Travel News

Clothes, Documents, Toiletries, Medication : The Packing List for Smart Travelers

November 28, 2024

Travel Tips axel

What do you need in your bag to travel smart ? Wtravl.com is giving you the ultimate list.

Clothes

You don’t need that many clothes to travel. Even for long trip, 2 or 3 weeks, laundry is your friend. It will save you a lot of energy, because you won’t have to carry your heavy bag. So, what to bring ? Here is out list.

Forget jeans. Bring light pants (2). Lightweight convertible pants/shorts with zip-off legs are a good idea, but sometimes they look a bit silly. Why not try some Dockers pants, with a zipped pocket. They are light, comfortable and easy to carry.

Underwear and socks. Five sets of each will get you covered even for a long trip. Shoes ? Bring one comfortable pair and one pair of sandals, if you plan to hit the beach. Swimsuit ? Well yes, you are on vacation, and you will likely find a beach or a pool somewhere…

Sweater or fleece ? We recommend a fleece. It’s light, warm and easier to wash than cotton or wool sweaters. Bring one light fleece, and a heavier one if you travel during the winter.

Jacket. One word: Water-resistant. You never know when it will rain, and being wet is the worst when you travel. Fleece will do the warmth, so try and find a windbreaker one that is heavily water-resistant. Even in the summer, always carry a water-resistant Jacket.

Sleepwear. Don’t bring your pajamas. a short and a t-shirt will do the trick. Or you can even try sleeping… naked.

Important documents

The most important to never forget or lose is your passport, or ID. Always put it in the same pocket, and on yourself. Don’t put it in a bag, that can be easily lost or stolen. Some pants and shorts have zipped pocket, so find one that suits you and put your passport in it. Money belts scream tourist, and can attract crime, so we don’t recommend it.

Always make copies of your documents: passport; plane, train, rental car documents, driver’s license, student ID, hostel membership card… etc and send them to yourself on your email. Print copies and put them in your bag. That way, you will have 3 different way of identify yourself. Don’t forget health or travel insurance.

Money ? We live in the 21st century. Forget cash when you travel. Use a debit card or a credit card. You can still take a few dollars or any other local currency with you. But no need to bring it from your home. Just find a local ATM and withdraw a few bucks.

Documents. Bring your passport; plane, train, and rental car documents or vouchers; driver’s license; and any other useful cards (student ID, hostel membership card, and so on). Photocopies and a couple of passport-type photos can help you get replacements more quickly if the originals are lost or stolen. In your luggage, pack a record of all reservations (print out your hotel confirmation emails). Bring any necessary contact info if you have health or travel insurance.

A bag in your bag. Especially for longer travel
A smaller backpack bag will be helpful. Leave the big bah at the hotel and use a backpack, a small one, for everyday visits. But remember, keep your documents, preferably on yourself !

Toiletries

Bring some medecine with you, for headaches especially. Or stomach pain. Don’t forget your first-aid kit, which can sometimes be very useful. Toiletries kit can also be helpful: your own soap, shampoo… etc. But they are not accepted in carry on bags, so put it in your aircraft hold luggage. Additional sunglasses can also help if you lose yours.

Electronics

Electronics have become important in our everyday lives : your smartphone is obvious, but you can also bring a portable battery, plug adapters, USB flash drive and additional charging cables, in case you lose one. Headphones too, in ear or over-ear, are highly recommended for long flights.

Is Turbulence dangerous ? But what is Airplane Turbulence ?

November 28, 2024

Safety Tips, Travel Svetlana Avila

What is Turbulence, is it dangerous ? Wtravl.com is here to explain what Causes Turbulence during a flight.

What is Turbulence?

Turbulence is probably one of the scariest thing that can happen during a flight. But it is not that dangerous. It is just a disruption in the air current (The plane fly on air). So it changes the air and the plane shakes. It can cause a sudden loss of altitude, but only temporarily.

What Causes Turbulence?

The Air is not steady. It moves, all the time. Planes fly on air, therefore, they can be shaken by change in the airflow passing over and under the wings. This flow needs to be regular. But weather can change that, and the airflow becomes irregular. This creates air pockets and therefore, turbulence happens. Change in temperature can also cause turbulence.

Can a Plane Crash Due to Turbulence?

The answer is no. A plane won’t crash because of turbulence, even heavy ones. So don’t panick. It will pass. Planes are built to resist all types of turbulence. Pilots are trained to ease the turbulence and will sometimes choose to change altitude so the passengers are not to disturbed.

As a passenger, just fasten your seat belt and remain calm until the turbulence ends. Yes, it’s scary and uncomfortable, and sometimes it lasts for a very long time. But it is not dangerous.

The best tips to save money on travel

November 28, 2024

Travel Tips axel

Traveling can be expensive : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel and save cash.

How to travel and save money while doing so ? It’s a challenge, but we have the best tips to give you right here, right now.

1. Travel when no one is traveling

Summer is always expensive. Christmas ? Same. But if you travel off season, you can find some great deals with flights and hotels. Plus, you will be (almost) alone. No season crowds, traffic and queues. This is especially true for Europe destination, with France and Italy, or Germany. Venice, Paris, or Rome are easier to discover that way.

2. Books Flight in advance… and some days

Nobody will tell you this, but flights are cheapest on Tuesday and Wednesdays. You will pay the maximum when it’s the holidays.

3. Hotels… or AirBNB

Yes, AirBNB has got a lot of fees, like cleaning and stuff. But to avoir super pricey hotel, choose a good airBNB, a room or a private part of a house, it will be much cheaper and better than staying in a low budget hostel. Plus, you will meet and discuss with local owners…

4. Save Money on food

If you want to save money while traveling, the best way is to book a hotel or and airBNB with free breakfast. That way, you will kick off the day full, and you wont have to look for food early in the morning. Ready to go for your next adventure ! When at the airport, bring your own food. Airport food is way too pricey.

You can easily go through security check with food. But no drinks. Bring a water bottle that you can fill later at a water fountain. Grocery shopping and sandwiches will also be a lot cheaper than eating at restaurants every day while you are traveling. Find a nice park and make a pick-nick out of it…

5. Take… the bus or the subway

To travel cheap, travel like the locals. Avoid the tourists bus or taxis and cabs. Take the bus, the subway or trams. Plus, you will have the opportunity to get a bit lost and maybe discover some hidden location. You can also travel by renting a bike. In the summer, there is no better way to travel in big cities. Walking also saves you money.

6. Free tours, museum free days

Tourists tours can be expensive. But in some Cities, free tours with guides that work on tips exists. A lot of museum around the world also offer free entry some days.

Inside a Plane’s Hidden Cabins for Flight Attendants

November 28, 2024

Entertainment, Travel Fun Joey Smith

Flight Attendants have hidden cabins to rest in : here is one that you can actually see with your own eyes.

Flight Attendants are sometimes mysterious. Where do they disappear during those 11 hours flights ? Suddenly, almost every Flight Attendant seem to have escaped the plan only to come back a few hours later to turn the lights on, while you are still sleeping.

There is a secret cabin upstairs where they can take nap. It’s not big, but it’s comfy enough. And also the home of the mile high club ? hehe, you…

The small spaces are also available for pilots. Because yes, pilots leave their chair during the flight to go and sleep peacefully, while the plane is flying by itself. Amazing right ? And kinda scary. But don’t worry, only one pilot leaves his spot at once.

10 Secrets Your Flight Attendants Won’t Ever Tell You

November 28, 2024

Entertainment, Travel Fun Svetlana Avila

Flight Attendants have many stories to tell : here are the best hidden secrets they don’t want you to know about.

1. They study you as you enter the plane

Hi how are you… It’s not a simple polite greet. Flights attendants will help you find your seat. But also quickly study who you are and if you can be a potential disturbance.

2. Flight attendants are not waiters

You are not in a restaurant. Flight attendants don’t work for tips. Yes, they serve you food and drink and can occasionally flirt a bit, but they are trained professionals, ready to fly you to your destination in the best possible way.

So a bit of respect yes ? If you wanna call them or need something, there’s a button. But don’t use it too much. They don’t like it. Just be a regular passenger. You don’t need THAT many glasses of water.

3. Flight attendants are not paid well

The average Flight Attendant salary in the United States is $81,157, but it can go as low as $65,140 and as high as $100,624. Although some companies pay less. Some reports wages of $38,000.

4. Airplane food is ewww

Airplane food is not healthy. It’s full of salt, sugar, fat, and carb content. If you are a frequent traveler, best bring your own snacks really. But you might already know this. In economy class, food is most of the time disgusting.

5. Make sure to check for extra costs

But be very careful about hand luggage, check size and dimensions before boarding the plane, because companies also charge oversized bags.

6. Planes are kinda dirty

Like in every public transportation, seats are not cleaned well inbetween flight, so the passengers before you may have spat, vomited or else where you are currently seating for 8 hours. There’s cleaning before each flight, but best not lick your seat…

8. Do you really need yo turn off your smartphone for take-off and landing ? YES

Before the plane takes off or lands, flight attendant will kindly ask you to turn off your electronics. It simply can disturb communications between air traffic control and pilots. Lost communication is not a light problem during take offs and landings. Pilots need those informations. Airplane mode is safe, but just do it ok ? It’s not that much effort.

9. Those hidden cabins for long flights

Where do they disappear during those 11 hours flights ? Suddenly, almost every Flight Attendant seem to have escaped the plan only to come back a few hours later to turn the lights on, while you are still sleeping. There is a secret cabin upstairs where they can take nap. It’s not big, but it’s comfy enough. And also the home of the mile high club ? hehe, you…

10. Alcohol is limited, coffee not recommended

Like a very good bartender (but we told you earlier, they are not waiters!) a Flight Attendant will carefully watch what you drink, if it’s alcohol. They don’t want and don’t need a drunk person on their plane. They will cut you off.

Coffee ? Don’t drink that. First, it’s not good for you to get too excited in a very small seat for longs hours, and second, it’s best to skip anything that wasn’t sealed in a bottle few seconds before. Tanks that contain water of coffee can be a bit dirty. Yes, i will have that tomato juice instead thanx. Or bring your own water…

Bonus: Don’t ask for an upgrade

Don’t want to spend a day in economy class ? Might as well ask a Flight attendant for an upgrade. Well don’t. Upgrades are usually made at the gate or with other factors. But if you seem nice enough, you could get a better seat in your economy class. Better than nothing…

The best Tips to find cheap flights

November 28, 2024

Travel Tips Svetlana Avila

Cheap flights do exist ! you just need to find them : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel on the cheap side, by plane.

1. Pick the cheapest days to fly

Forget holidays ? Not really. Flexibility is the key to travel for cheap by plane. Choose a week day to fly. Weekends are obviously more expensive. Or are they ? The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Airlines can help you find the cheapest flight on their calendar, you just need a little time to compare.

2. Pick the cheapest hour to fly

Flying early or late at night can be cheaper. If you choose a 5 or 6 am flight, you will fly cheaper. But dont forget that you will have to wake up very early. Nowadays, international flights require you to be at the airport 2 or 3 hours before departures. So don’t forget to count public transport fee, lyft or uber or taxi costs…

3. Use a flight search engine

Competition is key. Airlines will offer discounts to flight search engine to attract customers. Plus you can compare flight time, seats, or get a deal, like a bundle (flights and a hotel, flight and a rental car).

4. Early bird, cheaper than late booking

Try and book your plane ticket as early as possible. Plan you trip way ahead. You can book your ticket very early in the year for Christmas or thanksgiving. The last few days before a flight, prices can go way up.

5. Make sure to check for extra costs

There’s the price of the ticket, but plane companies now add a lot of extra inflight costs. Check what is included in the price of your ticket, like luggage, food and drink, entertainment or internet. Make sure to take a hand luggage with clothes in. That way you can avoid paying for an extra bag. But be very careful about hand luggage, check size and dimensions before boarding the plane, because companies also charge oversized bags.

6. Search for tickets like a new customer

Ever noticed prices go up some days or if you are returning to certain websites ? You are tracked. Don’t forget to search for tickets as a new and unknown customer. That way, you will get the cheap flights. Try deleting your search cookies in your browser. you can also try the incognito mode in your browser but that doesn’t always work. Try a different device, or with another browser too.

7. Time is key, flights with connection are cheaper

Yes, direct flights are easier and faster, but if you dont mind losing a few hours, try and find a flight with a connection. It will increase your travel time, but you can save a lot of money. If you are traveling far away for a big vacation, you can also try and find another city close by, where flights are cheaper, then make the connection with a bus…

The Best Tips for Airport Travel

November 28, 2024

Travel Tips Svetlana Avila

Going to the airport ? wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel easier and with little hassle.

Airports can be stressful. The Flight itself, but also the hours leading up to it. The night before is rarely calm, sleep is hard… We’re gonna give you the best advice to make those hours easier.

1. Check in your flight in advance

To avoir stress at the airport, just check in for your flight online 24 hours in advance so you don’t have to wait in line once you get to the airport. That way, you can even choose your seat and wont have the stress to know if you will be seating next to your flight partner. Some airlines even charge money now if you dont check in in advance.

2. Food and drinks

Why pay is ridiculous amount of money for food at airports ? Bring your own… fruit leather, energy bars, and trail mix are easily gonna go through custom checks. Water wont, but Pack an empty water bottle.. and then you can refill it for free at the airport, after security. Water fountain or even in the bathroom, there’s water everywhere.

3. Dress for your flight

You can reduce a lot of stress by dressing the right way. First, shoes. sneakers are easier to remove at security checks, dont bring high heels ! And also… socks. When you will be asked to take your shoes off, socks are welcome… And in the plane, they will keep you warm. Coz it can be very cold in there.

The best way to dress in a plane is to dress in layers, and choose comfortable items. Don’t forget, it can be cold, so be sure to take a fleece.

4. Where to charge you smarpthone ?

Most airport now have charging station in the halls. So dont forget your charger in your bag. You will need it at some point. You can also take a portable charger, but it will have to be cleared by security checks.

5. Where did I park ? Just take a photo

Remember that Seinfeld episode where they lost their car in a parking lot ? After a long vacation, you can easily forget your spot. Juste take a photo or a note or your parking spot. It’ll be helpfull 15 or 30 days later…

6. Hand sanitizer

Covid-19 is here to stay, but also a lot of other germs. Take a travel-sized hand sanitizer in your bag. Also take a collection of TSA-approved toiletries to pack.

7. Security checks are faster… left

Wanna go fast at those security checks ? Try the left side if you can. Studies have shown that they are faster.

8. Always put your passport and tickets in the same pocket

The most stressful item to carry on with you is your passport. To not lose it, just put it the same pocket, everytime. It is recommended to carry it on you, and not in a bag. Coz if you lose the bag… You lose the passport. But you can’t lose yourself. Some pants come with zipped pockets, like Dockers pants. Highly recommended for keys and passports.

The best tips for Long Haul Flights

November 28, 2024

Travel Tips Joey Smith

Long Haul Flights… are very long : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to ease the journey if you are flying for 8 or 11 hours.

Traveling via plane can be stressful. Even more so when it’s Long Haul Flights. When flying from USA to Europe or Asia, you will have to seat in a very secluded airplane for 8 or 10 or 12 hours. Even with entertainment, that is long. Here are our advice to make things easier.

1. Book the best seats

Booking the right seat can be crucial. Nothing worse than being the middle seat of a 3 or even worse, 5 or 4 persons row. Book a seat with a window. Our advice is to book the 1st row, which has more leg room, but the downside is that maybe they will ask you to give it up for a family. But it’s a risk worth taking.

If you dont like turbulence, make sure too book a seat that’s right above the plane wings. You will hardly feel it… Avoid at all cost the back of the plan which is usually where the bathroom are.

2. Take comfy clothes

Thick socks, a fleece and yoga or relaxed pants are a must. The plane will be basically, your bedroom for the night. Forget jeans. Wear Comfy clothes, and don’t forget, it can be really cold in planes.

3. Take some extra entertainment

Yes, planes are now equiped with in flight entertainment. But sometimes, you cant find something to watch. So why take your own ? Bring an ipad or a tablet with movie you wanted to see for months, shows that you’ve missed… or books and music. The key is that have variety. No one will watch 8 movies during long flights. Your mind isn’t prepared for it.

5. The less luggage the better

There is no room in planes. Don’t take too much stuff that will end up at your feet. Make room for yourself.

6. Avoid bubbly drinks, wine or alcohol

Just drink water on a plane. No coffee, tea or juice. And forget Coke, Sprite. No Alcohol either. It can have some disturbing effects on your body and you wont be very comfortable for the most part of the flight.

To say things simply, you tend to ballon during flights, so avoid drinks that have that effect. And stay hydrated : the humidity is just 10 to 20% inside the plane. That’s drier than a desert. Drink. Water. Often.

7. Bring a portable charger

8 hours is a long time for a human being. It’s also long for a smartphone or an ipad. You dont want to be without your own private entertainment. So bring a portable charger.

8. Earplugs

Kids, or loud adults can be a real stressful situation in plans. Bring some earplugs, that way you can isolate yourself hen reading a book or sleeping. Plane also make a lot of background noise.

9. Move and stretch

Long Flights are very hard on the body, especially on those very narrow seats. So move. A lot. Often. Get up, walk in the aisle, and stretch. Stretching in the back of the plane is often a good idea. Or even at your own seat.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

November 28, 2024

Safety Tips, Travel Tips Svetlana Avila

Traveling alone as woman can dangerous : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel solo, safely.

More and more women choose to travel alone. It can be risky in some countries, so best be prepared.

1. Know where you are going

The best way to avoid problematic situation is to know your surrounding. Where am i traveling ? Is this country, City or neighborhood safe ? Learn about the local culture and customs, learn some key phrases in the local language. Research the scams that used.

2. Blend in

The best way to avoir sketchy situations is too look the part. Don’t look like a tourist. Dress in casual clothes that people would wear where you are going. In some countries, women are required to wear long dress, and not to show “too much”. So research that. Even if you don’t agree with those rules, they can save you…

3. Don’t look lost

The worst way to attract trouble is to look lost. Even if you are indeed lost, stay calm, and find a safe place, like a cafe, a restaurant, to look for your way. Don’t ask anyone for direction. Ask women, or people with children.

5. Stay in crowded places

The more people around you, the safer you are. Don’t take empty or little streets, in area you don’t feel safe in. Stay in the crowd.

6. Stay connected

Give updates to friend and family about where you are. Leave your location active on your smartphone and share it before you travel. Send messages about where you are, or pictures.

7. Drink only what you see get made

Don’t drink too much alcohol and stay yourself. Don’t get accept drinks from strangers, and if you order in a bar, watch closely your drink being prepared.

8. Ask for help and trust yourself

If you are being hassled, don’t hesitate to show your strong side. Stay calm, and ask for help around you. The more noise you make about it, the more the attacker will be forced to leave. Don’t act like a victim. If you don’t feel like going a certain way, in a specific street, even if that’s the shorter route, don’t go. Trust your gut and instinct.

How to Pack Light for Traveling

November 28, 2024

Sports & Health, Travel Tips Scott Cyprian

Travel packing can be stressful : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel light with the smallest bagage possible with the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule, layers, and Ranger Rolling.

No one wants to carry a heavy bag. By bus, train or plane, the best advice to travel light is here.

1. The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

What is that ? Let us explain. If you want to travel light, just take one hat, two pairs of shoes, three short or pants, four shirts and sweaters, five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. That’s it. With all that, you can travel easily for two weeks with a laundry or two on the way.

Of course, you need to adapt if you’re going to travel in the winter. Then, pack an additional coat (Water resistant is better)

2. Layers is better than big clothes

Every trekker knows this. It’s better to layer than just to have a big, heavy sweater. A short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve top will do the trick. On top of that, add a lightweight packable jacket, that is water resistant.

3. The bag is important

Choose the backpack that will suit you best. Dont take heavy suitcases with wheels. It will be a hassle in airport and takes a lot of space, plus you cant really fit more clothes.

4. Ranger Rolling !

Ranger Rolling, what is that ? This is you travel light, by… rolling your clothes. They take way less space than when you just fold them the “classic”. Believe a heavy traveler, it works !

What do you need in your bag to travel smart ? Wtravl.com is giving you the ultimate list.

Clothes

Important documents

Toiletries

Electronics

Other Useful Tips

What is Turbulence, is it dangerous ? Wtravl.com is here to explain what Causes Turbulence during a flight.

What is Turbulence?

What Causes Turbulence?

Can a Plane Crash Due to Turbulence?

Other Useful Tips

Traveling can be expensive : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel and save cash.

1. Travel when no one is traveling

2. Books Flight in advance… and some days

3. Hotels… or AirBNB

4. Save Money on food

5. Take… the bus or the subway

6. Free tours, museum free days

Other Useful Tips

Flight Attendants have hidden cabins to rest in : here is one that you can actually see with your own eyes.

Other Useful Tips

Flight Attendants have many stories to tell : here are the best hidden secrets they don’t want you to know about.

1. They study you as you enter the plane

2. Flight attendants are not waiters

3. Flight attendants are not paid well

4. Airplane food is ewww

5. Make sure to check for extra costs

6. Planes are kinda dirty

8. Do you really need yo turn off your smartphone for take-off and landing ? YES

9. Those hidden cabins for long flights

10. Alcohol is limited, coffee not recommended

Bonus: Don’t ask for an upgrade

Other Useful Tips

Cheap flights do exist ! you just need to find them : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel on the cheap side, by plane.

1. Pick the cheapest days to fly

2. Pick the cheapest hour to fly

3. Use a flight search engine

4. Early bird, cheaper than late booking

5. Make sure to check for extra costs

6. Search for tickets like a new customer

7. Time is key, flights with connection are cheaper

Other Useful Tips

Going to the airport ? wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel easier and with little hassle.

1. Check in your flight in advance

2. Food and drinks

3. Dress for your flight

4. Where to charge you smarpthone ?

5. Where did I park ? Just take a photo

6. Hand sanitizer

7. Security checks are faster… left

8. Always put your passport and tickets in the same pocket

Other Useful Tips

Long Haul Flights… are very long : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to ease the journey if you are flying for 8 or 11 hours.

1. Book the best seats

2. Take comfy clothes

3. Take some extra entertainment

5. The less luggage the better

6. Avoid bubbly drinks, wine or alcohol

7. Bring a portable charger

8. Earplugs

9. Move and stretch

Other Useful Tips

Traveling alone as woman can dangerous : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel solo, safely.

1. Know where you are going

2. Blend in

3. Don’t look lost

5. Stay in crowded places

6. Stay connected

7. Drink only what you see get made

8. Ask for help and trust yourself

Other Useful Tips

Travel packing can be stressful : wtravl.com gives you the best advice to travel light with the smallest bagage possible with the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule, layers, and Ranger Rolling.

1. The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

2. Layers is better than big clothes

3. The bag is important

4. Ranger Rolling !

Other Useful Tips