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The Smarter Way to Travel™

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  1. How to Travel Responsibly

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    With more and more people jetting off to foreign lands every day, there is an urgent need for people to be mindful when they travel. This means doing your bit to minimise the impact you have on the environment and the countries to which you travel. Of course, you do not need to stop travelling altogether, but there are ways to make sure that you travel responsibly. If you are ready to step up your travel game and be the ultimate responsible traveller, here is a list of ways you help the cause.

    Stop Using Plastic

    The hot topic in the environmental world is single use plastic. I’m talking plastic straws, cutlery, bags, even tampon applicators. Anything that is made of plastic and gets thrown away straight after being used. If you can find alternatives, such as paper straws and reusable bags you will make a huge difference. So much of the plastic we use ends up in the sea and is swallowed by our precious marine life. Let’s keep our sea creatures alive by scrapping single use plastic altogether.

    Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel

    It is becoming increasingly common to find eco-friendly hotels and lodges scattered throughout the world. These accommodations make sure that the way they operate leaves their carbon footprint as small as possible. There are some that even manage to be carbon neutral. Collecting rainwater, using locally sourced produce, and generating power with solar panels are all things you should look for to see whether the hotel is eco-friendly or not.

    Limit Your Flying

    Flying is often unavoidable when it comes to travelling to your vacation destination. However, there are still ways you can fly responsibly. If possible, fly direct as this means you only take one flight as opposed to two or even three. If there is no possibility of a direct flight, you could donate money to a carbon mitigation program afterward to offset your carbon footprint.

    Avoid Animal Cruelty Activities

    You know all those photos of people riding elephants and playing with tigers? Often these projects are scams and rather than the sanctuaries they make out to be, they are little more than torturous prisons. Animals are maltreated to the point of exhaustion or even death just so you can have nice Instagram snaps. Say no to riding elephants or anything that involves direct contact with animals in captivity.

    Buy Local

    There are always opportunities when you travel to buy locally. Not only does this give you fantastic local products, be it food, clothes or souvenirs, but you will be putting money straight into the hands of local people. It is tempting to hand over money to corporations you already know and feel comfortable with, but ask yourself: who needs it more?

    Do Not Give Money to Street Children

    I really cannot stress this enough. Children are hard to say no to and trafficking gangs know this. Too many children have been bought by gangs and forced to work in the streets begging for money. If you give them money, you perpetuate this cycle. If no-one gave money to child beggars, the traffickers would have to change tactics. If you have snacks or juice on you then this is a much better thing to hand over.

  2. How to do Long-Term Travel Like a Pro

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    Long-term travel is one of the greatest things you will ever choose to do with your life. Taking six months or even a year to go and explore some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting places is never a bad decision. The trick is knowing how to do it well.

    There’s no two ways about it, being on the road for a long time can take its toll both mentally and physically. Constantly changing locations and meeting new people can be exhausting – as can living out of a backpack or suitcase. So, here are some tricks to make sure your long-term travel is nothing but happiness and adventure.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Chill Out

    If you are travelling for a long time then you are going to need entire days where you do nothing but watch Netflix in bed. You need to take that time to recharge your batteries and rest. If you don’t do this, you’re going to burn out fast and end up losing your love for travel. It doesn’t matter if it’s a nice day or if everyone else is going to the beach. If you need to take that time, take it. You’ll thank yourself for it.

    Spend a Long Time in Places You Enjoy

    If you get somewhere and think wow, I could live here – do it. Find an apartment or an AirBnB and set up camp in that place for as long as you want. There’s no rule that says you constantly have to be on the go. In fact, spending a few months in one spot gives you a whole different experience. You become a local rather than a tourist and you learn about all of that town’s hidden gems. You also get the chance to unpack your belongings for a bit, which is a nice bonus.

    Don’t Worry About Being Forgotten

    Your friends back home are not going to forget about you so you don’t need to spend your entire vacation texting them. Sometimes it is refreshing to put down your phone and forget about your life back home. Everything is going to be exactly the same when you get back so you don’t need to worry. In fact, the more you text and call your friends back home, the greater your FOMO is going to be. Be in the present and focus on you and your travel.

    Make Lots of Friends

    Quite often, the experiences you have while you travel are made by the people you meet along the way. Most people choose to long-term travel solo but ask any pro and they will tell you that you cannot do it all alone. Make friends whenever you can and share your experiences with them. Not only will you then have people you can hang out with and talk to, but you’ve got people who will look out for you and have your back if need be.

    Document it All

    This is a tip every pro will give you when it comes to long-term travel. Document your travels as much as you can. Take photos, write in a diary, start a blog – anything. This might just be the best time of your life and you are going to want to remember it. Even if you’re having a bad day, write it down and talk about how you feel. Be descriptive so that future you can really relive the experience when they read back through it in the future.

  3. How to Stay Healthy on Vacation

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    It is all too easy to give up your fitness goals the moment you are on vacation and justify it with the old “but I’m on holiday excuse”. You should never stop looking after your body and while you can relax a bit on vacation, you should resist the urge to drop your goals completely. Staying healthy on vacation might seem like an unnecessary burden (you can just burn it all off when you’re home right?) but it is actually a lot easier than you might think.

    We have compiled a list of easy ways you can make sure you don’t let yourself go on vacation. You’ll feel great coming home in even better shape than when you set off.

    Drink Lots of Water

    This one is so simple but also easily overlooked. Most of us spend our vacations in hot countries. We want to get a tan while we sit on the beach and enjoy the sun. The only problem is we often forget to ramp up our water intake to offset this additional heat. If you are going somewhere then you need to make sure you are drinking lots of water all the time. Not only will this keep your skin hydrated and help you tan better, but it will also keep all of your internal systems functioning properly.

    Don’t Go Crazy in Restaurants

    When we are on vacation we eat out a lot more than we usually would at home. Eating in a restaurant is a bit of a treat but when we do it every day we have to be careful not to think of it that way and all ourselves to splurge. Instead, it is a good idea to opt for healthier options on the menu or sharing a meal with someone you’re dining with. If you go for a three course meal every time you eat out on vacation your body will not thank you.

    Walk as Much as You Can

    While keeping an eye on what you eat on vacation is a good idea, you shouldn’t feel like you are depriving yourself. This will detract from the fun of your holiday. If you want to eat all of the local delicacies and still stay healthy then you’re going to need to offset the calories with some extra exercise. When on vacation there is usually ample opportunity for sight seeing and exploring. Walk around the town or find a national park and do some hiking. Staying active will keep you healthy on your vacation and keep your fitness level up.

    Don’t Eat If You’re Not Hungry

    The “but I’m on vacation” mindset is a dangerous one and can lead us to gross overeating. Just because you are at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean you have to stuff yourself with twice the amount of food you would usually eat. When you are hungry then eat something and as soon as you are no longer hungry, stop. This goes for snacking too. If you see a stand selling nutella crepes in Paris and you’re hungry then stop and eat one. If you aren’t hungry then walk on by and save yourself for something later. Try not to let the fact that you are on holiday make you forget your fitness and health targets.

  4. How to Be the Best Kind of Tourist

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    There is nothing worse than a large group of loud, annoying tourists. You might have seen some in your hometown if you live somewhere noteworthy, or you might have encountered them on the road. Either way, you probably know who I am talking about. They are the kind of people you want to avoid at all costs and the kind of people you definitely don’t want to be mistaken for.

    We all know how to be good tourists, but in case you know someone who needs a reminder, here are some helpful tips. Take careful note and you will navigate your way through foreign lands without a single tut or dirty look and, most importantly, without offending anyone.

    Don’t Photograph Everything

    Honestly, you do not need 50 photos of everything you see. It can be infuriating when you spend hours getting to a famous site only to find you can’t actually see anything because there are so many phones, cameras and iPads in the way. If something is spectacular then by all means take a photo of it. But, once you’re done, put your device away and appreciate it with your own two eyes.

    Try and Learn a Few Local Phrases

    It is so embarrassing watching some red-faced westerner shout English phrases slowly at a confused local. If they don’t speak English then slowing down your sentence and raising your voice is not going to help. No-one expects you to be able to speak fluent Vietnamese before you go on vacation there, but learning a few phrases before you set off will stand you in good stead. Not only will you get your point across better, but you will put a smile on some people’s faces.

    Be Sensitive to Other People’s Cultures

    If you are going to a country in which people dress conservatively then don’t walk down the street wearing hotpants and a crop top. You might not care about dressing modestly but it might be offensive to the local people. If you are in their country you should respect their rules. The same goes for entering religious sites, always cover your shoulders and legs, and even your hair if necessary.

    Try to Blend In

    If you are going to a country that has widespread poverty then don’t wear flashy clothes and jewellery. Not only will it make you stand out and a target for robbery, but it is also just a bit gross. No-one wants to see you flaunt your wealth when people right next to you have so little. You should also try eating where the locals eat and doing what the locals do. This will give you a much more authentic taste of your vacation destination.

    Don’t Turn Your Nose Up at Anything

    People around the world do things differently. In some cultures spitting or farting in public are perfectly acceptable behaviours. Just because some people do things differently to you doesn’t mean that that is wrong. Embrace the little differences you discover between yourself and the people who live in your vacation destination. The more you know about different cultures the more interesting and tolerant you become.

  5. The Best Way to Book Trains in Europe

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    So, you’ve decided to travel around Europe by train. You know you’ll get some spectacular views of the continent as you whizz through its countryside. It’s likely that at least one of these journeys will end up being the highlight of your trip. Now all you need to work out is how to turn your vision into a reality.

    Booking train tickets is easy. Making sure you get the best deal when you book your tickets can be a little trickier. But, getting cheap train tickets that suit you is far from impossible. You just need to know how to go about doing it. Here is our quick and easy guide on the different ways to book train tickets and the pros and cons of each method.

    Booking Through an Agent

    Booking through an agent comes with the benefit of knowing that everything is going to be sorted for you. Simply tell your agent where you want to go and just like magic your tickets will appear in front of you. This means you can save your energy and stress level for other things on your trip. You also don’t need to worry about translating obscure websites or booking the wrong thing.

    The disadvantage of booking through an agent is usually the price. Agents will charge a commission for their service and there is no guarantee they will book the cheapest tickets in the first place. This means that your bill could end up larger than you anticipated. Another downside of using an agent is that you relinquish some control over your bookings. Sure, you give your order to the agent, but you won’t have the opportunity to browse options yourself.

    Booking Online

    For those who want to plan things in advance and retain complete control over their vacation, booking online yourself is the best option. You will be able to pick a time and price that suits you. You might even be tempted to change destination once you see how cheap other places are to get to. The freedom to browse should not be underestimated.

    If you plan on booking online then be aware of this pitfall. Not all websites will offer you the same price. Local train companies of the country you intend to visit will have their own websites and these websites will offer you the best deals. If you go elsewhere you could end up paying 3-4x more than the ticket is actually worth. Plus you might have to pay delivery costs to have your ticket sent to you. Be smart when you book and you’ll save yourself a bundle of cash.

    Booking at the Station

    There is something to be said for leaving it to chance and booking your ticket on the day you want to travel or the day before at your departure station. This offers you a lot more freedom than booking online in advance as it allows you to be spontaneous. You can wake up in the morning and ask yourself: “where do I want to go today?” There is something deeply liberating about this.

    But, leaving it until the day you want to travel to book your ticket comes with two potential problems. The first is that there might not be any free seats left on the train you want to board. This means you’ll have to wait however many days it takes for a seat to become available. The second is that often tickets bought on the day of travel are more expensive. This could cause problems for individuals travelling on a tight budget.

    Train travel is a beautiful thing and can be an exhilarating experience if done properly. Work out which option suits you best and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

  6. Top 5 Spots for a Weekend Break in Europe

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    Whether the sun is shining or the icy winter winds are whipping at your face, there is never a bad time for a weekend break. Europe is blessed geographically as it contains dozens of countries within close proximity of one another. This means you can travel between nations quickly and easily so a weekend is all you need to experience the place. Ok, maybe a long weekend.

    Here are some of the top places on the continent for a weekend getaway. Leave Friday morning and come back Sunday and make sure your weekend is packed with as much adventure as possible. But, be warned: your Monday blues may be even worse than usual.

    Amsterdam

    There is nothing quite like strolling around the narrow canals that carve through the city of Amsterdam. The water, flanked by beautiful old houses, glistens in the sunlight and leads wanderers through some of Amsterdam’s most delightful areas. Walking through the city is an activity in itself but if you need more stimulation there are numerous museums, galleries and parks to explore.

    Paris

    Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations – and with good reason. The city is peppered with iconic landmarks, not least the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Once you’ve taken in your fill of famous monuments, direct your attention to some of the city’s bustling parks and cultural areas, including the Jardin de Tuileries and the Marais, where you might just find the best falafel you’ve ever eaten.

    Venice

    Nowhere can beat Venice when it comes to aesthetics. Often considered the most beautiful city in the world, Venice will blow you away. Everywhere you look is yet more outstanding architecture to ogle at or a shot that would be oh-so perfect for your Instagram. From your vantage point of a gondola along one of the canals, the city is your muse. Once you’re back on dry land, explore the narrow streets and take in a gallery or two to see exactly why Italy is the cradle of modern civilisation.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona is where people go when they want the buzz of a modern, thriving city, but also a beach to lounge on in the afternoons. It is a metropolis with an easy escape route to nature. Of course, that is not the only appeal of Barcelona, but it is a big swaying factor. Other points of interest in the city include the breath-taking Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Casa Milà, both of which were designed by the legendary artist Gaudí. On top of all of this, you’ll find plenty of quirky bars serving jugs of sangria and bowls of tapas. What’s not to love?

    Budapest

    And now for something a little different. Sitting in Central Europe, Budapest is notably different to the West Europe cities mentioned so far. The most striking thing about Budapest is how cheap it is. Your money will go a long way in this wonderful city. Take a boat ride along the Danube that cuts through the city, dividing the regions of Buda and Pest. From here you will be able to take in the magnificent Houses of Parliament as well as Buda Castle. When you’re ready for a bit of rest and relaxation, the Szechenyi Thermal Baths should be your first port of call.

  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. Things to do at your destination

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    We talk a lot about getting to your destination and let’s face it; it’s an important part of your trip. But your trip wouldn’t be much if you didn’t have anything to do when you get there. Getting inspiration on what to do can be easy for some places, such as visiting a Broadway show in New York, or seeing a concert in Las Vegas. We’ve partnered with AwesomeSeating.com to take a look at some of the things you can do and the best way to get tickets to these events. AwesomeSeating.com offers great deals and access to tickets for many major events with a 100% Order Guarantee.

    New York – Theatre shows

    There is no shortage of things to do in New York, and one of the most popular activities for visitors to the city is to catch a show on, or off Broadway. One of the longest running shows currently on Broadway is the Lion King. It debuted in 1997 in Minneapolis, but quickly made its way to Broadway, opening on October 15, 1997. Lion King Tickets NYC

    Las Vegas – Concerts

    Many of the world’s biggest performers host regular shows in Las Vegas when they’re not on tour, so rather than waiting for your favourite performer to come to you, why not go to them and enjoy the many other attractions that Las Vegas has to offer as well. For Example, you could get tickets to go seeElton John! Look for the “Million Dollar Piano” tickets to find his Vegas shows.

    Many other cities – Sports Events

    Few things compare to the local experience you get when you go to a sporting event in a destination city. Let’s face it; many Chicagoans are happy now that a 108-year drought has ended for the Chicago Cubs so you can bet that next year ticket sales will go through the roof. Visiting Chicago? Get your tickets here: Chicago Cubs Tickets. With the holidays coming up, getting an early start on tickets might not be a bad gift-idea! Or if baseball isn’t your fancy, have a look at the many other sporting events and other tickets you can get on AwesomeSeating.com Buy Tickets For Sports, Concerts & Theatre Events.

  9. Holiday Travel Options

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    The busy holiday travel season is just around the corner again. In the past we’ve looked at the best tips to get you to your destination whether it’s thanksgiving travel, or Christmas travel; many of us will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies again this winter. With so many options for holiday travel we thought we’d look some of the different types of holidays you can have.

    Stay-cationing with Family

    If you live far away from your family and you don’t get to see them often, the holidays form the perfect time to head over and reconnect. Maybe you go to a different family member’s house every year; or perhaps you always converge in the same familiar spot. Your options form part of your own experience and who are we to tell you what to do here. Having a familiar spot to hang your hat during your travels can’t beat even the best of hotels.

    Sun Seekers

    The further north we live, the further south we’re likely to travel in the winter. If, as mentioned above you are visiting family it might be an added bonus that these family members happen to live in a warmer location. Winter is prime time for islands in the Caribbean and the southernmost states in the US because of the warm climates.

    Hitting the slopes

    Whereas some people do what they can to avoid the snow, others seek it out. The more of the fluffy white stuff, the better. Skiing and snowboarding are heavily dependent on the season and it should be no surprise that winter is the best time to carve some powder. For those who are dragged along but don’t like to hit the slopes, many mountain towns and ski resorts offer a wide range of other activities and facilities such as spas and hot springs to pass time.

    Taking to the Seas

    A cruise can be a great way to spend a vacation. You typically get to sail around and see different ports while your floating hotel takes you there while you sleep. Modern cruise ships are known for their luxuries and fine dining, and you will be spoiled and pampered on your journey. You’ll certainly miss the daily turndown service and wish you could take all the staff that made your journey so comfortable home with you.