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Brett B.

5 Things to do in Cape Town

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When I think of a vacation, it’s not always the traveling that overcomes the thoughts in my mind. I will admit, I get caught up in the hope of adventuring too. To experience worldly ventures and live like a local may is just as much part of my plan as anything else. Sometimes it is nice to take a break from constantly searching for the best deals on travel (But look no further, you already found it), and think about how you want to experience the world. 

First thinking about Cape Town, I did not know what to expect in my research. I knew that it was going to bring some amazing opportunities- but never did I expect such results. I have always been a person to try new things, and boy am I ready to try these.

In this blog, check out 5 things to do in Cape Town, Africa. There are adventures for everyone, and each one in itself will bring on memories to cherish. Safe travels!

 

   1. Abseiling

 

Now don’t get me wrong- this is a big jump from the stereotypical vacation activity- but that’s what experiencing is all about! On this venture, you will be able to descend off of Table Mountain, 1,000 feet above sea level. You will begin abseiling into pure vertical space. But don’t forget to prepare the proper attire- and check the weather! Your adventure may be halted due to certain weather.

   2. Aerial Boardwalk

 

 

In this activity, you will walk where the birds fly. Set atop Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Garden is a beautiful overview of Cape Town’s many indigenous plants. There are built in benches and even labels on the flora to learn more about its history. This is something you can take more time to appreciate, or even just make a quick stop to check it out. Check out the prices, they vary for certain ages.

 

   3. Beach Horse Rides

 

For a romantic night or a night out on the town, experiencing a horseback ride along Long Beach is an exquisite experience. An 8km ride along the beach, backed by National Park-Protected lands, it has a phenomenal view of Chapman’s Peak, and The Centennial. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of the Kakapo shipwreck- dating back to 1900.

 

   4. Kloofing… like canyoning!

 

If you are looking for an over the edge adventure- look no further! South Africa itself has some of the best kloofing spots, and the ones around Cape Town are magnificent. However, do not take this excursion lightly- this is a dangerous activity and should be taken very seriously with experienced guides. Some of the top routes around Cape Town are:

  • Suicide Gorge, located in Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, which overall includes a 9hr hike, a waterfall, and a  14m compulsory jump. However, this is an adventure best done during the season of summer.
  • Kamikaze Canyon, just 45 minutes from Cape Town to False Bay, this includes a 45-minute walk through crystal pools. Eventually, it leads you to a kloofing spot with a 23m cliff jump, and a 65m abseil across Thunder Falls. You need to have your Shark Zone guides with you however on this day trip. On the plus side if you make it through this you do get a picnic. So that’s pretty cool in itself (or maybe that’s just me).

 

 

   5. Biking

Just like any stereotypical vacation, getting a little exercise in while viewing the world is common. There are varying levels of expertise and distance offered, anywhere from 22km to 95km (don’t worry there is one only 7km), and they come on a variety of trails like hills, through the forests, and there are also a few races held in Cape Town. If I could offer any advice though, don’t forget a helmet! Safety first!

Your trip to Cape Town will be more than extraordinary when it’s customized for your wants, needs, and dreams. Discounts for almost all of these activities, and so many more, can be found using the Activities tab in your JIFU Back Office!

5 Things to do in Chicago

By Travel Tips No Comments

With Chicago being a melting pot of culture, there are many things to do when in town. By using the JIFU Travel Portal and the Activities tab, discounts are available for almost all activities you could think of. By selecting the Lifestyle tab, even discounts for restaurants can be found! Now, let’s get into 5 things to do in Chicago.  

Chicago Theatre

The iconic Chicago Theatre is a must-do when in Chicago. Hosting Broadway shows, musicals, plays, concerts, comedy performers, and so much more, there is always something going on in the Theatre. There are options to see the show or even take a tour of the Chicago Theatre, which was built in the year 1921. 

Skydeck Chicago 

Skydeck Chicago, also known as the Willis Tower, is a lookout on the 103rd floor. Not only is this an extremely tall building, but the floor is clear! The Skydeck is not for those afraid of heights, but if you’re looking for a slight adrenaline rush, this is for you. With being this high up on a clear day, 4 states are visible from the Skydeck! 

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

Located at the Navy Pier, this 200 food Ferris Wheel is the perfect activity for the whole family. Overlooking the water, the views on a clear day are amazing! Also on the pier is a shopping center perfect for wandering for the day. 

Montrose Beach 

Being in the city can be chaotic, if you’re in need of a relaxing day or a getaway from the excitement, Montrose beach is the perfect place. Montrose is right outside of the city, with a short drive straight to a stress-free day. 

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the classic Cubs baseball field. Built in 1926, Wrigley Field is in the middle of a residential area, with no parking lot. Sticking to its old-school roots, Wrigley Field has remained a must-do activity in Chicago. If you’re traveling outside of baseball season, Wrigley Field tours are also available! These give another perspective into the history of the field itself.  

 

All in all, Chicago is a great place to visit. With its many different attractions and activities, it is not limited to these 5 things to do, although these are pretty great. Chicago has a little bit of everything and all sorts of things to do, meaning that this could be your perfect vacation.   

Top 5 Most Underrated Beaches Around the World

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Just about everyone loves going to the beach, but there’s nothing worse than driving up expecting a relaxing time, to find that its full of people all trying to do the same thing. A quick tip; choosing a beach that is less popular can nearly guarantee the relaxing day you’re looking for. Here are the top 5 most underrated beaches around the world. 

 

     1. Navagio Beach; Zakynthos, Greece

 

Navagio Beach is located in Zakynthos, Greece. Already, when someone thinks of Greece they usually envision Athens or Santorini, so beginning with a less popular island is a perfect first step. With Zakynthos being a less popular island, lodging can be much cheaper than other islands. Using your JIFU Travel Portal, you can find 4-star hotels starting at $47 per night. Navagio is a cove-like beach, that also can be referred to as “Shipwreck Beach”. Navagio Beach is the perfect, quiet getaway while on your vacation in Zakynthos. 

 

      2. Nakupenda Beach; Zanzibar, Tanzania

 

Although Nakupends Beach can be only reached by boat, this is the most beautiful day-trip, focusing on only your ocean surroundings. With its location, the water surrounding Nakupenda is bright blue and amazing, perfect for a relaxing day. With this beach being boat-accessible, it stays less crowded giving you nearly the whole beach to yourself. Hotels near Zanzibar stay at a lower rate, with a 4-star hotel being $30 per night using the JIFU Travel Portal. 

 

      3. Kelingking Beach; Bali, Indonesia 

 

Kelingking Beach is not for the everyday person, with a steep staircase leading down to this amazing view, the average adrenaline-junkie will love this beach. With one of the most beautiful sights in Bali, it is a must-see for those up for the challenge. With the JIFU Travel Portal discounts, lodging in Bali can be surprisingly cheap, with 4-star villas starting at only $20 per night. 

 

      4. Binalong Bay; Tasmania, Australia

 

With its beautiful rocky shore and gorgeously blue water, Binalong Bay is definitely an underrated beach. Although when we think of a beach we typically think sand, if you get the timing right, Binalong Bay can offer both! At low tide, the beautiful white sand is open to relax on. Lodging in Tasmania is not too expensive either, using the Travel Portal you can find a 4-star apartment to rent for $93 per night. 

 

      5. Noordhoek Beach; Cape Town, South Africa

 

Also known as “Cape of Good Hope”, this beach can be just that. With the beautiful shore and big rocks, Noordhoek Beach can lead to the most relaxing day. South Africa is amazing as it is already, this should be just one stop during your trip. Discounts on hotels using the Travel Portal can be found extremely easily. To stay in Cape Town, a 4-star hotel can be found as cheap as $60 per night. 

 

Overall, if you’re a beach person, exploring the unknown ones around the world can be easily placed on your bucket list and made even cheaper using your Travel Portal discounts.  

nassau beach experience

Bahamas on a Budget: All-Inclusive or Not?

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There’s really just something about Nassau. I know, I know – the Bahamas are a CHAIN of islands, and I get that there are so many other incredible places to visit rather than just sticking to the most populous area.

When it comes right down to it, if I’m going to the Bahamas, I want to do it in luxury. I get that many people reading this want their vacations to feel like a real vacation – i.e., you want something all-inclusive and you don’t necessarily want to feel like a local. Based on my experience, you can really do the Bahamas on a budget both ways – you can grab something all-exclusive that fits your needs, or you can look for some options that will satisfy that need to live like a local. Let’s start with the all-inclusive philosophy – is it really cheaper, better or best?

Unpacking All-Inclusive

When it comes to living it up during a trip to the Bahamas, it’s important to remember that all-inclusive doesn’t necessarily mean, “Everything is paid for.” (Of course, don’t forget that wristband!)

all inclusive bahamas

What it CAN mean is that alcohol and eats are included. What it normally DOESN’T mean is that things like island tours, spa treatments, and extras are covered (believe me, I found this out the hard way.) When you’re in doubt? ASK. And keep that resort policy bookmarked on your phone! When you’re out and about, dancing and having a great time, you can forget the little things you need to know about the resort, so keep them on your phone and keep your phone handy. Most all-inclusives these days have pretty decent wifi, so it’s a no-brainer.

Why Is All-Inclusive Best for Your Budget?

I know it may seem like all-inclusive doesn’t make a lot of sense when the prices seem fairly high – but here’s the thing. Whether you’re in a super luxury situation or not (and most big brand all-inclusives go out of their way to make this feel like a luxury vacation), those little off-the-beaten-path things tend to add up.

If you’re optioning an all-inclusive versus an, “is this included?” Think about this:

First, the food at an all-inclusive is likely pretty belly-safe. In fact, you’ll find it a little more bland than you might expect in some places, though I find most of the all-inclusive food in Nassau is pretty tasty. And you know what’s a HUGE waste of money on your vacation? Getting sick. It’s really no fun at all, and not fun to navigate when you’re in a different country.

Next, if you’re venturing off the beaten path, you get lost and you lose your sense of self, you’re going to be in trouble. To get where you want to go on the island, you’re probably going to want some kind of guided tour – and those add up! Using a tour or travel service recommended by your all inclusive is a good way to ensure you’re taken care of, but if you explore Nassau on your own, know it isn’t super safe off the beaten path. The security detail can really add up.

Using an all-inclusive not only means sponsored, booked tours, but it also means you’ll have access to hotel staff and concierges who will be happy to tell you what places to avoid and where to go.

all inclusive bahamas

All-Inclusive Bahamas

With an all-inclusive, all the good stuff is right there. I know it seems cliche’, but it’s very possible your off-the-beaten-path hotel isn’t going to have a pool, decent dining, free drinks or a party every single night for you to attend. Now, don’t think I’m recommending you stay at the resort the whole time – but if that’s your thing, that’s okay too!

Once you’re out of the resort, all the little amenities start to add up, and some of them just aren’t going to give you the kind of comfort you might expect for what you’re paying. All-inclusives are safe, they’re handy and they get the job done.

Tune in tomorrow where we talk about traveling like a local on a budget in Nassau!

san francisco skyline

More Unbelievable California Travel Deals!

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SoCal is where it’s at – but what about our beautiful sister locales up to the North? Whether we’re talking about the can’t-be-missed Bay Area, beautiful, sunny Monterrey or the Redwood forests of the North, California has a little something for everyone.

Visit Beautiful San Francisco

The main star of Northern California will always be San Francisco, so you’ll hear me talking mostly about that part of the state today. The rents there are high for a reason – the quality of life can’t be beat there, with dizzying, spectacular summits to intense greenery to the lull of urban life.

Have you ever taken a drive down Lombard Street? Do you have a car with reliable brakes? Hopefully, you do! What about an amazing, luxurious night in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco?

 

travel san francisco

This classic neighborhood is the gateway to tourist attractions such as Alcatraz or bay boat rides and is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the city, including historic ships and spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. 

Don’t be afraid of dive bars in the wharf – there’s INCREDIBLE food around every corner, even in those places that seem a little off the beaten path or less populated. Fresh, hot clam chowder, soft shell crab and mouth-watering ice cream treats are all a part of the Fisherman’s Wharf experience.

It’s absolutely a little pricier than other areas of the city, but budgeting for a luxury hotel, mostly walking and heading off the beaten path for your basics will help minimize some of the costs.

 

Bay Area on a Budget

You don’t have to stay in San Francisco to enjoy the Bay Area properly. San Mateo and other coastal towns are beautiful, less pricey, and offer travel options to and from the city so you can buckle up all the adventures you desire without the hefty price tag. 

Here’s our pick for a fun Bay Area vacation hotel that won’t break the bank:

The Ritz San Francisco

 

Even renting a car at the airport and traversing for a few days may actually save you more cash in the long run than staying in San Francisco – BUT, if you know you absolutely must have the city experience, the Hotel G is a well-known area hotel that can help you save by cutting some minimal comforts.

 

Our pick is the slight drive out of town, which comes with picturesque views of the bay and the Pacific – but if you know you’re going to be out and about, enjoying the scenery, the Hotel G may be a good choice for you.

hotel G

 

Happy traveling! And don’t forget to save big on travel with the JIFU.com travel portal!

santa monica pier

Top 5 Affordable Hotel Deals in Southern California

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If you haven’t spent any time in California, what is there to talk about? Book a flight now! (And do it through the JIFU travel portal, so you can save some cash!)

I’m in love with the place. So few states in the US cover such different terrain, have such friendly people and offer such incredible sights to see and things to do. I have the fortune of being able to spend tons of time throughout various parts of California, so I wanted to give you a quick and easy guide to some of my favorite (and cheapest!) stays across different parts of the state.

First, we’ll cover the LA and San Diego areas/Southern California, then we’ll move up north to the Bay Area, Redlands and other can’t miss sites that should definitely be on your list!

 

Pico Rivera: Epic Hotel

It’s no secret that staying a bit off the beaten path will help you save. If you’re looking for the Los Angeles experience without the LA prices, I recommend renting a car after your flight and staying somewhere Orange County proper. San Clemente, Orange, and Anaheim (though be careful of those Disney prices!) are all great alternatives, and they’re relatively safe.

My LA pick is the Epic Hotel in Pico Rivera. JIFU pretty much always has a good deal going for this place:

epic hotel oc

It’s compact, it’s cute, it has everything you need, you’re not going to be paying an arm and a leg and there are unexpected amenities like cute little computer desks. The proximity to places like UCLA and even Disneyland are worth the stay. The Epic is my pick for the OC area.

 

Long Beach: The Queen Mary

This is one of our hidden gems on the portal. When people think of staying in LA, they likely don’t consider a giant ship. The Queen Mary is such a cool place to stay – and the price is VERY affordable for a beach stay in the area. You can get the boat experience, then jump right off the boat and take a five-minute walk to Long Beach’s recreation area.

visit the queen mary

We’ve heard it’s an especially good trip if you have kids, and you can’t beat the price.

Venice Beach: The Cadillac Hotel

This is hands-down one of my favorite places to stay in LA. It’s RIGHT on the beach, which is rare for a hotel of its quality, value, and price. It’s safe, there’s always a nice breeze blowing through, and you’re right smack in the middle of some of the best eating in Venice (including the charming Candle Cafe right next door, which is perfect for brunch!

cadillac hotel venice

I LOVE Venice and would move there if the rents weren’t so high. Being one of the most reasonably priced properties in the entire area, you can stay for a week without putting out too much coin and get the real Venice/LA experience. Cafe Gratitude, Moon Juice, and other Venice mainstays are right down the road – and at night, a rooftop view of the sunset over Venice and Santa Monica offers breathtaking views. Plus, you’re a few minutes’ walk from the Santa Monica pier, which you can’t miss.

 

San Diego: Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn

I LOVED this hotel. This beauty is located on Shelter Island, a lesser-known part of San Diego that’s much quieter, where you’ll experience less of the hubbub of Ocean Beach and similar communities. It’s got a neat little lounge inside, all the amenities, and it’s close to all the noteworthy sites in San Diego. It’s a must-stay!

humphreys deals

 

San Diego: Seaworld Area

If you’re planning on visiting SeaWorld, this Comfort Inn can’t be beaten. I personally have a preference for out-of-the-box local hotels, but this hotel is truly perfect. It has all you need for a great time at SeaWorld with the fam – and you really can’t beat the 27% price savings through the JIFU travel portal!

visit comfort inn seaworldThere’s SO much to see and do in Southern California, and this is only the tip of the iceberg! Make sure to check the JIFU travel portal for more incredible deals.

More Affordable Mediterranean Deals!

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Welcome back to Part II of the “Mediterranean Trips You Can Afford” series! 

So it’s January, and I’m NOT feeling it. I’m so over this weather, too – and I’ve been spending pretty much the entire last few days in the JIFU portal, daydreaming about exotic trips to the next few places on my list. In no particular order, my next three favorite Mediterranean stops are Cyprus, Montenegro, and Monaco.

 

Staying in Cyprus: Fall in Love with Paphos!

I’m a big fan of Paphos. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cyprus, you’d be hard-pressed not to end up somewhere near this city. It’s sincerely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. And just 11km away is Coral Bay. Look at this place:

explore paphos

And before you say, “Amber, I think you and I have two completely different ideas about what’s affordable and what’s not,” just look at these prices.

 

paphos travel deals

The good thing about JIFU’s portal is that you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for, from the swankier vacation to the basic needs met that will allow you to simply enjoy your time outside and catch those Coral Bay views.

You’ll find more than a few ‘tavern’ spots in Paphos. My favorite is Michael’s Tavern, a Cypriot mainstay with elegant eats as well as mezedes (small plates) that would please the palate of any weary traveler.

 

Living it Up in Montenegro

A friend took me to Montenegro in my early 20s, and I’ve been trying to get back there ever since. One of my favorite spots is Sveti Stefan, an islet with a fancy hotel and a monastery tucked away along the Adriatic coast. You need to travel over a highway surrounded by water to get there, and the Adriatic is a clear, sparkling blue – so clear in fact, you can see the ancient rocks and earth holding up the islet as if you’re looking through glass. 

Taking a look at JIFU travel deals for this month in Sveti Stefan, I found these two beauties:

travel sveti stefan

These aren’t your typical elbow-to-elbow European hotel rooms. Villas with pools and whole apartments can be rented out for a few days or weeks, and Montenegro is small enough to explore in under a week, even if you stay on Sveti Stefan. Don’t get me wrong, there’s more food there than you could possibly ever try in your lifetime! You can, however, check off the major travel boxes in just a few days. Plus, you can earn extra JIFU rewards points by paying in cash at the hotel upon arrival.

 

Hit the Casino in Monaco

I’m not normally into gambling, but THIS is no US Casino. The Casino Monte-Carlo on Place du Casino is very close to the water, and the restaurants and lounge bar has a Monaco elegance that makes the trip worth it. I recommend Le Train Bleu Italian restaurant in the casino proper, or you can have a nightcap at the Lounge Bar Salle Europe.

Just a word of warning: Monaco CAN get a little pricey. I recommend this booking deal from the JIFU portal if you’re considering a visit to Monaco.

visiting monacoThese cute apartments are efficient and reliable and give you everything you need to explore Monaco on foot.

 

Honestly, I could keep going and going – the Mediterranean can’t be beaten no matter what side of it you’re on. Don’t forget to check out our special deals using the JIFU Travel Portal. See you in Cyprus!

 

Mediterranean Trips You Can Afford!

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Looking for affordable Mediterranean trips? You’re not dreaming – you CAN afford a Mediterranean cruise or even a brief jaunt. Okay, so I have a thing with Mediterranean Travel. Ever since reading The Odyssey as a kiddo, I’m all about sailing the balmy seas around the Greek isles with my partner and best friends.

I also have a pretty intense thing for food – and I’m telling you, what you can eat in Cyprus or Athens at this time of year beats ANY niche takeout you can get at home. Do you think all tzatziki sauce is the same? Trust me, you haven’t tried tzatziki until you’ve tried it sitting in an authentic Greek cafe.

But that’s beside the point. You need a little getaway, a trip that’s not just about relaxing and renewing yourself but building memories that last a lifetime. So let’s take a look at six budget-conscious, totally affordable places on the Mediterranean that will give you a little of both.

 

Discover Malta

Malta’s a cute little island south of Sicily, one in a chain of three islands: Malta, Comino, and Gozo. Each of these islands has its own unique characteristics, and are worth a visit without breaking your bank!

My hands-down favorite thing about Malta is history. I’m no history buff,  but I have to tell you – the ruins of old Malta take you back to a whimsical life, with incredible architecture made for the gods. Malta makes you feel as if you should be holding a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking views. You won’t want to miss Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, known for its famous circled forts on the outside and its cool boutiques, cafes, and activities within the city itself.

I also REALLY love Gozo’s Ggantija temples, which have been around even longer than the periods. The temple stones are massive, and it’s difficult to think about how they were fashioned, considering the temple itself has been around longer than the wheel. You CANNOT miss Ggantija.

For eats, I recommend Pappani’s in Valletta, Malta’s capital city. It’s got the old world Italian dishes and wines you’d expect from a Mediterranean town. It’s always SUPER busy, or at least it was the few times I’ve visited – so you’ll want to make sure to grab a reservation before heading that way. If you’re nervous about the language barrier, you’ll find that the folks on the phone typically speak English.

In terms of places to stay, check out the Grand Harbour Hotel in Valletta. With harbor views, breezy rooms and rustic, old-world charm, this was the perfect hotel for me and one other guest. In case you’ve never been to Europe, keep in mind the rooms can get small  – so you’ll want to plan on using the room for sleeping and that’s about it. But it’s definitely comfortable, the views are killer, and it’s also affordable. Right now JIFU has Grand Harbour Hotel deals at only $85 a night – woot! This is a great rate for a mid-level hotel in Malta.

 

Grand Harbour Malta

Traveling in Santorini

Okay, confession time, I’ve been to Santorini many times. There’s a ton of tourist activity there, but I think it’s definitely worth a view. It’s one of those absolute must-see places, and the architecture against the clear blue sea is a view so breathtaking, you might shed a tear or two. I know I did!

In case it wasn’t obvious from my raving about Ggantija, I’m really into ruins. Thera in Santorini is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to. A long, rocky path up a mountain takes you through the ruins of what was once an ancient capital city. There’s a bit of a hike/climb involved, so keep that in mind, you’ll want to pack your walking shoes. It’s also a bit high up – but if you’re a risk-taker when it comes to heights, the stunning views are worth it.

If you’re a fan of seafood, you MUST try Metaxí Mas, on Exo Gonia. For seafood fans, their seafood pasta with prawns is well worth the wait. Definitely utilize their outdoor seating!

If you’re looking to travel to Santorini, a European cruise is one way to do it. For less than $2000 a person, Norwegian hits both Santorini and our next island, Mykonos, for a 12-night European hauler that takes you across five different countries. While you’ll want to budget a little more for food, entertainment, and trinkets on all your stops, it’s well worth it for the vacation of a lifetime. Now don’t forget about shopping and dining, save money on a crazy deal with JIFU and treat yourself with a 5-star dining experience you can find in our travel portal!

 

Exploring Mykonos

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island in Greece. Truly, every island in Greece is a party island if you’re with the right people. I enjoy my parties with as few people as possible, and that’s why I highly recommend visiting Ftelia Beach if you’re headed to Mykonos.

Ftelia is the “less-crowded’ option on an island virtually surrounded by water, with all the sand you could hope for. The keyword here is, chill. It’s a chill place to spend time with your friends and relax for drinks at the Ftelia Beach Club. There’s white sand everywhere, and you can save your non-relaxation time for a four-hour tour of Mykonos’ relics and ruins later on in the trip. This one’s my favorite:

 

Mykonos JIFU Travel

 

We’re not finished here! There’s even more Mediterranean goodness headed your way tomorrow,  as we discuss Cyprus, Montenegro, and Monaco. And as always, take a look at time-limited deals and savings from JIFU! It’s how I book ALL my travel, and I’m excited to be a JIFU Ambassador!

3-4 Day Weekend Trip!

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Do you know Labor day (Sep 2), Columbus Day (Oct 14), and Veterans Day (Nov 11) are on Mondays? Which means you can easily have a three-day weekend vacation. If you think three days are not enough…Thanksgiving this year is on a Thursday, if you get Friday off, it can be a four-day weekend trip with your loved one.

1. Chicago, Illinois

Have you stood above the 103rd floor before? Skydeck Chicago at Willis tower will provide you with an experience of standing above a prosperous city. Chicago style hot dog, Deep Dish Pizza, etc. are another reason that you should visit.

2. San Francisco, California

If you are a foodie you might want to visit San Francisco, there are more than 90 types of cuisine. You can get a taste of all the different cuisines by just visiting a city in California.

3. Miami Beach, Florida

Want a warm and relaxing winter vacation and escape the cold and busy work schedule for a little bit? No problem, Miami Beach got your back. Especially with the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters.

4. Seattle, Washington

What would you think of when you heard Seattle? Coffee shop? Hippies? Rain? Well, not quite, there is more to that. Seattle has lots of live band shows during the year.

5. Austin, Texas

Are you bat fans? Who knows, 9 months out of the year, Congress Bridget has around 1.5 million bats pepper the sky at night. If I’m on the Bridget at that time, I might scream the whole way out.

6 Things To Remember Before Going to Europe For The First Time

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1- Don’t forget a Voltage Converter.

Purchasing a travel adapter is a necessary evil. We suggest getting a universal travel adapter so you only need to purchase one and can have it conveniently for all future trips.  The other thing that we HIGHLY suggest is that you get one that is not only an adapter but also a voltage converter. Double check when you are purchasing one that it specifically says it is a voltage or power converter otherwise you could have some unexpected surprises like your wires short circuiting or your blow dryer blowing up.

2- Bring a Scarf or a Coverup. 

Especially if you are going in the summer.  Bring a scarf or something that you can cover up your shoulders with if you are planning on visiting any touristy sites.  There are many churches or other religiously owned hotspots that require you to follow a more modest dress code.

3- Call Your Bank Before You Go.

It’s important to call your bank before you go to let them know you are going to be out of the country.  If your bank catches suspicious activity in another country without giving them a heads up they will more than likely put a block on your account.  Getting stuck in a foreign country with no access to your money is not the type of memories you’re looking for.

4- Always Pack Less.

I know, I know.  You’re going to a new place and you want to look cute for all the pictures you’re going to take.  But trust me! You think you need more than you really do. Half your backpack if possible. This leaves more room for souvenirs and will also help you to avoid problems with the airlines.  Many european airlines have stricter weight limits on your baggage. Better to avoid those unexpected $100+ expenses.

5- Check for Packages with your Phone Provider.

While it’s always an option to find a fast food place or a cafe that has wifi while you’re out exploring. The peace of mind that you get with having constant access to data in this foreign place is definitely worth paying a little extra.  Call your phone provider before you go to see if they offer any data deals with foreign travel. You may be surprised at how affordable some of them are!

6- The Best Trips are the Ones Less Structured

It’s so hard the first time that you visit a new place.  You want to fit every possible thing into your tight schedule.  Our advice is to pick a few top priority’s and make sure you visit those one first but then be more flexible with everything else.  Transportation always takes longer than you expected, lines are longer than you planned, you accidentally sleep in, etc. It’s important not to overbook yourself or you might run out of time or miss some of the spots you were most excited about!