Travel Tips Archives - Girls Guide to The World

January 25, 2019 by admin

How to Prepare for a Hiking Adventure

Before you set out on a hiking adventure, there are certain things you need to bear in mind. Hiking is a popular adventure sport that can be both exciting and exhilarating. It also provides you with plenty of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors and witnessing glorious scenery. There are thousands of great hiking trails you can follow, all over the world. Prepare carefully for your hiking trip, and you’ll enjoy every step you make.

Choosing Your Trip

What are you looking to get out of your hiking trip and what experiences do you want to enjoy along the way? Deciding what type of hiking trip you’re looking for is going to help you find the right location. You might want to walk from one town to another, stopping in local cafes and speaking to locals. It might be a more off the beaten track kind of adventure you’re looking for, where you spend the night in a rustic hut. Do you want to visit third-world countries, or would you prefer to hike somewhere more familiar?

What is Your Level of Fitness?

If the most walking you ever do is just a couple of miles along the pavement, you might find walking five or more miles on varied terrain a little challenging. You’re going to have to consider getting into shape before you make any concrete plans. Give yourself a couple of months to train, and you should be ready for your hiking vacation. Part of your training should include walking with a loaded backpack.

Find the Right Walking Boots

A large part of your day will be spent on your feet, so it’s vital you’ve got a good pair of walking shoes or boots. They should fit properly and have good ankle support. Don’t be tempted to buy a pair just before you set off on your trip, as you’ll need time to break them in. Several pairs of hiking socks are also essential items to pack. Outdoor Wilds has reviewed some great hiking and hunting gear if you want to learn more.

What Clothing do You Need?

You’re going to be carrying extra clothing in your backpack, so it’s important you only pack the essentials. Make sure the items you bring are comfortable, waterproof and breathable. If you’re going to be walking during the hot summer months, consider buying yourself some hiking gear with a sun-protection factor.

Emergency and First Aid Kit

Space in your backpack is at a premium, but the following items are very handy. Remember to pack run protection, if you’re walking when the weather is sunny, insect repellant, energy snacks, matches or a lighter, torch, knife, first aid kit, a compass and an insulating blanket. If you’re not sure how to read a compass, then consider buying a handheld GPS device.

Hiking can be a fun experience, but there are also plenty of risks. The weather can change unexpectedly, or you could find yourself lost. Before you set out, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. It’s important you’re prepared for all eventualities. The tips given above will help you make the most of your hiking adventure. When you return home safe, it won’t be long before you’re making plans for the next one.

October 16, 2018 by admin

Finding The Right Vehicle For Your Travels

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There’s nothing better than exploring the world out on the open road. Driving is freeing, relaxing, and a more spontaneous form of travel. In fact, road trips accounted for 39% of the total vacations taken in the US, according to MMGY Global’s 2017-18 Portrait of American Travelers. If you’re driving long distances, having the right vehicle is essential. You need something comfortable, reliable, and capable which suits your individual travel needs and budget. So, take the time to thoroughly research and consider all your options — this guide will help put you on the right track.

What will you be using it for?

Other than driving, what will you be using your vehicle for? Are you going to be sleeping in it? Alone or with an SO? Do you need another bed for a friend or relative? Then something like a Eurovan would be a good choice. If you want to cook in your vehicle consider an RV or VW Westfalia. Also consider how much time you’ll be spending in your vehicle. If you want space to stand upright, consider something with a high ceiling like a Ford Transit or Iveco Daily van. But, if you’re going to be eating and cooking outside and you’re okay sacrificing standing upright, a hatchback van with room to sleep in may be all you need.

Where will you be going?

Your travel plans may require your vehicle to have better maneuverability. For example, if you plan on driving off-the-beaten path on rougher terrain, you’ll need a four-wheel drive. Something like a Chevrolet Colorado is a reliable, practical, and capable vehicle able to cope with trickier roads. But, if you’re sticking to the safety of regular, well-maintained roads, you won’t need to bother with a four-wheel drive. If you want greater flexibility on your journey, consider a towing a camper. You can therefore park it at your campsite and adventure out on tougher roads in your van.

What can you afford?

Your budget obviously plays a big role in your choice of vehicle. In addition to the initial cost of the vehicle, you’ll also need to consider ongoing costs. Work out a rough budget for insurance, maintenance and repairs, and gas or diesel — preventing bad gas mileage is essential if you’re driving long distances. You’ll also need to factor in campsite fees if necessary.

Ultimately, the right vehicle for travelling depends on your personal needs and preferences. You may prefer a vehicle with certain features like bluetooth capability, air conditioning, a backup camera, or cruise control. If you take the time to research, compare, and contrast all your options, you’re bound to find the perfect vehicle for you.

September 6, 2018 by admin

Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Next Trip Away

Spreading out your vacation time to a few key points in the year can be critical to your wellbeing and even your mental health. Going on a trip to a sunny and warm destination in the dead of winter can help boost your health and outlook. Escaping from a stressful period at work to explore and enjoy new experiences can help you return to work fully energized and ready to tackle any problem that comes your way. There are so many benefits to travel, and those benefits are exemplified when you follow these four methods to make the most out of your next trip away.

Learn A Bit About Your Destination Before You Go

The more you know about your chosen destination, the more you can appreciate it and its history. If you love to read, why not pick up a travel book before you go? If you are a more visual person, watch a documentary on the destination in question. Bigger destinations like Rome will have a plethora of media available for you to learn from before you ever set foot at your destination.

Find a Home Away from Home to Enjoy

Living in a luxurious home will always be preferable to staying in a luxurious hotel! Though hotels might have all the amenities you could need, their business model encourages you to stay inside for the duration of your trip. When your goal is to get out and enjoy your next travel destination to its fullest, this means that you won’t be getting the most out of any hotel room you book. Instead, live like a local and choose a stunning property to rent out for the duration of your trip from VacationRenter.com. If you are traveling in a group, the chances are that you will be able to afford a stunning property, even for a modest budget.

Tips to Improve Your Day-to-Day Itinerary

Try to mix up your day-to-day itinerary to keep it exciting. Rather than visit all the museums in one day, for example, visit one then move on to a different activity. Try to keep space open in your day for spontaneous adventure. For example, plan to go for a walk every evening to just explore and enjoy the destination. Along the way, be open to wander into bars, stores, and anything else that catches your eye.

Tips to Help You Disconnect

Social media benefits from wasting our time, which is why disconnecting from it can truly help you make the most out of your next trip away. Similarly, answering work emails is a big no-no. Unless you are planning on billing for overtime, set up an automated email response while you are on vacation telling the sender when you will be back. From there, turn your email off. You need to disconnect from online to truly connect with what’s in front of you.

Planning your trip in advance can help you save money and improve the overall quality of your trip, from what you see, do, and eat. From there, inject a touch of spontaneity into your trip and always remember to disconnect as much as you can. Only then can you enjoy your next trip, and every trip after that, to its fullest.

June 27, 2018 by admin

Tips for Traveling During Pregnancy

When you decide to start a family, does that mean an end to traveling adventures? Not necessarily, but it does mean you have a new, very important consideration. Doing what’s best for the baby is bound to be your primary concern, which means looking after yourself and not taking unnecessary risks. Having said that, sometimes what’s best for baby is for you to be happy and fulfilled, and if traveling is one of the most important aspects of your life, you shouldn’t feel that you can’t continue to enjoy your passion.

Is it safe to travel when you’re pregnant?

It depends very much on you and the baby’s health. If you are having a normal pregnancy with no health complications, there’s no reason not to take a vacation or go on a trip. However, you need to listen to the advice of your healthcare practitioners if you have any health issues, or there is concern regarding the fetus. You need to plan your trips away so that you don’t miss any of your routine check-ups, as these are important for making sure everything is progressing as it should. You may feel fine, but not be aware of certain conditions such as gestational diabetes that can affect the growth rate of the baby. If picked up promptly, conditions such as these can be treated and monitored, but could be serious if left unchecked.

Risks of traveling

There are always risks in life, and as is often said, you could get run over by a bus outside your front door, but go to another country and be perfectly safe. So don’t get over-stressed about what could go wrong. You’ll need to think about the mode of transport you’ll be using and how far along you are, and check the airline regulations in particular as there will be restrictions on flying while pregnant. The closer you are to your due date, the more advisable it is to stick closer to home. Giving birth when you’re away needn’t be a major issue, but it’s always nice to be in familiar surroundings. If you do find yourself in labor when you’re away, don’t panic, as the chances are everything will go smoothly. If for some reason they don’t, and you believe the doctors or hospitals are to be at fault, make sure you contact someone like Diane Rostron for advice on your entitlement to compensation.

Looking after yourself on your travels

Being pregnant isn’t an illness, and you don’t need to behave as though you are an invalid! You just need to be mindful of what you do and where you are. For example, there’s nothing wrong with going for a hike, but how far away are you from assistance if you start to feel unwell or in pain? The bigger you get, the less physical activity you’ll feel like being. This is the time to listen to your body, and enjoy the more tranquil aspects of traveling. Avoiding extreme sports and potentially dangerous activities is wise. There will always be stories about elite athletes who have climbed a mountain or completed an arduous feat of endurance while pregnant, but you probably aren’t an elite athlete, and to be frank, why take a chance when you don’t have to?

June 20, 2018 by admin

Three Things Every Girl Should Do At Least Once in Her Lifetime

Life only comes around once, unless you believe in reincarnation! For this reason, it’s important that you cherish the one that you have and live it in the best way you can. There are several ways you can do this such as by being the best version of you possible, leaving a mark everywhere you go, and doing things that will make you feel fulfilled. In addition to those, you should try and live outside of the box from time to time and try things that are outside of your comfort zone. On that note, you’re going to find three things every girl should do at least once in her lifetime below.

Have a Spontaneous Trip

One of the first things you should seriously think about doing at least once in your life is going on a spontaneous trip. Whether you happen to be a meticulous planner or more of the impulsive type, it is something that could help you to learn to live in the moment. There are endless destinations that you could think about visiting and you don’t always have to go all the way across the world. You could decide to visit a neighboring city or town and drag a couple of your closest friends along with you. Some hacks for last minute travel you may want to consider are taking the train instead of a plane where possible, trying a sharing service, and being willing to hotel hop.

Drive a Luxury Car

Next up on the list of things every girl should do at least once in her lifetime is driving a luxury car. Some people are more into luxury than others, but it is an experience that you should definitely consider. Experiencing the amazing things cars can do thanks to technology can give you a deeper appreciation for innovation. Some luxury cars you may want to consider are a Mercedes Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Coupe, or a BMW 7 Series. If you opt to go for a BMW, you should visit Grassicks BMW as they have both new and used cars which you could get with affordable payments over time.

Do an Adventure Activity

Another fun and exciting thing you should do at least once in your lifetime is an adventure activity. This is ideal for those who are keen on adrenaline packed activities or those who’ve been thinking about trying some. There are numerous adventure activities for you to choose from such as skydiving, ziplining, rafting, sandboarding, caving, swimming with sharks, sky swinging, and paragliding. It is also a chance to adventure around the world if it’s something you’ve wanted to do.

Life means different things to different people, regardless of age and gender, but at the end of the day, it’s a compilation of choices made, and memories created. In light of this, it’s a good idea to strive to make choices and create memories that you can look back on and smile for many years to come. Hopefully, our list has given you some inspiration regarding a few you can add to your bucket list. Remember, life is sometimes more exciting when you color outside of the lines!

April 16, 2018 by admin

Tips to Stay Safe When Traveling to Another Country

Traveling to a whole other country can be an extremely fun and exciting adventure, but it’s important that you know how to stay safe. There are quite a few tips that you should follow before going on your next trip, so you can reduce your chances of encountering problems. Many tourists fall victim to all sorts of things when traveling abroad each year, and these tips can certainly be useful.

Check with the State Department

One of the best things that you can do when planning a trip to another country is to check in with the State Department first. This government website will let you know of any warnings that you should be aware of before going abroad. These warnings sometimes relate to terrorist activity or other things that could pose a serious threat to visitors. You do not want to go to another country before visiting this site.

Be Careful About Public Wi-Fi

It is also important that you are very careful about using public Wi-Fi when traveling to another country because you could be putting yourself at great risk. The best thing you can do is to avoid using Wi-Fi at all during your trip, but there are certain ways to protect yourself. Always look for HTTPS connections whenever possible, as these sites are secure.

Utilize Internet Resources

There are lots of great websites that you can use for helpful tips and information to stay safe when traveling, such as Tourist 2 Traveler. These sites can really help you out with useful guides and details that will make your trip go as smoothly as possible. Sometimes, the best way to stay safe when traveling abroad is to read internet articles from those who have been there personally.

Scan Your Passport

It’s a good idea to make a copy of your passport, just in case you lose your initial one. The last thing you want is to be stranded in another country without any kind of documentation. This could end up saving you from a lot of problems and frustration, so you will need to make a point of doing it before going on your trip. It’s also sensible to scan your travel insurance documents, too.

Be Aware of the Popular Scams

You should be fully aware of the popular scams that people try to run on tourists in the areas you will be visiting. This will help you to avoid any regrettable situations where you could lose a lot of money. It can be all too easy to fall prey to scam artists when you are out of your element in a new place, so make sure that you educate yourself when planning your next trip abroad.

When you are going through the process of planning a trip to another country that you have never been to, it is incredibly important that you prepare yourself as much as possible. Staying safe is always a top priority when traveling, and these are just a few things to remember.

April 2, 2018 by admin

Basic Car Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

There are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re driving. Being a driver yourself, you’ve probably given this issue a thought. The problem gets bigger when you’re a female driver driving on your own, especially in Australia where there are many long roads in the middle of nowhere. There are so many horror movies inspired by real-life situations that start when a girl’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and she can’t do anything to fix it. Well, isn’t it time to do something about it? Truth be told, there are certain types of fixing and maintenance that aren’t difficult to do and that don’t require a lot of physical strength or demand you to be car-savvy. It will do you good to be a bit more independent when it comes to your car as you’ll feel more confident and safe on the road.

Replacing air filters

Your filters need replacing every 12 months or so and instead of giving up your car for at least a day and paying your mechanic to do it, you can do it yourself quite easily. Get a new filter; you can find information about which one you need depending on the car you drive. Now you need to find your filter under the hood of your car – it should be visible as soon as you open it. Simply remove it, memorizing the position it was in, then replace it with a new one.

Oil filter change

Your oil needs changing every 3000 to 5000 miles. In order to do this, you’re going to need to operate a jack. First of all, wait for the car engine to cool down, then get under the car and find the oil pan, it’s easily spotted. You’ll need a screwdriver to handle the drain plug, let the old oil drain into the pan and replace the drain plug. After that, go back to the engine to remove the old oil filter and fill the new one about two-thirds of the way. Screw in the new one and you’re done changing the filter.

Tyre change

This is the most common problem you might be facing on the road and it’s too simple for you to be bothered to call, wait and pay for the road aid. You’ll need a jack and basic tools you have in your kit in the back of your trunk. Simply remove the old tyre and place the new one. You might do it clumsily the first few times, but you’ll get used to it eventually. When the dust settles, you’ll need to purchase a new spare tyre or a whole set if it’s easier and more affordable. If you’re from around Sydney, you can find high-quality tyres in Blacktown. Of course, this DIY is just a first-aid response, as soon as your trip is over, you’ll probably need a tyre balance which needs to be done by professionals.

Wipers

This maintenance activity is super easy and it only takes 15 minutes or so. You don’t need any tools, just buy new wiper blades and change them yourself. The process is similar to changing your air filters, but it will differ depending on the model of your car. First, you lift the blades the same way as you would when washing your windshield. Then remove the old ones carefully watching how they fit into the arms. There should be some sort of a tab on the wiper itself, once pushed, your wipers will be released and you’ll be able to remove them easily. After that, install the new wipers simply following the procedure backwards.

Headlight bulbs

This procedure is not difficult at all provided that your car doesn’t have sealed beam headlights. Simply look at the front of your car to check if there are any burnt bulbs. In that case, you just need to go online and search for the bulb your car model requires. After that, you just need to open the case and remove the bulb yourself. The procedure itself is no different than changing a bulb in your bathroom or wherever.

We bet you thought some of these processes involved much more knowledge and a lot of different tools. In fact, most common things you need to do to your car are fairly simple. So, now that you know some of the tricks, keep track of the time and money you’ll save on each of these procedures annually and be grateful you’ve made your life simpler.

March 23, 2018 by admin

How to Travel Light

The reason most people don’t really get to enjoy their vacation is because they carry way too many stuff that they don’t need and end up expecting too much from the trip. Your luggage says so much about your trip. You only carry your swimsuit when you know you are going to swim. You carry your hiking gear when you know you are going to climb a mountain during your trip. By packing the essentials, you’re able to move freer and have space for anything you wish to bring back; however, if you over pack, then you risk complicating your trip. Rather than suffer from aches and pains, think about minimalistic traveling.

Traveling light is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your trip without any restrictions. Here is how:

Frugal Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is most likely the root of the problem. You have fallen victim to consumerism, and now feel as if you are a certified hoarder. Start by getting lessons on frugal living from preparednessmama.com and also learn about the art of preparedness. A frugal lifestyle will make you less attached to material stuff making it easier for you to carry only what you need during your getaway.

Small Bag

According to one reputable forum for travel bloggers, one of the best ways to trick yourself into carrying less stuff is by buying a bag that is about 15% smaller than what you need. You will always pack according to the size of the bag you have. Stuff this little bag with everything you need until you feel you are satisfied. Once you are done, you can now transfer the same exact items to the originally intended bag and end up with a light luggage. However, if switching back to the bigger bag leads you into temptation, just stick to the smaller one.

No Luggage

Some travelers opt to hitchhike across the globe without any luggage. Going on a thrilling vacation without any bag might as well be the epitome of traveling light. You literally have nothing dragging you down. You can partake in any activity or go to any part of the world without a cloud of doubt in your mind. Regardless, you will still need tons of loose cash at your disposal to buy certain supplies and accessories when necessary.

Avoid Last Minute Rush

The best trips are planned in advance. Learning the proper principles of traveling light will enable you to be well-prepared and avoid making rash decisions with only one day to go. One month prior to your trip, get out a pen and paper and list all the things that you will need. Coming up with a complete itinerary will help you know what you need based on what you are going to do on the trip. Once your list is complete, start packing immediately. At this time, you are not under any pressure, and you can fold your clothes perfectly then place them in a nice small suitcase that will not cause you headache. At this early stage, you are still thinking logically.

December 8, 2017 by admin

Four Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy This Winter in SoCal

Anybody who is planning on being in Palm Springs or the surrounding parts of SoCal this winter season has plenty of opportunities for fun. While the city is well-known for its beautiful strips and great amenities, many people arrive during the winter to take advantage of the unique climate that gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy it all.

Whether you enjoy some fun in the sun or want to get up close and personal with the cold, you’ll never be too far away from a variety of outdoor activities that are right up your alley. Today, we’ll look at four great outdoor activities within close proximity that can truly keep you both active and entertained while in the area.

Skiing and Snowboarding

While it may be warm in the valley this winter, you won’t have to drive far to find a winter wonderland. Less than two hours from Palm Springs, Big Bear Mountain Resorts offers plenty of winter fun tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Here, you’ll find plenty of skiing opportunities, snowboarding venues, ice skating rinks and other quintessential ski resort amenities that’ll take your mind off the snow-less winters of SoCal. With more runs and lifts than anywhere else in Southern California, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more authentic and inclusive winter experience.

Hunting

With plenty of outdoor activities available that don’t involve getting out of one’s comfort zone, some may wish to really immerse themselves in nature via a day of hunting.

One of the best hunting ranches near Palm Springs, Big Horn Canyon Ranch, provides would-be hunters with plenty of acres to explore and lots of wildlife to pursue. For as little as $100 per hunter, you can suit up and hunt everything from feral hogs to Angora Goats and Merino Sheep.

Be sure to stop by Woodbury Outfitters beforehand and stock up on all of your hunting needs.

Biking

Want to get a great exercise and explore the surrounding countryside at the same time? Then you might be ready for a day of biking this winter throughout SoCal.

Whether on-site at Joshua Tree National Park or in the heart of Palm Springs, you’ll be able to rent bicycles for as little as $10 per day during the winter months. You can use this time to explore the city up-close or take a quick drive out into the countryside and put your bike to work exploring the trails and paths that dot the landscape.

Rock Climbing

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous this winter, then consider spending at least one day rock climbing in and around the Palm Springs area. While traditionally an outdoor activity, you also have the option of taking the fun indoors at a venue like Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym.

If you’d prefer to enjoy rock climbing au natural, then head up to Joshua Tree and enroll in the Rock Climbing School for beginners. You’ll be ready to scale cliffs in no time at all!

Ready to get adventurous this winter in SoCal? If you’re ready to take that energy into the great outdoors, these four options will all make for exciting and fun adventures with friends or while solo.

October 23, 2017 by admin

Spooky Experiences: Spine-Tingling Fun for a Vacation Treat

When you’re planning your next city vacation for the family, it’s always a fun idea to check out the spooky hotspots in your destination—especially if you’re traveling around Halloween.

Kids love anything to do with ghosts and haunted houses, and you’ll usually be able to find a few attractions to keep them happy.

Massachusetts is an excellent example of a spooky destination. Home to Salem, scene of the famous witch trials, it’s also got all sorts of spooky attractions you can check out during your time there. Here are some of the best.

Salem

We’ll start with the most well-known. Salem is famous the world over for the witch trials. Plays, books, and movies have been made about it, and it’s well worth visiting the famous New England town purely for historical reasons.

But the spooky nature of the town is what will keep the kids entertained, and it is known for its stories of hauntings, ghost sightings, and strange goings-on. It’s only about an hour from Boston, so check it out for yourself and keep your eyes open should you see something scary.

Also, take a look at the Salem Haunted Happenings website for more things to do when you arrive.

The Pilot House

The Pilot House was an inn that was open back in the 1800s, although it closed its doors a long time ago. Nowadays, it is known for its strange sightings that occur here fairly regularly.

For example, the “Lady in White” haunts the first floor, and you should also listen out for the sound of merrymaking, which locals are said to have heard during the night.

It’s easy to reach in Boston, so you can plan a trip from your hotel. This will be easy if you stay somewhere like the Marriott Peabody in the north of the city.

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

A burying ground is always a good spot to look for ghosts, and this one in Boston certainly has plenty of stories that will chill the bone.

It’s been here since the mid-17th century, which is plenty of time for sightings of the dead to occur, and there are many stories of hauntings include sightings of slaves. It’s a peaceful place to visit, but would you dare to visit after dark?

Cutler Majestic Theater

This theater puts on some great shows and it is well worth visiting for that reason alone. However, you’re sure to hear something during your visit about its resident ghosts.

These include the spirits of a girl and a mayor, both of whom have been spotted on various occasions. Find out more about the sightings here.

Find the theater on Tremont Street (full details on its website), and book a visit. Even if you don’t spot any unusual activity, you can enjoy a fun evening’s entertainment watching a show.

Scare Yourself in Massachusetts

There are plenty of reasons to visit Massachusetts, including spending time in Boston, one of America’s great cities. But if you like the thought of visiting some haunted places during your stay, you will be spoilt for choice, so make sure you check out some of these places—and keep an eye out for anything strange.