With one click of the mouse, I had life altering plans. Perhaps I am being dramatic, but that simple click is often the hardest aspect to travel, especially when you have no plans and you are going it alone. That click, the circling of the purchase button should come with a set of instructions. A little video should pop up with a motivational speaker or a piece of chocolate should jump out from the screen. Sadly, I have yet to find an airline search engine that lends that pat on the back, the support you need to click purchase. For some, pressing purchase comes without hesitation, without Continue Reading
Redhead Reviews Hotel Search Engine Hotel Calculator
Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored review, meaning I was compensated in exchange for checking out HotelCalculator.com. Regardless, my thoughts about the site are my own. No one has ever told me what to do or what to write so why now? What is HotelCalculator.com? Called "the hotel search engine", HotelCalculator searches over 20 travel sites in over 13,000 cities worldwide, detailing over 100,000 hotels. The website aims to save time by doing the hotel searching for you, condensing the results into one simplified list. Features I did some “fake” searching for hotels, beginning Continue Reading
The Surprises of Travel
If you have traveled anywhere, generally some acquaintance wants to pass along a friend’s number in need of advice. A parent is worried about their daughter studying abroad. A couple wants to know where to wine and dine in Barcelona. While I agree, research is a key part of travel, it seems we sometimes forget to let travel come, as it will. No longer do we just hop on a plane without knowing where we are going or what to expect. We must be prepared, have all the necessary travel gadgets and tools to get us there. Travel involves a great deal of preparation, of knowing what to expect, what Continue Reading
So You Want To Be A Travel Writer?
Lately, I have been receiving several emails asking how I got into doing what I do. No matter where I go, I am usually asked that unoriginal question, “So what do you do?”. From my snobby neighbor that looked at me as if he didn’t believe my response to my hair stylist, I often feel as though I have to whip out a safari jacket and steno to prove, yes this is what I do. In college, no one held my hand and told me how to start this location independent lifestyle. I figured it out on my own, as in the case with most searching for their dream job. By no means am I an expert. I’m not the head Continue Reading
How You Can Spend Three Months in Europe and Not Go Broke
I wouldn’t say I am a budget traveler, but then again I would. I hate overpriced tourist traps. Europe happens to have loads. However, I appreciate travel splurges here and there, a nice meal or a three star hotel. When I set out for Italy this summer, I knew it was obviously a more expensive option than going to live in a village in Africa or backpacking through Southeast Asia. Since I could walk, a challenge has never made me back down. I left for Italy with very little money. For those of you who dream of spending a few months in Europe, specifically Italy, it is possible. Here are some Continue Reading
Travel Book Review: The Pre-Travel Guide—Your Step By Step Guide To Prepare For RTW Travel
Nathan and Sofia of As We Travel present their first book on round the world travel for the pre-traveler, Pre-Travel Guide--Your Step By Step Guide To Prepare For RTW Travel. Their site is definitely one I turn to and read frequently. If you want to get a sense for their writing and tone, I recommend their Exploring a Sleeping City piece. I was lucky enough to receive a copy for review. While I received this copy for free, this review is completely genuine (as if you had to wonder). The couple take new travelers through the entire process of preparing for your round the world trip. All of Continue Reading
Combating Travel Crankiness
After an hour and half check-in line for my favorite Ryanair flight (note sarcasm), an hour of standing in line just to board because they don’t assign seats, and a delayed flight to Pisa, I was left somewhat cranky on travel. The last bus to Florence from the Pisa airport left at 12:20AM. Otherwise I would be faced with waiting for another bus at 1:30AM, arriving to Florence around 4AM. Arriving to the baggage claim at 12:20AM, my crankiness only intensified for I knew I had missed my bus. The miracle of miracles, my bag was the first on the baggage claim. I dashed through the moving doors Continue Reading