5 Useful Tips For Planning Short Trips
By
admin
Have you ever found yourself desperately in need of a break, but unable to fit one in your schedule? You will be surprised to learn that it is possible to fit in quite a lot in just a couple of days if you plan your trip well. Please find below useful tips to keep in mind when planning for short trips.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
You want a destination that is easy to get to. Since your time is limited, you do not want to waste it on long bus and taxi rides. In addition, taxi rides will eat into your budget. If you opt for an international destination, choose one that is not more than a 3-hour flight away.
Consider Traveling in the Off-Season
For lower rates and fewer crowds, the off-season is a perfect time to schedule a refreshing time away. The bonus is you will not only save money on the airfare, but you will find shorter queues at the airports.
Traveling in the off-season means that you will not spend time waiting in long lines to gain access to popular attractions. Temperatures are cooler, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
When you travel in the off-season you can take good, unique pictures without people milling around. In addition, it is a good time to get to know the locals. They are more likely to open up when there are fewer tourists around.
The off-season also means relaxed hotel staff who will extend more personalized service. Overall, off-season travel is less stressful.
Choose Your Travelling Companions Wisely
You will make much better use of your limited time if you travel with like-minded friends and family who have similar goals. For example, they will have no problem accompanying you early in the morning if you are aiming to be first in line for a museum tour.
Therefore, if you do not wish to travel solo, invite friends who are compatible and who will be good company for a memorable time away.
Prioritize on the Sights You Want to See Most
If you only have a few hours to spend at a destination, you will not be able to fit in multiple sights. Pick one major attraction or two at the most. It is better to take time to savor the delights of one sight rather than attempting to cover them all.
Reserve an Organized Tour
Rather than spending precious time finding your way around unfamiliar streets, it is better to hop onto a tour bus. In many major cities, city tour excursions operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis.
They are a great way to get an overview of a city. Use the tour to get your bearings and perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a sight that you will want to explore more thoroughly on another occasion.
Some cities also offer walking tours that not only help you get acquainted with a city but also offer an opportunity to meet other travelers.
Draft a Detailed Itinerary
A precise itinerary that includes all the necessary addresses, hours of operation for facilities and places of interest, and other details will help you make the most of your time for the following reasons:
- There is no danger of losing your way
- You will not waste your time waiting in queues
- There won’t be any moments of boredom or indecision about where to go
- Places of interest that you would like to visit will be open for business.
With proper planning, you can achieve a getaway that will be both exciting and memorable.…
December 29, 2020
Antwerp, Belgium Travel Guide
By
admin
Antwerp is Belgium’s capital of cool, biggest port, and second largest city. For long, it has been a powerful magnet for everyone from club queens and moguls to diamond dealers and art lovers. In the mid sixteenth century, it was one of the most important cities in Europe and home to Pieter Paul Rubens, the baroque superstar painter. Despite severe WWII bombing and many historical travails, Antwerp maintain a fascinating medieval heart with lots of café-filled cobbled lanes, a truly magnificent cathedral, and a riverside fortress. However, today, the top drawcards of Antwerp are its entertainment scene and vibrant fashion, along with its remarkable cultural and architectural contrasts. Here are the top must-see attractions in Antwerp, Belgium.
Museum Plantin-Moretus
The 1662 courtyard and medieval building alone is worth visiting, but it is the oldest printing press in the world, original type sets and priceless manuscripts that confirm the UNESCO World Heritage status in this museum. Other great highlights include rooms brushed with glit leather, a 1700 bookshop, and a 1640 library.
Rubenshuis
This gracefully permissive 1611 mansion was constructed as a studio and home for Pieter Paul Rubens, a celebrated painter. In 1937, it was saved from ruin and has been sensitively restored with a collection of 17th-century art and furniture from Rubens’ era. There are about a dozen Rubens canvasses, most notably his hated self-portrait and a canvas of Eve glancing at Adam’s fig leaf.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedral
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedral is the finest gothic cathedral in Belgium. Wherever you are in Antwerp, its gracious spire will pop into view unexpectedly and it will definitely prompt a gasp of awe. The imposing interior of the cathedral sports baroque decorations, including 4 early Rubens canvases.
Snijder-Rockoxhuis
Combining the impressive seventeenth-century houses of Nicolaas Rockox and Frans Snijders, this museum does a fantastic job of making 16th and 17th century masterpieces accessible with a helpful 6-minute film, headphones, and tablet tour. Artists represented include Rubens, Van der Weyden, Brueghel, and Van Dyck.
Grote Markt
As with most great Flemish city, the medieval heart of Antwerp is a classic market square. Here the pedestrianized space features the baroque Brabo Fountain portraying the hero of Antwerp’s hand-throwing foundation legend. Flanked on each side by photogenic guildhalls, this square is overlooked by a spectacular Italo-Flemish Renaissance style stadhuis.
Red Star Line Museum
Between 1873 and 1934, more than two million passengers sailed on Red Star Line from Antwerp, most of them immigrants heading for America. This museum is extremely engaging and beautifully designed, telling the tale of individual journeys through objects, recreations, and photographs. …
Tips For Planning Your First Trip to New Zealand
By
admin
When New Zealand is mentioned, we envision breathtaking scenery, adventure sports, and lots of sheep. New Zealand has a wealth of attractions to offer, and if you are planning your first visit to this amazing country, here are some tips to keep in mind.
The weather
New Zealand is known for its unpredictable weather and temperatures drop the further south you travel. The summer months of December to February are warm, however, they are also the busiest months for travel, hence the rates are at their peak.
For fewer crowds, you may choose to schedule your visit during the autumn months between March and May before winter sets in. The weather is ideal, and prices lower than during the summer season.
For snow-sports enthusiasts, however, winter is the best time to visit. July and August are ideal months for skiing on the slopes of the Southern Alps and Queenstown is a popular destination at this time.
The spring months of September-November have warm days and cool nights. This is a pretty season that presents lovely sights of flowers popping up in the field.
What to pack
Due to the uncertainty of the weather, the wise move is to go for layers because no matter what the season id, you may encounter unexpected cool spells.Crucial items that should appear on your packing list include:
- A protective rain jacket
- T-shirts
- Pants
- Hat
- Long sleeved shirts
- Sunscreen
- A jumper
- A good camera
- Walking/hiking shoes
- Insect repellent
The Top Attractions to Visit
Paihia
A town on New Zealand’s North Island, Paihia is the base from which you can explore the Bay of Islands. These sub-tropical islands are over 140 in number and they represent some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches. They are untouched and undeveloped, with calm blue water, surrounded by vivid green vegetation. You have the possibility of swimming with dolphins at these beautiful islands.
While you are here, take a ferry ride to Russell, a charming town with historic buildings and art galleries. This seaside town is one of the earliest settlements dating back to the early 19th century. One of the most popular destinations in this region, Russell offers fishing activities as well as excellent restaurants along the Strand.
Kerikeri
This rich cultural center of New Zealand history was the home of a famous Maori chief Hongi Hika. Possible excursions from Kerikeri include a visit to Rainbow Falls. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk along the Kerikeri River track, an interesting route that takes you past old hydro-dams and a native forest.
Great Barrier Island
Also known as Aotea in Maori, the Great Barrier Island is located 100km north-east of Auckland. This is the 6th largest island of New Zealand and a unique location to take in the beauty of nature.
Revel in the long white beaches, rugged high cliffs and calm sandy bays. Explore the town on foot as you visit museums and boutiques. Alternatively, hire a car and check out the smaller towns.
Tryphena, at the south end of Great Barrier Island is one of the main population areas that was the site of a Maori fortified village in earlier times. There is great fishing here and also safe swimming.
New Zealand is famous for many more beautiful picturesque sites, a veritable photographer’s dream. It will take careful planning to narrow down the options before finalizing your itinerary.…
How to Deal with Motion Sickness
By
admin
Not everyone is a good traveler. For some, it is agony as they experience extreme discomfort caused by motion. The symptoms they manifest include dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats. This condition is known as motion or seasickness. What causes it, and are there measures that can be taken to deal with it?
What is Motion Sickness?
This is a feeling of illness that comes about as a result of the disturbance of the inner ear. Those who suffer from motion sickness experience this feeling when they travel by air, boat, car, or train.
It is believed that motion sickness is a result of conflict between what we see, for example, motion and what the inner ears sense: stillness. The mixed signals result in a feeling of dizziness and general illness.
How to Deal With Motion Sickness
- When Traveling by Car
You can minimize the chances of motion sickness by literally taking control of the vehicle. Evidence shows those who sit in the driver’s seat do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you must travel as a passenger, avoid reading, keep your eyes fixed on the horizon and ensure that there is a flow of fresh air in the vehicle.
- When Traveling by Air
Select a seat in a calm area; the middle of the aircraft is a good location because you will experience less motion there. A window seat also works as you can look outside. Turn the air vent to face you so that you can get a flow of cool air.
- When Traveling by Sea
A cabin in the middle of the ship will minimize motion. Close your eyes to dispel the dispute between vision and the inner ear. Alternatively, sit on the deck and focus on the horizon.
- What to Eat
It is recommended that you avoid rich spicy food before and during travel. It is also best to eat light, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol which speeds up dehydration. Dry crackers and sucking on a lozenge may also help to settle feelings of nausea.
Other Remedies for Motion Sickness include:
Ginger
An ancient cure, ginger has been found effective in combating nausea and some ingest it prior to sailing. You can either use fresh ginger or purchase it in tablet form.
Scopolamine Patch
This is a prescribed medication that comes in the form of a patch. It prevents nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. The patch is placed behind the ears a few hours before travel and left in place for up to 3 days.
Antihistamines
These include Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate (marketed under the trade name Dramamine). These drugs effectively prevent the symptoms associated with motion sickness; however, the drawback is that they cause drowsiness.
The above shows that it is possible to beat motion sickness by planning ahead and taking preventive measures. Plan your diet, rest, and select a good seat and you will enjoy a trouble-free journey.…
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
By
admin
Flying as a means of travel has many advantages. After checking in for your flight, you can lean back and relax; there is no need to consult maps or navigate traffic to your destination. Upon boarding the aircraft, all meals and drinks are brought right to your seat without the need to queue.
However, even the most seasoned travelers are less than thrilled when they are confronted with long-haul flights, particularly if they are traveling economy class. Long-Haul flights can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring. Here is how to survive a long-haul flight and arrive at your destination in optimum condition.
The Seat You Choose is of Utmost Importance
Key to surviving a long-haul flight is to secure an aisle seat. The advantage of an aisle seat is that it gives you the freedom to get up and move around as frequently as you wish without disturbing the passenger(s) next to you.
Check the airline seat map on their website to identify a suitable seat. When in doubt, consult ‘SeatGuru’ for a description of the seating area.
Getting up to walk the aisles and stretching your muscles is recommended on long flights. This is to get your blood circulating. This can prevent potential blood clots from forming.
To Attain Restful Sleep
Not everyone can fall asleep on a plane, however, there are certain measures you can take to aid relaxation and possibly help you to doze off. This will greatly improve your chances of surviving the long-haul flight and arriving refreshed at your destination.
An important accessory to have is a neck pillow which will cushion you and keep your head in place. The motion of a falling head is often what interrupts sleep. Noise canceling headphones are also invaluable. Covering the eyes with a mask will block out the light and aid sleep.
What to Wear
It is difficult to sleep if you are cold, and cabin temperatures are known for fluctuating from one extreme to another. Hence, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that does not fit too snugly, composed of layers. Warm socks will come in handy, as well as a large scarf which can double up as a pillow if need be.
What Should You Carry on Board?
Carry with you items that will help you get comfortable for the flight. A sanitizer to wipe down surfaces such as the seat belt, TV screen, seat Trays and other items will help you feel safe and secure. It is important to have prescription medication with you, as well as pain killers.
Airline cabins dry out the skin, therefore, a moisturizer will be useful. A toothbrush, toothpaste and comb will come in handy when you arrive at the other end.
Airline entertainment systems have been known to fail, therefore carry a back-up in the form of a book, e-reader, or downloaded games on your tablet to keep you amused.
Hydrate!
Cabin air lacks humidity with levels of 15-20% compared to humidity levels of 30-65% on the ground depending on where in the world we are. It is therefore good practice to begin hydrating even before you get on board. Carry an empty water bottle to refill during the journey. It is also advisable to limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to 1 or 2.
In addition to the above measures, you can survive a long-haul flight if you get on board with a positive attitude. View the flight as a much-needed break, that will enable you to catch your breath before the next adventure begins at your destination.…
Best Places to travel in Tasmania, Australia
By
admin
Tasmania is the smallest state located in Australia, but it is a popular destination as well. In Tasmania, you will get a chance to experience different things. Here, you can explore the famous World Heritage Listed Wildlife spots, different towns that are historically important, huge and sturdy coastlines, beautiful and splendid mountains, freshwater filled beaches, wonderful wildlife, and delicious food cuisines. You can also go Hiking, and Trekking here.
Tasmania also boasts of some of the most scenic golf courses in Australia. As a matter of fact, four of the top 13 golf courses in Australia can be found in Tasmania, according to the Australian Golf Digest 2020. No doubt, it’s a great place to relax, focus, or meet potential new business partners. Make sure to get some unique golf poker chip markers if they’re available at the souvenir shop.
No doubt, Tasmania is an ideal place where you can spend a great time during your vacations.
There are historical sites, cultural heritage, and beautiful islands, there are many popular tourist attractions that you can explore in Tasmania. In this article, I have added a shortlist of some of the best places to visit in Tasmania. So, if you are going to travel to this amazing state then make sure to read this travel guide till the end, as it will prove much helpful for you.
Richmond
Richmond is a small yet attractive town that is located almost at a mileage of 25 KM from Hobart. The town is a home for several historical sites. Here you can take a long walk along with the riverside. In this town, you will get a chance to visit some of the oldest buildings in Australia that were built in the year 1825. Another famous tourist attraction in Tasmania is St. John’s which is the oldest Roman Catholic Church.
If you visit this place then don’t forget to explore the Richmond Gaol as well. You can walk around there and travel across the heritage listed sites located there.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is another beautiful place with deep-sea caves and high towering sea cliffs, with different animal species such as the fairy penguins, fur seals, and loads of birdlife as well. Bruny Island is easily accessible and you can reach here in a short time span from Hobart.
The best time to visit Bruny Island lies from April to September. If you visit this island at the right time then you can get a chance to see the wandering whales here. This island is best in all aspects especially when it comes to local food and high-quality wine, you will get many delicious cuisines here as well.
Also, you will get a vast range of accommodation alternatives here. You can do camping here or you can stay in one of the self-contained cottages.
Corinna
Corinna is a small, quiet and a remote town that is located on the bank of the river Pieman near the Tarkine end.
Here you can stay in a rustic cottage, explore the large rainforest you can go for kayaking in the river or you can get a cruise ride on the Arcadia II.
This place is no doubt ideal for those people who love and admire art. Also, if you are a photographer or a nature admirer then you should visit this place for sure.
Here you will get a lot more things to discover as well.
Corinna plays a significant role in the maintenance of ecology near the surrounding areas.
…
Recent Comments