Category: Travel Tips

As many of us are doing on a daily basis, whether it is a part of our jobs, educational research or our dream process we are searching out and finding links to so many interesting websites. And, it seems, as soon as we have found one that grabs our interest and we have explored it we move on. We often never go back to that fleeting fascination again – it is forgotten, forever lost.

That is why I decided I would write to preserve the Links I Love on most Friday posts. I have followed the Modern Mrs. Darcy for a few years now and love her bookish life and blog.

From her book reviews, her yearly reading challenge and her viewpoint on life she is both a charming and captivating blogger. She is my inspiration for this Friday post and so here is the very first link that I love; www.modernmrsdarcy.com

www.routeperfect.com This is a great website for planning your European adventure. You can plug in your start and end points and planned length of trip and their software develops a travel plan for you. Or if you are looking for inspiration have a look at some of their pre-designed itineraries. From there you can plan your own holiday or let them do it for you.

www.jpeterman.com Do you like shopping online? CHECK! Do you like fiction? CHECK! Do you like Seinfeld? CHECK! Yes, the infamous J Peterman Catalogue of whom Elaine Benes of Seinfeld fame worked for really does exist. It’s fantastic and I’ve already picked out numerous items I would like to buy!

 

You will never regret downloading and using a packing app for your smart phone or tablet! I use Essential Travel Checklist on my iPad and love it – now. I like that it is simple to use and easy to understand. I didn’t really care for much of the preloaded lists that were already there and found them so easy to update and change and add to. Now I have my own “Carry On” list, “Race Day” list, “Business” list and “Getaway” list to name a few. And recently I added my new “Sailboat” list which I will need to update soon.

That’s the thing – you read on someone’s site that the best things to have for a sailing trip are 3 dresses, a shawl, shampoo and conditioner, 2 bathing suits, etc.  You make your own list based on a few readings and your own preferences and then you pack and go.

Inevitably, on your trip you see that that the best choice for your shower gear would have been biodegradable camp soap and some body wipes a better choice and forget the three dresses, one would have been enough – three bating suits and 4 coverups would have worked better for the kind of activities that you find yourself and your crew are interested in.

I never trust that I will remember all the little things I learned on this trip a whole year later when I am about to embark on another similar type trip. That is where these handy apps come in. At the end of your trip or even while you are on it, go into your app and update your list. It’s as simple as that!

As I mentioned, I use Essential Travel Checklist, it is simple, easy and elegant, but there are quite a few packing list apps out there to choose from. If you like an app with tons of lists that you can choose from, then Packing Pro, with 9 lists to build off of looks like it would be very useful. From the reviews it sounds very customizable and easy to use. I thought TripList looks good too. A bit pricey to upgrade to the Wizard but it will determine a list for you based on your destination and the weather at the time of your trip. Well, that might be worth looking at! All three of these apps have a 4+ rating in the reviews.

When choosing a Packing List app, look for the following:

• What is included in the freemium version?
• What in-app purchases are available and how much do they cost?
• Does it provide customizable lists and can you create your own?
• Does it have good reviews?
• What are your specific needs as far as travel is concerned and does the app look like it will fulfill those needs?