On this week’s Just the Tip, Kim shares her best tips for solo travel she learned through her new solo adventures. She weighs the pros and cons and inspires you take your own trip solo.



Show Notes

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Shop: ⁠⁠⁠Trip Itineraries ⁠⁠⁠& ⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠⁠⁠

Connect: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Tips for Your First Solo Travel Trip

In this Travel Flashback Episode, we're taking you on a road trip through the Gulf Coast and sharing the best things to do in New Orleans, LA, Orange Beach, AL, and Biloxi, MS along the way.

Check out our curated ⁠Gulf Coast experiences⁠ [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/Gulf-Coast?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=blog-post] and ⁠New Orleans experiences⁠ [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/New-Orleans?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=blog-post] on our Viator shop⁠ ⁠ [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/Rome?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=Rome-Blog-Post]for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.

Stay in the same hotels and do the same tours we did on this trip:

 * ⁠Hilton Garden Inn⁠ [https://expedia.com/affiliates/gulf-shores-hotels-hilton-garden-inn-orange-beach.ZdFZoiQ], Orange Beach, AL
 * ⁠The Hotel Legends⁠ [https://expedia.com/affiliates/biloxi-hotels-the-hotel-legends.L7L9Nt3], Biloxi, MS 
 * ⁠Hotel Mazarin⁠ [https://expedia.com/affiliates/new-orleans-hotels-hotel-mazarin.4G7mCun], New Orleans French Quarter
 * ⁠Voodoo Tour in New Orleans⁠ [https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb]
 * ⁠Ghost Tour in New Orleans⁠ [https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb]



If you're looking for a flight deal to the Gulf Coast, we recommend signing up for ⁠Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠ [https://thriftytraveler.com/] to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Shop:⁠ Trip Itineraries ⁠⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/collections/travel-itineraries]&⁠ ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?],⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Gulf Coast Road Trip Through New Orleans, Orange Beach & Biloxi

Summer Travel Essentials

We’re taking you to the magical world of EPCOT at Disney World! In this episode we share everything you need to know to make the most of your one-day visit from the best rides and hidden gem bathrooms to festival tips, must-try drinks, and what to eat in every country around the World Showcase.

 * Tips for planning the perfect one-day EPCOT itinerary
 * How to use Lightning Lane and the Disney app to your advantage
 * The best rides to prioritize (and how to ride Guardians of the Galaxy twice!)
 * Where to eat, drink & explore in every World Showcase pavilion
 * Festival highlights and when to visit for the best weather



There’s a lot more things to do in Orlando outside of Disney World, check out our curated Viator Experiences List [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/Orlando?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=shownotes]for our best recommendations.

Find a great flight deal to Orlando by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101255957-15014585] and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/collections/travel-itineraries]& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Around the World in One Day with the Ultimate EPCOT Experience

In this weeks Just The Tip flashback episode, we reveal the top 10 items we always pack to make traveling more smooth, comfortable, and fun.

 1.  ⁠Packing cubes⁠ [https://amzn.to/3SOWyIY]
 2.  ⁠Shoe bags⁠ [https://amzn.to/3TabmDo]
 3.  ⁠Jewelry organizer⁠ [https://amzn.to/42PgeB4]
 4.  ⁠Pill organizer ⁠ [https://amzn.to/48r54DW]
 5.  ⁠Collapsible water bottle⁠ [https://amzn.to/3Id5vHk]
 6.  ⁠Takon travel neck pillow⁠ [https://amzn.to/3UtCxbV]
 7.  ⁠Laundry bag⁠ [https://amzn.to/3UtCz3x]
 8.  ⁠Carabiners ⁠ [https://amzn.to/4a2RmHX]
 9.  ⁠Air Pods ⁠ [https://amzn.to/4b60Xz4]
 10. ⁠Travel toothbrush and toothpaste set⁠ [https://amzn.to/4b60Xz4]

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Shop: ⁠⁠Trip Itineraries ⁠⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/]& ⁠⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

10 Essential Items to Pack Like a Travel All-Star

We went to Rome, Italy and we’re sharing the must-see highlights and attractions! We share all the attractions, what is worth the entrance fee, and how to see and do it all with just a few days.

Highlights of the City Include:

 * Trevi Fountain
 * Spanish Steps
 * Colosseum
 * Roman Forum
 * Palatine Hill
 * Vatican City
 * Vatican Museums
 * Sistine Chapel
 * St. Peter's Basilica & Dome
 * Scavi Tour
 * Pantheon

If you want to take this exact trip, you can download our ⁠Rome Itinerary⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/products/rome-travel-guide?_pos=1&_sid=658691687&_ss=r]. The Rome itinerary gives travel tips, restaurant and hotel recommendations, links to every activity we booked, packing list, and a day by day itinerary for you to follow. You can also book the same tours we did and hotels we stayed in:

 * ⁠Augusta Lucilla Palace⁠ [https://expedia.com/affiliates/rome-hotels-augusta-lucilla-palace.UtuDbXR] (Hotel near Termini Station)
 * ⁠Pantheon Skip the Line Tickets⁠ [https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/rome-pantheon-skip-the-line-tickets-audioguide-t546484/?partner_id=2RG1I02&utm_medium=online_publisher] 
 * ⁠Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Tickets ⁠ [https://gyg.me/Y29ANptQ]
 * ⁠Colosseum Underground, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill⁠ [https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/rome-2-hour-official-colosseum-underground-tour-t134577/?partner_id=2RG1I02&utm_medium=online_publisher] (Brittanie's favorite tour)
 * ⁠St Peter's Basilica & Dome: Guided Tour⁠ [https://www.getyourguide.com/st-peter-s-basilica-dome-l90308/vatican-city-basilica-climb-and-optional-crypts-tour-t278782/?partner_id=2RG1I02&utm_medium=online_publisher]



Check out our ⁠Rome Viator Experiences⁠ [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/Rome?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=Rome-Show-Notes] for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.

If you're looking for a flight deal to Rome, we recommend signing up for ⁠Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠ [https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101255957-15014585] to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you!

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Shop: ⁠Trip Itineraries ⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/]& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

4 Days in Rome, Italy: The Best Things to See & Do

We’re sharing four of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., sharing our experiences and why we did them anyway despite the risks. From Zion's heart-pounding Angel's Landing and The Narrows, to the intense scramble up Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park, we break down the deadly features of each trail. We also tackle the brutal 20-mile trek to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Join us as we discuss the thrills, the dangers, and our personal stories from these adrenaline-pumping hikes! Tune in to hear why we still can't resist the thrill.

If you’re planning to do these hikes and visit these destinations, here are some hotels and other things to do to build out your trip!

 * Zion National Park - Stay at the Bumbleberry Inn [https://booking.tp.st/zjSVq5pT], consider this highly rated Zion Sunset Jeep tour [https://www.viator.com/tours/Zion-National-Park/Zion-Sunset-Jeep-Tour/d5610-163873P18?pid=P00038650&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=utah-blog] and if you plan to explore further, download our Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks Itinerary [https://shoptravelsquad.com/products/utah-national-parks-road-trip-itinerary].
 * Olympic National Park - Stay at the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor [https://expedia.com/affiliates/port-angeles-hotels-red-lion-hotel-port-angeles-harbor.97OC2YE] and if you want to see more parks in this beautiful state, download our Washington's 3 National Parks Itinerary [https://shoptravelsquad.com/products/washington-national-parks-road-trip-itinerary].
 * Havasupai Falls - Stay at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn [https://gccaverns.com/the-caverns-inn/rooms-suites.] and come prepared with ⁠⁠Havasupai backpacking essentials⁠⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast/list/2EGY2Z46MUZIV?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d].
 * Kauai - Stay at Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas [https://expedia.com/affiliates/princeville-hotels-club-wyndham-bali-hai-villas.JgRAa7D], explore more fun things to do in Kauai in our curated Viator Shop [https://selector.viator.com/edit-shop-collection/Kauai/W-42a4684d-6bb1-4d85-849a-f68c7b2fd509], and download our one week Kauai itinerary [https://shoptravelsquad.com/products/kauai-travel-guide] to easily follow a fully planned out trip!



Find a flight deal by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101255957-15014585] and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/collections/travel-itineraries]& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and

4 Hikes You Can Die On, and Why We Did Them Anyway

We’re taking you with us to vibrant, bustling Tokyo! From theme parks to tea ceremonies, ancient temples to glowing digital art museums, we packed our itinerary with the best of Japan’s capital city—and now we're sharing it all with you. Whether it’s your first trip to Tokyo or you’re planning a return visit, this episode is full of helpful travel tips, must-do activities, and honest insights to help you experience the magic of Tokyo like a squad pro.

Download our ⁠5 Day Tokyo Itinerary⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/products/tokyo-itinerary-5-days] to make your trip planning even easier!

 * Stay at the ⁠Rembrandt Style Tokyo Nishikasai Grande Hotel⁠ [https://booking.tp.st/Rdq6Egk9] or ⁠DoubleTree by Hilton⁠ [https://expedia.com/affiliates/kyoto-hotels-daiwa-royal-hotel-grande-kyoto.6bxr7tV] near the Kyoto Station
 * Get an eSim from ⁠Airalo ⁠ [https://airalo.tp.st/a2QoOJxr]before you go and the ⁠Tokyo Tourist Subway Passes⁠ [https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=74426&aff_adid=1018605&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F1552-subway-ticket-tokyo%2F] as soon as you get there
 * Reserve your ⁠Tokyo Disney Sea ⁠ [https://www.klook.com/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/?spm=SearchResult.SearchResult_LIST&clickId=d4f3326d17]tickets well ahead of time
 * We highly recommend the ⁠Tea Ceremony Workshop⁠ [https://www.viator.com/tours/Asakusa/A-tea-ceremony-workshop-to-learn-about-the-traditional-Japanese-culture/d59194-150310P1?pid=P00038650&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=tokyo-shownotes], ⁠Sumo Wrestling Show⁠ [https://www.viator.com/tours/Asakusa/Tokyo-Sumo-Practice-Show-with-Chicken-Hot-Pot-and-Photo/d59194-463117P1?pid=P00038650&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=tokyo-shownotes] the ⁠Onsen⁠ [https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=74426&aff_adid=1000920&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F103671-toyosu-manyo-club-onsen-experience-tokyo%2F] experience, and going to ⁠TeamLab Planets ⁠ [https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=74426&aff_adid=1021028&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F]while it’s still there.
 * Visit iconic sites like Sensoji Temple, Sumida Park, Nezu Shrine, and Ueno Park during cherry blossom season
 * Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling sushi, seafood, and Japanese street snacks
 * Discover hidden gems like Hamarikyu Gardens and the peaceful Nezu Shrine away from the crowds
 * Take in sweeping skyline views (for free!) from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observatory and catch their epic Godzilla-themed light show



Find more recommended activities in our⁠ Japan Experience's Viator Shop⁠ [https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/travelsquadpodcast/Japan?medium=link&medium_version=shop&campaign=Japan-blog-post]

Find a great flight deal to Tokyo by signing up for⁠ Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠ [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101255957-15014585] and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Temples, Tea, and Tokyo Magic: A Springtime Adventure in Japan’s Capital

We’re taking you aboard Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy for their 10-hour flight from Tokyo to LAX. Was the experience worth the points? How does it compare to flying economy or splurging on business class? (P.S. We’ve reviewed Singapore Airlines Business Class too—check that one out after this!

 * We’re breaking down the entire experience:
 * Booking with points & paying extra for those prime bulkhead seats
 * Pre-flight perks like priority check-in and 2 free checked bags
 * The seat comfort (hello calf rests & 8-inch recline!)
 * In-flight service & amenity kits
 * Our gourmet meals via Book the Cook 
 * Entertainment options, WiFi access, and more!



Find great flight deals with Singapore Airlines by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101255957-15014585] and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/collections/travel-itineraries]& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Review: Worth the Upgrade?

We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares the wild adventure of navigating Seoul’s public transit, Brittanie gets cozy with traditional teas and sweets, and we offer travel tips to help you explore Seoul like a pro. Don’t miss this episode filled with history, K-culture, epic eats, and real talk about what it’s like to squeeze Seoul into just two days!

 * Stay at the Moxy Hotel [https://booking.tp.st/AfY30XTs], a trendy, metro-accessible hotel with a rooftop bar
 * Get an eSim from Airalo [https://airalo.tp.st/a2QoOJxr]before you go
 * Eat Korean Fried Chicken at KyoChon and Korean BBQ at Myeongdong
 * Take a DMZ Tour [https://www.viator.com/tours/Seoul/DMZ-Peace-Finder-Private-Tour-North-Korea-Invasion-Route-and-Suspension-Bridge/d973-47013P20?pid=P00038650&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=southkorea-blogpost] and explore this forbidden land (you can book with Julie, our amazing tour guide on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/julietourxoxo/])

 * Wander through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village
 * Relax at Chatteul Tea House
 * Tour the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace
 * Ride the Namsan Cable Car to the Observation Deck Seoul Tower [https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=74426&aff_adid=1016312&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F412-n-seoul-tower-seoul%2F] for panoramic nighttime views.



Find a great flight deal to Seoul by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101255957-15014585] and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

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Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠ [https://shoptravelsquad.com/collections/travel-itineraries]& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelsquadpodcast]

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?], ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@travelsquadpodcast], and ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travelsquadpodcast/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_gxT16uimZ2Vrl9gnjk2g?]and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

48 Hours in Seoul, South Korea: DMZ, K-Food, Korean Skincare & Culture

We’re the Travel Squad, long time friends traveling the world together - one passport stamp at a time! In this podcast we share international vacations, destination recommendation, national park adventures and recommended hikes, epic road trips, guided tour experiences, and show you how to make weekend getaways possible. All while providing tips, hacks, and travel advice to save money and get the most out of YOUR trips. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/travel-squad-podcast/support

Brittanie Harbick

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