Posts for Travel Category

Travel Essentials Which You Simply Cannot Forget

Travel

If you have some travel coming up then the key to the success of your journey will be how well you plan ahead. Of course getting the destination sorted out and actually making your travel plans will be the most important aspect, but beyond that you need to ensure that you have got your prep just right. Thankfully we live in a world where we can access travel docs on the go, and buy anything which we may have forgotten to take, when we arrive at the destination. In spite of this however, to minimize your stress levels, here are 5 things which you should get on top of ahead of your travels.

Chargers

You will no doubt be taking all manner of tech with you when you go away, from phones to laptops, tablets to cameras, and you need to make sure that they are juiced up. Many of us rely on our gadgets to keep us on track with our travels, so make sure that you don’t forget to take any chargers with you.

Visa

Prior to leaving home you must check to see whether or not you need a visa for your chosen destination. In many cases obtaining a visa can be as simple as filling out a form online, but nonetheless you should ensure that you have completed this. If you don’t have a visa you could be denied access to a country which is why you must arrange it beforehand.

Airport Transfer

If you are flying then it makes sense for you to arrange an airport transfer prior to your journey, so that you will be the one who is relaxed and casual when you step off the plane, safe in the knowledge that someone is waiting for you. If you are staying in a hotel then speak with them to arrange a transfer, alternatively look for a private transfer service who can take you safely to your destination.

Cash

Many people like to wait until they arrive at their destination to get their foreign money, but it actually makes more sense to do so before you go, at least some of it. First of all it makes everything far more comfortable if you arrive at the destination with some foreign currency in hand, secondly you generally get cheaper rates and finally you rarely have to pay commission, something which you will when you are abroad.

Paper

You may very well have all of your important information on your phone or downloaded to your tablet, but it still makes sense to take paper copies with you as well. Phones and tablets are high risk possessions when it comes to theft, and there is never a guarantee that these devices may not get damaged or stop working, which could land you in bother in terms of your travel docs. Keep them on your gadgets by all means, but it also makes sense to have some traditional paper copies with you, just in case.

Have a great time on your trip, remember the essentials and you’ll be just fine.

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Budgeting for Your Dream Trip

Entertainment, Fine Living, Travel

When you have the chance to visit foreign lands and discover new cultures, meet interesting and exciting people and get away from your normal surrounding, you realize the richness and true reason for living.  Each of us has a dream trip in our minds that allow us to do this and if you ask us about it, you will be met with smiles and great reasons why we have to get there.

But the reality is that these types of trips, where none of the amenities is off limits to us, are very expensive and require our either having large savings or that we save the money by whatever means necessary. Saving for the trip of your dreams may seem impossible, particularly when you need to continue to paying off the bills you currently have in the meantime. But take heart because what can get you there are some tips and tools that we can provide. Here is a list of them that will get you to your dream vacation.

Understand Your Income and Expenses

The way to get from point A to point B financially always begins with budgeting. You need to get a sense of your income and expenses and find out how you can improve the former and lower the latter. So do a quick assessment of all the ways you make money and add up that money based on what you actually take home In other words work with the net amounts since that is what you actually see each month. If you get a tax rebate from the government add that in as a one-time income event as well.

Your expenses will be more complicated because most people never take the time to become aware of and add up what they actually spend each month. You are going to need some tools here and the best one to get is a receipt tracker app. This tool will not only help you to put all of your receipts in one place for easy viewing, it will also get you discounts and cash back on many of the services you already use and pay full price for. So you can both be aware of your expenses and lower them at the same time.

Declutter and Sell It!

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we have many things that we no longer use or need, taking up space in our homes. How about going through your clothing, furniture, electronics, books and other valuables with an eye on selling what you don’t use any more.  You can have a garage sale or go to a second hand shop with these items, the result will be less clutter and more money for your dream trip.

Save on Shopping

One of the biggest expenses most people have is their food shopping. In addition to paying too much for food, many never eat what they buy, it simply goes bad in their refrigerators. So spend a few minutes to find out what you can save on your shopping bill. One supermarket will sell several products cheaper than another, and in this case only buy those things from each market that is the cheapest. Also look for brands that are on sale and cheaper than what you normally buy. If you make a few trips and shop smarter chances are you can save a large percentage of your food costs. This will amount to hundreds of dollars each year. By the way, use this same tactic when you go clothing shopping and when you eat out and you will save a comparable amount of money.

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Unusual Destinations for a Memorable Stag-do

Travel

A stag-do is an amazing opportunity to do something fun with the boys before making a life-changing commitment. You can fill your days with fun packed adventures and spend your nights exploring the nightlife. More and more people are travelling to experience stag weekends, but if you want to avoid the touristy areas then here are five unusual destinations for an awesome stag-do.

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Israel

You wouldn’t necessarily associate spending time in Israel with being on a stag-do, but that is what makes it unusual. If your group is more interested in spending time learning about history and absorbing culture then this is perfect for you.You can take a two day tour of Bethlehem where you can view some of the most stunning churches in the world and see the birthplace of Jesus.

There is no partying allowed but if you do want to let off some steam, Tel Aviv is only 60 km away and the nightlife doesn’t get started until 11pm. There is no closing time so you can party until the sun comes up. A stag do in Israel could be the perfect combination of culture and fun.

Brno, Czech Republic

Prague is already one of the most popular destinations for a stag-do because of its cheap bar, exciting day activities and fabulous nightlife. Brno is a great place for people who are looking for a more unique place. Flights are fantastically cheap, the beer even cheaper and there are some great activities for revellers to do. You can drive a tank and fire machine guns, work as a team to get out of an escape room, or try go karting. The bars, pubs, and restaurants are open past 6am so it a great place to party.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is the perfect place for a group of guys to head who are looking for a great bonding experience. Madeira is the largest island in Portugal and it is a great destination to give canyoning a try. Canyoning is exploring canyons using different techniques to explore like walking, rappelling, swimming, and climbing. There is an option for beginners if the group has never tried this exciting sport.

Although Madeira doesn’t have much of nightlife there are several pubs that are open until the early hours of the morning so that you can sit around and rehash your exciting day’s adventure over some pints. Or you can head to the casino. An interesting fact about Maderia, is that its airport is named after the footballer Christiano Ronaldo, so when you are organising your airport transfers, you’ll understand why they are refering to the airport as this.

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and it offers many exciting things for stag parties to do. There are plenty of great activities to do during the day like hiking, cycling, white water rafting, and quad biking.  At night you can experience the thrill of a pub crawl where it never gets dark. Helsinki is a great place for music lovers and you can find bars that offer techno, trance, and live rock shows complete with mosh pits.

Macau

Macau is a great destination and offers many exciting adventures for a group of guys to experience. You can play golf, go go-karting or charter a private yacht complete with alcohol, models, and food. You can also experience a Casino Royale style private tournament at the famous Starworld Macau. Make sure you pack a suit so you don’t feel out of place here.

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The Best French Locations Outside of Paris

Travel

Whenever people visit France, the first place that they generally head to is the capital city, Paris. This is completely understandable, it is the poster child of the country, it has iconic landmarks and a reputation that precedes it. Indeed, the first time that I myself came to France, I too headed straight for the city of love and ended up living there for around 6 months.

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After the first half year, I got sick with the France-bug and decided that I wanted to see more of the country. This proved to be a great decision as the more I traveled throughout France, the more I realized just how much more there is to see in this beautiful country than just its glitzy capital. Vacation rentals in France are becoming more and more popular throughout the city and this is one of the best ways to explore the country, using them was how I managed to discover so much of my adopted country as many of them are situated where hotels are not. If you want to see what more France has in store for you aside from the capital then here are my top picks for places that you should travel to.

Bordeaux

One of the most famous exports that has become associated with France is without question its wine and if you want to see where the magic happens then there is no better place to go than Bordeaux. Not only is Bordeaux wine one of the nation’s most loved, it is also the oldest with production of wine in this region dating back to the 8th Century. Aside from the vineyard visits that you will take and of course, the wine sampling, Bordeaux is filled with beautiful spots and several World Heritage sites where you can see some of the very best of the French countryside.

Bretagne/Brittany

The best place to see the French coast is, in my opinion, in Brittany or as it is locally known, Bretagne. Here you will find an altogether different side of France, the coast is rough, the waves crash and the temperature drops significantly when you get to Brittany. Walking around Brittany feels as though you have stepped back in time and there is a really medieval feel about the place. Most activities take place on the water and if you are up for a bit of sailing then look no further than the Brittany coast. One of my favorite things to do in Brittany is to indulge my love of seafood and I honestly have not tried fresher or tastier seafood in France than in the little restaurants on the coast of Brittany.

Foix

Not only will you find one of those traditional small French towns here in Foix, complete with medieval castle, but you will also find a castle which was actually in operation as a fortress. Unlike many of the quaint castles that you see throughout France, this one has battle wounds and is as impending as it is impressive. The whole town feels like something from a fantasy novel and it feels as though nothing would be untoward if a wizard walked straight through the huge gates.

Lyon

A far cooler city, in my view, than Paris and a city which offers some of the finest French food anywhere in the World let alone France. Here in Lyon you will find the usual historical sights which most French cities offer but more importantly you will find a chic and vibrant cultural scene throughout the city. From the nightlife to the themed cafes and plentiful Michelin starred restaurants, if you want a relaxing break in a trendy environment then look no further than the streets of Lyon.

Corsica

For a truly awesome trip away you can head to the little island of Corsica, reached by ferry, this islet offers tourists pure natural splendor and a wide variety of it at that. The island juts out into the Mediterranean like a noisy neighbor and the landscape alters dramatically in just a few short miles, one moment you are enjoying the vistas of calm waters and beauty coves, the next you are watching the rugged hillside, swooping valleys and thick forests. You could comfortably spend a week or two in Corsica and whether you want to relax by the sea and sunbathe, or get adventurous in the woodlands, Corsica has got you covered on both fronts.

So there you have it, my list of awesome destinations in France that you should consider before, or perhaps just after, you visit Paris. Paris is beautiful, classy, exciting and iconic for sure but there is so much more to this amazing country than just its capital and I would implore you to broaden your horizons and get traveling through the country the next time you take a vacation in France.

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How to Have a Laid Back Vacation at One of Brighton’s Boutique Hotels

Travel

Located 11 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Brighton is a beachside area most known for its’ boutique hotels and its 82 bathing boxes near Dendy Street Beach. While it’s a smaller, prestigious resort area, you’ll still find plenty to see and good food to dine on, without going to crazy.

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A Guide to Having a Relaxing Vacation in Brighton

Are you coming to the Melbourne area for just a relaxing holiday or to celebrate an upcoming nuptials? You’ll find that Brighton Savoy’s beach wedding venues in Melbourne will exceed your needs with its fine accommodations, beachfront property, and onsite caterer. If you haven’t decided, why don’t you visit and see for yourself?

Nestled among almost six kilometres of coastline by Port Philip, you’ll find a myriad of seaside activities to partake in. In addition, you’ll experience many waterfront restaurants and cafes and local shops right near each other. Try some of these travelling suggestions to experience a relaxing and fun holiday.

  • Book your hotel. Aim to find one right on the coastline that has lots of amenities, such as The Brighton Savoy – 4 Star Hotel. This beachfront hotel offers an array of accommodations including Queen and King seaside view rooms. It also features the Seaview Restaurant, serving European dishes, which makes it convenient if you don’t feel like going far.
  • Visit the beach. Along the long strip of Brighton Beach is Dendy Street Beach, which is where you can view the infamous bathing boxes. Over a 100 years ago, the residents there had a strict moral code and would change into their bathing costumes in these boxes. These 82 bathing boxes in Brighton are a sight because they are all exactly the same size and painted in vivid colours. There are a few different ways to see them, either by a scenic walk near the Bayside Coastal Trail or by dining at the Baths, which used to house all of them and you can still view them while you dine.
  • Hike and explore the Bayside Coastal Art Trail. Just breathe the fresh air and take in the scenic beauty and walk along four different trails at the coastline and gaze at more than 50 pieces of artwork. Different artists, such as Charles Douglas (C.D.) Richardson and John Mather have painted different pieces of the beach and the seaside coast.
  • Check out some of the local shops. One of the main shopping and entertainment districts is located over on Church St. You’ll find everything from specialty clothing stores to crafts and home goods from local artisans to restaurants and nightclubs featuring a piano bar.
  • Get pampered at a local spa. Find one with soothing music and a calming tea that’s served to as you arrive that sets the mood for your treatment. Consider a soothing spa package that includes features such as a luxurious footbath, a body scrub, a hot oil treatment and massage, and an invigorating facial all done near the beach.
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Seven Magnificent Cruise Vacation Destinations

Travel

Set sail aboard a floating city by booking yourself on a cruise, and you’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime. For those struggling to pick an itinerary, we’ve put together seven of the most exciting cruise vacations, so let’s get traveling!

The Canary Islands

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The Best Bachelor Party Destinations in The World

Entertainment, Travel

Las Vegas, Nevada serves as the most obvious destination city of choice for holding a bachelor party. I, however, do not believe that the sin city is the best destination for the event. Yes, the city is full of sheer masculine magnificence displayed in the beautiful hotels and casinos, the mild night heat conducive for all night parties, relaxing pools, unforgettable shows like the Mayweather fights and the divine dancers who make dancing look like fine art. All of these make it an ideal location to unleash the beast before one last time before getting hitched. However, if you broaden your scope a little bit, you will discover that there are other cities around the world that offer as much as Vegas and sometimes even more.

Rio de Janeiro is one such city. Other than the statue of Jesus, Rio is famous in the party scene for mostly three things; beautiful beaches, carnival and some of the most gorgeous women in the world. So, if the wedding day is set in February, why not plan a trip for the carnival, a festival where everyone’s decadent flair comes out. The festival is like a gigantic street party where women where revealing cloths and dance in the streets. It gets even better as the party goes on for four days.

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South Beach, Miami is another location that seems to be the perfect fit for a bachelor party. In almost every corner, there are gorgeous women in their swimwear. These women flock the many energetic clubs located along the stretch. However, I would advise holding the party at the Nikki Beach Club, commonly described as the planet’s sexiest spot. The mix of the beautiful people and the free flowing drinks is most likely to provide an experience to remember.

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The Spanish coast is a must visit if you want an experience full of dancing. Ibiza does not disappoint for the dance lovers having some of the largest clubs in the world like Privilege and space. With over 12,000 revelers in one place, a bachelor’s party fits perfectly in the clubs. Then there are the Disco buses that drive revelers from club to club around the city. All this will play along well with the wedding with the beach’s atmosphere acting as a perfect remedy for a hangover. However, the party scene is not the only reason to hold the party here. Ibiza also has a breathtaking countryside that offers the chance for the groom to have a rapid Para-sailing adventure.

Danny_Wade_-_Pacha_Ibiza

This list would not be complete without the mention of Amsterdam. This city is like a compilation of every bachelor’s dreams. The rich architecture and history of the city make it a good place to go biking around as you catch sight of the dazzling performances by street artists. Then of course there is the legal nature of some things that most places demonize. You can just walk into a café and lawfully purchase some things that will enhance your experience in the city. Bachelors can also visit the infamous red light district where maidens enchant passersby through opulent windows. However, it is important to get your stories straight after a night in Amsterdam if the wedding is to proceed as planned.

nightlife in Amsterdam

So yes, it is true that Las Vegas is an ideal city to hold a bachelor party. However, there are also other cities in the world where have a lot of fun in the premise of having a bachelor party.

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Jack the Baboon, South African Railway Signal Operator

Entertainment, Travel

The saying that, “a monkey could do my job” never made more factual sense to any man than it did to one James Wilde. Wilde was a signalman in South Africa’s Uitenhage Station and owned a baboon for a pet. This is one of the very touching stories in which a man and an animal became best friends that I ever read. So, today, let us ease things up a bit and appreciate Jack, the chacma baboon who served as a signalman for 9 years on his human best friend’s behalf.

New and Unique

Jack’s intriguing ministry started in 1877 after his master, James Wilde, lost the use of his legs in a tragic accident. Before the accident, Wilde was an employee of the Cape Government, working as a guard. He was a pro at jumping onto or between moving trains that he came to be known as the “Jumper.” This prowess of his is what led to his great loss: he had his feet amputated at the knees after an 80-ton train crushed them. After his wounds had healed, Wilde was offered a job as a signalman because he could work from his chair. He made himself a trolley that he could travel on to and from work, but his work was still too tedious. His problems ceased when he met a man who had trained his baboon pet to lead an oxen cart. The owner sold the baboon to Wilde. The baboon would obey any commands if he received a tot of good Cape brandy every night. If he did not, he would sulk and become disobedient.

Fame and Attention

Wilde named his new pet Jack and trained him to push his trolley. The trolley allowed Wilde to travel on the railway tracks. During the training, Jack displayed so much intelligence such as delivering a key to the train drivers when they hooted four times. This was initially Wilde’s duty. Wilde soon allowed Jack to perform this duty fulltime as long as the whistle tooted four times. Jack later learned to switch levers to control the section of a track and make trains pass on them. He did this by learning the audio cues associated with the order of the tracks. His opposable thumbs made him do these tasks just as a human being. When he was not sitting with Wilde or delivering the keys to the drivers, he was switching the levers to control the movement of the wagons.

The Future

At one time, Wilde and Jack were fired because some people were not okay with a baboon determining their safety. Wilde, however, begged the employers to subject Jack to a test. Jack was offered a complex test of switching the levers according to intermixed audio signals. Jack passed so perfectly that they were both back in employment. Jack even became an official employee and was offered a salary of 20 cents every day, a bottle of beer every Saturday and daily rations.

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Top Five Bars in The World’s Capital Cities: London and New York

Fine Living, Travel

Have you ever wondered which the best bars in the world’s top two cities – London and New York?

The truth is that there is not just one place to grab a drink far better them than all. But these five bars embody all the qualities you might look for; quirky, stylish, fun, and sexy bar patrons!

Over the years, bars have been opened on major streets of major cities and towns across the globe. However, the clientele always flocks to the best bars. That is why you find yourself drinking in the same few places every weekend…and sometimes on a weekday. Opening the best var is a competition and is the reason why bar owners endeavor to have the best bars. The effect is the establishment of joints regarded as places one should visit in his or her life. I intend to provide a list of 5 of the best among these dream “destinations”.

# Five: American Bar in London

The Stafford
The bar commonly called Jimmy’s, is a part of the great traditional American bars that grew into legendary joints in Paris and London starting in the 1920’s. The bar has a sober interior subverted by hundreds of pictures of American and British celebrities from the early periods of the bar. The bar is open every day starting 11.30 a.m. until midnight except for Sundays when it closes at 11pm. The American Bar in London has many specialties–but the top are are American whiskies, Bourbons and cocktails that come shaken or stirred. There is also a kitchen offering sundaes, salads, American sandwiches and steak.  

“The former Head Barman of the American Bar, Charles Guano, worked here for 42 years. Today, his legacy still remains. Now overseen by his protégé, Benoit Provost, the American Bar endures as one of London’s most notable cocktail establishments.” – The Stafford London

Address: Strand WC2R 0EU, London, England

# Four: Employees Only Bar in New York

This Employees only bar in New York bar started in 2004, and describes itself as a restaurant with a bar. However, it features cocktails from every era, which are on offer on the menu. The idea is to have a good joint where you can eat and have a few cocktails as well.

Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

# Three: Nightjar Bar in London

The Nightjar Bar located at 129 City Road London is a great bar that has grown immensely since its opening in 2010. The bar has a great interior featuring a low-lit room comprised of smooth table service, a comfortable setting. The cocktail list groups the drinks into historical eras. It is open from 6 am to 1 am on weekdays and 3 am on weekends. The special thing about this place is the discreet jazz provided by the sound system and later on the live performances.

Address: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB

# Two: The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog

Dead Rabbit Grog and Grocery
 

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog are our runner up. The bar is an embodiment of the Irish-American tradition conviviality with the Old New York. The ground floor plan of the bar is a taproom designed to present an informal setting where craft beer, whiskeys from around the world and bottled punch are available. There is also a restaurant offering lunch every day. The upstairs is a sumptuous parlor focusing on 72 historical cocktails, communal punch and small plates. Whenever you are in the mood for a cocktail in New York, this is the place to go.

Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004

# One: The Artesian

Artisan Bar London

The world’s best bar for two years in a row is the Artesian. Located in Langham hotel in London, the bar is an easy walk from Mayfair and Soho. The interior of the bar by the late David Collins has a stylish feel with a smart and loose oriental style that produces a compact effect without cramping the scene. It has two menus; one consists of the classic list of cocktails while the other is a lively list sorted by colors in wheel that rotates. The bars position is not only due to the interior, but also from the mode of service that is full of drama. I mean they even serve drinks in a made-up skull complete with a sombrero.

Address: The Langham, London, 1C Portland Pl

So, whenever you are in New York or London, hop into one of these joints for a memorable experience.

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Rad Motorcycle Road Trip Routes in North America

Auto, Cars, Motorcycles, Travel

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best Motorcycle Road Trip Routes in North America ... photo by CC user ian mcwilliams on Flickr

Just upgraded your ride? If you are looking to take it on an amazing adventure, the following motorcycle road trip routes in North America will supply the memories that will last you a lifetime…

photo by CC user Qyd on wikimedia commons

1) Highway 1, Vancouver to Calgary, Canada

Canada may be a big country, but the landscapes that have defined this nation can be found in the mountainous provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Within them, there are a number of short drives that take in some of its most dramatic views, but for those looking for a multi-day journey through of the best natural scenery that Western Canada has to offer will want to drive their bikes between the cities of Vancouver and Calgary.

Pulling away from this nation’s most modern city, the snowy peaks of the North Shore Mountains and the Cascades will combine with the lush greenery of the Fraser Valley to create an epic start to your journey.

Those that want to stew in geothermically heated water will have their first opportunity at Harrison Hot Springs, while those seeking to witness the raw power of nature will have a chance to do so at Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Continue Reading

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