The First Place You Should Visit After Unpacking

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Here's one thing you should definitely do when traveling to a new location.

As soon as you arrive at your accommodation, drop your bags and make a beeline for the local grocery store.

Trust me, it's an activity that's totally worth it.

First of all, it's a great way to get a glimpse of the local food. You can see the types of foods that are offered in the area, and maybe even discover some unique flavors and items that your store back home doesn't have. Plus, let's be real, refilling on snacks is a must. No matter how many snacks I bring with me on the airplane, they always mysteriously disappear by the time the plane lands.

Another awesome thing about hitting up the grocery store is that it's a fantastic money-saving hack. You can grab essentials and refill on some things without breaking the bank. And believe me, the price differences between the food offered at restaurants versus what's available for sale at different grocery stores can be mind-boggling.

I have so much fun exploring grocery stores in different countries, and I strongly encourage you to give it a try. It's interesting, it's economical, and it adds a whole new dimension to your travel experience. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

What's the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?

Cocktail of the Week

One popular cocktail from Malaysia is the "Jungle Bird." This unique and flavorful drink originated in the vibrant cocktail scene of Kuala Lumpur. Created in the 1970s at the Aviary Bar, the Jungle Bird combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and lime with the richness of dark rum and the distinctive bitterness of Campari, resulting in a complex and intriguing cocktail.

• Recipe:
  • 1.5 ounces dark rum
  • 0.75 ounce Campari
  • 0.5 ounce lime juice
  • 0.5 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • Pineapple wedge or mint sprig for garnish
  • Ice cubes
• Preparation:
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Add the dark rum, Campari, lime juice, simple syrup, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
  • Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine all the ingredients.
  • Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes.
  • Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the glass.
  • Optional: garnish the drink with a pineapple wedge or a sprig of mint leaves for a tropical touch.

Random Travel Thought

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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