Super Useful Travel Links

Happy Friday everyone! I thought this week would never end, but the weekend is almost here. You won’t be shocked to know that with all the stress of the week, I have been thinking more than ever about getting out of Dodge. Unfortunately, I don’t have the budget for it, so I found some links to make your next week easier, more enjoyable and more affordable. Enjoy!

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Ever wonder what happens to all the unused or partially-used bars of soap in hotel rooms if you don’t stick them in your travel bag before you leave? You might be surprised to know that something called the Global Soap Project exists and how they recycle hotel soap.

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So, if you’re like me and hate LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), you’re in good company. The airport knows that travelers hate connections and layovers there and they have very low satisfaction ratings in all categories. In order to combat this and make the lives of travelers a little better and less stressful, they are implementing new volunteer program. In fact, it’s so good, I might even consider not rerouting my next flight to ANY OTHER AIRPORT. What is it? It’s dogs! Volunteers bring their dogs and walk the terminals for 2-hour shifts, visiting with travelers and letting them pet the dogs and restore the calm in their life. Read more about PUP here.

Those cutie therapy dogs aren’t just at LAX. They are doing the rounds in Boston, too. This isn’t travel-related, but it’s awesome, so I share. If you want to visit Beantown on a budget, check out my last post.

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Next week, if you are also saving up for a big trip and also have time to get out for a day, make your way to your local national park, because it’s National Park Week and all the parks that require an entrance fee are totally free.

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Everyone knows mini-bars are crazy expensive and most of us don’t even use them. I mean, I can get a whole meal for $12 and bring my own bottle of water to drink in my room. Some hotel chains realize that they are just losing money on mini-bars (I assume on having to replace expiring snacks and extra electricity used) and are going to do away with them. Soon, you may not be tempted by those miniscule packs of nuts and tiny bottles of scotch at 3am.

This photo of Boston Children's Museum is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Summer is coming, which means soon, everywhere you go will be packed to the gills with tourists and locals alike. Want to find some neighborhood gems that have yet to be discovered but are still crazy good? USA Today brings you 10 Best Neighborhoods that Tourists Haven’t Found. Go now, before people read this article and make them the new trendy spots.

This photo of Selena Travel Mongolia Day tours is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Something you may not know about me is that I have always wanted to go to Mongolia. Maybe it’s because it seems so mysterious. Maybe it’s because I love Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Maybe I’m just interested in places where it’s so cold in the winter that you have to drink homemade vodka just to stay warm. In any case, Thrillist must have gotten in my head and they tell you some of the cool (awful?) parts of visiting Mongolia on a unique tour. It’s even budget-friendly, aside from airfare.

And I want to leave you with a little toot of my own horn. This week a local book review company gave my book, Shereen Travels Cheap, a pretty glowing review. Read it now on Night Owl Reviews.

Have you seen any interesting travel links lately? If so, I’d love for you to share them!

We Heart You, Boston

This week has been a hard one for the fine people of Boston, as well as all the visitors who were running in or supporting the marathon. Bad things happen and we can only hope they get resolved and move on. I am sending good thoughts for the victims and their families and decided we should honor them and their city with a post on fun things to do in their fair city.

This photo of Fenway Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Boston, Massachusetts is an overlooked seaside destination. It is chock full of restaurants serving clam chowdah, historical buildings and museums, but it also is home to Fenway Park, an awesome aquarium and the famous Cheers bar. 

This photo of New England Aquarium is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Save money on sightseeing with the Boston CityPASS. Valid for 9 days from first use and covers the top 5 Boston attractions for just $51 per person (adult). See the best of Boston with your pass and have plenty of time to do it in. There’s something for everyone and you save almost half off admission prices!

• New England Aquarium        
• Museum of Science 
• Skywalk Observatory 
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 
• Harvard Museum of Natural History OR The Old State House

This photo of Samuel Adams Brewery is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Like beer? Take the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour. At just a suggested donation of $2 per person, it's likely the most affordable tour you'll ever go on. Not only can you taste test some delicious brew, but you can watch the process of making beer from start to finish. Also awesome? Sam Adams doesn’t even need your money to run these tours, so your donation goes to local charities. You get to do something good and drink free beer! Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, because tours can fill up quickly.

If you didn’t rent a cah to pahk in Hahvad Yahd, you can take the T around town. That’s their subway system. It’s easy to use and even easier by using Urban Rail, which has printable maps and helpful tips and ways to use the rail system to get around. And when you aren’t in Boston, you can use it all over the world for public transport maps. Did I mention it’s free? 

Be your own tour guide with Stray Boots' treasure hunt tour games. Through clues and fun facts, you can see the city from a unique perspective. This is the perfect way to go on a tour without all the structure and it’s great for kids and adults alike. Each tour can last two to three hours, even more if you choose to spend more time at any of the stops along the way.

This photo of The Midtown Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

If you need help finding a great vacation deal to Boston, then BookIt has you covered. Save even more with their 99-hour sale that ends on Friday at midnight (EST). Hotels have lower rates and may even include free activities and other extras and bonuses. Who doesn't want a sweet deal made even sweeter with things like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. So much extra savings!

What do you like most about Boston (or look forward to seeing the most when you visit)? 

Your Starter Travel Wardrobe

When you go on vacation, packing is often a step that people hate. I just think of it as a possibility to come up with a basic wardrobe that will get me through most any situation. You don't have to pack for Armageddon and bring everything you own with you. Think of it as packing as few necessities as possible, because you will also have to carry that closet with you. Now, you know I don't like to waste money, so my choices have to fit in a carry-on and any personal item sized bag I take with me. My rule is generally that all my clothes, accessories and no-liquid toiletries go into the carry-on and my electronics, snacks and 3-1-1 bag go in the smaller bag. Using this technique, my husband and I almost always get away with just two bags between the two of us. It's compact, it's easy to transport and we have everything we need. Since most people don't know where to start in packing a mostly-inclusive carry-on wardrobe, I have come up with a starting point for men and women. 

Women:

Starter travel wardrobe by shereentravels featuring high-waisted jean shorts

You don't need to take every 50 outfits to look great every day. Instead, pack this:

• Tank tops (2 or 3) which are perfect for layering or wearing alone.
• A good pair of jeans with stretch in them, like these from James Jeans.
• A nice pair of black pants. They don't show stains and can be dressed up for going out. I choose a pair of black James Jeans, because they can be casual or more formal and they are comfortable.
• Comfortable tee shirts (again, 2 or 3). These can go with everything and also layered.
• A cardigan or blazer. This can dress up an outfit or be used for layering and warmth.
• A fleece or warm jacket.
• Shorts. If you will be going to a warm climate, then 2 or 3 pair will work. If you're not, skip them.
• A comfortable black dress. You should always have an LBD on hand, unless you're going hiking for 2 weeks. A travel wrap dress can be worn during the day or out to dinner.
• Ballet flats. I know you want to wear your good heels when you go out, but a nice pair of flats will go with everything you packed and out dancing.
• Walking or running shoes. Chances are you'll be doing a lot of walking on your trip. don't regret your choice in footwear by day 2.
• Jewelry. This is not the time to break out your diamonds and other jewels. Pack a few statement pieces that can dress up your Plain Jane tanks and add a bit of luxe to to your dress.

Men:

Men's Starter Travel Wardrobe by shereentravels featuring a henley tee

Men have it easier when it comes to packing, and unlike women, they tend to wear 90% of what they bring, as opposed to only 20% women wear when they pack everything they want. It's nicer to pack more than just 2 pair of underwear and a tee though, so here's what should be in your carry-on.

• A good pair of jeans with stretch. You wear them at home, so bring them with you on vacation and you'll always be comfortable.
• Khakis. You can dress these up or down, so they work for checking out the Louvre, going to a Michelin-Starred restaurant, kicking back at the local pub or taking a walking tour of the city.
• Tee shirts. If these are what you love wearing, grab 2 or 3 to toss in your bag. They are easy to pack and go with both pants.
• Shorts. if your destination is somewhere warm, 2 or 3 pair will do you good. Make sure they are neutral colors or, if they aren't, will go with the shirts you bring.
• A nice button-up dress shirt. You only need one, no matter how many times you're taking your lady out, because you probably aren't going to be seeing the same people and you are going to use the next item to mix it up.
• Ties! These are the necklaces of the guy world. They take up little room and make a big statement. Bring at least 2 for a variety and you won't be sorry...unless you're going camping, in which case, it's not necessary.
• A blazer. Can be used as an extra layer for chilly days or for a jacket at a nice restaurant or the theater. 
• Walking or running shoes. Keep your feet happy with a comfortable pair of shoes.
• Dress shoes. Obviously you can't wear trainers everywhere, but you can find loafers and other dress-like shoes that are also good for walking. Just look for them.
• A hoodie, fleece or mid-weight jacket, because you never know when the temperatures might dip.

What I've left off this list, but always say there is room for, are flip flops. Always keep a pair in your carry-on, because they are nice for going to the lobby for continental breakfast, schlepping your laundry to the washing machines and also going to the pool or beach. They are a given and I suggest buying a pair that you just keep in your bag, so they are never forgotten. Trust me, I've learned that the hard way.

What are your must-have items on your trips?