1. Use an ATM to get access to the local currency instead of using the currency exchange 

The fees charged by your bank when travelling to the US or overseas are typically cheaper than those offered to you by currency exchange bureaus. 

2. Invest in a portable charger. 

Even though our buses are equipped with outlets, you never know when you might run out of juice on-the-go. Pack a portable charger and bring cables for your phone, camera, or other electronics you want to bring on longer excursions. Don't forget to charge the unit itself overnight before your trip!

3. Only unpack what you really need. 

Upon arriving at your hotel, skip the part where you unpack all your luggage. Odds are you over-packed and won't use everything you brought with you. If you only unpack necessities then you're less likely to forget something behind when you leave. 

4. Make a shopping list for souvenirs. 

If you're prone to impulse buys or dishing out cash for extra keychains, mugs, and magnets to keep around the house as spare gifts, make a list of who you want to shop for and stick to it. 

 5. Pack a pashmina. 

A pashmina is the most versatile piece of clothing and saves space in your luggage. Use it as a blanket, a shawl or scarf, or an emergency towel. The beauty of a great pashmina gives a modern spin to what Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been telling us all along. 

Comedy is an essential part of social interaction, with humorous acts and plays dating back to prehistoric times. It is evident throughout history the impact comedy has had on human nature. But why is it good to laugh?

Laughter is often said to be the best medicine. And that is in fact true! Laughter not only boosts your mood and affects mental health, but it also strengthens your immune system and enhances social bonding. As children, laughter was almost a second form of communication, whereas adults may find genuine laughter harder to find. However, studies have found that laughing on a regular basis can actually extend your lifespan! This happens because when we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, the hormone that makes us feel good, which leads to an elevated mood. In fact, a 2015 study found that using laughter therapy as a treatment for depression yielded positive results in combating negative mood states. 

As mentioned, comedy is not new. Originating in ancient Greece, comedy was originally used by philosophers such as Aristotle as a means of uniting the members of society through laughter. While modern day comedy has undergone a large amount of evolution, the basis of humor remains the same: laughter unites the masses. 

With modernity came new comedic influences. The invention of the television prompted a slew of situational comedies, or sit-coms. One of the most influential sit-coms to hit television screens was the iconic "I Love Lucy" which starred a confident and brash female lead who defied gender roles combined with the typical slapstick humor. This show was way ahead of its time and has been the focus of many studies on the impact of 1950's and 60's comedy on modern day television. 

If you are an "I Love Lucy" fan or you just want to add some more laughter to your life, then join us on our upcoming "I Love Lucy" tour. 

Follow this link to find out more, and as always, have a wonderful and joyous afternoon. 

Are you an avid shopper? Do you love to indulge and spoil yourself from time to time? Shopping is a great stress relief, and is a recognized form of self-care. So why not partake in this luxury as much as you can? 

We want to share with you some shopping tips to make sure your next trip the mall is stress-free and fun! 

1. Have a plan. 
One of the biggest time killers when out on a shopping spree is the constant trek to and from various stores. Budget your time wisely by planning in advance what stores you want to hit-up, so you can visit them according to where they are in the mall, rather than running back and forth all day long. 

2. Ditch online shopping once and for all. 
As convenient as the world of online shopping has made consumerism, it may be worth it to shop the "traditional" way. Being able to see and touch things in store allows you to better imagine what you can do with that item, whether it be clothing, home decor, or another treat. Whenever you pull out your credit card to shop online, you risk ending up with items you do not really like in person. Plus, think of all the packaging you're saving by shopping in person, instead of shipping items across the country. Being eco-friendly is always in fashion. 

3. Purchase clothing items during their off-season. 
The best time to buy a winter coat is in the Spring, and the best time to buy a swimsuit is in the Fall. Seems counter-intuitive right? If you can, buy all new clothing items during their off-seasons as that is when companies begin offering huge markdowns on items to sell through the remainder of their stock. 

4. Pay with cash. 
It can be easy to lose track of your spending and go over budget when you're simply swiping your credit card all over town. Pull out as much cash as you intend to spend when you go shopping so you can keep a constant eye on your budget. Plus, watching your hard earned cash exchanging hands all day may prompt you to save a little more than planned for!

5. Find your favorite retailers on social media. 
It can really help to follow your favorite brands and stores on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as sometimes they post about sales, deals, new products, and contests. Follow @shorttripsca on Instagram and Twitter if you have not already, as we post coupon codes from time to time as well!

6. Recognize when to save and when to splurge. 
While it is great to be frugal with money and always search for the best deal available on a particular item, sometimes it can really pay off to splurge a little. Some items are a lot higher quality than others. Take shoes for instance, if you buy a cheap pair that only lasts a month, you will be forced to buy 12 pairs per year. Whereas if you spend $200 on a good, sturdy, pair of shoes, it will be cheaper in the long run. 

7. Don't fall for bells and whistles. 
Whenever you see fancy and expensive gift kits, such as perfume sets, a large portion of the cost is going to cover the packaging. Keep that in mind.

These tips are sure to help you out with your shopping needs. If you love to shop then check out our upcoming New York shopping trip here: https://www.shorttrips.ca/new-york-state-shopping-trip.html