Biltmore shines with holiday grandeur as Christmas at Biltmore 2019 gets underway.

Red and gold trimmings provide a feast for the eyes at Biltmore, where the Christmas decorations epitomize elegance. The ornate decorations transport you back in time and showcase a tradition that dates back more than 120 years.

While Christmas at Biltmore is a long-standing tradition, every year is different featuring different themes, colors, and different decorations from the Biltmore collection.

This year, the stunning decorations inside the home and across

Posted: 11/7/2019 | November 7th, 2019

In this guest post, Charlotte Hockin offers some insight into gay travel in Asia. She and her girlfriend, Natalie, have been traveling around the continent for the past two years. Here’s what they’ve learned from traveling as a lesbian couple in Asia.

Asia is a vibrant, diverse, and exciting continent to visit. However, for LGBT travelers, it can sometimes seem like a daunting prospect. There are countries that criminalize homosexuality, deeply pious states and regions, and places that have negative social opinions of the LGBT community. It doesn’t exactly sound like all fun and rainbows, does it?

When my girlfriend and I set off on our Asian adventures two years ago, we had no idea what to expect but admittedly were rattled. Not only were we backpacking for the first time but we were traveling as a couple. Neither of us were really into social media at that point, so it almost felt like we were alone. The only lesbian couple to ever travel! Sounds silly, I know, but that’s how it felt.

Fast-forward two years, and we’ve spent the better part of that time traveling around Asia. And do you know what? Gay travel there has been one hell of a ride! I mean, we’ve experienced it all: we’ve visited gay-friendly destinations, attended illegal drag shows, stayed with local families, and on the rare occasion, been the victim of discrimination and hostility.

With this in mind, we have put together this comprehensive guide for LGBT travelers in Asia (excluding the Middle-East & Russia). We want to share our experiences as a same-sex couple in Asia, as well as lay out all the factors that you should consider when planning your trip.

We believe that travel should be for everyone, and with our guidance, you can look forward to an incredible and, most importantly, safe journey of a lifetime.

Tip 1: Research local laws

When planning your trip, it’s important to be aware of local laws regarding the LGBT community in each country you want to visit. At the same time, I don’t want you to make the common mistake of obsessing about these laws. Or worse, letting the law prevent you from visiting certain places.

Often, the laws relating to acts of homosexuality are incredibly complex. Some only apply to gay men, others mean the LGBT community are not protected from discrimination, and some countries implement sharia law. Governments do not expect tourists to get their head around this for the sake of a two-week trip. As a result, these laws are usually only enforced for locals, not tourists.

Nevertheless, that’s not to say you shouldn’t exercise caution when in public places. We suggest avoiding any public display of affection (PDA) or anything you think may draw unnecessary attention. Not just for the purpose of the law, but for the sake of being respectful. (I will touch further on understanding local cultures and social opinions below.)

On the other hand, some LGBT travelers may not want to even visit countries where these laws exist. And that’s understandable. But Asia is a huge continent.

To put things into perspective, out of the 72 countries that still criminalize homosexuality, just 10 are in Asia (outside the Middle East and Russia). That means that even if you wanted to boycott the countries where anti-gay laws are in place, close to 80% of Asia is yours for the taking.

Personally, we don’t have an issue visiting countries where homosexuality is illegal. We’ve spent a lot of time in the past two years in Malaysia, for example, where Islamic law prevails, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. (Pristine beaches, delectable cuisine, vibrant culture — what’s not to love?)

In the larger cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, we found a buzzing LGBT community. And we even illegally attended a spectacular drag show!

So I guess what I’m trying to say is: you don’t need to dismiss traveling in Asia for the sake of a few old-fashioned laws. Gay travel there is way too much fun for that!

Here are a few resources to help you research local laws:

• The International Lesbian and Gay Association – Their world map summarizes sexual orientation laws by country.
• Human Dignity Trust – This website has fact sheets on countries that criminalize homosexuality.
• State Sponsored Homophobia Report – Check out their 2017 world survey for a list of sexual orientation laws.

Tip 2: Understand the local culture

Understanding and respecting the local culture in each place you visit is just as — if not more — important than the first tip. Why? Well, think about it: you’re going to spend way more time in the company of residents than you are around law enforcement officers. Comprehending the social opinion of locals could save you a lot of awkwardness and funny looks in the long run.

You see, what we discovered is that even in some countries where homosexuality is legal, it remains taboo in the community. This could be due to religious beliefs, a lack of education around the subject, or, in some cases, plain bigotry.

However, isn’t that so in most places? Even in the most advanced countries, I think we can safely say there is room for improvement.

At the same time, understanding the local culture is also important for every traveler. PDA, for example, is frowned upon in most countries in Asia — even if you are a straight couple.

On the other hand, holding hands with somebody of the same sex is extremely common in India, whether it be your brother, sister, friend, or otherwise.

This is why it’s essential to educate yourself in advance, so you know what to expect.

The typical social situations we have found ourselves in have never been a cause for concern when traveling in Asia. Often people assume we are sisters or friends. And even on the rare occasion that we’ve tried to explain our relationship, some locals don’t understand. We once stayed with a family in Indonesia for over a week, and they never could get their head around the fact that we were a couple.

But that was OK with us. What’s important is that they treated us like family, and honestly, it’s one of our most memorable travel experiences.

On the other hand, there have been times where we were allocated a twin room despite booking a double, been catcalled for being lesbians, and had religious jargon thrown at us.

But again, doesn’t this happen everywhere?

We certainly didn’t allow these minor incidents to ruin our travel experience. On the grand scale of things, these are few and far between amid all the breathtaking experiences we had.

The United Nations Development Programme has a series of country reports about Being LGBT in Asia, including in-depth sections devoted to cultural and social attitudes.

Tip 3: Be prepared to adapt

When you take into consideration everything we’ve talked about, being prepared to adapt is part and parcel of gay travel in Asia. Although, when you think about it, doesn’t this apply to all travelers?

What I’m trying to say is that any place you travel to is bound to require an element of adaptation, whether it be the food you eat, the clothes you wear, or the way in which you address the locals. It’s about recognizing what’s socially acceptable and behaving in a way that’s both respectful and appropriate.

That said, it’s a controversial subject whether LGBT couples should travel to destinations where they can’t be entirely themselves. We get challenged on this a lot, and our point is simply this: There are many elements to some religions, cultures, and the like, that I’m sure many of us don’t agree with. However, does that mean we should boycott those countries? I think it would leave a very limited pool to choose from if that were the case.

At the same time, we can empathize with those who may not feel comfortable traveling to places where they can’t be themselves. Or perhaps feel anxious as a solo LGBT traveler or an LGBT couple. If this is the case, there are plenty of gay-friendly travel destinations both in Asia and elsewhere in the world. Either way, so long as you do your research and take all the necessary precautions, you have no reason to be afraid.

Tip 4: Look up the local gay scene

When traveling to a new place, one of the first things we do is look up if there’s a local gay scene. Let’s face it: everybody knows that gay bars are the most fun! But on a serious note, it’s comforting knowing there is a safe place you can go to — a space where you can be yourself without judgment and let your hair down.

Thankfully, most Asian countries boast an active gay scene of some kind. Particularly in the big cities, you can expect to find gay bars, nightclubs, saunas, gay-friendly hotels, and drag shows in abundance! We’ve had some of the wildest nights of our travels exploring the local gay scene. Whether it’s bar-hopping in Bangkok or attending illegal drag shows in Kuala Lumpur, you’re guaranteed a night to remember!

While a quick Google search will tell you where all the queer fun is at, Travel Gay Asia is an excellent website for finding LGBT-friendly spots in any city.

Tip 5: Connect with other LGBT travelers or locals

Again, socializing with people who understand you and won’t judge you is a reassuring way to adapt to a new place or culture. Of course, locating the local gay scene is a great start; however, not everybody has the guts to walk into a bar or nightclub on their own and attempt to make friends.

Thankfully, there are easier ways of meeting people in this day and age. Yes, the good old web has inundated us with opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

We suggest using social media to locate other LGBT travelers or locals in your area. Facebook is a fantastic platform for this, where a simple search will yield results for any LGBT groups in your area. Similarly, navigating certain hashtags on Instagram such as #gaybangkok or #LGBTAsia can help you locate all things LGBT near you.

Some useful platforms for meeting people are:

• Tinder
• Plenty of Fish
• Couchsurfing
• Purple Roofs (for finding LGBT-friendly accommodation)

You don’t need to use the above dating apps in any sort of romantic way either — they are just great resources for connecting with LGBT locals and travelers. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself connecting with a local who can show you all the best spots in their area.

***

While Gay Travel in Asia might seem daunting, it is far less scary than it sounds on paper. As a whole, we can honestly say we had nothing but a positive experience and made memories that will last us a lifetime. Asia is an extraordinary continent, oozing adventure, beauty, and culture. By following the advice in our article, and taking advantage of all the useful resources we’ve provided, we are confident Asia will steal your heart. Just as she has stolen ours.

Charlotte and Natalie are the explorers and adventurers behind Our Taste For Life. You will often find them wandering off the beaten path, immersed in nature, or enjoying authentic cultural experiences. The rest of the time, you will find them eating. Follow their journey on their blog or Instagram.

The post 5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Amritsar is the most visited city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab. The city is known as Holy City since it’s home to the Golden Temple religious complex (one of the most visited places in the world). It’s the most important city in Punjab, and also the center of Sikhism. The Punjab region of …

Read moreVisiting the Holy City of Amritsar

The post Visiting the Holy City of Amritsar appeared first on Everything Everywhere Travel Blog.

Posted: 11/3/2019 | November 3rd, 2019

Tropical jungles bursting with wildlife, mountainous landscapes extending into the horizon, picture-perfect beaches on both sides of the country, and a never-ending supply of fun activities no matter your budget.

Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise — and it’s one of my favorite countries in the world too. It was the first country I ever traveled to and it was the country that sparked my wanderlust.

The beaches feel like paradise, there’s great surfing, diving, and plenty of places to get away from the hordes of retired Americans that live here. No matter what your interest, there are tons of things to see and do in Costa Rica without breaking the bank.

But is Costa Rica safe to visit?

The country was fortunate to escape the Cold War conflicts and brutal gang violence that impacted other countries in Central America. However, in recent years, Costa Rica has become more involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

But the country is super safe for tourists. At worst, you’ll get scammed for a few bucks. I mean the country is so safe it doesn’t even have an army!

While Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for travel and backpacking in Central America, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Here are some tips to guarantee a safe and stress-free experience:

1. Avoid isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a greater risk for getting robbed, especially at night and in big cities. Try to stay where the crowds are. That’s the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.

2. Don’t wear flashy items – Petty theft is common here, so remove any jewelry or watches, and don’t wave your phone around. Do your best to blend in, so you don’t become a target for pickpockets. If you happen to find yourself a victim of a robbery, follow the instructions of the robber and give up your valuables; these material items can be replaced but your life cannot.

3. Don’t leave your items unattended – If you are spending the day on the beaches in Puerto Viejo, Santa Theresa, or Manuel Antonio, do not leave your belongings unattended while swimming or walking along the sand; locals or tourists alike can easily take your valuables if you leave them around. Just take what you need with you and nothing more.

4. Be alert when using public transportation – Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime you’ll face in Costa Rica. Most of the theft in Costa Rica occurs while taking the bus. Keep your bag containing valuables and identification on your lap and stay vigilant.

5. Always take an authorized taxi – Crimes against cab riders are infrequent here but it’s best you use a licensed taxi. Also, pay close attention to the meter and make sure it’s running. Cab drivers can turn the meter off and claim it’s broken (a common scam, see below).

6. Buy travel insurance – This is especially important if you plan to join in on activities like ziplining, white water rafting, or surfing. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

We recommend World Nomads for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

For more information on tarvel insurance, check out these posts:

• What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?
• The 7 Best Travel Companies in 2019
• How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

How to Avoid Scams in Costa Rica

There are really only two common scams found in Costa Rica:

1. Taxi Scam
You hop into a taxi and realize the meter isn’t running. You mention this to the driver and their response is the meter is “broken,” and quotes you a price that is outrageously high. Or you might notice that the meter is working but the fare is increasing faster than a running cheetah.

Do your research and get an idea of how much a ride should cost from your hostel or hotel staff before hailing a taxi. In my experience, if the cabbie tries to negotiate the rate, I use the rate quoted to me and if they refuse, I get out and find someone who will turn the meter on. If the meter looks as though it’s rising unusually fast, ask the driver to pull over and get out immediately.

2. The “Cheap Tour” Scam
You’re exploring the sites and sounds of the city and a well-mannered, nicely dressed person approaches you and asks if you’re looking to go on a tour. They do a fantastic job describing the most unforgettable trip you’ll ever take in your life, and at a fraction of the cost of other tour companies. You’re sold and hand them a deposit. You wait the next day for them to pick you up, but no one shows up. You realize there was no amazing tour at 50% less; you’d been tricked.

To avoid this scam only use authorized companies when booking tours. Your hostel/hotel can always help you, and if you plan to book through a tour company check their online reviews ahead of time. Never trust someone trying to sell you a tour on the street who does not have an official office or storefront.

These scams are the most common ones you’ll face while in Costa Rica. If you’re worried about scams, read this post on travel scams to avoid. Avoiding travel scams requires a lot of common sense and a healthy dose of suspicion.

Zika Risk in Costa Rica

While there are no reports of a Zika outbreak in the country, Costa Rica has had reported cases of the Zika virus. While risks are low, travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

• Use mosquito repellent on your body to prevent bites and sleep under a mosquito net to avoid getting bit while when you’re asleep
• Wear breathable garments that cover your arms and legs (if you’re wondering what you should apply first, apply sunscreen first followed by repellent).
• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent mosquitos from entering your room
• Pregnant women or couples considering pregnancy should consult a healthcare practitioner prior to travel

FAQ on Costa Rica Safety

Here are the most common questions I get asked about staying safe in Costa Rica (and my answers to them):

Is Street Food in Costa Rica Safe?

In Costa Rica, street food is safe to eat and not to be missed! I’ve had my fair share of empanadas, fresh fruits from open markets, and other local foods and have been perfectly fine.

That being said, if something doesn’t look cooked through (such as chicken) or has been out in the sun for too long, then trust your gut and don’t eat it. But I would encourage you to try the street food as it’s the best way to experience the cuisine and support local businesses (plus, it’s cheap!)

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Costa Rica?

The tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink, however, it’s recommended that you avoid drinking the tap water in most beach destinations. The best way to make sure your drinking water is safe is to bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw for your reusable water bottle. This way you’ll be able to purify the tap water so you don’t get sick — and avoid using single-use plastic bottles in the process.

Are Taxis in Costa Rica Safe?

The taxis in Costa Rica are safe and reliable, though you’ll always want to make sure you’re getting in an authorized taxi. During the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, but make sure you pay attention that the meter is turned on and running properly.

If you’re taking a taxi at night it’s best to have your accommodation call it for you. That will ensure you get a reputable company. Never hail a random taxi at night.

As mentioned earlier, taxi drivers will occasionally try to take advantage of travelers by overcharging them. Always remain alert and if anything feels suspicious ask the driver to stop the cab and get out. Don’t take any chances with your safety.

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Travelers?

Costa Rica is a safe country to visit for solo travelers. As long as you stay away from isolated areas, don’t wave your valuables around, and don’t travel alone at night you will be able to avoid the most common dangerous situations.

Additionally, be sure to download offline maps and an offline language app (like Google Translate) so you can look up directions if you get lost or communicate with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to learn some Spanish before you go too. Even a few key phrases can go a long way!

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America so if you’re new to solo female travel, Costa Rica is a great country to start with. However, you’ll still need to take some precautions of course. Always avoid isolated locations and don’t travel alone after dark. If you happen to experience cat calling or harassment from strangers on the street, be confident, avoid eye contact, and walk away.

Solo female travelers will want to remain extra vigilant at bus terminals, bars, and taxi stands where harassment is more common. When traveling around the city, ask your hotel what the safest route is and also which areas you should avoid. Also, avoid taking taxis at night — especially by yourself.

By taking some precautions and planning accordingly, solo female travelers will be able to have a memorable time in Costa Rica. Just make sure to follow the advice and tips above!

Here are helpful posts on safety written by our solo female travel experts:

• How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler
• 8 Myths About Solo Female Travel Debunked
• 10 Common Questions About Solo Female Travel
• Women Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Travel Alone

***
With any tourist destination, you’ll run into people trying to pull fast ones on visitors. By using caution, common sense, and following the tips above, you’ll be able to stay safe and healthy during your visit to Costa Rica.

The post Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 11/04/19 | November 4th, 2019

As travel blogging, remote work, and social media “influencing” have become more mainstream, more and more people have started to travel the world (and become semi-permanent nomads). There are far more people going off on long trips today than when I started traveling only a little over a decade ago. There’s less pushback today than in yesteryear when you say, “I’m going to travel for a while” instead of going right to college or an office job.

But for all the gains that have been made in terms of making long-term travel more acceptable, it’s still fairly uncommon.

Yes, more people are doing it, but it’s still not huge numbers. A 2017 study from Expedia shows that one-week or two-week trips are the average lengths of time that people spend overseas each year.

Why don’t more people travel long-term?

Not the “ten years a nomad” kind. (Few people are going to do that.) I’m referring to the “just for a few months on the road” kind.

Yes, lack of free time has something to do with it (especially for us Americans!).

So does money.

In the United States, our “vacation culture” also plays a big role in this. (See this post for more on that.)

But I think those are easy go-to excuses people use to hide the real, deeper reason they don’t travel.*

After all, there are plenty of ways to travel cheap if you know where to look for advice, and there are plenty of people who have the time to travel but don’t. Money and time can’t explain it all.

So what are the real reasons that keep people from traveling?

Fear and self-doubt.

Fear of running out of money, being alone, possible danger, getting off the career trek, sick, having no safety net — there’s an endless list of fears people have about travel. It’s scary jumping headfirst into the unknown and leaving your entire life behind, with nothing but a backpack and a dream.

Our comfort zones may make us unhappy or bored at times, but more often than not, they keep us just happy enough to resist change. We may hate our routine, we may complain, we may daydream — but we don’t often change. It’s the devil we know. It’s where we feel safe.

Plus, our DNA tells us to favor safety over risk. Why leave the cave to venture where the monsters live, when we can stay safe inside our shelter and live another day? To go out into the night is to court danger and death. Our primitive brain screams to us: Stay here! This is safety! This is life!

So, while people everywhere might dream of traveling the world, it is only those whose desire is strong enough who head out — and stay out — on the road.

But strong enough to do what?

Strong enough to overcome the instincts — and societal norms — that tell you not to leave your safe harbor.

Strong enough to overcome the fears of people who love you — like my parents, who still to this day email me travel warnings and news of terrorist attacks.

Strong enough to overcome the negativity of those who share your dream — but not your intestinal fortitude.

But most importantly, strong enough to overcome your self-doubt.

The questions people ask me (after “Is it safe?”) are always the same, whether by email or on my book tours:

“Do you meet travelers like myself out there?”

“Do you get lonely?”

“How do you deal with language issues?”

All of these questions share an underlying theme: “I’m worried I don’t have the skills to survive.”

I know this self-doubt all too well.

As I faced the daunting task of turning my travel dreams into a reality back in 2006, I too worried about this. While trudging through the seemingly endless preparations, I discovered a new daily mantra: “Fuck, what am I getting myself into?”

I didn’t so much care about shirking my responsibilities. Bills disappear when you cancel the services that generate them. Cars payments go away when you sell your car. And I knew my job at the hospital wasn’t going to be my career, so I had no worries about walking away from it.

What worried me were the personal skills I thought I needed to have to travel — the courage, the ability to go with the flow, the ability to talk to strangers, the confidence, the maturity — and whether or not I had enough of any of them after just two two-week trips over two years to two countries that were full of English-speaking travelers like me.

Yes, I knew that a lot of people travel the world. I had seen hundreds of them in Thailand after all. But unlike those people, I wasn’t “hardened” or “experienced.” Heck, I got scammed three times in one day in Thailand, and in Costa Rica I got lost in a jungle!

I was a sheltered child who had never ventured far beyond his safe harbor. Did I really have what it took?

Fear and self-doubt whispered constantly in my ear.

But, being stubborn and having already committed to doing this trip, I couldn’t turn back.

I daydreamed about the crazy things that would happen to me on the road. I’d make friends from around the world. I’d try adventure activities. I’d hike mountains and sail down exotic rivers. Locals would invite me out for drinks. I’d sip a latte, strike up a conversation with my beautiful waitress, and then the next thing I’d know, we’d be at a wine bar, staring into each other’s eyes.

It was going to be just like those travel articles I’d read, or movies I’d seen and romanticized.

Elsewhere was out there — and it was calling me.

And then, when I was finally out the road, I realized something:

I was not Magellan.

I wasn’t setting sail into the unknown horizon, wondering if I was going to fall off a flat earth.

No, I was walking on well-trod tourist trails. I had guidebooks. If all those backpackers in Thailand could do it, why couldn’t I? If 18-year-olds fresh out of high school could manage a year around the world, so could I. In fact, I had made it through Costa Rica and Thailand. I had made friends there. I had talked to strangers.

And that’s something I tell travelers now.

We aren’t Magellan. We aren’t setting off into the blankness of history to chart new worlds. The next Magellans will colonize the moon. We’re simply getting on an airplane and going where others have gone before.

That’s the difference between the early explorers and what we do: we’re trying to have new experiences and learn about ourselves — but we aren’t uncovering blanks spots on a map. We’re walking in others’ footsteps, and we can be grateful to them even as we blaze new personal trails.

That doesn’t make our journey less special. The world is full of new stories and adventures that are special to us. I didn’t need to discover Thailand to enjoy Thailand — the journey and experience were what mattered.

***

The hardest part of the journey is the mental preparation. Once you are out of safe harbor, you will feel the wind in your sails. Action begets action. As the shoreline drifts further away, the wind picks up and carries you like Gulliver to unknown lands. And once you’re out there, your fears fade away as excitement and a sense of adventure take over.

You are too busy having fun to worry about worrying anymore.

If you’re worried about having the skills to travel long-term, don’t. We’re all just figuring it out anyways. No one knows what to do when they step out the door the first time.

And remember: millions have come before you. They made it. They too were strangers in a strange land, without friends, family, or a support system.

There were people and systems out there that helped them along the way.

Those travelers made it.

I made it.

And, I promise, you will make it too.

*Note: I get that not everyone can travel (for other very legitimate reasons), and I don’t mean to imply that travel is for everyone. For more on that, see this post.

The post Why Don’t More People Travel Long-Term? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Happy Saturday friends! Well, we have turned the calendar to November and things are starting to get real as we dive into the Holiday season full force. Thanksgiving is this month and I think you’ll enjoy all the inspiring posts from my friends below, so I hope you’ll check them all out. We’ll all be thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas and it will be a flurry of activity very soon!

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend. Lauren is home with the girls for the next few days and we will be plenty of busy around here! 

The post Home Style Saturday 163 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Curious about the travel gear I bring with me on my international adventures? I’ve put together this gear page to share my long-term travel packing list. Obviously, I recommend traveling with high-quality, lightweight & durable stuff.

The travel gear I use may not work for everyone. I carry extra photography equipment to maintain this travel blog, along with camping equipment for trekking up mountains, hitchhiking long distance, or exploring rainforests on my own.

All travelers have different tastes & requirements while on the road. The following gear list is just what I’ve found works best for MY particular “adventure” travel style.

While I often travel on an extreme budget, my gear can be expensive. I want it to be functional, multi-purpose, comfortable, and very tough. I don’t want to keep replacing worn-out equipment every few months while abroad — plus I have a slight obsession with keeping travel gear as lightweight as possible!

(One of my favorite quotes about travel!)

Top Travel Gear List For 2019

Travel Luggage: Rolling Bag VS Backpack

Ah, the eternal question. Travel backpack, suitcase, or rolling duffel? This is going to come down to personal preference — and what kind of traveling you plan to do.

If you’re riding chicken-buses through Central America or hitchhiking around Africa, you’ll probably want a travel-friendly backpack. If you spend a lot of time in cities or fly frequently, you might prefer a rolling duffel or suitcase.

I started vagabonding around the world with a backpack, but my travel style has changed over the years, where I now find a rolling duffel bag more convenient for most things.

Mainly, due to carrying a lot more photography gear for my work on this travel blog.

My Main Travel Bags

I currently travel with 3 different bags. A rolling duffel as my main bag, a backpack for mountain trekking or wilderness trips, and a carry-on camera backpack.

I usually only need to check one bag, the rolling duffel. The hiking backpack can lie-flat inside it. For bigger trips that require more technical gear (like winter camping), I’ll check both.

North Face Rolling Thunder

My current favorite travel bag with plenty of room, heavy-duty lockable zippers and a waterproof shell. A seperate compartment for hiking boots, and big wheels for dirt roads & cobblestones.

Gregory Zulu 55 Backpack

This lightweight, super comfortable overnight trekking & travel backpack includes full front-zipper access to all my gear. It can lie flat in my roller bag if I don’t need to check both.

Lowepro Whistler Camera Bag

My amazing carry-on camera & laptop backpack. I use this for day hikes with my camera gear, but it has room for things like snacks, water, jacket, full-size tripod, snowboard, ice-axe, etc.

READ MORE: How To Choose The Perfect Travel Backpack

Basic Travel Gear

This is my basic, standard travel gear that goes with me on every trip. From items that make flights more comfortable to gear that helps me stay organized while traveling.

Filtered Water Bottle

Packing Cubes

Multi-Tool

Travel Neck Pillow

Shemagh Scarf

Hearos Earplugs

Minimalist Sandals

Luggage Locks

READ MORE: Best Gifts For Travelers In 2019

Backpacking & Camping Gear

As an adventure addict, I do a lot of overnight backpacking, trekking, and camping when I travel. So I pack some specialized outdoor gear for these types of journeys, much of it pretty high-end (super lightweight & durable).

Nemo Hornet 2P Tent

Sleeping Bag

Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Camp Stove

READ MORE: My Complete Backpacking Gear Checklist

Travel Clothing & Apparel

You don’t need a huge wardrobe to travel. Here’s some of the clothing I pack when traveling around the world. I try to buy stuff that’s lightweight and wrinkle resistant. As for how much? I generally pack: 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 5 t-shirts, 2 nicer shirts, 2 sweatshirts/sweaters, 5 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, and 1 swimsuit.

Travel Blazer

Travel Pants

Travel Shorts

Boxer Briefs

Button Shirts

Comfy T-Shirts

Travel Shoes

Comfy Socks

READ MORE: How I Do Laundry While Traveling

Tech Gadgets For Travelers

I would not be able to produce a travel blog of this caliber without some computer equipment. Other electronics are not absolutely needed, but they improve my quality of life on the road enough to be worth the weight.

Universal Travel Plug

USB Power Pack

Kindle Paperwhite

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Macbook Pro 13

iPhone

Portable Hard Drive

Magic Mouse

My Travel Photography Gear

For the photographers out there, this is the camera equipment I use for adventure travel photography around the world. While I shoot images for this blog, I also sell images to magazines, brands, and national tourism boards. I carry more camera equipment than the average traveler because it’s part of my business.

Sony A7R III

Sony A6500

Mavic 2 Pro

GoPro 7

16-35mm 2.8

24-70mm 2.8

Travel Tripod

Microphone

Camera Clip

Camera Strap

Intervalometer

Camera Backpack

READ MORE: Best Travel Cameras For Different Budgets

Why Not Travel Carry-On Only?

Both my wife & I have traveled carry-on only before, and still do occasionally for short trips. However as I’ve collected more camera gear for the travel photography side of my business, I was forced to check a bag again in order to fill my carry-on with camera gear.

And you know what? After 9 years of regular travel, the airlines have only lost my checked-bag 4 times. In all but one of those cases my bag showed up the next day — it was not a big problem. Losing a bag for a day is not the crisis some travelers pretend it is.

Only once did it take a week to get my bag back. While this particular situation certainly sucked, having this happen once in 9 years, with all the flying I do, does not make it a frequent occurrence.

Checking a bag is not the end of the world… and odds are very high it will be waiting for you at luggage claim.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Family Travel Tips

As a first-time dad, and frequent traveler, I’ve had to learn how to travel with a baby through trial and error. Here are some of our best baby travel tips based on my experience!

Sooooo… I’m a dad! If you’ve been following me on social media for the past 7 months, you probably already knew that though.

But I haven’t properly introduced the little guy here on my blog, and thought it was time for you to meet him — especially since we’ve been traveling together.

Earlier this year, back in April, my wife Anna gave birth to our first child. A healthy baby boy we named Dylan Fitzgerald Karsten.

Just as most parents warned, having a baby is a life-changing experience.

I’ve since learned everyone has their own advice about traveling with a baby or opinions about whether to travel with a baby or not.

So I wanted to include my baby travel tips into the mix too!

My Introduction To Fatherhood

On the day of his delivery, buzzing on a mixture of stress & adrenaline, a hospital nurse held baby Dylan up so I could see him for the first time.

Fresh from his mother’s womb — the first thing he did was pee on me. I began laughing & crying simultaneously due to pure joy. Welcome to fatherhood!

What’s it like being a first-time dad? If I had to sum it up, I guess a combination of love, excitement, anxiety, and exhaustion. With the former outweighing the latter.

Becoming a dad is a life-altering experience. Of course I suspected as much after hearing from other dads, but living it yourself is always a bit different.

Up until this point in my life, I lived with as few responsibilities as possible.

For years I wandered around the world, living out of a backpack as a traveling digital nomad. Hopping from country to country with no home, no steady employer, and no real stability to speak of.

An admittedly pretty selfish existence chasing adventure, fun, life experiences, and personal development. It was great!

So for me, settling down and building a family was a big change. I won’t say it’s been easy either. There have been some speed-bumps along the way.

For example, adjusting sleep & work routines, additional planning (travel & life), stressful situations, unexpected surprises, constant baby chores, etc.

But it was a change I was ready for. As this new, more mature chapter of my life continues to evolve — I’m enjoying it more and more.

Traveling With A Baby

Dylan was born at a private hospital in Poland via C-section, and after a few weeks, he traveled on his very first flight back to Verona Italy with us where we’ve been living as expats.

Already we were getting scolded by others for putting him on a plane. Which is ridiculous, because it was approved by a doctor. With kids, everyone has an opinion for how to raise them!

Fast forward 7-months later, and he’s already got two passports, is working on his 3rd, has boarded 27 flights and traveled to 6 countries so far.

Dylan has traveled more as a baby than I did when I was in my 20’s!

Why Travel With A Baby?

Many people prefer not to travel with babies because they think it will be extra difficult, super expensive, or their children won’t remember the trips.

Sure, I don’t think Dylan will remember traveling as a baby — but I have a feeling our travel experiences together are affecting him in other ways.

Exposure To The World

Dylan has an uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere at anytime. Even with loud music & celebrations going on! Or, how he seems to love people, and is not afraid of strangers.

Travel exposes him to all kinds of people, places, sounds, smells, and weather. He’s not growing up in a bubble that’s for sure!

Stronger Immune System

In 7-months of life, Dylan has only had a single fever, which as new parents we definitely over-reacted to — freaking out and rushing to the hospital. LOL!

Altogether a pretty solid health record considering the travel he’s done. Personally, I think his immune system is more robust from all the trains, planes, and automobiles he’s exposed to.

Quality Time Together

We also get to spend a lot of quality time together traveling with Dylan. Sitting at home can be distracting with all the work, chores, and multi-tasking.

When we travel together, we can better focus on sharing our curious & exciting world with him. He really seems to enjoy traveling a lot, and is better behaved with so much stimulus going on.

And if you’re prepared, traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be very difficult.

Tips For Flying With A Baby

1. When Can You Fly With A Baby?

We got so much random advice about when to fly with a newborn baby. Much of it said wait until 2 months, after the first vaccinations, and when the immune system is more developed.

But the fact is most airlines allow babies to fly at only 2 weeks old. We flew with Dylan at 2 weeks and he slept the whole flight. No ear problems, no crying, nothing.

2. Babies Fly Free!

In the United States, children under 2 years old fly free in their parents lap. Yay! In Europe and internationally it’s not totally free, but close. You must pay 10% of your ticket price to travel with a child under 2.

Depending on the airline, babies also get their own free carry-on bag, gate-checked stroller, and maybe a car seat too.

After your kid turns two however, flying gets much more expensive and you’ll have to buy them their own seat with a full-price ticket.

3. TSA & Security Procedures

Much to the dismay of both airport security officials & travelers around the world, check-in procedures vary wildly depending on the particular airport/country.

Where one airport may not require you to remove your shoes or take out your laptop — at another one, they’ll yell at you for not doing it. It’s confusing as hell!

Expect the same when it comes to traveling with a baby.

Some airports are very family friendly, with dedicated family check-in lines and security screening. You can pass through security easily with your stroller and put hot water or baby formula through the x-ray.

Others are a huge pain in the ass, forcing you to fold up your stroller and squeeze it through the entire x-ray machine.

4. Travel-Friendly Strollers

Many parents recommend traveling with a baby carrier for getting on and off airplanes, but we use our carry-on approved Babyzen YoYo+ Travel Stroller.

Using this stroller, there’s no need to gate-check it. You simply wheel your baby right onto the plane in many circumstances. It folds up super small and fits in the overhead compartment!

I have to admit, free priority boarding (boarding the airplane first) because of Dylan is a nice little perk if you fly a lot.

That is, unless you need to ride a shuttle bus to the airplane.

Then it doesn’t make any difference, and you get stuck behind everyone else climbing up the boarding ladder steps (carrying a baby, stroller, and bags).

5. Airplane Baby Bassinets

On long international flights, many airlines have sections that include a baby bassinet which hangs from the wall in front of your seats. This is super handy!

It allows you to let your baby sleep comfortably, and gives you a break from holding your baby for the entirety of an 8+ hour flight.

However, some airlines don’t offer bassinets, or only have a few available. Of the airlines who do offer them, like American & Delta, you can’t pre-book them and it’s first-come-first-serve when you show up at the gate.

The most baby-friendly airline we’ve flown with so far has been Emirates — not only do you automatically get assigned seats with a bassinet, they also give you a cute baby care package with a blanket, toys, wet-wipes, and more.

6. Timing Is Everything

Since we’ve become parents, we’ve had to plan out our flying experiences a bit more. You don’t want your baby screaming with a wet diaper or hungry for milk while waiting in lines or during takeoff or landing.

We try to change & feed Dylan at the airport’s baby-friendly bathroom right before boarding the flight, as well right before they turn on the seat belt signs inside the airplane to prepare for landing.

This way, he’s not freaking out when there’s little we can do for him. Of course there’s no guarantee it won’t happen regardless, but it minimizes the chances.

Also, unless we’re in a rush to catch a connecting flight, we’ll often de-board the plane last to avoid fighting with pushy passengers attempting to remove luggage from the overhead bins. It’s just not worth the stress.

7. Feeding During Takeoff & Landing

To prevent your baby from experiencing ear pain due to changing cabin pressure during airplane takeoffs and landings, try to feed them a little formula or at least play tug-of-war with the pacifier.

This will encourage your baby to “swallow” which relieves the ear pressure difference and any related pain.

8. Request An Empty Seat

If your route isn’t too full, there still may be empty seats on the plane. You can try to ask the gate attendant to move you to an empty row, so you won’t bother other passengers (and you’ll get some extra room yourself).

I’ve found that some passengers hate flying with babies on board, while others love it and make funny faces at Dylan from across the plane!

General Baby Travel Tips

1. Pack Light

You don’t need to pack a week’s worth of diapers when traveling with a baby. Bring enough supplies to last a day or two, buy the rest while you’re there.

Our Baby Packing List

• Baby Carrier – For hands-free travel with a baby, and especially good for destinations with lots of stairs.
• Folding Travel Stroller – We try to use a stroller as much as possible, and you can store extra stuff under it.
• Car Seat – This isn’t always needed. You can often rent car seats with your car rental company.
• Diaper Bag – I recommend one that includes a changing pad, because many changing tables aren’t padded (or cleaned often)
• Diapers – Bring more than you think you need, but don’t go overboard either. You can always buy more at your destination.
• Wet Wipes – Make sure to bring a new package so you don’t run out! Plus a backup travel-size package in the stroller.
• Extra Bottles & Formula – We pre-fill baby bottles with the right amount of powder. Simply add hot water, cold water, and shake.
• Hot Water Thermos – Keeps water hot for hours, making it easy to prepare bottles for feeding.

2. Be Flexible

If you think travel is unpredictable, just try traveling with a baby. It certainly increases the chances of things going wrong during your trip.

For example, you’ll probably want to arrive at the airport earlier than normal, so you have time to change and feed them before the flight. Plus extra time for passing through security.

Be ready to change plans at a moment’s notice, and have a backup option if your baby isn’t cooperating. Like leaving a restaurant early when your baby starts screaming hysterically.

Don’t force the baby on grueling 6-hour city walking tours. Maybe schedule fewer activities each day than you normally would alone. You’ve got someone else to think of now!

3. Book Baby Friendly Hotels

There are a few things that make staying in a hotel with a baby much easier. We look for hotels and Airbnb’s that provide cribs, plus a hot-water machine or stove to prepare formula for feeding. Laundry machines are a bonus too!

That said, don’t always trust the popular hotel booking sites while you’re searching.

We’ve come across a few instances where the booking search engine said babies weren’t allowed, but if you call the hotel, they’ll say differently. When in doubt, call the hotel to double-check before booking.

4. Accept Other People’s Help

When you’re traveling with a baby, strangers will often offer to help out. Carrying a stroller up some stairs, taking your bags off a train, etc.

In the beginning, our first reaction was to decline any help. But now we gladly accept it when offered. People will offer up their spot in an elevator, give up their seat on a subway, and more.

Use your best judgement of course, but don’t be afraid to accept some help from kind strangers and make traveling with a baby a little less stressful.

5. Hire A Local Babysitter

When we traveled to Mauritius when Dylan was only 8 weeks old, our accommodation offered babysitting services. Sometimes it’s worth the extra expense of staying in a resort for this option!

You could also ask a friend who lives in the country you’re visiting to do a little research for you, or maybe talk to the hotel or your Airbnb host to get ideas.

6. Your Baby Needs A Passport

If you’re traveling internationally with your baby, they’re going to need a passport. Both parents need to be available for the process. You’ll need to bring proof of citizenship, identification, and relation to the child.

Generally getting your baby a US passport will take 4-6 weeks, but there are expedited services that take 8 days.

We got lucky & organized Dylan’s Polish passport in only 2 days. His US passport from the US Embassy in Warsaw was ready in only 5 days!

Passports for newborn babies are good for 5 years before they’ll need a new one.

7. Pack Spare Clothes

There is nothing worse than the dreaded “baby blowout”. They may not happen often, but when they do, they’ll destroy your baby’s clothes, as well as yours.

Pack a spare set of clothes for your baby, as well as a spare shirt for yourself too. Just in case! To help prevent blowouts, try sticking a woman’s menstrual pad to the back of your baby’s diaper…

8. Don’t Panic Over Schedules

Some parents put their babies on strict feeding and napping schedules. We don’t. Dylan sleeps when he’s sleepy, and eats when he’s hungry.

Trying to stick to a special napping and feeding schedule while traveling with your baby isn’t going to be very practical. Save yourself some stress and let them do their own thing.

Traveling Without Your Baby…

Just because I have a family now doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon independent travel. Both Anna & I have embarked on solo trips since Dylan was born, and will continue to do so.

In fact, after months learning the ropes of parenthood, we’ve decided to take a break together and travel to Antarctica — without Dylan.

A 3-week vacation while my parents watch over him (thanks guys!).

As any parent will tell you, having a baby is hard work. Even with babysitters or family members helping out. Sometimes you just need a break!

While becoming a parent has it’s challenges, it doesn’t mean you have to completely give up your previous lifestyle. And independent travel has been a big part of our lives — both for work and for fun.

We frequently travel as a family, but sometimes I’ll take a solo trip for a week or two while Anna watches Dylan, or she’ll visit a new country while I stay home.

Having a baby doesn’t have to interfere with the pursuit of your travel dreams — as a family or on your own! ★

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Have any questions about traveling with a baby? Any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Hey there!

In case you did a doubletake when you landed here today, don’t worry, you’re still in the right place. I just got a new blog design up and running yesterday and you’re the first to see it! I’m so excited about the changes and I think you all will love it too. It should be simple and easy to navigate with drop downs and nothing drastic on getting around will change, but a fresh new look and feel to the blog.

The post A Blog Design Refresh! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.