• Airport long layover
    Travel Planning

    Top 3 Reasons You Should Book a Long Layover

    Wait a minute, did you say book a longer layover? Yes, yes I did. There are some good reasons to book a long layover, especially while traveling abroad.  I know it might sound crazy at first, but hear me out. I do think that an hour our two layover is a good way to go when traveling across the US, or across a few countries in Europe.  I’ve booked many domestic flights that required a layover, and it feels like there is a such a delicate balance to maintain. Book enough time for the layover in case of delays, so you have time to eat and use the restroom, etc, but…

  • Packing Tips for Vacation
    Travel Planning

    5 Packing Tips You Need for Your Next Vacation [Free Checklist]

    Have you ever overpacked for a vacation? Or maybe you showed up at your destination with all the wrong things? I have, and want to share my packing tips that you need for your next vacation.  Ok, I’ll admit it. The first time I traveled to Europe from the US, I packed waaay too much. I was definitely “that” tourist dragging a huge suitcase down the cobblestone streets of Rome. I didn’t have anyone to guide me through my packing process with their do’s and don’ts.  Read on my friends, so you can save yourself from extra time and effort, and maybe even some pulled muscles. 1. Travel Essentials List…

  • Why I started a blog - I love to travel
    My Story

    Plan to Explore Story – Why Did I Start a Blog?

    Hi there! My name is Mandy and I love, seriously love, travel planning.  I’m excited to tell you all about this endeavor to help make planning and organizing travel easy and enjoyable. Read on to learn more about the Plan to Explore story, my travels and why I started this blog.  I’ve planned a few vacations in my time, and I’ve learned some things about myself. Give me a travel guide and I’ll read it front to back in a day. Flight trackers? Love them. Vlogs about travel? I watch them constantly. In other words, I’m obsessed with travel planning, researching, and new destinations. I’ve put in the time to learn,…