Why We Travel

As you know from following our blog, we’re big fans of traveling. For the most part, other than the handful of trips to Iowa we take, most of our traveling is international, and we love it. The thrill of exploring a new place, new people, new food, new transportation systems…all of it. We’ve said it before and will say it again: in an increasingly disconnected world, traveling is one of the major ways we meet new people, learn and experience new things, and generally get a chance to connect and grow. It’s fantastic, and we highly recommend it.

International Travel Headaches

Still, international travel isn’t without its hurdles. Trans-Atlantic (or…gasp…even Trans-Pacific?!) flights aren’t for the faint of heart. It’s true that long-haul planes (the Boeing 777, 787, or the Airbus A380, for example, though there are lots of others) have made considerable strides in fuel efficiency, noise levels, and the like. However, while they’ve also made strides in steerage class (alternatively known as economy) seats, it remains a stretch to call them comfortable. They’re also getting more expensive each time we fly, and free upgrades to premium cabins are increasingly rare (though you can read about one of our upgrade tricks here).

Of course, then there’s always the decision about whether to check your luggage or only travel with carry-on bags, as we do. Additionally, depending on the state of global economics and the US dollar’s performance against other currencies, food, souvenirs, car rentals, and tours may also become more expensive. These aren’t reasons that’ll keep us from traveling, but they do have the nasty habit of limiting how much we can travel, as do our jobs. Lame.

Travel Closer to Home!

So, what’s a person to do who wants to travel but has limited means to go abroad? This may seem obvious, but it’s something we frequently overlook: there are lots of neat things to do here. Trouble is, there are so many things to do that it can quickly get overwhelming trying to decide what to do. Fortunately, a recent Christmas present from Jason’s parents has helped make this easier.

Have you discovered the Adventure Bucket List yet? We had seen this occasionally on social media, but knew nothing about it otherwise. It turns out, the good folks at Research International Outfitters have done much of the heavy lifting for us. We’ve only just started exploring ours, but the company has a Bucket List for 48 of the 50 states (nothing for Alaska or Hawaii, at least as of now). Jason’s parents got us the Bucket List for Missouri, and our Bucket List has 50 different adventures.

Each is a scratch-off card, which adds to the adventure/surprise feel of this. To help with your selection, the bottom of each card has hints: indoor/outdoor, Spring/Summer/Winter/Fall, price, time of day, duration, active/relaxed, and meals. The general area or town is also listed at the top of each card, so you’ll know where you’re heading, just not what you’ll be doing.

Oh, the Possibilities!

We’re excited to get started with this! Despite having lived in Missouri for almost a dozen years, we’ve done very little exploring here, which is why it’s at the top of our list of 2026 resolutions. We’re also close enough to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Iowa that we might add a few more Bucket Lists to our collection.

As of now, our goal is to do at least one adventure each month. So, a single Bucket List box – which has 50 adventures – could easily last us a few years. Each Bucket List sells for $64.99, which, if the List lasts us 4+ years, is about $16.25 per year. Not too bad, and WAY less expensive than planning our trips to Europe (which are still happening, just to clarify).

Is this something you’ve seen or, even better, used? If so, let us know your thoughts.

Whatever your 2026 resolutions, and however much progress you make at achieving them, we wish you luck. Our best wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and adventurous 2026!

The post A New Year, a New Type of Adventuring first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Is it acting like autumn where you are yet? It’s not here. I’m staring at a deck refinishing project (x2) and wishing it would quit being 90˚+ every day! Come on, winter! I have a massive pile of books to read, sipping tea while it gently snows. A girl can dream.

This blog is going to be a bit different. At the beginning of the year, you may remember us mentioning that Jason took on a new position at the University that put him in charge of his whole department in the business school. Plus, he somehow landed on the strategic planning committee for the entire University. What!? Well, that means he was suddenly very NOT available for group travel, only work travel. Womp, womp. For reasons I’m not going to get into, I can’t really do our big group travel trips without him, currently.

So.

As is the usual course in our household, I have been talking with folks and brainstorming for months. I have concluded:

1. Y’all want some help planning your trips!
2. I happen to LOVE planning trips.
3. So, I’m going to begin creating custom itineraries this winter for trips that you can book yourself. I’ll plan out all the details and make all the recommendations for you to choose from; you just need to do the booking from an easy little checklist!

Isn’t this what a travel agent is for?

This is a little different than relying on a travel agent. We are not licensed travel agents; therefore, I cannot do the booking FOR you without us being physically present on a group trip. But that’s no problem, you’ve got this!

Why would you want to go this route instead of hiring a travel agent to do ALL the work for you?

Personally, I believe the more involved you are in your trip planning, the more you will get out of your trip. In a house full of academics and knowledge seekers, we’re always looking for ways to expand our minds. This is a simple way to build confidence (anxiety sufferers unite!), problem solve, and just learn a ton about where you’re going.

Some benefits to booking yourself:

• You can pick and choose what you want to do without being stuck with a pre-set package.
• You have control of your budget. We’ll share our tips and tricks for getting the best price.
• You can make last-minute changes and spontaneous decisions as you go.
• You’ll build confidence in yourself while developing skills.
• You get to read all the reviews before you make your choices.
• You’ll be able to choose from a much wider range of options for your trip.
• You’ll have us throughout the planning process. We’re always happy to answer questions.
• Plus, a HUGE bonus: you get to keep all your points and miles so you can benefit from the massive savings through the brand’s booking portals!

Ya, that sounds like a lot of work…

What if you just want to sit on the beach or ride on a boat for a week to decompress? Great! Get with a travel agent and go do that! That’s not what we’re doing here. *wink*

We all travel for different reasons, but if you’re looking for a deep dive into another portion of the world, let’s talk. We’ll ALWAYS tell you we have the most fun learning new things, trying to speak phrases in new languages (badly), and feeling really accomplished when we catch the correct train going the right direction when you really can’t read the signs. Ha!

Going forward

Be on the lookout for more details in the future. I’m currently thinking I won’t be able to set this up or give it the needed attention until after Christmas. I have a massive to-do list for home while the weather is still cooperating (kinda), a family trip to Scotland (woohoo!), and a few trips to Iowa to squeeze in before the end of the year. Plus, Jason lives on campus, so this little project is all me!

If you are interested in being one of the very first, send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or email thedebodeway@gmail.com. We will first focus on locations we have visited, so check out our trip journals for ideas. We’re VERY familiar with the US, Scotland, and Spain, but also have a lot of knowledge in France, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Wales, and Ireland.

I’m so excited, guys. Let’s get you out there!

The post Our Secrets for Travel and Adventure at Your Fingertips first appeared on The DeBode Way.

I recently attended a conference in San Francisco and, not having been to this city before (which is weird, considering I spent nearly 6 years living in the state as a kid), I wanted to do a little exploring and to make sure I saw the major sites.

San Francisco Treats

The first thing I’ll say is San Francisco isn’t known for one thing. Or even for a few things. Instead, it’s known for a weirdly eclectic assortment of things.

Before I left, as with most of my travels, I did a quick TripAdvisor search to see what I should visit. As anticipated, the main results were the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, trolleys, and the wildly steep switchback streets that make up much of the city’s road system. Fortunately, much of this is in one broad area, so on my free afternoon, I hopped in an Uber and had them take me over to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Wharf is a long area that follows along the shore of the Bay, making for some excellent views. As I wandered along, there was such a variety of things to see and experience it was a bit much to take in.

The first thing I saw was what appeared to be a decommissioned battleship (SS Jeremiah O’Brien). The large ‘OPEN’ sign hanging off the back suggested it was open for tours, but I was on limited time, so kept moving. After this, I came across the Pier 39 area, which, at the time, was very busy, so I kept walking. A little further along I came across the world-famous Boudin Bakery, known for its sourdough breads. I wandered through their café and gift shop, and while the smells were amazing, the lines were out the door, so I kept wandering.

As I continued following the Wharf, I came across a small inner harbor area. Lots of brightly colored smaller boats were tied up for the day, and a few others were looking for their last few passengers to take on a cruise out to the Bridge area.

At the far end of the Wharf, you cross the street and find yourself staring at Ghirardelli Park, named for, you guessed it, Ghirardelli. Yes, the chocolate company. And, as luck would have it, there’s a Ghirardelli chocolate factory right in the center of the park. Obviously, I stopped in for a visit, looking for something exclusive to take home. Much of what I found was the same square chocolates I can find at home, so I settled for a mini sundae instead. It didn’t disappoint.

After my sugary snack, I walked around and found some of their famous vintage trolleys that continue to operate throughout the city. Turning my head, I was pleasantly surprised with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Not looking to head back to my hotel just yet, I reversed my steps and headed back to the Pier 39 area. Wandering around, I found a wide variety of shops in the Pier. Lots of food stands and restaurants, plenty of souvenir shops, and some amusement-type places, too. All the typical things I usually find along an oceanside boardwalk, but mercifully without the sand.

After exploring the shops and Pier, I decided it was time to head back, so I called another Uber and headed to the hotel. On the drive back I had an interesting chat with my driver about the driver-less taxis (Waymo) I’d seen all over the Downtown part of the city. Yes, driver-less. It turns out, there have been around only for about two years, but they’re becoming popular, thought not quite to the point of disrupting the taxi/Uber industry…yet. I can see the appeal (no tired drivers in the middle of the night or early morning, as an example) but it’s still so strange to see the cars driving themselves around with no one in the driver’s seat.

In the end, I probably didn’t see everything San Francisco is known for. But then, maybe San Francisco isn’t really known for any one thing, or even a few things. Instead, maybe San Francisco is known more for its sheer variety of things to see. All cities have lots of things to see and take in, but it felt different in the Bay Area.

All that’s to say, the next time you explore a city, do your homework and make sure you see the main things you’re going to see. But also, be open to taking a walk and really exploring the area. Oh, and please don’t stare at your phone. This is both for your own safety and so you’ll see some of what others overlook.

Happy travels!

The post Appreciating the Uniqueness of San Francisco, in a Hurry first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Passport

Does your passport have at least 6 months from the end of your trip before it expires? Are there at least 2-3 blank pages left in your passport for stamps (not including the last 3 Endorsement pages)? Have you applied for visas where they are required?

REAL ID

Maybe you aren’t leaving the country but are considering a little trip within the States. Take a good, hard look at your driver’s license (or non-driver ID). Does it have the little star in the top corner signifying it as a REAL ID?

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is requiredto fly domestically in the United States. Our IDs were automatically updated the last time we had to renew our licenses back in 2017, but if it’s been a minute since you did yours, you’d better double-check.

I know, I know, I can hear you groaning from here. Nobody likes to sit at the DMV all day waiting for them to call your number. Before you head there, ensure you have all the necessary documents to renew your license, especially if it has expired – there will be some extra hoops to jump through. You can find all the info you need on your state’s website. Just click the link below, then click on your state on the map to be directed to your state’s DMV.

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

If your ID isn’t REAL ID compliant, make sure to take your passport with you.

Even if you don’t have any travel plans this summer, it’s always a good idea to make sure your IDs are up to date. Letting them expire is one of my worst nightmares. I just checked, I’m good until 2027. Whew!

One more thing!

Another friendly reminder to check which countries require the new Travel Authorizations. I believe Europe has now pushed theirs off until 2026, but others are still being implemented this year. We highlighted them in this post in February.

Short and sweet this month, it’s been very busy around here as we gear up for travel, and I start everything rolling again at the acreage. Baby chicks are coming soon, my plant starts are thriving, it’s about time to plant outside, and our lawn is in full bloom for the bees. Spring is such a happy, hopeful time…we won’t talk about my allergies.

Have a great month! We’ll see you in May with a little trip tale!

The post Traveling Soon? Make sure you have your REAL ID! first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the hopes of saving a little of your hard-earned cash, you might have noticed a relatively new seating class called Basic Economy popping up with some airlines and others completely devoted to it…but what’s the deal here? Is it actually going to save you some cash?

Take a little trip with me

Let’s plan a quick trip to use as an example (because I haven’t been anywhere since the broken leg trip to Scotland in October and I’m getting stir crazy).

To avoid ski season in Denver, let’s say we’re taking a trip for my birthday weekend in May (Happy Birthday to me!). This also puts us there before school is out for the summer, so it’s technically a low season and prices should be lower. We’re going from Friday to Monday (because who wants to work on Monday anyway?) around 5 PM both ways. Here is a look at our three main domestic airlines flying out of Springfield, MO – a regional airport, because most of us in the Midwest are not blessed to live near a major international airport.

I like to use Google Flights for a quick comparison of flight prices across all the major airlines. Once you see the prices and pick an airline, you can jump to that airline’s website to book (don’t forget to log in and add your miles number). There you will also see what is included in your ticket price and what you will have to pay even MORE for.

A quick note: each airline has its own name for each fare class and not ALL of them are included in this domestic example. That ALONE is extremely confusing. So behold – our fancy color-coded chart created by chart wizard Jason!

A few more notes

When shopping around for flights, take note of where your layover is happening, because it might not make sense. In this example, the United flight is direct from Springfield to Denver, but American takes us to Dallas, an hour and a half flight to our South which also means a longer flight from Dallas to Denver. Similarly, Delta makes us head to Atlanta first, which is just over two hours in almost the exact opposite direction we want to go before heading to Denver (and, probably, right over Springfield!).

There are also a few more details for the different airlines. Note that in almost all cases, a Basic Economy class ticket will put you in the last boarding group, which means overhead bin space will almost certainly be full by the time you board, so your carry-on is going to be under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, they’re going to charge you to check it. Also, keep in mind that while some flights are refundable, sometimes that means you get a travel credit, while other times you can get your money back.

American Airlines

Different ticket classes board the plane in different seating groups. For example, Main Economy boards with Groups 6-8, Main Plus and Main Select board with Group 5, and Business/First boards with Group 1.

Delta Airlines

Like American, different ticket classes will board with different groups. Beyond that, while most of the ticket classes will help you earn frequent flier miles, Basic Economy tickets usually don’t, and some ticket classes will gain you entry into some of the airline’s lounges or clubs (again, Basic Economy almost never does).

Choices, people!

Why are there so many choices?! Gathering all that info made me cross-eyed.

What this all boils down to is personal preference. Do you like to board first to get situated and be sure you can stow your carry-on above you? Can you handle being crammed into a little seat? How much luggage do you have? Do you need lounge access? Is there a chance you will have to cancel?

If you’re headed out with a backpack, can sit in tight spaces for a bit, don’t mind meeting new people from the middle seat, and filled your water bottle on the way to your gate, you might consider Basic Economy.  

Or maybe you don’t care what the price is as long as you travel in comfort. Get comfy in that Business Class seat and make the most of it!

Me? I can handle a tight spot for a little bit if it’s on the aisle (aka, I can pick my seat) and I can board early enough to have space to put my backpack above me. But I’m totally cool bringing my own snacks and listening to a good book for a couple of hours. This typically lands me in an Economy class, but not Basic.

In the end, if you want flexibility or extra amenities, you’ll likely have to pay for them. But if you’re okay with a more spartan travel experience, Basic Economy might be the way to go.

The Final Bill

What this also points to is the Basic Economy ticket might not be the most cost-effective option for you. Looking at the American options in our table, that $299 price tag for the Basic Economy ticket might look appealing, but if you end up wanting to pick your seat (add up to $25), check a bag ($40), and possibly pick a slightly larger seating row (this can easily set you back $50-$80), the additional charges might end up making your ticket more expensive than a Main Economy ticket. So, knowing your preferences can help you sort through the many, many options and settle on the ticket that’s the best option for you.

Here’s another curve ball: if you have a co-branded credit card (like the one we have with United), it can score you all kinds of goodies including points AND miles, lounge access, free checked bags, upgrades, and other premium experiences. Jason wrote about this back in 2023 and told how we offset the price of the card in a SINGLE international trip.

Whatever you choose, we hope this helped a little. Prices are soaring and it’s always good to know EXACTLY what you’re paying for.

See you out there soon!

The post Travel Prices are Soaring – Is Basic Economy Worth it? first appeared on The DeBode Way.

This rapid rise in tourism has resulted in over-tourism across the globe. Places like Scotland’s once pristine North Coast-500 remote driving route and cruise ports across the world are completely crammed daily. Plus there are environmental pollution issues like the stench in Venice’s waterways, noise pollution in residents’ day-to-day lives, and air pollution from airplanes, cars, and buses worldwide.

While it doesn’t look like tourism has any plans to slow down, something had to be done to help fund the upkeep of these areas and control the crowds. This is where the new tourist taxes and border control measures are coming in. Let’s talk about some of them.

Travel Authorizations:

UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Starting in 2025, you can no longer enter the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The good news: it’s super simple to apply for. The authorisation (European spelling) is attached to your passport so you don’t have to carry extra documentation and costs £10 (roughly $13). Ready to apply? Go to the gov.uk website; it takes a few minutes to complete the form and we were approved in 5 minutes by email. Your travel authorisation lasts for 2 years, and you can use it to travel to the UK as many times as you want in that period for up to 6 months at a time. Don’t forget to do this if you’re headed out on a trip with us!

Entry/Exit System for Europe

Europe has plans to roll out its Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals in 2025. Each time you enter a new country in the EU, you’ll be tracked via an automated biometric scan. This system will help identify over-stayers and combat identity fraud at the borders. Sadly, this will replace passport stamps at border crossings (womp womp), though it’ll make your entry a much faster process. We have already encountered the beginning stages of this program with passport scans rather than seeing an agent to stamp your passport in airports.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

An electronic visa waiver for short-term travelers will soon be required to enter the European Union (delayed to last quarter of 2026). This applies to non-EU countries that don’t currently need a visa to enter the EU, which includes the US. Like the UK’s ETA, this is a simple application process and the approval will be connected to your passport. This European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be valid for three years or until your passport expires (whichever is first). You can remain in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The cost of an application is €7 (roughly $8).

United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Did you know the United States also has a travel authorization? If you aren’t a US citizen or aren’t from an approved Visa Waiver Program Country, you’ll need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The ESTA works similarly to the UK’s ETA and the EU’s ETIAS. The application can be filled out online for $21 (the costliest of all) for travel in the US of up to 90 days.

Taxes:

Tourist Tax

Many tourist destinations have a love-hate relationship with tourism in their areas. They love the notoriety and money being brought to the area, but it comes at a cost to their infrastructure, environment, peace, way of life, and anonymity. Many cities have already started implementing tourist taxes to help with the upkeep of their cities. You will see these taxes in the form of hotel taxes, resort taxes/fees, environmental taxes, tourist development fees, etc. that are typically attached to your accommodation bill. They can be quite creative with what they are called and what specifically the funds raised can be used for.

The reason this article came into being in the first place is because I saw a news article highlighting the new tourist tax being implemented in Edinburgh starting July 24, 2026. This tax will be another example of a tourist tax. The council for the City of Edinburgh is the first to approve this type of visitor levy in Scotland and there could be more to come. You will see this as a 5% fee added to the cost of your accommodation bill, but it will be capped at 5 nights, meaning if you stay somewhere longer than 5 nights, the 5% fee won’t be applied to additional nights at a single accommodation. They estimate this will raise up to £50,000,000 per year in transformative funds for the city.

Source: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/business/visitor-levy-edinburgh

Day & Port Tax

Some places have had to be more creative with their tourist taxes in locations where guests visit for the day but stay outside the city each night. Port taxes are an example. These taxes help cover the wear and tear on a city from cruise visitors who spend very little money in port because they’re mostly catered to onboard their ship. These taxes also apply to island-hopping vessels in places like Greece where a tourist may explore for a day, but go back to their boat for dinner and sleeping. These taxes are typically included in the fee you pay to your cruise company and they have to pay the port authority to dock in their city.

Another example is an Access Tax. In Venice, Italy an experimental program was introduced in 2024 to charge visitors entering the city €5 to be there for the day, but not stay for the night. This daily access fee has continued for the 2025 high season, beginning April 18th. Tourists entering the city but not staying for the night will be charged €5 via an application process. However, if you do not pay this fee within 4 days of your visit, the fee doubles to €10.

Source: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee

Responsible Travel

I know this is off-putting because who wants to do more paperwork? I sure don’t! The harsh reality is, that these taxes are needed, but travelers also need to do better. Tourism can be fantastic for an area: travel can open our minds. At the same time, it can cause irreparable damage that taxes sometimes can’t fix. While these new taxes and travel authorizations are intended to help repair and manage the damage being done, it would be great if the need wasn’t there in the first place, or at least was reduced.

Are we going to stop traveling? No. Instead, we ask you to travel responsibly. You can do things as simple as using public transport instead of grabbing an Uber or taxi – the trains and buses in Europe are phenomenal. Or you know…walk (or roll). Often it’s faster to walk than to wait for a car to navigate tiny, tricky city streets anyway.

Pay attention to your food and water consumption – only order what you know you’ll eat and carry a refillable water bottle. Food waste (and the containers it comes in) is another enormous issue across the globe.

Until someone figures out how to teleport or fly on air alone, air travel will always be problematic, so do your best to plan intelligent routes. Pack light, bring reusable items, look for flights using biofuels, fly as directly as possible, and leave yourself plenty of time between flights for any mishaps.

When you’re in those wild spaces, leave no trace. A picnic, hiking, or camping is great, but only if you can’t tell you’ve been there afterward. Leave the rocks where they are and pack out EVERYTHING you brought with you. And please, for the love, don’t camp in someone’s yard or use it as your bathroom (there are SO many stories about this in Scotland).

Most of all, do your part to help when you’re visiting and pay these fees to help support the area you are visiting. We have to start somewhere to preserve what we have so it can continue to be shared with future generations. You can do it.

See you out there!

The post Over-Tourism & How We’re Paying for it: New Tourist Taxes & Travel Authorizations Are Rolling Out Soon in Europe first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the spirit of setting goals and intentions for 2025, I wanted to talk about something I never expected to share, but have been encouraged to bring up by multiple friends (thanks guys). Actually, after thinking about it a bit more, it’s kinda silly I haven’t talked about it, because it’s the whole reason The DeBode Way guided trips were created. Travel anxiety. Specifically, mine…and yours.

After years of research and various types of therapy, I have a fairly functional level of day-to-day anxiety. As long as I’m in a familiar environment and have a decent amount of control over and/or know how to deal with issues that arise, I can take on the world. Stepping outside those rules, things get tricky. I think most people suffer from some level of anxiety in their lives, but for some, like me, it’s a bit more extreme. Honestly, it’s why I quit an office job back in 2013 and have never returned. Since then, I’ve been working on myself and creating a litany of home businesses in the process. It’s a journey, friends. And then…there’s my travel anxiety.

So what is travel anxiety, specifically? The trouble with anxiety is that it looks different for each person. For example, you might experience it as a complete panic when you think of leaving the house. Someone else may have zero interest in exploring the world beyond what they know right now. Still others might be afraid of flying, driving a car, or navigating a train station or airport. It could manifest as two enormous checked bags for a weekend of casual travel because you never know or can’t imagine wearing something twice! You may be claustrophobic and not able to sit in a window seat on an airplane or be able to think about getting in a pressurized metal tube flying at hundreds of miles per hour high in the sky. Crowds are terrifying. What if you lose your ticket? Are you wearing the right clothes? What if your phone dies? Or perhaps a constant need to know EXACTLY where the nearest toilet is. Sound familiar? I feel ya.

To varying degrees, all of those examples of travel anxiety are things I deal with. But here’s the thing: those things that cause anxiety have also created something positive. I am an amazing map reader and memorizer of directions and landmarks because I can’t handle a GPS talking to me while I’m driving and trying to read road signs. I am the first to help a fellow passenger put a heavy bag in an overhead bin because you’ll always find me in the aisle seat. I am VERY aware of my surroundings in crowds and know where all the exits are (and bathrooms – haha). I’ve become an avid “reader” of audiobooks to keep my mind off flying, tight spaces, and not being allowed to leave your seat. And I have curated an AMAZING capsule travel wardrobe to help deal with overpacking. All that’s to say, we usually look at anxiety as a negative thing, and for sure it can cause challenges. But finding ways to help overcome those challenges is an important win.

So, what does any of this have to do with our guided trips? It means we’ve been there (literally!), we get it, and we’ve got you. Taking a trip with us helps put your mind at ease. You’re not paying a travel agent to only handle the arrangements, leaving you to muddle through them on your own in an unknown place. We are with you every step of the way – if you want. Or, if not, we give you the freedom to explore on your own. How much involvement you want from us is totally up to you! Either way, we’re with you if you change your mind.

In 2025 and beyond we’re taking a different approach to our trips. Instead of us picking dates, creating a trip, and relying on folks to sign up for it, we’re leaving the destination and timeline up to you. You can choose from a handful of destinations that we are intimately familiar with and a length of time that works for you, and we create a trip for you! This means you’ll get at least one of us (and sometimes both) guiding you along the way. Prices will vary depending on your destination, time of year, travel class, length of trip, etc, etc.

I’m excited (and super anxious, always). But! Let’s take 2025 by the horns and show it who is boss. Squash your travel anxiety (or…at least tell it to be quiet(er) for a while) and travel with someone who gets it. Over the next couple of months, I will be creating a calendar of our availability. Plus, we’re adding new destinations! Gasp! We still specialize in Scotland and the UK, but we’re adding Ireland, France, Spain, and yes, the United States. So gather your friends and family, coordinate your calendars, and get ready to create your out-of-office email automation. This year, we’re taking on the world.

See ya out there!

The post Dealing with Travel Anxiety, from a Lifetime Expert first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Panic

As I stepped backward into thin air, my only thought was “Scotlaaaaaand!” Sigh. As someone very independent and used to doing most things myself, suddenly needing disabled travel advice was a whole new ballgame.

Don’t Panic, Research

Today, I’m looking on the bright side: I now know how to get around the UK with a busted leg. Fortunately, a previous student trip left us with a severely sprained ankle in the group on day one, so we knew where many of the lifts are located in Edinburgh and Oban, how to avoid some of the stairs and cobbles, and where to get ice. Disabled travel is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done and is 100% worth the trouble.

Once the orthopedist told me I could fly (or rather didn’t say I couldn’t fly, a major sigh of relief), I immediately went into research mode to figure out how to get around. At home, I had painful crutches (they were too tall) and a knee scooter borrowed from a friend. Neither were great options for the cobbles and stairs I knew I would encounter, so I went hunting.

Equip Yourself

After an extensive search of medical supply stores in Springfield came up short in the disabled travel category (it’s like they want you to stay home or something), I headed to Amazon as time was running out. There I encountered the iWalk and a set of folding crutches made for travel – brilliant! I ordered both, but later decided the iWalk was probably not the safest option for all the cobbles of Edinburgh (it has since become my farm chores tool, along with a good walking stick – Jason calls me Gandolf). So the iWalk stayed home.

Initially, I planned only to take my crutches, but didn’t feel good about that choice given the potential for slick cobbles and sore armpits. Then I stumbled upon someone asking about a mobility scooter for disabled travelers in a Facebook Group for Scotland Travel. What!? Genius! A quick search gave me a list of power scooters for rent in Edinburgh – who knew? The company I went with delivered and picked up the scooter from the hotel. Such an amazing service! In the end, we brought my knee scooter too, knowing the power scooter would be quite large, and many places in Scotland are small and involve at least a step or two to enter buildings. Surely I could get around on a knee scooter much easier?

So there I was, armed with my folding crutches, knee scooter, and the promise of a power scooter meeting me in Edinburgh. I also tried to find a power scooter in Oban but had no luck. This solidified my decision to bring the knee scooter, and I’m SO glad I did. Off we went! You can’t keep this girl down!

Getting to Europe: Planes

I was immediately discouraged at the Springfield Airport. I hadn’t considered they would make me remove my boot to go through security – ouch. However, they were very kind and pulled me aside to sit down and go through a personal screening with a female agent. That took maybe 20 minutes and with our TSA Precheck, we didn’t have to remove anything from our bags. Jason gathered my bags (the first of many, many times) while I got my royal pat down and then we were off to wait on our (delayed) flight to Chicago.

I requested assistance getting on and off the plane through our airline’s app but never saw anyone to help. Since I had my scooter, I didn’t push the issue because it’s such a small airport. Instead, I assumed I could easily roll to the gate and down the ramp to the door, and then awkwardly crutch my way onto the plane while they stowed my scooter below. I just needed a little extra time to do it. In theory, this shouldn’t be a problem if they let us board first, and let us get settled.

They did let us board first, but we were quickly followed by everyone else, because of the flight delay and hurry to get going. Plus they made me leave my scooter at the top of the ramp, so I had to use my crutches down the incline. As I hadn’t practiced with the crutches yet, this was terrifying and less-than-graceful. To get to my seat, I tossed my crutches ahead of me and used the ramp rails and seat arms to swing across the bridge and down the narrow aisles. I collapsed into my seat while the flight attendant watched. Nice. I was unimpressed and immediately nervous about the rest of the trip.

No one met us in Chicago with the wheelchair either – what the heck? Luckily my scooter appeared outside the plane’s door, so I folded my crutches, hung them on the handlebars, and took off up the ramp…and across the entirety of O’Hare, all on my scooter. This was a long, painful journey, but we made it to our gate as our flight to London started boarding. It took a little convincing, but since it was a larger plane, the flight attendants let me keep my scooter so I could get to the bathroom on our 8-hour flight. They stored it in a closet near the galley for me, so I only had to push my call button or send Jason to grab it when I needed to get up.

In London, I was met by a buggy! So apparently my online assistance request did work, just not in the States for some reason. The porter loaded my crutches, bags, AND scooter and whisked me to Border Control; I handed over my passport and sailed right through. Meanwhile, Jason walked the entire length of Heathrow because he’d been sitting for 8 hours and wanted to walk (they offered him a ride too). Unfortunately, my chariot ride ended at baggage claim, so once reassembled, we continued to the train into London.

Getting Around Europe: Trains

I hadn’t thought much about getting on and off the trains. It turns out, I should have requested assistance for that as well – mind the gap and all! We got lucky with the Underground, as all the stations we used had a lift or a ramp down to the trains. From there it was easy to roll onto the train. Once we made it to King’s Cross and had to get on the overland train there was much tsk-tsking from the station staff as I tossed my scooter up the step into the train, grabbed the handrails, and hopped one-legged up to the train. Was it safe? No. Did they like it? Also no, as they take Health & Safety very seriously in the UK. But I made it, so bonus points, right?

When we arrived at York station, I tossed my scooter off the train and hopped back down the same way. More tsk-tsking (also, some gentle applause and “Well done, you!” from others waiting to board that train). Once at our hotel, which was mercifully across the street, I requested assistance for the rest of our journey on the LNER train app. It worked! They had the ramp ready for me the next day and even moved our reserved seats into the disabled area so I had a place to store my scooter and put my leg up. It was glorious – and easy. As we arrived at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they put the ramp down and I rolled off the train – easy peasy.

We arrived in Edinburgh a day ahead of our group so we could make the last few arrangements. Even though it was nearby, because of all the roadwork and sidewalk closures, we took a taxi to our hotel. The man at the taxi stand was so delightful; having never seen a knee scooter (nor had much of the UK as it turned out), he asked all manner of questions.

Getting Around Europe: Automobiles?

Lo and behold! My power scooter awaited us at the hotel! Amazing! I could have had it delivered to the station, but you had to arrange a specific time, pay an extra fee, and you never know if the trains will be on time (they usually are). Instead, they delivered it to the hotel, which seemed a better option. We didn’t immediately take it out since we had errands to run in tiny shops.

The next day, I used the power scooter to fetch folks from the train station and take them to breakfast while Jason met folks at the airport. I also took it on several “walks” throughout our stay and anywhere I knew we would have the space to accommodate it. Overall, it was bulky and a bit of a burden, so I learned to use my knee scooter on the cobbles for most of our expeditions. The key is to lean back, not forward on the knee scooter, so you don’t fly over the handlebars. I’m still glad I had the power scooter for some of our longer outings and recommend our rental company (listed below).

While in Edinburgh, we ventured to the countryside one day for professional photos, where I quickly learned my scooter does not do rocks or grass. I had to use it like a walker to get down the path to our shooting location where I spent two hours teetering on one leg or crutches in the tall grass on the side of a mountain. It must have been a sight; we have some funny photos of me trying to get around. But! I did it and the rest of the pictures are fabulous. We’re thankful our photographer was such a good sport.

By the time we boarded the train for Oban, I was a pro. I didn’t bother booking assistance with ScotRail because I had figured out how to get on and off myself. Our hotel in Oban was again right across from the train station (whoever planned this was brilliant – pats on the back!), so we didn’t have far to go with our group and bags. By now Jason’s arms were threatening to come off from trying to manhandle our bags all over Scotland. I felt bad about it, so I booked him an appointment with my massage wizard back home. He had to wait a few more days, but she fixed him up nicely.

Jason had work to do while in Oban and our friends were out of town, so I spent time exploring on my own. I took my scooter down the walkway of the bay to take photos and enjoy the view. Then I went shopping for most of the day and visited with the locals. That was fun and they were very kind. Fortunately, many of the shops in Oban are at ground level or just one tiny step up, so I had no problem getting around on my own. I stumbled upon the Jetty Gallery, full of works by local artists, and found a gorgeous etching that I decided should come home with me. Thankfully, Jason agreed and we returned to get it about 5 minutes before they closed on our last day in Oban. Whew!

We also rented a car while in Oban. This allowed us to scout for upcoming trips and visit friends in the country. We originally planned to take the car to the Isle of Mull for some hiking, but because of my broken leg, we decided to hold off for now.

After Oban, we took the train back to Edinburgh and spent our final night at a countryside estate hotel (which was amazing!). The staff met me as I stepped out of the taxi, putting a ramp down to get inside the hotel. While they did have a lift, it didn’t access all the rooms, so I used my crutches quite a bit to get up and down stairs. Also, our hotel had a bathtub! It was glorious to sit on the side of the tub to shower with the handheld instead of standing precariously on one foot in the shower. Incidentally, showering was the biggest frustration the entire time in the UK: the bathrooms are SO small I could barely get in with my scooter or crutches, and there was always a step up into the shower. If I had known I would need an accessible bathroom when I was booking rooms, it would have been much easier, as they are available in some hotels.

More Trains

We decided to take the train back to London, thinking it would be easier than flying. Unfortunately, the train journey turned into quite the event, as there was a fire on the tracks just outside London, so they made us get off the train in York. Another couple from our group was on the train ahead of us and they were given the options to wait it out, walk back to York Station, or get an Uber to London. They chose the latter.

Since we were at York Station, we were given two route options: take the train to Sheffield or Manchester. We opted for Manchester hoping it would be less crowded. We had to wait for the second train, as the first was packed. Once in Manchester, we ran (scooted furiously!) to catch the next train to Euston Station in London. Naturally, this was all during rush hour on a Wednesday afternoon. Madness! Finally, we made it to London, though 7 hours later than planned, and after the show we planned to see at the Vaudeville Theatre. Feeling rather bummed, we headed for Euston Underground Station to call it a day and head for the airport hotel. Except, it turns out Euston has no lifts, so we had to take a taxi to our hotel instead – that was a frightening expense! In hindsight, we could have taken a taxi to Paddington Station and caught the train to the airport, but you live and learn and sometimes don’t make the best decisions when you’re tired. It almost makes one wonder if the flight would have been easier.

The Way Home

The flight out of London the next morning was as easy as the one to London. They let me keep my scooter in a closet onboard again. As soon as we landed in Houston I was immediately reminded that the US is not very kind to anyone with a mobility issue. There was no wheelchair, again, after I requested it and double-checked that I had, so I scooted across the airport to Customs and Border Control. After that, you have to go through security again. In London, security was much the same as it was in Springfield: they pulled me aside, removed my boot, I got a pat down, and they swabbed my scooter while asking me to tell my best version of how I broke my leg. Very easy and cordial. In Houston, they literally screamed at me when I asked where to go with my scooter because it obviously would set off a metal detector. I stood, stunned, at the side of the line waiting for some direction since Jason had already gone through and was frantically trying to repack our bags. About 10 minutes later someone pulled me aside, took my boot and scooter to be swabbed, and told me to walk through the metal detector. Excuse me? I have a broken leg, I will not be walking anywhere! So there I stood, on one leg, for at least another 10 minutes while they swabbed my scooter, eventually brought it back to me, and finally pulled me to the side for a pat down. I was flabbergasted, frustrated, and fighting tears; I’ve never been treated so poorly.

The flight from Houston to Springfield was just as stellar as the one leaving Springfield two weeks earlier. Sigh. We had to board our plane outside, so I had to leave my scooter behind, again, and crutch my way up the ramp and onto the tiny plane, tossing my crutches ahead of me as I swung down the aisle on the armrests. But, as a bonus, we saw the northern lights above Springfield as we landed that night. I was exhausted, happy to be home, and even happier to sleep in my bed. It was a wonderful trip and I learned so much, but holy moly was I tired from all that extra work!

Lessons Learned

Overall, the UK is relatively accommodating to folks with mobility issues. It may take a little planning on your end, but it’s entirely possible to navigate the disabled travel options and folks are super helpful. As a plus, we’re confident we can accommodate someone with mobility challenges on our trips! There’s nothing like a crash course or on-the-ground training to boost your confidence, right? Right. Sometimes it can be a hidden bonus to be an anxiety-ridden overthinker searching for all the available options on a tight deadline. Skills!

I hope my story gives you the confidence to travel even if you have trouble getting around. There are so many assistance options and SO much world to see! Obviously, do what your doctor says and always opt for travel insurance in case you have further issues while on your journey.

*fist bump* You’ve got this. See you out there!

Resources

• Scooter Rental in Edinburgh
• TFL Journey Planner for London Public Transit
• LNER Passenger Assist Request for the London North East Railway
• ScotRail Accessible Travel Request for the train in Scotland
• Euan’s Guide for excellent reviews on accessibility in venues across the UK
• List of public toilets in Edinburgh with accessibility toilets.

Notes

• Lifts (elevators). Many old buildings in the UK cannot be retrofitted with lifts. Be sure to research ahead of time so you know what is available and reach out to ask questions as needed. Sometimes stairs are the only option.
• Accessible Toilets. Places serving food must have accessible toilets or point you somewhere that does. If you don’t see them, ask. Public toilets can also be found in bus stations, train stations, shopping centers, and department stores. You can apply for and purchase a radar key for accessible toilets if you have mobility or bowel/bladder conditions.
• Email Hotels. Stay in contact with your hotel about any help you may need. Many have disabled rooms, access to lifts, and additional assistance if you need it. Private rentals and Air B&Bs do not have this requirement, so contact your host to ask questions before booking.

Helpful Travel Accessories

• Folding Crutches
• Crutch Pads
• iWalk
• Knee Scooter
• Sleeping Boot
• Water Resistant Walking Boot Covers
• Waterproof Shower Boot
• Reusable Waterproof Bags for Ice

The post Suddenly Figuring out Disabled Travel for Beginners first appeared on The DeBode Way.

I Spy with My Little Eye

Let’s use an example: I’m scrolling through Instagram one evening and come upon a photo of a cobbled street with particularly colorful buildings. At this point in my life, I know what it is, but for this example, let’s suppose I didn’t. If there is no information in the description about what this place is or where to find it, I take a screenshot and do a Google image search. Boom! It’s Victoria Street in Edinburgh. Perfect. The inspiration for my DIY trip is born!

So we know what it is, but where is Victoria Street in Edinburgh and what is there to do nearby? For us, I do a regular Google search for Victoria Street businesses. That should be an instant burst of ideas from restaurants to shops and other points of interest.

Once I’m armed with things to do on Victoria Street, I use a similar search to branch out from the area. Or, I head straight to Google Maps to see what it can tell me about the area. Sometimes I even end up back on Instagram and search Victoria Street to see what other Insta-worthy things pop up. People can be very creative on that app and I love it!

A Retreat from the Ordinary

How do we find all these nifty out-of-the-way hotels? Here’s my biggest secret: I don’t use a third-party hotel search engine to book. What!? Most travel bloggers will tell you to use something like booking-dot-com or hotels-dot-com to book your hotels, mostly because they get a kickback for their recommendation. After befriending so many hotel owners over the years, it’s hard for us to share this perspective. The fees the hotels have to pay to be on those sites is something like 20% of their booking. As a small business owner, I find this criminal.

To avoid this fee, many independent hotels will often tell you they will match any price you find on a search engine by booking directly with them. Even by lowering their price, they are keeping money in their pocket by avoiding the search engine fee. This benefits you even more in the end because the hotel will most likely include more personal services, like champagne on arrival, or include a meal in your reservation by booking directly. To me, this feels like a little pat on the back for booking your own DIY trip and making those important people connections.

I’ll often use Trip Advisor, Google Hotels, or even Instagram to get an idea of what is in the area. The first two have great panning map features on their websites that help you see an area in detail. Instagram often has off-the-wall suggestions that you won’t find in a search engine, but you’ll still need to plug them into a map to make sure they line up with your plan. However, I never book through those sites. Not only for the reasons I listed above but also because there is no guarantee with the hotel when you use a third-party booking system. If that third party doesn’t properly communicate with the hotel and they don’t have a reservation for you when you arrive and the hotel is full, there’s nothing they can do. If you book directly, you always have direct contact with the hotel for confirmation and updates before check-in. I like to drop the hotel a little email a week or two before our arrival to make sure everything is squared away. That little email often gets you recognition and a nice reception upon arrival.

Adventure Awaits

With tours and activities, I use a very similar approach to hotels and image searches. I’ve found some of the most unique tours on Instagram completely by accident. Actually, we’ve had tour operators contact us via Instagram when we’ve tagged ourselves in the area (yes this can seem a little sketchy, so do lots of review research before you agree to join them). Another great resource for unique tours is Viator, another third-party search engine you can book through. If I can find the tour on the operator’s website, I book directly through them, for the same reasons as booking hotels directly. Make those connections!

Google Maps is also a great place to look for tours and activities and read reviews. Sometimes the strangest little things will pop up and lead you directly to an operator’s website to book.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

That I saved this to talk about last is a bit strange because this is always the FIRST thing I book when I’m planning a trip. If we need to fly, I start with plane tickets. If our dates are a bit flexible we can often save quite a bit of money by moving our dates around based on the lowest price of the tickets. I always use Google Flights to hunt down flights and then jump over to the airline to book directly when I find what I want. If we’re flying on points, I’ll often transfer credit card points to airline partners. This allows us to book directly with the airline instead of using the third-party portal through our credit card. We’ve booked through our credit card portal before, but I’ve heard too many horror stories about that going wrong to feel overly comfortable with it.

We LOVE to take the train! It removes so many logistical headaches from our trips like parking a car, parking fees, and transporting luggage. We often stay near the train stations so we can walk to/from our hotel and not worry about lining up more transportation. I’ve been using RailEurope lately to search for routes if I don’t know the name of the country’s rail lines. Once I learn what the rail lines are called and where the stations are located, I will typically book directly through the rail line. We have booked through RailEurope before when traveling on multiple rail lines for a single day trip and it was perfectly fine, but again, it’s a third party, so there’s no guarantee.

And cars. I always recommend booking cars out of the airport in the city you are visiting if possible. Airports are typically located outside of the cities, giving you more space to get used to the car and the road system before being thrown into heavy traffic. Car rental desks at airports also usually have longer open hours during the day. This often means catching a taxi or an Uber to get to the airport to pick up a car, but if that saves from driving an unfamiliar car, in an unfamiliar system, in the city center, it’s worth it. If you are comfortable driving in the city center wherever you are, look for car rental locations near the train station for less logistical nonsense. Google Maps is a good tool for finding the location of rental agencies. I’ve also used Kayak-dot-com to quickly compare prices and then head directly to a rental agency’s website to book. Also, if you frequently (or not) book cars, sign up for their rewards program. It’s free and it makes the rental process so much faster.

Those are the most important quick tips I can give you about planning and booking your own DIY trip. Remember to write out a rough itinerary and then create a logistical plan based on what you want to see/do and where you want to stay. It would be a major bummer to book a fabulous hotel in the mountains and then have no idea how to get there when you arrive! Think through your whole trip, create a spreadsheet if that’s your jam, and get to booking your DIY trip!

See you out there!

The post Our Quick Tips & Tricks to Booking Your DIY Trip first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the past, we’ve talked about our hunt for silence on flights, which, as far as we know, means noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds. Truly, we never realized just how loud planes are until we started on this journey. But…gosh. So here we are. We’ve been through a few different models and wanted to pass along our two cents (assuming you’re familiar with the humble ¢).

Earbuds v. Headphones

Most people have thoughts about the earbud v. headphone discussion, goodness knows we do. Because you’re reading our blog, it seems reasonable to assume you’re curious about our opinion. So here it is: it depends, as different options have unique pros and cons. For us, it’s hard to beat the total immersion that comes with headphones. The model we have completely surrounds the ear, which, when it comes to noise-cancellation, is important. Yes, they’re bulkier. No, they aren’t easy to sleep in. Yes, they’re larger and take up more room in your luggage. Still, their ability to drown out the world around you is pretty remarkable. All of sounds…gone. That said, we’d be remiss to say earbuds aren’t worth the investment. It’s true, the noise-cancellation isn’t exactly as good as with headphones; however, they have other benefits that might sway their pro-to-con ratio. Probably most obvious, earbuds are much smaller, making it easier to sleep with them in your ears and easier to pack. Moreover, noise-cancellation technology is always improving, making them nearly as good as their over-the-ear counterparts.

Cut the Wire or No?

It’s also important to decide whether you want to spend the extra money on a wireless option or opt for an often lower-priced wired version. We’ve tried both. When it comes to wired options, we’ve stayed loyal to Bose. Our very purchase was in 2019, and, though now discontinued, they’re still great contenders. The biggest plus with a wired option is the noise-cancellation works considerably longer and when you run out of battery, they still function as regular earbuds. Keep in mind the wired connection is for the audio signal, not the noise-cancellation functionality. For example, our wireless headphones often last for 18-24 hours; after that they stop working entirely. By comparison, our wired earbuds last for well, technically ever. The noise-cancellation setting requires battery power and lasts about 8 hours, but after that they continue to work like regular earbuds. So, in our experience, the wired version has never not worked.

That said, we prefer the wireless versions. Yes, they’re a bit more expensive (but not always) and you do need to remember to recharge the battery before you head out. Yes, your flight may be longer than the battery will last. That said, not getting wrapped up in wires makes it easier to (try to) sleep. Also, if you’re plugged in, anytime someone needs to get out you have to pause what you’re watching/listening to, unplug, get up, let them out, sit back down, and reverse the process. Without the wires, all you do is get up. Beyond this, the other issue is that wireless options connect via Bluetooth to another device (e.g., your phone) which isn’t super helpful on most planes. Until recently, that meant we needed a cord to connect our wireless headphones to the plane’s entertainment system. Fortunately, we recently found a wireless transmitter device that plugs into your TV monitor and sends the audio to your wireless headphones/earbuds via a unique Bluetooth connection. Win! Of course, this means one more thing to purchase, carry, and charge. Fortunately, the device is small, about 2”x2”x1”. Also, newer planes have the ability to connect your wireless headphones/earbuds directly to your screen via Bluetooth, meaning the extra device might only be a temporary addition.

Battle of the Brands

When we first started our search for quiet on planes, our research showed one brand consistently outranked the others: Bose. So, our first purchase was Bose wired noise-cancelling earbuds, and they changed our world (made it quieter, in fact). Since then, Jason has bought a pair of their regular wireless earbuds (not noise-cancelling) and we both have their over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headphones (which Tasha thinks are glorious for focus when doing sewing calculations). More recently we’ve been curious about other brands as the technology seems to be improving and we’re always trying to pack smaller. After more research, we decided to go separate ways: Jason got the Soundcore noise-cancelling earbuds, while Tasha went with Raycon Fitness noise-cancelling earbuds to test out a Bluetooth earbud for flying. What we’ve found is there’s a reason Bose consistently tops the rankings: they’re awesome. Yes, they’re expensive, but they’re worth it. That said, the other brands were better than we expected, and because are less expensive than Bose, we think you should consider them in your search for silence.

In the following reviews, we factor in the quality of the noise-cancellation, battery life, the bulkiness of the product, the overall comfort, and the sound quality.

Bose Quiet Comfort

Bose stands out as the clear winner, at least for us. The noise-cancellation is remarkable; on the plane, both the headphones and wired earbuds drown out almost all the noise around us, from the drone of the plane engines to the crying babies a few rows back, even to the flight attendant asking for our drink order. From a comfort perspective, Bose is again our pick. Their over-ear headphones are cushions of pure bliss, encompassing your ear in soft comfort. The earbuds, as with most of the rest of their earbud options, have silicon ‘wings’ that hold their position in your ear (so they don’t spin and fall out) while still being comfortable from the time you put them in until you take them out. And because the wings maintain the earbud’s place in your ear, that creates a better seal which makes the noise-cancellation even better. The sound quality is also tops: really clear treble tones and deep, booming bases. All the stuff Bose is known for…all right in your ear. Bulkiness depends on which version you have, but in general, this is where Bose loses ground. Their headphones are similar to other brands, but their earbuds are large and stick out from your ear, which can make them more challenging to sleep in. All things considered, we’d rate our Bose models – both the earbuds (wired) and headphones (wireless) with an A. Unfortunately the wired earbuds have been discontinued, but you can still find refurbished sets on Amazon.

Raycon [Tasha’s New Earbuds]

Tasha ordered the Raycon Fitness noise-cancelling ear buds because she didn’t want to bring her bulky Bose headphones on our most recent trip. Plus we wanted to test a wireless version that wouldn’t break the bank. This meant she also ordered Bluetooth transmitters for both of us for the plane. Fortunately, the price was still reasonable with both the earbuds and transmitter.

While the noise-cancelling portion of these earbuds is definitely on par with Bose, you can still tell the difference between the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and regular modes. It’s just not immediately noticeable when you turn on the ANC like it is with Bose. It seems like they wait for sound to come through the earbuds from your device before they try to cancel the noise around you. Because of that, they don’t really work as earplugs when you’re trying to catch some shut-eye like our wired Bose earbuds do. She uses the Loop Switch earplugs for that now instead. The sound quality is decent. You won’t get that full base like you do with Bose, but they’re not tinny and completely acceptable. A very technical description from her.

The battery life on these is remarkable! We had FOUR flights (about 16 hours ON the plane) and between wearing them in her ears and giving them a quick recharge boost from the case during layovers, they never ran out of power. Then she continued to use them for tours and some quick video editing on her phone for 2 weeks and STILL didn’t recharge them – mostly because she forgot and they just kept going. The battery life is definitely a huge win for these. Maybe she can get the whole lawn mowed now without her headphones dying now. Woo!

The comfort level is also great. She also has a pair of Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds that she practically lives in, but the battery life in those is only about 3-4 hours and they constantly fall out of her ears. The Raycon earbuds last at least 6 hours at a time, based on our recent overseas flight. They claim to last 12 hours on their own, plus an additional 44 hours for a total of 56 hours on one case charge. Holy smokes. The Raycons also feature a small fin at the top to hold them in your ear and come with 4 adjustable sizes to get the right fit. She keeps raving about how snug and comfortable they are.

The magnetic case is tiny, about 2”x2”x1”, and has a loop and carabiner to clip them onto your bag if you wish. The satisfying little snap when the magnet clips the earbuds into the case is a nice touch. They are also water/sweat resistant, which will be great for workouts (ha), or working outside in the sweltering Missouri heat and humidity. Plus…they came in purple. She’s happy.

Overall, we’re calling these a win. They get a B+ because the battery life and comfort are phenomenal, but the noise-cancellation and sound aren’t quite top of the game.

Soundcore [Jason’s New Earbuds]

Admittedly, this wasn’t a brand I was familiar with before doing some research, but it’s one I’m glad we found. The Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds are, in most ways, a winner. The case is small, measuring about 3” wide by 1” long or so. The earbuds are magnetically held in their case but are easy to remove when you’re ready for action. The earbuds come with a charging cable, but the instruction manual says the case accommodates wireless charging, though I haven’t tested this yet. The earbuds themselves are smaller than I was expecting, and much smaller than the Bose version. Because of their small stature, they fit down into my ear better than the Bose option, which makes it easier to sleep with them in (or…try to sleep). If you’re someone who prefers a lower profile to your technology, these might be the earbuds for you.

As for sound quality, these are better than expected and nearly as good as Bose. The treble sounds are clear and crisp, while the base is good; not quite as deep as with Bose, but still good enough to enjoy good sound quality in your tunes and movies. The A40’s have three sound options: a normal option (like using regular earbuds without noise-cancelling technology), a noise-cancelling option, and what I can best describe as a more focused version. The noise-cancellation is good, not quite as good as Bose, but given the lower price-point, it was much better than I was expecting. For the focused version, when I had them in and was talking to Tasha, it focused on and amplified her voice while quieting everything else. This had some trouble on the plane with the ambient noise, but could be a neat option to use in crowded places.

The battery life with these was pretty great, too, and lasted the duration of each of our recent flights to Europe. Once we touched down, I’d pop them back in their case and they were fully charged for our next flight. Plug the case in during the flight so it stays charged, and you’re good to go for the full travel day.

The one place that dropped my rating is in comfort level. At first, the A40’s were really comfortable and fit snugly into my ear canal, but after a few hours, my inner ear was sore, to the point where it felt bruised by the end of the flight. That made it a little tender when putting them in again for the next flight. It’s possible I had them pushed too far in my ear and/or had the wrong size end on them, so we need to experiment a bit more before giving a final opinion. Still, something to be mindful about.

Overall, Jason gives these a B rating, potentially a B+ if we can get the sizing sorted out.

You can find links to all the headphones and earbuds we’ve mentioned throughout the post or on the “Products We Recommend” page of our website.

The post The Hunt for the Most Elusive: Noise-Cancelling Silence first appeared on The DeBode Way.