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I have learned a LOT about traveling over the past few years, especially what kinds of travel gifts I actually need and will use. Since I’m just one woman, I asked a few of my travel-pro peers to chime in with their must-have travel accessories and came up with this master list of travel gift ideas. …
The post Top 40 Travel Gifts For Women Under $20 appeared first on Travel Off Path.
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Forget the household names! Fall is the season where hidden gems shine brightest, at least according to Alaska Airlines.
The popular carrier has blown the doors off with their latest report, revealing the top 3. U.S. small towns to explore this fall.
Many of us seek out iconic city adventures in such places as Chicago, New York, or San Francisco, but scattered around the country are delightful towns often overshadowed by the grandeur of America’s finest metropolises.
But in the wise words of Michael Scott, “Well, well, well, how the turntables”…
Alaska has seen a strong spike in bookings for places without the crowds and towering skyscrapers in favor of simple down-home fall splendor.
These are the top 3 U.S. hidden gems surging in popularity this fall:
Despite popular belief, Napa is not the only major wine town in California. In fact, it’s not even the biggest in the state.
Lodi may take the cake on that one, but it’s Santa Rosa that has made a name for itself in the wine world and also serves as a gateway into Napa, among other delightful towns nearby.
But let’s stick with Santa Rosa proper, an often overlooked city that’s suddenly been thrown into the spotlight this fall, especially with Alaska’s new flights from Vegas.
So, why visit Santa Rosa other than to go winery-hopping?
The city of 177,000 people is surrounded by beautiful landscapes you can’t help but want to explore.
Take Sonoma Coast State Park ($8 admission) for sample size, where epic coastal views reign supreme over all the ‘leaf peepers’ snapping photos like they’ve never seen a tree before.
Kidding, of course. But, truth be told, this is one of few State Parks this time of year where you’ll forget all about the colors of leaves in place of colors of wines and stunning aqua-blue views.
And don’t sleep on Santa Rosa’s food scene either; it goes way beyond wine!
Check out nearby Michelin-starred French Laundry – so good that California’s Governor Newsom couldn’t resist the urge against breaking his own 2020 lockdown mandates by attending a dinner party here.
If that’s not a selling point, then what is?
Travel Tip: Check out Santa Rosa’s top hidden gem filled with history and scenic fall photo-ops: Jack London State Historic Park.
Which do you prefer: Picturesque lakes, numerous islands, and tranquil waterfalls or a buzzing cultural city, majestic mountains, and world-class cuisine?
Well, good news is you’re in the right place for both…sorta.
Just as Alaska Airlines described, Bellingham is a “hidden gem” nestled on the coast between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada.
Since Bellingham has its own airport, it makes for a relaxing fall escape on its own with astounding nature at your fingertips… or you can scooch across the border for a taste of the city life.
Any way you slice it, you’re in a great spot. You’ll find gorgeous coastal and inland views at such places like San Juan Island and Lake Padden, whichever suits your vibe, and ample ferry rides are provided to reach the various islands off Bellingham’s shores.
Not to mention a charming downtown filled with cozy cafes, scenic parks, and a booming arts scene.
Travel tip: Vancouver is roughly an hour’s drive by car or bus from Bellingham. Make sure to bring your passport and note that Global Entry is not accepted in Canada’s Nexus lanes.
Montana has been hyped up ever since the mega-hit TV show Yellowstone was released. But Missoula doesn’t convey the rootin’ tootin’ cowboy shootin’ image you may have emblazoned in your mind.
Missoula is where college town meets mountainous paradise – a place to bar-hop in the lively University District or relax along the Clark Fork River and dozens of scenic hiking trails.
For the more adventurous, there’s whitewater rafting to tap into your adrenaline rush or come late November, you can hit the slopes just 20 minutes from downtown.
Travel Tip: You may be surprised by Missoula’s multiple luxurious resorts set amidst vineyards, casinos, and vast ranches. Check them out here.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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Europe is like a magnet for Americans, especially in the summer months when, in some hot spots, it can feel like the American tourists outnumber the locals.
And it’s easy to understand why. Europe crams so many cultures, cuisines, and historical attractions into a relatively small geographic space that it makes the perfect travelers’ playground.
But travelers-in-the-know are avoiding the crowds and heat of Europe in the summer, and visiting during the winter months instead.
The atmosphere is different, the vibe more relaxed, and, dare I say, tourists are welcomed more warmly, too.
So where are they going? According to research by Allianz, these are the top 5 most popular European destinations for U.S. travelers this winter:
The popularity of Dublin as a winter vacation destination has exploded this year, jumping to 5th most popular destination from last year’s position as 7th most popular.
If you’ve always imagined getting cozy by the roaring fire of a traditional Irish pub, then winter is the perfect time to do it.
And although the weather can be a little dreary, the longer nights and shorter days means that the nightlife in Dublin in the winter months is exceptional. For example, St Patrick’s Cathedral hosts live music and gigs throughout November, and the 3Olympia Theater dedicates itself to comedy in January.
If you’re looking for a little festive cheer then from October 24 ‘til January 5, Dublin Zoo will host its famous Wild Lights Nights.
This is a spectacular display with illuminated installations that you can enjoy as you move between the enclosures of the zoo. Entry costs 24.50 euros ($26) per person.
The Eternal City is one of the most popular cities in Europe during the summer months, with local authorities even introducing a ticket system to visit the Trevi Fountain in a bid to control the crowds.
But in the winter the crowds are gone and you can explore this living museum at your leisure. Temperatures are mild and you’ll find there are plenty of sunny days too.
The culture, architecture, and cuisine that the city is famous for are just as enjoyable in the winter as in the summer – perhaps more so. But the winter months also have their own unique charm.
Between December and February you can visit the Grinzing Village at Piazza Adriana and enjoy outdoor ice skating with a festive feel. There’s no need to pre book, you can just turn up!
On January 5 and 6 the Romans celebrate the legend of Befana, the witch who brings gifts. This is a great time to be in the city as there’s a carnival and a parade of over 100 people dressed in period costume.
Madrid is one of the best Spanish cities to visit in winter. Crisp with a chill in the air and clear blue skies you can top up your vitamin D and explore this fascinating hot spot.
During November and December Madrid boasts Christmas markets, pop up ice skating rinks, and ornate nativity scenes.
Don’t miss the Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, which has been attracting visitors since the 17th century.
If you want to escape from cold or rain, head into the Prado Museum. One of the most fascinating galleries in Europe for art lovers, you can find pieces by Goya, Velázquez , and El Greco here. From October 15 – February 6 there is a special exhibition dedicated to the work of Reubens.
General admission costs 15 euros ($16) per person.
If you’re hoping to visit Paris without breaking the bank then winter is the best time to choose. Hotel prices drop considerably.
The weather is cold, and often wet, but the city is still charming and the crowd level is much lower too.
From November onwards, the city is sprinkled with Christmas trees, lights, and decorations. On rainy days take the opportunity to explore the art in the Louvre or the Palace of Versailles.
If you love to shop then visit in January for Les Soldes. My favorite time to be in Paris! Unlike in the U.S. or the UK when stores seem to have permanent sales, in France there are only 2 official sale periods. The first of these runs from Janaury 10 – February 6 and is a great time to bag a bargain!
It should come as no surprise that London is the most popular European destination for U.S. travelers this winter.
London was also the most popular European destination for U.S. travelers last winter!
I’ve mentioned before that winter is my favorite time of year to visit London. The incredible light displays, festive atmosphere, and the chill in the air all create a wonderful experience.
Some of the best things to do in London in winter include visiting the museums and galleries, wandering along the South Bank to see the lights, and for a taste of Christmas visit the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. This opens from November 21 ‘til January 5 and entry tickets cost from £5 ($6) with additional charges for activities such as ice skating.
For traditional Christmassy foods, take a walk to Borough Market. This is London’s oldest and largest food market, and although it does have a reputation for being overrun with tourists (especially in the summer) the quality of the food here is excellent.
Like Dublin, London in winter is a great place to cozy up in a pub with a pint. Try the Grazing Goat in Marylebone or the The Anglesea Arms by Ravenscourt Park. This has an open panelling and roaring fire, creating an authentic British pub feel.
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A big part of travel is separating yourself from your possessions.
That being said, even the most minimalist of travelers can’t deny: there are a handful of items that simply make life a lot easier, whether it’s packing, flying, or getting around.
Here are our picks for the 10 things that every traveler should have in their suitcase.
I’ll be the first to admit it: a lot of people spend too much time on their phones, even when traveling.
However, you can’t deny how versatile and valuable a smartphone can be, whether you’re checking in for a flight, navigating a foreign country, or just snapping pics of the views. There are just so many great travel apps that make life more convenient.
On the other hand, having the latest $1,000 phone model can also be a liability. It makes you a target for theft in developing countries, and there’s always the risk of breaking or losing it.
So, opt for a more affordable model, even if it’s just a backup – and consider protecting it with a case or screen protector. Personally, I like buying used phones (in still good condition), which will cover all your travel needs for just a couple hundred bucks.
That way, it’s not a big deal if you drop it off a cliff or from a moving scooter. And would-be thieves will actually scoff when they see you using an outdated iPhone.
Different travelers, different itineraries, different amounts of luggage.
But the one constant is the carry-on bag. With that in mind, it pays to invest in a decent one, whether it’s the more suitcase-style variety or just a good backpack. It’ll prove a reliable companion, whether you’re on an 18-hour flight across the world, a short trip to a neighboring city, or a bus journey through the countryside.
Anyone that’s been on a long-haul flight or spent the night in an airport knows how downright frigid they can get. However, if you do the majority of your traveling in, say, Latin America or Southeast Asia, it’s not like you need a winter jacket most of the time.
That’s where a quality, lightweight jacket comes in. It keeps you warm – or at least, warmer – when you need it, but it won’t take up much space in your suitcase or backpack when you don’t.
Whether you’re a digital nomad working in a Greek cafe or just trying to get some sleep on an overnight flight, a good pair of headphones really come in clutch.
Depending on your preferences and budget, that could be a noise-canceling over-ear set or just some quality earbuds. It can be tempting to buy the cheapest knockoffs you can find, but you’ll get much better sound quality and longevity if you put down a little more dough.
On a long layover? Pull out your Kindle. Relaxing at the beach? Pull out your Kindle. Killing time in a cafe?
You guessed… pull out your e-reader. It not only takes up way less space than physical books, which is great for travel, it’s small enough to take pretty much anywhere.
Kindle is the most popular brand here, and their latest Paperwhite models are actually waterproof. But there are other options, like the Kobo.
It’s the eternal traveler’s conundrum. You don’t want to carry extra bags – or pay the related fees. But you also don’t want to leave any important stuff behind, especially if you’re traveling long term.
Yet once you’ve got everything crammed in your suitcase and arrive at your destination, you have an equally perplexing issue. You want something out of the suitcase – but you don’t want to unpack and repack the entire contents just to get to it.
Travel cubes solve both problems. By organizing your belongings, they not only use your suitcase space more efficiently, you can still access your stuff easily later on.
Flip flops – or “thongs”, as the Aussies call them – and slides will never not be useful. You can wear ‘em to the beach, in that grimy hostel or gym shower, or just down to the local convenience store.
Plus, their minimal form factor means they take up almost no space in your bag when it’s time to pack them away. Flip flops vs. slides is mostly a matter of preference, though I find the former slightly more versatile, since they stay on your feet a little better.
That being said, there are situations where flip flops aren’t all that appropriate, though some of the more free-spirited travelers might debate that point.
In those cases, you need shoes. But not just any shoes. You need a pair that’s comfortable, versatile, and durable, capable of carrying you on long treks through strange cities without a hitch.
The exact type of shoe will depend on your preferences – and on the climate or season of the places you’re traveling. For instance, I’m a big fan of boat shoes in warm destinations, since they’re breathable, waterproof, and easy to pack, while still capable of being dressed up or down.
But there are a variety of other options to choose from.
That $5 pair of sunglasses you bought from a vendor on the beach in Mexico may be good on short notice.
But in the long run, a polarized pair will provide you much better protection from those tropical rays, whether it’s just the classic wayfarer look or something a little more stylish.
There’s nothing like arriving at your hotel with your phone battery blinking, only to find a socket that looks just as foreign as the scenery outside the window.
Fortunately, you came prepared, right? Just whip out your handy dandy travel adapter. The best ones don’t require you to keep track of 12 different pieces. And some of the newer models even have USB slots.
Read More:
Are You Making These 10 Travel Mistakes?
11 Ways to Travel on a Budget in 2021
Travel Insurance that Covers Covid-19
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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“New York City” and “affordable” don’t often belong in the same sentence. In a city that cracked down on Airbnbs, hotels have skyrocketed.
According to the New York Times, the average hotel room will run you over $300 per night – a new record. Although, a quick search shows some steals like the Eurostars Wall Street for 79% off in July.
As iconic as the ‘Big Apple’ remains today, tourists far and wide still have NYC in their scope as a premiere getaway for urban adventures ranging from incredible cuisine, world-class museums, and renowned sites in every borough.
Summer is one of the best seasons to explore New York with so many fun things to do outdoors, but the top travel hack revealed by the U.S. Sun will save you boatloads of money.
For less than a cup of coffee, you can visit the city’s top attractions and it’s so much easier than you may think.
Boat tours serve their purpose, but they’re not all they’re cracked up to be, especially some with outrageous prices.
Perhaps you can luck out by scoring a Groupon for a fun time on the water, but there’s no need to do so.
Much like my hometown of San Diego, where tourists overpay for boat tours to hit the scenic waterways of the San Diego Bay, many are disappointed to find out they could have a similar experience for less than $10 by booking the Coronado Ferry.
Saving potentially hundreds of dollars, it’s the same for NYC. Unless you want a repetitive tour guide who’s given dozens upon dozens of tourists the same spiel, then the NYC Ferry is for you as low as $4.
New York City is home to 5 boroughs, unless you count Jersey City as the unofficial sixth. Any way you slice it, some of the best ways to borough-hop is by boat.
If anything, it sure beats taking the rat-filled subways! Especially since there are power outlets on-board to keep your phone ready for photos, as well as snacks and refreshments – yes, including alcohol!
The city offers daily commuters cheap NYC Ferry rides, but it’s also tourists’ best travel hack here.
Rather than fork over your paycheck for an unnecessary tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can take in the same views and awesome phot-ops aboard the ferry.
Not to mention unmatched views of the illustrious Manhattan skyline as well.
While booking a ticket is surely the most budget-friendly way to experience notoriously expensive New York City, the ferry is not solely the best alternative to Statue of Liberty tours.
Heck, perhaps the ferry’s real shining moment was when U.S. Airways’ Captain ‘Sully’ heroically landed a plane in the Hudson River, with multiple commuter ferries jumping into action.
While seeing planes in the Hudson isn’t typically on the itinerary, there are 7 routes to choose from.
You can easily visit other top attractions like Coney Island or even Rockaway Beach for a break from the hustle and bustle in the City That Never Sleeps.
Unfortunately, those visiting Coney Island won’t get to see champion Joey Chestnut scarf down wieners at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th any longer.
These are the 7 routes the NYC Ferry offers:
It’s important to know riders can transfer at no charge from any of these routes, including the above Governor’s Island shuttle.
Better yet, travelers can also hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry – a free service offered year-round.
No matter where you go, from Wall Street to Brooklyn to Sunset Park, the NYC Ferry has grown in popularity.
It’s strongly advised to book tickets in advance, which you can do so on the official NYC Ferry App and vending machines.
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Demand for cruise travel is at a record high right now — but unfortunately, so are prices.
Cruise travel is back with a vengeance, and as a result, the average cost of a cruise is up as much as 22.5% compared to 2019 prices.
When restriction-free cruising finally returned in the midst of 2022, there were some great deals to be found on cruises as things slowly got back to normal.
However, those deals have now disappeared, and cruise fares are higher than ever before.
Here are some tips for how you can still save money on your next cruise:
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, one of the best ways to save money on cruises is to travel during the off-season or “shoulder season” for a destination.
For example, Alaska cruises are most popular (and most expensive) in June, July, and August. If you can book one of the first cruises in May or one of the last cruises in September, you are likely to save money.
Similarly, avoid traveling on school breaks. Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and spring break are all some of the busiest and most expensive times to take a cruise.
One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is by tracking deals that do appear. Even though the average cruise fare has increased, there are still good deals to be found.
CruiseSheet is a free tool you can use to get notified of the best deals in real-time. Just indicate which port you will be traveling out of and set a filter for dates you’re interested in, and you’ll be notified immediately when deals appear.
Again, if you can be more flexible in your travel dates, this is one of the best things to do to save money.
What if you can’t necessarily be flexible with your travel dates? Luckily, there are still other ways to save money on your cruise!
One of the biggest ways to save money is by skipping pricy add-ons.
These are things like unlimited drink packages, onboard WiFi, and shore excursions that will end up costing you a ton of money.
Do the math on an unlimited drink package before buying — most people will come out ahead simply paying for drinks individually, and this helps limit your alcohol consumption.
For WiFi, just skip this and opt to use free WiFi or cellphone data on the days when you’re in port. Internet while at sea is notoriously expensive.
And for shore excursions, you often don’t need to book through your cruise ship. You can DIY the same excursion for a cheaper price by booking directly with a local operator or just do a free activity like exploring the town or hitting up a local beach on your own.
A lesser-known strategy for saving money on a cruise is booking a repositioning cruise.
These cruises are different from your average cruise, but they are by far one of the most affordable ways to travel.
What exactly is a repositioning cruise? Basically, this is when a cruise ship needs to move home ports at the beginning or end of a season. As a result, it’s a long route (think a two-week trans-Atlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami) with many days at sea.
But you’ll get the chance to stop at some exotic and far-flung ports along the way (like the Canary Islands, the Azores, or Bermuda) before reaching your final destination, and you can get deals for as little as $50 a day.
Finally, you can save money on your cruises by being flexible on your stateroom assignment.
Choosing a specific stateroom often carries a higher cost as opposed to selecting a “guaranteed” stateroom. This means you are guaranteed a stateroom in your chosen class (interior, exterior, balcony, or suite), but you won’t be able to choose the exact location.
If you’re okay with this, it’s a great way to save some extra money.
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