Packing your bags for an upcoming flight can be one of the most stressful, chaotic, and uncertain experiences of your trip. While there are many obvious items that are better not packed, there are also several items that you may not have known about, but are actually prohibited items. Sure, you have the obvious, right? You simply don't try and fly with any weapons, guns, knifes, or other items that can be viewed as such. But did you know that it's against the rules to fly with lighter fuel? Or what about animals? Surely there are ways to take certain items, but most of the time, if you're not absolutely sure that you can bring something, you're best bet is to probably just leave it behind.

I've teamed up with JetParks to feature this fun and informative infographic about confiscations done by Airport Security... If you've had anything interesting or abnormal seized while you were trying to board a plane, please comment below, and let me know what happened to you!

As you probably know, last week I started out on my next big adventure – I am road tripping around the USA for the next 4-5 months, with a brief stop in Mexico and a few weeks in Canada. I’ve wanted to tour the United States for years, as there are many places I want to experience, like the Grand Canyon and the amazingly beautiful desert regions of Arizona, Yellowstone, and the Sierra Nevada’s in California. With so many places to see, I’ve dedicated nearly half of the year to seeing it all. I know there will be things I miss experiencing, and will run out of time in some of the states, but as Ernest Hemingway said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

Adventure sports are something that I have never really gotten super into, but I definitely have a yearning to push myself, whether it being riding a snowmobile, whitewater rafting, or jumping out of a plane. All of which, I plan on doing during my current USA road trip. As Matt is driving, I am writing this, and while we’re going through the hills of the western Smokey Mountains, I couldn’t help but think about all of the interesting and adventurous activities that there are out there in the world, that I’ve probably never done, and then I think, ‘oh, my, oh my, what all I have missed throughout my life.’ I’ve never snowmobiled through the Rockies or the Alps, but heck, wouldn’t that be one of the coolest things a person can experience? I’ve also never skied, over water or snow, nor have I ever jet-skied, or bungee-jumped. I didn’t grow up in any sort of adventurous atmosphere, and for that, I now have the drive to prove myself by pushing myself.

It’s been one heck of a year (to say the least) since last year’s first annual blog birthday. In 2013, I was able to travel for almost 9-months out of the year, through 21 countries, and I have to say that without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. For without readers, like yourselves, I would be a lonely blogger, writing to my closest friends and family about past trips, dreaming of wanderlust, and other seemingly impossible aspirations. But with your support and avid readership, I have been able to fund my travels, and to do exactly what I’ve always dreamed of doing. Beyond funding my travels, this creative outlet has guided me toward life fulfillment and career satisfaction, because I love writing about my experiences, and being transparent and raw, and even delicately personal – with the hopes of inspiring others to change their lives, if they feel it’s necessary.

Whether you're taking a plane to visit family, a business trip around the world or backpack traveling, choosing how to air will depend on many different factors. You need to look at what the plane has to offer. Competition between Airbus and Boeing has now been characterized as head to head rivals. Through a series of mergers with different manufactures, both companies have been successful in creating a successful name for themselves. 

Given all the attention the rivalry has received, it's natural to wonder, is there actually a difference between the two aircraft manufacturers? Both companies are riding a wave of growth in demand for air travel in emerging markets. While both airliners certainly deserve bragging rights, it’s important to realize that there are significant differences between the two. Understanding how they differ will help you decide once and for all who rules the roost, and who is left being the underdog. 

Check out this informative infographic by NetFlights:

Is the lure of the open road calling your name? Before you set out with a twinkle in your eye and a bag full of junky snacks, it's time to plan a little. Although spontaneity is part of what makes road tripping such a worthwhile pursuit, lacking foresight can cause problems down the road when you least expect it. It's worth taking a little bit of thought and preparation into your journey before you leave. Yet as you start planning, be sure to avoid the following mistakes for an exciting, stress-free drive.