Private Homes - A Great Hotel Alternative

We have long been proponents of hotel alternatives, such as renting a vacation condo or staying at a bed & breakfast.   So we were delighted to see the rise of online services that link travelers with private homes, whose owners rent out their apartments or houses on a nightly basis.  Staying in a private home is the ultimate way to have an insider's view of the place you are visiting.  And it can often provide a much more affordable option to pricey hotels.

Check out these web sites to learn more:

• AirBnB
• istopover
• 9Flats
• Roomorama
• Wimdu

11 Insider Travel Tips for Summer 2011

1. Pack light - whether you are flying and will likely be charged for your luggage or you are driving and can save expensive gas if your car isn't too loaded down, you'll save money this summer if you pack as little as possible.
2. Travel safely - there are lots of things you can do to make sure you and your travel companions stay safe and healthy this summer.
3. Stay within your budget by following The Insider Travel Guides 25 money-saving travel tips.
4. Be spontaneous, remembering that the best reasons to travel are to try something new, to expand your horizons, and to explore the unknown.
5. Take lots of vacation photos - they are one of the best souvenirs you'll ever find!
6. Consider a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks - there are all kinds to choose from, including a few in New York City.
7. Save gas - not only will you be "going green" but you'll also save some green.
8. Choose your hotel room with care by following our special guide.
9. Know it's never too late - you can always follow our last minute travel ideas and enjoy a great trip, even without lots of advance planning.
10. Vacation-proof your home before you leave town.
11. Be happy - research shows that experiences offer us more long-term joy than possessions, so really enjoy your vacation!

Insider Tips for Packing Carry-on Essentials

At The Insider Travel Guides, we are big fans of the carry-on, less so of checked baggage.  But even we admit that sometimes there is no alternative to checking your luggage, especially if your trip takes you from home for a great deal of time, or if you have other circumstances (e.g. traveling with little children, or surfing or skiing) that requires lots of stuff.  In these cases, the temptation is to put everything in the bags you are going to check, so that you can breeze through the airport free and easy without anything to lug around or submit to TSA scrutiny.  We recommend, though, that you always keep some essentials with you in a carry-on.  Here are some things to consider:

En Route
The possibilities for delays and cancelled flights are greater than ever, so make sure you have what you need to stay comfortable and entertained, such as:

• reading materials (remembering that for some portion of the flight, you can't use some electronic items, so you'll need a non-electronic substitute)
• a sweater, fleece or shawl to ward off the cold on the plane (blankets are not always provided by the airlines for free anymore, and when they are, they aren't necessarily freshly laundered)
• warm socks to keep your toes toasty (assuming that you like to slip out of your shoes in flight, as we do)
• healthy snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
• toiletry items that will ensure you feel your best -- we like to brush our teeth and wash our face with a towelette just before de-planing
• a mini first aid kit with Kleenex, band-aids, antibiotic cream, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, antihistamines, and a bottle of baby aspirin -- its clot-busting effect can save your (or someone else's) life in the event of a heart attack

At Your Destination
Let's face it: it is hardly unusual for airlines to temporarily lose luggage, even though they now charge you to transport it.  So at the absolute minimum, you should carry all prescription medication with you, plus a full change of clothes.  We also like to carry our toiletry bag with us -- we know, we know, packing shampoo and such in those little 3 oz bottles and putting it all in a plastic bag is a hassle -- but having to spend time on our vacation tracking down the items we need is an even bigger hassle.  We hope it almost goes without saying that anything of real value, whether it is your laptop, fine jewelry, or important business documents, should always stay with you.

Things to Pack When Traveling With Young Children

Traveling with young children isn't easy.  And deciding what to take with you on vacation isn't easy, either.  The truth is that traveling with little kids takes patience, humor -- and lots of stuff.  Here are the basics:

1. If your kids are in diapers, take plenty with you; many more, in fact, than you think you'll possibly need.  This is especially true if you will be flying: if your flight is delayed for hours and hours, you don't want to be caught without a way to change a screaming baby.  If you know for sure that you can buy diapers at your destination, that's fine, but be sure to have plenty for the journey itself, remembering that travel can wreak havoc on children's digestive systems.
2. If your child still drinks from a bottle, bring plenty of those with you, too, for similar reasons, along with breast milk (one of the few liquids allowed in any quantity through security screening) or formula mix you can make with bottled water.
3. Plenty of kid-friendly snacks are also a necessity.  Consider your choices carefully - for example, we learned the hard way that while blueberries are a nice healthy snack, the fact that they leave permanent stains made them a poor choice for a long car trip with our toddler (chocolate pudding wasn't such a great option, either). 
4. Have a bag full of tricks including plenty of small toys, games, books and coloring materials. We like to bring a couple of new things to increase our kids' interest, remembering that we don't always have to buy something -- checking out new titles from the library works, too. If you have a mp3 player, load it with music your young one enjoys, and if you have a portable DVD player, then by all means, bring it (along with headphones -- we think it goes without saying that anything that might distract your fellow passengers shouldn't make it on the plane and if you are in a car, you'll appreciate the quiet).
5. No matter how you are travelling, it is a good idea to bring a small blanket.  Remember that the cabin air gets quite cold on long flights and even if you are lucky enough to snack an airline-supplied blanket, there is no guarantee it was recently laundered.  And in hotels or even at grandma's a reminder of home at night is always welcome.
6. Always bring at least one change of clothes for you and for your child, even if your trip is short.  Accidents happen, kids often suffer from motion-sickness -- and you'll feel better if everyone affected can put on something fresh.
7. Bring a handful of zip-lock bags.  There is no end to the uses for these - dispose of dirty diapers, use them as air-sickness bags, store leftovers, etc., etc.
8. Carry a first aid kit with you everywhere. It should include items such as antibiotic ointment, band aids, and children's Tylenol.
9. Even if your kids are out of diapers, bring wipes.  They are indispensable for cleaning up all kinds of messes everywhere, anytime.  Bring a bottle of purell, too, for when soap and water aren't available, but don't forget the wipes!

Plan your luggage carefully. If you are flying, think carefully about what goes into carry-ons and what can be checked.  If you are driving, pack the car so that the items you'll need first remain on top.  To help lighten your own load, remember that if your child can walk, he can carry a small backpack or pull a small wheeled back. If you pack his "must have" toys in his own bag, he'll have an incentive to take care of it.For more insider tips and tricks to make your trip easier, see our comprehensive posting on Traveling With Children.

We always recommend taking a small, foldable stroller, even for pre-schoolers who don't often need it.  After a long day at the theme park, or in a busy museum, you'll be glad not to be carrying your child as he/she nods off to sleep.  At the airport, keep your stroller with you as long as you can. You can gate-check it just before you board the plane, but having it with you as long as possible makes it easier for your little one to travel through the airport and provides a safe, clean place to sit (or sleep!) while you wait for your plane.

Insider Tips for Packing for a Long Car Trip

If your summer vacation involves a long car trip, take a little time in advance to make sure you are prepared for emergencies.  Here are the essentials:

• cell phone
• GPS
• first aid kit
• flash light
• auto fire extinguisher
• duct tape
• bungee cords
• flares
• flat-tire repair kit
• jumper cables
• disposable camera (handy for photographing damage in the event of an accident)

Insider Tips for Packing for a Boston Vacation

Planning a vacation to Boston this summer?  Here are some things to think about when you start your packing:

• The Boston area has some great beaches, so be sure to bring your bathing suit plus plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Boston's historical attractions, like the Freedom Trail, require lots of walking, often over uneven surfaces.  So be sure to pack comfortable shoes.
• There are parts of Boston that maintain an air of formality, so if you'll be shopping on Newbury Street or attending some of Boston's best restaurants for dinner, you'll want to bring some dressier clothes.
• Whale watching has become a popular summer activity.  If you'll be going out on one of these boats, bring sea worthy shoes and some sort of jacket (a windbreaker or fleece would work).

Need more packing tips and tricks?  Check out our summer vacation packing guide to be sure you're bringing all the right essentials.

Insider Tips for Packing for a Bermuda Vacation

While many folks view Bermuda as a great destination for spring break -- it is, after all, just a 2 hour flight from major East Coast cities like Boston, New York and Philadelphia -- a trip to Bermuda also makes a great summer vacation.  There are plenty of ocean breezes to keep temps from getting too overheated, and Bermuda's pink sand beaches are the perfect place for rest and relaxation.

What should you bring to Bermuda to make the most of your vacation?  Here is a list of essentials:

• Bathing suits.  You'll definitely want to spend lots of time at the beach, so bring at least two suits, so you never have that uncomfortable feeling of putting on a wet bathing suit.
• Beach cover-up.  Bermuda is still a fairly formal place, so you'll need something to wear over your suit when you head in for lunch -- most places require more than a sarong.
• Sunscreen.  While Bermuda isn't as close to the equator as some other beach destinations, you can still get a serious summer burn.  So bring plenty of high SPF sunscreen, and apply it liberally, often.
• Sunglasses.  Get that glam look while you protect your peepers.
• Golf clubs.  Bermuda is a golf lover's paradise, with more courses per square mile than any other place on earth.  If you are planning to play multiple rounds, it definitely pays to bring your clubs rather than renting them each time you go out.  But if you are just playing once, you'll want to do the math -- factoring in the cost of bringing over-sized luggage on the plane vs club rental.
• Bermuda shorts.  Yup, people really wear them here -- and you should, too!
• Evening clothes.  Some restaurants require that you dress for dinner, with jackets required for men, and appropriate attire for the ladies.  So if you plan to take advantage of Bermuda's better restaurants, plan to bring something dressy.

Want more tips and tricks for packing for a Bermuda vacation?  Check out our general packing guide as well as our guide to packing for a beach vacation.

Insider Tips for Packing for a San Francisco Vacation

Most of us have heard Mark Twain's quip that "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."  But here's the thing: if you are planning a summer vacation in San Francisco, you need to be prepared for both warmer and cooler weather -- not only does the climate vary according to exactly where you are in the area (for example, the city proper tends to be cooler; the hills in Marin county tend to be warmer), but temperatures fluctuate throughout the day -- often as much as 20 degrees (yup, when the famous fog rolls in, you can really feel a chill).  So the best thing to do is to pack layers of clothing, so you'll be ready to put on and take off a sweater, fleece or sweatshirt as needed.

It rarely gets really hot in the city (although it may in Sausalito or Sonoma), so if you are really only visiting city sights, you should plan to wear long pants and short sleeved shirts (with that extra layer always handy), rather than shorts and tank tops.

San Francisco is a walking town with plenty of hills and some still-cobbled streets, so we  recommend that you bring comfortable shoes to wear.  Note that there are lots of really great hiking trails in the area, so if that interests you, real hiking footwear would be appropriate, too.

The winter is generally much rainier than the summer, but we recommend bringing umbrellas in all seasons.

While casual clothes are almost always appropriate during the day, note that people often still dress for dinner, and you may want to do likewise.

While the San Francisco-area ocean is lovely, the water is downright freezing -- so you can leave that bathing suit at home, unless you plan to swim in your hotel pool.

Don't believe us?  Read review after review that speaks about packing layers to visit San Francisco at VirtualTourist.

Insider Tips for Packing for a Philadelphia Vacation

Planning a trip to Philadelphia this summer?  Here is a list of "must haves" that will help you with your packing:

• Comfortable shoes.  Seeing the historic sites in Philadelphia requires a fair amount of walking and standing in line, so you'll want shoes that keep your tootsies happy for hours on end.
• Sunglasses and hat.  No you want necessarily be at the beach, but since you may be outdoors a fair amount, you'll be more comfortable if you can avoid the sun's glare.
• Sweater or long-sleeve shirt.  Although summer temperatures in Philly tend toward the 80s and 90s, you may want to cover up when you are in air-conditioned spaces like museums, restaurants and hotels.

Would you like more packing tips? We've recently posted some ideas that will help you pack for a summer vacation, including deciding what items you absolutely must include as part of your toiletry bag.  We have also posted some general packing tips and tricks that will help you no matter where your travels take you.

Insider Tips for Packing for a Hawaiian Vacation

Lucky enough to be planning a vacation to Hawaii this summer?  Here are some must-haves that will ensure you arrive with everything you need:

• Beach wear.  Even if you are planning lots of other activities, you'll want to spend at least a little time on the beach, so make sure you have at least one bathing suit (2 if you want to rotate them, making sure you never have to step into a wet one), plus appropriate footwear and a cover-up.
• Binoculars. Perfect for viewing the scenery. You will agree with this suggestion if you spot a whale and want to have a closer look.
• Canvas bag to use as your beach tote -- it can double as your carry-on or fold flat into your luggage.
• Cotton dress or tunic for women.  It can serve as a beach cover-up but still look presentable when you hit town for some shopping.
• Flashlight. You will need it in the tunnels if you hike up Diamond Head. You will also need it if you take a sunset volcano tour on the Big Island.
• Hiking boots and backpack.  Hawaii has some of the world's best hiking trails (we especially like the Awaawapuhi Trail and Waimea Canyon on Kauai).
• Large cotton scarf (72 x 30 inches is a good size) that will serve multiple purposes for most women: 1) use it as a blanket on the plane 2) as a blanket and sarong at the beach and 3) around your neck to dress up a plain top.
• Sunblock. Hawaii is closer to the equator than any part of the USA, Canada or Japan, so you can get a serious burn any time of the year. Don't say we didn't warn you.
• Sun hat.  We especially recommend one that folds flat -- a straw hat that must keep it's shape takes up too much space in your luggage.
• Umbrella and rain gear. Sadly, it DOES rain in Hawaii. In fact, certain parts of several of the islands technically are rain forests, so you will need an umbrella.
• Warm sweater, sweatshirt or a windbreaker.  Many of the great sights (such as the volcanoes and Mount Haleakala) are at high altitudes where the thin air is much cooler. Also, it can get cool in the evening even at sea level.  Incidentally, we like cardigans rather than structured jackets on vacation -- not only do they have a more casual vibe, but the knits are easier to pack.

Want more tips?  Check out our general guide to packing and our guide to packing for a beach vacation, plus our tricks for bringing the right make-up and toiletries.

Insider Tips for Packing for a Weekend in NYC

Got plans for a weekend in New York City this summer?  Here's a list of insider tips that will help make sure you have everything you need once you arrive:

• New Yorkers are a fashionable bunch, so you'll definitely want to pack clothes that will make you look your best.  That doesn't mean, however, that you have to have the latest styles -- just that you want to look sophisticated rather than sloppy.  So think white jeans with a fun top, rather than elastic waist pants and an oversized T; bring cute flats to walk around in rather than bulky sneakers; and that fanny pack?  Don't even consider it!
• Whether you are visiting museums, shopping, or sightseeing, you'll find yourself doing a lot of walking.  So be sure to bring comfortable shoes.  Sure you can pack a pair of killer heels, too, but keep them for evening (or like many New Yorkers, keep them in your bag and change into them when you reach your destination).
• Yup, New Yorkers wear lots of black -- and you can, too.  But keep in mind that New York City is hot in the summer, so if you are going for a dark color, be sure to make it in a light fabric, like linen or cotton.  And include at least a touch of color, texture, pattern and/or shine (perhaps in your accessories) to keep your look interesting.
• It isn't necessary to wear lots of make-up for that well-groomed look New Yorkers are known for.  In fact, we recommend you wear as little make-up as possible while you're in the Big Apple this summer -- not only will you have to pack less, but you are less likely to feel like you are melting in the hot, humid weather.  Here are our tips for packing make-up essentials.

Want more packing tips from frequent travelers who know what to bring and what to leave behind?  Check out our insider list of general packing tips and tricks.

Insider Tips for Packing Your Make-Up Bag

We generally have a policy of less-is-more when it comes to taking make-up on vacation, especially with ever-changing TSA policies for liquid and sprays and with the ever-increasing costs of flying with luggage.  But there are certain essentials that a girl can simply not do without!

That being said, the first thing we always do before packing for a trip is checking what we can leave behind.  It is worth a call to the hotel or a visit to the hotel's website to confirm if there will be a hairdryer, and if the brands of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. that might be automatically placed in your room will work for you.  Anytime you can lighten your load of these basics, it leaves more room in your bag for the fun stuff!

We also make sure we keep the smallest versions possible of all of our necessities, including our hairbrush and toothbrush.  Check out the travel section of your drugstore for mini-versions of what you need and for small bottles to transfer products that aren't available in travel sizes.

One thing we don't bring along are our make-up brushes.  Although we are big fans of using quality tools at home, we simply can't afford the space to bring them along.  So only make-up that can be applied with fingers, q-tips, and the occasional facial tissue will do.

Here is our list of essentials:

• Tinted moisturizer with sunscreen (we love that it is multi-purpose and allows us to skip foundation).
• Concealer (nothing like the stress of travel to bring out dark circles and blemishes!).
• Powder compact (not as messy to travel with as loose powder, but still covers shine in hot climates).
• Waterproof mascara.
• Moisturizing lipstick or lip gloss.

Want more packing tips?  Check out our special insider tips for packing for a summer vacation as well as our more general packing tips and tricks and our guide to packing your toiletry kit.

Travel Light; Look Terrific

This summer, with airlines charging baggage fees that are at an all time high, and with gas prices so steep that you want to lighten your load to use less fuel, it makes more sense than ever to try to travel light.  But packing less without sacrificing style can be a bit tricky.  So we've put together some insider tips that will help you travel light while still looking terrific.  Here they are:

• Pack a large cotton scarf (72 x 30 inches is a good size) that will serve multiple purposes: 1) use it as a blanket on the plane 2) as a blanket and sarong at the beach and 3) around your neck to dress up a plain top.
• Make sure all the shoes you bring can serve multiple purposes: embellished sandals go from beach to dinner; sneakers are for jogging and golf (so you can skip the cleats); low heels look sharp when you travel and are great on the dance floor.
• Bring a cotton dress or tunic that can serve as a beach cover-up but still look presentable when you hit town for some shopping.
• Use a canvas bag as your beach tote -- it can double as your carry-on or fold flat into your luggage.
• We like cardigans rather than structured jackets on vacation -- not only do they have a more casual vibe, but the knits are easier to pack.
• Look for a sunhat that folds flat -- a straw hat that must keep it's shape takes up too much space.
• Pack only a single purse -- one that has removable straps so you can use it as a clutch in the evening, but is still roomy enough for day is ideal.
• Don't forget to bring toiletries that do double-duty, too: petroleum jelly shines your lips and your legs; shampoo/conditioner in one means one less bottle.