Destination

September 22, 2018 by Jeremy

Comparing Vehicles for a Road Trip

America was made for the open road. In fact, quality interstate highways are one of the often overlooked advantages of the continental 48. These Eisenhower highways connect every corner of the continental United States with smooth, wide, well-kept pavement. The roads are suitable for just about every vehicle, so take advantage of the nice weather, jump in your favorite mode of transportation and hit the high-quality highways to see the beauty that is America.

Motorcycle Road Trip

Motorcycles allow you to see everything. You’re not unobstructed by windows, doors and other passengers. It’s just you, the fresh air and the natural beauty that surrounds you. This instantly makes riding a motorcycle one of the best ways to see the country.

The freedom of a motorcycle has its tradeoffs, mainly in the form of reduced safety. Even cheap motorcycle insurance costs more for an individual than a policy covering a sedan would, due to the increased risk of accidents occurring when riding one. There’s also the issue of reduced storage space, as well as the exposure to the elements.

Make sure to do a little homework before ripping your hog down the highway. Some states have helmet laws while others do not, so make sure to tote bring your DOT-approved helmet. You’ll also have to schedule plenty of breaks and keep a keen eye on the weather, as wet roads are especially dangerous for motorcycles.

Car Road Trip

You’ll have to decide right off the bat which is the best car for a road trip. Do you plan on going off road? You’ll need an SUV with four-wheel-drive. Are you driving clear across the country and need to save some money? An economy car will do just fine. Or are you loading up all your friends with plenty of gear? Perhaps you’ll need a station wagon? Whichever type of automobile you pick, it will likely be less thrilling than a motorcycle but also more safe and secure.

Ask around to see if your friends have the right vehicle, but you may be forced to rent a car for the trip. This will cost a bit of money, but don’t despair. You can make it a one-way road trip with a rental car. Drive the rental from one city to your destination to fly back home. Simply drop the rental car off at the airport. This allows you to see the country while saving time. You’ll be forced to make an out-and-back trip with a car you own.

Campervan or Motorhome

If used frequently, campervans and motorhomes can save you time and money in the long-run. After all, you just rock up to points of interest to sleep for the night. You don’t have to be hassled with pitching a tent or finding a hotel. While they seem intimidating at first-glance, driving a motorhome quickly becomes second-nature much like ordinary driving did when you were a teenager.

However, you should consider the cost of a motorhome. Class-A motorhome prices start at about $50,000 and go up into the millions, depending on all the bells and whistles attached. Furthermore. in order to get the most out of a motorhome or RV, regular maintenance must be undertaken.

The most beautiful parts of America are all connected by highway. Grab a friend or two, plan a route and hit the road for the trip of a lifetime. Just make sure to choose your mode of transportation wisely.

August 19, 2018 by Jeremy

5 Reasons Why Prague Should Be Your Next Weekend Break Destination

We are very blessed in Europe that we have so many wonderful cities within close proximity of each other, with cheap and regular transport links from around Europe. Over the years I have tried to go to as many of these classic European cities as possible, and one which I have returned to more than 4 times, is the Czech capital of Prague. There is so much to love about this city and so much to explore within its walls, in fact its fair to say that I generally find something new each time that I go. If you haven’t been to Prague yet, here are just 5 reasons why you need to make it the destination for your next weekend break.

History

For history lovers, Prague is a wonderful city to visit and explore with all of the trappings that a classic, and old European city should have. Here you will find the largest castle complex in the world, with over 70,000 square meters of castles, turrets and outhouses. Furthermore Prague was fortunate not to be heavily damaged after the two World Wars, which means that the majority of its historical architecture, plus gothic and baroque installations are still in place.

Nightlife

You can get a really good read of a city once the sun goes down, and in my view this is when Prague really comes to life. The nightlife Prague offers is very varied and suits just about every type of traveler. For example you could relax in the old town with a fine wine and watch the people passing by, you could go to see world-famous DJs in a number of lively nightclubs, or alternatively take tours throughout the city, which glows at night.

The Bridge

The Charles Bridge has been standing over the Vltava river now since 1402, it has survived the Thirty Years war and even floods, yet it still stands tall as one of Europe’s oldest bridges. This is without doubt the best place in the city to do so people watching, and on an evening the vendors come out selling local food and knick-knacks. Whether snapping a shot from afar, or standing on top of it, this is a truly iconic bridge which you mustn’t miss out on.

Cost

A huge draw to coming to Prague is the low cost of just about everything that you may wish to see and do, making it one of Europe’s cheapest cities. Whether you are buying food in a restaurant or beers in a bar, the cost will blow you away, and what is more, the quality is not diminished because often low price, service and the products are very good indeed.

Beer

This is the beer capital of the world and there is more of the fizzy stuff drunk here than anywhere else in Europe. Throughout the city there are several specialized beer bars, which offer hundreds of beers, both international and domestic, after all, it would be rude not to partake in tradition during your time here.

I could go on and on, but the best way to find out how great Prague is, will be to head there on your next break.

July 19, 2018 by Jeremy

The Best Place in Africa to See The Big 5

Most people take a trip to Africa for the main reason of going on a safari and seeing some of the world’s most coveted wildlife in their natural habitat. While there’s plenty more to see and do on this vast, beautiful continent, we cannot deny that the travel itinerary of most visitors, makes space for this specific adventure. Due to this being the case, we thought it’d be a good idea to list the places in Africa that are known for its dense population of wildlife so that your African trip is made easier, and you arrive informed. 

While most regions in Africa are protected, not all of them allow visitors and safari trips. Read our useful guide on the best places in Africa to see the big five – because if we’re honest, seeing the big five means you’ve pretty much experienced the African bush to the fullest! The Big five include: lion, leopard, African elephant, buffalo and rhino.

  1. Botswana

Botswana is incredibly rich in wildlife. There are many different areas of Botswana which offer travellers fantastic wildlife experiences; each of which offer different activities and even different types of wildlife species. National parks known for their lion and leopard sightings, include: Chobe National Park, Linyati River, Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. For elephant sightings, Chobe National Park is your best bet as this region is known to be home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. The Okavango Delta will also give you a great chance of spotting these majestic creatures. 

Rhino sightings are a little more rare, as rhino’s have become incredibly endangered due to poaching, which may make it a little more difficult for you; however, most of Botswana’s rhino’s have been relocated to northern Botswana in areas such as the Okavango Delta. Buffalo sightings are common, however, especially in areas such as Chobe, Kwando and Linyati rivers as well as the Okavango Delta.

2. South Africa

Source: Thanda Safari

South Africa is definitely one of the favourites when it comes to quality safari adventures and wildlife sightings that are not too far out, or difficult to access. The are even some big five game reserve accommodation options in the country which are ideal for those who want almost guaranteed sightings of the big five. Another reserve perfect for wildlife experiences is the Kruger National Park, located just outside of Johannesburg; however, it can become incredibly busy due to the vast number of tourists. Your best bet is visiting private game reserves which offer safari adventures, and these you can find scattered throughout South Africa.

3.  Kenya

Kenya is, of course, another ideal wildlife location. Home to one of Africa’s most famous national parks: the Masai Mara, which is also known for the great mammal migration, the country of Kenya sees thousands of tourists a year who are eager to encounter extraordinary, natural wonders. While one can marvel over the incredible sight of over 2 million mammals crossing the plains over certain months of the year; the Masai Mara also offers big five game viewing opportunities. It is a reserve that offers one a true African adventure, as well as many fantastic activities such as hot air ballooning over the plains. It’s a great place to not only spot the animals that make up the big five; but to fully experience the beauty of Africa. 

4. Tanzania

Tanzania is yet another African country rich in game. The best area for wildlife sightings is that of northern Tanzania, where you’ll find the Serengeti National Park. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, with it’s golden grasslands that shine in the African sun, but the park is also densely populated with the big five wildlife species as well as many more fascinating wildlife species. Visitors are also able to see the great mammal migration here in the Serengeti, as the mammals make their way to and from the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, according to the rainfall. 

5. Namibia

While Namibia is not usually popular with safaris and wildlife encounters, there is one reserve that’s known to be home to a wide range of species. This is Etosha National Park. It is situated in Northern Namibia and is home to the big five as well as many other wildlife species. It is a fantastic place to go on safari as it offers visitors an authentic African adventure, yet you are also in one of the most diverse countries, which offer unusual and extraordinary experiences such as dune hopping in Sossusvlei! 

July 9, 2018 by Jeremy

4 Reasons Why You Should Visiting Paris

One of the finest cities in the world, the City of Lights is a destination for the ages. Paris is a marvel of the western world, as well as one of the shining pillars of western culture, and is one of those places that absolutely has to be visited at least once. And with today’s fast and efficient transport, it’s never been easier to reach Paris. For example, there are many direct flight(s) Chicago Paris, as well as many, many more, so it’d be a shame to miss out on a visit of a lifetime.

Gorgeous Architecture

Paris has been around for a very long time, and its architecture is proof. Magnificent structures like palaces, bridges, museums are dotted all around the varied landscape of the city, each brick only adding to a grandiose beauty that can only witnessed in Paris. With places like the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Versailles – which are only the tip of the iceberg, as there are hundreds, if not thousands of gorgeous buildings – there’s beauty to be seen in every part of Paris big or small.

The Culture

Whenever someone thinks of Paris they think of glamour, elegance, or things like baguettes and fine wines. One of the biggest reasons why Paris is the world’s favorite travel destination is its culture. With such a long and varied history Paris’ culture is bound to be interesting, to say the least, but there’s something in how people conduct themselves, or how has Paris continuously managed to influence the world. It’s without a doubt one of the world’s culture capitals, and that can be easily witnessed by the sheer amount of Parisian art that’s made its way to the rest of the world.

Art

There are few other places in the world that have been as large an influence on the arts as Paris. No matter the type of art, it can be found in Paris. For centuries world-renowned artists have gathered in Paris and have made the city the most ideal place in the world for artists – from French writers like Moliere or Alexandre Dumas, to painters like Picasso who have moved to the city. And these are but a few of the many thousands that have created art that will be remembered for centuries to come, and the main thing that connects all of these artists is Paris. Their works can be found on display in the many artistic institutions all across the city, only adding to the city’s sense of magic.

Fashion

Paris has been on the forefront of Fashion practically since forever. It’s arguably the biggest fashion capital of the world, and many of the world’s most famous fashion brands have made Paris their home – Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and innumerable others have all either emerged from Paris, or have made it their home. And that’s been the case for centuries, ever since Parisian nobility became famous for their looks, appearances, and lavish parties.

In the past people used to struggle simply to enter Paris, but with today’s connectivity it has never been easier to visit this city. With direct lines, like for example a flight(s) Atlanta Paris, or many other cities all across the world, visiting one of the world’s most magnificent cities should be a priority.

June 15, 2018 by Jeremy

4 Creative Family Vacation Ideas

Just because a vacation is popular doesn’t mean it is the one for you. Also, it does not mean that it is the best one for your family. It largely depends on the age of your children, who, including grandparents, might be traveling with you, and the amount of both time and money you have to spend, and that’s before you try to fit all your travel gear into a suitcase.

The vacations you might enjoy also depend on the time of year you plan to take them, and the weather where you plan to go. Spring break can be a tough time to travel whether you plan to ski or to bask in the sun, as the weather in March can be quite unpredictable. If you want to have plenty to do inside as well, you may have to explore even more options.

This means that just searching sites like Expedia for the best family vacations. You need to know more about what you are looking for in the first place. Here are four creative family vacation ideas that you and your family will both love and can afford.

Get Active

We often think of vacation ideas as ones that are passive and restful, but if you have a family, these can also be extremely costly. Think of what it costs to bring two adults and two children to a baseball game, a movie, going to a theme park, or even just going to dinner somewhere special. And those activities don’t always lead to family bonding as much as being active.

Active vacations can include things like hiking, camping, rafting, ropes courses, zipline courses, cycling, fishing, and more. These tend to be the moments when you spend time together as a family, talking rather than sitting.

Often the best part about this kind of vacation can be where you go. National parks, spectacular mountains, even places in your state you do not often visit can be great spots to stay. If you are camping or doing other active pursuits, the money you save can even be used to travel abroad and explore these activities internationally with you children, broadening their perspectives.

Look at Packages

While sometimes it is cheaper to research separate deals for car rentals, lodging, and flights, often it is cheaper to book these things together, especially to popular destinations and resorts. The attraction you are visiting will often have deals with both airlines and hotels to get you there.

You can also search sites like Expedia and other travel sites for package deals. If you don’t want to do all that work yourself or simply don’t have the time look into having a travel agent book things for you. They will often have inside deals, and also insights on what to do and where the best places to stay are in an area.

Flights are always a tricky part of any vacation, but there are ways you can be more comfortable when flying economy class and having devices and entertainment for your kids when you are on the plane can keep your time in the air from being a nightmare.

Booking everything together will save you money if you plan ahead well. Which is the final key to packages. Book early, during the off season. Things will be cheaper and nearby attractions will not be sold out. If you do use book online with a travel website, they will also often have a lower price guarantee: if the prices drop between when you book and when you travel, you will get a refund of the difference.

Take the Beach Less Traveled

There is nothing like a beach vacation for your family. Nothing else quite stacks up for parents or kids, but if you are headed to a really popular beach destination, be prepared to pull out your wallet and empty your savings. This does not mean you cannot go to the beach, it means you get to be strategic about it. Visit beaches that are not as popular as the ones in Orange County, California or Miami. Instead, choose somewhere along the Oregon coast or between South Carolina and Florida on the east coast.

The right time of year, the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico can be very nice as well, like those in Alabama and Texas. The cost of hotels alone in these places can be half of what they are in major beach destinations, not to mention the reduced cost of food and other activities around the area.

Choosing the beach less traveled, especially if you can get a package deal, will pay off well for you in the long run in both your budget and family relaxation time.

Take in a Working Vacation

No, this does not mean to take your work with you on vacation. Instead, you can use your vacation time to do some good with your family. This can mean volunteering for environmental cleanup projects, going somewhere to help with disaster relief, or giving of your time and energy in other ways.

This also does not mean your entire vacation has to be spent working. There are plenty of great things you can do while you are in those locations that are fun as well as helpful to the community you are visiting. Visit local attractions and restaurants when you are not working and support the local economy.

Agencies who are doing work in those areas will often provide you free passes to those attractions, or even discounts as a thank you for your efforts. Lodging is also often inexpensive or even free. Not that these things should be your motive for doing good, but you can have a great vacation while teaching your kids about civic responsibility.

When planning a family vacation, it is often easy to get overwhelmed or run out of ideas. Use these four creative ideas to get you thinking about different ways to spend your family time off together. You can have a great time, stay in budget, and bond as a family in new and exciting ways.

What are your best creative family vacation ideas. Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

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