We’ve compiled a great list of things we think would inspire your fellow traveler to travel and appreciate your gift for the holidays more than ever! Take a look!

#1 World Wall Map Decor

Everyone has to have a plan for their next trip! This amazing wall decor is perfect for dreaming and planning the next destination. Any wanderlust friends or family of yours will LOVE this!

#2 Kindle

There is nothing like a good book while relaxing on the beach somewhere. You can even peruse the latest Lonely Planet book as you plan your next move. Carrying around paperbacks is a pain in the neck when you are trying to pack light. Try gifting your traveler with a Kindle and I’m sure they’ll be one happy book worm on their travels!

#3 Waterproof Camera – Olympus TG-4

It’s so hard to find the right camera to bring on a vacation. If your traveler tends to head to beach or island destinations, they will love a sturdy waterproof camera like this Olympus! It’s a great option for in and out of the water!

#4 Selfie Stick

You can find a selfie stick in almost every traveler’s bag – it’s almost a requirement for traveling these days! It’s a fun way to get everyone in the picture, framed perfectly with the beautiful surroundings. Some even have a fancy option to click the shutter from the hand-grip, way cool!

#5 Fitbit

When you are traveling it’s incredible how many walking miles you put on getting from one place to another! We’ve walked 8 miles exploring a city in just a single day before! What better way to keep track of all your exercise than the tiny amazing Fitbit! Such a great way to keep track of steps and daily activity!

#6 Beats Audio Headphones

For the music lovers, they will not go anywhere without their music. Even traveling. The headphones will still find a way to make it in the backpack or suitcase. I’ve seen so many travelers with their Beats headphones and can understand why. The wireless feature! Pretty amazing! 

#7 CamelBak Water Carrier

For the traveling hikers or outdoor lovers, this is a great gift! Helping your friends and family stay hydrated during their trip! They’ll think of you every time they take a sip! I love my CamelBak for hiking, snowboarding, and trekking. So easy to drink while on the move!

#8 GoPro Hero 4 Camera

The GoPro Hero 4 is probably the #1 requested holiday gift from people around the world this year. It’s no wonder, the quality is incredible! Being able to take this tiny camera everywhere you go without worrying about it getting wet is very unique. Super high-res photo and 4K video capability makes this a traveler’s dream come true!

#9 MacBook Air 11″

I travel with this MacBook Air and love it for so many reasons. It’s super light-weight with all the capabilities of a one double its weight, including a 9 hour battery life. For my work, this is crucial so I love being able to take this on the road without worrying about the weight. Really this is a stellar computer! Perfect for business travel!

#10 Monster Global Adapter

This is a power adaptor that can be used anywhere in the world. The perfect solution so you aren’t left stranded at a plug-in with no way to charge your phone or laptop. This is one of those peace-of-mind gadgets out there for travelers. Great way to make friends too when someone else needs a charge because they don’t have the cool Monster Adaptor like you!

#11 iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is great to have when traveling because it is way smaller than a computer but has a lot more functions than just a Kindle. If your traveling friend likes their iPad, then they’ll love the lightweight iPad Mini! Every traveler will love to have one in their backpack!

#12 Osprey Kestrel Backpack

If you’re purchasing for a long term traveler, choosing a backpack for them can be hard with all the options out there. After all, it ends up being like their house for the next XX months of their life. If you want to go for it, I recommend the Osprey Kestrel. I’ve used many different Osprey styles over the years and have always been satisfied. Their “All Mighty Guarantee” lifetime warranty is incredible! This 48 Liter Osprey Kestrel is a great size with just the right amount of compartments!

We’re actually traveling with it RIGHT NOW!

#13 Daypack REI Flash 18 Liter

This is a great daypack from REI that has enough support for a full load and can still roll up into a stuffable size. We travel with this bag and love it because we aren’t forced to carry it on the outside all the time. It has plenty of room as an 18 Liter with 2 compartments inside. It’s a great daypack solution for anyone traveling around the world or hiking in the neighborhood park!

#14 Waterproof iPhone Case

I can’t even count how many times we’ve had our iPhone dangerously close to a bath, dangling over water just to get that awesome picture. Most the time, if the phone gets wet, it’s done for. This waterproof iPhone case is a great solution! If it’s rainy season in a country or even just a butter-fingers accident, the phone will be safe in this waterproof case!

#15 Inflatable Hoodie Pillow

No words needed. This looks so comfy! I’ve never tried it out, but I know I wouldn’t mind having it with me especially on a long international flight! I’m sure many other travelers would agree! (P.S. it also comes in other colors too!)

#16 Tieks Foldable Ballet Shoes for Women

One of the most popular trending shoes in the travel world is Tieks. They are lightweight foldable ballet shoes that go with anything. There are so many different styles and colors too. Check out their website at Tieks.com

#17 All in One Power Charger

A genius solution to having all your needed power plugs for your iPad, iPhone, and Android phone all in one place. 

#18 Sea to Summit Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner

There is nothing worse than staying in grungy hostels and worrying about clean sheets. This Thermolite Sleeping Bag liner is perfect for carrying with you so you always know what you’re sleeping on. It’s lightweight and perfect to stay warm, clean, and cozy while traveling or camping!

#19 Pacsafe Anti -Theft Purse

This purse has steel-wire mesh built in all around it to prevent a slash and grab robbery. Women feel so much more secure while traveling knowing that no one is going to snatch their purse. With the simple over the shoulder strap design, your belongings are safe!

#20 Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pocket

A very fashionable way to travel, with a sneaky hidden pocket. Check out the Etsy Shop Speakeasy Travel Supply for lots of different colors and designs. What a great idea!

#21 Petzel Retractable Head Lamp

One of the most useful things a traveler will always need is a flashlight. This headlamp is one of my favorites because you can use it on your head for hands-free exploring and also in your hand like a normal light. It’s retractable feature makes it perfect for packing along. It hardly takes any space!

#22 Sierra Design Foldable Rain Jacket

A rain jacket is always a good idea to bring along when you are traveling. It can always serve as a windbreaker and extra layer to keep you warm too! This lightweight rain jacket keeps the downpours out and even stuffs into a small bag which helps for packing light!

#23 Icebreaker T-Shirt

For men, traveling with an Icebreaker T-shirt is ideal! I love this comfortable Merino wool shirt that doesn’t itch. It’s perfect for traveling because it doesn’t smell even after wearing it for a week. It’s crazy, but trust me! It helps keep you dry when you are sweating and doesn’t end up smelling like a pig afterwards. For light-weight travelers, this is a great option for bringing just a couple t-shirts!

#24 Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are crucial for organizing your stuff in your backpack when traveling. It’s so much easier to pull out a certain-colored cube and know exactly what’s in there rather than grabbing at ziplocks. We use the small cube for our toiletries, it’s a great size!

#25 Reusable Travel Bag

Perfect for collecting laundry and groceries, or for a day at the beach, this bag is a very small addition to your packing that is a huge help with day to day activities! 

#26 Jackery Portable USB Battery Pack

A long overnight bus ride is not the time you want your phone or iPad to quit on you. This portable battery pack has been a lifesaver many many times! There’s different sizes, depending on how many phones you’ll need to be charging. I have the smallest size, and it gives my iPhone one full charge.

#27 My Passport 2 TB External Hard Drive

Travelers take lots of pictures and GoPro videos. When you run out of space on your memory card, a small external hard drive is a great way to have a backup of your pictures and free up some space. I use two of these 2 TB My Passport external hard drives for double redundancy on my photos, and love the blazing fast speed of USB 3.0. It’s as small as they get for this storage size – perfect for traveling!

#28 Men’s Hybrid Board Short

This new style of swim trunks is incredible. Cool shorts along the boardwalk, and cool board shorts in the water. When we travel, I only bring one pair of Hybrid shorts along, so I use them as my regular shorts and also swim trunks. It’s a 2 for 1 deal which guys like me really like! Plus, they are the new style, so I know you have a traveler in mind that will love them!

#29 Micro-Fiber Towel

This towel is large enough to get you all the way dry (I know can you believe it!) and is quick-drying and lightweight. We use our towel in the morning and then hang it outside our backpack and it’s dry in no time! It’s perfect for life on the go!

We hope you found this list useful and got some good ideas for your holiday shopping this year! Happy Holidays! 

Disclosure: We use affiliate links in this post which earn us a small commission if you do your shopping though these links. Using these links helps support this site, after all it isn’t free to run! Thanks for your support!

The post 20+ Best Travel Gifts for the Holidays appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

That’s what I was asking myself as we were watching the ocean at the Carlsbad state beach campground for the last few minutes before heading off to my day-job. Why does vacation time always go by so quickly!?

Carlsbad State Beach Campground

This campground is in the perfect spot – right on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, surrounded by prime surfing beaches, and a bit less touristy than somewhere like La Jolla. You’d wonder why there isn’t a high-rise hotel there instead!

It has 217 camping spots for RVs or tents and a park store that sells firewood and marshmallows in case you forgot to bring some. There are water and bathrooms every few hundred feet, so everything is nice and close. Some sites have full hook-ups for RVs and others just have trees that divide them from the neighbors.

Carlsbad is in Southern California, 30 minutes north of SeaWorld in San Diego, 15 minutes from the Oceanside pier, and just minutes away from LegoLand. There aren’t many campsites in the area, so this fills up quickly during the summer! Click here to check on reservations.

Beach-Camping. Yes!

Alyssa and I were excited to join some friends for a bonfire and a night under the stars at the Carlsbad state beach campground. We grabbed our camping box and a cooler and headed out! We hadn’t been camping in a long time and were eager to check out this new place.

The hamburgers were coming off the bonfire just as the sun was going down. Tiny people were catching their last waves down in the surf below. It felt magical looking out over thousands of miles of ocean.

The night was clear and peaceful. No rowdy neighbors, no generators running – just a sky full of stars. We slept like a pair of logs until the sun came out and lit up the sky. It was beautiful! The sun was an orange ball, lighting up the tufts of clouds in the sky, bright against the blue backdrop.

First things first! We headed down the stairs to the ocean to get a bit salty before breakfast. My friend headed for some decent-looking waves with his surfboard and I slipped on my fins and a mask to do some lobster-scouting for later in the year when the season was open. Alyssa decided the ocean water wasn’t calling her so she stayed on the beach to watch the seagulls cruise the cliffs looking for fish.

After my buddy got a few nice rides on the waves and I couldn’t find the home of the lobsters we headed back up the hill to get breakfast cooking.

Alyssa whipped up a fancy breakfast of biscuits and gravy going while I got some water boiling with my whisperlite stove for coffee and cocoa. A few minutes later we were sipping hot cocoa and eating a home-cooked breakfast as we watched the waves crash down below.

Next time we go camping at the Carlsbad state beach campground it’ll be lobster season and we’ll be having a feast of lobster tacos. If… I can hold my breath long enough to find their little hide-outs!

The post Beach Camping on the Carlsbad Bluffs appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

Early in our traveling experience, we learned that yogurt is a food containing live active probiotic cultures. Now wait…what?? Essentially, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. It’s not a bad bacteria. In fact, it is bacteria that your digestive needs in order to stay happy and healthy. When you are eating lots of different foods from different countries, you stomach may tell you at some point that it wasn’t a good idea.

Travelers Need Probiotics

One way to help your stomach anticipate these different foods, is to fill it with good bacteria, probiotics! Thus, our quest to learn how to make our own yogurt began. We knew if we could master the process, we would benefit our stomachs and steer clear of that watery, sugary stuff we despised!

We make yogurt on a weekly basis and LOVE how it has been incorporated into our diet. Not only to eat as yogurt, but for using in recipe substitutes as well. The possibilities are endless! Below is the recipe we use. Feel free to ask us any questions. It’s really fun! 

Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 liters of whole milk

– 1 teaspoons of plain, nonflavored Greek yogurt (store-bought)

Directions:

Pour milk into a large pot. Heat milk in the pot until temperature rises to 180 degrees F. We like to use a digital thermometer when we’re at home or can find one on our travels. This thermometer is ideal because it has an alarm to alert us when the yogurt has reached the temperature. We can also monitor it during the incubation period.

If you don’t have a thermometer, no problem, just heat the milk slowly until a few bubbles start to form at the top. It’s important not to go too high over 180 degrees or boil the milk like you’re cooking pasta. Once the milk reaches 180, hold it there for a few minutes and then remove it from the stove and let it cool until it reaches 120. You’ll know the milk got hot enough if it forms a skim on the top as it’s cooling.

At this point you can remove about a cup of warm milk from the pot and add in the teaspoon of yogurt (to help it get mixed in better). Just gently stir – you want to see chunks of the yogurt in the milk. “Incorporating,” not mixing. Then pour the cup of milk with mixed-in yogurt back into the rest of the milk mixture.

Pour it all into glass containers for incubation. Place the milk in a slightly warm (not hot) place for 10-12 hours. We hold our yogurt at about 105-110 degrees for the duration of the incubation, but it doesn’t hurt it if it gets a little colder. Refrigerate when done.

*Tips*

We make the yogurt after dinner usually so it can just sit overnight and we don’t have to worry about it. We place ours in an ice chest with a pot of boiling water to keep it warm. You can also place it in an oven with the light on. Remember to keep a few teaspoons of your batch so you can use this as your “mother yogurt” for your following batch! If you do this, you will always have yogurt!

** If you like your yogurt Greek style, then before putting the yogurt into the refrigerator, strain it for 5-10 minutes through a cheesecloth or a thin towel. Doing this extracts the whey, giving you a thicker, creamier yogurt. This is always our preference and it’s so much better!

Add-in suggestions:

If you like flavored yogurt, here are some yummy flavors to add in!

– Coconut & Pineapple
– Jam (flavor of your choice – we like strawberry)
– Peaches
– Vanilla Flavoring (Starbucks has a yummy vanilla syrup)
– Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
– Granola – Check out this recipe

It might seem like a really long process but after you get the hang of it, it honestly goes really fast! You don’t have to think about it much at all! If you really get into making yogurt, you can purchase a yogurt maker but we have found it works just as well in a pot!

Hashtag #unevensidewalks on FB or Instagram to let us know how it goes if you decide to try it!

The post Learning to Make Yogurt in Costa Rica appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

Hiking Essentials for Spring & Summer Backpacking

Backpack

The foundation of everything on a trip. Every seasoned hiker knows that a good backpack is worth its weight in gold. I’ve had Osprey packs for over 10 years and love them. My favorite right now is the Osprey Exos 48, a minimalist design that weighs in at a mere 2.6 pounds.

It has an internal aluminum frame and suspension system with padded straps for feeling great on long hikes. The 48 liter size should be fine if you’re sharing some gear with friends or don’t need to pack big summit jackets. Osprey also offers a larger 58 liter size and a smaller 38 liter one that’ll work if you don’t need a tent, or even for family day-hikes.

Raincover

Don’t let the storms keep you at home or in your tent! The Exos 48 comes with an integrated raincover, but if you’re using a different pack, this cover works well and is just a few ounces.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are the best way to keep up your hiking momentum and save those knees! You can also use them to ward off small bears and keep your Tyvek tent standing. These Leki trekking poles have all of the features I like: collapsible aluminum poles for easy packing and storage, adjustable lengths for going uphill and downhill, shock absorbing, and interchangeable tips for using on dirt trails or in snow.

Headlamp

I always take my Petzl Zipka headlamp hiking and camping with me. It’s small, lightweight, has a sweet retractable strap to put it on your noggin or backpack strap, and always works. Don’t bother with a cheaper brand.

Camera

I love bringing my Canon 6D camera along, but a smaller waterproof one is more versatile for fast hiking. This waterproof one from Olympus is extra rugged so you don’t need a case for it, and it even works down to 14 degrees F for winter hikes.

iPhone

It’s definitely a smart idea to bring a cell phone along in case of an emergency, even though you might not get service along much of your hiking route. The built-in camera on the iPhone 5S and newer are probably even good enough for all your facebook posts after you get back. I always download the geocaches along the trail beforehand so I can tick them off my list even when there’s no cell service.

GPS Satellite Tracker/Locator

Letting friends and family back home know you’re safe is always important, especially on long or solo hikes. The Spot GPS tracker/locator/messenger transmits your location to a satellite so your friends can keep tabs on your progress through an online map. It’ll even bring out the rescue crew if you press the 911 emergency button!

Knife

Always make sure you have a sharp knife along, wherever you go! I love the solid feel of a single blade pocket knife, but sometimes I like a Leatherman multi-tool knife that packs a lot of useful extras for a little more weight.

Waterproof Bag

After traveling in rainy weather for a few years, I like organizing my electronics, clothes, and miscellaneous knick-knacks in waterproof bags. This set of 3 gives you a a few sizes and colors to stuff your goodies in!

Around the Campsite

Sleeping Bag

I love down sleeping bags for their light weight and awesome packability. The Marmot Hydrogen is rated for +30 degrees Fahrenheit and only weighs just a pound and a half with 800 fill goose down – perfect for spring and summer camping. A slightly warmer option is the Marmot Helium that drops down to +15 F for higher altitudes with colder nights. If you’re going to be hiking in really wet climate, opt instead for a synthetic sleeping bag which insulates better when damp than goose down.

Snow is actually really insulating if it’s cold enough to stay frozen. My buddy and I slept outside with no tent, just on therm-a-rest pads, when it decided to dump a foot of snow on top of us. I stayed warm all night though in just a +20 F down sleeping bag!

Sleeping Pad

A good sleeping pad is the best way to make sure you get a good night’s sleep after a long day of hiking. It’s actually more important for insulation from the cold ground than for padding, but this covers both. I always recommend the Therm-a-Rest self-inflating foam/air mattress. I’ve used it for years and have always slept like a baby with it. It self-inflates for a minute, than you blow a few breaths of air in it to get the firmness just right.

There’s also a fold-up foam version that lots of people love because it is lighter and doesn’t matter if it gets holes poked in it. It’s a bit bulkier, but I haven’t used it personally.

Tent

Tents are like hotels – you don’t spend a lot of time in it, so don’t buy the most expensive one out there. Then again, you don’t want to carry a super heavy one from Walmart either. The MSR Elixr 2-person tent is a lightweight mid-line tent that has an amazing view of the countryside through the mesh walls with the rainfly off. That’s why you’re camping, right?

For the lightweight, adventure-types, I’d recommend the Tyvek tent. You can get it down to one pound for a 2-person version. The 4-person model below weighed only 2 pounds.

Supper-Time!

Stove

The Jetboil stove is perfect for hiking because it’s easy to use, lightweight, and packs into its 1 liter pot. It is mainly used for boiling water, but that’s fine because that’s usually the base of most camping meals anyhow. If you’re looking to fry up some fish, go for the MSR Whisperlite instead.

Pot, Pan, Plate, & Cup Cooking Set

I love my MSR camp cooking set and take it with me all the time. Everything packs into the outer pot making it easy to grab what you need for making supper. It includes:

• 2.5L non-stick pot
• 1.5L non-stick pot
• pot lid
• swappable handle
• 2 deep plates/bowls
• 2 insulated cups with sip-lids

For larger groups or making meals that need extra plates, I also really like this folding plate/bowl/cup set. It brings me back to the days or origami, except these stay put with snaps!

Silverware

I always use plastic spoons so they don’t scratch my pots! This double-sided spork set even has a little knife on the side!

Food

There are entire blogs written on food, so I’ll just leave it to you to pick the best flavors from Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry freeze-dried food. Or, just bring a few packs of Rice-a-Roni, Snickers bars, and trail mix and you’ll be fine if your friends share.

Bear Can

Some places in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California require using bear canisters to store food in away from your tent overnight. Here’s a map of areas where they’re required with some useful information about how to use them properly and how to rent them from a ranger station for $3 a day.

Hydration System/Water Bladder

Nalgene water bottles have their place, but having a water bladder with a hose and bite-valve are so much more convenient than digging out a water bottle every half hour. It encourages staying hydrated which is really important at high altitudes. Also, I like having 3 liters with me when there are fewer streams to fill up with later in the season. Most backpacks have a nice pocket to hold the water bladder in place right next to your back where it balances the load best.

Water Filter/Sterilizer

Nearly all of the water from streams and lakes must be filtered, sterilized, or boiled before drinking. I like the Katadyn hand-pump water filter because it’s fast and delivers clear, purified water. Some people like using the SteriPEN UV light to sterilize water because it can be more thorough than a filter, but it takes longer for big groups. Be sure you bring extra batteries along (at least this one takes AA’s instead of some funky-shaped ones!).

Backpacking Clothing for the Sierras

Hiking Pants

My favorite hiking pants are the Columbia convertible zip-off pants. I love being able to use them as shorts when it’s hot and pants when it’s cool. The pant legs are also long enough to cover my hiking boots to keep the dirt and bugs out.

Shirts

Lightweight wool shirts are the best for hiking to wick away the sweat and keep cool. I love this icebreaker shirt for hiking because it dries quickly and also keeps me warm when the temperatures drop. The best, most important thing that Icebreaker shirts do is keeping the odor down for weeks at a time!

Light Jacket

Softshell jackets are perfect for hiking because they are warm inside, but breathe through a soft outer layer that is wind and water-resistant. They’re great to start out with in the chilly mornings, and even withstand a mild rain.

Rain Jacket

Sometimes hiking in the rainy season can get pretty wet, but a good raincoat can keep you going strong! I love my lightweight foldable rain jacket that is thin and light, but still keeps the rain out! These jackets fold up into a pretty small bag which makes it great for packing.

Hiking Boots

Waterproof boots are great to have since there’s always a good chance of getting wet or muddy. These Colombia hiking boots have good grip for the slippery rocks that all the trails are made of, and will still feel good at the end of a long day.

SmartWool Socks

Smartwool is my favorite type of sock for long hikes. I haven’t had many blisters with these and they are extra soft! If your hiking boots have ankle support, you may want to get the ankle cut size so they are high enough to prevent rubbing around your ankles. You can find lots of different colors for men and women too. I’d bring 2 pairs along. Wear one and keep one clean and dry for when you need it.

Flip Flops

This seems overrated, but taking off your shoes at the end of the day does wonders for tired feet. Drying out your moist feet is the best way to prevent blisters, and going barefoot doesn’t usually last more than 30 seconds. Grab the cheapest, lightest sandals you can find. You can always sit on them if you need a pad for wet or pokey ground.

Underpants

The Men’s ExOfficio Boxer Briefs are a great option for hiking that I’ve used a lot because they’re comfortable and quick drying. They’re also odor resistant so you’ll only need 2 for your hiking trip. Wear one and wash one.

Microfiber Towel

The microfiber towel is a great lightweight option to have since it doesn’t take up much space. If you’re not big on swimming in ice-cold lakes or bathing on hiking trips, skip this and just use your shirt to dry off if you need to.

Lightweight Hat

A hat is always a good idea since the sun is much stronger in the mountains at high altitudes and sunscreen alone isn’t enough protection!

Gloves

It’s a good idea to have a pair of lightweight gloves if the temperature will be below freezing in the mornings. If it’s snowing, bring some bigger ones!

Sunglasses

I’m a big fan of Suncloud polarized sunglasses on hiking trips. They’re mid-line glasses, so they’re good quality but you won’t cry when they fall down the hill and get scratched. Polarized lenses are the number one thing I look for because it cuts the glare way down from the bright sun at high altitudes.

Toiletries

Sunscreen

A tiny bottle of the non-greasy stuff will keep you from looking like a redneck raccoon at the end of your trip!

Bug Spray

You won’t need it for high altitude mountains since it’s too cold for mosquitos, but maybe so if you’ll be near warm lakes or in a Midwest state like Minnesota. Some people like the DEET-Free kind that uses lemon and eucalyptus. Others like all the DEET they can get – 98%!

TP

A few other things to bring along in your toiletries bag are: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small roll of toilet paper, chapstick, immodium, ibuprofen for headaches and altitude sickness, tweezers, fingernail clippers, band aids, and mole skin for blisters.

Extra Tips For Backpacking Light

• Share some heavy items with your hiking partners to reduce everyone’s pack weight. Not everyone needs their own water filter, stove, bear can, tent, etc.
• Photocopy your guidebook pages instead of bringing the whole book.
• Unwrap granola bars and put in the same zip-lock.
• Re-use zip-lock baggies to organize food and pack trash out.
• Pack less than you think you’ll need.
• If you’re not sure you’ll use something, leave it behind.

Hiking in the Sierras is the perfect place to get close to nature and listen to yourself think without being bombarded with notifications and emails! Being prepared will make it that much more enjoyable.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions about your own hiking packing list or have a favorite piece of gear to recommend!

One favor in return — if you’re buying any gear, it would be a tremendous help if you could buy through any of the links above. It costs you no more, but helps support this website. These are products we only recommend because we love them and use them ourselves! In fact, check out other travel products we love and use on the road here!

The post What to Pack for Lightweight Spring & Summer Backpacking appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

As soon as we made plans and bought plane tickets to Vietnam we started our visa pre-approval paperwork. It’s a bit unique, but pretty straightforward and stress-free if you’ve got at least a few days before your flight. If you’re leaving today, don’t worry, there’s a rush service too!

As long as you’ve got an approval letter printed out before arriving at the 3 major international airports in Vietnam, immigration will issue you a visa on arrival. Land borders and ocean port of entries require a completed visa that the processing agency can help you with as well, or you can to go to your nearest Vietnamese embassy to get it in person.

Vietnam Visa On Arrival Processing Agency

We used an online visa processing agency that had good reviews and it took only a few minutes to submit our travel dates and passport details on their website. Their normal processing time is 2 working days and they have different fees for a variety of visa durations and number of entries they offer. If you need it right away they have a “super urgent” service that takes just a few hours. I’m not sure everything they check out on a person, but it seems like you’re paying someone to run your passport number and check if you’re a wanted fugitive or have plans for a Coup against the Vietnamese government.

Visa Processing Fees

It took me a while to understand their fees, but it’s pretty straightforward. We paid one fee to the processing agency when we submitted our details – the “service fee.” The second fee we paid at the airport to the Visa On Arrival office – the “stamping fee.” One payment won’t cover both of them, and yes, it’ll set you back a couple Starbucks, but it’s simple and worth it.

A few days later we got our pre-approval letter by email and printed it out so we were ready for immigration. The letter had a lot of other people’s names on it as well – probably to save money somehow since they process so many. It never caused anyone to raise their eyebrows, but we circled our names just in case!

*Update (Oct 2016) The Vietnam Immigration Department will ONLY issue one year multiple entry Vietnam visa (maximum 90 days stay/entry) for US citizens and the cost has increased to US$ 135 for the stamping fee at a Vietnam Airport. 3 month single entry visa’s are no longer available. 

Arrival to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN)

When we arrived at the big immigration “cattle corral” area in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) we went to the far wall (on the left side) right away to take care of getting our visa before getting into the main immigration line. I grabbed an application form for Alyssa and I and we filled it out away from the chaos of all the people. Then, once we had everything listed below ready, we gave it to the people behind the window and waited in the chairs for them to print out our visa and call our name and return our passport with a huge visa sticker in it.

Items Required for Visa Stamping Office

• Visa pre-approval letter printed out
• Passport, valid for at least 6 months, w/ 2 blank pages
• 2 recent photos 4 cm x 6 cm (can have them taken at airport for a fee)
• Stamping fee – $25 USD cash each (for US citizens)

Once ours were finished getting processed we went to the main immigration queue and went through the system as normal. (If you already have a visa from a Vietnamese embassy you still need to get your visa stamped and pay the stamping fee before proceeding through immigration.)

Even though there is pre-approval paperwork, it’s still a Visa On Arrival (VOA) because you still have to wait to get your visa at the airport. Keep in mind this is only available at the 3 international airports listed below. All other borders on land and water require an actual visa in your passport.

Visa on Arrival Airports

• Hanoi/Noi Bai airport (HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/Tan Son Nhat airport (SGN)
• Danang airport (DAD)

List of Various Stamping/Issuing Fees

If you have a question about your specific situation the visa processing company we used has a ton of details on their website that might answer it. They’re very straightforward about their fees, and pleasant to work with.

I hope this article helps simplify the Vietnam visa on arrival process or even motivates you to visit there on your next vacation!

The post Simple Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Travelers appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

I cringe every time someone says their cell phone provider charged them an extra $100 when they used their cell phone “just a little bit” on vacation! In this article I’ll show you how to use your cell phone without fear of extra fees when you’re on vacation in a foreign country.

How to Use Your Cell Phone in AIRPLANE Mode

This is the most important thing to do when taking your smartphone with you on a trip! Everyone’s seen that little airplane icon on their phone before, but you may not know exactly what it does. It’s not just for when you’re sitting in the airplane. It’s good to switch it on airplane mode when you first leave and keep it on during your entire trip.

What it does is turn off just your cellular connection – saving you money from receiving incoming calls or texts and being charged internationally. When you first switch it on, it also flips off the buttons for your wi-fi and bluetooth connections (because they don’t want those on in the airplane either), but you can turn those back on separately when you need to use them.

Another huge benefit that nobody ever mentions is a way longer battery life. I’ve had my iPhone battery last 2-4 times longer than normal with the airplane mode on. Almost makes it feel like a new phone!

Using Your Phone GPS With Airplane Mode

The GPS functionality on your smartphone should still work fine in airplane mode (if you have an iPhone with iOS version 8.3 or later). Android phones can sometimes toggle their GPS on and off separately, but it’ll work fine when you’re on airplane mode. It sometimes takes a little longer for the GPS to get its bearings with no cell connection, especially the first time you turn it on, but it should work fine after awhile.

Turn ON Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

When you arrive at your destination country, you can switch on your wi-fi connection and use Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, iMessage, or any other calling/messaging service that uses the internet. You can connect to any free wi-fi that is available like a restaurants, hotels, or terminals. Be sure to keep the airplane mode on though, because you want to keep your cellular connection off. You’re free to use the wi-fi, bluetooth, and GPS functions of your phone without needing to take it off airplane mode.

Confused yet?

Airplane mode ON means the cell signal is turned OFF. When wi-fi, and bluetooth are ON, that means they’re on and working.

To be even more vigilant, just take out the SIM card from your phone (if it’s removable) and put it in a safe spot. Then, when you return to the US, just pop it back in and restart your phone and you’ll be back to normal!

Using a Local SIM Card

The best of both worlds is to buy a new SIM card for your phone when you arrive at a foreign country. They’re usually pretty cheap and you can get local calling and internet data right on your normal phone. I’d recommend this for any trip longer than a week for safety and convenience! Click here for my most popular guide with all the details on how to get set up with a new SIM card and to make sure your phone will work properly with it.

Have fun traveling and be sure to bring your phone with when traveling in another country!

The post How to Use Your Cell Phone When Traveling in Another Country appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

What You Can’t Miss at Bocas Del Toro, Panama

The Blue Coconut Restaurant

Our favorite day at Bocas Del Toro was a trip out to The Blue Coconut, a restaurant built right over the water and designed for hanging out all day! It had been rainy the whole day before and we decided to chance it and head out for some fun!

We took our snorkel gear and after a really bumpy taxi-boat ride out, we had fun swimming around looking for fish. The water is so clear and warm that even on a rainy day you feel like staying out forever! Their food is delicious too and by the time you are done snorkeling, you’ll have worked up an appetite! They have sunning decks, hammocks, SUP, kayaks, and all sorts of activities! Bring a card game with and plan to hang out all day! It’s SO much fun! 

Island Hopping Tour

Even if the skies are grey, don’t hesitate to head out on an island tour! If you only have a few days, you’re better off chancing the rain then not doing anything at all! It’s really that beautiful! You can see how grey it was but we still got some pretty good pictures! We had an absolute blast on the Zapatilla Island Tour. The white sand beaches and turquoise water are unbelievable! It’s the perfect chance to see dolphins, starfish, sloths, and tons of other sea life! Most of the boats are covered, so if it rains, you won’t get too wet! 

Swim At Your Hotel

Most of the hotels at Bocas Del Toro are built right on the water with decks for swimming. Just remember how much fun you can have just relaxing on the deck, swimming, cooking, and hanging out meeting new friends at your hotel! When it was raining, it seemed like that’s what most everyone did. It’s really fun and a few days can be like that but don’t forget to venture out! There’s plenty to do, even when it’s raining! 

Go Geocaching

We love geocaching and it’s a great motivation to get out and explore a little of the island! There are a few caches around the island and they’re pretty easy to get to. One is placed inside a great restaurant so if you plan it well, you can arrive just in time for lunch or dinner! Another favorite of ours was alongside one of the local beaches. It felt like we were the only tourists around! 

Rent Bicycles

Your jaw will drop open when I tell you that you can rent bikes for only $1 a day! It’s super cheap and fun to do when it’s raining! Don’t take anything that can’t get wet and just enjoy a bike ride in the rain! It makes you laugh. I’m serious – Try it! Easily the best way to explore the island is by bike. It’s great for getting out of the main town and checking out the beaches. Bring your swimsuit and have fun all day exploring!

Rent a Taxi Boat

Sometimes it’s good to step away from the island and look at it from afar. There’s no better way to do this than by taxi boat. Head over to the local taxi boat ramp and just tell them you want to drive around the islands for XX amount of time and he’ll take you around giving you time to sit back and take pictures or just enjoy a boat ride! 

Go Scuba Diving

The best part about scuba diving is it’s not dependent on the weather above you! If it’s raining, there is no better time then to head out on a scuba dive trip! We went on a great trip with La Buga Dive Center even though it was a grey day! The sea life was just brimming in Bocas Del Toro and with water so clear, the visibility was great! La Buga is also a great place to get certified for scuba diving if you are interested. They have tons of classes going on and it’s a great way to pass the days if it’s really raining!

Take a Yoga Class

If you are in Bocas Del Toro, it means you either took a looooong bus ride or plane ride to get there. Chances are your body is stiff and uncomfortable. If you run into a rainy afternoon or evening, pop over to Bocas Yoga Studio for a great class to help you get all stretched out and feeling good again! We really enjoyed it and for less than $6, you can’t beat it! 

Have you been to Bocas Del Toro when it was rainy? What did you do to still have fun?

The post How to Enjoy Gray Skies at Bocas del Toro, Panama appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

#1 Rent Your Own Personal Boat 

When we first arrived to Koh Phi Phi, we were in information overload trying to read all the signs and learn about all tours people were approaching us with. There are tons of “7 island tour” packages that includes snorkeling and swimming etc… Just ignore all of those and book directly with the boat drivers. They are all waiting down by the water and will start calling you over.

Walk down to the boats and explain where you want to go (they’ll have a map and recommendations too) and decide on the amount of time for a price. Don’t be afraid to barter!! Walk over to the next guy if the one you are talking to is being stubborn.

When were there (December 2015) we paid ~$40 or 1,400 baht for a 5 hour personal tour. The boat driver stopped anywhere we asked and even provided snorkel gear for us. It was such a good deal! We could spend as much time as we wanted at each place! He even kept us informed about the time so we wouldn’t go over or decide if you want to add more time. Much better than a rushed tour!

#2 Go Scuba Diving 

The scuba diving at Koh Phi Phi is some of the best diving we have ever seen! The soft corals and high visibility make it some of the most gorgeous views underwater! We saw turtles, seahorses, lion fish, and even sharks! They have tons of options for exploratory dives for first time divers (like me!) and lots of cool wreck dives for more experienced divers. Barakuda Dive Center works great with couples like us who wanted to do an exploratory and a wreck dive. We dove the first dive separate and then our boats met up for lunch and the second dive! That was the best part!

#3 Hike Up to the Viewpoint

Since Phi Phi is such a small island, it’s easy to get a good view of the whole island from up on the hill. There is a paved path leading all the way up to a sunset view overlooking the island. It’s such a great perspective! Many other people have the same idea too so get there early if you want a good spot for taking pictures! It’s a good climb up so you’ll be feeling like you got your exercise and are ready for dinner! 

#4 Get a Homemade Ice Cream

Thailand is known for their homemade hand chopped ice cream. When you here the *bang, bang, bang*, you know you are in the right spot. Similar to cold stone, the ice cream is poured onto a cold stone as a liquid and then scraped, chopped and slathered with your toppings until it resembles an ice cream ball. It’s absolutely delicious and so much fun to watch! 

#5 Watch the Fire Dancing at Night

Phi Phi has earned it’s reputation for being a huge party island. When the sun goes down, the party animals definitely come out! With beer and alcohol buckets being sold on every corner, it can get a little rowdy! One way the bars draw the drinkers in, is by fire dancing. All along the beach at night you can see fire dancers doing all sorts of crazy tricks! It’s really pretty amazing to watch even if you aren’t drinkers like us. We had fun watching the show and laughing at all the drunks who were likely going to get lost or something stolen. 

#6 Don’t Be Afraid to Barter

There are so many tourists who come to Phi Phi and just pay whatever price they’re told. If you are buying something in bulk like fruit, don’t be afraid to ask for a deal since you are buying more than one. Especially with the longtail boats, make sure you ask what their best deal is and haggle your way into an even more affordable price. It’s not hurting them, they mark it way up anyways and without you, they wouldn’t have any business at all! Even if you don’t get anywhere, it never hurts to ask!

These are a few of our quick tips to traveling in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, let us know if you have any you learned!

The post Quick Tips to Traveling in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

#1 Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal is a gorgeous beach along the Nicoya Peninsula. With a small cliff lining the coast line, it is a beach that gives you privacy as you are walking along the sand and stunning views from up high. There are amazing resorts along this beach but overall it’s pretty quiet. We stayed in a water front camp site that was just incredible! 

#2 Manuel Antonio Beach

Considered the #1 beach to visit in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio earned its reputation for obvious reasons. With gorgeous islands just off the beach, the photo opportunities are endless. Close to the Natural Preserve of Manuel Antonio, this beach area has a lot of activities and chances to see wildlife. Even though there are many tourists, this is one of our favorite beaches!

#3 Playa Uvita

Just a short distance south from Manuel Antonio is Playa Uvita. We had never seen a rock formation quite like this one and with the waves pounding on it, we were amazed by how pretty the beach was! There was a really fun geocache at the top of the little island just a few feet from the beach sand. We waded out there and got to the top for some really great views! We were glad the tide wasn’t coming in too fast or we could have gotten stranded out there! If you like a little less touristy place close to Manuel Antonio, this is a great beach to check out!

#4 Playa Samara 

Playa Samara during the dry season can seem like a really hot and dry desert place. The dust is no help either! But this beach is among one of the beauties in Costa Rica. It’s hot sandy beaches contrast so well to the cool blue water making you want to jump right in! It’s the place for horseback riding along the beach and suntans! 

#5 Playa Pan Dulce

One of the most tropical and “hidden” beaches we ever discovered was an adorable beach called Playa Pan Dulce in the Osa Peninsula. If you asked around, it’s likely that no one would know what you are talking about. It’s no wonder this place has stayed a secret, it’s too beautiful to share! I could have stayed at this beach forever. It gives the true meaning to what a secluded beach should be like! To find this beach, use your map (we use Pocket Earth) and follow it toPlaya Pan Dulce just south of Playa Carbonara. It’s pretty hidden along a dirt road but once you find it, you’ll know without a doubt!

#6 Playa Tamarindo

Also along the Nicoya Peninsula, is Playa Tamarindo. One of the more popular and developed beaches along the coastline but with a really fun laid-back feel. Spend your days getting massages on the beach, walking along the adorable shops, trying new foods, and catching amazing sunsets like this one! If you come in the rainy season, you’ll find the beaches empty like it shows here but in the dry season, you’ll be searching for a spot on the beach. 

#7 Punta Manzanillo

To get an unforgettable glimpse of the Carribbean side of Costa Rica, head over to Puerto Viejo de Limon and make your way down the coast to Manzanilllo. Easily, one of the most breathtaking beaches we have been to was a small little hike out to Punta Manzanillo. With trails filled with mud in the rainy season, it makes for a fun adventure to get to the point. The beaches along here are a great place to spend the whole day. They are really tropical!

#8 Jaco Beach

The party beach of Costa Rica hasn’t lost it’s beauty despite it’s heavy tourist trail and party animals. With resorts and casinos popping up all along the beach, Jaco is making a name for itself. Learn how to surf in these perfect beginner waves and fall in love with the warm ocean waters. Just a short drive up the hill is a perfect viewpoint overlooking Jaco that is just incredible at sunset time! 

#9 Playa Cocolito 

At the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is Montezuma. A beautiful beach in itself but just a 2 hour walk along Montezuma Beach you arrive to Cocolito Falls. A beach that has Montezuma beat by just a tad! Cocolito Beach is very unique because of the fresh water waterfall that runs off the cliff and into the ocean. It’s a very rare find, a great walk, and stunning views! Easily one of our favorite beaches for all the fun exploring and swimming places!

#10 Playa San Miguel

An off-the-beaten-trail type of beach, Playa San Miguel is long stretch of gorgeous sand with sand dollars galore! There are no hotels or resorts nearby but lots of amazing homes with ocean views. Check Airbnb for house rentals in this area. You’ll be among some of the best beaches for sure! This is the perfect beach to head off for long walks and just enjoy the sound of the waves crashing. We stopped for a quick swim here and I was so impressed we stayed the whole afternoon!

What beach is your favorite in Costa Rica?

The post 10 Must See Beaches in Costa Rica appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.

What It Means To Lose The Thrill

I was struck by how accurate of a description that was for me at the moment and where I am in life. We are all aware of milestone events in our life that lose the “new-ness” over time. We all experience it. Things like jobs, cars, love, sex, haircuts, shopping, and even favorite hobbies can lose their “Wow” factor over time. It doesn’t mean it’s bad or not enjoyable anymore, it just loses the thrill.

Some of the most impressionable advice for businesses and relationships that I’ve heard that really hits the nail on the head, is choose to make it work. Choose to be happy, choose to love, choose to progress. Choosing to “go to bat” for the cause is so important because the thrill is always going to fade. It’s expected to fade.

It’s the same with travel. 

Tired of Traveling?

We didn’t realize until it was a little too late to change our plans, but we lost the thrill of travel. (Wait…What?) No, I’m not talking about the thrill of arriving to a new place, meeting new people, and trying new foods. Those are all still pretty thrilling (to a point- I’m still not seeing the thrill in eating dog in Vietnam).

I’m talking about the motivation to get out and really explore a city, making the effort to get to know the locals, and chasing yet again, another waterfall. It always involves figuring out a lot of transportation links, studying a map, and researching online or books about attractions to see that aren’t too touristy and places to stay that are more than a blank room with a bed. It’s downright exhausting! Most people even feel a bit of a slowdown in their motivation after a fast-paced 2 week vacation to somewhere amazing like Hawaii.

Our friends and family say, “Oh, you must be tired of traveling now!” We’ve been on the road for over 2 years so it’s a correct assumption, I must say. But we are not tired of traveling, we LOVE traveling. It’s become a part of us because of this lifestyle we have chosen to live. We’d never be able to turn our backs on it. But… a break would be nice. A break to reconnect and experience “normal” again. Let me explain.

Finding Motivation – Where Are You?

Over our 2 and a half years of travel, we realized that we had lost touch with what our own society considers amazing, paradise, or the dream vacation. Some of the destinations we were visiting were all of that and more! Yet we found ourselves surprisingly lacking in energy and motivation to go out and explore it all.

Take for example, Bali.

We arrived a few days before Christmas. Bali had been one of our dream destinations for years and here we finally were! We checked into our adorable hotel and loved it! And then….we didn’t leave for a few days. We were just content to stay at the hotel, swim in the pool, walk to the beach for sunset, have a nice meal, and get some work done. That is so NOT like us! We are usually the hit-it-hard-see-everything-you-can type of travelers. What happened in Bali?

We were out of touch with what Bali was supposed to be. For example, if we had come to Bali over the holidays on a 2 week vacation fresh from the U.S. Bali would have been the ultimate vacation – with pure thrill for the new experience, driving around 12 hours a day on a motorbike.

From parasailing to gorgeous ocean beaches, it would be the paradise we’ve been dreaming of. However, we arrive to Bali after 2+ years on the road from Thailand, and think “Oh, this has nothing compared to _____________ place we were at.” or “Wow, this is such a touristy destination with so many people.” or “This seems like a nice place to relax since we’ve been on the go so much.”

It’s not that it wasn’t beautiful and we didn’t enjoy ourselves, because we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our travels in Bali. We had a blast! But after a while, it all seems the same and blurs together.

Each individual destination doesn’t get the thrill factor that it deserves because the thrill of travel has faded after traveling a long time.

And like I explained above, it doesn’t mean it’s bad and that you can’t still enjoy it. It’s just that the exciting thrill has been reduced.

Disconnecting to Reconnect Again

When you are from a country where traveling long-term is considered very unorthodox and strange, how do you relate to your friends and family? The majority of them have never been outside their country or maybe only once! How do you explain to your families about another elephant you saw, island you dived at, or sunset you saw without it seeming redundant? Or heaven forbid, bragging?

You can’t. They can’t relate to things like that because it seems so strange or exotic. Like seeing a monkey in the road – that’s as common in Thailand as a deer crossing the road in the midwest US. People really think we’re exaggerating when we tell them that.

We realized we had to reconnect with our American life and relationships again in order to better appreciate the places we were visiting. 

So we came back. After 2 and a half years of long-term travel we came back.

Do we regret traveling long-term? No way. Slow travel and long term travel is one of our most favorite things to do! It’s the best way to travel. It’s really an eye-opener and helps you see the world differently then if you were to just pop in to a tourist trap for a few weeks.

It gives you a deeper meaning to travel and worldwide friendships. It’s invaluable.

The Hidden Pressure

I guess we felt like we needed to travel as much and as far as we could “now.” Before it’s somehow too late. This hidden pressure built every time someone would say to us, “You’ll never have a chance like this again.” or “Do it now while you can.” or “Once you start a family, you’ll never be able to do this again.”

It felt like an imaginary time bomb was being held over our head. Travel now or you’ll never get the chance again.

It’s not true.

Like the people who haven’t traveled long-term would know… Like we should have ever listened to them or paid them any attention…

You don’t have to get all your travel done or “see the world” before you settle down. Why do we all think that? The biggest lesson we have learned during this adventure is that if you truly want something, nothing is impossible. Go for your dreams! Why do we feel like we have to sacrifice travel for settling down or settling down for travel? Can we have both? I know it’s easier than it looks.

We’ve experienced uprooting our life in the U.S., selling our belongings, and saying goodbye to our family. I know it can be hard. But it wasn’t that hard. We knew what we wanted to do and the process went really smooth. Because we had a vision. And because of that, I know it would be easy to do it again. Of course, a lot harder with kids, much more challenging with a family, etc… But it’s not impossible. And travel will always be in our hearts.

So this doesn’t mean we won’t travel long-term again. It was one of the most exhilarating times of our lives! We can hardly imagine how fun it would be with our kids tagging along some day! If we can give them the gift of travel, we’ll have accomplished one of our missions in life! We can’t wait for the adventures a year from now, 5 years from now! Right now we’re stoked to be able to travel and explore some more in our home country!

We appreciate all the support we’ve had from YOU, our followers as well as friends and family along the way! There were those who believed in us even when they thought we were crazy. Thank You. Uneven Sidewalks has become a HUGE source of travel information and motivation for thousands of people around the world each month. We will continue to provide our best knowledge, tips, and stunning pictures from our travels because our goal here is still to get YOU out there and traveling the world!

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The post When the Thrill Is Gone appeared first on Uneven Sidewalks Travel Blog.