Category: International

The Best Credit Cards For Travel Rewards

On September 25, 2018

If you travel frequently, a good travel reward credit card can provide you with great opportunities to save money and add peace of mind to your adventures. The following travel reward credit cards are the top recommended by reviewers around the country.

Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire suite of credit cards are an excellent value for earning travel rewards. Both cards accrue Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are redeemable in an online portal for a variety of travel rewards including airfare, hotels, rental cars and more. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to several different airline and hotel partner loyalty programs at a one for one rating. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you pay a $95 annual fee and will earn two points for every dollar spent on travel and food related expenses and one points for every dollar spent elsewhere. The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $450 annual fee and accrues three points for every dollar spend on travel and one point for every dollar spent elsewhere. It also includes an annual $300 travel credit and many additional perks that offset the high annual fee. The Preferred redeems points at 1.25 cents per point through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal while the Reserve redeems points at 1.5 cents per point.

The Platinum Card from American Express

The American Express Platinum Card is the top-rated travel credit card for 2018 according to The Points Guy. This card has a $550 annual fee but includes a $200 travel credit for airline incidental fees, $200 in Uber credits, $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits and access to lounges valued at $250. This card also provides its holder with Hilton Honors Gold status and Starwood Preferred Guest elite status. Hotels and flights booked through American Express earn five points per dollar spent and one point per dollar elsewhere.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card

The Capital One VentureOne rewards card is the best no annual fee travel rewards credit card. It offers 1.25 points per dollar spent everywhere and five points per dollar spent at hotels. The card has no foreign transaction fee which is unique for cards with no annual fee. Points stay valid without expiration and are redeemable for travel through Capital One’s reward portal.

Beautiful Places To Visit In Fall Bronislav Leydiker

Beautiful Places To Visit This Fall

By bronislavleydiker

On September 18, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel

With summer coming to a close, soon it will be time to break out the rakes and leaf blowers. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak away for a quick getaway. Fall is also one of the best seasons to take a vacation.

There are plenty of places you can visit to see fall foliage, but why not take a trip to one of these warm locations. Read this article to learn about some of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall!

San Francisco

Use the fall as an excuse to go tour Los Angeles’ northern cousin and enjoy everything it has to offer. Here in San Francisco, fall is known as “Indian Summer” because the warm weather is carried all the way through November. Fall in San Francisco is considered the season every person looks forward to because it’s when all the greatest events and festivals happen like the Treasure Island Music Festival.

Italy

Italy is one of the most most beautiful places in the world. From its ancient architecture to its historical locations, there are many reasons to visit Italy in fall. To start, airfare and accommodations are a lot cheaper during fall so getting around is easier than it is in other seasons. In the month of October, visitors can enjoy waking up to cool, crisp mornings and evenings while enjoying the sunshine in the afternoon. During autumn, you can attend some exclusive fall festivals like Boccaccessa Food and Wine Festival or the Bra Cheese Festival.

Mexico

Mexico is a place that is calm and serene during the fall as not many people travel during this time, making it the perfect season for a romantic getaway. The weather in Mexico is absolutely divine because it hardly rains, so be sure to get as much fresh air as you can while taking in the sight of the lush vegetation. Participate in the festivals that are only available in fall such as Day of the Dead or Reto al Tepozteco. Like Italy, the travel costs are low and that means the attractions won’t be crowded as much.

Everyone needs time to unwind, so fall is a great time to take a break from your career. There are many other places to go to during this time of year, so conduct some research to find the perfect fall getaway! The world is yours to explore!

How Travel Is Good For Your Health

By bronislavleydiker

On August 29, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel

Eating good food, enjoying the company of friends, and traveling are three things that seemingly everybody enjoys. While traveling typically does require people to be apart from their pets, loved ones, and friends, unless they’re welcome to hop aboard and tag along, the benefits of traveling greatly outweigh the negatives.

Just last year, the world’s population spent more than one trillion dollars on traveling – to be specific, $1,036 billion was spent across the planet by people who were traveling, according to the United States Travel Association.

Despite the allure and historical popularity of traveling, Americans have actually begun to travel less over the past two decades. A study published by Project: Time Off found that United States employees took only 16 vacation days in 2013 – in 2000, they took about 20. Regardless of this fact, traveling has major benefits for someone’s health.

Here are some of the most important, powerful benefits of traveling. While everybody might not experience all of them, most travelers do to some extent.

More Active When Traveling

When people vacation, they often rent homes and hotels to store their belongings and sleep at. Most of the vacationers’ time is spent away from their temporary places of living. As such, people who are actively traveling are more likely to be active than their non-traveling counterparts. Exercise, even physical activity as simple as walking is known to have positive effects on mental and physical health.

Dealing With Stress More Easily

In general, facing your mental health problems is almost always a better idea than running away from them. However, the American Psychological Association supports research that indicates frequent travelers view traveling as a break from mental health issues. Traveling can help people deal with stressors more easily.

Travel Makes Us Happier

Is constantly traveling as a means of lifting one’s mood a good idea? Probably not. However, going on a vacation or traveling, whether that’s for personal use or not, is linked to improved mood in most people, says Diamond Resorts International.

Traveling is a popular activity. It includes countless activities, sights to see, and interesting places along the way. Traveling frequently is suggested to make people happier with their lives. If you are thinking about traveling in the near future, consider these benefits and urge yourself to travel!

Combining Travel & Social Good - Bronislav Leydiker

Combining Travel and Social Good

By bronislavleydiker

On August 1, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It has become a major force for economic and social development. However, only one nickel out of every dollar spent by tourists in developing countries remains in the host region. Conventional tourism has many serious negative effects on local communities as well, such as disruption of local culture and pollution. Fortunately, opportunities are on the rise for travelers to make a positive difference. Check out these platforms that connect you with vetted local organizations to help you maximize your social impact with immersive experiences.

GOOD Travel

Set off with GOOD Travel to visit a trailblazing eco-village in Iceland or work on a solar energy project in Fifi. GOOD Travel hosts trips that make positive impacts in local economies, environments, and communities across the globe. You can join one of their existing trips or ask about building your custom itinerary.

Journey

Journey, offers six- to nine-day social impact excursions to domestic and international destinations. Journeys are comprised of two parts — impact work and cultural immersion — with projects such as school renovations, home construction and coral reef restoration. Each opportunity is a unique adventure into community, service, and self-discovery.

Operation Groundswell

Operation Groundswell is building a movement of “backpacktivists”, backpackers who have a passion for getting involved and giving. This organizations offers programs in 18 countries that are brimming with adventure, cultural education, and opportunities to volunteer. Choose a theme — education, environment, health, or human rights — or create your own topic to explore first-hand.

El Camino Travel

El Camino connects you with true Latin American culture throughout South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. You will interact with local businesses and artisans and let the natives show your their country as only they can. Many of El Camino’s “highly curated” recommendations are so new that they cannot be found on most popular trip planning websites.

For the Love of Travel

For the Love of Travel (FTLO), a boutique travel platform, promotes “slow” sustainable travel for Millennials. FTLO takes young globe trotters away from the hustle and bustle to connect deeply with local cultures around the US and abroad. To offset carbon footprints, FTLO plants 10 trees for each person who joins a trip.

Visit.org

Visit.org is a leading platform for socially responsible travelers. Visit.org offers activities and tours that directly benefit causes such as agriculture, human rights, and education. Choose a destination on any continent to support conservation, attend artisan workshops, or experience daily life in a village.

Tips On Going Camping

By bronislavleydiker

On July 10, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

Although camping is a great adventure once you get settled at your campsite, the challenge of planning and implementing a trip to the great outdoors can be tough for rookies. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your camping journey and to ensure that your experience is a great one from start to finish:

Don’t Skimp On A Tent

This is the place you will call home during your adventure so be careful not to underestimate its value to your experience. Make space a priority so that you don’t spend the trip feeling cramped and uncomfortable.

Double Check

Make your list and check it twice. Being organized is half of the battle when preparing to set out for the great outdoors. Savvy campers use their checklists as a planning tool and as a backup check.

Early Bird Gets The Worm

Especially during busy times, arriving at the campground as early as possible is a must-do. Not only will this ensure that you get the best choice of camping spots, but it will also help you to get set up and acquainted with your new surroundings during crucial daylight hours.

Meal Planning

As part of your checklist routine, be sure to plan out all meals so that you know you will arrive with all that you need to make al fresco dining one of the highlights of your trip.

Pack Smart

Don’t be caught wearing inadequate clothing because you did not bother to check all weather conditions. Be prepared for any sort of situation with more clothes than you think you will need. Camping is a dirty activity and you will likely need more than you think you do. Don’t be afraid to overpack for your trip!

Don’t Be A Weather Hero

Camping is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Be careful not to try to outsmart Mother Nature. Avoid severe weather and head home or to safe surroundings at the hint of severe weather.

Stay Close The First Time

If this is your first camping foray, experts advise to stick close to your site. Hedge your bets by choosing a location that you can make a quick escape from if things don’t go your way.

The best tip of all is to have fun and be safe! Enjoy the outdoors.

Before You Pick Your Travel Partner

By bronislavleydiker

On June 21, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

Traveling is an experience no matter where you end up going. There are new sites to see, cultures to experience, and people to meet. It’s even more fun to share the experience of traveling with another person. Finding a travel partner is a bit like choosing a mate, it’s important that they’re going to contribute positively to the relationship being built and experiences being shared. A travel partner can make or break your trip! Follow these tips and find the travel partner that’s right for you.

Consider Your Budgets

A discrepancy in cash flow can make things way more stressful than they need to be. Discuss expectations for spending and make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to expenses. Look to set aside extra money for potential excursions while on the trip.

Physical Fitness

This one might sound a little strange but if you enjoy doing a lot of strenuous outdoor activity and your partner doesn’t, or vice versa, you may have a hard time settling on things to do. Talk over what kind of activities you would like to do on the trip to ensure that both of you have a great experience.

Share In Good Conversation & Silence

It is ideal to be able to go on a trip with someone who you can have a good conversation with and also enjoy silence when it is needed. Look for someone who you are very comfortable with when looking for a travel partner.

What’s The Purpose Of The Trip?

Talk about what you both want to get out of the trip. If one person wants to primarily climb mountains but the other person primarily wants to shop, you might want to find someone who has more similar interests. However, if you don’t mind getting out there and trying new things, it could be great to have someone around that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Prone To Excessive Complaining?

This does not make for a good travel partner unless you’re a pro at putting up with it. For the sake of your traveling experience, you want to give this some consideration.

Night Owl or Morning Person?

This might be one of those things you need to have in common with your partner if you want to avoid exhaustion and crankiness.

Give careful consideration to who your travel partner will be. If you have a good sense of humor and can go with the flow, it might not matter as much. But, if you think something about your partner will do more harm than good, you may want to think about it more before you invite them on a plane with you!

How To Book The Cheapest Flights

By bronislavleydiker

On May 11, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

Flights can be an expensive part of any trip, so in order to save money, booking the best flights is crucial.

Know How to Search

Booking a cheap flight requires some knowledge on which search engines deliver the best results. Certain travel search engines can inflate their prices, while other sites don’t include the budget airlines. Google Flights can give flight dates and times and make it easier to compare that way, but it doesn’t always include the best prices. There isn’t a search engine that is perfect, but using multiple ones can give good fares. When searching, use a private browser in order to see lower prices. When previous searches are remembered by your browser,you could see inflated costs.

Find the Cheapest Day to Fly Out

Even though Tuesday is thought to be the cheapest day to fly, there is no one set day. Search the month of the trip and the route in order to find the cheapest day for the trip.

Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines offer cheaper tickets, but it’s important to read the fine print. Know which airport the flight is actually going into. Also check luggage allowance, since some even charge for a carry on.

Book Your Own Connecting Flights

For flights that need a transfer, it may be cheaper for an individual to book the connecting fights themselves instead of having the airline do so. It’s important to do research and not book any tight layovers. Booking with two separate airlines can be problematic, because if the connection is missed, the second airline doesn’t need to reschedule the flight without a fee.

Pay Attention to Local Airlines

Not all search engines include small, local airlines. If you are flying to an obscure place, use a Google search to see if there is a local airline, and then check that airline directly for any offers not found in a normal search.

Take Advantage of Award Miles

If an individual frequently uses the same airline, they can take advantage of award miles they’ve accrued. However, they’ll need to make sure they are comparing the actual cash value of the ticket to get a good deal.

Don’t Wait to Book

If there is a certain location and time where a traveler needs to be, rarely will the flights get cheaper the closer it is to departure date. If the trip won’t allow for some flexibility, booking early is the way to go.

The Best Places To Visit In Europe

By bronislavleydiker

On March 12, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

For many people, the idea of a visit to Europe is a dream come true. When the prospect of an international vacation becomes closer to a reality, the most important topic of discussion becomes which places in Europe to visit. Below are three of the best places to visit during a trip to Europe.

London, England

London leads Europe as one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its accessibility, tourist attractions, and its labyrinthian streets rich in historical lore and unsolved mysteries. London has streets lined with small restaurants that feature British classics such as fish n chips, custard tarts, and, of course, plenty of Earl Grey tea. After delightful treats have been consumed, prepare for a whirlwind adventure as you head off on a London tour to see the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The Making of Harry Potter Tour, and even a thrilling tour through the streets of London as you and your fellow tourists walk the same back alleys that Jack the Ripper roamed while stalking and mutilating his victims.

Paris, France

Often referred to as the City of Love, Paris boasts a plethora of stunning Gothic architecture blended beautifully with modern conveniences. Although Paris can be easily dismissed as a city that possesses a narrow range of amenities, this is far from true. Paris contains restaurants and gourmet cafes for people who love food. Paris is considered the birthplace of fashion, so there are quality boutiques around every corner. For those who enjoy learning about the history of France and of Europe, Paris is abundantly blessed with museums, churches, and monuments. Regardless of your deepest desires as a tourist, you’ll find it in Paris.

Rome, Italy
When considering a trip to Europe, it would be criminal to neglect the most elegant and ancient city in all of Europe – Rome. Rome has a rustic Old World charm that isn’t found in many other places on the planet. Many ancient buildings that were erected centuries ago, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, still remain intact and open for public tours. One of the things that many people forget is that the city of Rome is actually located inside of Italy. Italy is famous worldwide for its rich and robust cuisine. Before any ancient history site is visited, a trip to a local authentic Italian restaurant must be put at the top of your itinerary.

The Essential Travel Checklist

By bronislavleydiker

On February 6, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

Are you planning on traveling shortly? Feeling overwhelmed with everything you want to bring and think you need? Well, this article will help you sort out the necessary and the unnecessary when it comes to packing your bags for travel.

Luggage

The first thing you want to establish is what kind of luggage you will be taking with you. Your main luggage will hold all of the essential items that you will need on the trip. If you are flying somewhere, make sure you know the size and weight requirements for the airline you will be boarding. Some options for your main luggage are:

Duffel Bag – a duffel bag is simple to use and lightweight. Duffel bags can be stuffed with useful gear to the brim and has options for wheels is needed
Travel Backpack – No wheels for this backpack. Sling it on your back for versatility in any situation.
Rolling Luggage – Recommended for travel to cities and paved roadways. Rolling luggage can help take the stress out of having to carry everything in a backpack or duffel bag.

Basics

Basically, everything you are going to need for your trip. Make sure you are packing your favorite and most useful articles of clothing for your trip! Here are some tips on what to pack and why they are necessary:

Rain jacket, umbrella – You never know when rain will hit, better to be prepared for inclement weather.
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from the sun and look cool while doing it.
Bandana – A bandana has multiple uses and is always good to have handy
Light clothing – items you can use to layer over things and pack lightly
Pants and shorts – Pants for cold weather and protective clothing, shorts for warm weather and relaxation!
Travel Pillow – If traveling far, it is always important to bring a pillow with you so you can catch some z’s while on the go.
Underwear – This is self-explanatory

Toiletries

Bring along your own toiletries on your trip and avoid using the ones provided by hotels. Here are some basic toiletry items to bring along with you:

Sunscreen – Always bring some with you. Protect your skin from the sun!
Toothbrush/toothpaste – Bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste along with you!
Personal hygiene products – whatever you think you will need along the trip bring with you. It is cheaper to purchase things before getting to the airport!
Moisturize – One of the most significant problems when traveling is your skin dealing with changing climates. Bring a facial moisturizer with you to combat this issue.

Let this list serve as a basic understanding of some items that you need to take with you. Although we did not cover all areas of travel items, this list can serve as a starting point for anyone who is traveling.

Bronislav Leydiker - Up and Coming Vacation Spots

Up-and-Coming Vacation Spots of 2018

By bronislavleydiker

On January 26, 2018

In Blog, International, Travel, Vacation

It’s time to start planning summer vacations, and with so many interesting places to go, how do you choose? If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded and less known but just as culturally rich and engaging, here are some suggestions that will leave your coworkers impressed with how worldly you are!

Grenada

Nicknamed Spice Island, Grenada has managed to slip under the radar year after year, and yet it has everything you could possibly want for a tropical getaway: spacious beaches, rainforests, vibrant local culture, and tantalizing cuisine with local flavor. Largely unaffected by the 2017 hurricane season, Grenada is ready for this year’s tourists, offering high-end resorts such as the brand-new Silversands Hotel and the renovated Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. With JetBlue flying daily from New York and as a port of call for thirty-three new cruise ships, Grenada is accessible for anyone looking for a beach get-away.

Uzbekistan

What may seem like a lesser-known country somewhere in Central Asia was once a crucial stop on the Silk Road. Because of those frequent travelers, Uzbekistan became very rich in culture, and it offers plenty of fascinating things to explore to this day. For the history fiend or art lover, there are mosques and harems all over to admire. The nation has been taking steps in reforming their government and policies as well. Not only is Uzbekistan looking to improve its relationship with its neighbors, but they are also looking to make their country more accessible to anyone who wants to visit, with a potential stop on the Trans-Asian Railway and a rail link to the Persian Gulf. For the more adventurous vacationer, Uzbekistan could be your next travel destination.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh has attracted artists (including Yves Saint Laurent and Mick Jagger) from all over the world ever since the 1960s, but has since slowed down a bit in terms of tourism. That is about to change with the revitalization the city is receiving in terms of new art and designs. The 1:54 Contemporary African Art festival is geared to begin in February, and while it’s been open since October, the new YSL Museum promises to be spectacular. With famed hotels such as Ma Mamounia and Royal Mansour (complete with a brand-new pool and cabanas), you’ll find a comfortable place to come home to at the end of your day.

Archipelago Sea, Finland

With 25,000 miles of shoreline, this is one of the world’s largest archipelagos. It’s still a well-kept secret that’s popular among the native Finns, some of whom even own some of the islands within the sea. It’s now easier than ever to get there via transatlantic flights on Norwegian Air, and you won’t go hungry thanks to Finland’s medieval capital Turku, where there are lots of great food and drinks to try. There’s a glamour to these islands, picturesque and perfect if you’re taking a hike or bike ride around them. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale; it’ll be hard to leave!