We used to loathe travel insurance, thinking it was spammy. We’ve since come around, realizing there are companies who do it right. We’ve also finally accepted that sh*t happens, and big plans occasionally need to change. This change is a lot easier to stomach if you don’t have to pay in full for an erased vacation.

First off, it’s important to know what is NOT legit travel insurance. Companies that offer travel “protection” are often full of it and will do everything possible to deny your claims. We’ll go so far as to say they’re scams. With that said, some companies like air and cruise lines offer travel “protection” and “coverage,” which isn’t insurance but also isn’t a scam. However, this type of coverage usually isn’t a great deal, as many of the companies offer very little reimbursement and require beyond catastrophic circumstances for you to meet their very detailed criterion.

But not to worry – there are legit travel insurance providers that cover issues like trip cancellation (one of the most common needs,) cancelled flights, lost luggage, rental car debacles, natural disasters, medical care and other circumstances that could derail your trip.

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While there are no perfect options, the providers below typically offer comprehensive coverage and reimburse claims without much hassle. But they all offer differing packages and prices, which is why we recommend getting a few quotes, and reading the super fine print VERY carefully.

Just like any form of insurance, part of you will likely feel that prepaying for “what-ifs” is a waste, yet another part will receive sweet solace knowing you won’t lose out on thousands if a hurricane decides to wipe out the island you were about to have the scuba adventure of a lifetime on.

If you’re wondering what type of trip you should and shouldn’t pony up travel insurance funds for, it completely depends on your personal comfort with risk. With that said, we rarely get insurance for smaller trips, for example a quick three-day ski vacation to Mammoth that doesn’t include airfare. But when we’re going on a two-week international surf trip that includes multiple flights, rental cars, and various accommodations, you can be sure we’re covering ourselves with insurance.

Top travel insurers:

World Nomads (typically the most affordable option)

Allianz Global Assistance

Travelex

Seven Corners

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The post When You Should Invest in Travel Insurance appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Hundreds of rooms, conference centers, massive pools, numerous restaurants, a car park filled with vehicles… these elements contribute to the huge carbon footprint many hotels create. However, there has been a hopefully lasting trend of accommodations going green, engaging in improvements that save water and energy, reduce solid waste, utilize local produce and livestock, and give back to the community.

As travelers, one of the greatest ways we can reduce our eco-footprint is by selecting hotels, resorts or vacation homes that are making positive changes in favor of Mother Nature’s health. Although these accommodations often come with a higher price tag than those that only have an eye for their bottom line, you’ll likely have a more satisfying travel experience, as you’ll know your money isn’t just “feeding the beast” but instead supporting a business involved in limiting their damage to the Earth and uplifting their community.

But how do you find such a place? There are numerous factors to look for when searching for an eco-friendly hotel. While you might not find accommodations that check all the boxes below, you can feel good staying in a place that is at least making moves to meet as much of this criteria as possible.

Tip: If a hotel or vacation home’s website is unclear about what eco-friendly amenities they offer, shoot them an email or call, and ask for specifics.

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Certified LEED

Looking out for LEED certification is one of the easiest ways to find accommodations reducing their negative influence on the environment. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, has set stringent eco-standards hotels or vacation homes (and all other variety of structures) must meet before receiving their coveted certification. These standards pertain to a building’s…

• Location and transportation offerings

• Sustainability of their site

• Water efficiency

• Energy use

• Materials and resources utilized

• Indoor environmental air quality

• Innovation

Buildings applying for this certification are judged on a 100 point system. If they receive a minimum of 40-points they can call themselves “LEED Certified.” 50-59 points produces a “Silver LEED” certification, 60-79 points designates a “Gold LEED” certification, and 80 points or more provides the “Platinum LEED” certification.

As you embark on your search, know that accommodations that have received any level of LEED certification usually prominently display it on their home page. And, it might surprise you to know that Marriott and Omni have an abundance of LEED certified hotels.

Solar Panels

Because solar panels utilize the clean, renewable power of the sun, they offer a powerful alternative to fossils fuels, like coal and natural gas. Installing solar panels allows a hotel or vacation home to minimize their production of greenhouse gases, and reduce their contribution to respiratory and cardio health issues, as the procurement of fossil fuels pumps out major air pollutants.

Low-Energy Light Bulbs

Anyone that has been in a hotel knows that a lot of light bulbs are needed to illuminate the (often) massive spaces and numerous rooms. All those light bulbs suck up mega energy and contribute to carbon emissions. For example, about 95% of a fluorescent light bulb’s energy is wasted as heat, and only about 5% of the energy actually goes to creating light.

Hotels that have made the switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, like LEDs, go through fewer light bulbs each year, reducing the amount of bulbs sitting in landfills, and use less energy, minimizing their use of fossil fuels.

Policy to Not Wash Linens and Towels Unless Guests Request It

Almost every hotel now has cards all over their rooms with instructions for how a guest can let the cleaning staff know if they want new linens or towels. This makes total sense, as few people need their sheets changed after every sleep (with the exception of night-sweaters and bed-wetters) and towels are often only used when you’re already clean. No need to be an eco-martyr and grin and bear filthy sheets and towels, but if it’s not a total necessity, don’t request freshies.

Option to Not Have Room Cleaned

Much like the linens and towels mentioned above, few guests need their room vacuumed, surfaces wiped, and toilet, bath and sink scrubbed daily. Understandably, many want to utilize this daily luxury, as the service is likely included in your nightly rate, but unless the state of your room is minimizing your enjoyment of it, forgo the cleaning until it’s really needed.

Plastic-Strawless Restaurants

Hotels that love baby sea turtles, dolphins and other such adorable sea creatures are saying no to plastic straws. Those thin tubes of plastic significantly contribute to the 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals that die from ingested plastic each year, as 500,000 straws are used in the United States EVERY DAY. So when possible, give your business to a hotel that has strawless restaurants and bars, or those that use paper straws. If you’re a die-hard straw devotee, invest in a few metal straws for travel.

Elimination of Tiny Toiletry Bottles

All those itty-bitty bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion equal heaps of single use plastics in landfills, oceans and waterways. Single use plastics are not biodegradable. Not to be too graphic, but it’s not uncommon for dead sea creatures to be found filled with single use plastics. Hotels that boast wall-mounted, refillable dispensers for these products are the way to go.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Major cleaning happens in hotels and vacation homes almost every day, creating vast potential for toxins that spout from single use plastic containers to cause harm to guests and the planet.

Accommodations that have made the switch to biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning supplies, stored in sustainable packaging, offer healthier indoor air quality for guests, create a safer environments for kids that lick stuff (hey, it happens) and minimize the amount of those single use plastics we keep talking about from bloating Mother Nature.

Composting

Take a moment to think about all the food you’ve seen left on plates in restaurants. For establishments that don’t practice composting, all that food is sent to the landfill. Composting involves the collection and managed decomposition of food waste, and certain yard and paper products. This decomposed material results in rich, productive soil.

Eco-conscious hotels in more rural areas often do their own composting and use the results in their edible garden. Many “green,” urban hotels partake in off-site composting that consists of their scraps being collected and composted in another location. Staying at a hotel that composts not only supports Earth-friendly efforts, but also makes you feel less guilty about not being able to clear your plate.

Utilization of Local, Organic Food

When researching hotels, keep an eye out for those that have an edible garden utilized by its restaurants. It’s also important to ask if they practice sustainable seafood guidelines and the 100-mile diet, which means all foods used in the kitchen were grown within 100-miles of the hotel.

Supporting Car-Free Guests

Look for accommodations that allow you to travel without renting a car by providing shared shuttle service to and from airport or train stations, bicycles, and in certain locations, public transit packages. In addition, choosing a hotel that’s within walking distance of the amenities and landmarks you’re interested in allows you to get in a workout while reducing your carbon footprint.

If you’re interested in visiting a location that would take significant time and effort to get to on foot or a traditional bike, look into electric bike rentals, as they can really fly and are a total blast. In addition, many cities (like Los Angeles) have information pages guiding guests who want to explore the city sans rental car.

Contributions to Nonprofits

Thankfully, many resorts and vacation homes are now giving back to the communities where they reside. These establishments tap into their do-gooder spirit by donating a portion of proceeds to certain non-profits in their area, founding their own nonprofits to support community needs like education, nutrition and healthcare, or even by opening a community center.

A big reason we decided to buy into Nicaragua’s Rancho Santana community is because they collaborated with the Ford Family Foundation to create FunLimón, a 30-acre community center that assists in economic development and social services, and has two schools, a basketball arena, fitness center, martial arts dojo, baseball stadium, soccer field, playground and small livestock farm.

Opportunities to Volunteer

Kick your altruism up a notch by not just staying at accommodations that contribute to their community, but also volunteering in said community. Many altruistically minded resorts offer programs that match guests with activities like planting trees, spending a few hours volunteering at a community center, or saying yes to a range of other tasks that enhance the area you’re exploring.

We’ve found that mixing volunteer work into a vacation elevates our experience and deepens our understanding and empathy for various cultures.

The post How to Find Eco-Friendly Accommodations appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

The frosty wonderland of Mammoth Lakes is a magical environment that makes us feel cooler than we are, forces Bailey to put her weeny tendencies aside and go fast, and pushes us to close the laptops in favor of doing an infuriating puzzle by the fire. It’s our happy place.

We make the 6-hour trek from Ojai to Mammoth Mountain many times a year, religiously checking the forecast and following the snow. It’s one of the few phenomenon that can elicit spontaneity out of Bailey.

To ensure your trip sparkles with joy and ease, instead of frostbite and pissed-offed-ness, we’ve compiled our top tips for an epic family vacation to Mammoth Lakes, California.

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Before You Leave Home

Putting ample thought into your snow sojourn will help ensure you spend your vacation happily frolicking across a snow-covered slope, or at least sipping warm booze by a fire, instead of freezing your tuckus off while a tow truck pulls your car out of a snow bank.

Here’s some helpful actions to get you started.

Purchase quality snow clothes.

Frigid temps are no fun in the wrong clothes. It’s worth the time (and potentially, financial) investment to buy waterproof pants, jackets, gloves, and shoes for the entire family. While you can easily go to a sporting goods store and drop many hundreds on this gear, there are great second-hand stores that sell like-new options for a reasonable price. This is an especially beneficial option if you’re buying snow gear for kids that grow so fast they need new shoes every three months.

If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, purchase goggles and helmets as well (unless you’d like to rent a helmet on the mountain.) After you’ve geared-up with the waterproof essentials, make sure you pack multiple layers so you can dress up or down depending on the weather.

For extra chilly weather, electric boot heaters, HotHands Hand Warmers and mittens can help prevent your toes and fingertips from losing sensation (something that’s cut Bailey’s ski days short because of her poor circulation… until she started utilizing these three essentials.)

Try to visit Mammoth on weekdays, when the crowds are majorly reduced.

If you have a job that will allow you to sneak away for a few days, and you don’t mind your kids playing hookie, weekdays are golden at Mammoth, as the massive mountain is virtually empty. There are few things as blissful as gliding down a mountain without the fear that your children will be pulverized by an out of control boarder –  no offense boarders, Eric + Hudson are on your team.

Book a home rental.

Mammoth is packed with rentals (on sites like Airbnb and VRBO) that range from snug studios, to massive multi-bedroom luxury cabins. Regardless of how hard you plan on hitting the mountain, you’ll spend a lot of time indoors. In our opinion, it’s worth it to book a comfortable space with a fireplace, movies, games, and other homey amenities. And, many of these rentals are just as affordable as hotel rooms.

Rent accommodations with a kitchen.

While it’s fun to indulge in a few meals out, it can feel hectic, expensive and time consuming to schlep the family to a restaurant for every meal. Most home and apartment rentals in Mammoth offer fully-equipped kitchens, and some hotels provide a partial kitchen. There’s a Vons in downtown Mammoth to pick up essentials, but if you want to splurge on some fine foods, check out Bleu Handcrafted Foods.

Check the forecast before crafting your itinerary.

Not only can checking the forecast a few days before your trip inform the clothes you bring, but can also give you an idea of what days you’ll be pulling all-dayers on the mountain, and what days you’ll need to plan something else. For example, being on the mountain during a blizzard isn’t great, so that might be a good time to plan a cozy cabin day, or go see a movie. 

Buy chains.

Even if the forecast doesn’t call for snow, a storm could still push through, making the roads dangerous without chains. We have way too many chains, as we’ve been caught in five too many unexpected storms (like that one time we were in a blizzard at the end of May), each causing us to buy yet another set. You can either take your tire measurements to an auto shop to buy these irritating, yet potentially life-saving webs of metal, or you can go the easy route and order them on good ole Amazon.

Book a spot for the kids in ski school.

The ski and snowboard schools at Mammoth Mountain are some of the best we’ve experienced. Because it can be a rare form of torture teaching your kids the ways of the mountain, give the gift of a lesson that allows them to learn from a patient pro, while you have kid-free slope time. These lessons fill up quick so reserve the spots you need a few weeks in advance.

Bring your favorite board (and car!) games, and movies.

If you’ll be renting a cabin or apartment, it may come with a decent supply of games and movies, but it’s hard to know if these options will be kid-appropriate. For example, we once stayed in a cabin that had Cards Against Humanity and Never Have I Ever – fun for adults, not so much for 5-year-olds. So check with the home-rental host to see what they offer, and supplement their entertainment stock with your own favorites. If you forget these goods, you can stock up at Mammoth Fun Shop.

Tip: Few things are as fabulously addictive as fireside-puzzle-construction. If you don’t want the littles messing with your 1,000-piece puzzle, bring them their own so they don’t feel left out, or compelled to mix up your meticulous sorting system.

Plan active pit stops.

Being with children… in a car… for hundreds of miles, can be… interesting. Sprinkle much needed sanity into your road trip by locating fun pit stops along your route that will give the fam an opportunity to get out of the car and move around. We try to stop for 30-minutes every 2 hours. If you’re traveling to Mammoth from Southern California, Fossil Falls is a stunning spot to stretch your legs while exploring prehistoric lava fields.

On the Mountain Tips

Mammoth is home to a smorgasbord of amenities that can enhance your getaway in innumerable ways. But if you don’t know where to look, or how to work the system, you just might find yourself in a frozen purgatory – but you won’t, because we have your back.

Head to June Mountain on holiday weekends.

If you’re visiting Mammoth during a holiday weekend, lift lines can get as long as 45-minutes (not worth it.) Skip the lines by driving the 30-minutes to June Mountain, which is a great family ski and board area.

You’ll want to get there as early as possible, as you have to catch a lift to get to the base of the slopes. This line can get long later in the morning, but once you reach the main lifts there’s rarely lines, even during the holidays. Making June Mountain even sweeter is the fact that kids 12 and under ski free. At Mammoth, you have to buy tix for children 5 and up.

Say yes to a date night.

If you’ll be in Mammoth for more than a few nights, consider hiring a babysitter through Care.com and utilizing one of the many high-quality romance-filled restaurants in and around The Village. Your kids will likely love an excuse to post-up in your accommodations with hot chocolate and movies, while you and your partner savor some much-needed alone time. Our go-to date night restaurants are 53 Kitchen and Nevados.

Make a clear plan for the mountain.

If you have young kids and will be splitting up (for example, one adult hitting the harder runs while the other chaperones on the bunny slope) you’ll want to choose an exact spot and time to meet for the swap, as cell service can be dicey on the mountain. For example, we do hour long shifts and meet at an igloo at Mammoth’s Canyon Lodge. Ensure you never have meet-up mix-ups by bringing along quality two-way radios.

Consider renting gear ahead of time.

While gear on the mountain isn’t unreasonably priced, you can often get a better deal at rental shops not affiliated with the mountain (this is usually true anywhere.) With that said, an advantage to renting through Mammoth Mountain is that, if you end up wanting to swap out gear for a different size or brand, you can easily do this at one of the lodges that houses a rental shop, versus having to pack up and drive into town to make the swap. Check out our Mammoth rental shop recommendations.

Rent a locker and bring snacks, books and games to the lodge.

Day-use lockers range from $10-$13 and quickly pay for themselves if you pack them full of snacks, drinks and entertainment. While it can be nice to splurge on a Mammoth Mocha or Bloody Mary, purchasing all your food and drink on the mountain can get pricey.

If you use the fine art of candy/toy bribery to get your kids to learn how to ski or board, you can store the pre-purchased loot in your locker and avoid paying $4 for a candy bar.

The books and games come in handy for the adult hanging with non-skiing kids in the lodge – and we won’t judge if there’s also some screens in that locker.

Park at The Village and take the gondola if the roads are bad.

Even with chains, snow/ice covered mountain roads can be sketchy. If you’d rather skip the hassle, park in the public lot across from The Village and take the free gondola to Canyon Lodge.

Prevent altitude sickness.

Existing in high altitudes (Mammoth sits at around 8,000 feet, while the top of the mountain is 11,053 feet) can cause everything from nausea, dizziness and fatigue, to sleeplessness and a racing pulse. To stave off these vacation-ruiners make sure you and your family members each drink an 8 ounce glass of water per hour, sleep when you’re tired, and eat when you’re hungry (carbs can counteract altitude sickness.)

Other natural remedies include Gingko Biloba, oxygen supplements like Cellfood, and chlorophyll tablets. If you know you’re susceptible to altitude sickness, you can also ask your doc for a Diamox prescription.

The post Essential Mammoth Lakes Family Travel Tips appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Does is usually take you a few days to feel like you’re on vacation? A few days to stop obsessively checking your phone or feeling like there’s somewhere you need to be, or a task you need to complete? We used to answer yes to these questions on every vacation, which made us feel like we were getting jipped out of half our trip because our minds were stuck on the obligations of home. We’re way too cheap to allow ourselves to continue with that pattern.

To move past our vacation-mode deficit we dissected what was happening on the vacation days that didn’t feel like vacation days, and what we could change about them. The result was seven practices that now allow us to slip into vacay mode as quickly as a six-year-old tearing through gifts on Christmas morning.

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Tie Up Loose Ends

As one of the biggest killers of vacation mode is worrying about work or home tasks that were left incomplete, tie up the essential lose ends before you depart. However, be discerning with what’s actually essential.

We used to work like crazy people the week before vacation, as we had the misconception that we had to complete EVERY SINGLE THING on our to-do lists before departing. This sometimes wore us out so much we ended up sick on vacation. Don’t follow our lead. Instead, complete the to-dos that actually have to be crossed off, and allow everything else to chill until you return.

Start a Good Book In Transit

Give your mind a taste of what it’s like to do something simply for pleasure by resisting the urge to only work while traveling to your destination, and instead cracking that book you’ve been dying to read. Getting hooked on a book will give you something to do when you get idle hands by the pool and are tempted to open the email app on your phone.

Balloon Meditation

Thoughts of to-dos, worries, and insecurities love to steal attention from a vacation. Take away their power by temporarily taking them out of your mind. To do this, close your eyes, take five deep breaths, then envision all the thoughts you don’t need to be expending energy on during vacation breaking away from your mind and floating into a balloon floating above your head.

If the thoughts in the balloon are ones that need to be dealt with at a later time, write them down and set the list aside for when you return home. If the thoughts are ones that can fully be released, envision clipping the string attaching the balloon to your mind and watch it float away into oblivion.

To start each day of your trip with a light + open mind and energy, do this meditation every morning before getting out of bed. If you feel the thoughts creeping back in later in the day, just repeat the exercise – it often takes less than 60 seconds.

Indulge in Pampering

As a lovely indulgence like a massage, facial or yoga class gives your mind and body a strong signal that it’s time to unwind, this bit of pampering can quickly dissolve many of your chill-vibe barriers. If possible, book this activity before you depart, and schedule it for the first day of your trip.

Create a Work Plan

If you’re not able to fully check out of work during vacation, because of obligation or desire, you can prevent work from taking over the trip by creating a plan for when you will and will not work, then committing to the plan.

For example, maybe you make a plan to work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, or three hours in the morning. It’s also helpful to inform your fellow travelers of this plan so they don’t feel resentful when you’re working, and you’re not put in the position of resenting them because they’re distracting you. Win win.

Limit Phone Use

As our phones are often a hopelessly distracting appendage, it’s important to make a plan about phone use when on vacation. For example, maybe you can commit to only checking your phone three times a day for 30 minutes, and only for email – or whatever feels reasonable.

In addition, as nothing sucks us out of the present moment faster than social media, resist the urge to fall down that rabbit hole, at least night during the day. And if you can’t help posting a photo of you drinking booze out of that giant coconut while a spider monkey sits on your shoulder, close out the app before you start scrolling through that intoxicating feed.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture

One of the quickest ways to settle into a new location is to walk around the community, observe locals, try the popular cuisine, and check out highlights of the area. This ASAP immersion will remind your brain that it’s no longer in the daily grind of home, but in a new setting that calls for exploration, presence, and possibly, slowing down. In addition, if you experience travel anxiety, getting to know your current destination will help soothe nerves with the elixirs of familiarity, distraction and discovery.

Exercise

While vacation might seem like the perfect time to shirk your exercise routine, skipping exercise can actually make you feel off-balance, fatigued and grumpy during your getaway. With that said, it might not be possible to adhere to the exact exercise program you follow at home, because of circumstances like time and available equipment.

But, pretty much every location offers opportunities for walking, jogging, or even some simple yoga in your hotel room. Committing to getting at least 30-minutes of exercise on most days of your vacation will keep your endorphins flowing, and your mind clear so you can fully settle into the joy of your travels.

Maintain Healthy Eating

Much like exercise, our eating habits usually shift when we’re away from our regular routine. While you will likely need to make certain dietary compromises while you’re away (especially if you’re traveling internationally), you can still make healthy choices, commit to not over eating, and of course, allow yourself the occasional indulgence, because hey, you’re on vacation.

And, fueling your body with fare it’s used to will prevent vacation distractions like constipation, bloating lethargy, and a short temper. In addition, staying on top of your water intake will set you up for low stress level, and smooth moves…

Honor Your Needs

Things that rarely happen during day-to-day life are resting when we’re tired, eating when we’re hungry and taking alone time when we need alone time. A blessing of many vacations is that there’s often more flexibility to honor these needs when they crop up.

Take advantage of that flexibility, pushing aside the guilt, hesitation and resistance that years of unhelpful conditioning usually heaps on us when we try taking care of our own needs. And honestly, doing what you need to do to feel good will make everyone else’s vacation better as well.

The post How to Quickly Shift Into Vacation Mode appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Our family is addicted to lists – we’ve found that the formation of a good one frees our minds from trying to remember uninspiring, yet essential, travel to-dos so we can focus on soaking in the goodness of positive anticipation and the actual trip.

Having these lists ensures you don’t spend sleepless nights trying to figure out what essential items you’ve forgotten to pack, and helps you make sure things like work, home and pets are good to go before departure.

This list is focused on tasks that are important to look into about a month before departure. After you check off the to-dos in this one, take at look at these other lists you might find helpful…

When you’re about a month from departure, dive into the following preparatory details of your adventure.

* Click here for a printable checklist.

Book transportation

If you haven’t already, book your transport to and from the airport, or any other routes you haven’t already procured transportation services for.

Ensure your travel documents are in order

While you hopefully took care of passport and driver’s license renewals, visa or international driver’s license procurement, vaccinations and any other document-related requirements for your destination a few months ago, this is a good time to confirm all your docu-ducks are in order, and organize them in a waterproof folder. We also recommend making a photocopy of these documents.

Print maps

If you’ll be driving in a destination where you won’t have cell service, print or purchase maps of the areas you’ll be navigating. Next, store them in the above-mentioned waterproof folder.

Polish your itinerary

Review your itinerary to make sure it’s filled with activities that are still exciting and doable for your family. For support crafting the ideal itinerary for your family, click here. Then…

Ensure all your activities are booked

If some of the “maybe” activities on your itinerary have reached “we definitely want to do that” status, book your spots for the desired day and time, if a reservation is required. And to avoid future hiccups, print the confirmations for all activities.

Create a preliminary list of restaurants or markets you’ll want to try

You might have taken care of food ideas when you crafted your itinerary, but if not, research eateries or markets you’ll want to try. This forethought can seriously simplify “where do we want to eat?” conversations.

Look into childcare options, if applicable

If you’ll be on a cruise, or a ski or resort vacation, there will likely be childcare options. If this is something you’ll require, look into whether you need to reserve a spot for the littles ahead of time. For those traveling to a destination that doesn’t provide on-site childcare, find a thoroughly vetted child care provider through Care.com or AupairWorld.net (if you’ll be abroad.)

Write a packing list

The sample packing lists we offer can be used as jumping off points for this task. As you edit them, think through your itinerary and your family’s unique preferences to ensure you bring the essentials. Speaking of essentials, prevent the hassle of can-barely-close luggage by only packing items you’re almost certain will get used.

Begin gathering travel essentials

If your packing list includes specialized items (e.g., snorkeling gear, camping gear, extra camera batteries, travel-size toiletries, etc.) that won’t be used before your trip, gather them in one location to facilitate easy packing when the time comes.

Examine luggage needs

Keeping the nature of your trip in mind, check out your family’s luggage supply to ensure it will meet the needs of your trip. For example, if you’ll be moving around a lot , you’ll likely want small luggage with wheels. If you’re heading to one location for an extended stay, you may want larger bags. For backpackers (who don’t already have a massive backpack), you’ll want to head to a sporting goods store where they can help you find a backpack to suit the unique framework of your journey.

Refill all essential prescriptions

Ensure you’ll have enough medication, contact lenses, inhaler cartridges, Epi pens or whatever else it is that you need a prescription for by loading up at least a week before departure. If you’re worried you’ll run out while away, call your care provider to procure a paper prescription you can use while away, or get extras of the items you need. Ideally you’ll have enough to get you through an extra week of vacation in case something happens and you’re stuck in paradise for longer than expected.

Make necessary arrangements for pets and house care

If you have pets that need regular care, or would rather not leave your house empty while you’re away, arrange to have a friend stay over, or utilize one of the many house and pet sitter services. Click here for a complete home-prep checklist to go through before you depart.

International Travel

Here are a few extra to-dos for those traveling beyond the borders of their home country.

Learn important phrases

For those traveling to an area that utilizes a language you’re not fluent in, it can be fun and respectable to learn key phrases in that language (and write them down so you don’t forget.) For example, Where is the bathroom? Please and thank you. How do we get to…? Can I please order…? are good places to start.

If you’ll have access to cell service, download a translator app like “Speak and Translate” to help you with on-the-go translations. (Eric once had a two-hour conversation with a Spanish gentleman using this app.)

Exchange currency

If you’ll be in an area that doesn’t accept credit cards (or charges a large fee for credit card transactions) you’ll want to get your hands on the local currency. Research the exchange rate of your needed currency at your local bank, compared to the rate at the airport, and in the area you’re going. This research can help ensure you score the best rate.

Before we went to Cuba we discovered that Euros and Canadian dollars had a better exchange rate than USD, so we exchanged a few hundred dollars worth of USD for Euros at our local bank, then exchanged that for CUCs (Cuba’s currency for tourists) in Cuba.

* Click here for a printable checklist.

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The post Essential Vacation To-Do List, One Month Before Departure appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

A common refrain I hear from parents expecting a baby is, “There goes our dreams of traveling.” But those dreams don’t have to dissolve as little humans pop into your family. While traveling with children obviously comes with a slew of challenges, it actually makes me savor travel more, as I get to see the world through Hudson’s eyes. The crabs that used to annoy me in Costa Rica are now fascinating critters to chase… and then run away from. And an airplane with built-in screens is now the most exciting discovery ever.

However, without certain preparations and considerations traveling with kids can easily slip back into “dream killer” mode. Here are tips to help you stay on the sunny side of family travel.

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Prep your kids for the new locations.

Some kids get super uncomfortable in new environments, which is why it can be helpful to show them photos and/or videos of the locations you’ll be visiting before you leave, in addition to teaching them a bit about the local culture. You can also see if there’s any children’s books set in that area. This will all help the destination feel more familiar to your littles, and hopefully minimize meltdowns.

Pad your itinerary.

One of the biggest stressors of travel is time. Running late for the plane. Trying to get to that group tour before they leave. And the list goes on. Avoid the need to constantly tell your family to hurry up by leaving plenty of time to get from point A to B. In addition, plan ample free time between outings for rest or spontaneous activities.

Loosen up on some rules.

Because travel changes the tapestry of your days, it may be wise to analyze your set of rules (for example, one-hour of screen time each day) and see what you can bend, in favor of having a more enjoyable trip. Be sure to manage expectations by letting the kids know this is a temporary arrangement.

Bring just-in-case meds.

In addition to the medications you know your family will need, bring those that might come in handy. For example, Hudson and I are prone to motion sickness, so I always pack motion sickness patches. Allergy and OTC pain meds are also regulars in my suitcase.

Let kids have a say in the itinerary.

While you likely have your finger on the pulse of what your kids will enjoy, it can be empowering for them to have a voice in what you do on the trip. You can let the kids get a say by providing a list of activities you think the whole family would enjoy, then asking each child to select two or three options.

Pack layers for the plane.

A plane can be sweltering on the tarmac, then frigid in the air. Help the kids (and yourself!) stay comfortable during travel by packing layers that can accommodate these temperature shifts.

Stay put.

As much as possible, avoid switching up your accommodations. Not only does relocating take a lot of time, but it also requires the kids to have to acclimate to new sleeping quarters.

Carry snacks.

If your kids are picky eaters, or sensitive to certain types of foods, always have a supply of some of their favorite nosh in your travel tote. Sadly, we didn’t do this on a 14-hour flight to Australia, and arrived with disgruntled digestive systems.

Write down how to explain dietary needs in the language spoken in your destination.

If you’re going to Italy and your child has a peanut allergy, for example, look up how to explain the allergy in Italian, so there’s no miscommunication when purchasing food.

Bring something new.

Kids love novelty – at least when it comes to stuff. Keep an ace up your sleeve by packing a few toys, books, or (non-messy) art supplies that you can whip out when the going gets tough.

Load up the electronic entertainment device.

Whether we like to admit it or not, many of us rely heavily on screens to entertain children while traveling. Because reliable Wi-Fi is not a guarantee, download audio books, shows, movies, and games before you leave.

Bring headphones with a jack.

Even with a fully loaded device, there’s something about a built-in entertainment device on an airplane that’s irresistible to kids. Ensure they’re able to use it by bringing comfortable headphones that can be plugged in. We were recently on a flight with such a screen, and Hudson was devastated that his wireless headphones couldn’t be plugged in. Devastated.

Create a wind-down song.

Prep your kids to mellow out in a foreign environment by singing a super soothing song to them every night, starting about two weeks before you leave. If they have a hard time focusing on your sweet tunes, ask them to close their eyes, watch your face, or focus on a calming object, like a stuffed animal.

Make a safety plan.

Travel is ripe with opportunities for kids to get lost. For older kids, set a plan for where and when to meet if you get separated. For little kids, emphasize the point that they need to always be able to see one of their adults. And of course, make sure an adult is always assigned to keep an eye on them.

In addition, when you’re exploring, put a note in their pocket (or tie it on their wrist) that includes your name, local phone number, email address, and location of your accommodations. Remind your kids to show this note to an adult if they get lost.

If you’re tech savvy, get a GPS tracking device like The Tile and attach it to your child so you don’t have to rely on others to get them back to you.

Start your day with positivity.

Because the moods of parents can drastically impact the moods of kids, help yourself (and your partner, if you’re traveling with one) start the day on a positive note by spending five minutes every morning in a calm location visualizing how you would like your day to unfold. Really savor the positive emotions attached to these visualizations.

If your kids wouldn’t scoff at the idea of a few minutes of guided meditation, get them in on this morning practice.

Spice up sightseeing with special projects.

Because many kids like sightseeing as much as they love Brussels sprouts, keep your minis from rioting whilst you explore a new area by giving them a special project, like a scavenger hunt or taking pictures for a photo journal. We’ve also had luck downloading audio books on our phones, and keeping headphones stashed in our backpack, to have go-to entertainment when Hudson starts protesting our itinerary.

Scavenger Hunt Tip: Make a list of common plants, animals, structures, or objects you’re likely to see at your sightseeing locales of choice, then read them to the kiddos on the way to stoke their excitement. And offering a reward for those that complete the scavenger hunt never hurts.

Welcome adversity.

I used to think there was little benefit to travel challenges until I realized it was making our kid more resilient. However, that resilience only showed itself if Eric and I could keep our cool. So, help your kids learn valuable lessons about staying calm in the face of sh*tty luck by doing so yourself. A few deep breaths, and reminding myself that no amount of anger, blame or regret will change the situation, usually prevents me from becoming a travel monster.

Consider hiring childcare.

Because there will likely be aspects of a destination you’re dying to explore without the kids, hiring a sitter can infuse added joy into your trip. While many parents are hesitant to hire a sitter that hasn’t been vetted by friends and family, services like Care.com and Nanny.org only connect you with carefully screened childcare providers.

The post Game-Changing Tips for Traveling With Kids appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

It sometimes feels like our house waits for us to go out of town to spring a leak, allow a tree branch to fall through a patio roof, or admit an infestation of ants into the kitchen. Jerk. While it’s impossible to 100% safeguard your house before departure, we’ve crafted a list of numerous tasks you can check off to evade expensive disasters.

From discouraging burglars and preventing an overflowing mailbox, to making sure you don’t return to a foul smelling house and avoiding unnecessarily high electricity bills, we’ve got you covered. And because every house is different, consider the unique needs of your home and add customized to-dos to the list.

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* Click here for printable checklist.

· Put a few lights on a timer, or leave two lamps and a porch light on, minimizing the chance of a break in.

· Ensure all windows and doors are locked. Lock pet doors if they won’t be home.

· Close all blinds.

· Bring hidden keys inside.

· Put out ample food and water for animals who will be on their own.

· Turn off water if you don’t need it for an automatic sprinkler system.

· Turn off gas.

· Turn thermostat to 85 during warmer months, and 55 in colder months.

· Make sure all burners and stove is off.

· Run garbage disposal, and run and empty dishwasher.

· Take out trash and recycling. Put out bins if there will be a pick up while you’re gone.

· Unplug appliances that won’t need power while you’re away.

· Clean out the fridge and throw out any pantry food that will get moldy in your absence. Make sure the fridge and freezer doors are sealed.

· Pour a cup of bleach in toilet bowls to prevent scum build up.

· Leave out cinnamon sticks, or other aromatic products, to ensure your home smells fresh when you return.

· Water plants.

· Make sure smoke detectors aren’t low on batteries.

· Wash sheets and soiled clothes.

· Ensure the washer and dryer are free of clothes.

· Put a hold on mail and newspapers if you’ll be gone more than a few days.

· Put a hold on services, such as cleaning and lawn, that you don’t want while you’re gone.

· Pay all bills that will come due while you’re away.

· Lock valuables in fire proof safe.

· Don’t tell social media when you’ll be out of town.

· If you have an alarm system, let the company know you’ll be out of town.

· If you have a pool, make sure the pump is running.

* Click here for printable checklist.

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The post Ultimate Guide for Preparing Your House Before Travel (Printable Checklist Included!) appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Sleeping under the stars, communing with flora and fauna, unplugging the tech and tuning into family… camping is where it’s at… with the exception of all the stuff. The packing and shuffling of camp goods can be so overwhelming we try, as much as possible, to camp for a minimum of two nights, so we’re not spending half our time dealing with stuff.

However, we’ve also figured out that a big part of our problem was brining too much stuff, because we never made a solid list of what we actually used on camping trips. So for the sake of our sanity and your’s, we’ve crafted a master packing list. This sucker will ensure you’re not stuck saying, “This campout would be way better if we had remembered to pack _____,” while also helping you avoid a car that’s so overloaded your rearview mirror is useless. Cheers to the fine balance of car-camping-packing.

Tip: Contact the area where you’ll be camping ahead of time to see if there are any specialized items they recommend you bring, or items that are off-limits.

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* Click here for a printable version of this list.

· A tent, or tents.

The size or amount of tents you bring will depend on whether you want to share a tent with the kids. Sometimes we’ll even designate a play tent and sleep tent so little, mud-covered feet don’t trash our sleeping bags.

In addition, it’s ideal to bring tents appropriate for the type of weather you’ll be camping in.

· Rain protection for tent. We’ve forgotten our tarp and rain fly before and it wasn’t pretty. Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, don’t test the weather Gods…

· Rubber mallet for tent stakes. If you’re camping on harder ground, a rubber mallet (safer than a hammer) can save your hands.

· Mat. Place this directly outside your tent to leave soiled shoes.

· Sleeping bags and pillows. Check the weather to ensure you’ll be bringing sufficiently warm bedding.

·. It’s worth it to invest in a higher quality air mattress – we’ve have had excellent luck with our Eddie Bauer air mattress. And don’t forget the pump!

· Two sets of clothes for each day. You’ll likely get your day clothes sufficiently soiled on hikes and other excursions, so you’ll want a second set to change into for the evening.

· Pajamas. It’s nice to have enough pajamas to don a new set every other night.

· Bathing suit. If you’ll be near swimable water.

· Warm outerwear.

We often find it preferable to bring too much outerwear, than not enough, as evenings can quickly get chilly when you’re living outside.

· Hiking shoes.

· Water shoes. If you’ll be near water.

· Sandals for bathing in public showers.

· Sun hats.

· Bug spray.

· Waterproof sunscreen.

· Portable shower. A slice of heaven after a long hike. Make sure to leave the water bag in the sun so it heats up.

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· Biodegradable toiletries. This helps ensure you don’t contribute to chemicals harming local flora and fauna.

· Baby wipes! “Baby wipe bath” is a phrase used too often in our family when camping.

· Headlamps. These are not only handy for things like food and fire prep, but help you keep track of the kids at night. Make sure to bring one for every member of the family.

· Solar powered battery pack. While camping is the ideal time to unplug, it’s nice to have the ability to charge your phone, or other gadgets, just in case.

· Portable chairs.

The picnic tables at most camping sites aren’t conducive for relaxation. And there are few things, at least in our opinion, as luxurious as sitting by a campfire in a scoop chair, with an addictive book.

·.

· Constellation app on phone.

· Portable speaker.

· Shock and waterproof camera. A nearly unbreakable memory-capturing device for kids, for that aforementioned scavenger hunt.

· Firewood and starter. Obviously, this is only needed if fires are allowed in the area where you’ll be camping.

· Portable table (for sites without picnic tables).

· Too much drinking water. While most camping areas have a convenience store to re-up on water, it’s often expensive. We like to bring more drinking water than we think we’ll need.

· Coffee. Because coffee.

· Just enough food for your planned meals. We used to throw random food we thought we’d use into our cooler… this resulted in a lot of wasted, soggy ice chest food. Now we think through each camping meal and get the exact amount of food necessary.

Tip: Prepare as much of your food ahead of time (e.g., chopping veggies, marinating meat, etc) to save you work on the backend.

· Non-perishable snacks.

· Portable cooktop and propane.

· Cooler with dry or regular ice.

· Supply box. If you’ll be car camping, it’s handy to have a large weatherproof box, with a critter-proof-lid to stay organized. The following items can be stored in this box…

o Toilet paper!

o Mini-shovel. For digging mini-potties if you won’t be in a location with bathrooms.

o Paper towels

o One set of silverware, and a plate and bowl, for each member of the family. It can be helpful to buy sets of plastic dishes that come in various colors so each family member can have their own color.

o Biodegradable dish soap

o Small plastic washing bin for dishes

o Large sealable bags for leftover food storage

o Spatula

o Pot and frying pan

o Kettle

o Foil

o Bottle opener and corkscrew

o Sharp knife with secure cover

o Cutting board

o Washing bin for dishes

o Biodegradable dish soap

o Scrub brush

o Dish towel

o Long skewers (for smores!)

o Trash bags

o Metal coffee mugs

o Reusable water bottle for each family member

o Battery powered lanterns. Super convenient for the eating area.

o First aid kit

o Deck of cards

o Binoculars

* Click here for a printable version of this list.

The post What to Pack for a Family Camping Trip (Printable Checklist Included!) appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Australia is one of our all time favorite destinations, especially as Eric was born in Brisbane. The stunning beaches, adventure-filled hiking trails, epic surf, rich foods and cheeky locals make it a wonderland for those who like to explore both the wonders of Mother Nature and the vibrant cultures of foreign cities. However, just like any country, there are aspects of Australia that might be confounding to tourists. To help you navigate it like a pro, here’s a heads up about the key idiosyncrasies of Aussie life.

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1. There’s terminology you need to know.

While you can definitely get by with basic English in Australia, there are a few words that might throw you off. For example…

Cookies are Biscuits.

Candy is lollies.

Gas is petrol.

Trash or garbage is rubbish.

2. The conversion is (currently) super favorable for American travelers.

Before you scoff at Australian prices (which are higher than many Americans are used to) know that when a charge shows up on your credit card it will be much less than you expect. For example, a $180 charge in AUD is about $120 in USD (at least in 2019.)

3. You can’t use US dollars.

While Mexico and many Central American countries will accept USD, Australian vendors expect AUD. However, you can use credit cards, just make sure to put travel alerts on them before you depart.

4. Don’t lose your coins.

When you’re handed a fistful of change, don’t dismiss it, as Australia has $1 and $2 coins (they’re the small gold ones.)

5. Drive on the left side of the road.

You probably already know this, but we included it to ensure travelers understand how initially tricky this can be if you’re from a country that drives on the right side. If possible, spend a few days becoming comfortable with this change before doing heavy duty driving. In addition, drinking and driving is even more dangerous when you’re not used to driving on the left side, as the inebriated brain will easily shift to its go-to of driving on the right side of the road.

6. No left hand turn on a red light.

When you’re making a left hand turn in Australia it feels as though you should be able to turn on a red light, just like you often can in the United States when you’re making a right turn on red. But don’t, because it’s illegal.

7. It’s easy to get a speeding ticket, or popped for driving under the influence.

Beyond the classic method of on-the-road police handing out tickets, there are also cameras that will clock you for going too fast or too slow (we learned this the expensive way), so honor the speed limit even when there aren’t police around. In addition, vans that act as checkpoints for under-the-influence drivers are common, especially on weekend or holiday evenings. And they don’t just breathalyze, they do a cotton swab test to check for drugs.

8. Their speed limits are slower than many areas in the United States.

You’ll likely be a driving a bit slower than you’re used to, but as we mentioned above, they take speeding seriously so slow it down and enjoy the scenery.

9. They use roundabouts instead of stop lights.

Know that when you come to a roundabout yield to the cars coming from your right.

10. Be aware of toll road fees.

Many cities in Australia have toll roads, so if you’re renting a vehicle, ask the agency about their toll road protocol, as some automatically charge you, and others expect you to take care of it on your own through this government website. Fees are rarely more than $5 for the day.

11. Almost all outlets have a switch.

Helping Australians save heaps on electricity are the switches above outlets, preventing appliances from pulling electricity when they’re not needed. So if you’re wondering why your phone isn’t charging or the hair dryer isn’t working, make sure the switch is flipped.

12. You need an outlet converter if you’re from a country that doesn’t use 230 V.

As the US uses 120 V and Australia has 230 V, you’ll need to bring outlet converters. You can get 3-packs for about $6 on good ole Amazon.

Tip: A hair dryer bought in the US was made for 120 V, so you can blow out the motor by using it on high in Australia. Setting it on low or medium will likely be all you need.

13. Everything won’t kill you.

Wallabies at Woody Heads campground

While documentaries chronicling all the critters that can kill you in Aus (mainly insects, reptiles, sharks and crocs) terrify many, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll ever encounter such creatures. We went hiking numerous times and camped, and never saw one dangerous animal – kangaroos, koalas, birds, whales and dolphins were the extent of our animal encounters. Eric also spent half his life in Australia and doesn’t have any good deadly-animal-encounter stories. In addition, there aren’t bears, mountain lions or other large animals to look out for while camping and hiking.

With that said, jellyfish, spiders and snakes that can do you harm are still around, so stay aware, just not paranoid.

14. Come with your sense of humor.

Aussies are sassy and quick with the jokes, so come ready to not take yourself, or others, too seriously.

15. Portions are smaller.

While many American eateries serve heaping plates of food that could easily feed two, Australia often serves portions that are fit for a single person. It’s true that you’re getting less for more, but the quality of the ingredients is often high, and won’t require a nap and antacid after.

16. Pies are savory, not sweet.

When you see delicious looking single serving pies in one of the many Aussie bakeries, don’t expect it to be filled with apples, cherries or chocolate. A staple of the Australian culinary scene are meat pies, meaning you’ll find savory fillings like steak and mushrooms, chicken curry, vegetables and other tasty goods within that flaky crust. Don’t knock it till you try it.

17. Bring your sunscreen.

Australia has mega ultraviolet radiation and the highest level of skin cancer in the world. Because of this, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and UPF clothing are a must.

18. You can expect comprehensive amenities at almost every public recreational space.

Showers, toilets, concession stands and even push-button grills can be found at almost every public beach and park in Australia. In addition, many of these public parks and beaches feature impressive kids’ play areas, making them ideal locales to sip your morning coffee, savor an afternoon picnic, or cook some sausage on the barby as the sun sets.

19. Visiting during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer is the way to go.

As Aussie schools have a year round system, they only have two weeks of holiday during their winter (summer in the north.) So going down under between June and August can help you score cooler weather and fewer crowds.

The post What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Australia appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

It can be mind boggling to see the rates for accommodations in most areas, especially if the rooms are far from special. However, there are many tips + tricks you can utilize to score the price that’s most aligned with the type of digs you’ll be receiving. While many of these suggestions require extra time on your part, they are worth the effort if you’ll be booking for multiple nights, or have a tight budget.

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Price Compare

For hotels, price compare on at least three sources, like Booking, Kayak and Priceline. Next, contact the hotel to see if they can beat those rates, or offer other perks like free parking or breakfast if you book directly through them. It’s also wise to ask if they offer discounts for students, veterans, USAA or AARP members, or any of the other “we get you discounts” affiliations.

Haggle

If you’ll be booking last minute through a site like Airbnb, HomeAway or VRBO you might be able to negotiate a lower rate by contacting the host directly. Because most homeowners would rather have someone pay less than average for an impending date, than have their rental empty, they may be willing to throw you a discount. But this is not a sure bet, as they may have other travelers inquiring about the same dates, or don’t think a lower rates is worth the wear and tear on their property. But it’s worth a try!

Something else to consider is that many homeowners offer a discount for longer stays.

Tip: If you’ll be staying at an Airbnb, VRBO, or bed-and-breakfast, the host can likely offer insider tips for where to eat, play and explore in the area.

Utilize Coupons

Coupon apps like Honey can help you save mega bucks on hotel and activity bookings. You just download it on your browser and it immediately searches the Internet ethers for any and all discount codes for whatever it is you’re about to book. We’ve saved thousands with this app, and they don’t even pay us to say that.

Search the Travel Site of Your Member Organizations

Companies like USAA, Ameriprise (and most other credit card or financial service providers), Costco, and others often offer member discounts for select hotels, cruise lines, airlines, rental car suppliers and other travel related services. Check their website for potential travel offers, or just call their customer service line to get a quick summary of how they can help.

For example, the cruise we took to Cuba on Royal Caribbean was significantly discounted, as a USAA rep set it up for us. He was also able to ensure our room was in close proximity to the other seven families we were traveling with, and booked our dining reservations.

Reconsider Proximity Preferences

If it’s worth it to you to pay more to be within walking distance to the most coveted area of wherever it is you’re traveling, then great, skip this. But if you’ll have a rental car, are cool with ride shares, or will be near public transport, you can often save big by staying in an area that isn’t on top of major attractions. Business hotels near airports often offer some of the most affordable rates.

Utilize Miles

The rewards program for many credit cards allows you to use points towards certain hotels. We’ve scored amazing deals on Cabo hotels through our Alaska Airlines Visa.

Look for Hotels Offering Free Parking and Breakfast

As many hotels charge over $15 for daily parking, and you (generally) have to eat every morning, accommodations that include parking and breakfast in their nightly rate can often be a better deal than hotels that don’t.

For example, let’s say hotel X charges $160 per night, but includes parking and breakfast, while hotel Y charges $145 per night, but doesn’t include the extras. If hotel Y charges $20/day for parking, and you spend $15/per person (for a family of four) every day for a hotel breakfast, you’ll actually be paying $225 per day at hotel Y.

Look Into Hotel + Airline Bundles

Many of the organizations mentioned above (e.g., credit card companies, USAA, etc.) offer discounted rates when you buy your airfare and hotel in a bundle (many also tack on a rental car, if needed.)

We’ve found the most luck with this through airline credit cards, as they often offer bundles in destinations where they frequently fly. For example, Alaska Airlines offer appealing bundles in various areas of Mexico, Costa Rica and Hawaii, in addition to Las Vegas, Disney World, and Disneyland.

Bypass Foreign Transaction Fees

When traveling to certain countries, your purchases could be subject to foreign transaction fees. To skip this price hike, use a credit card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. If you’re unsure whether or not the credit cards you use apply this fee, give them a call.

If you don’t have a credit card that waives these fees, consider applying for one (if the hassle is worth it for you). Popular credit cards that don’t have this fee include Capital One Venture Rewards (this is the card we have and love), Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred cards, Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, and Bank of America Premium Rewards.

Take Over Another Traveler’s Reservation

While we don’t recommend booking accommodations last minute for a big trip, sites like RoomerTravel.com – which allows you to take over the reservation of a traveler who needs to cancel – can be a fun option for families who get a thrill from spontaneity. While this site also acts as a SkyScanner-esque booking service, the real deals are scored when your dates and preferences are flexible. If it were us, we’d make sure we had a reservation set well ahead of time for at least 2/3 of our trip, then might consider mixing it up last minute with a booking through this site.

HotelTonight also offers significant discounts for last minute bookings.

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