By Jeff from ShopnFly
If you lined up 100 travelers and asked them what was the worst part of their travel experience we guarantee the majority will say,” the airport,” accompanied by a gloomy sigh. We’ve all been there, long lines, screaming children, short connections, an absolute nightmare for most travelers and especially for family vacations. However, there are ways to not only make the airport experience better, but also a fun part of your adventure. Here are our 4 crucial tips for improving your Airport experience for good!

1.Duty Free
You’ve heard about it, you’ve seen the signs, but do you really know what the Duty Free can do for you? A quick beginners introduction regards the Duty Free as an outlet for domestic and international products without duty (taxes). Sounds simple enough, but when actually diving deeper the savings are quite substantial. Instead of thinking chocolates and alcohol think electronics, jewelry, and brand name clothes. Duty Free stores should be your first source of travel shopping in regards to gifts and just overall cheap items. That expensive digital camera you’ve been saving up for, most chances its 25% percent cheaper at the Duty Free. When you discover the amount of money you can save, all of a sudden your dreadful four-hour layover will turn into a four hour shopping spree! Duty Free can be found in almost every international airport and seaports. If you want to pre-order Duty Free items ahead of time according to your travel itinerary check out shopnfly!

2.  VIP Lounges
We’ve all walked by the airport VIP lounge. Bitterly walking by the entrance as you see fancy looking business men gingerly chuckling as they drag their expensive carry on into airport heaven. Why shouldn’t you be bitter? The individuals that enter these lounges will spend their layover comfortably sipping champagne while watching television on a big screen TV, surfing the web with free Wi-Fi, and did I mention the free food? Well did you know that entering the “VIP Lounge” is a lot easier than you might think? If you’ve ever flown business or first class, then you have access to these VIP lounges. Now for those of us with a little less cash in our pockets airlines offer a variety of membership plans for VIP lounges in airports all over the world. For instance US Airways offers lounge day passes for only 30 US dollars, and a year long member ship from anywhere between 100 to 300 dollars. This might seem like a hefty fee, but if you travel more than once a year then the benefits strongly trump the negatives. On my last traveling experience I spent 10 hours sleeping on the floor due to a delayed flight in Istanbul. If I had known about the 30-dollar fee for the VIP lounge, lets just say I would have been a much happier man. Every airline has their own deals, some even offering access just by gathering points with specific credit card use. A little research goes a long way, and maybe the next time your flight is delayed you can pass the time in luxury rather than misery. 

3. Research the Airport Layout
Most international airports are big, really really big. If you haven’t been to Heathrow, LAX, or Schiphol Airport than you’re in for a treat. Airports are getting bigger and bigger because of the constant expanding variety of airlines but also because of the growing number of commodities that are offered to wandering travelers. It’s a drag to have to lug you baggage around a four terminal airport in order to find good food, or the right electronics store to find the camera you’ve always wanted. Fortunately most if not all airports offer a comprehensive map on their website as well as different vantage points around the airport. If you know that you’ll be spending the next couple of hours waiting for your connecting flight it would serve you well to know where everything is located. In fact it might even make your lay over an enjoyable experience. Instead of back and forth trekking through terminals, you can optimize your time and get the most out of the airport amenities as you can. Fifteen minutes of research can make the difference between a dreadful and a pleasant experience. 

4. Prepare Your Entertainment
So you’ve maxed out your credit card, and already had a big meal at the airport bistro, but there’s still a good three hours until your flight departure. What do you do? The most obvious but often overlooked is your own library of personal entertainment. Whether it’s your laptop, iPad, MP3 player, or important work for you business trip, make sure it’s all ready to go! I can recall numerous occasions of being stranded in an airport wishing I could just curl up with the newest episodes of Game of Thrones. Instead I realize that I left my electronics in my checked luggage. Plan for this, and make sure that you prepare a sufficient amount of shows, DVD’s (you still use DVD’s?), or whatever it may be. Nothing kills time better than your favorite show, or if you are the productive type it would be wise to catch up on your work. 

There are countless other life-hacks to better your airport experience, but from personal experience these are the critical elements. If you stay true to our advice we guarantee a smoother travel experience, and who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself the next time you find yourself in an airport. 

This article was bought to you by Shopnfly. Shopnfly is the first shopping marketplace for travelers across duty frees around the world. A revolutionary online platform that allows you to search through a wide range of duty free products and find the best deals across all the destinations in your travel itinerary. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Shopnfly can help optimize your travel experience by comparing prices and giving you promotions across duty free markets all over the world.

You can find plenty of travel information and great flight deals over at Best Travel Search Engines..

By Jeff from Shopnfly
We strongly believe that everyone wants to explore the world. Exploration opens doors to experiences and adventures one would have never thought possible. Sadly, it’s safe to say that most individuals’ regard traveling as only railing through European capitals, checking off everything on the list your local travel agent gave you. The most fulfilling experiences however are the ones that shock you to your core, exposing you to the wonders of the world’s different cultures and locations. We argue that at least once in your life consider traveling through the often-disregarded developing world. Way off most travelers’ radar, “3rd world” countries offer some of the most fascinating explorations every person should experience at least once in their life. Here’s what you can look forward to by choosing these so called “under-developed” countries as your travel destination. 

Exposure and Simplicity
If you’re reading this article than you are a fortunate to be part of the world that has a running Internet connection. That said, traveling is all about the experience, what you learn and what you take back home with you. Seeing the non-modern world can be an enlightening experience. There are communities all over the world that will give you the sensation as if you travelled back in time. Trekking through Nepal travellers can find villages without running water and are completely self-sufficient by using age-old methods of gathering resources. Live amongst the natives on your travels, and you are guaranteed a new perspective on life. Not to mention the disconnect from modern communication devices is an incredibly liberating experience for any 21st century traveler.  

Trekking
There are two types of travelers, those who take guided tours and those who guide themselves. Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes the energy is just not there and a simple guided tour of a city or monument is all you need to fill your cultural quota. For those seeking adventure and disregard the “guided trails” then traveling off the grid is just for you. One of the magnificent aspects of traveling to an under-developed nation is that in most cases much of the land has been left un-modernized and untouched by man. South-east Asia, Africa, and many parts of South America offer some of the most scenic trails known to man. High definition photos don’t do justice to sites such as the Tanzanian safari, or the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Travelers often grab their bags and take off for weeks into the wild, often coming back exhilarated and fulfilled. 

Tourist-Free Isolation
When booking your dream travel experience the term “tourist season” often comes up. Travelers try to beat the crowds by flying to popular locations in a time of year that that’s considered a quiet time. In most cases this does not work, and nothing kills the exploring mood like obnoxious people circling you with their cameras as you try to soak in the experience. In the developing countries you will often find yourself completely isolated as you explore these beautiful wonders of the world. Such areas as the Great Himalayan trail offers more than 1,700 kilometers of quiet scenic travels. For a true authentic cultural experience, off the grid travel is a must for all adventure seekers

The downside with traveling off the grid in developing countries is safety and transportation. One must not be naïve to the dangers of travel, and with looters and pickpockets everyone should be aware and informed of safety precautions regarding personal belongings. Another hardship is moving about locations. As opposed to the western world most of developing nations lack convenient transportation meaning it could take hours or even days to reach your desired location. However, these obstacles can add to the adventure and provide great stories to tell your loved ones. From our experience when travelling off the grid, the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. 

This article was bought to you by Shopnfly. Shopnfly is the first shopping marketplace for travelers across duty frees around the world. A revolutionary online platform that allows you to search through a wide range of duty free products and find the best deals across all the destinations in your travel itinerary. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Shopnfly can help optimize your travel experience by comparing prices and giving you promotions across duty free markets all over the world.

You can find plenty of information on the numerous adventure travel tour operators from all over the world who will certainly get you "off the grid" at 18-35 Travel.

by FOMO Girl
When it is time to go on vacation there are a lot of things to get done. Planning ahead is the best way to get off to a good start to have a fabulous adventure. Make your job easier by using the best travel search engines that can help stir up many ideas.

All of the websites offering travel information are free. After taking a peak to see what they offer, if you like what you see take time to sign up for a free account and set preferences so you can get updates, deals of the day, and other discounts via email.

One of the neat sites to visit is Trip Advisor. This is almost a one-stop shop for travelers. There is a huge variety of places to stay. Not only will you be able to select four-star hotels, they have details on inexpensive accommodation also. It is easy to find tucked away places through private condo rentals, and bed and breakfast inns.

Finding out what to do and what to see while you are there is a key. Reviews from other travelers are plentiful. Restaurant information related to how the food tasted, the quantity that was on the plate, the price, and even the service can be found by looking at the feedback. This is a useful tool and provides and excellent idea of what is to be expected. This way you can know before you go.

You can also plan site-seeing tours that are promoted on the website. There are adventure and site seeing tours that can be booked. Comparing prices with other engines is also an option to help with the decision of getting the best value.

Budget travel.com is also popular. It offers information similar to others. A few things set them apart from others. They offer slide shows of the most incredible vacation destinations and make recommendations on where to go if you are traveling alone, if you are taking a Mom and daughter trip, or going as a group. This is fantastic for the budget-minded consumer. If you ever thought you could not afford a nice trip, this is the place to go to see and believe. Low, unbelievable rates for 4-star hotels and places to eat under five dollars can be found.

Many airline travel services can also be beneficial if you are going to a location they serve. Generally, there are many packages that are offered. The prices can take care of booking the flight, to car rental, tours, and meals. This is also a full service way to get arrangements made from start to finish. Many of the trips can be booked as all inclusive fares that will take care of meals too. Travel points also known as frequent flyer rewards can be used to lower the cost if you have earned enough of this incentive to make a difference.

Last minutes plans will not be a worry when visiting these popular travel and tour sites. They help you take care of everything that is needed before leaving home. These are magnificent venues to use. They are user friendly and will help pocket a nice savings.

Best Travel Search Engines has all the information you need to find travel search engines that will find you the cheapest deals on offer.

By Jeff from shopnfly
FOMO or “fear of missing out” is a trend taking the world by storm. We all have had this feeling of missing out on a party, a job opportunity, or anything really that you felt you HAD to be a part of. Well shopping is no different. Whether young or old, shopping is a major part of the travel experience….20% of total travel expenses to be exact. Each traveler has his or her own style of unique shopping, but with every style comes different tips and tricks to ensure you are getting the better end of the deal. Never fear on missing out on shopping opportunities again with these three tips to great shopping.

1. Bargaining at the “Tourist Trap”
The “Tourist Trap” is a term travelers are all too familiar with. A witty T-shirt for 20 Euro? A porcelain statue for 35 Euro that will break five minutes after your purchase? Look, no ones judging. We all love those touristy novelties and after all, if you don’t purchase your loved ones something, anything really, you’re coming home to almost certain animosity. So if you absolutely must shop for those “must have” 30 Euro hats, then try to bargain! It is a tip often overlooked by travelers because bartering is always associated with an uncomfortable situation. What most travelers don’t realize is that many of these retailers over-price their products with the expectation that tourists will haggle down the price. Try this line the next time you’re purchasing a novelty item in a tourist shop. “Hey, I saw a shop two blocks over with the same shirt for half the price!” Watch the salesman’s face cringe as he offers you the same item for a “special” discounted price. Worse case scenario he will reject your offer, but from personal experience you have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.

2. Boutique Shopping
Before emptying your wallet on the retail items at the hotel gift shop, all travelers must take into account the local market. Jewelry, clothes, beauty products are all popular items that are guaranteed to be available for conservative prices at local boutiques. Every culture has a certain flare that tourists can and should take advantage of. In my recent travels to Mykonos, Greece I was constantly stressed to find my significant other the perfect gift. She loves jewelry but my budget did not allow for extravagant shopping. Experiencing extreme FOMO shopping I took to the streets and was delighted in what I discovered. Local boutique shops offer high quality often hand-made jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs for the price of a pint at the local nightclub. Boutiques pride themselves on their work, so you can be sure the item is of high quality. If for some reason you still find the prices too steep try tip #1 and haggle the price down.

3. Duty Free
Duty Free shopping is quite possibly the most overlooked perk of traveling. For some it is merely “that shopping center” which is quickly dismissed as you sprint to your connecting flight. However smart travelers know that Airport Duty Free offers brand name items for subsidized prices. If a fine bottle of wine, or brand new shoes is on your shopping list, the Duty Free must be made a priority. Thankfully many online shopping platforms such as shopnfly have made travel shopping a breeze by allowing you to scope out your items pre-hand and simply pick up the product upon arrival to your destination. Logging onto www.shopnfly.com allows users to discover great shopping deals while traveling based on their flight itinerary. No haggling or a backbreaking search to find the perfect gift. If using the Duty Free method I recommend setting money aside in the beginning of your travels. This way you can ensure that you stay to your travel budget and ensure you acquire your desired items as you leave in the airport Duty Free.

We look forward to traveling all year long. We slave away at our jobs daydreaming of the perfect vacation. So whether you’re trekking through the third world, or flying to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, these three tips can help you reach the best balance of the travel shop experience.

By FOMO Girl
When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of transportation. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if you wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but do not allow much movement and one cannot simply get off the plane in-flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered and some of these are outlined in this article.

Travelling by plane can be a way to greatly reduce traveling time, while increasing time that can be spent enjoying the trip. Also, you are free to entertain yourself while the pilots and other staff take care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the flight, while traveling in comfort.

Taking a train can be an attractive mode of travel for many reasons. For one it does not require effort from the individual beyond sitting in their seat. A person is free to do whatever they want to do while they are en route. There are also many other reasons why traveling by train is enjoyable.  If you are touring Europe, take advantage of their outstanding rail system. Instead of flying to each of your destinations, only fly into your first city and then hop on the train. Not only is it much more affordable, but also by traveling overland, you are sure to get an amazing look at the area beyond your major city stops.

Bus travel is a great way to see the countryside. It allows you an inexpensive way to get from destination to destination while sitting back and allowing someone else to do the driving. You will get to enjoy the scenery and even have frequent stops to see each place, without having to spend too much or bother with gas expenses.

Traveling by bicycle can have many positive effects on a person and on the overall traveling experience. It will allow you to see everything from a very different perspective. It will also save on buying gas and will definitely increase the amount of exercise you get. A bicycle trip should not be overlooked, especially if you are up for an adventure.

Sometimes by choosing multiple means of travel you can get the best of everything. For example by taking a plane somewhere and renting a car when you arrive, you can get the benefits of a quick flight as well as the benefits of having a car to go wherever you want while at your destination.  

Taxi’s can often be a great way to get around a particular city, because they are the local who knows where everything is.  Whether you are traveling within the United States or in a foreign country, always make sure the taxi cabs you use are certified though. There is usually a sticker visible from the back seat of the vehicle. If you are unsure, research city-licensed cabs before you travel. This way, you can avoid unlicensed cabs that overcharge their patrons, and save money to do more fun things during your travels.

So, these are just a few different transportation options and issues that you should consider next time you are planning you next vacation or adventure.

How is that travel FOMO coming along?  If you need to find the cure, you know that FOMO Travel is the only one with all the answers.