Traveling – Roaming free – tales of wanderlustbykelley

Top Philidephia Must Do’s

Look anywhere on the web, and you’ll find that Philadelphia is one of the most impressive places to visit, but if you’re going there are some things you absolutely must do, make sure you do not leave until you have…

Had a photo in front of the Liberty Bell

It doesn’t make a sound, but The Liberty Bell is free to visit year-round with no tickets required. It draws people from everywhere in to get their perfect a photo in front of the soaring glass walls overlooking Independence Hall.

Posed with the Rocky Statue and ran up the “Rocky Steps.”

There are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Philadelphia and have now become an international destination. Travellers come from all over to embark on their own run up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air while taking in the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city’s skyline. To finish off the experience, you should head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, initially created for Rocky III.

Eaten best Philly cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is the city’s most famous food. These excellent sandwiches consist of chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and a choice of cheeses and fried onions on a hoagie roll. Mmmmm!

Visited the Independence Hall

This is the actual place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the U.S. Constitution was created. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centrepiece of Independence National Historical Park, and you can go on guided tours all year-round for free. You have to get timed tickets which can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center but plan ahead because tours fill up fast!

Gorged on food from dozens of vendors at Reading Terminal Market

This is America’s oldest farmers’ market, and a foodie’s paradise. The 125-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both one of the top tourist destinations as well as a source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for the locals. You can also enjoy meals from dozens of restaurants as well as browsing retailers stalls selling housewares, jewellery, linens and more.

Visited the impressive museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway was modelled after the Champs Elysees in Paris and is sometimes called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most important cultural institutions, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Rodin Museum and the crowning Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Taken in an epic view of City Hall — then toured the massive building

The City Hall has been the home to Philadelphia city government for over a century. Once the tallest building in America, the 14.5-acre masonry structure remains the country’s largest municipal building. You can enjoy an interior tour that explores the building’s history, art and architecture or a 15-minute tower tour. Both options include a view from the observation deck, located below the 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn atop the clock tower.

3 Things to Do on a Visit to Colorado

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Travel is a big deal these days. No matter where you turn, you can find books, articles, v-logs, and a million different Instagram photos, showing off people’s latest adventures and encouraging you to hit the open road yourself.

And, of course, there’s no doubt about it. Travel really can have an immensely positive, and transformative effect on your life. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and “getting out of your comfort zone”, can completely shift and revitalise the way you look at the world.

The thing is, if you listen to some of the more ardent travel enthusiasts out there, you’d have to assume that it was only possible to get any of these benefits from travel by going on long haul international trips to far-flung corners of the world.

The reality, though, is that some of the most potentially transformative and awe-inspiring travel experiences can take place closer to home. If you’re an American, for example, visiting the rocky state of Colorado could be an excellent idea, whether you’re looking for hotel deals in Limon, or camping opportunities in the great outdoors.

To demonstrate that fact, here are some things to do on a visit to Colorado.

Visit the Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods is a registered natural national landmark, and is by all accounts likely to be one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.

The Garden of the Gods features front range climbing, jeep and Segway tours, rental bikes and electric bikes, and a series of monthly presentations, classes and activities, with an adventurous flavour.

The park itself offers an extraordinary and breathtaking view of the Colorado wilderness. There you will find majestic, soaring red-rock outcroppings, forests, and blue skies as far as the eye can see.

Play your cards right, and you may even find a dinosaur or two roaming around.

Scare yourself silly at Stanley hotel (or not)

Do you remember the classic Jack Nicholson film, “The Shining?” If you’ve ever seen the film, odds are that you found to be a pretty harrowing, and psychologically disturbing experience.

Well, it turns out that the shining was shot in Colorado. To be precise, in the beautiful and historic Stanley hotel.

The hotel bills itself as being famous for its “old world charm”, and offers various luxurious rooms, in addition to stunning views of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Of course, the museum also has attractions, and mementoes related to “The Shining” for you to enjoy and spook yourself out with.

Go back in time to the ancient days of the Pueblo people, at the Mesa Verde

The Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to “preserve and interpret the archaeological heritage of the ancestral Pueblo people.”

The site boasts many striking historical attractions, perhaps most significantly of all the 600 cliff dwellings, which are known to be some of the best preserved and most notable in the United States.

It would be a crime for any archaeological buff to visit Colorado without visiting the site. Simply seeing the dwellings carved into the sheer rock of the mountainside, is liable to be a breathtaking experience.

Three Places 2019 Needs To Hand To You

We all love a bucket list, don’t we? The one thing that nearly everyone has on that list is the destinations across the world that make their souls sing. Finding destinations that you can go to that make you feel like you’ve accomplished something in your life is not always easy, because your choice of destination has to appeal not just to you, but to all those with whom you travel.

2019 is going to be a big year for travel, with more destinations and more innovative travel solutions than ever before, and it’s also going to be a big year if you’ve resolved to do new things and see new places. You should go and capture the world in the best way that you can, and travel is the way to do that. Getting on a plane and seeing new places from a relaxing Caribbean vacation to an adventure in the Galapagos is how you want to make memories in your life. There are hundreds of destinations to watch out for, and we’ve got three places that you want handed to you in 2019, so that you can see the world in a new light.

Plane view

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The Peloponnese, Greece

The tourism in Greece is always going to be high when you have an islands as beautiful as the ones that make Greece what it is. However, you can head to the go-slow corner of the Mediterranean by discovering the Peloponnese. Heading to the mainland and discovering the wide-open spaces that Greece has to offer in the off-season is the way to go for 2019 with Patras and Pyrgos finally being linked by train again, which means that you can explore the region in the most relaxed way possible.

Egypt

The Grand Egyptian Museum may have been delayed again, but for the first time in eight years, there is a waiting list for city hotels and boat trips along the Nile. There has been a few years of civil unrest in Egypt, and now it’s back on the map and people want to see it all. Nile cruise liner Sanctuary Retreats has now launched weekly sailings of its boutique wooden boats. These are all kit out with leather deck chairs and art deco features to die for.

Matera, Italy

This romantic ravine in Italy attracts those who want a more immersive experience in a new destination. Matera is built into the rocks and it’s a strange city that sits miles from anywhere else. People come from all over to see the sassi, the troglodyte cave dwellings where citizens lived in the dark until it was abandoned. Now? They’re hot property and people come from all over to view them. It’s one of the most romantic places in Italy to go and it’s somewhere that absolutely should be on your bucket list this year.

Taking the time to travel is good for the soul – don’t wait around to book, either, shop for the best deals online today.

7 Important Ride Share Tips For Travelers

2019 is set to be a big year for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, with more and more of us using these instead of other methods of public transport or driving ourselves. They’re fast, they’re cheap, they’re convenient – what else do you need?

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It is important to bear a few specific safety pointers in mind to keep yourself safe before, during and after your journey, particularly if you are traveling in a new area, and in this article, we are going to look at a few of those tips.

1) Let someone else know you are traveling.

When traveling alone, especially at night, share your journey with friends or family, so they know exactly where you are. Send a picture of the registration plate to someone, or if you are using Uber, you can hit the ‘share my ETA’ button, or ‘send ETA’ on Lyft, and it will send a notification to the person you designate. They will then be able to follow your journey on GPS.

2) Keep your personal information to yourself

We are not saying sit in silence for your journey, but be mindful of what information you re sharing with your driver. Don’t give out your address or where you are staying, your phone number or how long you are traveling for, and it’s never a bad idea to let them think someone is expecting you at the other end of the journey!

3) Give feedback

While it doesn’t seem particularly relevant to safety, giving feedback after your journey can be the difference between keeping a lousy driver off the road and a good one on the road.

4) Wear your seatbelt

Just because someone else is driving, it doesn’t mean that you are completely immune to an accident. You should always buckle up – in fact, wearing your seatbelt can also improve your passenger rating on Uber. If you did happen to be in an accident when you are ridesharing, it is essential to find a great lawyer for legal advice.

5) Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

If you’re in an unfamiliar city or area, make sure to track your route on your own maps app to ensure the driver is following the correct course. Try to avoid using rideshares on an evening or night, but if you do need to, try to find out beforehand what businesses and stores are open along the route.

6) Confirm Your Driver and Car Before Getting In

Always confirm the license plate and the name of your driver before getting in – this information is clearly laid out in the app and your booking. As well as keeping you safe, it also prevents you from getting into someone else’s ride in a busy area like an airport. It’s also important to ask the driver the name of the passenger rather than say your name first.

7) Don’t pay cash

Uber and Lyft take money directly from your bank, and there is now the option to tip after the journey through the app, so there is no need to have your purse or wallet out during your ride.

Tips for Anyone Travelling Down the East Coast

With so much unique stuff to see and do, it’s hardly surprising that so many people enjoy travelling down the East Coast of America each year. You can move between different cities and states, and experience the kinds of things you’ve never ever experienced before. If you’re new to this part of America, it really will be an experience that you never forget.

There are some things you should make sure you do on this trip though, as well as things you should know that will make the experience much better and much smoother for you. We’re going to talk about all those things now, so read on for some essential tops for anyone planning on travelling down the East Coast of America.

Plan Your Route and Know the Busiest Roads

It’s worth planning out your route carefully before you head anywhere on the East Coast. Look at a local traffic report for the location you’re in and make sure that you’re avoiding the busiest roads at the busiest times. The traffic can be pretty terrible at times, and you’ll want to avoid the worst of it. So plan your route out as best you can and take steps to avoid sitting in huge jams for too long at a time.

Get Off the Beaten Track

Getting off the beaten track is a must when you’re taking any kind of road trips. Sure, the major towns and cities along the way are all great, and you’ll have a wonderful time seeing and exploring them. But there’s so much more tro travelling the East Coast than simply spending time in the major cities. Head to places like New Haven and Charleston along the way. These places might be a little off your beaten track but they’re worth it.

Spend Plenty of Time in New York City

Yes, we just said that you should get off the beaten track, but that’s not to say the beaten travel is all that. And in the case of New York City, it’s actually pretty amazing and frankly unmissable. If you haven’t been to NYC before or you feel like you haven’t spent enough time there, you should definitely make the most of this opportunity to enjoy it and spend as much time as you can there.

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Don’t Rush Things

It’s important not to rush this trip if you can help it because when you give yourself the chance to spend more time in each place and visit more of those small towns along the way, you will have so many more unique experiences. There’s so much to see on the East Coast, so rushing down it is only going to mean you miss out on things that you really won’t want to miss out on, so take your time.

Explore American History in Washington

Washington is another place that you’re definitely going to want to stop off at during this whole trip. When you spend time in Washington, you get the chance to really explore and delve into American history and what made this country the way it is. There’s actually a lot to do, see and discover in Washington, so if you’ve never really spent time there before, that’s something that should definitely change.

Take Friends

Having some great friends come along for the right and enjoy the whole journey with you has got to be a good thing. So if you’re planning this big trip, don’t do it alone. See if you can find a close friend of two that want to come along and enjoy it alongside you. When you have the right company, it makes the whole journey and the whole experience so much more enjoyable.

Finish Things Off in Miami

Miami is the natural end point of any long trip down the East Coast, and it’s an amazing city that’s capable of capping off any trip of this kind. It’s a stunning city, and it’s the perfect place to spend time during the summer. You can take to the waters on a boat or simply enjoy the sun and the beautiful beaches before bringing this whole trip to its final conclusion.

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There’s so much to see and do along the East Coasts and so many fantastic states to explore. You should make the most of the chance to experience everything that’s on offer in this varied and interesting part of the country. If you haven’t made a trip like this before, you’ll have a great time.

Here’s How You Explore A New City Like A Local

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When you get to a new travel destination, you might be tempted to hit the big tourist hotspots straight away. And that’s perfectly fine of course – after all, that’s what being a tourist is all about, getting out there and taking in all the cool attractions and sights! However, to truly experience the city, you want to explore it like a local. That way, you will see all the hidden gems that most tourists don’t see or experience, and this will make your whole stay a lot more authentic.

So, are you ready to dive into a new city and explore like a local? Here’s how it can be done!

Go For A Wander

One of the best ways to discover what a city has to offer has to be by using your legs and walking around. One reason why walking is so great is that it gives you the chance to get lost. Don’t worry, that isn’t actually as bad as it may sound – getting lost will help you get away from the beaten track, and you might stumble across some truly amazing local secrets. Not only that, though, but it will help you get your exercise in for the day!

Use A Rideshare App

These days, staying in an Airbnb room is popular with travelers as it gives them the chance to stay with locals and ask them for their tips and insider information. Well, for a different spin on this concept, why not use rideshare apps? Don’t worry; this isn’t as dangerous as you might think and, as you can see on the Dolman Law Group, as you are well protected in the event of an accident. But this gives you the chance to have a lift with a local who can give you some great recommendations of what to see and do.

Download A Travel App

There are also a lot of new travel apps that are designed to give users a local experience. It’s worth downloading a couple of these before you head off on your travels so that you have a couple to use to help your explorations. The Lonely Planet Guides app is a great resource and is like having a whole guidebook on your phone. Others you might want to try include Spotted by Locals and Localeur.

Don’t Plan Too Much

It’s a good idea not to plan too much for your trip or else you might end up with little time to explore. So, try to leave your schedule as open as possible with at least one hour for wandering each day. You will be amazed at what kind of exciting stuff you can fit into an hour!

Be Open To New Experiences

Whenever possible, say yes to all the new experiences you are offered while traveling. That’s a great way to experience the new culture that is all around you in this new and exciting place!

Hopefully, all of these tips help you explore any new city that you travel to like a local!

Easy Ways for you to Plan the Ultimate Vacation with Friends

Going on vacation can be a fun and exciting experience. This is especially the case if you have so much to plan and a ton of activities lined up. Of course, if you have never thought about planning a vacation before or if you know that you need to try and get the best result out of the one that you have booked right now then there are a few things that you can do about this.

Similarities

You may have a ton of friends who you plan on spending time with but when it comes to picking

the ones to go on vacation with, you need to pick someone who has similar interests to you. You need to pick someone who has the same habits and someone who is willing to share your travel schedule as well. When you are able to do this, you will soon see that your whole vacation is a success and that you are able to enjoy every single moment of it as well.

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Budget

Money is quite possibly the biggest consideration that you have to think about when you are planning a trip for a group of people. Everyone might not have the budget to eat out every single night and this is completely understandable but there are ways that you can make up for it. For example, think about booking top extreme excursions in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. When you do this, everyone can have a blast, spend time with one another and take up a large portion of the day by just paying out a single bill

Trip Purposes

When you are on vacation, you need to find out what other people want to do. For example, some people may think that they are going to be relaxing for the whole weekend and other people may think that they are going to be going on an action-packed adventure. The last thing that you need is to make people feel as though they have come on a vacation for absolutely no reason at all, so keep that in mind when the time does come for you to get started.

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Planning

Travelling with other people will require a ton of planning. You need to think about your transportation, your accommodation, your planning and so much more. The last thing that you need is to have everyone plan their own because this will make it harder for you to meet up with people and it will also make it much more difficult for you to try and get everything sorted out as well. If you want to get around this then it is a good idea to have a single person handle the bookings and the planning for it. If you don’t then you run the risk of things getting miscommunicated or messed up along the way and this really is the last thing that you need. Of course, it helps to agree on the details beforehand but this is the easiest way for you to get things done.

Driving Abroad: The Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make On Your Travels

We all know that there’s nothing quite like a road trip. The trouble is that driving abroad isn’t always as enjoyable as it looks on the silver screen. If you’re preparing for an adventure on four wheels in far-flung lands, here are some mistakes you don’t want to make.

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Driving on the wrong side

Even the most experienced driver can come unstuck when it comes to navigating the roads when they are required to drive on the other side of the road. Before you jump in your hire car, check which side you need to drive on and make sure you’re ready for the trip ahead. It can take a while to get your head around looking for traffic in the other direction and moving the opposite way around a roundabout, so go steady, drive carefully, and give yourself plenty of time and space.

Hiring the wrong type of car

It may seem incredibly romantic to cruise along the coast in a classic car or to hire an old-school 4×4 at a local dealer in the middle of nowhere on a remote island, but it’s wise to use your head, rather than your heart when it comes to renting a car. Choose reputable dealers such as Burswood Car Rentals, read customer reviews, and avoid any deals that appear too good to be true. Make sure you check what is included in the fee. Sometimes, the lowest prices are not the best value offers, as they don’t include insurance. You may find that you end up adding a load of extras, which make the total higher than other quotes you received.

Speeding

You may be used to trundling along the motorway at 70mph at home, but speed restrictions are not universal. When you’re in a different country, you need to be wary of the speed limit. Look out for signs, and read up on the rules of the road before you travel. It’s also worth noting that some countries operate in mph and others deal in kilometres. If you get caught speeding, you may not always be able to play the tourist who had no idea about the speed limit card, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Driving like the locals

If you’ve got a line of traffic behind you, or drivers careering past waving their arms at you, you may be tempted to adopt the same driving habits, but resist. When you’re new to driving in a different country, the car is unfamiliar to you, and you don’t know the roads, it’s better to be safe than sorry. As you gain more confidence, you can increase your speed, but try not to panic if cars are weaving in and out of lanes to get around you or they’re driving way over the speed limit. Keep your eyes on the road, and drive at the speed marked on the road signs.

Driving around when you’re on holiday is an adventure. If you have a car or a campervan, you can explore at your own pace, you have freedom to roam, and you can stop whenever you like, but there are potential downsides to consider. Driving in a different country isn’t always plain sailing, and it can be stressful. Hopefully, these tips will help you to avoid mistakes and ensure you enjoy a trip to remember for all the right reasons.

Stress – free travel tips

Many people like the idea of visiting new places and travelling around the world. What they don’t like quite so much is the stress and pressure that comes with the process of travelling. That’s understandable, but it shouldn’t stop you from experiencing new places because that’s something that everyone can and should benefit from in life. Here are some tips that’ll help take the stress out of travel for you, so make the most of them next time you travel.

Research Your Destination

Before you go anywhere or even finalize your travel plans, you should try to learn as much as possible about where you’re going to. When you are able to do this, you will find that it becomes much easier for you to get to grips with the location when you land. That period of adjustment won’t be so stressful, and you can get on with enjoying your trip right away.

Let Someone Else Do the Work

These days, there are so many businesses out there that are all about organizing your travel plans and doing the hard work for you. If you don’t like making arrangements and working through all the fine details, a company like Gwin’s Travel can do it for you. There’s nothing better for removing stress from the process than outsourcing that process to someone else entirely.

Create a List for Packing

Packing is one of the most stressful things, and it only becomes more stressful for you if you reach your destination only to realize that you forgot to pack some of the things you had needed to take with you. That’s why you should make a packing list long in advance. You can then follow it closely as you pack your bags and, theoretically, nothing should be left behind.

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Be Careful About Mobile Data

You’re probably not going to have a stress-free travel experience if you’re constantly worrying about how you’re going to handle the issue of mobile data. For many people who don’t think about this, they can end up with a massive bill because using data overseas can be costly. Be careful and talk to your provider before you travel to avoid undue stress relating to this matter.

Embrace Comfort

Comfort is really important when you’re travelling, especially if you’re going to be travelling long distances. It’s a good idea to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in, regardless of how stylish they may or may not be. You can also use things like travel pillows or even book business class seats to make your experience even more leisurely and comfortable. It’ll certainly help you get things off to the right start.

Travelling can be stressful if you don’t approach it in the right way. But never let that fool you into believing it has to be stressful because that’s simply not the case at all. There are many ways to achieve hassle-free travel, and these ideas here should help you to get your approach to it right.

Make the most of a trip to Mexico

Mexico can have a reputation for being unsafe in some places, but it’s still an extremely popular travel destination. As well as receiving plenty of visitors from the US and its other neighbours, people from all over the world come to enjoy Mexico. Beach resorts are particularly popular, and places like Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum see lots of action. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Mexico, a bit of planning can go a long way to help you make the most of your time there. There’s lots to see and do, so start thinking about how you want to experience the country.

Learn Some of the Language.

Being fluent in Spanish certainly isn’t necessary if you want to visit Mexico. You can get by with English but, as in any country, the locals will appreciate it if you make an effort. Knowing at least some basic phrases can get you far. Even if it doesn’t help you to understand people more, it can make the locals like you more! Look for the best online Spanish course for your needs if you want to learn. Learning online is a good idea if you want to fit your learning around a busy schedule. You can study when and where you want. But try to get some real-world practice too if you can.

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Know How to Stay Safe

Mexico’s reputation for being unsafe isn’t exactly fair. While there are certainly some regions that you wouldn’t want to visit, most tourists are likely to be perfectly safe. Any area that sees a lot of tourism, such as beach resorts, major cities and historical sites, is likely to be safe for you. However, you still need to be careful, just like you do in any other travel destination. Take the usual precautions that you would while travelling to keep you and your possessions safe. One thing you might want to be particularly careful of is taxi scams.

Decide How Much You Want to Spend

Many people will tell you that Mexico is very cheap and you can make your budget go far. While you can find some bargains, you might also discover that locations popular with tourists aren’t always so cheap. If you want to choose a more affordable location, you will generally find that places on the Pacific coast are more affordable than those in the east of Mexico.

Go Beyond the Beaches

Mexico has some incredible beaches that can offer you a fantastic stay. However, there’s more to Mexico than just the beaches. There’s a lot more to see, from mountains to plenty of culture in the cities. If you’re going for a beach trip, that’s fine. But if you don’t want to spend all your time on the beach, you can explore further afield. Consider taking a road trip or joining a tour so that you can see more of the country.

Mexico has a lot to offer travellers of all types. If you want to have a memorable trip, keep your mind open about where to go and what to do.