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Why You Need to Visit Kyoto During Cherry Blossom Season

Posted by on 1:22 pm in Blog, Japan | 10 comments

Why You Need to Visit Kyoto During Cherry Blossom Season

People have long fell in love with the beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan. These pink and white flowers bloom en masse every spring, enveloping the country in soft magnificence.

The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, takes place from March to May and during this time, locals come out in full force, staging picnics, meeting for walks, and other outdoor activities beneath the blossoms to appreciate and enjoy their beauty.

But the blooming season varies across Japan, so picking your destination at the right time is an important part of planning. For example, blooming in Kyoto usually happens around April, while Sapporo experiences their blooms around May.

If you’re planning your Japan trip for April, make sure you visit Kyoto to catch the cherry blossom bloom.

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The Cost of Living Around the World

Posted by on 9:33 pm in Blog, Expat Life | 0 comments

The Cost of Living Around the World

Have you ever wondered how your country stacks up against others in terms of cost of living? Ever wondered if it’s more expensive to order a coffee if you’re in Singapore as opposed to the United States?

While we don’t have a choice over the country we’re born in, these days we often do have control over whether or not we choose to stay.

There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. And when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, most nations are very welcoming!

But cost of living is something to consider when you make the choice to move overseas; equally so even if you’re just traveling. People used to paying 78 c for a coffee in Italy, usually get quite the shock when the same coffee is 5 times the cost in the UAE!

If you’re interested in comparing the cost of living around the world, Forex provider IG have put together an infographic comparing 10 countries: Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Spain, USA, Australia, Singapore, Japan, the UK and UAE.

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The Pros & Cons of Living In An RV

Posted by on 7:33 pm in Adventure Travel, Blog, Road Trips | 26 comments

The Pros & Cons of Living In An RV

Living in an RV sounds like a dream, right?

You get to live right in nature, with beautiful scenery (lush mountainscapes, beaches, deserts—you name it!) right outside your window. Not to mention there’s always something fun and new to do!

My fiance Kayla and I lived in an RV for 6 months and we had a blast! But it wasn’t all roses and butterflies. There are pros and cons to living in an RV.

That’s what this post is all about! Let’s dive in.

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7 Reasons to Rent a Car on Vacation

Posted by on 12:47 pm in Blog, Road Trips | 6 comments

7 Reasons to Rent a Car on Vacation

Most travelers, particularly those who like to travel like a local, prefer to use public transport when moving from one place to another. It’s cheap, usually reliable, and an easy way to get from A to B.

However, hiring a car on vacation can make a lot of sense, and, after-all, who doesn’t love a good road trip!

The thought of driving in a new country can definitely be overwhelming. But thousands of travelers opt for car rentals on vacations, and having your own vehicle can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Granted, some destinations are more suited to having a car than others, for instance LA is a city where it really pays to hire a car, where-as if you’re visiting New York you probably won’t need one. But going through this list will help you decide whether your next vacation could benefit from a car rental.

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Things To Do in Orlando (Beyond the Theme Parks)

Posted by on 5:54 pm in Blog, United States | 4 comments

Things To Do in Orlando (Beyond the Theme Parks)

Orlando is an exciting destination, and with its diverse range of entertainment, this is a place which is ideal for every type of traveler; young singles, baby boomers, foodies, and outdoor adventurous types too.

The city is home to more than a dozen theme parks, that’s true; you’ll find the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando among the funnest things to do. But once you come down from the coasters there’s also an incredible mix of cultural events, fantastic nature preserves, high-end outlet shopping centers, and fabulous food.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip to the theme parks, but we’ve put together a list of things to do once you’re ready to explore Orlando itself.

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How to Stay Comfortable on a Long Distance Flight

Posted by on 11:51 pm in Blog, Travel Tips | 6 comments

How to Stay Comfortable on a Long Distance Flight

There’s no denying that travel can sometimes be frustrating. And especially when it comes to long distance travel, a lot of the time it’s just downright uncomfortable.

The experiences once we get to a new destination always make the journey worthwhile, and as soon as we’re trekking through the Himalayas or snorkelling through Mexican cenotes, we completely forget about having been cramped in economy the day before.

But, for those 15 + hours where you’re very aware of just how awkward a long haul flight is, we recommend the following travel hacks to making yourself more comfortable.

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Back Trouble While Flying? The Benefits of Using a Posture Corrector Before You Travel

Posted by on 12:58 am in Blog, Healthy Travel | 2 comments

Back Trouble While Flying? The Benefits of Using a Posture Corrector Before You Travel

Often when we travel we end up sitting for hours on planes and buses, though this can result in a bad posture which can cause quite serious problems.

It’s important to maintain proper posture even when we’re traveling, but this isn’t always the easiest, especially when you’re crammed into an economy seat and you’re trying to contort your body to any type of comfortable position.

The most common side effects of bad posture include back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems, and if you have bad posture in your life generally, these issues can become exacerbated when you travel. So one of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of this pain is by frequently using a posture corrector.

If you find you experience back or neck pain when you’re flying, introducing a posture corrector to your everyday life can make your next trip a lot more comfortable. Here are some of the benefits of using posture correctors before you travel.

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5 Gadgets Frequent Travelers Use

Posted by on 12:22 pm in Blog, Technology, Travel Tips | 4 comments

5 Gadgets Frequent Travelers Use

You can spot a frequent traveler from miles away. They’re the ones that know how to score an upgrade, always pack a portable phone charger, and somehow manage to appear fresh after a 10 hour flight.

Frequent travelers have an easier time traveling, because their experience means they know which useful gadgets to use. Having the right technology with you can greatly enhance a trip, though with so much technology these days, the trouble is often knowing which gadgets to invest in.

So, if you’re struggling to narrow down your tech list, the following are must-have gadgets that frequent travelers use, along with the travel style that they best suit.

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Important Things to Know about Backpacking in Nepal

Posted by on 6:27 pm in Adventure Travel, Blog, Budget Travel, Nepal | 8 comments

Important Things to Know about Backpacking in Nepal

Backpacking in Nepal is an incredible adventure. From intensely chaotic cities, to medieval architecture, and Himalayan trekking, Nepal might be hard to get to, but you’ll probably find that it’s even harder to leave.

Nepal is well set up for independent travel, and has become a mecca among the backpacking scene. It is a culturally rich country that will absolutely enchant you, though it’s definitely a destination that requires prior planning to ensure your safety and comfort.

The following is a backpacking guide to Nepal, with all of the essential info you need to know when planning your trip.

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The Best Destinations for Whale Watching Around the World

Posted by on 12:04 pm in Blog, Eco Tourism | 16 comments

The Best Destinations for Whale Watching Around the World

Whale watching became a trend in the 1980’s, as a way to try and influence the debate over whaling. Back then the concept of whale watching was written off as a ‘stupid idea’, but nowadays it’s anything but.

In trying to change the social acceptance of whale hunts, a group of fairly savvy conservationists realized that there is nothing more remarkable than seeing a whale in the wild, and saw a world where whales would be more valuable to an economy alive, than hunted.

Ever since then, whale watching has grown into a 2.1 billion dollar industry, and almost every country with a coastline has jumped in on the action.

While it was conservationists who pioneered the whale watching tourism trend, researcher Roger Payne credits only one group for the development of whale watching: the whales themselves.

Described as nature’s best self‐publicists, whale watching is now taken seriously as an economic activity globally. So, do take a look at this list before booking your whale watching holidays.

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