Set Your Travel Goals and Work on Achieving Them 
With another year in the bag and already a quarter of 2018 already gone, you tell yourself that this is the year you’re finally going to realize your travel plans. Whether they are part of your bucket list or a dream destination, you need to stop putting it off and get planning. As we’ve mentioned previously on Absolutely Amazing Travel, the best way to start is to set a goal, start saving, and provide shape to your plan. Once you start visualizing what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go, the pieces will fall into place.

Set a Destination Goal
It’s always difficult to pick just one place to see every year, especially when most people have limited vacation time, alongside work and family commitments.  Daring to Live Fully recommend choosing one place and making a solid commitment to visit that specific place. Think about which trip might be the least expensive right now if money is tight, or which destination is geographically closer. Perhaps you have a relative in a country you’ve been meaning to visit or a friend who can guide you around. When you start thinking about some of the things that may seem like obstacles, you’ll find that they really aren’t.

Book Time Off
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we forget to do the most obvious things. One of the priority tasks when planning your getaway is booking your vacation time at work.  Travel Savvy Gal explains that you should start blocking off travel time as early as possible in the new year. Many people keep putting it off, weeks end up turning into months, and they find that they’ve accomplished none of their goals. It’s never too early to start getting organized and marking your travel plans on your calendar.

Start Saving
While money is essential for your travel plans, as it can be exchanged for goods and services, some destinations may not be as expensive as you think they are. Early on get a general idea of what your trip might cost you; include flights, accommodations, transportation and food. One way to ensure you have enough is to start a dedicated savings account, according to this how-to by the Work Away Blog. This way you can make sure you’ve put away dedicated funds for your trip, without the temptation to spend it on something else.

More Bang for Your Buck
Now that you’ve set a goal, booked your time off and have money, what's next? How can you maximize that money and stretch it as far as possible? Always look for deals on flights and accommodations. When booking your flights online make sure you compare prices from different websites; sometimes identical flights will be cheaper on some sites compared to others. Accommodations are notorious for fetching wildly different nightly rates depending on the provider, so make sure you shop around.

Whether you’re fulfilling your bucket list or scheduling an annual trip, planning all the details can be a little daunting. So, whether you plan to do a cross-country trip, relax on a tropical beach or visit a new country, the time to plan is now. An article by Lottoland entitled ‘The Cost of Completing a Bucket List’ details how much you should be planning to save in order to visit ionic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India. Don’t let the cost put your off either; as we’ve already mentioned some destinations may be cheaper than you think. A flight to India might set you back $1,500 depending on the carrier, but once you get there, food, accommodation and transportation will cost you very little. So, stop making excuses and go plan your getaway. Why are you still here? Go now.

New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
 
Even when we have great intentions, it’s easy to overload our suitcases. We wind up dragging a lot of stuff around. There’s more to keep track of; it winds up being a lot of physical and mental clutter. And, of course, we wind up paying a ton of extra fees for the additional weight and luggage.
 
So, rather than viewing efficient packing as a practice in minimalism, I like to think of it as a challenge that helps you make the most of every vacation: you have what you need, you’re freed up to not have to lug around a bunch of extra weight, and you can put that saved money towards a special souvenir, a nice dinner out, or another cool experience.
 
So what are the secrets that seasoned travelers use to guarantee expert packing? Here are the top 6:
 

1. Remember the 80/20 Principle — that is, 20% of what you pack will be 80% of what you actually wear. If you’re like most people, you’ve already noticed this. You pack four pairs of shoes, but you really only wear one pair every day. You pack three sweaters and a shawl that you never use, because you wind up just wearing your favorite light jacket that goes with everything you own. 

2. Don’t pack for every possible situation. Pack for an average day. There’s no way you can cover every contingency. Look at the forecast, the average temps and weather for that time of year, and go with that. If there’s a freak week of rain in what’s normally a sunny season — unless you’re headed to an extremely remote area that sees few travelers, it’s very unlikely that you won’t be able to purchase a rain coat or an umbrella where you are. If there’s a cold snap, there’s probably also a store nearby with just the thing you need. 

3. It’s okay to wash. If you’re going to be gone for three weeks, pack enough clothes for one. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, almost every resort or town in the world has a Laundromat or laundry service. If you’re feeling like you want  break from daily tasks and routines and you’re really looking forward to the luxury of having other people pamper you, have your clothes laundered and folded for you. It’s still often cheaper than luggage fees!

4. For warmth, go with layers over bulk. Pick several thin layers with insulating, wicking fabrics — merino wool is a great one — over a big jacket. Heavier items like jackets and sweaters don’t offer the flexibility. They’re just hot, and when the sun comes out, then you have to cart around a huge coat. But a compact zip-up fleece can roll up easily into a bag or backpack in the afternoon and then come back out again for that sunset walk on the beach. 

5. Think: mix and match, simplified palette, and multi-function items. If three tops match three bottoms, you’ve got nine possible outfits. Add in a Swiss-Army-Knife travel item like the popular Chrysalis Cardi (link name to this ==> https://www.encircled.ca/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi), and you’ve got one item that converts into eight different things. As travel blogger Fred Perotta says: bring pieces, not outfits. 

6. If you’ve got to have something bulky and heavy -- wear it, don’t pack it. Hiking boots, down jacket, that awesome cable knit wool cardigan — these might very well have a great place on your trip, but they shouldn’t be in your suitcase. Wear them on the plane. You can easily pack several versatile layers for the space that one sweater would take up.

 

 

Photo via Pixabay by Free-Photos
 
Gift-giving is almost never an easy process; it’s sometimes hard to know what to buy for someone even if you know them well. Gift-giving on a budget is even harder, as it can be difficult to fit that perfect item into your post-holiday spending or to find the right present for under $50. The key is to think of things that will help the recipient be the best version of themselves they can be. What are their interests?
 
For the person who loves to spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to think first about their needs and then about what might add to their fun. For instance, do they enjoy camping? Do they often take long weekend trips with a camper, or are they more of a day-trip kind of person? Do they include their dog in the festivities? With just a few simple questions, you’ll be able to figure out gift ideas they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
 
Here are some tips on getting started.
 
Do they have a dog?
 
If your recipient has a dog they often spend time with outdoors, you can use that to your advantage. Camping and hiking with a pet can be a great time, but it can also be dangerous without the right equipment. Would a safety light for a dog collar, a warm pet hoodie, or a fire-proof pet bed be advantageous for your loved one? Safety and comfort are two of the biggest things on a pet owner’s mind when spending time outdoors, and combining them could be your best bet. Read on here for a few ideas on what to buy.
 
Find the right tools
 
Anyone who loves spending time outdoors probably enjoys having the right tools to make that time worthwhile; for hikers, it might be an eco-friendly refillable water bottle with a filter, while campers might enjoy a small camp stove like the one seen here. Think of the best ways to help your loved one make the most of their leisure time.
 
Get techy
 
Even people who love spending time in the great outdoors appreciate helpful technology, from a solar recharging kit to a bluetooth speaker that fits on the handlebars of a bike. It can be hard to fully disconnect these days, even on a camping trip, so think of some ways you can make a weekend in the woods a little easier and check out this article for ideas.
 
Think outside the box
 
Even if your recipient loves to be outside, you can find gifts that will help them at home if you think outside the box a little. For instance, if they go out of town a lot for camping, think about what they might need to keep their house safe, such as small surveillance cameras that send a live feed to a phone or tablet, or motion-sensor lights for the front yard.
 
After the fun
 
Most people who spend a lot of time outdoors are in great shape, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t love a little pampering when they return from a big trip. Hikers and bike riders can especially benefit from a massage or spa day, where they can treat their sore feet and aching muscles. A gift certificate to a massage therapist or local spa is always appreciated.
 
It is possible to find the perfect gift on just about any budget; it’s just a matter of thinking creatively in many cases. Whether it’s a gift certificate for a service or a gift that will help them make the most of their camping trip, your loved one will appreciate that you took the time to think of them.

For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind: they know exactly where
they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.
 
For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.
 
We all know that the best way to make something happen is to start intentionally giving it shape — something to look at, imagine, talk about, and (most importantly!) plan for. With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can get started working out the details of that trip you fantasize about during those hectic workweeks.
 

1. What’s your “happy place” when you have bad days? Again, for some this might be a specific place — Bora Bora or the Alps or Johannesburg. But more than that — what’s the feeling you go to when you’re stressed out or stuck in traffic? Do you imagine the lazy perfection of pristine beaches? The thrill of craggy mountains? The rush and sensory feast of busy marketplaces? The smells of spicy foods? Make a quick list: 10 things that come to mind on the most fun, free, relaxed, no-obligations, open day you can imagine.


2. What do you crave? Think of what you say you wish you had more of — free time, adventure, romance, time to learn a new skill, sunshine, purpose. What are you truly, deep down, just plain hungry for? What do you long for? When you imagine being your best self — what are you doing? And who is with you? Jot down 10 things you are longing for in your life right now.


3. What season suits you best? Do you love to soak in the sweltering heat in your swimsuit? Or the crisp crunch of autumn leaves underfoot? Or the intense blue quiet of a mountain snowfall? When do you feel most at home in your body and most in love with your environment? Your perfect vacation doesn’t have to be the most popular! It’s your perfect vacation, remember?


4. What’s one crazy luxurious thing you secretly wish for? For some people, it’s as simple as a pile of books and no emails to answer for three weeks. For others, it’s endless room service or all-day spa treatments or king-size feather beds and huge whirlpool tubs. No matter how big or small — go ahead. Write down five luxuries that would make you feel like you’d won the lottery if someone handed them to you right now.


5. When you scroll through magazines, which images grab you the most? What colors draw your eye? Spicy and exotic? Cool and laid back? Misty and mysterious? Go to a bookstore, and pick up four or five travel magazines — and just notice which images you keep going back to, the ones that make your heart skip a little. You might be surprised. Some people assume that their “dream” trip is in an all-inclusive resort somewhere. But if you keep coming back to the pictures of a bike tour through Tuscany — well, that’s worth paying attention to. That experience might feed something in you that an all-you-can-eat buffet might not even begin to touch. Cut out the images that speak to you the most and look for common themes, even (and especially) in images that seem to be opposites.

 
 
When you’ve had time to assemble your thoughts — and if you’re working on this with your partner or friends or family members — look for overlaps, recurring themes, those quiet nudges you can’t seem to shake. Listen to your gut. And start to dream big.
 
You can set a goal, start saving if you need to, and start giving shape to your plan. Put your images and any accompanying words or phrases up on a cork board, or glue them to a big piece of tag board, or make a digital collage that can be your screensaver on your computer at work — anyplace where you’ll see it multiple times a day — and let those images inspire you as you get closer and closer to making your bucket list trip a reality.
 
The best part? I can help you design this trip down to the last customized detail.  Give me a call and let’s get started! To contact me click here now

We ended our night walking through the streets, with fresh snow falling, and a small musical ensemble playing in the background. Our daughter had magically fallen asleep early, so we decided to get dinner at a local favorite in the town center and enjoyed our last evening in Innsbruck as a couple. We had a wonderful time exploring the markets, admiring the medieval architecture, and enjoying the intimate and magical winter atmosphere of Christmas in Austria! I would recommend this trip to singles, couples, or families!! The city is magical and the markets are unforgettable!!

​

So you have a grand adventure planned...

You step off the plane, find a way to get to your hotel, and...now what?

Sure, you grab some maps and walk around and take some selfies, but eventually you may want a travel buddy, even just a lunch or dinner. Or to get some new ideas for things to see.

Been there? I know I have!

Even traveling solo on a grand adventure CAN get lonely, let's not skirt around that. And when the time comes, you will likely want to meet other cool locals or people exploring the area from out of town - like you.

Don't want to join one of those major tours? No problem. Try these instead?

  https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations

A cooking class is an AWESOME way to meet other people in a non-awkward setting. Obviously cooking classes can range the gamut from intense cooking schools to chill cooking-immersion vacations, but even if you are visiting a city for a couple days, you can find a local class almost anywhere. Some places like Italy and France might have a few more options, but there are so many places where you can even pop into someone's kitchen or restaurant and learn how to cook a traditional meal. The coolest part is that the other people in the class are clearly there because they have some interest in food, which makes it super easy to strike up conversations and cook meals with, potentially, people from all over the world. Plus, if they are cool, it's the perfect excuse to invite them out or over to try a second attempt at the meal you all learned to master!

I have done this with Mediterranean cooking classes and in Curacao, where some locals came over to our hostel and taught and helped us cook a fabulous local feast and we ended up hanging out and adventuring together for the rest of the trip like a big family. We even made a big cake for one of the backpacker's birthday and celebrated her birthday like a local!

This one intimidates alot of people and I really don't want you to be! Hear me out!

There are SO many kinds of races or events, where some are totally competitive and some are totally for the fun, atmosphere, and crowd, even if it's called a "race." The best example of this is the Medoc Marathon in France where taking less than six hours and showing up to the finish line sober is considered a faux pas. This one takes you through some of the most beautiful wineries and chateaus in the area and at each aid station there is wine provided.

Choose a 5k, choose a bubble run, a color run, a glow-in-the-dark run, a trail run, or beer mile! You can't be disappointed in the crowds that show up to these events and you are bound to meet some seriously cool people.

Some of the BEST experiences I have had had been by staying in hostels or lodges. You undoubtedly going to get a few people who just want to do their own thing, but for the most part, people come to meet others, to experience a place, and spend less on places to stay and more likely splurge on experiences. THESE are the kinds of people you want to be around when you visit a new place, and if you are alone, it can be a great way to strike up a conversation about things to do in the area and join forces to make them happen.

I stayed in a little place I thought was a bed and breakfast in Curacao and it turned out to be a total hostel. Luckily, the coolest backpackers from all over the world were staying in this little place and to this day, we ALL remain close friends! We had Germans, a Columbian, Dutch, American, and locals. We partied together, learned German, learned local misquito-bite refief tactics (the bugs were eating me alive!), learned to cook local dishes and had BBQ's, explored the islands, celebrated birthdays, and stay in touch! What I thought was going to be a solo dive trip turned into a huge tropical adventure with some of the most incredible people I have ever met!

I personally love this option for so many reasons. Not only is a great way to get out to see a new place, but dancing is so different all over the world that you won't run out of new experiences or people to meet at each different location. Additionally, dancing with a partner who knows what they're doing can be incredibly fun. It can be equally fun if you are actually terrible and want to learn something new or just enjoy yourself. Because really, are you ever going to see these people again anyway?

I have taken Salso, Hula, Flamenco, Jazz, Line Dancing, and much more and found that not only is getting out on the dance floor a fantastic way to make some neat connections and even go to other places with the same people on another night. Whether you are in the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a German club, or a festival in Africa, dancing with locals can be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences that you will never forget, whether you're pretty bad at first or a pro (you are likely to not be a pro if you are dancing the local dances!). Live it up!

http://tourlina.com

Ladiiiiiiiies!!! If you are not on the Tourlina app, you need to get on this pronto! This women's-only app connects women travelers from all over the globe similarly to other popular dating apps out there...but without the dating. Instead, you find other girls who are locals OR that are traveling in your area that are also looking for a friend or fellow traveler to meet up with. Plan dinners, find backpacking buddies, hit up awesome museums...whatever it is, you can find a friend with similar interests to explore a new place. You can connect, chat, and make plans with a travel buddy before or during your trip and know that you are meeting up with the person you actually connected with online.

But safety is 100% an issue for us girls, especially traveling solo, so how do you know it's safe and trustworthy and you're not really about to meet up with 45-year-old dude? This is the coolest part...

Each user is totally background checked and verified as a real person! Seriously girls, how cool is this? The geniuses behind Tourlina actually take the time to do this to ensure the safety and satisfaction of each user so you can trust that you are meeting up with who you expect to be meeting!

Scuba Diving: https://jobs.goabroad.com/
Yoga: https://www.yogatraveljobs.com/
Surfing: http://www.projects-abroad.org/
Skiing/Snowboard: https://www.goabroad.com/

Teach Scuba diving, yoga, surfing, skiing/snowboarding, climbing...teach something somewhere and you can't HELP but meet tons of people! Obvious considerations have to be taken into account like wage differences in foreign countries, accommodations, and work visas if you are traveling and working abroad, but there are SO many skills you can take anywhere in the world and not only meet and spend time with other staff, but acquire new students and teach what you love in a faraway place. What's not to love?

For many jobs, you can actually get free places to stay if you are teaching. For example, as a dive instructor you can oftentimes stay on a beautiful liveaboard or dive lodge somewhere exotic, or in a retreat center as a yoga instructor. You may not make as much, depending on many factors of course, but you will certainly meet some awesome like-minded people while living or traveling to different corners of the world.

http://www.diverbo.com/
http://angloville.com/teach-english/


If you want a full-immersion experience, instead of just teaching English (and sometimes another language), joining a tour group, or looking for volunteer opportunities or free accommodations, how about all 3-in-1? Here's how it works: You apply to be a volunteer at one of the designated and beautiful resorts (primarily in Spain or Germany), where you will get to stay there for free for one week in exchange for speaking English with non-native speakers.

You are not necessarily TEACHING English, but allowing others to improve in a natural and organic way. There are meals included, outings, and scheduled times to practice and converse, but in a group setting, you will have a hard time NOT meeting amazing people from all over the world and especially Europe. You will have a schedule of activities, parties, outings, meals, and more, so it's true you will have less time to explore a location than if you were on your own, but for a week-long free stay with meals, volunteering, and meeting so many people, for many, it's worth it! And seriously...check out some of the places you could be staying!

https://www.nomador.com/
https://www.housecarers.com/
https://www.mindmyhouse.com/
http://www.luxuryhousesitting.com/index.php
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/us/

Are you willing to watch someone's house for a set amount of time? In exchange for accommodations, you might be asked to feed chickens, keep a house tidy while the owners are on vacation, watch some cats...the possibilities are endless! But there are so many homeowners around the world that allow you stay in some stunningly beautiful properties for a free stay or pay (completely dependent on owner and website!).

Choose a beach house in Costa Rica or a chateau in France and you could living the life of luxury for a few menial chores. This will keep you based in one area for the agreed amount of time and you should absolutely fulfill your end of the bargain once you get there, but this option is really a win-win for everyone involved!

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/us/
https://www.petsit.com/
http://www.greataupair.com/

Pet-sitting can be very similar to house-sitting and sometimes they will be one in the same, but not if pet-sitting is just feeding horses or coming over to a location to make sure a pet is walked or cared for, so you may not ALWAYS get free accommodations with this one. You will likely not meet as many people as some of the other activities on this list, but you can estanblish a good good relationship with the pet owners who usually gladly help guide you to the coolest places around the place you are staying.

If you are not necessarily looking for crowds of people to meet, but to just have a contact in a location and maybe make a little money or get a free stay, this is cool option. Also, you know that when you take a dog to the dog park, you never know what other cute/attractive guys or girls will be there to meet (guys taking dogs to Central Park in New York has long been a great way to meet women!). But looking for love, friends, or just a contact, this is a great option for animal lovers everywhere.

https://www.crewseekers.net/
https://www.findacrew.net/
https://www.gooverseas.com/
http://oceancrewlink.com/

Have a little more time or an adventurous spirit? Try joining a crew on a yacht or boat! *PLEASE NOTE: Some of these jobs will require certain training or certifications, similarly to scuba diving!* But working as a crew member on a boat not only gives you a pretty stable group of co-workers to work with, but you have accommodations and meals usually covered, get leave to go on land, and travel to some very exotic and beautiful places. This can be a great way to see the world for basically the cost of getting to the boat, wherever it it's docked or based out of.

The cool thing about this is the variety of jobs available. You could captain, cook, serve, be a deckhand, etc. The boats will typically take on paying clients/guests unless it is a privately owned boat, where you MAY be on call for work, so if that is something you are willing to do, then this could be fantastic way to meet many, many people and travel the world. The above sites have awesome listings all over the world and will tell you if and what kind of certifications will be needed for each position.

https://www.houseparty.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thepartyfinderuk/

Yes, please.

I know the party scene isn't for everyone, but think about how many types of parties their are: beach parties, BBQ's, hotel parties, pool parties, dinner parties... the list goes on. By joining locals and tourists alike, it can be a great way to be "forced" to talk to people, or at least interact over some food and beverage if you so choose (responsibly, of course...). But if there is a local music event or way to people surrounding a certain theme or activity, it can be really fun!

Don't worry much about not having someone to go with if you are solo. I know that can feel really weird attending a party totally solo, but one, no one is looking at you or cares much what you're doing or who you're talking to (unless you are intentionally making a scene or wearing a wild costume...I've seen this done tactic actually work quite well). Wine tasting events are a great way to get out to a party that is pretty social. Be sure to just come with an open mind and start conversations about the perfect cheese and wine pairing, even if it's with the vintner at first! Don't be shy! People love talk about themselves so engaging with someone should be pretty easy, especially with a glass of wine.

https://www.toursbylocals.com/
http://www.biketourfinder.com/
https://www.showaround.com/
https://www.vayable.com/

I am so crazy about this idea because of the plethora or city tours available for EVERYONE! Photography, haunted, chocolate, stars' homes, beer, on foot, by bus, by car...with so many options available, check out the links above for a few neat ones to get started!

So what better way to meet super interesting people than doing something fun and wacky or super engaging? The WORST case scenario is you have a fantastic time people-watching while hitting some awesome and sometimes hidden city highlights!

Many locals will offer tours and I have even been invited out by the tour guides and their friends afterwards, which ended up being the most amazing experience. They took us to parties, hidden little museums and historic sites, showed us the best restaurants in town, and helped us get around for free!

The last piece of advice I would pass on is to NOT WORRY! Of course be safe, but don't worry about being a bad dancer or having a weird group of people on a city tour where you end up people-watching and laughing about it later! Go out there and meet some awesome people, experience some awesome new things, and...pics or it didn't happen.

Written by  Whitney Powell http://www.ironwillproductions.com  Producer | Host | Athlete | Expedition Leader
 

How exciting! You're about to go on a safari (or want to , at least)!

Here are some do's and dont's for packing and preparing for a safari. There are many places you can go, from Kenya, to Botswana, to South Africa...but you will basically want the same things.

SO, here are things I learned from trial and error:

1. It Gets Freezing

Yes, in Africa it can literally be freezing. Now this depends on where you are and what time of year, but my first Safari in South Africa started early in the morning in the middle of California summer/SA winter. I couldn't believe how cold it got! The safari driver gave me a wool blanket for the open-air car ride, but the wind chill was incredible and it's ALWAYS COLDER IN THE SHADE OR CANYONS.

The Lesson: Bring LAYERS! It does warm up but in SA it never got sweltering hot at all. Always wear pants.

2. There Aren't "Food Stops," So Bring A Snack

You're out in the wilderness. Don't be "that" person asking when lunch is. Come prepared to take care of yourself for a day with some healthy, filling snacks. Your tour operator MAY include a lunch of some kind, or have you eat before, but just be ready to self-sufficient.

The Lesson: I'm a health nut, but it payed off to bring to bring things like bars and nut butter. But I was really glad I brought them because drives are long and if you forget to eat and drink, you pay for it later.

3. You May Have To Cross Borders

Some safaris actually cross borders into other countries. I did this in Botswana and Zimbabwe where they both crossed borders into Namibia or Zambia and you have to be ready with CASH ONLY to pay for the visa.

The Lesson: Always carry some cash with you if your near borders and don't give all of it away to people selling you things along the way

4. You Actually Don't Walk Around Or Get Out Of The Car That Much

Bring comfy shoes but you will likely not be trekking around on technical terrain. I wear hiking boots that are above the ankle mostly to keep the dirt out when you do jump out, but you could definitely get away with good running/athletic shoes. Please note is aimed at a typical safari in a sanctuary or park where you are not walking around for photos for hours. If you do that, wear the type of boots I did. SEE THEM HERE

The Lesson: Wear something that's COMFORTABLE to be sitting in or jumping in and out of a vehicle. Make sure your skin is covered, especially from shoes to pants.

5. You Will Get Sunburned AND Windburned

It's dry. It CAN get hot. You WILL be in the car driving around getting blasted by dusty wind. Make sure you have sunscreen with you to keep applying throughout the day. ALSO bring chapstick and even a tiny thing of Vaseline for your nose, lips, or hands.

The Lesson: Don't think you're not getting burned. You are. Keep applying sunscreen. You'll thank you later.

6. Take Care Of Your Cameras

It makes sense that a safari is going to be dusty and dirty. Many of us want to take great pictures so we're constantly keeping our camera out OR taking it in and out of a bag. Since I'm a professional producer/photographer, I go to extra lengths to protect me cameras from the elements when I'm out in them...which is most of the time

HOT INSIDER TIP: Either bring a camera that isn't your baby or cost $10k OR (hot tip!) bring a plastic shower cap from home or your hotel and wrap it around the camera, especially where you insert your lenses to keep the dust and dirt out. Bring a couple wipes for your lenses if the lense itself gets a little dust on it.

So go forth and get a safari booked! You certainly won't regret it. Stay tuned for how to PACK for a safari and in the meantime, let me know what I missed! Do you have any top tips you'd throw in?
Written by  Whitney Powell http://www.ironwillproductions.com  Producer | Host | Athlete | Expedition Leader