If you think road-tripping is as easy as hopping in the car and driving, you’re right. That’s exactly why road trips rock. They’re good for basically any budget, any season, and any amount of time.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t level up from road-trip rookie to expert adventurer. We asked three top-notch road-trippers for their best advice for hitting the road with confidence. Here’s who weighed in:

• mom of five (yep, five!) Jodi Mockabee
• outdoor-obsessed pet owner Alex Borsuk
• globe-trotter Layla Motamedinia

1. Take more trips by keeping them short and simple

Borsuk tries to take 52 mini-vacations per year with her husband, Matt, and their dog, Otto. Most of these getaways are road trips.

It’s easy to get stressed out thinking about how much planning, time, and money can go into vacations. But the great thing about road trips is that they can be as long or short as you want them to be. They also don’t need to be expensive and don’t necessarily require much planning ahead.

For example, this summer Borsuk and her husband took a weeknight road trip. Yep, you read that right. On a weeknight. How’d they do it? They left work at 5 p.m., drove up a nearby mountain (it took about an hour), and pitched a tent in time to watch the sunset. Not only were they able to reconnect and recharge, but they were able to be back at work the next morning.

Mockabee says planning short road trips in between bigger getaways also works well for her family. “This keeps vacation low stress and doable, as all of our energy and funds do not go toward one trip,” she says.

2. Accept that you might forget something

No matter how organized you are, you’re probably going to forget to pack something (like your toothbrush, a phone charger, or enough underwear). In fact, Mockabee says they “always forget something,” but she never lets that hold them back from an adventure. “The beauty of a road trip is that there is usually a drugstore or gas station on the way at some point,” she says.

So you don’t need to worry that you’ll constantly be wondering what you left at home. As Borsuk says, “There’s always somewhere to stop if you forget something.”

3. Theme your playlist

Motamedinia’s favorite way to get into the road-trip spirit is to coordinate her playlist with her route. “Have a soundtrack to your trip,” she says. “It will bring out your emotions, your daydreaming, and your appreciation of the scenery and moment you’re in.”

For example, if you’re driving through the desert, Motamedinia suggests playing Spanish guitar music, Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West,” or Western movie oldies.

4. Bring your own pillows

Even though it’s great to pack as light as possible, pillows are a must. Mockabee says she never goes on a road trip without them. “I think it helps [my kids] settle into any new place fairly easily, [and it] provides them with a comfy spot in the car to rest,” she says.

Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, packing pillows — or a favorite blanket or teddy bear (we won’t judge) — can make you feel at home. It can also make it easier to take naps (or sleep overnight) in your car.

5. Think of your car as a transformer

OK, so your car might not ever be Optimus Prime, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a hotel, a kitchen, and a planetarium all in one. “We not only drive our vehicle to our destination, but we also sleep in it,” Borsuk says. “It allows us to camp in some pretty cool places and helps us afford these mini weekend vacations.”

On their road trip to Crater Lake National Park, Borsuk and her husband threw a mattress in the back of their Subaru Ascent so they could camp out sans tent.

“We parked at a campground at Mt. Hood and watched the stars through the sunroof before we fell asleep,” she says. “We were able to throw our mattress and bikes inside the car and still had plenty more space for extra gear.”

Mockabee and fam eat most of their snacks and meals in the car so they can save money for activities or hotels. “I like making our own type of trail mix with sprouted almonds, cashews, dark chocolate, and dried fruit,” she says.

6. Create your own road-trip traditions

Establishing traditions can generate excitement before the trip even begins and keep everyone entertained during. Mockabee’s family plays the game I Spy and listens to audiobooks on every road trip. Motamedinia always gets breakfast at McDonald’s before she hits the road and belts out “The Sign” by Ace of Base at least once mid-drive.

Whether you prefer singing karaoke (aren’t we all James Corden and J. Lo whenever we get into a vehicle?) or stopping at your favorite diner chain, repeating certain activities will help you and your carmates bond and create lasting memories.

7. Plan active pit stops

You’re gonna have to use the bathroom and stretch your legs at some point, so why not make it count?

Instead of pulling off at a random gas station or truck stop, Mockabee chooses somewhere scenic where she and her family can take a short hike. For their road trip from Sonora, California, to Truckee, California, they found kid-friendly hikes, old mining towns, secluded beaches, and secret swimming holes.

Borsuk also tries to fit in some activity during road trips. “We scope local trails to stop at on the way to our final destination, so we can stretch the legs and mind with a short and fun jog,” she says.

8. Don’t limit yourself to the summer

The phrase “road trip” might give off serious summer vibes, but unlike some vacations, this is the kind you can take any time of year. Road trips are inherently more flexible than other forms of travel, Mockabee says, so there’s no need to limit when and where you go.

“With every season comes a change in natural scenery,” Motamedinia says. “[Think] summer sun against beaches, misty mornings through redwoods, and snowy mountain roads.”

Creating a travel video is a fantastic method to relive memories while also sharing your journey with others. Whether you’re working with a company or making the movie for your pleasure, you’re going to want the top-notch travel video. YouTube and other social sites are full of travel videos. Still, only a few of them make an impression on the minds of the people who watch them. It is possible to enhance your video-making talents while on the road by creating travel movies, and you may experiment with many new ways to record a spectacular video. For those of you who have no idea how to create an eye-catching travel video, we’ve put up a list of the ten most essential tips you need to know.

Top Techniques for Creating Travel Videos that you must follow

1. Pick Your Destination

It’s great to go on unplanned trips, but if you’re planning on making a travel video to commemorate your journey, knowing where you’re going ahead of time is a big help! Before you depart, prepare a rough schedule of where you’ll be going and when you’ll be there so that you can plan accordingly.

Planning your final video using this information can help you prepare for your trip, as well as learn about the sights you’ll see on your way there. Use weather forecasts and images of each place to understand the types of shots expected while you’re there. When it comes to taking the perfect clips, the time of day is also quite important.

2. Pack your travel videos wisely

Following that, once you’ve determined the format you’ll be shooting in, it’s crucial to pick what kind of equipment you’ll be using. Many of them bring a slew of gear, including cameras, lenses, microphones, tripods, and SD cards. However, if you think about your travel plans with a clear mind, you will most likely realize that you do not require as much as you might assume.

3. Shoot wisely

Collecting as much as possible is fantastic advice because it provides you with a plethora of data to work from. A common misinterpretation of “shooting enough” is synonymous with “over capturing.” It is customary to begin making videos as soon as they get to their location. Recording unnecessary clips have no use other than to lengthen the time spent on video trimmer in post-production. Unnecessary shots are a waste of time since they merely slow down your editing process.
Instead of creating a video, you should concentrate on enjoying the natural beauty. Never forget that you’re on vacation to relax and enjoy yourself, not shoot a film. Keep a record of the memories and experiences you truly want to recall and cherish for the rest of your life. To get the most stunning movies, capture your videos when optimum lighting is usually early in the morning or around sunset.

4. Add Narrative to a Travel Film

Include narration in your story if you want to make it more engaging. Narration can be added in two ways: during your journey and after you return home from it. If you’d like your narration to appear in your video, be sure to talk or shoot yourself in the face when you’re recording or shooting. After the trip has concluded, adding a narrative is also an excellent chance to reflect on your vacation experiences. All that is required is the creation of a screenplay and the recording of it.

5. Carry a wide range of your shots

You must experiment with and variety the methods of capturing videos to maintain the viewers’ interest. Experiment with advanced features such as time-lapse photography, slow spinning, and shooting from a moving vehicle. Graphics and filters are also available during the editing process to give the final product a little glitz and glam. You must employ motion to convey enthusiasm and energy in the scene. Various techniques can be used to bring the video to life, including hyper-lapse, panning, and filming something that is already moving.

6. Editing a video of your trip

When the tour is complete, it’s time to settle down and go over the film you’ve captured. Concentrate on the scenes that stand out and eliminate anything that didn’t turn out as good as you had anticipated. Unless you captured something spectacular, the world doesn’t need to watch your hazy or shaky footage, so don’t bother sharing it. Following your decision on which clips to use, take a step back and consider the story you’re attempting to convey and how you may employ some of the tactics listed above to bring that tale to life in your video production. With the help of a video trimmer, you can put together your final travel video for editing to cut unnecessary parts & make it more attractive.

7. Add music to your travel videos

Choosing the right song for your epic journey montage is essential. Still, if you attempt to share your film on a public platform without first obtaining the necessary permissions, you may find yourself in legal trouble. Look for music free of copyright so that you and your friends can enjoy your video. This is music available for download and usage for free on the internet. Remember to give proper credit to the source!

8. Consistency is the essential factor.

Beginner filmmakers tend to be inconsistent, whereas professional videographers tend to be consistent. In general, the most successful trip video artists are dependable, which separates them from the competition. Consistency is essential when it comes to uploading travel footage. This is the most effective and only method of attracting attention and climbing the ladder of success. You could use an editor to polish your video and guarantee that it meets a particular level of professional quality and consistency throughout.

9. Watch a lot of travel videos.

Watching trip films is an excellent method to become acquainted with various pictures and be motivated to do something new. Watching trip videos might help you gain a different perspective on your video and provide new ideas for it. When it comes time to shoot, you will be able to incorporate all of your new ideas into something truly unique and spectacular.

Conclusion

Creating a trip film that captures the viewer’s attention might be difficult. Everybody is different, so you don’t know what the people in the audience like and don’t like. Here are some of the best ideas for creating your next travel video. When watching travel films, you’ll notice a clear arc that leads to a place of mental peace.

Thailand’s location near the equator and position outside of the Pacific and Indian ocean cyclone zone means the conditions for sailing are excellent all year round. As such, choosing when to charter a yacht in Thailand is never really an issue.

Instead, the problem often lies with where sailors should go on their voyage. After all, there are one thousand four hundred and thirty islands in Thailand to choose from.

So, to help you whittle those down, this guide identifies a few of those islands you can’t afford to miss during your Yacht Charter Thailand trip.

1. Phi Phi Islands

Vivid scenery of pristine beaches, incredible rock formations, and turquoise sea is what sailors will first set their sights on when approaching the Phi Phi islands. This archipelago is composed of 6 small islands with massive rock formations and well-known for their beautiful, turquoise waters. The soft sands and breathtaking views are what makes these islands a must on your next trip.

The main Phi Phi island is Phi Phi Don, which entertains an array of tourists wanting to explore the numerous beautiful bays.

Phi Phi Don’s most popular and lively bay is Tonsai Bay, here numerous visitors dock their boats and enjoy an assortment of lively bars and restaurants.

In opposition to Phi Phi Don, the other Phi Phi island, Koh Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited; thus, the island’s stunning landscape has largely been left untouched.

Moreover, Koh Phi Phi’s bay, Maya Bay, is famous for its debut in the movie The Beach, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. As a tip, it’s best to visit this particular bay in the early morning to avoid a flock of tourists.

2. Similan Islands

The Similan islands form the maritime border between Thailand and India and consist of eleven small, charming islands in the Andaman Sea. Established as a National Park since 1982, the Sicilian Islands have the richest variety of sea life, ranging from coral reefs to colorful fish.

Those chartering a yacht can visit the Similan islands for a day trip. But, it’s recommended to stay a couple of days so that you can experience the magnificent beaches earlier in the day when they’re empty.

A distinctive attraction on one of the islands is the giant boulders called Sail Rock, which form an iconic landmark on a hilltop. Sail Rock is the perfect tourist spot for those who love adventure and enjoy climbing and enjoying the view.

Visitors can dock their boats nearby and climb up onto the boulders. The trek and climb will take around an hour. At the top, the reward for travelers is the mesmerizing views of the bay’s crystal clear water below.

Other islands in the archipelago host spectacular coral formations and an array of vibrant fish. As such, holiday makers tend to make the most of their stay on the Similan islands by snorkeling.

3. Koh Chang Island

The island’s name translates to elephant island, and it’s one of the biggest and most-loved islands in the east of Thailand. What makes Koh Chang island so special for tourists? It has the same beauty as it’s neighbors but is way less crowded, which makes it perfect for a quiet and nice vacation.

While Koh Chang is one of the largest Thai islands, it’s not as developed as Samui and Phuket. Thus it’s perfect for holiday makers eager to avoid crowds of people.

Perhaps the busiest beach on the island is the white sand beach, lined with numerous bars restaurants. In contrast, the lonely beach is often a haven for backpackers who desire to stay in huts and guesthouses.

Beyond sunbathing and sipping cocktails on the beach. There’s also a range of exciting activities to enjoy in Koh Chang, such as trekking through the jungle, exploring the treetop adventure park, and elephant trekking!

4. Phuket

Phuket – it’s the largest and, to many, the most famous island in Thailand. The landscape of Phuket island is mainly composed of big mountains and rock formations, but that doesn’t mean this place has some of the best beaches in the area. You can also walk through the rainforests and get up close with the local fauna.

While soft sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, are a part of Phuket’s appeal. There’s a lively and quieter side to this part of Thailand. Making it perfect for sailors torn between wanting relaxation and adventure.

Here is a snapshot of a few must-see locations in Phuket;

• Phuket Town on the southeast coast of Phuket is home to many restaurants, hotels, and massage parlors. For historical insight, stroll through old Phuket town and see how the architecture embodies the influence of immigrants from China.
• The stunning Kata beach is a relatively touristy location, but compared to Patong beach, it’s more relaxed and chilled. At Kata, there are a few beachfront stalls where travelers can grab a delicious papaya shake.
• On top of Nakkerd Hills, Big Buddha is perched between Kata and Chalong. Upon reaching the summit, travelers can experience panoramic views.

There are multiple marinas for travelers to anchor their yachts in Phuket. Including the Phuket blue lagoon, Phuket yacht haven, and the Royal Phuket marina. Therefore there are plenty of places around Phuket to stop, hop off the boat and explore.

Koh Lanta

For a serene and laidback experience of Thailand, visit Koh Lanta. This remote and paradisiac island is located in the Southernmost region of Thailand. Koh Lanta is famously known as the “backpackers’ heaven” due to its amazing trails and landscapes.

With long peaceful beaches and mountains laden in greenery, there’s endless scenic beauty to behold.

Once travelers have departed their boats, they can opt to tour the breadth of the island on a road that wraps 27km around the island. And make a stop along the way to visit the old town’s settlements, which feature a village of houses stilted above the ocean.

Chartering a yacht to see Thailand’s islands in depth is arguably the best way to explore this part of the world. Because it gives travelers the freedom to personalize their journey and experience different sides of the country and what it has to offer.

Whether you travelling for business or pleasure, the last thing you want to feel when you get off a flight is sluggish, bloated or run down. In an ideal world, you’ll want to stay hydrated and fill up on nutritious foods that are easy to digest. But airplane travel can be stressful, rushed and long, so you might not always be able to stay on track with the right diet. We spoke to nutritionists about the best foods to eat before, during and after a long flight.

What should you eat before boarding a flight?

At 4,00,000ft, the air pressure is way lower than it is at sea level. As the pressure falls while you fly, gas starts to expand, which is why your stomach can feel uncomfortable. Plus, being in an enclosed space with so many other people can leave your immune system susceptible. “The Aerospace Medical Association says our body’s gas can expand up to 25 per cent while in flight. So it’s better to opt for light, easy meals before boarding, especially if you have a long commute,” advises celebrity dietician Nmami Agarwal. “Your meals before flights should avoid sugar, be moderate in protein, and be chock-full of slow burning complex carbohydrates”. She promotes grabbing a fruit before you head to the airport. “A banana is your best bet before boarding a flight. The fruit is loaded with potassium, which can regulate blood pressure and help ease any muscle cramps you face during a flight. Consider oranges too, since they are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity. Make a smoothie by blending your favourite fruits like green apple or kiwi with almond milk. I also like to load up on water and coconut water a few hours before flying to really improve hydration levels.”

“If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, eat a small balanced meal to satiate you,” says Agarwal. You’ll want to consume something with protein, so eggs or fish work well. A salad with good fats like avocado and nuts will also create a well-rounded meal. Avoid legumes and spices—they could irritate the gut further—and try reducing caffeine consumption through coffee or aerated drinks. They’re hard on your digestion and can keep you up when you should be catching up on rest.

What to eat when you’re on the plane

The first and foremost important thing to follow is to keep yourself well hydrated, before during and after a flight. “Having a bottle of water on hand is the easiest way to do it, but you could also infuse lemon, cucumber, green apple or mint to regular water and DIY your very own infused concoction. This will not only ensure hydration, but also provide you with the necessary antioxidants,” states Agarwal.

Carrying your own food and snacks on the flight is ideal, as most airplane food have preservatives and high salt content. Nutrition consultant Sangeeta Khanna prefers to not be at the mercy of an in-flight airline meal when on long haul flights. “Carry some nuts in a small container. I prefer soaked, but roasted ones also work,” she says. From the in-flight food options, she recommends choosing hydrating foods and passing over the breads, cookies and cakes. “Remember that your intake of water should be more than coffee or alcohol because they are diuretics. Instead of one glass at a time, have frequent sips of water. Juices are good, as are iced teas. Many people drink alcohol on flights, but that can dehydrate you further.” Snacks high in salt can cause your body to hold on to water leading to water retention, which can feel uncomfortable while flying. Agarwal warns that your perception of salty and sweet tastes drops by almost around 30 per cent inside a flight, but drinking water can counteract this and help reactivate your taste buds.

What to eat after the flight

Sleep deprivation after a long flight can leave you feeling exhausted. Agarwal lists a few options that help the body bounce back. “Rich in antioxidants, Matcha Green Tea gives you an energy boost that can last for up to three to four hours. Bananas and dark chocolates are also great post-flight snack options as they help to ease tiredness and relax the muscles. A decoction of ginger in warm water addresses your digestive issues as well,” she says. Most nutritionists suggest loading up on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to boost the immune system, like berries and grapes. Protein is ideal as well, so choose almond butter with crackers, cheese, yoghurt and nuts to keep the energy levels up.