Travel Tips Archives - Page 2 of 3

November 10, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Tips for Traveling in an RV

If you are planning a long road trip in a rented RV this year, then you are in for a real treat! But before you hit the highway, there are some things that you need to know. Today, we are going to learn some tips that will make your next RV trip a better one.

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Know What Is Included in the Rental Agreement

Before signing any paperwork, make sure that you read the RV rental agreement carefully. Some contracts will limit the number of miles you can put on the RV. If you go over those miles, you will have to pay even more money when you return it. This occasional hidden fee can really be shocking and having to fork over more money can be a real hassle. Also, speak with the rental agent and ask him or her about any other potential fees that come along with the rental. This can help you avoid any last-minute costs, keeping more money in your pocket.

Don’t Forget to Dump Your Waste Tank

If you are going to be traveling for long distances, make sure to find some dump stations along your route. For those staying in an RV park or public park, there is often a free dump station located on site. Take full advantage of this and dump your tanks before going back out on the road. Not only will you have a tank that is free of waste, you will likely get better gas mileage as well. Also, there might be quite a few miles between dumps depending on your route. In these cases, failing to empty your waste tank at a nearby dump site could become a big problem.

Keep an Eye on Road Conditions

Let’s face it, the road can sometimes be a dangerous place. Not only do we have to worry about other drivers, we also have to deal with road conditions. During the duration of your trip, it is a wise idea to keep an eye on road conditions. Knowing what is up ahead of you will help keep you safe while you are enjoying your trip. Snow, rain, ice, and even road construction can slow you down and pose a danger.

There are many apps out there that can help you track road and weather conditions. You should always check conditions before you head out for the day. Additionally, be aware that if you travel at night in some areas of the country, there could be animal hazards on the road, such as deer or skunks. Make sure to slow down at night and pay close attention to your surroundings. This will keep you safe and help you to avoid an accident. If possible, travel during the day.

These are a few simple tips that can make your next RV road trip safer and more comfortable. There is nothing like hitting the open road in an RV. Not only do you get to see the world, but you get to do it in style. Renting an RV is highly affordable, and you won’t have to worry about getting an expensive hotel room.

October 5, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Top 5 Mobile Data Plans For Travelers On A Budget

Many travelers find the United Kingdom, and its neighbours, attractive tourists destination. However, when it comes to mobile data use, the costs accumulate quickly making your stay uncomfortable to your budget. Data charges can be quite disconcerting especially when operating on a tight budget. But you have absolutely nothing to worry about if you are planning to visit Buckingham Palace, the home of Beatles, or even the BBC. Here is a sneak round-up of the best roaming option you can enjoy while in the UK.

Optus

If money is the least of your travelling concerns, you can opt for the Optus postpaid mobile data plans that will give you 1GB and 1.5GB of roaming data at €109 and €134 monthly respectively. These programs apply to only Zone 1 countries, and you will be glad to know that the UK is one of them. If you need a more budget-friendly alternative, choose the Optus Travel Pack that will cost you only €8.4 per day, and you get to enjoy unlimited talk and text, as well as 100MB of data in all Zone 1 destinations. You can accumulate data by purchasing several packs at once. It may not be cheap, but it is way better than Opts pay-as-you-go roaming rates.

Telstra

At €164, you will get 1.5GB of data and unlimited calls and text each month in selected countries, including the UK. Telstra has other more flexible mobile data plans for travellers wishing to stay for a limited period. The lowest is the €25 pass which offers three days unlimited talk and text, as well 225MB of data, while the highest is the €118 pass that gives you fourteen days of unlimited text and talks while enjoying 1.03GB of data.

Vodafone

If you fancy Vodafone, you should go for its €4.20 Roaming deal that offers a monthly allowance of talk, text and data in Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. You pay only €4.20 each day to use your mobile phone in any of these countries for up to ninety days per the calendar year. However, the offer comes to an end in February 2018. You have to be a regular mobile phone user to enjoy the maximum benefit of this offer because the charges remain the same even if you send just one text in a day.

Virgin Mobile

You need to be on Virgin Mobile’s prepaid plan of €59 or more to enjoy a 500MB roaming bonus to use in Zone 1 countries. This bonus is a one-off affair, so after exhausting it, you will have an additional roaming data pack. Roaming data packages are available on any prepaid Virgin plan, and have 30 days expiry period. You can beat any shortage by purchasing several packages at once. The data packs range from €21 to €84 for 300MB to 2GB of data respectively. However, you need to note that these data plans don’t cover texts and calls, so you will need extra finances to call and text your friends and family while abroad.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Several mobile virtual network operators are available to offer prepaid roaming services in the UK. But you will need to dig deeper into your wallet these mobile virtual network operators charge pay-as-you-go rates for all phone use, and they may add up quickly. Typical network operators include ALDI Mobile, Coles Mobile, Amaysim, TPG, OVO Mobile and Yomojo, among several others. They charge €0.84 per minute for making and receiving calls while half that amount goes into sending each text, and 1 MB of mobile data. They may be a trifle more expensive than their postpaid counterparts but can be quite suitable if you don’t want too many complications when travelling abroad. Whichever the network provider you choose, you should aim at getting value for your money. Otherwise, you will be better off adopting postpaid data mobile data plans to save on expenses while travelling.

Traveling abroad is an expensive venture, and mobile data plans can aggravate the matter. The good news is that you can always find a data plan that fits your budget. Among the many options available, you may consider Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile to keep you talking, texting and stay online while travelling. You need to scrutinise every plan to ensure that it suits your needs as well as your financial plan.

September 25, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Earn While Travelling with a Trading App

Travelling is a great experience; however, not all jobs are great for travellers. Some jobs demand the physical presence of an employee for the task to be completed. Online trading is one of the most convenient ways one can make money while traveling.

You can trade online from anywhere as long as you have access to a laptop/smartphone and a stable internet connection. Below are some of the benefits traders who love traveling enjoy when they decide to trade via a trading app.

Swing Trading and Flexibility

Swing trading usually takes advantage of the price fluctuations that may occur during certain stages of the lifecycle of a particular trend. Swing trading offers much more control and flexibility when it comes to online trading. The speed of using online trading portals and apps has benefited many traders.

As a traveller, you will need something that is flexible which will fit in your travel plans perfectly. Most of the traditional brokers will require appointments to initiate a trade. Sometimes, the broker may insist on a face-to-face meeting which becomes inconvenient to most traders who love travelling. Such scenarios can cost you a lot of money and may not fit in your travel plans.

Trading apps and portals have been developed to eliminate this problem. With an online trading app, you can execute a trade almost immediately from anywhere in the world. If you want to succeed in swing trading, you must be good at spotting trends and moving fast to take advantage once the trend gains momentum. This is also a great way of making money while traveling using a trading app if your market research and data is accurate.

Online CFD Trading and Value Added Services

The various Contract for Difference products allows online traders to speculate on the price movement of different types of stocks in the market. Trading CFD does not permit you to own the stocks. However, you gain value-added services hence making more money in the process.

You take trading in your own hands which guarantees increased freedom and quick elimination of any brokerage bias. Online trading apps help you to eliminate any biased broker advice. Since numerous online platforms are available where you can source your information from any part of the world. You will sieve fake news from the real ones and trade based on your market analysis not emotion. This is a significant advantage to travellers since you won’t interfere with your travelling plans trying to book an appointment with a broker to gain some investment advice.

Day Trading is a good option for monitoring of your investment in real time

Day trading involves buying and selling of stocks throughout the day with the hope that the price of the stocks will decrease/increase in value during the day allowing you to make profits. With an online trading app, it becomes easy for you to see how your investments are doing in real time.

You can easily stream your data from anywhere in the world. You have access to real-time stock market news and quotes. For a trader who loves travelling, this may simply involve picking up your phone to call a live broker or browsing a given website to get more accurate market information. Trading becomes more convenient even as you enjoy your holiday overseas.

Position Trading and Cost Saving

Position trading is viewed as a long-term strategy where online traders buy and hold securities for weeks or even months. The decision of buying or selling the securities is usually based on in-depth research of market trends. One of the biggest advantages of position trading to travellers is the lower fees involved. This means that you don’t have to pay transaction fees to the extent of missing to enjoy your holiday away from home.

In position trading and other forms of trading, you will pay anything between £4 and £8 to buy and sell stocks. Furthermore, you can easily exchange your traded funds online at reasonable exchange rates. Companies such as CMC Markets are much cheaper charging as low as £4.5 per stock trade which will enable you to trade much more.

September 9, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

The Essential Guide for Travelling to LA

People who travel to Los Angeles for the first time can feel overwhelmed by the experience. There are so many different things happening and places to see that it can be a sensory overload. You have so many different resorts, hotels, and Los Angeles luxury homes to choose from before you even arrive in the city. And then you need to find out what you want to see and how to get around. This article describes everything you need to know about visiting LA for the first time.

How to Get Around:

Los Angeles is a gigantic city that seems to spread endlessly in all directions. Combine this with the fact that most attractions are quite far away from each other and LA suddenly becomes a challenge to get around.

Most people tend to rent a car from the airport when they first arrive. Others will self-drive from nearby states to have a short domestic vacation. Renting a car is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is provide your driver’s license and credit card details and away you go. The good news is that you then have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace and are more flexible.

If you’re not planning to drive, you’ll be forced to use either public transport or a taxi. Public transport is sufficient to get around the city and is reasonably reliable, but it’s going to be time consuming and inconvenient to get from one attraction to the next. Taxis, on the other hand, are much faster but come at a high price.

The final option to get around Los Angeles is to join a tour of the city. This can be either as part of an organized group, a private driver or simply on foot with one of the free walking tours.

The Best Places to Eat:

Some of the best restaurants in the world are found in Los Angeles. You can find high-end places such as Michelin Star Restaurants in the central parts of the city that attract the higher clientele and occasional celebrity. But, this costs a fortune and isn’t always ideal for people without a bottomless wallet!

If you’re looking for an excellent choice of food at a more reasonable price, check out the food trucks. These offer some of the best food in the city and are a favorite among the locals. You can find pretty much any type of snack or meal you want. The best way to experience the food trucks is to sample a few over the course of your trip.

There are also lots of other restaurants and bars that line the busy streets of Los Angeles offering meals to suit any budget and taste. Fast food outlets are also very popular.

The Essential Sights and Attractions:

Hollywood is probably the most famous attractions in the city. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the celebs sign their autograph on the ground, is also extremely popular. Beverly Hills is another interesting place to visit if you want to try to spot your favorite celebrity.

Famous theme parks with thrilling roller coasters and water parks also draw people to the city. The best ones being Universal Studios, Disneyland, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which make for a great day out with the family. You also have the option to soak up a bit of culture in one of the many museums that are dotted around the city. And don’t forget to take a trip to the beach!

For people who want to experience more of what California is all about, it’s easy to escape the city and head to one of the National Parks. Driving here is easy and it should take no more than an hour to be in the mountains and on one of the hiking trails where you’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

A Few Important Travel Tips:

The most important travel tip is to plan your vacation before you get on the plane or set off in the car. As mentioned above, LA is a giant of a city and things are far apart. You don’t want to just turn up to find out the places you want to visit are miles apart. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving in the city during rush hour and to get to the major attractions as early as possible.

The next tip is to take advantage of special offers and promotions. Do a quick search online before your trip and see what’s available. The theme parks and other attractions have regular promotions that can save you a lot of time and money. Some of the offers include a pass for visiting more than one attraction, which is excellent value for money and can save you a fortune on individual tickets.

The last tip is to get out of the city if you can. It’s just a short drive to reach nature and there are a few tiny and charismatic towns within two hours of LA. San Juan and Solvang are the best ones to visit. The first is a small Spanish colonial town and the second is a Danish town. Both offer a unique experience and something different from the hustle and bustle of life in Los Angeles.

The Bottom Line:

A trip to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. When you break it down and put a bit of effort into planning, you’re certain to have an amazing time here.

September 1, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

How to Get Upgraded on Your Next Flight

Whilst it is not commonplace, getting an upgrade on your next flight is something that many people would love to be able to do. First class and business class cabins offer the traveler higher levels of luxury and comfort as you fly and if you are able to get a free upgrade, you can ensure that your next flight is one that you will not forget.

There are many ways and means that people try to use in order to get a free upgrade and whilst they usually fail, there are some ways that can give you the best possible chance.

Credit Cards

Twice in my life that I got a free upgrade came down to the fact that I was an excellent customer american Express and my spg amex card was something that I used regularly to gain points and air miles. For this reason I would highly recommend that you use a credit card with a bonus scheme attached to it and try to use it as often as you can. The points which you gain from this can help you out greatly on the road and if you are a frequent flyer, you could even bag yourself a free upgrade.

Ask The Question

It is highly rare that any check-in desk staff will simply offer you an upgrade out of the blue and so it is important that you actually ask the question as to whether there are any upgrades available. When you ask about the upgrade, don’t try to be smart or funny, simply ask the question and you never know, you could very well be on your way to first class.

Dress The Part

The airline are likely to be more inclined to give you an upgrade if you are dressed like a first class passenger and if this is what you are looking for, then leave the sweats in your bag. Turning up in a suit or a classy dress can actually help you when it comes to getting a free upgrade and it will also give you more confidence when you ask. If you are dressed up like this, the check-in desk staff are likely to think that you are someone of importance and therefore give you an upgrade if there is one available.

Get There Early

The last thing a member of staff needs when they are trying to get all of the passengers sorted out and on the plane, is someone arriving late and asking for a free upgrade. If this is truly what you are after then you should make sure that you arrive nice and early for your flight, when the staff are relaxed and more inclined to help you out.

The key to getting free upgrade is belief, appearance and being polite, assuming that you are able to deliver on the these three aspects, you will put yourself in a much better position to get the upgrade that you want.

August 14, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Tips to let go of the burdens of life and relieve stress

As we get older we begin to realise that time is finite and that we really should start doing things which are more beneficial to us. Rather than stressing about daily life there are other things which we can put or thoughts into which are much more beneficial. Making changes either big or small can have a massive impact on your quality of life. Some things are obvious such as eating healthy and exercising, but these are not the only things which you can improve or develop. Here we will look at some things you can do or change which will relieve stress and make life a little more enjoyable.

Travel:

This may be another obvious one to some people, but to others it might not be. Travelling has many benefits no matter what type of trip you decide to embark on. A weekend break away will allow you to unwind and destress from everyday issues which develop during the week. For those who want something a little more different, why not embark on a world cruise. This might be an extreme example but it shows the possibilities that are out there. Long term travel allows you to meet people from varying countries and cultures. You will encounter problems and issues you never had before and develop new strategies to overcome these. The new things you learn can then be applied to your normal life upon your return.

Friendships:

Asses your friendships. Think of those that you may not have seen in a long time and make some plans with them. If they are important enough to stay on our mind you should then be able to find the time to spend with them. This way you can have fun, catch up on gossip and generally enjoy each other’s company, it is important to have a strong social circle.

On the other end of the scale you should try and end relationships which are not beneficial to yourself personal. People who are negative or cause tension in a friendship or relationship are not good for your mental health. They act as a distraction and add difficulties that are otherwise unnecessary. This might be difficult but in the long run it will be in your intertest.

Budget:

This is probably the least fun, but one of the most necessary. In order to do the things, you really want, it is necessary to save, unless you are lucky and what you want to do is free. It also helps to have money set asides in case of emergencies. This way you relieve the financial stress that a lot of people put themselves under and you have more disposable income. This doesn’t mean stop enjoying yourself, but perhaps shop in cheaper stores or make social nights less regular.

If you under a lot of stress or just a little break these ideas should help you to get rid of some of it and make life a little more fun and enjoyable. Stress is unavoidable but it can be made a whole lot easier.

August 11, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Amazing Discoveries Which You Can Make Through Solo Travel

Whether you decide to strap on a backpack and head off to see the world on your own or head away and have a great time on a solo holiday, doing something like this on your own can provide you with some unique experiences and unforgettable moments. Whilst being part of a group may be fun, there is something that is really special about getting away on your own and as someone who has travelled in both a group and clocked up a fair few solo travel miles, I wanted to share with you some of the awesome discoveries which you will make when travelling alone.

Personal Discoveries

When you are in a group setting, you are very much in your comfort zone and if you do not want to wander away from it, you don’t have to. Travelling alone is a different proposition however and you are often forced to get away from your comfort zone and meet new people and experience new things. Throughout this process you will discover things about yourself that you were perhaps unaware of. Personally speaking I can attribute a lot of the confidence which I have to the times when I travelled alone, I was shyer than I thought and because of solo travel I came out of my shell.

Local Discoveries

The real beauty about travelling alone is that you can do what you want, whenever you want, something that is not always guaranteed when you travel with others. This freedom will inevitably lead you to museums, cafes, bars, restaurants and cultural hotspots that you would perhaps not have visited if you weren’t on your own. Indeed some of the coolest places that I have been to have been as a result of stumbling upon them whilst wandering about on my own. Travelling with others requires compromise when it comes to where you go and when, and you may not always get to do everything that you want, travelling alone is the perfect remedy to this.

Discovering Others

Most humans are highly sociable creatures and even if you are travelling on your own, there will be times that you want a little bit of company or someone to shoot the breeze with for a while. This craving for human contact can allow you to meet some truly interesting, wonderful and exciting people, not always admittedly but I always find it fascinating to connect with new people and find out what their story is. Travelling with others will usually prevent you from meeting new people as you will be happy with the company that you already have, head out alone however and you will soon find yourself in the midst of new people with different stories.

Have you been travelling on your own before? What were your best experiences and why did you like or dislike it so much. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.

July 21, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

The Differences Between Leisure and Business Travel

In today’s day and age, people are travelling all around the world at a moment’s notice. This is often for leisure such as a romantic city break, stag/hen do or family vacation, but business travel is also rapidly on the rise. Although both involve travelling abroad, there is actually a huge difference in leisure and business travel.

Leisure Travel

Leisure travel is all about having a good time and doing exactly what you want to do. You can take your time planning out your trip and reading about the best places to visit, stay and eat, plus you are in complete control at all times.

Business Travel

This is not like business travel, which is a necessity and about working. Business travel requires that you act professional and there to conduct business. There will be a specific purpose for your trip overseas, which could be for a meeting, presentation or site visit. Usually, your employer will handle all of the bookings and you will simply be following an itinerary and then returning home. You may get a bit of time to enjoy yourself, but overall, you are here to work.

These are the key differences between the two types of travel. As you can see, business travel is not the most enjoyable and employees that travel often come to see it as a chore instead of an exciting opportunity. This is a shame, as any trip abroad should be viewed as a chance to get out of your daily routine (even if you spend the majority of time working).

How to Improve Business Travel

One of the best ways to improve business travel so that everything runs smoothly is to use a business travel management service. This is available from companies like Statesman Travel. Companies like this can book the best flights, transportation, hotels and more so that you don’t have to. Not only this, but many can also provide 24-hour support and the ability to make changes on the fly. Essentially, this takes all of the stress out of work trips and will help the experience to be as enjoyable and successful as possible.

Although both have similarities and you will encounter both groups on any flight, there is a huge difference between leisure and business travel. Leisure is all about freedom and enjoying yourself, but for business travel you are there for a purpose. It is vital that everything runs smoothly with business travel, which is why everything should be arranged beforehand.

June 30, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

5 tips to practice yoga on the go

Traveling is a great way to disconnect from the daily burdens and practicing yoga can help you unwind even better. A lot of people think that it is really hard to practice yoga away from home or the studio, but this is about to change. The truth is that practicing yoga away from home is really easy and will also help you enjoy your trip in a special way. All you need is have the right mindset and be properly prepared. Here are the best tips that will help you practice yoga on the go:

1. Bring on the right gear:

The right gear can help you practice yoga on the go. You need to stick to Gym Gear Info to help you choose the right travel mat that best suits the purpose. Your mat should be light and foldable to fit properly in your backpack or suitcase. Make sure that it doesn’t take forever to dry as this can be really inconvenient. Where you will be spending your vacation time will affect the choice of your yoga mat. That’s why you need to read Yoga mats Jade versus Lululemon: Which will work best for you?

For example, if you are practicing yoga in a hotel room or the hotel gym, you can get away with a mat that is not so thick or even use one available at your destination. But if you are practicing yoga in the park or on the beach sand then you can choose a mat that is a bit thick and supportive. Don’t forget your towel and your yoga clothes. If you are spending time on the outdoors then you have to pack a high-quality water bottle. Stick to BPA free ones.

2. Assign a special yoga time:

You need to make sure that you assign a special time for yoga to fit among your different activities. Let it be at the beginning of the day or late at night but this time should not be forgotten. Don’t let your activities overwhelm you; you will be able to find some time to practice yoga amongst the various tasks you have to carry out every day. Let this be your time to unwind and relax whether you are spending time in a hotel room or on the beach.

3. Choose the right place:

In order to find your inner yogi, make sure that you are choosing the right spot to practice yoga. It shouldn’t be a crowded noisy place so that you can better connect with your core. Choose a spot where you can connect with your inner self and relax. If you have a chance, choose a spot with good ventilation and direct sunlight. In some places, you might be able to find a special yoga studio or a place where you can sit comfortably. But if this is not the case, then you can easily create your own spot. The right place will help you find your inner balance and let your yoga love drive you.

4. Disconnect:

If you are really cramped with duties and distractions, then it is very important to create some time to renew your yoga intention. This could be as little as 10 minutes that will help you get into the mood. This time helps you to restore your balance and find your real intention and motive to disconnect from the noises of the modern world. Let all the worries of the world lie behind you. Close your eyes and let your worries fly away. It is time to get your energy flowing.

5. Find a local community:

You might be able to find other yoga enthusiasts in most places of the world. Just do a little research to find other people who share the same interest and passion. They can tell you about the best places to go and where you can practice yoga comfortably. Being with others who share your love for yoga, you will be more encouraged to practice yoga away from home. In some places, you can even find a yoga retreat where all your meditation and yoga needs are being taken care of.

Your love for yoga shouldn’t be limited to a certain place. You can literally practice yoga anywhere you like and whenever you want to. Just spend some time to get properly prepared and you will be able to disconnect from every day’s worries and stress. This will take your traveling experience to a whole new level and help you get the best of your inner yogi.

June 1, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

How to Deal with Homesickness when Travelling

Homesickness can be pretty tough, especially when you’re thousands of miles away from home on the other side of the world. No matter how much fun you’re having making new friends, seeing wonders of the world and living life in your bikini, there are always going to be times when you get a craving for your mum’s roast dinner and a nice cup of Yorkshire Tea. With this in mind, we’ve put together some top tips to help you deal with homesickness when travelling:

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

The first thing to do when you start to feel homesickness creeping up is make sure that you’re kind to yourself and have given yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings. Sometimes when travelling you’ll find yourself in countries which are a massive culture shock, with a completely different cuisine, language and way of life. This can be hard to adjust to and something you can’t prepare for in advance, remember to give yourself time to adjust and try to settle, remember the whole reason you came away was to have new experiences!

Keep in Touch

There’s nothing like having a catch up with your best friend on Facetime or checking in with your Gran on Skype to make you feel much better and less homesick. It’s important to keep in touch with the people at home as much as you can to help keep cravings of homesickness at bay. Don’t forget about their birthdays or Christmas presents either, or you won’t be in good favour when you finally come home. Use a service like the one offered by TNT Direct to send gifts and parcels home at an affordable rate.

Document Your Trip

Blogging and using social media can be a great way to stay in touch with people at home, keeping them informed of your whereabouts too. Whilst social media posts get instant interaction from friends and family at home, making using apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, one of the best ways to still feel directly connected. A blog is also a great way to preserve all the moments you might forget, and fun to look back on long after you return from your travels when you get the bug again to go back.

It’s inevitable that you’re going to experience feelings of homesickness when traveling or away from home for long periods of time, but you’ll regret feeling like this when you’re finally at home once again and wishing to go away again.