Posts by : Izy Berry

Every journey begins with packing. Those who are experienced can do it in an hour, and maybe even have their special traveler’s set ready in the case they find last minute travel deals. And what about a college student who has just discovered an excellent opportunity to travel at low cost and is getting ready for the first journey?

Do it in advance

Figure out what awaits you at the destination point:

• read the weather forecast;
• think of the possible mosquitos;
• read a little about the local culture;
• think of your «favorite» illnesses or health problems;

Correspondingly, choose the clothes, consider taking insecticide and sunscreen, prepare first aid kit with all the necessary medications. If you travel for the first time, buy or land appropriate bag, rucksack or suitcase of good quality. One of the worst things is when your backpack’s strap is broken at the start of your climbing the mountain or walking into the forest. Try to make it just ONE bag. The exception is an airport where you need separate hand luggage containing most essential things in case your bag gets lost or delayed. Maybe, you need to buy or to land other items, so don’t put it off too long.

Make a list

You can write down your own checklist of necessary things and cross out what you have packed, or download a ready-made list. There are also apps for travelers which offer packing lists. For example, here you can create customized list of what you need to do and to pack for your journey.

Organize

Sometimes, it seems that the easiest way to fit everything in is just to squeeze your clothes into the bag or rucksack tightly and stick the toiletry and shoes into the gaps. There was a time when I was packing this way. Until one day on the customs they wanted to check my baggage and I was just in despair facing the need to pack everything back afterward. The space and your time during the journey can be organized much better.

The best way to pack a suitcase is to pack outside: collect items on your list and place them somewhere to decide what you really need. Put heavy and odd-shaped items first. Use various traveler’s kits if you have a budget for them.

Barbie-size

Take cosmetics in small bottles or contact lenses containers. You surely needn’t a 30-oz bottle of shampoo in your two-week trip. By the way, you can find deodorant or toothpaste in the shops, if you ran short of it – in Europe and the USA you can most probably buy your favorite brand. Though, when I was in Japan it was quite difficult to find out even what is food and what can be toiletry in local shops, not to mention recognizing after shave balm. Put the toiletry into zipper plastic bag to organize it and to keep the rest of luggage safe in case of a leak. A transparent bag allows to get out a necessary bottle without digging in it.

Balance your travel needs and the baggage weight

There are two main types of travelers: those who try to be prepared for everything and suffer from heavy bags and those, who pack light and enjoy walking much more but often ask the fist ones about items. You are not in the disc world of Terry Pratchett, where the Luggage follows his master on hundred of little legs and had additional dimensions for all the souvenirs he buys. You have to make out, how to balance these two extremes.

Pack the clothes effectively

Don’t fold your clothes – roll it and pack to compression bags or packing tubes. Put small items like socks, neckerchief or charger wires into your shoes. It is practical to have two tops for each of bottom clothing and to choose neutral colors. Pack all the clothes inside out. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the train or on the plane to avoid stuffing them into the bag, and put your heaviest shoes on.

Map, Travel Guide, Phrasebook

Obviously, you can use them online or download on your smartphone / tablet. Though, consider that it could be not so easy to get your gadget charged on the road or at the destination point, and you might not be able to connect to the Internet. So make photocopies of the pages of the travel guide you may need and buy an old-fashioned map just in case.

You shouldn’t pack books to get your homework done. If the study interferes with a trip, I entrust specialists to do my essay for me. I think, that the experience I get while traveling is more precious than the book knowledge.

Every horse owner will be in need of a safe and comfortable transportation of their horses. There can be various reasons for why they want to move their horse like for a show, to vets or others. However, buying a good horse trailer is very important to ensure the comfort of both the horse and owner.

There are different types of horse trailers available such as single horse trailer, two horse trailers, gooseneck horse trailer and much more. Selecting the right one is important.

The http://horsetrailerpost.com/ helps both the buyer and seller to choose their right choice of horse trailer.

Here is a guide to help you know various types available.

There are two main types of horse trailers available and they include:

Lorries: This is the running vehicle, therefore the owner may not have to hitch trailer to back of vehicle. This type of trailer can vary from holding two horses to even up to 6 horses. They can also offer overnight accommodation, which is attached for the owners. However, this type of trailer will need tax and insurance. This comes in ranging weights like 3 tonnes to 6.5 tonnes or more. They can carry even 10 horses.

Horsebox or the trailers: This type will come in two types, which is like to be hitched to towing vehicle and the other one will be the bumper pull trailer. The bumper pull trailer is also called as, gooseneck trailer. Each of these types will have their own advantages to offer for horse transportation.

Some of the other types of horse trailers will include:

Stock trailer: This is used to transport farm stock. It will also help to transport horses to a short distance. They come with open top, therefore they are not safe with changing weather condition and may cause uncomforting to the horse.

Gooseneck trailer: This type will need an open truck bed system to hitch trailer to trunk’s bed. This is a very commonly used type of trailer.

Bumper pull trailer: This type is like attaching to vehicle to pull horse trailers. There is no need for an open truck to attach to vehicle. However, this type is little difficult to move and park.

Slant or front load trailer: This type is designed for the horse to enter the trailer from back or side of the trailer. Each model will have its own advantage to offer.

Besides knowing the types, there are also many things you need to know about the horse trailers. It is also essential to understand the key parts and their operation for better utilization of the trailer. However, make sure that any type you choose, it should make you and your horse or horses feel comfortable, while traveling safe.

There are always great places to visit across the UK whether you’re on a long holiday or a quick weekend getaway. Castles, forests, hills, parks and urban scenes are yours to choose from, guaranteeing an experience you will never forget. In this post, however, we are going to focus more on the best places to visit on a weekend break. Let’s have a look, shall we?

A Drive Around London

Sometimes, the best weekend getaway is one spent exploring the city. London is always a great place to explore, especially when you only have a couple of days – or even a day – to spend. It is a city that has everything, from classic architecture and beautiful parks to modern shopping districts and hip restaurants.

St. James’ Park is especially beautiful this time of the year. You can also go on a historic trip to Churchill’s War Room or spend the day visiting the British Museum. A quick drive from London and you can also enjoy a day at the spa or other thrilling activities. Of course, you will need a valid driving license for this kind of trip, but websites such as Top Tests will help you prepare for the test in no time.

Beautiful Edinburgh Landscape

For a more unique weekend getaway, Edinburgh is the city to visit. It is a city that combines gorgeous landscapes and beautiful castles with modern amenities and amazing restaurants. There is nothing you can’t find in Edinburgh; this is a city that offers an experience for everyone.

For starters, you can visit some of Edinburgh’s historic sites and have the entire weekend filled with great activities. Edinburgh Castle, the Museum of Scotland and of course St. Giles Cathedral are all breath-taking places to visit. Don’t forget to bring your camera too, because there is an endless array of beautiful landscapes waiting to be captured as well.

Edinburgh is also the home of many festivals and shows. Time your trip to Edinburgh correctly and you can be part of the local festivities. Alternatively, you can just sit back and relax at one of the nearby parks and have a pint.

The Glamorous Blackpool

We can’t really talk about weekend getaways in the UK without talking about Blackpool. The place is still regarded as UK’s most favourite resort-town, with millions of travellers from across the UK – and from around the world – visiting Blackpool every year. It is the home of the famous Sandcastle Waterpark where you can have a blast all day.

Blackpool also has beautiful beaches you can visit on your getaway. The seaside town is the home of festivals and ceremonies almost all year long, including the famous Blackpool New Year’s Eve celebration. Most of the fun will be within steps away from where you’re staying, which makes Blackpool the perfect weekend destination for those looking for excitement.

These are just some of the weekend getaway destinations to consider. There are plenty of other exciting spots to visit across the UK, so pack your bags and have the relaxing and exciting experience you deserve this weekend.

India has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world for people who want to “find themselves”, and whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in this diverse and exciting country.

Here are some of the best places to visit and soak up the culture on a holiday in India:

Goa

Goa is known to be one of the best destinations for chilling out, rejuvenating, and even letting loose. The beaches here are incredible, and in December there’s a music festival called Sunburn which happens over three days.

While Goa can often be packed with younger travellers, more and more of the older crowd are heading to Goa to see what all the fuss is about.

Hampi

Hampi is where you’ll see some incredible monuments and antiquated temples, and this is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the Tungabhadra river near Karnataka, these amazing landscapes will have you reaching for your camera. If you like rock climbing, this is the place to be, and you’ll meet tourists from around the world.

Sunderbans

This national park is also a World Heritage Site, and stretches across India and into Bangladesh, including at least 50 different islands. This is also home to a number of wild tigers, and other wild species like monkeys and rock pythons.

Spiti Valley

This is often called “Little Tibet” and you’ll find it between India and Tibet. This is a desert mounted valley and has incredible vistas and breathtaking mountains. There are also monasteries here which can be visited by tourists, including Lalung and Dhankar, and some of these monasteries are over 1000 years old.

Andaman Islands

If you like scuba diving, the coral reefs here are inspiring. You’ll find wrecks waiting to be dived, colourful fish, and even some awesome volcanic lava, making it a great diving experience for both experts and beginners.

Golden Temple

This temple is a must-visit, and you’ll find it in Amritsar. Named after the god Hari, this is a sacred and cultural centre to the Sikhs, and sees more visitors every day than the Taj Mahal- 100,000 visitors to be exact. The temple also has a holy bath which is said to purify your soul.

Bhangarh, Rajasthan

This is an Indian Ghost town, and is said to be one of the scariest places in the country to visit. Tourists continue to visit though, although there’s no visiting after sunset so be sure to visit during the day.

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple

This is a hugely important temple for many Indians, and has both oral and written history. Now it’s one of Kerela’s most well-known temples and is a reflection of the social, religious and historic development of the region.

Rishikesh

This is the best place to go if you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie, with plenty of rafting and camping available. There are also many other adventure sports waiting for you to try, so be sure to visit Rishikesh.

Canada is an excellent place to visit any time of the year, however it often gets overlooked in favour of slightly more exotic destinations. This is a mistake, as Canada has some of the most amazing scenery in the world, along with big cities, small town charm, and of course, that Canadian friendliness.

Here are some of the best places to visit when you spend your holidays in Canada:

Churchill

Churchill is the place to go to see the famous polar bears, and if you head to Manitoba you’ll be likely to see one wandering into town- they like it so much that residents have a polar bear jail to keep themselves safe.

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world, so you’ll have to be careful not to fall in love with the place and end up staying. This is a place where you can shop and sightsee in the morning, before going hiking in the afternoon to spot some of the famous wildlife. Foodies will enjoy Vancouver, and you can spend time shopping at the public markets and enjoying delicious, fresh, locally grown food in the restaurants.

Whistler

While many people would think that this ski destination would only be fun in the winter, they would be wrong. There is plenty to do here in summer, including great hiking, and if you love skiing or snowboarding, a winter visit could be a good idea as well.

Halifax

Take a friendly Canadian and then add a little more kindness and make them super welcoming, and you’ve got the residents of Halifax. Along with some lovely, open-hearted people, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, fishing villages waiting to be explored, cute stores, and some delicious food.

Toronto

As the most populated city in Canada, you’d expect it to have a “big city” vibe, and while you wouldn’t be wrong, it somehow manages to avoid the brashness associated with cities like New York, and you’ll always find someone willing to give you directions. This is an extremely diverse city, with excellent food from countries around the world, and many different cultural districts like Little Italy, Chinatown and Little India.

Banf

If you’re looking for a cute little skiing village with a party atmosphere, Banf is the place to go. While you’ll have an excellent time if you love to ski or snowboard, Banf is also about meeting people from all over the world, partying until dawn, and then hitting the slopes the next day.

Montreal

If there was one word associated with Montreal, many visitors would choose the word “quaint”. This is where you’ll find some excellent historic sites in Canada, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the French and English history.

As you can see, there is a range of places to visit in Canada, and one trip may not be enough. Ideally, you would need at least two weeks to see the sights in Canada, however a month will give you more time to really soak up the culture and learn more about the country.

Everybody knows that when they travel to certain countries on vacation, it is likely that they need to have shots to protect them against picking up nasty diseases. Often, these include shots to protect against malaria, typhus, or hepatitis, but there are also other health concerns, and if your trip is a last-minute decision, you may not realize that you need shots at all.

Why protect yourself at all?

When traveling abroad, you are exposing yourself to a whole host of bacteria and other nasties that may simply not be present in your home country, which means that your immune system has not had a chance to develop an immunity towards those particular bugs. If your immune system has already been compromised through a genetic disorder or a previous illness, you are even more at risk of picking up something that could seriously damage your health. This is why you need to have your shots, sometimes even months in advance of when you plan to travel as they may take a while to kick in.

The type of vaccinations you need and the precautions you need to take will depend upon your destination. Insect bites are common and can often be treated with simple ointments or sprays. However, it is worth using preventative measures rather than treatment to combat these, as some insects carry malaria. Eating new foods can upset your stomach and cause diarrhea, but this can also be a symptom of food poisoning caused by food being prepared in unhygienic conditions, so always maintain your own personal hygiene regime and keep away from any eateries that look questionable in this regard.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, especially the latter, you may not think twice about cleaning your lenses in local water or with a soiled napkin, but you could be risking your eyesight if you do so. Our eyes can pick up infections easily, so it is vital that you maintain a good cleaning regime while traveling abroad, using bottled water if necessary to wash out your eyes or your lenses. However, this can be a problem if you travel abroad a great deal, so you may want to consider doing away with your glasses or corrective lenses by undergoing laser eye surgery, a modern eye care treatment that is quick and relatively painless.

If your health is already below par near to your intended travel date, you should consider postponing traveling until you are better because your immune system may not be able to fight off any bugs that may head your way. Also, if you are noticeably ill, be aware that the airline may not let you board the airplane, in which case your travel plans will have to be postponed.

Traveling abroad is always an exciting prospect, but it can also pose problems for your health. The key is to be aware of the health issues present at your destination and ensure that you take the correct precautions so that you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about your health.

Many people are unsure if they want to purchase travel insurance for their trip. Once you’ve already paid for your flight and hotel and saved for your expenses while traveling, the idea of shelling out even more money for travel insurance can have some people choosing to “self-insure” (hoping they don’t get hurt, sick, or robbed and understanding that they’ll be paying if something happens).

Travel insurance will cover you for a variety of different things, depending on both the coverage you choose, the policy, and the insurer. It’s important that you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel, so you don’t need to worry about any surprises in the event that you do need to make a claim.

Booking your insurance at least a few weeks in advance is a good idea, since you then won’t need to worry about potentially cancelling a trip if you get sick or injured.

Generally, travel insurance will cover you in the event that you get sick or injured while overseas. You won’t be covered for anything medical while you’re at home, as it’s expected that you’ll have your own insurance.

It’s a good idea to check the standard of medical coverage that is covered. Some insurance policies will allow you to visit an international hospital (so you can be sure that they have the necessary facilities, training and health and safety standards), while others will only cover you if you visit a local hospital (which can be problematic in certain countries). Knowing this will allow you to make the best decision at the time.

Travel insurance should also cover you in the case that you need to cancel a trip, major medical (this should also cover emergency medical evacuation back to an excellent hospital or your home country), accidental death (this will make it easier on your family in the event that you suddenly die), and travel medical (which can include anything from strep throat to an infected bug bite).

There are many different travel insurance providers, and the one you choose will depend on the level of cover you’re looking for. Some will include coverage for your personal items like passports, mobile phones and laptops, while others will only include medical coverage.

If you choose not to take travel insurance, it’s important to remember that while you may be traveling in a developing country, the medical costs can be much higher than at home. Thailand is a good example, and is one of the best places for a cheap holiday, however it also has some of the most expensive medical care in the world.

If you’re seriously injured or sick overseas, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to demand payment up front, meaning that your family would need to cover the costs. This can be a huge cost, and families have had to mortgage properties to pay for their loved ones care after motorbike accidents in Southeast Asia.

For your piece of mind, be sure to purchase travel insurance for your next trip.

Italy is a marvelous blend of ultra modern and historical treasures that will delight all who visit.  It is a wonderful country for travellers looking for a luxury escape and there are so many different things that you can choose from, and amazing places to stay, to indulge yourself. Here are five tips for a luxury escape in Italy.

Get a Private Tour of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built and it is over two thousand years old.  It has a long and exciting history that includes gory gladiator battles and public spectacles with between 50 000 to 80 000 spectators.  After the medieval times it was no longer used for entertainment and was used as a fortress, a quarry, and by the church for residences.  Over time the building has sustained damage caused by earthquakes but a large portion of it remains intact.  You can learn more about this fascinating building by taking a private tour with a history guide that will allow you to skip the line, wander through areas not always open to the public, and learn fascinating things about the Colosseum and the surrounding area including the Arch of Constantine and the Seven Hills of Rome

Rent a Farmhouse in Tuscany

Renting a farmhouse in Tuscany is a fabulous way to indulge and relax.  You may be able to help harvest grapes or olives if you arrive at the right time of year.  There are also garden tours, cooking lessons, winery tours and tastings, and many fabulous meals to indulge in.  Burn off the extra calories by wandering through the rolling hills that are abundant in this beautiful area.

Rent a Ferrari to Drive Around

The history of the Ferrari is fascinating and there are two museums that showcase the history in Modena and Mirabella.  There are many Ferrari experiences that you can take advantage of while visiting.  You can rent a Ferrari and tour on your own, take a trip out to the countryside where you can enjoy locally grown food, or you can test drive a vehicle with a copilot so that you can really let loose on the narrow streets.

Go On a Private Vatican Tour

You will have to get up early for this one but tour can arrange a private tour of Vatican City before it becomes busy with the daily crowds.  You will get your own knowledgeable guide that will show you things that the crowded tour groups don’t get access to.

Hire a Personal Shopper in Milan

Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world and many of the world’s top designers have set up their headquarters here.  You can hire a personal shopper that will give you access to things like undivided attention from the sales staff, entry to the stores during non-business hours and many other personalized treats.  You can also meet with the personal shopper, give them your measurements, an idea of your personal preferences, and they will do the shopping for you.

What better way is there to forget about the stresses of your day-to-day life than to head out onto the links and play some golf?  You can work on your backswing, concentrate on getting your score under par, and relax in the sun as you reduce your stress and improve your health.  If you are going to popular golf courses make sure to have all of your Tee Times booked in advance so that you are not disappointed.  Consider staying at a golf resort so you can hop out of bed and start working on your swing the second you wake up.

USA

The USA has fifty states and nearly twenty thousand golf courses to choose from.  There are world-class golf courses scattered throughout the country so it is up to you to choose a destination and then find the golf courses.  Florida, Arizona, California, and Hawaii are great destinations for winter golf and the mild climate is great for family activities outdoors.

Scotland

Scotland boasts some of the world’s best and oldest golf courses and some of the greenest greens in the world.  Carnoustie is just one of the challenging world-class courses and it was the host of the 1999 British Open. You can stay in a castle that has a golf course nearby and you can spend your evenings touring whisky distilleries, beer breweries, or just relaxing in a nearby pub.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers up some fabulous resorts where you can live and breathe golf for your entire vacation.  Spend your days on the course and your nights relaxing in a luxurious resort or enjoying the nightlife that it has to offer.  Make sure you take some time out from golf to take a tour through the rainforest and see some of the enchanting creatures that call Costa Rica home.

Croatia

Croatia is a very popular place for tourists and it is known for things like its walled city of Dubrovnik, hundreds of islands with some of the best beaches in the world, and a fantastic coastline to explore.  It is also a fabulous destination for golfers but there are a few challenging courses for avid golfers to explore.  Be sure to check out Adriatic on the Istrian peninsula that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from several different points on the course.  When you are not playing golf you can explore the islands, wander through Dubrovnik, or just try some of the fabulous local wine and food.

Spain

There are fabulous golf courses scattered throughout Spain.  But if you are looking for an area that is ripe with great and challenging courses then the Costa Brava is the place to be, with incredible courses like PGA Catalunya on offer.  It is sunny and beautiful all year round and if you feel like taking a day off there are plenty of beaches to work on your tan and relax in the sun.