The post Off to Paris? Keep These Things in Mind appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Don’t Waste Your Time (or Money) With Michelin Stars
Yes, Paris is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth the hype. These establishments are often insanely expensive, setting you back hundreds of dollars. The good news is, because Paris is such a culinary capital, you’ll find loads of little bistros with a more relaxed ambience and amazing food.
𝓡𝓮𝓮𝓿𝓪 
(@reeva.madeira)Accept That You Won’t See It All
When visiting a new place, we tend to put ourselves under an extreme amount of pressure to do everything our list. Instead of dashing around trying to fit it all in, choose a few things and take your time enjoying them. For example, you likely won’t get to see all the pieces in the Louvre, but you can check out some smaller museums. And remember, you always have to save some stuff for next time.
Don’t Stand Out as a Tourist
Unfortunately, we do still live in an age when criminals try to take advantage of tourists through scams or pickpocketing. Make it less obvious that you’re not from these parts by leaving your selfie stick at home.
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]]>The post Definitely Check for Bed Bugs When Checking in to a Hotel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>While we can do without complimentary hair products, we really would prefer that the place we’re sleeping is spick-and-span. Bed bugs, for example, are not something we’d like to contend with while spending time away. The little insects live in mattresses and love human blood. Their bites often cause itchy welts, but in more serious cases can lead to infections.
It is a belief that bed bugs are found in hotels on the lower end of the quality scale, but any establishment can house the critters as they are brought in by people. Next time you book yourself into a room, here’s how to check that you don’t have any unwanted guests.
Step #1
Get the room as dark as possible as bed bugs are not fans of the light. Close the curtains, turn off the lights, and rather use the flashlight on your cellphone.
Step #2
Lift the bed covers to expose the creases as the insects tend to hang out in creases and corners. Look out for any spots (particularly blood spots) or fine shell casing. It’s also a good idea to check the curtains and couches if the room has them.
Step #3
If you do find evidence of bed bugs, don’t panic. Take photos with your phone to show hotel management and request a new room.
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]]>The post You Missed Your Flight. Now What? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The panic (and subsequent sinking feeling) that occurs when you know you’ve missed your flight is totally normal. But it’s not the end of the world. Here is what to do if you miss that boarding call.
Running Late
If you are a few minutes behind schedule, there are some things you can do to still catch your flight. Use the online check-in feature, consider taking hand luggage only, and be prepared to run!
Plan Ahead
If it’s clear that you won’t make your flight in time, call the airline. Doing so will allow them to give your seat to someone on standby and improves your chances of being booked on a later flight.
Things Can Get Pricey
Plane tickets don’t come cheap, and, unfortunately, there is no refund on missed flights. In fact, airlines often charge additional fees for placing you on a later flight. This includes a re-booking fee, and, in some cases, the difference in air fare between the original flight and the new one.
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]]>The post Cut the Stress Out of Holiday Travel With These Tips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>With many of us venturing to see loved ones over the festive period—or just taking a few days out while the world is celebrating—the travel process can be hectic. Here is some advice on how not to lose your head.
Flexibility for the Win
Prices tend to soar during the holiday season and tickets go quickly. One way to ensure you get to your destination is by having a little flexibility on dates. Being able to leave for your trip a day or two earlier and return a day early or late can help you save on airfare select flights that aren’t as full.
Be Direct
Remember what we said about adverse weather? Winter tends to bring with it snowstorms and gale-force winds, all of which can hamper travel and cause inconvenient delays. Minimize your chances of missing a connection by booking a direct flight.
Don’t Bother Wrapping
Gift-wrapping your presents ahead of time may seem like a good idea, but remember that the TSA has the right to unwrap said gifts if something raises an alert. To avoid all your hard work going to waste, rather put your gifts in pretty paper bags.
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]]>The post How to Keep Warm in a Scandinavian Winter appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>If you’re not used to such chilly weather, you may be wondering how on Earth people in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway cope. Here are some tricks to keep you warm, even when it’s icy.
Layer Up
It may seem obvious, but the key to keeping warm is to wear lots of layers. That said, the type of layers you put is just as important. Merino wool is a good material to invest in as it is lightweight but super warm. You can also layer leggings under your jeans and a good coat is essential.
Keep Your Head
According to science, most body heat escapes through your head. Keep the warmth in by wearing cozy beanies and woolen hats, especially when out and about.
Get Outside
This may sound counterproductive, but the best way to deal with the Scandi cold is just to embrace it. Get out and explore the city you’re in—and go in search of some glühwein to warm you up!
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]]>The post Go Through Airport Security Smoothly With These Tips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Dress Smartly
One of the hassles involved in the TSA check is having to remove certain items of clothing, particularly shoes. To make this easier, opt for footwear that can be easily removed and put back on. So, no strappy sandals.
Keep What You Need Close at Hand
Travelers are required to remove electronic devices from their bags when going through security, so do yourself (and everyone else) a favor by not packing things like your laptop or tablet at the bottom of your bag. It’s always a good idea to wear an outfit with pockets to store your boarding pass, passport, and other items so they’re easily accessed.
Take Your Time
There’s nothing more stressful than having to go through security in a rush because you are afraid of missing your plane. In most places, airport activity levels have returned to pre-pandemic days, so arrive early enough to give yourself ample time.
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]]>The post Want to Become an Airbnb Host? Here are Some Tips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Distinctive Décor
Homes with well-put-together décor are likely to be more popular on Airbnb. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on furniture and linen, but it is a good idea to check out some home websites and decorating accounts for inspiration. Places with high interest can also afford to charge more.
Descriptive Honesty
Hosts have a tendency to get a little overzealous in their descriptions. What can land up happening is that guests are then left disappointed as the place was not as described. Be as honest as possible about the home, listing its good and bad features. Noisy street or a rooster next door? Being upfront with your guests from the start will prevent them from mentioning such things in a bad review.
Awesome Amenities
Unique amenities are an excellent way to lure guests. According to Airbnb, the most searched-for amenities for are pools, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a jacuzzi, and parking. Also, don’t forget to include basics like cooking utensils and towels.
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]]>The post Remember These Tips When Booking a Rental appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Location Matters—Even Digitally
Always book from platforms that have a solid track record to avoid fraud and scams. Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and other similar sites have strong vetting processes to ensure that the places are real and you’re getting what you pay for. And if something goes wrong, they’ll usually help sort it out.
Keep Expectations Realistic
Hotels and rentals may have some crossovers, but for the most part, they’re two different things. When booking a rental, remember that it won’t include services like daily housekeeping or room service. If it’s your first time staying in a rental, the experience may be new, but you might find yourself preferring it.
Reviews Reveal All
The photos of a place may look nice, but the best way to tell what a rental is really like is by reading the reviews. Many reviews will also offer some insight into the host. Make sure to look at recent reviews, as some places may have changed certain aspects of late.
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]]>The post Blocked Ears From Flying? Try This appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>For most people, yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum tends to sort out the unpleasant sensation, but if you’re one of the lucky few for whom it doesn’t work, here are some other tricks you can try.
The Valsalva Maneuver
This technique was invented by a physician in the 17th century, so it has longevity backing it up. The idea is to unblock your Eustachian tubes (the passage between your middle ear and throat) by closing your mouth, pinching your nostrils together, and blowing softly.
The Toynbee Maneuver
Not dissimilar to the Valsalva Maneuver, the Toynbee is slightly more complex. Pinch your nostrils, but instead of blowing out, swallow a few sips of water.
Steaming
Steaming can be an effective way to clear nasal and ear passages, so ask the flight attendant for a tea bag, one cup filled with hot water, and one that is empty. Steep the tea bag in the cup of hot water, and then transfer the tea to the empty cup, keeping the tea bag and a little bit of water in the first cup. Hold that first cup up to your ear—the tea bag will lock in the heat from the water, and the steam from the tea bag will help relieve the discomfort.
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]]>The post Remember This When Traveling in a Country Where You Don’t Speak the Language appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>If you are venturing to a land where the common tongue is not your own, here are a few tips to help you get by.
The 4 Most Important Words
It may sound trivial, but there are four words that will help you out more than you realize: hello, please, and thank you. Locals will be able to detect that you are not a native from your accent, but they will appreciate you making an effort to speak their language.
(@mishu_pikachu)The One Phrase to Avoid
When interacting with a local, the most natural thing to ask may be, “Do you speak English?” But avoid this phrase, if you can. As the most widely spoken language in the world, the chances are that yes, the person you’re talking to can speak English, so the question may come off offensively. Rather say “I don’t speak [whatever the language is of the country]. English?” in the local tongue. Doing so is a more polite way of acknowledging that you are in their country and don’t speak the language, but asking if they possibly speak yours.
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