While traveling without speaking the language can still be life-changing, when you learn to speak the local language of your destination, even at a basic level, it can help you make the most of your time abroad.
Not only will you be able to navigate your surroundings more easily, and order at restaurants, you’ll build a deeper connection to the culture and people of the country you’re in.
There are a lot of language learning apps you can use before you travel, but you can save yourself a lot of time by using apps that get you speaking from day one.
These 7 language learning apps will do just that, and you’ll be speaking like a local by the time your plane lands!
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These days, there’s absolutely no reason you should ever find yourself without power, electricity, or battery charge. Not even when the power goes out!
Not when you’re camping in the wilderness, not when you’re driving through remote places, and not even in a natural disaster. Why? Because today we have portable power stations and solar generators that allow us to charge our electronics regardless of whether you’re outdoors, far away from a wall outlet, or caught in a power outage.
One of the highest capacity and longest lasting portable power stations with a solar recharge is the MAXOAK Bluetti AC100; a 1,000 watt hour battery with a load capacity of 600 watts, and a built in Sine Wave converter which means you can use AC power.
If you want a high capacity portable solar generator, this is the one you want! It means you’ll never be without power or battery charge.
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Did you know that South Australia is home to the nation’s oldest surviving German settlement? Set in the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf is what you get when early German migrants travel to Australia on a Zebra!
Yes, you read that correctly! Though the migrants fleeing religious prosecution in 1839 didn’t saddle up on the black and white kind, rather a ship named Zebra which was captained by Dirk Meinerts Hahn.
The slice of heaven in the Adelaide Hills where the passengers and crew would eventually settle would end up being named after the Captain. Today, visitors to Hahndorf experience a traditional European village blended with Aussie spirit.
Set along leafy Main Street in the heart of town are three unique properties by The Haus Group. We stayed at the award-winning The Studios by Haus this past autumn (boutique self-contained apartments), and were totally charmed by this historic yet contemporary Australian town.
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As travel restrictions begin to ease in Australia, it’s time to start thinking about travelling domestically to boost our local economies. And after months of being locked down, Aussies could all use a breath of fresh air in the nation’s beautiful reserves and national parks.
Just a short drive from Melbourne is one of our country’s finest national parks: Grampians National Park. The Grampians as it’s also known, attracts travellers from all around the world who come to witness the park’s scenic lookouts, waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Oh, and did I mention there are pyramids in these hills? If you’re looking to experience one of the most unique and relaxing stays in the Grampians, look no further than Grampians Getaway which accommodates everyone from romantic couples to larger families and groups.
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There’s nothing quite like stepping out onto the summit of Masada, the sun beating down on you and the Dead Sea stretching out before you.
This stunning ancient fortress is one of the most visited sites in Israel for a reason, and everyone should aim to visit at least once if planning a visit to the country.
A magnificent 2,000 year old fortification atop a rugged rocky plateau, Masada is one of the world’s most beautiful ruins. However this is not the type of site where you can just step off the tour bus, admire for twenty minutes, and then get back on.
Making the most out of a trip to Masada requires a little bit of forward planning, so here are some of the things you can do before your visit, an introduction to the history of the site, and whether or not you should hike!
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From hiking through national parks to experiencing the Alaskan wildlife and wilderness, there are plenty of walking holiday destinations in the USA to consider before jetting off.
Here’s a quick guide to the best locations for hiking holidays in the USA and what kinds of things you can expect from each.
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Uyuni, the land of wonders, is almost at hand’s reach. We’ve heard so much about it, at every table of every hostel throughout South America.
We’re ecstatic, exhilarated and exquisitely excited. But we’ve also thought long and hard about which tour we should take. Should we stick to the salt flats, or indulge in the 3-day excursion?
Honestly, if we had known about the myriad stunning landscapes we would go through on the 3-day Uyuni tour, it would have saved a lot of time and effort. The South of Bolivia has so much more to it than the salt flats.
Truth is, what you’re about to read is exactly the kind of post we would have needed.
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When we embarked on our ‘Road Trip for Good‘ at the beginning of March, the purpose was to visit bushfire affected parts of the country, and do our bit to support struggling local economies.
The start of 2020 saw unprecedented bushfires rip through Australia; millions of people were affected, but the devastation wasn’t just limited to property, wildlife, and land. It also decimated local economies across the country, as travelers cancelled their plans.
Summer is peak season for tourism in Australia, and many small businesses rely on the visitor economy. Even if the fire didn’t reach their doors, the sudden drought of tourism was a heart aching pill to swallow.
Our gratitude can’t be expressed deeply enough for the outpouring of love, donations, and support which flooded in from around the world, and from around the country. But the bushfire recovery is far from over, especially for those who have lost their income.
By mid March a pandemic swept in, and we were forced to rush home. But as Australia went into lockdown and we cut our trip short, the residents of bushfire affected Australia had a clear message:
‘Please don’t forget about us’.
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I remember a quote I read many years ago from Sir Richard Burton. “The greatest moment in a man’s life is when he sets out for an unknown land.”
I had no idea who Sir Richard was, but the quote stuck in my head. Traveling could really cause the most extraordinary moments? I was excited about the possibilities, and this quote motivated me to make traveling my profession.
For years, I worked as a travel writer and traveled across all seven continents. And the quote turned out to be correct. Different places, people, cultures, natural wonders, mega cities, unknown customs and outstanding places, from the mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of Thailand, had definitely filled my life.
When I look back on my travels in over 90 countries over the last two decades, I discovered that the mysterious Sir Richard Burton was formerly a British Africa researcher, though in his above quote he had underestimated the outcome of the journey.
I found out that travel does much more: it also boosts your self-esteem, and greatly improves self confidence.
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Southeast Queensland’s Gold Coast has a reputation as a gaudy family friendly holiday destination with theme parks, beaches and wild nightlife.
While it is indeed all of those things, for those that venture outside of the usual tourist hotspots, it has so much more to offer, from great food to endless outdoor activities.
Locals feel that just by living here, it’s like winning one of those giant American lottery jackpots – there’s a reason so many Aussies move to the Gold Coast, though it’s not for the typical tourist haunts!
Check out our list of things to do on the Gold Coast beyond the theme parks and Surfers. You may find that you’re the next person wanting to move!
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Europe is a cyclists dream. There are historic castles and cities to explore, pastoral countryside dotted with small towns, and snow-capped mountains for hiking.
While most people navigate Europe by car or train, the continent is ideally suited for bike touring. You can get just about anywhere in Europe by bike with ease, and it can lead to a much more immersive travel experience.
If you need some motivation to trade out the traditional European trip for a bike tour, we’ve got five reasons why two wheels is the way to go.
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Traveling doesn’t always have to be so taxing on the environment. By finding ways to travel greener, you’ll be making less of a negative impact on the planet with each trip.
Here are seven great ways to be more eco-friendly while you’re traveling. Small changes we make on an individual level do add up to have a powerful collective effect.
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The popularity of Joshua Tree National Park dates back 10,000 years, back when the Pinto Culture were hunter-gatherers within the region. Cattle rustlers and miners would later move into the area before Joshua Tree would eventually go on to become the outdoor recreation mecca it is today.
Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape is filled with billion-year-old boulders and crazy looking Joshua trees for which the park is named. It’s now been 25 years since California’s Joshua Tree became a national park, conserving nearly a half million acres of rugged yet beautiful desert wilderness.
The park has been popularized through its appearance in music videos, iconic album covers, and through big name music concerts, though it’s major draw is its offering of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re into rock climbing, hiking, camping, or spotting wildlife, Joshua Tree definitely delivers! Read about all the things you can do!
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With roads becoming more crowded, traffic rage, unexpected braking, swerving, and switching lanes without indicating are becoming more widespread – in almost every country.
Provocative gestures, yelling, cursing, tailgating, and loud car horns – all of this is quite common, and something you’ll likely encounter on any road trip you take.
But road rage can trigger dangerous behavior, and this is not something you want ruining a trip. So learning how to stay calm in your car is an essential skill to have with you on any road trip.
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Backcountry skiing is a fun and exhilarating pastime for experienced skiers who want to experience something new. It combines some of the most exciting, but also dangerous aspects of rock climbing, skiing, and hiking into one adrenaline-packed sport.
In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to start backcountry skiing, how you can stay safe, and where you can go around the world to do it!
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Let’s be honest, travel for the rest of the year has largely been taken off the table, and while the current pandemic has forced us to adjust our daily lives, so too will it adjust the course of future travel.
While domestic tourism is expected to take off first, and direct neighbors may open borders to each other (talks between Australia and NZ are already in progress), an international free for all isn’t likely until at least 2021.
There’s really no certainty about the future of travel, though one thing we do know is that we’ll have to get used to a whole new travel landscape once restrictions are lifted.
If you’re planning on 2021 travel, and wondering how the travel experience will change, these are the most likely scenarios you should prepare yourself for.
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Many countries are warning that the current social distancing measures are likely to be in place for anywhere between 6 – 18 months; planes are grounded, borders are closed, and the loneliness of being isolated at home is utterly depressing.
One of the best things about travel is the people you meet, and the friendships you make along the way; the characters you bump into in a bar, and the lifelong friendships you make with people who share your addiction. But you can’t go out and meet people right now.
I don’t agree with social distancing. I agree with the concept, but I don’t agree with the terminology. Physical distancing, sure. This is absolutely necessary right now, and I will gladly do my part to stay at home and remain physically separate from other humans. I don’t want the virus anymore than I wish to pass it on.
But I’ll never stop being social. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay social within the travel community, and connect with other travelers, while adhering to social distancing.
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We buy a lot of things out of the box these days. But what about your home?!
We’ve all been so conditioned to believe that home ownership means a 30 year mortgage, and 2,600 square feet to call our own, but this way of thinking has seen home ownership become largely unattainable, and for those who do jump in, you waste years of your life figuring out how to afford your home.
The internal struggle is real – do I save money for a house deposit, or do I invest my money in life experiences, and travel before I settle down? … But if I travel, it’s going to put me behind on being able to afford a home.
The solution is the tiny home movement; a lifestyle choice to downsize and simplify, with the huge financial advantage of more time and freedom to enjoy life.
A new name on the scene is Boxabl – a company selling ultra modern folding houses built in a precision factory environment, from cutting edge materials, packed with the latest technology.
These box homes are delivered right to your backyard, and unfold in under 2 hours. But better yet? It’s less than $50,000 for a fully furnished home!
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There’s nothing worse than finding yourself without power when traveling. Whether you’re camping, trekking, or in a country where the power goes out every afternoon (3pm on the dot in the Solomon Islands!), these days we need battery life for most things we do.
And that’s where a portable power station comes in, and why it’s so essential to have one for travel; a power source, and way of charging your electronics regardless of whether you’re outdoors, far away from a wall outlet, or caught in a power outage.
The brand we’re reviewing today is the US based MAXOAK Bluetti AC20 Portable Power Station – it’s a lightweight but durable portable generator that is excellent for travel, as well as use as a backup power source at home.
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One of the hardest parts of booking a trip is trying to decide on the destination. With so many unbelievable places in the world, how can you possibly narrow things down to just one city or country?!
It’s tough, but there are a few things you can do to make this decision easier – and slightly more interesting!
Here are four fun ways to pick your next destination – we’ve aimed for more eccentric, out of the ordinary ideas, because travel should be about the adventure!
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Road trips are one of our favorite pastimes. They give you the opportunity to see the world in a unique way without spending a lot of money. Plus, you can bring along as many friends and family members that will fit in your car.
Packing correctly for a road trip is an essential part of having a great time. And the benefit of taking a car is that you have more flexibility in what you can pack without TSA or airline guidelines changing your packing list.
The bad news is, you might forget a few things if you’re not organized. Of course, you’ll probably do a good job packing your toys, toiletries, and other daily essentials, but there are a few things people often don’t think about.
So, here are 10 things you might want to bring on your next road trip!
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Positano is a magical Amalfi Coast destination that attracts thousands of people each year. This Southern Italian paradise is a popular travel destination for obvious reasons; you’re welcomed with postcard perfect views, vivid blue waters, and lush mountains: it’s a beyond picturesque village!
However, despite being such a popular tourist destination, Positano is quite a small village and knowing how to navigate this unique place is a must. There 10 main things you need to know before visiting Positano to prepare you for this coastal beauty.
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Millions of tourists flock to Central Italy every year to experience Florence’s many iconic landmarks and attractions, but it’s the city’s ideal location which may be its most enticing feature.
Situated in the heart of the Tuscany Region, Florence is the perfect base for exploring the many charming towns that surround the city, as well as major Italian cities beyond.
So, once you’ve had your fill of the Cradle of the Renaissance, discovering the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Florence Cathedral, plan out time for exciting day trips to these unforgettable destinations.
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Family vacations can be fantastic bonding experiences. Traveling to exciting locales, seeing interesting sights, and trying new things with your tribe can bring everyone closer together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Unfortunately though, as is often the case when families spend a substantial amount of time together, vacations can quickly become hindered by passive-aggressiveness, crankiness and hurt feelings. The stresses of travel get taken out on each other!
Luckily, nipping these issues in the bud doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Families who want their next big trip to be free of conflict would be wise to heed the following pointers.
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Pets form an intimate part of our lives, and for cat lovers who love to travel, it’s often just unthinkable that you would holiday and leave them at home.
Travelling with pets is never easy though, and especially when it comes to cats, they can be quite temperamental on the road. You have to prepare for your trip as you would prepare for a traveling with a child, maybe even more.
There’s no reason these days to have to choose between your wanderlust and your cat, but you do need to make sure you’re prepared. Use the following tips for a safer and smoother experience.
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