Traveling as a couple is a lot different than traveling solo. You may share a house, finances, and day to day life, but when it comes to escaping your daily routines for a vacation, that doesn’t mean it’s going to always be a smooth and romantic ride.
In fact, “it can be a notoriously treacherous experience, fraught with stress, arguments, and differing opinions on hygiene, packing, and how much it’s reasonable to pay for cuddling an orangutan.” – JR Thorpe.
But there is so much magic in traveling as a couple if you can get through the trip without getting on each others nerves. And as Star Alliance are giving away two Round the World tickets, in business class, this month, we’ve put together tips and advice for traveling as a couple.
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Staying safe overseas is a big concern for those who travel — perhaps a bigger concern than ever before. Our current global climate is one where terrorism has taken hold, governments issue overblown safety advice, and the media fuels paranoia about whether traveling is safe (it is).
But it’s not travel that’s dangerous — it’s LIFE. Statistically, you’re more likely to be crushed to death by a vending machine at home than caught up in a terrorist attack abroad.
The biggest secret to staying safe abroad has, and always will be, traveling with street smarts and common sense. To brush up on your street smarts, discover some straightforward, basic tips for travel safety. Often, the most simple advice is the advice we need the most.
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Flights are one of the most obvious ways to travel when you’re making your way to new and exotic locations, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the most affordable, comfortable, or even the most memorable. In fact, there are many other methods of transportation, and one of the best is by train.
Train travel is the most underrated form of long-distance travel out there; a solution to all of your inter and intra city travels. Wherever you want to go, and however long you want your journey to take, international train tickets might be just what you need.
The following are 5 reasons you should travel by train.
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Heading to the snow this winter? I bet you can’t wait to hit those slopes! If you’re a first-timer or beginner (like I was, not that long ago), I discuss a few key things to think about before you choose and book your ski holiday.
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Business or leisure? Why not both? For those lucky enough to travel for business, we suggests turning business trips into mini vacations, or what some call “bleisure” trips.
The cities below are known for their economic prowess as well as their entertainment dexterity, making them perfect for bleisure. With stunning skylines, rich cultural sites, wilderness centers and upbeat night scenes, these cities are the ideal places to blend business with more than just a dash of pleasure.
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Recent years have seen the rise of the Digital Nomad; those lucky few self-employed thrill-seekers who travel the world with a laptop in their backpack, and think that working 9-5 is for suckers.
I’m sure you’ve heard all about them and you’re probably wishing you could do likewise. Being able to go where you please, when you please, and call nobody boss is a fantastic lifestyle in theory, but how does it work in practice?
We’ve looked at the three most popular ways to earn money while you travel for those wanting to pursue the digital nomad lifestyle.
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Some people work on the road out of necessity and others do it for fun. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall, there are tools you need to stay connected and get your job done. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the seven best tools for working on the road.
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Japan is a truly unique destination in that each month has something fantastic to offer, and there is genuinely no bad time to go.
Seasons play a huge role in Japanese culture, so visiting at different times of the year will offer different experiences. Many plan their trip around spring to witness the cherry blossoms bloom, though a strong argument could be made that Autumn is the most beautiful time of year! And Kyoto has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.
Leaves start changing from mid October and last until mid-December. Hit up the following spots in mid November to see Autumn colors in Kyoto at their best.
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Travel delays (ugh!). They are one of the great frustrations of travelling. We often don’t fully understand why they happen (and sometimes we don’t care). But the fact is – they do come around once in a while and there’s not much you can do.
The good news, though, is that while you’re sitting around in the airport, you can potentially get some money back from your travel insurance.
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As tropical getaways go, you can’t beat a vacation to Hawaii. As a dream destination with a universal appeal, it’s easy to see why the islands have become synonymous with paradise. From sugary white beaches to Technicolor coral reefs, and a diverse range of hiking trails and volcanoes for the adventurous soul, Hawaii truly has something for everyone.
However, it’s not always as simple as just deciding to vacation in Hawaii. Each of the islands here are truly diverse, offering a whole new set of sights, experiences and attractions, so it’s important to choose the right one.
The following tips will help you choose the right island for your trip. Alternatively, if you have the time, plan on some island hopping and take in a few!
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The United States is varied and vibrant, even though its excellence for travel aren’t always its most familiar characteristics. All of America’s great cities have cultural flair all their own, but to listen to their reputations, you might not ever visit some of these great destinations. Baltimore is one of those.
Reputed for crime and decay, Baltimore proves to be one of the most unappreciated cities in the United States, if not the world. Small (for a city), but entirely itself, it’s the kind of city that “knows what it is”, as one friend put it. Here’s what one visit to Baltimore revealed.
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Another year, another multitude of Comic Cons to attend. Whether you’re hitting up the mother of all Cons in San Diego, cosplaying in NYC, or attending a smaller Comic Con in Grand Rapids or Amarillo, the following strategies will help ensure that you have a truly delightful time.
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One of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few travel experiences can top witnessing the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, this is mother nature’s most impressive light show, and something which tops almost every traveler’s bucketlist.
Located in the far-northern latitudes, northern Norway is a popular destination for witnessing the spectacle. “Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow and purple dancing across the arctic skies.”
The following are the cities and towns in Norway where you have the most chance of seeing the Northern lights. It’s important to note that there is no exact science to catching the Aurora, and that there’s never any guarantee. But occurring predominantly between late September and late March, often close to midnight, here some of your best bets.
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The age of the socially conscious traveler is officially here – a recent movement towards responsible travel has seen travelers become more conscious of their environmental and social footprint when heading abroad. People are now realizing the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
With the idea of being conscious of our impact on both nature and culture, here are 10 easy steps for being a socially conscious traveler in Iceland.
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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.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Nothing dampens the excitement of a vacation more than unwanted surprises you could’ve planned for.
To help you out, here are some tips for things you need to do while you’re packing and before you leave.
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One of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, Antelope Canyon is a favorite among photographers, tourists, and visitors from all over the world. A popular slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation, it is unearthly in its beauty, created over many thousands of years by wind and water which carved the sandstone into the temple we see today.
Tourists make the trek for the natural light show, which is something of a photographers dream. “The views in Lower Antelope Canyon change constantly as the sun moves across the sky, filtering lights softly across the stone walls. These ever-moving sun angles bounce light back and forth across the narrow canyon’s walls, creating a dazzling display of color, light, and shadow.”
Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
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There’s no greater burden to a traveler than having too much luggage. It’s awkward on public transport, inconvenient to drag across town, and airlines will hit you with extra fees. You’re less likely to travel off the beaten path with all that weight, and it’s difficult to find your things when and as you need.
Many people think that if you want to travel light it’s what you pack that matters. But on the contrary, it’s largely about what you don’t pack.
The following are 10 items you’ll never need overseas. It’s pointless extra weight because you’ll never use them – let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree!
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Forget snakes on a plane. Worry about the germs. Research shows that air travelers are at a higher risk for infection than people going about their daily lives.
The good news is that, for the most part, airplanes’ air filtration systems function well enough that you’re unlikely to contract more serious illnesses. Instead, your greatest risk is contracting the common cold or a classic case of the flu.
While that’s all well and good, it may be little comfort to people who don’t particularly want to have a cold or the flu while trying to enjoy their vacation. Luckily, it is possible to decrease your risk of infection from germs on a plane. Here’s how to maximize the chances of disembarking the plane as healthy as you boarded it.
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Staying at a hotel is always exciting and fun. They’re clean, have beautiful facilities, and provide you with a new personal space with endless options for fun. Though the hotel culture in one country is not necessarily the same as the next and if you’re traveling internationally you will notice slight differences in how hotels are run.
When it comes to Australia, the following are a few necessary things you should know about staying in our hotels. These are the most common and most significant things you just must remember while planning your stay.
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Your family deserves a break. Not just from the rigors of everyday life, but from the traditional tried and tired vacations of past years. Sure, visiting amusement parks provides excitement and summer nights at beach condominiums offer entertainment, but no vacation is as rewarding as the one that delivers outdoor activities, breath-taking beauty, and nature exploration all in one.
Extended stays in open-air environments are on the rise. Whether it’s hiking during the weekend or fishing on your trip to the lake, many are opting for a close encounter with nature rather than a hectic getaway to a touristy trap. This year, skip the headache of planning your trip to an expected destination and instead travel to nature’s backyard.
Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve listed a few of our favorite places to try.
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When traveling overseas, it’s important to remember that you must obey the laws of the country you are visiting, even if they are different from those you are used to at home. Because when it comes to the law, pleading the ignorant tourist is no defence.
It’s therefore always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of a destination before you travel. Some countries for instance are particularly sensitive about photographs. Others are incredibly conservative and prohibit public displays of affection. You’ll get arrested for taking naked selfies at Machu Picchu. And failing to flush a public toilet in Singapore could result in a fine.
When it comes to Australia, we have our fair share of laws which you may believe are strange or slightly peculiar. But it could be important to familiarize yourself with them nonetheless! The following are 6 of the odd but strict laws that could get you into serious trouble down under.
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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.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Nothing dampens the excitement of a vacation more than unwanted surprises you could’ve planned for.
To help you out, here are 10 things to tick off your pre-holiday checklist.
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Compliments of the internet age, resources to find affordable (and even free) travel options exist these days in droves. Everything we need in order see the world is ours for cheaper than it ever has been before, yet still, very few people decide to drop everything and go.
So when money is no longer an obstacle to experiencing the world, what’s stopping people? A lot of the time it comes down to internal resistance; you either want it badly enough or you don’t.
The following are 7 great ways you can travel more, though to actually benefit from these tips, you first have to be open to actually giving them a go.
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Tokyo is a dazzling destination, one popular among travelers for its ability to keep traditional Japanese culture while embracing a passion for everything new. When to visit is a difficult question to answer. Each month has something fantastic to offer, and as seasons play a huge role in Japanese culture, visiting at different times of the year will offer different experiences.
The following are reasons to visit Tokyo during each season. The decision of when to visit is then up to you!
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When it comes to booking any kind of travel experience, nothing beats the recommendation of a friend. But when it actually comes to booking a trip or buying something online, we all end up basing our decisions on reviews by complete strangers on sites like Tripadvisor, Yelp or Amazon, and letting random reviews dictate how we spend our time. Which doesn’t make a great deal of sense, because the strangers who leave reviews on these sites don’t know us.
Until now, we have used these sites because there has been no better alternative to sourcing trusted recommendations and reviews in a quick and convenient way. Though with the release of free travel app ‘Pearlshare‘, that’s all about to change.
A fantastic app which lets you build and share local travel guides, and tap into the knowledge of your inner-circle, Pearlshare is about to leave review sites like Tripadvisor and Yelp behind. It’s easy to use, and a fantastic new way to guarantee you’re getting travel advice from sources you trust.
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