Packing light Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

Fall travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Fall is a great time to travel. Leaves are changing colors, and it can be an excellent time for a road trip. However, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Here are a few ideas to consider as we head into the fall if travel is in your future.

Packing light.

Packing for a fall trip can be a bit tricky. Sweaters, hoodies, and jackets can be bulky to pack. One way to pack light is to think of dressing in layers. Layering long sleeves, vests, button-down shirts, and jackets make it easier to take on or off and adjust to weather changes. In addition, varying different items can refresh outfit choices leading to packing less.

Be prepared for weather changes.

Fall weather can be unpredictable so prepare for rain or sunshine. An umbrella or poncho will often come in handy. However, sunscreen and sunglasses might also be necessary. Mornings are usually cool and crisp while the afternoon warms up. In addition, rain is often in the forecast.

Off-peak deals.

Fall travel is much less hectic than summer travel as many destinations are much less crowded. In addition, fall can be one of the cheapest times to travel, and prices on airfare, hotels, and activities tend to be lower. Food also tends to be more affordable as fall festivals and seasonal changes in food make fall dining an incredible experience.

More hotel perks.

The hotel industry tends to slow down in the fall season. There are far fewer crowds, so hotels and other places offer more perks to attract business. It is easier to receive hotel upgrades, and hotel points go further than in peak season. Hotel staff is usually more attentive as they have fewer guests to serve, so the service tends to be better.

Fall sickness.

Temperature drops, more rain, and humidity tend to increase people’s risk of getting sick. Due to the change in weather, fall is often a time many people experience colds and cases of flu. This trend, along with the realities of Covid, means fall travelers should be more careful of fall sickness and try to stay as healthy as possible. Getting more exercise and sleep is a great way to enjoy a fall vacation while maintaining your health.

Do you have any plans for fall travel? I’d like to know.

True but little known facts about Tanzania.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 4, 2021 | 0 comments

I am a strong proponent of research. I believe it’s essential to know about the culture and customs of the destinations you travel to. It’s a well-known fact that Tanzania is home to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. However, several other points are important to know. In my blog, I try to give more than just picturesque information. Here are some true but little-known facts I found out about Tanzania.

Since 2019, mainland Tanzania has been enforcing a ban on plastic bags. There are a range of fines imposed on travelers if found improperly disposing of plastic bags. Visitors should avoid carrying plastic bags in their suitcase or carry-on before arriving in Tanzania. Ziploc bags for toiletry are still allowed. There is a special desk at all entry points into Tanzania to dispose of plastic bags visitors may unknowingly bring into the country.

It is illegal to wear camouflage in Tanzania. Green camouflage clothing is reserved exclusively for Tanzania’s People’s Defense Force. While you may see some people may be wearing some colored camouflage outfits. Know that only official military personnel is permitted to dress in the official green camouflage uniforms. Travelers can be stopped by police, forced to change clothing, and fined. It’s simply not worth the hassle.

Parts of the Tanzanian population are Muslim. Some places can be conservative, and men and women usually cover their knees in public. Traditionally women wear only skirts. However, tourists and foreigners often wear pants but should try not for them to be form-fitting. To be safe, avoid shorts and skirts above the knees. Also, avoid wearing tops that bare your shoulders or cleavage. A headdress may also be appropriate. And as always, please try to respect the culture.

Knowledge about Tanzanian culture is essential. Visitors should always use their right hand for greetings as the left hand is associated with toilet activities. Greeting only one person in a room is considered impolite, so acknowledge everyone in the room. Males and females may eat in separate rooms even when related. Also, saying no to food being offered to you or smelling food is considered impolite.

Age is highly respected in Tanzania. Greeting an older person is sometimes accompanied by a bow. Much respect is given to older tourists. It’s common to see bargaining in shops and marketplaces, even to have prices increased for foreigners. However, age can be advantageous when bargaining in shops and the market.

These are but a few little-known facts about Tanzania. I encourage all travelers to research their destinations before travel. Have you ever been surprised by cultural etiquette? I’d like to know.

Women travel groups.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jul 4, 2021 | 0 comments

Women make up a significant amount of the travel space. They are also the ones who make most of the travel decisions. In recent years, however, there seems to be a trend of women taking a break from life to travel, not with their families, but with other women. These trips are often seen as retreats and an aspect of self-care. I recently made a group trip with a group of women and felt the benefits wholeheartedly. Here are a few ideas on women’s group travel.

One of the most significant benefits of women’s group travel is that it allows women to feel safe traveling. With women group travel, there is a built-in network of women you know and trust. Traveling with other women provides a supportive space. In addition, sharing the experience with other women helps to create a bond and a feeling of less vulnerability.

You are most likely to be traveling with other like-minded women. Even though the group may have different personalities or backgrounds, the experiences gained far outweigh the possible drawbacks. Traveling in a group improves your self-awareness. With group travel, you can be motivated by other women and feel validated by the other women travelers.

For women, travel has become another form of self-care. Travel tends to lead to more open minds, and it pushes the travelers’ boundaries. Traveling with other women seeking similar experiences leads to a sense of camaraderie that positively affects the traveler. When traveling, it is often difficult for our minds to be consumed by the future as the present circumstances demand our attention. Therefore travel, like meditation, has a soothing effect on women.

Although the women group travel is often done to escape, traveling in a group can lead to a better appreciation of the things and people left back at home. Even though it takes you away from home, traveling is a way to center yourself and re-establish your base. When women choose themselves, the effect tends to have a ripple effect on their families and lives.

Traveling, in general, can be inspirational and spark creativity. Being able to interact with other women and share similar experiences can be eye-opening. Any unexpected changes and uncertainty of relationships during travel can help to improve personal relationships overall.

Have you taken or encouraged a women group travel experience? How was it? I’d like to know.

Five reasons for not traveling debunked.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jun 9, 2021 | 0 comments

As a lifelong traveler, I have had many people be amazed at my travels. However, I have also heard the many reasons why people decide not to travel. Here are the top five reasons I’ve listened to and why I believe they are just excuses.

Time

I believe that people make time for what they truly want. I know this to be true from my lived experience. If a person finds travel significant, they will find the time to make it happen. The great thing about traveling is that you can make your trip as long or short a stay as you desire. I have known people to fly to another state to have lunch. Don’t use time as a deterrent to travel; it’s simply an excuse.

Costs

Travel costs are yet another unsubstantiated excuse for not traveling. Currently, there are many different options to shop and compare prices for hotels, Airbnb’s, car rentals, airplane tickets, and other travel expenses. When considering travel, one needs to decide on a budget and plan travel around what can fit into that budget.

Travel partners

There are so many different travel groups where you can search for a travel partner. You do not even have to share accommodations or expenses with your travel partner. You can be in the exact location at the same time. There is no need to wait for the perfect travel partner because there might never be one.

Fear

Simply put, is False Evidence Appearing Real. If you have a fear of flying, there is a course for that. If you have a fear of closed-in spaces, there’s also a course you can take. There is simply no way to conquer your fears but to face them. If you have a fear of traveling, then you have to start traveling.

Age

An often-used excuse is I’m too old, or I’ll wait until retirement. I say never put off for tomorrow what you can do today as it simply may not come. In addition, many tour groups consider age groups and that cater to the specific traveler preference.

These are, but five of the arguments people use for not traveling. There are many more. What is/has been your excuse? I’d like to know.

Travel souvenirs.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jun 6, 2021 | 0 comments

I’ve spent more than half of my life traveling. Through the years, I have amassed my share of travel souvenirs. My collection has ranged from T-shirts, magnets, coffee mugs, keychains, art, and furniture. Having also lived as an ex-pat, moving with your collection of souvenirs can be a hassle. Now I prefer a photographic memory or a small trinket that evokes special memories. Here are my thoughts on travel souvenirs.

You can find magnets almost everywhere you travel. For novice travelers, they can be a great souvenir from your travels. They can also be a great way to keep track of all your destinations. However, magnets can soon overwhelm the spaces you are displaying if you are or become a prolific traveler.

Destination coffee mugs are another excellent travel souvenir. However, they are fragile and take up a bit more room when packing. Like magnets, they can also become overwhelming as you can only use them sparingly. Choosing your morning coffee mug often becomes a chore when you have so many choices.

T-shirts are one of my favorite travel souvenirs, and I still collect them everywhere I go. Like magnets and coffee mugs, they too can become overwhelming. However, I have started creating T-shirt blankets and throws. These allow me to keep the memories the tees invoke close to me in a much more visible way.

Art is a great souvenir, but getting it home can be a challenge. As a souvenir, art requires much more thought than handheld souvenirs. It usually has to go with your home décor, and you need space for display. Packing art to carry home can also be a challenge as it often does not fit into your luggage, so transporting it can be a hassle.

Furniture is a great way to bring memories of a place with you. As a travel souvenir, however, like art, it is a thoughtful investment. Furniture usually requires shipping to your final destination, and often the costs can be prohibitive. But it will be a cherished memento that you will have for many years.

Whether a novice or expert traveler, I encourage everyone to grab a travel souvenir. It not only supports but can be a great way to keep your travel memories alive. Do you collect travel souvenirs? What are they? I’d like to know.