Renting a car can be a pain. It’s a pain on your sanity with all the strange rules and policies of the rental companies. And it’s also a pain on your wallet, with rentals costing way more than you want to pay.
I’ve rented my share of cars over the years, and in the process, I’ve figured out how to pay as little as possible. Below, I share my best tips for getting cheap car rentals every time. (more…)
Here at Extra Pack of Peanuts, we know how exciting travel can be. It lets you break out of your comfort zone, see places and people you never imagined, and return home with an appreciation of the vastness of our planet.
Yet while traveling can be fun, it’s also important to leave home prepared. One of the key things to do before you leave for any trip (especially international travel) is to get travel insurance.
If you’ve never heard of travel insurance, don’t worry. Not too long ago, we hadn’t heard of it either. But now, we never leave home without it.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at what travel insurance is, why it’s so important, and our favorite companies for buying travel insurance. (more…)
You need a gift for your favorite traveler, but you have no idea what to get them.
What could they want…or need?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
From less than $3 to over $1,000, we’ve picked out gifts for any budget.
And with gifts ranging from backpacks to himmelis (what are those?) and from headlamps to the perfect travel pants, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the 29 best gifts for travelers – so start shopping, and happy holidays!
Backpacks & Gear
There’s no more important item to a traveler than a good piece of luggage, and for almost all situations, I prefer a backpack instead of wheeled luggage (although we also have a wheeled luggage recommendation further down).
When shopping for a backpack, it pays to spend some money and find yourself a good one, and the two listed below are the ones I’ve been using, and loving, for the last 3 years.
For almost any trip, taking something bigger than a carryon doesn’t make sense. Why pay all those extra fees to lug something heavy around the world?
The Tortuga it’s been with me all over the world.
It’s the largest possible size that still qualifies as a carryon and it’s got the perfect amount of pockets to carry your chargers and laptop without having to go in to the main pack.
Going on a shorter trip and want something more streamlined than the regular Tortuga backpack? The Tortuga Air is the perfect choice.
It opens up like a clamshell, making it super easy to grab something quickly. And my favorite part: the hidden but well padded laptop compartment makes removing it at an airport a cinch while still keeping it safe.
One of the only items to make this list three years running, this is an absolute must for any traveler. I’ve tried other travel towels throughout the years, and nothing compares to Packtowl.
It’s small, lightweight, and dries in a flash. Get it, give it, and never leave home without it.
If you’re looking to spoil your favorite traveler, there is no better gift than the perfect travel laptop. And the Macbook Air is, without a doubt, the perfect travel laptop.
All the quality of an Apple product, plenty of storage, and oh-so-light. As someone who used to carry around a Macbook Pro, I’m glad I made the switch.
Anyone who is traveling and taking pictures or videos, whether it be for business or pleasure, needs an external hard drive.
Luckily, with the Seagate Backup Plus Slim, you don’t have to lug around the bulky hard drives of old. This one is so small you’ll barely even notice it and with 2 terabytes of space, you’ll never come close to filling it.
I love reading physical books as much as the next person (and probably even more), but carrying around multiple books at a time isn’t feasible when you’re trying to travel light – and you’re trying to travel light, right?
So grab the absolute best e-reader on the market and have the entire world’s library at your fingertips.
Make sure to splurge for the Paperwhite version, as the built in backlight will pay for itself many times over.
You’ve got your smartphone, laptop, Kindle, and camera battery, but the place you’re staying only has one outlet.
Fear not – by plugging in your with a Monster 2 Go powerstrip, you’ll have 4 outlets. And since it folds up almost flat and has a short cord that never gets tangled, it makes the perfect travel companion.
As an avid magazine reader, picture taker and app downloader I have to say I miss the presence of an iPad in my life.
We bought the original iPad back in 2010 and it has since been lost, found, cracked and un-updatable. We got a Kindle Fire, which we thought could replace the iPad. It cannot.
For a traveler who doesn’t need a full laptop at their disposable, the iPad Air is perfect. And even if you do need a laptop, an iPad Air is so lightweight that you might want to bring it along anyway!
One of my biggest travel pet peeves is paying for bottled water in country’s where it’s not necessary. It’s expensive, bad for the environment, and just generally wasteful.
But traveling with a hard plastic or steel water bottle has never worked for me. It’s bulky, doesn’t fit in my backpack, and always ends up being a nuisance.
Enter the Platypus Plus Bottle. When empty, it takes up almost no room but can carry up to a liter of water at a time. Perfect!
When the power goes out in the third world country you’re traveling through, you don’t want to be the one stuck without a light (speaking from experience).
And having a headlamp makes a lot more sense than carrying around a heavier, and less useful, flashlight.
While most other headlamps cost $20+, the Shining Buddy is just as good, just as light, and cheaper.
It’s simple and unsexy, but if you’re traveling with a companion then a headphone splitter might be the best bang for your buck on this entire list.
It allows you to watch all your favorite tv shows and movies together without having to play the whole “left ear for you, right ear for me” game that gets old after after a few hours minutes.
One of the few things I never, ever leave home without – whether I’m taking off for a whirlwind, three month journey across the globe or just heading out downtown.
Taking notes and/or journaling is one of traveling’s greatest pleasures, and since the Moleskin Cahier notebook can easily fit in a pocket or a purse, you’ll never be without it when inspiration strikes.
A special section devoted to, you guessed it, the male traveler. Here are four items that have made my travel infinitely better and saved me tons of room in my pack.
For years, I’ve been waiting for a company to make the perfect travel pants, and FINALLY it’s happened!
Bluff Works chinos check every single box:
Lightweight
Wrinkle-free
Super comfortable due to the stretchiness of the fabric
Look awesome
Special travel pant perks like zipper pockets to keep from being pickpocketed or just having your wallet or phone slide out.
Made in the US by a company dedicated to quality and their customers.
Since getting these chinos three weeks ago (I have the harvest gold and the blue), I’ve rarely worn anything else – in fact, I’m wearing them right now while writing this!
They are, legitimately, that awesome.
So while they are more expensive (for me, at least) than any other pair of pants I’ve bought, I can say, without a doubt, they are worth every single penny – and then some.
As much as I like my Vivobarefoot Gobi boots, I like the Tigrays even more! I was blown away by incredible these shoes look and also how well they’ve held up.
I’ve worn them all across the world, and the only issue I’ve ever had is a broken shoelace – which is quite an easy fix.
These are the perfect “dressy-enough-to-go-out-in-but-casual-enough-to-wear-with-shorts” shoes.
For every trip I take, I pack 3-4 pairs of shoes. A “dressy enough” pair (the above mentioned Tigray shoe, Gobi boot or both), a pair of sandals, and a pair of sneakers.
And in order to pack a pair of sneakers that don’t take up your entire bag, you need to pack a pair of barefoot ones.
While I’m not a huge runner, I have run (slowly) in these plenty of times.
But the main reason I love them so much is that they have just enough padding to hike in (whereas other barefoot shoes have too little), their semi-waterproof, and yet still pack very, very easily.
After trying out numerous pairs of barefoot sneakers, the Merrell Trail Gloves are still my all time favorites.
All women’s gifts are recommendations from Heather Sherry, brainchild behind the fashion site Sartorial Stripes and the one who constantly stuns everyone by how good she looks while travels – and who keeps me from wearing sweatpants around the world.
Leggings are a travel must-have. These Topshop leggings (above) are affordable and look great with a cozy oversize sweater for those long plane rides and they look equally stylish when you land.
I wear mine constantly paired with ankle boots or sneakers.
The version from Ann Taylor (which I just purchased and love!) or J.Crew are a little more expensive but are thicker and dressier – meaning you can feel comfortable wearing them out to dinner.
A cardigan jacket is a nice supplement to your winter coat. This Zara one (above) is perfectly neutral but structured enough to wear with leggings or jeans whether you’re waiting at the gate, sleeping on the plane, or hitting the streets once you arrive.
The Nike Internationalist is the perfect dual purpose sneaker – it looks fashionable while sightseeing and feels comfortable when exercising on the road.
I used to pack both my running shoes and casual shoes but I have since started packing just one and I have been hiking, running and walking around the world in these for the last year.
A scarf is one of the best travel accessories and while I usually go for a neutral color, this plaid one seems a little more festive. And the best part? It is big enough to use as a blanket on the plane. I also love this blanket scarf by Shoreditch and this one by Calvin Klein.
This pair of Sam Edelman booties are a tried and true ankle boot. The same style is available every year because of its versatility, style and comfort. I can wear these boots walking around all day and my feet never hurt! There are a lot of colors available but I love the black because they can be casual or dressy.
If you like beer…and you like maps…well, we’re kindred spirits. And since that’s the case, you also probably reallyreallyreally want this map too – which I first saw at Sanitas brewery in Boulder and instantly fell in love with.
Every brewery, all 3,500 of them, is listed – yes, even that small, local one you’re sure isn’t on there.
It may be expensive but it’s big, unique, and it will make an incredible gift (especially for your favorite travel blogger…hint, hint!)
One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my customized Layered + Long Wanderlust necklace. I wear it daily layered with some of L+L’s other necklaces. On my wishlist this year are these luggage tag charms from Jet Set Candy. You can chose your home airport or pick your favorite destination – such a fun way to wear your travel memories!
These beautiful Scandinavian inspired himmelis are a great way to add a bit of travel charm to your home space. There are quite a few design options to choose from, but the Moravian star is my favorite. It’s perfect for the holiday season but I would leave it up all year… possibly placed on top of a stack of travel books.
I like to organize my miscellaneous items (chapstick, headphones, wallet etc) in a leather pouch, which can also double as a clutch to elevate an outfit.
I recently bought this bag from Banana Republic (shown above) and received multiple compliments on a night out in NYC. Other favorites include these from West Elm and this one from Cuyana.
I am not a backpack person. I don’t pack quite as lightly as Trav does, and I really dislike the pain involved in schlepping around a heavy pack that hurts my neck (no matter how ergonomically designed they are) and causes my clothing to bunch up in weird places.
Therefore, I am dying to upgrade my well worn Samsonite to this highly rated hard shell case from Traveler’s Choice.
Packing for a trip can be the worst part of planning – and wondering if you are packing too little, too much, or even the right items for the climate can be a daunting task.
I have taken enough trips to have packing down to a science.
And although that doesn’t mean I look forward to it, I have narrowed down my packing necessities.
The following list is exactly what women need to pack for a cold weather trip.
Clothing
Tops
1 White Button Down – My favorite look is an oversized white blouse that looks equally good with jeans as it does with leggings. Try these options from H&M and J.Crew
1 Chambray – One of the most versatile tops you can own. The classic one from J.Crew is worth the splurge, but just in case – here is a cheaper option from Old Navy.
2-3 T-shirts – Definitely bring one or two white v-neck tees and add a comfortable black and gray for good measure! Here are a few of my favorites from Nordstrom, J.Crew, Amazon and H&M.
1-2 Dressy Blouse – I love this one from J.Crew and this from Zara.
2-3 Sweaters – A wrap sweater or an over size cardigan are the two best things to pack for added coziness. I recently bought this sweater from Forever 21 and wore it all over Cape Town.
Bottoms
2 Pair of jeans – A pair of semi dark skinny jeans are perfect because they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I bought this pair from J.Crew in June and have taken them on the past four trips – they definitely pulled their weight! Plus, they don’t stretch out so you can wear them multiple times before washing.
I almost always pack a pair of white denim. If that is not your jam, then consider a boyfriend jean or black or gray skinnies.
1-2 Pair of leggings – A cheap pair from Target always come in handy for travel days or even for pajamas. I always make sure to have a pair with me.
An upgraded pair is also a necessity. I wouldn’t wear the Target leggings out to dinner but I would wear these (and often have)! I also have this pair (similar pair) and wear them quite frequently at home and abroad – the space they take up rolled in my suitcase is negligible.
Slouchy pants – By far some of the most comfortable pants out there. The fact that these pajama-like pants are considered fashionable is great news for travelers – now we don’t have to worry about what to wear on the plane!
Pair these with a t-shirt and sweater with a pair of flats and you’re ready to go. My favorites include these from H&M and these from Old Navy.
Outerwear
1 Wool Jacket – This is a great option from Amazon.
1 Packable Puffer – This piece is perfect for layering or on those days you are doing more active activities. This Patagonia puffer is actually warm and can easily fit under a more structured jacket on those especially cold or damp days on the road.
1 Blazer (optional) – A black blazer is perfect for elevating any look to something extra special. It easily fits folded at the top of your suitcase and pairing it with a scarf and skinny jeans makes for a seriously chic evening look. A good blazer is worth the investment and I turn to J.Crew for the best versions.
Activewear
1-2 Pair of running leggings
1-2 Sports bra
1-2 Active tops
Shoes
1 Pair of Flats – Buy the most comfortable pair you can find – remember, you want to be able to walk around all day without blisters. My favorites are usually from Madewell and J.Crew.This pair will elevate any look and can be worn while sight seeing and then out to dinner. I also have a classic pair (similar to these but older) and they have held up well for the past three years.
1 Pair of Sneakers – My favorite pair of sneakers for travel are my Nike Internationalist – and not just because of the name! They are the most comfortable waking shoe and can even be worn for a run if I don’t have running shoes with me. If you want a running shoe, the most fashionable pair are neutral colored (I love black and white) Nike Frees.
1 Pair of Boots – I typically pack a pair of ankle boots or riding boots for those trips with cooler weather. I find ankle boots to be more versatile in fluctuating temperatures because you can wear them with long pants or with shorts and dresses if the weather is warmer. My favorite pair are Sam Edelman (pictured above but are sold out). Here is a similar pair – Sam Edelman Petty Boot.
1 Pair or Heels (If the occasion calls for it – otherwise don’t bother.)
Bonus – A simple pair of flip flops is a good idea to bring on every trip. This way you are prepared for a jaunt to the pool or spa.
Accessories
2 Pair of Dainty Earrings – a simple pair of studs works with every outfit any time.
1 Pair of Statement Earrings – swapping out a pair of studs for statement earrings is an easy way to transition from day to night activities.
2-3 Dainty Necklaces – My favorite necklaces are from Layered and Long. I wear these constantly whether we are at home or traveling. (You can use the code EPOP10 for a discount).
1 Statement Necklace – Another easy way to take your look from day to night. The best necklace (and one I am currently coveting) is this versatile piece from Stella and Dot. You can wear the Plume Necklace in several different ways which makes it the perfect piece for travel!
1 Watch – My current favorite is this Michael Kors piece, which I wear practically everywhere.
Suitcase – Trav prefers to travel with a backpack but I love having a suitcase because I really hate schlepping a backpack over my shoulder all the time! I have had a very sturdy canvas Samsonite for the past three years. This is a great suitcase but I would love to upgrade to a sleeker option such as this Delsey hard shell luggage.
Tote Bag – I take my Cuyana tote with me on every trip. It is very resilient and looks great as well. If you prefer a day pack I also have my trusty Osprey (similar version) which I will take on occasional trips.
Final Word(s)
The above list is intended to take the guesswork out of packing and help you minimize your travel stress and your suitcase.
Make sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more travel packing inspiration.
What are some of the things you can’t live without when you’re traveling? Let us know in the comments below!
When planning a trip, most people get excited about the destination or the itinerary but feel overwhelmed when it comes to packing.
Here at EPoP, we have tried many different strategies for packing – me more than Trav, because he is much happier with much less – and it always comes down to packing light.
Packing less doesn’t have to be a death sentence for fashion.
Here are my tips to packing less and looking great while traveling.
1. Neutral basics
This means grey, white, black and navy. This doesn’t mean you can’t pack colorful items – but it simply makes it easier to mix and match outfits if you have a neutral palette.
2. Minimal shapes
Jeans, button downs, wrap sweaters, slouchy pants, and basic dresses.
3. Pack a Punch
This is where you can add that color. Chose a colorful cardigan,sweater or scarf that you can easily throw over your basic pieces. I love the selection and the cause at Jacobs Scarves.
4. Accessories
My current favorite pieces to travel with are dainty necklaces. You can wear this every day for a polished look. I love everything from Layered and Long’s ETSY shop.
Also, I always bring a statement necklace, statement earrings, stud earrings, and a nice watch (silver or gold).
5. Shoes
This is the hardest part for me. I always pack too many shoes – even after agonizing over which ones to cut, I still end up with a number that makes zipping my pack or suitcase nearly impossible.
That being said, three pairs of shoes is sufficient (I guess).
A casual sneaker – such as these Nikes, these grey ones from New Balance or these navy New Balance from Amazon.
A dressy option – I love these from Zara and these wedges J.Crew (wedges are the most comfortable dressy option, especially for walking on cobblestone streets).
A plastic flip flop – (for the beach or just in case your accommodation bathroom is not up to par) My favorites are Havaianas.
*See what I did, I even snuck in an extra pair here!*
6. Outerwear
I try to pack something casual and something dressy.
My favorite picks are:
Utility jacket– for every day use in any country and any situation. It is the perfect jacket that always looks fashionable and put together. (Other options include this from H&M, a removable hood from Nordstrom, and these from Amazon).
A black blazer– this is perfect if you need a nice jacket for a night out and can transition into many different looks with a scarf or accessories. (Other options include this navy version from Zara, this black one from Zara, and this casual one from H&M).
Wool coat – this is only necessary if you are traveling during winter seasons. All other seasons you can layer sweaters under the utility jacket or the blazer.
A packable puffer coat – the compact puffer is great to throw in any bag if you think it’s necessary. Many companies make light, packable ones. I have this one from Land’s End. You can also layer it under your utility jacket.
7. Luggage
Main Bag
I go between using a backpack and a suitcase. Backpacks are great for Asia and South America where the travel is a bit harder and rolling a suitcase behind can be more difficult.
If we are traveling more slowly and in more developed areas (Europe, US, etc), I tend to pack in a suitcase.
Right now I am using a carry on size canvas Samsung, but it is looking slightly banged up and I would love to upgrade to a hard shelled case.
Tote Bag
If you have been following our travels through my Instagram, then you already know how much I love my Cuyana tote! It has held up perfectly over our last few trips and is well worth the splurge.
This is what I generally cram into my tote (which I use as my personal item along with my carryon luggage).
laptop
chargers
notebook and planner
kindle
passport
makeup
lotion
facial cleanser
8. Roll your items
If you pack your heavy items at the bottom (shoes and toiletries) and then roll all of your clothes on top, you can fit a lot more into your bag.
When traveling abroad, one of the worst mistakes you can make is paying way too much to use your cellphone.
This happens to many people because they think using their cellphone abroad is complicated, and therefore pick the easiest (and much more expensive) option.
So, what are the two main options?
Option #1: Global Roaming (The Expensive Option)
Cellphone companies will allow you to use your phone abroad and still get service. It’s called “global roaming”, and all you have to do is call up and ask for it.
This option is only good for people who are planning on using their phone very sparingly or who are in a country for a few days.
Option #2: Getting a SIM Card (The Cheap Option)
Fortunately, this being 2014, there is now a very easy and very cheap way to use your same cellphone abroad.
A SIM card allows you to switch carriers and use that carrier’s network.
So when you’re in Spain, you’ll buy a SIM card for a carrier that operates in Spain (such as Vodafone). You’ll then be using Vodafone’s network on the exact same smartphone that you typically use when at home.
And you’ll be paying much less than you would if you used a global roaming plan.
For anyone spending more than a few days in a country and who wants to be able to use their phone freely (especially as a GPS with data), this is the way to go.
And contrary to what many people believe, using a SIM card isn’t difficult. It can be broken down in to two parts; unlocking your cellphone before you leave and then getting and using a SIM card when you’re abroad.
Here’s how to do it in 5 easy steps!
Step 1: Unlock Your Cellphone
Yes, it’s LEGAL for you to unlock your phone for international travel, and yes, you should do this BEFORE you leave on your trip!
Verizon: Most Verizon phones are already unlocked when bought.
Sprint: Call 1-888-226-7212. More information can be found here.
T-Mobile: Call Customer Service at 1-877-746-0909 . More information can be found here.
Step 2: Backup, Update, and Restore Your Phone
This step may not be necessary on all carriers, but it currently is with Sprint. Ask when calling to unlock.
Also, the process will look different on an Android phone, but the steps should be fairly similar.
2A) Backup everything on your phone either to a safe location (iCloud, your computer hard drive, etc.)
2B) Update Your Phone to the Latest Software
2C) Restore Your Phone From Your Backup
This will ensure that everything that you had on your phone previously (pictures, apps, etc.) are all put back on.
2D) Your iPhone is unlocked!
Now that your phone is unlocked, you can continue to use it as normal until you go away on your trip.
Unlocking it shouldn’t affect the way it works in your home country at all.
Step 3: Find a Place That Sells SIM Cards
In almost any country, this shouldn’t be a problem (I’ve personally done it in 10+ countries, even China).
Usually, you can find a phone or electronic store or kiosk in the airport or train station when you arrive.
When in doubt, just say “SIM” and everyone will know what you’re talking about.
Step 4: Pick Out the Plan That Works Best
There will most likely be a plethora of options, especially in European countries. I personally go for the plans that don’t include many minutes but are heavier on data.
I only need minutes in case of an emergency but I need data because I use my smartphone as my GPS.
Almost all plans will be prepaid, so you won’t have to worry about any crazy overage costs.
Even if you don’t quite understand all the ins and outs of what the person is telling you (and most of the time, this will be the case), your phone will just stop working if you run out of minutes, texts, or data.
Step 5: Pop Open Your SIM Card Slot and Insert Your New SIM
Some phones, like the iPhones, require a “microSIM” card. Just ask them to use their special tool to cut down the larger SIM card.
After inserting your SIM card, it may work immediately. On other providers, you’ll have to enter the PIN number from the package.
DON’T lose this package, as you may have enter the PIN each time you turn on your phone.
Now, you should be able to use your phone in the country you are traveling in!
Answers to a Few Questions
1. How much will it cost?
This will vary based on the plan you choose, how much you use the phone, and the country you are in. A rough estimate for if you are using the phone sparingly to talk and mainly for data would be $15-20 for 2 weeks.
2. Can I use the same SIM in different countries?
Most of the time, no. Most countries require you to get different SIMs when you enter that country. For example, when I traveled to Spain and Portugal, I needed to get a different SIM in each.
And if it does show you still have service when entering another country, it’ll be charging you international roaming and cost a fortune. Much better to get another SIM for that country.
3. Will I have the same phone number as my number at home?
No. When you buy a SIM card, it comes with it’s own unique number. That will be the number you’ll give people to call you.
4. Can I call my home country using my new SIM card?
Maybe, but it will probably cost a bunch of money. It’s much better to try to connect t0 Wifi and use a service like Skype.
5. If I use up all my minutes, data, or texting, can I add more money to the same SIM card?
Usually yes. You’ll just have to “top up”, which can be done for some providers online or through automated machines. For others, you’ll have to visit a store.
You’ll add more money to that SIM card and keep the same number.
6. Do SIM cards expire?
Generally yes. If you’re thinking about trying to use the same SIM card that you used last time you were in the country a year ago, you’re probably out of luck. You’ll most likely have to buy a new one.
7. Will I have any problems using my phone when I come back home?
You shouldn’t. Just pop the international SIM card out and you should reconnect with your regular provider. Do note that if your provider at home uses SIM cards, you’ll have to put that back in, so don’t lose it!
Final Word(s)
Don’t be caught paying a huge phone bill when you return home. Instead, follow these steps and get yourself a SIM card while you’re traveling.