How do you determine your next destination?
My travel bucket list is a mile long! Sometimes I’ll pick a location based on one specific thing I want to do and then build a trip around it. For example, my birthday trip to Paris was planned because I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. My road trip around Ireland was because I wanted to kiss the Blarney Stone. Other times, I’ll hear about experiences and destinations through friends and social media, and then do my own research.
How do you choose where to stay?
I always try to pick something centrally located for a decent price. I’ll compare multiple hotels and Airbnbs in an area to find what suits my budget best. However, centrally located or not, I will ALWAYS make sure I am within a 10 minute walk of a public train, metro or bus station.
Do you always rent a car?
No! I’ll never rent a car in a big city. I don’t want to deal with finding a parking spot, paying for parking or worrying about theft. When I do decide to rent a car, I compare the rates of all rental car companies in the area and make sure they offer unlimited mileage. I’ve also come to find Costco has some great deals on rental cars!
What is the best way to avoid foreign transaction fees in other countries?
Use cash! Most banks will not charge you a fee to exchange currency if you already have an account with them. You can do this in person at the branch offices. Be sure to order your foreign currency ahead of time. It typically takes 3-5 business days to arrive and you’ll have to show ID upon pickup.
Aren’t you afraid that the locals won’t speak English?
Yes, but that’s the fun part! I’ve learned that most people in big cities abroad speak a small amount of English. Google Translate is a super helpful tool for translating conversations and writing in other languages. I recommend learning a few phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me” in the language of the country you’re visiting to be respectful.
How do you keep your phone charged on the go?
With the amount of photos and videos I take, I can’t afford the risk of my phone dying. I travel with a lightweight, cordless portable charger that plugs directly into my phone and fits in my purse! Click here to get yours.
What do you do about all the different international outlets?
Many countries have different types of outlets we don’t use in the US. I always pack my international outlet adapter that allows me to plug-in up to six devices simultaneously all over the globe. Click here to get yours.
Do you have any tips for finding affordable flights?
Unfortunately, I don’t. I recommend using the price tracking tool on Google Flights to get notified when they flights you select to watch drop in price. Google also offers a price guarantee, where if the price of a flight you purchased drops lower than the price you paid, you are entitled to the difference of the two amounts. Otherwise, you can watch for budget airlines to run sales during the holidays, but that’s not guaranteed.
What’s in your suitcase?
Only pack the essentials. Ask yourself, “Do I NEED this?” I pack a small toiletry bag with essentials only. Remember, you can always purchase items you may need at your destination. For the glam, I pack one hair styling tool and only my makeup essentials. I mix and match a lot of my outfits on vacation. Packing a few simple pants and shirts that will all match with each other makes it easy to change outfits and rewear your clothes. Dresses and jumpsuits are also great options. Layer up and wear your bulky items, like sweatshirts, on the plane. I wear my sneakers on the plane and pack one pair of sandals. Just add undies, socks and pajamas and you’re ready to go! And yes, all of this fits in a carry-on sized suitcase!
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