Travel

Stop Checking Your Bags And Start Living Free

Don’t Check your Luggage Airlines and airports are modern marvels which I’m amazed run as well as they do, but even well-oiled machines have their problems. Hundreds of airplanes, thousands of people traveling in different directions and each with bags of personal belongings, mistakes are bound to be made. There are too many moving parts […]

Published

8 months ago

February 7, 2023

Loren Thorn

Don’t Check your Luggage

Airlines and airports are modern marvels which I’m amazed run as well as they do, but even well-oiled machines have their problems. Hundreds of airplanes, thousands of people traveling in different directions and each with bags of personal belongings, mistakes are bound to be made. There are too many moving parts to trust a machine that big, that’s why I never check my luggage.

I hate checking my luggage when I fly and you should too. Checking a bag just complicates things and is essentially a waste of my precious time. I’ve logged hundreds of thousands of airline miles and the one thing I can definitively say is that checking luggage is bad news.

I’m a professional traveler, one who lives out of a suitcase for weeks at a time and I never check my bag with the airlines. Checking luggage is another cost that these airlines tack on to an already hefty price tag. Checking bags cost extra money that I’d rather spend on my trip. Some airlines do offer free checked bags but restrictions usually apply, so its best practices to figure out your carrier’s baggage rules ahead of time.

Not only do most airlines charge you to check luggage, they regularly go lost and sometimes are even ransacked by airport employees. My mother had her digital camera stolen from a checked bag, granted she shouldn’t have checked her digital camera in the first place. Theft and damaged bags is a serious problem that airlines and airports don’t seem to take seriously.

It’s no secret that airlines lose luggage and never give you a good excuse as to why. Many times they are just delayed because they missed a connecting flight, but any delay in not having your personal belongings can really ruin a trip.

Is there anything worse on a trip than the airline losing your luggage? How about checking your suitcase and when you get to your destination, something of value has gone missing? These scenarios can ruin a perfectly good vacation, so why put your fun in the hands of others? I’ve been burned by the airlines enough to learn my lesson and hopefully you can learn from my experiences too.

If you learn how to pack your carry on bag correctly and only bring the bare essentials, anyone can forgo checking of bags altogether. Now I understand that not every trip allows you to go checked bag free but to ease your travels I suggest you make an effort. Packing smart and planning ahead are your two keys to victory and a hassle-free experience.

I always tell people that if you can’t wear something multiple times during a trip then you probably don’t need to bring it. Of course, circumstances arise where you need to bring something special, in these cases you can make sacrifices to make it all fit. I tend to pack one less of everything I think I need. If I’m packing two pairs of jeans, I’ll toss one last second and go with my gut.

Always remember that hotels have laundry and it’s easy to do a quick load or two mid-trip to essentially double your wardrobe. Resorts and higher-end hotels will even offer a laundry service so you don’t even have to break a sweat. I love staying at AirBnb’s where you can choose laundry as one of your search criteria, so you know you’ll have in-house laundry.

For some people packing light is a terrifying ordeal and you can’t imagine not having choices. Sounds like my wife, but once she planned ahead and packed smart, she was amazed at how convenient packing light truly is. Save yourself the hassle of having a bulky bag when you get to your destination and enjoy the freedom of packing light.

Time is the most valuable asset we all have and you only get so much, so save as much as possible by not checking a bag. Arriving at the airport hours in advance and waiting at the gate for an hour or so is a real drag and is seriously cutting into your pina colada time. Save yourself an hour on each end of your flight and get your vacation on.

Tips to Pack Smart

Russian Doll

Everything has a home when you are packing smart, so learn from the Russian Dolls that your grandmother probably had. Russian dolls perfectly fit inside each other to save space, think about this principle with packing. Socks balled up can fit inside your shoes; extra purses should be packed with underwear or other small garments. If you pack like this then you will be amazed at how little space you actually need.

Plastic Bags

Pack each individual article of clothing in a plastic bag that has a zip top enclosure and vacuum seal each bag by sucking excess air out. This packing trick is an excellent way to make extra room in your luggage and also helps you organize your bag.

Make a List

I’m a list maker and a double checker, but these practices actually help with packing smart. I try and plan out my outfits by checking what the weather will be like and packing accordingly.

Layers

Layers are your best friend when packing light. Believe me when I say that three shirts and a windbreaker pack much easier than a bulky winter jacket. Each layer can be worn separately to create varied looks.

Pack smart, pack light and never check your luggage again.

Destinations

Best U.S. Casinos Not in Las Vegas

There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

Published

15 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Brady Pearson

When you think of casinos in the United States, you automatically think Las Vegas, well, that’s your first mistake. Sure Las Vegas is great but it’s not the end-all be-all for casinos in the US. There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi

If you are in the south, why waste money on airfare and save that to waste at the tables instead. Don’t visit Vegas for your gambling needs, just head to Biloxi and have the same experience, without hopping on a plane. The Hard Rock in Biloxi is a rock n roll themed casino, just like any other Hard Rock, but this one is massive. Covering over 50,000 sq ft and with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Nevada

Tahoe is such a special place that you should visit with or without going to the casino. How many casinos have a private beach? Not many, but the Hyatt Regency in Tahoe certainly does. Not only can you gamble away your life savings here, but you can also enjoy water sports and fishing, take that Vegas.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls

How many casinos are located next to incredible water falls? One that I know of, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Take in the falls by day and play in a huge casino with over 100 gaming tables by night. You get a Vegas style experience with none of the desert heat.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Surprisingly Atlantic City is still hanging on. Many resorts here have closed down but the Borgata stands strong. The elite Atlantic City resort, the Borgata has all you could ever want from a Vegas style resort without leaving the East Coast.

An easy drive form many huge metropolitan cities, The Borgata should be a top choice.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno

Reno is the little sister to Las Vegas with it’s own feel and identity. Much cheaper than an average Las Vegas vacation, Reno offers a slower pace and chiller vibe. If the all night parties aren’t for you, maybe check out the Peppermill. The Tuscany styled resort will make you relax while losing all your money.

Talking Stick Resort, Arizona

Talking Stick is a killer Indian Casino with tons of fun activities to keep you entertained while not spending money at the tables. Table in a round of golf or hit up the award-winning spa.

Foxwoods resort and Casino, Connecticut

New Yorkers already know just how awesome Foxwoods truly is. Foxwoods actually offers six different casinos in its little empire in Connecticut. There are two golf courses, two arcades for the kids and tons of live entertainment options. A short drive from New York City makes Foxwoods an easy winner as the best US casino, not in Las Vegas.

Destinations

Hawaii Vacations Easier Now for Visitors

Published

1 day ago

October 2, 2023

Tymber Aldaine

Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.

On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”

To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.

Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.

A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.

However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.

Guides

Best Summer Destinations Without the Crowds

Published

2 days ago

October 2, 2023

Brady Pearson

Summer vacation is around the corner and it’s time to start planning your trips. Are you tired of the same old overcrowded destinations? So are we, so let’s explore some great summer vacations that are less busy and allow you to fully relax. You won’t find traffic jams, long lines and tourist traps at any of these destinations. Instead you can relax, enjoy some peace and quiet while having the time of your lives.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama is situated right between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans so you have twice the amount of coastal choices as most vacation spots. If you are looking for a real chill vibe with some beautiful scenery, look no further than the tiny island of Boca del Toro. Located in the Caribbean Sea with none of the crazy crowds found in nearby Jamaica or Dominican Republic. Check out the awesome National Marine Park and swim with more varieties of fish than you knew existed. This island is very cheap as well and backpacker friendly. If you are looking for a budget Caribbean vacation, you found it buddies.

Antigua

Another Caribbean gem is Antigua, an Eastern Caribbean dream destination. If you fancy yourself a water sport enthusiast, Antigua is your spot. Snorkel or scuba dive in one of the most awe inspiring locations, Stingray Bay, where thousands of beautiful rays live. It’s so bizarre that this place hasn’t blown up with tourist yet. Check out the old school Caribbean buildings in English Harbor.

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Yam on, right near the beach in St. Croix. Check out incredible beaches, casinos and some of the best food you can find with none of the crazy crowds of nearby Puerto Rico. Summer is their off-season so enjoy paradise on a budget as you can find amazing deals and better hotels than you’ll find on nearby islands.

Akajima, Japan

Visit Asia and actually feel like you are in Asia. Many Japanese destination have been Westernized so you lose some of the ethnic flare. Akajima is different, located in the Kerama Island chain on the West side of Japan; most of its tourists are Japanese. There are great beaches and tons of outdoor activities for the entire family.

St. Vincent & Grenadines

This tiny island group is located just south of St. Lucia and has been a well-kept secret for years. This year they opened up a new International Airport so getting here is much easier. St. Vincent is the busiest of the islands, so check out the smaller ones for more privacy and better deals. Remember, they just opened the airport so they will be offering crazy deals to let people know.

Bonaire

If you know the Caribbean, you know the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire is the Rodney Dangerfield of these islands it gets no respect. That is a shame because of these three; Bonaire is by far my favorite. It’s a great summer destination for two reasons: it’s the offseason and it’s in the southern tip of the hurricane zone, so it’s rarely affected.

If you seek fun in the sun with none of the annoying crowds, these destinations should be on top of your list.