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Category Archive: Tips

  1. 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.

  2. The World’s Top 5 Destination for a Road Trip

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    In a world of luxury resorts and guided tours, people seem to have less time for a road trip. The road trip has been a stalwart member of the vacation family for decades, but in recent years it has dwindled in popularity. In fact, even before cars were invented people explored the world using horses and carriages. Before cheap flights came into existence, road trips were the best way to travel. You could visit far flung parts of your own country or cross into a neighbouring country if you lived near a border.

    But, the road trip is not dead – indeed, it is thriving. Nothing beats cruising through stunning landscapes with the freedom to stop and explore whenever it takes your fancy. Best of all, you don’t miss a single thing like you do when you’re in a plane. So, if you’re ready to travel along the world’s most beautiful roads, here are five incredible road trip destinations to get you started.

    Canada

    Perhaps the most beautiful country in the world, Canada is the road trip destination of your dreams. Starting from the West Coast, you will drive through lush forests and past dramatic, snow-capped mountains. Head North and you’ll hit vast swathes of sparkling snow and if you make it all the way to the East coast you will be greeted with gorgeous coastlines and the spectacular Bay of Fundy.

    France

    One of France’s greatest charms is its tiny medieval villages that can be found in every region. Some of these villages are little more than a few cobbled streets, but they are guaranteed to have outstanding architecture around every corner. You might even stumble across a crumbling castle perched on a hill or a gorgeous vineyard if you’re lucky.

    New Zealand

    Known as the filming location for Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is utterly breath-taking no matter where you are in the country. Hop in your car and explore the diverse landscapes that spread out to the horizon. Sparkling lakes, rolling hills, glorious coastlines – what more could you want? And, from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drink it all in at your own pace.

    South Africa

    South Africa gets a bad rap in the press for being dangerous. While there are certainly parts of the country that you are better off avoiding, there are also places that are both safe and supremely beautiful to drive through. The Garden Route is South Africa’s most exhilarating stretch of road. It runs along the coastline past exceptional scenery and you might even spot some cool wildlife as you go.

    USA

    Last but not least is the ultimate road trip destination: the USA. The American road trip was popularised in Kerouac’s On the Road and has been a staple of American culture for as long as cars have been around. Not only is the USA enormous, but it has just about everything you could want to see. From the great lakes to the rugged coastline of California, there is natural beauty everywhere you look. For a particularly spectacular drive, head over to California and cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway.

  3. A Beginner’s Guide to Paris

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    Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet and is a far cry from anywhere else you will have seen before. With enough monuments per square mile to keep you occupied for days on end and the Champs-Élysées, one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, unfurling towards the Arc de Triomphe, a trip to Paris is one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, Paris is a tough beast to tame, with its numerous arrondissements, each with its own appeal (and un-appeal), the labyrinth known as the metro and the unspoken rules that determine Parisian life. Get to grips with the way Paris works before you get there and you’re guaranteed the trip of a lifetime.

    Transport

    Paris isn’t the biggest city in the world but if you try and cover it by foot, you’re going to struggle. The vast majority of Parisians and tourists use the metro to get around – it’s quick, efficient and reasonably cheap. However, if you’re unfamiliar with underground train networks, working out where you are and how to get to your destination can be a nightmare, especially if you have to stop and stare at a map while people are barging past you. Download the metro map on your phone (Paris Metro Map is a good app to use for this) and work out where you need to go, which train line you need to take and in which direction it should be going BEFORE you walk down those steps into the unknown. This will leave you looking like a pro and speed up your journey to no end.

    Food

    To start with, if you are a vegetarian in Paris you might be in for a shock. France is a very meat orientated country and while there are plenty of restaurants that will cater to your dietary requirements, don’t expect every restaurant to have a vegetarian option. Next up, regardless of your culinary preferences, mealtimes are a big deal here, especially lunchtime. You might be used to grabbing a sandwich and eating it on the go, but that’s tantamount to sacrilege in Paris. Here, you are expected to sit with friends or family and share multiple courses over a glass of wine or three. It is not unusual for lunchtime to last 2 hours – maintaining relationships is more important here than getting back to work. Also, don’t be asking for doggie bags if you don’t finish your meal, they don’t really exist in France.

    Sight-seeing

    If you’re clever, you can see some of the best that Paris has to offer without spending a centime. There are numerous museums that offer free entry all year round – these include the Maison de Balzac, Musée de la Vie Romantique and Musée Curie. Others offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month such as Musée d’Orsay, Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Orangérie. The Louvre also offers this deal but only from October through to March. If you happen to have an EU passport and are under 26 you will also gain free entry to many of Paris’s famous sites. A word of warning, when visiting the places like the Eiffel Tower and other tourist hotspots, keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing in Paris is rife and clueless foreigners make excellent targets.

    This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about Paris but the rest you can pick up while you’re there. Be sure to plan in advance and keep your wits about you and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free Parisian break that will captivate your heart and mind.

  4. The 5 Best Winter Sun Destinations

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    For many of us, summer is well and truly over – and what a summer it was. Blazing sunshine beat down across the country and record temperatures were hit in some parts of the world. Now, the days are getting longer and there is a definite chill in the air outside. The cold is coming and it is time we start planning our winter getaways. Finding winter sun is a challenge. Europe is out of the question so we need to search further afield to get our much-needed dose of vitamin D. The important thing to remember is that the sun has not forsaken us. It is still out there, we just need to go and find it.

    If you are ready to spend your winter topping up your tan, here are five amazing winter sun destinations to inspire you.

    Morocco

    If you don’t have a lot of time to travel over winter, you don’t want to waste an entire day on a plane. Morocco is just a short flight away and is filled with adventure and excitement – from the vivid blue walls of Chefchaouen to the toppling sand dunes that undulate through the dessert. Spend your days picking out trinkets in the souks of Fes and Marrakech, hiking through the spectacular Atlas mountains, and surfing at Taghazout. When you’re done for the day, feast on a delicious Moroccan tagine.

    Cuba

    Visiting Cuba is like travelling back through time. The vintage cars that you’ve seen in postcards cruise through the streets and the colonial architecture is suitably picturesque. While Cuba is slowly moving forward, it is still a fascinating place to visit. You won’t find much coca cola or WiFi here, but what you will find is a distinct culture unlike anything you’ve ever experienced – oh and lots and lots of sunshine. For beaches and relaxation, beeline straight to the pearly white sands of Varadero.

    Israel

    People are often deterred from visiting Israel based on what they read about in the news and that’s a real shame. This culturally rich gem in the Middle East is filled with energy and beauty. For a varied itinerary, start at the mountains in the North and make your way all the way down to the beaches in the South. Be sure to stop off at the major cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on your way and don’t forget to go for a float in the Dead Sea.

    The Seychelles

    If you’ve got some cash to burn this winter then you could do a lot worse than a trip to the Seychelles. This collection of islands is about as close to paradise as you’re going to find here on earth. With powder soft sand and sparkling turquoise water, you would be forgiven for thinking you’d died and gone to heaven. Throw in some palm trees and a luxury resort or two and you’ve got a winning destination.

    Sri Lanka

    There are few places more beautiful than the tear drop island known as Sri Lanka and winter is the perfect time to visit. From December to February, the monsoons have died down and the sun reliably drenches the land every day. In addition to kicking back at the beach and enjoying the sun’s warm glow, you can search the jungles for elephants, visit Buddhist caves, and hike through the country’s impossibly green tea plantations.

  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. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Top 4 Tips for Vacation Budgeting

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    Nothing beats a vacation. It gives us the chance to get away from it all for a week or two and enjoy a change of scenery. And, most importantly, it offers us an important chance to relax and unwind – two much needed activities after spending months cooped up in an office.

    But, going on vacation costs money and if you don’t have any money then your vacation dreams will stay as dreams and never transition into reality. Or will they?

    With budget airlines and youth hostels making vacationing cheaper than ever, it is possible to escape the daily grind with a bank balance that would barely cover a night out in the city. You just need to know how to budget like a pro. Follow these simple tips and you’ll find your budget stretching to an extent you never before believed possible.

    Do Your Research

    We all know the power of the Internet, so why not use it to your advantage and make your vacation as cheap as possible. Do some research before you travel and find out where the cheap places to eat and stay are. Usually, restaurants filled with local people will be a lot cheaper than those designed for tourists. Find out which activities are free and which will break the bank and make sure you write up a list of budget-friendly things to occupy you while you’re away.

    Book Things in Advance

    Quite often, hotels, flights and tours work out cheaper when you book them in advance. But, make sure you don’t just book the first good deal you see. Spend some time shopping around and see what kind of bargains you can find online. Search the web using buzzwords such as “discount” or “deal” and you might find something that will save you some serious dollar.

    Booking in advance might seem annoying if you want to be spontaneous, but if you can’t afford to be caught out then I highly recommend it. Booking.com and AirBnB are great for pre-booking accommodation.

    Don’t Scrap Your Home Behaviour

    When you’re at home you don’t eat out for every meal and take taxis everywhere, do you? If you do then you don’t need to be reading this article. If you need to stick to a budget while you are on vacation, cook yourself at least one meal a day – potentially two, depending on how good your accommodation’s cooking facilities are. You should also become familiar with your destination’s public transport network. Buses and trams will be your new best friends if you are vacationing on a budget.

    Learn and Perfect the Art of Haggling

    There are a lot of places around the world that are open to a bit of negotiation. Markets and tour companies and particularly good venues for testing out your haggling skills. If you are planning on purchasing a load of souvenirs, see if the seller will drop the price in exchange for you buying lots of things from him.

    Similarly, if you are planning on doing lots of tours, or you are a large group, try and negotiate a cheaper price in exchange for that one company getting all of your business. Companies are always looking for ways to make a profit so if dropping their price slightly means raking in more business overall, they might just do it.

  9. Getting Ready for Your Summer Vacation: What Do I Need to Know?

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    Summer is in the air and your feet are itching to travel. You’ve got your flights booked, your accommodation sorted and a taxi company phone number scribbled out in a notebook. Everything is ready. All you need to do now is make sure the smaller details are taken care of.

    There is a lot more to planning a summer vacation than simply booking things online. From the contents of your suitcase to your state of mind, there is a whole range of things you should consider before you set off for the airport. Here are some essential things you need to know as you prepare for your summer vacation.

    You won’t wear that many outfits

    Lay out everything you want to take with you on vacation before you put it in your suitcase. Now, walk away from it and come back a few hours later. When you look over what you are planning to take with fresh eyes you will undoubtedly spot a few items that can be left behind. In our zeal to get our suitcases packed and sorted, we often overload with things we do not need. Future you will thank you for packing light so you don’t have to schlep your heavy luggage around.

    What will you be able to buy once you’re there?

    If you are going to travel to a city break then the amount of things you need to take with will be limited. Cities are full of shops, where you will be able to purchase anything you have left behind. City-breakers – don’t worry. Those straying off the beaten track or heading somewhere rural do not have the same luxury. If you’re spending your vacation touring Peru’s Sacred Valley, commodities will be scarcer. If you are heading somewhere remote, make sure you have everything you need before you leave because you never know if you will have the chance to buy things on-site.

    Make an itinerary but keep it flexible

    If you arrive at your vacation destination this summer without any semblance of a plan you risk losing a lot of time to aimless wandering. It is helpful to make a list of things you want to see and do while you are there. However, do not set your itinerary in stone as this takes away your flexibility and spontaneity. You might meet someone on your travels who has a suggestion you want to check out or who tells you that the temple you want to see is a tourist trap you should avoid.

    Read up on local customs before you go

    It is a good idea to know a bit about your destination before you travel there. Things to take note on are tipping culture; social etiquette; conversation topics to avoid; driving rules; religious customs etc. The worst thing in the world is to be branded an ignorant tourist because you have accidentally disrespected someone or something whilst on vacation.

    Get yourself a kindle and fill it up

    One of the best things about going on a summer vacation is having all that time to relax. This down time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading. Whether its classic literature or airport novels, fill up your kindle or e-reader with plenty of reading material that you can devour while you’re on the plane; at the beach; or even in bed at night.

  10. Getting Ready for Your Summer Vacation: What Do I Need to Know?

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    Summer is in the air and your feet are itching to travel. You’ve got your flights booked, your accommodation sorted and a taxi company phone number scribbled out in a notebook. Everything is ready. All you need to do now is make sure the smaller details are taken care of.

    There is a lot more to planning a summer vacation than simply booking things online. From the contents of your suitcase to your state of mind, there is a whole range of things you should consider before you set off for the airport. Here are some essential things you need to know as you prepare for your summer vacation.

    You won’t wear that many outfits

    Lay out everything you want to take with you on vacation before you put it in your suitcase. Now, walk away from it and come back a few hours later. When you look over what you are planning to take with fresh eyes you will undoubtedly spot a few items that can be left behind. In our zeal to get our suitcases packed and sorted, we often overload with things we do not need. Future you will thank you for packing light so you don’t have to schlep your heavy luggage around.

    What will you be able to buy once you’re there?

    If you are going to travel to a city break then the amount of things you need to take with will be limited. Cities are full of shops, where you will be able to purchase anything you have left behind. City-breakers – don’t worry. Those straying off the beaten track or heading somewhere rural do not have the same luxury. If you’re spending your vacation touring Peru’s Sacred Valley, commodities will be scarcer. If you are heading somewhere remote, make sure you have everything you need before you leave because you never know if you will have the chance to buy things on-site.

    Make an itinerary but keep it flexible

    If you arrive at your vacation destination this summer without any semblance of a plan you risk losing a lot of time to aimless wandering. It is helpful to make a list of things you want to see and do while you are there. However, do not set your itinerary in stone as this takes away your flexibility and spontaneity. You might meet someone on your travels who has a suggestion you want to check out or who tells you that the temple you want to see is a tourist trap you should avoid.

    Read up on local customs before you go

    It is a good idea to know a bit about your destination before you travel there. Things to take note on are tipping culture; social etiquette; conversation topics to avoid; driving rules; religious customs etc. The worst thing in the world is to be branded an ignorant tourist because you have accidentally disrespected someone or something whilst on vacation.

    Get yourself a kindle and fill it up

    One of the best things about going on a summer vacation is having all that time to relax. This down time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading. Whether its classic literature or airport novels, fill up your kindle or e-reader with plenty of reading material that you can devour while you’re on the plane; at the beach; or even in bed at night.