Tag: travel

Saving for Vacation: 8 Great Tips to Fund Your Big Family Trips

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Families make lasting memories on vacations that become stories they tell for years to come. They’re the perfect opportunity to break out of day to day life and experience new things with those you love the most.

The importance of regular family trips can’t be understated, but they aren’t always easy to fund, and saving for vacation can be intimidating. If you have a large family, finding ways to afford fun trips every year can get especially tricky.

But don’t lose hope. There are some easy ways you can save money for your next trip so your whole family can have the time of their life. There are also plenty of great vacation hacks you can use to make things more affordable.

8 Great Tips To Fund Your Big Family Trips

Dreaming up your next family vacation is the fun part of the planning process, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. You could do a week at a theme park, go skiing, go to the beach, road trip across the country, go on a cruise, and more.

The difficult part is figuring out how to budget for a big trip and saving enough money for fun activities that your whole family will love. Let’s look at ways you can make your family vacation budget more manageable.

1. Start Saving Early

If you know that you want to take a yearly big family vacation, start saving a year in advance. Basically, as soon as you get home from your last vacation, you should set up your savings plan for the next one and get started right away.

The longer you give yourself to save, the more you can splurge on your trip later. Set a weekly savings goal that you can set aside without thinking about it, which leads us to our next trip.

2. Automate Your Savings

Most banks have systems in place so that you can automatically move money from your checking to savings account on a weekly basis. If your money moves on its own, you don’t have to think about it, and you never miss it.

With this method, your savings will start to accumulate in the background of your life without you having to adjust your budget too much.

3. Set a Budget

Once you decide where you’re going for your next family vacation, research the average costs per person for your destination. Factor in food, accommodations, plane or car travel, and the cost of any activities you plan to do.

With an idea of what the per-person cost will be for the trip, you can set a clearer savings goal. However, vacations usually end up being more expensive than expected, so make sure you pad your budget to allow for any shopping, changed plans, emergencies, or other extra expenses that could come up.

4. Book Early

You can get the best deals on flights and accommodations if you book well in advance. As soon as you know where and when your next family vacation will be, start booking it.

Booking early also lets you get some of the major costs out of the way so you can focus the rest of your savings goals on the fun added adventures.

5. Hunt Down Deals

If you have a big family, you can usually find deals on ticket prices for activities and excursions. Search sites like Groupon, Expedia, and Priceline for travel deals that will skim some money off of your budget.

You can also join travel clubs that offer exclusive savings. For instance, save on a trip to a Disney theme park or resort with a Disney Vacation Club package. You can find great savings on the Disney Vacation Club cost by purchasing them resale.

6. Go at off-Peak Times

For better deals on flights and accommodations, go on your trip during off-season. If your schedule is flexible, you’ll be able to save money and enjoy having fewer crowds to deal with.

For instance, try going to the beach in April instead of June. If you can’t make an off-season trip work with your work schedule or your kids’ school calendars, book your trip during the week, when flights and hotels are usually cheaper, instead of on a weekend.

7. Tighten Your Regular Budget

Look for ways you can save money at home during the year so you can add more to your family vacation budget. Pack your work lunches and your kid’s school lunches, cut down on shopping, and cook dinners at home instead of getting takeout.

You can get the kids involved and make saving money fun instead of a sacrifice. Once you know where you’re going, you can talk about each specific thing you’re saving for the vacation, like a snorkeling excursion, yo get them excited about saving for so instead of being disappointed about not ordering in pizza.

8. Reserve Accommodations With a Kitchen To Save on Food

To cut costs on your trip, book a place to stay that has a kitchen so you can make meals at your temporary home instead of eating out for every meal. As soon as you arrive, hit up the grocery store so your place is stocked. Include snacks to carry with you during the day so you don’t have to stop to buy any overpriced junk food while you’re out.

Plan a couple of fun meals out during your trip that you can all look forward to so that eating at home the rest of the time isn’t a big deal. To find places with kitchens, look on Airbnb.

Saving for Vacation: Start Now

The most important factor in saving for vacation is to start planning now. You’ll avoid stress and unexpected expenses that come up with family travel and hopefully find some deals in the planning process.

Getting your whole family excited about your next trip will help them all get on board with saving, and having a goal to accomplish together will bring you closer throughout the year.

For more travel tips, plus articles about food and real estate, check out the rest of our blog.

Travel Injury: What To Do If You Are Hurt While Traveling

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As fun and exciting as it is to see different parts of the world, there’s always a chance to experience the unexpected while traveling — including, unfortunately, personal injury. Obviously, accidents and injuries are never fun, but especially when you’re in a new, unfamiliar place. Who wants to deal with a dental emergency in a new city? Can you imagine the added stress of getting in a car accident when you’re far from home? That’s why, to prepare for and protect yourself from getting hurt while traveling, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

How to Prepare for the Unexpected in Your Travels

While it is impossible to predict everything that could go wrong while you’re out of town, there is still a lot you can do to protect yourself. Here are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

  1. Get travel insurance. Your regular medical insurance may cover illness wherever you go in the country, but you should still check ahead of time to be sure. Likewise, consider the fact that your plan may not be applicable internationally. Confirm with your provider. Then, if you’re going to be out of the country, consider getting travel medical insurance with a 24/7 assistance plan.
  2. Practice smart prevention. If you’re hiking in the mountains, bring a first-aid kit. If you are in a country with poor water quality, buy some water bottles. Wear a seat belt in the car. Follow safety guidelines when you fly. Wash your hands frequently and wear protective gear when appropriate. By practicing smart injury prevention, you can reduce your risk of harm before it occurs.
  3. Research your destination ahead of time. Before you leave on a trip, look into medical facilities in the area where you’ll be staying. Find out where to go if you need help. If you’re traveling overseas and you don’t speak the language, see if there is an English-speaking doctor available. It is also good to find out how emergency services work at your destination — what number do you call, and can you program that number into your phone now? Taking these steps can help free you up in an emergency situation.

When it comes to getting injured in your travels, it is always best to err on the side of caution. With that in mind, use the tips above to get prepared. Likewise, take a look at the accompanying infographic on handling travel trauma. It provides helpful tips to prepare and respond to emergencies while away from home — in an easy-to-read, visually friendly format.

Author bio: Donald J. Nolan is a nationally acclaimed lawyer and founder of Nolan Law Group, which has become one of the nation’s most prestigious and well-recognized plaintiff firms. In the area of aviation law, Nolan has represented the rights of victims and families in air disasters around the world. His work has led to the redesign of several safety systems and defective components of major commercial and general aviation aircraft.

5 Spa Treats You Must Not Miss in Kuala Lumpur 

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Malaysian culture blends all types of different cultures together in Asia and that’s how you know you get a highly diverse beauty scene. From Islamic traditions to Indian influences to Chinese treatments and African inspiration…You’ll find it all there. There are almost endless spas all over Malaysia that offer an extensive range of therapies – from sound and energy healing to scented massages to cupping. If you are looking for a little get away from the pressures of your daily routine, a spa holiday must be your thing. In this article I will talk about the top 5 amazing spa locations in the Malaysian capital.

Spa Village

It’s no surprise that in Kuala Lumpur, home of the most luxurious resorts in the world, you’ll find your own private tropical terrace. A retreat that is unparalleled to all others, the Spa Village immerses you fully into an exotic paradise.

You’ll feel it as you enter the Spa Village – relaxation and peacefulness waiting right around the corner. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy what is to come. This spa takes all of its inspiration from the nature that is prevalent in Malaysia to incorporate it in its therapies.

From quintessentially traditional Malaysian treatments to highly technologically advanced treatments, you’ll find it all there. You can expect to choose from a Malay treatment or advanced sensory rooms. No matter what treatment you choose, you can expect complete rejuvenation of your soul and body.

Examples of treatments:

  • The Sensory Room – The Sensory Room combines different types of sensory sensations that allows you to be in touch with your five senses. From aromatherapy to natural sounds to even tasting…
  • European-style facials.
  • Hot stone massages.
  • Swedish massage.
  • Balinese massage.
  • Sound bath.
  • Awet Permaisuri – This is a treatment that specifically uses a blend of different oils mixed with strokes in a rhythmic motion.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

You have a lot of spa services to choose from in the Spa at Mandarin Oriental. The spa offers a range of different therapies that cater to different needs including holistic healing and treatments directed towards beauty. You can try either single’s treatments or couples’ treatment rooms as well.

From the lavish wooden furnishings to the interior design that reflects an earthly rugged vibes, the place really knows how to bring earthy tones and warm lighting together. They also don’t only rely on décor and vibes but they also use very high-end products in their spas and the whole place has also been recently refurbished. Whether you’re flying for a few days in Kuala Lumpur and backpacking around using airasia or you’re there long-term, you need to visit it.

Examples of treatments:

  • Malay body massages.
  • Aromatherapy.
  • Body scrubs.
  • Sauna rooms.
  • The Romance of Rose – a session for couples that incorporates roses, foot massages and exfoliation.
  • Tropical Rainforest Foot Ritual.

Mandara Spa

Mandara Spa is located at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, and it’s one that boasts very highly-skilled therapists and masseuses. You’ll find a plethora of different activities, massages and much more. The space itself is shaped and decorated like a tropical destination resort which adds to the atmosphere of the therapies as well.

Hammam Publika

Find yourself immersed in the exotic scents and intricate details of faraway Morocco perched in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Carved woodwork juxtaposes Moroccan furnishings and copper lanterns shine light on the incense smoke. Whether or not you’re a spa junkie, you need to visit the Hammam Publika for the best possible body scrub you’ll get. To make a long story short: you will be getting layers of dead skin off of you. Yes, you heard that right. The domed ceilings, the marble beds, the smell of henna powders, the sweet aroma of Moroccan tea…It’s as if you’ve been transported to a different place.

Make sure you research what type of massages you want to have before you get to Kuala Lumpur or else you’re going to be very overwhelmed with the amount of options you have to choose from!

Why You Should Book A Two Weeks Sailing Holiday Around Majorca & Ibiza

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Ibiza’s famous for its party life whereas Majorca is all about beaches and amazing relaxation on blue waters and warm sand. Well on a sailing holiday you can enjoy it all. A new way of discovering these pearls of the Mediterranean is by yacht charter. Other Balearic islands include Menorca and Formentera which can also be incorporated into your sailing trip.

The great thing about a sailing holiday is that you don’t have to stay in the same place for too long so you have the opportunity to sample different kinds of holiday all in one break. One day you might fancy relaxing in a small pretty harbour and trying the local tipple, whereas another day you might want to party the night away. Well, here are some examples of where you can go and what to see and do on a two week yacht charter sailing holiday around Majorca and Ibiza.

Relaxation in Majorca

Of the larger Balearic islands, Majorca is mostly known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful beaches. There are countless anchorages when it comes to beauty spots around Majorca and you can pretty much have a fantastic view wherever you choose to stop. When you take a yacht charter holiday in these parts you can enjoy many places to stop and relax, be that in a harbour or in the middle of the sea. Here are just a few of the places you should add to your Majorca itinerary.

Porto Christo

A friendly local traditional resort, Porto Christo is famous for its pearl industry. It is one of the only sea side resort towns here that does not see tourism as its primary income. This gives the place a unique charm and atmosphere. A popular attraction for visitors are the nearby Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves and for families there’s the aquarium too. The town is a nice place to explore and pick up some local souvenirs or splash out on some pearls.

Cala Rajada

This bustling fishing port has plenty to offer visiting tourists. Be it eating delicious food in the many restaurants, sampling the local drinks in port side bars or relaxing on the nearby beach. There are also many water sports to try here too at the nearby blue flag Cala Allura beach. If you visit on a Saturday you’ll have the chance to pick up a few souvenirs or local produce at the weekly outdoor market.

Alcudia

This large resort is well known for its beautiful and family friendly Mediterranean beaches including the popular Platja d’Alcúdia and Platja de Muro found on Alcúdia Bay. If you enjoy history and discovering ancient architecture you’ll love the neo-Gothic Sant Jaume church which is built into the town’s walls. The medieval old town which is contained within these walls is an excellent place to wander and explore. So once you have finished on the beach head to the old town to enjoy some culture. A great combination for spending a day here.

Cala D’Or

This small area is one of the best places in the area for exploring by yacht. Anchorages are in abundance and perfect for sailing tourists. There are many small beaches and coves just waiting to be discovered and some that can only be accessed by sea. There are plenty of safe harbours so it is a popular place to stop whilst on a sailing holiday and although there are lots of yachters around you will always find a little slice of beach or craggy rocks to call your own.

Ibiza

Whilst Mallorca is relaxing, Ibiza is more well known for its parties and late nights. It is what the island is famous for, although you’ll also find family friendly resorts and quieter places to chill out if you dont want such a frenzied scene. However, if you want to enjoy some fun and lively night life then here are some places to drop anchor and spend the night. Getting you out there easily on the party scene.

Playa D’en Bossa

The most popular resort on the island is a place that never sleeps. Home to famous clubs such as Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza by night the whole town is alive. By day you can also enjoy the other aspects of this resort which makes it so popular. It boasts the longest beach on the island and this beach is dotted with plenty of sun lougers, beach beds and cool laid back beach bars to keep everyone happy. Party by night and relax by day.

San Antonio

For lively night life and fabulous sunsets San Antonio on the west coast of Ibiza, is the perfect place to visit. There’s a large natural harbour, San Antonio’s Bay and a promenade that runs from to the beaches of S’Arenal and Es Pouet. Both of these beaches are great for relaxing and winding down after a busy night, for groups and and couples alike with their calm, shallow waters and chilled out vibe. Between the beaches if you fancy a little culture you’ll find Sa Punta des Molí, where there’s a windmill, an olive oil press and a little botanical garden.

Santa Eulalia

Although you can still enjoy some entertaining night life here, Santa Eulalia is the place to visit is you are looking for a quieter type of holiday. There’s a lovely newly restored promenade which takes you through gardens and fountains before finishing at the relaxing Mariners beach. The area has plenty of bars and restaurants but has a more laid back feel that the other busier resorts already mentioned. There are also many shops and items to view and purchase by some talented local artists. Pick up a souvenir at the hippy market before winding the day away on the beach front. The perfect mix of relaxation and partying.

Ibiza town

A resort that will keep you busy all night is the main Ibiza town. You’ll find countless amounts of places to eat and drink and dance the night away. The famous Pacha super night club is nearby and other hits such as Heart and Lio are found in the centre. As well as the clubbing scene, Ibiza town has an historic part to visit including the pretty old town. So you can indulge in some local culture and history during the day before heading off to the clubs by night.

Would you like to take a sailing holiday?

A sailing holiday is like no other. Giving you the freedom to choose your anchoring points, come and go as you please and have the luxury of taking your accommodation with you along the way. You can stay as long or as little as you like in places you discover and change your schedule to suit your own needs.

These destinations are perfect to explore by yacht. There’s something for everyone and the resorts can be explored in one or two days before you move on. With plenty to see and do, whether its relaxing or partying, a sailing holiday in these parts has it all. Would you like to visit these destinations on a sailing holiday?

How to Travel Light & Still Look Good

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Traveling can be fun except for the part where you have to pack your suitcase. If you are traveling by automobile you can pretty much take whatever you want however, if you are traveling by airplane, you have better be packing light. Airplane travel means that you have better be packing light and small unless you plan on spending extra money for baggage fees. According to a travel article, one way to see if you are packing too much is to conduct a test run in your hometown. Pack your suitcase and drag it around town for a couple of hours. If you think the load is too much, go home and repack it until you are satisfied. It is better to find out that you packed too much when you can actually do something about it versus when you are away from home and cannot do anything about it. According to another traveling article, it suggested that if you want to look good while still packing light than you have better have a plan in place. For example, some clothes you can switch around such as shirts and pants. However, there are those clothing items that should never be wore multiple times such as socks and underwear. For these items, you have better have a couple of pairs. Besides your dress clothes, it might also be a good idea to pack a pair of jeans. If your jeans are on the heavy side, then you might be better off wearing them on the plane instead of trying to stuff them in your suitcase.

Are you looking for a ride when you are out of town without your wheels? Instead of renting a car, why not try Uber. At Uber, you can get a lift where ever you need to go. From point A to point B that is what Uber can do for you. Uber is not a cab service but independent people using their automobiles to give people like you rides from one place to another. Looking for extra money? You too can work for Uber as an independent contractor in not only giving people rides but picking up packages and delivering food as well. Great thing about working for Uber is that you get to be your own boss. Whether you are in need of a ride or want to give rides you can save money because Uber has a great partnership with Groupon Coupons. Find a great Uber Eats coupon from Groupon Coupons today.

Use Uber today to save even more money. Be sure that you always use your Uber Eats coupon from Groupon Coupons and watch those savings really stack up. Always save more when you visit Groupon Coupons first for coupons and discount codes. Use this promo code and enjoy free rides in January. Act now and get $15 off for existing users when you use this code. Want some extra money? Find out how you can earn extra cash with Uber. Use this promo code and get $15 off. Free Uber rides await you when you use this promo code. From exclusive deals to earning free rides you will always save plenty of money when you visit Groupon Coupons first.

Save money or make money when you use Uber today. Don’t forget to find an Uber Eats coupon from Groupon Coupons first for great money saving deals.

5 things at Walt Disney World that you can’t see anywhere else

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There are literally hundreds of things to do at Walt Disney World. You can explore all over, and through the nooks and crannies, and find some of the most interesting things. Many of these things people know about and there are many things that people don’t know about. We have just put a few of those down here just to give you an idea of what you can see, and to wet your whistle. Go get some tickets to Disney World yourself and find out more.

Ride the animal kingdom at night

Some of the rides in the animal kingdom become an almost completely different ride at night. In fact, a lot of Disney World is like that. Sometimes it seems as if the daytime park is it different park from the nighttime one. At some attraction, such as Kilimanjaro safaris, there are animals that are much more active at night, so it really is different than the day.

Meeting new characters and making friends

There are many cool characters for a meet and greet for children. Joy and Sadness from the Pixar film Inside Out are 2 of the newest. Here you can watch the little ones have a sense of wonder as they meet all the characters they have only ever seen on the screen. From all the most modern and newest films, to the old school ones such as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. There are also interactive exhibits while you wait for your turn to meet them, and this will help keep you and the little ones entertained.

The rivers of light

Another new attraction is a show at night with an elaborate combination of fire, water, color, and music, all mixed together. The show is performed on large barges moving around the lagoon, mixing light and technology in new ways. Disney has always been wondrous at using light for shows and exciting the imagination. Disney has always been a leader in this kind of entertainment, from its historic electric parade all the way to heroes of light. Definitely a must see

Turtle talk with Crush

This is actually a very cool use of technology. Children and adults can talk to Crush (a turtle from the movie Finding Nemo, for those that don’t know). Children can have a live conversation with crush, as he uses a hydrophone on his side of the glass. It is very interactive and Crush can pick out and ask personal questions of various audience members. It is, of course, quite captivating. Disney has also added other characters this year that will make visits during the talks, such as Dory from Finding Dory and other characters from the movies.

Flight simulators

Disney has done some amazing things with flight simulation. Soarin’ Around The World has been around a bit, but is really fascinating, you fly to various places in the world and see them as if you were there. Soarin is fairly gentle, and you can really feel the wonder of those locations. A new ride, similar to Saorin, is Avatar: flight of passage. This is a much wilder ride with some death-defying antics. It is one of the longest lines in Disney, and that ought to tell you how much people like it.

These are just some of the experiences and travel tips we suggest you see, there are literally hundreds. Disneyworld is truly that, a world, where wonder and beauty are around every corner. If you plan on going, make sure you plan for staying more than one day, as one day will only scratch the surface.

5 nice places for families to visit in Florida

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Florida is a really nice place, it is beautiful and sunny, the people are nice, and there is a lot to do and see for families. Each city in Florida has its own special flavor and things to do. You can do what you want and have as little or as much excitement as you can handle. You can ride roller coasters or just walk along the beach. Florida is the place to go. Take an amazing family holiday to Florida. Here is our take on a few of the cities.

Sanibel Island

This is one of the more quiet places to go when you like to commune more with nature. This is where you go for the flora and fauna. You can hike or bike through the various trails, watch dolphins, look for manatees, or take kayak tours. For the eco- adventure family, this is the place to go.

Orlando

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Sanibel is Orlando. This is where the majority of the theme parks are. Legoland, Universal, Disney, SeaWorld, and on and on. You can go to a different attraction every day and still not make it through all of the attractions in 2 weeks. Most of the individual attractions themselves you could not make it through in a single day. This is an ultimate location for families that love theme parks.

Miami

Miami is more of a big city filled with a lot of nightlife. During the day you can spend time at the beach, swim, surf or other beach activities. You can go to the zoo or the sea aquarium, all great things to do with kids. At night the adults can go out dancing and to some of the hottest clubs on the east coast.

Tampa

If your family trip is filled with little ones, then this is a good choice for a destination. Many things in Tampa are structured towards children. There are various amusement parks in Tampa as well as the Lowry Park Zoo which was voted the number one family-friendly zoo in the United States. There are a lot of things to do in Tampa for you and the kids.

Fort Lauderdale

Most famous for spring break, Fort Lauderdale has changed over the years to a much more upscale place. There are lots of museums and marinas and many things for tourists to do. It is well known for good hotels, shopping and golf courses. A really nice place to visit is what is called the strip. This is a strip of restaurants that run along the land side of the beach road where you can sit and watch the world go by.

There are many other cities and places in Florida to go to. These are just some highlights, and travel tips, of some of the places to take your family. Each city is like a layer of an onion; once you get there you can keep peeling away skin after skin to see more and more. There’s something for everyone in each of the cities. Come visit Florida, have a look around, and fall in love with the place, then you’ll know why so many people retire here. See you on the beach.

5 reasons to take a cruise to the Canary Islands

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The Canary Islands have a long history of friendship with the sea. The Canary Islands are basically a volcano chain of islands. As a fun fact, there’s even a restaurant that has a hole cut down to the volcano and the grill is powered by the heat from below. They never have to use any electricity or gas to run it. How cool is it that you can have your meal cooked by a volcano? There’s a lot of good history on the island and they were colonized at the same time as the Americas. The Canary Islands are also not named after the canary bird, as would seem obvious. The highest held belief is that it was named after the Latin word Canaria, which means dog. Seals were often called sea dogs so the locals believe that this is why the islands are called what they are. Here are some of the reasons to go to the Canary Islands on a cruise.

Great sailing 365

The Canary Islands are said to have the best climate and temperatures in the world. There is no real change of seasons, and the temperatures stay at a fair constant throughout the year. Sailing these islands is a joy as there are always reliable winds coming from the Gulf Stream. You can rent a sailboat locally and spend the time sailing the waves as others have hundreds of years before you did. It is just beautiful and peaceful.

Eco de version

With volcanoes and a 2-mile high mountain in the middle of beautiful water and landscapes, there are some very diverse eco-systems. In fact, there can even be snow on top of the mountain. Making this one of the few places in the world where you can go play in the snow and come down the mountain and get a suntan while lying on the beach, all in the same day. There are green jungle like areas as well as there are desert areas. There is just a diversity that has to be seen to be believed.

Ports of call

The 7 main Canary Islands boast 36 ports, each port having its own feel. You can take an island hopping cruise and visit multiple ports and get a feel for the diversity of the whole area. You can travel through the various ports, and it will take you a long time to see them all and pick your favorite.

Volcano

One of the most amazing and often scary things to see is a volcano. If you visit Fire Mountain in the Canary Islands you can learn all about the volcanoes in this chain. There is still enough heat near the surface to turn areas into a desolate moonscape.

Beaches

The Canary Islands have a mix of beaches. There are regular beaches with the normal sand that you can see on most beaches, and as it is a volcanic chain, there are also beaches with volcanic sand. These are the black beaches, similar to the black beaches in Hawaii. It’s just a sight to see.

You really should come see the Canary Islands; it’s an experience that you take with you for life. If you love to sail or even would like to learn how to sail, there is not a better place in the world that you can do that. We hope that these travel tips helped you. Come visit us and become an honorary Canary Island sailor. May your winds be fair and your seas as smooth as they always are here.

Make Your First Alps Activity Holiday one to Remember for the Right Reasons

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alps

Perhaps you are considering taking a holiday for some rest and recreation in the Alps in the near future. What a great choice! There really is something about fresh mountain air, wide open skies and beautiful scenery to refresh the soul and the mind. To make the most of your holiday take some time to prepare your adventure. Being prepared well is more than deciding which clothes to pack, although packing the best clothes for the journey will help of course.

Alpine regions have so much to offer all year round, not only awesome winter snow sports. So give some thought as to what you would like to do in the mountains. Success of your holiday depends on planning the right place to spend your precious time and money. Not all resorts are geared for summer activities though so check out which resorts are best for different activities.

Chill out in an Alpine Spa

Perhaps you would love to relax over a long weekend treating yourself to a spa with relaxing massages and holistic treatments to soothe your jangled nerves. Quite a few alpine regions have access to natural hot springs. Maybe you can see yourself soaking up some minerals from bubbling sulphur pools followed by some vitamin D sunshine.

You shouldn’t overlook just the great opportunities to hike and wander along mountain trails. There are often small restaurants and alpine huts to be found, selling cheese or rugged alcoholic tipples. Good food with good company is always healthy

Get High on a Challenge

If action and adventure are more what you have in mind, look for resorts that offer your style of sports. Mountain biking is a great activity to consider along wide forest trails that would be used as ski runs in winter. Many resorts hire great bikes and all the equipment. Modern gearing systems on bikes mean it need not be as strenuous as it looks. Or you can take advantage of the ski lifts still operating to ride to the top and bike down.

Climbers will be able to scramble and choose routes of varying degrees of difficulty to test their skills. Rock climbing instructors are often on hand to give lessons and improve techniques

Alpine regions can be great for water sports as there are often suitable lakes and rivers just waiting for some action. Check out each resort or region that may offer white water rafting, kayaking, kayaking,  canyoning, wind surfing, and paddle boarding. Even just floating down rivers in rubber tubes can be lots of fun.

Some resorts have more traditional sports like tennis and archery. There is something about doing them in high mountain air that makes them more invigorating.

There are also aerial sports to try like paragliding or hang gliding. If you don’t want to take the time to learn to fly solo you can often take a tandem flight with an experienced pilot to just enjoy the view and take photos for spectacular memories.

There are a few Extras to Consider

Once you have made your choice and booked your super alpine holiday learn as much as you can to ensure you get the most out of the area. Consider a few things when it comes to packing as well as your clothes. Here are a few extra tips for travelling to an alpine region for the first time.

  • Sunscreen – mountain areas have clear air on sunny days so you must pack a high factor sun protection. Make sure you apply it before going out and don’t overlook places like the back of your neck and your ears or hands. Even in winter you can easily get burnt in less than an hour and will spend the following days in agony avoiding any sunshine if you don’t take precautionary measures.
  • Sunglasses – You should have sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, in a wrap around style to protect the sides of your eyes.
  • Hat- one that has a brim and will stay on.
  • A basic First Aid Kit and your prescription medicines
  • Suitable gear for packing equipment for day hikes like a small back pack or a waist bag.

Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover whatever activities you intend to do. Allow for some activities that may not even have planned.

Plan to be physically fit for your holiday. If that means going to the gym for a few extra sessions or changing your routines to work out different muscles, do it. You will enjoy your holiday a lot more if your body is as prepared as your mind is to enjoy the activities.

After you have considered and researched your alpine holiday perhaps you can encourage a friend to go along to share the adventure. No one ever regrets spending time in invigorating mountain air.