Tag Archives: travel tips

Shakes on a Plane

by Wendy

I’m a pretty good traveler, but slightly prone to motion sickness on planes, trains and automobiles. I don’t take any medicine for it because I really don’t know when it will strike. On a plane, it’s usually due to turbulence. I’ve only puked on a plane once, and would like to keep it that way.

There were many bumps along the way when I flew from Baltimore to Las Vegas (en route to Reno) a few weeks ago, and I did.not.feel.great.

But I did not puke. Here are a few tips I use to prevent or combat motion sickness caused by Shakes on a Plane! Continue reading →

Keep Calm and Check a Bag?

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

I have to admit: those of you who check a bag have a point.

This revelation evolved during multiple attempts to cram liquid items for a beach trip into a quart-size bag. It was quite the puzzle. Usually this is fairly easy. I don’t know if I’ve ever spent so long on this aspect of packing. The casualties were two split plastic bags, as well as the hour or so I could have spent doing something else. Continue reading →

How to Spend Quality Time in an Airport

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

I generally like airports. When I walk through the sliding glass doors, I feel energized by the sense of travel possibilities. Time can feel like it has stopped while you’re in this in-between space; you’re on your way but not there yet. Time is also your main focus – how long to get through security, is my flight delayed, can I order another drink before I have to trek to the gate? Airports can also be annoying, but I am determined to keep liking them. Especially after being inspired by Sunny and MJ, whose recent post proves that they really know how to keep their cool in an airport. Even when the wait is long, or the flight is cancelled, and it’s crowded, my sis and niece stay upbeat. My airport attitude is pretty good, but there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how I spend quality time in an airport: Continue reading →

10 Tips for College Students Traveling to Europe

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Traveling overseas for two months right after my graduation from college was one of the most influential experiences of my life. My sister April and I visited 5 countries and had an amazing time. It definitely broadened my perspective, increased my appreciation for other cultures, and made me feel more independent and capable of dealing with various situations. l fell more in love with travel and the happiness I felt visiting new places on this beautiful planet. As a rule, I don’t have regrets – but if I was suddenly undergrad Wendy again, I would try and find ways to go abroad more often*. Students have unique opportunities and access to a range of programs and resources to work, volunteer or study in another country. For any students considering or preparing for a trip, here are a few tips I learned from traveling to Europe as a college student. Continue reading →

The Family that Travels Together…

Stays in the Same House Together!

The Looks and Leaps family recently traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a week. The weather was fantastic and the ocean was beautiful – but part of the fun was living together in an awesome beach house! We’d like to share some of our favorite things and recommendations as you plan your summer getaways! Continue reading →

Looks and Leaps Sisters Interview

by April, Sunny and Wendy
We were so excited to participate in the Travel Fashion Girl interview series! Do you know about this amazing website? Travel Fashion Girl is an awesome resource – packing lists for practically every destination or type of trip, product reviews, beauty tips, and tons of style and travel inspiration – all topics the Looks and Leaps sisters love. Be sure to check it out!

And a big, warm THANK YOU to Alex and Travel Fashion Girl for the interview! Very fun!

DC is FUN

by April

There’s no other city I visit as often as Washington DC and for the past few years my son, “J”, and I have traveled to our nation’s capital each spring.  His first visit was at 5 years old so there’s no surprise he considers it his “home away from home”.   There are no shortage of travel guides for families visiting DC, but since we travel to DC so often, we’ve been able to enjoy the must-sees like the Smithsonian Museums but we’ve also had the chance to get off the beaten path and discover some fun and kid-friendly places.  I recently sat down with my now 9 year old son and as we reminisced about our past trips to DC he pointed out the things that really stood out to him along the way.  Here are some notes from 5 years of travel to Washington DC from a kids’ perspective.  In other words, things that make DC FUN!

While sightseeing on the National Mall take a break to ride the carousel!

While sightseeing on the National Mall take a break to ride the carousel!

Continue reading →

London Loves

by Wendy
I am interested in the people and cultures of all countries I visit, but will always have a special fondness for the UK. Not only was London the first foreign city I ever visited, but even before I traveled there I gravitated toward many British writers, musicians and films/tv shows. When you think about it, you probably do too. Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Virginia Woolf, The Beatles, The Police, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sherlock Holmes, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, Harry Potter, James Bond – this is only a fraction of a long list. Continue reading →

Travel as Therapy

NYC sign with a message I try to remember

NYC sign with a message I try to remember

by Wendy
I love that movie What About Bob with the great Bill Murray. His neurotic character won’t stop pestering his psychiatrist (Richard Dreyfuss) – even during summer holidays. So the doctor prescribes the advice “take a vacation from your problems” in an attempt to get Bob to put the worries and anxiety on hold until summer is over. While Bob had trouble following this advice, I’ve found it can truly work wonders. Continue reading →