Get Inspired With These Holiday Ideas

When it comes to planning a holiday it can be tricky to pick the perfect spot, especially if everyone in your group has different ideas of what makes a great trip. While no single place can offer everything for everyone, there are destinations that are flexible enough to keep most people happy. If you are planning a trip with a group this year, it is worth thinking about what kind of holiday will give everyone something to enjoy. Here are some ideas to inspire your next adventure.

Photo by Viktoria B.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/campers-parked-near-road-near-water-14766759/

Thrill holidays

If you love a rush of adrenaline, a thrill holiday could be exactly what you are looking for. These types of holidays are all about pushing yourself a little further and trying activities that get your heart racing. Think zip lining through forests, white water rafting, or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints. Thrill holidays are ideal for people who want a mix of adventure and exploration, and they can turn an ordinary trip into something you will remember for the rest of your life. Just make sure you budget for the experiences you really want to enjoy.

Simple holidays

Sometimes the best trips are the simplest. A getaway where you pitch a tent, explore nature, and enjoy being away from screens can be exactly what a group of friends or family needs. Staying at an RV park can make this easy, offering access to basic amenities while still letting you enjoy the outdoors. Simple holidays are a chance to relax, connect with nature, and take a break from busy everyday life. They give you time to enjoy company, breathe fresh air, and really slow down for a few days.

Luxury holidays

Sometimes holidays are about treating yourself, and if that is what you need a luxury holiday is perfect. These trips are about comfort, indulgence, and making the most of your time off. You could stay in a high-end resort, take a cruise, or enjoy an all-inclusive break where everything is taken care of for you. Luxury holidays are not just about hot sunny destinations either, you can enjoy cozy cabins in the snow or charming apartments in beautiful cities. It is a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy life for a little while without worrying about the everyday stresses. You can totally make this your holiday gift to yourself.

Food and drink holidays

For those who love to explore flavors, a holiday focused on food and drink is a dream. These trips allow you to try local dishes and drinks from different towns or regions, often giving a deeper insight into the culture as well. Food holidays are perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try new tastes, but they can also appeal to people who want to learn more about wine, craft beer, or local spirits. Whether you are sampling street food or dining in fine restaurants, a food and drink holiday can be exciting, fun, and surprisingly educational.

Planning your next holiday does not have to be stressful. Whether you are chasing thrills, luxury, amazing food, or simple pleasures, there is something out there for everyone. Take your time, think about what matters most for your group, and enjoy the adventure.

How do you like to travel during the holidays, or DO you?

Road Trip Ready: 5 Essential Motorhome Travel Tips

Motorhomes, or RVs, can serve as a vehicle and accommodation. They’re excellent for road trips - allowing you to travel where you want without having to pay for hotels along the way. There are of course some challenges to traveling in a motorhome such as getting used to the vehicle’s large size and making sure you park somewhere safe and legal. Here are some motorhome/RV travel tips that will help your adventures to go smoothly:

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Know your vehicle’s size

It’s worth knowing exactly how high and how wide your motorhome is in case you come across a low bridge or narrow road. Consider keeping a piece of paper on your dashboard with the dimensions of your vehicle written on it. It could also be worth practicing your parking to help you get a good idea as to how much room you have either side.

Select motorhome-friendly routes

It’s worth using a GPS option that can help you find motorhome-friendly routes. Some routes may include very narrow country lanes or low bridges, which you won’t be able to drive through. By making sure that routes are suitable for your motorhome, you can avoid stressful situations later down the line. 

Secure your valuables

It’s important to make sure that your belongings are all hidden and locked away - when driving and when leaving your vehicle unattended. Not only can locking away items stop them moving around and falling as you’re driving, but it can also prevent thieves from seeing them. Closing curtains and making sure that your motorhome door is locked are also important steps to take when parking up and leaving your vehicle. You can also consider security measures like steering wheel locks.

Look into RV parks

While you can park almost anywhere in a motorhome, many locations may not be safe or may not provide you with access to electricity. RV parks provide you with a designated pitch with an electrical hook-up. They are often well-lit and have bathroom facilities too (if you don’t want to use the toilet in your motorhome). Book RV parks in advance so that you know where to stop and so that you definitely have a pitch. Many campsites have designated RV areas. You may also be able to find pubs and hotels with RV electrical hook-ups. 

Invest in solar panels

When it comes to wild camping in your motorhome, a big issue can often be not having access to electricity. You don’t want to drain your battery using lighting, heating or electrical kitchenware. At the same time, you shouldn’t feel that you have to do without power. It’s possible to install solar panels on the roof of your motorhome that can allow you to keep your vehicle powered up in any location. These solar panels come in different sizes for generating different amounts of power. 

Ready for your road trip?

By following these tips, you can make sure that your motorhome experience is a comfortable and stress-free one. It all comes down to preparation - while you can still make room for spontaneity on your trip, planning the important things ahead will keep you out of trouble. 

Have you ever traveled in an RV before?

Packing Light for Fall Travel

It's that time again. Most places are starting to get cooler, or it will be when you are on your fall or holiday travel. Even when you have to pack larger pieces than for your summer trips, you can still pack light. I'm a big proponent of layering when I travel, since you never know if the weather will be unseasonably warm or colder than you expect. Don't fret though, because you can still pack light and bring everything you need for any kind of weather.

When we traveled to London and Paris in late October, the weather ranged from cool, crisp fall air to freezing temps with rain. It could have been miserable, but learning from my previous trip there, when all we had packed were winter clothes. The first 3-4 days were so warm out that I didn't need a coat and seriously wondered if I'd have to buy some short sleeve tops in order to not get heat stroke. Needless to say, nobody wanted a repeat of that. So, the next time, taking all my knowledge into account when packing, I chose several lightweight sweaters that I could layer other things with and went from there.

If the weather tends toward cold, cold, cold, your pictures are basically all going to be you bundled up in your coat and you aren't going to see anything you've got on underneath anyway. With this in mind, it makes even more sense to bring as little as possible. You'll just need enough to keep you from getting bored and to go between laundry - think of it an excuse to take a break and relax a few times on your trip. Watch a movie, catch up on email or play a game. I bring the same thing for one week as I do for two. Three lightweight sweaters, a cardigan, two tanks and two tees that match your sweaters. Throw a dress, two pair of stretchy jeans or other comfortable pants and two pair of shoes. 

Keep in mind your travel outfit. I usually wear my favorite pair of jeans (with stretch), a tee and a cardigan, one pair of the shoes I'm planning to wear throughout my trip and keep my jacket and a scarf in easy reach. This way if it's cold, I can put more layers on, and if it's hot, I can remove my cardigan. I swapped out a regular tee with a lightweight long-sleeve one above, and you can see my jacket in the corner.

jeans | dress | cardigan | l/s shirt | t-shirts | tights

A pair of black jeans can double as nice pants for a night out, but a breathable dress can also work. Make sure to pack a pair of heavy tights in case it's really cold and you need some extra protection. Tights are multitaskers. When the weather is colder than expected, like a freak snowstorm, you can throw them on under your pants. I tend toward thinner skinny jeans, because the stretchy ones are comfortable, but may not be as warm as traditional jeans. For this reason, that extra layer might be necessary.

Make sure your tops all mix and match, so you don't have items that only go with some things in your bag. I like neutrals, like black and gray that I can add a pop of color to. You may end up like me and have to wear three layers at once, so if you bring three different color sweaters and three different color/patterns of tanks and tees, you're going to look like a bag lady. I like to go with solids for one layer and some patterns for the other. Above you have 3 long sleeve options and two patterned t-shirts. If you have to layer, these will all work together. The dress is also reversible (this one is sold out, but these are longer and you can wear alone or with a sweater), so you can make at total of 22 outfits with these pieces. You also have the added warmth of your cardigan and/or jacket.

yup, lots of photos of us just wearing coats and hats or scarves.

Look for shoes that will go with everything. I went to Europe the first time with a pair of flats and tall packable boots, but I love the look of a short boot and a loafer. Make sure you have enough room for your foot to breathe in your boot and that both pair are comfortable to walk in all day long. I loved the boots I took, but they were a smidge too tight, or I overdid myself on the 478965322 stairs in Paris, because I left with a stress fracture in one of my feet. Boo. But at least I didn't notice the pain until the night before we were going back home. Maybe suck it up and wear your flats when hiking up 40 jillion steps, just in case. In Edinburgh, where everything is somehow uphill, I wore these great booties from Arcopedico that kept my feet happy and warm and aren't tight, but still have awesome support.

jacket | booties | wrap | ballet flats

Look at the weather before you leave, to be sure you're dressed for your destination. A pair of gloves and a hat are always good companions, because you'll be thrilled if you have them and need them, or miserable if you leave them at home and have to shell out money for them. We actually had to purchase another hat and scarf for Eric on a trip, who didn't think he would need them. Then again for both of us when we went to Philly and it was so cold and windy there was no way to handle it. Unless you're hoping for a lame souvenir, throw some in for everyone traveling. It'll make your life easier.

What is your best Autumn packing advice?