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The Best Boutique Hotels in the World to Visit

Boutique hotels offer unique interiors and layouts and aim to make you feel at home. What are some of the best boutique hotels in the world? CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you going on a much-needed vacation and are looking for a beautiful place to stay in? Why not consider checking into a quaint and one-of-a-kind boutique hotel at your destination? Boutique hotels offer unique interiors and layouts and aim to make you feel at home.

What are some of the best boutique hotels in the world?

Annandale Scrubby Bay in Pigeon Bay, New Zealand

• The Annandale estate farm is situated on the Banks Peninsula, and you get a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. This remote and exquisite location can only be accessed via a helicopter ride or a four-wheel drive. The airport closest to Annandale is Christchurch International Airport, about an hour’s drive away from the estate.

What can you expect at Annandale Scrubby Bay?

• Amenities: The design and feel of the four-bedroom rustic bungalow are very cozy and modern at the same time. Fronting the boutique hotel is a beautiful pebble beach, bordered on both sides by the lushest hills. Annandale has a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and a deck from which you can view the Pacific Ocean. The four bedrooms are clad in wood yet very modern in design. The kitchen is well equipped with a breakfast bar, and there are appliances available for cooking and dining, such as an oven, grill, microwave, dishwasher, and sink. A laundry room is provided with a washing machine.

• Unique features: The estate covers 4,000 acres and is actually a working farm. As guests, you can enjoy tours of the island, hiking activities, or riding a bike along the Pigeon Bay Walkway. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking or join nature cruises and see the dolphins, fur seals, and blue penguins. If you’re looking for indoor activities, you can sign up for private cooking classes with the Annandale chef and sample Kiwi cooking.

• Cost: Rates for staying at the Annandale Scrubby Bay estate start at SG$5,335.71 or US$3,871.91 per night.

Mojo Nomad in Aberdeen Harbour, Hong Kong

Mojo Nomad is located in Aberdeen Harbour, so you get a beautiful view of the harbour and the surrounding bustling city. Imagine feasting on the glittering city lights at night! What is perfect about Mojo Nomad is that it is very accessible. Travelers can easily tour Hong Kong and get back just as easily to relax and unwind at this boutique hotel at the end of every shopping and food trip-filled day.

• Amenities: Mojo Nomad has modern facilities at very affordable rates. Their rooms vary in sizes, so this beautiful and modern boutique hotel is the perfect choice whether you’re traveling solo, with a few friends, or with a big group of your family and relatives. Rooms are equipped with practical amenities such as comfortable reading lights, individual storages, WiFi, daily cleaning services, and individual toiletries. Mojo Nomad is for you if you’re an on-the-go traveler who’s looking for the comforts of home at your hotel.

• Unique features: At Mojo Nomad, you have a wide variety of beautiful places to visit. If you’re inclined towards the arts, the best independent art galleries are just a few minutes’ walk away from Mojo. Visit Blindspot Gallery, the Empty Gallery, Rossi and Rossi, Sin Sin Fine Art Atelier, and de Sarthe Gallery. Sample the wonderful local seafood scene by taking an exotic sampan ride to Jumbo Kingdom. Talk about a rich cultural dining experience! A trip to Hong Kong will, of course, not be complete without a trip to Ocean Park located in Aberdeen. Ocean Park will offer a variety of adventures and shows that will delight children and adults alike. Thirsting for nature? Aberdeen Country Park boasts of Hong Kong’s vast network of nature trails, all of which are lovely to hike on. With all the tourist destinations at your fingertips, choose Mojo Nomad to be right at the center of all the action.

• Cost: Rates start for as low as HKD250 or US$32.50 per night.

Villa La Coste in Provence, France

Villa La Coste is located in beautiful Provence. The nearest major airport is Marseille, and from there, it takes another 40-minute drive to get to the hotel. Once you’re there, you are welcomed with a breathtaking view of the most vibrant landscape. This modern hotel is dominated in shades of white and surprisingly features a gallery of interesting artworks and bespoke furnishings. Perfect personal service enhances your whole experience at Villa La Coste.

What can you expect at Villa La Coste?

• Amenities: Villa La Coste boasts over 600 acres of grounds that include an art gallery, a very modern winery, an Asian-inspired spa, library, laundry area, and WiFi in all the facilities. The rooms are equipped with complete appliances to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Private pools are installed in some of the suites.

• It is worth noting that the public areas of the hotel can be awesome for use in warm weather, and there are available elevators that can conveniently take guests to the spa as well as the restaurants. Pets are also welcome to stay with their owners at Villa La Coste for an additional fee of €25 per night. More importantly, provisions are made for children of all ages. Extra beds may be added to any of the suites. Villa La Coste is quite ideal for vacationing families.

• Unique features: If you may want to see more beautiful architecture, visit Hotel de Caumont in nearby Aix-en-Provence. It is a grand hotel built in the 18th century and has been restored. If you prefer to see Provence’s natural resources, visit Calanques National Park, a coastline that runs on for 20 kilometers and is quite well known for its striking white cliffs. You can go for wild swimming in the inlets of crystal-clear emerald waters, definitely a memorable experience. Don’t leave without visiting the town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where the talented and eccentric Vincent Van Gogh stayed for a year and produced some of his most beautiful artworks there.

• Cost: Rates for staying at Villa La Coste start at SG$923.99 or US$670.50 per night.

Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao Island, Philippines

Beautiful tropical forests filled with rich vegetation, bright-blue waters, and powdery-soft sand will delight your senses when you enter this boutique resort. Choose to stay in one of the nine intimate villas and avail of luxurious massages. Partake of the cuisine of the freshest seafood and join the island excursions.

Sayak Airport in Siargao Island is a 40-minute car drive from the hotel. Nay Palad Hideaway schedules courtesy airport transfers via private jeepney, to give you the full Filipino transportation experience.

What can you expect at Nay Palad Hideaway?

• Amenities: Nay Palad Hideaway is complete with all the facilities, such as a private beach, a games pavilion, outdoor movie house, library, and the standard WiFi everywhere. Rooms are well equipped with air conditioning and minibars. Noteworthy are the quaint hanging daybeds and the ornately carved headboards, all of which are made of locally sourced materials. The villas give a very calming vibe and are quite airy, and the Deluxe Villas boast of the most unforgettable ocean views.

• The spa has six huts designed to look like a tiny tropical village and filled with treatment rooms that are so quiet and private. Avail of the very healing Filipino massage and the petal-filled bath.

• Unique features: Nay Palad Hideaway is the perfect destination for a variety of water sports and activities. Visit the Sea Pagoda, a majestic thatch-roofed platform that also serves as the take-off point for your snorkeling. Make sure you take a trip to the island of Janoyoy and the surrounding mangrove, which you can access by foot. There you can enjoy seeing the native flora and exotic reptiles.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, go for the water-skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boating on the peaceful waters surrounding Nay Palad Hideaway. There are likewise a variety of options for land-based activities, such as exploring Tob Tabon and Bito caves and the picturesque fishing village of General Luna.

• Cost: Rates for staying at Nay Palad Hideaway start at SG$2,606.68 or US$1,891.56 per night.

Make your much-needed vacation worth remembering by staying at a boutique hotel and explore the surrounding beautiful areas. The adventures are limitless!

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

8 Safety Features You Need in Your Car for Your Next Road Trip

Although every car comes fitted out with some mandatory safety equipment – seat belts, airbags, and headlights – the advent of technology in our world has created some revolutionary developments in safety features…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Cars were first invented over a hundred years ago, and thankfully they have come in leaps and bounds since then. Everything from energy efficiency to comfort has improved, and this also applies to safety.

Although every car comes fitted out with some mandatory safety equipment- seat belts, airbags, and headlights- the advent of technology in our world has created some revolutionary developments in safety features.

Read on for the eight most incredible and essential safety features you need to add to your car before your next road trip. It is also worth checking out MostPicker.com for the best information and product reviews.

1. Automatic emergency braking

It only takes half a second- you look down at your phone, fiddle with the radio, or turn to laugh at your friend’s joke and suddenly it’s too late to stop.

Luckily, many new cars come with automatic emergency braking. Scanners look at the road in front of you, tracking obstacles and recording the distance. If you get too close or don’t brake on time, the car responds before you can even think.

2. Blindspot sensors

Unsafe lane changes were the cause of more than 5,000 collisions in 2011. Lane change collisions can also be the most dangerous because they are more likely to become pile-ups as cars veer horizontally across lanes or into incoming traffic.

Blindspot sensors usually appear as a little light on your side mirror, so if a car is in your blindspot you can be aware of it. Some cars even come with a sound system, so if you try to change lanes while a car is in your blindspot, it will beep and warn you.

3. Lane keep

Everyone learns in drivers’ seat that the car goes where your eyes go, which can be problematic on long distance drives. As you get bored or distracted, you can drift out of your lane without even realizing, causing an accident. In case you encountered an accident, keep yourself calm & act fast, get the first aid kit, call for an ambulance if needed and also make sure to get your car fixed from an expert collision repair service provider so that your car is taken proper care for all the missing and damaged safety equipment.

Lane keep works by using cameras to keep track of the lane markers. If you start to drift, it will either alert you with noise or even correct your steering through self-driving.

4. Facial recognition software

If only you could have a friend with you on every road trip constantly monitoring your level of alertness and warning you whenever you seem to be nodding off.

Luckily, now your car will do that for you! Several high-end models use cameras in the front dashboard to watch you for signs of drowsiness or intoxication, nudging you with sound notifications when you drift off. Facial recognition could also have positive uses if your car gets stolen, as images of the thief would be available.

5. Enhanced visibility

The most dangerous part of driving at night is the reduced visibility on dark, winding roads.

Many cars come with measures to enhance your visibility, either through infrared footage of the road on a screen on the dashboard or intuitive headlamps that follow the road.

6. Rollover prevention

Rolling is dangerous, because it throws car passengers around, causing them to lose consciousness or get concussions. The risk of whiplash is also very high with rollovers.

Rollover prevention systems sense when a car is about to roll, and selectively applies brakes to prevent it.

7. Rearview camera

Rearview cameras provide an accurate shot of what is behind you while you are backing up and can even alert you when a car behind you comes too close.

This protects your car, children, pets and trash bins.

8. Emergency response

In a bad collision, the people involved might be unconscious or too rattled to consider calling the authorities. Rather than relying on bystanders, many new cars have an inbuilt system that records the collision and automatically notifies the relevant emergency responders.

Some systems include non-emergencies such as flat tires or low petrol, while others only track collisions. Either way, it is one less thing to worry about in the event of a collision.

The future is now, and it is amazing to see all these high-tech technologies being used to save lives every day!

9. Jeep Locker For Safety 

An additional security feature that we’d really like to suggest here is best Jeep locker. If you are new to the term, Jeep locker is just a kind of differential. These are simply another set of tools that can help you make off-roading safer. These come into play where your Jeep Wrangler isn’t equipped enough to help you out of a mud-stuck situation. They basically lock the inner and outer wheel when you are in a sticky situation and make the wheel work together and turn similarly. This mechanism allows locking differentials to have a greater traction advantage when compared to an open differential.

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

6 Top Things You Must Do When In USA

Do you want to know about the best things everyone desires to experience once in life? If yes, this article will reveal to you the top MUST-VISIT places in America that offer great experiences to the visitors… CONTINUE READING >> 

When a plethora of fascinating USA adventures hit your screens, it becomes the most difficult task to shortlist the best out of them. During a short USA tour, you wish to make the most out of your time in the USA. Whether you should walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, witness the spectacular Northern Lights, visit the French Quarter Festival, ski in Aspen Highlands, or kayak in the Colorado rivers? There is an endless list of adventures.

Do you want to know about the best things everyone desires to experience once in life? If yes, this article will reveal to you the top MUST-VISIT places in America that offer great experiences to the visitors:

1. Sandboarding in Colorado:

Sandboarding is an epic experience. You can get a chance to sandboard on apparently shreddable Colorado Mountains at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Slide down the highest sand dunes on your fiberglass board. Besides this, the snowcapped mountaintops present a cinematic view in the background.

2. Canoeing in Minnesota:

There are thousands of lakes in America for canoeing adventures. However, in the Superior National Forest, there is thousands of individual lakes altogether. You have to paddle through the magnificent pine groves and massive rock formations to reach many of those hidden lakes. Canoe in the Boundary Waters to explore the unseen lakes and an unseen side of you!

3. Bike on the Golden Gate Bridge:

Rent a bike to pedal across the giant and longest bridge in the world. Golden Gate Bridge establishes a connection between two beautiful states of the USA that is San Francisco and Sausalito. The striking and breathtaking views of both the states portray a soulful imagery. Also, visit San Francisco to take in the hippy vibes and laid-back attitude of the people.

4. Kayaking in Colorado Rivers:

Colorado River flows past three states of the US that offer a startling view as you cruise on the waters. You can have world’s best kayaking experience in the Colorado River. You can enjoy the surroundings by lying back in the middle of the vast river. There are plenty of kayaking spots to experience kayaking or canoeing in turbulent waters.

5. Watch International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico:

If you are right on time, prepare yourself to visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It is the greatest balloon rally in the world. Hundreds of hot air balloons of different shapes, colors, and sizes fill up the blue sky all at once. The magical view will leave an unforgettable fairytale-like impression on your mind.

6. Camping in The Grand Canyon of Arizona:

The Grand Canyon offers an impressive handiwork of God with its 18 miles wide, 1 mile deep, and 277 mile long rocky canyons. You can either tour on the edge of Grand Canyon or take a boating trip in the Colorado River, or ride in the Bryce Canyon with a cowboy guide. To witness the beauteous Havasu Falls and the amazing sunrise view, you can opt to stay for a night.

About the Author:

Tom is a blogger and a nature lover. He is obsessed with traveling and adventures and that too with his family. He believes that water has a steady hold of him. He regularly writes about his experiences at http://kayakcritic.net/.

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

Your first Caribbean vacation experience – making the most of your stay

So you have finally decided to take your holidays one level further and partake in a complete Caribbean experience. Here are the tips before actually departing, and beginning your dream, long-awaited holiday… CONTINUE READING >> 

So you have finally decided to take your holidays one level further and partake in a complete Caribbean experience. This destination is found on any traveler’s lover bucket list, and considering the breathtaking scenery found there, it’s understandable why. There’s more to this type of vacation than just buying your plane ticket and trying to find the most luxurious resort on your chosen Island beach, so if you want to truly embrace what this destination has to offer, being prepared is recommended. In order to truly make the most out of every moment spent there, getting some insights on the topic will turn out to be extremely useful. Here are the tips you should be aware of before actually departing, and beginning your dream, long-awaited holiday:

Buy your tickets early

If you want to keep your expenses to minimal this vacation, considering the Caribbean can be quite expensive, you should handle each detail of your trip with care. Among all the cots this holiday will involve, quite a lot of money will go on plane tickets, especially if you are flying from Europe (flying from the USA can be a bit more affordable). So, in order to not spend a fortune on your flight, the best thing to do would be to purchase your ticket with enough time in advance. The earlier you decide to book your flight, the more reasonable the tickets will be priced. As soon as you decide on your Caribbean destination start looking up plane tickets.

Finding the ideal resort

The number of resorts available in the Caribbean Islands has certainly increased tremendously along the last couple of years, so variety is something you won’t have to worry about. However, in order to have access to accommodation that manages to provide you with the level of comfort desired means you will need to do a bit of research on the topic. If this is a family holiday you are planning, it’s best if you narrow your choices down to only the family oriented options available, just so you know your children will also experience a pleasant vacation as well, regardless of age. If, on the other hand, you are traveling with your partner or your friends, you could book a place at an adult-only resort, where you won’t have any problems with children running around. This is totally up to you and your personal preferences, but if you do have an opinion on the matter, it’s best if you are aware of all our options and pick a place that will cover your needs and desires best. With so many deals available, you won’t have troubles coming across a resort that ticks off all the boxes.

Try something new – a great place for treasure hunting

While enjoying the mesmerizing surrounding, sunbathing, swimming in the crystal clear waters and partaking in local, thematic parties will be the main focus of your entire vacation, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experience something slightly different. Because you are basically surrounded by beaches, why not get into the overall feel of the pace even more, and go for some treasure hunting. A pirate inspired activity day will give your entire trip a different vibe, something you haven’t experienced until now, having a great time is a guarantee. Upon research, you will find out that metal detecting doesn’t come with any restrictions in the Caribbean islands, so you don’t have to worry that you might be breaking any laws and dealing with inconveniences. As long as you have access to a high quality metal detector (investing in one is not that expensive, and the returns might be higher than you expect), and some time on your hand to wander around, you will discover a thrilling and regarding activity that will make your vacation even more pleasant and exciting. Besides the actual thrill of metal detecting itself, you could also come across some hidden treasures and discover what this sort of activity has become such a popular hobby for many travel enthusiasts.

Don’t skip on any beach-oriented activity – fun and excitement

From snorkeling to sky diving and excursions and sailing or booking a private boat charter at turkstourcompany.com, the Caribbean islands stand at your disposal with a vaster activity variety than you could think of. Now it’s the perfect time to engage in water sports and other activities that allow you to experience a rush of adrenaline and have some moment of fun and excitement. When you have already had enough of sunbathing and swimming, doing something that pushes your limits and gives you the chance to overcome your fears will only make this entire trip more interesting and memorable. Find out what activities you have the possibility to engage in near your resort, and don’t miss out on the long list of great things you can experience. Snorkeling or scuba divining are definitely a must.

Immunizations – stay safe

Although there are no exact obligations or regulations in regards to vaccines, you could have the misfortune of traveling there during an occasional outbreak of tropical disease, so it’s always better to be safe than deal with health concerns. Contact your health care provider a few months prior to your departure and discuss about possible vaccinations required. Getting your immunizations will give you peace of mind that a potential health concern won’t ruin your entire trip or bring you even more serious inconveniences. A couple of vaccines might be all it takes to know you are safe to enjoy a long vacation in an exotic location.

When you finally have the opportunity to go on holiday in the Caribbean, you probably want this vacation to turn out perfect from start to finish. Because it’s important to go prepared, in order to not waste any time once you arrive there, getting a few insights on the matter might actually make a difference. Go through the tips above stated and use them in order to partake in an once-in-a-lifetime holiday, which will give you the chance to gather numerous amazing memories.

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

Catamaran Cruising the Caribbean

As we finish our week sailing across the Caribbean, we have learned that there is no better way to see these islands than by private boat…

…especially after last year’s storms. The recovery is coming along onshore, but everything has returned to its normal state of paradise on the water.

CONTINUE READING >> 

Follow all of our adventure with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

As we finish our week sailing across the Caribbean, we have learned that there is no better way to see these islands than by private boat…

…especially after last year’s storms. The recovery is coming along onshore, but everything has returned to its normal state of paradise on the water.

Back to St. Martin….


Just another day in paradise…


Today we contrast the gorgeous, remote beauty of uninhabited Sandy Cay with the bustle of the recovering town of Cane Garden Bay.


Jost van Dyke has gone from Pirate hideaway to party hotspot, either way it’s a beautiful place to hang out.

On the third day… let there be rock formations and fishes…

… and a rainbow to end the day!


On our second day we are ready to check out what’s up under the sea.

We made it!

The Atlantic hurricane season is drawing to a close and, as rough as it was for much of the Southeastern United States, (here’s where to donate to help) thank goodness the islands of the Caribbean that were decimated last year didn’t sustain another blow.

The one – two punch of Irma and Maria left Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, St. Martin, and many other tropical paradises in shambles. Worse yet, these islands rely almost exclusively on tourist dollars as the engine for their economies.

Needless to say, those dollars dried up in the destruction left by the storms.

With this in mind we are thrilled that Dream Yacht Charter, the world’s largest charter company, has offered us the opportunity to head down and report on the progress as things get back to normal.

Their founder, Loïc Bonnet, said: “When you do business in the Caribbean, you need to respect Mother Nature as she is a great leveller, both literally and figuratively. Visitors are returning to the British Virgin Islands to support the rebirth of the region this season and it’s great to see the old favorites back in business, such as Willy T, Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar.”

We will climb aboard one of their custom catamarans, toss our flip flops and swim fins in our private cabin, and set sail from Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin, for a week of sun, fun, and exploration.

The adventure includes everything we could ever need, and the intimate sized vessel can take us to ports of call that no cruise ship could ever enter.

As we make our way through the British Virgin Islands stops will include the amazing rock formations and pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the notorious pirate hideout of Norman Island where rumor has it hidden booty remains stashed, and Jost Van Dyke for a swim and a sip at Foxy’s Bar, home of the famed New Year’s Eve celebration that has become world renowned.

On our return voyage we will relax on the uninhabited Sandy Cay, spend a day on Anegada’s white sand beaches and snorkeling some of the 18 miles of Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean and fourth largest on the planet, and then head back to St. Martin for a final evening in Grand-Case, the French food Mecca of the Caribbean.

If the Caribbean isn’t your cup of tea, Dream Yacht Charter also has over one thousand yachts sailing to more than fifty destinations around the globe, including the Bahamas, Asia, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Americas, and the Mediterranean.

While we will be too busy having a blast, or maybe just relaxing on the beach to report every twist and turn of the journey in real time, but will certainly be updating as often as possible right here and across all of our social media channels.

So be sure to follow all of the adventure along with us and look for the hashtag #YourDYC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Then check back here over the next few weeks for in-depth coverage after the trip.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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

Some Easy Packing Tips In 2018

From large backpacks bags to smaller duffels, every traveller needs a proper travel bag according to their need. So here are some of the helpful tips to pack like a pro… CONTINUE READING >> 

Be it a short trip or a long family vacation, packing is the pivotal aspect that needs proper planning to do it right. From large backpacks bags to smaller duffels, every traveller needs a proper travel bag according to their need. Many consider packing is a very difficult job. It needs patience as even if it is for a couple of days, one has to carry all the important stuff. And the problem is many ends up with either over packing or under packing.

So here are some of the helpful tips to pack like a pro.

Luggage Weight

This is one of the major guidelines that you must follow if you are travelling abroad or anywhere by flight. You cannot over pack other than the accepted weight for a cabin in the airway you fly. Make sure that the cabin bag is properly measured before you board the plane. Learn about the maximum luggage weight as per the airline’s policy for both international and domestic flights. If your luggage weighs exceeds the limit you will have to pay more which will increase your overall trip cost.

Create A Checklist

Never ignore the importance of packing checklist. It is always advisable to pack three days earlier before your departure. This will save you from last minute hassle. Craft a list for essential clothes, additional items, toiletries, dry foods, gadgets and so on. It is always a fruitful idea to pack early and list all the things you need to pack beforehand. Even if you have forgotten to pack something, you can always check your list and confirm that.

Give Your Time

Packing cannot be done hurriedly. If you rush with packing before your trip, you will fail to pack many important things. So the solution is to give time and pack with patience. Travellers tend to forget necessary items when they try to pack quickly. The trick is to sit and relax, read the checklist and then start working accordingly.

Layers Work

While you are travelling it is better to wear clothes in layers so that you can change your dress as and when as per climates. But more than this, layers work great when you pack that way. Packing in layers helps you to get more space in your cabin bag so that you can organise things neatly. But the best part is layered help the travel security agent to easily screen your items in the bag and you spend less time in the security line.

Roll Them

One of the widely accepted packing tips is to roll clothes. Folding takes more space and even creases your clothes. But with rolling you will find more space in your bag and can pack more in a tidy way. Tightly packed clothes in rolls will not wrinkle and will not shift from its place.

Packing before travelling is only a matter of time, knowledge and some useful tips. Once you get everything right, packing will get easier. Hope these above-mentioned tips will make your next travel packing smooth and fast. So stop making a fuss on packing and be a perfect pucker!

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

Top 10 Organised Travel Tips

Being well organised will avoid a raft of minor (and major) inconveniences which can mar your trip, as well as letting you get the most out of your money and your time… CONTINUE READING >> 

When planning travel there is a lot to think about: flights, accommodation, insurance, payments, and health and security – to name just a few!

Being well organised will avoid a raft of minor (and major) inconveniences which can mar your trip, as well as letting you get the most out of your money and your time.

If this sounds more like hard work ten a holiday, never fear: we have compiled a list of the top ten tips for an organised trip, to make everything go smoothly with as little stress as possible.

1. Set Up Flight Alerts

Although as a general rule flights will be cheaper the further you book them in advance, fares can go up or down. Set up fare alerts for the date and destination(s) you would like to travel to on sites such as Kayak or Skyscanner, and you will notified as soon as flight prices drop so you can immediately book your tickets.

2. Use Flight Booking Sites But Also Check Airlines’ Sites

Sites like Kayak, Skyscanner and Expedia are great for comparing fares across different airlines and finding the best deal. However, sometimes you miss out on features or services by booking via the site rather than directly with the airline, such as upgrading your luggage allowance while booking.

For this reason the best approach is to use multi-airline sites to find the best deal, but then go to the actual airline’s site to make your booking.

3. Buy Extra Luggage Allowance Online

The great thing about travel in 2018 is the range of budget airlines around offering some incredible bargains on fares, including international and intercontinental routes. However beware that many of these fares do not include any baggage allowance which will need to be purchased separately.

It is much cheaper to book extra luggage online in advance, rather than on check in. In some cases the prices to buy extra luggage are divided into three tiers: price available on booking, price when purchased online before or during online check in and price when purchased at the airport.

So be sure to check the luggage allowance included in your fare and buy any additional luggage you need well in advance.

This is also a good time to check about any rules for flying with an emotional support animal.

4. Book Luggage Storage In Advance

Storing suitcases is often necessary during a trip, for example while you explore for the day between checking out of your accommodation and moving on to your next destination, or while making the most of a stop-over on route to somewhere else.

Finding somewhere to securely store you luggage will mean you can make the most of this time and use the extra day to explore more of your destination. Save time and often money by booking your storage online in advance.

5. Investigate Vaccinations

No matter your destination, you should always check with your doctor to see if you will require vaccinations. There is nothing worse than ruining your trip by getting ill, and travel to certain parts of the world can expose to some serious illnesses! Even if you have had vaccinations for previous trips it is important to seek medical advice as most vaccines last only 2 to 5 years (which varies depending on the vaccine) so you may need a booster.

Be sure to consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip, as some vaccines require a series of injections and a certain amount of time to come into effect.

6. Check Your Mobile Roaming Plan

One sure fire way to blow out your holiday budget is by racking up a sky-high mobile phone bill through international roaming charges. Make sure you know how much your phone company will charge you for phone calls, texts and data, as well as if you need to do something in particular to turn on roaming. Beware that some companies charge you to receive text messages while overseas even if they don’t when you are at home.

Excessive data charges is often where people are tripped up: you may not even be realising that your phone is automatically downloading emails or performing updates until you are hit with steep data charges on your next bill. A good bet is to turn off data on your phone while you’re away and use wifi, which you will find at hotels and cafes everywhere, instead.

7. Inform Your Bank

Avoid having your ATM or credit card suddenly blocked due to unusual usage by making sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling, and let them know where you will be going and when. These days most banks will let you do this online through their online  banking system so it’s as easy as completing a simple form, which can save you a lot of hassle later.

8. Look Into Visas Before You Leave

Another important aspect to arrange before you go on any international trip are visas. Many countries have visa waiver programs particularly for citizens of the UK, the EU, Australia and the US, or a “visa on arrival” which simply means paying a small fee to customs and immigration after you land.

However, in other cases you must purchase a visa online before you leave and your airline will not allow you to board your plane without seeing proof of your visa. All visitors to the USA, for example, must apply for a ESTA “visa waiver” even if they are just transiting through the country and will not leaving the international terminal.

Be sure to check this in advance, and arrange and necessary visas: which can usually be done online, although sometimes you may need to go to the local Embassy. In either case, these often take a few days or more to process, so be sure to arrange this at least a week before you fly.

9. Check Other Entry Requirements

In other cases, you will not need a visa but customs and immigration will have specific requirements, so you should check this before flying and have everything prepared. The most common requirements are proof of onward travel (that is a plane booking or something else to show when you are leaving the country again), proof of vaccinations against certain diseases and sometimes even extra passport photos.

Make sure you have a copy of your return tickets on your phone – usually a screen shot of your booking is sufficient for customs officers and airlines. Also carry proof of your vaccinations with you – your doctor should give you a document for this.

10. Change or Take Out Local Currency At The Airport

You finally arrive at your destination – you’ve made it! You survived the long flight, got through customs, thankfully your bags arrived with you and you grab a taxi at the airport. Upon arriving at your accommodation the taxi asks to be paid and you suddenly realise you have no local currency!

In the past travellers went to the bank before heading off on a journey and changed money, along with picking up some travellers’ cheques. Luckily things are a lot easier these days. Almost every airport in the world will have a currency exchange station and ATMs, so be sure you use one of these before leaving the airport.

For more travel tips, you check out TravelDepartment.com.

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