Connected Travel

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App of the Week: Velocity

What is It?

This slick app specializes in curating and booking the chicest spots worldwide. Velocity puts five-star options at your fingertips, offering VIP access to restaurants, concerts, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Velocity’s basic free app opens up a world of exclusive restaurants, bars, and clubs, while Velocity Black takes it to the next level. Velocity Black is a members-only club that includes a 24/7 travel concierge to help you arrange any number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From helicopter tours to whale watching to the most coveted of reservations: sunset dinner at Restaurant Le Jules Verne.

velocity-black

The London-based startup covers discovery, reservations, and payments for must-try local experiences. The app is tailored to the elite, eliminating even the smallest of grievances such as waiting in line or your check at the dinner table. Furthermore, every offering has guaranteed of-the-moment cache.

How Does It Work?

Velocity’s team has built relationships with managers of the finest hotels and restaurants worldwide, turning them into friends who will help you book last-minute lodgings or score the finest table. The hotel will greet you by name, and the restaurant will have your favorite bottle of wine ready to pour.

velocity-luxury-travel-app

Even better: Velocity is connected with hot nightlife spots in some of the world’s best bucket-list cities. Plus, get exclusive hookups at sought-after festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury! Velocity’s ultra-hip travel agents vet each experience against your personal tastes to help you design the ultimate experience.

Our Favorite Part?

We love the seamlessness of Velocity. Everything is already paid for within the service, so you receive one convenient monthly bill. What this really means for you, the adventurous traveler: you don’t have to sully each life-changing experience by fumbling to convert dollars to euros as you pay the check. Instead, now you can convert and carry much less cash around the world.

Get It Now

Velocity

Velocity Black

velocity_app

Annie Edwards

Annie’s based in Los Angeles but hails from Portland, Oregon. Sort of. She moved to six states by the time she reached middle school, and continues to move around the US and abroad – call her a nomad, but she prefers “Location ADHD.” After studying abroad in New Zealand, Annie circled the globe, graduated from USC, and circled the world once again. For one year she lived out of a backpack everywhere from The Philippines to Nepal to Slovenia to Norway. She’s a curry connoisseur and passionate explorer, taking the road less traveled, the “trail” covered in vines and swarmed in exotic bugs. Foreign lands feel like home, and Annie loves encouraging more and more people to utilize their passports and experience a new culture.

09/07/2017 0 comment

Business Travel Connected Travel Expert Advice The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Waze

written by Annie Edwards

What is it?

In a hurry and eager to explore? Meet Waze, the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app.

Waze VS Google Maps

Waze leverages the power of community to find you the quickest route possible. The map displays accidents, debris, road construction, and whereabouts of police—all updated in real-time. Google and Apple Maps aren’t oblivious to current traffic conditions, but those maps have a select few pre-determined routes with the current state of traffic dictating which of those few is best.

Waze goes a step further.

Thinking outside of the box to include locals-only shortcuts, Waze uses side-roads so you can breeze around traffic while exploring cool new parts of town! Plus, if you’re visiting one of the world’s most congested cities—looking at you, Los Angeles, London, and Atlanta, Waze isn’t just a must-download app, it’s crucial.

Waze-App

Additionally, the app syncs with your calendar to help determine when you should leave based on real-time traffic conditions so you can arrive on-time and stress-free—which is especially helpful when you’re new to town. It also tells you the current gas price at every station, listed in red (too high), orange (average) or green (deal of the day) making it ultra easy to decide where to fill up on the cheap!

In case you’re still not sold: Waze is the official navigation app for Lyft, which is a legitimate seal of approval if you ask us!

Turn-by-Turn

While the app is wonderful, sometimes its time-saving hacks induce panic attacks. The app likes to recommend left-turns-from-stop-signs over waiting-at-a-stoplight. We’re crossing our fingers that the next app update would include a preference for how aggressively you feel like driving. Given the powerhouse that the app is, we should also mention that it drains batteries and data rather quickly, even compared to the other navigation apps.

Our favorite Part

Waze is both a map and a city guide and can help you find things to do. When plugging in your destination, it may suggest “Do you want to take a 10-minute detour to the Santa Monica Pier?” Or you can click the icons for coffee, food, hotels, parks, shops and more!

waze-san-fran

Turn your drive into an adventure with Waze, waving at other Wazers as you outsmart traffic together.

Get It:

Apple

Android

Annie Edwards

08/31/2017 0 comment

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Connected Travel Thursday / App of the Week: Cool Cousin

written by Annie Edwards

What Is It?

Many sites claim to be “for locals,” but Cool Cousin is the first that really feels like a friend sharing their personalized notes. For nearly 50 cities worldwide, Cool Cousin’s social recommendation platform is a resource for travelers—not tourists.

Once you’ve downloaded this free app, you’ll get crowdsourced recommendations from locals the company has hand picked: the absolute best off-the-beaten-path gems. Pick a Cool Cousin ambassador who aligns with your interests, virtually chat with the ‘Cuz and explore his or her interactive city guide.

cool cousin app

How Does It Work?

So who are these “cool” people anyway? Locals apply, and the Cool Cousin crew selects a diverse group of city ambassadors to give travelers the skinny on a city’s best spots—from coffee shops to speakeasies to free yoga classes.

Once you’ve selected a participating city, you can read ambassador bios and choose one to see his/her personal city guide. If you enjoy these recommendations, “add” the cousin to lists (favorites) to keep their knowledge close at hand.

Use lists to curate your experience based on personas! Let’s say you’re heading to Denver and you want to follow a ski bum, a local parent and also a foodie—this app helps to ensure you’ll have a delicious time on the slopes with the family.

Cool Cousin lets you overlay several guides on a map, and you can opt to also show “points of interest” that are popular with mainstream tourists. The map becomes a holistic and interactive guidebook-meets-navigation-system.

Better still: adding a Cool Cousin to your lists opens up a line of communication between you and the Cousin. They’ll message you immediately once you follow them, and may offer even more suggestions based on your profile. You can ask them for additional advice, events, and more! All of this matchmaking feels effortless since Cool Cousin automatically connects with your social accounts. cool cousin travel app

All of this matchmaking feels effortless since Cool Cousin automatically connects with your social accounts!

Our Favorite Part:

In the age of automation and artificial intelligence, it’s increasingly uncommon to find personalized recommendations that are actually from humans. There’s a certain charm to this process—if the connection is there, you can meet up with your Cool Cousin FTF when you arrive!

Don’t see your hometown listed? Apply to join the Cool Cousin cadre; your application may just be the one that puts your hometown on the app’s map!

Get It Now:

Apple

Web

cool-cousin-local-buddy

Annie Edwards

08/24/2017 0 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice Inspiration Sports & Outdoors The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

5 Reasons Travelers Should Join an Outdoor Club

written by Annie Edwards

Want to meet like-minded travelers? Join a club! It’s easier than ever to become a part of an outdoor club, whether at home or abroad. While city tours and museums are a solid introduction to the urban character of a new place, an outdoor club will give you the big picture—teaching you the while bonding new friends.

Find a New Circle of Friends

Clubs are especially great to join when you’re new to town—but where to find them? If you’re a student studying abroad, keep an eye out for campus club fairs and join the university’s Facebook groups. A club will help you quickly plug into a circle of friends and get a quick finger on the city’s pulse. Already graduated? No problem. People of all ages should search for local Facebook groups to plug into a community; try searching “location” + keywords like “hiking,” “expats,” “female travelers,” or “events” to hone in on relevant groups.

Even better than Facebook is Meetup, a social network designed to connect like-minded individuals and share upcoming events. Whether you’re connecting on mobile or desktop, Meetup is a fantastic resource worldwide! Join for free to signup for group events like “Calabasas Day Hikers,” “Paris Urban Cycling,” or “Sydney Skiers & Snowboarders,” with recurring Meetups—or start your own!

outdoor-clubs-groups

Get a Clearer View

The Great Wall of China welcomes an estimated 9 million tourists every year—New Zealand’s Milford Sound, a mind-boggling natural wonder, gets only half a million. Ditch the crowds (and their view-killing selfie sticks) by checking items off of this 50 Natural Wonders Bucketlist. These sites’ lack of easy accessibility means they’re pristinely preserved and all yours—just don’t get lost. Download the AlpineQuest GPS hiking app to navigate thousands of miles of trekking trails worldwide.

Accommodation: Nailed It

Several heads are better than one, and there’s a high chance someone in your group will handle logistics, reserving cabins or campsites for everyone on the trip. Sit back and relax—just download the Venmo app so you can be a good team player and instantly transfer money to your new friends for permits and other fees.

camping-with-friends

Pack accordingly for your adventure, making sure to check out the weather forecast using the hyperlocal Dark Sky app. If you’re camping, bring a lightweight tent that sheds rain and wind like this Stansport A-frame design. If it’s just a day trip—or you’d like to extend your cabin’s patio—we love this instant canopy.

Pro tip: Hey city slicker, leave the spinner at home. Pack minimally in a Patagonia backpack. This smart, water-repellant pack is also ideal for day trips, with three main pockets to be organized yet not fussy—and a section for an optional hydration pack.

See the Shore from Afar

Exploring a country’s bodies of water—from icy fjords to tropical bays to mossy lakes—can often require equipment or resources that are prohibitive for a single traveler. But with a group of like-minded travelers, you may be able to get a group discount on kayak or Waverunner rentals…or even hire a sailboat that comes with its own captain! Regardless of craft or group size, you’ll see the world from a decidedly new perspective.

group-water-activities

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to be out on the water, you’ll need to become an expert in sun protection—reapply your SPF regularly with the help of this UV-monitoring patch and app. Remember that the sun’s rays will reflect off the water with additional intensity, so don some polarized shades—we love the au naturel wooden frames on this pair!

Do it for Your Health

Hiking, trail running, kayaking, you-name-it in the great outdoors will pump clean O2 through your veins and shower your skin with some Vitamin D. Compare the health impact of your activities without thinking twice by strapping on this BellaBeat wearable fitness tracker. It will help you monitor your exercise, sleep, and stress.

Still sitting inside? Check out these 20 reasons to exercise outdoors and go forth into the wilderness!

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Clubs are a fantastic way to never stop learning, especially when the classroom is outdoors. Make new friends while exploring the world’s natural playgrounds—you’ll return feeling rejuvenated from the inside out.

Annie Edwards

08/10/2017 1 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice Inspiration Luggage School & College The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Edition

written by Annie Edwards

Europe is the most popular study abroad destination for American students—and with good reason. A compact continent, Europe makes it easy for students to experience five, 10 or even 20 countries and cultures over the course of a single semester. There’s something for everyone, from the foodie to the history buff to the social butterfly to the classically-trained artist.

Better still: Europe’s transportation infrastructure makes it a breeze for students to explore independently or with friends. And of course, Europe is also famous for its cultural and geographical diversity—from the Moorish Alcázar of Seville to the Bavarian Alps to the Acropolis of Athens to the canals of Venice, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

No matter what sites you’re visiting, we’d like to share some things we wish we’d known before studying abroad in Europe, including items we should’ve packed. italy-coffee

Get Ready for Lots of Cobblestone Streets and Stairs

Most European cities were built before the rise of automobiles or handicap-accessible features. Cobblestones are all over Europe’s streets, which make both comfortable closed-toed shoes and a backpack non-negotiable. Get the TLS Expandable Wheeled Carry-On, with both back straps and wheels, and thank us later. You just avoided some tragic situations that involve navigating London’s tube during rush hour or Prague’s bumpy streets during a downpour.

Take the Tour

Independently exploring a city sometimes requires knowing the lay of the land. Learn from a local by taking a free walking tour (ask your hostel or check out SANEMANs—while they’re free, tipping is highly encouraged) or download Spotted by Locals. Spotted by Locals is an offline app with guides to 65+ cities, boasting insider-only favorites—no tourist traps!

italy-park

Embrace Being Très Chic

It’s hard to resist doing as the Europeans do—after all, their fashion and food are world-famous. Black is in, and Hawaiian-patterned shirts are out. But it’s hard to feel fabulous after a 14-hour bus ride from Berlin to Amsterdam. Pack some Carrie’s travel goods in your Total Toiletry Kit—a few refreshing spritzes and you’ll feel good as new. While your clothes can go in the TLS Convertible, pack your valuables and toiletries in a bag that’s kept on your body at all times—we suggest this très chic quilted tote

The Euro isn’t Everywhere

A common misconception is that the Euro reigns all over Europe. It does not. While most people are aware of British Pounds, it’s also important to realize that most of Eastern Europe function on independent currencies. Use Crowns in the Czech Republic, Forints in Hungary, Kuna in Croatia and Rubles in Russia. Either convert your Euros (cross-checking the XE Currency app) or for a similar cost, you can simply withdraw that currency from a local ATM, using the Allpoint ATM Finder.

Expert Tip: make sure you keep your bank informed with an up-to-date list of countries you’re visiting to avoid having your funds put on hold by an overly cautious account manager.

Practice Precautions

Europe’s beauty doesn’t come without its risks. We’d be remiss not to mention the heightened terrorist threats both Stateside and in Europe. While this shouldn’t stop you from exploring, it never hurts to be prepared. If you carry a U.S. passport, enroll for free in the STEP Program (step.state.gov). This helps you stay in-the-loop regarding current affairs—by letting the government know your whereabouts, they can help you out in the event of an emergency.

To let your loved ones know where you are when a situation turns sketchy, press your Revolar wearable. This device feels like an interpretation of Life Alert. Press it once to let your friends and family know you’ve arrived safely somewhere, two times to let contacts know you’re uneasy, and three times to ask for assistance. When you send an alert, your location is automatically shared with your Revolar contacts.

italy-ocean

If anything bad ever happens—though we highly doubt it—there’s only one app you need to have: My Panda. My Panda is a safety barometer and lifeline! It alerts users of threats in their vicinity and directs them to safety as soon as possible.

Bring a Map

While Maps.me and Google Maps can handle 90% of offline navigation, it still pays to be prepared for those times when your journey goes underground or off the grid. Download Maplets, a specialized map database with guides to metros, National Park trails, bike routes and more.

But wait, what if you’re meeting up with friends? Or what if you need to send an SOS text when you get stranded in the Irish wilderness? Stick a GoTenna into your mobile for some next-gen offline functionality. No matter where you are in the world, this little stick will let you send texts and GPS locations, as well as access detailed maps when you don’t have service, data or WiFi.

italy-country

Now you’re ready for the best semester of your life. Will you come back starting every sentence with, “Well in Europe, we do it like this…” Most likely. Will your friends roll their eyes? Probably. Will it be worth it? Definitely.

Annie Edwards

08/03/2017 0 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice Inspiration School & College The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

Study Abroad Checklist: South America Edition

written by Annie Edwards

¿Hablas Español? Or rather, ¿quieres hablar Español? If you want to become fluent in Spanish, immerse yourself in a continent full of Spanish (and Portuguese) speakers. South America is a fantástico study abroad destination, offering a unique fusion of cultural and natural experiences and teaching students new languages and customs in one-of-a-kind habitats.

After all, this is the continent with the widest river, highest capital city, longest mountain range and tallest waterfall in the world. Plus, some places you just might’ve heard of—the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, and Patagonia, for starters. Say sí and dive into all this continent has to offer.

¿Como se dice…?

Step one: learn Spanish. Most university programs require students to study some Spanish (or Portuguese) before arriving in South America, but one quickly learns that textbook Spanish and street Spanish are not necessarily twins, but merely siblings. South America is unlike other study abroad destinations such as Europe or Oceania in that the majority of locals don’t know English. So, so download these apps and get learning!

Use SpanishDict when you have a few moments to review some phrases. We found success by adding sayings to our “favorites” directly before or after a Spanish encounter. Or maybe you’re not quite on that level yet and need some assistance to make it through a convo. No sweat. Just open up the Speak & Translate app to translate as you talk; it’s very handy for asking directions or other need-to-know specifics. And when you’re way past that level, this Spanish Slang app will help you sound like a born-and-bred South American.

¿Dónde estás?

If you’re lost, use the MAPS.ME app to navigate the streets without data. For getting around Buenos Aires, Caracas, Medellin, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile, or Sao Paulo, take advantage of the awesome public transportation with the AllSubway app! Its one dollar price tag is a steal for its offline navigation functionality.

south-america-maps

¿Dónde está mi…?

To prevent losing your valuables, attach a Tile to your camera, wallet, passport, and phone to find them anywhere, anytime with the push of a button. The Tile boasts a dual functionality! If you lose your keys, open up the app on your phone and press “find keys” to prompt them to ring while their location is displayed on your phone. Should you happen to lose your phone and press the Tile keychain on your keys, your phone will start announcing its location.

¿Cuanto cuesta?

If you learn one Spanish phrase, it should probably be, “how much?” While bartering is the norm in South America, you’ll want to know if you’re getting a fair currency exchange. In major cities, finding a trustworthy teller can be tricky. We suggest changing cash at nice hotels when you can, and always checking the exchange rate in the XE Currency Converter app. This app is also super helpful while shopping or booking; you can convert pesos to reias to dollars in nanoseconds.

Está lloviendo

Crossing the Equator means entering the opposite season—and while we’re no meteorologists, we’d expect spring in a continent that’s 40% covered by rainforest to be pretty darn wet. Keep yourself happy and dry by zipping up a Toad & Co Aerium Jacket, a stylish number that’s not just water repellent, it’s waterproof.

south-america-travel-gear

Keep the rest of your belongings dry in a Kanken Backpack, constructed out of Fjallraven’s patented water-repellent fabric. Designed in Scandinavia, it’s chic enough for the streets of Buenos Aires but rugged enough to handle the glaciers of Patagonia.

south-america-chili

Your vulnerable AND valuable possession is probably your phone—as it’s often exposed to the elements while checking directions or snapping photos. We suggest keeping it safe from liquids and sidewalk collisions in an Otterbox Defender case.

Está soleado

Before you know it, it will be time for Christmas on the beach. Keep your Brahma beer cold in a compressible AO cooler! You can blast “Frosty the Snowman” from these portable, waterproof snazzy speakers that are perfect for South America’s beaches and rainforests.

From experiencing the sunrise over Machu Picchu to feeling small in Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, South America is worth it. Besides, sometimes it requires heading to a new hemisphere to gain a little perspective.

south-america-housing

Annie Edwards

07/27/2017 0 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice School & College Sports & Outdoors The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

Study Abroad Checklist: Australia/New Zealand

written by Annie Edwards

Stunning topography ✅

A famously adventurous culture ✅

No language barrier ✅

All three make Oceania an excellent choice for your gap year or study abroad trip. Cross over the equator to a world of unparalleled natural beauty and a limitless supply of meat pies.

From glaciers to deserts to rainforests to volcanoes, Oceania has it all. Plus, the government and locals are exceptional at preserving their natural treasures. If you’re headed for the Land Down Unda, here’s what you should bring for those exciting days when your homework is done and the world is yours to explore.

oceania-map

Forecast: Sunny

The ozone layer is thinner over Oceania, causing up to 15% more solar radiation—you’re going to need both sunscreen and sunglasses, every single day. Can’t decide which sunscreen to slather? Ultraviolet is a beautifully simple app that syncs with GPS to provide up-to-date UV indexes and recommended protection for each area. Of course, when you’re having fun in the sun—whether you’re chilling on the beach or shredding powder on the slopes—it’s easy to forget to apply and reapply…behold the Sunscreen Reminder app.

Forecast: Rainy

Temperate rainforests and cyclones are also a reality in the southern hemisphere. I lost my phone to water damage on the Abel Tasman Coast Track on New Zealand’s South Island, and Zealand doesn’t have Apple stores…major bummer! Learn from my mistakes and protect your precious device with a waterproof case. I thought my phone would be safe deep inside my backpack, but alas the Pacific rains saturated my entire bag. Kkeep your inner contents dry (especially an extra pair of socks!) with a rain cover over your bag.

Terrain: Hilly

Unless you’re hanging out in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, Oceania is simply not the place to rely on a roller bag. Even metropolises like Auckland and Wellington are incredibly hilly. This is Middle Earth, after all—gear up for mountainous terrain and unpredictable ground.

oceania-gear

If you’re planning on engaging in beginner/intermediate adventuring, this Fjallraven Raven Backpack is for you. It boasts way more zippered pockets and hidden compartments than the original Fjallraven Kanken pack, plus a padded laptop sleeve. Now, if you’re an advanced explorer (ie: you’re planning on conquering one of New Zealand’s Great Walks), then opt for a hardcore, large backpack by Osprey or Deuter designed to handle the elements.

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Prefer Australia’s Uluru Desert to New Zealand’s Southern Alps? Sounds good, but don’t forget to stay hydrated. Pop this CamelBak-esque hydration system into any backpack. Hands-free sipping, rejoice!

Terrain: Wild

With all this talk about the great outdoors, we’d be remiss not to mention the preferred sleeping arrangements down under al fresco. If you’re in New Zealand, use the CamperMate app to find and reserve a prime camping spot. If you’re exploring Oz, WikiCamps will help you score camping sites everywhere from Queensland to Tasmania. Whether you opt to sleep in a tent or camper van, get excited for unparalleled stargazing with the help of the mesmerizing Star Chart app—a leading educational app that uses augmented reality to point out constellations.

oceania-camping

Terrain: Liquid

Oceania is home to some of the world’s best surfing spots, from Piha to Byron Bay. For the daily swell report, MSW Surf Forecast has up-to-date surf conditions for all the spots in Australia, New Zealand and around the globe. If you’re an avid surfer, it’s often more cost efficient to buy a used surfboard in-country than renting all of the time. Attach this XY3 smart item finder when storing your board. In the unlikely event that your baby is lost or stolen, the Bluetooth technology will reveal its precise location.

kangaroo

Learn in class, but also from Mother Nature. Will you hop along with kangaroos in Victoria, or swim among the glowworms in Waitomo? No matter what courses you’re enrolled in, Oceania will turn you into an A+, world-class adventurer.

Annie Edwards

07/20/2017 1 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice Inspiration School & College The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

Gap Year Packing Tips

written by Annie Edwards

We think trips are always a tad too short—wouldn’t it be nice to be on vacation forever? Whether you’re between jobs, degrees, apartments or relationships, transitions are the perfect time for a “gap year” abroad.

Live like a local by relocating to another city, or take a sip of wanderlust-infused water and bounce around the globe with nothing but a backpack. There are a million ways to travel once time constraints are removed…your one-way ticket may become the first of many new best friends!

Consider this: while the trip’s duration is longer, your baggage allowance is the same. Packing for an extended trip is like packing for living, not for traveling. Here’s a handy checklist so you bring only items that will either significantly enhance your travel experience or that you can’t find abroad (some of our favorite things are digital, BTW!). Now blast Africa by Toto and get packing—after all, sabbaticals are the new spring break.

Stay Safe

Insurance

Passport, camera, phone, jewelry…isn’t it funny how all of your most valuable possessions can fit into one bag? Protect your belongings and protect yourself with travel insurance—an absolute must. We love World Nomads insurance for longer trips since it’s geared towards backpackers. This is an affordable service that keeps you covered across multiple continents, with the option to further extend your coverage as needed. It covers everything from lost baggage to theft to adventure-related injuries.

Phone Case

iPhones and other American mobiles can be hard to come by in other countries, so protect your precious device with a waterproof, shockproof Lifeproof phone case. If you prefer a slimmer option, keep your phone or tablet from shattering with a barely-there Zagg screen protector.

Back It Up

What’s even more precious than your phone or camera? The photos they hold. If you care about these invaluable memories, stop what you’re doing and download Google Photos right now. No, it’s not just for Android devices. This app automatically syncs to your pre-existing photo library, uploading everything instantly to the cloud. Google Photos are quite smart—they use artificial intelligence to recognize faces and places…so if you’re shutter happy and somehow amass 40,000 photos over eight months, they’re all keyword searchable.

If you prefer shooting on a camera rather than on an iPhone keep these professional pics safe on the go with an SD to iPhone converter—this will enable you to easily add them to your Google Photos and hard drive.

Travel Light (and Smart)

travel-light

Backpack

Backpacks and gap years are like peanut butter and jelly. A match made in heaven for good reason—you never know what terrain you’ll encounter, from rocky trails to cobblestone streets to wobbly boat. Leave the roller bag at home, instead of carrying the eBags Mother Lode Weekender Junior Backpack. It opens like a traditional suitcase and boasts thoughtful pockets to keep you organized while mobilized.

Packing Cubes

On an extended trip, your backpack is your closet! And you wouldn’t leave your clothes in a pile in the middle of your closet—you’d hang them, stow them and sort them, to some degree. Packing cubes are like drawers for your backpack, and we’re obsessed with these eBags Packing Cubes…an absolute must-have when unpacking and repacking countless times. You can even use one as a laundry bag!

packing-cubes-study-abroad

Room to Move

Long trips are the perfect time to tap into the magic that is packing a bag within a bag. Like a Russian nesting doll, this Gobi Gear duffel condenses into almost nothing when empty, waiting inside your big bag to be of service. Let’s say you’re in Hanoi and want to journey to Ha Long Bay or Sapa for a few days—simply stowing your heavy bag at a hotel or hostel, then stuff the bare necessities into a smaller, lighter bag.

Power Up

Your Phone

Your phone is a lifeline to maps, music, reservation confirmations and so much more. Your dead phone is trash! A charging Mophie case will keep your phone alive and useful—versus plug-in backup batteries, this case is fairly incognito and particularly useful when snapping photos.

Your Mind

No matter where you are in the world, you are in control of your mood. Comfort food isn’t always available, but comfort tunes are! These wireless Jaybird headphones let you keep your phone stowed safe or plugged-in while listening to your favorite jams. And if you’re ever feeling particularly homesick or anxious, the Headspace meditation app has sessions just for travelers, guiding listeners through air travel and more.

Tech Out

gap-year-packing-tips-backpack

Find Friends

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, the Tripr app will help you meet like-minded travelers from all over the world. Like a mash-up of Facebook, MeetUp, and TripAdvisor, Tripr syncs with social accounts and lets you enter details about upcoming and past trips. If someone is going to be in Buenos Aires when you are, Tripr alerts you and gives you the option to chat with them…without exchanging numbers or sensitive information.

Find a Bed

The HostelWorld website and app has thousands of properties, including both and affordable hotels—worldwide. It includes reviews from travelers with scores for each place’s cleanliness, sociability, location and more. This app rules for easy booking in advance or last-minute, requiring only the smallest of deposits to hold reservations.

wanderlove sf bay area

Any trip is memorable, but a year abroad is absolutely life-changing. Succumb to your inner #wanderlove, gear up with eBags…and stay on the road as long as you like.

Annie Edwards

07/13/2017 0 comment

Backpacks Connected Travel Expert Advice Inspiration School & College The Journey Travel Gear Travel Tips

College Checklist: Off to the Dorms

written by Annie Edwards

College means ch-ch-ch-changes. The dorms are the front line of a whole new world—but not a scary one if you (or your loved one) is prepared. We’ve created a theoretical wish-list for college-bound students…not the teacher-mandated one from your high school guidance counselor, but a cool list with must-haves for the next-gen intellectual. From apps to gadgets, here’s how to kill it at college.

Learning 101

Study Session

Different classes, courses, and clubs all carry their own commitments. The transition from high school to college can be tricky in part due to the lack of schedule—what to do with the abundant free time? Avoid rookie mistakes (ie: cramming for midterms) by making lists and setting aside study sessions via Remember the Milk, a time management, and to-do list app that syncs across all your devices.

Lecture Time

Taking handwritten notes is proven to boost memory and learning ability. And once in a blue moon, a professor will have a no-laptops policy for their lectures. We suggest a new-age approach to an old-school, proven idea. The Moleskine Smart Writing Set is like an iPad disguised as a paper notebook. Transcribe notes during class in the paper tablet, and it will automatically capture each pen stroke and transfer it to a screen in real time, allowing users to edit, organize and share their scribbles.

college-to-do

Review

It wouldn’t be college without textbooks. While some of your required reading may be available online, the bulk of it is not. Enter I.R.I.S.’s Air Pen: the highlighter of the future! Drag this ingenious smart pen over selected passages, and the text will instantly appear on your PC, Mac, iOS and Android devices—it can even translate the text into 55 languages! This is fantastic for studying on the go; instead of dragging a book around town, simply scan the important snippets into your iPhone.

Staying Focused

Just Say No

It’s hard to finish a paper when your social media accounts are calling—but the internet is also a necessity for 99% of school assignments. Luckily there’s SelfControl, an aptly named website and app that enables you to block specific websites for any period of time. This is also a nice carrot-on-the-stick trick for studying; use BuzzFeed or Netflix as the reward for time well spent.

Time Is of the Essence

On a similar note, we strongly suggest wearing a watch, and we’re currently obsessed with Obaku’s watch design. Nowadays, if we want to know the time, we check our phone…and then get sucked into the notification vortex. A wrist watch is also important for maintaining a good test-taking pace during exams since wall clocks aren’t always a sure thing—and whipping out an iPhone is typically verboten.

Catching Some Zs

Distraction-Free Dreaming

You can sleep when you graduate (kidding). Tune out study-time distractions or dorm-room snorers with Bose noise-cancelling headphones. Speaking as a recent college grad, noise-cancelling headphones are positively, absolutely necessary to survive and thrive in the dorms.

bose-quietcomfort-35-college

Nap: Real talk: how to be a good napper is one of the most important skills you’ll learn in college—it’s a critical subset of time management, and you can literally do it in your sleep! The Power Nap App helps students become A+ nappers by helping to train them to catch a few Zs between classes to boost alertness and productivity.

Getting Social

Snap

Create memories that double as dorm room decor! The Fuji Instax Instant Camera has all the instant gratification of an old-school Polaroid camera—but smaller, faster and available in trendy pastel hues. We love the over-exposed look these snaps have once developed, giving photos a 1970s vibe and removing facial blemishes. In an ever-digitizing world, a physical photo feels even more special.

fuji-film

Keeping It 100

Fully charged phone, keys, wallet—good to go seize the day. Don’t wind up stranded across campus with a dead phone. This mighty wristlet charges your phone while holding your keys, cards, and cash.

Pro tip: Wrangle all of these essentials with a hip, all-purpose backpack! Herschel’s Little America boasts pin-striped, padded pockets for your phone and a larger one for your laptop and notebooks.

Little America Backpack

We hope this virtual orientation was helpful for students plugging into their first year of college. And once students finish their freshman year, doors open for study abroad opportunities…check in next Thursday for more on that! With a positive attitude and open mind, there’s so much to learn—in the classroom, in the dorms and beyond.

Annie Edwards

07/06/2017 0 comment

Connected Travel Expert Advice Fun Reads Inspiration The Journey Travel Tips

Want to Travel like a Celebrity? Use This App.

written by Annie Edwards

What Is It?

Oasis is an app and website that offers upscale property rentals—with hotel-inspired perks such as an on-demand local concierge, booking assistance, room cleaning services and city guides. Essentially, Oasis is like Airbnb for the elite, listing luxury apartments and residences that include members-only access to local lifestyle clubs and VIP treatment at the chicest spots in town. If you want to go all-out on an unforgettable vacation, Oasis may just be your golden ticket.

The founders of Oasis believe that being adventurous doesn’t have to mean sacrificing service. From Santiago to Austin, Oasis specializes in curated cultural adventures, combining homes with five-star hospitality.

How Does It Work?

First things first: choose a city. Keeping within its quality before quantity mantra, Oasis is live in just 21 destinations around the globe. Each of these places is somewhere we don’t just want to visit—they’re havens we’re tempted to permanently relocate to, from San Francisco to Barcelona.

Booking through the app is simple and straightforward. It functions like most other travel websites, letting you enter details about your destination and dates, helping you sift through options, and enabling hassle-free booking—with the option to call or chat a travel agent as you go through the process.

Where Oasis shines is its exclusive, exquisite properties and their benefits. Often referred to as “Airbnb for Celebrities,” this app boasts villas, chalets and bachelor pads not listed anywhere else. Fawn over a Buenos Aires penthouse with a discotheque and five bedrooms. Or this seven-bedroom mansion off the coast of Colombia isn’t too shabby for an escape to tranquil Cartagena.

A full house to yourself also means full amenities—massive fridge, washer, and dryer, etc. It’s just like being at home, except that you have an on-call maid ready with fresh linens and toiletries. If you do have a butler at home, simply proceed as usual.

oasis collections app

Whether you qualify as a “baller” at home is a moot point—travel through Oasis and you’ll get access to (quite bougie) members-only clubs. In addition to accessing your host’s memberships, guests get exclusive access to gyms and spas, discounts at boutiques, and VIP treatment at restaurants and bars. Compliments of their partnerships with STK, Barry’s Bootcamp, Green Monkey Yoga, GlamSquad and other companies that cater to the rich and famous.

Our takeaway: life is too short to not live like a rockstar during your precious PTO.

Our Favorite Part

Let’s just say that an infinity pool overlooking the sea isn’t in your vacation budget this year. Don’t fret, there are still a couple of ways Oasis can help you live fabulously. One favorite money-saving tactic is to switch hotels during your trip. This is a fun way to experience various swimming pools and breakfast buffets, but it also proposes a compromise. Rather than stay in a penthouse all week, save the Oasis property for a final hurrah at the end of your vacation. Leave on a high note, feeling perfectly pampered.

Oasis Collections also boasts free—and very handy—guides to cities around the globe. These aren’t your average Rick Steves books either. These are written by trendy locals and connoisseurs of the finer things in life. No matter how Oasis fits into your plans, we guarantee it will help expand your travel palette.

oasis-travel-app

Get It Now:

Apple

Android

Web

Annie Edwards

06/29/2017 1 comment