Travel

It might seem a bit early to be thinking about getting ready for your big summer holiday, but many of the preparations you need to make can take time – and the sooner you get everything sorted, the less likely you are to run into problems just before you head off.

The first stage is, of course, booking your trip. If you’ve taken care of that already, good for you; if not, then start browsing now! Although it’s true you can get some great deals on last-minute holidays, you won’t necessarily find the right kind of holiday package at your preferred destination, so compromise is almost inevitable for a late booking.

By contrast, booking in plenty of time means you get a better choice, so you can make sure your holiday is the one you desire rather than one that saved you some money. It’s fair to say that the idea you’ll always save money on a last-minute deal isn’t entirely true; travel companies also offer better rates to customers booking well in advance, so the earlier you book, the lower the rate you pay.

Another vital task to take care of in plenty of time is sorting your paperwork. It can take a while to renew a passport or arrange visas and other essential documents, and without them, you aren’t going anywhere. Make sure you know what you need and that everything is up to date and won’t expire until well after you return from holiday. Don’t forget to book your time off from work, including time either side to allow for preparation and travelling.

If you want to get fit or lose weight before your holiday, the sooner you start your diet and exercise plan, the better. Having more time takes the pressure off and allows you to work on your weight and fitness in a manageable, healthy way rather than going on an unhealthy last-minute fad diet. Feeling fit enough to enjoy your holiday and confident about the way you look will make your trip far more enjoyable, so it’s worth getting to work on your physical health right now.

It’s also a good idea to get your sight tested as well, so you can make sure you see all the amazing sights you’ll encounter when you’re away. Book an appointment with an optometrist Summerville or wherever you’re located, and they’ll check you have the right prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses. You can also get prescription sunglasses for your trip, which you’ll be needing with any luck!

If you’re using your car to get you to the airport or for the entire trip, book a maintenance service with a few weeks leeway before you go. Don’t take the chance it will be ok, because if it should break down you’ll have a whole lot of problems to deal with. If you’re taking a taxi, book in plenty of time so you get the service you want at the best rate.

Take care of these simple preparations, and when the time comes all you need to do is get yourself packed and away on time for the holiday of your life!

If you want to breathe in a backdrop of beautiful mountains, plains and rivers, you will not need to look any further than colourful Colorado. After all, the great state is filled with many stunning national parks, scenic drives and outdoor adventures, which will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

If you are planning to book a visit in the future, here are the five best attractions to visit in Colorado.

• Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is located a few miles away from the picturesque town of Estes Park. Once you step inside, you will realise why it is one of the most popular parks in all of America, as it offers gorgeous alpine lakes, forests, meadows, mountain peaks and wildlife. It’s the ultimate attraction for avid hikers, as it offers more than 100 peaks that stretch over 10,000 feet.

• Denver Zoo

If you are travelling to Colorado as a family, you can guarantee the children will want to spend the whole trip inside Denver Zoo, which is home to more than 4,300 animals from 650 species.

Here the kids can meet Asian elephants, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and African lions, and the whole family can take their pick from numerous experiences, such as feedings, interactive exhibits and shows. It also regularly offers many seasonal shows, so you’ll be tempted to find luxurious apartments for rent in Denver to ensure you don’t miss one superb event!

• Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is one of the most unique landmarks in America, offering a distinctive landscape of jagged stone towers, which reach heights of up to 300 feet. It also features giant boulders and rock piles that complement the distant mountains.

It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as you can enjoy everything from rock climbing and road biking to horseback riding and Segway tours.

• San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

If you love nothing more than a scenic road trip, hop into a car and make your way across the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, which runs from Silverton, an old mining town, to the town of Ouray.

You can journey 46-kilometres along the two-lane highway, which allows you to drive through beautiful valleys and look across jaw-dropping cliffs.

• Dinosaur National Monument

History and archaeology lovers will not want to miss the Dinosaur National Monument, which is located in northwest Colorado. Here you can view genuine dinosaur remains that are embedded into the exposed rock walls.

You also can view petroglyphs that provide visitors with an insight into the historical culture and people who once resided here. The surroundings are also complemented by the Green and Yampa Rivers, cliff walls, and a dry landscape.

Don’t forget to step inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall, which displays numerous fossils in various states, such as fully-assembled skeletons. It also offers large windows that welcome natural sunlight so that it will feel more like an excavation site instead of a museum. It’s the perfect attraction for all the family.

Road trips are a great way to get out and visit places you’ve never been before, allowing you to experience different cultures and cuisines. If you are planning on taking a road trip across Europe, we have created a list of road essentials for a European road trip, which are listed below.

6. Roadside Emergency Tools

Before embarking on a road trip, it is important to make sure you have the tools you might need in an emergency. This means you should have at least one can of gas, a flashlight, jumper cables, and most importantly, a good spare tyre. If you are in the UK, you can get your car checked out at Kwik Fit to make sure your car is in great shape to make the trip.

5. Traveling Companion

There’s nothing wrong with going on a road trip by yourself, but the trip will be a lot more interesting if you have a companion with you. It could be your four-legged friend of another human to share some of the driving with you.

4. Hygiene Products

Being stuck in a car for hours tends to lead to some interesting smells, which is why you should make sure you pack enough hygiene products to keep you smelling fresh during your trip. Essentials like shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toilet paper, and body spray are a must.

3. GPS

Going on a road trip is so much fun these days because your destination is easier to find thanks to GPS. You no longer have to worry about taking a map with you as long as you have a functioning GPS device. However, since there are still some places around Europe with shoddy cell phone service, it is always a good idea to take a picture of the directions before you leave, which will come in handy if you find yourself in an area where the GPS isn’t working.

2. Snacks and Water

A quick way to go broke on a road trip is stopping at restaurants or gas stations to get something to eat. You can save yourself some money and time by packing some snacks and water/soda with you so you only have to spend money on proper meals.

1. Entertainment

Nothing says road trip like having your favorite tunes to jam to. Make sure you take your music, books, movies and whatever type of entertainment you need so you and your passenger(s) don’t get bored on the trip.

Preparing for your next trip? explore some of Europe’s best scenic road trips curiosity of Kwik Fit.

If you have an international trip that you want to plan, there are a number of factors you need to consider like, making sure you have your passport, booking flights, getting time off work, and of course, deciding where to stay. With the rise of Airbnb and the abundance of online travel agent sites, there’s no short supply of possible hotels and residences where you can stay when you travel abroad. But how do you make the right choice? Here are tips for booking the right hotel for you when traveling overseas.

Factor in proximity

If you’re planning a trip to a famous city, like Athens, Greece, or Barcelona, Spain, you likely want to make sure that you choose a hotel where you can easily get to the major part of the city. You may be able to find a cheaper hotel that’s a significant distance away from the city, but if you know that transportation is going to be an issue (if taxis are scarce or transportation is known to be expensive), then it’s probably a good idea to spend the extra money to stay closer to the city. In some cases, hotels that are more centrally located are not as nice (since they’re paying for real estate, not luxury), but if you’re planning on spending most of your time out of the hotel, it won’t really matter anyways. Being able to walk to your planned activities is a luxury, and it will save some headache to know you don’t have to worry about additional transportation once your plane lands and you arrive at your hotel.

Double check the details

Especially in older part of the world, do not trust that hotel owners maintain their websites frequently. The last thing you want is to book a hotel room for your trip, and then arrive at that hotel to find that it no longer exists. Do your due diligence to research your potential hotel choices. Use travel review sites to find recent reviews from past customers to help you make the most informed decision. Also, do an address lookup online to make sure that you can verify it across Google Maps and other online authenticators. This is a small step that can save you a big hassle down the road.

Hotel vs. Airbnb

If you’re trying to decide between staying in a hotel or staying in an Airbnb, there are a few options to consider. First things first, some travel destinations may not offer Airbnb, so that rules it out pretty quickly. Secondly, consider the general safety of your travel destination. If crime is high, then a secure hotel is probably the way to go. If safety is not as issue, and you want a truly personal experience – maybe if you’re traveling somewhere remote or on an environmentally-driven trip away from major cities – then an Airbnb may provide a truly unique and personalized option.

In many cases, your Airbnb can provide a memorable experience in-and-of itself! If you want a true taste of local flavor, décor, and home-living, Airbnb is definitely the way to go.

When people imagine a luxury travel experience, they may think about a private jet that picks them up and sweeps them away to a far-off corner of the world, where there is no one around. The reality is, most people do not have their own private island, let alone their own personal plane to use. Still, booking a luxurious travel stay can be more affordable than ever if you simply know how to prepare for it. The very first step is to save money for the trip. After all, there should be no reason for you to go into debt due to a few days spent away. Remember to draw the line between a travel experience that you cannot afford, such as a private jet, and booking an elegant accommodation somewhere unique. Furthermore, you should choose the occasion you are going for, treat yourself and enjoy every single moment of it.

Save money

Saving money for your trip should be your first priority. There is no need to use your credit card to pay for your entire experience, especially if it will put you in excessive amounts of debt. Make a monthly budget that you stick to, and purchase things you need as opposed to what you want in order to save more quickly as well. If you make this a habit, you will even learn how to live within your means in no time.

Special occasions

The location of your destination is incredibly important, but so is the event you are celebrating. It’s not every single day that you decide to spend more money on a particular trip, and although you’ll remember it regardless of the reason you go, consider making it extra special by going for a holiday, a celebration or even an anniversary. If you are celebrating your time spent with your significant other, you should choose a place for romantic getaways Chicago IL, such as The Champagne Lodge and Luxury Suites so that you have the right atmosphere for the occasion. Depending on your reason for going, your experience will be different but look for locations that offer special packages to make your trip one of a kind.

Treat yourself

Once you have some money saved and have chosen your special occasion, remember to treat yourself. After all, you have worked hard and deserve to spend a bit more on a lavish destination or souvenir. However, this isn’t something that you should make a habit of doing, as then these types of events will not be as special.

Enjoy every moment

When embarking on a trip, especially when it is fancier, it is important that you enjoy every moment of it. A good way to do this is to live in the moment and take in your surroundings. Put aside any stressful thoughts, and you will even find yourself relaxing and going back to your everyday routine more refreshed than ever.

Traveling is often seen as a luxury in and of itself, as it’s not something that everyone can do. Still, you deserve to treat yourself to a special destination and splurge more than you normally would, especially if you are celebrating something or someone special. In the event that you simply need a break away from work, it is still reason enough to book a luxurious stay somewhere. You must save the necessary funds for the trip and enjoy it to the fullest when you are there.

When it’s time for a holiday, sometimes figuring out where to go can be the biggest challenge. There are so many destinations both locally and globally to choose from depending on your preference. Over the years, staycations have become increasingly popular, and people are more open to exploring the hidden treasure within their countries. You may be reading this for a similar reason and be looking for ideas of places you can go within the UK. It may be pleasing to know that there are several destinations that you likely haven’t explored yet. You’re going to find three in particular which could be ideal for your next holiday below.

The Owl Barn, Anglesey

If you’re looking for a nice holiday spot in the UK, perhaps think about going to The Owl Barn in Anglesey. This is a great spot for the family as it’s jam-packed with attractions and activities. For one, there’s a beach, so if you decide to go during the summer, you can enjoy some warmth of the sun’s rays and clear waters. Additionally, there’s a pub and open countryside a stone’s throw away that you can enjoy. It is particularly suitable if you’re doing a big family holiday as it can accommodate up to two families, has a games room and more than enough baby gear. If you’re curious about other beach vacations, have a look at Coast Radar to find a variety of beaches around the UK, especially ones close to you.

Pentewan

In case you’ve never been to Cornwall, your next holiday is a perfect chance for you to do so. Located on the South Coast of Cornwall, this location offers an all-weather clubhouse with indoor swimming pools, soft play, fresh food, and areas ideal if you’re coming with family. There are also tennis courts, watersport centers, and an amusement arcade there to keep you busy. Pentewan sands consist of stunning views, good food, and it’s left to you to bring along great company. Other things that you can do in that Pentewan axis include visit the Megavissey Museum, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, visit the Porthpean beach and also engage in Cornwall watersports.

Cropton Cabins, North Yorkshire

When thinking of locations for your next holiday, it may be worth adding Cropton Cabins in North Yorkshire to the list. Seeing as it’s located on the edge of North York Moors National Park, it’s ideal if you want an outdoor and nature type of holiday. You’ll likely find stylish new cabins, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs. In addition, you can partake in onsite activities like dusk watching, archery, horse riding and laser combat as well.

A holiday should be filled with heart-warming memories that are impossible to duplicate. No matter what destination you decide to go to, you should feel relaxed, comfortable and engaged during your stay. There are so many locations in the UK. However, that can achieve this and more. The hope is that after reading this, you’ll find a local destination that makes you feel all of those things and more.

It doesn’t matter if you dream of discovering ancient ruins, exploring intriguing cities, adventuring up a mountain, absorbing picture perfect views, or relaxing on a beautiful, sunny beach, there are many exciting destinations for you to choose from across the world.

If you want to keep adding to your travel bucket list every year, all you need to do is check out the following best cities to visit in 2018.

Detroit, USA

Detroit has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Young creatives have transformed the once abandoned buildings into everything from galleries and distilleries to bike shops and bars. There’s even a new hockey and basketball arena located downtown.

The city is also expected to create three brand-new parks very soon, so it’s one city that’s expected to become increasingly popular with each passing year. Find the best vacation home rentals today to book your stay.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

For a city filled with cultural attractions, you’ll want to place Amsterdam at the top of your checklist. Here you can take your pick from luxurious accommodation and slick restaurants, which will ensure you have a truly enjoyable stay.

There are also plenty of things to keep you busy during your stay; for example, you can visit Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gough Museum, and the popular Dam Square. Here you can also eat street food, cycle your way past the beautiful canal, or enjoy a picnic at Vondelpark.

Labrador, Canada

Not only is Labrador utterly breath-taking, but it is also home to a new national park. Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve is located in the northern Labrador wilderness, and it’s the ideal destination for avid hikers. Also, at 4,131 square miles, it’s equivalent to the size of Jamaica.

Other notable landmarks you will not want to overlook include Gros Morne National Park, Western Brook Pond, and Corner Brook, so it’s perfect if you love to explore the great outdoors.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is easily one of the most underrated cities in Europe. In addition to an extensive classical music history, it’s also the opera capital of the continent. What’s more, it’s simple to travel from A to B across the compact city. Those who appreciate the finer things in life will certainly love Vienna, which is known for good food, good wine, and luxury accommodation.

You can also take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on the Wiener Riesenrad giant Ferris wheel. Despite its many fantastic attractions, such as Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna doesn’t experience too many tourists in comparison to other major cities.

Valletta, Malta

There is no better year to visit Valletta, as it is currently celebrating its award of European Capital of Culture 2018. Expect to marvel at the melting pot of European influences, as the capital was built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565. In celebration of its recent award, you can enjoy everything from fireworks, dance, theatre, opera, and music across the city.

When you hear the words ‘road trip’, you could be forgiven for automatically thinking of America’s Route 66, or Australia’s East coast. However, we shouldn’t forget the amazing offerings on our own shores.

So, with the music on and windows down — or the roof if you can and the weather permits — here are some of the best road trips the UK has to offer:

Scotland’s North Coast

Let’s start at the top. While the Proclaimers may believe in walking 500 miles, this route of the same distance is more suited to the car. The circular route takes in some of Scotland’s finest countryside, offering up an array of ruins, rugged fairways, castles and beaches for your viewing pleasure along the way.

The isolated route is an amazing way to escape the urban life and traffic congestions, skirting the coast from Inverness towards Bealach na Bà. With the trip recommended to take between four and seven days, a wise word of warning is it only offers sparse accommodation options, so be sure to plan your pit stops accordingly.

Northern Ireland’s coastal route

Journey across the Irish Sea and, while not as long as it’s Scottish counterpart, Northern Ireland’s coastal route is a must for scenery lovers. Offering bustling towns, peaceful lakelands, forests and cliffs, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet labelled the ‘wee country’ a must-visit destination.

As part of a five-day adventure, be sure to take the Causeway coastal route for exquisite views over the Mull of Kintyre, before taking a break to venture across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which hangs tentatively over an 80ft chasm. Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, is also along the route, before you head towards one of nature’s wonders — the Giant’s Causeway. Make sure you ask the locals about the mythological Finn McCool!

Other hotspots worth visiting include the Ulster American Folk Park just outside of Omagh, which details why two million people left Ulster for America in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the ruins of medieval Dunluce Caste which teeters on the edge of the ocean.  Northern Ireland really is a green dream.

Black Mountain Pass, Wales

Being only 22 miles long, it’s simple to complete the Welsh route and head home after a day, but it’s certainly worth spending more time here. The epic mountain road takes in the amazing scenery of the Brecon Beacons and unrivalled views of the Tywi Valley.

Fans of Top Gear have labelled this the ‘Top Gear road’, thanks to Jeremy Clarkson’s journeys on the route, and you’ll be likely to spot rustic farmhouses, farmers and the odd sheep. Its windy roads allow you to test your driving skills as you sweep through the twists and turns down in the valleys. It’s recommended you tackle the route from north to south.

The Atlantic Highway

On the North Cornwall coast, this 76-mile stretch begins in Barnstaple and finishes up in Newquay. It takes in some of the most breath-taking coastlines that the UK has to offer. Constantine Bay and Bedruthan Steps are both visible along the route, giving any budding photographers an opportunity to capture the perfect snap.

With access to some of the county’s prettiest fishing villages, as well as being the setting for Doc Martin, the route also known as the A39 leads to a mass of impressive beaches and the picturesque clifftop castle at Tintagel.

The Lake District

Would a list of UK destinations really be complete without a mention for the Lake District? Arguably the most scenic location in Britain, there are as many as 15 wonderful driving routes to take in all it has to offer and bask in its awesomeness. Home of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, the North West’s idyllic location offers up an array of stunning landscapes, mountains and pretty towns in which to have a pit stop.

Highlights that are a necessity include the quintessential scenery on show around Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere — you’ll be sure to fall in love with the area come rain or shine. Try to take in Lake Windermere for a play about on the water and Coniston Water, where Donald Campbell set many of his water speed records.

And, of course, key to any road trip is having a car worthy of spending your time in. The Vauxhall Corsa could be just that car. Twenty-five years on from the first model, the surprisingly spacious vehicle is suitable for the long roads and offers a budget-friendly option for you to hit the road in.

Sources

https://www.roughguides.com/article/best-road-trips-in-the-uk/

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/what-is-available/touring-holidays/car-touring/articles/5-day-northern-ireland-driving-itinerary/

https://www.express.co.uk/travel/activity/531353/Best-road-trips-in-the-UK

https://www.driving.co.uk/mazda-great-drives/great-drives-far-from-the-herd-on-the-black-mountain-pass/

https://www.avis.co.uk/drive-avis/driving-guides/great-drives/lake-district-road-trip

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/vauxhall/vauxhall-insignia-country-tourer-driven-best-vauxhall-lot/

Everyone knows about Route 66 in the US or touring the East coast of Australia, but what does the UK have

to offer? This article will look at the most scenic and pleasurable drives on our shores. It will also link to Vauxhall via an end section which states cars which are best suited to road trips in terms of comfort and affordability.