Become A Digital Nomad And Explore The World!
Hi, I’m Aly and I’m a 30-year-old adventure seeker from a small village in the south of Ireland. Welcome to my virtual home!
Traveler Ahoy is my space online where I talk about all things travel, lifestyle design and going against the grain. My goal with this blog is to inspire my readers to step out of their comfort zones and follow their dreams, whatever they may be.
Do stick around as it would be great to have you aboard for the journey!
Top 3 Reasons Why I LOVE (and you will too!) Being a Digital Nomad
My Message To You…
BREAK the RULES. FIND your FREEDOM.
GRAB every OPPORTUNITY. LIVE your LIFE.
Have NO REGRETS
My Philosophy
We are all born free but that changes as we grow older.
Family, work and financial commitments constrict us into living a certain way in order to survive. The world around us tells us that we must graduate college, get a job, find a partner, buy a house, have a family and retire at 65.
That freedom that each of us was born with is lost in all of this and, more often than not, it disappears forever.
I’m doing things my way and making freedom my priority. I hope to inspire you to do the same.
Working Online & The Possibilities Out There
I’m not one to exaggerate BUT becoming your own boss will be one of the best things you’ll ever do. As having the freedom to travel is my priority, supplementing my income by getting some writing gigs online was my goal.
That has been my primary source of income since I left home, but I’ve figured out a few more tricks when it comes to making money online.
Having to earn every cent of my pay cheque does come with its own set of challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
There are so many opportunities out there when it comes to working online and Traveler Ahoy covers many of them so stay tuned for insider info and tips.
LATEST FROM MY BLOG
What to Look for When Booking an Airport Hotel
When traveling there are a few ways to make your travel life less stressful. Whether you are booking for business travel or a leisure vacation getaway, booking an airport hotel can make a lot of sense.
Perhaps you have a layover that is just long enough that you could get some much needed sleep. Or maybe your travel itinerary gives you a short day where it doesn’t make sense to go all the way into the main part of a city for your stay. Your time might be better utilized and more efficient by utilizing all the conveniences of booking airport hotels.
Here are some common questions to ask yourself about deciding which airport hotel to book:
Distance
This is one of the main questions to ask – how far is the hotel from the airport? Some airport hotels might be within walking distance of the airport while others may require a shuttle. Both situations can be great for your situation, you just want to know how far away the hotel is and how long it will take to get there. Having a place to catch some shut eye will greatly help you ward off the ill effects of jet lag.
Price
Cost is a big factor for a lot of people when they are deciding on which hotel to book. When looking at an airport hotel, it is important to factor in the total cost of the stay, not just the price per night. Is there a shuttle to your hotel or will you have to pay for a taxi? Even if you found a cheaper hotel on your own, the cost of the taxi might off set that. Bear in mind that often times taxi companies charge even higher rates for very early morning or very late evening driving services and can add to your cost. So make sure you take that into consideration as you as calculating your costs.
Amenities
Take your time in checking out the amenities offered by the hotel. Do they have wifi in all the rooms? Is breakfast included? Are you able to order food at any time of the day? A big consideration for many people can also be parking. If you need a place to park your car, you may be able to save a significant amount by booking a stay and park deal ahead of time. Make sure you enquire what your parking options are.
Rewards
An added bonus is many of the airport hotel booking offers are also part of major rewards programs. Hotel options range from the Hilton, Marriot, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Premier Inn and others that you can earn some great reward bonuses on. So as you stay in style you will be gaining rewards for your next getaway all at the same time!
As you plan out your next business trip or holiday, don’t overlook the conveniences of booking an airport hotel. When you arrive to your destination more refreshed and ready to either enjoy your vacation or make solid business decisions and you’ll be glad you got yourself a good night’s sleep.
How Risky is Forex Trading?
Forex (or foreign exchange) trading is the trading of currencies against each other. Like other trading, the aim of forex trading is to make a profit by selling for more than you buy a currency for. Like any form of trading, it comes with a degree of risk, although forex has unique risks compared to other forms of trading.
Leveraged Trading
One of the attractions of forex trading is the use of leverage. This allows you to trade with borrowed money so that with a small investment, you can trade large amounts. The benefit is that trades can potentially generate much larger profits, but on the flip side, it also increases the risk of every trade. It is important to be aware of this to take steps to protect yourself. Having numerous leveraged trades, even low risk trades, open at once, can result in significant losses if you make a loss on many of them. In addition, traders can incur significant losses very quickly when trading with leverage so it is extra important to have suitable stops in place. In addition, if you are a new trader, it is worthwhile to start out with small leverage and work your way up as you become more confident.
Factors Impacting on the Forex Market
There are many factors that impact trading in any market, but because forex involves currencies from around the world, news from anywhere in the world can impact the forex market. This news can result in fast price movements or the change in trend direction. Whether you trade in the long term or short term it is important to keep an eye on global news.
Interest Rates
Interest rates have an impact on the exchange rates of a country. If the interest rate goes up, the currency gets stronger because other countries will look to invest in that country’s assets. The opposite it also true – if interest rates fall, the currency of the country will weaken as investors pull out. The changes in currency values that the interest rates result in can make forex prices change significantly.
Transaction Costs
There is a transaction risk that can result in exorbitant transaction costs simply due to the time differences between the beginning of the transaction and its end. Forex is a 24-hour market and currencies can be traded at different prices during trading hours. The bigger the time difference between entering a trade and settling the trade, the higher the transactional risk, as the time difference allows the exchange rate to fluctuate.
Conclusion
Before you begin trading in forex it is important to not only understand how the trading works, but also understand the risks associated with it. Only by understanding the risks can you begin to take steps to minimize the risk that faces you. The unique risks that are associated with forex trading may result in higher losses than you initially anticipated, but these can be mitigated if you know what steps to take and what to look out for.
Easy Recipes for Backpacking
Going on a great outdoor living hiking trip is going to require adequate food and drinks. If you’re planning to go on a hike that is difficult and/or long, then you should carefully plan out what nourishments you will store in your backpack. The foods that you decide to bring should be packed with carbohydrates and proteins in order to give you plenty of energy for your great outdoor living venture. Also, since you’ll be carrying all of this in your backpack, you should try to minimize its weight as much as possible. This means that you will have to store just enough food, nothing more and nothing less. You can reduce the amount of food you’ll need to bring for your great outdoor living experience by storing dry and light ingredients.
For instance, for breakfast, you can store cereal and milk in your backpack. This doesn’t mean store a big gallon of milk and 16 oz box of cereal. All you will need for your great outdoor living backpacking trip is a cup of dry cereal and about 2 tablespoons of powdered skim milk. You can also bring along a tablespoon of powdered coffee creamer. You can place all of this in a zip lock bag, along with a half cup of cold water and you’re ready to begin your great outdoor living hike. If you want, you can also bring along some fruit.
For something to snack on along your great outdoor living trip, you can bring along granola bars and powdered chocolate milk. Any snacks that you plan to bring along with you should be lightweight, such as raisins, granola bars and crackers. Rather than canned meat products, you can store a few bagels for lunch. You can also opt to store peanut butter or cheese to eat while walking the trail. For an energy boost, bring along canned tuna and some recipes that you can enjoy along your great outdoor living hike.
Now, we can’t forget about the best meal of the day — dinner. For your evening meal, you can bring along various substitute ingredients that are just as tasty and satisfying. You may want to cook your dinner before leaving out on your great outdoor living venture, so that you can just chow down when night falls. Just store it in a lightweight container or zip lock bag. Also, you can cook some noodles before heading out, place it in a container. Then heat up some olive oil, which can be stored in a small film canister. Add in some salt, garlic and pepper, and dump in some salmon, chicken or tuna that is precooked (you can store these in foil packages). Place in the pasta and voila, a tasty dinner.
If you want something quick to snack on, you can find goodies on Groupon, such as Shari’s Berries. Just make sure you eat them quick before they melt!
Navigating Dubai Has Been Made Easier With Blacklane!
Ah, Dubai. Considered to be one of the most exotic places to visit, Dubai is a hub for travellers from all over the world. Although the Dubai International Airport is right in the city center, the heat in the city is often intense, making commuting to and fro unbearable. Given that, travelling from the airport to the city, or even within the city itself, can be daunting but there’s a great solution for those of you looking to embark on a trip to Dubai soon. Available in 236 cities across the world, Blacklane is your premiere airport transfer and professional driver service for your stay in Dubai. It offers a unique experience and special perks that you won’t find with any other transport service. Trust us.
Why Blacklane?
Well, because it’s going to make your stay so much more pleasant. Blacklane’s app allows you to book or request a ride much like you would any other appointment, so you’ll be sure that someone will show up on time at your select location. If you’re arriving at the Dubai International Airport, your professional driver will be waiting to greet you at the arrivals gate with a personalized sign. They will even help you with your luggage so that you can sit comfortably in the vehicle you’ve chosen for your ride to the hotel. How amazing is that?
Additionally, Blacklane is the premiere Dubai limousine service provider so that you can get around the city comfortably. When the heat is at its peak, having such a service on-hand can make all the difference. These limousines come in three classes of vehicles including:
- Business class – for hourly hires or business travellers with tight schedules
- Business Van/SUV – for transferring clients between the airport, hotels and trade fairs
- First Class – for when you need to arrive in style
Simply put, it makes getting around a breeze and if you need a little extra comfort with a taste of luxury, Blacklane has that too.
What Other Perks Are There?
Many more. Blacklane is distinct in how it operates. Unlike Uber and other taxi services, Blacklane focuses heavily on giving the control over to the client so that they can book and request rides as they wish. It’s not about hoping a driver is available to pick you up, it’s about knowing there’s a driver to always pick you up whenever you want.
But, besides it’s user-friendly app and customizable experience, it also offers the following great perks:
- Professionally licensed and friendly drivers
- Modern and safe vehicles available in three classes based on your preferences or needs
- No surge pricing
- The availability of three services so that you can hire either on a hourly basis, to get you to the hotel from the airport or, to simply get you to wherever you want to go.
What more can we say? Navigating Dubai is going to be really simple and easy with Blacklane helping you get around. Make your trip a truly memorable one and give Blacklane a try when you find yourself in beautiful Dubai.
Why You Should Visit Sifnos this Year
Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe with lots of history, beautiful islands, and a unique culture. The Cyclades, off the southern coast of Mainland Greece, are some of the most popular islands to visit in the country. Here you can find world famous places such as Santorini and Sifnos where you can come and admire the beautiful scenery. This article describes the reasons you should visit Sifnos at some time in the near future.
What Makes Sifnos Special?
Some of the islands in Greece have a reputation for their active nightlife. Others for beautiful scenery, beaches, and streets lined with elegant white buildings. Sifnos combines all of these to make a perfect all-round destination. You can find some of the best small hotels in greek islands here that have great views of the coastline and the Aegean Sea. The island also has a laid back atmosphere and a rich history that dates back 5,000 years. This is by far one of the most versatile destinations in the region that will satisfy the needs of almost any visitor.
What are the Best Things to Do in Sifnos?
The most popular reason to come here is to relax and soak up the sunshine and atmosphere. In fact, this is one of the best greek islands for honeymoon vacations. You can also spend your time exploring some of the villages and visiting churches and monasteries. The island also has a reputation for having excellent food and fine wine. So you can sit overlooking the beach with your special someone enjoying a romantic evening.
As with most islands, there are lots of water sports. You can rent a boat or go kayaking in the calm waters. Some like to go snorkelling to see the hundreds of tropical fish swimming beneath them. And with such a large number of beaches, it’s quite easy to find a spot all to yourself. You can also pack a picnic and head down to one of these more isolated beaches to enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
How Do You Get to Sifnos?
I hope that at this point in the article, I’ve convinced you that Sifnos is one of the best places to go in Greece to suit almost any traveller’s needs. But, it’s also an island that’s a bit tricky to reach. There’s no airport on the island and the only way to reach it is to take a ferry from one of the nearby islands in the Cyclades.
You have three options. The first is to fly to Athens and then take the ferry to the island, which can take anywhere between four to eight hours. The second is to fly to the nearby island of Milos and catch a one hour ferry. But, the airport here is small and only gets domestic flights. The final option is to have an extended trip and island hop until you reach Sifnos.
The Bottom Line:
Sifnos is one of the most magical islands in Greece. It combines beaches, history, and excellent food with an active nightlife. If you make the effort to get here, you’re certain to be rewarded with your experience.
Everything You Need to Know About Travelling to Iceland
Are you planning to visit the land of fire and ice this year and want to know the best places to visit? Then you’re in the right place. Iceland is a huge island in the North Atlantic Ocean that combines natural beauty with a unique way of life in the modern world. You can stand in the middle of two drifting continents or go on a whale watching trip. Whatever you decide to do, you’re going to be in for a special experience in this destination. This article describes everything you need to know to have an awesome trip to Iceland.
Rent a Car:
The first and biggest piece of advice for Iceland is to rent a car. A car gives you the flexibility to explore the country on your own terms and allows you to stop and take photographs whenever you want to. Public transport is virtually non-existent and when you do find the bus, it’s very expensive and has limited service. Tours also cost a fortune and so the price of a rental and fuel for a few days will be about the same as a single tour.
The Best Places to Go in Southern Iceland:
Most people arrive and stay in Reykjavik. The capital itself is small with a charming city center and a few churches. You can spend a day wandering around to get a feel for what this place is all about. But, don’t limit yourself to staying here. If you have a car, plan to do the Golden Circle where you can see a historical national park, a huge waterfall, and a breath-taking geyser. A trip to the Blue Lagoon is also on most people list of things to do here.
Another popular activity is to explore the nearby towns of Keflavik and Hafnir. Both are small and have a special charm. They’re definitely worth a few hours to get some great photographs. If you’re more adventurous, you can follow the Ring Road along the southern coast where you’ll first pass through the lava fields. Then, suddenly the landscape transforms into rolling, green hills. As you’re driving, stop by at some of the towns and take a few photographs. You’re also going to see churches that are in the middle of nowhere.
As you’re driving, follow the brown signs to go to the tourist sites. Most of the places are free. This includes the bubbling hot springs, the Mid-Atlantic Drift, and other interesting places that you may come across. You should also be aware that if you’re at or around the coastal regions, it’s not uncommon to see seals on the beaches.
Places to Go in Northern Iceland:
Another popular thing to do is to visit Northern Iceland. There are several small towns along the Ring Road where you can stop. But the best place to explore the region is in Akureyri. This small town acts as the capital of the northern part of the country. From here, you can see the fjords, take a day trip to the glacier in the northwestern, or simply enjoy some of the hot springs. The drive from the south is very scenic as you pass through different landscapes.
Travel Tips for Iceland:
The first travel tip is about safety. Iceland is an unforgiving country and there are lots of ways that you can injury yourself, or worse. The warnings are here for a reason. If you’re told not to step off the path, then don’t. It’s foolish to try to get the perfect photograph by endangering yourself. The rocks around the hot springs are hot and will cause serious burns. The water on the beaches is unpredictable and has strong currents. Another tip when you’re driving is to only stop in the designated areas. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures of the landscape. This is both dangerous to you and other motorists.
Driving is easy in Iceland with very few people using the roads. But, there are two very important things to be aware of. The first is that the speed limit is 80 km/h and that this is strictly enforced. You’ll see plenty of speed cameras around the country that will send you a ticket. Remember when you gave your credit card information to the rental company? If a ticket comes, they take it from your credit card. The next is that snowfall and blizzards are common. Roads don’t have barriers and sometimes there are steep drops off the side. Just take care and prepare yourself. Sometimes, the road will be completely covered in a layer of ice and strong crosswinds blow piles of snow across it. The locals still drive fast and confidently, don’t copy them.
The final tip is how to save money in Iceland. We all know that the country is notoriously expensive and a mid-range meal for two can come to close to $100. For this reason, most travelers tend to buy at the supermarket and prepare meals in their hotel or Airbnb. The best place to get food is at Bonus. This is the largest supermarket in Iceland and you can find it in almost every major town.
The Takeaway Message:
There are so many places to visit and explore in Iceland that it’s a paradise for travelers with an adventurous spirit. You can see the capital, self-drive the Golden Circle or even go around the entire Ring Road. Wherever you go, you’re going to be awed by the beauty that this country has to offer.
The Advantages of Renting a Car in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is an exciting place to visit for both American and international tourists. When someone mentions Florida, you think of the sunshine, theme parks, and alligators. This is a great destination for all ages and any interest in travel and is especially a favorite for the kids. The good news is that you can get a car rental and find a few cheap hotels without spending an absolute fortune. And there are so many different activities for people to do in Florida. What I recommend when you arrive in Orlando is to first get a car so that you can explore the region on your own. This article describes the advantages of renting a car in Orlando.
Convenience Factor:
It will come as no surprise that Orlando is a huge sprawling metropolis with the attractions and amusement parks being far apart. Public transport is available, but it’s limited and unreliable. Getting a car when you arrive at the airport is straightforward. You can book now on Viajemos.com and collect the keys when your plane arrives at Orlando International Airport. This means you can then get back to the hotel in record time and start exploring the city.
A Car Gives You Freedom:
It’s not always possible to explore and see everything that a city has to offer when you have to rely on public transport. Sometimes the best experiences happen by chance when you drive past something that looks interesting and you stop to investigate. Another part of this is that Orlando has a lot of cool neighborhoods. These are worth exploring themselves whenever you get the chance. Each one is full of different cafes and restaurants and their own unique character. It’s easy to zip around the city in your car rental and explore the parts of the city that are difficult to reach on the bus.
Experience Nature:
If you drive out of the city for a few kilometers, you’re going to be faced with lots of nature reserves and lakes. There are plenty of opportunities to stop the car and enjoy the scenery or to drive to one of the many hiking trails. This is a great way to experience more of Orlando and to get off the beaten track. A great thing to do is to find a spot for either the sunrise or sunset. You can have the flexibility to do both without paying for a tour when you have your own car.
How to Get the Best Deals in Orlando:
If you want to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals or to see what special offers are available when you combine all three, click here and check out Traveling.com. This is probably the best website to find good deals and discounts before you depart for your trip to Orlando.
The Takeaway Message:
Orlando is a great destination for the young and the old with lots of exciting things to do and see. There’s always something interesting going on in Florida, and with a car rental, you can make sure you don’t miss out.
10 Essential Things to Pack for a Trip to Los Cabos
So, you’ve just booked up your trip to Los Cabos and want to know what the essential things to pack are? Then you’re in the right place. It doesn’t matter if you’re passing through on a budget or a staying at some of the more luxurious vacation rentals in Los Cabos, you still need to pack a few essentials. Los Cabos is a beach resort and you only really need to pack one bag. If you’re happy to do your own washing or go to the laundromat, you can take even less. Here are 10 essential and not-so-obvious things to pack for your trip.
1# Sunscreen:
In the initial excitement, it can be quite easy to forget sunscreen. The Mexican sun shines strong and bright for most of the year and you need to protect yourself. It’s quite easy to get burned when you’re swimming or relaxing around the pool. Avoid making the mistake of several tourists who arrive and get second-degree burns from exposure on the first day.
2# Sweater / Light Jacket:
The sun may be shining all the time, but it doesn’t mean that the weather is always hot. When the sun drops below the horizon, you’re going to notice an almost instant drop in the temperature. The average evening temps hover in the low to mid 70’s and after a day under the sun, you can start to feel slightly chilly. For this reason, remember to pack a light sweater or jacket to stay warm.
3# Waterproof Shoes / Sandals:
Most people like to participate in some kind of water activities when they visit Los Cabos. And even if you’re not, you’re probably going to be hanging around the pool or at the beach. Walking along the beach barefooted isn’t a good idea after it’s been baking under the sun for hours. Bring a pair of comfortable sandals or waterproof shoes to protect your feet.
4# Tissue / Toilet Paper:
This is a more practical issue that tourists often fall victim to. The public toilets in Mexico don’t usually have tissue and can lead to unexpected problems. It’s always a good idea to have some in your bag as a backup just in case. When you wash your hand afterwards, you should expect that you will have to let them air dry as there probably won’t be any paper towels.
5# Medicine:
You may not be able to get the same type of medicine in Los Cabos as you can back at home. This becomes even more of a problem if you can’t speak Spanish to explain to the pharmacist what you want. I’d strongly suggest bringing painkillers and anti-diarrheal tablets. The hygiene in Mexico isn’t always as good as it can be back at home, especially if you’re travelling through on a budget. The water may not be clean and developing stomach problems is a real issue. Bring something to protect yourself.
6# Fanny Pack or a Money Belt:
Los Cabos is one of the safest regions in Mexico for tourists. But it doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe and that it gives you an excuse to be careless. Pickpockets and thieves roam the streets in search of easy targets. You don’t want to keep any valuables insides your pockets where someone can easily get their hands on it. I’d recommend wearing a fanny pack to keep your day-to-day items such as your phone and keys and a money belt to store your cards, larger denominations, and passports.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
7# Something to Read:
If you’re going to relax in Los Cabos, you want to be entertained. In today’s day and age, most people are happy to sit playing on their phones all day. While this is an advantage, it also gets tiresome after a few days. Magazine and books are hard to find in Mexico and the ones that you do are much more expensive. The variety is limited and it may not be something that you’re looking for. If you like to read magazines, plan ahead and bring some with you.
8# Bring Your Own Snorkeling Equipment:
If you plan to go out and snorkel, it may be better to bring your own equipment along with you. A pair of goggles and a snorkel doesn’t take much room. The hygiene and quality of equipment in Mexico is lower, which means that they may or may not have been thoroughly cleaned after the last person used them. They’re not too expensive to rent, but for your own comfort, it may be better to bring you own.
9# Small Dollar Bills:
When people come to Mexico, they tend to tip the waiters and people that help them out. The standard price is usually about $1, which isn’t too much for you whilst making the recipient feel happy. It can be difficult to find smaller denominations when you arrive in Mexico, so save them up and bring them with you.
10# Insect and Bug Repellent:
Los Cabos is full of bugs that come out during the night. You may be used to this back at home or perhaps you aren’t. Bugs are inevitable. Repellents are expensive and in limited supply when you arrive. The best bet is to buy some at home and bring them with you.
The Takeaway Message:
Visiting Mexico and Los Cabos is a great experience. You don’t need to pack your entire house to come here for a week or so, just remember the essentials so you don’t get caught out when you arrive.
7 Great Tips For The Newbie Traveller
So you have decided…You are finally going traveling!
Great, you have made a wise decision to take the journey of your life into the unknown. Don’t worry about leaving your job or giving up a steady pay cheque. Saying goodbye to your family and friends might be a little tough at first but after all, you are only a plane ride away!
Deciding to go traveling is a big decision, especially if you are in your early twenties or thirties when a lot of people are “settling down” and taking out mortgages etc. But you won’t regret your decision and you will find a way to make it work, enjoying the sights and wonderful people and experiences you will encounter along the way.
For many, one big trip or extended gap year is their first time to really travel properly not just like a 3-day break away to Western Europe. Is this like you?
Packing your bags and leaving stuff out is difficult, especially if you are a girl! We need stuff on the road, or at least we think we do. But as you set sail on your voyage you might find yourself getting rid of clothes or stuff that you thought you would need. There are loads of places to buy, sell, trade, or donate your stuff on your adventures.
Before setting out, having done some research into the destinations you wish to visit is important. Information about visas, money, local taxes, transportation links and your accommodation bookings are important to get insight into so you won’t be panicked when you arrive. If you are a newbie traveller, below are some great tips to help you prepare for your trip.
7 great tips for the newbie traveller
- Get travel insurance
There is a wide range of safety and crime rates across the globe. Also, some places are more prone to the spread of disease than others. With that in mind, a solid insurance policy is essential. For example, for taking part in extreme pursuits or water sports, please ensure that your insurance covers you for these, as some insurance companies won’t deal with certain activity.
- Passport check
Make sure that your passport doesn’t expire anytime soon. This seems basic but you would be surprised at how many travellers do overlook this before they jet off. It’s actually quite simple to forget your passport’s expiry date because if you haven’t been using it very often, then you wouldn’t have a reason to check it. You don’t want to be shocked on your flight day that you can’t fly due to an expired passport!
As a tip on the road, ensure that you check the expiry date before you intend to book your next flight.
- Communication technology
Some people keep their existing phone plan and smartphone when they go on long term travel. This might not be the best idea, with charges for roaming and issues with data and signal, it might be better to start with a local phone and sim option. Obviously, this would depend on where you go and for how long.
Just use your common sense. Maybe hold off on buying a new high spec smartphone before your trip. Around the world, there are some great phone and/or sim plans available. But remember, being on your phone every minute of the day is not what you want when you travel. You will miss out on events, interactions and the experiences of it all.
- Stick to the beaten track
Especially as a solo-traveling female, you should strongly think about going somewhere well known, not too remote and with a lower crime rate against women. Do some research and be smart. Joining a group is a great way to chat to travellers who may have been to the area, they can give you the low down.
With everything going on in the world today, watch the news and local updates on anything that would make the destination a little dangerous. For example, some Arab countries have different laws for women that us in the Western world wouldn’t adhere to at all! Check out guide books, blogs and forums that will help you to understand the destination(s) better.
- The right baggage gear
Get yourself a quality comfortable rucksack and/or small suitcase as hand luggage if you’re going to bring cameras, laptops or similar. Shop around online and visit some of the outdoor-adventure shops too as they often stock solid products. The key is that you want to pack your bags lightly. Try using a rigid “in or out” system when you pack. Also, get yourself some luggage padlocks and maybe some name tags to recognise and protect your luggage on the road.
- Be open minded with your accommodation
For meeting other travellers on the go, staying in a hostel or camping are two great ways that also won’t break the bank. The world is full of great hostels and campsites. Prices can vary from place to place and in the different seasons. Hostels are supposed to be basic, so you may only get a bed in a shared dorm room, with no bathroom but the communal one down the hall. Be prepared ladies! Most hostels are quirky, fun places and usually have decent wifi.
- Backup your documents
Making copies of your drivers license, trip route, flight itinerary, boarding passes, insurance policies and obviously, your passport is a wise move.
Remember too that some countries will require a certain visa to enter and stay, so making digital copies of any visas that you may require will give you some reassurance if your real documents did happen to go missing or get stolen. Before departure, back up whatever you can and save them to a USB key and also create a folder on Google Drive or a password protected folder on Dropbox with to save the digital copies to. You will then have access to your important documents from anywhere with internet or through the USB key in the hostel!
All set? Just to recap
- Travel as lightly as possible and keep an eye on your baggage
- Hostels and campsites are great fun at a low budget
- Make a copy of your documents (USB key and on the cloud)
- Check your passport well in advance of booking a flight
- Do some due diligence on your destination and try to stick to the beaten track
- Consider a local phone/sim plan
- Get insurance for your persona and valuables
4 Tips On Washing Your Clothes While Travelling
So your clothes are dirty and you haven’t washed them in a week!
You may have stuffed your luggage full with clothes for all the seasons. You then realize that you don’t need half of what you packed and end up chucking out some or maybe donating them to a charity.
This will save you space, reduce luggage load and also provide some good karma in the world.
So you might end up wearing your each of your clothes for a day longer. With that in mind, you might find it challenging, keeping it all clean but there are a few ways to manage for little to no cost. It is easier than you might think to keep everything clean.
Below are a few pointers that I use which work well, maybe you could use them too:
-
Sink-wash
This is basic and simple but effective. Block the drain of the sink, add in some shampoo or soap, add in the hot but not boiling water and wash your stuff by hand.
All you need is some elbow grease and some free soap from a dispenser! Probably one of the more popular ways for travellers to wash their clothing and it costs very little.
If you find that the sink drain is leaking or even missing, then use a rolled up sock or a dish cloth, stuffing it in, blocking the drain hole.
Wrap up the sock/cloth in a grocery bag to improve your man-made plug’s effectiveness! When you’re done, just rinse off all of your clothes and unplug the sink.
-
Cha-ching! Coin-operated machines
A lot of places will have coin operated machines in communal areas. However, you will typically find these in cities, larger towns or touristy holiday resorts.
Hostels, guesthouses and hotels may have some washing/drying machines, ask at your reception.
So you place your clothes in the drum, input the time and/or temperature, add in some washing detergent and insert your coins to start your wash.
Tip: Laundromats are great places for meeting people, where you can have a quick chat as you wait for your fresh clothes.
-
The laundry lady
Though not always the case, there may be laundry services available for a small fee. Simply arrange with the laundry person to do your laundry for you and you won’t be left having to do it yourself!
-
Last but not least, drying your clothes
Finding a quick, efficient way of drying your newly washed clothes is essential! Some climates will be better for outdoor drying.
So it the sun is out, and your accommodation has a clothesline outside, drying your clothes out there will only take a few hours.
What about in bad weather?
If there’s bad weather or if you’re in a hurry to the airport you’ll be forced to dry clothes indoors. Here’s a neat way to speed up your drying:
Using a dry towel, stretch it out over your bed, putting the garment over that towel.
Then by rolling it up as tightly as possible and leaving it for a while, any excess moisture will be absorbed from the towel, seeing up your drying time!
6 Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag
Packing the little bag?
No matter where you in the world, your routine for packing the carry-on bag should nearly always be the same.
Just ensure that you have all of your essential items and whatever clothes you need to ensure comfort.
Depending on the flight or sea crossing, you might need to bring a carry-on case or bag or you maybe you’ll only require a large purse.
So whether you are booked in for a 30-min domestic flight or a 12-hour transatlantic one, below is a quick guide to help you pack for a smooth journey including some recommendations for bags to carry on with you!
-
A backpack
If you are bringing gadgets like tablets or cameras then it might be wise to purchase a camera & laptop backpack, due to extra padding.
This will protect your gadgets and holds extra little bits like chargers or maybe a mini tripod, while still having lots of pockets and space for the rest of your essentials.
-
A tote or gym bag
You should always pack a nylon tote, no matter what carry-on bag you use. These totes really are a dream for traveling!
Totes can fold right up to a small size to be easily stored away and they open out much larger giving you an additional travel bag if needed or you can simply use it as your main carry-on bag.
Gym style bags can often be a good option too. Just get a lightweight, durable one with good comfortable handles.
Having a cross-body strap might come in handy if you are carrying it while walking.
-
A travel pillow
Get yourself a good quality adjustable pillow for your neck that will inflate with just a few big breaths or air.
Good ones will have a quick-release button for letting the air out, so you can adjust your comfort level or deflate quickly and put it back into storage.
-
Some ear plugs
For long flights, you might want to get some sleep. Having a decent pair of ear plugs is a good cheap investment.
You’ll enjoy more comfort, fewer distractions and might just save yourself some sanity from a crying baby or loudly snoring man beside you!
It’s all about noise reduction, comfort and cost effectiveness! Look for the best noise reduction ones on the market that fits your budget.
-
Snacks
You can usually bring some fruit or nuts on with you to the plane. You can also try out some healthy snack bars, most cafes or airport shops have these now. You won’t make yourself too full, while also giving yourself some good energy, with delicious natural ingredients.
-
Hand sanitizer
Think of how many people are hopping on and off that same airplane that you have just been on! It’s not surprising to realize that bacteria is rampant.
You can play your part by keeping clear of any airplane bacteria build-up by not spreading them any further. Get yourself some wipes and sanitizer to keep the germs at bay!
Nearly packed…
So there you go, six things to pack into your bag and some good recommended bag types. Keep an eye on my next post for some more items to pack to give you a full carry-on back to cover any journey.
4 Ways To Improve Your Travel Experience
It’s all about thinking outside the box
Doing too much planning for your trip can make it a laborious task and suck the life out of the excitement of going.
So just do a flexible guideline of a plan and cover the most important things you need to do to make sure you are safe etc. Otherwise, you might feel that you must stick to a rigid plan and you won’t enjoy your travels as much!
Besides, you might discover that you prefer one city or country over another and so you’ll need to rearrange your flight plans in order to stay.
Spontaneity is what makes your travels memorable. It’s those spontaneous moments when you meet someone new or learn a new style of music that you’ll cherish forever.
I have listed below four ways that you can approach travelling to improve the quality of your experience:
-
Get yourself lost intentionally
You’ll need to go visit where the locals live, eat and work to really appreciate an area.
So many worldly destinations are geared towards tourism and this paints a particular picture but you will often need to wander about further to uncover the real beauty and authenticity.
Not knowing where you are going, go on a mini expedition!
Write down your hotel or the name of the place you’re staying just in case you have to get a cab later, then just go in one direction and see where it takes you.
As a girl, you might be a little concerned with danger. Don’t be too afraid about stumbling across a dangerous area either because most of the locals will redirect or warn you beforehand.
-
Do some volunteering
Across the world, the range of poverty and wealth varies. Some places are more developed, cleaner and more prosperous.
While other places are the opposite. How can you help?
Do some volunteering. This is such a rewarding experience, where you can learn more about a country, it’s inhabitants and its challenges.
You will make new friends by volunteering. You may have an idea of where to volunteer or discover a worthy cause on your way. Find something that you believe in and that also benefits the less well off.
-
Slow right down
Don’t try to cram four countries into four weeks of travel!
Most of the highlights of your trips will happen when you simply slow down and explore your surroundings.
You will discover things you won’t find in the travel guidebook and you’ll meet interesting people, willing to chat and show you the place. Slow down and take it all in!
-
Wine ’n’ dine the local way
In the Western world, we have “Chinese” or “Mexican” eateries but are they the real deal? On your journey, try everything for the taste and you might even find a new favourite dish! Ask the locals where they would eat too.
Experience improved
There you go. Four ways to improve your travel experience. There are many other ways to enhance your traveling, giving you a more immersive, more exciting appreciative experience.
25 Places You Have To See Before You Die
Start, run and grow your business!
Trusted carpooling!
12 Strangest Lakes in the World
