How to Pack Like a Pro Traveler
Episode 34 provides all the best travel packing tips you need to know to fit an international getaway into a (free) carry on! We also debunk packing cubes and reveal the one thing we cannot travel without. Episode 34 covers our top travel packing tips: When to bring a carry on vs checked luggage Luggage recommendations What to pack in personal bag What to pack in carry on or checked luggage Packing advice for knowing what to pack for the trip Planning outfits for your trip And we share some of our favorite packing techniques: Just make it fit Roll and stuff Marie Kondo fold Splitting a checked bag Connect with us: Follow the travel squad on Instagram @travelsquadpodcast Jamal: @jamalmarrush Brittanie: @brittanieharbick Kim: @lushdeez Zeina: @zeina_marrush Get in touch! Email us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to discuss: Being a guest on our podcast or having the squad on yours Ask a travel question for Question of the Week Inquire about brand advertising
10 Mar 202046min
Bryce Canyon National Park Weekender
Episode 33 takes us on a weekend trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, a place with gorgeous orange and red colors, rock formations like hoodoos and archways. We loved Bryce Canyon and you will too!We’re sharing the best hikes in Bryce Canyon for those that love longer hikes and those that are looking for easy hikes in Bryce Canyon. This place is gorgeous and just walking around looking at it will fulfill your vacation dreams here.In episode 33 we talk about:Driving to Bryce Canyon National Park from Las VegasTop hikes in in Bryce Canyon National ParkWhere to stay in Bryce Canyon for a free breakfast buffet What to expect from the town of BryceWhere to Stay in Bryce: Bryce is the town right outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. Here are a few hotels that we recommend in the area:Best Western Plus Ruby’s InnBest Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand HotelBryce View LodgeActivities & Tours: Bryce Canyon has a ton of great hiking opportunities and scenic overlooks, however if you are looking for a guided tour, consider this Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon. Where to Fly Into: The closest airports to Bryce Canyon are Cedar City followed by the St. George Regional Airport, however the closes major airport is the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (4 hrs away). Find a great flight deal to these airports by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.Hiking Gear: Check out our "Hiking Must Haves" Amazon list If you love Bryce, then you'll love Utah's other four national parks. Check out our Itinerary to see Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks on a 10-Day Road TripShop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
3 Mar 202042min
48 Hours in Dubai
Dubai is a city that dazzles with its mix of futuristic skyscrapers, luxury resorts, sprawling malls, cultural souks, and desert landscapes. Often called the Vegas of the Middle East, without the gambling or drinking, Dubai is a global hub where East meets West, tradition meets innovation, and cultures from around the world come together.In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we’re taking you along on our two-day stopover in Dubai. While Dubai has endless things to see and do, our short visit gave us just a taste of its opulence, adventure, and unique cultural experiences. From sunrise camel trekking in the desert to luxury dining inside an aquarium, we packed a lot into a quick trip!Trip Highlights from Our 48 Hours in Dubai Include:Staying at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort – complete with a balcony view, private beach, and access to the waterpark & aquariumRiding camels on a sunrise desert safari with a traditional breakfast in the sand dunesSplashing all day at Aquaventure Waterpark, with thrilling slides like the Leap of Faith and Shark Attack tunnelDining at Ossiano, a 9+ course underwater tasting experience next to the aquarium – with live piano music and unforgettable dishesVisiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and taking in the panoramic city viewsStopping by the Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s iconic 7-star hotel, and learning how you can gain entryExploring the Dubai Mall with its world-class shopping and cuisines from around the globeWalking through the Dubai Marina for coffee, hookah, and stunning waterfront architectureDubai isn’t a city you can fully experience in just two days – there’s so much more we didn’t get to do. But if you’re on a quick layover or short visit like we were, this episode will give you plenty of ideas on how to maximize your time and still leave feeling amazed by this incredible city.If you have more time to spend in the area, take a look at these additional recommended activities to do in Dubai via Viator.There is no shortage of amazing hotels to stay in while in Dubai; however, our recommended favorites include:Atlantis, The PalmJumeirah Beach Hotel DubaiJumeirah Zabeel Saray DubaiBurj Al ArabIf you're looking for a flight deals to Dubai, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10to get $10 off your first year subscription. Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
25 Feb 20201h 9min
5 Days in Lebanon!
In this week’s episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we are taking you on an unforgettable journey through Lebanon – a small but incredibly diverse country nestled on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean. Lebanon is known for its ancient history, culinary traditions, stunning Mediterranean coast, Roman ruins, beautiful landscapes, vibrant nightlife and warm hospitality. The Squad spent 5 full days exploring Lebanon, packed into a 10-day international trip that also included a stop in Dubai (which we’ll cover in next week’s episode!). From ancient Roman ruins to delicious street food, snow-capped mountains to Mediterranean beaches, Lebanon delighted us at every turn, and should be on everyone’s travel visit list!Highlights of Lebanon Include:Exploring downtown BeirutRaouche (Pigeon Rocks) - Iconic rock formations in Beirut along the Mediterranean coastJeita Grotto - A stunning limestone cave complex with stalagmites and stalactitesBatara Gorge Waterfall - An 837 ft. waterfall that cascades into a giant sinkhole within the limestone rocks and mountains of LebanonCedars of God - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Lebanese Cedar forests talked about through antiquity and mentioned 103 times throughout the BibleByblos - One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, right along the Mediterranean, and home to Roman ruinsJounieh to Harissa - Taking the famous gondolas from the seaside town of Jounieh to the the top of the mountain in Harissa, which offers unmatched views of the Mediterranean coastAnjar - Ruins of the 8th-Century Umayyad palace city Ksara Winery - Founded by Jesuit Priests in 1857, it is Lebanon's oldest and largest winery Baalbek - A UNESCO site, it is home to some of the most well preserves, as well as largest Roman ruins outside of RomeLebanon is a small country, and everything can be easily reached via day trip from the Capital of Beirut. Therefore, we recommend staying in Beirut and traveling from there. While in Beirut, we recommend staying at the following accommodations:InterContinental Phoenicia Beverly Hotel BeirutStaybridge Suites BeirutRadisson BLU Martinez Hotel BeirutWhile exploring Beirut and Lebanon on your own can be easy, we highly recommend booking tours and activites to make your time in Lebanon more enjoyable and unique. Be sure to check out things to do in Beirut and the surrounding areas via Viator.If you're looking for a flight deals to Lebanon, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
18 Feb 20201h 32min
Girls Getaway to Palm Desert
We are taking a girls weekend trip to Palm Desert, California! Brittanie and Kim and joined by Deja and the Chelseas for a trip to remember. Everyone loves a good girls getaway! You’ve probably heard of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley, but there is so much more to this area than music festivals. Desert life is different, definitely a place to be seen and experienced!W talk about:Hiking in Joshua Tree National ParkDigging our own $0.59 cacti at Cactus MartA sketchy stay at Red Roof Inn in Palm DesertHiking the Painted Canyon Ladder Trail (so cool!!)International Banana MuseumSalton SeaSalvation MountainSlab City, East JesusHotels in Big Bear we recommend:Lagonita Lodge, Fox Bear Cottages Big Bear, or rent a cabin in the forest. Check out our curated list of things to do in Big Bear on our Viator shop, these are all the experiences we recommend here anytime of year.Find a great flight deal to Big Bear or nearby Ontario airport by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
11 Feb 202041min
Travel Tips for New International Travelers
Episode 29 we are giving all our best travel tips and advice that first-time international travelers should know. We’re taking everything we learned throughout our extensive local and international travel experiences and sharing all the things we wish we knew when we started traveling. In episode 29 we cover: Common excuses for not traveling How to get a passport How to find out if a visa is required, and how to get one Is travel insurance worth it? Travel vaccinations and medications Altering your bank for travel Registering travel with the embassy Travel preparations and precautions to protect yourself Packing - what you really need and what you can leave behind Best tips for thriving while traveling in another country What to expect in customs How to avoid getting scammed while traveling Connect with us: Follow the travel squad on Instagram @travelsquadpodcast Jamal: @jamalmarrush Brittanie: @brittanieharbick Kim: @lushdeez Zeina: @zeina_marrush Get in touch! Email us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to discuss: Being a guest on our podcast or having the squad on yours Ask a travel question for Question of the Week Inquire about brand advertising Just say “hi” See more at travelsquadpodcast.com
4 Feb 20201h 10min
Big Bear Lake Weekend Trip
We’re taking a mountain weekend trip and bringing you the best things to do in Big Bear Lake, CA.Big Bear is a cute small Southern California mountain town known for its winter recreational sports, water activities on the lake, and hiking trails. The town is a three-hour drive from San Diego and the Travel Squad went for a one-nighter trip. Even though the trip lasted less than 48 hours, you know we packed in so many things to do in Big Bear.We cover:How to get to Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaHiking trails we recommend in Big Bear LakeKayaking on Big Bear Lake during the droughtWhere to stay in Big Bear - Timberline Lodge is truly a hidden gemBig Bear during the snowy winter monthsHotels in Big Bear we recommend:Lagonita Lodge, Fox Bear Cottages Big Bear, or rent a cabin in the forest. Check out our curated list of things to do in Big Bear on our Viator shop, these are all the experiences we recommend here anytime of year.Find a great flight deal to Big Bear or nearby Ontario airport by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!
28 Jan 202033min
Epic South Africa & Zimbabwe Adventures with Safari in Kruger National Park, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls - Part 2
The African adventure continues! In Part 2 of our bucket list trip to Africa, we leave eSwatini (Swaziland) and head into South Africa’s Kruger National Park for one more safari, then road trip the stunning Panorama Route, explore the deep history of Johannesburg and Soweto, and finally fly to Zimbabwe to witness the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.We share the wild animal encounters, jaw-dropping landscapes, travel mishaps, and funny squad moments that made this trip unforgettable. From walking with lions to getting our yogurt stolen by monkeys (seriously), this episode wraps up our epic 14-day journey through Africa.Places We Went on This Trip:eSwatini (Swaziland)Safari game drive in Kruger National Park, South AfricaPanorama Route & Johannesburg, South AfricaVictoria Falls, ZimbabweHighlights of Safari Game Drive in Kruger National Park Include:Sunrise on the African plains/savannah Seeing a lion stalking prey which turned into a stampede of kudu and springbokWildlife sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, baboons, and seeing a leopard kill in a treeHighlights of the Panoramic Route Drive and Johannesburg Include:Scenic drive with stops at Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, and Bourke's Luck PotholesHalf-day Soweto tour, including stopping at Nelson Mandela's former homeVisit to the Apartheid MuseumHighlights of Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Include: Sunset Game Cruise on the Zambezi RiverStaying at an epic lodge that overlooked a natural watering hole that allowed for spectacular wildlife viewings right from our room"Walk with Lions" encounter Visiting the mighty Victoria FallsWe experienced Africa on a guided tour, and all our hotels were included. However, if you plan to visit South Africa, Zimbabwe, and this region on your own, to make your travel planning easier, we have included a link for hotels on Expedia here. To further help you plan, be sure to check out additional activities, tours and things to do via Viator.If you're looking for a flight deals to Africa, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
21 Jan 20201h 17min
