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10 Awesome American Bookstores You Should Visit

TL;DR

1. Today the world celebrates Tolkien Reading Day.

2. Check out these awesome bookstores across the country.

3. Add them to your bucket list next time you plan your trip.

Today, the 25th of March, fantasy fans around the world celebrate Tolkien Reading Day. A special holiday created to honor the legacy of South African author J. R. R. Tolkien, who presented us with some of the most epic stories ever told.

We decided to hop on this journey and bring you a list of awesome American Bookstores you should visit as soon as traveling takes off again. Check it out.

1. Powell’s City of Books — Portland, OR

Address: 1005 W Burnside St

They are the most iconic place for book lovers in the city but, if you ask them, they will say they are also the world’s largest independent bookstore. That’s because this is where you go not only to fulfill your bucket list of books but also find those forgotten titles online stores don’t sell anymore.

2. Faulkner House — New Orleans, LA

Address: 624 Pirates Alley

This tiny yet charming bookstore got its name from the great William Faulkner, author of iconic titles, such as “The Sound and the Fury” and “As I Lay Dying.” The store is located in what used to be Mr. Faulkner’s home at the beginning of the last century. That’s also the place where he wrote “Soldiers Play”, making Faulkner House a sanctuary for literature lovers.

3. Explore Booksellers — Aspen, CO

Address: 221 E Main St

The Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado may be known for its beautiful mountains and winter tourisms, but it is also home to this wonderful bookstore that has been around for almost half a century.

It’s a great place for children too since they have an entire room dedicated to them. Once you have purchased all your titles, don’t forget to swing by the Pyramid Bistro on the second floor of this Victorian house.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

— J. R. R. Tolkien

4. John K. King Used & Rare Books — Detroit, MI

Address: 901 W. Lafayette Blvd

When John K. King purchased an abandoned factory building in 1983, he already knew what his passion was: buying and selling used books, as well as antiques. What started in high school became a serious job and, since then, a very well-established business and name in the city of Detroit. Books lovers can spend hours going over one million titles in this four-story bookstore. If you love reading, this palace is a palace and John is its king.

5. Antigone Books — Tucson, AZ

Address: 411 N 4th Ave

Inspired by Sophocles’ play of the same name, Antigone Books is a name that has built a reputation in Arizona that goes back to 1973, when it was founded by Kate Randall and Trudy Mills.

Located at the city’s unique Fourth Avenue shopping district, this independent bookstore was voted the best in town by the Tucson Valley and became the first in the country to generate 100% of its energy from solar panels.

A powerful name in the book business and a must stop for any local or tourist.

6. Prairie Lights — Iowa City, IA

Address: 15 S Dubuque St

In the spring of 1978, this historic place for book lovers saw the daylight for the first time when it was still a tiny bookstore. Four years later, they had the chance to bring all their selection to a much bigger space, located in the same building where names like Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, Sherwood Anderson, Langston Hughes, and E. E. Cummings would meet as form the city’s literary society.

A magical place any fan of literature would love to spend time at, walking around its three and a half floors filled with a lot of stories and history.

“Courage is found in unlikely places.”

— J. R. R. Tolkien

7. Taylor Books — Charleston, WV

Address: 226 Capitol St

You don’t have to be just a book lover to visit this place. Once you go through its red front doors, you are in for a treat at a bookstore that values different forms of art, as much as its own community.

At this must-visit location, you can put your phone aside while you enjoy contemporary art and handmade crafts at their Annex Studios. Depending on when you swing by you can even check out live music and even improv groups.

However, as in any iconic bookstore, the cozy atmosphere and the pleasure of sitting down to enjoy a scone or a cup of coffee already make anybody’s day.

8. Books & Books — Coral Gables, FL

Address: 265 Aragon Ave

Books, books, and more books. If the architecture of its 1927 building wasn’t attractive enough, its history adds even more importance to its name. Founded in 1982, the company has expanded to seven different addresses and became a must-stop not only for literature fans but also for any writers signing books across the country, who can participate in one of its 60 author monthly events.

Books & Books is also known for its monthly art exhibit that started in 1985 and for attracting visitors from all over the world.

9. Left Bank Books — St. Louis, Missouri

Address: 399 N Euclid Ave

In the year where the entire nation witnessed a giant leap for mankind, Left Bank Books took its first small step when graduate students from Washington University shared their desire to create a place for all kinds of books.

Since then, the name has skyrocketed to what has become the oldest and largest independently-owned full-line bookstore in the city, with a selection that includes new and used books, gifts, magazines, cards, and even toys.

If you ever pay a visit to somebody who lives in Missouri and is a book lover, just message them: Meet me in St. Louis!

“Little by little, one travels far.”

— J. R. R. Tolkien

10. Parnassus Books — Nashville, TN

Address: 3900 Hillsboro Pike #14

According to Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus, a mountain in Delphi, Greece, was not only the land of the Muses, but also the home of literature, poetry, learning, and music.

Inspired by this story, bestselling author Ann Patchett and publishing veteran Karen Hayes founded Parnassus Books in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee.

The city has seen locals and tourists visit this beautiful book store for over ten years, who enjoy other forms or art way beyond its iconic country music scene.

Grabbing a title from a local writer at Parnassus Books is a must-have on your bucket list, before visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• • •

Once you are ready for another adventure across the country, you can stop by one of these amazing bookstores and feel again the atmosphere of being surrounded by great titles you are yet to read.

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Images: unsplash.com

Sources: matadornetwork.com, afar.com, theculturetrip.com, huffpost.com

How to Plan a Family Trip Without Hesitations: A Checklist

TL;DR

Save for it! As soon as you start thinking about traveling, start saving too.
Think about how you want to get there, if you need to buy flight/bus tickets then the earlier the buy the cheaper you’ll pay.
Pack light, you don’t need your full wardrobe during vacation.

Continue reading “How to Plan a Family Trip Without Hesitations: A Checklist”

How to Plan a Road Trip

The good ol’ road trips. One of the classic ways to travel. Solo or in groups, it can be fun, entertaining, educational, adventurous. Whatever you make of it.

However, just because you are about to have tons of fun, doesn’t mean you don’t have to prepare for what’s coming up. There are some basic items you have to add to your survival list.

Snacks and music are just the beginning. That’s why we came up with a list to help you on your next road trip. Check it out.

The car

If you are about to hit the road, you have to make sure everything is in order with your car. This is non-negotiable.

Before your road trip, make sure all the fluids are ready to go, check your breaks, test your battery, see if your lights are working properly, and don’t forget to give your tires some love.

The more you prepare and double-check, the higher are the chances you will have a smooth ride and a wonderful time.

Electronics

One of the best thing about road trips is how unpredictable things are, but that might also be the most challenging part. This is why you should always be ready for any situation.

Your phone can be your best friend on a road trip. It provides entertainment and it can save your life if you need to call somebody or simply check where exactly you are.

Therefore, on the night before your road trip, double-check if you are properly charging all your electronic devices. Phones, tablets, computers, cameras, and anything else you’re bringing with you.

You should also charge one or two extra power banks, in case you run out of battery in the middle of nowhere. This extra energy is really important for your devices and for you, which takes us to our next topic.

Food

Drinks and snacks are essential for any road trip but even more important if you are driving for hours. It’s okay to grab some junk food but don’t forget to bring something healthy.

Water is a very obvious choice. If you have a cooler where you can store several gallons at your desired temperature, that’s even better. Always keep in mind that, in case you have to stop to change tires or to wait for help, having enough water with you makes all the difference.

“Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies.”

— Road Trippin’, Red Hot Chili Peppers (1999)

An insulated bag for fruits is also really important. Apples, bananas, grapes, and any other fruit you like can be a game-changer in a road trip when you are really hungry but can’t stop for a meal.

You should also bring carrots, a homemade peanut butter sandwich, energy bars, different types of nuts, oatmeal cookies, beef jerky, and trail mix bags. Just avoid dairy and other kinds of food that need refrigeration, so you can eat anything and any time.

Maintaining a survivalist mentality is really important. So one day before returning home from your road trip, stop by a local grocery store and load your car with water and food for the way back.

Playlists

Music on a road trip is vital. It might be taken for granted while you are listening to it, but try to pause the current song, and you will see how empty the atmosphere becomes.

You don’t have to blast it through the speakers. Just keep the volume loud enough so everybody can hear it and be able to talk to each other at the same time.

Ideally, your playlist contains songs that most, if not all, people in the car not only recognize but can also sing. It makes your road trip more fun and enjoyable for everybody.

Choose two or three music genres that are compatible with everybody’s preferences and then pick hit songs from that category. This might not be the best time to present new songs they’ve never heard of.

In apps like Spotify or Apple Music, you can find a plethora of playlists created specifically for road trips. If you need to save data, make sure you download them at home first so you can listen offline.

If you know a podcast that is really funny, you may also try that. It will be like watching a stand-up comedian in your car. However, make sure everybody is actually enjoying the show.

Don’t forget to pick playlists for the way back home. Some people don’t usually sing or talk much on the last day of a road trip. They might be tired and even sleepy. If they all pass out, the driver might need some entertainment on the road.

For solo travelers, you can also download an app with guided tours based on your location. Once the app knows where you are, it will tell a story or fun fact about the area you are driving through. Make sure to charge your phone while using these kinds of apps.

Games

Another great idea for your road trip plan is to come up with games so everybody can interact with each other. Here is a list with some suggestions you may try.

1. Explain a Movie Plot Badly

If you are traveling with movie lovers, this one can be quite challenging and fun. Try to make it accurate but funny, using famous titles so everybody can take a stab.

2. Song Shuffle

When choosing a playlist for your road trip, make sure to include one with very famous hits from different decades. If all travelers in the car are around the same age, including top songs from childhood times can be extra fun.

3. Random Rule

This one can get really crazy. The idea is to come up with an extremely random rule for specific situations and have the entire group follow it. Example: The first time you spot any animal, everybody screams its name; Every time you pass by a truck, ask the driver to honk.

Stop anywhere you want

The beauty of a road tripis the freedom you have to basically stop anywhere you want. If you’re taking a route for the first time, there might be tons of good surprises ahead of you.

Be aware of what’s around you and, if you have time, don’t let a unique opportunity pass by. Saw a couple of cute deers? Stop for a photo. Spotted a good-looking vintage diner? Time for a milkshake and fries.

These random occurrences can enrich your trip and make it even more memorable, so always be ready to change plans. After all, your destination is not going anywhere. If you didn’t see everything you wanted, you can always use that as an excuse for another road trip.

Now that you are ready, it’s time to hit the road.

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Photos: Unsplash

Source: realsimple.com

Post-vaccine Traveling and Things You Need to Know

TL;DR

Your first trip will be to your also vaccinated friend or family’s house, but only 2 weeks after your final shot.
We will be able to travel first in our country, then probably to Europe first.
We will still need masks because the vaccine is not a guarantee we can’t transmit the virus.

Continue reading “Post-vaccine Traveling and Things You Need to Know”

There Has Never Been a Better Time to Support Local Businesses

TL;DR

Think local before purchasing anything.
There are many websites to help you find shops in your community.
There is a positive snowball effect you trigger when buying local.

It is no mystery that the current international scenario has brought a huge challenge for small businesses. Book stores, coffee shops, offices, you name it. In every industry, there has been an impact, but there is still a lot we all can do to help them.

Star with your own community

If buying local is all about your community, a great way to start is through Nextdoor. This website not only connects neighbors but also local businesses and nonprofits, sending you updates and recommendations tailored to where you live.

Then do some research

Spending some time researching can narrow down your options and make your life much easier when choosing where to support local next. There are plenty of websites and ideas to help you out. We selected a few for you.

Local database

One of them is Independent We Stand. They have created a database of small businesses across the U.S., so you can pick different options depending on where you are. Worth checking it out.

In an interview for the NY Times, their managing partner, Bill Brunelle, shared, “If you buy at a hardware store, that owner may hire a local accountant, while the employees may go to local restaurants and other nearby stores. The success of one business can steamroll through the economy.”

Independent booksellers

Other initiatives are more focused on certain industries but still serve the same purpose. Like the website Bookshop. As the name suggests, it is a great place to find local bookstores and deals to feed your imagination while helping your community.

Similar to Bookshop is a marketplace called Alibris. They have been in business for almost 25 years and have connected thousands of independent sellers to millions of buyers, with a huge selection of titles.

Shop clothing brands in your community

Another really cool initiative is a website called Rags. They have a very good selection of clothing brands from the U.S. and other countries. You can even filter by different styles, like vintage, surf, and business.

Social support online

One thing about shopping online that is still an important factor to a lot of users out there is reading other users’ reviews. For big brands, some users may see a five-star review and think that something doesn’t smell quite right.

However, for small businesses, writing a positive and honest review can be a game-changer. This important feedback doesn’t have to be necessarily done after purchasing a product on their website.

You can always find their Instagram account and leave a comment on a post about what you bought, sharing with other potential customers how that product helped you, or maybe how their customer service was really proactive.

Business owners of tiny brands are fighting for each transaction and your review, follow, comment, and like can make a huge difference at the end of the month for them.

The gift of encouragement

If you already support your community but you still feel the need to do more and spread the love for local, sharing your favorite places and brands with family and friends is a very good start.

The good ol’ word of mouth has never failed anybody. What is arguably the most powerful marketing tool out there can be an ally in your quest for creating awareness for any local business in your area.

If just sharing an address is not enough, maybe you can introduce your loved ones by inviting them for a coffee or to grab a bite at a local bakery. It is a chance to spend some time with them and also broaden their horizon and passion for local businesses.

However, we understand that this is not always an easy task. Maybe your family is used to always go to the same restaurant and your friends usually buy their shoes online, so you might have to give them a little push.

That can be done in the form of a gift card. This very simple and effective gesture is a great way to ensure your money is going to the right place at the same time you encourage your social circle to visit and get to know better the places you love. It is a win-win.

Go for a walk

It might sound silly, but going for a walk can be a great way to support small businesses in your community. That’s because the recent global situation has impacted companies differently. Some stores you were used to seeing in your city or neighborhood might not be there anymore.

However, those who have endured these harsh times can become your new to-go areas for certain products. Maybe this is a chance to get a coffee in a shop you have never visited, or you can meet the owner of a small hardware store around the corner you never took the time to check out.

Kindness and knowledge

Another priceless contribution you can give to local businesses is your time. If you are a specialist in an area that might help small brands in your neighborhood, it would be a huge deal for them if you could offer your knowledge, skills, and a few hours of your week to help them improve their service, management, or even just the website.

Your kindness is obviously always helpful. During these trying times, owners and employees are all going through some kind of struggle. Therefore, it makes their day much easier and better if you can share your compassion not only in a monetary form but also being extra kind when interacting with these people. After all, you are one community.

Also, don’t forget to bring your mask with you, so you can safely visit multiple times all these businesses you are willing to support. Your community and city appreciate your effort. Have fun with your findings!

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Source: nytimes.com

Travel Industry Stats in the U.S. (March ’21)

TL;DR

Travel numbers have gone up since last spring.
A lot of trips are being planned for the next six months.
Americans are being driven to enjoy tourism through road trips.

Since the Spring of 2020, the travel industry in the United States has faced what probably has been its toughest challenge. However, some recent numbers paint an optimistic landscape.

Resurrection

According to the U.S. Travel Association, since September 2020, the tourism industry in America has seen an improvement, closing December with $57 million spent in leisure travel.

For snow activities, since last year, the number of skiers choosing their own state to practice the sport didn’t go downhill, as 25% preferred to enjoy winter in local destinations, compared to 17% in 2019.

Air travel also saw its numbers take off in 2020. American passengers brought airport stats to their best performance at the end of last year, between Christmas and December 31st, with 1.2 million travelers up in the air just on 12/27.

In 2021, these numbers begin to fly even higher. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported for the first time since March 2020 the mark of 2 million citizens traveling by plane in one day.

Road Trips

The path to tourism this year might also be paved on the ground, as the majority of Americans would rather travel by car to visit family and friends in 2021, according to a Longwoods International study.

This urge for a road trip is possibly being fed by the imminent opportunity to access a vaccine before Fall since 63% of U.S. citizens are planning to hit the road in the next six months.

As we adapt to the new challenges brought by the current international scenario, we look forward to having the travel industry running its engines at a faster pace, generating jobs and bringing back more options of leisure to millions of Americans.

Don’t forget: Wearing a mask on planes and airports is still required in every state.

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Source: ustravel .org

When Will International Travel Resume?

TL;DR

Despite international COVID numbers, American can still go overseas.
There are some interesting destinations U.S. citizens can currently visit.
Traveling domestically might be the best option for now.

As we watch the new story developments around the travel industry and COVID requirements, it seems that slowly (but surely) traveling is making a comeback in its own way.

Americans Traveling Overseas

Traveling Without Taking a Test

If you are a U.S. citizen planning a vacation in another country, the two easiest places to go (so far) are Albania And Mexico, via air. These destinations do not require Americans to present a COVID test — as of February 2021.

Traveling After Testing Negative

However, if your list includes other locations, there are more options to travel if you are willing to present a negative test upon arrival. For instance, as long as you take the test at least 72 hours before departing, you can still enjoy your vacation in Aruba, South Korea, Morocco, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Turkey.

Each country, of course, sets its limitations and requirements for tourists — and they may change at any moment — so it’s always good to research deeper before buying those plane tickets.

Traveling Not Allowed

For those dreaming about spending some quality time in the UK or anywhere in French Polynesia, so far your plans will have to be postponed as these countries are not welcoming Americans in their territory. Fingers crossed for things getting better soon.

Magically Domestically

Traveling domestically is obviously the easiest way to travel right now. It’s a great opportunity to see what the country has best: Parks, beaches, mountains, big cities, small towns, you name it.

If you always wanted to explore the United States and see what so special about other states, consider the current international situation as an invitation to discover America’s greatest destinations. You might be in for a treat.

Traveling to the U.S.

So far, once you arrive in America, you must get tested three to five days after traveling then isolate for seven days. Another alternative is to isolate for 10 days without testing.

Even though this applies to every traveler, the U.S. still has restrictions on travelers from certain countries, including a ban on anybody driving into the country from either Mexico or Canada, as well on all tourists coming from Iran, China, Brazil, England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa, and the Republic of Ireland.

For Australians, however, flights to Los Angeles should go back to normal since Qantas Airlines has announced it should resume most of its international routes by October 2021.

Don’t forget: Wearing a mask on planes and airports is still required in every state.

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Source: usnews.com

We Redesigned Our Brand, and It Looks Amazing!

TL;DR

Citycatt started the year off with a new design.
New logo, color pallets, cute mascot, and much more.
Check out our manifesto video at the end of this post.

One of the most common things to see on social media on January 1st is an avalanche of people posting the good ol’ mantra “new year, new me.” Despite its flawless ability to make eyes roll, for us at Citycatt it fits like a glove, as we begin 2021 with a brand new design identity.

Logo

Our original logo needed to go through a rebranding process. It lacked more contemporary elements to bring us to a more competitive spot against other players in the industry.

After brainstorming with the team, we came up with a new logo that looks much more modern, friendly, and adapted to the new design standards. It is also very adaptable to different colors, sizes, and medias. Exactly what we needed to represent how fast we’re moving forward this year.

Color Pallet and Fonts

Shine bright like a diamond. Our new color pallet is happy and fun, just like travel should always be. Starting with the green tone used most of the time for our logo, together with other secondary colors that can be easily rotated in any media.

This diverse use of colors in our rebranding aligns with our commitment to finding Catts in a plethora of different destinations, as well as allowing tourists to enjoy a multitude of experiences.

The new fonts also have their role in keeping our new design peaceful and amicable with its round edges and unique style.

Mascot and Manifesto

Who doesn’t love a cute mascot? Our team came with a friendly face in the shape of a 2D cat that plays with the company’s name and breaks the ice on web pages, social media posts, and newsletters. Everything feels more welcoming when the mascot is around, and it adds a more joyful look to our design.

To wrap it up in great style, we even prepared a manifesto to display our values and everything we stand for. It goes a little bit more poetic than that so you have to check it out by yourself. Replaying the video is totally normal and strongly recommended.

You can watch it here.

That’s all folks! Stay tuned for our next publiCATTions.

Authentic vs Touristy. How should you travel?

Authentic travel is all the hype now, and those of you that appreciate the good ol’ touristy attractions, might be feeling some prejudice coming your way just because you’re pictures are not #wanderlust worthy, or so they say.

Well, we at City Catt for once think that both touristy and authentic have their place in the realm of awesome trips. But, since “touristy” is fairly easy to be achieved, here are some tips on how to go full-on “authentic” on your next trip.

Know the country and its people

Authentic travel means you can experiment with the best and the worse of each country. And it also means your concept of best and worse will have to be largely widened. Try wearing the cultural glasses of the place you’re visiting. Leave your prejudice at home.
When you choose the authentic travel path, you know things won’t be roses and sunshine and that’s what makes the experience more unique: you are meeting real people, not characters on some well-scripted Hollywood movie.

Go beyond pre-packaged attractions

Now, we’re not saying you´ll be the one to reinvent a country, but one of the rules of authentic travel is looking beyond the pre-packaged attractions. It’s sort of like a game. While everyone else goes to the famous X attraction, you’re that exotic character who’ll get extra points for going for “attractions” Y or Z.

Travel = learning

Authentic traveling is like a BOGO deal. You have fun and end up learning tons. Once in contact with everyday people all around the world, and their struggles and successes, this will be a time where you can reevaluate yourself and your own way of life. Maybe your problems will become smaller, or you may find out there are different ways to solve it. One thing is for sure, authentic travel is a one-way journey to endless learning.

New cultures, all the same needs

While many countries speak different languages, universally speaking we’re all the same. At the end of the day, we all need food, water, a loving family, and a roof over our heads to keep living. In your search for authentic travel, try learning the different ways people have adopted in order to fulfill those needs. You’ll be surprised to learn there are many ways to love, live, and laugh!

Beyond meeting new places, travel can be a way to realize how we all are human and labeling things as “better” or “worse”, or 2 stars and 5 stars might sometimes keep you from getting to know this imperfect yet wonderful world!

12 Travel lessons from A Goofy Movie

No best way to break the routine than traveling. Visiting non-familiar places can be one of the most enriching and transformative experiences you’ll have in your life. However, sometimes all this newness can also trigger many uncomfortable situations. And just as an avalanche begins with a small snowball, one slip and soon your trip is buried by unpleasant odds.

This, of course, has happened or will happen to everyone. Who never had a travel fail? In A Goofy Movie, a poorly planned fishing trip made you laugh as a kid. But I bet that if you go back and watch it again, you’ll realize that as an adult you’ll totally relate to Goofy’s agony. But you don’t want to repeat his mistakes, so let’s dive in and learn 12 lessons learned from this 90s gem:

1- Experiences are personal

Goofy had the brilliant idea of taking his son on a fishing trip.

As a kid, Goofy had the most fantastic experience when his dad took him to Lake Destiny, so it only made sense to make it a tradition, right? However, work on your expectations, as it is likely that you will never be able to 100% replicate that feeling to others. Each trip is unique and brings its opportunities. Don’t be stuck in the past, open yourself to new experiences, even if it’s a repeat visit to a destination you’ve been many times before.

2 – Communicate!

Max learns he’ll miss his first date

A loved one surprises you with: “get on the car and let’s travel”! To many, that’d be a dream. However, it can become a nightmare if you, like Max, has other plans for the weekend. So, either plan your surprise really well or do your best to keep your travel companions in the loop on all the details when planning dates and destinations.

3 – Less is more

Goofy’s car can’t take his overweight baggage.

We already respect the weight restrictions when flying. But road trips are another story. We see all that space, and we tend to pack the whole house. But, in the long haul, the lack of extra space will cause discomfort, and lead you to spend more fuel. Not to mention that you won’t have much space for souvenirs. So, check the weather, pack accordingly, and remember that you can always wash your clothes on the road.

4 – Co-pilots are key

After a series of near misses, Max decides to co-pilot.

Driving itself requires a lot of attention. Add to it things like checking the GPS, finding nearby attractions, and restaurants, dealing with the passengers’ hunger, bathroom breaks, and so on. Even if you have a smartphone, signals can be bad sometimes, and Siri sometimes just doesn’t get it. So you don’t get yourself in an accident, elect a co-pilot and make sure he or she can deal with paper maps.

5 – Prepare activities to kill the time

After an awkward silence, father and son fight over music.

Watching the surrounding landscape in silence can be invigorating for some people or incredibly tedious for others. In the movie, Max and his father, have difficulty finding something to talk about and fight over choosing a song to listen to the point of breaking the car player. To avoid all that, make in advance a good playlist, as music often sets the mood of the trip. In addition, research games you can play as a group, and take new toys (and favorite ones too) for the kids. A good car DVD can be a lifesaver as well!

6- Choose your attractions well

Goofy and Max can’t seem to agree on what to do.

Much of Max’s struggles in the movie are because Goofy tried to recreate the same trip he and his father took in the past, without adjusting to his son’s personal preferences. Travel planning is tough (that’s precisely why we founded City Catt), but do your best to include something for everybody in the group in your itinerary. And then organize things with some of this criteria in mind: distance from the hotel, duration of attraction, restrictions on other people in the group, etc.

7 – Register your memories on different devices

The encounter with the Bigfoot remained only in their own memory.

In these modern times, you won’t have problems with Bigfoot destroying your camcorder, but other accidents can happen. Low batteries, cameras that fall and break, low memory…it’s all very annoying. To make sure your memories are recorded elsewhere, take photos and videos on different devices, and if you can, store them on the Cloud. Also, Travel Journals are old-school but remain so relevant! What better way to travel down memory lane than reading your own perspective of the trip back then?

8 – Take a survival kit for the ride

Road Meals don’t sit well with everybody.

Hunger can come in the oddest moments when you’re traveling. It happened to Max and, thankfully Goofy was prepared. Don’t forget to bring familiar snacks and drinks. It’s smart to avoid foods with excess salt, sugars, and fats, as these can wake not so pleasant sensations when combined with the car’s motion. Wipes, tissues, and a simple first-aid kit are also a must.

9- Make sure you have good dreams

Goofy and Max have a hard time crashing.

Unless you’re very young and resilient, resting well during your trip will prove key to ensure you have fun. So, if you have trouble sleeping, anticipate your needs and bring whatever you need to ensure you have good dreams. Here are some things that can help: your own pillow, ear plugs, eye masks, white noise machines, a good travel pillow (have you heard of the Trtl?), etc.

10 – Tune up your car

Goofy’s car ends up as a total loss.

In cartoons, characters go through all sorts of accidents and leave unharmed. Not the case in real life. To avoid unpleasant surprises, tune up your car a few days before the trip. You should also look into a road car assistance service, if not included with your insurance.

11- Follow the rules

Things get ugly when Goofy and Max decide to go around the rules.

Rules are there for a reason. So follow them, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with them. Nothing worse than having the tour interrupted by a scolding. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s important to continually remind them of each attraction’s rules, especially if you’re visiting a place with a different cultural setting.

12 – Be patient

Surprises are sure to happen in trips.

No matter how well thought out, no trip will go exactly as planned. Reality doesn’t always meet expectations, an attraction might close due to bad weather, your travel companion might snore louder than usual. Hang in there! A cool mind and a flexible heart can always find solutions. Goofy and Max needed a whole trip to learn that. But it’s even better when we leave the house with that idea in mind.

Don’t lose the momentum!

How about you sit down and start planning for your next trip now? Last but not least, here comes the best tip of this article: If planning your trip becomes too complicated, come back here and find a Catt to help you the best things to do at your destination. Only a local can open the doors to the best side of your destination, and you don’t want to miss that!