Uncategorized Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/category/uncategorized/ Your Resource for Easy Travel Tips Fri, 13 May 2022 18:14:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://plantoexplore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-P-1-32x32.png Uncategorized Archives - Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/category/uncategorized/ 32 32 The Only Guide You Need to Sleep Well on Vacation https://plantoexplore.com/sleep-well-on-vacation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sleep-well-on-vacation https://plantoexplore.com/sleep-well-on-vacation/#respond Thu, 03 Mar 2022 02:09:05 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3408 Do you sleep well on vacation? Some of you might say yes, and others might struggle to get great sleep while traveling, much like I do! Travel can be stressful, you may have jet lag, or could be sensitive to light or noise. After years of domestic and international travel, I’m sharing my top tips to help you sleep well on vacation.  Accommodation Location Airbnb facing a courtyard – Budapest The location of your accommodation can either help or hinder whether you sleep well on vacation. Hotel Tips to Sleep Well   Ask for a room on a higher floor so you will be away from any bars, restaurants, or street noise.  Request to be far away from the elevator to not hear that ding all night long.  Book a room in a hotel a little bit off the main street or thoroughfare. A side street or a few blocks from the hub of a city can help cut down on noise a ton!  Airbnb/Vacation Rentals Tips to Sleep Well  Use my last tip above to research the location as much as possible and try to find a quieter area that’s still convenient to things to do.  If the unit is a condo or apartment, look for one that faces a courtyard instead of the street. Ask questions & read reviews! Did you know you can message the host before booking on Airbnb? I also read some of the reviews to get an idea of location and noise.  Noise Control Help control the noise around you so you can sleep well on vacation. There are two things I primarily use:  White Noise Download an app to your  phone that allows you to play white noise, or any noise you like, to help cover outside noise. I use an app called Rain Rain.  A travel sound machine is another good option. I primarily use this when traveling with my child, but have also taken it on “adult” trips.  Ear Plugs  Tried and true, good old ear plugs are also an option for blocking noise whether it’s from the street or a snoring companion. I just purchased these earplugs and really like them (I have small ear canals so it’s hard to find a pair that’s easy to put in my ear and are also comfortable – these are great!)   Hello Darkness One of the things that really hinders my ability to sleep well on vacation is a bright room at night or early in the morning.  Eye Mask  This is a must have for me at home and when I travel. I have used my eye mask on planes, at the hospital, at accommodations, and more.  Black Out Curtains Check to see if your accommodation has black out curtains. Just be careful not to keep it too dark once you catch up on sleep as it can hinder your circadian rhythm.  Darkness Hack  I’ve used beach towels or blankets to throw over curtain rods to help filter light if absolutely necessary.  Jet Lag The dreaded jet lag is always a concern when traveling over time zones. I can’t say that I have it all figured out to make jet lag go away, but I do have a few tips that can help.  Jet Lag Tips  Try to wait to go to sleep until a normal bedtime hour. This can be really hard to do, but will regulate you to the new time zone a bit more.  Get out in the sunlight during the day to keep your body awake and aware that it’s day time. Use an app called Timeshifter to help adjust your sleep at home to match the upcoming time zone before you even leave.   Comfort Hotel and Airbnb beds can either be the perfect level of comfort, or leave you hoping for more. Try these tricks below to up your comfort level.  Pajamas  Bring and wear what makes you most comfortable! Pack an option for the possibility of being either hot or cold.   Pillows & Blankets  If you like to sleep with extra pillows, or get cold easily – ask your accommodation for extra items. Most places are more than happy to oblige.  Temperature  Check before you book your place to stay to see whether or not they include air conditioning. This will not matter as much in some seasons, but could be a huge deal for the summer months or in warm climate locations.    Airbnb with blackout curtains Nutrition & Hydration I know, no one wants to hear about nutrition on vacation, but it can definitely be a contributing factor to how you sleep!  Nutrition on Vacation  Fit in at least one meal a day that contains fruits and vegetables to make sure your body is getting the nutrition it needs.  Add some some vitamins and probiotics to your bag and take them while away (as long as your doctor recommends this).  Hydration on Vacation Most importantly – stay hydrated! I bring a refillable water bottle on every trip and fill up any chance I see water, as long as it’s safe to drink water in that country. Alternatively,  stock up on bottled water on your first day there and make sure to put a new one in your daypack each night.  I’m not a nutritionist or doctor but I swear Liquid IV helps replenish your electrolytes and gives an extra hydration boost.  Take a break from the night caps. I’m a huge fan of a good glass of wine or beer, but taking a night or two off from the drinks will let your body get proper rest.   Pro Tip: Try to get in some physical activity as well! A few ideas are to walk instead of taking public transport, go for a swim, do a quick workout in your room, or go for a hike.  Sleep Well on Vacation – Final Thoughts Hopefully these tips will help you get some shut eye on your next trip. I have one more trick up my sleeve to help me sleep if all else fails.  Melatonin – I use this to try to help me sleep on a flight (that’s a whole other issue and almost never happens). It’s also helpful the first few nights of the trip to help fall asleep and to get your body regulated.  Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you!

The post The Only Guide You Need to Sleep Well on Vacation appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Do you sleep well on vacation? Some of you might say yes, and others might struggle to get great sleep while traveling, much like I do! Travel can be stressful, you may have jet lag, or could be sensitive to light or noise. After years of domestic and international travel, I’m sharing my top tips to help you sleep well on vacation. 

Accommodation Location

Budapest Hungary Airbnb
Airbnb facing a courtyard - Budapest

The location of your accommodation can either help or hinder whether you sleep well on vacation.

Hotel Tips to Sleep Well  

  • Ask for a room on a higher floor so you will be away from any bars, restaurants, or street noise. 
  • Request to be far away from the elevator to not hear that ding all night long. 
  • Book a room in a hotel a little bit off the main street or thoroughfare. A side street or a few blocks from the hub of a city can help cut down on noise a ton! 

Airbnb/Vacation Rentals Tips to Sleep Well 

  • Use my last tip above to research the location as much as possible and try to find a quieter area that’s still convenient to things to do. 
  • If the unit is a condo or apartment, look for one that faces a courtyard instead of the street.
  • Ask questions & read reviews! Did you know you can message the host before booking on Airbnb? I also read some of the reviews to get an idea of location and noise. 

Noise Control

Help control the noise around you so you can sleep well on vacation. There are two things I primarily use: 

White Noise

  • Download an app to your  phone that allows you to play white noise, or any noise you like, to help cover outside noise. I use an app called Rain Rain. 
  • A travel sound machine is another good option. I primarily use this when traveling with my child, but have also taken it on “adult” trips. 
Ear Plugs 
  • Tried and true, good old ear plugs are also an option for blocking noise whether it’s from the street or a snoring companion. I just purchased these earplugs and really like them (I have small ear canals so it’s hard to find a pair that’s easy to put in my ear and are also comfortable – these are great!)
 

Hello Darkness

One of the things that really hinders my ability to sleep well on vacation is a bright room at night or early in the morning. 

Eye Mask 

  • This is a must have for me at home and when I travel. I have used my eye mask on planes, at the hospital, at accommodations, and more. 

Black Out Curtains

  • Check to see if your accommodation has black out curtains. Just be careful not to keep it too dark once you catch up on sleep as it can hinder your circadian rhythm. 

Darkness Hack 

  • I’ve used beach towels or blankets to throw over curtain rods to help filter light if absolutely necessary. 

Jet Lag

The dreaded jet lag is always a concern when traveling over time zones. I can’t say that I have it all figured out to make jet lag go away, but I do have a few tips that can help. 

Jet Lag Tips 

  • Try to wait to go to sleep until a normal bedtime hour. This can be really hard to do, but will regulate you to the new time zone a bit more. 
  • Get out in the sunlight during the day to keep your body awake and aware that it’s day time.
  • Use an app called Timeshifter to help adjust your sleep at home to match the upcoming time zone before you even leave.  

Comfort

Hotel and Airbnb beds can either be the perfect level of comfort, or leave you hoping for more. Try these tricks below to up your comfort level. 

Pajamas 

  • Bring and wear what makes you most comfortable! Pack an option for the possibility of being either hot or cold.  

Pillows & Blankets 

  • If you like to sleep with extra pillows, or get cold easily – ask your accommodation for extra items. Most places are more than happy to oblige. 
Temperature 
  • Check before you book your place to stay to see whether or not they include air conditioning. This will not matter as much in some seasons, but could be a huge deal for the summer months or in warm climate locations. 
 
Airbnb Fredericksburg Texas, Plan to Explore
Airbnb with blackout curtains

Nutrition & Hydration

I know, no one wants to hear about nutrition on vacation, but it can definitely be a contributing factor to how you sleep! 

Nutrition on Vacation 

  • Fit in at least one meal a day that contains fruits and vegetables to make sure your body is getting the nutrition it needs. 
  • Add some some vitamins and probiotics to your bag and take them while away (as long as your doctor recommends this). 
Hydration on Vacation

  • Most importantly – stay hydrated! I bring a refillable water bottle on every trip and fill up any chance I see water, as long as it’s safe to drink water in that country. Alternatively,  stock up on bottled water on your first day there and make sure to put a new one in your daypack each night. 
  • I’m not a nutritionist or doctor but I swear Liquid IV helps replenish your electrolytes and gives an extra hydration boost. 
  • Take a break from the night caps. I’m a huge fan of a good glass of wine or beer, but taking a night or two off from the drinks will let your body get proper rest. 
 
Pro Tip: Try to get in some physical activity as well! A few ideas are to walk instead of taking public transport, go for a swim, do a quick workout in your room, or go for a hike. 

Sleep Well on Vacation - Final Thoughts

Hopefully these tips will help you get some shut eye on your next trip. I have one more trick up my sleeve to help me sleep if all else fails. 

Melatonin – I use this to try to help me sleep on a flight (that’s a whole other issue and almost never happens). It’s also helpful the first few nights of the trip to help fall asleep and to get your body regulated. 

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you!

The post The Only Guide You Need to Sleep Well on Vacation appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/sleep-well-on-vacation/feed/ 0 7 Places to Stay in Fredericksburg, Texas That You Will Want to Book Now https://plantoexplore.com/where-to-stay-in-fredericksburg-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-stay-in-fredericksburg-texas https://plantoexplore.com/where-to-stay-in-fredericksburg-texas/#comments Mon, 03 May 2021 21:06:19 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=2834 Visiting Fredericksburg, Texas is one of my favorite getaways. Picturesque hill country, more wineries than you can count, great food, and cute shops are all on offer here. I just love searching for a cute place to stay in Fredericksburg, so I thought I would share some awesome spots for you to check out.  Scroll to see seven places I’ve either happened upon myself or had recommended to me by friends in the area.  Blacksmith Quarters on Barons Creek Both historic and beautiful, these cottages are built on the Ransleben Blacksmith property right as you enter downtown Fredericksburg. Even more unique? The cottages are named after the blacksmith’s children. The creek flowing through the middle of the property just adds to the charm.  Each cottage has a gas fireplace, kitchenette, king beds, and a private hot tub. Accommodation sizes vary from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms, so you can book a romantic retreat, or a group gathering. A light breakfast is provided by the hosts.  Click here to book Photo Credit: Booking.com The Roadrunner Inn You’ll find The Roadrunner tucked away above the shops right in the heart of Main Street in Fredericksburg. An ideal spot for walking between the Fredericksburg restaurants, shopping, and tasting rooms without having to drive.  They like to call their spot “modern, downtown, doily-free.” I can appreciate that.  Click here to book Photo Credit: The Roadrunner Inn Read More: A Unique Day Trip to Fredericksburg, Texas Wine Country Cottages on Main The surroundings at Wine Country Cottages on Main just scream Texas Hill Country to me. A windmill, gardens, and tank house all add to the ambiance.  Striving for luxury and comfort, the owners here created beautiful cottages with vaulted ceilings, king-size beds, beautiful bathrooms, and your own private hot tub. All this is located right in the middle of Main Street Fredericksburg.  Click here to book Photo Credit: Booking.com Contigo Ranch If you are looking for a bit of an escape from the hustle and bustle when you stay in Fredericksburg, check out Contigo Ranch. Whether you are looking for contemporary or historic, you’ll find it here!  Just a bit north from Fredericksburg, you’ll find expansive views at this property. With 10 modern cottages,  4 historic cabins, and event space, this could be a perfect wedding location as well.  Click here to book Photo Credit: Booking.com Photo Credit: Booking.com Barons Creekside Resort This unique spot feels like you are miles from the city, but is only a 3-minute drive from Fredericksburg. There are 26 acres to roam, with 12 hand-crafted Swiss log cabins. Want to try out glamping? Stay in the Baron’s Wagon.  A special perk to this location is their onsite bistro & wine bar. Talk about convenience.  Click here to book Photo Credit: Booking.com Live Oak Tree House at Honey Tree Farm Who wouldn’t want to stay in this gorgeous treehouse?! Cozy spaces invite you to stay awhile and relax. You’ll find a private candle-lit outdoor bathtub to soak in here as well.  This property also has a second treehouse you can stay in and is located just a few miles north of Fredericksburg.  Click here to book Photo Credit: dwell.com Stonewall Motor Lodge Down the road just a bit further east into the wine trail along 290, you’ll find Stonewall Motor Lodge. The name “Motor Lodge” may make you think of times past, but the owners of this spot have turned it into a boutique hotel with a vintage feel.  Amid the 50+ wineries along the trail, this is a great midpoint spot to book a night or two. You’ll also find a gathering space outside in their barn and on the rooftop deck.  Click here to book Where to Stay in Fredericksburg Pro Tip: Accommodations book up in advance, especially during the peak seasons of Spring and Fall. Start your trip planning a few months out, and book your ideal place ASAP.  Where do you plan to stay in Fredericksburg? If you have a favorite spot let me know in the comments! Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post 7 Places to Stay in Fredericksburg, Texas That You Will Want to Book Now appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

Visiting Fredericksburg, Texas is one of my favorite getaways. Picturesque hill country, more wineries than you can count, great food, and cute shops are all on offer here. I just love searching for a cute place to stay in Fredericksburg, so I thought I would share some awesome spots for you to check out. 

Scroll to see seven places I’ve either happened upon myself or had recommended to me by friends in the area. 

Blacksmith Quarters on Barons Creek

Both historic and beautiful, these cottages are built on the Ransleben Blacksmith property right as you enter downtown Fredericksburg. Even more unique? The cottages are named after the blacksmith’s children. The creek flowing through the middle of the property just adds to the charm. 

Each cottage has a gas fireplace, kitchenette, king beds, and a private hot tub. Accommodation sizes vary from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms, so you can book a romantic retreat, or a group gathering. A light breakfast is provided by the hosts. 

Click here to book
Blacksmith Quarters, stay in Fredericksburg
Photo Credit: Booking.com

The Roadrunner Inn

You’ll find The Roadrunner tucked away above the shops right in the heart of Main Street in Fredericksburg. An ideal spot for walking between the Fredericksburg restaurants, shopping, and tasting rooms without having to drive. 

They like to call their spot “modern, downtown, doily-free.” I can appreciate that. 

Click here to book
Roadrunner Inn Fredericksburg
Photo Credit: The Roadrunner Inn
Fredericksburg Texas Slingshot Rental, Plan to Explore

Read More: A Unique Day Trip to Fredericksburg, Texas

Wine Country Cottages on Main

The surroundings at Wine Country Cottages on Main just scream Texas Hill Country to me. A windmill, gardens, and tank house all add to the ambiance. 

Striving for luxury and comfort, the owners here created beautiful cottages with vaulted ceilings, king-size beds, beautiful bathrooms, and your own private hot tub. All this is located right in the middle of Main Street Fredericksburg. 

Click here to book
Photo Credit: Booking.com

Contigo Ranch

If you are looking for a bit of an escape from the hustle and bustle when you stay in Fredericksburg, check out Contigo Ranch. Whether you are looking for contemporary or historic, you’ll find it here! 

Just a bit north from Fredericksburg, you’ll find expansive views at this property. With 10 modern cottages,  4 historic cabins, and event space, this could be a perfect wedding location as well. 

Click here to book
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Contigo Ranch, Fredericksburg TX
Photo Credit: Booking.com

Barons Creekside Resort

This unique spot feels like you are miles from the city, but is only a 3-minute drive from Fredericksburg. There are 26 acres to roam, with 12 hand-crafted Swiss log cabins. Want to try out glamping? Stay in the Baron’s Wagon. 

A special perk to this location is their onsite bistro & wine bar. Talk about convenience. 

Click here to book
Barons Creekside Resort, stay in Frederisckburg
Photo Credit: Booking.com
TripAdvisor

Live Oak Tree House at Honey Tree Farm

Who wouldn’t want to stay in this gorgeous treehouse?! Cozy spaces invite you to stay awhile and relax. You’ll find a private candle-lit outdoor bathtub to soak in here as well. 

This property also has a second treehouse you can stay in and is located just a few miles north of Fredericksburg. 

Click here to book
Live Oak Tree House, Fredericksburg TX
Photo Credit: dwell.com

Stonewall Motor Lodge

Down the road just a bit further east into the wine trail along 290, you’ll find Stonewall Motor Lodge. The name “Motor Lodge” may make you think of times past, but the owners of this spot have turned it into a boutique hotel with a vintage feel. 

Amid the 50+ wineries along the trail, this is a great midpoint spot to book a night or two. You’ll also find a gathering space outside in their barn and on the rooftop deck. 

Click here to book

Where to Stay in Fredericksburg Pro Tip: Accommodations book up in advance, especially during the peak seasons of Spring and Fall. Start your trip planning a few months out, and book your ideal place ASAP. 

Where do you plan to stay in Fredericksburg? If you have a favorite spot let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post 7 Places to Stay in Fredericksburg, Texas That You Will Want to Book Now appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/where-to-stay-in-fredericksburg-texas/feed/ 1 Funny Travel Memes to Laugh at During Hard Times https://plantoexplore.com/funny-travel-memes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=funny-travel-memes https://plantoexplore.com/funny-travel-memes/#respond Thu, 07 May 2020 02:13:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=1558 I don’t know about you, but one of the things that has really made me laugh during quarantine is travel memes. Making light of tough times and being able to laugh significantly helps my mood turn around. You?  If you haven’t seen any of these travel memes while scrolling Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, prepare to giggle. 🙂  Let’s be friends. Follow me on Social Media! Pinterest Instagram Facebook Did you have to cancel any trips during this time? I did, and it was a bummer. I was supposed to travel to Ireland this May, and well, it’s not going to happen.  This traveler was determined to keep the dream alive.  Image source starecat.com I love a good travel map and have been known to memorize streets in the area before arriving. Does that make me a bit of a map nerd?  Nowadays, deciding where to travel to over the weekend can be a tough decision…..but don’t worry someone created a map for you to make it easier.  Make sure you use these new airport codes for your quarantine travels. I wish WNC was an option for my “airport.” Although mine might be empty at this point.  Planning a trip to Europe in the future? Click to read my full Europe Travel Tip Guide! Getting some exercise to feel healthy is important during this time.  I enjoy a good hike on vacation, and this traveler didn’t have to go too far to enjoy one herself.  Last but not least, if you are looking for some summer 2020 fun in the sun ideas, look no further….. Image source @girlzzzclub I don’t know about you, but these travel memes have been life during my time at home. I cannot wait to travel and explore again when the time is right. I’m hoping my Ireland trip is rescheduled eventually, and I can’t wait to go back to Eastern Europe!  I hope you laugh a little today, and feel free to forward to someone else to make them smile too!  What is making you laugh during these times? Let me know in the comments below! Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. We really, really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post Funny Travel Memes to Laugh at During Hard Times appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>
I don’t know about you, but one of the things that has really made me laugh during quarantine is travel memes. Making light of tough times and being able to laugh significantly helps my mood turn around. You? 
If you haven’t seen any of these travel memes while scrolling Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, prepare to giggle. 🙂 

Let's be friends. Follow me on Social Media!

Pinterest Instagram Facebook
Did you have to cancel any trips during this time? I did, and it was a bummer. I was supposed to travel to Ireland this May, and well, it’s not going to happen. 
This traveler was determined to keep the dream alive. 
Travel Memes - Trip Cancelled

Image source starecat.com

I love a good travel map and have been known to memorize streets in the area before arriving. Does that make me a bit of a map nerd? 
Nowadays, deciding where to travel to over the weekend can be a tough decision…..but don’t worry someone created a map for you to make it easier. 
Travel Memes - Map
Make sure you use these new airport codes for your quarantine travels. I wish WNC was an option for my “airport.” Although mine might be empty at this point. 
Travel Memes - Airport Codes

Planning a trip to Europe in the future? Click to read my full Europe Travel Tip Guide!

Getting some exercise to feel healthy is important during this time.  I enjoy a good hike on vacation, and this traveler didn’t have to go too far to enjoy one herself. 
Travel Memes - Mountain Climb
Last but not least, if you are looking for some summer 2020 fun in the sun ideas, look no further…..

Image source @girlzzzclub

I don’t know about you, but these travel memes have been life during my time at home. I cannot wait to travel and explore again when the time is right. I’m hoping my Ireland trip is rescheduled eventually, and I can’t wait to go back to Eastern Europe! 
I hope you laugh a little today, and feel free to forward to someone else to make them smile too! 

What is making you laugh during these times? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. We really, really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post Funny Travel Memes to Laugh at During Hard Times appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/funny-travel-memes/feed/ 0