Tag: Travel Page 1 of 6

9 Tips to Take Better Travel Photos

On November 4, 2024

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As travelers, we’re constantly seeking to capture the essence of the places we explore – the sights, sounds, and stories that make each destination truly unique. But how can we elevate our travel photography skills to create images that transport viewers and ignite their wanderlust? In this guide, we’ll unveil the secrets to taking photos that do justice to your unforgettable adventures.

Tip 1: Do Your Research Before You Leave Home

Before embarking on your next getaway, take some time to research your destination through a photographer’s lens. Conduct Google image searches to get a sense of the iconic landmarks, vibrant street scenes, and hidden gems worth capturing. This advance scouting will ensure you arrive prepared to seize every photo opportunity that crosses your path.

Tip 2: Know Your Camera Like Your Best Friend

Whether you’re wielding a cutting-edge DSLR or relying on your trusty smartphone, understanding your camera’s settings and capabilities is crucial. When that fleeting moment arises, you’ll want to be able to quickly adjust focus, exposure, and other settings without fumbling. Practice makes perfect, so get acquainted with your gear before you hit the road.

Tip 3: Always Be Battery (and Memory Card) Ready

Few things are more disheartening than having your camera power down or run out of storage space just as the perfect shot presents itself. Avoid this photographer’s nightmare by always carrying spare batteries and empty memory cards or ensuring you have enough storage on your smartphone. Trust us, you don’t want to relive our tale of renting fancy lenses in Alaska, only to discover we had no batteries to power them! Read about that story here.

Tip 4: Be Aware of Composition

Frame your shot with a strong focal point, use leading lines to draw the viewer into the scene, and experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth and interest to your images. Remember to consider elements such as lighting, symmetry, and the rule of thirds to create stunning and impactful landscape photographs that truly convey the natural splendor of your surroundings.

Tip 5: Simplify Your Scenes for Better Impact

When framing your shots, resist the temptation to cram every element of a scene into the frame. Instead, focus on capturing the essence through simple, thoughtful compositions. Look for striking colors, patterns, shapes, and symmetry that allow the subject to shine. And don’t be afraid to get low or climb high for a fresh perspective that sets your images apart.

Tip 6: Embrace the Human Element

While sweeping landscapes and architectural marvels make for breathtaking photos, don’t overlook the people who bring life and authenticity to your destination shots. Whether it’s a local merchant, a street performer, or a fellow traveler, including human subjects can add valuable context and scale. Just be sure to respect privacy and cultural norms.

Tip 7: Improve Your Photos Through Editing

Every digital photo is an interpretation, so why not refine that interpretation through basic editing? A few simple adjustments like cropping, straightening, and tweaking contrast or saturation can elevate a good shot to a great one. Embrace this craft – even masters like Ansel Adams edited their photos to artistic perfection.

Tip 8: Be Present in the Moment

For all the emphasis we place on capturing images, don’t forget to actually experience your travel moments. Periodically, put down the camera and simply breathe in the sights, sounds, and energy around you. Those unfiltered memories will enrich your photography by connecting you more deeply to your subjects.

Tip 9: Print Your Photos

Capture the essence of your unforgettable travels by transforming your cherished photos into a beautiful photo book or a stunning gallery wall display. Get your photos off your phone or hard drive and relive the magic of new places by showcasing your adventures through these creative and visually captivating ways to share with friends and family.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on a journey of photographic discovery. Whether exploring ancient ruins or bustling city streets, aim to create images that stir emotions and transport viewers. After all, that’s the magic of travel photography – preserving the spirit of adventure for years to come.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about our recent Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

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7 Tips to Avoid Crowds While Traveling

By Ashleigh

On October 28, 2024

In Travel, Travel Tips

As travel enthusiasts, we’re always chasing those breathtaking vistas, culinary adventures, and cultural experiences that make our wanderlust insatiable. But there’s one major travel woe that can quickly sap the joy out of even the most epic destinations – hordes of tourists. From seemingly endless lines to shoving matches on crowded streets, dealing with throngs of fellow travelers is nobody’s idea of a relaxing vacation.

The good news? With some savvy planning and a few insider tips, you can beat the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the world’s most iconic attractions without feeling like you’re trapped in a human stampede. Here’s how to soak up all the wonder without the maddening masses.

It’s no secret that summer and major holiday periods are peak times for tourism just about everywhere. But if your schedule allows it, consider visiting during the off-season or shoulder seasons when crowds are thinner. Beyond avoiding a sea of people, you’ll likely score better deals on flights and accommodations too. Blissfully crowd-free destinations like Portugal’s charming cities in November or the stunning vistas of the American National Parks in early spring await the savvy traveler.

Certain holidays basically guarantee an onslaught of tourists in some locales. Steer clear of places celebrating major festivals or events unless you’re actually traveling for that reason. In the US, long weekends for holidays like Memorial Day or Presidents Day also see surges of domestic travelers. Whenever possible, structure trips during mid-week periods when business travelers are the main crowd. You’ll encounter shorter lines, more available reservations, and an overall more relaxed vibe.

The early bird avoids the tourist hordes. Make it a point to wake up with the sun and hit major attractions right when they open. Not only will you beat the crowds, but you’ll be rewarded with that magical feeling of having iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain all to yourself. Then take a mid-day break to relax and refuel when the crowds and the heat are the highest. Head back out in the late afternoon and evening when the day-tripping crowds have dispersed. Many cities take on an entirely different, more authentic ambiance at night.

Branch out from the typical tourist trails and you’ll uncover crowd-free gems. Use travel guidebooks and apps to research neighborhoods where locals actually live and socialize. From quaint residential pockets of major cities to “second cities” like Porto or Bologna that fly under the radar, getting off the beaten path rewards travelers with a richer cultural immersion. You could even plan entire trips around less-visited destinations like North Dakota’s underrated Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The advent of online booking has been a game-changer for avoiding crowds. Many popular museums, tours, and other attractions now offer timed-entry tickets or expedited entry for those who plan ahead. Not only can you skip the line chaos, but you can opt for first-entry or after-hours time slots when sites are less mobbed. For key attractions with limited capacity, booking tours with knowledgeable local guides is a savvy way to gain access to hidden gems that mass-market groups can’t access.

Steer clear of public transportation and popular restaurants during predictable peak hours when they’re crammed with commuters and crowds. Do some research to learn when the locals dine, then plan your meals an hour before or after the biggest rushes. Exploring cities on foot is ideal for avoiding buses and subways stuffed with riders during conventional rush hours. Opt for ride shares overcrowded trains and metros when you need to get somewhere fast.

To avoid long lines in the airport, consider signing up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. If returning to the U.S. from abroad, utilize the free Mobile Passport App to make Customs a breeze.

Ultimately, avoiding travel crowds comes down to bucking conventional schedules and being strategic about your timing and transportation. With some clever planning and a little flexibility, you can turn even the world’s hottest destinations into your own personal paradise. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring… crowd-free!

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Italy Trip Recap

By Ashleigh

On September 30, 2024

In Travel

Venice at Night

As travel addicts, we’re always chasing that next life-changing adventure. I have enjoyed sharing the stories of our recent 2 1/2 week tour through the highlights of Italy with you. From the island jewel of Sicily to the canals of Venice, I was utterly spellbound by the history, cuisine, art, and warm Italian hospitality around every corner.

Our grand voyage began with a quick layover in Paris before catching a flight to Catania, Sicily. Even a brief taste of the City of Light was enough to whet our appetite for more European exploration. Once in Catania, we were instantly enchanted by the Mediterranean views and the lively street markets bursting with fresh seafood, ripe produce, and wonderful wines grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna. We even scaled Europe’s most active volcano, Mt. Etna!

Cyclops Rocks in Aci Trezza, Sicily

From Sicily, we took the train over to Naples, the gritty yet charming birthplace of pizza. After trying our hand at creating our own Neapolitan pies, we ventured to the haunting ruins of Pompeii. Walking the ancient streets frozen in time was an incredibly humbling and moving experience.

Our next stop was the breathtaking Renaissance city of Florence. From the iconic Uffizi Gallery’s Renaissance masterpieces to the awe-inspiring presence of Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, every corner of Florence exudes artistic brilliance. Embracing la dolce vita while marveling at the intricate marble facades of the Duomo complex and savoring Tuscan cuisine completes this enchanting cultural experience. We enjoyed a day trip out of the city to enjoy the Tuscan countryside and its world-class wineries.

Statue Gallery in the Accademia Gallery

From Florence, we spent a weekend enjoying the culinary delights of Bolgona, where every bite tells a story steeped in tradition. The city’s famed food scene boasts mouthwatering dishes like rich ragù alla bolognese, savory tortellini in brodo, and delectable mortadella. From bustling markets to charming trattorias, Bologna invites you to savor every delicious moment and experience the heart of Italian gastronomy.

Our final stop was in Venice and stepping foot in the iconic city for the first time is like entering a fairytale world. As you wander through its labyrinthine streets, navigate the picturesque canals on a gondola, and marvel at the stunning architecture, the rich history and romantic allure of this floating city captivate your senses. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the hidden alleys and charming bridges, Venice casts a spell that will leave you yearning to return again and again.

Venetian Canals at Night

On our journey home, we scored an upgrade to a lie-flat business class seat! Sipping champagne while stretching out under a cozy duvet at 30,000 feet was the ultimate salute to an unforgettable Italian adventure. I don’t know if I can ever go back to flying economy!

Those 2 1/2 weeks were a whirlwind of amazement, beauty, and personal discovery. I’d longed to experience the legendary “la dolce vita” of Italy for years, and I can finally say “mission accomplished!” Italy has a way of awakening all of your senses and filling your soul with an appreciation for life’s sweetest pleasures. If you haven’t already, add Italy to your travel bucket list. Explore. Indulge. Get lost. You’ll come home a better person for it.

Mountaineering Mt. Etna

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

La Serenissima: A Venetian Adventure

By Ashleigh

On September 2, 2024

In Travel

Venice at Night

The city of Venice has captivated travelers for centuries with its winding canals, elegant bridges, and timeless beauty. As we navigated the famed city of water during our recent Italian escapade, we discovered a world that delightfully defies convention at every turn. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this floating marvel.

Arriving by train, our first steps into Venice’s labyrinthine alleys revealed an utterly car-free world – a rarity in our modern times. The absence of vehicles was startling yet refreshing, setting the stage for our aquatic exploration. With vaporetti (water buses) as our chariots, we glided across the lagoon, drinking in the picture-perfect views of the city. A word to the wise: beware of pickpockets aboard these bustling boats. Keeping a vigilant eye on our belongings allowed us to travel worry-free. For a more intimate experience, splurging on a romantic gondola ride is a must, though don’t expect the gondoliers to serenade you – that’s a Hollywood myth!

Church of Santa Maria della Salute

Our “off-the-beaten-path” walking tour of Venice was a highlight of the trip, taking us to places away from the crowds that we would never have discovered on our own. We marveled at the serene Church of Santa Maria della Salute (above) and basked in panoramic lagoon vistas – all without the maddening crowds of St. Mark’s Square. Our guide told us that this was the least crowded May and June he had ever seen and he had no explanations as to why. Outside of St. Mark’s Square, the crowds in Venice were much less we were expecting.

St. Mark’s Basillica

Ah, St. Mark’s…while awe-inspiring with its opulent basilica and historic piazza, the frenzy of tourists somewhat diminished the magic. Next door to St. Marks is the Doge’s Palace, the historic home of the Duke of Venice. One of the most notable sites in the palace, is the Bridge of Sighs (below), where prisoners got their last view of Venice while being transferred from the court on one side of the canal to the prison on the other. Still, wandering its labyrinth of alleyways and campos (squares) rewarded us with pockets of quiet authenticity, from the bustling Rialto Market to tucked-away bacari (wine bars).

The Bridge of Sighs

No visit to Venice would be complete without savoring its unique cuisine, though admittedly, finding truly exceptional fare was a challenge amid the tourist traps. We delighted in savory bites like spaghetti with luscious anchovy sauce and salt cod – quintessential Venetian delicacies. And how could we leave without indulging in an authentic tiramisu, the city’s iconic dessert?

As we bid farewell to La Serenissima (The Most Serene), we realized that while it may not top our list of culinary heavens, Venice triumphs as an open-air museum where getting delightfully lost is all part of the adventure. With its singular charm and a spritz in hand, this water-laced wonderland seduces even the weariest of travelers.

St. Mark's from the Vaporetto

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Wordless Wednesday: Bolognese Pasta

By Ashleigh

On August 28, 2024

In Wordless Wednesday

Pasta in a market in Bolgona

Top 10 Places to Return

By Ashleigh

On June 3, 2024

In Travel

Top 10 Places We Want to Return

We’re travelers at heart, always seeking to uncover the hidden gems that make destinations unforgettable. Recently, we had a conversation about the places we would most like to revisit on the Go See Do Explore Podcast. While our wandering feet have carried us to incredible corners of the world, some places linger in our memories more vividly than others – calling us back to rediscover their charms. From rugged islands to vibrant cityscapes, these are the spots that ignite our wanderlust anew:

Jordan Pond House

Acadia’s Coastal Majesty
The craggy cliffs and crashing surf of Maine’s Acadia National Park have a magnetic pull that’s impossible to resist. We were instantly enchanted by the park’s windswept trails and sweeping ocean vistas during a visit in 2019. With more hikes beckoning, we yearn to return and delve deeper into Acadia’s untamed beauty on Mount Desert Island.

Sylvan Lake

Black Hills Grandeur
An oasis of lush pine forests amid South Dakota’s arid landscapes, the majestic Black Hills left an indelible mark on us. From the chiseled granite faces of Mount Rushmore to the bison-dotted meadows of Custer State Park, this region warrants a longer sojourn to uncover its myriad wonders fully. Camping under star-studded skies tops our must-do list.

Enjoying a Glass of Wine at Bonobo

The Siren Call of Traverse City
With its sparkling beaches, award-winning wineries, and vibrant arts scene, Traverse City exerts an irresistible pull on us. This idyllic Lake Michigan town has become a home away from home, its natural splendor and culinary delights providing a welcome respite from everyday life. No matter how often we visit, we find ourselves longing to return.

U.S. Capitol Building

Washington D.C’s Monumental Allure
The cherry blossoms in peak bloom, the world-class museums of the Smithsonian – Washington D.C. is a cultural powerhouse that we would love to experience in full. A whirlwind day trip years ago only whetted our appetite for the nation’s capital, with its dazzling diversity of cuisine and history beckoning for a more immersive exploration.

L.A. Cetto Wine Barrel Fountain

Valle de Guadalupe’s Vinous Paradise
An off-the-beaten-path gem, Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region left us spellbound with its sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and world-class vintages. From savoring robust reds to wandering medieval-style villages, this Baja California valley promises an immersive experience unlike any other wine destination.

Marigot from Fort St. Martin

St. Martin’s Joie de Vivre
The mere mention of St. Martin conjures up memories of languid days spent beach-side, sipping crisp rosés and feasting on Nicoise delicacies for us. The island’s dual Dutch and French personalities infuse it with an irresistible je ne sais quoi that has us dreaming of a return to soak up more of its inimitable charms.

Toledo train station

Toledo’s Timeless Romance
Like stepping into the pages of a historic novel, the ancient Spanish city of Toledo casts an unbreakable spell. We were utterly captivated by its winding cobblestone lanes, Moorish architecture, and centuries-old traditions during their visit. To fully immerse ourselves in Toledo’s living museum is a dream we are determined to realize.

Lagoa do Fogo

The Azores’ Wild Allure
Adrift in the Atlantic, the remote Azores islands are a nature-lovers paradise that stole our hearts. From hiking kaleidoscopic crater lakes to savoring wines with a hint of sea salt, this Portuguese archipelago is a feast for the senses. After a tantalizing glimpse, we yearn to immerse ourselves in the full Azorean experience.

Paseo del Morro

Puerto Rico’s Vivacious Spirit
Pulsing with an infectious energy and vibrant culture, Puerto Rico has us hooked on its charms. Whether strolling the azure streets of Old San Juan, kayaking through bioluminescent bays, or savoring mofongo, the island casts a spell that has him fantasizing about putting down roots in this Caribbean paradise.

Quinta das Carvalhas on the Douro

The Douro Valley’s Vinous Serenade
Rolling hills cloaked in lush vineyards, charming quintas plying world-class ports – the Douro Valley is a wine lover’s dreamscape that left us spellbound. After a tantalizing day trip from Porto, she’s intent on returning to fully savor the region’s old-world hospitality and scenery that seems plucked from a storybook.

The world is overflowing with extraordinary destinations, each weaving its unique tapestry of sights, sounds, and experiences. While the journey continues, these are the places calling us back to get intimately reacquainted – and we can’t wait to answer their siren songs.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

6 Tips for Travel while Working Remotely

By Ashleigh

On May 21, 2024

In Travel, Travel Tips

Inspiration from this post came from Episode 6 of our podcast. Listen to it here!

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

As travel bloggers, we’re often asked how we manage to travel so frequently while still getting work done. The truth is, with some strategic planning and the right tools, working remotely from almost anywhere in the world is possible. On our latest adventure through Europe, we put our digital nomad skills to the test – and today, we’re telling you how we did it.

From tapping into time zone differences to finding the ideal workspace, join us as we dive into the heart of combining work and wanderlust. Get ready to be inspired to embrace the remote lifestyle and take your office off the beaten path.

Mastering the time zone game

One of our top tips for working on the road? Use time differences to your advantage. When heading west to mountain time, Chris was able to start his workday bright and early, wrapping up by mid-afternoon. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in exploring destinations like the Black Hills in the evening hours when most of the crowds had departed.

Heading east provides its perks too. In Europe last summer, we found ourselves with crowd-free mornings to wander cobblestone streets before Chris clocked in. With a 5-6 hour time difference, he could work until the late evening hours just in time for a leisurely European dinner.

Strategizing your schedule for flexibility

Of course, making remote work a success requires careful coordination with your employer. Before any big trips, Chris makes a point to arrange his schedule around our travel plans as much as possible. This ensures he can be fully present for meetings and deadlines while still leaving room for epic adventures.

It’s also crucial to build in breaks that allow you to actually experience your surroundings. For Chris, this means taking short walks every few hours – whether it’s strolling to the beach in Traverse City, grabbing coffee in Custer, or simply stepping out on the balcony to soak in views of the Douro River in Porto.

Choosing the right home base

Where you stay can make or break the remote work experience. When traveling together, we prioritize accommodations with dedicated workspaces separated from the main living area. This ensures I’m not inadvertently photo-bombing Chris’s video calls!

One standout was the Roosevelt Inn & Suites in North Dakota, which featured full kitchens and separate living rooms – the perfect set up for Chris to work uninterrupted. Other stellar options are extended-stay hotels like Country Inns & Suites with living room alcoves. Check out TripAdvisor.com to find your perfect home base for remote work!

Don’t forget to check reviews and listings for bandwidth speeds too. While Chris doesn’t need ultra-high internet for his daily tasks, a stable connection is crucial for video meetings and large file transfers.

Choose travel-friendly gear

Just like packing his favorite travel gear, Chris is selective about the tech equipment he brings when we travel. A few must-haves? A lightweight laptop with long battery life and a portable second screen solution like a trifold monitor or an iPad that can double as a secondary display.

A travel router with VPN capabilities to keep his online activities secure across public networks is a must. This proved invaluable during our transatlantic cruise when we could share a premium internet package across devices. Having multiple cellular data options through different carriers ensures Chris has the power and connectivity to work from anywhere that has cell signal. Don’t forget, international power adapters are a must when traveling overseas.

Cruising into productivity

Speaking of cruising, our recent transatlantic voyage allowed us to truly test the limits of remote work at sea. While the ship’s traditional satellite internet proved challenging for video calls and large file transfers, Chris was able to participate in meetings by calling in using a VoIP service.

He also got resourceful by remoting into a cloud server when bandwidth was too low for uploading and downloading files directly. This allowed work to progress smoothly, even in the middle of the Atlantic with zero cell signal.

For the best connectivity, cruise lines are rapidly rolling out SpaceX’s Starlink internet which provides higher speeds and reliability. Chris experienced the benefits first-hand on a previous cruise and can’t recommend it enough for aspiring cruise-working digital nomads.

The remote work mindset

More than any specific strategy or gear, the most important element of working remotely is the right mindset. It requires flexibility, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to adapt to different environments – but the payoff is worth it.

As Chris says, “I want people to know that I can do my job wherever I am.” With thoughtful planning and a bit of tech-savvy, you too can embrace the nomadic lifestyle.

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Exploring Western Puerto Rico

By Ashleigh

On April 8, 2024

In Travel

The ocean from Faro de Punta Higüera lighthouse

During our time in Rincon, we spent a day exploring some of the sights on the Western side of the island. From Rincon to Aguadilla, and south to Guanica, there is a lot more to see in Puerto Rico than just the east side and San Juan area! The west side of the island is dotted with beaches, many of which are known the world over to surfers. They may not be safe for light swimming. Many visitors have drowned in Puerto Rico the last few years so be sure to follow the flags and posted warnings about beach conditions.

Our first stop was the Faro de Punta Higüera lighthouse. A lighthouse has been on this spot since 1892, illuminating the westernmost tip of the Isla de Encanta. The park at the lighthouse now is a beautiful spot with picnic tables along the Atlantic Ocean. Domes Beach, a popular surfing beach is located near the lighthouse. It was fun watching the surfers in the water waiting for the perfect wave. The beach gets its name from the decommissioned BONUS Nuclear Reactor on the shore. It definitely gives Domes Beach a different look from any other beach I’ve ever seen!

Crashboat Beach

From the lighthouse, we headed North to Aguadilla. Aguadilla is home to one of the most well-known beaches on the island, Crashboat Beach. It had started to rain by the time we reached the beach, so there were only a few hearty souls around. After getting some sunshine, we headed inland to a local lechonera (pig roast) for lunch.

Guanica's Dry Forest R

From Aguadilla, we headed south to Guanica and its dry forest. Unlike the rainforest in the north of the island, the forest in Guanica gets much less rain so it looks totally different. Honestly, it reminded me of places we drove around in the Texas Hill Country. Picture cacti and low scrub bushes. Be aware, the main entrance to the forest is closed on Mondays. I did not see that anywhere online before we made the trek down there so we were unable to get into the park after the long drive.

Overall, it was a fun day driving around the island and exploring some of the highlights. We discovered traffic on the west side of the island moved pretty slow at times, so give yourself extra time if you have any set plans.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our time in Puerto Rico, check out my Circle Tour of the Island. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

2024 Travel Show

By Ashleigh

On February 5, 2024

In Travel, Travel Tips

Rick Steves at the 2024 Travel & Adventure Show

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

In 2023, we went to our first Travel and Adventure Show in Chicago after seeing a billboard saying Samantha Brown would be speaking there. We had a lot of fun at the show exploring the exhibits from locations around the world and hearing talks from travel experts. We got a lot of tips that made our travels in 2023 as epic as they were. So, we were excited to visit the show again. We had train tickets and a hotel for the whole long weekend. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and a winter storm rolled in and canceled our train. We debated going a day earlier to still be able to enjoy the travel show, but I realized that if we couldn’t get to Chicago from 200 miles away, I’m sure some of the presenters we were looking forward to seeing would have the same issue.

So, we decided to do something crazy. We canceled all of our plans in Chicago (we did some tourism around home at the Motown Museum to make up for it), made our first claim against our annual travel insurance policy, and booked flights to the New York travel show just a few weeks later. We already had some plans at home that weekend so the whole trip was only about 30 hours. We didn’t have two full days to explore the show like we would have in Chicago, but we got to see Rick Steves and Phil Rosenthal which is what we were really looking forward to.

We loaded up our backpacks (because for only one night away what more do you need?) and took a cheap Spirit flight to New York. In the morning, we walked from our hotel, got some New York bagels, and walked to the Convention Center. The New York Travel show was much bigger than Chicago and had an additional stage for more speakers. We went right to the main stage when we got in to get a good seat to see Rick Steves. If you aren’t familiar with Rick Steves, he is the foremost expert on European travel and is probably the bestselling guidebook author of all time.

Us meeting Phil Rosenthal Last year the experts hit home how important it is to travel light and be carry-on only. Rick Steves also talked about avoiding crowds when you travel by traveling off-season and when that is not possible, getting out early and late. Avoid being in the tourist areas in the middle of the day. He inspired me to plan a trip to some of those crowded European cities that I want to see, but have been avoiding because of the crowds. As he said, there is a reason everyone wants to go there. After his talk, I had him sign one of his books for me.

Phil Rosenthal is the host of the Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil and his presentation was a Q&A format about his travels and his favorite foods. While I didn’t leave his presentation with a whole host of travel hacks, it was very enjoyable and he seemed just as genuine as he does on TV. After his presentation, we waited in a crazy long line to meet him and have him sign his book. It was worth waiting in line for this picture (left)!

Times Square

We spent a little time walking the exhibit booths after we met Phil, but it was so crowded you couldn’t even get close to most of them and they didn’t seem to be doing as many giveaways as last year. We ended up walking the whole floor and then leaving the show to get some lunch. This is the first time since we were in college that we really had time in New York (we did a cruise out of New York back in 2015, but we pretty much just went right to the ship and then drove home immediately after) so we wandered until we found a Dim Sum restaurant for lunch. We weren’t too far from Times Square so we wandered over there and found all of the people. Then, we pretty much took a taxi back to the airport and flew home. All in all, it was a crazy day but it was worth it! We will have to keep our eyes on flight prices to New York for the future because, with those prices, it’s not an unreasonable weekend getaway.

Thanks for stopping by! To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. To read campground reviews check out my Michigan Campground Reviews page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

How to Travel with Only a Carry-on

By Ashleigh

On January 8, 2024

In Travel Tips

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.

For as long as I have been traveling, I have always checked my luggage. With budget airlines, sometimes it is cheaper to check your bags than to carry them onto the plane. But, carrying on your luggage allows you to skip the airline counter and baggage claim, saving a lot of time. When traveling from city to city in Europe, a large checked suitcase can be too difficult to maneuver over the cobblestone-lined hills. For our trip this past summer, I learned how to get by with only a carry-on bag and I want to share what I learned along the way.

Plan to do laundry. Going carry-on only means bringing less clothing so if you are going to be gone for more than a few days, you will need to wash your clothes. Pick lodging that has laundry facilities or plan to find a laundromat. I recently discovered washer sheets that allow you to bring laundry detergent with you without taking up a lot of space in your bag.
Pack light. This can be very hard if you are an overpacker like me. Pack a few outfits that you can mix and match and versatile shoes. I found this packing list that was very helpful for me for our Europe trip.
Use Packing Cubes. I really didn’t think these would make much of a difference until I got some and they are a game changer and they keep your suitcase organized.
Limit the liquids. Honestly, this is the hardest part for me. A lot of the basics like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided by hotels and rentals and a lot of toiletries can be found in solid now: deodorant, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, dry shampoo, and even toothpaste. This Refillable Toiletry Kit has helped me get more liquids into the 1-quart bag that TSA allows. Other things like sunscreen can be purchased at your destination and if you have any leftover at the end of your trip if you are staying at a vacation rental, you can leave it behind for the next guests.

Woman walking with carry-on suitcase

Learning to travel with only a carry-on bag adds flexibility to your travel and gives you extra time on your travel days. If you are checked-bag person like me, I suggest you try going carry-on only on your next trip and let me know how it goes! I want to hear from you, are you a carry-on only or a checked-bag traveler? Let me know in the comments!