I’m an avid traveler, always looking for unique accommodations and transportation. So, I eagerly boarded Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury glass-dome train experience in Canada.

This two-day First Passage to the West journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise introduced me to “slow travel”—being present in my surroundings. Each ride lasted roughly nine hours, complete with breathtaking views, fun facts about the Canadian Rockies and unlimited Canadian wine.

Each night included a luxurious stay at a Fairmont hotel, a Rocky Mountaineer hotel partner. The train only travels during the daytime to optimize sightseeing.

Now, I would choose a scenic train ride over air travel any day. Here are tips from my first-time train adventure—culinary travelers and wellness warriors, take notes.

​​The writer was hosted.

1. Know the Difference Between GoldLeaf vs. SilverLeaf Before Booking

GoldLeaf features a lower-level dining room and outdoor viewing platform, in addition to an upper level with incredibly spacious, reclining seating and the iconic glass-dome ceiling for panoramic views. This is the service I had.

In SilverLeaf, you’ll enjoy oversized windows, beverages and meals served directly at your seat—all in one level.

No matter which service you choose, friendly Rocky Mountaineer hosts make the experience all the more enjoyable, sharing fun facts about and the rich history behind the Canadian Rockies.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you want a true luxury train travel experience, I highly recommend opting for GoldLeaf!

Want more luxury travel ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!

2. Pack a ‘Day Bag’ With the Essentials

If you’re wondering how to prepare for your first train ride, bring a “day bag”—a small tote or mini duffel with the essentials: sunglasses, phone charger, tripod, any necessary medications, important travel documents and a warm cap and gloves for the outdoor viewing platform.

What items should you not bring on the Rocky Mountaineer? Anything bulky or oversized, as there are no overhead compartments—just beautiful glass domes.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Rocky Mountaineer crew picks up larger luggage—like roller bags and oversized duffels—right from your hotel room after you board the train, so keep anything you’ll need during the day on hand.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Footwear

Wearing a comfortable—yet chic—outfit aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is key. Between lounging in my reclining, heated seat, heading to the lower level for a gourmet meal prepped by an executive chef and stepping out onto the outdoor viewing platform for fresh air, there’s plenty of relaxing, but also plenty of movement.

SheBuysTravel Tip: You’ll want to snap a bunch of incredible photos aboard the train, so dress in layers with style and comfort in mind. I wore buttery-soft jeans paired with cozy sweaters and flats—ideal for photos and safely navigating the train. I also packed a few accessories, like a faux fur hat and scarf.

4. Board With Ease

The boarding process is seamless. In the wee hours of the morning, travelers are picked up by a motorcoach and dropped off right at the Rocky Mountaineer on the tracks.

You’ll board the same numbered train car each day where your friendly Mountaineer guides welcome you with smiles, coffee or hot chocolate, and fresh baked goods. It’s very “Polar Express”-esque.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Get organized before departure. Recline your seat, set up your tray for morning treats, and have your camera ready. You’ll want to be fully settled in to soak up the sites once the train starts moving.

5. There’s No WiFi Onboard—and That’s the Beauty of It

If you’re thinking about responding to emails or working onboard, know that the Rocky Mountaineer does not have WiFi, and service is limited—but that’s the beauty of it. The journey encourages you to completely disconnect and not miss a single jaw-dropping waterfall, babbling brook, or snow-capped mountain—wellness at its finest.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Although you’re traveling for a good part of the day, the time goes by surprisingly fast, so be sure to soak up every second of it. Electronics can wait! This trip is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.

6. Come Hungry

If you’re a passionate foodie like me, you’ll be pleased to know that the Rocky Mountaineer seriously delivers. Each morning, you’ll board hungry and leave completely satisfied.

Along with a fully stocked bar featuring unlimited seasonal cocktails, Canadian wines, ciders and beers, the executive chefs onboard prepare gourmet meals. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included during the ride.

SheBuysTravel Tip: In GoldLeaf, start your day with freshly baked croissants and lemon-honey buttermilk pancakes topped with Okanagan stone fruit compote. Then, dig into a three-course lunch featuring dishes like rare seared BC albacore tuna or sweet corn and kale gnocchi in the dining car.

7. The Train Journey Is Only Part of the Fun

While the Rocky Mountaineer is a bucket list-worthy experience in itself, exploring Lake Louise and Banff at the end of the journey is equally unforgettable.

As a Rocky Mountaineer hotel partner, Fairmont’s dreamy properties— Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs—offer picturesque views of vibrant foliage, towering peaks, and turquoise waters.

SheBuysTravel Tip: At Lake Louise, wellness enthusiasts will love taking a sunrise meditation walk to soak up the serenity and peace before the crowds, paddling in a signature red canoe, braving a revitalizing cold plunge in the lake, and experiencing the traditional Aufguss sauna ceremony and glacial waters at BASIN.

Read More

• 10 Reasons the Rocky Mountaineer is a Perfect No-Kids Trip
• All Aboard the Canyon Spirit: A Luxury Train Journey Through the Heart of the Southwest
• Amtrak NYC to DC: Why Taking the Train is the Best Way to Go
• Luxury Alaska Rail Journey for Couples over 50

The post 7 Things I Learned From My First-Ever Glass-Dome Train Trip appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The assembled tourists squealed and scrambled to the observation deck railing to capture two provincial icons – the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and Bluenose II schooner – in the same photo. When I mentioned this unexpected delight to locals during my week-long Chowder Trail road trip, the response was always the same.

“It doesn’t get more Nova Scotia than that.”

To help you plan your Nova Scotia road trip, here’s my 7-day itinerary with must-see attractions, best bites and recommended rest stops.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

How to Explore Nova Scotia, One Bowl at a Time

To celebrate Nova Scotia’s local flavors, Taste of Nova Scotia created four delicious trails spotlighting authentic, Nova Scotian-owned establishments (Chowder, Lobster, Cheese, Good Cheer). The Chowder Trail provides a fun framework for planning your road trip. Each stop links Nova Scotia’s landscapes, coastal towns and culinary heritage one bowl at a time.

• Download the app: End the “Where should we eat?” debate once and for all. The Chowder Trail app helps you discover nearby trail stops serving up authentic local chowder.
• Eat local: Each participating restaurant features fresh, Nova Scotian ingredients and regional recipes.
• Earn rewards: Collect virtual passport stamps as you go to earn entries in prize drawings.

Visit at least 10 Chowder Trail locations and you’ll earn a free T-shirt (and bragging rights). Full contest details are available on the Taste of Nova Scotia website.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

7-Day Nova Scotia Chowder Trail Road Trip Itinerary

Water was almost always in view during my 1200-kilometer loop drive. Although Nova Scotia is the second smallest province, Canada’s Ocean Playground boasts impressive water stats:

• Over 13,000 km of coastline
• 6,674 lakes
• 160-mile-long St. Mary’s River

Days 1 and 2: Discover Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city, is my recommended starting point. Plan to spend two days exploring the very walkable waterfront to learn about the history and cultural traditions of the province.

It can get busy when the motor coaches and cruise ships discharge tourists. Off the waterfront, Halifax has a college town vibe with over 35,000 students attending universities there.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Be prepared for a glute workout; the Halifax hills are steep.

Things to Do in Halifax

• Take a one-hour Harbour Hopper tour to orient yourself. The repurposed amphibious military vehicle drives up to Citadel Hill before dunking into the water for epic skyline views.
• Tour the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for exhibits dedicated to the 1917 explosion that devastated Halifax and the 1912 Titanic sinking, with recovered artifacts.
• Lean against one of the “Drunken Lamposts,” an intentionally crooked art installation. Or time your waterfront stroll to coincide with high or low tide to experience the 12-minute light show at the Tidal Beacon.
• Visit Alexander Keith’s, the Nova Scotian equivalent of Budweiser. Tours, conducted by costumed guides, are offered daily in the 1820 brewery.
• Shop Spring Garden Road, then continue uphill to the ornate wrought-iron gated entrance to the Halifax Public Gardens. Established in 1867, the Victorian fountains, bridges and formal beds are a colorful urban oasis.
• Learn about beloved Nova Scotian folk artist Maud Lewis, who lived and worked in a hand-painted rustic cabin installed in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Day 3: Peggy’s Cove and the Lighthouse Route

Get an early jump out of Halifax to avoid driving behind motor coaches along Route 333. Accessing the road to Peggy’s Cove, according to the hotel valet, can be a “bag of hammers” during the weekday morning rush. There was some traffic and plenty of students walking and biking to class, but it was relatively tame compared to driving in midtown Manhattan.

Leaving Peggy’s Cove, the Lighthouse Route continues along Route 3, tracing the craggy South Shore, to Lunenburg, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to See Along the Lighthouse Route

• Peggy’s Cove: If you haven’t photographed the 1915 lighthouse on Peggy’s Point, you haven’t been to Nova Scotia. Watch your footing on glacially deposited granite boulders for a close-up, or hang back on the newly constructed observation deck.
• Bluenose II: By now, you’ll have met Bluenose, but might not know it. The fishing and racing schooner appears on Nova Scotia license plates and the Canadian dime. Two-hour cruises are available from June to September at different coastal locations.
• Hooked Rug Museum of North America: A small museum staffed by talented (rug) hookers is worth a visit. The craft developed out of necessity. By weaving scrap fabric into old burlap, women created rugs to cover cold floors. Historic examples, tools and patterns are on display and there’s a large selection of handmade rugs, runners and mats for sale.
• Oak Island: Sadly, fans of the History Channel’s wildly popular series can’t help Marty and Rick Lagina dig for treasure on Oak Island. But weekend Money Pit Express tram tours are available. Boat tours led by one of the show’s divers are another option. Didn’t book a tour? Visitors are permitted to access the island and take a picture of the memorial to the six treasure hunters who’ve died. The official Treasure Shop is located on Route 3.
• Take a Lunenburg Walking Tour: Themed tours with a local guide are a great way to explore this historic fishing village. My food-focused adventure included tastes of chowder, lobster and a terrific chicken salad dotted with locally grown cranberries. I learned that Nova Scotian pickled herring is called Solomon Gundy, not to be confused with the nursery rhyme or the ’60s pop song by The Foundations.
• The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Learn about the first fishers, the indigenous Mi’kmaq, and the explosive commercial growth of the industry. Watch historic video footage of fishing dories in action in the Ice House theater. Be sure to ask one of the passionate young guides about the Bluenose. Built in Lunenburg, the fishing schooner’s four wins in international racing competitions during the ‘20s and ‘30s remain a source of provincial pride.
• SS Atlantic Heritage Interpretation Park: The worst shipwreck before the Titanic was the 1873 sinking of the SS Atlantic. Local fishing families rescued 400 passengers and crew from the frigid winter waters. A short trail leads downhill to the bayside monument and there’s a small, volunteer-staffed museum.

Day 4: Annapolis Valley

You can opt to take the long, scenic way to the farms, orchards and vineyards in the Annapolis Valley by traveling southwest from Lunenburg, through Yarmouth, before heading northeast. But you’ll need at least 5 hours of drive time, 6 if you travel scenic Routes 3 and 1. With only a week, I chose to bisect Nova Scotia’s narrow mid-section, traveling north on Highway 102 to reach Port Williams, one of the Valley’s oldest agricultural villages.

Things to See in the Annapolis Valley

• Wolfville Farmers’ Market: Park in the large Acadia University lot on Main Street and walk to the popular Saturday Farmers’ Market, open from 8:30 am to 1 pm year-round. In addition to some of the prettiest produce I’ve ever seen, you’ll find home-baked goods, local authors, artisan crafts and wine tastings.
• Winery Tours and Tastings: The Annapolis Valley is home to 12 wineries, producing extremely drinkable wines, including Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation. Unique wine experiences I’ll try when I return with a designated driver include:
  • Make a reservation to dine at acclaimed Chowder Trail stop, Le Caveau at Domaine de Grand Pré.
  • Take a wine tour aboard a British double-decker bus.
  • Phone anyone, anywhere from the British phone box in the middle of the Luckett vineyards.
• Grand-Pré National Historic Site: French Catholic Acadians established productive farms by creating intricate dyke systems that prevented Fundy saltwater from flooding the fields, and lived peacefully with the indigenous Mi’kmaq. Because the Acadians refused to swear allegiance to the British Crown, approximately 10,000-12,000 were forcibly expelled from 1755-1764. Louisiana’s Cajuns trace their ancestors to these refugees. Tour the museum, memorial church and gardens.

Bay of Fundy Detours

The Bay of Fundy is an Atlantic Ocean inlet between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia with the world’s highest tides. Twice a day, more water moves in and out of the Bay than flows through all of the world’s freshwater rivers.

Let that sink in for a second.

Bay of Fundy experiences range in duration, exertion and price, and can be accessed easily from the Annapolis Valley and Northumberland Shore.

I chose free options proximate to my road trip pit stops. While in the Annapolis Valley, I timed a visit to Hall’s Harbour at low tide to see beached boats and teeny tiny people walking along the water’s edge.

From the Northumberland Shore, I backtracked to the Bay of Fundy Discovery Site in Truro at high tide to watch the tidal bore roll in. This phenomenon can be dramatic. One resident told me she’d witnessed surfers ride the bore wave. On my visit, the bore was gentle but noisy, startling a flock of sea birds sunning on a sandbar as it rolled past the onlookers gathered on the bank of the Salmon River.

Additional Bay of Fundy Excursions

• Walk the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park
• Go Tidal Bore rafting
• Kayak the Bay of Fundy coastline

Day 5: Northumberland Shore

Dip into Windsor as you head to the Northumberland Shore, Nova Scotia’s warm-water vacation destination. Tour the museum celebrating the town as the birthplace of hockey and, if it’s fall, go to Dill’s Farm, home of Atlantic Giant, the world’s largest pumpkin variety. Then continue on to Tatamagouche – fun to say, fun to stay.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Summer’s the season for this region. During my late September visit, shops, restaurants and attractions were beginning to close up for the year.

Things to Do Along the Northumberland Shore

• Cycle or stroll a segment of the Trans Canada Trail, the world’s largest recreational trail network.
• Ride the Tatamagouche Road Train, a ½ hour guided tour around town.
• Sip a Sunrise Session Ale at the Tatamagouche Brewing Co., a Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail establishment.
• Go for a dip at one of the area beaches. Rushtons Beach is rumored to have the warmest water north of the Carolinas.

Day 6: Continue Along the Sunrise Trail

Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is always included on the world’s most scenic drives. You need at least one day to travel the 185-mile loop, but it’s best savored over several. I’ll return with my son on another trip to hit the Cape Breton golf courses along the route.

Fortunately, there are other scenic waterfront driving routes in Nova Scotia. Traveling east from Tatamagouche, I followed signs for the Sunrise Trail to access charming coastal villages, like Pictou and New Glasgow.

Things to Do Along the Sunrise Trail

• Stop in Pictou to see a replica of the Ship Hector, the vessel that brought the first wave of Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773.
• Visit Vendor Village, a collection of artisan shops, is located on the Hector Heritage Quay.
• Check the event calendar for the riverfront Glasgow Square Theatre. The venue hosts a year-round variety of music, comedy and dance performances.
• See the Museum of Industry in Stellarton. Explore the important and arduous work done by generations of residents. The entire 2nd floor is devoted to coal mining with memorials to the hundreds of Nova Scotians who perished in cave-ins and explosions, most recently in 1992.

Day 7: Marine Drive to Porters Lake

After spending the night in New Glasgow, I headed east to Antigonish, then followed Route 7 south along the shores of multiple long, narrow lakes glittering in the September sunshine. Following my final Chowder Trail stop at the Liscombe Lodge, I traced the ocean coastline on designated Marine Drive. Stands of pine trees anchor a series of coves, lined with moss-covered boulders. It’s one of the many Nova Scotia postcard moments I’ve committed to memory.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If your pants are snugger than they were at the beginning of the week, hike the Crowbar Lakes Trails before settling in for a hot tub soak at Nalu Retreat.

Best Bites Along the Nova Scotia Chowder Trail

Seaport Social: I paired a bowl of chowder with a ½ portion of the beetroot salad, offered as one of the Eat Well options at the Westin Nova Scotian’s on-property restaurant.

The Press Gang: Make a reservation to experience a chef-driven menu in a Halifax cellar that dates back to 1759. Don’t skip the local oysters; pair them with a flute of Nova Scotian bubbly brut.

Cable Wharf: Grilled sourdough with maple butter accompanies the seafood chowder at Cable Wharf, which also has a tasty lobster roll and scenic al fresco seating.

The Kiwi Cafe: Open daily from 8 am – 4 pm, this Chester gem has a yummy lobster and haddock chowder. I paired a small soup with a 1/2 portion of their Cobb salad, muscled my way through it all AND wedged in a homemade chocolate cheesecake brownie.

Old Fish Factory Restaurant & Ice House Bar: Located in the same building as the Lunenburg Fisheries Museum, the Old Fish Factory has wonderful waterfront views, a delicious lobster roll and homemade kettle chips.

Mateus Bistro: Friday grill specials and live music are seasonal highlights of this Mahone Bay restaurant. The weather was perfect for sipping a dark and stormy prepared with local Ironworks rum and Propeller Brewing Co. ginger beer.

Train Station Inn Railway Dining Car: The meal was my favorite of the trip, based on food quality and the pure fun of eating in a vintage dining car at this family-run restaurant.

Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre: Sit along the back window wall in the lodge restaurant for relaxing river views. My final chowder was deliciously dotted with farm-fresh carrots and served with a flaky chive biscuit. A menu highlight for carnivores is the cheddar bacon burger served with a garlic aioli.

Best Time to Visit Nova Scotia

Although Nova Scotia temperatures are moderate year-round, winter precipitation brings icy driving conditions. So the best time of year to travel the Chowder Trail is May to October. July and August are high season for tourists. For a more laid-back vibe, consider spring or fall shoulder season.

Where to Stay Along the Chowder Trail

Google map of Nova Scotia Chowder Trail road trip overnight rest stops.

Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

Vibe: Waterfront sophistication in a prime location

• Luxury renovation of a historic grand railway hotel
• Marriott Bonvoy brand
• Seaport Social, an on-site Chowder Trail restaurant
• Indoor pool, fitness center

Black Forest Cabins, Mahone Bay

Vibe: Chic Scandinavian hideaway, camping for non-campers

• Cabins with modern exteriors, cozy interiors
• On-property sauna for guest use
• 15-minute walk to Mahone Bay shops and restaurants
• Sited along the 10 km Bay to Bay Trail connecting Mahone Bay and Lunenburg

The Stay at Planters Ridge, Port Williams

Vibe: Vineyard tranquility, leisurely countryside escape

• Three serene bedrooms in a renovated farmhouse
• Sip the vineyard’s sparkling Infatuation rosé in the deep soaking tub
• European-inspired breakfast included
• On-property winery

Train Station Inn, Tatamagouche

Vibe: Quirky nostalgia for playful adventurers

• Renovated vintage cabooses
• On-property fine dining, live music, bar and gift shop
• One of Condé Nast’s Most Unique Hotels in the World
• Easy access to the adjacent Trans Canada Trail

Riverside Inn, New Glasgow

Vibe: Elegant romantic retreat

• Hot tub, sauna and fire pit for guest use
• Continental breakfast included in room rate
• Pets allowed (additional fee)

Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa, Porters Lake

Vibe: Futuristic nature-immersed serenity

• Dome glamping overlooking Porters Lake
• Private hot tub and outdoor shower for a personal hydrotherapy experience
• Fire pit outside; fireplace inside
• Coming soon: Nordic spa

Getting to Nova Scotia: Arrive by Air, Sea or Land

I landed in Halifax after a quick two-hour non-stop flight from LaGuardia airport. In addition to New York, non-stop service is available from:

• Boston
• Chicago
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Fort Lauderdale (seasonal)
• Orlando (seasonal)
• Tampa (seasonal)
• Washington DC

Rental car counters are in the parking garage across from the terminal at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

If you’re bringing your own car from the US, you’ll drive from Maine through New Brunswick. A scenic option is the three and ½ hour CAT high-speed car ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you arrive in Nova Scotia before hotel check-in, visit the colorful souvenir shops in Fisherman’s Cove and have your first chowder at Evan’s in Dartmouth for skyline views of Halifax.

Additional Info

• As of the original publication date (October 2025), one US dollar is approximately $1.40 CAD.
• Electrical outlets are the same in the US and Canada. A power adapter is not required.
• Drive on the right side of the road in Nova Scotia. Speed limit signs are posted in kilometers, not miles per hour.
• My phone’s GPS worked well throughout the trip.

Read More:

• 14 Fun Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Hopewell Rocks Park: Getting Down and Dirty in Canada’s Bay of Fundy
• The Muir Hotel Review: 5-Star Luxury in the Heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Visiting Canada’s Bruce Peninsula

The post Savor the Flavors, See the Coast: 7 Days on Nova Scotia’s Chowder Trail appeared first on She Buys Travel.

When my husband and I traveled by air with three young children, we were airport pariahs. No one wants to sit near a family, especially one with a kid who got green around the gills with any sort of travel.

But once our children grew up, and we could travel without them, the idea of the airport – and the plane – as a luxury retreat became a reality.

And the ability to rest or sleep on the plane, so we could hit the ground running – or hiking or biking – is a huge bonus. If you are going on a special trip, or planning an adventure, or just treating yourself, it is an indulgence you won’t regret.

Want more luxury travel ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!

Delta One – Be a VIP

Delta recently introduced its premium class, Delta One. Right now, the full luxury Delta One experience, from airport to airplane, is available only at JFK and LAX, with more on the horizon. But the premium Delta One cabin is on many long haul flights, both across the US and internationally..

Slow Entry into Luxury

We didn’t jump right into the luxury air experience. It was sort of a slow burn. First, we realized on our inaugural trip without the kids that the vacation started at the airport (we live in New York, and there is no part of the trek to JFK, or Newark, that can be considered anything but basic economy, no matter the price).

The Airport Bar

So we started our trips with a stop at an airport bar. This meant we were leaving extra time to get to the airport, and not rushing. Rushing and flop sweat are not luxury.

The Airport Lounge

Next, we upgraded to the Platinum Delta American Express, which offered access to the Delta Lounge. There were couches, tables, good WiFi, free food and drinks. But Delta started limiting access to the lounges, which frankly could get crowded and noisy. We sometimes thought we might as well be fighting it out at the gate.

Delta One Lounge

This is the ne plus ultra of lounges. Currently available at JFK in New York, SEA in Seattle, BOS in Boston and LAX in Los Angeles, the lounges offer special cosseting even before your flight.

Lounge Amenities

Brasserie

This sit down restaurant requires a reservation. Pro tip: head here first if you are pressed for time and really want to be served a meal.

Freshen up BEFORE you travel

The lounge has showers, and you can have your clothes steamed, and your shoes shined. There are also massage chairs and  15 min massages and facials. Again, all by reservation only.

Pro tip: If you are with someone, scoot over to the wellness area to scoop up reservations, while the other person heads to the brasserie to secure a spot. You can wind up with your massage appointment popping up while you eat, but, seriously, first world problem.

More in the Delta One Lounge

There is plenty of seating, though when we arrived on a Tuesday around 6pm, all the couches and ‘easy’ chairs were occupied. We found stools at a counter; there were also seats at the bar.

Delta One Bar

The bar had premium alcohol and we enjoyed a great Manhattan. But we were surprised that some even more expensive alcohol had a price tag.

The Check In Experience and Security

These are often pain points for travelers. But at JFK, Delta One customers have their own dedicated check-in area – a lounge, really. If you get there and you’re feeling peckish or just can’t wait to slake your thirst, there are snacks and beverages, along with comfy chairs. But you won’t be here long – as soon as a ‘crowd’ of 3 people arrives, more check-in stations open.

Private Security

Forget the long lines at CLEAR, TSA pre-check and Delta Digital ID. Delta One customers, at least at JFK and LAX, also get a dedicated security area nowhere near the regular security area. I hesitate to call it a line – it is really a private security station where you are truly getting the VIP experience.

The Flight Itself

Of course, the whole point of spending the extra money, or the points, is the cabin experience.

With Delta One you:

• Board first
• Get a large, comfortable seat that converts to a bed
• Have either a window seat by yourself or an aisle seat next to someone
• Get a Missoni flight bag with lip balm, moisturizer, toothbrush and toothpaste
• Have super attentive flight attendants
• Use a bathroom used by very few people so it stays clean on a long flight
• Are first off the plane
• Your checked bags are off first
• Have tons of overhead space if you carry on, along with hanging space

Food on Delta One

If you didn’t have time to eat in the lounge, don’t despair. Great food awaits. You can pre-order – morel soup and a burrata appetizer were some of the choices we had. We did sample the chocolate tart, with mango on the side. It was decadent and worth the calories.

How to Decide if Delta One is Worth It

• Does the airport have a truly special Delta One check in? At EDI, the Delta One check in is a counter next to the priority check in. And everyone flying from here has to go through the same security process
• Does the airport have a Delta One lounge? JFK and LAX have them, but SFO doesn’t. Sure the Delta lounge is nice, but it’s not as rarefied as the Delta One
• Is your flight long enough for you to sleep? If you’re taking a redeye from Denver to New York, the flight is only 3 hours
• What time of day are you flying? A daytime flight from NYC to the West Coast is long enough, but are you going to sleep during the day?
• What are you doing when you arrive? We were going straight to a bike tour of Edinburgh, so we truly appreciated the time saved, and the ability to sleep

Read More

• What to Do When Your Expedited Passport Doesn’t Arrive in Time
• 16 Surprising Places Americans Can Travel Without a Passport
• 7 Proven Travel Tips and Tricks for Beating Jet Lag
• How to Arrive Refreshed and Ready After Your Flight

The post Luxury Travel – Should You Splurge on Delta One? appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Fall is one of the best times to travel. September through October is “shoulder season,” that time between the summer rush and the holiday crush. Prices dip, crowds thin and you can score deals if you know when and where to look.

The biggest wins come from when you book, what day you fly, and how you search. Below are some ways to save.

1. Book at the right time

• Lowest fares: now through mid-October
• Thanksgiving flights: book by mid-October
• December holidays: book before Halloween
• Even if you don’t know your dates, start tracking now
  

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2. Fly on the cheapest days

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays = lower fares and shorter lines
• Fridays and Sundays = busiest and priciest
• Holiday hack: fly on the actual day (Thanksgiving morning is often cheap)
  

3. Search incognito

• Airlines track searches and sometimes bump prices if they see repeat interest
• Open a private browser window (Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N or Command+Shift+N on Mac, Safari: File > New Private Window)
• Compare results in regular and incognito to spot the best deal

4. Sign up for fare alerts

• Use Google Flights, Hopper, or Kayak to track price drops
• FlightHub shows comparisons but can add booking fees
• Once you know the deal, book directly with the airline for fewer headaches
  

5. Read the fine print

• “Basic” fares = no cancellations, no credits, strict bag rules
• Some include only a personal item, others allow a carry-on but charge for checked bags
• Often worth paying $30–$50 more for the next fare level with bag allowance and change flexibility
  

6. Check alternate airports

• Southern California: Santa Ana, Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara
• New York: White Plains, Tweed in New Haven, Islip on Long Island
• Smaller airports often mean faster security, less stress and better fares—even if it requires a connection
  

7. Visit independent airlines sites

• Check sites directly for Breeze, Avelo, WestJet, Frontier
• Fares can be fantastic, but budget for extras like carry-on fees or seat selection

8. Pool Your points

• Combining balances can get you to a free ticket faster.
• JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates: free family pooling
• Capital One: send miles to another user at no cost
  

9. Get to the airport stress free

• FARE rideshare app lets you request the same driver. I saved 30% on my last ride.  Only available in CA and GA right now.  You need a referral code to sign up: ODJA7YDH.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Skip the airport stress — Lyft’s On-Time Pickup Promise guarantees your scheduled ride shows up within 10 minutes of your pickup time. If it doesn’t? You’ll get Lyft Cash. You can schedule up to 90 days in advance and even lock in your rate. Use code SBT25 to save 25% off ONE scheduled ride to the airport.

Read More

• Think Your Cheap Airline Ticket Is Non-Refundable? Not Always
• Do What We Say Not What We Do: 26 Rookie Airport Mistakes and How to Fix Them
• TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear: Which is the Best Way to Speed Through Airport Security?
• 7 Proven Travel Tips and Tricks for Beating Jet Lag

The post Fall Flight Tips: 9 Smart Ways to Save appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Rental cars are sneaky budget busters. One minute you’re high-fiving yourself for snagging cheap flights and a great hotel deal, and the next—you’ve blown it all on four wheels. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. These insider tips (including a secret site the pros love) will keep more money in your pocket where it belongs.

From when to book, to which extras you should skip, to the kind of car that’ll actually make sense for your trip, we’ll help you dodge the rental car traps and save both cash and sanity.

Need more tips like these? We’ve got ’em. Subscribe to our weekly travel newsletter for savings, inspiration and advice.

1. Compare prices.

Start early — at least two months before your vacation. Check Kayak.com or Expedia first. This will give you a ballpark figure of what your rental will cost. Kayak and Expedia are aggregators — which means they comb through all of the car rental companies and compile the deals in one place. The results from that search will give you the best price available — the price you want to beat.

2. Book as early as possible.

The key here is to book a REFUNDABLE rate. That way you have locked in the best deal you could find but still have the flexibility to find something even cheaper. Then, two weeks before your vacation, check prices across the rental companies again. Do it again one week ahead. And then the day before. Rental agencies tend to run specials when they have a lower-than-expected demand for car rentals. When you find a deal, rebook at the special rate and cancel that refundable reservation.

3. Check Priceline after step 2.

You might be able to snag an even better deal. Bid low; you can always bid again in 24 hours if your bid is rejected. Priceline rentals are non-refundable, so no more price checking after this!

4. Decline extra rental car insurance.

Check your own car insurance policy to see if it covers collision damage on a rental car. The American Express credit card and many other premium credit cards cover auto insurance for car rentals. Check your travel insurance, too. Chances are it covers car rentals.

5. Bring your own GPS, toll pass and car seat.

This saves you money so you don’t have to pay extra to rent these. Use Google maps on your phone for navigation. Register the rental with your toll pass account (with and end date so you don’t have to remember to remove it after you return the car). If you bring your own toll pass, be sure to hold it up so the toll reader records your payment. I was a little slow at a toll reader recently, and Hertz charged me the full toll price (not the reduced price my transponder would have charged) plus a $12 ‘convenience’ fee for emailing me a bill. If you prefer to rent a car seat, read tip #19 below.

6. Don’t pay extra for satellite radio.

Load some audiobooks and music on your smartphone and your content is free. Car rental companies assess extremely high daily surcharges for add-ons like satellite radio.

7. Beware pre-pay gas options.

This one takes a little analysis and research. Pre-pay works like this: You buy the first tank from the rental company, and bring it back (ideally, for you) on fumes. But the pre-pay per-gallon price is usually higher than you would pay at local gas stations. And, if you don’t use all the gas, you definitely pay more than you need to pay.

The right answer is to forgo pre-paying and fill up the tank yourself just before you return the car. Download the Gas Buddy app to find the cheapest gas close to the airport. Don’t wait for the last station before you turn into the airport — it likely charges more than a station a mile or two away because of all those car renters desperate for a top-off. You can usually drive five to 10 miles after a fill-up with the fuel gauge still registering full.

Just remember to leave yourself a few extra minutes to stop for gas. The most expensive option is to drop off the car without a full tank in violation of the rental agreement. The rental car company will fill it up for you — at monstrously high per-gallon rates.

8. Cut down on the number of days of the car rental.

The biggest way to save on a rental is a shorter car rental period. One year, we had a late flight into Florida over the holidays and stayed at an airport hotel the first night. We took the free shuttle to the hotel, then took the free shuttle back to the airport the next day to pick up the car, saving $100 on that day’s rental.

9. Rent from non-airport locations.

When SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump visits Seattle, she takes the bus into town and rents from a downtown location. She notes that “airports charge all kinds of additional fees. Often you can rent from a downtown location and return to the local airport for no additional charge and not pay airport fees.” And if you are a Zipcar member, you can rent in town for just the period you need – maybe even just for a day trip.

10. Be nice.

Ask for an upgrade. Chances are you can upgrade to a bigger, nicer car for no additional charge. But it always pays to ask nicely. Just beware that it isn’t completely without cost. Upgrading from an economy car that gets 37 miles per gallon to an SUV that gets 20 MPG means you will pay a lot more for gas. I once got an unwanted ‘upgrade’ when the car I wanted was unavailable. The vehicle, a pickup truck, not only burned a lot of fuel but I was charged extra at the hotel garage for an oversized vehicle.

11. Pass on frequent flier tie-ins.

You might get charged a convenience fee if the rental car agency has to communicate with another loyalty program about points. It may not be worth the increased cost.

12. Choose one driver.

Additional driver fees, even for spouses, can be $10 a day or more. Since I’m better at figuring out directions and the infotainment systems, I usually ride shotgun and my husband drives. But we also switch occasionally. Just having one renter definitely can save a lot of money.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t even think about paying for only one driver and letting the other person drive. If you get caught speeding or you have an accident, you could be in for a world of hurt.

13. Drive safely, avoid penalties and return the car on time.

All your savings will go out the window if you nick the car, return it late or don’t fill the tank.

14. Beware ‘no-name’ car rental companies.

I try to get the best deal possible with the big 3 car rental companies: Enterprise, Avis and Hertz.  Enterprise owns both National and Alamo. Avis owns Budget, Payless and Zipcar. Hertz owns Dollar and Thrifty. You know the car rental fleet is well maintained and if something goes awry – a flat tire, broken windshield – the company will take care of you.

15. Let someone else do the work.

AutoSlash is the secret site travel experts use to get the best rate on rental cars. It’s built on a simple idea: Car rental prices change constantly, and the only way you know you’re getting the best price is to check them constantly. The best part: AutoSlash does it for you! Just input your confirmation number and AutoSlash emails you if there’s a lower rate available.

Even after you book a car, AutoSlash keeps checking, up to the time you pick up your car. If the price goes down more, your savings automatically increase.

16. Membership has its privileges.

Costco, Sam’s Club and AAA memberships all offer group rates for car rentals that are competitive. You can still use AutoSlash afterward to make sure you’re getting the best price.

17. Take a chance on a non-refundable rental.

Sometimes you find such a great rate that not even AutoSlash can beat it. Usually, this is non-refundable, so if you cancel your trip – or even if you miss a flight due to weather – you are still charged for the rental.

However, there are exceptions in extreme circumstances. Just before most of the country went on pause due to Covid-19, we were in San Francisco and had rented a car just for one day. With the country shutting down, we switched our flight. We were still on the hook for the rental, but decided to just call and see – and guess what? We were refunded. It may have helped that we are Hertz Gold Plus members. But also, my mantra: be nice. Call and explain, calmly, why you need to cancel that non-refundable rental and you just might get a refund.

If you’re renting a car for your family road trip, you’ll want a vehicle with space for everything (and everyone!). Here are a few things to keep in mind when booking:

• Most rental agencies indicate the number of suitcases that will fit in the car. Make sure all your bags will fit and include room for a cooler too if you plan on packing one for your road trip.
• If you’d like to save money on your family road trip, consider a hybrid car rental. You’ll feel good about sustainability and save money on gas. And time at rest stops. I recently drove the Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, which gets 39 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg overall.
• Luxuries in a rental car, like a panoramic sunroof, individual entertainment consoles and roomy captain’s chairs can make a family road trip comfortable and fun. Gone are the days of crowding into the way back of a rear-facing bench seat in a station wagon.

Should you Rent an EV?

There are many reasons to rent an electric vehicle:

• They are better for the environment
• They are quiet
• Charging can be very inexpensive

BUT…

• Research the availability of chargers where you are going.
• Check with hotels to see if they have chargers in their parking garage (many do – and sometimes they are free!)
• Make sure the chargers are for the kind of EV you rent. Right now, that means Tesla, or everything else. But Telsa chargers will soon allow other car companies’ electric vehicles to charge at their stations.

The post Don’t Get Ripped Off: These Car Rental Tips Can Save You $$$ appeared first on She Buys Travel.

How do you keep your home safe when you’re on vacation? This is the checklist of tips and hacks I use when I’m gone for more than a day or two. They’re designed to fool potential burglars into thinking someone is home, let you know whether the power failed while you were busy sipping Margaritas, and increase the chance you return to a home that is in the same shape it was when you left.

Up to One Month Before Your Vacation

1. Put the Mail on a Vacation Hold

Piled-up mail on the porch and stuffed in the mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home. Avoid that by taking advantage of the free mail hold service offered by the US Post Office. I use it every time I leave town.

Just go online, create an account and check to see if the service is offered in your area. If it is, choose the date you want the mail hold to start and the date you want it to end. Then decide whether you want your mail carrier to deliver the accumulated mail at the end of the hold period or you want to pick it up yourself from the post office.

That’s it. You’ll get a confirmation number and an email confirming the mail hold. You can edit the mail hold start and end dates as needed — I have gone online to extend my hold mail end date several times when my trips were extended for one reason or another.

You can do this up to 30 days in advance. So do it now and save yourself one more thing to think about in the days before you head off on a family vacation.

If you want to know what you’re missing while you’re gone, take it a step further and sign up for “informed delivery” and USPS will send you an email each day with photos of the pieces of mail arriving that day.

2. Put a Penny in the Freezer

Why should you keep a penny in the freezer? Because unpredictable weather, severe storms and the resulting power outages can happen while you’re off enjoying a Margarita on the beach. If the power comes back on, you might never know. And the food that was in the freezer could have thawed, gone bad and re-froze.

If you have a penny in the freezer, you’ll know if there was a storm or power failure while you were gone that lasted long enough to thaw the food.

How it Works

1. Freeze a small container of water. The water level should be about half the width of an ice cube.

2. Place the penny on top of the container of ice.

3. After you return home, check the container. If there was a prolonged power outage while you were off enjoying your family vacation, the ice would have melted. How will you know? The penny will now be at the bottom of the container with the ice on top.

If you return home to find the penny frozen at the bottom of the ice container, you’ll know to check the food before feeding it to your family.

3. Ensure Peace of Mind at Home and Online

This section is sponsored by 1Password.

These days, keeping your home safe isn’t just about locking the front door or setting a timer on the lights. With smart thermostats, video doorbells, home security apps, and even Wi-Fi networks all connected to the internet, your digital security is just as important as your physical security.

That’s why I use 1Password. It’s more than just a password manager, it’s become my go-to tool for keeping everything secure. It helps me create and store strong, unique passwords for all my accounts, so I only have to remember one master password. The rest? 1Password takes care of it.

Before I head out on a trip, I always do a quick “digital check-in.” Along with making sure the doors are locked and the mail’s on hold, I double-check that my smart home apps are protected with strong, 1Password-generated passwords. I also make sure two-factor authentication (2FA) is set up and securely stored in the app.

It might sound like a small thing, but it gives me serious peace of mind. Whether I’m in another state or halfway around the world, I know my home — both physically and digitally — is protected.

Limited-Time Offer: Right now, 1Password is offering a 14-day free trial for new customers!

4. Install a Video Doorbell

We’ve all seen videos that show the wonder of a Ring Doorbell capturing a neighborhood crime. Having one while you’re on vacation is the key to peace of mind. The video doorbell connects to your phone and sends instant notifications when someone is at the door. You’ll be able to talk back and forth; some even allow you to unlock the door.

This feature is especially helpful if you have someone coming over to walk the dog or feed the cats. If a package gets delivered, you can ask a neighbor to pick it up. Plus, if there’s a suspicious person at your door, you’ll know right away. You can take a photo of that person, and if need be, call the police.

5. Consider a Home Security Company

Contracting with a home security company such as Vivint ups your whole security game. You can get security packages that include indoor and outdoor cameras, 24/7 monitoring and smart security systems you can oversee via an app that lets you control your lights, check on your porch, adjust the temperature and close the garage door from anywhere.

If you have a home security system, it’s a good idea to let the company know you’ll be out of town. That way they can alert the authorities right away if the alarms go off, rather than calling you first to be sure it wasn’t a false alarm.

6. Buy a Medjet Membership

This section is sponsored by Medjet.

Just like it’s smart to buy insurance to protect your car and your house, it’s smart to protect yourself when you travel. Travel insurance is a good start, but it’s only part of the safety net. If you get seriously sick or injured and end up in the hospital far from home, you’ll want a reliable plan to get back to your doctor and your hospital at home.

That’s where a Medjet global air medical transport membership comes in. Chances are low you will ever need to use it, but if you do, it’s priceless. The medevac benefits of travel insurance only get you to the “nearest adequate” hospital, and I don’t want to be stuck in a hospital far from home. That’s why I enrolled in Medjet before my trip to Africa. And, because my husband and I have more international travel planned later this year, I bought the annual family plan that costs $425. 

It feels like a pittance to pay for the security of knowing that if one of us gets sick or injured on a trip, Medjet will:

• Bring us home to our local hospital.
• Provide translation services if one of us gets sick or injured in a foreign country.
• Fly us home in an ICU-equipped aircraft, if needed, or a business class seat when intensive care isn’t required.
  

A medical transport from Africa can cost $250,000 or more. But, as members, Medjet would make all the arrangements and pay that bill, which means $425 is a deal.

I hope I never need to use it. But, just as I know it’s smart to have homeowners insurance – I’ve never needed to use that either! – I know it’s smart to have a Medjet membership just in case. 

Right Before You Leave

7. Put Lights on a Timer

Buy a couple of timers that will turn a few lamps on and off throughout the evening.

You can opt to leave a light or two burning 24 hours a day, but if someone is watching the house, they won’t be fooled into thinking someone is home. That requires different lights that turn on and off just as they would if someone actually was at home.

8. Tend to the Appliances

• Refrigerator: Consume or discard any perishables before you leave. No one wants to come home to the smell of spoiled milk.
• Garbage Disposal: Run a cycle to clean the unit and prevent odors from any food buildup hiding beneath the drain. Add a cup of vinegar to your rinse for an extra-deep clean.
• Washer: Leave the lid/door open to let the basin dry completely. Chances are you’ll have plenty of laundry to do upon your return, so you’ll want the washer to be empty and fresh. And don’t forget to disconnect or turn off the unit’s water supply.

9. Park a Car in the Driveway

If you have a driveway, don’t leave it empty.

If you don’t have a second car, ask the neighbors if they would like to use it while you’re gone. That’s what my next-door neighbors used to do when they were off on one of their many adventures. We never had a driveway, so we loved the chance to park there and have a shorter trip to the door on grocery day!

SheBuysTravel Tip: Just remember to lock the car you leave in the driveway and keep any valuables out of sight.

10. Hide the Valuables

It won’t matter how tightly you’ve locked up the house if you leave a laptop or other valuables sitting out in plain sight. It can prove too tempting for someone who will break that window and take them.

11. Remove Hidden Keys

If you keep a hidden key outside, put it away while you’re on vacation. You’re not the only one who hides a key outside for emergencies and that fake rock won’t fool an experienced thief.

12. Unplug Everything

Before you walk out the door, unplug everything, including your washer, microwave and coffee maker to conserve energy. And, of course, turn off and unplug the iron.

If you have any worries about a potential flood, consider disconnecting the water supply to your appliances as well, particularly if you’re planning a very long family vacation.

While You’re on Vacation

13. Have the Lawn Mowed or Driveways Shoveled

Like having a car parked in the driveway, a neatly mowed lawn and shoveled sidewalks make your house appear lived in while you’re gone. An overgrown lawn is a sure sign that nobody is around.

If you don’t have a regular service, hire a neighborhood kid to mow the lawn or shovel the walks.

14. Avoid Posting On Social Media

This is advice I have trouble following myself. If I didn’t put those vacation photos on Instagram and Facebook, was I really on vacation? But every security expert will tell you: When you post that sunset picture from the beach in Hawaii, it’s like taking out a billboard telling the world you aren’t home.

Wait until you get home to post those droll-worthy pix.

15. Ask a Friend or Family-Member to Drive By

Stopping services is one thing, but lots of people, from real estate agents to window salespeople to yard services, leave flyers on your doorstep. Ask a friend to stop by every few days to assure these aren’t left outside — another indication you may not be home. They can also do a visual check that nothing is askew.

The post Why You Should Keep a Penny in the Freezer & Other Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to drive a number of different electric cars. Whether you are considering buying or leasing an EV, or renting one on vacation, there are special considerations.

Driving an Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

The most important consideration is how far you are going. Electric vehicles have ranges up to about 300 miles, so you need to plan your charging. I like to leave some things up to chance when I travel. Should I stop at this donut shop? Do I have time for a quick hike at this state park?

Figuring out EV charging cannot be left to chance. It takes planning.

Download PlugShare

EV drivers act like they’re part of the club and they are happy to welcome new members. The first time I drove the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E, guys who were charging their EVs kept running over to check out the electric SUV and offer advice.

The most important tip I got from other drivers of electric vehicles: Download PlugShare.

PlugShare consolidates info from many different electric chargers, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, FLO, EVgo, EV Connect, and Tesla.

In addition to that overview, you’ll want to consider downloading the app for the electric charger brand designed for your EV. That will get you discounts when you charge through the app.

Do this BEFORE your first road trip. My husband desperately downloading different apps and trying to find us a charger as I anxiously eyed the dwindling range of an electric car is not an experience I would wish upon anyone else.

I was actually happy when we hit traffic, because the regenerative braking – the captured energy from the brakes recharges the battery – gave us a few extra miles.

How Does Electric Vehicle Charging Work?

Basically, there are two types of connectors to EV chargers:

• Tesla
• Everything else

It’s sort of like Apple device chargers and everything else. If you have an Apple iPad, you need to have your Apple charger when you travel. You can’t just use a charger for a Samsung Galaxy. Same with Tesla.

To further confuse drivers, non-Tesla charging stations say they can be used by any type of electric vehicle. They can IF – and this is a very big if – you have a special adaptor. That special charger doesn’t come with your rental Tesla.

Whatever you think of the politics of Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, the Tesla Model X is the gold standard of electric cars. Its super-fast proprietary charging network is one of the main reasons for that. Teslas can be fully charged in about 20 minutes at these superchargers. And to help spur the adoption of its electric vehicles, Tesla built an extensive network of chargers.

Even the entry-level Tesla Model Y SUV has a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge.

If you buy or rent a Tesla, you can drive with relative ease, knowing you can find Tesla chargers almost anywhere. And, if you happen to have that little adaptor, you can charge the Tesla at any other electric charger

On the Horizon

Tesla is opening up its chargers to other EVs.

The Chevy Equinox I drove had an adaptor that allowed you to charge at a Tesla supercharger. Ford, Rivian, GM, Polestar, Volvo, Nissan, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia all also can be charged at Tesla charging stations.

Although car companies are competitors, they all want people to buy their cars, and having a robust network of chargers is one of the best ways to make buyers feel comfortable buying EVs.

Avoid Range Anxiety

If you own an electric vehicle, or properly plan ahead with a rental, range anxiety is mitigated. For example, when I drove the Lexus RZ 450e, I downloaded the Lexus app. It gave me information on nearby available chargers. And you can plan a route on the app, with info on where to charge.

And Audi eliminates range anxiety, at least for a week, when you buy an e-tron, its line of prestige luxury electric cars. You get a free week in a gas-powered rental if you plan on going off the grid and/or think won’t be able to find electric vehicle chargers for a road trip.

How to Extend Your Range

If you find yourself running low on charge, know that climate control can eat up precious range. Just like running the AC causes you to burn more gas, using climate control can cause your range to drop faster.

Using wireless charging or connecting your phone via Apple CarPlay uses some power, too. So if you are worried about having enough juice to get somewhere, charge your phone at home before you drive.

And of course, speeding eats up the charge. Or, rather, driving fast. I was recently on a road with a 70 mph speed limit, but driving 65 in the right-hand lane extended the charge.

Price Consideration

There are a lot of incentives when you buy an electric vehicle. There is a federal rebate, and many states also offer a rebate. Buying or leasing a Hyundai IONIQ or BMW ix gets you two years of free charging. And entry-level trim models on many electric vehicles rival prices of gas-powered cars.

The Audi e-tron models I drove all cost more than $100,000, but Audi makes similar gas-powered models that are also in that price range. And that doesn’t include the government incentives (for now) on electric vehicles.

Chevrolet Equinox EV – Well-Priced SUV

There is almost no compromise with the Chevrolet Equinox EV. I drove the base model, just $33,600. It has a range of 319 miles, which means it could get me from Brooklyn to Philadelphia, and back, with an added trip to Jones Beach. It had some nice touches, like one pedal driving and a huge infotainment screen. I loved the flush handles, which give the vehicle a sleeker look.

The roomy interior could easily fit a bicycle in the back. And if you’re a cyclist, you would be pleased that the safety features include front pedestrian AND bicyclist braking, along with side bicycle alert. With the proliferation of bike lanes, these are important features.

The only thing missing was Apple CarPlay. But with a built-in Nav system, the Equinox got us where we needed to go, comfortably and in style.

Rivaling a Mid-Priced Sedan: Hyundai Ioniq 6

I drove the astonishing Hyundai Ioniq 6, which starts at $35K, to a family reunion in Pennsylvania. This comfy 5 seater has a range of almost 370 miles, plenty of room in the trunk, and all the latest safety features. We were particularly taken with the pedestrian and cyclist alerts. In NYC, recreational bikers, delivery guys and people on unicycles, scooters, cargo bikes and more, crowd the streets, and pedestrians pop out between parked cars and into the already chaotic street scene. The Ioniq 6 gives the driver a fighting chance.

The Ioniq 6 has enough range to take you to Boston, Washington, DC, or Buffalo, NY with no need to charge. But the fast charging makes this a great road trip car. And once you arrive, you can plug the car into a regular outlet for slow recharging from a regular outlet. 

The Luxury EVs I Have Tested

Lexus RZ450e

The Lexus RZ 450e is the first fully electric car in the luxe Lexus brand.

The premium trim model of this electric SUV includes lots of the luxury touches expected in a Lexus: a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The premium model I drove included a head-up display, lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert, a heated rear seat, and an upgraded sound system.

The emergency braking was a bit hyperactive, engaging when I was parking, and still several feet from any obstacle. But it would be helpful in real-world situations with new drivers.

The Lexus infotainment system connects wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I appreciated that there was both a touchscreen and an old-school volume button. There is also wireless charging (for your phone, not the car) and five charging ports throughout the roomy car.

I drove the Lexus when all three of my grown-up kids were home and there was plenty of headroom and legroom for our family of five. And the ride quality was excellent, even from the backseat.

Charging the Lexus 450e

The Lexus 450e has all-wheel drive and safety features like a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The range is 220 miles with 18-inch wheels and 196 miles with 20-inch wheels. That is plenty of range for just driving around NYC on a single charge, but I took trips to Westchester and Long Island, in addition to Bedford, so I had to charge.

But my anxiety level was low – I just worried about normal mom things like my kids’ health and happiness, and normal adult things like the wars in Ukraine and the Mideast. I didn’t have car-related anxiety.

I used public charging by Flo, which is now on streets throughout NYC. Each station has 2 chargers, and no one is supposed to park there without charging. But I have seen regular gas cars parked there. I don’t know if they are ticketed.

I also found that some electric car owners are not very cooperative. They parked at the charging station without actually plugging in. So when you check the Flo app and see that there’s a charging spot open, you might drive over and find out that someone is parked there, blocking access to the charger. The app can’t tell you that.

But all in all, it was a very chill experience. I parked the car there and the Flo app told me how much I would have to pay.

Lexus app told me how long it would take to charge. If you leave the electric vehicle at the charger, still plugged in, you still pay, even after the car is fully charged. It behooves you to pay attention.

Charging costs $2.50 an hour during the day, and $1 an hour at night. It is far cheaper than gas.

The Lexus RZ 450e starts at $59,000 for the premium trim model. The luxury model starts at $65,000.

Audi Electric Vehicles

When you buy an Audi EV, you get 2 years of free charging with Electrify America. And though the Audi Q8 e-tron has a range of 285 miles, you needn’t worry if you have an even longer trip planned. Audi offers e-tron owners a week of ‘Audi on demand’ – you can borrow a gas-powered car for free (plus gas) for those trips.

I took turns driving both the Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi RS e-tron GT around southern Connecticut.

Audi Q8 e-tron: No Range Anxiety

The Audi e-tron, an electric SUV, is great for a family car, or for adventurous couples who want to throw their bikes in the back.

It has an improved battery pack and can charge from 10% (worrisome) to 80% (Zen) in half an hour. Longer than gassing up the car, true, but the last time we had to fill up a regular car on the New Jersey Turnpike, there was a long gas line. And between going to the bathroom, taking the dog for a walk, and checking emails, we spent 25 minutes at the rest stop anyway.

The Q8 e-tron SUV has massage seats that make driving truly pleasurable. The Bang & Olufsen sound system adds to the fun (the Bang & Olufsen speakers are in both vehicles). The adaptive cruise control also helps make the ride relaxing.

Also relaxing: the range. The 2024 Q8 Sportback e-tron has an estimated range of 300 miles for the top trim level with ultra package, a 30% increase over the 2023 e-tron Sportback.

Audi RS e-tron

With its low, aerodynamic roofline, the RS is a sporty performance car. You feel like you’re in a cockpit, but with plenty of headroom since you sit so low. Not sure how it would feel to get in and out of the Audi with a tight skirt on.

The entry-level Premium Plus RS e-tron starts at around $105K, and the premier model, which includes a head-up display and heated rear seats, is $113K. The top-of-the-line RS, which I drove, starts at  $143,900.

It has a 637-horsepower powertrain, which means it can take off like a rocketship. The e-tron GT can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, but if you do that a lot, you probably won’t reach the EPA range of 249.

Electric Vehicles: Yes or No?

In some ways, this is a chicken-or-egg problem. Most car manufacturers have pledged to convert to electric motors, so we will all have to go there eventually. The question really is:

Do you switch now and pressure your local area to install more electric vehicle chargers, or do you wait till you have to switch and forego all the benefits of driving green now?

In my Brooklyn neighborhood, many electric vehicle drivers run extension cords from the street to their houses to charge their cars. If you have a solar roof and an EV, you are doing your part for the environment.

My brother, who bought the first-generation Toyota Prius, had actually put down a deposit on the Lexus RZ 450e, so when I drove it to his house on Thanksgiving, I wanted him to see the one I was driving.

Despite having a garage where he can charge at home, he is worried about how far he can go on a single charge. Until he has a portable battery pack he can bring along, he won’t pull the plug.

The post To EV or Not to EV: Should Your New Car Be an Electric Vehicle? appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Paris is a global tourist destination, the heart of Europe. People arrive worldwide, so prime visiting time in the summer means crowds, premium prices, and lines. Bookmark Visit Paris for great information.

You want to stay in Île de France, the city center, which is historic Paris. You’ll be close to many places you’d like to visit. Staying in the Ninth Arrondissement was convenient for all the major sights to see. I prepared a detailed 7-day itinerary for touring Paris from this hub. And, following, are my top tips for visiting.

1. Learn the Language

This section is sponsored by Mondly, the language-learning app.

OK, so maybe you don’t need to be fluent, but it’s always a nice gesture to learn at least a few phrases of the language before visiting a foreign country. And the French, in particular, seem to appreciate tourists who make an effort.

We like the Mondly app because it teaches 41 languages the way you need to learn them – by listening to locals pronounce the words and focusing on phrases you’ll use in country.

For example, the French app will teach you how locals say key phrases such as:

• Bonjour. (Good morning.)
• Merci. (Thank you)
• Bonne nuit. (Good night)
• Comment ça va. (How are you?)
• Tres bien. (Very well.)
• Je bois du cafe. (I drink coffee.)

There is a free version that will give you a few basics. But upgrading to a paid version will unlock all of the lessons.

Choose Mondly – and save! With their annual or lifetime access plans, you can get 60-65% off!

2. Know Essential French Words and Phrases

My personal experience is that Parisians appreciate you trying to speak their language.

When entering a shop, it’s expected you will greet the proprietor and clerks. “Bonjour monsieur” and “Bonjour madame” are the minimum.

I almost always started my conversations after the greeting with, “Pardon, ma français est terrible,” which means, “Pardon me, my French is terrible.” It always got a laugh, sympathy, and assistance.

3. How to Quickly Clear Customs and Immigration

If you’re not already a Trusted Traveler, you should be in TSA PreCheck ($78) for all your domestic flights. The international program, Global Entry ($100), is worth enrollment.

Why do I recommend it? With a U.S. passport, no visa is required for entry into France. Entering the country was simply standing in line at passport control. The French are very efficient.

Returning to the U.S. with Global Entry, there was no waiting in line, luggage was scanned, not inspected, and I was through U.S. immigration in minutes. It took longer to walk from the plane to Customs and Immigration than it took to go through the process.

If Paris is on the agenda for next year, apply right now.

4. Protect Your Money

Remember to let your bank and credit card companies know you’re going to Europe to avoid declined payments when using your cards. Even though there will be fees, upon arriving, find a bank ATM and use your debit card to ensure it’s working. U.S. cash is not welcome in France.

Before leaving the US, I purchased about €200 from my bank to ensure I had some ready cash. The exchange rate at the time only cost me $193.

Most places, particularly cafés bring WiFi-enabled card readers to your table, so you never have to surrender possession of your credit card. Virtually every store I shopped had “tap” readers, so my phone was my primary credit card and my wallet rarely left my zipper-closed pocket.

5. Reserve ‘Skip-the-Line’ Tickets

Decide in advance what sights to see and get timed entry skip-the-line tickets. You can buy them from ticket sites, but check the venue’s official website; the tickets may be more accessible and cheaper than through a broker.

You’ll pay a premium for line-skipping tickets, so the choice is to spend more to see more or stand in line. In May, there was a three-hour wait to take elevators up the Eiffel Tower and a five-minute hold with a timed entry ticket.

The line was an hour long at Arc de Triomphe and no wait at all with a timed entry ticket.

You may want to take sightseeing tours or a Seine River cruise, but self-guided lets you move at your own pace. Tours can be helpful for a day trip, such as Monet’s Giverny Gardens or the Palace of Versailles.

6. Judiciously Choose Guided Tours

At other sites, such as Opera Garnier, you’ll want to take a guided tour and learn its history and the meaning behind the paintings and carvings. Guided tours in Musée du Louvre, the Louvre museum will rapidly get you to the most famous masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa.

Bus tours are okay, and some are better than others.

Jake and Sarah from Savannah, Georgia, sat beside us at the Paris Auber outdoor café table. Learning it was a first-time Paris trip, we started sharing experiences.

“We took a bus tour that promised to hit several places we wanted to see,” Sarah said. “We saw them, but that’s about it. We were rushed through or around, then dropped at souvenir shops for a long time. It was not a good time.”

Wandering at one’s own pace allows much more time for a complete Paris experience, including talking with people at the ubiquitous outdoor cafes.

Sitting on the other side of Jake, Jean-Paul joined in, speaking English in a thick French accent.

“Those tours just want to take you to the shops because they get, how do you say it? Kickers.”

“Kickbacks,” corrected Jake.

“Oui,” Jean-Paul said. “Kickbacks.”

You’re an American in Paris, dance down the street, sing out loud while walking Champs-Élysée, and skip Disneyland Paris—you can do Disneyland in Florida or California.

7. Know Where You’re Going

I recommend adding a GPS tracking app to your phone to record your movements. AllTrails, GaiaGPS, or Strava are popular apps that have that feature. Recording where you’re going will also help you return to the hotel. It also records where you’ve been to match with photos taken on the trip.

8. Stay Near a Metro Stop

Paris has an extraordinary variety of hotels, pensions, AirBnBs, and resorts. Check reviews carefully and understand that French hotel rooms may differ from those found in the U.S. Location is very important.

Staying near Opéra Garnier, within one block of each of three Metro stations, was so convenient for subway or walking. The most straightforward transportation in Paris is by foot or the Metro.

We were less than 15 minutes from nearly all the significant Paris places we wanted to visit. For anything further or far from a Metro station, we used Uber.

Many European hotels have twin or double beds instead of queens or kings. In addition, ensure the hotel offers a private, in-room bathroom.

9. Overcome Jet Lag

It’s a real thing. There are many ways to combat it, but what worked for me was the advice of Jim Hamel, the leader of our photography group in Paris.

“I like to take overnight flights,” he said. “After dinner, I’ll take a sleeping pill, pull on some blinders and earplugs, and let myself fall asleep.”

Since you’ll arrive in Paris in the morning, after clearing immigration, it’s daylight to be enjoyed. Take a nap after checking into the hotel, but keep yourself going while the sky is bright.

9. Change Your Eating Habits

Parisians eat on a different schedule than Americans. Meals are later in the day. In the Ninth Arrondissement, finding an early-opening coffee shop was impossible. Even Starbucks didn’t open until 7:30.

The hotel served breakfast at 7:00, and I was the only person in the dining room until 7:30.

Restaurants open for lunch beginning at noon; most of them close at 1400 (2pm).

Restaurants open for dinner beginning at 1900 (7 pm). You should reserve in advance. Even if you see an empty table, it may be reserved for a little later in the evening. Most restaurants only have one service and patrons stay for a long time – like 2 or 3 hours. So the table is occupied all evening. 

10. Watch for Pickpockets in Paris

The song goes, “Werewolves in London,” and perhaps it could be parodied as “Pickpockets in Paris.” They are so common it’s almost a romantic occupation in Paris. Pickpockets are everywhere and very sophisticated.

The State Department has a website with recommendations to avoid being a victim. In any situation where you find yourself being forced into distraction, bully your way through quickly or raise your voice, “Police.”

Number one on the list is to maintain absolute control and possession of your driver’s license and passport. I kept mine in a zippered inner pocket of my Clothing Arts pickpocket-proof pants. I learned about these pants while doing pre-trip research and decided to purchase several pairs. In the one situation where I was being swarmed, they protected me from sticky fingers.

Ignore distractions, ignore swarms, and move quickly from the areas. There are many tips on being prepared and responsive from sources like our partner, Trip Advisor.

The post 10 Essential Tips for Visiting Paris (+ Helpful French Phrases) appeared first on She Buys Travel.

This post is sponsored by Mondly.

When I headed to France for a CroisiEurope cruise on the Loire River – a quintessentially French experience – I expected my college French would come rushing back. Wrong! I was intensely embarrassed to find that every one of the French passengers knew more English than I knew French. And I was the visitor to their country!

So, with another trip to France coming this fall, I knew I had to do better.

Enter Mondly, the incredibly easy-to-use language learning app. I downloaded it at 7pm one night and by 8pm, I had made it through three lessons, learned a few easy sentences and felt like there was hope for me to learn enough French to believe that if I keep at this, I will be able to hold my own come November.

Choose Mondly – and save! With their annual or lifetime access plans, you can get 60-65% off!

Best Features of Mondly for International Travelers

• Supports 40+ languages
• Lessons focus on travel terms
• Speech recognition to fine-tune pronunciation
• Daily reminders and streaks to keep you motivated
• The focus is on learning phrases, not grammar and verb conjugation

What Works Well:

• Conversational Focus: You’ll learn travel-relevant phrases like how to order food, ask directions, or check into a hotel.
• Speech Recognition: Helps with pronunciation and speaking confidence—great for real-world use.
• Short, Daily Lessons: 5–10 minutes a day makes it easy to build a habit before a trip.
• Lots of Positive Feedback: Silly, I know, but I smiled when the app congratulated me on getting something right!
  

Where It Falls Short:

• Repetition Over Depth: Don’t expect grammar deep-dives or fluency. It’s phrase-based, not immersion-based.
• Limited Free Access: There is a free daily lesson, but if you want faster access, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version.
• Not Great for Non-Latin Scripts: Languages like Chinese or Arabic aren’t as smooth an experience compared to Romance or Germanic languages.
  

Mondly is Ideal For:

Travelers who want to:

• Learn greetings, essentials, and polite phrases
• Practice pronunciation before landing
• Avoid translation apps for every interaction

Get more adventure travel inspiration with our newsletter!

Can You Use Mondly to Learn a Language Quickly Before a Trip?

Definitely. This is my favorite thing about the app. I don’t have a lot of time. Or patience. So short lessons that I can do in 10 minutes at a time work for me.

Plus, the daily notifications remind me to spend another 10 minutes learning more each day.

If your goal is to pick up the essentials of a new language quickly before an international trip, Mondly is a solid, user-friendly option. It’s designed for beginners and casual learners, not serious linguists—and that’s exactly what I like most about it.

Does Mondly Teach You How to Pronounce Words Correctly While Traveling?

This is one of my biggest challenges. I can read French pretty well, thanks to those two years of college French. But my pronunciation is so bad that even the app didn’t always understand what I was saying.

Mondly’s speech recognition technology let me practice saying each phrase aloud—and get feedback on how well I did.

This means that I get plenty of practice trying to pronounce words and my fumbles are kept private – only my phone knows the truth.

I doubt that I will be fluent by November, but I expect to at least have a reasonable grasp of what a friend of mine calls “restaurant French” – enough understanding of the language to be able to check into my hotel, order drinks and dinner, say please and thank you and ask for directions to the bathroom.

Is Mondly Worth Paying for If You’re Just Going on Vacation?

The free version gives you one daily lesson and access to limited topics. That may be enough for ultra-casual use.

But if you want:

• Full access to all travel scenarios
• Conversation practice with the chatbot
• Grammar tips and verb conjugation tools

Mondly Premium is a smart investment. It’s what I did. I want to be able to do more than one lesson a day. If i get on a roll, I don’t want to stop because I cheaped out and only have the free version.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If your trip is coming up soon and you just want to learn enough of the language to get by, subscribe for the month, spend some concentrated time studying and cancel when you get home. I won’t do that – I’m thinking about tackling Chinese next.

Choose Mondly – and save! With their annual or lifetime access plans, you can get 60-65% off!

Bottom Line: Is Mondly Right for You?

If your goal is to feel confident ordering food, asking for directions, or greeting people politely while traveling, Mondly is an excellent fit. It’s easy, intuitive, and built around real-world travel situations—not abstract grammar rules.

Whether you’re heading to France, China, or Argentina, using Mondly in the weeks before your trip can help you connect with locals, reduce stress, and make your travel experience smoother.

Read More

• Best Countries to Visit with Kids in 2025
• Unique Travel Gifts for the Mom Who’s Already Planning Her Next Getaway
• 10 Essential Tips for Visiting Paris (+ Helpful French Phrases)
• European Christmas Markets Deliver Old World Holiday Magic
• Essential Tips for Parents of US Students Studying Abroad

The post Is Mondly a Good App for Learning a Language Before Traveling Abroad? appeared first on She Buys Travel.

I must admit, sometimes I get so excited about our travel plans that I forget to properly prepare for our trip. We have experienced enough travel mishaps for me to know first-hand that I need a travel checklist to make travel planning easier.

This is the travel checklist I developed to reduce my own travel anxiety. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

1. Ask The Right Questions About Your Destination

This is the critical first step. Among the questions to ask:

• Is there any historical or cultural significance in the area?
• What are the must-try foods?
• Will there be activities to entertain all age groups?

Once I have created my list of questions, I can proceed with my research. I start by contacting the local tourism office or searching online for answers to my questions.

And I have SheBuysTravel bookmarked. We cover both US and international travel destinations and we love sharing our expert travel tips.

2. Check For Events Happening During Your Visit

Avoid missing out on unique experiences like Texas’ bluebonnet season or the State Fair, or inadvertently booking during disruptive events like the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Check the destination’s official website and social media for event calendars. Create a Pinterest board to pin activities, sights, and restaurants, and follow hashtags like #DallasTX on Instagram for inspiration.

3. Advance Planning to Save Time, Money, and Stress

Booking key elements in advance can make or break your trip’s success. Strategic planning reduces costs, secures availability, and minimizes last-minute stress. Things to book ahead include:

Flights

Book flights 2-6 months in advance for domestic trips and 6-12 months for international ones to secure lower fares and better seats. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends. Reserve rental cars or airport transfers early, especially during peak seasons, to avoid price surges or sold-out options.

Transportation to the Airport

This section is sponsored by Lyft.

Book your ride to the airport up to 90 days ahead with Lyft’s scheduled rides feature. The idea that I might miss my flight, or that I won’t find a parking spot at the airport, or that I will have to walk miles with three kids and their suitcases to get to my terminal is a huge source of travel stress for me. Knowing that my driver will pick us up on time and – this is the best part! – drop us off at the terminal door and help me unload all that luggage, really reduces my travel anxiety.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Lyft is promoting its scheduled rides feature by offering riders 25% off on one scheduled ride to select airports (max $10 off per trip). Use code SBT25. Terms apply. 

Accommodations

Reserve hotels, vacation rentals, or cabins 3-6 months ahead, particularly for popular destinations or events. Check cancellation policies for flexibility.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re booking a name-brand hotel, such as a Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott, always join the free loyalty program before you book. It will give you access to members-only deals and perks and you’ll earn points for future free stays.

Activities and Tours

Pre-book high-demand activities like guided tours, museum tickets, or adventure excursions to skip long lines and secure spots. For example, book zoo or aquarium tickets online to save up to 20% and avoid sell-outs.

Dining Reservations

Reserve tables at popular restaurants, especially for group or fine-dining experiences, 1-2 months in advance. Use platforms like OpenTable to lock in spots and explore menus.

4. Keep Up-To-Date On Weather Conditions. 

Check weather forecasts for your destination, especially during hurricane or winter seasons, to pack appropriately and anticipate disruptions. Use apps like AccuWeather for real-time updates.

SheBuysTravel Tip: NEVER rely solely on the calendar! For example, just because it’s June, you can’t assume it will be sunny and warm in Chicago; it could be 50 and rainy or 90 and humid. You’ll only know if you check the weather forecast!

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst:

• Carry a paper map for road trips in low-signal areas.
• Keep emergency contacts and photocopies of travel documents (passports, IDs, itineraries) in your purse, phone and suitcase.
• Pack a carry-on with essentials (clothes, chargers, medications).
• Set passcodes on devices to protect against theft.
• Pack a portable power bank and universal travel adapter for device reliability.
• Store digital documents in a secure cloud service with offline access.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out our complete carry-on packing list so you can travel light, even with kids!

 6.  Buy Travel Insurance

Protect against cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage with travel insurance. If you are a regular traveler, consider a cost-effective annual plan. Travel insurance will reimburse you for flight delays, road trip mishaps, car rentals and lost luggage. And, if you’re planning to visit far-flung or dangerous places, consider buying a Medjet medical evacuation policy as well.

7. Read Online Reviews And Suggestions

Check reviews on reputable sites for accommodations, activities, and restaurants. Balance negative feedback with trusted sources like SheBuysTravel to find hidden gems, like the best ceviche in Playa del Carmen.

Read More: Best Countries to Visit with Kids

 8. Avoid Overpacking, Use a Packing Checklist

Plan outfits based on activities to avoid overpacking. Use packing cubes for organization. Include:

• Clothing and Accessories: Underwear, socks, sleepwear, versatile tops/pants, dresses, sweaters, shoes, swimsuits, and fancy clothes for fancy dinners.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, body wash, razors, face wash, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc.
• Miscellaneous: Medications, chargers, laptops, documents, snacks, and family items like diapers or toys.

Read More: SheBuysTravel has a whole section dedicated to packing right for the vacation you’re planning.

9. Make Sure You Can Access Your Money

Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans to avoid suspended accounts. Carry some cash and consider a money belt for security.

10. Prepare Your Home

Ensure your home will be safe in your absence:

• Leave a penny in the freezer. Here’s why.
• Have a neighbor gather your mail or request a Hold Mail through your local post office or online.
• Arrange pet care. Pet boarding or finding someone to care for your pet from Rover.com are two good options.
• Pay the bills. Any bills that will be due while you’re gone should be paid or set on auto-draft.
• Consider purchasing a Ring doorbell from Amazon, That way you’re at least notified when someone is at your door while you’re away.
• Take out the trash! No one wants to return to a smelly home.
• Adjust the thermostat.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electronics or appliances.

11. Digital Security  

• Use a VPN for secure communications.
• Pack a mobile hotspot or international SIM card for reliable internet.
• Back up files to a cloud service with offline access.
• Consider buying a waterproof phone case if you’ll be spending time in the water.

12. Health and Safety Precautions

• Carry vaccination records or health certificates for international travel.
• Pack a health kit with pain relievers, motion sickness meds, and local emergency contacts.
• Check travel advisories on government websites.

Additional Travel Checklist Tips

• Double-check the airline’s luggage weight and size restrictions.
• If you are traveling out of the country, make sure your passport isn’t expiring in the next 6 months. If it is, apply for an expedited passport.
• When you prepare for vacation, check your prescription medications to make sure you won’t need a refill before you return home.

If this travel checklist was helpful to you please share it! 

The post Travel Checklist: 12 Ways to Lessen Travel Anxiety and Prepare for Your Next Vacation appeared first on She Buys Travel.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-timer or a million-miler, we all make mistakes when it comes to flying. Even those of us who consider ourselves travel experts have been known to head to the wrong airport, book a flight at the worst possible time or fail to allow enough time to get to the airport in bad weather or road construction season.

Here. we lay out the airport mistakes we’ve made, along with the solutions to fix them.

Want more insider tips so you can travel like a pro? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

1. Arriving at the Airport Too Late

The common rule is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

This is a good general guideline. But it doesn’t work for EVERY flight.

How to Fix This Mistake

We recommend looking at historical data for your airport before deciding how early you actually need to get to the airport. It’s also not a bad idea to check flight schedules. Are there 12 flights leaving within 20 minutes of one another at 8am? If so, security lines will be loooooong at 7am. Don’t make the airport mistake of arriving at the busiest times and being surprised it’s so busy.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t arrive too early if you plan to check your suitcase. You cannot check luggage more than 4 hours in advance on many flights.

2. Arriving at the Wrong Airport

While you may be asking who does this, it happens more than you think! With three airports to choose from, I have set off to the wrong one.

How to Fix This Mistake

If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that is blessed with more than one airport choice, check your ticket to be sure you know which airport is the right airport. Always double-check (triple-check, quadruple-check) flight times and airports.

Read More: What to wear to the airport to be comfy but still look cute.

3. Booking Your Flight to the Wrong Airport

Many budget airlines fly in and out of secondary airports. For example, flying Allegiant Airlines to Oralndo means arriving at Orlando’s Sanford Airport (SFB) rather than Orlando International Airport (MCO). That’s fine, if Sanford is where you want to be. If you need to be at MCO, the cab fare could negate any savings you reaped by booking the budget carrier.

Likewise, when you search for flights into New York City, Newark International often pops up. But it’s in New Jersey.

How to Fix This Mistake

Slow down when you’re booking the flight and look closely at the airport code before you book.

4. Not Factoring in Time to Park and Walk to the Gate

So you planned to get to the airport two hours ahead of your domestic flight and you know that it takes 45 minutes to drive to the airport. So you’re leaving home 2 hours and 45 minutes ahead of your flight, right? Wrong.

You forgot to factor in the time you will spend circling to find a parking spot and the 20-minute walk from your car to Ticketing. Rookie mistake.

How to Fix This Mistake

This section is sponsored by Lyft.

Skip the car altogether and book a ride to the airport with Lyft. The rideshare company allows passengers to book their rides up to 90 days in advance. That means you can check off your list “Get to the airport” early, freeing up time to plan more fun activities once you arrive at your destination. Plus, even if your pickup time is Zero-Dark-Thirty for that 5 am flight you booked, Lyft promises the driver will arrive within 10 minutes of your pickup time, or you’ll get up to $100 in Lyft Cash.

But the best reason to book a ride to the airport with Lyft? The driver will take you straight to the door. No need to look for parking. No need to wait for a shuttle bus. No need for a 20-minute walk to Ticketing. 

Just check the app, see your driver arrive, settle in and start your vacation.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Lyft is promoting its scheduled rides service by offering riders 25 percent off on one scheduled ride to select airports ($10 max off per trip). Use code: SBT25. Terms apply. 

5. Not Buying Travel Insurance

We are travel insurance super fans. There are so many scenarios when it comes in handy that we wholeheartedly recommend either an annual policy that covers your whole family (for frequent travelers) or per-trip coverage (for infrequent travelers).

How to Fix This Mistake

You already know the answer to this one: Buy the travel insurance.

6. Not Reserving Parking

Usually, there are many parking choices near an airport. Airport-run garages are the most centrally located and usually the most expensive. Economy lots will involve time on a shuttle or bus. But there are all sorts of other options – Park N’ Fly, The Parking Spot, SpotHero, nearby hotels and more. Some parking lots require a reservation and do not take same-day drive-ups.

How to Fix This Mistake

Figure out your parking ahead of time!

6. Not Figuring out How You’ll Get from the Parking Lot to the Airport

Some off-site lots run shuttles every few minutes, but some have specific shuttle times. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. On my last flight out of Houston Hobby Airport, I found cheap parking at the nearby Marriott. Score! One thing I didn’t realize? The hotel shuttle only ran every half hour to the airport. Luckily, I had enough time and didn’t miss my flight.

How to Fix This Mistake

Ask before you book. A shuttle that runs every half hour might be just fine, especially if the parking rates are super affordable. Just factor in some extra time so you won’t be sweating while you wait for the shuttle — or eat up all the money you saved on parking by ordering an Uber.

7. Not Remembering Where You Parked

It happens. You’re rushing because you didn’t leave enough time (tsk tsk) or you’re trying to get 3 kids and luggage into the airport. When you return from your trip, you realize you have no clue where you parked. Maybe it was the 8th floor? The “buggy of shame” picks you up and drives you around the garage as you push your key fob lock button hoping to hear a faint “beep beep” in the distance.

How to Fix This Mistake

Take a picture of where your car is parked or add a note to your calendar app for your return date so you can find it easily.

SheBuysTravel Airport Tip: Frequent flier? I highly recommend always parking in the same area of the same lot. Walking to your car becomes a muscle memory activity.

8. Not Bringing a Refillable Water Bottle

Yes, we know you can’t bring liquids through security, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay $4.99 for a 16.9 oz bottle of Dasani after security.

How to Fix This Airport Mistake

Carry an empty water bottle with you. Most airports have water filling stations, so you’ll save money and the environment.

9. Not Washing Your Hands

Airports are germy places. Chairs, handrails, those TSA bins. The germs are everywhere.

How to Fix This Mistake

I feel like this goes without saying but wash your hands. Carry sanitizer. Try not to touch anything.

10. Not Printing Your Boarding Pass

While many of us elect to use mobile boarding passes on our phones, it’s still a good idea to have a printed copy. Maybe it will be the day you forget your phone charger. Maybe the airline has technology issues. Stuff happens.

How to Fix This Mistake

Another easy one: print your boarding pass(es) at home before you head to the airport. It’s always better to have a paper copy than to be muttering silent affirmations to your phone as the battery hovers at 2% while you stand in the C boarding group for your Southwest flight. And, if you’re flying a cut-rate airline, you could get hit with a printing fee to have your boarding pass printed at the airport.

11. Not Taking Advantage of Lounge Access

Million-milers know the wonder that is an airport lounge. It’s the place to find a quiet respite with comfy chairs and access to free (and strong) wifi, free drinks and lots and lots of free snacks.

How to Fix This Mistake

If you have a credit card or frequent flier status on any airline, you may have access to airport lounges. Before your flight, look into what credit card perks you may have. And if you think you’ll be flying a lot, consider switching to a credit card that offers airline lounge access as a perk.

12. Major Airport Mistake: Not Planning for TSA

Ahh, airport security. Unfortunately, a lot of airport mistakes center around your time at the security checkpoint. some sort of expedited security access (CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, etc.), you’ll need to know the biggest TSA mistakes and how to fix them:

• Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. The good news: Kids under 12 and adults 75 and older do not have to take off their shoes.
• Bring or wear socks to avoid walking barefoot on the (usually filthy) floor barefoot during your security screening.
• Leave the studded tank tops, elaborate underwires, bangle bracelets and anything else that might set off the metal detector at home (or in your suitcase).
• Plan to remove your jacket. You may be asked to remove sweatshirts or anything considered a “jacket.” So unless you want to parade around in that lacy see-through camisole, dress accordingly.
• Pack liquids and toiletries in a one-quart zip-top plastic bag. All liquids, gels and aerosols should be smaller than 3.4 ounces.
• Keep electronics accessible. Any electronics larger than a cell phone will need to come out of your bag for separate screening. Listen carefully to the instructions from the TSA agent. Some airports want Kindles and iPads to be sent through in a bin just like a laptop.
• Know where your snacks are. While you may not need to take them out, some airports require passengers to remove food items to be swabbed. I’ve run into this twice at Boston’s Logan Airport. Keep them together.

13. Not Packing Snacks

Here’s the deal: Flight delays are common these days. And they sometimes happen while you’re sitting on a tarmac strapped into your seat with no way out. Your tummy might be grumbling, but there won’t be any drinks or snack service until the airline hits cruising altitude.

How to Fix This Mistake

Pack snacks! Not only will you be able to quell your hunger on the plane, you’ll save a lot of money and time at the airport. Labor shortages are still a problem. The lines at the snack shops can be long, the service can be snarly and the prices definitely will be high.

14. Thinking a Flight Delay is Written in Stone

When a flight delay pops up on the board, remember this: It’s just an estimate. The airline is notifying you that you may be delayed. But things change. This isn’t the time to head to the sit-down restaurant and order a full meal thinking you’ll have plenty of time to eat it only to miss your flight that ended up taking off on time.

How to Fix This Airport Mistake

If you plan to still take the flight despite the notification of possible delay, continue your drive to the airport. If you’re already in the airport, pay attention to the announcements. Sign up for text notifications on your phone.

15. Failing to Pay Close Attention to Airport Announcements

This has happened to just about every frequent flier. We are so comfortable at airports that we head to the gate listed on the flight board, set up our laptops or tune into our favorite podcast and zone out, waiting for the gate attendant to call us to board. But airports are dynamic places gate changes can and do happen. You don’t want to be sitting at Gate 36 happily binge-watching old episodes of “Friends” only to find out your flight left 10 minutes ago from Gate 31.

How to Fix This Airport Mistake

There are several options here. One, of course, is to put away your electronics and pay attention to the world around you. Another is to sign up for text alerts about your flight so your phone will tell you the gate has been changed. Or you can simply set a timer to go off 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to take off so you know to look up from your laptop to check on the status of your flight.

16. Not Taking Advantage of Unique Airport Entertainment

So you got to the airport early and have plenty of time before your flight. You sit down near your gate and wait and wait. You read a bit, then do some people-watching. But everyone’s getting bored. You need to figure out how to entertain them.

How to Fix This Airport Mistake

Sure, you could just start that movie you downloaded to the iPad. But save that for the flight. Airports are fascinating places. From art displays to yoga rooms to live music to movies, airports provide more entertainment than ever. Do a little research before your flight to see what’s offered at your airport. Besides, you can still move around freely in the airport. Get those steps in while you can!

17. Not Bringing Proper ID

You know what makes a trip much less fun? Not being able to go because your passport is too close to expiration, or your driver’s license is expired or is not Real ID complaint.

How to Fix This Mistake

Research what type of ID you need and check to make sure yours is compliant — before you book the trip. Starting in May 2025, all domestic US flights will require REAL ID.

18. Not Bringing Proper Paperwork

Traveling solo with your kids out of the country? A common mistake is not bringing proof of consent from the child’s other parent. Even if you’re married, authorities could ask for it.

How to Fix This Mistake

We recommend a notarized consent letter. You can find notaries at most UPS stores, some pharmacies, travel agencies, banks and city offices. We’ve got one for you that is free to download.

19. Not Checking the Size of Your Carry-on Bag

Having to check a too-big bag last minute will put a damper on your trip. It could cost you time if you end up standing in line for a bag that you can’t bring through security. Or it could cost you big money if you’re flying a low-cost carrier. Flying Spirit? It will cost a whopping $99 to check your bag at the gate if the gate attendant determines it’s too big!

How to Fix This Mistake

These days it seems like every airline has a different size limit for carry-on baggage. Make sure yours measures up BEFORE going to the airport. Remember that rules are different for many international flights.

20. Not Packing an Emergency Bag

Planes often run out of overhead bin space before everyone boards. If you’re among the last to board, chances are you’ll have to turn over your carry-on to the gate attendant so it can be checked and stored underneath the plane with all of the other checked baggage.

How to Fix This Mistake

Pack an “emergency bag” in your carry-on. It can be as simple as a reusable tote bag. That way, if your carry-on gets checked, you can quickly pull out the essentials — medications, bathing suits, a spare pair of underwear — that you will want to have just in case your bag gets lost.

21. Packing Essentials in a Checked Bag

This is a common rookie mistake. Frequent fliers rarely check a bag, often because they were burned at some point by an air carrier that lost their luggage. And yes, we always hope that luggage won’t go missing, but it happens. In fact, estimates are that 7 in 1000 bags will get lost or delayed.

How to Fix This Mistake

Always pack your keys, medications and valuables in a bag that fits under your seat. (This is another good reason to buy travel insurance. It can cover the cost of replacing your lost luggage and its contents!)

22. Not Knowing Your Rights

What you don’t know can hurt you in an airport — from not knowing your right to bring breast milk through the security checkpoint as a nursing mother to not knowing what rights you have if your flight is delayed. There are a myriad of rules surrounding what an airline needs to provide to you in case of a delay or cancellation.

How to Fix This Mistake

Know your rights! Read the rules, called Contracts of Carriage, for your airline.

23. Not Downloading Airline Apps

An airline’s app does all sorts of things. It allows you book flights, displays your boarding pass, notifies you of changes and, in many cases, is the way you access the carrier’s free onboard entertainment. You don’t want to discover that when you’re at 35,000 feet and bored out of your mind.

How to Fix This Mistake

Download the app and explore all of its functions before you leave for the airport. You can always delete the app after the flight if you don’t want it taking up valuable memory on your phone.

24. Not Asking for Help When You Need It

Whether you’re traveling solo or dragging a small posse of your offspring with you, flying can be a hassle. Many folks try to tough it out. Don’t! Ask for help!

Gate agents can direct you to the nearest restrooms. Hands full? There’s a good chance a fellow passenger will earn their good human certificate for the day by holding something for a second.

Flight attendants are there for your safety, but also to make sure you have a pleasant flight.

How to Fix This Mistake

Don’t wallow through your travels alone. Ask questions as needed. People are generally willing to assist if you give them the chance.

Heck, we’re even here to help at SheBuysTravel. From numerous family travel stories to a Facebook page, please let us know how we can help with airport tips or any other questions you might have!

25. Not Planning Ground Transportation

You may gasp, but not every city has Uber. Also, rental car sites aren’t always open during the posted hours. No one wants to be stranded at an airport at 1am.

How to Fix This Mistake

Research transportation options before your trip and call locations to confirm the information is correct, or ask questions if it’s confusing.

26. Not Allowing Enough Time to Make Your Connection

From weather delays to mechanical issues to the unexpected announcement that your flight crew is nowhere to be found, there are so many reasons you might miss your connection. When you book a flight that connects, the airline will (helpfully) book you the shortest connection time so you can arrive at your final destination as quickly as possible. But, in the all-too-likely event there is a problem, you’ll miss that connection and be left with nothing but hope you might make to your destination that day.

How to Fix This Mistake

This is an easy one. Book a longer connection, You don’t have to access the first choice the airline offers. Look for a later flight and book that as your connection. If you need more motivation, read our post on why short layovers no longer fly.

What airport mistakes have you made? How did you fix it? Share with us in the comment section below.

The post Do What We Say Not What We Do: 26 Rookie Airport Mistakes and How to Fix Them appeared first on She Buys Travel.

As someone who has been solo traveling since the age of 22, I know firsthand the concerns and worries that women have about taking their first solo trip. However, I also know how incredibly empowering it is to travel solo and hopefully, I can inspire you with my top tips!

My first trip was after I graduated from college and grew tired of waiting around for friends to coordinate time off work or agree to go to the same locations I wanted to visit. Our interests differed, and I didn’t want to miss out on exploring the world just because others couldn’t or wouldn’t join me.

So, I took the plunge and booked my solo adventure, starting with a weekend trip to Amsterdam in October of 2018. I’ve learned so much since then and I hope this travel guide will inspire you to travel solo for the first time!

1. Step one: Go for it!

Traveling solo allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, meet up with new people, and gain confidence in your independence.

2. Arrive prepared

This section is sponsored by Medjet.

When I travel solo, I want to know that someone has my back. Smart travelers plan for the unexpected. That’s why many of our SheBuysTravel experts personally carry Medjet memberships and recommend them to others who travel solo, especially internationally.

Medjet isn’t traditional travel insurance. It’s a medical transport membership that steps in when you’re hospitalized more than 150 miles from home and want to get back to a hospital near your family and support system. Travel insurance doesn’t always cover that. Once you’re stable enough to travel, Medjet arranges and pays for the move home.

Here’s what Medjet can do:

• Transport you to a hospital of your choice back home, if you’re hospitalized while traveling.
• Provide translation assistance if you’re injured or ill in a foreign country.
• Fly you home on an ICU-equipped aircraft if needed — or a business class seat when intensive care isn’t required.
• Offer both short-term and annual memberships, so you can choose what fits your travel style.

Being prepared makes solo travel smoother, safer, and less stressful.2. Stay digitally safe and secure

3. Ponder your interests and comfort level

If a solo trip is a massive leap, start with a destination where the locals speak your first language, the culture or religion are similar, and there are lots of things you’d like to see and do. From there you can seek out new cultures and experiences as you broaden your horizons.

4. Consider your strengths and weaknesses

There is no recommended age for solo travel, but it’s important to consider your comfort level and experience when planning your trip. I have met solo women of all ages on my journey, 50-year-olds who have left their lives behind and are hugely insecure on their journey, and 17-year-olds who are living with little to no fear. Age really is just a number in this case!

5. Decide between a short- or long-term trip

Solo travel doesn’t have to be a permanent lifestyle, and it’s important to prioritize your own happiness and goals. If you have a significant other, they should support your goals and dreams, regardless of whether they involve solo travel. I solo traveled without my boyfriend for 4 months, and although it was difficult at times, it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself!

6. Be prepared for cultural customs

Unfortunately, gender inequality can exist in certain parts of the world. It’s important to research the culture and customs of the country you plan to visit and take precautions to ensure your safety. In some parts of the world, this could mean covering your shoulders, knees, or hair. But more often than not, it’s only required at religious sites.

7. Stay digitally safe and secure

This section is sponsored by 1Password.

Traveling solo as a woman means I’m always thinking about safety, not just in the places I visit but also when it comes to protecting my personal information. That’s why I rely on 1Password. It’s more than just a password manager, it’s my digital security guard on the road. I store everything from my hotel and flight confirmations to emergency contacts and even scanned copies of my passport and ID. Having all of that safely tucked away in one place means I don’t have to scramble through emails or worry about losing important documents.

One of my favorite features is Travel Mode. When I’m crossing borders or staying somewhere unfamiliar, Travel Mode temporarily hides my most sensitive information from my devices. That way, if my phone gets lost or inspected, only the things I’ve marked safe for travel are accessible. It’s a small but powerful way to keep myself extra protected and focused on enjoying the experience, knowing my private info is locked down tight. 

For me, feeling secure digitally helps me feel safer physically and that peace of mind is priceless when traveling solo.

Limited-Time Offer: Right now, 1Password is offering a 14-day free trial for new customers!

8. Choose your location

You can start by doing research (TikTok is amazing for travel recommendations!), I like to create a Google map of pinned travel destinations for my bucket list. Any time I get a recommendation on social media or in person I save it on my map. Here is my map for Vietnam, It was insanely beneficial when I arrived there on a tight schedule.

9. Plan your itinerary

Honestly, this is optional. I’m not a planner beyond creating a wishlist. It depends on where you’re traveling and if you’re operating on a tight schedule. I like to wing it but admittedly, costs are lower when you book in advance.

10. Book into hostels

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel, don’t worry at all! You’ll find the majority of people staying there are also solo travelers and are in the same boat as you in terms of pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. Some of the best times I’ve had traveling have been either at hostel social activities or on day trips with people from the hostel where I was staying!

11. Have some form of budget

Budgeting and saving, finding affordable accommodation and transportation, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions can help make solo travel more affordable.

Apps like Skyscanner, Hostel World, and Booking.com can be useful tools to compare prices and find the best deals. Solo travel can be more affordable than traveling with others, as you have more control over your itinerary and can find cheaper accommodation and transportation options.

12. Be smart about where you spend your money

Although it is tempting to stay in a luxurious private room with a stunning pool, What I’ve found time and time again is that the benefits of hostels far outweigh hotels and Airbnb — from the obvious reduced cost to the social areas and activities that make it the perfect space to meet travel companions, Choosing a good hostel not only changes the outcome of your trip dramatically, but it can extend the length of your time away by cutting accommodation costs.

13. Stay organized

I like to have printed copies of my passport and travel insurance documents in my rucksack. You should also set up an email folder to keep all travel bookings and visa documents safe.

14. Speak to the locals

Learning some basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in breaking the ice and making connections with locals. You would be surprised how much they appreciate it, especially across Asia where the locals make a massive effort to learn and utilize their English. Often they will be noticeably impressed with the most basic words and being comfortable with them will greatly increase your comfort in this new city.

15. Learn to enjoy your own company

Solo travel offers a sense of freedom and independence that can’t be replicated when traveling with others. This can be difficult for many people and is certainly still a process for me.

16. Seek out other women

There are several online communities and apps that connect solo female travelers, such as Women on the Road, Bumble BFF, and location-based Facebook groups. This can be useful to ask questions and make plans. You can meet other female solo travelers in many different ways: Join guided tours, stay in hostels and attend local events to meet other women traveling.

17. Book a group tour

Don’t worry, you’ll still be a solo traveler! Travel group tours can be a great option to meet others and have a structured itinerary. I did a tour with G Adventures from Laos to Thailand and another in Bali. This can be a great way to take a break when the research and bookings become too much for one person!

SheBuysTravel contributor Erin Coyle booked several tours on a recent solo trip that helped her explore many of the best places in Armenia. A highlight was visiting a local home to learn how to bake lavash, the delicious Armenian flatbread.

18. Only plan as far ahead as you need to!

Plan enough to ensure your safety and comfort, but leave room for flexibility and spontaneity. You never know who you’re going to meet or what kind of recommendations you’ll get along the way.

19. Be open to dating and holiday romances

You don’t have to stay somewhere long-term to be open to making romantic connections. Traveling can open the doors to making intense connections very quickly and this can be a lot of fun if you’re open to it. I would be wary of online dating apps unless you take precautions to ensure the person you’re meeting is who they say they are.

20. Don’t be scared of feeling bored

Sometimes downtime and relaxation are what we need, and that can be the perfect solo trip too. But there is an endless list of things to see and do in the world. An endless realm of new things to learn, So if you have a curious mind, you can turn your small motivation into an endless craving to keep discovering new things about yourself and the world.

21. Practice eating out alone

Bring a book or journal to keep yourself occupied, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the staff or other diners. I find this more difficult to do at home, it’s much easier when you realize nobody is looking at you and you’re never going to see any of the people again anyway.

22. Take awesome photos and videos of yourself

Invest in a tripod or ask a friendly passerby to take your photo. My tip is to set your phone up to take a short video, and clip your favorite stills from the footage! This can be daunting at first and took me a long time to get used to. Another female traveler I met told me that people often copied the shots she was taking and she would rather feel a small amount of embarrassment in the moment and have the pictures for life than not have any at all! Just think about that every time you have this fear.

23. Pack light

The common rule is: Make a packing list, Half it, and then half it again! I promise you don’t need as many clothes as you think you do (or toiletries!). If you can’t walk for more than 10 minutes with your luggage, then you’re going to struggle getting around. My rucksack for the last year has been between 15-20kg and I can just about manage to get around in a hot climate. Luckily taxis are also cheap, but going from being a hoarder to a minimalist has been quite the learning curve! This rucksack from Decathlon is a 70 Litre + 10 Litres on top that can be removed and used as a small backpack. I highly recommend this type of bag rather than carrying a backpack too.

24. Become familiar with your whereabouts

Research and ask about the area that you are staying at and if there are any streets to avoid. I like to always book central hostels, No matter the cost as it gives me peace of mind with going out and getting home on my own. Personally, this was more of a concern for me in parts of Europe than in Asia.

25. Don’t walk in the dark on your own

This is the same advice I’d get in my hometown, and have always adhered to it. Even though I felt much safer in the likes of Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali walking on my own, I still as a rule would aim to be at my hostel before dark, unless I was taking public transportation or an Uber.

26. Don’t get too intoxicated

We all want to have a good time, and bars and clubs are a great way to socialize and meet people. Just always be careful and don’t put yourself in a situation where you could get lost or lose your valuables (I’ve heard this happen on too many occasions!). Leave your passport at home, don’t accept drinks from strangers and have your wits about you.

27. Avoid unwanted attention

If unwarranted attention or comments come your way, I personally ignore them and keep walking, as if I have earphones in. Many women I have met will never tell strange men they are traveling alone and will lie and say they are with their boyfriend. If you receive uncomfortable advances or comments, Don’t feel the need to engage or excuse yourself, It’s always safest to remove yourself from the situation. Trust your instincts.

28. Always carry a phone charger or power bank

When solo traveling, it can be extremely daunting to be without your phone for communication or Google Maps, so always make sure to charge your phone at night for the next morning and have a charger with you just in case!

29. Send your address to family or friends

At least one person from home will know my address at any given time. I’ll usually text my Mam but it could be your boyfriend or best friend. If you’re taking a taxi or out at night on your own, for your own peace of mind it doesn’t hurt to share your live location on WhatsApp or another tracking app.

30. Take note of emergency contacts

It can be helpful to take precautions and note the emergency number in a new country including the local embassy details, but 211 is an international emergency line no matter where you travel. If you didn’t know already, now you do and you’re even safer than you were before!

31. Prepare your new SIM card

It’s best to do this before you leave home so your phone is contactable as soon as you arrive so that you don’t have to seek out wi-fi. I personally use Airalo for international sims but the only downside is that it offers data-only coverage. You may want to opt for a local SIM card if you need call or text coverage.

32. Don’t be afraid to change your plans last minute

It’s important to prioritize your safety and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a particular location, consider canceling or altering your plans. This can also apply to meeting other travelers and making plans together. Your politeness is not more important than your comfort and safety.

33. Embrace the loneliness

Loneliness can be a part of solo travel, but it can also be an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. It can be helpful to experience loneliness as a way to push us to approach strangers and make new friends.

34. Stay connected with those close to you.

If loneliness gets the better of you, connect with loved ones back home, join guided tours, and attend local events to meet other travelers and locals. This can be a useful reminder that even when you are feeling lonely, there are people near and far who love you and enjoy your company, even if it’s just by call or text.

35. Extend your travel for as long as it makes you happy

Choose affordable destinations, travel in the off-season, cook your meals, and consider staying in hostels or couch-surfing if you’re not ready to go home just yet. I spent 3 months as a social volunteer at a hostel in Bali and received free accommodation and food in return for help. I also worked on various farms in New Zealand to trade work for accommodation and the experience was more enjoyable than staying at costly hostels in the city.

36. Make it part of your career

Solo travel can benefit your career by building confidence, independence, and adaptability. It’s important to prioritize your goals and balance travel and work. You could also consider remote or freelance work if you want to travel long-term.

37. Listen to your intuition

This is the best way to know where you want to go, what you want to do, and who you want to talk to when you’re there! This will also ensure your safety, which we’ll discuss more below. If you’re new to this like I was, Just listen and trust yourself and your gut. It’s a real and truly amazing part of learning about yourself and how to solo travel.

38. Embrace uncertainty and be brave

Embrace uncertainty and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. This is the fastest way to personal growth. I cried sitting on my first solo flight, But I trusted I could do it and I genuinely had a great time!

Building confidence and bravery comes with experience. Start small and gradually challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

39. Don’t be worried about not enjoying it

Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Consider starting with a short trip or finding a travel buddy to join you. My friends and family always encouraged me when I was worried (even though they would never do it themselves!). It helped to be reminded that they were just a flight away and not to be ashamed if I didn’t love the trip. You’re sure to learn something either way.

40. Forget about FOMO at home

Solo travel can be a great opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Stay in touch with loved ones and make time for self-care. I left my boyfriend, my family, and my dog behind to solo travel on so many occasions. The FOMO is real, but realistically they will fear missing out on your adventure far more than you’ll miss anything that’s going on back home. They will miss you and be there waiting to hear about your journey when you arrive home.

While solo travel as a woman may seem daunting at first, the benefits can far outweigh any concerns or worries. By taking precautions and following these solo travel tips, you can have an amazing and safe solo travel experience that will leave you feeling empowered and fulfilled.

The post How to Travel Solo as a Woman appeared first on She Buys Travel.