We’ve all seen the instagrams — from couples driving an RV throughout New Zealand to dreamy pictures of a romantic pair taking on the best beaches of Spain, it’s hard to escape the allure of the power travel duo.

But how do you actually become that couple and take on the world with your best friend by your side? We compiled the top tips and tricks from our favorite travel couple bloggers, so you can learn from the experts!

READY TO HEAD OUT ON YOUR FIRST TRIP TOGETHER AS A COUPLE? MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE BEFORE YOU BOOK!

Make Sure You’re On the Same Page

When traveling with another person, it’s hard to make sure you are both on the same page: do you agree on what you’re doing the next day, how you’re packing, what you are planning?

According to Alex from Laska Baby Travel, it’s critical to review your plans the night before…. every single day. She writes on Honeymoon Always, “During the trip, the night before the next destination or a tour, we’d make plans about the time, length and ways to get there. No nasty surprises! We wanted a perfect trip and we got it.”

No matter whether your trip is long or short, to become a power travel duo, you need to have set times and formats for check-ins. That way you can address gripes without them getting out of hand and plan together for the future in a substantive and meaningful way.

Another great way to be on the same page is to create a joint bucket list. That way, you both are excited about crossing off the destinations and activities on the list!

LEARN HOW JUBEL PROVIDED ONE COUPLE WITH THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Keep Date Nights Alive

When you’re traveling with your partner, you might ask, isn’t every night a date? Not so fast, say Nick and Dariece of Goats on the Road. They write on Traveler’s Universe, “It’s important to make a moment/day stand out from all of the other incredible day-to-day moments.”

In order to do this, they have a date night “every couple of weeks or even every week.” They do picnics, beach days, watch the sunset, whatever! “I think date nights or date days are key!” they write. So whether it’s a 3-day jaunt or a year-long excursion, make sure to schedule dedicated quality time!

CHECK OUT OUR TOP WAYS FOR PRACTICING MINDFULNESS ON YOUR HONEYMOON

Make New Friends Abroad!

Unlike solo travelers, couples traveling together have less of an impetus to meet new friends. Don’t let the allure of the familiar stop you from branching out! As Megan and Mike from Mapping Megan write, “This is a dangerous mentality and could lead to you resenting each other.”

They continue, “Couples who travel should still make an effort to meet fellow travelers. The stories you share and the bonds you will form are an important part of traveling.” So skip the solo dinner and go out with your hostel friends, or meet some local pals at a market you are visiting. This can help ease tensions between the two of you and give you tons of memories you’ll never forget.

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING ENGAGED, MAKE SURE YOU GO ON THESE SIX TRIPS BEFOREHAND

Schedule Personal Time

Let’s face it: if you were home, you wouldn’t be spending 24/7 together, so why should you do so when abroad? It’s important to make time for personal space, even when you are on the road together.

As Bonnie writes from the Wanderfilled Life, “be sure to schedule some independent activities. That could mean one of you going to the gym while the other is at the pool or in the room. Or it could be taking two different tours depending on your interests.”

No matter what it is, make sure you put downtime and alone time on the schedule so you can rest and recharge, and come back together better than ever.

TRAVELING AS A COUPLE IS VITAL TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP — LEARN WHY HERE

Remember, You Might Just Be Hungry

It is so easy to pick a fight with your partner, let alone when you are hungry, jetlagged, or tired. Before saying something snarky or sassy, Jonathan and Kach from Two Monkeys Travel ask themselves, “Am I tired, hungry, or both.”

By taking a pause to reflect on your own impulses, you lessen the chances you are just lashing out. Johnathan and Kach promise, “You’ll be amazed at how many arguments you save yourselves from!”

With these tips, you and your partner will be ready to set off on your next adventure! And for everything else — our in-the-know Travel Experts have got you covered, finding the best flights, accommodation, activities, and things to do there. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

Travel Tips for Couples: Become a Power Travel Duo was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Jubel grew out of our love for travel. We send our beloved travelers to places they will remember for a lifetime. That being said, the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has swept the globe. It is obviously hard to know how the situation will evolve, but there is only thing we know for certain, this too shall pass. For the time being, the best we can do is keep calm, follow health authorities’ advice, and use our own common-sense. We at Jubel are doing our best to assist our past, present, and future travelers and ride this wave out.

Traveling is usually a beautiful thing. Right now, even if the young and bold will most likely be fine in the face of COVID-19, we cannot abuse this privilege by putting others at risk. We all have a social responsibility in regard to others — let’s keep everyone safe.

Be kind to yourself and others. The faster this situation gets under control — which will happen much faster if we all follow medical advice — the faster we’ll be able to get back on the horse (or the plane). One of the most beautiful things about travel is the opportunity to experience the kindness of other nationalities and cultures. Right now, it’s time to apply this kindness at home, to share resources, and to look after one another.

SATISFY YOUR TRAVEL BUG FROM HOME

How We Are Helping Our Travelers

When you cancel your trip with Jubel, we work hard to get the maximum refund for you. We call and work with airlines on your behalf to inquire about refunds, credits, or fee-free changes to your itinerary. We also call and work with hotels and other accommodation providers, along with tour operators, car rental agencies, transfer vendors, and much more. Simply put, if a part of your trip is refundable to Jubel, it is refundable to you. You will get 100% of that money back.

Jubel does not charge any additional change or cancellation fees for its services. Individual vendors throughout the airline, hotel, car rental, and activity industries often do. But with our relationships with vendors around the world, we can cancel and offer significant cash refunds or change parts of your trip for free. And that is exactly what we have been doing since COVID-19 came into our lives. It is what we continue to do, and are ready to do in the future if need be.

Customer service lines across the whole travel industry are completely busy. It oftentimes takes six hours or more just to talk to a human being. These are interesting times. We at Jubel are, quite literally, working around the clock from four different time zones to make sure all of our travelers are being refunded as they should. We are doing our best to be in constant contact with all of our travelers to give updates on each aspect of their trips.

When you booked with Jubel, you booked with confidence. That’s why we pride ourselves on exemplary customer service throughout the whole process. The team at Jubel is working very hard to guide you and include you during every step of this unique time in travel.

A word from our travelers:

“I’m glad that we pulled the trigger. Jubel–and you, in particular–have been so wonderful in first planning the trip and now in postponing it. I’ve recommended all of my friends to you and I can’t wait to pick back up where we left off once this is all over.” — Caitlin C.

“Your time and energy does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all your help throughout this process and we can’t wait to work with Jubel again!” — Rebecca D.

“Thanks so much, David. Looking forward to going through the process again and planning another surprise trip with Jubel.” — Brendan Q.

“And also, please know that I appreciate your hard work on this. I can’t even imagine how long and difficult your days have been and will continue to be. Hang in there; we’ll get to the other side of this mess together.” — Suzanne C.

“Thanks for being so awesome!” — Valentina L.

“Working with you has been an immense pleasure, though, so we plan to sock the money away to try a mystery vacation with your agency at a later time when things have calmed down in the world and in our careers. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to work with us!” — Alex R.

“David, you are the best. I have no words to describe how grateful we are for how amazing you have been this entire process. Thanks for letting us know and we look forward to hearing from you. Hopefully, we can work together again in August!” — McKenzie R.

“Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!” — Alex H.

“So sad our surprise trip was postponed but so thankful for Jodi who has been a treasure during all of this. We’ve rescheduled and extended the trip because of how wonderful your company is and how great Jodi has been. We still don’t know where we are going and still just as excited!” — Cinda L.

“Jodi, This is great news! Thank you for doing all of that!” — Joseph J.

Start Planning for the Future

While it’s not a good time to travel right now, it is an opportune moment to plan for future adventures several months out. Why now?

• Flexible cancellations
• Adaptable flights
• Free re-bookings
• Low costs!

Nothing can stop you from dreaming of your next adventure. We at Jubel love planning trips and are happy to help you come up with your most amazing travel experience yet — even if your departure date isn’t set in stone — so you can have something to look forward to, post-pandemic.

GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to get started on a trip for you that’s 6+ months out. With great deals, flexible booking, and free cancellations, this is the time to begin planning.

Protecting yourself with travel insurance

Let’s make this a learning experience. One thing you should always do when preparing for a trip abroad (pandemic or not) is get travel insurance. As current travelers can attest to, it pays off.

Most, if not all, travel insurance companies will not cover you if you travel to a country with a warning against all travel. If a warning is emitted while you are abroad, you will be expected to come back ASAP.

World Nomads is a great insurance provider and is keeping well up to date with the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel Guard and IMGlobal are also good options. As always, it’s best to go straight to the source and contact these providers directly for current policy specifics.

REACH OUT TO US AND WE’LL WALK YOU THROUGH EVERYTHING FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

How to Satiate Your Travel Bug from Home

Social distancing might be rough for a born and bred adventurer, but it’s a small price to pay to keep others safe.

If you truly must get out, rent a cabin in the middle of nowhere (reachable by car) and wait it out there. Just pack your car up with some disinfectant and get ready to ride out the worst of it far from everyone, in nature. Self-isolating in the forest far from everyone seems like a great plan. Read, meditate, take some walks, do yoga, or just watch Netflix somewhere much better than a cramped home.

And, if all else fails, the internet is packed with information about the world — read about far off lands, watch travel videos and documentaries, or all of the above! Looking for other ways to pass the time while cozied up at home? Here are some of our favorites:

THIS IS TEMPORARY. FOR NOW, SEEK INSPIRATION FOR FUTURE TRAVEL!

Some Good News to Keep You Going

Let’s steer away from the hellish news cycle and lift our spirits up with some good news. Yes, the situation isn’t great right now, but there’s still some good ‘ol heartwarming stuff out there — or at the very least, some reassuring news.

In regards to the coronavirus

• There is a new treatment using anti-malarial medication.
• China has been closing its makeshift COVID-19 hospitals as the numbers of new cases are now down to almost none.
• People in Italy are keeping their hopes up by throwing parties from their balconies.
• In Wuhan, China thousands of residents chanted “jiayou” from their windows, encouraging one another to stay strong.
• In Seville, Spain an entire apartment building was led through a balcony/window exercise session by a fitness instructor.
• The University of Saskatchewan in Canada is testing vaccines!
• Doctors in India are using a mix of anti-HIV drugs and getting some promising results in treating patients!
• A 103-year-old grandma from China has fully recovered from the disease!
• Plasma from freshly recovered patients could treat the infected.
• Dogs can’t get COVID-19!
• A study on nine pregnant women showed that the virus is not transmitted from mother to child.
• So many people are working on cures and vaccines.
• Luxury perfume companies are now making hand sanitizer.
• And countless other inspiring stories .

Other good stuff

• You can visit museums through Google Maps! Explore the Guggenheim in New York, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, and plenty of others. If museums aren’t your style, try Machu Picchu, Peru!
• A new kind of contact lens has been created that can correct certain types of color blindness.
• This website pairs hand-washing with your favorite song!
• We have a unicorn puppy!!
• Wonder From Home with Atlas Obscura’s series.
• Plenty of (very new) movies are being released online.
• Chicago’s aquarium let the penguin roam free since the building is closed to humans!
• Plenty of people are giving us faith in humanity with little gestures that mean a lot.

“Panic” and “pandemic” seem pretty synonymous at this point. It’s entirely normal and expected for us to feel bewildered by the current state of the world — but now is not the time for sensationalism or terror. We must strive for unity, understanding, and kindness. Keep your eyes open and use your judgement to make good, educated choices based on the advice of actual experts — not social media posts. This too shall pass.

Looking to let your mind wander to other destinations while in self-isolation? Get in touch! We’re happy to help you plan the perfect post-pandemic trip. With unprecedented flexibility, we’re here to offer some peace of mind in these stressful times. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

Being Smart About Your Travels During the Coronavirus was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Some people seem to fall into adventure wherever they go. But take it from us — that’s not everyone. For most, if you want to get off-the-beaten-path, you have to do your research. That means talking to people, digging deep on the internet, and consulting with the experts. That, plus a little sprinkle of chance, means you’ll be onto your next adventure in no time.

So if you are in the market for travel tips for off-the-beaten-path escapades, look no further! Below are all of our best hacks and advice for how to plan the ultimate unique adventure!

READY TO DIVE INTO YOUR OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ADVENTURE? CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE GUIDE FOR BEST PLANNING PRACTICES

How to Pick the Place

If you want to get off-the-beaten-path, first that means finding a destination that isn’t overcrowded with tourists. Here’s our advice for doing just that.

Utilize apps like Kayak to become inspired

Instead of going to the touristy places your friends may have been (yes, you might want to skip Paris this time around…) why don’t you become a little inspired by less-familiar places?

Lots of apps nowadays offer an “Explore” function, where you can see how much flights are to places you may have not considered. It gets you out of the “Rome or bust” mindset and introduces you to places a little under-the-radar. Plus, it’s oftentimes cheaper, and totally exciting!

HERE’S OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO REGIONAL PRICE VARIATIONS SO YOU CAN CUT COSTS ON YOUR ADVENTURE!

Get out of the major cities

As you might have guessed, this often means skipping the capital and/or major tourist metropolis. It’s great to visit the Golden Triangle in India, but there are only so many tourists you can handle seeing at the Taj Mahal before you lose your mind. So maybe go hiking in Dehradun, or sample some Southern delicacies in Kochi. Every country offers more than just a singular city, so why not escape London and head to the seaside?

Travel in the off-season

Yes, we know you’ve heard this one before. But it remains truer than ever: if you want to avoid the crowds and see a locale unhindered by tourists, travel in the off-season.

And yes, that may mean it is rainy, or cold, or less pleasant in terms of weather, and certain attractions may be closed, but you can see the city as it is for locals, not just how it is when inundated with tourists.

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR LOW-SEASON TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR WINTER

Skip Lonely Planet… look at local message boards

There are so many guides these days proffering “expert opinions” and “off-the-beaten path destinations.” Trust us, you should skip them. These guides cater towards tourists, and even make local places into tourist traps from the extra attention.

So why not go onto local message boards or websites that tell people what to do and where to go? The best way to find these message boards are through targeted google searches. Another website that is also a good option is Eater, which hires local experts to write articles on the best food around the city.

Talk to an expert for professional opinions

Look, there’s a reason why experts are, well, the experts. If you want to get off-the-beaten path, why not employ one of our travel experts to get you to destinations you’ve never even heard of?

We’ve planned successful adventures for tons of people — let us take it off your shoulders and get you to an amazing destination!

THERE IS A REASON WHY PEOPLE STILL USE TRAVEL AGENCIES

How to Find Accommodation

The next step is to find an awesome place to stay. No need to go to a Hilton off-shoot when you can escape the tourist traps and rest your head somewhere amazing!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION STYLES YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TO YOU

Skip the hotel and choose a hostel or homestay

There are lots of types of accommodations. But if you are looking for adventure, the best types are hostels or homestays.

Why these two? If you stay in a hostel, you are likely to meet fellow adventurers looking to get off-the-beaten-path-Plus, they will introduce you to their friends and maybe even invite you on their escapades around the city. It’s the perfect way to be spontaneous and make new friends. Hostelworld offers easy ways to find hostels everywhere.

Homestays are also amazing ways to get off-the-beaten-path, because they introduce you to locals who can tell you all the best spots around the city. Check out HomestayWeb or Homestay.com to find a host family. Another great option to meet local denizens is couchsurfing, where you can make friends and sleep rent-free.

Avoid touristy neighborhoods

Step one: Google “Accomodations in [insert city].” See where most of the hotels come up. Then, avoid that neighborhood like the plague.

It might seem harsh, but at least in major metropolises, hotels tend to be clustered around each other in a tourist area. While sometimes that means the area could be more fun in terms of nightlife and shopping, it often just means you’ll be inundated with other tourists. So, go to a different neighborhood and see a new side of the city!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL IS THE FUTURE

Try a Workaway or WWOOF stay

Another great option besides hostels and homestays is to work for your stay. This can introduce you to local co-workers, as well as give you free (yes, free!) lodging in a new city. It is a great way to travel cheap throughout the whole world.

Some great options are Workaway, which offers many different types of jobs, WWOOF, which offers positions on farms, or Yoga Trade, which amalgamates different yoga/cooking/retreat positions.

How to Spend your Days

Make local friends

This is key! To get off-the-beaten-path, you should befriend people who know your destination better than you do. Plus, you get friendship out of it, so what’s not to love?

Great ways to make friends include going to non-touristy bars and striking up a conversation, engaging in language exchange programs like intercambio, and using Tinder.

READ MORE ABOUT WHY OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH TRAVEL IS SO REWARDING

Take public transport

It’s hard to get off-the-beaten-path from the vantage point of a taxi. Instead, take local transport, be it a rickshaw, a train, a bus, whatever. This can help you meet people and make friends, as well as learn about new places to go. You might get lost, but even if you do, you’ll learn something new about the city!

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS BE SMART WHEN TRAVELING — CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOLO TRAVEL FOR WOMEN

Be open to adventure!

Yes, you might need to plan to get off-the-beaten-path, but it also involves an element of not planning. Stay open to the world and see where it takes you. And, when in doubt, say yes to exciting adventures and ideas, be it local restaurants, stunning hikes, or beach days with new pals.

Looking to embark on real experiential travel? We’ve got you covered. Jubel crafts you a fully personalized experience matching your style, your budget — anywhere. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

Expert Travel Tips for Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventurers was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We may all want to be that person who can just uproot their life and embark on an adventure without second thought, but, let’s face it, that isn’t always feasible. We at Jubel understand — embarking on an incredible, off-the-beaten path adventure takes time, energy, and money. But we are here to help by providing you with our best tips — for before, after, and during the trip — so you make the most out of your adventure. Keep reading to see our expert tips and tricks so that you can minimize stress and energy exertion and maximize exploration!

READY TO GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? OUR ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNING GUIDE HAS ALL THE DEETS YOU NEED

Trip Planning Hacks

Visit in the “shoulder season”

You know high season and low seasons for travel, but why not travel in the shoulder season, the time of year connecting both peak season and low season. That way, you get the price drops and fewer tourists like in low season, but the good weather and activity options of peak season. It’s the best of both worlds — a little bit of this, a little bit of that, all without breaking the bank.

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR LOW-SEASON TRAVEL RECS

Use an app to help plan your dates and destinations

There are many amazing apps that can get you the lowest prices for your destination. Our favorite? Check out Hopper, which gives you info on the dates that have the lowest prices. We love it because it can predict if a price is going to go up, and lets you know when you should definitely jump on a good deal.

Another great option is Kayak, a web-based service that will let you know where you can fly to for cheap. This can get you out of your comfort zone and take you to an amazing place that maybe hasn’t even been on your radar. Skyscanner offers a similar service.

Another great way is to follow airlines on Twitter, which often promote their sales through the app. For instance, if you follow @Jetbluecheeps on Twitter, you’ll know all about their Flash Sales which can help you get the cheapest prices to select destinations.

HERE ARE OUR BEST WAYS TO PREP FOR A TRIP ABROAD

Get a credit card with travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees

There are lots of great options in terms of credit cards that can give you both points and miles redeemable for travel. If your credit score is good enough to open another line of credit (and if you can reliably pay off the card), we recommend investing in a credit card that has amazing travel perks.

Ramit Sethi and Nerd Wallet both have some great recommendations for cards that can help your dollar go further, both while booking tickets and exploring abroad.

Another great thing to remember is that if you travel a lot in the US, you can get a debit card attached to certain checking accounts with no ATM fees. Charles Schwab offers this service (and also reimburses ATM fees abroad with their debit card), among other providers.

LEARN OUR TOP TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ABROAD

Download before you go

If you aren’t getting a phone plan abroad with data, we really recommend you download your given destination on the Google Maps app. This allows you to access maps offline, so you know where you are and where you are going at all times.

You can even save the destinations you want to visit using the “star” function on Google Maps, so you can see that bookstore you want to hit or bar you want to check out even when you are offline.

Also remember, if you are going to a country where different languages are spoken, downloading a language on Google Translate is a great idea so that you never get lost in translation.

HERE ARE OUR OTHER FAVORITE TRAVEL APPS

Leave the planning to the experts

There’s a reason why people outsource things — specialists have expertise you don’t have. While traditional travel agencies may be stuffy or just trying to get your money, Jubel offers not only trips cheaper than you can plan, but also gets you off-the-beaten path.

Plus, if you want to be totally surprised and just experience the magic of adventure, why not book a surprise trip? It’s a great way to skip the planning stage all together while obtaining all the benefits of careful research.

INTERESTED IN LETTING US DO THE LEGWORK? LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE JUBEL

Packing Hacks

Plan out your list

It might seem obvious, but so many people forget this simple step: write down what you want to take before you start packing. So many people just start throwing things into their suitcases without prior thought, and, before you know it, you get an overstuffed, overweight suitcase that is going to cost you money and be a pain to drag around.

Making a pre-departure packing list can help you pack light, while making sure you have all your necessities!

A great app that can help you organize your packing list is WorkFlowy, which allows you to create customizable bulleted lists and check them off organized by tags. We also recommend Notion for creating trip-planning databases, including for packing! This is a great video for how to create a travel plan in Notion.

THINKING ABOUT A BOOK TO PACK? HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE READS FOR ADVENTURING

Think about whether you can buy country-appropriate clothing once you arrive

Every country has its own cultural norms about modesty, and it is best for travelers to fit in for both their own safety and to be respectful. However, if your destination has different cultural norms than your home country, it can oftentimes be costly and time-consuming to search for destination-appropriate country while you’re at home.

There is a better way, though. If you are going for a few weeks to a country with different modesty norms, consider buying your clothes there. There will be a greater selection of appropriate clothes once you’re on the ground, and oftentimes it is cheaper to buy the clothes there.

For instance, if you are visiting Jaipur, instead of buying long skirts at home, consider going to a local bazaar and picking up a kurti top, a long upper garment worn by women.

Always pack a laundry bag and dryer sheets

When you are traveling, it’s easy to end up with a bunch of smelly, dirty clothes littering your suitcase. Two easy steps to prevent this? First, always take a laundry bag, so you can easily separate dirty clothes from your clean clothes in your bag, and second, place a dryer sheet in your bag, which will make sure everything stays fresh and odor-free during the long journey.

Some other must-pack items we recommend include a good portable phone charger (check out Anker for the best ones), a reusable water bottle, and a copy of your passport/visa. For water bottles, check out Grayl, an awesome purifying water bottle that is great for when you are traveling abroad.

Flight Travel Tips

Stay on the right time schedule

As soon as you get on the flight, set your watch to your destination’s time zone, and abide by it! That means staying up if it’s not time to sleep in your destination, or perhaps taking an over-the-counter sleeping pill if it is time to sleep in your host country. Doing so will completely minimize jet lag, allowing you to acclimate with little effort.

Pack a face mask

It’s easy for your skin to get dehydrated on flights. A fun way to practice self-care while making sure you don’t arrive looking like a giant callous is to pack a face mask that you can apply on the flight.

The easiest ones to use on planes are sheet face masks, which can just be peeled off and thrown away. Some of our favorite sheet face masks for flights are the Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Sheet Face Mask and the Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Sheet Face Mask.

SEE MORE OF OUR TOP FLIGHT TIPS

Book an aisle and a window seat

If you are traveling with a partner, consider booking an aisle and a window seat. Oftentimes, no one will select the seat next to you to avoid being in a middle seat. Plus, if the flight is full, you can just offer up your aisle or window seat to the person in the middle, so you can sit next to your travel partner. No harm no foul!

Wear compression socks

Flights can often swell your ankles, due to the fact that flying impacts your circulation. But never fear — there is an easy way to avoid this! Invest in a pair of compression socks, which will keep your blood circulating and your feet comfortable, even as you go on a long-haul flight.

Travel Hacks for During Your Trip

Visit the local tourism office

It may seem kitschy or touristy, but the local tourism office in your destination city is actually a great way to learn from locals and find out about the best spots. You can ask the employees there all your questions, from safety tips to bar recommendations.

Plus, they often offer free maps, which can be a great option if you don’t have a phone which can run offline Google Maps.

LEARN WHY EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL IS THE FUTURE

Avoid eating in tourist areas like the plague

We get it — you want to see the Eiffel Tower when you are in Paris, or the Alhambra when you are in Spain. But whatever you do, do not eat or shop near these places!

The areas surrounding tourist attractions almost always mark up prices on food and souvenirs, so much so that they can oftentimes break the bank. Plus, the food is usually not as good. We recommend you go visit these must-see places (lunchtime is usually your best bet to avoid the crowds, or at the very end of the day), and then get the heck out of there as fast as possible!

SKIP THE TOURIST SPOTS AND HEAD HERE TO EAT INSTEAD

Skip TripAdvisor and use local review websites

Oftentimes, countries will have their own review websites or restaurant aggregators that highlight the best local spots. Whereas American-leaning sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp tend to only be used by tourists. Instead of looking for your next meal on TripAdvisor, download the local version and search (this can be a great thing to ask the tourist office if you can’t find it online).

This way, you can find all the best food while skipping tourist spots (and tourist prices).

Another great tool is to read up on local blogs about the place — for instance, if you are traveling to Goa in India, Hippie in Heels is a must-read source for all the best travel info.

Find a language exchange partner

If you are trying to learn the language of the destination, find a language exchange partner! For a small fee, you can oftentimes find a young local person willing to show you around the area and help improve your language skills. It is a great way to find a fun tour guide, make a friend, and practice the local language all at once.

For instance, in Oaxaca, check out the Oaxaca Learning Center, which offers “intercambios” where students can meet with tutors around the city. The best way to find similar programs in your city is a targeted google search.

Another great option is finding a homestay in your destination of choice, which often provides cheaper accommodation than hotels as well as the chance to interact with some awesome people. Some great resources for finding homestays include Lingoo and the Homestay app.

Find the best free activities to do

In many destinations cities offer off-the-beaten path free walking tours, like inBerlin, which has an amazing Free Alternative Walking Tour that showcases the best graffiti and local markets Berlin has to offer.

This can be a great way to meet a local guide, see some sights that aren’t in your Lonely Planet, and walk off that jet lag.

Another great tip? Find local blogs that cover fun events which are free. For instance, if you are traveling to DC, BrightestYoungThings.com offers a list of free things to do every week. Googling (city name)+(free things to do) oftentimes gets you really fruitful websites and blogs to look at.

LEARN WHY OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH TRAVEL IS SO REWARDING

After the Trip

Unpack immediately

It may sound draconian, but unpacking immediately is the best way to get back into your routine without stress. Once you walk in the door to your house, even if you are exhausted, just throw everything in the laundry. You can go to bed and wake up easy knowing you can get back to your normal routine.

Process the pictures within the week

If you are someone that takes a lot of pictures, schedule time the week after you return to process the pictures and organize them, including editing them, uploading them, etc.

Or, if you like to make photo albums of your vacation, start soon after you arrive home! The trip will be fresh in your mind, so you can write out all the amazing captions and organize the pictures just how you want them.

Journal your experience

What made your trip special, and what would you change for next time? Reflecting on your experience is a great way for you to have an even better trip next time! We love using the Day One app to journal on our apple devices. Or, get a paper journal for that pen-on-paper experience.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to set off on your next great adventure! And for everything else — our Travel Experts have you covered, finding the best flights, accommodations, activities, and things to do. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

Travel Hacks and Tips to Be Ready for Any Adventure was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

2019 is finally the year of veganism and environmental awareness, and if there’s one city that knows this, it’s Berlin.

Although the capital of Germany might not be the first choice of destinations for many foodies, it’s definitely not one to overlook. The combination of the multiculturalism of the city and the eco-consciousness that’s been on such a constant rise results in unique dishes that anyone would be curious to try. All around Berlin and its 559 vegan and vegetarian restaurants, you’ll get to enjoy all the foods you haven’t eaten (but perhaps have been craving) since you decided to go plant-based — sushi, pizza, nuggets, doughnuts…you name it.

You’ll even find vegan-friendly hotels for cruelty-free accommodation and a supermarket you’ll want to visit every single day, where the options are nothing but endless… but more on that later in the article. For now, let’s check out five of the best vegan restaurants in Berlin!

CHECK OUT MORE OF OUR FAVORITE DESTINATIONS IN WESTERN EUROPE

Brammibal’s Doughnuts

Type of food: Doughnuts and coffee

Price: $$

Address & Schedule:

Maybachufer 8

Every day, 10 AM to 6 PM

Danziger Straße 65

Every day, 10 AM to 6 PM

Alte Potsdamer Straße 7

Monday — Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM

Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM

Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM

Starting this list of vegan restaurants in Berlin off on a sweet note, Brammibal’s Doughnuts is a bakery that offers handmade doughnuts, specialty coffee, and savory bagels. From classic flavors, like Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate, to others you’d never think of, like Raspberry Pistachio and Red Wine Pear: all of your sugary cravings will definitely be satisfied at Brammibal’s.

Yoyo Foodworld

Type of food: American, fast-food

Price: $

Address & Schedule:

Gärtnerstraße 27

Monday — Thursday, 12 PM to 11 PM

Friday — Saturday, 12 PM to 12 AM

Sunday, 12 PM to 11 PM

Decorated with photos from every rockstar you can imagine, Yoyo Foodworld is the perfect place to go whenever you feel like eating a big burger with a side of delicious fries. With so many different options on the menu, at first, you might doubt that the restaurant is 100% vegan. But don’t worry: no animals were harmed in the making of the nuggets, bacon, steak, burger patties, and cheese that you’ll get to try here!

Alaska Bar

Type of food: Spanish tapas

Price: $$

Address & Schedule:

Reuterstraße 85

Tuesday — Thursday, 6 PM to 1 AM

Friday — Saturday, 6 PM to 3 AM

Sunday, 6 PM to 1 AM

Alaska Bar is the spot to go to if you and your friends want good food and some nice cocktails or vegan wine for a long night out. Our advice is that you go there with an empty stomach so that you can try all the tapas they have to offer. Between the typical patatas bravas and croquetas, the salmon alternative with cream cheese, the tortilla, pimentos del padrón and more, it’ll be hard to pick just a few of the dishes!

La Stella Nera

Type of food: Italian

Price: $$$

Address & Schedule:

Leykestraße 18

Tuesday — Friday, 5 PM to 11 PM

Saturday — Sunday, 1 PM to 11 PM

No, vegan pizza doesn’t have to be a sad pie with vegetables and no cheese. Don’t believe us? Well, one visit to La Stella Nera and you’ll see that vegan pizza can be just as delicious and exciting as the regular stuff. If all you’ve been craving since you went vegan is a nice slice of pizza with chewy cheese and unique toppings like vegan sausage and smoked chili tofu, then La Stella Nera has to be a must-visit on your list of vegan restaurants in Berlin.

1990 Vegan Living

Type of food: Vietnamese

Price: $$

Address & Schedule:

Monday — Saturday, 12 PM to 10:30 PM

Sunday, 1 PM to 10:30 PM

1990 Vegan Living opened its doors just one year after the tumbling down of the Berlin Wall, so if you’re looking for an old-school vegan restaurant, this is the one to visit. It combines vegan cuisine with a traditional Vietnamese familiar atmosphere in one single restaurant — and you’ll realize that as soon as you sit down at the table. Perfect for sharing, the dishes you pick come in small bowls, all on one big tray, and will make you drool the second you lay eyes on it.

DISCOVER MORE AMAZING DESTINATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Honorable Mentions:

Hotel Almodovar

How many times have you stayed at a hotel where you couldn’t eat anything but fruit for breakfast and some veggies for dinner? Well, that is definitely not the case here.

At Hotel Almodovar, all the food is organic and either vegetarian or vegan. There’s a spa on the rooftop of the hotel and every room has a yoga mat so you can start your days off with a relaxing yoga session. Plus, the hotel is located in the trendy Friedrichshain district, with the S-Bhan only 10 minutes away!

Veganz

Every vegan has daydreamed about going to a supermarket where everything is vegan and the options are simply endless. And that’s exactly what you’ll find when you step foot into Veganz, the first 100% vegan supermarket in Europe.

Dairy, meat and fish alternatives, hygienic products, makeup, and cleaning products: you’ll find everything you’d need for a sustainable trip! And, if you want to treat yourself to some cruelty-free shoes, just head up the stairs and check out Avesu.

CHECK OUT MORE OF OUR FAVORITE DESTINATIONS IN GERMANY

If you’re on the hunt for a vegan paradise, Berlin is one of the best destinations you could choose. You’ll find anything you might need, from restaurant options to groceries and clothing items. And if you’re traveling with non-vegans, you’ll be fine as well: most restaurants have at least one or two vegan options on their menus.

Lacking up-to-date, accurate information about vegan travel? No stress — we’ve got everything covered: personalized planning, booking, and on the ground support. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE

CAROLINA MATEUSMARCH 4, 2020

Vegan Restaurants in Berlin: Our Top 5 & More was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Going on trips with your partner is so worth it, but — take it from us — it isn’t always easy. There’s the pre-trip stress, the during-trip expectations, and the post-trip comedown. That’s hard on a relationship, no doubt!

Luckily, Jubel is here to help you and your partner experience the ultimate romantic getaway — without any of the stress, concern, or let down, so you can just focus on each other and your relationship. That’s exactly what we did for Katherine Shaum and her husband Chris, who we sent to Belize in Central America for an unforgettable couple’s vacay.

INTERESTED IN TRAVELING WITH YOUR PARTNER BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? WE CAN HELP!

We Know You Both Are Busy — So Let Us Take Care of the Pre-Trip Planning For Your Lover’s Getaway

Katherine and Chris are both busy professionals. They didn’t have the time to devote to the minute details of trip planning. That’s where Jubel came in. Our team of travel experts perfectly planned the trip, so Katherine and Chris could lead their lives without being crushed under the weight of pre-trip stress.

For Katherine, this really worked. As she says, “Even before the trip started, I was more relaxed heading into my vacation just knowing that I didn’t have to worry about any of the details and could just sit back, relax, and enjoy.”

Why was she so relaxed? In her words: “I knew that Jubel was going to find us a location that had beaches, scuba diving, and good restaurants because that’s what we asked for!” With Jubel, throw trip planning worries out the window and let us take care of all of your needs.

ABOUT TO HEAD ON A ROMANTIC GETAWAY? HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH YOUR PARTNER

Our Travel Experts Cater to Both of Your Needs for the Ultimate Romantic Vacation

Jubel totally plans the trip around both you and your partner’s needs. Katherine says, “Jubel absolutely catered to everything my husband and I were looking for. When I filled out the questionnaire to start the whole process, I wanted scuba diving opportunities and a chance to relax on the beach.”

We gave Katherine exactly that. Plus, we threw in other things both members of the couple wanted — an off-the-beaten path boutique hotel replete with its own private beach, bar, and restaurant.

With Jubel, you don’t have to pick — you can truly have it all. Indeed, as Katherine says, “One of my favorite things about our Jubel vacation (other than not planning anything…) was how it felt completely customized to exactly what we wanted for our trip.”

HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS FOR ALL COUPLES’ TRAVEL STYLES

With Jubel, Your Getaway Will Combine Romance, Adventure, and Relaxation — All In One

This customization meant that Katherine could combine all of her desires into one jam-packed trip. According to Katherine, “While I’m sure I could have found a decent hotel near a scuba diving site, I don’t think I would have been able to find the romantic boutique hotel across the island AND identify the best options for scuba diving guides AND find the best local restaurant and bars.”

Katherine and Chris absolutely loved all of the activities they got to do: “My husband and I loved our scuba diving experience! Jubel helped us find the best scuba diving guide on the island, and they were fantastic! It was our first time scuba diving in the ocean, and the amazing reefs, sharks and other sea life we found near Caye Caulker will probably ruin us for all future scuba diving- unforgettable! We also loved our kayak trip around the island in crystal kayaks- worth repeating if anyone goes there!”

With Jubel, Katherine and Chris could get off-the-beaten-path, enjoy scuba diving adventures, and still have a romantic and cozy couple’s getaway in Caye Caulker.

CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ALL THE TRIPS COUPLES SHOULD TAKE BEFORE GETTING ENGAGED

Jubel Allows You To Focus on Spending Time With One Another Rather Than On Logistical Stress

Every single Jubel trip comes with our Jubel Atlas, which includes not only country-specific best practices, but also amazing recommendations for restaurants, activities, and more, so you can hand-pick your trip without the stress.

This means less time fighting over the planning, and more time devoted to one another. As Katherine writes, “The fact that they included so many recommendations in the Atlas for activities, restaurants (or even schedule a romantic massage for you ahead of time), you really have the opportunity to enjoy being with your loved one, experiencing a new location rather than constantly trying to figure out what’s next on the itinerary.”

For Katherine and Chris, “Jubel is absolutely the way to go to optimize your accommodations and your time together.”

Plus, with Jubel, you don’t have fights about the budget. As Katherine says, “From the very start, I knew Jubel was going to be able to find a place that was going to allow us to do the activities we wanted, while staying within our budget without slumming it. Just knowing that we weren’t going to blow the budget to have a nice trip relieved stress.” So say bye-bye to budget angst with Jubel!

PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT OUR TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP

Katherine, after returning from their unforgettable trip to Caye Caulker, says that, “I definitely plan to work with Jubel again in the future! They have always done a great job of finding locations and activities that I never would have found on my own.”

So, if you want to set off on a dream trip with your partner but don’t know where to start, let us help! Our in-the-know Travel Experts have got everything covered and will find the best flights, accommodation, activities, and things to do there. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

How Jubel Provided One Couple the Ultimate Romantic Getaway was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

You are ready to soak up the rays of adventure, sample different foods far and wide, and get off-the-beaten-path just a little, but don’t know where to start. Never fear — Jubel’s got all you newbie adventurers covered if you want a stress-free trip that you’ll remember forever.

And that’s just what we did for Katelyn Cook and four of her best friends, excited but novice travelers looking to see the world in a low-stress but high-fun way. We sent Katelyn and her squad to Western Europe to experience all that Spain had to offer, and (spoiler alert) she had the time of her life.

Keep on reading to find out how Jubel supports any and all of those who are new to traveling!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY JUBEL COULD BE PERFECT FOR YOU

Jubel Gives You an Anxiety-Free Planning Experience

For Katelyn, an easy planning experience was crucial. As she says, “When trying to originally plan the trip on my own I had this certain vision of the way I wanted to travel and what this vacation would be like. Ms. Korinth took everything that we talked about and made it extremely stress free.”

Indeed, Katelyn told our travel experts what she wanted, and they took care of the rest. Now, Katelyn says, “When I recommend Jubel to my friends and family I tell them that if they want a trip where they can stay within their budget and not stress about the planning part then Jubel is for them.”

In Katelyn’s own words, “Jubel is their ticket to an amazing dream trip.”

TRAVELING ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME? CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH CULTURE SHOCK

Our Expert Travel Advisors Make Sure You Are Safe and Comfortable on this Easy Vacation

Katelyn didn’t want to stress about logistics on her vacation of a lifetime, so we took care of that for her.

Katelyn says, “There were car arrangements to pick us up and take us to the airport and our sleeping accommodations were so perfectly arranged in the middle of every city making everyday touring so easy.”

This gave Katelyn the chance to really explore each and every city she was in. In Madrid, according to her, “we became frequent customers to one of the restaurants below our apartment and we became good friends with one of the waiters, who we loved to get to know more.”

These sort of serendipitous interactions wouldn’t have been possible without a stress-free environment, and for that, Katelyn is very grateful.

TRYING TO STAY IN YOUR LINGUISTIC COMFORT ZONE THIS TRIP? READ ABOUT OUR FAVORITE ENGLISH-SPEAKING DESTINATIONS!

With Jubel, You Can Hit All the Sights You Want Without Worry!

Jubel does all the research in advance for you, so you can just travel care-free. Our Jubel Atlases contain all the research you need to go out and explore, so you don’t have to worry about things like finding the best spots, as well as knowing all the tips and tricks.

Our Jubel atlases contain information for each country, including on safety, currency, and public transportation, as well as vetted recommendations on where to eat, drink, and explore.

This made Katelyn’s trip easy and worry-free. “I chose to book through Jubel because I was so uncertain on how to go about everything and I love getting an expert’s opinion, and Ms. Korinth was the best of the best. Our trip was beyond my expectations; it was amazing,” Katelyn writes.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ALL ABOUT OUR FAVORITE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH SPOTS IN SPAIN, CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE

Jubel Provides In-Country Support Throughout the Trip for Stress-Free Travel

Katelyn’s not alone when she felt that when she was that “traveling to a country that we were not familiar with was definitely scary.” Luckily, our team of expert advisors kept her feeling safe. “We were easily able to contact Ms. Korinth at any time with questions or concerns.”

Plus, if on the off-chance something goes wrong along the way, Jubel provides top-quality support 7-days a week to make sure you and your travel partners are safe and taken care of.

For Katelyn, the trip just seemed too good to be true. In Katelyn’s words, “Our advisor, Ms. Korinth, took everything I was looking for in a dream trip and made it come true. For so long, I kept telling myself that I would travel to different countries and another year would pass by without accomplishing my dreams.”

For Katelyn, “Jubel made my dreams come true which is so special to me because without Jubel I don’t know if I would’ve gone on my trip.”

So if you are ready to go on your first adventure, but don’t know quite where to start, why not let Jubel take the reins?

Need a boost with the logistics of planning a trip on your own? We’ve got your back — taking care of the personalized planning, booking, and support. Easily get started here to make it happen!

LEARN MORE HERE

Stress-Free Travel with Jubel for the Newbie Adventurer was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

You are an expert travel planner, have circumnavigated the globe, and have a bucket list longer than the Gutenberg Bible. So you may be thinking, why do you need Jubel to plan a trip for you?

Well, you might want to take a second look. As our former client and adventure traveler Robyn Carley says, her trip to Czechia, Austria, and Slovenia with Jubel was “one of the best things I’ve ever done!”

Why did Robyn enjoy her trip with Jubel so much? Jubel gets you beyond the bucket list, saves you money and time, and gets you on unique travel experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Keep on reading to hear about Robyn’s travel adventure, and learn why even the foremost armchair travel experts love planning trips through Jubel.

Jubel Goes Beyond Your Stock-Standard Bucket List and Gets You on Adventures You’ve Never Even Dreamed of

Robyn is no newbie to travel planning. In her words, she is an “epic travel planner,” and “has one hell of a bucket list for [her] travel adventures.” Despite this, in Robyn’s words, “Jubel managed to send me to places that not only would I have never even thought to visit, but that I had never even heard of.”

Indeed, as Robyn admits sheepishly, before this trip, “I probably couldn’t have placed Slovenia on a map…and definitely had no plans to go there, and now I absolutely can’t wait to go back.”

By going with Jubel, Robyn was able to skip the run-of-the-mill Euro-trip, and go to places she “never would have come up with on [her] own.” According to Robyn, “getting out of the major cities and tourist destinations allows you to really feel the adventure of travel again.”

So why not skip the tourist traps and go on a real adventure with Jubel?

READ MORE ABOUT WHY OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH TRAVEL IS SO REWARDING

Our Travel Experts Allow You to Skip the Planning Stage and Go Straight to the Unique Adventure Travel Experience

Robyn freely admits she is a great trip planner, writing, with or without Jubel, “I would’ve had a good experience either way.” But there is something incredibly special — and time frugal — about going with Jubel. When Robyn plans trips, she says, “I go down serious rabbit holes. I decide I want to go to a country for a 3 week vacation and I spend the next 6 months going through every guide book and figuring out every last thing there is to do and how to make it all happen in the given time frame.”

What Jubel’s adventures allowed Robyn to do was to get out of her comfort zone. “I never knew where I was going tomorrow so I couldn’t plan to death and research every restaurant in town to see where best to have dinner.”

Instead, Jubel’s travel experts booked her at a “super cool hotel with…a killer spa with lots of different saunas.” Robyn took herself down to the sauna to “relax and embraced the nakedness that you don’t encounter here in the US and then went to dinner where my waiter (who would be my waiter for all my meals for 2 days) was so cute about me being alone on my birthday and gave me free wine.”

The next day, Robyn “went up to the Stuberkogelbahn and hiked my little butt all over that mountain overlooking the beautiful valley and Austrian alps.” It was so stunning she “can’t even explain.”

Coupled with ziplining, paragliding, and biking all over the city, Robyn had a truly unique travel experience that let her head straight to adventuring without getting caught up in any of the rabbit holes she often falls into while planning.

READY FOR AN EXCITING NATURE ADVENTURE? CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES FOR THE THRILL SEEKER!

Jubel Tailors the Trip Perfectly to Your Wants and Needs

Robyn is a girl who knows what she wants — and our expert travel advisors at Jubel were able to give her exactly that. As Robyn says, “From our very first interaction, I trusted [Jubel’s travel expert] Lea and knew that she had tried hard to understand me and my trip aspirations.”

Jubel understood that Robyn “didn’t want to spend 2 weeks in major cities, or laying on a beach drinking cocktails.” Instead, Robyn wanted to “get out and do things,” especially outdoor activities. “They were able to understand that I wanted a little bit of everything and made it happen.”

Through the whole planning process, according to Robyn, Lea “made me comfortable and I never worried about whether I was going to enjoy myself. The during-trip contact was unexpected and awesome. We were messaging about where to go and things to do; it was like having a friend to share my trip with along the way. She even gave me a spa treatment in Vienna for my birthday!”

Robyn is adamant: “The support and travel inspiration are worth it.” Now, Robyn wants to hire Jubel “for all my vacations from now on just to make sure I see amazing places I’ve never heard of or seen on Instagram. I honestly can’t wait for [Lea] to plan my next surprise trip.”

TRAVELING ALONE AS A WOMAN? CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOLO TRAVEL

This Unique Travel Experience is Guaranteed to Be One for the Books!

The trip and its activities, according to Robyn, “surpassed my expectations by so much I literally can’t explain it.” From paragliding to riding a gondola to the top of mountains to spa days, Jubel’s experiential adventures allowed Robyn to get off-the-beaten-path and explore Eastern and Central Europe in a robust way!

Indeed, for Robyn, the trip was more than just a vacation: “It restored my solo spirit by reminding me I can handle myself anywhere and don’t need a travel companion even when in more difficult locations.”

She continues, “you can make your own adventures anywhere, but with the surprise trips, the adventure is the whole thing.” In her own words, “It was everything I had hoped for and more!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY EXPERIENTIAL ADVENTURES ARE *THE* FUTURE OF TRAVELING

Looking to embark on real experiential travel? We’ve got you covered. Jubel crafts you a fully personalized, unique travel experience matching your style, your budget — anywhere. Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

JULIA FINE FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Experiencing Adventure Travel with Jubel as a Solo Traveler was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Leave the stress of wedding planning behind and say hello to happily-ever-after by embarking on an unforgettable honeymoon with your new spouse. Relax, rejuvenate, and take advantage of every moment during your trip — and before you go, check out 6 ways to practice mindfulness on your honeymoon.

Mindfulness is the act of living in the here and now, being completely aware of the present moment. Use our tips below to experience the trip of a lifetime!

CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNING GUIDE

Discover Ways to Practice Mindfulness on Vacation:

1. Pack light

You can start practicing mindfulness before your honeymoon even begins by embracing minimalism as you pack. Reducing clutter in your suitcase will ease anxiety during your trip by cutting down on decision fatigue. Plan out your outfits ahead of time and only pack what you absolutely need. Stay organized by placing individual outfits in Ziploc bags and labeling them inside of your suitcase. Island and coastal destinations are especially easy to pack light for. Read our list of best Caribbean destinations.

2. Unplug

It’s time to stop scrolling and start living your newlywed life. Your honeymoon is the perfect time to put the addictive screen away and embrace simple moments with your partner. One great way to unplug is to book a honeymoon retreat rather than a traditional honeymoon. Your retreat doesn’t have to last the whole trip, either: consider booking a yoga retreat for the first 3–5 days of your trip, and then enjoy the rest of your vacation in a more mindful and relaxed state.

3. Reconnect with nature

Choose a honeymoon destination that allows you to get out and enjoy nature. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for the fresh perspective. A recent study revealed how experiencing nature can positively impact us by calming our nervous system down. Getting outside with a loved one can also increase trust, cooperation, and closeness — meaning it’s the perfect activity for your honeymoon!

There are tons of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, such as hiking, snorkeling, biking, and more. If there’s water nearby, we also recommend a romantic sunset cruise.

4. Meditate

Spend time each morning connecting with the present moment through meditation. This activity connects your mind to your breath and it can take as little as 10 minutes. Meditation is a powerful mindful activity — one recent study found that it improved anxiety levels 60% of the time.

Consider booking classes to get a local meditation experience. Discover the top spiritual destinations here. You can also download an app that will help guide you through the practice. Yoga is a great way to combine meditation with physical exercise, so consider booking a class with your partner to connect your mind and body to your breath. Reading is another great way to meditate your mind. See our list of what to read on vacation.

5. Learn something new, together

Take time on your honeymoon to expand your perspective and learn something new. Trying out new activities with your partner has been linked to increased passion and relationship quality.

It’s also a great way to experience the local culture of your destination. Taking a cooking class lets you learn a new recipe while trying out local cuisine, whereas dance classes will connect you to the destination’s rhythm. Other activities to try include history tours, sailing lessons, and more.

6. Journal

End each night of your honeymoon by writing down memories, so you never forget this trip of a lifetime. Jotting down memories while they’re still fresh will let you remember key details and small moments forever. Practicing gratitude in your journaling will help you appreciate the time with your spouse even more and it can also transform your life.

Looking to plan your honeymoon, but need some help putting together all the moving pieces? Avoid the headache — let Jubel customize your trip and take the stress out of planning! Easily get started here.

LEARN MORE HERE

6 Ways to Practice Mindfulness While on Your Honeymoon was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Family trips are some of the best ways to get closer as a unit and explore the world together, but they are by no means easy to plan.

Kim Goldthwaite, mom of two kids, knows that planning family vacations can be a time suck. That’s why she went with Jubel for her recent Western Europe trip to Portugal.

This decision saved Kim and her family a ton of time, money, and stress. Keep reading to hear her take on family trips with Jubel and bonding together.

READY TO LEARN MORE? CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNING GUIDE

Jubel Tailors the Trip to the Whole Family

We know. Planning a trip for multiple ages can be exhausting, with all the different activity preferences, appetites, and more. With Jubel, we take away that headache and plan a trip for the whole family.

As Kim writes, travel expert “Lea recommended restaurants and excursions that would be fun for all of us.” According to Kim, “My daughters loved Lisbon” and all the exciting activities that filled their days there, including a tuk tuk tour, sampling food in a pastry shop, sight-seeing, and a “wonderful lunch in this magical place,” all hand-picked by our Travel Advisor Lea to be fun for the whole family!

WE LOVE THE FAMILY ROAD TRIP — LEARN WHY HERE!

The Experts at Jubel Will Keep Your Family Safe

When traveling with family, safety is a number one priority. Kim writes of her trip, “We felt very safe in Portugal. We were able to explore both Lisbon and Cascais without concern for our safety.”

This is no accident — as Kim writes, “Lea is an expert in her field and I am new to traveling so she is a perfect match for our family. I like that she picks places where we are able to be out and about safely exploring the country.”

A Trip with Jubel Will Get You Out of the Hotel and into Exploration

But safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of exploration. According to Kim, “This was the first vacation I’ve been on where every day was different and I was never bored.”

And how could you be, between exploring Pena Palace and the Moorish castle to hiking to Boca de Inferno and adventuring everywhere in between.

Plus, the family loved staying in an apartment in Cascais rather than an all-inclusive resort or even a hotel. The local feel of the accommodations really allowed them to, in Kim’s words, “get a feel for the country and people.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY YOU SHOULD DITCH THE RESORT AND GO ON A REAL ADVENTURE WITH YOUR FAMILY!

This Family Vacation is Guaranteed to be Amazing Bonding Time

With this much excitement and (safe) adventure, it was hard for the family not to feel close. The trip, according to Kim, allowed the family to “have fun and get out of our daily routine. We enjoyed spending time together and had many laughs along the way.”

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Kim and her family loved their trip so much that they are already planning not one, but TWO more trips with Jubel for the upcoming year.

According to Kim, the excitement of her trip coupled with safety, age-appropriateness, and its off-the-beaten-path nature made her family want to come back for more.

Want to set off on an unforgettable trip with your family but don’t know where to start? Our in-the-know Travel Experts have got everything covered and will find you the best flights, accommodation, activities and things to do there. Submit a travel survey now to get started.

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Why This Client Thinks Jubel Must Be Your Next Family Vacation was originally published in Jubel.co on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.