My Travel Blog

For those of us who crave flexability and freedom on their vacations, we seem to have few options. It is common for the main stream, chain hotels to have all the deals. When you book your plane ticket, for example, you will have the option to bundle in hotel stay as well, at one of the major names. This provides tourists with a variety of choice, all the major hotels are battling it out to get their business, so the prices are competitive. This doesn’t mean, however, that we are out of options.

There are plenty of ways to vacation for less, and still retain the freedom and adventurous nature that we pride ourselves on. For example, there is always camping. These days campsites are furnished with all the luxuries of home, so we hardly feel as if we are “roughing it”. There is also the option of a self catering holiday, another great way to escape the impersonal and cold atmosphere of a hotel, and have some peace and quiet on your long deserved holiday. At this kind of accommodation, you will have all the facilities you need with an environment that suits your disposition.

While countries like Switzerland and Spain are well known for their architecture, and Venice and Paris draw tourists for their amazing streets and canals, travel experts warn travellers to steer away from underground subways.  Europe is typically a favourite destination for American travellers who go there for the culture and aesthetics of the old architecture but the beauty of this traditional favourite is lost as the subway takes them from the scenic beauty that brought them there to begin with.  Certainly a quick and economical way to get around whilst there, you will benefit from paying a little more to ride public buses.  Luxury travel is not exactly luxury if you are the victim of a crime.

Guidebook author and travel show host Rick Steves recommends trams, buses and ferries as a better way to experience the sounds of Europe and the sights of the cosmopolitan cities. Steves offers the idea of “it’s more about the journey than the destination, so staying above ground is not quicker.”  Unfortunately, tourists riding the trams and buses are prime target for pickpockets, so be aware of your surroundings and you will find the expense is worth the risk. He goes on to recommend the 69 bus route when in Paris and number 100 for Berlin as the best of public transit.

For people who are traveling for the first time, the prospect of going to a foreign land is enough to make adrenaline pump through their veins. Especially if they are going on adventure tours. Even worldly explorers with wanderlust still experience a frisson of excitement due to the idea of exploring a new country. However, if you are a neophyte traveler, you should not let excitement overtake you lest you forget that traveling requires practicality on your end.

Many travelers take for granted the fact that they would be on a long-haul flight. It is more practical (and comfortable) to wear clothes that are made from breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and be sure to bring a jacket with you as the airplane’s cabin can get quite chilly. Also, make sure that your shoes are easy to slip on and off. Many airports require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through security check. Save yourself from the hassle of having to undo buckles, straps, and other complicated fastening contraptions only to have to redo them a few minutes later.

Ever since terrorist attacks started to escalate, airport regulations have been considerably tightened to ensure better security. If you’re planning to bring some toiletries and other liquids or gels in your carry-on luggage or purse, take note that you are allowed to bring no more than 50mL (1.69 fluid oz.). Additionally, you are required to pack these items in a see-through plastic bag (such as a Ziploc bag).

You should also make sure to fill up an immigration arrival card prior to the plane’s landing in your destination. This way, once you disembark from the plane, you can fall in line right away at the immigration counter.

Apart from these tips, the most important to remember is to enjoy your traveling adventures! Don’t forget to take lots of pictures so that you can have a visual remembrance of your trip.

From vacation to family gathering to business, there are dozens of reasons why a person will go travelling every once in a while. It is not just a necessity, it is innate with most people. There is a need or even a passion burning in most people that push them to travel for some reason. If you are planning to go away on a trip, it doesn’t matter where, there are things that you should do in order to avoid any uncomfortable delays and hassles along the way.

Planning ahead of the trip is the most crucial part in trying to prevent any hassle while you are going to your destination. As they say, prevention is always better than the cure so be sure to take extra time and effort in the preplanning stages of your trip. You should always make a list of the things that you want and need to bring and pack them carefully in your bags with all the documents you may need during the trip such as passport, ticket and fare money easily accessible from your bag or hand carry. A day before your trip, it would also be advisable to confirm all bookings and reservations.

When packing your bags, be sure to pack some snacks if ever you find yourself in a situation without any food. Extra napkins, glasses, aspirin and other medication that you may need would also be very useful in case they may be needed. More importantly, remember to have fun because travelling is all about having a good time.