Travel Skills: Travel Hacks from Guidebook Researchers

Welcome to Adventures with Sarah! You are watching Travel Skills: Travel Hacks from Guidebook Researchers.
Travel journalists Sarah Murdoch and Trish Feaster discuss the lessons and tricks learned from decades of travel guidebook research. Hear what life as a travel writer is really like.
Originally broadcast on Facebook.com/adventureswithsarah
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an adventure: ►►SUBSCRIBE: cutt.ly/SarahMurdoch
Sarah Murdoch is a tour guide, travel writer, and tour operator covering the globe, specializing in Italy. She worked for more than 20 years for Rick Steves as a tour guide and travel journalist, and co-authored the Rick Steves Sicily book. These days, Sarah is the Founder of Guide Collective (guide-collective.com), and runs Adventures with Sarah, a travel company offering tours around the world. You can find information on packing, travel tips, and how to travel with Sarah on her website, adventureswithsarah.net.
Enjoy these videos? Support Sarah's work and have access to special events, giveaways, and discounts by joining her Patreon, / adventureswithsarah .
Visit Sarah's amazon storefront with recommended travel gear: www.amazon.com/shop/sarahmurdoch
Sarah’s favorite bag Tom Bihn TriStar: shrsl.com/3pf6b
Thanks for watching, stay curious and keep exploring.
Andiamo!
Sarah
sarah@adventureswithsarah.net
#travelhacks
#travelwriters
#travelskills
#tourguidetips
#lifeontheroad

Пікірлер: 101

  • @sarahmcinroy2321
    @sarahmcinroy23212 жыл бұрын

    On carabiners, I found that as a backpacker especially, but even as a leisurely traveler it's really great to use a small carabiner or an s-biner to keep your zipper pulls together to prevent pick-pockets!

  • @evie3027
    @evie30272 жыл бұрын

    Use an empty small hand sanitiser and refill with liquid hand soap. It fits nicely in my bag

  • @debraticehurst2583
    @debraticehurst25833 ай бұрын

    Tennis shoes are like everything in life...beauty is in the eye of the beholder and beauty is only skin deep!

  • @elinorosterhoudt7932
    @elinorosterhoudt79322 жыл бұрын

    The two of you are absolutely DELIGHTFUL--please do more of these!!!

  • @SarahMurdochadventures

    @SarahMurdochadventures

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! We crack each other up, I’m never sure if we are so funny to other people 😄

  • @RovingReader

    @RovingReader

    Жыл бұрын

    So agree!

  • @bellaluce7088
    @bellaluce7088 Жыл бұрын

    My favorites for STYLE-Conscious Ultralight Packing: 1) reversible skirts (can sew your own, or support an Etsy artist); 2) lip liners + 1 lip balm vs. lipsticks; 3) lightweight scarves for visual variety in almost no space/weight (my lightest weighs 1/3 of an ounce!); 4) limiting variety in big, heavy items (shoes, jeans, jackets, bags) to allow greater variety in more noticeable ones (e.g. tops); 5) an ultralight day-to-night glam pack in day bag (=no need to return to hotel): coin purse with larger earrings, necklace, eyeliner, lip liner & balm, bobby pins/barrette, dressy scarf (current weight for all: 3.1 ounces)

  • @violinzeta

    @violinzeta

    Жыл бұрын

    Love the ultralight day-night glam pack idea!

  • @bellaluce7088

    @bellaluce7088

    Жыл бұрын

    @@violinzeta It's so convenient! And it makes me weirdly proud/happy to be a girl. ; - D

  • @violinzeta

    @violinzeta

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bellaluce7088 I just made my kit! Thanks again for the idea!!

  • @bellaluce7088

    @bellaluce7088

    Жыл бұрын

    @@violinzeta 😃 Happy Travels!

  • @heatherframpton9693

    @heatherframpton9693

    Жыл бұрын

    Great ideas! 😊

  • @paddlegal3097
    @paddlegal30972 жыл бұрын

    Carry packets of oatmeal & instant soup. Also, pack a washcloth.

  • @missmilimakk2246
    @missmilimakk22462 жыл бұрын

    "Wardrobe of shopping bags"! Love it! I'm not alone!

  • @plentyobass
    @plentyobass2 жыл бұрын

    Always have sunglasses. You will probably be outside more than usual at home. Squint headaches suck and wearing a ball cap in Europe will make you stand out as a tourist. The facemask is not to protect yourself from germs. It is so you can keep any germs you may have to yourself and spread them less. A cheap cotton bandana can do this in a pinch, is an inexpensive lightweight souvenir, and additionally is useful in a nearly infinite number of ways. Wearing 2 pairs of thin socks virtually eliminates the possibility of getting blisters. A length of duct tape (gaffer's tape is even better) wrapped around a cheap pen comes in handy for a variety of uses. If need be, it can prevent a hotspot from becoming a blister, or if it's too late, it can protect one from getting even worse. Dr Bronner's bar soap can be used in the shower, but also for laundry, dishes, and as shampoo. A sweater vest is smaller to pack than a full sweater but still quite warm, dresses up a plain shirt (or hides a dirty one) and turns a light jacket or hoodie into a heavier coat.

  • @halfaminutearthur6926

    @halfaminutearthur6926

    Жыл бұрын

    I start

  • @dkwillrn
    @dkwillrn2 жыл бұрын

    YEA for hand washing!!! As a retired Nurse, nothing replaces soap and water,. You don't have to kill the germs just keep them off you. As for the flashes, I have a small fan in the bed, aimed at my head and it keeps my head cool helping me sleep very well.

  • @VanCrane
    @VanCrane2 жыл бұрын

    I’m always planning my outfits for every day of travel on my phone, so I’m not wasting time in the morning. Shoes, hats and bags in neutral colors. Because I get blisters very soon, I bring 3 pairs of shoes and one light pair for indoor. For Europe bring one pair of shoes they are waterproof, one (packable) rain coat and an umbrella (the little ones). When you starting or ending your travel and you charging your devices, put in on your luggage or purse, so you don’t forget the device or your charger 🤗

  • @violinzeta

    @violinzeta

    Жыл бұрын

    Great idea to not lose devices/chargers

  • @ellenducote530

    @ellenducote530

    6 ай бұрын

    Love the idea of planning outfits and putting them on my phone. With my ADHD mind - I could plan but never remember once I got there.

  • @susie9893
    @susie98932 жыл бұрын

    Just a word on the compression socks. A lot of cardiologists are moving away from these now cos if they're not worn right they can actually cause more problems than they help. Just make sure that when you wear them they don't wrinkle anywhere or roll cos that actually CUTS the circulation and then you're countermanding the purpose. Be safe people - you don't want to end up with a DVT at the end of a flight because you THOUGHT you were doing the right thing 😊

  • @violinzeta

    @violinzeta

    Жыл бұрын

    Had no idea about the compression sock thing. I’ll be sure to tell my in-laws

  • @susangodejohn315
    @susangodejohn3152 жыл бұрын

    I preemptively cover the bottoms of my feet with moleskin to prevent blisters from walking on cobblestone streets. I buy a roll and cut to size. The first couple of trips I took my feet were in agony and this works like a charm.

  • @AnneMB955
    @AnneMB955 Жыл бұрын

    Great casual chat with your tried and true travel ideas. Ultimately we decide what suits us. Travel light is my no. 1 travel tip. 2nd tip - take your time, no rushing, look around, across, up and down and really experience where you are. It’s an awesome feeling walking on earth that is in the other hemisphere.

  • @jennykimball4457
    @jennykimball44572 жыл бұрын

    My favorite travel hack (that I use at home too): toothpaste tablets! I can fit a months' worth of toothpaste in a repurposed mint tin. No plastic waste. I've tried Dent Tabs, but bite is popular. Lush makes them too.

  • @debbieelms-watkiss4742

    @debbieelms-watkiss4742

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Jenny could you please advise the name of these toothpaste tablets as i have never seen these in Sydney Australia. I might check eBay as these are the perfect addition to my toiletry bag to keep it even lighter. Perfect to put in my Humangear stax.

  • @jennykimball4457

    @jennykimball4457

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@debbieelms-watkiss4742 So far my favorite brand is Dent Tabs. They are small, so I can fit a lot in a tin, and they have a flavor I like - minty but not artificially sweet. Good luck!

  • @bellaluce7088

    @bellaluce7088

    Жыл бұрын

    I have sensitive teeth and some enamel erosion so the graininess of toothpaste tablets has been a block for me, but thank you for inspiring me to investigate toothpaste powder again! Years ago I'd pour toothpaste powder in the palm of one hand then use my wetted toothbrush to soften it into a more paste-like consistency, so this general concept might work for me for short-term travel. It's so great to have light & compact alternatives for frequently used items!

  • @debbiemeyer7666

    @debbiemeyer7666

    Жыл бұрын

    I use toothpaste tablets too and love them!

  • @heatherframpton9693

    @heatherframpton9693

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! These work great! 😁

  • @susanf6230
    @susanf62302 жыл бұрын

    I read about the laundry sheets on a Facebook travel group and purchased some from Amazon for my upcoming trip. The sheets can be cut down for doing a wash in the sink.

  • @margieerskine2462
    @margieerskine24622 жыл бұрын

    Laundress is a U.S.A. brand that makes laundry soap for DARK clothing. I use it for all my black Eileen Fisher clothes. I believe the company began in N.Y. city by 2 women chemists! Love your show! You are so "real", candid and your ideas are fantastic!

  • @robynlydick8126

    @robynlydick8126

    Жыл бұрын

    The Laundress recalled every product dues to mold contamination, and is not offering anything on its site. (Comment left 3/24/23, hoping they sort this out and survive)

  • @jeanwhite2705
    @jeanwhite27052 жыл бұрын

    Loved listening to this. I was just riveted to your just common sense personal experience travel tips.Thank You for allowing us to just sit in on your conversations.

  • @heatherframpton9693
    @heatherframpton9693 Жыл бұрын

    Lots of great tips already noted! One of mine is: foldable hangers and a portable clothesline/clips/drain cover set for handwashing/air drying; 😁❤️ Thanks ladies. I enjoyed this content. Please collaborate in future videos.

  • @evelynschaefer1949
    @evelynschaefer19492 жыл бұрын

    I like to browse hardware stores for myself, and for gifts. As I'm of Dutch heritage, I bring back salted licorice, chocolates and other treats that cost a fortune here.

  • @Patty-oh4hi
    @Patty-oh4hi Жыл бұрын

    Stay flexible! Changes occur, weather intervenes, streets can be under construction, food options limited, choices reduced. The best attitude is flexibility and you can still have a great time and learning experience.

  • @heatherframpton9693
    @heatherframpton9693 Жыл бұрын

    Rewatching this video ...common for me to do so when it comes to Sarah's videos! I just put sunscreen in a new contact lenses case for an upcoming Las Vegas trip YAY AFTER THREE YEARS! (...though I already wear sunscreen every day living in the Midwest.). Several years ago, I bought a multipack of those contact cases at a grocery store pharmacy department ($7.00 ish) with different color lids (What an added bonus for organizing different items, make up, lotion, sunscreen, etc. etc.!) 😊❤️✈️🧳💺☀️🚙 Thank you for your ongoing travel smarts!

  • @joellepawlicki5822
    @joellepawlicki58222 жыл бұрын

    My best airplane “pillow” is a cervical collar. I made a cotton cover for it so I can have it clean, but they are cheap, take up little room when folded, and absolutely keep your neck from bending into angles that will spoil the first several days on the ground

  • @barbarapayne4296
    @barbarapayne42962 жыл бұрын

    Keep your small, travel sized containers, clean them and reuse them. Washcloth "tablets" the size of an alka seltzer that reconstitute with water are great. I use hotel shampoo to launder items in the sink.

  • @bellaluce7088
    @bellaluce7088 Жыл бұрын

    My favorite PRACTICAL tips include: 1) Sara Murdoch's ultralight packing videos ; - ) - 2) ColorScience SPF 50+ powder sunscreen w/brush (expensive but worth it! 2 for 3 deals on website) - 3) Scarf & compact warm hat in day bag vs. lugging a coat "just in case" - 4) LOVE my striped UPF 50 5" brim ribbon hat from San Diego Hat Company. Crushes in bag yet miraculously reforms, and brim can be adjusted just-so to block slanting light. - 5) UPF 50 sun shawl from Coolibar that doubles as a scarf, blackout shade, sarong, etc. - 6) Crankiness-prevention kit in day bag or pockets: dose of pain killer, mini snack or a few hard candies, hat & scarf. When you're not in pain, hungry, or cold, it's so much easier to see the inevitable challenges of travel as part of the grand adventure! : - )

  • @violinzeta

    @violinzeta

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! Just recently saw a video that said “oh you’re upset…here’s a piece candy” and I was like, this can make the world so much more pleasant when crap happens

  • @bellaluce7088

    @bellaluce7088

    Жыл бұрын

    @@violinzeta LOL Yes, so true! ; - D

  • @passioncompassionhumorstyle
    @passioncompassionhumorstyle11 ай бұрын

    Keep a waterproof stuff sack with you and you always have a laundry basket even when there’s no plug in the sink (or it’s tiny)

  • @amyfilice2983
    @amyfilice29832 жыл бұрын

    Great video. So many good tips.

  • @jaimetarne9436
    @jaimetarne94362 жыл бұрын

    Lume is the absolute best. I have tried everything out there, from sports style to crystal type. Nothing comes close to lume, and its effectiveness, even after odor has become a problem.

  • @EveKoivulan

    @EveKoivulan

    2 жыл бұрын

    In Europe I’d recommend Noom

  • @susanwallis456
    @susanwallis4562 жыл бұрын

    You shouldn't use tissues in toilets as they block the sewerage system. A half roll of toilet paper would be a better option for the environment. Love listening to all your tips. I live in Tasmania, Australia so a long way from your homeland.

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    Or just use a pee rag. I use them at home just to save the environment and toilet paper ($ and shortages) but am planning to take with me when I start traveling again

  • @joycem2795

    @joycem2795

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@susie9893 good idea!

  • @violinzeta
    @violinzeta Жыл бұрын

    Re nosebleeds: TILT FORWARD! Otherwise the blood will cause upset stomach and often vomiting. Learned that from an ER nurse!

  • @sandybaldwin1883
    @sandybaldwin18832 жыл бұрын

    I’ve been using the sheet laundry detergent for a couple of years…love them. Like you I like reducing waste

  • @barbhayes5613
    @barbhayes5613 Жыл бұрын

    I always pack snacks. I'm vegan so airplane food is a challenge, and anything from the airports is crazy expensive. A selection of dried fruit, nuts, crackers, etc is always in my personal bag.

  • @beejereeno2

    @beejereeno2

    10 ай бұрын

    ...and I'm carnivore, and also find most airplane food is challenging (too many grains and sugars)

  • @duckypam
    @duckypam2 жыл бұрын

    Body glide and foot glide. No blisters

  • @twogirlsabroad5173
    @twogirlsabroad51732 жыл бұрын

    Get soap sheets they are in a tiny container and there is like 100 sheets in each. Plus at five below stores they carry small toiletpaper rolls for travel.small enough Togo into your purse.

  • @duckypam

    @duckypam

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m going on a birding trip. I need that. Off to five below… ty

  • @helenvwalker7919
    @helenvwalker79192 жыл бұрын

    Compeed is great way to deal with blisters

  • @twogirlsabroad5173
    @twogirlsabroad51732 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for ziplock bag tip on sheet soaps!

  • @joycem2795
    @joycem27952 жыл бұрын

    REI sells a coreless roll of toilet paper for backpacking that works great for travel. Very small and fits easily into purse or daypack.

  • @mbeckde

    @mbeckde

    2 жыл бұрын

    Walmart sells them too

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    You can actually buy expandable toilet paper tablets (if you can believe it). Just add water

  • @joycem2795

    @joycem2795

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@susie9893 oh, yes! I’ve seen those.

  • @duckypam
    @duckypam2 жыл бұрын

    Does Trish use a particular sewing pattern for her crossbody? I would love to sew up a couple and I like her pattern

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    Usually I'm all for diy but I have enough reusable shopping bags and am LOVING the idea of buying shopping bags as travel souvenirs - I STILL have some from backpacking 20 years ago! But I had a thought while they were talking about bags that to save room I should try work out a diy for a mesh bag that I can use to wash delicates AND for grocery shopping (I'm thinking mostly fruit + veg)

  • @RetroDiver
    @RetroDiver2 жыл бұрын

    Not originally mine (thanks Josh Fenn) but be honest with yourself (will you really need or use what you are thinking of packing?)

  • @432dc
    @432dc2 жыл бұрын

    Bandaids for those pesky blisters: Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages for Heel Blisters, Waterproof Blister Pad & Hydrocolloid Gel Bandage, Sterile & Long-Lasting

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hydrocolloid ones are the best!

  • @cherylwalters8028
    @cherylwalters80282 жыл бұрын

    Travel Tip - Refillable water bottle

  • @RalphAnthonyCBasco
    @RalphAnthonyCBasco2 жыл бұрын

    As a Camino peregrino, put vaseline before putting on socks to prevent blisters. Woolen socks as much as possible, too. And yes, insoles.

  • @sandynbtx6967
    @sandynbtx69672 жыл бұрын

    I hate hand sanitizer! I think it gives a false sense of cleanliness. Give me good old fashioned soap and water!

  • @nadine6518
    @nadine65182 жыл бұрын

    Woolite makes a detergent for dark clothes. Seems to work well. A little hard to find in local stores now days. I live in the Bremerton area.

  • @elinorosterhoudt7932

    @elinorosterhoudt7932

    2 жыл бұрын

    Available on Amazon.

  • @shhhhhh8690
    @shhhhhh86902 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Sarah, I’d love to know how you bring back wine and olive oil in your bag checked with out breakage?

  • @kathyromack9314

    @kathyromack9314

    2 жыл бұрын

    You local wine store may be able to give you the styrofoam shipping containers they receive for free or you can always buy one from Amazon. We bring a 6 bottle styrofoam bottle holder and check a bag on the way home.I also always bring large ziplock bags that can house olive oil cans/bottles. That way if something happens the liquid should be contained.

  • @michellestevens2454
    @michellestevens24542 жыл бұрын

    I use Woolite formulated for darks when washing my black clothes.

  • @helenvwalker7919
    @helenvwalker79192 жыл бұрын

    I live in Spain. I use Ryanair to travel around Europe and to the UK constantly. You just have to exploit the system. They are very transparent about their rules.

  • @kathygann7632
    @kathygann76322 жыл бұрын

    I started using soy milk instead of cow’s milk, and the hot flashes went away!

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's cos they both contain hormones. But the hormones in soy that helped you with menopause can be harmful in other ways so do your research

  • @robynlydick8126
    @robynlydick8126 Жыл бұрын

    Sarah, Weleeda and EO both make small non aerosol deodorants. Not antiperspirants, but deodorants, that work fairly well, and are easy to reapply as you are out and about.

  • @llwil2003
    @llwil20032 жыл бұрын

    Pallet shirts with blue/black/white shirts with black bottoms.

  • @susie9893
    @susie98932 жыл бұрын

    Hi Sarah, not sure if you remember me commenting a few weeks back that now that you're posting a lot more on KZread I need to change my notifications so I get notified of all your activities? Well I don't think it's working right cos when I checked I already HAD set-up it up to receive all your notifications but I never receive notifications of upcoming chats and I certainly don't have anything about this upcoming chat you mention on Saturday (I'm watching and it says this chat was posted 9hrs ago so I'm not sure if that refers to THIS Saturday or next? - it's already Saturday here but we're a day ahead of you)

  • @heatherj9029
    @heatherj90292 жыл бұрын

    I didn't know you could bring cheese home from other countries. Also, just my opinion, I can't wait to board a plane and see human faces again.

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think it depends on the country you're taking it out of and in to

  • @lindamonahan1704
    @lindamonahan17042 жыл бұрын

    I am over 70 and back n the day they sold pantyhose that worked as compression socks for nurses. Those pantyhose were white.

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    Now they come in a wider range of colours but unfortunately the company is now doing weird things with the product and I don't think it's as good

  • @makeupunlimited

    @makeupunlimited

    2 жыл бұрын

    there were some that looked liked actual pantyhose, skin colors etc... IDK if they're still made or not.

  • @sophiewinkler7549
    @sophiewinkler75492 жыл бұрын

    I have seen people being weighed to go on a plane in Fiji.

  • @lynnevyfvinkel2256

    @lynnevyfvinkel2256

    2 жыл бұрын

    yes, they did! The plane was very small and needed to balance the weight in the cabin. They had a scale and you had to stand on the scale with your carry on bag. The airline has a much smaller type of aircraft to go from island to island.

  • @TheMegaEberle
    @TheMegaEberle Жыл бұрын

    What is the name of the deodorant? Did not catch that please recommend thank you

  • @melaniejf4191

    @melaniejf4191

    Жыл бұрын

    Do you mean Lume (USA brand)? Or the European one that sprays?

  • @annakozoriz
    @annakozoriz Жыл бұрын

    Oh boy! Are we really talking about “hot flashes”!?

  • @kellydooling
    @kellydooling2 жыл бұрын

    thanks for the tips! very fun video. and while i agree that weighing people is discriminatory, what else could be done to eliminate people who buy a seat but actually need two seats and make flights miserable for people next to them. i don’t have the answer but it’s not fair to other passengers. just sayin.

  • @susie9893

    @susie9893

    2 жыл бұрын

    In those sorts of situations the airline is SUPPOSED to provide them with the extra seat. Also, the airline would need to know well in advance of the flight (due to over-booking, which they DO do) so weighing at the airport would be irrelevant. I think it's just another of those budget things they want to impose

  • @lyarcadia
    @lyarcadia Жыл бұрын

    People did not sanitize the airplane before the pandemic because they don't need to, and maybe they shouldn't. Sanitizer is, most of time, worse than germs. I would feel OK as long as everything is dry unless there is a new virus or bacteria around.

  • @river6448
    @river64482 жыл бұрын

    I'm 4'11 lol

  • @laurie6123
    @laurie61232 жыл бұрын

    Don't you worry about your wine and cheese being stolen?