Tired of wondering why your travel experiences are less pleasant than you would like. For example, perhaps the person sitting next to you on your current long haul flight has all the latest neat travel gear, including noise-canceling headphones, while you struggle to...
Travel Tips & Planning
The Travel Tips & Planning category is designed to help you travel smarter, smoother, and more confidently. Here you’ll find practical advice on flights, airports, transportation, packing, budgeting, safety, logistics, and meaningful travel strategies. Whether you’re comparing airlines, navigating a major airport, choosing the best luggage, planning a road trip, or preparing for an international adventure, this category provides clear, actionable guidance to simplify every stage of your journey. You’ll also discover tips for reducing travel stress, maximizing comfort, and making intentional choices that elevate your travel experiences. From beginner travelers to seasoned explorers, this category supports anyone looking to plan better, travel easier, and enjoy more meaningful adventures.
What to Pack for Bora Bora, French Polynesia [2026]
If Bora Bora is on your bucket list destination, congratulations — you’re planning one of the most spectacular tropical vacations on the planet. Nestled in the Society Islands in the heart of the South Pacific, this tiny jewel sitting in the middle of the...
Packing My Bags: 15 Essential Travel Packing Hacks
Packing your luggage shouldn’t feel like a puzzle you solve only after frustration, repacking, and sitting on your suitcase to force the zipper closed. Whether you’re preparing for international travel, a short trip, or longer trips, the way you pack determines how...
Essential International Travel Tips for Packing [2026]
An issue that we all worry about: "How to Pack My Bags for My next Trip?" Robin with assistance from her friend (ChatGPT), has written this post to help you address your packing issues. Personal Experience Story "Packing My Bags" - From Robin: I...
Best Airport Transfers Guide & Ride Share Options
So you have decided on your next vacation, booked your airline and hotel, and you are ready to go. Great, but you have one more thing to do: arrange your airport ride to your hotel. This post will lay out all your options for airport transfers, including ride-shares,...
Scenic Train Tours: Switzerland to the Rocky Mountaineer
Welcome to our post about the world’s most luxurious rail journeys. Please continue reading if you are interested in railroad history, the best historic train rides in the world, and their iconic destinations. We are listing only the scenic rail journeys we have...
U.S. International Travel Statistics Trends [2026]
This post contains up-to-date 2026 International Travel Statistics data. All information is referenced to its source. International Travel Statistics: USA Departures & Arrivals The number of U.S. Citizens departing the United States and of International Visitors...
Best Travel Apps: Reservations: Flights, Hotels & More
If you have read our "DIY Travel vs Travel Agent" post and are ready to start planning your own travel without a travel agent, you are in the right place to make all your DIYTravel™ Reservations. This post will provide links to the best and most essential travel apps....
Secrets to Getting the Best Deals on Airline Tickets
Are you tired of feeling like you're always paying too much for airline tickets? Perhaps you want to save money by knowing the "Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets?" Or, you may be looking for other hacks to help you save money on your flights. Say goodbye to those...
Packing Made Easy: Essentials for Comfort & Convenience
Traveling should be an exciting and stress-free experience, but packing can often feel like a daunting task. Over the years, our journeys, whether for business, leisure, or long-term explorations, have taught us that a well-packed bag can make all the difference...
Budget-Friendly Travel Planning: Getting the Most for Your Money
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Over the years, I’ve learned how to make the most of every dollar while still experiencing the best that a destination has to offer. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can stretch your travel...
Tailoring Your Dream Trip: How You Can Customize Your Travel Experience
When it comes to travel, one size does not fit all. Each journey is as unique as the individual embarking on it, and the most memorable adventures often come from tailoring trips to fit personal preferences, needs, and dreams. Yet, the thought of customizing a...
Top Destinations for Relaxation: Where Retirees Should Go and How to Plan It
Retirement marks a golden chapter in life a time to relax, reflect, and finally enjoy the freedom to explore the world without the constraints of a rigid schedule. But with so many destinations to choose from, planning a truly relaxing getaway can feel overwhelming....
Amazon Travel Accessories: Best Travel Gear [2026]
Best International Amazon Travel Accessories By far, the easiest place to get the best travel gear is on Amazon. Amazon is where we purchase most of our minimalist travel gear. If you are looking for luggage, luggage covers, travel luggage cubes, travel...
Stress-Free Travel Planning: Tips for the Perfect Getaway
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of planning a getaway, but for many, the process can quickly shift from excitement to overwhelm. Between choosing the right destination, managing itineraries, and sticking to a budget, it’s easy to see why stress can creep into...
Free Expert Packing Lists for International Travel
If you are like Cos, then you must like free things. In that case, you have come to the right place, as we have eight (8) free international travel packing lists. Get Your Free International Travel Packing List They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, but you...
Ultimate Long-Term Travel Guide
Long-term travel allows for deeper immersion in local culture and the opportunity to visit multiple locations within a single trip. However, it has its challenges, such as limiting baggage, managing your home while away and inter-city transport. You have come to the...
Safest Places to Visit in Europe [2025]
According to various sources, Europe is home to some of the safest places to visit in the world. This post will support that conclusion and provide more information about the safest places to travel. Safest Places to Visit in Europe - Methodology There are several...
An Insider’s Advice: Safe Travel to Chile: Santiago and Valpariso
Is Chile Safe to travel to? Discover the hidden truths about safe travel to Chile , Santiago and other regions. Also, learn how to navigate the city's unique challenges for a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article, we'll delve into the surprising realities of...
Travel Insurance for Seniors: A Guide to the Best Policies
Travel Insurance for Seniors can be confusing, but it provides essential coverage to protect you during your international travel. Not only for senior citizens but for everyone traveling, the decision to purchase Travel Insurance can be difficult. We are highlighting...
Travel Agent vs Do It Yourself Travel: Which is Better?
In this post, we will explain that DIY Travel™ is not as complicated as many might believe, and we will hopefully help you understand some of the tools and techniques to be a practical DIY Travel™ planner. We will look at the issue of "Travel Agent vs DIY Travel™"...
AI Travel Apps: Best App for Travel Planning [2025]
Are you tired of spending countless hours researching and planning your next trip? Imagine having a virtual travel personal assistant at your fingertips, ready to provide personalized recommendations and insights to enhance your travel experience. In this article, we...
Small Group Travel Planning: The Do’s and Don’ts
Small Group Travel Planning can be stressful, especially when it comes to coordinating with multiple people. In this blog post, we'll cover the do’s and don'ts of small group travel planning, from communication tips to budgeting strategies and everything in between....
United vs American Airlines and Delta: Which is Best?
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines are the USA's largest carriers. Would you like to know which airline is the best between United vs American Airlines , and Delta? If so, you're in the right place to learn the facts. However, if you are more...
Passports and Travel Insurance
Passports and your COVID-19 vaccination card are the two most important documents to bring on every trip. However, the COVID-19 vaccination card has become less critical in most countries. You should also consider buying travel insurance (see the Travel Insurance...
Vacation Budget Template
Travel is fun and exciting, but it can be expensive. However, if properly planned, there are ways to travel on just about any reasonable budget. We highly recommend that you develop a vacation travel budget and use our soon to be developed template (see our Travel...
Travel Planning Spreadsheet & Travel Planning Aids
You have landed on one of the best travel planning websites. We assume you are looking for travel planning aids, like a travel planning spreadsheet. Well, if you are looking for travel planning tools, then you are in the right place. If you are more interested in how...
Types of Flights of Airplanes- Guide to Fare Differences
Are you looking to save money and yet still have a comfortable airline flight? Are you confused about the differences in the types of airline flights? Do you know what premium economy class means? Do you know the difference between economy class and main cabin? How...
House Care
House care while away, here is a travel problem you may not have thought about. If you leave home as a traveler and not just a short weeklong trip, “Who takes care of your house when you are away?” Depending how long you are away, there are a number of issues to...
How to Plan a Trip to Japan or Anywhere Else
Trip Planning is the key to any successful trip. Specifically, if you are asking, "How to plan a trip to Japan or anywhere else", you may need our help. Consequently, since Robin and I are both former business executives, each with over 40 years of planning...
Small Group Travel Tours
Small group travel is one of the best ways to travel. There are a number of reasons to take a tour and there are ways to do it and not just feel like you are part of a large tour group. There are two types of tours that we have taken over the years: "Cruise Excursion...





























