Ayngelina from “Bacon is Magic”
Blog: http://www.baconismagic.ca/
About Ayngelina:

“I’m Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I’m creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.”  To find out more about Ayngelina, please click here.

When it comes to traveling, Ayngelina says:

• “Pack enough clothing for one week not every foreseeable situation. You will want to buy clothing wherever you are anyway.”
• “You do not need fancy travelers clothing. You spend a lot of money on it and it’s all the more painful when you lose it or someone steals it. Unless you plan in alpine hiking, your regular clothes will do.”
• “Don’t plan too much! There’s nothing worse than realizing you will miss out on something great because you booked 6 months of airline tickets      in advance. It’s much more liberating to buy a one way ticket and let the spirit of adventure guide you.”

Rob from “Adventure Rob”
Blog: http://www.adventurerob.com/
About Rob:

“My name is Robert Fitzsimmons and I am a twenty-something year old from Portsmouth in England. I left my job at Christmas 2008 and started travelling and writing this blog early 2009. This website is my personal blog documenting what I do, the places I visit, my thoughts, photography and advice on things as well as the odd random musing. I hope it inspires others to leave the rat race like I have and travel!” To find out more about Rob, please click here.

Rob’s travel tips:

• “To sum up in one sentence, I’d advise you to pack light, plan a little (like I want to go to xx country and see xx) but don’t go deeper than that (like day-to-day planning).  Just do what you want to do! Don’t follow a book/blogger’s path…just feel free to use them for inspiration in your own travels.”

Shannon of “A Little Adrift”
Blog: http://alittleadrift.com/
About Shannon:

“Shannon O’Donnell here, I’m the chief (and only) traveler and storyteller here on A Little Adrift. I’ve circumnavigated the globe a few times now, and my perpetual travels started in the fall of 2008 when I set off  on a full-year traditional round the world trip. This blog started as a way to chronicle my personal round the world travels, and while it does still function like this I craft stories to inspire the arm-chair travelers out there, lend advice and inspiration for others setting off on RTW trips, and occasionally share resources and thoughts on location independence.”  For more information on Shannon, please click here.

Travel tips from Shannon:

• Pack lightly! “Pack Lightly and Enjoy Yourself! When I left to travel abroad for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the experience and a little stressed pre-trip about all of the details. Work through that, because once you leave it’s all an adventure from that point forward. You’ve heard the advice before, but I cannot stress enough that you should pack lightly and use a backpack rather than a roller suitcase if you plan to move around a lot. Then, once you’re over there, don’t cheap out on all of the experiences; although it’s easy to blow through a lot of cash because of the exchange rate, also keep in mind there are experiences (churches, train rides, hikes, tours, etc) that you may never again have the opportunity to experience — so do them! “

Emily of “Maiden Voyage”
Blog: http://maiden-voyage-travel.com/
About Emily:

“I’m Emily Starbuck Crone (formerly Emily Starbuck Gerson–just got married), a 20-something travel junkie and professional writer.  I’ve sailed to Santorini, strolled through the red light district of Hamburg, gawked at glaciers in Alaska, bathed in a hammam in Istanbul, explored ruins in Belize, and embarked on a variety of other adventures.”  For more on Emily, click here.

Tips:

• Expect the unexpected. “When you embark on world travel for the first time, prepare as much as you can, but expect the unexpected. One attitude I used to have been that I had to make a very detailed itinerary, and I would get upset if things deviated. While I believe that thorough research, especially about transportation and finances, is vital in advance, I’ve learned that you have to accept the fact that things won’t always go as planned. I arrived at a hotel in Istanbul, and even though I booked it months before, they lost my reservation and were overbooked. They had to send me to another nearby hotel that was nowhere near as nice. One time I ended up staying alone in Paris for a few nights because the friend who was supposed to be in town at the same time got mixed up and wasn’t there when I was there. I got really sick to my stomach in Windermere, England and missed exploring a part of the Lake District I had planned to see while I was there. And the list goes on. There will almost always be disappointments in something as logically complicated as world travel. But travel abroad also comes with endless great surprises. You’ll walk down a road and end up with breathtaking views you didn’t know were there. A local will suggest a no-name restaurant and you’ll have the best dining experience of your life. You’ll meet someone on a train who tells you about an amazing museum the guidebooks don’t even mention.”

• Carry a cheat sheet! “If you are going to a place that speaks a foreign language, it is always prudent to buy a pocket-sized guidebook to take with you. You may think that’s nerdy, but it’s honestly so helpful. Before you go, spend a little time learning the basic phrases that you will likely need to use. Locals are generally more likely to help you if you show an effort to try to communicate in their language–especially in certain countries such as France.”

• Understand important foreign traditions and customs. “Before you travel to another country, do some research to make sure you’re aware of important customs or traditions. For example, I learned in Italy that if you want to go inside one of the historic cathedrals, women are required to have their shoulders covered. It’s better to know some of these things in advance so as not to offend locals and appear ignorant. So many cultures already view Americans as ignorant–please don’t further that stereotype!”

• Take advantage of easily available resources, especially blogs! “When I was younger and started traveling, I didn’t know much about blogs. Now, there are countless travel blogs filled with priceless advice and tips from those who have been around the world. So many of these blogs are written by people in their late teens and 20s (including mine!), so they offer excellent tips for young people and those on a tight budget. Take advantage of them and do lots of reading before you go!”

Jason from “Life After Cubes”
Blog: http://www.lifeaftercubes.com/
About Jason:

“This site chronicles our path into our life after cubicles — we share our travel stories, travel tips & tricks, and our entrepreneurial attempts to sustain our life after cubes lifestyle.  Sharon and Jason went to the same high school (Folsom High School), but ironically never knew each other. They met in college, at the University of California Santa Cruz (go Slugs!), but didn’t start dating until after college when Sharon obsessively followed Jason to San Jose (in actuality, Sharon moved to San Jose for a job). After spending nearly 5 years toiling away for big companies in cubicles, they decided it was time for a change. October 19, 2009 began their life after cubicles with a one-way flight to Hong Kong.”  For more information on Jason, click here.

Jason’s travel tips:

• Don’t let packing stress you out!  “Don’t over think or stress about packing. You can always buy what you need at your destination. And in fact, purposefully under-packing and buying things there is a great way to learn about a new place and get some useful souvenirs.”
• Step outside of your comfort zone!  “Don’t be afraid to try new food or experiences. Make your default response, ‘yes’.”

Laura from “A Wandering Sole”
Blog: http://www.awanderingsole.com/
Bio:

“I am a twenty-something southern girl with a background in design. I’m a runner, a volunteer, an Africa enthusiast, and a bit of a free-spirit. I graduated from college in 2008, took a 10-week trip to Africa, and returned home to a crappy economy with $200 in my pocket. My sister and brother-in-law graciously let me move in with them, and shortly after, I found a job. And then I got antsy. So instead of waiting for the economy to turn around and for that dream job to appear from thin air, I took things into my own hands. I pulled out my travel guides and started planning”  For more information on Laura, click here.

Travel Tips from Laura:

• “Go prepared. If it’s your first time overseas, it will be less stressful if you have planned ahead. Have directions to your accommodations, know how to get from Point A to Point B. And, take a map!”
• “Give a friend or family member your itinerary with details of how they can get ahold of you, and let him/her know if something changes.”
• “Depending on where you are going, register with the US Embassy to receive travel warning updates.”
• “Know the emergency telephone number for the country you are visiting (unfortunately it’s not 9-1-1 in every country).”
• “Always carry US dollars on you for emergency situations and know where, and how often, you will have access to an ATM to withdrawal local currency.”
• “Once you’ve packed, remove about half of it. As long as you are prepared for the weather, I promise you don’t need to lug as much as you think!”
• “Bring an adaptor for your electronics!”
• “My first couple of trips overseas were either with school or family, so there was little stress and planning on my part. My first independent trip overseas was to Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania. For the most part, things went pretty smoothly. However, when I got to the Tanzanian border (I was traveling by bus), I did not have enough money for the visa. It had just doubled in price about a month earlier, and I didn’t know about it! I did a lot of begging and gave them all of the local currency I had to make up for what I lacked in US dollars. Finally, they agreed. It never hurts to double check things like the visa price right before you leave for your trip!”

Candice from “Candice Does the World”

Blog: http://www.candicedoestheworld.com/

Bio:

            “ My name is Candice Walsh. I’m a 20-something female dangling precariously on the edge of eastern Canada, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. You may recognize me as the angry redhead. My first travel experience occurred two years ago, when I left Canada for the first time and studied for six weeks in England. In that time, I hopped to Scotland, Ireland and Holland. This year, I’ve navigated Mexico and France. Ironically, now with the launch of my new travel writing career, I remain motionless. My current financial situation has me rounded indefinitely, until I plot world domination, win the lottery or marry a sugar-daddy. Or hey, maybe I’ll just pay off my student loans.” For more information on Candice, click here.

Candice’s Travel Tips:

• “Stop buying everyone a souvenir, and use that money for a new experience. The first time I studied abroad in England, I felt like I just HAD to buy a little something for all my friends and family…and the cost added up. Plus how original can these souvenirs be? I remember my friend bringing home a coffee mug from Paris for me, and on its underside, the words “Made in China” were engraved.

My souvenir of choice? Either a bottle of wine/alcohol from the country to share with my friends, or a postcard made from one of my original photos. Affordable and fun!”

About the Author: Brittany Sozak is a contributor for America By Rail, offering train tours and vacation packages across North America.

Travel time, for starters, can be a real killer. If you’re stuck on a train or in an airport for hours, it can start to get a little bit frustrating, especially if you’re hit with continuous delays. Pushing and shoving your way through bustling tourist hotspots might begin to drain you after a while, which might bring home comforts a-calling somewhat prematurely.

I’m not saying that traveling is too much – never! – but it’s only natural to get tired sometimes. In most major cities of the world, City Base Apartments have comfortable and altogether affordable resting places for you to put your feet up for the night and give yourself a well-needed thorough wash in the morning. A short-lived rest to break up the trip, if you feel it is necessary, of course, will also give you a chance to share your experiences with the world and catch up with friends and family.

Whether you need a break or not will obviously depend on how much time you have afforded yourself to travel the world. You might only begin to feel the urge for a nice comfortable bed if you are on a six-month-plus trip, during which you have spent three or four months on old, dirty, rock hard beds or rough, stony ground in various cities and towns of the world. If that’s the case, then you will be forgiven (I suppose) for wanting a good night’s sleep for once.

The world is a beautifully busy place and it is quite true that there is never enough time to see everything you want to see, but seven or eight hours of comfort won’t hurt if you’ve got seven or eight weeks of traveling to go.

When you feel the onset of travel fatigue or serious burn-out, stop, recharge your batteries and get out and see the rest of the world with your eyes wide open and not half closed!

Bakewell

If you have a sweet tooth then a quick visit to Bakewell, home of the legendary Bakewell pudding and tart, really is a must. This charming market town is nestled in the Derbyshire Dales and has plenty of interesting shops to peruse and cafes, pubs and restaurants to frequent.

Carsington Water

Walk or cycle around this huge reservoir or get out on Carsington Water itself and enjoy sailing and other such activities. There’s fun for all the family to be had here thanks to a children’s playground and the fact there’s a visitors’ centre where you can learn all about water.

Chatsworth House

Derbyshire and the surrounding area is blessed with an abundance of grand stately homes and they don’t come much more lavish than Chatsworth House. Have a look around the house, its garden, the on-site farmyard and let the little ones loose on the adventure playground.

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire

In the town of Chesterfield is a church with a difference. The infamous Crooked Spire is pretty much self-explanatory and can probably be classed as Derbyshire’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It has to be seen to be believed.

Crich Tramway Village

Transport yourself back to a golden era of British transport at Crich Tramway Village. This open-air museum is set in an Edwardian village where you can ride on the trams, peruse the shops or just soak up its unique atmosphere.

Dovedale

Set in the heart of the Peak District, Dovedale is believed to attract as many as a million visitors each year. Those who do venture to the valley can cross the stepping stones over the River Dove, visit Milldale village or scale Wolfscote Hill.

Heights of Abraham

Take to the air in a cable car to see stunning views of the surrounding area at the Heights of Abraham. Once at the top there are woodlands walks to enjoy, two caverns tours and a host of other exciting things to do and see.

Matlock Bath

Not far from the Heights of Abraham is the charming village of Matlock Bath. See the famous illuminations, firework displays, rafts races and other special events that go on throughout the year here, as well as take in the fascinating history of the place.

Peak Railway

Go back in time and take a special trip on the Peak Railway, a preserved line that is home to an array of steam trains. Learn more about these iconic forms of transport and you can even learn to drive a steam locomotive for yourself.

Sadler Gate

If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy then a trip to Derby is essential. The Sadler Gate area of the city is packed with boutique shops selling pretty much anything and everything you can imagine. After you’ve had your fill of shopping then head to Derby’s restaurant quarter for mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Source: Lonely Planet

This is it! After getting my 3-weeks of vacation approved, I finally decided on my next destination. South Africa I come! After much back and forth between Indonesia and South Africa, I finally made my decision. The flight isn’t booked yet and I guess it won’t be written in stone until then but one thing is for sure, I won’t change my mind again!! Flight prices seem to be quite high this week so I’m hoping they will go back down soon so I can go ahead and book the flight. But… until then, I did start doing some research on what I plan to visit. So far, I’m interested in Drakensberg, drive down the wild coast, make a stop at Tsitsikamma National Park for some more hiking by the shore and then continue down the garden route and finally arrive in Cape Town (with a few days in the vineyards).  This being said, there are so many other places I’d like to visit but there just isn’t enough time!

This is where I need your help! I’m debating on a few things.

1. Should I rent a car or stick with Baz Bus?
2. If I do rent a car, do I need an international license? Is it safe to drive in the wild coast?
3. Any recommended “must-do” tours?
4. What are the recommended backpacker spots on the wild coast and garden route?
5. Where is the best place to mingle with locals? Somewhere between Durban and Cape Town…
6. Is there a somewhat decent place to go on a safari along the way as well? After spending 5 days on a safari in the Serengeti, I’m not really up to going out of my way for Kruger National Park.

Any other information from people who traveled to South Africa would be so greatly appreciated!!

Some people like to unwind in a spa, some have a passion for fashion, some like to party night after night and others like to be wined and dined in style.

Here are five suggestions of possible girly activities for anyone thinking of heading to iconic European cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Cardiff, Copenhagen or London in the not too distant future.

The Academy of Burlesque & Cabaret (Cardiff)    

The burlesque boom continues and more and more women, it seems, want to learn all about the art of seduction. You can do precisely that at Cardiff’s Academy of Burlesque & Cabaret in the form of interesting and entertaining tutorial lessons that are fun and bound to get a few pulses racing. With hotels in Cardiff Wales to fit every budget and classes to suit beginners and experts alike, women of all ages can get involved and do everything from the can-can to something a little more seductive.

The Badeschiff (Berlin)

The German capital city of Berlin has a real diverse and vibrant entertainment scene and proof of that can be found at The Badeschiff. It looks like an ordinary outdoor swimming on first inspection, but it’s more than that. Much more, in fact. A floating pool, open-air bar and a beach-style sunbathing area can be found onsite and visitors can also enjoy massages, expert fitness tuition, concerts and nightclub parties. This really is the place to go and been seen during the summer months as well as in the winter, when the saunas ensure you keep the cold at bay.

El Born (Barcelona)

There’s really no need to talk up Barcelona because it deserves the lofty praise it so often receives from tourists. Part of the charm and appeal of a city such as Barcelona is areas such as El Born. The maze of streets is lined with inviting bars, cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as a beautiful cathedral to have a look around. The beach is also just a 10-minute walk away, which means a weekend in Barcelona can bring together various different aspect – sun, sea, sand, shopping and sangria!

Christiania (Copenhagen)

Copenhagen is an extremely expensive city to visit. Fortunately, though, Christiania (Danish Website) is part of the Danish city where you can find plenty of bargain buys and enjoy some cut-price food and drink. For those of you who may have never heard of Christiania, it’s a commune famous for its lax laws, which means pretty much anything goes. Explore the weird and wonderful shops here, listen to live music in one of the bars or indulge in a bit of people spotting and simply watch the world go by.

Dans le Noir (London)

Every girl enjoys fine dining and the food served up at Dans le Noir will get your taste buds tingling like no other restaurant in Europe. The concept behind Dans le Noir is simple yet delivers spectacular results. Diners go on a culinary journey as they eat and drink in the dark, which is intended to heighten the senses. To make it a real night to remember then combine a visit to this trendy London eatery with a trip to a see a show in the city’s glamorous West End. From Legally Blonde to Shrek, there’s bound to be a show that you fancy watching.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Comfortable Seats & Beds

I am convinced trains offer the best comfort for budget travel. Of course, we’d all prefer to travel first class in an airplane but most of us don’t have the bucks to follow our wishes. And some of us prefer to spend our moulah elsewhere, like traveling (more)! This being said. trains do offer somewhat comfortable seats but if you’re traveling by train overnight, you have the option to book a bed. Now, what’s better than sleeping in a bed when you’re traveling?

Convenient Drop-Offs

Unlike airplanes that drop you off at the airport of your destination city which is almost always far away from city center, train stations are often conveniently located in the city. You save time and money traveling from the airport to the city’s tourist spot.

 Flexible Timetables

Most railway companies around the world offer flexible timetables. And this, especially if you’re traveling to a popular city or town. It gives you the flexibility to visit for an extra few hours if you’re not done and simply hop on the next train.

More Luggage

Traveling by train offers passengers the luxury to bring more luggage. There are generally no restrictions as per how much luggage you can check-in but it does vary by train company so do make sure to read their guidelines.

 No Long Line-Ups

Last but not least, there is no need to arrive 2-3 hours before departure to pass customs and security! This is personally the best part of traveling by train. It’s hassle free! For more detailed information on train travel news or timetables you can also visit the train sites directly, such as Amtrak for the US, Via Rail for Canada and Eurostar for Europe.

My dilemma with Indonesia is that I’m not quite sure what are the best place to visit in the country. But that aside, I’m not sure if Indonesia is the best country to visit first in the island archipel. Should I visit Indonesia first? The Philippines? Or Malaysia? What do each of these countries have to offer? I don’t know!! With all these debates on Indonesia & Co, South Africa came to mind. After such a great experience in Tanzania last year, I’d love to return to Africa. South Africa is one of those must-see countries on the continent so why not make it my next destination?

Regardless of what country I’ll choose as my next backpacking destination, I like to have variety in all of my trips. Meaning that I would like to spend some time visiting cities and towns to get acquainted with the locals, traditions and culture. I then like to spend another few days  on some adventure. It normally varies on the country I’m in but I really enjoy being in the mountains. And then I like to spend another few days relaxing on the beach. It’s how I like to end my trips, ya know, all relaxed!

If you’ve traveled to any of these places, please share your tips and information on Indonesia and/or South Africa. All feedback is appreciated! A great way to check your next destination flight rates is by the  flight checker tool. It’s a great resource to check flight costs, before deciding on a trip.

I did a little research and here are the “must-see and do’s” in Phoenix.

First being the Scottsdale Art Walk. This walk, a long time ago was once used to separate the city to the north, but now since Phoenix has grown so much it longer takes that stand. However, it still exists and it’s one of the best walks to experience within the city limits. The walk goes in and out of upscale art communities, old town gallery, and through the Main Street which takes you downtown. It’s a very social atmosphere. You will love it!

Photo Credit: planeteyetraveler

The Desert Botanical Garden. This is an easy way to get up close with the Sonoran desert. You will wander around the garden to explore parts of the city’s you will never experience unless you visit the Botanical gardens. Many plants, giant Saguaros are lovely to experience here.

photo credit: mattslandscape

See a Phoenix Suns game. Many of the major sports events are held within the city of Phoenix. One game that you should not miss out on is seeing a Phoenix Suns game. Not only is the game an experience, but also so is watching the audience. An easy way to get tickets is to visit suns tickets.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West that is located in the desert. Experiencing Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school is the desert is one of Phoenix top destinations to visit. The house is located between mountains in the desert, and everything is mini considering that it’s over 100 years old.

photo credit: tastedesigninc

Charter travel has a few common advantages. The following are the most beneficial for travelers:

The first outstanding quality that you will notice when you decide travel charter is a noticeably high level of luxury. At the lowest level of charter luxury, you have bus charters. When high school, college, and professional organizations need to take long trips, bus charters are often used. Most bus charter interiors include comfortable seats, a decorated interior, and restrooms. Next up are limousine charters. Typically limousine charters are very luxurious; they’re equipped with very comfortable seats, the latest entertainment media, and a very classy feel. Although they seat less, they exude professionalism and elegance. Lastly, jet charters offer the highest level of luxury. On your normal jet charter flight you can expect to be served gourmet food, receive the best customer service, have the most comfortable seat, and have the latest entertainment media available.

Another benefit to traveling charter is a reduced level of travel stress and anxiety. Charter travel pretty much eliminates all travel stresses because of the service and partial exclusivity that it offers. If you decide to use a jet charter, you won’t have to worry about waiting in long lines at the airport, mishandled luggage, or missed flights. You can show up right on time for your flight and your luggage comes with you on the plane! Bus charters will offer you a comfortable seat, side luggage storage, and a no overly crowded bus rides. Lastly, limousines will offer you extreme exclusivity and a relaxing but stylish ride to your destination.

Most people assume charter travel is unaffordable, but the truth is that it’s very affordable. There are many promotional offers that charter travel companies give to customers. Often companies will offer group discounts and special travel packages. Make sure that you shop around to find the best deal for you.

These combined advantages make charter travel the premier way to travel. Book a charter for your next adventure!

Go Dover to Calais

Driving down to the ferry port and onto the ferry immediately conjures images of the perfect family holiday; and for those looking to save a little money it really can be perfect. The most popular and cheapest way to get across the channel remains the Dover to Calais ferry, and can take as little as 90 minutes of travelling time before you’re touching down on French soil.

Head away from the crowds

Family holidays are all about exploring and being in the open space. Whether you’re looking for this to be in the countryside or on the beach, you can rest assured there is an abundance of destinations for you throughout France. The only problem is everyone is looking for the same thing, and with popularity comes an increase in price. But it isn’t like that all over the country. Great destinations such as Biarritz and the Drome still have the breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces as the other regions, but without the same cost.

Look for cheaper accommodation

The French market caters perfectly for family holidays and if you get a little creative and really investigate your options, there are great deals to be had. Rural French B&B’s are often much cheaper than their English equivalents and are great value for money, as are the many independently run campsites throughout the country.

Get looking online for deals

The holiday market has been completely transformed by the internet. You can scour the net for cheap holiday deals anywhere in the world, using any number of price comparison websites. Whatever form of accommodation you’re looking for, if you keep abreast of the action online there is huge scope to make considerable savings. Why not consider looking for all-inclusive accommodation? You may think this is reserved just for destinations like Spain and the Canary Islands, but you’d be wrong. More and more all-inclusive accommodation is becoming available in France. Have a look, and who knows what savings you could make.