Category: travel tips

backpack, travel tips

6 Things Every Backpacker Needs to Pack

Jessica Lippe

Image via Pixabay

Backpacking is easily one of the greatest and most fulfilling ways to travel; hitting the open road with the wind in your hair and all your worldly possessions for the trip in one bundle slung over your shoulder.

Of course, knowing you should actually put in your pack is pretty important, as it’ll be your lifeline for the duration of the trip, and you won’t have space to spare for all the usual luxuries of home life.

So, to get you started, here’s a checklist of some of the essentials that you should load up on before heading out.

Research and print out location reviews in advance

Although a big part of the pleasure of backpacking is that it allows you to be spontaneous and hit the road as and when you like, and in any direction, it’s still a good idea to have a sense of the areas you’ll be travelling through as well as a more in depth understanding of the big towns or sights you want to check off.

Many exploitative establishments exist in tourist-frequented areas, and rely on the fact that many visitors will be uninformed and so are likely to drop by.

Whether you’re researching something specific such as Lana Thai Villa 5 stars B&B, or something more general about the layout of a particular area, it’s a good idea to print your maps and reviews off and keep them with you as you travel. You can’t rely on your memory for everything, and wifi may not be too easy to come across at certain points along the way.

Pack your own medical supplies

Basic first aid equipment is an absolute must-have addition to your rucksack, as cuts, scrapes, motion sickness, and even food poisoning are all very real possibilities when you’re backpacking through a new country.

Most of the minor injuries and upsets you might experience can be dealt with quickly and easily with an antibacterial gel and an anti-inflammatory, but if you don’t have these basic medical supplies at hand you might find yourself coming down with a bad fever and having to try and navigate the local health system, or find the nearest open pharmacy that sells what you’re after.

Pack your first aid kit as if you were expecting to really need to use it, though, of course you hopefully won’t.

Bring a camera, not a phone, for photos

In the age of advanced camera phones, it can be tempting to try and go the minimalist route and just rely on your phone for all your basic photography needs as you’re hopping from one exciting new locale to the next.

The issue with that is, of course, that phone batteries run out much faster when you’re using them for photography, and you might actually need your phone in order to make an important call at some point during your adventures.

Add to that the fact that you might not always be around a convenient charging port, and the benefits of having a proper camera with you are pretty clear.

Keep some spare cash on you at all times

When you’re travelling light, as all backpackers are in the grand scheme of things, you’ll find yourself needing to pull out your wallet quite often to pay for things ranging from food, to transport, or even just the admission fees which are charged by different historical sites or at various cultural landmarks.

Depending on where you’re travelling to, it’s entirely likely you won’t be able to reach for your credit card every time an expense comes up, and ATMs can be few and far between, or prone to running out of money on certain days or at certain times.

Every backpacker should keep a decent amount of cash on them, plus a hidden bit of emergency cash in case of being pickpocketed or just needing extra funds for an emergency.

Keep an eye mask and earplugs within easy reach

As a backpacker, you can enjoy the luxury of travelling between idyllic mountain glades and bustling party capitals as the mood takes you. Of course, that means that you might not always be able to count on a quiet, dark environment to get a good night’s sleep in.

Sleep is important at the best of times, but especially when you’re out and about, experiencing new things and trying to get the most out of your trip, you don’t want to find yourself feeling like a zombie all day just because there was a bright street light outside your window in the hotel.

Something as straightforward as keeping an an eye mask and a pair of foam earplugs in your bag can allow you to shut the world out when you need to, and get the sleep you’ll need for another packed day.

Pack a notebook and start a travel journal

While a picture may be worth a thousand words, words are still one of the best ways of capturing the finer details of your experiences, and preserving them for years to come.

Packing a sturdy notepad and pen, and keeping a travel journal, is something that every backpacker should try at least once.

Not only does ending each day with a paragraph or two about your experiences help to store away the memories, it also gives you the perfect way of clearing your mind, collecting your thoughts, reflecting on your experiences, and preparing to meet the next day head on.

Don’t feel put off trying a travel journal if you’re not a natural with the written word. Think of it as something you’re doing strictly for yourself, as a way of deepening your appreciation of the trip.

Even if your notes are pretty vague, you’ll catch yourself smiling whenever you look back on them after the trip.

travel tips

Petventure: Furry Friends On Your Next Trip

Jessica Lippe

Black dog in red collar looking back at green hills and mountains

(Image Source)

For a lot of pet owners, the idea of going on holiday can be one which feels more like a fantasy than a reality. Unfortunately, having an animal in your life automatically brings with it some drawbacks. Each and every element of your trip will be different. So, to make sure it’s handled smoothly, this post is here to help you out. It will be exploring some of the key areas you’ll need to be organizing if you want your pet on your vacation.

The Medical Side: It makes sense that a country wouldn’t want the animals they have being made sick by a foreign disease they haven’t been exposed to before. Likewise, you probably don’t want your pet to get sick. So, to solve both of these issues, you’ll need to visit the vet before you can do anything else. Along with providing your pet with the vaccines, antibiotics, and other treatments they might need, this sort of professional can also give you loads of advice.

The Documents: As you get the medical side of your trip sorted out, you will be able to start considering the documents you’re going to have to take with you. Although it may seem like a gimmick, a lot of places will expect your pet to have some sort of passport with them. Along with this, you will also need to acquire any permits or licensing your location requires. This is very important when traveling with a pet, and could make or break your whole trip.

The Vacation Bookings: Of course, making sure your pet is healthy and has the right documents is only part of the job. Along with this, you’re also going to need to find somewhere to stay, and a lot of hotels won’t allow pets. Options like beach house rentals and apartment hires are usually the best place to start, as they often won’t expect the same as a normal travel agent. Places like this can be found at real bargains. So, to make sure you get the best deal, it will be worth doing some shopping around.

The Flights: Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the flights you’re going to be taking. Flying with an animal takes a lot of care, and you will want to make sure that you’re going with the right airline. To do this, it will be important to research to companies you have available, while also looking for other customer’s experiences with pets on their flights. Most airlines offer pet services, but some will be much better than others.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start thinking about the idea of a holiday with your furry friend. A lot of people find themselves struggling when they’re trying to book something like this. But, with the right effort, it should be nice and easy to find options which are designed for animals.

Books, film, travel tips

3 Important Travel Lessons We Learned from Harry Potter

Jessica Lippe

Image Credit

There are many reasons why the Harry Potter series has resonated so strongly with fans. Since the first book was published in 1997 who could have foreseen that it would spawn 6 sequels and become revivified by a series of blockbuster films, a sell out West End play and a major tourist attraction just outside of London? There’s no denying that Harry and his world are a cultural phenomenon… But why do we love it so much? Perhaps it’s because it presents us with a painfully accurate depiction of our adolescence, glossed over with a little fairy dust and early 20th century anachronisms? Maybe it’s because it riffs on myths and legends that are part of our unconscious pop culture psyche? Or perhaps it’s because the stories help us to become better people. There are some potent life lessons to be learned from the world of Harry Potter that intrepid wanderers can take with them on their travels, including…

People are not always what they seem

A lot of stories aimed at children deal in fairly two dimensional characters based on mythic archetypes. Hence, the good guys look like bad guys and the bad guys wear their villainy very much on their sleeve. When we travel, it’s all too tempting to be wary of new and unfamiliar people locales and customers, but the saga teaches us the value of taking a closer look. It shows us that when we scratch the surface, we can often find a person to be very different to their outward appearances. Take Scabbers, the cuddly little rat who is later revealed to be the treacherous Peter Pettigrew or the jittery and unassuming Professor Quirrell who turns out to have been osmosed by Voldemort. Of course, there’s no better embodiment of this than Professor Snape who, despite having been depicted as a sneering villain is revealed to have made a series of brave sacrifices to protect Harry out of love for his mother, Lilly. When so much is new and strange, a traveller can see monsters lurking in every corner, but a little understanding can reveal that things are rarely as scary as they appear.

Home isn’t necessarily where you grew up

Harry Potter spent his formative years in an unloving home where he was made to feel unwanted, unloved and like a huge inconvenience. Tragically, this is the reality that millions of real children experience around the world. These stories show them that things do get better and that in time they’ll find a place where they belong. Of course, this applies to adults, too! A big part of why many of us travel is to feel a sense of belonging that we just don’t get at home. A lot of people who put down roots after vacationing abroad just feel that sense of belonging when they find the right place, just like Harry did at Hogwarts. Take yourself to Viaja Compara Vuelo and find your next holiday destination.  You may just find your new home on your next vacation… Even if you don’t you’ll still have a great time.

Image by Flickr

Adventures are always better with friends

The mythology wouldn’t be half so compelling if Harry didn’t have Hermione and Ron at his side to share his adventures; to help him through the tough times and help him celebrate the good times. The same is true of travel. Whether you’re navigating the Canadian rockies or hugging Goofy at Disneyland, adventures are always better with friends.

The world is a big and sometimes scary place and having people you love and trust by your side can help you let go of your fear and trepidation and truly enjoy your travels!

Confession time: I have neither seen nor read a single Harry Potter book/movie in its entirety. So many thanks to my friends more knowledgeable in this subject who collabed on this post! I do enjoy traveling to new places through books and movies though. I took a virtual trip to Mexico by seeing Coco in theaters today. For adventurous book ideas,click here! 

travel tips

5 Vacation Activities You Should Try At Least Once!

Jessica Lippe

Life is all about trying new experiences and getting to know new people. You can’t have a fulfilling life, if you don’t live it in a fulfilling way. This means soaking up every opportunity and every chance you get to do something amazing, something different to the day to day mundane. Going on vacation is a luxury in life that many people never get to experience until adulthood, so when you do get to have the chance to get away, you should say a resounding ‘yes’ to every new experience that comes your way.

The most popular time of year for a vacation is whenever it happens to be warm, and no matter when you go – somewhere in the world will be warm at that point. If you want to go away and really enjoy your vacation, there are some activities you should make a point of seeking out and doing. Call it a vacation bucket list, if you must, but either way, we’ve got five activities that you absolutely have to tick off while you’re on your next sunshine break.

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Boat Trips. Whether you’re a boat owner who loves the water, or you’re hiring one for the day, you need to get on the ocean and experience the world at a different pace. Take a cooler and a picnic basket and find out where you can buy the best boat umbrellas. Wind-stable Finbrella purchases mean that you can take that boat to the ocean and spend the day out on the water. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once!

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Open Air Concerts. Going on vacation means trying something new, right? Well, make sure your head somewhere with an open-air concert on offer and dance the night away under a blanket of stars.

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Sunrise Yoga. Whether you’re on vacation or not, you should still keep up with your health and fitness. Counteract those dancing nights with cocktails and burgers with early morning sunrise yoga. Getting onto the beach when the sunrise peaks over the edge of the ocean, breathing in the clean air and getting in touch with yourself? Yep, that’s what vacations are about.

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Diving. Above the ocean level is endless blue sky and sunshine. Below? Below is the quiet tranquillity of the sea and all the marine life you could imagine. So, don your diving suit and get under the water for an experience that feels other-worldly.

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Taste The Rainbow. Whenever you are exploring somewhere new, you need to look at the food on offer. You’ll find far more exotic options on offer on vacation, so you need to get stuck in and try it all! That dish that looks like nothing you’ve ever seen before? Go and buy it. That weird coloured fruit? Take a bite. It’s all about the senses on vacation and you need to indulge yours.

Going away and trying new things gives you the chance to enjoy life from a different angle. That’s an angle you need to learn to enjoy!

 

PS– Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow US readers! How are you celebrating today?

destinations, travel tips

Beaches vs Skiing

Jessica Lippe

Both have their pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for. But whichever one you’re travelling to, you’re in for a good time. A lot of people head for the traditional beach holiday not knowing what they’re missing with a skiing holiday. Yet a lot of people head to the slopes for an action packed holiday, but don’t realize you can have just as much fun on a beach holiday. So which one wins? Is it a beach holiday or a skiing one? Both have their pros and cons depending on what you’re going there for. If you know you prefer one over the other, then let this article open your mind to new possibilities.

Pixabay

Skiing Holidays

Beach lovers listen up, you’re missing a trick if you don’t at least once head to the slopes and experience the thrill of a skiing holiday. Let’s first talk about the destination. There are some really stunning destinations all over the world where ski resorts lie, but if you head to Andorra, Andorra ski holidays will give you an experience like no other. The accommodation is luxurious and so is the location. Imagine yourself in a wooden lodge, the fires roaring away, the snow is trickling down outside, and you’re cuddled up with the fluffiest blanket in front of the fire, drinking hot chocolate after a day on the cold slopes. Does it sound perfect? We think it does! We keep saying skiing, but you can also try your hand at snowboarding if that takes your fancy more. As you head up the slopes there will be a number of different restaurants along the way if you decide you need a break. A lot of people chose to go up on the lifts and stop off at every restaurant along the way. When you do get to the slope you want to go down, the adrenaline rush you’ll have will be insane, plus it is just so much more fun than you realize!


Beach Holidays

Convincing an adrenaline junky to go on a relaxing beach holiday is hard, but we think we know how to do it. Sometimes in life you just need a little relaxation, which a beach holiday does give. But this isn’t all the offer. If you head to islands like Tenerife, you’ll have plenty of action packed things to do to keep you occupied. There’s the buggy experience up Mount Teide which sees you out all day racing round the winding mountain road, or there’s plenty of watersports on the beach to keep you occupied. If you get there and realize the relaxation life is for you, then there’s plenty of beautiful beaches where you can catch some rays. The nightlife in Tenerife is amazing, especially if you head to Playa De Las Americas. There’s tons of amazing restaurants. Some of the beach front hotels are stunning and offer incredible views to wake up to. Whether you head there and still want a bit of adrenaline, or realise you need to relaxation time, Tenerife has it all for you. 

travel tips

3 Common Mistakes Millennials Make When Traveling To Hot Countries

Jessica Lippe

When you go traveling, there are many things you take into consideration, one of which is the weather. Ideally, you want to go somewhere nice and hot, somewhere to relax and enjoy the great weather. I love going to hot countries, but they do require you to be a bit more prepared. Otherwise, you will end up with sun damaged skin for the rest of your life.

Throughout my travels I’ve come across a few common mistakes, we make when going to hot countries. Here are the three biggest, and why they need to be avoided:

Credit


Falling Asleep In The Sun

I’ve been on holiday in a hot country and walked along the beach where I’ve seen dozens of people falling asleep in the sun. They’re just lying there, with no shade covering them at all, having a little snooze. I don’t want to generalize, but it tends to be young people that have been out the night before and are trying to catch any rest they can find. While there’s nothing wrong with sunbathing, falling asleep is completely different. It means you can be in the sun for absolutely ages, resulting in some severe burns. It’s not uncommon for people to have second-degree burns from falling asleep in the searing hot sun all day long. Believe me, that’s a surefire way to completely ruin your trip and land you a few nights in a foreign hospital bed.

Forgetting Cream For Their Skin

Now, if you go on holiday and forget your sunscreen, then it shouldn’t matter too much as you can buy some abroad. However, it’s important that you remember other creams for your skin too. I’m talking about burn creams, aloe vera gel, aftersun – the stuff you apply when you’ve come in from sunbathing to look after your skin. If you look at Med Consumers burn ointment list, you’ll struggle to find a lot of these creams and gels in shops. The same can go for some types of aloe vera gel and after sun cream too. So, if you can’t find them in shops, you’ll have a hard time getting your hands on them while traveling. As such, you need to remember to pack them before you go, or else your skin may go unprotected during your entire trip. Also, remembering to bring the cream is only half of your task. You’ve got to remember to use them too, whenever you’ve been in the sun and come inside. Hopefully, you won’t need to use any burn cream, but bring it just in case you get some sore red patches.

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Not Drinking Enough Water

Hot weather doesn’t just cause sunburn, it can also cause sunstroke and dehydration. Being in the sun for hours a day will literally dry you out like a prune. Your body needs so much water to counter this and keep you healthy. Normally, you should drink around 2 litres of water per day, but you should add to this when you’re in a hot country. Heck, double it just to be safe! The more water you drink, the better. Don’t make the mistake of not carrying a big refillable bottle with you wherever you go.

Avoid these mistakes when you’re in a hot country, and your experience of the place will be a thousand times better.

PS- As a millenial traveler myself, I’ve struggled with my fair share of struggling in hot destinations. Another accompanying problem is sweat. Click here for tips on combatting perspiration! 

travel tips

Viva España

Jessica Lippe

https://www.pexels.com/photo/city-spain-dense-17658/

The world is full of such incredible and diverse cultures. There are so many hidden gems across all corners of the earth, but it’s safe to say that Europe has some of the most stunning of all. Like Spain. This sun-clad spot offers it all. From incredible weather to phenomenal food, there’s a lot to be said for visiting Spain. Housing 17 independent regions, Spain even comes with an eclectic mix of cultures within itself. And with so much on offer, it would be rude not to indulge in it all.

From the capital city of Madrid with its royal histories and cultural hotspots to the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona, with its hugely artistic influence, there’s so much to absorb when you travel through the country. Whether you’ve been to Spain before and you’re interested in seeing the best, or you’ve never been, and you need to know where to hit up first, here’s the ideal agenda for you.

Time Your Travel Well

Firstly, you’re going to want to time your travel well. There are lots of great times that you can go to Spain. But if you want to make sure that you can do or see certain things, you’re going to want to get your visit booked in to coincide with that. Maybe you want to soak up the summer? Then June to August is the time frame for you. If you want it to be a little cooler so you can take in some of the top attractions, then try April or May, or September or October.

Plan A Route

Next up, you need a plan. If you are looking to go to a range of different spots, you need to work out how to logistically get from A to B. And this can be quite tough. For this reason, you may want to work with a travel specialist that can point you in the right direction and make sure that you’re getting around in the most efficient manner.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/bay-beach-blue-calm-waters-458918/

Mix Up Your Experiences

As you’re planning that trip, you’re going to want to think about getting your experiences in. Because there’s so much culture on offer in Spain, you have to be sure to see it all. Whether it’s flamenco dancing or hitting up the museums, be sure to take in all things Spanish in a range of different ways. From the cities to the beaches to the countryside, each area can offer its own experience.

Always Choose A Central Spot

When you’re moving around a lot, you’re going to have to find a range of different accommodations. But pick wisely. When you’re looking into apartment in Spain options, be sure to choose somewhere central. That way, you can see all the places you want to from an easy to access hub.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-building-castle-city-17677/

Eat Rich

Spain is a foodie paradise. So while you’re taking in any of the 17 regions, be sure to sample some local fare. From a beach front paella cooked up in front of your eyes to a Spanish tortilla, there’s an array of foods you have to indulge in during your trip, if you really want to say you’ve experienced the best of Spain.

Go Off The Beaten Path

But don’t always feel attracted to the tourist spots. If you really want to make the most of your time in Spain, you need to experience life as the locals would. So stay in more secluded parts of the country, particularly in the north. It’s a different pace of life to the rather Anglicized south, which is half of its charm.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/beach-beachlife-blue-cave-307007/

Tick Off The Best Sights

Part of your planning is bound to be around some of the must-see sights. And Spain has plenty. It would be a shame to see the country and not visit the likes of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville. So while you’re pulling together an agenda to get excited about, be sure to include some of these incredible sights and your visit to Spain will be as good as it can be.

Take Your Time

Above all else, while you’re in town, be sure to take your time. Because there’s a lot to see and do, and the sights are incredibly unique. It’s tempting to document it all, but when you’re trying to do that, you’re not going to be actually enjoying it. So slow down and don’t rush through your trip. Just be sure to soak it all up and enjoy your own Viva España moment.

Me hiking Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain

Accommodations, travel tips

Choosing the Right Form of Accommodation for Each of Your Trips

Jessica Lippe

Every holiday or trip away from home is unique. You’ll be heading to different places and travelling for different purposes. In short, you’ll expect something different from each place that you visit. So you can’t expect one form of accommodation to cater to all of your needs regardless of the situation. It only makes sense that you should consider where you’re going to stay during each of your journeys before setting off and ensuring that you choose the option that best suits your needs at that given time. Here are a few different types of accommodation to consider next time you’re away from home.

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Hotels

Hotels are perhaps the most commonly used form of accommodation when people go on their travels. It’s not surprising. They’re comfortable, luxurious, and offer you pretty much anything and everything that you could possibly wish for as part of your vacation. They are ideal for those who want rest, relaxation and recuperation. If the weather is fine, you can take advantages of common features such as pools and sun loungers. Many also offer spas where you can receive massages, facials, and other treatments. Perhaps the best part? Large buffets or other forms of catering that keep your appetite satiated day and night. They may be relatively expensive, but they are great for a treat.

Hostels

Hostels are like budget versions of hotels. You may lack privacy, as you will likely have to share your room or dorm with other weary travellers, but you will have somewhere to rest your head for the night. This doesn’t sound ideal, but their low price makes up for what facilities and luxuries they lack. Hostels are the ideal form of accommodation for backpacking. You can save the money that you do have for food and activities, without having to resort to sleeping on the streets or forking out for lavish hotels. So, if you merely need somewhere to sleep, this is the option for you. You can simply get your head down, the set off on your new adventures the following day. Job done!

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Photo Credit

Corporate Housing

Many people will not have heard of this option before, but corporate housing is great for business trips or extended leisure trips where you want a home away from home. Decorated and furnished apartments are let out for short periods of time. They are often located in large cities, so provide the perfect option for those who are considering a city break. While you explore by day, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you have a comfortable home to return to at night with all the amenities and home comforts you could wish for.

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Tents

If you’re seeking an experience a little further out from the city and the wilderness calls, camping could be the best option for you. What do you camp in? A tent. However, things nowadays are a little more complicated when it comes to purchasing the right tent for your needs. Different styles are designed for different purposes, and prices can vary from low to extremely expensive. So work out how long you’re going to be out in the elements for and how severe weather conditions are likely to be. For even the shortest of trips, you’re going to want something that is watertight and water resistant. If you are going to be camping for a while, you will want something a little larger to avoid feeling cooped up or claustrophobic. At the same time, you want everything to be as lightweight as possible, as you’re going to have to carry it to and from your designated campsite. Tents, however, aren’t just for those looking to venture into the woods. They are also a must-have for festival-goers who are planning on seeing all of their favourite bands over an extended weekend.

Log Cabin

If you fancy heading out of the city and into the countryside, but fancy a little more comfort than the humble tent can provide, you may want to consider a more permanent fixture. A log cabin, to be precise. These give you a taste of the rural at the same time as guaranteeing your warmth and security. They are rustic, homely, and a great way for you to escape from the rush and hubbub of the inner city without having just a thin layer of material between you and the elements.

These are just a few different forms of accommodation that you might experience on your travels. Remember that there’s so much more out there than the standard hotel room. Broaden your experience and be adventurous!

destinations, seasonal, travel tips

6 Things To Do In Finland This Winter

Jessica Lippe

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Finland is the ultimate festive wonderland if you are looking for a place to get yourself ready for Christmas. During the winter months, Finland is covered in thick snow and has plenty of amazing places to visit, from national parks, to Santa’s home, to bustling cities filled with festive smells and sights.

So the question is, what to do in Finland in winter? Well, here are some great ideas for you…

1.Santa Claus Village

This village is underneath the Arctic Circle, and takes you away from the real world and into Santa’s. You’ll find yourself in the midst of everything festive as you bake with Mrs Claus, meet the man himself and even attend elf school. If you weren’t feeling festive before, you will be now.

2. Kemi

If you love the snow, then a visit to the village of Kemi will be just the thing for you. You’ll be able to make towering snowmen, have fun in the snow with your skis, or even go sledding with the kids. It’s like the ultimate snowy wonderland for you and your family.

3. Lapland

Santa lives in Lapland, and you will find no shortage of the festive spirit visiting the northernmost region of the country. Reindeer roam wild in the forests, and you will be able to ride and feed them too. At Santa’s grotto, you will be able to experience a magical sleigh ride and plenty of festive fun.

4. The Festival of St Lucia

For those of you who haven’t heard of this festival: it occurs every December 13th and celebrates the life of St Lucia. St Lucia was a Christian girl who became a martyr in 304. The festival celebrates her life with a girl wearing a crown of candles. Everyone parade through the streets and eats great food to celebrate the life of this young saint.

5. Christmas Markets, Helsinki

The Christmas markets are one of the most festive places to be in December. They happen all over Europe, but in Finland the most impressive is in the capital, Helsinki. In this city, an ice skating rink is open to the public throughout the winter, and snow covers the entire landscape. You’ll be able to walk around and smell various cheeses, meats and sweets cooking on the street; as well as warm your cockles with a mug of mulled wine. Walk around and do some Christmas shopping as you enjoy the full immersive festive experience.

6. Turku

If it is an old-fashioned, quirky village experience you are after, then Turku is the best place to visit at this time of the year. Turku is not only the former capital of Finland, but it is also the oldest city in the entire country. As you walk through the cobbled streets and thin alleyways, you’ll be able to visit tonnes of independent shop owners selling unique pieces and wears. The whole city becomes blanketed in snow during the colder months, so you’ll be able to fully experience walking through a winter wonderland. 

travel tips

 The Reasons You Need to Travel Asia Right Now

Jessica Lippe

Any avid traveler knows that the hardest thing to do is decide where to go. There are so many places to visit and what seems like so little time to do it in. Your two options are usually to take extended trips to get in a lot in one go, or to make shorter trips to take things in more slowly. If you decide on a big trip, it’s often something you do by continent – South America, or Europe, or Asia. But these big tours can also be broken down into great smaller journeys. Asia offers opportunities for both months traveling around and staying in one place. If you’re not sure whether Asia is right for you, here are some great reasons to go.

Source: Pixabay

It’s Often Cheap

For young travelers, being able to do it affordably is a must. Most don’t have a lot of money to spend, and even if they do, they want to use it wisely. There are some fantastic destinations across Asia where a little money will get you far. Of course, some places are more expensive than others. You might end up spending a lot more in a big city in Japan than in Thailand or India. But you can seek out the affordable places if you’re on a budget or plan your spending wisely in the slightly more expensive places.

There’s So Much to See and Do

Asia is hugely diverse – partly because it’s huge. Even within one country, such as India or Malaysia, you’ll discover different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and more. No matter what you like to do on your travels, you’ll find it somewhere in Asia. If you love nature, you might enjoy Indonesia. If you want to spend your time on the beach or partying, Thailand is often a top destination. If the city life is for you, try one of Japan’s bustling metropolises. You’ll find oodles of culture and new things to discover wherever you go.

Source: Wikimedia

Staying Long-term Can Be Possible

Often when you’re traveling, you’ll think “I wish I could stay”. The good news is that in many Asian countries, you often can. One good way to do this is to join a program to teach English, which you can find everywhere from China to Eurasian countries like Georgia. In some places, staying long-term can be a bit harder. Immigration Solutions in Singapore help out people who want to gain permanent residency in the country. It’s now more difficult than it used to be, so some people need help. But whether you want to stay a few months or forever in your new favorite Asian country, the options are there.

Source: Pixabay

It’s Practically a Traveler’s Rite of Passage

If you would describe yourself as a backpacker, you can’t miss out on traveling in Asia. More specifically, Southeast Asia is usually the destination of choice for enthusiastic backpackers. But you don’t want to miss out on other places, from Russia to Mongolia. There’s so much to see and so many bragging rights to be had.

Don’t miss out on an Asian adventure if you love to travel. You might even love it so much that you decide to live there.