Travel In Life

As an avid traveler, I often get asked for my best tips. Well, here’s one: Coca-Cola. Yes, my friends, the same carbonated beverage that can actually clean your toilet has become my preferred partner in crime when I travel. I swear by this brown, bubbly liquid to protect against food-related tummy troubles. Truth: I’m not entirely sure how it works.

The rumors keep flying about a Spice Girls reunion. And while that may or may not happen, this new exhibit is serving up some serious nostalgia and has me digging in the back of the closet for my patent leather platform boots. A post shared by Suzana Carrascosa Storolli ☆ (@suhzana) on Aug 9, 2018 at 4:02am PDT The SpiceUp exhibit opened in London on July 28 to be followed by the Manchester opening on August 24.

Turns out that Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London’s ‘Hogwarts After Dark’ isn’t the only festivity we get to look forward to this year. From November 17 to January 27, 2019, muggles and wizards alike will get to witness the Studio transform into a winter wonderland for the second year in a row, thanks to ‘Hogwarts in the Snow.

It’s no secret that the Queen is a worldwide traveler. Ever since taking her rightful place on the throne, she has been jetting off to countries left and right to maintain good relations with the U.K. While the 92-year-old royal might not be crossing country lines as often as she used to, the years of experience have surely helped her gain a plethora of travel hacks and knowledge.

Are you made of stern enough stuff to spend a night in a San Francisco dungeon done up, in every eery detail, to recreate a cell from the infamously haunted and horrid prison at Alcatraz? A few curiosity-seeking travelers to the Bay Area will be able to find out for themselves this Halloween, thanks to an exclusive and otherworldly bed and breakfast experience from Booking.com.

If you have serious FOMO whenever you hear about a Harry Potter event going on at Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, you are not alone. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take part in feasting on a butter roasted stuffed turkey and Christmas pudding inside a decorated Great Hall at Hogwarts in the Snow? But now, we finally have a win right here in America!

‘Tis the season for travel, which means you may be spending more time than usual inside of airports and airplanes. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for common colds, bugs, the flu, and other germ-induced sicknesses, that’s why it pays to know what kinds of things to avoid (and precautions to take) to bypass any untimely illnesses while traveling for the holidays. So for advice on germy places to stay away from on a plane, we called on microbiologist Kelly A.

We all have our daily skincare routines, but what to do when traveling and you can’t bring all your stuff on board with you? We asked two of our favorite skincare experts, sought-after esthetician Renée Rouleau and facialist to the stars, Joanna Vargas, for advice on how to get through airport security with your skincare regimen intact, and here’s what they had to say.

Get ready for a mix of admiration and envy from those who stumble upon your yard this holiday season. Home Depot is selling an inflatable decoration inspired by “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” that you can snag for your own home. Who could forget the opening scene where the Griswolds are conducting their annual tradition of hunting for the perfect Christmas tree?

It’s the week before Christmas and all through the house, everyone is stressing and starting to grouse. If the holidays makes you anxious, you’re not alone. While there’s inevitably a lot to do, it’s important to work some self care into your routine, not only to preserve your sanity, but so that there’s enough gas in the tank for the marathon of parties, family gatherings, and other obligations about to bombard your every waking moment.

If you’ve ever been forced to endure a flight seated next to someone who decided to bring a tuna salad sandwich as their carry-on item, then congratulations—you’re fully prepared to be Martha Stewart’s seatmate. The OG lifestyle guru told the New York Times what her travel essentials are, and for the most part they’ll make you hope you never have to share an armrest with her. “I try to avoid plane food most of the time,” she harrumphed to the Times.

On January 1, anything seems possible. A brand new year is a clean slate and an enticing opportunity to embark on ambitious goals. Unfortunately, we all know that a few weeks or even days later most New Year’s resolutions usually fall by the wayside—but maybe 2019 can be different. Instead of tripping up on your lofty New Year’s resolutions, why not be proactive and book a trip that will help you stay motivated?

There are movie fans and then there are movie fans, you know? For some true cinephiles, simply watching their favorite movie over and over again until they have the entire thing memorized and confuse its fictional characters for real people is not enough (not like I’ve ever done that with “Sleepless in Seattle” or anything, nothing to see here!). No, some true movie fans crave a more immersive experience. Standing where the characters in their favorite films stood.

Every Harry Potter fan has been sorted into a Hogwarts house at some point in their life. And if you haven’t, thanks to Pottermore, you can easily find out what house you belong in if you don’t already know if you’re a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff. Each of the Hogwarts houses has a specific set of traits that explain why they were sorted into that house. Gryffindors are known for their “nerve, chivalry, daring, courage, bravery and determination.

If your kind of a vacation involves a whole lot of HGTV inspiration, then do we have the dream retreat for you. Frequent fans of Waco’s wonder duo, Chip and Joanna Gaines, are probably familiar with the couple’s collaborator, Jimmy Don Holmes. Holmes often participated in “Fixer Upper” renovations, putting his special touch on the projects with his intricate metalwork.

On the spectrum of Harry Potter fandom, I’m somewhere in the middle. Thanks to Pottermore, I know my houses (Hufflepuff and Horned Serpent at Ilvermorny, the American equivalent of Hogwarts), my Patronus (fox), and my wand (redwood, phoenix feather core, 12 and a quarter inches, pliant). I’ve read the original books and seen the movies, but I won’t win any trivia competitions, and I’m in no rush to sit through the five-plus hours of “Cursed Child.

Reroute your owls to deliver The Daily Prophet to your new address because you’ll never want to leave this Harry Potter rental. Located in Salem, MA, this private room can fit two guests, and ideally those who can revel in the extra attention to detail. Just one mile from the train station, this room was crafted by a host with experience in the toy and games industry.

Just south of San Francisco, close to the idyllic Highway 1 views of California’s picturesque cliffs and beaches, lies a tiny mushroom dome cabin in the woods. It’s one of the world’s most popular Airbnb listings and, for just $130 a night, it could be yours to sleep in. The Mushroom Dome cabin is in Monterey Bay and is surrounded by 10 acres of woods that make perfect hiking trails.

What we might love most about Airbnb‘s existence is the astounding variety of stays travelers can now experience. If you can dream up a lodging scenario—anything from a treehouse to a mansion—you can likely find it on Airbnb. And yes, that includes the former homes of celebrities. There’s no denying the allure of being physically present in a space that one of your heroes once called home.

“Game of Thrones” may be coming to an end, but the most-licensed program in HBO history can live on in the memories of superfans with a serious case of wanderlust. Throughout the years, the show has filmed in 10 countries, including Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, United States, Canada, and Scotland. Hotels.

If you can dream it, you can find it on Airbnb. The vacation rental service gives you the chance to stay in some truly remarkable spaces. You can rent homes once owned by famous celebrities, stay overnight in converted train cars, and get cozy in the tiniest tiny houses you can imagine. If you like your vacation rentals to be an experience, we found your next destination: an alpaca ranch.

In the southwest of England lies a tiny house in Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city near Stonehenge. Two guests can cozy up in the studio-style space with a bed meant for stargazing. The hut includes a tiny wood-burning stove in the corner of the main living area that’s equipped with bench seating and a wooden table, plus kitchen appliances (tea kettle definitely included). Every morning, guests are treated to fresh bread, marmalade, granola, and muesli.

Want to make your Disney vacation last forever? Try smelling it.

Are you ready to jet off somewhere? After all, a change of scenery and perspective can go a long way toward helping you to better understand the world at large and appreciate what you have at home (or know with more certainty that you need to call a new place “home”). Time and money are usually the factors that get in the way of travel for most folks.

Road tripping is a laidback way to see a lot of places you might not get to otherwise. But if you’re the type who prefers to be extremely thorough, here are five routes that pack a lifetime of traveling into one trip. UPenn senior data scientist Randy Olson has determined the most efficient path to hit up every national park in the lower 48. That’s 47 parks in total. The trip can be accomplished in about two months if you’re not dilly dallying.

If touring museums in Spain is on your travel itinerary this year, be sure to pack your wet suit and waterproof camera. You won’t need them while browsing Gaudí’s Casa Vicens, but those items (and some pretty strong swimming skills) will certainly come in handy if you plan on stopping by Museo Atlántico, a 300-sculpture installation located off the coast of Lanzarote, Spain beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you can’t deal with another forecast of subzero temperatures or double-digit snow accumulation, it might be time to book a tropical escape. Good thing there’s a private island on Airbnb that’s not much more than staying at a hotel. While buying a private island can be quite cost prohibitive, staying on one is much more affordable. The same goes for Bird Island in Belize.

Home is where your books are. Or at least that’s the case when it comes to residential libraries, where you can spend a night among the sweet, sweet scent of books. In Colorado, two bookstore employees are working to transform an abandoned 60-acre cattle ranch into what they call a “literary ‘home on the range’ for writers, artists, and nature-lovers.

Talk about a fixer upper: When an Australian couple purchased the “almost ruined” Château de Gudanes in 2013, they did so after being able to see just four of its 94 rooms. After four years of reconstruction, the 18th century property in the south of France will be welcoming its first guests, starting this summer. Located in the Ariège region of France, the property overlooks the Midi-Pyrénées.

Opened just over a year ago and designed by former-fashion-designer-turned-visionary-hotelier Alan Faena, the Faena Miami Beach Hotel has quickly carved out a spot in the overcrowded and glitzy Miami hotel scene — and the design world.

Is it your dream to road trip to music festivals all summer, drinking wine and having fun? Well, one company will actually pay you to do just that. The vintners at Union Wine Co. are searching for a “canbassador” to travel cross country and back with the company’s 1972 Citroën mobile wine bar, hitting up music festivals, store openings, and outdoor events along the way.

Planning a family vacation to Disney is a bucket list item for many parents. But all the decisions, like choosing where to stay and knowing what to pack, can get incredibly overwhelming almost as quickly as you can say ‘Fast Pass.’ Thankfully, one enterprising Etsy entrepreneur has created the ultimate spreadsheet. For $18 you can get an instant download that includes an editable Excel planner and editable PDF planner.

When you think Disney World you normally think Mickey Mouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Epcot Center. Images of Silicon Valley startups don’t usually come to mind. However, tech giant Airbnb’s latest venture in Kissimmee, Florida (which sits about 25 minutes south of Orlando’s Walt Disney World) might just change all that. Airbnb wants to give Disney-bound families and other Orlando-area travelers more options for accommodations.

The staycation dreams of Netflix binge watchers are made of this “Ex-stream-ly Cozy Package,” now being offered by The Gregory Hotel in New York City this weekend to celebrate the return of Stranger Things Season 2 and Halloween.

Do you have any airport rituals? Little things that you do or things you treat yourself to in an attempt to make the stress of travel slightly more bearable? I get an Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzel (because they’re delicious and LaGuardia has like two food options) and a Harvard Business Review (IDK either), and it helps calm my nerves a bit.

Looking for a small escape from winter? Luckily, there’s a charming resort in Sarasota, Florida that has a fleet of tiny houses just ready to be booked. Tiny House Siesta near Siesta Key Beach has eleven such homes for rent in all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to witness dragons and battles unfold in Westeros IRL, but HBO is working on the next best thing: a series of “Game of Thrones” tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. The premium cable network recently announced the project, which is the result of its partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland.

If you’ve ever been to Disney with little kids, you know that your stroller is home base. Not only does it serve as a respite from long walks, long lines, and as a cozy spot to snooze for your child, but it also holds all the stuff your family doesn’t want to carry. That’s why some parents are especially alarmed to know that starting May 1, oversized strollers as well as stroller wagons will be banned from Disney parks.

At just $20 on Amazon Prime, you just can’t go wrong.

If you were to create an Airbnb listing from scratch, you’d probably spend some time thinking about how to make it lucrative. One way to ensure an Airbnb listing is a hit is to create a rental that is exceptionally different from the others. Travelers—especially in this Instagram era—love having a story to tell about their trip, and that story is even better if it happens to be accompanied by photos of a one-of-a-kind space. Enter: a potato listing located in Boise, Idaho.

It sleeps up to 14 people, so you can take the whole crew and escape into a world of glamour and mystery.

Do you enjoy being right? Of course, you do, who doesn’t? If you love to make bets with your friends about the endings of your favorite TV shows and movies, you’re going to want to check this deal out. If you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, chances are you’ve already put a lot of thought into who will sit on the Iron Throne. Every GoT fan has spent quite a bit of time debating with their friends about who will rule Westeros.

If you’re a tequila lover, you might know that the agave-based liquor was first invented in Tequila, Mexico—a short drive away from the country’s second-largest city of Guadalajara. What you might not know (and will probably be excited about) is that there is actually a tequila barrel hotel there that you can stay in, literally on the grounds of a distillery. I was lucky to get a chance to stay there courtesy of the Guadalajara Tourism Board.

When it comes to air travel, it seems as though there are polarizing issues just about everywhere that divide passengers. Do you stand up well before it’s your aisle’s turn to exit or not? Do you prefer the window or not? Do you only travel with a carry-on or not? And, of course, one of the most controversial questions: do you recline or not recline? And moreover, how do you go about reclining when you do?

Now that the weather is finally getting nice (sorry, friends and family in Chicago), you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Hmm, it’s been quite awhile since I’ve gone on vacation.” (And if you’re not, wow, lucky you!) If you’re like the average American, you’ll probably let this thought pass by and go back to your day-to-day (or that growing pile of work that’s been landing on your desk.) But I am here to tell you: Take that time off!

Whether you have a little extra money to spend or your wallet is suddenly feeling lighter, the outcome of Tax Day doesn’t change the fact that it is over. There’s no denying the process is stressful: you spend hours filing out information that you’re not 100 percent sure is correct, so then you end up questioning every detail and therefore spending more time on it than you already have.

If visiting the spot where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated their royal wedding reception strikes your fancy, then you’re in luck: Frogmore House will be open to the public for just three days this May. Located within Windsor Castle’s Home Park, Frogmore House has been a royal residence since 1792, when it was purchased by Queen Charlotte. Originally built in 1680 by Charles II’s architect Hugh May, the expansive estate has gone through several reinventions since then.

Calling all interns! If you’re currently on the market for a stellar internship to add to your resume, you’re going to want to stop and read this. The internship to end all internships is here and it includes first-class travel (and $20/hour). Get your beach towel and sunscreen ready, because if you land this gig, you’re going to be working on your tan real soon. The Points Guy, a travel and points website, is looking to hire a Travel and Rewards intern.

We’re constantly finding ourselves impressed with Airbnb listings. It seems like you can stay overnight in just about any type of lodging situation you can imagine, but we have to admit: we didn’t see the Louvre coming. In a move that gives us “Night at The Museum” (but for art-loving adults) vibes, Airbnb’s newest contest is one we implore you to enter. The lucky contest winner and a guest will receive a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay at the Louvre in Paris.

Ever since “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” we can’t stop fantasizing about a dreamy getaway in Greece. This cozy Halkidki hideaway makes the ideal backdrop for your private Mediterranean adventure—musical numbers not required. This cozy wooden cabin is nestled on the Halkidiki, Chalkidi peninsula in Northern Greece off of Central Macedonia. The 365 square-foot tiny home is fully equipped with a plush double bed, cozy bathroom and kitchen, and an outdoor shower.

It’s nearly impossible not to feel cozy inside this idyllic Swedish pod that gives a whole new meaning to the word “glamping.” Nestled in the woods near Falun (about three hours north of Stockholm), four glampers could fit in this rental, which sits right by Lake Siljan and close to charming villages and the ski area of Borlänge. The space is complete with a plush full-size bed and twin bunk beds, plus a kitchen for preparing drinks and snacks.

It might sound shady, but it’s legit: We’ve stumbled upon a way to profit off the misdeeds of others, and it’s actually a heck of a deal. According to TravelPulse, a historic New Orleans hotel is giving away a free week-long hotel package valued at $15,000. The catch? You have to return a stolen item that was taken from the property.

By seasonal markers, March is the light at the end of the long, dark winter tunnel. However, while this month brings daylight savings and the official start of spring, it can be just as brutal (if not more so) than its January and February cousins. Breaking out of our winter habitation and traveling somewhere revitalizing can make the world of a difference. The best part? It be done in a long weekend, thanks to spring break destinations that exist in your own backyard.

To be blunt, flying with little ones can be stressful. You’re constantly on edge about whether they’ll throw a tantrum or get sick, then worry creeps in about how others surrounding the scene will react, plus this stress doesn’t come cheap as children over the age of 2 are usually charged as adults.

A quick Google search reveals how popular the concept of traveling light is among experts, which makes perfect sense considering how quickly luggage fees add up. Then there’s the burden of keeping track of and repeatedly lifting heavy bags, a task that could easily add stress to anyone’s trip.

Transitioning to life on the road is a huge undertaking but thanks to the numerous options for camper and van conversions, the process of pivoting to permanent #vanlife can be a little less harrowing. The latest home-on-wheels to catch our eye deserves an honorable mention based on its name alone: the Big Gigantic is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter build-out, courtesy of Washington-based Freedom Vans.

Trying to fit all of your necessities into a single carry-on has to be one of the quickest ways to induce a travel-related meltdown. Personally, I prefer to reserve that emotional and mental energy for the inevitably aggravating TSA line or for giving a penetrating glare to the impatient passengers who think they should be allowed to de-plane before everyone else. If a stressed-out packer makes for a stressed-out traveler, this new luggage brand could be the helping hand you need.

If your tropical houseplants aren’t warming you up enough this winter and you’re pining for a full-blown paradise of your own, then you’re in luck. No, summer isn’t coming early, but there is a free beach vacation sweepstakes open now. A private island off the coast of Placencia, Belize, called Kanu is currently up for grabs as part of the VRBO’s Win the Island Sweepstakes.

The most magical place on Earth is about to go intergalactic: Word on the design streets is that a Star Wars hotel is coming to Disney World in Orlando, and this collision of fantasy worlds undoubtedly has space geeks and theme park enthusiasts pumped. The new luxury resort at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park will be the first of its kind, and true to form, Disney has plans to go all out (of this world) with the hotel design.

We’re seeing more and more dream jobs where the lucky employee gets paid to travel the world. There’s usually some unbelievable perks, and most require skills like photography and social media content creation—but this gig is different. That’s why the latest dream job we spotted really stands out. One woman is hiring a personal designer to travel the world by her side.

Whether you’re in it for the functional, minimalist design or you’re looking to add a little hygge to your home, Scandinavian design is calling. But if a trip to IKEA (or Sweden) isn’t in the cards for your next on-trend, Scandi-forward purchase, don’t worry: Amazon’s got you. Here are a few of the best authentically Scandinavian items on Amazon.

Everyone hates baggage fees, whether they’re unexpected or not. But clearly, the airlines know how to make a bundle off them: In 2017, US airlines collected $4.6 billion in checked baggage fees. Enter: LugLess, a new travel startup that offers a cost-competitive alternative to checking bags. The company is hoping that customers are willing to part with the traditional baggage-checking model in order to score cheaper luggage shipping rates.

Going on vacation can be one of the best things that your family does together—you can make memories that will last a lifetime. As much fun as traveling can be, the flight costs to your destination can be crippling for a family, especially ones with multiple kids. Children over the age of two are charged a full-price ticket by most airlines, and even if that 3-year-old is going to demand to sit in your lap the entire time, you often will have to pay for a seat for them on the plane.

All aboard the train that will get you away from the hustle and bustle of every day life—for free! Amtrak is on the hunt for one lucky winner to do just that, as part of their new social media residency. The program, deemed #AmtrakTakeMeThere, is looking for someone who is savvy with social media, can connect with followers, and most importantly, they can package and share their Amtrak travel stories to the world.

According to well-traveled individuals, it takes a bit of skill to ensure that you sleep well on sleeper trains, but one way to avoid those problems is to try catching some ZZZs in a vehicle that doesn’t move like a fabulous train car tiny house. Anyone who suffers from motion sickness (plus those who don’t) will be happy to board Platform 1346, a former World War II-era troop car-turned-vacation rental near the Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee.

We’re only a few weeks into the new year and Airbnb is already offering an opportunity to escape our normal lives while helping to preserve a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grottole, a quaint Italian village of only 300 people and over 600 empty homes, is at risk of disappearing and Airbnb is looking for four lucky people to embark on a three-month sabbatical to help reawaken the village.

When two of the most popular home building trends collide, you can expect nothing less than stellar results. Guaranteed to put stars in your eyes is this absolutely charming two-story shipping container house from CargoHome. Its stylish tiny digs are roomier than your typical micro home, plus it smartly incorporates the perpetually cool concept of upcycling shipping containers into its chic living spaces.

If you have Airbnb envy, you’re not alone. After all, it seems so simple: Rent out your place and reap the rewards. But contrary to popular opinion, it’s not that easy—and there are definitely things that can go awry (and they will!).

There are glamping tents and treehouses, teepees and covered wagons. But the latest trend in unique vacation rentals? Shipping containers. If you’ve been curious about the tiny house trend—but want something a teeny bit bigger—take one of these eco-friendly homes for a spin. They may be small, but at $100 or less per night, they’re big on value.

Just like the lottery, but with a complimentary vacation included.

Just look at the tiny Pusheen details throughout the entire cafe!

Think there is no perfect vacation destination? Think again! It is time to travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico. You can unwind at a beautiful spa with some yoga, meditation, fitness, and most important of all, puppy cuddling. A Santa Fe spa, Sunrise Springs, offers puppy cuddling as part of their package. Guests visiting the all-inclusive spa resort can get all of the normal spa luxuries, but what makes this spa standout is the access to animals.