The Canadian Prairies (usually referred to as simply the Prairies in Canada) is a region in Western Canada. It includes the Canadian portion of the Great Plains and the Prairie Provinces, namely:
Alberta– a province floating on an underground sea of oil and gas. The Rocky Mountains and foothills on its western flank, two metropolitan cities in the middle, cowboy culture in the south, vast forests to the north, and green farmland in the center and east.
Saskatchewan– Canada’s agricultural breadbasket with wide-open skies, thousands of recreational lakes, huge natural parks, and two compact main cities.
Manitoba– home to more history and heritage, plus several of the continent’s largest lakes. The south is mostly farmland with some woodlands, and in the north, you have vast forest wilderness leading to tundra, polar bears, and beluga whales along the Hudson Bay coast.
These provinces are partially covered by grasslands, plains, and lowlands, mostly in the southern regions.
Though the word “prairie” means grassland, this region also contains mountains, hills, lakes, shoreline, and metropolitan cities.
Viaduct Bridge Valley Railroad, Alberta, Canada
Before You Go
Travel to the Prairies is precisely the opposite of an archetypal British“city break” to Spain, Central Europe, etc., with its cheap short-haul flights and railways, compact historic city centers full of castles and churches, and cheap drinks and accommodations.
Watrous, Saskatchewan
Here distances are vast, prices are high, and the architecture is…functional. But what the region does have to offer in spades is the unique freedom that only wide-open space can provide, like a cool climate version of the Australian Outback or American Southwest.
A lightning strike in the Prairies
In fact, the best international equivalents to the Prairies in terms of landscape and climate are the Taiga and Steppes of Russia but here you’ll find a Canadian level of amenities and services, and all in English if you desire.
You can drive for an hour without seeing anyone
How To Get Here
Sunset in Manitoba
International and transcontinental flights go to Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and to a lesser extent, Regina and Saskatoon.
You can enter from the United States at numerous land crossings. Roads through the Rockies include the Trans-Canada Highway, Yellowhead Highway, and Crowsnest Pass Highway.
Canadian Rockies
From Ontario, the Trans-Canada or a detour through the United States is the only land options.
The Via Rail services from Vancouver and Toronto to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton run twice a week on The Canadian service. Because the service is limited, the train provides more of a sightseeing service and is not practical for day-to-day traveling.
Countryside prairies
Getting Around
The best way to travel in the Prairies is by car. The Prairies are served by Highway No 1 and 16 from west to east.
There are also Via Rail services in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton. The Canadian connects these cities twice a week.
Rider Express: Bus service along the Trans-Canada Highway from Vancouver to Calgary, and between Edmonton and Regina via Saskatoon.
Other bus companies provide limited service on some other routes. Transit in the largest cities is good and it is not necessary to have a car, but in other places, it is highly recommended.
Farm life
Sunset in prairies
Day Trips
The most famous day trip in the region is also a north-south route through the Rockies: the Icefields Parkway, which is considered at “must-do” drive between Jasper and Lake Louise.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
If you’d rather see the Rockies on the horizon but drive through the Foothills where cattle ranches predominate, take the Cowboy Trail (Alberta Highway 22). A further extension north from either the Icefield or Cowboy routes this is the so-called “Scenic Route to Alaska” on Alberta Highway 40 leading to Northern Alberta.
Note: Long-distance travel by bicycle, horse, or on foot on these highways is legal but almost impossible for most people because of the distances involved.Try the Trans Canada Trail, instead, but again be mindful of the vast distances involved.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park – a hilly island surrounded by a sea of grasslands, straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, as well as the famous Dinosaur Museum at Drumheller, and the World Heritage dig site at Dinosaur Provincial Park near Brooks.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
The Alberta Rockies, including Banff National Park the oldest and most popular national park in Canada, famed for stunning mountain scenery such as world-renowned Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park a less crowded alternative to Banff for mountains and wildlife.
Cabin life at Lake Louise
Riding Mountain National Park is renowned for its “watchable” wildlife and forms the core of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wood Buffalo National Park – home to the rare wood bison or “buffalo”, the largest national park in Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site, mostly inaccessible by road, but great for trekking or canoe camping.
A Bison by the water
Churchill – claimed as the Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Watching Capital of World, this is where the cold Arctic waters of Hudson Bay touch the Prairie provinces. Go here for a cold-weather safari.
Do a canoeing circuit at Lac La Biche, Alberta.
Shop at West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest which includes an indoor roller coaster and waterside park, cinema, bowling alley, ice rink, shooting rang, go-kart track, and more than 500 shops.
There are many ways to spice up your travels and ensure that you are getting everything out of them in terms of comfort and convenience. And with so many things to consider on the market, making the right choice can be admittedly a bit difficult.
In this blog, we will look at why we believe a Camper Van is one of the best travel investments you can make to improve the quality and comfort of your travels. If you haven’t thought about a van as an option yet, it’s definitely something worth looking at.
6 Benefits of Owning a Camper Van
If you are dreaming of hitting the open road, amid this coronavirus pandemic, then consider a camper van aka motorhome.
Balancing Comfort & Utility
Volkswagen Autosleeper Clubman GL
The best thing about a van is also the main reason for its existence – it combines comfort and utility, and balances them in a great way that gives you the best of both worlds. It’s hard to overstate how useful a van can be when you have a larger family to ride around with, or a lot of luggage to take with you.
And it can also be great for certain special situations, like when an emergency comes up that requires you to rest somewhere on short notice. All in all, a van can cover many of the important bases for traveling efficiently.
Note: Camper vans due ton their smaller size can be parked in your garage or driveway, which eliminates having any additional storage fee.
If you haven’t looked into camper vans yet, you may think that these beasts must cost a fortune. But you would be surprised to know that camper vans are affordable for most people who already owns cars, SUVs, or minivans.
Despite the extra space and additional features, the basic models aren’t much more expensive than a standard minivan. With gas prices at all time low and improved fuel utility, this means you’ll be able to hit the road without overspending on gas.
Note: Camper vans are more fuel efficient than larger RVs.
Easy Maintenance, Affordable Insurance
An Old Volkswagen Camper Van
On top of that, your typical van isn’t that difficult to maintain either. It doesn’t take a lot to keep it in a good condition compared to a regular car, and finding a good insurance quote should not be a problem if you look around.
For example, sites like Quotezone (UK) can provide you with a van insurance quote, but do make sure you’re looking for camper van insurance and not commercial vehicle insurance. While Quotezone is primarily aimed at car and van customers, it can be a great starting reference point for your future search.
Great for Couples and Friends
A Talbot AutoSleeper 1991 model
Imagine road-tripping with your significant other. Or, with your best friend. All without having to worry about having a fixed itinerary or hotel bookings. With a camper van or motorhome, you can make plans as you go. Not only this provides you the privacy and freedom, it is also adventurous.
Any Class B Camper Vans are completely self-contained, which means it makes them a popular choice for camp grounds. You don’t have to worry about pitch a tent, use an outhouse, or cooking outdoors all while battling unpredictable weather or unfamiliar places.
Even if you don’t travel with a family, a van can still be a great investment into your trips that can make them much more comfortable and convenient. If you like getting together with new people, this is one of the best options you have, and you can even throw small parties in there from time to time.
Of course, it can be difficult to keep things clean with so many random people coming in and out, so consider that in advance as well. If you can handle that though, a van is definitely something that will be right up your alley.
Lastly, Safety
Photo (VW Classic Camper van) by Paul Palmer CCBY2.5
We can’t talk about anything that weighs over a ton and moves at such high speed with a metal body without considering safety. Safety is a huge priority for us and it should be all of us.
The good news is all newer models are built incredibly sturdy. Plus these days, you get powerful disc braking systems, parking sensors, backup cameras, etc. in almost all standard models, without paying anything in extra.
Conclusion
These factors and more should get you on the right track and should show you the benefits of investing in a good van.
If you’re still not convinced, just talk to some people who’re already using a van regularly, and get their input. You’ll definitely get many positive responses, and will learn a few more reasons for potentially giving this idea a go if you’re still on the fence about it.
Author Bio
Rosana Beechum is a freelance writer who loves to talk about all things lifestyle, including travel, fashion, money-saving hacks, and more. She’s traveled the world and contributes articles that offer practical advice and tried-and-tested tips.
Finally, after long days of researching different places, itineraries, and activities, you have decided on a place for your next big trip. You can move on to the next part: the preparation process. And if you’re like us, the top spot in your prep list is probably the budget.
Chances are, you already have an amount in mind, and you might have some money put away specifically for that purpose. This doesn’t mean that you want to spend it all, though. In fact, if you’re reading this article right now, then you’re probably looking for ways to make the most out of it, and maybe even reduce your projected expenses altogether.
How to Plan and Budget for a Big Trip
Well, don’t worry because you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we are going to share with you the different ways on how you can stick to your budget and travel within your means.
It’s not the length of your vacation but your preparedness. Let’s get started.
List down your priorities
Do you have non-negotiable plans on your trip? Do you have an experience that you really want to check off from your bucket list? What are the expenses that you are willing to sacrifice in order to have more funds for that activity?
For instance, the main reason that you want to go to New Zealand in the first place is because you really want to go skydiving. That’s awesome! Hence, you might want to look into cheaper accommodations and travel options.
Sign up for insurance
One thing that can ramp up your expenses is when something unexpected happens whilst you’re away. Hence, having a travel insurance in place will always be a good investment, and will prove invaluable if something does happen.
If you’re really short on cash, then you can look at different loan options such as personal loans for fair credit so you won’t have to tap into your set travel budget anymore. It’s much easier if you have a perfect credit score.
Make preparations early
Last-minute flights are not only difficult to book, but they can cost more as well. Hence, take note on when the prices drop so you can get the best travel deals. This is only possible, though, if you have started preparing for your journey at least a few months ahead of time.
Same applies for rental cars and hotel bookings. Lastly, if you are planning to visit a popular city, most budget tours gets sold out in advance. Make sure to do your research and book any budget tours you are interested in. (An example could be, City tours with guides, transportation, and meals.)
Sell unwanted goods
We all have that old books or furniture or that camera or old iPad which we do not read anymore! You may even have clothes that don’t fit you or interest you anymore or that pair of boots. A simple rule you can apply when trying to get rids of things is this: of you haven’t touched it in a year, you don’t need it.
It is therefore wise that you put such items on sale at a website (eg. Craiglist), apps (Offerup, Facebook Marketplace), or simply do a garage sale.
Be prepared to cook
Aside from airfare, another huge expense is the cost of your meals. You can reduce this significantly by booking a room that has a functioning kitchen and by cooking your meals yourself.
Travel with friends
Here’s another way that you can save money. Most activities cost less when you split it with more people. Hence, don’t hesitate to ask around if anyone wants to tag along. After all, you’re not the only person with travel goals.
Communicate online
Roaming fees can be off-the-charts if you’re not careful. Hence, we suggest you to communicate with your loved ones online instead. In fact, you can even bring your own wireless broadband when traveling or better yet, make use of free wifi hotspots in various locations.
Enjoy public transport
Or walk! Skip the taxi. Not only will you be able to save on transport costs, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a more authentic experience this way.
Keep your money safe
Go out of your way to protect yourself from theft. There’s nothing more expensive than losing money. Use a front-pocket wallet. Don’t put all your money in one place. Don’t withdraw large amounts of money at a time.
Keep an emergency fund somewhere people will never guess even if they rummage through your things, like inside an empty bottle of lotion. Get creative!
Favor experiences that you can do for free
There are a lot of museums that offer free guided tours and concerts. There are also cultural events like festivals that are always fun to be a part of but won’t cost you a single cent. Walking along the beach also won’t cost you anything as well but we’re sure the sights will be splendid.
You’ll be surprised by how much you can actually enjoy and explore for free, especially if you prepare for your trip early and do your research beforehand.
Resist the temptation to buy things
Finally, don’t buy a lot of souvenirs. We know that you’ll probably only visit Bali or Mumbai once in your whole life, but that doesn’t mean that you need to buy a lot of stuff to remember your trip by. Pictures can serve the same purpose and it won’t cost you anything.
A memento or two is enough, and only buy something pricey if you’ve actually listed it down as one of your top priorities, which brings us back to our first tip. And with this, our article has actually gone a full circle.
Pick your destination wisely
There are wannabe travelers all around, planning a trip that is never going to happen. We are saying “never going to happen”, because the majority of us have full-time jobs and a tight budget.
How are we going to make that trip to Hawaii or Singapore? We keep thinking, planning, plotting but the vital link we all forget is “money.” Now that we have covered the money part, there remains one last step.
You must decide where you want to go and carefully narrow your lists of available options. Pick a destination that fits both your budget and your dream. Those who want to travel abroad might like to take a decision on a country where their currency is valuable than the local currency.
For example, Americans and Canadians can plan a trip to the Caribbean and Europe, Indians can plan to visit Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, Europeans can travel to Hawaii, China, Greece, and Morocco. A Smart way to choose your destination is to check your currency value. And…cheap flight tickets.
Use Google Flights
Google flights is hands down the best free tool that you can use to find a flight that is both viable and available. Even if you are planning a last minute trip. You can set your home destination and then play with the dates (into future) to find a cheap deal.
We hope that you have found our article helpful. By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re sure that you will be able to make every dollar count in your trip.
We wish you safe travels!
Author Bio
Lidia Staron is a part of Content and Marketing team at Open Loans. She contributes articles about the role of finance in the strategic-planning process.
From Miami, Florida to the Pacific Northwest, down to the Caribbean, to all the way to the Baltics, and back down south in the good ole US, we have found amazing vegan eats.
Come on a plant-based journey across the world with us and let us inspire you!
A delicious vegan burger
Miami, Florida
To start, let’s say when you think of South Beach, Miami, and all of the food options there, you might not think of it as being a vegan-friendly destination. But, when we spent a weekend in Miami, we found it to be a vegan paradise. 🙂
We went to the hip, graffiti-covered neighborhood of Wynwood to find a couple of spots. We started off at Charley’s Vegan Taco’s CVT.
Charley’s Vegan Taco’s
This hip taco shop with a beautiful mural inside offers quite a big menu of vegan treats. The vibe was cozy as soon as you walked in the door.
It was originally started in Tulum, Mexico. Someday, we will have to make our way down to the original and report back as to which one is better!
We started off with the Mushroom Ceviche – Oyster mushrooms, sunflower seeds, avocado, garlic aioli, and cilantro sprouts.
We spent a whole summer in 2019 trying ceviche all around the states, and this version was the best we had. It was the most flavorful and creative out of any.
We then moved on to our entree portion of the meal. We decided we would share a burrito and an order of tacos.
We ordered the El Diablo burrito.
We had been craving burritos recently so this one hit the spot. It came with Abuelita’s rice, black beans, chorizo, chicharron prensado, fried plantain, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, onion, maldita sauce, garlic aioli, creamy green salsa.
The Plantains in it were a game-changer, as they always are, they added a beautiful sweetness to the spice of the Jalapenos. Such good flavor all through every bite.
For our Tacos we chose the Carne Sin Carne option. Which came with 3 tacos.
Chicharron Prensado Taco – porkles cracklings stewed in red morita pepper sauce, served with fresh mango chutney, garlic aioli, onion cilantro
Chicharron Verde Taco – porkless cracklings stewed in green tomatillo salsa, topped with vegan creme, onion, cilantro
Jackfruit pulled “Pork” Taco – jackfruit in ancho pepper adobo with shredded lettuce, cured red onion, vegan creme, and creamy green salsa.
These tacos were beyond incredible. I think my favorite was the Jackfruit pulled “pork”, such an incredible flavor profile.
Overall this experience was amazing. The vibe inside is fantastic and the staff is really wonderful.
We met the head chef Bryan, he introduced himself and gave some insight into the dishes and then went back to making delicious foods. After a few minutes, he came back out to check on us and our meals to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and our food.
Very cool! Highly recommend this spot.
L’Artisane Bakery
Our next food adventure took us to North Miami Beach and L’Artisane Bakery. This place is beyond incredible. With pastries and sandwich options there is something for everyone and every hunger level.
We ended up going here two mornings in a row, with a pop in on our way back to our hotel after the beach because it was so good.
Our personal favorite was the Guava & Cream Cheese danish. A must at the bakery, the sweet and savory flavor is impossible to resist. We definitely could not and are still craving it all this time later.
Our first visit to the bakery we shared the VTE ”Vegan Travel Eats” Croissant, a beautiful breakfast sandwich with hash brown, sausage patty, Just Egg patty, shiitake bacon & aji amarillo aioli. What an amazing treat. Everything you want from a sandwich to start off your day all in one.
On our second visit, we decided to get a couple of sandwiches along with our guava and cream cheese danish.
We went with… Wild Mushrooms Croissant: this came with sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh thyme, black truffles foam, vegan parmesan cheese, mushrooms crumble.
This is such a beautifully savory sandwich and we highly recommend it. We were sad to see the last bite go.
Croque Monsieur Croissant: this came with vegan deli ham and was so delectable and delicious. If you have ever had this kind of sandwich you will be blown away by how good this one is.
Overall L’Artisane Bakery is one of the best options we have found for vegan food and pastries. It is a smaller yet cozy shop so it can be hard to find a table. But as we did on our first visit it is well worth taking it to go and eat while enjoying North Miami Beach just a short walk away.
British Columbia
Let’s go out now to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, getting here was a beautiful journey by ferry from Seattle. I definitely did not plan on getting seasick on the ride over, I highly suggest bonine or the free motion sickness medication they offer before you leave. Just in case!
One might not think I was excited or ready to get food. But quite the opposite, I was so excited to hit land and walk to get our first meal in Victoria! We dropped our luggage off in our rental car and wandered over to…
The Very Good Butchers
The Very Good Butchers in a food hall/market right in downtown this is by far the best butcher I have been to. It is a fully functional butcher shop. They butcher beans, so you can get your deli needs taken care of and order from a small menu of hot dishes they have at the shop.
Using mostly beans in their patties and their dogs. The flavor and texture that they have created is unreal.
This ended up being our favorite of the trip and kind of ruling our trip eating and snacking game. In our time in Victoria, we tried out…
Jackfruit Poutine: This poutine was no joke the best poutine I have had… hands down. The bbq sauce on the pulled jackfruit was so good and smoky. Fries cooked to perfection and the curds were even better here!
Mac N’ Cheeze: This was an extra cheezy mac with bread crumbs and we added jackfruit to it. Everything you want in a mac n cheeze.
We also got these deli options to go…Bangers in a Blanket: One of their delicious British style bangers wrapped in their homemade dough and cooked to perfection!
Pizza Pocket: A square pocket of goodness, It is stuffed with their homemade marinara sauce and their homemade pepperoni. What an awesome treat.
Meatball Sub: What a tasty meatball sub! On homemade focaccia roll with their cheese strips. Good to grab for a delicious on the go meal.
The portions here are way bigger but I would not recommend sharing, it is too good to only get one option!
Nassau, Bahamas
Let us take you to a small cozy spot in Nassau Bahamas! As the locals say you have to go up and over the hill from the tourist spot to get here.
Locals might also think you are druggies wandering here but they are very friendly, just be careful and keep your wits about you, and maybe do not go at night.
Eat Right Delight
This small but cozy restaurant in King David Nassau, Bahamas is a hidden gem for sure. When you enter you come into the very small dining and take out area and the menu is on the wall.
They always have specials running, so make sure to ask what the special of the day is! It has a small bench for you to sit on while you await your delicious food. Then on the wall by the window, there are two stools set up with a small shelf/table to eat on.
Once you decide what you are going to order you peek your head in through a small hole in the glass that looks into the kitchen.
Everything is made as you order by Shanique so it takes a little while but it is well worth the wait. As we were hanging out and waiting for our food we met two really great locals who turned out to be friends of ours to this day. Like our friend Cliff Riley, pictured below, a Bahamian singer sharing beautiful positivity, who sang to us while waiting for his food!
With Cliff Riley, Bahamian singer
So many good conversations happen around food. These were a couple of the best. The chef/owner Shanique is incredibly nice as well. She is always smiling as she cooks for you. I cannot wait to return to this place!
Every person who walked in the door was greeted with a smile. Most of the locals that came in seemed to know her and how delicious her food is.
Note: If you are arriving in Nassau on a cruise ship, it is walkable, around a 35-minute walk. If you walk to the market street and take a left and keep walking you will find it!
I would also recommend downloading maps.me from your app store if you have not for and downloading the map of Nassau while you are in town! Stay on the main road, Market street, on your way. Once you get there. Enjoy!
We asked Shanique to make us something she wanted us to try and to remember this place by. I am pretty sure it was a variation of the…
Thai noodles – these noodles she brought out to us had such incredible flavor. Covered in beautiful veggies and another one of her sauce creations.
We also got to sample a sliver of her pizza and it was really incredible! Thinking about it right now makes me hungry!
On our second time back, on the Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea cruise, we ordered her Spaghetti with “meat” sauce.
This was the best spaghetti we have ever had. The sauce was incredible. We did not ask for the secret ingredient that made it so tasty but we are pretty sure it had some cinnamon in it.
Everything she makes is light, we did not leave feeling too full. We felt quite good even after scarfing down the whole dish.
Spicy Mushroom Sliders (another special) – These little sliders packed so much flavor. From every bite, our noses ran and we got more and more sad every bite knowing this amazing food journey would end.
The spice mixed with her mushroom patties is one hell of a mixture. Just hope she has these when you walk in!
This is such a special spot. Feeding the folks of Nassau incredibly good food that is healthy! We cannot wait to return so we can try some more delicious food! A really special restaurant.
Tallinn, Estonia
Next stop is Tallinn, Estonia, one of our favorite cities we have been to. It has incredible history and architecture from the 1500s. Anything from castles, to modern buildings to communist-era all concrete builds. You can find it all in Tallinn. Old meets new and is bustling with tech. One of the tech capitals of Europe actually.
You have more than likely used one of their biggest contributions to tech and communication… Skype.
More than anything the people of Estonia are kind and welcoming, they want to show you how great their country is and show you a fantastic time. They also share the love with their food.
We found a few amazing options but our favorite by far was Tru Kitchen, we went twice and made friends with the owner and a few of the staff. We genuinely miss our friends and the wonderful food they shared with us.
Tru Kitchen
Tru Kitchen is outside of Oldtown Tallinn, about a 15-minute walk. It is in an old industrial-looking warehouse, which by the time we go again I am sure will be hip and painted in some funky way. When you walk in you are immediately transported to another place.
Plants all over, a few couches along the wall, incredible music vibes, and super friendly Estonians ready to help you out. The owner, Kristo Rosenvald, became a friend of ours very quickly.
Each time we came in he personally greeted us and had nice conversations as long as he could. Then there was the food, what dreams are made of.
Pita Sandwitch (their spelling) – Normally I would not have ordered this sandwitch except that the owner and a few other of our new friends told us it was the favorite menu item. Naturally we had to try and holy hell we were not disappointed, until the end, when it was gone of course.
Served with Voner (a vegan version of doner), roasted carrots, portobello, and a miso mayonnaise. It left us wanting to get 5 more for our journey, but we were too full and let it be a dream to have again.
Tumeric Chickpea omelet was our introduction to beetroot. It was used at every vegan restaurant in the baltic states and is incredibly good. Along with beetroot it came with pickled fennel and green pesto. Another simple dish done perfectly and just bursting with flavor. From the first bite I was sad watching it disappear with every bite.
Grand Leaven Breakfast Sandwitch (their spelling) – this sandwitch comes on local bread from a bakery right across the alley from Tru, it is remarkable how fresh it is. Topped with Kimchi, a perfectly cooked portobello, an avocado, and vegan cheese and served open face, this sandwitch has so much flavor in every bite.
Its only flaw is that it is hard to concentrate on what part is the best because it is all so incredible. 🙂
After our few times here to chat, eat, have tea, and play backgammon, we felt right at home. We had a hard time leaving this magical city.
We will be back and when we do, the first place we will head to is Tru to see our friends and share a beautiful meal.
Traveling Europe in January we noticed a trend in a lot of locals, Veganuary, this was a lot of Europeans way to start off the year with a nice cleanse for their body.
Even though we were seeking out these type restaurants, a lot of others had a couple of special dishes in order to meet Veganuary’s needs. It makes it more accessible to travelers who might be in a mixed travel party of vegans and non-vegans.
Nashville, Tennessee
Last but not least, come on back with us to our hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. A city full of incredible cuisine, maybe not so known for their vegan offerings.
The Southern V
One restaurant, in particular, The Southern V, will keep you far from feeling deprived of wonderful Southern cookin’. Open since 2017 in the location they are in now they aim to be the staple for southern cuisine in Nashville! Their menu has so many amazing options but these were our favorites.
Nashville Hot “Chicken” – This seitan based Hot chicken is incredible. The spice they bring is hot enough for you to feel it but not be overwhelmed. As a staple in Nashville cuisine this dish is up there with any in the city, better I would think!
BBQ Jackfruit Nachos – This beautiful “American” sized plate of jackfruit nachos was out of this world. Enough jackfruit to cover any chip you can find under the beautiful toppings. Mix and match the veggies you would like and enjoy this incredible dish.
Turnip Greens – Whoa! Talk about flavor, these greens will blow you away. Incredible spice and flavor will make you sad when they are gone.
Mac N “Cheese” – This mac was some of the best I have ever had, and believe me as a picky eating kid Mac N’ Cheese was one of my few food groups that I ate out of. The thick and creamy sauce with amazing texture and taste. Your friends who are scared of vegan food would never know the difference, probably would say this was better.
Southern V has all the fixings you are looking for in a down south meal right here in Nashville.
Conclusion
I think people get the wrong idea when it comes to veganism. What you have to give up, what you miss out on. But in fact, you are not missing out on anything.
Chefs work that much harder to get past the stigma to get people into the restaurant and then make incredibly creative and delicious food to keep people coming in.
We have found some of the most creative food while traveling and experienced a rich culture within the vegan community.
No matter where you travel there is always somewhere to find a plant-based meal if you look hard enough, and that looking is part of the fun and beautiful way to get to know the culture where you find yourself.
We hope you enjoyed our plant-based wander around the world! Peace signs up!
Author Bio
My name is Nik Sheasby, I am half of the wanderlustmoonduo. I have toured with bands for the last 13 years while traveling for myself on the downtime. I started my travel later in life but dove in head first once I was able to. I love immersing myself into new cultures and meeting new people. Traveling has been my life and also saved my life. I want to share my world, seeing our beautiful world, with you. Spread love and humanity. Peace Signs up!
Watching parents progress through age can be challenging, to say the least. The person who raised you and acted as a strong, powerful role model slowly loses their faculty as they grow old—and before you know it, you’re caring for the person who cared for you since you were a baby.
This transition could happen gradually as their condition worsens, or it could happen overnight if they unexpectedly slip, fall, and break a bone.
That’s why it’s critical for families to be proactive and plan for this chapter of life before anyone is caught off guard and thrown into a caretaking role they’re not prepared for.
Mix this with your travel plans and your lifestyle, and it gets tricky. Today, we’ll talk about 3 things you should know when caring for an aging parent.
Daily Living Requirements Must Be Met
How do you gauge whether your parent needs additional assistance as they progress through age? It’s a delicate line to walk. You don’t want to offend their dignity or autonomy, but you need to know that they can safely meet the daily living requirements essential to their emotional and physical well-being.
Keep a close eye on their condition to ensure they independently perform the following activities every day:
Self-feeding
Dressing
Bathing or showering
Personal hygiene (grooming, brushing teeth, etc.)
Toilet hygiene
Functional mobility (getting in and out of bed, sitting down and up from a chair)
Many seniors develop age-related illness or mobility issues that impede their ability to conduct their daily activities with ease. They might show signs of cognitive decline and forget to take their prescriptions, or it may prove unsafe for them to walk up and down the stairs after recent surgery.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to find them the appropriate help. This may be in the form of you stopping by at lunch to make sure they took their meds, hiring a qualified professional for help, or retrofitting their home and installing the proper safety equipment.
This transition is inevitably challenging. Adult children may be in denial, not ready to accept their parent’s decline in health, and elderly parents may be reluctant to ask for help due to guilt, shame, or stubbornness. However, taking an honest look at their condition and identifying where they need support is the first step to helping them live out the last years of their life most comfortably.
There are Ways to Pay for Senior Care
As health weakens and parents show increased symptoms, many adult children worry over how to pay for senior care. You want the best possible treatment for your parents, but how can you afford it without placing a financial burden on your own family? And how do you know which type of treatment program is best?
Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for senior care without mounting expensive medical bills. Take a look at the options below:
Medicare Part A – Original Medicare includes provisions for different types of inpatient care during temporary stays at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. This form of senior health insurance also provides hospice care for terminal illnesses and may cover the costs of at-home nursing care in severe cases.
Supplemental Medicare – Also known as a “Medigap policy”, supplemental insurance can be used to bridge the gap between services not covered under Original Medicare Part A and B. This offsets the out-of-pocket costs for dental care, dentures, eye exams, hearing aids, and more.
Investment Accounts and Retirement Savings – According to LongtermCare.gov, the average monthly cost of living in an assisted living or nursing facility ranges from $3,600 to $6,800, which could be very difficult to afford on Social Security alone. When your parent can no longer safely age in place, they can receive the treatment they deserve by tapping into the interest accrued on their investment portfolio or the money they’ve placed into a savings account.
Be sure to take advantage of the publicly funded programs that offer financial assistance for the elderly if you need extra help covering medical expenses.
Charities such as Meals on Wheels can provide your loved one with warm food and friendly smiles when you can’t be there, while the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development may be able to find your parent an affordable place to live.
Estate Planning Should Be Aligned
Unfortunately, it’s not a matter of “if” your loved one will die, but “when”. As they develop signs of age, it’s wise to go over their estate plan to ensure their affairs are in order. It can be uncomfortable to discuss what will happen once a parent passes, but it’s crucial to talk about it in advance.
Having a plan laid out will not only minimize stress following their passing, but it will also help minimize the amount paid in taxes, court costs, and legal fees. It’s likely that your parents began preparing their estate when their children were born, but it’s worth reviewing in case any changes need to be made.
For example, a divorce in the family or the birth of grandchildren could warrant names being added or removed. Your parent may have acquired a business since then, in which case they’ll need to formally document who it will be transferred to, or they might have opened a bank account but have yet to record the information necessary for an heir to access the funds.
Go over the documents in detail to confirm nothing’s left out, and if they haven’t already created a plan, make it a priority while they’re still in good health. Talking through various options from the comfort of home will make you and your parents feel much more comfortable as you prepare.
Conclusion
It’s important to have these conversations with your parent(s) well before their condition deteriorates and they have their full mental faculty. Otherwise, family members might feel rushed into a decision and emotions can run tense. Difficult conversations are never easy but going into them prepared helps smooth the discussion.
Come to the table with these talking points in mind and your loved one can rest assured they’ll receive the best care possible.
Author Bio
Kaelee Nelson received her Master degree with an emphasis in Digital Humanities and pursues her career as a writer in San Diego, currently writing for 365 Business Tips and GoodLife. She enjoys informing readers about topics spanning industries such as technology, business, finance, culture, wellness, hospitality, and tourism.
Hostel traveling is one of the best ways to explore the world as a young person. These communities that dot every major city on the globe are hot spots for like-minded voyagers looking to visit faraway cultures and people.
However, life on the road doesn’t come without dangers to personal safety. In this article, we’ll highlight a few simple steps to ensure a fun and secure stay at a hostel, particularly if you are a teen traveler.
Find the Right Location
Finding the right location is one of the greatest ways to ensure safety while visiting a new city. Visiting a new destination (often abroad) is fun, but the cost of travel gets substantially high the further away you travel from your home.
Staying in Hostels is one effective way to budget your expenses but hostels are all about who will share the place with you, how far it is from the city center, public transportation, and what’s the cost when compared against Airbnb or Hotels.
Therefore, booking a hostel should be done carefully so that one doesn’t end up staying far from the places they want to explore. If you plan to drink, look for locations close to the nightlife of your city. It’s better to have a short journey back to bed in the nighttime.
Do Advance Research
There are several websites specifically dedicated to this form of travel, and each site posts helpful information such as they type of hostel, the type of community found there, and what to expect from a stay.
Make sure to find one that fits your personality, as this will mitigate culture shock and oftentimes depression.
Also, do some research about:
common travel scams in particular destinations you are planning to visit
the nearest embassy of your country
note down phone numbers for hospitals, ambulance, and police
shady neighborhoods to skip
Drink Responsibly
First thing first, find out the legal drinking age in the country you are visiting. And, do not drink in if you are not of age. Drinking is just one tiny way to have good times but traveling offers so much more. Be mindful, present and curious. Let your senses be overwhelmed by the new experiences (so you don’t feel like you are missing on anything).
Another tip is to drink responsibly (if you must) and if you are traveling in a group, then go to a bar with your group. Do not accept drinks from strangers no matter how friendly they appear.
Pack Light & Carefully
Take care when packing for your trip. Remember that most hostels sleep six to ten people in a single room, so the space you live in will be shared with strangers.
Therefore, all your personal items will be in a common space that is potentially open to thievery. Remember, the quickest way for a trip to be ruined is to lose something important.
One great strategy to minimize the threat of robbery is to be a packing minimalist. When gathering the items, carefully revise and prune the list of items that you will bring.
Expensive clothing shouldn’t be brought if it isn’t necessary, along with high-priced electronics that won’t be of use on the trip. Bringing fewer items will decrease your chances of getting something stolen abroad.
Bring a Lock
Inevitably, some valuables will have to be brought on your trip. Passports, money, and cell phones are part of every travelers’ arsenal when living in hostels. In order to keep these items protected, it is imperative that a lock and key is brought on your journey.
Almost every location will offer lockers to store your gear either for free or for a small fee. Using a locker will allow for important documents and information to be kept in a safe place while exploring the city’s sights or bars. Don’t hesitate to bring one!
Private Rooms
In addition to standard mixed-gender dorms, some locations will offer private rooms for booking. Private rooms are great options for additional privacy if you do not want to share living space with strangers.
Additionally, they can add another level of protection to personal items while visiting cities across the globe.
Specialty Hostels
Another option for female globetrotters is all-female dorms and hostels. While these hostels and rooms come fewer and further between, they can provide additional safety and security for women traveling abroad.
Be sure to look for these options if one has concerns about privacy or living with men.
Final Thoughts
Some additional precautionary tips to keep in mind are:
Ask the hostel staff for security advice or anything you should know about
Don’t open the hostel doorfor strangers
Make a copy of your Passport and email it to yourself
Hide some backup money somewhere safe. This is just in case you lose your wallet/purse
Plan to check-in at your hostel before dark for the first time
Don’t leave your hostel alone late at night (no matter how safe you feel)
Trust your gut “feeling” but also use your brain (it is better to be safe than sorry)
I hope these easy to follow steps help when planning your next trip! The world is a gift, and everyone should have the opportunity to see every part fearlessly.
The lofty heights of mountains call onto our inner wanderer. We think, what ways lead the wind through that green forest, or what awaits at the top of that snow-capped mountain?
But we cannot sit and wait for getting our answers, can we? We need to pack up and get on our feet!
Below are 6 of the best hiking trails (around the world) that must make it to your bucket list.
KILIMANJARO
It is not a joke to mention Africa’s highest mountain in the top of the list. This 35 miles long hiking trail will lead you to the peak of Kilimanjaro.
With a tour guide, you can complete the hike in 7- 10 days. But if you want to do it by yourself, then you need careful planning. There are alternative routes which will take you to the destination faster.
Then Viola! You see the starry sky unfolding before you.
We included this in our list because it involves the highest mountain in the world. You will be filled with awe once you just have a glimpse of the tip. A 3-weeks trip will do, to make you climb the heights.
You can fly to Nepal during September to November. During this time the cold doesn’t hit in full force so that you can enjoy your cultural as well as historical hike.
GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon is one of the largest geographical features of the surface of the Earth. You can know the power of its sheer magnificence by the views it grants you.
Hiking from rim to rim will just take a week. But in that time, this 44 miles long hiking trail will offer you some of the best sceneries (that you can ever get on a long hike).
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
A 2180-miles of beauty and mountains is an adventure you will not want to miss. But hiking from Georgia to Maine is not for beginners with limited energy. You should undertake this task, if and only if you are passionate about it.
Completing this journey takes around three to six months depending on your fitness level and pace.
If you do not have that kind of time to dedicate, then you can do the Appalachian trail in smaller sections. There are several shorter and interesting trails within the Appalachian that will equally thrill your senses.
KUNGSLEDEN
When we said about the snow-topped mountains we did not joke. Sweden abounds in the frozen landscape; you can have a look at the beauteous landscape.
It is 275-miles long hike. Hence it will neither take much of your time nor energy. From icy glaciers to alpine vegetation, you will see everything that makes Sweden the dream destination of many.
It does not end here; you will get to see Mount Kebnekaise (the highest peak in the country).
TONQUIN VALLEY
Those looking for short trails are in luck. This Canadian trail in Alberta became viral when Ansel Adams posted photos of it online. From then on, it is on the bucket list of many.
Hiking the Valley takes a week. But you will have to struggle a bit to reach this place. Yes, its accessibility might not be up to the mark, but the scenic charms it exhibits will leave you spellbound.
Happy New Year! You have hit the reset button and you get to start fresh. Congratulations, you have made it to the new year, a new beginning in many ways.
This morning, on January 1st, Neha and I brainstormed and discussed how can we make this year a little different and more interesting than any of the previous years.
A New ‘New Year’
We didn’t want to do any new year’s resolutions this time. Like, lose another 10 pounds or travel to 6 new countries kinda common, boring, silly stuff.
This year, we wanted to do something fun and inspirational. Something that can be replicated by anyone and can be measured and therefore hold us accountable.
After drinking a gallon of water to flush all the alcohol from our system from the last night’s new year’s eve party, and peeing around 15 times, we were finally hit with a lightbulb moment.
We thought of how we can turn an ordinary year into a transformational year. Something that is both fun and motivational for our travel-addict community.
We had a nicely brewed cappuccino by the window while we enjoyed the sunny Boston afternoon. We discussed what challenges are practically doable by most people and beneficial to the doer even if they fail. We brainstormed and selected the following ideas.
One month of eating only at home or home-cooked meal
One month of no Netflix and TV
One month of daily reading for at least 30 minutes
One month of daily mindfulness meditation for at least 20 minutes
One month of doing a random act of kindness
No soda, no alcohol, no caffeine
Monthly Challenges Breakdown
January – one month without alcohol and soda
February – one month of being total Vegan
March – one month of sugar detox
April – one month of running 1 mile each day
May – one month of yoga every day
June – one month of social media detox
July – one month of caffeine detox
August – one month of eating only at home or home cooked meal
September – one month of no Netflix and TV
October – one month of daily reading for at least 30 minutes
November – one month of daily mindfulness meditation for at least 20 minutes
December – one month of doing a random act of kindness
Well, this is going to be both fun and tough.
That said, we want to encourage you to make your own list of challenges and play along with us.
A new day, a new start
Benefits of Monthly Challenges
Whether it’s writing a novel in 30 days or doing 30 days of yoga or 30 days of running or 30 days of detoxing, there is a good reason that 30 days challenges are getting popular. I believe:
Monthly challenges are a great way to instill new healthy habits
Anyone can commit to doing anything for 30 days
The 30 days duration is neither too long nor too short
A monthly schedule is easy to track and follow
These can be turned into fun group activities and can be viewed as games
Well, the clock is already ON. Let’s get started and motivate each other!
Challenge Your Friends
Please share your progress and lessons learned from each challenge on the social media of your choice or just comment below.
Babymoons are that special trip that parents-to-be take before their bundle of joy arrives. A last chance to relax and restore before life gets exceptionally busy.
If you are planning for a babymoon, it’s an opportunity for you to enjoy time together as couples without the responsibilities of parenthood.
Babymoon Tips
There are several considerations to make when you plan your babymoon. Traveling while pregnant can create some challenges, but it’s usually very doable if you plan ahead of time. Here are five tips on planning a perfect babymoon.
1. Plan for traveling in your second trimester
Many moms-to-be find the first semester filled with nausea and overwhelming fatigue. Once you hit your second trimester, the morning sickness is usually gone, and you’re not so big that you’re uncomfortable.
This is why obstetricians typically recommend that you go between weeks 14 to 28. You’re not uncomfortable, your fatigue has lifted somewhat, and your mind is finally able to entertain the idea of going somewhere and enjoying yourself. The second trimester is the ideal time for travel during your pregnancy.
2. Plan the destination
Now that you know when you want to go, it’s time to pick where you want to go. Do you want exotic or laid-back? Casual or formal and pampered? Consider the climate of the place you’re heading and make sure that any amenities you need are easy to access.
Your babymoon should not necessarily be the time to travel somewhere to do a lot of sight-seeing or a highly-physical adventure. Cruises are not the best option either in case morning sickness is still an issue. Instead, you want this to be a time that you can do a lot of relaxing and resting.
3. Don’t do long flights or long roadtrips
Though you may be dreaming of a European trek as your final hurrah before the baby comes, consider all that such a trip entails. Aside from the comfort factor, sitting for extended periods of time can pose health hazards for even the healthiest of people.
Going abroad can cause jet lag, making an already fatigued mom-to-be even more exhausted. Try to keep your travel time to less than four hours.
Trying to run through an airport to catch a connecting flight is the last thing you want to be doing during your second trimester. If you choose a destination that requires flying, don’t forget to get an aisle seat, since you are going to need frequent bathroom breaks.
4. Score discounts by sharing what you’re doing
Many resorts and hotels offer discounts to travelers that are celebrating a special occasion. Let the person know that you’re booking with that you are on your babymoon and see what special offers they can provide. Sometimes you can get a room upgrade or a special room service package.
5. Keep medical support a priority
In addition to ensuring that your doctor has given you the green light to travel, you also want to make sure the area you’re traveling to has good medical care nearby.
Usually, the second trimester is pretty uneventful, but you don’t want to find yourself in an emergency situation with no medical help nearby. Keep your doctor’s contact info on a card with you at all times, as well as your insurance details.
If you keep these important guidelines in mind, you will find that you can plan a babymoon that will be filled with happy memories to hold on to after the baby arrives.
Author Bio
Richard Burrowes, is the Senior Director of Operations at Rose Hall Developments Ltd. His career foundations began in Vancouver, Canada where he studied hotel management and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce while working in AAA 4 and 5 Diamond hotel properties.
Richard’s journey continued when he returned to his birthplace, Jamaica, and began a career in the hospitality industry. This experience has allowed him to manage first class resorts and people in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas. Today, he is fortunate to be a part of the Rose Hall Developments team, a diverse and historically rich company.
Travel. The 6-letter word that gets everyone, kids and adults alike, all juiced up. Budget; another 6-letter word that is a very important factor in traveling.
But can you put two and two together and figure out how the heck you can travel on a tight budget? Especially that the raise that’s been long overdue hasn’t been overseen by your boss…AGAIN!
Don’t let that dampen your spirits. If you put your foot down and not allow yourself to be reeled in by those luxurious travel commercials or expensive travel brochures; you can definitely afford to travel. All you need are a bit of patience and proper planning.
Same as you, I was once also in a similar situation when I was planning my first ever Southeast Asia vacation. But I stuck to these top 6 tips for my first budget travel.
There’s a beauty in traveling off-season and that is – saving money! Airlines hike up the airfares a few weeks before, during, and after peak seasons.
Travel during the off-season or the shoulder season. Some budget airlines almost always offer promo airfares during these seasons and you might get lucky and snatch a cheap fare to the destination of your choice!
Be patient and check the airline’s website once in a while.
2. Go for Budget Hostels
When you travel to a new place, you’re not going to lounge in your beautiful expensive hotel the whole day but you’re probably going to be on-the-go most of the time.
The only time you’ll need it is when you’re done with the day’s activities. Booking a low-cost accommodation can save you loads of money which you can use for other things like attraction fees, souvenirs, or transportation fares.
There are a lot of platforms you can search for reviews and pricing.
3. Try Airbnb or Couchsurfing
Just as the above, if you can’t find a decent hostel in a area, then try Couchsurfing or book your stay through Airbnb. Both options work great and both has its own merits.
Airbnb allows you to search and book shared accommodations. While, Couchsurfing is a community of like minded people who like to travel and meet new people.
Although having a solo tour with a tour guide all to yourself might sound a bit fancy, it will also cost you a huge amount of money! Go for package deals and group tours.
There are several groups of backpackers and travelers that are also looking for like-minded people they can travel (and save money) with.
5. Pack Right and Pack Light
Only bring the essentials. Strap on your best travel backpack and leave the unnecessary things behind. This will not only give you comfort in carrying a light burden but will also save you the extra baggage fees on the plane.
Rolling my clothes always hits the mark in terms of packing like a pro.
6. Ditch the Taxis and Embrace Public Transportation
As you know, taxi fares might be very steep in other countries compared to yours. Try to avoid taking cab rides from one point to another.
It’s good to map out your routes for the day so you’ll know which public trains to take. Think of traveling as a fun form of exercising, go for long walks (if you can) to the tourist spots.
Author Bio
Judy Maria is a passionate travel & outdoor blogger who loves to travel and write about her experience. She spends her free time hiking, swimming, camping and spending time with her family. She also blogs at GearJunior which is a site filled with outdoor tips and guides.
When it comes to travel, leisure, or business opportunities, few places rival that of the Caribbean. Caribbean countries typically top the leader board as a preferred vacation destination.
But, did you know beyond being a robust tourism market, the Caribbean also boasts strong business opportunities? And that you can apply and have a dual citizenship here?
Photo: Caribbean life / The Art of Travel Partners
In today’s world, a second passport is beneficial. Not only does it open doors, but it also gives you options for how you travel and conduct business. Having second citizenship in the Caribbean is an insurance policy, providing security for your assets and your future.
A second citizenship has become an increasingly popular way to enjoy the ease of travel and operating a profitable lifestyle or online business.
Today, we’ll discuss the whys and hows of getting a Caribbean second passport as a wise lifestyle and financial move. But first of all, let’s begin with the basics.
What is dual citizenship?
For most, the concept of dual citizenship may seem foreign. By definition, dual citizenship, sometimes called dual nationality, means being a legal citizen of two countries.
In some situations, this can happen automatically, for example, when children are born in a specific country to foreign parents.
In this instance, dual citizenship is achieved through a specialized legal process. This includes obtaining a second passport in the Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean through a Citizenship by Investment Program.
For affluent travelers, Citizen by Investment programs can also provide access to a secure line of protection to safeguard your family’s private wealth.
Benefits of a Caribbean second passport
Obtaining a second citizenship provides numerous benefits. Besides receiving a passport from both countries, being a dual citizen includes benefits and privileges such as:
Visa-free travel
Lifestyle in a tropical paradise
Investment opportunities
Business opportunities
Wealth preservation
Access to the finest offshore schools
Access to either country’s social services
How to Get a Caribbean Second Passport
Dual citizens are also afforded the ability to work in both countries without a permit or visa and vote in either one.
A second passport can give you and your family certain economic and educational advantages in addition to mobility benefits that make the Caribbean one of the most advantageous second citizenship destinations.
Obtaining a second passport
The traditional journey to acquiring a second passport can be long and arduous.
Not only can it take many years, but it can also be very expensive, with years of physical residency required. The costs of obtaining a second passport will vary, but often include legal and professional fees and government fees.
Dual citizenship through naturalization
The conventional route to obtaining a second passport is done through naturalization. Most countries will provide a means to acquire dual citizenship by applying for residency.
Applicants must then spend a certain amount of time, usually many years, in the country they apply to.
While this is the ideal option for many, eligibility through naturalization will vary significantly by each country. Residency options may change frequently as they are subject to the laws of supply and demand.
Countries facing an economic recession or that have increased demand may have a much greater barrier to entry. This application process is often intensive, expensive, and time-consuming.
Citizenship by Investment
In the Caribbean, legislation exists to make it easier to obtain dual citizenship.
Citizenship by Investment programs are the fastest option for obtaining a second passport. For qualified applicants, dual citizenship can be granted in as little as 90 days, with little or no residency required.
Affluent individuals applying for a second passport through an economic citizenship program can do so via specific investments. An individual would be required to meet a particular set of criteria, as well as different degrees of residency and investment.
There are different available channels for applying for Citizenship by Investment; this can be done by investing in a luxury property, making a donation to the government, and in some jurisdictions, investing in a business.
In return, applicants are provided immediate and tangible rewards and financial and personal security.
The value/benefit ratio of the Caribbean passports is one of the best in the world: relatively low cost and low processing time, little or no residency, and excellent travel and tax structuring benefits, versus years of residency and high cost for the U.S., Canada, and European programs.
As a dream vacation destination for many, the Caribbean has always been a paradise and region for international culture. With uncertainty in the current geopolitical climate, obtaining a second passport might just be the best investment you and your family could make.
Author Bio
Kaline Kennard is the co-founder of Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
Going on a road trip solo or with friends and family is always exciting. The thought of reaching your destination, spending time during a road trip with your favorite people, driving fast on not-so-busy highways while listening and singing along to your favorite songs are some of the things that make road trip unforgettable.
The journey is always fun if you are well prepared for it. But, oftentimes, in the excitement of the trip, there are some basic things we tend to forget.
In this blog, we want to cover a few basics which will double your joy and hopefully might even save your or someone’s life someday!
Road Trip Safety Tips
Well, we’re not talking about your iPhone charger (can you really forget that?) or earphones but something much more important. While cars and roads are safer now than before, you can’t afford to take chances on yourself and your loved one’s lives.
Too often, simple precautions get forgotten in the midst of all the excitement and delight of hitting the road. Below are the six tips on how to make your road trip safer and more fun having the extra peace of mind that comes with being totally prepared for anything.
Carry a Fully Stocked Emergency Kit
It’s always good to hope for the best, but it’s even better to prepare for the worse just in case. The first thing that should go in your car should be an emergency kit that stocked with items that can be helpful in case of an emergency. It should include:
Emergency contact names & numbers – this is critical
You should also include car-specific items in case your car develops issues on the trip like triangle reflectors, some coolant, jumper cables, and an adjustable wrench.
We advise keeping all the emergency items in one place, preferably a tote bag or box, so that you can quickly get everything you need during an emergency.
If you are heading to a place you’ve never visited before, it is best if you can be fully self-sufficient with everything, from road navigation to vehicle maintenance.
You don’t want to start looking for a mechanic in the middle of the woods when your car busts a tire. As such, a week before leaving familiarize yourself with DIY car maintenance procedures like removing and changing tires, checking and adding pressure and changing antifreeze and coolant.
Learning to do these things with boost your confidence, eliminate worries and let you enjoy your trip.
You may find putting your favorite Drake song on full blast as you drive home from a long day at work quite therapeutic. There would be little to no impact on your driving. But that’s probably because your mind and body are used to taking the same road home every day.
On a new road, however, you need to be as keen and focused as possible on what’s happening in the front, sideways and at your back.
You might not be able to swerve fast enough to avoid an oncoming truck if you’re too busy having your own version of Carpool Karaoke.
Map & Load Your Route Beforehand
Get acquainted with the routes to your destination a few days before the trip, even if you’re not the driver. Additionally, check the weather and traffic forecasts on all roads you plan on using and plan accordingly.
Share your route information with a close family member who will be left behind and keep them updated on your progress. In case you suddenly go off-grid, they’ll know where to look.
Service Your Car Before You Go
The last thing you want to do is go on a trip hundreds of miles away from home with a faulty vehicle. Apart from subsequent repairs being expensive as hell, a defective car on a long journey is an accident waiting to happen.
Do a full checkup and service before you get on with your journey, replacing everything likely to break down within a month’s time. It is also good to carry spare parts like wheels and windscreens.
A Good Night’s Sleep Goes a Long Way
As mentioned several times above, going on a trip on unfamiliar roads requires loads of concentration and alertness to avoid accidents and nasty road experiences altogether.
Thus, the driver (and the co-driver) need to sleep for at least 8 hours before departure to ensure that they are on high alert and fresh during the trip.
Apart from sleep, resting also does wonders to one’s concentration and instinctual reactions. You might want to skip leg day if it falls a day before you’re set to be the designated driver.
Also, do we really need to stress the importance of being entirely sober before and during a trip?
Conclusion
Traveling is fun, exhilarating and eye-opening, more so when it’s with a bunch of friends or family. Nonetheless, a little caution goes a long way to making sure you all come back in one piece.
We hope that you’ve learned something about Road Trip Safety from this article and that you have a safe and fun road trip to wherever you’re planning to visit.
Feel free to also share your personal tips with our readers, congratulate us on a good job or just drop some words of wisdom in the comments below. Cheers!
Author Bio
Scott Pine is a team-building coach in the social marketing sphere, expert in a life insurance company, traveler and car lover. Scott also works on several own projects, including AutoExpertGuides. Follow him on Twitter.
Saying that travel helps you grow sounds like such a cliché. However, it happens to be the truth. Before re-settling in Canada with my family, I have spent over a decade living abroad.
During that period, I learned a lot of things about life that cannot be learned in a classroom. Lessons about appreciating others, being grateful for what you have, living in the moment, enjoying your own company, and getting to know yourself can only be learned by being out there and experiencing the world.
Traveling the World & Living Abroad
Depending on who you are and what you have experienced, the lessons learned from traveling can be very different. During every new trip, you will either learn something new or reinforce lessons learned from previous travels.
Each trip will have its own impact and will continue to shape your personality. Here are six valuable life lessons you can learn from traveling the world or living in a foreign country.
As adults that worry about their career and reputation, we must stick to routines and cannot afford to make a mistake. Mistakes cost time and money, and we always have to stick to what we know works.
As adults, we often forget that it is important to aim for self-growth and always be open for learning and experiencing new things. Traveling remind us of the importance of curiosity, because being a tourist is like being a curious child.
When you visit a country you have never visited before, you are looking only at a corner of the world that you know nothing about. This gives you an amazing opportunity to be innocent, poke and explore.
Most people give up curiosity in adulthood, and that is something we mustn’t forget because we need in our life because it makes our mind active, opens up new worlds and possibilities, and brings excitement into your life.
2. How to Appreciate People
If you keep spending your time with the same people, always sticking to the same spots, you will forget how to appreciate others. You will see your friends and family as “them again,” and you’ll forget the things that make them so beautiful and great.
Traveling together will help you remember why you are so close, and traveling alone will help you remember how much you care about them.
Traveling is always an excellent opportunity to make new contacts, and meet new friends. It doesn’t matter if you don’t form a lifelong relationship with someone you met. The value in talking with strangers is allowing you to see them at their best.
You will see how different people are and most of them will gladly help you with something if you are a complete stranger. Traveling will undoubtedly strengthen your faith in humanity, and remind you how good people can be.
3. How to Enjoy the Moment
When you’re always trying to meet deadlines, you often forget about enjoying the moment and just cherishing the present. Traveling remind you that you should sometimes take things slow.
A great meal takes hours to cook. A good book can take a whole day to read. And who even knows how much time you need to stand in front of a painting in a museum before you realize its true beauty?
When you are in a foreign country, and everything is new, you will observe carefully and cherish every moment. At that moment you will realize that are a lot of amazing things around us (even at home) just if you see them the right way.
Although you sometimes don’t see things the right way, the moment you do will help you realize it was worth the wait.
4. How to be Responsible
At home, you feel secure, and you often don’t have to make the hard decisions alone. As a traveler, you will put yourself in uncomfortable situations – you might get lost, struggle with a foreign language, and say “I don’t know”, and apologize more often than you’re used to.
You will make mistakes and wrong turns, but you will learn how to rely on yourself and be responsible for your acts.
As a traveler, you open yourself up to a whole new world. Instead of sticking to your same old routine, you can ignore impositions and expectations, and start listening to your own thoughts and feelings.
Changing your environment will help learn how to understand yourself and discover what really matters to you.
6. How to Be Grateful
At home, you often take things for granted. When you stay long enough in a foreign country, you will start to miss things. You will yearn for your bed, the food you can buy just around the corner, or some music you can hear on every street.
You will suddenly start appreciating your home more and realize that you have been living a pretty good life.
Traveling the world opens your eyes, gives you a valuable frame of reference and provides you a way to see things from a different perspective. Eventually, you will discover that it’s really the small things that give us joy in life.
Author Bio
Brandon Miller is a registered immigration consultant and a Canadian who re-settled in Canada with his family after traveling the world and living abroad for over a decade. His traveling experience has given him a deeper understanding of the world and himself.
The modern world is full of all sorts of novelties: science, technology, medicine, faster transportation, etc. People have never had such strong knowledge in various fields. Amazing things and phenomena surround us.
Nowadays you can get news from your pocket, connect to a network that exists only in the cloud (aka remote data centers), to convey a message to a person who is thousands of miles away from you.
Thanks to information technology and the digitization of the world, we can now meet people who live far from us, in other cities and even countries.
No electricity, no wi-fi, but my laptop has enough apps to keep me busy.
The Impact of Technology on Travel
Recently, tourism has become the industry whose role in the global economy has grown significantly due to rapid technological development, cheaper flights, long-lasting geopolitical peace, and an increase in both the domestic and international tourism sector.
Along with the development of tourism services, a significant rise is also observed in the creation of the infrastructure around tourism and travel technologies, transportation, roads, hotels, and restaurant economy.
And this, in turn, has influenced the fundamental structural changes in many of the world economies. There are several countries where travel and tourism have become the largest piece of their economy.
Technology Has Changed the Way We Travel
Modern tourism has become a highly developed industry, because every person, who is curious, inquisitive, or loves leisure, likes to visit other places. That is why both domestic and international tourism is flourishing.
The way we travel is changing in different ways. You can travel by cruise or ships, by airplane, by car, by bicycle, or even on foot. It all depends on your choice and budget.
Of course, there is an element of practicality involved, for example, you would not bike from New Delhi to New York but you can certainly bike across Europe if you wish. Same is true for road-trips or cruising.
If money is in the way, then you need to plan ahead and work smartly around it. There are travel hacks you should certainly look into and we recommend you read:
If you live in Europe or Canada or USA, then you can certainly travel by cars to far away places. You can certainly travel train or plane if you have a long journey.
Some young people prefer to travel on foot or hitchhike, and stay in hostels and/or camp whenever possible. These are all ways to reduce spending. Plus, you meet new friends, have fun, and have no idea where you will be tomorrow.
This is a great advantage for travelers those who want to get everything that is possible so they can maximize their travel time exploring the world, and without burdening people around.
Devices and Apps that Improve Our Travel
Newer technologies have made travel easier to plan and overall more fun. Technology puts you in charge. You control your travel plans on your own terms.
You can now book your own flights, rent cars in foreign cities, book accommodations, carry digital maps, and even a language translating app. You don’t need to print or purchase paper travel maps anymore; you can simply download a mobile application, such as Google maps.
1. Uber or Lyft
This service is for ordering a taxi at your convenience has won the world market of transportation due to low prices and faster availability. With these taxi-on-demand apps, the customer has all the power and freedom on how and when she/he wants to travel from point A to point B.
2. Google maps
Google maps is a well-known application built by Google’s free cartographic service and technology. The service is a map, as well as satellite images of our planet. The service has an integrated business directory and a map of roads with route search.
Where you want to go?
3. Navigator
This program will show you how to get to the goal of bypassing the crust. By calculating how to get from the start to the destination, the app takes into account traffic congestion and road accidents. Navigator also knows about speed limits on different roads.
The current speed limit is displayed on the screen throughout the entire journey, and if you go too fast, the app notifies you by an audible signal. Isn’t that cool?
4. Hola Better Internet
Hola Better Internetis a program that improves the work of the Internet in any country; it gives you access to videos without interruption. The minus of the application is that the device discharges very quickly, but it is free and without any advertising.
5. Foursquare
Foursquare is a social guide in the city with the ability to recommend places to visit, based on your activity, activity of your friends and other users of the service.
6. Yelp
Yelp is a review site for restaurants and bars. When you travel to a new town or city, you can simply check what food options you have available near you and also read user reviews, ratings, and photos of food and drinks. Yelp makes your restaurant choice easier.
People travel not only for pleasure but also for business. They have to travel to other countries to participate in various conferences and negotiation meetings, or to review and sign important documents, or to participate in various exhibitions to show the goods of their company.
How can we benefit from the major changes in the travel industry?
Traveling is Easier and Cheaper
Fifty years ago, not many people went on vacation abroad. Most people spent their holidays in their country. Today that situation has changed, and the world seems to be much accessible. It is far easier today to travel anywhere you want on a fraction of a cost compared to just 50 or 100 years ago.
The travel industry is faced with many positive changes due to technology. Today it is possible to reserve a place at a seaside resort on the other side of the world. You can book tickets online or over the phone without leaving home.
The train or airplane will take you right where you want to be, and within a few hours after leaving your country, you will be able to find yourself on the tropical coast, enjoying the purest air, swimming in the crystal clear, warm water of the tropical sea.
It has become possible to order or to be accompanied by travel guide/advisor, who will provide you with the main tips for travel.
At present, tourism has become a highly developed business. Trains, cars, jetliners, buses, ships provide us with a comfortable and safe journey. And all of this has been made possible due to new technologies.
So, where are you traveling next?
About the Author
Carol James is a writer and senior editor at the USA writing service EssayLab. She has MA degree in social sciences and writes articles and reviews on different subjects. If you have any questions regarding the writing, please feel free to ask her.
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that can be seen with the naked eye from late-August to mid-April when the sky turns dark around 6 PM to 6 AM. The colorful light display is highly visible in the Auroral Zone, which is between latitude 65 degrees and latitude 72 degrees.
In this post, we will provide you with the list of 15 best places from where you can experience one of the most sought-after bucket list worthy destinations to view the Northern Lights. Auroral displays can appear in many colors although as you’ll notice, pale green and light pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, blue, and violet can also be in the mix.
Fairbanks, Alaska
As the largest city in the interior region of Alaska, the city lights may distract you so you may want to go farther into the northeast to Chena Resort from where you can view the Aurora while relaxing in a hot spring. You do not need to be observant at all times because they provide an Aurora alarm service which alerts guests when the light show starts.
As seen from Beaver Creek Scenic River in Alaska
Murmansk, Russia
Located above the Arctic Circle in northwest Russia, be prepared because temperatures can drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius in the Russian winter. This season also brings polar nights where the sun is constantly below the horizon. During this period, the sky will be completely dark, increasing your chances of viewing the Northern Lights.
Located in the northwest of Canada, Yellowknife is just 250 miles from the Arctic Circle. A half-hour drive will bring you to Aurora Village, a teepee campground where you can view the Northern Lights from the comfort of warm and cozy viewing chairs.
As seen in Yellowknife, Canada
Labrador, Canada
Found in the eastern part of Canada, the forbidding terrain and extreme climate keep the region pristine. The top of the ski trail at the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club, located near central Labrador, will provide you with a view of the Northern Lights reflecting on vast snow-covered trails.
Yukon, Canada
You do not need to be on land to be able to view the Northern Lights. The partnership between Tourism Yukon, Air North, and the Yukon Astronomical Society now offers flights from Whitehorse, Yukon that specifically flies over the Auroral zone to allow viewers to see the Aurora from the air. You can now enjoy the beautiful northern lights from 36,000 feet above the Yukon.
As seen from Yukon Territory, Canada
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Surrounding mountains and prevailing winds create an atmospheric effect that clears the sky over this region found on the center of the Swedish Lapland. The cloudless winter night creates an excellent viewing condition of the sky along with the view of the mountains and alpine meadows.
Tromso, Norway
Located above the Arctic Circle, this city in northern Norway is a famous site for viewing the Northern Lights. You can make the viewing more special by boarding the Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal steamer, so you can view the Aurora in a fjord. Don’t worry if you fall asleep, the ship provides wake up calls when the Aurora is visible.
As seen from Norway
Svalbard, Norway
A remote archipelago located north of Norway known for glaciers and frozen tundra, the islands here have long, dark, cloudless nights with dry weather – ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Although you will find more polar bears than people, there will be no shortage of attractions, from dog-sledding to backcountry skiing.
Santa’s Hotel Aurora glass igloos provide visitors with a different experience as they view not just the Northern Lights, but the whole arctic scenery from inside a Lapland hut-styled room with glass roof and walls. Here you can view the Aurora from the comfort of a fully equipped hotel room just a few steps from the reception and other services.
As seen in Finland
Oulanka National Park, Finland
Located in the Lapland regions of Finland, Oulanka National Park is one of the best places to go to see beautiful scenery backdropped by the Northern Lights. Comprised of pine forests and river valleys, you can find various camping areas from where you can view the Aurora.
Another shot of the dancing Aurora from Finland
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
A region close to the Arctic Circle, this town in western Greenland is the main air transport hub so getting here will be easier than the other locations. Having clear skies 300 days a year also makes this a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
The Northern Lights are visible from the whole of Iceland but you can improve the experience by viewing it from Thingvellir National Park, located in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is a popular tourist destination because of its history and geology.
As seen from Iceland
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The largest national park in Britain, located in the Scottish Highlands, where you can perform daytime activities like skiing and hiking. Once night falls, one of the best places to view the Northern Lights is in Glenlivet Estate. Awarded a Dark Sky status, this location ensures that there are no artificial lights that prevent you from seeing the Aurora.
The British Isles frequently have cloudy skies, but when the cloud cover breaks during the winter, the low light pollution paired with the breathtaking view of jagged mountain ranges, sea cliffs, pools, and moors makes for a beautiful scene backdropped by the Northern Lights.
On an Alaskan Crusie Ship
When you book a cruise ship going to Alaska during September, you would probably think that the highlight of the trip would be on one of the cruise shore excursions in the rugged outdoors, but you may be pleasantly surprised when the Northern Lights suddenly presents itself at sea.
Aurora Borealis
That’s it! These top 15 places offer unique perspective and view of the Northern Lights.
One tip in general: for those planning a visit to these areas, don’t make it a trip just for the Aurora Borealis because this phenomenon is elusive and you might be disappointed when you don’t see it. Clouds, weather, light pollution, time in hand, things that are not in your control can affect your viewing experience.
Having other activities planned will ensure that you will enjoy your trip whether you see the dancing Aurora Borealis or not.
Also, these aren’t the only places where you can view the Northern Lights. Sometimes, the Aurora presents itself in unexpected locations. So if you find yourself in the auroral zone in the evening, just face north, look up, and you just might get lucky.
Let us know in the comments below if you have experienced the mystical dance of the northern lights. What do you think? Please do share if you have any special moment or thought that came to you while viewing and experiencing the Aurora Borealis.
The sun glides over the horizon leaving a crimson reflection on the Pottuvil lagoon, Sri Lanka. If you want to enjoy the sunset as much as the fishermen in the image are doing then you can take canoe tours through the lagoon and see lizards, crocodiles, macaques and even elephants.
In Sri Lanka, you can indulge in all kinds of boating activities. You can sail from a beach to beach and you can also ferry yourself to Pigeon Island which is famous for snorkeling.
You can paddle through the waters of lagoons and watch the diverse wildlife. And you can also get a suntan at the Pasikuda beach. Sri Lanka offers you a relief from the winter blues and is one of the sunniest places you can opt for in Spring.
A dream looks exactly like the Fogo Island Inn where you get a floor to ceiling views of the ocean. In Fogo Island inNewfoundland, Canada, the night views are adorned with the glittery Milky way above your head. A whole new world comes alive around you, pulsing with serenity.
Fogo Island Inn offers Luxury at its best. It is not just the Canadian Whiskey we are talking about or the rooftop hot tubs, but the magnificent views of the landscape around it.
Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn is surrounded by quaint fishing villages, along which you can take bike rides and go on boats to go whale-watching as well. The delights which this places offer are too big a temptation. If you have got the cash, then we recommend you go for it.
When the sandy shore of the Namib desert kisses the turquoise blue ocean, you get this surreal image of two worlds meeting. Want to see Ocean and Desert going hand in hand then a trip to Namibia is what you need to do.
As soon as spring touches the ground here, Rain leaves Namibia. There are abundant wildflowers and pastures from the previous showers to get you through your spring delight. At this time of the year, the travel costs are pretty low and you can get better access to hotels and basic amenities while traveling.
But you are not going to Namibia just to lounge in a hotel, right? The Namib-Naukluft National Park is rich in wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and lions, who come out of their hiding during summer. It’s not just about the wildlife, who wouldn’t love to surf through the sand?
Into the wild, I go, to lose myself and find my soul. Embark on the wild journey through the upper Amazon, and let the river enchant you. Live in the treehouses and sail on wooden boats- like a local. Find your tribe.
Till May, Peru’s Amazon River receives rainfall. That means cooler temperatures and easy navigation through the river. You can beat the winter cold with the boat rides on this ancient river.
You might feel like you are in the middle of nowhere when you are here, but it is exactly the heart of nature you are in. The golden sunsets, the pink dolphins and the nights spent on boats and tree houses are worth a lifetime of experience.
Nothing is more breath-taking than watching the blind fury of nature. The 100-mile long ice wall of Svalbard crashes in the springtime. You can watch it if you are lucky enough – with some timing and a bit of patience.
Svalbard is just 620 miles from the North Pole, which means it is the place of eternal sunshine during summers. In spring you can bath in the polar glow of the sun.
It is not just you who craves the sunlight, but the polar bears, walruses, and seals also come out of their hibernation. So, you can see their summer bodies. Spot the wildlife while you are off hiking or kayaking.
All of us love that blush pink color and we always wish we could bottle it up. Such is the charm of the cherry blossoms you see in this picture. The golden lights and the pink reflect in the water of the Meguro River in Tokyo giving it a twinge of sunset.
Spring in Japan brings with it a season of cherry blossoms. People flock to places where there are these blossoms like Nakameguro canal, sakura hot springs where you can watch the bloom in all its glory.
There is also the Takayama Spring Festival in the Hida Mountains where there is an exquisite lantern parade every year. The blossoms continue till the month of May in Hokkaido.
And there are many ways for you to enjoy these cherry blossom sessions in sspring, may it be boating down the Kitakami river surrounded by cherry trees or dipping in the hot springs of Kawazu.
PANAMA
The turquoise blue water meets the sandy white beach in the Coiba National Park, Panama. A day on the beach is magical when you spend it doing boating or snorkeling.
Most of the tourists prefer traveling to Costa Rica, which leaves Panama less-crowded and serene. This Caribbean island has a variety of fun things to do – like from diving in with sharks and manta rays, to pampering yourself in a swanky cabana in Pearl islands.
It is a bit rustic compared to its neighboring islands. It has got a weak Wi-Fi connection, which is good if you want to get lost. And the chief mode of transportation are still horses, and you can have a clear sky for star gazing.
This image looks nothing less than a painting. The Columbia River in British Columbia, Canada winds through the deep gorges, and the gentle colors of sunrise grace the sky. Anybody would kill to have a view like this as soon as they wake up.
Besides, the river live many indigenous tribes who have lived there for centuries. Yakama, Nez Perce, Umatilla – all these tribes are masters at living in the wild.
You can Learn many things from them like nest-fishing or basket weaving. You can even find few touristy places around here to visit the Western Antique and Automobile Museum and Fort Clatsop.
Vitamin Sea is all anyone needs after a long winter. And what better way than to witness the deep blue waves crashing against the rocky beaches of Seychelles. This image is of the La Digue beach in Seychelles, one of the popular beaches.
There are about 115 islands along the coast of Tanzania which make up Seychelles. It is a dream holiday to fly over any one of these islands and enjoy your spring amidst the cool blowing trade winds and cute tortoises making their way into the moonlit ocean.
These islands are not limited to coastal vegetations and aquatic animals, but you will find that the shores of the beaches are rocky. There are granite cliffs rather than the sandy beaches, and quiet dinners rather than loud crowds – its Nirvana.
Go offbeat, while visiting Morocco and visit this little town of Essaouira as an alternative to Marrakech. It is more of a quaint fishing village rather than a loud tourist town.
The Berber villages of Atlas mountains are cooler options to visit in spring, cooler as in literally. The village of Essaouira is cooled with the Azilee trade winds.
There is another city of Chefchaouen which also has a great outdoor market like Essaouira selling oriental rugs, aromatic spices, and Moorish lanterns. Explore these Moroccan delights in spring to take a break from the winter blues.
Long distance travel is a luxury most of us cannot afford. Not because it is expensive. But, because it takes time off from your work or study, money for tickets and lodging, and not having a lot of responsibilities back home (kids, pets, elderly parents, etc).
In this blog, I would like to cover how can you save money during your travel to make the best out of it. We have 10 fantastic money-saving tips for you compiled from several travel experts to make you able to travel like money doesn’t matter!
To get rid of the TML (Traveler’s memory loss), you can quickly make a checklist. This is the first money saving tip you ought to follow. List out all the things that you need during your travel, including brush, toothpaste, shampoo, tampons, and every necessity.
Once you are sure that you have all that you need with you, you won’t have to spend your money on things you already have. In this way, you save your money and invest it in other things during travel.
IS A ROOM WITH VIEW NECESSARY?
This year I traveled to three different places. When I was in Puri, I booked a room with an ocean view with a large window. And it cost me an enormous amount of money. Other than that, when I went to Darjeeling, I booked a room with a view of the Kanchenjunga, and it also cost me heaps.
But on my next trip, I booked a room which accommodated all my needs but was without any view. It cost me lesser than any one of the rooms. The point is, you hardly stay in your room when you travel around the destination. You only get back at night, when it is dark to see anything.
So, why spend money on something which you are not gonna enjoy for most of the time? Instead, follow this money-saving tips to save more for doing something adventurous on your trip.
SHORTER YOU STAY, LESSER YOU PAY
Don’t pick up debts just because you are having fun
Traveling is the drug of our choice, and if travel were free everyone would be a vagabond. But travel isn’t free; it costs bucks which do not come easily to you.
Plan your stay at the destination, and make it the shorter you can. It lessens most of the cost, and a day off before you get back to your normal schedule is always relaxing.
ALTERNATE DELUXE & STANDARD
Those who do not travel often, always tend to go for luxury rooms during their vacation. But luxury rooms are pricey and are out of the budget for few.
In that case, you can stay in standard rooms during most of your trip and then change to deluxe rooms at the end of your stay. Your wish gets fulfilled, and your pocket doesn’t hurt much either.
KEEP TRACK OF CONVERSION RATES
As you know, the Euro and pound are at the lowest conversion rates ever! It is making all the travelers crazy, as they pack their bags for a trip to London this fall. If you keep track of the currency rates in different parts of the world, you can steal a cheap travel vacation.
We all want tourist attractions all to ourselves when we travel. But it seldom happens during the peak season. This is the number one money-saving tips that travelers follow. Travel experts advise that if you travel in the off-season, then not only will you ditch the crowds but also lower your expenses.
And if you want to travel somewhere during the peak season, go to a destination which is underrated. That lessens your price tag as well as the crowd. And then in the off-season travel to the big places.
GRAB A TOURIST CARD
When you travel to any destination, do your research on the tourist cards available in that area. It helps save you more than you can imagine. It offers free or discounted rates on sightseeing, hotels, dining, and transport. Check that you don’t spend more on the tourist card, than what you want to save.
In India tipping is not a gesture that many follow, but Americans are so used to tipping that they do it even when it is not required.
If you tip a lot, then do your homework before you visit a place, so that you do not waste your precious money on tipping, when it isn’t needed. Keeping these money-saving tips in mind you can avoid unnecessary expenses.
There are times as a traveler when I wanted to strangle the housekeeping because they did not offer me the jug of water I so badly needed. Then I started keeping a reusable water bottle with me, which I filled whenever I got a chance.
But When the water needs were taken care of, I got the hunger cramps. Keeping biscuits, dried fruits or nuts with me helped me get rid of that hunger pangs.
Packing your food and water beforehand means less unnecessary expenses. You don’t have to spend extra dollars on a bottle of water or snack. Little money saving tips save much.
CREDIT CARD SURPRISES
You should use everything that is at your disposal to make your travel cheap and easy, and that includes your credit card. There are hidden perks of credit cards which most of us are ignorant of.
If you have a Visa Signature card, then you can get serious perks on over 800 hotels listed in the luxury collection. And the American Express card users can avail perks on about 900 hotels.
Not just that you also get Travel insurance and lost luggage reimbursement in Visa Signature cards. There is an extensive list of perks hidden in your card. Put it to use.
SELL UNWANTED GOODS
We all have those old books or furniture or that camera or old iPad which we do not read anymore! You may even have clothes that don’t fit you or interest you anymore or that pair of boots. A simple rule you can apply when trying to get rids of things is this: if you haven’t touched it in a year, you don’t need it.
It is therefore wise that you put such items on sale at a website (eg. Craiglist), apps (Offerup, Facebook Marketplace), or simply do a garage sale.
SET WEEKLY SPENDING LIMIT
You should not bite more than you can chew. Be practical! And save every week. Put aside a specific amount for your needs and do not spend more than it. If say you save at least $70 USD a week, you will have a minimum of $280 USD saved in a month. (Which by the way means you can comfortably live for up to two weeks in Thailand with that money!)
DECIDE YOUR DESTINATION
There are wannabe travelers all around, planning a trip that is never going to happen. We are saying “never going to happen”, because the majority of us have full-time jobs and a tight budget.
How are we going to make that trip to Hawaii or Singapore? We keep thinking, planning, plotting but the vital link we all forget is “money.” Now that we have covered the money part, there remains one last step.
You must decide where you want to go and carefully narrow your lists of available options. Pick a destination that fits both your budget and your dream. Those who want to travel abroad might like to take a decision on a country where their currency is valuable than the local currency.
For example, Americans can plan a trip to Thailand, Indians can go to Hong Kong, Europeans can go to Hawaii. A Smart way to choose your destination is to check your currency value. And…cheap flight tickets.
USE GOOGLE FLIGHTS
Google flights is hands down the best free tool that you can use to find a flight that is both viable and available. Even if you are planning a last minute trip. You can set your home destination and then play with the dates (into the future) to find a cheap deal.
We hope that you have found our article helpful. By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re sure that you will be able to make every dollar count in your trip.
“Winter is coming” – No, winter has already arrived and we bring you some unique winter travel destinations. These 10 amazing destinations beat winter blues like no other.
Come out of your comfy shell and explore the wonders of this world.
ABISKO, SWEDEN
Just near the Arctic Circle lies a quaint village in Sweden. Trains run to Abisko Village, so it is not a problem to travel here. But winters get brutal here and thus challenging the hikers who decide on conquering peaks of Abisko National Park (like Nuolija).
The heavy snow provides a great opportunity for winter sports like Cross-country skiing, Freeriding, and Back- Country Skiing. Winter is not only about snow but also about darkness, and the long dark nights offer bright starry skies and Aurora Borealis.
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
The Largest Lake in North America attracts visitors from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and pretty much all over America during the winter months. This world-famous, stunning lake acts as a winter sports capital for tourists.
Tahoe straddles both Nevada and California, which names its largest resort Heavenly Mountain Resort as the largest in both Nevada and California.
Other areas for winter sports include Squaw Valley, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Northstar. Skiing is not the only thing to do here, Tahoe has a fair number of casinos. Gamble and spoil yourself at Crystal Bay Club or the Calvena.
ATHENS, GREECE
When the wind blows through the columns of Acropolis and the wintry light shines upon the marbles – there is magic in that moment.
There are many places where the winter is beautiful. But Greece has Mediterranean climate and winter brings not the freezing winds but pleasant weather. The days are short, which gives you time to roam the streets in the evening.
Usually, the winter season is low on tourists (which is a good thing if you prefer avoiding the crowd). You can enjoy the monuments and landmarks in a relaxed way, and hotel prices are half of what they are in peak season.
Go outdoors during the day, visit Acropolis, various museums, and boutiques and have a leisurely coffee at cafés in the evening.
Did you know? There are 6000 exotic islands to choose from in Greece and a myriad of ancient ruins to explore and ponder on the meaning of life. Have it all at your disposal during winter.
TULUM, MEXICO
Once upon a time, 1000 residents inhabited the Mayan Port in Caribbean Coast of Mexico. Tulum attracts tourists from around the world to witness the Tulum Ruins. If you reach here via the road of Playa del Carmen, then it feels like you are at a bus stop.
But later when you discover the pristine Coba ruins, secluded Caribbean beaches, and a biosphere reserve, your mind takes a U-turn. It is not a truck stop- uhh no! It is an ancient Caribbean wonder!
Winter brings out the best in it- cheap hotels, inexpensive street food, and lazy sugar sandy beaches.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
November to February are the winter months in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. The dark and gloomy time brings less daylight. From 8 am to 4 pm, you have the time to explore all the fun. Then it is time to hygge!
Do not worry, in these few hours there are tons of things to do. Do Ice Skating at Frederiksberg, take a dip in Vinterbad Bryggen, shop at a discount in Christmas Markets (discounts last until January end), and taste the warming glogg snaps (season special).
ASPEN, COLORADO
Perched on the slopes of Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Aspen turns into skiing heaven during winters. The snow-laden valleys become great areas for winter sports.
For skiing, there are four major areas: Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountains. Other than skiing, try your hands at Sleigh rides and sledding. Snowmobiling is also a fantastic way to enjoy winter glory.
JASNA, SLOVAKIA
Jasna is a tiny village in the interior of Slovakia (and maybe, just maybe it is a prospective host of 2022 winter Olympics). If so, why not try what the upcoming winter Olympics host looks like?
Jasna boasts of many of the best skiing resorts. Low Tatras is the greatest among them all. It has four cable cars and eight chairlifts, and a 6 km long home run. Besides that, the new terrain park supports night skiing as well. You can head to Jasna without a second thought!
Ski-lovers, if you are wondering how to how to choose the best ski poles, check out: 10 Best Ski Poles.
WHISTLER, CANADA
Winter gifts the mountains in British Columbia with chunks of snow, which become useful for snow-sports. Those who did not know that Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in America, now perk your ears.
The Whistler Blackcomb has a snowcross track, four terrain parks, and a superpipe. No matter what kind of snow fun you desire, Whistler caters to it all.
This quaint village also has a lot to offer for non-skiers – like just soak up the serene frozen landscape. Well, another reason to love Canada.
TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
The mighty fortresses surrounded by blooming orchids amidst the misty mountains give Transylvania a fairy-tale charm. It’s located in central Romania. It is here that the Dracula story was set.
Step into the wintry magic of the Carpathian Mountains, by riding carriages and spotting bears.
Visit the famous medieval castles like Bran Castle (but meeting a vampire is hardly a chance). Skiing in the Carpathian Mountains is an experience like no other. Save it for the best day!
COSTA RICA
Unlike the Icy Paradises, Costa Rica is a welcome change in winter. The months from December to April sees a throng of tourists, flocking to have a warm winter vacation. Personally speaking, December is my favorite month of Costa Rica vacation!
Beach-seekers who enjoy the sultry sunshine and vibrant wildlife will love it during the wintertime. During the winter season, many lively fiestas include wild dancing, live concerts, and bullfights take place. Plan ahead and go have a blast!
Train rides are exciting. Enjoying the beautiful scenery never gets old because it is never monotonous. Below are few pictures of the world’s 10 most beautiful train rides from around the globe that will make you want to hop on a train right now.
The Ghan
Want a change of scenery? The red ravines of Australia await you. The Ghan rides through the heart of the dreary landscape, making it look like something out of an alien world movie.
With the super awesome dome cars that give you an unfiltered view of the rugged scenery of Canadian countryside, you will love a train ride of The Canadian.
It is not always about the gorgeous scenery, sometimes it is about a classy black tie extravagance in the heart of Europe. The Orient Express might be one of the oldest luxury trains but it is also the classiest of all.
The route of this luxury train has changed several times, so if you want to check this off of your bucket list, do a quick search on their website.
As of today, the train operates from London to Istanbul or Paris to Budapest with several other major European cities in between.
We all know that Switzerland has the best of everything in some sense. For example, who doesn’t enjoy gaping at the snowy peaks?
The Glacier Express takes you on one of the most exhilarating train rides, which connects two mountain resorts St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Are you up for an adventure in the African mainland? Then you may want to experience the rich and exotic natural beauty of Africa.
And, what better way than hopping on one of the affordable trains rides in Africa, and indulge in viewing the diverse wildlife of Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.
As the Shongololo takes you across the Victoria Falls, the Trans Siberian Railways takes you through the Lake Baikal in Russia. It offers a 14 days train ride from Vladivostok and Moscow.
You’ll feel like a royal the moment you step into the traditionally decorated cabins of The Maharaja Express. It gives you a taste of the elegant Rajasthani Royalty, while you wind through the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert in India.
There are only a few places around the Earth where the Tea plantations thrive. And most of the Tea plantations are in the East. If you want to taste something exquisite, these 13 unique tea destinations will live up to your expectations.
A Tea Plantation is not just about the green leaves sprouting, but the surrounding valleys (and the methods used to make it) play a significant role in luring travelers.
When the word tea is on the tip of my tongue, I can’t help but think of Darjeeling. The mighty views of Mount Kanchenjunga offer a stunning backdrop for the Tea Valleys in Darjeeling. Some of the popular tea plantations are Happy Tea Valley Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, and Tirrihannah Tea Garden.
SRI LANKA
Ceylon Tea is one of the world’s finest tea that is grown in Sri Lanka. The humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall of the country’s central highlands provide a climate that favors the production of high-quality tea.
These tea is popular in England and the Middle East. The tea industry was first introduced in 1867 by James Taylor, a British tea planter who arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852.
ASSAM, INDIA
North Eastern India abounds in valleys, and the weather here is conducive for nurturing tea plants. Assam is one of the seven sisters which has numerous Tea Plantations like the Rajmai Tea Garden (which has a beautiful pond), Socklatinga Tea Garden, and Baruah Tea Garden.
MUNNAR, INDIA
When we are talking about India, it is not just the North Eastern states that are rich in tea plantations. But the Southern States have enough hilly regions to support vibrant tea gardens.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is one of the best places not only to experience the Tea plants but also to see the sun rise behind the hills. There are small tea stalls on the way up the hill, do taste a cuppa tea here in the early morning.
In the little town of Wazuka, there are about 300 families who come together to take care of the Obubu Tea Farm near Kyoto. There are many ways to tweak up your tea experience here.
If you want you can take up tea internship, or you can visit during spring when the Geisha Dance Festival – Miyako Odori takes place.
MAINLAND CHINA
Green Tea in Mainland China
The Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang tea tours are some of the best you get in China. You will find plenty of tea houses and shops to entertain your tea passion. Yunnan Tea Market and Jinan tea Wholesale market are places which follow Chinese tradition.
It means you can walk into any shop and take a free sip of tea. And if you like it, then buy some.
DA YU LING, TAIWAN
The tea plantations in Taiwan are closing up rapidly. And Da Yu Ling area is a must visit for every tea lover. You see the Taiwanese high mountain teas up close and also get an enchanting view of the mountains. But you ought to keep up your energy as hiking and trekking will drain your energy.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia has some world class and award-winning tea estates that you should visit if you are a true tea connoisseur. Tea was likely introduced to Malaysia by Chinese traders and it has been since enjoyed by Malaysians for hundreds of years.
The majority of Malaysian tea is produced in the Cameron Highlands region, sometimes referred to as Malaysia’s “Green Bowl”. It’s located about 3.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur by a car and is situated on the scenic Titiwangsa Mountain Range, which is also a popular destination for it’s scenic beauty.
Hawaii offers you a tropical tea experience. There are some classy hotels here which have a brand name that revolves around tea. The Modern Honolulu and The Halekulani provide a power-packed three-course meal which heroes tea.
Be it tea sandwiches or scones, everything served has a taste of tea.
ENGLAND
Even though Europe is not great in the production of tea, The British have inculcated a 5’o clock tea habit. There is a myriad of hotels which bring you a Typical 5’o clock British Tea Experience.
One such place is Tea and Cake London by Zena Alkayat where there are 80 rooms to make your tea visit formal and perfect.
MOROCCO
Morocco never fails to surprise me, and in the Tea Department also it has got a secret weapon in its arsenal. Tea in Morocco is generally a man’s duty. The man of the house prepares the tea, and that custom runs in most of the families.
Mint Tea is like water to the Moroccans. It is customary to drink 2-3 cups of Mint tea before having a meal.
AUSTRALIA
Unlike Europe, Australia has a long history related to Tea. And there are loads of farms for you to visit. You can take a tour of the factory in Nerada Tea plantation or join in the Devonshire Tea feast.
Another place on your list should be Tea Estate Madura which is the one and only Tea Estate in Australia.
VANCOUVER, CANADA
It is hard and nearly impossible to grow tea in the freezing temperatures of Canada. Still, there is a farm in Vancouver called just the “Tea Farm.”
Growing tea plants is in an experimental phase. But you can visit, and see history made before your eyes as it is the first such place in Canada.
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