Posts by : Izy Berry

There are so many cool travel accessories constantly being released that it can be difficult to know just what to buy. After all, you want to look and feel great, be on-trend without having to pack all of your clothes, and use technology to make travel as easy as possible.

Here are some must-have travel accessories for your next trip:

A Travel Adaptor

This may seem like a boring addition to your travel accessories, but you’ll be wishing you had one if you rock up to a new country and realise your hair straightener or laptop computer won’t work. Get a worldwide adaptor, which can typically be used in approximately 150 countries, and you’ll be able to charge and use all of your electronics no matter where you visit.

A Passport Case

Passport cases have come a long way, and you can now get a cute case that shows off your personality while also keeping you organised. There’s nothing worse than rocking up to your gate in the airport and wondering where you put your boarding pass, and there are now some awesome passport cases that have multiple sleeves, allowing you to easily store everything that you need to keep safe.

A Cute Bag

Whether you’re using it as your carryon or planning to take it out on the town or to the beach once you arrive, a cute bag is a must when it comes to travel accessories. Tote bags are great for when you have a flight as you can use it as your “extra item” and still fill it with everything you need to take on the plane and items you’ll use once you arrive.

While there are many awesome handbags to choose from, your best bet is a dressy purse or clutch for when you’re going out to dinner or dancing and a more casual day bag for exploring the sites.

A few Pairs of Shoes

It can be hard to decide which shoes to take with you on holiday, since they typically weigh more than most of your clothes and also take up the most space, but you don’t want to be left without your favourites when you need them. Depending on your destination, a classic pair of black high heels is perfect for either a nice dinner out or a few hours of clubbing, while a pair of comfortable flats for during the day is also a good way to go. Wedges are popular for women visiting beach destinations, as you can dress up a pretty dress and go out at night without dealing with uncomfortable stilettos, and if you’re planning to workout in the hotel gym or go for a run to see more of your new town, gym or running shoes are a must.

Your best bet is to wear your heavier shoes on the plane, however this can also be annoying if you need to take them off to go through security

For most people, travelling long-term is a dream, and if you’ve managed to save enough money or you can work on the road as you travel, you’ll be able to have some of the most incredible experiences as you make your way around the world.

The only problem is it can be hard to know what to pack- especially if you’ll be visiting a variety of different countries and climates.

Here are some things you’ll need to take on your travels:

Technology

If you’ll be working remotely as you travel, you’ll need a good laptop. Whether you already have a laptop or you’re in the market for a new one, it makes sense to have it as light as possible so it doesn’t strain your back or add too much weight when it’s in your carry on. Macbook Airs are the perfect type of laptop for travellers, as they’re grunty enough to get things done, and can be stored in a purse- barely adding any weight.

For those who like to take photos and show off their travels (or simply keep the memories), you’ll need a camera. Whether you like the idea of a DSLR, a GoPro, or you have an iPhone with a good camera, don’t forget to take your chargers so you can be ready to snap on the go.

Bags

One of the biggest questions for many people about to travel, is the type of bag they should take. While many travellers begin their trip with a backpack, it’s common to find that this can cause back problems if worn for too long, and it also means that there’s more of a limit to what you can bring- something that is fine if you’re in Southeast Asia since the weather doesn’t change too much, but something that can be a problem if you’re experiencing all four seasons.

It can be tricky to decide on the best suitcases and luggage, but the trick is to look for something sturdy that will last for a long time and can deal with being thrown around by baggage handlers. I like to choose a checked and cabin luggage with a bright colour so I can immediately spot it when it’s going around the baggage carousel at the airport.

Toiletries and Clothes

One thing that’s important to remember, is you can usually find anything pretty much anywhere you travel. If you have a particular type of shampoo you can’t live without or a favourite shirt, by all means pack it for your trip, but if you do happen to leave something at home, it’s usually pretty easy to replace it once you’re travelling (and often for much cheaper than you would find at home).

If you will be experiencing multiple seasons, it makes sense to pack a swimsuit and a thick jumper, along with a light rain jacket, however you may find that it’s better to wait until you’re actually in the cold (or hot) weather, as you can usually find better deals overseas.

Whether or not you enjoy flying, long haul can be a nightmare if the facilities are lacking on the service you have chosen to use. If you are someone who enjoys a great amount of leg room, or simply must be able to play your favourite online games during a journey, and the services you need aren’t offered, you could face a miserable flight. This is why it is advisable to research your flight thoroughly and investigate the selection of airlines available before booking your trip. Fortunately, we’ve done some research for you which should go some way to helping you decide what on-board services really matter to you.

Best Personal Service

Korean Airways suffered a major setback in 2015 when the daughter of the airline’s boss threw a hissy fit over some nuts, but it has still manage to claim the number 8 spot in Travel and Leisure’s list of top airlines. Passengers benefit from excellent service and amazing menus based on dishes from China, Japan, Korea and the West. Even economy travellers can enjoy noticeably generous leg room.

Best for Wi-FI

If staying connected during your flight is a must, you will be looking for a flight that offers excellent Wi-Fi. It may be surprising to learn that until recently, Wi-Fi was not considered a priority for many airlines and that there are many still not offering a comprehensive internet service on all their flights. This is even more surprising with the rise in popularity of mobile gaming and one would think airlines would gladly provide travellers with access to entertaining distractions such as the popular Mr Smith Casino, Game of Thrones app during longer flights.

In fact, only 36% of flights worldwide offer even a chance of getting Wi-Fi on board. JetBlu is planning to provide a home broadband experience on its entire fleet with free access to Netflix and other streaming services. United Boeing 737 currently provide high-speed internet access to passengers and Virgin America has five aircraft equipped with high speed broadband capabilities. Perhaps now more and more airlines are realising the importance of efficient Wi-Fi, they will up their game and allow you as a passenger to access apps such as the much-loved Game of Thrones app, with the option to follow your house in 15 lines.

Best for Comfort

Qantas customers are raving about the level of comfort they are experiencing during their long-haul flights and who can blame them when they have sky beds complete with massage settings at their disposal in Business class, and convenient hammock-like footrests in economy? Business class fliers are also treated to co-ordinating his and her amenity kits which comprise hand cream, lip balm and facial moisturiser.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) are also recommended for convenient comfort in Business Class due to the staggered seating which allows passengers to move freely around the plane without disturbing others. Completely reclining seats are also a plus for those who wish to take a successful snooze during the flight.

We all like to treat ourselves every now and again. There is nothing quite like a couple of nights in luxury accommodation to recharge the batteries and banish the cobwebs.

In the past that would have meant staying in a five star hotel. Today, you are spoilt for choice.

The changing world of luxury holidays

Demand for luxury accommodation has soared across the world. If you enjoy stats, and what to find out more about this interesting travel trend, just click this link. On the other hand, if you are just keen on the idea of treating yourself, and want to know what your options are, please sit back, and read on.

Luxury in quirky locations

My favourite options, by far, are the quirky ones. Places where you find a touch of luxury when you are not expecting it. For example, in a cave or a luxurious tent. Somehow, the contrast between the baseness of your surroundings and the richness of the inside makes it seem all the more luxurious.

Eco-luxury

That brings me nicely onto another favourite option, eco-friendly holiday accommodation, which is finished to a high standard. These places have a great ambience and show you that being green does not mean living like a hippy. You may not find a Jacuzzi, but you are going to get everything else you would expect from a five star hotel.

Luxury B&BS

Now the last thing that enters my mind when I think luxury accommodation is a B&B. However, things are changing. Increasingly, B&B owners are upping their game and putting together some fantastic rooms, and facilities, for their guests.

The fact that there is more of a market for luxury accommodation is part of the reason for this trend. Because there is more demand, small businesses feel that there is enough potential to enable them to safely spend more and finish their rooms to a high standard.

In addition, more large homeowners see running a B&B as a good way to secure a steady income. It is a great way to keep up with the increasing cost of running a big house.

Luxury yachts

This last form of luxury accommodation has been around for decades, but is one that few people think of when they book a holiday. The nice thing about a floating holiday home is that it is an easy way to get away from it all. Let the crew take you away from all the hustle and bustle of shore life, so you can chill out completely.

Where to find some great deals

The standard of luxury rental accommodation from luxurylet.com is always high, and the prices are very reasonable. It is a great place to start your search

This site focuses on affordable apartments, boutique hotels, and residence houses. They also have cottages, eco-friendly properties and quirky little holiday lets on their books, so there really is something for everyone on this site. If you are ready to be pampered, why not take a look at what they have to offer?

For many people, Canada is a place they’ll go “one day”, since there’s so much to do and see that it can almost be overwhelming and it’s easy to assume that you’ll need at least a couple of months to see the highlights.

However, you can definitely pick and choose some of the places that appeal the most to you, and with such incredible scenery and beautiful sights to choose from throughout the country, you’re unlikely to go wrong and will be sure to return eventually to see anything you missed.

Here are some ideas for Canada holidays:

Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and also Canada’s most populated city. As one of the largest cities in North America, you’ll be sure to enjoy the diversity here, with people from around the world calling it home, and cultural districts like Little India, Little Italy and Chinatown just waiting to be explored.

Gros Morne National Park

For those who like to check of World Heritage Sites on their travels, Gros Morne is the place to go. You’ll find the park in Newfoundland, and most people consider it to be a geological wonder since you can see some of the exposed part of the earth’s mantle, before exploring the park itself which is bursting with greenery, lakes, cliffs and waterfalls.

Halifax

Canadians are known around the world to be warm, charming and simply nice, and Halifax is where you’ll find some of the most welcoming people in Canada. There are lots of cute little fishing villages to visit here, along with pristine beaches, interesting stores and good food.

Banf

Visiting Banf will lead you to think that someone has picked up a skiing village in Europe and transplanted it in Canada. Filled with foreigners working in the ski fields, and plenty of backpackers skiing by day and partying by night, this is the perfect place to go if you can’t get enough of the snow.

Whistler

Another destination for skiing and snowboarding, Whistler is known for its incredible skiing around the world. However, it’s also well worth a visit in summer and you’ll find lots of other attractions like hiking that make it a fun place to spend a few days.

Churchill

For people who have longed to see a polar bear, Churchill is the place to go. Located in Manitoba, you’ll find polar bears are so common here that they need to lock them up occasionally when they keep walking into town.

Montreal

Known for its historic sites, quaint scenery and global energy, Montreal has been influenced by both the French and English, making it the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about Canada.

Vancouver

Vancouver has a natural beauty that’s hard to beat, and you can easily spend the day wandering the shops before heading out for an afternoon of hiking. Food is big here, with public markets popular and residents choosing to eat locally grown foods whenever possible.

Nepal never ceases to amaze. Its high mountains ensure that you’re often left speechless as you travel through spectacular mountainside beauty wondering how something so serene, so untouched exists in today’s world. And if that’s not enough, its dense national parks and roaring rivers present an adventure of a lifetime, one that manages to send a chill down your spine and an excited shriek up your throat at the same time. And that’s not all. The country also presents a fascinating culture, a history spanning back millennia and endless explorations. If words like red panda, yak, yeti and river rafting excite you, this is the place to be.  Without further ado, here’s a list of the top 5 things to do in Nepal.

Chitwan National Park

Keep one eye open for mammals and creatures as you admire your majestic elephant ride, safari tour, or canoe ride through Chitwan National Park. Chitwan literally translates to the ‘heart of the jungle’ and every step in this fascinating national park feels like an adventure, for it truly features a diverse selection of plants and animals. Safaris in Chitwan are a huge draw and rightly so. The park’s alluring marshlands host all kinds of animals such as deer, rhinos, sloth bears, monkeys, leopards and the royal Bengal tiger. You also get to see a magnificent collection of bird life here.

Patan

The corners of Patan are marked by ancient stupas that were erected in the year 250 BC. That alone is enough to warrant a trip to this ancient city. But the moment you realize that this wondrous temple town also hosts a larger concentration of temples than Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, you simply cannot ignore its charms any further. Located at an hour’s distance from the city of Kathmandu, Patan is defined by its stunning landscape of temples, an ancient city that is dominated by historic brick lane and mesmerizing public squares. The grand celebrations held here make Patan unique and people from all over the world come to watch holy rituals and traditional ceremonies that are held to please Lord Krishna. Some of the top attractions of Patan include:

• The Golden Temple
• The Kumbeshwar Temple
• The Red Machhendranath Temple
• Patan Museum

The Everest Base Camp trek

The Everest Base Camp trek. Period. This grand wonder isn’t something for the faint-hearted. The Everest Base Camp trek journey takes 12 days and will be physically demanding. However, if you can walk up to 7 hours a day including a couple of rest days then this trek is just for you. Reaching Everest Base Camp is a remarkable achievement that easily ticks off a few points from your bucket lists. The main reason why you go through all that hardship is that a sheer glimpse of the Everest region is enough to make you fall in love with nature. From stone walled Sherpa villages to mesmerizing rhododendron forests to magical peaks, every step in this enchanting land is sure to present something spectacular, something that takes your breath away.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a place that’s known for its magic and mystery, a place where the days are full of endless explorations and fun activities while the nights transport you to an aura of peace and serenity that is rare in today’s world. This stunning lakeside town presents a wide range of activities that range from paragliding and exploring to fishing in Lake Phewa and sunbathing. This is as romantic a place as any and lazing around enjoying the sunset is among the top things to do here. Other things to do in Pokhara include exploring panoramic mountains and biking and hiking.

Lumbini

Buddhist pilgrims have been flocking to Lumbini for decades, for this is the birthplace of one of the greatest figures in history, the Buddha. The serene atmosphere and aura of peace and tranquillity is a testament of everything Buddhism stands for and a living proof of the reverence shown to Gautam Buddha in this part of the world. You’re sure to fall in love with the stunning scenery, the friendly locals and enchanting vistas as well. Lumbini ranks among the very best pilgrimage sites on the planet and its ancient monasteries and golden temples ensure that you always have something new to see and explore. You can actually stay in a monastery, exploring Buddhist rituals and traditions from up close.

Sure, we’ve missed out on all kinds of sights and attractions. After all, how do you fit in everything that the land of the most concentrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet has on offer in just 5 attractions! That said, each of these destinations is sure to present a memorable experience, something unique to look forward to and an image of Nepal that shall remain etched in your memories forever.

Don’t see your favorite thing to do in Nepal here? Please check out Bookmundi’s Top 12 best things to do in Nepal.

For those wanting to relax, Bali, Indonesia is the place to go. And Kuta is by far the best area to stay in, due to the many excellent options for accommodation, the beach, shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Here are some reasons why you should take your next vacation in Bali:

The People

When you visit Bali, you’ll be meeting some of the most welcoming and friendliest people in the world. Don’t be surprised if you’re constantly checking behind you to see who it is that the lovely local person is smiling at, even when it’s you. The people in Bali are patriotic, proud of their beautiful island and keen to get to know tourists, so be sure to spend some time chatting with the people you meet.

The Culture

Bali has a bad reputation for being all about drinking, partying and lying on the beach. Sure, these are great things to do and popular for a reason, but if you’re looking for a bit more culture, you’ll be sure to find it in Bali. The traditional way of life is evident all over the island, and you’ll be able to see more than 20,000 temples, along with colourful ceremonies and festivals, traditional Balinese dance, and local cooking classes which will allow you to learn more about the beautiful Balinese culture.

The Accommodation

There are few places in the world where you can get a deal as great as Bali when it comes to accommodation. For what you would pay for a standard 3-star, rather run-down hotel at home, you can live like a King or Queen and stay in a great hotel right in the centre of Kuta where all the action is. Check out the Kuta Central Park Hotel for an excellent option at www.traveloka.com.

The Shopping

For those who like to shop, you can’t get much better than Bali. The markets in Kuta are buzzing with stalls and people selling many different things. Check out the Discovery Shopping Centre in Kuta, wander down the streets and visit the local shops, and be sure to go first thing in the morning- you’ll get a better deal if you’re the first sale of the day as this is seen as a sign of luck.

The Food

Balinese food is delicious, and you’ll find excellent local dishes from nasi goreng, to soto ayam to satay ayam. Not only is it delicious, but you’ll typically only pay a few dollars for a great meal. While the local warungs are a must-visit, Bali is also packed with fine dining restaurants where you can find all types of food, including French and Italian cuisine and even sushi.

The Beauty

Bali has some of the most incredible sunrises and sunsets that you’ll ever see. The colours are stunning and you’ll see plenty of shades of pink, purple, yellow and orange. Be sure to take a camera and sit on the beach either first thing in the morning or at dusk for stunning views.