Best countries for solo travel

March 4, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Going on holiday by yourself can be a very unique experience, especially if you’re intentionally disconnecting from the urban world. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to find completely open areas you can roam through, which can really put a damper on your trip.

Hokkaidō, Japan

Hokkaidō has a huge amount of open space, ranging from natural scenery to protected national parks. Hiking and skiing are not only allowed, but encouraged in certain areas, and there’s nothing pressuring you to rush through your trip and see everything at once. The cities are free of the industrial atmosphere you’ll find in other areas of Japan, making them much nicer if you’re hoping to spend your holiday surrounded by nature.

Ireland

Ireland isn’t a flashy destination that everybody would choose, but there’s plenty of flat fields and historic castle ruins to explore. There’s plenty of pubs and cafés to relax in if you’re starting to get tired, and none of the terrain will be too difficult or dangerous to explore, so camping and cycling are incredibly easy to arrange!

Vietnam

Vietnam is great for solo travellers as it’s easy to explore during your stay. You might need to bring some extra sunscreen, since the weather is usually really good, but other than that you can just take it easy and relax!

Proper Vietnamese food is also quite hard to find in other countries, so it’s a good idea to try as much as possible while you’re there, just in case you never get another chance. Trying local food is also a great way to get to know the local culture.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik is full of elegant architecture and fresh water that can make your holiday special. You’ll get easy access to both the coast and the rolling hills closer inland, making it a great place to go for and explore.

Most local businesses are open all year round to accommodate tourists, so you won’t need to worry about limiting yourself if you do visit in off-peak months: you might even be able to avoid the crowds that way, but you’ll miss out on the famous Feast of St. Blaise and the Summer Festival.

Australia

Australia is an entire continent of open land and natural landmarks, all of which you can explore at your own pace and in your own way. You can even camp in the free land across the outback – if you compare campervan hire or tent purchase prices and get a good deal ahead of time, you could technically live on the outskirts of a city for less than the cost of a hotel room.

The country’s also known for being extremely friendly and accessible, both out in the wild and in the big cities, so you won’t ever be shunned for not knowing where to go or how to act. You can even team up with other tourists and travellers to catch a lift or rest in a hotel room together, but there’s nothing stopping you from going deep into the wilderness from a true solo experience.

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Less Known Amazing Facts About Bucharest

March 4, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

When people say Romania, what is the first thing that pops to mind? Is it Dracula’s castle in Transylvania maybe? Gypsy music? Tacky pop hits? Or Olympic gymnast medalists? Well, all these have certainly originated in Romania but there is more to this nation than meets the eye. For starters, the country’s capital is brimming with all sorts of peculiarities that will amaze even the most demanding of tourists. If you aren’t thoroughly acquainted with this city, here is our selection of less known yet equally amazing facts about Bucharest…

The nightlife hustle and bustle

This city is one of Eastern Europe’s busiest nightlife destinations that is teeming with hot and urban nightclubs, attracting swarms of young party-goers from all over the continent. The reasons why Bucharest has such a formidable party reputation are numerous. For starters, this entire country is incredibly affordable, with your average evening drinks ranging between 1-3 Euros. Restaurants and public transport are also budget-friendly so you won’t have to spend your time like a vagabond here. Additionally, lots of neon-lit nightclubs have a high-end audio-visual production, the crowd is gorgeous and vibrant, and should you need to cure a hangover like royalty, the Therme Spa treatment center, the largest in Eastern Europe, is available at your leisure.

Fast Internet connection

Millennials, rejoice! Bucharest uses the internet system that is really high quality. This is a huge contrast to the nation’s recent communist past, considering that Ceausescu’s iron fist rule literally closed off the entire nation from the world. Bucharest is ranked among the top 15 cities in the world with the fastest internet connection. And what’s the average download speed? A commendable 95Mbps!

Dental tourism

This medical practice combined with the benefits of travel has really put Bucharest on the map. Eastern Europe, in general, is known for this type of tourism because dental services are incredibly affordable yet on par with global service standards. People from literally all over the world are coming to this city in search of professional and budget-friendly dental treatment at a substantial discount rate. So not only will you have the time of your life in this city but you will also leave it with a brighter smile!

The title as Little Paris

While traveling through the wide tree-lined boulevards as well as narrow old town cobbled streets, you will notice that the city boasts peculiar architectural diversity. You will find buildings in almost every European style available, from Art Deco and Art Nouveau to brutalist monuments and preserved traditional housing. The city may not be the cleanest, due to owning one of the largest mass transit systems in Europe, but it has an urban charm that no other city can match. In some part, you can also feel the French cultural influence on the surrounding edifices, which is why some folks call Bucharest the Paris of the Balkans or Little Paris.

 

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg of Bucharest’s peculiarities. If you really want to delve deep and discover the city’s hidden gems, book a plane ticket and explore the unpredictable streets and turns for yourself. Bucharest never ceases to amaze those who have an adventurous spirit so what are you waiting for? It won’t cost you a fortune anyway and the payoff is huge!

 

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6 Cruises with An Active Twist

February 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

For active people searching for the perfect getaway, these 6 cruises are sure to get your juices flowing.

Colorado River Cruise

The Colorado River might not sound like the place for a massive boat to cruise down and it’s not, but it is a perfect river to cruise on many types of rafts. There’s all sizes of boats in there ranging from small inner tubes to large rafts with many people on it. If you wanted to check out Canon City, rafting is one of the hottest activities to do while you are there. Explore the multitude of raft types before you jump into the beautiful river. 

Antarctica Basecamp Itinerary

I’ll start with my favourite. Antarctica is an alien landscape where icebergs the size of small cities dwarf your ship. The Basecamp itinerary has a particular focus on activities. During the cruise you’ll camp out on the ice for one night, go sea kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking and much more. You’ll see plenty of penguins, seals and whales along the way. If you want, you can also choose to do the ‘Polar Plunge’ and jump into the icy waters from your boat – cold but epic!

Galapagos Dive Cruise

The Galapagos Islands really need no introduction. The unique wildlife and landscapes make this archipelago completely captivating. Nothing can really prepare you for the close wildlife encounters. On almost every cruise itinerary you’ll swim with seals, sea turtles, sharks and marine iguanas. Special dive-focused cruises give passengers the chance to dive each day and also take regular snorkelling trips. This is a very active trip and you’ll be exhausted in your bed each night – well worth it though.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

You can choose a standard cruise or expedition-style cruise in Alaska. Both have their pros and cons. But if you want to see bears, whales and eagles, you’re better off taking an expedition cruise. Amazing wildlife aside, Alaska is great for active people thanks to its numerous shore excursions. No matter which cruise ship you sail on, you’ll be given a plethora of options when ashore. You can choose anything from gold panning and white-water rafting, to dog sledding and glacier hiking! With so many choices in each port, Alaska cruises are perfect for both active families and couples.

Northwest Passage Cruise

Potentially one of the greatest expedition cruises on earth, the Northwest Passage is fabled among sailors. Because of thick ice, the passage has just recently opened up and can still only be traversed during August and September. Every day you’ll make shore landings to explore landscapes and local cultures. You’ll see polar bears and whales, meet native Inuit people and visit the remains of the lost Thule culture. Active people will relish the daily hikes and zodiac trips to explore new regions.

Carnival Cruises

I know Carnival do not offer expedition cruises, but they do offer a serious amount of active pursuits onboard their ships. If you’re looking for a cruise for the kids to enjoy then Carnival are an excellent option. Their ships are jam-packed with fun things like rock climbing, go-karting, surf pools, ice-rinks, and much more. Although you won’t leave the ship as often as you would an expedition cruise, with so many active options, the kids may not want to! They’re also well-priced and provide plenty of adult-focused entertainment also such as daily theatre shows and wine bars.

Amazon River Cruise

The Amazon is a mythical place of dangerous beasts, giant waterfalls and tales of discovery. The mightiest river on earth is a great option for active travellers who want to explore this region. In fact, taking a cruise is pretty much the only option people have of exploring deep into the region. Active people are best off taking a cruise in the dry season as you’ll take daily guided shore hikes to search for wildlife and learn more about the beautiful rainforest. In the wet season you’ll stay aboard the boat far more because the forest paths are all flooded. I seriously suggest taking a swim with the piranhas – most species don’t bite…   

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The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Fresno

January 31, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Whether you plan to visit or have just moved to Fresno and want to start exploring, California’s fifth largest city just behind San Francisco with a population of around 520,000, offers lots of options, but these are arguably the first you should check off your must-see and -do list.

 

Forestier Underground Gardens

 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Forestiere Underground Gardens offers a unique view of ancient Roman architecture along with a variety of trees, vines and shrubs, some of which are nearly a century old. Built over 40 years by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere, visitors walk through underground passages and rooms for a glimpse of the Mediterranean in the heart of California.

 

Fresno Art Museum

 

Established in 1940, this small but impressive museum offers a wide range of exhibits with works from nearly every culture and location around the world, from Peru and Mexico to the Punjab region of India. It also hosts artist talks, workshops and educational programs.

 

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

 

Popular with all ages, Fresno’s zoo is home to nearly 200 species of animals, about half of which are part of the Species Survival Plan that focuses on protecting and breeding rare creatures. Some of the highlights include the African Adventure in which visitors can view giraffes, elephants and cheetahs, a petting zoo and Stingray Bay which offers the chance to touch and feed stingrays.

 

Woodward Park

 

A wonderful place for a stroll, Woodward Park is a sanctuary in the city which hosts an authentic Japanese Garden with over 100 bonsai plants and a tea house, an expansive bird park, walking trail, picnic and activity areas.

 

Meux Home Museum

 

This museum sits inside a grand Victorian home which brings the history of Fresno to life. It’s worth a visit to see the exterior alone, but you’ll discover many treasures inside as well.

 

Kearney Mansion Museum

 

Another great way to explore Fresno’s history, the 1903 Kearny Mansion is one of Fresno’s most important historical sites, made up of two buildings, a main residence and adjoining servants’ quarters, built at the bequest of M. Theo Kearney, one of California’s agricultural pioneers, referred to as the “Raisin King.” The home still contains half of its original furnishings, including the wallpaper and art nouveau light fixtures, while replicas help to create the full picture of the period.

 

Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre

 

Enjoy dinner and a show at this long-time dinner theater, opened four decades ago featuring popular productions like Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music and Footloose, with an award-winning chef preparing an especially mouthwatering menu to go along with the entertainment.

 

The Historic Warnors Theatre

 

The historic Warnors Theatre opened its doors back in 1928. Known for its historic pipe organ installed the year it opened, it features a variety of musicals, children’s shows, movies and comedy performances.

 

Vineyard Farmers Market

 

This nearly 40-year-old market offers locally-grown fruits and vegetables on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, along with fresh, local honey and a wide range of treats from prepared food vendors, including lots of baked goods made from organic and/or locally-sourced ingredients.

 

Downtown Fresno

 

Just taking a walk through sunny downtown Fresno is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, with its historical buildings like the Bank of Italy Building and the Fresno Water Tower, along with impressive public art spread throughout.

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Enjoyable Cold Weather Attractions in Niagara Falls

January 31, 2019 by Leave a Comment

naiagara falls at night

Home to one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is a famously busy tourist destination throughout the summer months. With half of the iconic falls in upstate New York and the other half in Canada, the area receives its fair share of snow and cold temperatures throughout the winter. However, as any Niagara native can attest, the onset of winter doesn’t mean the area goes into hibernation. No matter the time of year, travelers are sure to find a wide range of fun-filled attractions when visiting Niagara Falls.

Winter Festival of Lights

No one visiting Niagara Falls during the winter months can afford to miss the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. A historic tradition dating back to the early 1900s, the Festival of Lights entails picturesque winter-themed lighting displays being placed all around the city. These displays grow more impressive by the year and ensure that anyone walking through key areas of Niagara Falls at nighttime is able to enjoy a fantastic show. The Festival of Lights lasts from November 3rd to January 31st, making it the perfect attraction for holiday travelers.  

Niagara Icewine Festival

Wine connoisseurs won’t want to miss out on the Niagara Icewine Festival. Lasting from January 11th to January 27th, the Icewine Festival provides attendees with a prime opportunity to sample an assortment of delicious wines from the Niagara region’s world-renowned wineries. Of course, this isn’t to say that this festival only caters to wine lovers. In addition to showcasing a bevy of fine wines, the Icewine Festival also provides guests with world-class local cuisine and quality entertainment. Couples looking for the perfect weekend excursion are sure to have a ball.  

Icebreakers Comedy Festival

Anyone looking to have their funny bone tickled should pay a visit to the Icebreakers Comedy Festival. Now entering its sixth year, this festival lasts from January 23rd to January 26th and is the largest comedy festival in the region. The organizers pride themselves on booking the hottest talent in Canada, so anyone who shows up can rest assured that they’re in for a good time. Additionally, since the Icebreakers Comedy Festival is considered part of the Niagara Icewine Festival, travelers who show up for one can easily attend the other.

Nightmares Fear Factory

Travelers who love a good scare will want to test their mettle at Nightmares Fear Factory. Regarded as one of the most frightening haunted houses in the world, Nightmares Fear Factory truly lives up to its reputation. Featuring a bone-chilling backstory and a plethora of intricate rooms to explore, this attraction will leave you screaming long after you’ve left. Over 155,000 visitors have been unable to make it all the way through without chickening out, so if you’re among the brave souls able to make it to the end, you’ll have earned your haunted house bona fides. Nightmares Fear Factory also offers convenient group discounts, making it the perfect attraction for large parties.    

Journey Behind the Falls

No Niagara Falls vacation is complete without an up-close look at the iconic falls. Although many boat tours take the winter off, Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round. One of Niagara’s most popular walking tours, Journey provides travelers with the chance to see the falls from behind and below. After visitors have descended 150 feet via an elevator, they can make their way through two portals located right behind the falls. Throughout this walking tour, guests will find an informative assortment of falls-related facts posted on the walls and have ample opportunities to appreciate the visual marvel that is Niagara Falls. At the end of the tour, guests are granted access to two observation decks located at the foot of the falls. However, during the winter months, the lower deck is often closed due to icy conditions.   

It’s easy to see why many travelers regard Niagara Falls as a warm weather destination. After all, it’s split between two areas that are known for famously frigid winters. However, unbeknownst to many wintertime vacationers, Niagara Falls is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. Whether you’re traveling solo, looking for a romantic getaway, or on the hunt for a fun-filled family destination, Niagara Falls has something for everyone. The next time you’re bitten by the wintertime travel bug, chart a course for Niagara.   

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What to do When Injured on Vacation

January 29, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Not that the holidays are over, and the Super Bowl is right around the corner it can only mean one thing – the dark days of winter are. For many people, this means planning a holiday in the sun, maybe to an amazing beach or just to some place where you don’t need to wear an extra 10 pounds of clothing just to go outside.

 

However, one thing that should be on every travelers’ mind is what to do when injured on vacation. While everyone would think of this, the reality is that even experienced travelers often fail to get the appropriate insurance when heading away from home. This can lead to further complications, both financial and emotional, and with that in mind here are some tips on how to handle such a situation.

 

Before we get started, you should always consider getting a travel insurance policy. Most are inexpensive, and the additional coverage will help to fill the gaps in your current insurance. In addition, many health insurance policies don’t travel across state lines, so having the extra protection could help you and your family in the long run.

 

Emergency Contacts

 

Again, this is something that everyone should have in order before they travel but most people don’t.  The good news is that this is an easy fix as all you need to do is put together a list of emergency contacts and then keep it on your phone – by the way, having a laminated list of the contacts in your wallet isn’t a bad idea either.

 

Along with having a list of emergency contacts, you should also think about sharing your itinerary with your contact. This way they know where you are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there.

 

Another thing you might want to do is have a master list of secondary contacts. This will include your insurance company, doctor, and maybe even a lawyer – especially one who specializes in personal injury law.  

 

According to Tony Seaton from the Law Offices of Seaton & Bates, PLLC, “most people just really want to get back to the life they had before their injuries and getting there is a process that requires access to proper medical care and financial resources that can help support you on that path”  As such, having the contact details of a lawyer you trust nearby will help to ensure if there is an emergency that you are getting the support you need.

 

Contingency Planning

 

Granted, there is only so much you can do but when it comes to an extended holiday, you should have a plan in place for what to do if something untoward happens.  This could be anything as mundane as losing your wallet – it happens – to having extra medicine with you in case you come down with a stomach bug or something along those lines.

 

In addition, you might want to bring along extra medicine if there is something critical that you need to manage.  This is especially true when traveling overseas as you might not have a good idea where to get refills, etc.

 

Beyond this, you may want to consider what medical facilities are available where you are traveling and even how you would get treatment if you were in a remote area.  While it might seem that this sort of preplanning is unnecessary, but you do need to consider that you are traveling to a location where you don’t know the doctors or other available services. As such it is better to know how to get the healthcare you need than to wait until the last minute.

 

Getting Home

 

We might take this for granted but in some cases getting home after being injured on vacation can be a massive logistical exercise.  This could be due to several factors, including your ability to travel and what medical support you need during your journey.

 

Unfortunately, this is often overlooked when people are trying to deal with an injury away from home. While this makes sense, at some point you will want to map out how you can get back to your friends and family.  

 

Depending on the nature of your injury, it might also mean that you won’t be in a condition to make the plans yourself. As such, a best practice is that you assign one of your contacts as the responsible party in case you are incapacitated.  Doing so will probably mean setting up a limited power of attorney and making sure your living will is in order.

 

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling for work or for pleasure, you will want to follow these best practices to make sure that you will be in looked after when faced with a medical emergency on vacation.

 

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It’s Important For Your Kids to Feel Safe on Winter Road Trips

January 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Winter road trips present a host of challenges. Of course, the weather can be a factor, considering where you’re driving, but there are so many other elements to consider as well. Especially when you’re traveling with your family and with your children, it’s important that everyone feels safe to have a smooth and seamless road trip.

 

Safety is one of the basic fundamental human needs, and children are especially affected by this need. Here are the main reasons why it’s important for your kids to feel safe on winter road trips.

 

Safety encourages rest

 

When kids feel truly safe, they are able to relax and rest. In the case of road trips, this means they’re able to sleep, or just relax to a level of calmness that keeps everyone happy. Especially when you are driving long distances, it’s necessary that kids find time to sleep – and this can only really happen if they are incredibly tired, as well as if they feel safe.

 

So, make some preparations to make sure that your kids feel safe and comfortable. Encourage them to bring along their favorite books and toys, bring some familiar snacks, play soothing and enjoyable music. Especially for the first hour or so in the car, creating an environment of safety and support is crucial. Bring travel-friendly pillows and blankets as well (or maybe their favorite pillow or stuffed animal), so your kids feel as safe and secure as possible.  

 

Safety encourages happiness

 

When you feel safe, you are then able to experience a broad range of other emotions, including happiness. The same applies to children. While road trips, especially road trips with children, are not typically an experience that we associate with happiness, there’s no reason why your winter road trip can’t be a happy one!

 

Take extra steps to find the joy in embarking on a road trip as a family. Practice mindfulness and be open to making memories along the way. Safety is your primary concern, but don’t forget about happiness. Plus, if you have young children and can teach them early on that road trips are fun and something to look forward to, then this will help create a long-term positive association.

 

Safety creates a calm environment

 

There are many things you can do ahead of time to make sure your road trip goes as smoothly and calmly as possible. For example, when you plan out your route, make sure you have at least one or two backup routes in case of inclement weather and road closures. This will help prevent last-minute frustrations that can then stress all car passengers.

 

Another important thing to do before hitting the road is to make sure your car has been recently serviced and is fully prepared for any environmental hazards that may come up as a result of your winter road trip. Make sure that your tire pressure is sound, and that tire treads are up to par for winter conditions. Quality vehicles will set up you up for the best safety conditions, but even they need to be serviced regularly.

 

You should also bring necessary supplies with you: This means bringing tire chains, windshield cleaners, and even packing an emergency road kit like this one recommended by AAA just in case. Wherever you happen to be traveling, be aware of all potential winter elements that you could encounter, and prepare accordingly.

 

Another thing that’s important to do is not over-pack the car. This can be tough on winter road trips, especially if you are bringing along ski equipment or other winter gear, but you need to find a balance of how much stuff is “too much stuff” in your car. When you over-pack, stored items can impede on passengers’ personal space, which creates an underlying sense of annoyance and frustrations that are likely to bubble over at some point. Prevent this from happening by packing strategically, and investing in a rooftop carrier is needed to transport all your winter items safely.

 

When children feel safe, they are able to function, flourish and grow at their highest capacity. Prioritize safety as a fundamental need in life, and especially any time that you are traveling with your kids.

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How to Use Walkie Talkies When You Travel

January 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

travel with kids

Walkie Talikes—or two-way radios, if you want to be “technical”—offer a variety of uses when traveling. While many regard these little beauties as relics from the 90s, walkie talkies actually still possess great relevance for today. 

1. Children 

Do you remember being a kid? You didn’t have a cell phone. Maybe your parents were strict. Maybe it wasn’t in the budget. Maybe mobiles didn’t even exist! But for whatever reason, if your family was using the internet, you had only 3 methods of communicating with your friends. 

There was: the fake telephone, A.K.A. two cans on a string; running to their front door; and of course your handy dandy walkie talkies. 

Now obviously many kids today have cell phones, but what happens when your family is hiking in the woods and little Timmy takes a wrong turn? 10 times out of 10 there will be no service. Why? Because your service is spotty? No. Because service ALWAYS disappears whenever you need it most. Remember Murphy’s Law. 

The invariable solution to this potential issue is the walkie talkie. Not only are these items battery powered, but their functionality is not relegated to clear skies or corporate efficiency. Since walkie talkies are their own little entity, you have much more control over how you stay in contact with your children while you’re traveling—whether they forget their phone, you’re in the woods, or the labyrinth of a resort is just so stinking huge. 

2. Abroad 

The second greatest use for walkie talkies while traveling is if you’re going abroad. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or lounging on the Japanese coastline, walkie talkies are the ideal way to avoid expensive roaming costs. 

Walkie talkies are an excellent way for you to stay in contact with your traveling partners. Keep in mind though, these little devices do not offer a way to stay in contact with authorities or other entities abroad. Walkies are best used in hiking or site seeing 

3. Road trips 

Lastly, walkie talkies are the perfect traveling companion for taking long-distance road trips with a caravan (or more than one car). Walkie Talkies provide a quick, easy access way to contact your traveling companions in the other car to coordinate directions, warn of accidents, ask questions, and of course, hold car-to-car competitions of the Alphabet game. Using walkie talkies also keeps you from fumbling with a touch screen on your phone while you’re driving. This promotes safety and security for you and your passengers. And of course, it sets a better example for your children. 


Walkie talkies offer a variety of influential ways to enhance your travel experience. While walkie talkies cannot replace cell phones entirely in their functionality, walkie talkies do provide several advantages to cell phones in short-range travel. The convenience of reliable service alone makes them the ideal addition to any travel pack. Ultimately, having walkie talkies in your travel arsenal provides you with safety, convenience and a fun way to stay in contact with your travel companions.

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