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Experiencing the local culture when traveling is something most travelers have high on their list, and with so many travel options out there, you can really immerse yourself in the local culture if you desire. If you are one of those travelers looking for a local travel experience on a new level, then I recommend you check out G Adventures Local Living Tours. On a local living tour you will stay in local property carefully selected by G Adventures with a homey feel. Not only will the accommodation boast a local feel, it will be centrally located in your chosen destination. And the best part about these tours? They don’t break the budget! Booking many of these accommodation options on your own would put you much more out of pocket.
Local living tours are typically one week in length, and only visit one destination. The purpose of one destination is to give you the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture of a specific region, because we all know that even at home, the local culture in one region can be very different from the next!
A G Adventures CEO will be at your disposal to show you the best parts of town, and help with suggestions on truly local dining and entertainment experiences. One of the coolest features of this tour style, is the opportunity to enjoy a meal with a local host. Depending on the destination you choose, these local dining experiences can be anything from dinner prepared by a local chef, to a cooking class with local organic ingredients.
So where do these local living tours travel to? Here is a list of the tours currently available, with more destinations likely to be added in 2014:
- Southern Tuscany, Italy
- Terelj, Mongolia
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
- Marrakech, Morocco
- KRK Island, Croatia
- Burgundy Canal, France
- Provence, France
- Crete, Greece
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Tuscany, Italy
- Rome, Italy
- Puglia, Italy
- Sicily, Italy
- Drumbo, Iceland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Costa Blanca, Spain
- Ibiza, Spain
- The Lycian Way, Turkey
- Amazon Jungle, Ecuador
If you would like to learn more about the G Adventures local living tours and their specific itineraries, then check out their website.
Does food drive your travel decisions? Or are you at the very least intrigued and overjoyed by a great meal? I was a sales rep for many years, traveling to hundreds of US towns and cities. I would always take the time to explore each city as best I could with the time I had spare. Sometimes, I had no time spare, and my way of experiencing at least a little of my current destination was by eating at a well-known, even famous restaurant. I would always ask around for the restaurant I ‘must-try’ while in town. The US is a melting pot, with many cities known for dishes that did not originate there, but I can assure you if you want to try the best burger you have ever tasted, you will find it somewhere in the US, in a restaurant/food truck/diner that the locals rave about.
I have encountered travelers who were disappointed with the pizza they tried in Italy, or the fish and chips in the UK, but I assure you they simply ate at the wrong place! Food is a big part of many travel memories for me, and it is found to be a big motivator for many travelers. The great part about food as a budget traveler, is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to find an authentic local meal that will become a vivid memory for the rest of your life. So, why am I talking so much about food? In 2013 many tour companies are highlighting food as one of the main attractions in many destinations, and travelers are loving it! While it is always reliable to try famous restaurants listed in your Lonely Planet guide, or recommended by the locals, it is even better to take it one step further and travel on a tour specializing in food. How much better can it get traveling with a local guide that knows the best kept food secrets at every stop? It might sound cliche to say you had the best Pad Thai you have ever tasted in Thailand, but it is true that you will find the best Pad Thai in Thailand! Dishes like Pad Thai often become an over-sold dish by local restaurants hoping to lure in the tourists, but when you travel with a local guide on a tour that has been specifically designed around food, you WILL experience the best of the best when it comes to food.
I understand that not everyone wants to dedicate their entire trip around food, but for those that do there are many tour options available for you. And for those that don’t, but still want to experience some great local cuisines, there are many day tours on offer, or even short 2-3 day food tours, some even offering cooking classes. Intrepid Travel has recently launched an amazing series of tours specializing in food. These tours range from a few hours to many weeks in destinations all over the world. And the best part? They are currently offering 10% off all of their food tours if you book in February. You can check out Intrepid’s array of food tours here.
So, if I just made you really hungry for a mouthwatering authentic dish, or I gave you the urge to want to travel to Thailand just to try the best Pad Thai you will ever taste, then you are one of those travelers inspired by food…..even if you didn’t think you were before!
Smuggling drugs as a traveler is a serious crime, and can ruin your life. For a little insight into the topic, today’s guest post is brought to us by Claire Brown. Claire is a freelance blogger who regularly writes articles about different kinds of crimes. She tackles issues concerning personal injury and drug-related offenses. She also writes for Bail Bonds Fullerton and other law websites.
Joe was a bit nervous when he arrived at the airport. He quickly glanced at his passport and travel documents. “It will be alright,” he thought. “The guy said that it’s only his sister’s medicine. She needs it for her migraines.” After Joe had his bags x-rayed, an officer approached him. “Sir, we need to check your bags,” the uniformed man said. “Huh?” Joe’s heart skipped a beat and it started pounding. “Of course,” he said, trying to be as cooperative as possible. Then, the officer proceeded to open his bag and examine his belongings, honing in on that package that wasn’t his. The security agent asked permission to open the package. Joe acquiesced, all the while trying to explain that it didn’t belong to him. When the official slit the parcel, out came a powdery white substance. It was crystal meth, and Joe felt the shackles on his hands and feet even before he was cuffed.
Being a Naïve Mule
Hundreds of Americans are in foreign prisons today because of their involvement in drug-related crimes. The act of smuggling drugs to other countries, however innocent you claim you are, is a very serious offense. In some countries, such as Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Sri Lanka, those caught smuggling or being in possession of drugs or illegal substances will be punished with death. Capital punishment can be executed in the following methods: lethal injection, hanging, or death by firing squad.
What is a Drug Mule?
A drug mule is someone who smuggles drugs into or out of states or countries. Smugglers get pretty creative when thinking up of ways to transport drugs. Some hide drugs in luggage or other items, like milk cartons or make-up kits, while others attach the drugs on their bodies, taping the illegal substances on their ribs, stomachs or in between their thighs. Other mules take more risks. They actually keep the drugs inside their bodies. Some swallow copious amounts of individually wrapped drugs. There are also times when small packs of drugs are inserted into body cavities.
What Happens If I’m Caught with Drugs?
In case you are caught in possession of illegal substances, you will be detained, whether you’re in America or Jamaica, or some other country. If you are apprehended in another nation, you can get in touch with the embassy. People there can get you legal assistance, and they can check in to see that you are being treated fairly. In other words, the embassy representatives can see you now and then to make sure that you’re not being beaten or tortured physically or mentally. As you can see, it’s not a pretty picture.
What about Bail?
Whether or not you can post bail will depend on the laws of the country where you’ve been apprehended. What you can do is ask help from your embassy or consulate. In case you can contact your family or get the advice of a professional bail bond agent, do so. Get all the help that you can get.
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Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
The TravAddict Adventure Travel Video Series has returned with its 5th episode! Earlier this week Candice got the chance to chat with Erin from G Adventures. As one of the largest Adventure Travel Companies in the world, G Adventures has over 700 tour itineraries worldwide, boasting a number of different travel styles to suit almost any personal travel interest. Erin elaborates on the launch of G Adventures’ new itineraries to Australia and New Zealand in 2013, and the expansion of their unique local living tours. As one of the fastest growing travel companies in the world, G Adventures is worth checking out when planning your next overseas trip. Want to know Erin’s top picks for hot destinations in 2013? Watch the interview to find out!
The winter is an excellent time to take to the water and explore Europe. Not only are there plenty of impressive sailing deals to take advantage of at this time of year, but the waters tend to be less crowded than in the summer months. What follows is a select of some of the best winter sailing holiday destinations in Europe.
Sailing in Mallorca
The waters that surround the popular Spanish resort of Mallorca are warm and calm all year round, making this an excellent winter sailing destination. Visitors who take advantage of this sailing opportunity are offered the chance to cruise along the picturesque Spanish coastline to take anchorage at unspoilt coves and explore the surrounding area in a refreshingly new way.
Sailing in Roskilde
Climb aboard a Viking warship in the Danish port of Roskilde and experience the fun of becoming a Viking for a few days. This enchanting experience allows sailors an insight into the past and learning to sail a Viking longboat is an unforgettable experience. These boats come fully crewed, which means that even novice sailors can enjoy the experience to the full and gain new skills while enjoying the open waters that surround this region of Denmark.
Sail Around the West Coast of Scotland
People who prefer to stay a little closer to home can brave the bracing Scottish wind and sail out of Tobermory harbour on the Isle of Mull to explore the west coast of Scotland. A number of local companies in this part of the world hire boats to sailors and offer holidaymakers the chance to live aboard their boat of choice to get the full sailing experience. There are also plenty of places along the west coast of Scotland to weigh anchor for a while and enjoy and hearty meal and a drink or two before setting sail once more.
Sailing Around the Greek Islands
The picturesque Greek islands are famous for their intense natural beauty and warm weather all year round. The best way to really get to know the Greek islands is by taking a week or two to sail around them in style. There are numerous destinations that are just waiting to be explored in this part of the world, and the beauty of sailing is that visitors can explore at their own pace and pause for a while to soak up the sun on the beach and visit a local restaurant whenever they choose. Boats can be hired from a large number of locations in Greece and can be crewed or unscrewed, depending on the experience and preference of the individual.
Sailing in Venice
The Italian city of Venice is famous for its canals, and many people travel to this part of the world in order to take a gondola ride through the city. Hiring a luxurious yacht and gently cruising along the city’s waterways is another great way to see the city in comfort and still. Even people who are new to sailing will be able to get the most out of this unforgettable experience. And this is by far the best way to see many of Venice’s world famous landmarks without getting caught behind large groups of touriss.
About the Author: Tom Silsby is an avid sailer and blogger who enjoys yachting and watersports. He regular blogs for mustangsailing.com can often be seen on the solent as a day skipper. His hobbies include adventure yachting and windsurfing.
In the third episode of TravAddict’s 2013 Adventure Travel Video Series, Candice chats with Glenyce from Peregrine Adventures and Gecko’s Adventures. Glenyce has traveled to over 100 countires, and has some great advice and insight into traveling in 2013. Peregrine Adventures and Gecko’s Adventures are well known in the Adventure Travel industry for always using local guides, and as Glenyce notes in our chat, this feature greatly adds to any travelers experience with the culture and history for any destination. If affordable, high quality itineraries, local guides, and high standard accommodation on a budget are what you are seeking for your travels in 2013, then check out what Glenyce has to say, and why both Peregrine and Gecko’s are so great to travel with!
Join us again today when we chat with Katie from Intrepid Travel, and watch our interviews with Tucan Travel and Travel Talk Tours on our You Tube Channel.
The second episode in TravAddict's 2013 Adventure Travel Video Series features a chat with Johanna from Travel Talk Tours. Johanna and Candice discuss 2 for 1 discounts on Travel Talk's new tour itineraries to Europe, category A Croatia sailing tours at affordable prices, and all-inclusive ski packages to France. Travel Talk has a great reputation for their tours to Europe and the Middle-East, and Johanna's top picks for the region include Egypt and Morocco. If affordable prices and high quality accommodation are what you are looking for in your next adveuture, then check out what Johanna has to say about Travel Talk, and why they are so great to travel with!
To watch our interviews with Tucan Travel, Peregrine Adventures, and Gecko's Adventures visit our You Tube Channel.
A new year brings a new reason to explore another part of the world, and TravAddict is launching a video series to help inspire travel seekers to find their perfect trip in 2013. Over the next few months TravAddict will air a series of live Google+ Hangouts hosted by our founder, Candice O’Reilly. Candice will be interviewing travel experts from some of the world’s leading Adventure Tour Companies, to find out what is new and exciting in the world of Adventure Travel. There are thousands of worldwide Adventure Travel options, and this series will help to break-down which destinations and which travel companies will suit your personal travel style.
Our first hangout will commence at 9am GMT on November 20th with Becca from Tucan Travel. Becca will be talking about traveling with Tucan in 2013, and what is unique and exciting about Tucan’s trips and services. Tucan Travel offers over 450 adventures to 72 countries, and Tucan specifically has a great reputation for their tours in Latin America. So if a Latin American destination is on your wish-list, you are going to want to tune into this chat! You can watch the chat streaming live via Google+, or you can visit our blog later in the week to watch the footage. Let us know if you will be joining us live, by accepting our invitation below. We look forward to sharing with you the latest and hottest Adventure Tours in 2013.
Would you like to sign up for this event? RSVP HERE
If you are reading this, it is likely that you love to travel, and you are attempting to see the world on a limited budget. Well, what about living and working abroad? Living and working abroad means you can base your everyday life around exploring a different part of the world, and what a perfect scenario right? But where to start? As an ex-tour guide, I am a big advocate of taking a few years away from your regular life, and doing something completely out of your comfort zone. Seeing the world full-time is the perfect leap to take if you are addicted to traveling!
I recently came across Atlas Sliced, a great website which offers valuable advice for those looking to live and work abroad. Atlas Sliced is not just a website offering work-abroad advice, it is a travel web show which features video interviews with experienced living and working abroad candidates. Alexa Heart interviews people from all walks of life who have changed their lifestyle for their love of travel, and managed to turn their traveling dreams into their full-time project. Alexa has created a great environment for those seeking information and inspiration on how to get started with your living abroad dreams. Hearing first-hand from others who have lived out their ultimate travel dream, is a true testament to helping you take the leap.
Alexa has worked abroad herself in Korea, and after returning to the USA, she decided she wanted to inspire others to get out and see the world. Alexa is all about inspiring people to become a global citizen of the world, and working abroad gives you the chance to to do that, because lets face it, we all need to make money to support our travel habits somehow right?
Alexa is actually going to be interviewing me on the 7th of November about my adventures of working abroad as a tour guide, and how my experience working abroad inspired me to create TravAddict.com. You can watch the episode live via Google+ Hangout. But in the meantime, check out Atlas Sliced and let me know what you think. Atlas Sliced currently features 17 episodes interviewing travel bloggers, volunteer abroad experts, freelancers, and a number of other inspiring travelers who have immersed themselves in a different part of the world.
By Candice O'Reilly
Traveling in Europe during winter may be the perfect opportunity to see the big sights and city lights without having to deal with the crowds of tourists that often visit in the warmer months. And it is the perfect time of year to try all the delicious winter fair and wintery drinks that are synonymous with authentic European traditions. So what do you try and where? These are our top 5 must try wintery drinks when traveling through Europe in the colder months.
1. Gluwein – Germany
A mixture of cloves, oranges, red wine, vanilla and cinnamon, Gluwein is a traditional German drink enjoyed on special occasions like Christmas and during the winter. Served in hearty ceramic mugs, Gluwein is something of a German staple in the wintertime, and no matter where you go, you will be offered a toasty mug of this delicious spicy wine that will warm the cockles of your heart and then some. Look out for it at the bustling popular markets held over Christmas in places like Nuremberg and Leipzig. There's nothing like a little winter warmer to boost your retail therapy at a traditional Weihnachtsmarkt.
2. Hot Chocolate – Lithuania
Now there are hot chocolate connoisseurs who have claimed not only to have tasted but to have made the ultimate cup of hot chocolate, but unless they have been to Lithuania – they haven't lived. Karstas sokoladas is completely unforgettable and totally intoxicating. It is a small espresso mug filled to the top with milk and black chocolate, melted and served to be eaten with a spoon. The best place to acquire the ultimate chocolate hangover is the Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theatre where at interval you can fight your way to the front of the queue to the bar.
3. Bicerin – Italy
Turin, in Italy, is the birthplace of the famous Italian hot drink that is a sublime combination of melt in your mouth hot chocolate, espresso and full cream milk, each poured lovingly one at time. And the best place to enjoy one is in the tucked away, tiny cafe aptly named ''Bicerin'', which is located across from the entrance of the Sacristy dell Consolata. This is an historic cafe that has tables that are terribly tiny and are not easily going to accommodate travelers with their large backpacks and laptops, but if you can get the chance to squeeze in here, you won't regret it.
4. Tea – England
The English are almost as famous for their cricket as they are for their cup of tea, and while on your winter tours in Europe, you will most certainly get the chance to sample the ultimate cup of tea. That most coveted cup of tea is the answer to all of life's woes – fatigue, pain, suffering, a reward after a long hard day at work; the perfect and most asked for beverage that can both relax and stimulate anyone. Considered to be a sort of comfort beverage, with a spot of milk and sweetened by sugar, it can be accompanied by anything: a nice piece of hot, buttery toast or a freshly baked scone with strawberry jam and cream.
5. Irish Coffee – Dublin
The Irish are well known for their love of great revelry and festivity, and when it comes to serving the ultimate Irish coffee, Dublin is no exception. The ultimate conclusion to any great meal or a delicious beverage to be shared among families and friends, the comforting combination of great coffee, a dash (a couple of dashes if an Irishman is pouring them) of great Irish Whiskey, topped with a generous helping of cream, and you have yourself a little drop of Irish heaven.
Europe is filled with fascinating destinations, seeped in history with loads of little nooks and crannies hidden away just waiting to be explored. The varied cuisines beg to be sampled, and the local drinks invite, comfort and warm the soul.
By TravAddict
Europe is a haven for delicious foods, and with the ability to travel to a new country at every stop on a Europe tour, there is a large variety of different foods to try and indulge in!
It is only natural to want to snack as you travel from place to place, and road snacks are a cheap way to try some novelty snacks you might not find at home. As a chocoholic, I apologize that all of my recommendations happen to be chocolate-related, but it was not intentional!
1. Italian Duplo
You are all probably familiar with the Italian company Ferrero, but not all of their products are available outside of Europe. I am addicted to their ‘Duplo’. It is a base of wafers, with three whole hazelnuts covered in hazelnut cream and completely covered in chocolate. Yum! I love the Duplo because one hazelnut is enough, so this delicious snack can last you all day!
2. Belgian Butters
If you are a fan of ‘rich’ snacks, then you will like this one! Belgian Butters are a chocolate cream waffle sandwich. Sounds delicious right? Yet again, just one of these will satisfy a sugar craving for quite a while. And who doesn’t love Belgian waffles and chocolate? These come in a box, with about 6-8 sandwiches from memory, so keep them in your backpack, and they will last you days!
3. German Riesen
I love a chocolate-caramel combo, and that is why I love Riesen. It is a typical German candy bar that comes with four dark chocolate covered caramels. They are like a hard-chewy caramel, which you are likely to chew on for a while, and once you eat one you can’t help but eat all of them! So if you are out there on the road and need a good sugar fix, look out for the Riesen.
4. Austrian Manner
The Europeans seem to love wafers no matter which country you are in, and luckily, I love them too! The Manner is one my favorite wafers (a may have tried a few). The Manner comes with 6 vanilla wafers filled with hazelnut, and are really cheap! Watch out though, they are addictive.
5. German Ritter Sport
While I believe Ritter chocolate is relatively easy to find in other parts of the world, the Ritter sport are such a great snack for traveling through Europe. Not only are they delicious, but they are also small, individually wrapped, and cheap! The Ritter Sport comes with 4 small pieces of chocolate, and there are so many different flavors to choose from. The butter biscuit is probably their most popular flavor, but you must try the yogurt filled flavor. It might not sound so appealing, but trust me, it is delicious!
Cheap tours to Europe are often defined by the price you pay for accommodation, flights, and transport, but food can play a big role too. So if you don’t have the budget for fine dining, but you want to get in touch with the food the locals love, road snacks
By TravAddict
When you sit down to plan your honeymoon, you don't need to plan a foreign trek to have a tropical vacation. In fact, many couples are so exhausted by the end of planning and having a wedding that they welcome the thought of a short plane ride, not worrying about a passport, and not struggling with a foreign language while they try to unwind. Florida is a perfect destination for couples who can imagine nothing better than lying on a beautiful beach for a week or three. Great weather, white-sand beaches, and metropolitan cuisine will satisfy the pickiest of newlyweds.
Destination: Miami
High-end hotels, brightly colored architecture and exotic cuisine will make you feel like you actually did leave the country for a minute. Beyond the metropolitan appeal, Miami's beacheswill suit the white-sand beach connoisseur.
Miami Hotels
- The Viceroy
On Biscayne Bay, towers of high-end art and lofted luxury will appeal to a sophisticated palette. Business executives and leisure travelers enjoy this hotel for its refined design, and visitors love the Brickell district where the hotel is located.
- Soho Beach House
Located on the historic site of the Sovereign Hotel, Soho Beach House is an extension of a private members club started in London in 1995. The hotel caters to those in the film, media and creative industries and its unique ambiance reflects its audience. Rooms combine vintage furniture and exotic textiles to reflect South American design.
Destination: Key Largo
The first of the keys, Key Largo is the northern most island in the keys and is only one hour's drive to and from the Miami airport. If you love to fish or scuba dive, Key Largo is the place for you. Its state parks harbor some of the most exciting sanctuaries of coral reef, botany and wildlife. You can also make a day trip to the famous Everglades where you'll see rare and endangered species.
Key Largo hotels
- Azul Del Mar
Crisp white buildings surrounded by lush palms and tropical plants make this hotel a stunning natural environment for a honeymoon. Visitors love the snorkeling and the beach-front location.
Destination: Islamorada
Islamorada is made up of six small keys and is known as the "Village of Islands." The Everglades are nearby and you will find plenty of amazing snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing. Islamorada boasts some of the finest resorts in Florida as well.
Islamorada hotels
- Cheeca Lodge and Spa
This hotel is one of the premier luxury resorts in the Florida Keys. On a secluded private beach, the lodge is a tropical paradise. You can play tennis and golf or visit the luxurious spa on site. Sport fisherman will be particularly happy with this hotel and this area.
Destination: Key West
Key West was one of the last of the Florida Keys to be settled and it's the most fame given the number of writers and artists who settled there. Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Mario Sanchez all called Key West home, and it's not surprising that creative minds found inspiration among its beauty.
Key West hotels
- Ocean Key Resort and Spa
On Conde Nast's gold list, this resort boasts plenty of awards for its beautiful accommodations and lovely island hospitality.
Whether you prefer the cosmopolitan and exotic city life offered by Miami or the pristine natural world offered by the islands surrounding it, Florida is a great option for honeymooners who want to find a tropical vacation without the stress of foreign travel. Consider a honeymoon in Florida if you want to experience a tropical vacation without getting a passport.
About the Author: Amy Nielson is a travel blogger writing for Honeymoon Lane. You can follow her on Twitter @NielsonAmy.
By TravAddict
Desynchronosis, the bane of long distance travelers; also known simply as Jet-Lag, this peculiar sleep disorder tends to be a problem when you traverse the world on a Jet aircraft.
If you’ve never experienced it, we guarantee it’s all true: on the days after flying across the world, you may find yourself dazed and confused, unusually starved or nauseous and with diminished productivity – this can be a problem if you’re traveling on business or even if you’re on short holidays.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can adopt to minimize the impact of Jet Lag. This article compiles 9 of the best tips used by world-savvy travelers to go to around the world without throwing their inner rhythms off-balance.
Practice life on another time zone
Before traveling across several time zones, it’s a good idea to practice in advance for the time zone ahead. In the days before leaving, try to adjust your sleep cycles, meals and even your daily routine. This will help make the transition a lot smoother and minimize the effects of Jet Lag.
Adjust your clock when you board plane
As soon as you board the plane, you should set your clock to match the time zone you’ll be traveling to. This way, you’ll find it easier to adjust your inner clock as well, thereby reducing the confusion caused by the discrepancies of time in the places you travel between.
Book an overnight flight
It’s usually wiser to book an overnight flight, since you’ll find it easier to get some sleep in-flight. This way, you’ll feel refreshed upon arrival, and it will be easier to adapt to the destination’s time zone. Also, you’ll usually arrive in the morning or afternoon, and that will make it easier to cope with the transition.
Upgrade to a bigger seat
Getting a bigger seat (or even a flatbed seat) on the plane may be worth the extra cost; the increased comfort will help you get some rest in the plane – which can make a world of difference if you’re arriving early in the morning.
Avoid stimulants before leaving
In the 12-24 hours before your flight, it’s wise to reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol and other stimulants. This will help you avoid insomnias upon arrival, as well as making it a lot likelier for you to get some rest during any available moments you find, both during your flight and after arriving.
Try using pills to manage sleep
Some people find it helpful to get some short-acting sleep pills to ensure they really get some sleep on the plane. However, you should not wait for the day of the flight to try those pills; it's wiser to get familiar beforehand with how your body reacts to them.
Try specific pills against jet lag
There are some jet-lag pills available on pharmacies which are mostly composed of melatonin, a hormone used naturally by the body to regulate sleep cycles. Melatonin pills can be more effective than common sleep pills, although it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to be safe.
Stay well hydrated
Even if you’re not thirsty, you should drink plenty of water while adapting to a different time zone. Keeping your body properly hydrated will help minimize the effects of Jet Lag, as well as making you feel all around better and more energized.
Get out in the sun
When you arrive at your destination, the worst thing you can do is to just dwell in your hotel room and be still. Ideally, you should get out in the sun and get a bit of exercise, since that will help your body and mind synch with the time zone you’re now at.
Try following these simple tips, and you’ll realize that Jet Lag won’t be as much of a problem. You don’t really need to put much time and effort into it; just be mindful of this advice and gradually (rather than abruptly) brace yourself for the transition.
About the Guest Author: These tactics are used regularly by the folks over at UK Holiday Places, and that’s how we get things done while traveling across the world!
By TravAddict
With the changing of the seasons comes a change in the scenery. You have not truly experienced a destination until you have lived with all the seasons. With the warmth of summer giving way to the darkening of the skies, changes in colours and chills in the air, autumn is the perfect time to explore destinations anew. So instead of attempting to keep summer going a little longer, embrace the Fall and explore some of these great Autumn destinations.
Tuscany
While this Italian idyll is a popular summer destination, the region really comes to life in the autumn as it is the time of the wine harvest. You can take in the ripening pastoral landscape and take in the many grape festivals along the way while enjoying the Chianti. Held on the last Sunday in September, The Chianti Grape Festival is help in the tiny village of Impruneta and features music and dancing as well as well as a selection of over 700 wines.
Glasgow
There's no guarantee of warm weather in summer in Glasgow so why not take a trip in the autumn and you might just experience one of those beautiful, bright and crisp Scottish days. With its vast number of parks, you can really enjoy seeing the seasons change. From the tree lined Kelvingrove Park, to the glasshouses of the Botanic Gardens there is a great array of plants and flowers to enjoy. Glasgow is also a city with some fantastic museums from the transport themed Riverside Museum to the excellent exhibits of Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
Athens
If you are looking for ancient culture then there is no place better than the sprawling city of Athens. With temperatures that are too hot to handle in the summer autumn is the perfect time to explore the many wonders of the Greek capital including perhaps the world's most famous building, The Parthenon.
Stockholm
Stockhom is a very green city and so autumn brings a great number of changes and beauty. While it's a fascinating city to visit all year round it's scattered layout takes on an ethereal beauty on colder days. If you are lucky enough to visit in November then you can take in the widely renowned International Film Festival.
There are so many options available for tours of Europe in Autumn, and with cheap European flights there's no excuse not to go and find your dream autumn break
About the Author: Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article was written on behalf of Aer Lingus.
By TravAddict
If you are a traveler with an insatiable thirst for adventure, then look no further than Intrepid Travel for your next trip. Intrepid is giving 10 travelers the chance to be a part of a one-off expedition to the ends of the earth – the Shackleton Epic, possibly Intrepid's biggest adventure yet.
The Shackleton Epic is a 56-day journey from Punta Arenas, Chile, down to the Antarctic Peninsula, via Elephant Island and South Georgia, finishing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The trip will re-trace the steps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Their journey is one of history's greatest tales of survival. After losing their ship to the ice, the 28-crew members were stranded on an ice floe without hope of rescue. Taking to the lifeboats, the men rowed for five days straight, and made it to the inhospitable and exposed shores of Elephant Island. Realizing their ominous fate if they remained marooned in such a frozen purgatory, Shackleton, along with five of his men, sailed one of the lifeboats over 800 nautical miles through the roughest seas known to man, to reach a remote whaling station on South Georgia Island. Shackleton and two others then successfully navigated their exhausted, malnourished and frostbitten bodies 
across a mountain range, trekking for over 36 hours to find rescue at Stromness.
Following in Shackleton's footsteps, a brave few have managed to replicate the 16 day ocean crossing and climb over South Georgia. But no one has achieved an authentic re-enactment using only traditional gear – replica clothing, 1915 navigational technology and expedition rations, and without outside assistance.
After almost 100 years, Tim Jarvis and his crew are attempting to recreate this legendary journey, and Intrepid Travel are taking 10 keen travelers with them. Intrepid are offering you the opportunity
to travel alongside the expedition on the official support vessel – a tall ship similar in dimensions to the Endurance, the TS Pelican is the perfect ship to accompany this re-enactment. If you're a true lover of legends, and you want to be a part of an heroic adventure, then this is the tour for you!
Learn more about this adventure
By TravAddict
Does the hassle-free holiday really exist? Does it seem that every time you plan a trip something goes awry? In this day and age, simply getting from point A to point B might entail any number of inconveniences. From cancelled flights and interminable delays to lost luggage or a nasty bout of food poisoning, travelling is often a mixed bag of fate, luck and timing. While there is not much you can do about flight patterns and baggage handlers, you can, however, plan the type of holiday that attempts to minimize problems and disruptions. While it might not be completely hassle-free, the escorted tour is all about convenience.
Cooking Up a Good Idea
Forget Shakespeare, Newton and tea, the package holiday is England’s greatest contribution to the world. Thomas Cook started his international travel company in 1841, and since that day the escorted tour has been the easiest and most convenient way to see the world. The first escorted tour, which began on July 5, 1841 as a one-day rail excursion from Leicester to Loughborough, has turned into the most popular way to travel.
Benefits of an Escorted Tour
The idea of an escorted tour is for travellers to get the most out of their holiday. You get to see the maximum number of sights with the fewest difficulties. However, the best part is that you do not need to plan or choreograph anything. While there are countless benefits of booking an escorted tour, here is a look at three that will have you planning that trip to India or China you have always wanted to take.
1. Accommodation, meals, transportation and activities are generally all included in an escorted tour. Depending on what country you go to, there may or may not be extra supplements; however, they are usually minimal. This one-stop shopping, everything is included approach to travelling leaves you with more time to enjoy the trip as the planning and logistic will already be taken care of.
2. When you book an escorted tour, you will see all the highlights of a particular place. These tours have busy itineraries. From main attractions to lesser-known hotspots, you are going to get a thorough overview of your destination. While some travellers do not like this fast-paced approach to tourism, others want to see as many things as they can.
3. In many respects, traveling with an escorted tour is safer than venturing to some countries independently. The tour operators knows the lay of the land, and there is no venturing from the beaten path. This feeling of safety and protection might inspire you to visit some countries you would not have travelled to on your own.
Click here for luxury escorted tours with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys
By TravAddict
Traveling can be expensive, but you can still find cheap tours to Europe that allow you to stretch your budget as far as possible. You simply need to know where to find the bargains! While TravAddict features thousands of affordable Europe tours, it can be time consuming to find the tours that are real bargains. We have chosen 10 tours that we think are worth every penny!
1. Euopean Getaway
This 20 day tour with Topdeck Travel is a great well-rounded tour in Europe that visits 10 countries and travels at a nice pace. The majority of the accommodation on this tour are hostel stays, making the total price more appealing. This is one of Topdeck’s most popular itineraries, and is priced from $2670 USD per person.
2. Europe Flexi-Pass
A Flexi-pass is a great way to travel at your own pace at a great price. With a Busabout Flexipass, you have access to an entire bus network that covers both Eastern and Western Europe. The beauty of a Flexipass is that fact that you can see as much or as little of Europe as you would like, based on your budget and time restraints. A Busabout Flexi-pass does not include accommodation, and is priced from $629 USD per person.
3. Croatia Sailing
If you have always wanted to explore the beauty of the Medditeranean, Croatia is a great place to do it. Croatian Sailing tours have become very popular over recent years, and Travel Talk have earned a reputation for offering great prices on high quality sailing tours. Their 8 day Croatia Sail tour is priced from only $700 USD and includes twin cabins with ensuites, all breakfasts and lunches, and crewed boat including a tour guide.
4. Cycling the Danube
A great way to save some dollars on your tour to Europe is to invest in a self-guided tour. The beauty of a self-guided tour like this 8 day tour with Intrepid Travel, is that everything is organized for you from your accommodation to your itinerary. You can take things at your own pace, and still have all of the information and tips you need to get around on your own. This particular tour is a cycling tour, perfect for travelers that love the outdoors and love to take the time to get to know the locals. From only $1000 USD per person, this 8 day tour staying in hotels is a steal.
5. Cinque Terrre and Portovenere
If ocean views and the finer things in life are more up your alley, Peregrine Adventures offers an exceptional 7 day self-guided walking tour through Cinque Terre and Portovenere, Italy. Since this is a walking tour, it is best suited to travelers with a little more energy. However, the accommodation stays in hotels, and because it is self-guided the price is affordable from only $1295 per person. The coastline of Italy is stunning, and will not disappoint.
6. Baltics Adventure
For travelers who are interested in exploring Eastern Europe and the Baltics, Tucan Travel is well known for offering affordable and exciting itineraries in the region. Their 17 day Baltic Adventure Tour travels from Budapest to Tallinn via local transport, and stays in a combination of hotels and hostels, which keeps the price from only $2430 USD per person
7. Greek Islands Sailing Adventure
The Greek Islands are one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and the best way to explore the islands is via a sail boat. G Adventures offers a great 8 day small group sailing adventure traveling from Athens to Mykonos, stopping at different islands along the way. This tour is priced from $1050 USD per person and each boat is captained by a qualified skipper.
8. Celtic Rocker
Ireland is a magical destination, and Shamrocker Adventures offers great short-stay tours at a fantastic price. Their 5 day Celtic Rocker tour is a well-rounded tour of Ireland traveling via coach with a local tour guide. Shamrocker is able to keep their prices low by not including accommodation in the price, but they will pre-book space for you at quality hostels for your convenience. This tour is priced from $379 USD per person.
9. Turkey Adventure
While Turkey is mid-way between Europe and Asia, it is too great of a destination to leave off this list. Gecko’s Adventures offers a 10 day tour to Turkey for only $775 USD per person, traveling via local transport and staying in hotels. Turkey is a majestic and affordable destination, and well worth it at this price!
10. Skye High
Scotland’s Isle of Skye boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Europe, and Haggis Adventures offers a great 3 day coach tour visiting the Isle of Skye along with a number of other famed sights in Scotland. Haggis does not include accommodation in their tour price, which makes it flexible for you based on your budget, but they do pre-book accommodation for you in hostels at each destination. This tour is priced from $205 USD per person.
By TravAddict
The famous Oktoberfest Beer festival in Munich, Germany is just around the corner, and trying to find accommodation at the festival can be diffucult. BUT Busabout has a great 4 day hostel accommodation package which is perfect for the festival, and the best part is they still have space available! Busabout's hostel 'accommodation only' package includes:
Your fantastic Busabout festival team, All accommodation (central hostel accommodation), Free welcome drink, 3 breakfasts, Orientation walk of Munich, Day trip to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Swan Lake, Busabout Oktoberfest t-shirt
From only $469 per person, this package is a great way to expereince Oktoberfest at an incredible price! A walking tour of Dachau, and a bike tour of Munich are also on offer with Busabout in your spare time!
By TravAddict
Do you have itchy feet? Want to pack your bags and set off on an adventure NOW? If you have the luxury of being able to pick up and go on a whim, you should absolutely take advantage of the great discounts on offer by almost any tour vendor when you book a last minute tour. Many tour vendors will discount already confirmed departures last mintue in order to fill any empty spaces still available. It is always better to fill a seat than not, and offering an attractive discount is a great way to attract travelers to fill those spaces!
Here are a few great discounts currently available by a handful of tour vendors offering last-minute specials:
- Travel Talk Tours – 2 for 1 deals on selected tours to Europe and the Middle East departing in September, October and November 2012
- G Adventures – 35% off their 8 day Arctic Cruise tour departing July 13th 2012
- Topdeck Travel – 50% off selected Europe Tours departing in July and August 2012
- Intrepid Travel – 25% off over 50 worldwide tours departing in July and August 2012
- Gecko's Adventures – 20% off selected tours to Asia, South America, the Middle East and Africa departing July, August and September 2012
- Busabout – 20% off all Hop-on-hop-off Europe passes departing before October 31st 2012
So, if you can get yourself organised last minute, get booking and save a bundle on your next adventure!!
Intrepid Travel -
Bus rides in South East Asia are an adventure. With rain washing roads away or buses breaking down, you often pay for what you get. It is, however, the cheapest and easiest way to get around. That being said, Gecko's Adventures has compiled a great list of tips on how to make that bus ride a little more enjoyable.
Check out their tips and travel to Southeast Asia worry-free!
When you book a tour, most tour companies will ask you to put down a deposit at the time of booking in order to hold the tour space for you. But, a new trend with many tour vendors, is the 'lifetime deposit'. G Adventures is well known for starting this trend, essentially offering any of their passengers forced to delay a departure the option to retain their initial deposit for use at a later date at no extra charge—and with no questions asked. The Lifetime Deposit policy allows you to save your initial deposit for a lifetime with no expiry date. So, if you want to hold a space on your dream tour, but later decide you will need to change your travel plans before full payment is due, you can roll-over your deposit to any other G Adventures tour at any time!
Another tour vendor that has also started offing lifetime deposits is Topdeck Travel.
So what are you waiting for? Take the leap and book something now with peace of mind if you change your plans!
Are you thinking about traveling abroad with a group of friends and looking for a way to save? Well, you are in luck because most tour companies offer discounts for groups of friends that book their tour together! Here are just a few ‘friendly’ discounts to get you started:
Topdeck Travel’s Friendly Four Discount: Get three of your friends to book with you on the same trip at the same time and save 5% each!
Busabout’s Terrific Ten: Travel with 10 friends booked on the same trip at the same time and everyone saves 10%
Travel Talk’s Travel with a Mate discount: Book any Travel Talk tour with a mate until 29 February to Morocco, Turkey, Greece Croatia, Spain, Portugal and you + your mate score yourself a absolutely FREE 9 or 8 day Premium Egypt Tour.
Are you an adventure traveler that also loves to indulge in the many amazing cuisines of the world? It can be one thing to find a tour that specializes in the cullinary delights of the world, but it can be another to find a tour comapny that offers an adventure tour that includes some amazing active travel experiences and also focus on the highlighting local cuisines at each destination. Well, if this perfect mix sounds like something you would enjoy then we recommend you check out Intrepid Travel's Delicious Discovery collection of adventure tours. These tours offer a great mix of exotic and off the beaten track destinations with a focus on local cuisines and the aspect of adventure while traveling.
The best part about Intrepid's Delicious Discovery tours, is they are currently discounted by 15% when you book before the 31st of March! Weather you are looking to travel to Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa and immerse yourself in the cuisine, Intrepid Travel is likely to have a tour that will suit you. So start searching for your international cullinary delight, and save save save!
Every traveler wishes they could travel for free right? Well, some travelers really DO travel for free! The easiest way for any adventure traveler to score a free tour is to keep your eyes peeled for tour promotions by top tour operators, and enter their frequent competitions or take advantage of their tour discounts. Here are some of the latest promotions and competitions to get your started on planning your free tour in 2012.
Intrepid Travel is currently offering a FREE tour to Peru to any traveler when you bring a friend with you! So find a friend to travel with, and each travel for 50% off, or one of you can go for free. How easy is that?
Topdeck Travel is giving away a free 19 day tour to Africa when you upload a picture of yourself in their Africa mask (downloadable from their website). The winner will be announced at the end of February, and runners up have the chance to win Lonely Planet Guides, tickets to The Lion King, Topdeck travel vouchers, and Zoo tickets.
G Adventures offers Free tours to travelers who gather a large group of friends to travel with them. Often the group must be larger than 10 people, so if you are a social butterfly who can convince 10 or more of your friends and family to travel with you, you may just be eligible for a free tour! G Adventures is currently offering a free tour promotion on their tour to the Galapagos.
So, browse TravAddict for a tour vendor that sparks your interest, and join their mailing list to keep up to date with their competitions and promotions and you could be traveling for free in 2012!
Read tour reveiws before you travel
It is important to do research before booking a tour and often the best inside information about a specific tour comes from the opinions of recent travelers who have already taken the tour you are considering. Be careful when reviewing though, because some travelers have extremely high standards, while some can have extremely low standards. We have compiled a list of questions to think about while researching a tour company and their reputation:
1. How many reviews are written about a particular tour company? This is can be an indicator of how popular a tour company is regardless of its positive or negative rating. Topdeck Travel has the most reviews of any tour vendor on TravAddict.com.
2. What was said about the tour leader? The tour leader can absolutely make or break your tour in many cases. Important traits of tour guides include their energy, willingness to accoommodate, and organization. For example check out the "Cheap and Fun" review on our Shamrocker reviews page.
3. Where is the trip visiting? Trips that are off the beaten track can sometimes be intimidating to inexperienced travelers. Make sure you would feel comfortable wherever you are going before even considering what a reviewer has to say. Check out the review of "A Once in a Lifetime Experience" in the G Adventures reviews page
4. What is the age group and atmosphere of the trip? Tour companies allow for various ranges of ages for their trips. However, some companies generally can cater to a younger party like atmosphere, whereas other companies can focus on a totally unique experience. For example, check out the "Free time to spend with the locals" review on the Intrepid Travel reviews page
5. Is the person traveling alone or with a group? If you are traveling alone, make sure you find other reviewers who have done so. Couples and groups of friends may stick to themselves on their trips, but try to see if the tour attempts to integrate solo travelers into the group. Check out the "I Highly Recommend it" Review on the Geckos Adventures reviews page
TravAddict encourages travelers to do as much research as possible to come regularly visit TravAddict to see our latest tour reviews before you make your final decision on the trip of a lifetime!
Are you planning on traveling to many different countries where you will encounter a number of different languages? Have you ever thought of purchasing an electronic talking translator? In the past, these devices have been quite pricey, but these days, you can pick up an electronic translator for as little as $40!
The more expensive translators are able to repeat your recorded sentence in the desired language, and others simply have thousands of common phrases available in many different languages.
So, if you are the traveler, or if you are looking to buy a great travel gift for a friend, do some research on a brand that suits you (as there are many), and you will likely find that this will help you out plenty with learning some key phrases in many different languages. It will also eliminate the hassle of having to carry translation dictionaries with you!
The recent riot events in London have shaken many tourists, and has left them wondering if they should continue with their summer vacation in London or move on?
The answer to this question will be different for every traveler, but for those that do not feel comfortable staying in London at this time, the good new is that there are plenty of other close by destinations where you may feel safer and still see plenty of great sights. The top three destinations we recommend for those travelers wishing to avoid London are:
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
You can catch a train from London to Edinburgh with a travel time of approximately four hours.
2. Paris, France
You can catch the Eurostar from London to Paris in only two and a half hours.
3. Brussels, Belgium
You can catch the Eurostar from London to Brussels in approximately one hour.
TravAddict hopes that London settles down soon and all who live there and are traveling there can feel safe again. For those that decide to stay in London, we can at least be assured for now that none of the rioting is taking place in the center of London near any of the main tourist areas. We recommend to avoid large crowds, and stay cautious if you decide to stay.
As a tourist, keeping a close eye on your belongings is very important. But what if you could hide your valuables in a place where no one expects? Well, with Reefs Stash Sandals you can! These cleverly designed sandals allow you to stash cash, credit cards, keys and identification inside your shoes. Forget about accidentally leaving your bag behind at a restaurant, or being pick pocketed, with these shoes your belongings are tucked safely away. And let’s face it, you aren’t going anywhere without your shoes!
But…….it gets better! For those of you that love to frequent sporting events or concerts and like to smuggle a cheeky drink into any event, the Reef Dram is the shoe for you! Instead of a stash pocket, each sandal is fitted with a flask. Genius!
So, if you are thinking of touring anywhere in the world where sandals are an appropriate shoe of choice, TravAddict recommends checking out these great shoes by Reef.
Thinking of traveling to Australia? Did you know that many nationalities are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia as a tourist? It can be quite the downer if you are unaware of this and show up at the airport only to realize that you cannot board the plane without your ETA. An ETA for Australia is easy to obtain with TravAddict’s good friends at EasyETA. Easy ETA have simplified the process of obtaining this visa and also happen to have the lowest prices at only $10.99 / £6.95. The visa will be turned around in less than a day so you can be sure you won’t have any headaches at the airport. EasyETA has a solid FAQ page which will help answer the majority of questions that come up in this process. As for eligibility, the vast majority of citizens of the 25 countries that require an ETA will have no problem in securing the visa, assuming they do not have any major criminal charges.
To get started on your ETA visa simply visit the EasyETA homepage.
Changi Airport
Singapore's Changi Airport is a common stopping point for long-haul flights between Europe and Southeast Asia as well as Australia. If one of these long-haul flights is in your future, do your best to try and fly through Changi. The airport has numerous amenities that you will not find anywhere else. Check out our 8 favorite things to do at Changi.
Wander around the Tropical Gardens – Specifically check out the Butterfly Garden where you'll forget that you are actually in an airport.
FREE Internet – This is becoming more and more common at international airports, but still a must have for layovers.
Watch a Full-Length Feature Film at the Hi-D Lounge – There are two theaters which allow visitors to come and go as they please. Usually one is set on News/Sports and the other is running a Current Film.
Play PS3/XBOX for FREE – There is a Gaming Lounge where you can play XBOX and PS3 games at no charge.
FREE Two Hour City Tour – City Tours are available for free if you have a five hour layover or more. Simply show your boarding pass to the attendant and you will be chauffeured around the city
Enjoy a Ride on the Slide – A 12 Meter high slide has been recently installed inside Terminal 3. It happens to be Singapore's tallest slide! For every $10 in receipts from airport purchases, you are entitled to one zip down this incredible slide.
Take a Shower – At the transit lounges there are showers available and the rental includes toiletries as well as a drink! There are also Spa and Massage services within the Transit Lounge if you desire even more refreshments.
Chill out at the Rooftop Pool – The Transit Hotel is home to a rooftop pool is available to all non-hotel guests for a nominal fee. This fee also includes the shower services mentioned above.
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