Travel Tips Archives | Page 5 of 7

6 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps of 2021

Susan Weston / May 23, 2021 / Leave a Comment

Download these apps to help plan your ultimate summer road trip.

1. GasBuddy

I want to save money wherever I can when I travel, and I love any tool that helps with this goal. Gas prices can add up quickly during a road trip. GasBuddy allows people to search for the lowest fuel prices in the area. It also helps calculate the estimated fuel charges for your road trip before you even get in the car.

Additionally, there is a free option to save up to $0.25/gallon. You need to connect your checking account, and they will mail you a card to swipe at the pump for a discount. For $9.99/month, you can save up to $0.40/gallon and get roadside assistance. Available for Android and iOS.

2. HipCamp

I wish I knew about HipCamp years ago. The user interface resembles Airbnbs, but it is only for booking campsites, cabins, RV parks, public parks, and more. Landowners can advertise their private land as camp sites, much like homeowners can rent out their homes. HipCamp appears to be geared towards “glamping,” and many rentals are more expensive than your typical campsite, but there are cheaper options.

Since HipCamp mainly focuses on private landowners, it is a great alternative during the pandemic when many state campsites are closed. Get $10 in HipCamp credit by signing up with this link. Available for Android and iOS.

3. My Maps (by Google Maps)

Remember having to write down directions on PAPER to drive anywhere? Sadly, I bet many of you don’t. Trust me. It was a tough time.

You can use Google Maps for more than trying to beat the estimated time of arrival when driving. My Maps gives you the ability to create a custom map with your own landmarks, routes, and even the ability to add shapes and drawings. The best part is you can share the map with other people and give them the ability to add to the map if you want.

For example, I used My Maps to plan my Route 66 road trip. I added layers for accommodations and attractions. I shared it with my boyfriend, who was able to add attractions he was interested in, too. We used this map to navigate our whole trip. For an in-depth tutorial on how to make a custom map, check out this article. (Apple does not make a specific My Maps app, but the feature is available on the Google Maps app.)

4. Road Side America

Do you want to see the largest rocking chair or the tallest totem pole? Roadside America is a database of “Offbeat Tourist Attractions.” Anyone can add an attraction or update an existing one. The website is free to use. An app is available for iOS starting at $2.99, allowing you to download the maps to your phone. Personally, I check the website when I plan my road trip and then add the stops to my custom google map.

5. Flush

This is probably the most important road trip app on this list. Flush will locate any restroom in your area. It also gives you information on which ones provide accessibility access, charge a fee for usage, or require a key. Did you find a bathroom not on the list? Add it to Flush’s database. Available for Android and iOS.

6. TripIt

TripIt is my favorite road trip planning app. I hate searching through my email to find my car rental reservation number? Or the contact information for my Airbnb? TripIt helps me stay organized for any vacation. I can manually input reservations, but the best feature is TripIt will scan your emails and automatically import any travel-related information to its website. The entire trip itinerary is available in one place with minimal effort. TripIt also makes it easy to share/edit travel plans with your whole group. Available for Android and iOS.

What should you bring on your road trip? 15 Road Trip Packing List Essentials

6 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps of 2021 Read More »

10 Things Every Travel Nurse Needs to Pack

Susan Weston / May 9, 2021 / Leave a Comment

If it is your first travel nursing job or your 15th, these are ten items every travel nurse needs to pack.

This page contains affiliate links, and I may receive compensation if you click on a link. You can read my full advertising disclosure here.

1. Space Saver Bags

I have a small car. When I say small, I have a two-door convertible with a subwoofer (it came like that) in the trunk. I swear by these bags.

I vacuum seal all of my clothes. My clothes shrink by 70%. Shrinking your clothes is especially helpful when traveling to a travel assignment in the winter. Packing bulky jackets and sweaters can take up a lot of room. Space saver bags are a must-have on your travel nursing packing list.

2. Extension Cords and Power Strips

No matter what apartment or hotel I am in, the placement of outlets never makes sense. Why is there always an outlet directly behind the middle of the headboard but not by the nightstands? I have three extension cords and three power strips, and sometimes I even feel that isn’t enough. This is a requirement on any packing list.

3. Workout Bands

It can feel impossible to work out while traveling. I will make all the excuses in the world. I am working too much. A monthly gym membership is too expensive. I don’t have the equipment to work out at home.

These bands are lightweight and easy to travel with. They are fabric, so they do not bunch up like their plastic counterparts. I have found a lot of workouts on YouTube. I recommend Heather Robinson. She doesn’t talk throughout the workout. I cannot listen to Shaun T when I wake up. Sorry.

4. Small Vacuum

I have been bringing a vacuum with me on all my travel nursing assignments. First, so I can seal all my clothes in the space bags. Second, I am a clean freak, and sometimes my swifter won’t cut it. A fellow travel nurse recommends packing a small vacuum. Everyone’s house had a dustbuster when I was growing up, but I feel like they fell out of style. A dustbuster is at the top of my packing list for my next assignment.

5. Faucet Water Filter

Now, I am not a water snob. I do not taste the difference between Dasani and Evian. I have no problem drinking tap water. But sometimes, no matter how good the water is, it has a funny taste.

A faucet water filter does not take a lot of room to pack but will improve any water flavor.

6.Wine Opener

You just never know.

7. Fire Stick

Watching Netflix on your computer gets old quickly. Most TV today are smart TV.s, or they at least have a USB input. A Firestick is cost affordable and only needs the internet. You will be able to watch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and whatever other streaming services you have. I personally have Sling TV. Honestly, I just watch reality TV. It’s okay. You can judge. I’m confident in myself. Sling has all the channels I need and more.

Travel Tip: If you have the American Express Platinum Card, they offer a $20 a month credit for any streaming service.

8. French Press

Facts:
1. Nurses need coffee.
2. Not all apartments have coffee makers.
3. Buying coffee at the local coffee shop is expensive.

If you haven’t used a French Press, you should. It is small, compact, lightweight. Just fill with hot water and coffee grinds, waiting 5 minutes, and press.

9. Utility Wagon

One of the best purchases I ever bought. I don’t know how I ever moved without it. I can move an entire apartment in three loads. I use it to bring in groceries—no more multiple trips from your car. You will never drop and break a 12 pack of beer again, priorities.

10. Chili Pad

The BEST thing I have ever bought. I get hot when I sleep. You never know if your apartment will have a fan or AC. Most nurses know what an “Artic Sun” is. Well, this is an artic sun for the general public. It is a mat that goes under your fitted sheet. It cools down to 55º F. But don’t worry, for those that get cold when they sleep, it also heats to 110ºF. They also make a temperature-weighted blanket.

On another positive note, it will improve your relationship. My boyfriend and I can finally sleep together without wanting to take an ice bath in the middle of the night. I know it is expensive, but a good night’s sleep is priceless.

10 Things Every Travel Nurse Needs to Pack Read More »

15 Road Trip Packing List Essentials

Susan Weston / August 31, 2020 / Leave a Comment

This is the summer of road trips. International travel isn’t an option right now. People can explore the US safely. But, a road trip does require a little planning. These fifteen items are a must-have on your road trip packing list.

1. Hand-Held Paper Map

The first reason this is on the packing list is cell phone service can be spotty, especially in National Parks. An old fashion map can save the day.

The second reason for me is that I am a visual learner. You can explain to me all day where we are going, but you could be talking in a foreign language until I see it. Plus, a perfect keepsake is stitching the route into the map when you get back.

I recommend a waterproof map, so you don’t worry about spilling your coffee.

2. Car Organizer

A road trip means living out of the car for days. Between electronics, snacks, and guidebooks, things can get messy quickly. Stay organized and add this to your road trip packing list.

3. Compact Tent and Sleeping Bag

Hotel bills can add up quickly. There are beautiful places to camp in the US. You don’t have to pack tons of camping gear. Keep a small tent and sleeping bag in the car. You never know when you will find the perfect beach camping spot.

4. Cooler

Eating out also adds up quickly. Get a soft-sided cooler (easier to squeeze into an already full car). Keep snacks, lunch meat, beer, and wine (passengers only) handy. A picnic lunch is a perfect way to cut down on expenses. Don’t forget the wine opener.

I found a very cheap cooler at Walmart that shockingly does not leak. This cooler on amazon has great reviews if you don’t want to battle the Walmart crowd.

5. Wine Tote

Do you need it? No. Do you want it? Yes. I got my wine tote as a gift when I joined a wine club. This one on Amazon is similar.

If you decide to join the wine club, make sure you check to see if there are any bonus offers with your travel credit card. If you don’t have a travel reward credit card, I recommend the Chase Saphire Reserve or the American Express Platinum Card.

6. Blanket

When I first got my license, my cousin bought me a car blanket. A blanket that I was to leave in the car. It came in handy on more than one occasion.

I hate the AC blowing on me. I also hate fighting over the controls. Stop arguments over the temperature of the car and use the blanket to stay warm. It can also double as a picnic blanket.

7. PopSocket Phone Mount

Yes, I know. Don’t use your phone while driving. But I am also realistic. We are going to use our phone for music and directions. A PopSocket phone mount is a great way to keep your Google maps at eye level. And, in case you don’t want want to keep the mount on the dash or are driving a rental car, use a piece of floss to remove it safely. I don’t recommend the mount that goes in the vent. It isn’t strong enough to support a phone.

8. Spare Change

I never have spare change with me. Let’s face it. We are a cashless society. A road trip is an exception. Even though most tolls are cashless, you never know. Cash can come in handy for tolls, national park entrance fees, parking meters, and an occasional win-a stuffed animal game.

Unicorn Claw Machine, Berjaya Times Square — Cliff attempts and fails to win me a unicorn in Kuala Lumpur.

9. Trashbag

Wrappers, drink containers, gum wrappers, etc. Trash builds up fast during a road trip. I usually use a grocery bag from the gas station, but check out this contraption if you want to go fancy.

10. Multi-Port Car Charger

We all have electronics, a cellphone, Ipad, a smartwatch, etc. Times that by two or more people and let the arguments begin. Get a multi-port car charger. One that has a cord will stop backseat passengers from bothering you every 5 minutes.

Just remember to remove it when the car is off. There is nothing like a dead battery in the middle of nowhere.

11. Gas-X

We all have that friend, or maybe you are that friend. Road trip food is rarely healthy. Be safe. Put Gas-X or nose plugs on your road trip packing list.

12. The Perfect Offline Playlist

Don’t forget to download your road trip playlist. We have all felt the dreaded moment when the radio goes to static. Spotify, iTunes, and Sound Cloud all have an option to download music. Check out Wandering Bird for great playlist ideas.

13. Reading Light

The item you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. I don’t have this, but I am adding it to my road trip packing list. I always feel guilty, turning on the overhead light in the dark just to read a guidebook or a map.

14. Toilet Paper

I have no shame. I grew up on a farm and have no problem squatting on the side of the road. Yes, you can use the shake method, but that never completely works (I don’t know how dogs do it). Therefore, a roll of toilet paper is a road trip essential. Plus, it can be used to clean up the soda you just spilled.

15. Wet Wipes

I hope you brought the toilet paper, but wet wipes are an even better way to clean up spills and sticky hands.