1. Know when to go.
2. Go with a mission in mind.
3. Travel light.
4. Bring the best gear.
5. Stay at a national park lodge.
6. Check in with park rangers when you first arrive.
7. Go camping.
8. Download the best apps for your trip.
9. Leave the park better than you found it.

1. Take it Slow and Leave Plenty of Time.
2. Don’t Overpack.
3. Pre-Book Everything You Can.
4. Explain the Trip.
5. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks.
6. Pay Extra for Good Gear.
7. Ask for Child Discounts.
8. Accept Things Will Go Wrong.
9. Keep Track of Your Child.
10. Give Kids Your Contact Information.

1. Always pack a towel.
2. Buy a small backpack/suitcase.
3. Pack light.
4. But take extra socks.
5. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you.
6. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards.
7. Travel by yourself at least once.
8. Don’t be afraid to use a map.
9. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost.
10. Always visit the local tourism office.
11. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid.
12. When you go out, take only what you need.
13. Always carry a lock.
14. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents.
15. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there.
16. Never get behind families.
17. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites.

Solo travel is intensely personal. You can discover more about yourself at the same time you're discovering more about Europe. Traveling on your own is fun, challenging, vivid, and exhilarating. Realizing that you have what it takes to be your own guide is a thrill known only to solo travelers. Your trip is a gift from you to you.

1. Traveling Alone Without Feeling Lonely.
2. Meeting People.
3. Eating Out.
4. At Night.

1. Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
2. Don't bother with traveler's checks.
3. Avoid (or at least minimize) cash exchange.
4. Use local cash.
5. Use your credit card to get cash only in emergencies.
6. Don't stress over currency conversions.
7. Assume you'll be shortchanged.
8. Plan your cash withdrawals wisely.
9. Spend your coins before leaving a currency zone.

House swapping may seem like a far-out option — perhaps too much hassle or too risky to even be worth serious consideration — but many families who've tried it go on to enjoy this great budget option year after year. They trade houses (sometimes cars, too — but most draw the line at pets) with someone at the destination of their choice. People who've tried house swapping rave about the range of places they've enjoyed for free, and about the graciousness and generosity of their swap-mates.



Swapping works best for people with an appealing place to offer, and who can live with the idea of having strangers in their home, touching their stuff. Unsurprisingly, those living in swanky Manhattan apartments and beachside villas have the best pick of options in Europe, but you don't need to live in an obvious vacation spot or a mansion to find a workable exchange. Your guests may appreciate the pace of a smaller town (especially if you offer your car) and may be less interested in luxury or location than in finding a suitable place that's available when they are.

1. Skip Hop Pronto Signature Portable Changing Mat.
2. LÍLLÉbaby The COMPLETE Original SIX-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier.
3. Family Passport Holder - Vemingo RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet.
4. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Easy Go.
5. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.
6. Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle.
7. Pacifier Clip by Dodo Babies Pack of 4 + Pacifier Case.
8. Muslin Stroller Blanket 47x47 Starry Sky.
9. lebogner Insulated Car Seat Back Organizer + iPad and Tablet Holder.
10. Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys.
11. Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit.

1. WATERFLY Small Crossbody Sling Backpack.
2. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag.
3. Venture 4th Travel Neck Pouch.
4. TOPNICE Sling Crossbody Bag.
5. XD Design Bobby Original Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack.
6.Travelon Anti-theft LockDown Bag.
7. KOPACK Anti Theft Travel Backpack.
8. The Pacsafe Coversafe Secret Bra Pouch.
9. Hidden Money Belt.
10. PacSafe Stylsafe.
11. Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Heritage Small Cross Body Bag.
12. Naturalife Anti Theft Laptop Backpack Shockproof Travel Bag with TSA-Approved Luggage Lock.
13. XD Design Bobby Urban Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack.
14. Waterfly Fanny Pack Slim.

1. Blu Sky Basics Waterproof Pouch with Waist StrapBlu Sky Basics Waterproof Pouch with Waist Strap.
2. Camry 110lb Luggage Scale.
3. Nanan Quick Dry Hanging Bath Organizer.
4. Travel Navigator RFID Travel Passport & Document Organizer.
5. ECOCY 8 Pack Beach Towel Clips.
6. One in a Millionare Lanyards with ID Holder.
7. Baiji Bottle Collapsible SIlicone Water Bottles.
8. Protect Life 150 Piece First Aid Kit

1. Make a plan, but not a rigid one.
2. Don’t research your stops beforehand.
3. Find the “world’s largest” everything.
4. Bring a real, actual map and a really big Sharpie.
5. Pack light so there’s room to collect.
6. Buy a 30 rack for the trunk.
7. Carry cash for tolls.
8. Make up your own road games.
9. Limit phone calls to the outside world.
10. Bring a spare car key.