Travel

50 Unique Hiking Gifts For Outdoors Enthusiasts

We love hiking and basically any outdoor activity that we come across. I’d say that roughly 90% of our trips have some camping or aspect of trekking.

That in mind, we also use a lot of supplies and small gadgets to make hiking easier for us since it can be a rough ride sometimes unless you’re glamping. 

We have things that help keep us comfortable while hiking and some things that hold food (those are my favorite).

Not all hikers are like us, but I guarantee there are numerous similarities in interest for many outdoors enthusiasts. So, I feel confident in recommending unique gifts for hikers, because I know that I would love them!

There’s a lot to choose from as well, so I understand that you may be overwhelmed looking through lists of hiking gear. That’s alright! Hikers love new gear and almost anything will be appreciated if it makes hiking a little bit easier.

Just read some of the suggestions and see what pops out, any of these will probably get a hefty thank you from an avid hiker.

Let’s not waste any more time and get to our list of great gifts for hikers!

Budget Gifts for Hikers

The list of gifts below are going to be separated by budget just in case you’re like us and love to save money!

 

Hiking Gifts Below $25

Thankfully there are plenty of options to save money and still surprise your friends or family with awesome hiking gear! These are not just cheap hiking gifts but are also quality options that will still be loved.

Stanley Classic Flask

Not many hikers expect to receive a gift to carry hooch in while they hike. But I guarantee there are a few people out there (me personally) that would love this gift! It comes in the classic Stanley green design and 3.2 ounces of whatever drink they want to fill it with.

Not everyone drinks though, that’s what the other options on this list are for!

Trekking Poles

I never even knew about trekking poles until I went to Germany and every person I walked by had them.

Have you ever went walking around as a kid and picked up the nearest stick to walk with? These are the grown-up versions that work a bit better than a stick.

We have a pair that we keep in the trunk of our car for local hiking trips and they really come in handy. You obviously still have to exert effort to walk around, but they do help balance and relieve some tension.

GearLight LED Headlamp 

A lot of the hikes we do are day hikes, but sometimes we’ll camp between hikes. There’s nothing quite like being in the outdoors for the night and gazing at the stars. But, a sure-fire way to ruin a night of camping or hiking is to stub your toe on a tree root or trip over a log.

The convenient and easy solution to the problem is a headlamp! I have one for late night hikes and really anything I need done when it’s dark out.

An Adventure Journal! 

We’ve gone on hikes all over the world and sadly there are certain aspects I struggle to remember. Ever have those moments where you know there’s something you forgot, but you just can’t remember what you forgot? I get those moments frequently when reminiscing on a trip and it wasn’t until recently that I got a journal to record our expeditions around the globe.

Pocket Chainsaw 

I don’t expect to be chopping down trees and building a log cabin during a hike. But sometimes during a camping trip it does help to be able to get some logs thicker than a twig for a fire. Having a convenient to carry and useful way to cut down a small tree is something any boy scout would make use of!

Stormproof Matches

So, you’ve cut down a tree with your pocket chainsaw, you’ve collected some kindling, and you’re ready to start a fire to cuddle up near. It sure would be a shame if the matches you brought were wet and useless. No surprise what the next statement is going to be, get waterproof matches! These are made to withstand the wet and cold conditions a hike can bring.

Oceas Outdoor Pocket Blankets

Need a blanket to keep you warm at a rest during your hike? This one isn’t it! But seriously, these blankets are thin and are mainly for laying out on the ground to avoid bugs and any wet areas. I just wanted to clear that up since blanket is in the name, it’s more of a very useful tarp!

UV Arm Sleeves

Hiking for hours on end means being outside, usually in direct sunlight. While I’ve been on plenty of hikes through a forest, there were just as many that were out in the open. If I had a pair of decent sleeves that were cool and could stop the sun, I would’ve avoided a few sunburns.

LifeStraw

A more affordable option to water purification, the Lifestraw cleans water as you drink it. It’s an awesome invention and very portable! This one might not be used every hike as most hikers carry water with them, it is great in an emergency or camping.

Hiking Socks!

I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone that hiking means a lot of walking. Yes, having a good pair of boots is important, but so is having some solid hiking socks! I made the mistake of doing my first hike in ankle socks and that was a mistake I never made again. So, if you really want an affordable gift for that trekker of yours, get them some hiking socks!

Moleskins For Blisters

A not often talked about hiking amenity are moleskins, which are a life saver! While I was in the Army, they made a world of difference in how well my hooves were taken care of. A blister does more than ruin a hike, it ruins the next two weeks of walking anywhere. Using a moleskin to cover the blister prone areas helps stop the chafing and keeps them blister free!

Hiking Waterproof Raincoats

You can’t plan what the weather will do, and sometimes there’s rainy days. That doesn’t mean the hike has to stop and sometimes the rain doesn’t show up until you’re halfway through anyway. Having a ready to go raincoat is how you prepare for unexpected rain and if you’re getting it for a hiker, they need to be minimal. These raincoats are easy to carry along when folded and won’t weigh someone down!

Compass! 

For the more serious outdoors type, a reliable compass is a very useful gift, especially for someone interested in navigation. While there are a lot of other options for getting around (GPS and all) a compass is a reliable analog device that any hiker should know how to use with a map.

Funny Hiking Shirt

A simple gift for anyone, a funny hiking shirt is sure to get a laugh. Plus, who doesn’t wear clothes?

Tick Removers

Being an avid hiker means a lot of outdoors time. I grew up going hiking, fishing, and camping fairly often, and I had quite a few tick bites along the way. While it’s great if you can avoid them, the sad truth is sometimes people will get them. It helps to have a keychain sized tick remover handy to get rid of those pesky bugs!

Smartphone Gloves

It’s the 21^st century and almost everyone has a smartphone, even hikers. At the same time, you want to keep your fingers warm and dry on a hike. So, why shouldn’t you be able to keep your hands comfy and still use your phone? These gloves solve that problem and make for a great gift for any hiker!

Portable Smartphone Tripod 

This goes along with the smartphone gloves. We love to take photos during our hike, and we have a small, moldable tripod just for it. I don’t expect to be able to find a stranger to take our photo (not in the middle of the woods), and this lets us get great photos without a phone balancing act.

Hand Warmers 

I’ve been on some chilly hikes and camping trips. While a fire is nice for camping, you can’t exactly hike with a fire by you. A few hand warmers in your pockets help keep the cold off and any hiker you give them to will be very grateful!

Portable Wine kit

There are options to get some beer to the end of a hike, why not some wine? If you have friends or family that are outdoors enthusiasts and wine lovers, this is the best possible gift for them! It’s also surprisingly affordable and basically acts as a camelback for wine.

Rite in the Rain Notepads

Obviously not a necessity, but these make a nice “stocking stuffer” type gift. They really come in handy if you know someone that likes to navigate the old-fashioned way, with a compass and map. Taking notes for directions and calculations is important, even if it’s raining.

Youphoria Quick Dry Microfiber Towels

These are easily the most underrated item for hiking. There’s no telling when a water bottle may leak in your bag and you’ll need help cleaning. Even if there isn’t a mess, people sweat hiking and having a quick dry towel (especially one that’s machine washable) is a blessing to have.

Sun Caps

I went hiking in Israel and regret not getting one of these earlier on. I got sunburnt on my neck despite wearing sunscreen, while the people I was hiking with had no hint of sunburn (they remembered their caps). You don’t need to hike in the middle east for these to come in handy though, the sun beats down everywhere and any hiker will love these!

Swiss Army Knife

A classic amongst any adventurer, the Swiss Army Knife is well known to be a notoriously useful multi-purpose tool. This one doesn’t need much explanation and it’s incredibly cheap considering the return value it provides, making it the perfect addon to any gift.

Water Purification Tablets

If you don’t think your friend or family member would like the life straw or think it’s a bit to big, there are plenty of other options for water purification. Thankfully, there are much more portable tablets that can be carried to clean up water to drink! While I would prefer either and they’re both affordable, the only real difference is the preference in portability.

Insect Repellent

I know, not the most exciting gift you could give. But trust me, a few insects can turn a great hike into a terrible one. It’s also one of the more affordable gifts on this list, making it another perfect “stocking stuffer”.

Sunscreen!

While sun caps and sleeves were mentioned, there’s usually more exposed skin despite best efforts. A simple bottle of sunscreen is an unexpected and unique gift. If you were planning on putting together a gift basket for your hiker friend, this is the perfect cheap addition.

Beanies!

Having hiked in all climates, a beanie is a very useful piece of attire for most places (except the desert of course). Depending on the climates your friend prefers for hiking, this may or may not be a good gift. If they often hike in cold and windy places, then this is perfect!

Hiking Gifts Below $50

A little higher on the pricing list are going to be more functional gifts that most hikers will take out on the trails with them. These are less novelty items about hiking, and more usable items that will make their trek more relaxing.

Celestron Monocular

Binoculars can be bulky and add weight when you’re hiking. That doesn’t mean a hiker shouldn’t be able to bird watch or have some way to view distant sights. The best solution is a monocular as it solves the same problem a binocular does but fits in your pocket.

Diamond Grip Traction Cleats

If you know someone who likes winter hikes or really just slips too much on the ice ever holiday season, traction cleats will probably be something they need. These are pretty self-explanatory in the name and they help keep grip in icy situations.

Portable Charger/Power Bank

It’s not the 1800’s anymore and every person I’ve seen on a trail has had some kind of electronics. Whether it’s a smart phone, GPS, or camera, every mountaineer will have a need to keep their devices charged. Sadly, the might oaks in the forest don’t have outlets to recharge, which is why any long hike will need a portable charger!

Outdoor Walkie Talkies

There are tons of uses to having hiking walkie talkies! The obvious safety ones are to communicate if you’re separated with whoever you’re hiking with. A lot of trails also have emergency channels that not many people know about, and you need a walkie talkie to use them. They’re also fun for kids if you know someone who goes camping often with their family. Altogether, these make a great gift for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts!

Portable GPS Tracker

While I always think a hiker should be able to read a map and compass, it doesn’t hurt to have some up to date technology. There are multiple types of GPS trackers, but I recommend one that can be tracked by your phone.

Hiking Jackets

Most people won’t be hiking in subzero weather, so they won’t need an arctic capable parka. However, it can get chilly on a trail and having a thin but breathable jacket can be very useful!

Selkirk Design Ultralight Food Bag Hanging System

This isn’t mainly for hiking, but for people who plan to camp outside during a hike. There are plenty of places around the world where campers may come across bears and like most animals, bears like food. Its essential to have some food storage system to keep food away from scavenging bears at night, hence why this hanging system was made! Let your friends keep their goods safe by having suspend-able bags to hang high enough out of reach of wildlife!

GOOD TO GO Meals

I can’t count the number of times when I was hiking and wanted more than a simple protein bar. I try to pack light and know there’s no restaurants hiding out in the wilderness, so you think I’d prepare better. I will now at least, since there are so many options for meals-to-go that are made for outdoorsy people who want more than crumbs.

Portable Coffee Maker for Camping

Some people are like me and just can’t do the morning without some coffee (espresso for me). It might be a little difficult to find a Starbucks on a night out camping, so you’ll need something to wake you up. The only option I can think of is to bring the coffee with you and make a nice brew right when you wake up!

If you do decide to buy this for someone, make sure they try it out before using it out camping so they can get a feel for how to use it.

YETI Vacuum Thermus

Even if you don’t get the portable coffee machine, chances are there’s a drink your hiker friend will want to keep cool/warm. I have yet to come across a Thermus that I didn’t like more than a YETI and can promise they have a very solid product!

Hiking Gifts Below $100

If you have a bit more to spend and want to get some gadgets with a little more oomph, this is the category for you! These are the budget options for great tech, but ones that still offer value.

Cold Weather Shirts and Under Shirts

The one shown here is a women’s under armour shirt that’s made for cold weather, but under armour also makes similar cold weather shirts. A under shirt is recommended because most trekkers will have a solid cold weather jacket, but some forget to properly dress in layers and this will help.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System 

This is another great gadget to carry on a hike where you expect to stop and camp. While many hikers will carry plenty of water, sometimes you run out unexpectedly and there’s nothing worse. Having a portable water filtration system eases the stress of running out of drinking water as long as you’ll be near a body of water when you hike.

Wall Maps of Trails

Being a lover of hiking and the great outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate when you’re at home. There are plenty of websites that offer prints of some of the most popular trails around the world. If you can find a trail map of one your friends completed hikes, I guarantee it will be loved.

Osprey Daypacks For Hiking

I’m sure you’ve seen the oversized hiking backpacks that aren’t great for storing an entire shopping center in, but not every hike needs the much preparation. Sometimes a simple day hike is nice (the most common we go on) and a smaller compact backpack is all you need for the little goods you’ll have.

So, if you know someone that does plenty of short hikes and might not have the best daypack, I highly recommend the Osrpey Daypack!

Hyperlite Versa Pack 

I always carry a backpack during a hike, but a smaller waist pack is perfect for quick grab items. Any other hiker will tell you how inconvenient it is to unpack a bag full of stuff while trying to keep pace. A small waist pack keeps small snacks and items constantly at the ready.

Hiking Gifts ABOVE $100

Have some more money to spend and want to really surprise that special outdoors enthusiast in your life? These gift ideas are the mix of surprise and value that any hiker will love!

Petzl Via Ferrata Lanyard

Not every hike is a smooth walk up a little hill, sometimes there’s rock scrambling and climbing! A few of the more dangerous hikes need the proper equipment to handle and this is something for the thrill seeker who plans on scaling a few high places during their hikes.

The Via Ferrata is essentially a safe clip on to ropes that are usually laid through dangerous trails. This lanyard allows you to always be safe and constantly clipped onto the rope by only ever taking off one clip at a time (the ropes are held into the mountain by certain stakes and the only way to get around is to unclip from the rope and reclip past the stake).

Leatherman Wearable Multi-tool

Slightly more expensive than the usually multi-tool, this one has plenty of problem-solving gadgets on it but with much more portability. No more losing a tool in your bag when you can have it ready to go on your wrist!

VSSL First Aid Kit

There are cheaper options for first aid kits, but I wanted to add this one because of all that it has! If you don’t want to get this one and prefer a cheaper one, just make sure it has the essentials for safety and first aid. The VSSL is very compact and well designed to stand up to a hiking trip and still function.

GoPro Hero 7

While I have the GoPro Hero 7 listed here, any GoPro camera will be loved! We’ve been on some rock scrambling hikes and thankfully we had a GoPro to get some nice pictures on the climbs up. It’s not easy or safe to try and record something while climbing, so if you want to get a gift for that adventurer with a love of storytelling, get them a way to show you their stories!

Any Fitbit!

We got Fitbit trackers when the Charge 2 came out and they provide a lot of insight. My entire career has also been spent in IT and I have a love for data and analytics. So, being able to quantify how long and accomplishing a hike is feels great! If you have a friend or family member who’s an outdoor number cruncher too, then a fitness tracker is a wonderful gift!

Hiking Boots!

I can’t recommend a single pair of boots because everyone’s preference varies. But I can say that I bought a fairly expensive pair in 2014 and have had them for every major hike since then (currently 2020).

Having a reliable pair of boots is one of the most important items for hiking and if you decided to get a pair for a friend, definitely make a day out of it and take them with you! It may seem odd to take the person you’re getting a gift for to get the actual gift, but any hiker will be grateful and understand, as you can’t just grab any boots.

Portable Solar Panels for Hiking

These are more for the hikers that camp through their hiking trips, not the one-day trekkers. Having one of these keep all your electronics ready for use is invaluable. Imagine if your friend was relying on GPS to get them around on their trip and it suddenly died.

Bob Ross had some friendly trees, but you won’t find any friendly enough to provide an outlet. So that friend will need some way to ensure they can get recharged and back to safety. Hopefully, they have a power bank, but for long outdoor adventures you may need more.

Best Gifts for Hikers and Outdoors Lovers!

I hope this list was insightful and gave some ideas for gifts to get your outdoorsie friends! Getting a present will always depend on that type of person and only you’ll be able to decide what’s good for them. 

If there’s other ideas you’d like to suggest, please mention them below!

Also, feel free to share this post using any of the images below!

Best Irish Pubs & Bars in Stuttgart Germany!

I spent a wonderful three years in Stuttgart and had so many amazing experiences.

Germany as a whole has so much to do with the multiple fests, historical sites, and phenomenal beer! While the best place to flavor test German beer is at a fest, they only come around so often. So, what do you do the rest of the year for good beer? Go to a pub!

You can go to any pub in Germany and probably have a good time, but for English speakers and those with a wide range of tastes for beer, an Irish pub is the perfect place to be.

You get to choose from an assortment of different beers, whiskeys, etc., and all within a comfortable environment at any time of the year.

Also, if you’re like me and were stationed in Stuttgart Germany, then you’ll probably have a weekend spot you frequent. I’ve been to all the pubs on this list, but my weekend go-to was always The Auld Rogue (will mention later) as it was right next to Patch Barracks and only a short walk away.

Anyway, let’s get to the list of the best Irish pubs in Stuttgart!

The Auld Rogue

I probably spent a third of my weekends in Germany at this Irish pub. They offer beer and whiskey tastings throughout the year and I highly recommend getting tickets to both!

The price for the tickets compared to the drinks you get to taste are more than worth it, and they aren’t skimpy on the samples.

The Auld Rogue is also a common bar for local US military due to its proximity to one of the barracks.

So, if you’re also stationed in Stuttgart and looking for a bar that shows American Football and has a well-versed English-speaking staff, then you’ll find a home here.

Biddy Early’s Irish Pub

This pub is another favorite of mine but located closer to downtown Stuttgart. They have live music on scheduled nights and a lot of different options for drinks.

Biddy’s is more than a simple Irish pub though and has very pleasing menu for food! Every time I was here, I also noticed a very young crowd. It seemed like this was a pub for everyone, but a favorite of those who were in their early 20’s.

O’Reillys Irish Pub

I think the name gives away that it’s an Irish pub, but it does offer a different atmosphere than some. Like the others I’ve mentioned, this bar offers some great draft beer and a variety of drink options. But what makes this Irish bar a little bit different is their Tuesday night pub quiz!

So, if you like trying to solve difficult trivia while you inebriated, this is the place to be!

Paddy’s Irish Pub

A smaller cozy pub, Paddy’s is my place to go for a Kilkenny or Murphy’s Red. Like Biddy Early’s, Paddy’s offers live music on Friday’s and Saturdays.

If you want to wait for a good time to be here, I recommend in the summer when they open their beer garden for extra seating. Some of my favorite times in Germany were sipping on a cool beer in the summer sun!

The Dubliner

Another great live music Irish pub, the Dubliner has A LOT of space to move around in comparison to the other pubs on the list. They have some of the best food on the list and seating in a comfortable wide-open space.

I don’t mind finding cramped bars every now and then, but it does feel nice to not bump elbows when grabbing a drink. If that’s your pet peeve, then the Dubliner is perfect.

Stuttgart Bars and Pubs!

After three years in Germany, I still didn’t try all the beers I wanted to at each pub. The vast majority of beers and whiskeys I tried, I loved. So, don’t be concerned about trying something new, it’ll most likely still be amazing.

If you have other pubs or bars to recommend in Stuttgart, please leave a comment below!

I love traveling and experiencing the world. But, I also LOVE some funny memes and pictures. So, if I love both, why not mix them together?!

I came across some of the funniest and most relate-able travel memes on the internet and had to share them.

I mean, not every travel blog post needs to be focused on the “Top 10 Blah Blah Blah’s” and “1-Day Itineraries in [insert obscure location]”. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and have some laughs over your favorite activity, travel.

There’s one for just about every moment of every trip I’ve taken, but these 50 are my absolute favorite vacation memes!

Funniest Travel Memes – 2020

Feel free to share these vacation memes on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or anywhere else! We love to share the love of travel!

1. An Adventure?

For starters, this is the fluffiest Alpaca I’ve ever seen in my life. Also, what a pun!

2. No leg room 🙁

Seriously, most airlines act like people don’t have legs. I need at least some space to stretch on a 10 hour flight.

3. I have to at least grab something for the family

Every trip I go on I find myself grabbing at least two items for every family member, no regrets.

4. Travel Expectation vs Reality

How many times have you seen some amazing photos on instagram of a famous place, only to get there and it be busier than NYC Times Square.

5. Still All About Travel

I use the coffee, to enjoy more travel.

6. How many times have I seen a drunk guy at 8AM?

I’ve seen it other places traveling, but it’s so normal to see someone drinking at an airport no matter the time. Airports are places where timezones don’t seem to apply in terms of drinking.

7. Another one, for how often I don’t have leg room.

Just imagine, a budget flight with no layovers and you can extend your legs greater than a 90 degree angle.

8. No Better Feeling

It doesn’t happen often, but seeing that door close with no one next to me is the best feeling on a plane. Did someone say “comfortable plane nap”?

9. Sometimes I Don’t Pay Attention

Trying to save money on a flight is stressful and it’s horrible to overlook a two connection flight. But hey, my bank account won’t be hurting!

10. Sometimes I Think Ahead

Charging ports are somewhat common on the more pricey flights, but it’s so satisfying to have a fully charged phone before take off just in case. 

11. Like wut?

I get size being an issue trying to fit items into overhead bins and below seats. But, having the same amount of weight just separated seems silly.

12. Sharing is caring

I need an arm rest too! There’s no reason we can’t come to a compromise where I get all the arm rests and you get nothing.

13. It could be worse!

I mean, it is expensive sometimes though haha.

14. I always pack too much

Going on a trip for 2 days? Well let me just pack my entire closet! Who knows, it might snow in Florida so bring 18 jackets too.

15. Alright, that’s enough selfies

Let me sip my drink in peace.

16. Budget World Explorers

Sometimes I like to just stare out the window and pretend there’s a beach in the yard.

17. Peace out!

Shes got the spirit though, vacation in the backyard!

18. Every Group Trip

Everyone is always hyped during the planning stage, but so few people are down to go.

19. Traveling to Wal-Mart

I’ll just spend my vacation staring at travel pictures on pinterest instead. 

20. It’s still a carry on

Apparently the entire closet is “essential”.

21. Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions

There hasn’t been a worst feeling when traveling than to lose your luggage.

22. Awkward moments on flights

I just want extra leg room.

23. Browsing Skyscanner is Dangerous

How many times have you gone, “I deserve this”, and didn’t even think.

24. Worst Part of Travel

Most of my travel depends on just being able to get there and how much it costs.

25. Quick!

I’m rushing to leave on vacation!

26. Travel is a Priority

To each their own, but babies are expensive!

27. Impatience is my worst personality trait

I love everyday, but the days I’m leaving for somewhere new is the best.

28. Never goes according to plan

We had a trip to London and of course, Big Ben was covered in scaffolding and it was foggy. Nothing like having plans for a site fall down.

29. Ughhhhh

I love traveling, but there’s nothing satisfying about that early flight misery.

30. Pack like you’ll wear 3 pairs a day

I don’t know why I do this, but it’s so relate-able.

31. Too Many Souvenirs 

It’s always a surprise, because I could’ve swore I already packed too much just to get there.

32. It’s more than a passport

I don’t know why, but there’s definitely a nice feeling to seeing tons of different stamps in that little book.

33. Vacation Time!

It’s not the best decision, but I made it.

34. “Independence”

There’s nothing wrong with solo travel! I lived on my own plenty of times, how’s that different than traveling alone?

35. Say it again!

Just chill and let the solo travelers live life.

36. Sometimes I Crave Home

I know, we try local dishes all the time while abroad, but sometimes a classic cheeseburger is needed.

37. I’ve had enough!

I love grabbing a souveneir on a trip! But, I don’t love being harassed constantly to pay for overpriced goods that can be bought from any store in the country!

38. And now I’m stuck in it

The worst part is that now me and everyone near by is stuck smelling those stank feet!

39. Never Gunna Happen

Plane ticket prices dropping? Pfft, only in hindsight do plane ticket prices drop.

40. Challenge Accepted

I’ll get there eventually!

41. Confusing times

I absolutely commend multi-lingual people because my second language abilities are sub-par. 

42. Me Again

I love these travel memes so much!

43. Elite Class

I got upgraded once to first class on an international flight, life changing experience. Every time I woke up from a nap someone was handing me hot food.

44. Be Nice People

It’s not our country or culture, props to the people who respect that!

45. They’re both so enticing!

Backpacking in general is fun activity, no matter where you’re going.

46. It’s the most important part!

Budgeting mostly comes down to how much the plane ticket will cost to get there and back.

47. “I’m busy”

I can’t be bothered with life, I’m busy enjoying some relaxation.

48. Finally some DISTANCE!

Sometimes you just need a break and that’s ok!

49. These Prices Are Ridiculous

It’s insane, the economy of an Airport is like a country where no rules apply.

50. Airport Security Will Always Stress Me

I never bring a single piece of contraband, but I always feel so judged! 

Funniest Travel Memes!

I hope you enjoyed these few laughs to make your day a little better. Funny pictures aren’t exactly a remedy for not traveling, but they do give a great chuckle.

If you have any other awesome memes or funny travel moments, please share them below!

Also be sure to check out our 75 Best Travel and Wanderlust Quotes for more travel inspiration!

5 Best Hookah Bars in Providence RI

It’s a relaxing evening and you have a craving for some hookah, chill vibes, and good drinks. Providence has a lot to offer and thankfully there are also places that will fill those desires.

Having traveled to numerous places in Europe and the Middle East, we’ve tried hookah in quite a few different places. It tastes a bit different everywhere and a lot of the quality comes from how it’s prepared. So, for the places that we’re reviewing tonight, we’re looking at places that not only had good choices of flavor, but hookah bars that prepared everything just right!

Be sure to read about each one in their descriptions, because some of these are party places and some are a “sit down and eat” type dinner places.

Shisha Bars in Providence

Nara Hookah Bar

The Nara Lounge is a Middle Eastern café right on Atwells. They offer a full bar and some delicious choices for hookah! While I don’t usually eat when I smoke hookah, this place is the exception for me. They offer a lot of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine like Kibbee and Grape Leaves, food that’s fairly hard to find done right. There’s also plenty of space to move around and so don’t worry about being cramped.

Providence Byblos

This hookah lounge focuses less on food and more on the shisha! If you’re looking for a place just for smoking, having a few drinks, and nice conversation, this is it! Located on Meeting St, Byblos is in the heart of Providence. If you were planning a pub crawl or other festivities in the area, it’s a perfect addition to the list of things to do.

Sky Lounge

This one is near Providence but in Smithfield. I wanted to add it since it’s already close to the area and Twin River Casino. I know plenty of people that frequent the casino for fun and Sky Lounge is a great place to start the fun or end it. The lounge can also be rented for larger events, so if you have a celebration coming up and want hookah, look no further!

Pasha

This was actually the first hookah bar I ever went to in Rhode Island. It’s relaxing environment and they have a full bar to go along with some quality shisha. I know it sounds weird, but I’m also a fan of “bar food” and the wings they had here were just right. I had heard rumors that it can get packed occasionally, but the few times I’ve been there we had plenty of room and always found a spot.

Tel Aviv Waterfront

I saved this one for last because it’s much more than a simple hookah lounge. A much more upscale establishment, the Tel Aviv Waterfront has variety of menu options that would appease anyone with a Middle Eastern tongue or cravings of a New Englander. On top of great food and hookah, they offer a selection of cigars as well. While I’m not a cigar fan personally, it does add a little extra to their menu that you might like!

Check out more of Rhode Island!

Providence has a wide variety of things to do and great places to eat. But, Providence is all there is in Rhode Island and Newport offers some amazing eats and sites!

Best Places to Eat in Cusco

Our trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu was amazing! Aside from the headache and slight dehydration from the first day (the altitude is not your friend) everything else was awesome and we quickly acclimated.

I think what helped the most was that we found medicine at a local store specifically for altitude sickness, so remember that! The medicine in conjunction with some coca tea had us feeling fine within the day.

Thankfully we felt better, which meant finally enjoying the trip and trying some authentic Peruvian food!

Be warned though, this guide is not vegan/vegetarian friendly. There are meats mentioned in this guide! To specify, common Peruvian dishes do include Alpaca and Guinea Pig. Mind you, those aren’t the only options at the restaurants and there are plenty of other options!

Many of the places we ate were at Plaza De Armas, as it was the city center and had numerous options.

1. Inka Grill
2. Limbus restobar
3. Pachapapa
4. Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
5. A random restaurant at Plaza De Armas

Inka Grill

This was one of our favorite restaurants for quality. It’s not the cheapest place on the block, and sadly the portion sizes could’ve been a bit bigger, but overall, I loved it.

This was the place we decided to try Cuy (guinea pig) as well! I can’t say I’ll ever eat it again, but we tried it for the sake of the experience, and it was surprisingly delicious. Don’t worry if you’re not into trying it, Inka Grill has other selections as well that were also tasty!

Limbus Restobar

While in Cusco, we met a group of people and all decided to go out for drinks in the evening. This was the restaurant of choice and was surprised at how potent their cocktails were. On top of great drinks, they had a delicious Tex Burger and local Peruvian delights.

I highly recommend getting a reservation for the evening though, as it gets crowded and overlooks the city, making it a top choice for everyone.

Pachapapa

Pachapapa has a nice selection of different dishes to try and all are reasonably priced. My personal preference, if you are planning on trying Alpaca while you’re in Cusco, then Pachapapa’s signature dish is a marinated alpaca brochette with assorted potatoes and delicious Andean cheese! It’s also a great place to try the Crema Volteada, a Peruvian flan!

Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse

This place has some of the best meat dishes in Peru! I recommend getting the lamb and fries, but all their dishes looked delectable. Even though it’s a steakhouse, there are vegan/vegetarian options as well. They really cater to anyone’s taste, even having gluten free options.

A Random Restaurant at Plaza de Armas

I know, this is a restaurant. But while we were in Cusco, we tried 95% of the restaurants in the city center and were never disappointed.

Every night and some afternoons, we walked around the center and let the people outside pitch their menu to us and tried a new one every time. That’s why I recommend doing the same, support the local restaurants and give them a shot!

As a hint, look for one that has the upstairs open in the evening, that way you can overlook Plaza de Armas as you enjoy your meal and a cool Pisco Sour!

If you have any other suggestions for places to eat in Cusco, please leave them below! Also, if you want to share this post, please feel free to use the image below!

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What to eat in Prague?

Prague (Praha) is a city with rich history, great architecture, and amazing food!

The dishes I had while I was there weren’t the normal European meals I was accustomed to and had a slightly different take depending on the restaurant we went to. That’s just the food though, the beer was a whole other story that left my taste buds in heaven.

So, what were these awesome meals and what should you eat when you go to Prague?

The answer is obviously going to depend on taste and dietary restrictions. This guide is going to focus on a variety but try and stay towards Czech specialties that we came across.

What makes Czech Cuisine?

Some of you may be thinking, “It’s just meat or vegtables that’s been cooked? It can’t be that different form other European foods!”.

Well, let me get you your first-class ticket on the train of wrongness! While Czech dishes have a strong foundation in European cuisine, they aren’t the same and bring a blend of Eastern and Western Europe food into one place.

The food is also not known for being light and small. The meals will be jam packed full of carbs and will most likely need to be washed down with a thick Czech beer!

What food should I look for in Prague?

As mentioned earlier, the list is extensive! Prague has a lot to offer and numerous tastes that will light up or taste buds. But here are the best traditional Czech food and dishes!

Czech Soups!

Czech meals often start with a soup and they have some decent variety when it comes to them.

Some common soups you’ll come across are the Chicken Noodle, Potato, and Garlic Soups. All of them are delicious and unless you have a taste for it, I would steer clear of the Sauerkraut soup.

Czech Meals

The Czech Republic isn’t a new place, so of course they have accumulated a number of main dishes. To make it easier to read, they’ll be listed out below.

1. Beef Goulash with Dumplings – A thick and hearty beef stew (a personal favorite) with dumplings (knedlíky)!
2. Roasted Pork with Sauerkraut – Nothing exotic about roasted pork, but the people of Czech have a special way of preparing it that I can’t mimic. While this dish is served with Sauerkraut, it is common to also see it with Dumplings instead.
3. Beef Sirloin (Svíčková) with Dumplings – This is usually served with a vegetable cream sauce and may come with whipped cream! Not the usual combination I know, but surprisingly delicious!
4. Pork Schnitzel and Potatos
5. Roasted Duck with Sauerkraut and Dumplings
6. Czech Sausage (klobásy) – If you’ve ever been to Germany then this is similar to what you’ll see there. All over the city will have sausage stands that are ready to serve a delicious Czech snack that will be very welcomed!

If you haven’t noticed, dumplings are fairly popular and aren’t the same ones you might be used to if you’re from the U.S. They are still bread, but it’s not the same type and aren’t meant to have butter added to them. While different, they were one of my favorite food items I had in Prague and highly recommend them to anyone traveling there!

Czech Beer!

Beer in Prague is like no other I’ve had. I remember reading the first menu at a local restaurant and seeing “Blueberry beer”, it sounded out of place which immediately triggered my interest. Imagine my surprise when I took my first sip and the delicious taste of blueberries filled my taste buds.

The Czech people have a way of brewing great beer and while I had a few that I preferred, I think it’s best to try whatever the locals suggest while you’re there!

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London is a beautiful city with a rich history! Linn and I spent around a week here (it was my second trip though), and it still didn’t seem long enough to experience everything we wanted to. After the trip, I started thinking “what are the must see places for tourists in London?” and figured it might be helpful to give the prices as well!

So here’s a quick breakdown of London’s Top Attractions and the price of admission for an adult to enter/see the site. Mind you, the price for children and or younger adults will usually be cheaper, as well as discounts for elderly.

If you have any suggestions for a change or just appreciate the post, please leave a comment below! Make sure to check out our other travel tips!

What are the Best Places to Eat in Honolulu?

Hawaii is a great destination for relaxing or adventure. The collection of activities and things to do in Honolulu especially is surprising, since most people tend to think that it’s a small place. But oh, how people are wrong in their assumptions of Hawaii and its best city (in my opinion).

But we’re not here to talk about the wonderful list of things to do around the island, we’re here to talk about FOOD!

Honolulu has numerous restaurants to fit your taste, no matter what it is. This short list won’t encompass the most variety, but it will have the best of the best for truly tasting the Hawaiian culture!

Aloha Steak House

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, Aloha Steak House is a great place for any meat lover. Offering savory steak, shrimp, and classic Hawaiian dishes will excite just about anyone regardless of preference.

If you decide to partake in their delicious steak, they serve it on a bed of rice or on a salad (bed of greens), both go great with their Maui sauce! The menu is limited to just large portions of meat and seafood though, if you’re traveling with kids then they’ll also be well taken care of with a delectable dining experience.

Earl Kaka’ako

An amazing sandwich shop on 11^th ave, Earl’s offers a variety of quick bites and teas. This isn’t going to be some fancy place you have your 10^th wedding anniversary at, but it’s good for fast food that doesn’t have a fast food taste, quality with speed.

Real Gastropub

Craft beer and a wide selection of food, the Real Gastropub is a great dining spot to spend the evening, just relaxing and munching on chicken wings.

I’m personally a burger fan, so the Bent Tail Burger would be my go-to. But if you’re looking for seafood or even smaller bites, they have plenty of options to choose from!

Helena’s Hawaiian Food 

Originally opening in the late 1940’s, Helena’s Hawaiian Food has collected numerous awards and the heart of the locals as a must try. Now run by Helena’s grandson, the restaurant remains a staple of Hawaiian cuisine!

Thyda’s Tacos

Thyda’s is a small taco shop on Queen st serving tacos, quesadilla’s, and rice bowls.

They have a small menu and to me that’s preferred. A restaurant serving everything may be good, but a restaurant that specializes tends to be great! So if you’re looking for a quick lunch that won’t cost a fortune, I highly recommend Thyda’s.

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We stumbled onto Highline 179 on accident during a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany. We were driving from a place in Germany already, but the highway just happens to cut through Austria, and thankfully it did.

On passing, we looked up what the bridge was and to our surprise, it was the worlds longest Tibetan style suspension bridge in the world! So of course, we decided to stop by the bridge on our way back.

Originally, we only planned to walk across the bridge and see if the sight was worth the hike (it was). But to our surprise, at the top there was the Ehrenburg Ruins and Fort Claudia! Each comes with it’s own interesting history that you can learn about at the site and are worth taking the time to see.

If you have other plans in the area and aren’t just driving through, there are hotels in Reutte to stay at if you plan on spending a lot of time at the bridge.

How to get to Highline 179, Reutte Austria

So how do you get there? The easiest is to drive as there isn’t exactly trains that stop directly by. But there are trains that run to Reutte and a bus can be taken to the entrance below the bridge. It’s opened every day from 8am to 10pm, but I recommend going early in the morning to avoid foot traffic.

Hiking up to the bridge

There is a short hike up the hillside to get to the bridge entrance and you’ll see the Ehrenburg castle as you reach the top. We took some time to walk around and take in the Austrian air, especially since we wanted to relax and take it slow.

There are clear signs to get around and after exploring the castle for a little, so don’t worry about not finding your way around.

So then was the time, we put the tickets we got into the turnstile and made our way to walk across the bridge. Linn was having a ball and seemed to enjoy every step across the bridge. I on the other hand, wasn’t the biggest fan of heights and found myself gripping the siderail a little too hard. At the end off it I’m glad I did it though because it was exhilarating since you can see through the bridge as you cross!

Time of year

The best time to go is really only dependent on the kind of view you want and gear you plan to have. If you have warm clothing and want less people to be on the bridge with you, winter may be a good time to collect some nice views of snow-capped mountains and hills. If you want sunshine, then obviously spring or summer is the best time to visit. Regardless, Highline 179 is open 365 days a year, so it’s easy to fit it into your travel schedule.

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Visiting Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain Georgia

As a native Georgian, I’ve been able to make it to Callaway Gardens for every season and see the plethora of fun they have to offer. If you’re an outdoors person that loves experiencing nature, then it’s definitely worth the visit!

You can go hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, and so much more in the summer, or take in the awesome sight of seeing numerous hot air balloons take flight in their annual hot air balloon festival. Maybe you don’t make it to Callaway in the summer but still want to see the area?

They are still open and if you come during the right time in winter, you can see their Fantasy In Lights, a Christmas light decoration trail through their park.

My recent trip to Callaway Gardens

The most recent trip I took to Callaway Gardens was with Linn and although it was overcast, it was still an awesome day! We started by hiking through the Azalea Gardens (or Azalea Bowl) and just trying to relax and take in nature. There is a lot to walk around and see besides just the Azalea Garden and the path we took led us right to the butterfly center.

Upon entering the center, you’re shown displays of the numerous types of butterflies they have. We of course made a beeline straight for the butterfly room and were greeted by quite a few fluttering around us. Even as a full-grown man and army veteran, I still felt like a Disney princess walking through there.

I personally love experiencing nature and the different kinds of life on this planet, so I really enjoyed it.

Callaway Gardens Christmas Lights

My most memorable trip to Callaway Gardens was as a kid and taking a drive through the Christmas lights on display through the whole area. This was a long time ago and it’s only improved since then!

The staff setup an entire road filled with different decorations, hanging lights from the trees, and making the area look like a Tim Allen Christmas movie. So, speaking from the point of view of a kid, this was something I absolutely loved and recommend other parents to share with their children.

Staying at Callaway Gardens

There’s a lot to see and plenty to do at Callaway, so I’m sure plenty of visitors want the option to stay the night nearby.

If you want to stay really close and never even leave Callaway Gardens, then you can always rent one of the cabins they have on site. The cottages offered are really nice and if you don’t have a budget, they offer villas as well.

Personally, I’m a budget traveler and would sleep in a hammock provided bugs won’t eat me. So, if you’re like me, there are cheap hotel options nearby as well. (link booking.com search for hotels near callaway gardens.

Callway Gardens in a nutshell

I haven’t gone fishing or golfing at Callaway, so I can’t offer a personal review. But having lived in the area for 18 years, I never heard a bad review from the locals.

Overall, I don’t think I’ve heard a bad thing about Callaway Gardens from anyone that’s ever gone. That’s why I highly recommend going for anyone, as a couple, family with kids, or just someone that loves the outdoors. Callaway Gardens has plenty to do and see and will not disappoint! Also be sure to check out other things to do in Georgia!

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