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5 Things you need in your honeymoon beauty survival kit
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5 Things you need in your honeymoon beauty survival kit

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Your honeymoon is supposed to be stress-free, glowing and romantic. Make sure you’re prepped and ready for anything with these 5 beauty essentials.

1. Sunscreen

Rain or shine, sun or snow, sunscreen is one thing you cannot leave at home. From the very beginning of your getaway, from being in a car or on an airplane, you have to make sure your skin is properly protected, especially because the environment might be different to what you know.

A broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, pollution filters and blue light filters will ensure you’re well protected in any season and in any environment. If you’re worried about the coral reefs, reach for a mineral sunscreen (containing zinc oxide instead of oxybenzone), but if you’re heading to the slopes, a chemical one will last longer and won’t make you look chalky.

2. Fragrance

Take something with you other than your wedding day fragrance, as this will ensure you capture a honeymoon scent memory as well. Sometimes it’s nice to try something different, but pick something that still falls within the fragrance family you know and love to avoid disappointment. Even better, pick something that you and your partner can both use, so that a whiff of it years later will instantly transport you back.

3. Hair care

Honeymoon hair means it needs as much of a break, and down time, as you’ll be having. After the stress of wedding planning and the damage your hair might have undergone on the day itself, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your hair an extra bit of love. Try to make use of as little as possible heat to dry and style your hair, and rather focus on repairing damage and allowing it to have a bit of a breather.

Maybe you need some help to instantly repair your hair and bring it back to its renewed, elastic shape – then the Wella Fusion range is for you! Packed with reparative ingredients to help strengthen hair and prevent further breakage, it works great on all hair types, but especially colour treated and heat damaged hair.

On the other hand, a more natural approach would include the Elements range, which is free of sulphates, parabens and artificial colourants. It’s ideal for those looking for something a little lighter, while still packing a punch when it comes to regenerative and moisturising power.

Get your hands on an Elements or Fusion Festive Pack HERE or visit your nearest Wella Professionals salon.

4. Multi-purpose make-up

When space is sparse you need to only pack what you absolutely need. Go for creamy lipsticks that you can use on your lips and your cheeks, bronzing palettes that can easily translate as eyeshadow, stick foundations than can either be used as concealer or built up to achieve more coverage, and of course, a waterproof mascara to perk up your peepers that’s happy tears, rain and swim safe.

5. A good make-up remover

Nothing is more frustrating than being away from home and not being able to remove your make-up properly. Test and trial a make-up remover, preferably something like a micellar water which is more gentle on the eyes, to be sure all remnants can be removed. A brilliant way to test if a make-up remover is honeymoon-worthy is to try one on the night of your wedding when make-up has been applied heavier than usual.

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Supporting your partner's pronouns during wedding planning
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Supporting your partner’s pronouns during wedding planning

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There are many couples whose identities are outside of the heteronormative spectrum. They are always the minority and have to constantly fight for their place in society.

They normally use different pronouns and chances are that people will get them wrong, which can be frustrating for them. If your partner exists outside of this box, there are things you can do to make life easier when planning your wedding.

What are pronouns?

Some non-binary/genderqueer people prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns. Usage of the singular ‘they’, ‘their’, and ‘them’ is the most common.

These are words that refer to an individual in place of their name. They describe different gender identities other than just male or female.

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Don’t give in to traditional gender roles

The idea that women can only have female friends and men can only have male friends should not exist in your plan for the wedding.

Instead of traditions like the “Best Man Speech,” use gender-free labels like “Friends and Family Speeches.”

Everyone should have the same tasks unless it’s beyond their physical strength, do not give men certain tasks because of their gender and the belief that they are stronger.

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Specify in your wedding registry

Monitory donations are a great alternative to avoid receiving gender-specific gifts. You can even ask for donations to your favourite charity, preferably one fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights to help give back on your big day.

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Include correct pronouns on your invitation card and wedding day

Your guest list might include people they haven’t met before. To help initiate that conversation, use clear preferred pronouns. Use wedding planning tools as a way to introduce your guests to your partner’s pronouns, and ask for your guests’ pronouns when they RSVP.

If a person uses the incorrect pronouns when referring to your partner,  address it respectfully.

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Hire LGBTQIA + accomodating vendors

Not only are you supporting the larger  LGBTQIA+ community, but it will also make things easy to work with people that understand you.  Your partner will be more relaxed and that will result in them feeling included and validated.

The work will be less because most of their tools will not need to be altered or change to suit your needs, as they are already set up like that.

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What is a buddymoon, and should we have one?

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Millennials are known for doing things their own way. Getting married is no exception. A quirky new trend has emerged in recent years and has become quite popular. We introduce: the buddymoon.

Some couples feel that they want to share the celebration of their new marriage with their closest friends. We mean, who wouldn’t want to go on a fun trip with their besties?

This can range from inviting just one other couple to as many other people (couples or singles) as you want. Not all couples are into romantic “couple” things and enjoy their trips more when doing group activities.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you and your partner consider swapping the traditional honeymoon for a buddymoon:

– Is it what you both prefer? It should be a mutual decision.

– If you do it, will you still work in some alone time, or go all out for a group setup?

–  How does it affect your budget? Group bookings at accommodation or activities sometimes get great discounts. However, you are not as flexible to decide what to do or where to stay as you need to consider everyone involved.

– Does everyone going on the trip get along well? If not, there might be a chance that conflict could ruin the holiday.

If you and your partner have discussed these issues and agree to go ahead, you might just have the time of your life making wonderful memories with people you love.

Judging by these pictures, the buddymoon is nothing but an absolute blast.

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Pre-wedding bridal skincare tips

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On your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. However, getting here requires work that often starts months before your big day.  Here are some tips to make sure you are looking and feeling your best come wedding day.

Develop a consistent skincare routine and STICK TO IT!

Hopefully you already have one in place, but it is important to have a skincare routine designed for your particular skin. Maybe you have oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin. Maybe you have discolouration, rosacea or fine lines. Regardless, there are many products created to cater for a multitude of skin types and concerns. Now, developing a skincare routine is not easy. It’s mainly just trial-and-error.

While Koreans are famed for their 12-step routines, many dermatologists recommend a simpler skincare routine with three key steps: cleanse, tone, moisturise. Another thing dermatologists agree on is that SPF is the most important skincare product everyone should be using. Sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Many skincare and makeup products contain SPF, which makes it that much easier and leaves you with no excuse not to use it.

Facials:

Treat your skin to a facial with your regular aesthetician every month in the lead up to your wedding. When meeting your aesthetician, highlight what you want to focus on with the facials. It’s also important to speak up about your skin type. If you’ve got sensitive skin, your aesthetician has to be very careful about the types of products they use, and it’s the same for dry and oily skin.

Importantly, make sure not to get a new facial the day before your wedding. Your skin might react weirdly and leave you with a nasty pimple on your big day. Leave yourself a couple of days for your skin to calm down and really reflect the benefits.

Exfoliate:

Get rid of those pesky dried skin cells with a weekly exfoliant that will leave your skin silky smooth. Exfoliants help your skin appear brighter and glowing, which is always a good thing. Be careful when choosing your exfoliant, as some can be too harsh on your skin.

Importantly, over-exfoliating can leave your skin dry, flaky and irritated, so best avoid using this product more than three times a week. Usage will change depending on the strength of your exfoliator.

Manage your stress

I know it’s hard, but this one’s important. With all the wedding planning and small moving parts to keep track of, your skin and body is likely to show your internal stress. You need to keep stress at bay so that it doesn’t show up in your skin through a breakout. A host of other conditions like exzema and psoriasis can be worsened through stress.

Consider sharing the load and delegating jobs to your bridal party to help out so that you don’t carry all the stress of event planning. If you have an event planner, that’s even better! It’s also a great idea to participate in some stress-relieving activities like yoga, painting or reading.

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Honeymoon mistakes to avoid

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Honeymoon planning is technically part of wedding planning. The honeymoon usually takes place quite close to the wedding day, and this leaves you with very little time to make last minute adjustments. That’s why you should get ahead with organising.

If the trip is not well planned, it may leave you feeling a bit unsatisfied and disappointed. We wouldn’t want you to feel that way about – what should be – one of the most exciting, love-filled getaways of your life.

To help you out, and ensure that you have the best honeymoon possible, here are some honeymoon mistakes to avoid.

– Not doing your research 

This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In order for your trip to be all you’ve ever imagined it to be, unfortunately, you can’t rely on your imagination while planning.

You need to do research on destinations, to find out whether the places you want to go are affordable and if there are any customs and practices that you should take into consideration. Researching the destination will also tell you when their peak tourist times are, if that’s something you want to avoid. It’ll also give you an idea of the weather, which will definitely affect your decision.

If you’re doing research about your hotel, make sure you’re looking at reviews and not just the hotel’s webpages. This will give you a better idea of where you’ll be staying.

– Not setting a budget 

You should set a budget before you book anything. In fact, your plans should be based on the funds that you have. Decide on how much you can spend or are willing to spend on the trip as a whole. Then separate that into a budget including flights, hotels, activities, shopping and food. This way you won’t put yourselves into debt to finance your honeymoon.

Another smart move would be to put some money aside for unforeseen expenses. Anything can happen, and you wouldn’t want to be short of money in an unfamiliar place.

– Booking your tickets with your new name 

If you’re taking your partners last name, you’re probably excited to start using it. We understand! While you’re most definitely free to start using it in your day-to-day, it may be better to use your previous last name when booking your flights.

Changing your name on your passport and other identification documents will be a long process, and it most likely will not be completed in time. The name on your ticket needs to match the name on your passport, or you will not be allowed to board. Additionally, airlines charge a large fee to change ticket details.

– Planning to leave immediately after the wedding

We know that traditions can be difficult to break. Leaving for your honeymoon on the night of your wedding is one of the traditions you’ll have to try extra hard to avoid.

Leaving immediately will likely have you feeling tired and more stressed than you should be. The wedding day is long. Make sure you have at least a day or two to rest before you leave.

– Forgetting to tell people you’re on your honeymoon 

If you let the hotel know you’re on your honeymoon, they may give you some special treatment. Don’t miss out on fun treats and possible upgrades!

You should also ensure that the office knows you’re on your honeymoon. It would be unfortunate to be bothered  by work emails and calls all day.

– Doing too much or too little 

If you do too many activities, you may overspend and you may tire yourself out. But, if you do too little,  you’ll regret not experiencing the place you’re visiting. Activities are what makes a trip memorable. So make sure you’re doing enough to have all the fun, but not so much that you get no down time.

– Missing out on local cuisine and attractions

You may get caught up in the “honeymoon” of it all, spending all your time getting couples massages and having a luxurious time at the hotel. Make sure that you don’t miss out on all the things that your chosen destination has to offer. Local food and tourist attractions can make your honeymoon unique and unforgettable.

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How to keep calm on your wedding day

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The days leading up to your wedding can be super stressful and the day itself quite emotional. Don’t let the best day of your life be spoiled by feelings of anxiety or exhaustion. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep the joyful experience this special day is meant to be.

– The week before, take a few minutes each day and write down things you are grateful for. Journaling can be very therapeutic and serve as a reminder of how blessed you are for the people around you. Whether it be the one you’re marrying, the friends and family that support you or this exciting new adventure that lies ahead, jot it down and reflect on it.

– There’s a saying that goes: “Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.” That’s about as perfect a saying you can get for a wedding. Remember the reason you are getting married: You have found the person you love with all your heart and you want to share it with people that are close to you. So when those little emergencies come, and they will, take a deep breath, smile and let the bridesmaids handle it.

– Get enough sleep the week before. Make sure you sleep well. Essential oils like lavender and jasmine might help you drift off to dreamland with a smile on your face. You will be quite busy those last few days, but you will want to feel rested and energetic at the wedding.

– Water is life. Taking a long, tranquil bath or shower the morning of your wedding will let the world’s worries flow away. Light some scented candles and make it your me-time where no one may bother you. Relax and focus on your breathing while soaking in the bubbles.

– It might sound like a good time to get hammered at the party but in truth, you will regret getting crazy drunk on your wedding and especially being hungover on your honeymoon. Having a good time at this joyous celebration is important, but overdoing it might lead you to make a mess of things. You want to remember your special day with grace for the rest of your life.  

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Pros and cons of a destination wedding

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Destination weddings are quickly becoming a popular option, but as with any wedding choice, they come with their own pros and cons.

Guests

The biggest appeal of having a destination wedding is being able to get married in a beautiful setting and potentially having a much smaller guest list as not everyone will have the time or money to make the trip. However, this also means that some people that you would have wanted to be there might not be able to make it.

Before settling on the idea of a destination wedding, chat to the people that you absolutely have to have at your wedding and see if they are able to make it. You can also consider covering a portion of their costs if your budget allows. For example, you could pay for their accommodation and then they are just responsible for their flights.

Costs

While your guest list may be smaller, meaning your ceremony and reception will cost less, you will have to spend more money on events surrounding the wedding to thank your guests for attending and making their trip worthwhile, and again, if you decide to cover their accommodation or some other costs, you will be spending even more.

Gifts

The biggest gift you will receive from your guests is their presence; if you are having a destination wedding, that should be enough. Since most of your guests’ budgets will go towards flights and possibly accommodation, you need to be okay with receiving smaller or fewer gifts.

Planning

Some resorts at popular destination wedding locations offer all-inclusive packages which means that most of the planning and execution will be done for you, which takes a lot of the stress off. But leaving the fate of your wedding day in the hands of others, especially when you are not able to be there to oversee planning and preparations, can also be very stressful. One way to combat this is to be flexible and to find reputable vendors.

Legality

Do your research on marriage laws in the location of your wedding and find out if the marriage licence you obtain is also legal in your home country. A way to get around this potential hassle is to get legally married in your home country and use your destination wedding as your celebration. You can decide whether or not to tell your guests about your legal marriage before the wedding, but since your destination wedding will be the main event and look exactly like any other wedding it might not be necessary.

Honeymoon

A big pro that comes with having a destination wedding is that you will save on your honeymoon as you will already be in the setting of your dreams. Although, this also means that your wedding guests will potentially be on your honeymoon with you as they have already travelled quite a way. You can consider travelling a short distance from your wedding location for a more private honeymoon. For example, if you decide to host your wedding in Santorini, you and your partner can travel to one of the other Greek islands for your honeymoon.

Things to consider:

– Whether the location of your destination wedding is easily accessible
– Sending out save the dates way before the recommended time to give your guests enough time to look at flights and book at cheaper rates
– Whether you are able to contribute towards any of the costs that come with a destination wedding like flights, accommodation or food
– The fact that not everyone will be able to make it… and that some people you were hoping wouldn’t come will think this is a great excuse to take a little vacation.

At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you decide where you get married, so you just need to see if the pros outweigh the cons based on your personal preferences.

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Affordable honeymoon destinations

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Planning an international honeymoon on a budget? Don’t fret. There are so many incredible travel destinations rich in culture and experiences that won’t break the bank either.

As a newlywed, you definitely don’t want to start off your life together in debt. But, if you are still determined to go overseas for a romantic getaway, these destinations will have you feeling the love without clutching your wallet tight.

Another plus: all of these destinations are visa-free for South Africans, saving you quite a few bucks on paperwork!

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been trending for years, and it is clear to see why. With beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife and culture around every corner, there is something for everyone.

Because Bali is such a popular tourist destination, there are always travel packages being offered. Many travel businesses offer week long packages for between R10 000-R20 000 per person sharing. The packages are generally all inclusive, making it an excellent deal. The best part? After nearly two years of being shut to tourists, the Island of the Gods is officially open to everyone.

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Phuket, Thailand

Enrich yourself culturally in this beautiful Asian country. Whether you’re looking for big city life or a relaxed island-hopping getaway, Thailand is your one stop shop. Phuket is the country’s largest island, offering tropical views and lively entertainment.

You can easily find amazing package deals from R9 000- R18 ooo per person sharing at 2, 3 and 4 star hotels.

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Mombasa, Kenya

Combine beach and safari in this beautiful African country. Kenya’s largest port and second most populous city is steeped in history. History fans will love exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Fort Jesus, and the more activity-based couples will revel in water sports in the Mombasa Marine National Park. Of course, you can also just relax at one of their beautiful beaches.

You can find great 4-night stays ranging from R14 000 – R20 000 per person sharing.

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

The island of Zanzibar is renowned for its laid-back luxury and picture-perfect views. This beachy destination also offers activities to suit every style and budget. An excellent plan of action is to visit one of Tanzania’s popular game reserves before settling down in Zanzibar for surf and sun.

A week-long honeymoon can often run between R10 000-R15 000 per person sharing, including flights and accommodation.

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The largest South American country offers rugged landscapes, dense jungles and pristine beaches. Rio de Janeiro is the more cosmopolitan Brazilian city, making it perfect for honeymooners wanting modern culture.

3-5 day package deals to this festive destination usually range between R14 000 – R25 000 including flights and 3-star accommodation.

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Cairo, Egypt

Okay, hear us out. While the bustling streets of Cairo don’t exactly scream honeymoon destination, it’s a great affordable destination for history buffs looking to brush up on their knowledge of ancient Egypt. Explore the pyramids and meander through alleyways as negotiated with street vendors, Egypt is a beautiful destination if you’re looking to get to know North African culture.

8 Day packages often range between R22 000 – R24 000.

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Get ‘Honeymoon Ready’ In 5 Easy Steps

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With all the planning and excitement around the wedding, there’s little room to prepare to ensure you are fully honeymoon ready! Even if you’ve arranged for your honeymoon to take place a few days/weeks after the big day, there’s no doubt that you’ll be exhausted and ready to pack up and go. And besides, who wants to go back to work after such an incredible high?

Having your honeymoon straight after your big day will let you ease into married life and give you the rest you need after months of preparation. Yet, this can make it difficult to find time to prepare for your vacay. Luckily, we have 5 simple steps to help you through your prep and packing!

STEP 1

First things first, ensure that everything is booked and set for your departure and arrival, including the flights, car hire, hotel, etc. Print all your booking confirmations and keep them in a travel wallet so that you have everything on hand should your cellular device fail you. You can also keep your passport, bank cards and any other important documents with this.

STEP 2

Next, it’s time to get everything you’ll be taking with you together. It’s important to take into consideration the weather of your honeymoon destination and the activities you’ll be doing when packing your clothes. Check up on the weather a week beforehand so that you know what you’re in for. Remember that it’s better to have more options rather than too little, and you can’t bank on finding what you need at the location you intend on travelling to. As a general rule, make sure you have enough clothes for warm and cool weather.

STEP 3

As mentioned above, you can’t expect that your destination will have everything you need, so make sure to include any personal items such as hygiene products and medication, as well as your absolute daily essentials, in your travel bag. That being said, it won’t hurt to do a bit of research into what your accommodation will offer in the room so that you can save on a few items such as towels, a hairdryer, soap, etc. Medication is an absolute must-have, especially if you have a chronic condition or intend on travelling long distances.

STEP 4

This is where you factor in any extra items that you would like to bring, for instance, you may want to invest in a disposable or Polaroid camera to capture all your fun and special moments. Travel accessories, a journal, special outfits for the trip (hint, hint) are fun extras to consider when packing.

STEP 5

Finally, it’s important that before you leave, make all the contact details for your accommodation as well as any other important information available to family members or close friends in case of an emergency on your trip.

Time to get packing!

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Honeymoon roadtripping

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom from the open road – and there’s no one better to do it with than your new spouse. Just married, bound to adventure with great tunes and blissful conversation, we can’t think of anything better. If you’re choosing to take a roadtrip for your honeymoon, keep these few things in mind.

Avoid break downs and break outs

Before you embark, make sure your car is serviced – especially filters, fluid levels, and belts, and of course the oil and water. Check your tire pressure and the condition of your wiper blades, turn signals, brake lights, and high and low beams. Examine your tire treads and make sure your car is prepared for any kind of weather. Importantly, recharge the air conditioner – you don’t want the African sun to get the better of your trip.

Clean up, stock up

There’s no better way to start the journey than in a fresh, newly cleaned car. Have a fun car wash together before you leave. Stock up on padkos and lots of water, bearing in mind that it’ll be cheaper to buy from a grocery store than at convenience stops. Pile in blankets and pillows in case one of you needs to get some shut eye. Finally,  pack an emergency kit, including a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, spare tire, tire repair kit and pump, and flares. TIA after all.

If you’re renting

If you are renting, agencies like Hertz, Avis, Budget and Thrifty have lots of locations. Look out for rental deals (often in conjunction with booking a hotel and flight).

If you need to rent a car abroad, you’ll need to get an international driving permit (IDP) at your local AA. Click here to apply for your IDP. If you’re renting a car overseas, keep in mind that most models come with a manual transmission. If you’re used to automatic, call and book an automatic well in advance and be prepared to pay more. If you book online, print out a copy of your confirmation number and all the particulars.

Are We There Yet?

Planning for the time spent in the car together can be just as important as packing your essentials. The last thing you want is to ruin your romantic adventure with road trip boredom, so prepare some on-road entertainment. Include games and music, or even a few audio books. If you find yourself in a lull during your journey, here are some highway hints to keep the long drive interesting.

  1. Car games They’re not just for kids! No road trip is complete without a round of ‘I spy’ or ‘the license plate game.’
  2. Story time Instead of curling up in a corner and reading to yourself, share the story  and read aloud.
  3. Create an on-the-road scrapbook Take pictures of the funny sites you see from the car window.
  4. Tunes for the trail If you’re addicted to your iPod, buy an FM transmitter to play your collection through your car radio. The Griffins iTrip will ensure you won’t be without your favorite tunes.

Adapted from The Knot

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