Hidden Costs of Cheap Accommodation

While everyone else flocked to New York, I enjoyed the holiday spirit in Washington, DC at a fraction of the cost and explored some fantastic museums.

Travel smarter, folks.

Now, let's get down to business.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are preparing for our annual journeys to celebrate with loved ones. Whether you're planning a quick drive to a neighboring town or catching a cross-country flight, here are some essential tips to help you navigate the holiday travel rush with ease.

Be Patient & Plan Ahead

The roads and airports will be bustling with fellow travelers, many navigating unfamiliar routes or dealing with seasonal stress. Build extra buffer time into your schedule - trust me, you'll thank yourself later! Remember, reaching your destination safely is more important than reaching it quickly.

Travel Light

If you're flying, stick to carry-on luggage whenever possible. Not only will this save you time at check-in, but you'll also avoid the holiday headache of lost baggage. Plus, less luggage means more freedom to move through crowded terminals with ease. If you need to check luggage, be sure to place an AirTag in each bag.

Traveling with Holiday Gifts

Planning to bring presents on your flight? Here's a pro tip: skip the gift wrapping! Instead, either ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time or pack them in easy-to-open gift bags. Trust me on this one - if TSA needs to inspect your luggage (which happens more often during the holidays), you'll save yourself the heartache of seeing your beautiful wrapping job torn apart. Plus, gift bags are easier to pack and can be flattened to save space in your suitcase!

Pack Snacks

We all know how "hangry" can strike at the worst moments - especially during travel! Pack some protein-rich snacks, fresh fruit, and maybe a few holiday treats. Having readily available snacks can prevent unnecessary stops and keep everyone's spirits high during the journey.

Prioritize Safety

According to AAA, there were 1 million car accidents during last year's holiday season. If you're driving, take regular breaks every couple of hours. Switch drivers if possible, and never hesitate to pull over if you're feeling drowsy. Your safety is the greatest gift you can give your loved ones this holiday season.

Wishing you safe and a joyful holiday!

Keep Traveling,

Andrew

Where will you be traveling this holiday season?

Cocktail of the Week

The English Garden cocktail was created in England, inspired by the lush greenery and fragrant orchards of the country’s traditional gardens. This refreshing drink highlights quintessential British flavors, combining gin with apple and elderflower for a crisp, floral experience.

Ingredients:

• 50ml (1.7 oz) gin

• 25ml (0.8 oz) elderflower cordial

• 50ml (1.7 oz) apple juice

• 15ml (0.5 oz) fresh lime juice

• Ice cubes

• Fresh mint or apple slice (for garnish)

Preparation:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Add gin, elderflower cordial, apple juice, and lime juice.

• Shake well until chilled.

• Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

• Garnish with fresh mint or an apple slice before serving.

Random Travel Thought

When traveling with someone, take large doses of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee. —Helen Hayes

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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