Ready to book a trip to anywhere? We have been traveling extensively for 20+ years and have come to rely on a few trusted travel brands and websites for booking our own accommodation, flights, rental […]
TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS
Do you find travel planning overwhelming and time consuming?
We're here to help.
Travel has been our lifestyle for over 22 years now - most of that involved nomadic full tine travel.
We made it work as solo travelers, travel as a couple, expat travelers, family travelers, and location independent travelers.
We have lived in 5 countries and traveled to over 50, in-depth through Australia, USA, Southeast Asia, UK, and Africa.
We aim to share with you information based upon personal experiences NOT desk research or collaborations!
This is real, authentic travel to help you do the same.
On this page, we'll point you towards our best travel tips and best travel websites we use to plan a vacation and book flights, hotels, tours, and attractions.
Plus our best travel tips on how to access your money on the road, buying travel insurance, travel packing tips, finding places to eat, getting visas and immunizations, and much more!
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Whilst our style of travel has evolved from solo travel to traveling as a couple and to now traveling as a family of four, there are some core travel habits that have served us well, and we continue to follow them to this day.
For us, travel is not just about checking places off our list.
Our motto has always been “accumulate memories and moments, not just possessions”, and we like to do that through travel.
Here are some of our best travel tips to help you have a memorable travel experience.
10 Principles to Create Awesome Travel Experiences (Every Time!)
I sat down to write a travel manifesto and struggled. Not struggled for something to say, but struggled with too many things to say. Sometimes too much sage advice can overwhelm and paralyze. I decided […]
Our 20 Best Travel Tips After 20 Years of Traveling
Over the past 20 years, Caz and I have been fortunate to have visited over 50 countries and lived in 5, and today we’d like to share with you our 20 best travel tips! Whilst our […]
15 Tips for Planning a Trip To Anywhere (step-by-step guide)
My niece is planning a trip to New York City. It will be her first USA trip so I told her I would write this step-by-step travel planning guide for her, and YOU, on how to […]
43 Travel Tips for New travelers
When you are fresh off the plane on your first travel adventure there is much you don’t know about the wider world. But a lot you do know about the place where you just left. […]
25 of the Best Tips for Travel with Kids
25 travel tips with kids for making your family travel awesome
29 Wonderful Travel Experiences to Place on your Travel Bucket List
After 20 years of travel, you forget what it was like starting out. It got me thinking of what I would put on that list if it was me starting all over again, yet knowing […]
TOP TRAVEL PLANNING AND BOOKING TIPS
When choosing your travel destinations, it depends on factors like:
- your personal travel style
- your interests
- the length of time you have available
- and your finances.
Figure those things out first, then your options for where you can go start to take shape.
If you need help choosing your destination, check out the following posts filled with useful tips.
Otherwise scroll down to choose the destination you are interested in for many of our tips and highlights.
Choosing Your Travel Destinations
Do you need help choosing your travel destinations? Whilst we’re not in the business of actually booking trips for others, we can certainly offer you expert guidance on how to choose a destination that meets […]
How To Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere In The World
Besides learning how to find cheap accommodation, learning how to find cheap flights to anywhere in the world will help you to reduce your other big travel expense. Thankfully, there are strategies and tips we can […]
Finding Cheap Rental Cars
Need tips on how to find cheap rental cars? If you love taking road trips with kids and your parents, read on. The 19 tips below and our recommended search website will help you find your […]
18 Killer Tips On How To Find Cheap Accommodation
Where you sleep at night is one of your major fixed travel expenses, so learning how to find cheap accommodation will help you to keep more money in your pocket for spending on activities. Fortunately, […]
How to Backpack & Travel Round the World
Need tips on how to backpack and travel round the world? You’ve come to the right place. In this post we share our top backpacking tips of how we were able to backpack round-the-world over […]
Our trip is shaping up more and more, made quite a few changes since the last email exchange we had – I just wanted to shout out that your blogs have been super helpful in planning! Thank you again. All the best to you & your lovely family.
Suxanne Hopmans
WHAT IS YOUR TRAVEL STYLE?
Click the image to see the articles we have on that particular style of travel.
FLIGHT TIPS
Despite taking hundreds of flights, flying is not something I enjoy doing.
It's the whole hassle of the flying experience caused by long immigration and security lines, baggage hassles and strict limits, cramped quarters, and what seems to be a trend of little to no service.
But, if it means at the end of it is a fun travel experience, then I will gladly fly!
We share a few of our flying tips including how to survive with kids and secret jet lag tips.
Insights on Flying Now and Current Travel Restrictions with Kerwin McKenzie
Ex-airline employee, flight expert and global traveler, Kerwin Mckenzie shares his insights on current travel + the fascinating life built around his passion
How to save time and money searching for flights on Skyscanner
Now that I’m older I have less tolerance – for people that don’t care about me or vice versa (I mean that respectfully too), for things that waste my time, and terrible coffee and wine. […]
Tips for flying low cost airlines with kids – Flying Cebu Pacific Air
Low-cost airlines are a great way to lower your travel costs so you can have those holidays you’ve worked hard to create. It’s especially important for families, as the nature of such, drives your travel […]
What It’s Like to Fly Qantas Business Class
I have a new goal in life: to fly Qantas Business Class all the time, well at least for any long haul flight from Australia to another destination. Hang on, that’s almost all international flights. […]
25 things I do to help my fear of flying – my Flight Ritual
Do you have a fear of flying or a fight ritual? Here is how I get over my fear of flying, which has helped over the years. Do you do any of these?
My Secret Jet Lag Cure + 9 More Helpful Tips to recover from a flight
Don’t let jet lag ruin the first few days of your trip (or your return home) My secret jet lag cure (+9 other helpful tips) will help you overcome jet lag!
How to fly with kids and not lose your mind
Want to travel with kids but dread flying with them? Here are 17 tips for flying with kids to help you feel calm and the kids happy. Happy Pinning!
How to Get Cheap Flights on the Internet (a sneaky trick)
By Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim I’ve only just been bitten by the travel bug. Up until about two years ago I was one of those people that was happy exploring my own backyard, with […]
ACCOMMODATION TIPS
No matter your accommodation style we have some tips to help you!
As family travelers we prefer Airbnb and vacation rentals and hotel suites. Every now and then we'll opt for a fancier resort and sometimes a hostel.
Plus we love to camp!
When we were backpackers we stayed in ultra budget accommodation types and can offer plenty of tips on that too. Here are a few of our accommodation tips.
EP 16: Tips for Tent Camping (+ fun stories from around the world)
Tent camping is one of our favorite things to do and we have LOADS of experience camping in Australia, Africa and the US.
We share all our tips, plus a few insider stories and funnies.
Why Airbnb Rentals Are An Excellent Family Accommodation Choice (and on the rise)
We decided last minute to return to Nashville after spending 4 days in Memphis. I spent most of the three-hour car trip searching for family accommodation and places to stay in Nashville. Everything was so […]
8 ways to book accommodation using Booking.com
One of your biggest travel expenses and time-consuming tasks is booking accommodation, and we all want to save time and hopefully some money when searching for deals online. Whilst there are plenty of websites these […]
Why Housesitting May not work for you
We hear it all the time, ‘You should try housesitting!” We know. Friends have told us about being the boss of Irish castles and living in mansions on a Thai island for free. “Give me […]
How to Save on Australian Accommodation
Saving on accommodation in Australia has never been so important. Australia an expensive country to travel, but one worth exploring. Don’t think you can’t travel Australia yet? There are many ways you can save on […]
Travel the world and save $30,000 by house sitting
I had a dream and for a very long time that was all it was, a dream that seemed unattainable, unrealistic and most definitely one I could not afford. For the longest time I fantasied […]
How to Find Budget Accommodation Deals
Ever since we started traveling the world in 1997, we have personally used the following budget accommodation options…. Hostels and Guesthouses Apartments Cheap hotel rooms Camping A friend’s house A stranger’s house Overnight bus and […]
ROAD TRIP TIPS
Road trips are our preferred mode of travel. We have road tripped extensively in Australia, the USA, UK and Europe.
It's effortless, flexible, more affordable, and allows you to carry more people and possessions. Not that we advocate for over packing, but for adventurous family travelers who also blog and take photos and videos', its's nice to have extra space to pack beloved items like stand up paddle boards and blenders!
Plus, we love being able to explore more lessor known destinations and off the beaten path adventures. Kids will always appreciate having a tiny space of comfort that remains the same while everything around them is in constant change.
Here are a few of our best road trip tips.
How to Plan a Road Trip with Kids (and keep your sanity)
We are big fans of taking road trips, they are our favorite way to travel, especially when traveling with kids and grandparents around the USA. We rate doing a road trip with kids as highly enjoyable […]
YTP: EP06: Pros and Cons of RV Travel For Beginners
Have you ever wondered whether the RV lifestyle is for you? Less responsibilities, minimal living, cheaper lifestyle and spectacular views from your bedroom window that change every day…sounds like the dream, right? We agree, there […]
How to Survive A Road Trip with Kids and Their Grandparents
Ever thought of taking a road trip with the kids and grandparents? It can be a lot of fun if you plan and prepare for it right. Here’s how
6 Helpful Tips for Travelling Around Australia in a Caravan – A Beginners Guide
Without a doubt, Australia is one of the most amazing countries to explore. Full of natural wonders, unique wildlife and dazzling beaches. There is so much to see and do, and what better way to […]
How to Travel around Australia – Caravan or Camper Trailer?
What’s the best way to travel around Australia? We get asked this question a lot and we wished we investigated it more before we chose a camper trailer to travel around Australia. Apart from a […]
Road tripping with luggage? No worries with a Yakima Skybox
When you road trip around Australia with two kids, it’s amazing how much luggage you need. Before we left home two and a half months ago we did our best to prioritize on luggage, toys […]
FANTASTIC ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS IDEAS
TRAVEL INSURANCE TIPS
I know. We don’t like having to buy travel insurance either.
And I don’t even like talking about it or having to do research and compare the best travel insurance companies.
It’s never an exciting topic, I’d much rather just talk about planning a trip with my kids and grandparents.
When you think about it, paying for a travel insurance premium is one of those things you pay for in the hopes you never need to use it.
But you are here now, and before I get into my tips for buying the best travel insurance policy, let me just say this,
“If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel”.
It’s that simple.
Here are a few of our travel insurance tips. We are ambassadors for Alliance travel - since 2017.
Helpful Guide to Annual Travel Insurance (Is it really worth it?)
Yes. Epic year ahead. You know it as you already have atleast three opportunities to travel. School reunion #ThisCouldBeFun. Beachside cabanas in the Bahamas #Chillax. And a very important business presentation in Tokyo #TackOnAFewExtraDays Three […]
How to Travel Smart with these 8 Allianz Travel Benefits (+ their awesome app)
My friends, we recently made an $800 mistake with our travel insurance. Note, there was NO mistake with travel insurance, but simply our stupidity in being lax with it and not renewing our policy! I […]
15 Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance Policy
I know. We don’t like having to buy travel insurance either. And I don’t even like talking about it or having to do research and compare the best travel insurance companies. It’s never an exciting […]
Best travel insurance for Aussies travelling overseas
Travelling overseas? We’ve compared the best travel insurance companies in Australia. Click to find the winner.
FEATURED VIDEO: How to Plan your Trip
We take you through some 15 simple steps to planning a trip! Press play and be sure to share it with your friends! Enjoy the fun of travel planning.
CRUISE TIPS
Are you a cruise fanatic or considering it as travel option?
We don't typically take cruise vacations anymore but did enjoy it when we did.
It's the vacation for those who want to switch off and have fun while everything is taken care of for you!
You'll find some of our best tips below!
7 Best Cruise Ships for Kids (Happy kids. Happy Parents)
Cruising is often compared to a dinner wine; the wrong one can spoil your whole experience! With over 50 cruise lines operating, you’re probably wondering what are the best cruise ships for kids, and it’s […]
The Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist (+ helpful packing tips)
Wondering what to wear on a cruise? My cruise packing checklist will make your cruise travel planning effortless. I’ll also share some cruise packing tips and some of my favourite resources.
A Memorable 6 Day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Vista
Want to see what it’s like to take a 6 day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Vista? In early September we sailed on this ship as guests of Carnival Cruise Line and created some priceless […]
21 Reasons to go on a World Cruise
If travel is all about having amazing experiences, creating great memories, and jumping off the hamster wheel to discover the world, then I think cruising is a great way to condense memories, adventure, and discovery […]
Have You Thought About Repositioning Cruises?
Are you familiar with repositioning cruises? We certainly had not heard about them until last year when a fellow house sitter traveled from Panama to Portugal and taking a reposition cruise could be a new […]
STAYING HEALTHY ON THE ROAD
Travel can be extremely taxing on your whole self: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
The constant planning and movement from one place to another exhausts your energy and drains your brain.
Plus the lack of consistency with habits, routines, and healthy eating can cause complete chaos for your body.
Let's face it - we like to indulge when we travel, which is so much fun at the time, but filled with regret long after.
Then there is so much more to think about in terms of diseases, illnesses, and injuries.
Here are a few of our tips on staying healthy on the road.
Grokker Review: How to maintain a fitness routine when you travel
I love online fitness classes and yoga classes to help me keep up my strength and fitness when I travel. Grokker is a great online fitness and yoga membership that helps me do it. It also has meditation and cooking classes.
What to pack in your travel medical kit (+ a healthy packing checklist)
Ready to go on your big trip? Don’t forget your first aid kit. We share the best things to pack in your travel medical kit with a free packing checklist for you
5 simple ways to manage mental health for solo travelers
Suffer from anxiety? Worried about being alone when you travel? Here are 5 ways to manage your mental wellbeing as a solo traveler and create amazing memories
How to stay healthy on a cruise in 11 easy ways (and still indulge)
Wondering how to stay healthy on a cruise? With all that opportunity for indulgence it’s a challenge. Here are 11 easy ways to still indulge yet not put on weight or feel sick. Tips from our recent Western Caribbean Cruise.
How to Supersize your health on a USA road trip
You know America is the land of supersize and “You want fries with that?” It’s notorious for gigantic meals and unlimited soda refills. Or is it? We’ve come to America with the intention to smash […]
How to stay healthy while traveling with kids
I believe that travel is an essential part of a healthy life. Taking time out of our regular routines to explore new places helps us to see things from a different perspective, it opens our […]
How travel affects our children’s health and wellbeing
In partnership with Westin Hotels and Resorts Health and well-being incorporates so much more than just exercise and a good diet. In that definition, we forget the importance of a sense of purpose, connectedness to […]
15 tips for keeping kids safe when traveling
Planning a family holiday? Worried about child safety? Make sure you travel safely by following these travel safety tips with kids
Easy yoga travel tips to keep your practice including online yoga classes
Love yoga and are travelling? Here are my easy yoga travel tips to maintain a yoga practice including online yoga classes which is my favourite way!
Creating Productive and Healthy Habits While You Travel
Travel can be extremely taxing on your whole self: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. The constant planning and movement from one place to another exhausts your energy and drains your brain. Your brain likes to […]
BEST COUPLES TRAVEL TIPS
In 2002, just three days after our wedding, we took off overseas for what turned out to be a five year honeymoon. We learned a lot about couples travel.
Travelling as a couple is either going to make you or break you. We took the risk as newlyweds and its safe to say it made us.
Living out of each others pockets 24/7 can be extremely challenging, yet has its definite rewards.
We share a few of our favorite tips and funny mishaps.
YTP 02: Our 5 Year Working Honeymoon in Thailand, Ireland, and the USA
Our adventures on our five year honeymoon traveling through South East Asia, the UK, Southern Africa, and the USA! Plus, we share about living and working in Bangkok, Dublin, Broome, WA and Raleigh, NC
10 Italy Honeymoon Destinations For Unforgettable Romance
Hey! We are Michael and Alexandra from the travel blog Couple’s Coordinates and today we are sharing our 10 best Italy honeymoon destinations. Our relationship and travel have been entwined since the inception; having traveled […]
7 Reasons to Honeymoon in South Africa
South Africa is the perfect destination for honeymooners – stunning beaches, natural beauty, and great wine. Why wouldn’t you honeymoon in South Africa?
5 Tips for a Great Relationship While Travelling
Travelling is something that can make or break a relationship. A short relaxing holiday usually isn’t where the problem lies, more so during long-term travel periods where issues can arouse more, stresses build up, and irritability shows. Travel […]
Can Travel Strengthen Marriages and Long-Term Relationships?
Only a few weeks ago Ben Affleck mentioned the difficulty of marriage in his Oscar winning acceptance speech. “I want to thank you [Jennifer] for working on our marriage for 10 Christmases. It’s good. It […]
9 Tips for Couples Travel (so you stay a couple)
Craig and I married in 2002. In celebration of surviving 18 years of marriage, I thought I would write a post sharing our tips for couples travel. Back in 2002, just three days after our wedding, […]
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Of course you want to capture amazing memories on your travels.
You don't really need the best camera equipment to do so. You can capture great photos just on your phone.
We share a few simple photography tips anyone can follow.
3 tips on how to make Instagram travel videos
We’ve all witnessed the amazing lifestyles, travels and adventures of our favourite people on Instagram, every day on our feeds. It’s like those pretty people just have pro photographers follow them around their daily lives […]
5 Photography Tips for Solo Travelers
When it comes to solo travel, I think I’ve been asked every question over the years, and then some. What are your travel photography tips for solo travelers? is one that pops up more frequently […]
5 Travel Photography Tips from a National Geographic Photographer
Award-winning, global travel photographer Susan Seubert has agreed to give us a few preparation photography tips for taking beautiful photos while traveling the world. Susan is a National Geographic Photography Expert and in addition to […]
Making Travel Videos: 11 tips from the experts
So you want to be a travel video blogger? Or, maybe that is not what you want to do full time, but you’d like to incorporate a little videoing or vlogging into your travel recording […]
Travel Photography Tips for Photographing People
Unfortunately, when it comes to travel photography, people are one of the most under-photographed subjects. The reason? Well, it is much easier to shoot a building, landscape or a piece of food laid out on the […]
How to Improve Your Travel Photography
When Craig and Caz approached me to put an article together on tips for improving travel photography, I have to say I was flattered. I love taking photos, and to be asked to share my […]
FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES
Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.
We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.
We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.
We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.
Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below for free resources and planning checklists.
And connect with us on social for live udpates!
FREE TRAVEL PLANNING CHECKLISTS
Want help planning your travels? Our free pre-departure checklists will save you time and ensure you don't miss an important step. Our free VIP email community gets access to a range of checklists, tipping guides, and itinerary ideas. All easy to print off and follow PDF formats! Fill in the form to join.
ALL TRAVEL PLANNING ARTICLES
Week 16: Our first taste of Utah BLOWS our mind
BeaUTAHful. Bring out every superlative on the planet and you still won’t do this state justice. It’s why we’ve chosen to spend at least 5 weeks in Utah! I can’t get enough of the colors […]
Week 14: Relaxing at Stunning Lake Mead, Nevada
This week was all about taking it slow and enjoying the stunning lakeside views and desert landscape from our campsite. I was happy to hear the coyotes howl at night as we sat around the […]
3 Travel Perks For 2019: Kids Fly Free, Birthday Freebies and More!
While it sometimes seems that way, travel news isn’t all bad. There are good travel deals and freebies related to cheap travel. The trick is to know which ones are available to you and when […]
Week 12 of our RV Road Trip: Learning to Love Los Angeles
We’ve now driven across the USA and are enjoying a bit of city life and Los Angeles beach vibe. Find out why we’re loving LA this time
Week 11: Ryan Mountain and Desert Springs Healing
There’s one thing I know you can expect from your travels. You’ll soon arrive to a destination called “I’ve had Enough.” All roads in lead to the town square called a Melting Pot of Disasters and you’ll […]
Week 10: From Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree National Park
Epic views and epic walks in two of America’s best National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. What a week in the RV
Week 9: Off-Roading Adventures + Stunning Hikes in Sedona
Last week I shared how spending time in the wilderness helps you find yourself. It’s why I feel so happy here in Sedona and really have no itchy feet. We leave tomorrow (Saturday), and my […]
Week 8: Finding Connection and Bliss in Sedona
Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the US. Come see how we are experiencing it’s magic and uplifting spirit
Week 7: Desert Attacks in Tucson (+ stunning cactus scenery)
Was it a coyote, or a rattlesnake, or something more sinister? What was the desert attack on our RV road trip through Tucson (+ more fun cactus adventures)
Week 6: From Big Bend National Park to Tucson, Arizona
I felt a tinge of sadness leaving the Big Bend region of Texas. It’s not just the good times I’m leaving behind, but that deep connection to isolated wilderness and myself. Unplugging and returning to […]