Posts by : Izy Berry

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.

There are many tributaries to the world-famous Rhine, but the Moselle is probably the most beautiful, originating in the Vosges Mountains and then cutting through France, Germany and Luxembourg before meeting the larger river. If you want an area to explore in the heart of Western Europe, then there are few places more charming and full of history than the Moselle Valley and the river as a whole. Let’s take a look a just some of the things that make this an ideal vacation destination.

Scenery

The scenery is undoubtedly beautiful here, with a mixture of things to see. There’s 339 miles of river, which means that no two trips to this area have to be in any way the same. Along the banks you’ll see pretty little towns, lush green forests and grassland, and dramatic hillsides that plunge down into the valley. Few would disagree that probably the best way to see the Moselle valley is actually from the river itself, and there are a variety of tours and river cruises that you can go on to get the very best out of the area. Try Cruise Deals if you’re looking for a good price.

Cities

Flowing through several countries means that the Moselle also takes visitors through and past some great European cities, most notably the French city of Metz, and the German cities of Trier and Koblenz. There’s also the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, most notable as the place in which the Schengen agreement was signed in 1985. Architecture is similarly beautiful in these settlements, as they all share a common history, with similar dialects spoken even across borders. Whether you’d like to stay in an authentic chateau or in a city apartment, you’ll be able to do it here and still experience everything the river has to offer.

Attractions

The Mosel wine region surrounds much of the Moselle, and is an area famous for producing some very high quality wines. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a connoisseur, then there are few places better to visit. Visit the little cafes and restaurants that serve local wines, or book a tour through one of the many vineyards in the area. If history is more your thing, then there’s no shortage of castles for you to visit – almost too many to mention. Some are found on hillsides overlooking the river, and other in the centres of towns along the banks.

European cities are great for exploring. From sailing in a Venetian Gondola to              cycling down Amsterdam’s canals or hopping on a Vespa in Italy, there are so many fashionable ways to travel that you’ll never be out of style.

Most cities have a mode of transport synonymous with them but with more and more new methods of transportation being developed each year it’s hard to keep up with the trends. From skateboarding to scootering and children’s trends like Heelys and roller blades, cities have transport fads that come and go.

Currently taking European cities by storm are Swegways. In many places you can now go on Segway led tours which can be really fun, once you master the art of the Segway. They mean the tours are more fun than simply walking around a city and they don’t require a certain level of fitness like say a biking tour might. They are also low emissions and a much trendier alternative to taking a cab.

If you don’t fancy trusting technology you can stick to a more traditional form of transport. Amsterdam is perfect for cycling, in fact it’s one of the most bike friendly cities in the world. You’ll be sure to find hundreds of places to rent bikes from and there are cycle paths and bike racks everywhere so you won’t need to worry about not having anywhere to lock up your bike. Cycling is the preferred Dutch way to get around as the city is quite small and with lots of one way streets so you can avoid the traffic and have an authentic Dutch experience.

Sailing in a Gondola is no longer the traditional Venetian way to travel it’s actually a very expensive luxury mainly used by tourists. It is well worth having a ride through the quiet back street canals away from the main Grand Canal area. Sailing down the canals can be very romantic but they can fit up to 6 people in so a lot of tourists often share with other couples to split the cost.

In Italy the Vespa is one of the fastest ways of getting around. They are hip, quick and considered very cool thanks to their mod reputation but be warned they aren’t for the faint hearted. Italy’s roads can be extremely busy so unless you’re experienced or a very confident driver it’s best to try one outside of the city.

There are so many stylish ways to get around European cities now that anything goes so if you fancy rollerblading through the streets, gliding by on a Swegway or sailing down the canals you’re sure to look very dapper doing it.

If you’re a snow bunny or have always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, you may be thinking about where you’ll take your next trip.

Niseko is located in Japan, and is the most famous ski resort, known for its light powder snow, gorgeous back-country and welcoming atmosphere.

Here’s why your next trip should be to this amazing ski area:

Choice

The ski area in Niseko is made up of 4 resorts which are all connected and accessible with a lift pass. This means that regardless of your ski or snowboarding level you’re bound to find a terrain to suit you.

The Japanese

The Japanese are warm, welcoming and polite. They want to help foreigners and talk to them about their lives and home countries, and you’re sure to leave Niseko with a better understanding of the culture. It’s also an excellent opportunity to do some travel through Japan at the same time.

Cost

When you look at traveling to Europe or Japan for a ski trip there’s really no comparison when it comes to cost. Japan is often cheaper, even when taking flights into account due to the value of the Yen.

The Powder

Often people will pre-book their ski trip to Australia, the United States or Europe, only to find that there isn’t enough snow- something which can make the conditions icy, dangerous, and simply not as fun. The geographic location of Niseko means that the Siberian winds bring consistent heavy snow during the winter, making it almost perfect ski and snowboard conditions.

The soft snow means that you’ll get an excellent grip as well as a nice cushion when you fall which is less ear ’n’ tear and impact on your body.

Entertainment

The largest resort is called Grand Hirafu and also has a base at Hanazono. This has a large town around the main base called Hirafun Town which is full of holiday homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and an active nightlife.

Many compare their experience in Niseko as almost like visiting a foreign country inside Japan since there are so many foreigners from all over the world. many of the restaurants and convenience stores sell Western food, but you’ll also find excellent Japanese food throughout Niseko.

Kutchan is another option and is a 15 minute drive from Hirafu. This is the biggest city in the area and you’ll find even more dining and shopping options.

Niseko Village has two main hotels at the base, along with a hot spring for those tired muscles after a day in the snow.

Convenience

Niseko is an easy place to get around, with rapid and local train connections between Kutchan and Sapporo stations, along with a “Niseko Liner” which runs from Otaru. The Japanese have ensured that it’s easy to get around, and they’re famous for their timely trains which run to the minute.

If you’re thinking about a ski or snowboarding trip, Niseko could be the place to go. Consider Vacation Niseko for all your Niseko needs.