Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 57)
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7 Things To Do In And Around Brisbane, QLD
Most people consider going to Sydney, Melbourne or Perth when thinking about travelling to Australia. Sydney’s beautiful harbour, Perth’s beaches and Melbourne’s cultural appeal surely make them becoming the top destinations for travellers. Brisbane, also, as the capital of Queensland, is certainly one of the top travel destinations.
Why Brisbane?
Brisbane is brimming with attractions and all sort of things to do. The city boasts a variety of culture, vivid landscapes and wildlife that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. From music and an incredible nightlife to pretty riverside gardens and man-made beaches, there are a number of reasons why this sun-soaked capital is Australia’s must-visit city. Getting in and around Brisbane will soon become easier than ever before as major constructions for the Cross River Rail are due to start in 2018. This means that Brisbane will have a more efficient public transport system. This makes Brisbane a tourist-friendly city.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the things that you need to see and do while in Brisbane.
Go Whale Watching
Whether you like animals or are simply interested in seeing an entertaining show, whale watching is an activity that anyone can enjoy. It is also an activity that is suitable for people of all ages, which makes it an ideal attraction for families. The whales are generally active between June and November, and you can see Humpbacks playing and otherwise enjoying their natural habitat. In some cases, the whales will make close approaches to interact with their human onlookers.
Spend Some Time at Moreton Island
If you are looking for things to do around Brisbane that will help you stay active, you will find them at Moreton Island. You can spend time looking at marine life while kayaking or actually feed the fish that occupy the waters surrounding Brisbane. If you aren’t looking to spend your days kayaking or going on adventures, you can always spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach at Moreton Island and others nearby.
The Riverlife Adventure Centre Offers Opportunities to Have Fun
Spending time at the Riverlife Adventure Centre is one of the things to do in and around Brisbane if you need structure to relax. There are guided tours throughout the day that help you make the most of what Brisbane has to offer. Activities include rock climbing as well as exhibits highlighting Aboriginal culture along the banks of the Brisbane River.
Have You Ever Climbed a Bridge Before?
When most people think about bridges, they think about roads that are suspended high above the water. However, the Brisbane Story Bridge is one of just three in the world that you can climb. In addition to being an adventure that you won’t soon forget about, the Brisbane Story Bridge offers tremendous views of the city once you reach the top.
Bike Paths are Plentiful in Brisbane
Cyclists should have no problem figuring out what to do in and around Brisbane during their day trip or extended vacation. The city has made it a point to offer alternate modes of transportation for its residents, and the scenic trails made for rides that you won’t experience in other countries. You may choose to either go biking on your own or join a group for a guided tour around the city that is conducted at a leisurely pace. This allows anyone to learn more about Brisbane while meeting new people at the same time.
Take a Trip Down the Brisbane River
If you aren’t into cycling, kayaking or rock climbing, a trip down the Brisbane River may be more your speed. You take a leisurely cruise on a paddle boat while getting a chance to see the city from a new perspective. Many locals and tourists alike believe that you don’t truly appreciate the beauty of Brisbane until you see it from the water.
See Koalas and Other Native Animal Species
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary gives Koalas and other endangered animals that ability to live their life free from the dangers of human encroachment. While there, you can actually hold a Koala and have your picture taken doing so. There are also interactive exhibits features Kangaroos, which allows you to learn more about animals while having fun at the same time. Staff members are generally animal experts or enthusiasts, which means that they will be happy to talk to you about your favourite animals for as long as you want.
Why visit Brisbane? The answer to that question is that you will have one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Whether you want to watch whales, hold a Koala or spend time on the beach, there is nothing that is out of reach in Brisbane.
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Is it safe to travel alone in Sri Lanka?
Whenever you tell people that you are travelling alone, they are often flabbergasted as to why you would do such a thing. Even after attempting to convince them of all the merits of solo travel, the elephant in the room requires attention; it simply doesn’t sound safe!
As a woman from New Zealand, people often tell me that they would be weary of travelling to any country in Asia on their own as they would be fearful of not following local rules of safety which would mean finding themselves in an uncomfortable or downright dangerous position.
Though I have definitely had my share of bad experiences, I always stress that bad incidents can happen anywhere. And since you are wondering about Sri Lanka in particular, I’m here to tell you that it’s perfectly safe for to travel alone there.
Sri Lanka is safe for any traveller, including solo women
In general, Sri Lankan people are very friendly and are more than happy to help you out without making you feel uncomfortable. The country has been experiencing a surge of tourism recently which has made locals much more acceptive and receptive of foreigners.
You will not be treated any differently for travelling alone. Travelling alone in Sri Lanka is perfectly safe, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. At least, that has been my experience. In fact, locals are almost always going to be smiling to you.
Everywhere you go you can expect to see other tourists, some travelling in pairs, others in groups, and others yet all by themselves. Meeting new people is incredibly easy, especially if you are staying in a hostel or visiting tourist-favorite spots like surfing beaches.
There are certainly some things you should look out for
Like with any other country in Asia, there are some things that you should be aware of while travelling in Sri Lanka. First of all, there is a major difference between touristy places and those populated almost entirely by locals.
In Colombo, you will be perfectly fine with showing a little skin and wearing a bikini at the beach. Outside of it, you may want to cover up your arms and legs and perhaps even wear a T-shirt on the beach, especially if there are no other tourists out and about.
This is even more important when you are near religious sites. The same goes for men but women are expected to dress very modestly so you should at least carry extra clothing with you, such as a long scarf.
Locals might stare but they mean no harm
If you are like me, a white woman travelling on her own, then you will most definitely experience some uncomfortable instances where men will be staring at you no matter what you are wearing.
It’s an unfortunate part of reality and there’s not much you can do about it. However, you should not mistake those stares for something sinister. A lot of those stares will simply be borne out of curiosity and they are not meant to make you uncomfortable or feel unsafe.
In addition to that, a lot of men might try to strike up conversations with you. In fact, I had a lot of people starting a conversation by asking me if I’m married! In those situations, simply refusing them or explaining that you are indeed married will be enough to make them back off.
Use your common sense and you’ll be fine
The dangers that you might experience in Sri Lanka as a solo traveller are not different than the dangers you may face anywhere else in the world, even in your home country.
Using some common sense is the best way to make sure that you will not be placed in any situations that might endanger you, just like you should be doing in any other place.
For instance, you should never keep too much cash on you or flaunt around your wallet, your phone should be kept safely out of sight, you should never walk the streets alone at night, and you should try to stay in groups whenever possible.
Sri Lanka can be a very fun experience for a lone traveller
If you love travelling alone, you will find a lot to appreciate about Sri Lanka. The hikes are breathtaking and there are always people around so the chances of you being lost are slim, at best. You may even make some new friends!
The beaches are also beautiful though you should only swim in safe areas as the currents in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable and you don’t want to be alone at any point as enticing as that might be.
Overall, if you follow your gut and your common sense, you will have a lot of fun in Sri Lanka!
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4 Tips for Being a Great Host this Festive Season
Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re lucky that may mean you have friends or family coming to visit. There’s nothing better than spending this special time of year with loved ones, so if you’re playing host during this Christmas period, make sure to treat your guests well as they’ve come all this way to be with you! There are a few things to make them feel super comfortable, so sit down with a hot cup of tea and read my top 4 tips for being a great host this festive season:
1. Give Them a Tour of Where You Live
While it’s likely they’ve come all this way to be with you and to create some special memories with you and your family this festive season, it’s important to take some time to show where you live. If they’ve been to visit before, don’t fret, there’s always more to do and see wherever you live. Check out Tripadvisor to see if there are any new entries in the top ten things to do in your area. One fun thing I really love to do with out of town guests is taking them to an Escape Room – if you’ve never been in one, basically you are locked into a room for an hour and have to solve clues to get out, it’s really fun! If you
based in Liverpool or heading there for Christmas check out Liverpool ONE for tips of places to go and see. Don’t forget to #GetChristmassy this season, especially with your out of town guests.
2. Make Sure Your Spare Room is WARM
You may have noticed this winter is already freezing and there’s more to come. Make sure their room is nice and warm, keep some spare blankets that your guests can add to the bed if they need to. Make sure there’s a form of heating in the room. Consider investing in an electric blanket or hot water bottle so they can be toasty in their bed. Often we never use the spare room, so pop in there late at night at least a week before your guests come to see how chilly it gets in the evenings so you can decide what you need to buy to keep it comfortable.
3. Slippers
There’s nothing worse than cold feet and chances are your guests won’t bring their slippers from home. Buying your guest a pair each of affordable slippers is a great way to make your guests feel comfortable and as a bonus, you can let them take them home as a small Christmas gift!
4. Set Up a Breakfast Bar
One of the most uncomfortable times when you’re staying at someone else’s house is if you wake up much earlier than your hosts and are just waiting around, hungry. Setting up a breakfast far with a range of cereals, bread, spreads and anything else you want to leave around for breakfast is a lovely way to make your guests feel super comfortable. Don’t forget some tea and coffee!
Having guests is one of the best Christmas gifts you can receive. Use these four tips to ensure your guests are as comfortable as possible!
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Top 5 Things to do in Norway
If you haven’t been to Norway yet, chances are you’ve been dreaming of a trip around this stunning country. If you’re searching for things to do in Norway, don’t worry you’ll be spoiled for choice as this is a country just bursting with natural beauty and filled with interesting cultural attractions. I’ve decided to make a list of top 5 Things to do in Norway to get you inspired for your next trip.
- Check out the Fjords
This is probably the main reason tourists find themselves in Norway and with good reason too: Norway is home to some of the world’s best Fjords – in fact you may find it a little challenging to decide just which Fjords to visit as there are so many options. A good way to combat this pressure is to consider taking a cruise that will combine a few Fjords together. You can even search out a package that includes viewing the amazing northern lights as well. If you’ve never taken a cruise before, be mindful that there are lots of things that make cruising a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday. From the on board entertainment to the ease of not having to pack and unpack every day, a cruise can be a perfect addition to any holiday. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed about getting to the Fjords, about seeing as many as you wish on your trip, or just desperate for a holiday that feels like a holiday, consider going on a Norway Tours, Norwegian fjords cruise.
- The Northern Lights
While I have never personally seen the Northern Lights, it is definitely a dream of mine. I’ve seen time lapse footage and numerous photos and when the Northern Lights are dancing in the sky, it looks like pure wonder. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is generally from around November through to March, when the weather is coolest and the night’s sky is clearest. You can go on a cruise as mentioned above to get an excellent view, or there are simple overnight trips that can be arranged. Norway is a great place to see the Northern Lights due in part to its location in the far north and also because there’s relatively low levels of pollution over Norway. If this isn’t on your travel bucket list, you may want to add it now!
- Vigeland Museum
If you love art and sculpture, then you may not want to leave. Vineland was a famous sculptor and now this museum is home to numerous pieces of his work. You can walk around the park, which is free to visit and is especially lovely on a sunny day. Be warned that many of the sculptures are of naked people, which is extremely common in Europe, but if this offends you at all it’s best to know in advance!
- The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
When you visit this museum, you’ll feel as if you’re walking through time. This is an outdoor museum that shows you exactly how it was to live in Norway during the more ancient times, to how people now live. The museum itself is quite large, so be prepared to spend a few hours walking around the exhibitions. There’s also an exhibit focused exclusively on the vikings and their way of life. Learn more about the rich and interesting history of Norway and its people. Take your camera as chances are you’ll want to snap a bunch of photos here, especially of some of the houses that are from hundreds of years ago!
- Mount Floyen and the Funicular
From the top of Mount Floyen you’ll find a beautiful view of Bergen, you can decide to walk up or take the funicular. There’s a lot less tourists on the path than in the funicular, so it can be wise to go in the opposite direction to the crowds – for example walking up and taking the funicular down. It’s also a good idea to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, once the people from cruise ships have returned to the ship for the evening. No matter the weather, it’s worth making the journey up to get a wonderful and expansive view. Don’t forget to charge your camera or phone so you can snap a few good pics from the top lookout point! At the top there’s also a bar and restaurant, so consider staying for a drink or two while enjoying the wonderful views.
No matter how long you have in Norway, there’s tons to see and do, especially involving nature. Check out some of these top destinations so that you can make the most of your trip to Norway!
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How to save money while travelling
If you’re planning a trip, you could be forgiven for assuming you need thousands of dollars in order for it to be “Instagramable.” But it is possible to have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Here are some ways you can save money while travelling:
Do your homework
When you’re planning your trip, spend plenty of time doing enough research on your destination that you know which tourist traps to avoid. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular destination, choose a city or country where you get the most bang for your buck. There are often free days for tourist sites and museum, so be sure to check these websites before you go to see if they offer discounts or free visiting hours.
Travel slowly
If you’re taking a vacation, it’s easy to feel like you need to travel rapidly and see as much as you can. But if you can save up those holiday days or wait until you’re between jobs before you travel, you’ll have much more time up your sleeve. Travelling slowly allows you to really get to know a region. When you’re constantly catching flights and taking train journeys and bus trips, you’ll notice that not only will your budget suffer, you’ll feel continually exhausted.
Use the apps
Smartphones have made life so much easier. Gone are the days of guidebooks or tracking how much you’ve spent in a notebook. Now you can browse top cashback apps or stay on budget with a free apple money organizer or the best travel expense tracker app. Along with helping your wallet, there are a number of great apps that simply make travel easier and keep you organized. Check out TripIt, Skyscanner, Gate Guru, and more.
Use reward points
Depending on the benefits and program for your credit cards, you may be able to use credit card points for frequent flyer points and accommodation costs. Many credit cards also offer a large sign-up bonus with points and miles, and you can earn extra points by using those particular cards to book your travel.
Eat local food
When you’re travelling long-term, you’ll eventually crave a taste of home and it’s natural to grab a burger and fries. But if you’re on vacation, stick to delicious local food. This is particularly true in places like Southeast Asia where local food will be much tastier than any “Western” food, and you can eat like a King for just a few dollars.
Learn to negotiate
While negotiating can feel awkward, in certain parts of the world it’s expected. If you’re staying somewhere for a week or longer, you may be able to get a cheaper rate or upgrade when checking in. If a group of tourists plan to take a tour, you can often negotiate bulk pricing.
However, keep in mind that in many parts of the world, you may save a couple of bucks but that could mean a lot to the person you’re negotiating with. Be smart and respectful.
Are you planning a trip? What are your top tips for saving money while travelling? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
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5 National Parks and Game Reserves You Must See in South Africa
Think of the sound of your heartbeat echoing through the vast lands as you slowly approach a lion in their natural habitat…The sound of your foot crunching through the grass as you get closer to an elephant eating…The trickles of sweat on your forehead as you connect and become one with nature…
Exploring natural reserves and parks is a truly transformative experience, it is exploration in its utmost purest form, a raw connection with the wild. You’ve probably encountered wildlife before, seen a lion or two at a zoo, maybe even visited a national park, but I guarantee you, South Africa is the epitome of unparalleled experiences.
Being in South Africa is bound to heighten your sense of primitiveness and your pleasure. It’s a chance for you to leave the world behind and move at the pace of nature. Watch a herd of elephants go on their way, a leopard preying on an animal, and a cheetah calling for its mates.
Go back to your lodge and talk about your life-changing experience around the warm flickers of a fire, and sleep amidst the nature under star-crammed skies.
South Africa’s nature reserve and national parks have long been topping the lists of the best in the world. With incredible scenery, great activities and unparalleled game viewing, there is no doubt that South Africa holds a great experience for you.
From the snow-capped mountains, to the deserts and forests, the terrain in South Africa is highly versatile. It is no doubt that in South Africa you will experience the magic of wildlife encounters that touch the soul, natural beauty and breath-taking landscapes.
It is after all, a world in one country, and there are over 20 national parks. That might be quite an overwhelming piece of information, but in this article I’ve listed the top 5 national parks and game reserves you can visit for the wildlife break.
Kruger National Park
This is the kind of place you visit that puts you in your place and fills you with feelings of pure, utter awe. One “wow!” moment after the other, you’ll find yourself dumbfounded by the splendor of this national park.
It’s the oldest and largest area of undisturbed national bush in all of South Africa, the king of all game parks there. Without a doubt, this is the place you go to for the best game-viewing experience in all of Africa.
You’ll find your safari fantasies fulfilled as you go through the granite hills that surround the savannah and experience the majesty of the wildlife. I’m telling you, it’ll be hard not to feel like you’ve just fallen into a National Geographic documentary.
With over 2 million hectares, the Kruger scenes are straight out of a movie, with wild untouched landscapes, and a large number of wild animals. The animals in the park are allowed to follow ancient migration routes adding to the sense of adventure.
You’ll find all types of animals – the Big Five, giraffes, leopards, and over 147 mammals, 2000 plants, 118 reptiles and 517 birds. While this might sound overwhelming, it really is a life-changing experience.
Succumb to the wilderness, explore the diverse range of habitats that live there, and enjoy the largest variety of game animals in all of South Africa.
Tips: Try going from June to October, since this offers a better game viewing experience. This is due to the fact that water is mostly concentrated in a few places at those times.
Also, do not expect to be on your own in the park, this is, after all, the biggest and most popular wild reserve. You’ll be sharing the park with approximately 5000 visitors a day.
Tip: To reach Kruger National Park, you need to land at one of the three airports that serve the park, then take a connecting flight to there. You can do all that with FLYSAFAIR as they offer a wide range of routes and destinations.
Sabi Sands
If you’re looking for a private game reserve, then the Sabi Sands is definitely the most famous one. Sabi Sands has been the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism, and it offers an unbeatable game viewing experience.
Sabi Sands is quite exclusive, and what’s interesting about it is the fact that it has unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. This allows for the natural, free movement of wildlife in and out the reserve, and the ultimate Big Five experience.
Animals freely wandering around 65 000 hectares of bushveld and vast stretches of grazing land is a normal sight to see. A herd of 1000 buffalo roaming around? Completely normal. The Big Five normally going their own ways? Also completely normal. An in immense number of leopards in their natural habitat? You got it!
The Sabi Sands can be explored in many different ways, from game driving, walking safaris and night safaris. It’s the optimum place for roughing it in the morning, then going back to your luxurious accommodation at night.
What you’ll see: There are over 330 plant species, 110 reptiles, 500 bird species, and 145 mammal species. All of this is topped with the Big 5 and the fact that it’s the best place to see the leopard.
Tip: Sabi Sands is an all year round destination, but I recommend visiting from July to mid-October. If you’re slightly bothered by rain, this makes those months the best time to go. The weather is dry, there is little rainfall and the game drives will be quite comfortable.
Tip #2: Try staying at one of the places bordering the main Kruge Park, since there you’ll be getting the highest density of game.
Timbavati
Legendary and phenomenal – two words that accurately describe the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Spend your time amidst beautiful leopards, gangly giraffes, rhinos, elephants and lions.
This 185,000-acre private reserve is one of the most exciting safari destinations and also shares the borders with the Kruger National Park. This allows for the free movement of wildlife in the vast stretch of wildlife.
What’s interesting to know is that the Timbavati Association works on conserving the biodiversity of the area so you’ll be getting the ultimate experience.
Here are some of the things you can see:
- Wild Dogs – Mostly at the northern parts of the reserve.
- Leopard – The best leopard sightings are usually in this area.
- The Big Five
- The White Lions – Due to a rare genetic trait, you can spot the elusive white lions.
Pilanesberg
The fourth largest game reserve in South Africa is an excellent place to visit. Centered on the caldera of one of the largest volcanic complexes in the world, the Pilanesberg reserve is a highly unique setting.
What should you draw you in to visit Pilanesberg is it’s incredible juxtaposition between the dryer part of Kalahari and the wetter part of the bushveld regions. You’ll find an incredible biodiversity arising due to this natural settings, and overlapping wildlife.
The volcanic crater that it’s situated on is one of the only three in the world, and the sharp contrasts of landscapes is the ideal habitat for a wide array of wildlife.
The Pilanesberg is the best place to see rhinos, birds, and the Big Five. There are over 7000 animals, and it’s home to the black rhino and wild dog, so you get to see more unique wildlife.
The best place in Pilanesberg is without a doubt, the Lake Mankwe (place of the leopard), where you can see unfiltered wildlife.
If you are more interested in ancient history, then you’d be happy to know that you can explore stone and iron age sites, rock formations and cave drawings as well!
Kgalagadi
A magical corner in the world that shares the border with Botswana, the Kgaladi is easily the most unique wild reserve out of this list.
It offers an incredible experience of raw wilderness, rugged remoteness and landscapes straight out of a dream. The surreal red sand dunes, the wave-like sweeping landscapes, and the cloudless skies blend to form a highly picturesque scene.
Directly translating to place of thirst, this is one of the largest protected areas in the world and you’re guaranteed wonderful predator sightings.
The dry Nossob River is perched amongst gorgeous trees, and the Auob river is one of the wildest river beds. The Nossob flows only a few times a century, while the Auob flows only every couple of decades, thus giving the reserve its “place of thirst” name.
You’ll be enjoying truly wild, rugged landscapes, breathtaking scenery, dry riverbeds, dramatic backdrops and wonderful predators.
The wildlife is most found along the riverbeds, and you can find black-maned lions, cheetahs, hyenas, herds of gemsbok and much much more.
This is the place you go to for big predators and breath-taking backdrops, for excellent wildlife viewing and excitement-filled experiences.
Tip: There are no Big Five animals here, but you can find cheetahs, hyenas, foxes, meerkats and the black-maned Kalahari lions.
These game reserves and national parks are just a very small percentage of the ones you can see in South Africa. I recommend you get ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime that will turn your world upside down. Nothing really beats connecting with nature in its purest form, and nothing beats going to our primitiveness.
If you want to experience wildlife, sleep under starry skies, go on all types of safaris and get up close and personal with the Big Five, then South Africa is definitely the place for you.
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4 Skills You Need Before Going on a Hunting Trip
Although hunting as a sport receives some bad press where trophy hunting is concerned, when done right it is valuable ecologically and economically. Hunting as a sport is not only a boon to the organic food market, it also happens to be one of the best measures in terms of conservation. This is because the hunting industry contributes vast amounts in taxes when all the fees and licenses are taken into consideration. It also happens to be the ideal opportunity to form good friendships and have some much-needed time away from the office. Discover some hidden skills hunters need before heading out into the wild.
All Hunters Are Natural Storytellers
Find a hunter that comes home without a story and you’ll find a hunter that never went on the hunt. Hunting is rife with stories of near-misses and epic wins, to dangerous situations and laugh-a-minute anecdotes. Hunters often get to share their stories around the campfire which makes the entire experience one of camaraderie and friendship.
Hunters Need to Have a Few Technical Skills
Although it may seem that hunting is merely just a point and shoot sport, there are many aspects hunters take into account before they take a shot. Wind direction and speed, lighting, and even gadgets need to work together in harmony for the perfect shot. Hunters find that choosing the right equipment makes a substantial difference, and specifically a rifle scope is key to a successful shot.
Successful Hunters Have Super Sleuthing Skills
Finding the target out in the wild is not simply just following the demarcated trail and hoping for the best. It takes real skill to follow markings and signs left by animals in order to snare the perfect target. Hunters are also required to use these skills for survival in the event that natural predators lurk in the area as well. Those who don’t have these skills as yet should pair up with an experienced tracker for the best results.
Hunters Can Rough It Out
Adverse weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances such as injury can prevent hunters from going back to their cottages or lodges. This may require them to rough it out in the wild, which could result in freezing temperatures at night and during the early hours of the morning. The right gear will help a lot, but experienced hunters will also know exactly where to set up camp for the most protection from wildlife and the elements.
Hunting trips within groups are ideal for newbies, as they will be able to rely on some of the skills of their companions. It’s important to let the organizer of the trip know of any restrictions or limitations, as this may affect the safety of the entire group.
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Why Keeping a Light Travel Load is Good for Your Mind & Body
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Traveling is one of the many things that one can do in order to get out of their monotonous routines, apart from their other hobbies and partying. There are a lot of perks of traveling to different places, for instance, you get to explore a new place, know about its distinct culture and locals, you get to eat new cuisines, and what not.
As a travel freak, I love to visit new places. I especially take out time for my vacation within every two weeks and go out of town, state, or even country. Some of my traveling stints have even lasted for 3-4 months. However, in all my traveling expeditions, one of my main concerns, just like many other travelers, is packing my stuff.
In the beginning of my travel endeavors, I used to take a lot of my belongings with me, which I realized over time that I don’t even require most of the stuff I pack. And, during treks and camping, it is exceptionally crucial to pack as light as possible, including other regular trips as well.
Thanks to my traveling experience and distinct voyages, now I’m aware of the advantages of packing light. Now, I can pack everything in just a backpack as opposed to former times when I used to carry 2-3 bags for just one trip.
There are a lot of merits of traveling light. It not only keeps you physically and mentally healthy but also helps you to walk fast. Therefore, I’m writing this blog post to tell you guys about the various merits of packing light.
1. Teaches you to live a minimalist life
We all have some priorities in our life. But how often do we actually give our real priorities the priority? The answer would be in negative for a lot of people out there. When you pack light, you also get to learn how to live a minimalist lifestyle and focus on just the essentials in your life by weeding through the unnecessary items that weigh you down or distract you. This is one of the ways of getting closer to what you value the most.
Through this, you get to learn how you can do away with external things and be really happy. By packing to the minimal, you know how to edit your life down and carry only the minimal possessions, which can ultimately teach you that what you really require is already within you and not outside. When traveling with just a backpack, you are forced to adopt an austere way of living, no matter whether you need it or not.
2. Economical
Besides other things, traveling light will also save you money, majorly the fees charged by airlines for checked baggage. To save this money, I would suggest you carry just one backpack or carry-on while traveling to anywhere in the world for any number of days. You can easily put all your stuff in one bag only and most of the airlines let you carry one personal item and carry-on absolutely free of cost.
Buy some good bags for traveling and save your money on your trips. Additionally, you should buy some packing cubes when shopping for bags so that you can keep all your stuff organized within one bag. Read the reviews for the best packing cubes available in the market in order to buy the best ones for yourself.
If you do not carry one bag while traveling, you can easily spend a lot of money on just your bags. Do you know that domestic flights charge up to $100 per bag as per the airline you’re traveling in? Moreover, a few international flights also charge fees for checking baggage nowadays.
Additionally, people who have multiple or heavy bags have to rent a cart or dolly or even hire a porter so that they can take their baggage around easily, which adds up to the cost. Moreover, they also prefer a taxi or private car for traveling, which costs more than traveling in a public transport.
3. Physical ease
Packing light can relieve you of a lot of physical stress since you do not have to lug around a huge backpack on your back, carry your hand luggage on your shoulders, or pull that bulky wheelie around you. This can make you really exhausted, reducing your enjoying time on your vacation.
Moreover, carrying a lot of bags means your hands are all engaged, along with your body. Experts suggest that heavy lifting can also lead to injuries, such as herniated discs and strained muscles. On the contrary, when you pack light, you can easily take everything anywhere with you while traveling. This means you can do more things without getting drained as otherwise.
4. Relaxes your mind
Believe it or not, traveling light soothes your mind particularly people who remain anxious in their journey thinking about the security of their luggage. When you carry just one backpack, you can rest assured that it is tucked away in the overhead compartment, which is within your reach anytime. On the contrary, hauling heavy luggage can make you restless as well as uncomfortable.
5. Convenience
With less luggage comes the flexibility of traveling easily in trains or planes. With only a small duffel bag or backpack, you can easily manage your luggage. You do not have to stand in lines, which can take up to an hour sometimes, at the luggage carousel. Lesser luggage can help you pass through many lines.
6. Comfort and mobility
No matter how long is your jaunt or how far you are traveling to, a lighter baggage means it is easy to move around and be comfortable at the same time. When you’re carrying just a backpack or a small carry-on as compared to a heavy luggage, you can easily dodge other travelers at the train station or airport terminal. And, remember that you have to carry your luggage to the airport, from the airport to your hotel, and back, which means you can save all these hassles when you pack light.
So, these are some of the main reasons why you should travel light and pack only the bare essentials that you will use in and need for your vacation. Do not carry everything you feel you might want, rather just focus on the necessary items so that your baggage weighs little to nothing.
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How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
Thinking about traveling long-term? While there are plenty of reasons to pack your bags and head to the airport, a healthier lifestyle is not one of them. The below tips will help you stay healthy while you’re on the road, so you can enjoy your travels and avoid having to return home early.
Here’s how you can stay healthy while traveling:
Get enough sleep
When you’re physically traveling, getting from point A to point B can be exhausting. Not only are you crossing multiple time zones, but you’re often spending hours in the airport, walking all day, carrying your bag around, and more.
Traveling is hard on our bodies, which is why you need to get enough rest. As tempting as it may be to join your new backpacker friends for a night of beers after you’ve just travelled for twenty hours, do yourself a favor and take a nap first.
Eat regularly
It’s important to try and keep some consistency with your usual eating patterns when you’re traveling. Sure, the cuisine and content of your food may be slightly different, but aim to split your plate in a similar way- half with veges, a quarter with carbs, and a quarter with protein. Of course you’ll want to enjoy some local treats or have the occasional high-calorie splurge, but try to ensure most of your meals are high-quality and healthy. An example of staying healthy would be to try some japanese green tea with your meal. This will help you avoid getting run down and sick, plus it’ll keep your waistline in check as well.
Move your body
It can be difficult to get enough exercise when you’re traveling. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for cheap beach bikes or even beach cruisers while you’re traveling. Cycling is a great way to stay fit and healthy, plus it’s a cheap, fast way to get around and explore a new city.
There are also many different body workouts online that you can do in your hostel or hotel room, or you can throw on your shoes and go for a run- a great way to see your new neighborhood.
Stay clean
It can be annoying trying to find ways to do laundry while you’re traveling, but your roommates will thank you. It’s also a good idea to pack some hand sanitizer or wipes, along with some toilet paper. You’ll be surprised just how often soap and water are not available in bathrooms, and you’ll be coming into contact with lots of people (and germs) while you’re out and about.
Protect your skin
It can be tempting to spend hours lying out in the sun, but be sure to pack the sunscreen. Aim for at least SPF 30, and try to spend time in the shade as well. Skin cancer is no joke, and you’ll be pleased you stayed out of the sun in twenty years.
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Why You Should go to Spain for NYE
Spending New Year’s Eve in a foreign country is a great way to usher in the new year. Spain is a fabulous destination to celebrate this time honoured holiday and there are plenty of exciting things that you can do. Here are six reasons why you should go to Spain for New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy the Cuisine
The food of Spain is fantastic and it varies from region to region. In the western region of Spain make sure you try a pork dish called Tostas de tomate y jamón. The pigs are fed a diet of mostly acorns and this causes the pork to have a unique flavour. Tapas is generally served in pubs with drinks, and there are plenty of options for everyone.
Gambas al ajillo is a really popular prawn dish that must be tried and you should also try the fried potato dish called Patatas bravas. Paella is a fabulous rice dish that you should also try. On the morning of January 1st start your day off right with churros, ensaimada pastries and a big cup of coffee.
Join in with the Traditions
The Spanish word for New Year’s Eve is Nochevieja. It is traditionally a family holiday and people stay at home until midnight when they eat 12 grapes, one at a time as the clock chimes off 12 rings. If you’re renting a villa with your friends or family, make sure you’ve got some grapes ready. After midnight you can all head out and celebrate, remember to wish everyone “Feliz año Nuevo”.
Dance the Night Away
If you are in Madrid for NYE head to Puerto del Sol. You can eat your grapes, watch fireworks and then the dancing begins. The whole square comes to life and there is music, brightly coloured streamers and noise makers. If you are in Barcelona meet at the Magic Fountain at Plaça d’Espanya for a fabulous multimedia show. There are fabulous fire, and water show, video screens set up and you can dance and sign to your heart’s content.
Watch Fireworks on the Beach
Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands and it is filled with beautiful beaches. Head out with your favourite people to the beach to watch the stunning fireworks display. After the fireworks are over you can head home for a good night’s sleep or head over to the clubs and continue your party.
Party with the Locals
Take a trip to Seville and you can welcome in the new year with the locals, if you are only staying for a couple of days you can easily get a taxi from the airport. You can take a river cruise along the Guadalquivir River that combines dinner, Flamenco dancing, and the eating of the grapes. The view along the river is stunning and it is a great way to usher in the new year.
Dress up in Costumes
Pamplona is where the traditional Running of the Bulls takes place. They also know how to party on New Year’s Eve. People dress up in fancy costumes and party in the streets as they move about the city. The costumes are fantastic so make sure you dress to impress.
