We are constantly asked questions about traveling (which we love) so we put a few of the most common ones here in case you’re wondering the same! You should also check out our tips and tricks for international travel, for more!
What language translator apps work best?
We have to be honest here and admit something that’s pretty embarrassing for a group of travelers. None of us speaks another language fluently, not one. We have someone who knows a lot of Spanish and another person who knows a very small amount of French, but it’s nothing to be excited about. That said, we have never used anything other than google translate for a “language app.” And really, we usually do that to decipher an item on a menu- because it’s all about the food. All of this leads us to say, we’ve been able to get around all over the world with English. It’s not always easy or smooth, but it has worked. You’d be surprised how much you can get across with hand motions and some broken English. Though on the real, we know we should try harder on this front and not assume people will speak our language. We do, however, always make the effort to learn key phrases in the host country’s language, especially please, thank you and more beer.
How do I get to my lodging?
Our best advice on this topic is to check the hotel website if you’re staying at a hotel, or ask your Airbnb/HomeAway host what they recommend. We’ve approached this several different ways: gotten a cab upon arrival, used public transportation and even pre-arranged a ride. All effective ways and have worked for us in each given situation. We have split opinions on this topic also. Some of us prefer public transportation as it’s more fun and it gives you a better feel of the country. Some feel that having private door-to-door transportation arranged for you so you don’t have to lug your baggage through public transport and (oftentimes) rough cobblestone streets is totally worth it. We tend to chose what’s right for the destination based on price, timing and group size/preference.
Help! How do I get food while Traveling?
Now here’s a question after our own hearts! Our two biggest food tips are 1. Pack snacks for the plane and 2. Never leave an airport hungry! It’s super easy and smart to bring snacks (though the TSA is trying to make this more difficult) with you and that way you are covered until your next meal. But most importantly, once you land, don’t leave the airport if you’re hungry! There’s bound to be at least a vending machine and you never know how long the journey to your lodging could be!
Do I need that weird under shirt safety fanny pack?
We actually cover some additional safety tips here, but if this it the only question you are wondering about we have included it in this post as well.
So you’ve probably seen or even used a money belt before. They are thin and can be worn under your clothes. They resemble a flat fanny pack and there are people who will defend them until they are blue in the face and make it seem like it’s something you cannot live without. Trust us, you can and probably should live without it. We HAVE used one in the past, but it was really a one-time, destination-specific thing…Morocco. Otherwise, here are some tips to keep your passport/money safe. First of all, don’t take all of your cash with you every day. If there’s a safe where you are staying, stash some there, or even hide it in a sock in your suitcase or something. But there’s no reason to walk around with wads of money in your pockets. Second, if you can, separate your credit cards/debit cards. That way, if heaven forbid your wallet is stolen, you have a backup set hidden in another pocket of your purse or back at the hotel/house. As far as passport safety, we typically do carry them with us – being women, we always have a purse and can zip them into a hidden pocket. Gentlemen, if you are carrying yours, put it in your front pocket. Probably totes awkward, but better than it being taken. Which brings us to the next tip of putting your wallet in your front pocket. Men, we know it’s SO LAME to do this, but it is the safer way to go. Also make sure to have a copy or two of your passport (leave it back at your home base) in case yours is stolen. It won’t work as a passport, but will help if you need to get one at the embassy. You can also take pictures of your credit cards in case they are stolen so that you have the necessary numbers to call.
What do you think about checking luggage vs. carrying it on?
This is a GREAT question and as women, one we ponder ourselves quite often. As some may recall we actually wrote a post about how to pack NOT in a carryon. So that might lead you to believe we don’t agree that you should carry on luggage. Not so fast. We have some pretty intense thoughts on this subject and will try our best to state our points thoughtfully and clearly. When traveling for a short trip 3-5 days max, depending on the situation we are pro-carryon. It can be really tricky if it is a winter trip with bulky items, or a trip with various activities. But we do try and carryon if it makes sense with a quick trip. Especially if we have access to laundry! We are not masters at carrying on and have found ourselves many times wishing we had brought different items, which then makes us question ever carrying on again. But in some situations it makes sense.
For us, the main things to consider are; can you manage your own bag? and do you have access to laundry? Because if the answer is that you can physically only manage a carryon size suitcase, that’s what you should do. And if you don’t have access to laundry, you may want to consider not stressing yourself out by trying to get everything into 19 inches. As far as checking luggage, none of us has ever tried to pack for more than 5 days in a carry on only. Ever. And we’ve traveled extensively on various modes of transportation. That’s not to say that we didn’t wish we had packed lighter, but checking luggage has not been an issue for us (knocking on all the wood and doing several prayers to the travel gods as we type that sentence). Though we are sure some of you are screaming right now because you think we are crazy not to do the carryon thing! And again we will maintain that the most important thing is to be able to manage your own bag. You never know what you’ll encounter with that suitcase!
Who plans your trips?
We would say that 95% of our trips we plan. Crazy, right?!? To continue the craziness, we actually like planning our own trips and have become a resource to our friends as well! After we’ve narrowed down our itinerary, which we use our favorite tips to do, it’s not that difficult. Or at least we don’t think it is. We really like the control it offers and the freedom. If you ever need any tips please reach-out! We are always happy to help plan a fellow travelers dreams come true.
What are the best practices for joining the Mile High Club?
Wait, why are you asking us?! While this may sound awesome and be a weird bucket list item for you, just don’t do it. After some research (can you see us blushing?) it does seem that the laws on this one are kind of vague, but our best recommendation is to wait until you can get a room. Unless of course you are hella rich and are in a private plane. In that case, please do it in all of the spaces you can, and do you have a single brother?! And no we aren’t members. Or are we?
These are just a few questions we’ve been consistently asked over the years! Okay, maybe not that last one! Do you have any travel questions we should cover?
