Pinterest: Your Newest Travel Agent

Are you a pinner yet? We are and we are completely addicted. Pinterest has become the fastest growing social network recently and it is quite easy to see why. Organization becomes even simpler and more fun that ever on this innovative site.

An awesome way to use it is for your vacation planning! Here are five easy ways to organize your trips using Pinterest...

1. Make a board of places you want to visit.
2. After you pick one, make a board of the things you want to do while you are there - museums, beaches, stores, etc.
3. Make a board of food you want to try on your trip. This will make menu planning a breeze...
4. Make a board of some local flare you want to get for yourself or others while you are there. That way, you won't be spending your entire trip hunting down souvenirs.
5. Use the Pinterest search to find other awesome things other people have found at your destination. This is a great alternative to just googling.

Also, check out our Pinterest page: https://pinterest.com/vacationchannel/. Follow us and we will be glad to follow you back!

Well, It's Easier Than Flying A Plane...

Vacation is the name of our game and we strive to make sure that yours is as fun and relaxing as you would hope it to be. That being said, we like to do our part to make sure all elements of your vacation follow. So let's look at some ways to make your air travel smoother. Here are a few tips...

Booking: There are a lot of myths around this one. But the consensus is mid-week booking is the best for finding a good price. Additionally, 4-6 months prior to date of departure is the best time for rate.

Packing: We have a whole post on it! See this.  Also, wet wipes aren't just for babies. They are wonderful ways of cleaning the tray tables that are undoubtedly gross, cleaning the coffee you spilled on yourself and a plethora of other unavoidable accidents. They are the best travel companion you will ever have... As far as carry-on is concerned, don't overwhelm yourself with stuff. You need your ticket, your wallet/ID, and your cell phone. Those are the only needs. For entertainment, bring a book or two. You don't need more than that. For snacks, think small and individually wrapped like trail mix or granola bars.

Plan: Planning is crucial to a stress-free flight. We know it can be tough, but it is worth it. Be sure to plan on how you are going to get to and from the airports, plan to eat before and/or after so you aren't starving and rushing. If you are traveling with other people, make sure everyone is aware of the plans with plenty of notice. Plan on small and simple games or other items to keep kids entertained. 

Time and Space: Morning flights are best to book for a few reasons. First, schedules are generally still on time at earlier hours. Second, the weather is frequently less turbulent in the morning. For a good seat, choose as soon as you can (at booking, if possible). Avoiding bulkhead seats (where they put babies) and the back rows (fresher air from the filtration system in the front) are also best practices.

Those are just a few and as always we would love to have your input. Let us know what your travel tips are!

Pack Well, Travel Well

Spring Break 2012 is rapidly approaching! No doubt you are working on planning your great getaway... Very exciting! Not just the good kind of exciting. Also the stressful kind of exciting. Well, the team here at The Vacation Channel is going to help relieve a good deal of stress with vacation before you even make it out the door. Packing! It's not the most fun task ever... but it is necessary. Now whether you are a last minute packer, someone who packs days a head, or the one who takes days to pack, it can all be made easier. Since vacation is our game, we have compiled a list of important steps to take to make your packing for vacation not getting you off to a bad start. Here we go...

• Check the weather! Don't waste time and space packing for all kinds of weather. Just pack for the weather you will be dealing with.

• Plan your color scheme. Don't want to figure out how you are going to fill a washer with whites or darks or in between? Try and keep it all in the neighborhood so you don't end up wasting anything.

• Find out what the amenities are where you are staying and leave those items off your list. If the hotel has a hair dryer, bathrobe or etc, don't waste the space. Are staying with a friend that has plenty of beach towels, laundry detergent and a curling iron? Leave them at home. 

• Travel size! They make them for a reason. They really are a great way to keep your bathroom bag condensed.

• You don't need as many shoes as you think. Three at most. Sneakers, comfy sandals, flats or other casuals and a pair of dress shoes. Invest in colors that will work for all of your outfits and you won't have to waste space each time you travel.

• Don't forget the important stuff! Easier said than done, we know... But if you make a list of the things you cannot leave without, it really will help you in the end. Phone and charger, credit cards, medications, etc. List these items out so you aren't pulling your hair out trying to remember at the last minute. 

Don't waste time stressing out about packing for vacation. Just these few simple tricks will make a world of difference in how you prepare to travel. 

Did we miss something on our list? Comment on our post to share your great packing tips!