3 Tips to Unplug While on Vacation

We live in a world where people are expected to be connected at all times. Between having smartphones practically glued to our hands lest we miss something on Facebook to the constant need to check our work email, unplugging from our digital world is hard. And yet, it’s something that needs to happen once in a while. For example, nobody can be expected to truly enjoy a vacation if they have to constantly monitor their social media accounts or respond to every email they receive.

If you really want to relax and have a good time during your next holiday, you need to unplug from the rest of the world. If that’s too hard for you, here are some tips that will help.

Don’t Worry About Work

One reason why so many people simply can’t unplug when they’re away from home is that they are terrified of missing out on something important at work. They might think someone will need them to perform an all-important task that only they can do, or they think a client or co-worker will need their advice about something. As a result, they end up checking their work email constantly when they should be doing something fun. Some of them do this out of habit. We understand that you have an important role to play at work; that’s why you have the job that you have, after all.

Still, you have to understand that you aren’t the only one who can handle emergencies that might pop up. You have co-workers who can cover for you and supervisors who can let you know about any important goings-on after you come back. Tell yourself that your place of business will be just fine while you have fun and de-stress from work for a week or two. And no, you won’t be swamped when you come back as long as everyone else is doing their job.

Digitally Declutter

Just about everyone receives emails and messages that they don’t want. If you don’t want to be constantly bugged by notifications that you don’t care about, cancel some of the subscriptions that you don’t need and unfollow accounts that annoy you. You’d be surprised at how much this cuts down on the number of unwanted messages you get every day. While you’re at it, turn off your push notifications if you don’t want to be bothered at all for a while.

Put Your Phone Down

If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or checking your email, just put your phone down for a while. Leave it in your hotel room when you go out, put it on the table face down when you sit down to eat, or do whatever you can to physically go without it for a while. It might feel stressful if you’re not used to being unplugged, but we guarantee you’ll get used to it and learn to relax.

5 Handy Tips for Traveling to South America

South America is a popular destination for tourists. Some people go there to enjoy its natural beauty, while others visit historical sites or enjoy the local culture. While the details of any trip to South America will vary dramatically based on the itinerary, there are a few tricks and techniques that can make almost any journey easier.

Study the Currency

South America is a diverse continent that is home to many countries. Those nations all have their own currencies. Travelers who want to visit several countries should keep a close eye on the exchange rates and be careful to carry the correct currency for their destinations.

Practice the Language

Many people in South America speak some English, but few of them speak it natively. Spanish is the dominant language in most of South America, with Brazil as a notable exception. Traveler’s don’t need to speak perfect Spanish to get by in South America, but it can be a good idea to learn a few basic phrases. That will make it much easier to get through simple interactions, such as ordering food or even asking for directions.

Focus on Timing

Timing is everything when traveling. Many local events, such as festivals, only take place for a few days or weeks each year. Nature lovers should be careful to make sure that they schedule their trip during a season with good weather. On the other hand, it is usually possible to save money by avoiding the height of the tourist season.

Shop Around

A trip to South America can be a highly affordable choice, especially for people who shop around. Prices vary dramatically from one airline, hotel, or restaurant to the next. Travelers can often save a lot of money by shopping around and taking the time to find the best deal. They can use that money to extend their trip or fill it with new experiences without going over budget.

Stay Flexible

South America is full of surprises. It is common for travelers to encounter unexpected attractions and local events as they explore the continent. Taking the time to enjoy those pleasant surprises will build memories that last a lifetime. It is best to build a rough schedule to be sure of hitting all of the important sites and events, but the schedule should also allow for free time to explore the unexpected.

International Travel Tips

No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

Choose Your Destination

Whether you know exactly where you want to go, or you’re still weighing your options, the hardest part of traveling is deciding where to go. Are you looking to stay closer to your home country and start close before becoming an international globetrotter, or are you looking to go as far away as possible for your first trip? You should also consider the cuisine and language when choosing your destination. Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be able to narrow your choice down to one or two locations.

If you are still unsure, ask friends or family members who have traveled internationally were their favorite destinations have been. It’s okay to ask for advice while planning your trip. Sometimes the people you know can give you the best insight on different locations.

Book in Advance

Travel experts say that you should book your airfare between 56-62 days before your scheduled departure to get the best deal. Some of the best flight deals can be found on Tuesdays and flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday will often offer travelers the best prices.

Current Passport

While this is the most obvious thing you need when traveling internationally, it’s often the item people forget to grab on their way out the door to the airport or they realize that it’s expired right before their trip! Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Once you book your trip, locating your passport and making sure that it is valid during your trip should take top priority.

Some travel companies recommend making a copy of your passport in case you lose it on your trip. Instead of carrying it as an additional document while you’re traveling, send a copy of it to your email, or upload it to a document storage service like DropBox, iCloud or Amazon Drive.

Give Yourself Time for Jet Lag

Recovering from long flights are challenging enough, but recovering from the actual trip is something additional people do not plan for. It can often take up to a week to adjust for time changes. Try to remember to fight your jet lag by getting plenty of rest before your trip and try to adjust your schedule to get your body prepared to travel.

What to Pack for Your Next Backpacking Trip

There’s nothing worse than setting out on a backpacking trip only to find you forgot something critical. Many avid campers and backpacking enthusiasts keep their backpacks stocked with essential items. However, even the savviest hiker forgets to restock important gear.

Whether you are a novice in the backpacking world or returning after an extended absence, it’s tough to know just what to bring without overloading your pack and your back. These tips should help you fill your backpack with the necessities. Time and experience will bring the confidence necessary to create your own customized list.

Most experts agree that the best backpacking tip they have is to keep it light. Keep your essential items weight-free as much as possible. If you plan to bring a book, think paperback instead of that hardback edition.

Short-Term Backpacking, Hiking and Camping Essentials

If you plan to head up to the mountains to hike for a few days, you’ll want to include most or all of these things in or on your backpack. Basic items start with a tent for a way to provide shelter. Next, a decent sleeping bag is important even during the summer months. Invest in a good sleeping pad to avoid sleeping directly on the hard ground and possibly risk getting wet and chilled.

Food and water are essential for existence. To this end, consider a lightweight, compact camping stove and a sturdy water bottle. Don’t forget utensils. A water filtration system or purifier is prudent no matter how clean the water looks. Expertsalso recommend matches, a headlamp or flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a map/GPS system. Layered clothing and proper footwear are vital to avoid injuries and protect your body.

Longer Backpacking for Mixed Environments

If you plan to use your backpack while traveling through cities and rural areas as well as for camping purposes, you may wish to include additional items. These essentials include a sturdy lock to stow your backpack securely while exploring a new town or city. If blogging is your passion, do not forget your laptop and a universal travel charger.

Wearing a security belt with a hidden money pouch keeps your funds secured far better than a slippery wallet. A folding day bag makes it easy to take only the items needed from your backpack for a quick trip to town. Don’t forget a towel for use after swimming or a shower. A mesh laundry bag is practical for stashing dirty laundry until you reach a laundromat. Finally, a folding toiletries bag keeps personal items organized and keeps them handy.

Organized backpackers recommend keeping a checklist of items you want in your backpack. Before setting out for the day or for a month-long journey, check off each thing on your list once it’s stowed safely within your pack.