Lolla in Chicago

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The music festival to end all festivals.

While I have been to Illinois and Chicago many times – I have never been to Lollapalooza. In a turn of events, I ended up going alone, and I had an incredible time. Here is my experience plus some tips and tricks.

First things first – screenshot the map and schedule/lineup for all the bands. We bought tickets for Friday only and were able to see where the stages were and when our favorite bands were playing. Because I went alone – I was able to see my favorites and explore a bit more.

A photo of the entrance to Lollapalooza. A artsy cartoon boombox.

Plus, do some research for hotels in advance. I could see the main stage from my room. This photo was right inside the gate across the street from my hotel entrance. Also – I would highly recommend the Congress Plaza Hotel because it’s in Grant Park and there’s a ton of security because of the location meaning you feel super safe. Also, it’s an old hotel that is really ornate and interesting.

Okay, so you’ve got your hotel, you decided which day to buy or what pass works best, you know which bands you want to see. How do you make the most of your time?

Go early and make a plan of action. The two bands I wanted to see the most were at stages that faced each other so they rotated. I got to see James Bay and then The Neighbourhood started playing right as he finished. Once The Neighbourhood was getting close to the end of their last song, I left and beat the crowd out because the next artist on the opposite stage was Post Malone. I got to watch him from afar because I didn’t feel like getting trampled. After I saw the songs I wanted to see I made my way towards the main stage and got caught up at a small stage and watched an incredible band I had never heard of. THIS is why I love festivals. You get to hear so many artists you would have never heard of. Two of my favorite bands I found this way; Bad Rabbits (Warped Tour) and R. LUM. R. (Lollapalooza).

A photo of a moose with the Lyft logo and people waiting in line for tacos.

Make sure you have a full battery and possibly an external charger if your hotel is further away. You will need to take a Lyft, Uber, L train, cab, something back. I would recommend whatever ride share company is partnered with the event. For Lolla, Lyft was their main choice meaning they had a Lyft pickup lot that was close to the event and gave out free water, energy drinks, tacos and tamales, and small souvenirs while you waited for your driver. I was able to use the restroom, get some food, water, listen to music, and got free hand sanitizer, beer koozies, and keychains.

Thankfully, my biggest tip is back in style. FANNY PACKS! (or if you’re British Bum Bags). There are thousands of people here and I ended up wearing my small backpack backwards due to some missing items and opened pockets. (Nothing major, just a missing zipper string and oil blotting face papers).

Either bring money or pre-load it onto your wristband and make sure you have the essentials for being out in the sun. I had the best time here and I felt totally safe being alone. I made a ton of new friends because everyone there is super friendly. Lollapalooza is definitely not one to miss.

 

 

Top Chicago Bars

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Exciting and Unique.

I have been to Chicago a few times and I always find something new to fall in love with. These bars however, are some that you have to experience at least once. They’re also bars I continue to return to time after time.

The Green Door Tavern

This is my number one must see bar in Chicago. It’s a staple.

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This wooden oasis is full of eclectic and ole timey memorabilia as it was built in 1872. Some of my favorites are the old sports banners and items like bats, balls, and speed bags, the huge Blackhawk’s drum hanging from the ceiling (Go Wings though), and a carousel horse. While it has great food and drinks, there is a wheel above the bar for shots. Do this at your own risk though, because Jeppson’s Malort is written on there several times. While it’s an alcohol you can only get in Chicago, it has been likened to garbage juice. If you look closely you can see a Jackalope above the bar and some interesting wall decorations in the mirror. This past weekend thankfully I got a Wondermint shot instead of Malort. While it didn’t go great with my beer – I was happy.

The Drifter

This bar is in the downstairs of The Green Door Tavern. Look for the hidden door and someone will come to take your name. The drink menu comes as tarot cards, there are burlesque dancers and live music, and all original, genuine speakeasy decorations from the 20’s. This is a must see in Chicago with some seriously cool atmosphere.

Timothy O’Tooles

Everyone needs a go to Irish bar and this one just happens to have Maple Bourbon Chicken Wings, Irish Nachos, and Tater Tot Poutine. They also have a wide selection of Irish and non-Irish liquor and beer but let’s be real – if it’s not Irish is it still worth it?

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Three Dots and a Dash

This is hailed as a speakeasy type bar but let’s just say and easy to find “speakeasy”. You walk down an alley and look for the blue light above the door. (On busy weekends however, there is a bouncer standing outside rather than right inside). The decorations are incredible and you will feel like a pirate on a tropical island. My favorite part is the giant wall of skulls lit in blue light. It makes you feel like you’re truly going to a different world. Cocktails are rated by how strong they are and there are over 150 different kinds of rum to choose from. You can also get a drink served in a treasure chest – so I mean who wouldn’t want to try out a place this cool?

Old Town Pour House

This is not for those who are indecisive. This tavern-esque bar has almost 100 beers on tap and the best crab dip in the area. If beer isn’t your thing – don’t worry, they also have handcrafted cocktails. This is somewhere you won’t want to miss.

Global Entry

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Plus TSA Pre-Check.

This is one of the best travel investments ever created. First things first – what is global entry? US Customs and Border Protection states it is a “program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low risk travelers upon arrival in the United States”. The benefits for this include no processing lines, no paperwork, access to expedited entry benefits in other countries, reduced wait times. Basically – skip customs. Yes, you can still be selected for additional screening, but it will save you a lot of time and hassle.

To get global entry you have to apply and pay a fee. You will fill out extensive information about yourself and confirm the start of a background check. If you are approved from here on, a few weeks later you will have to have an in-person interview where they ask you questions, take your finger prints, and let you know your acceptance or denial.

My friend did her interview with US Customs and Border Patrol at the airport. I did mine at the Enrollment Center under the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit and Canada. It was quick and painless and I got approved that day.

Another bonus with having global entry is that your known traveler ID gets you TSA pre-check. So basically all my domestic flights that were already booked, I just added my known traveler number and got TSA pre-check added to all my boarding passes. No taking off shoes, removing liquids, body scanners… It makes a frequent flyer’s life so much easier.

Not just US citizens can have global entry. If you’re a citizen of Argentina, India, Colombia, U.K., Germany, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, or a Mexican National – you’re in luck. You are eligible.

Reasons you may not be eligible; false or incomplete information on your application, having been convicted of a crime, being found in violation of any customs regulations, or if you’re part of any ongoing investigation.

Global entry is more prevalent than other services that offer similar expedited experiences. There is Clear, FastTrack, Nexus, etc – but I would recommend global entry. Your $100 fee gives you global entry for 5 years.

This is 100% worth it from my own personal experience. If you have the desire to travel, do yourself a favor and apply!

Visa 101

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How to get a Visa.

Visas have a lot of information and stipulations. I’m hoping this guide will help you in your travels.

Most countries you will attend will have a requirement for a visa. Some have to be purchased ahead of time, some can be bought upon entry, and price can vary quite a bit.

The best site to find the specific requirements for each country (from the US) is the US Department of State or from the UK is the travel advice section for the UK Government. Type your intended travels into the search bar and select your country. This will bring up everything you may need including travel advisories.

Let’s use Egypt as an example. For Egypt you will need to have at least 6 months validity left on your passport after your trip is to end, one blank passport page, and a visa. Egypt is one of the easier countries to obtain a visa because it can be purchased upon arrival in the airport.

China, however, is more difficult for a US citizen to gain a visa. Again, validity is 6 months but requires two blank passport pages. Each visa type has different instructions and can generally be found online. Depending on which visa you apply for you will have to send in your actual passport to a Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General based on your State of residence, proof of US residency, hotel bookings, flight information, etc.

All of this information can be found on China’s embassy page, however, my traveling friends have told me the easiest way to go through China’s process is to go to a Consulate or use a Visa service like Travisa or CIBT Visas.

Last piece of advice is to make sure you have plenty of time for these processes. Russia states it may take up to 20 business days for a visa application to be approved whereas some other countries don’t list a specific time frame.

I wouldn’t let visas deter you from traveling, instead, use it as a way to explore more about the country and their processes before arriving.

Vaccines and Travel

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Worth it?

Um yes – they are mandatory. There are both recommended vaccinations and required vaccinations depending on your location.

The best way to find necessary vaccinations is by checking visa requirements. There are some helpful sites with this information and make sure you pay special attention to the time frame the vaccination is needed and keep all proper documentation.

Vaccines all travelers should have – Hep A, Hep B, Rabies, Influenza.

Here is a list of current vaccinations needed if coming from the US.

  • Afghanistan – Polio
  • Albania -Documentation required
  • Angola – Yellow Fever
  • Bangladesh – Hep A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk or under 1 year
  • Benin – Yellow Fever
  • Bhutan – Documentation required
  • Bolivia – Yellow Fever
  • Botswana – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Benin – Yellow Fever
  • Burkina Faso – Yellow Fever
  • Myanmar/Burma – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Burundi – Yellow Fever
  • Cameroon – Yellow Fever
  • Central African Republic – Yellow Fever
  • Chad – Yellow Fever
  • Colombia – Yellow Fever, Documentation required
  • Republic of the Congo – Yellow Fever
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo  – Yellow Fever
  • Costa Rica – Yellow Fever
  • Djibouti – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Ecuador – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Equatorial Guinea – Yellow Fever, Polio Booster
  • Eritrea – Yellow Fever
  • Ethiopia – Yellow Fever
  • French Guiana – Yellow Fever
  • Gabon – Yellow Fever
  • Gambia – Yellow Fever
  • Georgia – Hep A, Pre-Exposure Rabies
  • Ghana – Yellow Fever
  • Granada – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Guinea – Yellow Fever
  • Guinea Bissau – Yellow Fever
  • Honduras – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk, measles, rubella, typhoid
  • India – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Ivory Coast/Cote d’Ivoire – Yellow Fever
  • Kenya – Yellow Fever
  • Lesotho – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Liberia – Yellow Fever
  • Madagascar – Yellow Fever
  • Malawi – Yellow Fever
  • Maldives – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Mali – Yellow Fever
  • Mauritania – Yellow Fever
  • Mauritius – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Mozambique – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Namibia – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Nicaragua – Yellow Fever
  • Niger – Yellow Fever
  • Nigeria – Polio, Yellow Fever
  • Oman – Yellow Fever
  • Pakistan – Polio
  • Panama – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Peru – Yellow Fever
  • Philippines – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Rwanda – Yellow Fever
  • Sao Tome and Principe – Yellow Fever
  • Saudi Arabia – Depends on your visa class
  • Senegal – Yellow Fever
  • Seychelles – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Sierra Leone – Yellow Fever
  • Singapore – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Somalia – Yellow Fever
  • South Sudan – Yellow Fever
  • Sri Lanka – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Sudan – Yellow Fever, Cholera
  • Suriname – Yellow Fever
  • Tanzania – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Thailand – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Togo – Yellow Fever
  • Uganda – Yellow Fever, Polio
  • Venezuela – Yellow Fever
  • Zambia – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk
  • Zimbabwe – Yellow Fever if coming from a location with risk

These are the current 2018 required vaccinations, however, some countries have other precautions you should be taking. Ex. Peru has some areas prevalent with the Zika Virus, Malaria, Dengue Fever, etc.

When looking at which vaccinations are required, be sure you’re getting them in the correct time frame for them to function properly and protect you.

Countries that require documentation of vaccinations generally follow the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination but could vary. The CDC recommends all US adults to have the following: Hep B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus Influenzae, Pneumococcal Conjugate, Inactivated Poliovirus, Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hep A, Meningococcal, HPV, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide.

There are several places to get these vaccines. If your primary care physician doesn’t have access to these you can find a clinic online. The best source I have found is the CDC. You will have to find a clinic that is an authorized vaccine center so you can get proper documentation.

For all vaccine information from the CDC please visit their current information statement site. This will give you all information as far as how to document your vaccinations, if you’re eligible for them, who should avoid them, etc. Also, no matter what, be careful of your drinking water and food as this is how most diseases spread.

Vaccinate or don’t vaccinate your children – this is NOT that kind of post.

Just be aware of your health and required vaccinations for travel.

Carry On Essentials

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Long or Short Flight – You’ll Thank Me.

It has taken me quite a few flights to figure out what exactly I absolutely need in my carry on. Mostly I pack everything for my trip in only as carry on, but I have the absolute necessities in easily accessible spots.

A photo of Mario Badescu aloe, cucumber, and green tea facial spray, burt's bees cucumber mint chapstick, a sandcloud water bottle, and cvs hand sanitizer

  1. Hand sanitizer
  2. Mario Badescu facial spray
  3. Mouth wash
  4. Baby wipes
  5. Water bottle
  6. External charger
  7. Snacks
  8. Change of clothes
  9. Bathing suit (depending on location)
  10. Neck pillow
  11. Scarf
  12. Headphones
  13. Chapstick

These are my holy grail, never leave home without, staples. Let me tell you why.

First, hand sanitizer – planes and airports are cesspools of germs. Plus, sometimes when traveling you never know when the plane’s soap will be out or the next time you’ll be able to get totally clean.

Second, facial spray. The one I have shown – cucumber, aloe, and green tea is my all time favorite but there are plenty of others. Plane’s recirculate their air and mix in fresh air. While it’s clean – it dries out your skin. Not to mention the long days, new routines, and change in diet while traveling. Facial spray also keeps you awake, refreshed, and energized, and your skin moisturized. Another fun fact, I don’t go anywhere without chapstick so that one is obvious.

Next – mouthwash. Long or short flight, sleep or no sleep, keeping your mouth clean is pretty important. You can (unfortunately) get morning breath any time of day depending on when you eat, sleep, drink water, etc. There are some great travel mouthwashes that take up very little space in your liquids bag. Fly mouthwash, any 1(ish) oz bottle, or SmartMouth packets.

Fourth thing I need to have on flights, different kind of wipes. Clorox wipes, facial cleansing wipes, and body wipes usually do the trick. Clorox wipes to wipe down your tray table so you don’t get sick, facial cleansing wipes and body wipes so you can take a mini “shower” in the plane bathroom so you’re nice and fresh when you get off your plane.

Next, water bottle. Important because a bottle of water at an airport is what, 19 dollars? Kidding but not really. An empty bottle you can take through TSA and fill it up for free. It’s nice to save 100 bucks when you can.

portable chargersSix – portable charger. Self explanatory. (But make sure you check airline regulations for whichever country you’re flying into – there are some new laws out about these!)

Seven is snacks, also self explanatory.

Eighth thing I need on planes is a change of clothes. Once you take your baby wipe shower, you can put on some fresh undies, clean clothes, and get ready to conquer your day. Also, it’s good to have a back up plan just in case your checked luggage gets lost. Nine can be combined in this one also; another outfit to have, bathing suit bottoms for underwear if you’re desperate, or even chill in your bathing suit on a beach or by a pool while you’re waiting to check into your hotel/hostel/AirBnB.

Ten – neck pillow. Most travelers I know have multiple for different flights depending on their seat. I personally only have one and it’s amazing, however, does take up some space. I just attach it to my backpack on the outside but you’ve been warned. This one is perfect for me for every seat I fly in although I am very curious about the Trtl Neck Pillow so if anyone has any experience with it, let me know!

Next is a scarf. I use the Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf for ALL of my travels. This hack I got from @mylifeisatravelmovie. It can be used as a scarf, as a cardigan, and as a blanket. It’s soft, versatile, and squishy when all bundled together. Sleep on it, wear it when you’re cold, use it as a fashion statement – this is a MUST HAVE.

Lastly, headphones. Duh.

Let me know if you have any carryon must haves. Maybe I’m missing out on a hack I didn’t even know about.

 

Massachusetts

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Wicked.

I was recently able to cross off another state with a long weekend trip. I was looking forward to this trip for a lot of reasons…

  1. Seafood
  2. I get to finally meet my best friend in person

If you read number two and were confused – buckle up. Just kidding; to make a long story short we met online and planned several trips together before actually meeting. We talk every single day whether it be phone call, facetime, text, email, facebook… but the first time we would actually be meeting was in Boston.

Our flights got in at the same time and we had an instant connection. I don’t know how to explain it other than we were meant to be friends. We hugged and just dove right into conversation. We are now planning on living together next year and continue to plan trips constantly.

Anyway, first trip together was Boston. We had a packed trip and I wouldn’t have wanted to explore this city with anyone else.

Day 1: Thursday

We took early ass flights and were in Boston together and in a Lyft to our AirBnB by 10am. We changed, freshened up after the flight, and headed to activity numero uno: Sam Adam’s R & D Brewery tour. This was actually really fun and we got free beer and a free tasting glass.

34817409_10156695938623689_1825606712799789056_n.jpgWe decided to get food at the place they suggested, which was the first ever cafe/pub to carry their beer: Doyle’s Cafe. Pro tip – if you bring your ticket to the tour they give you a free Sam Adams Boston Lager glass.

After this we walked around a

bit and eventually headed toward Fenway Park to watch my home team (Detroit Tigers) play the Boston Red Sox. (Spoiler alert: Tigers won). Before we got into Fenway we had a few drinks at a Boston staple; Cask ‘n Flagon. This place was packed and drinks in Boston anywhere are insanely expensive so try to just get something cheap and quick. Also, MA has strict alcohol laws so you can buy beer at Fenway, but they won’t walk around with it in the stands.

After the Tigers won we got a pizza and headed home for a busy day Friday.

Day 2: Friday

We leisurely woke up, got ready, ate breakfast, and headed towards our first adventure of the day and something I would recommend to EVERYONE. It was the Boston History Pub Crawl. Not only was our tour guide incredible, we learned a lot of odd history while drinking and walking the Freedom Trail. We learned about the found time capsules, the origins behind all the strange little quirks in Boston like unicorns and the Boston Point, and got to visit one of the first Taverns; Bell in Hand.

We met some cool people during

this tour so we decided to eat dinner at Cheers with them and join their next tour; Boston Ghost Tour. It was really interesting learning about some battles that took place right where we were walking. Didn’t see any ghosts though, bummer. After this we drank at 21st Amendment and danced and partied at Sissy K’s with our new friends until it was bedtime.

Day 3: Saturday

We woke up and got ready and immediately went to Boston Pride. We met some incredible people, won some gifts,34719472_10156695938283689_4285068697757810688_n.jpg and I was introduced to bounce music and Big Freedia for the first time. We also got to watch Martha Wash sing “It’s Raining Men”.

After this we went to a 90’s night at Anthem and then went dancing somewhere else until closing time.

Day 4: Sunday

This was a much more relaxed day for us. We got brunch and walked around Harvard and Boston Commons. We saw a movie, mastered the public transportation, and hung out with Jamese’s friend. They took us to the airport and we parted ways.

As you can see, this was a jam packed trip but I wouldn’t have wanted to tackle this with anyone other than Jamese. I had the most amazing time in Boston and I would honestly recommend everything we did to anyone who has never been there or even a local who hasn’t explored enough.

California

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Exploring the West.

If you follow me on Instagram then you know I recently took a trip west. Far west. More west than I have ever been before. I had a Memorial Day weekend in California. (Southern California to be exact).

While this is a huge state, I believe I explored my fair share being there for only 3 days.

33816531_10156666558923689_4071882833470160896_n.jpgHere’s a picture of me looking cute in Malibu.

Okay, now that we have that covered – here is my itinerary/how you can see as much as I did in a short amount of time.

Huge shoutout to my cousin who chauffeured me around SoCal all weekend.

Day 1 – Fly in, Lyft to my cousin’s apartment, play with her dog, shower, head to Long Beach with her husband. Julia (my cousin friend) works at this cool ass shipping container food market called SteelCraft. I ate lunch there and had a few beers because the time difference was not in my stomach’s favor. (Aka it had been a long ass time since I ate anything).

After this little rendezvous we headed to Ballast Point brewery in long beach. This was super cool because craft beer in MI is huge and my ex always loved Ballast Point. It was cool to experience it. This is pretty much all we did this day.

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Fast forward to night time, my roommate flew in, we went to bed, the end.

Day 2 – Santa Monica and other typical Southern California things for tourists. This day we woke up, got ready, hopped in a car, and drove out to Malibu. We had brunch, walked through the Adamson House Gardens and saw the gorgeous house. We hopped back in the car and drove to the Point Dume state beach in Malibu – got sunburnt, drove back towards Santa Monica. Saw the cute stores and restaurants, watched the sunset on the pier, and got to see a seal just playing in the water and chasing fishermen’s bait. We then went for ice cream in Venice on Abbot Kinney Blvd at Salt and Straw.

Day 3 – We started the day at Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. We met my cousin and I don’t remember the exact order of events but we saw Melrose and all the famous Instagram spots, walked throug33747764_10156666555508689_4452018796722388992_n.jpgh Downtown LA and went in The Last Bookstore – aka an incredible masterpiece. We then did Mulholland Dr and saw the Hollywood sign from the Bowl Lookout. We also saw West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

The best food I had was fried lobster Nik Niks and some great tacos at a small place.

The next day basically it was get up and head to the airport – that’s why I said we were there for only 3 days. The things I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND, is seeing Melrose and Rodeo Drive. It’s just so beautiful and interesting. Santa Monica was probably my favorite little city/sector of the larger picture that is Southern California. Also something insanely cool – The Murder House from American Horror Story is in LA. So go see it.

Find as many little shops as possible, ask about strange records in The Record Collector (they probably have it – like the copy of War of the Worlds I bought by Orson Wells), go check out some rare books at The Last Bookstore, and if there’s a huge line for ice cream, it’s probably worth it.

Happy exploring.

Moving Out

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Here’s to Fresh Starts.

Guys – the day has come. I have moved out and I have cut my commute by an hour. There isn’t a ton to say except I love my roommates, I love living in Royal Oak, and I love having a shorter commute.

moving

Bruno and I are excited to have our own place and meet some new people.

30 Before 30: 6 down, 24 to go!

Travel Apps

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What to do?

Travel apps. Some are useless while some are absolute lifesavers. I’m starting a series on here where I am going to review some of the most popular travel apps along with some you may not have head of. If you have any suggestions for me, drop them in the comments below. Without further introduction, here are my top 3 travel apps.

Splitwise

The best travel app when you’re traveling with others is Splitwise.

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I blocked out my friends names but this is what Splitwise looks like when you add in groups and trips. You don’t pay each other through this app like Venmo, you just add in expenses and it carries over to all trips you have planned with them. For example, in “Cruise” I booked a Naples Tour for all four of us. How they are paying me back is by Person 2 is paying me back by buying my flight to Barcelona from Paris and buying our hotel and comedy show tickets in DC.

Person 3 is actually going to be doing my hair and adding it to Splitwise instead of me paying her cash. This app just makes everything much easier when booking trips, abroad or domestic. You would rather book all four spots in a tour at once and all four flights at the same time rather then everyone fending for themselves. This takes out the guess work and most importantly, it takes out the MATH. Thank the lord. This is the easiest way to stay organized with expenses.

Skyscanner

This app is a lifesaver and any travelers best friend.

skyscanner

Skyscanner checks every travel app and airline to compare prices. Sometimes when I’m trying to plan a vacation and I know I have off certain days but don’t know where I want to go, I look on Skyscanner. This is how I’m planning my NYE and Birthday trip. Another great feature is when you know where but not when. I want to volunteer in Nepal so I’ve been tracking what months are the cheapest to fly to Kathmandu. It’s harder to stay loyal to one airline when you search for the cheapest flights but I’ve never had a bad experience. I would rather travel more than pay more per trip for a short flight.

That being said – you can still search for specific airlines. Lets say you refuse to fly Delta, you can uncheck it on the side so it won’t show Delta flights. If you don’t fly Delta – why? You can also check a little box that says “Add Nearby Airports”. I sometimes do this because in Michigan there are several airports and sometimes one is cheaper than the other. I suggest downloading this and playing around for a while to get the hang of it.

Google Maps

I can’t make a list of my top three travel apps without including a map app of some kind. There are a lot of mapps (lol I’m clever) that work great. I will be looking into more of them coming up but I have found the best one for me currently, is Google Maps.

google

The best part about this app is that you can download maps for use offline. This way you don’t have to use data or wifi to know where you’re going and thats huge. Looking like a lost tourist makes you a target. Knowing where you’re going gives you a lower profile and also, makes your life a bit easier.

Another plus is looking at things nearby. This helped me a lot in Denver. I would just pull up Google Maps to find a place to get an appetizer and a drink alone. Anything close/in walking distance, sign me up! Plus, what better way to see a city than roaming around?

I swear by these three apps as well as a few others. You can basically plan your entire trip using these three as well as even out expenses among friends and travel partners. I highly recommend giving them a whirl.

Let me know if you have a holy grail that I need to try next and I’ll add it into my rotation.