August 24, 2018

Weekend Wanderlust

Happy Weekend!

The temperatures are cooling off, the State fair is open, and Target has been a madhouse with kids buying back to school supplies. It can only mean one thing. The end of summer has arrived. And with that, my end of summer bucket list is in full effect.

Here’s the plan:

Sneak out early from work (shhh, don’t tell!) and take the scenic drive home with the windows down
Read a book on a hammock
Enjoy cocktails with friends on a patio
Stop at the farmer’s market for flowers and food to make an al fresco dinner
Watch the sunset and toast to the end of summer

And then it’s on to bonfires, apple orchards, fall foliage, crisp walks, pumpkin spice lattes, and sweater weather! See – there’s no need to be too sad about the end of summer!

Alrighty, let’s get on with this week’s Weekend Wanderlust edition!

Travel Tip: Rolling vs. Folding

I’m not exactly sure why, but rolling your clothes saves space in your luggage when compared to folding (Don’t believe me? I did a test here). So if you’re trying to maximize space it’s definitely worth the extra effort to roll your clothes. That said, here at Traveling chic we’re big supporters of packing light, so don’t think making more room by rolling your clothes is a free pass to stuff more things into your suitcase!;)

Answering Your Frequently Asked Travel Questions:

QUESTION

What are your best safety tips for traveling solo?

ANSWER:

During my time working as a flight attendant and later as a business traveler, I have done my fair share of solo travel. And while traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t experience everything, I do think it’s important to take extra precautions to make sure you stay safe. The tips below may feel a bit like fearmongering, so in a coming newsletter I’ll write out my tips for having fun while traveling solo!

1. Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, ask someone at the hotel front desk if there are any safety concerns nearby. I also recommend being cautious going into your hotel room if anyone is lingering nearby.

2. Don’t stay out too late. Don’t stay out too late, don’t drink too much, and if you find yourself walking outside when it’s dark stay in well-lit and populated areas.

3. Keep in touch with someone at home. Check-in daily with someone at home and make sure they know your entire itinerary while you are away. I also think it’s a good idea to have cellphone service that works in your destination so you can make an emergency call if needed.

4. Walk with a purpose. Figure out where you’re going and familiarize yourself with the route prior to leaving your hotel.

5. Be aware of scams. Pickpocketing is something to be aware of in a lot of countries. Make sure your bags have zippers, keep your wallet tucked away, and walk with a purpose in crowds. In addition, be cautious of distractions used by pickpockets to take your belongings. These include shoving a map in your face (or a baby in your arms), a fake dropped wallet, bumping into you, creating a mock scene to grab your attention, and many others.

6. Keep your valuables in separate places. It’s usually best to keep your passport, cash, and credit cards stored in separate places. This way you don’t lose everything in the unfortunate event of theft.

7. Blend in. It’s usually best to avoid being too flashy or standing out too much to avoid any unwanted attention.

At the end of the day it’s really about using common sense, trusting your instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and asking for help when you need it!

Hotel Spotlight: Roar & Snore at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney is one of the best zoo’s in the world, and they offer a pretty WILD overnight accommodation called the “Roar & Snore.” Not only will you stay in safari style tents in the heart of Australia’s famous zoo, you’ll wake up to spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sounds like the perfect sleepover when traveling with kids!