Archive for travel

Why exploring the world doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think

October 16, 2019 tips, travel No comments

If you ask someone why they haven’t tried exploring the world yet, one answer will usually prevail more than all others: “it’s too expensive”. And while that may be true if you want to take advantage of the full range of luxuries you can get for your travel and accommodation, it’s definitely far from the general case. In fact, it’s easier than ever to explore the world on a budget as long as you’re aware of the options that are available to you, and know how to use them to your full potential.

The Internet Has Changed Everything

The average person today has a lot more freedom to just pack up their things and start exploring the world compared to anyone in history. And much of that is owed to the internet and its tight integration into our lives. It’s easy to find good deals for pretty much any destination around the world. Companies like Porter Airlines cover a large number of places across the USA and Canada. From flights to Toronto, New York, and many other major destinations (and some not so major ones), you can get a pretty good deal without having to spend a lot of money. Porter Airlines in particular is a favorite among experienced travellers, as they tend to offer some great seasonal promotions.

The same applies to things like accommodation, eating out, and many other aspects of your trip. You no longer have to limit yourself to what your travel agent recommends, or risk falling into common tourist traps by exploring on your own. With a smartphone in your pocket, you have all the information about your local area that you may ever need right at your fingertips.

People Are More Open Than Ever

There’s also something to be said about the openness of people as a whole. You’ll find a very welcoming attitude from the locals in many parts of the world, even some that are not traditionally associated with major tourist destinations. It’s hard to say where exactly this is coming from. Perhaps it’s another consequence of the way the internet has brought everyone together, or perhaps people have always been that prone to goodness towards each other, and we’re just seeing that more clearly in recent years.

But in any case, you have lots of options that can help you bridge any gaps in your finances with the help of others. From couch surfing, to ride sharing and more, you can enjoy a lot of services that have been made possible through the pooling of communal resources. And even if you don’t have anything to contribute right now, don’t worry. That’s not the point.

Getting the Most Out of Each Place You Visit

Exploring the world isn’t just about checking locations off a list and moving on to the next one. You should try to maximise what you get out of each place you visit, as that’s the true point of going around the planet in the first place. To this end, you can get a lot out of your travels even if you’re on a smaller budget, as long as you make it a point to actually dig into each place you go through, and learn something new about it.

In fact, it might be beneficial to have limited funds when you’re starting out in your travels, because this can force you to take a more careful look around the places that you’re exploring, and to ensure that you’re truly getting everything that they have to offer.

Supplementing Your Income on a Longer Trip

Another great thing about travelling around the world today, compared to a couple of decades or so ago, is that you are no longer so heavily bound to your place of residence in terms of income. You live in the age of the digital nomad, and you should take full advantage of that. If you have any skills that can be sold online, you can turn this into a freelancing gig without too much effort. And with just a small laptop in your backpack, you can keep working on the go wherever you are, and supplement your trips with a nice stream of extra income.

In fact, some people have taken the aforementioned concept of the “digital nomad” to some extreme levels, operating entirely on the move, and never settling down. It might sound stressful to you, but some consider it a very liberating feeling to know that they can just pack up and move to a completely different location at any time, and their income situation won’t be affected in the slightest.

It’s a Skill Like any Other

Don’t feel down if your trips don’t turn out completely flawless the first few times. Travelling – especially on a global scale – is a skill, and you’ll need to take some time to polish it if you want to see good results consistently. Make sure that you learn something from each trip, even if it goes through smoothly. There is always something that you could have done better, and paying attention to those factors will make it a lot easier to organise even more complex trips for the future.

It Will Only Get Better

And the more you do this, the easier it will become. Not just because you’ll gain experience as we described above, but also because the world is constantly changing and moving even further in a direction of improvement. As we said earlier, it’s easier than ever to travel around the world on a more restricted budget and still get a lot out of the experience. And if you think that’s true now, just wait and see how things will evolve in the next decade. There are many reasons to believe that travelling is going to be one of the most heavily impacted sectors in the near future, and we’re already seeing the first signs of that progress on the horizon through the rise of services like Airbnb and Uber.

Always Have a List – But Keep It Flexible

Choosing where to go next can be part of the fun, but it can also be a daunting experience if you don’t approach it in an organised manner. Keep a list of places that you want to visit, and do your best to tick them off, but make sure that the list is as flexible as possible as well. Sometimes your plans aren’t going to come together exactly as you were hoping, and you may not be able to make your next target destination. Having alternatives is a good way to keep things fresh without breaking the bank in those cases.

The sooner you get started with this, the better. There is so much to gain from exploring the world, and we don’t mean pictures for Instagram either. The kinds of experiences you’ll have once you make this a regular part of your life will be truly eye-opening, and it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money to get them either. All you need is a planned, organised approach, and the patience to scout out the best deals on a regular basis. The rest comes down to gathering enough experience about the way the process works and putting it to good use.

Around the world in 80 hours to 80 days

May 31, 2019 tips, travel No comments

Round-the-world-trip done in 80 hours might not seem possible at first sight. I agree that 80 days sound more logical and doable. But I’ve read that you could travel around the world on a plane in 80 hours! I mean, if you followed almost the identical route as in the famous novel I’m refering to.

Around the world in eighty days might ring a bell, right? It is a well-known classic novel written by Jules Verne in 1873. The main protagonist of the novel Phileas Fogg leaves London to travel around the globe. He makes his way towards the East through Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Japan, the US and back to London. Phileas decided to prove that it was possible to be done in 80 days because he got into an argument at the Reform Club about it. As a nobel man of his word, he just wants to prove he is right. Yes, the whole trip started as a bet 🙂

Phileas’s original route covered an incredible 40,765 miles. Good news are that nowadays it would be necessary to cover between 27,788 miles (flying by plane) to maximum 31,925 miles (if traveling by car). It makes it 1/4 less of the original distance.

 

 

Yes, traveling is becoming faster and easier each year. Can you see the difference when it comes to distance and time traveled in the 19th century vs now almost 150 years later? If you want to travel more, there’s no excuses. It’s easier than ever, trust me.

 

I’d like to tell you more details so let me be clear.

There’s different kinds of transportations to travel around the world but in this research 4 of them were taken into consideration:

  1. boat
  2. car
  3. train
  4. plane

 

As you can guess, the fastest global expedition would be by plane but to follow the similar route as in the novel, you’d need to also take 3 trains. By plane it’s necessary to cover 27,788 miles and it could be really done in 80 hours!

On the other hand, traveling by boat would take you the longest. You would still manage to to complete a round-the-world trip from London in less than 80 days. Considering ideal weather for sailing, it would take you 72 days, to be exact.

 

The following interactive chart made by Betway will tell you more about different modes of transportations, length of routes etc.

 

Powered by Betway

 

What do you think about this? Would you rather take the fastest or the slowest route? What’s more important for you, time or the mode of transportation? Tell me in the comments.

3 cool things to do in Prague

January 23, 2019 Czech republic, Europe, tips, travel No comments
Prague attractions

One of the most visited European capitals is famous mostly for its Astronomical clock located on the Old Town Hall at Old Town Square. However, the so called Prazsky Orloj (as the Astronomical Clock is called in Czech) is NOT the only attraction in Prague you should visit. If you are paying a visit the capital of Czech republic, make sure to check out my list of other cool things to do in Prague.

 

3 cool things to do in Prague

 

1. Food tour

Cuisine is becoming one of the highlights for many tourists when visiting a new country. You’ve heard of food bloggers taking photos of each meal they see around them and of the meals they personally eat, too, right? Well, there’s a reason for that. Many people consider themselves to be foodies so tasting local meals is something they would prefer over exploring main touristy attractions. I’ve even heard of people who travel around the world just to try a different cuisine.

If you are into local cuisine, one of the best ways to indulge in it would be taking a food tour in Prague with a local. If that’s what you are looking for, then I can recommend you Withlocals website, where they offer not only food tours, but also drink tours (beer or wine). Although I personally don’t drink alcohol, many people praise Czech beer to the sky. If you don’t try it, you won’t know, right? You can always personalize the food or drink tour the way you want it, which is definitely an advantage.

 

food tour in Prague

food tour in Prague

 

2. Lennon wall

 

If you are like me and you appreciate quality street art, then you should know about John Lennon wall in Prague. It used to be just a normal wall until 1980’s when artists started painting John Lennon graffiti and parts of Beatles’ songs on it. Nowadays it’s a very colorful and powerful place which you can visit for free. It’s located just a few minutes from the well-known Charles Bridge.

It’s possible to find the wall in Google maps, so you will definitely be able to find it without problems.

Many people were against the wall during the Communist era and then the wall was painted over in white in 2014 for the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Thanfully, there’s been new graffiti added since then and the wall is now considered to be a Prague’s landmark. It’s a great place to take extraordinary photos.

My photos from there might convince you. I hired a professional photographer in Prague who also took me to the Lennon Wall to take yoga photos.

 

3. Boat trip

I am sure most people would not think of Prague as of a good destination to be seen by boat. But the Vltava river offers you a unique way of getting to know the city from a different perspective. There’s quite a few attractions situated along the river which you can observe from the boat: The Prague castle or the Charles Bridge being the most known out of them. There’s different kinds of tours to choose from, from 50 minutes up to 3 hours. Some of them even come up with lunch or dinner.

 

Prague attractions

Prague attractions

 

More useful tips:

 

Get a massage in Prague

Where to stay in Prague – my stay at Sheraton was lovely

What to see in Prague in winter

How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights to Mumbai and Delhi

March 28, 2018 tips, transport, travel No comments

What makes people look for business class tickets is the extra comfort and ease that they offer. But what happens when exactly the opposite happens? According to News.com.au, Thai Airways has announced plans to install seatbelt airbags in business class cabins on its new 787 Dreamliners. Although the move is good for flyers who may get nervous, it can turn out to be uncomfortable for people who are overweight because it will reduce the space in the seats. It is to avoid such situations that expert spend a lot of time in choosing the best cheap business class flights for their clients.

If you are looking to travel business class, you need to ensure that you book your tickets through an established agency that will help you get value for your money. They will not only help in choosing you the most suitable airline but also ensure that you get your tickets at the best possible rates.

 

Why is it Important to Find the Right Flight?

I am sure nobody wants to walk out off a plane greasy and tired, especially when one has to attend a business meeting or get to work immediately. So, when one is looking for first class flights to India, the need is to reach your destination feeling refreshed and comfortable. And this is where the services available in first class come in very useful. Spacious seats, amenity kits, good food and fine wine make the whole travel experience a relaxing and luxurious one, rather than those cramped seats and plastic cutlery you have to struggle with on economy class.

The next thing is to find the right flight at the right cost. But as we all know, first class or business tickets will cost more than economy class. Does this mean that people wanting comfort will always need to pay very high prices? The answer is No. One can actually find business class tickets at attractive rates by approaching the right agency. Established and experienced agencies can help their customers find the best deals even on Air India flights and flights operated by other renowned airlines.

 

How to Get Cheap Business Class Flight Tickets?

 

You can get cheap tickets by:

  • Planning your trips and making the bookings well in advance, when the demand has yet to rise and rates are reasonable.
  • Using an airline’s loyalty reward program to get the maximum possible discounts.
  • Checking for special offers and discount schemes offered by airlines.

 

Due to their regular association and interaction with various airlines, established agencies are generally the first ones to know about any special discounts or schemes. This first hand information enables them to ensure that their clients get the best possible rates. Another advantage of booking cheap flight tickets through an agency is that they are generally the first ones to know about any change in amenities or luxuries being offered by an airline.

 

TIP: Visiting Mumbai? Check my articles about India and places I visited in Maharashtra state around Mumbai 🙂

What to Do on a Trip of a Lifetime to Mexico

November 17, 2017 Mexico, North America, tips, travel No comments

Whether you’re planning a round-the-world trip or donning your backpack for the very first time, Mexico should be on your list of must-visit destinations. The country is famous for tequila, fantastic food, Mayan ruins, deserts, excellent hospitality and beautiful beaches. And everything is at a very affordable price including some of the best beachfront homes in Mexico. Some come to relax or honeymoon while others for the adventure or to practice their Spanish. Whatever the reason, Mexico won’t disappoint.

 

The Best Things to Do in Mexico

Planning a trip to Mexico is difficult because there are just so many things to do and new experience to have. The beaches are some of the best outside of the Caribbean and crystal clear water makes a perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can head to the resort areas of Los Cabos or Cancun for a relaxing vacation at an all-inclusive or find a vacation rental with a view. Or head along the coast to the smaller towns for a more local experience.

Next are the ruins. Mayan ruins are all around the country including pyramids, settlements and temples of which some have a very gruesome history. Check them out and learn about the unique culture that lived here and their practices of human sacrifice. Other awesome things to do include whale-watching, exploring some of the islands, heading into the desert and soaking up the atmosphere in the colonial towns.

 

Where are the Best Places to Visit?

 

Mexico is a huge country taking up about 20% of the landmass of the United States making a lot of ground to cover. The most popular destinations for those taking a holiday around the coastal areas are to places like Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Fewer take the time to visit some of the areas on the interior and miss out on colonial towns and ruins. Let’s look at some of the less explored parts of Mexico to visit.

Mexico City, in the Valle de Mexico or Valley of Mexico in the central part of the country, is the economic and cultural centre of the nation. Highlights include museums, both Aztec and Mayan ruins, colonial buildings along with beautiful gardens and public spaces. The shopping district is unlike any other in Mexico selling the very latest accessories and fashion. Despite the humongous size of the city, it’s not that difficult or overwhelming to visit as most attractions are clustered in three or four districts. And any negative reputation for safety isn’t as bad as you may think after the government began cracking down on crime.

 

Mexico City Palace of Fine Arts

Mexico City Palace of Fine Arts

 

Tulum shares a stretch of the Caribbean coast and has some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. Tourists often come to relax in the high-end resorts and spend a few days lounging on the beaches soaking up the sunshine. Head a little away from the town, and you’ll find an ancient Mayan city that once acted as an important port. The complex has a series of ruins with the main building, a castle, sat on the cliff. Head to the north of Tulum Beach and you’ll come across plenty of other ruins, including the ancient Mayan city of Coba. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also worth visiting on a day trip from Tulum.

 

Off the Beaten Path

Perhaps you want to visit the lesser-explored parts of Mexico. After all, it’s big enough, and if you know where you want to go, you’ll have an incredible experience with warm and friendly locals.

San Miguel de Allende is in the central highlands of Mexico and is one of the prettiest colonial towns in the country. Spanish baroque architecture dominates the facades, and an active arts scene makes San Miguel a cultural centre. Expect cobblestone streets with lots of churches, such as the neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the Templo de San Francisco church. Most visitors typically spend a few days in the pretty town for the architecture, culture and the cooler climate.

San Pancho, or sometimes referred to as San Francisco, is a seaside town on the central Pacific coast. Beaches are quiet and many of the visitors are yoga enthusiasts. Apart from joining a yoga class, you can also visit the Punta Monterrey inside the jungle or follow the trails to very secluded beaches. You won’t find as many tourists here giving you a more authentic Mexican experience.

 

How to Get Around Mexico

 

The fastest and easiest way is to fly. Domestic flights connect major cities and depart on regular schedules making it convenient to get from one side of the country to the other. Alternatively, if you want to get to the smaller towns, especially in the interior, you’ll need to use the chicken bus. A chicken bus is a minibus taking passengers around the country with fares costing very little. This is the preferred method for visitors who want to slow travel around Mexico or are on a budget. You can also use the ferry or boat services to get from one destination to the next along the coast.

 

The Ingredients for a Trip of a Lifetime

 

What makes Mexico so special as a travel destination is its diversity, culture and your ability to get off the beaten path at affordable prices. You’ll see beaches, Mayan ruins and colonial towns or replace your wardrobe in Mexico City while enjoying their delicious food on a daily basis.

 

Tulum ruins Mexico

Tulum ruins Mexico

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