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Destination

January 3, 2020 by Jeremy

5 games to keep kids entertained while you travel

When I was a kid, long journeys were all about the games. At the first whimper of “Muuuum, I’m booooored” she would shoot right back at me with, “Let’s play a game then”. I spy, the number plate game and 20 questions were all firm favourites in the car when I was a child.

In the digital age, it’s all too easy to rely on technology to keep children entertained on long car, train or plane journeys. However, spending too long looking at a screen can make kids carsick or suffer from headaches or a sore neck. Plus, playing traditional car games is a great way to bond as a family during the journey so it’s a good thing to keep doing.

Here are five of the best games to play while you travel…

1. The number plate game

There are many versions of this game, which you can adapt depending on which country you’re in. In the USA, the game is known as the license plate game and involves spotting license plates from different states. In the UK, you could look for number plates starting with different letters, or in Europe you could even look for ones from different countries. All you need is a piece of paper to scribble down the number plates that you spot. The person who gets the most wins. The great thing about this game is that it works just as well for one child as it does for siblings.

2. I spy

“I spy with my little eye, something beginning with…” I spy has been a popular game for as long as anyone can remember. Once you’ve got past the common choices of ‘road’, ‘trees’ and ‘sky’, the game often gets trickier, particularly once your kids start thinking out of the box and coming up with things like ‘teeth’. Playing this game with young children is always funny, especially when you spend ages guessing everything you can think of beginning with S and then they tell you the answer was ‘ceiling’! For very young ones who can’t spell, you could switch letters for colours and spy things that are green.

3. Memory game

Also known as ‘Granny went to the supermarket’, this game involves making and remembering a growing shopping list of items that start with each letter of the alphabet. For example, I might say: “Granny went to the supermarket and bought apples” and you would stay: “Granny went to the supermarket and bought apples and bananas.” Other names for this game include The Picnic Game and The Casserole Game. Perhaps you could come up with your own themes, such as what you would pack to go camping?

4. Things beginning with

In this game, one person thinks of a category, for example, things you can wear. The other thinks of a letter, like B. Then you have to take it in turns to come up with things you can wear beginning with B. This can be a tricky game and is just as well-suited for adults as kids. Descriptive words are okay in this game, so “big knickers” would be allowed! But that then means that you can’t have anything else ‘big’ or any other kind of knickers! Some of the answers are hilarious once you get past the obvious ones. 

5. Would you rather?

Would you rather wear a wedding dress every day or a swimming costume every day? Would you rather have twelve fingers or two belly buttons? The possibilities for this game are endless and all you have to do is decide which is the lesser of two evils. If you’re stuck for questions, there are some hilarious would you rather questions you can look up online.

So, there you have five games which should keep the whole family entertained the next time you travel. None of these need any equipment and many will have children of all ages not just entertained but laughing their heads off! So next time you have a long car journey, or even a flight, give these games a try and you may even be able to leave the kids’ tablet computers at home.

This article was provided by Simon Hansen from Family Travel Planet.

Posted in Destination ·
December 18, 2019 by Jeremy

Key Tips on Getting the Best Deals When Hiring Luxury Cars

You may want to make a grand appearance at an event in a top-of-the-range car or to give your lover a special treat by riding in a luxury car. Maybe you are on a holiday with your family and you want them to have special and memorable time, so you decide to hire a luxury car to drive them around. You may also want to spoil yourself by riding in a comfortable luxury ride. Whatever the reason for hiring a luxury car, you can get great deals and save your cash or get a real luxurious machine at an unbelievable rate.

Here are some tips on how to get yourself the best deals when renting luxury cars:

Make reservations

While you have an option of walking into the brick and mortar office of a luxury car rental company and getting a car on the spot, you can choose to do early bookings. You could do so online on the companies’ websites or via a telephone call or even by visiting the car rental offices long before the date of renting the car. By walking into the rental company and driving out with your preferred luxury ride, you can be sure that you will most likely pay a premium rate. Early reservations, especially online, allow you to compare the rates of several rentals, negotiate the rates, or consider other things that could save you some money.

Utilize frequent hirer programs

As is the case with airlines, hotels, and other service providers, luxury car rental companies monitor their customers and offer discounts to their loyal clients. You are therefore in a better position to get the best deals if you use one or a few car rentals every time you hire a luxury car. Joining the loyalty program of your favourite rental company is a good idea so you get benefits like members-only deals even though you may not a frequent hirer. So, identify a good and reliable luxury car rental company like Milani Exotic Car Rentals that has all of the best high-end cars that you can enjoy driving or being driven in and be their consistent client to get the best deals.

Negotiate prices

Do you know how to boost your bargaining clout? Well, get quotes from several luxury car rentals and use the rate of one company to negotiate with another or get some understanding of the prevailing market rates. You must always ask for a lower rate because you can never get a lower rate if you do not ask for it. When a luxury car rental company refuses to lower their rates, you can push to see if you could get an extra day at a lower rate.

Utilize family or friend referral discount schemes

Some luxury car rentals give discounts to friends or relatives of their past clients. To take advantage of such discounts, inquire from your friends and family if they have ever rented a luxury car form a certain exotic car rental company.

Conclusion

You can also get the best deals when renting luxury cars by ensuring that you understand what the rental price covers so you do not have to pay extra charges for things you may have overlooked. You can also seek to know the excess insurance coverage, or the amount that you should pay in case of an accident. Get to know if they will still accept the policy if you get separate insurance for the excess and a guarantee that they will not demand a deposit from you.

Posted in Luxury Travel, Urban Layout, USA · Tagged car hire, Rental ·
December 10, 2019 by Jeremy

What To Pack for a Guys Trip in the Swiss Alps

Sometimes, you just need to leave women or partners at home and go on a rogue guy’s trip. This winter, why not go on a mountain trip to the Swiss Alps? It would cross off many items on the good old bucket list. 

So to help prepare for your trip, here is your packing list for a guy’s trip to the Swiss Alps:

Your passport

First things first, you’ll need your passport since you are leaving the country. It is also recommended to travel with a paper copy of your passport in your luggage just in case you are separated from the original. 

Winter coat

Before you go, get yourself a good European brand winter coat. Buying a coat from a company founded where ‘real winters’ happen is advised so you know you are getting a piece made for intense winter weather. Beloved mountain brands such as Moncler for men, designed a great selection of stylish and warm coats available on luisaviaroma.com. You will certainly see this brand during your time in the Alps! Blend in with the rest in the most stylish way possible. 

A good pair of snow boots

Needless to say, a good pair of snow boots is a must. Be sure to get a pair well in advance before leaving for your trip so you have time to get used to your boots. More importantly, make sure that they offer you the support and warmth you want and need! The last thing you want is for your feet to be cold and wet while exploring the Swiss Alps. Proper gear is required! 

A good backpack

A good backpack for your adventures is essential. You’ll want enough space to pack essentials to bring on the slopes, snow trekking, or to a day of exploring a nearby village. In it you can carry food, a water bottle, keys, phone, wallet, an extra layer, etc. Many backpacks also have a waterproof cover that is especially helpful to help keep your items safe and dry. If you plan on going for a snowshoeing trek, look for a ’30 litres’ backpack that has straps to attach snowshoes on the outside. 

Lots of warm clothing

It’s not to say that you need to over pack for your trip, but you do want the right clothing. Pack layers, including thermal layers with wicking properties that can be washed and dried quickly, thermal tights, waterproof pants, waterproof gloves, wool hat, and wool socks that wick away moisture and keep you warm. You’ll also want warm cozy clothes for time after the slopes when the temperature continues to drop. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a year round item. When you are up in elevation and in snow, the sun really reflects and you want to protect your skin. Yes, in the middle of winter it is possible to get sunburned. Don’t forget lip sunscreen!

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case can save you the cost of having to replace your phone… just in case. On the off chance that something should happen, this is a purchase you’ll be thankful you did in the moment you really need it.

An empty stomach… for all the Swiss food you will eat

Swiss food is warm and delicious, and you’ll want the space for it! After days on the slopes and exploring the Alps, there’s nothing like cheese fondue, raclette, and Älplermagronen. 

Switzerland has some of the best mountains and skiing in the world. A guys trip here to just relax and hit the slopes will be a trip to remember! 

Posted in Switzerland · Tagged Alps, Hiking, packing, Trekking ·
October 3, 2019 by Jeremy

Fix-It Tickets: What Happens If You Don’t Pay Them On-Time

It doesn’t always seem like it, but most of the time traffic laws exist to help people make sure they are driving safely in a safe vehicle. That’s why fix it tickets exist, to help make sure drivers are keeping vehicles in the condition that makes them safe on the road. These tickets are technically called correctable violations, because if you fix them within a specified time frame the fines are either waved or minimized. Correctable violations include not only tickets for vehicle repair like broken or burned out headlights, but also for issues with the documentation like improper proof of insurance. So what happens if you miss the deadline? For starters, there’s a penalty fine, and then from there things just keep getting harder.

Increasing Fines and Court Appearances

If the ticket isn’t fixed within the specified time frame, the system begins to grind into gear. The first thing that happens, other than the penalty fine, is that a court date is assigned in traffic court. If you make your court appearance, there are several options open to you. Most of them will look familiar if you have ever had to fight traffic ticket Los Angeles before.

  • Agree to pay the fine and pay it with the court clerk on prior to the court date or on the day of the hearing
  • Argue your inability to pay, which may result in decreased fines or a payment plan
  • Demonstrate the work was done and explain why it was not signed off by an authorized person on time

The easiest way to deal with a fix-it ticket that has passed its deadline is to show up to the court appearance to explain what happened. Ignoring the hearing leads to a further escalation of penalties.

What Happens After a Missed Court Appearance?

Like missed court appearances for other issues, a missed appearance for a fix-it ticket leads to an escalation of all the problems in play that led to the hearing being scheduled. Typically, fines automatically increase as a bare minimum. If they go unpaid for long enough, they will continue escalating. Unpaid fines that have escalated as far as the law allows eventually lead to the suspension of driving privileges for those affected, and that can hamper your ability to renew a vehicle’s registration in the long run.

It’s really quite simple, the faster you deal with a ticket, the less it will cost you. Of course, life isn’t that simple. Sometimes, you can’t get free of work to do the things you need to do, or you wind up with family emergencies that distract you from administrative details like a traffic ticket. When that happens, a traffic violation lawyer might be able to help you figure out the best way to resolve the issue with a minimum of fines and inconvenience. The courts listen when drivers have legitimate reasons for failing to follow through with unpaid tickets and missed deadlines, but you do need to follow through with an explanation and a negotiation to take care of the issue. If you’re not sure how to start, contact a traffic lawyer to get help.

Posted in USA · Tagged auto, education, legal ·
September 28, 2019 by Jeremy

Everything You Need to Know about Requesting an Australian Visa

Most people don’t know that even the shortest trips to Australia require a visa. When making plans on your trip to the Land Down Under, you should spare time to apply for the relevant visa and risk of ruining your trip. Thankfully, the process for requesting a visa for Australia is quite easy and can be done via websites like auvisa.org.  


General Visa Requirements

The visa requirements will vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some general requirements you must meet in order to qualify for an Australian visa:

• You must not have a major criminal conviction in which you served more than 1 year in jail.
• You must be free of tuberculosis.
• If you intend to work in the country, you must be able to communicate sufficiently in English.

The Different Types of Visas

1. Temporary Work Visa. This visa is available to people who intend to work part-time in Australia. It allows a maximum stay of 3 months.

2. Tourist Visa. If you intend to go to Australia to visit friends or just to enjoy a holiday, you can apply for the tourist visa. This one is valid for a year, but you can only stay for 3 months at a time. With the tourist visa, you will not be allowed to work in the country, even part-time.

3. Business Visa.
The business visa has similar requirements as the tourist visa, and the terms are also the same. This visa is ideal for people who intend to travel to Australia for business conferences. With this visa, you will not be allowed to sell goods or services in Australia.

4. Student Visa.
You have to be accepted in an educational institution in Australia before you can apply for this visa.

5. Maritime Crew Visa. The MCV visa is available to people entering Australia by sea, and they have to be part of a sea crew. This kind of visa is very specific and can be requested as well on auvisa.org under the MCV visa section.  

6. Work and Holiday Visa. This visa is only available to people who are between 18 and 30 years old. With this visa, you will be able to combine work, studies, and holiday in Australia. It is ideal for people who intend to supplement their holidays in Australia with some temporary work.

7. Long Stay Visa. If you want to extend your stay in Australia, you can apply for this visa. You should make your application for this visa if you are already in Australia on a visa that is about to expire. This visa will extend your stay for up to 12 months.

8. Second Working Holiday Visa.
If you have previously received a working holiday visa, you can apply for the second working holiday visa. Individuals who are already working in Australia should apply for this visa before the first one expires.

Most Australian visas have to be obtained before you can enter the country. That means you have to sort out the visa long before your trip. You should consider applying for the visa in good time, for example soon after booking your flight, to make sure everything is in place before your departure.

Posted in Australia, Destination · Tagged Aussie visa, Australia, Australian visa, visas ·
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JeremyWelcome to Top Spot Travel.com! Your source for all things travel from budget holidays to 5-star resorting, you can find it all here, and hopefully crack a smile while you're at it. Enjoy!
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