Tag: Blog

Travel Trends of 2019

On March 5, 2019

Whether traveling alone to enjoy the peace and quiet that a new environment offers or traveling with the family to spend quality time together, there are a few trends of 2019 to look for in the world of travel.

Many companies that sell homewares are opening hotels for travelers. While staying at the hotel, guests can see some of the products that the company sells, purchasing these items before going home or getting more information to make a purchase later.

Learning Experience

Instead of staying in hotels, a trend for families is the nomadic way of life while traveling. Children can learn about what it’s like to be one with nature as the family explores areas that are located off the beaten path. Many families are turning traveling into an educational trip, keeping the children out of school so that they can learn through experience.

Home-Sharing

Although traveling in a group isn’t anything new, it appears to be a trend in 2019 that will occur more often. Sharing a large home while traveling is a way for everyone to save money and offers a comfortable setting for guests instead of staying in a hotel room. There are homes for rent that are large enough for groups of travelers in numerous cities, making it easier for the group to find a location that is fun to visit and relax.

Dark Travel

Dark travel is a trend for 2019. There are more tourists who are exploring amusement parks that have been closed for years or places that have a dark place in history, such as Chernobyl. Traveling alone is a trend for the year as well. Many people who take solo trips participate in walking excursions in locations that include Vietnam and Cambodia.

Travelers will likely take the time to enjoy their surroundings this year. It’s a time when people can put aside their differences and begin to enjoy nature once again instead of taking a vacation that is full of hustle and bustle, making it feel like the trip wasn’t a vacation at all.

Weekend trips will be something to look for in 2019 as more people plan to get away from home for even a few days to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Technology looks to be taking over the world of travel as well. From apps that track luggage in real time to using a phone for keyless entry to a hotel room, travelers will begin using more technology when they leave home.

Traveling By Train

By bronislavleydiker

On January 23, 2019

In Blog, Travel

Traveling by rail has long been customary and essential in Europe and Asia, but with the affordability of automobiles and the culture of cars in the United States and the availability of air flights, traveling by rail is rare except by city commuters going to and from work. Although American trains have not kept pace with those in other countries such as China in which trains can reach speeds of nearly 200 mph, there is still no travel experience quite like that of riding in a train, sitting back without worry and viewing the beauty of the United States.

A Part of History

As an integral part of American history and culture to be preserved, riding on a train should be part of everyone’s experiences. A train ride on Amtrak can be enjoyable for all members of a family since parents can relax as their older children explore other cars and mix with travelers their age. These young adults can also visit the observation lounge, the glass-domed floor in the cafe car that is great for panoramic views of passing mountains or gorgeous landscapes. Another advantage of traveling on a train is the fact that no one has to drive so everyone in the family is able to see the interesting sites as they pass through different areas.

Amenities

Besides being a much less stressful experience than flying or driving, riding on a train is more economical than air travel and, unlike airfare, train tickets can be purchased at stable fares at any time before departures. While airlines charge for extra bags, Amtrak allows a passenger to carry up to 200 pounds and personal items for free. For those that are going on overnight trips, coach fares are competitive with airline tickets and the comfortable coach seats with footrests recline for sleeping. The dining cars have complete meals available. If a passenger is taking a longer trip, there is the sleeper car that provides seating that can later pull out to make a bed. The sleeper car also has a shower, toilet and sink. There is a family bedroom available with two beds for adults and two for children. In all the sleeper rooms, there are controls for the air conditioners and a large window and space for baggage. From these rooms, parents can walk with their children to the cafe car or to other areas of the train, giving restless youngsters some exercise and the opportunity to enjoy a scenic view out the windows of the cars. Indeed, there are good reasons to travel by rail.

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.

Understanding What Kind of Traveler You Are

By bronislavleydiker

On July 16, 2018

In Blog, Travel, Vacation

To understand what kind of traveler you are, you need to go on a journey of self-discovery in an effort to find an itinerary to best match your personal preferences. Before you start planning your next major trip, considering these factors will help you to determine the best vacation destination and plan. Here are a few things to consider before planning your next trip:

Busy or Peaceful

Some people prefer an active vacation where every moment is planned while others prefer a more relaxed trip allowing for maximum spontaneity. Knowing your vacationing style can help you plan the ideal trip to meet your needs. If you are looking for peaceful and relaxing, you would be wise to plan a trip to the beach or a secluded mountain cabin. If non-stop action is what you crave, then it would be best to consider a big city trip or theme park visit. Being aware of your energy limits and preferences will help you to decide which route to take.

Great Outdoors or Bustling Streets

Related to the last point is the issue of finding your location sweet spot. If the thought of roughing it in the wilderness for a week is not your cup of tea, then you would be advised to look for something with a little more creature comforts. On the other hand, if the high energy of a city vacation drains your spirit before you even step out of the airport, then a week away camping might be just what you need to recharge your batteries. Practice visualizing yourself in a variety of vacation scenarios to determine which one gives you the most joy to fantasize about. That one is probably your answer.

Body or Mind

The central question to determine this trait is whether you would rather exercise your body or your mind? If trekking through the Andes gives you a rush to just think about, then you probably want to consider a physically demanding trip that will stretch your body to its limits. If experiencing the history and the culture of a new destination is what gets your juices flowing, then it would be in your best interest to look for itineraries that will exercise your brain and feed your soul.

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.

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.