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How to Make Holiday Travel Less Stressful

December 17, 2015 by

So you plan on travelling to a loved one’s house for the holidays, but unfortunately so did everyone else in the country. Holiday travel is undeniably stressful, but there are a few simple ways to make it a bit more bearable. Here are some tips to help navigate your airplane ride or road trip in a smart and savvy way.

  1. Book ahead of time. Instead of scrambling to book your trip at the last minute (and paying the inevitable high fees), book as far ahead of time as possible. This ensures that you’ll be able to get the flight or bus that you want, and it will likely save you a great deal of money along the way.
  2. Leave extra travel time. Whether you’re navigating crowds at the airport or fighting traffic on the highway, leaving good deal of extra time to allow for delays is always a good idea.
  3. Pack light. Since you likely have to bring presents with you on your journey, try to pack your suitcase as light as possible.
  4. Bring some entertainment along for the ride. If you’re driving home for the holidays, an audio book or a list of car games are some great options for passing the time. If you’ll be flying or taking a bus, try downloading a movie onto your phone or tablet.

Holiday Travel: Tips to Make It Less Stressful [Medicine Net]
Holiday Travel Slideshow: 10 Tips to Cut Stress [WebMD]
15 Tips for Healthy, Stress Reduced Holiday Travel [CNCA Health]

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Greet a Lazy Sunday With Brunch at These Two Austin Restaurants

August 6, 2015 by

There’s no better way to end a fun-filled weekend than with a relaxing brunch and something sweet to sip. Austin is filled with stylish eateries that offer unique combinations of brunch foods and strong libations, and these are just two of the city’s favorites:

South Congress Café
Arguably one of the most buzzed about brunch spots in town, South Congress Café is a distinctly Austin eatery with a hip, relaxed atmosphere and a creative menu to boot. Shrimp and grits, carrot cake French toast, and crawfish omelets are just a few of the most popular items, best paired with a frozen peach Bellini or a signature bloody Mary. Although the line for a table can be quite long, you can wander eclectic South Congress Street while you wait.
1600 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 447-3905

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is a popular brunch eatery with a menu of incredibly filling, interesting Southern fare. The expansive buffet is filled with buttermilk biscuits, various meat-filled casseroles, cornflake-encrusted fried chicken, and other delicious (though not exactly health-conscious) dishes. There’s also an expansive list of whiskey and bourbons, which offers a taste of Austin’s most popular drink of choice. Come hungry and be prepared for a long nap afterward, because Moonshine Patio is certainly delicious indulgence.
303 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701; (512) 236-9599

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Travel Etiquette Tips Every Jetsetter Should Know

January 8, 2015 by

When you’re planning a big trip, you likely think about what to pack, what travel arrangements to make, and which sights to see once you arrive at your destination. But do you ever think about travel etiquette? Proper etiquette on airplanes or buses is something that most people don’t think about until they’re faced with an awkward situation. Avoid uncomfortable run-ins with fellow passengers with these smart tips:

  1. Start in the gate area. At the airport, try to take up as little space as possible in the gate area. Don’t leave bags or other luggage on empty seats, as these places often get very crowded.
  2. Stick with your zone. Although it might be tempting to board your plane early, boarding zones are created for a reason: to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
  3. Recline kindly. Before you jolt your seat backward and hit another passenger’s knees or jostle his or her computer, simply turn around and ask if it’s okay.
  4. Don’t rush off the plane or bus. Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s important to let the seats ahead of you exit the plane first.
  5. Navigate the airport or subway station like a highway. This means always stay to the right while walking. If you’re on a moving walkway, walkers should stay to the left, standers on the right.

Travel Etiquette Dos and Don'ts [Travel + Leisure]
10 Travel Etiquette Tips [TripIt]
Whose Feet Are Those? Negotiating Air-Travel Etiquette [The New York Times]

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Trip Idea: New Orleans

October 23, 2012 by

New Orleans is one of the most magical cities in the United States. These stops are just a few examples of the amazing sights and culture on display here.

The French Quarter
Whether you're grabbing a drink on Bourbon Street or soaking up history in a walking tour, this incredible spot is an absolute must for anyone passing through New Orleans. Great food and culture are everywhere you look, making it a guaranteed good time.

Lafayette Cemetery
One of the city's oldest surviving cemeteries is a beautiful place to stroll. With gorgeous mausoleums and beautiful statues, a visit here is an amazing slice of Southern Gothic charm.

St. Louis Cathedral
The major landmark of the French Quarter is also the oldest active cathedral in America. This elegant building is well worth a visit, with an elegant interior and beautiful grounds you've love exploring.

Mardi Gras World
This unique attraction lets you go behind the scenes and see what makes this amazing celebration tick. See amazing floats and sculptures, and get a taste of New Orleans' biggest party no matter when you're in town.

Audobon Zoo
A great zoo that's a wonderful stop for visitors of all ages. With more than 1,500 species of animal on display, there's a lot of incredible wildlife to see here. There's also a water park inside!

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