In cleaning up the folders on Chrome, I came across one that had over 75 bookmarks that I had saved for one reason or another. Recipes, tutorials, things I wanted to buy...you name it, it was there. I typically save things I want to reference in the future on a Pinterest board so after going through each link, that is exactly what I did. (That is, if I still found what I saved relevant.)
What I did come across were quite a few links to a number of travel-related articles and links that either resonated with me deeply (still) or have the potential to be a great resource in the future. Check them out below!
TIPS + TRICKS
Carry On Luggage Size Limits Made Simple Featuring Over 125 Airlines Worldwide
This chart is super useful if you are trying to determine if your current (or future) carry-on suitcase will fly (pun intended) on the airline of your choice. I found it very useful in Greece traveling from Athens to Mykonos on Aegean Airlines. European carriers often have stricter baggage policies than American carriers (with hefty check-in prices to match) so having a bag that fit every airline was crucial. This chart definitely helped with that.
Step Enrollment (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
I've written about my very real hesitations and fears when traveling in today's world. While I am working on not letting those fears get the better of me, I enrolled in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for peace of mind. STEP is free and available to all US citizens and nationals that live and travel abroad. The program allows you to "check in" with the local Embassy (or Consulate) in case of an emergency and offers helpful information about safety in your destination country prior to departure. This program definitely helps my anxious little heart beat just a little slower.
10 Tips For Taking Stunning Travel Photos of Yourself
Glo is hands down my FAVORITE travel blogger. Her blog, The Blog Abroad, is one of my favorite reads and easily my number one resource for travel tips and inspiration. When I came back from Greece, I found that the majority of the photos that were taken of me were blurry beyond repair. (I tried, oh did I try.) I was upset. So I made it my mission to learn how to take my own photos to remember my travels by. Sure enough, Glo had just the tutorial for it, filled with essential gear and techniques for the best photos.
WANDERLUSTING
Five Places to Make Gelato in Italy *Drools in Italian.*
MUST READS
What Traveling to 66 Countries Has Taught Me
This article may be from 2013, but I still find it incredibly relevant today. Oneika Raymond, of Oneika the Traveller, shares what she's learned about herself and about travel, 66 countries later. (FYI, she's at over 100 now!) One of my favorite takeaways from her articles:
"As long as you’re not hurting anyone, there’s no right or wrong way to travel. I may not approve of the guy who blows through 23 countries in 25 days, but is it really any of my business? Unless it’s harmful in some way, I let people travel in the way that makes them happy: As different people with a diversity of ideas, perspectives and interests, we are bound to travel differently from one another."
Writer Pico Iyer On Why There's More to Travel Than Your Instagram Feed
"That travel has grown so commonplace is a blessing for us all, and has the potential to make us all more cosmopolitan, broad-minded, and alive. But if we don’t travel to Ethiopia or Japan for something deeper than the ramen joints and the clothes shops there, we’ll remain no less provincial than before."
Everything You Need to Consider Before Traveling With Someone New
I came across this article after going on some very interesting trips with new friends this year. The checklist covers the seven most important factors to consider before committing to a trip with anyone new. READ IT and learn from my mistake. Because if I learned anything on those trips it's that the friend you may love going to the mall with may not make the best travel companion.
FOR THE ASPIRING SOLO TRAVELER
We Need to Talk About the Stigma of Doing Things Alone
I saved this article a few months after taking my first sol0 trip since I was still getting used to the idea of going it alone. It's a great read for anyone who is looking to shake the stigma (been there) and gain their confidence to get into traveling solo, with ways you can start right now at home in your day-to-day life.
Why I Travel Alone by Nomadic Matt
A great reminder if oh, maybe you're still nervous about solo travel and still sort of waiting for the right travel companions to come along...(🙋🏾)
It’s taught me that if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere.
But there are places I want to go, people to see, experiences to have, and food to try — and only so much time to accomplish it all.
So I refuse to wait. I won’t let others keep me from realizing my dreams.
It can be scary traveling alone, especially when you’ve never done it before. But, to me, growing old without experiencing everything you want from life is scarier.
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