Travel Accessories
Women / Solo Travellers
Travel advice and features for women and solo travellers often get grouped together, not because they necessarily go together, but because many of the safety concerns that can affect both groups are often linked, so it often makes sense to put them together.
Below are links to articles that hopefully will be helpful to both these groups :
Travel Dresses for Women
What are the Best Travel Dresses for Women
Travel Dresses
When someone is choosing what dresses to take with them when travelling, there are several factors to consider, including:
Comfort: Look for dresses made from soft, breathable fabrics that provide comfort during long hours of wear. Consider features like stretch and flexibility, especially if you’ll be engaged in various activities.
Wrinkle Resistance: Wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle-free fabrics are ideal for travel, as they can help your dress look fresh even after being packed in a suitcase.
Fabric: The fabric of the dress is crucial for travel, as it needs to be lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. This will help you stay comfortable and look your best on the go. Some great travel dress fabrics include linen, cotton, and Tencel.
Silhouette: The silhouette of the dress should be flattering and comfortable. A-line dresses are a great option, as they are universally flattering and offer plenty of movement. Empire waist dresses are also a good choice, as they can help to elongate your torso and create a more balanced silhouette.
Length: The length of the dress should be appropriate for the destination and activities you have planned. For hot weather travel, a shorter dress is ideal. For colder destinations, a longer dress will provide more warmth.
Temperature Regulation: Consider dresses made from materials that help regulate body temperature, especially if you’re traveling to different climates. Fabrics like merino wool or those with cooling technologies can be beneficial.
Pockets: Pockets are a must-have for travel dresses. They allow you to keep your essentials handy, such as your phone, wallet, and keys.
Versatility: The dress should be versatile enough to be worn for a variety of occasions, from casual sightseeing to fancy dinners. This means it should be able to be dressed up or down.
Packability: The dress should be easy to pack and wrinkle-resistant. This will save you time and space in your luggage.
Price: The price of the dress is also a factor to consider. There are many affordable travel dresses on the market, so you don’t have to break the bank to find a great one.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the best travel dresses for women:
- Try on the dress before you buy it to ensure it fits well and is comfortable.
- Choose a dress that is in a neutral colour, such as black, white, or navy, so you can wear it with a variety of accessories.
- Pack a scarf or cardigan to add layers and warmth when needed.
- Invest in a travel steamer to keep your dresses wrinkle-free.
Here are some examples of Travel Dresses :
- Prana Halle Dress: Made from a stretchy and durable fabric, quick-drying and moisture-wicking, versatile for both casual and semi-formal occasions, wrinkle-resistant.
- Columbia Freezer Maxi Dress: Lightweight and breathable, omni-freeze technology to keep you cool, UPF 50 sun protection, quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
- Toad&Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress: Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, UPF 50+ sun protection, stretchy, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, flattering silhouette for various body types.
- Icebreaker Cool-Lite Yanni Tank Dress: Merino wool and TENCEL blend for natural odour resistance, cool-light fabric for temperature regulation, versatile for different climates. Lightweight and breathable.
- ExOfficio Wanderlux Tank Dress: Soft, stretchy, and comfortable. Odour-resistant and moisture-wicking. Wrinkle-resistant for easy packing. Stylish enough for various occasions.
- Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Dress: Made from a durable and stretchy fabric. UPF 50+ sun protection. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Convertible length for versatility.
- Royal Robbins Jammer Knit Dress: Made from a blend of polyester and spandex. Stretchy and comfortable. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for.
- PrAna Cali Dress: Soft and comfortable fabric. Versatile for various occasions. Fair Trade Certified. Stylish design with a relaxed fit.
- Arc’teryx Contenta Dress: Lightweight and breathable. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking. UPF 50+ sun protection. Versatile for travel and outdoor activities.
- L.L.Bean Summer Knit Dress: Comfortable and lightweight. Easy-care fabric that resists wrinkles. Versatile for casual outings. Affordable option.
- Gauze Vacation Shirtdress: This dress is highlighted for its comfort and wrinkle-free properties
- Eddie Bauer Travex Destination dresses: These dresses are lauded for their packability, comfort, and quick-drying properties
- Anatomie Hattie Dress: This dress is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that is perfect for hot weather travel. It has a flattering A-line silhouette and pockets for convenience.
- Tentree TreeLinen A-Line Dress: This dress is made from Lyocell Tencel, a sustainable fabric that is soft, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying. It has a classic A-line shape that is flattering on all body types.
- Adventure Dress: This dress is made from a performance fabric that is quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking. It has a versatile design that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for a day at the beach or a night out on the town.
- Fig Clothing The Daily Slip Dress: This dress is made from a soft, drapey fabric that is perfect for warm weather travel. It has a sleek silhouette that is flattering on all body types. le design that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for a day at the beach or a night out on the town.
- Helene Clarkson The Amelia Dress: This dress is made from a sustainable fabric that is soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. It has a flattering A-line silhouette and a shawl collar that adds a touch of elegance.
- prAna Briley Dress: This dress is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that is perfect for hot weather travel. It has a comfortable fit and a flattering V-neckline.
- Rec Room The Haven Dress: This dress is made from a soft, stretchy fabric that is perfect for lounging or exploring. It has a relaxed fit and pockets for convenience.
- Toad&Co Wanderlust Dress: This dress is made from a wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying fabric that is perfect for travel. It has a versatile design that can be dressed up or down.
What are the best travel dresses for hot weather ?
When packing for a hot-weather destination, it’s crucial to choose travel dresses that prioritize breathability, comfort, and versatility. Here are some of the best travel dresses for hot weather:
-
Linen Dresses: Linen is a natural fibre that is renowned for its breathability and ability to regulate temperature. Linen dresses are ideal for hot weather as they allow air to circulate freely, keeping you cool and comfortable even in humid conditions. Opt for A-line or empire waist silhouettes for flattering fits and ample airflow.
-
Tencel Dresses: Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a sustainable fibre derived from natural wood cellulose. It offers a combination of linen’s breathability and cotton’s softness, making it a luxurious and comfortable choice for hot weather travel. Look for dresses in lightweight Tencel blends that offer a drapey and effortless feel.
-
Short-Sleeve Jersey Dresses: Jersey fabric is known for its stretch, comfort, and machine-washability, making it a practical choice for travel. Short-sleeve jersey dresses are perfect for hot weather as they provide coverage without overheating. Opt for versatile designs that can be dressed up with accessories or layered for cooler evenings.
-
Maxi Dresses: Maxi dresses offer a breezy and stylish option for hot weather travel. Loose-fitting maxi dresses in breathable fabrics like linen or Tencel allow for maximum airflow and comfort, making them ideal for exploring or lounging by the pool.
-
Sundresses: Sundresses are specifically designed for sun protection and comfort in hot weather. Look for sundresses with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton voile or poplin for optimal comfort.
-
Slip Dresses: Slip dresses are a versatile choice for hot weather travel. They offer a sleek and elegant silhouette without being too restrictive. Slip dresses in lightweight fabrics like silk or rayon are perfect for dressier occasions or for layering with accessories for a more casual look.
-
Dress-Shirts: Dress-shirts are a stylish and comfortable option for hot weather travel. Choose loose-fitting dress-shirts in breathable fabrics like linen or chambray for a relaxed and airy feel. They can be dressed up with accessories or layered with shorts or skirts for a more casual look.
Remember to pack versatile dresses in neutral colours like black, white, or navy, as they can be easily paired with various accessories and shoes to create different looks. Invest in a travel steamer to refresh your dresses without wrinkling them, ensuring they look their best throughout your trip.
What are the best Travel Dresses for Cold Weather
When venturing into cold weather destinations, selecting travel dresses that prioritize warmth, insulation, and versatility is essential. Here are some of the best travel dresses for cold weather:
-
Knit Dresses: Knit dresses offer exceptional warmth and comfort in cold weather. Opt for dresses made from Merino wool, cashmere, or synthetic blends like PrimaLoft for superior insulation and breathability. Choose A-line or wrap-style silhouettes for flattering fits and ample layering options.
-
Sweater Dresses: Sweater dresses provide cozy warmth and versatility for cold weather travel. Look for dresses in thick knits or cable-knit patterns for maximum insulation. Choose wrap-style or belted designs to adjust the fit and layer with scarves, cardigans, or jackets as needed.
-
Fleece Dresses: Fleece dresses offer exceptional warmth and softness for cold weather adventures. Opt for dresses made from high-quality fleece fabrics like Polartec or Sherpa for maximum warmth retention. Choose A-line or tunic-style silhouettes for comfortable fits and layering versatility.
-
Pleated Dresses: Pleated dresses add a touch of elegance to cold weather travel. Choose dresses in thick knits or faux fur for warmth and style. Opt for A-line or wrap-style designs for flattering fits and ample layering options.
-
Capelet Dresses: Capelet dresses provide both warmth and style in cold weather. These dresses feature detachable capelets or peplum-style sleeves that add extra coverage and warmth. Choose dresses in thick knits or faux fur for maximum insulation.
-
Turtleneck Dresses: Turtleneck dresses offer both warmth and versatility for cold weather travel. Opt for dresses made from thick knits or wool blends for maximum insulation. Choose wrap-style or A-line designs for flattering fits and layering options.
-
Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses: Long-sleeve maxi dresses provide both warmth and coverage in cold weather. Choose maxi dresses made from thick knits, wool blends, or faux fur for maximum insulation. Opt for A-line or empire waist silhouettes for flattering fits and ample legroom.
When packing for cold weather travel, remember to incorporate versatile dresses in neutral colors like black, navy, or gray to create a variety of looks. Pack accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves to further enhance warmth and style. Invest in a travel steamer to refresh your dresses without adding bulk to your luggage.
What are the best Travel Dresses for Formal Occasions
When packing for formal occasions, it’s crucial to choose travel dresses that prioritize elegance, sophistication, and versatility. Here are some of the best travel dresses for formal occasions:
-
Maxi Dresses: Maxi dresses offer a glamorous and elegant option for formal events. Choose maxi dresses in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet for a touch of opulence. Opt for A-line or empire waist silhouettes for flattering fits and ample legroom.
-
Shift Dresses: Shift dresses exude timeless elegance and are perfect for formal occasions. Choose shift dresses in silk, satin, or crepe for a polished look. Opt for A-line or wrap-style silhouettes for flattering fits and ample layering options.
-
Bodycon Dresses: Bodycon dresses add a touch of glamour and sophistication to formal events. Choose bodycon dresses in silk, satin, or jersey for a sleek and flattering fit. Opt for neutral colours like black, navy, or burgundy to maintain a classic look.
-
Sparkly Dresses: Sparkly dresses add a touch of sparkle and elegance to formal events. Choose sparkly dresses in fabrics like sequins, metallics, or illusion fabrics for a glamorous look. Opt for A-line or wrap-style silhouettes for flattering fits and ample layering options.
-
Satin Slip Dresses: Satin slip dresses exude sophistication and elegance for formal occasions. Choose satin slip dresses in neutral colours like black, ivory, or champagne for a timeless look. Opt for V-neck or scoop necklines for a flattering silhouette.
-
Velvet Dresses: Velvet dresses add a touch of luxury and elegance to formal events. Choose velvet dresses in classic colors like black, burgundy, or emerald green for a sophisticated look. Opt for A-line or empire waist silhouettes for flattering fits and ample layering options.
-
Sheath Dresses: Sheath dresses exude sophistication and structure for formal occasions. Choose sheath dresses in silk, satin, or crepe for a polished look. Opt for A-line or wrap-style silhouettes for flattering fits and ample layering options.
Remember to pack versatile dresses that can be dressed up or down with accessories to create different looks. Pack heels or flats depending on the formality of the event. Invest in a travel steamer to refresh your dresses without adding bulk to your luggage.
How to Get Travel Insurance Claims Settled
Travel Insurance Claims
Most people don’t really read their travel insurance policy until they need to make a claim on it, and then it can often present one or two nasty surprises.
People get very upset, naturally, if their claim is rejected by the insurance company, whatever the reason.
It can be a real help to understand the reasons why insurance companies tend to reject claims, as people can then be prepared in advance to make sure that if their claim is legitimate they have solid ground on which to pursue it and have it settled.
Below is a list of the most common reasons why claims are rejected, followed by a number of articles looking at some of the reasons in more detail :
Some common reasons for travel claims being rejected:
- Not Filling in a Claims Form Properly: Failing to provide all the required information or providing inaccurate details can lead to claims being rejected. It’s essential to fill out the claim forms accurately and include all necessary supporting documentation.
- Policy Exclusions: Most travel insurance policies have specific exclusions and limitations. Claims for events or circumstances that fall under these exclusions may be rejected. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, certain high-risk activities, and events caused by illegal or reckless behaviour.
- Late Filing or Notification of a Claim : Insurance companies typically have strict deadlines for filing claims. Failing to submit a claim within the specified timeframe may result in rejection. It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines and submit a claim as quickly as possible .
- Lack of Proper Documentation: Claims often require supporting documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, or receipts. Failure to provide the necessary documents or evidence to substantiate the claim can lead to the claim being rejected.
- Unapproved Expenses: Some policies may have restrictions on the types of expenses that can be claimed. If the incurred expenses are not covered under the policy, the claim may be rejected. It’s important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand what is covered.
- Failure to Notify the Insurance Company: In certain situations, policyholders are required to inform the insurance company promptly, usually within specified time limits, such as in the case of medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Failure to notify the insurer within the specified time frame may result in the claim being rejected.
- Policy Lapses or Non-Payment of Premiums: If the policy has lapsed due to non-payment of premiums, the coverage may no longer be in effect, leading to the claim being rejected. It’s important to maintain the policy in good standing by paying premiums on time.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false information during the application process or when filing a claim can result in the denial of the claim. It’s essential to be honest and transparent when dealing with the insurance provider. False information can mean either providing information that isn’t true, or not telling them something that is relevant to the policy, i.e. by omission
What is Travel Bingo?
Travel Bingo
Travel Bingo is a game that adds an element of fun and engagement to long car rides or journeys. It’s a variation of traditional bingo that is adapted for travel. The game typically involves creating bingo cards with items or landmarks commonly found along the route or at the travel destination.
Travel Bingo sets usually include bingo sheets, pencils, and a game board that can be reused for multiple trips
Each player gets a bingo card, which is a grid with different items or scenarios related to travel. These items can include things like a red car, a gas station, a specific road sign, a certain type of animal, or any other relevant element to the journey. As players spot these items during the trip, they mark them off on their cards.
The goal, similar to traditional bingo, is to complete a row or a specific pattern on the card by spotting all the items in that row or pattern. The first person to complete the pattern calls out “Bingo!” and is declared the winner.
There can also be a second winner if someone then goes on to complete the entire card during the course of the journey.
Travel Bingo is a great way to keep passengers entertained during long trips, and it encourages observation and engagement with the surroundings. It can be customized for different age groups and preferences, making it a versatile and enjoyable travel game.
- Dice-based Travel Bingo: This variation comes with ten dice featuring objects that might be seen while driving, such as animals, vehicles, and buildings. Players roll the dice into the
- Classic Travel Bingo Game: This game set includes bingo sheets with common sights to search for while on the road, such as a gas station, restaurant, smokestack, water tower, bird on a wire, flag, and traffic signal. The set includes four different Bingo game pads and four pencils. It is designed to make road trips more fun for the whole family and helps develop observational and simple logic skills.
- Road Trip Bingo Cards: There are free road trip bingo cards available for download and printing, which can be used to entertain kids or adults on a long drive. This variation is suitable for road trips and car journeys.
- Original Travel Bingo: This is a game board that can be used over and over for miles of fun. It is perfect for long stretches of open highway and comes with one bingo board. This variation was released in the 1950s and is still popular today.
Where to Buy Travel Bingo
You can buy Travel Bingo games from various online and retail stores, including:
- Etsy: Visit Etsy for a selection of unique or custom Travel Bingo games.
- Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of Travel Bingo games, including the eeBoo Travel Bingo Game and the Regal Games Original Travel Bingo Cards & Travel Scavenger Hunt Game.
- Walmart: Walmart also provides Travel Bingo cards for purchase.
- Schylling: Schylling offers the Travel Bingo game, which is a game board that can be used repeatedly for miles of fun.
These are just a few options, and you may find Travel Bingo games in other stores as well.
How to create a printable travel bingo
You can create a printable travel bingo game using various online resources that offer free templates. Here are some options:
- My Free Bingo Cards (https://myfreebingocards.com/travel): This website allows you to make free travel bingo cards that can be printed at home or sent out individually to play virtual bingo on any device. The cards can be edited and customized to suit your preferences.
- Make Life Lovely (https://www.makelifelovely.com/free-printable-travel-bingo-game/): This website provides a free printable travel bingo game for kids. The game is designed to keep kids busy on family vacations or car drives. You can print the game cards directly from the website.
- The Winding Road Tripper (https://thewindingroadtripper.com/road-trip-bingo/): This website offers free printable road trip bingo cards for the car ride. You can access 10 free printable road trip bingo cards by clicking on the provided link.
- Travel Channel (https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/road-trips/articles/road-trip-bingo): The Travel Channel provides free road trip bingo cards featuring road signs, landmarks, and wildlife. You can download and print the bingo cards directly from the website.
- MomsMinivan.com (https://www.momsminivan.com/free-printable-car-games/): This website offers a variety of free printable car games, including road trip bingo and travel scavenger hunt. You can find the road trip bingo game along with other car games on the website.
These resources provide a range of options for creating and printing travel bingo cards, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Popular Travel Bingo Brands:
- Regal Games: Regal Games offers the Original Interstate Highway Travel Bingo & Highway Hunt Card Game Bundle, which includes travel bingo cards and a travel scavenger hunt game.
- Schylling: Schylling provides the Original Travel Bingo, a game board that can be used repeatedly for miles of fun. This variation was released in the 1950s and is still popular today.
These brands offer a variety of travel bingo games that can be found on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart. Additionally, Etsy is a good place to find unique or custom travel bingo games
Common objects on travel bingo cards
- Red car
- Blue truck
- Stop sign
- Gas station
- Rest area
- License plate from a different state
- Horse or cow in a field
- Windmill
- Train
- School bus
- Airplane in the sky
- Bridge
- Bicycle
- Police car
- RV or camper
- Billboard with a specific word or image
- Hotel or motel sign
- Playground
- River or stream
- Mountains
- Church
- Construction site
- Wind turbine
- Fast food restaurant
- Horse trailer
Travel bingo games for adults
Travel Bingo games for adults can be customized to include items or scenarios that are more tailored to the interests of older players. Here are some ideas for Travel Bingo games designed for adults:
- Landmark Bingo: Include famous landmarks or unique roadside attractions that adults might find interesting, such as historical sites, museums, or iconic buildings.
- Culinary Bingo: Feature items related to food and dining experiences, like a local specialty restaurant, a food truck, or a unique dish only found in certain regions.
- Nature Bingo: Focus on natural elements, such as specific types of trees, birds, or landscapes. This version can be great for road trips through scenic areas.
- Historical Bingo: Include items related to history, such as historical markers, battlefields, or monuments. This can add an educational element to the game.
- Brewery or Winery Bingo: If your route takes you through regions known for their breweries or wineries, create cards with items like a brewery tour sign, a vineyard, or a craft beer label.
- Cityscape Bingo: If you’re traveling through cities, include items like skyscrapers, public art installations, or famous street names.
- Music Festival Bingo: If you’re heading to a music festival or an event with live performances, create cards with musical instruments, concert venues, or specific genres of music.
- Photography Bingo: Focus on visual elements that would make for great photographs, such as unique architecture, street art, or picturesque landscapes.
Remember to tailor the bingo cards to the specific interests and preferences of the adults playing the game. You can easily create these cards yourself or find pre-made ones online that suit the theme of your journey.
How to make a diy travel bingo game
Creating a DIY Travel Bingo game is a fun and creative way to customize the game to suit your specific journey and the interests of the players. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Travel Bingo game:
Materials Needed:
- Paper: Use cardstock or a thicker paper for durability.
- Markers or Pens: For drawing or writing on the bingo cards.
- Ruler and Pencil: For drawing grid lines.
- Stickers or Images: To represent items on the bingo cards.
- Laminator (optional): To protect the cards from wear and tear.
Steps:
- Decide on the Theme:
- Choose a theme for your Travel Bingo game based on the interests of the players or the nature of your journey. Themes could include landmarks, nature, culinary experiences, etc.
- Create a List of Items:
- Make a list of items or scenarios related to your chosen theme. For example, if you’re doing landmark bingo, your list could include specific landmarks or historical sites.
- Design Bingo Cards:
- Use a ruler and pencil to draw a grid on the paper. A traditional bingo card has 5×5 squares.
- In each square, either draw or write the items from your list. Be creative and use stickers or printed images for a visual touch.
- Make Multiple Cards:
- Create multiple unique bingo cards with a different arrangement of items on each card. This ensures that each player has a different card for variety.
- Add a Free Space:
- Include a “Free Space” in the center of each bingo card. This space is automatically marked, giving players a head start.
- Optional: Laminate the Cards:
- If you have access to a laminator, consider laminating the bingo cards for added durability, especially if you plan to reuse them for future trips.
- Create Markers:
- Players will need something to mark off the items on their cards. You can use small items like buttons, coins, or create custom markers.
- Instructions:
- Include simple instructions on how to play the game. Explain the goal (e.g., complete a row, column, or diagonal) and any specific rules.
- Test the Cards:
- Before your journey, test the cards to ensure that the chosen items are observable and realistic for the route you’ll be taking.
- Enjoy the Game:
- Distribute the cards to the players, and enjoy playing Travel Bingo during your trip!
Remember to tailor the game to the preferences and interests of the players, and feel free to get creative with the design and content of the bingo cards.
Some other car games to play on a road trip
- License Plate Game:
- Try to spot license plates from as many different states or countries as possible.
- 20 Questions:
- One person thinks of an object, and the others have 20 chances to guess what it is by asking yes-or-no questions.
- I Spy:
- Choose an object within sight, and say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color/shape/etc.].” Others try to guess the object.
- Alphabet Game:
- Find words on signs or license plates that start with each letter of the alphabet in order.
- Car Karaoke:
- Take turns singing along to your favorite songs. Create a road trip playlist before you leave.
- Would You Rather:
- Take turns posing “Would you rather” questions to the group. For example, “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?”
- 20 Dollar Challenge:
- Each passenger has a virtual $20 to “spend” during the trip. They “spend” by spotting items on their side of the road. For example, a cow might cost $1, a red car $5, etc.
- Story Cubes:
- Use story cubes (dice with images) to inspire creativity. Take turns incorporating the images into a collaborative story.
- Travel Bingo (as mentioned earlier):
- Create bingo cards with items related to the journey and see who can complete a row or pattern first.
- The Movie Game:
- Start with a movie title (e.g., “Jurassic Park”). The next person has to name an actor from that movie (e.g., Jeff Goldblum). The game continues with the next person naming a movie featuring Jeff Goldblum.
- Rhyme Time:
- One person says a word, and the next person has to say a word that rhymes. Keep going until someone can’t come up with a rhyme.
- Animal Alphabet:
- Go through the alphabet, taking turns naming animals that start with each letter.
- Number Plate Math:
- Use the numbers on license plates to create mathematical equations. For example, if a license plate reads “452,” you could say “4 + 5 – 2 = 7.”
- Punch Buggy:
- When someone spots a Volkswagen Beetle, they can call out “Punch Buggy” and lightly punch another passenger. Just be sure to establish rules for how hard the punches can be!
