Camping out in the cold weather can be quite the adventure; whether you’re sleeping under the stars in Antarctica, or surrounded by snow, ice, and sleet in the Arctic, the quiet of this sleepy season can be peaceful for the soul.
That said, it’s absolutely essential that you make sure you have the proper gear and equipment for camping in cold weather, and that you’ve packed based off a reliable camping checklist.
Camping in the cold requires more planning and gear than camping during summer does, and forgetting to pack certain things can not only make a trip mighty miserable, it’s also a health and safety thing (you want to return home with all your fingers and toes!)
So, with that in mind, you’ll find a complete checklist as follows; everything you need for cold weather camping.
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We’ve written plenty of posts about the importance of traveling with a 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.
But one thing we haven’t yet addressed is exactly what you should look for in a good VPN; what type of features are the most important for international travelers.
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 can be in a country of your choosing.
For instance, you could be logging on from Peru, but as far as your browser is concerned, you’re accessing the internet from Australia. This is great for getting around internet censorship in countries such as China, but also means that your connection is totally private.
You’re able to browse the internet securely and anonymously, and no-one can hack you to steal data like they could on an open, public network (think free internet in airports, cafes, and hotels).
But not all VPN services are created equal. So, when evaluating your options, you should make sure you get the following functionality and services.
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Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, there’s no avoiding the hassles of the airport these days. From checking in to delays, to uncomfortable flights, the list of issues goes on and on.
And let’s not even talk about the food!
In 2018, London Heathrow saw 80 million passengers board or depart for a flight. When you consider passenger volume at this one airport alone, it’s surprising that it functions at all!
With some of the world’s busiest airports, one of the biggest trends in British travel this year has been to fly by private jet from the UK – because of course, many of these issues go away.
After-all, if it’s good enough for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!
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Tactical pants – you don’t have to be going on a tactical mission to wear them, and you don’t have to be Bear Grylls or a US Navy Seal for them to have their use.
In fact, built to withstand the elements, and the abuse of wear, tear, tactical pants are a solid choice for adventurous travelers, whether you’re mountain climbing, trekking in the jungle, or just heading out on a short hike.
Tactical pants look like cargo pants, but they’ve been technically modified to be lightweight, fast drying, and have more concealed pockets than any other pair of pants in your closet.
They’ll also outlast anything else in your closet.
Tactical pants are commonly worn by law enforcement; men and women in the military, SWAT teams, and, yes, Bear Grylls! These aren’t just your average trousers. But the following is a guide should you, the average person, want to add them to your everyday armor!
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One of the southern-most points in Australia, Bruny Island lies off the south coast of Tasmania. Though despite being just a short drive and ferry ride from Hobart, less than 10% of travelers to Tasmania visit, choosing instead to head to more famous parts of the State like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park.
Their loss!
While Bruny Island may only be 50 kilometres across, the unassuming island is one of Tasmania’s best kept secrets, and while small in size, it certainly packs a heavy punch; think stunning natural beaches, elusive quolls and white wallabies, and sustainable luxury at its finest.
You’ll need at least 3 days to really do the island justice, and when it comes to accommodation, we can highly recommend Free Spirit Pods; gorgeous, fully self contained eco-pods set on the waterfront, backed by 8 acres of bushland on North Bruny Island.
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When it comes to prepping for an emergency disaster, we don’t blame you if it’s the last thing on your mind. After-all, you’re going on vacation to have a good time. You don’t want to think about terrorism, natural disasters, or conflict.
And granted, it’s very rare that you’ll be caught up in an event that qualifies as a disaster, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen, and they key to survival in any situation is being prepared for anything.
There’s no doubt that worldwide disasters are on the rise; climate change is seeing extreme weather patterns become more normal, and everything from flooding, to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and devastating bush-fires are ravaging countries around the globe.
And then there’s terrorism, and civil conflict, which seems to be touching everybody. So, what items always come in handy if you find yourself in an emergency situation abroad?
Let’s get started.
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Working remotely has become a modern day dream job – the possibilities to travel as you work online now exist in almost every industry, and every country in the world has lost residents to the idea of being a digital nomad.
While there are many things to consider when pursuing a location independent lifestyle (like staying productive while traveling, keeping organized, and setting up nomad travel insurance), one of the most commonly overlooked things is your life insurance.
Being that you have to think about financial security once you start working for yourself, life insurance is important to ensure your business continues to operate without interruption, and your loved ones are supported if you die.
Even if you have life insurance in your home country, there are circumstances where you might not be covered by insurance while you’re abroad. So we’ve put together this guide of everything you need to know as a digital nomad.
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The biggest question people having been asking this year, is how to start a travel blog in 2021. And even if you’re not thinking about making money from your blog, hobby blogging can be a fantastic way to keep a record of your adventures.
Ultimately, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a camera are all the tools you need to make it as a blogger professionally. BUT when it comes to starting a blog, there’s quite a lot to think about; a lot that goes on behind the scenes.
So, if you’re thinking of starting a travel blog in 2021, strap in, as we’re about to introduce you to a world of domain names, hosting, widgets, and beautiful travel WordPress themes!
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Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney, Hobart is one of Australia’s most fascinating and history-rich destinations. It offers a unique culture that is much different than you’ll find on mainland Australia, and was one of the first regions of Australia to be explored; Sullivans Cove was the initial landing site for early British settlers in Hobart and Risdon Cove would become the first European settlement in Tasmania.
Hobart continues to showcase its long history to this day, having preserved much of its early landmarks and original buildings. And for those looking to be in the heart of it all, there’s no better place to drop anchor than Battery Point, one of the city’s most prestigious (and historic) suburbs.
Battery Point is the entertainment and cultural hub of Hobart, and it’s where most of the city’s major events take place, from the famed Salamanca Markets to Australia’s biggest and longest running food and wine festival, the Taste.
As far as accommodation goes, Battery Point’s Salamanca Wharf Hotel is where we choose to stay; a contemporary self-contained boutique apartment hotel, perfectly situated for easily exploring, just steps from Salamanca Place.
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When it comes to coffee around the world, every country claims that they have the best. From the Italians to the Irish (who spike their cups with whiskey!), coffee is a source of pride, and often a very passionate subject.
Coffee culture around the world varies greatly, from the specific qualities of taste, smell, and even presentation; so much so that many people have a coffee specific travel bucket-list!
So, if you’re a die hard coffee lover, the following are some of the different and most unique cups around the world you should aim to sip!
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Whether you’re studying in Europe, or taking a short semester abroad, there are plenty of destinations across the continent that are perfect for short weekend breaks, or student holidays.
With plenty of budget accommodation, cheap travel, and a thriving young backpacker scene, Europe is the perfect place to explore as a student – even if you’re quite broke and have limited money!
You’re quite blessed as a student in Europe, because you’ll never be short of cities to visit, and exciting travel opportunities. And, a lot of the time, your trips can actually tie into your studies (Europe is a hub of everything from history to architecture, to world politics!).
Looking for inspiration on cities you should visit during a semester break or school holiday? You can’t go wrong with the following.
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As you gear up to travel over the holidays, or book your next big adventure, you might be hit with a sense of dread. Long-haul flights, and those hours you spend overcoming boredom and discomfort, can instill anxiety in even the most seasoned traveler.
It almost seems like they’re specifically engineered for maximum annoyance. Not only is there the question of how to stay occupied for a long stretch sitting in one place, but the ensuing jet lag can be the ugly cherry on top.
Not this time!
We’ve written posts on how to stay comfortable on a long distance flight, and even how to survive them, but what if you could learn how to actually enjoy your time in the sky?!
Rather than suffer through the in-flight entertainment on that painfully small screen; rather than twist and turn on the rock-hard headrest; rather than touch down at your destination feeling like death warmed over, follow these simple tips for enjoying a long-haul flight.
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Travel is often thought of as a leisure activity, though if you’re looking for a way to get your wellness back on track, it actually does more than just satisfying the urge for new discovery.
Changing your scenery, even for a few hours can go a long way to resetting yourself, and you may be surprised at the wonders a good holiday can do for your mental health.
Whether you’re urgently in need of a mental health break, or looking to achieve balance in your life for over-all wellness, the following are ways in which travel can have a positive effect on your well-being.
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Have you been invited to a destination beach wedding? A tropical wedding is amazingly beautiful in every possible way, and the combination of an exotic location, soft sand, and tropical breeze is a hard invitation to refuse!
But, a destination wedding isn’t an event where you can pull off a last minute outfit – it’s something you’ll need to plan for, pack, and you may find yourself requiring outfits for events over multiple days.
When it comes to dressing for a beach wedding, you have tons of options, from various fabrics, textures, and designs. You need a gorgeous dress to wear to the wedding ceremony, though should also think of some stylish outfits to wear to the after-parties.
While there are many stunning dress options, we’ve cut the list down for you to three classic styles. Here are the top three wedding guest dresses for a destination wedding.
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There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. But, when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, Thailand has become an incredibly popular nation.
A true expat hub, Thailand boasts a low cost of living at a very high standard, a high quality of healthcare, a huge range of opportunities for travel, and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere – after-all, it’s called the land of smiles for a reason!
Having moved to Koh Samui, where I am just one of the 500,000 expatriates who have made the move, the following are five reasons you should consider living and working in Thailand too!
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There’s no doubt that the UAE is one of the most fascinating and interesting places in the world, but with a huge range of outrageous adventure activities, it is also one of the world’s most exciting.
The United Arab Emirates is a country that prides itself on being the best; they have the tallest skyscrapers, the biggest shopping malls, the most luxurious hotels (even creating an extra 2 stars for the iconic Burj Al Arab – the world’s only 7 star hotel).
Anything you can do elsewhere in the world, you can bet that the UAE can do it better! And when it comes to adrenaline pursuits, the rush is even more exhilarating, and even more intense!
Not to be outdone by any other destination, the following are outrageous things you can only do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – each one is sure to get your blood pumping!
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The VARIDESK Laptop 30 is a height-adjustable workstation that turns any desk into a standing desk, meaning your work can be comfortable, productive and energizing again.
When you need to sit, you sit, when you need to stand, you stand. There are a range of different height settings, but best of all, it’s super easy; with the pull of a lever you go from sitting to standing, and vice versa, in three seconds flat.
It requires no assembly, is easy to adjust in height, and is portable and light enough to travel with. It’s essentially a desk converter, perfect for mobile minimalists like digital nomads!
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Airport parking has evolved over the last couple of years, and if you haven’t traveled for a while, it’s safe to say that it’s definitely not how you remember it!
No longer is there one set option for airport parking, where you rock up at the airport and park your car at the terminal, airports around the world now have a variety of options for you to choose from.
These options depend on the kind of parking you’re after, the extent of your budget, and how close you need you car to be to the gate. The closer you park to the airport the more expensive it gets (London Gatwick airport is a prime example!).
Whether your main priority is budget, or convenience, the following are the most common options for airport parking at most major international airports (always remember to check your options before you fly, as they obviously vary from airport to airport).
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There’s no doubt that these days, travel photos are the best souvenirs. A physical reminder of your trip, but, unlike the trinkets you buy from a busy tourist area, photos are cheap, last forever, and you can share them as freely as you want to.
Also, you can take thousands of photos every day if you’re so inclined, and they don’t take up any extra space in your luggage. It’s the best case scenario!
But are they actually a physical reminder? They used to be – back in the days before digital photography where you would get home, have them developed, and but them proudly into an album (granted, back then you wouldn’t be taking thousands!).
But these days we often get home, share them on our socials, and then store them away to be forgotten on a harddrive. Which is a shame. Because why would you want your memories of your most epic adventures to fade away?!
The great thing about photos these days is that they’re so versatile, and you can print them for use in so many ways. So, if you want to start displaying your travel photos, consider some of these ideas so you can actually see them everyday!
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A desk job isn’t for everyone. Indeed, if you’ve worked in an office environment for an extended period of time, it’s likely you’ve felt the desire to get out of your workspace and explore the world at large at least once or twice.
But traditional jobs usually only offer 2-4 weeks of leave, and you can’t exactly ‘see the world’ in that amount of time. While we might dream of just taking off and leaving our boss behind, the one thing that usually prevents us from doing so is the money side. The answer? Live and work abroad!
One of the most common paths to living and working abroad is to find an overseas job teaching English as a second language (ESL). It’s the chance to experience different countries, meet new people, and make a lot of money. Considering teaching English abroad? The following are a couple of things you ought to know.
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It’s true that once you’ve had a taste of travel, you just can’t get enough. Ask any traveller how they combat the post travel blues and they’ll say by booking their next trip … or two!
While you might have an extensive bucket list of places you want to visit, and cultures you want to immerse yourself in, you won’t get very far without a bit of money behind you.
And that’s where saving comes in! Most frequent travelers are pros at saving, why? Because they quickly realized that they prioritize travel experiences more than they do their morning latte!
Wondering how you can save a little extra money? It’s generally something everyone can do if there’s enough commitment, and it doesn’t have to be painful or overly complicated. Don’t believe me? The following are the simplest ways you can save money for your next trip.
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Choosing the right accommodation on a ski holiday can be equally memorable as your time spent whizzing down the powdery slopes. The tough part however, is how to find the best place to stay from the thousands available online.
For the picture perfect ski holiday, you can’t beat a great in-house atmosphere, something which your friends and family will all enjoy. Though when you opt to reserve a few hotel rooms, it doesn’t really have that cohesive community feel.
Catered ski chalets are a favorite among groups and families, as they not only offer total privacy, but are also highly cost effective when you’re sharing between a couple of people – somewhere between the price of a hotel and a self-catered apartment.
Essentially, a ski chalet is booking your own private house – sometimes it’s even staffed for you with chefs, butlers, and housekeepers! (Chalet is the Swiss term for a wooden house with overhanging eaves, typically found in the Alps).
Thinking about a staying in a ski chalet for your next winter holiday? Here are a couple of things you should know about.
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Being away from home can be hard even if you’re having the time of your life traveling; whether you’re on holiday, taking a gap year, or have moved abroad permanently, sometimes all you want to do is chat with your friends and family.
Thankfully, these days we don’t have to rely on traditional snail mail and wait two weeks just to get a smiley face emoji, and the internet means that staying in touch is now easier than it has ever been.
From sending messages on social media and sharing photos of your adventures to audio and video calls, there are all sorts of apps that help you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas and combat feelings of homesickness.
And most of the time, bar the cost of your WiFi connection, you can use the following apps to stay in touch for absolutely free.
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It’s one of my favorite outdoor activities; lacing up my boots for a bit of hiking; to fully immerse myself in the natural landscapes that range from the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, to lush mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda.
While many hiking adventures don’t require a great deal of planning or preparation, there are times when simply lacing up the hiking books and slinging a small backpack over the shoulder doesn’t quite cut it.
Hiking in mountains presents many potential dangers, and although it isn’t nearly as technical as full-on mountain climbing, you definitely have to be conscious of prioritizing your safety.
While basic mountain hiking generally doesn’t require equipment like helmets, ropes, carabiners, crampons, or ice axes, there are definitely still things you need to be aware of, and essential items you should include as part of your gear.
To keep you safe on your next adventure, follow this list of safety tips for hiking in the mountains. From knowing what to pack to what potential dangers you may face, these tips will go a long way to making your next hike much safer.
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It’s a common saying that I’m sure everyone at some point has uttered:
“Calories on vacation don’t count”.
Except, they do. And one of the challenges for people who are concerned with their fitness when they travel, is how to maintain their fitness routine and health, while having fun at the same time, and letting loose.
I mean, the whole point of traveling to Italy is to gorge out on pizza, pasta, wine and gelato! But the question is, how do you balance that out, so you don’t find yourself struggling to get back into a healthy routine once you’re home?
Active adventures have become a big trend in 2019, and many people are finding the same level of joy and excitement in fitness orientated itineraries.
Choosing Fitstays helps you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on vacation, so without further ado, let’s jump straight into why fitness orientated travel is so important today.
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