Travel blog

Traveling is a wonderful adventure. It gives us first-hand experience to learn about people and cultures around the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of opportunities new travelers miss out on. Even if you are a frequent traveler, there are likely some travel mistakes you didn’t know you were making.

One of the best things to do before international travel is to learn the cultural norms of a destination. This will prevent a lot of mistakes, but it's not the only area that travelers drop the ball.

Planning a trip abroad for the first time is exhilarating. Think of the people you’ll meet, the local food you’ll savor, and the wonderful memories you will make.

Avoid financial surprises by setting up a travel budget before heading overseas. The first time traveling to Europe, or any continent for that matter, requires a bit of research. This is especially true if your travels will take place over an extended period of time.

Staying connected during your trip allows family and friends to know where you are at all times. It also gives you the ability to send updates about the wonderful sights you are seeing on your guided tour. It also provides a level of reassurance in the event of an emergency. But using a cellphone while abroad will result in an exorbitant bill at the end of your trip, unless you plan ahead.

Tallinn, Estonia, is what the travel world still considers a hidden gem. Beautiful, historic, and brimming with delicious food and unique activities, it is nonetheless very much under the radar for most travelers.

To visitors sick of crowds and hoping to experience a much more magical European destination, we say, pack your bags and always remember; “magavale kassile hiir suhu ei jookse,” or, “a mouse won’t run into the mouth of a sleeping cat.” Which is a very Estonian way of encouraging one to pursue the thing they want—for example, a trip to Tallinn.

Don’t let the possibility of seasickness prevent you from booking the cruise of your dreams! Seasickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your senses. These mixed messages throw our bodies off balance and may result in dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Travel like a local on your next international vacation in order to get a deeper sense of understanding about the people and culture. If traveling like a local sounds intimidating, rest assured that you do not have to give up the comforts of a vacation or ditch your pre-set plans. After all, you are still there to relax and have a good time! Here are 8 tips for traveling like a local:

One of the most important practical matters to consider when it comes to international travel is currency. Do you need to carry cash, and if so, how much? Can and should you use your credit cards? What about withdrawing money from ATMs? Is it still necessary to bring traveler’s checks? What about conversion rates and fees? We have the answers, and have put together a handy guide of the best way to carry and spend your money while out of the United States.

Winter travels to Europe can be magical. Imagine the energy of Christmas markets, the beauty of light snow coating the top of historic homes, and plenty of space to explore famous sites without bumping into a ton of other tourists! With so much to look forward to from November through February, your packing list for Europe should contain items that will keep you warm and comfortable throughout your entire tour with YMT Vacations. Not sure where to get started? Here are some packing essentials for traveling to Europe during winter:

An escorted tour is the perfect opportunity to wind down and immerse yourself in the culture of a new place. While some travelers may decide to completely discontinue use of their electronics, many others use their phones, tablets, and even laptops during vacation. Smartphones are especially handy because they are small enough to carry around, offer the ability to stay in touch with loved ones back home, have good quality cameras, and are often used as a source of entertainment. Here are some packing and preparing tips if you plan on using your smartphone during your travels:

So you’ve booked your international vacation but you still have a few questions, like how you can keep your phone charged during your travels. “Do I need a travel adapter?” “Do I need a converter?” “What’s the difference between an adapter and a converter?” These are all important questions, and finding the answer you need can be a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you understand which adapters or voltage converters you will need to pack for your trip to Europe or anywhere outside of the United States. Read on to learn more!