Travel blog

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:

You’ve been looking forward to your vacation, and getting sick on the flight is the last thing you want to happen. Unfortunately, you can’t predict whether you’ll be surrounded by other passengers who are fighting a cold or flu, so it’s best to take some precautions to avoid getting sick. Here are 5 ways on how to avoid getting sick so you can enjoy your tour:

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:

If you love to travel, there’s nothing more exciting than exploring a new place for the first time. Collecting souvenirs from each country is a great way to remember the unique experiences you had – from tasting new dishes to interacting with local artists. Here are 10 travel mementos to collect from any destination that will allow you to recall fond memories for years to come:

There are more and more long-haul flight paths these days as airlines expand their coverage areas. On the plus side, this means travelers can get to their destinations quicker and with less hassle, but sitting on a plane for an extended period of time can definitely be a challenge. There are ways to travel in comfort during long flights that will allow you to enjoy the journey to your final destination. Follow these 10 tips below to deplane relaxed and ready to enjoy your vacation:

When traveling abroad for work or pleasure, you will need a valid U.S. passport. According to USA.gov, the processing time for routine service takes about 4-6 weeks by mail or in person. That timeline may increase, however, based on the number of applications. Ensure you get a new passport in time for your next trip by following these rules for fast passport renewals without delay:

Booking a European tour is exciting – especially escorted tours of Europe because you don’t have to worry about researching hotels or planning your daily activities. The one thing that can take some of the enthusiasm out of your upcoming trip is the stress of packing. While your packing list will vary slightly based on the weather, we’ve compiled a list of essential items that you will use during every season.

Finding affordable airfare these days can be a challenge, especially with many airlines charging additional fees for checked baggage. These fees can range from anywhere between $25 to $50 and are enough to leave the most excited travelers feeling blue since that money could go toward meals, excursions, and souvenirs while on vacation. If you are interested in keeping your travel costs down, here are seven ways to avoid paying these for airline baggage fees:

Travelers are typically allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag onboard at no cost whether flying domestic or international. If you decide to forgo checked luggage altogether to save on baggage fees, or just want to make the most of your carry-on, there are some great ways to get everything you need on the plane with you! While you should be prepared for some trial and error, here are six tips for how to pack efficiently when using a carry-on:

Hollywood royalty and the political elite of the 1920s and 1930s would arrive at Hearst Castle via the estate’s airstrip, or aboard the private Hearst-owned railcar that regularly made the journey from Los Angeles to the sprawling oceanside estate in San Simeon, California. From Clark Gable to Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin, the politicians, movie stars, titans of industry, and other privileged guests of William Randolph Hearst were in awe of the jaw-dropping grandeur of the 90,000-square foot estate informally called “the ranch.”