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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

How Travel Will Change After Coronavirus

We're all probably so tired of hearing about Covid-19 and Coronavirus. There's almost no other news happening and it can get overwhelming. It sucks. We're all stuck at home trying to stay afloat and figure out how to adjust to this new normal for the time being where we don't get to hug others and have to throw game nights via Zoom or Discord and can only see people from across the street. I hope some good things will come from this, including a lot more kindness toward people, a greater appreciation for the things we've usually taken for granted, and a safer/healthier world.


Thinking about this, I feel like when we return to travel, it's going to be different, but it's also going to be better. Not only is nature becoming a bit more wild and skies/waters are becoming clearer, but think of how exciting life is going to be when you can see a place for the first time again. Even your favorite destinations may change.

Here is some speculation on how travel itself will be different:

  • You'll see more people everywhere wearing masks outside and at landmarks and attractions.
  • There's going to be a lot more hand sanitizer everywhere you go.
  • Cleaning practices are going to be much more stringent.
  • There will be stricter limits on capacity, even at outdoor attractions, like the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
  • Credit card and contactless payments will be the new norm and more available in places like public transportation (all buses in the UK that we took last year had tap to pay).
  • Fewer people will be allowed in restaurants, and there will be fewer tables overall, to help with social distancing.
  • More virtual queues to allow for less standing around waiting at restaurants.
  • More places accepting reservations to space out visitors.
  • Employees everywhere wearing masks and gloves, especially in food service, where you may also receive your food covered to prevent germs getting to it before it arrives.
  • More airports may employ therapy dogs/animals to lessen the stress of travel for passengers.
I can't say that I'll be sad to see any of these changes if/when they happen. It's going to make crowd management a bit more complicated, but it's also going to make it easier to navigate places in my opinion.

How will the TSA change? 

Right now, there are approximately 90% fewer travelers at airports going through security when compared to the same time last year. When the travel bans are lifted, or if you have to travel for an emergency, here's what's going to be different:
  • Travelers will be allowed to bring a bottle of sanitizer up to 12oz with them on the plane. Any container over the 3.4oz limit will need to be scanned separately.
  • You'll be encouraged to put anything in your pockets into your purse or carry-on through security and not use a bin/tray at all.
  • Security will allow travelers to wear face masks, but may also be asked to adjust them in order to match you to your ID or passport.
  • If your ID has expired, you may still be able to use it to travel. If your license or ID expired on or after March 1, 2020. TSA agents will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration or 60 days after the duration of the emergency, whichever is longer.
Travelers will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after going through airport security. They also suggest you bring the following with you when traveling: Aside from hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and face masks. They also remind you that you can ask TSA officers to change their gloves before patting you down or handling your belongings. If you have other questions about traveling during the pandemic, check out TSA.gov/coronavirus.

What do you think of these new travel precautions? And how do you think travel will change beyond the travel bans and shelter-at-home orders?

Monday, April 27, 2020

How To Support Travel and Tourism When You Can't Travel

We're all living in a time of uncertainty right now. We don't know when we're going to travel again, just that it'll happen at some point in the future. We're hoping September sees us taking to the roads and skies again, but what are we doing in the meantime? You can definitely be planning your next trip now, but you can also support those in limbo right about now, too. 


As a travel blogger, things are really iffy right now. I'm not sure if I want to write about travel during this time, but I also want to write a bunch of things about travel, so it's still top of mind. Travel blogs and merchants are clearly not making money now, so here's what you can do to help out, and still have those people around when we come out of this.


Keep reading your favorite blogs

I hope I'm part of that list. If I am, please remember to come back and read each week. Read old posts that you may have missed and think sound cool. Leave comments. This is an important part of letting writers know you like their posts. If you don't bookmark the blogs you read, sign up for the feed or the newsletter to be notified of new posts. Share posts if you like them by pinning or reposting to your favorite social media accounts. I always appreciate this, but even more right now.

Follow + engage on social media

Help keep the conversation going by following me and others you love on social media (you can find all my links at the top of the page) and then engage with posts by leaving likes and/or commenting. When engagement is down, it's difficult to gain sponsors or review items.

Make a purchase

If I've ever helped you save money or find something cool to do at a destination, you buying something you were already going to buy could really help me out. As you might assume, being a travel blogger right now is pretty uncertain. Views are down, we're grounded, and we don't know when we can start traveling again.

I have two ebooks available on Amazon, but you can also make a purchase on any of my sidebar ads, buy items from my favorites list or use my link when you go to place an order on Amazon. If you're buying goods anyway, I'd be highly grateful for you using my affiliate link to do so. Now's a great time to buy a new travel bag or travel gear for your future trips. Save 20% off when you order from Travelon and use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%

Don't cancel your trips

Instead of cancelling, postpone. Call the hotel, airline, etc, and push out your travel dates. This lets these places know you'll still be coming in the future and allows them to use that money to keep their businesses going. You'll be helping the local tourism at your destination if you purchase tickets ahead of time or put down deposits on any part of your trip. 

While we wait for the world to settle on its new normal and we plan trips for when we can explore the world again, we'll ensure that we have as many options available as possible. It may be odd when we start traveling again, because things will have changed, but it'll be safer and we'll be able to stay healthier than before.


Where do you want to go once the travel bans are lifted?

Saturday, April 25, 2020

When Can We Start Traveling Again?

So much is uncertain in the world right now, but things will slowly return to a new normal as time goes on. People are cancelling trips left and right or, even better, postponing until later, but how much later should we postpone? Right now, it's just a lot of speculation and hope, but all signs point to being able to get back on planes and taking those put off trips by September.


Disney parks are expecting for crowds to be lower when they actually do reopen, and we still don't have firm dates for that, though reservations for their properties are open for June 1 and after. Bob Iger has speculated that parks won't be reopening until there are mass testing options available, but that's also not set in stone.

Summer visits may be much smaller than usual, between folks rescheduling their spring and summer trips to fall when they can go and parents who have had their children home for months and can't take more time off for the summer or don't want to expose them to potential virus still hanging around. Tons of park-goers plan their trips close to a year ahead of time. Next summer may be cray-zy, but this summer and fall are probably going to be a lot emptier than you'd normally see, especially if you visit on weekdays. 

I'm hoping that parks reopen by this fall, even if I have to wear a mask, because I have a trip planned for late September. If not, I guess we'll be putting it off until the beginning of 2021, or maybe Christmas 2020.


Studies are showing that people may not even want to chance traveling for at least three months after travel bans are lifted, and even if that is mid-May, means a lot of people staying put until late August a the earliest. If schools welcome kids back in September, parents won't be taking them out for travels, since they didn't go for half of this school year, so the fall will be even sparser with tourists than usual. 

Half of travelers in a study said that they wouldn't feel comfortable traveling at all this year, but many who will travel also won't be traveling internationally. What does this mean for you if you want to get out and explore the world in the last quarter of this year? Really affordable airfare for one, deep discounts on accommodations to entice guests for two, and for three, much laxer rules for cancelling and rescheduling both. 


If you're seeing great deals, be it for a whole bundled vacation, or for separate portions of a trip for later in the year, and you don't want to pass it up. Don't! Save where you can in order to take advantage of an awesome trip, and if travel restrictions don't let up before then (though, I'd be surprised if they didn't), you can always get a refund or change your travel dates. Travel companies are hurting right now, and they're going to do everything they can to keep their businesses afloat. 

Worried about traveling too soon? You're definitely not the only one. That doesn't mean you can't take advantage of rock bottom prices, too. Start planning trips for a year out. You'll also be seeing great deals for then as well, because airlines and hotels need money now and are willing to put out awesome sales right now to keep capital coming in. If you wait until closer to those travel dates, you'll have to pay more, because other people will start getting ready to go on trips again, creating more demand. 

What this all means for you is that no matter where you want to go and when, if you start planning and booking now, you'll be able to snatch up some fantastic prices, where otherwise you might have to save up longer and not get to do as much or stay in as nice of a hotel. 

Where would you travel if you could get the best deal possible?

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Mother's Day Travel Gift List 2020

The last 4-6 weeks have all seemed like the same day over and over, unless you're working and/or trying to make days special in some way. (We do a weekly virtual brunch and play D&D each weekend and have regular Friday date nights, since movie theaters are closed for our normal Saturday mornings/afternoons.) That said, time has actually passed and Mother's Day is coming up soon - May 10. Just because the world feels like it's on fire (not physically, thank goodness), doesn't mean you should skip getting something fun for your mom. 



Now, more than ever, we need things to make life a little more bearable. Gifts can make the days at home a bit brighter and a way to give your mom (or other moms you know and love) something to lift her spirits. Here are my top picks for Mother's Day in a variety of price points.


Budget - under $50

1. SpectraSpray
There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a Jet Lag Kit or Stay Well Kit. $19.95+ on SpectraSpray - my review is here

2. AeroPress Go
Does your mom love coffee? Is she always jetting off somewhere? Even if she just enjoys camping or needs to free up some space in her home, the AeroPress Go is perfect for those that just want a good cup of Joe at home. It makes amazing coffee, is super easy to use and clean, and fits inside its own mug. $31.95 from AeroPress or Amazon - my review is here

3. Travel Pakt Toiletries
Give them a leg up on packing their carry-on bag and toiletry bag with awesome natural products. Travel Pakt lets you hand-pick toiletries from a great list of amazing companies that make good products and also do good, then ships them in a TSA-compliant zip-top bag that can be packed right away. $5+ on Travel Pakt - my review is here

4. Airplane Pockets
I really hate the airplane seat pocket. Mostly because they aren't large enough for things I want to have during my flight, but also because I've found so much trash in them when I've flown. Get your mom a set of Airplane Pockets that slip over the tray table (covering it with an anti-bacterial fabric) and give them 4 pockets to hold their phone, glasses, pen, snacks, book and whatever else. If you follow me on IG, you've seen these in action on my trips. $29 on Amazon

5. Well Told drinkware
Since no one's going anywhere for the foreseeable future, why not give them something to remind them of a favorite trip or destination, or a big trip they have hopes of. Well Told Design makes beautiful drinkware with etched maps and more. I have a pair of London pint glasses, but I'm hoping to add to the collection soon. $18+ on Well Told - my review is here

6. Belkin Mini Surge Protector
We have several of these - one for travel and some for our house. These surge protectors are so useful, because you can turn one outlet into three sockets and two USB ports. the back swivels, so you can fit it anywhere and then plug in all your gadgets. It has come in handy in those rooms that have maybe one free outlet (read: 95% of hotel rooms) that isn't at the bathroom vanity. Give your mom the convenience of always having enough power outlets. $16.89 on Amazon

7. Bamboo utensils from The Other Straw
When we all start traveling again, even if it's just around town, we're especially going to want to eat out, even if that's just at food trucks. I'm really loving these great bamboo utensils from The Other Straw. Not only are they eco-friendly and nice to look at, but they come in their own pouch for keeping them clean in between uses and TOS donates 50% of their profits to fund ocean cleanups. $9.56 on The Other Straw


Moderate - $50-100

1. Pang Wangle Essential Wrap
Your mom is going to look chic everywhere she goes with this wrap that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. She can use it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever she goes. $58 on Pang Wangle - my review is here

2. Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote
This is a bag I purchased myself for a personal item size bag for the plane. It's cute and fits in under the seat, but I also was able to pack 4 days of clothes and toiletries in it, along with my iPad, snacks and cords. If your mom commutes and also travels, this is a fantastic bag. It fits a laptop, all their goodies and even a water bottle. You can carry it as a tote or you can attach the hidden backpack straps. It's so comfortable and really good looking. $99 on Amazon

3. Barrier Method Winged Mask
Everyone's got a mask or two right now, but Barrier Method was selling theirs before they were all the rage. I always get comments on mine. This anti-bacterial mask is both healthy and pretty and can be used to stay well, reduce your allergens, keep your neck warm, among other things. Gift your mom the gift of health and wellness with one of these. She can wear it to the grocery store and on the plane. $60 from The Barrier Method - my review is here

4. FaceCradle
There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. $49.99 on Amazon - my review is here

5. Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody 
The Parkview collection from Travelon is classy and comes in classic colors. Not only is it anti-theft, but it has an RFID-blocking pocket and tons of room. It will never make you stick out as a tourist, and can hold all your things and probably some of your purchases. Mom's have to carry all the things, and this bag can do it, while looking great. $89.25 from Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% 

Splurge - $100+

1. Arcopedico footwear
I love these shoes. They have dual arch support, meaning you stand the correct way to align your body in a way that takes the stress off your soles, calves and lower back. I have walked all day in my booties while in Scotland and England and my feet never hurt at all. $100+ on Arcopedico or Amazon - my review of Mary Janes here | My review of booties here

2. GlobeIn monthly travel box
If your mom doesn't quite have the funds to travel (or just misses traveling during Lockdown), but loves cool stuff from other countries anyway. Give her the gift of stuff from around the world with the GlobeIn box. Each box contains at least 4 goodies from other countries and they all center around a story. $144 for a 3-month subscription. (The price per box goes down with longer subscriptions)

3. CityPASS
I'm sure your mom already has her next trip planned. Why not help her make it more affordable by giving her most or all of her activities for free? You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website

4. Anatomie Style Women's Clothing
Just because you're not at home and trying to pack light doesn't mean you want to look like a schlub. Stock your carry-on with upscale pieces that are classic and versatile. Anatomie isn't cheap, but it's guaranteed to look good for years to come and help you blend in on city travels and cruise ships. Pieces are also lightweight, so they won't take up more space in your luggage than necessary. Your mom will get use out of these pieces at home and on vacation. $45+ on Anatomie

5. Travelon Heritage Carry-All Weekender
This wide-mouth weekender has so much room in it for a weekend or a week or a two-week trip. It's true! I packed two people's clothing in it for a week in Vegas. Not only is it spacious, but it's also super good looking. Your mom will get so much use from this bag and get all the compliments as well. $115 on Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% - my review is here


I hope this helps you find something cool and special for your mom on her special day. Where's your mom's favorite or dream travel destination?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will be monetarily compensated should you make a purchase through any of those links. Thanks in advance!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Staying Well + Prepared with Welly

If you're like me, you probably always keep a first aid kit or just a stash of bandages in your toiletry bag, just in case. You never know when you're going to need something on vacation and it's always nice to have things with you than to have to run out and buy a whole box of bandages when you only need one or two. Welly makes carrying a simple first aid kit in your bag easy and also cool.


You know when you buy adhesive bandages that claim to be flesh tone, but then they don't actually match anyone's actual flesh? Are you jealous of the fun bandages kids have a choice of, even though they don't actually stick to anything for more than ten minutes? Sick of buying packs of having to buy two different kinds of bandages depending on if you need them to be waterproof or not? Welly addresses all these problems. 

First of all, the bandages come in awesome colors, so it doesn't matter what color you skin is. They don't have cartoons on them, but isn't a blue or orange bandage better than a weird peach one? If it's going to stand out anyway, it might as well look neat. Welly bandages stick really well, so you're not going to go through 17 of them by lunch time tomorrow or find one circling the drain after your shower. 

I did the science for you. While in New Orleans, my shoes gave me a terrible blister on the back of my one foot. I slapped a Welly bandage on it, and even though my sandals rubbed that spot all day while I was walking around, it stayed put for two full days until I changed it. Even then, that was just personal preference. It hadn't moved, come un-sticky, or frayed in that time. 


The Quick Fix Kit is an ideal travel companion. It comes in a metal tin, so you won't have sad crumpled up bandages when you finally need them. Inside you'll find 3 packets of hand sanitizer (for when you can't get anywhere with soap and water), 3 packets of triple antibiotic cream (to keep nasty cuts and scrapes from getting infected and help them heal faster), and 18 bandages (9 large: 3/4" x 3" and 9 small: 5/8" x 2 1/4") in 3 different colors. This one I picked up the Travel Goods Show has orange, blue, and forest green. 

You can buy kits and refill packs that come in other colors or patterns. I've seen one with polka dots, stripes, and geometric shapes. They even have children's patterns, like unicorns. While they aren't quite Dora the Explorer, they will last much longer and protect their wounds better, while still being fun and whimsical. If you don't want to be super obvious, they do have transparent bandages. 


Got a larger travel party? Get the Human Repair Kit for your bag. It's twice as big and also includes anti-itch cream for bug bites, rashes and other annoying things. Got a ton of bandages? Pick up the Superhero Supplies tin, which includes 9 Hand Sanitizer, 9 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 9 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, and 9 Burn Gel packets or the Travel Medicine Kit with 8 motion sickness tablets, 16 pain relief tablets, 12 anti-diarrheal tabs, 12 anti-gas tabs, and 8 sleep aid tabs.  There's nothing you won't be prepared for. 


Welly products can be found at Target, and you'll be surprised by how many different kinds of products they sell. You may have seen their bright, pretty packaging already and wondered about them. They appear to be expensive, but if you think about how much you use bandages and the high quality of Welly compared to some others, you'll realize that the price is definitely worth it, since you won't go through as many for each wound.

If you've got a graduate that's planning to travel or move out, get them started with something they'll always forget to buy for their toiletry bag or new apartment. Add one of these Quick Fix Kits to a new toiletry bag you're giving as a gift Mother's Day, Father's Day, a birthday or graduation. They may be picky about the other items they fill it with, but everyone needs bandages at some point, and these are chic, fun, and über useful.

More details: 
Where can I buy it? On their website or your local Target store/online
How much is it? $6.99 for the Quick Fix Kit
Other specs: Easy to open metal tin that also won't accidentally open while being jostled in your bag.

If you like what Welly is doing, support them by joining them on your favorite social media platform:


Have you ever had to spend too much money buying first aid supplies on vacation?


Disclaimer: I was provided with a Quick Fix Kit to share with my readers, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Review: Pang Wangle Essential Wrap

Whenever I travel, I have at least one wrap with  me. I find I get cold indoors and sometimes in the evening, so it's nice to have an easy layer to throw on. It's also perfect for using several different ways on the plane. I hear you saying "but travel is cancelled!" First of all, it's not cancelled, just postponed, but Pang Wangle has a great wrap that you can use wherever you go, even if it's just your backyard for the next month or so.


The Essential Wrap is created by a woman-owned company based out of New Orleans, where you get a lot of humidity. With these warm, wet weather conditions, you often get mosquitoes and other bugs, making hanging out outside a literal pain sometimes. Pang Wangle knows you want to look good, and also be bug-free. The Essential Wrap has Insect Shield Bug Repellent bound to their lightweight, soft fabric, meaning you never have to carry bug spray with you again.


The meaning of Pang Wangle is “To live or go along cheerfully in spite of minor misfortunes.” Bugs are a natural part of the outdoors, but now you don't have to worry about them when you have your Essential Wrap. You're wearing a product made of eco-friendly fabrics, plus you're saving the environment in a second way by doing away with poisons that you leave behind when you spray repellent. These sprays aren't good for your skin either, and they always smell, even the natural ones. 

Save space in your liquids bag for the essentials and leave the bug repellent where it belongs: at the store. Pang Wangle only uses natural and renewable fabrics, making this the ultimate green travel accessory. 

Apparently, these are what pics look like when the sun is directly in your eyes.

The Essential Wrap is large (a full 6-feet long), giving you a multitude of ways to wear it. I love a versatile item and this is definitely it. I tried it several different ways and there are even more ways to style it. Wear it as a traditional scarf, a wrap, a head cover (for those churches you might be entering), a hair scarf, a sarong, and even a crop top. It has no odor, but the bugs will still stay away. Not just mosquitoes, but also ticks, flies, fleas, chiggers, ants and midges, so you're protected anywhere you go. 


If you're wearing it in a hot and/or muggy climate, the fabric is both breathable and moisture-wicking, so you won't find it sticking to you when you're sweaty and hot. That's really the worst part about trying to wear a scarf or long sleeves while you're out in less-than-favorable weather conditions. This means anywhere from a swamp tour in Louisiana to a tromp through the rainforest in South America to a safari trip in Africa.


I adore companies that are trying to make the world a better place, and Pang Wangle is doing more than their part. Not only are they using the best fabrics, but they're also using eco-friendly practices on them. You're also keeping unwanted chemicals out of our environment, which is especially important in struggling ecosystems, where they ask that you only use reef-safe sunscreens and other important things you need for your trip. While there are all-natural forms of bug repellents, wouldn't it be even better to not have to bring any at all? 

I apologize for the general awkwardness and quality of this pic

If you go to outdoor concerts, you're covered. If you're sitting outside watching a movie in your backyard, you're covered. If you're roasting marshmallows while out camping, you're covered. Not only that, but you're going to look stylish, and you're also going to feel good too. I'm excited to use this on my next trip to Orlando, but I'm also thrilled to wear it in the chilly movie theater. 


The fabric is lightweight, meaning you can totally wear it in the summer without adding a heavy protective layer. Then in the winter or cooler temps, you can double up the length to create a more substantial scarf to keep you warm. It's a fantastic wrap that looks effortlessly chic that you can just as easily wear with a dress as you can with a pair of shorts. It'll fit in your carry-on without taking up too much space, or you can wear it instead of packing it and not feel weighed down with extra stuff.


Not only does this wrap have no detectable odor (and I would be the first to pick up on it, as I have a pretty sensitive nose), but it also lasts 70 or more washes, so you're going to have bug repellency for quite a long time, especially when you think about how much you wash your current wraps/scarves. And when it loses its magic, it's still going to be one of the best looking wraps you own that you'll keep coming back to. 

I love this wrap so much, that it's going to be one of my new go-to gifts for ladies I know. Mother's Day is coming up, and even if travel isn't happening right now, it will be in the future (probably sooner than we expect) and it can be worn to the farmers' market and while out doing yard work in the meantime. Graduations are coming up soon, and there are other scarves that are more suitable for men to rock, too, so everyone is (literally) covered.

More details:
Where can I buy it? On the Pang Wangle website
How much is it? $58
What colors does it come in? Sandshell (shown) | Rust | Black | Faded Denim
Other details: 29" wide, 55% recycled cotton & 45% tencel fabric, hypoallergenic. Packaging is made of 100% recycled materials, poly bags are biodegradable, made in the USA. 

Love Pang Wangle's vibe and how they're saving you and the environment? Follow them on social media:


What's the "buggiest" place you've ever visited where this would have come in super handy?


Disclaimer: I was provided with the Essential Scarf for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Postponing All Your Trips for the Forseeable Future

Let's talk about trips we had planned that the apocalypse has ruined? I like to look on the bright side, because travel isn't cancelled forever, it's just postponed. If you can postpone your vacations instead of outright cancelling them, that would be better all around. We'll get to travel again, and when we do, it's gonna be great...and possibly safer than ever before.

Why Postpone? 

Because it gives you something to look forward to. I know right now prospects are feeling kind of bleak and hopeless and there's a ton of disappointment over cancelled events and whatnot, but what about that trip you had planned? Yes, it's a bummer that you didn't get to go, but wouldn't it be cool if you just went later and still had that to look forward to on the horizon, no matter how far away it is? 

Thinking about travel makes me happy, and even though I'm not sure if the rest of my travels this year will happen, I know that eventually I'll be able to go and it makes me optimistic. Even the act of planning a trip (even if the travel dates are unknown) gives you some of the benefits of actually taking the trip. It instantly boosts your mood and relaxes you. Plus, having extra time to plan a trip eases the stress that some people feel trying to create the perfect vacation for their family.

What I didn't get to pack for the wedding reception we were going to.


Why Not Cancel Instead?

Unfortunately, one of my trips was outright cancelled due to Covid and shelter-at-home orders. The wedding reception we were going for was pushed back to September, though to a weekend that we already have plans, so I cancelled my airfare. I could have gotten a refund (and you should in most circumstances, especially if the airline cancels for you), but I knew I would be flying that airline again as soon as I'm allowed to fly, so I just took a credit. Now I'm already ahead for my next trip, plus I'm helping the airlines by not making them pay me back when everyone is hurting right now. The same goes for accommodations you may have already booked and paid for.

If your event is cancelled, it might get pushed back to a later date, and you can go then. If you already have tickets to that event and they haven't refunded you, they will honor your tickets when it has been rescheduled. 

Know your rights when it comes to cancelled flights. <---I wrote you a tiny poem♥

What I probably won't be packing for NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

What To Do In the Meantime

Try not to get into the mindset that this is the end of the world. It's not. We'll get to see friends again. We'll get to throw parties. We'll get to pack a carry-on and get on a plane. Plan your trips with a TBA travel date, pack your bags so you don't have to do it at the last minute, make a travel wish list, and then have fun planning a great staycation in the meantime. Not only will it make you more creative, but it might even give you a new appreciation for your house and/or backyard. 

We'll all get through this together and our travels will be that much more special when do. What's the best/worst part of shelter-at-home for you?

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Review: Well Told Design Drinkware

Right about now, everyone's wishing they could get out of the house and go somewhere, anywhere, but also, everyone's flights are getting cancelled, so you're getting double disappointed by life. Why not remember the good days and those great trips you've taken at home with a set of Well Told drinkware with the night sky or destination map etched into them?


Well Told Design noticed that there wasn't a good selection of home goods that were both well made and good looking. Why not a product that you would use often and feel happy every time you did? We use glasses every single day and so do most other people.


Well Told sent me a set of pint glasses with London and I knew right out of the box they were going to become favorites of ours and we'd probably end up with several more additions to the set in the future. These pint glasses have the London map on them, which makes me think back to our most recent trip and also our honeymoon. London is one of our favorite destinations, so much so, that I created a little tableau at home right now to give us a bit of an international feel while we're stuck inside for the foreseeable future.


Look how pretty these glasses are! They're making our everyday drinking feel special, even if we're just using them for soda or juice. We use pint glasses pretty regularly for just general all our beverages. They're a good size and easy to hold. In fact, I posted on my Instagram when they arrived and a friend was very excited and immediately ordered a set of rocks glasses for her cocktails. 


Don't love a pint glass? Choose from rocks glasses, stemmed/stemless wine glasses, coffee mugs, stemmed/stemless champagne glasses, or mason jars. I chose a city map that meant something to me, but you can choose from a ton of other city maps, topography maps, airport codes, college town maps, marathon maps, history or literature quotes, constellations (including customized night sky maps), and even math or science etchings. You'll find something for everyone for very affordable prices.


Don't want to add to their bar glass collection (though you can choose from copper mugs or goldleaf glasses)? Or already have as many glasses as you'll ever need? No worries! Well Told has so many other things to buy for yourself or gift: flasks, insulated drinkware (like tumblers and hydration bottles), coasters, cutting boards, carafes, and blankets. 

Round out your set or gift with matching bar tools (muddler, anyone?) or fancy reusable straws to make their drinks look more amazing. I'll be in the market for such things soon, with all this hosting of virtual brunches and happy hours I'm doing from home.


Once you can go out again and have people over, think of how cool you'll feel when you serve drinks in an amazing set of travel-themed glasses. They make a great focal point and conversation starter. Everyone will want to chime in with their favorite travel stories, which, if you ask me, is the best way to pass time at a party. Then, everyone's going to share where they're going next and swap travel tips for destinations people have been to. They come individually, so you could buy a set of glasses consisting of multiple destinations.

You might also want to cheer someone up with a set of glasses that represents their favorite place. Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up, but these are fantastic for birthdays and anniversaries, or hostess gifts, too.

Other details:
Where can I buy it? On Well Told Design website 
How much is it? $18 per pint glass | $16 per rocks glass
More info: These glasses are not only pretty, but they are dishwasher safe, too.

If you like what Well Told Design is doing, follow them on social media:

What map would you choose for a set of glasses?


Disclaimer: I was provided a pair of Well Told Design pint glasses for the purposes of this review. All opinions are 100% my own.
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