Month: February 2018

One of the best things in life is to experience the great outdoors with people you like, trust and hold near and dear. Away from the loud city life, and far beyond the tourist traps, camping out in the woods is quite liberating. You normally hear from people who have spent their fair share of time in the wilderness that you never look at the world the same again. This is approached with some scepticism until you’ve been in a place where there is no man-made light. You’re completely alone, surrounded by fresh air, sharing the world with other animals. For many, this is too much, a little too far from home comforts. So for those who want to take this adventure but have been putting it off because you feel like you would get lost quickly, going with friends helps. Camping should be a group experience, but like all ecosystems, you won’t manage to enjoy it unless you have things to help you manage.

Photo by Pixabay

Boots made for hiking

Whatever you do, don’t be a typical city slicker out in the woods. Together with those you’re going to go camping with, go buy yourselves some actually trekking boots. Your flat converses or vans are not going to do well in the mud, woods, and dirt paths for too long. Instead, everyone in the group should seek some good heavy duty hiking boots that are made to bear the brunt of the elements. The harshness of the cold, rain and frost is going to put a damper on the mood of the group in one way or another. The last thing you need is cold and numb toes early or late in the day. The materials used for these kinds of boots are tough and rugged, giving you some extra foot protection from bumps and scrapes.

Image credit pxhere

Lasting the trip

In normal everyday life, we don’t see food for what is truly is in the wild. It’s a morale booster, it not only fills and warms your body up but elevates moods and willingness. So when you’re going to go camping with a group of friends, take into account the need of everyone’s stomachs. Coolers have evolved like any other product. You have lightweight, strong containers that keep your food and drinks fresh for a long time. The RTIC coolers vs Yeti debate is almost two sides of the same coin. Both these products are able to store over 25 pounds of ice easily. They both pride themselves on being able to store over 30 cans of drinks each, again quite easily. Although their primary function may be to store drinks such as alcohol and water bottles, you can, of course, use them to store sandwiches, and other snacks that might otherwise melt near your campfire.

Braving the cold and sitting by the fire is so much more fun when you’re surrounded by your friends. Going camping for the first time isn’t as tough when you can rely on other people to work together and make it easier. However what limits people from making progress in the woods is usually the lack of proper equipment. Taking rugged boots made for hiking will allow your team to cross streams, climb rock formations and wade through mud much more effectively. At the end of the day, and good cold one is just what you need to relax, so pick the right kind of cooler for your group camping adventure.

Are you a globetrotter who doesn’t have the funds to stay in luxury hotels? Do you wish you could see more of the world without draining your savings or devoting your entire salary to travel? Many of us would love to spend more time discovering new countries and natural wonders, but often, our income doesn’t afford us the chance to spread our wings as far as we’d like. If you’re looking for cheaper ways to indulge wanderlust, why not consider camping on your next trip? Here are just some of the reasons you should go camping and some tips to help you prepare for your outdoor adventure.

Picture source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodeime/15989950903

Cost

Camping is one of the cheapest vacation options. You could save yourself a fortune if you decided to sleep in a tent or hire an RV rather than booking a hotel or an apartment. Cost is a barrier for many of us, but this doesn’t have to be the case if you’re willing to sacrifice a few creature comforts. You may not have access to en-suite facilities or a room service menu packed with tasty delights, but you’ll be able to travel a lot more extensively without going over budget. If you can’t bear the thought of going back to basics, you could always take a step up and embrace the increasingly trendy concept of glamping.

Experience

Camping may not be an ideal option for every kind of vacation, but if you’re keen to explore national parks, you’re embarking on a road trip, or you love the idea of sleeping under the stars with a soundtrack of rolling ocean waves, camping may be the perfect choice. There’s nothing quite like being huddled around a campfire and toasting marshmallows surrounded by your friends and family with the stars twinkling and the great outdoors for company.

Flexibility

A camping trip provides you with the option to experience different places and different types of vacation. If you don’t like the idea of being tied down to a single resort or hotel, camping offers much greater flexibility.

Image by https://pixabay.com/en/camping-travel-sunrise-adventure-2581242/

Prepping for your trip

Before you go camping, stock up on essentials such as sleeping bags, pillows, a tent, a camp stove and basic medical supplies. If there’s a large group of you, and you want to cater for all weather conditions, it’s also a good idea to check out portable gazebos. Depending on the location and the time of year, you may need waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Once you’ve chosen a location, research facilities, attractions and activities in the local area and draw up a rough itinerary.

Once you’ve packed, plan your route and stop off at a store to buy snacks, supplies for camp and plenty of bottled water.

Are you eager to see more of the world without breaking the bank? If you’re traveling on a budget, camping may be a great idea. Camping is cheap, it gives you unrivalled access to incredible scenery and landscapes, and it can provide you with amazing memories that will stay with you forever.

Now, there’s a lot to know and love about travelling the globe. Yet while there’s plenty of advice about where to go and what to do, there’s not as much about how you should act when you go home. Your friends and family will have missed you, and you’ll have missed them! But there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll have experiences that have changed you, and they haven’t. As such, it might take a little bit of time to reconnect with everyone. But it’s not impossible – just take our advice below.

Source: Pexels.com

Give Yourself Time

You’ll have just returned from your exciting adventures. You might have woken up in an exotic destination, and then in a few hours found yourself in familiar surroundings. Aside from potentially jet-lagged, your mind has been thrown about: you don’t know where you are! See your friends and family, sure, but don’t overdo it. You’ll feel much better about being home if you’ve had a shower, slept for a bit, and come to terms with the fact that your travelling has temporarily come to an end. In a day or two, you’ll be ready to reconnect with everyone!

Avoid Bragging

Have you ever been around a person who is pregnant or has just had a baby? It’s all they can talk about…and let’s be honest, it can get a bit annoying. They’re excited, but that doesn’t mean everyone can match their levels, even when they’re happy for them! It’s the same with travelling. You’ll have fresh memories of meeting people, doing cool things, and the rest. The people at home? They’ve just been going about their daily business. While it’s cool to share a story or two if it comes, make sure you’re not starting every sentence with “when we travelling in [super awesome place]” It’ll only create a barrier between you and your loved ones!

Getting Social

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’re back home. Instead of lamenting the fact that your travels have finished, get out there and have fun. It’s easier to reconnect with everyone if it looks like you’re having fun and are genuinely happy to be there. Book a table at a restaurant, or just go out for a night on the town. You’ll be able to focus on the here and now, and your stories will come out more naturally if everyone’s having a good time.

Your Own Trip

Or, how about taking another trip? Going away somewhere beautiful is the best way to beat those post-travel blues and to reconnect with friends and family! Choose somewhere that’s relaxed yet fun, like Sunny Birch Cottage, and you’ll be able to decompress from your travels and spend some quality time with your loved ones. It’s also easier to share your tales if you’re all having fun, rather than trying to sandwich them in during a family member’s regular workday.

Make it About Them

Finally, remember to ask about their lives! They’ve been doing cool things too. Make sure it’s not all about you, and you’ll be reconnected in no time.

Image Source

Daydreaming: you’re doing it right now. You know it and I know it. You’re sitting and thinking about that place again. The place with the softest sand you’ve ever felt and ocean air so plump with moisture that you can taste the salt on your lips. The cocktails, the seafood and the chance to snorkel in the clearest ocean ever – it’s the dream holiday. You had it once and you would do whatever you could to get back there again. The difference this time? You have to pay for it, and on a low income, that’s not easy. We all have times that are financially lean, but it’s those times that you need to find your way to saving for that dream. You learn to budget better and spend better when you do head out shopping. So, we’ve put together some ways that you can maximise the budget that you have to get the holiday that you want.

Image Source

Housing Costs. Most of the time it’s the costs of rent or a mortgage that seriously get in the way of your savings. Where you can, you should try and keep your housing budget to about a quarter of your monthly income. It’s not always easy, but if you can do that you will have enough each month to save cash. Always look for a house that you can afford rather than a house you desperately want; paying out more than you need to just to enjoy crown mouldings is not worth it.

Consolidate. Owing money to other people isn’t the nicest feeling, but using a service like https://debtconsolidation.co/, you can manage your payments by consolidating every payment into just one, you can spare some cash each month. It’s something you shouldn’t bury your head in the sand about, so make a plan and get it sorted – the faster you do, the better off you’ll be.

Plan Shopping. Whatever it is you have to buy, from groceries to housewares, you should plan it all down to the penny. Make a list, take out the cash for it and stick to the list as closely as you can. Try not to spend just for the sake of spending: that dream holiday is worth waiting to buy the shoes for.

Shop Smart. When you do need to buy new furniture to replace a broken piece, don’t go for finance options or brand-new ones. Before you do anything, check out the Facebook selling sites and the public sites like Gumtree or Craigslist. You can often find nearly new furniture for less than half the price you’d have paid new from the stores.

The Nitty Gritty. To avoid spending cash that you don’t want to spend, start cutting out buying lunches and coffee in the week. Invest in a thermos and bring your own coffee out with you. Pack a lunch for work and you’ll spend a fraction of the cost.

Saving up for that dream holiday is a possibility – you just have to get creative with your cash and be strict. You can do it: the sandy beaches are depending on you!

Escaping

Going on holiday can be expensive, and the price is something that commonly stops people from even going. Firstly you have to worry about how you’re going to get there, then the travel fees when you’re there, and finally your accommodation! Everyone has a different price range for this kind of thing, and some people might feel they have to miss out completely. On the other side of the spectrum, there are people out there with spare money on standby, just waiting for the best holiday experience for them. It’s all about what you know, as some information isn’t as easy to find as the promoted holiday packs!

Hotels

Hotels are an obvious escape plan, great for those looking for a relaxing holiday experience where they can indulge in the comfort and rely on a safe place to keep their belongings, like these courtyard calgary south rooms in Canada! The only downfall is the pricing. Yes, there are cheap hotels you can stay at, but you’re not getting the same comfort and luxuries as you would with a more expensive room; at which point, is it worth booking a hotel? If you’re looking to splash out a lot of cash on your holiday, then a hotel is a great choice for you!

Hostels

As a much cheaper alternative, staying at a hostel entails exactly what you think it would. It’s not luxury living standards, but it’s great if you’re looking for a quick and cheap place to stay for a night or two. Perfect for those who are looking to keep on the move without blowing all of their cash! It’s best you’re prepared for what kind of service you’re going to get because if you’re looking for privacy, you’re not going to get too much. That said, if you’re travelling alone, it’s a great place for you to meet other travellers!

Motels

Not quite the hotel life, but great if you’re looking for somewhere to stay when travelling places by car. You can expect your own privacy and room, as well as a safe place to keep your belongings. Generally a lot cheaper than a hotel, just don’t expect to get breakfast in bed!

(Source: Pexels)

Camping

Camping is can be great for you if you don’t mind “roughing it” for a night or two. If you stay at a campsite you can expect a number of commodities, such as a pool, toilets, showers and possibly even Wi-Fi. This option is great for both social and private travellers, as others tend to be pretty friendly in the campsite communities. The perfect choice for those who love the outdoors!

One of the biggest parts of your holiday is where you stay, and you want to make sure you’re not uncomfortable with it in any way. It can be hard to enjoy your holiday if you have trouble sleeping, or you’re left with aches and pains throughout the day. Not to mention your costs; you might not even be able to see your holiday over some of those price tags, so plan what’s best for you!

Been on a hiatus from the wide world around you? Haven’t had enough time to organize your vacation every year? Or maybe you just haven’t had the cash to adventure as much as you would like? Whatever’s causing your travel deficiency, there’s no doubt it’s not good for your health. So, here are a few cures well worth considering.

Pic by Free-Photos

A place of your own

You don’t necessarily have to go to far-flung destinations in order to get a sense of adventure in your life. Instead, start looking at the attractions closer to you. Of course, if you live in or near a big city like New York, San Diego, or Miami, you have hundreds of ways to fill a local staycation. But there are also things like National Parks, with easy-to-use online tools helping you find the nearest one. Even a few days in a nearby bed and breakfast, or a trip to a hotel that has a spa, can give you the peace and distance we all need from our everyday life when we need to recharge our batteries.

A time of your own

What if you want to go a little further afield, or if there’s that one city or location that’s just right for you? You could be spending a fortune on hotels and renting vacation homes. Services like Welk Timeshare offer prime vacation spots that can end up saving you over the years. What’s more, you get a guaranteed spot at a guaranteed time of year, so a lot of the chaos of organizing the vacation in the first place goes right out the window.

Pic by JESHOOTS

Wherever the wind takes you

If you don’t mind a little chaos and you are looking to make travel a lot more affordable, embracing a little unpredictability might be the best way of going about it. We are talking, of course, about getting vacations last minute. By hunting for deals closer to the time of arrival, you could be paying a lot less for the airline seats and the hotel rooms that otherwise go empty. Of course, you might not have as much choice in where exactly you end up, and you need to get prepared quickly but, to some people, that’s all part of the adventure.

Earn as you go

Perhaps you would like to spend more time traveling and less time at home but it’s your working life that doesn’t allow it? You can’t afford the time it would take to vacation or perhaps you have financial responsibilities you can’t get away from. It’s not for everyone, but you could try working while you travel as suggested by The Blonde Abroad. Running a travel blog, selling your photos, freelancing on a laptop, there are a lot of ways to make money on the road. Whether you get a full-time career or you simply make up some of the costs, it can be very freeing indeed.

Travel has enough genuine health benefits, from easing stress to fighting heart disease, that you could be missing out on a lifesaving habit. Hopefully, the tips above give you a few ideas on how to get back into it.

Pexels

If you’ve been looking at flights recently, you might have noticed one thing: all of the ones that are at reasonable times through the day are a lot more expensive than those that take off in the middle of the night and land early in the morning. This can be quite annoying if you are traveling on a shoestring budget, as you might only be able to take these so-called red-eye flights. Flying through the night can be exhausting, especially if you have to deal with jet lag in your destination.

Not sure you will be able to survive a red-eye flight? You can! Here are some expert tips that can get you through your first ever one.

Arrange Transport From The Destination Airport In Advance

One of the worst things about taking a red-eye is that you will arrive at your destination very tired and exhausted. That isn’t a good mix for when you are trying to find your way to your hotel or Airbnb! So, rather than struggling to understand a metro or bus map upon arrival, it’s a good idea to book  Atl car service in advance. That way, there will be someone waiting at the airport to pick you up and take you to where you want to go. You might even be able to have a quick nap in the car on the way!

Dress Appropriately For The Flight

There’s no getting around the fact that flights aren’t exactly the most comfortable places. So, you will be better off ignoring all of the latest trends and fashions and wearing items of clothing that you will feel comfortable in. That usually means you will need to wear tracksuit bottoms and a very loose T-shirt and sweater. It doesn’t matter that you don’t look like a fashionista – the main thing is that you won’t have to deal with any discomfort on the plane!

Pexels

Get Carry-On Items That Will Help You Sleep

Ideally, you need to try and get some shuteye on your red-eye! To try and make it easier to nod off, you will need to take some carry-on items that will help you sleep. For instance, an eye mask can help you sleep if it’s very bright inside the plane. Ear plugs can reduce any sounds or noises that might keep you awake. An inflatable pillow will also be useful and will ensure you don’t wake up with a sore neck!

Take Plenty Of Entertainment

Of course, it can be very difficult to get to sleep on a plane. Some of you will be able to get all your 40 winks, whereas others could really suffer. So, make sure you have some things like books, magazines, and card games in your carry-on luggage just in case you can’t sleep. All of this entertainment will help the flight go a lot quicker for you! If you’ve got some work to do, why not take your laptop so you can complete it on the plane?!

No more red eyes after a red-eye!