Travel Tips Archives - Girls Guide to The World

February 7, 2017 by admin

10 Ways to Be Comfortable on Your Flight

Whether jetting off on a once in a lifetime luxury experience, or heading off with just a backpack, ensuring you are comfortable on your flight is imperative. It doesn’t matter whether you are flying short or long haul, economy class can be unpleasant, but below are ten tips to make even the most reluctant flyer enjoy their flight…even just a little bit.

Shoes Off, Socks On

The minute the seatbelt light pings off take your shoes off, give your toes a wiggle, and pop on some comfy home socks or flight socks. Flight socks can help reduce risk of DVT and will be of great benefit to those who suffer from swollen legs during flights. Home socks, on the other hand, are purely to keep your toes warm when the air condition gets a little too much!

Blackout Sleeping Mask

Just like blackout curtains at home, blackout sleeping masks keep out any chinks of light. If you are trying to catch a snooze on your flight, you won’t be interrupted by the glare of television screens or reading lights.

Stay Hydrated

Once everybody is aboard the air in your cabin will dehydrate your skin very fast. This means headaches, dry eyes, and generally feeling pretty dreadful. So keep drinking, even if you’re not thirsty, and slather on moisturiser and lip balm.

Makeup Off

It is best to take your makeup off when you are into your flight. Dehydrated skin and a layer of makeup can equal nasty breakouts so it is best to remove it. You can always bring a small selection of your favourite products in your hand luggage to reapply a little before landing. If not, use it as an excuse to let your skin breathe.

Comfortable Clothing

High heels, knitted jumpers, and skinny jeans are all big no-no’s for flights. If you are travelling to a hot destination, by all means don a loose-fitting dress or shorts and t-shirt, but make sure to take a sweater with you on to your flight. Planes can become very chilly, and there is nothing worse than being cold for hours!

BYOF

Plane meals have come on leaps and bounds but, why not save yourself a little money and bring your own food? This means you avoid a potentially dreadful meal and can eat when you are hungry. On long haul flights, a back of popcorn in front of a movie is a great treat.

Pick Your Own Seat

If you are tall or like to sit in a certain section of the aircraft, you can usually pay a little extra to pick your own seat. There tend to me some more spacious seats towards the front of the plane, or anywhere with an emergency exit. Also, opting for a window seat means you have somewhere to rest your head for a siesta.

Go for a Stroll

After a couple of hours, we all start to get aches and pains from sitting for so long. There is no shame in taking a walk around the plane, or stretching your legs whilst going to the bathroom. Have a good stretch, it will help you feel refreshed.

Earphones and Earplugs

Earphones are a must, especially if you want to listen to music of watch something on the in-flight television. They can also be used to cancel out any noise, allowing you to sleep. Earplugs can also be used to help with a snooze or to cancel out the general noise around you that can become annoying.

Entertainment or Work

Sometimes you have to be come engrossed in something on your flight, or you can end up clock watching. This can be lethal on long haul flights. Take your laptop or tablet with you in your hand luggage, charge up your iPod, and binge watch a television show, play some games, or get some work done.

September 16, 2016 by admin

Do Treats Work? How Often?

When it comes to treats and being able to treat the dog that you’re training, you want to know more about how often and when you should give your dog the treats during the dog training programs. This is something so many people wonder when it comes to being able to train their dog and have it be as effective as possible. You do not want to reward your dog too little or too much. There are some initial rules and information that you should follow when it comes to dog training and providing your pup with treats throughout the sessions.

Giving Treats During Dog Training Sessions

When it comes to giving your dog treats, you want to do so in order to provide them with something that shows that they did the command how they should. The treats should only be given after you’ve said a command once, they complied with the command and then you reward them. This can be done as often as you’d like. However, never give the dog a treat if they do not do the command. Say the command again and then reward if they do the command. Also, try using a treat that is not commonly given to your pet during the dog training sessions. This way, it feels more like a reward to them each time they do the command that is asked of them.

When it comes to insightful dog training tips, or private dog training sessions in Los Angeles, make sure to check out The Loved Dog for more information. They can provide many different things that can help put you on the right track to helping your dog learn everything that they need to know and so much more. Speak with the professionals there today to find out if your training is going the way it should be.

May 10, 2016 by admin

Five essentials for your summer suitcase

The beach called. It is asking when you are going to arrive. If you are heading off for some summer sunshine this year then 2016 styles make it easier than ever to look great for less. Rock a capsule wardrobe and all keep all eyes on you as the temperature rises.

The eyes have it

Nothing hides the excesses of a big night than a great pair of shades. As well as keeping your eyes safe from harsh UV rays, a stylish pair of Ray Ban sunglasses will spare your blushes when you snap that holiday selfie. No-one wants to look back on their big trip with a touch of “morning after the night before” around the eyes. Totally worth it.

Go long

A maxi skirt is a go-to basic for any chic lady’s summer wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing it up with a statement necklace, mixing and matching with a solid or printed top, or switching in your favourite pair of wedges the maxi skirt can do it all. And if you’re feeling more slouchy than sleek then throw on a sleeveless t-shirt for a slender but sassy look.

Neutral t-shirts

You simply have to make space for two or three of these in your case – they will literally make or break your outfit options. They are great for travel days, rides out on sightseeing tours and you can quickly mix it up to go from day to night, pair them with denim cut-offs, your maxi or a fitted pair of cotton trousers. Effortless!

Hooray for denim

Always versatile and never out of fashion, a good pair of jeans are worth their weight in gold. Temperature drops at night? No problem. Starting to rain? Jeans have it covered. With an amazing range of cuts, colours and washes available in store this summer there’s bound to be a pair that rocks your holiday wardrobe world.

Always bring your flats!

Sadly, you might – at some point – have to come off the beach. I know, I know – it’ll be hard but you may have to eat, or drink, or dance or something. Kick off your flip-flops and get into a comfy pair of flats while you explore the local nightlife. Your feet will thank you for it at the end of the night!

Choose a smart bag

This one can be tricky to navigate. You’ll probably be carrying a guidebook, some cash, water and maybe your passport so you’ll need something that looks cool but isn’t easily parted with. Choose something that sits across your body and not only can you keep an eye on your valuables but it will keep out of your way when walking. A neutral colour like tan or black should chime with all of your holiday fashion choices.

So, that’s the wardrobe sorted. Time now to get that bikini bought and your airport taxi booked. Quick pro tip to finish: don’t choose the prettiest suitcase, pick the lightest. A smart choice now could be the weight you need to get that pair of shoes in under your airline weight limit. You’re welcome!

September 28, 2015 by Cate

5 Ideas for a Complete Family Holiday in Europe

A holiday in Europe is any family’s dream. Every country is worth visiting and each one has its uniqueness to offer that delights the different senses. Vacationing in Europe with the entire family can be a truly one-of-a-kind experience where you all build and share memories together. In order to have a complete family holiday in the old continent, then it is worth planning ahead of time. Doing so will make your itinerary more organized and you are bound to make the most of your time and resources. Here are some ideas how to achieve a perfect family holiday in Europe.

Plan your itinerary well. Europe is big and there is so much to see and experience. You won’t be able to see everything in just a few days or weeks. As such, plan your agenda so you will cover all the sites you really want to visit. Since you will be traveling with your family, you might want to consider driving around. Many car rental agencies can provide you what you need. If you are up to it, you could check out online for a luxury car hire in Europe that will give you space,safety as well as comfort and performance with all the features that families need .
Book air tickets in advance. There are literally millions of people visiting the continent and you might find it hard to book for the specific dates you were planning for your vacation. Make sure to make airline reservations ahead of time in order to get the seats and the dates you want. You might even find discounted tickets from some airlines.
Choose accommodations wisely and book in advance. While hotels and other accommodations are numerous, never forget that there are likewise other vacationers looking for the perfect place to stay during their vacation. Choose the ones that provide the kind of services your family needs, preferably near public transportation areas as well as in a safe neighborhood. Book in advance to avoid losing a good choice.
Consider the interests of your kids. Depending on the age of your children, it would be a great idea to put their needs as top priorities. For very young children, theme parks would be good places to visit in between trips to historical areas and buildings. There are also nature activities that will keep the kids excited and interested.
Don’t skip on your travel insurance. Your family is the most important thing that matters. When traveling abroad, especially with your children, travel insurance will cover for medical expenses and other unforeseen incidents such as lost luggage, flight accidents and other losses incurred during the travel either in your country or internationally.

April 20, 2015 by admin

Add-ons For Your Holiday

Airport lounges can be a stressless add-on, on your travels!

Your holiday booking process doesn’t end when you’ve got your flight, accommodation, and transfer sorted. There are plenty of extras you can add onto your travel plans, all designed to make your break go without a hitch, and help make the travel part as enjoyable as the rest, or as much as it can be anyway.

Let’s look at a few of the extras you should give some consideration to.

Insurance

Now, this is one that isn’t just about considering, it’s about doing! Never attempt to travel without adequate travel insurance, it’s simply not worth the risk, especially in the event of a problem. Remember to declare your pre-existing medical conditions, take the paperwork with you, and you’re good to go.

Airport parking

This is a godsend if you live a distance away from the nearest airport, because flying on public transport can sometimes mean excessively long coach journeys, or a stressful train journey! If there are several of you travelling, the cost will almost always be cheaper than multiple fares on the train or coach too.

Airport hotels

Another fantastic extra, especially useful if you have an early flight. We all know that we have to be at the airport a certain number of hours before our flight, depending on the destination, and if you’re flying early in the morning, this means an even earlier wake up time. A night in an airport hotel solves this problem, and also gives you an earlier start to your break! Of course, this could also work the opposite way around, and if you land very late in the evening, you could have a night’s sleep in the hotel before you embark on your journey home.

Airport lounges

This is a good idea if you’re not a fan of the airport experience, simply because of how crowded and busy it can get. Airport lounges give you a spot of peace and quiet, away from the madness of the general airport space. Most often, there will be refreshments and snacks included in the price of your admission, and it’s basically a relaxation space before you depart.

These are just a few of the additional extras that you can, and in some cases, should add onto your holiday booking. It’s not all about the flight, accommodation, and transfer, you sometimes need to look a bit deeper to make the most of your eagerly awaited holiday.

April 10, 2015 by admin

Money in your pocket

Image courtesy of Joann Jezequel

Cutting holiday costs is the aim of the game if you’re wanting to see more of the world, and whilst you might think this is all down to finding a cheap deal, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are plenty of small ways to save money, which add up to big savings.

Take how you get to the airport for example. Do you book expensive public transport? Do you book trains, coaches and taxis? This could be where your money is leaking away. I wised up to the fact that driving yourself to the airport could be the way to save cash, especially if you’re travelling as a family. I now book my airport parking as soon as I book my flight, and I know that my travel day will be laid-back as a result. Wherever you’re flying from you’ll find this is a service you can book, even regionally. I’ve booked Heathrow parking terminal 5 on several occasions and enjoyed the same level of service as I have when booking parking from a large airport in London.

This is just one way to cut costs, and there are countless others. Think about luggage for instance, do you need to book a suitcase, or could you make do with hand luggage if you used an airline that had a more generous hand luggage allowance? This is a possibility if you’re not going away for too long, and if you’re ruthless with what you take. The saving could be anything up to £40 on a return flight.

When you’re actually looking for your flight in the first instance, make sure you don’t jump for the first flight you see, and instead watch them for a while. Skyscanner is a great site to do just that, but try not to check them too much, as your interest will cause the costs to go up gradually. Every few days should be enough.

You could split book your flight, i.e. book two one ways flights, instead of booking a return, and see if that comes up cheaper, or you could try booking from different airports to see if you can find a cheaper flight by doing that. It’s about patience and trying different things, thinking outside the box, and sometimes this yields money saving results.

Woman with money (Creative Commons)

All inclusive hotels are a good way to save money for families, because the cost of food and drink is included; nobody has to worry about finding the money to eat out and you don’t have to put a limit on the number of soft drinks the kids can have. Alternatively, self-catering gives you the freedom to eat in or out, depending on how your money is or isn’t flowing.

It all comes down to perseverance and thinking a little cleverly when it comes to saving hard-earned money.

March 10, 2015 by admin

Don’t Call Them Yanks: Proper Etiquette for Brits Visiting the States

US Flag Backlit by Jnn13 (Wikipedia Commons)

Everyone’s got their own culture. In the UK, you have tea time. In the U.S. there’s Sunday night football. It might be a bastardised version of real football, but when in Rome, you do as the Romans do. If subtlety isn’t your strong suit, it’s really easy to offend Americans. So, here’s some etiquette to keep in mind when you run into your brothers and sisters across the ocean.

Cussing

Swearing is something that many New Yorker’s do, but not all Americans do – especially if you’re visiting rural areas. In fact, in many places in America, you’ll be seen as rude if you swear. It’s not need as a sign of affection or a sign of good humour.

Sex Talk

There was a puritan movement that came to America that never took hold in Europe. Because of that, Americans unconsciously developed a very different attitude toward sex than you probably have. Just like swearing, discussing what goes on behind closed doors is taboo. No loo talk either – it’s bad manners unless you notice your guests or friends doing it too.

But, in the general population, err on the side of being more conservative with what comes out of your mouth.

Criticising America

Whatever you do, do not criticise the country. Americans have an amazingly patriotic sense of life. It’s a sense of life that says “we will not be pushed around.” Likewise, this sense of life extends to how they feel about their country and anyone criticising it. Even though many Americans hate their politicians, they love their country.

Calling Them “Yanks”

Calling your typical American a “Yankee” isn’t so much offensive as it is confusing. In America, only northerners are called “Yankees” and, even then, it’s a derogatory term that dates back to the civil war in the country. You’ll likely get dirty looks from proud southerners who have given up on such a divisive language and looks of confusion from northerners who aren’t used to being called that.

Bad Tipping

In America, 15 per cent is the standard tip. Never be stingy with your server unless you received obviously poor service. Even then, it’s customary to give at least 10 per cent. If you receive exceptional service, leave 20 per cent as a tip.

Friendly-Offensive Behaviour

You’re used to exchanging friendly insults. It’s just how it is in the UK. But, in America, thems fightin’ words. Seriously, insult people and you’re likely to lose friends and be seen as rude. Lighten up, and express your true feelings.

Hot Dog Stand by Jeff Marks (Creative Commons)

Criticising The Food

You chose My America Holiday because you wanted an authentic American experience. Well, the food is part and parcel of the culture here. Don’t insult it. You might think that American’s tastes are primitive, and many of them are. But, Americans pride themselves on simple food. Hamburgers, pizza, and lots of boxed meals – that’s how they live.

Of course, America is a melting pot of culture, so it’s not too difficult to find sushi, authentic hispanic food, and even food from home if you’re in a big city.

Don’t Be Reserved

When someone says “hi, how are you today?” they’re not being pushy. They’re being friendly. If you look startled and refuse to respond, it’ll be taken as a rude gesture. This is especially true if you happen to be out in the country. The more rural, the more friendly people tend to be.

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Karen Jordan is a British expat living in the US for work. When not exploring her new home and sharing her love of tea, she enjoys blogging about cultural differences and travel experiences for her fellow Brits.

February 25, 2015 by admin

5 Tips For a Girls Break On The Cheap

VISIT OF THE BEATEN PATH DESTINATIONS

The economy may be wobbly sometimes; in fact at times you may have to sacrifice your holiday because the destination you are hopping to travel to is unaffordable. Well, it is time to think outside the box and head to the lesser visited areas, you may be surprised at how affordable yet intriguing places. Off the beaten track destinations are less crowded which means you and your girls group can enjoy luxurious accommodations on the cheap.

If you are looking for incredible cities, Russia is the ideal locations. With some of the world’s richest and oldest cities reside here, displaying the magnificence of the old order. From hallowed monasteries to imposing Kremlins, Russia has far more than just what Moscow and St. Petersburg have to offer.

View of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia Photo by JackVersloot, Creative Commons

Alternatively, try Uzbekistan this year. Though not very popular, this off the beaten track destination will offer you some of the region’s most authentic experiences. Here, you explore relics of dominant ancient cities as well as the lifeline of Asia’s trade, the Silk Road, perfectly juxtaposed against a country redefining itself in modern times. For beaches and unique desert experiences, Oman is Arabia’s best kept secret. Startling and intoxicating, the beauty on display here is well worth the trip.

BUY CITY PASSES ON A CITY BREAK

Nothing beats the thrill of a girly city break; there is the partying, visiting attractions and eating out in the company of your girlfriends whom you may not even have seen for ages. It may be a group of friends from high school, college or even colleagues, there is a lot to catch up on and the fun could be endless. To make it more adventurous and fun, buy city passes to cut off on travel costs from one attraction to the next, get discounts in certain restaurants and avoid queues in major attractions so you can have more time to have fun. In places like Paris and London city passes can make you a significant saving.

GET GROUP TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER EVERYONE

Group travel insurance is a policy that covers an entire group for travelling abroad for the same trip, the people to do not necessarily have to be related. Getting group travel insurance for your girly break is likely to save you money s compared to single trip policies for individuals. Group travel insurance covers a number of things such as cancellations, luggage, medical emergencies and lost money or possessions. However, if you are to participate in certain activities such as surfing, hiking and diving, you may have to check the exclusions or the amount of money you may have to add to buy such premiums.

TRAVEL OFF SEASON

Well, there may be the hype of people travelling to certain destinations during holiday seasons, this leads to an increase in airfares and accommodation as the institutions offering these services and other travel related agencies are there to make profits. Avoid the hustles of crowded airports, the overbooked hotel rooms and overcharging of transport costs by travelling during off seasons, after all, the attractions will still be there even after all the holiday hype is over.

OPT FOR PICNICS RATHER THAN EATING IN RESTAURANTS

It is fun when girls eat out in restaurants catching up on latest gossip, but to keep the costs down, it is better to picnic in scenic places such as parks and along the beaches. This will still be a brilliant idea, each girl preparing a different dish in your villa or cottage and later setting up a picnic and eating together and catching up with the juicy details of life.

November 28, 2013 by admin

Five Reasons to Choose a Tour Operator Instead of Going Alone

Tour Guide Thailand (Creative Commons)

Hiring a tour operator may seem like wastage of hard earned money especially in this era of advanced technology where you can download maps instantly and get travel information from websites. This is because it comes at a price. But there are reasons why travelling with a tour operator are still a great option.

To handle the logistics of travel

Travelling involves a lot of hassles of obtaining tickets, marking reservations, checking operating hours and finding other suitable alternatives if problems arise. If you are on vacation and do not want to be bothered by all those issues; it is good to hand over such matters to a professional tour operator who can do all that for you. This will also help you to relax during your holiday, without worrying of what could go on, after all that what holidays are for, and in any case it is a small price to pay for such overwhelming tasks.

To help you break the language barrier

When travelling to a destination where you do not speak the local language and the locals have minimal or no knowledge of the language that you speak, a local tour operator who speaks your language will be of great use to you. When choosing a tour operator to such a destination you have to speak with them on phone to establish how strong his or her language command in your language is. Imagine being in a place where you do not understand anything from the menu on your table to the road signs, it can be very frustrating but with a local tour guide it can be heaven.

When on an adventure trip

While headed for a safari, mountain climbing, scuba diving or any other adventurous activity, it would be very risky to do it alone unless you are an absolute professional in that field. In such an adventure a hiring a tour guide is inevitable because he will lead you through what he is already used to and even take you to the best areas for such adventures.

When visiting popular locations

The most popular locations tend to be crowded and you may end up spending too much time on the queues that by the time you enter through the gates you are too grumpy to enjoy the sites you have paid for so dearly. A specialist tour operator is knowledgeable of the locations and has knowledge of the times: when they are less crowded and even when they are discounted and will give you the right advice. If you are visiting places like Petra in Jordan and have some money to spend, then hiring a luxury tour operator to handle the details for you could make all the difference.

When visiting somewhere off the beaten track

If you are heading to a country which is not as well set up for tourism then a tour operator can make all the difference in helping you visit the best sites and staying in the best places. You could see twice as much of a destination by letting a tour operator take care of the logistics, rather than hopping from local bus to local bus to reach you end destination. They can also help you find unheard of accommodation which you otherwise would not think of. For example, in Morocco they may take you to a Berber Lodge like this which you wouldn’t usually find in the guidebook.

When time is limited

In the world that we live in time is a crucial factor, if your vacation is short and you need to visit all the sites in a particular destination, a tour guide will come in handy. He will help you create an itinerary that will round up all your interests while putting time as a priority. In this way you will save time and enjoy your short vacation in an organized manner.

October 3, 2013 by admin

Goodbye pre-airport stress, hello sun!

Heathrow-Airport

Airports are like marmite, you either love them or you hate them, but at the end of the day, it’s a necessary part of heading off to the sun.

I live with the airport experience, I tolerate it, and I can’t say I either love it or hate it, but the part I do hate with an absolute passion is the bit before I arrive at the terminal. Getting to the airport for me has always involved stress and worry, and it starts literally weeks before I’m even due to leave the house.

Maybe you’re like me and you don’t settle until you’re firmly ensconced in your destination, with drink in hand and back firmly attached to a sun lounger, or maybe you’re a fly by the seat of your pants type, who enjoys this part of the holiday experience. Whichever category you fit into, it’s always worth cutting out the stress wherever possible.

It’s medically proven that stress is bad for you, it makes you put on weight, it gives you headaches, shoots up your blood pressure, and leads to all manner of other undesirable effects, so it’s with this in mind I decided to put the control firmly back in my own hands.

After one too many disastrous and panic-stricken journeys on the train or coach, I decided to drive myself to the airport, as that way, if something went wrong I would only have myself to blame. It turned out to be a fantastic decision, and now I’m hooked on it. The first time I booked Birmingham Airport parking, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially at such a low price, but I needn’t have worried, as the whole experience was fantastic from start to finish.

Most large airports nationwide have facilities for your car whilst you’re away, meaning not only do you cut out the panic before you get there, but you know your vehicle is safe and looked after whilst you’re sunning yourself somewhere far, far away. Another bonus I found was no need to wait for a train or coach after landing. You know the feeling, you’re exhausted, a bit jet lagged and fed up, and all you want to do is get home and go to bed. Well, it’s easier with this idea as you know your car is waiting for you, and you don’t have to endure a night train or bus, or even worse, rush hour traffic in several city centre stations. I’ve just booked Stansted parking for my upcoming holiday and found a great deal online.

The knowledge that everything was firmly in my hands, and I was solely responsible for getting myself where I needed to be, when I needed to be there, was actually a calming thought, when you’d think it would be the exact opposite!

I could take my time and check things as many times as I wanted, and this is a service I now book every time I go away. I’d really recommend you check this out for yourself too, as you’ll no doubt save money on the cost of public transport, not to mention your stress levels!