Write down your thoughts – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

As a student in Aix, I kept a paper journal (the Internet was not nearly as hot, and those French keyboards really threw me!). Later, while backpacking through South America, I e-mailed home lengthy, descriptive notes. My friend dubbed them “1940’s Dispatches From Far Away.” And, now, wherever I go, I blog.

Recently, while visiting my grandmother, she produced a folder. She had printed out every electronic communication I had ever sent her. I read through them, laughed, and then immediately went home to find my journal from Aix.

Re-reading your stream-of-consciousness thoughts from “there”? That’s the best souvenir. It’s almost as good as going back.

Use a guitar case – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

A worthy and creative packing idea from a friend I met in rural Bolivia…

As a musician, my friend Sean refused to travel without his instrument. After having all his possesions stolen in Ecuador, Sean decided to buy a regular sized guitar case and a travel sized guitar. He stuffed his few necessary belongings in the extra space of the case and continued along his journey with his musical instrument and possessions in tow. He had everything he needed, and traveled with the ease of a wandering muscian without being fingered as the classic backbacking foreigner. Genius!

Pro tip: ditch the guitar and just carry the suitcase. You’re bound to look like a local.

Do your laundry before you come home – (Un)Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re anything like me, unpacking once you get home often takes as long (if not longer) than actually packing for the trip.

If you can, do your laundry the day before you leave your vacation spot (this works especially well when you’re visiting relatives).

Not only will you have clean clothes once you return, but it’s a way to make sure you actually come home with everything you either packed for the trip or purchased while on vacation. Once you’re home, unpacking isn’t so tough because alI you have to do is bring the bag in, put your clothes where they belong, and put the suitcase back in the attic.

Play ‘Radio Station Roulette’ – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

One game my friends and I developed during a few of our epic road trips is something we call “Radio Station Roulette.” Here’s how to play:

  1. Push the scan button on your car stereo.
  2. Wait until it stops on a station – the first to name the title and artist of the song playing on the station wins a point.
  3. Repeat as many times as you want. The person with the most points at the end is the ‘Music Master.’

This game is a great way to boost energy during your road trip (and it might even inspire a little fun competition among music-loving friends!)

Plan out Day One – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling across time zones, have an itinerary upon arrival: take a walk in the park, grab a coffee, and familiarize yourself with your temporary stomping grounds on Day One. Not only does this make the most of your time, it also combats jet lag and keeps your mind stimulated, allowing you to go to sleep at a regular hour.

Best way to start: go online and look at websites for your destination. Pick out a few low-key places you’d like to visit, and write down their addresses and entrance costs, if applicable. Keep this sheet with your other travel documents, and pull it out when you reach your destination.