Tag: adventure

The Benefits Offered by Forward Fold Camper Trailers

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Forward fold camper trailers offer a number of benefits and can be a great choice of off road camper if you decide not to opt for a traditional caravan or pop top caravan for your travels. Many people like the idea of travelling around the country and camping out in the many beautiful spots on offer, but they aren’t too keen on packing and unpacking a tent at every stop or spending a huge amount of money on a campervan. Forward fold camper trailers offer a great middle ground between campervans and tents, making them an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the great outdoors. This article explores some of the great benefits offered by forward fold camping trailers.

 

They’re Easy to Set up

When it comes to weekends and holidays, most people don’t want to waste a second and want to spend as much of their time doing the things they love. If you have limited time and are planning on going camping, you’re likely not going to want to spend lots of time setting up and packing down a tent. Forward fold camper trailers allow you to simply pull up to a camping site and fold out and assemble your camper trailer. This is a great benefit for those whose spare time is at a premium, as well as for those who simply don’t enjoy the process of setting up a tent.

They’re Economical

In addition to saving time, those who opt to buy forward fold camper trailers can also save money. When compared to a campervan or mobile home, camper trailers represent excellent value for money – and it’s not just the upfront costs you save on. Forward fold camper trailers are light in weight and have a low profile, which means two things. Firstly, being light in weight means they don’t require as much horse power to tow, and secondly, their low profile results in less wind resistance. The upshot of this is that the vehicle towing the camper trailer won’t use as much petrol, which is another welcome saving. In addition, the cost of parking a camper trailer at a campsite for a night is significantly less than spending money on a motel or a bed and breakfast.

They’re Compact in Size

Forward fold camper trailers are nice and compact which can be of great benefit for those who want to park their camper trailers in their own garage, visit drive-through restaurants or park in underground car parks. But the space saving doesn’t stop there – when you tow a camper trailer, you don’t have to worry about finding room in the car to put the tent, and many models come with storage room to safely secure other items you wish to take with you on your trip.

In Summary

Forward fold camper trailers offer those who wish to explore the outdoors a cost-effective alternative to campervans. In addition to this, they’re quick and easy to set up and are compact in size, making them perfect for those who own small vehicles.

How to Survive Your Next Family Vacation

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Family vacations are fantastic. Now so many families are separated by cities, states, or even continents, getting the family together for a trip gives you all the perfect chance to have a proper catch-up and spend some quality time together without the distractions of everyday life.

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However, a family vacation can also be incredibly stressful, especially if you are traveling with children. Or your own parents! What starts as a fun catch up can quickly become an interrogation into your life, with all the old family dramas resurfacing. Here are some great tips to help you survive your next family vacation, without incident or heartbreak.

Organize Travel

Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, but if you’ve got the family all coming in from different locations to take a trip together, the logistics can be complicated. Even if there’s just a few of you, it can be tough to all arrive at the same time.

So, don’t try. Book a week or two for your vacation, give everyone plenty of notice and let everyone make their own way there in their own time.

Think of Accommodation Carefully

Accommodation is another thing that causes stress. If you are going away with family, it’s a good idea to stay in a cabin such as Birch Forest Lodge or on a campsite instead of trying to organize hotels. This way, you can have separate lodges to give everyone a little freedom, while still having a great location to spend lots of time together whenever you want.

Plan Activities

When it comes to activities, it can be hard trying to please everyone. So, again, don’t try. Book activities online beforehand if you can, or plan days fishing, trying local sports or visiting attractions. Let everyone in your party know what’s happening and when. Then they can join in when they want to but you’re under no pressure to spend the whole vacation together.

Take Some Time Off

Being in close proximity to your family can be challenging, especially if you aren’t used to it. So, when it all gets too much, take some time out. Go for a long walk on your own or spend some time exploring with your partner. Just because you are on a family vacation it doesn’t mean that you have to spend all of your time together.

Plan Meals

You probably won’t want to eat every single meal together, which is another reason lodges make an excellent choice of accommodation. But, arranging some family meals is a wonderful way to bring everyone together for some fun, even if you’ve spent the day apart. Try some local restaurants but also have nights at your accommodation barbequing, having a picnic, or you could even order food in. Make sure you’ve got some games and snacks prepared to keep the fun going once the food has finished.

The best way to enjoy a family holiday is to organize and plan in advance. Prepare plenty of activities and fun days out so there’s no chance for any old drama to resurface. Family time is important – make the most of it!

Quit Your Job And Travel The World With The Powerball Jackpot!

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It’s a fantasy that many of us Canadians share: waltzing into work one day, with our newly cashed cheque for over $100 million, and telling our boss that we’re going to quit – not because we don’t like our job, necessarily, but because we want to travel the world and experience some new adventures. That’s the magic of Powerball: that with the luck of the draw (or a good hard look at the number trends, and some savvy choosing) you can be packed up and on your way to tropics in no time.

Powerball had been, for a long time, only something that Americans partook in, but Canadians can get in on the action now too, and you can learn about playing the Powerball lottery in Canada online, doing away with the need for physical tickets. Once you’ve set yourself up, and picked six of your luckiest numbers, you can kick back and dream about the trip you’ll take when you scoop up the jackpot, which, by the way, is the biggest in the world. This blog will look at what you need to do once you’ve won, in order to quit your job and hit the beach, and will offer a few choice places to consider.

When you first win your jackpot, what you’ll want to do is hire a financial planner, a lawyer and an accountant, each unaffiliated with the other to ensure that they work independently and for you. These people will be able to offer you sound counsel on income tax issues and what tax opportunities are available to you with your new money. Your financial planner will be able to put together an investment portfolio with you to ensure that your money keeps growing, and that you have lucrative stocks that offset the cost of annual taxes. With these precautionary measures in place to make sure that your cache of wealth doesn’t get eaten up before you can enjoy it, and to make sure you’re set for life and not just for the next couple decades, you’re on your way!

The stereotype vacation destination is a palm-fringed beach somewhere where you can sip daiquiris out of a coconut and lounge on the fine white sand all day. For that, there’s still no better destination than Hawaii, with its Waikiki Beach a literal paradise on earth, complete with emerald blue waters and luxury hotels. With the kind of money you have, you’ll be able to stay at the Hilton or Royal Hawaiian penthouse suite, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and eat lobster or steak every night if you wish. This is definitely the kind of ritzy vacation befitting a multi-millionaire.

Or, if you’d like to trade natural beauty for culture, take a trip to Paris, stay at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, and for a mere $1800 a night (pocket change to a multi-millionaire) stay on the historic Champs-Elysees and spend the day lounging at the spa. At night, you can wander to the Eiffel Tower, and check out the surrounding neighborhoods for some fine French food.

But, really, there’s no need to decide between Hawaii and Paris, because you can easily do both, and much more. With Powerball now available in Canada, all you have to do is pick the right numbers, invest your jackpot wisely, and live the rest of your days in bliss, travelling from place to exotic place – or, if you prefer, just staying right at home!

Cruise Around The World In Style – And We Don’t Mean With Cars!

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It’s coming up to autumn now and the summer is fast heading out the door for another year, leaving most people feeling somewhat melancholy as the colder weather starts to set in. Autumn may seem like the time to hunker down and get ready for winter, but your summer fun doesn’t have to stop now. In fact, for singletons or couples this is the perfect time to get out and explore the world on holidays or cruises when all the students, young and old, are back in class! Read ahead for the top types of holidays to book now, before summer is truly gone!

Cruises From Here, There, Anywhere

It’s no secret that cruises continue to be a top type of holiday many people seek out, and for good reason. Cruises are the best way to see a number of places quickly and in serious comfort. If you have never been on board a cruise liner, you’re seriously missing out, especially if you’re a fan of the finer things. A cruise around the world will take you from port to port in a number of exotic locations all in comfort and style with world class entertainment every night and usually full board meals provided in the overall price of the trip. What could be better than checking out some of the world’s most famous locales aboard a world class liner with access to spas, shops, theatres, luxury dining experiences and more?

Last Minute Destinations

There are large numbers of last minute beach holidays available for people who just want to get away and don’t really mind where. These can be incredibly budget friendly with many featuring all inclusive themes with airfare, transfers, hotels and food included, but not always to the most exotic of locales! From Europe mainly Mediterranean islands are featured but city breaks are also popular, particularly to eastern and northern Europe, depending on what you want to do and experience. For truly cheap options, last minute deals can be booked for very low prices if you don’t care where you go and are taking only hand luggage.

Somewhere Wild

If you really want to push the boat out, you can head out of your comfort zone and trek off to somewhere wild and wonderful. Going on safaris or treks to the Himalayas or Macchu Pichu are becoming more widely available as well as affordable for many, so are increasing in popularity. With more discount flights flying to connecting cities to wild and wonderful places as well, it’s never been easier to head out on a real adventure for your autumn getaway to make memories that will last a lifetime doing something truly unique and awe inspiring!

There you have a couple of great getaway ideas for all levels of adventurer and fitness. Whether you’re climbing mountains, relaxing on the beach or enjoying a show aboard a luxury cruise liner, autumn is a great time to get away for many. With lower prices in the off season and less people hitting the road, you will find prices to be cheaper for many things and less crowds equating to a win-win situation for everyone! So pack those bags – the world won’t explore itself!

6 Self-improvement Lessons I’ve Learnt From Traveling

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We have all seen article after article on the internet with tips on how to improve yourself. Within the self-help industry, the Self-Improvement category, although highly helpful, has somewhat been neglected as what we see as a great source of enlightenment: Traveling. Just think about it for one second and I am sure you have more than one traveling experience that left you with so much more than just a souvenir. From memories we share to knowledge we have obtained, traveling is the ultimate way to help you grow and improve your life. We have decided to put together a short article featuring the “6 Self-improvement Lessons I’ve Learnt From Traveling”. I hope you enjoy this article and either have learned or will learn some of these lessons on your next trip. Without further ado, here are 6 self-improvement lessons I’ve learnt during my trips:

#1. Knowledge is everywhere

Although we may stick to books or podcasts and live events when it comes to enlightenment and goal orientation, we tend to forget that knowledge is all around us. And a trip abroad is exactly what I needed when I first felt stressed out and directionless due to my career path. The destination was Paris. A couple weeks filled with nothing but “joie de vivre” (the joy of living), was enough to help me see that I was focusing too much on my professional life and not on my personal life.

#2. Be flexible

Especially seasoned travelers are used to having to go through a couple roadblocks while traveling. Whenever your flight is delayed, your hotel overbooked, or even when you find yourself lost, one thing becomes clear: flexibility is key. By being flexible and learning how to adapt yourself to different situations and scenarios, you develop the required skills to make the best out of any situation. Don’t dwell too much on the negatives, just accept the reality, and do your best to get out of a sticky situation. When it comes to achieving your goals, being flexible is very important. I remember the lesson I learned from Tony Robbins at Date With Destiny event was that you need to be committed to your goals but be flexible with your approach.

#3. Organize yourself for better results

Traveling also requires a tremendous amount of organization. From packing to following schedules, from finding the best flights to the cheapest hotels, it can take a lot to organize the perfect trip. But, at the end of the day, you will find the best possible options that best fit you and your tastes. By organizing your time and money in order to make sure you are getting the most out of your vacation, you will learn how to apply this knowledge to your day-to-day life.

#4. An open mind equals a better experience

Don’t let a previous negative experience or a bad review ruin your vacation. Keep your mind open and ready to take in a new culture. By going about your day already feeling like you will have a bad experience, you are more likely to find all the flaws in your day. And this line of thinking can be applied to both traveling and life. Keep a positive attitude, and a positive experience will follow.

#5. Just because it’s different, it doesn’t mean it’s bad

Once again, keep an eye out for letting negativity ruin your day. Simply enjoy the small (or big) differences that differentiate us and celebrate them, rather than perceiving them as negative. By celebrating differences between yourself and others, you are more likely to value them, and thus learn or experience something new and explore your self-discovery journey.

#6. Respect others

This was perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned while traveling. While in another country, much like in your daily life, respecting others is key. What you may find odd, can be seen as fully normal for someone of a different culture or religion. Adapt and educate yourself before making possibly rude assumptions and passing as someone intolerant. Once you have accepted the small cultural differences, you are ready to embrace another culture and fully enjoy it.

How to Become a Travel Writer and Get Paid

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Ask any travel writer who has been practicing the craft for some time and you will, more often than not, get the same response, “It isn’t really what I thought it would be.” If you believe that by merely proclaiming that you are now a travel writer, you will now be able to go for free, see the sights, write some prose and have a publication pay you handsomely for it, then you are in for a very rude awakening. Contrary to popular belief, travel writing is not easy. Sure travel can be easy, and the same goes for writing. But travel writing is not just centered around the writer. It is not as if the author puts words on paper and money along with accolades will fall from the sky.

In an era where anyone who goes on a trip, fingers with which to type with, and some sort of blog-like platform to publish their writing can, in essence, write about their travels. But, there is a stark difference between the person who writes about their travels and a trip writer, and that is that the latter is mainly doing it for payment. There are many ways to be compensated as a travel writer, with commissioned and assigned job being two of them. Likewise, there are many flavors of travel writers, some focus solely on hotels, while others can write about an immersive 20-day trek through the Okavango Delta on safari. But first things first, how does one get their foot in the travel writing door?

Budding travel writers believe that the main ingredient in this line of work is passion. They are of course incorrect. At best passion is a nebulous term and defining it is like pinning a tail on a donkey, blindfolded. Like most types of writers, the ability to convey thoughts, ideas, and experiences in written form is a crucial skill that a travel writer must possess. No one expects a newbie writer to pen a best-seller or award-winning article right off the bat. Good writing is a skill, and like most skills, it can take on through repetition and refinement. Unsurprisingly, the other essential ingredient is a willingness to travel, explore and experience new things and places.

It is a good place to start, but this conversation tends to turn towards economics and finances quickly. First get this in your head, the odds that you will be paid a significant amount of money for your first piece of writing will be slim to none, that is, of course, assuming that someone is willing to publish it.

As previously noted, some so many people fancy themselves as travel writers these days that the market highly saturated with “travel article” and “travel stories” with varying degrees of quality. Then there are the seasoned professionals, that have been doing this line of work for years. These individuals not only have the writing chops to turn in top tier material, but they also have had the time to develop relationships with publishers, PR firms and industry experts who are willing to vouch for their work. It means that for the significant publications, that pay the big bucks, veteran travel writers will always be engaged first, and be brought the assignments first.

Reading this, the budding travel writer may get discouraged, dismayed even. But, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” as the old saying goes. The majority of new travel writers tend to set their eyes on the large publications or big book deals from the get go, but they tend to overlook smaller publications and opportunities to get their work into people’s hands, thus allowing them to build a published body of work. Local newspapers, niche journals, and smaller online blogs/publications are excellent places to start. Sure their readership and reach may be a tiny fraction of the big names in the industry, but it will allow the author to generate a body of work that they can refer to in the future.

Regarding money, expect very little to nothing for the first handful of articles. Remember that you are just getting started, why should publishers shell out money for an unproven writer? Be humble and take your “lumps.” Earn their respect by producing great content, and then you will make the money that goes along with it. Even when you do get paid, don’t expect much. This stage of your writing career should be seen as a schooling in professional essay writing rather a money making venture that includes free trips. These will come eventually. Take this time to hone your writing craft and build relationships within the industry. Also, take this time to refine your ability to pitch book ideas to large enterprises.

Prepare yourself for what may seem like an unending wall of “No thank you’s.” And of course, the best way to get better at writing pitches it by writing pitches, lots and lots of them.

6 Ways to Fly Coach in Style

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(Image Credit: Pexels / Maile Ortiz)

Flying coach might be an affordable way to travel, but it isn’t always the most luxurious. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just participating in a mass cattle call during your trip, you’re not alone. What if you could start enjoying your travel experience before you reached your destination? Here are six tips to make flying coach a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, even if your airline of choice doesn’t seem to care.

1. Choose Your Airline Wisely

Nothing says cattle call more than sitting halfway in your neighbor’s seat or having to battle for legroom. One thing that most people don’t realize is that your assigned “pitch” (airline language for legroom) various by carrier, with the standard being 31 inches.

The good news is that you can score 34 inches of pitch with JetBlue as well as a standard leather seat and seatback DirectTV. If you’re flying international, you can get up to 36 inches with some of the planes in the Thai Airways fleet.

2. Pick Your Seat Quickly and Carefully

When you book a coach ticket, you should also choose your seat immediately if given the option. The best seats are taken early, so picking a seat quickly can guarantee the most comfortable journey.

If you’re not sure which seats are the best, use a site like SeatGuru.com that will rank a flight’s seats based on legroom as well as distance to the bathroom. Seats that you want to avoid are the ones against the bulkhead and in front of exit row because these either won’t recline at all or will have limited reclining ability.

3. Stay Hydrated

Many people don’t realize just how dehydrated they can become when flying. If you’re planning to travel, have water with you at all times and make an effort to stay hydrated. If you want to leave the plane feeling refreshed, it also might be a good idea to pass on the alcohol.

4. Dress Appropriately

Comfortable clothing when you fly coach is a must. Avoid wearing anything that could potentially be constricting, even blue jeans. Dress in layers so that you can remain comfortable as temperatures change. For example, a nice t-shirt under a sweater or jacket is a good choice. You may also want to bring along an extra pair of socks so that you can take off your shoes during a long flight.

5. Use Intelligent Earbuds

Airports and airplanes can be nerve-wracking environments due to the noise levels and degree of overstimulation present. Smithsonian Magazine reports that the noise from an aircraft alone can reach 85 decibels. Using noise cancellation headphones or earbuds has become popular with travelers, but there is a better solution to this problem.

Intelligent earbuds like Nuheara’s IQbuds™ make travel more relaxing and enjoyable. These wireless earbuds have a “plane” setting that will reduce aircraft engine noise and still allow you to balance audio between the digital and physical world according to your preferences.

6. Plan Some Diversions

Most of us have busy lives, so a forced time-out in a plane for a few hours doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take advantage of that downtime to do something that you enjoy such as reading a book or magazine, doing a crossword puzzle, or watching a movie through those IQbuds™. If you have these activities lined up, you just may look forward to your next flight in that coach seat.

If you want to travel from point A to point B, flying may be the best option. Use these tips to turn that unavoidable travel experience to something that is not only tolerable but even comfortable and enjoyable.

10 Essential Gadgets to Have Along on Your Hiking Vacation

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Going on a hiking vacation whether alone or in the company of your best friends can be an exhilarating experience. Following long trails carrying only a few bare essentials with only you to depend on feels like an eye-opening trip for some people. I know of a friend who took a hiking break when she needed the solitude to make some major decisions in her life. And, I agree. Being alone helps you put your life in perspective. And, there is always the added positive of the sense of adventure, stunning locales, and meeting new people.

Check online and you’ll probably find a whole bunch of websites helping you list and put together all the gear you’ll need for your hiking vacation. I have for you a list of 10 essential gadgets that I feel every girl should have along. Go ahead and take a look. And, add all the others you feel you absolutely must have.

No. 1 – Solar Charger

Carrying gadgets is a great thing but they’re good only as long as they have the power to keep going. No doubt you’ll carry batteries but there are only so many you can have along. For this reason, you need chargers. I would suggest that you carry a portable solar charger. You’ll be surprised at the amount of power it can give you. For instance, expose the charger to one hour of sunshine and you can extract two hours of talk time from your mobile phone. You can also use it to power tablets, iPhones, satellite phones, cameras, and even, a small medical fridge for any medication you need to have along for your hiking vacation.

No. 2 – Smartphones and Tablets

When you’re spending long hours on the road, you need to remain connected with loved ones back home. Of course, you wouldn’t want to carry expensive devices along so the next option is to carry refurbished gadgets that work very well but are economical. In case you do lose a device or it gets damaged on your hiking vacation, it won’t be a major loss. Look for used tablets and other devices at reduced prices and you’re good to go. Remember, you can download a bunch of apps that can prove to be very handy on your travels such as GPS tracking that helps you plan the best routes to take along with all the information you may need about your destination. And, let’s not forget taking loads of pictures of your hiking vacation for sharing with people back home.

No. 3 – Global Data SIM

When choosing your smartphone, make sure that it is unlocked. Invest in a Global Data SIM that you can use at rates ranging from $4 for 50MB of data to $12 for 500MB of data per day. You can use the data at unlimited speeds however take care to restrict usage to below limits. For instance, if you choose the Keepgo’s global data service, you can also get AT&T SIM cards.

No. 4 – USB Port

In case you stop for the night at a motel or hotel during your hiking vacation, having this device along can help you charge your electronics within a short time. Plug multiple gadgets at once to any wall socket and charge them quickly. It makes sense to have one of these along if you’ve been traveling on cloudy days and your solar charger isn’t working as expected.

No. 5 – Handheld GPS Device

I’ve been advised to have one of these gadgets along. That’s because the GPS in smartphones is dependent on an internet connection. In the event that you’re passing through locations that don’t have very good internet connectivity, you might have trouble finding your way. Not only do these gadgets provide you with detailed topography, but they also act as compasses.

No. 6 – SD Ultra 64GB MicroSDXC Card

SD cards are very handy when you need extra memory. They cost just $40 and you can fit them in basic cameras, professional cameras or even, Android smartphones when you want to save lots of pictures and perhaps, video footage of your experiences.

No. 7 – Portable Pocket Wi-Fi Routers

When on your hiking vacation, you might find that the hotel internet service isn’t all that effective. Having a portable Ethernet is a handy gadget to have along so you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you are. For instance, the TP-Link model may set you back by just $30 and is about the size of a laptop power adapter which makes it compact and easy to carry. An added positive is that it has a USB port so you can use it to charge other electronics.

No 8 – Water Purification Solutions

One of the basic essentials for your hiking vacation is undoubtedly some solution that helps you get clean drinking water. When you’re on the road, you need adequate amounts of water to remain hydrated and carrying it along just isn’t practical. You could pack in water purification tablets or try one of the UV purifiers like the Steripen that is compact and affordable.

No. 9 – SPOT Gen3

This little gadget is an absolute must-have on your hiking vacation. In case of an emergency, you only have to hit the button and it will send an SOS signal along with your GPS location to the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Centre). The SPOT Gen3 works even in areas where there is no mobile coverage. You can also use this device to send a preset text message or email with your location to 10 contacts you’ve chosen. It’s useful for touching base with loved ones at regular intervals.

No. 10 – SPOT Global Satellite Phone

Opt for the SPOT Global Satellite Phone if you intend to travel to destinations that may not have internet or mobile connectivity. Getting this device can set you back by $500 and services cost $25 per month for 10 minutes of talk time. However, the more expensive plans give you more calling time and data usage.

I personally think that these are 10 basic gadgets that every girl must have on her hiking vacation. That’s of course, in addition to the backpacks, camping gear, and all other gear you’ll need. If you can think of any more to add to this list, go ahead and add them in comments. I’m sure many hiking enthusiasts will welcome your thoughts. Happy hiking!

4 Travelling Benefits for Self Discovery

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As humans, we have all felt at one point in our lives like we were just not going in the right direction. From unexpected turns in our personal lives to unsatisfactory advancements in our professional lives, it may seem like the risk of failure is always lurking.

For me, a disappointing career choice was what left me directionless and unmotivated. After a couple months trying to figure out how to rediscover myself in order to redirection my life, I ended up finding an exciting idea: travelling.

Although I had traveled before, I had never done so alone, nor with the sole purpose of self-discovery. Slightly terrified, yet anxious to get the process started, I booked my flight to Brazil and left a couple weeks later. And believe me, the person I was when I left, was 100% different from the person I was when I came back. This truly amazing experience has definitely put be back on track to self-discovery, motivation, and, ultimately, a happier life. So, in order to share my experience with as many people as possible, I have decided to write about the “Traveling Benefits For Self-discovery”. So, with no more delays or back stories, here are some of the benefits of traveling with the sole purpose of self-discovery:

#1. You are the sole tracer of your destiny

While traveling alone with the sole purpose being self-discovery, you are the only person in charge. By that, I mean, you are the one who can decide what you will do next, where you will go next, or who you will meet next. This can be a great way to rediscover some of your deepest desires and tastes. At the same time, some people may see this new-found “power” quite overwhelming. If you are struggling to find what your next step is, just follow your intuition. I learned this lesson from Tony Robbins’ event in Florida. I realized that I can create and design my own destiny.

#2. You are solely accountable for your mistakes

Just as you are the only person in charge of your destiny, you are also the one accountable for the mistakes that may happen along the way. This is a great tool especially for those who tend to be more stubborn (as me) and tend to believe that their decision is always the best decision. Once a mistake happens, own up to it and try to quickly find a new alternative. A little story: while in Brazil I thought it was a great idea to go into a favela ( a type of dangerous neighborhood) alone. Long story short, it did not go well. Anyway, I treated that experience as a date with destiny.

#3. A chance to get to know yourself outside of your normal routine

Traveling as a tool to self-discovery also gives you the unique opportunity to help you figure out who you are when there’s no routine. With no mandatory job, family, and social gatherings to attend, what do you do? Ultimately speaking, who are you when you are not defined by your job, family, or social status? This can be quite a tricky question, even taking years and years to answer. The goal here is to follow your innermost desires and truly invest the time needed to find your true self.

#4. Plenty of alone time to meditate

The last benefit in our list is the amount of alone time! Meditation is a great tool to help you redefine who you are and, quite luckily, you can pretty much meditate anywhere! If meditation is not really up your alley, try to take some time after a day of traveling to think about yourself, who you are, and what you want. Try to think about your choices throughout the day and how they mirrored you and your personality.

These are all the tips we have for you guys today! Hope you enjoyed the article, and will soon begin your journey to self-discovery!

How Travelling Improved My Life

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I have always loved traveling. From the planning stages, all the way to the plane ride back home, when it comes to traveling it is as clear as day: I’m addicted.

As a student and part-time employee, I often think about the importance of traveling and the impact it has in my life. By focusing on the “cons”, I can quickly see that my monthly trips not only come with a hefty monetary price tag, but also involve quite a big time investment. On the other hand, as soon as I start thinking about this topic, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the huge “pros” list. Instead of focusing on this endless list (and inevitably writing a monstrous article), I have decided to sum up how traveling has improved my life. Hope you enjoy this article, and in it find all the right reasons you need to start planning your next adventure!

#1. Better organization skills

Without a single doubt, traveling demands some prior planning! If you, just like me, are a traveler on a budget, you will soon realize (or already have come to the conclusion) that organization can lead to huge discounts! On the other hand, by keeping a tight schedule and organizing your time to your liking, you will make sure you can visit and explore the city you are in.

By coming up with an organized way to look for flights, hotels, and the cheapest dates, you will save up money, time, and energy.

#2. Increased social skills

Growing up in Europe, I was never the most sociable kid. Unfortunately, my dislike for small talk followed me well into adulthood.

But guess what, being stranded in a foreign country, lost, hungry, and tired, was exactly what I needed to break this spell. For example, by opting to stay in hostels or through Airbnb, you have the priceless chance to meet the city you are in from a completely different perspective. Strike a conversation and you will soon have all the necessary tips to have the trip of a lifetime. Interpersonal skill is one of the most important self-improvement skills I need to learn.

#3. More positive outlook on life

Whenever I am out of the country, I can’t help but feel absolutely content with my current life. Traveling is an absolutely priceless educational experience, and definitely, one that I will forever cherish. By seeing how others live, what their history and culture is like, and even how they party, I learn more than I could ever learn from a simple book or tv show. To anyone reading this and thinking about traveling, my absolute recommendation is “do it”. Although it may seem like a lot of work and a lot of money for a couple days in a different city, the memories and the knowledge will stay with you forever.

#4. A motivation source

As previously mentioned, being a student and holding a part-time job is no easy task. Traveling helps me to fully focus on University and at work since I know that with a week/month/… I will be in a different city enjoying myself. While for University I try to finish up as many exams before Summer as possible, at work I try to do my best in order to have more money to spend on each trip. At the end of the day, traveling means I have an escape from a chaotic routine. I remmeber when I decided to join and purchase my UPW ticket, it was one of the best decision in my life. The event gave me heaps of motivation and positive outlook in life.

#5. A way to keep in touch with friends and family

As I get older, I have noticed it’s getting harder and harder to meet up with some childhood friends. And traveling together is a great way to keep in touch! Every year one person of the group is in charge of picking the destination and to plan out the whole trip. Then, for a full week, we can just enjoy each other’s company and let the conversation flow with no interruptions! And this does not have to be an expensive way to keep in touch, as you may choose to travel within your country rather than going abroad.