Travel Tips

So, I've been lucky. I've been able to have different travel opportunities: by myself, with great friends. I want to share what I have learned through trial and error. There are a few things that I always try to travel with, and a few ideas that REALLY help group travel.

For starters, I always try to pack as light as possible. Moving from place to place is a much bigger pain if you are lugging a gigantic suitcase around. Thus, I'm always on the search for pieces of clothing that I can layer, that are versatile, and that are fashionable.
Among my light packing, I always make sure I bring:

1) small travel towel: One of those quick dry travel towels are key. It only has to be the size of a hand towel, a bigger one takes up too much space. If it's wet, you can always hang it on the outside of your back pack or suitcase to dry.

2) two sarongs: At least for girls, a sarong is as multipurpose as you can get. I always take two, one for inside, which I use to cover myself with after I dry myself with my teeny travel towel. I can also use it as a sheet to sleep with if I need it. And the other for outside use, laying on the grass or going to the beach.

3) Tiny gifts: I always load up on little teeny gifts to bring with me, because always during my travels, someone ends up helping me and I want to repay them with a small gesture. Right now I have a stock of earrings (South American countries are loaded with cheap amazing earrings) and in the past I've carried little Asian adornments. Something uniquely from your country is nice and people always appreciate it. (If someone helps me out a LOT, I always try to buy a nice gift and send it to them....it's super important to thank people)

4) foldable duffle bag: It's a great idea to bring one of those bags that fold up nice and tiny. They come in handy when you need an extra bag, and especially when you are traveling back and you need another bag to check in. Japanese and Asian stores are usually a great place to find these, if you ever fly Jet Blue and leave from JFK, there's a great store in the main terminal that sells great travel accessories.

5) wrist wallet: I found these wrist wallets from Sprig that are great! They work really well for when you want to go out dancing and you just want to bring some cash and your ID. And the best thing is no one has an idea that they are a wallet....they run about $15, and people love them, so if you want to bring a couple down as presents, they will surely be appreciated. Here's the website: http://www.sprigsville.com/banjees/detail1.html

6) digital watch: Since I don't have the use of a cell phone all the time when I'm traveling, digital watches are super handy. You can also use the alarm if you need to.

7) Dollar bills: My parents always told me to travel with 1 dollar bills, and I never really believed them, but recently I traveled to Argentina and Costa Rica, where dollars are widely used. They are great for tips, because often times when you get somewhere and you aren't used to the currency exchange yet, you often end up tipping too much or too little at the airport!

Some ideas for group travel

1) Voice expectations for the trip: Make sure everyone is on the same page about what you want to do and the way you want to do.

2) Communication! If something is bothering you, speak up! And the sooner the better. Festering is always a bad idea and when you are stuck in another country, resentments build up quickly.

3) Solo time: It's a good idea to be able to take off when you need to, and make sure you have some alone time. It's always good to experience a little bit on your own, and it makes you appreciate more the time you have with your friends.

4) Kitty/Stash (you can make up your own name for it): This is another Rachel Gerber introduction, who I think got it from someone else....but regardless, it's amazing. Instead of taking turns paying for things, start a fund in which everybody puts an equal amount of money and use that to pay for joint expenses. Carry an extra wallet with you, and just add to it as funds are depleted.

5) Put a set dollar amount of gas into the car each time. Instead of completely filling up the gas tank, we would alternately put in $20 each time. This time the changing of gas prices doesn't complicate the situation.

Ok....I think that's it. When I think of more I'll add to the post, and if you have any, feel free to leave a comment!
Have fun and be safe!

(This post was the idea of my friend Vanessa, but is inspired by my travels with all my friends: Thalita, Pedrita, Molly, Tasha, Rachel, Vanessa, and Lisa...I love you guys!)