Travel Tips Hub
Tips from two grandpas who've been everywhere
Everything we've learned from traveling the world together — from packing light to staying safe, from budget hacks to finding LGBTQ+-welcoming destinations.
20+ tips across five categories
Curated from decades of travel — the things we wish we'd known before our first big trip.
Packing smart
5 tips.
1
Roll, don't fold — Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles, especially for dress shirts and slacks.
2
Carry-on only when possible — We travel for weeks with a single carry-on. It saves time, fees, and the heartbreak of lost luggage.
3
Pack a full outfit in your personal item — If your checked bag gets lost, you won't be stranded. Always have one change of clothes on you.
4
Use packing cubes — They're life-changing. Color-code by category: tops, bottoms, toiletries.
5
Leave room for what you'll bring home — Pack at 70% capacity on the way out. Souvenirs and market finds need space.
International travel
5 tips.
1
Get a no-fee international credit card — Cards like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture waive foreign transaction fees. It adds up fast.
2
Notify your bank before you leave — Skipping this step has stranded us more than once. A quick call saves a lot of stress.
3
Download offline maps — Google Maps lets you save entire cities offline. Use it. Airport Wi-Fi is not your friend.
4
Learn five phrases in every language — Hello, thank you, excuse me, where is the bathroom, and do you speak English? Locals appreciate the effort.
5
Always have local currency on arrival — ATMs at international airports are fine. Currency exchange kiosks are not. Know the difference.
Smart travel
4 tips
1
Travel insurance is non-negotiable — Medical evacuation alone can cost $100,000+. We never leave home without a policy that covers it.
2
Book direct flights when you can — Connections are where trips fall apart. The extra cost of a nonstop is worth every dollar.
3
Build in a rest day after long flights — We learned this one the hard way in Australia. Give your body 24 hours before doing anything ambitious.
4
Pack all medications in carry-on with documentation — Never check prescriptions. Carry a printed list of medications and dosages from your doctor.
Budget tips
4 tips
1
Travel shoulder season — The two weeks before and after peak season offer 30–50% lower prices with almost identical weather and far smaller crowds.
2
Eat where locals eat — Walk two blocks away from any tourist attraction and prices drop by half. Bonus: the food is always better.
3
Use points for flights, cash for hotels — Airline miles are most valuable on long-haul business class. Hotel points rarely beat a good cash rate.
4
Book accommodations with a kitchen — Even one meal a day cooked in saves hundreds on a two-week trip.
LGBTQ+ travel safety
4 tips
1
Research before you go — ILGA World publishes annual country-by-country LGBTQ+ legal status. Bookmark it. Know where you stand before you land.
2
Read the room, not just the law — A country may be technically legal but culturally hostile. Expat forums and LGBTQ+ travel blogs give you the real picture.
3
Know your hotel before you book — Look for explicit LGBTQ+ welcome language or check misterb&b, which vets every property. Assumptions cost comfort and sometimes safety.
4
Trust your instincts — 47 years together taught us when a room has shifted. You don't owe anyone a display of affection in a space that doesn't feel safe. Travel joyfully and travel smart.
Never miss a trip
Join our newsletter and get travel stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes adventures delivered straight to your inbox.