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.

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.

Awesome Travel Spots to Visit in 2020

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We may still have a few months left of 2019 but that hasn’t stopped us turning our attention to 2020, getting ahead with our travel plans. If you too are beginning to look at some travel destinations which you’d like to visit in the coming year then we have some great suggestions for you which you may like to consider. No matter if you are looking for a long haul trip, a city break or somewhere to just rest your bones in the sunshine, we’ve got you covered.

Johannesburg, South Afrca

Many head to South Africa to live out their safari dreams and Johannesburg makes for the perfect gateway city to this great nation. This is a city which is steeped in history having thrived for a great number of years after the gold rushing the late 19th Century, not to mention the ugly role which the city played in apartheid. Today however this is a very trendy and diverse city with a vibrant foodie scene, and locals who will welcome you with open arms. For access to national parks like Kruger which can be accessed by both air and road from Joberg. A cool city and the perfect place to spend a few days before heading off to see some wildlife.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The last 5 years have ben very successful for Croatia’s tourism industry as more and more people are wising up to what this amazing country can offer them. For me the very best of Croatia can be found in Dubrovnik, a place with stunning beauty, quiet streets, baroque architecture and a city which offers discovery and awe in equal measure. Dubrovnik sits right on the coast of the Adriatic sea with that famously shimmering turquoise color as the backdrop to this walled city. The pedestrian-only old town is a wonderful place to watch the world go by as you enjoy some fine local food and drink, and the tiny limestone streets are filled with surprises around each corner. Whether you are looking to discover the ancient beauty of this city or relax on those outstanding beaches, Dubrovnik has something to offer every type of traveler.

Mexico City

If you are coming from the US or you are traveling to a beach spot like Cancun from elsewhere in the world, a trip to Mexico City is an absolute must. This is a bustling and at times, chaotic city which offers the very best of old and new Mexico. Ancient ruins and protected heritage sites sit in amongst modern installations and skyscrapers, juxtaposing the Mexican character. With over 150 museums to explore, street food adorning every corner, large parks to wander and a citizens who can’t wait to show off their city and country, this is the perfect place for a 3 or 4 day break. From the cool street art to the amazing local food, the fascinating ancient sites and the trendy hipster scene in places like Roma and Condesa, this is a very cool place to visit which you shouldn’t miss out on.

Which city do you like the look of for 2020?

Explore The Inhabited Islands Of Turks And Caicos By Boat

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Source: Unsplash | Jay Cee

You can find Turks and Caicos in the Atlantic Ocean and not in the Caribbean Sea as many people think. Like the Bahamas, it has the same breathtaking beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back feel. This makes Turks and Caicos a great tourist destination worth exploring by boat. The archipelago comprises of 40 islands with only 8 inhabited ones. Sailing across the waters that surround the Providenciales brings about unparalleled excitement.

What To Expect

When sailing on your own in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should know what is possible and what is not. The numerous cays and beaches of TCI have different boating environments. While small boats do not have access to most of these locations, the Caicos Banks are feasible for sailing, conch collecting, shallow reef fishing, or cruising. When your visit has calm weather, make sure to visit Half Moon Bay.

Sights And Spots that are a Must-Visit 

The Providenciales south coast has a lot of fascinating and interesting places, all with magnificent natural beauty. Take a scenic journey in the West Harbour Bluff coast and see the ocean cliffs, rock inscriptions, and wildlife. For a tranquil sailing, head to Taylor Bay Beach and enjoy the soft white sand and shallow water while being impressed by the luxury vacation villas. On the central south coast, you can find the Turtle Tail that boasts small limestone islands and hidden beaches. Another stop you should not miss is the three-mile coast of Long Bay Beach.

Wind And Waters

The weather in Turks and Caicos has a significant effect on the sailing conditions. A day with low wind speed and calm water is perfect for a boating adventure. On the other hand, a breezy day can be uncomfortable when it causes localized waves. Also, the channels between the cays and the islands typically have strong currents brought on by the changes of tide. You can use GPS data and navigation aids when navigating the difficult Turks and Caicos waters, particularly the Providenciales north coast. It is easy to forget the time when sailing the TCI waters, but remember to leave plenty of time for your return trip.

Boating in Turks and Caicos can be the most memorable time of your vacation. Try a different and popular water activity every day such as parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and diving. You may also encounter parrotfish, trumpetfish, turtles, small sharks, wrasse, and many other sea creatures. If you are dreaming of a vacation that has uncrowded beaches, unhurried seafood meals, friendly locals, stunning scenery, and overall leisurely vibe, Turks and Caicos is a great fit.