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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Ground

  1. 5 Essential Skills You Develop While You Travel

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    It is amazing how much you can learn by spending a few months on the road. While some label travelling as an excuse to float around the world doing nothing, this really couldn’t be further from the truth. Without even thinking about it, you develop a huge amount when you travel. You encounter situations that are completely alien and have to learn quickly how to adjust to them. This requires a great level of mental flexibility and skill and, best of all, you probably don’t even realise you’re doing it.

    If you are worried that your brain will turn to mush if you travel or that you won’t have anything to show for it afterwards, think again. Here are five of the numerous skills you develop while you are on the road.

    Social Skills

    Whether you travel on your own or in a group, you will always encounter other people on the road. Talking to strangers is not something most of us feel comfortable with. It has been bred out of us since the advent of smart phones. Why take the potential risk of rejection or awkwardness when you can tap away without a care in the world? But, striking up conversations with people from different walks of life is an extremely valuable skill and it can easily be fine-tuned while you travel.

    Problem-Solving Skills

    It would be very naïve to think that nothing will go wrong while you travel. Buses are missed, hostels are full, people get scammed – there is no end to the things that could interfere with your plan. Learning how to react in these kinds of situations is highly transferrable to all aspects of life. When you encounter a problem, you need to be able to resolve it quickly and you will get plenty of practice of this when you travel.

    Language Skills

    Unless you only ever travel to other English speaking countries, you will come up against language barriers. These can seem daunting at first and it is unlikely you will leave your stint in Koh Samui speaking fluent Thai. You will, however, come away with at least a few words if you put your mind to it. Having language skills can only ever be a good thing and who knows, if you spend enough time in Mexico, your Spanish might get good enough to put on your CV.

    Independence Skills

    When you are travelling you don’t have your parents or a wide support network there to help you out. You have to do everything on your own. This means keeping yourself fed and watered, finding places to do your laundry, and organising your own itinerary. The freedom is liberating but it can also be challenging. Nevertheless, once you’ve successfully travelled independently, you’ll feel like there’s nothing you can’t do.

    Cultural Sensitivity Skills

    It is one thing to read about a country in a history book or on Wikipedia, but it is another thing entirely to see it in person. Encountering people from different cultures and understanding how they function as a society will enhance your cultural sensitivity. It will make you more capable of working alongside people from different backgrounds in the future and broaden your mind.

  2. Everything You Need for the Perfect Road Trip

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    For decades, the road trip has been one of the most popular types of vacation for young people, old people and families alike. The freedom that comes with cruising around in your own vehicle is unparalleled and it is exactly this that we find so appealing. If we see something of interest, we don’t have to simply carry on past it, wondering what it was. We can pull over, get out of the car, and spend as long as we like exploring it.

    It is hard to get a road trip wrong. You are in complete control, which means you ultimately end up doing exactly what you want. What could be better right? But, there are definitely things you should take along with you to turn your road trip quality up to 11.

    A Plan

    The last thing you want to do is to waste your vacation driving around aimlessly so you need a decent idea of where you are going to go. Go on to Google maps and plan yourself a route along with some stops you want to make along the way. Remember that just because you have a plan doesn’t mean it is set in stone. It is absolutely fine if you deviate from this, but it is useful to have as a back up.

    An Amazing Playlist

    Songs have an incredible ability to transport us back in time and help us relive our most powerful memories. Creating a killer playlist will not only make the hours of driving more enjoyable, but they will be pivotal in the formation of your memories of this trip. In a year’s time you will listen to that same playlist and remember all the amazing experiences you had on the road.

    Piles of Snacks

    Driving around the country or continent is hungry work so you should make sure you are fully stocked up with snacks before you set off. Of course, you’re going to want bags of crisps, chocolates, biscuits and the other usual suspects, but you should also think about taking bananas, nuts, and carrot sticks so you don’t reach your first stop feeling bloated and gross.

    A Good GPS

    We live in an age where map-reading is essentially obsolete. In fact, most young people would freak out if you tried to make them read a paper map. Get yourself a good GPS that you can stick to your windscreen. Plug in your coordinates and follow the wisdom of your device. While this stops you from getting lost and stumbling across hidden gems, it also stops you from getting lost and wasting your time and petrol trying to work out where the heck you are.

    Sleeping Bags & Pillows

    There may well be a night when you have no idea where the nearest motel is and you’re in desperate need of some shut eye. The best thing to do in this scenario is to pull over somewhere discrete and have a snooze in your car. This is unlikely to be the most comfortable night of your life, but it is better than falling asleep at the wheel. Taking sleeping bags and pillows will make the experience infinitely better. So, just put your seat down and relax.

  3. 5 Spectacular Train Journeys You Need to Do in Your Lifetime

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    They say that travel it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Now, this phrase usually refers to the emotional, cultural and spiritual journey you undertake when you travel. It takes into account the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way – these are the things that really matter. But, sometimes the journey can be taken in the most literal of senses and refer to the actual physical transportation of yourself from one place to another. A train journey, for example.

    There are some journeys, scattered along the well-trodden travel routes of the world that are utterly mind-blowing. If you are ready to experience the most sublime journeys in the world, here are five to get you started.

    Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

    Often voted the single most beautiful journey in the world, the train from Ella to Kandy winds through the lush rice paddies and fields of Sri Lanka’s misty highlands. Try and get yourself a window seat so you can fully absorb the majestic emerald landscape as you race through the countryside. The journey takes around seven hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the views. The best part of the journey is that the natural beauty gets even better when you arrive at your destination.

    The Sacred Valley, Peru

    There is a train that runs from Ollantaytambo, which is nestled in the heart of the sacred valley, all the way to Machu Picchu. Not only is the train itself fabulously luxurious with its armchairs and observation decks, but the scenery that whizzes by outside is world class. The verdant slopes of the mountains, capped with snow, shoot out of the ground on either side of the train, offering nothing but untapped natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Plus, you’ll see a few llamas and alpacas grazing as you go.

    Darwin to Adelaide, Australia

    The Ghan is the name of the train that covers the 2,000 or so miles between Adelaide and Darwin. It races through Australia’s fiery and inhospitable outback, offering its passengers views of this extreme landscape as it goes. This journey is perfect for those who want to experience the Bush but aren’t so keen on the sunstroke that comes with it. If you have the time, stop off in Alice Springs and at the Nitmiluk Gorge on your way.

    The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

    What sort of list would this be if it didn’t include one of the world’s longest train routes – the Trans-Siberian Railway. This eight day monster journey will take you from Moscow, through the untouched Russian countryside, all the way to the dense forests of Siberia. There isn’t a single part of the journey that isn’t breath-taking. This journey is perfect for people who want to get away from civilisation and to ogle at top quality natural landscapes.

    Vancouver to Banff, Canada

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful train journey in Canada, this route winds past glacial lakes and through lush valleys flanked by snow-capped mountains. The air will be the freshest you will have ever breathed and the magnificence of Mother Nature will be omnipresent. If you were looking for some snaps to spice up your Instagram, this trip will provide you with ample material.

  4. 5 Very Good Reasons to go to Colombia

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    If you got hooked on Netflix’s Narcos, then you probably aren’t desperate to go to Colombia right now. Going by the series, the country is little more than a never-ending parade of drug cartels, terrorism and extreme violence.

    Except that it is not like this at all.

    In the past decade or so, Colombia has seriously cleaned up its act and it is now one of South America’s hottest travel destinations. Yes, the country still has its problems – name me on that doesn’t! But, the streets of Bogota and Medellin have replaced the sounds of gunshots with salsa music and laughter and the country is ripe for a big influx of tourism.

    Are you still on the fence about travelling to Colombia? Here are five very good reasons why you should pack your bag right now and head over there.

    It Is Cheap

    I’m not sure about you, but cost is always at the top of my list when it comes to travelling. I like to get as much bang for my buck as possible and in Colombia your money can go really far. Honestly, Colombia probably won’t stay this cheap as more and more tourists are flocking here every year. But, right now you can live comfortably on around £40 per day. If you are on a real budget, £20 or even £15 a day is also possible.

    It Is Insanely Beautiful

    Colombia has every possible landscape you could want. It has the Amazon Rainforest in the South; misty highlands in the coffee region; golden beaches on the Caribbean coast; and some seriously impressive volcanoes scattered around the country. Whatever kind of scenery you were looking for, you will find it and more in Colombia. And, of course, if you ever want to take a break from this natural beauty, there are gorgeous colonial towns such as Guatape, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Solento to enjoy.

    The People Are Friendly

    Again, Narcos painted all Colombians as malicious drug dealers who would shoot you in the face in a heartbeat. In reality, Colombians are as friendly as they come. In fact, most of the Colombians I met were just grateful that I had decided to visit their country despite its history. They wanted to tell me why Colombia was so great (not that I needed convincing) and to talk about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the country’s Nobel Prize winning author.

    You Can Disconnect From the Real World

    On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, just an hour or so from Santa Marta, is Tayrona National Park. This beautifully conserved patch of lush, emerald jungle stretches out for miles, until it reaches the golden sand of Colombia’s finest beaches. There are no fancy hotels here. Instead, there are a few cabins and a lot of tents. There is also no WiFi or any form of electronic entertainment. Instead it’s just you and nature, spending some much-needed quality time together.

    It Is an Excellent Place to Practice Your Spanish

    The Spanish they speak in Spain is hard to understand. Any Latino will tell you that. They speak very fast, blend their words together and pronounce their ‘c’ like a ‘th’. In Colombia, however, it’s a completely different story. The Colombians are very proud of their accent, and rightly so. Words are pronounced properly and clearly, making it very easy to understand what is being said – even for someone who is not super confident with their language skills.

  5. Explore Toronto, off the beaten path

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    Toronto is Canada’s largest and one of the most well-known cities. Many tourists flock to the city year-round to explore the urban jungle, or as a starting block for adventures further afield. There’s a little something for everyone in the city and some well known, and well-visited attractions that feature on most tourist’s lists.

    This article takes a look at some of the lesser-known attractions of the city and shows places that will give you the full 416 experience without the crowds.

    Gerrard India Bazaar

    Toronto’s rich and diverse culture is truly on display in the over 125 South-Asian shops and restaurants found in this area of the city, open year-round. Festivals also take place at various times of the year highlighting and showcasing South-Asian culture and traditions.

    Casa Loma

    Located just outside of the downtown core, Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this attraction perhaps isn’t so much off the beaten path, but it’s a fun outing for all. Will you find the secret staircases?

    Riverdale Park

    For one of the best views of the city’s skyline, don’t spend your time waiting in line to board the ferry to Centre Island, Take the TTC subway to Broadview Station and head south to Riverdale Park. Located just east of the city’s downtown core, the park offers a prime viewing location as well as great public amenities and recreation areas. Bonus: when you’re done enjoying the outdoors, Greek Town is just a few blocks away!

    Graffiti alley

    If there’s one thing you won’t see much of in Toronto, it’s Graffiti. The city spends a lot of money each year combating the art, much to the delight of some but the dismay of others. One place where you will be able to find graffiti, however, is Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. Nestled between Queen and Richmond Streets just off Spadina Ave. Graffiti Alley is the place to go for some Instagram-worthy street-art.

  6. Summer Weekend Breaks in London

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    City breaks to London are becoming more and more popular by the day with the Eurostar and budget airlines like Ryanair bringing people in from the continent for next to nothing. London is a city unlike any other in the world but to the untrained eye, all the hustle and bustle can seem overwhelming. While most tend to focus on Central London to do their exploring, once there it is hard to know what to do. With just a couple of days at your disposal, it’s key not to waste time googling and planning, so we have done the hard work for you. Take a look at some of our top suggestions for how to spend your weekend in this gorgeous capital.

    See a Show

    If you are in Central London there is really no excuse for not experiencing one of the best things the West End has to offer. Shaftesbury Avenue and its surrounding area has a wealth of fabulous shows worth checking out. Laugh until you ache at the Book of Mormon or sing your heart out at the timeless classic that is the Lion King. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a good night.

    Get Cultured

    London has had an exceptionally fascinating and turbulent past and there is no better way to make the most of London than by wandering through the hallowed halls of its numerous museums. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has a sublime showcase of art from throughout the ages while the British Museum will blow you away with its wealth of artefacts from bygone eras.

    Eat in the Orient

    Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about British history, it is time to head over to Chinatown and indulge in some Eastern treats. This is a great place to stop to eat. Diners have a plethora of Chinese restaurants to choose from, including fancy sit down restaurants and all you can eat buffets. There are also eateries serving up food from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and more. Rosa’s Thai and Viet are both excellent choices if none of the Chinese fare takes your fancy.

    Soak up the Sun

    If the sun is out and you are tired of traipsing through the busy streets of the West End then it is time to retire briefly to one of London’s many Green Spaces. Hyde Park is an obvious first choice for many people who want to kick back in the grass and relax but Lincoln Inn’s Fields is another beautiful space, which, although a bit smaller, is perfect for picnics or chilling out in general.

    Go Shopping

    No trip to London would be complete without emptying your bank account in some of the world’s finest retailers. Central London is home to the world-famous Oxford Street but there are plenty of other places to splash the cash than this over-crowded thoroughfare. Why not head to the glitzy Burlington Arcade or meander through the picturesque boutiques that line the walls of Covent Garden.

    Stop for Tea

    The most quintessentially British experience of all, visitors to London simply must stop for a cream tea during their time here. Soho’s Secret Tea Room is absolutely perfect for satisfying this desire with their extensive range of different teas and their delicious selection of homemade cakes and baked goods. Naturally, the only way to do this properly is by ordering English breakfast tea, accompanied by scones with fresh cream and jam. If you’ve never had this before, prepare to have your world changed.

    Sleep Well

    There are plenty of fancy hotels throughout London, many of which belong to big international chains and can seem a little soulless. Set in an old 17th Century Victorian mansion, the Nadler Boutique Hotel on Carlisle Street is an affordable and attractive hotel that has done away with the fancy gyms and restaurants, in order to create a more intimate hotel that has maintained its style and comfort without tacking on a devastating price tag.

  7. Does Sunscreen actually work?

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    It all seems very simple when it comes to sunscreen, doesn’t it? You buy a bottle with a high SPF; you rub it all over your skin; you let it sink in. Sorted, right? Well, it might not actually be that easy. Sunscreen is one of the most important items that should be in your luggage if you are going somewhere sunny on vacation. Even if you are at home, on a sunny day, you should be lathering up with sunscreen. It prevents skin cancer and premature signs of aging and most of them will moisturise your skin while they’re at it.

    But, not all sunscreens do what they say on the label. While the majority of sunscreens will protect your skin from UVB rays, not many of them will keep you safe from UVA rays. These rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer and can seriously damage your skin. These rays also make up around 90% of all UV radiation so it is important to be protected from them.

    If that wasn’t bad enough, a number of commercial sunscreens that are widely available actually contain chemicals with questionable safety records, as discovered by EWG (Environmental Working Group) a non-profit. The FDA (Food and Drug Association) has been rather silent on sunscreens so it has been down to the consumers and EWG to find out the truth about what we are rubbing into our skin.

    So, how do you know whether or not your sunscreen is actually doing anything useful once you smear it all over your skin? First, check the SPF number. This relates to how well the sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays, which are highly damaging. This is relatively simple. You might, however, want to understand exactly what an SPF is. The SPF is how long it would take the sun’s harmful rays to redden your skin compared with how long it would take were you to not wear any at all. An example of this is SPF 15, which means it would take 15 times longer for the sun to redden your skin than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen.

    However, be warned – commercial sunscreens do not quite work the way they should on paper. Wearing SPF 50 on a really sunny day could give you a false sense of security by making you think you are fully protected from the sun. The truth is that in ideal lab conditions, SPF will let through about 2% of UV rays. That may not seem much, but when you factor in the fact that we don’t use sunscreen in lab conditions, it can still be a harmful amount.

    To verify whether your sunscreen will protect you from UVA rays, you will need to look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label. This indicates that the product contains ingredients within it that will protect you from these other kinds of rays.

    There is no definitive answer to the question “does sunscreen actually work”. Some work well and some do very little to protect you from the sun. The best way to avoid permanent skin damage is simply to avoid the sun. Limit you hours of exposure and try to avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3pm.

  8. 5 Reasons to Travel by Train across Europe

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    No continent is so easy to cross as Europe. Fully connected by a network of trains, you can explore virtually every corner of it by rail. Of course, this might take a bit longer than flying but there are so many benefits of travelling by train that you’ll soon forget all about planes and air travel.

    Europe is a beautiful continent with a lot to see and do. Many people who travel through Europe cover several different countries in one go. This is possible because of the small size of many European nations and the ease with which one can travel between them. Need more convincing of the benefits of travelling through Europe by train? Here are five reasons why it will make your vacation infinitely better.

    1. You can enjoy the landscape

    Europe is gorgeous and travelling by train allows you to enjoy it in all its glory. From the window of your carriage you will see meadows, lakes, and forests whizz past as well as countless other natural features. You might even spot the odd castle or ruin as well if you’re lucky. Seeing the beauty of Europe race by you is a whole adventure in itself and could end up being the highlight of your trip.

    2. It is a lot easier than travelling by plane

    When you travel by plane there is a lot you need to think about. Have you got liquids in your bag? Is your bag weight within the luggage allowance? Have you given yourself enough time to get through security? All of these issues evaporate when you travel by train. Just get there a few minutes before departure, hop on your train and away you go. It couldn’t be easier.

    3. Train are far more comfortable than planes

    I think I can speak for everyone when I say planes are the least comfortable way to travel – that is if you’re sitting in economy. Train seats are bigger and more comfortable than their airborne counterparts and there tends to be a lot more legroom on offer. Your journey on a train might take a little longer than by plane but the level of comfort will more than make up for it. You also don’t need to abide by any seatbelt rules as you do with a plane so you are free to get up and walk around at your leisure.

    4. Trains are cheaper than flying

    If you want to be spontaneous with your travel then trains are the only way to go. Have you ever tried buying a last minute flight? It can be seriously expensive. Trains can be booked, for the most part, the day before or on the day for a very reasonable price. This means you don’t need to arrange you vacation months in advance and stick to a rigid itinerary. You can be a lot more flexible with when you go, which makes your holiday far more relaxed.

    5. Riding a train through Europe is an exciting experience

    From the architecture of the station to the hustle and bustle that awaits you inside, every part of travelling by train is exciting. You’re guaranteed to meet some curious types once you’re on the train and you’ll no doubt disembark with some interesting stories. Planes might be quick and slick but trains are full of character. If you want an authentic taste of life on the continent, you’ll find it on board one of its trains.

  9. Top 4 Autumn European City Breaks

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    As the days begin to cool down and night starts creeping in earlier and earlier each day, it is time to say goodbye to summer and embrace autumn. This means that kids are back in school; leaves are starting to turn brown and it’s going to be at least 9 months until we see the sun again.

    It might feel like once summer has passed there is nothing to look forward to until Christmas but this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, autumn can be the perfect time for a European city break. There will be fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation and plenty of fun to be had but the weather won’t be so bad that you will have to spend the whole time inside. A brisk chill is actually preferable to intense heat in some cases.

    So, which European cities are perfect for an Autumn getaway? We have a few favourites that are perfect for visiting once the heat of summer has subsided and the streets are a little emptier. Read on to find check out our suggestions.

    Amsterdam

    Amsterdam is beautiful whenever you go but there is something about this city in autumn that is truly magical. As the leaves turn red and fall alongside the canals, this Dutch gem becomes one of the most picturesque places in Europe. Spend your days cycling through the city on a rental bike or strolling through the city centre, stopping off at the numerous galleries and museums as you go. If it gets too chilly then take a break in a café and warm up with some coffee and pancakes.

    Rome

    The trouble with Rome in the summer is that it really is unbearably hot. But, what is a sweaty dustbowl in the summer turns into a masterpiece in the autumn. Visiting Rome in autumn means that you will still have delightfully warm weather but you will be able to walk around without being drenched in your own sweat. There will also be far fewer tourists there. You can check out the Coliseum and Pantheon without having to jostle people for space and you won’t need to wait in line to get your daily pasta fix.

    Barcelona

    I have never met anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with Barcelona. The people are astonishingly beautiful and the energy of the city is incredible. Planning your city break to Barcelona for autumn means you will still be able to hang out at the beach and eat al fresco but you won’t overheat while you’re at it. Autumn weather here is perfect for warm days checking out the Sagrada Familia and other famous sites and cool evenings sharing a pitcher of Sangria with friends.

    Tallinn

    Estonia might not be the first place you would think of to spend your European city break but, believe it or not, Tallinn is well worth a visit. The centre of the capital is contained within the boundaries of a medieval walled city, which features cobbled streets, lined with cute boutiques and cafés. Outside of the walled city are shopping malls, a business district and a quirky Bohemian area that is all colour and creativity. Given its location, visiting Tallinn in the summer can be tiring because the sun virtually never sets. This can make sleeping a bit of a challenge. In autumn this problem is eliminated so you can sleep like a baby and get the most out of your days.

  10. Where to Go on a Trip

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    Sometimes you only need a day or two to get the lay of the land of a new destination. In these cases, spending any more than a few days in said place can become rather tedious. The best advice I can give you is to know what kind of destination you are going to before deciding how long to travel there for. For example, you probably don’t need to spend two weeks in a city, but it’s likely that you would want to spend that long somewhere with loads of nature, beaches and great day trip opportunities. So, how do you know how long to spend somewhere? Well, everyone is different and everyone has different tastes but generally speaking I would recommend spending the following amount of time in the following places to give you an idea of how to do things.

    A Long Weekend:

    Paris, France

    This incredible city has a lot to offer but the hustle and bustle can get a bit much if you’re there for too long. A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to gawp at the wonders of the Louvre, stroll along the seine and fill up on crêpes before heading home.

    New York, USA

    The city that never sleeps is one of the most famous places on earth and is the ideal destination for a long weekend. Seek out the city’s cool art galleries and be a typical tourist at the Empire State Building for a few days here. Oh and be sure to tuck into a bagel or two while you’re there.

    1 Week

    Cancun, Mexico

    There is a lot more to Cancun that just parties and spring breakers (although it has these in abundance). Travellers can easily spend a week snorkelling in the warm water and taking day trips to see the stunning nature that surrounds the area. Spend at least one day out of the city to explore some authentic Mexican culture.

    Egypt

    Whether you want history, city or beach, Egypt just about has it all. If you are looking for a bit of adventure spend the day checking out the world famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Alternatively splash around in the Red Sea and dry off on the beach afterwards.

    Two Weeks

    Sri Lanka

    There is never too long to spend in Sri Lanka but not everyone has the luxury of prancing around the world forever. In this case, two weeks should suffice. Not only does Sri Lanka have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world but it also has rolling hills covered in verdant tea plantations and hundreds of breath-taking temples. You’ll never have a dull moment on this amazing island.

    South Africa

    The southernmost tip of the mighty African continent, South Africa has an array of wonders waiting to delight visitors. Simply driving along the scenic Garden Route is enough to make your jaw drop. Add in some cage diving and a whole load of delicious cuisine and you might just have the holiday of a lifetime.