Despite what the media may tell you, the world isn’t actually dangerous or unsafe. Forget what you saw in the movies, and tell your mother to stop referencing Taken, the truth is that you’re generally safe when traveling overseas.
I’ve long been an advocate that common sense is the biggest secret to staying safe abroad. Traveling with street smarts, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your gut instinct.
BUT there are many common sense safety tips which most travelers take for granted; basic measures for travel safety which are often overlooked.
And in fact, the most serious obstacle to personal safety abroad is an attitude of complacency or fatalism. “It can’t happen to me” and “if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen” – this is dangerous thinking.
So the following are some straightforward, basic tips for travel safety, which are frequently brushed off. Often, the most simple advice is the advice we need the most.
Read More
We all want to have an enjoyable time on vacation. That’s literally the definition of the word. But travel these days can be stressful, not only in the planning stages, but once you’re actually there.
Considering just how little time off we have, and how much we spend on our trips, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have the perfect trip. Too much pressure.
So to relieve some of that, we’ve put together a list of tips for actually enjoying your vacation. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning for a working holiday or a vacation spent sunbathing on the beach, you can improve any trip by using the following tips.
Read More
Are you in the process of planning your next family vacation? Are you excited about the trip, but concerned about overspending or choosing the wrong destination?
If you answered yes to these questions, there are some basic tips you can follow to avoid disaster.
Before we go any further here’s something to keep in mind, a family vacation is supposed to be an experience you remember for the rest of your life. For this reason, you don’t want to bog yourself down with silly details and stress that will take away from the fun.
So let’s examine five tips for planning your next family vacation.
Read More
Over the years airline regulations have changed. These days there are restrictions on liquids that can be brought onto a plane as well as rules for prescription drugs and other items.
If you’re planning an upcoming trip and need to take medication with you, here are 6 tips you’ll need to know to ensure your travel plans go as expected.
Read More
What was your last vacation like? Did you really get the rest you were longing for all year long, or did you arrive home exhausted, wishing for nothing but a hot shower and to spend the next day in bed?
Most people in the world today live a rushing, fast-paced life, and this lifestyle seeps into the way we travel. We try to cram as much “vacation” into the limited time we have as possible, checking off landmarks, restaurants, and theme parks from our lists as if we were paid to do so.
But rushing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction robs the whole concept of travel of its depth and meaning. Luckily, there is a new movement quietly emerging to show us that we can do better – slow travel.
Read More
It’s not my ideal way to begin a blog post by making reference to my age, but there was once a time where you would head out into the world with your camera, and a roll of film which had 24 exposures. This meant you had the opportunity to take 24 photos total (obviously you could travel with more than one roll of film though).
You would arrive home, have them developed, and add them to a photo album which you would have handy to pull out every now and then. But these days, find me someone who doesn’t return home with hundreds, if not thousands, of photos.
With the ability to take such a vast amount of photos these days, even our great photos end up suffering a pretty sad fate. You might Instagram or Facebook them, but for the most part, they sit quietly forgotten in a digital folder or harddrive. They fade away.
So we’ve come up with some ideas for bringing your photos to life in this modern age, and actually using them in the everyday.
Read More
It is a nation of breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, rich culture, and of course, Guinness. This magical island known as Ireland has long been charming visitors, with its residents offering their warmest welcome and all too eager to share why they believe their country is one of the finest.
Ireland is a destination suited to nearly every type of traveller; I assure you its treasures will leave a lasting buzz much stronger than any amount of Jameson could ever inflict. Here, old world charm meets modern day luxuries, making an Irish holiday both magical and carefree.
So whether you’re a solo backpacker seeking a true adventure or simply want to enjoy retired life with the love of your life, pack your bags and head to the Emerald Isle for a holiday you won’t soon forget.
Read More
Travelling around Europe on a cruise is breathtaking. Having chosen to travel by ship, you can visit and stop at great spots along Mediterranean Sea, and / or float down some of the most famous rivers in the world while enjoying the passing sights of both major cities and delightful, small towns and villages.
Discover medieval castles, cathedrals and palaces during sightseeing stops, and wander through fantastic cities during daily shore excursions; the fabulous thing about taking a European cruise being no flights or stressful transit involved.
However like all travel, the biggest challenge is deciding which cruise you want to do. So to help, here are a couple of your options when choosing a European cruise.
Read More
Travel is an incredible experience. The sense of freedom is exhilarating as you escape the confinements of your job and monotonous everyday. But unfortunately travel can be just as expensive as it is exciting.
Of course you want to look good as you wander the streets of Paris, or relax on the beach in Phuket, but purchasing high-end designer labels can really eat away at your travel budget, and less budget usually means eating ramen noodles out of a youth hostel!
So we’re in favor of ditching the designer for the destination, and thoroughly enjoying your travel experience. There have been many experiments conducted that prove spending money on experiences instead of things result in more overall happiness. And a great place to start is with your sunglasses.
Read More
Melbourne may be Australia’s second largest city, but just outside the city (and even within) you’ll find incredible natural attractions where you can witness a wide range of wildlife.
Just outside Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find some of Australia’s finest sanctuaries for authentic wildlife encounters, home to both Australian and international species. And within the city, there are an incredible range of attractions, including the zoo, the aquarium, and many nature parks prolific with native wildlife.
Admission fees can start getting quite expensive after you hit a few of these attractions. So we recommend purchasing a Melbourne iVenture Card for up to 40% of the city’s best wildlife experiences (the card also includes a wealth of attractions within the city itself).
Read More
The travel industry is changing, and so too are mindsets and expectations of the every day traveler. Where the 5 star hotel was once the luxury experience that we all craved, experiences are now edging towards more relaxed vacations where wellness, independence and privacy are prioritized.
So it’s no surprise that luxury villas have become the trend, tempting travelers with offers of exotic locations, private beach access, and personal chefs.
For the traveler eager to avoid crowded swimming pools, expensive food, and the general busyness that a hotel atmosphere brings, here are 5 reasons that should convince you to choose a luxury villa rental for your next trip.
Read More
I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been in the position of having packed a bit too much on a previous trip. Whether it’s backup shoes or an extra iPad, even with our best efforts, sometimes avoiding overpacking is a hard thing to do.
Packing a suitcase is somewhat of a tricky mixture of artistry and science, but trust us it’s one totally worth mastering! So if you’d love to learn to pack less but have no idea how to pair down your options, let this be your guide to getting started.
Simply read ahead to find out my five essential packing tips.
Read More
Japan could easily be considered to be among the world’s most desired destinations. I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of watching the sun set over a tori gate, visit the thousands of shrines in Kyoto, or witness dawn from the top of Mt. Fuji?
And in terms of getting around, the country has one of the safest, cleanest, fastest, most efficient, punctual and convenient public transportation networks in the world. But while you might be tempted by the city subways, bullet trains, or even by catching a flight, we opted for an entirely different way of seeing Japan: by bike.
With considerate drivers, great infrastructure, and a well connected network of roads, Japan is a perfect destination for bicycle touring first-timers. We spent 3 months on our bikes exploring Kyushu, Shikoku, and Southern Honsu, but you still can easily cover a wide cross section of Japan in 7 – 10 days.
Read More
It’s a dream we’ve all fantasized about from time to time. A big lottery win, and millions in the bank!
Once the mortgage has been paid off, you’ve told the boss what he can do with his job and you’ve at last repaid that $100 you’ve owed your sister for the last three years, the next thing on most people’s mind is to see the world.
Where would you go with a massive lottery win? Here are our favorite spots.
Read More
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, heading overseas with your family, or planning a trip for the first time, Casino hotels have started popping up all over the world. And with casino tourism continuing to trend, booking an onsite hotel is a pretty sure bet!
These are luxury hotels and resorts which are owned or attached to the casino, and with cheap rates, central locations, and access to a range of entertainment, this is a great idea for accommodation, even if you don’t plan on gambling (though who knows, you might just end up paying for your entire holiday just by staying there!).
But when it comes to staying at a casino, there are a few necessary things you should know, because these are not your average hotel.
Read More
As the world becomes more connected through the internet, being in a specific physical location to do work has become less and less necessary. People from anywhere can do work everywhere and often do. No office. No store. This has given rise to the term digital nomad.
Digital nomads are a type of people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and, more generally, conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles.
This phenomenon is catching on by workers and businesses globally. Here are 5 ways to make money as a digital nomad.
Read More
Do you think Dubai is all about luxury hotels, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant shopping malls?
Yes, the city boasts architectural wonders that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. ANd it definitely has it’s fair share of incredible luxury hotels.
But while many choose to relax in spas and shop for signature brands, there’s an increasing number of tourists who visit Dubai for the many outdoor activities it offers. Never one to be outdone, plenty of exhilarating adventures await you on land, sea, and in the air!
Read More
Travel, and vacationing, is an incredibly personal experience. Thanks to our natural human differences, there is no one ‘perfect vacation’ shaped by everyone’s ideal.
Some enjoy nothing more than relinquishing control in an all-expenses-covered hotel break. Others crave off-roading adventure and the challenge of new terrain.
Luckily, there are bountiful opportunities for everyone to get their vacation kicks across the world, but what happens if your travel partner has differing tastes to yours? Don’t worry, you can have the best of both worlds!
Read More
You’ve decided that the two of you need some time away. You may have already renewed your vows and committed to each other. You’ve even gone so far as to go to ItsHot.com and found the perfect renewal bands.
Now, you want to make a romantic getaway on a budget that is unforgettable. Here are five ways to make that happen.
Read More
All inclusive holidays are a fabulous choice for a wide range of travelers. And these types of vacations have risen in popularity in recent years due to their convenience and affordability.
Clearly people like to know what the total cost of their trip is going to be when they book; with all meals, drinks and activities included in the price, you don’t have to worry about going over budget while you’re away.
But there are many different types of all inclusive vacations, some with varying levels of ‘all inclusive’ than others! So the following tips will help you make the most out of your upcoming holiday.
Read More
One of the downsides of traveling to explore the world is leaving our furry friends behind for a period of time. While you have the option to take them with you, depending on where you’re planning to go, you don’t want them to get quarantined, do you?
On top of this, there’s the hassle of finding accommodation. No matter how charming our pet is, most hosts don’t accommodate animals. So a lot of people find themselves without much choice but to leave their pets behind.
The thing is, however, that in their place, develops worry, and an anxiety which sticks with us throughout our trip. It’s important that your pets have been left in safe hands when you leave for a trip. These are your best options, as well as tips to keep you from worrying.
Read More
Ask any international wine buff about Australian wine and you’ll probably see them cringe. Which is usually because when people think of wine and Australia they conjure up images of the cute little “critters” that often find their way onto our bottle stickers.
But there is much more to Australian wine than the cute yellow kangaroo and wombat labels will have you believe, and a visit to Australia’s wine growing regions will open your mind and your taste buds to new adventures.
While Australia’s largest wine regions can be found in South Australia (Barossa Valley) and Victoria (Yarra Valley), if you journey just 2.5 hours North of Sydney you will arrive in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
This region is unique, not only for its hot climate, but can also lay claim to the title of Australia’s oldest wine producing region. Vineyards that were planted in the 1860s still produce wine today with vines as old as 60 years still producing fruit. Put simply, the Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine.
Read More
In October 2010 I traveled to Tanzania with the goal of conquering a mountain. And at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), it was really, really tall. The highest mountain in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, if we’re keeping score.
I trekked through some truly incredible landscapes, transformed as a person along the way, and battled through one of the world’s most challenging journeys over 7 days.
Kilimanjaro is powerful, awe-inspiring, and an experience which inspires transformation. But if you don’t know what to pack it’s going to make your life a hell of a lot harder than it has to be.
Read More
When it comes to planning a holiday, most people aim to tick off the essentials – tickets, accommodation and itinerary. However, in order to truly enjoy a smooth and carefree holiday, there’s a lot more prep work that needs to be done prior to the big departure.
If you forget to pack something like your sun cream or swimming costume, it’s no big deal, as you can simply buy what you need at the other side.
However, if you forget crucial documents or forget to make certain arrangements you could end up with real problems on your hands, which could potentially ruin your holiday. The following are the basics; a pre holiday check list for first time travelers.
Read More
Most people follow the Banana Pancake Trail when setting off on their adventures. In other words, they follow the same routes millions of travelers have already experienced. They are playing it safe even if they don’t know it.
Surviving when you’re traveling in rougher countries isn’t the same. You need to approach things differently if you want to stay out of trouble. Let’s look at a few examples to ensure you’ll always be prepared.
Read More
