Author: Derek

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.

Why online gambling is a better option than playing at a casino!

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latest e-sports matches

Online gambling has become a huge sensation to gamblers all over the world because of it’s simplicity and the ability to make your bets or play your games from the comfort of home. It´s still quite an experience to head over to casino for the odd night and have a few drinks but gambling is a huge part of life for many people so being able to log on and bet or play is a huge advantage to many people.

There is a plethora of different ways to gamble online now, be it playing slots, poker, betting on sports matches or now you can even get into betting on the latest e-sports matches. Players are never short on things to bet on. It’s often much clearer and more simple to bet on sports matches online due to live odds being right in front of your face and the bet being a simple push of a button after depositing. Something excellent is the plethora of different bets you can make, you don’t have to bet on a score or a winner, you can even bet on the number of corners that you think will occur in a single game for example, so you have much greater amounts of exciting ways to win money.

A game which is played commonly in casinos is poker, but the problem with casinos is that you can only join the limited number of tables that are available on that day, or in your local area there may only be one tournament available a week. When playing online, it basically opens you up to being able to play against the whole world in virtual online tables. You are able to select exactly what type of poker they wish to play, texas holdem being the most popular in the world of poker, in addition you are able to select exactly what type of table you wish to play on, maybe you fancy going all out and playing at a cash table or you could feel more like you wish to pay a big entry to a tournament and get the chance to win some huge money.

There are thousands of other games available to play in online poker such as a much wider variety of slots than a single casino has, all with offering the ability to play them from your own couch or study. If you get lucky when playing slots you could hit the jackpot and get yourself a huge balance which these days it’s extremely easy to withdraw using your preferred method and start using the money on real things, don´t forget to leave some in though to win again in the future!

As you can see there are many advantages to playing online rather than heading to a casino or to your bookie, it’s highly recommended to give it a try, even if you are an old school player, you will be pleasantly surprised, no matter which is your favourite form of gambling.

Great Reasons to Take a Cruise to Alaska

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When you think about memorable vacations you can take, your mind probably runs wild. You can go run with the bulls in Spain, you can travel the Maldives and stay in a villa on the ocean. You might travel to Ibiza and have a non-stop party, or even go backpacking though Eastern Europe staying at hostels and eating local food. All of these trips would definitely produce life-long memories that you would treasure.

This article contains a suggestion for a trip that is as amazing as those listed above, but also is not one that immediately comes to mind. However when you think about it, you begin to realize that it has more benefits than most memorable vacations. How about you go on an Alaskan cruise? Here are the great reasons why:

Before we talk about an Alaskan cruise, let’s dispel some of the commonly held beliefs about cruises.

Cruises are for Retirees: Throughout their time cruises have welcomed people of all ages and families with young kids as well. The cruise industry works tirelessly to create trips that appeal to all age groups. In fact, today there are even cruises for young singles who want to mingle. The entertainment options for people on cruises are just like those of a great vacation town; great restaurants, swimming pools, discos, and cafes and many have lots of additional amenities like casinos.

I Get Ill on the Water: Most cruise ships are so large that you can barely feel any movement. New stabilizing tech also makes smooth any rough waves that might be present in the water. So you hardly ever know you are on water. And just in case, there are tablets that are very effective at quelling any seasickness.

Here are great reasons to take an Alaskan cruise:

You Can Experience the Beauty of Alaska in Safety and Comfort

Alaska is a beautiful country with thousands of sights and sounds that delight the senses. It is also rugged and unexplored and taking a trip through its rough terrain is very challenging. A cruise allows you to see much of Alaska from a distance and appreciate its raw beauty from arms- length. The cruise ship will stop are several towns where you can disembark and get face to face with the wilderness, but it is all controlled so you are always safe. The cruise ships contain every conceivable amenity, so you can get your dose of Alaska but remain in the highest levels of comfort.

Cruises Save You Money

Most people mistakenly think that cruises are more expensive than conventional vacations, but they are not doing the math properly. A cruise is an all-inclusive experience that includes the cost of your accommodation, transportation, entertainment and your meals. In some cases discounted airfare is even added to get you to your home city if needed. When you look at the costs from this perspective, you can see how there is a cost savings over a comparable traditional vacation. Also you can pick the quality of cruise you like, therefore meeting your vacation budget.

Alaska is a beautiful place to reconnect with nature and find undiscovered wilderness. Taking a cruise takes you to Alaska in a manner that allows you to go in style and safety. Have a look into taking this once in a lifetime adventure.

Five Great Nights Out in Manchester

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Manchester is a city that is going places, and this is reflected in its vibrant nightlife. The “Madchester” phenomenon that took the world by storm in the late 80s and 90s, with bands such as the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, has had a lasting impression on the city. In fact, it is fair to say that it has played a major role in making Manchester the hotspot it is today when it comes to attracting live music talent.

It is also an easy city in which to get around, with a safe and reliable public transport system. So leave the car at home and call a taxi in Manchester as the city is waiting to show you the night of a lifetime! From underground dance music clubs to contemporary theatre, there is certain to be something to appeal. Let’s take a look at five areas of Manchester you just have to explore.

Spinningfields

Redeveloped in the early 2000s, Spinningfields is the place to come for a sophisticated cocktail or a fancy restaurant meal. There is a choice of great restaurants and trendy bars, including Artisan, Zizzi, Wagamama’s and Lawn Club.

In 2013, it was voted the most family-friendly location in the city, so is the perfect spot for a “safe” night out.

The Northern Quarter

If Spinningfields seems a little tame for your tastes, you could always move on to the more bohemian Northern Quarter. Here, you will find a huge variety of independent bars, pubs and clubs where you are sure to find something that will appeal.

Whether it is a choice of cask ales in quiet surroundings or Tequila slammers to a backdrop of house music, the phrase “something for everyone” was never so apt. Most of the bars are around the crossroads where High Street meets Thomas Street, but also take a walk along Oldham Street and Tib Street. Popular spots include Kosmonaut, Hula and The Mint Lounge, but there is so much to choose from, and half the fun is to make your own unique discoveries.

Deansgate Locks

This row of bars features some well-known chains, located in converted railway arches. The area is popular with, but not overrun by students and features names such as Pitcher and Piano, Revolution and Baa Bar.

Check it out, and if it’s not your thing, you can always walk the two minutes to Deansgate itself, where there is a wider range of bars and clubs.

Oxford Road

Oxford Road has a similar laid-back vibe to the Northern Quarter and is the place to come for live music. There is a huge choice of bars and live venues, and if you are looking for a big night out, then search no further than Sound Control, Gorilla or Black Dog Ballroom.

Great food, a range of drinks and fantastic live music, you’ll find it all here!

The Gay Village

Manchester is almost as famous for “The Village” as it is for the Trafford Centre. This canalside area is packed full of lively bars and restaurants. Take a wander round in the summer months, and you will experience a carnival atmosphere unlike any other. Really not to be missed for a unique night out among Manchester’s most colourful crowd.

5 French Locations Away From Paris

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I have lived in France, well Paris for just over 2 years and it was only in the last 6 months that I decided to venture away from the capital and see a little more of my adopted nation. Spending time in some vacation rentals in France and visiting all four corners of the country really opened my eyes and made me realize just how little is spoken about some of the regions in France which in all honesty, blew me away.

Ever since then it seems that every travel blog or piece of travel news that I read is so incredibly Paris-centric and I wanted to do my bit to put things right. Don’t get me wrong, Paris is an outstanding city, elegant, artistic, full of sights and attractions and it truly is the city of romance and I am not for one second saying that you shouldn’t travel there. What I want to say is that after Paris, you should go and see the rest of this incredible country and here are 5 places that I love which will hopefully convince you to broaden your horizons the next time you visit France.

Bordeaux

Widely considered as the wine-capital of France, Bordeaux is a beautiful region which is situated in the south west of France in the Gironde region. Bordeaux sits on the Gironne river and is around an hour form the coast. This region is not only famed for its wine-grwoing climate, rolling valleys and vineyards but also for its rich history and its outstanding cuisine. Much of Bordeaux should be explored on foot and the number one attraction that any tourists should go to is the beautiful cathedral which overlooks the river.

Auvergne

When I headed out of the city I really wanted to find that side of France which is drenched in nature, the tranquil and green areas which would give me the perfect chance to decompress after living in a bustling capital. I found exactly what I was looking for in Auvergne, a forested, volcanic region right in the heart of France which appears as though it has been untouched by the changing hands of time. I spent over a week in this region hiking up to volcanoes, bathing in hot springs and even managed to do some skiing whilst I was there. If you want to enjoy a relaxing break in isolation then look no further than Auvergne.

Les Gorges du Verdon

The miniature and younger sister of New York’s Statue of Liberty in Paris is not the only similarity between the two nations and in Les Gorges du Verdon you will find France’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Set in south east France between the Alpes-de-haute-Provence and the Var this 15 mile long, 700 meter deep canyon is finished off with the glistening, turquoise waters of the river Verdon which flows through the heart of the crevice. This wild region of France is rarely talked about and a visit here will allow you to see a very different side to the country. This who are looking for adventure can hike around the canyon or even raft and kayak along the choppy waters of the Verdon.

Bretagne

Bretagne or Brittany as it is widely known is a rigged coastal region on the west coast of France that feels as though it is a country within a country. Everything is different here, the food, the weather, the locals and even the history and it makes for a truly eye-opening place to visit. Here you will find thick forests to hike through, choppy seas to sail on and medieval towns to learn about. In my opinion you will find the very best seafood that France has to offer right here in Brittany and you can wile your days away exploring the dramatic coastline and take in the seemingly forgotten towns of Roscoff, Quimper and Vannes. There is much to see and do in Brittany from the natural to the man-made and it should most definitely be a place that you visit at least once during your time in France.

Nice

My favorite fRench city is Nice, set on the French Riviera this city offers all of the razzmatazz of Paris with the addition of beautiful weather and the glorious sea. A 30 minute ride from Cannes and not too far down the coast from the likes of Monaco and St Tropez, Nice is perfectly situated for a nice break in the warm Mediterranean sun. The city is very trendy and there are plenty of students who call Nice their home, this gives the city a very ‘hip’ feel to it and gives tourists a great location to unwind and enjoy themselves.

Do you have a favorite French destination? Let us know if so and why in the comments section below and share it with the World.

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

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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.

 

Learn All You Can About Your Next Travel Destination

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This is the village of Oia, perched on a clifftop at the end of the island of Santorini. Our cave house was near the bottom of the developed part of the hillside.

If you have an upcoming vacation in mind, is it all planned out and ready to go?

For countless travelers, reaching that next travel destination may seem like a major task at first (finances, planning etc.), but it certainly does not have to be the case.

For example, the Internet gives you so much information these days when it comes to where you might want to visit next.

Whether those destinations will be spots you visit for the first time or over and over again, there is always something to learn about them.

Keep in mind that many vacation spots like to upgrade their offerings over time, so things will in fact change. From new offerings to changing prices (typically higher), you need to stay up to speed on what is occurring.

So, how knowledgeable will you be the next time you starting thinking of getting away from it all?

Turning to the Travel Pros

In order to better appreciate and enjoy your next vacation, having travel professionals working with you is certainly a good idea.

For instance, are you interested in learning about and exploring one or more regions of the United States, jet-setting across Europe, or perhaps discovering more about specially curated Brazil vacation packages? No matter where your travels will take you this year or down the road, being as educated as possible about your destination/s is crucial.

Secondly, ask the travel pros if there are any regions of the world where travel is not highly recommend at this time.

While there can be myriad of reasons for such travel advisories, some of the more common ones include factors such as political upheaval, devastation from weather happenings, poor economic conditions, threats of terrorism etc. By having as many details in-hand, you are better suited to decide where you want to go.

Do You Research

For starters, you can do lots of your own research before you ever sit down to talk with a travel company.

Among the areas to cover:

  • Do they have customized packages available? If so, what all do they include?
  • How do their rates compare to other travel companies, some of which you may be interested in dealing with?
  • Do they have any money-back guarantee offers regarding their trips?
  • How far in advance should you typically book a major trip?
  • Do they recommend travel insurance for your vacation?

Whether you have a travel addiction or you’re just the occasional traveler, do your best to be educated on where you’re going and how you are arriving there.

Best Times to Travel?

Certain worldwide destinations are better off going to during particular times of the year.

For example, someone wanting to see all of Alaska’s beauty is not typically inclined to go there in the wintertime. Not only can many of the roads be impassable, but transportation just getting there can prove quite difficult.

Meantime, are you currently in a cold weather region of the U.S., looking to escape that for a week or two? If so, heading south of course is your best option.

If you like crowds, heading to Brazil for the famed Rio Carnival may very well get your attention. Not only are you sure to fine lots of people and entertainment, but the weather should be rather ideal for snowbirds needing a break from cold and snow.

Also look at what the expenses will be in going to a site that is in particularly high demand from travelers.

Although some area may not be your first choice, going there may save you some dollars, money saved while other travelers have flocked elsewhere.

At the end of the day, knowing all you can about your next travel destination is what should be your top priority.

By knowing all you can about it, you can determine if it is truly where you want to go.

If it isn’t, then turn your focus elsewhere, allowing you to get to that place you will remember for years to come.

10 Signs You’re Addicted to Travel

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Is traveling is your passion and your whole reason to live? Whenever you’re home for more than a week, do you start feeling like it’s time to pick your bags and hit the road again? There’s always a new, mysterious destination lying beyond the horizon, waiting for you to discover it. But are you a true travel junkie, or are you just looking for the best place to settle down?

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Image used with permission from http://www.thecanvasfactory.com.au/

You’re always telling stories about your travel experiences

Whether you are on your cousin’s birthday or talking with your friends, you somehow find a way to relate your traveling experiences with the topic of the conversation. That’s why your friends can always count on your crazy stories to amuse them in a party.

You can sleep anywhere

Hotels? Sure, there are lots of very fine ones.  But if you are a true traveller, you can sleep over your own luggage if needed.

For you traveling is not about staying on a nice hotel and getting tanned next to the pool, but about exploring cultures and places you’ve only seen in your dreams.

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You are jet lag-proof

You have travelled through so many time zones that your body can recover in no time. Those days where you still felt sick a week after landing are in the past and jet lag holds no power over you. Now, you only need a bed and a couple of days of rest before you’re ready for your newest adventure.

You have friends all over the world

Traveling is more than just looking at scenic places. For you the most memorable moments of your trip are those shared in the company of friends and strangers that you meet during your trip.

You never unpack your suitcase, even when you’re at home

A true adventurer never stops traveling, so why bother unpacking when you’ll be on your way soon? For you, home is where the heart is.

You spend your free time at home browsing travel websites

You don’t really care about the news or the latest best seller. All that you care is that there’s so many interesting places out there you haven’t seen yet; so what could possibly be a better use of your time that learning about them while you’re grounded at home?

You can give directions in cities you don’t even live in

Traveling has helped you develop an acute sense of orientation. That’s why you feel at ease whether you’re walking through the streets of Sydney, or catching a ride in Karachi. You’re basically a human GPS that can find its way to any city on the world except home.

You haven’t finished a trip when you have already begun to plan the next

You always keep a mental list of the places where you want to go. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting the exotic Bali, or marvelling at the pyramids of Chichen Itza; you always know that there is a fascinating place out there you haven’t been to…YET!

You keep trying to convince your friends to travel

Somehow, every time you’re catching up with your friends you always end up trying to convince them to come with you on your next trip. And why wouldn’t you? After all, every adventure hero needs a sidekick, right?

As soon as your trip is over you want to do it all over again

Traveling is expensive, exhausting and sometimes extremely frustrating; but no matter what obstacles you find on your way, you wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Important things to know before traveling to the USA

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Planning on traveling to the USA on holiday for the first time this year? While there is much to see and do in this exciting country, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind as you plan your trip to America … check out our list below:

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1) Apply for a visa waiver before packing your bags

Unlike many other nations in the developed world, entry into the United States of America is tightly controlled, even for western nationalities.

Even Canadians, who have the easiest requirements to meet, are routinely grilled with questions by eagle-eyed border guards trained to sniff out individuals with less than noble intentions.

As long as you look into visa waiver programs before booking your ticket (which will allow you 90 days of travel in America for business and/or pleasure), and remain calm as you answer the queries that Homeland Security asks of you, everything will be fine.

2) The United States is a massive country

The USA is not like the United Kingdom or France – measuring 4,314 kilometres east to west, and 2,514 kilometres north to south at their widest points, this country is impossible to experience in its entirety during the standard two week holiday.

Even if you use the maximum 90 day allotment that your visa waiver provides you, you’ll be constantly rushing around, which will make it hard to soak in your destinations.

As a result, it is best that you confine yourself to one or two geographical regions during your stay in the USA.

3) Tipping culture is pervasive

Throughout much of the Western world, gratuities for workers in the service industry are either included in the bill, or wages are at a rate that makes leaving a sizable one unnecessary. In America, the choice of whether to leave a tip is left up to the consumer.

Most citizens opt to do so for even sub-par service though, as wages for many jobs in this sector in the USA are very low ($2.13 an hour, though servers that don’t make enough in gratuities in a given month are topped up to $7.25 an hour over the amount of time that they worked).

For acceptable service, 15-20% is standard, and locals are more than happy to tip more than that for an exceptional experience.

4) Units of measurement are in imperial units, not metric

Just drove away from the airport in your rental car, and are shocked at how slow freeway speed limits are in the USA? Unless you are from Germany or Italy, you might be mistaking miles per hour for kilometres.

Units in America are still in imperial units, despite most other nations switching to metric more than a generation ago. Other things to watch for: temperature is in Fahrenheit, petrol/gas is sold by the gallon, and product measurements are in ounces and pounds.

5) Travel to the US can be a costly affair

It’s good to start pre-planning a while in advance as flights can be anywhere up to $600 one way depending on where you are flying from. Expedia often run deals, sometimes you get upto 60% off last minute offers, these can be found on mamma.com. Make sure you look out for various deals and get saving well in advance.

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