing you need to ensure before seeing to other things for your road trip. In fact, this is a requirement if you’re on the road in the UK! A sturdy harness, crate, or guard should keep your dog safe and secure inside the vehicle.

• Always have food and water. Try to make your dog’s water accessible to him so he can drink independently. This is very important, especially when traveling in hot weather. As for food, have a stash of snacks for you to directly feed him with if you are also a passenger. Dog biscuits are very easy to handle in a moving vehicle as opposed to wet food, and so are less prone to messes. If you are the one driving, find time to park when it is your dog’s scheduled mealtime. Use that break from driving to feed him. Never feed your dog while operating the moving vehicle because this can result in an accident!

• Find time to stop several times on a long drive. If you want to keep your car clean and your dog happy, take a few breaks from driving. Doing so will make a road trip with a dog less stressful. Use this time to rest and to help your dog relieve himself away from the vehicle. A break is a great way to help your dog overcome car sickness, an upset stomach, or general feelings of discomfort. If your dog is the jittery type, you can use the break to give him emotional support through cuddling and hugging. This will reassure him of your close presence even if you’re in the driver’s seat.

• Put up window shades on a hot or sunny day. This will block out the sun and make the trip more comfortable for your dog, especially if traveling on a sweltering hot day.

• Deliberate on motion sickness medicine. Ask your vet to prescribe medicine that will combat your dog’s motion sickness. While many dogs are often able to combat motion sickness by facing the same direction as you, this extra precaution might come in handy – especially if your large dog has yet to finish digesting his hearty meal!

Read more: Dog Breeds Small Enough To Fit under Airplane Seat

No-no’s for Travelling in a Car With a Large Dog

There are also some things to avoid when you travel with a large dog via car, such as:

• Letting your dog’s head out of the window. This is very dangerous and could result in horrific injuries to your dog in an accident, no matter how slow you are going.

• Disabling the airbags. If your dog is riding in the front passenger seat, switch off the airbags on that side. In the event of an accident, it can be detrimental to your dog’s safety. His seat should also be moved as far back as you can to provide room between your dog and the windshield.

• Keeping windows fully open. A window opened slightly ajar can do a lot to keep your pooch cool while in the car. Open all the way down, however, can be dangerous if your dog gets loose and tries to jump out.

• Failing to microchip or ID your dog. More and more countries have a law that states that dogs need to have either of these (including your name and address as the owner) as soon as they are eight weeks old when outdoors.

• Giving your dog a meal before your journey. A just-fed dog is more prone to an upset stomach, which can bring about motion sickness. Imagine the mess it can make! As a precaution, feed him earlier to give his stomach time to digest the food so it can stay put.

• Failing to bring enough food. It is easy for owners to estimate how much food they need to bring based on their dog’s current intake. However, it won’t hurt to bring a bit more. This will become useful in case there is heavy traffic or your car unexpectedly breaks down. It’s better to have excess food and drink than coming up short in supply.

• Leaving your dog in the vehicle by itself. Such a practice can be very dangerous especially on warm days, as a dog can often overheat in mere minutes. This can bring about heatstroke and can be a life or death situation for your dog, even if he is a large breed.

These tips will surely come in handy as you prepare to travel with a large dog for their first flight or road trip. It may seem daunting at first, what with so many things to consider, but in no time you’ll surely be a pro at knowing how to travel with a large dog and attending to their travel needs and requirements.

If you’re considering a trip to France, Eurotunnel must seem like the most logical choice. But is it safe? If you’re worried about train or tunnel safety, check out this article for the latest travel information and Eurotunnel safety facts.

Each year, about 17 million British nationals visit France, and a significant percentage of that number chooses Eurotunnel for their trip. The tunnel joins Coquelles outside Calais with Folkestone in Kent, and according to Get Link Group, around 21 million passengers have travelled through it in 2017 alone.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to northern France or a visit to Paris, Eurotunnel is the fastest way to cross the English Channel. It only takes 35 minutes, it’s comfortable, and it won’t cost you a whole lot of money.

The tunnel has been in operation since 1994, and up until now, there have only been 10 incidents — 7 fires and three train failures — all without serious injuries.

So from that side, it seems that it is safe to travel to France via Eurotunnel. However, we have only scratched the surface.

Eurotunnel Travel Basics

You don’t drive through the Channel Tunnel, you sit in a train, your car, or a minibus, while you’re carried to your destination. The tunnel has its own motorway exits that lead to check-ins at both ends.

* Le Shuttle or Eurostar

Le Shuttle is for people crossing with their vehicles, while the Eurostar is the high-speed train for passengers only. Eurostar trains leave from St Pancras International station in London. They take on passengers there, as well as in Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent. With these trains, you can go to northern France, Paris, Brussels, and other European Eurostar destinations.

Read more: Best Places to Visit in Europe when you are on a Budget

* Booking

You don’t always have to book in advance, but we recommend it. Booking means you are guaranteed a place and that your ticket is cheaper.

* Check-In

You need to arrive at least half an hour in advance so you’d have the time to check-in and go through both the British and the French frontiers and security controls.

* Travelling Through Eurotunnel

Even if you don’t really like tunnels, there’s nothing to worry about in this one. Boarding is fast, the inside of the tunnel is bright enough to allow you to forget you’re under the seabed, and the ride is fast, so you’ll be on the other side in no-time.

* You Should Also Know

You can eat on the way, but, although meals are safe, they are much alike airport duty-free — overpriced and not very tasty.

The tunnel is pet-friendly; your pet just needs to be microchipped, registered, and proven rabies-free.

You can take your bicycle through Eurotunnel, but you have to book a cycle crossing 48 hours in advance. Each Shuttle can carry 6 cyclists, so bear that in mind if you plan on going with friends.

When buying tickets, you can use special offers such as Short Stay saver, Frequent Traveller, and Flexiplus tickets to save up. You can also check the Eurotunnel Offers & Savings page to find the best deals.

How Safe Is the Channel Tunnel?

* The Security and Safety Measures

In order to go through, you will need your passport (and visa if required). If you’re going by car, you will also need proof of insurance and registration documents for your vehicle.

On the French terminal, security measures include a 40km perimeter fence, infrared detectors, CCTV cameras, and thermal detection sensors.

A buffer zone and the Eurotunnel Truck Park ensure off-motorway secure areas for drivers. Security controls are made to protect the passengers and their cargo, and they are all carried out before the crossing.

For instance, PMMW scans use passive medium waves to detect human presence inside trucks that enter the tunnel. Euroscan X-ray controls are on every terminal, and they can detect arms and explosives. There are also sniffer patrols that can inspect vehicles.

When you reach the French customs, they can also carry out normal checks in search of illegal materials.

On the other side, the UK Border Force can control passports and entry of illegal intrusions, as well as check for illicit substances.

* Conditions of Carriage

Conditions of carriage apply to all vehicles and their passengers that go through Eurotunnel, as well as commercial goods and personal belongings. So whether you choose Le Shuttle or Eurostar, you should read these conditions carefully, as they are there to ensure safety and security.

* Ventilation System Safety

The Eurotunnel has a main ventilation system and an emergency fire ventilation system, so there’s no danger of running out of air in the tunnel.

The system itself consists of fan stations. Each station has a control panel that operates at three levels. The electrical power this system uses comes from two independent grid suppliers — one domestic, as the main supply, and one French, as a backup.

The ventilation systems maintain higher air pressure in the service tunnel when compared to the rail tunnels. As a result, if there’s a fire, the smoke from the rail tunnels won’t even enter the service tunnel.

* Current State of Affairs

If you’re uncertain whether it is safe to travel to France in general at the moment, simply visit gov.uk and check Foreign travel advice section addressing France, or click on this link.

For additional travel advice and passenger information, you can check out the Eurotunnel website. Also, if you intend to cross the channel this way, you should definitely learn more about Advance Passenger Information (or API) on this link.

What If

For most people, just knowing that necessary safety measures are in place isn’t enough. We know, we understand — we hate not knowing what will happen if the worst comes to pass.

• In case your car breaks down, you can have breakdown cover. Eurotunnel offers several affordable travel insurance plans. Among them is a European Motor Breakdown Cover that secures your vehicle throughout mainland Europe.
• If there’s a train failure, the ventilation systems will never stop working, so you don’t have to worry about air. The worst case scenario is that you’ll have to stay on the train for several hours and wait for the issue to be properly addressed.
• In case there’s a fire, departments are effectively sealed off by fire doors, monitored by cameras and Eurotunnel staff, so no one can be seriously injured. In addition to that, water-mist technology is used to ensure fast fire extinguishing.

If there’s a terrorist attack — this has never happened before due to the security detail, but in case a powerful bomb went off on one of the trains, it couldn’t result in the flooding of the tunnel.

In the End

Is it safe to travel to France via Eurotunnel? Yes, it definitely is. As you can see, according to safety authority, the Eurostar trains are safe, as is Le Shuttle, and Eurotunnel itself.

According to its history, since the opening, no passengers were seriously injured, and the worst thing that can happen when taking Eurotunnel is getting stuck in the tunnel for hours.

So no, you don’t have to worry about safety when it comes to travelling to France via Eurotunnel. What you should worry about when you get to the other side is your wallet. Believe it or not, the most common issue British nationals run into in France is pick-pocketing.

Have a safe journey!

Looking for that great offer on Black Friday travel deals? If travel and vacation packages are your thing, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the biggest shopping sale season of the entire year! However, not all Black Friday sales for cheap prices on vacation opportunities are the same.

It’s all too easy to check out your online orders for traveling deals only to find out later on that there are some problematic things about your order (ex. restrictions and limitations). In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most important considerations for Black Friday online deals that customers and travelers need to know to get the best deal, voucher or codes for their next big adventure.

Black Friday Flight Deals

When buying Black Friday flight sales, keep these essential tips in mind before you cart out your intended Black Friday offers:

• Check your passport. Will your travel destination require a passport? Before you confirm your Black Friday flight sales or Black Friday airline deals, make sure your passport is in check. It should be at least 3-6 months from expiring by the time you have to leave, otherwise you’re going to have a problem that not even your trusted travel agency can help you with.

• Watch out for blocked dates. There are a lot of attractive Black Friday airline deals, but not all will allow you to fly out or fly in on your intended dates. When scanning for top Black Friday deals for airline tickets, adjust your time frame to a few days before and after your intended travel period so you have a better chance of booking a budget flight.

• Will you need baggage allowance? Some Black Friday offers for airline tickets might come with restrictions on baggage allowance. This is often the reason why they can afford to slash prices because passengers will not be adding the usual load in a plane, which allows them to save on fuel costs. If you’re a backpacker and won’t need check-in luggage, this won’t be problem. However, if you want to do a good amount of shopping or can’t travel without a lot of stuff, this can be problematic. If you really want to avail of the Black Friday travel deals, perhaps you can consider shipping your finds back to your home country before your flight back.

Above all, make sure that you are happy with the reputation for service of the airline you are considering whether you are flying business class or economy class. You wouldn’t want to risk an unpleasant flight experience just so you can save now, would you?

Deals to Discover: Skyscanner, and Cheapo Air have come up with their list of this year’s most notable local and international deals when looking for discount flights to great destinations – so check them out and mark the ones you are really interested in!

Black Friday Hotel Deals

These hotel-centered tips for Black Friday promo offers will make for a far more enjoyable staycation:

• Mind your headcount. If you find some really good Black Friday online deals for hotel stays, see if the Black Friday promo has a limit on headcount. If you’re a family of five and the deal is only for one queen-sized bed or two tickets to the breakfast buffet, you might have to shell out for additional beds or extra for the following day’s breakfast. But if the Black Friday hotel sales offer deep discounts, you can also consider getting two rooms for the whole family!

• Time it on a special occasion. Usually, Black Friday hotel sales offer booking opportunities from six months to a whole year in advance. This is a good way to find Black Friday online deals on special occasions such your birthday, wedding anniversary, or any other date that’s meaningful to you. With the savings that you make, you can certainly afford to splurge on other areas of your special celebration.

• Consider day before or after special occasions. Scoring top Black Friday deals for Valentines, Christmas or New Year (among others) is extremely tough, what with so many customers battling it out. You’d also be lucky to find accommodations offering deep discounts on what is considered as the top sellable dates in a year. Consider making Black Friday hotel booking deals few days before or after these occasions, if this is okay with you, in order to take advantage of the biggest Black Friday deals for hotel staycations.

Deals to Discover: No matter what your target destination is, Booking.com and Smarter Travel is this year’s go-to resource for jaw dropping discounts on high end or budget accommodations!

While you’re at it, make sure to check travel tips for the country or city you’ve booked a hotel in to make the most of your stay. Enjoying hotel amenities is surely part of the vacation experience, but getting out there and trying out the best that the locale has to offer will make it a far more memorable one.

Black Friday Vacation Deals

These advises for Black Friday travel deals for vacation packages just might be the ticket to finally visiting your dream destination:

• Study if you can go one package higher. If you happen to come across really good Black Friday hotel booking deals or vacation packages, you might want to up the ante to increase your vacation perks and make it all the more memorable.

• Call to ask for additional offers. If there are many of you (like a party of 15 vacationers, for example) it wouldn’t hurt to call the travel company after you’ve made your booking to ask if there are any additional perks that you can get since you’ll be buying in bulk. There might be bonuses, such as discounted city bus tickets or drinks vouchers that can be in store for your party.

• Compare the locations for things to do. If you’re choosing between two Black Friday discounts on vacations, the deciding factor could be the number of things that you can do in each locale. After all, you’d want to have more experiences to choose from – so go for the one that has a longer list of alluring adventures, both big and small!

Deals to Discover: If all-in holiday packages are your thing, you will not want to miss out on these great offers of up to 60% off from Expedia and Agoda. These two vacation and accommodation online booking giants have so much to offer this year for Black Friday holidays. You’ll probably find enough to schedule vacations every quarter at prices that can’t be beat

Black Friday Cruise Deals

Your dream cruise is a good deal away, but only if you remember these handy suggestions to find the best cruise deals:

• Choose your best route. If you spot some irresistible Black Friday travel deals for cruise vacations, check if the route is the one you would really like to take. Are the countries in the itinerary those that you want to visit? Which of the biggest Black Friday deals for cruises cover more stops? Cheap cruise deals aren’t necessarily the best. There may be other Black Friday discounts for offers that are slightly higher but cover more ground in terms of stopovers.

• Ensure the amenities are to your liking. Lucky is the traveler who knows where to find the biggest Black Friday discounts, and even luckier is he who chooses a cruise that has the best amenities! This is important because you will definitely want to be comfortable all throughout your trip. As you will be sea bound for a good part, there’s no backing out if the accommodations aren’t to your liking unlike land vacation deals. Check out reviews and look at actual photos of the rooms, bathrooms, and other areas of the cruise liner taken by other travelers before hitting the purchase button.

• Be diligent in reading traveler comments. Choose the best deal with the most number of positive traveler comments and ratings. A cursory glance at maybe five or six comments per potential cruise vacation package should be enough to make an educated guess of which will be the best deal.

Deals to Discover: Cruise vacation kings Royal Caribbean and Cruise Fever are out to tempt you with great prices for cruise vacation packages for the whole family. Best to bookmark their deeply discounted offers so you can check back quickly on the first hour of Black Friday sales!

Whichever Black Friday travel deals you go for, it is always best to make the decision with the people you are traveling with. Since it’s also fun to scope out deals with others, why not make a date night out of it and see which Black Friday vacation deals everyone can come up with as you scan the possibilities together?

Travel Deal Hunting: Exercising Patience and Determination

Scoring great on Black Friday travel deals takes some getting used to, what with the frenzy that usually accompanies the season. Websites tend to crash or load slowly, so it can also be a bit frustrating if you happen to experience it. As you check out the best deals for travel, make sure you condition yourself to be truly patient and determined to get the deals that you want – or settle for the second best that you’d be lucky enough to catch. Finding and closing in on Black Friday travel deals is an experience in itself, so have fun and hope for the best!

For many travelers, photography is an essential part of their experience. Some travelers take photos to create visual memories. Others may photograph their travels as a means of income. There are even those who take photos simply because they enjoy the process. Whatever the reason, a travel photography kit is essential! A travel photography kit is a must-have collection of items that will improve your photographic process when on the road.

I personally use a travel photography kit whenever I venture abroad – I have taken it with me to Antarctica, Thailand, Jordan, and Greenland to name a few places. It gives me flexibility. Moreover, I know that I will have everything I need to take some fantastic photos.

In the paragraphs below, I have formulated 10 items that you should include within your own travel photography kit – enjoy!

1. Gorillapod

I would not travel anywhere without my Gorillapod! This tripod is one of my favorite travel accessories. Gorillapod is a manufacturer of small tripods suitable for travel. I have two different models – one for my smartphone and one for my DSLR camera. The tripod is made of a series of interconnected balls – you can rotate these balls and flex the tripod legs into different positions. This means you can either stand it on a flat surface or even wrap it around posts and railings for example. Gorillapods are superb for long exposure shots, selfies, and photos intended to capture movement.

2. Microfiber lens cloth

When traveling, my lenses get dirty. Despite my best efforts, I always manage to get small marks on the glass. Yes, I know this isn’t ideal, but it can’t be helped! Even if you take your camera out for a few minutes, dust and debris can still find its way onto your lens. This is why your travel photography kit should contain a microfiber lens cloth. My weapon of choice is the awesome Hama microlens cloth. This cloth is quite small (approximately 5″ x 5″) but extremely portable. It fits in a compact plastic case that can fit in your pocket or camera bag. The cleaning quality is fantastic too.

3. Shutter remote control

Have you ever tried taking a long exposure shot without a remote control? It’s a nightmare! I always take a shutter remote control in my travel photography kit. A shutter remote control gives you great flexibility when traveling. I have used it to take selfies for example in conjunction with a Gorillapod. There isn’t always someone there to take your photo so it can be really useful! Furthermore, I often use my shutter if I need my camera to be completely still – I have shaky hands so it helps so much.

4. Waterproof camera case

Obviously, you must protect your camera from the elements. If you travel frequently you will encounter a wide variety of weather conditions. For example, in Antarctica, I battled against snow, hail, rain, and wind. Alternatively, in Jordan, I had to contend with sand, heat, and dust. A waterproof camera case is, therefore, a necessity for your travel photography kit. Which case you buy depends on the model of your camera. I have a Canon EOS-M which is a small crossover DSLR. I have an OP/TECH USA waterproof case – it fits my camera with an attached lens perfectly. More importantly, it keeps my camera protected during my adventures!

5. Portable USB SD Card reader should be part of your travel photography kit

Having the ability to upload your photos to a laptop or tablet on the go is fantastic. If you are a travel blogger this is even more important. When I travel for longer periods of time, I always take my USB SD card reader. This is a simple device that connects via USB to your laptop or tablet. You can then slot an SD card into it and transfer photos directly to your chosen device. USB Card readers usually have a fast connection and thus you can upload photos in an instant. Moreover, if you use editing software such as Adobe Lightroom, you can directly export from the card reader to your photo catalog. I use the Lexar USB 3.0 dual card reader.

6. Bubble-wrap

You may think… has this guy gone crazy? No! I kid you not, I have bubble-wrap in my travel photography kit! Surely you can guess why I use it? For protection and padding! Not just my camera, but my accessories too. I have a handful of small pieces of bubble wrap cut to size that I always place inside my kit. What do I wrap up? I wrap my spare batteries and SD memory cards. Furthermore, I always place bubble wrap within my camera case. I feel this just provides extra protection which is vital when traveling.

7. A must in every travel photography kit are multiple SD cards

All modern DSLR cameras require an SD card – this is what you store your photos on. When traveling, I take three SD cards. Why? For redundancy. No travel photography kit could be complete without spare SD cards. What would you do if your one and only SD card became corrupted? You would lose your travel photos! If you have two spare memory cards, you can share your photos between them as a fail safe. I always use Lexar memory cards to go with my USB card reader. I own two 32gb Lexar Professional 400x speed memory cards, and one 16gb – this is ample storage space even when taking full RAW photos.

8. Don’t forget to include in your travel photography kit: multiple spare batteries

If you travel with only one battery, you are setting yourself up for a fall. What happens when you have been on a tour all day, and that one battery dies? You could miss out on some amazing photographic opportunities. Within my travel photography kit, I carry three batteries in total. One battery sits in my camera, the other two, within my accessory bag. All three batteries are fully charged before I head out exploring! I always buy proprietary batteries i.e. official batteries from the camera manufacturer.

9. GoPro camera

Aside from my main Canon EOS-M camera, I always carry my GoPro too. A GoPro allows you to capture photos and videos that you can’t with a DSLR. Moreover, it allows you to experiment with new angles. I mainly use my DSLR for photography and my GoPro for video or underwater shots. By using both types of capture device, you can really create a wide variety of photos and media during your travels. I own the GoPro Hero Session and official selfie stick too.

10. Lens Filters

Lens filters are small and portable. Additionally, lens filters can enhance your travel photography with minimal effort. There are several types of filter commonly used – a UV filter, and an ND filter. I would advise adding a couple of different lens filters to your travel photography kit. If you are traveling long-term, a filter can help you get the photo right the first time, as opposed to editing in Lightroom afterward. Fujiyama is a well-known filter manufacturers and produces a variety of different models for DSLR cameras.

10 simple items to create an awesome travel accessory list perfect for photography buffs. I don’t know where I would be without my travel photography kit! The great thing is, is that it doesn’t take up much room in my suitcase or backpack either. I can’t count the times my kit has proved invaluable – without it, I don’t think I would have been able to take some of the amazing photos that I have! Now that you have the kit, It’s time to check out our 10 amazing travel photography hacks that will turn your work into a masterpiece.

Solo traveling is like a double edged sword. It can be the most wondrous and amazing experience of your life. It can also, however, be daunting and scary.

The first time I traveled alone was a huge learning curve. I loved the experience though and it opened the door to many more adventures. I only traveled for a long weekend to Bruges in Belgium, but that small trip pushed me to accomplish my dream of visiting Antarctica and Greenland! If you are considering solo travel, let my solo travel tips guide you towards a brighter future:

1. Stay open-minded and embrace new opportunities

When traveling alone, I have found that saying yes really helps. If a new opportunity arises, take it! For example, whilst in Jordan, I got the chance to sleep under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert – that memory will stick with me forever! I was a little cold, but I am so glad that I said yes. You must stay open-minded at all times. Refrain from being dismissive. Embrace the unexpected and embrace everything that is thrown your way. You will look back on your adventures with pride and sheer joy – your solo journeys will be fulfilling as a result.

2. Stay in hostels to meet potential travel buddies

Hostels are a solo travelers dream! This is what hostels were created for! I have stayed in many hostels and have met some wonderful people as a result. There is no better place in the world to meet fellow travelers. Hostels usually have dorms and common room areas. You should use these areas to speak to other people and get to know them. This could lead to long term friendships. Moreover, you could travel with these people or do a little sight-seeing with them. Just be confident and friendly – don’t sit secluded in a corner and alienate yourself!

3. Consider joining organized tours to meet new people

Some travelers avoid organized tours – they consider them to be cliché. I on the other hand often join tour groups. First and foremost, organized tours provide you with in depth knowledge. Moreover, they give you the chance to see the main sights of a destination. More importantly, they offer a solo traveler the chance to meet new people. I have taken many tours and made many new friends as a result. I have even joined organized trips with companies such as G Adventures. Use tours as a means of finding friendship!

4. Force yourself to veer out of your comfort zone

If you stick within your comfort zone, you will limit yourself and your travels. You may miss out on many opportunities as a result. This is one of the things many people struggle with whilst traveling alone. It is so much easier to stick to what you know. Why would you veer out of your comfort zone when the alternative looks more attractive? You have to get out of this mindset though! I know that it may be difficult, but just try something you normally wouldn’t – your solo traveling experience will be that much better as a result!

5. Always travel with a book or tablet for those long journeys

I have found that solo traveling can sometimes be arduous. For example, I took the Eurostar from London to Brussels – the train journey wasn’t particularly compelling as we were underground for most of it! What did I do? I took a book and my tablet! Reading helped pass the time. Furthermore, I used my tablet to draft some notes for my blog. Reading material or a tablet really can help break up those tiresome journeys – it can also help keep your mind active and alert.

6. Never get too drunk and leave yourself vulnerable

Getting drunk and partying until the early hours of the morning might seem like a fantastic idea. But what happens if you get too drunk and get taken advantage of? Who is there to ensure you get back to your hostel safely? The reality of it is that no one is there. Even if you make friends on your travels; there is no guarantee they will come to your rescue. I always have a few drinks and a good time, but I also know when to draw the line and stop. Don’t let alcohol compromise your safety and make you vulnerable!

7. Make regular contact with your family and share with them your whereabouts

I appreciate that making contact with people back home can be irritating and time consuming. By doing this, however, you can improve your security. Furthermore, if anything should happen, your family could provide assistance in finding you. Finally, you can also give them peace of mind – I know that my parents still worry when I travel alone, even though I am 31! This really is one of the most important solo travel tips! Just send a simple SMS or WhatsApp message at set stages – when you have arrived at the airport when you have arrived at your hostel etc. You might want to check out our ultimate guide to making International calls when traveling abroad as well.

8. Avoid taking risks

Walking down that side street might seem like an adventure. But what happens when a group of muggers is waiting for you? Risk taking can sometimes pay off – it can lead to adventure and awesome memories. Remember however that these risks are increased for solo travelers. Think about your actions. Consider if the risk is actually worth it. Is it worth your potential safety? Is it worth your money or even your life? When traveling alone, avoid taking risks unless they are absolutely necessary!

9. Make the most of playing to your own tune

When I travel with other people, I constantly have to compromise. They may want to see the Spanish Steps in Rome for example, even though I really wanted to see the Pantheon. When I travel alone, I literally have myself to please. No one else! This is such an awesome feeling. I can do what I want, and see what I want. When traveling alone, you must make the most of this opportunity. If there is something you really want to do, then do it! Solo travel allows you to play to your own tune. You must exploit this and fulfill your dreams without limitation.

10. Regularly back up photos and other media

When traveling alone you can’t give your valuables to someone else. Furthermore, you can’t rely on someone else to save photos and videos – you are responsible for everything! What happens if you lose your camera or your SD card becomes corrupted? As a top solo travel tip, when traveling alone, I always try to back up my photos to an external device. Failing that, I will take several memory cards and swap them regularly. That way, if one fails, all my travel photos and videos are not stored in one place. I will still have at least some digital memories of my solo travels.

I hope you now have a clearer understanding of how to conquer solo travel. By using these solo travel hacks, you should be able to enjoy traveling alone as I have. If you are looking for inspiration on where to travel, don’t forget to check out our article on the best budget travel destinations for 2018. The world is a huge place with so many wonders. It would be a shame to miss out just because you don’t have a travel buddy!

Planning a family trip with your kids can be daunting. Most parents can relate to this and often take their time to make sure that such trips are well planned. Whether it is a flight or that long road trip upcountry, the thought of bringing kids onboard may be overwhelming.

Most parents usually find it wise to adjust their travel time whenever they involve kids. Justifiably so, traveling with kids during the off-season can yield savings, especially with the flights and accommodation. During these seasons, you are bound to land a cheap flight and reasonable accommodation for less.

It is essential to slow down the planning process as a parent. You don’t want to miss anything in the processing of planning for that long-awaited family trip. The success of such a trip will depend on how well you listen to your kids.

Make sure you pay attention to their needs, including the sites they most desire to view (in the case of a road trip). The last thing you want is your kids getting tired and bored in the midst of a trip.

A slow and a comprehensive plan for your travel is key to a successful trip. Below are ten tips that will guarantee a hassle-free trip with your kids:

1. Come up with a packing list for everyone on the trip.

Let everyone on the trip make a separate packing list. As the parent, help your kids come up with a list containing all their necessities for a trip. However, don’t do it for them. Involve them and make them feel in control of the process.

After coming up with their packing list, begin packing. The easiest way to ensure that nothing is forgotten when traveling with your kids is crossing off whatever is already packed. Make sure you specially mark the items you intend on packing at the very end. Do the same for the items you plan on buying after reaching your destination.

2. Research sufficiently on the destination.

Researching will help you avoid small mistakes that could ruin your trip. If you are taking a flight to your destination, get to know beforehand whether your kids need visas. Just be curious about anything concerning your destination.

For breastfeeding mums, Google can give a heads-up on areas where breastfeeding in public is not allowed. Some countries will, however, be okay with breastfeeding in public. Another positive side to research is knowing beforehand whether you and your kids need any medication.

Read more: 10 Things To Do When You’re In Czech Republic

You don’t want to get caught out in the last minute. Some destinations will require that you get certain vaccinations before traveling. Others will need you to carry malaria tablets. In case any member of the family is asthmatic, it is vital to prioritize an inhaler whenever you are traveling to a cold place.

If you are in doubt about anything after arriving, it is always advisable that you ask. It is not wrong not to know. Asking might save you costly blunders when on traveling with kids.

3. Book in time.

Whether it is your flight or hotel, make sure you book days earlier. For flights, you are assured of getting the cheapest flight rates by booking 56 days earlier. Choose an airline that best fits into your travel plans and get your tickets ready. AirAsia is one of the budget-friendly airlines and here is a guide to get the most from AirAsia in 9 steps.

The same goes for the hotel. You don’t want to get into searching escapades soon after reaching your destination. You’ll probably be carrying your sleepy kids around. This can prove to be hectic.

When booking your hotel, consider booking for two or more days since you will benefit from discounts and incentives. Most hotels will lower their rates for individuals who wish to spend two or more nights in their rooms.

Consider making reservations in hotels that are not far from towns. It is not advisable to have your kids in a hotel that is in the middle of nowhere. If you are in a tight budget, consider booking a hostel.

4. Pack food and snacks for the kids.

Traveling with kids becomes a lot easier when you take your snacks on flights or road trips. Long trips can leave kids feeling hungry and cranky, that goes without saying. Adults also enjoy a bite when on that long trip.

Read more: Carry on luggage with wheels

Don’t assume that you will stop and buy food or snacks. This might be possible for road trips but the opposite for airports. Airports can be expensive to buy food from, not mentioning their limited selection of healthy meals and snacks for you and your kids.

5. Set a travel budget.

Work out a comfortable budget that works well for you and your family. Include money to buy souvenirs, entertainment and some for the unseen activities. However, don’t limit yourself to a small budget. Such trips come once around the year and going hard is acceptable once in a while.

When coming up with this budget, involve the kids too. This will help you have a glimpse of what they would like to buy and engage in during the trip and while at the destination.

6. Take your time

With kids, you can never manage your time properly. So, whenever you are planning a trip with your kids, be prepared to take some extra time. Kids love to explore and will not mind your time pressures.

To retain your cool and enjoy your trip, make sure you create room and time for toilet stops, stalling and faffing from the kids.

7. Ensure you carry hygiene essentials.

Hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes are essential whenever you are traveling with kids. Before they can get their hands on those snacks, it is important that they zap out germs using a hand sanitizer to avoid some illnesses.

8. Plan for games and activities.

Activity packs are essentials during flights road trips. It is therefore essential that you come up when traveling with kids with one that contains books, coloring pencils, board games, card games, puzzles and so on. This will help them stay occupied and keep things calm during the trip.

9. Encourage your kids to carry a travel journal.

With a travel journal, it is easy for your kids to list down what they have seen, foods they have tried and probably draw a couple of figures or landmarks. These are valuable if your kids can keep them safely into adulthood for the memories.

Read more: How to Plan a Trip

10. Use a child locator for safety

The last thing you want is a wild dash in an unfamiliar airport looking for your kid. You can use a child locator to set off an alarm using your transmitter to locate your kid easily in case they get lost.

Next time you are planning on traveling, don’t leave your kids behind. Using the tips above for traveling with kids will make traveling with them so easy, you’ll enjoy it!