Category: Travel Tips

Honoring the Army in Honolulu, Hawaii

by Heather Anne • March 3, 2026

A variety of displays are housed at the museum

A Place of Contemplation

The Hawaii Army Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii is a fascinating and moving tribute to our brave soldiers. Hawaii’s enviable weather creates an excellent opportunity to enjoy the displays of this museum both inside and out. The museum “serves as a beacon of military history in the Pacific” (https://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org). Visitors will be inspired by our brave soldiers in this museum that is free to visit, but offers a wealth of inspiring memories. According to the museum, they play “a crucial role in this educational journey” (https://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org).

Both American and Foreign exhibits are housed at the museum, such as this Japanese craft

A National Treasure

The museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts. The museum offers an excellent opportunity to teach visitors about the bravery of the Army and their accomplishments. A visit to this museum provides a strong reminder of the sacrifices of our Army. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History website, “U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy was established in 1976 and is housed inside Battery Randolph, a former coast artillery fortification that mounted two 14-inch disappearing rifled guns ” (https://history.army.mil/Army-Museum-Enterprise/Find-an-Army-Museum/US-Army-Museum-of-Hawaii/).

Learn U.S. Army history through an impressive array of exhibits

Learn and Honor

This tribute to the Army is a bastion of fascinating history that paints our brave armed forces in the most honorable light. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, “Museum exhibits tell the story of the U.S. Army in Hawaii and the Pacific area, the military history of Hawaii, and the contributions made by Hawaii and Hawaii’s citizens to the nation’s defense” (https://history.army.mil/Army-Museum-Enterprise/Find-an-Army-Museum/US-Army-Museum-of-Hawaii/). The museum is brilliantly arranged with a wealth of fascinating artifacts.

Honoring our Brave Heroes

George S. Patton exclaimed “The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” It is a rewarding experience to take rime out from Hawaii’s impressive beaches to learn about the history of our heroes in th U.S. Army at Honolulu, Hawaii.

Visiting the Hawaii Army Museum

The Hawaii Army Museum is located at 2131 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815. It is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. The museum is a worthwhile tribute to our brave Army and a visit is highly rewarding. To visit another fine tribute to our armed forces, visit the article “Honoring the Marine Corps in Quantico” at https://globaldllc.com/2024/04/14/honoring-the-marine-corps-in-quantico/.

The museum houses many different types of exhibits

There may be many temptations competing for your attention in Hawaii, but this gallery is a moving tribute to American history that should not be missed. You are sure to leave feeling inspired and proud of your country.

by Heather Longfellow

Travel Tips

Halloween Travel: Top 6 Scary Sites!

by Heather Anne • October 27, 2020

YouTube Video!

Halloween Travel and Terrifying Tourism

Is it Halloween and you want to embark on some Halloween travel? Or do you just need a frightful fix any other time of year? Either way, I have a Top 6 Sites for you this week! Most of the locations and “terrifying” tours in this post are available through Viator. I’ve greatly enjoyed their tours over the years. You can view their available tours (including these locations – type in the search bar) by clicking here! (This is an affiliate link and I may earn a commission at NO cost to you to support this blog. I never promote businesses I don’t use personally and endorse.) Now don your costume and let’s go!

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts may be most well-known for the legendary Witch Trials. The city has been populated since 1626. And the Witch Trials, as described in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, took place in 1692. In honor of these infamous events, there are many spooky witch-themed attractions to visit. The most notable of these include the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem Witch Museum, and the Witch House. When you’re all witched-out, pay your respects at the Old Burying Point Cemetery. Fort Pickering Lighthouse, stunning at sunset, has been guiding ships since 1871. The creepy House of Seven Gables, which played a starring role in the witch trials, has stood since 1668. Finally, the Friendship of Salem is a replicated version of a 1797 trading ship. Salem is dripping with horror-filled, and hallowed, history! As Bostonians would say, Salem is “wicked” cool!

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is well-known as a hub of supernatural activity. In fact, the American Institute of Parapsychology gets more reports about Savannah than any other city. The local travel industry is capitalizing on this eerie reputation with a wide selection of spooky tours. There’s haunted pub and mansion tours. And a candlelit ghost tour. Or a ghost and gravestones trolley tour. Alternatively, take an independent tour on your own. However you do it, there’s so much spooky to see! Don’t forget your favorite “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” sites like Bonaventure Cemetery! And stroll block after block of public parks in Savannah, the Spanish moss dripping from the trees in the moonlight. It’s a classic Halloween scene!

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Made famous by the 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow is one sleepy city where the dead don’t rest in peace! 30 miles north of New York City, this will be a great day trip option for people in the Greater New York City area. Here you can visit tributes to the Headless Horseman, a revolutionary war soldier who lost his head and battle and scoured the town donning a jack o’ lantern searching for his lost head. For more excitement, search for Washington Irving’s ghost in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, see the Tarrytown Lighthouse rising out of the mist, or tour the Lyndhurst Gothic Revival Mansion from 1838. Rich with history, Sleepy Hollow is so much fun the departed don’t want to disappear!

Tribute to the Headless Horseman, Sleepy Hollow

Transylvania, Romania

The Transylvania region of Romania may be the most well-known creepy travel destination in the world! It’s familiar due to the Dracula mythology connected to it. This castle is proclaimed to be the residence of the infamous main character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Sadly, this connection is accepted as being alive in legend only. Vlad the Impaler, another creepy character and actual historic figure, also is credited with a connection to this castle. You can tour Bran Castle, or, better yet, castle-hop your way around the region. Don’t forget your garlic necklace! The impressive, tower-spiked Corvin’s Castle in particular is worth a detour.

More to Do in Transylvania

There’s more in store in Transylvania. For a kitschy adventure, there’s always a Dracula-themed tour, or shopping for gaudy Dracula-inspired souvenirs in the cities. But the Biertan Village, a UNESCO Historic Site, is a must-visit. This quaint Saxon village is credited with being founded in the year 1283, and if you’re in search of old souls this is definitely a place to look. If you catch Biertan when the mists are swirling among the city’s spires it will be a particularly spooky delight.

Oaxaca, Mexico

The Day of the Dead celebration, commemorating All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, is also famous worldwide. Oaxaca, Mexico is one of the finest places to enjoy it. Be aware that the actual dates are November 1st and 2nd, not October 31, So make sure to mark your calendar accordingly. Watch the gauntlet of parades during the festival. Shop for sugar skull souvenirs from street markets. And visit the cemeteries, vibrant with life from the colorful flowers adorning the grave sites. Make a detour to the Monte Alban Archaeological Site and ponder the ancient sacrifices of old in the safety of our modern times.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is replete with ghostly history, and the eerie attractions are seemingly endless. Start with a French Quarter tour by horse and carriage, and see New Orleans’ greatest treasures, like St. Louis Cathedral. You can also take a cemetery tour here, or a haunted history tour. The Voodoo Museum will give you perspective on another tradition that terrifies some. You can venture outside city limits for a scary swamp adventure. (Watch out for crocodiles!) And your Halloween tour wouldn’t be complete without two other hallowed traditions: costumes and candy! To cover costumes, be sure to visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. Here you can see the famous floats and cool costumes from the Mardi Gras celebration. And since Halloween wouldn’t be complete without treats, stop at one of New Orleans’ many confectioners for some fresh-made pralines, a local specialty!

More Halloween Travel

I hope you have a horrifying Halloween (whether it’s Halloween on the calendar or not!) Be sure to check out my Halloween destinations YouTube video at the top of this post! And if you’re looking for a great Fall road trip to enjoy the foliage, check out my Epic Michigan Fall Road Trip here! How are you spending Halloween? Leave a comment!

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Travel Tips

Pyramids of Giza and Cairo Top 12 Tips

by Heather Anne • October 20, 2020

Watch my video tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Cairo!

Tip One: Get the Right Giza Ticket

First a little business! (We’ll be marveling at the Pyramids of Giza in a second, I promise!) This article contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission, at NO cost to you. All proceeds will be used to help support the sustainability of this blog. I NEVER promote companies I don’t personally use and endorse!

There’s more than one ticket for the Giza complex. Make sure you get the one that includes everything you want to see. Some tickets only include some sights and some include all. And some include venturing inside the pyramids and others do not. Some also include private tour guides, to deliver the history of the site to you while you explore. You can also add on activities like camel rides, cruises down the nile, helicopter tours, and, air ballon rides (YES!!) You can get most of these experiences (including the air balloon rides!) with your choice of many Viator tours of Giza here!

Tip Two: Arrive Early!

Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds! The Pyramids of Giza attract huge crowds, particularly in peak seasons. If you want to avoid spending more of your time exploring the site than standing in lines, arrive as early as possible! The quietest times are close to opening and closing times. The Pyramids of Giza are usually open from 7:00am to 7:00pm from April to September and 8:00am to 5:00pm from October to March. (These times are local!) But these hours are subject to change so please confirm with your hotel or tour company before setting your schedule.

Tip Three: Beware of Scammers!

You have several options to get to the Pyramids. Use Uber, with a set rate determined in advance, let your hotel help you arrange transportation to the pyramids with a reliable company, or take a tour! I recommend working with a reputable tour company, so that you can be safe, save money, and skip the lines! (I’m sure spending long times standing in lines is the last thing you want to do in Giza!) I’ve had very positive experiences with Viator tours time and time again. You can check out their tour offerings here! Whatever you do, don’t buy “scalper” tickets! Best case scenario – they probably don’t work. Worst case scenario – you find your accommodations are downgraded to an Egyptian jail!

Tip Four: Ride a Camel!

Consider a camel ride! Camel riding is easy and fun! I’ve taken camel rides multiple times, and each time found the experience very pleasant. Being on the back of a camel is less jerky than being on a horse. It feels like a smoother, calmer ride. And they’re a lot more cooperative than horses, which tend to have more of a mind of their own! There are many opportunities to ride a camel at Giza. If you hire a camel guide on-the-spot, don’t forget to haggle on price! In tourist areas like this, U.S. dollars and Euros are widely accepted.

Tip Five: Sunscreen and Water

Don’t forget sunscreen and water – it’s the desert! You want to be able to enjoy the rest of your trip sunburn-free and comfortable. So stop at the market or the hotel shop and pick up these essentials for your protection in this harsh desert environment! It’s easy to be distracted by everything there is to see here, so remember to make hydration a priority! And don’t assume it’s hot all the time. The desert can get windy and/or chilly depending on season and time of day, so be prepared. Your hotel or tour operator can advise you based on when you’re going.

Tip Six: Going Inside the Pyramid

Yes, you can go inside a pyramid. But be advised, it’s empty, steep, and hot, with narrow passages. Traversing the narrow aisles inside the pyramid requires bending over and sure footing. Consider your ability to navigate these physical obstacles, based on your personal medical situation, before booking this option. And if you do decide to venture in, be careful! There’s an additional charge for this experience unless you book it as part of a tour in which it’s included.

Tip Seven: Don’t Climb the Pyramids!

No, you should not climb the pyramids. It’s against the law. It can be tempting… As you can see from the photo above, you may find “steps” that look ripe for climbing. But it’s officially illegal to climb the outside of the pyramids. I’ve heard stories of guides “letting” people climb, or being bribed into “looking the other way.” But please be aware that if you do this you will be breaking local statutes, and are taking the chance of potentially getting fined or even winding up in jail. I’d advise against it. Proceed with caution!

Tip Eight: Haggling

When shopping from street vendors, haggling is welcome – and encouraged! Throughout Egypt, and the Middle East for that matter, haggling is common. Prices are usually “jacked-up” with the assumption that customers will haggle. And vendors are happy to take the extra profit if you don’t. So do yourself a favor and try to talk them down instead of paying the inflated asking price. I know a lot of people in the West are uncomfortable with this practice. In fact, I was too, at first. But I got used to it pretty quickly, and was glad to have more money in my pocket at the end of the day! It can even be fun, like a game! Consider it part of your “cultural immersion!” In heavily touristed areas U.S. dollars and Euros are widely accepted.

Tip Nine: Traffic

There’s a lot of traffic in Cairo, and it takes a while to get to the Pyramids from downtown. Consider staying in a Giza hotel, and then moving to one in Cairo to best see both destinations. The added advantage of staying a night in Giza is the chance it gives you to see the site at it’s quietist – at opening and closing. Plus it allows you to see the incredible night-time light show! And the vibrant city of Cairo is definitely worth the detour. Be sure to check out the Egyptian Museum downtown to view the abundant display of ancient Egyptian statues and artifacts. It will enhance your visit to the pyramids!

Tip Ten: Nighttime in Giza

Another advantage of staying the night in GIza: the nighttime light show! There’s an additional charge to experience the light show, but this unforgettable experience is priceless! You can efficiently get access to the amazing light show by booking a Giza tour that includes the light show here! Enjoy the break from the intense daytime sun and cooler temperatures at night, too!

Tip Eleven: Try the Local Food!

The foods of Egypt are delicious! Here you’ll find a lot of grilled meats and other healthy, but delectable options! Hummus is also a standard offering, as well as mouth-watering fresh-baked pita breads. But my favorite Egyptian delight are a dessert called “bird’s nest,” pictured above. These are also common throughout the Middle East and in Turkey. They contain vermicelli noodles sweetened with honey and spiced with cardamom. And they also sometimes include pistachio nuts. So bring your appetite, and Bon Appétit!

Tip Twelve: Take a Detour to Luxor!

Don’t end your Egypt adventure at GIza and Cairo! More spectacular ancient Egyptian sites are to be found at Luxor and Valley of the Kings! Luxor is 75 miles (656.8km) south of Cairo. You can rent a car, take a train, or take an organized tour to get there. Luxor is a spectacular ancient temple, brilliantly preserved. And Valley of the Kings consists of a series of Egyptian Pharaoh tombs that are in extraordinary condition, and an absolute must-see for anyone remotely interested in ancient Egyptian art history. Another unforgettable experience would be to take a cruise down the Nile. And there’s even more to see in Egypt! For example, check out my blog post Red Sea Egypt Submarine Tour!

Thanks for reading! I look forward to our next travel adventure next week! Please comment below – have you visited Giza, or do you want to? And remember to share this article with friends, because sharing is caring! And a lot of people could use a little virtual travel right about now!

Travel Tips

Plan a Staycation! (Part 2)

by Heather Anne • September 29, 2020

Summary of Staycation Part 1

Need to get away, but can’t? Plan a Staycation! In the first installment of this two-part Staycation series, I covered virtual travel experiences available on the web. You can read that post here. This time I’m going to share ideas to transform your home into an oasis replicating, as much as possible, the atmosphere or location you wish you could visit. Think of it as a way of staging your home to give you the feeling you’re somewhere else. (This post contains affiliate links for which I may earn a commission to help support this blog so I can keep it running. There is absolutely no cost to you. I never promote companies I don’t endorse and personally use. Not all links are affiliate links.)

Option 1: Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion is a great way to “travel” while staying home. Make a pact with yourself that you’re going to surround yourself in the culture of the place you want to visit for the entire day, or weekend! A great starting point, you can take a language lesson for your chosen culture. Learn one on one with a native on iTalki. Your first session will only cost a few dollars. Or try out my favorite language program, Fluenz.

Watch a movie or some TV shows from the country you wanted to visit. If it’s in the native language with subtitles, even better. The Rakuten Viki app has great shows from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. And Arte offers European programming in 6 languages. Netflix also carries a lot of foreign movies and shows. Or watch travel shows exploring your country of choice, like “Rick Steves’ Europe” on Hulu or PBS.

For dinner, cook a meal using recipes of the culture in question, which you can find on Food Network or Pinterest, or your favorite ethnic cookbook. The Food Network Kitchen app even has live and pre-recorded cooking classes as well as show videos. Or if you’re not in the mood to cook, order takeout or dine-in from your preferred local ethnic restaurant.

I’ll offer an example of the “cultural immersion” method. Set the scene with an India backdrop like this one: https://amzn.to/3mPtb81. Drape some marigold garlands https://amzn.to/3lPbg06 around the house. Why not try a Hindi lesson on iTalki? Then watch some Bollywood movies with a free trial of the Eros Now app, or stream the amazing Jewel in the Crown series from Amazon https://amzn.to/36Qq5LM or iTunes. Cook dinner with Aarti Sequeira on Food Network. What to wear? Pick up my custom “India” t-shirt on Etsy! Not into India? Substitute this plan with the country and cultural traditions you want to immerse yourself in!

Option 2: Take a Spa Day

What could be more relaxing than a luxurious spa day? It’s possible to replicate the experience at home, to an extent. Start your morning with some avocado toast with one of Bobby Flay’s “avocado toast three ways.” Visit the nail salon for a mani-pedi, or hire a nail technician to come to you on a house call.

When you get back home, grab your yoga mat https://amzn.to/2VMS3kY and do some yoga with the Daily Burn app (free trial available), or search for a Yoga lesson on YouTube. The PBS Living app also has some yoga lessons for people with arthritis and other disabilities. Water’s critical when you work out, so whip up some of Giada DiLaurentiis’ Spa Water.

Then unwind immersed in a soothing bath with your favorite bath bombs https://amzn.to/3lPVkuC or bubble bath, or some rose petals. Make sure to use a luxurious exfoliation scrub https://amzn.to/3lRhlcp to get your skin so soft and smooth. Have your scented candle https://amzn.to/2VRq1Vr going for aromatherapy, and bring your smartphone and turn on some spa music. Dim the lights and let yourself relax.

After your bath, give yourself a facial with a facial steaming session https://amzn.to/39MHxT6 followed by a luxurious sheet mask. https://amzn.to/2Iodsy2. Next, treat yourself to a massage with a personal massager gadget. And wrap yourself in an electric blanket cocoon https://amzn.to/2VRqpTT for a few minutes and let the spa music slow your heart rate. Make yourself a healthy and refreshing smoothie. Food Network suggests these recipes. For dinner, take a cue from Giada DiLaurentiis’ “Spa Weekend Brought Home.”

Option 3: Camp… Inside Your House!

You can turn your living room into the ultimate campground! Starting with a nature backdrop like this one https://amzn.to/39QFSfg of the woods is a nice touch. Then start setting up your campsite with a great pop-up tent that’s suitable for indoors like this one https://amzn.to/2JSYb8I. Next, add your sleeping bags https://amzn.to/2JUWuHQ. A mock campfire with a hearth like like this one https://amzn.to/3lQV12q will enhance the atmosphere. Check out a local place to go for a hike during the day. Just Google “hiking near me,” and get your fresh air and activity in.

After dark and back home, dim the lights, and set up a camping lantern https://amzn.to/33QEW6N or two. Make a simple camping-inspired dinner on the grill. Put a video of the Aurora lights on your TV screen, like this YouTube video. Light a pine scented candle like “Balsam and Cedar” from Yankee Candle https://amzn.to/3ggmIkj. It smells just like the real thing, and carries throughout the whole home. It’ll transport you to the forest! For the piece de resistance, make s’mores with an electric s’mores maker https://amzn.to/2JSZ1Co. If you have a device that can make sound effects (like a smartphone app, or an Echo Dot “Alexa” https://amzn.to/33MQDeK), cue up the crickets or bonfire sound effects. Play some cards by the campfire, or play a fishing video game! How about placing some glow in the dark stars https://amzn.to/2JFQDGF on the ceiling?

Option 4: Tour Your Hometown

Whether you live in a major city or out in the country, it’s likely there’s a lot of cool things to see and fun things to do right in your back yard! There may even be some you didn’t even realize were there. State and Provincial parks are some of the most underrated attractions around. One of my favorite ways to tour a place is to pick up a City Pass you can order on this site, or do a Viator tour you can reserve here. Get introduced to a side of your city you may not have known!

Getting a City Pass allows you entry to multiple attractions in a city, often with the ability to skip-the-lines, for a much lower price than if you purchased the attraction tickets individually. They often include transportation modes like double decker buses or harbor cruises too. I tend to see a lot more, cheaper and more efficiently, when I have one of these passes. They’re available for most major cities. And Viator is great for those all-inclusive tours, including ones that get you out into the country for more distant attractions. At the end of the day, try a new restaurant. You may even want to book a local hotel. Remember to check out your local tourism agency’s official website. Act like a tourist! You may find you have a completely different perspective of your city in this context!

Option 5: Recreate Your Cruise

Have any souvenir shirts from your cruise? Good wardrobe choice for today! Make your bed, and then head over to YouTube and search “towel animal tutorial” and find a video with instructions for your favorite animal. (There are many videos on this, and of different animals.) Place on your bed for tonight. If you’re really hardcore, you may want to create and print yourself out a “cruise” newsletter with the activities for the day to place there too.

Then start your “cruise” by putting your TV on ocean or cruise-view scenes. For example, you could put on this Port of Miami live webcam YouTube channel. There’s a second one here. Or an idea I really like, get my cruise ship tours playlist going here! If you have a smartphone, Echo, or similar device with an ambient sounds app installed, bring it out to your patio, turn on ocean sounds, and sunbathe outside (assuming good weather!) Just close your eyes and imagine you’re shipboard. (BONUS: You won’t have to fight for a lounger with people that got up at 6:00, left their towel on the lounger to reserve it, and went back to bed!)

Another thing that will help? Make your favorite cruise line drinks! Royal Caribbean has posted several of their recipes on their blog here. And Carnival Cruise Line has several of their recipes here. Planning dinner? Cruise Critic has posted several cruise line recipes in this article. Take some time to set your table up nicely, using your memories of the Main Dining Room table settings as a guide. Or go out to a restaurant that reminds you of your favorite cruise ship specialty restaurant, like a steakhouse or Italian place.

At the end of the night, put something on your TV that will bring back cruise memories, like a soccer or tennis game (which always seem to be on TV on the cruise ships!), or a concert or Broadway show, like “Hamilton” now streaming on Disney+. I like to order cookies and cocoa room service at the end of the night when I sail on Carnival, so I’d cap off the night with those. When you’re ready for bed, your towel animal will be there to greet you. Remember to sleep in for your “sea day” tomorrow, OR get up and take an “excursion” in your hometown on a tour from a site like Viator here!

Option 6: Have a Casino Night

There are many ways to transform your home for a casino night. Set up the card table for a poker session, and “comp” your guests with great cocktails, a delicious buffet, and/or a night in your guest room. Don’t forget a chocolate on the pillow! Cue up some pro or college sports or horse racing on the big screen TV, and hand out betting slips. (What you’re betting for is up to you…!) Gather up all the iPads or other tablets you can get your hands on (ask guests to bring theirs). And then line them up in a row on stands along a long table or counter, and place a chair in front of each. Then install and and open up a different slot machine app on each one. (Most of these slot apps are free downloads.)

Get some table games going, like this Bingo game https://amzn.to/33Pm6wQ (come up with fun prizes!), Blackjack, or Roulette https://amzn.to/3gmvTQ3. Make sure you have plenty of poker chips and playing cards https://amzn.to/36MfMrO and someone who’ll be designated the dealer. Keep the “comped” drinks flowing! Go old-school and play some smooth jazz music in the background, or go modern and play the same pop music the casinos play these days.

For dinner, consider your favorite casino celebrity chef restaurant, and visit Food Network to recreate that chef’s recipes. Or head out to a fancy restaurant that reminds you of your casino favorite. Browse ideas for casino-themed cakes on Pinterest, and have your baker whip one up for you, or, if you’re crafty in the kitchen, bake one up yourself! To cap off your evening, watch some old videos of the show “Las Vegas” with James Caan. Alternatively, enjoy a casino movie like “Casino” or “Casino Royale.” Another great idea would be to digitally downloaded a concert or magic show, just like you’d see in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

Sequence of a Race Horse Galloping – Public Domain

Option 7: Host a Film Festival

Can’t go to Cannes? Why not host your own film festival? Start with a tour of Cannes with Rick Steves in this video. Then get in front of the big screen (TV) for a marathon of great films. The theme is up to you – whether it’s “Classic Hollywood” or “Brand New Blockbuster.” You can now stream movies that are still in theaters at home these days. While the $20 rental cost is steep, if you’re having several people over it’s a bargain compared to buying tickets at the theater. Or let your guests browse your film collection and each choose one.

If you want to go glamorous, you can ask people to dress up, serve champagne, and give out gift bags to “attendees.” You can include goodies like Netflix gift cards, 3-D glasses, movie-themed card decks or mugs, and those boxes of candy you can get in grocery stores that look like the ones you get in theaters. Dim the lights like the real theater, and offer all-you-can-eat popcorn in old-school popcorn containers https://amzn.to/2VIoYY7. Surprise your guests with a variety of flavor shaker https://amzn.to/3n1W15a choices. You can decorate your living room with movie themed pillow covers https://amzn.to/36PIeJs and a decorative backdrop. At the end of the night, hand out ballots and vote for the Palme d’Or (or best movie!)

Option 8: Plan for the Next Real Trip

If you don’t want to plan a staycation, plan the next REAL trip! I have to admit, while all of these options are a lot of fun, they don’t replace the feeling of embarking on a REAL trip. But sometimes planning your real trip is part of the fun of travel. And if you haven’t been traveling much (like in the case of a pandemic lockdown), you may have set aside a budget to finally tackle that bucket list that’s been collecting dust. Exploring your options for the next trip can be exciting, appealing to your natural desire for anticipation. Better yet, once you can travel again, you’ll be ready to go right away!

Don’t suffer from cabin fever. Plan a staycation today, and get away! With a little imagination and a few inspiring resources, you can replicate a vacation in a fun, convincing way! Remember, if you missed Part 1, you can read that post here. Caring is sharing, so please share this post on Twitter and Facebook to help others out of their lockdown funk!

Travel Tips

Staycation Ideas: Survive the Lockdowns!

by Heather Anne • September 15, 2020

Still in lockdown? Escape with a staycation!

Do you need some staycation ideas to survive the lockdowns? More and more people are venturing out of their homes at this point of the pandemic. But some areas are experiencing spikes, and lockdowns are still in place and resuming in some places. And at-risk people who are still quarantined deserve a little vacation too. As a travel writer, I’m the first to admit that a virtual vacation can’t do the real thing justice. But it’s better than nothing. With a little imagination and a few resources, you can make your escape! Luckily there are many online resources that make an inspiring staycation possible!

Tour a new city

Taking a virtual tour of an exciting new city can help pull you out of those cabin fever doldrums. Even better, they can help you imagine and plan your next trip when freedom returns. There are many great shows on various streaming apps that will take you away. Some of my favorites include “Rick Steves’ Europe” on Hulu, “Aerial America” on the Smithsonian Channel, and the “Visions” series on PBS Living. All of these apps have free trials available if you’re not already subscribed, and all can stream on an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick device. YouTube is also a great destination for satisfying your travel fix. I recommend starting with the “Travel Destinations” playlist on Ultimate Travel Adventures! Visit the playlist by clicking this link or watch the full playlist below! (Hunker down with with a fresh glass of wine or mug of tea and a serious supply of snacks – there’s a lot to explore!)

Travel Destinations playlist on Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube channel

Experience theme park thrills

If a theme park is more your speed, you’re in luck! There are many good first-person views of theme park rides available online. Hershey Theme Park has a page dedicated to virtual roller coaster rides you can visit by clicking here. And you can check out every Cedar Point roller coaster on this site. Finally, this site has many Disney and Universal Studios coasters to hop on, and a Disney fireworks show to watch. So skip the nausea, leave your hat on, and go for a wild ride! Added bonus: no screaming toddlers, handrails stuck with gum, painful sunburns, overpriced food stalls, and getting caught in the rain without an umbrella!

Hershey Park virtual roller coaster rides

Your virtual cruise is calling

A mega-ship cruise out of the U.S. and Canada is impossible right now, but out of your virtual port they’re not! Prepare to set sail with Carnival’s 360 degree interactive video on YouTube here! Remember to click on the screen to turn the image for a full 360 degree view around you! Another option, take a virtual tour of several different cruise ships. These tours show the complete ships – virtually every venue (pun intended!) It’s all on the Ultimate Travel Adventures “Cruise Ship Tours” playlist. You can visit the playlist here or watch the full playlist below!

Ultimate Travel Adventures Cruise Ship Tours playlist

Virtually tour a museum

Many museums deliver a dose of culture with virtual tours and access to their vast collections online. Some of the best virtual visits include the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia here, the Vatican Museum here, the Louvre museum here, or the MET here. You can also get multimedia tours, with audio, of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for your mobile device. Details can be found on their website here! I know, the masterpieces hanging on your fridge from your third-grader’s art class are adorable… but when you’r ready for something more…. grown up these options should satisfy!

Tour a national park

Is the great outdoors calling you? You can answer the call from the comfort of your couch! There’s an excellent virtual tour of Yosemite National Park here. Or get to the Grand Canyon with the National Park Service’s virtual tour on this site. And leave the crowds and traffic behind! Dust off your favorite pine-scented candle to enhance the experience!

Want wildlife? Visit the zoo, or go on a live safari!

The San Diego Zoo posts live webcam streams of many of their residents on their website here. You can view the day-to-day activities of animals such as a panda, elephant, koala, ape, polar bear, and more! And for more live action, go on a live safari online at Wild Earth’s Safari Live. This is the safest safari you’ll ever take!

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall

Take in a concert

Click on the Berlin Philharmonic’s Digital Concert Hall to watch free virtual concerts. Both live and pre-recorded concerts are available. Open to opera? The MET offers a free, nightly opera performance stream on their website. Music makes everything better…. including quarantine! Close your eyes and pretend you’re there. Hopefully soon you will be, but this will have to do in the meantime.

Visit a vineyard, and taste the grapes

Are you getting tired of looking at the same four walls? The Castello di Amorosa in the Napa Valley of California, with its world-famous wineries, has both a virtual and video tour on their site here. It’s a castle and a vineyard – the ultimate virtual getaway for wine lovers. So unleash your inner royal, and have a bottle of bubbly handy to add the sense of taste into the equation. How about a virtual tasting? Food and Wine magazine has provided a list of virtual tasting options on their site. A wine tasting shouldn’t be a spectator sport.

Craving the casino?

Yes, there is a socially distanced casino option! Monte Carlo, Monaco offers a virtual tour, including their world-renown casino and other attractions. You can find them on Monte Carlo’s website here. The casino is dripping with opulence from wall-to-wall, and on this visit, the House won’t win! Prefer to watch the gaming in action? Check out the live poker feeds on Twitch here. Another option? Check out the many free, downloadable slot apps for your tablet or phone on Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android devices.

Other attractions

There are many other attractions you can explore online. You can take a hike on the Great Wall of China here, explore the Acropolis in Athens here, or get lost traversing the world with Google Arts and Culture here. The possibilities are endless! Practically anywhere you want to go is within your reach, as long as you can reach your computer keyboard. No passport required!

Transform your home

Finally, you can immerse yourself in foreign cultures, experience a luxurious spa day, or bring the great outdoors indoors, right in your own home. In the second part of this two-part staycation series, I’ll give you tips on how to transform your current surroundings without going anywhere. Follow this blog to be updated! In the meantime, how about checking out some of my other blog posts on travel, like my Kusadasi, Turkey tour, or explore New York City here!

Thanks for stopping by!

Travel Tips

Flying During the Coronavirus Pandemic…

by Heather Anne • June 23, 2020

Tampa International Airport 2 Hours Before Flight

Safety of flying during the pandemic…

Flying during the Coronavirus pandemic is a risky proposition. Seriously, the United States Government needs to send a message to airlines. “No stimulus money unless you reduce capacity on planes during the COVID-19 pandemic.” (And they should specify that capacity limit.) Without that incentive, they’re not doing it. This is despite the fact that getting on a plane is one of the most dangerous things you can do right now in the context of coronavirus.

Here’s how flying during the pandemic went…

I got on a plane during the Coronavirus pandemic. It was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. I would have felt safer taking ANY other method of transportation on my journey from Tampa to Toronto. In fact, I’ve been questioning why flights weren’t grounded at the outset of the outbreak of COVID-19. Let’s face it: people are packed in like sardines in a can on a plane. I can’t think of any situation where social distancing is more impossible than on a plane. I was in a must-travel situation: to be reunited with my husband. Prime Minister Trudeau finally exempted spouses and children from the border closure.

No other options besides flying during the pandemic…

My first choice would have been a road trip, but, alas, my car was stranded in Canada. So that was an impossibility. I considered taking the train, but Amtrak is not currently crossing the border. My only train option to get across would be a train to Buffalo and walking across the Peace Bridge. And there would have been a transfer in the New York City epicenter. I’d also heard the land border closure was more challenging to traverse than coming in through the airport. So I did something I never thought I’d agree to do and booked a flight. Prices were lower than usual – an indicator of low demand…? I would soon find out.

Tampa International Airport 1 Hour Before Flight

The airport was empty… temporarily…

When I first arrived at the airport in Tampa security was a breeze. I didn’t need to wait in line at all. But Tampa is one of the better airports in that regard with or without a pandemic in progress. When I got to the gate, very early, there was no one there. The seating was staggered with social distancing signs. Masks were not required, and only a handful of people were wearing them. Social distancing was easy.

The crowds picked up as the morning progressed…

About an hour before the flight more passengers began showing up, and right before boarding it was standing room only at the gate. This was concerning… how full was this flight…? I had multiple notifications on my phone from the airline, urging me to reschedule my “busy” flight. They were even offering future flight credit if I switched…

My Packed Flight Tampa to Charlotte

Reduced capacity flying during the pandemic?

I flew on American Airlines, which claimed to be reducing capacity by only filling 50% of the middle seats. This is interesting, because according to the airline’s app this flight had a waiting list. Once onboard I realized the plane was filled to 100% capacity. Luckily, I had managed to pre-reserve a window seat, which, according to doctors, is the safest seat on flights right now to protect yourself against COVID-19. I was appalled that the airline had no qualms about filling every seat on the plane at this time.

The on-board experience

Masks were required on the flight, and there was no beverage or food service. I’d had no warning from the airline that such services would not be available. I felt like cattle being shuttled from “point a” to “point b” on this flight – flight attendants were scarce and customer service was greatly reduced. I was flying to Charlotte because it is a hub for American Airlines, and would be transferring to another flight to Toronto there. Apparently a lot of other people were also catching transfer flights in Charlotte or flying there for other reasons.

Rainy Day in Charlotte from Plane

Transfer airport… very crowded…

It was a rainy day but I had a nice view of Charlotte from the plane. The airport was very crowded – so much so that even though I hate wearing a mask and they weren’t required, I was tempted to keep it on. Social distancing was very difficult. About a third of the people in the airport were wearing a mask. I was very uncomfortable with the crowds given the circumstances. I proceeded to the gate for Toronto and was presented a form to fill out for Canadian customs and asked about my reason for travel by the staff. This was due to the border closure. After another passenger argued with airline staff about why he was an “essential traveler” and they warned him he may be sent back at the Canadian border, I was cleared and good to board since my husband is a Canadian citizen.

Busy Charlotte Airport

Second flight… more breathing room…

The flight to Toronto was less full – at my guess about 75% full. I felt a lot more comfortable. It was enough to have to worry about the more stringent customs I would be facing at the Canadian border. I also had to worry about being crammed into a tightly packed plane in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic?! Again, masks were required on the flight and no beverage or food service was offered. I had purchased some over-priced snacks at the airport. While I had some appetite, the excuse to take the mask off for a few minutes and catch my breath on the plane was the more pressing reason for this shopping stop.

Toronto airport and customs

Masks were required everywhere at the Toronto airport. I was not used to such an involved customs and immigration experience, and I cross the border regularly. I had to fill out a declaration form at a kiosk, as usual. Then I was given quarantine information by two agents, and had to present evidence of my reasons for coming to Canada and quarantine plan to two more agents. Usually I only need to talk to one agent, and don’t need documentary evidence other than my passport.

If the flight wasn’t fun enough… quarantine!

Canada requires a 14 day quarantine for anyone, citizens or not, coming into the country. I didn’t view this as a big deal considering Canada had barely entered Phase 2 of coming out of lockdown restrictions, and there weren’t many places to go anyway. More importantly, I was just happy to be reuniting with my husband. It was a hectic day, and I’d set my cellphone down at one of the kiosks… I have never been happier to have the “locate my phone” app. Thanks to the app, border agents were able and willing to help me locate my phone after my initial panic. I’m very grateful for their consideration and help in that situation. I rarely misplace my phone… but I’m not surprised it happened this time given all of the stress and distractions!

Flying during a pandemic… and surviving!

Happily, I made it into Canada and have survived the two weeks of my quarantine, and miraculously I seem to have not gotten sick on the plane – or in the airport. Still – airlines need to be held more accountable for the safety of passengers during this health crisis. The complete disregard of passenger health was truly appalling. Would you fly right now? How do you feel about how the airlines are handling capacity during the pandemic? Please leave your comments!

Want tips on getting a great airline seat? I had an earlier post on the topic here:

Landing a Great Airline Seat for Takeoff! How to Get the Best Seats for your Flight

Please visit my YouTube channel for ALL travel, ALL the time!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures on YouTube!

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Travel Tips

Greyhound Bus Travel Tips!

by Heather Anne • March 4, 2019

Professional bus driver at steering wheel. Passenger transportation

Welcome aboard the bus!

Greyhound Bus Travel Tips

Time for more transportation tips: specifically Greyhound bus travel tips! A quick note to start off: this is not sponsored by Greyhound. More and more people are traveling domestically due to recent events impacting the economy, foreign government restrictions, and global health issues. I expect bus travel to become more popular in this environment. Greyhound is the most common and well-known bus operator, and there are ways of making sure you have a better experience traveling with them. Greyhound Bus can be a very cost-effective method of ground travel. (Note: this post is NOT sponsored by Greyhound.) As air travel security and health measures become more of a hassle, bus travel has become a more attractive option lately. If you’re not traveling too far it can be a more efficient and comfortable way to travel than air travel. And that’s not to mention much cheaper than air or train travel! So I’ll go over my top tips now. While I’m focusing on Greyhound, many of these tips will be applicable to other bus lines too.

Toronto, Canada: Served by Greyhound

Greyhound Travel in USA, Canada, and Mexico!

Sure, it’s disappointing when you can’t travel the world for whatever reason, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an abundance of interesting things to see in your back yard, wherever that back yard is. Greyhound now services the USA, Canada, and Mexico, so you have an endless number of options! At this time destinations are more limited in Canada and Mexico, but hopefully more will continue to be added. Be sure to check on current entry requirements to visit any foreign country, and be prepared so you’re not turned away at the border.

Greyhound Bus Website

Buying Your Ticket Early and Seat Selection

Buy your ticket as EARLY as possible. For some stations you’ll receive a boarding number on your ticket, and boarding will be permitted in order based on your number. Lower numbers, or those sold further in advance, will receive boarding priority – and have a chance to score a better choice of seat. Not all stations do this, but it’s worth a shot in case you get one that does.

Waiting at the bus station

Save Money on your Bus Ticket!

Prices are lower if you can book 3 weeks in advance, when you can save a quarter or even more off the full price of the ticket. If you can’t, then it may help to at least book 2 weeks in advance, which is still better than last-minute. Whatever you do, don’t wait until you get to the station. Book your trip mid-week if possible. Prices are lower if you can hop on on hump day! Note that discounts are available if you are a member of Student Advantage or Veteran Advantage; go to “Discount Options” when making your reservation to choose this discount. Finally, do a search for promo codes – there’s a good chance you can score an additional discount that way. You will have a chance to enter the code before submitting payment. REMEMBER: There is a surcharge to “gift” a ticket to someone else. If at all possible, the traveler should be the one to pay for the ticket on their own credit or debit card, rather than someone else buying it for them!

I used this 25% off code – and it worked

When to Arrive at the Bus Station

Give yourself plenty of time to check in and find your bus; it will mean a less stressful trip for you if you’re not hustling. And those that arrive first, can line up and board first, if the station does not board by ticket number (as described above.) Your bus may already have seated passengers on it if your station is a stop along another route, making this even more important if you want a good choice of seats.

Let’s go!

Luggage Tips

Note that you are allowed 2 pieces of luggage at no additional charge: one checked bag up to 50 pounds and one carry-on that will fit in the overhead compartment. (Avoid placing fragile items in the checked bag – disturbance of bags due to potholes and bumps is not unlikely!) Be careful about leaving carry-on luggage on the bus when you disembark on breaks, and keep your eye on your bags in the stations. Don’t create a temptation for thieves! Instructions for claiming luggage at different stations varies – listen to the driver for directions each time you disembark. Place an identifiable marker on your luggage, such as a brightly colored tag, to help distinguish it from other suitcases that may be identical or similar in brand and color.

Group of Young People Boarding on Travel Bus

Travelers Boarding the Bus

Ticket Management Tips

You will be able to print out a ticket or pick it up at will-call at the station, or have a digital ticket sent to your mobile device. Keep your ticket through the entire trip – you may need it to change buses and collect your luggage en route and at your destination.

Bus Travel Comfort

If you need an outlet for your electronic devices, try to get a seat towards the front; not all seats have outlets. Free wi-fi is available on the bus. Keep in mind it may not work 100% of the time. Travel pillows and blankets can be a welcome comfort on overnight trips – both on the bus and during long station transfers. Make sure you set an alarm on your cellphone to wake yourself up before your next stop – just in case! Finally, try to limit your restroom breaks to the bus stations if possible. You will find them cleaner and more pleasant to use. And don’t forget to pack some snacks! Whatever you bring will probably be cheaper than anything you can find at the rest stops and bus stations.

Greyhound Bus

Bus Travel Safety Tips

It’s safer to sleep on the bus than in the stations. People are less likely to give you any trouble with the bus driver and other passengers so nearby. You may be more isolated in the station, particularly at night. That said, having a seat closer to the front will keep you closer to the driver for added safety. Keep your purse, cellphone, and wallet in a safe place. You don’t want to have a phone loosely in your hand and inadvertently fall asleep on the bus, or be walking around the station with a wallet in your back pocket. Keep your guard up and protect your valuables. If you really want to be on the safe side, invest in a money belt to store these in. I recommend this belt for your money/wallet, phone, and identifying documents… It includes RFID protection, so people can’t scan your card numbers: RFID Money Belt on Amazon.

Bus Break Yoga!

Stay Healthy on the Bus!

The most important of my Greyhound bus travel tips may be to be conscious of your health. Remember to wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face. Window seats are the best for minimizing contact from any potentially infected people, since you’ll be keeping your distance from people traversing the aisle and standing in the aisle managing their carry-ons. It’s also a good idea to carry along a small first-aid kit. You can pick up a good travel kit here: Travel First Aid Kit on Amazon. If you buy a pre-assembled kit, you’ll want to take an inventory before your trip to see if there’s any additional medicines or products you’d like to add. I always like to make sure I have some headache and antihistamine tablets. Also, make sure you get up and get some exercise during breaks!

Greyhound Road Rewards

Join Road Rewards

Join Road Rewards on the greyhound.com website. It’s free to join, and you can earn rewards like: 15% off your ticket, companion pass for a friend, and 10% off food at greyhound stations.

Greyhound App

Download the App

With the Greyhound app you can have easy access to your trip information, station location, and track your bus (and transfer bus) locations. And if your bus is running late and you may miss your transfer, you can find out when the next one is and make a bolt for the ticket window at the station to reserve a seat on that next bus before it fills up, potentially minimizing transfer time. Other customers may be clamoring to make the same alternate arrangements as you, in which case that next bus might fill up fast!

More Travel Tips

I hope these Greyhound bus travel tips have been helpful for those traveling by ground on a budget! When it comes to traveling on a budget by land, road trips and buses are by far your best options.

Need a money belt to protect your valuables? You can get one here:

RFID Money Belt

And for a travel first aid kit, you can head here:

Travel first aid kit

View more travel tips, tours of destinations, and hotel tours and reviews on my YouTube channel here!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

And check out my blog post on saving money on travel!:

How to travel MORE for LESS: Build Your Budget Travel Game Plan!

Travel Tips

Landing a Great Airline Seat!

by Heather Anne • January 29, 2019

At the Airport

Landing a Great Airline Seat!

Your seat assignment can make or break your flight every time! The longer your flight, the even more important it becomes to score the best seat possible. The good news is you can score a great airline seat using some tips and tricks! You may be wondering how to secure the best seats for your flight. I have some tips on recognizing a better seat, and understanding how some of the different major airlines work with regards to seat assignment. Nobody wants to get their travel experience off to a bad start before it even begins due to a loathsome seat assignment! Get an edge over fellow passengers with these tips!

Consider pitch and width.

Pitch and width are the formulas that will help you determine which seats provide you with more space. Pitch refers to how far away the seats in front of you and behind you are, indicating legroom. Width indicates how much room you will have in the chair. This can differ from class to class, airline to airline, and airplane model to airplane model. It is also important to remember that some seats recline while others don’t.

Not all aircraft are created equal.

Different aircraft have different seat configurations. Visit seatguru.com to view detailed information about the seats on any plane. Seatguru is powered by Tripadvisor, a reliable source. Enter the airline, date, and flight number. You will be advised on the pitch and width of each type of seat and the layout with which they are installed on the aircraft. A complete map showing where the exit and bulkhead seats are, how many seats are in each section of the cabin, and how many seats across there are in each row, is provided.

Seatguru

Not all airlines are created equal.

Airlines differ in a couple of ways when it comes to what kind of seat you can expect to get. The first involves which actual seat models the airline uses on their aircraft. For example, you can expect seats with 28 inches of pitch that do not recline on Spirit Airlines. The aforementioned resource, seatguru.com, can advise you on the seat pitch and width for each type of seat, and whether or not they recline, before you book the plane you are considering.

Not all seat assignment policies are created equal.

The second way the airlines differ is in their policies is on how seats are assigned. The best way to assure yourself the best seat is to book with airlines that allow you to reserve a specific seat at the time of booking at no additional cost. I have consistently been able to do this on Delta and United. And even when buying economy tickets. JetBlue also allows advance seat reservations. American, on the other hand, assigns the seats in economy coach. But you do have the option when checking in (up to 24 hours in advance) to reserve a specific open seat. Sometimes, however, you may be charged to do so. If you use this option, log in as close to the 24-hour mark as possible to maximize your selection.

Southwest is different.

Southwest has a completely different policy – basically a free-for-all when you board. No coach seats are assigned. They are first-come, first-served when boarding the plane. Your best bet if you fly Southwest is to check in 24 hours in advance (the earliest you’re allowed to!) That way you are assigned an early group number. This means you can hustle when that group number is called! Group numbers determine who boards the plane first. Those first to check in are placed in the early groups. NOTE: early check-in, with any airline, is always a good idea since the airline may begin giving upgrades to certain members of their loyalty program. When they do, better seats can become available to everyone else. It’s another good reason to reserve a specific seat as early as you can before they’re gone!

Not all classes are created equal.

Of course if you are flying first class, business class, or as a high-level member of an airline’s loyalty program you will receive priority. So congratulations! If you’re not happy with your tier level, there’s a great membership that will boost your tier level on a number of airlines as well as hotel rewards programs, car rental companies, and casino brands. It’s a VIP membership program, NOT a credit card, and there is no credit check. It has been the single best investment I’ve ever made to improve the quality of my travel experiences. It’s called Founder’s Card. Click this link to learn more. (This is an affiliate link and I may earn a commission if you join. But I have been a member myself, at my own expense, for 4 years and fully endorse and believe in the program!)

Book a premium seat.

Some airlines, like JetBlue and United, offer seats with greater leg or chair room for a greater cost (JetBlue’s “Even More Space” seats and, for United, “Economy Plus Seating”). Different airlines will refer to these seats by different names; keep an eye out for a reference to greater seating space, particularly if you notice certain seats that come at a higher price point. And for even greater comfort, you can consider business and first class seats, where there are always fewer seats per row, much more legroom, and far wider chairs. Of course, you can expect these to come at a much higher price point. If you need even more space, some airlines will also allow you to book more than one adjoining seat. The more you’re willing to pay, the more likely you are to score a great airline seat.

Arrive on time.

You don’t want to go to the trouble (and/or expense!) to reserve a specific seat just to see it given away to a standby passenger! Don’t arrive late for boarding! Try to arrive a half hour before your flight is scheduled to leave, when the boarding process usually begins… or as close to that time as possible. Added bonus – you’ll avoid the worst case scenario of an overbooked flight where you are bumped off completely!

Consider placement of seats on the plane.

Of course window and aisle seats are more popular, unless you are traveling with a companion you want to sit beside in a middle seat. But there are other considerations. Seats near the wings are notoriously less turbulent than those further away from the wings, if that is important to you. If you have a connecting flight, choosing one closer to the front of the plane, so you can disembark more quickly, could prove extremely helpful.

SuperJet International : CC BY-SA (https-::creativecommons.org:licenses:by-sa:2.0)

Unusual seats.

“Bulkhead” seats or seats in the first row of the section, with no seats directly in front of them, can offer greater legroom. But there’s no personal item storage (expect to place it in the overhead bin). This may be an advantage or disadvantage to you depending on your priorities. And exit row seats have more legroom, but children are not eligible to sit in these rows. And you will need to adhere to the responsibilities of the exit row passengers as outlined by your flight attendant during safety instruction. Also, the exit rows may have a greater shortage of room in the overhead bin due to the storage of safety equipment.

Confirm your seat assignment before check-in.

If you made a seat reservation ahead of time, double check to make sure your assignment hasn’t been changed. In some cases the airplane scheduled for your flight may be changed to a different aircraft. This can cause seat reservations to be re-assigned unexpectedly. Don’t lose your great airline seat! Remember, you’re never completely off-the-hook for managing your seat assignment until you’re on the plane!

Other considerations.

Consider congestion factors on the aircraft, such as the seats near the lavatories potentially being high-traffic zones. Also consider that seats closer to the door may be cooler if the weather outside is cold. And if you want to be served earlier during food and beverage service, flight attendants often (but not always!) start in the front and work their way back, especially on smaller planes (on larger planes more attendants may be serving and start from both front and back.)

More factors to think about.

If you want easier access to the restrooms you may want to go for the aisle. Conversely, if you want to avoid having to get up and move for others in your row getting up, then the window may be better. If you need access to your carry-on in the overhead bin during the flight, the aisle will be most convenient. The wall of the window seat can serve as a makeshift headrest, but the aisle seat can give you more opportunities to stretch out when people aren’t using the aisle. Finally, you can expect the back row of seats won’t recline, but you won’t have to worry about unruly passengers kicking your seat!

What about the “dreaded” middle seat?

Often the least coveted seat, the middle, does have a couple of advantages too! These include better access to the personal light and environmental controls, and often easier access to an outlet. It also will be easier to snag a middle seat in the front of the plane or an exit row if that’s where you want to be for other reasons. And if you’re a social butterfly, you’ve got the potential to make two new friends (or, on the flip side, enemies!)

If all else fails, ask again at the gate.

If you couldn’t get the kind of seat you wanted, don’t give up prematurely. Even if seats are assigned on your airline, try asking again at the gate. Loyalty program members may have been upgraded and their original seat assignments abandoned. This can translate into new, great seats becoming available at the last minute. Note that some airlines may refuse to accommodate this request if you are flying with an economy fare ticket.

Enjoy Your Great Airline Seat!

The last step? Have a great flight in your great airline seat! I hope these tips will help you get the best airplane seat possible for your next flight! There are a lot of different factors to consider!

For more practical tips, check out my post on saving money on travel!:

Travel MORE, and for LESS!

And for my Top Ten Tips for saving money on travel, get my FREE 12-page guide!:

Top 10 Tips to Save on Travel – FREE Guide!

Travel Tips

Travel MORE, and for LESS!

by Heather Anne • May 21, 2018

At the Airport

How do you travel more for less?

You CAN travel more for less! So with all the expenses involved in planning a trip, how is that possible? I am frequently asked how I’ve managed to make travel such a consistent part of my day-to-day life. Therefore, I wanted to provide some tips for ways I have been able to accomplish this. Some sacrifices and compromises are necessary, and may not be for everyone. But I for one think they are well worth it! This is a long post – and that’s good news! It means there’s a lot of ways to save money on travel!

Time and Money

It really comes down to two obstacles: time and money. Often, people have plenty of one and not the other. Maybe you are retired or between jobs and have plenty of time, but money’s tight. Or maybe you have a very demanding job which pays you well but doesn’t allow you the time to enjoy it. Unfortunately, if you want to live a more nomadic lifestyle, it will probably require some compromises. You may need to wait until any children are older. Or it could mean swapping jobs for one that allows more flexible scheduling. And it may mean passing on the big house, new car, and other luxury expenses to put money away for travel. But there are some easier solutions that may not turn you into a nomad overnight but could help you move in that direction.

Tokyo, Japan Skyline

Time: Friend or Foe?

First, I’ll address the time issue. Life is short, and it’s up to us to make the most of that valuable, and all-too-limited commodity. While that bigger paycheck is tempting, and could certainly help with travel, what good is it if it takes workaholic gymnastics to earn it and you don’t have time to enjoy it? There aren’t enough flex-time jobs out there – but they are out there. Jobs that allow telecommuting and/or setting your own schedule (like working monster hours the week before and after the trip so you can miss a week, or job sharing so you can take “turns”) are ideal for the aspiring nomad. If you are satisfied with your career and this is not an option for you, there are other ways to incorporate travel into your life in a bigger way.

Take an Inventory of your Schedule

Take a look at what days you do have off. How many of those weekends or long weekends could be spent elsewhere? Think outside the box. Travel comes in many forms: long and short, close and far. And the world is more connected than ever. But what about all of those chores and errands you do over the weekend? Here’s where the compromise comes in. It may mean harder work the rest of the week – the job and all of these other things. That’s one way to free up your weekend, or week if you work flex-time. (I can tell you first hand it’s worth the effort!) Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

At the Train Station

Money matters

As for the money issue – there are a number of ways to do more and save money doing it. Some of my favorite ways to travel that save money are:

Road trips.

Road trips force you to stay overnight on the way to your final destination (depending on distance), allowing you to see MORE, and that’s the idea. Not only is it cheaper than other ground transportation, it allows you more freedom. And compared with air travel it might cost you more depending on how many hotels you book along the way… BUT when you compare apples to apples – if you flew to all of those places you will be stopping at which one would have cost you more? And, obviously, the more people you are traveling with the greater the savings, since there are no individual tickets to buy! You may find some amazing surprises and hidden gems in places you never expected traveling this way.

Cruises.

Like long road trips, cruises allow you to visit multiple destinations. The difference? You have a floating “hotel” room throughout the trip. (No schlepping luggage once on board!) Many things are included, like meals and entertainment. And as for anything else, you can pre-pay practically everything now, which helps with eliminating the financial anxiety of unexpected expenses during travel. I don’t know about you, but that has been a concern of mine. I have found cruises to be an excellent value offering great peace of mind. Just don’t go “overboard” (pun intended!) on your spending on non-included shopping and other optional luxuries on the ship!

Road trip to cruise port, then cruise!

For the same reasons noted above! If your cruise port isn’t close by, consider road-tripping it!

Parking discounts.

If you need to park and fly or park and cruise, research your options. The airports and cruise ports charge a premium for parking. I usually use Way Parking for cheap and reliable airport and cruise port parking. They have a great app where I have my receipt and everything else I need in a convenient, digital format. And my car is always locked up safe and secure. Some hotels also offer cruise packages that provide parking. Google “hotel cruise package” and your port city for those.

Travel re-imagined

Don’t underestimate the value of more “local” travel. If you can’t afford a major trip, or your time is severely limited, see what your home city or state/province has to offer, or a neighboring one. You might be surprised what was in your backyard that you never knew about!

Pictured Rocks, Munising, Michigan

Financial planning to facilitate travel

Here are some of my favorite ways to facilitate saving for travel:

Eliminate debt.

Debt imprisons you. It forces you to work more hours to cover the bills (including interest), leaving you less time to travel, devours more of your paycheck (and, in some cases, most of your paycheck!), and cripples your ability to save for more travel. Sure, it’s nice to have a bigger house, newer car, and all of that cool stuff you can buy with credit cards. But the price is too high if travel is a priority for you. If you can (it may take time) pay those cards down to zero and save them for travel emergencies. Or get travel reward cards to use for groceries, utilities, and gas that you have to pay for anyway and pay them off every single month. Big mortgages and car payments not only hinder your ability to travel, but put you at risk. So make more modest choices if you can. If a financial emergency comes up, and your home or transportation to work are at risk, travel will be the least of your concerns.

More frugal lifestyle

This may seem obvious, but people don’t often implement it. Be more minimalist at home and save that money for travel. This is related to eliminating debt too. Smaller home, older car, going out less often at home… I have found that a smaller home has the added benefit of being more low-maintenance, which is more consistent with a nomadic lifestyle. Of course, with children you may need to wait to downsize these things. Look at your monthly bills and see if there is anything you wouldn’t miss. For example, I prefer video games at home to regular movie nights out. I can get unlimited (fun!) use out of that video game for the cost of a handful of one-time movie theater tickets. And I would rather go out to restaurants when I’m traveling than when I’m at home.

Location, location, location…

Location over size in housing. I would rather have a smaller place closer to many destinations I’d like to visit than a bigger or more elaborate place that is more isolated. If you are in the market for a new place, are your “local” travel options abundant or scarce? This is even more important if your time is limited. I’ll be saving by getting a small condo… and increasing my travel options by purchasing in Florida (more to come on that in future blog posts!)

Money around the World

DISCOUNTED travel! Don’t pay full price, ever!

Here are my favorite ways to get DISCOUNTED travel!:

Founder’s Card

Founders Card. This is NOT a credit card. This has been the number one most significant way I have been able to save on travel for the past several years. It is a selective program that requires application, but if you can get approved the value is endless. (Entrepreneurs and executives have the highest rate of acceptance). With this membership, I have annually been promoted to Total Rewards Diamond tier level, Hilton Honors Gold, and much more. You can also get instant tier level upgrades on car rentals and airlines, as well as discounts on many other travel and lifestyle products and services. To give you an idea on how much I save with this card, I’ll use Total Rewards Diamond as the first example. It takes 15,000 tier points to earn Diamond the “hard” way. How much casino play is that? One point for every $5 on slots and every $10 on video poker. Tables are variable, but it’s not any easier. The math is pretty clear here. The Total Rewards benefit alone pays for Founders Card several times over.

You also get a $100 celebration dinner yearly, free valet, no resort fees, 20% discount on Norwegian cruises, and skipping all of the lines on Total Rewards Properties (skipping lines=priceless!) Another example: Hilton Honors Gold. This one requires 20 stays or 40 nights in one year at Hilton properties. But with no stays, I was received the welcome gifts, free upgrades, and free $15 breakfasts at Hilton Garden Inn properties. So if I had to name the one thing that allowed me to save the most on travel, it would be Founder’s Card. To apply to join Founders Card, or get more information, visit Founders Card.

Founder’s Card Website

AAA (American Automobile Association) Membership

AAA Membership. AAA has a membership fee, but is well worth the cost. My favorite thing about AAA is that I can get AAA discounts while still booking directly through my favorite hotel brand websites. It means I will earn rewards for my stay, while still getting the discount. Hotel websites like Hilton and Marriott have a “special rate” option with AAA listed. If I were to book through a travel website for a discount, like Expedia, I would not get credited through the hotel brand’s rewards program. An added bonus with AAA is that I can also save on emergency road service (great peace of mind for long road trips), car repairs, and get free maps and other goodies. I have found AAA well worth it, and been a member for over two decades! AAA has a reciprocity agreement with CAA in Canada, so whether you’re in the US or Canada, road service is covered!

AAA Website

Costco Travel

Costco Travel. Like AAA, use of this site requires membership. I consider the travel discounts, along with other benefits of the card (discounts on gas, groceries, and more), worth it. Car rental rates and theme park packages are especially good on this site. Perks are often offered with cruise bookings, like on-board credits.

Costco Website

Cruise Line Websites

It’s often worth checking cruise line websites directly. A google search will get you to your desired cruise line’s website quickly. Many of the major cruise lines run promotions frequently. For example, the “Free at Sea” promotion through Norwegian is (at least as of this writing), very commonly found on their site. It’s an outstanding offer that lets you choose from several coveted freebies. Best of all – even if you have a cruise voucher from a casino and aren’t paying for the cruise you’re still eligible for the promotions on NCL (your results may vary here depending on cruise line.) I like to compare offers on the different cruise lines when I’m ready to book. You may still want to check one of the other resources listed here too for comparison. I’ve found that the best deals of the year on these sites can be found around Black Friday.

Norwegian Cruise Line Website

Hotel Reward Programs

Google your hotel brand for the link to the rewards site where you can sign up for free. The perks you receive are based on your tier level, which increases depending on the number of stays you have purchased (or not, if you have Founders Card!) The “basic” level, at zero stays, usually has limited perks but will usually give you something, like free internet. As you increase in tier level you will start to see perks like free gifts at check in, free upgrades, premium internet, and free premium breakfasts. And if you’re a member with the hotel’s rewards program, they will often “price match” third party websites like Expedia.

Marriott Website

Online Third-Party Sites

Kayak, Viator, Expedia, and other online travel sites for air travel and activities. As I previously mentioned, I don’t like these sites for hotel reservations because I cannot earn rewards through my loyalty programs. However, I have booked flights this way and still earned loyalty rewards from the airline. (Your results may vary depending on airline.) Since I’ve found that flight costs vary a lot more from airline to airline, and different airlines fly different routes, I don’t necessarily want to stay “brand loyal” when it comes to flights. The ease of use on these sites is a plus too, especially if you need to book complicated open-jaw or multiple destination trips. Bear in mind you may need to make your seat reservation through the airline’s website or customer service number. Tourist attraction and activity tickets can also be a good value on these sites. I prefer Kayak for airline tickets; I usually find the lowest prices there. And I prefer Viator and Expedia for things to do, because they offer the best selection.

Kayak Website

Travel Insurance

BE CAREFUL with travel insurance. Some travel insurance offers are deceptively limited. Many of them won’t pay except in EXTREME cases, particularly in the case of flights (read: documented death in immediate family or severe personal illness and nothing else!) Don’t expect them to necessarily pay because your transfer form of transportation didn’t arrive in time, work won’t let you go after all, or you made a mistake. If you need comprehensive coverage, read the fine print!

Organized tours and passes.

I often take advantage of tours to save me both hassle and money. My transportation is efficient, reliable, and covered. And the cost of all of the attractions are combined, usually at a cheaper expense than if I’d visited each one independently. Same goes for city passes, which often include things like double decker bus tours and water taxis that cover my transportation. My favorite companies, both of which I’ve had great experiences with, are Viator and CityPASS. Tours and passes are available in single-day and multi-day varieties. Best of all with these passes, you can usually skip the lines!

New York Pass Website

Coupons

Groupon. This site offers a number of travel options, but where it really shines is with attraction and entertainment tickets. You can often find cheap attraction tickets to theme parks and other tourist sites. And Groupon is also a great place to find discounted professional sports tickets and concert tickets. Inventory changes frequently, so if you don’t find what you were looking for you may want to check back at a later time.

Groupon Website

Casino Players Clubs

My favorite way to cruise: with a FREE cruise voucher from a land-based casino where I had a free room and meal to go pick it up! Do you have to play? Yes. Do you have to be a high roller? NO! You just have to play smart. This means while you don’t need to be a high roller, you do need to be aware of something called your “ADT” or “average daily theoretical.” You aren’t rewarded on your total play, but how much you play on an average day you’re there. So, you should go less often and play more, not go often and play less. DO NOT use your players card for comps or to check your balance at the kiosk if you’re not playing much: it triggers a “trip” and hurts your ADT. If you play the way that maximizes your ADT, the better rewards you can get, including cruise vouchers, free rooms, and meals. I’m partial to Total Rewards because of the Diamond upgrade I get from Founders Card and the huge number of locations to choose from.

Caesar’s Total Rewards Website

Delta Skymiles

Delta Skymiles Vacations and Cruises. I want to thank Mr Traveler on YouTube for this suggestion which I was not previously aware of. Delta is offering sweet perks for booking with them on travel arrangements besides air travel, and, as an added bonus, they will reward you miles in their Skymiles program for booking all kinds of travel with them. I’ve received great customer service from Delta in the past, and it’s definitely one of my favorite airlines.

Delta Sky Miles Website

Demographic-specific discounts

Other groups that are often eligible for discounts include AARP members, members of the military (active and retired), students, and senior citizens. Always bring your ID cards (college ID, military ID, etc.) when you travel! These discounts are often available at attractions and are sometimes available on hotel rooms and transportation. For example, I typically save huge at museums with my student ID, such as a full year membership at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for $10!

If you have children…

If you have children, things are more challenging. I waited until my children were older to ramp up my travel ambitions. But here are some tips:

Road Trips! With no individual tickets to buy, this is the cheapest way to travel with a larger group. Just remember – children are less patient with car rides. Plan frequent stops.
Camping Trips. Camping is cheap, doesn’t charge by the person, and offers a lot of high-energy activities that are great for kids like hiking and swimming. (As long as the adults can tolerate “roughing” it!)
Amusement Parks. Kids love amusement parks, and often you can find great deals on sites like Groupon. Sometimes you can find “rain check” tickets on Ebay too.
Group Lodging. Some hotels charge a surcharge for extra people in the room. And most hotels have limits on how many people can sleep in the room, so it may not even be an option with a larger family. Rental cabins are a good solution.

Final thoughts…

Keep in mind, not all of these websites that offer discounts on multiple providers will offer every provider, so shop around. (For example, no Southwest Airlines on Expedia.) Finally, I have one more suggestion. A trip is only a good value if you have a positive experience! That’s why I often refer to Tripadvisor for reviews of hotels, restaurants, destinations, and more! Planning and researching ahead is critical to budget, and high value, travel!

Your turn to travel more for less!

I hope this post helps you save some money – and time – in your future travel ambitions! Next week: my series on my back-to-back cruise on the Carnival Pride will begin. I hope you will come along!

For more destinations, travel tips, and hotel and cruise ship tours, check out my YouTube channel!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

And for a great budget travel transportation option, check out my blog post on Greyhound Bus travel tips!:

Greyhound Bus Travel Tips!

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