Bronislav Leydiker | Travel - Bronislav Leydiker blogs about traveling around the world.

Before You Pick Your Travel Partner

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!

Creating Your Own Travel Budget

By bronislavleydiker

On June 19, 2018

In Blog, Travel, Vacation

With summer just around the corner, many folks are already gearing up for their annual getaways. Others, meanwhile, may not have anything planned, as they didn’t think they could afford a vacation this year. It’s time to think again. Travel is possible on almost any budget. Creating a budget requires foresight and a bit of discipline. This article will talk about how you can create your own travel budget to satisfy your travel bug.

Research Early

Narrow down the list of possible destinations to four or five. Go online to research travel costs, like accommodations, airfare (if necessary), and area restaurants, as well as any can’t-miss activities. Then choose whichever destination seems like the best value for the time spent there. This will help you create an overall budget with which to work. The website budgetyourtrip.com

is an excellent resource to use as an outline for your budget. The site provides pricing on a number of global destinations, making it easier for travelers to choose the right spot for their individual needs.

Don’t Forget Secondary Expenses

Some destinations require additional travel costs upon arrival. Rental cars, gasoline, bus or rail fare, or subway passes all should be considered as secondary expenses. Be sure to build these into your budget from the beginning, so you aren’t left short-handed.

Be Flexible About Accommodations

Hotels often represent the greatest vacation expense. For people on a strict budget, this is problematic but also easy to get around, depending on the destination. European hostels, for example, are no longer populated solely with backpacking teenagers, and are a clean and affordable choice. Another tip is to look for accommodations with a small fridge or kitchenette, to save on dining costs.

Create A Budget Spreadsheet

This can be as simple as a double-sided list, with income on one side and monthly expenses on the other. If your income is flexible enough to add a little something extra each month, then add a new category called “Travel Savings” and put the bonus income there. Otherwise, find an expense that can be easily trimmed by a few dollars, and put the surplus in the travel column.

Track Spending

Take notes on every travel expense that’s incurred on the trip, to get a sense of where the money is going. This will help to shape the budget for your next vacation, as it will give you a good outlook on your spending habits.

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.

Hotel or Airbnb, Which is Better?

By bronislavleydiker

On May 11, 2018

In Blog, Travel

When you’re getting travel plans in order, so many different pieces of the trip have to be carefully planned.

And now that AirBnB is popular, travelers are faced with a new dilemma: Should they stay in a hotel, or an AirBnB? Below are similarities and differences that travelers can expect between hotels and AirBnBs so that they can decide which is right for them.

What Travelers Can Expect From Hotels

Almost every hotel has a dedicated staff working to accommodate each guest. This means that travelers can expect things like room service, deliveries of linens and toiletries, and other services.

At the same time, most hotels have some sort of food service on the property. Whether it be something as simple as a few vending machines, to something more extensive like a restaurant, guests often have food options at a hotel.

Most hotels also have extra amenities travelers can take advantage of that are outside of their room. For example, many hotels have pools, gyms, or business centers. Travelers can make use of these spaces on top of having a private room.

What Travelers Can Expect From AirBnBs

Staying at an AirBnB is a bit different than a hotel. The biggest difference is that, when staying at an AirBnB, travelers are renting out an apartment or house. This is much different than a hotel, where you get just one small room. Some feel as though renting an apartment or house makes the experience that much more authentic.

The price of an AirBnB is typically cheaper than a hotel too. It may not be as affordable as a hostel, but travelers can certainly save by opting for an AirBnB over a hotel.

Usually, travelers will also personally meet the owner of the space they’re renting when choosing an AirBnB. Those with top-rated properties usually act as tour guides, too. This means they’ll recommend attractions you may want to check out, or give you any advice you need on the local area.

So What’s The Best Option For Travelers?

There’s really no right or wrong answer when choosing between an AirBnB or hotel. Staying at a traditional hotel gives one extra amenities and customer service, while an AirBnB offers more affordable rates and an authentic experience. Travelers should decide which they value more, and go in that direction.

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!

Welcome

By bronislavleydiker

On January 19, 2018

In Blog

Welcome to Bronislav Leydiker’s blog about traveling! This is his first post. Visit again soon.