*This is a collaborative post.  

Are you ready to travel but not sure what to pack? Don't worry - we've got you covered! This blog post will discuss five items that you should add to your packing list before hitting the road. These items will help make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, so you can be ready for anything.




A comfortable pair of shoes

You'll likely be doing a lot of walking while on vacation, so it's crucial to pack a comfortable pair of shoes you can wear all day - Allbirds make incredible and sustainable options that are perfect for pretty much anything not formal. Plus, you can throw them in the washer so they're great for so many activities. I have them in multiple colors and they're my go-to travel shoes. A good pair of walking shoes will help you avoid blisters and sore feet. If you're planning on doing any hiking or exploring off the beaten path, make sure to pack a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes that can handle rough terrain - these are the best thing I could've done for my ankles when hiking. You might also want to pack a dressier pair of shoes for nights out or special occasions. But don't forget to break them in before your trip! Nothing ruins a night out like painful blisters.



A hat & sunglasses

Whether you're traveling to a sunny destination or not, it's always a good idea to pack a hat and a pair of sunglasses. They can help protect your eyes from the sun and keep you from squinting all day long. If you're traveling to a cold climate, make sure to pack a warm hat that will keep your head and ears cozy. Sunglasses are not just for sunny days! They can also help shield your eyes from the glare of the snow. If you forget to pack a hat or sunglasses, don't worry, you can usually buy them at your destination. But it's always nicer to have your own. I tend to have a cheap pair to take on trips, so if I lose them it's not a big deal.



Your favorite snacks

No matter where you're traveling, it's always a good idea to pack your favorite snacks. By packing some of your favorite snacks, you can have something to munch on whenever you get hungry. This will help you save money and avoid getting hangry. Snacks can also come in handy when traveling with kids. If they get cranky or restless on the plane or in the car, a few snacks can help tide them over until the next meal. I keep some snacks on hand to make sure I'm prepared if my blood sugar drops - this is especially helpful when being particularly active!



Any necessary extras

This one depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you require any medication for a medical condition, make sure to pack enough to last the entire trip. Since I have diabetes, I have a travel case I carry everything along in - it's helpful to have bags that are clear for things like this if you're flying so there's less trouble at the checkpoints. And don't forget to keep any prescriptions in their original containers with your name on them.

Thanks to Brave PR for inviting me to visit the Knights of Armor exhibit at no-cost.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History (not to be confused with the Fernbank Science Center just down the road) is a staple in the museum scene of Atlanta. Any kid who's gone to school in the greater-Atlanta area has probably visited at some point (likely on a school trip), and it's one of the options to visit using the CityPass. In fact, A and I visited via CityPass a few years ago as a staycation. It's your pretty standard natural history museum, and has some fun science-y stuff on the top floor. And as always, the dino collection is my favorite.

In addition to their permanent collection, they also have special exhibits from time-to-time. Right now through May 15, they have their Knights of Armor exhibit happening. The exhibit has more than 100 rare artifacts from the Museo Stibbert in Italy, from weaponry and helmets to full suits of armor and equestrian displays. It was pretty cool to see several full suits of armor standing side by side, and to think of the history associated with the different pieces. 

But the Knights of Armor exhibit wasn't all we checked out while we visited. I encourage you to wear your walking shoes when visiting the Fernbank because they have their own forest with a whole walking trail included. It's a peaceful and quiet little oasis right in the city. 

*This is a collaborative post.  

What do you need to do before you travel anywhere? Of course have the basics like booking a flight, booking somewhere to stay and so on, but then there are other things that need to be done that people often forget about. In this article, let's take a look at some of the things that you need to do before traveling anywhere. 




Ensure you have all the correct documents

The first thing you've got to do is ensure that you have all of the correct documents to enter wherever you're going. When traveling abroad, the last thing you need is to get turned away at the border and be sent back to where you came from. Not only is this a huge waste of money for you but it’s also really embarrassing. It’s as simple as not booking a holiday or a trip if you don’t have the correct paperwork.

Apply for the necessary documents, and wait until they are approved to avoid any unnecessary issues. We know sometimes waiting sucks when you have an itch to just go, but it’s really for the best that you don’t.



Check the laws in that place

Laws are different all over the world, and they even vary in different states within the US. If you’re going anywhere, you'll want to check out some of the laws in your destination, and you can learn more here about a particular law that is of use to people who are planning on a drinking holiday. Having fun is one thing, but you've got to respect the place you've gone to, and understand that they might do things differently to you. If you don’t like the rules that you are going to have to abide by, don’t go to the destination you've chosen, and opt for somewhere else instead.



Plan out some fun activities

You should also make sure that you do your research and plan out some fun activities for the time that you are away. This way, even on the days where you’re not sure what to do, you at least have some kind of idea of what you can do. The one trip I went on without any kind of plan or itinerary, it felt so overwhelming trying to make last minute decisions. Having an iota of a plan should stop you from going home feeling disappointed because you missed something at the very least. 

 

 *This is a collaborative post.

There are perks to almost any type of holiday, and much of the decision will come down to the number of people you have with you - and what they like to do. For years, holiday resorts and hotels have had the lion's share of holiday bookings. And while there is a lot to be said for a comfortable and cozy hotel room, it can get a little expensive with a family booking.

In the last ten years, more people have been using various websites to secure themselves a private residence for when they go on holiday. So next time you're looking to have an incredible vacation, be it alone, as a couple, or a family unit - there are the big benefits of a cabin rental. In fact, growing up, my family went to Gatlinburg every summer vacation, and we always would rent out a cabin in the mountains. It's so pure and relaxing - not to mention the hot tubs, pool tables, and the feeling of being a little more remote from the rest of the touristy town.

A cabin is more of a home away from home than a hotel can be, which is much of the reason it's so brilliant. So let's look at some of the details. Keep in mind that not all cabin rentals will have all amenities, and before you book, you'll want to look at each cabin's inclusions.



 

 

Cooking

If you want to save some cash, cooking at home is one of the best ways to do it. Most of the time, you will find a refrigerator and something that might have a few essentials in it. The bigger your party, the higher the cost of eating out is going to become.

You can pick and choose where and when you eat out if you can cook. This means you can take advantage staying a little more within a budget. Sometimes after a long day exploring the location you are staying in, especially if there is a lot to do like by the cabin rentals in the Finger Lakes, coming home to a taste of home can be incredible.

You can save even more money by checking with nearby grocery stores and planning a shopping list in advance. Or, if you're driving there, pack the car with many of the essentials that you will need. When my family and I would drive up to Gatlinburg, we'd get to our cabin and unpack and then head straight to the grocery store to stock up. We always would grill out at least once during our trip, and it all just felt so lovely and homey. Seriously - the best!

 

 

Laundry

Although some resorts and hotels have the option to do laundry or the facilities somewhere - a private cabin will usually have a washer and a dryer. Although no one likes to think about washing clothes on holiday, we all know a few days in can all get a little bit messy in the suitcase.

Having the ability to do laundry also means that you don't need to pack as many clothes with you - allowing for a lighter case! Another huge bonus is that you can come home with a completely clean set of laundry - and nothing to wash when you get home. Yes, please.

 

 

Variety

Most hotel rooms and resorts will feel the same. They are designed to be welcoming and comfortable, but you wouldn't really spend all day in there watching TV. There is a set layout for most hotels. The bed faces the TV, the toilet and shower are just as you get into the room. They are space-saving and efficient.

But that is where cabin rentals and private home rentals come into their own! Every cabin or rental that you book is likely to be a little different. Even when booking with a cabin company, they will have some variation between the ones in the park and the ones you have stayed in previously.

There is no end to the style and size of cabins that are available, and you can choose something different every time. You can even find some unique options like glass roofing, cabins on the water, or very isolated ones.

The world of cabins include teepees, castles, wooden cabins with no modern conveniences, pods, tree houses, and even Hobbit-style homes.

 

 

Privacy

One of the biggest downfalls of a hotel room or even some of the suites is that often they aren't as private as you might like. You can usually hear the people staying next door, even if they are being reasonably respectful and quiet. The more expensive hotel options can be quieter, but it's never fully private most of the time.

In a private rental cabin, you will have as much privacy as you want. Even if the cabin is situated in a park with other cabins, you will feel pretty secluded. Most often, cabin rentals aren't attached either, so the standalone nature of the cabin further supports your need for privacy.

Further to that, you can often find pools, grilling areas, hot tubs, or more that can be used in complete privacy. It allows for an actual restful bit of vacation, as opposed to being on-the-go the entire time.

When looking for the ideal holiday cabin for you, consider how private you want to be. There are many stunning cabin rentals off the beaten path.

 

 

Space

While some hotel rooms are roomy, there isn't typically enough space for a family that is used to having their own rooms and privacy. Luggage gets piled up in the corner, people start tripping over each other getting ready in the morning, and more than that, sleeping habits can quickly leave some people awake all night. And let's not even get started on that one-bathroom scenario that comes with more hotel options.

You can book a cabin in any size that you need to make sure that you have the amount of space you want.

When you book a cabin or other private home, with enough bedrooms for each person, everyone can have their fair share of together time and quiet time. After all, the whole point of a vacation is to relax - and everyone needs a little alone time once in a while. Cabins allow everyone to come and spend time together in an enjoyable and not cramped way.

 

 

Cost

When it comes to vacation, sometimes you have to look at cost and value separately. When looking at a hotel, consider: do they offer food within the price? How many rooms do you need to book - and will they be close together? Is a suite better value? When you aren't looking, staying in a hotel can add up to a much higher price than a cabin. With a cabin, the prices are usually excluding food - so you take your own and shop and cook, you can't do that in a hotel - you have to eat out or eat snacks.

The price of a cabin usually comes far under the overall cost of a hotel stay. It is also worth considering that you can split the cost of the cabin rental across more family and friends - since they are bigger, it makes sense to make the most of the room.

 

 

Surroundings

People who opt to stay in a cabin are often looking to escape the city life for a while. Private cabins or those that are situated in a cabin park are usually surrounded by some of the most picturesque and peaceful areas.

So if you are looking for a vacation that is guaranteed to offer some relaxation, quiet times, and peaceful mornings and evenings, the cabins are the best option. It's worth keeping in mind that cabins can be more difficult to get to, so if you are flying to a new state or country, you are most likely going to need to rent a vehicle at the other side - or see if there are any public transport options for you to take.

We know that walking in nature and being surrounded by nature is good for us and that it can make a marked improvement on how we are feeling and our mental health.

 

 

Pets

Pet lovers have been enjoying that while once they would've been required to put their beloved pets in a boarding kennel for a week or more while they travel or have other families look after them, many cabins allow pets.

Boarding kennels can add a huge expense to typical hotel and city holidays, but when the rise of Airbnb and the private cabin rentals happened - pets were allowed to travel and stay in the home too.

Since most cabins are surrounded by greenery, woods, and plenty of open spaces, it can be a huge treat for pets. If pets aren't specifically mentioned in the rental listing, it is good to get in touch. Sometimes there can be an additional cost for pets to stay, and that cost will cover any chewing damages or the extra cleaning required when they leave.

Keep in mind that some areas have many other wild animals, and it is important to keep your furry friends in eyesight at all times.

 

Hobbies

Cabins are a great place for you to participate in the hobbies you enjoy. Photography, painting, baking, reading, writing, and more can all be done in peace while you enjoy the surroundings.

You might even decide to buy a new thing to take with you to learn while you are there. Since cabins offer a slower type of holiday, and the busy city doesn't surround you, you can take advantage of it and enjoy a relaxing time doing the things you love the most.
 

Another great thing about cabins is that you have the time to look after yourself a little more, and the space to make it work: 8 Beauty Tips To Keep You Glowing On Vacation.