Category: North America

If you’re looking for travel advice, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re going to share the best travel tips for everyone who is planning a trip. Whether you’re just starting out or have been planning your trip for years, we’ve got you covered.

Photo By Pablo Fernandez/Flickr

 

1. Choose the right travel destination

Before you head to the airport, it’s important to choose the right travel destination. You don’t want to end up in a country that’s too dangerous or too expensive. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

-Check the safety of the destination before you leave. Do your research and find out how safe the destination is before planning your trip.

-Check the weather conditions before you go. Visiting a destination during an intense thunderstorm could be dangerous.

-Explain your plans to your family and friends first. They may not be interested in traveling to a dangerous place, but they may be curious about what you’re going to do there.

-Make sure that you have enough money saved up for your trip. It’s always a good idea to have at least $2,000 saved up so that you can cover any unexpected costs.

 

2. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents

If you’re planning a trip and want to make sure you have everything you need, make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Not only will this help avoid any problems in case of an emergency, but it also gives you a copy to keep if something happens to your original document. You can email a copy to yourself too. 

You can also photocopy your driver’s license, social security card, or other important documents. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation and you might not want to carry your original. Additionally if your passport gets stolen, having a copy will come in handy for your police report. This way, if something comes up and you don’t have your original document, you can still get by without any issues.

 

3. Get travel insurance

Without travel insurance, you could be in for a lot of trouble. Not only will you be at risk if something happens to you on your trip, but you could also get sued if something terrible happens on your trip and you’re not responsible. Examples of companies include World Nomads who have great customer service and in-depth coverage or Insure My Trip, the best for those over 70 years old. By getting travel insurance, you can have peace of mind that everything will be okay.

 

4. Always visit the local tourism office

The best way to get the most out of your trip is to always visit the local tourism office. This will give you information about the location, attractions, and events that are happening in that area, they can also point you to free activities and help you save money! They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better.

5. Pack Light

One of the best ways to reduce your travel costs is to pack light. Starpoint Resorts give invaluable advice on this subject advising you to pre-plan your outfits, not giving yourself a choice as to what to wear every day. When you’re packing for your trip, try and think about what you need and don’t need. Instead of having a lot of unnecessary items in your suitcase, pack only what’s necessary. This way, you won’t have to waste time trying to find something that you don’t need or that you won’t be able to use.

6. Visit under-the-radar places.

The world is full of amazing places to visit that are off the beaten path and under the radar. The best thing about these places is that they have a lot less tourists, meaning you’ll be able to get up close and personal with them in ways that you would never be able to do at more popular destinations. 

Ecuador in particular is one of the most under-appreciated countries in South America, home to one of the most incredible places on Earth, the Galapagos Islands. Some of these destinations are off the beaten path, meaning you’ll have to take a plane or train to get there. But it’s worth the trip! These type of destinations are under-the-radar for good reasons. For example, one place might be relatively unknown because it’s not in a popular travel destination, but it has natural beauty that is worth exploring. Others might be under-the-radar due to accessibility or safety issues.

7. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you

When you’re planning your trip, make sure to bring along a few extra cards and credit cards. This way, you won’t have to worry about being overcharged or having to pay back your debt. You also want to be prepared for emergencies. If something happens and you can’t get your money back, you won’t have a problem.

 

8. Find the best hotels in your destination

One of the most important things you can do when planning a trip is to find the best hotels in your destination. This will allow you to have a more comfortable stay and save money on your stay. You can use different search engines to find the best hotels in your destination, such as Tripadvisor. By checking these websites, you’ll get a comprehensive list of hotels with room rates that are lower than what you would find at other hotels in the same city or town. Additionally, many online travel review sites offer reviews of hotels that are specifically tailored to travelers who are looking for deals or special deals.

 

9. Don’t fly direct to your destination

This is often a common practice for most people because it saves time and money. Sometimes it is cheaper to fly into an airport close to your final destination, and then take a train or bus to where you need to go. Google Flights and Momondo are the best flight search engines out there for finding airlines that offer the best deals and their calendar view lets you see which days are cheapest to fly.

10. Enjoy your trip!

No one knows what the future holds, but if you’re planning a trip, make sure you enjoy your time in each place you visit. If you don’t, you won’t have a good time and you could end up regretting it. Let your days unfold naturally, as this will make it less stressful, letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel.

Seeking out thrilling activities when you’re travelling is a sure way to make your trip memorable. You can look for high-octane things to do that will make your travels exciting and give you something to talk about when you get home. But high-adrenaline activities are also often riskier compared to spending your days sitting on the beach or visiting museums. It’s essential to weigh up the risks and rewards and decide how you’re going to keep yourself safe if you decide to do any of these things.

You don’t have to avoid doing any potentially dangerous activities, but you should make sure that the chance of anything going wrong is as low as possible. You can keep yourself safe by taking the right steps to plan any activities appropriately.

Only Use Reputable Companies

Whether you’re planning activities in advance or looking for something to do at the last minute, it’s essential to make sure that you’re using reputable service providers. You can easily get caught out by unapproved, unsafe companies that aren’t providing a safe experience. It’s easier to fall for a dodgy provider in some companies than others, but most places have some system for ensuring a provider is safe. You might want to check out their licensing, insurance, customer reviews and see if they’re approved by the local tourist board.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

Get Instruction

If you’re trying out a new activity, it’s always smart to get some lessons or instruction before you begin. This is true whether you’re doing a short, one-off activity or if you’re planning on going on a multi-day adventure. Get riding lessons before going on a motorbike or moped trip if you want to avoid the need for motorcycle accident lawyers when your trip is over. Have instruction in scuba diving, surfing, or any other water-based activity that you want to try. Whatever you’re interested in doing, look for a way to get adequate instruction and support to help you get started.

Use the Right Gear

The right equipment is vital for many extreme sports, outdoor activities, and other things you might want to do with a high risk of injuries or accidents. If you’re using a reputable company, they should provide you with the gear that you need to wear or use. Some might ask you to bring some of your own things, but they will generally make sure that you have the essential safety gear. If you’re choosing to plan an independent trip or activity, it’s your job to make sure you know what gear you need and to check that it’s appropriate.

Take Out Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t going to prevent anything from happening, but it will help to protect you during your travels. If anything does happen, it’s reassuring to know that you have insurance to cover your costs. Travel insurance can help to pay for medical bills and it might be able to cover other costs that are incurred due to any accidents or illnesses you have. For example, it might help you to pay for accommodation or the cost of getting back home. It’s better to have insurance than to avoid getting medical attention when you need it. Some activity providers may also require you to have insurance.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

Don’t Go It Alone

Making sure you’re not alone is a good way to keep yourself safe when you’re travelling. It can be even more important to do if you’re doing more dangerous activities. You should plan to travel with friends, a guide, or even a group of other travellers with a touring company. Sometimes there might be occasions when you take a trip on your own, especially if you’re experienced and comfortable with doing so. However, you should still stay in contact with other people, letting friends and family know where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Listen to Locals

Some of the best assistance and information that you can get will come from local people. They know the local area and how to stay safe so they can give you good advice. You will often find that many of the companies offering activities and tours are staffed by local guides and instructors. Not only can they be the best people to show you the ropes and guide you in the local area, but you’re also supporting the local economy by choosing companies that employ local people.

You might be looking for excitement, but staying safe when you’re travelling is important too. Take care of yourself when you travel and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Image Source

If you had any sort of trip or getaway planned between March 2020 and now, chances are, it was or has been cancelled. This is understandable. The past year and a half has been a tough time for the majority of the world in many aspects of their lives. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic has spread across the world, posing a major health threat and resulting in countless tragic deaths and illnesses. Travel hasn’t been the majority of people’s priority and, instead, many of us have been focusing on keeping ourselves to ourselves, staying home and staying away from others in an attempt to reduce our chances of catching the virus and to reduce our chances of spreading it to others. Luckily, thanks to the development of a vaccine and millions of people around the world getting it, many people can now turn their minds back to getting away and having a good time. Sure, things might not be one hundred percent back to normal, but we are getting there. If you’re considering a holiday – short term or long term – you may be wondering what you need to get to make sure that your trip is a success. Here are a few suggestions that can help to get you started out!

Passport

Let’s start with the absolute essential thing you’re going to need to leave your own country and enter another – your passport. Make sure to check the date on your passport. Chances are you haven’t used it in a while and you could find that it needs renewing or will need renewing by the time your getaway is underway. If you do need a new passport, make sure to apply for one sooner rather than later. This will help to ensure that you aren’t left worried or panicking as you wait for a passport close to the day of your trip.

Visas

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need a visa too. A visa will allow you to get through border control in your country of choice. Again, this is something that you will need to apply for in advance to make sure that it is approved and provided in time. If you require any help with visa applications, there are usually relevant helplines that will see you get in touch with someone who can guide you through the process, whether that’s for a Schengen visa or etias applications.

Vaccine Passport

Some countries or specific destinations will require that you are vaccinated to enter the country or to engage with certain activities within the country. It’s important that you do this research first to determine whether you do need proof of vaccination to do what you want to do. This can impact your choice of destination if you aren’t vaccinated. If you are vaccinated, you will have to make sure you can access your vaccine passport, allowing you to provide proof of your medical status.

Suitcase

For a short term trip, the best piece of luggage – and most popular piece of luggage – tends to be a good quality suitcase. This is a simple and straightforward way to carry your belongings with you in the airport, for them to be boarded onto the aircraft and to use when you’re away. They’re protected, can have plenty of space and generally have wheels, allowing you to pull them along easily rather than bearing the weight of all of your belongings yourself. Suitcases tend to come in one of three sizes – large (for longer trips), medium (for shorter trips), and small (hand luggage appropriate). The best for you will depend entirely on the type of trip you’re planning. Make sure to check the sizes alongside your chosen airline’s rules and regulations to make sure your case isn’t too big. You can also get cases with tracking to give you peace of mind and let you know where your case is at all times.

Travel Bags

If you’re heading somewhere with rough terrain, or where you will have to carry your belongings with you a lot of the time, a suitcase might not be quite appropriate. Instead, large travel bags may better suit your needs. These are essentially oversized backpacks that have been specially designed for travel. You will carry them on your back but have plenty of space inside to fit belongings intended for a long period of time. When choosing one, it’s good to choose a lightweight option. If you’re already carrying all of your belongings on your back, you’re not going to want extra added weight from the bag itself. You should also try to buy something of quality. You don’t want your bag to break suddenly. Waterproof and hardy materials are preferable to protect its contents. You may also want to choose options with plenty of straps that can do things like strap a sleeping bag to the bottom to save space inside the bag itself.

Sun Lotion and Insect Repellant

If you’re heading somewhere cold, cloudy or without many biting insects, you may not need these items. But for many trips, you will need to pack some good quality sun lotion and some insect repellant too. This can help make your trip safer and more comfortable. Remember to apply these regularly throughout each day to benefit as best possible. If you’re struggling to figure out which is best for you, there are plenty of reviews online that will guide you through your options and make recommendations on which best suits the majority’s needs. Without these, you could experience issues such as sun burn (which can be dangerous and deeply uncomfortable) or multiple bites (which will itch and bother you).

As you can see, there is a lot to bear in mind when it comes to planning a getaway. But hopefully, some of the information above should help you to get your trip started out in the right direction.

When you are at work, you are supposed to work hard because that is life, right? When you are off on holiday, you are supposed to relax but that never seems to happen. For some reason, we have a hard time switching off and really relaxing. So, rather than allow you to waste your next vacation with stress, here is a quick guide to help you relax.

 Free-Photos from Pixabay 

Book somewhere quiet

There is this idea that your vacation has to be jam packed with activities, and there is nothing wrong with this. But, you need to give your body the opportunity to switch off by going somewhere that is quiet. Staying somewhere like the Venice Beach hotel means that you have the opportunity to relax, but are still close to places that have fun activities. You never know, you might enjoy the quiet time more than the stuff you have planned. Just remember not to overdo it with the activities when you are supposed to be chilling.

Book to do nothing

If you have real trouble switching off, you need to book yourself some time to do nothing. You need to block out some time on your calendar and let nothingness take over. Be bored. At a loose end. Nothing. This is a hard thing to do but it is important that you even book an hour to do nothing. No TV, no phone, nothing. If you can do this once a day while you are away, you might find yourself being able to relax a bit better. Embrace the feeling of nothingness and let your stress disappear into the void. 

Put down the phone

Our phones are addictive and we need to learn how to put them down. If you are sightseeing, you should take your phone with you so that you can snap some photos. But don’t put them on social media. There are plenty of places that will allow you to print your snaps and pop them in an album. They are your memories so give them some extra special treatment and have them ready in a photo book or album to show people instead of them being online. It will make an interesting point for when guests come over and you can get out the photo albums for a chat.

Get into water

It doesn’t matter if you can swim or not, you need to get into the water somehow. If you are in a landlocked area, you need to get into the bath and relax. If you know there is a stream running past, you need to dip your toes in. and, if you are near the beach, get your feet into the water, even if it is cold. Being around water is very soothing so don’t discount how much it can wipe away your stress and worries. If you can visit the local sealife centre. We know a lot of these places have a bad reputation but some of them are there to support the local wildlife and sea creatures.

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

Hiking is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors. It can also be a fun physical challenge. It essentially involves walking long distances – usually as a way of accessing scenic locations that can only be accessed by foot. 

There are lots of different forms of hiking from summit hiking (mountain climbing) to coastal walking. A hiking trip could last a few hours or a few days. It all depends on what type of challenge you’re looking for.

Whatever the case, it’s important to plan your trip thoroughly. Below are some tips on planning a hiking trip including choosing the right trail, training for your hike, choosing what to bring and staying safe on your hike.

Choosing the right trail

In order for your hiking trip to be a rewarding adventure, you need to choose the right trail. There are few questions to consider to help you find the perfect trail.

What’s your fitness level like?

First, consider your fitness level. If you don’t do a lot of exercise, you should start with a fairly basic day hike – aim to cover no more than a few miles over relatively easy terrain. Those with a higher level of general fitness may be willing to take on something more challenging. 

It’s worth researching trails online to see how fellow hikers rate their difficulty. This is particularly important with mountain climbs where overexerting yourself could be dangerous. 

Where in the world do you want to go?

You don’t have to travel far to go on a hiking trip. In fact, there could be many trails in your area that could be perfect for a day trip. 

Alternatively, you could try looking into trails further afield. There are many places across the US that are renowned for their scenic hikes. In the southern states you have Grand Canyon National Park, Big Bend National Park. In the midwest, you have the trails of Northern Michigan and Northern Minnesota. When it comes to the northern mountain states you have the likes of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National park. Travelling for a hiking trip can be more expensive, but it could give you the chance to see greater sights than what may be on your doorstep.

Some people even go abroad for hiking expeditions. Popular hiking trails around the world include the Inca Trail in Peru, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and the Torres Del Paine in Chile. Such trips are great for experienced hikers. Just make sure to consider all the extras of going abroad such as applying for a visa and bringing a passport. 

How long will your trek be?

You should consider your time frame when planning your hike. Some trails can be done in a few hours (although it depends on your fitness level). Others can take days or weeks. 

When it comes to longer multi-day treks you’ll need to plan out your stops. It could be worth going with a guide when planning longer and more challenging hikes in places you’re not familiar with. 

What time of the year are you planning your trip?

Some trails are best avoided in winter. In fact, some mountain trails may be inaccessible during these months due to the harsh weather. 

Summer is the safest time to book a long or challenging hiking trip. Just be wary that it is also the most popular season for planning a hiking expedition – even lesser known trails could get busy during these months, which can result in ‘traffic’. If you don’t want to be competing with crowds, plan to go hiking in spring or fall.

Training for your hiking trip

If you’re going on a short local day hike, there’s probably no reason to train for it. However, if you’ve decided to take on Kilimanjaro or the Appalachian trail, you’ll need to do some serious training. 

For big hiking trips, it’s worth practicing by going on short local walks. When training for mountain climbs, consider going for walks in hilly areas and practice walking uphill. Practice with all your gear on (if you’ve bought brand new hiking boots for your trip, it’s worth going on a few practice hikes to help wear these in).

Choosing what to wear/pack

There’s a long list of things to consider when going on a hiking trip. Below are some of the essentials worth bringing along:

• Appropriate shoes (for long or challenging hikes you’ll want to buy some hiking boots)
• Moisture-wicking socks
• A backpack
• Clothing for warm and cold weather (bring a variety of layers that you can easily put on/take off)
• Waterproof jacket
• Hiking poles
• Lots of water
• Food
• A physical map and compass (don’t rely on GPS)
• A first aid kit (just in case somewhere has an injury)

If you’re going on a multi-day trek, you may want to consider a few extras.

• A tent
• A sleeping bag
• A sleeping mat
• Toilet paper
• Cooking utensils
• Garbage bags
• A flashlight
• A flare/bear banger

Staying safe while hiking

Safety is of the utmost importance while hiking. The biggest thing you can do is to bring enough water so that you don’t get dehydrated – many ill-prepared hikers have ended up passing out because they don’t have enough water. Water is heavy, so you’ll need to find a way of stocking up on the way when going on a long hiking trip.

When taking on challenging hikes, it’s worth travelling with somebody else. This way if someone gets injured or in a tricky situation, the other person can help. If you do go hiking alone, make sure to tell someone exactly where you’re going.

Where possible, you should try to avoid venturing off the beaten path. Marked trails are safer because they are constantly travelled by people and are generally well maintained. If you try to make your own route you could get lost and there’s no guarantee anyone will find you, plus there may be hazards such as loose ground or dangerous wildlife. On mountains and near cliffs, you should always stick to the trail.

We are living in the fastest rat race that we’ve ever been involved in, so it makes sense that we would want to pack life with as much adventure as possible. Life gets busy and that ache to be carefree and happy just gets stronger. Every single person wants to – at some point – do something different from their daily life and routines. Change makes you feel alive, and it gives you the boost to do something new. Sometimes, we watch the sun come up and feel excited to be alive. Other times, we book a vacation that’s packed with the chance for adventure just to feel something big. 

Everything is possible in this day and age, and with the list below, you can do some of the most adventurous things EVER on the next vacation that you book. You can learn more about sailing across the Drake Passage in this comprehensive guide, and you can learn just how many adventures there are to try – as long as we have the guts to do it! So, with this in mind, here are some of the most adventurous things that you can try out on vacation. 

Image Source: Pexels

• Skydiving

Jump out of a plane, you say? Absolutely – it’s one of the biggest thrills you could ever have because it forces you to face your fear of heights, flying and death all in one. When you skydive you trust your instructor with your life, and you jump from heights of up to 15,000 feet with the hope your parachute opens and you float to safety. The chance to fall with style? You’re the real Buzz Lightyear.

• Zip lining

If you have the chance to join in on a tree top adventure on vacation, do it. You need to have a breakthrough experience at least once in life and you are kept safe with your harness. You can feel like you’re flying and you are secure – you get the adrenaline rush and the thrill without the danger!

• Climb a bridge

It doesn’t sound like a lot but we’re not talking about just crossing a bridge. We’re talking about climbing it. Going up to the very top of the Golden Gate Bridge is far more impressive than just walking the sidewalk! Auckland Bridge in New Zealand is famous for this adventure!

• River rafting

A big adventure is taking on the elements and you can really do that with river rafting. You can feel like you’re flying through the waves and crashing around the water without hitting the rocks! You will find that you are in the best of scenery and you can enjoy a thrilling experience that will take your breath away.

• Bungee jumping

In the same streak as skydiving, this one you’re free falling and held by the legs! You bounce back up and you get to take control of your life by simply jumping into adventure.

Whether you book an adventure break or you take a break filled with adventure, do it. Even once!

Image Credit: Un-perfekt from Pixabay.

If you travel a lot, then you’ll find places that you completely fall in love with. There can be quite a few reasons why this happens, with the majority being personal to you. Once you’ve found the right place, however, you’ll want to keep coming back.

You might also want to share the experience with your friends and family, alongside enjoying your retirement there. Over the past few decades, there have been quite a few popular holiday destinations that have become popular for vacation homes.

One of the more notable of these is the Bahamas, with Ocean Club Estates Real Estate and other agencies seeing an increase in business. Despite what popular tourist destination you’ve fallen in love with, you could still find yourself wanting a vacation home there.

If you have the money, you’d think that this would be easy. Keep these in mind first.

How To Buy A Home In Your Favorite Destination

Consider All The Costs

It’s one thing to fly to your favorite holiday destination every once in a while. After all, there are relatively few costs involved and these are all relatively affordable. It’s quite another to buy a second home there.

While you’ll naturally know about the price of the property itself and its related taxes, there can be many other expenses to consider. Homeowners association fees, swimming pool fees, and much more will all have to be taken into account.

Figure Out How To Finance It

How you decide to finance your second home will depend on multiple factors. Since you might be buying property abroad, then you’ll need to find a financial institution that specializes in these types of loans.

There are also various loan types that you can choose from, ranging from mortgages to government aid. Knowing what you’re eligible for and what financial relief you can get is a vital part of your plan.

How To Qualify For A Second Mortgage

If you’re looking to finance your second home, and can’t do so yourself, you’ll obviously need a mortgage. You might need to do a few things to make sure that you’re eligible for this, however. While much of this can vary depending on where you get the mortgage, there are a few rules of thumb.

As second homes are typically seen as riskier, you’ll need a much larger deposit. While that will increase your upfront costs, you’ll save more long term. You’ll also need to show that you can pay back the mortgage, which will help with your eligibility.

If you plan on renting out your second home, then highlighting any potential revenue will be a positive for your mortgage application.

Wrapping Up

Many people have holiday destinations that they could spend the rest of their lives going back to. That could be because of the food or multiple other reasons. One of the best ways of doing so is by having a vacation home there.

That’ll let you enjoy your favorite holiday places as much as you’d want. With the possibility of rent and other factors, there’s almost no reason not to go for it.

Traveling around the world with your family is an incredible experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives. Whether you’re going on vacation or want to visit a few different places, it’s beneficial for both parents and children because of how much you can learn about the surroundings and yourself. The prospect of taking a long journey with the kids might be intimidating at times. All you can think about in your head is unending boredom tantrums, which leads to, you got it, endless headaches. This doesn’t have to be the case (believe it or not), so check out these tips for travelling in style and comfort this summer.

https://unsplash.com/photos/NoRgwe0jKi8

Prepare for travel sickness

Nothing is more distressing than hearing a small cry from the back seat and realising that one of your tiny darlings is suffering from a severe case of nausea. It can strike at any time (even in youngsters who aren’t prone to it), so you must be prepared. Make sure you have plenty of wipes, hand gel, bags, and even towels on hand to help soak up the vomit and keep the car smelling fresh. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, remove the car seat covers and give your vehicle a thorough cleaning everywhere that has been contaminated by vomit. Best of luck!

Spend more on luxury travel

There’s nothing a parent loathes more than “are we there yet” from the back seat. If you’re travelling a considerable distance, it’s important to spend a little more on luxury to make sure everyone is comfortable. Hire a bigger car, consider a private jet charter, and choose the travel options that will help keep the children entertained and the adults relaxed.

Use checkpoints to help your sanity

Making checkpoints on a piece of paper and encouraging the kids to look for them is another fantastic method to keep the kids occupied while also reducing the number of times you hear the question “are we there yet?” Once they’ve seen them, they can mark them off their list and reward themselves with a tiny treat. It will also allow them to know how close you are to your destination (or how far away you are). Turn the boredom of long-distance travel into a bit of fun for your kids, and you’ll save yourself a headache.

Pack plenty of essentials for your journey

Finally, don’t forget to bring the basics for your journey, which will make the whole process a lot smoother. Consider the following suggestions:

1. Pillows and blankets for both children and passengers so that you can get some rest. Perfect for those late-night journeys!
2. Plenty of water bottles. You never know when you’ll be trapped somewhere isolated, so bring extra supplies to last a day.
3. Food. You can make sandwiches and cold meals like pasta ahead of time so that you’re prepared if you’re travelling during a meal. Snacks are also a fantastic way to keep energy levels up while also keeping the youngsters entertained.
4. Toilet paper – because you never know when you’ll need it!

Take these ideas into consideration and travel in style (and ease) with your kids this summer.