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$19.99 (as of November 23, 2024 15:27 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Have you ever found yourself wondering if there are hidden perks at your hotel that you’re totally missing out on? If anyone can give you the inside scoop, it’s travel expert Samantha Brown. The seasoned TV host, known for shows like “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” and “Passport to Europe,” has a surprising tip: always visit the hotel gym! But here’s the kicker—Samantha isn’t hitting the treadmill. So, why does she make a beeline for the fitness center? Let’s unpack this and other nuggets of wisdom from the “Travel Goddess” herself.
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Why Samantha Brown Always Visits the Hotel Gym
Free Perks Abound
Whenever Samantha Brown checks into a hotel, one of her first stops is the gym. Surprisingly, it’s not to break a sweat. In a blog post titled “21 Travel Tips That Will Ensure Your Trip Is a Success,” she explains that hotel gyms “usually stock bottled water and fresh fruit like oranges and bananas” for free. These perks can be a lifesaver, especially after a long journey when you need to hydrate or grab a quick snack.
More Than Just Amenities
While the lobby might offer similar amenities, the gym typically has a higher stock. Why? Most people just don’t associate gyms with freebies. It’s one of those easily overlooked places where you can grab some essentials without a second thought.
Balancing Health and Fun
Although she might not always use the gym for its intended purpose, Samantha acknowledges that maintaining health while traveling is important. However, she emphasizes not stressing about it. In her June 2024 blog post “Realistic Ways to Stay Fit When Traveling,” she mentions that traveling should be about fun and food, urging you never to let worries about staying fit affect your trip.
Samantha Brown’s Essential Travel Tips
Beat Jet Lag Like a Pro
Jet lag can seriously damper your travel excitement. Samantha recommends simple strategies such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol on the flight, and getting some sunlight as soon as you land. These small steps can go a long way in helping your body adjust to a new time zone.
Entertain Kids on the Go
Traveling with kids? Samantha, a parent herself, has some golden tips. She suggests pre-boarding the plane to set up your seat while your partner stays at the gate with the kids. This minimizes chaos and stress. Also, local playgrounds can be wonderful spots to get advice from local parents on the best family-friendly places to visit.
Fit In with the Locals
Nothing ruins a travel experience more than standing out like a sore thumb. Samantha suggests learning a few basic phrases in the local language. This simple gesture can earn you respect and perhaps even few insider tips from locals.
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Health Tips While Traveling
Enjoy in Moderation
Brown loves the culinary exploration that comes with travel but recommends enjoying food in moderation. You don’t need to count calories rigorously while on vacation. Just focus on savoring each meal without overindulging. Enjoy that local delicacy but perhaps balance it out with a lighter meal later.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially when you’re out sightseeing. Always carry a bottle of water, whether you’re hiking up a mountain or just walking the city streets. Accessing the hotel gym for a quick refill can keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Engage in Local Activities
Running clubs or walking tours can be compelling ways to integrate fitness into your travel. They help you see the locality from a unique perspective and also fetch those extra steps in your daily routine. Samantha often emphasizes taking the scenic route, which not only adds steps but also enriches your travel experience.
Tips for Hassle-Free Travels
Avoid the Seat Pocket Trap
Storing items in the airplane seat pocket might seem convenient, but it’s also an easy way to lose things. Samantha warns against keeping wallets, headphones, or passports in those pockets. These items can easily get forgotten during the rush of de-boarding or simply fall deep into the pocket where they’re hard to retrieve.
Pre-Board When Flying with Kids
Her tip about pre-boarding is particularly useful for parents. It offers a tranquil moment to set up before the baby and partner arrive, reducing stress for everyone involved. Plus, it makes onboarding smoother for other passengers too.
Politeness and Patience
Often the simplest tips are the most impactful. Being polite and patient can go a long way. Whether it’s dealing with airline staff or hotel personnel, a little kindness can improve your travel experiences and sometimes even earn you unexpected perks.
Connecting with Local Parents
Hitting up local playgrounds serves dual purposes: it allows your children to burn off energy, and lets you mingle with local parents who can give you valuable tips on child-friendly activities. You’re building connections and making your trip smoother within a familiar setting.
Samantha Brown’s Favorite Spots
Hidden Gems
When it comes to favorite spots, Samantha isn’t shy about sharing. She loves discovering and suggesting lesser-known places that many travelers might overlook. Her recommendations often include unique cafes, quaint bookshops, and historic sites that aren’t on every tourist’s radar.
Local Cuisine
Food is often the heart of travel, and Samantha has highlighted numerous local eateries that provide authentic culinary experiences. Be it a local baker’s fresh pastries in Paris or a hidden ramen shop in Tokyo, she ensures her followers get a taste of local flavors in the most genuine way possible.
Scenic Routes
Samantha frequently highlights scenic routes that are perfect for walks or runs, offering an immersive experience into the locale’s natural beauty. These routes often have fewer tourists, which adds to their charm.
Simple Yet Effective Travel Hacks
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Travel can be unpredictable. While planning is essential, always leave room for spontaneity. Samantha’s mantra is that some of the best travel experiences come from unplanned adventures.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing efficiently can save a lot of stress. Samantha swears by packing cubes to keep your luggage organized. It’s especially useful if you’re hopping between multiple destinations.
In-Flight Comfort
For long-haul flights, she recommends bringing a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and downloading movies or books beforehand. Comfort can significantly improve your travel experience, making the journey part of the adventure rather than just a means to an end.
Engage with Locals
Another of Samantha’s key tips is to engage with locals, whether through organized tours or spontaneous conversations. Locals can offer insights and recommendations that you won’t find in guidebooks. It enriches your trip and can sometimes lead to lifelong friendships.
Stay One Step Ahead
Research is key. Having a basic understanding of your destination’s customs, language, and hot spots can put you ahead. It’s a fine balance between planned activities and impromptu adventures that create a well-rounded travel experience.
Conclusion
Two decades of globetrotting have filled Samantha Brown’s treasure trove of travel tips to the brim. Her emphasis on visiting the hotel gym—not to exercise but to snag free bottled water and fresh fruit—shows her knack for spotting overlooked conveniences.
Her other pearls of wisdom, from dealing with jet lag to entertaining children during travel, offer practical solutions that can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. So next time you find yourself in a hotel, make a detour to the gym and keep Samantha’s other tips in mind. It might just make your trip a tad easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Travel, after all, is not just about the destination but the journey and the experiences along the way. And who better to guide you than someone who has made a career out of exploring the world and sharing her discoveries? Safe travels!
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