Posts by : Izy Berry

Travel broadens the mind but it also puts it under a great deal of stress. Your body also gets a pummelling from travel, changing time zones and kicking around in airports. This harm can only be minimised, so how do you make your air travel as enjoyable as possible? We have tips on what you can do on long flights to slay boredom including offline tablet games. Also we share other tips to get through the journey which bookends any holiday or trip you may have.

When most people book flights the first operators they think of are the budget airlines such as Ryanair, FlyBe and Easyjet. We have all experienced the sardine effect on these flights so why not consider other airlines which may give you more leg room and comfort, Skyscanner for example compares flight destinations and airlines as often the price difference will be smaller than you think. Don’t assume that price is everything as you may wish to pay a little more and have a better flight experience.

You may be past that point and in a week or so you will find yourself (once again) on a plane possibly dreading a flight. The novelty of having 5000 books on the kindle has worn off so you get out your tablet, flick airplane mode on and fire it up. Then you realise you are bored of all the apps and games on there.

Wi-Fi is freely available at most airports so the seasoned traveller will take advantage of this – some airlines even offer this service.

Why not try Euro Palace Casino which has a variety of games that you can bring with you on the flight. These games are always updated so if you are a regular flyer you can find new challenges and different gaming environments. Euro Palace also has an accompanying blog which provides an update to the latest games that you can play. Games range from Basketball and Rugby Star, Brides Mades, Penguin Splash and many more which keeps things fresh.

Other kit to bring on the flight include a travel cushion – it takes a lot of air miles to invest and get used to bringing one on a trip but they are well worth it. When the alternative is your fellow passengers shoulder or a rolled up coat you will be so glad you packed it. Flight socks may look ridiculous but they are essential especially on longer flights, socks mixed with comfortable clothing will make the journey far more bearable. To top it all you can now buy attractive travel wallets which will put your boarding passes, passport and car parking tickets all in one place. No more searching in your bag and coat to find the boarding pass you thought you didn’t need anymore!

So for travel its best to be realistic about how stressful a journey can be and also to refrain from making the same mistakes twice. If you ever say “next time I am going to” – stop. Make a note and ensure your future flights are more comfortable next time. With a mix of technology and the practical flying doesn’t have to be an endurance test and could actually be enjoyed.

The island nation of Sri Lanka is situated to the south of India and boasts a tropical climate combined with rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Sri Lanka attracts people from all around the world with its stunning sandy beaches, ancient religious sites and large jungles and national parks. Here are some of the things that are waiting to be discovered in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

This colossal rock is the national monument of Sri Lanka and no trip to the country would be complete without taking the time to view it. The gigantic rock measures two hundred metres high and set is set in a picturesque garden. A path leads to the very top of Sigiriya and visitors who complete the climb will be rewarded with spectacular views, while Sigiriya is also famous for its ancient and remarkably well preserved rock murals.

Pinnewale Elephant Sanctuary

This impressive sanctuary serves as a safe haven for dozen of elephant’s who have been injured by Sri Lanka’s poachers. One of the great things about Pinnewale is that the elephants are allowed to roam freely on large padlocks and visitors are permitted to interact with them in a controlled way before being put in an enclosure while the mighty beasts make their way down to the river each day to bathe. People who want to get even closer to these magnificent animals have the chance to volunteer to help take care of the elephants at Pinnewale for a few weeks or even months.

Adam’s Peak

This mighty mountain measures 2,243 metres high and can be found in the very heart of Sri Lanka. It takes around four hours to climb to the top of Adam’s Peak including plenty of rest stops along the way. The best time to start the climb is 02:00 so that visitors will have plenty of time to reach the top before securing a stop to watch the enchanting sunrise. While climbing to the top of Adam’s Peak is no easy task, people who have plenty of stamina will find that the effort is definitely worth it.

Kandy

This picturesque town can be found in the very heart of Sri Lanka and is the country’s cultural capital. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which is believed to house one of the original teeth of Lord Buddha from the period when he explored Sri Lanka.

Galle

This charming town can be found on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is famous for its large cricket ground where regular matches are held. Galle also boasts several stunning sandy beaches and this is a popular place to go surfing among active travellers.

Sri Lanka is a nation that is just waiting to be explored by people who have a strong sense of adventure and a love for nature. Those who enjoy taking part in adventure activities are sure to get the most out of exploring Sri Lanka and naturally taking out a travel insurance policy before leaving home is essential.

The travel industry has an ongoing challenge. People cancel trips all the time, leaving hotel rooms standing empty. Revenue is lost, good reviews are lost, and it’s never good for a hotel to look like it couldn’t find customers.

It didn’t seem like all that much of an issue to me, though, until I found out the extent of the problem. Millions of hotel reservations are cancelled every day. That’s not an exaggeration. In the US alone, 220,000 hotel rooms are cancelled daily.

It’s because of this that most hotels don’t offer refunds. They’ve got to cut their losses. Of course, that’s not much comfort when you can’t get your hard earned money back.

No one wins. Everyone is frustrated. It’s a good thing there’s a solution.

Hotel Rooms Recycling

Recycling is probably not something you associate with hotel rooms. You recycle paper, plastic, and glass. Not cancelled reservations.

But a company called Roomer have found a way to recycle hotel rooms. Those non-refundable rooms standing empty are being wasted. The money has already been spent, and although it’s not coming back, the person who booked is getting nothing out of it.

Recycling a hotel room is as easy as selling it on to anyone who wants it. Instead of leaving those hotel rooms empty, fill them up with replacements.

Hotel bargains.. Someone?

Frustrated sellers are willing to sell cheap. It’s the perfect opportunity for bargain hunters. The hotel rooms are great quality, even though their prices don’t show it.

All we need to do is match these people up. Sounds simple? Good luck with that. Even if you manage to find a good match, you won’t really know how good it is until everything goes off without a hitch.

But the brilliant solution that Roomer found makes it easy, which is why they were selected as one of USA Today’s top 3 travel websites. This is how I found the company that had the perfect bargain for me.

Discounted hotel rooms, here I come!

Every time I go away, I inevitably spend far more than I budget. Everything costs more than the last time. And no one wants to compromise. If I have to pay more for comfort, I find a way. Or change the destination.

But Roomer’s deals were incredible. While looking through their hotel-marketplace, I found prices which made me more than a little suspicious. Over 70% off loads of 4 and 5 star hotels. Could I really trust those ratings?

The answer is a resounding yes. The prices weren’t low because of the quality. They were low because sellers were willing to settle for less. Any remaining suspicion was taken away by Roomer’s advanced automated verification system. They make sure the seller and the hotel are not misleading you over what you’re going to get. That’s something most other bookings sites won’t do.

A win-win-win situation

The sellers get their money back. The buyers get great deals. And the cancellations no longer affect the hotels. Those rooms and hallways which would have been empty are now filled.

The hotel industry recognises this. Many hotels partner with Roomer to ensure the best service possible. They also offer exclusive deals on unreserved rooms through Roomer’s website. This means you’ve always got a great chance of finding what you’re looking for.

More trips, more often

The solution also allows people to travel more often. When you’re getting bargains this good, you free up money for the next time. A vacation doesn’t have to be a rare event.

Travel destinations fill up, as more and more people take advantage of recycled rooms. The quality is amazing. The service is flawless. Roomer is really a great find – it will change the way I travel.

Have a look for yourself, and see what sort of deals you can dig up.

Tired of tackling the crazed Christmas shopping crowds? Over the commercialisation and sense of obligation that is bestowed upon us during the ‘silly season’? If so, you’re not alone; you’re part of a growing community looking to get back to basics or, quite simply, to get away from it entirely. What better way to do this than plan an escape to a gorgeous, intriguing and captivating part of the world where Christmas largely goes unnoticed? If this sounds like your ideal Christmas, then you simply have to head to the Mediterranean.

While the European side of the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy and Greece) celebrates Christmas, consider venturing south or east to explore exotic, Christmas-free havens such as Morocco and Turkey. Here’s a closer look at what you can get up to in these countries on December 25th.

Morocco

Swap cheesy Christmas merchandise for a veritable sensory tour through mesmerising Morocco. Savour the distinct and tantalising flavours of North African cuisine in the country’s largest city Casablanca or wander and get lost in the narrow and maze-like streets of the medina in Marrakech. However, avoid the many tacky tourist traps and relentless merchants pedalling their wares. For a truly authentic travel experience, consider joining a small, intimate tour group with an experienced company that uses local guides, such as Gypsian Boutique Tours.

To take a break from all the sensory overload of Marrakech, schedule in a trip to Morocco’s film-shooting capital and the World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou. This region has provided the backdrop for a number of Hollywood’s blockbusters and, once you’re there, you’ll understand why. You can explore and climb the narrow streets of this ancient fortified city to reach the top for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

While in Morocco, a visit to the Sahara is an absolute must. Imagine watching the sun set over 160m-high sand dunes. Initially, the sand glows rose-gold, then morphs into orange and finally pink-and-purple as the light changes and night descends.

Turkey

From one vibrant, intoxicating city to another, the Turkish capital of Istanbul is kind of like the love child of the once powerful Ottoman and Byzantine empires, set against the stunning architectural backdrop of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The food is out of this world and the Turkish people are welcoming and friendly. Wander through the Grand Bazaar and admire the beauty and workmanship of the famous Turkish carpets.

Turkey is a vast land and an extraordinary blend between European and Asian cultures. It also offers breathtaking scenery, like the surreal and otherworldly Cappadocia region in the country’s east. Take a hot air balloon to drift over the lunar-like landscape consisting of tall, cone-shape rock formations. During the Bronze Age, people carved their homes into these natural structures and you can tour through these astonishing ‘fairy chimneys’.

Not to be outdone by the east, Turkey’s southwest offers travelers Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish. Gleaming white terraces have been naturally formed by calcium-rich thermal waters that cascade over them to create stunning turquoise rockpools.

Not far from Pamukkale is Ephesus, the grandest and best preserved of Turkey’s hundreds of ancient cities and ruins. In fact, Ephesus is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean.

If these sites and attractions sound like the perfect alternative to staying at home for Christmas, don’t delay – book your trip to the Mediterranean today!

We are all looking for that perfect life, but how content can we actually be and how easy or difficult is it going to be to achieve it? You will always have your office to go to or maybe run a business, raise a family and still balance it all without running out of steam. Yes, everything has to be well organized and planned, otherwise it could all get a bit too much to handle.

One of the main reasons why we all work for is to keep our families happy and to provide them with all the amenities they need. We can over time lose sight of this especially as responsibility grows and expands, but in all the confusion you need to maintain the right balance.

There are many ways of achieving balance at work and handling the family life as well by taking some time out. Actively participate in leisure activities for yourself by going for a walk, spending time with your close friends, play a round or two of online games over at GameVillage or anything that can keep your mind distracted from all your worries. Then when you are refreshed, you can retreat again with a fresh mind.

To get started at GameVillage, you must have an account with a valid e-mail address to claim wins. After signing up, you need to make an initial deposit on the site. After which, the bounty comes in all shapes and sizes: bonuses, loyalty points, surprise visits by chat hosts, palpable gift items and more.

Once you log on to the site, you will find many options out of which you can choose either bingo or casino games. Click on the one that you want to play or bet on and begin gaming.

In the bingo section, they have quite a few variations. This includes games of 90-ball 75-ball, 80-ball and 50-ball i.e., Speed Bingo, Elimination Bingo, Village Inn, Seaside Bingo, etc. The rule of the game remains pretty much the same. Marking the numbers as and when they are called out. The only change is in the winning pattern and the prizes involved.

In order to get started, you need to purchase at least one ticket before the onset of the game. There will be a countdown that occurs on the left-hand side of the screen determining the commencement of the game. Another thing you must know about the game is that the pot sizes for every room on the site is directly proportionate to the number of players buying in.

90 ball bingo is the more popular variant of bingo that is played mainly in the UK. If you play 90 ball bingo at gamevillage.com there are three consecutive ways to win. Any one row (1 line) or two rows (2 lines) or cover the entire card (full house). If more than one player claims the same prize, it will be divided equally among them. So whichever game you may decide to play, with a few tries, you too could be on your road to riches.

For those who love to travel, Chile represents the pinnacle of why we travel, and is a great example of how travel can be life-changing. Chile means “when the world ends” and the shape of the country is particularly interesting, at around 4300km long and only 180km wide.

This country has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, combining more climate zones than anywhere else, from ice and glaciers, hot springs and volcanoes to the driest desert in the world, rainforests, sandy beaches, grasslands and mountains.

Along with truly breathtaking scenery, the cultural diversity is incredible in this country. Here are some reasons why you should visit Chile:

Santiago

Santiago is a metropolis and shows the sophisticated side of Chile. You’ll find tree-lined boulevards, gorgeous colonial buildings, huge public parks, a business district filled with skyscrapers, bohemian neighbourhoods, trendy restaurants and great art museums. The transportation system is modern and the subway system is the largest in South America.

The Mercardo Central is a must-see, with huge displays of produce, vegetables, meat and fresh fish.

The Atacama Desert

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile, due to the fact that this dessert is the highest and driest in the world. The unique rock formations attract photographers from around the world, and the most popular places to visit include Moon Valley, Death Valley and Dinosaur Valley.

Easter Island

Easter Island is one of the most isolated places in the world, and the linage of the people who live there can be traced back to Micronesia and Polynesia. It’s easy to travel around the island and you can hire bikes. LAN is the only airline which flies into the island, and you can get a flight from Santiago.

Vine Del Mar and Valparaiso

These cities are just an hour apart and located between 3 and 5 hours from Santiago. Valparaiso is a great place to see graffiti art, and you’ll find interesting portraits throughout the city, along with the Pablo Neruda museum. Vine Del Mar is where you’ll find the gorgeous (and famous) flower clock and a nice beach so you can relax in the sun.

Patagonia

Patagonia looks like it belongs in Switzerland, with towering snow-capped mountains on the border of Argentina and Chile. The Torres del Paine national park is also here, and the lake country is waiting to be explored.

Colchagua Valley

Chile produces 10 times as much wine as Argentina and is the fifth-largest exporter of wine in the world. The Colchagua Valley is home to around 20 wineries and the climate here makes it ideal for wine production. be sure to visit some of these wineries and explore the region before you leave.

Chiloe

You’ll find Chiloe south of the Lake District, and it’s part of a mountain range that actually sank below the water after the last Ice Age.This is where you’ll be able to explore rural Chile, along with more than 150 wooden churches and chapels from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Asia is a continent that’s both accessible and affordable, offering colorful cities, fascinating cultures, amazing wildlife, and diverse landscapes to adventurous souls. Here are the top 8 Asian adventure hotspots that you should visit when you are in the region:

Surfing in Japan

Japan has many surfing resorts, mainly in the Chiba, Shonan and Shizuoka areas. In the south, there’s a series of islands with great surfing and a tropical climate the whole year round.

Cruise down the Ganges in India

Explore the Ganges River and see India’s communities, wildlife and cultures untouched by tourism. The Ganges is the most sacred of Indian rivers and is now navigable, a 7-night City of Light river cruise taking you to Moghul forts and palaces and India’s holiest cities.

Paddling in Thailand

River paddling is popular and, during the dry season from January to the end of May, you can paddle in the Maekok and Pai rivers, which flow through lovely gorges and remote wilderness. Paddling and/or kayaking also enables you to venture deeper into the unexplored natural environment of Northern Thailand.

Kite surfing in the Philippines

The Philippines has numerous beaches and kitesurfing schools. The monsoon winds dictate the kite surf season and surfing conditions can vary. The tropical weather provides a relaxed setting, perfect for lovers of the outdoors escaping to any of the 7,107 islands. The best area to kite-surf in the country is Boracay, an island off the Panay coast. Known to the world as a tropical paradise, it offers other beach- related activities other than surfing. If you wish to stay longer, there is a great selection of condo for rent on Zipmatch. Take a look at the luxury properties of the Philippine real estate and get lost in love with the country’s best sceneries.

Cycle Island Hopping style in Sri Lanka

Cycle across the paddy fields and lowland jungles before heading along the winding roads of the Knuckles Mountain Range with tea plantations, Buddhist shrines/temples, old hill stations with their colonial architecture. Finish the trip with a couple of nights at the beach.

Explore Gigantic Caves in Vietnam

In Vietnam’s jungles are some amazing caverns, the largest being Son Doong Cave. It is one of the world’s biggest and only recently accessible caves to tourists. Forests of tall trees grow in spaces big enough for skyscrapers and include giant stalactites, monkeys, hornbills and flying foxes. Visits are limited and costly but there are other more affordable caves nearby, which are equally spectacular.

Walk between the villages of Nepal

Nepal has many charming historical hill villages to visit. Stay in one of the comfortable guesthouses while enjoying delicious local food. Sailung Peak, at 3,146 metres, is a holy area for Buddhists and Hindus. The rolling hills are visually stunning and the area is famed for having great sunrises.

Trekking in Bhutan

A scenic trek in Bhutan is the Laya-Gasa, with views of beautiful and unspoiled Himalayan landscapes. A typical trek lasts 1-2 weeks over several hundred kilometers of alpine meadows, high mountain passes and sub-tropical jungles.

Holidaying is meant to be an exciting time but unexpected illness can transform travel dreams into nightmares in an instant. Although risks can never be avoided completely, there are still a number of straightforward strategies to bear in mind that will keep potential holiday hazards to a minimum.

Use the following 7 tips to avoid getting sick while traveling:

1. Build up a healthy immune system in advance of going on holidays. Many countries still have serious levels of communicable disease that have largely been eradicated in the west and can be avoided with the right immunisations. Be certain to consult with a doctor to receive the appropriate immunisations for the intended travel destinations.

2. Taking probiotics for a few months prior to traveling will help strengthen ones digestive system. These good bacteria can be found in certain yoghurts but are available in much higher doses in pill form that can be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacies and health food stores. Having an abundance of healthy gut flora will help the body fight off any foreign nasties that may be unwittingly consumed.

3. Always drink bottled water and be certain to inspect the seal to ensure the bottle has not been refilled with tap water. Tap water must be avoided when brushing teeth, bottled is safer. Refuse ice in drinks unless the staff can demonstrate that the ice is made from purified water. Water can easily carry pathogens that can cause serious illnesses – see here for an example.

4. Avoid eating fresh salads or unpeeled vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water or fertilised with animal or human waste. This can be tricky to avoid as trying new cuisine is part of the appeal of travelling. Fresh fruits and vegetables that must be peeled to be eaten are definitely the safer option.

5. Eat foods that are piping hot and fully cooked as bacteria and disease cannot survive the sustained heat of cooking. Definitely avoid eating from buffets where food is left for hours unheated or openly exposed in a bain-marie. If breakfast is included with a holiday package try and eat as early as possible while the food is still hot and fresh.

6. When looking for a restaurant or wanting to try street food, simply follow the crowds of locals. Popular places turn their food over quickly which reduces the time a cooked dish will be sitting potentially gathering bacteria. Nothing kills a food business faster than talk of customers falling ill through food poisoning. A large crowd usually indicates that the food is good and these stores will also have a reputation to uphold.

7. Practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands before and after eating as bacteria can linger on surfaces and be transmitted from person to person quite easily.

Following these simple precautions will help reduce the likelihood of exposure to potentially life-threatening illnesses and ensure that everyone returns home safe and sound, ready to plan another exciting travel adventure.

It doesn’t matter if you like travelling short-term or if you are the kind of traveller who likes being away from home for a longer period of time – travelling will change your perspective on life itself and it will change the way you see the world.

However, too many delicious indulgences can lead to extra pounds you don’t want to bring back home in your “luggage”. If you care about your shape, you should definitely know that there are many ways to stay fit even when you are on the road.

Following, we have gathered some of the best ones – so read on if you want to find out more.

Be balanced

OK, we know that staying away from pizza in Napoli and from cheese in Paris is a definite no-no for any self-respecting traveller. And why would you stay away from so much deliciousness when it’s “at home”?

However, being balanced about what you eat is a great idea. Try out the unhealthy things, but don’t forget about the fact that most of the ethnic cuisines have perfectly healthy options too. For instance, eating only pizza in Italy will make you miss out on the delicious fish dishes they have – and that would be a real pity too.

Work out

You may not be able to buy gym membership when abroad (especially if you don’t want to stay in one place for too long). What you can do is pack work out items that are easy to carry – such as a pair of leggings and a pair of comfortable shoes to jog into or a work out band to help you train your muscles.

Moreover, remember that working out does not always refer to the “gym” type of exercises. You can work out in your hotel room using your own body weight. You can run. You can bike. You can dance. There’s a myriad of work out options that can be practiced when you are on the road as well – so you have absolutely no excuse for not picking at least one of them up.

Make sure you get enough nutrients

In general, no matter how healthy you eat, there will still be certain types of nutrients your body cannot assimilate (either because it’s simply in its nature to do that or because you are not having enough of those nutrients). For instance, there are people who find it difficult to assimilate Calcium and Vitamin D. And most people do not have enough of the B Vitamins in their bodies. Also, there are other people who are focused on building muscle and who need to take extra protein in order to do that.

To make sure you keep yourself in shape and healthy when you travel, bring your necessary health food supplements with you. Remember that you should invest in high quality supplements if you want the best results and if you want to stay away from any potential effects low quality supplements may have on your body. This is your health we’re talking about, so it’s definitely worth it to invest a bit more to make sure everything is alright!