How to choose the right hotel or what factors I look for in a hotel comes up a lot in conversation. For me I start with the following questions, 1. Can I afford it, 2. Is it safe, and 3. Is it walkable to interesting things. Those are the non-negotiables and after this I take everything else into consideration. Decisions like what amenities I need, niceness of staff, and a good bar always come after I get the basics right. I will break down how I choose the right hotel and dig a little deeper into the various options.

Lastly, I will give some tips as how I choose the right hotel overseas? I have noticed that each country has different standards that have to be considered. Below are my tips for picking the right hotel.

Picking the Right Hotel #1 Rule Cost

It may seem obvious, but everything should be within your budget. Don’t go broke when traveling. When choosing a hotel your financial constraints matter. I am not saying throw out all other factors if you can save $10/night. What I am saying is don’t let your hotel put you in the poor house. If you’re traveling to an exciting destination (not an all-inclusive resort), you won’t spend much time in your hotel anyway. There is no need to pay for a bunch of overpriced bells and whistles.

To save money look at the various types of accommodations, I put together a list here. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages. Is a five-star hotel worth it? Well, it is if you have the money and want luxury. For me no. Bottom line is I start with how much I want to pay and then roll in the next criteria. One last thing about cost. Take all costs into consideration. Some resort fees or outrageous parking costs make expenses add up. What might seem like a $150 a night hotel may end up costing you $250.

How to choose the right hotel? #2 Rule Safety

Another non-negotiable when picking a hotel, especially overseas, is safety. I will get to just how to know a hotel is safe later in the post, but above all else, you are to avoid dangerous situations. I was in a riad in Marrakesh and they took my front door key before I left the hotel. I received it back after I returned. I thought I was in a mobster movie, there are jewelry stores with less security.

This made me feel both safe and unsafe at the same time. One’s location should always determine the amount of safety features one should have. The more dangerous the country the more attention you need to spend on picking a safe hotel. Look for lighting around the establishment and get a general feel for the neighborhood. Also, a higher level of crowds can keep you out of trouble. Even an upscale area can have sections where shady people hang around. Yes, it may be difficult to determine how safe a hotel is from the pictures, the hotels website isn’t showing their residents being mugged in the lobby. A couple of reviews can also help you avoid the trouble of an unsafe hotel or neighborhood.

Cleanliness

I am going to lump cleanliness into safety because a dirty room can make you sick. Pay attention to what people say (or the pictures they post) if it looks filthy, put it toward the bottom of your list of choices. Especially if you notice a reoccurring theme from multiple reviewers.

Factors in Choosing a hotel #3 Rule Location

For me location is key when choosing the right hotel. It is everything actually. There is no point staying 50 miles from all the good bars and restaurants. I do not care how effective mass transit is, there is nothing like walking outside and being in the center of the action. In fact, you should pinpoint some general areas first, then find a safe and cost-efficient hotel. When deciding how to choose the right hotel figure out where the hotspots are and stay near BUT NOT IN, them.

You want to be far enough away from major attraction as to not feel like you’re in a tourist trap, but close enough to walk to where you want. Near enough to get a selfie stick on demand, but you still want to get a feel for some of the neighborhoods in your area. Finding the right mix of local neighborhood and touristy attraction can be tough, but I will sort out how you can do that later. The worst thing you can do is stay too far or in an unwalkable area to save a buck. If you can’t afford a good location, maybe change your destination. I would rather be in a walkable hotel in Albuquerque than a remote hotel in Sicily. Ok maybe not, but you get the point.

How to choose the right hotel? Well Reviewed

After I found a hotel that I know is safe, in a good location and is in my budget I start to list them by reviews. I always take these with a grain of salt, it doesn’t take much for a place to fall from a 4.5 to 4.2 on Google. Still, other people’s opinions tend to matter at least somewhat. I try to limit my score to a 4 or above. Even that may be pushing it, especially if there are a lot of reviews.

I learned this lesson the hard way many years back, I had a now (thankfully) Ex girlfriend pick a hotel that was “a hole in the wall” for a beach trip. The reviews were awful I mean 1 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. I thought “who cares how bad could it be?” Well, the room was in shambles, they locked me out of my room a number of times. Their “breakfast” was just a box of Walmart donuts, and you couldn’t speak to anyone at the front desk. Oh yeah, they also literally had a bird in the lobby as a pet that was pooing all over the place. It was a nightmare. I do not trust the opinions of others on a lot of things, but if everyone is saying something you may want to listen!

Lastly, What Amenities are Important to You?

Now that you have the last three criteria right it is time to customize a bit. If you are wondering how to choose the right hotel you will realize that some of these things are subjective. For me, I love a balcony when traveling. Nothing better than waking up at 9am with a glass of wine and listening to the voices of foreign children on their way to school. Others might want a pool, etc.

Just think of the things you can’t live without and limit your search to those. Want a pool or a gym, you know where to start your search. Some need a bar in the lobby, while others just want a clean room. You may also want to keep in mind what you can live without.

This will help with the cost by guiding you to which type of accommodation is best for you (once again read more about it here). Apartment-type accommodation are great if you want a clean, room with a kitchen but none of the extras. In Portugal I stayed in a place like this, and it was perfect for my trip. Main point is the get the important stuff first, then decide what you can’t (or can) live without. Now that you know what to look for let me give you some tips on how to choose the right hotel.

Tips: How to Choose the Right Hotel

Below are the things I do in my extensive and slightly OCD hotel choosing process. I may put more work in than most, but it is usually worth it.

Compared Sites for The Best Price

This may sound like a no brainer, but a lot of people just pick the cheapest thing on Expedia. I go to them all. First, I use Google to give me a list of hotels. I will then hit up multiple sites to find the best price for the hotels I am looking for. Travel sites like Trivago make this a bit easier. It amazes me how different sites can have varying prices for the same place. Of course, there are many sites owned by the same company (Expedia and Orbitz are owned by the same establishment). Still, it is worth looking at all of them.

I think it is also worth going to the hotels actual website. Sometimes the best deals can be found direct, without the fees. The hotels have gotten wind of how much third-party sites have cheated them and are adjusting their prices accordingly. Lastly check these sites on multiple days. I find it weird how much the prices fluctuate between the sites or the same site depending on the day.

Read Negative Hotel Reviews

After filtering for the score, read the worst reviews to give you a feel of any reoccurring themes. Sometimes the negative reviews are ridiculous, or one offs, others can be more telling. If someone complains about the service a year ago, that employee may not even be there still. On the other hand, if five people are complaining about how dirty the rooms are, it should be an immediate red flag. Negative reviews generally tell you more than positive ones.

Google Maps is Your Friend

This is where I start my hotel search, I pull up the areas I want to stay in a make a list from there. To find out which areas you want to stay in look for some major landmarks and stay close to, but not on top of, those. You do not want to be overcharged in some tourist trap, but you also do not want to have to take a bus to see any major attractions.

I tend to like to eat when I travel. I look for a place close to as many local restaurants as possible. If there is an Olive Garden within two minutes, it probably isn’t the hotel for me.

If you really want to get anal about your area, you can walk the streets using Google Maps. Take the little guy in the corner of the map and put him directly in front of your hotel. This will get you a feel for the area. I have spent many an hour walking the streets of my hotel.

Know The Safest Neighborhoods

Back to safety, you want to know if the area is safe around the hotel. The last thing you want to do is end up in a dangerous neighborhood, especially overseas. No matter how nice a hotel is, if it is adjacent to a dangerous place, pass on it. A quick Google search will tell you where the worst neighborhoods are in each city. Then look at where your hotel is located in relation to this.

I stayed in a 5-star hotel in Turkey but was down a dark alley. At night, I felt more than a little unsafe and had two of my more dangerous experiences while traveling. The hotel itself was beautiful, but not worth the danger.

Speaking of how to choose a hotel, picking one overseas comes with its own challenges. Let me dig a little deeper to show some unique things to keep in mind when choosing a hotel overseas.

How to choose the right hotel Overseas

Hotel quality varies greatly from country to country. If you live in the United States, you may find that the amount of luxury you are accustomed to may not be the same in a foreign place. Keep in mind the following things:

Go For a Higher Star Rating

3-stars in Peru is not the same as 3-stars in the United States. Always chose a 4-star or more when traveling overseas. Obviously, every country and situation are different, but it has always been a great rule of thumb for me. I hate to say it, but a lot of times (not always) the poorer countries do not offer a good stay, even in a higher-star hotel. It is better to be safe than sorry and pick a hotel that is a higher rating than sleeping in a barn.

Don’t Assume any Amenities.

Another thing to consider is when choosing the right hotel overseas is even the best ones can screw you on things you would think are standard. Nothing worse than getting into a hot hotel room and not having Air Condition. Some will have one, but it never seems to get cold. Do not get surprised by shared bathrooms or no maid service. Do your research.

Also, along the same lines, I have had a theme of staying at what is considered a 5-star hotel overseas, yet the management acts as if I just ran over his new puppy (then slept with his wife). Peru was especially bad with this; people were out right rude in what was considered a 5-star hotel. In Italy one lady was openly racist to my now ex-wife at a highly rated place. These people forget you are paying money.

When in Doubt Pick a Name Brand

When overseas, sometimes it is a safer bet to pick a line of hotels you know. They are more likely to be consistent in quality and have the normal amenities. You may still have to deal with some unique quirks, but overall, the experience is less dangerous. Still go with a 4-star or above hotel.

I am not saying avoid all boutique hotels, if you just do not want to think about it and read a million reviews it is your best bet.

Conclusion: How to choose the right hotel

Maybe I overthink the process a bit, especially considering I am not in the room for that long. It is better to overthink than to get your throat slit by bed bugs the size of cats. Just remember when considering what factors do you look for in a hotel, first is expense, safety and location after that it is all just a bonus.

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Going to an all-Inclusive resort alone sets up a unique set of challenges. Picking the wrong one can take away from what can be a fun time. Well, fun for anyone who likes resorts that is. As opposed to a “normal” trip like a city, there is only so much to explore in a resort. If you are by yourself in the wrong establishment, you will find yourself bored.

There are many reasons why you may go to an all-inclusive resort solo, maybe it is you are forced to for a wedding like I was. Or perhaps, you are new to travel and aren’t ready to jump into a solo trip to Marrakesh as your first getaway. Whatever your reason I will help guide you when it comes to going to an all-inclusive resort alone.

1. Pick an Adults Only Resort

A family resort sucks for a single traveler. I assume you are an adult reading this and not a child who ran away from home. This was probably my biggest mistake when I traveled to an all-inclusive resort a couple of months ago. Families are great I am sure, but do you really want to spend your morning dodging children at the pool? A resort that includes kids must set up at least half of their amenities towards them. Already you are out of luck in terms of things to do.

In addition, it is harder to make friends because people seem to gravitate toward others with kids. When I went, I was just that weird loner around a bunch of families. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you want to maximize the chance of meeting other travelers. Family resorts do not do this.

Kids also ruin the buffet, not like most need any help in that department. Grubby little hands on everything. Going to a family resort when your single is more hassle than it is worth. The atmosphere is just different. Yes, people are still partying and drinking, but it doesn’t have a good vibe.

2. Pick a Resort Geared towards Singles (if you are)

Even if your resort doesn’t have kids, it may be geared towards couples. Once again us solo travelers will feel isolated. Nothing is more depressing than being single and going to an all-inclusive resort by yourself and being surrounded by happy people in relationships. There are places that are geared more towards single travelers or at least non married groups.

If you really want to have some memories one can try Hedonism II, Jamaica. I have never been there, but I assume from the name you will have many great stories to tell (or not tell). There are others that might offer a tamer experience, a simple Google search in the area you are going to will help you weed out the couple’s resorts.

3. Choose a Resort that has Amenities which Foster Meeting People

That is a long heading title, but I think it gets the job done. If I were to pick a resort again the first thing I would do is find one that has amenities which will help me meet people as well as kill time. I am a big poker player, so an all-inclusive resort with a casino would help me fill in the dead time between drinking. Poker allows me to meet people or at least have conversations with them. Blackjack is the same concept.

If gambling isn’t your thing, there are other ways to accomplish the same end. Obviously, a nice bar helps, but most resorts have these. Even something like horseback riding or scuba lessons might do if that is what you’re into. The goal is to get around people, going to an all-inclusive resort can be especially lonely if you aren’t talking to anyone throughout your day. Finding a way to come in contact with others goes a long way.

4. Choose Your Location Wisely

If you aren’t forced into a destination like I was, choosing the right place can improve the experience. The more exotic the better in my opinion. If you are walking around a Costa Rican rain forest the time will fly and it will feel as if you are on vacation. When I went, I didn’t have a choice on location, and personally I would have rather not gone to this area. There was nothing spectacular about the beaches of Playa Maya nor nothing exotic about the location.

Go to a country you want to see and learn about, not just the one that feels most comfortable. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you do want to pick a country that is safe, given you are by yourself. Still pick an interesting destination as well, being alone in an exotic area is more fun than being alone in a place that you have seen a million times before.

5. Make it Walkable

Even though you are on an all-Inclusive resort I feel to get the most of your time you want to branch out a bit. Yes, drinking all day might sound like paradise at first, but after day two I am usually ready to drown myself in the slushy maker. A safe, walkable town is preferable. When on a resort, one is usually surrounded by other tourists. As mentioned, I like to see the “real” location when traveling. What better way to do this than explore a local area?

A Google maps search will help you decide if you can easily walk to an area from a resort you are considering. Once again make sure the area is safe, one should always do this, but it goes double when traveling solo. Sometimes a resort just doesn’t have the amenities or local flare that you want, being accessible to a few local bars and restaurants can make it more of an experience.

6. Take Precautions

I mentioned safety a couple of times, but I want to emphasize it here again. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone is probably safer than other types of solo travel, but there still can be concerns. This is especially true if you go off the beaten path (like I like to do) in a foreign country. If you are “overserved” at the bar there will be no one looking out for you. Watch how much you drink; remember everyone around you is essential a stranger.

Yes, you are more likely safer at an all-inclusive resort surrounded by Americans, than in a regular hotel in a foreign city. Even still take the necessary precautions, tell people where you are going, keep your wits about you and remember you will be dealing with a lot of people you never met. If you are in a different country, it might be wise to know where your embassy is as well.

7. Have a Plan (or Schedule)

When I went to my resort, I regret not having more of a plan to kill my free time. I did set up a routine towards the end, gym, breakfast, then drinking, then drinking some more. You will be better off having a loose idea as to what you will be doing, unless all you truly want to do is lie around a beach.

It would be beneficial to look up a couple of excursions, depending on where you go there could be rainforest or coffee plantation tours. This gives you an opportunity to interact with other people, while filling up your time. When traveling alone you might feel as if you are looking for things to do at times. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone sets up its own challenges, because the area and amenities are confined to the hotel. After you have had all the watered-down drinks you could handle, you will say, “now what”. Having at least a loose plan might help.

8. Be Social

Even if you are an introvert you are going to want to meet people when traveling solo. Not doing so will make you feel as if you are going insane. I have spent many of days traveling by myself where I felt as if I didn’t speak to anyone the entire day. Trust me that is a weird feeling.

I think that meeting people on a resort is easier than in other travel situations. You most likely are all from the same country. There is a lot of alcohol involved and the resort will usually have some type of built-in games or activity. Take advantage of these. The more activities you do, the more people you might meet. If that is your intention. On the other hand…

9. Enjoy Your Solitude

Going to an all-inclusive resort alone did give me an opportunity that I don’t normally have. Being in solitude in a beautiful (kind of beautiful, read my review here) environment. So much of the time we don’t have a chance to think, either we are at work or wasting away in front of the television. Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to sit in silence.

You can be selfish (and even a bit reckless) and not have to deal with people. Find the right resort and you will find plenty of opportunities to sit back with a drink and not be in anyone’s company. Traveling with a partner is great, but sometimes you just want to be by yourself. Going to an all-inclusive resort solo gives you this opportunity.

10. Don’t Pick a Resort

Ok, so I guess it is only 9 tips…but should you go to a resort yourself? I guess it depends on if you feel resorts are worth it. For me they are not. If you truly love drinking and lying around the pool, then sure go for it. Certainly, you can have fun at an all-inclusive if you meet the right people. I just think there are better options.

Traveling solo allows you to explore by yourself, without being held to someone else’s schedule. You lose that at a resort. All-inclusive resorts just feel more contrived to me, I like to get out and start walking the city or area I am visiting. I know it depends on what you are looking for. Some like the comfort of a safely enclosed area. For me not so much.

Conclusion: Going to an All-Inclusive Resort Alone

If you love all-inclusive resorts, go for it, I personally think there are better options. Don’t be afraid to take those options. Whichever way you choose, be sure to take safety precautions and remember it is your trip. Do what you want, who will know!

The post Going to an All-Inclusive Resort Alone: 10 Pieces of Advice appeared first on Man in Flight.

For me the answer to the question are all-inclusive resorts worth it is no, but it is not that simple. I don’t like them because though you are on vacation, you are not really traveling. The overall cost can be lower (after factoring in eating and drinking), but the experience is a watered-down Americanized version of the trip. Also, if you don’t drink or just eat moderately, an All-inclusive resort won’t be worth the cost. Add to that the nickel and diming and the lower quality of the experiences I will be more likely than not to pass on an All-inclusive resort in the future. On the other hand, if you have kids and don’t usually care about quality over quantity it may be worth it.

Take the financial aspect out of it, if all-inclusive resorts are worth it depends on a number of factors. Is your idea of a vacation sitting by a pool or beach all day? Do you want to be around only locals? How adventurous are you? What is good for me might not be good for you. Let me go over some pros and cons of an All-inclusive resort and let you decide for yourself if an all-inclusive resort is worth experiencing.

First What is An All-Inclusive Resort

I will keep this short, assuming most of you have a basic understanding of what this type of an establishment is. The exact details of what makes something “all inclusive” might vary, but basically it is a place that takes care of all your food and alcohol (and of course lodging). In addition, many games and activities are set up by the hotel for the entertainment of the guests. Usually there is one main eating hall, that is a buffet, some snacks and a couple of nice restaurants that you get passes to, depending on the length of your stay.

Some better ones might offer additional services, like bottle service to the room or more passes to a nice restaurant, but for the most part they all have the same theme. The opportunity to gorge and inebriate yourself without worrying about the cost. Sign me up sounds great on paper… and I guess it could be.

Some Benefits of An All-Inclusive Resorts

When determining whether all-inclusive resorts are worth it, I would be a liar if I said there were no positives. The obvious being that you can drink until your hearts content and only worry about paying the tip. I liked running from bar to bar grabbing a cocktail and just swimming in the pool. No pressure to see or do anything except let alcohol make me think my problems are no longer real. There are bars in the lobby, there are bars in the pools, just bars galore. There are also usually plenty of places to grab food, unlimited eating without additional cost except for that of my future cardiologist! Let the debauchery begin.! I spent many of an hour doing just this.

Another thing I liked about this type of hotel was that they usually are big. I like to explore, so this was a plus. Walking in and out of the maze that was my resort and discovering new things is entertaining. This last time I was at a resort it was only for a few days; I think after I learned the lay of the resort, I would be a bit bored. Still, it kept me occupied on my first couple of days. I can’t imagine It would be able to carry me for a week.

Some Cons of All-Inclusive Resorts

I am guessing by the tone of this article you already know my answer to the question “Are all inclusive resorts worth it?” I don’t think they are. Let me explain why and you can determine for yourself if All-inclusive resorts are worth the additional cost. I will keep the price part out of this, yes on average they are more expensive before food and drink, but I have spent a lot on regular hotels before, I don’t think it is as straight forward to compare costs. As mentioned earlier, when you factor in meals, you should be saving money.

The Food in an All-Inclusive Resort is Terrible

I get it, every place is different, so maybe I shouldn’t generalize, or maybe that is exactly what I need to do. All-inclusive resorts are masters at giving you large quantities of mediocre food. First, there is the traditional buffet; included with each seems to be the Salmonella station. Of course, you are not told which one that is (although they all might be). I really hate buffets, bunch of heathens running around sticking their hands on everything, just disgusting.

One common theme I found in every resort is the buffet rarely changes. By day three you are so sick of this bland food you will eat a Lemoore (or whatever local animal strolls by). I always somehow hate and overeat this bad food. As if I am missing out if I DONT gobble up the food poisoning.

Worse of all the food is not authentic. It is made for the masse of westerners that are piling in. Even if they do serve something local, it is not something you will find in a local’s kitchen. Also, the specialty restaurants are just bad. I sat down to a nice meal and if it wasn’t free, I would have written a five-page negative Yelp review. Rule of thumb, if there is unlimited free food, it won’t be good. I travel to eat so this fact hurts.

The Drinks are Watered Down

I haven’t been to a resort yet where the drinks didn’t taste more like Kool aide than alcohol. The drinks are weak, especially at 9 AM, when you want to kick the day off right! Yes, you can tip the guy and he will pour a little harder, but who wants to do all that? Alcohol is usually pretty cheap overseas, so I don’t feel like I am saving some huge amount of money. Instead, I get unlimited, bottom shelf drinks of which one could serve at a child’s birthday party (ok not that bad). If you are going for just unlimited alcohol, I don’t think All Inclusive resorts are worth it.

There are “specialty drinks” (see above) that they charge more for. I bought a coconut/alcohol drink which had no coconut or alcohol. It was supposed to be three times stronger, but it tasted like a bad strawberry slushy. If you want to drink like a teenager with unlimited beer sure an all-inclusive resort is worth it. If you are over 26, then just get a hotel near a good local bar.

All Inclusive Resorts are Boring

I felt trapped on my last trip. Sure, the place was big, but it was all the same. Without taking a taxi, I felt like there wasn’t much for me on this last stay. It was like I HAD to eat the mediocre food. There wasn’t just a local spot within throwing distance. Even if there was, I would think, “just get a free beer, why pay.”

The activities are fine if you are a 12-year-old in camp, but as an adult I want to see and experience new things. I can only lie around the beach so long before I start pulling my hair out. There was a time when I actually went looking for crocodiles because I saw a warning sign posted. For the way I travel all-inclusive resorts aren’t worth it because they box you in. Your surroundings are just other resorts, so it is out of the frying pan into the fire! I am just not the band, pool volleyball, limbo playing kind of guy. God if I heard one more version of Brown eyed girl, I would have drowned myself. That isn’t a vacation to me, it is a Nickelodeon show.

All Inclusive resorts are not Worth it Because they are not Authentic

As I mentioned in many posts (like this one on Positano), If I am traveling in a different area, I want to see that area for what it is. That is the crux of why All Inclusive resorts are not worth it to me. You are seeing some Americanized version of their country. Last time I was surrounded by Americans, with a couple of Brits mixed in. If it wasn’t for the weird animals running around, I would not have known I was in a foreign country.

I travel to see the world, if I wanted to get drunk and lie around the beach all day, I could do that on Long Island. Once you get over the novelty of free (watered down) drinks everywhere you realize something. This could be anywhere. No culture, no museums, very little foreign languages spoken. Just thousands of average Americans that are getting drunk and being rude to the local staff (yes, I saw this). I don’t travel to see Mindy from accounting in a bikini about to make a questionable life choice. I travel to see the world. That does not happen on a resort.

Who All-Inclusive Resorts might be Worth it for?

I did a fair amount of bashing of All Inclusive resorts. To me they are boring, for the reasons I listed above. That is just how I travel. There are plenty of people who love them, clearly given their popularity. Below are who would enjoy this type of trip.

You are a Lounger

When I travel, I like to explore, but that is me. If you like to lay around in the sun all day drinking Pina Coladas than a resort might be perfect for you. There is no thinking involved in a resort. Pay upfront, then just sit on the beach drinking. To me this is a kind of hell, but I know a ton of people who love it.

Not everyone wants to get lost in the streets of Bangkok and end up with a mouth full of crickets in the middle of nowhere. Some people actually take vacations to relax (I call them nutcases!). If that is who you are an all-inclusive resort is certainly worth it.

You Have a Family

Those smaller people that so many adults have around them really get in the way. Always climbing on you and never leaving you alone. I think All-inclusive resorts are a good option for a family trip. It is a big area with a lot of places to explore, yet relatively safe. You probably won’t want your kid running around the streets of Barcelona by himself but go nuts on the resort. It is like one big cage for them.

In addition, there is a ton of things to do for kids in an all-inclusive resort. Games, arcade rooms, pools, plus all the vodka they can drink… Kidding they should be at least 16 to do that. If I know parents, they want nothing else then to get rid of their kids while they get wasted. What better place than an all-inclusive resort? To make things better, they can even come and go to the buffet at will, you don’t even have to eat with them.

If You are under 25

Younger people who still get off on unlimited beer might like this. Especially an adult only resort. It really is just one big beach party anyway so if that is your thing go nuts. Older people get over the novelty of drinking (most of the time), but a 22-year-old might have a blast.

Conclusion

Are All-inclusive resorts worth it? I guess that depends on who you are and your travel style. To me no, I like to explore and experience other cultures. Good food is important to me as well. To others it may be just what the doctor ordered. A place to pay $300/night you can drink so much you can’t remember you even went on vacation. It is a question you must answer for yourself.

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Starting a travel blog is easy, having a successful one is a bit more difficult. Before I discourage you too much understand that I honestly believe one can have success in travel blogging. I would not continue to write if I did not think this to be true. Not to mention there are many people who do well in this venture. Nomadic Matt, for example makes $750k/per year, (source in link) by any objective measure that is a success. Maninflight is not getting that kind of dough, in fact if I got $5/day I would be thrilled (currently). It would mean I can work harder and multiply that number.

Let’s Begin…

If you are as stubborn as me and still want to start a travel blog… I say go for it. I will give you a brief rundown on how to start a travel blog, as well as some of the tips and pitfalls I have come across. Really pay attention to the mistakes I made… learning from these will help you avoid some major frustrations. Let me begin with a quick rundown on how to start a travel blog.

How to Start a Travel Blog

I will not go into too much detail on the mechanics of how to start a travel blog. This is because starting a travel blog is like starting any blog. There are a ton of resources on the web that discuss this but I think Neil Patel does a good job explaining it here, also if you are serious about making money on a travel blog, but have no blogging experience Income School does a good job teaching you the ropes. If all else fails google “how to start a blog” and watch the millions of YouTube videos. The Income School course is expensive, but it is one of the better things I have used. Whatever you choose first I will give a rundown of what you need. You will find that it is a minimal upfront investment in terms of money, but a big investment in terms of time.

Steps to Take

1. Get a Domain Name – Coming up with a domain name is not as easy as some will have you believe. You may find a lot of your ideas are taken. Keep working at it you will find one that suits your needs. There are many companies that sell domain names, I use HostGator. Make sure the name is related to travel, it helps with SEO and for people to remember. The cost is about $13, depending on what sort of deal they have. I highly recommend getting the privacy protection for an additional $15, if not you will have telemarketers calling you daily.
2. Get a Hosting Company – The cost here is about $4/month, for a basic plan. Once again, I like HostGator, they have a baby plan that lets you host unlimited websites. In addition, I find their customer service team to be extremely helpful. Lastly, buying the domain name and hosting from the same company just makes things easier.
3. Install Word Press – WordPress is the go-to platform for most bloggers. There are tutorials on how to install it, once added it is fairly straightforward on how to use it. When you have your WordPress blog up and running you will need a theme, there are thousands of free themes and some paid ones, Acabodo is a good paid one I use it on my other blogs.
4. Get to Typing – There are two important things one needs…content and patients!

Monetization of a Travel Blog

I will quickly touch on how people make money by starting a travel blog. In reality it is not that much different than the way most other blogs make money. The number one tip I can give you to making money on a travel blog… or any blog for that matter is to concentrate on getting traffic.

You will not make a lot if people are not visiting your site. Think of it in terms of a physical store. It could be the best store in the world, selling the most amazing product, but if there is no foot traffic, it will fail. This is the way blogging is as well. If you make $20 per 1000-page views you are doing well.

Still you need something to sell, so I will touch on some of the ways travel blogs make money. Even Maninflight.com has gotten a check or two from the below sources.

A couple of Ideas…

Advertising – You may have noticed a couple of ads sprinkled here and there on this site. Google AdSense is the easiest and most popular way one can make money on a blog. When someone sees the ad for a couple of seconds you make some money, like pennies. If they click on it you can make more, anywhere from .25 cents to $1.50 (this is my experience at least) depending on the ad. Unfortunately, people do not click on ads often and AdSense does not pay well when they do. There are other companies that pay much higher such as www.media.net and Ezoic. Most of these require a certain threshold of views each month.

Affiliate Links – The payout for an affiliate is higher than advertising. Sometimes you receive money if they just click on your link, TripAdvisor does this through Commision Junction. More often than not you get paid a percentage when someone buys an item you link to.

Amazon is the most popular example of an affiliate. Unfortunately, they have been fucking unfavorable to publishers lately, drastically cutting our commissions. When starting a travel blog, there are products that one can concentrate on. It may sound obvious but look for things that travelers will actually want to use. You can link to Expedia or a good travel credit card. One thing I do is only promote items I have experience with. It might get expensive, but I do not want to direct people to something unless I have used it.

Create Your own Product – If you are reading this, you are not even close to this step, but it can be very profitable when you get to this point. Once again it is a travel product, not some random information. Having a program that is titled “how to fix your car” is probably of no interest to your readers. Nomadic Matt does a really good job with the products he sells, one of the reasons why he is so successful.

Those are some of the more basic ways to make money on your travel blog. Below I will touch on some benefits of starting a travel blog that may not deal with money.

Benefits to Starting a Travel Blog

Why would anyone want to start a travel blog? First, there is the clear reason of… you want to be that Instagram model that is living in Vietnam working three hours a day while traveling every weekend. Yes, the life of luxury sounds great. It would be amazing if simply firing up our computer in some faraway place would allow us to make a living. Unfortunately, as mentioned, it is not that easy.

Still there are other nonmonetary benefits I get from this site that might not be so obvious. Yes, money is fantastic … I mean money is wonderful, it’s the bees knees, but there are other things I like about starting a travel blog.

It Helps Others

To make money or be successful you must help others and provide useful information. Even by helping people it is not a guarantee you will make a large profit. Still, that is not always the point. People need answers to certain travel questions. Many times, the question is so small no one has written a good post about it. Such as Is Sicily Safe for Tourists. Other times there are a thousand big name posts that all say the same things. Generic TripAdvisor or Thrillist posts that are popular more so because they are large websites rather than helpful.

I would like to think that most posts on this site add value, maybe give the reader something a little less generic. That is what you should strive for when starting a travel blog, something useful. Even If I do not provide anything wholly new, I know I am not as boring as the USA today travel section. At least I can give you a good way to waste time when you should be working.

It Documents My Trips

Some of the trips I took were over 5-years ago. Rereading about one of my own travel experiences helps me remember it in a way that even a picture cannot. Although I try not to read my first few articles (they were terrible), when I do, they serve as a reminder of better days.

People I forgot I met or things I did not remember eating come back to the forefront of my mind. In addition, writing about an experience cements it into my memory even if I do not reread my own work. All we have are memories after it is all said and done, it is nice to know I can go back and reread about my experiences in the various destinations I have been to and relive those memories.

It Makes Me A Better Traveler

It is easy to shut down one’s mind when travelling. We are on vacation after all. You can either travel passively or you can fully experience the area you are in. Since I know I will be writing about the places I visit I pay attention more than I would have. I look for things that I may not otherwise see, and my mind is more active.

Writing a travel blog also makes you want to experience a place as much as possible. I can either take that hike to the top of the mountain and write about it or I can stay in my hotel room. Well If I am taking this site seriously, I need to experience everything I can when traveling. Knowing someone else may be reading about my trip helps convince me to get more out of any destination.

It Sharpens my Skills

Starting a travel blog has made me better in certain other areas. First, it has made me a better writer (you should have seen the shite I first put out). Writing is a skill that can be transferred to a lot of different areas in one’s life. The ability to put words down in a cohesive matter will open some doors for you.

It also forced me to get better at creating websites. The only way to truly learn to do something is by repeatedly doing it. Trial and error go a long way in improving a skill. By no means am I perfect, but I am competent at creating websites after working on this one.

Other skills such as photography and recording videos are greatly enhanced by actively working on a travel blog. Good pictures are important, I would like to believe mine add to my posts. Knowing people will be seeing my photos forced me to take better pictures.

And Yes… Financial Freedom

Of course, I would love it if I were one of those jetsetters writing from my hammock in Chile. There are certainly ways to make money by writing a travel blog. Yet most people will fail at the goal of creating income from their website. Some sites that I found to be fairly good with decent content still never seem to get off the ground.

Still many writers do get a full-time income. There are sites that make tens of thousands of dollars a month by helping others plan their vacations or just writing about their experiences. Yes, there is a huge range in the success between sites. If you figure out the formula, you never have to go into corporate life again.

Even if you do not make a fulltime income, you could aim for $500 – $1000 a month. This will help you pay for all this travel and give you a little security if something happens to your regular income. Even that small amount of money is not easy, there is a huge learning curve, but once you get there it can be generated for life.

Risks when Starting a Travel Blog

Above are the benefits of starting a travel blog, but things are not always so rosy. A lot can happen to make you question why you started this journey in the first place. Any worthwhile endeavor has obstacles. Some of them are foreseen like the costs of getting a blog up and running. Others not so much, like a worldwide pandemic that destroys the travel industry and possibly humanity. Let me point out some of the not so great things about starting a travel blog.

Nobody Reads Your Work

Imagine you visit Peru, explore it, try as many great places to eat as possible and now you want to talk about how delicious Guinea pigs taste. “I am going to start a travel blog” you shout. You write your little fingers to the bone, check your analytics and you have 0-page views for the week, then month. Few things are more frustrating than spending hours writing something and no one reading it.

This is probably what makes most people quit. It can be discouraging having little or no success when writing. Friends or spouses may lose faith in you and you feel like a failure. The truth is it is not easy to get traffic when the site is new (or old for that matter). It takes time for any blog to succeed, especially if you are not advertising. Even with time, there are a lot of things that can hold back your site. The fact of the matter is Google is still a bloggers master, if you do not fall on page one on Google it makes no difference what kind of hot sauce was served with the Guinea Pig mentioned earlier… the site will not be found.

Travel Blogging is Saturated with Some Big Names

Start a blog about medieval pens and you will not get much competition. Travel is a whole different story. Everyone and their brother has started a blog about travel and even many of the smaller keywords have been gobbled up by the giant news agencies.

This does not mean their sites are better written or more original. Many times, I suspect the author has not even visited the countries they are writing about. I would rather read the experiences of a smaller sites author than some pompous CNN writer telling me to visit the colosseum in Rome after reading it on Wikipedia. Still they are the sites that get all that sweet, sweet SEO love. While these smaller sites have to get more creative for other search terms.

Someone Can Mess with Your Site

I had a computer virus hit my site so bad that it almost ended Maninflight.com. It was right at the beginning of this year (because of course it was), I went to log on and there was a warning label saying my site was infected with a non-covid virus. Then one of the sites I used to fix this issue changed my permalinks (basically the address of each page). This killed all the links to my site, causing me to drop off in Google rankings even after the site was up and running. I quickly went from 200-page views a day to 0. If I am being honest, I still have yet to recover.

Google themselves will also hurt your site; they will do an “update” here and there which can knock your best performing articles off the top ten. When something is no longer on the first page of Google it will get almost no traffic from this source.

A F#CKING Virus Will Destroy the World

I do not know if you know this, but a travel blogger should be traveling. Well, except if you write for a big paper then you might not have to leave your hometown, just whip open another website and copy. 2020 made it difficult for a travel blogger to get any type of traction. There are two reasons for this.

First, as mentioned you must travel. It has been a year since I have been anywhere out of the country. This virus has taken a lot of trips from me, such as Disney, South Africa, and another run at Italy. This makes it more difficult to write up to date articles. How many “traveling during Covid” posts does someone want to read anyway? I do have a backlog of areas I have been to; but who knows how much they have changed? New destinations make it easier to keep things fresh.

Secondly, few people are searching for travel related material. Why would anyone ask about the cost of Santorini if the island is closed? This hurts your current volume, but it also hurts your progression. I do not know if no one is visiting my site because they could care less about the topic or because the virus has made a post irrelevant. This year will end, but who knows what future disasters await!

Those are just some of the things that will frustrate any new travel blog owner. There are what seems to be a never-ending list of obstacles between you and success. Still, there are plenty of things you can do that will help tilt the odds in your favor and avoid any disasters.

Tips When Starting a Travel Blog

I believe this list is the bare minimum required to be successful when starting a travel blog. If you can’t do the below, then maybe this is not for you. Of course, these tips are not all inclusive, but they will give you a good start and some things to keep in mind.

Travel Often (and Well)

Probably seems obvious that if you are starting a travel blog you should be traveling. You are going to want to give your readers a firsthand experience of where they are headed, not some rehashed review of some other site. In order to do this one must travel as often as possible. It is also important you pay attention while you are away. Write down (or take a mental note) of things you find interesting or helpful. You would be surprised as to what can add to a post.

Your locations do not have to be some far away destination. In fact, a lot of times the more popular places are so overwritten that you will not find much traction on Google anyway. Smaller spots or cities can give you just as many readers as a bigger destination.

By traveling well, I mean experience something different. Going to Vegas is fine, but everyone has been to Vegas. Sitting on a beach all day is great, but it does not make for a intriguing story. If you are starting a travel blog, try to mix it up, add some adventure to your travels.

Also remember you have been places before you started the site. Draw from those memories and find interesting things to discuss. Start going through your pictures and think up some good topics.

Give it Time

You will write a post, then another and continue for weeks (if not months) with no traffic. This is just the reality of the situation. It takes time to build an audience. It also takes time for Google to rank your site. A good travel blog is not built overnight. It will take months before you see any results.

This is with a constant writing schedule. If you are not a patient person or need money tomorrow then forget it, this is not the route to take. You will also have to deal with the uncomfortable truth that some posts will almost never get read. Some articles fail no matter how much time you give it. Be patient, keep at it, that is the only way to succeed.

Get Good Security

The biggest setback of this travel blog was the computer virus that hit my site. It destroyed my page views and this site has still failed to recover. Now I am not sure how much of that has to do with the Google updates or the virus that shall not be named, but I know my traffic was never the same after the attack.

Do not overlook security when starting a blog. It is a gut-wrenching experience when you realize months if not years’ worth of work has been compromised. You can use the free plugin Word fence, which works fine or pay a monthly fee for something like Sitelock. Personally, I think until you start making money use the free version but use something.

Also, you can get an external company to back up your site. A site called ManageWP is very inexpensive and will help you avoid disaster. I believe the cost is something like $2/month for a full back up. You can also use a more expensive option like WP-Tech support, which will back your site up and fix any issues you may encounter. It is not cheap, but they will help you in a jiffy, saving you hours of time on YouTube trying to resolve a problem. The point I want to drive home is do not skimp on security or backups.

Write Often

Admittedly, I have not always taken my own advice, but if you want to gain some traction you need to write a lot, especially in the beginning. Once a month just does not cut it. Bigger sites get more attention from Google, and as a travel blogger you are already a step behind. In a perfect world I would put out two posts a week.

I recommend setting a schedule, a time where you write, and no one bothers you. You will be surprised how much you can get done with as little as an hour a day. You can hire someone to write your blog for you, but I do not recommend this, at least at first. I am all about honesty and as mentioned I want to be the one who has lived what I am writing about.

Some Tips to get Ranked on Google

As mentioned, Google is king when it comes to blogging. No one is using BING to search for things, so it is important to learn the basics of SEO geared toward Google. The topic of SEO is a little too in-depth to tell you here, but I will give you some advice, especially if you are first starting out.

My first nugget of wisdom is to write about what people want to know, the topics they will search. No one is going to be looking for “Jens Trip to Rome”, it just is not a searchable phrase. Trip reports are fine for TripAdvisor travel forums but not blog posts. Trust me I learned this the hard way. You need to think like a person traveling and looking for advice.

Secondly, especially to start, write about smaller topics. As mentioned, the travel arena is bloated, there are a hundred million travel blogs out there. When first starting a travel blog you will not rank for “Things to do in Paris”, unless your dad works for Google.

My Experience Starting a Travel Blog

I have always loved traveling and I have always wanted the ability to make money from my computer, so travel blogging just seemed natural. It turned out it is more than a little difficult to do than anticipated. There are plenty of days where I think, why are you doing this?

The cyberattack that hit my site almost broke my resolve to continue. In addition, although not expensive starting a travel blog has some costs. After years of doing this I probably broke even on this site, which is terrible considering how many hours I have put in.

Still, I will not give it up. Even if I continue to get a low level of readers, I enjoy traveling, I enjoy writing and helping people travel. I like to tell my stories and prospective, so I will keep on plugging away.

Should you start a travel blog? That depends on your motives, skills, and determination. It is not easy; most people do not succeed. Still there are plenty that do. Just understand it will be a lot of work and count on some frustration.

The post Starting a Travel Blog: Tips, Benefits, and Risks appeared first on Man in Flight.

If you have never been out of the country (or even your state) there are a lot of things that you will discover that may seem weird at first. Once you are in a new place long enough something clicks, and you start to appreciate their ways. I have been to many places, I have seen some crazy things, around this planet. Below are some of the strange customs around the world I have witnessed firsthand.

1. Dogs in Restaurants in Italy

Italians must really love their dogs. Many of them cannot seem to be without them for even a couple of hours. Something that happened religiously during our last trip to Italy was the presence of these canines in restaurants. I am not talking just a small food stand, but every type of establishment. In Sicily we repeatedly went to a very upscale restaurant, white tablecloths…the whole nine. At more than one table there was a dog resting comfortably beneath the owner’s legs.

I do not even like to let our dog in the house, yet in Italy they seem to be welcome in the restaurants. Maybe this is more of a southern Italy thing, I do not remember seeing this in Rome. In Sicily and Sorrento, it happened numerous times.

2. Japan: Raw Food

This idea goes against everything we have been taught in the west. When I say the Japanese eat their food raw, I am not talking only about Sushi. Just as common on a menu was raw meat, including beef, pork, and chicken. That is right, what we are deathly afraid of, the Japanese enjoy as a delicacy. I have seen people in the United States go nuts over seeing their chicken slightly pink.

I believe the Japanese use a different (better) type of pork and chicken to avoid the problems we have. There have not been any huge reports of trichinosis breakouts so there has to be a reason it works. It could just be that they grew immunities that we did not. Either way I will not risk trying to find out. One last note, I also saw raw horse heart on a menu…I think I will try this before I die. Or this may be the strange custom around the world that causes my death

3. Morocco: Free for All Driving

I mentioned this in my last post on Morocco here, but I think it bears repeating. Watching people driving in Marrakech was like watching an unorganized backyard car race. Safety did not seem to be a concern for anyone on the streets. Scooters whizzing in and out of traffic. What seemed to be entire families piled onto one motorcycle it was chaos. I do not know the exact road deaths in this country, but I assume it must be fairly high. This is not a place I can imagine driving in, but I guess it works for them.

4. Greece: Acceptance of Strikes

It is probably just the libertarian in me, but I do not understand how people can just accept laziness from their public servants. I am not anti-union, until they shut down the city for no reason at all. This is what seemed to happen in Greece when I was there. I witnessed at least three different strikes in the week and a half I visited. During the rail strike I asked the taxi driver why are they striking? He said they never seem to give a reason. If you sign up for a job and you know the salary and benefits, why are you suddenly asking for more? There are reasons to strike and then there are excuses…I think the good people of Greece cannot tell the difference.

5. Croatia: Maze Dogs

Maybe, this is just my experience, but the dogs in Split, Croatia seem to have a better sense of direction than my GPS. I was in a bar, a guy’s dog jumps up and leaves through the front door…I thought it was a stray. No sooner than two hours later (I enjoyed the bar) the dog comes wandering back in. Where the hell did he go? How did he get around? If my dog gets out for five minutes, I am digging a hole in the backyard in preparation. The good dogs in Split, Croatia are smarter than any I have seen (and smarter than some people).

6. Thailand: Reverence for the King

Being from the United States, the idea of a king is foreign to me. Our founders fought so hard to get away from a King and yet other countries still embrace them. None other so strongly than in Thailand. Do not get me wrong there seems to be a push back lately, but on a whole they still love their King. The Thai King does seem like a good guy (I love the country and want to go back, so TEAM THAI KING over here). It is the reverence for the king that surprises me.

7. Shouting in Hungary

One of the scarier strange customs around the world since it brought me back to my middle school days. The following scenario happened on multiple occasions, not just to me but to other people as well. I ask a woman (or man) behind the counter for something. She says it, but I can’t really hear her. All of a sudden, she is yelling like I stole her first born. At first, I took offense to it, until I saw it happen to another man. Overall, three times, I asked for clarification and three times they yelled at me. I assume that screaming toward people that cannot hear you is a cultural norm. I cannot back this up with a lot of research on paper…just something that stuck out at me in Budapest.

8. Spain: Strange Eating Times

I do not know how the people of Spain are in better shape than us. Whatever happened to no carbs after 6PM? It is common knowledge that people in Spain eat dinner late. I did not realize how late they ate. Restaurants were packed well after midnight in some spots. I think we walked in one at 7PM and it was a ghost town. In addition the food they eat is simply better, perhaps it gives them good dreams when eaten before bed. Eating at 10 PM was not something I was able to get used to, but I still enjoyed it just the same.

9. Japan: Obsession with Perfection

This one I really appreciate. It felt like the Japanese put a huge amount of care and effort into everything they did. Time and time again I was impressed by the amazing service and energy that was put forth. My hotel clerk did not just call a cab, he ran down the street to find a cab. Over and over again it seemed they had a desire to make every experience perfect. It was a sense of pride for them. That is something I can appreciate, and I think we can learn from.

10. America: Vilifying of Alcohol

It is not only other countries that have odd norms, America has an anti-alcohol obsession. Yes, drinking too much can cause its problems, but we take its regulation too far. Well, all of us except for the good people of New Orleans. Why is it that I cannot drink in a park or walk down the road with a beer? Why do we allow ABC stores to run a monopoly on liquor in some states? Even though we are a big drinking country, the rules surrounding alcohol are extensive. Everyone wants to drink but crack a beer at 10:30 am and all of a sudden you are a degenerate (especially in the office). Outside of Muslim countries, most places do not take drinking so seriously. Hell, they were selling beer out of coolers on the streets of Thailand. I think it is just the small number of Americans who love to get into others business for a “public good”. F-U nanny state.

11. Portugal: Openness of Drug Sales

This might be another one of those unique experiences, but I believe they are much more open about drugs in Portugal. From what I hear the country decriminalized the sale of all drugs (at least I was offered all drugs). The result, I was presented with medications nightly when in Lisbon. We stayed near the Rossio Square on the second leg of our trip and it felt like we moved into a CVS there were so many narcotics. This is not to say that it felt dangerous, because it did not. These were nice gentlemen selling drugs. It is weird to write, but there was no other way to say it. At night, the place certainly gets a more adult feel, the openness of it in such a public place made me do a double take.

12. Sicily: Kids Riding Scooters

I always love it when 10-year old’s are scooting down the street in a vehicle that can kill you. This with an abundance of wine, what can go wrong? On more than one occasion I saw a kid driving a scooter that was less than 15 years old. We will not even let our 10-year olds play in the park by themselves, the Italians let them drive down the road (with no helmet). Maybe it is time to at least look at our bubble tape measures in America, so we do not raise a bunch of punks!

13. The evil eye in Turkey (and Greece)

Number 13 of my strange customs around the world is shared by two countries. It amazes that Turkey and Greece, for two countries that hate each other they are extremely similar. Between Raki (or ouzo in Greece) to the battle of who invented Baklava they are alike in many ways. One thing I saw frequently in each place was the EVIL EYE or Mati. I saw this all over Istanbul, but it was in both Turkey and Greece. It takes a second to get used to seeing this strange symbol everywhere, I believe they are a way to ward off evil spirits. Both countries share this witchcraft belief, you think they would get along better with so many similarities.

14. Thailand: Strange (and amazing) Street Food

I love Thai street food. It was my favorite street food in the world, even beating Sicily. There were these dessert pancake things I ate by the pound (Thai Roti), grilled fish, and plenty of different meats on a stick. One thing that some will find strange are the bug carts that came around. While most westerners were horrified of the thought I personally loved the crickets. Nothing better to do on a Monday morning than eating a bag of crickets and finishing off a bottle of Thai whiskey. Well, maybe there is one thing better. Even if you dislike bugs, try the rest of the street food, you will love it.

15. Graffiti in Much of Europe

I do not know if this qualifies as a strange custom in the world, but it is something more unique to Europe. I always thought New York was bad in terms of Graffiti, Europe is in a class of its own. Some cities are worse than others (I am looking at you Athens), but overall, the continent is a mess. Citizens seem to have no respect for private property or what graffiti does to the look of their cities. I have seen markings on churches and even 2000-year-old pillars. The amount of graffiti in this otherwise beautiful continent is one thing that was disappointing about Europe.

16. Cleanliness of Japan

As graffiti filled Europe is, that is how clean Japan is. In Tokyo I saw maybe one instance of Graffiti (under a bridge), in Kyoto none. It goes back to the pride I mentioned earlier. Every place I went felt like Monk (from the TV show) had been there before me, cleanliness was almost obsessive. There was no trash on the ground, that with no garbage cans on the street. An amazing feat considering in NYC people seem to surround the garbage with trash instead of getting it in the can. I know cleanliness may not feel like a huge deal, until you see what a city looks like without a piece of garbage on the ground. It is a shame that sanitation is a strange custom in the world…it should be the norm.

17. Call to Prayer in Most Muslim Countries

I support all religions and found the people in Turkey to be wonderful. Having said that I am glad the Catholic church never picked up the custom of blaring a prayer at 4:30 AM. It may have to do with all the wine we drink. Admittedly the first time I heard it it freaked me out a bit. I do not do well with a bird chirping out of my window that early, the call to prayer certainly took some getting used to. As mentioned, I respect all religions, this is just a strange custom in the world that I experienced. Having said that, I recommend visiting one of these countries at least once in your travels to experience it yourself.

18. Crazy Toilets in Japan

This is one of those strange customs around the world that I really can get behind. Back to Japan…because well it was the strangest place I have ever visited. Their toilet game is on fleek (think that is what the kids say). It looked like I was sitting on a giant iPad with all the options. Warming, cooling, massaging, … it had me searching for the button to make me an old fashioned and lite me a cigar. Why these have not made their way to the US is beyond me. Ironically, the worst toilet I ever saw was also in Japan. It was what appeared to be a hole, with a sign on how to use it (look above).

19. Kids Drinking in Europe

I already mentioned that I saw kids driving scooters in Sicily. Now they are openly drinking in Europe also, what can go wrong? I am not talking about teenagers secretly drinking, I am saying I have seen younger kids being served wine in a restaurant. In one spot the waiter topped off the mother, then the father, then the 13-year-old son. This is in direct conflict to what we feel in America, where a 19 year old drinking is literally criminal. I do not see any more problems with alcohol in Europe than I did in the United States. Teach a kid how to be responsible at a young age and they learn how to be an adult…shocking!

20. Pomlázka in Prague

I did not witness this, but my nephew did. Apparently, some date near Easter there is a tradition in the Czech republic where boys hit women on the rear with either some sort of stick or their bare hands. God I can hear Alyssa Milano building her outrage sign from here. According to my nephew, waitresses were being slapped on the rear repeatedly. We are not endorsing that kind of behavior here at Maninflight.com … but it shows how different worlds can be. This gesture is supposed to be done to bring luck to the woman, therefore it is for their benefit (of course). Let us hope that this is the only strange custom around the world that Harvey Weinstein does the marketing for.

21. New Orleans: Second Line Parades and Funerals

The United States is not immune in terms of strange customs in the world, where else in the USA would you find any weirder ones than New Orleans. For those of you who live out of the country, or those who live in the United States, but never been to this city, book your plane ticket (whenever this whole global pandemic clears up). One of the stranger things to see is a parade for a funeral, complete with outrageous costumes and Jazz. This is to celebrate life as opposed to mourn its loss. This might be how I want to go out, although I would hope they would leave the bottle for my ghost.

22. Food Markets that Have Real Food

What do I mean by real food? Go to another part of the world and find out. Pigs were not born looking like hot dogs, any walk around most food market in other countries will show you that. Whether it is Asia, Europe, South America, or Africa, you see the food in its natural form (above is a squid from Greece). In Marrakesh I saw a man killing the chicken in a random window, I guess it is better for kids than cartoons. The result is usually a freshness that we just do not get in the United States (not even from Whole foods). I will say I did see this in the deep south of America, but that was on a farm. Non processed meat, without preservatives being served fresh daily…let us face it America, our food game needs to be picked up.

Conclusion: Strange Customs Around the World

These are my strange customs around the world that I have come across. I hope to add to this list with future travel. Seeing strange customs in this world is why I love to explore. If everyplace was like the United States, there would be no point in leaving this country. Let me know where to go next and share your own strange customs around the world experiences in the comments below.

The post 22 Strange Customs Around the World appeared first on Man in Flight.

The purpose of writing this travel wish list is twofold. First, I hope to provide inspiration to those (at a future date) that will be traveling again. Secondly, if someone has done something on my travel wish list, tell me if it is worth my time and money. I plan on hitting every nook and cranny of this world before I leave it. I just want to prioritize the best things first. Below is my personal bucket list as it stands currently.

As a side, a lot has changed in my personal life due to the Covid gods. My financial situation, physical health, and relationships all took a hit (by a nuclear bomb). This travel wish list reflects my new desires, as well as some of my older aspirations.

1. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

As a soon to be single man, what better place to start than Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. I know what you are thinking, he is back to his old tricks again, like in this post regarding Thailand here. While I cannot deny I may indulge in certain behaviors if the opportunity presents itself, this is not my only (or main) motivation. Right now, that kind of activity is not in my realm of thought.

Funny thing, I never was much of a beach person. This last 3 months and the months that are sure to follow make me want to sit by the water with a cold beer in hand. Jaco has a lot to offer besides lounging, there are surf lessons, crocodile tours, Zip lining in the rain forest. The rain forest is the biggest draw for me. There are also casinos and poker houses…this just seems like a guy’s trip and I do not have to travel 23 hours like Thailand. The first place on my travel wish list has been picked to just get away from it all and get a bit crazy.

2. Great Wall, China

This one may be a bit of a pipe dream for now. The United States and China are not exactly on the best of terms. Whether or not you can see the site from space is irrelevant, the Great Wall is just one of those childhood travel bucket list items. From the time I was a little kid The Great Wall of China was an awe-inspiring destination. The history, the size, it is the perfect excuse to visit China. That is if we ever can visit China again.

3. Grand Canyon, U.S.A

Pack up the station wagon and grab the 2.5 kids we are heading to the Grand Canyon. This fell on my travel wish list because no self-respecting travel blogger should have missed the Grand Canyon. To be fair I have flown over the Grand Canyon more times than I can count, but that is not the same. Unless I can die from taking a selfie, I do not consider myself a visitor to the Grand Canyon. There is a bonus of it being in the United States, so I do not have to worry about travel restrictions.

4. Swim in a Shark Cage, South Africa

Yeah, this seems sane, and not something I thought of when I was plowing through a bottle of bourbon. I want to get into a cage in freezing cold water and let Great Whites try to eat me through this cage. I have seen video of people doing this and it looks terrifying. So why not? I feel if I do this, I do not have to sky dive to prove my courage. I would rather get eaten by a shark than fall to my death. Thank god for Covid, right now I am just talking Sh*t

5. Eiffel Tower, France

This might seem like another one of those basic things, but I just never have gotten around to see Paris. After visiting Rome, I try to avoid the more popular tourist destinations. I find too many of them to be expensive and mostly overhyped. Regardless, my goal is to plan a larger trip with Paris as one of the stops as soon as all of this clears up. Any proper travel blogger should at least try and go to the Eiffel tower. I will have a croissant and a smile and move on. Something inside me just knows this will be a disappointment, but I must do what I have to do.

6. Fly First Class to Singapore

It is not so much as I want to see Singapore, although I do, just not a great need. The thought of flying first class to this destination will be amazing. My former editor told me her story of being in a private pod for the 20-hour flight. Every once in a while, there would be a knock on her door to taste what the chef whipped up. I can get used to that. A bonus to having your own pod means no need to social distance. When I can swing this, it may be one of those flights that they will have to peel me out of.

7. Jerusalem, Israel

It may be time to make amends with my creator after some of the partying I plan to do. What better place to do this than the holy land? Jerusalem is one of my top three bucket list destinations. The country has always fascinated me. The food, the history, the people, everything seems amazing. Let me know in the comments if you have been and what to expect. I cannot think of a better place to find peace than the birthplace of Christianity (and many other religions). This is why Jerusalem falls to the top of my travel wish list.

8. See Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

One of the “New 7 Wonders” according to some. I have never been to South America; we had our reasons as a couple to avoid the continent. Now those reasons are in the past, so I can go to Brazil. I have technically seen one Christ the Redeemer, but it was in Lisbon (read my review of the city here). I want to lay eyes on the original, while simultaneously seeing Brazil. Maybe it is a check the box kind of thing, but I want to do it all the same. Unfortunately, these days Covid is making Brazil just as difficult to travel in as the United States.

9. Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

I had plans before the great Covid gods have forsaken us to go to South Africa and stay on a nature reserve. There was a river where you can see the hippos and the crocodiles chowing away from the balcony of your hotel room. I was excited at the opportunity to sit listening to the animals while drinking some brandy. Plus, I hear that hippos are really friendly and let you ride them (this is a joke, please do not ride the hippos!). Alas, the trip that was planned is no more. I vowed to do something like this and my research brought me to Tanzania. Since I am already going to South Africa to get eaten by sharks, might as well hit another country for the reserve.

10. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While I have nature on my mind, let me hit the great barrier reef, I imagine the snorkeling in the Great Barrier reef must be fabulous. Really, I am trying to find a good reason to go to Australia. I know, I know, everyone always wants to go, but I never had a great desire. The people look great, it just reminds me too much of America. If I am traveling 20 + hours I want to land someplace strange and unfamiliar. Now if I go snorkeling, I can knock off a continent, country, and experience off my list in one foul swoop. If you are reading this tell me the country is worth a day of my life in a tin box!

11. Have a Pint in Ireland

The Irish just look like they are always having a good time and from what I hear they are some of the nicest people on the planet. This item on my travel wish list is one of the easier ones to accomplish. Once the world stops burning, I will hop on a plane and take a week when given the chance. Ireland looks like a beautiful place, and everyone I have spoken to has loved it. So, the food might not be the best in the world…this is what beer is for.

12. Taj Mahal, India

Call this another check mark, but it must be done. India has never been one of those places that screams for me to visit it. This is exactly why I should go. Sometimes your best trips are from places you least expect them. Even if I do not particularly like the area, at least I can see one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. If anyone has visited this site, I would love to hear more about it. I trust readers more than I trust random websites. So please leave a comment below.

13. Eat A Katz Pastrami Sandwich, New York

I know, low hanging fruit…I mean up until a few months ago ridiculously low hanging fruit. I am probably the only person to grow up in the state of New York and not have visited Katz deli. I have had yokals from Ohio tell me how great their sandwiches are, yet it escapes me. Funny thing is, I love pastrami and I visit New York often. At first part of me thought it was a tourist trap. Then I was always so full on soup dumplings I could not eat there...(read more about my trip to New York here). Whatever my “reason” I am a poor excuse for a New Yorker for not visiting Katz.

14. Eat My Way Through San Sebastián, Spain

When it comes to food cities, San Sebastián is rumored to be one of the best in the world. Ever since I saw an episode when Anthony Bourdain visited, I have been wanting to go. I love Spain in general, this city in particular has some of the best restaurants in the world. It seems the area is both well known and underrated, which is nice. I will be able to eat some of the best food of my life and avoid tourists.

15. Disappear for a Week (or longer) in Montana

I am planning a trip now, where the end of the destination will be Montana. I do not think I will spend a week just there, but at least I can see the state and know if I want to keep this on my travel wish list. The idea of just turning it all off appeals to me greatly. There is too much noise today. The world is ending, I am continuously reminded of my own life unraveling. I just want to be immersed in the quiet. A place where I am not being notified of every email and news story. The more I write this, the more I realize I am going to take this trip sooner rather than later.

16. Angeles city, Philippines

Ahhh, back to the old me for now. I have heard things about this city, just amazing things. After listening to wonderful, great tales of the Philippines and I am ready to jump back into it. Well, not now, but in a year or two I should be mentally ready. This trip is dependent on how my life rolls out. It looks like it is rolling that way, so I am ready for the debauchery and fun.

17. Machu Picchu, Peru

I love a good hike and Machu Picchu, Peru might be one of the world’s best. This trip was in a couple of my top two choices, yet I always seemed to choose the other choice. From the looks of it, there is not much to dislike about this adventure. The history is amazing. The views are beautiful, and I am immersed in nature. I will even get the opportunity to eat a guinea pig or two, how can anyone pass this up!

18. Pyramids, Egypt

Another must see in the world in my humble opinion are the Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza as it is officially called is one of the seven wonders of the world. The original, not all the new lists that come out (and mentioned earlier). These pyramids are another must for any self-respecting travel blogger, therefore they make my travel bucket list.

19. Forbidden City, China

Another travel wish list item to China, where the U.S. does not have the best relationship. The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. China has fascinated me for a long time (hence it is on this list twice). I never visited the country. I did sprint through an airport in Beijing, I do not think that counts. Maybe it is just the word Forbidden in the title, but I want to see this site.

20. Get New Pieces of Art from All The Places I Visited

This one is personal. Whenever visiting a place, we would pick up art work from the area. Usually something local, it reminded me of that moment and the day whenever I saw it. The little café we were in when we saw the picture from Rome. The street vender in Lisbon selling sketches way too cheaply. It brings me back to that time. Well, when you and your travel partner go your separate ways things have to be divided up. In my case it was all divided one way, but the painting from Prague. I will not let myself lose all the memories from these wonderful places, therefore I am going back to each and grabbing some more art for myself.

Travel Bucket List Places To Revisit

Besides, strictly for art, there are some places I want to double down on because I loved them so much. Call them repeat travel wish list items. The three places below top my list of areas I want to return.

Pattaya, Thailand

Again, read my full review here, this is just a place for me to cut loose. As mentioned, a man needs to go crazy every once and a while, it is good for his soul. Thailand did that for me the first time, and I expect to get similar results.

Santorini, Greece

The most beautiful place I have ever visited. The food was amazing, I could stare out into the Mediterranean for hours. Maybe one of the happiest weeks of my life, just from everything that the island had to offer. It is a definite revisit. If you have not gone, put it on your travel wish list. Read about my trip to Santorini here.

Palermo, Sicily

While you are at it, put Sicily on your list. This is real Italy, Rome was Disney land, so was the Amalfi coast. Sicily felt real, the food was amazing, the people were awesome. Palermo is my favorite city in the world. I have two posts that you can read to get more information about Sicily here and one about safety here. This city may very well be my home base one day. If you are making your travel wish list, consider Sicily.

Conclusion: Travel Wish List

This is just a start, I realize I left a lot off but if I hit all these places, combined with the countries I have already visited it is a rather good life. Most likely I will update this list and hopefully make an entirely new travel bucket list. For now, I am ready to hit the road…if we only did not have a worldwide pandemic. If you have seen something on the list, please tell me about it!

The post My Travel Wish List -20 Bucket List Travel Ideas appeared first on Man in Flight.

Flying to Asia or South Africa does not have to be a horrendous experience. We always complain that we do not have time in our life to do the things we want to. Then when faced with the prospect of a 18-hour flight, in which we will be uninterrupted we become filled with dread. Look at a long flight as an opportunity. The walk to your seat during a multi-hour trip does not have to feel like a walk to the electric chair.

If you are new to international travel or even if you are a season traveler these tips for long flights should make your time go by quicker. Hopefully, you are reading this before you even booked your trip, that will give you an advantage when it comes to maximizing your comfort. Some of these tips for long flights are best used before you start the booking process. Others require some advanced planning, before you step on the plane. Below are my best 26 tips for long flights.

1) Sleep

I am not endorsing sleeping pills or anything like that… but check with your doctor to see if he has an Ambien lying around. Well, maybe not Ambien, you might sleepwalk off the plane. Getting a night flight and possibly taking something to help you relax is a great way to kill time on a long-haul flight. If you sleep 10-hours of a 20-hour flight you are halfway there. This will give you the bonus of getting to your destination rested enough to enjoy the first day.

2) Bring the Right Gear

Given so many of these tips for long flights are dependent on you bringing the right gear I moved it up the list. You want to bring just what you need and nothing else on the plane. You certainly want a tablet, whether it is an iPad or Amazon tablet, the more memory the better.

Adding the Netflix App or paid YouTube app that give you the ability to download videos is a must. Most likely you will not be able to get Wi-Fi on the entire flight, so you need some things already downloaded.

Chargers and extra batteries are important to have as well. Some planes have places you can plug-in to, others do not; at very least you can plug in at any layover you might have. Extra batteries could be a life saver and prevent a trip from being terrible. Here is an extra battery pack from Amazon that I recommend.

Secondly, bring anything to make your trip more comfortable, neck pillow, slippers etc… something to remember before getting on the plane. Do not depend on the pillows in the cabin, especially if you are flying economy. Take a minute to think about what you need to be comfortable for a 15 or 20-hour flight.

3) Study a Language

If you are sitting on a plane bored for 20-hours, there is no excuse for you not to know at least the basics of the language spoken in the area you are going. I am not saying you will be fluent, but you should know the major things, like “thank you” and “Hello”. You can download some lessons from Babbel or a couple of videos on your tablet.

It would also help to understand some of the local customs and traditions in the area you are visiting. It is better not to look like a typical tourist if possible. At the very least the locals will appreciate your attempting to speak their language and learn their customs.

4) Learn a Skill

How often do you get 17-20 hours of free time? Everyone has a skill (or two) they want to learn and still everyone complains they do not have the time to learn one. Like learning a language, you now cannot use this excuse when flying. Obviously, you cannot learn all skills on a plane, unless there is a big bathroom surfing is probably out.

How about lock picking? How about Microsoft Excel? Pick some random skill and throw 20 hours at it, see what happens. Worse case you still can’t pick locks, but you kept your mind occupied for the long flight. Once again it is essential you use a tablet, you can download YouTube videos and learn from there. You can pick up just about anything on that platform. A laptop would work better especially if you are trying to learn a Microsoft word application.

5) Bring Your Own Alcohol

Of all my tips for long flights, this may be one of the more controversial. I am not telling you to get drunk on your flight…but it helps. Most international flights have alcohol available for free, but these days that is no longer a guarantee. Plus, the stuff they give you could be swag anyway, so bring the good stuff yourself.

You may be thinking that you cannot get it past security, but that is not entirely true. Read my post here on bringing alcohol on a plane. Please do not become a meme if you drink control your behavior.

6) Plan Your Trip

Either a travel book or some downloaded videos will help you keep yourself occupied while flying. The more information you have about the area you are visiting the better your trip will be. If you did not already, now is a good time to set your itinerary for your vacation. Figure out where you will eat first, what you want to see, and when. Make contingency plans in case it rains etc… if it is on the way back, start planning your next trip or place you want to visit. The purpose is to kill time, building excitement about your destination does this.

7) Aim for a Layover (With a Lounge)

I usually hate layovers, but sometimes they are needed. After 10-hours in a metal box, one might start getting a little antsy. A nice lounge with a shower, something to nibble on, will revitalize you. Just aim for a layover of about 2-hours or more. Your long flight time will not be any easier if you are sprinting to your gate. Give yourself some time to relax and stretch your legs. You also can charge all your devices and use the airports WIFI to download any items you may need.

8) Choose a Stop Over

A stop over is different from a layover because it allows you to explore a new area at no additional cost for a longer period. A random (make believe) example is going from the United States to Asia. You would stop-off for two days in Europe and then fly out from there. Iceland Air is notorious for allowing these, but there are many other airlines that use stopovers. It is worth at least seeing if it is an option. One of my best tips for long flights is to shorten the flight time.

9) Upgrade

This is one of my more expensive tips for a long flight. Let us be clear if you can afford to upgrade do it. First class and business class are substantially better than economy class. I flew business class to Italy; it was truly an exceptional experience. The room, the comfort, even after 12-hours in the air I did not want to get off the plane.

If you cannot afford business class (which is understandable). Premium economy makes a lot of difference as well with some airlines. Lufthansa had a good one if I remember correctly. You get more room and a better meal; the extra leg space is key to your comfort. If you bring your own food on the flight, you almost feel like you are in first-class.

10) Find an Empty Row (If you can)

This may not always be the case, but I have been lucky enough to get an entire row to myself once or twice. I find my comfort and happiness is directly correlated with the amount of people I must deal with. Being able to lie down was almost (but not really) like sitting in first class. Ask when you check in, you might get lucky. You may at least be able to find a seat with no one next to you. It also helps to cozy up to the flight attendant, she might be able to help you out.

11) Keep Eating to a Minimum

In terms of tips for long flights, this may seem counterintuitive. I mean eating helps with boredom does it not? There are a couple of reasons I do not eat on a long flight. 1) Your taste buds are actually affected by the altitude; food won’t taste as good. 2) I like to eat at the location I am visiting, and I want to be hungry when I get there 3) And this is the most important reason, I want to avoid having stomach issues when trapped 30 thousand feet up. No one wants you to be in that little bathroom with uncontrollable bowel problems…not you, not the other passengers, not the crew…no one!

12) Dress Correctly

This is not the time to wear your best tux…20+ hours in a plane requires comfort. I usually poo-poo people wearing sweatpants, but I will overlook this when you are in a seat for over 10 hours. This goes for slippers as well, just come dressed for comfort you will be here a while. The looser your clothing, the easier it will be to sleep. Also wear something a bit warmer, especially if you get cold easy. Some planes are especially chilly. Of course, our trip back from Japan it was extra hot, so that is not always the case. Be sure to wear warm clothes that are removable if need be.

13) Bring Earplugs

This is one of those tips for long flights that is invaluable when needed. Most of the time earplugs are not necessary, but once that lady sits down next to you with a baby in her arm you will be happy you have this item. I know I know I am the A-hole, but sorry, it can be awful to hear a baby cry for hours at a time. It will also prevent you from following tip #1, sleeping.

It isn’t always babies, there may be some loud snorer, or the couple behind will not shut up. All of which is my problem not theirs, therefore I bring earplugs. In lieu of earplugs, noise cancelling headphones will suffice.

14) Take Care of Your Legs

I hear getting blood clots are a real drag, so one should dodge these. Even the occasional foot swelling is not something that should be ignored. It is easy to avoid such problems with a few simple steps. First, walk around every two hours when you are not sleeping. Second, stay hydrated, this helps circulation. Lastly, buy compression socks these help reduce swelling and keep your legs healthy. In terms of tips for long flights, keeping your legs healthy is one of the easier ones to follow.

15) Make Sure Everything is Charged

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating, come with all electronic devices fully charged. Some planes have outlets, many do not, let us not risk being in the air with only the bad magazine and their supply of out of date movies. Charge everything, your tablet, your phone, and all your extra power sources. Just make a note of this, the alternative makes for a terrible trip.

16) Find the Right Seat

Sometimes I wish they would put a picture of the person who bought the seat next to me just so I know if I should move it. Since you cannot do this, do the next best thing, buy your seat early and pick a good location. Many times, the sides of the plane have no middle seat, this is where I like to go. Some people like a window seat, it helps with sleeping, but not me.

I prefer the aisle, for a few reasons. If you are flying alone and there are two people next to you there is no way you are getting out when you want to. It can make you feel as if you are in a prison. Flying to Japan, we had the worst seat mate. I only would go to the bathroom when he got up. I would get back to my seat and he would be there buckled in, then sighed when he had to move. Being a hostage for a 15-hour flight was not a good experience.

17) Binge Watch

Finally, an excuse to binge watch television. Let us face it, you do this at home anyway. Now you can do it guilt free with someone handing you free drinks. This is where a good tablet and Netflix comes in. Make sure you have enough memory to download a couple of seasons of whatever show you are watching. Try Supernatural out for a spin, it has 15 seasons on Netflix, you can fly to Mars and back and still only be halfway through the show.

18) Keep Hydrated

I already mentioned this in terms of keeping your legs healthy but being dehydrated will affect your overall comfort level. Yeah, you may have to go to the bathroom more often, but you feel much better when you have a steady stream of water going through your body. Plane water is not always the best, but your options are limited.

19) Have Some Toiletries Handy

You want to feel like a human being after your flight? Bring some toiletries. Being in a tight metal box for over 12-hours can make one, let us say a bit rank. I am not saying take a bath in the sink on the plane, but a little toothpaste goes a long way to making you feel like you are not human garbage. Deodorant will also be appreciated by those around you. Face wash or at least wipes may help you feel a bit better as well. If you are stopping and can get to a lounge, they usually have showers, bring everything needed you may feel like a new person when it is all said and done.

20) Read A Tough Book

I mean a really tough book. Like The Wealth of Nations or War and Peace, something that is so complicated it will occupy your mind. Act like you must write a report after touchdown for your A-hole high school English teacher. I say this, because the more you get engrossed into a difficult read, the less you will be thinking about the guy next to you removing his socks. The point is to get distracted until you lose track of time. I understand many of you may get bored, but if you force yourself to read something tough, your mind will not be focused on time.

21) Plan Your Life

20 hours with nothing but your thoughts…time to map out what you really want out of life. How often can we just think about what we want, who we want to be, and how we will get there? Free time is not something most of us have a lot of, when on a long flight, time seems like all there is. Make use of it, try to be a better version of yourself.

22) Download (and beat) A Random Video Game

If you do not want to be a better version of yourself, take the opposite approach and do something that wastes time. Video games have ruined more teenage sex lives than the chastity belt. Some people play for days, literally days without a break. Find a game like that and you are golden. Remember, there is usually poor Wi-Fi on flights across the world. Download a game like Kingdom Rush to your iPad or phone…you will be landing before you know it.

23) Choose Your Airline Carefully

If you never have flown United for 15-20 hours, then you do not know true pain. Some airlines are just terrible. I paid extra for premium economy on United and it was the most uncomfortable seat I ever have flown in. Moral of the story is pay a little more for a better airline. If you can swing it the foreign airlines are much higher quality so stick with those. By foreign I mean compared to US airlines. One of the best tips for long flights is to pick the right airline.

24) Keep Your Space Clean

This is another one of those vital tips for long flights. There is nothing worse than having a cluttered seating area. Do everything you can to minimize what you bring on to a plane. I know I mentioned a lot of things to help the time go by, just do not overwhelm yourself. If you can avoid putting a bag underneath the seat, then do so.

You do not get that much room in your seat, why shrink the space you do get? It is also important that you do not create too much trash around yourself. Get rid of the bad dinners (or avoid them all together) as soon as possible. This is why I like the aisle seat so much; I can get rid of my garbage a lot easier and have my space back. No need to make your living space more claustrophobic than it already is.

25) Work

Sure. you love this idea, but what else do you have going on? Remember you most likely won’t be able to connect to the company drives, so download anything you can work on to your laptop. A lot of people (not me) worry about all the work they will have on their return. Two 20 + hour flights can help ease some of those worries.

If you must, you can check your email at the airport before you leave and work on any problems on the return flight. Which brings me to my next and final tip.

26) Do Not Forget About the Return Trip

Anything you use to kill time on the flight to your destination you will want to have on the way back home. So, if you are downloading a bunch of videos or T.V. shows then double the amount for the return trip. If space on your electronic device is an issue, erase what was used on the trip to your destination once you make it to your hotel. Take some time to add some more items for the return.

A flight to Japan can be a total of 30-40 hours when you think of it in terms of round trip. You need to come prepared when flying long distances. The return trip is especially daunting because you are leaving a vacation and probably heading back to normal life. It is even more important to keep yourself entertained on the way home.

Conclusion: Tips for Long Flights

Those are my tips for long flights. It is my hope you found this list useful and I have given you an idea or two as to how to get through a long plane ride. If you have any other tips for long flights, please share them in the comments… I always love new ideas.

The post 26 Tips for Long Flights appeared first on Man in Flight.

There can be a lot of confusion when picking your living quarters for a trip. Is a 5-star hotel worth it? What is the difference between a hotel and a motel? Should I risk my life and stay at a hostel? I can go on and on, but you get the gist. Knowing the different types of accommodations for travelers can save you a lot of money and make for a more comfortable vacation.

Each accommodation type has its own benefits and drawbacks. I will go over many of these and tell you who I recommend using each. It is important to note different regions will have different options. Just keep this in mind when looking for a place to stay while traveling. Below are the differ types of accommodations for travelers.

1) Hostel

Let us start with the living arrangement so creepy they made a bunch of horror movies about it. I have stayed in a hostel only once in my lifetime…let us just say it was not optimal. I know people that swear by them, I am wondering if they have a body in their trunk. A hostel is a shared living space, sometimes of different sexes. This is not a private area, considering your bunk mate may be a perfect stranger. Of course, you will also not get your own bathroom.

There are no amenities here, do not expect a mint on your pillow, but there certainly may be something on your pillow. No TV, no towels, no room service, just you and some random roommates who may or may not like to play with knives. This is not a family friendly environment unless you are the Mansons. You get a bed, I believe a pillow and some sheets, then you are on your own. Sometimes you are given a place to lock your items up. Safety is a concern, since you are sharing your space with strangers you risk theft of property or worse. Some will say that they are perfectly safe, I have heard too many stories to fully believe this.

Some Advantages…

The main advantage is that hostels are inexpensive. This makes them perfect for college kids or anyone who has a 12 -inch beard. Hostels have come a long way, I was not crazy about mine, but all kidding aside there are some decent ones. You just need to do your research. They also allow you to meet people from all around the world since you are getting so upfront and comfortable. As mentioned, no families or self-respecting adult should be found in one of these, they are perfect for those backpacking through Europe (or wherever). I think I will end my discussion on Hostels by linking to these wonderful stories from Buzzfeed…here.

2) Motels

Those sad, sad places on the side of the road you see when driving on the highway (think Econo Lodge). The main difference from a motel to a hotel is the door faces the road or parking lot in a motel, a hotel has an interior space to get to your room. A motel has about as many amenities as a 1-or 2-star hotel, which is to say none. It is perfect if you need to spend some time burying your sorrows. Really, the main use for a motel is when you are on a long road trip and too tired to drive anymore. It may be suitable for a short-term trip, where all you need to do is crash. The advantage of a motel is that it is usually inexpensive and vacant. Unlike a hostel, you have your own room and bathroom.

Security and cleanliness are the two main drawbacks of a motel. Safety is a concern given that your door opens to a parking lot. There is no front desk screening people that come to your room. Of all the types of accommodations for travelers, this is the lowest caliber of places I have stayed in recently. It is rare you will even find a motel in a tourist area; most likely they will be closer to the road to get to such area.

3) Hotels and Their Rating System

This is the type of accommodation that people typically stay in, but for those who do not know a hotel is an establishment that provides lodging on a short-term basis. It is between interior walls and comes with varying amenities unlike motels. The real thing is to understand the difference in the star system. Hotels rank from 1 to 5 stars, 1 being the most basic.

It is important to note that these ratings are subjective, especially across countries. A 3-star rating in Europe, may feel like a 2-star rating in the United States. In terms of ratings, I feel the United States has the best 5-star hotels, there are some places in other countries where their 5-star hotels do not match our 4-star establishments. Some countries use a different rating scale than the United States altogether, but on most of the major trip sites all hotels are ranked 1-to-5 stars. Let me break down the difference in the ratings.

Star Ratings

One-Star Hotel

Bare minimum, you will be lucky if there is not a body mark chalked on your floor. One- star hotels give you nothing extra and you should pray not to have a cockroach crawl across your face. They are motels with and interior. Do not expect a gym, bar, restaurant, room service or mint on your pillow. Which is good because the rat would eat it anyway. Cost could be as low as $30/night and your soul.

Two-Star Hotel

Better than a one-star hotel for sure, but still no amenities. There should be an ice machine and a vending machine with a Snickers from 1964 in it. Some have bars, most do not. They are really like 1-star hotels owned by bigger chains therefore not so shady. Think Days Inn. I still would move on from these if I can afford to. For both one-star and two-star hotels there are no room upgrades (that I know of), do not expect a suite at most 2-star hotels. Still no room service, maybe one of those big backed TVs.

Three-Star Hotel

Now we are starting to move up in the world. Somehow every work trip I would end up at a three-star establishment. It is a bit sad (any time I am in a hotel populated with work travelers it is sad), but they usually have decent services. Usually an OK bar where everyone from the convention gathers or a bad restaurant. Expect a gym with out of date equipment and a terrible buffet breakfast in the mornings. Overall, in terms of types of accommodations for travelers, they are fine if you want a place to rest your head without bedbugs setting up camp in your luggage.

Four-Star Hotel

In terms of types of accommodations this is usually my sweet spot. First, the atmosphere is better than a 3-star establishment, a 4-star hotel is usually well designed and more aesthetically pleasing. Secondly, you can upgrade your room to a suite (you may be able to in a 3-star hotel as well). There is usually at least one, if not more than one hotel bar or restaurant. A gym and probably a spa, both usually nice. You can get a 4-star hotel at a decent price, while still getting most of the luxury of a 5- Star hotel. Even though 4-star hotels vary on amenities, find a good one and you will be happy. Their cost vary among location, expect to pay around$150-$200/Night

Five-Star Hotel

Well la-di-da, it must be nice! These hotels are usually super luxurious (think Ritz Carlton), and the cost will prove it. We are talking $500 + for a room at times. They have all the bells and whistles, the best bars, restaurants etc… Funny thing is the rooms are not necessarily nicer than a 4-Star hotel. I stayed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas for example, beautiful hotel lobby, restaurants etc… the room was just OK, not mind blowing. I am not sure what I expected, but just know unless you upgrade your room it may underwhelm. Still the atmosphere and service are usually second to none, you are paying extra so the company brings their A-game.

This is a loose description for hotel ratings…as mentioned, there is a lot of wiggle room among hotels in terms of quality within star ratings. I look at the star system as a guide, stick to at least a 3-star or more, especially out of the country. Just know, even at the higher levels your experience may vary. Hotels in general are perfect for couples and good for smaller families. I personally have started moving toward the next type of accommodation…

4) Luxury Apartments

You may be confused into thinking these are like AIR BNBs, but that is not correct. I love apartment style housing, because of the quality and value. It is what it sounds like, you are renting an area the size of an apartment, it could be a studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms or more. The reason it is not like an Airbnb is because all the rooms are designated for travelers. Usually operated by a sole proprietor or company that dedicates the building to visitors. A luxury apartment is not some random person renting out their spot… it is a professionally owned establishment created to provide accommodations for tourists.

Amenities….

There is a front desk, or at least someone to meet you at certain times. Other perks of a normal hotel are light. For example, you probably will not have a bar, gym, or room service. You should have maid service, which is something I prefer when traveling.

The benefits of a luxury apartment are a) their size -they are usually the size of a suite or more. B)-The cost-they are usually incredibly cheap for what you get. C) The amenities-sometimes include a full kitchen (at least a fridge), a washer and dryer etc… you are living in an apartment. The design is usually nice and gear toward travelers. Most of the time you can find them in a great location as well, usually in the heart of a city. Of all the types of accommodations for travelers I believe apartments are one of the better choices. For an example of this type of accommodation read my review here, of my Lisbon luxury apartment.

5) Resort

A resort is a type of accommodation for travelers in which mostly everything one can want is on property. Whereas a hotel, may be just one building, a resort is like a compound. They usually have multiple pools, gyms, maybe a tennis court, and various other amenities. There a million different types of resorts. Some just for couples, some for families, and everything in-between. There are also resorts that are all-inclusive, meaning all the alcohol and food you want for one set price.

Resorts are usually located (but not limited to) the beach or in warm environments. This type of establishment is for people who do not want to leave their living space, not the explorer. It is a perfect place to lie on the beach and just enjoy the relaxation of it all. As mentioned, there are usually a ton of attractions on a resort, some have water slides, arcades, etc… Of course, not all resorts are on the beach, one of our favorites is the Omni Grove Park Inn, in the mountains of Asheville (read my review of Asheville here).

Pros/Cons of a Resort

• All the activities in one place
• (Most are) Great for Kids
• Very little thinking to do on your trip/mostly everything taken care of
• Not ideal for those who like to explore a new area
• Price could be high

6) Bed and Breakfast

Owned primarily by one person/couple a bed and breakfast is more like staying at someone’s house than a hotel. Usually, you get a genuinely nice, perhaps somewhat dated room with a private bath. As the name implies you also get breakfast, which could range from just pastries to an assortment of eggs, pancakes, etc. There will be few if any other guests, it is perfect for couples, not good for kids. The owners will most likely be helpful, they will be from the area and can give you good advice as to what to see and where to eat. Cost are usually in line with hotels in the area but vary. It is perfect for couples who want a quiet place to spend some time with each other.

• Great for Couples
• Quiet romantic atmosphere
• Not a ton of amenities
• Bad for large groups and families

7) Rent a House

This is where Airbnb and similar websites come in, there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to renting a vacation home. First the advantages, they are cheaper than that of equivalent hotel rooms. If you have a big family or are planning a bachelor party vacation with 10 people, it is certainly worth looking into. You also get all the amenities of a home. Kitchen, multiple bathrooms, etc… it makes life easier.

Ok, some disadvantages… you never know what the person is like who is renting you the home. It isn’t the Marriott; you can have some strange people renting you a house with weird rules. This would be the exception not the rule, but it happens. You also do not get the benefit of a daily maid service. Lastly, these homes may be a little further from major attractions than a hotel or apartment. If you are on the beach you are usually in good shape, but some of the bigger cities might not have them in ideal locations.

Renting a house changes the dynamics of a trip for me, little interaction with other people and you lose some of the services you get from a hotel or even an apartment. My use of Air B&B is situational, on a trip to Europe probably not, if I am going to Asheville, a bachelor party, or the beach for a weekend, I will consider it.

Pros/Cons of Renting a House

• Perfect For a large Group
• Price is Right
• Kitchen/Washing machine usually available
• Not always in an ideal location
• No amenities
• Can get a strange owner with weird rules

Location Specific Accommodations

I am going to go through some unique types of accommodations for travelers, many are country/location specific. Some of these I have stayed in, others I just have seen. As I travel more, I am sure I will run into many strange new places. As of now here are a few I have come across.

8) Pod Hotels -Japan

Exactly what it sounds like, you are basically living in a POD. You get a bed like a capsule, and that is all. I hope to believe there is a shared bathroom at least, but that is about it. To me they look like you are a specimen in a sci-fi movie. I guess these are safer than hostels. My preference is not to have my nights spent in what amounts to a glorified coffin. Like a hostel, good for a lone traveler.

9) Riad -Morocco

What is a Riad? A Riad is a type of accommodation found in Morocco (you can read my review of Morocco here), it is a hotel with a courtyard or garden as its interior. I did stay in one of these in Marrakesh, it was really a wonderful visit. Smaller and quieter than a normal hotel, it is like a bigger family run establishment. We had dinner and breakfast on the roof which was enjoyable. To get into ours we had to knock on the establishments door and wait (every time). We also had to leave our room key with the front desk when we left, just to give you an idea of what the country is like. Overall, if one stays in Morocco I recommend a Riad. They are beautiful, comfortable, and very affordable. Perfect for couples.

10) Glamping

You will only do this if you are camping in the woods. I do not have any glamping pictures (yet), but it is really just glamourous camping. You are staying in the woods, in what looks like a cross between a room and a tent. They usually have adjustable temperature and a real bed…they are for people who like to camp, but still remember we are in the 21st century. Perfect for couples (maybe families) who like to camp, but not really like to camp.

11) Plantations – Deep South of The United States

Many of these (but not all) have an unfortunate history in the country and some may find it wrong to stay in them, which is understandable. My preference is not to judge a place for its worst historical parts. These days plantations are a good option for those who want to be close to a big city (such as New Orleans or Charleston) but far enough to enjoy some peace. They offer tours of the grounds and many have wineries attached to them. They offer a unique experience for travelers to the south. The price is right, and it will give you a rare perspective of the area you are staying in.

12) Love Hotels Japan/Thailand

I saw these mainly in Bangkok and Japan, these hotels… You know what forget I said anything. Do not bring your kids here please, or your wife for that matter! Perfect for that lone single traveler.

Types of Accommodations: Conclusion

I think I got everything, let me know if I have forgotten one or two. There are many types of accommodations for travelers. What you choose depends on many factors, such as where you are going, who you are with and what your budget looks like. It is my hope that this post points you in the right direction as to which to choose.

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What is the purpose of travel? The purpose of travel is different for everyone, but the common themes are enjoyment, self-growth, adventure, building connections, and escapism. Traveling helps one see the world in a different way, helping us develop as a person, while breaking the monotony of normal life.

It is so easy to let days, weeks, months, and even years go by and not be able to differentiate one day from the next. Traveling wakes you up and reminds you that you are alive. If you travel right, you will be learning and seeing things for the first time adding more fulfillment to your life. I discussed this in my article here, The Holiday Paradox. To really sum it up the purpose of travel is to live your best life.

Growing from Travel

Any avid traveler will tell you; travel changes you. If you go anywhere of substance, (I am not talking about Wally World) you will learn things without even trying. Just experiencing different cultures for the first time may be a shock, but then can change into an eye-opening learning experience. You may know that the Japanese are respectful, but it is hard to know what that means until you visit Japan. Pictures will show you Rome has great history but walking down a random street and bumping into a 2000-year-old pillar makes you think about it more deeply. I have had meals with locals in which we talk about everything from politics to food that shows a totally different perspective then I have here. You will learn to appreciate other countries and at times you learn to appreciate your home country more. Seeing poverty in a third world country makes you see the United States in a new more positive light.

Traveling alone

You also learn a lot about yourself when traveling, especially if you go at it alone (read my post at the link on solo travel). So many people are scared to go overseas, especially by themselves. They want to see the world, but they let fear stop them. I get it, it is scary to be in a new place with a foreign language. The first area I traveled outside the country as an adult was to Thailand (read about it here)…by myself. This was before I realized how important GPS is on one’s phone. You get over it, things you thought would be impossible are now coming at you with ease. It is vital to feel uncomfortable in life. Without being uncomfortable there is no growth. This goes for all aspects of one’s life, not just travel. Travel gets you used to doing things that are strange or may scare you. It helps you grow as a person in the process.

You also get to know your relationships a little better. People say you never know someone until you go away with them. I have witnessed some vacations that have destroyed relationships. I discuss this more in this post on traveling with a partner. You want to test a new relationship, go somewhere different with them, see how they (or you together) react.

Traveling is Just Fun (or it should be)

I understand there are people who think traveling is a chore. Yes, it sometimes can be a pain to get to your destination but travel itself should be anything but tedious. I am assuming you are picking the destination (or at least have some say in it), so pick someplace that has something you like to do. Love history? Go to Europe, anywhere in Europe. Love gambling? You can try Vegas first, then expand to some of the more foreign areas with casinos (they are all over the world). Go to Thailand if you love…well you get the idea, no need to beat a dead horse.

When first deciding to travel look at your own interests and go from there. If your interests are just sitting around watching TV, then enjoy your slow death, I guess. For the rest of us travel first and foremost should be about fun. Yes, there are individual reasons to go someplace that might expand beyond pure recreation (I will get to that). Your main priority should be enjoyment, if not why spend the money?

Eating new food is fun. Not worrying about work is fun. Exploring and seeing new things is fun. I do not understand people who don’t have fun while away. Some say about me personally I only have fun while traveling. When someone asks what is the purpose of travel, fun should be the first thing out of your mouth.

Building Connections

Traveling with a partner and/or your family is a great way to build lasting memories with them. It gets so easy to get complacent in life and not build real memories with the people you care about. Seeing a new place with someone engrains a point in time with that person. I can barely remember my day to day life growing up…but I remember the trip to Washington DC as a kid. Travel with people helps forge a history with those you value the most. You can also build memories with your friends. Getting into some fun trouble with a friend usually makes a friendship stronger in my opinion. Especially if they can keep secrets.

If you go solo traveling helps build a connection with yourself. Sometimes it takes going away to find who you are. The world has many things to inspire you. To help you figure out what you really want out of life, not just the life you are living. Once again it is easy to go into autopilot, not actually taking the time to think if your path is the right one. The ability to travel provides the inspiration and puts things into perspective.

Travel can also help you build a deeper connection with your own history and culture. Reconnect with your religious roots by traveling to the Vatican or Jerusalem (or wherever your roots may lie). I have a friend who found her ancestors on one of the DNA sites. She traveled to Africa to find her family members that were still there. I personally want to make a pilgrimage to the town were my great grand parents came from in Italy. Traveling can help bring us closer to what is important. Your personal purpose of travel could be to bring you nearer to your roots.

Adventures

What is the purpose of travel if not to have an adventure or two? Travel allows us to go on escapades that are just not possible in your current location. I cannot swim with Great Whites in Charlotte, no matter how badly I want to, there is not even an aquarium here. There is only so much you can do in the area that you’re in. Traveling gives you the opportunity to do things that make you feel alive. Let us face our fear and see a world that we could only see on our screens previously.

I have been on crazy motorcycles in Bangkok, gotten lost in the streets of Istanbul (and approached by a pack of wild dogs at 1 AM). I have a fear of heights, but I still hiked the cliffs of Santorini and went on cable cars in Portugal. Not to mention the death trap of a bell tower in Croatia (see above). Your traveling adventure does not have to be terrifying. Take a boat to a secluded island. You can explore a European city. Even at home in the United States, we have hikes to take, little towns and big cities to explore. The purpose of travel is to get you to do things you never have done before.

Time to Escape Your Rut

Unless you are one of the very few, everyday life can be a burden. Let us start with the office life. Day in and day out with the same people, with the same bad corporate problems. The minutia of a company can be mentally crippling. Endless meetings that go nowhere, pointless emails, and projects that you work on for weeks that just disappear.

You do not have to work in a corporation to experience this kind of headache. Every job has its fair share of bureaucratic BS. Add to that all the little things that make home life so great, bills, neighbors, just the everyday headaches that make you tip toe closer to the edge of your second story window. The purpose of travel is to get away from all of this. Get away from the minutia and focus on what is important, even for a little while.

I warn you not to be like me and only focus on travel, your daydreams may interfere with the rest of your life. Still travel helps you escape reality if only for a little while. It helps you get away from your boss, neighbor, home association etc… just for a bit. I think this is why I like being away anywhere so much. Leaving your rut can give you a new perspective on what it is you want to do as opposed to what you may have fell into.

So, what is the Purpose of Travel?

Really, whatever you want it to be. Have fun and go do something you never would imagine. Just get away from it all. Why sit at home doing the same thing you did yesterday, last week, and last year? Travel for me equals enjoyment, enjoying one’s life by actually experiencing as many new things as possible. Travel may not be for you, but I would put money on it if you think that way it is coming from a place of fear.

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We resided in both Sorrento and Positano on our last trip to Italy and explored both extensively. When asking where to stay Positano or Sorrento there is no question as to my choice...The quick answer is Sorrento; an area which I liked (well enough). If one factors in all the reasons to make an area their base, Positano just does not stack up. Whether it is food, things to do, or just areas to explore, Sorrento is superior to Positano. If you think I am being too decisive about this, you haven’t read my Positano post here.

If we look at each condition more carefully, you will agree that Sorrento is the better place to stay. Whether you stay in Sorrento or Positano, you should not stay in either too long. I disliked Positano, I (somewhat) appreciated Sorrento, but was not overjoyed with the area. Either place may get boring if you stay too long, and neither are a good representation of Italy.

Sorrento or Positano: Things to Do

Sorrento just has more to occupy your time than Positano. Let me not beat around the bush, Positano was boring. Unless you love shopping for overprice clothes and art, the town has little to do. There was an interesting church and a tour of the ruins underneath. They barely advertised it, and it was only an hour, but given how much I like history it was worth it. Other than that, there are a handful of small art galleries, you could see in 20-minutes.

The nightlife in Positano was also terrible. A couple of tourist traps open late near the overpriced, underwhelming beach was all Positano could muster. Sorrento had slightly more churches, better beaches, and was bigger. The shopping was more interesting than Positano and seemed cheaper. There were certainly more bars that stayed open much later.

Since neither offers a ton to do, you will be taking day trips. We found that the train in Sorrento was extremely easy to navigate and allowed easy access to Pompeii (a must visit when in the area) and Naples. Both Sorrento and Positano offer a ferry to Capri, it is slightly quicker from Positano.

Overall, Positano was just not easy to get around due to the hills. I like to spend my Italy days strolling from one wine bar or café to the next. The hills made this extremely unenjoyable. Add to this that Positano had very few small ( and cheap) wine bars. Positano was also ridiculously small, with little to explore. We walked the same path over and over, never finding anything new. On the other hand, Sorrento was a more pleasant area to explore…not too many hills, but enough to annoy you at times… A nice square and more nooks and crannies to get lost in. If you are asking where to stay Sorrento or Positano for entertainment, Sorrento wins for me.

Positano vs. Sorrento: Food

Eating well is important to me and neither place delivered a home run in terms of things to eat. Having said this, Sorrento had much better food than Positano. I touched on this in the last section, but the idea of strolling someplace, grabbing a drink and small bite was foreign in Positano. There was one stand out restaurant that I think you should visit if spending a half day at Positano, La Tagliata. I did a more comprehensive guide to eating in Positano here. Even La Tagilata, which was great was not really in Positano. They picked us up from our hotel, I think it took nearly a half an hour by bus. We would have gone there more often if it were closer. Every other restaurant was at best forgettable, at worst you felt like you were being robbed.

There are several better inexpensive restaurants in Sorrento. Even though most were touristy, we had many good meals. Walk down the road a bit and you hear more Italian (as opposed to Janice from Long Island), and the tourist traps start to grow fewer. There was one stand out meal we had in Sorrento, Porta Marina Seafood. It is a bit tricky to get to, even with GPS, but it is well worth it. You can easily walk there and once you arrive you will enjoy an outstanding meal, with a beautiful view. If I were staying in Sorrento for any decent amount of time, I would hit this daily. On a whole, Sorrento just had better food with better prices than Positano.

When deciding between Positano or Sorrento for foodies, Sorrento is the best choice. If you are out all-day touring Capri or exploring Pompeii and want something when you get back, there are plenty of options. Neither has consistently excellent Italian food, but Sorrento has many more bright spots.

Positano vs. Sorrento: Views

I will give Positano this much, it is genuinely nice to look at. It may have the second best coastline I have visited, next to Santorini (read my post here). One benefit to all those hills was that it created a great backdrop. Our nightly drink at the hotel Poseidon was probably the highlight of our stay in Positano. Old homes and beautiful churches stacked up next to each other overlooking the sun coming down on the Mediterranean sea; it is something to be seen.

Sorrento is nice also, but you have to travel a little way to get to the coast (a small walk). The view from our hotel was of the square, nice, but nothing compared to Positano. When you get to the Sorrento coast, you do see how beautiful the area is. Sorrento has some very picturesque areas, but Positano is more beautiful. Unfortunately, Positano is like seeing a gorgeous model, then realizing she can’t put a sentence together. As in dating, looks are not everything, they can get old fast!

In terms of pure beauty, Sorrento vs. Positano…Positano wins.

To Recap…

Where to Stay Positano or Sorrento: Similarities

Even though I find Sorrento to be superior to Positano in terms of where to stay, both have more similarities than differences. Both Positano and Sorrento are tourist traps hubs…they did not give a full representation of Italy. Walking down the streets of Sorrento, hearing a drunk American girl streak ITAALLLY with her friends, reminded me this was not Palermo, Sicily (read my Review here).

Positano was worse in terms of tourists. Locals refuse to even entertain speaking to us in Italian. Whenever we ate, I made a note, I did not see one local at any restaurant we visited (staff excluded). You will be around mostly Americans and Brits, not Italians in both places. I would say more so in Positano than Sorrento, but both are bad.

Both are equally good for exploring the rest of the Amalfi coast, although Positano might be a bit easier to get to some of the smaller towns. Sorrento is a bit closer to Pompeii and Naples. Either way it will not be difficult to get to other areas from which ever location you pick.

What is lacking in both is the history, ruins, and beautiful churches that make Italy so great (not to mention the food). Personally, I may never see either area again, I like a little adventure in my trips…or at least to feel uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay Sorrento or Positano

If you are hell bent on seeing the area, stay in Sorrento. It has better food, a better nightlife, and just an easier environment to walk around. If I had to, I would not spend more than a day in Positano…and that is pushing it. Maybe get there via ferry at 10 AM, walk up the obnoxious hills until you are tired. Browse some overpriced shops, then maybe grab the bus to La Taglita for lunch (or an early dinner). Then get the hell out. There is truly little to do in Positano, certainly not enough to keep you entertained for a week. Personally, I would combined both into a larger trip, that fits my travel style more..

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