Taking Tea in the Kasbah


Get Outta Dodge

All Things Travel Related

For the times you’re itchin’ to get outta Dodge and take your tea in the kasbah, here are the things I’ve found to be quite useful to have when traveling.

Favorite Gear:

  1. Suitcase: As you might expect from this post, I adore my Rick Steves Autobahn Rolling Suitcase (it is actually called the Autobahn Rolling Backpack since it can be used as either a rolling carry-on suitcase or worn as a backpack. How cool is THAT?) It has lots of well-placed compartments and there’s even a padded slot for a lap top. It makes it really easy to stay organized while traveling.
  2. Inflatable neck pillow: You definitely need to have one of these for those long flights. The inflatable ones are much easier to deal with once you arrive at your destination. Easy to deflate, roll up, and stash in your bag. I bought mine at Target, but they are easy to find just about anywhere that sells travel gear.
  3. Eye mask and ear plugs: To each his own on this stuff so shop around and read reviews on Amazon to find the ones that will work best for you. Essential to have for those times you’re trying to catch a few zzz’s on the plane and the large t.v. screen in front of you won’t turn off.
  4. Travel clothesline: This is such a great invention! It was what allowed me to bring only a carry-on suitcase for an 18-day trip around Italy. You can string it up in your hotel room to dry your freshly washed clothes. It saved me money and valuable time since I didn’t have to go to a laundromat. Genius design, too – the rubbery strands are braided together so you don’t need to bring any clothespins. Hands down, this is one of my favorite travel gear items. So worth the $10 I spent on it.
  5. Personal Organizer from L.L.Bean: Such a handy way to keep all of your toiletries and other essentials in one place. I have been known to bring every “what if…?” cure for any and all ailments with me when traveling abroad and this thing is a sturdy workhorse, keeping it all corralled in neat little pouches and zippered compartments. I love that it can hang in the bathroom as well which is especially handy in the tiny bathrooms in Europe.

Favorite Websites for Travel Tips and Articles:

  1. For all things Europe: Rick Steves – He really does have great tips, especially on how to navigate seeing the sights, getting around in a foreign country and ways to maximize your time once you’re there.
  2. Nomadic Matt:  In 2006, Matt Kepnes decided to quit his job and travel around the world.  He’s been on the move ever since.  He shares lots of useful tips on how to travel frugally and has great blog posts on a variety of topics relevant to the avid traveler.
  3. Third-Eye Mom:  A blog written by a woman who shares her travel experiences through her “third-eye” or as she notes, experiencing the world with an open mind.
doorway, Fez

Favorite Travel Guide Books:

1. At the risk of sounding like a broken record or a stalker, Rick Steves is my go-to guy for travel in western Europe. (See link above.)

2. Additionally, I like to read Lonely Planet‘s guide books for their tips on traveling on the cheap.

3. I like Fodor’s guide books as well and their color photos are helpful and fun to look at when fantasizing about your next adventure.

It's tea-time in the kasbah. Relax. Sip. Leave a comment.

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