Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/ Your Resource for Easy Travel Tips Sat, 18 Oct 2025 03:54:36 +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 Plan to Explore https://plantoexplore.com/ 32 32 Southern Poland Travel Guide You Won’t Want to Miss https://plantoexplore.com/southern-poland-travel-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=southern-poland-travel-guide https://plantoexplore.com/southern-poland-travel-guide/#respond Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:33:44 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=4034 What a pleasant surprise it was to visit Southern Poland! I’ve traveled quite a bit in Europe, and really enjoyed the beauty and balance of this area. If you are looking for a Southern Poland Travel Guide or just want to learn a little more about the area, keep reading my recap and Poland tips below!  Getting to Southern Poland Airport Of course getting to Poland varies greatly depending on your country of origin. We traveled from the US, so that means we arrived at Aéroport International Jean-Paul II de Cracovie-Balice, outside of Kraków.  From the airport, we decided to take a taxi, which typically costs between 45-55 zł at the time of writing (12-15 USD), and took around 20 minutes. We prefer a door-to-door option when dealing with jet lag after an overnight flight.  Make sure to ask for the cost before getting in the taxi!  Here are some other options to consider when transiting from the airport to the city:  Train – From the airport to Kraków Główny in the city center, it takes around 15-18 minutes and costs 10 zł – 13 zł (2-3 USD). You can purchase tickets from ticket machines at the terminal or from the train conductor.  Bus – From the airport, catch bus 300 during the day, and 902 at night. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 4 zł to 35 zł (2-10 USD). You can purchase tickets at ticket machines. Don’t forget to validate your ticket on the bus! If you are looking for a way to SAVE on flights, look no further than Going! I have personally been a customer since 2018 and even booked a flight to Madrid for $400 round trip!  They offer free memberships for domestic flight deals, and paid for international flights and mistake fares. I promise they will save you money! Click here to sign up.  Train Kraków Główny is the main train station in Krakow. After arriving at the station, here are your options to get to the main Old Town area.  Walk – The station is just 1.6 km or 1 mile from the center. Look for signs that say Stare Miasto.  Taxi/Uber/Bolt – There is a designated taxi stand you can use, or you can order an Uber or Bolt to pick you up. I like the later as you can enter in your exact address without having to attmept to translate, especially if its more obscure.  Tram/Bus – You can purchase tickets from the KMK machines for either. Make sure to look up routes that are offered and choose one that takes you closest to your preferred destination.  When to Visit Southern Poland I personally prefer warmer weather, which is why we chose to visit in late May. I really enjoyed this time our year in Poland. Flowers were blooming, the weather was warm but not too hot. I could definitely see it getting a lot hotter in July and August.  My recommendation would be to visit in either May, June, September or October, unless you enjoy colder weather.  Do keep in mind that many accommodations do not offer A/C, and ours did not. We found that it cooled off enough at night that we could have the windows open and it was not a big issue.  Areas in Southern Poland to Visit Schindler’s Passage – Krakow, Poland Poland is a fairly large country! If you compared it to a US state, it’s close in size to New Mexico, and would be 3/4 as big as Texas.  We chose to visit Krakow and a mountain town called Zakopane. Both were truly lovely, one being a city, and the other focusing on the outdoors.  Here are some great Southern Poland places to visit:  Kraków – The hub of the area, it is one of my favorite European cities. We found it to be exciting, but also laid back, plenty to do, but not completely overrun with people. If you are traversing between Stare Maisto and Kazimierz it’s very easy to walk everywhere. It is relatively affordable compared to the rest of Europe. Highlights included Kazimierz and both Jewish cemeteries, Rynek Underground Museum, Market Square, and Wawel Castle.  Zakopane – We did not realize how popular of a vacation destination Zakopane was for Polish, as well as visitors from Europe. We were the only Americans (that we saw at the time). This town has two main seasons, winter for skiing and summer for hiking/outdoor activities. There is a bustling, albeit a little touristy main area with lots of shopping a restaurants. Just a street or two away and you are back to quiet. Highlights included the Kasprowy Wierch cable car to the top of the mountain (complete with a restaurant with decent food and a beer or hot chocolate),  The Tatra Musuem, and just walking or hiking out in nature.  Wrocław – We didn’t make it to this city, but I have heard really great things about it. You can hunt for bronze dwarf statues, visit museums, wander the market square, and more. This is definitely a less traveresed city, maybe even a hidden gem when visiting Poland.  Kraków, Poland Top Areas to stay in Kraków, Poland Stare Miastro – If you want to be in the middle of it all, staying in Old Town might be for you. Everything will be just steps away and easy to get to. This area is definitely the busiest and can be a bit louder. I recommended finding accommodations down a side street for a more calm and quite experience.  Kazimierz  – This is the Jewish Quarter of Kraków, which is essential to visit when in the city. It tends to be a bit quieter and there a more up and coming restaurants. We stayed in this area and really enjoyed the slower pace and vibe, with old town just a 5-10 minute walk away.  Top Things To Do in Kraków, Poland Wawel Castle The Armory at Wawel Castle Krakow has a lot of interesting things to see and do. You’ll definitely want to save some of these ideas for your Southern Poland Travel.  Market Square (Rynek Główny) – An obvious stop in any European city, the main square. Filled with beautiful buildings, shops, an underground museum and lots of pigeons – this square offers a lot to do. The underground musuem was a highlight, and offers a glimpse into past centuries where they sold goods in this same area. Ruins of stalls past are featured buried beneath what is now today’s square.  Wawel Castle – Another European must-do, this castle is more like a large complex. We liked the option to buy entrance to only the sections that interest you most. We chose the Armory (I should say our 7 year old chose it), and it was a great place to wander and see all centuries of weapons and suits or armor. Barbikan & Park Ring – Where old fortress walls stood, there is now a park that encircles all of old town. It is such a lovely shaded area to stroll or sit on a bench for some rest after walking all day. At the north end of Old Town, there is an old Barbican that is neat to see.  Old & New Jewish Cemeteries – Poland has a long Jewish history, that includes a dark time when it comes to the Holocaust. The old Jewish cemetery dates back to as far as 500 AD, there is an entrance fee, but we were luckily enough to be able to see the whole things from our AirBnb window! The New Jewish cemetary has a very dark history, as it is where many were taken for their last moments. Extremely large, it’s a place to stroll, pay respects and reflect.  Pinball Museum – An off the beaten path suggestion, this Pinball arcade allows a one time entry fee with all you can play pinball for an hour. This was a nice stop and activity that didn’t involve history or excessive walking.  Have you checked out Viator for guided tours? I love a tour to learn more about history, eat local foods, or to catch a boat on a local river or canal. Click here to search for tours in Poland! Old Jewish Cemetery, Kazimierz (this was the view from our Airbnb! We thought it was really cool, but may not be to others) Where & What to Eat in Kraków Polish food is honestly delicious. I’ve been to several countries in what might be considered Eastern Europe and this was my favorite. Pierogies – need I say more?! What To Eat in Southern Poland Polish food is a hearty cuisine, but I found it to also be fresh and delicious. Here are some Polish foods you need to try when you visit the country:  Pierogies – these dumpling-like and are typically either filled with meat or potato, and sometimes even fruits. You can get them boiled or crispy, and they are often served with sour cream. Honestly delightful.  Bigos – A stew that consists of meat and slighty sour cabbage may not sound great at first, but I found it to be really delicious.  Placki Ziemniaczane – Potato pancakes, you’ll find these served a long side of foods, or even as a part of a main dish with stewed meat over top. I had the later and it was amazing.  Golabki – The Polish version of cabbage rolls, I enjoyed these. Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, typically pork and stewed for hours. You’ll also find cabbage rolls in Hungary and Romania.  Zupa Grzybowa – A surprise favorite, this is a lightly creamy mushroom soup with small noodles in it. My son loved it so much I had to find a recipe to attempt it at home!  Zapiekanka – An open faced french bread street food topped with cheese and a variety of other items. A must try, especially after a beer or night out. Similar to the US french bread pizza, but with much more unique toppings!  Paczki – Amazing fresh made donuts thaty typically have a filling. We tried the apple filled version and it was a hit with that whole family. Definitely a must try, and there are grab and go store fronts all over the city selling them.  There is so much more to try, this is just a sample of our favorite items!  Where to Eat in Kraków Kuchnia u Doroty There are a lot of options for where to eat in Kraków, Poland. Below are the places we ended up trying, a whether or not we would go back!  Kuchnia u Doroty – A family favorite for us! They offer a wide variety of Polish foods and all of it was fresh and delicious. Make a reservation for this restaurant as it books up quickly!  Nowy Kraftowy – A great laid-back spot for pizza & burgers. This is actually a craft beer location as well. The food was great here.  Jewish Square (Plac Nowy) – This is the best place to try Zapiekanka, with several stalls selling it.  The Leaky Cauldron – I would call this place touristy, with Harry Potter decor and drinks that have dried ice to create smoke. Since we had a child with us, it was a fun stop for a break and a drink. I would not recommend the food here.  Zakopane, Poland Zakopane was an easy 3 hour train ride from Krakow, and is a very inviting and lovely skiing or summer hiking spot.  What You Need to Know about Zakopane in Southern Poland Zakopane is well known and visited by the Polish and by other Europeans. The main shopping street can get quite busy and I have seen some negative comments about visiting because of this.  I would not call it a hidden gem mountain town, but I still think it’s worth a visit as you can arrive by train and don’t necessarily need a car, and just a street or two off...

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What a pleasant surprise it was to visit Southern Poland! I’ve traveled quite a bit in Europe, and really enjoyed the beauty and balance of this area. If you are looking for a Southern Poland Travel Guide or just want to learn a little more about the area, keep reading my recap and Poland tips below! 

Getting to Southern Poland

Airport

Of course getting to Poland varies greatly depending on your country of origin. We traveled from the US, so that means we arrived at Aéroport International Jean-Paul II de Cracovie-Balice, outside of Kraków. 

From the airport, we decided to take a taxi, which typically costs between 45-55 zł at the time of writing (12-15 USD), and took around 20 minutes. We prefer a door-to-door option when dealing with jet lag after an overnight flight.  Make sure to ask for the cost before getting in the taxi! 

Here are some other options to consider when transiting from the airport to the city: 

Train – From the airport to Kraków Główny in the city center, it takes around 15-18 minutes and costs 10 zł – 13 zł (2-3 USD). You can purchase tickets from ticket machines at the terminal or from the train conductor. 

Bus – From the airport, catch bus 300 during the day, and 902 at night. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 4 zł to 35 zł (2-10 USD). You can purchase tickets at ticket machines. Don’t forget to validate your ticket on the bus!

If you are looking for a way to SAVE on flights, look no further than Going! I have personally been a customer since 2018 and even booked a flight to Madrid for $400 round trip! 
They offer free memberships for domestic flight deals, and paid for international flights and mistake fares. I promise they will save you money! Click here to sign up. 
Train

Kraków Główny is the main train station in Krakow. After arriving at the station, here are your options to get to the main Old Town area. 

Walk – The station is just 1.6 km or 1 mile from the center. Look for signs that say Stare Miasto. 

Taxi/Uber/Bolt – There is a designated taxi stand you can use, or you can order an Uber or Bolt to pick you up. I like the later as you can enter in your exact address without having to attmept to translate, especially if its more obscure. 

Tram/Bus – You can purchase tickets from the KMK machines for either. Make sure to look up routes that are offered and choose one that takes you closest to your preferred destination. 

When to Visit Southern Poland

I personally prefer warmer weather, which is why we chose to visit in late May. I really enjoyed this time our year in Poland. Flowers were blooming, the weather was warm but not too hot. I could definitely see it getting a lot hotter in July and August. 

My recommendation would be to visit in either May, June, September or October, unless you enjoy colder weather. 

Do keep in mind that many accommodations do not offer A/C, and ours did not. We found that it cooled off enough at night that we could have the windows open and it was not a big issue. 

Areas in Southern Poland to Visit

Schindler's Passage - Krakow, Poland

Poland is a fairly large country! If you compared it to a US state, it’s close in size to New Mexico, and would be 3/4 as big as Texas. 

We chose to visit Krakow and a mountain town called Zakopane. Both were truly lovely, one being a city, and the other focusing on the outdoors. 

Here are some great Southern Poland places to visit: 

Kraków – The hub of the area, it is one of my favorite European cities. We found it to be exciting, but also laid back, plenty to do, but not completely overrun with people. If you are traversing between Stare Maisto and Kazimierz it’s very easy to walk everywhere. It is relatively affordable compared to the rest of Europe. Highlights included Kazimierz and both Jewish cemeteries, Rynek Underground Museum, Market Square, and Wawel Castle. 

Zakopane – We did not realize how popular of a vacation destination Zakopane was for Polish, as well as visitors from Europe. We were the only Americans (that we saw at the time). This town has two main seasons, winter for skiing and summer for hiking/outdoor activities. There is a bustling, albeit a little touristy main area with lots of shopping a restaurants. Just a street or two away and you are back to quiet. Highlights included the Kasprowy Wierch cable car to the top of the mountain (complete with a restaurant with decent food and a beer or hot chocolate),  The Tatra Musuem, and just walking or hiking out in nature. 

Wrocław – We didn’t make it to this city, but I have heard really great things about it. You can hunt for bronze dwarf statues, visit museums, wander the market square, and more. This is definitely a less traveresed city, maybe even a hidden gem when visiting Poland. 

Kraków, Poland

Market Square in Krakow Poland

Top Areas to stay in Kraków, Poland

Stare Miastro – If you want to be in the middle of it all, staying in Old Town might be for you. Everything will be just steps away and easy to get to. This area is definitely the busiest and can be a bit louder. I recommended finding accommodations down a side street for a more calm and quite experience. 

Kazimierz  – This is the Jewish Quarter of Kraków, which is essential to visit when in the city. It tends to be a bit quieter and there a more up and coming restaurants. We stayed in this area and really enjoyed the slower pace and vibe, with old town just a 5-10 minute walk away. 

Top Things To Do in Kraków, Poland

Wawel Castle
The Armory at Wawel Castle

Krakow has a lot of interesting things to see and do. You’ll definitely want to save some of these ideas for your Southern Poland Travel. 

Market Square (Rynek Główny) – An obvious stop in any European city, the main square. Filled with beautiful buildings, shops, an underground museum and lots of pigeons – this square offers a lot to do. The underground musuem was a highlight, and offers a glimpse into past centuries where they sold goods in this same area. Ruins of stalls past are featured buried beneath what is now today’s square. 

Wawel Castle – Another European must-do, this castle is more like a large complex. We liked the option to buy entrance to only the sections that interest you most. We chose the Armory (I should say our 7 year old chose it), and it was a great place to wander and see all centuries of weapons and suits or armor.

Barbikan & Park Ring – Where old fortress walls stood, there is now a park that encircles all of old town. It is such a lovely shaded area to stroll or sit on a bench for some rest after walking all day. At the north end of Old Town, there is an old Barbican that is neat to see. 

Old & New Jewish Cemeteries – Poland has a long Jewish history, that includes a dark time when it comes to the Holocaust. The old Jewish cemetery dates back to as far as 500 AD, there is an entrance fee, but we were luckily enough to be able to see the whole things from our AirBnb window! The New Jewish cemetary has a very dark history, as it is where many were taken for their last moments. Extremely large, it’s a place to stroll, pay respects and reflect. 

Pinball Museum – An off the beaten path suggestion, this Pinball arcade allows a one time entry fee with all you can play pinball for an hour. This was a nice stop and activity that didn’t involve history or excessive walking. 

Have you checked out Viator for guided tours? I love a tour to learn more about history, eat local foods, or to catch a boat on a local river or canal. Click here to search for tours in Poland!
Old Jewish Cemetery, Kazimierz (this was the view from our Airbnb! We thought it was really cool, but may not be to others)

Where & What to Eat in Kraków

Polish food is honestly delicious. I’ve been to several countries in what might be considered Eastern Europe and this was my favorite. Pierogies – need I say more?!

What To Eat in Southern Poland

Polish food is a hearty cuisine, but I found it to also be fresh and delicious. Here are some Polish foods you need to try when you visit the country: 

Pierogies – these dumpling-like and are typically either filled with meat or potato, and sometimes even fruits. You can get them boiled or crispy, and they are often served with sour cream. Honestly delightful. 

Bigos – A stew that consists of meat and slighty sour cabbage may not sound great at first, but I found it to be really delicious. 

Placki Ziemniaczane – Potato pancakes, you’ll find these served a long side of foods, or even as a part of a main dish with stewed meat over top. I had the later and it was amazing. 

Golabki – The Polish version of cabbage rolls, I enjoyed these. Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, typically pork and stewed for hours. You’ll also find cabbage rolls in Hungary and Romania. 

Zupa Grzybowa – A surprise favorite, this is a lightly creamy mushroom soup with small noodles in it. My son loved it so much I had to find a recipe to attempt it at home! 

Zapiekanka – An open faced french bread street food topped with cheese and a variety of other items. A must try, especially after a beer or night out. Similar to the US french bread pizza, but with much more unique toppings! 

Paczki – Amazing fresh made donuts thaty typically have a filling. We tried the apple filled version and it was a hit with that whole family. Definitely a must try, and there are grab and go store fronts all over the city selling them. 

There is so much more to try, this is just a sample of our favorite items! 

Where to Eat in Kraków
Stewed meat and potaot pancakes in Krakow Poland
Kuchnia u Doroty

There are a lot of options for where to eat in Kraków, Poland. Below are the places we ended up trying, a whether or not we would go back! 

Kuchnia u Doroty – A family favorite for us! They offer a wide variety of Polish foods and all of it was fresh and delicious. Make a reservation for this restaurant as it books up quickly! 

Nowy Kraftowy – A great laid-back spot for pizza & burgers. This is actually a craft beer location as well. The food was great here. 

Jewish Square (Plac Nowy) – This is the best place to try Zapiekanka, with several stalls selling it. 

The Leaky Cauldron – I would call this place touristy, with Harry Potter decor and drinks that have dried ice to create smoke. Since we had a child with us, it was a fun stop for a break and a drink. I would not recommend the food here. 

Zakopane, Poland

Mountain Hut in Souther Poland

Zakopane was an easy 3 hour train ride from Krakow, and is a very inviting and lovely skiing or summer hiking spot. 

What You Need to Know about Zakopane in Southern Poland

Zakopane is well known and visited by the Polish and by other Europeans. The main shopping street can get quite busy and I have seen some negative comments about visiting because of this. 

I would not call it a hidden gem mountain town, but I still think it’s worth a visit as you can arrive by train and don’t necessarily need a car, and just a street or two off the main area it is quiet and full of nature. 

Another plus of if being a little more developed is that there are more things to do in the area besides just nature activities. 

It may just be me, but I love to research and plan for my upcoming travel (might be a little too obsessed). TripAdvisor has been a go-to for me to search for reviews on experiences, hotels, things to do, and more! You might even see a few reviews floating around on there that I have submitted myself. 🙂 
Click to check out all of the great information TripAdvisor has to offer! 

Where to Stay In Zakopane

There are a lot of options for accommodations in Zakopane! My top recommendation would be to pull up Google Maps and click to filter by hotels. There are so many villas to choose from in the area. I would narrow down the options by your needs in an accommodation, proximity to what you want to do there and reviews. 

We chose to stay within walking distance of the main area, but far enough away to have a peaceful and quiet stay. We also really wanted a view of the mountains and were not disappointed. 

SERCE TATR Residence Zakopane – This is where we chose to stay and it was a great choice! A small accommodation with just 12 rooms, we chose a small suite that had a bedroom, loft, small kitchenette and a balcony with a mountain view. Breakfast was included and is served buffet style every morning. My son especially loved the selection of cookies that rotated and was available all day. 

Top Things To Do in Summer in Zakopane

This are offers a lot of options for things to do. We were able to fill 3 full days, and could have stayed for longer. Here are some top Zakopane, Poland things to do: 

Gubałówka – ride a funicular up to the top of this ridge to find tons of souvenir stall shopping, an alpine coaster, cows in meadows and food options. Highly recommend bringing cash for the vendors as card is not accepted. Pro Tip – Buy your ticket for the funicular at a machine after walking under the tunnel from Krupowki street to skip the line at the ticket office. 

Kasprowy Wierch Mountain Top and Cable Car – The highlight of our trip to Zakopane. The views from both the cable car and the top are amazing. There is a cafeteria style cafe at the top and they food was pretty good. My husband and son walked up higher to the peak of the mountain as well. Pro Tips: Bring a jacket! It was very cold at the top even in late May. The walk to the ticket office to get on the gondola through a park was very long. I recommend taking a taxi from the center and having them drop you off within the park area below. 

Krupowki Street – Touristy, but still fun to walk around and grab some food. Definitely do your research before selecting a place to eat, and for dinner reservations are recommended. My son loved all the swinging chairs with fuzzy blankets as a place to rest with a snack and a drink. 

The Tatra Museum – A great place to learn about the history of this particular area, customs, and early settlers. Some of the exhibits are interactive, and there were 3 floors of history to explore. There was a special exhibit at the time showcasing Polish garments which was especially neat. 

 

View from Gubalowka, Zakopane, Poland
Gubałówka

Did I miss any important Southern Poland locations or tips? Let me know in the comments!

I know there is more to Southern Poland than just these places, and I would go back to visit again in a heartbeat! I hope you plan a trip to explore Southern Poland on your next European adventure. 

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! 

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]]> https://plantoexplore.com/southern-poland-travel-guide/feed/ 0 Tips to Master Your Trip to Madrid Spain with Kids https://plantoexplore.com/madrid-spain-with-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=madrid-spain-with-kids https://plantoexplore.com/madrid-spain-with-kids/#respond Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:10:13 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3879 Looking for tips to help you plan your trip to Madrid, Spain with kids? My family spent a week in Madrid and we have some tops tips to share with you!  Madrid is a large city with plenty to do so it can be a little overwhelming to come up with a plan, especially when kids are in tow. Below you’ll find recommendations on where to stay in Madrid, things to do in Madrid, how to get around with kids, and more!  Getting to and from Madrid, Spain Luckily it shouldn’t be too hard to get to Madrid as it has a major international airport and multiple train stations.  Airport  There are multiple ways to get to and from the airport including train, bus, taxi, and ride share. My personal recommendation when traveling with kids is to take the easy route, especially if you are arriving after a long haul flight. Taxis are considered public transit in Madrid, so kids can ride in one without any restrictions. You can bring your own carseat or just buckle them in – whatever works for your child’s age or weight.  If you prefer to take public transit there are You Tube videos that detail out the process. Taking the train would have involved a transfer, and the bus would have included a 1km walk to our specific hotel. I recommended checking out this video from Road Trip Spain and Portugal as a good explanation of the options for you to decide.  Train  The two main stations you might arrive in when you get to Madrid are Atocha or Camartin. You’ll find convenient metro stations close to or within the train station that can get you to all corners of the city.  Need a place to store your luggage when you arrive or before you leave? Check out Luggage Hero! With locations throughout the city, you can find a place to easily leave your luggage with a local retailer. Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain Type of Accommodations I have a specific formula I like to use when I travel to a new country or big city, especially when you are there for many days. First, start your trip at a hotel. It’s easy for taxi drivers to find, they can give you recommendations, have extra amenities and sometimes breakfast. I find settling in to a city at a hotel a good way to start.  Once we have recovered from jet lag and want to stretch out a bit we typically move over to an Airbnb when traveling with our kiddo. Everyone can have their own room, there are kitchen facilities to cut down on costs of eating out, and it’s a more laid-back vibe.    Areas to Stay in Madrid There are so many areas to choose from! Below are the top central neighborhoods where you’ll find lots to do, walkability, and plenty to eat and drink.  Gran Via – The grand shopping street in Madrid! With beautiful buildings and plenty of hotel options this is an easy option. You’ll find this area to be pretty busy and touristy, but the buildings are truly grand and beautiful here. We split our trip between 2 areas, this being our first location.  Lavapies  – With a more local vibe, lots of interesting restaurants and great walkability, we really enjoyed Lavapies. This location is just south and still close to the center, but feels separated from the big tourist sites. This was the second area we stayed and liked it the most!  Sol – This is the true center of Madrid. We didn’t stay here, but if you want immediate access to everything, especially Plaza Mayor and Palacio, this could be a great option.  Chueca – Located directly north of Gran Via, this lively neighborhood is known as a welcoming area for all travelers. With a more hipster vibe you’ll find small boutiques, up and coming restaurants, and popular markets.  Gran Via, Madrid, Spain Things To Do in Madrid with Kids Now to the fun things to do in Madrid, Spain with kids around the city! There are so many options based on your kids ages, interests, and your budget. Below are a few places that we highly recommend based off of what we did with a 5 year old.  Naval Museum – one of the highlights of our trip! Located close to Retiro Park, this museum has hundreds of model ships from across centuries. It also showcases ship artifacts including glassware, weapons, tools, and giant figureheads. Entry is by donation and only costs about 3 Euros.  Retiro Park – An expansive park on the East side of town. There is a pond with boats you can rent, plenty of green space, and a beautiful glass building to explore (restrooms on the lower level of this building – free)  Retiro Park Plaza de Espana – this is a spacious square at the west end of Gran Via. There is an epic enclosed playscape in this square that our kiddo (who doesn’t love playscapes) enjoyed for at least an hour and could have stayed longer.  Rio Hotel Rooftop – adjacent to Plaza de Espana is a huge hotel with a rooftop, kid-friendly, bar/restaurant. Besides the amazing views, there is a glass floor you can wait in line to take your picture on. My boys were patient and brave enough to do it. The food and drinks are a bit more pricey, which is to be expected for a nice hotel and rooftop.  Palacio – Worth a visit for the vistas and beautiful buildings. For small kids I would skip the wait and tour of the inside. We enjoyed just wandering around and taking pictures.   Palacio – you can see the line of people waiting for entry! (and us taking pictures) Plaza Mayor – A must see in Madrid for the colorful buildings and wide open space. We were there at the start of the Christmas markets, so the square had decorations and market stalls.  Plaza Mayor What to Eat with Kids in Madrid, Spain We found Madrid to be kid-friendly at every restaurant. Kids are welcomed everywhere and treated as a normal part of society (none of the seen and not heard feeling here!) Some places had specific kids menu items, but even if they didn’t we are able to find foods our kiddo enjoyed.  Food Markets/Halls – Food Markets are plentiful in Madrid, Spain. You’ll find them in almost every neighborhood and offer a lot of variety. If the kids are not up for a sit down meal, this is a great choice for not only quick timing, but also plenty of choices.  Menu del dia – This lunch time 3 course meal is not only affordable, but typically comes with several choices. We found it ideal to take advantage of a bigger sit down lunch while our son still had the patience to do so. Traditional restaurants offer this all over the city and it typically consists of an appetizer, main course, and dessert. You’ll often find bread included as well. We asked our hotel staff for a local recommendations they would frequent!  Look for a chalkboard out front of restaurants advertising the menu del dia.  Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years.  A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about!  Click here to check it out!  Churros – Is there anything kids love more than a sweet treat? Churros are a must-have in Madrid. These fried dough sticks are cooked to perfetion and then dipped in a thick hot chocolate like sauce. I highly recommend getting both the churros (skinnier and crispy) and porras (thicker and softer) to try.  Just a heads up to those from the Americas – they are not covered in cinnamon and sugar here, which we really enjoyed.  Churros and Porras at Chocolat, Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain Top Travel Tips Here are some top travel tips for Madrid, Spain with kids to wrap up my thoughts on the city.    Getting around Madrid – This is a very easy city to traverse.  Walkability – The main center is very walkable, and is mainly flat. We found it easy for our son to walk pretty decent distances.  Ride Share – You’ll find taxis, Uber, and Bolt very readily available. If you have not used Bolt, it is the European version of an Uber or Lyft and has a very easy to use app.  Public transit – As a major city in Spain, Madrid has excellent public transit. We found we didn’t need it much as we enjoyed walking even in the November temperatures. We did use it to link to the train station for a day trip to Toledo.  Using Spanish & English in Madrid – I highly recommend learning some basic phrases in Spanish before going to Madrid. I was surprised at how much I really needed to use it here. We did not encounter as many people who spoke English as we have in other major European cities.  I love to learn at least a few phrases in any local language where we travel to as I feel like its a courteous gesture to locals. In this case I needed more than just hello, please, and thank you. 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 Tips to Master Your Trip to Madrid Spain with Kids appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Looking for tips to help you plan your trip to Madrid, Spain with kids? My family spent a week in Madrid and we have some tops tips to share with you! 

Madrid is a large city with plenty to do so it can be a little overwhelming to come up with a plan, especially when kids are in tow. Below you’ll find recommendations on where to stay in Madrid, things to do in Madrid, how to get around with kids, and more! 

Getting to and from Madrid, Spain

Luckily it shouldn’t be too hard to get to Madrid as it has a major international airport and multiple train stations. 

Airport 

There are multiple ways to get to and from the airport including train, bus, taxi, and ride share. My personal recommendation when traveling with kids is to take the easy route, especially if you are arriving after a long haul flight. Taxis are considered public transit in Madrid, so kids can ride in one without any restrictions. You can bring your own carseat or just buckle them in – whatever works for your child’s age or weight. 

If you prefer to take public transit there are You Tube videos that detail out the process. Taking the train would have involved a transfer, and the bus would have included a 1km walk to our specific hotel. I recommended checking out this video from Road Trip Spain and Portugal as a good explanation of the options for you to decide. 

Train 

The two main stations you might arrive in when you get to Madrid are Atocha or Camartin. You’ll find convenient metro stations close to or within the train station that can get you to all corners of the city. 

Need a place to store your luggage when you arrive or before you leave?

Check out Luggage Hero! With locations throughout the city, you can find a place to easily leave your luggage with a local retailer.

Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain

Type of Accommodations

I have a specific formula I like to use when I travel to a new country or big city, especially when you are there for many days. First, start your trip at a hotel. It’s easy for taxi drivers to find, they can give you recommendations, have extra amenities and sometimes breakfast. I find settling in to a city at a hotel a good way to start. 

Once we have recovered from jet lag and want to stretch out a bit we typically move over to an Airbnb when traveling with our kiddo. Everyone can have their own room, there are kitchen facilities to cut down on costs of eating out, and it’s a more laid-back vibe. 

 

Areas to Stay in Madrid

There are so many areas to choose from! Below are the top central neighborhoods where you’ll find lots to do, walkability, and plenty to eat and drink. 

  • Gran Via – The grand shopping street in Madrid! With beautiful buildings and plenty of hotel options this is an easy option. You’ll find this area to be pretty busy and touristy, but the buildings are truly grand and beautiful here. We split our trip between 2 areas, this being our first location. 
  • Lavapies  – With a more local vibe, lots of interesting restaurants and great walkability, we really enjoyed Lavapies. This location is just south and still close to the center, but feels separated from the big tourist sites. This was the second area we stayed and liked it the most! 
  • Sol – This is the true center of Madrid. We didn’t stay here, but if you want immediate access to everything, especially Plaza Mayor and Palacio, this could be a great option. 
  • Chueca – Located directly north of Gran Via, this lively neighborhood is known as a welcoming area for all travelers. With a more hipster vibe you’ll find small boutiques, up and coming restaurants, and popular markets. 
Gran Via, Madrid Spain, Plan to Explore
Gran Via, Madrid, Spain

Things To Do in Madrid with Kids

Now to the fun things to do in Madrid, Spain with kids around the city! There are so many options based on your kids ages, interests, and your budget. Below are a few places that we highly recommend based off of what we did with a 5 year old. 

  • Naval Museum – one of the highlights of our trip! Located close to Retiro Park, this museum has hundreds of model ships from across centuries. It also showcases ship artifacts including glassware, weapons, tools, and giant figureheads. Entry is by donation and only costs about 3 Euros. 
  • Retiro Park – An expansive park on the East side of town. There is a pond with boats you can rent, plenty of green space, and a beautiful glass building to explore (restrooms on the lower level of this building – free) 
Retiro Park
  • Plaza de Espana – this is a spacious square at the west end of Gran Via. There is an epic enclosed playscape in this square that our kiddo (who doesn’t love playscapes) enjoyed for at least an hour and could have stayed longer. 
  • Rio Hotel Rooftop – adjacent to Plaza de Espana is a huge hotel with a rooftop, kid-friendly, bar/restaurant. Besides the amazing views, there is a glass floor you can wait in line to take your picture on. My boys were patient and brave enough to do it. The food and drinks are a bit more pricey, which is to be expected for a nice hotel and rooftop. 
  • Palacio – Worth a visit for the vistas and beautiful buildings. For small kids I would skip the wait and tour of the inside. We enjoyed just wandering around and taking pictures.  
Palacio, Madrid Spain, Plan to Explore
Palacio - you can see the line of people waiting for entry! (and us taking pictures)
  • Plaza Mayor – A must see in Madrid for the colorful buildings and wide open space. We were there at the start of the Christmas markets, so the square had decorations and market stalls. 
Plaza Mayor, Madrid Spain, Plan to Explore
Plaza Mayor

What to Eat with Kids in Madrid, Spain

We found Madrid to be kid-friendly at every restaurant. Kids are welcomed everywhere and treated as a normal part of society (none of the seen and not heard feeling here!) Some places had specific kids menu items, but even if they didn’t we are able to find foods our kiddo enjoyed. 

Food Markets/Halls – Food Markets are plentiful in Madrid, Spain. You’ll find them in almost every neighborhood and offer a lot of variety. If the kids are not up for a sit down meal, this is a great choice for not only quick timing, but also plenty of choices. 

Menu del dia – This lunch time 3 course meal is not only affordable, but typically comes with several choices. We found it ideal to take advantage of a bigger sit down lunch while our son still had the patience to do so. Traditional restaurants offer this all over the city and it typically consists of an appetizer, main course, and dessert. You’ll often find bread included as well. We asked our hotel staff for a local recommendations they would frequent! 

Look for a chalkboard out front of restaurants advertising the menu del dia. 

Surfshark VPN

Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years. 

A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about! 

Click here to check it out! 

Churros – Is there anything kids love more than a sweet treat? Churros are a must-have in Madrid. These fried dough sticks are cooked to perfetion and then dipped in a thick hot chocolate like sauce. I highly recommend getting both the churros (skinnier and crispy) and porras (thicker and softer) to try.  Just a heads up to those from the Americas – they are not covered in cinnamon and sugar here, which we really enjoyed. 

Madrid, Spain Churros and Porras, Plan to Explore
Churros and Porras at Chocolat, Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain Top Travel Tips

Here are some top travel tips for Madrid, Spain with kids to wrap up my thoughts on the city.   

Getting around Madrid – This is a very easy city to traverse. 

Walkability – The main center is very walkable, and is mainly flat. We found it easy for our son to walk pretty decent distances. 

Ride Share – You’ll find taxis, Uber, and Bolt very readily available. If you have not used Bolt, it is the European version of an Uber or Lyft and has a very easy to use app. 

Public transit – As a major city in Spain, Madrid has excellent public transit. We found we didn’t need it much as we enjoyed walking even in the November temperatures. We did use it to link to the train station for a day trip to Toledo. 

Using Spanish & English in Madrid – I highly recommend learning some basic phrases in Spanish before going to Madrid. I was surprised at how much I really needed to use it here. We did not encounter as many people who spoke English as we have in other major European cities. 

I love to learn at least a few phrases in any local language where we travel to as I feel like its a courteous gesture to locals. In this case I needed more than just hello, please, and thank you.

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 Tips to Master Your Trip to Madrid Spain with Kids appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/madrid-spain-with-kids/feed/ 0 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho https://plantoexplore.com/coeur-dalene-idaho/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coeur-dalene-idaho https://plantoexplore.com/coeur-dalene-idaho/#respond Wed, 08 Mar 2023 22:11:47 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3705 Are you looking for a destination to get away that offers outdoor adventure, but also a small city atmosphere? Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a great destination to add to your travel bucket list!  You’ll find boating, hiking, restaurants, quaint cafes and shops, along with gorgeous scenery.  Picture lakes surrounded by rolling hills, and lots of pine trees. Read more below for some of my top reasons to visit Coeud d’Alene.  How to get to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Now to the first question everyone has – how do you get to Coeur d’Alene? The shortest answer is driving. This means whether you arrive by plane or not, you’ll need a car.  The closest international airport is in Spokane, Washington which is about a 1 hour drive away. We found the drive very easy and straight forward. We rented a car right at Spokane Airport from Avis, but there are multiple rental company options. Click here to search for car rentals. (I like to use Booking.com because I can earn cash back from Rakuten!)  Click here to browse rental cars Click here to sign up for Rakuten Hiking in Coeur d’Alene Coeur d’Alene offers so much natural beauty, it’s hard to not want to wander through it! Trails vary in difficulty, and you can find them near public areas or even within neighborhoods. Below are a few recommended options:  Tubbs Hill is a must-hike in the area. Located just South of Sherman Avenue on a hill/ridge along Lake Coeur d’Alene, this 2 milk hike offers a lot of scenery. City views, forest views, and water views are all included. The trail was easy to traverse, even our 5 year old made it most of the way through on his own.  Canfield Mountain Natural Trail is a moderate hike, basically up the side of a hill. Hikers say that the top offers amazing views of the surrounding area.  Fernan Lake Natural Area offers trails along Fernan Lake, most are easy. Hikers mentioned that some of the trails are not marked, so do pay attention to where you are going. There are also spots to hike to the lake’s edge.  Tubbs Hill Coeur d’Alene’s small town feel With a population of around 57,000 people, many would consider Coeur d’Alene a small town. There has been recent growth to the area with people relocating to the state, but none the less it maintains it’s charm.  Most notable in the charm category is downtown’s Spencer Avenue. Along this walkable road you will find small shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a toy store, and more. From here you can walk to the main dock on Lake Coeur d’Alene. You’ll find rentals like kayaks, can take a lake boat tour, or even fly in a pontoon boat.  Outside of this area, there are many cute coffee stands where you can walk up or drive through for your morning coffee and a snack. We really liked Anchored Coffee Company on Dalton for a bagel sandwich and latte.  Sherman Avenue Lakes around Coeur d’Alene Lakes are one of the highlights in the Coeur d’Alene area. Right in town you’ll find Lake Coeur d’Alene, with plenty of things to do. Take a tour boat, fly on a pontoon plane, rent kayaks or boats, swim, and more.  Close by in a more residential area is Hayden Lake. You’ll often spot it if you are high up in a neighborhood. or on a hiking trail.  There are also smaller lakes dotted around the area such as Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Fernan Lake, Newman Lake and Hauser Lake. No shortage of choices around Coeur d’Alene.  Boat Tour on Lake Coeur d’Alene Hayden Lake Coeur d’Alene food and drinks The variety and options for food and drink in the area is surprising. We loved the the walkability of downtown’s Sherman Avenue, lined with shops and restaurants, ending at the boardwalk along the lake. Below you’ll find some great recommendations for where to eat in Coeur d’Alene; not only a long Sherman Ave but in other parts of town as well.  Food Fire Pizza (Temporarily Closed at the time of writing): the wood fired pizza here was delicious with an option of gluten free.  Crafted Tap House + Kitchen: Yummy variety of food and more beer options than you can handle.  Anchored Coffee Company: The most delicious bagel breakfast sandwich, and great coffee too. This is a drive thru or walk up type coffee stand/house. No indoor seating.  Drinks (and food) Jeremiah Johnson Brewing: Delicious craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere with food available.  Bier House: German beer with a patio for people watching out front, as well as a full menu.  Proximity to other destinations Coeur d’Alene Idaho is not only in the middle of beautiful areas, but it’s also within close proximity to Spokane, Washington and Post Falls, Idaho. Just a 45 min drive north is a ski resort called Schweitzer with a resort, skiing, snowbaording, and tubing. In the summer the views from the top are spectacular. You’ll find Idaho’s deepest lake, Pend Orielle close by as well.  A few hours away you can cross the border into Canada, or into Montana, with Glacier National Park as a highlight. You could also drive a few hours to Leavenworth, Washington; a quaint town that looks like you stepped into a Bavarian village.  Read More: Interesting Things To Do in Spokane, Washington When You Visit  Where to stay in Coeur d’Alene There are a number of great accommodations in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We stayed with family, but saw some great options that we would love to try out!  One Lakeside – A newer hotel with a great central location. Each room is a suite featuring a kitchen, which gives you the option to make a few meals and save money. There is a hot tub on site, an outdoor terrace, and it’s walking distance to restaurants and shops. Click to book this hotel.  WorldMark Arrow Point – If you like to be a little more remote, this hotel is a great choice. I like staying at World Mark properties because the rooms are like true condos. Amenities include a lakeside restaurant (open in summer), an indoor pool for use in all seasons, and a fitness center. Guests love the views! Click to check out the pictures and book.  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 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Are you looking for a destination to get away that offers outdoor adventure, but also a small city atmosphere? Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a great destination to add to your travel bucket list! 

You’ll find boating, hiking, restaurants, quaint cafes and shops, along with gorgeous scenery.  Picture lakes surrounded by rolling hills, and lots of pine trees. Read more below for some of my top reasons to visit Coeud d’Alene. 

 

How to get to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Now to the first question everyone has – how do you get to Coeur d’Alene? The shortest answer is driving. This means whether you arrive by plane or not, you’ll need a car. 

The closest international airport is in Spokane, Washington which is about a 1 hour drive away. We found the drive very easy and straight forward. We rented a car right at Spokane Airport from Avis, but there are multiple rental company options. Click here to search for car rentals. (I like to use Booking.com because I can earn cash back from Rakuten!) 

 

Click here to browse rental cars
Click here to sign up for Rakuten

Hiking in Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d’Alene offers so much natural beauty, it’s hard to not want to wander through it! Trails vary in difficulty, and you can find them near public areas or even within neighborhoods. Below are a few recommended options: 

Tubbs Hill is a must-hike in the area. Located just South of Sherman Avenue on a hill/ridge along Lake Coeur d’Alene, this 2 milk hike offers a lot of scenery. City views, forest views, and water views are all included. The trail was easy to traverse, even our 5 year old made it most of the way through on his own. 

Canfield Mountain Natural Trail is a moderate hike, basically up the side of a hill. Hikers say that the top offers amazing views of the surrounding area. 

Fernan Lake Natural Area offers trails along Fernan Lake, most are easy. Hikers mentioned that some of the trails are not marked, so do pay attention to where you are going. There are also spots to hike to the lake’s edge. 

 

Suspension Bridge in Couer d'Alene, Plan to Explore
Tubbs Hill

Coeur d'Alene's small town feel

With a population of around 57,000 people, many would consider Coeur d’Alene a small town. There has been recent growth to the area with people relocating to the state, but none the less it maintains it’s charm. 

Most notable in the charm category is downtown’s Spencer Avenue. Along this walkable road you will find small shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a toy store, and more. From here you can walk to the main dock on Lake Coeur d’Alene. You’ll find rentals like kayaks, can take a lake boat tour, or even fly in a pontoon boat. 

Outside of this area, there are many cute coffee stands where you can walk up or drive through for your morning coffee and a snack. We really liked Anchored Coffee Company on Dalton for a bagel sandwich and latte. 

Bier Haus Coeur d'Alene
Sherman Avenue

Lakes around Coeur d'Alene

Lakes are one of the highlights in the Coeur d’Alene area. Right in town you’ll find Lake Coeur d’Alene, with plenty of things to do. Take a tour boat, fly on a pontoon plane, rent kayaks or boats, swim, and more. 

Close by in a more residential area is Hayden Lake. You’ll often spot it if you are high up in a neighborhood. or on a hiking trail. 

There are also smaller lakes dotted around the area such as Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Fernan Lake, Newman Lake and Hauser Lake. No shortage of choices around Coeur d’Alene. 

Boat Cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Plan to Explore
Boat Tour on Lake Coeur d'Alene
Hayden Lake, Idaho, Plan to Explore
Hayden Lake

Coeur d'Alene food and drinks

The variety and options for food and drink in the area is surprising. We loved the the walkability of downtown’s Sherman Avenue, lined with shops and restaurants, ending at the boardwalk along the lake. Below you’ll find some great recommendations for where to eat in Coeur d’Alene; not only a long Sherman Ave but in other parts of town as well. 

Food

Fire Pizza (Temporarily Closed at the time of writing): the wood fired pizza here was delicious with an option of gluten free. 

Crafted Tap House + Kitchen: Yummy variety of food and more beer options than you can handle. 

Anchored Coffee Company: The most delicious bagel breakfast sandwich, and great coffee too. This is a drive thru or walk up type coffee stand/house. No indoor seating. 

Drinks (and food)

Jeremiah Johnson Brewing: Delicious craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere with food available. 

Bier House: German beer with a patio for people watching out front, as well as a full menu. 

Plan to Explore at Bier Haus, Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Proximity to other destinations

Coeur d’Alene Idaho is not only in the middle of beautiful areas, but it’s also within close proximity to Spokane, Washington and Post Falls, Idaho. Just a 45 min drive north is a ski resort called Schweitzer with a resort, skiing, snowbaording, and tubing. In the summer the views from the top are spectacular. You’ll find Idaho’s deepest lake, Pend Orielle close by as well. 

A few hours away you can cross the border into Canada, or into Montana, with Glacier National Park as a highlight. You could also drive a few hours to Leavenworth, Washington; a quaint town that looks like you stepped into a Bavarian village. 

Spokane Falls, Plan to Explore

Read More: Interesting Things To Do in Spokane, Washington When You Visit 

Where to stay in Coeur d'Alene

There are a number of great accommodations in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We stayed with family, but saw some great options that we would love to try out! 

One Lakeside – A newer hotel with a great central location. Each room is a suite featuring a kitchen, which gives you the option to make a few meals and save money. There is a hot tub on site, an outdoor terrace, and it’s walking distance to restaurants and shops. Click to book this hotel. 

WorldMark Arrow Point – If you like to be a little more remote, this hotel is a great choice. I like staying at World Mark properties because the rooms are like true condos. Amenities include a lakeside restaurant (open in summer), an indoor pool for use in all seasons, and a fitness center. Guests love the views! Click to check out the pictures and book. 

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 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/coeur-dalene-idaho/feed/ 0 Interesting Things To Do in Spokane Washington When You Visit https://plantoexplore.com/spokane-washington/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spokane-washington https://plantoexplore.com/spokane-washington/#respond Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:14:21 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3591 Exploring things to do in Spokane, Washington was surprisingly fun! The city is big enough to keep you busy but doesn’t overwhelm you with choice.  Spokane, Washington was easy to get around, historic, and even scenic! You’ll want to read more below to learn about what Spokane has to offer.  How to Get There and Where to Stay Spokane is located in western Washington, very close to the border of Idaho. Most visitors will either be driving or flying into this destination.  Flying – Spokane International Airport is just a few minutes outside of the downtown area. This small airport was easy to navigate, but since it’s small it may be harder to find cheap flights.  Rental Car: I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your trip. You can search for rentals here.  Pro Tip: Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get free flight deals sent right to your inbox! I have even booked international flights for as cheap at $400/ticket from an email I received. Click here!    Where to Stay in Spokane Spokane has a good selection of hotels right in the downtown area. We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Indigo, but I will also list a few others that we considered.  Hotel Indigo: Modern renovation in a historic building is right up my alley. They offer spacious rooms with great decor, comfy beds, and nice bathrooms. Downstairs there is a small “store” where you can grab a snack, soda, seltzer, can of beer, or bottle of wine to bring up to your room (love that!) Attached is Magnolia Brasserie mentioned above.  The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection: This large hotel offers features like 2 restaurants, a gym, indoor pool, and a whiskey bar on-site. Located downtown with modern rooms, this is a great option.  Hotel Montvale: Feel like stepping back in history? This renovated 1899 building turned historic hotel still holds a ton of charm. According to Booking.com, Montvale is highly rated for its location and comfy beds. On-site amenities include a pub, restaurant, and deli.    Click here to book Spokane Hotels Hotel Indigo Spokane Things To Do in Spokane Washington Manito Park in Spokane South of downtown Spokane a few miles, you’ll find Manito Park. This lovely park is surrounded by quaint historic homes and tree lined streets, a great first impression. Within the park there are several sections to visit.   Japanese Tea Garden – A small pond surrounded by trees, fountains, flowers, benches and an arched bridge. A quiet and serene spot to visit.  Rose Hill – There were no roses in late May, however from the pictures online, it is beautiful when in bloom which seems to be summer time.  Gaiser Conservatory & Duncan Garden – The conservatory is a greenhouse filled with plants and flowers, while Duncan Garden is a manicured flower garden adjacent to Gaiser.  Pro Tip: The best bathrooms in the park can be found at the back of the Gaiser Conservatory building. The ones located next to the tea garden have stalls with no doors. You’ll find free parking in several areas of the park as well.  Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203 My little traveler at the Japanese Tea Garden Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Campbell House Such a neat spot to visit in  Spokane! Part modern museum, part historic mansion, this location has a little bit of something for everyone.  Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture The museum has rotating exhibits and while we visited Dreamworks was featured. If you have kids, or just really love Dreamworks movies, it was a pretty fascinating look behind the creation of many popular films. We saw mini models for How to Train Your Dragon, original sketches for movies like KungFu Panda, Shrek, and Megamind, and scrapbooks from the Trolls movie.  Outside of the museum local Native American’s were recreating the process of making a carved boat out of a tree trunk. They had been working on the boat for 3 months, and it was still incomplete.  Pro Tip: Check the museum’s website to see what exhibit will be featured during your visit. There is a gift shop and small cafe on-site.  Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 Dreamworks Exhibit Read more: Unique Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas Campbell House  Originally owned by a wealthy business owner who moved to the area in the late 1800s from Ohio, this historic home has been restored to reflect how it would have been in the early 1910s.  You can explore a number of floors including a basement, main level, upstairs bedrooms and servants quarters. There are docent’s throughout the building to answer questions and offer tidbits about how the family lived. This house was a top highlight of our trip!  Pro tip: Plan to visit the Campbell House after the museum as it typically opens later. Admission is included with your museum ticket.  Campbell House Riverfront Park & Spokane Falls Do yourself a favor and add this park to your things to do in Spokane, Washington list! There is a wide variety of things you can check out, and the pictures do not do this area justice. With paved walkways and fun things to see, this is a great spot.  We spent about 3 hours exploring this area by foot and also via Lime Scooters. It’s a pretty large park to traverse. Highlights include: Giant Red Flyer Wagon – The handle of this larger than life wagon is a slide, the main part of the wagon has monkey bars underneath, and there are stairs to climb up at the back. It’s a great photo opportunity or place to play for kids (and kid-like adults).  Spokane Falls – The Falls are really beautiful to see in person with lots of platforms and stairs for a view from above, or next to the water. If you want a bird’s eye view, hop on the Numerica SkyRide.  Loof Carousel – We arrived too early in the morning to enjoy this indoor carousel, but it looked like a great stop for the carousel lovers out there.  Playgrounds. – On the North side of the river there are multiple playgrounds, as well as a skate park, in one area. We grabbed a smoothie from a nearby food truck and enjoyed watching our son play.  Overall, this is a beautiful park to stroll around in and even sit on a park bench to enjoy the world passing by.  Pro Tip: Arrive earlier in the morning to beat some of the crowds. Bring a bike if you have one accessible, as it would make it easier to move from site to site.  Address: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201   Places to Eat & Drink in Spokane Our time in Spokane was short, but we did eat and drink at a couple of places we would recommend.  Magnolia American Brasserie – We ate here for breakfast as it is attached to Hotel Indigo. I had to give it a mention because the breakfast was outstanding. I’m sure their lunch and dinner would be delicious as well.  Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle – This milk bottle shaped diner is north of downtown Spokane and offers really amazing burgers and fries. Another must have is the Huckleberry milkshakes. This meal was worth every single calorie. It gets busy, but service moves quickly. I recommend arriving a little before or after the lunch rush.  Iron Goat Brewery – A great spot for craft beer in downtown Spokane. They have a large beer selection and will help you narrow down choices if you want a flight. We were not as impressed with the food.  Wanderlust Delicato – This place is so great. At first glance it just looks like a wine and cheese shop, but you can get wine by the glass and flights, and snacks including meat and cheese. They also offer group cooking classes. The owner was amazing at helping with wine selections (with lots of unique bottles you do not find at the grocery store), and they even have a little kids table with toys. Felt very European to me.  Note: Places on the list that we did not get to check out – The Flying Goat as I heard their pizza is delicious, and Nudo for their Ramen and Noodle dishes.  Iron Goat Beer Flight Are you planning things to do in Spokane, Washington? Live in Spokane and have even more tips? Comment below! 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 Interesting Things To Do in Spokane Washington When You Visit appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Exploring things to do in Spokane, Washington was surprisingly fun! The city is big enough to keep you busy but doesn’t overwhelm you with choice. 

Spokane, Washington was easy to get around, historic, and even scenic! You’ll want to read more below to learn about what Spokane has to offer. 

How to Get There and Where to Stay

Spokane is located in western Washington, very close to the border of Idaho. Most visitors will either be driving or flying into this destination. 

Flying – Spokane International Airport is just a few minutes outside of the downtown area. This small airport was easy to navigate, but since it’s small it may be harder to find cheap flights. 

Rental Car: I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your trip. You can search for rentals here. 

Pro Tip: Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get free flight deals sent right to your inbox! I have even booked international flights for as cheap at $400/ticket from an email I received. Click here! 

 

Where to Stay in Spokane

Spokane has a good selection of hotels right in the downtown area. We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Indigo, but I will also list a few others that we considered. 

Hotel Indigo: Modern renovation in a historic building is right up my alley. They offer spacious rooms with great decor, comfy beds, and nice bathrooms. Downstairs there is a small “store” where you can grab a snack, soda, seltzer, can of beer, or bottle of wine to bring up to your room (love that!) Attached is Magnolia Brasserie mentioned above. 

The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection: This large hotel offers features like 2 restaurants, a gym, indoor pool, and a whiskey bar on-site. Located downtown with modern rooms, this is a great option. 

Hotel Montvale: Feel like stepping back in history? This renovated 1899 building turned historic hotel still holds a ton of charm. According to Booking.com, Montvale is highly rated for its location and comfy beds. On-site amenities include a pub, restaurant, and deli. 

 

Click here to book Spokane Hotels
Hotel Indigo Spokane

Things To Do in Spokane Washington

Manito Park in Spokane

South of downtown Spokane a few miles, you’ll find Manito Park. This lovely park is surrounded by quaint historic homes and tree lined streets, a great first impression. Within the park there are several sections to visit.  

Japanese Tea Garden – A small pond surrounded by trees, fountains, flowers, benches and an arched bridge. A quiet and serene spot to visit. 

Rose Hill – There were no roses in late May, however from the pictures online, it is beautiful when in bloom which seems to be summer time. 

Gaiser Conservatory & Duncan Garden – The conservatory is a greenhouse filled with plants and flowers, while Duncan Garden is a manicured flower garden adjacent to Gaiser. 

Pro Tip: The best bathrooms in the park can be found at the back of the Gaiser Conservatory building. The ones located next to the tea garden have stalls with no doors. You’ll find free parking in several areas of the park as well. 

Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203

Japanese Garden, Manito Park Spokane, Plan to Explore
My little traveler at the Japanese Tea Garden

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Campbell House

Such a neat spot to visit in  Spokane! Part modern museum, part historic mansion, this location has a little bit of something for everyone. 

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

The museum has rotating exhibits and while we visited Dreamworks was featured. If you have kids, or just really love Dreamworks movies, it was a pretty fascinating look behind the creation of many popular films. We saw mini models for How to Train Your Dragon, original sketches for movies like KungFu Panda, Shrek, and Megamind, and scrapbooks from the Trolls movie. 

Outside of the museum local Native American’s were recreating the process of making a carved boat out of a tree trunk. They had been working on the boat for 3 months, and it was still incomplete. 

Pro Tip: Check the museum’s website to see what exhibit will be featured during your visit. There is a gift shop and small cafe on-site. 

Address: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Northwest Museum of Arts, Spokane Washington
Dreamworks Exhibit

Read more: Unique Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas

Campbell House 

Originally owned by a wealthy business owner who moved to the area in the late 1800s from Ohio, this historic home has been restored to reflect how it would have been in the early 1910s. 

You can explore a number of floors including a basement, main level, upstairs bedrooms and servants quarters. There are docent’s throughout the building to answer questions and offer tidbits about how the family lived. This house was a top highlight of our trip! 

Pro tip: Plan to visit the Campbell House after the museum as it typically opens later. Admission is included with your museum ticket. 

Campbell House Spokane Washington, Plan to Explore
Campbell House

Riverfront Park & Spokane Falls

Do yourself a favor and add this park to your things to do in Spokane, Washington list! There is a wide variety of things you can check out, and the pictures do not do this area justice. With paved walkways and fun things to see, this is a great spot. 

We spent about 3 hours exploring this area by foot and also via Lime Scooters. It’s a pretty large park to traverse. Highlights include:

Giant Red Flyer Wagon – The handle of this larger than life wagon is a slide, the main part of the wagon has monkey bars underneath, and there are stairs to climb up at the back. It’s a great photo opportunity or place to play for kids (and kid-like adults). 

Spokane Falls – The Falls are really beautiful to see in person with lots of platforms and stairs for a view from above, or next to the water. If you want a bird’s eye view, hop on the Numerica SkyRide. 

Loof Carousel – We arrived too early in the morning to enjoy this indoor carousel, but it looked like a great stop for the carousel lovers out there. 

Playgrounds. – On the North side of the river there are multiple playgrounds, as well as a skate park, in one area. We grabbed a smoothie from a nearby food truck and enjoyed watching our son play. 

Overall, this is a beautiful park to stroll around in and even sit on a park bench to enjoy the world passing by. 

Pro Tip: Arrive earlier in the morning to beat some of the crowds. Bring a bike if you have one accessible, as it would make it easier to move from site to site. 

Address: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201

 

Spokane Falls, Plan to Explore

Places to Eat & Drink in Spokane

Our time in Spokane was short, but we did eat and drink at a couple of places we would recommend. 

Magnolia American Brasserie – We ate here for breakfast as it is attached to Hotel Indigo. I had to give it a mention because the breakfast was outstanding. I’m sure their lunch and dinner would be delicious as well. 

Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle – This milk bottle shaped diner is north of downtown Spokane and offers really amazing burgers and fries. Another must have is the Huckleberry milkshakes. This meal was worth every single calorie. It gets busy, but service moves quickly. I recommend arriving a little before or after the lunch rush. 

Iron Goat Brewery – A great spot for craft beer in downtown Spokane. They have a large beer selection and will help you narrow down choices if you want a flight. We were not as impressed with the food. 

Wanderlust Delicato – This place is so great. At first glance it just looks like a wine and cheese shop, but you can get wine by the glass and flights, and snacks including meat and cheese. They also offer group cooking classes. The owner was amazing at helping with wine selections (with lots of unique bottles you do not find at the grocery store), and they even have a little kids table with toys. Felt very European to me. 

Note: Places on the list that we did not get to check out – The Flying Goat as I heard their pizza is delicious, and Nudo for their Ramen and Noodle dishes. 

Iron Goat Brewing, Spokane Washington
Iron Goat Beer Flight

Are you planning things to do in Spokane, Washington? Live in Spokane and have even more tips? Comment below!

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 Interesting Things To Do in Spokane Washington When You Visit appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/spokane-washington/feed/ 0 How to Perfect Travel with Only Your Carry-on Luggage https://plantoexplore.com/only-carry-on-luggage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=only-carry-on-luggage https://plantoexplore.com/only-carry-on-luggage/#respond Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:21:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=2432 Ahhh packing for a trip, you either love it or you hate it. I love the packing part, and hate unpacking when we get back home. Have you ever tried to pack for a trip with only your carry-on luggage? I love the freedom it can give especially when traveling abroad and being able to roll through customs without waiting at baggage claim.  I’ve compiled my top 5 packing tips on how to travel with just your trusty carry-on bag, all for you below. Tip #1: Find the right carry-on luggage & packing items The first step to being able to travel with only a carry-on is finding products to keep your items organized and compact. Below is my basics list with specific recommendations for products detailed out after.  Carry-on luggage basics list:  Carry-on Luggage Packing Cubes Toiletry Bag Quality Backpack Durable carry-on suitcase A hard-sided bag is great because it can take a lot of wear and tear. I like that this suitcase has a built-in lock, and practical compartments and pockets inside. It comes in 13 different colors to choose from!  Click here to check out this carry-on luggage Packing cubes for organizing Packing cubes are a game-changer, especially these compression cubes. I own this set in grey, and I love how much space they save me in my carry-on luggage! They also help me stay organized. Pro tip – once on your trip use one of the compression bags for your dirty laundry to keep it separate.  Click here to see them on Amazon Toiletry bag I recommend using a clear toiletry bag especially when traveling abroad. We’ve had security in both London and Munich request clear bags only!  Quality backpack A travel backpack is truly essential for me! I use it on the plane, while site-seeing, and even at home. I like the style of this bag and the versatile pockets.  Click here for details and more pictures of this bag This techy backpack is another great option for those who want to be able to charge on the go. It includes a luggage band on the back so you can slide it onto the handle when you are not wearing it, and a lock. My husband travels with this exact bag.  Check out all the features here Travel Packing Extras     Man do I love this folding hairdryer! Not only does it save space by folding in half, but it also has dual voltage so you can use it in Europe and the US. A must-have carry-on luggage item!  Buy this essential here Keep all of your chargers and cords in one neat place with this zip-up cord organizer. You’ll never have to dig to the depths of your bag to charge your phone again.  Tip #2: Make a packing list, then pare it down! This is definitely the hard part for most travelers. I’ve said to myself many times “but what if I need this item??”  My best advice here is to pare down your outfits by picking clothes that all go together. For example, black, grey, and green can all be intermixed as basics, and you can add a pop of color with your cardigan or jewelry. I lay out possible outfits on my bed and see what works, and typically pick my favorite go-to items because I know I will actually wear them!  For a 1 week trip in the spring or fall (in just a carry-on bag) the clothing items I typically pack are:  5 shirts (including the one you wear on the plane)  2 pairs of jeans and a pair of leggings 2 pairs of shoes (1 in the bag, one on my feet)  1 sweater/cardigan 1 casual dress 1 Jacket (wear this on the plane too)  Pajamas Socks Enough underwear for the week  Don’t forget to leave room for essentials items like toiletries, adapters, charging cords, etc. Pro Tip: Check the weather the week before your travels to really narrow down what you need to pack. Also, research your destination a bit to make sure you have appropriate attire. Bringing heels to a mountain town may not work out well for you.  Tip #3: Pack plane essentials in your backpack Want maximum comfort on your flight? Make sure you pack essentials in your backpack. I always make sure to have the following items, especially on long flights.  Sanitizing wipes – For years I have wiped down my tray, seat handles, and seatbelt. I swear it’s saved me from so many germs.  Headphones or earbuds – Whether you want to watch entertainment, listen to music, or just drown out the sounds of others these are a must-have.  Eye Mask – Much needed if you want to sleep, or maybe you want to ignore the stranger next to you, just saying. 😉 I use my mask at accommodations too.  Ginger Drops – I found these at Target a few years ago and they have saved me from getting nauseous during turbulence. They can also settle your stomach if you drink a little too much, or eat something that doesn’t quite agree with you.  Snacks – Seriously, snacks. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been delayed either on a flight, or waiting on a rental car or taxi, or more. Snacks have saved bad situations from becoming even worse. I like nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and carrot sticks or snap peas.  Refillable water bottle – Staying hydrated is so important while flying. I’ve been on super quick flights where they don’t have time for service, or turbulence cancels service altogether. I can’t stand being overly thirsty! I also use my water bottle all through my trip to save on the cost of bottled water (where it’s safe to do so). Tip #4: Double check airline regulations Always check the rules on the airline you plan to book with to see what their luggage regulations entail.  Checking regulations is especially important when it comes to budget airlines or basic economy seats. Some don’t allow more than a backpack on board! You should be able to pay to check a bag in that case, so check the fees there as well. A budget flight can end up not being so budget after all if you have to pay multiple fees!  Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years.  A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about!  Click here to check it out!  Tip #5: Travel packing hacks Over the years I’ve gained a number of travel hacks, especially when it comes to packing! I’m including my top 5 hacks below.  Roll your clothes AND put them in a compression packing cube. You’ll save so much space!  Pack a few dryer sheets in your luggage. Your bag will smell fresh, and you can place a sheet into the bag where you keep your clothes you’ve already worn.  Also helps with static!  Use hair ties to bundle up hairdryer or straightener cords. It helps keep cords from tangling around things or flying around in your bag.  Bring a plastic or washable bag or two. You never know if your shoes will get dirty, or your bathing suit will still be wet when it’s time to pack up. I also like to use them to bundle up wine if I plan to check my bag on the way back. 🙂  Leave a little room! If you want to bring anything home from your trip, make sure there is at least a tiny space for a special item.  Did you find any new tips to help you travel with only your carry-on luggage? Let me know in the comments! 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 How to Perfect Travel with Only Your Carry-on Luggage appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

Ahhh packing for a trip, you either love it or you hate it. I love the packing part, and hate unpacking when we get back home. Have you ever tried to pack for a trip with only your carry-on luggage? I love the freedom it can give especially when traveling abroad and being able to roll through customs without waiting at baggage claim. 

I’ve compiled my top 5 packing tips on how to travel with just your trusty carry-on bag, all for you below.

Tip #1: Find the right carry-on luggage & packing items

The first step to being able to travel with only a carry-on is finding products to keep your items organized and compact. Below is my basics list with specific recommendations for products detailed out after. 

Carry-on luggage basics list: 

  • Carry-on Luggage
  • Packing Cubes
  • Toiletry Bag
  • Quality Backpack

Durable carry-on suitcase

Travel Carry-on Luggage

A hard-sided bag is great because it can take a lot of wear and tear. I like that this suitcase has a built-in lock, and practical compartments and pockets inside. It comes in 13 different colors to choose from! 

Click here to check out this carry-on luggage

Packing cubes for organizing

Plan to Explore, Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a game-changer, especially these compression cubes. I own this set in grey, and I love how much space they save me in my carry-on luggage! They also help me stay organized. Pro tip – once on your trip use one of the compression bags for your dirty laundry to keep it separate. 

Click here to see them on Amazon

Toiletry bag

I recommend using a clear toiletry bag especially when traveling abroad. We’ve had security in both London and Munich request clear bags only! 

Quality backpack

Plan to Explore Shop, Travel Backpack

A travel backpack is truly essential for me! I use it on the plane, while site-seeing, and even at home. I like the style of this bag and the versatile pockets. 

Click here for details and more pictures of this bag

Men's Travel Backpack, Plan to Explore Shop

This techy backpack is another great option for those who want to be able to charge on the go. It includes a luggage band on the back so you can slide it onto the handle when you are not wearing it, and a lock. My husband travels with this exact bag. 

Check out all the features here

Travel Packing Extras

Plan to Explore Shop, Folding Hair Dryer

 

 

Man do I love this folding hairdryer! Not only does it save space by folding in half, but it also has dual voltage so you can use it in Europe and the US. A must-have carry-on luggage item! 

Buy this essential here

Travel Cord Organizer

Keep all of your chargers and cords in one neat place with this zip-up cord organizer. You’ll never have to dig to the depths of your bag to charge your phone again. 

Tip #2: Make a packing list, then pare it down!

This is definitely the hard part for most travelers. I’ve said to myself many times “but what if I need this item??” 

My best advice here is to pare down your outfits by picking clothes that all go together. For example, black, grey, and green can all be intermixed as basics, and you can add a pop of color with your cardigan or jewelry. I lay out possible outfits on my bed and see what works, and typically pick my favorite go-to items because I know I will actually wear them! 

For a 1 week trip in the spring or fall (in just a carry-on bag) the clothing items I typically pack are: 

  • 5 shirts (including the one you wear on the plane) 
  • 2 pairs of jeans and a pair of leggings
  • 2 pairs of shoes (1 in the bag, one on my feet) 
  • 1 sweater/cardigan
  • 1 casual dress
  • 1 Jacket (wear this on the plane too) 
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • Enough underwear for the week 
Don’t forget to leave room for essentials items like toiletries, adapters, charging cords, etc.

Pro Tip: Check the weather the week before your travels to really narrow down what you need to pack. Also, research your destination a bit to make sure you have appropriate attire. Bringing heels to a mountain town may not work out well for you. 

Tip #3: Pack plane essentials in your backpack

Want maximum comfort on your flight? Make sure you pack essentials in your backpack. I always make sure to have the following items, especially on long flights. 

  1. Sanitizing wipes – For years I have wiped down my tray, seat handles, and seatbelt. I swear it’s saved me from so many germs. 
  2. Headphones or earbuds – Whether you want to watch entertainment, listen to music, or just drown out the sounds of others these are a must-have. 
  3. Eye Mask – Much needed if you want to sleep, or maybe you want to ignore the stranger next to you, just saying. 😉 I use my mask at accommodations too. 
  4. Ginger Drops – I found these at Target a few years ago and they have saved me from getting nauseous during turbulence. They can also settle your stomach if you drink a little too much, or eat something that doesn’t quite agree with you. 
  5. Snacks – Seriously, snacks. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been delayed either on a flight, or waiting on a rental car or taxi, or more. Snacks have saved bad situations from becoming even worse. I like nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and carrot sticks or snap peas. 
  6. Refillable water bottle – Staying hydrated is so important while flying. I’ve been on super quick flights where they don’t have time for service, or turbulence cancels service altogether. I can’t stand being overly thirsty! I also use my water bottle all through my trip to save on the cost of bottled water (where it’s safe to do so).

Tip #4: Double check airline regulations

Carry on luggage regulations

Always check the rules on the airline you plan to book with to see what their luggage regulations entail. 

Checking regulations is especially important when it comes to budget airlines or basic economy seats. Some don’t allow more than a backpack on board! You should be able to pay to check a bag in that case, so check the fees there as well. A budget flight can end up not being so budget after all if you have to pay multiple fees! 

Surfshark VPN

Want to protect your data while you’re traveling? I highly recommend Surfshark VPN, and have been using it now for years. 

A VPN conceals your IP address so hackers cannot access any of your data. I use it in airports, at coffee shops, and even if I want to access a website I’m not sure about! 

Click here to check it out! 

Tip #5: Travel packing hacks

Over the years I’ve gained a number of travel hacks, especially when it comes to packing! I’m including my top 5 hacks below. 

  1. Roll your clothes AND put them in a compression packing cube. You’ll save so much space! 
  2. Pack a few dryer sheets in your luggage. Your bag will smell fresh, and you can place a sheet into the bag where you keep your clothes you’ve already worn.  Also helps with static! 
  3. Use hair ties to bundle up hairdryer or straightener cords. It helps keep cords from tangling around things or flying around in your bag. 
  4. Bring a plastic or washable bag or two. You never know if your shoes will get dirty, or your bathing suit will still be wet when it’s time to pack up. I also like to use them to bundle up wine if I plan to check my bag on the way back. 🙂 
  5. Leave a little room! If you want to bring anything home from your trip, make sure there is at least a tiny space for a special item. 

Did you find any new tips to help you travel with only your carry-on luggage? Let me know in the comments!

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 How to Perfect Travel with Only Your Carry-on Luggage appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/only-carry-on-luggage/feed/ 0 How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-day-in-wimberley-texas https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:15:30 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3485 Are you looking for a day trip from Austin, Texas? Want to visit all the small towns in Texas? This post will give you all the details you need for visiting Wimberley, Texas.  Wimberley is a charming small town about 35 miles South of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country. Read on for my tips on when to visit, things to do, where to eat, and even where to swim in Wimberley, Texas!  When to Visit Wimberley When to visit is definitely determined by the weather in Wimberley and the activity you’d like to enjoy! Spring and Fall are ideal for shopping, eating on a patio, hiking, and walking around town. If it’s late spring or early fall, you may be able to swim too.  Summer is hot, ideal for going swimming and places with A/C.  Winter is hit or miss, but can be good for shopping and strolling.   Trail next to the Blanco River in downtown Wimberley – Late Spring How to Get to Wimberley Located South of Austin, getting to Wimberley will definitely take a car or a hired driver. I recommend renting a car to get around as there is not much transit available in the area. You’ll want to be able to drive to locations a few miles apart while visiting.  From Austin: The drive will take around 1 hour  Airports:  Austin Bergstrom International Airport – about 50 minutes away San Antonio International Airport – a little over an hour away Pro Tips: Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox! You can also search for rental cars at local airports on booking.com! You’ll be able to see all the rental companies compared in one place.  Where to Swim in Wimberley Wimberley swimming holes are a bit famous in Texas. Not only can you swim, but you can also hike in these areas. So plan to take a hike and then a dip afterwards!  Jacob’s Well – An underwater cave swimming hole. Reservations are required. Open from 8:00 – 6:00 pm daily from May – September (no alcohol, glass, or dogs). Check their website for the latest fees. You are able to hike with no reservation. *Water levels at Jacobs Well have become so low this area is now closed to swimming for the foreseeable future – check website** Blue Hole – A wooded swimming area with rope swings, as well as trails and a basketball court. Reservations are required. Open 8:00 am – Sunset from the end of May to the beginning of September.  Shopping in Wimberley The shops in Wimberley are absolutely adorable. There are small boutiques, antique stores, kitchen accessories, plant shops, gift shops, coffee shops, and more. The main area for shopping is the Wimberley Square area, and east a long Old Kyle Rd. You can easily walk here with convenient pedestrian crossing areas.  A few stores that I like to stop in:  Vintage Lily: Women’s Clothing The Wildflower: Women’s Clothing Wimberley Whimsy: For unique items and gifts  The Old Mill: For gifts and souvenirs The Bazar: For small antiques and thrift  Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3 hours or more to wander – there are so many more great shops than I mentioned!  Parking: I recommend parking in the open lot next to Community Pizza & Beer Garden. If it’s not too busy, you might snag a spot right on Wimberley Square instead.  Where to Eat in Wimberley You’ll find a good selection of places to eat in Wimberley, Texas. I’ll list a few of my favorites below!  Community Pizza & Beer – A go-to for our family. Not only do they have amazing wood fired pizza, they have a great beer selection (a long with other drinks). There is a small sized indoor area, and a large patio with sails and misting fans. This is also a win for us because of the pirate ship play ground that my son loves!  Chill’s on the Creek – I know it seems like a touristy spot, and maybe it is, but we’ve never had a bad experience! We love this as a lunch location where you can sit outside along the Blanco River. Make sure you try any of their sourdough sandwiches, the bread is locally made and has a little sweet touch to it. Yum!  JoBell’s – For an upscale dining experience try JoBell’s just a little bit north on RR 12. We visited for our anniversary and enjoyed the experience. Low romantic lighting inside, or a lovely patio outside gives you dining options.    Read more: Insider’s Guide to Dripping Spring, Texas Where to Grab a Drink The Hill Country in Texas is known for its wine and craft beer scene, and Wimberley does not disappoint.  Los Olivos Market – Part wine bar, part wine and foodie shop, I like this spot. I was here on my birthday and grabbed a charcuterie box (it was delicious) and a glass of Rosé. Take away wines include a large selection of Texas wines, as well as some natural wines. They do also offer beer.  Social on the Square – Featuring wine and some alternative drinks like a paloma and a margarita, this is a cute spot with a courtyard to hang out in. There is also a small beer menu.   Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Patio – A little off the beaten path up 12, I love this wine bar. They have 5 wines open at any given point, and you can choose to do a tasting of all of them, or a glass of one. The owner here imports very interesting wines which is unique and great. We were able to have glass of Hungarian wine! (Click here to read my post about why you should try Hungarian wine) *Temporarily Closed as of March 2025* Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Garden Where to Stay in Wimberley, Texas There are a lot of options for Wimberley places to stay. From cabins, to a quaint hotel, to unique Airbnbs you’ll be able to find a great fit for you and your friends or family. Here are a few recommendations:  Wimberley Inn: A 3-star hotel with a bar and garden on site, and modern hip interiors.  Burnett Ranch Cabins – For an escape to the countryside (in true Texas style) try these rustic cabins that sleep 4+ people.  Rock House on Cypress Creek – This house accommodates 8 people and is walking distance to Wimberley. Private pool onsite is a plus!  Do you have the ideas you need to plan your best day in Wimberley, Texas? I hope this gives you the information you need to visit Wimberley and plan the best trip – for you! Leave a comment and let me know if you plan to use any of these Wimberley travel tips!  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 How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

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Are you looking for a day trip from Austin, Texas? Want to visit all the small towns in Texas? This post will give you all the details you need for visiting Wimberley, Texas. 

Wimberley is a charming small town about 35 miles South of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country. Read on for my tips on when to visit, things to do, where to eat, and even where to swim in Wimberley, Texas! 

When to Visit Wimberley

When to visit is definitely determined by the weather in Wimberley and the activity you’d like to enjoy!

  • Spring and Fall are ideal for shopping, eating on a patio, hiking, and walking around town. If it’s late spring or early fall, you may be able to swim too. 
  • Summer is hot, ideal for going swimming and places with A/C. 
  • Winter is hit or miss, but can be good for shopping and strolling.  
Wimberley Texas Weather, Plan to Explore
Trail next to the Blanco River in downtown Wimberley - Late Spring

How to Get to Wimberley

Located South of Austin, getting to Wimberley will definitely take a car or a hired driver. I recommend renting a car to get around as there is not much transit available in the area. You’ll want to be able to drive to locations a few miles apart while visiting. 

From Austin: The drive will take around 1 hour 

Airports: 

  • Austin Bergstrom International Airport – about 50 minutes away
  • San Antonio International Airport – a little over an hour away

Pro Tips: Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox! You can also search for rental cars at local airports on booking.com! You’ll be able to see all the rental companies compared in one place. 

Where to Swim in Wimberley

Wimberley swimming holes are a bit famous in Texas. Not only can you swim, but you can also hike in these areas. So plan to take a hike and then a dip afterwards! 

Jacob’s Well – An underwater cave swimming hole. Reservations are required. Open from 8:00 – 6:00 pm daily from May – September (no alcohol, glass, or dogs). Check their website for the latest fees. You are able to hike with no reservation. *Water levels at Jacobs Well have become so low this area is now closed to swimming for the foreseeable future – check website**

Blue Hole – A wooded swimming area with rope swings, as well as trails and a basketball court. Reservations are required. Open 8:00 am – Sunset from the end of May to the beginning of September. 

Shopping in Wimberley

The shops in Wimberley are absolutely adorable. There are small boutiques, antique stores, kitchen accessories, plant shops, gift shops, coffee shops, and more. The main area for shopping is the Wimberley Square area, and east a long Old Kyle Rd. You can easily walk here with convenient pedestrian crossing areas. 

A few stores that I like to stop in: 

  • Vintage Lily: Women’s Clothing
  • The Wildflower: Women’s Clothing
  • Wimberley Whimsy: For unique items and gifts 
  • The Old Mill: For gifts and souvenirs
  • The Bazar: For small antiques and thrift 
  • Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 3 hours or more to wander – there are so many more great shops than I mentioned! 

Parking: I recommend parking in the open lot next to Community Pizza & Beer Garden. If it’s not too busy, you might snag a spot right on Wimberley Square instead. 

Shopping in Wimberley, Texas, Plan to Explore

Where to Eat in Wimberley

You’ll find a good selection of places to eat in Wimberley, Texas. I’ll list a few of my favorites below! 

Community Pizza & Beer – A go-to for our family. Not only do they have amazing wood fired pizza, they have a great beer selection (a long with other drinks). There is a small sized indoor area, and a large patio with sails and misting fans. This is also a win for us because of the pirate ship play ground that my son loves! 

Chill’s on the Creek – I know it seems like a touristy spot, and maybe it is, but we’ve never had a bad experience! We love this as a lunch location where you can sit outside along the Blanco River. Make sure you try any of their sourdough sandwiches, the bread is locally made and has a little sweet touch to it. Yum! 

JoBell’s – For an upscale dining experience try JoBell’s just a little bit north on RR 12. We visited for our anniversary and enjoyed the experience. Low romantic lighting inside, or a lovely patio outside gives you dining options. 

 

Read more: Insider's Guide to Dripping Spring, Texas

Where to Grab a Drink

The Hill Country in Texas is known for its wine and craft beer scene, and Wimberley does not disappoint. 

Los Olivos Market – Part wine bar, part wine and foodie shop, I like this spot. I was here on my birthday and grabbed a charcuterie box (it was delicious) and a glass of Rosé. Take away wines include a large selection of Texas wines, as well as some natural wines. They do also offer beer. 

Social on the Square – Featuring wine and some alternative drinks like a paloma and a margarita, this is a cute spot with a courtyard to hang out in. There is also a small beer menu.  

Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Patio – A little off the beaten path up 12, I love this wine bar. They have 5 wines open at any given point, and you can choose to do a tasting of all of them, or a glass of one. The owner here imports very interesting wines which is unique and great. We were able to have glass of Hungarian wine! (Click here to read my post about why you should try Hungarian wine) *Temporarily Closed as of March 2025*

Casa Vindemia Wine & Beer Garden

Where to Stay in Wimberley, Texas

There are a lot of options for Wimberley places to stay. From cabins, to a quaint hotel, to unique Airbnbs you’ll be able to find a great fit for you and your friends or family. Here are a few recommendations: 

Wimberley Inn: A 3-star hotel with a bar and garden on site, and modern hip interiors. 

Burnett Ranch Cabins – For an escape to the countryside (in true Texas style) try these rustic cabins that sleep 4+ people. 

Rock House on Cypress Creek – This house accommodates 8 people and is walking distance to Wimberley. Private pool onsite is a plus! 

Do you have the ideas you need to plan your best day in Wimberley, Texas?

I hope this gives you the information you need to visit Wimberley and plan the best trip – for you! Leave a comment and let me know if you plan to use any of these Wimberley travel tips! 

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 How To Plan the Best Day in Wimberley Texas [Updated 2025] appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/best-day-in-wimberley-texas/feed/ 1 Survival Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers https://plantoexplore.com/road-trip-with-toddlers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=road-trip-with-toddlers https://plantoexplore.com/road-trip-with-toddlers/#respond Wed, 04 May 2022 21:00:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=1904 Are you planning a road trip with small kids soon? Taking a road trip with toddlers can be really fun and really exhausting all at the same time.  Little ones have a lot of energy, so finding ways to give that energy an outlet on the road takes some planning.  I’ve come up with my top tips on how to survive a road trip with toddlers after driving across Texas and New Mexico with my young son. I hope this helps all you mamas, dads, grandparents, or even aunts and uncles out there!  Read on for my 5 tried and true road trip tips, and all of the Amazon links to the items we used to help make planning easy for you! (Clickable links are in gold) Read More: Tips You Need for Your First RV Rental Trip #5 – Plan to stop frequently Their little bodies are just not able to sit in a car for longer than a 3-4 hour stretch.  Honestly, the ideal time frame to stop for us was between 2-3 hours. I know – that can be a lot of stops on a long road trip.  I did a little research to figure out places along the way to make the stops fun for either him, or us, or both. We stopped at playgrounds, wineries, mega gas stations with souvenirs, and more. We even planned to ONLY drive 3 hours total somedays between overnight stops.  Our trip was 11 hours in total, and we took 3 days to complete it!  Pro Tip: Adding more stops to your trip can be a definite bonus! You’ll get to see locations that you may have never stopped at if you just power through hours and hours on the road. Plan your stops to purposely take you to some cool places and you won’t regret it!  Checking out the cows at LBJ State Park in Stonewall, Texas #4 – Bring road trip activities What keeps your road trip with toddlers sane? Activities!  I purchased an activity tray for our son’s car seat so he could have a “play space” in the car. The one I selected had pockets on the side, a dry erase surface, and a pocket for an iPad. Click here to check it out on Amazon!  Items that we brought along: (Click on any of items below to check them out on Amazon!) Mini playdoh set – I like the travel sets that have a container to keep it all in.  Stickers – lots of random stickers!  Crayons – we brought the twistable ones to make it interesting.  Blank notebook to color in, and so you don’t have paper flying everywhere. Water pen coloring books. Have you seen these? So cool!  Toy cars (could also bring dolls, dinosaurs, stuffed animals, etc)  Skinny dry erase markers with an eraser tip – for that activity tray  Sticker activity book – this particular one was a hit with my kiddo!  And….an iPad with headphones. We like these headphones that come in lots of colors and are really comfortable.  If you can make it through a really long road trip without an iPad, major major props to you. If your child does not sleep at all in the car like ours, we found having a variety of options was best.  Pro Tip: If there is space in the backseat, alternate sitting in the back with your kid(s)! They will enjoy the personal playtime or storytime with you in the car #3 – Make their space comfortable No one wants a cranky and uncomfortable toddler.  We started by taking his car seat out of the car before our trip and cleaned the entire thing. He had a fresh seat for the start of our trip.  Next, we made sure we had a way to shade the window. A lightweight and foldable window shade cling works well and can be put in the seatback pocket when not in use. We also brought an extra light blanket to hang if we needed extra shade.  Last, we had him pick his favorite comfort item to keep nearby or in his seat, and I even found a little mini-pillow so we could prop up his feet or he could rest his head.  Pro Tip: You can even bring and hang up a portable sound machine from the hanger hook in the car to help give a calm environment. This one has come with us on every single trip since our son was born and it’s well worth it! Makes me want a nap in the backseat! Shade screen, blankie, and headphones – ready to hit the road! #2 – Toddler portable potty If your little one is in the throws of potty training – first of all – cheers to you because this can be one of the most challenging moments in parenting life!  For a road trip with toddlers who are potty training, some type of mini potty is essential. It allowed him to tell us when he needed to go and we could pull over somewhere safely so he could use it, all without having to find a public restroom. When you are traveling through West Texas, let me tell you, rest stops and public restrooms are few and far between!  Even while we were at our destination we hauled that mini toddler potty around with us in the car and to different spaces. The familiarity even though he was in a different environment helped keep him on track!  Pro Tip: Give your child some grace if potty training regresses. They may have some stress from traveling, need time to adjust to a different time zone, etc. Make sure to take the time to show them where the potty is and how to alert you they need help, and even get them excited to use a new bathroom space.  We like a potty that has a removable insert for easy dumping and cleaning like this one!  #1 – Toddler friendly snacks. All the snacks. If you are a parent, this pretty much goes without saying!  For a long trip, variety in your toddler friendly snacks is key. Here are some of my road trip with toddlers snack ideas (assuming you will have a cooler for some of these):  Bars like Larabar or Kind bars Pre-washed fruit or veggies ready to go String cheese or other snack cheese Yogurt pouches or tubes Dried fruits and nuts, or trail mix. We love dried mango, cashews, and cherries!  Salty/crunchy snack favorites like pretzels, goldfish, triscuits, nut crackers, etc.  We kept all of our road trip items cold in this amazing Yeti Cooler.  Pro Tip: Make some muffins ahead of time and bring them with you! If we were off schedule in the morning, we all ate muffins in the car. They can even be a late afternoon pick me up for them (and honestly us too)! I made the muffins and froze them a month in advance. Yes because I’m a crazy planner. Did these road trip with toddlers survival tips help you? I don’t know about you, but I think the more ideas for entertaining a toddler the better!  Do you have any helpful tips that I missed? Comment below, I would love extra ideas!  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 Survival Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

Are you planning a road trip with small kids soon? Taking a road trip with toddlers can be really fun and really exhausting all at the same time. 

Little ones have a lot of energy, so finding ways to give that energy an outlet on the road takes some planning. 

I’ve come up with my top tips on how to survive a road trip with toddlers after driving across Texas and New Mexico with my young son. I hope this helps all you mamas, dads, grandparents, or even aunts and uncles out there! 

Read on for my 5 tried and true road trip tips, and all of the Amazon links to the items we used to help make planning easy for you! (Clickable links are in gold)

Rent an RV from RVshare

Read More: Tips You Need for Your First RV Rental Trip

#5 - Plan to stop frequently

Their little bodies are just not able to sit in a car for longer than a 3-4 hour stretch. 

Honestly, the ideal time frame to stop for us was between 2-3 hours. I know – that can be a lot of stops on a long road trip. 

I did a little research to figure out places along the way to make the stops fun for either him, or us, or both. We stopped at playgrounds, wineries, mega gas stations with souvenirs, and more. We even planned to ONLY drive 3 hours total somedays between overnight stops. 

Our trip was 11 hours in total, and we took 3 days to complete it! 

Pro Tip: Adding more stops to your trip can be a definite bonus! You’ll get to see locations that you may have never stopped at if you just power through hours and hours on the road. Plan your stops to purposely take you to some cool places and you won’t regret it! 

Road Trip with Toddlers, Pit Stop, Plan to Explore
Checking out the cows at LBJ State Park in Stonewall, Texas

#4 - Bring road trip activities

What keeps your road trip with toddlers sane? Activities! 

I purchased an activity tray for our son’s car seat so he could have a “play space” in the car. The one I selected had pockets on the side, a dry erase surface, and a pocket for an iPad. Click here to check it out on Amazon! 

Items that we brought along: (Click on any of items below to check them out on Amazon!)

If you can make it through a really long road trip without an iPad, major major props to you. If your child does not sleep at all in the car like ours, we found having a variety of options was best. 
 
Pro Tip: If there is space in the backseat, alternate sitting in the back with your kid(s)! They will enjoy the personal playtime or storytime with you in the car

#3 - Make their space comfortable

No one wants a cranky and uncomfortable toddler. 

We started by taking his car seat out of the car before our trip and cleaned the entire thing. He had a fresh seat for the start of our trip. 

Next, we made sure we had a way to shade the window. A lightweight and foldable window shade cling works well and can be put in the seatback pocket when not in use. We also brought an extra light blanket to hang if we needed extra shade. 

Last, we had him pick his favorite comfort item to keep nearby or in his seat, and I even found a little mini-pillow so we could prop up his feet or he could rest his head. 

Pro Tip: You can even bring and hang up a portable sound machine from the hanger hook in the car to help give a calm environment. This one has come with us on every single trip since our son was born and it’s well worth it! Makes me want a nap in the backseat!

Road Trip with Toddlers, Car seat, Plan to Explore
Shade screen, blankie, and headphones - ready to hit the road!

#2 - Toddler portable potty

If your little one is in the throws of potty training – first of all – cheers to you because this can be one of the most challenging moments in parenting life! 

For a road trip with toddlers who are potty training, some type of mini potty is essential. It allowed him to tell us when he needed to go and we could pull over somewhere safely so he could use it, all without having to find a public restroom. When you are traveling through West Texas, let me tell you, rest stops and public restrooms are few and far between! 

Even while we were at our destination we hauled that mini toddler potty around with us in the car and to different spaces. The familiarity even though he was in a different environment helped keep him on track! 

Pro Tip: Give your child some grace if potty training regresses. They may have some stress from traveling, need time to adjust to a different time zone, etc. Make sure to take the time to show them where the potty is and how to alert you they need help, and even get them excited to use a new bathroom space. 

We like a potty that has a removable insert for easy dumping and cleaning like this one! 

TripAdvisor

#1 - Toddler friendly snacks. All the snacks.

If you are a parent, this pretty much goes without saying! 

For a long trip, variety in your toddler friendly snacks is key. Here are some of my road trip with toddlers snack ideas (assuming you will have a cooler for some of these): 

Pro Tip: Make some muffins ahead of time and bring them with you! If we were off schedule in the morning, we all ate muffins in the car. They can even be a late afternoon pick me up for them (and honestly us too)! I made the muffins and froze them a month in advance. Yes because I’m a crazy planner. 
Road Trip with Toddler, Snacks

Did these road trip with toddlers survival tips help you?

I don’t know about you, but I think the more ideas for entertaining a toddler the better! 

Do you have any helpful tips that I missed? Comment below, I would love extra ideas! 

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 Survival Tips for a Road Trip with Toddlers appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/road-trip-with-toddlers/feed/ 0 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.

]]>

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 Easy Ways to Save Money and Budget for Travel https://plantoexplore.com/budget-for-travel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=budget-for-travel https://plantoexplore.com/budget-for-travel/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:17:00 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=2027 Sometimes saving and creating a budget for travel can seem a little overwhelming.  I wish I could go back in time and give myself permission to put a little money towards travel when I was younger. Life responsibilities can understandably take top priority oftentimes. I’ve created a list of my top 7 tips to first save a little cash, as well as how to budget for that next trip you’ve been dreaming of broken down into two sections. If you think saving for travel is impossible, give some of my tips below a try.  Travel Savings Tips 1. Follow the 1% savings rule Have you ever heard of the 10% rule when it comes to savings? It’s something that financial advisors recommend to help easily save. You set up an automatic transfer from your checking to savings monthly and pretty much act like that money is just not available to spend.  If you are saving for travel whether it be a small trip or a big one, setting a budget for travel can begin with setting up an automatic transfer. For travel savings, I think that a 1% rule is more attainable.  2. Cut out small expenses We all love those little indulgences from time to time, or maybe even frequently. 😉  If you already have a tight budget and wonder how you can save a little extra for travel, try cutting out or reducing extras. My biggest weakness for spending is walking into Marshall’s or TJMaxx and coming out with things “I never knew I needed.” Can you relate?  I’ve included a few budget savings ideas below to give you some inspiration.  Getting your nails done – skip getting your nails done, or paint them at home. Save the salon visits for special occasions.  Buying coffee at a coffee shop – Making coffee at home can save you sooo much per year.  Eating lunch or dinner out multiple times a week – Keep things interesting cooking at home by trying new recipes, or keep it simple with repeat recipes that you love. Think Taco Tuesday or Pizza Friday to make the decision making and grocery list simple.  Excess shopping – set a budget for yourself monthly and don’t go over that amount.  Cable TV – Nowadays there are so many streaming services that help save money. Ditch the high monthly cable bill and try something like Sling, Hulu, or Netflix. Already an Amazon Prime member? You can watch Prime TV for free.  Gym Memberships – With so many free workouts available on YouTube, you can have a personal workout for free in your living room. Make a one time purchase and invest in some free weights, a mat, and maybe exercise bands and go for it! I love workout videos by Popsugar Fitness and Tone It Up.  Check your Insurance costs – Remember to check and compare insurance costs yearly, not only with health insurance but with car and homeowners insurance as well.  3. Use travel credit cards to your advantage Have you ever heard of a term called “travel hacking?”  I won’t go into serious detail in this post, but it’s basically a way to responsibly use credit cards to earn travel rewards or points to your advantage.  Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that give a large number of points, and any dollar spent then earns points on top of that. We use a points card for all of our everyday expenses and then pay it off, in full, each month.  There are lots of choices when it comes to cards, I recommend doing some research to find the best fit for you if you plan to open a card. I like The Points Guy for their card comparisons and in-depth reviews.  Disclaimer: Credit cards are an easy way to rack up debt. Use the card for expenses you already have, not for going on a shopping spree. 🙂  4. Use a travel piggy bank This is the easiest travel savings tip of all! Also, who doesn’t love a cute piggy bank?  Find a cute piggy bank, or jar, or whatever container you prefer. Whenever you buy something with cash and have change, bring it home and place it in the container. Family members send you cash in a card? Put it in the jar. You get the idea.  Budget for Travel Tips 5. Research travel costs Maybe you don’t have the same passion for travel research as I do, but it can be a really helpful tool.  Grab a glass of wine and your computer and spend a little time looking at costs in locations you are considering traveling to. Pinterest is a GREAT resource for this! Some bloggers include travel costs that they incurred while traveling in their posts. Click here to view my Pinterest profile which includes tons of pins for different locations that lead to blog posts.  Make sure to look at Airbnb, Trip Advisor, and Booking.com to check accommodation and tour prices. I use Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights to check and track flight prices. I often track flight prices for a month or longer to see the trends and then jump on a price I feel is low when it pops up.  I also sign up for tools like Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get deals emailed directly to my inbox.  Last but not least, I have created a FREE Travel Itinerary and Budget Planning Spreadsheet for you to download and use. Just add your info below so you can get started on your budget for travel now! 6. Choose “budget” destinations Travel doesn’t have to be expensive – there are so many travel destinations that are budget friendly.  After my last trip to Europe, I have fallen in love with Eastern Europe. Countries like Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Romania, and Bulgaria have historic and beautiful cities and landscapes at a much more affordable price tag. You can even save money by going to lesser known towns in countries like Italy, Spain, and France.  In Asia check out Vietnam, Thailand, or Taiwan instead of places like Japan, Singapore, or Hong Kong.  If you are traveling to or in the USA, instead of NYC, LA, or Chicago, check out travel destinations like Santa Fe, Nashville, or Charleston.  I also find value in going to smaller towns or villages, or out to the countryside. This is a good way to really see the culture and way people live (and spend less too – cities are usually more expensive!).  Pinterest is a great resource for researching destinations too!  Beautiful Romania 7. Find lower cost accommodations Accommodations are one of the things I love to research the most. Who doesn’t love to look at cute spots across the world?? Just me?  There are so many great options now outside of your typical chain hotel!  My first recommendation is to check Airbnb. With accommodations ranging from airstream trailers to treehouses to condos to entire homes, the options are endless and often times really affordable.  I also love to filter accommodations on Trip Advisor or Booking.com to show me just B&B’s. Not the vintage decor, shared bathroom experience you are thinking of, a lot of B&B’s in Europe are really boutique hotels. We have had some of the best experiences in places like this. The owners are usually super friendly and helpful, and the breakfasts are local and delicious. Check it out below!  Budget for travel final tips I hope these tips help you stash away a little bit more towards your budget for travel. Maybe cash is really tight for you and saving doesn’t seem like a possibility. Consider keeping it local and discovering a new part of town you’ve never been to, or a small town that’s close by. In the end, saving and traveling doesn’t have to be about a big trip abroad.  If you are saving for a trip abroad – look at those countries off the beaten track to help your budget stretch further and do your research to help save!  Did this budget for travel and travel savings guide help you? Comment below and let me know! 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 7 Easy Ways to Save Money and Budget for Travel appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

Sometimes saving and creating a budget for travel can seem a little overwhelming. 

I wish I could go back in time and give myself permission to put a little money towards travel when I was younger. Life responsibilities can understandably take top priority oftentimes.

I’ve created a list of my top 7 tips to first save a little cash, as well as how to budget for that next trip you’ve been dreaming of broken down into two sections. If you think saving for travel is impossible, give some of my tips below a try. 

Travel Savings Tips

1. Follow the 1% savings rule

Have you ever heard of the 10% rule when it comes to savings?

It’s something that financial advisors recommend to help easily save. You set up an automatic transfer from your checking to savings monthly and pretty much act like that money is just not available to spend. 

If you are saving for travel whether it be a small trip or a big one, setting a budget for travel can begin with setting up an automatic transfer. For travel savings, I think that a 1% rule is more attainable. 

2. Cut out small expenses

Save Money, Plan to Explore

We all love those little indulgences from time to time, or maybe even frequently. 😉 

If you already have a tight budget and wonder how you can save a little extra for travel, try cutting out or reducing extras. My biggest weakness for spending is walking into Marshall’s or TJMaxx and coming out with things “I never knew I needed.” Can you relate? 

I’ve included a few budget savings ideas below to give you some inspiration. 

  • Getting your nails done – skip getting your nails done, or paint them at home. Save the salon visits for special occasions. 
  • Buying coffee at a coffee shop – Making coffee at home can save you sooo much per year. 
  • Eating lunch or dinner out multiple times a week – Keep things interesting cooking at home by trying new recipes, or keep it simple with repeat recipes that you love. Think Taco Tuesday or Pizza Friday to make the decision making and grocery list simple. 
  • Excess shopping – set a budget for yourself monthly and don’t go over that amount. 
  • Cable TV – Nowadays there are so many streaming services that help save money. Ditch the high monthly cable bill and try something like Sling, Hulu, or Netflix. Already an Amazon Prime member? You can watch Prime TV for free. 
  • Gym Memberships – With so many free workouts available on YouTube, you can have a personal workout for free in your living room. Make a one time purchase and invest in some free weights, a mat, and maybe exercise bands and go for it! I love workout videos by Popsugar Fitness and Tone It Up. 
  • Check your Insurance costs – Remember to check and compare insurance costs yearly, not only with health insurance but with car and homeowners insurance as well. 

3. Use travel credit cards to your advantage

Have you ever heard of a term called “travel hacking?” 

I won’t go into serious detail in this post, but it’s basically a way to responsibly use credit cards to earn travel rewards or points to your advantage. 

Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that give a large number of points, and any dollar spent then earns points on top of that. We use a points card for all of our everyday expenses and then pay it off, in full, each month. 

There are lots of choices when it comes to cards, I recommend doing some research to find the best fit for you if you plan to open a card. I like The Points Guy for their card comparisons and in-depth reviews. 

Disclaimer: Credit cards are an easy way to rack up debt. Use the card for expenses you already have, not for going on a shopping spree. 🙂 

4. Use a travel piggy bank

Piggy bank budget, Plan to Explore

This is the easiest travel savings tip of all! Also, who doesn’t love a cute piggy bank? 

Find a cute piggy bank, or jar, or whatever container you prefer. Whenever you buy something with cash and have change, bring it home and place it in the container. Family members send you cash in a card? Put it in the jar. You get the idea. 

Budget for Travel Tips

5. Research travel costs

Maybe you don’t have the same passion for travel research as I do, but it can be a really helpful tool. 

Grab a glass of wine and your computer and spend a little time looking at costs in locations you are considering traveling to. Pinterest is a GREAT resource for this! Some bloggers include travel costs that they incurred while traveling in their posts. Click here to view my Pinterest profile which includes tons of pins for different locations that lead to blog posts. 

Make sure to look at Airbnb, Trip Advisor, and Booking.com to check accommodation and tour prices. I use Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights to check and track flight prices. I often track flight prices for a month or longer to see the trends and then jump on a price I feel is low when it pops up.  I also sign up for tools like Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get deals emailed directly to my inbox. 

Last but not least, I have created a FREE Travel Itinerary and Budget Planning Spreadsheet for you to download and use. Just add your info below so you can get started on your budget for travel now!

6. Choose "budget" destinations

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive – there are so many travel destinations that are budget friendly. 

After my last trip to Europe, I have fallen in love with Eastern Europe. Countries like Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Romania, and Bulgaria have historic and beautiful cities and landscapes at a much more affordable price tag. You can even save money by going to lesser known towns in countries like Italy, Spain, and France. 

In Asia check out Vietnam, Thailand, or Taiwan instead of places like Japan, Singapore, or Hong Kong. 

If you are traveling to or in the USA, instead of NYC, LA, or Chicago, check out travel destinations like Santa Fe, Nashville, or Charleston. 

I also find value in going to smaller towns or villages, or out to the countryside. This is a good way to really see the culture and way people live (and spend less too – cities are usually more expensive!). 

Pinterest is a great resource for researching destinations too! 

Beautiful Romania

7. Find lower cost accommodations

Accommodations are one of the things I love to research the most. Who doesn’t love to look at cute spots across the world?? Just me? 

There are so many great options now outside of your typical chain hotel! 

My first recommendation is to check Airbnb. With accommodations ranging from airstream trailers to treehouses to condos to entire homes, the options are endless and often times really affordable. 

I also love to filter accommodations on Trip Advisor or Booking.com to show me just B&B’s. Not the vintage decor, shared bathroom experience you are thinking of, a lot of B&B’s in Europe are really boutique hotels. We have had some of the best experiences in places like this. The owners are usually super friendly and helpful, and the breakfasts are local and delicious. Check it out below! 

Budget for travel final tips

I hope these tips help you stash away a little bit more towards your budget for travel.

Maybe cash is really tight for you and saving doesn’t seem like a possibility. Consider keeping it local and discovering a new part of town you’ve never been to, or a small town that’s close by. In the end, saving and traveling doesn’t have to be about a big trip abroad. 

If you are saving for a trip abroad – look at those countries off the beaten track to help your budget stretch further and do your research to help save! 

Did this budget for travel and travel savings guide help you? Comment below and let me know!

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 7 Easy Ways to Save Money and Budget for Travel appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]> https://plantoexplore.com/budget-for-travel/feed/ 4 Top Napa Valley Tips to Plan Your Trip on Any Budget https://plantoexplore.com/napa-valley/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=napa-valley https://plantoexplore.com/napa-valley/#comments Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:27:34 +0000 https://plantoexplore.com/?p=3229 The famed Napa Valley. We’ve all heard of it – the best wines in America are supposedly made here. So with all that hype and notoriety, how do you plan a trip at any budget?  Follow the tips in each section below and you’ll be planning your trip to Napa Valley in no time.  Flights to Napa Valley Napa Valley’s location gives you a few different options for flights, which is helpful on your wallet. The most convenient locations are Oakland and Sacramento. San Francisco is another option but is a bit further away. Below are the approximate driving distances from each airport to Napa Valley.  Oakland to Napa Valley: About an hour and a half drive.  Sacramento to Napa Valley: About an hour drive.  San Francisco to Napa Valley:  Almost two hours drive.  Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox!  How to Get Around Napa Valley When in Napa Valley you will definitely need a car to get around, unless you plan on staying in one small area and taking tours or catching Uber daily.  Napa Valley primarily consists of a number of towns up and down Highway 29. Starting in the south in Napa City, you’ll continue north through Rutherford and Oakville, on to St. Helena, and then Calistoga.  With two days in the area, we just scratched the surface visiting St. Helena, Rutherford and Napa proper.  I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your time. If the daily rental rate for cars seems too expensive, try checking out Turo. It’s a peer to peer rental service that tends to be a bit less expensive. We had a car delivered right to arrivals in Oakland.  Click here to check out rental cars in the Oakland area.  Read More: Popular Wineries in the Texas Hill Country Napa Valley Weather The weather in Napa Valley is great for most of the year. In the winter temperatures are mild, although it can get a little chilly. Spring and Fall are a great time to visit with weather in the 60 – 70ºF range. Summer can get up into the 80º range, but this could a be great time to explore those wine cave tours!  If you want to save money, travel in the off-season! The most popular time of year to visit Napa Valley is between August and mid-October.  Benessere Vineyards Where to Stay in Napa Valley Napa Valley accommodations are not exactly known to be super affordable.  My recommendation would be to find an area of Napa you’d like to spend the most time in and then start looking for where to stay.  Areas to check out: Yountville, California is more upscale with the Michelin star restaurants. Napa “City” has a river flowing through it and more modern shops and restaurants.  The small towns of St. Helena and Calistoga are quaint and there will more than likely be less tourists at the end of the day.  Once you decide on the area, don’t forget to check VRBO, Booking.com, and Trip Advisor for the best options.  Click on the buttons below to search Napa Valley places to stay!  VRBO Home Rentals Booking.com How to Pick Napa Valley Wineries This is the hardest part! With over 400 wineries in the valley, how do you choose?  My advice is to break down the Napa Valley wineries by using five different factors to help narrow your choices. You can use all of them, or just a few!  Location: Start your day by day itinerary by choosing the location you want to focus on. For example, we stayed around St. Helena one day, and then Napa proper/Rutherford the next.   Wine Varietal: Many people come to Napa because it’s known for good quality Cabernet Sauvignon. If you like Cab, pick wineries based on that. Personally, I like a variety. I tried to choose wineries throughout the day that had varying varietals.  Price Point: Some wineries in Napa are very expensive just for a tasting. You’ll see tasting prices anywhere from $30 – $90 per person. As you are looking up wineries, most will have a  “visit” page where you can see what the tasting cost will be.  Rating/Recommendation: As a last deciding option, check out the rating on Google. I tend to read a few at 5 stars, a few in the middle, and a few bad reviews for any given place to see what it’s like. Looking at visitor pictures can also give you a true sense of the experience. You can also ask on social media if anyone has been to the area before and if they have recommendations.  Atmosphere: Since I just mentioned taking a look at visitor pictures, another way I narrow down my list is to figure out what kind of winery scenery and atmosphere I’m looking for. Do you want an upscale and grand? Boutique and quaint? A beautiful view?  If you really want the “easy button” – book a tour! I love Get Your Guide and Airbnb Experiences to book a tour.  Where to Eat in Napa Valley There are so many options for food in Napa Valley! You can find upscale, casual, fast casual, food markets, and more.  I travel on a budget, so the places I will be recommending are based on a modest budget.  Oxbow Market: With so much variety under one roof, this really is one to check out. Food options include pizza, tacos, oysters, burgers, bakery goods, coffee, a cheese shop, and a small shop with produce. Highly recommend stopping at C Casa for breakfast tacos (one of the best I’ve ever had and I am from the breakfast taco state of Texas!).  The coffee at Ritual Coffee was absolutely delicious as well.  You can pick up items to make your own picnic here, which is what we did! I grabbed cheese, salami, olives, grapes, and crackers – which is a great budget friendly option. Pro tip – tell the cheese shop at check out that you’re having a picnic and they will set you up with plates, napkins, and utensils!  Oxbow Market Ritual Coffee Model Bakery: Locations include Oxbow Market and St. Helena. We stopped at the one in St. Helena for lunch to try to avoid some of the crowds. I had a veggie sandwich that was great, husband had a slice of pizza that hit the spot. We got a few takeaway pastries but they were a little dry by the next morning, so I recommend eating them same day!  Gott’s Roadside: Locations include St. Helena and Oxbow Market. If you like a good burger and fries combo, you’ll love Gott’s. They also have salads, tacos, and milkshakes. I got the falafel salad and tried a taste of the burger which was really good. Fries were also yummy.  Gott’s Roadside Napa General Store: Part restaurant, part gift shop this is a nice stop. We had brunch here on a rainy Sunday. The food was fresh and the portion sizes were big. The skillet potatoes were the best part! I also bought a few gifts to bring home. I love dual purpose locations!  Other food recommendations in Napa Valley that I didn’t have a chance to check out, but heard good things about:  St. Helena: Goose & Gander, TraVinge, and Farmstead  Rutherford/Napa: Rutherford Grill, Bounty Hunter, and La Taberna Napa Valley Pro Tips Here are some pro tips for Napa Valley to help during your visit!  Make reservations! You will want to make reservations not only for every winery you visit but also for restaurants. Places book up weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.  Allow a good amount of time between tastings – you’ll want to explore each property, and also have enough time to get in between each spot.  Conclusions Napa Valley can be affordable if you take some time to research and plan a bit! I have to say it wasn’t as “stuffy” as I thought it might be, and I really look forward to going back again.  Don’t forget to use the tools below to help with your Napa Valley travel planning:  Hotels: Booking.com Vacation Rentals: VRBO Tours: Get Your Guide 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. I really, really appreciate your support and could not continue this blog without you! 

The post Top Napa Valley Tips to Plan Your Trip on Any Budget appeared first on Plan to Explore.

]]>

The famed Napa Valley. We’ve all heard of it – the best wines in America are supposedly made here. So with all that hype and notoriety, how do you plan a trip at any budget? 

Follow the tips in each section below and you’ll be planning your trip to Napa Valley in no time. 

Flights to Napa Valley

Napa Valley’s location gives you a few different options for flights, which is helpful on your wallet. The most convenient locations are Oakland and Sacramento. San Francisco is another option but is a bit further away. Below are the approximate driving distances from each airport to Napa Valley. 

  • Oakland to Napa Valley: About an hour and a half drive. 
  • Sacramento to Napa Valley: About an hour drive. 
  • San Francisco to Napa Valley:  Almost two hours drive. 
Don’t forget to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) to get flight deals right in your inbox! 
Up to 25% off on all Priority Pass annual memberships

How to Get Around Napa Valley

When in Napa Valley you will definitely need a car to get around, unless you plan on staying in one small area and taking tours or catching Uber daily. 

Napa Valley primarily consists of a number of towns up and down Highway 29. Starting in the south in Napa City, you’ll continue north through Rutherford and Oakville, on to St. Helena, and then Calistoga. 

With two days in the area, we just scratched the surface visiting St. Helena, Rutherford and Napa proper. 

I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your time. If the daily rental rate for cars seems too expensive, try checking out Turo. It’s a peer to peer rental service that tends to be a bit less expensive. We had a car delivered right to arrivals in Oakland. 

Click here to check out rental cars in the Oakland area. 

Dripping Springs Wineries, Hawk Shadow, Plan to Explore

Read More: Popular Wineries in the Texas Hill Country

Napa Valley Weather

The weather in Napa Valley is great for most of the year. In the winter temperatures are mild, although it can get a little chilly. Spring and Fall are a great time to visit with weather in the 60 – 70ºF range. Summer can get up into the 80º range, but this could a be great time to explore those wine cave tours! 

If you want to save money, travel in the off-season! The most popular time of year to visit Napa Valley is between August and mid-October. 

Napa Valley Weather, Plan to Explore
Benessere Vineyards

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

Napa Valley accommodations are not exactly known to be super affordable. 

My recommendation would be to find an area of Napa you’d like to spend the most time in and then start looking for where to stay. 

Areas to check out:

Yountville, California is more upscale with the Michelin star restaurants. Napa “City” has a river flowing through it and more modern shops and restaurants. 

The small towns of St. Helena and Calistoga are quaint and there will more than likely be less tourists at the end of the day. 

Once you decide on the area, don’t forget to check VRBO, Booking.com, and Trip Advisor for the best options. 

Click on the buttons below to search Napa Valley places to stay! 
VRBO Home Rentals
Booking.com

How to Pick Napa Valley Wineries

This is the hardest part! With over 400 wineries in the valley, how do you choose? 

My advice is to break down the Napa Valley wineries by using five different factors to help narrow your choices. You can use all of them, or just a few! 

  1. Location: Start your day by day itinerary by choosing the location you want to focus on. For example, we stayed around St. Helena one day, and then Napa proper/Rutherford the next.  
  2. Wine Varietal: Many people come to Napa because it’s known for good quality Cabernet Sauvignon. If you like Cab, pick wineries based on that. Personally, I like a variety. I tried to choose wineries throughout the day that had varying varietals. 
  3. Price Point: Some wineries in Napa are very expensive just for a tasting. You’ll see tasting prices anywhere from $30 – $90 per person. As you are looking up wineries, most will have a  “visit” page where you can see what the tasting cost will be. 
  4. Rating/Recommendation: As a last deciding option, check out the rating on Google. I tend to read a few at 5 stars, a few in the middle, and a few bad reviews for any given place to see what it’s like. Looking at visitor pictures can also give you a true sense of the experience. You can also ask on social media if anyone has been to the area before and if they have recommendations. 
  5. Atmosphere: Since I just mentioned taking a look at visitor pictures, another way I narrow down my list is to figure out what kind of winery scenery and atmosphere I’m looking for. Do you want an upscale and grand? Boutique and quaint? A beautiful view? 

If you really want the “easy button” – book a tour! I love Get Your Guide and Airbnb Experiences to book a tour. 

Napa Valley Vineyard, Plan to Explore Travel Blog

Where to Eat in Napa Valley

There are so many options for food in Napa Valley! You can find upscale, casual, fast casual, food markets, and more. 

I travel on a budget, so the places I will be recommending are based on a modest budget. 

Oxbow Market: With so much variety under one roof, this really is one to check out. Food options include pizza, tacos, oysters, burgers, bakery goods, coffee, a cheese shop, and a small shop with produce. Highly recommend stopping at C Casa for breakfast tacos (one of the best I’ve ever had and I am from the breakfast taco state of Texas!).  The coffee at Ritual Coffee was absolutely delicious as well. 

You can pick up items to make your own picnic here, which is what we did! I grabbed cheese, salami, olives, grapes, and crackers – which is a great budget friendly option. Pro tip – tell the cheese shop at check out that you’re having a picnic and they will set you up with plates, napkins, and utensils! 

Oxbow Market, Napa Valley, Plan to Explore Travel Blog
Oxbow Market
Ritual Coffee

Model Bakery: Locations include Oxbow Market and St. Helena. We stopped at the one in St. Helena for lunch to try to avoid some of the crowds. I had a veggie sandwich that was great, husband had a slice of pizza that hit the spot. We got a few takeaway pastries but they were a little dry by the next morning, so I recommend eating them same day! 

Gott’s Roadside: Locations include St. Helena and Oxbow Market. If you like a good burger and fries combo, you’ll love Gott’s. They also have salads, tacos, and milkshakes. I got the falafel salad and tried a taste of the burger which was really good. Fries were also yummy. 

Gott's Roadside, Plan to Explore
Gott's Roadside

Napa General Store: Part restaurant, part gift shop this is a nice stop. We had brunch here on a rainy Sunday. The food was fresh and the portion sizes were big. The skillet potatoes were the best part! I also bought a few gifts to bring home. I love dual purpose locations! 

Other food recommendations in Napa Valley that I didn’t have a chance to check out, but heard good things about: 

St. Helena: Goose & Gander, TraVinge, and Farmstead 

Rutherford/Napa: Rutherford Grill, Bounty Hunter, and La Taberna

Napa Valley Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips for Napa Valley to help during your visit! 

  • Make reservations! You will want to make reservations not only for every winery you visit but also for restaurants. Places book up weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. 
  • Allow a good amount of time between tastings – you’ll want to explore each property, and also have enough time to get in between each spot. 

Conclusions

Napa Valley can be affordable if you take some time to research and plan a bit! I have to say it wasn’t as “stuffy” as I thought it might be, and I really look forward to going back again. 

Don’t forget to use the tools below to help with your Napa Valley travel planning: 

Hotels: Booking.com

Vacation Rentals: VRBO

Tours: Get Your Guide

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