Must Have Travel Items

Choosing your travel accessories can be a challenge, even for those who travel regularly. With so many products to choose from, it’s hard to decide what’s necessary and what’s better off left at home. To keep your bags lighter and your trips more convenient, we’ve put together a list of 10 items that belong in everyone’s luggage:

1. Travel Converter

A travel converter allows the use of North American electronics overseas with charging conversion from 220V to 110V. For non-dual voltage items like your hairdryer, flat iron, laptop charger, etc., your travel converter is going to be a lifesaver. Many travel converters also feature commonly used overseas plug adaptors as well as USB ports, so no matter where you’re staying, you can still use your own products.

2. Theft Prevention Bags & Wallets

When you’re abroad, it’s wise to keep identity protection in mind. In 2012, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that financial loss due to identity theft in the United States alone totaled a staggering $25 billion. While identity theft can occur anywhere, traveling with credit cards, passports, ID’s and other personal items can put you at a higher risk. Tourists are an easy target, and it’s best to stay vigilant to avoid theft.

Travel bags have adapted to meet these security needs. Many include tough, cut-resistant straps, tamper proof zippers, and even material that blocks credit card and passport scanners to protect your information.

3. Travel Garment Steamer

Tight packing is inevitably going to lead to wrinkles in your clothes. Solve the problem with a travel-sized garment steamer, easier to use than an iron and without the worry of burning your fingers. Compact, light, and simple to use, travel garment steamers let you look your effortless best while you’re traveling.
[Read more…]

The Top Tours in NYC

hop on hop off

Traveling can be exhausting enough without having to do all of the planning to make sure every minute of your tour is perfectly prepared. A lot goes into creating a successful trip, and sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to the experts. Luckily, there are a lot of great tours in New York City that take the stress out of traveling and let you focus on the fun. Here are the top tours in NYC for travelers visiting the city!

Hop On / Hop Off Tours

New York City Hop-On / Hop-Off tours are the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. If you’re only visiting New York City for a limited amount of time, a sightseeing tour that allows you the flexibility to hop on and off as you please is the best way to make the most of your short time in the Big Apple. The biggest advantage of these guides are that they are led by a knowledgeable guide who provides a much-needed commentary while you explore the city free from crowds.

Food Tours

New York City is one of the top foodie destinations in the world for a reason. With a strong international culture, there are top eateries in this city representing cuisine from around the world. There really is something for everyone, and there are tours that take out the guessing when it comes to choosing the best place to eat. It doesn’t matter what kind of food you like to eat because you can choose anything from chocolate tours to Chinese food tours.

Street Art Tour

New York City is home to a lot of different street art, and you’d be surprised with the story behind it. While it is often overlooked, there is much to learn about the street murals and designs around the different neighborhoods. In recent years, street art tours have become increasingly popular as locals are sharing the unique history of this urban art. See the city in a different way with a street art tour!

Boat Tour

Sometimes the best way to see a city is from the outside. You can find great views of Manhattan by boat, and there are a number of tours available for all budgets and itineraries. For budget savvy travelers, the Staten Island Ferry is a free option which departs every half-hour and connects Manhattan and Staten Island. Sights include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more! Be sure to have your camera ready!

Pub Crawl

There’s a reason the Big Apple is known as the city that never sleeps! Much of NYC culture can be found in its local pubs and breweries, and there are a lot of tours and pub crawls which highlight the best nightlife spots in the city. Whether you want to take in the high life at the hottest night clubs or explore the local, dive bars, there are pub crawl options for everyone! You might even discover some hidden speakeasies or hidden gems in Hell’s Kitchen.

Top Tours in NYC

Planning a trip is stressful enough! Sometimes you just want to let someone else take the reins while ensuring you’re going to have a great time. Booking one of these top tours in NYC is an easy way to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to experiencing the best of the city. There are different tours for all budgets and styles of traveling, whether you prefer to take things slow or travel quickly with a big group. Make the most of your trip with a great tour!

A Visit to Catalina Island

It begins with a boat ride…

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a vacation destination and adventure start to finish. From the beautiful vistas to the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina is worthy of its hundred plus years as a travelers’ oasis. To get to the island you have two options, boat or helicopter. Most of the islands visitors go by way of ocean travel which takes a little over an hour.

There are two major towns on the island but Avalon is by far the most popular and iconic. Much of the island is undeveloped and now home to herds of bison, wild foxes, and deer. You can even catch sight of a bald eagle if you head out on one of the nature tours of the island.

JazzTrax Festival. Hearing live music where Hollywood stars of the Golden Age partied is a thrill. Or you can catch a movie downstairs in the art deco theatre. Taking a Casino Tour to learn the building’s history is a great way to get a look at everything as well.

Another adventure on Catalina Island is the underwater activities. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are a big draw.  One option to see the abundant sea life is to get in and get wet, but certain months of the year that is less enticing than others. If you want to get up close and personal while staying dry give the Glass Bottom Boat Tour a try. You can go out and give catching your dinner a try too. The island is known for its great fishing.

Even if you don’t reel anything in you won’t be short on seafood to enjoy. There are restaurants all over Avalon serving fresh fish and other delicacies. With so many options to chose from a Taste of Catalina Food Tour is a way to get started. Visit some Island hot spots on this guided tour which blends Island history, and I spy into a drinking game of Bingo.

The Catalina Island Museum is not to be missed. Learn the history of the island from the first people to live there, through the Spanish explorers, to the purchase of the land by the Wrigley Family. Sports fans will appreciate the ties to the Chicago Cubs who came out for spring training from 1921-1951. Not to mention the art at the museum. Their Chihuly Glass exhibit is stunning.

There are plenty of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to chose from for your stay. A couple days is perfect to see the island. Our ride back was at sunset and it could not have been a lovelier end to the trip. Overall we loved the island so much that we are planning another trip back to visit again and take part in even more of the activities offered there. My snorkel gear will be packed next time for sure!

Find out more about Catalina Island – Catalinachamber.com

4 Tips to planning a Greek holiday on a budget

Any serious traveler dreams of seeing the Greek islands. After all, who is not enticed with the blue and white aesthetic of the beautiful Santorini, or the cliff side beaches in Zakynthos? Most people think that you would need to prepare a lot of money just to enjoy a vacation getaway in this beautiful archipelago.

 

But that is far from the truth. While it will be more expensive than a vacation in your country, there is a way to travel to Greek while still on a budget. Check out some tips you can follow so that you can start planning a trip to Greece soon without having to break the bank.

 

  1. Book as early as possible – if you’re already experienced in traveling, especially abroad, then you know that the earlier you book your flight and accommodation, the better deal you can have. Especially if you plan to go there during the summer, the more expensive it will be. So start your search as early as now. Find good deals on accommodations. Look for travel blogs that give tips on places to stay other than the famous hotels in the area. You might be able to find affordable hostels and the like. If you plan to travel around the islands using a plane, you would also need to book early as they can be sold out if you wait until the last minute to buy.

 

  1. Get a package deal on your ferry tickets – a great way to save money on your travel expenses is to look for package deals. There are many companies that offer traveling from one island to the other using ferries, as many consider these the most economical way of transportation. There are companies offering a tour of five or even eight islands on just one ferry ticket! That’s a great deal and you also will not have a hard time planning your itinerary as you can just find out which islands you will go to and research on the best sights and activities to do there. Check out this  Greek multi-island hopping holidays with HostelBay Fast Ferry Pass to get a good package for your island hopping.

 

  1. Go there during the off-season – the great thing about Greece is that the beautiful Mediterranean weather makes it an ideal location throughout the whole year. So unless you can only travel during the summer, it would actually be a good idea to explore the islands during the off-season. Not only is it cheaper, you also won’t have to battle with both tourists and locals who are also on vacation. It might get too crowded in some tourist sites which might make it less enjoyable for you.

 

  1. Eat like the locals – Greece for sure has a lot to offer when it comes to local cuisine and delicacies. You might be tempted to try some famous restaurants in the area based on reviews you’ve seen online, but you might find the price may be too steep for your budget. Try to befriend the locals and ask them for suggestions on where you can eat. If the locals go there, whether it’s just a street food stall or a hole in the wall restaurant, you can be sure that you will enjoy the food.

Packing Tips for Ladies Who are Planning a Luxurious Getaway

When you’ve booked premium vacation rentals in an exotic place, you will need to pack accordingly. After all, you’re not off to a safari adventure, nor are you going to Europe flitting from museum to museum. You’re also not backpacking your way to a rundown beach. You’re off to a luxury holiday and you need to make sure you bring your glam stuff with you to make the most out of your stay.  

For the ladies, here are some tips that can help you decide what to pack for your vacation:

  1. Forget the labels and prioritize the fit. Just because you’re on a premium vacation doesn’t mean all your clothes need to feature snobby labels. The point is to relax, so you need decent-looking clothes that fit you nicely.
  2. Stick to the classics for your wardrobe. Fashion trends can be a finicky issue and what’s cool where you come from may not be considered stylish where you’re going. You will also obviously want to take pictures, and you don’t want to wear something that can looks foolish in just a few years, like 1980s shoulder pads.

So what this basically means is that you may want to go mainly with sheath dresses when you want to go out of your rented villa to have a fun night in town. Dresses are great because they’re very versatile, and you can adhere to any sort of dress code using the right accessories. For more casual occasions, you will just need nicely fitting tops.

 

  • Black is always a safe choice. It’s no coincidence that all ladies need a little black dress in their closet. For a premium vacation, you need at least one in your travel bag too. You won’t look out of place wherever you go, and it’s a classic style that will never go out of fashion. Black seems like a much dressier option, so it’s more suitable for luxury vacations.

 

Pair even just a basic cotton dress with heels, and you’re ready for a fancy restaurant in the evening. Put on some simple ballet flats with it, and you’ll just look chic exploring the town during the day.

 

  • Don’t forget your accessories. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Despite the improved security in rented villas, you’re still travelling to another city and you don’t want to lose something you value too highly.

 

You do need to plan for your activities. Swimsuits will of course be mandatory, since most luxury villas have pools and beach vacations are always nice. But you’ll need cool sunglasses and a floppy hat if you’re planning to stay a few hours on the beach. In fact, just bring great sunglasses especially if you’re staying somewhere tropical. They also tend to compliment your outfits. Scarves are also a good idea for nighttime strolling, when the temperatures become cooler.

  1. Consider the right footwear. Since you’re going on a premium vacation, you may as well bring along your footwear with the highest quality. But it’s still a vacation, so you should make sure your heels are comfy. Stick to neutral colors for your shoes so they’ll match any outfit you wear.

Of course, if it’s a vacation you can’t wear heels all the time. That’s hardly relaxing. Try to bring along leather ballet flats and dressy flat sandals. Not only will they keep your feet comfy when you need a timeout from heels, but they also look great whether you’re wearing a dress or a pair of trousers.

The real key to proper packing is to make sure you dress up for your plans. Consult your schedule, and then make sure you have a planned outfit for each activity you’re hoping to do. When you know what you’re going to wear for what you plan to do, the more you will relax on your vacation.

Visiting Niagara on a Budget

Most people think that visiting the more popular tourist sites like Niagara is prohibitively expensive for those on a tight budget. In reality, it is still possible to do it and have a good time. You just need to follow some of my tips and tricks below.

Choose your accommodation wisely

One of the biggest expenses you will face is your accommodation. If you want to, you can treat yourself to a single night in one of the big hotels like the Niagarafalls Marriott. Offpeak, they offer surprisingly affordable rooms and regularly have special offers. So, it is always worth checking what is available. That way you will not end up spending the same amount of money to stay in a hotel further away and can still enjoy a taste of luxury. If you are planning to stay in the area for longer you can always move hotels and stay somewhere cheaper.

Take the more affordable tours

There are numerous ways to see the falls. If you want you can just enjoy them from afar. You can get panoramic views from several viewing platforms and towers. The entrance fee for all of them is not high. You can see them for free by following the hiking trail near the edge of the falls.

However, ideally, you want to get close to the action. Doing this is the only way you can truly experience the power for the waterfalls and provide you with an unforgettable experience.

You can get on a boat trip that takes you to the base of the falls. However, a cheaper way to do it is to join the Cave of the Winds tour. It costs less than $10. You take an elevator through the cliff face and walk along a wooden walkway at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. It really is breathtaking, but be prepared to get wet. A free plastic parka and sandals are provided. If you are planning to take other tours or trips near the edge of the falls hang onto those because you are going to need them.

Pack a lunch

As with all tourist destinations, food in the immediate area of the falls can be expensive. It is therefore usually better to pack a light lunch. If you prefer to eat out just check out the buses and take one to a nearby town that has some cafes or restaurants with good reviews. These little trips allow you to see more of the area that way.

Enjoy some of the free activities

The Falls are set in a natural park, which you can hike through. This activity is fun, interesting and best of all free. If you like free attractions, this article lists some of the best ones.

Buy tickets in advance

If there are other things you would like to do while in the area, for example, visit the butterfly park you can often save money by booking in advance. Lots of attractions regularly post offers online and you can sometimes get your hands on vouchers. Generally speaking, buying a pass is the best way to enjoy several attractions for a discounted price.

 

Lombok, a surfers’ paradise

If you are one of the types that want to live something away more different from the well-known and bustling resorts of Indonesia, Lombok, on the east of the island, is a virgin place o and not as touristy yet equally impressive. Tourism has penetrated less threateningly, but this has its negatives, as visitors often feel invaded in a place that is perhaps unwanted or indifferent. Something to change soon, since these travelers who have already visited Mali start for “fresh lands”. This, in addition for the island’s main reason for visiting as a weddings in Bali destination and coupled with recent luxury hotel facilities, means that soon the island will cease to be the “hidden treasure” of Indonesia.
Exploring Lombok

With a variety of beautiful beaches, a larger volcano and a larger variety of scenery make it significantly different. Lombok is divided into three countries with three capitals. Mataram, to the west, which is also its largest city and the capital of Lombok, Praya in the center and Selong in the eastern part of the island.

The culture of the west side of the island is still heavily influenced by Bali. The eastern side is the base of the native Sakas, mainly Muslims. Although the cities are separated, Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta are actually becoming one, in Lombok’s “city”.Mataram, to the west, which are also its major city and the capital of Lombok, Praya in the center and Selong in the eastern part of the island.

The culture of the west side of the island is still heavily influenced by Bali. The eastern side is the home of the native Sakas, mainly Muslims. Although formally separate cities, Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta are actually becoming one, in Lombok’s “city”. Mataram is the largest city, Cakranegara is the old royal city and Sweta is the transport center and largest market on the island and Ampenan on the west, sometimes the main harbor, is now a point where one can find cheap accommodation and food.

At Mataram there are several local souvenirs, markets .You can also buy handmade sarongs made with hand-made and foot-operated looms as if nothing has changed. The Mayura Royal Palace is a lovely place for relaxation. The large artificial lake with the open gazebo in the center is connected to the coast with an elevated path. Statues and fountains decorate the park that surrounds it. Pula Meru, the largest Balinese temple, is located just opposite the palace. As in any mall, Lobok’s outdoor market is filled with people, locals and tourists, discovering small hidden treasures from spices and herbs to folk art and antiques.

Lombok’s most touristic area is Senggigi Beach. The route is full of steep turns, hills and stunning coastal views. The view is amazing but swimming is forbidden. At Sengiggi there are many restaurants, bars and discos, souvenir shops and all-inclusive accommodation.

The first acquaintance with the island is through the exploration of the island’s volcano. Gunung Rinjani is Lombok’s tallest mountain and active volcano and the third largest volcano in all of Indonesia, a popular destination for those who love hiking and locals flocking to hot springs in the northeast side of the caldera, in an effort to take advantage of Lopocti’s excellent healing properties. The holy Segara Anakan Lake is located lower than the crater’s periphery. Daily trips are organized at the foot of Mount Rinjani and the beautiful mountain village of Tetebatu, another area chosen for trekking in the volcano. The compass leads to the southern part of the island and Sukarara, a place with unusual houses made of local stone. It is located in an area with many rice fields, filled with small villages with wooden houses and almost every house has an old wooden loom. Most of the materials are built in houses in the surrounding villages and there is so much variety. The bazaar is a pleasant process. Dine with the locals, have a cup of coffee or try boiling sweet potato and relax.

Lombok beaches are quieter than those of Bali. Kuta beach in Lombok is a resort that the surfists prefer. Apart from the main tourist season in August, you will find peace and relaxation. A beautiful white sandy beach, blue sea and verdant hills to surround it, make up the scenery, which is considered the most idyllic.

The Pantai Segar is about 10 minutes on the east of Kuta and if you climb on the huge rock you will thank God for these spectacular views, especially when the sun rises. Gerupak is also a beach which is the ultimate destination for surfing and fishing. A beautiful sandy beach,Selong Blanak Bay, offers surfing, along with the beaches of Mawan, Tampa and Mawi. There are many good waves in the coral reefs of the island, many hidden secrets left and right from the beach Kuta, and east of Tanjung Aan. The local fishermen will take you with only a few rupees to take you there.

As for scuba diving, the Gilis Islands always come first. There are several instructors that can guide you with the necessary equipment. You can spend the night in bungalows, Gili Air has the largest population of locals and offers the possibility of greater contact with the inhabitants’ culture, which is absent from the other islands.

The best time to visit Lombok is the drought period, from June to October. On the other hand, the rainy season, from October to May, is warmer and, of course, wetter, but the landscape is green and surely more beautiful.

5 Tips to selecting the best dashboard camera for a long distance road trip

Are you planning a long distance road trip in the near future? Any travel entails a lot of planning to make sure that it would be enjoyed by everyone going. One of the most important aspects of the road trip is, of course, the transportation.

 

Aside from making your transportation is well-maintained, it is also a good idea to make sure that it has a dashboard camera. Years ago, dashboard cameras were considered just a luxury for many car owners. But nowadays, more and more people have installed dashboard cameras in their automobiles. Not only can they help in insurance frauds, but sometimes you can capture some very interesting things on your dashboard camera.

 

If you have never purchased one and you don’t know which features are important, check out some tips below on what you need to in order to purchase the best dashboard camera for your long distance trip.

 

  1. Do your own research – there are so many dashboard cameras in the market today, and you might be swayed by advertising tactics into buying one that might be too expensive but you’ll find out later that you are not happy with your purchase. Make sure you do your research on what a dashcam can and cannot do and list down the features that you require on your own dashboard camera so that you will know what to look for once you begin your search.

 

  1. Ask for recommendations from friends – do you have any friends who already have a dash cam installed in their vehicles? If so, their first-hand suggestions would be best. You can be sure that they will be honest with their recommendations. You can even ask your friend to teach you how their own cameras work and demonstrate the different features so you can see first-hand how it functions.

 

  1. Read articles from magazines or newspapers – it would be impossible not to see any articles on magazines or maybe even newspapers about dashboard cameras. Go to your local library or bookstore and purchase magazines that are specifically tailored for car owners. You will be able to find some honest reviews by car enthusiasts about what dashboard cameras will work well for your need.

 

  1. Look through forums for suggestions – you can go to forums like Reddit and see if there are people who have recommended specific brands and models. Just make sure that whoever is posting is actually reliable as there are some who lie about their answers in the forum.

5. Go to review websites for more options – if you don’t want to buy a magazine just to look for an article about dashboard cameras, the good thing is that there are websites that put dashcam reviews to help consumers with what they can choose to purchase. These websites have reviewed hundreds of models and came up with what can be considered the best of the best list. You’ll be able to compare features and prices which will surely make your decision easier.