As we stare into the unknowns of the COVID-19 situation, one of the few things we can say for sure is that we will not be traveling internationally for the next few months. For those of us who live to travel, being grounded indefinitely can make us antsy. Add to that a request or mandate…
Category Archives: Packing
The Untours Guide to Green Travel
At UnTours we are big boosters of thoughtful, responsible, and sustainable travel. We love the lessons Europe has to teach us about environmental conservation and stewardship. We have learned a lot over our decades of European travel and progressive business. Here are some eco travel tips for travel in Europe, the UnTours guide to green…
Gift Ideas for Your Hosts in Europe
In the days of globalism, there are very few American things you cannot get in Europe. We live on a rapidly shrinking planet where influences and cultures mix, and we all buy our couches from Ikea. What is distinctly American, anyway? I asked these questions before heading to Europe, wanting to bring thoughtful gifts…
Pack the Perfect Carry-on for Europe in 8 Easy Steps
Are you a packing ninja? Around the UnTours office, we like to geek out about packing. We all have tips to share and oddball habits. But on the essentials of the all-important carry-on bag, we largely agree. 1. First things first: Are you checking a bag? The less you pack, the better. If you can…
London Like a Local: What you Should and Should Not Do in the English Capital
Don’t stick out like a sore thumb! Here are some quick tips to help you make a good impression in London, and to make merry with the locals. You Should… Stand on the right side of the tube escalators and walk on the left. Londoners abhor when people stand on the left. You…
6 Old School “Devices” You’ll Need for Europe
Internet is like oxygen for many of us, it is that essential and taken for granted. But when you travel to Europe, a lot of things leave your control. Internet can be spotty. The tools we take for granted, like GPS and e-pay, can fail us. While new technology is an indispensable tool for today’s…
12 Tips for Trip Prep: A Smart Travel Checklist
A little advanced planning can make a big difference for your trip. We hope these travel tips will help you enjoy a stress-free European vacation. Start early, and follow our simple smart travel checklist. 1. Check your passport expiration date! All European countries require it be valid for at least 3 months beyond your…
Keep Your Shoes On: TSA Expands the PreCheck Program
Atlanta Airport security line, photo courtesy of hyku, via flickr.com cc You can keep your shoes on! Or at least you may soon be able to. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced plans to expand its PreCheck program. This initiative is designed to pre-screen low risk travelers who fly frequently and streamline their security…
Everything I Need to Know About Travel I Learned From My Toddler
A good bag, water bottle, wipes and snacks are essentials for travel. OK, so he is a big boy preschooler now. But my son was a toddler when I took him and his daddy to Italy with me for a work trip. And in getting ready for the journey, I felt my travel systems were…