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26 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip

Last Updated: March 30, 2021

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There was a time in my life when I was absolutely obsessed with travel life hacks.

Throwing your shoes in a shower cap while packing ? Oh yeahhh. Keeping jewelry untangled with straws? Talk to me, baby.

On a super vain level, I think it’s because knowing the best travel hacks makes me feel like an unstoppable smartass… even if I’m the kind of person that trips over nothing and manages to create chaos out of the simplest tasks.

That said, thanks to six years of frequent travel, I’ve picked up my fair share of travel life hacks, some that are a little weird but I promise do work.

This isn’t your regular list of hacks – nope. Sure, some are odd, but shhh, just embrace it.

Save this list of travel hacks for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

The Best Travel Hacks for Booking Flights & Accommodation

Let’s start with some of the best traveling hacks to make your life easier when you’re booking travel and accommodation. These travel life hacks have been a total lifesaver (and money saver) for me over the years, so I hope you find them helpful too.

1. Get cash back on every travel booking

Rakuten  (formerly known as Ebates) is a free cashback site that allows you to earn money back from most of your online purchases, almost like a partial instant refund.

Here’s how it works:  Rakuten is partnered with a  bunch  of popular online retailers (travel ones like Expedia, Agoda, etc. included!).

When you click through to these retailer sites via Rakuten and buy something, Rakuten earns some affiliate commission,  a portion of which they share with you as a cashback (deposited straight into your Paypal) .

In other words, you’re getting money back for shopping, which translates into instant discounts for your travel bookings.

Sign up for free here and earn cashback on your online purchases.

Canadians:   sign up for Rakuten Canada here.

Warning:  The folks at Rakuten are biiiig fans of email, so be ready for that. I like getting their emails because they advertise sales/deals, but I admit they can be a bit much. To handle it, I have my Gmail filters set up so that eBates emails go into a special folder that I browse maybe once a day. Yay to no more clutter!

2. Use Honey to find coupon codes automatically

By far THE easiest way to save on all your travel bookings (and any online shopping really).

This ridiculously simple Google Chrome extension automatically searches through the Interwebs to locate relevant coupon codes and then applies them for you when you’re shopping online!

This means you no longer need to search around for deals and codes that may or may not work.

As all the reviews say, “it’s literally free money”. You can also earn Honey points that you can redeem for things like train trips in Europe.

Click here to download Honey for Google Chrome.

3. Sleuth around on discount sites like Groupon and Travelzoo

Looking for some cheap vacation hacks that can save you loads of money?

Websites like  Groupon,   Travelzoo  and  Living Social  often have crazy discounts on vacations, hotels and activities all over the world, from Germany to Indonesia.

I love these websites because they consolidate great deals in one spot, which makes finding the perfect deal pretty effortless.

Double whammy:  if you purchase buy a Groupon or LivingSocial voucher through eBates, you’ll get some  extra  cashback.

4. Earn money while doing trip research

I’m a big fan of getting rewards for things I’d be doing anyway… so that’s why I adore websites like  Swagbucks , a free online community that rewards its members with gift cards for doing things they already do online, e.g. Googling, watching videos, etc.

Through doing certain tasks, you rack up “Swagbucks” which you can redeem for things like Amazon or PayPal gift cards which can be spent on travel gear and experiences!

I was super into this years ago, and have earned tons of free gift cards from it. It’s easy work but adds up to awesome rewards!  You can create a free account here.

Plus: Swagbucks also does cashback like eBates. While you’re compensated in Swagbucks rather than immediate cash, you can then redeem these SB for gift cards or direct Paypal deposit.

The upside of using Swagbucks for cashback (rather than eBates) is that sometimes, Swagbucks has better bonus cashback rates. For instance, at the time of publishing this article, they were doing up to 10% cashback on Priceline. Pretty rad!

5. Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights

Incognito browsing (AKA private browsing) is a mode available on most internet browsers that allows you to browse without storing any data on your computer or tracking your history from that session.

This can be VERY helpful when booking flights because as rumour has it, many sites use a dynamic pricing system that will sometimes increase prices when they know you’ve been looking at a particular route constantly (sneaky, I know).

NOTE: While some experts claim this is false , I always do it just in case because it takes zero extra effort.

For more tips on airfare, check my full guide to finding cheap flights to Europe.

6. Call the hotel for a better rate by booking directly

This is a tip that most websites do not give because they rely on affiliate income from your hotel bookings… I mean, my site does too, but hey, if you’re reading this, I want to let you in on an excellent secret: literally 99% of the time, you can score some kind of perk or discount by booking with a hotel directly vs. booking through an aggregator like Booking.com.

Well, these aggregators usually take a cut of any bookings, so hotels prefer when you book directly, and will often offer incentives to do so, whether that’s in the form of a discount, a free upgrade, or a free perk like breakfast. I’ve noticed this is especially common with booking hostels in Europe.

This is one of the best travel hacks that nobody talks about, so be sure to remember it!

The Best Travel Hacks for Packing

Next up: cool travel hacks that help you pack like a pro. Want more packing tips? Be sure to read my full guide featuring 30+ suitcase packing tips & hacks.

7. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a wonderful packing tool that help you save space and organize your clothing.

Long story short, they’re re-usable fabric cubes that you can stack/place in your suitcase when you travel. They’re very affordable and a good set will last you for years – definitely one of the most worthwhile purchases for any frequent traveler.

In a pinch, Ziplock bags could also be used to organize your clothes in a similar way.

If you want to know which packing cubes to buy, check out my  full guide to packing cubes  or watch my video showdown  here.

8. Roll your clothes

I’m full of funny travel tips, but whenever I suggest this to newbie travelers, I get SO many weird looks…

Trust me though, rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a great way to keep them organized and wrinkle free in your packing cubes. Try it out and I promise you won’t go back!

9. Bring a pillowcase

Never a pillow “just a case” if you’re looking to save space.

One of my favourite packing hacks is to bring a pillowcase instead, so if you’re ever in an emergency situation where you need a comfy pillow, just stuff some soft clothes in that case and go to town.

Likewise, you can use the pillowcase to compress clothes like a puffy jacket in order to save space in your luggage.

10. Pack a dryer sheet

By packing a dryer sheet o two, your clothes will smell extra nice for those long haul trips!

BONUS TIP: Keep an extra handy for your “dirty laundry” bag so that your whole suitcase doesn’t start smelling like dirty clothes. Ick.

Alternatively, just throw a bar of soap in (mini hotel ones work great).

Stock up on cheap dryer sheets here.

11. Pack a clothespin to prop up your toothbrush

One of my favourite travel packing hacks!

Whether you’re staying in an AirBNB , hostel or hotel, sometimes you want to make sure your toothbrush doesn’t touch anything… after all, sinks can be notoriously germy.

If a holding cup isn’t available, just throw a clothespin on it to prop it up. Pure germaphobe genius.

12. Get creative with your storage containers

I’m a big fan of re-purposing old junk, and luckily, you can repurpose a lot when it comes to packing!

Here are some ideas:

• Using a Tic Tac case for bobby pins
• Using a carabiner for hair ties
• Storing Q-Tips in an old pill bottle

Top Travel Hacks for the Airport/Flying

Dread flying? There are lots of great travel tips and tricks to make this part of travel a lot more bearable. Here are some helpful traveling life hacks that will make your airport and flight experience a breeze.

13. Pack an empty water bottle to the airport

That way you can fill up after you pass security.

No more $4 bottles of water! Woo!

Alternatively, some experts swear by freezing their water so it’s not technically a liquid.

I guess that could work, but then you’re kind of awkwardly just waiting for your water to melt? Just bring an empty bottle, folks.

14. Freeze a sponge as a DIY ice pack

This is one of my favourite travel tips and tricks that I learned from a flight attendant friend.

Have snacks you want to bring on the plane and hoping to keep them cool? A frozen sponge will do the trick!

15. Scope out your flight seat in advance

This is an amazing international travel hack if you have a long haul flight to book.

As most travellers know, not all plane seats are created equal!

Some have more leg room, some are absurdly close to the washrooms, etc.

Luckily, you can just enter your flight details on Seat Guru (it’s free!) and read different reviews/first hand experiences.

If you have one of those flights where you can choose your own seats during online check-in, this is a massive life saver.

16. Reserve the aisle and window seats

If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, no need to fight to the death re: who must take the dreaded middle seat.

Just reserve both the aisle and window in hopes that nobody wants the middle seat… if they do though, just ask to switch!

Super simple travel hack that works well 🙂

17. Mark your stuff as fragile

One of the sneakiest travel life hacks I’ve come across, but you’ll get your luggage first and the airline workers will be extraaa careful with your goods.

18. Wear compression socks to make your flights more bearable

Compression socks = less swelling and better circulation! This is a must-know vacation hack for those that want to fly more comfortably.

The Best Travel Life Hacks for When You’re on the Road

These hacks for traveling will make your life infinitely easier once you’re actually out and about. Here are my favourite international travel hacks you need to know:

19. Download Google Maps for use offline by typing in “OK Map”

One of my favourite new travel hacks – this is SUCH a lifesaver.

If you have sufficient space on your phone, you can easily download Google Maps to browse offline on mobile, even when you don’t have Internet connection.

All you need to do is go on the map to the area you want to save, then type “ok map” into the search and press Download.

20. Find WiFi passwords on FourSquare

FourSquare is a website/app where people share tips, ratings and reviews on places to go near you (e.g. restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.)

The handiest part of this website is the “Tips” section where people can leave helpful recommendations for others, and it’s often here that you’ll find the WiFi password for places.

So, if you need WiFi in a pinch, you can easily hop on Foursquare and sleuth around for WiFi passwords.

21. Or download an app that shows you all the WiFi passwords

There are tons of helpful travel apps out there these days.

WiFi Map is a great example. This app shows you the passwords to different WiFi networks (over 100 million of them, as they say).

The handy part is they’re organized on a map so you can easily scope out the ones closest to you. Note: some dissatisfied users say that passwords are outdated, but it’s a handy tool to have just in case.

Find it on: Google Play | iTunes 

22. Download Google Translate for use offline

One of my favourite trip hacks! If you’re travelling abroad and don’t speak the language, it’s handy to have Google Translate loaded and ready.

That said, it normally does require Internet connection. Here’s a way around it: download the Google Translate app, then go to Settings and choose “Offline Translation”.

From there, you can download different languages.

Bonus tip: if you want to translate signs, menus, etc. quickly, tap the camera button on your Google Translate app to translate images in real time.

The first time I saw this feature in action, I realized we are (indeed) living in the future.

23. Bring some baby powder for a quick freshen-up

Weird, I know, but baby powder is amazing for freshening up.

Especially in the summer, if you’re wearing flats or sandals, your feet (and footwear) will inevitably start smelling.

Throwing some  baby powder  on them is a quick way to deodorize and make you feel human again.

24. Keep a pen in every bag/pocket

Not the most unconventional, but I promise this will save your life.

You never know when you need a pen, so have one handy in all your purses/daybags, backpacks, luggage cases, etc. so you’re not scrambling when everyone else is filling out their Customs sheets.

25. Make use of local grocery stores/supermarkets

One of my favourite hacks for traveling on a budget is to simply hit local supermarkets.

No, you don’t need to cook your own meals necessarily, but all the time I see budget travellers sprinting for vending machines/little kiosks when there are supermarkets literally within eyesight selling the exact same stuff for a fraction of the price.

Supermarkets are great for stocking up on snacks, water, drinks, etc.

Take advantage of them!

26. Use a TV to charge your electronics

One of the the things I forget most often is the little USB adapter that comes with my phone charger.

If you’re forgetful like that too, don’t worry – there’s several easy travel hacks to help you out of that situation.

I usually then just plug my cable into my laptop to charge, BUT if you don’t usually pack a laptop, know that most TVs have a USB port around the back and you can easily use that to charge all your electronics 😉

You’re welcome!

Did I miss any of your favourite travel hacks?

So, it seems like you’re well on your way to becoming a travel ninja. I hope you enjoyed that article about unconventional travel life hacks. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have more to share! 

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

101 thoughts on “26 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip”

18. leave your kids at home 😀

hahahah the ultimate life hack 😉 thanks for the laugh, Alex.

These are great tips because they are different. I especially like the pillowcase tip and marking your luggage fragile. Well done!

thanks for reading, Dorothy! <3

Really great tips! Very helpful and not weird at all!

Hahaha thank you for not thinking I’m a total weirdo <3

Charging using a TV is GENIUS!!! Wow never thought of that! Also love packing a dryer sheet. Definitely doing that next trip. I also always travel with powder in my bag. My go-to is Lush Silky Underwear Powder – it doubles as a deodorant and smells lovely!!

Woah underwear powder?! That sounds amazing. Definitely going to look into it. I used to use baby powder for everything but never realized there might be powders for special purposes hahah. Thanks for sharing, Meaghan!! <3

I’m still on the edge about compression socks. My mum has tried those and I dunno, the results aren’t great? Or maybe she got the cheaper ones? Haha! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

weird! I have loads of friends who swear by them. I guess it depends on the person!

Great tips! I never thought of using the tv to charge my electronics.

so genius hey?! Thanks for reading, Meera 🙂

My husband loves the aisle/window trick – esp when we flew as two adults with a lap infant. I hadnt thought about the TV charger one! Some hotels have like one outlet!

Yes! Another good tip (if you’re travelling as a big group or family) is to bring your own power strip so you can charge more than one thing in those pesky hotel rooms with limited outlets 🙂 Thanks for reading, Harmony!

I honestly didn’t even consider half of these! Great read, thank you! I’ll be sure to get some fragile stickers next time I’m out. I always seem to have some sort of issue with baggage.

so happy you found it helpful, Jessica!! <3 Thanks for reading.

OK, this list is great! There are so many ideas on here that I have never heard of. I’ll be saving this for later, thank you very much!

no problem, Michelle! Thanks so much for reading <3

These are the BEST tips! Especially love the ones about the pillow case and the tv charging. Another good one in the vein of offline google maps is that even if you don’t download a map, if you open your map while you’re on wifi before leaving a wifi area, you’ll still be able to follow the blue dot and see all the streets on the map – even without data. It even works in places that aren’t so keen on google maps like South Korea.

YES! So true. That has totally saved my butt a million times. Thanks for the awesome comment, Sarah <3

At first, I wanted to do a virtual hi-five, thinking the pillowcase is for germophobes like me who wanna feel more at ease resting our faces on pillows overseas, until I realized yours is for a different purpose, lol! Great list, Christina! I need to check out the TV USB especially 😉

ahaha well, I guess the pillowcase is multi-purpose then 😉 thanks for reading, Kristine!

Such good tips! I got into Edinburgh yesterday and the first thing I did was go to the local grocery store and stock up on ready made (healthy!) meals that were like 2 pounds instead of always having to eat out at 12-20 pounds for the same portion size! Love it girl!

<3 Thanks for reading, Kashlee!

I love the “Ok Map” function. I thought I knew everything! Thanks for the tip 😀

Hahah right? I only recently discovered it and my mind was blown! Thanks for reading 🙂

These are awesome, Christina! I’m pretty proud that I actually do a couple of them 😉 haha. The pillowcase and dryer sheet hacks are super smart! I’ll definitely be using those for my upcoming trip in November. BRB while I try and hunt down a spare pillowcase…

Hahah thanks for reading, Kay <3 I hope you get to bust some of these out on your next trip!

Love these tips – especially the clothes pin for my toothbrush! And duh that I’ve never checked the TV to use as a charger. Thanks!

No problem, Jamie! Hope these tips come in handy for you soon! 🙂

Thanks for these! Really useful tips =) An offline map called Here we go saved my trip in Kuala Lumpur just a few days ago.

Ooh I haven’t heard of that one. Will look into it. Thanks for the comment! <3

Oh man. Those are some great tips! Thanks for sharing, i’m gonna use a lot of them!

woohoo! Awesome. Thanks for reading 🙂

We seem to travel with so much electronic gear. When we went to Europe we actually to a multi plug board to plug everything into and then one adaptor rather than one for each devie we needed to charge. Laptop, cellphones and cameras.

These tips are excellent.

That’s super smart! Especially for those travelling as a family/in a big group, bringing a multi-plug can be a huge lifesaver. Thanks for reading and for the bonus tip. It’s much appreciated! <3

Being a traveler I liked all the tips and getting Wifi password is one of the best suggestion so far.

Glad you found the article helpful! 🙂

These are some azaming tips, being from Europe I always have to carry an adaptor with me wherever I go. I use to be an window seat girl but now I will take an asile anyday as I can get and go to the bathroom as many times as I like

Hahaha I always avoid aisle because I literally pass out whenever I get on a plane, so people always feel awkward waking me up.

I honestly thought I probably won’t know anything I haven’t heard before but these are great tips! Definitely learned a couple news ones! Thanks for sharing! <3

No problemo. Thanks for reading!! <3

I do most of these already but number 15 made me laugh out loud. That is me every time lol

hahaha okay honestly, same. even though I swear I keep a pen in every bag, somehow I’m always left scrambling. You’re not alone!

These are awesome! I’ve never thought of the pillowcase trick before, which is ridiculous as I’m always using clothes as a makeshift pillow and then wondering how I can keep them together rather than smushing my head into them awkwardly LOL. I always try and keep some pens handy, and oh my word, supermarkets! Apart from anything else I think it’s a good way to travel “like a local” and yet so many people shy away from them because convenience. Also with the TV charging – I’ve seen people do that at airports! Haha!

Omg at the airport? That’s genius and hilarious hahaha. Thanks for reading, Clazz! Glad I could enlighten you about the pillowcase trick haha.

Hi Christina,

These are some amazing giveaways. I wonder why I haven’t thought of charging my phone with TV before. Thanks for the tip girl.

no problem, Gloria. Thanks for reading!

Nice hacks Christina Guan… For the baby powder in the shoes, i only know the tea bag in shoe one not the baby powder… Did you come up with these yourself? Anyway Love You has XXOO

Very good suggestion is very helpful in traveling Thanks for sharing.

SeatGuru is a nifty little tool most of the travellers miss out on. Also, one must not forget to ask for seat upgrades. You won’t necessarily get it, but ASKING doesn’t cost 🙂 I have been successful in getting upgrades 30% of the time (except Singapore Airlines, they just won’t!) I have also practiced the art of carrying just 2 pair of clothes when going to a country that has cheaper clothes than the home country. Then, I buy my entire trip’s clothes from that country. Saves money and also saves weight while travelling to the destination!

I always love to be with friends and family. I used to travel around time for many problems. Your post really helped me thank you so much, sir

It is really a very helpful blog for all the budget travelers. Every point in this blog is valid and helpful. Thank you for such an information.

Such amazing tips! Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for reading, Lieze 🙂

Great content! learned so much specially from #16 . I didn’t even consider cooking on site. Was really afraid to be swindled .

Just wanted to share another Life hack on getting good Air tickets ! Follow this link! : https://bit.ly/31QEOlh

Great list of travel hacks. The clothesline is new to me. Reserving the middle and aisle seats are also a very good idea.

Here are some travel hacks that have worked well for me: 1. Airlines usually assign seats from front to back. So if you reserve one of the last rows on a plane (especially the back middle row on wide body planes), you are significantly more likely to get a row to yourself

2. Some airline apps let you view the seat map even after you checked in. I often will view the seat map and ask gate agents to change me if I find an empty row.

3. Free upgrades almost never happen. It’s usually not worth asking. But sometimes you can get a very cheap upgrade to business class when you check in.

The last one often helps i remember when i was struggling to charge my laptop while i was traveling then later realized there was tv in the room and i looked for port where i can put the cable guess what, found one charged it …was such awesome feeling Then i calmly texted my mom…

haha awesome. glad to hear you’ve been using these hacks! 😀

Some great tricks & hacks…makes a change to see a few different ones! I am with you 100% when it comes to pens & I have no idea what I would do without Google & all its ‘bits’! Cheers! – Nigel

Thanks for your awesome guide on traveling. I am a passionate traveler and your guide inspired me to travel more.

Great info, good thanks .

Nice Article.These are Great Tips. Thank You

Travel hack Ideas I use: * Always carry a flashlight and put on nightstand in case you have a hotel fire/ emergency so you won’t be I n total darkness. * Buy a Passport neck case from Wilson’s Leather Outlet. $15.-small but conveniently made .You can keep everything you need in it- cash, passport, cards, packet of medicine dose- I put it under my shirt. It drops down to my waist, so I can access it at the bottom of my shirt. In known thief places, I also poke the purse in the top of my shorts, so if they find a way to cut the straps it is still with me. It has gotten us through many trips to France. * Foldable bags ( Walmart, Dollar store) for souvenirs or in case we decide to do a picnic lunch on vacation. In Europe with small rooms and no storage, I use them them as dresser drawers to find things quickly for longer stays. * Use a foldable backpack(tennis ball size) in a bag (Lewis and Clark-not meant to be durable, basically a snack bag) we call it our “Disney bag”. We add snacks, wipes, paper maps, first aid bag with OTC meds for headache, stomach, water bottle, jacket in a bag, light shoulder wrap for church visits, my old small IPAD for grandchildren. To make it work, I put urgent needs( kids’ snacks, meds) in ziploc bags. I also add a ziploc gallon bag to cover the backpack in case of rain. If we only have snacks and maps, I carry it on my back, if it has my old IPAD or SLR, my husband carries it over 1 shoulder and up under his arm so if the strap is cut, he still has it. * A colorful small coin purse to store my phone charger (and a long cord) so when cramped into a plane seat, I can find it quickly to use. * Bread ties to organize all of those crazy charging cords. You will always need a long cord when u don’t have it. They now make bendable ties for that use. * Download Dolly Parton’s “ I Will Always Love You” if you travel with small children. We have used it with my 2 year grandson for over a year. If he is tired or upset, we can play Dolly and watch him just melt and smile as he says “ My Dollwy”. When he couldn’t sleep through the night, my son set Alexa to that song (very softly) at his awake times. At 5:30 AM they started hearing him sing along with Dolly on his baby monitor .If he is really upset, I turn it very low and put it close to his ear. If using around others, you may need headphones . * Passport- after airport security, I only carry a paper passport copy on me. * NEVER email passports to anyone unless it is a dire situation when a family member must email it to you, then pray a lot.We make paper copies of our passport/ drivers license to carry with us and give a copy to a family member. * * if going overseas, join STEP, so you will be notified of terror levels plus your embassy will know where you are if there is a blackout or terror attack. * Always put liquids in a freezer ziplock bag for your checked bag. Those bags are thrown all over the place. * Plan on 2 Quart Bags for airport Security: #1 Bag-for liquids as required by airlines * #2 Bag- watch , wallet, necklace , phone at the last minute- anything that comes off at airport. Finish dressing after airport security. * I pick up hotel cards to give to cab drivers in case they can’t understand my accent. * Pack an extra pair of shoes. If it rains a lot, you will need them.

The OK Maps blew my little mind. Cool trick. Also, the pillowcase is genius! I plan to repurpose mine as a dirty laundry bag too (obviously throwing it in the wash too!) Fun article 🙂

Really great and awesome tips, these tips are really uncommon but very useful. sticking a fragile sticker is really a genius idea. So many times i have had damaged stuff because of luggage handling. Thank you very much for these and have a awesome day.

This is great tips for a traveller. If traveller follow the tips, he will pass very good tour.

Wow! Such amazing hacks for travel lovers. I am definitely going to follow all of these hacks in my upcoming adventure. Thanks a lot for sharing these surprising travel hacks.

You’re welcome! Thanks for the lovely comment 🙂

A very good and helpful suggestion. It will help travelers. Thanks for sharing. Keep Going.

thank you for the informative post, will definitely comeback for more

Thank you for the great informative post, will definitely comeback for more.

These 20 are unbelievable hacks that will definitely make my traveling easy. Hack which I liked the most is “Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights”. Thank you for this wonderful content, it was really helpful.

These 20 are unbelievable hacks that will definitely make my traveling easy. Hack which I liked the most is “Use incognito/private browsing to potentially save money on flights”. Thank you for this wonderful content.

Travelers can use these tips to make their journey more enjoyable. Thanks for your ideas and information.

It is really helpful for everyone else.

thank you for the informative post, will definitely come back for more.

Thank you for the informative post, will definitely come back for more.

Wow!!! Really great and awesome tips, these tips are really uncommon but very useful. Sticking a fragile sticker is really a genius idea. So many times I have had damaged stuff because of luggage handling. Thank you very much for these and have an awesome day. Greetings from Nepal.

An amazing list of travel life hacks. it’s really really useful info for all travelers. thank you.

Good trick. I plan to repurpose mine as a dirty laundry bag too (obviously throwing it in the wash too!) Fun post

Great tips and informative article. great tricks and hacks. Thank you so much for giving us the travelling hacks.

nice tips, helpfull

Very interesting, Please share more.

Thanks for the amazing Travel Hacks. Highly recommend all travelers follow this post. We are already sharing this post on our social media profiles so that our followers can read this AMAZING post.

A very beautifully crafted article.

thank you for the informative post, will love to come back for more.

such an incredible blog, Great tip, as always. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. keep sharing, your positivity is infectious.

its very useful article, Thank you for sharing here.

very interesting blog. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for the great travel blog. Please write more.

Thank you so much for your information. I think it will help me for my next trip…

Thank you for your efforts and dedication to creating such a valuable resource for travelers, Really helpful content.

I appreciate the time and effort you put into creating such a valuable resource for travelers like me.

Very useful travel hacks. I definitely apply these tips. Thank you for sharing.

I super-duper loved reading your post, thank you sooo muchy-wuchy! I always love to be with my buddies and fam-bam. I used to zoom around time like a speedy snail to fix lotsa problems, whoosh!

Wow, great article and thank you for sharing.

Landed on this blog randomly and got know so many amazing tavel hacks. I am gonna use these hacks on my next travel.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful article, waiting for another article

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My Current List of Favorite Travel Blogs

I’m not going to lie: I think I have a pretty good travel blog. (You probably do too if you’re here.) I work hard to provide excellent practical travel advice to help you travel better, but I’m not the only great travel blogger out there. In fact — and I know this might be shocking — there’s a lot about travel that I’m not an expert on. Family travel? No idea. Travel as a woman? Clueless. Information on hotels? Only a little. Photography? I can manage to turn my camera on if that counts. Food expert? Only at eating it.

I’ve realized that it’s been a while since I last talked about the best travel blogs out there — the ones I read — so I wanted to take a moment and highlight some of my favorite travel blogs that can also help you travel better, cheaper, and smarter. There are so many good blogs out there, I feel like I’m long overdue to point you to some of them:  

Legal Nomads

Uncornered Market

Alex in Wanderland

The Blonde Abroad

View from the Wing

Wandering Earl

Oneika the Traveller

Never Ending Footsteps

Additionally, she provides some wonderful practical tips on travel and detailed expense breakdowns on how much she spends in each place.  

Be My Travel Muse

Chubby Diaries

Travels of Adam

So there you have it! My current list of favorite travel blogs on the web (besides mine) that I read. This is an ever-changing list so I’ll be updating as time goes on! After all, new travel blogs start every day. Go read these ones, laugh, learn, and be inspired!

Are you looking to start a blog too? These posts can help you do that:

• How to Start a Travel Blog
• 19 Things I Learned From 10 Years of Blogging
• 9 Ways to Become a Successful Blogger

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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About Adventure Life

We are travelers with a passion for sharing the world. Discover the authentic character of your chosen destination with our tailored approach. By attentively listening to your travel goals, we curate an itinerary that matches your unique style and preferences. Our team is well-versed in travel, from Africa to the polar regions; we not only visit these places, but some of us have even lived there. With over 111 years of combined travel experience on more than 650 trips worldwide (and counting!), our knowledgeable team ensures an extraordinary and personalized adventure awaits you.

Our Short History

1999: Company Founder and CEO Brian Morgan set out to share his passion for travel by offering three guided trips to Peru and Ecuador with a paper pamphlet. Galapagos Islands trips are later added.

2001: Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Belize scheduled group tours are added to the list of options and a website is created. The company receives its first New York Times mention.

2006: By this time, the company had expanded to offer Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Panama, and Antarctica. Worldwide Expedition Cruises are launched as a second website alvoyages.com, which is later merged with the main website.

2009: Founder Brian Morgan is featured on the cover of Inc. Magazine and the company earns its first of many awards for "Best Places to Work" by Outside Magazine.

2010: The company takes a major shift away from guided group tours and toward tailor-made customizable tours with its rebranding to 'Inspired. Authentic. You. Travel Made Your Way.' Over the next few years, more destinations would be added including Asia, Africa, Europe, Mexico, Nicaragua, the Arctic, and other regions.

2011: Adventure Life's Trip Planners receive their first inclusion on the Travel + Leisure A-List.

2016: A complete website redesign is launched and a new robust search tool is created that allows travelers to filter and sort trip options to find their perfect match.

2018: Adventure Life launches its own proprietary quoting and travel services management platform which can combine various packages, rates, and currencies from travel options around the world into one seamless trip itinerary builder for the traveler.

2020: Covid causes the company to shrink down to core staff only. The company devotes all its energies to finding adequate solutions for affected booked travelers in light of the travel pause. Adventure Life shifts to become a fully remote company, hiring qualified Trip Planners from all over the world.

2021: Monika Sundem takes over as CEO for Brian Morgan.

2023: Adventure Life records its best year to date, sending 7,484 travelers on adventures around the globe.

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How to Live a Life of Travel

Introducing the “How to Live a Life of Travel” eGuide, written specifically for anyone who wants to turn travel into an actual lifestyle. If you’re not quite sure how to make it happen, this guide will teach you exactly what you need to know…

**Instant Download – 220 pages – Unlimited Support**

READ THIS GUIDE. TRAVEL THE WORLD!

What’s included:.

220 pages of detailed material designed to help you achieve your own travel goals

Follow the specific steps in this guide and you’ll eliminate months of research

Discover how to earn money around the world – real opportunities, work visas and more

How to travel for less money than you spend at home

How to travel long-term even if you’re in debt

Why you shouldn’t be afraid to travel on your own and how to easily make friends overseas

Learn how to sleep and eat for free in dozens of countries

Which countries offer the best value and are the most ideal destinations to begin your travels

Specific tactics and tricks to get the cheapest airfares possible

Why you shouldn’t wait until you save more money before starting your adventure

How to always stay safe while on the road and why travel is actually safer than you think

Money-saving details on banking and exchange rates

Best immunization and health insurance options

Cheapest ways to stay connected while traveling (wifi, phone, SIM cards)

Why long-term travel isn’t as big a risk as it seems

How to deal with people who think your desire to travel is ‘crazy’ or ‘irresponsible’

By the time you finish reading this comprehensive guide (which discusses even more topics that I didn’t mention above), you’ll know exactly how to travel, earn money overseas and explore the world.

You’ll literally be ready to turn travel into a lifestyle. Not in ten years from now. Not in five years. Right now.

Only $27 – Instant Download – Unlimited Support

YOU’RE NOT CRAZY

I’m perfectly aware that many people you know probably think you’re crazy for wanting to travel instead of settling into a typical 9-5 lifestyle.

It’s difficult for others to understand your goals.

Well, I certainly don’t think you’re crazy, nor do the thousands of other people out here in the world who are already living their own life of travel.

In fact, every traveler I know would agree that you’re only crazy if you decide NOT to go after your goals in life.

Luckily, the choice is yours to make, and if you’re already reading this, I believe you’ve already made the decision.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Is there any catch? No catch. I’ve worked hard to build this blog and there is no way I would jeopardize the community that’s been created by offering a product that didn’t offer exactly what it promised.

Does this material only apply to North Americans? Not at all. This guide applies to everyone, no matter what country you live in. Some information may be easier for certain nationalities to utilize but every person who reads this guide will benefit.

Am I too young or too old for this guide? There’s no such thing. Whether you’re in high school, university, your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s or any age whatsoever, as long as you have a strong desire to achieve your travel goals, this material is designed for you.

Is there a guarantee? After reading the guide, if you feel it’s not for you, just send me an email within 60 days and I’ll issue you an immediate refund. My goal is to help you travel. If I can’t do that, I honestly don’t want to keep your money.

What does a ‘life of travel’ actually mean? It simply refers to a lifestyle that involves as much travel as you wish. A few months of backpacking, a one year round-the-world trip, a decade of nomadic wandering…whatever you want, that’s what it means!

Can I contact you with questions? Absolutely! By purchasing this guide, you will have proven that you’re serious about travel and as a result, I’m serious about helping you in any way possible. In fact, once you have a read of the material, I encourage you to email me with any questions you may have.

IF I CAN DO IT…

I started traveling back in 1999, shortly after graduating from university. My plan was to backpack around Southeast Asia for three months and then return to the US to become a Sports Agent. However, just one week into that trip, while celebrating the Millennium at the amazing Angkor Wat temple in the jungles of Cambodia (go there if you haven’t already been!), I realized that three months of travel simply wasn’t enough.

The only problem was that I had less than $1500 to my name.

Fast forward to today… Over the past 15 years, I have discovered, and taken advantage of, endless opportunities that have allowed me to continuously live, travel, study, volunteer and earn money in over 85 countries around the world. And I’m still going strong, with no desire to stop any time soon.

The point is, if I can make it happen with $1500 and no idea what I was doing, you can make it happen as well.

And with the knowledge and experience that I’m about to pass on to you in this guide…you’re going to have a much easier path ahead than I ever did!

If you are constantly day-dreaming about travel and wondering how you can possibly achieve all of your travel goals during this lifetime, I just want to repeat that everything you’re dreaming about really can be achieved.

It will take some hard work and determination for sure, plenty of it, but at the end of the day, when you find yourself living or traveling or working overseas, enjoying rewarding experiences, you’ll be incredibly thankful that you decided to pursue a life of travel.

And I honestly can’t wait to meet up with you in some foreign land where we can swap travel stories over a beer or coffee or tea!

Remember, you don’t have to take my word for it. You can try out the guide risk-free and see for yourself if it gets you any closer to the life of travel that you want. (I’m quite confident it will!)

Kind regards, Derek

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A Vagabond Life

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TRAVEL STORIES

Travel stories from a vagabond life   .

Stories….travel is all about stories. Often those stories come from the unknown or the unexpected. The best stories usually happen during the unplanned adventure and are what we remember the most from our journeys..

Like the time we crossed the Mekong on on home made canoe, or rode a camel in a remote part of the Gobi desert or traversed Russia on the Trans Siberian Railway…

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel information by a vagabond life.

Travel Planning is an important and fun part of planning your next travel adventure. It can also be a little daunting in deciding where to go, how to get there and how to get around.

In these articles we discuss the “How To” of travel…how to cross borders, travel on some of the worlds great train journeys and much more. 

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I Did Van Life for 3 Years, and These Are the 17 Items You'll Regret Not Packing When You're on the Road

These essentials kept me safe, clean, and comfortable while roadtripping across the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

There’s no freer feeling than waking up at sunrise, setting your slippered feet on dew-soaked grass, and waiting for your coffee to percolate on the camp stove as you soak in the early-morning rays and the quiet of the morning. I was lucky enough to start most days this way as a full-time van lifer .

For three years, I lived out of various campervans while road tripping across the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand. I even spent nearly a year circumnavigating Australia in a four-by-four with a rooftop tent attached to it. My van life journey started with a 20-year-old minivan retrofitted with a futon mattress in the back. Since then, I’ve upgraded to a spacious cargo van with an indoor kitchenette and its own solar and water systems. 

Being a long-term camper comes with plenty of challenges. Even the basics — diet, personal hygiene, and keeping warm, cool, or dry — take a ton of work. Having good gear in your arsenal can make all of the difference. From a portable ceiling fan to a self-purifying water bottle and a multipurpose microfiber towel to my favorite cup holder-sized speaker , here are the 17 things that keep me comfy, clean, and safe while I’m on the road.

Ydytop Reusable Travel Utensils Set

It’s easy to fall into the trap of disposable plastics when you’re desperate for convenience. Personally, I can’t stand to throw anything away after a single use — not even a spoon — so I carry a pack of reusable cutlery with me everywhere that I go. These are super lightweight and made with eco-friendly bioplastic (primarily wheat straw). Plus, they’re so much more practical for camping than heavy duty metal utensils, which cause a commotion while I’m driving and weigh down my kit when I pack a picnic.

REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite

You might not be able to keep things as clean as you’d like to while camping, but you can at least keep them dry. A microfiber towel is absolutely, 100 percent essential — especially when you don’t get a sunny day to hang your towel outside on the clothesline. I like to hang mine inside my van or tent on rainy days, and it dries in a couple of hours. In addition to using them to dry yourself off post-shower, microfiber towels also come in handy for cleaning up kitchen spills, makeshift picnic blankets, wiping down van windows, and so much more. 

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Pocket Knife

A multi-tool like the classic Victorinox Swiss Army Knife serves as a can opener, corkscrew, bottle popper, screwdriver, cutting knife, scissors, and more — all in one. You don’t know that you'll need a teeny-tiny wood saw until you do, and when that happens, this pocket-sized accessory will have you covered. Swiss Army Knives come in a wide range of sizes and with a multitude of tool variations included. This one has 15 functions and is on sale for 24 percent off at Amazon. 

Anker Soundcore Mini, Super-portable Bluetooth Speaker

Great for listening to audiobooks on long drives and playing Spotify very quietly at the campsite, this portable little speaker is ideally compact and lasts for days on a single charge. My van is too archaic to have Bluetooth capabilities, so my favorite part about this cylindrical speaker is that it fits perfectly in my cup holder. The FM radio setting also comes in handy when you don’t have cell service to stream your go-to playlist. 

Eno DoubleNest Hammock

What would camping be without a hammock to string between some trees and nap in under the shade? Just about any hammock will do, but Eno’s versions are known to be ultra-durable and packable. The nylon construction conveniently folds up into an attached pouch, perfect for cramming into extra-small nooks around the van. Just don’t forget to pack a pair of straps, as they aren’t included. 

Campsuds Outdoor Camping Soap

Soap is a hot topic of conversation in the camping community. According to Leave No Trace , the ultimate authority on sustainable outdoor recreation, “getting any soap in a water source is not acceptable or recommended” as the chemicals can alter minerals in the water and harm wildlife — and that also goes for discarding soap directly onto the ground. Keeping this in mind, always catch soapy water and dispose of it at a designated dump station, or at least in a sink or toilet. I like to use a multipurpose soap that’s as natural and biodegradable as possible. You can use Campsuds on dishes, your skin, clothes, and even your hair in a pinch.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240

There’s something special about disconnecting for a weekend, but when you live full-time in the outdoors, you need power to charge your phones, headphones, lights, and camera gear. I work remotely, so I need a reliable portable battery for my laptop, and Jackery Power Stations are the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time). This one has two USB ports and a standard AC outlet that can be used at the same time. I have a Jackery solar panel to charge mine, but you can also charge it by plugging it into the wall or the lighter socket in your car. It’s a perfect entry-level power station and well worth the price (it also happens to be on double sale right now thanks to an on-site coupon). 

Teva Unisex ReEmber Slip-On Shoes

Embracing discomfort is a big part of van life and camping, in general, but I draw the line at wet feet. These smart Teva camp booties are perfect for slipping into first thing in the morning, when it’s cold out and the grass is covered in dew, and lounging around. They’re made with waterproof outers and collapsible heels for quick sliding on and kicking off. Think of them as cozy sweaters for your feet. They’re even made with recycled materials.

Gritin Rechargeable Clip-On Book Light

Nothing is cozier than wrapping up in a sleeping bag and diving into a good story before falling asleep under the stars. The less electronically tethered you are, the better when you’re working with limited or no power — and that means reading books on paper instead of a Kindle. It gets dark out there when you're away from the urban glow, so you’ll need an old-school book light for this bedtime ritual. One that charges quickly with a USB cable is preferable, which is why I recommend Amazon’s most popular version. It has more than 25,000 five-star ratings, comes in a range of colors, offers multiple light settings, and won't cost you more than $20. 

Craftend Collapsible 10-Liter Bucket

I use a collapsible bucket for washing dishes and clothes (again, making sure to dump the water into my van’s gray water tank or the campground’s designated dishwashing sink), gathering firewood and kindling, and, yes, even sometimes bathing. You never know when you’ll need a bucket, and this 10-liter one is sturdy, reliable, and easy to carry with its top handle. 

Tidewe Two-Piece Rain Suit

I see you scoffing at this rain suit. I get it. But trust me when I say that you’ll want full-body protection when the clouds break and you’re stuck outside frantically covering things around the campsite. Without waterproof clothes, you’d have to crawl into your tent or van in sopping-wet clothes, inevitably spreading around wetness that’s near impossible to clean up. It’s easiest to gear up in the rain and strip this waterproof shell off at the door. This suit is up for the rainfall with its high-density polyester, non-woven fabric, and seamed seals, which work together to keep water out. But, the suit is still breathable enough to let sweat escape should it need to. Thoughtful design features also protect you from the rain and wind, and when the suit isn't in use, it can be conveniently stored in a carrying pouch. 

Kipida 5-Gallon Solar Shower

The question that I get asked most frequently about traveling in a van is, “Where do you shower?” Personally, I bathe wherever and whenever I get the opportunity, which is almost daily. When I’m not at a campground or near a truck stop with public showers, you will find me out in the wild, standing under this bag in my swimsuit. Truthfully, solar showers sound a little more sophisticated than what they actually are. Most are simply black bags with a hose and shower head attached. The color and material are meant to absorb heat, but some work better than others. I like this one from Kipida, which has a temperature gauge on it and a handy pouch to hold soap and other shower accessories to make it feel like home.  

Noco Boost Plus GB40 1000A Car Battery Jump Starter

I have, many times, been stranded roadside with a dead van battery with no choice but to flag down a stranger for a jump. It’s not the safest method, especially as a woman traveling solo, so my family gifted me one of these portable jump starters. Now I can do the job myself. Its powerful, 1000-amp lithium battery can perform up to 20 jump starts in a single charge, according to the brand, and its 4.6-inch by 8.2-inch by 4.2-inch frame is small enough that it won't take up valuable storage space. 

G Good Gain Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Not everything about van life is as glamorous as Instagram makes it out to be, but I won’t lie — the daily picnics are pretty charming. You can easily romanticize mealtime by having breakfast or lunch alfresco. A special blanket with waterproof backing like this one from G Good is best for keeping everything, including your own backside, dry and clean. You can use it not just for picnicking, but also for beach lounging, outdoor concerts, camping, and more. 

BioLite Headlamp 200

Wearing a headlamp is so much more practical than holding a flashlight or your phone when you’re out after dark. Believe me, you’ll use it more than you imagine you will. When mine isn’t on my head, it’s usually strapped to the ceiling over my bed or in the cup holder of my van — a.k.a. always within reach so it's ready to go when I need it. If you're outdoorsy, a headlamp will come in handy when you're hiking, camping, and exploring past sunset. 

Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan With Stand

Another luxury, this portable Coleman fan has kept me cool while camping at the Grand Canyon at the peak of summer and in the sticky humidity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a lifesaver for anyone who’s used to sleeping with the fan on. It requires D batteries, so you can bet that I keep plenty of those on hand, and can be hung from the ceiling or set on a surface with its fold-out stand. It even has a light in the center of it, so it really is just like a real ceiling fan — which is a functional way to add a homey touch to your van. 

Grayl 24-Ounce GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle

A water purification system is a must, even if you use it only in an emergency. You can pack a LifeStraw or a Sawyer filter , but I’m drawn to the convenience of having a purifier and water bottle all in one. According to the brand, the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter purifies “viruses, protozoa, bacteria, particulates, chemicals, and heavy metals” for peace of mind. You can use it to filter freshwater from a stream or to make sure that the "allegedly" potable water from your campsite is actually safe to drink.

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ADVENTURING FOR LIFE

TRAVEL WITH US

Hi there! My name is Rachel and I love adventure and travel. I LOVE to travel. I’ve always had a passion for travel and before hosting group trips I did a lot of travel solo when my friends or family weren’t able to go on an adventure with me. I also love people & enjoy planning so I found a passion in hosting girls group trips around the world so I created Adventuring for Life!

I post about the group adventures here on my website as well as on my Instagram and TikTok accounts. Below you’ll find trip recaps for trips I’ve already successfully hosted as well as future plans. If you have any questions before committing to any of the trips feel free to message me on Instagram and I’ll answer any questions you might have.

Most of my trips are open to all ladies (18+) although my community is primarily female in the 20s & 30s age range. Occasionally we visit a place in the USA where the requirement is 21+. There isn’t an age requirement or max age – the only real requirement for any trip is that you’re down to do all the things & have lots of fun and an adventure of a life time!

In 2021 I started with 5 trips. In 2022 we hosted 19 trips with 241 different girls in 12 different countries between myself and 4 of the amazing girls that joined my team! 2023 is going to be the best year yet!

Want to get notified about a future trip? Join the Email List!

Current Trips with Spots

– 2024 Trips –

Waitlisted Trips

These trips are all currently sold out but theres a waitlist you can join – if a spot becomes free, we’ll email you!

Future Trips

Mexico – january & april 2024, iceland – january 2024, japan – spring 2024, costa rica – spring 2024, croatia – summer 2024, bali – summer 2024, netherlands tulip season – 2024, sail greece – summer 2024, azores portugal – 2024, patagonia – fall 2024, finland, lapland & estonia – 2024, machu picchu peru – moved to 2024.

Want to get notified about a future trip? Join the Email List! Want to get to know other girls that are taking trips with strangers? Join our facebook group!

Want to check out all our Previous Trips from 2021 & 2022 – Click Here

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Travel Life Insurance: Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage

Last Updated: May 16, 2019 November 17, 2023

When many travelers buy travel insurance, they are looking for a specific benefit. The most commonly sought after benefits are Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical , however there are additional benefits included within many policies that travelers are interested in. Travel life insurance is one of those additional benefits that travelers look for when comparing policies.

Travel insurance policies refer to this coverage as Accidental Death & Dismember (AD&D). There are three different types of AD&D coverage: 24 Hour AD&D, Common Carrier AD&D, and Flight Only AD&D.

24 Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment

24 Hour AD&D is the lowest level of travel life insurance. This benefit provides a predetermined, lump sum payout in the event of a loss of life or limb anytime during a traveler’s trip. This includes the flight, the ride to their hotel, or any activities during their trip. Most travel insurance policies include this coverage.

Common Carrier Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Common Carrier AD&D is the middle level of travel life insurance, providing higher payment amounts than 24 Hour AD&D, however less than Flight Only AD&D. This benefit provides a cash payment in the event of a loss of life or limb while traveling on a common carrier during a covered trip. A Common Carrier is typically defined as any public and ticketed transportation, such as a flight, bus, or train.

Flight Only Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Flight Only AD&D provides the highest lump sum payment of the three travel life insurance benefits. This benefit provides a cash payment in the event of a loss of life or limb while flying during a covered trip. This coverage applies to travelers who are passengers of a licensed air conveyance, however excludes travelers who are piloting their own plane or acting as crew.

Flight Only AD&D is included by some policies, however this is often available as an optional upgrade that can be added to a policy.

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Here are 100 Best Travel Lifestyle Blogs you should follow in 2024

1. Two Monkeys Travel Group

2. World of Wanderlust

3. Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

4. The Blonde Abroad

5. The Planet D Blog

6. Goats On The Road Blog

7. y Travel Blog | Travel more. Create More Memories

8. Bucket List Journey | Travel Lifestyle Blog

9. La Jolla Mom | Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Blog

10. Travels of Adam

11. We Said Go Travel

12. AnnMarie John

13. Traveling Lifestyle

14. Just One Way Ticket

15. Jones Around The World

16. Almost Fearless Travel Adventure Magazine for Parents

17. Travel Freak

18. MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld

19. Tourist Meets Traveler - Travel, Food and Lifestyle

20. Bubbly Moments

21. Kelana by Kayla

22. Travelgirl Travel and Lifestyle Magazine

23. The Roaming Renegades - Travel, Adventure & Lifestyle blog

24. Krazy Butterfly

25. The Epicurean Traveler - A Blog For The Culinary Explorer

26. Migrating Miss | Travel & Expat Lifestyle Blog

27. Mr and Mrs Romance - lifestyle and travel blog

28. While I'm Young - UK Travel and Lifestyle Blog

29. The World or Bust - A Travel and Lifestyle Blog

30. TravelBreak

31. The Happy Trip

32. Passport To Eden

33. Luxe Travel Family

34. JetsetChristina

35. The Jet Set

36. Passports & Grub

37. Anna Everywhere

38. Afrostylicity

39. I am Aileen Blog

40. Angie Away

41. Ze Wandering Frogs

42. Travel & Lifestyle - Luxury Hotels, Restaurants and Events Blog

43. Poor In A Private Plane

44. Alex Cerball

45. Where's Mollie Blog

46. Destiny's Child

47. The Global Wanderess

48. SVADORE

49. Wayward Blog

50. Where To Go In | La Dolce Vita around the World

51. Travel and Keep Fit by Alex Jaskolowska | Travel and healthy lifestyle blog

52. Inside Out With Rahul Yuvi

53. B&B Sandra | General Tourist Information

54. Iconic Riviera

55. Dose of Life | Bangkok Travel & Lifestyle Blog

56. Wanderlustyle

57. Let's Be Merry

58. A World To Live

59. Beyond The Bay

60. Travelbuddieslifestyle | Travel Buddies Lifestyle

61. Adv Jaspal Singh

62. Of Whiskey and Words

63. Travel Foxx

64. alpha ragas

65. Teal Magazine

66. Miles Away Blanche

67. One Modern Couple - Travel & Lifestyle Blog

68. Wanderlust and Lipstick - Travel tips and inspiration for women

69. Girl vs Globe | Responsible Travel Blog

70. Vanilla Sky Dreaming | Female Travel & Lifestyle Blog

71. Life is full of adventures

72. The Sweetest Way | Travel & Lifestyle Design By Leah Davis

73. Ashley Abroad

74. The Beauty of Travel

75. The Clumsy Traveler

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local Stuff

 – shop –.

Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag or a locally crafted treasure, Destin is a shopper’s paradise. Each of the area’s 16 signature beach neighborhoods are home to well-known luxury brands as well as up and coming designers and unique boutiques.

From Inlet Beach to Miramar Beach, Destin is the perfect place to shop until you drop. You may need an additional suitcase for your return trip, but that’s part of the fun, right?

Seaside offers a thriving town center with shopping and dining, all within walkable distance to homes, cottages, and offices. Consisting of more than 475 cottages, the community also offers an abundant assortment of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Seaside’s many accolades include…

GRAND BOULEVARD AT SANDESTIN

Grand Boulevard is a distinctive town center offering exclusive shops, fine and casual dining, state-of-the-art office space, a lush park, and contemporary hotels. Experience the dynamic lifestyle offered in Grand Boulevard. Restaurants include Emeril’s Coastal, Vin’tij Food & Wine, Cantina Laredo Modern Mexican,…

SEASCAPE TOWNE CENTRE

The brand new Seascape Towne Centre is a 55,000SF commercial lifestyle and retail development designed around family entertainment as well as being able to provide the complete Emerald Coast vacation experience. The centers upscale and well designed architecture and hardscapes feature a large outdoor…

Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Silver Sands Premium Outlets is located in Miramar Beach along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. The center is home to 110 designer and name brand outlet stores offering savings of up to 65% off everyday. Shopper’s can find extraordinary deals at Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Banana Republic, Disney Store Outlet…

Peddler’s Pavilion

Peddler’s Pavilion is a collection of kiosks, offering an array of open-air shopping and dining experiences. Peddlers Paddle Boards and Kayaks offers vacationers SUPs and kayaks for rent so that they can paddle the open Gulf water or one of the beautiful Coastal Dune Lakes on 30A. Daily rentals cost $75 for 24-hours and…

Shops at Ruskin

Ruskin Place is a picturesque park surrounded by art galleries and boutiques that feature both local and regional artists, such as Albert F’s, Amoré By The Sea, Magpies Jewelry, Cara Roy Artworks, Elliott Boutique, and Red Bird Gallery. Grab a book and a cup of coffee and enjoy a relaxing day under…

 – Eat –

Dining in Destin is world-class, and not just for the beach. From casual Gulf seafood joints to inspired fine dining, you won’t have to forgo natural beauty to eat well on vacation.

Enjoy anything from Italian to BBQ, pizza to this morning’s freshest catch. Whether you’re bringing the family to a simple supper or a date to a romantic night out, the range and quality of food in Destin are sure to satisfy.

KENNY D’S

Located in Seascape, the best Cajun style food this side of Nawlens! Kenny is a native of New Orleans and knows just the right spices to add to make you say AAEEEYYYYY! We have award-winning Gumbo and excellent etouffe’ (don’t tell ya mama & ‘dem- they’ll get jealous!) plus lots more to offer everyone’s…

ROMEO’S PIZZA

This Miramar Beach eatery is the newest pizza place in South Walton. Pizza, subs and wings are staples on the menu…

This family-owned restaurant located in Miramar Beach, Florida, directly next to The Melting Pot, blends traditional Japanese cuisine with flavors native to France and Latin America. Sushimoto Owner and Chef, Andy, embraces “fusion” cuisine as a representation of his diverse childhood. Andy was born…

THE MELTING POT FONDUE RESTAURANT

This fondue restaurant serves up a variety of cheeses, chocolates and broths for guests to dip and cook their meals in for a unique experience…

 – Beach Access –

Finding your perfect beach is easy when you have so many choices. South Walton has more than 50 beach and bay access locations along its 26 miles of shoreline. Types of access vary, so be sure to check before you go. Lifeguards are on duty at several of the regional beaches between the months of March and September.

Regional Beach Access

Includes parking, restrooms, showers, bike racks and several are ADA accessible. Each regional beach access point also has a flag indicating current surf conditions.

Neighborhood Beach Access

Neighborhood beach access is primarily for walk-up traffic. Many of these also have flags indicating current surf conditions.

Bay and Lake Access

Some offer boat ramps, parking, restrooms, and playgrounds.

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Welcome to Travelife

Travelife is a leading training, management and certification initiative for tourism companies committed to reaching sustainability.

Operating your business in a socially and environmentally friendly manner makes good business sense!  Both consumer and business demand for responsible products is growing and the public wants to know how you manage your business.

Companies ready to get to work towards sustainability will, therefore, score better on customer satisfaction, staff motivation and business efficiency with positive effects for their competitive advantage.  Sustainability management is all about commitment and consistent sustainable business practices. This includes your products, how you monitor and manage your impacts, and how you support your suppliers on their road to sustainability.

Travelife for Tour operators

Travelife is a fair and affordable system that helps tour operators and travel agencies to manage and improve social and environmental impacts by complying with sustainability criteria. Ultimately, when a company meets the requirements, it will receive a Travelife award.

To support you on your road to sustainability, Travelife offers a wide range of services which include training, management, planning, reporting and B2B tools. Detailed information can be found under 'Tools'.

Joining Travelife is easy!

Joining Travelife is easy and affordable. Our practical web-based solutions make Travelife convenient for both small and (very) large companies. Step-by-step we will guide you towards sustainability.   

To find out more about Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agencies or to join, please visit ' membership' .  Alternatively, you can contact our team by submitting our inquiry form.

18 of the Best Van Life Blogs

The very best Van Life blogs provide a candid look into the who, what, where, how, and, for the love of God, why, of Van Life in a way that filtered Instagram posts and magazine articles about the vanlife one-percenters cannot.

Instagram’s #vanlife, at times, presents a laughable caricature of vanlife. A parody in which models pose topless on a mountaintop, just a blurred glimpse of a classic kombi in the background.

Magazines and online publications are fascinated with the extreme. A woman who has been living in a cardboard box taped to a unicycle for seventeen years. Or perhaps the 20-year-old couple who sold their tech start-up to tour the world in a double-decker wooden bus they carved themselves from a single sequoia. Spare me.

The best blogs tell us how it is for most of us. Practical information, authentic inspiration, and beautiful destinations without the bullshit.

So if you are looking for build advice, lifestyle guides, great van life destinations, or a bit of motivation, we have put together a list of the very best van life blogs and vanlife bloggers to help you get your daily dose of wanderlust.

Before we get started allow us to take a minute for a shameless plug… if you are looking for straightforward practical van life advice and inspiration, destination guides, and articles on living and working from the road, please take a moment to sign up for The Vanabond Tales newsletter .

* I have made an effort to reach out to the vanlife bloggers mentioned below for permission to use their photos. If you own one of the photos below and would prefer me not to use it here, please let me know .

Idle Bus Theory: The Best Van Life Philosophy Blog

You won’t find SEO articles and listicles (like this one) on Idle Bus Theory . Instead, you’ll find true blog-style posts built around experiences and photos that weave in the creators’ philosophy.

The blog chronicles the journey of couple, Kit Whistler – cartoonist, critic collector of words and J.R. Switchgrass – photographer, amateur mechanic, map reader as they travel the US in their classic VW, Sunshine. As they explore they develop and share their own philosophy on life balance.

Through their blog and other projects, Idle Bus Theory is a great reminder of why we pursue van life in the first place …to slow down and feel the sunshine.

Far Out Ride: Best Van Build Blog

FarOutRide is one of the best van life build blogs out there. Isabelle and Antoine take complex systems and break them down into easy-to-understand visual diagrams. They provide clear instructionals making the lofty ambition of a DIY van conversion achievable even for novice builders. We used their guidance during our own DIY van conversion and found their electrical system guide particularly helpful.

Gnomad Home: Best Build on a Budget Blog

Vanlifers (and vanlife bloggers) since 2017, Jayme and John’s blog, Gnomad Home , is a great place to start when pimping your ride. Particularly useful if your home on wheels is not a conventional panel van.

These guys focus on budget-friendly van builds which could come in handy if you are starting out on your first van build.

Gnomads articles are incredibly detailed, taking you through the endless possibilities of van choice, layout, and configuration step by step.

Like Van Life? You’re Going to Love Sail Life…

Check out the very best sailing vlogs and sailing blogs around and see if it floats your boat

Green Van Go: Best Budget Van Life Blog

Green Van Go is all about hitting the road without going broke.

While van life is supposed to offer some relief from a capitalistic world, sometimes it’s easy to forget that. It can be hard to imagine taking up van life without taking out a loan when you look around the web. College kids driving brand new 4wd Mercedes Sprinters with all the bells and whistles or the couple who don’t seem to do anything but lie on the beach all day who owns a perfectly restored 1962 VW Kombi.

Never fear because Hilary is here to remind you that van life can and should be about more for less. To be clear, she’s not advocating cleaning your teeth with a pine cone or wringing out the washing to save water for tea. Before she took up the van life, Hilary came from a corporate background so she is familiar with running water and Netflix. She is, in her own words, a master at combining comfort and budgeting.

Mowgli Adventures: All Round How-to and Campervan Travel Blog

Mowgli Adventures   offer a great balance of DIY van build content, how-tos, lifestyle ideas, travel advice, and destination guides from exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Angela & Graham are the couple behind the blog, traveling full-time in their DIY Sprinter conversion. They go beyond van build guides and product reviews. They also share in-depth travel guides of the beautiful and unique destinations they explore. With posts from Europe, South America, Africa, and even Antarctica, if you are looking for authentic and exotic destination content Mowgli might be for you.

From Mexico to Chile to the Land Down Under, d iscover more van life destination content here .

So We Bought a Van: Best Solo Female Van Life BlogGER

We love the personal (and hilarious) writing style of Katie who shares advice, stories and practical information on van build, van life, and travel.

So We Bought a Van includes all the useful information you would expect from a van life expert as well as personal reflections and stories from Katie’s life.

“So We Bought a Van” might sound like a strange name for a solo van life blog, but this adventure started with two. When Katie decided to carry on the van life alone, she took the van and blog with her, and So We Bought a Van has gone on to become an important voice for independent solo travel.

On The Free Side: Best New Van Life Blog

On the Freeside is a stylistically beautiful website with gorgeous photos, as well as a Youtube channel, a thriving Instagram page, and a popular Tiktok. Behind the brand are Indie and Joel, a Swedish couple who are primed to take the van life blog scene by storm.

Having only launched in June 2020 the amount of work and love they have put into their site and channels are truly impressive. With plenty of headings waiting to be filled in, they promise to deliver travel guides, van builds, and van life content as well as van life recipes and cooking inspiration. If they can deliver on that, they are sure to be huge.

Goats on the Road: Best Van Life Work Blog

Before you jump down my throat, I realize that Goats on the Road is not a van life blog. They are however the authority when it comes to making money while traveling. They have an absolute wealth of information when it comes to remote jobs and jobs you can do on the road.

If you are just starting to think about ways you can make money on the road to sustain van life and travel have a look at this article on the 10 Best Van Life Jobs .

The Bear Foot Theory: Best Van Lifestyle Guide

The Bear Foot Theory is an outdoor adventure blog, which includes a van life section.

The Bear Foot Theory brings you a complete van life course. They cover everything from choosing a vehicle, preparing for van life, life on the road, to working from a van. Their comprehensive how-to van life content is perfect for anyone starting their van life journey and looking for practical and complete information on how to live in a van.

The all-female crew behind Bear Foot Theory includes founder Kristin, Director of Operations Linda, Assistant and collaborator Becky, and Content Coordinator, Courtney.

Let’s Play Ride and Seek: Best LGBTQ+ Van Life BlogGERS and Vloggers

Nat and Abi are the creative couple behind Let’s Play Ride and Seek . Nat is a chef and poet who contributes the words to their blog, her wife Abi is a professional photographer who documents their adventures on film. Hailing from South Carolina, Nat and Abi have been living on the road with their dogs Bear & Peluche for more than two and a half years.

Their blog has heaps of van life content, videos, poetry, and absolutely mouthwatering vegan recipes. They also take incredible photos that will leave you yearning for a romantic escapade on the road. As if that wasn’t enough they also run a popular YouTube channel under the same name.

Update from Abi 2022:

“ After 3.5 yrs traveling North America, living in a van with my wife, Natalie, it was time for a change from that 80 sq ft living space. Instead of settling down, we decided to get a second vehicle! My pup and I are now going solo in a vintage RV. Sometimes I’ll be caravanning with my wife, other times with my girlfriend, sometimes all of us together…that’s right, wife AND girlfriend. (YES, they are both aware + fully supportive). It’s called polyamory. Google it. 😉 “

Off the Grid with a Kid: Best Van Family Blog

Van life with children is challenging. Van life with kids means homeschooling, getting kids fed, and bathed, and keeping them happy and healthy on the road. Working while traveling or running a van life blog with a kid is even more challenging.

Often families who try their hand at van life do so for just a few months or a year before settling back down somewhere so the kids can get back to school and parents can go back to work. Not so for Bionca and her eleven-year-old son Carter who has been on the road for four years.

Besides an awesome blog name and Instagram handle, Off the Grid with a Kid is a great van life blog packed with authentic and inspiring content.

In addition to her blog, popular Instagram, and Youtube channel, Bionca is a life coach, public speaker, and aspiring author. While managing her many careers FROM THE ROAD this single mom and her son give back to the community through a variety of humanitarian projects. Excuse me, I feel a bit exhausted I need to lie down.

If you are looking for some serious motivation for van life with children, or if you have ever put off van life because *yoU doN’t HAve ThE tiME*, Bianca will inspire you, or at the very least shame you, into action.

Divine on the Road: Best Van Blog with a Dog

Divine on the Road has all the great practical information you’d expect from one of the best van life blogs on the internet. Here you’ll find build advice, lifestyle tips, and travel guides. But Sydney’s journey has been defined by one important feature, her dogs Ella and Pearl.

This blog has both dedicated articles on how to deal with pets on the road as well as build and lifestyle content from someone who actually travels full time with their dogs. Divine on the Road is perfect if you have been dreaming about taking Fido for an extended road trip.

Van Cat Meow: Best Van Blog with a Cat

Van Cat Meow has followed the adventures of Rich and his cat Willow since they quit the corporate world in 2014 to follow their dreams. In 2016, two became three when Steph (a human) jumped aboard.

Van Cat Meow focuses on stories and experiences as well as van build and van life posts, all with a feline angle of course.

Always the Adventure: Most Authentic Campervan Blog

We love the writing style and honest approach to blogging of Amber and Chris, creators of Always the Adventure .

Covering topics including climbing, sustainable travel, van builds, and remote work they provide practical and helpful information and inspiration written in a straightforward, accessible, and entertaining way.

SilenTravel: Best Black Identity Van Life Blog

SilenTravel is comprised of the letters of Sonia, an Italian blogger and content creator. She blogs about slow travel, which we love. Her writing is authentic and real, which we love as well. Sonia also takes beautiful photos to complement her writing.

Through her blog, Sonia shares her thoughts and opinions on identity, community, and race. She doesn’t pull any punches either as she offers a perspective that has been missing from the mainstream van life conversation. Sonia also uses her blog to raise awareness of the deaf community.

If you have been looking for a van life blog with a strong message and a focus on community and inclusion, this could be what you’ve been searching for.

From Rust to Road Trip: Best Van Life Vlog

Lucy and Ben of From Rust to Road Trips have a beautiful blue van, a penchant for exploring the less touristed parts of the world, an eye for photography, and great voices for narration. So naturally, they make fantastic videos about their incredible van life.

They document their adventures beautifully and honestly providing insight and inspiration from off-the-beaten-path destinations. From Rust to Road Trips goes beyond the veneer of other van life video channels to explore stories about the history and the people of the places they visit, as well as documenting their own journey. They also take absolutely beautiful photos which you can check out on their popular Instagram account .

The Wayward Home: Best Vanlife Blog for Practical Information and How-Tos

Former journalist Kristin Hanes has been blogging about all things van life, sail life, and tiny homes since 2016. 

Like us, Kristin has been working hard to crack the code of living with less, enjoying life’s adventure, and creating a deeper connection with nature. 

And now she is sharing that code. Her blog, The Wayward Home , carefully outlines all the practical information you need to begin and thrive on your own van life, sail life, or tiny home adventure. From how to start to the ins and outs of daily life (where does a van lifer have mail delivered??!) and even advice on how to earn money from the road, Kristin’s blog has a wealth of in-depth articles.

If you are looking for inspiration and as well as practical information to make the leap into van life, the Wayward Home is a wonderful place to start.

I hope you find these blogs as informative, authentic, and inspirational as we have! If you have a question or want to tell us about your favorite Van Life blog or vanlife bloggers, please let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more on van life lifestyle?

• Living in a Van and Working Full Time: 5 Essential Tips for Remote Working from a Van
• 51 Simple Van Life Hacks and Tips You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
• 8 Simple Van Life Tips for Living on the Road in a Van
• Van Life Food Ideas: 7 Disgustingly Simple Van Life Recipes
• 25 Van Life Kitchen Essentials for the Ultimate Van Chef

Want to save this list of the best van life blogs (or campervan travel blogs) in 2023 for later? Pin ’em!

In 2016, recently single, without a job, and an expiring lease I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

Along the way I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

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17 Comments

Hey there! Great list and I follow tons of those bloggers myself. I’m Kristin from The Wayward Home and I live part of the year in my Sprinter van – my blog has tons of posts about van life if you want to add it 🙂 http://www.thewaywardhome.com

Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing! Awesome blog we have added it to the list!

I don’t have a blog but been living vanlife for 10 years in total and wrote a song about it😁 Living in a van / Jonah Lake https://open.spotify.com/track/5FpO7Im6mXSP6cy2dweNRx?si=_FZuIv9vSOuRUBSTfbeiRQ&utm_source=copy-link

I’m not surprised you haven’t got time for a blog between surfing, dancing, photography, singing, and living in the van! I really enjoyed the music and reading your website, inspirational stuff. I’d like to include your Spotify and website in the list if you don’t mind. If you’re interested would you send an email with a photo we could use to [email protected] Cheers!

…just re-starting up after (hmm) callit 30 or so years. This is a kind of semi-retirement venture. Nice to have SocialSecurity deposit monthly, this time around. Will attempt to contact interesting bloggers, for what-the-hell. The journey (quickie conversion, the fuller conversion on*the*road, begins TODAY.

Nice, enjoy your adventure!

What a fantastic compilation. Van life appeals to me so much, other than the part of my kids living on top of me. =] I have the utmost respect for the Off the Kid with Kids fam!

Agreed! We don’t have kids yet but she is an inspiration!

Great list! Saving for future reading, we just bought an RV and will definitely find inspiration on here!

You will love living in your RV! Let us know if you have any questions about van life along the way.

Wow! So many interesting accounts to check out.

Yes, plenty of great van life content out there!

I love reading this, and it is truly inspiring. I do a lot of road trips, and just recently, I started to rent trucks, RVs, and vans to try it out – and the more I try, the more I love…next step for me is to buy my own van and I love reading this. Thanks for sharing it!

Yes, van life is a bit addictive! Let us know if we can help in any way with your next steps to become a van lifer like us!

Thanks for sharing such great research on blogs.

We’ve been enjoying van life this summer in Europe. It is such a great way to see some remote hidden gems. Thanks for sharing, I found some great new accounts to follow for more inspiration.

We haven’t traveled. by van in Europe yet but it is on our bucket list! Glad you could find some inspiration.

Destinations

Asian Wonderlands - Vietnam & Cambodia

Imperial japan, no tour available, glorious europe, poetic lake district – journey of a lifetime, symphony of east europe, canvas of balkan autumn, scandinavia & beyond arctic, in search of polar bear & pack ice : spitsbergen, golden europe with 11 countries, scandinavia with iceland, aurora express, the waves of italian coast, ethereal turkey & greece with macedon, african safari, ancient treasures of egypt, namibia, botswana & victoria falls, vibrant south africa, the animal kingdom, radiance of latin america.

Awaken the traveller in you

From Egypt to Antarctica, travel far and wide luxuriously with our expertly curated group tour packages.

Discover the Ancient Treasures of Egypt

Take a trip to the land of the pharaohs to experience a unique confluence of history, grandeur and adventure.

Travel Stories

We help transform your travel experiences into unforgettable memories.

Begin your Journey

Value-for-money packages | Expert Tour Guides Luxurious travel experience

Wildlife, Nature

Lake Elmenteita, Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara, Amboseli-Kilimanjaro

Art & Culture, History, Nature, Photography

France / Switzerland / Italy / Vatican City

History, Photography

Cairo / Aswan / Edfu / Luxor / Alexandria / Faiyum

Wildlife, Art & Culture

Siem Reap / Phnom Penh / Ho Chi Minh / Da Nang / Ha Long Bay / Hanoi

Art & Culture, Nature

London, Stratford, Stonehenge, Bristol, Cardiff, Lake Windermere, Lake Grasmere, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Belfast, Galway, Dublin

Warsaw / Krakow / Berlin / Dresden / Vienna / Salzburg / Budapest / Berlin

Venice / Postojna Cave / Ljubljana / Zagreb / Plitvice / Mount Triglav / Zadar / Split / Sarajevo / Mostar / Perast / Kotor / Dubrovnik

Art & Culture, Photography

Tokyo / Kyoto / Hiroshima / Osaka / Nara

Windhoek / Solitaire / Sesriem / Sossusvlei / Swakopmund / Khorixas / Etosha National Park / Etosha East / Rundu / Guma Lagoon / Divundu / Kasane / Chobe River Front / Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Nature, Wildlife

Cape Town / Knysna / Kruger / Johannesburg

Nature, Photography

Helsinki / Stockholm / Copenhagen / Oslo / Hardanger Fjord / Gol or Hemsdal / Flam / Bergen / Sognefjord / Lofoten Islands / Narvik / Tromsø

Nature, Photography, Wildlife

Oslo / Longyearbyen / Liefdefjorden / Monacobreen Glacier / Lomfjordshalvøya / Alkefjellet / Torrelnesset / Kongsfjorden / Ny-Ålesund / Ny-London

Art & Culture, History, Photography

London / Stratford / Oxford City / Keukenhof or Madurodam / Brussels / Paris / Zurich / Lucerne / Engelberg / Schaffhausen / Trier / Black Forest / Vaduz / Innsbruck / Venice / Florence / Pisa / Rome / Vatican City / Lauterbrunnen

Adventure, Nature, Art & Culture

Reykjavik / Fludir / Jokulsarlon / Vik / Copenhagen / Stockholm / Oslo / Gol or Hemsdal / Ulvik / Bergen

Adventure, Nature, Art & Culture, History

Rio de Janeiro / Sao Paulo / Iguazú – from Brazil & Argentina / Buenos Aires / Lima / Cuzco / Lake Titicaca / Manaus – Amazon

Adventure, Nature, Photography, Wildlife

Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, Nairobi

Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, Santa Claus Express, Rovaniemi, Kiruna, Narvik, Tromsø, Ranua with Ranua Zoo

Nature, Art & Culture

Rome, Vatican CIty, Polignano, Bari, Matera, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Pompei, Naples, Mt Visuvius, Herculaneum

Nature, History

Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Pella, Corfu

From the wilderness of Masai Mara to the pristine pure snow in Switzerland, from the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip to the spectacular and breathtaking view of Aurora Borealis from a glass-topped Igloo in the Arctic Circle, our destinations are handpicked and curated to provide travelers with the best experiences.

Our motto is to make our travelers live the journey, to capture the essence of the destination, to make them experience the many thrills and unique offerings of the place concerned, to provide comfort as we move from one adventure to the next. But most importantly, our priority is to ensure that you enjoy every moment of exploration at every single destination.

A myriad, vibrant landscape of stunning sceneries, inclusive cultures & warm people.

Virtually uninhabited, breathtaking melting point of the ice, the ocean and wilderness.

Pristine mountains, picturesque beaches, the seat of history & culture, the ultimate destination.

The thumping heart of wilderness. Primal, raw and unfiltered.

A kaleidoscopic collage of surreal sights and sounds, the centrefold of the modern world

Colourful, vibrant and all about nature at its most pure form.

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Following Measles Outbreaks, Officials Grow Wary of Renewed Threat

Cases this year have already topped the total in 2023. Unvaccinated travelers account for most infections.

By Apoorva Mandavilli

Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, is resurging in pockets of the United States, a warning of the dangers of the strengthening anti-vaccine movement.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more cases this year than the 58 tallied in all of 2023, although the agency is not expected to release exact numbers until Friday. On Monday, the agency advised health care providers to ensure that unvaccinated patients, especially those traveling internationally, stay updated on their immunizations.

The number of cases is likely to keep rising because of a sharp spike in measles worldwide, along with spring travel to some regions with outbreaks, including Britain, said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer at the C.D.C.’s respiratory disease division.

Nearly all the cases in the United States so far are related to unvaccinated travelers. “We’re not going to see widespread measles cases going throughout the country,” Dr. Patel said. “But we do expect additional cases and outbreaks to happen.”

Measles is among the most contagious of diseases; each infected person can spread the virus to as many as 18 others. The virus is airborne and can stay aloft up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, spreading rapidly through homes, schools and child care facilities.

In Chicago, one case of measles at a migrant shelter has grown to 13 , prompting the C.D.C. to send a team to help contain the outbreak. (Two additional cases in the city appear to be unrelated.)

In Florida, seven students at an elementary school contracted measles even as the state’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, left it to parents to decide whether unvaccinated children should attend school.

In southwest Washington, officials identified measles in six unvaccinated adult members of a family living in two counties. And in Arizona, an international traveler infected with measles dined at a restaurant and transmitted the virus to at least two others .

Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000, and American children generally must be immunized to attend school. Yet sporadic cases lead to larger outbreaks every few years. But now a drop in vaccination rates, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, has experts worried about a resurgence.

When vaccinations lag, “the first disease to appear is measles, because it’s highly infectious,” said Dr. Saad Omer, dean of the O’Donnell School of Public Health at U.T. Southwestern in Dallas.

Nine of 10 unvaccinated people in close contact with a measles patient will become infected, according to the C.D.C.

Measles is far less deadly in countries with high immunization rates and good medical care. Fewer than three of every 1,000 American children with measles will die as a result of severe complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, the swelling of the brain.

Still, about one in five people with measles may end up in a hospital.

Because widespread measles outbreaks have been rare, most Americans, including doctors, may not recognize the vibrant red rash that accompanies respiratory symptoms in a measles infection. They may have forgotten the impact of the disease on individuals and communities.

“Most of our local health department folks have never seen a measles outbreak,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist of Idaho, which contained a small cluster of cases last year.

“It’s going to be a big challenge to us to respond if and when we get our next outbreak,” she said.

Before the first measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, the disease killed an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide each year. But its full impact may have been much greater.

Measles cripples the immune system, allowing other pathogens easier entry into the body. A 2015 study estimated that measles may have accounted for as many as half of all infectious disease deaths in children.

For about a month after the acute illness, measles can stun the body’s first response to other bacteria and viruses, said Dr. Michael Mina, chief science officer of the digital health company eMed and formerly an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

That leaves patients “massively susceptible to bacterial pneumonias and other things,” said Dr. Mina, who was the lead author on the 2015 study.

“It’s very risky for people in those first few weeks post measles,” he added.

The virus also induces a sort of immune-system amnesia. Normally the body “remembers” the bacteria and viruses it has fought before. Dr. Mina and his colleagues showed in 2019 that people who have measles lose between 11 and 73 percent of their hard-won immune repertoire, a loss that can last for years.

That does not mean the body no longer recognizes those pathogens at all, but it does shrink the arsenal of weapons available to fight them.

“People should be aware that if they’re choosing not to vaccinate, that’s the position they’re putting themselves and their family in,” Dr. Mina said.

The C.D.C. recommends receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine after 12 months of age, and a second between ages 4 and 6. Even a single dose of the vaccine is 93 percent effective. Measles vaccination averted 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

Vaccination rates in the United States have shown a distinct, if small, dip to 93 percent in the 2022-23 school year from 95 percent in 2019-20 — the level required to protect everyone in the community. Rates of vaccination exemptions increased in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

In a survey last year , just over half of Republicans said that public schools should require measles vaccinations, compared with about 80 percent before the pandemic. (Support for vaccines among Democrats held steady.)

While national or state-level vaccination rates may be high, there may be pockets of low immunization that provide tinder for the measles virus, Dr. Omer said.

If there are enough unvaccinated cases to sustain an outbreak, even those who are vaccinated but whose immunity may have waned are vulnerable, he said.

In Idaho, 12 percent of kindergarten-age children do not have a record of vaccination. Some of the gap results from parents unable or unwilling to share records with the schools, and not because their children are not immunized, Dr. Hahn said.

Still, online schools, which proliferated through the pandemic and remain popular in the state, have some of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions, she said.

In September, a young Idaho man brought measles back after international travel and became ill enough to be hospitalized . Along the way, he exposed fellow passengers on two flights, dozens of health care workers and patients, and nine unvaccinated family members. All nine developed measles.

Idaho got “very lucky” with the outbreak because the family lived in a remote area, Dr. Hahn said. But there are most likely many other areas in the state where an outbreak would be difficult to contain.

“We’ve got plenty of tinder, if you will,” she added.

Some large outbreaks in recent years exploded among huge clusters of unvaccinated people, including the Amish in Ohio and the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City.

In September 2018, one unvaccinated child returned to New York City from Israel, ferrying measles virus picked up during an outbreak in that country.

Even though the city maintains high vaccination rates, that single case set off an outbreak that raged for nearly 10 months, the largest in the country in decades. The city declared a public health emergency for the first time in more than 100 years.

“We had more than 100 chains of transmission,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner at the time, and now the president and chief executive of United Hospital Fund.

“Keeping all of that straight was a challenge,” she recalled. “And to have to investigate over 20,000 exposures like that, that was huge.”

Working with community leaders, city officials hurriedly administered about 200,000 doses of vaccine. More than 550 city staff members were involved in the response, and the final cost to the city’s health department topped $8 million.

The C.D.C. is working with state and local health departments to identify pockets of low vaccination and prepare them for outbreaks, Dr. Patel said. The agency is also training health care providers to recognize measles symptoms, particularly in patients with a history of international travel.

Measles is a slippery adversary, but public health is intimately familiar with the tools needed to contain it: screening, tracing contacts and vaccinating the susceptible.

“We’re not helpless bystanders,” Dr. Omer said. “The focus needs to be on meat-and-potatoes public health.”

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli

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A 280-mile-long volcano may have been discovered on Mars—hiding in plain sight

The colossal volcano is taller than Mount Everest, would reach from New York City to Washington, D.C., and may be a promising site to look for ancient remnants of microbial life.

It’s not every day you discover a brand-new gigantic volcano on another planet—but that’s exactly what a pair of researchers claim to have done. At almost 30,000 feet tall (a little higher that Everest), and perhaps 280 miles long at its base (lengthier than the distance between Washington D.C. and New York City), it is an utter behemoth. Like all volcanoes on Mars, there are no signs that’s it’s currently active. And it could be remarkably ancient—a volcanic witness to most of the Red Planet’s multi-billion-year history.

“We were both in disbelief that this was indeed a giant volcano and that no one seemed to have reported it before,” says Pascal Lee , a planetary scientist at the SETI Institute, one of the two co-discoverers. “I think it's fair to say that we were excited.”

Lee and his colleague presented their findings at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, last week. Found overlaying an expansive maze of water-eroded caverns and tunnels named Noctis Labyrinthus—meaning “Maze of the Night”—the team have given their putative volcano the provisional name of Noctis, pending further analyses by the scientific community. The volcanic architecture has been heavily eroded by eons of water and glacial movement, which they claim is why Noctis has been overlooked until now.

Mars’s magmatic past

Not everyone agrees that a colossal volcano has truly been discovered. The work has yet to be peer-reviewed, but those who saw the presentation at the conference are intrigued, but skeptical.

“The researchers made an interesting case, but it is not entirely convincing,” says Rosaly Lopes , a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory who wasn’t involved with the new work. “The area is highly eroded. It is difficult to tell for sure.” But, she adds, “I think most of us still think it is an interesting idea and worthy of more study.”

Mars was once a volcanically active world, featuring myriad explosive and effusive eruptions—and the construction of some truly elephantine volcanoes, including the famous Olympus Mons, which is three times taller than Everest. It’s so weighty, it even sank back into the planet a little.

Even though there are some tantalizing signs that future eruptions on the planet may occur, most scientists suspect Earth’s neighbor is past its eruptive heyday. And although small clusters of volcanic features are occasionally found by eagle-eye researchers, it’s presumed that the larger edifices have all be identified. Mars has an essentially transparent atmosphere, and aside from the odd global dust storm, its surface has been near-continuously perused by orbiting spacecraft, going back to NASA’s Mariner 9 satellite that arrived above the ochre world in 1971.

So when Lee, and fellow team member Sourabh Shubham , a Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland, claimed to have discovered a giant volcano, it came as a surprise.

Searching for an ancient volcano

Using a suite of orbital mission maps created over the past half-century, they focused on a field of deposits created by explosive volcanic activity, one that had been incised by the remains of a glacier. Wondering where this volcanic material may have erupted from, they looked nearby, to the eastern extent of Noctis Labyrinthus, and “we saw something remarkable,” says Lee: the shape of what they think is an eroded volcano, topped with a cauldron-like pit at its partly collapsed peak, and adorned with old lava flows, blankets of volcanic ash, and mineral patches cooked up by magmatically heated flowing water.

Based on the advanced extent of its erosion, the layering of its erupted matter, and comparing its fractures with those of Noctis Labyrinthus (whose formation time is broadly known), they suspect the volcano first took shape more than 3.7 billion years ago, then effervesced and erupted perhaps as recently as 10 million years ago.

“We are looking at a volcano whose activity spans the bulk of Mars' geologic history,” says Lee. And the presence of a prolonged heat source in an area known to have been adorned with glaciers also implies that this may be an exciting area for a future rover to explore—a former site of warm pools within which a robotic sleuth may find signs of past microbial life.

Despite Lee’s confidence, though, others aren’t convinced. The features identified as eruption deposits or volcanic landforms aren’t unequivocally volcanic, and it isn’t yet clear how continuous or not they are.

“This is not enough to convince me this is a volcano,” says Tracy Gregg , a planetary volcanologist at the University at Buffalo. “An impact crater that was filled and eroded could show similarities.”

While the possibility of a titanic overlooked volcano on Mars is tantalizing, more evidence is needed to confirm if this is truly an explosive new discovery.

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Barbie dreams come true: Kansas is getting a new Mattel theme park, like Arizona

A new Mattel Adventure Park is headed for Kansas.

Mattel Inc., whose brands include Barbie , Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, announced the plans on Wednesday in partnership with Epic Resort Destinations.

“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, an immersive theatre, themed dining, and so much more,” Mattel’s Chief Franchise Officer Josh Silverman said in a statement. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”

It’ll be the second such park in the country. The first Mattel Adventure Park is currently being built in Glendale, Arizona, and is expected to open late this year.

Here’s what travelers and Mattel fans should know.

When is Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City opening?

The park is expected to open in 2026. Mattel plans to break ground later this year.

Amusement park season is here: 2024 opening dates to know

Where will Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City be located?

The park will actually be located in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Mattel says it will be an “an all-new entertainment resort destination.”

What’s planned for Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City?

The new park will feature the same attractions as Mattel Adventure Park Glendale, Arizona:

• A “larger-than-life Barbie Beach House” with a "flying theater," interactive Barbie Dream Closet Experience, and rooftop restaurant and bar
• Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and highly anticipated Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer roller coaster
• Five “experiential attractions” themed around Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor
• He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag
• Mini-golf inspired by Mattel games
• An oversized UNO climbing structure