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How To Spot A Reliable Ute and Van Rental

When it comes to finding a reliable ute or van, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your choices so you can pick the best rental company… CONTINUE READING >> 

Australia offers a vast area for explorers of every age, both tourists and locals alike. South Australia is home to an expansive wilderness, and if you ever find yourself in Adelaide preparing for an adventure, it is best to travel around in a ute or a van.

Complete Ute and Van Hire can help anyone who’s in need of a way to get from here to there—whether exploring the South Australia coastline with family or completing a construction job.

When it comes to finding a reliable ute or van, there are many options to choose from, and you can easily get lost with the amount of information you will find. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your choices so you can pick the best rental company.

Accessibility

A service company that can easily be reached should be on top of your list. Accessibility involves:

• Physical Location
•Communication Channels
• After Hours Support

Physical Location

An actual office that people can visit is one factor to consider when choosing a ute and van hire service, especially one that is close to the airport or job site. It is also a plus if the company is owned and operated by a local. owned and operated by a local. It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle you’re after. It might be a brand new model or a used VW transporter, for instance. Physical locations and direct contact are key to successful negotiations. Local owners have the advantage of:

• Area knowledge.
• Familiarity and strict adherence to state rules and business laws.
• Contacts with other businesses that you may need.

Communication Channels

It is great to be able to personally speak with a representative as verbal and non-verbal conversations can be better held. This is another advantage of a company with a physical office. Aside from these, other forms of communication are:

• Phone
• Email
• Chat
• Informative and update company website

It is essential that the company’s business hours are indicated on their website. This sets the expectations of potential customers as to when it is best to contact them. Emails can also be used to set appointments or discuss details for customers who may be in a different time zone.

After Hours Support

A service company that provides support to their customers beyond operating hours should be a top choice. Imagine the frustration that you will get if you encounter road trouble and decide to call the company for assistance—only to be answered by a voice prompt that says to call during office hours.

A company may not necessarily be the one to provide support after hours. They can have partners that can track your whereabouts, and the nearest one can provide immediate assistance should the need arise. This is another way that a company shows how they value their customers, ensuring that these people get the best and complete service experience throughout the entire contract duration.

Dependability

A dependable company is evidenced by the feedback that they receive from customers. Do away with rental companies that have low feedback ratings, as this is a clear warning that you may not get a great experience from them.

A quick online search should provide you with customer reviews for the service company you are considering. Travel apps can also show you rental services within your vicinity, along with experience ratings from past clients.

Since you would be renting a van or a ute, it is also best to check how the vehicles are maintained. A dirty and worn-down looking car is potential trouble, so stay away from it. The rental fee may be enticing but don’t fall for it. You may just be one pothole away from an accident, or have car failures so often that it ruins your entire trip.

Expert Advice

A ute and van rental company that has done well for many years and continues to thrive is another business that should be among your top considerations. It is almost guaranteed that such company will have seasoned representatives that are all capable of providing clear and complete information so that you can make an informed decision.

Most, if not all, of these professionals, are also capable of giving you travel advice:

• Where to go
• What to bring
• The best route
• What to check on your vehicle during stopovers

If you fancy feeding a crocodile, Australia is the place to be and these representatives will surely know the way. These are just a few types of the plethora of info you can get from them. At the end of the day, it’s your well-being and satisfaction that they are after—so find a rental company who’s able to answer any and all questions that you may have.

Value for Money

Perhaps the number one factor for choosing a rental company is cost. A business that is completely transparent with all its fees is a no-brainer. Some of the things that you should ask and clarify are:

• Rental rate
• Service fees
• Vehicle maintenance fees
• Security deposit
• Fuel arrangement
• Vehicle return

A clear understanding of the above items should help you decide how much value for money you would be receiving. As added advice, go for overall affordability rather than simply cheap rates if you are traveling on a budget.

Parting Tip

Remember that the Australian wilderness will have long stretches and off roads, so choose carefully as to whether a ute or a van will suit your needs. If you do pick a ute, inform the company of your route and destination so that they can prepare additional tools or equipment for your journey.

We hope that the tips presented here will assist you in finding that perfect ute and van rental company. Have an unforgettable trip and always stay safe.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Most Creative Ways to Save Money for Travel:

Travel can be expensive. Unless you have a mini fortune stored somewhere, you will need to put money aside to fund your travel dreams. But it isn’t easy – how many times have you wanted to save money and travel the world? CONTINUE READING >> 

Travel can be expensive. Many people prioritize travel but the costs are quite prohibitive. Travel costs include things like tickets, visa, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. When you put it all together, it can add up to a hefty sum. Unless you have a mini fortune stored somewhere, you will need to put money aside to fund your travel dreams. But it isn’t easy – how many times have you wanted to save money and travel the world?

Before you begin saving, you will need to draft a rough travel bill to understand the approximate amount you need to save. Add a little extra into the bill for any unexpected costs. Once you arrive at a particular number, you can start to save. Here are some unique and creative ways to save money and quench your wanderlust.

1. Get a savings bank account:
If you plan to travel, especially on a budget, open a savings bank account. It’s particularly useful if you almost always use your card. Keep depositing small sums of money at regular periods of time. Save enough money in this particular account and use it for all your travel expenses. Push yourself to regularly put in money instead of taking it out for your daily expenses. This is a great way to control your expenditure and keep your finances organized.

2. Cut down your bills:
The money you spend on utility, mobile, internet, and cable bills is probably a huge amount. There are many ways you can use to reduce your monthly expenditure on bills effectively and efficiently. Don’t waste water during showers or while brushing teeth. Unplug your appliances when they’re not in use. Maintain your heating at mildly lower temperatures and avoid them whenever possible. You can save big for your vacation by following these little steps.

3. Bring out the penny jar:
Don’t underestimate the power of a penny jar. Little pennies make big dollars, enough to take you on your dream whirlwind trip. Keep adding extra pennies to that jar – you only need to drop $1.37 every day to reach $500 within a year. You could also maintain a dollar jar to increase your savings. Resist the temptation to use the jar money for other expenses. After all, your dream vacation is hanging in the balance!

4. Get a side job:
You probably have a regular full-time job. So, pick up a side job to boost your earnings and your savings. Take up something that you’re passionate about, like playing guitar, singing or writing. There are many websites that let you offer your services as a freelancer. You can also offer babysitting or lawnmowing services to your neighbors to earn some money. Use all of the earnings from your side job and savings from your regular job to fund your travel.

5. Take an off-season trip:
Instead of traveling during the holidays like everyone else, travel during the off-season months and fly at unpopular timings. In such situations, tickets cost much lesser and their availability is much higher. The same logic applies to popular tourist spots, activities, restaurants, and hotels. You can shave off a large chunk of the price and enjoy relatively lesser crowds.

6. Book your tickets early:
Develop your travel plan and your detailed itinerary months ahead. Likewise, make your reservations and book your tickets in advance. Tickets can get a lot costlier as you get closer to the travel date. You also need to book early if you’re interested in a popular tour, like a Grand Canyon tour or an Alcatraz tour. A little bit of smart planning can save you big bucks, especially if you’re going on a long trip.

7. Do it online:
There are many advantages to completing your bookings online. Surfing the net will unveil many wonderful opportunities to save money. There are online coupons, cash back sites, online loyalty points, and travel websites that offer sizable discounts. Conduct a thorough search for any good offers and big discounts before finalizing your booking. Always check the credibility of the website before giving your credit card details.

8. Create and sell items:
If you have a knack of creating something, put your skills to good use by creating and selling. You can create anything like cakes, paintings or even handmade friendship bracelets and sell it at your local craft markets and online websites. Alternatively, you can also dispose of your old items by hosting yard sales and posting listings online. This can provide you with some much-needed cash that you can put into your dollar jar or savings account.

9. Buy lesser items:
It’s all about knowing the difference between needs and wants – you need to buy groceries but you want to buy a new dress. Cut back on your wants or choose to buy them second-hand. Put that money into your travel savings. Even the tiniest contribution to your travel bank account can lead up to vacations in more exotic places. It will be very tough for the first few weeks but, once you get the hang of it, you will hold on to this skill for the rest of your life.

 10. Opt for group trips and group savings:
Solo travel is beautiful and empowering. But if you’re struggling to finance your trip, travel with your friends or family. Once everyone starts pitching in, your travel goal won’t seem like a distant dream anymore. If you give your kids allowances, ask them to save up for any souvenirs or extra desserts. Design a common travel plan and budget goal beforehand to ensure everyone is saving up their fair share of the money. So, everyone is happy and everyone gets to enjoy a wonderful trip.

Your journey to save money can get rough, so stay determined and stay on track. Take every effort to add more money to your travel fund. Keep working towards a particular budget and a specific deadline. You will be off to your grand adventure around the world before you know it.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

5 Tips To Save Money With Coupons

Coupons are everywhere, and you can save a considerable amount of money if you know how and when to use them. Listed below are helpful tips on how you can save money with coupons whenever you make a purchase… CONTINUE READING >> 

Coupons are everywhere, and you can save a considerable amount of money if you know how and when to use them.

In marketing, companies give out coupons to attract more customers and to enhance the buying experience. Also, it is an effective strategy to increase sales and dispose old stocks. Be a smart couponer and reap the best benefits of saving money from buying gifts, personal items, or groceries.

Listed below are helpful tips on how you can save money with coupons whenever you make a purchase.

 1. Learn Where to Get Coupons and How It Works

More than thanking you as a loyal customer or celebrating the holidays, most businesses use coupons as tricks or gimmicks to increase sales. Of course, who wouldn’t want a discount?

However, it makes shopping more inviting, and you’ll find yourself buying things you didn’t plan and don’t need in the first place. Sometimes, you’re happy with a small discount, but you can get more. So, it’s crucial to think before you buy and learn where to get coupons and how couponing works.

Here are some tips:

• Check newspapers and magazines to find available coupons intended for items included on your shopping list. Click here to find trusted and reputable online resources to know more on how online coupon works.

• Take advantage of coupon doubling. Some stores allow double coupons at a certain limit. If the coupon doesn’t say “cannot be doubled,” ask the sales staff if you can present double coupons.

• Each Sunday or Saturday in some areas, manufacturers put coupon fliers into newspapers. Buying at least one copy will give you access to all the coupons available in your area.

• You can find some of these coupons at ShipTheDeal.

 2. Know the Specific Store Policy

It’s good to research on the coupon policy of the store where you usually buy your stuff. Just imagine the huge savings you can get instead of paying the full price or getting only a small discount.

Here are some store policies to make your shopping experience more exciting:

• Get a cheap or free product with “coupon stacking.” Some stores, like Target, use two coupons on a single item. One coupon is a store coupon (Target website’s printable coupons), and the other should be a manufacturer coupon (e.g., newspaper, magazine, or couponing website).

• Some stores allow four similar coupons per transaction. It helps when you ask the store manager if you can use more coupons in a single purchase.

• You can use an unlimited number of coupons per transaction at Walmart and Smith’s.

 3. Be Familiar with Couponing Strategies

While coupons have expiration dates, it’s a good practice to wait for the right time to use them. Familiarizing yourself with these strategies will take you far and increases your purchasing power.

• Wait until a sale is announced so you can use your coupons to get the best deal.

• Read the supermarket or grocery ads from your local newspaper to check when specific items go on sale.

• Enjoy shopping at more than one store so you can take advantage of all discounts of different stores in your area.

• Call the 1- 800 number or toll-free number on most of the products you use. The company will be happy to give you coupons and put you on their mailing list if you tell them that you like their products.

 4. Stick With Your Budget

It’s easy to be drawn by the big discounts that you can get with coupons, making you buy more. However, you need to create a shopping list and stick with your budget.

Here are some budget tips:

• Shop with cash. The freedom of swiping your credit card can get you more in trouble of overspending.

• Don’t go shopping with kids. It allows you to focus on the things you need to buy.

 5. Organize Your Coupons

Store your coupons on a clean and safe place, away of children’s reach, so they won’t play with it. You can store coupons in long craft boxes, tool boxes, makeup case, pouch, or any DIY container or holder. 

Conclusion

You can save money with couponing by knowing when, where, and how to use it. As much as possible, always carry it wherever you shop. Get the best value for your money using these, and you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Cooking While Camping: 8 Stress-Free Food Ideas

Camping is a cool way to bond with the family while enjoying the great outdoors. You will have more time for fun (and less work) with these food ideas to prepare while camping… CONTINUE READING >> 

Camping is a cool way to bond with the family while enjoying the great outdoors. You can go hiking, fishing, swimming, and hunting or simply marvel at the beauty of nature. All of these camping activities sound fun, but when you add cooking into the picture, it becomes an easy recipe for disaster.

Now, what if there are cook set options to help make camp cooking stress-free? You will have more time for fun (and less work) with these food ideas to prepare while camping.

1. Pancakes. If pancakes for breakfast are a hit with your family, take this food idea to camp.
• On the night before you leave home, whip up your favorite pancake recipe.
• Place it inside a Ziploc bag and lay it flat inside the freezer for easy packing in the cooler once you are ready to go.
• When you need to cook your pancakes, they are already thawed and ready for cooking.
• Cut the pointed end of the bag, and you can quickly pour batter out to make the perfect pancakes.
• Bring along your favorite syrup to top these yummies!

2. Egg sandwiches. This recipe can be enjoyed with minimal preparation time.
• Prepare your sandwiches ahead of time and wrap them in foil.
• Freeze them overnight and stack in your cooler before going.
• Warm the sandwiches on a grill or over the coals.
• In a bit of time, they’ll be ready for eating.
• Consider preparing individual portions so that all of you will get a good meal even when you eat at different times.

3. Omelets. You will need boiling water and Ziploc bags for this meal.
• Crack two eggs per person into individual bags.
• Add your desired toppings – onions, peppers, sausage, ham, or cheese.
• Place the bags in the cooler and when you’re ready to cook this, boil water in a large pot.
• Drop the bags into boiling water and leave for 12 to 13 minutes.
• Carefully take the bags out and slide the meal into your plates.

4. Pizza Log. Pizza is a rare commodity when camping, so it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoying nature and eating pizza are surely wonderful reasons why camping is cool!
• Roll out your choice of pizza dough into a rectangle.
• You can use refrigerated pizza dough or make one using your own recipe.
• Add a half cup of tomato sauce, toppings of your choice, and mozzarella cheese. You can also use this chance to use up the meats and veggies in your fridge.
• Start rolling one end of the dough until you create a log.
• Pinch the ends to lock in the pizza log, wrap in foil, and freeze.
• Cook it over the coals or on a grill for around 25 minutes flipping the log frequently.
• Cut or pull apart when done and gobble up!

5. Taco Soup. This tasty soup can be made while camping! Prepare ahead the soup to freeze and pack in your cooler.
• Put 1 pound cooked ground beef, 2 cups canned or homemade beans, 1 cup canned or frozen corn, and one packet taco seasoning into one pot and cook together.
• Cool before freezing into resealable freezer bags.
• Once it has frozen, pack into your cooler.
• When you want this for your meal, take the contents into a pot and simmer for at least 2 minutes.

6. Campfire Sandwiches. You’ll need cheese slices, ham, mustard, butter, and a loaf of French bread. You may also choose your own cheese and meats to use for this camping food.
• To make six sandwiches, cut your loaf into twelve slices being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Combine a tablespoon of mustard and three tablespoons of butter and spread this to every other slice of bread.
• Add the ham and cheese slices (or your choice of meat and cheese) into the slots.
• Wrap this in foil and freeze or pack into the cooler.
• When ready to prepare this meal, place on a grill or in the coils.
• You need to turn it frequently until about 20 minutes or when the cheese has melted.
• Remove from the loaf and pull the sandwiches apart.

7. Curly Dogs. You’ll need one pack of crescent rolls and hot dogs for this meal. This is definitely a new take on your regular hot dog meal.
• Wrap a crescent roll around a hot dog and roast until the hot dog is warm and the dough cooked.
• It will take around 10minutes for the dough to be cooked thoroughly.

8. Roasted Apples. For this easy-to-make dessert, you will need butter, sugar, cinnamon, and apples.
• Core and slice the apples so that they can still form their apple shape.
• Transfer the apple into a foil to keep its shape later.
• Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar to the apple slices.
• Add a tablespoon of butter slices to the center.
• Wrap the foil around the apple.
• Place the apples on the coals, turning sides every 5 minutes.
• Allow the apples to cool for 2 minutes before digging in!

Final Thoughts

Using these stress-free recipes will give you more time to have fun with your family or camping buddies without anyone getting hungry. Do take note that most of these food ideas require some preparation ahead of time so that all you have to do is cook them at camp. The best thing about these recipes is the minimal cleanup time and you have the rest of the time to play games, drink beer, and do more outdoor activities. Happy camping!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

The Titanic History of Halifax

Through the centuries of European migration to North America, perhaps no place has been any more consequential than Halifax. That history makes the city one of continent’s most interesting to visit… CONTINUE READING >> 

Through the centuries of European migration to North America, perhaps no single spot has been any more consequential than the harbor at Halifax. That history makes the city one of continent’s most interesting to visit.

The more we researched the museums and historic sites that dot the Halifax boardwalk along the waterfront, the more we learned how little we knew about this part of American history.

All of the sites are within an easy walk of each other and right in the heart of town, making downtown a great place to stay when visiting Halifax. Plus, there are a ton of lodging choices in the area and Expedia has great hotel options in and around downtown Halifax.

We also highly recommend staying near the waterfront because, in addition to all of the history, there are dozens of dining and entertainment options to choose from.

We began our exploration by climbing above the harbor to Citadel Hill. This perch overlooking the port has been fortified since the town was founded by the Brits in 1749.

Originally it was seen as a stronghold for the struggle to wrestle rule of the New World away from their French rivals in what led to the French and Indian War.

What struck us as odd is that at the time Nova Scotia was a colony, just like the thirteen to the south, so when George Washington led troops against the French he was an ally.

A few years later that fourteenth colony decided to stay loyal to the crown instead of joining the revolution and the sides flipped. Suddenly the French were aiding the emerging United States and Nova Scotia was struggling to remain a part of The British Empire.

The fort remained in service through the end of the First World War, but fell into disrepair afterwards. Finally it became the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada and was restored after the second war. Today it perfectly depicts how it stood during the Victorian era of the eighteen hundreds, right down to the people portraying the unit of the famed 78th Highlanders that had been stationed here.

Just below the fort, the Public Gardens also harken back to that era. Typical of a Victorian garden, trees, flowers, and various plants from exotic locales around the world are combined to delight and inform visitors. We found everything from desert cactus and yucca, to towering trees, to roses that smelled so sweet it was like walking by a cake.

Accouterments such as gazebos, fountains, archways, and seating are also essential for a proper Victorian garden, and are well represented here. So while the term Victorian may get misused, this park, and in fact a great deal of Halifax, certainly lives up to the designation.

Back down at the water’s edge, we had a couple of must see museums on our agenda. We began at Pier 21, often referred to as Canada’s Ellis Island. Over one million immigrants fleeing wars and oppression or seeking economic opportunity entered the country through this dock and became Canadians.

Nearby, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic brings to life the rich seafaring history of the region through artifacts and photographs. There are also actual vessels on display, such as a variety of gorgeous smaller wooden sailboats and an amazing collection of magnificent model ships from the volunteer Maritime Ship Modelers Guild.

The sea can be incredibly harsh, so there are disasters documented too. None are more poignant than the worst maritime tragedy of all time, the Titanic. Halifax has a deep connection to the catastrophe, since it was the nearest port to the sinking liner.

Several ships were dispatched as soon as word of the collision with the iceberg arrived. Unfortunately they did not make it in time to save any passengers, but the city served as a mortuary for many of the victims.

Three-hundred-twenty-eight bodies were found, and of those two-hundred and nine were brought to Halifax to be claimed by relatives, or buried if none came forward. That was the fate of three quarters of them, so they are buried in three of the city’s cemeteries.

We were struck speechless at the sight of a tiny pair of shoes displayed among the doomed ship’s artifacts. The child they came from was not identified, so was laid to rest at Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

Fairview Lawn became the final resting place for many of the Titanic victims, so we felt that our explorations should be expanded to include a stop there.

While we walked through the gravesites of the one-hundred-twenty-one casualties to pay our respects, the melancholy weather matched our somber spirits. Adding to the gloom, many of the headstones are marked only by numbers, because the identities of the victims remain unknown.

It is nearly impossible to describe the feeling when we came upon the grave of the unknown two year old child thought to be the owner of the shoes. Recently the boy was identified through DNA samples. However, his family chose to keep the gravestone nameless as a remembrance to all of the other unknown victims.

With the exception of Fairview Lawn, we accomplished our entire visit on foot, because everything is so close to the original port.

Trust us, that’s the facts, the Halifax.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

This article is written in partnership with Expedia.ca, as always all opinions are our own.

Look out below! Holding Our Breath Beneath the BVI

There is an amazing world of colors and scenery, along with an incredible collection of marine wildlife, to be discovered beneath the crystal blue waters of the British Virgin Islands… CONTINUE READING >> 

A big thank you to Dream Yacht Charter for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

The Islands of the British Virgin Islands are practically paradise with their vast white sand beaches stretching out under swaying palms and lush mountains rising above to the sky. However, that is only half of the picture.

There is an equally amazing world of colors and scenery, along with an incredible collection of marine wildlife, to be discovered beneath the crystal blue water. We have always felt like it is akin to swimming in an aquarium.

But the ability to get close to many of these places can be quite an obstacle without access to a boat small enough to squeeze into some pretty tight places. Problem solved by sailing with Dream Yacht Charter, and even better, we got to stay the night at some of them.

As always, we took about a million pictures, thanks to the modern technology of digital cameras we are ardent believers in the “take a hundred shots to get one good one” theory. Here are a few of our favorites and the places that we took them.

The Baths

This is perhaps the most famous spot in the BVI, and for good reason, it is phenomenal.

Enormous boulders, some reaching forty feet across, form grottos, tunnels, arches, and caves both above and below the surface. We had a blast snaking through the openings from one formation to another while watching the array of colorful tropical fish swim by.

After about half an hour we swam through a gap into an open area and headlong into a school of squid.

These did not look like the squid we were used to, nothing like calamari we have seen on many a plate. These were quite different from any we had encountered previously and we were mesmerized by their brilliant phosphorescent colors. We took photos like crazy.

After cross referencing our pictures online, we learned that these were Caribbean reef squid. Turns out that they can change those colors, and not just randomly, it is believed that they are able to communicate with one another through the variations.

The Norman Island Caves

For many years Norman Island served as a home base and hideout for pirates. That historic relationship with the pirates of the Caribbean has led to legends of hidden treasure as yet undiscovered.

The caves are often regarded as a prime suspect location by seekers of water-logged fortune, but we figured the possibility was slim considering the popularity of these caverns with snorkelers.

What we did find was an opulent abundance of orange cup coral clinging to the walls. While it can be hard to tell that most corals are actually living creatures, these left little doubt as they moved in reaction to our hands.

If we had come back at night we might have seen them feeding by extending tentacles to capture nearby plankton.

Deeper inside the rock walls we found a trove of glassy sweepers.  The schools of these shiny swimmers moved in and out of the light like a flocks of birds as we swam through the openings and darkened interiors of the caves.

The Indians

Not far from Norman Island stand four jagged stone pinnacles protruding through the waves. Since they are technically islands, we were pretty jazzed at the prospect of circling the whole chain. It’s not often that the feat of a swimming circumnavigation of an entire archipelago can be accomplished!

The mini mountains are mostly undersea, so the canyons and crevices are best explored while free diving. The technique of holding our breath while descending twenty or thirty feet is something we perfected while living on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.

This allowed us a much closer view of the numerous sea fans and corals that have taken hold among the rocky submarine landscape, including several excellent examples of Brain Coral.

These colonies of genetically identical polyps can live as long as 900 years. Maybe they know where some of that pirate booty is stashed.

Fish

At almost every anchorage we found a colorful combination of blue tangs, yellow jacks, blue runners, red snapper, angelfish, parrotfish, and the striped sergeant major variety of damselfish. They populate almost all of these tropical waters near rocks and reefs.

On a couple of occasions a Great Barracuda decided to hang out under our boat while we were anchored. While these big boys are usually harmless to humans, but it is still a touch unnerving to jump in the water and see a razor-toothed fish as big as ourselves keeping an eye on us.

Great barracudas often top six feet long, and there is something about the way they look that screams dangerous predator. Maybe they should be called sea cougars. Nice kitty.

We are happy to say that everyone avoided losing any limbs and actually got quite a charge out of seeing these sleek ocean hunters up close.

Speaking of limbs, keeping them came in quite handy. Not only for swimming, but we also used them to explore some above the surface environs and discovered some very interesting surroundings.

But that’s another story.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See more of our amazing trip here.

6 Important Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers

For women travelers, safety may not be limited to simply carrying a bottle of pepper spray around or arming themselves with the skill of martial arts, there need to be extra precautions in place… CONTINUE READING >> 

When travelling, safety should be a paramount concern for all. In spite of the dangerous risks of being trapped in an unfortunate situation on foreign land, we certainly need not give up the very basic and useful art of travel. For women travelers, safety may not be limited to simply carrying a bottle of pepper spray around or arming themselves with the skill of martial arts. When it comes to travelling and you are all by yourself, there need to be extra precautions in place. These can be a last resort even in the most hostile situations, so read what we have for you very carefully.

1. Research Well

Before you set off, ensure you are well acquainted with the specifics of your destination. Fortunately, governments around the world issue travel advisories that would help their citizens in times of trouble. You must read these closely before making your plans. You can look up advisories here for Canada, the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Some countries would encourage you not to visit particular regions, and it is always wise to consider their instructions very seriously.

2. Keep People Informed of What You’re Doing

When you have decided on a destination, let people around you know where you will be going. Leave copies of your plans with family and close friends. Get an international or outstation mobile network connection and speak frequently to people to let them know what they are doing. Even a small text can be enough. Speak to your embassy or enroll in their traveler program, if they have one.

3. Use Technology to Your Aid

Technology has made it absolutely simple to keep in touch. There are apps that can be used to trace your location and inform your close ones when you need them to know. For example, apps like Find my iPhone can be used to your advantage. Several other applications work exactly like a panic button for office, sending a red alert to the preset contacts, who can then take necessary action.

Additionally, always stay connected to your family and friends. Use EasyRinger which will give you a new number and a local presence, enabling you to communicate with locals and family over the phone efficiently and affordably.

4. Do Not Get Extra Adventurous on Foreign Soil

Exploring is a lovely thing to do. However, you must never travel at your risk. When you refer to travel advisories issued by governments, you will find clear instructions to avoid certain places. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not venture into dangerous territory. While travel is all about adventure and gaining new experiences, one must never forget the importance of being safe.

5. Look Sharp and Know the Rules

When you are walking around, do so with a purpose. One must not look confused or scared, as it may attract unwanted attention from malicious individuals in your favor. If approached with questions, provide straight and specific answers. In some parts of the world, certain customs are prohibited, so you must read up on them. If you are detained in foreign territory, try to be calm and ask for consular access. Keep phone numbers of your local embassy with you.

6. Be Careful with Your Documents and Keep Them On You

You must keep your documents with you at all times. These might be useful in helping you get assistance when it is required. When carrying these around, do so with great caution. People are known to have been robbed of their documents during travel. Having no documents immediately makes you illegal and undocumented, but there is no cause of panic. Proceed to your nearest embassy or consulate and declare your problem.

Travelling smart is an important part of a traveler’s planning. You must weigh your options and look for adequate reasons to put in plans on your schedule. The world is an amazing place, and one must explore it in order to truly experience it. From cuisine to culture, there is a lot we can only know when we arrive. Even in the age of the internet, there is literally so much to see, that one cannot sacrifice the dream of travel.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.