Category Archive: Tips

  1. Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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    After booking flights and the first couple of nights of accommodation for your journey, you might be asking yourself: Is travel insurance worth it? When you’ve just spent so much money on other things, it can be hard to then part with another chunk of cash on something you might not even need.

    Travel insurance is an annoying expense but it is worth it. It can save your butt and your wallet when you least expect it. Not convinced? Let’s break it down and look at why travel insurance is worth it and why you really do need it because who knows what might happen.

    What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

    Let’s take a look at exactly what you will be paying for if you decide to buy travel insurance. Most insurance policies cover at least the following:

    • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
    • Lost and Stolen Baggage and Belongings
    • Medical Emergencies and Death

    No matter how invincible you might feel, any of these things could happen to you. Of course, it is extremely unlikely that you will die or be seriously injured on your trip. However, if you aren’t covered by a decent insurance policy you could face medical or repatriation costs that run up into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For example, an air ambulance from the US East Coast to the UK will cost you around $50,000 if you don’t have insurance.

    How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

    Travel insurance doesn’t cost as much as you probably think it does. Obviously, it depends on who you buy with and what it covers but overall it shouldn’t deplete your budget too much. Generally people spend around 5% of the total cost of their holiday on travel insurance.

    A decent policy should have the following included:

    • Up to £10m in medical expenses
    • £200 towards replacing necessities in delayed baggage
    • £5,000 of cancellation reimbursements
    • £1,500 for trip interruptions – so that you can continue your trip if an emergency happens and you have to go home
    • £25,000 pay out for personal accidents
    • £500 for loss or theft of money
    • £600 to replace lost or stolen travel documents and to cover expenses of travel or accommodation you need in the process

    How Do You Choose Travel Insurance?

    There are hundreds of different insurance companies that will offer you all kinds of policies. This can make choosing travel insurance quite tough. You want to make sure it is comprehensive but you also don’t want to pay through the roof for it. World Nomads is a popular provider because they cover virtually everything and have a good reputation for pay-outs.

    If you want to do some research yourself before you choose who to go with then there are plenty of comparison websites like Money Supermarket that will help you out.

    What you should be looking for primarily with your travel insurance is good medical cover. It is a good rule of thumb to opt for a policy that will pay for medical expenses up to £5,000,000, including repatriation costs. The more you can get on this front the better. Bear in mind that if you are buying travel insurance for high risk destinations or activities, your premium is likely to be much higher.

    Basically, the more dangerous your holiday, the more your travel insurance will cost. Unfortunately, your need for travel insurance will also be higher. It’s a pain but that’s just how it is. Insurance companies are businesses after all and profit is everything.

    To conclude: buy travel insurance. Once you know you’re covered, you can relax and enjoy your trip. It really makes traveling so much easier. If you can’t afford to buy travel insurance then you cannot afford to travel.

  2. 6 Great Destinations to Visit as a Couple

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    Traveling with your significant other is one of the best ways to really enhance your relationship. Away from the stresses of every day life, the two of you can spend some quality time together – an essential factor for a successful relationship.

    Now you’ve decided you want to go away somewhere with your significant other, the question remains: where on earth do you go? Take a look at our ideal couples destinations.

    Sri Lanka

    When it comes to couples destinations, Sri Lanka reigns supreme. It might be an over-used cliché to describe a country as having ‘something for everyone’ but Sri Lanka really does. From the golden beaches on the South and West coasts to the lush, green highlands there is literally nothing not to love about this beautiful island.

    Popular activities in Sri Lanka include elephant safaris in the numerous national parks, hiking in the highlands and visiting some of the country’s UNESCO sites. Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla and Adam’s Peak are all UNESCO World Heritage sites and are well worth a visit.

    Peru

    Steeped in the ancient mysteries of the Incas, Peru is a great destination for couples that appreciate the great outdoors and history. The country is peppered with ancient ruins that are easy to explore and offer an insight into the ancient civilizations that ruled in bygone days.

    Naturally, Peru’s pride and joy is Machu Picchu, but there are plenty of other highlights for couples to enjoy. These include Colca Canyon, the sand dunes Huacachina and the jungle in Iquitos.

    Kenya

    For those who have an adventurous streak, Kenya can be the perfect couples destination. With a very realistic chance of seeing the famed Big 5, safaris in Kenya are the number one activity for travelers. After a day of driving around in search for animals, couples can retire to the comfort of a lavish safari lodge for a sundowner and a spot of stargazing.

    Italy

    Few places on earth are quite as romantic as Italy. Couples who travel here are guaranteed an unforgettable experience from the beginning until the end of the vacation. Highlights of a trip to Italy include the gorgeous beaches and houses of Cinque Terre; the historical wonders of Rome; and the magical canals that wind through Venice.

    Of course, it would be a crime to write about how amazing Italy is without mentioning the food. There is a good reason why Italian food is the most popular cuisine in the world. It is utterly divine. Be prepared for a pizza and pasta overload while you holiday in Italy.

    Colombia

    Despite its rather turbulent past, Colombia is back on the map and is one of the most up and coming travel destinations in the world. Couples can enjoy long walks through the beautiful highlands of the coffee region or a camping excursion on the sublime beaches of Tayrona National Park.

    For those looking for a bit of action, Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota are all lively cities with plenty of culture to discover. Check out some of the fantastic museums and galleries or take a stroll through the central plazas for a taste of the city’s history.

    Indonesia

    You’ve probably heard of Bali, but did you know that that is just one of around 18,000 islands that make up Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia is made up of so many islands it isn’t entirely sure what the exact number is!

    Couples who define themselves as animal lovers would be crazy to miss the chance to go to Komodo Island. Here, komodo dragons roam wild and free across the island. Those who prefer flora to fauna can check out the rice paddies in Ubud or the glorious beaches in Lombok.

  3. VIP Upgrades Membership

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

     

    VIP Upgrades offers exciting membership options for a wide range of benefits. We have three tiers: Elite, Platinum, and Premier with exclusive benefits that only get better as you move up.Elite membership is our free option and gives you access to discounts for lounge access and priority services as well as car rental upgrades and not to forget our very own smart traveller series of guides, a valuable resource for the savvy traveller. Use our booking tool to find the best rates for hotels, airfare, car rentals, and events. Members even get exclusive access through our partners to tickets not otherwise available.

    Platinum Membership gives you more priority services and introduces you to a new level of upgrades. An outstanding feature of this membership tier is the Platinum VIP Baggage Tracing service. Available as a basic option for Elite, the platinum service option comes with added benefits such as personalized cards offering you peace of mind should your bags be waylaid. Take advantage of our special introductory offer of 25% off Platinum Membership, today!

    Premier membership is our top-tier status. We’re keeping many of the features under wraps for now, but stay tuned to find out how to experience the smartest way to travel.

  4. 5 Travel Scams You Need To Look Out For

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    Travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. However, it is not all beach cocktails and ancient ruins. As much as we all wish this wasn’t the case, there is a small minority of people out there who target clueless tourists with incredibly devious scams. Normally, this means simply getting money out of you, but sometimes it can be more sinister than that.

    If you have fallen prey to a scam on your travels before then you will know that the feeling of being duped really sucks. Some scams are universal, so keep an eye out for these five major tricks and you’ll have much smoother and safer travels.

    The Broken Taxi Meter

    This is a classic scam that catches people out all of the time. You get into a taxi, you give the driver your destination and away you go. After a couple of minutes you realise they haven’t put the meter on so you ask them to. Oh, look, the meter is broken – what a surprise. You can ask for an estimate of how much it will cost but your driver will probably have forgotten how to speak English by that point. When you get there you’re charged five or even ten times the normal fare and there is nothing you can do but pay.

    Avoid this by always asking about the meter before getting into the taxi.

    Closed Hotel or Tourist Attraction

    You ask your taxi driver to take you to a certain hotel or tourist attraction and they inform you that, sadly, that place is closed. However, they know another place that is just as good and they are willing to take you. They drive you to somewhere that will be invariably worse and more expensive and they get a commission off their mate who owns the place.

    Avoid this by insisting they take you so you can see with your own eyes if it is really closed (it almost never will be).

    Free Gifts

    There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor do free gifts exist. You will often encounter people in the street who try to thrust things into your hands, insisting they are free. Bracelets or beads are common items to be handed. Once you have it in your hand there is no way they are taking it back and they are going to demand that you pay them for it. It’s an uncomfortable situation and for the sake of a dollar, you’ll pay just to get out of it.

    Avoid this by never letting anyone put anything in your hand or on your body.

    Child Beggars

    The saddest of all the scams you will encounter, child beggars are used all over the world and it is a true tragedy. Who can say no to an adorable child who needs just a couple of dollars to help support their family or buy milk for their baby sister? The problem is, that money you gave the child goes straight into the pocket of whoever bought them, perpetuating the market for child slaves.

    Avoid this by just saying no, no matter how much it breaks your heart to do so.

    Damaged Vehicles (Especially Mopeds)

    Hiring a vehicle abroad is always stressful and this scam does nothing to help. In most cases the owner of the vehicle will point out some miniscule scratch and demand a ludicrous sum to repair it – often in the hundreds of dollars. Seeing as you gave them your passport as a deposit, your hands are tied and you have to hand over the money.

    Avoid this by meticulously going over every single part of the moped with the owner and taking photos of every blemish not matter how small.

  5. 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travellers

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    New Year, new me. Right? We say the same thing every year yet how often do we actually make any sort of change to our lifestyle or behaviour? The average person will have broken their New Year’s resolution by the 10th of January. And they are the ones who bothered to make one in the first place.

    The 1st January is a great time to make a change in your life. Of course, it is technically just like every other day, but there is something in our psychology that responds well to the idea that a new year is a jumping off point for something new in our life.

    If you are an avid traveller and you want to up your game, why not use your New Year’s resolutions as a way to do so. Need some inspiration? Here are seven useful New Year’s resolutions for travellers.

    1. Stop Leaving Things to the Last Minute

    Wouldn’t it be so nice if the night before we set off on our travels we didn’t have a minor aneurism trying to get everything organised? Make 2020 the year of advanced planning so you can start your vacation stress-free.

    2. Branch Out

    It is easy to stick to the places we know and love. But, you never know what you might find if you opt for somewhere different for your holiday this year. The world is a big place full of wonderful things. Take the risk – you might be pleasantly surprised.

    3. Get Yourself New Luggage

    Is your suitcase falling apart or not quite big enough for all your vacation gear? Get yourself some new, good quality luggage. It will last a lifetime and you will feel ultra snazz waltzing through the airport with it.

    4. Stock Up on Air Miles

    If you aren’t already a member of a frequent flyer program I recommend joining one now. British Airways has an excellent air miles program and members can rack up points by flying with the airline, using the British Airways American Express card, and shopping through its online shopping portal. Trade in all your points when you have enough and enjoy seriously discounted flights and hotels.

    5. Leave Instagram at Home

    It is hard to live in the moment and really enjoy your holiday when you are constantly checking how many likes your photos got. Make your next holiday entirely yours and stay away from social media. You’ll have more to tell your friends when you get back and you won’t waste any of your precious holiday time.

    6. Learn Something From Your Travels

    On your 2020 vacation, make it your mission to learn as much as you can. You could pick up some of the language, learn about the history of the country, or even just take a local cooking class. Broadening your horizons is a great way to maximise your vacation time.

    7. Give Back to Your Holiday Destination

    There are so many different ways you can give back whilst on vacation. You could spend a day or two volunteering with a local project if you have the time. If you don’t, you could donate some money to a conservation program or buy a meal for someone in need. It’s up to you how you give back.

  6. 5 Things to Do in Asia that Are Out of the Ordinary

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

    While all your friends are stuck in the office, poring over spreadsheets and listening in on meetings that could have been emails, it will be with the utmost satisfaction that you jet off to Asia. More so than anywhere in the world, Asia is a favorite haunt for backpackers. It has a fully fleshed backpacker infrastructure and, in many places, it is well-suited for a backpacker’s budget.

    All packed? Time to make an itinerary. Most backpackers will quickly become familiar with the local hotspots when they arrive at a destination. Tourism agencies and other travellers will be singing the praises of various excursions and sights. But, it is much harder to find unusual activities that are off the beaten track.

    Here are five such activities that you should squeeze into your schedule while you backpack through Asia.

    1. Go to the Monster Café in Tokyo

    Have you ever heard the Japanese talk about Kawaii? It means cute and the Japanese are obsessed with it. From girls dressing like dolls to Hello Kitty plastered all over the place, anything that could be seen as cute is pounced on and commercialized.

    No place quite embodies this notion than the Monster Café in the quirky Harajuku area of Tokyo. This café goes all out, from the unicorn heads dangling from the ceiling to the neon food they serve. The servers in the café are girls dressed as ‘monsters’ (but still looking impossibly cute) and there are regular shows performed for kids during the day. It is the kind of place you need to go once, and only once, in your life.

    2. Explore Divar Island in Goa

    Most people, when they think of Goa, will picture beaches, bars and a raucous party scene. While this is not inaccurate, Goa has far more than just a nightlife. Get away from the beaches of Goa and you will be struck by the beauty of the region’s architecture and nature.

    Divar Island sits in the Mandovi River and is sprinkled with gorgeous Portuguese villas, remnants from Goa’s colonial days. Spend some time wandering around, taking in the views and checking out the buildings. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular Divar Church as well.

    3. Fire a Bazooka in Cambodia

    As a pacifist, I have never had much interest in arms, but firing such a powerful piece of machinery is an exhilarating experience. Of course, you’re not actually shooting or hurting anyone, it is just some harmless fun. Shooting a bazooka doesn’t come cheap but it is a one-off experience that can just about be justified.

    4. Visit the Upside Down House in China

    The Upside Down House is exactly what it sounds like – a house that is completely upside down. If you go inside you will feel like you are walking on the ceiling. Look up and you’ll see furniture glued to what is supposed to be the floor. The house is in the Fengjing Ancient Town, situated about an hour outside of Shanghai.

    5. Celebrate Songkran in Thailand

    You will need to be in Thailand in April if you want to be there for the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran. This might not be the most convenient time to jet off on vacation but trust me, it is worth it. For an entire week, the country comes alive with celebrations and the energy is positively infectious.

    The most common way to celebrate Songkran is to fill up a bucket or water gun and soak passers-by in the streets. Whether you want to join in with the festivities or not, there is no way to avoid getting drenched by both young and old Thais alike. Surrender your inhibitions and embrace the fun!

  7. 5 Things You Need to Know About the Trans-Siberian Railway

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    If you don’t like the idea of a scenic train journey through one of the most fascinating stretches of land on the planet, look away now. If, on the other hand, you think that taking a ride along the world’s longest railway would be an incredible experience, stay with me.

    Running for 9,289km, the railway connects the Russian capital Moscow with Vladivostok, in the far east of Russia. The railway also branches off across the border and into Mongolia, China, and North Korea. For a handful of adventurous people, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket list experience. Indeed, the train journey is a holiday in itself, taking the best part of a week to travel from one end to the other.

    Has your curiosity been piqued? Would you like to know more about this iconic railway? Here are five things you should know before you go.

    You Need to Have a Plan

    Unlike most destinations, which welcome spontaneity, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway requires meticulous planning and forethought. First you need to sort out your Russian visa, which is no small task. Secondly, you need to get your tickets and know where you want to stop off along the way. Thirdly, this is a serious beast of a journey and you want to have plenty of time to enjoy it. Chances are you will spend at least six days on the train so ideally you want one to two days off the train for every day you spend on it.

    The Food is Pretty Good But You Should Still Take Snacks

    Train food doesn’t have the best reputation and Russia is hardly a culinary capital so it figures that Russian train food is going to be pretty bad. Fortunately, most people are surprised at what the Trans-Siberian Railway dishes up. Meals are basic but edible and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. You can usually get a starter and a main for around £25. Nevertheless, stock up on crisps, fruit, biscuits and nuts whenever you can because you’re going to get peckish and you won’t always want train food.

    There Is a Big Difference Between the Carriage Classes

    If you are on a tight budget you might want to rethink your plans. Travelling in third class on the Trans-Siberian Railway for six days is going to be uncomfortable. On the first night it might feel like an adventure but by the third night it will feel more like fresh hell. First class is ideal, but second class is satisfactory if you’re not willing to splash out quite that much.

    You Can Ride the Train All Year Round – But Summer Is Best

    The train runs throughout the year but if you want the best experience you should go during the summer months. From June until September you will have long days and plenty of sunlight so you can gaze out of the window and enjoy uninhibited views of the Russian countryside. Sunny weather also makes for more pleasant exploring when you disembark the train at your stop-off points.

    You Can Carry On Into Mongolia or China But Plan it in Advance

    If six days on a train through Russia isn’t enough for you, you can extend your journey into China or Mongolia. You can get a 72 hour visa for Mongolia if you are riding the Trans-Mongolian Railway but you will need to show proof of onward travel and your visa for the next country. If you plan on going into China then you will need to organise your Chinese visa well in advance.

  8. Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to India

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    India is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Home to ancient mysteries, outstanding natural beauty, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, there’s every reason to add the country to your bucket list. While there’s no doubt your trip to India will be unforgettable, we want to make sure that it is memorable for good reasons. India may be a wonderful place to visit, but that doesn’t make it an easy travel destination.

    Take a look at our guide that will give you a head’s up as to what you should know before you go.

    India is REALLY Big

    It is very easy, when looking at India on a map, to make a completely unrealistic travel itinerary. Do not try to cover too much ground on your holiday or you will spend the entire time travelling and barely any time enjoying the places you visit. Pick one or two states and stick to them.

    You Will Probably Get Sick

    The food in India is spicy and food hygiene levels are lower than what you are used to. This won’t kill you, but it will probably make you sick at some point. Stock up on diarrhoea tablets and antibiotics before you go so Delhi Belly doesn’t defeat you.

    Women Should Cover Up

    It’s sexist and out-dated but if you are a western woman travelling through India you need to cover up. Foreign women already attract a lot of unwanted attention so you don’t want to make it worse by flaunting your bare skin. What’s more, India is a conservative country so it is more respectful to the local culture not to wear anything tight or revealing.

    Get Used to Having Your Photo Taken

    An Indian family may ask you if they can take a photo of you with their children or something along those lines. Don’t be freaked out – this happens all the time, particularly in more rural areas where they aren’t used to foreigners. It might seem odd, but it is completely harmless so unless you’re really against your photo being taken, just smile and go along with it.

    People Will Try to Scam You

    If you had enough money to fly all the way to India, the presumption is you have a few dollars to spare on an inflated price. You can’t blame the locals for trying, but don’t let yourself be scammed. Ask taxis and tuktuks to put the meter on before you get in the vehicle and fine-tune your haggling.

    Confidence is Everything

    You might be used to being super polite and smiling when you want something done, but in India this can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. In Indian culture, confidence is key and the more assertive you are, the more seriously you will be taken – especially if you are a woman.

    The Culture Shock is Real

    Whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned pro, India will shock you. Delhi is one of the craziest cities in the world and Mumbai has a wealth divide that will leave your jaw on the floor. There’s no way around culture shock, so just open your mind and your heart and be prepared for anything. This will be the most exciting adventure of your life if you let it.

  9. 5 Spots to Check Out on Your Guatemala Vacation

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    You closed your eyes, spun the globe on your desk and planted your finger down on Guatemala. Now, you have no choice but to book flights there for your Guatemala Vacation. Or maybe you did something more normal like read a few blogs that said how great it was and let them influence you. However you ended up getting there, the important thing is that you are going to Guatemala and if you’re not already excited, this article should do the trick.

    Guatemala has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination for a while now, attracting backpackers and spiritual wanderers from around the world. If you’re ready to learn what all the fuss is about, make sure to add these five places on to your Guatemala itinerary.

    Antigua

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the entire country, Antigua is an explosion of culture and colour. Colonial architecture in pastel yellows, pinks, and blues lines the streets, while the main plaza boasts a gorgeous cathedral, fountain, and countless street vendors selling shaved ice and other sweet treats. In the distance, beyond the city, you’ll see the smouldering peaks of volcanoes casting shadows over the bustling markets and eclectic museums.

    Tikal

    Guatemala’s most impressive collection of ruins, Tikal is a must-see, regardless of whether or not you’re a history buff. These crumbling temples are surrounded by thick swathes of jungle, filled with birds, monkeys, and all kinds of other animals. From the top of Tikal Temple 4 you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire site. In fact, this view is so breath-taking, George Lucas included it in one of the Star Wars films.

    Semuc Champey

    When it comes to natural beauty, few places on earth can compete with Semuc Champey. Hidden within a forest is a collection of natural pools that cascade down from one to the next. The water is a vibrant turquoise colour that glints in the sun and you can easily spend an entire day splashing around in it. If you want to work up a sweat before you go for a dip, climb to the top of the look out point (the mirador) and admire the pools from an aerial vantage point.

    El Boqueron Canyon

    If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds, don’t miss El Boqueron. There are very few guides online about this place as it remains relatively undiscovered. This tranquil canyon is unrivalled in its beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, explore caves, and take boat rides along the Rio Dulce that runs through it. The best part is, you don’t need a guide or tour group to visit the canyon, simply organise for a driver to bring you and pick you up.

    Lake Atitlan

    In contrast with El Boqueron, Lake Atitlan is probably the most popular tourist spot in Guatemala. The vast lake and its surrounding mountains and volcanoes make for some extraordinary photo ops, while the lake itself shimmers endlessly. Take a kayak out onto the water or explore the Mayan villages that flank its shores to make the most of your experience here.

  10. How to Be a Responsible Traveller

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    The world is in crisis and humans are to blame, so how can you be a responsible traveller? For decades we have been filling our air, soil, and water with toxins and it’s anyone’s guess whether or not we will be able to claw back the planet from the brink of destruction. This might sound melodramatic, but there is a reason why millions of school children went on strike recently to protest against climate change. It is real and it is happening, despite what certain world leaders might say.

    Here’s the good news. You can travel and be and eco-warrior at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. You just need to think a bit harder about the way in which you travel to ensure you travel practices are sustainable and responsible. If you want to adjust your habits to help save the planet, here are some suggestions.

    Use Transport Wisely

    So how to you travel responsibly?The fact is long-haul flights are really bad for the environment, but short-haul flights and passenger ferries are not quite as bad. Trains are generally quite eco-friendly, as are electric vehicles. Gasoline powered vehicles are highly polluting, especially over long distances. With this information, you should try and work out the most environmentally friendly ways to get from point A to B. Of course, walking and cycling are the cleanest way to travel so if you can use your own legs to get around, do it wherever possible.

    Eat and Shop Locally

    What else can you do to travel responsibly? Eating in a small family-run restaurant or street shack not only gives you a more authentic experience of your destination, but it contributes to the local community. The same goes for souvenir shopping. Buying local, handmade goods is an excellent way to put your money into the right hands, rather than fuelling big, polluting industries. You should also bear in mind the importance of paying a fair price, rather than always going for the best deal.

    Take Nothing but Memories and Leave No Trace

    It might be tempting to pick flowers from the forest or pick up shells from the beach, but if everyone did this it would be an ecological disaster. If you want to take souvenirs home, buy them responsibly. Similarly, leave the animals alone as this can wreak havoc within the delicate eco-system.

    What’s more, do not leave a trace of your visit by carving your name into a tree or dropping your litter on the ground (even if the locals do so). Recycle what you use whenever you can and avoid buying and using things with lots of unnecessary plastic packaging.

    Look for Accommodation with Green Practices

    There are plenty of eco-lodges out there that have sustainable practices. These are usually small, independent businesses that deserve your support a lot more than the Hilton and Holiday Inn. Look for hotels with solar panels, rainwater collection buckets, locally sourced ingredients in the restaurants, and sustainable tours, among other things. You can add to the sustainability of your accommodation by not leaving taps running and switching off your lights.

    Be Generous

    You don’t need to be a billionaire philanthropist to be generous whilst on vacation. Don’t haggle merchants in to the ground and be prepared to buy an extra coffee for someone less fortunate than you. However, you should not give money to beggars, especially child beggars. This is tough, but if you do you are perpetuating the abominable practice of child slavery. Buy them food, sweets, toys – whatever you want. Just don’t hand over cash. If you don’t have money to spare, consider volunteering an hour or two of your time to a local project.