You’re probably very familiar with stories of traveler scams abroad; anecdotes of sophisticated pickpocketing gangs and tourist rip offs. From taxi drivers taking you the long way round, to magically inflated prices at the market when it’s obvious that you’re not local, scams and con artists come in all shapes and forms.
Some cons catch even the most street smart among us unaware, however one element of your travels that shouldn’t catch you out is your hire car company. As much as many try to!
Common problems with car hire include hidden fees, unforseen insurance costs, and bad customer service; sometimes you might be hit with unfair cancellation costs that can completely decimate your travel funds.
But it’s not too difficult to avoid a car hire horror story if you take your time and conduct plenty of research before hiring a vehicle. To that end, this this helpful infographic has been put together by the team at motoringoffencelawyers.com.
Read on for straightforward advice that will help you hire a car overseas for a fair price and with adequate financial protection – massively minimizing the risk involved!
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Oman is a country of contrasts, from the steep mountains of Jebel Shams to the clear waters of the Arabian Peninsula, from the dunes of the Wahiba Sands Desert to the azure blue wadis.
The untouched beauty of Oman is only just starting to be recognised by world travellers, and the best way to immerse yourself in this amazing country and its culture is by wild camping on a self drive, cross country adventure.
With savagely beautiful landscapes that are untouched by both modern development and tourism, and laws that mean wild camping is entirely legal anywhere (with a few exceptions), you will likely have these amazing spots to yourself!
The following is everything you need to know about wild camping across Oman, complete with a full 7 day itinerary for a self guided roadtrip, 4WD adventure.
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Internet is something we’ve come to rely on as travelers, and anyone able to venture off the beaten path with absolutely no connection is somewhat of a unicorn and deserves our reverence.
Yes, I’ll admit that I’m addicted. I like having constant online access while traveling; to be able to pull up Google Maps when I’m lost in Venice, to make bookings on the go, and stream Netflix on a long haul bus ride.
It’s not easy to find WiFi when you’re traveling, and all the usual haunts for travelers; the airports, cafes, hotels; these networks aren’t safe (you’re very vulnerable to cyber attack when you connect via open networks). So the prospect of traveling with a reliable device in my pocket, which offers constant 4G WiFi where-ever I go, is password protected, lightweight, has a long battery life, and isn’t expensive, well, that’s just made my day!
A portable WiFi device is exactly that. It goes by many different names; you might have heard it called a portable Wifi hotspot, mobile hotspot, portable WiFi, pocket WiFi, portable WiFi router….the list goes on. But regardless of what you call it, here are 6 solid reasons you need one!
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For many people, travelling is a way to relax and enjoy a break from everyday life. However, for those suffering from mental health issues, travelling can be rather daunting, and certain mental illness may be exacerbated by the stresses associated with travel.
While mental health was once seen as taboo and rarely discussed, today we’ve started to talk about it. We’re recognizing these sometimes debilitating issues so we might offer support and treatment to those in need.
Because mental illness doesn’t go away just because you’re traveling. And having an episode while overseas can be much more distressing than when you experience them at home.
One in four people suffer from mental health issues at some point in their lives, so it’s vital that these issues are addressed. But sadly, the majority of people are still not receiving adequate treatment, whether it’s due to feeling ashamed of their issues or simply not having the means.
If you’re suffering from a mental health condition, it doesn’t mean that you can’t travel the world, but it may mean you have to do a bit more planning to manage your health.
This article will discuss how you can seek help abroad, so that your mental health illness doesn’t prevent you from travelling. It will also detail ways you can help others suffering from mental health issues.
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Hens party, bachelorette; whatever you call it, destination hens parties are in!
It’s traditional to have a girls night out before she walks down the aisle and says ‘I do’, but it’s becoming more common for a hens party to travel, and make it a long weekend, or even a week long party.
So, whether you’re the bridesmaid or the bride, we’ve put together the following 3 tips for planning the perfect destination hen’s do.
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Over decades spent hiking in snake country, our experience has taught us that the majority of common snakes are generally non-aggressive and won’t cause you any problems. Avoid them, treat them with respect, and it’s actually pretty easy not to get bitten!
That said, you may run into trouble if you disturb a snake while hiking, and this can definitely happen without intention or realizing! So for those instances, it’s essential to make sure you have proper protection from snake bites: Your clothing.
Beyond having a first aid kit and the knowledge of how to treat snakebite, your clothing is your first layer of protection against an encounter; long pants, boots, and gaitors. Fortunately, WildProof Gear has put together a list of everything you should be wearing!
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Deciding to relocate can be exciting, but as someone who has made many interstate (and international) moves, believe me when I say that it can also be really stressful.
There are many things to organize, plan, and take into consideration when you’re planning a move, and you’ll have even more on your plate when you’re in the middle of actually relocating. So when it comes to the actual act of moving your belongings, you want to make sure that it all goes smoothly.
We’re all for saving a buck when traveling, and travel hacking our way to paying less, but trust me when I say that you don’t want to scrimp on money when it comes to your move. This is one of those instances where you get what you pay for, so we’ve put together the following reasons why you’ll want to work with a top out of state moving company when it comes to your move.
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Planning a wedding can be as much a fun and creative experience as it is a stressful one – there are about a million decisions to be made in terms of food, flowers, invitations, themes and, most importantly, location.
While stores can help with dress choices, picking a place for your wedding / honeymoon is a little more difficult. The options are open ended, and they don’t exactly come in a catalog; you have to do the research and creative leg work from scratch.
But don’t let the volume of planning overwhelm you, and choose an ordinary location just because it’s simple and easy; if you want to be more unique with your wedding location, use this list of places to consider.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of original places, with any luck it will get your creative juices flowing, and inspire you to think outside the box so you can find a truly special wedding location. With your wedding being the single most unique day of your life, it’s fitting that the setting should also be unique.
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Beyond Kyrgyzstan and the 3,752 metre high Torugart Pass is China, a country where everything – and I do mean everything – is completely different from what most travellers are accustomed.
Laura and I are so-called “permanent overlanders”. We’ve been non-stop on the road now for many decades; our most recent venture a six-year motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. And like so many other road-warriors who cross Asia with their own vehicle, we encountered a couple of hurdles along the way.
The greatest logistical challenge, by far, was obtaining legal permission to ride through China without a guide. Very, very few overlanders have managed to achieve this. We may have even been amongst the first, who knows?
But we certainly weren’t the last. A handful of vagabonds on wheels have transited China independently since our crossing in 2014/2015.
This is the story of how we did it …
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Most couples love to be romantic and spend quality time with one another. But sadly, due to the pressures of daily life, it isn’t always easy to find the time for romance.
Modern couples these days have to cope with long work hours, raising a family, financial strain from the cost of living, and all of this leaves very little time for romance.
It’s easy to let routine and stress take over your lives, but it’s important to break away and really invest time in strengthening your relationship. One of the best ways to seek romance is by planning a romantic vacation.
There are plenty of romantic destinations around the world, but there are some destinations that just scream romance; always have, and always will!
So we’ve rounded up the classics; timeless destinations that have become known as cities of romance, and are still strong choices for couples breaks in 2020.
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Las Vegas is now the only US city where land-based gambling is still thriving, as most casinos elsewhere loose the battle with their online counterparts. Though while Vegas is home to many of the world’s top casinos, people are also drawn by its entertainment; beyond the slot machines, roulette, and blackjack are a huge range of other draws, like outlandish productions, and the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities.
Even though many don’t come for the casinos anymore, most travelers to Vegas believe gambling a few dollars is a mandatory experience; after-all, can you really claim you’ve been to Vegas if you haven’t dabbled in at least a little gambling?!
Being that Vegas casinos draw everyone from high rollers to recreational punters, knowing how to fit in is important if you’re one of those people who don’t usually play at all. So we’ve put together the following dress code.
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Few destinations have undergone quite the transformation that the United Arab Emirates has in the past couple of decades. And Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, more so than the rest.
As an emirate, Abu Dhabi is far more quiet and conservative than Dubai, and offers visitors a more authentic glimpse of the regions’s culture. While tourism is drawn towards the fast-paced cosmopolitan of Dubai, Abu Dhabi has become an attractive hub for expats.
In fact, data from the UN has revealed that 88 per cent of the UAE’s total residents have come from abroad. That’s massive!
So, just what is it about this Emirate which is attracting so many expats?
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The Vegas Strip runs like a major artery into the gambling and entertainment heart of America. And if you had to describe the city in one word, that word would be ‘extravagance’.
It’s here, in Vegas, where you’ll find some of the largest and most extravagant hotels in the world, and where both prince and pauper can afford to splurge ($150 for a penthouse?!).
Las Vegas is a city which defines the meaning of YOLO; a city where everyday travelers can dream of winning big and living out outlandish fantasies. And it’s the perfect place to be if one of your fantasies is living large in extravagant hotels.
If you’re looking to escape your everyday life to really overindulge in hotel luxuries, Betway Casino has put together a list of the top 10 most extravagant Las Vegas suites on the strip. Spoiler alert: Caesars Palace’s Nobu Villa has topped the list!
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Unique natural wonders, unforgettable terrains, spectacular scenic beauty, and a wealth of outdoor activities bring over 300 million visitors to America’s 61 national parks every year.
While every park is a truly worthy destination, some stand out just a little more than others.
Here are some of the best.
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Whether it’s dealing with tummy troubles, annoying bug bites, nasty sunburns from too much fun in the sun, or simply loads of stress brought on by travelling (it happens!), there are many ailments that afflict travelers.
But what if I told you that there’s a natural remedy that could replace the need to visit a chemist, and mean you don’t have to load up on medications?!
Chamomile is one of the world’s most widely used medicinal plants, once used by the ancient Romans to soothe all kinds of ailments.
While you may be familiar with the calming effects of Chamomile tea, you may not be aware that diffusing undiluted Roman Chamomile Essential Oil can be an even more effective treatment for a wide variety of travel troubles.
An immune system boosting plant that can soothe the gastrointestinal system, make those bug bites stop itching, make that sunburn feel less blistering, and help you relax when seated in that middle seat between two obnoxious airline passengers; ‘Roman Chamomile Essential Oil’ are four words every traveler should know!
There are some impressive research findings to back up these claims, so today I want to share how you can benefit from using chamomile essential oil too, and how to use it effectively and safely.
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If only traveling wasn’t so expensive! Sure, there are ways to cut costs and stretch your travel dollar, but everyone knows you need a base amount before you jet off.
And that’s where the s word usually comes in; it’s not everyone’s favorite word, as it usually means you have to give up your Netflix, but typically, to build up a travel fund you have to start saving. But what if you want to actually make money?
There are a tonne of adjustments you can make to your lifestyle to cut down on costs and start a travel fund, but at some point, you’re going to hit a limit as to how much you can realistically save. And what if you want to be saving faster?
Finding hassle-free and straightforward ways to boost your budget should be the number one goal, so we’ve put together a list of how modern travelers are making money on the side in 2021.
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Boasting two luxuriously long coastlines, lush tropical rainforests, spectacular Buddhist temples, and over 1400 islands anchored in crystal clear waters, there’s no denying that Thailand is a beautiful country.
Thailand has long been a getaway that suits everyone; hermits can relax with a cocktail on a private beach under swaying tropical palms, hedonists can party into the early hours of the morning, and it’s affordable for both prince and pauper.
Truly!
Thailand is a destination where budget travelers can spend as little as $20 USD a day, and where mid-range travelers can find themselves affording luxury private villa stays.
Thailand is one of the popular countries in the world for travelers seeking affordable luxury, and with the unique opportunity for everyday travelers to shoot higher than 5 star hotels, private luxury villas have become the trend.
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As tech savvy travelers, we’re constantly stressing the importance of traveling with a good VPN; about the dangers of using public WiFi, why your privacy is otherwise at risk, and the best ways to keep your data safe and protect your tech.
A Virtual Private Network is the most important thing to have for internet use while traveling. It encrypts your traffic and sends it through a secure server, which means you can browse the internet securely and anonymously.
There are many perks of using a VPN, like accessing country-restricted websites (like Netflix), and skirting around Government censorship (like China), though the reason a VPN is actually essential is a matter of safety; using a secure connection means that no-one can hack you to steal data like they could on an open, public network (think free internet in airports, cafes, and hotels).
So, having established that a VPN is right up there with your passport in terms of what not to forget, the following are things you need to know about using one when traveling.
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When it comes to the world of beach towels, no two are created equal. And, if you’re planning on hitting the beach this summer, a good quality beach towel is definitely worth the investment.
There are a wide range of great beach towels on the market these days, but one in particular has stood out to us this summer as a cut above the rest.
A sand-free beach towel with thoughtful features like corner sand pockets, and water-resistant hidden pockets to protect your belongings against water damage and beach theft, the following are 10 reasons you need a Sumoii Beach Towel this summer.
It ranks highly in terms of quality, form, function, and appearance, and is a smarter and easier way to spend time at the beach!
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When it comes to food destinations around the world, Portugal is right up there with the best of them; a country where the food scene is just as much part of the cultural experience as it’s history and nature.
While you’ll find most traditional Portuguese dishes served widely across the country, each region has their own specialties, and if we had to choose a favorite, we’d award the title of best foodie experience to Porto.
Porto’s cuisine is defined by its terrain and landscapes; a coastal city in northwest Portugal flanked by mountains, the food scene here is defined by delicious Atlantic seafood, and a hybrid of meats, cheeses and vegetables.
Everything here bursts with character and aroma, and you’ll find hearty meals all over the city. But, if you’re looking to avoid the tourist traps and ensure what you’re eating is truly Portuguese, and authentic to the region, it’s a great idea to take a food tour.
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Most visitors to Tasmania are searching for an escape from the congestion and stress of large cities. They come in search of wild landscapes, ancient rain-forests, and Australia’s cleanest, freshest air.
For those who fly into Hobart, they find a hub of history, arts, festivals, food, and modern culture. But for those seeking nature; truly untouched, untamed, and unexplored style nature; Tasmania’s west is one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers.
Secretly tucked away along the southern fringes of the Tarkine Wilderness Area, the Corinna Wilderness Experience is a wilderness retreat which offers an escape from places that are increasingly falling victim to overtourism.
Corinna is one of the most beautiful remote parts of the world yet surprisingly still easily accessible. While set within Australia’s largest area of Gondwanan cool-temperate rainforest, Corinna was once a historic gold mining town.
Positioned just steps from the pristine rainforest and beautiful silent Pieman River, there are a number of adventurous activities available to those modern day explorers looking for an epic holiday.
This article will dive into how you can escape to Corinna, and spend time exploring the pristine wilds of Western Tasmania yourself.
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A travel destination that can change your life in an instant, Las Vegas is a place where you can get married on a whim by day, and become an on the spot millionaire by night.
Vegas is home to many of the world’s top casinos, offering an endless array of slot machines, craps, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and poker, so whether you’re a high roller or a virgin (to gambling!) you can be sure Vegas has a game for you.
Vegas may be known as Sin City, but the real sin would be to never experience this crazy yet beautiful city. While there are over a hundred casinos scattered throughout the Las Vegas area, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.
Not surprisingly, most of the top casinos and resorts in Vegas are situated on the roughly 4-mile long Vegas Strip, and it’s worth using a casino games guide to visit the perfect locations for your taste.
Visiting Vegas and wondering where to start, or which casinos not to miss? We’ve got you covered!
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Being a digital nomad who has the ability to work from anywhere is amazing. But many a travel blog and YouTube star seemingly gloss over the whole “work” part of things, while continually highlighting the adventures.
But any aspiring digital nomad or remote worker knows there’s a lot of work and discipline required to stay on track while traveling.
Which means we all need a few tools and tricks to ensure we stay on top of tings’ while moving and grooving.
So with that in mind, here’ 5 remote work essentials for digital nomads.
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We all love to pamper ourselves from time to time with a little spa session. But one of the easiest ways to promote relaxation and de-stress after a long day is to give yourself a foot massage.
After a long day of cold-weather camping, or an exhausting trip half-way around the world, a foot massage could give you the emotional and physical boost you need to get back on your feet the next day, ready to explore a new destination.
Many travelers experience soreness, pain, and foot fatigue overseas, and it can be especially difficult if you’re wondering how you can possibly head out again tomorrow.
Well, a DIY foot massage might just be the key!
Here are five of the biggest benefits of getting a foot massage after long-haul travel. Most people don’t realise just how beneficial these massages can really be.
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From playing on cruise ships, to enjoying a slice of Italian pizza while the balls are called, bingo is one of the world’s favorite games. To put it in perspective, more money is spent every year in the UK on bingo tickets than it is on football!
Depending on which part of the world you’re in, Bingo is used as an education tool, played in pubs as a drinking game, and is a really fun way to practice your language / number skills if you’re traveling in another country.
And bingo players are a lot younger than you might think; this isn’t your grandmothers sport anymore! The average age of a bingo player is 35 years old.
The game itself comes from Italy, dating back to 1530 when it was known as ‘Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia’ (and it’s still played over pizza every Saturday). Though nearly 500 years later, the rest of the world has well and truly caught on!
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