Posts by : Izy Berry

Over the past few years, we have seen how a lot of people became more and more interesting in using bicycles instead of the more “traditional” means of transportation (including cars and subways, for example).

Truth be told, using a bicycle is a truly amazing thing to do even when you are travelling. Why so? Why is it so great to travel by bicycle? We have gathered 5 of the most commonly encountered reasons – so read on if you want to find out more. If you’re looking to buy a bike online there are many options to suit every budget!

It’s really cheap

You don’t need to fill a bicycle’s tank with expensive gasoline. And the bike itself will be really cheap too (especially if you choose to settle for a second-hand high quality bike). If you are a budget traveller and if you want to explore a lot of places on a tight budget, a bicycle will be one of the best choices you have when it comes to travelling around.

It’s very healthy

Biking is one of those activities that stimulate your cardiovascular system and boost your immune system. If you want to get healthy, travelling by bike is an amazing option that costs almost nothing at all and is very fun too. Instead of simply jumping in the car and continuing with a sedentary life, biking will get your blood pumping, it will make you sweat a little, it will put your muscles to work, it will oxygenate your brain and it will make you feel really amazing about yourself too.

It can help you lose weight

If you are among those who want to maintain your weight (or lose some pounds), and if you want to make sure you stay slim even when traveling, biking is a really great way to do this. Because it is a cardio type of exercise, biking will help you burn the extra fat and it will help you build long, lean and beautiful muscles. And you don’t need a gym membership for that!

It allows you to see more

Traveling by bike will help you see more of the places you are visiting. It can help you breathe in some clean air when you are outside of the city. And it can help you stop wherever you want if you travel inside a city and if you are curious in its attractions. Furthermore, you will not depend on anyone’s schedule, so you can do things at your own pace and truly enjoy the places you travel through.

It’s the most environmentally-friendly means of transportation

If you are concerned with the environment (and you should be, considering the awful state humanity has brought it in!), you should know that bicycles are by far one of the most eco-friendly means of transportation. Because you don’t need fuel and because your bike will not emanate polluting gases into the atmosphere, your actions will have absolutely no impact on the environment – which in turn, will help it repair itself better. Definitely something we should all do more!

Going on a road trip can be really exciting and fun, especially since you will get the chance to spend your time with people you really like and to see nice places as well.

However, keep in mind that a successful road trip starts with planning ahead the most important details. And your car is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to this.

What to look for in a road trip car? We have gathered some of the most important things you should remember, so read on if you want to find out more.

Your budget

If you have to rent a car to go on the road trip, remember that you should start by establishing a very clear budget. The same goes with buying a new car as well. Starting off with a very clear budget in your mind will help you not exceed your financial capabilities, so that you can actually make the most out of your road trip. One thing that’s important to me is to invest in good tyres, so if the car you’re buying doesn’t have great tyres, you might want to upgrade. Shopping at Tyre-shopper.co.uk makes buying tyres not only easy, but affordable too. You might need to buy some auto car products too, for your new car, and you’ll find great value at National.co.uk.

Financing

If you have decided that it is high time to buy a new car and if you plan on using it for your future road trips, make sure you choose the right type of financing. From traditional car finances to loans offered by different types of institutions, there is something for everyone.

In general, traditional loans will need you to have a very good income and they will also need you to have a very high credit score as well. However, if that is not the case, you can always call for the help offered by companies such as http://refusedcarfinance.com/. This kind of companies will give you a car loan even if your credit score is a bit damaged and the entire process will be much faster and easier than in the case of the traditional car financing methods.

The details matter

When choosing a car for the road trip, please make sure you have it inspected by a professional. You want your money to go in a very safe place and you want to be absolutely certain the car is in perfect condition for the road. Not doing this can end up in having to pay extra repairs (which will make you go over your budget) and it can even be extremely dangerous. It may cost a bit more to have your car analysed by a pro, but it is most definitely worth it!

The size

How many persons do you plan on bringing with you on the road trip? Do you want your car to be comfortable for everyone? Then the size of the vehicle will matter a lot – both when it comes to the seats and when it comes to the trunk space as well. Furthermore, take into consideration that, if you want to attach an RV to your car, you will have to make sure its engine is powerful enough to be able to drag the “moving house” on the road.

Don’t rush, take your time and you will be able to buy the best car for your road trip!

These days, you can find cameras to suit just about any type of budget. From cameras priced under $100 to expensive cameras with a price tag larger than a few thousand dollars, there’s something for everyone, be them experts in this field or amateurs.

If you have decided to buy a new camera, you are most likely perplexed by the wide range of options you have too. How do you narrow down to that one product that will make you genuinely happy, though? We have gathered some of the most important things you should know before buying a camera, so read on if you want to find out more.

Establish a clear budget

Don’t go out shopping without establishing a very clear budget for the camera you want to buy. Analyse how much money you have and narrow down your list of options to a handful few, so that they fit your financial limits. Don’t go above those limits if you cannot afford it – eventually, this will make you feel remorseful and it will take away from your satisfaction too.

Not all cameras are alike

There are many types of cameras available on the market, but they can all be grouped into three major categories: DSLRs, compact and mirrorrless.

DSLRs are generally associated with professional photographers – and not without reason. They allow you to change the lens, they have a variety of features that can be manually adjusted for the best results and they are very sturdy as well. On the downside, they tend to be more expensive than other types of cameras (although there are budget-friendly entry-level DSLRs available too) and they are heavier than most of the other types of cameras too.

Compact cameras are the digital cameras you see everywhere. They can shoot average looking photos and they are more than fine if you don’t want too much from your camera. Furthermore, they are lightweight and easy to use too.

Mirrorless cameras are a very special type that bridges between DSLRs and compact cameras. As lightweight as a normal camera and almost as complex as a DSLR, a mirrorless camera is perfect for those of you who want to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and ease of use.

Brands matter

Like it or not, the brand of your camera should be well-known. Sure, it may cost a bit more, but the truth is that every single penny will be more than worth it in the long run. Cameras manufactured by the large companies have a heftier price, but they are much sturdier, they offer better quality and a longer life as well.

Keep in mind: rushing into making the final call will most likely not lead to anything good. Take your time, decide what you are searching for and shop around for the best prices and for the best products. This is the best way to make sure your investment is a good one and that you will be actually happy with the final product.

Whilst most of us can see the benefits of travelling, when it actually comes down to it, we all have our own preferences.

Some people take their cues from the Littlest Hobo, travelling from place to place and seeing the open road as part of the journey while others take the time to breathe in their surroundings and get to know each destination intimately.

Who’s right? Nobody really, it all comes down to the way YOU want to travel. However, if you’re the sort of person who wants to take the time to get to know a place or you want to return to it time and time again, you’ll discover some advantages and benefits you might not have realised you were open to.

The Secrets

Think carefully about your hometown or the place where you studied or live now. Picture all of the little secrets only you and a handful of people know about. That coffee shop that gives a mini macaroon with every latte, the restaurant that serves homemade bread with dipping cheese, the chemist that’s open until 11pm when everywhere else has long closed. These are the secrets which only a local has, and the more you visit a particular location the more chance of finding these hidden gems you have. You’ll discover the eateries which are off the beaten track, the tiny taverns up winding streets which only the locals frequent but which have the freshest fish, you’ll find the places actually worth visiting rather than those the guidebooks tell you are a ‘must-see’.

The Locals

Speaking of the locals, staying in a particular place is a great way of getting to know the local residents. Although some are very welcoming towards visitors, others might be on their guard or have little to do with the tourists. However, seeing you over time as you spend either long or frequent spells in the same place means building up a relationship and a rapport with the locals which can end in a mutual trust. As you begin to trust them a little more, they’ll be likely to do the same with you.

More Affordable

If you’re travelling around every few days, transport costs can really add up. On top of that, boredom on long journeys is often remedied by lots of food and drink, and we all know that airports and train stations are not the most frugal places to pick up your dinner. Many people choose to rent an apartment if they’re staying in one place for an extended period, and this can end up a lot cheaper per night verses staying in hotels. HomeAway has a good selection of self catering apartments world wide, available for short and long term rent. As well as enjoying home comforts like a television and private garden, having access to cooking and laundry facilities is a great way to save money, or rather spend less!

Friendships

As much as travelling is amazing, it can also be stressful and lonely for some people. These feelings should not prevent you from enjoying the world but in enjoying the same place for longer, you’ll not only build your own confidence but you’ll be likely to make friends, find support networks and meet like minded people who’ll only contribute to your experience. And if you’re learning a new language, making friends with the locals is invaluable.

Why not?

It stands to reason that if you’ve found a place, a destination or an area that makes you happy, why wouldn’t you want to stay there or return as much as you possibly could?

If you’re planning an extended trip to Europe and want to keep your costs as low as possible, know that – contrary to what some might think – it’s totally possible to do so. But, having said this, it’s only possible if you choose your destinations wisely. As a quick guide, listed in alphabetical order, here is an overview of the top eight most affordable and most interesting destinations in Europe:

1. Athens – This ancient city not only shines as an inexpensive dream destination but it is the launching pad for exploring the Saronic Gilf Islands: Hydra, Poros, Aegina by inexpensive ferry boat. Within the city, famous archaeological sites such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are free to enter every first Sunday between November and March. Great prices for accommodations and food can be found throughout the city if you’re prepared to pay in cash at a moments notice.

2. Berlin – People are always surprised to see Berlin on a budget traveller’s list but the truth is that this cultural powerhouse remains great value. There is a wide range of budget accommodations including excellent apartment subletting options and the famed street food is both delicious and priced right – kebab anyone? The list of free things to do in Berlin is endless and will never leave you wanting. For instance, you can check out a lunchtime concert by the Berlin Philharmonic, pay a Monday visit to the Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin, stroll the East Side Gallery, and catch a ride to the Reichstag’s dome, and do all of it for free!

3. Budapest – One of Europe’s grandest city, the Hungarian capital offers numerous low-cost options to travellers on both sides of the Danube. Climb Castle Hill then Gellert Hill for one of the best city views in Europe, enjoy a picnic on pleasant Margaret Island, admire the many famous places of worship including Europe’s largest synagogue, and don’t forget a dish of savoury goulash washed down with Hungarian wine.

4. Prague – Prague remains to be one of Europe’s favourite destinations as it delivers so much for even those on the tightest of budgets. This is because the Czech Republic has not switched to the Euro, which keeps the country a more affordable destination. Established over 1,100 years ago, Prague boasts an extensive array of low-cost sightseeing options including the historic city centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Prague Castle, romantic Charles Bridge, and ten major museums that each feature free days. Even the world-renowned opera in Prague is accessible to the budget traveller.

5. Dubrovnik – Famous for its red tile roofs and ancient city walls, this Croatian port city imbues charm and graciousness. Excellent seafood, history, and art can be enjoyed at low-cost prices. Dubrovnik is also a great jumping off point for exploring the natural wonders of the Adriatic via affordable snorkelling/diving, kayaking, sailing, or cycling.

6. Istanbul – The time to see Istanbul is now before prices go up. The magnificent Turkish capital offers outstanding deals to budget travellers like the Istanbul Museum Pass which offers free admission to a dozen of the city’s top sites, including the Topkapı Palace and the Hagia Sophia. Great accommodation deals are still to be found in the hip and historic quarter, Yeldeğirmeni.

7. Krakow – Krakow is the heart of Polish culture and remains one of Europe’s hidden gems. Most museums offer one day of free entrance each week such as the National Museum, Czartoryski Museum, and Royal Castle on the Wawel Hill. Krakow also offers an excellent free two-hour walking tour that starts in the Main Square. Fortunately, it is easy to explore the city thanks to a fine transportation system and walking streets. Not to mention, sites of historical worth like Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine are both within an hour of the city.

8. Lisbon – Portugal continues to be the best value in Western Europe. Renowned for its old-world European charm, Lisbon is a cultural and culinary centre that remains affordable despite the trappings of a more expensive city. The city sponsors the budget-friendly Lisbon Card which will get you into 26 different museums for free, like the famed Carmo Archeological Museum and Center of Modern Art. It also gives tourists free access to the city’s public transportation system.

When planning your dream holiday, keep in mind that you cannot do everything at once so choose a theme that interests you and begin building your plans from there. Just remember to choose your destinations wisely, and if cost is a concern of yours, the above options are the best cities to visit in Europe.

The UK is full of amazing places rich in culture and natural beauty, yet perhaps the most incredible part that most people overlook lies not within the city limits, but on the outskirts along the rolling hills, valleys, and rivers. To help you find these hidden gems, below we’ve listed five of the coolest rural getaway destinations to be found in the United Kingdom:

1. Lodsworth, England

This is a tiny village with a population of about 600, situated in West Sussex along the River Lod. The village is located within the stunning Sussex Downs, which is conserved as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While there’s not much to do other than see the sights and visit the local brewery, the town has some nice cottages and historical architecture amidst some of the best scenery England has to offer.

2. Helmsley, England

The highlight of this small civil parish in North Yorkshire is that it is located in the North York Moors National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. The town also is rich in architecture, culture, and history, with the remains of the Helmsley Castle being one of the spots to see. The Rievaulx Abbey is also an amazing historical site that every visitor should stop by before heading to see the nearby scenery.

3. Banchory, Scotland

Located about 18 miles outside of Aberdeen, the town of Banchory is a fast-growing tourist destination with a population of about 8,000. Known as “The Gateway to the Royal Deeside,” the area is surrounded by impressive forests and vast agricultural land. Visitors will probably find Crathes Castle and Drum Castle to be the most interesting features of the town, aside from its scenic natural beauty.

4. Aberdovy, Wales

Aberdovy (Aberdyfi) is a tucked away little fishing and boating spot along the West Coast of Wales, situated right on the River Dfyi, from which it takes its centuries-old name and sea-faring culture. The area is known for water sports, fishing, and nice beaches, as well as low-priced cottages and real estate. The town is located in Snowdonia, perhaps one of the most majestic National Parks in all of Whales.

5. Hemel Hempstead, England

This vibrant town in Hertfordshire is located about 25 miles outside of London, providing small-town charm with easy access to England’s capital city. There’s no shortage of family-oriented activities here, from fun in the sun at the Aqua Splash waterpark, to indoor skiing at the Snow Centre, there’s always something to do regardless of the season. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy the gardens and trails of the 32-hectare Gadebridge Park, while history buffs will find plenty of culture to explore at the museums in nearby St. Albans. Hospitality in the area is also top-notch, with IHG.com providing easy access to Hemel Hempstead’s hotel scene.

Ask Around to Find the Hidden Gems

Once you’ve arrived at one of the destinations listed above, one of the best ways to find hidden gems and places that you might not stumble upon online would be to ask some of the locals about their favourite spots. This will not only help you discover the area from a local’s perspective, it will also give you the opportunity to interact with people of various cultures.

While road trips are one of the greatest adventures, they would lose a lot of their charm without music. Car journeys can seem to take a lot longer without any music on, making a radio or CD player essential when taking to the road.

Music can ease our physical pain, it can motivate and it can reduce our stress and anxieties all in one go. Therefore, we encourage you download a playlist of your most loved songs from your favourite app store. Before leaving for your road trip though, just be sure that your car radio can connect to your phone — a Blaupunkt Car Stereo from In Car Connections will work superbly for this.

Need inspiration for your car playlist? Enjoy your time behind the wheel even more with these popular road trip songs:

Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

It is said that Jackson Browne wrote this song while driving to his studio every day, alas with an empty gas tank. So this song is a great addition to your road trip playlist!

Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles

This song has simple yet powerful piano chords. The track has been used in a couple of famous road trip montages too, the most famous being in 1989 comedy The Dream Team.

Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna

This is a great song to hit the boring highway roads with, as Shut up and Drive will definitely add some fun to any your road trip.

Don’t stop Believin’ by Journey

A song proven to boost your mood like no other! Firstly, it is believed that everybody knows this hit. Secondly, there is nothing greater than road trip karaoke performances to the tune of this 1980s classic.

I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers

What better way to unite everybody on a road trip then with this catchy tune by Scottish twins, The Proclaimers. It is certain to be a hit whenever it comes on.

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This tune was a major hit, although a fact that might surprise you is that none of the songwriters were actually from Alabama. Nonetheless, every time this song plays on your playlist, everybody is sure to become a Yankee from Alabama!

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

Leave the Bohemian Rhapsody for your late night walks; Don’t Stop Me Now is the preferred choice for your road trip mixtape. This hit is proven to boost your mood and energise you as you rack up the miles!

Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

The lyrics of this song speak for themselves; ‘Whoa we’re half way there’ is surely up there with the greatest song lines for a road trip! There is no other song that we can think of that will boost your mood more than this smash hit by Bon Jovi.

I have been asked repeatedly about the gear I carry around while traveling the world. To be honest, there is no strict recipe on what your bag should contain once deciding to lead a location independent life. You may decide to leave some items home, and you might also add a series of others you consider essential that didn’t make it on my list. Consider this list not a guide, but an example of what your backpack should contain to be location independent. So, without further ado, here is my list.

1. Technology

Laptop, camera, smartphone and tablet. The last one might come as a surprise – why carry a tablet computer around when you already have a smartphone. Well, the reasons are numerous – and the best answer would be that I use it to fulfill two of my sinful passions on the road: reading books and playing games at the Red Flush online casino.

Red Flush offers its players a cornucopia of games to play when on the road. Its game library of over 100 titles offers passionate players hours after hours of fun and wins. It is also a well written piece of software, which isn’t a huge burden on the device’s battery, running smoothly on any device, from the smallest smartphone to the most powerful tablet computer. Besides – and this is one of the parts I love about it – the Red Flush periodically offers its players some of the best giveaways, promotions and tournaments they can opt into, making their stay not just entertaining, but also worth their while.

And, when it comes to books, I think it doesn’t need any explanation.

One item I always carry around is a “dumb phone”. It is more like an emergency communication device for when my smartphone battery dies. In such cases – when there is no power outlet around – it’s good to have a backup solution with a huge battery life compared to anything with a touchscreen.

2. Personal hygiene

Nothing I can’t buy on the road. This is one category of stuff for which there is no such thing as a standard list, as the needs and preferences of each of us are hugely different. I will include my first aid kit here, with generic and prescription drugs in a separate case. Don’t leave home without them.

3. Apparel

The bare necessities that is – makeup for quick touch-ups if needed, and the mandatory items – clothes, shoes, whatever.

+1 – What not to carry around

Basically, your bag shouldn’t contain anything you can easily come by on the road. Think Aspirin, a raincoat, paper towels and hankies, universal adapters and similar items. And a piece of advice: get familiar with leaving stuff behind / giving stuff away. Be sure to only leave with what you surely need in your next location when you go.

Travel is hard; travel with kids is insufferable. Though the idea of a family getaway always seems pleasant and noble at the outset — you need to get out of the house, you want to expose your little ones to new experiences, etc. — when you are finally on your way to your vacation spot, you will undoubtedly already regret the ill-fated trip.

Kids need endless care and attention at the best of times, and most parents are well-aware of the value of a good routine. However, vacations always deviate from the rigid structure of a child’s everyday experience, which puts that little one on the brink of complete and utter meltdown.

Fortunately, with proper preparation and appropriate responses, parents can prevent disaster on family vacations. Here are the biggest mistakes you’ve made in the past — and what not to do on future family trips.

1. Forgetting In-Flight Entertainment

When kids have to sit still, they get bored. When kids get bored, they get grumpy. When kids get grumpy, you have a problem. Even the shortest flight (or road trip) is enough to make kids and all surrounding adults lose their minds, so you must make sure your little ones have enough toys and games to last from take-off to landing. Here are three cheap and easily transportable entertainment solutions:

• Coloring. Bring a coloring book, printed coloring pages, or just blank paper and some rectangular crayons (or other non-round coloring implements so they don’t slide and roll around in the car or on the plane).
• Beading. For older kids, grab a handful of paperclips to craft simple necklaces and bracelets. Add beads for more variety and fun.
• Storytelling. Pack favorite or new books for your kid to practice reading. When those get old, work together to write your own story on a napkin or extra paper.

2. Booking a Single Room

You may be used to sleeping next to your significant other, but no one in your family is accustomed to sharing a room with so many extra bodies. Even if snoring isn’t an issue, your kids will probably have a hard time drifting off while you are up and about. Though it is slightly more expensive, a suite of rooms allows your family to spread out and have privacy. Plus, they usually come with useful amenities, like a refrigerator for snacks and drinks.

3. Skipping Snacks and Naps

At home, you are sure to keep your kids on a fixed schedule of eating and sleeping, and it is crucial for their little sanity (and yours) that you maintain their snacks and naps while you are away. While it is appropriate to relax timing slightly — for example, they can sleep in later than usual if it fits your itinerary — but you should always have munchies on hand and a way back to the hotel when nap time comes around.

4. Not Budgeting Souvenirs

You don’t need to buy your kids the Taj Mahal, but it is smart to make sure they have a little spending money so they can get something to remember the trip. Whether it is a bag full of sweets from Hershey’s Chocolate World or a snow globe to start a lifelong collection, your kid’s souvenir will make the trip more special for them. If your vacation budget is tight, you can ask friends and family to forego holiday presents and instead give gift cards or cash for your little ones’ souvenir funds.

5. Trying to Do It All

Many people develop a special vacation mentality of seeing and doing as much as possible. For adults, it is possible — though perhaps not enjoyable — to keep going all day without breaks, but so much activity causes kids to meltdown fast. Instead, a trip should contain three or four major events interspersed with plenty of down time.

6. Not Doing Enough

Of course, too much down time is dangerous, as well. While they are in a new place, your kids will want to explore, and keeping them cooped up because you are afraid of a meltdown will likely only cause one. Plus, you should reward your kids for being excited about travel to ensure they look forward to trips in the future.

7. Neglecting Adult Needs

For decades, the focus of parenting has been on raising balanced, healthy kids — but what about keeping yourself balanced and healthy? Because this is your vacation too, you should ensure that you are meeting all of your relaxation needs. If you can, you should bring along a second adult with you can take turns watching the kids. Then, you’ll have some private adult time to mitigate your own mini meltdown.