Travel Tips Archives - Page 2 of 4

July 26, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

A trip to the beautiful Penang Islands

Penang Island is located at the Malacca Strait and is separated from the mainland by the Penang Strait. The island is a regional center for spice production and is now well known as the Silicon Valley of the East. Developing as the booming tourist destination, the beaches and historic sites of Penang lure travelers from all across the world. Plan your trip to Penang, and you can make an advance booking on one of those Penang Island hotels well known for their warm hospitality and excellent services. Like the rest of the South East Asian counties, Penang Island has a tropical rainforest climate.

About the modern Penang

Over the years, Penang has grown as the Asian version of the American silicon-valley. Georgetown is well known as the ‘Cybercity’ what with giants like Dell, Intel and AMD headquartered in the city. The favorable financial conditions of Malaysia have encouraged the development and progress of Penang. Known as the pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. Majority of the people here are Chinese while the rest are Malay and Indian. There are loads of activities to enjoy and lots to explore and see on the island. One will come across many hotels and resorts on the island and Berjaya Penang Hotel is popular choice among the tourists as it is located around the city of Georgetown, the vibrant capital of Penang and other local attractions Penang is a great destination not just because of the wonderful beaches but also because of the exceptional mix of cultures. The island is a good location for a holiday in South East Asia.

Main Cities and villages of Penang

One of the most touristic resorts in Penang in Batu Ferringhi Village with a street full of hotels having their private beaches. Stay at those hotels to enjoy the beaches and explore the beachside activities. The quality of the food served at the food courts is very nice. The village of Tanjung Bungah is similar to Batu Ferringhi with beaches, hotels and food courts. Penang National Park is a favorite spot among the tourists and boasts of some nice activities in the surrounding area. Visit the batik factory and the Penang Butterfly Garden and walk to the Muka Head Lighthouse.

Popular beaches at Penang Island

When compared to other beaches in Malaysia, Penang beaches are equally good. Those white pearly beaches with crystal clear waters on the island Langkawi are hard to resist. Borneo island beaches are simply astounding. Most beaches are found at Batu Ferringhi and offer activities such as jet skis, surfing, riding, parasailing, and sailing. However, be wary of the jellyfish that can be found along the coast of Penang in huge numbers. Go to a hotel that has its own swimming pool and private beach where you can go for walks, tanning, and sunset. Diving and snorkeling are popular around Penang Islands, and Pulau Payar is an excellent spot for snorkeling. Other favorite spots are Perhentian, Redang or Tioman for diving and snorkeling possibilities.

Must-see attractions in Penang

Penang has plenty of touristic attractions that should not be missed. Here, you can enjoy an interesting and eclectic mix of natural and cultural attractions along with modern offerings. Visit the Penang Hill that offers a welcome break from the heat below. Another most popular attraction is the largest Buddhist temple complex, the Kek Lok Si Temple that was made more than a hundred years ago. Make a trip to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, with the Chinese architecture dating back to 18th and 19th-century. Spend a couple of hours at Escape Adventureland Penang for the most thrilling moments of your life.

July 4, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

How To Get The Best Cell Phone Use While On Vacation

Taking Your Mobile Phone Abroad

When planning you and your families, next getaway don’t forget to plan how you will communicate with each other while in a different country. Many of us don’t consider how we will use our phones when we travel. It’s usually the last thing on our minds after deciding the where, when and how you’re going to visit. But having a plan for how to use your phone can prove to be vital in times of emergency. We use our phones so much in our day to day lives that sometimes we think our phone is just an extension of our hand. Unlike your hand, your phone is going to need special provisions to work out of the country.

Check Your Cell Phone Travel Coverage

Before you get on a plan or go on a road trip, don’t assume that your phone will work wherever you go. I think sometimes we expect our phone is going to work and that we’ll pay whatever the roaming charges are. Having to pay very high roaming charges is the best case scenario. The worst case scenario is that your phone might not even work depending on where you are in the world. To avoid the unknown give your cell phone carrier a call before you plan your next trip. It’s better to know before you get to book your trip, so you know your options.

If you are traveling outside the continental US like to Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Alaska, you will be able to use your phone under most cell phone carrier plans. If you’re traveling to Canada, the same rule will apply. If you have International Roaming on your cell phone plan, this is the best way to go. You’ll be able to send text messages and have access to data although your internet data will usually be significantly slower it should still work.

A New SIM Card Could Save the Day

In the event that you are planning an extended stay anywhere in the world, there is an option that will allow you to make calls in the country you’re visiting without paying ridiculous roaming charges. Consider buying a SIM card from the cell phone carrier in the country your visiting. This option is one of the safest bets to clear consistent access to your cell phone while out of the country. When buying a SIM card you have two options: you can use the new SIM card in your phone from home but that comes with stipulations, or you can buy a cheap travel phone that you can use every time you go on vacation.

Using your phone with a different SIM card can be easy as pie if you’ve entirely paid for your phone. If you’re on a payment plan, it can get a little stickier but let’s deal with the first option for now. If your phone is paid for and it’s not already unlocked, you can either go into a store or call your carrier to ask them to unlock the phone so that you can use it with a different SIM card. If you are in the middle of a payment plan with your carrier they may not allow you to unlock the phone legally because you haven’t finished paying for it. Your monthly bills pay for your cell phone usage and a portion of the cost of the phone until it’s paid off.

If you are still paying for your phone and your cell phone carrier won’t unlock your phone, you may even have options. You should, however, be very careful because these options may not be on the legal side of the spectrum. On the World Wide Web, you can search for just about anything. There are loads of websites that walk you step by step on how to unlock your phone from home. It’s called “jailbreaking” your phone, so if your cell phone carrier finds out somehow that you’ve done this, you could be in breach of contract and have some consequences to your actions. The other downside to “jailbreaking” your phone is that if you’re successful and even if you’re not successful you could end up losing information from your phone and or ruining your device.

The safest and most legal thing to do is to buy a low-cost travel phone and a SIM card to go with it. This way in the case of an emergency or if you merely need to Google the closest Starbucks to the Pyramids in Egypt you can do it quickly and without breaking any laws or your phone.

July 3, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Many Ways To Capture Life’s Moments: The Camera Phone Vs. The Camera

Taking vacations are often fun and entertaining as well as relaxing. As with any vacation, there is always the necessity to have pictures because pictures last a lifetime. Moments with family and friends are often those times that we cherish forever. But capturing such moments today or decided between multiple devices, most notably the camera phone or the actual camera. While there are many differences between a camera for in a camera, the choice is up to the individual user as to which device would be better suited for your purpose.

In times past there was only one standard Polaroid camera, the type that gave the snap and flash. Whether such photos were printed on site or had to be taken to a photo developer, there was only one way of taking such exciting pictures. But with today’s innovation and advancement of camera phones you now have the ability to take a picture and save it in your phone or have it transferred to any other media device instantaneously. As time progresses, such camera phones are becoming more and more advanced. The mobile phone has definitely taken the world stage as the preferred device when taking such pictures. Holiday snaps are seen as more colorable and having more graphics with such smartphone devices. Different styles of pictures are to be taken and the mobile phone world has no shortage of such. From being able to take a panoramic view, a 3D view, or add to the background of a picture while on vacation with different items and various designs are all the features that camera phones offer to the user today. This is not so with a traditional camera.

Traditional cameras have some advantages of their own in comparison to a camera phone and such advantage relies on the ability to zoom in from far off distances as well as being able to take sharper and more deeply contrasted pictures at the same time. Traditional cameras allow the user to take a better shot from high altitudes looking down or from low altitudes looking up in ways that camera phones cannot. With today’s traditional camera there is a higher definition as well as more pixels when such pictures are taken. With holiday snaps being such important times, most users will stick to the traditional camera, the camera lens, and the neck strap to hold the camera during leisure moments. This is surely not a thing of the past as more consumers are sticking to this tradition. Albeit the older generation prefers the traditional camera due to its ease-of-use and flexibility, the younger generation will more than likely prefer the camera phone. This is to be understood. A rather common disadvantage of a traditional camera is that most are bulky or not Compact in ways that camera phones are.

In conclusion, whether you are standing on the highest summits, historical places, or looking down from a bird’s-eye view from a mountaintop, the way you capture those moments will be up to your skill level. If it’s the desire for a camera phone then be sure to have the latest technology with the latest pixels and the most recent high definition. This way you can rest assured that your special moments will be saved on your phone or uploaded to your individual cloud. If the desire is to keep with the traditional camera then there is no need to upload anything as your images are stored in the very camera itself. Having the ability to zoom in and zoom out is definitely a feature that travelers the world over just cannot do away with.

July 3, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

How You Can Sell Your Mobile Phone

With the increased speed at which technology has been progressing, you will want to make sure you have the latest electronic devices that are available. This includes your desktop computer, laptop, tablet and mobile phone. These items change very rapidly and new and improved models are constantly coming out on the market. Smartphones have become one of the hottest sellers in the world and more people are using them for personal and business use. It is almost required now that you get a new phone every year if not sooner to keep up with the latest and greatest . That is fine, but, what do you do with your old phone? This dilemma has many people stumped.

Trade In For A New Model

You could talk to your service provider and see if they will allow you to trade in your old phone for a new one. Many times, they will give you credit on an old model to put towards the purchase of a new phone. This is what most people will do since they will also have all of the information transferred from the old one to the new one and while there, they can just turn it in. However, you may not get as much for the phone as you would if you were to sell it privately. But, it is the most convenient way to get rid of it.

Sell Your Mobile Phone

If you prefer to make more from your old phone, then you could sell your mobile online at auction sites such as Ebay. This could potentially generate more money that you could then use to purchase a new phone. Another way to sell your mobile phone would be to list it on sites like Craigslist or mobilephonechecker.co.uk, where local people would have access to it. These are private sales that are conducted in person and many people prefer to use this since you could have cash in hand immediately. No matter which of these options you choose, you will make more money to use for a new purchase than you would by trading it in. If you place an advertisement in the newspaper, you could generate a lot of interest in your old phones and other electronic devices. There is a small charge to advertise this way, but, you could return quite a bit of money from it. Family and friends may also be interested in purchasing your phone and you may want to check with them. If you look online, you may find other companies who will do the same. Many shopping malls have kiosks where you can sell your items and they have a set price point at which they will purchase them.

When you get a new mobile device, you should not just throw away the old one as there are now regulations in place that place fines on people who do this. They must be recycled in some way. Why not try to make some money on your old devices if you can instead of tossing it out or just leaving it laying around. In fact, many people now collect devices that can be sold for parts and have become quite successful at it. They can take them apart and sell the individual pieces for quite a bit of money. This includes, computers, tablets and mobile phones.

June 12, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

How to Plan Your Next Luxurious Private Couple Getaway

If you are planning a luxurious private couple getaway then you have landed on the right page. Planning such a is not as easy as it may sound.

There are several things involved that have to be taken care of so that you can have fun when you take out on your next trip. To help you in this regard, given below are some valuable tips on how to plan your next luxurious private couple get away.

Now without wasting anymore time, let’s move to the tips:

1. Check Your Schedules

The most important thing is the schedule here. When you take off for a holiday you would need bulk dates. This can be troublesome if you both have work or other commitments.

Many couples make the mistake of planning a surprise trip but only for it to backfire. Imagine booking a trip for your and your partner only to find out that he or she has a business meeting to attend on the same dates.

This will not only cause all your plan to go to waste but may also result in a disagreement. To avoid this from happening, sit down with your partner and make a schedule according to the availability.

Of course, surprises have their own charm as well, but you can keep them for later.

2. Decide Your Budget

Budget should be decided beforehand as it can ruin plans. Your budget will decide everything from where you will go to where you will stay to for how many days.

If you are a smart couple, you must have already made some savings for your next trip, but if such is not the case then have a good look at your financial condition and see how much you can afford to spend on this holiday.

3. Be On The Same Page Regarding The Location

The next most important questions is – ‘where to go?’

Again, take this decision with your partner. You both should be on the same page regarding the destination so that you both can have a good time.

This is of huge importance because people are different. You might be a fan of beaches and serenity, but your partner might prefer the hustle and bustle of cities.

You both again need to sit down and pick a destination that you both agree on. An easy option is to pick a country or city that you two have never been to so that you can have something new to explore.

Moreover, you can also search for things to do in a specific city and make a list of all that you intend to do there so that no time is wasted once you reach the destination.

4. Choose Your Resort or Hotel

While hotels have their own benefits, we suggest that you stay at a resort since it offers more bang for your bucks.

A resort is a serene place that comes with tons of amenities. You can book a resort specifically designed for couples to enjoy great intimacy and amenities.

Just go on the internet and look for reviews to make sure you pick a resort that is known to provide quality services. Third-party reviews can help you judge a resort well.

5. Make All The Booking

Finalize everything and make all the bookings, form airline tickets to resort to activities that you intend to enjoy.

Booking about a month in advance can help you save money. Also, compare different options and pick one that is the cheapest.

Plus, try to book tickets and rooms that are flexible so that you can change the date later in case your plan changes.

6. Pack Everything Carefully

Make a checklist and pack all that you need so that you don’t forget anything. Always double check to be on the safe side.

Follow this to plan your next amazing trip!

April 24, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Tips On How You Can Turn That Dream Vacation Into a Reality

Ask anyone and they will be able to tell you their dream vacation in the drop of a hat, perhaps a trip to the glorious Seychelles, a round the world cruise or maybe even a luxury trip to a style capital like Paris, Milan or New York. Ask the same people if they think that they can one day achieve their dream, and most will tell you that it is unlikely. This however, does not have to be the case and with some sacrifice and some smart saving, you can find a way to take that trip which you have always dreamed of, and here are some tips to get you on your way.

Focus

If this really is a dream trip for you then in order to achieve it you must be focused on your goal, and let the idea of actually realizing your dream consume you entirely. In terms of maintaining your focus, you should try to surround yourself with ideas of the trip, place a photo in your purse or wallet, put photos of your destination on the walls of your office and bedroom, all of which will serve as a constant reminder of why you are living the way that you are.

Sacrifice

It is called a dream vacation for a reason and if it was easy to achieve then everyone would be able to. With this in mind you must understand the sacrifices which you will have to make, in order to finally get yourself on that trip of a lifetime. The key to getting there is going to come down to how seriously you take your plans, and how much you are willing to sacrifice. When we discuss sacrifice we refer to those meals and nights out with friends, buying those new boots, that new phone, or any other extra spend which you have been thinking about. In avoiding these sporadic spending sprees, you can get yourself much closer to actually booking that trip.

Savings Plan

When it comes to putting a savings plan in place, this is best done through a little bit of reverse engineering. First you need to plan the trip as if you were going in 10 months, check out flight prices, hotel prices, and any other activities which you plan to do on your trip. Naturally the prices which you look at today could comfortably change by the time you are ready to book, but it serves as a great yardstick in terms of your savings.

Once you have the overall figure totted up, you will be able to see the size of your challenge. Using this figure you should then break down how much you can feasibly save each month, assuming that you are prepared to sacrifice, and then work out just how long it will take you to save up. Don’t be discouraged if it looks as though it will take a long time to save up, it will all be worth it in the end as long as you stay committed and be strong with your plans.

April 24, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

T.L.C. to the Max – A Spa Hotel Holiday

Spa Hotels are a well sought out holiday where indulging in a good pampering session is routine. No one would turn down the idea of having a place where you can be rejuvenated and well looked after, and a spa hotel provides just that. No more trying to find a tedious way to make yourself feel more comfortable, spas can offer instant relaxation.

The spa experience reels in billions and it’s solely because many have come to understand the benefits of general wellness and maintenance that spas seek to promote. With the spa treatments, wellness facilities, pampering sessions and activities that are provided in spas, it’s no wonder that many have seen how this recreation can improve lifestyle. Stay in a spa hotel and experience the countless advantages that it has to offer. Here are just some of them.

Health and Wellbeing

No doubt one of the main reasons that spas are profitable is because of its salubrious effect on the body. Everybody likes the idea of feeling better and that’s exactly what this leisure does. It’s not just about a one of healthy experience, but you can learn things that you can take away with you in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you return home. Let the experience kindle a love for your body, so that you can treat it with better care from day to day.

De-stress with some Thai chi, or some therapeutic massages. Don’t let your mental health become overwhelmed and out of control. Settle you anxieties and worries with some spa treatment that serves to make you more mentally revitalised. It’s not only bad thinking that can be dealt with but this experience can also increase confidence and self-esteem.

Aches and pains are one of the biggest hindrances in everyday life. Trying to carry out those daily duties with a crick in your neck or a twinge in your back makes the tasks almost unachievable. Provide relief for those tense knots that have been developing in your body, combat those aches with a spa treatment that tackles the problem head on.

Not only will the spa treatment help you to overcome any nagging health issues but it can prevent any on coming issues. Taking care of your body in this way will definitely work for your future wellbeing and will eliminate any reoccurring ailments.

Suits All

This type of holiday suits everybody. Whether a couple’s getaway, a girls weekend trip, or a family affair, you can all enjoy it. It’s a time to disengage from the norm, leave all the hustle and bustle behind and unwind in the most luxurious way. Bath in a bubbling hot tub, mask in a mud chamber, or treat yourself to some therapy. Spoil yourselves and get educated on how to alleviate stress.

Spas are a great place to spend that quality time with the people you value most: improving on those relationships that can so often be hindered by the day to day distractions.

April 22, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Cruise Into Summer With These Hot Vacation Ideas

Source

Have you been wondering what you should do for your summer holidays this year? Maybe you haven’t quite decided and are open to suggestions of new and interesting things to do. While more and more people are opting to stay close to home and partake in things like camping, many people are taking advantage of summer airfare deals and heading abroad. Whatever your plans in summers past, here are a couple of great ideas for summer vacations that you can check out this year!

Cruises

Cruises are a great way to get out and see the world with minimal effort. All you do is board the boat and away you go with excursions optional and organised by professionals to create the perfect memorable and luxurious holiday experience. One of the best ways to catch one of these great trips is on a cruise that leaves from Southampton in the UK. Southampton is well connected, so for those from outside the UK getting there is easy and it offers a whole host of fantastic cruising options from the north sea, Scandinavia, Mediterranean and regional cruises to name but a few. Which will you choose?

European Tours

Tours of all kind throughout Europe (including cruises down the likes of the Rhine or to the coastal regions of Belgium and the like) are fantastic ways to see the optimum amount of culture and experience fantastic architecture, food, music and scenery in a short space of time. With numerous organised European tours to choose from, it’s easy to see why Europe has always been a favourite for many people to travel to and explore. From castles perched high on cliff sides to back alleys offering the best in local cuisines, Europe is one long exposure to new and wonderful places, people and things.

Road Trips Through North America

A seriously great option for a summer getaway is to take to the open road in the likes of North America. With both Canada and the United States offering some of the best in trip-worthy roads and routes, it’s a given that this is a great option for many adventure seekers who want to get out and see as much of the country as possible. Two main routes that you can take in canada include the Western Loop from Vancouver through the mountains to Edmonton, south to Calgary and then back to Vancouver or the eastern route which can take you from Toronto through the maritimes and around the historical Cabot Trail on the island of Nova Scotia. Perhaps the most popular and famous route in all of the US is Historic Route 66 which stretches from Chicago in Illinois all the way down to Santa Monica in LA. Which route (or routes!) will you pick?

So there you have some truly spectacular options for this summer’s ultimate getaways. With so many options out there nowadays for amazing trips and experiences how will you know which to choose? Time to get those bags packed and get out there! Enjoy!

March 20, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

A Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

The world has a lot to offer. And with air travel, you can go to these places yourself and experience their culture and their practices. But before you can even think about hopping onto that plane, you must first know that international travel is a lot different from a domestic one.

A Beginner’s Guide

Packing your bags and fixing your itinerary is the easy part of your journey. Aside from that, you will need to do other preparations like making sure your passport is up to date. To help first-time international travelers, here is a short guide that can give you an idea of what else you must watch out for before the day of your trip.

Check Immigration Requirements

Each country has a different policy when it comes to visitors. A bit of research on the country you will visit can go a long way.

Make sure that you have all the necessary documents you will need to enter and use the country’s public transport. The list of requirements for your entrance can often be found on the country’s website for your reference.

Photocopy Everything

There’s a saying that goes: It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. So, to be on the safe side, it is essential to have a photocopy of all your documents, from your passport to your boarding passes. Once that’s done, you can then store it in a separate place from your official documents to keep them safe.

Doing this prepares you for the scenario that you lose your documents. This way, you can at least prove your identity and reason for your stay should the local officials come knocking on your door.

Check Airline Baggage Requirements

Take the time to make sure that you are in line with your airline’s baggage requirements and that includes staying within the weight limit. A good tip is to pack as light as you can and to leave a bit of room for any souvenirs or other purchases you might come across on your travels.

Remember not to bring any prohibited items on the airplane because this can lead to more inspections and delayed flights.

For Countries that Require an Arrival Card, Take it Seriously

Some countries require you to fill up an immigration card which will tell officials why you are visiting, and where you will be staying. Now, not all countries require this to be filled up. Countries like the United States and Malaysia do not require this, but countries like Russia do. So, to avoid the hassle, check the country you will visit if they have the arrival card as part of the requirement before you enter.

Avoid Exchanging Money at the Airport

To get the best rates when you exchange your money for the local currency, it is best to check online for trusted facilities in the area, or you can get your money exchanged before your flight so you don’t have to worry once you arrive.

Travelling overseas is a fun experience that people need to experience at least once in their lives. And to enjoy it even more, you need to be smart and prepared.

Furthermore, travelling is best experienced when you drive your own car. So, it’s important to find a service like Alpha Car Hire to get the best deals on good quality cars.

March 19, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Reasons for Using Long Term Accommodation

There are a few reasons why long term or “long stay” accommodation types are a fantastic option when travelling. Their benefits range from spacious and home-like comfort through to necessary facilities such as kitchens and laundries, making them a widely sought-after accommodation type.

Cheap long term accommodation is completely possible with the likes of furnished apartments and other long stay choices. Thanks to the growing number of options available through accommodation sites and suppliers, everyone from students and businesspeople through to those going on extended holidays have a variety of choices for comfortable, affordable and conveniently located accommodation.

Here is why opting for cheap long term accommodation is such a great choice.

Flexible and Functional

Long term accommodation is a perfect option for those who need somewhere flexible and functional to stay for an extended period of time. Whether you’re between houses, travelling for work or university, or you have only just moved interstate, the available cheap long term accommodation options are endless. With a quick online search, you will be provided with accommodation types that are suited to your intended stay and can provide you with a temporary home that’s just as comfortable as a real one.

It can be uncomfortable to stay in accommodation like hotels or bed and breakfasts for a long period of time. But with cheap long term accommodation, you’ll be provided with kitchen facilities, a laundry, and enough space so you won’t feel like you’re living in a shoe box out of a suitcase.

A Better Way to Travel

Beyond their practicality and convenience, cheap long term accommodation types are generally a better way to travel and see a city. It’s possible to book long term apartments around the world that are conveniently located, close to public transport options, and a short walk to a number of popular sites. This convenience, paired with a homely experience, means that you can have a completely comfortable and satisfying holiday stay.

Whatever the nature of your travels, whether it’s a small romantic getaway, a business trip or a family holiday, long term apartments offer a more rewarding and relaxed way to travel when staying in a new city. You’ll be relieved to know that the many options for cheap long term accommodation means that tiny hotels are no longer the only choice available.

A More Homely Experience

People often opt for hotels or hostels for the “fun” aspect while they travel. For some people like families, business people and students, the noise of these accommodation types makes them less than ideal. Cheap long term accommodation provides travellers with a quieter, more private and homely experience.

With access to amenities, weekly cleaning services, and a variety of inclusive features, staying in a serviced apartment means travelling or staying away from home doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable experience. From regular everyday travellers through to more long term travellers, long term accommodation is a realistic and suitable option for all jet-setter types. Depending on your specific circumstances, providers should be able to offer you cheap long term accommodation packages and deals.