Five Essential Travel Tips
Travel is most of the time, a step outside of our comfort zone, our home.
So, here we discuss some services that we have used or our really close friends have used in the past few years and have been very satisfied with their experiences.
1. WHERE TO GO
This one is up to you, but if you are constrained by visas etc., check here for Visa waiver program of US, and check out this post for easier options for Indian citizens!
2. HOW TO GO
If you are using more than one mode of transport, we highly recommend looking into rome2rio.com
If you are looking at using multiple bus lines inside the US, check out wanderu.com
So, here we discuss some services that we have used or our really close friends have used in the past few years and have been very satisfied with their experiences.
1. WHERE TO GO
This one is up to you, but if you are constrained by visas etc., check here for Visa waiver program of US, and check out this post for easier options for Indian citizens!
2. HOW TO GO
If you are using more than one mode of transport, we highly recommend looking into rome2rio.com
If you are looking at using multiple bus lines inside the US, check out wanderu.com
3. WHERE TO STAY
AIRBNB - Stay in better managed places in exchange for payment through a verified system.
VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) - Again, well established system, pay and stay.
HOSTELS: While not well advertised, many cities have several youth hostels/travel hostels that can be located by some quick searching. Pay attention to reviews, call and verify details before you reserve. Read more about hostels here <link>.
Couchsurfing/Global Freeloading etc. - the name says it all. Fine for staying free, but be nice to yours hosts and interact with them. Hosts usually do not expect anything material, so be respectful. It is not a "free hostel".
* Extreme Options - Bundle up in multiple layers and try to rough it out in a corner of the airport with less activity and low airconditioning. *been there, done that in CDG.
4. WHERE TO EAT
Eat Local! Check out Yelp/Zagat etc for reviews of restaurants. But, nowadays there are also other options. Check out these startups that connect you with truly local food - Traveling Spoon, Kitchen Surfing etc.
5. STAY PROTECTED
Make sure you have your $$ and cards protected, your electronic devices and documents safe and most importantly don't lose money on cancellations and delays! Get Travel Insurance, especially if traveling during winter/snowy times or other weather-risk times.
AIRBNB - Stay in better managed places in exchange for payment through a verified system.
VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) - Again, well established system, pay and stay.
HOSTELS: While not well advertised, many cities have several youth hostels/travel hostels that can be located by some quick searching. Pay attention to reviews, call and verify details before you reserve. Read more about hostels here <link>.
Couchsurfing/Global Freeloading etc. - the name says it all. Fine for staying free, but be nice to yours hosts and interact with them. Hosts usually do not expect anything material, so be respectful. It is not a "free hostel".
* Extreme Options - Bundle up in multiple layers and try to rough it out in a corner of the airport with less activity and low airconditioning. *been there, done that in CDG.
4. WHERE TO EAT
Eat Local! Check out Yelp/Zagat etc for reviews of restaurants. But, nowadays there are also other options. Check out these startups that connect you with truly local food - Traveling Spoon, Kitchen Surfing etc.
5. STAY PROTECTED
Make sure you have your $$ and cards protected, your electronic devices and documents safe and most importantly don't lose money on cancellations and delays! Get Travel Insurance, especially if traveling during winter/snowy times or other weather-risk times.
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