Travel Tips Archives - Page 2 of 4

April 22, 2018 by Aaron Chandler

Cruise Into Summer With These Hot Vacation Ideas

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.

December 19, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Businesses You Can Start Tomorrow to Work Anywhere

Moving abroad can be an exhilarating undertaking. It can also raise the question of financial security; just where will your money come from in order to support your new nomadic lifestyle? You may think that starting a business to cover these costs is impossible on the road, but it is actually feasible so long as you choose the right kind of business.

So, which business should you set up tomorrow in order to work anywhere your heart takes you?

Blogging

Setting up and writing blogs for a website may seem like a lot of effort with little reward. And it is, to begin with. However, the more you grow your audience and develop loyal followers of your content the better opportunities you will find to make money.

Making money on your blog can be achieved via selling a product, affiliate marketing or even taking it a step further and writing a book that you then sell on the blog. To make the most of your travelling it could pay to make your blog travel-related, but that isn’t necessarily vital.

With 3.5 billion Google searches per day, your blog could offer the exact content that they are looking for. At least, you never know until you try!

Or Vlogging

Do you have a way with words, but not the ability to write them down in a cohesive manner? Then instead of blogging, you might be better suited to the art of vlogging.

Vlogging is particularly suited to a traveller, as you can even focus more on the exotic place that you are in rather than yourself in many cases. Plenty of people want to go travelling but never have the chance, so they could easily seek out your site in order to live vicariously through you.

However, that still leaves the big question: how do you make money from this? Simple, the ads before a YouTube video are where your money comes from. But, you do need an overall of 10,000 visits to your channel before this is available. Create a loyal, engaged, audience first and the monetisation of your channel will come eventually.

Sell Stuff

Have you found something that is amazing whilst on your travels? Or are you a dab hand at your own arts and crafts projects? Either way, you could make a profit from this by setting up your own online store. People pay premium money for unique items, so it can be a great way to make money even if you are travelling.

Simply make sure the supplies you need are available everywhere you go and posting them to another country would be relatively cost-effective. Once you can be sure of that, you have the means to make a great income whilst still on the move.

Contract Work

Plenty of people are moving to outsource work online. From design to writing, if you have an in-demand talent then you have the ability to make money from it online. Using sites like Upwork and Fiverr you can easily make a good wage whilst on the move.

If you only worked as you travelled you would still be able to make a decent amount. Long trains, planes and automobile rides are nothing new to travellers – so, why not make some money during them to stave off the boredom?

Make sure you know what’s up when it comes to taxes and insurance, however, as you need the right indemnity insurance to cover yourself in all business proceedings. Moving from contract to contract may also make you liable to invest in your contractors insurance also, otherwise, employers may refuse to hire you due to the risk. Cover your bases well and freelancing or contracting your way around the globe is a great possibility.

Photography

Are you venturing into scenic vista after scenic vista? Is every day you wake up a better picture than the last? Then you could be making money via the pictures you take, either by selling them online or even getting sponsorship deals via platforms like Instagram. Plenty of stock image sites are willing to pay you for every download of your image. Some even offer a fee to buy the image from you outright, depending on their platform.

Alternatively, you could keep the photograph for yourself and post it to Instagram and still earn money. If you have a lot of followers, then brands will be willing to pay you to mention their product in your image text or even sponsor the post as a whole. To make this work you need at least 1,000 followers. But, the more niche your reach the more some brands may be willing to overlook your follower count.

And there you have it! The best businesses that you can set up tomorrow in order to make money as you travel. Not all of them make instant money, but given enough time and effort could easily fund many legs to your journey. Simply choose the right one for your skillsets and get going!

December 13, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Moving Your Furniture Abroad With You

So you’ve finally decided to take the leap and move overseas. A trip you may have been planning for a while now, possibly for a new job, loved one or just a new adventure. As exciting as the move is, once the initial thrilling decision has worn off, it may have just dawned on you that you have a lot to sort to make this happen. Setting up abroad can be a daunting, scary and even lonely process so taking your belongings with you is a sure-fire way of making things feel more familiar even if you’re away from your home. One of the biggest and underappreciated parts of our lives is our furniture. Something that we all invest a lot of money into, by taking your pieces away with you, you can effectively recreate your home but in a new location. So, to make moving your pieces across easier, we’ve put together all of the advice you need when moving your furniture abroad.

How Much Will Shipping Cost

It pays here to shop around. Get a variety of quotes to ensure that you get the most-effective deal and company to move your furniture overseas. There are businesses out there that work to save you time and money, comparing quotes in the sector so you can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages whilst making a decision on which company is best to go with. When choosing an international removal company, part of your decision will be whether to pack your furniture yourself or whether to use specialist packers. You may wish to save on costs by doing it yourself, but it’s worth considering whether you want to risk irreplaceable items being damaged.

Tips for International Furniture Shipping

Start by measuring the furniture you want to ship to get an idea of how much you’ll need to move.
Make sure you take extra pictures of your ranges to ensure that you have the condition documented so that you’re covered if anything is lost or damaged.
Make sure you protect your sharp corners with cut off corners of cardboard boxes. If you have wicker furniture that will be fragile, wrap the pieces in foam or shrink wrap to prevent damage.
If you’re packing yourself, ensure that you label each box with what it contains, especially if its fragile items.
Take apart whatever you can (beds, desks, wardrobes) and flat-pack them. Ensure that you tape screws and fixings to the individual items.
Remember to pack cushions, sofa covers and bedding in plastic bin bags or specialist storage bags so they’re safe from dust, grime or dirt.

What to Consider When Packing

Time

When you have a set moving date, make sure you book your removal company. Popular places around Europe can be highly busy from a transport viewpoint so the make sure you book as earlier as possible to avoid disappointment. A good cost saver is that if you only have a few bits that don’t equate to a full load, your shipping may be shared with someone else’s, making it much cheaper.

When it comes to deciding how much you wish to ship, establish what size shipping container is right for you. Shipping containers come in two sizes: 20ft and 40ft. A 20ft container could fit the contents of a two-bedroom house with a car. A 40ft container could easily fit the contents of a 4-bedroom house, including larger items such as a piano. If you don’t have the contents of an FCL (full container load) you’ll be able to ship your belongings in an LCL (less than full container load). This will may take longer but will cost less.

The Tough Decision

When you start a new life you, unfortunately, have to leave some things behind. Even though you may love your garden deck chair, you need to get tough and only keep what you need to or simply can’t part with. In a lot of cases, it will cost more to ship some chest of draws or a bed, than to just buy a new one when you get there using the money you got for selling them before you leave. As they say, out with the old and in with the new so embrace the new adventure and only take what you must!

Look Long Term

This is where you need to be practical. You may just be moving short term for work or a new experience. In this case, it’s not worth taking all of your furniture in case you decide to return. Look at opting for storage units to house all of your furniture. Ensure you treat your furniture before you put it away and cover it effectively so that mould, damp or insects don’t damage your piece if you’re leaving it unattended for a long period.

December 1, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

Family first: Important things to know about healthcare when moving to the Netherlands with your family

When moving to the Netherlands with your family, there are many new aspects of day-to-day life to familiarise yourself with. Because healthcare is one of the most important, this guide provides you with useful information on the services available to you and your family.

The Netherlands has a very high standard of healthcare, ranking top of the Euro Health Consumer Index 2016 with a record-breaking score of 927 out of 1000. What’s more, the country has consistently ranked within the top three places of any European Index since 2005 according to the Health Consumer Powerhouse. The availability of doctors is also impressive, scoring better than the EU average of 3.6, with roughly 3.4 doctors per 1,000 citizens.

Before moving here, families should be aware that purchasing Dutch health insurance is a mandatory requirement of residents and expats. You must have this in place before you can access the country’s healthcare system.

Healthcare in the Netherlands is typically divided into three sections:

Basic and essential medical carefor covering GP appointments, specialist procedures and short hospital stays.
Long-term medical carefor covering chronic conditions.
Supplementary carefor covering dental care, physiotherapy and cosmetic surgery.

Children under the age of 18 are usually covered for dental work under the basic Dutch policy. Otherwise, supplementary care is not usually covered by basic health insurance policies, so you may find yourself paying out of pocket fees. To ensure your whole family is covered, it can be a sensible option to take out international health insurance.

How to access services

Once you have your health insurance plans in place, it is important to register with your nearest doctor or general practitioner, preferably before you require their services as the waiting lists can be long. After you’ve registered with a practice, this will become your primary contact if you have any non-emergency health concerns. Family doctors can refer you to the other services including specialists, home midwifery, physiotherapy or a hospital.

It is possible to choose a specific doctor providing they are not fully booked, and it’s often a good idea to arrange an appointment to see if they would be suitable before committing. Alternatively, you can find a list of local doctors in a variety of ways, including flicking through The Yellow Pages (‘Gouden Gids’) phone book and looking under ‘Artsen – huisartsen’.

Luckily, many doctors and general practitioners speak English, which helps with communication when it comes to explaining your needs.

A useful number to note down is 035 6928222, which is the central doctor’s service. It is available for any urgent advice if your GP is shut and a member of your family is in need (even on public holidays).

What to do in an emergency

Should you or anyone around you find themselves in a life-threatening medical situation, dialling 122 will get you through to the ambulance service, free of charge. If you need to instruct someone to call an ambulance ‘bel een ambulance’ or alternatively, if you’re able to take a taxi, ask for the ‘spoedeisende hulp’ to be taken to the nearest emergency facilities. If you have a speech or hearing impairment, dial 0800 8112 and type your message, stating where you are and the service you require.

Hospitals

If you or your family require hospital care, you’ll be relieved to know that the standard in the Netherlands are high-quality, ranking 17^th on the World Health Organisation’s efficiency list.

Here are a few things to know before you relocate with your family:

You’ll receive a registration card (‘ponsplaatje’) to show on your visits. This allows administrators to easily find your details and be able to pass any bills on to your insurer.
You may end up in a mixed gender ward or shared room. If you’d prefer a private room, then private insurance would be the way to go.
A TV and phone will probably be available for use, but at a charge.
Dutch hospitals enforce visiting hours, like others, but these times vary between hospitals.

Pharmacies

There are two types of pharmacies in the Netherlands: ‘drogist’ and ‘apotheek’. The first sells non-prescription medication along with toiletries and cosmetics, also useful if you require any baby products.

But if you need to pick up a prescription following a doctor’s appointment, then you should head to an apotheek. These pharmacies sell over the counter medicine and prescription drugs, and are also useful in advising on minor ailments. You should be aware that some non-prescription medication taken in your home country may require a prescription in the Netherlands.

To find your nearest 24-hour pharmacy you can call 020 694 8709 or look in the free local newspaper under ‘medische diensten’ (medical assistance).

While living abroad in the Netherlands, there are many aspects of Dutch life to enjoy with the whole family. Just make sure you take out the correct type of insurance so you can be safe in the knowledge that experts are on hand should you ever need medical assistance.

November 23, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

How to Keep Your Phone Safe While Travelling

The summer time has rolled around, and you’re jetting off to catch some well earned sun and relaxation on holiday. In your pocket is your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other smartphone. The last thing you want is for your holiday to be ruined by something unexpected happening to the most important gadget in your life. Your Samsung or Apple phone needs to be protected from both thieves and hackers; here’s how you can keep it safe while travelling.

Make Use of Your Hotel Safe

Most good quality hotels will provide you with a small safe in your room. You can usually find it in the wardrobe or inside one of the cupboards. Figure out how to use it, and then keep your phone locked in there whenever you don’t need it (if you’re heading off to the pool, for example). This will prevent the phone getting stolen by one of the staff or by a burglar. If you don’t have a safe, ask the reception staff if they can hold onto it.

Keep It Close to You

All it takes is for you to leave your phone out of sight for one second, and someone could snatch it. Never leave the phone sitting on a chair, table or wall. Don’t hold the phone out at arm’s length when walking along. Keep the phone inside your pocket or bag whenever you’re not using it, and when you are using it, hold onto it tightly. Don’t leave it in the open back pocket of your jeans, as it will be very easy for someone to take it out. Watch out for thieves who use knives to cut through the straps on bags.

Get Your Insurance Sorted Out

Before you go on holiday, make sure you have insurance that will cover the cost of a stolen phone. Most travel insurance packages do not cover lost phones, and to get one that does often requires you to pay an extra fee. These policies can also come with unexpected terms, so make sure to check them before you get the policy and head abroad. For example, some policies won’t cover a phone stolen from an aeroplane cargo hold, because they argue that you should have kept the phone in your pocket rather than placing it in hold luggage.

Avoid Local Scammers

Sometimes thieves, often working in gangs, will use scams to get people to make their valuables more vulnerable. For example, one thief might distract you while asking for directions while another steals your phone. Try to find out about any local scams, and stay on your toes, looking out for suspicious behaviour. If someone accosts you, and your phone is in your pocket, keep your hand in there to block potential thieves. Don’t let anyone borrow your phone to make a call.

Backup Your Important Data

Before you leave home, make sure that all of the important data on your phone (addresses, photos, videos, personal details etc) is backed up so that, in the event that your phone is stolen, broken or lost, all of this important data will still be safe. The backup can then be restored when you’ve got a new phone. It’s best to have more than one backup: one on another physical device like a laptop, and one in the cloud, just to make sure.

Keep It Safe from Hackers

Your phone is like a part of you, and it contains sensitive personal data that, if stolen, could be used by online criminals to blackmail you. You need to keep this data safe from hackers. Update all of your phone’s applications as well as the operating system to make sure you have the latest security patches.

Turn off location services and apps that use location so that criminals can’t track you. Watch out for public wifi hotspots; these are notoriously insecure and so should not be used for any sensitive purposes like buying something with a credit card. Many phones will have a feature that allows you to erase the memory if it gets stolen, so you know that your personal details are no longer on there.

November 14, 2017 by Aaron Chandler

How to Make Sure That You’re Fully Organised For Packing Your Home Up

Boxes upon boxes, more tape then you can imagine and everything you own waiting to be packed. It sounds pretty daunting doesn’t it? Everyone knows it, packing is one of the most demanding and difficult tasks you have when it comes to moving homes. There are ways however to make this task a little easier for yourself with basic planning and organisational skills which will get you to your new place before you know it. Below are a few tips to help you with this process, so get your music playlist ready and let’s crack on.

Plan

There is a lot to and sometimes it can be hard just to figure out where to start. Plan everything, give yourself a starting point and a daily goal of where you need to be. A great place to start with your plan is obtaining your moving materials. Get stocked up with boxes, bubble wrap and a life time worth of tape (you can never have too much).

As soon as your move is confirmed it is never too early to get the ball rolling, start with a spare room or a garage for example. Once that is complete start to move around your house ticking off your plan list as you go. Planning is essential, use it as a timeline to work with your personal schedule.

Declutter

Homes can always accumulate things that you don’t really need over the years and there is never a better time for a good old clear out. Whether it’s the old fish tank for the fish you no longer have or the clothes you no longer wear, try to pack as light as you can. This will only speed up the process of unpacking when your move date arrives. You never know there may be things that you can sell to help out with the financial factor of moving. If not a charity box for your local charity shop will never go a miss.

Manage your Expectations

Getting everything packed is a massive accomplishment but unfortunately it is not the end game. Make sure you manage your expectations for when you arrive at your new home and when the unpacking process begins. Have an essentials box for the useful items that you will need as soon as you arrive and an overnight bag for everyone in the family. When loading make sure they are the last things in the van so they are easily accessible.

Removal Company

Unless you want the job of moving everything yourself, you can find professional removal companies easily online. Always remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best option for you. Get quotes, use comparison sites such as Shiply to help you out. This way you can give yourself an estimate of what you will be paying and decipher what removal company fits your personal needs. Comparison sites also tend to have feedback from customers, so read through them, how was their experience?

Have Fun

Packing is tedious, everyone knows it but you can make it fun! Put on your favourite album, stick the radio on, listen to an eBook. Dance your way to your goals and reward yourself for completing them.

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.

Royalty Free Photo

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.