Henry

7 Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer on Your Gift…

May 12, 2020
by Henry

Whether they’re climbing a mountain or spelunking a cave, you know at least one person who is always on some crazy and amazing adventure. This holiday season, why not get them a gift that will take their experiences to the next level? Here are seven gifts perfect for the person who lives for the outdoors.

1. A GoPro

What’s the next best thing after going on amazing adventures? Sharing them. A GoPro camera lets you capture high-quality footage and photos while keeping your hands free with compact cameras that can be mounted on a helmet, surfboard, dive mask, dog harness, or just about anything else you can think of.

2. An America the Beautiful Pass

$10 here and $20 there adds up quickly when exploring national parks is a regular part of your vacation itinerary. Give your favorite adventurer the gift of free access to more than 2,000 national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and grasslands, as well as BLM lands. An annual pass is only $80 through the National Park Service, but its value is priceless.

3. Inspirational Tales

Not every day can be spent traveling and exploring. For those rainy days, stock your loved one’s bookshelf with tales of great adventures. Opt for a classic like “Wind, Sand, and Stars” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or “The Worst Journey in the World” by Apsley Cherry-Garrard, or check out these recommendations from Cool of the Wild for a contemporary selection.

4. A Custom Passport Holder

It doesn’t take long for a well-loved passport to start looking a little tattered. Protect your friend’s most cherished possession with a classy custom passport holder. Whether you opt to buy from a handmade producer on Etsy or Big Cartel or from a nearby retailer, your loved one is sure to appreciate the style upgrade.

5. Goodies for the Dog

Everyone knows that dogs make adventures better, and there’s a good chance your friend has a canine companion of his own. Why not treat them both to something special? A hands-free leash is ideal for hikes, stylish food and water bowls that stack or collapse make trailside feeding a breeze, and homemade dog treats keep pets happy on the trail. Or, how about prepaying for a stay with a dog sitter for those trips that aren’t pet-friendly? Even the most devoted dog owner appreciates the chance to get away guilt-free.

6. A USB Power Bank

Exploring the world means sometimes being away from power outlets from days on end. But even when there’s no cellular service for miles, it’s nice to be able to take pictures and have a working device when you get back to town. A USB battery pack can keep a smartphone charged for up to a week, depending on the model you choose.

7. An Airbnb Gift Card

Even the biggest camping enthusiast likes to sleep in a bed sometimes. However, paying for a room can be a hard bullet to bite when your heart was set on a night under the stars. An Airbnb gift card makes the blow a little bit softer by prepaying for a place to stay in any of 191 countries around the globe. And that’s hard to beat on a rainy and cold night.

Even if you don’t care to join, you can gift your loved one the perfect gift for their next adventure. And if you would like to tag along? Then perhaps that gift should be a trip for two.

Image via Unsplash

Uncategorized

5 Must See Travel Destinations in South Florida

March 31, 2020
by Henry

Guest article from livewpb.com

Travel Tips

5 Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling with a Dog

August 30, 2019
by Henry

All pet owners have different opinions when it comes to what to do with the animal during vacations. Leaving them at a kennel or dog hotel can be expensive, and it can also be stressful for both the dog and the owner. Pet sitting is more relaxing for the dog, but it’s still pricey if you don’t have a friend or family member to do it for free. Read more “5 Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling with a Dog” →

Destinations

Must-See Sights During A Trip To Honolulu

May 24, 2019
by Henry

Hawaii offers some of the most gorgeous attractions in the U.S., including volcanoes, beaches, state parks, and beautiful trails that make getting in a workout easy, and beautiful. With a visit to Honolulu, you can find all these things and more, so that no matter what your plans for the day are–relaxing by the beach or checking out historic landmarks–you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Read more “Must-See Sights During A Trip To Honolulu” →

Destinations

How expensive is a holiday in New Zealand –…

November 27, 2018December 4, 2018
by Henry

Guest article from Untravel.com Read more “How expensive is a holiday in New Zealand – A backpacker’s guide to travelling cheap” →

Travel Tips

A Tight Budget Does Not Prevent a Glorious Vacation

May 31, 2018May 31, 2018
by Henry

A Tight Budget Does Not Prevent a Glorious Vacation

There is a good reason the 1% of the world is only 1%. The majority of us do not have unlimited funds to vacation in whatever fashion we please, not even close. The fact is, we all need vacation to find the brighter side of life and stay sane, according to HealthNet. When planning a vacation on a budget, some special consideration must be given to maximizing what time you can afford to spend at your destination of choice, and how to minimize the costs associated with travel. Read more “A Tight Budget Does Not Prevent a Glorious Vacation” →

Travel Tips

Six Tips for Parents of First-Time Flyers

November 7, 2016May 31, 2018
by Henry

The idea of flying with your child for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you’ve ever been on a flight with a screaming baby or rowdy toddler. But with the right preparation and tools, your son or daughter’s first flight can be a breeze. Here are six tips for easing the stress of your child’s first-ever airplane trip:

Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing. No one can relax while constantly tugging at a tight sweater or bunching pants, especially on a cramped airplane, so make comfort the style for your child. Slip-on or Velcro shoes are a comfy, practical way to make security checks less of a headache. And think layers: changing temperatures from airport to plane can be dramatic, so make sure your child can bundle up and cool down as needed.

Let them have their own piece of luggage. Whether it’s a suitcase or a light carry-on bag, let your child be more involved in the travel process by putting them in charge of their own luggage. A kid-friendly option is a small roller with four wheel spinners so your child can push or pull their bag as needed. It’s a great way to give them a sense of responsibility and something to focus on amidst the chaos of the airport. Just be sure to keep an eye on both child and bag so no one or thing gets lost!

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks. The selection of refreshments at the airport and on the plane can be both limited and expensive, so pack your own. Multigrain crackers, dried fruit, granola bars and trail mix are all easy and healthy options. Juice boxes are easily packed but if you prefer your child stick to water, bring empty lidded cups or water bottles to fill. It’s also a good idea to pack gum to help ease the discomfort of rising and falling cabin pressure.

Bring a bottle or pacifier if traveling with an infant. One of the major reasons babies cry on airplanes is due to ear pain caused by fluctuations in cabin pressure. It can be especially painful if she has a stuffy nose. Give her a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing to help relieve the pressure.

Discuss security procedures with toddlers ahead of time. Though you may be a seasoned traveler, your child is unfamiliar with security rules and protocol. Have a conversation with him before heading to the airport about what happens at security check. Tell him about the neat X-ray machine his bag and stuffed animal will go through, making sure he knows he’ll get them back quickly and without harm. And those super cool Star Wars-themed sneakers he’s wearing? The security team just has to see them up close! Make it as exciting as possible, while retaining the idea that it isn’t a time to play.

Be active before your flight. Since you’re probably at the airport early anyway, use your extra time to wander around a bit. Help her burn off excess energy by going on an airport scavenger hunt together (items might include a purple suitcase, a dog/other animal carrier, an airline pilot, etc). Keep her busy until it’s nearly time to board. Best case scenario, she sleeps through the majority of the flight; worst case, she’ll get to explore a new place.

Your child’s first experience on an airplane could be the adventure they’ve been waiting for. Keep these tips in mind when the time comes, and you can journey through the skies with ease!

Destinations

The Most Unique Dining Experiences In Orange County

October 29, 2016November 7, 2016
by Henry

As a self-professed foodie, I was super excited to take a trip to Orange County to visit my sister earlier this year. She’d been telling me about all the amazing restaurants and vineyards for ages, so when I finally got the chance to pay a visit, we planned out a week’s worth of dining so that I could pack in as much local flavor as I could.

Orange County offers restaurants unlike any I’ve ever seen, and most of the menus we sampled were full of variety, which is what I’m generally looking for when I try a new place. Not only was the seafood incredible, there was a wonderful selection of fusion foods that appealed to my sense of adventure. One of the best things about Orange County is the fact that it’s so accessible from many different places; it’s just a quick drive from San Diego, making it the perfect area to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Here are some of the best places to eat (and drink!) when you’re in town.

Watertable

This large eatery is nice and open, with several dining rooms, a lounge, and even a library, which really appealed to the writer in me. The dinner menu is a bit on the pricier side of things, but it’s worth it for the Chilean sea bass and a gourmet burger made with tomato jam and smoked goat cheddar fondue. The lunch menu is a little more reasonable price-wise and offers lots of fresh salad options as well as a grilled cheese made on amazing rosemary olive oil bread.

A Restaurant

Yep, you read that right. It might take you a few tries to pull up this place online, but it’s worth the effort. Located in Newport Beach, A Restaurant offers a large variety of wines and beers, along with a charcuterie menu that is a meal all on its own. One of the best places around for fresh seafood, this joint offers up octopus, calamari steak, and oysters as well as more traditional fare like filet mignon and fish and chips.

Sushi Noguchi

If you like sushi, there are few better places in Orange County than Sushi Noguchi. The restaurant itself is exceptionally clean and sparsely furnished, so you can dine in an open space surrounded by white. The seafood is extremely fresh–the chef reportedly gets it all from Japan by way of an L.A. fish market several times a week–and the prices are very reasonable.

Barley Forge

Looking for a place to quench your thirst? Look no further than Barley Forge, which offers craft brews and a large tasting room. They also have a kitchen that uses locally-produced meat and cheese to provide food for soaking up some of that alcohol.

Three Seventy Common

If comfort food is what you seek, check out Three Seventy Common, which takes your childhood favorites and makes them perfect grown-up fare. Think short-rib grilled cheese and an alcoholic root beer float.

No matter what you’re looking for when it comes to food and drink, Orange County has you covered. Just be sure to plan ahead and make reservations, and always check out the restaurant’s website to make sure of their hours and seasonal menu, which are subject to change. Some establishments are more kid-friendly than others, and some require a dress code; not all of them allow the standard laid-back Cali uniform of flip flops and tank tops.

Destinations

Must-See Places To Visit In Columbia, Missouri

August 19, 2016November 7, 2016
by Henry

Columbia, Missouri is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and it offers many different attractions for people of all ages, making it a wonderful place to visit with family. With gorgeous parks and unique, historic landmarks, Columbia is a must-see for any traveler.

One of those rare towns that offers something for artists, sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies, Columbia also hosts music venues that can’t be beat and views that people drive from all over to see. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Columbia.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

This gorgeous place has something for everyone, including beautiful biking and hiking trails, an underground stream, caves, and sinkholes for the adventurous.

Ragtag Cinema

This historic little cinema is located right next door to one of the country’s last video stores and includes a bakery in case you need something sweet. Best of all, you can actually bring food and drink inside if you wish, something unheard of in any other theater setting.

Columbia Art League

Creative types will love the Art League, where you can walk around and view artwork from locals and maybe even buy some. The gallery often changes out pieces, so you might be able to see different works if you go more than once.

The Candy Factory

This candy store makes it’s own chocolate and drizzles it on just about anything, including oreos, strawberries, and pretzels, so expect a bit of a wait when you show up because it’s a huge tourist draw.

The Blue Note

This music venue features a small bar and great acoustics for seeing live bands, so grab a group of friends and head out for a night on the town. The Blue Note is located downtown and is within walking distance to several great restaurants and other night spots.

Mizzou Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens feature tree trails and gorgeous flora and fauna, including monarch caterpillars at certain times of the year. This is a great place to take the kids and go on a guided tour for an educational experience.

Historic Costume Gallery

The Costume Museum and Research Library hosts historic and designer clothing on exhibition with guided tours available to view nearly 13,000 items. This museum is also a destination for lectures and special events, so check the website before heading over to see what’s going on that day.

Destinations

5 Tips for Iowa Travelers with Disabilities

May 5, 2016November 7, 2016
by Henry

With summer just around the corner, many Iowans are looking forward to vacations in the coming weeks. For those with disabilities, traveling can be a little trickier, so it’s crucial to be prepared to make things run as smoothly as possible. Here are five tips for Iowa Travelers with disabilities:

If you’ll need any special equipment at the airport, call as soon as you confirm your travel plans. Call the airline and airport customer service as necessary to arrange accommodations for each of your days of travel. The more of a heads-up you can give them, the better. Call again a day or two before your trip to confirm your arrangements and make sure you’ll have all the necessary documentation you’ll need. If you face any delays or canceled flights, be sure to follow-up with the airline about making needed accommodations for your new plans.

Plan for any medications you’ll need to bring. Bring a few extra days of dosages so unexpected delays won’t put you in crisis. Pack them in their daily organizers as you would for any other week — vacations can be a lot of chaos and confusion, but taking medication should be as smooth away as it is at home. You may want to set alarms on your phone as reminders, as well. If you take a medication that requires refrigeration, call ahead to your hotels to ensure you’ll have access to a small refrigerator in your room.

Don’t underestimate the importance of luggage. Bad luggage can put a major damper on any trip, but especially one for someone who has limited mobility. If you’re flying, check your airline’s baggage number, size, and weight restrictions. If you’ll be driving, pack with the image of your bag sitting on your back seat. Is it bulky and falling over? If yes, lighten your packing.

Be prepared for inconveniences. Bring items that will compensate for rooms that aren’t as accessible as you’d hoped. Pack things like a backup shower chair and a collapsible reacher so you can make due as you have to without putting too much of a pause on your vacation if your room isn’t up to par. If you have any equipment that needs charged, bring backup batteries and power cords.

Looking to stay nearby? You have options! Traveling across the country or world can be quite the undertaking for anyone, so if you’re thinking of staying in-state, Iowa has you covered. If you’re looking for a relaxing day with nature, head to Dubuque to visit Eagle Point Park. With 164 acres of beautiful land overlooking the Mississippi River, your worries will melt away, and you just might even catch a glimpse of a soaring bald eagle. The park’s pavilions and picnic tables are on concrete pads, making them accessible to those of just about any ability. If thrill-seeking is more your game, Adventureland Park in Altoona has roller coasters, bumper cars, a sky ride, and much more. If it’s a particularly hot day, grab your swim gear and head right over to Adventure Bay. Both parks are family friendly and can accommodate your specialized needs.

Whether you’re going abroad or staying in Iowa, keep these tips in mind this summer. Traveling with a disability may not be a breeze, but it can certainly be easier! Happy travels!