Learn the local celebrities – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re going overseas, especially for a longer trip like with studying abroad, a good way to ease the culture shock is to study up on the names in the news.

Every country has their own TV, movie, sports and political stars, and that’s who people will be talking about. If you want to be able to keep up with the local chatter, do a little studying before you leave so that you know who’s making buzz and why.

Being ready to name drop a few celebs will really make an impression on the people you meet as you travel.

[Photo: Flickr | cikaga jamie]

Bring cookie sheets – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Cookie sheets may seem like an odd suggestion for a road trip, but they have LOTS of uses! If you’re traveling with kids, cookie sheets make great trays for snacks or on-the-go meals — the edges help catch spills!

If you flip them over, they make a great desk for coloring, card games, and other activities that are better on a flat surface. If you have really little guys traveling with you, bring along those metallic letters and numbers. They stick to the cookie sheets, for lots of fun play.

Finally, they’re a good seat divider between arguing siblings.

[Photo: Flickr | Veganbaking.net]

Pack your alter ego – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Admit it! Deep inside you, there is a wild child — or perhaps a sophisticate? — waiting to get out. Pack those outfits you’ve been too afraid to wear. Remember, on vacation you run the show! You can be whomever you want!

Since no one knows you, there are no preconceived notions … except your own. Express those hidden personality traits you’re usually too shy to reveal.

That green eyeshadow doesn’t have to continue gathering dust, neither does the purple feathered fedora. Vacation is about enjoying yourself. Have fun and show off!

[Photo: Flickr | dreamglow pumpkincat210]

Travel gear: How to pack a pair of shoes without a plastic bag

by Amy Chen on

I’m a germaphobe who cringes at the idea of packing my shoes anywhere near my clothes. But travel requires you to get a little dirty, so I tell myself that a plastic bag has to be enough to keep the germs from contaminating the rest of my stuff.

But a funny thing happened while I was packing for a recent trip to Houston: I actually ran out of plastic bags. (Guess my effort to be green and use eco-friendly totes has finally paid off). I knew there were other packing shortcuts, but it felt wasteful to use a clean gallon-size Ziploc bag for my dirty shoes. Wrapping my shoes in something flimsy like tissue paper just wasn’t going to cut it, and the idea of putting my shoes in a New York Times plastic sleeve (that was just outside on the sidewalk) didn’t help the germaphobia.

Enter the Shoefly ($19.95), a machine-washable tote that protects your purse or suitcase from your dirty shoes. I know it sounds ridiculous, but the streets of New York City aren’t exactly clean. The bag, which has a drawstring closure, is large enough for a pair of sneakers, and it can easily stretch to fit a pair of heels. The bag’s material (a blend of polyester and Lycra) feels like velour, lending a glam touch to an otherwise pretty filthy function.

Granted, it does feel a little indulgent to justify buying a bag for your shoes when a plastic grocery bag is about as budget-friendly as you can get. But when it comes to measuring other things — the environment, perhaps? — I’m happy to run out of plastic bags. Plus, I love the idea of being able to launder the Shoefly bag when it gets dirty (both on the inside and out). If I were at all crafty (and had a sewing machine), this is the kind of thing that I’d love to make by the dozen.

All too often, travel gear is something that I pull out a few times a year but then put away until the next vacation. Luckily, the Shoefly is versatile enough for daily use, such as for changing into work shoes once I get to the office.

Where to Buy: The Shoefly bag is currently only available online at www.shoeflybags.com for $19.95. Add $2.95 for shipping.

Travel fitness: Packing light helps travelers stay in shape

by Gadling Staff on

A little bit of planning while you pack will help you to stay in shape and explore your destination with ease. Packing light is essential, and each of these items earns their space in your luggage. Follow the strategy outlined below and you will have an inexpensive, easy to pack, and fun way to explore a new destination that keeps you in shape while you travel.

Running Shoes: Pack a pair of running shoes, preferably trail running shoes. These may double as walking or hiking shoes during your trip.

Synthetic Running Shorts/Bottoms: Depending on the climate where you are traveling and the level of cultural appropriateness, bring either running shorts or running pants/tights. They should be made from quick-dry synthetic materials. Don’t plan on doing double duty with exercise clothing on your trip — even if you do plan to do laundry.

Running Shirts: Soccer (football to the rest of the world) jerseys make wonderful running shirts in Europe. They are a fun, useful souvenir and a nice conversation starter when you are out. Just be smart and don’t jog through the park sporting the jersey of local team’s arch rival.Sport Watch: You need a watch with a timer, but it’s likely you have one already in hand so just set the right time and go.

A Map: Yes, you will need a map of your destination!

Running Wallet: If you don’t have a good pocket, keep enough money for an emergency cab ride in the local currency, the name and location of your hotel, plus personal ID and emergency contact information with you.

Running is one of the most efficient methods of exercise and it doesn’t require any specialized equipment or a specific location. If you are not a runner this routine works equally well for walkers. Even if your hotel does have a gym, ditch it. The great outdoors awaits!

Study your map for a nearby location where you can easily run or walk. Public parks, river paths, beaches, lakes, and old railway tracks (in the US) usually offer a great venue. If you are unsure about the safely or appropriateness of an area, check with your hotel. Plan a simple route and estimate how long it will take you. Ideally, you will be able to travel in a single direction and turn around at a landmark or when a certain amount of time has passed.

Warm up by walking to your route’s start, stretch, start your timer and head out. At your halfway time mark, head for home. A cool down followed by a few push-ups and sit-ups go a long way to keeping you fit on travel.

Plan your run for a beautiful time of day. An early morning or late evening run offers a unique on-the-ground view of a new area. New terrain will keep your eyes and your feet interested and engaged. You may even make a new acquaintance or two! Running can help you appreciate a new area and keep you fit while you are away from home.

Heather Thomas is a Seed.com writer.