An Alternative Travel Guide

There are some things I am not good at. I cannot keep plants alive. I usually ruin the first batch of cookies when I bake. As I stated in my introduction, I never return library books on time.

But you know what I am really good at? Preparing for trips.

So despite the fact I will kill your plants when you are away on vacation, let me help you in other ways! Here are a few key things I would recommend when planning a trip:

• Your weather app says it is all clear skies that week? I don’t believe your weather app. Pack a travel umbrella and a couple ponchos from the dollar store. We’ve been trapped in a torrential downpour waiting for an Uber in New Orleans. We’ve been stuck at the Colosseum in the middle of a tour and the only resource is the man on the sidewalk trying to sell you a flimsy poncho for 5€. They take up zero space in your suitcase - PACK THEM!

Enjoy this rainbow - safe and dry under your umbrella.

• iPhone cord? Check. Camera cord? Check. Kindle cord? Check. Adaptor so you can actually use the outlet? SHIT. We picked up a couple adaptors on the cheap from TJ Maxx that can be adjusted to fit different outlets, depending on the country you're visiting. If you're desperate, use the USB port on the side/back of your hotel/rental’s television.

• Download an offline map of wherever you're visiting from your App Store (unless you’re okay with paying for the additional package with your cell phone company - which I am not). Additionally, make sure you have something like Facebook Messenger, Skype or another free app you can use to connect to your friends, family or house sitter when you have WiFi. We’ve checked in on our dog while on a double-decker tour bus in London.

• It's not necessary to cram every volume of Rosetta Stone. People in general are very nice and accommodating wherever you go, assuming YOU are just as kind and respectful. Come prepared with a couple words and phrases in the native language wherever you are going. Most likely they'll be able to tell you have no clue what you're doing, but appreciate the attempt. A "good afternoon" and "thank you" can get you a long way.

And a step closer to stuffing your face.

• You don't HAVE to get the necessary currency from your bank prior to a trip. However, we arrived in Paris when the bank was on strike and the ATM was not working at the terminal. Banks can typically accommodate small requests very quickly. Just take enough to tip the driver or purchase tickets from a kiosk that does not accept cards. Also, check foreign transaction fees with your bank - mine waives the first 3 each trip, so I just make sure not to go over that number.

• Please don’t buy a selfie stick. You will inevitably hit someone with it. Or you will be in someone's way. And it will get taken away from you somewhere it is not allowed. Invest in a tripod or rely on the kindness of fellow travelers. Often they appreciate it if you offer to take their photo as well. Or just pose and make your husband do it - that (sometimes) works for me.

Go on - pretend you're a princess and have someone take that photo.

• Don’t waste money on a million souvenirs. I bought a gorgeous blanket scarf in Paris on our honeymoon that I look forward to pulling out each winter. We always pick up yummy Bueno bars for a treat whenever we're in Europe because it's fun to look forward to it instead of ordering them off of Amazon. As for souvenirs for your loved ones, bring them back something small and unique. I typically pick up regional food or cosmetics (something we cannot get at home). I also am THAT person who picks up an ornament everywhere, because I look forward to reminiscing once a year. @msvee brought me back a jar of coffee butter from Hawaii which made my breakfast time special. Waaaaay better than someone bringing you back a t-shirt with the name of somewhere you didn’t even visit.

Bring back a lovely Italian wine juice box perhaps?

• Finally, you can EASILY fit a wardrobe that will carry you at least 10 days in just a carry- on. And you don't have to sacrifice an extra pair of shoes or choose between occasions. Here's an infographic I found that most closely resembles the method I use. Rolling is your friend! It also cuts down on wrinkling.

(image borrowed from http://themetapicture.com/packing-luggage-properly/)

We're still learning as we go and hopefully we can save someone a headache with our past experiences and sharing what works for us. Check back for future travel-related posts and thanks for reading!