• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • Privacy Policy
  • PRESS
  • CATEGORIES
    • BEAUTY
    • FASHION
    • MOM LIFE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • GIFT GUIDES
    • RECIPES
    • TRAVEL
    • HEALTH & FITNESS
    • MENSWEAR
    • VIDEO
  • SHOP MY INSTAGRAM
    • GIFT GUIDES
  • TAHOE A-FRAME
  • ARCHIVE
  • DISCOUNT CODES

Just Add Glam

the San Francisco lifestyle blog by JENNIFER HENRY-NOVICH

November 9, 2017 / TRAVEL

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS

American Express Blue Cash Everyday

FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

This content is sponsored by American Express

I’ve been home from my European travels for almost a month now, but it still feels like I just got home.  It was such an amazing experience to disconnect from my office life for practically an entire month and travel around all of the amazing cities.  I have TONS of travel guide content in the works for you, but first I wanted to share some of my favorite tips for how I go about starting to plan my trips–way before the travel guides and picking the best things to do.  These are the tips that helped me plan my recent trip to Spain, Portugal and France:

FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

USE INSTAGRAM TO SCOPE OUT LOCATIONS

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Instagram helps me choose my destinations.  For me, a vacation is less about seeing a specific tourist spot and more about evoking an emotion.  Specifically for this trip, I wanted to pick locations that could take me away from my email and phone notifications where I could get lost in a city and wander through it all day long.  Leading up to the trip, I would stumble upon photos on Instagram that would pique my interest for locations and I would save them into a folder titled “Travel Inspo” for me to refer back to.  Once I had settled on a location I would dig deeper into certain hashtags and find more recommendations for hotels, things to do and restaurants to visit.  I also loved doing research on Instagram because it helped me see a different perspective from some of the travel sites that focus mainly on the more touristy stuff.  I actually was able to find an amazing local art gallery with the help of Instagram!

FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

BOOK IT AND PAY IT OFF

Maybe it’s the planner in me, but I like having all of my hotels, rental cars, trains, etc. figured out before I leave for a trip so that I can stay organized and know what to expect when I get there.  I like to pre-pay for my trains and hotels before traveling so that it’s one less thing for me to think about so that I can focus my energy on exploring, speaking Spanglish, and taking a million photos.  I love using my American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card’s Pay It Plan It payment option as part of my vacation planning process, because it allows me select to pay for some purchases immediately with ‘Pay It’ or over time with ‘Plan It.’  What do I use Pay It for? Train and museum tickets. What do I use Plan It for? That pricey penthouse hotel I splurged on because…vacation! Terms apply. And of course I get so many of the rewards I’m used to on eligible purchases while I’m traveling with my Blue Cash Everyday Card.

FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

LIFE IS SHORT, BUY THE SHOES

And the skirt. And the hat. And the bag!  I love planning a vacation wardrobe as much as the vacation itself because you can dress up and celebrate the city you’re in!  I wore these flats non-stop in Europe and easily put 20,000 steps on them each day.  I loved the excitement of putting together travel outfits that would become part of my trip memories, and when I reach for this pink velvet top or brocade skirt again, it will remind me of the adventures I had on my trip!

FAVORITE TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS

TAKE YOUR FRIENDS’ ADVICE

I remember a trip that I had planned where I booked everything based off of a certain travel site’s recommendations for places to stay and see–and I remember going to the first hotel and thinking “ehhh this place isn’t what it was described as”.  Since then, I’ve made sure to reach out into my network of friends and family who have traveled to these same locations to hear from their experiences and favorite things to help get a better idea of what we would best enjoy.

Next Post
Previous Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Ewa Macherowska says

    November 10, 2017 at 2:53 am

    Love your top! x

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    November 20, 2017 at 11:39 am

    I love modern technology. Using Instagram is a great way to check out possible trip locations. We’d never be able to do that a few years ago.

    Reply
  3. Christie Cronan says

    November 20, 2017 at 11:41 am

    It pays to hit up your friends when you’re planning a trip, especially if they’re into the same kinds of things that you are. They’re one of the best ways to figure out some great travel destinations.

    Reply
  4. Melissa Chapman says

    November 20, 2017 at 11:53 am

    It sounds like you had a great trip. Love the outfit and it is good to know you relied on Instagram to plan your trip. I look forward to more travel photos.

    Reply
  5. robin rue says

    November 20, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Oh yes, I always check Instagram to scout out locations. I find so much good stuff on there.

    Reply
  6. Catherine Sargent says

    November 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Thanks for the great tips. I always try to pre-pay as much as I can when I travel. That way I don’t have to worry about it and stress about money.

    Reply
  7. Maureen says

    November 20, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    These are all great travel planning tips and I love that outfit on you! Beautiful.

    Reply
  8. AnnMarie John says

    November 20, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    That’s really good advice for people who would like to travel more. I think it’s really nice to take some time off and take that trip that you’ve always wanted. Travel sites are helpful but it’s better to listen to friends for their travel experience!

    Reply
  9. Monica says

    November 20, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Beautiful photos and great tips too! Where are you going next?

    Reply
  10. Our Family World says

    November 20, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    These are all great advice. I like what you wrote, “Life is short, buy the shoes. And the skirt. And the hat. And the bag!” I need to do some self-loving and treat myself to some pretty stuff, even if travel is far from our plans right now. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Liz Mays says

    November 20, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    These are such good ideas. I do tend to see some good travel pictures on Instagram that I could be writing down!

    Reply
  12. brianne says

    November 20, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    These are great tips for traveling. I too look at Instagram photos to see popular places!

    Reply
  13. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

    November 20, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    These travel tips are really awesome! I love traveling with my family and I make sure that we get the most out of our experience! That pay it or plan it sounds convenient.

    Reply
  14. Carol Cassara says

    November 20, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    Great tips for travelers! The husband and I travel often and I agree with you about wearing comfy shoes especially for trips in Europe where there’ll be a lot of walking!

    Reply
  15. Pam says

    November 20, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    It is so important to ask friends for recommendations. They usually have great tips and know where is good to go and where isn’t.

    Reply
  16. Kita Bryant says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    That’s actually a smart idea to use Instagram in that way. I don’t blame you! Get all the good spots!

    Reply
  17. Beeb Ashcroft says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    I would love to go visit again. It’s just a memorable place.

    Reply
  18. travel blogger says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    Great tips! I always use Instagram to scope out locations when I travel. Usually it works out nicely, and I get to see some amazing stuff. Love your wardrobe! I love creating fun outfits for when I travel.

    Reply
  19. Sara Welch says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    Oh my word, those glasses are amazing. I really love that top too.

    Reply
  20. Wendy Polisi says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    This is such an adorable look. The whole outfit just meshes.

    Reply
  21. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    November 20, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    I agree with all these! I love planning everything ahead whenever we travel. I also try not to look at advertisements of the hotel online, friends’ opinions are the best!

    Reply
  22. Kiwi says

    November 21, 2017 at 7:11 am

    I am a stickler for looking up the Instagram Location and scouting the photos for ideas. Especially for food spots and to see whats on the menu it helps a lot.

    Reply
  23. Myrah Duque says

    November 24, 2017 at 8:28 am

    Friend’s opinions to me, are the most accurate when it comes to selecting a hotel. Thank you for the tips!

    Reply
  24. Stephanie Z says

    May 7, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Using Instagram to scope out locations is such a great idea!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

#ad Anyone else tired of constantly wiping down th #ad Anyone else tired of constantly wiping down their kitchen?!? 😅 I might as well keep a cleaner in my hand at all times since cleaning up after my toddler and baby is a full-time job! I’ve been looking to make the switch to a refillable cleaning product and found the NEW @clorox Multi-Purpose Refillable Cleaner @Target…it’s perfect! I love this as a more sustainable option since it uses 80% less plastic waste* and when I'm out, I just need to buy the concentrate vs. a full bottle which means less shipping costs too! This bleach free cleaner gets all the sticky messes and handprints off all my surfaces—counters, floors, highchairs, etc. Just refill, reload, & reuse! Buy now from Target! #CloroxRefillableCleaners *By replacing thirty Clorox 16 fl oz spray cleaners.
Spring has sprung and LOVING IT! I’ve been livin Spring has sprung and LOVING IT! I’ve been living in this jersey maxi dress and tie day sweater from @walmart, it’s been so comfortable to wear on transitional spring days where it’s warm one second and then raining the next (swipe right 👉🏻) they come in a bunch of colors and can’t beat that price 🙌🏻 Sharing more on stories how i like to tie it up for wearing outside of the house too #ad #walmart #walmartfashion @shop.ltk #liketkit https://liketk.it/3DaOZ
We have been having so much fun on our extended tr We have been having so much fun on our extended trip at the beach house in 30A! I was so nervous packing  for two kids on this trip (6 suitcases later…) so I leaned in on @walmart to help me out by ordering our baby essentials to the house in advance. We arrived to our stock of diapers, pull ups, wipes, formula, apple sauce pouches, etc…everything we needed! I also ordered the boys some cute outfits, OBSESSED with these hoodie sets and love the colors, and my maxi dress too! I’ve linked all our outfits and baby favorites via @Shop.LTK for you to shop here https://liketk.it/3AKkL #WalmartBaby #liketkit AD
#BotanicalOriginPartner I am OBSESSED with optimiz #BotanicalOriginPartner I am OBSESSED with optimizing my life to be more efficient, (gotta be time-wise with two kids, multiple businesses, and getting it all done!). Amazon Subscribe and Save is my best bud for ordering our essentials to the house and we just swapped our laundry detergent to @botanicalorigin. This stuff smells so fresh, (I order the orange blossom & citrus leaves scent) but the best part about it is it removes tough the toughest stains like: wine 🍷, spaghetti sauce 🍝 (my stain nemesis!!!), chocolate 🍫, mustard 🌭, makeup foundation 💋(OMG!!!!!!), ink 🖊, oil and bacon grease 🥓… basically everything that ruins our family’s clothes. It’s plant based (67% USDA Biobased), for sensitive skin and is also aesthetically pleasing 🥰 , which is perfect as I’m trying to make this corner of our garage more organized. Peep my stories to see more about our new laundry detergent but also the rest of the garage 😂😬🤪 #BotanicalOriginPartner #ElevateYourClean  @botanicalorigin
We have been HARD at work for the past couple days We have been HARD at work for the past couple days in Florida working on @the30abeachhouse! It’s been a total labor of love and that includes finding last minutes deals online for things that are backordered, not arriving in time, or that just didn’t work out! Thankfully I’m shopping the @retailmenot Daylight Savings event (now through 3/20) to save extra on my purchases from favorite retailers like @homedepot and @michaelscraftstore! Swipe through the carousel to see some of our progress this weekend including our @samsung appliances we saved 10% on! 👉🏻🌊☀️ad
My camera roll is looking a lot like this lately 🥰 Kevin is officially back to work as of this Monday 😭 so I’ve got solo mornings with the kids and Harrison at the 2 year old toddler age is a ✨struggle✨I never knew putting on the wrong socks could completely ruin someone’s day but here we are 🙃 for any mamas out there struggling—I see you 🤪

Categories

  • BEAUTY
  • BLOGGER TOOLS
  • FASHION
  • GIFT GUIDES
  • GLAM GIRLS COLLECTIVE
  • HOME
  • LIFESTYLE
  • MENSWEAR
  • MOM LIFE
  • RECIPES
  • TAHOE A-FRAME
  • TRAVEL
  • VIDEOS
  • WELLNESS

Archives

  • Email
  • YouTube

Shop my favorites

Copyright © 2022 · Just Add Glam · Designed by Bella Creative Studio