Magellan's Blog: Hear from the Travel Experts

River cruises are fast becoming one of the most popular ways to tour. So says Cruise Lines International Association. Since 2008, the number of travelers cruising rivers has increased by 57 percent, and the Rhine River through Europe is among the most sought-after journeys.

The appeal of River cruise boats is the constant flow of contiguous parallel sights all along the river’s edge…on both sides of the cruise ship. River cruises offer an intimate look at life and views both port and starboard. The intimacy of the smaller ship, far smaller than ocean-going liners, allows the river cruise ship to pass through locks and under bridges that the bigger vessels can’t. The limited size means it’s important for guests to pack smart and keep luggage compact. This isn’t a problem when relying on travel accessories from Magellan’s wide selection of compact luggage and travel aids.

Port to port, a typical cruise along The Rhine, one of Europe’s longest and most legendary rivers, starts in the headwaters of the eastern Swiss Alps and includes a wealth of stops and daytrips along the way. Winding past Liechtenstein through Switzerland into Lake Constance where the borders of Switzerland, Germany and Austria converge, then onto the Swiss-German border, skirt the Black Forest, cross into Germany north of Strasbourg and wind through Mannheim, Mainz, Cologne, and Dusseldorf continuing west toward the Netherlands and its outlet to the North Sea near Rotterdam.

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TourSafe 22 Anti-Theft Carry-On bag

With baggage limitations that vary from airline to airline and change almost daily, packing for a trip is a real challenge. When you throw in local travel abroad, it can be downright daunting.

Veteran travelers know that packing smart hinges on a more-is-less approach. Travel writer and TV personality Rick Steves sets his limit at one 9" × 22" × 14" bag that will fit in most overhead bins and weighs no more than 20 pounds. Impossible, you say? Not if you follow some simple guidelines, think things through, and shop for travel-tested gear at Magellans.com.

Realize that unless you’re headed for a couple of weeks in the middle of the Amazon jungle or the Kalahari Desert, you don’t need to load up on consumables like soap, toothpaste, or cosmetics. They take up space, add unnecessary weight, and are easily bought at nearly any location overseas or the United States. It’s not like people in London or Tokyo or Fargo don’t bathe or wear lipstick. Take what you’ll require en route and immediately upon arriving at your destination; buy the rest when the need arises. Continue reading →

United Airlines inaugurated non-stop service from Denver to Tokyo using the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on June 10, cutting hours off the journey to Asia for travelers departing America’s heartland. Trips that used to take 16-18 hours have been cut to 12 or less from the Denver hub.

As nice as saving 4-5 hours may be, 12 hours on a plane is still a long, long time. That’s why experienced travelers know that an important part of their trip planning is a visit to Magellans.com.

Custom-designed for Magellan’s, the Getaway Wheeled Under-Seat Tote raises the bar for comfort and functionality. The stylish, yet rugged bag takes organization to a new level, particularly important on long overseas flights. It has a multitude of perfectly positioned pockets for easy access to all the things you’ll want during your flight including a padded iPad^® sleeve and zippered water bottle pockets. Getting on and off the plane is easy with the detachable shoulder strap, and moving through the terminal is a breeze thanks to the extra-long telescoping handle and rugged, yet quiet wheels. The roomy main compartment includes shoe pockets and room for enough clothing for a two-day trip, saving the cost and hassle of traveling with extra luggage. Continue reading →

When you travel far from the creature comforts of home, particularly international travel, the last thing you want to say is “I can’t believe I forgot the….” It may be tempting to over-pack to avoid forgetting something you find you need, but there’s a limit to what will weigh you down and what the airline will let you ship without additional cost. Magellan’s Top list of essential items to pack that will get you through your international travel successfully, without weighing you down.

The Long Road Ahead

International flights mean having to remain seated for long periods on various modes of transportation. That can lead to DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis which can be deadly. On the Go Compression Socks help maintain healthy circulation with their graduated, moderate compression (15-20mmHg) which energize leg muscles and help prevent swelling. The shock-absorbing, cushioned footbed keeps feet comfortable while moisture-wicking and anti-microbial technology keeps feet dry and odor-free.

The theories espoused to help people avoid jet lag range from regimented diets to timed lighting and melatonin. Since 1990, thousands of long-distance travelers have depended on No-Jet-Lag® to help them feel fresh upon arrival. The natural, homeopathic product addresses the symptoms of jet lag and not just the sleepiness. Each packet contains 32 chewable tablets that are pleasant-tasting and will get you through about 40 hours of flying time. It’s safe for all ages and won’t conflict with other medications. Free of side-effects, No-Jet-Lag® has a money back guarantee. Continue reading →

According to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index for 2013, Asia has topped Europe as the favorite spot for tourist travel worldwide with Bangkok edging out London as the top destination. Six of the top10 destinations are outside of Europe with Singapore, Istanbul, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong replacing traditional European cities in the rankings. This shift changes travel planning for US tourists and affects how to pack for trips.

First, research the climate at your destination. Most Southeast Asia areas are warm year-round with many becoming oppressively hot and muggy during the summer monsoons. Bring along a Unisex Waterproof Poncho and you’ll thank us later. This exclusive Magellan’s design is both waterproof and breathable with a drawstring hood and covered zipper to protect you from a sudden downpour. It’s oversized for a comfortable fit, even over packs, and folds compactly into its own zip pocket for easy storage in a tote or daypack when not in use. Continue reading →