Vacation in Hawaii Like a Tourist or a Local: Part 1

Visiting Hawaii as a tourist and visiting Hawaii as a local are two completely different experiences. Although many of the activities you do will overlap, many of the spots you choose to do them will differ. There's a reason for that, and it's all about experience. If you are going to Hawaii for the first time, it is definitely recommended to go do all the tourist things the first couple of days you get there. Once you check all your tourist activities off your list, start diving into more exploration. If you are like most people, you will probably be traveling to Oahu or Maui. Here's our list for traveling like a tourist in Oahu and Maui:

Tourist Travel

Oahu

1. Diamond Head Crater: This natural phenomenon gives you awesome views of the island, gives you a pretty good workout, and will tell you how the islands were formed.
2. Get a surf lesson: When in Hawaii, try surfing. It seems pretty obvious, but it had to be on the list! Make sure to make time to lay on the beach with the turtles and catch some rays too!
3. Bishop Museum: Interested in history? This is a great museum to learn about Hawaii's natural and cultural history. 
4. Iolani Palace: See how the Hawaiian royalty used to live on the island. This palace is another great place to learn about the history of Hawaii.
5. Pearl Harbor: This is a true American monument. Most people know the story of Pearl Harbor, so go see where all the action happened and feast your eyes on the real artifacts. 
6. Hanauma Bay: This bay is a wildlife protected area of the island and is the best place for snorkeling. There is a fee to get into the bay but the money goes toward habitat rehabilitation and protection.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center: Learn about polynesian culture from all the polynesian islands, including Hawaii. Experience authentic food, dancing, canoeing, carving and more. 
8. Kualoa Ranch: This beautiful ranch sits in Ka'a'awa Valley and is used for many famous movie and TV show sites. Taking a tour of Kualoa allows you to learn Hawaii's history and culture. Go ATV-ing or ride horses, and drink in the natural beauty of Hawaii.
9. USS Arizona Memorial: If you like war history, this is a great landmark to include in your tour. It will tell you all about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and how the USS Arizona played an important role in the war. 
10. Dole Plantation: This is one of the most visited places on Oahu. Check out the plantation, the gardens, eat DoleWhip, and even take home a ripe Hawaiian pineapple. 

Maui

1. Maui Ocean Center: Learn about the marine life around Hawaii and watch fish and sharks swim around your head.
2. Haleakala Crater: Beautiful landscapes and views of the island. Go in the morning or late at night to watch sunrises and sunsets.
3. Road to Hana: This extreme winding road allows you to see some pretty beautiful waterfalls and views of the island.
4. Old Lahaina Luau: A traditional luau in full force! Watch amazing dancers while dining on Hawaiian food.
5. Maui Gold Pineapple Tour: Like the dole plantation, you can tour the grounds, taste, pineapple, and take some pineapple home with you.
6. Surf and Snorkel: These two are obvious must do activities, but make sure you take a surf lesson and swim with the fish and turtles!
7. Hike in Iao Valley: This valley has beautiful waterfalls and is lush green and perfect for some exercise. 
8. Lahaina Town: This little town is a must see place with lots of restaurants and shops. This is an old ocean town that has become a tourist destination. There are lots of tourist traps here but lots of cute little gems as well. 

So there are our tourist things to do in Oahu and Maui. There is so much to see and do in the Hawaiian islands, you should definitely take advantage of all of it! If you are interested in how to travel like a local in the islands then stay tuned for our blog post next week. When flying to the islands, don't forget to bring your TravelRest Pillow to sleep on!

Tips, Tricks, and Accessories for Traveling with Kids

If you have kids then you know exactly how hard it can be to juggle taking care of the little ones, getting from A to B, while still enjoying yourself. Even though you love your children, having them around does make travel a little more stressful and little more difficult. With so much focus on your family, you might easily forget to take some time to take care of yourself and enjoy the moment. This is why we've created this list of tips, tricks, and the best accessories for making travel with kids simpler, more relaxing, and fun!

TIPS

1. Plan at Least 2 Weeks in Advance so you have enough time to gather everything you need before a trip. Life can be very busy, so giving yourself at least 2 weeks should be more than enough time to put the small details of the trip together. 
2. Make Lists: having lists to check off may sometimes help alleviate the stress of having to remember all the details of a trip. Because kids take so much care, you don't want to forget anything important at home, and having a list will help.
3. Visit the Doctor: If you are taking a relatively big trip to a foreign country, make sure you visit the doctor before taking your child along with you. Kids are very susceptible to illness so you should make sure your trip will be suitable for a child. 
4. Help Them Pack: If you have babies, then you will definitely be doing all the packing for them. However, if you have toddlers and older children they may have preferences on what they would like to take. Kids feel empowered and important when you let them make decisions on their own, and they will often be much happier on the trip if they know they chose to pack a particular item themselves. You should definitely guide them in the right direction and make sure all the necessities are met, but let them help decide what they might want to bring. It's also a good way for kids to learn what steps are taken when planning for a trip.
5. Talk Ahead of Time and Prepare Kids: It can be shocking for kids to just get put in the car or a bus or a plane and just take off to another place. Make sure the entire week before a trip you start to let your kids know where your going, when, and what types of things you might be doing. The day and hours before entering the car or plane, let your kids know what types of sensations they might experience, and let them know you'll be there to take care of them the entire way. Mentally preparing them might help them act braver about travel.

TRICKS

1. Snack Organization: There are plenty of ways to organize snacks, but we've seen a couple we really like. One way is to use a jewelry or bead box organizer to fit very small amounts of many different types of snacks. Another way is to just utilize ziplock bags with each persons name on it. If one kid wants a snack but not the other, you will know exactly which bag to pull snacks from. 
2. Activity Organization: Use a hangable amenities or beauty bag to store different activities for kids. These can hang on the back of the seat or from the clothes hooks in the car. For plane trips, the activity bags roll up to fit in a bag while still remaining organized. 
3. Hard Candy for Airplanes: Taking a hard candy like life savers on an airplane is great for kids because letting them suck on candy can often help with pressure equalization. Giving them a couple pieces during takeoff and a couple pieces during descent will probably do the trick. 
4. Surprise Kids: Keep a surprise treat or toy in your bag until part way through the trip and surprise your kids with something special. It will uplift their mood and feel like they just received a nice present. 
5. Separate Outfits in Ziplock Bags: Putting each outfit in a bag for each designated day or occasion makes getting dressed easier, and less fussy. 

BEST ACCESSORIES

1. The Travelrest Bundle: Travelrest's pillow, blanket, and memory foam cover are must have items for traveling with kids. Have enough for each child or person in your family so everyone can get some quick shut eye when they need it. Travelrest's sleep accessories for travel make resting simple, comfortable, and quick. 
2. Kids Backpack/ Luggage: Let kids take some of their own items in a small backpack or luggage. It will help keep their items separate and easily accessible to them. You won't have to worry about misplacing your kids items amongst yours since they will be toting some things themselves. Not to mention, offering them the responsibility of taking their own bag can make your kids feel like adults. Just make sure they don't leave their bag anywhere!
3. Snack Stackers: Stackable, portable, small snack bins that give you options and eliminate mess. We really like ZoLi's stacking snack dispensers. 
4. Tablet or Portable Media Player: Having a tablet or portable media player for your kids on long trips can help keep them entertained, while leaving you relaxed. Although you don't want to leave your child unattended with a media player in hand all the time, it can definitely make the car rides and airplane rides easier to manage. 
5. Books & Games: Don't underestimate the power of a good read or some simple board games. Kids can find entertainment and fun in simple things, so make sure you bring books and games for them to keep busy. 

Adventures of the TravelRest Blanket: Best Uses and Tips for Folding Back Up

The TravelRest blanket is one of the best travel accessories to have for people who need to travel cheap. Nowadays, airlines rarely provide blankets for customers unless you pay the premium to sit in business or first class. It can be very chilly while flying, and the TravelRest blanket offers a perfect solution. Despite its ability to store back in a fairly small carrying case, and the lightweight quality of the micro fleece, the TravelRest blanket keeps you plenty warm on flights and much more. So what can the blanket be used for and in what circumstances will you need it the most?

Ways to Use the TravelRest Blanket

When the blanket is already folded up in the carrying case, it can be used for lumbar support and as a more traditional feeling pillow. Although smaller than a full sized pillow, it still offers the right amount of cushion and comfort to help you get some shut eye.

If you are someone who needs to place something soft between your knees while sleeping, then the folded up blanket can offer you relief.

When the blanket is expanded to its full size you can choose to wear it like a normal blanket, or you can use the hole in the blanket to wear it like a poncho. The poncho style is nice, because it keeps the blanket from moving or slipping after you fall asleep. This method definitely keeps you the warmest, as it creates the feeling of being tucked in bed.

When the blanket is folded in its carrying case, you can also attach it to the outside of your luggage or bag with the small snapped loop on the case.

Places to Use the TravelRest Blanket

1. Car: Long road trip? No problem! Leaving a Travelrest blanket in the car for long car rides, or for your family and friends to take naps in the car has never been easier. Because the Travelrest blanket stows away in such a small and storable case, it will take up barely any space in your car. 
2. Airplane: Like stated earlier, airlines rarely offer blankets anymore. The Travelrest blanket is perfect sized blanket to fit in any carry on bag, and if it doesn't fit it can snap to the bag handle. You'll never have to worry about being cold on a plane again.  
3. Train: Make short and long train rides more comfortable. Trains are often air conditioned and in the summer when you might hop on the train in shorts, having a blanket to keep you warm until your destination will truly be helpful.
4. Bus: Traveling around by bus? Buses can often be the most uncomfortable method of travel. Space is crammed, the seats recline very little, and you have no place to get up and stretch your legs. Having a Travelrest pillow could really help you sleep through the situation, and the blanket would be the extra touch of comfort. 
5. Home: the Travelrest blanket is the perfect stowaway blanket for the couch or living room. It will take barely any space and is great for curling up to read a book, watch a movie, or take a quick nap.
6. Camping: Curl up next to the campfire, or add an extra layer in your sleeping bag! Camping can get a bit cold at night, but no one likes carrying extra weight when they camp. The Travelrest blanket is a perfect solution. 
7. Wheelchair: people who have to use a wheelchair often don't conduct body heat very well due to the lack of body movement while sitting. The Travelrest blanket is great for those who suffer from lack of circulation and body heat. 
8. Beach: Use the Travelrest blanket to keep warm when the beach gets breezy.

Tips for Folding

Check out the video that teaches you to fold the blanket properly. It took me watching the video two times to figure it out. Here are my tips:

• When the instructor says to flip the pocket inside out, that means to make sure its flipped where the Travelrest logo snap is on the outside. 
• If you don't want to fold it nicely, you can simply stuff the blanket inside the pouch. It isn't as flat or comfortable, but it works. 
• After the pocket is properly flipped, fold the blanket along the seam of the zipper but make sure that after you lay it down the pocket is sticking up above the folded blanket like a top hat. 
• After this part, the rest of the instructions are pretty straight forward. 

Contact Us if you have any more questions about how to use the Travelrest blanket or if you'd like to share your most creative places and ways you've used the blanket!

6 of Our Favorite National Parks Around the World

Most countries have national parks where the most beautiful monuments are preserved in nature. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and love to travel, then national parks definitely make your bucket list. With so many to choose from it can be difficult to decide which national parks will give you that awe factor the most. Luckily, Travelrest has had some experience with national parks and we can offer you some insight into which were our favorites. Let us break it down by area.

UNITED STATES

The US has hundreds of parks you can visit, and each one is filled with different wonders. If you haven't been to a ton of national parks in the US we highly recommend exploring here before moving on to other countries. 

1. Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is one of the most pristine, and heavily visited national parks. The famous John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite, along with a variety of other spectacular hikes. Yosemite has enormous waterfalls, lookout points, advanced hiking and beginner hiking, and easy access to many of the park's best features. If you dare, try making the hike to the top of half dome. This will certainly give you perspective on the enormity of this national park. Everyone can enjoy some natural beauty at Yosemite.

2. Zion National Park: Zion has a lot to offer in terms of hiking. If you are an advanced hiker and a bit of a daredevil, then Angel's Landing is an incredible journey. Many people attempt this hike, but few finish as they realize the difficulty and dangers of it. If you make it to the end, the reward is like being on top of the world! Zion also offers easier hikes that take you along winding rivers through the multi colored sandstone canyons. The colors in the rock are incredibly beautiful, and you'll find awe around every corner. 

EUROPE

3. Plitvice Lakes National Park: Plitvice Lakes is a series of lakes all in a single area in Croatia. Each lake cascades into the next with breathtaking waterfalls, and clear emerald water. The national park has set up boardwalks that allow you to walk right across the lakes for the best views of the waterfalls. This national park is so remarkable that it still made this list even though we visited on a cold, overcast, rainy day. 

SOUTH AMERICA

4. Patagonia National Park: Recognize that name? Probably because you've seen the clothing brand named after the national park being sported by other outdoor obsessed people. Patagonia covers a huge area of about half of Argentina and Chile. Patagonia has penguins, glaciers, pumas, the Torres del Paine and so much more! You could spend a lifetime exploring Patagonia alone. When visiting Patagonia expect to experience all four seasons in a single day. It's common to begin a hike wearing shorts in the sun, and end the hike bundling up because of snowfall. 

ASIA

5. Fuji Hakone Izu National Park: This national park in Japan is famous for its seemingly perfect, cone shaped, snow capped Mount Fuji. Take a hike on Mt. Fuji or go for a relaxing dip in a natural hot spring. The landscape ranges from coastal, islands, to mountains and lakes. You can find plenty to see and do at this national park in Japan. Make sure you take a delicious traditional Japanese bento box for lunch on your excursions!

6. Komodo National Park: Komodo national park is located in Indonesia and is perfect for someone looking to have a bit of a tropical vacation. Go looking for Komodo Dragons in this park, or visit one of the flourishing reefs for a dive. This place is perfect for people interested in seeing abundant wildlife, and taking lots of mini excursions and adventures.

There, you have it! Although it's difficult to choose favorites when it comes to natural wonders, these 6 stood out to us. Let us know which national parks are your favorite! And don't forget to take a Travelrest pillow, blanket, or mask when making the trip to these amazing places. Good times require good rest, and there's no better way to rest on the go than with Travelrest. 

Three NEW Products from Travelrest®

Travelrest® recently released three amazing products to help our customers get better rest while on the go. We released a sleep mask set, U-shaped memory foam pillow, and new memory foam and velour cover for the classic Travelrest pillow.

The first product we released is the Travelrest Tranquility sleep mask set. This kit comes with a sleep mask, earplugs, and satin bag to hold the items. The sleep mask is made of a soft material that contours to the face, has eye pockets for air flow, and room for blinking for a natural feel. If you are someone who likes keeping things orderly while traveling, this kit would be a great addition to your Travelrest Pillow. The satin bag keeps the earplugs and the mask together so you’ll never have to go fishing for them in your bag.

The second item we recently released is the memory foam neck pillow. For those people who enjoy the classic feel of the U-shaped neck pillow, our Travelrest neck pillow will meet every need you are looking for. The ultra soft feel of the outer cover, combined with the contouring effects of the memory foam will surely help you sleep comfortably. There is also a small adjustable clip that attaches the open ends of the U-shaped pillow, so the pillow never moves once you find that perfectly comfortable position.

The final item we released recently is the new and improved Travelrest memory foam cover. After many reviews of the old cover not fully meeting everyone’s expectations, we did a lot of designing and testing to find the perfect solution. This completely new cover is made of incredibly soft velour that anyone will want to cuddle up to. There is an added zipper to the cover running along the side that allows the pillow to easily slide in and out. The hole near the bottom of the cover fits snugly around the valve, and the hole at the top allows the drawstring to still be used. There are also two pockets inside the cover where memory foam pads can be added for extra comfort. Lastly, the extra stretchy and durable elastic at the bottom of the cover allow you to roll up the pillow without removing the cover, and still be able to attach it to your luggage. We tested the cover out for 4 months of travel and it didn’t disappoint even once! This new cover is definitely worth the $14.95 for the added bit of comfort while traveling!

Packing for Travel Made Easy

Are you someone who has difficulty deciding what to take with you on a trip? Do you tend to overpack, forget important items, or take half a day to finish packing? Well, you aren't alone. Tons of people struggle with packing! Luckily, there are plenty of online resources to help you with your packing troubles. Here are some of the best resources:

1. Pinterest

We are always pushing pinterest for anything travel related. People post tons of packing lists for different locations, and you can be sure to find whatever packing help you need there. Whether its an image of a packing list, or a link to a packing website, pinterest is a great place to start for some packing help.

2. HerPackingList

Her Packing List is a blog site for women who travel. It offers tons of options for packing lists based on where you are going, what time of year, how long you will be traveling and more. HerPackingList is a great website for females packing for a place they've never been. It always good to have a little insight into what you should wear and take with you. It is important to respect the cultures of different places and dress can be a large part of that. This blog site is sure to take all those factors into account give you some of the best packing tips out there!

3. PackWhiz

PackWhiz is a website that allows you to customize your own packing list. It's been featured on Oprah, Lifehacker, and cool website of the day. Packwhiz give you the choice to use someone else's pre-made packing list for yourself, or create your own custom one to share with others. Use the packing list online or print it out and cross things off as you go.

4. Travel Tips and Tricks

Look on the web or pinterest for travel tips and tricks. Small tips and tricks can save you tons of space, and can help you avoid taking too much. If you check our TravelRest's pin board on Pinterest for travel tips and tricks, we are constantly finding little things that can help make your travels easier. From DIY mini single sized ointment packs, to car activity packs, to fire starters, to packing techniques that save space, theres a solution for everything!

Sleep is another one of those essential things you need to travel and enjoy your trip. Make your trip a little more enjoyable by making it easier to nap wherever you go. TravelRest makes rest easy and comfortable, so don't forget to take a travelrest pillow with you on your travels!

Best Online Resources for Travel Planning

When it comes to planning your travels, ditch the travel books and search the web! Books are heavy and a pain to carry around when on the road. By searching the web and finding the perfect resources for each location you're going to, you can simply create a small itinerary folder to guide you on your trip. Here are some of our favorite online resources for trip planning:

Destinations

1. Pinterest

Pinterest is a treasure trove of great ideas for travel. Whether you know where you would like to visit, or if you are still looking for a great place to go, Pinterest will definitely serve your needs. Posts on guides to exploring locations are common, and beautiful, awe inspiring photos will have you building a long list of places you'd like to see in the world. When we traveled Europe for three months, Pinterest was always one of our first choices for finding the next place to check out.

2. Rick Steves

Rick Steves  website is also a great resource for trip planning. His best articles and guides are definitely on countries in Europe, but he's been all over. The great thing about Rick Steves is that he recommends sights and places off the beaten path. These unique locations he recommends will be a better representation of the location's culture and country than other tourism driven places. We definitely noticed the difference in location choices when we used Rick's recommendations in Europe.

3. Trip Bucket

Trip Bucket is a forum where people post places they would like to go and they have been and share their ideas and experiences from travel. It's basically a huge collection of bucket lists from people all around the world and feedback from the parts they've completed. You can even create your own bucket list on there! They have recommendations of festivals, places, restaurants, sights, and more. You can sort lists by the most sought after destinations, man made versus natural, spiritual, extreme, sports...I think you get the point, but this site is awesome!

Places to Stay

1. Hostelworld and BedandBreakfastworld

Hostel World and Bed and Breakfast World are two great websites to find cheap places to stay all over the world. All you do is type in your destination and dates and they give you options based on what hostels, hotels, or bed and breakfasts have. You can narrow results to female only rooms, male only, co-ed rooms, or singles. Most of the places listed have ratings and reviews which usually helps in deciding where to stay. We found that the reviews became the most important aspect of choosing a place because everyone's standards and preferences for what is considered a good experience is different.

2. Airbnb

Airbnb is a great resource for people who are sick of staying in hotels and hostels. Airbnb offers a range of properties, but essentially is a place where people post homes, apartments, or rooms for rent. It has the same concept as staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast, with a warmer more homey touch. If you are worried that someone who has posted a listing is a serial killer or something, don't worry, people leave reviews for people they've stayed with and the website makes sure the listings are safe.

Vacation Deals

Everyone loves a good deal on an all inclusive vacation. Here are some of the best sights for getting the best deals for a vacation:

1. TravelZoo

TravelZoo publishes a top 20 every week on the best 20 deals you can get for travels. They have discounts on plane tickets, hotels, all inclusive vacation packages, and more. They even have options for local deals around you! Whether its food, mini excursions, or a one night getaway to a hotel, TravelZoo will be sure to let you know when to buy a deal.

2. Living Social

Living Social is a great resource for local deals and grand vacations. There are new options for deals almost every day and we can almost always find something that perks our interest. Its good to check in on this website from time to time to see what deals they have to offer.

8.5 Hour Train Rides with the TravelRest

Traveling by train has both positives and negatives. Some of the best things about traveling by train is that its pretty hassle free, convenient because train stations exist everywhere in Europe, and you get to see a lot of beautiful scenery on the way.

If you have a train pass like I do in Europe, then you probably want to get the most out of it that you can. Train passes aren't cheap, but they are definitely worth your money if you make trains your main form of transportation. That stated, you may opt for a pretty long train ride somewhere over a plane flight in some cases. In one particular case on my way to Croatia I chose to take the 8 and a half hour train  ride from Munich to Zagreb. It was the longest train ride I had encountered since I began my trip, and didn't know whether the train cars would be old or new. Well, the the train was pretty old, the seats were rather rigid, and the seats were also too short in height to be comfortable. 

Yet another moment when the TravelRest saved the day! I set the pillow up so it was partially attached to the headrest, and the bottom half would be used freestyle. I shift around in my sleep, so this method of using the TravelRest pillow is great because the pillow will automatically adjust with my varying positions. One exception is that it won't automatically shift to the other side of your head. We're still trying to figure out how that might be incorporated one day. 

If you haven't tried this using the TravelRest pillow like this, definitely give it a try and let us know what you think :) Or if you ever have feedback for us, we would love to hear from you so we can improve your experience with the TravelRest! Email us at info@travelrest.net

On another note, it might be beneficial to bring the TravelRest blanket with you on a European journey too. I've encountered hostels where providing your own blankets is expected. Almost all the trains I've ridden completely lack lumbar support, and the TravelRest blanket is a great way to support your back and keep from ending up in a slumping position. 

Sevilla and Ronda, The Gems of Spain

The entire Andalucia region of Spain beautiful. The picturesque white houses surrounded by reddish brown dusty mountains is a typical sight in these parts. Two of my favorite places were Sevilla and Ronda, and these cities also turned out to be my favorite in all of Spain. 

(Photo: Royal Alcazar Gardens)

Sevilla holds a lot of history for Spain. The Royal Alcazar is Sevilla's most popular sight, but don't let the idea of a crowd deter you. When I visited, there was barely anyone around. The Alcazar was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen in my life. The tiles, carvings, paintings, woodwork, and architecture of the palace was breathtaking. Every inch of the place had incredible detail and this made it impossible to really absorb the intricacies of the Alcazar. You could easily spend a whole day here. The gardens behind the palace are 4 times as vast, and each new section of the garden transports you to a different country through the style the garden was created. Endless fountains, a maze, benches, walking paths, different plant life, and even peacocks exist! I highly recommend the Royal Alcazar to anyone visiting Sevilla. 

(Photo: inside the Royal Alcazar)

Another must see is the Plaza de España. It's difficult to describe how huge and marvelous the Plaza is, so you'll have to see for yourself. You can take a small rowboat in the tiny canal in between the plaza and the huge half moon shaped building in the plaza, which is a nice way to enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, there are plenty of benches around to soak up the Plaza, but you should really get up close to appreciate the intricacies. Like the Alcazar, there was a lot of detail put into the Plaza de España. D

There's also a great park nearby!

(Photo: Plaza de España)

Ronda is a small town easily accessible by train from Sevilla. Despite its small size, there's plenty to see and do. The famous Puente Nuevo bridge is amazing, but the best views of it are a short walk down the hill. The signs for the viewpoint aren't that obvious so be sure to ask your hotel or hostel reception for a map. There are also ruins of some baths you can visit, hanging gardens, churches, a small museum on the history of Ronda, and the bullfighting museum. Ronda is actually the birthplace of modern day bullfighting so this is a must see! 

 (Photo: Puente Nuevo)

(Photo: moonrise over Ronda)

Make sure to have some tapas while you're visiting Spain. There's a great place called Dos De Mayo in Sevilla where the atmosphere is lively, and the tapas are delicious! It's quick, easy, and very cheap too! You have to go to the counter to order and pick up your food, then pay at the counter after too, so this isn't your typical sit down restaurant. I highly recommend this place!

The Markets, Architecture, and Life in Barcelona, Spain

In every city where I can find a market, I always make it part of my plans to stop and check out what types of goods are being sold. Some markets, like the one in Nice, have a variety of food, handcrafted goods, artwork, and flowers. Others are more specific to just food or just crafts. The Boqueria Market in Barcelona is a food market where the fruit is stacked high, juices are fresh, the fish looks freshly caught, and you'll see more dried pigs legs hanging than you can imagine. The smells and colors in the market are enough to thrill your senses! Make sure to try a 1 Euro freshly blended juice. They are delicious and perfect for a hot day! I especially liked the papaya coconut blend. The vendors making food there also offer some great traditional flavors and are worth trying for a small snack.

This market offered a better variety of food than all the others I've seen, and if you stay long enough you'll get to see some locals quickly go through and pick items out for a meal. It's interesting to see what Spaniards choose to combine for food, as it is very different from a typical American diet. La Boqueria Market is located on la Rambla street, which is a street famous for shopping and food. La Rambla is also known for its live human statues who are on the end of the street side closer to the pier. The statues are great for taking photos with so drop 'em a coin and join the fun.

After you've satisfied your stomach, take a tour through a section of the city. Barcelona can't be seen in a single day so make sure to allow enough time to explore the city. I definitely suggest checking out some of the houses Gaudi designed like casa Batlló, as well as his park called Parque Guell where you'll see the famous ceramic tile lizard and Gaudi's residence. This park also offers a spectacular view of Barcelona! Admission to the park is free and buses run regularly. 

The Sagrada Familia is also a must see in Barcelona, but getting in is a hassle so make sure to arrive very early if you want a tour. The famed church is frequently undergoing maintenance, as it was when I saw it, so the outside of the church may not have the appearance you expect. However, the Sagrada Familia is still architecturally amazing, enormous, and shows beautiful detail everywhere. Go see it! 

A stop in Barcelona wouldn't be complete without a giant Seafood Paella, sangria, and a night out. My recommendation is Port Olímpic. In that port there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but I especially liked La Fonda. It was perhaps the largest meal I've had on my entire trip for a reasonable price. If you go with another person, share their 15 Euro paella set menu. You get about 7 or 8 large appetizers, plus paella, plus a drink of choice, plus desert of choice, plus coffee. When I went, the waiter offered complimentary lemon liqueur with cakes as well. You won't be able to eat it all, but it was sure a delicious and cost effective way to try a variety of Spanish food. After your meal, there are plenty of clubs and bars at Port Olímpic to dance the night away! 

French Riviera in Summertime

The French Riviera is a must see if you are touring around France. It has something to offer everyone, but is the most beautiful during the summer when the beaches are lined with picturesque blue and yellow umbrellas. A few of the most accessible and best towns to visit are Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. I visited all three but enjoyed Nice the most, so let me offer you my thoughts on Nice.

By far the largest tourist destination of the three cities I listed, Nice can often be portrayed as too commercial or overly crowded. In some areas, you may find that true. But Nice has authentic charm and can offer solitary relaxation if you know where to go. The old town of Nice will have you oohing and awing around every corner as you weave through narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and specialty shops. Much of the old town finds its charm in the mix of French and Italian history that you can find out more about if you take a guided tour. A tour is definitely recommended for Nice because the major sights don't have any plaque descriptions of their historical significance. Walking in the old town you may pass by a gelato stand called Fenocchio, which offers 100+ flavors and its definitely worth trying some of their unique ones like avocado or lavender. If you go during the height of summer then you'll see that a gelato break is a great way to cool off a bit.

A must see in Nice is the flower and fruit market in the old town that happens 6 days a week, and the other day is a flea market. Make sure to check out the lavender and soaps at the market. The region is known for lavender and you'll see it everywhere. Buy some fruit, bread, vegetables or whatever you'd like and then take a walk to the end of the old town where you'll find stone steps leading to the top of a hill. This spot is a great place for a picnic! It has the best panoramic views of Nice and has a beautiful waterfall just below the top. It's a great spot to take some photos!

If you're looking for a place to relax, then head past the hill beyond the old town to a smaller sandy beach in VilleFranche Sur Mer. You'll notice that the beaches in Nice are pebbles, and that's not always the most comfortable. Not to mention, few people venture toward this other beach. The best way is to get there is by taking the bus, which has a stop right behind the hill for the picnic and view of Nice. You can also arrive by train, and I believe it's only one stop away. Local tip: take an umbrella and beach mat, and your TravelRest Pillow! The TravelRest came in handy in the French Riviera because sandy or pebbly, the beaches were still uncomfortable. The TravelRest pillow gave a little bit of extra comfort to laying on such a stiff surface. 

The reason I preferred Nice to Cannes and Monaco is because there is much more to see and do. Cannes is a beautiful day trip, with big label shopping stores and cafes and a nice sandy beach. If you love to shop, then Cannes is definitely your spot. The beach is taken up mostly by hotels and private beach clubs, so public areas are limited. Monaco is also a wonderful day trip, and the number of mega yachts and expensive cars are enough to keep anyone wide eyed. If that doesn't thrill you then, there's a fun garden in the outskirts of Monaco that has a huge array of cactus and other plants. Some small museums and art exhibits are scattered throughout too. But be prepared for a larger budget in Monaco, because nothing is reasonable there. 

Bath, England: Roman Baths and Fashion History

Bath, England has much more to offer than meets the eye. You could easily spend 4 days there and still not see everything. Two of my favorite places when I visited Bath were the Roman Baths and the Fashion Museum. These are popular tourist attractions for a good reason. If you ever visit Bath and decide you want to see both, then there are combined tickets for these two attractions that will save you a little bit of money.

The Roman Baths are absolutely spectacular. You could spend about half a day there and feel like you got the full experience. It would be easy to speed through it in about an hour an a half, but you can't learn anything in that time frame. The museum and exhibition has you literally walking on the old ruins and leads you through each room in succession, to provide an accurate experience of bathing during Roman times. There are free guided tours that are wonderful, as well, so be sure to catch one of those! If you can't make a guided tour then opt for an audio guide. It will really help you understand the history, the ruins recovery and discovery, and the impact on civilization around Bath. 

The Fashion Museum is also a spectacular display of clothing and trends through time, with both high fashion labels and clothing without a brand. It shows how fashion has developed and sometimes has special exhibitions. When I went, the Laura Ashley exhibit was showing. Keep in mind that this museum displays mostly women's fashions, with some men's pieces here and there. This would be a fun museum for anyone whose interested in fashion from now going back to the 16th century. 

There is also a free walking tour of the city that meets outside the Roman Baths, and you can find out more information about this tour at the tourist info center in the adjacent square to the Baths. This tour was informative and fun, and the tour guide offered stories about old residents of Bath that you won't forget. This is the best way to see all the main attractions, as it is actually FREE! No tips accepted :)

Staying in Bath:

Hostels are an easy way to travel, and if you choose to travel by hostels then I have a recommendation for Bath. Don't stay in St. Christopher's hostel. It was noisy, dirty, didn't have a kitchen. In fact, I figured out that they don't clean and change the sheets after each person, they turn them inside out. There aren't too many hostels in Bath, but I'd opt for a cheap hotel or bed and breakfast somewhere in the city. You're much more likely to have a clean bed and room, and better service than any hostel.

Transportation Choices and the TravelRest Pillow

Traveling around the United Kingdom, I took mostly trains and buses to get from place to place. Not only is it the cheapest way to travel, but traveling by train can be the fastest too. If you do decide to travel by train around the UK or Europe, then make sure you book tickets in advance. Like plane tickets, the train tickets get more expensive as you book them more last minute. Buses are definitely the cheapest form of transportation, but you lose a lot of time for exploring cities since bus trips almost always take longer. 

Traveling is also exhausting, and I'm beginning to notice that I fall asleep most frequently on trains and buses. That's when the TravelRest pillow comes in handy! 

On a particular bus trip, I was especially happy to have my TravelRest with me. The woman in front of me was trying to lay down across two very uncomfortable seats with her head jammed against the bus wall and legs hanging off the edge into the isle. I luckily had my TravelRest pillow with me and within the minute I had my pillow set up and was ready to take my nap. After getting off the bus, I overheard the woman in front of me telling her husband that her neck was hurting from the position she was in and that she didn't get a wink! That was one of those moments where I was very thankful for my TravelRest pillow. 

It's so hard to find comfort while traveling, but the TravelRest pillow is one of those things that allows me to feel rested even when I'm in the most uncomfortable places. 

Scotland: Edinburgh & the Fringe Festival

The beauty of Scotland stretches from the Highlands to the Lowlands and especially finds its place in Edinburgh. If you ever decide to make a trip to Edinburgh, then consider visiting the city during the annual Fringe Festival. The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh is one of the best in the world, and will keep you entertained all day and night for a whole month. With over 2,500 shows in under a month this year (2013), you'll definitely find something to keep you busy. There are an endless number of free shows (many comedy acts are free), and you can't go wrong with a few laughs and smiles! 

The Fringe is such a popular festival that the poplation of Edinburgh city more than doubles from all the people that show up for the month. So if you can't handle crowds, and aren't interested in the arts, then visiting Edinburgh during this time probably isn't for you. I personally had an incredible time at the Fringe and saw a couple comedy acts, a dance/ circus show, and plenty of fun street performances.

With or without the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh still holds its own as an incredible city to visit. One of the top attractions is Edinburgh Castle, where you can take a tour of the old castle and see the recovered Honors of Scotland (the stone, the crown, the sceptor, and the sword). I toured the castle with an audio guide, which helped explain the history of the castle, each room you enter, and the architecture and decorations within and outside the Castle. I highly recommend the audio guide to make the most of your visit. Also stop to listen to any demonstrations being given; I learned some cool facts by stopping to listen. One fact I learned is that the term best man came from more barbaric times of marriage, when your best man was actually your best fighting man. Instead of just choosing a good friend to support your marriage, you chose a strong fighter to defend you in the case that an armed man tried to stop your marriage. 

Another great attraction in Edinburgh is Holyrood Palace and the Queens Gallery. If you are planning on visiting Buckingham Palace and don't want to spend extra money on something similar then just visit the Queens Gallery. This last time I went, the Gallery was showing the original drawings from Leonardo DaVinci's Mechanics of Man. The exhibit was mind-blowing and really taught me a lot about the body and about DaVinci's impact on the scientific world (versus his well known impact on the arts). The admission to the Queen's Gallery is very reasonable (around 6 pounds).

Lastly, try out a Rabbie's tour of the Highlands for a day. For around an average of 40-50 pounds each, you can have a tour guide show you around the highlands with a small group of about 15 people. The Highlands is a very large area and these tours are a great way to get introduced to a place you'll likely want to return to. The Highlands is full of amazing hiking and walking if you have an interest in outdoor activities. 

Whatever you decide to see or do in Scotland, the country is truly one of the most beautiful places I've seen. And if you're interested in the arts and free comedy shows, then you won't regret visiting Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival!

Ireland: Dublin's Pubs and People

TravelRest is always trying to make our pillow better, so you can have the most rested, and best possible experience traveling. The first stop TravelRest made on our journey through Europe was Ireland, and guess what was #1 on our packing list? The TravelRest pillow, of course!

The TravelRest pillow isn't exactly the most fashionable accessory out there, but it's sure worth those precious moments of shut eye. If you're a female traveling through Europe on a budget, then packing for your trip may prove to be a difficult task. I used this website to help guide me: http://herpackinglist.com/2011/12/ultimate-female-travel-packing-lists/

Maybe these packing lists will help you out a little too, but don't forget to add the TravelRest pillow to your personal list!

A little tip on getting to Europe: Ireland is a great place to start. Not only is Ireland a country where English is used widely, but it's also one of the least expensive countries to fly to from the US. Aer Lingus is known as one of those airlines with cheap tickets, so check them out. 

Dublin is a city with a dark history, pretty drab architecture, but the pubs and people are spectacular. Every street you turn down has at least one pub if not multiple, and the drink of choice is usually Guinness - what's sometimes referred to as the tall blond in a black dress. If you find yourself in Ireland, you must order a pint of Guinness. Unlike many dark beers, Guinness has a smooth, creamy taste (some liken it to chocolate milk). If you visit the Guinness Storehouse Museum/Factory then you'll learn that it takes exactly 119.5 seconds to pour a perfect pint of the beer. You'll even have a chance to pour a perfect pint yourself and gain expert certification ;) I did!

If you're a solo traveller like I am, then don't be intimidated by going out to any of these pubs. One of Irelands best qualities is the people. Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I got lost in Dublin more than a few times and someone was always kind enough to stop and help me on my way. You can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Meeting other travelers is great, but try talking to a local, they'll give you an extremely warm welcome and introduction to the country they love calling home. 

Lastly, look up some free walking tours of Dublin. Dublin is easy to travel through by foot and a tour guide can help explain some important historical information about the city and country. 

(If you come to this spot, ask someone about the significance of Lady Justice's facing)

Make sure to learn some gaelic words while you're there too! Sláinte! (pronounced Slahn-cha; means cheers)

The TravelRest is Traveling!

Here at TravelRest we are always trying to make our products better so you can get the maximum amount of enjoyment from your travels. What better way to do that than to do some traveling ourselves! So we've brought the TravelRest pillow to Europe to test its limits, find new ways to use it, and share some insight with you along the way.

Keep checking in regularly to find new blog posts about how the TravelRest pillow is making its way across Europe. We'll also share some useful information on places to see, things to do, best bars, eateries, hostels and hotels, stories, PLENTY OF TIPS and more! 

Tip #1: Make sure you've got your TravelRest Pillow!! It'll be handy in more way than you can imagine. 

Welcome to our new site!

As you have noticed, our website, www.travelrest.net got a facelift. You will find it easier to navigate, find the information you want, and easier to order.

If you haven't done business with us yet, then welcome!


A little bit about our pillow...
With its patented ergonomic shape, the TravelRest pillow attaches to any seat back, nestling against the head and neck to provide support and comfort in flight or on the road.


Even without a seat back, TravelRest's versatile design provides excellent support - simply sling the tether cord over your head and shoulder... and relax. It's The Travel Pillow, Reinvented!


A little bit about our blanket...
A Poncho style blanket made from micro-fleece that covers your shoulders and won't slip down. Perfect for home auto, train, and air travel.


Stay tuned as we add more products designed specifically for your traveling needs...

The Travel Pillow Reviewed

We were recently reviewed (for our TravelRest Travel Pillow) by a blogger who took a trip to Arizona.

As Laura says, "I will never travel without one again."

Check it out!

TravelRest Pillow Review

Here we are!

Welcome to our blog. Stay tuned for new stories, products, updates, and reviews...