Category: Travel Tips

Things to Remember When Travelling with Friends

  By

If you are a travel enthusiast like Mack Prioleau, the chances are good that you will at some point find yourself traveling with friends.  No matter how tight your group, the stresses of traveling can put pressure on friendships unless everyone is on their best behavior.  Here are some tips to help make sure that your gang stays on good terms during and after the trip!

Who Made You Boss?

Try to remember that everyone will have things that they want to do and see on a trip, and while there will probably be some overlap between everyone’s wish list, there will likely be things that other want to do that just don’t do it for you.  Maybe your gang is willing to break up to spend the day doing their own thing – this can be great because it gives everyone something to share when you convene for dinner.  But if there is a reluctance to break up, try to make sure that you are respecting the interests of your friends.  Rolling your eyes when a friend says they want to check out the vegan restaurant across town is something that you should try to avoid.  Don’t be the person who always needs to call the shots, choose the restaurant, lead the tour, or generally act like you are only one with a plan or a clue.

Don’t be a Debbie Downer

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.  It rains on your beach day, the internet is terrible, and the food made you sick.  Chances are that you are not the only person who notices such things, but maybe your friends don’t see the value of dwelling on the negative.  Resist the temptation to point out everything bad that happens, or everything that you should have done but didn’t.    no one wants to be brought down on a trip, so try instead to find the humor in the things that don’t quite work out as planned. If others in the group are feeling down-hearted, be the person who helps them to see the bright side rather than the person who talk about how bad things are.

Don’t Get Stupid Drunk

Without question, an exotic cocktail on a roof top bar at sunset in an exotic city might be a great way to spend the evening with friends.  But when a few drinks turn into a few too many it can create some real problems for your travelling buddies.  When you are in your home town it is bad enough to have to deal with a friend who has had too much to drink, but in a foreign country it can be especially challenging.  In many countries there are laws about being drunk in public, and if anything were to go wrong – for example, if you found yourself with alcohol poisoning – your friends might not have an idea about what to do in a foreign country, especially if they don’t speak the language.

These are just a few things that you should avoid if you want to keep your friends after you return from your trip!

What you Should Know About Listing Your Home as a Vacation Rental

  By

If you have a property that you are considering offering as a vacation rental, you have more options than ever.  Between Airbnb, VRBO and similar “do it yourself” platforms to arrange rentals, many owners find that they are able to find suitable renters and to earn additional income.  However, these options can be fairly time-consuming as they involve making all the arrangements with guests, cleaners, service and tradespeople, and also being on hand to solve problems.   For this reason some owners prefer to work with professionals like the team at Elan Vacations who can provide property management services.  If you do decide to use your apartment or house as a vacation rental, here are some things to consider.

Be a Good Neighbor

Many owners of vacation rentals overlook the ways in which the process can cause problems for their neighbors, even when the guests themselves are perfectly behaved and respectful of the space.  Common complaints include the constant flow of people dragging suitcases through the halls, especially at night, or always finding rental vehicles taking up the guest parking in the building or regular street parking.  In gated communities or controlled-entry buildings, neighbors may raise legitimate concerns about security when it seems that half the world now knows the security access code. You can try to minimize the potential that your vacation home is causing problems for your neighbors by being sure to have clear rules in place for your guests, and to respond immediately, fully and respectfully to any concerns that your neighbors might bring to your attention.

Know the Law

For various reasons, some cities or municipalities are beginning to ban short-term rentals.  In some cases, it is because neighbors complain about the disruptions, and in others it argued that the trend among owners to rent their apartments or homes out short time is having a negative effect on the local rental market as people find it more difficult to rent apartments in which they plan to live.  Reports have been shared online about city officials posing as vacationers looking for a rental as a way to try to “catch” owners who are breaking these bans, and even using images shared online rental sites to try to identity the apartment.  If you are renting your space in violation of local regulations, your guests could find themselves turned out in the middle of the night.

Check Your Lease

In some instances, renters of an apartment have been tempted to place their apartment on a vacation rental site when they themselves are planning a vacation.  Be very cautious about this as most leases will have clauses preventing subletting, and tenants have been successfully evicted as a result.

Of course, there are many other things that you should consider before making the decision to put your home on the vacation rental market.  Be sure to do your homework and make sure that you are prepared in order to have a positive experience.

Top 10 Reasons Why You Need to Travel

  By

f you have never been traveling before then I cannot tell you what you are missing out and how urgently you need to hit the road. A few years ago my friend Judd Feldman and I went to Europe for 2 months and had the time of our lives. When I talk about traveling I am not talking about a week on a beach, basking in the sunshine, I am talking about hitting the road and touring around a part of the World, exploring all that you can and here are 10 reasons why you should be traveling.

Experiences

Travel gives you incredible experiences, from seeing sights that you have only ever seen on TV to meeting amazing people. When you travel you are far more open to these experiences and you will have a trip that you will never forget.

Education

Learning about different cultures and ways of life really enhances your own existence and when you get back home you will look at the World with a new set of eyes. We can often be guilty of thinking that the World is no bigger than our own little bubble, traveling will change that opinion.

Healthy

It has been scientifically proven that this who travel, live longer and if you want to add a few more years to your life then it is time to hit the road. Whilst you are traveling you will become healthier too as you seek more new adventures and activities than if you were at home.

Meeting People

As you travel you will meet people form all over the World, people with different stories to yours, people who you like, people who you love and even people who you like. Once you have left school it can be difficult to meet new people unless you change your job or your ZIP code, when you hit the road and travel however, you will meet more new people than yo ever thought possible.

Learn Who You Are

When you get away from your daily life and travel, you will find out who you really are. You will be tested on the road, you will need to embrace fears which you have and you will be forced to confront who you are. When you get away from everything you know ad travel, you can be whoever you want, nobody knows you, you can be the confident, charming individual that you have always dreamed of and essentially create a who new personality for yourself which is a far accurate picture of who you truly are.

Storyteller

Even traveling for just a couple of months will give you so many stories to tell when you get back home and it will add a different chapter to your life. Some people spend their whole lives trapped in the rat race and become far less interesting people as a result of it, if you hit the road and travel then you will become far more interesting and have a great deal more stories to recount to people.

Soak Up the British Countryside on your Train Journey through the UK

  By ,

Source

Great Britain is infused with beauty, culture and history. It ranks high on every globetrotter’s list and the sublime landscape of this island is best explored through trains. Breath-taking views, comfort, convenience and connectivity are the essential elements of an epic rail journey. Great Britain’s extensive rail network and scenic routes along with International Rail’s Britrail Pass guarantee a memorable experience.

Your Britrail passes give you the freedom to travel in and around Scotland, Wales and England without any hassle. International Rail also offers Britrail passes at discounted rates to senior citizens, children and young travelers under the age of 28.

The Best Rail Journeys

Trains give you the opportunity to explore parts of the country that you might never have seen otherwise. Exploring small towns, scenic villages, or simply watching the landscape pass your window is an experience no other means of transport can provide. A train ride through Dawlish on the south coast of Devon in England is a unique experience. With sea waves splashing the tracks and railway tunnels through cliffs, this journey is nothing less than thrilling. Do you have a soft spot for isolated and remote towns? If so, then the scenic journey from Glasgow to Mallaig will fill your heart with pleasure. Some of the other rail journeys worth a mention are St Erth to St Ives, London to Fort William, Settle to Carlisle, and Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

History, Culture, Scenic Beauty

Great Britain is a place where 3 nationalities that speak over 20 languages live harmoniously. Therefore, be prepared for unique travel experiences to fill up pages and pages of your diary.

For lessons in history, tradition and archaeology, visit Scotland. The expansive coastlines, gigantic castles, rolling hills and frosty meadows will take your breath away. The list of must-visit places in Scotland includes Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Loch Ness, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Castle.

Wales is perfect for active travelers who love walking, trekking, adventure sports and all kinds of outdoor activities. Visit Snowdania, the Welsh mountain region with a national park.

England is the cultural hub and melting pot of Great Britain, where modern meets traditional. Windsor Castle, Tower of London, Stonehenge and North York Moors are just some of the many amazing places you must see.

8 Travel Tips to Avoid Overspending on your Trip

  By

If this year’s holiday is looming, and you are looking to cut some corners to bring the budget down a little, there are ways you can save money that won’t bring down the holiday experience. We all have a budget to stick to, but with some careful planning and wise choices, it is possible to keep costs manageable. Here are a few tips to keep spending to a minimum.

  1. Renting a Vehicle– Most people wish to have a car at their disposal while on holiday as it gives you total freedom. Car hire rates vary greatly, and if you happen to be in Western Australia, you can obtain cheap car rental in Perth from Ace Rent A Car, who can arrange for the vehicle to be waiting at the airport.
  1. Prepare your Own Food– This is a great way to keep costs down, and with airtight plastic containers, your sandwiches will always be fresh. You would be surprised at how much eating out can cost, even in cheaper establishments, and with a little help from the family, self-catering can make all the difference to a tight budget.
  1. Plan your Route– It is easy to get lost in an unfamiliar region, and this can cost both time and money, neither of which you want to waste, so plan your trip carefully, and don’t forget to include a few stopovers.
  1. Campingis not only great fun, it also knocks off a huge chunk of your accommodation bill, so if you are feeling a bit adventurous, consider taking the family on a camping holiday.
  1. Brush Up on your Bartering Skills– All tourist regions will have many local vendors selling anything from souvenirs to cold drinks, and it is usual to try to ask for a higher price than normal. If you know how to bargain, you can save a significant amount, especially on more expensive items. In some countries, tourists will pay double the local price, and don’t be afraid to walk away when haggling, as you can always come back later if you have set your heart on something.
  1. Stock Up on Essentials– Toothpaste, soap, and shampoo should all be purchased before you leave home, and don’t forget an ample supply of sunscreen. If you buy this kind of product at a resort, you will pay top prices, so plan ahead and save some money on essentials.
  1. Large Groupscan make a further saving by renting a minivan rather than two cars, and with the right rental company, you can definitely get a bargain. You might want to take your holiday with another family, and by travelling together, you will keep to budget.
  1. Create a Daily Budgetfor each member of your party, and make sure everyone sticks to that. We can all do without those ice creams and amusement rides, and by having a daily amount to spend, you can control things.

A family holiday is a time for rest and relaxation, and if you keep your eye on the outgoings, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

2017 Gift Guide For Female Travellers

  By

It’s coming up to summer in the northern hemisphere and this is the time of year that most people start to think about heading out on the road again to far flung, magical places away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, leaving behind their lives in favour of the unknown. It can be difficult to know what to get the avid traveller as a gift, either for their birthday or for a farewell soiree put on by their nearest and dearest to say “happy trails”, so we have put together a small list of some of the best things to get someone who has a habit of hitting the road.

Passport Holders

Useful and sometimes fun, passport holders keep your passport and other associated important bits together in one place where they can be safe and protected. This could include your other ID cards, any loose visas and even money. Some passport holders can double as wallets, featuring spots to hold your debit and credit cards which makes it easy if you need to keep everything on you at all times. There are a whole host of cute, colourful options available both online and in high street shops, usually available year round. Why not get your best friend an adorable one that suits her personality well, such as a kitten face one, or one that says ‘crazy cat lady’ if she likes cats for example?

Functional Bits and Bobs

Things like wind up clocks and flashlights, travel pillow, power adapters, earplugs, eye masks and even toiletries or medicine for medicine kits can be a great gift – presented similarly to a nice hamper basket like you’d give someone at Christmas just swapping the wine and crackers for paracetamol and Band-Aids. Never underestimate the usefulness of these types of things for a traveller, especially if they like to do a couple of adventurous things like renting scooters to go off exploring by themselves and the like. There are ways you can add a feminine twist to these as well – travel pillows can come in all colours and patterns, and bandages as well. Maybe throw in some feminine hygiene products as once you’re overseas you realise just how quickly you will miss your usual brand! You can even swap this for a Moon or Diva cup as well – a reusable feminine hygiene product that acts as a type of tampon that you empty every 8 hours – an absolute lifesaver on the road.

Vouchers for Shops

Undoubtedly your travelling friend or family member will need a couple of things before they head off – new shoes, waterproof coat, and even a tent or other equipment such as backpacks and such. A voucher for an outdoors type of shop or even just their favourite outfitter of things like shoes and clothes in general can be useful for them to get a new swimsuit or a new sweater before they head off on their adventure.

Scratch off World Map

If your friend intends on returning eventually, a scratch off world map can be a great way for them to relive their journey. A scratch off world map is a great way for your friend to visibly show where they have been in map form, by scratching off each country. If they are planning to own their own home eventually this can be a great keepsake of all their adventures which they can frame.

So there you have a couple of great suggestions for great gifts for the traveller in your life. These are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of possible gifts – in truth there are numerous things you could entertain purchasing, it just depends on your friends’ tastes and needs, so keep your eyes open, there’s tons out there!

Five Tips For Feeling Fresh On A Long Haul Flight

  By

Let’s face it – travelling is amazing and an unforgettable experience, but those long flights that are sometimes upwards of eleven (or more!) hours in length can really pack a punch on your ability to stay feeling fresh as a daisy. Read ahead for a couple of fantastic top tips to keep you feeling fresh, even on the longest of the trips you will take.

Keep The Face Clean and Clear

In order to keep feeling fresh, it can be a great idea to keep your skin free of make up, or to go light on it. You aren’t trying to impress anyone on the plane anyway and truthfully a lot of people come looking more like they’re at a pyjama party than they’re going on a trip somewhere. If you’re wanting to be looking your best when you land, take your make up in your carry on and apply it shortly before landing after having wiped your face off with a face wipe of some kind. This will stop your make up from taking on that “been wearing it for sixteen hours” kind of look.

Water, Water, Water (and no alcohol)

Water is a great thing to consume if you want to stay feeling fresh on the plane. Hydration is always key to looking and feeling your best, so it stands to reason that staying hydrated is also key to feeling great on a flight too. The airline probably won’t provide adequate water to keep you hydrated so it’s a good idea to bring a bottle with you when you get on board. Most kiosks in the airport will have bottled water in varying sizes to purchase for the plane, but taking your own favourite water bottle and filling it up before boarding is a good idea to help save plastic.

Wipes and Anti-Bacterial

Taking face or body wipes of some kind can help you do a quick wipe down in the bathroom when you are feeling a bit less than fantastic which goes a long way to making you feel fresher than before. Having a shower of course isn’t possible, but having a wipe down is and can really help freshen you up.

Fresh Clothes

Having a change of clothes you can hop into at some point in the flight can really help you stay feeling fresh and great. If you’re heading somewhere hot and humid it can be a good idea to take your summery clothes in your carry on to change into before you get to your destination so you can hit the ground running and not be walking around in your bulky jeans and t-shirts or sweaters.

Getting Some Beauty Rest

Perhaps the best way to stay fresh on a flight of any length is to get some rest. While this is a difficult task for some, taking some sedating antihistamines will help you nod off as well as keep your sinuses cleared which can be an issue for some people on air planes as well. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, try to time your sleeping in the day or two previous to your flight depending on the time of the flight itself so that you will be tired enough to sleep easier. Sleeping on flights can be incredibly useful to keeping fresh and energetic, especially when you get to your destination.

So there you have five great suggestions on how to stay feeling fresh on a long haul flight. Most of these are common sense, but for first time fliers they can be incredibly useful tips. Always remember to stay hydrated and rested – both on and off the plane. It’s the best way to always feel in tip top shape. Enjoy!