https://ift.tt/Now1dEm Places: A Conversation with The Bucket List Family https://ift.tt/c5tozD7

https://ift.tt/Now1dEm Places: A Conversation with The Bucket List Family https://ift.tt/HPClcw2

Going Places is a new series from TripIt that highlights frequent travelers to showcase their unique travel styles and insider tips. 

In 2015, Jessica and Garrett Gee sold all of their belongings to afford a four-month trip with their two children. Fast-forward to 2022, the Gees—and their now three kids—are the well-known traveling tribe, The Bucket List Family. You might already follow them on Instagram, watch their YouTube videos, or have seen them on Good Morning America. 

But if you haven’t heard of them, here’s what to know: They’re an adventure-loving family that documents their trips around the world—and inspires millions of fans along the way.

Fewer things, richer experiences 

Life wasn’t always a flurry of planning travel and creating content for The Bucket List Family.

“If you told me 10 years ago that traveling would be my career—that I would travel to 90 countries with my husband and kids—I never would have believed you,” Jessica told me. “I wasn’t always a big traveler or explorer. But I’ve fallen in love with exploring the world with my family. I love living with less, and gathering experiences over things.” 

Experiences that they not only get to share as a family, but that they’ll be talking about for years to come. 

“One of our most memorable travel moments from this year was with the gray whales in Baja Mexico,” shared Jessica. “We charted a little boat at this place called Guerrero Negro. For decades, the gray whales have brought their calves to greet the local fishing boats. The whales love to be touched and scratched. We had a special mother and calf come up and the mother held the calf up to our boat for minutes so we could rub it. It’s an experience none of us will forget.” 

These unforgettable moments were a big part of why Jessica and Garrett embarked on this journey in the first place. “We decided as a young family that we wanted to take the time to create traditions that will hopefully shape us into better people the rest of our lives.”

“We understand how unique and amazing this opportunity is to take on the adventures of life together as family,” Jessica said. “We remind ourselves of this daily, and remember that it all started by making the decision to step outside our comfort zones, step way outside the norms of society, and follow our hearts for what we felt would be the best path for our family.”

So, where to next for The Bucket List Family? “Next on our bucket list is swimming with orcas in Norway and then seeing polar bears in the Arctic,” she said. “A lot of our travels are geared around wildlife!” 

On staying organized—and packing a positive attitude

Wildlife? Yes. Wild traveling life? Not a chance. 

“I’m always very well prepared for our travel days,” Jessica said. “When I pack, everything has its place.” 

And when it comes to organizing reservations (and more) for a family of five? “I use TripIt for every scheduled part of our trips: flights, rental cars, hotel confirmations—everything. I love that TripIt finds my confirmations automatically in my email and then adds it into my itinerary.” 

According to Jessica, feeling organized—and calm—goes a long way when you’re traveling with littles ones. 

“My best tip for traveling with children is to remember that, as a parent, you set the tone for the trip. If you’re stressed out on a travel day, your kids will feed off of that energy. You can’t always control what happens when you travel; things will go wrong. Your best choice is to press forward and have a good attitude.”

Tip: Travel plans not going according to plan? TripIt can help—whether it’s finding an alternate flight or claiming compensation for a delay or cancellation. 

Any final advice for families planning their next trip? “Just enjoy the journey! And relish the small things, like a good breakfast buffet, an airport with healthy food options, or an empty row on a plane!” 

After all, it’s the little things—nay, experiences—that make the journey worth it.

Catch up on all Going Places features to learn new travel tips, discover underrated destinations, and more.

The post Going Places: A Conversation with The Bucket List Family appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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The rumors are true: TripIt—your destination to organize travel—has a new web experience. 

With the launch of this refreshed, modern look, you can expect a completely updated user interface for a sleek, streamlined experience; a redesigned layout for easier navigation; a new language dropdown to support global travelers; and much more—all to help you more easily use the TripIt features you know and love.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s new. 

What can I expect from TripIt’s new web experience?

Our goal is to provide TripIt users with flexibility to plan trips and manage travel plans the way they want, with a consistent UI experience across platforms and devices. The new web experience is part of a series of enhancements based on your feedback, to make sure TripIt remains the innovative app you rely on when you travel.  

The new web experience has myriad new benefits for TripIt users, including: 

• A brand-new streamlined experience with a modern look and feel
• Intuitive navigation with easy discoverability of TripIt’s features
• The ability to easily adjust your language settings via the drop-down button in the top right navigation
• Capability to create trips; add, edit, and remove plans; adjust your profile and settings; and use other core TripIt features
• Better accessibility, especially for screen-reader capabilities and keyboard-only users
• Getting to enjoy TripIt on your desktop, which is great for organizing itineraries while planning a trip

Where can I find it? 

Head to www.tripit.com, then select Sign Up to create a new account or Sign In to access an existing account. Click the “New website” toggle in the upper right-hand corner to switch to the new web experience.

What languages are available?

To help better serve our users worldwide, the new web experience is available in all of TripIt’s supported languages. This includes English (US and UK), French, German, Spanish (LATAM and Spain), and Japanese. 

Language preference is easily adjustable via the drop-down button in the top right navigation.

Can I provide feedback about the new TripIt web experience?

We’d love that! To do so, click the blue pop-up that says “Provide new website feedback or access the Help Center” the first time you sign in to the new web experience. Or, click the Support button in the navigation bar, select Provide New Website Feedback, then fill out the form with your thoughts.

Keep in mind that while some features are not yet offered in the new web experience, all the features you rely on are available on the TripIt mobile app or by switching back to the Legacy site. 

We plan to keep adding to the new web experience, so you’ll see regular updates over time. 

How do I switch back to the old web experience?

You can switch back to the old web experience at any time by clicking the “New website” toggle in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

Have a specific question about the new web experience, like how to add, edit, or share a trip? Head to the Help Center for even more tips.

The post You Asked, We Updated: A New TripIt Web Experience Has Arrived appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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https://ift.tt/6KuMAxc Break: Reykjavík https://ift.tt/xh2VMQw

City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.

Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world’s best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.

Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in Reykjavík. 

Where to fly in

Reykjavík is served by Keflavik International Airport (KEF), the main international airport for all of Iceland. It’s located 30 miles from Reykjavík. 

Once on the ground, travelers have a few ground transportation options to get to their final destination. If you prefer to travel by bus, book a ride with Airport Direct or Flybus. The former runs on a fixed schedule, whereas the latter has no fixed schedule, and will wait for you if your flight is delayed. Both journeys take about 45 minutes to get to the city center. 

There is also a public bus service, called Strætó, that runs regular routes to and from the airport. Taxis are also available from KEF. However, rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft, are not available in Iceland. 

Prefer to get around on your own accord? Your best bet is to rent a car. Service desks are located inside the arrivals hall. 

Where to stay during your city break

If you prefer centrally located accommodations with a touch of luxury, look no further than The Reykjavík EDITION (pictured above), which boasts views of the harbor nearby, as well as Mount Esja and Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. The hotel is also home to myriad dining and entertainment venues, including Tides—a seafood-focused restaurant from Michelin-star chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason.

Looking for more budget-friendly digs? KEX Hostel, also located just minutes from the harbor, is a happening place. Besides offering a place to lay your head, KEX has cultivated something unique: an effortless vibe that draws locals and travelers alike. Even if you’re not planning to book a room, you’ll want to spend some time there. Grab a bite at Flatus, order a beer or cocktail at DRINX, or peruse the spines of TEXT. No overnight stay needed. 

Want to stay somewhere that falls between five stars and shared spaces with strangers? I get that! Here are a few to consider: 

• The three-star City Center Hotel is true to its name, located right in downtown Reykjavík and just a few minutes walk to major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. 
• Storm Hotel, also a three-star hotel, is indeed a welcome shelter from the notorious Icelandic weather. Thoughtful design and comfortable accommodations make this a smart choice for your city break; it’s also centrally located and walking distance to most city sights. 
• Four-star Fosshotel Reykjavík is Iceland’s largest hotel, featuring 16 floors and 320 rooms—many with spectacular views of the city, harbor, and beyond. If you’re in Reykjavík on business, this is also a great place to host a conference or meetings; the latter can be held on the top floor of the hotel. 

Vacation rentals, like those booked through Airbnb, are also available in Reykjavík. 

How to get around

Part of Reykjavík’s charm is its easy walkability—yes, even in inclement weather. The city has invested in an underground geothermal heating system for its sidewalks and streets, saving the roads from destructive snow plowing, while also saving pedestrians from falling on slippery surfaces. 

If walking isn’t feasible or desirable, Reykjavík’s city buses will take you to and from many of the city’s sights and attractions. Pay for bus fare, plan your route, and see where buses are in real time with the Klappid app. Bus fare can also be paid for via Klapp card or Klapp ten (a 10-pack of tickets). If you want to purchase a card, you can do so at these stores in Reykjavík.

As for your micromobility options, you can rent electric scooters through Hopp. Download the app to get started. At the time of publication, it costs just 100 Icelandic króna (ISK) to unlock an e-scooter, and then it’s 33 ISK per minute to ride. 

Taxis are also available for trips in Reykjavík. 

While renting a car isn’t really necessary if you’re planning to stay within the city limits, you will want one if you plan to explore more of Iceland during your trip. (And you definitely should, if you have the time!)

Pro tip: Use TripIt’s Navigator feature to search transportation options available to you. It will show you the estimated costs and travel times for each option, so you can decide which works best. For example, if you add a restaurant reservation to your itinerary (more on where to eat, below), Navigator also helps you find the best transportation options for getting to your table. You can find Navigator within your plan details screens. 

Where to eat

If you only have time for one meal in Reykjavík, dine at Snaps Bistro (pictured above). The dishes are delectable, the wine list is impressive, and for a city that’s often short on daylight, you’ll appreciate the dining-in-a-greenhouse vibes. You’ll need a reservation, so book one as early as you can. 

Spending a few meals in the capital city? Love seafood? Put Tides (mentioned above) and Fish Market on your dining itinerary. Likewise, you’ll need a reservation for both. 

Prefer more casual dining options? KEX Hostel’s restaurant Flatus (also mentioned above) is a great spot for pizzas and other casual fare. Icelandic Street Food is another great spot for casual eats. Just want something you can grab and go (especially after the pub)? Try “the best hotdog in Europe” at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—open late (late!) night, and notably, since 1937. 

Speaking of pub culture, in Iceland, Prohibition on beer (but not wine or spirits) was in effect until 1989—and microbreweries have been making up for lost time ever since. You can try local craft beers at many of the city’s bars and pubs, including Microbar, Reykjavík’s first craft beer bar; Kaldi Bar; and Skúli – Craft Bar. 

Tip: Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so stretch your króna at happy hour(s). Many pubs and bars offer discounted prices. Check out their social media accounts for deals and hours. 

Less night owl, more early riser? For breakfast, head to Brauð & Co for freshly baked goods, or Café Babalú for sweet and savory crepes. The latter’s colorful exterior is hard to miss, and the cafe is also one of the best places for a cup of coffee in the city. Other options for a cup of joe include Reykjavík Roasters, Mokka Kaffi, and Kaffibrennslan. 

What to do on your city break

If you only have a short amount of time in Reykjavík, be sure to tick the boxes on some of the city’s most impressive sights, including Hallgrimskirkja (tip: climb to the top of the tower to snap that iconic pic of the colorful buildings fanning out below); Harpa, the city’s glass-windowed concert hall and conference center; and the Sun Voyager, pictured above. 

For a dose of the country’s history, head to the Perlan, a museum—and an operating geothermal water storage facility; it’s well worth a visit. The fourth floor features a 360° observation deck that lies on the top of the hot water tanks, and offers a one-of-a-kind view of Reykjavík and the surrounding area. 

Want to up your Nordic style? Head to Laugavegur, one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets and its main shopping district, to peruse the myriad stores featuring everything from high-end boutiques, vintage clothing shops, home decor, cozy cafes, and much more. 

Planning to explore more of Iceland during your trip? Many of the country’s most beautiful attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, Silfra (where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates) in Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (waterfall), Strokkur (geyser), Reynisfjara (black sand beach), Skógarfoss (waterfall), and Seljalandsfoss (waterfall) are within a few hours drive. 

Note: As destinations reopen around the world, be sure to consult and adhere to all local guidelines and travel restrictions, as they vary widely and will continue to change. One way to stay on top of changing guidelines is to consult the COVID-19 travel guidance feature in the TripIt app for destination-specific information, including testing and vaccination requirements, current infection rates, quarantine rules upon arrival, and other information you need to know before visiting the area.

The post City Break: Reykjavík appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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Going Places is a new series from TripIt that highlights frequent travelers to showcase their unique travel styles and insider tips. 

Mom. Content creator. Travel planner extraordinaire. Meet Ashley Torres: creator of the lifestyle blog Everyday Pursuits—and wearer of many hats. Ashley started her blog with the mission of helping others live their lives to the fullest. And the know-how of travel planning is a big part of that. 

“Especially when you have a young family, you might think: I can’t travel right now. But you can!” she said. “I want to help other parents do that. Showing your children the world is so important.” 

Ashley, her husband, and their two-year-old daughter recently spent three months in Europe; one of them at a long-term rental in Italy. 

“When it comes to trips with my daughter, a vacation rental like an Airbnb is the way to go. We have our own kitchen, our own bedrooms; it makes the experience that much more enjoyable—for all of us.” 

Three months away? Consider it handled (in TripIt)

Ashley details the ins and outs of planning her trips in the Travel section of her blog. She shares travel guides to the latest destinations she’s visited; tips for family travel; and much more. 

Her secret weapon for staying organized? “I swear by TripIt. I forward all of my booking confirmations—planes, trains, and Airbnbs!—and it creates a seamless itinerary,” she said. “Trust me, during a three-month trip to Europe, you’re going to have a lot of bookings. And TripIt handled it all.” 

After her itineraries are created, Ashley relies on TripIt to keep her on time: ”when you travel, there’s little room for error, so having all the time zones automatically synced in TripIt is so helpful”—and in the know: “on long, multi-country trips, TripIt’s COVID-19 travel guidance feature was indispensable.” 

Another safety-related feature she loves? Sharing her travel plans. “I always share my plans with my Inner Circle, so my loved ones know where I am. It’s a great tool that gives everyone peace of mind.” 

A growing family—and bucket list 

When it comes to Ashley’s travel style, it’s evolved with her growing family. 

“Before I had my daughter, I loved to travel solo. If you can do it, do it!” she advised. “You learn so much about yourself. From navigating public transportation to figuring out how to communicate despite a language barrier, I’ll always remember the pride I felt in those small accomplishments.” 

And now? “Now, I’m all about family travel—which comes with its own challenges and accomplishments!” 

Challenges like, going from being a carry-on-only traveler to now packing—and checking bags—for a family of three. “Traveling light with a toddler? Nearly impossible,” she quipped. 

Nonetheless, Ashley has learned what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to planning family trips. Such as, her favorite places for traveling with a little one: “Europe, in general; and Lisbon and Paris, in particular. Cities in Europe are very community-oriented and family-friendly. They have beautiful public parks and museums. They’re highly walkable. It makes a trip there so easy and enjoyable.”

Regardless of how you travel—solo, with friends, with a toddler, or something else—Ashley had a few more tips to share.

“For starters, packing cubes are life. And get the Mobile Passport Control app. There’s something very satisfying about waving to your friends who are waiting in the long lines at customs and border patrol,” she said, with a laugh. 

And for the trip-planning process: “Pinterest! Once I know our next destination, I go deep—I mean, 2 AM down-the-rabbit-hole deep—into Pinterest boards.”

With a trip to Hawaii this month, a return trip to Europe planned for the spring, and an African safari on the bucket list, Ashley and her family don’t plan to stay put for long. But when she does have some down time, she’s sharing it all with her followers, including on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Catch up on all Going Places features to learn new travel tips, discover underrated destinations, and more.

The post Going Places: A Conversation with Ashley Torres appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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