Like I’ve written about previously on Xen, last year Kate and I did some travelling in the US, and at the end of the trip, we decided to stay in Santa Monica for one night before we caught out flight home. We needed to be in LA to catch our flight out of LAX anyway, so we figured that we may as well get some rest in sunny Santa Monica before sitting on the plane for 15 hours.
It turned out to be a great decision, and the perfect way to recharge before starting the long journey home. I would highly recommend doing a short stay in Santa Monica if you’re catching a flight out of LAX – Santa Monica has a bit of a different vibe than Los Angeles proper does, and boasts a beautiful beach, an iconic pier and some fantastic food. Plus, at best, Santa Monica is only about 15 minutes away from LAX so it’s nice and close when airport time comes.
How did we get there?
Well, we arrived in LA early in the morning on an overnight bus from San Francisco, and we caught the light rail to a station near our hotel. From memory I believe this took about 20-30 minutes, and while it was a little difficult with our suitcases, it is definitely do-able. And cheap! It was only a really short walk from the station, which was so handy, especially after not sleeping on the bus!
The Hotel
Our hotel was the Hampton Inn and Suites, and it’s one that I would recommend without hesitation. Maybe it was simply because we were coming off the back of a stay in a slightly disappointing, shoe-box room in San Francisco, but walking into that bright, airy, air conditioned foyer was heaven. I knew when we arrived that we’d hit the jackpot.
At the time we stayed there, the Hampton Inn and Suites was virtually brand new, opening in April 2017, and to me, the hotel was immaculate. The hotel is aesthetically beautiful and beautifully functional, with a modern design and a sophisticated palette, and the best part is, the hotel is situated only three blocks away from the Santa Monica Pier.
When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff, who happily stored our bags for us until check in time. Because breakfast was still being served when we arrived, we were invited to eat some breaky in the dining area while we waited. It was a really nice gesture, and so appreciated after travelling all night.
So what did we do in Santa Monica?
We had a great time in Santa Monica. We spent plenty of time down on the pier – which was so close to our hotel – just relaxing and taking in the sights. The Santa Monica Pier is the obvious must-do if you’re in Santa Monica – it’s a fantastic place to get some food, see some entertainment or to just people watch. If you’re on the pier, don’t forget to check out Pacific Park, the family amusement park on the pier. I recommend taking a ride on the ferris wheel for spectacular views of the beach.
The pier is the heart of Santa Monica – a hub of activity drawing huge crowds of tourists. It’s over 100 years old, stretching out across the water and providing awesome views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach. Just across the road from the pier and it’s iconic sign, is Blue Plate Taco, where we had two fantastic meals; an afternoon snack, and proper dinner later in the evening. It’s a fantastic mexican restaurant, serving fantastic food and drinks, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a lazy lunch or afternoon drinks.
We also spent time in Downtown Santa Monica – an outdoor shopping mall which we were able to walk to from our hotel. We did a little shopping, but my favourite part was going to Barnes & Noble for the first time. We walked to Santa Monica Place from there, to get lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, which I was hugely excited about. We don’t really have anything like it in Australia, so I jump at any chance I get to visit the Cheesecake Factory.
By the afternoon, we had to get back to the hotel to pick up our bags and go to the airport, but it was nice to walk back via the pier one last time. We had enough time to ride the ferris wheel, before heading back to the hotel to order an uber. The ride to the airport was quick and painless – because Santa Monica is situated so close to LAX.
There you have it – our one and a half days in Santa Monica. Why not consider Santa Monica for a short stay, (or a long stay), next time you’re in the Los Angeles area. It’s a great base from which to explore greater LA, or just to stay overnight if you want to be close to the airport.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Santa Monica and loved it like I did!
Travelling is expensive enough without adding mobile roaming charges to your list of daily costs. So I decided to forgo having mobile service and data on my phone while travelling to the UK and Europe, New Zealand and the US. Each trip ranged from two to four and a bit weeks and I managed to survive each one without much inconvenience. Here’s how I did it.
Use Free Wifi Wherever Possible
There’s probably more free wifi out there than you think and when you’re travelling you get access to some of the best free wifi out there. Here’s where I did most of my wifi sponging while travelling abroad.
Hotels/Hostels/Airbnbs
When I’m looking at booking my accomodation it’s important to me that there’s wifi available so that I can message my family and let them know that I’ve arrived safely. It makes it so much easier to plan your days when you can use unlimited wifi wherever you’re staying.
Museums
So many museums like the Louvre, the Vincent Van Gogh museum, MoMa in New York offer great (and free!) wifi that you can access with your pass. Some places, like the British Museum in London has free entry (though a donation is appreciated) and the wifi is complete free to access. When travelling I generally visit one or two museums and I always take advantage of the free wifi.
Public Libraries
Public libraries also have fast wifi that you can login to and power outlets if you need to charge your phone. Big shout out to the Wellington Public Library for providing me both services in a pinch. Sometimes you’ll need to sign up to become a library member to access the interent but this is often free.
Chain Cafes and Restaurants
When I was in America, Starbucks was a huge source of my wifi sponging. I would go in for a drink (cold brew coffee is my go-to, if you’re wondering), send a message to my family letting them know I was okay and telling them what I’d been up to, post an Instagram or two and look up whatever I needed for the day like maps, opening times, costs of things, etc. McDonalds is also a great one. I’d grab some fries and sit down to do whatever Googling I needed. Sometimes I’d use the free Starbucks wifi to order an Uber and stand outside where I could just get a few bars of internet while waiting for my driver.
Download an Offline Map
Offline maps have saved me so many times while I’ve been travelling from getting lost. When I’m going away I always download the Ulmon CityMaps2Go app. I’ve used Ulmon maps in London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando and LA but they have maps for many other cities as well. You can search and pin where you want to go ahead of time, while you have wifi and when you’re out exploring you can see where you are and how you need to get there. They also have public transport maps embedded in the app to help you navigate whatever city you’re in. There are plenty offline maps you can try. Maps.Me is one that’s getting great reviews, though I haven’t had a chance try it yet.
We use our phones constantly so not having access to mobile data and reception forces me to put down my mobile and concentrate on where I am. I never want to spend my time travelling looking at a screen and not having the ability to check Facebook or Instagram whenever I want is one way to keep me focused on the place around me. Sure, it can be inconvenient at times and it took a little while to stop reaching for my phone when I was bored but I saved heaps of money and that benefit outweighs any negatives that I’ve encountered.
Magic Kingdom has so many wonderful rides and attractions to offer, but without some pre-planning, you might miss out on something fantastic. Make sure you check out my Disney planning guide to get you started, and then read on below to start making your list of attractions you simply have to experience.
This guide will help you do just that – it’s a guide to the most popular and most iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, and at the end, you’ll be ready to start your own list.
The Haunted Mansion
Let’s start with one of my favourite rides – The Haunted Mansion. Located in Liberty Square, this haunted ride is less scary, and more whimsical (for adults that is). The ride starts with a winding queue through the courtyard of an antebellum-era mansion, at the end of which you find yourself being welcomed into the foyer of the mansion itself. The less I say about the ride from here, the better, but it involves taking a ride in carriages aptly named ‘doom buggies’, throughout the mansion. Don’t miss this ride – especially if you’re at Magic Kingdom around Christmas, when the Haunted Mansion is transformed with ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ theming.
Splash Mountain
One of three ‘mountains’ at Disney, Splash Mountain is what I would consider to be a thrill ride. Located in Frontierland, Splash Mountain takes place in log-style carriages, which take you on a river-boat style ride. Glide lazily past singing animatronic animals until you reach the final, steep climb to the summit of Splash Mountain. The ride ends in a thrilling 15m, 45 degree angle drop, which deposits you into the waiting ‘river’ below, where you will probably get splashed. It’s an iconic Magic Kingdom ride, (and Disneyland ride, for that matter), and you don’t want to miss it.
Space Mountain
Second of the three Disney ‘mountains’, Space Mountain is possibly even more thrilling than Splash Mountain. It’s actually the oldest operating rollercoaster in Florida, and is an original Disney World ride – having been replicated at almost all the other Disney parks around the world. Space Mountain is an indoor, space-themed rollercoaster, featuring a series of sharp turns and steep drops in almost total darkness. If you like rollercoasters, you’re going to want to make a bee-line for Tomorrowland. Fair warning though – the lines can be astronomical, sometimes upward of three hours, so snatch up a Fastpass+ for it if you can.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain is the third of the ‘mountains’ of Magic Kingdom, and is also found in Frontierland. It’s a frontier themed outdoor rollercoaster, just as thrilling as Space Mountain. Big Thunder is almost an exact replica of it’s original counterpart in Disneyland. It’s a super fun ride if you like rollercoasters, featuring steep climbs, sharp turns and drops, and it’s especially magical to ride at night, when the climbs will give you the most beautiful view of the illuminated Castle. Just remember: the wait times are generally long, and the queuing area is in very close quarters, so maybe take an iced water with you into the line to keep you cool.
Mad Tea Party
The Mad Tea Party is a simple spinning ride themed around the un-birthday scene in Alice in Wonderland. It’s a colourful and joyful sight in Fantasyland, and one that consistently draws crowds of all ages. All that spinning makes it notorious for causing motion sickness, so if you’re prone to it, maybe steer clear. That being said, kids especially will love this one, and everyone will find it fun to see how fast they can make their teacup spin – each one can be controlled by a central steering wheel independent of the ride itself. That’s double the spin and double the dizziness.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Located in Adventureland, Pirates is a dark themed ride that actually inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. I know – I thought it was the other way around, but the ride pre-dates the films by about 40 years. In fact, the original Pirates ride was the last ride whose construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself. That being said, Pirates is one of the most iconic Disney rides, and one of my personal favourites. It’s a simple boat ride that positions you as a bystander to a pirate-themed story, and takes you through a beautiful waterfall of mist. It’s a great ride for the whole family, and if you’re struggling in the heat of the day, duck into Pirates – it takes place entirely inside and it’s always gloriously cool in there.
The Jungle Cruise
Another one of my favourites, the Jungle Cruise is located in Adventureland, and is a ‘river-boat’ style cruise down the great rivers of Asia, Africa and South America. Featuring animatronic wildlife and a charismatic guide, you will wind your way through the ‘jungle’ on your very own boat. It’s one for the whole family again, and is a charming break from the hustle and bustle of the park.
It’s a Small World
Another water-based ride, It’s a Small World is simply iconically Disney. It’s an indoor boat ride through scenes of animatronic children representing different countries from around the world. I realise now that that description sounds a little weird, but it’s fun to spot your country represented along the way, and the whole theme of the ride is global peace. Just be prepared to have ‘It’s a Small World’ in your head for the rest of the day. Seriously. The rest of the day.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This is another iconic Disney ride. I’m not sure about you, but when I was a kid all the ads for Disney World or Disneyland featured the flying Dumbo ride. Dumbo is a tame and kid-friendly carousel style ride through the air in Dumbo-shaped carriages. If you’re at Magic Kingdom with kids, it’s one not to be missed, though you’ll likely need a Fastpass+ if you want to avoid huge wait times.
The Parade
Trust me on this one – you can’t miss the parade. It’s a spectacle of colour and sound, and there’s something magical about those elaborate floats rolling past you; those characters from your childhood floating past you; the spectacle of it all. It is truly something, and it happens at least twice a day. Make sure to at least catch one of the two parades – the mid-afternoon, or the evening, (the evening one features swathes of fairy lights!), especially if there are kids with you at the parks. For us adults, we are aware of the trickery of it; of the people behind the costumes and characters, but for kids, those characters are so real. Even as an adult, it’s magic to be a part of.
The Fireworks
Disney fireworks are fireworks as you have never seen them. These are spectacular fireworks. These are fireworks against the backdrop of the illuminated magic Castle. These are fireworks set to the soundtrack of your childhood. I challenge you not to be moved by these fireworks. I always am. The fireworks take place every night that weather permits at Magic Kingdom, and you can catch a great view by getting a spot somewhere on Main Street, though there are several other great vantage points throughout the park. Make sure you don’t leave Magic Kingdom before Fireworks; they will fill you with nostalgia, happiness and joy.
There you have it – my guide to the best and most iconic Magic Kingdom attractions. Now you can use this list to create your own list of the rides you have to see during your time at Disney. Don’t forget to think about which rides you would like to Fastpass+ too!
Please leave me a comment below if you liked the list, or if there’s any rides you would add to it. Maybe I missed out your favourite ride – let me know!
Tipping in America is so important but it can also be kind of confusing. If you come from a country where tipping isn’t customary, like I do here in Australia, then it won’t come as second nature to remember to tip your waiters, drivers and others in the service industry. When you’re travelling you will be using these services even more than you would at home so it’s important to make sure you remember to tip.
Why Should You Tip?
Leaving tips for your servers can be controversial. A lot people who believe that people in the service industry should just be paid more and tipping should be done away with but the reality is that people working in the service industry rely on tips because they get paid minimum wage. Minimum wage in America varies from state to state but in some places it can be below $8 per hour. By refusing to tip out of protest you won’t change the laws on minimum wages and you will be taking money away from the people who have worked hard to prepare your meal and dining experience. For the people who don’t tip… let’s just say there’s a reason you get bad service.
Do You Tip Before or After Tax?
The answer to this question may change depending on who you ask. There’s no real right or wrong answer but it most common to tip based on the amount after tax. You always want to be on the higher side of tipping so calculating your tip based of the after tax amount of your bill is safer.
How Much Should You Tip in a Sit Down Restaurant?
The standard for tipping at a sit down restaurant is 20%. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that work hard to get your meal out to you and make your dining experience great and they all rely on your tip. If you have a really great experience and the wait staff, hosts and kitchen staff have done an exceptional job or gone above and beyond to give you great service then you should tip more.
How Much Should You Tip for Take Out or Curb Side Pick Up?
If you’re not dining in you should still leave a 10% tip as a minimum. Less effort has gone into serving you but someone has still prepared your order. You shouldn’t tip less than $1. If you’re getting a Chinese takeaway that only costs $8.50 you should still give a $1 tip, even though it’s more than 10%.
How Much Should You Tip Bartenders?
If you’re sitting at a bar and you’ve ordered a beer, a glass or wine or cider or a standard cocktail like a vodka raspberry or a gin and tonic you should tip your bartender $1 per drink. If you order a really fancy cocktail that takes time for your bartender to make or you order a more expensive kind of alcohol, say an aged whiskey, you should tip between $2-5 depending on the time it took to make and the price of the drink. If you’re in a really upmarket bar you may want to tip more than if you’re at dive bar or club. If you’re paying a tab, tip between 15 and 20%.
Use The Tip Jars At Fast Food Restaurants and Chain Cafes
If you go to a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s or a chain cafe like Starbucks where you order and pay at the counter you don’t have to tip. Generally you’ll see a tip jar on the counter, right next to where you pay. If you get any $1 bills or coins in your change drop some in the tip jar. If you’re paying with a card have $1 bill ready to put in the jar for after you pay.
Offload Some of Your Pennies and Singles
When I was in America I ended up with so many pennies and single ($1 bills) just weighing down my wallet. I’m not say you should just tip in pennies, that would be annoying for the person you are tipping. But if you see a tip jar and you put a few dollars or quarters, use this as an opportunity to offload some of your pennies as well.
Always Keep Change on Hand
By keeping some spare coins and small notes in your wallet at all times you can make sure you won’t get caught in an awkward situation where you don’t have anything to give someone.
Don’t Forget to Budget In Tipping
If you don’t have enough money to tip your servers then you don’t have enough money to go out. In America it’s as simple as that. Make sure to budget tipping into your spending plans for the day. Look at the dish that you want to buy and add 30% to the price to take tax and tipping into account. If that’s more than you’re willing to pay then you should look for a less expensive item on the menu or look at going somewhere else for a meal. If you’re having trouble budgeting while on your travels check out my article Tips for Traveling on a Budget.
How Much Should You Tip For Bad Service?
If your service has been really bad you should still tip at least 10%. Remember that it’s not just your waiter that gets your tip. Other people, like bartenders, bus boys, kitchen staff and hosts also rely on your tips to make up their wages. They may have had nothing to do with the bad service you received and they may have had no control over it.
Who Else Do You Need To Tip?
When you’re travelling in America you’re likely to be using a lot of services that require you to tip them. Here’s a list with appropriate tipping amounts.
Bellhop
If someone at your hotel is helping you carry your bags you should tip them $2 for the first bag (i.e. you suitcase) and $1 for every additional bag (hand luggage, etc.) and and addition $3 for any extra service like carrying them up to your room.
Coatroom Attendant
If you’re checking a coat you should tip the attendant $1 per coat.
Concierge
You don’t have to give a tip if you’re just asking questions. If you’re getting tickets from your concierge you should leave around $5-10 for tickets and reservations or $15 for tickets that are hard to get or 10-20% of the ticket price.
Delivery Person
Remember that your delivery person is probably using their own car and petrol. You should tip $3 or 15% of the meal, whichever is higher. For difficult or far away deliveries tip between 15 and 20%.
Doorman
You should tip your doorman (or lady) $1-3 for carrying a bag depending on how big and heavy it is and $2 for hailing a taxi and more if it’s raining.
Housekeeping
It’s a nice gesture to leave $2-4 per day in your hotel with a note to housekeeping to say thank you.
Spa and Salon
If you have a spa treatment or get a massage you should tip between 15 and 20%. The same goes if you get a hair cut or your nails or any waxing done. You can ask for the tip to be shared by the people who helped you.
Taxi Drivers
You should tip your taxi drivers between 10 and 20% of the fare. If it’s a short trip you can just round up to the nearest dollar amount so that there’s no need for change. If it’s a longer trip, say to the airport and the fare comes to around $20, give $3-4 as a tip.
Tour Guides
You should tip your tour guides 20% as a standard. If they are engaging and informative above and beyond your expectation and you really enjoy the tour, consider tipping more.
Valet
Tip $2-5 depending on how nice the place is. Remember to only give the tip when the car is returned to you.
Wine Steward
15% of the price of the bottle of wine.
Tipping can be confusing but that’s not an excuse not to do it whist you are visiting America. Think of it as wearing modest clothes when you visit a place of worship in other countries, you may not want to do it, it might not be convenient for you but you have to do it anyway. People in the service industry rely on tips so always make sure you are tipping appropriately. Have I left anything out? Share your tipping tips in the comments.
Lucky you! You’re heading to Disney World for the first time! I’m significantly jealous, because you’re going to have the best time.
So, you’re a first-timer, which means you might have a lot of questions about Disney, and about how to have the best time at the parks.
Preparation.
That’s it. That’s the best way to have the greatest time at the parks.
Sure, it might not sound as wonderful and glamorous as just winging it and going wherever the day takes you, but trust me on this one: Disney is one holiday you have to prepare for.
The good news is this: the Disney preparation is one of the most exciting parts of going to Disney! You’re going to have so much fun doing all your planning and research, and it’s going to make you all the more excited for your trip.
This is the guide I wish I’d had when I was going to Disney for the first time – comprehensive and common-sense. It will let you know how to navigate your Disney planning, what to bring with you to the parks, and how to prepare yourself for the Disney experience.
Keep reading, and let me know in the comments below if you find my tips helpful!
Step 1: Research and Planning
Let’s start at the very beginning…it’s time for some serious planning. This is where you’ll learn all about Disney World, and come up with your plan-of-attack for the parks.
1. Download the Disney World app – My Disney Experience: Walt Disney World
Okay, you’ve got your park tickets. You’re on your way to Disney World. Your first step is going to be to download the official Disney World app. This app has everything. It’s awesome. You need it. That’s it.
The next thing you’re going to do is go ahead and link your park tickets to your Disney app. This means that your tickets and reservations will be connected to the app on your phone – so handy.
2. Check out the park maps
Next step is to start familiarising yourself with the maps of the parks you’re visiting: check out the size, scale and general lay-out of the parks. Luckily, you’ve already downloaded your handy-dandy Disney app, on which you can access maps, as well as ride locations and up-to-date ride wait times.
3. Create your ultimate ride and attraction list
It’s time to get into some serious research – you need to create as list of the attractions and rides that you simply can’t miss. It’s not an an easy or cheap job to get from Australia to Disney, so when I do get there, I’m always conscious that it will probably be another 5-10 years until I will get there again. That’s why it’s so important to me to see and do everything important to me, and to make the most of my time at Disney.
It might seem like a better idea to wing it, and see and do whatever takes your fancy on the day. But, there’s simply so much to see at Disney, that you’re bound to miss out on something fantastic, if you don’t have a plan of action.
4. Its Fastpass+ Time!
That’s right, now you can take full advantage of the Fastpass+ System! In case you don’t know, Disney’s Fastpass+ System is a free way to skip ahead of the lines for the best rides and attractions. All you have to do is make a Fastpass+ reservation on your Disney app. You can read all about the Fastpass+ System here to make sure you take full advantage of it.
So, you have your must-do list, it’s time to start selecting your Fastpasses+. Use your Disney app to get an idea of which rides on your list have the longest wait times, and try to Fastpass+ those.
TOP TIP: When picking your Fastpasses+ keep in mind that it’s best to avoid criss-crossing across the parks all day. Try to choose Fastpasses+ that will take you in a logical clockwise or anti-clockwise route around the parks. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not running back and forth across the park all day for Fastpasses+.
5. Plan Your Meals – (if that’s your thing)
The Disney app even allows you to plan your meals at the parks ahead of time. Now, spending a lot of money on food might not be your thing, and that’s okay. If it’s not, check out my post on sticking to a budget at Disney, for some tips on saving money on food at the parks.
But, if you’re going to want to experience Character Dining, or want to check out some of the unique sit-down restaurants at Disney, it’s a good idea to plan these ahead of time. The Disney World app allows you to make dining reservations ahead of time, and for a lot of the dining experiences at Disney World, this is essential.
MY TIP: go ahead and do some research on the dining experiences available at Disney World, and use the app to book them ahead of time. This won’t necessarily save you money, but it will save you the disappointment of missing out on something you really want to experience.
6. Leave Room for Spontaneity
I know, I know, I’ve just told you to do all this planning, and it might feel like you’ll have no room in your day for just being in the moment, and going where the magic takes you. But it doesn’t have to be this way – the planning won’t take the magic out of your trip if you leave room for spontaneity. Spread your Fastpasses out so that you don’t spend your day running from reservation to reservation. This will leave you room to stop and wait for a ride that catches your eye, to meet a roaming character, or to sit and enjoy a drink somewhere in Fantasy Land.
Your day is going to be filled with magic regardless, but remember for all your planning and preparation try not to be too restricted by your schedule. Leave space to take the breaks you need, to stop and watch that performance, or to take a look in that shop you pass by. These spontaneous moments and the little surprises that Disney has to offer may end up being some of your favourite moments of your trip.
Step 2: Get Your Disney Bag Together
So, you’ve done all your planning and research. You know your must-do rides, what your dining reservations are, and the general route you’re going to take around the parks.
Now it’s time to start thinking about what you will need to take with you to the parks! Check out my list below for tips on what to put in your Disney bag
1. Start with a small cross-body bag or backpack
Keep it small, keep it functional, and lightweight and sturdy. The last thing you need at Disney is to be lugging around a heavy and cumbersome bag. Opt for something strong, functional and something that you don’t mind (possibly) getting a little wet or dirty.
2. Your Phone
Obviously. The first thing that’s going in your bag is your phone, right? Good, because now you’ve got your Disney app, tickets, reservations and Fastpasses+ on there, you’re going to need it.You already know the deal, but you’ll need it to reserve more Fastpasses+, to check out up-to-date wait times for rides, and of course for those all-important holiday photos.
Make sure you charge up your battery to full capacity, and pop in a portable charger too. Check out my post here to find out why portable chargers are a life-saver while travelling.
3. Sunscreen
It’s Orlando. You’re going to need sunscreen. As an Australian, that’s just where my mind naturally goes: sun+heat = sunscreen. Save yourself the sunburn and the sun damage, and just Slip Slop Slap. (That’s Slip on a long-sleeved shirt, Slop on some sunscreen, and Slap on a hat, for my non-Aussie friends)
Oh, and pop that sunscreen in your Disney bag for re-applications throughout the day. While Disney World does offer quite a bit of shade, the queues for rides are often in the direct sun!
4. Bandaids
Just in case you do decide to wear those shoes. Throw a couple of bandaids in your bag – you never know when you might need one, even in the best of shoes.
5. Your Preferred Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Imagine this: it’s hot. It’s humid. You’ve been in the sun all day, and you haven’t had enough of Disney’s free iced water as you probably should have. Now you’ve got a pounding headache, but you still want to make it to closing time.
Don’t fear. Luckily, you read my handy packing guide before you even arrived at Disney, so you packed yourself some pain relief in your trusty bag! Even if you’re not usually prone to headaches, the combination of the Orlando heat and sun is a special sort of recipe for a headache.
Headache. Toothache. Period pain. You never know what’s going to happen, and there’s nothing worse than traipsing back to Main Street to buy some overpriced panadol.
6. Hair Ties. Bobby Pins. Pressed Powder – if that’s your kind of thing
Side note about me: I am a notorious over-packer. I have a fear of being unprepared, so I tend to try and prepare for all eventualities. So, this entry may seem a little extra, and if it’s not for you, feel free to skip ahead. I won’t mind.
Anyway: probably not the most essential of things to put in your Disney bag, but if you’re a mid or long-haired person like me, you might appreciate something to get your hair off your face in the heat of the day.
Same goes for the pressed powder – it’s hot. Humid. You’ll get sweaty. I’d have appreciated something in my Disney bag to make my face a little less sweaty.
Let’s move on from sweat, right?
Step 3: Prepare Your Disney Mindset
1. Bring Your Tolerance and Patience
Okay, let’s be real. It’s going to be really hot. It’s going to be really humid. It’s going to be crowded. Like, really, really crowded. You’re going to wait in lines longer than you thought possible. There’s no getting around that. You’re probably even going to get frustrated at some point in the day, but that’s okay – Disney’s a high-energy, overwhelming sort of a place.
There’s going to be a lot of overtired kids. And strollers nipping at your ankles. And people without common courtesy. (I realise now that I’m not making Disney sound like a lot of fun, but you’ll have to trust me that it is). Just be prepared for everything Disney involves – not just the fun stuff – and remember that you’ll need your patience.
2. Bring Your Sense of Wonder
TOP TIP: It’s a lot easier to ignore any of the frustrating things, (overzealous stroller-pushers, I’m looking at you), if you take a healthy sense of wonder with you. Yes, Disney is a place for adults to re-discover their inner child, but it’s also a place children, and I recommend trying to see things through the eyes of those kids. Everything will be more exciting; more magical, if you try and experience Disney this way. Seek out the small details; the little Disney touches throughout the parks that are designed to bring more magic to your day, and see Disney as kids do – as the most magical and happiest place on earth.
3. Bring Along Your Childhood Nostalgia
Disney is the one place in the world that you can break out all those childhood Disney memories and revel in them. Still know all the words to ‘A Whole New World’? You can use that at Disney. Feel like crying at the parade as you watch all the characters of your childhood dance past you? You can do that at Disney.
(Confession: Yes, that is something I did. I was 14 at the time, and evidently a lot more emotional)
You’ll be reminded of the part Disney played in your childhood – that swell of music as you walk down Main Street will move you, and seeing kids meet Ariel will remind you how much you loved that film as a child. You will have moments of nostalgia during your time at the parks, because that’s the pull of a place like Disney – they remind us of growing up, and what it is to be childlike.
Wow, did you make it to the end? I’m proud of you. Now you’re all set, all prepared, and ready to have the greatest time ever at Disney World! Did I mention I’m jealous? Never mind me – you’re on your way! Make sure to check out my post about the day I had at Magic Kingdom, and please leave any specific questions you have about Disney planning in the comments below. I’d love to chat about Disney World with you!
Travelling is hella expensive and, if you’re like me, you’re probably on a pretty tight budget. Here’s what I do when I’m travelling to stay on budget.
Work Out Your Daily Spend Average
Do some maths before you arrive. Say you have $5000 and you’re travelling for 21 day. You have $238 to spend each day, on average. Assuming you’ve already paid for all of your accommodation, internal travel and big ticket items such as theme park tickets and shows, this should be plenty. Remember to convert this amount into the currency of the place that you are visiting. $238 Australian dollars is $168.82 USD and £132.81 GBP and S/567.15 Peruvian sol.
Write Down Everything You Buy
This may sound like a pain but it really helps to see where you’re spending your money and where it is a waste and where it brings you joy. I keep a running list of every time I spend money in my notes app on my phone and total it up and the end of each day. I’ll even put an emoji next to the purchase so that I can see at a glance what was worth my money and what wasn’t. Writing down every single purchase you make will also make you think twice about the things you buy. Do you really need that foam Statue of Liberty crown? Do you really want a tiny model of the Empire State Building? Questioning these little purchases will save you more money than you realise. Here’s what a day of spending in New York looked like for me:
Buy Groceries
Eating out is a huge part of experiencing a new culture and one of the best parts of travelling, but if you’re eating out for every meal then you’re going to be paying a huge amount on food. When I first arrive in a city, the first thing I do (after checking in a my accomodation and having a shower) is to locate a supermarket. I’ll buy things like a packet of croissants that I can eat for breakfast, deli salads that I can take with me and have for lunch when I’m out and about and snacks like muesli bars and fruit that will tide me over between meals.
Search for Discounts and Deals
When I travel and there are some big ticket things that I want to do (theme parks, musical tickets, experiences) I look for the best deals that I can get before I go and where possible I buy them in advance. Not having to worry about saving my money for Hamilton tickets or my trip to Hobbiton, Universal Studios and Disney World was a huge weight of my mind while I was travelling. Check out my article How To Save Money on Broadway Tickets, which does what it says on the tin.
Use Public Transport
I always use the public transport systems as much as I can. It’s so much cheaper to use than taking taxis or Ubers and it makes me feel like I’m experiencing a city in an authentic way. Check out Laura’s Guide to the New York Subway System and my Guide to the London Underground.
Stay in Hostels
I will always opt to stay in a hostel over a hotel because it saves me tonnes of money. Some have not been super flashy. Some have had snoring dorm mates. Some have not had very comfortable beds. But when I’m travelling I don’t want to spend a lot of time in my accommodation, I want to be out, seeing the city. Some of the best hostels I’ve stayed in were The Freehand in Chicago and St Christopher’s Inn in Paris, which were both very clean and comfortable and close to great attractions, public transport and great restaurants. If you’re staying in New York check out Laura’s article Budget Friendly tips for New York Accomodation.
Shop Strategically
These days when I go away I don’t do much shopping but before I go away I think about a few things that I really want to buy as a memory of my trip but also as something that I will love and use for years to come. No Eiffel Tower key chains, no Statue of Liberty fridge magnets here. When I went to New York I really wanted to go to The Strand and buy a book there, I decided on a few titles that I wanted to buy if I saw them there and I walked out with Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. You might decide that you want to buy a new bag or piece of jewellery and make it your mission to find the perfect one for you. It will mean so much more to you than a cheap tourist souvenir and it will keep you from mindlessly shopping if you have a list of a few things that you really want.
Being on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing having a good time or staying a dodgy place or eating two minute noodles and microwave pizzas. Budgeting while travelling is all about knowing exactly where you spend your money and getting the most enjoyment out of the things you buy.
What would be a trip without making some mistakes and learning from them? Here are some mistakes that I’ve made while travelling so that you don’t have to learn the hard way, like I did.
1. Not Doing Enough Research
If you’ve read my article A (Bad) Day in Paris then you’ll know that I made the huge mistake of going to Paris while the soccer was on, simply because I didn’t do research what was on at the time. I didn’t think about the knock on effects of being in a city where a huge sporting event was happening and this impacted my time in Paris immensely.
2. Not Booking Ahead
When Laura and I went to San Francisco we assumed that we would be able to book a tour of Alcatraz and go that same day or at the very latest the next day. In fact the tour was booked out for a solid week, by which time we would be back in Melbourne. We were so disappointed but this would have been solved if we had have booked before getting to America. Check out Laura’s Tips for Visiting San Francisco.
3. Writing Down My Hostel Address Wrong
When I was staying in Wellington I got off the bus from Rotorua and got on a shuttle to the airport because I knew that I hostel was on Tory Street, a short distance from there. Except that it wasn’t. My hostel was actually on Troy Street in the CBD of Wellington (which, if I’d thought about it for a moment, would have made so much more sense). After walking around in the dark for an hour I backtracked to a service station I’d passes (cried in the bathroom for a bit) and then asked the man at the service desk to call me a taxi to take me back into the city.
4. Almost Leaving My Phone in the Taxi
Yep. It was the same taxi that too my tired ass back into Wellington. I got out at the hostel only to have the driver chase after me to give me my phone, which I’d left on the seat. I’m so lucky that he did. All of my booking information, my ID (except for my passport), my bank cards, even my flight details were all on my phone. I shudder to think how bad my night would have been if I hadn’t gotten it back so quickly.
5. Overpacking
There’s nothing worse than opening up your suitcase at the airport because it weighs too much and you have to try and stuff it into your carry on or decide what to throw out. That’s exactly what I had to do at Heathrow Airport when I was coming back from my trip to London. These day I have a smaller case and I pack much less clothing, make up and other miscellaneous things that I think I will need but never end up using. Read Laura’s article Travel Accessories You Don’t Need to find out which items are worth your baggage allowance.
6. Poor Flight Timing
When I was in New Zealand and I was coming home, I flew from Wellington to Auckland and back to Melbourne but I timed the layover so badly. I basically spent a whole day in Auckland airport because I had an early flight out of Wellington and my flight to Melbourne was in the evening. I wasted so much time, just to save some money on flights.
7. Not Waiting or Asking for Deals
I love to save money but when it comes to making big purchases such as flights and accommodation I’ve definitely overspent because I haven’t waited for deals or I’ve booked too late and everything is more expensive. In the past I’ve also been too shy to ask for deals. I’m getting in the habit of asking if airlines/travel agencies/hostels/hotels/etc. have any promotions, coupons or deals going on, or simply asking ‘is that your best offer?’
Travelling is all about learning and so is making mistakes. I’m becoming a savvier traveller with every trip and I’m sure I’ll continue to make more mistakes as go on more trips but as long as I get wiser every time, I don’t mind so much. Check out Laura’s article How I Got Scammed in New York, and see how you can avoid making that mistake. Have you made any travel mistakes? Let us know in the comments!
So, you’re going to be visiting New York! While that’s exciting, you’ve probably heard how expensive accommodation is in the city. To a certain extent, this is unavoidable – that’s just the way it is in New York – but here are some tips to take the edge off a little, whether you’re choosing hotels or hostels.
1. Contact the Accommodation Directly
This is my most important tip; Always, always, always speak to the hotel or hostel directly. Websites like Expedia and Booking.com will always tell you that they have found you the best rate for your dates, but this isn’t always true. I found out firsthand that it is always worth it to spend a few minutes calling the accommodation directly and simply asking the question: ‘What is the best rate you can offer me?’ If you’re anything like me, you might find this a little uncomfortable, but I firmly believe it always pays to just ask the question. The worst that can happen, is they offer you the rate you have already seen on the internet, that’s all.
If you’re lucky, though, you might get your hands on a really great deal if you deal directly with the hotel of hostel. This approach paid off big time when booking my accommodation for New York last year, and we got a fantastic deal, with a really accommodating hotel.
This can particularly work for you if there is something unique about your booking; for example, if you are staying for an unusually long number of nights, (think a week and beyond), or if you will need multiple rooms on the one booking.
My tip: Just ask the question of the accommodation – who knows? You might get a discounted rate, or a buffet breakfast thrown in for free. It never hurts to ask.
2. Consider Your Location
It’s probably best not to try and find a place to stay in SoHo if you are working with a budget. Same goes for the Times Square area, and the Upper East Side. There are so many trendy tourist-loved areas in New York, but these can be places to avoid when booking accommodation. Yes, it would be nice to overlook Central Park from your hotel window, but that comes with a price-tag that I would personally rather avoid.
When choosing our accommodation in New York, we had some hotel non-negotiable’s that limited our choices a little, however, when choosing our location we were conscious of our preference to walk a little further rather than positioning ourselves close to specific landmarks.
New York is a very walk-able city, and if you bring walking shoes and are willing to master the Subway System, you will be able to get to anything you want to see, regardless of where your accommodation is. I highly recommend researching accommodation a little further afield of places like Times Square and Central Park, as these hotels and hostels will be more affordable.
Remember, in New York you are always close to a Subway Station, so you will have the whole of New York City at your doorstep no matter where you are sleeping at night.
3. Consider a place with a kitchenette
Something to consider when booking accommodation in New York is whether having a kitchenette in your hotel or hostel will save you money in the long run. Yes, it can be hard to find supermarkets in Manhattan, but it’s possible that being able to buy groceries, cook up a simple meal, and store leftovers and snacks could save you money on food.
When I was staying in New York, I found it helpful to be able to store leftovers from the continental breakfast, and snacks bought from the grocery store down the block. This meant that I bought less food while out sightseeing, and didn’t eat out at restaurants every single night.
This tip may or may not save you money, depending on your eating and spending habits, and whether you are staying in hotels or hostels. However, I think it is worth investigating when doing your accommodation research, whether having a small kitchenette or communal kitchen will save you money on your food budget.
4. Breakfast
Speaking of hotel breakfasts, if you are going to be staying in a hotel, it doesn’t hurt to choose somewhere that offers a breakfast included in the price of the booking. Sometimes this is built into the price of the room, and it may not be worth it. But, sometimes you can get a great deal where breakfast is free – and this is where you can get more for your money. To me, a buffet or continental breakfast is a bonus – you can load up on a hearty breakfast each morning, eliminating one meal that you have to pay for during the day. And, if you’re like me, you’ll probably save some stuff from breakfast for snacks during the day. (Though some hotels don’t allow this!)
5. Make it close to the Subway
We scored a hotel in New York in close proximity to three subway stations, and though this was just a happy coincidence, I wouldn’t book accommodation in New York again without scouting out the nearest subway station before booking.
Honestly, wherever you are staying in New York, the likelihood is that you will be close to a station, but I think it always pays to research the proximity of the closest subway station, and the lines it is serviced by. It will make a huge difference to be within a five minute walk to a station, and will ensure that you will be saving money on cabs by taking the subway and walking.
There you have it: my tips for booking accommodation in New York on a budget. Do you have any tips for staying in New York? Let me know in the comments below!
So you’re headed to San Francisco! You’re going to have a great time – San Francisco is a fantastic city full of beautiful scenery and people. Here are 5 tips to know before visiting San Francisco:
1. BOOK ALCATRAZ AHEAD OF TIME
This is my most crucial tip! If you’re going to be in San Francisco, I’m going to assume that you’ll want to make the trip over to Alcatraz and explore the jail on a tour. I certainly wanted to check it out, and assumed that we could book tickets for the day we wanted to visit. This isn’t the case! You must book your tickets for Alcatraz well in advance of even arriving in San Francisco. Yes, you might get lucky with a ticket if you are staying in excess of a week in San Francisco, however, tickets sell out days in advance. We didn’t know this, and turned up asking for tickets, only to be told the next available tickets were for the following Tuesday – several days after we were due to move onto our next destination. So, my tip: book those Alcatraz tickets online before you even leave for your trip, and save yourself the disappointment of missing out!
2. Bring Your Walking Shoes
This is also a must for San Francisco: as you probably already know, San Francisco rests on a significantly hilly landscape, so it’s likely that even if you only plan to walk short distances, you will be making your way up and down some pretty steep hills. To be comfortable, you really have to bring some sensible walking shoes. Reach for your Nikes, or whatever your supportive shoes are, and your feet will thank you for it. Aside from the hills, there are lots of beautiful outdoor spaces to explore in San Francisco, like the Botanical Gardens, and Golden Gate Park, so it will help to have your walking shoes with you if you want to get outside and explore San Francisco on foot.
3. Don’t be Discouraged by the Weather
I found San Francisco weather to be a lot like Melbourne weather – so it felt a lot like home! Changeable and a little unpredictable, San Francisco can be a bit of a four-seasons-in-one-day city, and you should know before going there, that it is often overcast and foggy. At first, it was a little disappointing for me to see all the fog and grey clouds when all I wanted to do was see the Golden Gate against the backdrop of a blue sky and sunshine. However, try not to let it discourage you if it’s always cloudy during your stay, or if you never get to see the top of the Golden Gate for all the fog. It’s just the way San Francisco is, and if you do get to see some sunshine while you’re there, you’re a lucky tourist. Try to embrace the San Francisco weather, and see it not as dreary, but unique, and truly San Franciscan.
4. Pack Your Warm Clothes
Speaking of the weather, as you can probably gather, it’s generally not the warmest in San Francisco. It’s definitely a good idea to pack at least a jacket, and even possibly a scarf if you’re headed to San Francisco, (especially in Spring and Autumn), and more layers for the height of winter. We arrived in San Francisco in October from boiling hot and humid Orlando, and the difference in temperature was a shock, (a welcome shock, though). I was so glad that I had brought a denim jacket and my trusty scarf with me from home, and they certainly came in handy in cool and crisp San Francisco. My tip: just throw a jacket a scarf in your suitcase if you’re going to be in San Francisco – sure, you might not need them depending on the time of year you’re there, but you’ll certainly be glad you’ve got them when that San Francisco wind hits you!
5. Get out of San Francisco to Explore
There is so much to see around the San Francisco Bay area. When we were there last year, we took a day trip to the Muir Woods, and Sausalito, both of which were fantastic to see. The Muir Woods were a natural beauty about an hour out of San Francisco, and Sausalito was a small town with great food, from which you can catch a ferry back to Pier 41. When in San Francisco, my tip is to see all the iconic things San Francisco has to offer, but to look past Pier 39 and explore some of the day trips on offer. Actually, if you’re at Pier 39 – that’s a good place to look at some day trips, as is the lobby of your hotel. San Francisco offers so many things to explore, and exploring a little further afield will enrich your experience exponentially.
That’s it for my San Francisco tips – let me know in the comments if you have some tips for San Francisco!
BONUS TIP:
If you do end up missing out on seeing Alcatraz up close, I still highly recommend seeing San Francisco from the water. It is situated on a bay after all, and one of the best ways to see the city and it’s most iconic sights, is from the water. We chose a short cruise on the water when we missed out on going to Alcatraz, and it only cost about $15 US. The cruise driver was fantastic, and had so much information to give us about the city. He took us as close as you can get to Alcatraz without actually going onto the island, and we also got close to the Golden Gate. While it was still disappointing to leave San Francisco without having been to Alcatraz, the water cruise was a really nice thing to do instead – the sun came out that day, and the water glittered, and we were even allowed to take turns steering the boat on the San Francisco Bay! It was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it!
That’s it for my tips for San Francisco. Do you have any tips for visiting San Francisco? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear!
You’ve probably seen Magic Bands on the internet, or around the Park’s themselves, but they are more than a pastel coloured accessory worthy of an Instagram flatlay.
So, what are they?
Magic Bands are an all in one device that can link your park ticket, vacation package, dining reservations and Fastpasses+ together. Worn as a bracelet, your Magic Band allows you access to almost everything you need for your Disney visit, in a compact and user-friendly device.
What do Magic Bands do?
Magic Bands serve many functions on Disney property. Once linked to your holiday reservation, Magic Bands can act as your entry into the Parks and your key to your Disney hotel room. They can store your Fastpasses+ and dining reservations, and can even be used to purchase food and merchandise.
How can I get one?
There are two ways to get a Magic Band. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, or are an Annual Passholder, you will automatically receive a Magic Band with your reservation. Additionally, you can also purchase a Magic Band online before your visit to the Parks, or at selected Walt Disney World stores.
Customisable and colourful, Magic Bands are a convenient and user-friendly accessory to take with you to the Parks. Our tip is to take advantage of your Magic Band if you receive one with your reservation, and to consider getting one for yourself if you are spending multiple days at the Parks, or visit a few times each year.
Xenomania: the love of foreign things 