Blog

Labels: Gas Grill Giveaway

Labels: Hotwire.com, smartmoney.com

1. Fine dining: Whether you’re traveling 5-star or not, making reservations or stopping by an exclusive restaurant in the city is a once in a lifetime experience that will be totally worth the extra splurge. You’ll leave feeling full and content knowing you got a taste (literally and figuratively) of the best local food scene.
2. Spa treatments: Treating your body and mind to a massage or facial can be beneficial and melt away any stress. Booking this type of indulgence on the first or second day of arrival will help you relax even further which will help pave the wave for a smooth rest of your getaway.
3. An out of this world excursion: Is swimming with dolphins on your bucket list? What about parasailing? These types of excursions – sometimes pricey - can turn into events that make you say, “I will never forget this moment.” It is worth it to spend the extra dollars and do something you’d never thought you’d do while on vacation.
4. Sightseeing: Whether it’s a famous art museum, aquarium or castle, paying the extra few bucks for a ticket is worth it. You learn history about the location and see more of an “artsy” side of things that you not see otherwise. These types of activities really allow you to become immersed with the local culture, and some locations may even offer family discounts.
5. Must-do landmarks: Does your vacation destination have the coolest amusement park in its surrounding area? Then, definitely buy a ticket and enjoy the ride. That way, you can go home and share the best advice with friends and family for their next trip, or just share your favorite photos.

Labels: SmarTravel, tips

1. Pack smart: Try to consolidate by co-packing as many items as possible. One great tip is stacking a complete outfit together – top, pants, underwear, socks – and packing into a zip-lock bag. Dirty items can go directly back into the bag. Additionally, try to pack lights clothes with one warm sweatshirt/pants set. You can always do a load of laundry and re-wear an outfit versus packing an additional that takes up more room.
2. Pack the car efficiently: Prior to starting, clean out the interior and trunk/cargo area and get rid of everything that is not needed for this specific trip. A lot of families find it easiest to pack the car the night before you leave since it can take longer than expected. Always remember last in, first out.
3. Have these few items within easy reach: Think a cooler with snacks and drinks that can be easily accessed. Be sure to keep a trash bag to gather the accumulated wrappers and junk. Packing supplies like paper plates or bowls, plastic utensils, napkins and more may come in handy. Also, be sure to pack any other “on the way” items so you won’t have to unload the whole trunk each time you stop en route in order to find something. Most SmarTravel accommodations feature a kitchenette, so unused snack items won’t go to waste.
4. Plan the packing out: Packing the car can be somewhat like a logic puzzle. If you lay out the items on the lawn prior to starting, you can think it out. If something isn’t working, be willing to admit it doesn’t fit and try a new way. Husbands and wives can experience a battle of the sexes when it comes to packing a car, so choose the most organized person to lead the way.
5. Use hidden space: Remember to utilize the space under seats, in the consoles along the sides of the car and even the middle console.
6. Consider adding a roof rack or storage for added space: As you begin the packing process with every family member’s luggage, you will soon find the car walls caving in. Larger items like strollers, bikes or suitcases may fit best in a separate storage unit on top or back of the car to save some space.

Labels: Packing