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One fine day: where in the world would you spend 24 hours?

Where would you return, if you could spend the day anywhere in the world?

After time out from travel, we’re looking forward to seeing the wider world again, and our specialists are no exception. Here, they share where they’d go and what they’d do on their ideal day. Their recommendations include familiar haunts where they once lived, worked, or studied, sharing their passion from Japanese pottery to birdwatching in the Amazon. They can arrange all of the experiences they talk about for you, on your own trip, ensuring you make the most of every moment.

In search of Kiwis in New Zealand

Joe, New Zealand specialist

I’d get transported to Rakiura or Stewart Island, just off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island . Firstly, I’d nip into South Seas Hotel in Oban, the island’s only town of any size, for a quick drink with the locals — there’s always a quirky story to be had in a small island pub at the end of the world, where the next stop’s Antarctica.

I’d walk over to Observation Point for a nice sweeping view of Oban itself, before jumping on a ferry over to Ulva Island , a predator-free bird sanctuary. Here I’d walk a loop trail or just sit down by a rimu tree, listening to the calls of tuis and bellbirds.

Then I’d head back to Oban and to Churchill Lodge for a dinner of fresh local salmon. After sunset, I’d go out on a private tour in search of kiwis — you use infra-red flashlights to spot the birds without disturbing them. Then, in an ideal world, I’d see the southern lights — after all, Stewart Island’s Māori name, Rakiura, means ‘land of the glowing skies’.

• Follow in Joe’s footsteps on this comprehensive wildlife-themed tour of New Zealand , which also includes whale-watching in Kaikoura and encountering the Otago Peninsula’s yellow-eyed penguins.

Kintsugi pottery and karaoke in Tokyo

Tesia, Japan specialist

There are so many parts of Japan I love, but I’d spend my ideal day in Tokyo . First, I’d head straight to a convenience store to see what seasonal snacks there are — in spring you’ll find cherry-blossom-scented sweets. Then, I’d start with something hands-on, like a kintsugi class, which is the art of mending broken pottery. The bowl I made on my last trip sits proudly on my desk. Lunch would be at one of the quirky cafes in the Harajuku district, where you can watch teenagers parade the latest fashion trends and anime-inspired outfits.

One of the things I miss most from my time living in Japan is the food, so I’d take the same food tour I arrange for my clients. You visit a bunch of genuine hole-in-the-wall eateries and izakaya, atmospheric Japanese pubs, eating lots of small plates along the way. I love yakatori, charcoal-grilled meat and vegetables with a salty-sweet sauce. I’d end the day with a classic Japanese activity: karaoke.

• Experience Tesia’s Tokyo on this 22-day grand tour of Japan , which also includes hiking along the Nakasendo Highway, a stay in a remote temple lodging and a cooking class in Kyoto.

Escape to the jungle in the Peruvian Amazon

Nik, Peru specialist

I’d use my 24 hours to get as far away from the urban as possible, in a good way — returning to the southern Peruvian Amazon  where I used to work as a wildlife guide. I’d stay at the remote Tambopata Research Centre , which is a lodge as well as a cutting-edge scientific facility just opposite the world’s largest macaw claylick.

My hours would be spent observing these birds and generally absorbing myself in the jungle, trying to set eyes on as many species as possible. I’d climb to canopy platforms in search of the harpy eagle, which continues to elude me, and take a trip to a nearby oxbow lake to try spotting giant river otters.

Along with expert guides, I’d sit in a hide looking for toucans and hopefully a hoatzin, a punky, prehistoric-looking bird. Once darkness fell, I’d take a guided night walk to observe frogs, snakes, bats, and the gleaming eyes of caimans skulking in the river.

• Experience the biodiversity of Peru’s southern Amazon like Nik in this two-week Peru tour , which also takes you to Cuzco, the seat of the Incas, after which you’ll hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

On safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Philippa, Safari specialist

My experiences of Botswana  as a tour guide mostly involved camping. And, while I love a rustic experience, my ideal day would have a touch more luxury.

I’d be woken at the crack of dawn with a pot of coffee at Kanana Camp , to sounds of hyenas whooping. It’s an exclusive lodge in the Okavango Delta , with only seven rooms — your fellow guests are the only other people you’ll see. At dawn, I’d then head off with my driver-guide on an early-morning game drive. It’s possible to off-road in this concession, so if we spot a lion, we can drive across for a closer look.

We’d then stop for coffee as the birds emerge with the morning sun. Then it’s time for a walk to spot the details you might miss on a game drive, like animal prints, insects, and birds. One of the reasons I love this part of Botswana is the variety of ways you can explore, and after lunch, I’d cruise the winding channels of the delta in a traditional mokoro, gliding almost silently along the reed-lined waterways, looking out for elephant passing along the river ahead.

It would then be time for the all-important sundowner — it’s a gin and tonic for me — before spending the night under the stars on a sleep-out deck, with the sounds and smells of the bush around me.

• Experience Philippa’s Botswana on this ten-day tour of Chobe National Park & the Okavango Delta  which explores three of the country’s best national parks and concessions.

Moroccan food and a massage in Fez

Kerry-Ann, Morocco specialist

I’d spend my day in the Fez  medina, starting at the Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate) where I’d have breakfast at Thami's restaurant — I ate their maaqouda (spicy fried potato cakes) all the time when I lived in Morocco . I’ve really missed home-cooked Moroccan meals these past two years, so I’d probably take a tagine cooking class with a local family. You visit all the markets, so I could say hello to old friends, before cooking and eating lunch.

In the afternoon, I’d do some shopping in the souqs and go for a hammam and massage at Riad Laaroussa. For dinner, I’d go to Café Clock for a camel burger and almond milkshake — it’s a cross-cultural hub where I did all my studying while I was at university in the city. In the evening, I’d go to the Ville Nouvelle and join the locals who promenade down the Boulevard Mohammed V, nibbling on local street food like hammas kamoun (chickpeas with cumin).

• Experience Kerry-Ann’s Fez on this cultural tour of northern Morocco that includes Fez, Tangier, and the blue city of Chefchaouen.

Indulging in art and wine in Verona

Shannon, Italy specialist

I actually just came back from Veneto (a region in northern Italy near Venice ), where I had a perfect day indulging my love of art, food, and wine. I woke up early for a pre-breakfast walk around Verona to admire the frescoes that adorn exterior of the city’s palaces (in other cities, the artists stayed inside). Then I took a private farm-to-fork tour to meet local artisanal food producers: a wine maker who keeps bees shared samples of honey and wine with me, a shepherd let me taste the Grana Padano cheese he makes from his herd of heirloom sheep, and a traditional rice farmer ate a risotto lunch with me.

From there, I headed to the lesser-visited city of Padua to see Giotto’s frescoes — I fell in love with them when I was studying art in Italy and hadn’t been back in a while, so I wanted to really soak up his early-Renaissance style. I ended the day back with a glass of Amarone wine at my hotel in Verona; the Due Torri Hotel has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the old town.

• Experience Shannon’s Veneto on this 8-day tour of Northern Italy & the Italian lakes , which also includes time in Milan and on Lake Como.

An early morning swim to late-night cocktails in Bangkok

Jack, Southeast Asia specialist

Give me 24 hours anywhere in the world and I’d head straight to Bangkok . I first went to Thailand more than 20 years ago, and (until the pandemic paused travel) have returned almost every year since — beginning each trip with time in this vibrant, ever-changing city.

I’d make the most of the golden early morning light with a swim, before tackling a massive buffet breakfast (Thai city hotels do this particularly well). The morning would be spent revisiting some of the city’s highlights like the Grand Palace, hopping across the city using sky trains, river taxis, and tuk-tuks, which are as much a part of the experience as the sights themselves.

After a traditional pad-thai lunch, I’d take a boat through the klongs, the city’s hidden canal network. They give you the feeling of being in rural Thailand as you pass waterside temples and market gardens.

The evenings are when Bangkok really comes into its own. I’d start with a street-food tour with one of our guides, who’ll know the best delicacies to sample, before having a drink on Khaosan Road, watching all walks of life pass by. And, if I’m really making the most of the full 24 hours, I’d head to a slick bar in the trendy Silom district.

• Experience Jack’s Bangkok on a classic Thailand tour, which also includes a cooking class in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai and time to relax on Khao Lak’s golden beaches.

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The Vacationer • Travel Guides • Travel Tips

49 Best Travel Tips to Save Time, Money, & Stress in 2024

Traveling locally, across the country, or to another continent is an exciting way to form memories and experience other cultures. But an awry trip can usher in unnecessary stress, expenses, and potential regrets.

These travel tips can help you have a successful trip from the initial planning stages, as you pack your bags, and once you reach your destination. 

Table of Contents

Best Travel Tips While Preparing for a Trip

This collection of tips covers just about everything you should consider when traveling and before you go. You are most likely practicing some of them, making them a good reminder, and others can help prevent uncommon travel surprises.

1. Book At Least Six Weeks in Advance

Instead of carving time out of your schedule to book your trip at a specific date or time (such as Tuesdays at 3 a.m. using a private browsing session to find discounted fares), a more effective strategy is researching travel options at least four to six weeks in advance.

You can still find cheap flights and ideal flight times at least six weeks before departure. Getting on the hunt two or three months before major holidays is also good.  

Last-minute travel savings are possible but you may be unable to get a desired departure time, layover window, or destination. Waiting until the final days can be worth it if you have a flexible schedule and are open-minded about where you travel to.

Learn More: Best Days and Times to Book Flights

2. Travel in the Off-Season or Shoulder Season

Avoiding the peak travel season is one of the easiest ways to pay less for flights and lodging. You also will enjoy smaller crowds and the weather can still be decent for your intended activities.

For example, visiting Spain is delightful in March and April but travel prices are elevated during Semana Santa (Holy Week) when most cities have processions that virtually shut down the city.

Another example is visiting a beach town during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the time between the peak and the offseason. So you could take a trip to Cape May, NJ from the middle of May to the end of June instead of during the July/August peak. The weather is still good enough during the shoulder season to enjoy most peak-season activities.

3. Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Comparing prices from several travel booking sites can help you find the best rate within minutes. Airlines, hotels, and rental cars offer several slots to third-party booking sites and you can pay less than booking directly from the carrier.

It’s worth your time to check prices directly from the carrier website but also from one or more third-party booking sites (online travel agencies or OTAs) like Hotels.com , Kayak , or Google Flights .

The Vacationer Tip

Along with looking for the best flight schedule and prices, you can use our guide to help find the best seats on the plane and book them for cheap or for free.

4. Book Directly from the Travel Provider

While you can find discounted prices through online travel agencies and third-party booking sites, booking directly from the airline, hotel, or rental car agency provides more protection if you must cancel or reschedule. This is especially important for flights and the 24-hour cancellation rule .

With third-party reservations, you may be locked into a particular itinerary that could be non-refundable or non-changeable. You will need to call the booking site to determine what your alternatives are. If you’re eligible for a refund, it can take longer to receive your funds.

5. Stay at a Hostel to Save Money

Hostels are a common and safe way to secure affordable lodging in Europe and Asia. If you’re traveling solo or in a group and okay with not having as much privacy, a hostel helps keep your travel costs down. 

Despite many misconceptions, most establishments are well-run with clean bathrooms and bedding. You may also be able to get a basic breakfast at some. With that said, be sure to research your options and consider paying a little more to get more luxurious accommodations.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Staying in a Hostel

6. Consider Vacation Rentals for Extended Stays

Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO have become immensely more popular since the pandemic as people yearned for privacy. While hotels are usually better for shorter stays as you avoid expensive cleaning fees and service fees, a vacation home or villa can be more cost-effective for extended stays.

At a minimum, a rental or an extended-stay hotel is more likely to offer a full kitchen suite that allows you to cook full meals instead of relying on packaged snacks or what fits inside the hotel mini-fridge. 

Vacation rentals can also be cheaper per square foot if traveling as a family. Instead of squeezing into a hotel suite or booking multiple rooms, you have spacious accommodations. If you have small children, the extra space can keep you from losing your mind on rainy days.

The Vacationer’s Tip: While many people focus on spending less for flights, hotels and vacation rentals can have variable pricing. Here is how to find and book cheap hotels to enjoy clean and spacious lodging on a budget.

7. Buy Travel Insurance for Expensive or International Trips

Travel insurance is inexpensive on most itineraries and can save you thousands of dollars if your non-refundable travel is canceled or delayed for qualifying reasons. 

Obtaining coverage is a good option for expensive trips. Picking up a policy can also be worth it when traveling outside the United States as you can have medical coverage and emergency evacuation benefits that your ordinary health insurance may not provide outside the country.

You should also consider booking your trips using credit cards with travel insurance coverage . These benefits are sufficient for low-cost excursions and can activate before your standalone travel insurance policy can. They can also provide complimentary rental car coverage .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the best credit card travel insurance benefits. Namely, you can be eligible for trip interruption and cancellation coverage of up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip), primary auto rental collision damage waiver, up to $500 per ticket in trip delay reimbursement, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation  Learn How to Apply Here

8. Consider Annual Travel Insurance Plans

If you travel regularly, an annual travel insurance policy covers multiple trips at a lower premium than buying a new policy for each trip. This is an excellent option for frequent leisure travelers and business travelers.

9. Review Airline and Hotel Cancellation Policies

Your travel plans may change unexpectedly for personal or work reasons. Before you book, take the time to review the cancellation and modification policies just to make sure they are reasonable.

You want to make sure you have a strong possibility of getting a refund or a travel credit to redeem later. Being locked into a non-refundable itinerary may not be worth the savings unless you’re booking right before you go or your travel insurance may issue a refund.

In addition to researching the cancellation policy, be sure to review an airline’s seating and carry-on policy to avoid add-on fees and restrictions. 

10. Choose Early Flights

Early morning flights are the best time to fly for several reasons. First, these departures are less likely to be delayed as it’s a new travel day with rested crews and minimal weather-related interruptions. 

Additionally, these flights can be cheaper as you need to arrive at the airport a little earlier. Routes popular with business travel can be an exception to this rule, but you can anticipate paying less than for a mid-day sortie.

Learn More: How to Avoid Flight Delays and Cancellations

11. Arrive at the Airport Early

Photo: Pixabay

Getting to the airport at least an hour before departure for domestic flights at small airports or when you’re not checking luggage. Plan on arriving at least two hours for domestic flights at busy airports, if you’re checking a bag, or traveling with small children.

What about international flights? Plan on arriving at least three hours before departure to allow additional time for a potentially longer check-in time.

Learn More: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

12. Qualify for Expedited Airport Security 

If you fly several times a year, obtaining expedited airport security credentials can help you avoid long airport security lines. 

The first step is applying for a federally-administered Trusted Traveler Program, such as:

• TSA PreCheck : Enjoy expedited security at domestic airports only.  
• Global Entry : Get expedited processing at customs lines on international flights plus TSA PreCheck benefits. 
• NEXUS : Ideal for travel between the U.S. and Canada. It also includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. 

Several rewards credit cards are offering free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits to save a few dollars.

In addition to Trusted Traveler programs, you can also shave a few minutes off security wait times with CLEAR at select major airports and stadiums. Where available, this pre-security program can help you reach the expedited TSA security lines sooner. 

Getting a Redress Number can help those who frequently have boarding pass issues, are subject to additional security screenings (including having SSSS on their boarding pass ), and those who experience delayed or denied boardings.

Learn More: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster

13. Relax at an Airport Lounge

If you have a long layover or arrive at the airport several hours later, visiting an airport lounge (like a Centurion Lounge ) can help you grab a complimentary meal and drink, and recharge your devices. You can also have a comfortable place to sit and the luxury lounges offer spa treatment, sleeping rooms, and shower suites to clean up.

Single-day passes are pricey but there are several credit cards with lounge access . Most lounges allow entry for the primary cardholder and up to two guests complimentary up to three hours before your next flight’s departure.

Airport lounge access is just one way to reduce air travel stress . Check out our article for additional suggestions. 

14. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Some countries and airlines won’t let you travel if your passport expires within six months. If you’re planning a trip, see if your passport is expiring soon to prevent delaying your trip.

Consider renewing your passport early if you’re approaching the six-month expiration window as the passport processing times can take up to 13 weeks to receive your new document. You can pay extra for expedited processing but the process can still take several weeks.

After submitting your renewal request, you can check your passport application status online .

Finally, use our How to Take Your Own Passport Photo guide to simplify things when applying or renewing.

15. Don’t Go Into Debt for Vacation

As much as you’re earning to get away on a dream trip, it’s probably not worth going into debt for. Whether your bank is offering a vacation loan or you intend on carrying a credit card balance (even with a 0% APR), borrowing money to travel can backfire.

Instead, look for the best options within your spending power. Consider setting aside money each month and delaying your trip if necessary.

In addition to saving up for travel in a dedicated savings account, you can use travel rewards credit cards to redeem points to defray purchases. Some cards offer annual statement credits that reimburse eligible travel bookings. 

Additionally, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards also offer complimentary benefits to spend less.  

Making a travel budget can help you plan for travel expenses so you’re not nervous about running out of cash while you travel or having regrets once you return home.

16. Exercise and Stretch

Once you depart for your trip, be sure to stretch and perform basic exercises as time and space permit. It can be as basic as stationary stretches while sitting in your seat to walking the airport terminal. If driving, stay outside for a few extra minutes at the gas station or rest area.

Stretching and being active once you arrive is also beneficial and can help you sleep better.

Best Travel Tips for Packing

17. only bring a carry-on.

When possible, only bring a carry-on to avoid lost or missing checked luggage. You can also avoid checked baggage fees and excessive weight charges if you overpack. Using the best carry-on can help you find the perfect soft or hard-sided luggage to fit your travel gear.

If you need to check a bag, it most likely won’t get lost but could get delayed. Here’s our helpful guide on what to do during baggage delays .

18. Pack as Light as Possible

Packing is stressful; Many people overpack to ease their anxiety, which sometimes means bringing extra suitcases or paying to check a bag. Write down everything you think you need on your packing list. After it’s complete, cut it down to the bare minimum.

Pack underwear and socks for the number of showers you expect to take; Add an emergency pair for every five or so days of your trip. Shirts and pants can usually be worn multiple days in a row. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can pack even less.

19. Carry-On Overnight Travel Essentials

You never know when a flight delay will turn into spending the night in the terminal or at a nearby hotel. While the airline may provide meal vouchers, you should pack these travel essentials to freshen up:

• A change of clothes, especially extra underwear and socks
• Powerbank (they cost about $20 and have several phone/tablet recharges)
• Travel charger

Even if you’re not stuck somewhere overnight, these small and compact items can also help you rest while on the road:

• Earplugs (great for plane rides and noisy hotels)
• Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
• Travel blanket
• Travel pillow (see the best travel neck pillows )

Adding these carry-on essentials to your packing list can prepare you for nearly any change of plans and to weather a long layover or flight. 

20. Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

A power adapter is essential in most foreign destinations to charge your devices. Traveling to Canada or Mexico is an exception as the standard voltage is 120v and these countries have the same outlet design as the United States. Check to see the adapter requirements for the country you are visiting before leaving.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler recently visited South Africa and needed a Type M adapter. He purchased this Ceptics International Power Plug Adapter Travel Set , which includes 13 adapters for just about every foreign country.

21. Use Packing Cubes

There are a couple of ways to organize your travel luggage to squeeze everything in. Your bag may include built-in storage compartments or you might roll up clothing and put them in packing cubes or vacuum storage bags. If you’re on a budget, rubber bands or plastic bags can also do the job. I recommend the following packing cubes: Veken 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes .

Packing for a vacation can feel like a fine art at times, even as a seasoned traveler. Our travel packing list can cover everything you need to bring so you don’t forget and have to buy something along the way.

22. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

For over 20 years, it’s become ingrained for air travelers to pack liquids in containers containing no more than three ounces. This security rule means you can’t bring a filled water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

Most airports have filtered water dispensers in the post-security terminal that you can fill up your bottle with and avoid paying big bucks for bottled water. You also won’t struggle to stay hydrated during your journey.

If you’re driving, consider bringing a travel water filter or a portable filter that you can use in your hotel room to pay pennies for filtered water.

23. Dress Comfortably for the Flight

You should dress comfortably for the plane ride. Dressing in layers with a light jacket or a travel blanket can help you stay warm if the cabin is cool. Bringing travel slippers or slip-on shoes on long-haul flights is another overlooked comfort hack. Wear sweatpants instead of jeans.

24. Bring Duplicate Travel Documents

Take a few minutes to photocopy your critical travel documents such as your government-issued IDs and passport. Be sure to keep these papers separate from your originals in case one set gets lost.

Once you arrive at your destination, you may decide to go out in public with your duplicates and keep your originals plus at least one payment card in the room safe. That way, a pickpocket doesn’t run off with the more valuable set and you still have a way to make purchases. 

Taking it a step further, write down your credit card numbers and the emergency contact number if you need to call and cancel if your plastic goes missing. If you don’t have a phone number, you can also look for a pay phone that should have a toll-free number to contact Visa or Mastercard to cancel your card.

25. Keep Valuables at Home and Bring a Lock

Unless it’s necessary to bring them along for a business function or a personal event, leave your valuables at home. The hassle of keeping them secure and the risk of losing them may not be worth the replacement cost. 

This includes your fine jewelry, watches, and high-end electronics that are nice to use but optional for this trip. Additionally, these items can make you a target for thieves.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler also recommends bringing a luggage lock or a standard combination lock.

26. Install a Luggage Tracking Device

Bluetooth tracking devices like the Apple AirTag are a small and easy way to see where your carry-on and checked luggage are at all times. A single piece is about the size of a coin and costs $30 or less.

27. Bring Comfy Walking Shoes

Most of the world walks more steps than we do daily. Therefore, it’s essential to pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to stroll the streets of your destination. Comfortable footwear is also a must-have if you’re staying stateside.

28. Keep a Travel Journal

Consider packing a notebook or diary into your carry-on. Handwriting your favorite travel memories in a journal is an easy way to remember the intricacies that you may struggle to remember years later when you reflect. 

For example, you can write down what you did each day along with exciting facts. Having everybody share their favorite activity for the day is another way to use this journal.

Best Travel Tips for Once You Arrive

29. learn the local customs.

Words and expressions can have different meanings where you’re traveling to. It’s also a good idea to know some of the common phrases and customs the locals practice so you can have a basic conversation.

You can research these details online or in a guidebook.

30. Dress As a Local

Blending in with the crowd can help prevent unwanted attention from panhandlers and pickpockets. For example, don’t wear revealing clothing when the culture favors pants or long dresses. Researching fashion advice for your destination is your best option.

31. Be Wary of Local Scams

Brushing up on the latest tourist scams can help you avoid bad situations. A recent travel guidebook is a reliable way to find the most common tactics for your destination. Two to look out for are unofficial taxis and fake wifi hotspots. 

32. Consider Wearing a Money Belt

Long-time travelers have a love-hate relationship with money belts as they point you out as a tourist if you’re constantly reaching for it in public. Additionally, wearing the belt all day can be a nuisance as it’s an extra layer of fabric you’re not used to.

At the same time, it’s harder to steal a money belt than to grab something from your pockets or purse. They are also inexpensive to buy on Amazon and don’t take up a lot of suitcase space if you decide not to use it.

33. Download Travel Apps

Smartphones make international travel substantially easier as you can download various apps before leaving home so you can hit the ground running.

Some types of apps you may consider downloading for these purposes:

• Offline Maps: Many consider Maps.me to be the best offline maps app and more user-friendly than Apple Maps or Google Maps. You may still try getting paper maps from a local tourism office or bookstore once you arrive though.
• Translation: A translator app for traveling can be pre-loaded with basic phrases with offline access. It may also be able to interpret voice recordings and photographs.
• Jet Lag: Flying to the other side of the world takes a toll on your body and sleep cycle. Timeshifter can help you conquer jet lag quicker while traveling and upon returning home.   

Downloading apps for your airline, hotel, and travel booking sites will help you access your digital reservation information and receive itinerary updates. Some travelers also enjoy downloading tourism apps like Tripadvisor or Yelp to quickly access ratings for attractions.

34. Get an International Sim Card or Phone Plan

Your stateside phone carrier may offer an international plan that you can upgrade to while you’re out of the country. Contract carriers and prepaid providers offer this overseas coverage.

Alternatively, an international sim card can be a budget-friendly and reliable option if you visit multiple countries. Just make sure your device is unlocked and GSM-compatible.  

35. Avoid Eating in Touristy Areas  

You’re likely to pay more and potentially get lower-quality food when eating in touristy areas. This isn’t always the case. For example, dining within sight of Rome’s Pantheon is an exception as there are well-rated restaurants for a memorable ambiance.

However, going a few streets over or to an adjacent community can be the ticket to finding authentic food. Asking your hotel or trustworthy locals can help you find a good spot in addition to researching places to eat online.

36. Lunch Can Be Cheaper than Supper

If you’re only planning on eating out one meal per day, your mid-day meal can be more affordable than in the evening. 

Depending on the restaurant, there can be separate menus for the bar and dining room. Staying in the bar can be more affordable and your meal options can be similar.

37. Use American Chains for Public Restrooms and Wifi

Finding a public bathroom can be challenging in foreign destinations. American restaurants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell are more likely to offer public access to restrooms and wifi, although you may need to make a small purchase.

38. Look for Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are common in popular tourist destinations both stateside and internationally. These tours can last a couple of hours and hit the cultural and historical points of interest. They can provide an idea of what you want to spend more time exploring later.  

While these tours don’t have an entry fee, nothing in life is genuinely 100% free ,and leaving a tip is expected in most situations. You may decide to tip more if the guide is knowledgeable and engaging.

39. A Paid Tour Can Be Better Than a Free Tour

You should also compare the free tours to private, guided tours. A paid tour can provide more hands-on support and access to more landmarks. 

In addition to researching the traditional tour providers, the experiences section in Airbnb can also provide curated opportunities to see the sights, enjoy culinary delights, or do physical activities like paddleboarding or folk dancing. 

Further Reading: Best Websites for Booking Cheap Tickets, Tours, & Activities

40. Look for Discounted Sightseeing Passes

Museums and entertainment attractions offer discounted and priority admission with sightseeing pass companies. So, instead of buying tickets directly from the tourist attractions you wish to visit, purchasing a city attraction card in advance can save money and means you won’t need to wait for hours (potentially) to buy a ticket at the door.

For domestic trips, CityPASS® offers discounted packages in approximately 15 major U.S. cities. Entertainment.com can also help you save on experiences in the United States and Canada.

If you’re flying to the “Eternal City” of Rome, Italy, the Roma Tourist Card is worth the upfront cost as you can enjoy these benefits:   

• Skip-the-line access at the Roman Colosseum
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Audio guides for the Pantheon and Rome
• Free return transfer to or from Rome’s international airports (Ciampino and Fiumicino)
• 10% discount on other attractions, museums, and tours

Depending on the program, you may need to book your pass weeks in advance.

41. Get an Interrail Pass for a Eurotrip

If you’re backpacking Europe or touring several countries, an Interrail Pass from Eurail can make it easier to finalize your transportation plan using an interactive map. This platform lets you visit up to 33 countries by rail with a single pass. 

42. Have a Flexible Travel Schedule

Mapping out an initial plan for each day can help you seize the day and optimize your time of playing tourist. Meanwhile, remaining flexible is pivotal as several variables can alter your itinerary such as:

• A change in the weather
• Accomplishing more than you originally scheduled 
• Making friends with other travelers and having dinner with them
• Realizing a planned activity isn’t as appealing once you arrive 

Another related suggestion is to get out and explore the city and the immediate area on your arrival date (time permitting) so you have a better idea of what to do the next day.

43. Wear Sunscreen Early and Often For Beach & Outdoor Trips

There is nothing worse than getting a bad sunburn at the beginning of a trip. Find a good facial sunscreen and buy a travel-sized container. Apply it to your face and neck a few times per day. For beach trips, either cover up with a hat and clothing or apply strong sunscreen to your body multiple times per day. While it may be annoying, it is much better than dealing with painful and peeling sunburn.

Sunscreen is usually marked up at typical tourist spots. If you check a bag, consider buying what you need before leaving and packing it.

44. Use an ATM Instead of a Currency Exchange Booth

Instead of heading directly to the currency exchange booth at the airport or train terminal, look for an ATM instead. Several should be in the public terminals or you can look for a local bank branch to find a secure location.

Why? ATMs provide better currency exchange ratios than the money exchange booth. Even if you pay foreign transaction fees and non-network ATM fees, you will most likely come out ahead financially speaking.

45. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Many travel-focused credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , and The Platinum Card from American Express do not have foreign transaction fees. Use cards like those when traveling internationally to avoid potentially expensive fees.

46. Bring at Least One Backup Credit Card

Getting stuck on vacation with no access to money (besides cash) is not something you want to experience; Your main credit card could get lost or stolen. Carry at least one backup credit card (ideally with no foreign transaction fees if overseas) on all trips.

Phil Dengler’s Favorite Travel Tips

Here are a few of Phil’s favorite travel tips.

47. Be Very Flexible – Pick Your Travel Dates Based on the Cheapest Days to Fly

Flights are usually the most costly part of a vacation. I recommend using Google Flights calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly to and from your destination. After identifying those days, book your airfare. You must be flexible, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars planning a vacation this way.

Further Reading: How to Find Cheap Flights and How to Use Google Flights

48. Book the Aisle and Window Seats When Traveling in Pairs

I always book the aisle and window seats when flying with my girlfriend or a friend. No one wants to sit in the middle seat, so people rarely select it. Doing this usually gives us the entire row to ourselves.

It does not work on full flights, however. The good news is people are usually willing to trade their middle seat. Simply offer them your aisle or window seat and you still get to sit next to your significant other or friend.

Further Reading: Can You (and Should You) Change Airplane Seats With Someone Else on a Flight?

49. Follow Proper Airline Etiquette

Knowing how to properly act on a plane can better your flying experience. See our following guides for more information.

• Airplane Seat Reclining Etiquette
• Overhead Bin Space Etiquette – Who Does it Belong To and How to Avoid Fights

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Taking the time to plan for a vacation, whether it’s the annual beach trip or you’re trying some new place, lets you practice these travel tips and not stress before or during your expedition. 

The best part is that you don’t need to be a travel pro to successfully implement these suggestions. If you’re a beginner, try adopting several more each time you leave home.

By Josh Patoka

Josh Patoka writes about maximizing travel rewards for The Vacationer. As well, he contributes to several personal finance sites specializing in making money, paying off debt, and investing.

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Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

To help create the future with love, we’ve introduced the “Year of Friendship” project to promote international friendship and world peace :

Dave Thomas , the great writer, actor and producer had this to say about the video:

WONDERFUL. What a positive, uplifting piece of work. And I just want to say… I hope you have a fine day! Best Dave Thomas

From a very spiritual lady caring for her ailing mother:

Mother and I watched this video at 10 pm our time yesterday (12/20/23) and Mother had her best night of sleep in over a week! Mother didn’t understand the galactic stuff, but she sure enough understood the communication of love and caring and seeing different cultures expressing that.  Fantastic ! I feel finishing off your night with high vibrational loving energy communication is so critical.  And it really seemed to work for Mother!  And of course definitely for me! So Thank you so much! 💕

Please support the Year of Friendship project with a DONATION , or YOUR GROUP’S PARTICIPATION , or a purchase of the founder’s art from the FINEDAY STORE .

One special focus for finedaytimetravel is the promotion of important upcoming events for groups helping  indigenous people , groups helping  homeless veterans   and groups helping abused or distressed  animals ..

Recommending groups to help will be one of the opportunities for FineDay Patreon members, along with their responsibility to generate questions for the experts interviewed for the series SONGBIRD .

FineDay Time Travel is an important project of FineDay .

Advertisement

The Best Packable Daypack for Travel

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Packable daypacks are a perfect option if you need a lightweight spare bag to stash inside your luggage when you travel. They’re also great if you need an extra bag while running an unexpected errand during your daily commute.

After testing 18 packable daypacks, we chose four lightweight, portable, well-constructed bags to fit a variety of situations, including traveling, hiking, and commuting.

Although every trip has its specific considerations, the bags we recommend share a few similar qualities. All of them are water resistant to some degree, pack down small enough to fit easily into a carry-on bag, and hold at least 20 liters comfortably. We picked a bag for city travelers , a pack good enough for daily use , and a lightweight bag that stays dry in stormy weather . For space-conscious travelers, we have a pick that fits in the palm of your hand .

The research

Why you should trust us, compact and comfortable: away the packable backpack, more structure: waterfield packable backpack, a lightweight bag to carry in the rain: matador freerain22 waterproof packable backpack, a pack that fits in your palm: sea to summit ultra-sil day pack, how we picked and tested, other good packable bags, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve covered travel luggage and bag design for Wirecutter for nine years and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time.

For this guide, I built on previous years of experience and research by a writer and two editors who have, among them, worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica.

We developed our earliest criteria for this piece after doing an interview with Sara Morrow, an archaeologist who spends summers working expeditions on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She uses a packable daypack to transport her tools, notebooks, and personal items between the base camp and dig sites, and she considers it a necessity in the field.

Personally, I try to pack lightly and almost always travel with at least one packable bag to use on small day journeys once I’ve reached my destination.

Away The Packable Backpack

Compact and comfortable.

Remarkably light and easy to compress, this bag ticks all the boxes for daily use while traveling: comfortable, quietly stylish, and sturdy.

Buying Options

Who this is for: It’s a good option for anyone who wants a packable bag that takes up as much space as a pair of socks but is still comfortable. Its casual look is also unlikely to draw attention when you’re walking around.

Away’s The Packable Backpack is made of a blend of light recycled nylon, with classic, if somewhat minimal, good looks.

It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s comfortable to wear. On your shoulders, the only thing that sets this bag apart from a regular backpack is the lack of structure, a side effect of the bag’s 7-ounce weight. It doesn’t have the same reassuring heft of a traditional backpack (no packable bag does), but when it’s filled with a few odds and ends, its wide straps and sensible shape are comfortable to carry on your back. To save on weight, Away designed the top of the bag like a cinch tote with a flip cover—a simple and effective solution.

It packs up small. When not in use, it rolls up and fits into a separate zippered pouch; it’s about the size of a bunched-up heavy T-shirt.

It’s well made and well priced. For a bag of this quality, it’s an excellent bargain. Away uses the same materials in similarly designed packable tote and sling bags, which we recommend if you’re looking for packable options that aren’t backpacks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A minor quibble is the lack of internal organization beyond the one small, zippered wallet pocket. If you need more organization, the WaterField Packable Backpack has another front pocket and bottle holders. But it’s such a small complaint for bags in this category that it’s hard to call it a flaw.

• Expanded dimensions: 18.1 by 11 by 5.9 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 7 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Capacity: 19 liters
• Warranty: 100-day return and one-year warranty

WaterField Packable Backpack

A more structured pack.

Slightly heavier weight and more-advanced materials give this backpack a reassuring heft and impressive water resistance—and a high price tag. It’s comfortable enough to use as your daily backpack.

Who this is for: Anyone who values a slightly mature look with extra durability and protection from the rain will appreciate this pack. However, it is our most expensive pick.

The WaterField Packable Backpack is a well-built travel backpack that marries the heft of a regular backpack with the compactness of an easy-to-pack tote.

It looks and feels like a regular backpack. In addition to being the most traditional-looking backpack of our picks, it feels the most like a traditional backpack. The shoulder straps, which are ergonomically shaped and lined with breathable mesh fabric, make the bag easier to carry over long distances.

It has more organization. WaterField’s Packable Backpack has a front zippered pocket and two open side pockets that could hold a water bottle and an umbrella. When you’re not using the bag, you can fold it down into a built-in packing pocket, which doubles as an interior zippered pocket when the bag is on your back.

Its high performance matches its high price. However, it’s WaterField’s attention to materials that sets this bag apart from our other picks (and increases the overall price). A layer of Taslan nylon—a very thin, but sturdy, fabric—is layered with a structural tricot mesh and a robust water-resistant coating. Water practically bounced away from this bag during testing—even more so than with our pick from Matador —so it’s a good option for wet climates.

• The Waterfield Packable Backpack weighs about 12 ounces; it’s heavier than our other picks but not by much. The bag holds 16 liters of stuff, which is on the smaller side compared with our other picks but still plenty big for a single traveler on a walk. It doesn’t pack down as small as our other picks.
• It’s a little tricky to pack into its self-contained pocket. It’s not as simple as just inverting it and stuffing away to your heart’s content. You have to do a series of particular folds to pack the bag properly, which WaterField shared in a video . There’s a fine line between portability and irritability, and this bag cuts that line very close.
• Expanded dimensions: 15 by 11 by 6 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 9 by 9 by 3 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Capacity: 16 liters
• Warranty: “practical lifetime” repair or replacement

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

A lightweight bag to carry in the rain.

This bag will keep your things dry during adventures in wet climates or unpredictable weather. It packs down to about the size of a potato, but its lack of overall structure isn’t ideal for long hikes or days of carrying.

Who this is for: If you need a spare lightweight bag that can stand up to the elements while taking up very little space, the Freerain22 backpack is for you.

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is excellent in wet climates or anywhere where you might realistically expect to get caught in the rain—think hiking around Seattle or touring London in the fall.

It’s mini but mighty. The Freerain22 backpack folds down so small—to about the size of a pocket camera—that it feels like a magic trick. Made from 30-denier abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon (denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric), it kept our things dry even in a rainstorm, although a small amount of humidity and moisture did get in on occasion while we were hiking around Hawaii. The main compartment opens and closes with a roll top that buckles down on the sides like a dry bag. It’s the best possible design if you’re serious about keeping out water.

It’s versatile—to a point. During our testing, it worked well for travel and on the trail, as long as we didn’t try to carry too much, too far. This pack’s mesh shoulder straps, though very breathable and wide enough to distribute the weight, are like two pieces of hosiery: barely there. And though they are wide enough to resist pinching, a thin strip of fabric can only do so much to protect your clavicles. In addition to using this pack for travel and hikes, we also liked to throw the Freerain22 pack into a jacket pocket in case it rained during commutes around town.

It has some nice extras. Along with a sternum strap, removable hip strap, and loops to hold trekking poles or ice axes, it has two side pockets for water bottles, with side buckles for securing the containers in place, and a zippered front pocket. Other than that, it doesn’t have much organization. But that’s not why you buy a bag like this. The Freerain22 backpack is best as a just-in-case bag. It’s so small that you can bring it with you everywhere, and when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.

• The compromises that are necessary to shrink a bag this small also become its flaws. The shoulder straps are so thin and insubstantial that it’s impossible for the Freerain22 backpack to be comfortable over long distances, especially when you’re carrying more than 10 pounds.
• Some of our testers also found that the shoulder straps, though adjustable, were so long that they couldn’t get the straps short enough to fit their shoulders and frame.
• It’s not as structured as our other picks—it feels more like a reusable shopping bag on your back. If you want a stiffer, more traditional backpack feel, consider the WaterField Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19.5 by 11 by 9.5 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 5 by 3 inches (length by diameter)
• Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Capacity: 22 liters
• Warranty: one-year repair or replacement

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-size packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry more often, though, you might prefer one of our more structured picks.

Who this is for: It’s fantastic for anyone who needs a light, spare bag that they can take with them anywhere, anytime.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is perfect to keep in your pocket or in the glove compartment of your car—it’s handy for when, say, you need a spare bag at the market.

It’s our most packable pick. The Ultra-Sil pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it’s very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

It’s tougher than it looks. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, so it can carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more-structured picks.

• With a bag this small and light, any flaw is an aspect of its narrowly engineered use. Are the shoulder straps thin? Of course! Would it be nice if this bag—which deploys from a small sack that fits in the palm of your hand—had more back padding? Yes. But that would also make it larger and heavier. If you’re not willing to trade some comfort to get the smallest possible carry, this isn’t the bag for you.
• The bag also won’t keep your things dry in the rain like some of our other picks, such as the Waterfield Packable Backpack or the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19 by 11 by 8 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 3.5 by 2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Warranty: lifetime repair or replacement

Depending on whether you plan to scale cliffs or tour museums , certain features become more or less important when you’re choosing a day bag.

To help make sense of what to prioritize among the dozens of available options, we pored over articles across many outdoor publications and consulted other comparative reviews and advice from sources such as REI and GearLab .

We also considered our own experiences to determine what makes a great packable daypack. Here’s what we look for:

• Weight and size: The whole point of a packable daypack is that it packs well, so weight and compressed size are important factors. Carrying capacity generally correlates to the weight and size of a bag, except in more explicitly technical packs, which may cut down on weight by using lighter, but more expensive, materials.
• Ergonomic features: Stowable daypacks can look and feel like stuff sacks with straps, or they can be full, ergonomically shaped backpacks. The wearability of a bag usually comes down to its load distribution and support system (such as the sternum strap on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack ).
• Organization: Most packable daypacks come with at least two compartments—the largest, or main, compartment and the (often attached) pouch into which the whole pack stows away. Beyond those, an external pocket that can hold small, frequent-use items (such as keys) or sleeves for water bottles are useful. The drawback of adding more organization is that it decreases the packability of a bag and often contributes to weight.
• High-quality materials: Because a packable daypack needs to be able to carry at least some weight when in use but still fold up for storage, materials make the difference between a lightweight pack that feels cheap and flimsy versus one that you feel confident filling to the max and carrying into a rainstorm. The fabrics and composite materials used in higher-quality bags are light and durable but remain nearly invulnerable to water.
• 15- to 25-liter capacity: This seems to be the ideal range for a pack that can hold a full day’s worth of stuff while remaining reasonably lightweight and portable. It’s enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, along with some rain protection, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, and whatever else you might need for a day about town.
• Weather resistance and durability: Although a few bags we liked, such as the Matador Freerain22 pack and the WaterField Packable Backpack , come extremely close, total waterproofing is a lot to ask of any lightweight bag. At a minimum, a pack should provide enough protection to keep you and your gear dry through at least a few minutes of wet weather. The better packs often feature more-careful construction, which is visible in details such as sealed and tighter stitching (our pick from Matador), self-sealing YKK zippers (our pick from Away), and reinforced bottoms (our pick from WaterField).

If you’re planning some heavy excursions and looking for the absolute best equipment: You might consider the Hyperlite Summit 30 . It’s a remarkable piece of equipment, a full-size 30-liter backpack weighing only 0.8 pounds. Made of Dyneema composite fabric, Hyperlite backpacks are highly water resistant and long-lasting. And each one folds up to take the same space as a couple of T-shirts. Most people looking for a spare travel bag don’t need a $200 ultralight backpack designed for hiking. But for a rare type of traveler, the Summit 30 might be the best choice.

If you need a heavy-duty bag for hiking: The Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack is a capable hiking daypack that’s hydration-bladder compatible, but not everyone needs a packable bag this hefty. Alone, it’s 1.25 pounds, which is heavier than any of our picks. For the price, we prefer the simplicity of our other picks. But the Beast28 is a good bag, albeit with a large footprint even when it’s packed up.

If none of our picks are available: Consider the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack , another decent choice in the sub-$50 cinch-top-bag category. It’s a fine alternative, but for a little more money you get a lot more value with our other choices.

Aer Go Pack 2 : The previous version was a pick, but the current model is too bulky to be packable; it takes up more space in your suitcase than would ever be worth it on a trip.

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack : This is a decent small backpack, but the drawstring closure top kept this out of consideration. Not only are drawstrings a hazard if they slip out, but they are prone to breaking, and the cinch closure is useless against bad weather.

Dakine Packable Backpack 22L : These are tempting bags, especially for the price. But the fabric (115-denier recycled nylon) feels thin and underwhelming—although it’s Bluesign approved, which we like. The problem is the bag’s closure, which only has a cinch top. If Dakine added a lid that could close over the design similar to Away’s The Packable Backpack , we’d likely make it a pick.

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack : This bag was previously our runner-up pick for hikers. Its zipper and material felt flimsy enough that we were concerned they would fail with long-term use.

Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 : This is a good bag at a slightly high price, but it didn’t make the cut for us because of its weight and large size even when rolled up.

Gonex 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack : Although it has rave reviews online , we found the stitching was more fragile than we like to recommend.

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack : The Stowaway Pack was organized and comfortable enough that we liked carrying it on the hiking trail, but we preferred our pick from Matador for its better weatherproofing.

Mystery Ranch In and Out 19 : The In and Out 19 is made of a 100-denier Cordura nylon, which was strong but too heavy for us. The biggest mystery during our testing was how to fold this bag back into its pouch.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L : This is simply a bad design for a tourist. The tote’s large handles, which hang loosely off the back of the bag when it’s worn as a backpack, are a huge red flag for personal safety and security. And all the extra straps and connections make carrying and using the bag a pain.

REI Co-op Stuff Travel Pack - 20L : This is a competitor of the Matador Freerain22 pack that falls short. It mimics our Matador pick in its design, but not in the quality of its materials. Its flimsier fabric and zipper will fail sooner.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing a new packable daypack from Tortuga; we plan to report back with our findings soon.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

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RUSSIA TRAVEL PACKAGES A selection of Russian tours to take as they are or adjust to your needs.

THE GOLDEN RING Visit the heart of ancient Russia. What is the Golden Ring?

MOSCOW TOURS What you can see in Moscow.

MOSCOW DAY TRIPS Get out of Moscow and take a relaxing trip to some of these places

ST. PETERSBURG Some of the sights to see in Petersburg

LAKE BAIKAL TOURS Hiking and trekking around the world's deepest lake in the heart of Siberia

RUSSIAN DIGS Come and work in the field on a Russian Archaeological dig. Full training given on site.

TRAVEL TIPS & SERVICES Getting around in Russia

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Fans of fine art, of painting, sculpture and graphics will conquer the great Tretyakov Gallery exhibition and the Museum of Fine Arts – the Pushkin Museum. Music lovers will not pass by the ballet and opera productions at the Bolshoi Theater with their performance of brilliant works of art. In Moscow, also are valuable historical and architectural monuments of world significance: the Kremlin and the Novodevichy monastery, listed in the list of World Cultural Heritage, the Red Square, the St. Basil's Cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, many manor houses and palaces.

In Moscow, there are many places for recreation: Parks with entertainment of a variety of attractions, pavilions and summer cafes, clubs and discotheques all kinds of musical directions, bars and restaurants with traditional Russian, European or exquisite Asian cuisine. And, of course, to reach all corners of Moscow's help to the most popular and attractive mode of transport - the Moscow subway, where you can easily forget about all the plans for your day and spend all day in the magnificence of the underground palaces.

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Moscow has been and remains one of the world’s centers, including the field of tourism. Moscow is attractive both for businessmen as well as ordinary tourists. A good guide to Moscow is not only able to show the sights of the city, but also tell a lot of information about hotels , night clubs and restaurants of the Russian capital. Privet-moscow.com will do its best to help you.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Airlines required to refund passengers for canceled, delayed flights

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Google reveals top destinations for summer vacation 2024

• Apr 09, 2024

What to know about new Venice entry fee, other summer destinations with a tourist tax

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Please review this itinerary and provide me with your suggestions and/ or comments.

These are for Days 2 & 3.

Thank you in advance for your help !

Day 2 (Sunday):

(1) Metro Station Tour - not necessarily in this order

Belloruskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Komsomolskaya

Paveledskaya

Dobryninskaya

Mayakovskaya

Ploschad Revolyutsii

Victory Park

(2) Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary (for Mass & visit)

(3) Tretyakov Gallery

(4) Moscow River Cruise

(5) 8:00 pm - Bolshoi Theater (we already bought our tickets)

Day 3 (Monday)

1) Cathedral of Christ Saviour

2) Novodevichy Convent (Bogoroditse-Smolensky Monastery )

3) Danilov Monastery

https://chefmaison.org/2017/06/27/two-days-in-moscow/

https://chefmaison.org/2017/06/10/a-tour-of-the-famous-metro-stations-in-moscow/

https://chefmaison.org/2017/06/10/moscow-highlights-red-square-and-the-kremlin/

https://chefmaison.org/2017/06/07/the-pushkin-state-museum-of-fine-arts-or-the-state-tretyakov-gallery/

Thank you Neil-Vera W ! I appreciate your immediate response. I thought my post on July 9 did not go through so I re-posted my question (with additional metro stations) again today.

'Will check out your links. Thanks again.

Cita, I suggest you study the map

Day 3 is no good logistics

Day 2 looks overloaded - when and where are you planning to eat? And you will need to drop at your hotel - Metropol is indeed a very good choice, sort of a museum in itself - anyway, before you go to the theatre you will need to change, one cannot possibly have the same clothes on the boat and in the theatre

By the way, I checked the Bolshoi - they start either at 7 p.m., or at noon.

Thank you MuscoviteVT for your feedback.

Day 3 - removed Danilov Monastery due to logistics as you pointed out.

Is Tsaritsyno Park & Museum doable? The schedule looks packed and there is also logistics issue but suppose we take a taxi from the church to Tsaritsyno then from there, take a taxi to Tretyakov Gallery in order to save on commute time ?

Day 2 (Sunday)

8:30 am - Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception (mass)

10:00 am - Tsaritsyno Park & Museum

2:00 pm - Tretyakov Gallery

4:30 - 5:00 pm - Return to hotel (rest & shower)

6:00 pm - Dinner

7:00 pm - Bolshoi Theater

Day 3 (Monday):

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Novodevichy Convent

Evening Moscow River Cruise

I think you save more time doing bot Tsaritsyno and the Tretyakov on the metro - they are basucally on the same green line (if you mean the original Tretyakov gallery building, not the new one)

otherwise you can get stuck in the traffic.

Sorry, that was "both"

Unless it's a state secret, what are you doing on your Day 1?

I mean, you cannot squeeze in some of your Day 2 / 3 there?

"I and my family of 4 adults "

_ that's 4 or 5 altogether?

4 goes into the same taxi, with 5 - you will need a limousine

I still have doubts about combining Tsaritsyno and the Tretyakov gallery. Where are you going to have lunch - a picnic under a tree?

Thanks MuscoviteVT !

Ha ha ha ! I need to go back to First Grade ! Correction please .... I and my family of 3 adults.

Yes, I mean the original Tretyakov gallery building, not the new one.

We were thinking of having lunch at Tsaritsyno. How far is the walk from the metro to Tsaritsyno ?

Here is our itinerary:

Day 0 (Friday)

- 5:40 pm (Arrive at train station)

- Check in at Hotel Metropol

- Moscow Metro Station Tour at night

Day 1 (Saturday)

- Early morning walk to the Red Square

- Exchange our vouchers for our entrance tickets to the Cathedral Square & the Armoury Chamber

- Visit Cathedral Square

- Watch the Ceremonial Mounting Parade of Horse Guard and Foot Guard Of The Presidential Regiment

- Lunch at the food court in the Okhotny Ryad Underground Shopping Mall or in GUM (3rd floor)

- Visit the Armoury Chamber

- Visit the Diamond Fund

- G.U.M. & Okhotny Ryad Underground Shopping Mall

- Rest of the day (Kazan Cathedral, Walking Tour)

Hello again,

I revised our Day 2 itinerary & removed Tsaritsyno Park & Museum. Or should we remove instead the Tretyakov Gallery? Now the day looks too thin ?

11:00 am - Tretyakov Gallery

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Return to hotel (rest & shower)

5:00 pm - Dinner

Now she is asking if we can extend our stay in Moscow but it is too late. Our visa says we need to leave Russia the day after Day 3.

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The Cheapest Week to Travel This Summer, According to Experts

New data from expedia offers fresh guidance on how to save money on your summer trip..

Published on 4/18/2024 at 2:07 PM

Summer is nearly here. Thanks to recent reporting, we already have a pretty good idea of when to buy the cheapest international flight tickets for summer travel. But the science of saving money on your next trip isn't exclusive to one money-saving method. Rather, getting the lowest price on a summer getaway involves a multi-modal approach. Doing it on your own with nothing but guesswork at your back can feel a bit like the scene from It's Always Sunny when Charlie Day stands in front of a board covered in notes connected by string, with a crazed expression on his face.

Given that you're here, you are already in a better position than that. And now, with Expedia's just-released summer travel outlook for 2024, we have even more intel on how to save the maximum amount of money for your summer travel plans. And beyond the best booking windows for summer travel, Expedia also has fresh guidance on which months, weeks, and days will be the cheapest for summer travel.

To start, consider staying grounded in late June and into July. Expedia reports that this is the busiest and most expensive time of summer for travel. The cheapest month to travel during summer is August. This is true whether you plan on traveling to Asia and Oceania, Europe, within the US, or to Mexico and the Caribbean. (Expedia didn't provide data on travel to the Middle East, Africa, and South America.)

Expedia reports that you can save up to 55% on average ticket prices for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean in August, compared to July. You can also save 15% on domestic flights in August, 30% on flights to Europe, and 20% on flights to Asia and Oceania.

By waiting to fly until August, you'll also experience fewer crowds at the airports and at your destinations. According to Expedia, the busiest travel dates for this summer are the last week of June (June 29 through July 3) and August 30, which is the Friday before Labor Day. The least busy travel date for the summer is anticipated to be the last week of August. So if you're looking for a cheap, less crowded vacation, planning a trip between August 25 and August 29 will likely be your best bet.

To get even more granular with the travel planning advice, Expedia has also compiled very detailed charts that track the best day of the week to fly by price and by volume, depending on whether you're planning to travel internationally or domestically.

If you plan on traveling domestically this summer, the cheapest day of the week to fly is Tuesday, which is also the least busy day to fly. For international flights, the cheapest day of the week to fly is Monday, and the least busy day is Tuesday.

Looking for more travel tips?

Whether you need help sneaking weed onto a plane , finding an airport where you can sign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to when your flight is canceled , we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for up-to-date travel hacks and all the travel news you need to help you plan your next big adventure.

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Welcome to One Fine Day

If you’re planning a wedding and looking for the dream team of event professionals to produce a once in a lifetime experience, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve been planning beautiful weddings and styling incredible events for over a decade, our vision is to create awe-inspiring moments for our couples and guests, every single time.

Our team of planners & stylists thrive off creativity, are skilled problem-solvers, flawless perfectionists, and love a good challenge. We’re dedicated to providing our unique, refreshing approach for the complete styling, production, and management of special occasions. Nothing will be overlooked and the pride we take will be noticed.

We consider ourselves some of the luckiest to share our inspiring destinations with couples who travel from near and far to marry in New Zealand. All of our weddings are tailor-made with our focus on you by adding personality, passion, and earnestness to any of the services you have engaged in. Teamed with our industry knowledge, proven supplier relationships, and extensive experience, you will be in the best of hands to create your very own One Fine Day.

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Prior to starting One Fine Day in 2011, she has worked in a variety of roles across the event, travel & tourism industries over the past 20 years. Her proven relationships with quality professionals ensures that clients are connected with trusted individuals to achieve impeccable results. Kath is dedicated to staying one step ahead of the rest, bringing new ideas and problem-solving. She is motivated and passionate about providing individuals with unforgettable experiences which has driven One Fine Day to continually develop offerings to meet the needs of our clients.

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Business development.

With over 20 years’ experience in the tourism industry, working in sales and marketing, events, and more recently as a brand consultant, Mel brings a wealth of experience to the One Fine Day team.

Her creative perspective and refreshing style has seen her working with some iconic New Zealand companies. She has an incredible strength in building genuine relationships and connecting people.

Mel is a skilful communicator and a strategic thinker, she is dedicated to forging new partnerships, always ensuring that One Fine Day is leading the way. Mel is an asset to the OFD team!

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With the ultimate eye for detail, Kim will bring your wedding day to life!

Having an extensive background in travel, events and hospitality we’re thrilled to have Kim as one of our Wedding Curators.

Originally from Newcastle, England, she’s served in the events industry in the UK, Spain, Australia and locally in New Zealand.

Kim is a people person, she thrives on bringing people together and making things happen in a delightfully organised fashion. She’s passionate about sharing her knowledge, thinking ahead about every little detail and making the planning process seamless for her clients.

Email Kimberley at - [email protected]

Kylie Brittain

Having an extensive background in tourism and event management, Kylie brings a bright and bubbly vibe to our team!

Locally known as a tourism and event powerhouse, Kylie has served in the destination marketing, hotel and corporate event management industries in Queenstown since 2002.

Kylie’s organisational skills, effective time management and ability to multitask create a strong backbone for superb wedding planning. She truly cares about all her clients and loves meeting new people.

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One Fine Day in Iloilo City, Philippines

I have to admit that what we really wanted to visit was Guimaras and not Iloilo. But since the airport is in Iloilo, we decided to spend some time there. And we’re glad we did because Iloilo had a few surprises of its own.

The day before our flight to Cebu, we checked in at Fine Rock Hotel . Since we just arrived from Guimaras, we were so poor tired and hungry we figured it would be best to have lunch first before we start exploring the city. Fine Rock Hotel is within a few blocks of Robinson’s Iloilo so it was an easy choice for us. We picked a random restaurant and ate. Nothing remarkable, really. We were just so hungry we ate the first dish our eyes laid on.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

THE ILONGGO CHARM

The Poor Traveler said it before: Ilonggos are really, really charming. On our way to Guimaras, Ilonggos have already shown us immense kindness, showing us where to go, guiding us along the way. Maybe not all Ilonggos are like that but we can definitely say that for all Ilonggos we have met.

THE CAB DRIVER-SLASH-TOUR GUIDE

Another testament to it is our visit to Jaro. We took a cab to Jaro. The Poor Traveler and his poor friend got worried when we noticed that the driver was driving so slowly. He even got much slower when we reached Jaro. We got a bit scared until the driver spoke and started to introduce to us the many old buildings in the city. “Etong bahay na ‘to Lopez ang may-ari nyan. Matagal na yan nakatayo. Itinayo yan nung 19 something-something.”

We then asked him so many questions about the city. “Ah, sikat po pala ang mga Lopez dito. E di kapamilya kayo?”

The driver said that ABS-CBN is the number 1 station in the province. “Naku, kulang na lang pala eh ipangalan sa kanila ang highway. Haha,” added the Poor Traveler.

The driver responded, “Etong kalye na ‘to, E. Lopez Street.” We laughed so hard.

Anyway, after the taxi ride, we gave the driver a generous tip for suddenly turning into a tour guide. He dropped us off at the Jaro Cathedral.

AROUND JARO

The whole time I was in Jaro, I thought it was a separate city. When I e-researched after the trip, I found out it was just a district of Iloilo city. I used to be a separate city but it was later absorbed by Iloilo city.

Anyway, Jaro was somewhat busy and peaceful at the same time. It’s quite difficult to describe Jaro. When I looked at some parts of it, I was taken to the past but moving my eyes just a bit would take me back to the present. But it sure was relaxing. For some weird reason, I was reminded of my childhood. I dunno why.

The Poor Traveler isn’t really religious but the Jaro Cathedral was beautiful. We found it weird that its belfry is several meters away, though. We entered the church and saw that it was undergoing maintenance or something.

We then headed on foot to the plaza. It was just across the street. The plaza was named after Graciano Lopez Jaena and I was like, “Taga-dito rin pala sya?”

After mingling with the kids playing there, we decided to visit Biscocho House where we bought P1700-worth of pasalubong — butterscotch, piyaya, meringue, and more.

That’s about it. Since we were both tired from the Guimaras trip that morning, we proceeded to SM City Iloilo, had lunch, headed back to our hotel room and called it a night. We wanted to sleep early because the next morning, we would be flying to Cebu for the third day of our Visayas Tour.

Boat from Guimaras to Iloilo – P26 Cab to hotel – P100 Hotel – 600 Lunch – 195 Cab from Robinson’s Iloilo to Jaro Cathedral – P150 Dinner – 220 Cab to SM City Iloilo – 150 Total: P1441

Note that this was for 2 people. Divide it by 2 and the total expenses per person would drop to 720!

Another note, this excluded airfare. Remember that Iloilo was not really our target destination. We really wanted to go to Guimaras but since Iloilo is just along the way, we decided to just spend a day in this huge city. If we add our airfare, which was P1500 round-trip per person plus the airport transfer at P50, total expenses per person: P2270.00

But then again, if you’re already in Iloilo, might as well make an extra effort to visit Guimaras. Mas sulit!

This is part of our ILOILO-GUIMARAS-CEBU trip. For more posts about the other places we have visited, check out our collection here .

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hi, well to answer your question about the Belfry why it seems too far from the cathedral. It used to be a part of the church grounds–the Jaro plaza and the street surrounding it. When the road was created, it then separated the belfry from the church grounds. You should have also tried Lapaz batchoy while you were there and visited Miag-ao church which is a UNESCO Heritage site.

Woot! I’ll sure visit Miag-ao Church next time I fly to Iloilo! :)

the old house which you have featured is owned by the Montinola’s..there is a small plate outside the gate that stated so.. along Luna St., LaPaz, that it is still a part of the City..you can find a lot of old Lopez’s houses/mansions, some are being donated already to some associations/society’s… Iloilo is one of the Oldest Ciy in the Philippines and you can find a lot of “first’s” here…VISIT ILOILO, AND ENJOY THE CITY AND THE NEIGHBORING TOWNS…

Thank you for sharing that information! It’s always nice to learn from readers, too!

Hi! Sana may kwento rin about your trip to Guimaras. We are going there in October this year. Thanks

Hi Brigida! I have posted about Guimaras here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/category/local/guimaras/

hello poor traveller, next time you guys will visit Iloilo i suggest you go visit St. Anne’s parish in Molo, and have lunch or dinner in Tatoy’s or Breakthrough Resto in Villa. :)

I enjoy reading your experience in my beloved city though. Thanks for visiting. hehe

Thank you so much for the recommendation! We’ll be back in Iloilo this June! We will surely visit those places, I promise. :)

Hi there. I’m from Iloilo btw. I suggest po if you really want an amazing yet affordable adventure, try going to Isla Gigantes in CARLES, ILOILO. It’s located in the Northern part of Iloilo Province. One word to describe the place, PARADISE! It’s like a mini Thailand in Panay. I swear it is beautiful there. You could check my FB ACCOUNT ([email protected]) for you to see my pictures. I’m not a blogger kasi. Hihi. I posted it on my NOTES section. It’s set on Public naman so you could see it. Godbless po! Enjoy traveling

Woot! Will keep this in mind! :)

just researching about iloilo that’s why i’m here… just want to share regarding the belfry… most old churches, as in very old, have their belfry far from the church itself.. because the church in those times own hectares and hectares of land… if you’ve been in ilocos all churches there are like this… ^^

Thanks for sharing, CesZ! :)

[…] Photo from:  https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2010/04/one-day-in-iloilo/ […]

hi. i was just browsing around and saw that this is almost 10 years old. iloilo has developed a lot since then, but has retained its charm and flavor. please visit us at iloilo.gov.ph to know our province and city better.

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Common Reasons Why Some People Don't Travel

I hear it all the time; “I want to travel, but…” There is always something in the way for some people, and while their intentions may be to one day take that dream trip, for many it’s a pipe dream or a luxury that they can’t have.

We’ve been very fortunate to live a life of travel the way we have, and in some ways, we take it for granted.

Some people do not have the privilege of traveling when they want, be it time constraints, financial reasons, of personal. There are many reasons why people don’t travel, and it’s not always a simple fix.

Some people don’t want to travel, which is fine. We have to live what is in our hearts.

If you’ve every wondered why some people don’t travel, then below I will share some of the biggest road blocks that people have shared with me when it comes to travel.

Reasons Why People Don’t Travel

1. fear of leaving friends and family.

The fear of leaving people behind is a real struggle for a lot of people. I totally understand, we’ve left our friends and family in Australia to move to the USA, so I can relate to those people.

What those people are really afraid of is leaving the comforts of what you know.

We love our friends and family and enjoy their company, which is what makes leaving them hard, but if you have a burning desire, you’ll do it regardless.

The real reason you’re afraid to leave your friend and family behind is that you are afraid of who you are when you are not attached to these people .

Quite often, we define who we are by the people we surround ourselves with. Once they’re gone, we can feel lost as to how to think, plan, dream, and be.

Leaving the known for the unknown is terrifying, BUT thousands of people have done it before you, survived AND created the life they really love. There is no greater gift you can give to yourself, hence other people.

Live the best life you possibly can so they know all their sacrifices have been worth it.

How to overcome this fear

• Keep your friends and family as an important part of your life and continue to share your joys and pain with them.
• Technology is wonderful. They can be with you through Skype, and Facebook and text messages. Even a hand written letter will reach out and touch their soul.
• Continue to lean on them for support, ask for their advice, and let them know how grateful you are for all they have given you.
• Involve your parents and siblings in your travels. Have them to meet you somewhere in the world and create wonderful travel memories with them.
• Come home for a surprise visit and watch them cry and then hug them straight away.
• Show them how much travel has changed you for the better. They will be so glad that you decided to follow your heart and leave them.

How to tell your friends and family you want to travel

I know it is frightening when you think of what your parents will say. No one wants to let their parents down. When explaining you want to travel, remember to:

• Be honest. Explain what you want to do and why.
• Have answers prepared for when they ask you what are you going to do about your future. They’ll be worried you are throwing away a future career. Show them how your travels will actually help you learn and grow.
• Show them what other long-term travellers are doing, and how their life has changed. Get them to read our blog to see how our career prospects never suffered, how we have travelled with our family, and we are so happy living the life we really want.
• Show them you are serious by sharing with them your plans, your research, your savings preparation, and your budget.
• Don’t forget to share your back up plans in case anything goes wrong. What do you plan to do should you run out of money, your things get stolen, you get into trouble. Let them see you have researched how to stay safe on the road. Trust me, they’ll be worried about those damn crocodiles.
• Tell them why you want to travel and what you hope to get out of it at the end. It’s hard to not support someone when you see how they won’t be complete until they fulfill their burning desires.
• Let them know how much they mean to you and will still be a part of your life. (You might just inspire them to finally live the travel dreams they have always had).

Here is some advice on how to deal with Solo Travel Negativity from Family & Friends

2. Too many responsibilities

A lot of people will tell themselves; “I want to travel, but I have to take care of…” whatever it is, there is always something in the way.

Whether you have a dog to care for (a common responsibility for why people don’t travel) or a house, a garden, a parent whose getting on a bit – whatever the reason, they are valid reasons, but not an excuse not to travel.

You can put your dog in a kennel or stay with a friend, you can get a house sitter, and I’m sure you can find a sibling or a care worker for a couple of weeks to keep mom and dad company.

Don’t let your life be dictated by things that can be easily fixed. Within each day, there are things that have to be done, but what can you do to minimize them?

Put yourself and your dreams first, because travel doesn’t have to be forever, and you can return to your responsibilities.

If you dedicate the largest chunk of your day to doing tasks associated with your dreams, you’ll slip into a zone of joy and flow where time seems to expand for you. You get more done and you feel happy, more capable, and in control.

Travel removes responsibilities

Responsibilities lessen when you travel. Your soul’s natural state is freedom; its purpose is to thrive and grow. It’s called evolution. You can’t expand and grow when you are placed in a box, which responsibilities do.

That is not to say we have to give up all responsibilities and do nothing. There are many tasks we have to do in order to progress. The soul gets that.

But, it abhors menial tasks that don’t contribute to its growth, like cleaning and attending meetings you can’t stand attending.

We understand about responsibility and time. We constantly hear people complain of no time to do things, which is why they can’t succeed. It’s not a lack of time, it’s a lack of prioritizing time and allowing fear to control everything instead.

3. My career will suffer

When I returned home from living in the States, I reached a massive career road block.

The education system denied my right to teach in Australia. The rules had changed, and because I had a 3 year University degree instead of a 4 year degree, and had been out of the country for 5 years, I was not allowed to teach, unless I went back to Uni to do my fourth year.

I had 10 years teaching experience in 5 different countries across different grades and different positions, but it meant nothing without ticking off the bureaucratic box.

So I had to change careers in the middle of my life, with two small daughters and in a new country (USA). You know what? It worked out.

Travel doesn’t alter your career path, life does . Usually it’s bureaucratic nonsense like it was with me.

You can either return to your career after traveling, or you can find a new one. Travel does not lead you down one path, there are twists and turns and tributaries on this grand adventure that lead you to the right place, and it may even spark up a new career venture for you – like travel blogging!

You can’t make a decision now based on what you think will happen in the future.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with climbing the career ladder if this is clearly what you want to do for ever, but, if you really want to travel and you afraid to lose job opportunities , you need to listen up.

I know society expects you to go to college, get a good job, work hard and reward yourself for 2-4 weeks a year. There is nothing wrong with this, but it doesn’t mean this is the right path for everyone.

Employers are not going to look at a gap in your CV to travel and think “this person has taken a break and therefore hasn’t had enough work experience for this job” they’re more likely to think “wow, this person traveled for a year, I wonder what that was like? I wander what they learned?”

You’re going to return to the world of work with a happy heart and a clear mindset.

If a company are concerned about you taking time out to travel, that to me says they are too career demanding and are they really a company you want to work for?

4. It’s not safe

Turn on your TV and switch over to your local news channel and pay attention. How many stories are you hearing about violent crime, theft and storms? You live in a pretty dangerous town, how do you even step outside your door each day?

Hmmm, you just swallow your fear and do it because if you don’t, then you’re not living.

What’s so sad about these sensationalized stories – which depict only a small truth to the reality – is that they prevent many people from having life-changing travel moments.

You can face just as much crime, natural disasters, illness and injury in your own backyard as you can traveling.

Sure, we wouldn’t recommend hitchhiking in Somalia, but most of the time, first time travelers will go somewhere considered pretty safe.

Always do your research on safety before any trip, but don’t let it put you off going.

A better idea is to focus instead on what is positive. Take inspiration from our travel stories, 25+ years travel to 50 countries with barely a scratch.

We’ve mostly only ever experienced kindness, helpfulness, compassion, friendliness and laughter in our interactions with others.

There is nothing fearful or unsafe about the world when you look at it through the right eyes.

It is said that what you focus on you get. If you focus on danger and negativity then that is what you will attract.

If we discovered that the world is indeed beautiful and full of mostly good people, we might be more willing to do our bit to preserve this kind nature of our world and be the best person we can be.

To help you feel safer, here are some tips for safe travel, especially as a solo female traveler.

5. Not enough money

I have no money . I hear it all the time as to why people can’t travel. I even say it all the time as to why I can’t.

I’m not a fan of advising people to travel when they’re broke, it’s just not smart.

That being said, you don’t need a lot of money to travel. You can simply make money while you travel to overcome this barrier.

You can volunteer in hostels and exchange a few hours work for a bed for the night. You can take up fruit picking jobs, or teach English for a month, or try house sitting.

The ways in which you can make money on the road in this day and age is endless.

In September 2013 we left on an indefinite road trip around Australia. If you looked at our bank account, you’d laugh at the huge risk we have taken.

It wasn’t empty, there were reserves and no debt (thank God), but there was not enough to back us as a family traveling for a year-long road trip around one of the most expensive countries in the world.

It’s the scariest decision I’ve ever made and it it took all my strength to believe and trust.

Along the way we worked with brands and really worked hard on our blog and managed to make an income to keep us going. Our road trip lasted 18 months! Imagine the memories we would have missed if we didn’t go because we feared we wouldn’t have enough money. You just never know what might arrive and how you can create the money.

To help here are money saving tips for before and while on your trip .

6. Unfamiliar territory

Travel puts people outside of their comfort zone. It’s one of the most exciting parts of travel, in my opinion, but it can lead to anxiety or fear for others.

It’s the fear of the unknown that holds a lot of people back.

But let me ask you this; do you know what will happen tomorrow? do you know what will happen in five years?

You can’t predict the future no matter where you are in the world.

Yes, travel can be unpredictable, but isn’t that just life?

If you live your life in fear of the unknown, you’re going to live a pretty boring life, wouldn’t you say? Do you really want to know everything that’s going to happen?

7. Genuine fear

Of course, many people have a fear of travel. It’s called Hodophobia. Or some people refer to it as “trip-a-phobia.”

It’s usually associated with having a fear of flying, or a fear of boats – some form of transportation, rather than the fear of going away itself.

While this fear may feel overwhelming for a lot of people, it can also be overcome if you just gently ease into it.

Rather than jump on a plane, take a road trip. Rather than take a ferry across the English channel, take the Eurostar train instead.

Don’t put off traveling for fear, find a work around or try to overcome it.

I’ll be honest, I used to be terrified of flying, but I still did it anyway, because I knew getting to the other side was where the life changing moments were, and I did not want to let my fear get in the way and cause a regretful life.

It was only after at least 100 flights, and many hours of meditation, and reiki healings that the fear of flying slipped away. For a fun read, here are some flight rituals I have to keep the fear at bay.

Final Thoughts

It makes me cry sometimes to see people put off traveling for these reasons, and I just want to scream from the rooftops for everyone to just trust more and do what is really in your heart.

The only reason you are not having the life you truly love is because you are saying to yourself you can’t. You are saying you can’t based on fear and not truth.

Say I don’t know how this is going to work, but I want to so I’ll do it and figure it out along the way . Let the Universe help you.

What are some reasons you’ve heard about why people don’t travel? Let us know in the comments!