Successful traveling involves multi-step planning. With several years experience in traveling abroad and creating itineraries, I’ve pulled together topics I focus on and the methods my family uses.
Choosing a Destination
Unless I am returning to a previously visited location, I allow enough time to plan a trip. The more I know about where I am going, the less stressed I will be while abroad …
Creating a Travel Budget
Building a travel budget involves detail, research, and flexibility. A simple miscalculation can affect the overall cost of my trip. Therefore, I break my budget down into categories and then work my way through item by item …
Driving in Europe
Unless prepared to tackle the narrow roads, foreign language signs, and the traffic in Europe, I avoid driving. The alternative to driving is taking the train and/or bus. On the other hand, sometimes the best means of transportation is a car, and in that case, I do the following …
Eating in Europe
Exploring food choices is exciting when traveling. It’s one of my favorite enjoyments when abroad. Partly because I don’t have to cook, unless staying at a rental home, but also because there are wonderful culinary options in every country …
Leaving Home Checklist
I don’t want to be concerned with issues from home while I am abroad, such as a phone call about a water hose that was left on. Things may pop up, but it’s always best to limit the possible disruptions. Therefore I have used a checklist of items to handle before leaving …
Leaving Pets at Home
Our family loves our dog, and we take seriously her safety at home while we are abroad. Separation from their humans can be stressful for pets too. When seeing our suitcases, our dog would hide, as she knew what was coming. Therefore, making sure everyone, including our dog, is comfortable with the arrangements while we travel, is a game changer …
Luggage
I recently traveled abroad with my brother and his wife and their suitcase handle was broken. Which means the broken suitcase had to be frequently carried. It was just one of those things that happens and it reminded me how nice a functioning rolling piece of luggage makes travel a delight …
Packing to Travel
I have tried various packing methods, and what works for me may not work for someone else. Each person has their own preferences. And over the years my family has refined their individual packing style …
Travel Clothes
Taking too many clothes, not enough clothes, bringing uncomfortable shoes, or not bringing enough warm or cold weather clothing can make traveling miserable. Some careful thought and planning helps me create a practical travel wardrobe …
Travel Documents
What happens if I don’t have the confirmation number and the hotel doesn’t have my reservation. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened to me, but I don’t like running the risk which means my travel documents are reviewed in detail prior to leaving, and I have copies with me …
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is expensive, but after submitting a few claims over the years, I am thankful for the coverage and peace of mind …
Travel Money
I was surprised on my last UK visit to discover “credit card only” with many merchants and cafes. After years of always carrying cash, I’ve had to readjust my thinking to using a credit card more frequently, and carrying less cash …
Traveling with a Mobile Phone
I can’t imagine traveling without my mobile phone, since I rely so much on navigation tools as well as communication …
Traveling with Children
I’ve learned a few valuable tips over the years when it comes to traveling with children. When it comes to being safe, we imposed stronger boundaries than when at home. At the same time, we wanted everyone to have a great time …
