MAP MY PTO
Tips and Travel Essentials
It's important to have the right travel essentials to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. From packing cubes to packable floatie toys, I've got you covered. I've handpicked my favorite and most essential items for your trip, so you can focus on experiencing new making memories.
Tips and Tricks
Rick Steves Free Audio Guides (and guidebooks)
My hometown hero..the GOAT. If you didn't already know, this is a Rick Steves stan account. If you're traveling within Europe, before you leave home, download some free audio guides. The self guided walking tours (my favorite) are really helpful to familiarize yourself to a new city quickly, and the audio tours of the top sites (including museums) can end up saving you tons of money, and are much more interesting then the ones usually provided.
Of course I think my itineraries are the best (*hair flip*), but I don't want to gaitkeep, and the Rick Steves guidebooks are like having your dad on speed dial (if your dad knew everything about everything about everywhere). As an inexperienced baby traveler, these books were (who am I kidding, ARE) my bible.
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Rick for president.
Pre-Plan Your Restaurants and Meals
Han·gry /ˈhaNGÉ¡rÄ“/ (adjective): Bad tempered or irritable as a result of hunger
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I don't take my meals lightly, especially when I'm travelling, and there's nothing worse than wasting a meal on a sub par dish or (*gasp*) takeout because you are tired, hungry, and can't make a decision. So do this: research resturants ahead of time (I even research certain dishes I don't want to miss out on), and save them to a google map or your Tripadvisor account. Both of these methods will let you create a note for each location, jot down why you chose the spot (was it for a great happy hour, views, good for lunch etc.). Now, when you are in a new city, just open up your map or app and voila! you have your list of great options, and a map to see what might be closest to you.
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For intructions on how to create your own Google map click here
Use Your Resources
Do logistics stress you out? Instead of spending hours on the internet trying to figure out where you're going to park, how to catch the ferry, how much a taxi should cost, and where you're going to get your laundry done, send a quick email to your B&B host or hotel concierege. They are an invaluable resourse that knows the area better than anyone, and are happy to help answer your questions and provide recommendations.
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Google Translate
Worried about not being able to read road signs, menus, or ask for directions when you're in a pickle? Google translate can help with all of that! Download the app to your phone, and you can even download a language ahead of time to be used when you're offline. My favorite feature of the app is that I'm able to use my phone's camera to translate text real time, such a time saver for restaurant menus, and a lifesaver for parking signs!
Baggage Service Guarantee​
Don't leave free miles on the table! Both Delta and Alaska Airlines will give their customers miles if their luggage takes over 20 minutes to arrive at baggage claim. it works like this:
Alaska Airlines: If your bags are not at the baggage claim within 20 minutes of the planes arrival at the gate, Alaska will offer a $25 discount code OR 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus Miles. Just go to the baggage office within 2 hours of your flights arrival for your discount code or miles.
Delta: If you're luggage doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less, you are eligible to recieve 2,500 bonus miles. Offer is valid only on domestic flights within the U.S., and you must be a SkyMiles member at the time of travel. To request the credit, you'll need to head to their website and fill out the form here.
