Explore New Horizons With GPS On Your Smartphone And Don’t Get Lost In The Wilderness

Getting lost in the forest or mountains is an unpleasant prospect that can ruin even the most exciting hike. 

However, modern technology allows travelers to feel more confident far from civilization. 

A smartphone, properly prepared and equipped with the right apps, can replace bulky navigators and become your reliable companion even where there is no cell signal at all. 

Use the capabilities of digital maps and GPS to stay on track and enjoy your route without unnecessary stress.

So, if you are wondering how the GPS navigator system works, I have got the perfect guide. Here, I will delve into the diverse aspects of the GPS on smartphones.

So, keep reading to know more!

How To Assess The GPS Navigator System’s Capabilities On Smartphones?

A smartphone with a GPS module can perform most tasks that were previously available only on specialized devices. 

Its advantages are obvious: always at hand, easy to use, supports many navigation apps, and weighs less than a classic GPS navigator. 

However, the phone has its limitations. That is, it is more vulnerable to—

  • impacts, 
  • moisture,
  • low temperatures, and 
  • draining battery.

A specialized GPS navigator has better battery life and durability, but is less convenient in terms of interface and is more expensive. 

GPS watches can be useful for tracking activity and basic navigation, but their screen and functionality are limited. 

If your route runs along popular trails and you are ready to thoroughly prepare your smartphone, a separate navigator is not necessary. 

In challenging conditions, on long autonomous hikes, or in extreme climates, it is better to take both devices.

How Does The GPS Navigator System Work On Smartphones?

Many people think that GPS on a phone works only when there is a mobile signal. In reality, the smartphone receives coordinates directly from satellites, not from cell towers. 

This means that even in the remote taiga or high mountains, you can determine your location. Topographic maps are used for navigation— 

  • special diagrams showing terrain, 
  • trails, 
  • bodies of water, and 
  • other important features.

A GPX track is a digital route that can be loaded into an app and followed. To avoid being left with a useless dot on a blank screen, download the necessary offline maps in advance. 

Without them, the phone will show only your position but won’t provide information about trails and landmarks.

Choose The Best GPS Navigator System For Your Hike

The market for navigation apps for smartphones is rich and diverse. Here is a brief overview of the most popular solutions:

Gaia GPS — user-friendly interface, many maps, supports creating routes and waypoints. Downside: some features are paid, and sometimes there are privacy concerns.

Topo Maps+ — aimed at iPhone users, easy map downloading and printing, and detailed elevation profiles. Downside: iOS only, takes time to learn.

CalTopo — a powerful tool for advanced users, supports complex layers and terrain analysis. Downside: complex interface, some features require a subscription.

OnX — informative maps with a focus on land ownership and access, convenient for multisport. Downside: fewer specialized tools for hiking.

Goat Maps — new app for iPhone developed by enthusiasts, focuses on simplicity and essential features. Downside: currently limited in functionality.

FarOut — leader among apps for long-distance routes and trekking, contains data on key points and verified tracks. Downside: most routes are paid.

OutMap — 3D maps, slope and avalanche risk analysis, fast synchronization between devices. Downside: relatively new product, not all regions covered.

Maps.me — convenient for car routes and short hikes, works completely offline. Downside: limited terrain detail.

Things To Keep In Mind With The GPS Navigator System

Prepare your smartphone for the hike and download everything you need in advance. So, here are a few things to keep in mind while using the GPS in your phone—

• Download detailed topographic and satellite maps of the area you need for offline use.

• Find and download GPX files of the route and points of interest (campsites, water sources, junctions).

• Check GPS functionality in your chosen app without internet access.

• Get familiar with the interface, try building a route, and viewing the elevation profile.

• Make sure all necessary maps and tracks are available offline.

How To Keep Devices Charged And Protect Them During Hiking?

In the wilderness, it is important to use your phone’s battery wisely. Use airplane mode and power-saving mode to turn off unnecessary functions. 

Do not record tracks constantly so as not to drain the battery.

Close all unused apps and turn off your phone when you are not using it. People often get distracted by short gaming sessions and forget to close games. 

This is according to data from experts we consulted while preparing this article. 

According to data we find on the playplinkogames.com, gaming sessions in Plinko can last for hours. 

Often, nothing happens in the game itself, which indicates open but unused apps. Such apps consume battery power, including due to their constant internet connection.

Keep your device in your sleeping bag at night — cold quickly drains the battery. Take a power bank with you to recharge your phone on the go. 

Protect your smartphone from moisture and impacts with a waterproof and shockproof case. Use straps on backpack shoulder straps for quick access to your gadget.

What Are The Safety Measures To Take While Hiking?

To ensure you are embarking on a safe journey while planning the hike, you need to consider a few things. So, some of these key considerations include—

1. Check All Settings And Test Your Apps Before The Hike

Technology is not something you can trust blindly. So, better to take it on a test hike before considering it for the final plan.

That is, you can test out the GPS navigator system with a simple walk around the block or a known hiking ground. This way, you can test its capabilities before fixating your trek plan on it.

So, you need to check how the tool works without any internet connection, location determination, and rerouting as needed.

This way, the actual features and capabilities of the tool can be tested and verified. Making it easier to use the navigation without facing any sudden issues.

2. Keeping Manual Maps And Compass Handy

Moreover, do not completely trust the technology. It can be quite foolish to trust only the GPS and go ahead with a trek plan.

Rather, keep paper maps, a compass, and manually manageable topographic maps handy. So, when technology fails, you can still have something to find your way back.

In addition to this, learn to read a topographic map. So, you can instantly find your location on the paper. Also, you need to keep it waterproof. So, put on a plastic cover over the paper map.

This will protect the paper map from dust, dirt, and rain during the trail.

3. Ensure Safety And Emergency Communication In The Mountains

Again, safety measures should not completely rely on technology. What if your battery drains? Or worse, the device stops working due to a malfunction.

So, make sure you carry separate devices to send SOS signals over the satellites. This way, you can manage emergencies with a proper device that comes with two-way communication.

SPOT Gen4 only sends messages, but it is simple and reliable. Garmin inReach Messenger offers advanced features, including color maps and a digital compass. 

These devices often save lives in difficult situations when regular communication is unavailable.

Before heading out, thoroughly prepare your smartphone and check all settings. Always take a paper map and compass with you. 

Don’t forget a power bank and a waterproof case. Combine modern technology with traditional navigation skills — and any adventure will bring joy, not stress.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!

BY  sagnika Aug 17, 2023

For starters, the Polish airlines exceeded my expectations, especially with its services! Want to know more about Lot Polish Airlines? Here I am bringing in a detailed review of the airline where I will address all the features and shortcomings. I was hoping you could read the article to learn about the benefits of Airlines from my perspective. You will also learn about a general perception of the flights run by Lot Polish Airlines outside Poland in some of the public reviews I will highlight in this article. I realize why they are quite popular and one of the oldest airlines in the world, and it is because of their trustworthiness. They have received awards for it almost 4 times now, along with being awarded the best airline for Poland for three consecutive years 2014, 2015, and 2016. I was bound to be satisfied because of their services, especially when the Business Traveller awarded them the best Eastern and Central European airline! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! I took a short flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland to Tirana, Albania, last year in August. Even though the time duration of the flight was a little more than 2 hours, my experience of the flight was great! I was offered a choice of water, coffee, or tea in beverages along with one free snack. For me, the basic requirement of getting water or a type of beverage completely free is a huge plus point of any transportation brand. My first impression of Lot Polish Airlines was good. Other food items and beverage options were charged! Entertainment is also an important part of the service considering during flights, people often get bored. The Lot Polish Airlines has a good collection of shows and movies as inflight entertainment. I was quite happy to access the movies and shows through my phone! Let's detail the features I liked and some things that could have been better. About Lot Polish Airlines LOT Polish Airlines is the national flag carrier in Poland and has been operational since 1929. The airline is considered one of the oldest in the world, with Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport being the company's operational hub. The Lot polish airlines flight status is active! The airline operates flights across 100 destinations all across Europe, including North America, Asia, and Europe. The airline's fleet includes Embraer 195s, Bombardier Q400s, and Boeing 787, while the number of flights operating is 73. Lot Polish Airlines has frequent flier services with Miles and More along with being a member of the Star Alliance; hence the benefits are also shared with the Star Alliance member airlines. The Star Alliance was founded in 1997 and is considered one of the largest global airline alliances. The company's headquarters are in Frankfurt, Germany, with 27 members who serve almost 670 million passengers annually. Regular customers can access many benefits through lounge access, food, and other services. Classes Of Lot Polish Airlines There are three classes in Lot Airlines, allowing travelers to book tickets based on their budget and requirements. Services vary in each of these classes. However, the company has been diligent in its services to its customers. Economic There is an in-seat power socket, onboard entertainment system, and USB port with each guest's seat in economy class. If you book tickets for economy class, you can carry 23 kg of checked-in luggage while 10 kilograms for the carry-ons. Premium Economy If you are tight on your budget yet want to experience luxury, this is it for you! If you book tickets for premium economy class, you will be allowed 10 kg in your hand luggage, while for check-in luggage, you are allowed to carry 3 bags, each weighing 32 kg. Guests have semi-recliner seats along with a headrest and footrest, which is adjustable. You are getting a lot of business-class features at the price of economy. Business World-class services include fast baggage arrival with landing, priority check-in, and fast-track boarding when you book business class tickets with Lot Polish Airlines. Apart from these benefits, you already get an onboard entertainment system and a power socket with each seat. Food and beverage service is of standard quality. Hence, the individual business-class experience will be amazing! Speaking from experience! Wink! Read More: Norse Atlantic Airways Reviews And Other Information To Check Out Benefits On Flying Lot Polish Airlines Flying with Lot Polish Airlines has many benefits because the flight attendants are quite attentive toward their passengers. Expectant mothers are helped and guided through the boarding process. The ground staff at the Warsaw airport was so supportive as I saw one of them helping a disabled passenger in a wheelchair. They are efficient towards the special needs of the passengers, such as airport assistance, check-ins, queries about flights, and others. The refund and cancellation policy is well described, as mentioned through the online websites of Lot Polish Airline Sales Offices. Drawbacks Identified By Lot Polish Airlines You must pay a certain cancellation fee while canceling tickets on your own accord. There have been reports of the airlines canceling flights and postponing the exchange flights for almost a month which can be difficult for many passengers with an urgent purpose or a cause for travel. The security process takes a lot of time, literally at times worrying you that you might miss the flight. I have faced this issue with the scanner making all kinds of noises during the verification process at boarding. I have read in several Lot Polish Airlines reviews of passengers worldwide that they have missed a flight because of security. Security agents must be more knowledgeable during these situations, making it even worse. There have been complaints about the airline's ground staff in a review on AirlineRatings by Dennis, who is from Germany. Even though I didn't have much experience, I found them helpful and cordial. So, Lot airline reviews are not completely positive! Another review on AirlineRatings by Justice, who traveled in 2021, informed that the flight was canceled and no amount was refunded. The review says they were dissatisfied with the baggage handling and the check-in process. Now You Know! Based on my experience, I would take a trip again on Lot Polish Airlines given an opportunity; however, some people are dissatisfied with the airline. However, if you are relocating to Poland, you will need a residence permit, which you will not get easily. Based on your intentions to stay in Poland between permanent and temporary, you must choose wisely. So, your fly to Poland this time might require some interesting facts to consider. Comment below to let us know if you have ever flown Lot Polish Airlines and your experience. Read Also: Airwander: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Your Travel? Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? Is Skyscanner Legit? Know Your Answer Here! Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines!

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Death Valley National Park: A Hiking Paradise For Beginners And Seasoned Trekkers

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

The Death Valley National Park has geological bounties that will make you feel more than alive. The “hottest, driest, and lowest” national park enjoys the juxtaposition of Badwater, the lowest elevation in North America, Eureka Dunes, the highest sand dunes in North America, and snow-capped Telescope Peak.  You can easily call the landscape of the national park dramatic, or an explorer can find it to be the most amazing outdoor playground with volcanic rocks, mountains, deep canyons, the highest sand dunes, and old rivers.  From the humming songs of the sand dunes to the soothing sound of the flowing stream, this place is music to the ears of the visitors.  No wonder that despite its extreme weather conditions, the park had an impressive 1,099,632 visitors in 2023. (Source) Death Valley Hiking Trails (Easy, Moderate, And Difficult) That Should Be On Your Bucket List  The hiking trails here come with varying difficulty levels. Here, I have discussed some of the most popular and interesting hiking trails with easy, moderate, and strenuous difficulty levels in three different sections.  Best Hiking Trails In Death Valley National Park For Beginners (Easy) Death Valley is not probably the first place you will think of as someone new to trekking or hiking. However, this national park has some trails suitable for beginners. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes The Mesquite flat sand dunes, with a 2.3-mile distance, are the best creations of sand and wind. The enclosure of mountains works as a barrier to protect the sand from getting blown away.  The sand here creates ripples and dunes, and the area gets its name from mesquite trees found in abundance here. The Timbisha Shoshone tribe here makes flour from the mesquite tree bean pods. This variety of flour is sold in many specialty stores these days.  Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is also home to nocturnal kangaroo rats and rattlesnakes. Badwater Salt Flat A vast salt flat covering around 200 square miles, it is the most surreal place in Death Valley. The lowest elevation point in North America, Badwater Salt Flat, was a large inland Lake Manly in ancient times.  The landscape looks interesting with geometric salt polygons. You can take an easy walk through the stretch and have a look at the imposing Black Mountains and Telescope Peak.  Moderate Death Valley Hiking Trails  Most hiking trails in Death Valley are moderate in their difficulty level. Here, I will give a brief overview of the most talked-about ones in the park.  Darwin Falls Hike Darwin Falls got its name from Erasmus Darwin French, an army physician. It is one of the very few perennial waterfalls in this national park.  The waterfall runs into a shallow pool with green vegetation around it. So, as you hike through this 2-mile trail, you will find many ferns, trees, aquatic plants, and amphibians.  Ubehebe Crater Rim Hike  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grant Brittain (@jgrantbrittain) This hiking trail is around 1 and a half miles long. The trail looks easy. However, you experience difficulty when you try to get back to the Caldera Rim. Further, from the very beginning of this hike, you will experience unevenness in the elevation.  As you take the black trail surrounded by dark hills, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the green vegetation, which is very rare in the national park. Here, you will also love the view of streaks of dark orange in the formations, along with loose white sand.  You can even hike deep down the crater filled with pyroclastic deposits.  Fall Canyon Death Valley This 3.5-hour hiking route comes with moderate to strenuous difficulty levels. Occasional flash floods form the narrow gorge and steep sides here.  The cave-like twisted passageways here look most amazing, and a touch of blue on the smooth granite walls adds a mystic charm to the place. The Badlands/Zabriskie Point Loop View this post on Instagram A post shared by Death Valley National Park (@deathvalleynps) The Badlands, the lowest elevation point in North America, is nature’s display at its best. Hiking to the Badlands includes hiking to Zabriskie Point, the most picturesque location in the park. It is also a favorite sunset and sunrise point, and you will love clicking photographs here.  After watching the Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, you can continue hiking through the Badlands loop, which is made of sediments. Walk for 2.7 miles to reach one of the most important geological terrains of North America. The terrain, with a rugged beauty, used to be part of an ancient lakebed.  Difficult Death Valley Hiking Trails  This national park has many challenging hiking trails, and exploring some of them demands technical skills. Here are the top three most difficult hiking trails to conquer in this park.  Telescope Peak Telescope Peak, with an elevation gain of 3,000 ft, is a round trip of around 7-8 hours. You can start trekking this route from the “Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose.”  This snow-capped mountain is a hikers’ paradise in summer. As you hike through the slopes and the forested areas and reach the peak, you will have the laurel of climbing the highest peak in the national park.  Further, the “ancient bristlecone pines,” wildflowers, and the panoramic vista of the valley from the top will take all your fatigue away.  Panamint Dunes Hiking to Panamint Dunes will be a delightful experience if you want to explore the remote parts of the park. The most immersive experience you can have here is camping in the soft sand, watching the night sky in its full glory. The hike (round-trip) will take around 5 hours, and the elevation will go up gradually. The sandy, uneven, and sometimes rocky landscape makes hiking to the top of four different dunes quite difficult.  Little Bridge Canyon With an elevation gain of 590 m, Little Bridge Canyon is a round-trip hiking route of around 5 hours. The Little Bridge Canyon has a red mouth, and as you reach there, crossing many minor washes, you will be surprised to find a rainbow of colors. Along with white stretches of Eureka Quartzite, you will also find red and bright yellow veins on the rocks. These colorful veins are formed by deposited iron oxide. Also, you will cherish the view of the sand dunes from Little Bridge Canyon.  Visit Eureka Dunes In Death Valley Eureka Dunes, the largest dune field in North America, is a must-visit place in Death Valley National Park. It rises more than 680 feet above the neighboring dry lakebed at the western base.  Things To Explore  You can camp at the Eureka Dunes Dry Camp, which is at the base of the sand dunes. This place is great for seeing the sunrise and sunset and experiencing the changing colors of the sand dunes with the rays of the sun.  A hike to Eureka Dunes is arduous due to loose sands frequently stalling your movements. However, once you reach the top, you will see the magnificent Last Chance Mountains with their limestone walls. Also, don’t forget to listen to the songs of the sand dunes. The experience is other-worldly, for sure. Further, it is hard to believe that a place like Eureka Dunes can have so much life and colors. You will love the Evening Primrose in a pristine white shade. You will also meet shining milkvetch (awaiting designation as an endangered species) and dune grass here.  Stay Safe Extreme heat is a major concern in Eureka Dunes or throughout the national park. So, choose your gear, sunscreen, hydrating solutions, and other essentials while exploring the Eureka Dunes. Further, October to April is the best time to be at Eureka Dunes as the temperature then remains bearable.  Stargazing At Eureka Dunes  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Death Valley National Park (@deathvalleynps) Moreover, Eureka Dunes is considered one of the favorite places for astrophotographers and skywatching enthusiasts. When you are at the Eureka Dunes at night, and you stare at the sky, you will feel like you are sinking in the world of stars and meteor showers.  Final Words  October to April is the best hiking season in the Death Valley National Park. Hiking during summer and spring, especially in the lower elevations of the park, can be very difficult.  Even during the months of winter, the weather conditions here remain dry. So, always carry treated drinking water and hydrating solutions with you while hiking in this national park, the quintessence of desert beauty.  Hiking in the park will allow you to visit the lowest elevation points of North America and the highest dunes. You can also conquer the snow-capped mountain peaks and the most vibrant trails made of colorful volcanic deposits. So, are you planning to visit this dramatic land anytime soon? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!  Death Valley National Park FAQs  Which Trail Is The Most Scenic Drive In Death Valley National Park?  Artists Palette is the most scenic drive in Death Valley National Park. As the name suggests, through the 0.5 km trail, you can see rocks showcasing various colors. The splashes of green, pink, yellow, orange, red, and blue colors in these rocks come from iron oxides, chlorite, and other compounds present in the local volcanic deposits. So, this scenic drive truly tales the “volcanic past” of the park. While exploring this driving route, you can also catch a glimpse of the Black Mountains and serpentine white salt flats.  For the best experience, you can visit the Artists Palette during the Sunset or Sunrise.  What Is Special In Death Valley? Despite its extreme desert conditions (Death Valley recorded the highest temperature in the world in July 1936, and the temperature was 134 degrees.), Death Valley is a wonderful place to explore from autumn to spring.  Hiking through the vibrant canyons can be the most amazing outdoor pursuit in Death Valley. Hike to Dante’s View in the Black Mountains and enjoy the diverse landscape of Death Valley. Go for a trek along the 1.5-mile trail that follows the Ubehebe Crater rim. Have a look into the abyss, which is 600 feet deep.  Further, you can enjoy the best Sunrise and Sunset moments and a panoramic view of the adjacent area from Zabriskie Point.  You can even take a ride through the lowest elevation in North America, Badwater, with its salt flats and pools.  Moreover, when you are in this national park, you must have an encounter with the Mesquite Flat Dunes wildlife and wildflowers, which are in full bloom in the spring.  Where Is The Most Photographed Place In Death Valley?  Diverse weather conditions and intriguing geology make Death Valley a favorite of photography enthusiasts. You must have seen Zabriskie Point as the background for many posts on socials. This place is named after Christian Zabriskie, a noted figure of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. Zabriskie Point, close to Furnace Creek, has a vantage point that offers an amazing view of the park and the surrounding area. You will enjoy the view of the badlands with brown and yellow hills. Further, don’t forget to behold the salt flats covering the Death Valley floors. Zabriskie Point is also a great place to cherish the golden and red hues of the Sunrise and Sunset. When you especially look at the Manly Beacon from Zabriskie Point during the Sunrise or Sunset, you get an unforgettable view. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is another great place to click photographs if you are looking for a classic desert landscape. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

READ MORE summer wardrobe essentials

Splurge Or Save? Finding The Sweet Spot For Summer Wardrobe Costs Before Your Next Trip

BY  Ankita Nov 12, 2025

One of the many things that my husband keeps bugging me about is what to pack when we are going on a trip. It is still okay if it is a winter trip, as he knows all the jumpers and jackets he needs to pack. For summer trips or whenever we are traveling to a warmer city, he can never decide.  And with my son now all of 12, he acts like a carbon copy of his father. He never knows what to pack for his summer excursions or holidays.  Now, this may sound like a trivial issue. However, it is a serious concern, considering Travel+Leisure has dedicated an entire post to the ideal travel clothing in 2025.  Though the post is essentially for women, it has some great ideas about how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for men without compromising comfort.  Shopping for summer wardrobe essentials for a trip can be a real budget buster. One minute you're browsing for a simple t-shirt, and the next thing you know, your cart is loaded with designer everything.  But here's the reality check. You don't need to spend your rent money to look good when the temperature rises. The trick is knowing when to open your wallet wide and when to keep it firmly shut.  Invest In These Summer Essentials Some pieces are worth every penny you spend on them. Take polo shirts, for example. A cheap polo will pill after three washes and lose its shape faster than ice cream melts in July. But a man's quality designer polo?  That will look sharp season after season. The fabric stays crisp, the colors don't fade, and the fit doesn't go wonky after a trip through the washing machine. Swimwear is another no-brainer for spending more. Nobody wants their swim shorts to fall apart mid-vacation or turn see-through after one dip in the pool. Quality swim gear holds up to chlorine, salt water, and countless pool parties. Also, you have to be particular about your innerwear. This is the innermost layer of your clothing, and your personal hygiene or comfort depends on the lingerie you wear.  Skip The Splurge Here Trendy stuff that'll be out of style before Labor Day? Save your money. That neon tank top with the weird geometric print might look cool now, but it's probably heading straight to the back of your closet come fall. Basic tees are another place to be smart with your cash. Sure, an $80 plain white t-shirt might feel luxurious, but a $15 one from a decent brand will do the job just fine. Save the big bucks for pieces that really matter. The 70/30 Game Plan Think about your summer budget like this: put most of your money into the stuff you'll wear constantly. That means: A couple of great pairs of shorts that fit perfectly Solid polo shirts and casual button-downs One really good pair of swim shorts Comfortable shoes that won't fall apart Save about 30% of your budget for the fun stuff. Bright colors, bold patterns, and whatever trend is taking over social media this year. How To Spot Quality Worth Paying For Good summer clothes have a few telltale signs. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic blends that trap heat and sweat. Check the seams, too. If they look like they were sewn by someone having a bad day, skip it. Fit matters more than the price tag sometimes. A $40 shirt that fits like it was made for you beats a $100 one that's too tight in weird places. Don't Fall For These Shopping Traps Store credit cards promising instant discounts sound tempting, but that 25% off today could cost you way more in interest later. And those "limited time only" sales? Half the time, the same deal pops up again next week.  Don't let pushy salespeople rush you into buying something just because it's marked down.  Sleep on big purchases, especially if you're already questioning whether you really need another pair of khaki shorts. Also watch out for: Bundle deals that make you buy stuff you don't actually want just to get a discount on what you do need. "Buy two, get one free" offers that trick you into spending more than you planned. Impulse buys at the checkout counter that are budget killers disguised as good deals. Smart Shopping Tricks Now, to begin with, my husband initially complains. But it is he who does the maximum shopping at the end-of-summer sales. Once he is inside the trial room, it’s like a never-ending wait as he will keep trying all that he has picked in turns.  Last August's leftover inventory becomes this May's wardrobe refresh at half the price. Yes, you have to plan ahead a bit, but your bank account will thank you. Also, think about how many different ways you can wear something. A plain navy shirt goes with everything. A shirt covered in flamingos? Not so much. Building Your Summer Collection The golden rule to have all the summer wardrobe essentials for your next trip? Start with the basics. When the basics are right, you have the chance to layer them or accessorize them according to the weather conditions and local etiquette.  Personality pieces are also important, especially if you are going on a business trip or have some specific events to catch up on. Get a few neutral-colored essentials that play well together, then throw in some color and pattern to keep things interesting. Don't feel like you need to replace everything at once, either. Maybe your shorts are still good, but your polos have seen better days. Replace what's actually worn out, not what's just boring you. In addition, I keep some budget aside for shopping for summer clothes at the new location we are visiting. In this way, I can also avoid excess baggage charges when flying.