letsgoroadtrippin

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Photo via Pexels I would like to thank Jesse Clark for contributing this article!  Check out her information at the end of the article. According to CNBC, Americans are ready to return to holiday travel norms this year, with spikes expected in road trips and air travel. However, with airfares creeping up, road trips may lead the pack. And it makes sense, too. In general, taking a road trip versus flying is significantly less expensive, offers more flexibility, and can be an excellent way to make multiple stops while on vacation. However, alongside the pros of hitting the road, there are arguably still health and safety considerations to keep in mind when traveling during the winter months. Aside from COVID-19, extreme weather conditions, fewer hours of daylight, and an increased risk of illness should all be thought of prior to leaving for your destination. If you plan to travel by vehicle for your upcoming holiday excursion, Let’s Go Road Trippin’ invites you to explore these tips for staying safe throughout your road trip. Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions Before any road trip, taking your vehicle in for servicing is highly advisable. Whether you need new tires, an oil change, or a simple safety inspection, these visits are an invaluable way to reduce the risk of an accident or injury while on the road. During the coldest months of the year, be sure to perform upgrades that are specific to winter weather conditions. To enhance the safety of your vehicle, it’s wise to install features such as winter or snow tires, windshield wipers (and fluid) that are designed for ice and freezing temperatures, and antifreeze. On top of safety upgrades, make sure to protect your vehicle’s interior. Salt and melting snow can damage fabrics and surfaces, which is why it is crucial to winterize the inside. For example, quality floor mats are capable of shielding factory-installed carpets from harsh and messy elements and can prove to be a great investment over time. Bring an emergency road kit You’re probably no stranger to the phrase “expect the unexpected.” This definitely applies to preparations for your winter road trip. One of the best ways to “expect the unexpected” is to bring a well-stocked car emergency kit on your next vacation. According to Ready.gov, some of the most essential items to pack in your emergency car kit include a blanket, ice scraper, cell phone charger, flares, and jumper cables. You should also pack common over-the-counter medications (e.g. ibuprofen), a first aid kit, and any needed emergency medications (e.g. an EpiPen). In addition to these items, one often overlooked piece of equipment to include is a snow shovel. Winter storms can quickly cause snow to pile up unexpectedly, which can result in your car being stuck in a snowdrift. Having a shovel will help ensure that you don’t end up stranded. Protect your health Now more than ever before, taking health precautions while traveling is essential. In winter, cases of the cold, flu, and other related illnesses tend to rise. With the added threat of COVID-19, it is of the utmost importance to protect your health. When making stops at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and other public places, be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and to use hand sanitizer frequently. Carry extra face masks, and do not visit with family or friends who suspect that they have COVID-19 (or any other contagious illness). Also, foodborne illnesses tend to rise during the holiday season. As such, handle all raw meats with care, avoid cross-contamination, and do not let items requiring refrigeration sit out for more than two hours. Remember to have fun It’s true that traveling during the holidays can and will wear you out. But after all the planning, remember that this is still time off from work, and you owe it to yourself to have fun and enjoy your getaway. In fact, look for ways to make it more enjoyable. In addition to your to-do list, ZenBusiness shares a great not-to-do list that offers suggestions on how to make the most of your time off. Like not counting calories for a few days, leaving work completely behind, sleeping in, ignoring your watch, and investing in activities or purchases that can be considered investments in your well-being. By giving in to a vacation mentality, you can make the most of this special time with friends and family. When you make smart decisions about your health and safety, it is easy to have an enjoyable road trip during the winter months. No matter how you choose to prepare, or where your adventure takes you, be sure to experience the joy of the holiday season. For regular tips, videos articles and insights into the joys of road trips, be sure to subscribe to Let’s Go Road Trippin’ today! “Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She created Soulful Travel because she believes that travel is good for the soul – getting lost is often the best way to find yourself.” https://soulful-travel.com

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/uncategorized/stay-safe-on-your-holiday-road-trip-with-these-essential-tips/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Photo via Rawpixel This article was written by Sarah Bull.  Thank you for your contribution! Let’s Go Road Trippin! understands that whether you’re flying across the country or heading out on a family road trip, traveling with kids can be a little intimidating. Toddler tantrums and bored teenagers can cause all kinds of hiccups in your travel plans. But family-friendly travel doesn’t have to be stressful! It really is possible to return from your family vacation feeling relaxed and rejuvenated — you just need to be prepared. Here are some tips to keep your next trip fun and fulfilling for the whole family.   Get on the Road   A family road trip with kids involved is no small feat, and since this can be a costly, chaotic affair, you want to get it right! Determine what the entire family wants to do, as well as what each member can do. Are you looking for lazy beachside days or adventure hikes in national parks? This takes us to the next point . . .   Get Your Kids Involved   One of the best ways to ensure your whole family has a wonderful vacation is to get your little ones involved. According to The Points Guy, this is also a great way to help your children remember the trip when they get older. If your children are school-aged, give them some activity options to choose from. On a beach trip, for example, you could have them choose between surfing or snorkeling.   Try to give your older children and teenagers a more active role in planning your trip by asking them to do some research into your destination and making a list of attractions they’re interested in. You can also give your children a chance to document their trip, too — a durable digital camera can make them feel more mature and they’ll love having the choice of capturing important family moments.   Combat Jet Lag   If your family is flying to a different time zone, consider leaving your schedule empty for a whole day or two after arriving at your destination. This will help you and your children overcome jet lag and adjust to a new schedule. You can also take a proactive approach to jet lag by moving your children’s bedtime a little bit each day during the week leading up to your trip. Once you land in your destination, try to spend some time outside in the natural light to help your family adjust to the new time zone more quickly.   Schedule Downtime   Downtime is incredibly important in any travel itinerary, especially for toddlers and school-aged children. When planning your activities and adventures, focus on quality over quantity. You don’t have to make it to every single tourist attraction at your destination. Instead, pick a few that you and your children will enjoy and leave the remainder of your schedule open. It may also be a good idea to bring along a laptop or tablet so your kids can relax by playing educational games and watching a movie or two.   You can also schedule downtime into your transportation plans. If you’re taking a long flight, consider breaking it up into two shorter flights so your kids can run around and stretch their legs during the layover. On a road trip, factor in longer stops where you can for the same reasons. Instead of a hotel, consider booking a vacation rental that offers the creature comforts of home where the entire family can take a breather in between legs of your trip. As a tip, choose one in a hip and interesting neighborhood so you can better take in the local sights, sounds, and cuisine at your leisure.   Prepare Your Home Before Leaving   Spending your vacation worrying about your home is no way to relax. Before leaving on your trip, take some time to prepare your home for your absence. Unplug electronics, take out the trash, turn down the thermostat, and check that all of your windows and doors are locked.   You may also want to install a home security system to protect your home and offer yourself some additional peace of mind. It’s worth it to look for a security solution that includes monitoring so the police will be notified if there’s a break-in while you’re out of town. You can find great deals on home security services by searching online for providers in your local area. Additionally, find a local handyman to install this system for you, especially as there is often some electrical work involved. It’s smart to compare quotes from different professionals in your area, as well as get word-of-mouth referrals or, failing that, online recommendations.   Many parents find that traveling with kids is much more fun and rewarding than traveling alone. You get to watch your children explore new places, learn new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Plan ahead and take it slow, and you’ll discover that family-friendly travel can be fun and stress-free for parents, too. And for more family travel tips, make sure to visit and subscribe to the Let’s Go Road Trippin! blog and YouTube channel! Thanks to Sarah Bull at Economy Mom for writing this article

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/uncategorized/your-smart-guide-to-a-stress-free-family-vacation/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Have you been dreaming about taking the road trip of a lifetime? If you’re worried that it will be expensive and stressful, the resources on Let’s Go Road Trippin will prove that taking a road trip can be affordable and worry-free! Ready to begin making plans? You can get started with the helpful resources and tips outlined in this guide.   Plan Your Route   Wondering where to go? The following tools will help you plan out your route and ensure you arrive safely at each destination. Check out great destinations that won’t break the bank. Plot a route that gets you from one stop to another without wasting gas. These navigation apps will help you avoid getting lost on your journey! Most importantly, plan to make some stops screen-free — putting your phone down for a while can help you be fully present in the place you’re visiting.   Pack Your Gear   What should you bring on your trip? Create your packing list by referencing these resources!   Create a small capsule wardrobe for easy packing. You can stop by thrift shops to pick up any basic pieces you need. Bring screen protectors for your devices — this is much cheaper than paying to fix a broken screen in the middle of a trip! Put together your toiletry bag, and make sure that you have everything you need to stay clean and fresh during your trip. Keeping an emergency kit in your car will ensure that you’re prepared for anything – doing minor repairs on your own is cheaper than going to a mechanic.   Save Money   Make sure that every aspect of your trip is budget-friendly by following the tips in these guides.   If you plan to stay in hotels along the way, you can score the best deals on rooms with these travel hacks from Smarter Travel. These tips will help you avoid overspending on gas. Naturally, you’ll want to try great local restaurants, but you can also take steps to save money on food during your trip.   Taking a road trip is a fantastic way to see the country, meet friendly people, and challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort zone. But planning can be a headache! With these resources, you’ll be able to map out your trip easily while sticking to your budget.   Want to get off the beaten path during your road trip? Check out the resources on Let’s Go Road Trippin! Get in touch with your questions or comments through the contact page on our website. This article was written for us by: Allison Morgan from TravelTravesty.com Photo via Pexels

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/uncategorized/the-stress-free-guide-to-road-trip-planning/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Light at the end of the Tunnel? First off, is COVID actually going away soon?  I don’t know.  Vaccinations are up, but so are infection rates.  I am not a scientist or anything and I don’t know how to interpret that information.  I am going to be an optimist and ASSUME that COVID lockdowns will ease up more in the next couple of months. *crossing my fingers* Let’s Prepare anyway Since I am getting my 2nd shot in just a couple of days, I am starting to make plans to travel.  It will be a month or so until I do anything good, because I have a lot more than just getting vaccinated. I will still wear a mask until the CDC says it is safe not to. I will social distance until the CDC says I can hug people again.. I am looking forward to that. I will still use hand sanitizer, as always.  I will be road tripping more this year than I have in the past 2 years.  I do have a “normal” day job now, so I can plan weekend trips, and I have some vacation time coming up.  But, I have more to consider than my health safety.  I need a good road trippin’ vehicle. Buy a Road Trip worthy vehicle (done) Make new vehicle more Road Trip worthy (WIP) Put in a bed Make room for bike Add storage Add extra battery Drive Yes, I have a new vehicle (actually 2) I sold the Hyundai with 63,000 miles on it.  Not a lot of miles, but that was a lot of rideshare driving, and rough miles.  Not to mention, I wanted something a little more versatile.  When I sold the car, I bought a new eBike.  I need to exercise, and that is one way to get me to do it.  If I just bought a standard bike, I doubt I would have had the motivation to ride it as much.  I am using it as a main commuter and getting around my neighborhood.  I work from home, so I don’t really need a car to get around that much in the warmer weather. Then, I bought my Road Trippin vehicle.  It is a 2021 Ford Transit XLT Connect Cargo Van.  I have a lot of work to put into it.  I can easily fit the bike in there, but I need to squeeze a bed in there, too.  I have been looking at a lot of YouTube videos and blogs on how to do it.  I have a decent idea of what I want to do, but I haven’t started, yet.  I am waiting for curtains to be delivered right now to put them in.  That will be my first “modification” to it. Where to go? That is the million dollar question!  If I can muster 2 week’s vacation this year, I am driving Route 66.  Although I have driven it many times, I have never done it as a vacation, it was always for work.  I have friends in LA I would like to visit, and this would be a great way to hang out with them.  One of them will let me stay at their house for a few days.  That would be perfect   I also have a friend in Taos that I may try to meet up with.  I have not been there before.  And I like going places I have not been to before! If I can only squeak out a week of vacation, I will do some sort of circle tour around the midwest and meet up with some friends in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, maybe even Iowa and Kansas.  Maybe I will just go to the Ozarks and enjoy nature there.  It is a beautiful area. In the meantime, I will take weekend trips and sleep in the van, probably down by the river.  LOL  I plan on traveling around places that are less populated and be in nature as much as I can.  I could use COVID as an excuse, but I like the open spaces and not being in large crowds.  I like small gatherings and meeting new people in that type of environment. I just want to go now I am sure I am not the only one itching to get out there.  That is going to be a bit of a problem.  There is a shortage of camping spots nationwide.  I am not expecting to be able to find much in the way of camping spots.  The big plus of having a small van is that I can use a tent camping spot easily.  Hopefully those are more readily available.  I don’t expect it, but I can sleep in a parking lot or rest area if I have to.  That is why I got this particular van! Moral of the story: BE SAFE!  Be healthy!  Get out and #JustExploreIt Until next time, safe travels.

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/uncategorized/gearing-up-for-post-covid-travel/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

I would like to thank Jesse Clark for contributing this article!  Check out her information at the end of the article. If you are feeling cooped-up and need to get out and about, you are not alone! By now, most of us are tired of the pandemic limitations, yet also wish to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy. Thankfully, there are ways to take a vacation in these challenging times while maintaining your budget — it just takes additional planning.   Staying in hotels may feel risky right now because of potential COVID-19 exposure. An RV, on the other hand, offers additional protection that can keep you and your family safe, which Let’s Go Road Trippin can attest to. Here’s what you need to plan a budget-friendly and safe adventure at this time. Stock Up on Travel Accessories   Chances are good that you have a mask or two on hand, and probably some hand sanitizer, too. But traveling during COVID-19 means being extra prepared, so consider carrying a box of disposable masks in addition to cloth ones. An RV offers the benefit of storage, so it may be worth buying a bulk container of hand sanitizer that you can use to refill smaller containers, which adds up to huge savings down the line. Disposable and anti-viral wipes are also useful to have ready for wiping down surfaces and offering additional protection.   Along with safety implements, it will be practical to pack bottled water and healthy snacks to make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Shoot for well-balanced snacks that offer protein, carbs, and fiber so you stay healthy while you travel. But before you stock up on your essentials, look for Kohl’s coupons and promo codes to save on purchases. Safe and Inexpensive Outdoor Adventures   As you plan your trip, think about budget-friendly destinations that allow outdoor adventures. Whether you rent an RV and travel in style or opt to pitch a tent, spending time outdoors is the safest way to enjoy yourself in the pandemic. There are great enrichment trips you and your family will love, such as visiting national parks and wandering through lush botanical gardens. Many campgrounds offer discounts for AAA members and veterans, so this could be another means of saving money during your vacation.   If you are interested in a goal-oriented adventure, you could opt to plan a vacation to see lighthouses along the coast or visit national monuments. Creating a travel game with family members or friends during a vacation is a great way to spice things up — look for famous landmarks along the way and make a friendly competition out of it. Journaling and taking photographs are fun yet inexpensive ways to pass the time between stops and document your vacation with the added bonus of being able to look back on it for years to come. Staying Vigilant During Travels   Staying safe is vital these days, and by traveling in a COVID-safe way, you are more likely to have the peace of mind needed to enjoy your adventures. It can be easy to get complacent, so if you notice yourself or loved ones starting to backslide a bit on safety, be proactive and recommit to wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing. As you travel, keep a checklist taped to the dashboard of your vehicle or RV to remind you of these simple yet essential actions. Ultimately, it won’t cost you a thing to follow them, and you will have more fun and priceless memories as a result.   Yes, you can travel in a safe and budget-friendly way during COVID-19 with careful planning, sufficient supplies, and the right mindset. Renting an RV is, by far, safer than staying in hotels and more cost-effective in more ways than one.   For more inexpensive travel tips and inspiration, check out Let’s Go Road Trippin’s videos!   “Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She created Soulful Travel because she believes that travel is good for the soul – getting lost is often the best way to find yourself.” https://soulful-travel.com

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/uncategorized/safe-money-saving-travel-tips/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

I need some REAL help

I know I am NOT the only one, but I am not asking for money, just a little bit of your time.  If you could share this post, and watch a handful of my videos (not just a click, but watching as close to the end as possible), on EITHER channel, it would help.  If I can get 1,000,000 views in the next few days, I would be able to pay my rent (YouTube payment period ends soon).

I WILL pay it forward as best as I can.

I need #help to #paymyrent, get me #1000000Views on my channels in the next few days #challenge I will #payitforward #watchoverhalf #isolation #covid19 #notajoke

https://youtube.com/LetsGoRoadTrippin

https://www.youtube.com/BradsDrones 

Playlists to help out: Cringe worthy old travel videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9Hj5aLTWLLyxHkQy63yv0lLxQFK67dV7

Cinematic Drone Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5mSpb3hb_UsH_2A5rBWoOI3I-SgfpXEs

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Overlanding, I had not really heard of it, and it recently had been brought to my attention.  There is a pretty good community of people who do it.  There are many different styles of it, and it looks like a great way to go on a road trip!  I am still learning about it, and was asked to share a link on this site about it.  I really like the whole concept, and would do it in a heartbeat!  Unfortunately, I am busy on other projects to even do much of anything. Check out this article to learn more about Overlanding: https://overlandsite.com/what-is-overlanding/ Brad

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/travel/what-is-overlanding/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

A Brief History of US Highway Route 66

This was a time consuming video, but worth it.  I have always been interested in the history of US Route 66.  I thought I would make a different type of video than I normally make.  The initial response has been quite positive!  Enjoy this one.  :)

[letsgoroadtrippin]

I didn’t want to go back

Over 10 years ago, I left a business that I started.  It was struggling, and I let it go.  I was a software engineer, and worked with many companies on many projects large and small.  Some of them were very challenging and fun to problem solve.  Whether I was working on my own or with a team.

I closed up shop, ended all the contracts, and never looked back.  I was DONE with programming, and everything about it.

I did some traveling, and got into making videos.  Having a great time.  My entrepreneurial spirit never rested, though. I started making videos and putting them on YouTube.  I have always loved making videos, so it was a natural transition for me.

Then, I started putting myself out there to do some video editing and animations (motion graphics).  I enjoy making and editing videos for others almost as much as I enjoy making them myself.

Recently, I had a couple of projects cross my desk that screamed for automation.  Doing some research, I discovered there is a way to code some processes in Adobe's suite of applications.  It isn't very well documented, but I was able to figure it out, with the help of a few great forums.

This made me realize that there might be more jobs like this.

Now, I am back to coding.  LOL.  BUT, at least it is something that is integrated with my other passion in life.

I have been working hard at creating a new service that I am really going to push hard.  It can be called many things; batch editing and bulk editing are two popular terms.  I like the term "Automated Editing".  To me, that just sounds nicer than "Bulk" or "Batch".

To learn a little more about it, you can visit my site that explains it a little more.

http://tailored-media.net/editing-automation/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Year-round Easter Egg Hunt for Everyone - Geoacaching

This is a great, year-round, way to do an Easter Egg Hunt for everyone, Geocaching is a really great hobby that has been around for a long time.  Great for family, friends, and team building.  Let me show you what I mean!

[letsgoroadtrippin]

$350 Osmo Pocket vs $2000+ Ronin-S and Sony a6500

Comparing the DJI Ronin-S and Sony a6500 with the DJI Osmo Pocket.  Get the pros and cons of each!

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Top 9 tips for International Travel

I had a little help from fellow travelers to build this one.  I had to narrow it down to ONLY 9!

[letsgoroadtrippin]

  Traveling to Thailand and other countries has taught me a few things about international travel.  But, I also asked my fellow professional travelers to give me more tips about it.  I had to narrow down the long list to ONLY 9!   9) Pack light Since I bring a lot of camera gear, I am not so great at this.  Many of my colleagues live by this rule, and they are traveling all over the place.  I have only been separated by my luggage one time, and luckily it was when I returned home.  That would not have happened if I just traveled light. Traveling with just carry-on luggage makes it easier to keep moving.  I am still figuring out how I can bring most of my camera gear and still pack light.  I guess not packing clothes is an option.   8) Passport and visas This is critical, if you are traveling out of the country.  I have yet to see a country that will allow you to visit if your passport expires in less than 6 months.  You also want to check and see if you will need a visa to visit the country.  In Thailand, at the time of recording this video, I can stay for up to 30 days, any more than that, and I need a visa.    To see if you need a visa, do a google search for the consulate of the country you are going to, and look on their site.  Also, make many photocopies of your documents.  Hotels, rentals, and others will use those when renting out their rooms or equipment.  AND, If you lose the real one, having the photocopies can help get you back on track.   7) Travel Insurance Why?  What could possibly go wrong??  Just ask the people who were stranded by WOW airlines suddenly going out of business, or the passengers on the Viking ship that had a mechanical problem in a storm.  Not only that, but you could get sick or hurt.  But a lot of travel insurance covers even more, like lost luggage, theft, trip cancellation, and more.  It is best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.  Can you imagine if you were in the hospital, too sick to travel, and needed to re-book your flight?  All of that adds up!    6) Familiarize yourself (with the areas you are staying) And one of the things I learned early on in my travels is to grab a hotel business card to keep with me during my stay.  If I got lost, it is very easy to use that to show a taxi, or anyone, to help me get back to my hotel.  You should also know where the local police station and hospital are located, as well as your embassy, if you are in a big enough city.  You will rarely need to know most of this, but it is good to have the information, just in case!   5) Cell phone You will definitely want to make sure your cell phone works, and DOESN’T cost you a fortune to use data.  We use data on our phones for everything.  If you can’t use your current carrier, make sure you can unlock your phone and put in a local SIM card.  If that is not possible, you may want to get a throwaway phone when you get to your destination.  There are carriers that allow you to travel, and their rates vary.  I have Sprint, and they have free data, BUT, it is 3G, and about useless.  I can pay for 4G, or get a local SIM.  Also, check to see what calls and texts cost, too.  You can use WhatsApp for texting and phone calls, if your carrier charges for those.  Make sure you know what your options are, so you are prepared!   4) Google Maps – offline mode Before I left for Thailand, one of the best things I did was download the entire city of Pattaya into my Google maps offline mode.  That way, I didn’t have to worry about any data connections.  It is pretty easy to do, and I show you in my video at the end of the article!     3) Money Make sure you have SOME cash on you, in local currency.  You will probably carry more than you normally do, but don’t carry too much.  I like to put my money in many different places, which will help if something bad happens.  Check the exchange rates so you can know if someone is trying to rip you off.  Be aware that most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee each time you use it.  If you do use Credit Cards, use the ones that have the chips on them, they are the most secure.  I also keep a little bit of my own currency for when I travel back home, just in case I need it for something before I can get to an ATM.   2) Research your destination To get the most out of your travels, you will want to know where to go.  The best way to do that is to research your destination.  Sure, you will probably know the most popular places to go, but don’t you want to see more than just that?  Find some places that are less known, but still good.  I still can’t wait to get BACK to the winery outside of Pattaya!  Look at my videos from Pattaya, I would never have known any of those places, if I hadn’t just looked at Google maps, and explored around it virtually first.  Of course, my wife took me to even more places I didn’t know about.    1) Respect the culture One of the biggest pet peeves of mine is when I see tourists anywhere, and they are clueless.  Just there to take a bunch of pictures to prove they were there. Sure, take your pictures, but respect what is around you.  There are many things in your country that are completely acceptable for you, but are considered rude or maybe even illegal.  A simple example in Thailand is that it is rude to use your foot for just about anything.  Touching someone, or stepping on money is considered extremely rude, as is pointing at someone with your foot.  Your foot is considered to be a bad part of your body and it is disrespectful to do those things.  Whether you agree or disagree, you need to respect their cultures, as you would want them to respect your cultures.   BONUS TIP Foreign airlines – purchase in country Although I have not personally done this, I have heard from a few people about this.  In many countries you can fly cheaper if you book those flights while you are there.  A close friend of mine saved more than 50% on a weekend in Chiang Mai for 3 people by doing that.   Some honorable mentions: Keep an eye on travel alerts for your destination, make sure it is safe to go. Be prepared, take a small med kit with you for minor cuts. I hope these have helped you out.  I want to thank my friends for contributing to the list!   Until next time, Safe Travels!

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/blog/top-9-tips-for-international-travel/

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Koh Kret and Buddhism - Bangkok Thailand.

A little about the Temple on Koh Kret, A little about Buddhism, and always about exploring.

[letsgoroadtrippin]

I can't believe the size of this 7-Eleven.  I would easily hang out in the Cafe upstairs.

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Not Quite Traditional Thai Wedding - Thailand

Check out our wedding.  I give some explanation.  Do you know what we took out?

[letsgoroadtrippin]

Enjoy the View My wife, her sister, brother-in-law, and I were sitting having a light lunch at this little place with one of the best views of Pattaya, Thailand. I was looking around, enjoying just being there, looking at the view, and then I noticed something I have seen too many times. Do you see any problems in this picture? How about these pictures? You can see many people here at this wonderful spot just looking at their phones. Some are taking a picture and sharing it on social media, others are in some conversation with others. Sure, if it is business related, I can understand. But, I am sure that is a small percentage of these people, if any. I see people here with friends, and everyone in the group is staring at their phones. It wasn’t just for a short time, either. It was for 30+ minutes for most of them. Why would you come here to spend time with friends and just stare at your screen? Am I Too Old Fashioned? I must be! When I come to a place like this, I like to take in the view, converse with my friends, my family, maybe even make a new friend sitting next to me. You never know who you might meet by talking to the people around you. Here is my group. We are talking, being social with each other in RL, not online. I couldn’t get them to stop talking long enough to take a decent picture! Sure, I took some pictures to share online. We sat here for about 30-45 minutes, I took pictures for about 5 minutes of that. The rest of the time, I talked with my family, or I just enjoyed the view, while noticing that I was one of the few people doing it. Not Just Here This doesn’t just happen at this location. I notice it everywhere. When out in most public places, you will see it. Some places I give a pass to, mass transit, waiting in line, that type of thing. But, when you are with friends, especially at a beautiful spot, just PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. It will enhance your life to just breathe and take in what is around you. Be in the moment, experience it WITH your friends who are WITH YOU NOW. Even if you are by yourself, sure, take a few pictures, just make sure that you put down your phone and just appreciate the beauty of where you are. Take it in. The picture can be a reminder of the moment, don’t let the pictures define the moment. Think of the last time you remembered being somewhere and just enjoyed the moment. Did you get a picture? Do you only remember taking pictures or do you remember how you felt, something special that happened. Maybe you didn’t get a picture, but, you still have the great memories. Thanks for reading my rant. Please help spread the word to the younger generation and let them know, it isn’t about the picture or video, it is about the memories and emotions of the experience. Until next time,Safe Travels. Brad

http://letsgoroadtrippin.com/blog/seriously-people-put-down-your-phones/