UPDATED FEB 2020…. And these are a few of my favorite travel things. In today’s post, I’m doing a rapid-fire list of my favorites to share some of my go-to tips, items, and inspirations for travel. Share your own in the comments!
Favorite Travel Things – Rapid Fire List Of What Tops My List
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Favorite travel hack
Using Google Maps in offline mode.
It’s my favorite travel hack because it has come in handy so many times when I just need to get my bearings or get somewhere quickly.
I use it so much now that it’s odd to think back to my early travels without Google Maps – how did I ever get by?!
I shared how to set it up on my Facebook page here.
Favorite money saving tip
Live poor, travel well.
Focus more on giving up the everyday luxuries – buying coffee, eating out, drinks after work as much as the bigger things like nice clothes, new gadgets, gym memberships and a home full of fancy stuff.
People overlook all the little things but they really do add up.
Favorite airline
Emirates and honorable mention for Hawaiian Airlines.
I’ve done long-haul flights with both of these airlines and both of them have made the flying experience so much more pleasant with their customer service and comfort.
I know everyone likes to hate airline food but the food is great on both of these.
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Favorite budget airline
Virgin Australia.
I have flown with Virgin a few times and it was a low-cost airline that doesn’t feel like a low-cost airline.
You can save money without totally giving up your comfort and convenience (like you usually have to with budget airlines) which I like.
Favorite travel website
I love booking.com and use it all the time when I book accommodation.
It’s a great resource because you can always find a good deal on there, and if you use their loyalty program you can save even more or get free upgrades.
Favorite destination
Norway.
Between the landscapes, people, lifestyle, attitudes, history, nature and food, Norway has it all.
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Favorite souvenirs
Shot glass.
Everywhere I go I collect a shot glass.
They’re cheap, light, easy to get no matter where you go and don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
Each shot glass and magnet is like a memory and it’s cool to look over the collection and think of the travel memories from each place.
Since memories are the best souvenir, I also love a travel journal and even made my own Katie Show Blog travel journal here.
Favorite travel app
TripAdvisor or Instagram.
I don’t have any app to share that you haven’t heard of before.
My favorite would either be Tripadvisor to get a quick idea of a place before I visit or Instagram to upload photos afterward.
Basic, I know.
Favorite thing to do during layovers
Walk.
During the flights, I’m stuck sitting in one place so I like to take advantage of being able to move around when I have a layover.
Usually, I just wander around and look in the shops or do a few laps but I always make sure I find my gate first.
Sometimes they can be further away than you think and need a shuttle to get to, so I make sure I know where it is first.
Favorite travel activity
Being in nature.
Whether it’s a park, wildlife safari, hike, or ocean to swim in, I love to be in nature.
My other favorite thing to do everywhere I go is to walk around with no purpose and just explore the city I am in.
I think you can see and experience so much more on foot and when you don’t have a strict plan.
Favorite travel movie
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
.
It’s my favorite travel movie because it’s such an inspiring movie for the dreamers.
Even though it’s not his usual laugh out loud comedy, Ben Stiller is fantastic and lovable in this role.
The landscapes and imagery are so incredible that every time I watch it I want to book a trip somewhere.
Favorite travel beauty product
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil
.
I love this because it is a cleanser and make-up remover in one and it is so moisturizing on the skin after traveling.
I pour some into a travel size container to take on each trip and you only need to use a little bit each time so it lasts for ages.
Favorite camera
It’s a powerhouse of a camera. I think it is perfect for travel, and especially solo travel, because of it’s compact size and ability to take great photos.
I also have a soft spot for my GoPro because it’s just so versatile, durable and reliable. It takes great selfies too!
GoPro selfies are one of my favorite travel things for sure!
Favorite pre-travel tradition
Painting my nails.
It’s super girly and not important, I know. But, I love to paint my nails before each trip so they are fresh and ready for a holiday.
Nobody notices but me but it makes me feel good so I always do it.
I do my own gel nails at home with a Red Carpet Manicure kit
.
Favorite thing about traveling
The new and unknown.
I love that with traveling I can go somewhere new and experience things that I am not used to.
It’s so cool to be able to learn about things and places that I know very little about.
I think it’s too easy to get comfortable in our routines and comfort zones but it’s no way to live and I like the learning that comes with experiencing all the newness.
Best travel advice
Always pack a spare hair tie and keep some change in your pocket to give to someone less fortunate than you.
Other guides you might enjoy
Travel Diary Ideas – 21 Thoughtful Prompts For Your Travel Journal
How To Travel More With A Full Time Job- 10 Strategies That Work
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Girly talk…Do you have a nail theme for each place you visit? .I just go black so you can’t see the dirt💅 but end up chipping as not gel so looks worse…😉
Yeah, I usually have sort of a theme or look in my head anyway to match the place I am visiting or what I am doing 🙂 I love gel nails though so I taught myself how to do them at home recently and love it.
Katie,
Google Maps is amazing!!! We have been using it for quite some time but in India was really helpful. As we made sure we always knew the directions, no scams here!! hahaha
We often buy people food rather than giving money, but either way is helping towards the less fortunate 🙂
Telma @ Blank Canvas Voyage
Agreed – Google Maps helps out so much! I don’t know how I survived without it! Thanks for the support 🙂
I love activities with wild animals and nature too ! I enjoy Mother Nature, more the country side over the city, the landscape to take your breath away rather than the skyscraper 🙂 Regarding favorite souvenirs… Just like the Little Thumb I collect stones that I bring back home from each place I visited. It is MANDATORY ! Once at home I grind them and store them in a test tube. Each tube is as colourful as that part of Earth it comes from.
Stones – what a cool idea! I have never thought of that but I love your souvenir tradition!
Thanks for sharing your favourite things, Katie! I’ve learned so much!
Yay, glad to hear. Thanks for stopping by!