Travel Destination Bucket List

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Fun Family-Friendly Social Distancing Ideas

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Social distancing can be a real drag, but it’s necessary for health and safety. If your family is feeling a little too distanced from each other and the world around you, there are things you can do to have a good time while still being responsible. From whale watching San Diego to visiting ghost towns, here are a few fun ideas for family-friendly activities that are so enjoyable you’ll forget you’re social distancing.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is not only a safe social distancing activity, but it’s an incredible opportunity for families to experience together. Whales are such powerful, beautiful creatures, and seeing them up close is breathtaking. Families of all age levels will enjoy this memory-building activity. Keep in mind that you may not see a lot of whale activity every time you go. That’s why it’s important to schedule your outing during a strategic time. Whale watching Carlsbad is best between mid-December and mid-February. But you can see them at other times of the year, too. The best time of day for whale watching is generally between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when lighting is at its best.

Hiking

Exercising outdoors is not only a great way to spend time with the people you love while social distancing, but it’s also important for your health. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities you can do because it is challenging and often ends with rewarding views. Just make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water to take with you so you don’t end up in a dangerous situation out on the trail.

Exploring Ghost Towns

Depending on where you live, you may have one or more ghost towns near you that you can explore. A quick online search will quickly show you what ghost towns are nearby. Usually, ghost towns are not very busy, which makes them great areas to explore without getting too close to others. Do your research to make sure the ghost towns near you are open to the public before you go. When you find one that is, go show yourself around and imagine what life must have been like for the people who lived there.

Host a Backyard Movie Night

Do you miss going to the movies as a family? Why not create your own movie night right in your backyard? You can bring out beanbags, hammocks, and other types of social-distancing seating and arrange them around a large screen. Choose a family-friendly movie and hand out individual servings of popcorn in Ziploc baggies. It may not be as glamorous as sitting in an air-conditioned movie theater, but it will probably be a lot more fun!

Spend a Day on the Water|

Water sports are the perfect way to cool down and have fun on hot weekends while maintaining a safe distance from others. To make your day trip more enjoyable, bring along water toys such as paddle boats, canoes, water tubes and more.

Though social distancing makes it hard to engage in spots and other close-contact activities, there are still plenty of things you can do to have fun while keeping your distance from others. Give these activities a try the next time your family gets bored.

5 Popular Travel Bucket List Items For Mature Travellers

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There’s a certain sense of serenity that comes with travelling later in life. After all, you don’t have the same pressures as you might have had in your younger years. Instead, now is the time to enjoy things at your own pace, and really take in the scenery rather than feel rushed. There are thousands of destinations across the globe that will allow you to do just that. From ancient architecture to stunning coastlines, there is something to suit everyone. Whatsmore if you think you’ve seen it all before because you’re a little older, you’ll actually find the best is yet to come. 

So, are you ready to broaden your horizons? Here are 5 popular travel bucket list items for mature travellers to inspire your next trip.

Amazon River

An Amazon River cruise is like no other. Stretching through Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, it’s an experience that truly appeals to all five senses. As you make your way along with one of the world’s longest rivers, you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife and plants that are unique to the Amazon’s ecosystem. For adventure seekers, there’s even the chance to kayak along the river, allowing you to get up close and personal with its inhabitants. Of course, you can also just allow the cruise to do the sightseeing for you, as you’ll wake up to a different section of the world-famous river every morning. Click here to read more about Amazon cruises. 

Kerry, Ireland

Ireland is a country with a rich heritage, that spans far beyond the tourist areas of its capital Dublin. Kerry sits towards the southwest of Ireland and is packed full of lush green landscapes and rugged coastlines. The quaint town of Listowel holds a literary festival every year that brings authors from across the globe into its colourful streets. Another must-see highlight is the Ring of Kerry, which involves a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. For mature travellers who want to explore somewhere close to their doorstep, Kerry should be your first port of all.

California, United States

The United States offers every kind of holiday, as it contains everything from mountainous terrain to golden beaches. Though it is California that arguably offers some of the best experiences for senior travellers. In the north, you have San Francisco and the nearby Napa Valley wine region. Make your way down the coast, and you’ll find the likes of Malibu and Santa Monica. Life in California is all about enjoying the great outdoors, as well as experiencing fresh, delicious food that is like nowhere else in America. 

Split, Croatia

Nestled along the Adriatic Sea is the city of Split in Croatia. It’s an area that is steeped in history, with ancient ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. The city is awash with stunning beaches too, which are equally enjoyed on a coastal walk as they are in person. Split is an ideal destination for those who love to discover and get off the beaten track. All while taking things at a slower, relaxed pace. One of the best ways to explore Split is through a river cruise, as these offer plenty of excursions, as well as the best views of the city.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a city that’s primarily known for being a financial hub. However, it’s also been ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. The Limmat River runs through the middle of the city, and on either side, you’ll find an abundance of museums and shops. The architecture is also particularly impressive, with The Fraumünster Church dating back to the 9th century. German is the most commonly used language in Zurich, but as English is widely understood here too, this makes it very accessible to travellers from lots of different nations.

Fantastic Ways To Explore Sydney When Travelling As A Couple

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Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and there is plenty to see and do when you explore this fantastic destination as a couple. From romantic interludes to spectacular scenery and natural beauty, there are plenty of sights that will take your breath away when you visit this iconic city.

Below are some of the best excursions you can choose as a couple to explore Sydney and ensure that you have a trip that you will remember forever.

Explore Sydney On The Saddle

There has been a significant increase in sightseeing bike tours in Sydney that offers visitors a different perspective of the city. These guided tours are an excellent way to get orientated in the city and can take in iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can go as part of a larger group or pay a little extra and have a personal guide all to yourself, and these tours are suitable for all levels of fitness and ability.

Cruise Around The Harbour

Another excellent way to take in the beauty of Sydney is to see the cityscape from the harbour. There are dinner cruises where you can experience the sunset while enjoying a romantic meal for two or you can also charter a yacht so you can enjoy the experience alone. There are many options open to visitors, but if you do not have experience at sailing, it is best to use the services of an experienced captain. A significant benefit to this is that they will be able to take you to the best spots using their local knowledge.

Floating In The Sky

If you want a truly magical experience when you visit Sydney, you may wish to experience a hot air balloon ride at dawn, and take in the majestic vistas as the sun rises. You will need to travel to the outskirts of Sydney for your balloon ride, and with various companies offering these services, there are plenty of choices available. TripAdvisor also has plenty of excellent recommendations on reputable tour companies offering hot air balloon rides.

A Bird’s Eye View Of The City

Another excellent way to explore Sydney and take in some of the sights that are available from a different perspective is to enjoy a helicopter ride. You can take a tour of scenic Sydney, or go further afield to somewhere like the Blue Mountains, and one thing that you will be guaranteed is spectacular views no matter where you go. There are many helicopter charter companies that you can choose from and make sure you bring along a good camera to capture some of the moments as you enjoy flying around Sydney.

A Picnic On A Deserted Beach

If you are looking to spend some alone time together and want nothing more than having the beach to yourself, you are in luck. There is plenty of choices with so much coastline offering beautiful beaches that all you need to do is hire a car and drive until you find a beautiful spot. Pack yourself a nice picnic and enjoy a day at the beach with your loved one before you head back to your hotel for dinner. However, do be careful if going in the water and check the local conditions first as there may be rip tides and strong currents you cannot see which can be dangerous.

How to Prepare for a Trip of a Lifetime to Iceland

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Located in the North Atlantic, Iceland is a Nordic island country that is home to over 360,000 people. Widely known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, the country is home to some of Europe’s biggest glaciers. If you’re about to become one of the 2 million tourists that visit Iceland each year, it’s important that you’re well prepared for an unforgettable experience. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few useful tips on how to best prepare for your Iceland adventure.

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Check Weather Conditions

Before you head to Iceland, your first port of call should be to check weather conditions. If your main aim is to see the Northern Lights, it’s advised to visit the country in the winter months. The warmest time of the year to visit Iceland is during the summer months of July and August; however, bear in mind that temperatures tend to be mild, so you will still need to take layers and a jacket.

Check Road Conditions

The Ring Road stretches over 828 miles and runs around the circumference of Iceland. To get the most out of your Icelandic adventure, you can drive around the entire island in only 16 hours. However, with so many amazing landmarks and sights to see along the way, most tourists prefer to take their time. If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, the Ring Road can be very dangerous due to the snow, extreme winds, and ice, so make sure that you check road conditions before heading out.

Set a Budget

No matter how long you’re in Iceland for, it’s important that you set a budget before you head out the door. The country is known for being incredibly expensive, so you may struggle if you’re planning to travel on a tight budget. There are numerous factors to take into account, such as whether you plan to rent a car, where you will stay, and whether you will be dining out or cooking your own meals. The last thing you want is to run out of money halfway through your trip, so creating a realistic budget from the beginning is key.

Plan Your Itinerary

With so many exciting things to see and do in Iceland, trying to cram everything into your trip can be a challenge. Before you land in Iceland, make sure to map out an itinerary of the things that capture your interest most. Whether it’s a visit to the Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, or the Reykjavik Art Museum, checking opening times, entry fees, and the best time to visit will help ensure you get the most out of your trip.

What to Pack

As previously mentioned, Iceland experiences cold to mild temperatures, so it’s important that you pack accordingly for your trip. Make use of this packing list as it will provide you with all the information you need on what to put in your luggage to make sure you are warm and comfortable for the duration of your adventure.

No matter what time of year you head to Iceland, or the types of attractions and sights that interest you the most, you are bound to have an unforgettable time.

Best Places To Work Abroad

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Source: Unsplash | Hu Chen

It’s the dream – living and working abroad. The freedom, excitement and adventure abounds. Working in a country that isn’t your home country is something that many people dream of doing, but don’t always know how to accomplish and where to go. Sure, it can seem daunting at the best of times to pack your things and hit the open road, looking for somewhere to work, but you don’t need to do it that way. In fact, there are a lot of ways you can find good places to work before you ever leave your home country. Here are just a couple of great ideas for those of you who are looking to take your travel experience to the next level.

Namibian Safari Tour Companies

For a vast country filled with diverse wild life, Namibia is probably one of the most amazing places to work abroad. Granted, a lot of Namibian Safari tour companies like to hire locals to fulfill various roles, especially when it comes to tour guides and camp/lodge management and employees, but you can sometimes luck out and get these roles as foreigners as well. Some of the most amazing experiences come from unique African countries like Namibia, where safari tours take you out into the wilderness to come face to face with some of the most elusive and beautiful animals on the continent. These tours can sometimes be basic, camping style, in tents but others can be five star lodges with glamping style accommodation or even high class hotel level suites, so there are many for you to choose from when looking for work.

Villa Jobs In Europe

There are literally hundreds of villa jobs to be found around the world but villa jobs in Europe can be very easy to come by. These jobs are similar to those in African Safari companies, where you’d be likely helping to care for either the inhabitants of a villa, or standing in for the owners to care for guests as a type of concierge or housekeeper. There are some jobs out there that specify in childcare, nannying, or full household management, so it depends on what your skills and expertise are. A particularly large portion of these jobs are in European countries like France, Spain and Switzerland which is also good for employees due to the EU’s stringent employee labour laws.

Source: Unsplash | Content Pixie

Freelancing In Thailand

Finally, one of the most popular ways to work abroad these days is quite simple – it’s to actually put your skills to work for you through freelancing. This is a great option for those who just want to work a little bit to supplement their travels without needing to worry too much or have too much stress. One of the most popular places to do this over the last few years has been Thailand. This is due to the low cost of living and reliable and high speed internet available even in rural areas. Another benefit of freelancing Thailand is that there is a big community of digital nomads in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, so if you work in graphics design, content writing,  virtual assisting or other internet based jobs, you have many people connect with to make your adjustment of living abroad much easier.

With so many cool places to find foreign jobs or work online, it’s no wonder so many people continue to move abroad to make a go of things. If you want to take your time and see the world, working abroad might be just the thing the doctor ordered. Enjoy!

Cruise Holidays: Range of Styles

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The cruise industry has seen amazing success over the last decade or so, and what was once largely for the rich and elderly, is now a hot favourite with families all over the world. If you are thinking of booking a cruise holiday, here are a few packages that are specifically designed for certain groups.

  • Solo Cruising– Primarily aimed at singles who wish to have a great time and meet other likeminded travellers or passengers of the same age. Many people like their own company and wish to spend time in solitude. This can also be done on a singles cruise, as no one tries to get you to interact, although there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. You are likely to find people who like the same things, and many life-long friendships started with a singles cruise, as have countless marriages.
  • Young Family Cruises– This is an expanding market, as more and more parents realise the many benefits of a floating holiday, and if you wanted to take the kids away for a few days, there are Royal Caribbean cruises from Australia offered by leading cruise tour operators. This is a wonderful opportunity for any young person to experience something unique, and regardless of their ages, there is always something to do on a cruise ship. One of the main reasons families choose a cruise is the huge number of onboard activities that their kids can engage with, and with supervision, there are no fears of losing your kids.
  • Romantic Cruises – There are many short cruises leaving Melbourne and Sydney that are designed to attract romantic couples, and the best way to book such a cruise would be to search online for a leading cruise holiday operator. Many of the passengers have grown up children and they can indulge themselves in a romantic getaway, and by meeting other couples, they are expanding their contact lists. There is some more information on choosing the right cruise, which you should find helpful.
  • Mega Cruises– A mega cruise would be a trip around Australia, which would take the best part of three months, or even a round-the-world cruise, which is designed for seasoned cruise passengers who want to see the world in style. If you and your partner are both retired and the kids have families of their own, why not go for an epic 3-month cruise? Of course, a round-the-world cruise would consist mainly of retired people, although many of the passengers are only on the ship for a portion of the voyage.

Of course, prior to booking any cruise, you should find out what you can about the package. If you have any queries, the online cruise tour company is there to help. You can search by dates or destinations, and there are always some great last-minute deals if you can leave at short notice.

Reasons to Plan Well Before a Trip to Orlando

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If you have trip to Orlando coming up then I can tell you from experience that you are going to have to do more planning and preparation than you would do normally for a family holiday. Orlando offers so much in terms of things to do and things to see that you really need to spend some time online ahead of your trip to make sure that everything is in order for when you get there. This is going to be the trip of a lifetime but first you need to plan well, and here is why it is important.

Saving Money

One of the most important reasons why it is necessary to plan well ahead of your trip is so that you can take advantage of the many ways in which you can save money. Let’s say for example that you are looking for Universal Studios tickets, if you plan well you can buy them before you leave and get them for a fraction of the price that you would pay when you get there. The same goes for other parks too, if you want to save some money, plan well and buy them online. You can also save money by planning ahead as early birds get better deals on things like car rental and accommodation.

Calming the Chaos

The reason why you need to plan your itinerary before you go is so that you can maximize your trip to Orlando. If you don’t do this then it can very quickly get overwhelming as there is just so many things to do and so many places to see here. The last thing you want is to spend money on a big trip like this and then come home regretting that there were things that you didn’t do. If you spend a short amount of time before you go weighing up the things you want to enjoy, you can be sure that you can tick everything off your list during your time there.

Busy

A trip to Orlando is like a summer holiday where you relax on the beach for a couple of weeks, this is a holiday which is going to be busy and you need to ensure that you have everything prepared. From kids clothes to visas, car rental bookings to an itinerary, all of these things will ensure that you are well planned for the mayhem which you are about to enjoy.

Tips

Something I found very beneficial was the number of tips and hacks which I found online and if you take a look I have no doubt that you will find them helpful too. Things such as where to eat and when in order to save money, which opportunities to take advantage of and things to watch out for. Vital information which really helped us out during our vacation in Florida.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by you, plan well in order to have the very best time in Orlando.

5 Tips for Taking a Spur-of-the-Moment Trip

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It’s impossible to predict when an amazing travel opportunity will come knocking. Though it’s preferable to plan vacations well in advance and to book your holiday accomodations online months before you’re due to set off, sometimes a spur-of-the-moment trip comes together at the last second. To help you take advantage of a possible “chance of a lifetime,” make sure to check out our top five tips for vacationing at a moment’s notice. Read this post and then get moving!

Talk to Your Boss

Few people would consider risking their job to take a last-second vacation. Still, it is possible to “have your cake and eat it too,” if you decide to take a spur-of-the-moment holiday. Speak with your boss and explain to them why you’re requesting time off so soon. Additionally, any solutions you can offer them before you leave will likely be appreciated. If, for instance, you can finish a report on blood collection sets sooner than anticipated, your boss might not mind you heading out on a quick vacation as much.

Keep it Short

In general, the shorter the trip, the less planning is required to make it a success. It’s virtually impossible to put together a two-week trip if you only have a few hours to prepare. (And that goes double if you don’t already possess a valid passport.) On the other hand, it’s definitely feasible to organize a quick weekend getaway in a scramble. Plus, traveling on the weekends could save you the trouble of asking for time off from your boss.

Have a Goal in Mind

Unless you have a very specific place or event you want to see –– like a concert, sporting event, festival, or exhibit –– consider putting off a trip until you have more time. Fortunately, quick trips that are centered around a single event are easier to budget for –– in terms of both time and money.

Pack with a Partner

It’s very easy to forget to pack an important item –– even if you’re an experienced traveler. As such, it’s a good idea to pack with a partner, particularly if you’re short on time. Having an extra pair of eyes can help you spot a potential mistake and prevent you from taking off without a toothbrush, towel, or worse, without your wallet or cell phone!

Have Fun!

The chance to have a spontaneous trip doesn’t happen very often. So if all the conditions are met –– i.e you’ve got the time, money, and resources to pull it off –– then make it a point to soak up this rarest of vacations. Happily, some of the best decisions are the ones made in the blink of an eye.

Why You Need Travel Insurance Before You Hit The Road

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Whether you are taking a trip around the world, heading off for a sunshine break or relocating for 6 months to do some valuable volunteering work, travel insurance is an absolutely essential requirement. There are many ways in which we can justify not shelling out on travel insurance ‘I probably won’t need it’ usually the number one reason why people fail to get themselves covered. There are however, far more compelling reasons as to why you do need travel insurance and whilst it is frustrating if you don’t end up needing it, if you do you will be thankful that you had the foresight to spend the money on it.

Logistics

There is always a possibility that you could have issues with the logistics of your travel plans, and this is where your travel insurance can come in very handy. Take the case of Thomas Cook that we have just seen, a global travel giant has gone bust in a matter of days. Those with upcoming flights may be protected by ATOL and can count on a refund, but what about the hotel, the travel plans, the car rental and the internal flights in your destination? Those with travel insurance can get some money back which otherwise they would have completely lost.

Rising Costs

Because we live in the UK and we have an outstanding healthcare system, it is easy for us to be completely oblivious to how much medical care actually costs. When you are in a foreign land however there is no NHS to save you and you will have to foot the bill for whatever medical care you need should something go wrong. Falling off a quad and breaking your arm, extreme food poisoning from local street cuisine, severe sunburn or even a car accident driving on foreign roads. There are literally thousands of situations which could see you needing medical care, and in a foreign country that can very quickly become very expensive. Travel insurance will take care of all of this and will leave you only paying a small premium, when you compare this to how much a doctor’s visit, medication or a hospital stay may cost, you can see just how cost effective travel insurance can be.

Cancelled Trip

Flights can be cancelled without you having any idea why, perhaps as a result of a strike or even extreme weather. If this happens the last thing you want is to be left stranded in a foreign land, which is yet another reason why it is so important to have travel insurance. Airlines can do this at the drop of a hat and from experience they are rarely forthcoming when it comes to helping you with a fix. Having travel insurance gives you the peace of mind that you will get home safely.

Repatriation

If you or someone who you are traveling with was to have an issue which cost them their life, the cost of flying the body back home is in the millions of pounds. This is an extreme example but things can happen and should they occur, the family will of course want to bury the body back on home soil. A travel insurance company will make sure that the body is flown back home, helping you to avoid these incredible costs.

Simply put travel insurance makes a lot of sense and there is no real justification as to why you don’t shouldn’t get it.

Top Rome Experiences For a 3 Day Break

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My wife and I love nothing more than taking brunch each Sunday morning, and generally these are where the bog life decisions take place. Two weeks ago during brunch we stumbled across a very cheap deal to Rome for 3 days, a city neither of us had been to. we booked up there and then, headed home to pack and buy 7pm we were on our way to Rome. I had heard so much about this city but with just 3 days to play with, we had to be efficient. You could easily spend a week in this city but 3 days was more than enough to see the main attractions. If  you find yourself  3 day break, here is how to spend it.

Eating Italian

As you can probably tell by our weekly brunch date, my wife and I really love to eat and we couldn’t wait to indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine. We decided to shun the landmarks and popular attractions on day one and instead indulge our tastebuds. Throughout Rome you will find hundreds of beautiful little restaurants selling antipasti, pastas and pizzas, all prepared and cooked in the proper way, and a far cry from what we get back at home.

Colosseum

I had great expectations for the Wonder of the World that is the  colosseum and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed. The building has seen its fair share of damage but still stands tall, slightly broken but proud as it ever was. It’s amazing to think of what used to go in this amphitheater, and just how many Romans would pack themselves in to watch the events. We didn’t take the tour and I think we made a smart choice as they went on for hours, whereas I’d say that an hour or so here would be enough.

Vatican Tour

The Vatican is a truly spectacular place no matter what your religion happens to be and I would wholeheartedly recommend taking a tour here. The Sistine Chapel and its intricate ceiling gets the main headlines here but or me it was places like the map rooms which really blew me away. Naturally this is a place which gets very busy, very quickly so be sure that you go as early in the morning as you can. A tour is worthwhile as there is so much to talk about in this ancient city.

Centro Storico

The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are easy to find and see, I wouldn’t include them necessarily as ‘something to do’ however. What I would suggest is that you head down to the Centro Storico and take in modern day Rome and how the people go about their lives here. Here is where you’ll find little markets selling baroque art, small plazas where people dance and sing, hidden streets with independent coffee stores and restaurants, the real Rome as I like to call it. To scratch beneath the surface of the city a little, this is where I’d recommend that you go.