» Blog Goods for the Road Wed, 22 May 2013 14:36:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Five Hostel Survival Tips /2013/05/five-hostel-survival-tips/ /2013/05/five-hostel-survival-tips/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 19:23:10 +0000 Katy /?p=2093 Face it: there’s no place like home! And no hostel will ever feel completely like it! If you have never stayed in a hostel, it’s good that you are doing your research. While hostels are [...]

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Face it: there’s no place like home! And no hostel will ever feel completely like it! If you have never stayed in a hostel, it’s good that you are doing your research. While hostels are amazing places to stay on the cheap and to meet people from around the world — you have to be prepared.

Here are five survival tips tips to guide you through your next hostel experience!

1. The safety of you and your belongings should always be a priority. Most hostels provide lockers. You may even be able to rent a lock for them. Just in case, always bring a lock of your own! Once your belongings are secure, be sure to look out for yourself. Remember not to leave any cash or credit cards laying around. Keep all of your important documents and electronics secure and stowed in travel pouches for easy organization.

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2. Bring a towel. Towels are not always provided at hostels. Always come equipped with Grand Trunk’s Pack Towel. It’s made of soft microfiber fabric that leaves you dry, and has a button closure so you can wear it around your chest or waist without fear that it will fall down in front of those really hot German backpackers.

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3. If things seem grim…brush your teeth with bottled water. If you suspect that the water quality is dismal, use bottled water to brush your teeth. Ingesting unclean water can result in e. coli, parasites, cholera, dysentery, among other things. Always be wise about your health. Look up water conditions at your destination before travelling.

4. If the water quality is fine in your hostel, it is wise to invest in a water bottle. Most hostels have water and other beverages for sale, but if you are not able to part with the money – a sturdy Stainless Steel Water Bottle will save you cash. Buying a reusable water bottle is one of the smartest investments you can make when you travel. It is an eco-friendly and useful way to stay hydrated when you are roaming around the city and wilderness alike.

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5. Hostels often require you to bring your own bedding. Or, trust us, you want to bring your own even if they do provide it. The Bamboo Sleep Sack is lightweight and won’t take up much room in your luggage, and it will be a clean and comfortable solution for your bunk.

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We hope these tips helped you! Good luck on your next adventure!

 

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APRIL GRAND TRUNK FAN PHOTOS /2013/05/april-grand-trunk-fan-photos-3/ /2013/05/april-grand-trunk-fan-photos-3/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 14:54:03 +0000 Katy /?p=2060 Congratulations to Gracie for winning Grand Trunk’s April fan photo contest! Gracie won a single hammock and Grand Trunk swag. Now that you know what is at stake, snap your Grand Trunk gear in action. [...]

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Congratulations to Gracie for winning Grand Trunk’s April fan photo contest! Gracie won a single hammock and Grand Trunk swag. Now that you know what is at stake, snap your Grand Trunk gear in action. Every month, we’ll pick our favorite photo and send one lucky fan some cool Grand Trunk swag. Share your photo with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Check out all the great photos we received in April!

Winning Photo!

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Top Five Camping Essentials /2013/04/1949/ /2013/04/1949/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:53:30 +0000 Katy /?p=1949 Speaking from experience, there’s nothing better in this world than a spontaneous adventure. From last minute festival tickets to an impromptu camping trip, opening yourself up to adventure can lead to the most memorable moments [...]

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Speaking from experience, there’s nothing better in this world than a spontaneous adventure. From last minute festival tickets to an impromptu camping trip, opening yourself up to adventure can lead to the most memorable moments of your life. The time of your life may be waiting for you around a campfire in the woods, or wandering by the edge of a lake guided only by the moonlight.

Whatever the case, being spontaneous does not mean that you have to be unprepared. And for that, we’ve gathered our top five camping essentials.

1. When you get a group of guys together to set up tents at your campgrounds, there’s always a competition. Who has the coolest tent? Who can set it up faster? Rest assured that you’ll win the race with the spacious Uinta Quick-Set 4 Man Tent.

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2. In an effort to stay green, no camping trip is complete without reusable cookware. We suggest the Zebra Stainless Steel Tiffin Box food carriers and the Multi-Purpose Spoon to decrease your carbon footprint.

 

3. Weight can be a limiting factor for many journeys. Packing an ultra-light Collapsible Camp Stool can take pounds off of your load.

4. Nights in the great outdoors can get cold. For that, there’s the Bamboo Blend Travel Blanket. It’s so soft and warm and – oh! – there’s a foot warmer pocket!

 

5. When your weather conditions are nice enough, the Parachute Nylon Double Hammock is a fun alternative to sleeping in a tent.



Free spirits, rejoice! This list is all you need to be ready at a moment’s notice for any camping adventure that awaits! See you on the other side, friends!

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Swing Into Summer with Grand Trunk /2013/04/swing-into-summer-with-grand-trunk/ /2013/04/swing-into-summer-with-grand-trunk/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:36:15 +0000 Katy /?p=1932 It’s simple. Email a picture of your music festival or concert tickets to images@grandtrunkgoods.com, and we’ll email you back with a promo code for a $50 double hammock (originally $65)! 1

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It’s simple. Email a picture of your music festival or concert tickets to images@grandtrunkgoods.com, and we’ll email you back with a promo code for a $50 double hammock (originally $65)!

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MARCH GRAND TRUCK FAN PHOTOS /2013/04/march-grand-truck-fan-photos/ /2013/04/march-grand-truck-fan-photos/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:42:51 +0000 Katy /?p=1913 Congratulations to Josh for winning Grand Truck’s March fan photo contest! Josh won a single hammock and tree slings. Now that you know what is at stake, snap your Grand Truck gear in action. Every [...]

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Congratulations to Josh for winning Grand Truck’s March fan photo contest! Josh won a single hammock and tree slings. Now that you know what is at stake, snap your Grand Truck gear in action. Every month, we’ll pick our favorite photo and send one lucky fan some cool Grand Truck swag. Share your photo with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Check out all the great photos we received in March!

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GRAND TRUNK HOODED BLACKOUT PILLOW PRAISED FOR COMFORT /2013/03/grand-trunk-hooded-black-pillow-praised-for-comfort/ /2013/03/grand-trunk-hooded-black-pillow-praised-for-comfort/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:24:13 +0000 Katy /?p=1898 The Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow is a travel accessory that you do not want to leave at home! One of the best qualities of the Hooded Blackout Pillow is the comfort that it provides. [...]

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The Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow is a travel accessory that you do not want to leave at home! One of the best qualities of the Hooded Blackout Pillow is the comfort that it provides. Trailsnet.com said, “It is incredibly soft yet extremely supportive for those long plane, bus or train trips.”

We all know that airports and planes can be cold! UsedYorkCity.com enjoys the added level of warmth that the Hooded Blackout Pillow provides: “An added bonus is the micro-fleece hoodie that comes along with it.  If you’re anything like me, airplanes leave you shivering in your seat, so any added layer of warmth is greatly appreciated.”

Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow

In addition to comfort and warmth, another prized feature of the Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow would be the privacy that the built-in hood provides. How many times have you wanted to just block out the rest of a plane, train or bus? Trailsnet.com says that the Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow, “gives you your own little personal private space so you can rest peacefully without distracting lights and sound to keep you awake.”

 

Packing light? Trailsnet.com deems the Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow as a “traveler’s best friend.” Also, UsedYorkCity.com implores travelers to “invest in your comfort and sanity,” by getting yourself a Grand Trunk Hooded Blackout Pillow. You never know when you may need a moment alone before you arrive at your destination!

Hooded Travel Pillow

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February Fan Photos /2013/03/february-fan-photos/ /2013/03/february-fan-photos/#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:41:04 +0000 Katy /?p=1876 Every month we ask our fans to send us pictures of their Grand Trunk gear in action. At the end of the month, we choose our favorite photo and send one lucky fan some Grand [...]

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Every month we ask our fans to send us pictures of their Grand Trunk gear in action. At the end of the month, we choose our favorite photo and send one lucky fan some Grand Trunk swag. You can share your photo with us on Twitter or Facebook.

Here are all the great photos we received in February! Check them out!

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January Grand Trunk Fan Photos /2013/01/january-grand-trunk-fan-photos/ /2013/01/january-grand-trunk-fan-photos/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:16:44 +0000 Katy /?p=1853 Get your camera ready Grand Trunkers! We want to see your Grand Trunk gear in action! Every month, we’ll pick a favorite picture that was submitted, and the winner will get some cool Grand Trunk [...]

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Get your camera ready Grand Trunkers! We want to see your Grand Trunk gear in action! Every month, we’ll pick a favorite picture that was submitted, and the winner will get some cool Grand Trunk swag.

Below are some photos that were submitted in January.

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Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow Ahead of the Rest /2013/01/grand-trunk-hooded-travel-pillow-ahead-of-the-rest/ /2013/01/grand-trunk-hooded-travel-pillow-ahead-of-the-rest/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 04:03:26 +0000 Katy /?p=1844 Love traveling but hate the actual process of traveling? Say goodbye to uncomfortable plane, train, and bus rides, and say hello to Grand Trunk’s Hooded Travel Pillow! Sherman’s Travel described it as the perfect “product [...]

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Love traveling but hate the actual process of traveling? Say goodbye to uncomfortable plane, train, and bus rides, and say hello to Grand Trunk’s Hooded Travel Pillow! Sherman’s Travel described it as the perfect “product for the modern traveler.” The Grand Trunk Pillow is a U-shaped pillow that is made out of soft memory foam covered with fuzzy micro-fleece, making it the most comfortable travel pillow ever for proper snoozing.
Hooded Travel Pillow
The hood, which has an adjustable drawstring, is tucked behind the pillow when not needed. It’s perfect for blocking out your surroundings, whether it’s the crying babies or the chatty guy in seat B, and heading into a deep slumber. The Hooded Pillow “takes up more space than inflatable models but is significantly more cushy, and a great resource to keep in the car.”

The Grand Trunk pillow has been popping up on travel news sites around the country, including The Denver Post and Philly.com. Whether it’s your turn to sleep on that long road trip or you just need to block out the world and get some sleep on that overnight flight, this is THE perfect companion when you travel.

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Top 10 Reasons We’re Grateful at Grand Trunk /2012/12/top-10-reasons-were-grateful-at-grand-trunk/ /2012/12/top-10-reasons-were-grateful-at-grand-trunk/#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:12:29 +0000 Katy /?p=1829 Welcome to the Grand Trunk blog! Some days we find it hard to choose the topic to write about. There are so many wonderful things happening here at Grand Trunk, I hope you find it [...]

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Welcome to the Grand Trunk blog! Some days we find it hard to choose the topic to write about. There are so many wonderful things happening here at Grand Trunk, I hope you find it interesting, funny, compelling and from time to time, serious and focused on difficult topics…I promise, only sometimes!

First off, the happiest of happy holidays to those of you that happen to be reading this.

Today’s blog word of the day is: Grateful! So, what are the top ten reasons we’re grateful?

  1. Our freedom and story: Without this, there is no GT. Without this, there wouldn’t have been a trip to Thailand searching for self-discovery and an answer to an ever looming questions, “What’s out there? What does the other side of the world look like? What do the people look like? What do they sound like? What does their food taste like? How will they receive me?” We are grateful for ALL of the people in uniform around the world that strive each and every day to keep us safe. They work around the clock in less than desirable conditions, sacrificing time with loved ones and special dinners, they alertly stay awake in the middle of the night when it’s cold and wet, they see and do things that most of us aren’t capable of digesting, and they do it so we can spend time with our loved ones, open presents, tell stories, and make memories. Our team often talks of this sacrifice and during the holidays, we try to keep it front and center when we’re having a bad day, or things aren’t going our way. We hope you do the same.Jon and Kevin Grand Trunk
  2. Grand Trunk wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our hard working and always entertaining employees! Thanks to each of you for working hard, staying focused, getting the job done, supporting your teammates and for never allowing a dull moment around the office! Ben “Badger & Booger”; Sean “Stryka”; JB “Acorn, Peanut, little John”; Blake “The Fix-it Guy, Hustler, Blizake”; Tommy “It’s Miller Time”; Estref “The Mooch”; and Chris “Knack Attack”–we couldn’t do it without you guys, thanks for loving GT as much as we do!
  3. Extended GT family—This piece of our business includes our most picky “brand manager”–thank goodness for his discerning eye and it-can-always-be-better attitude; our designer who just plain gets it done; and our adviser who has helped us learn to work together and to become business men…sometimes that word freaks us out, but going from “good to great” requires skills and making decisions that have to be made. At the end of the day, if you want to be a man and own a business, you have to figure out how to be a business man. (Even if we consider ourselves travelers and wanderers at heart.) Just ask JZ. SocialKaty, Celtic Inc., Webimax, ATTA, 4 point design, and so many more.
  4. The Llama—Without the most handsome of logos we would just have a cool brand without a face.Llama Grand Trunk
  5. Our brand—GRAND TRUNK! We love it, and we know that our fans and customers love it too, they tell us.  Plus, it gives our handsome logo something strong to stand with and for.
  6. Our customers—Well, this one is easy. Thank you for your continued support! To see a list of these hard working, travel, camping, outdoor and focused lifestyle brand retailers, check out the dealer locater on our website –Most of these folks we’ve been working with us for a long time, and they have shown patience, honor, loyalty, flexibility, and respect for us, towards us, and with us. THANK YOU ALL!
  7. Our Parents/Family—This section could fill an entire chapter, so until we write our memoirs, we’ll just keep it short and sweet. We are more than grateful for the love and support you’ve given us over 10 years, and we couldn’t have made it out of year one without you. You are as much a piece of GT as anybody, and everything you’ve done for us will never be taken for granted. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
  8. Hammocks! Heck yeah we’re grateful for hammocks, who isn’t? Near and dear to our hearts and something we don’t get to enjoy enough. Sometimes the business you started to have fun turns into a business you do for work, and the only bad part of that is not getting to spend enough time in the greatest hammocks in the world! In 2013, we have pledged to not only be grateful, but to have fun again and to spend some quality time hammocking on this beautiful planet we call home.
  9. Spike the GT dog—Can’t even begin to imagine not having the greatest dog, mascot, companion, and buddy at the office every day. The number of smiles you’ve provided our team and this crazy world are too many to count or name, so what the heck, another treat it is Spiker!
  10. Our health—without this we don’t get to live this wonderful life in the way we’ve all inspired to live it.

So, cheers to you, your families, your hopes, dreams, and desires. And may 2013 bring you the most love, happiness, and health that this world has to offer.

All the best in 2013!

Team GT

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