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January 17, 2017 by Jeremy

What to Do when you’re Locked Out of the Car while Travelling

Being Locked Out of the Car while Travelling is just the worst...

Photo by CC user Unsplash on Pixabay

It is one of those things that no one wishes to happen, yet it usually does at some time or another, and when you end up locked out of your vehicle, it always happens when you are in a hurry. The first thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid the temptation to try and break into the car, as this is likely to result in damage. The fact that there are mobile locksmiths that specialise in retrieving keys from inside vehicles is a testament to how often it happens, and if you are unfortunate enough to lock yourself out of your car, here are some tips.

Contact a Locksmith

This is one number you should keep in your phone memory, and if you happen to be in Western Australia, and are looking for a Perth Locksmith, visit www.silverfernlocksmithsperth.com.au/ for more information on the range of services they provide. Some locksmiths have round the clock emergency service, so whether you have lost your keys or they are locked in the vehicle, they can gain access to any vehicle and create a new key if need be.

Transponder Keys

This is the latest anti-theft system and it involves inserting a microchip into the key, without which, the car will not start. If, for example, someone copied your car key with the intention of stealing the vehicle, the car would not start as the key does not contain the vital chip that is necessary to activate the ignition. Most modern vehicles use transponder keys, but this isn’t a problem as a qualified locksmith can cut a new key and program the chip via a port on the vehicle’s dashboard, and you will be up and running within an hour of the locksmith arriving on the scene.

Spare Keys

One could always have a spare key which is kept at home, and in the event you lose your master set, simply call your partner and have them bring the key to you on the road. Of course, this is only practical if you are within a reasonable distance from your home, and failing that, you can call out a mobile locksmith service.

Relax and Take a Break

Once you have called out the mobile locksmith, they will be with you very shortly, and you can find a nearby café and have a coffee while the technician gains access to the vehicle, and you will be on your way within a short time. It is a good idea to anticipate such an event and already have the contact details of a mobile emergency locksmith, as they can also help if you ever get locked out of your home. Should the worst ever happen and you do not have a contact number, you might be in for a long wait, so be prepared and keep the number in your smartphone memory.

Losing your keys is not something you can effectively prevent, so the best solution is to have the contact details of an emergency locksmith service, just in case the worst happens. This way, your travels can go back to running smoothly in no time flat.

Posted in Budget Travel, Luxury Travel · Tagged Road Trip, tips, travel problems ·
January 11, 2017 by Jeremy

How to Ensure Your Travel Plans Run Smoothly

Traveling is by far and away one of the most exciting parts of the year and you have no doubt got plans to take to the skies or the open road in 2017. Generally speaking we are all becoming far more adventurous with our travels than we were in say the 80s as more and more parts of the World have opened up to us as well as more ways and means of getting around. Heading off on vacations usually involves quite a bit of time spent on the traveling itself and the last thing that you need during this time, are problems. To ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch, here are some things that you should be doing.

flying-traveling-travelling-airplane

Pre-Plan Transfers

Unless you are on some kind of package deal or staying with a hotel which offers transfers, you will have to sort out your own airport transfers. Airport taxi services in some places are very expensive or even worse, are cons and you would be best off avoiding this scenario and booking up before you go. There are lots of transportation options available online like reliable airport transfer from Blacklane which you can arrange before you leave in order to give you the peace of mind that when you arrive at your destination, there will be a friendly face waiting to collect you.

Organization App

If your travels comprise of taking various trains, planes or busses then you naturally want to ensure that you have all of your timings absolutely spot on. To help you out you should look to download any one of the great apps that are out there which will organize your trip for you. Many of the apps actually take the information direct from your email so when you receive a confirmation email from the company with whom you are traveling, the app will automatically update your travel plans. Never miss a flight or train again with a handy travel organizing app.

Prepare for the Worst

There is nothing worse than having a long delay on one of your scheduled flights and as much as nobody really wants to consider it, it could happen. In order to avoid this situation becoming any worse than it needs to be, you should plan ahead with movies, TV shows or games downloaded to a computer or tablet which will help you to fill in the time if you are forced to wait additional time in the airport.

Don’t Take Risks

When you book your flights it isn’t worth running any risks in your timings, if you are booking connections then you need to ensure that you leave more than sufficient time in-between each flight in order to give yourself the time to disembark the first flight and go back through security.

Another risk which you should avoid to ensure smooth traveling is with the contents of your case or your hand luggage, make sure you know the rules of security before you leave and pack your cases appropriately.

Finally, check your passport and ensure that it is in date, you’d be surprised how many people need to make a last-minute dash to the passport office when they discover that theirs is out of date.

Posted in Budget Travel · Tagged travel, travel 2017, travel plans, travel talk, travel tips, Traveling ·
December 16, 2016 by Jeremy

The Pros and Cons of Traveling with a Camper Trailer in Australia

One of the classic ways of traveling around Australia is with a camper trailer.

Towed behind your vehicle of choice, the camper trailer is the quintessential make-shift home for your time in the great Australian outback, or along Australia’s pristine coastlines.

There are definitely many things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to use a camper trailer for your road trip. We look at some of the pros and cons to make the decision a little bit easier for you.

The Pros

The first big pro of choosing a camper trailer for your Aussie road trip is the price point. Camper trailers are generally more affordable to buy, transport or rent than their counterparts – a caravan or campervan.

If you’re going on a road trip with a budget, this will be a big selling point for you. Be sure to shop around for the best price point before you make your final decision.

Camper trailers are much lighter to tow behind a car than other options. This means that you won’t have to drive a larger or heavier type of vehicle to tow it.

This helps increase the fuel efficiency of your car and your budget!

picture1

Compact camper with storage. Image: Gumtree Camper Trailers

Safety is another pro when it comes to camper trailers. With caravans or camper vans, you have a less visibility on the road and in your rearview mirror.

This can get pretty annoying and even dangerous if you’re not used to driving with larger vehicles towed behind you. Camper trailers take this out of the equation because of their smaller size and ability to be compacted.

One of the biggest pros of a camper trailer is that it gives you more access to off-road areas that you wouldn’t normally be able to access with a caravan or campervan.

Again the smaller size of the camper trailer comes into play here. Because of its smaller size, you can easily maneuver to those tight and tricky spots (maybe a classic Australian Gumtree!) that other vehicles can’t get to.

The Cons

One of the cons you have to consider with a camper trailer is that it takes much more time and effort to set up and take down than other options. If you’re crunched for time, then this could really put a dent into your planned agenda.

Camper trailers are also slightly less convenient than larger living spaces, like you get with a caravan.

They are smaller, which means there is less storage space and less options for amenities, that you get in larger options.

picture2

Sportliner ‘Avan’ Australian made camper trailer. Image: Gumtree

Because of the canvas sidings and roof, there’s a big lack of privacy with camper trailers. If you’re someone who likes your peace and quiet at night, a camper trailer will provide less of that to you.

Camper trailers are one of the most popular ways to get around during an Aussie road trip.

Many people love them because of the many pros. However, there are also some cons that you should consider before hopping onboard and buying or renting one.

Posted in Australia · Tagged Australia. campers, Road Trip ·
December 3, 2016 by Jeremy

5 Breath-Taking Beaches to Go to in Vanuatu

perfect-white-beachNothing can ever beat the best place to relax and chill with friends and family – definitely, the beach. Think about it: it is mostly free, if it is not a beach resort. You can have a simple picnic and a quick afternoon dip or bring in the grill and treat yourself to the beach the whole day. You can be as lazy as you want or as hyper as you can be. There are simply endless ways to enjoy it.

However, one place provides some of the best the most picturesque beach spots in the world, and that is Vanuatu. It is a South Pacific nation that offers travelers warm waters and near perfect vistas that will make your beach trip simply amazing. If you are still hesitant to look up flights to Vanuatu, here is a list of beaches that will definitely convince you to book that trip now.

Champagne Beach

This beach got its awesome name from the volcanic activity that happens just offshore. Gas bubbles would form and bubble up through the rocks during low tide, and then it pops like a newly opened bottle of champagne. It is a palm-fringed, white-sand beach located 30 minutes away from Port Olry at Espiritu Santo. If you want an intimate location where you and your family or friends can enjoy the beach and its natural setting together, Champagne Beach is the place to be.

Erakor Beach

Located only a little further off Port Vila, Erakor Beach sits on its own island. You can dip your toes in its white, velvety sand and the calm, clear waters of Erakor while enjoying the solitude and the peaceful vibe that seems to surround the island. If you want, you can pamper and treat yourself at the Erakor Island Resort.

Bokissa Beach

We all want to go to a postcard-perfect beach, a place we thought only exists in a graphic designer’s mind. But Bokissa Beach is the very epitome of picturesque beach, beautiful enough to don the cover of a magazine. A white sand beach with an extraordinarily clear blue waters, and palm trees fringing the shoreline. This is a good place to dive and snorkel with friends.

Breakas Beach

A 10-minute drive from Port Vila, just at the Pango peninsula sits Breakas Beach. It is a little crescent bay that has an adults-only area. It has all the works: white and soft sand, film-like palm trees, and a gorgeous beach. This could be the perfect time for parents to take a break, relax, and unwind.

Paradise Cove Beach

The name of Paradise Cove Beach is so appropriate, because it definitely is a paradise on Earth. Take a dive into clear blue lagoons a few meters away from a beach side boutique resort. Surrounding the beach is a tropical garden that creates a very intimate and serene atmosphere on the beach.

The best part about going to the beach is you can do it anytime, at any day of the year. Whether it is in the heat of summer or the breezy winds of winter, there is something totally unique and enchanting about going to a beautiful beach. And Vanuatu is definitely the place where that kind of magic happens.

Posted in Budget Travel, Destination, Luxury Travel · Tagged Beaches, budget travel, Luxury Travel, travel ·
December 1, 2016 by Jeremy

A Look Into the History of the Tour de France

tour de france

Photo by CC user Ghita Katz Olsen on Flickr.

Every year, viewers tune into their TVs to watch parts of the extensive and world famous Tour de France. Some even travel to get up close and personal with the racers as they cheer on their favorites from the race sidelines. If you’re a bicycling enthusiast, you might already know a little bit about this widely known race. If not, here’s a little information about the history of the Tour de France and what makes this nearly 3,500 km long race across the country so special.

The start of it all

For over 100 years, the Tour de France has captured the hearts of many. Originating back in 1903, the tour was founded by a French cyclist and journalist, Henri Desgrange. At the time, his newspaper sponsored the race and advertised it to other cyclists. During the very first race, a clear winner was produced, named Maurice Garin. He impressed many with an average speed of 25.7 km per hour. This very first race had a total of sixty different cyclists.

Race interruptions

Ever since 1903, the race has been completed and watched every single year. The only exceptions to this were the years of the world wars. Between 1915 and 1918, the race was interrupted by World War I and then interrupted again between 1940 and 1946 due to World War II.

Controversy in the middle of it all

Throughout the years, there have been a few different controversies that have tainted the race, however, the biggest one to date involves bicycle legend Lance Armstrong. During his Tour de France racing career, he has successfully won seven different times, much to the amazement of many. Unfortunately, however, it turns out that enhancement drugs were to credit for his winnings. Once his drug use was uncovered, all seven of his wins were removed from the race’s record books. He was found guilty of doping back in 2012 by the USADA.

The race today

In today’s world the race has changed a bit from its original origins. The first change is that it is now longer. It first started off as a nearly 2,500 km race but today stands out as a 3,500 race across the country. You’ll also want to note that the race itself is spread over 23 days, yet you’ll only find bicyclists racing during 21 of those days. The race is also known to alternate between a clockwise and counterclockwise circuit. The number of teams do vary slightly year to year from 20 to 21 or 22, but each team always consists of 9 riders each. The last Tour de France (2016) started off in Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy and ended in Champs-Elysees in Paris and was held over the summer in July.

For some, the history of the Tour de France is an exciting one due to both how long the race has been around and the controversies that have implanted themselves into the race. If you’re interested in entering into the world of cycling, you’ll want to learn a few more details of not only this race, but the many others found around the world.

Posted in France · Tagged bicycling, France, tour de france, tours ·
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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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