Travel Archives - Page 4 of 45

June 25, 2018 by Arlene

Where To Go For Your First Solo Travel

Solo travel is an exciting prospect, and yet it can be daunting at the same time. There are probably many times where you’ve taken some time out on your own at home so what makes this different when you travel abroad? There is a range of things to think about when it comes to traveling alone, and one of the most significant concerns is safety. At home you know the type of areas to avoid but when you’re in a country that you don’t know that well it can be difficult to know what areas are best to travel to. Research is the key in this instance, and if you’re looking to take the leap into solo travel, having the right information will help you decide on your journey.

If you’re looking for some handy tips on locations to visit, check out some of the best spots for solo travelers.

Thailand

This is one of the top locations for travelers across the world, which makes it a mecca for meeting other soloists. There is everything to suit all interests here so if you want to experience the party life, you’ll find tons of cheap bars and clubs plus the infamous Full Moon party spot. If you’re looking for a quieter retreat, there are tons of locations such as Ko Mak or Krabi that have a slower pace of life.

Hawaii

This beautiful island is a great place to soak up a chilled atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Its relaxed island vibes create a tranquil haven away from the buzz of everyday living, plus you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun on its gorgeous beaches. If you’re looking to stay in a beautiful spot, there are plenty of beach vacation rentals in Maui to choose from for affordable travel.

Australia

This fantastic destination offers a host of locations for solo travelers. It is one of the best destinations to get you started on your solo journey, as English is the first language and the transport links are super easy to navigate. You can travel up, down and across the country and see a variety of landscapes and coastal spots, plus if you have the time check out famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and The Great Barrier Reef on your stay.

New York

This is somewhere everyone has to go to at least once due to its social vibe. You’ll never feel alone in this bustling city, as there is so much to do and see plus eating out is a hugely interactive experience. Seeing the sights should be a top priority and heading out of the main tourist spots towards areas such as Harlem, Downtown and Brooklyn will give you a real slice of the Big Apple.

There are so many places that cater to solo travelers so you once you’ve done some research, you don’t have to feel anxious or hesitant about embarking on this new adventure. Most of all have fun and learn from your experiences along the way.

May 11, 2018 by Arlene

Dog-Friendly Travel Tips

I like traveling with my dog, Ferguson, and I know from your comments that a lot of you do too. So, today, I thought I would put together a few tips to help you to travel with your dog, should you want to.

Finding dog-friendly places to stay

More hotels, B&Bs and private homeowners who rent out rooms are accepting pets. This is great news, but it can still be quite tricky to find dog-friendly accommodation outside of large towns and cities. Sometimes you will need to visit review websites like this one to find them.

Before you book, it is important that you ring and double-check that dogs really are welcome. Unfortunately, some booking websites do not keep their information 100% up to date.

Is the room big enough?

It is important to make sure that the room is big enough to accommodate both you and your dog. If you use a travel crate, which is a very good idea, you need to be sure that it will fit and that there is enough space for your dog to be able to get in and out.

Double check the rules

Before you book, check whether there are any restrictions about where you can take your pet within the hotel. Usually, they are only allowed in the reception area and your room. Plus, in some cases, they will need to wear a muzzle when being taken to and from the room.

If you plan to leave your pet in the room at any time, it is particularly important to find out if this is allowed. Some hotels do not allow this or insist that you leave your dog in the bathroom when you go for breakfast.

Others are happy for your pet to have access to all of the space, but ask you to put the do not disturb sign on your door. This rule is there to stop the maid from going in and frightening your dog who could be disturbed enough by the experience to bite him or her.

Somewhere for your pet to sleep

If possible, take your dog´s bed with you when you travel. They will sleep better if you do.

A travel crate with a nice cushion in the bottom can also work really well. It will provide your dog with a safe, familiar space that they can settle down into while in the room. Plus, of course, you can use it in the car to make sure that you comply with the Highway Code, which states that animals need to be suitably restrained while traveling. This rule is designed to keep both you and your pet safe, especially in the case of an accident.

Acclimatize your dog to the room

The first time you leave your dog in the room; do not stay out too long. Fifteen minutes is about right. This will help your pet to understand that they are not being abandoned. Once you have done this a couple of times they will normally settle down quite quickly once you have left because they know that you are going to return. It is also worth reading this article, which explains how to keep your dog as calm and quiet as possible.

As you can see, traveling with a dog is not difficult. All it takes is a little preparation. Once you have done it once, I promise you that you will wonder why you waited so long to try it.

May 3, 2018 by Arlene

Golfing at Lake Chelan

If you’re an avid golfer, Lake Chelan is your dream destination. Located within a short driving distance of Lake Chelan Valley, each course is guaranteed to satisfy your golfing itch. Whether you’re a competitive golfer or you play just for fun, you’ll be sure to find what you are looking for.

Just ask local resident Weston Dillon Chelan, who has spent time golfing at every course in the area.

Let’s take a look at four of the best courses in and around Lake Chelan.

Gamble Sands

Located high above the Columbia River, Gamble Sands was built by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd. Just 45 minutes north of Lake Chelan, Gamble Sands’ views include the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, thousands of acres of apple and cherry orchards, and multiple river vistas. You won’t regret playing Gamble Sands!

Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course

An 18-hole masterpiece, Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course opened in 2005 with every hole designed to showcase lake and mountain views. This course is enjoyable for golfers of varying abilities and levels of experience.

Rock Island Golf Course

Located just outside East Wenatchee, Rock Island Golf Course has 18 new and revamped holes. Complete with views of the basalt cliffs in Central Washington, Rock Island will provide you with the views you are looking for. The course is well-groomed and offers some of the best fairways and greens in the area.

Alta Lake Golf Resort

Just 20 minutes from Chelan, Alta Lake Golf Course (located in Pateros) is one of the hidden gems of the Methow Valley. Although much of the resort was destroyed in the Carlton Complex Fire of 2014, Alta Lake Golf Resort revived itself with a brand new pro shop and maintenance facility. Not surprisingly, the course is even more beautiful than it was before! There is no doubt that you’ll enjoy playing at Alta Lake.

April 28, 2018 by Arlene

FIVE TIPS WHICH WILL HELP TRAVEL THE WORLD ON A BUDGET

Travelling the world is a dream for all of us. We, human beings, have been natural-born explorers since the very first stage of our evolution. That huge genetic memory is present among all of us, and that is why all of us have this unquenchable thirst for exploring the world. And in this modern age, travelling around the world has become easier than ever. Now, exploring unknown places or travelling to a new country does not require as much money as it used to. It is very much possible to satisfy your wanderlust on a budget if you can plan your trip smartly. So if you are someone who is planning to explore the world but isn’t sitting on a goldmine, here are seven tips to make your adventures affordable.

1. Planning makes things perfect

Planning is everything when it comes to budget travelling. Use an online itinerary planner to find out all about the place you are travelling to. Learn about the different attractions, different modes of commute, enquire about the prices, research about the public transport system, get to know about the cheaper areas of the destination before you start travelling. Plan your itinerary properly so that you do not have to waste any time and money while you are at your destination.

2. Use public transport or share your ride

Using public transport is one of the best ways to cut down on your travel expenses. Booking a private car or cab can prove to be too costly, so if the destination has a good subway system or other public transport systems, use them as much as you can. If you have to book a car to visit somewhere, then try to share your ride with other tourists or use car share apps like UberPool or BlaBlaCar.

3. Street food is your friend

No matter what you think, street food is not always bad for you, especially if you are travelling on a budget. Street food stalls will have some of the best cheap food options which will save you a lot of money while you travel. Plus, you will get to eat some of the most authentic, local delicacies which is always a bonus.

4. Work while you travel

One of the best ways to travel on a budget is doing some freelance project on the side while you travel. That way, you can keep on earning money even though you are not working at an office, so you won’t chew through your savings completely. Start doing YouTube vlogs, become a travel blogger or sell photos online for some extra income while you travel.

5. Try Couchsurfing, or stay at hostels

Forget hotel rooms while you are travelling. Hotel rooms are too much luxury which one doesn’t really need. You can try Couchsurfing if you want and stay at a local’s house totally rent free. However, if that’s too meta for you, then you should book a bed at a hostel dormitory, which costs way less than a typical hotel room.