5 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel

January 6, 2020
Chris
Travel Tips
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The travel bug seems to have hit all of us, and with so many sights to see around the world, staying at home simply isn’t an option. However, going on holiday isn’t all fun and games, and many tourists might not know that the perfect trip takes a lot of planning. While it’s tempting to simply pick up your backpack and hit the road, if you want to make sure your travel experience goes well, then you need to put in a little bit of legwork before heading out. Here are only a few tips and tricks you can do to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

Pick Your Destination

Deciding where you want to go is the cornerstone of your preparations, and will be the biggest decision and most important decision you’ll make. The type of traveler you are will be a big factor in your decision-making process: are you a backpacker who only needs a rough itinerary, or do you have specific sights you want to see that require a bit more planning? Doing your due diligence and researching your destination will prevent a lot of headaches in the future. If picking where to go is tougher than you thought, Insider has put together a list of top travel destinations for millennials that could help out in that department, including Canada, South Africa, and Thailand.

Research Your Transportation

Figuring out how to get around is essential to travel — in fact, it’s the next most important thing after figuring out a destination. Transportation requires big decisions, such as how to get to a specific country from your home, and small decisions, such as how to navigate a foreign city. When picking airlines, a feature by Aviation JobNet lists some of the factors you should consider before buying your ticket. These factors include price comparisons, consumer ratings, and luggage surcharges, among others. Other transportation options will be specific to your location, and going on forums like TripAdvisor will net a lot of helpful tips.

Pack Smart

Your luggage is the next thing you should be thinking about, and while overpacking or underpacking might not be enough to ruin a whole trip, it can put a wrench in your plans. To avoid the hassle of bringing too much or too little, travel blogger Nomadic Matt has put together a packing list based on his own experiences. The list includes a general count of how many t-shirts and pants you’ll need for any trip, as well as essential toiletries and items for your travel medical kit. You can adjust this depending on where you’re going and what the weather will be like, but having a foundation for your packing decisions is much smarter than simply tossing what you want to wear into a bag.

Use Technology

Gone are the days when going on a trip meant wading blindly through a foreign country. There are tons of resources online that can help make your trip run more smoothly, and can even open your eyes to hidden gems or good deals. Try crowdsourcing information on forums like TripAdvisor, or head over to famous travel magazine Lonely Planet for long reads on exotic locales. The Internet is a fantastic tool for research, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t use it.

Bring Gadgets

The benefits of technology go beyond advice on a forum post, and advancements in science and tech have led to the invention of gadgets that are now essential for the perfect travel experience. Check out our post on ‘6 Travel Gadgets That You Should Always Have in Your Suitcase’ for some of the best gadgets that you simply can’t travel without. A smartphone, multipurpose backpack, and noise-cancelling headphones are only a few of the things we never travel without.

5 Reasons to Plan a Schengen Holiday

August 8, 2019
Chris
Travel Talk, Travel Tips
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Going on a Schengen holiday can be both fun and adventurous. With plenty of things to do and places to visit in Europe, a Schengen holiday experience is a must for all those travelers who love exploring interesting places. A visit to the best cities of Europe will leave you inspired and in awe of its spectacular wonders. This article will highlight some of the reasons why a Schengen holiday must be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Want to experience a stress-free Schengen holiday? Make sure you check out the ETIAS guide prior to planning your Schengen holiday. The Schengen area includes several countries which fall under the European Union as well as the other countries like Switzerland. This guide lists out all the essential points which can be of great help while traveling in these regions. This way you can travel throughout the Schengen
zone without any hassle.

1. You get to be surrounded by the age-old history

Europe has accommodated the living civilization for several centuries and the monumental buildings are proof to this. Especially in places like Italy, there are some buildings which date back to several thousand years. Dotted with numerous museums, Europe is one place in the world which holds the maximum number of artworks which were curated early on. By planning a Schengen holiday, you can get a chance to explore
the age-old history of Europe through the several monuments as well as the museums.

2. You get to taste lip-smacking delicacies

From immensely appetizing beer options to the delicious cuisine that is available in every nook and corner of the continent, a trip to Europe can be a real treat for your taste buds. You simply can’t miss some of these favorites which include strudel in Austria, black risotto in Croatia, croissants in France, gyros in Greece, waffles in Belgium, and above all, the pizzas in Italy! The culinary delights of this place make for a scrumptious meal which would definitely be loved by every gastronome.

3. You get to walk amidst the picturesque landscapes

From the snow-blanketed Swiss Alps to the charming coastlines of Italy, the natural beauty of Europe’s attractions can leave any spectator awestruck. With jaw-dropping sights everywhere, a Schengen holiday can rejuvenate your senses and give you that much needed peace of mind.

4. You get to explore the rich culture of Europe

Exploring the culture of a place always tops the list of every traveler and explorer. Some of the finest theatres of the world are accommodated by Europe where several artists showcase their talent inspired by the rich culture of Europe. The plays, musical shows and other performances in these theatres give you a chance to get a glimpse into the cultural aspects of that particular regional.

5. You get to visit a lot of places in the least amount of time

Traveling from one place to another is always a hassle when you are in an unknown country. But, this is not the case when you are in the European countries. Even though Europe holds a number of interesting countries, the efficient travel modes make it easier for tourists to commute between cities. The Schengen zone’s open borders make it possible to explore most of the European region with a single stamp on your passport. This would give you more time to travel to a large number of places in Europe.

So, apply for your Europe visa now and go an exciting Schengen holiday to explore the vibrant countries of Europe.

Top Islands for a Relaxing Holiday in Greece

January 22, 2019
Chris
Europe, Travel Tips
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A country of amazing beauty, Greece is considered the most renowned sea destination in Europe.

This is because of its stunning islands, romantic sunsets, white-washed houses, Mediterranean flavors and turquoise waters. If you are looking to relax on a Greek Island Holiday, here is my guide to the best Greek islands destinations.

These beautiful islands are the country’s big pride suitable for chilling out on the beach, family holidays or week long parties.

Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece. It is very famous for its sightseeing such as the world famous Acropolis and long history of 3000 years. A Greek Island holiday is not complete without a visit to Athens.

Culture lovers will definitely love the Acropolis museum, ancient temples, the Roman Agora and other archaeological sites. The city also boasts of beach resorts to relax on your Greek island holiday. The beach resorts are great in the hot summer days to enjoy a swim.

Santorini Island

Santorini Island is one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the world. This is also my favorite Island in Greece. It is loaded with boat tours, best beaches, white houses of Fira set against blue sea and amazing restaurants.

It has a breathtaking view to the sea, romantic sunset, and luxurious resorts hence it is a perfect island for family holidays, couples or holding a party.

Black Sand Beaches

It had once volcanic eruptions hence its black sand beaches are oasis of tranquility for everyone looking forward to relax on their Greek Island Holiday. There are many cruise ships that dock and charter flights to Santorini from other countries hence it is easy to come there.

Luxurious Hotels

The many luxurious hotels found on this Island offer upscale facilities such as open Jacuzzi, outdoor massages, infinity pools and luxurious spas.

Things to do and see

If you are looking for a bit of nightlife, then Santorini Island is the place to go. There are boat tours to visit the villages and experience their traditional architecture. Kamari and Perissa Islands are renowned for their black sand which you can enjoy during a day in the sun.

You can book a bus tour and visit a famous Santos winery and taste its traditional wine.

Mykonos Island

This is my second favorite Island in Greece. It is popular for its striking beaches and crazy night life. It offers the ultimate holiday for people of all age’s especially young people looking to have fun in the night.

Accommodation

Mykonos Island has several luxurious hotels. These have lots of facilities, including spa, massages and pools. If you don’t want to spend your holiday in a luxury hotel, there are modern villas, apartments or budget hotels to stay in too.

Things to See

There are many cruise ships and yachts that continue to arrive on the island especially in summer. This is because Mykonos Island is a popular destination with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and traditional windmills. Most of the avenues are close to the town.

5 Reasons Cornwall Makes for an Ideal Holiday Destination

January 22, 2019
Chris
Destinations, Travel Tips
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Cornwall is the south western tip of England, which has a mix of sea beauty to offer the visitors. On one hand are the tiny villages and towns at the south coast, and on the other are the surfing places like Newquay located on the north coast. The county has a number of beautiful houses and villas to stay in. You can even stay in a holiday park in Cornwall. Apart from that, the food and culture of the region makes for the perfect laidback holiday on the shores of the Atlantic sea.

Read on to know more about reasons that make Cornwall an ideal holiday destination.

1. Big, beautiful beaches

Located in the South West of England, Cornwall has one of the best landscapes in the Queen’s land. The place has all kinds of beaches. The sandy ones with water just splashing on your feet and the rocky ones with waves crashing into the shore – Cornwall has it all and more, which makes it perfect for a beach vacation. You can also choose to walk along the coastlines, which makes for some amazing pictures.

2. Delicious food

With quite a few world famous restaurants in the area, Cornwall is the perfect blend of good food and beautiful scenery. The seafood is fresh and tastes heavenly. Places like Seafood Restaurant, The Shore and others are bound to leave you craving for more. Add to that the beauty of scrumptious Cornish patty with some cream and you have on your hands a winning formula!

3. Great places to stay

The hotels, spas, cottages as well as resorts in Cornwall are luxury incarnate. You will find different places to suit your budget easily which will help you enjoy the beach time even better. Be it the boho chic vibe you want or a more sophisticated, European version, Cornwall has it all. There are many B&Bs here as well which will help the solo travellers stay on budget. A secluded room with oceanfront – a vacation does not get better than this!

4. Picturesque towns and villages

St. Ives, Penzance, Charlestown – these quirky little towns are the perfect places to let you inner photographer loose. Every frame is perfect as these small harbour towns as well as fishing villages stand the test of time and look as beautiful as ever. The Tate Gallery in St. Ives is another big attraction if you are into art. The contemporary art scene in the whole region is worth checking out once.

5. Subtropical vibe

The best thing about Cornwall is the fact that it feels like you’re in a different country or in a different place altogether even when you have not even travelled that much. The blue green waters of the sea, the beaches, and surfing remind many travellers of the Caribbean. The whole vibe of the place make it a great vacation spot of couples, families and solo travellers alike.

If you are a beach person, chances are you would extend your vacation in Cornwall once you reach there. It’s makes for a perfect getaway to recharge yourself when you want a break from the otherwise fast -paced modern life.

Everything you Need to Know Before Planning the Great American Food Tour

October 22, 2018
Chris
All Things Food, Travel Tips
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It does not get greasier and more delectable than American food. And if you are someone who loves to eat, you definitely need to go on a food tour of the country, discovering new dishes and places where they came to be and where they are iconic still! And since it’s always better to share a meal with friends and family, consider inviting along your sports team, extended family, or church group, and get a charter bus rental price quote. That way, everyone can enjoy the scenery along the way, bond with another, and no one has to worry about fighting traffic or getting lost. Read on to know more about such dishes and places to have them at.

1. Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago

Almost synonymous with Chi-Town is the pizzas they have given us. Yes, we know it originated in Italy, but no one can deny the originality of the Deep Dish Pizza that Chicago has. According to the story doing the rounds, a man named Ike Sewell (Uno’s Pizzeria) first came up with the idea of making a pizza so meaty and cheesy that it could be had as a meal, instead of a snack. Thus, pizza saw its own form change in Chicago – from thin and crusty, it went to a deep, buttery crust full of meat, tomatoes, cheese and seasoning, making it the classic Deep Dish you can find in Chicago even today!

2. Clam Chowder, Boston

A traditional dish in the East Coast, Clam Chowder first originated in the New England area. The soup is still around and is a must when you visit Boston, one of the oldest cities in the States. Famous for its Ivy League universities, Boston treats this creamy, thick soup as a comfort food with potatoes, cream and onions. You will find versions with tomatoes in Manhattan or other cities, but the original Clam Chowder in Boston is one thing you should definitely taste once!

3. Barbecue Ribs, Texas

Nowhere does the barbecue get better than down south. Pork or beef – the choice is yours! The tradition of barbecues in the state goes back to Civil War and times before that. The smoked and tender meat with the perfect sauce is what makes Texan barbeques so amazing. Head over to Dallas to find the best beef ribs and pulled pork in the region. The practice is so common that you might find people pulling their barbecue range to the parking lots of games, something which obviously is a delicious add-on!

4. Philly Cheese Steak, Philadelphia

They sure know how to do sandwiches in Philly! A greasy, fatty sandwich so iconic – beef, grilled in its grease and then chopped is mixed with onions and three different kinds of cheese which is all then laid in a local bun, making these cheese steak sandwiches a heavenly bite. The sandwich is credited to the Olivieri Brothers who first started selling them from a stand in South Philly. Today, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are still the two best places to grab cheese steak in the city.

5. Hot Dog, Brooklyn, New York

A classic American! Yes, sausage originated from Germany, but it saw its culmination an iconic street food only when it came to the States. A Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker from Coney Island is known for making hot dogs an icon in the area back in the 1920’s. In a city like New York and its suburbs you will find numbers of hot dog stalls and people grabbing one on their way to games, offices or homes – hot dog is everywhere and it sure is delicious!

So how about heading for a food tour this weekend for a good delight!