5 Tips for An Awesome Summer Staycation

After all we've been through the last couple of years, travel is still unattainable for many, because gas prices are stupid high and so is airfare. Plane routes are being cut still, as Covid cases are still prevalent in many industries, and there just aren't enough pilots, flight attendants, aircraft crew to ramp up flights even a little. If you are looking at another summer at home, a staycation might be the best answer right now.

Yes, we've been staycationing for 2+ years now, but there are plenty of ways to still make it special. Here are 5 of my favorite creative ways to do it:

 

1. Create a spread (or get takeaway from your favorite food truck(s) if you’re feeling lazy)

Take a blanket from home, and picnic in your favorite park…or one you’ve never visited before. This is a great way to get outside to enjoy the fresh air and sun. You can see people safely, from a distance. After you eat, you can lounge or take a stroll. Maybe bring a game or two and make it a fun outing.

 

2. Have a romantic travel date

Just because you can’t travel, doesn’t mean you can’t travel. Huh? We have done theme date nights. One week we ordered a whole afternoon tea spread and set it all up in the living room and ate it while we watched a West End play on YouTube. You can now pay to watch Broadway Shows and also productions from The Globe.

 

You can decorate in your theme, you can use Window Swap or Earth Cam for live atmosphere, you can get a backdrop for cheap and set it up to “be” at your destination. Cook food from your chosen travel destination or order delivery. Make it special. (I have lots of examples. Just search Destination Date Night on the right and you'll find a whole list.)

 

3. Go on a scavenger hunt

This is a perfect activity for social distancing. You and your significant other or group of friends sign up for a city scavenger hunt (you can be in more than one team if you want). You solve clues to get to different interesting things in your city and learn things along the way. You never have to go inside anywhere and it helps you work together. Try Stray Boots or Urban Adventure Quest.

 

4. See free art

Just because museums aren’t open doesn’t mean you don’t have access to awesome art in your city. Many downtown, and even suburban, areas have a city art project that works with local artists to create amazing sculptures and murals. Look up info on where to start, map out a course, then go take pictures, talk about the pieces, find street artists on Instagram. It’s a fantastic way to see your city, enjoy art from your community, and celebrate how great it is that art is so accessible. Post pictures with artist links on your social media pages and help other people discover it, too!

 

5. Take a walking tour

I love my city of Portland, Oregon. It’s beautiful. There’s something new around every corner. I haven’t seen it all yet! If you want to see more of your own city – highly recommended – then look for free self-guided walking tours, or just get out there and wander. There’s no wrong way to do it. Bring your phone to take pictures. Wear a fun outfit. Pretend you’re a tourist. Need somewhere to start? Try GPS My City.

I hope you've found a new idea for your summer, because we're all disappointed in a lot of things right now. What is your favorite thing to do on a staycation?

Dad & Grad Travel Gift List

It's that time again! Time to celebrate fathers and kids becoming adults and venturing out into the world. We like to honor them with gifts, letting them know how special and proud we are of them. If you've got a dad, grandfather, brother, son, or graduate in your life that likes to travel, I've come up with a list of suggestions for you that can all be here before June 18.

Photo by Sherman Yang on Unsplash

When my dad was alive, he and my mom loved traveling on his motorcycle. Even growing up we did tons of road trips. He loved gadgets and I inherited that love. With travel coming back, new travel items and gadgets to make upcoming trips better are always a welcome gift.

Masks

Masks are going to be a travel staple for a long time. Some airlines are still requiring them. Many destinations are still requiring them. And they're a good idea when going anywhere during cold and flu season, or when going somewhere there is a large concentration of people. Keep them safe, but also stylish.

MaskC Deep Hues KN95  $36 for 10

When in crowded spaces, like the plane, I always choose a KN95 mask. Their form is not only more breathable, but it's also more comfortable with the extra room in front. You may opt for black or colorful ones, but I also really love these solid dark hues.

Silicone Waterproof Mask Storage Bag $16.99 for 3

When I'm out and about, I always have two masks - one that I'm wearing and a backup. While you can use a plastic bag, it's nicer to have something a little better looking and also have a place to stash your mask while eating or walking around outside without it getting dirty. These are pretty and also can clip right onto a bag. 

Vida Artist Print-On-Print Reusable Mask $18

Yes, I have a lot of different masks in my house. As much as I think disposable masks have a place for travels, I also love a great reusable mask, because you can wash and reuse them while on a long trip. They enable you to pack a little lighter and show your style a bit more. I have several Vida masks, including the sport masks and the artist prints. The all come with filters and are really comfortable.

The Barrier Method Neckie $35 & Winged Mask $45

I love the Winged Mask, but the Just the Mask and Neckie are more suitable for many destinations. They are lightweight, but still anti-bacterial and have built-in UPF, so you don't get sunburned on your face and neck, especially when sitting in the window seat where the sun's rays can be much worse. There is a mask for everyone. You may recall that I started wearing my Winged Mask before masks were even required. You can see my review here.

Accessories

The right accessories can really make a trip much better. I have a stash of tried and true items that I take for all trips, or just some trips. Here are some of my favorites.

Stasher Bags $45.96 for a set, but less if you only want specific ones

While traditional zip-top bags are great, they aren't that awesome for the environment. I have started replacing things with Stasher bags. They're spendy, but well worth the money.

Universal Travel Adapter $19.19

Anyone who travels outside of the country needs an adapter for their electronics. Most US electronics are dual voltage, so you don't have to worry about a converter. This adapter is affordable and can be used everywhere, so you no longer have to buy different adapters for each region. I loved this one I purchased and it has 4 USB outlets for your phone and other small electronics, so everything is always charged.

Pivo Pod Lite $89.99

Several years ago I backed Pivo on kickstarter, because it looked exactly like a thing I could use for taking outfit photos and more. Cut to now where I've been using the original with ease and have just upgraded to the Pivo Lite to get more features and have a funky new color that I can keep in my travel bag. Pivo allows you to use your phone as a whole photo and video studio + you can use it take group pictures without asking a stranger to help.

Aeropress Go $39.95

The AeroPress Portable is as great as the original, but everything is compact enough to fit inside it's own coffee cup, which is pretty amazing. As a person who travels quite a lot and tends to stay in places that have terrible coffee makers or none at all, being able to get a good cup of coffee is very important to me. If you have a similar coffee lover on your list, this is a must. You can see my review on it here.

Swell Insulated Food Container $24.99 for 24 oz or $50 for nesting bowls (shown)

Wherever I go, I have snacks of some kind. Long trips call for many snacks. A lot of airlines still haven't brought back food service, so you're kind of on your own, and granola bars and chips can get pretty boring. I have several insulated food containers and they're awesome for bringing along things that are more substantial or need to be kept hot or cold. I especially enjoy chees and fruit, so these Swell containers are fantastic for allowing me to take those things on long plane rides, but they're also good for theme park visits and road trips.

Battery Backup $26.95

When you're out all day snapping pics, using your GPS to get around, and posting jealousy-inducing photos to social media, your phone battery can drain pretty quickly. Having a decent sized battery backup like this one can make sure you can always charge up your phone. In fact, we carry two similar ones and each allows us to charge up fully at least twice during the day (we play a lot of games as well).

Airplane Pockets $24.95

Every flight attendant will tell you how gross the seatback pocket on the plane is. They get cleaned out, but never cleaned, so you're putting your headphones in the same pocket that may have just had a dirty diaper in it a few hours earlier. Airplane Pockets fit over your tray table, making it antibacterial, and give you four pockets - one large one and three smaller ones - to fit everything you need for a flight. After you land, slip it off, fold it up, and toss it in your bag.

Bags and Toiletries

I love bags and things that go in my bags to keep me organized and these kinds of gifts are always welcome, to the well-seasoned traveler, but also for beginner travelers that haven't really ever had to try packing light or more efficiently.

ebags Fortis Pro 22" Carry-On $159.99

Has your dad been using the same beat up carry-on for decades? Or your grad doesn't even have a real piece of luggage? Then this bag works for either. The hardside shell gives it extra strength to keep their belongings safe, the spinner wheels make it easy to take even on cobblestones, and they can't overpack, though you can expand it for extra purchases and check it home. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Carryall $85 on Amazon | $95 on Travelon (take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

Maybe your dad takes a lot of overnight, business, or weekend trips. If so, then this carryall is ideal for a few outfits, a pair of shoes, and still have some room leftover for small purchases. When he's on longer trips, he can use this as an underseater for all his entertainment and snacks.

Timbuk2 Pannier $74.07

I don't know why, but I have always loved a pannier bag. It's one that fits on the side of a bicycle. If your dad/grad enjoy biking everywhere, or even just on vacation, Timbuk2 makes amazingly heavy-duty and stylish bags for every need. This weather-proof lightweight pannier is great, but if you're looking for something a bit more upscale, the Convertible Backpack Pannier has more features and is just $159. The only downside is it's not waterproof, so it's not ideal for rainy destinations, but I guess neither is bicycling.

Travelon's Greenlander Insulated Water Bottle Bag $40 on Travelon (take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

Make sure they stay hydrated and have a place to stash some cash with a water bottle bag. This one is insulated, keeping things cool, and has an anti-theft zipper pocket and a comfy adjustable shoulder strap. You can view my review here.

Matador Flatpak Bag $39.90 for 3

One of the most annoying things about taking liquids on a trip is that the bottles don't get smaller when you use product, so you end up taking half-full bottles back or throwing them out. Quit doing both of those things with these pack-flat bottles. They are leak-proof and can hang in the shower with their snap loops. Not only do they pack better than traditional bottles, but they get smaller when you use product. 

GoTubb Travel Containers $8.99 for 3

In my travels, I've had a lot of tubes and containers, but none have been as awesome as GoTubb. I use these for anything I can't find a smaller version of, so I can pack light. They don't leak and they hold a lot more than you expect, but in a small size. These come in small, medium and large, so they can be used for practically anything, from snacks to pills to moisturizer.

Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes $45 for set of 3

Packing light can be a challenge, but strategic packing items can help you get a little more in your bag. Packing cubes are kind of a necessity, and even if your dad/grad has some, if they don't have compression cubes, it's time to upgrade them. Get 30% more in your bag, or save that extra room for other necessities, like your toiletry bag and shoes. I love the Specter line from Eagle Creek. They cost more, but they are top of the line and have a compression function, so you get even more in your bag.

I hope you've found something awesome for the dad and/or grad on your list, or maybe for yourself if you're a dad or just need something for the upcoming summer travel season. 

What has been your favorite travel gift to give or receive? 

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links that may result in monetary compensation, which helps me to keep running this blog for you. Thanks in advance for anything you buy.

Stay Hydrated with Travelon's Greenlander Insulated Water Bottle Bag

Eric and I are forever trying to stay hydrated when we travel. We quit buying bottles of water everywhere we go forever ago, because it can really add up, and it's a waste of plastic. Of course, carrying around a thermos is annoying and can add too much weight to my already stuffed purse. A water bottle bag is the answer, and Travelon has so many to choose from.

This is the third water bottle bag we've gotten from Travelon and it's a big step up from the basic one we have, but still lightweight, and has more features. Eric drinks the most while we're out, so he gets the honor of carrying this bag. He's not asking me constantly for the bottle and it's pretty much impossible for him to set it down and forget it, since he's wearing it.

When I'm just out with the dog or at the beach/pool, and I don't have to take a purse, these bags are perfect for me, too. It's comfortable to wear and fits any bottle I have, including my shorter, wide-mouth 14 oz thermos and a big liter size SodaStream bottle.

The strap is nice and wide, with rounded edges, so it's not digging into your shoulder or neck. It's really comfortable and can be adjusted for whatever your height. We both wear it crossbody, and it's always perfect for us both. 

This new Greenlander water bottle bag is insulated, so even if you aren't walking around with an insulated thermos, you aren't forced to drink gross lukewarm water (or whatever beverage you're drinking) all day. It makes hydrating a little more tolerable, especially when it's hot outside. 

No matter your bottle or thermos size, the Greenlander Water Bottle Bag has a drawstring closure on the top to keep your bag inside and from falling out if it falls over or you bend down. We've had this happen when putting it in the backseat of the car and had to fish under the seats for it.

This cool bottle bag has some neat anti-theft features, too. Instead of a locking zipper, which can be difficult to deal with on a bag like this, it has a zipper that fits through a loop, so it can't slide down if caught on something or if someone tries to unzip it to get at what's in the pocket. 

This zippered pocket is the perfect size for small necessities. Maybe you're taking this on a short flight and don't need much on the plane, or taking it to the pool or beach. Stash your ID, keys, and cash in there. 

This pocket actually stretches across half of the circumference of the bag, which I found surprising. You can get more inside if you aren't carrying a huge bottle and if you put things in it before you put your bottle in. You can't fit your passport in there, unless you do it sideways, and then you risk it bending and getting damaged, so I don't suggest trying it. 

There's also the insulated lining here, too, so if you wanted to store some small snacks in there, or your favorite lipbalm that you don't want to melt, you totally can. 

If you're traveling with your dog and need a place to clip on your potty bag dispenser, or a collapsible bowl, you can use the front loop. 

There's a larger loop on the "back" that can be used for that as well, or your keys or a badge when going to conventions or theme parks. 

The Greenlander Water Bottle Bag also has a slash-resistent body, keeping your items safe from thieves. I love that their bags have this feature. It adds a bit of weight, but it gives me peace of mind. 

Traveling with kids? Get two of these and use one for snacks, like granola bars and fruit. It's a way to store them easily, and it's convenient to just pull something out right away. The drawstring will keep everything in and the insulation will keep things cool and non-melty or non-wilty. It's also great for baby bottles or juice boxes! And if your kids are dogs, throw a little bag of treats underneath your water bottle for them.

Everyone can use this awesome little bag, so keep it in mind for Father's Day, graduations, and birthdays coming up. It's not just for travel, but great for hiking, festivals, hanging out at the park, and taking to the beach.

More details

Where to buy: Travelon website

Cost: $40 - take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%

Colors it is available in: Galaxy Blue with aqua details (shown) | Jet Black with lime details (shown up top) | Diamond Ash with coral details

Other specs: size: 4" x 4" x 8.5", made of sustainable 100% certified recycled rPET material, slash-resistant adjustable strap with 14"-29" drop

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Disclaimer: I was provided with the Greenlander Anti-Theft Insulated Water Bottle Bag for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.