Category Archives for "Traveling"

Reasons To Choose Rental Apartments In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. Over the years, the area has grown to be a leading tourist and vacation hub in Scotland. This has led to the development of hotel rooms and apartments suitable for accommodation. When on vacation, you need to choose a quiet and safe place to stay with your family. Here are some of the reasons why it’s best to stay in rental apartments.

Comfort

Unlike hotel rooms, rental apartments offer home-like comfort. You can choose a fully-furnished apartment. The apartment is serviced with quality furniture, cooking utensils, and entertainment devices. Once rented, the occupant enjoys these services together with other special amenities.

Privacy

You should enjoy your privacy while at home and away from home. Unfortunately, hotel rooms do not guarantee privacy. The room can be accessed by the attendants at any time of the day. The only place you can be assured of 100% privacy is a rental apartment. Accessibility of a rental apartment is limited to the occupant.

Availability

Are you struggling to find a rental apartment? Apartments in Edinburgh are readily available. Moreover, these apartments are located in Central Edinburgh. You can find a 2-bedroomed or 3-bedroomed apartment depending on your family size. These apartments can be booked online. The next time you are going on vacation to Edinburgh; don’t hesitate to rent an apartment.

Affordability

Renting an apartment is the cheapest accommodation option. The terms of payments are mainly monthly based or depending on the period of your stay. Compared to living in a hotel, apartments are very affordable. Moreover, you can find a rental apartment within your budget. Compare rental rates of different apartments to find the best for you.

Location

Location is a major factor to consider before renting an apartment. When on vacation in Edinburgh, make sure that you stay in the luxurious and modern apartments in Central Edinburgh. These apartments are within the city. Tenants enjoy an easy transport system, proximity to shopping malls and tourist attraction sites.

Safety

Finally, rental apartments guarantee safety and security. Most of these apartments are within gated communities. These communities have installed various security measures to ensure the safety of occupants. Access to these communities is limited to the tenants.

These are some of the reasons to consider renting apartments. However, it is important to note that they are in high demand. Although they are available, you can only be guaranteed of an apartment by booking in time. When booking, make sure to state your period of stay. You will also be required to make a deposit to book the apartment. As you prepare for your next vacation, make sure that you start by searching for the right apartment for your family.

 

February 12, 2018

Facts You Should Know About Long Term Travel

Long term travel is not for everyone. It is not easy as it seems. How do I know that? Well, I travelled for a year and visited some wonderful places and learnt a lot. I gained experience and a world view. It was good for the most part but there were some not so good experiences too. If you are planning long term travel, then you should know a few facts.

  • Most of us tend to believe that a long term traveller just enjoys his or her time always. We feel that it is a wonderful life where you party every day with new friends and travellers. While this sounds great, it is not always the truth. A long term traveller usually has a limited amount of funds and they cannot keep partying everywhere. Partying at a new city or country when they arrive or on other occasions is fine, but if you are under the impression that you will be partying everyday and hence planned a long term trip then you are in for an awakening.
  • Most of us feel that we will be traveling with new friends and new acquaintances wherever we go. This is a huge misconception mainly due to the photographs that we see of other travellers with beautiful companions in exotic places. When you travel be prepared to live a solitary lifestyle. Most of the time you will be without companions, so condition your brain to accept this fact in advance. If you do not like to be lonely you can get company if you are a social person but again it all depends on how you interact with others. Even if you are one of the most gregarious persons around when you travel for a long time you need to be prepared to be without company for a lengthy period.
  • Most of us feel that the local cuisine that we are going to encounter would be the best. If you suppose so then you are farther from the truth. Not all food would be good for your taste buds. In fact, most of the food we see in travel magazines and food magazines are good only to look at, when you consume them you will enjoy them at all. Having toured a few countries, getting a McDonald’s burger to eat was my most satisfying.
  • Be prepared to get sick. The travel, the food, the sleep pattern will surely make you sick and during this phase you will want to return to the confines of your home country. There will be hospitals and doctors to take care of you but nothing like home is what you will feel.
  • Most long term travellers sell their belongings before embarking on travel, but it is advisable to keep them in self storage as they can get it back when they return. I used a Baton Rouge storage company to store my items, you can do the same in your city.

These are some of the facts that you should know. Also it is advisable to spend less on your travels.

February 1, 2018

Historically Significant Places to Visit in New York City

The area along the Hudson River was first settled in the early 1600s, before being expanded upon by the English in 1664. At this time, the settlement was renamed New York. Over the past 350 years, New York City has become the epicenter of development and opportunity, and one of the most recognizable cities in the world.

For the enthusiastic history buff or aspiring fact checker, a trip to New York is a great opportunity to learn more about the historically significant events that took place along the Eastern seaboard. Here are some places you’ll want to visit on your journey to knowledge.

Ellis Island and Lady Liberty

Ellis Island became the portal to America between 1892 and 1954. During this time, the island processed around 12 million immigrants coming to the new world. It is estimated that about half of the American population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty became a beacon for these people, who often experienced weeks of hard travel over the Atlantic Ocean.

You can take a guided tour through the museum to learn more about the immigration process at the time, and see if any of your family members walked through the doors on Ellis Island. If you’re low on time, check the hop on hop off NYC reviews to see which tour option best fits your schedule.

Pier 54

The influx of immigrants to America during the late 1800s and the first half of the 1900s overlaps with another historically significant event which New York City took part in. Pier 54 was where the Titanic was supposed to dock upon arriving in America, and where the Carpathia landed with the 705 survivors of the nautical disaster.

History buffs will also be aware of the infamous Lusitania disaster in 1915. The British ship left Pier 54 to head back to Liverpool on May 1 that year, to later be sunk by a German U-boat, killing 1,193 people. Since then, would-be developers have had terrible luck in revamping this area.

Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease that killed over 500 million people worldwide during its peak. It was officially eradicated by 1980 through the administering of vaccinations. Before science caught up with this disease, efforts were made to keep smallpox patients separated from the general public, hence the creation of the Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital.

The hospital has been abandoned since the 1950s, and now only the Gothic architecture of its stone walls and windows stands against the test of time. The area is quiet and eerie, and some believe it to be one of the most haunted places in the USA. If ghost stories are a non-issue for you, feel free to tour the ruins after sunset.

National September 11 Memorial and Museum

History doesn’t just include things that happened before you were born. The 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 changed the world. How we travel, security measures, and news reporting were all reshaped by this tragic event.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is located at the former site of the twin towers, with two pools encompassed by the names of the victims. The museum itself holds artifacts from that day, including the last steel beam removed from the site during cleanup. The site is also home to The Oculus, a state of the art transportation hub as well as the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in North America at an astounding 1,776 feet.

New York City is a blend of old and new, with historical sites dating back to settlement times and modern, trailblazing innovations that shape our modern culture. During your travels, be sure to take the time to appreciate both and expand your knowledge.

January 31, 2018

Disabled Access Hotels, Apartments, B&B and More to Ensure You Have a Comfortable Stay

If you are in a different country, it is vital that you find the best accommodation possible. If you happen to be disabled, then you need to find disabled access hotels, apartments, B&B and more in particular. In fact, finding good accommodation is perhaps the most important part of all, because you have to be able to rest while you are on your trip. So what are some of the things that you should look for?

Things to Look for in Disabled Access Hotels, Apartments, B&B and More

Naturally, price is a main factor to consider. You are likely to be traveling on a budget, and you should stick to that. That being said, you also shouldn’t spend less than your allocated budget. After all, why would you deny yourself some of life’s little luxuries if you are able to afford them? Mainly, however, you should be able to find somewhere to stay regardless of your budget.

The second thing to consider is location. Of course, the perfect location depends on a variety of different factors, including your particular needs and why you are on the trip at all. If you’re traveling for business, then you should find a hotel as close as possible to the business location you will be working with. But if you’re traveling for pleasure, then you should consider somewhere that is close to the different attractions. Of course, you also have to look at amenities such as transport facilities, shuttles, and so on. As a rule of thumb, the closer to the center of the city you are located, the more expensive the hotel will be.

Then, you need to consider amenities. You need to think about the facilities you need, particularly if you are disabled. Your room has to be fully accessible, but you may also want to look at the accessibility of things such as the gym, swimming pool, restaurant, and shops. These are all features that can help you narrow down your search, helping you to find accommodation that is both comfortable and suitable to your need. Do also look at the services offered at the hotel and what their quality is like. Read online reviews on popular sites such as Trip Advisor to see what other people have said, filtering them by comments on the issues that matter to you.

The final thing to consider is when you want to travel. There are always off peak seasons and high seasons, and there tend to also be differences between the days. For instance, business hotels tend to be more expensive during the week than on weekends, which means you could save a bit of money by changing your days. Consider, as well, whether there are seasonal issues that may cause you difficulties. For instance, if you are visually impaired, then perhaps traveling in winter in an area with notorious for black ice may not be the best solution for you.

January 30, 2018

UK Road Trip: 5 Safety Facts About Tyres To Understand!

If you’re planning a road trip in the UK, it’s well worth continuing reading to discover 5 basic tyre safety facts, which you should take to heart before embarking on your whirlwind tour of the UK. As the last thing that you want is to end up losing control of your vehicle on the open road or being involved in a serious car accident.

5 Saftey Facts About Tyres You Should Know Before You Road Trip in the UK:

  1. Frequently use a pressure gauge to assess your tyres’ pressure as it’s harder to brake and steer with underinflated tyres

Every couple of days it’s well worth stopping making a pit stop at a gas station to check your tyres’ pressure. As not only is more expensive to drive with underinflated tyres but it’s far harder to brake and steer with underinflated tyres and you’re far more likely to crash if your tyres aren’t inflated adequately.

  1. For your tyres to grip the road, each tyre needs at least 1.6mm of tread

Before heading out on your UK road trip it’s crucial to check that each of your tyres boasts a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, which is the legal minimum of tread required for vehicles to operate legally in the UK. Ideally, your car should have 2-3 mm of tread.

If one of your car’s tyres has less than 1.6mm tread, make sure to change your tyre or replace it with the proper tyre like the ones you can find at, TyrePlus before you head on out the open road as if you drive on tyres that have little tread, you’ll be far more likely to lose control and end up in a nasty car crash.

  1. If you expect to travel on snowy roads, make sure to pack snow chains to prevent a crash

As an example, if you plan on driving on a country road in the middle of winter, make sure to pack snow chains, which will give your tyres extra grip and will prevent your tyres from slipping and sliding on any snow covered roads which you may travel on.

  1. You can protect your tyres from damage by pre-planning your route

It’s well worth sitting down and pre-planning your route so that you can choose to travel on well-maintained roads, which are far less likely to damage your tyres’ wheel alignment and tread than if you were to take little used, less likely maintained roads.

  1. Don’t be tempted to drive on tyres which feature any bulges or cracks as you could risk one of your tyres bursting on the open road

It’s well worth inspecting all of your tyres for cracks and bulges before you start filling your car with luggage as you should never embark on a long drive, with tyres which feature cracks and bulges. While any cracks or bulges may not reveal a serious issue, which could cause a car crash, it always pays to take preventive measures to make sure that you don’t end up in a potentially dangerous situation.

So before you head out on a fun-filled UK road trip, make sure that you understand each of the 5 tyre saftey tips listed above and remember to #TestYourTreads!

January 24, 2018

Tips for Touring Central Park

This park plays an important role in the lives of NYC residents, as it provides lakes and open spaces that make it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Tourists are always impressed by Central Park because of its sheer size and beauty. It provides a quiet haven to listen to music, exercise, and picnic.

Things to Do

Central Park is 843 acres, which means that you can spend a whole day there and not do everything that you want to do. From carousel rides to concerts, there is no shortage of things to do here. Here are some activities that you can do:

Ride the carousel: the current carousel has been there since 1950 and it features some of the largest hand-carved figures that have ever been made. You will need to pay three dollars for a ride – even children have to pay.

Take a walking tour: if you think that exploring Central Park alone is daunting, you should consider joining a walking tour. Take the Central Park Conservancy walking tour if you want other people to show you around.

Enjoy a picnic: you can shop for provisions in the city, then sit back, relax, and do some people watching while you enjoy food and drink. Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow are great picnic locations, but you can always find a quieter place.  

See a concert: during summer, Central Park has many music concerts for everyone’s taste whether you prefer classical music or popular music. When seeing a concert at this park, you can also have a picnic.

Central Park Hotels

If you want to stay near Central park, you will have great views from your hotel room. The hotels with a good view are in the southern part of Central Park and you will be closer to your favorite attraction. However, you should know that these hotels are quite expensive because of their proximity to Central Park.

The hotels that you should consider include the Plaza Hotel, The Pierre Hotel, Park Hotel, and Mandarin Oriental. Although they are expensive, you will save money because you will not pay much for transport.

Eating at Central Park

Are you going to spend the whole day at Central Park? You do not have to eat food from expensive hotels; you can pack your own lunch after buying groceries for yourself. However, if you are intent on trying NYC food, you should buy from vendors who are scattered all over Central Park selling hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels, and beverages.

Central Park Tours

If you do not like the idea of touring Central Park alone, you should consider joining the following Central Park tours:

Central Park Conservancy tour – you can learn about the park’s ecology, history, and design by joining this guided walking tour. You can walk straight to the heart of Central Park and enjoy a selection of architectural, scenic, and sculptural elements. You will be given an insider’s look at the iconic features in the world’s greatest park.

Free Tours by Foot – you will pay however much you want for a walking tour of Central Park. This tour will allow you to see things from a New Yorker’s perspective.

Sunset Central Park Tours – if you want to see more sights than you would your own, you should tour Central Park at sunset. Seeing this magnificent park at sunset will reveal all its splendor to you.

If you want to take a bike tour by yourself, you should consider renting a bike. Some Central Park bike rentals start at $7, making them quite affordable even if you are on a budget.

Overall, NYC may be an expensive city but there are many activities, sightseeing locations, rentals, and affordable deals to make your experience one for the books. So, you won’t have to save lots of money in order to see the beautiful views NYC has to offer.

January 17, 2018

Best Road Trips in Canada

Canada is vast, unexplored, and untamed. Driving will give you the freedom to see it all. You can pull over and take in the scenery. You can always stop for kayaking and hiking. As you hit the highway in your Ford Mustang, have tunes blasting from the sound system and roll down the windows. The following are routes to consider:

Halifax – The Cabot Trail

Most Canadians choose this trail every year. According to locals, the best time to travel is during the fall. You go round a 297 km loop around Nova Scotia. For the most part of the route, you will be just by the coast. They are numerous viewpoints overlooking the North Atlantic. You will also pass through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and many quaint towns. There is also wildlife on the trail such the moose and a variety of birds. At Pleasant Bay, you can go on a cruise to spot whales and seals. The trail will take you almost five days, but you experience the best coastal scenery.

Calgary to Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise is a beautiful lake full of crystal-blue water. It offers beautiful landscapes regardless if traveling during winter or summer. It also offers visitors the chance to behold stunning sunsets and sunrises. On your way from Calgary to Lake Louise, stopover at Columbia Ice field for snowmobile tours.

St. John’s – The Heritage Run

It is another great Canadian road trip and Newfoundland’s most popular drives. In fact, it has an online website with excellent resources that can help you plan your trip. The 463 km loop from Burin Peninsula takes you through cherished historical sites and gives you the chance to behold beautiful scenery.

Vancouver to Tofino, British Columbia

This is one of the most worthwhile trips to do. Your trip begins with a ferry crossing across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Once you arrive at Nanaimo, you will take the Pacific Rim Highway (BC Highway 4). The following windy drive from Nanaimo to Tofino in your Ford Mustang through ancient temperate rainforests is sure to delight. You can stop at MacMillan Provincial Park to see the 800-year-old Douglas fir trees. If you are lucky, you may encounter a bear. Other stops include the Coombs Country Market full of locally made souvenirs. Tofino, your ultimate destination, is Canada’s surfing capital. The trip will only take you two days.

Montreal – The Gaspésie Tour

The 1500 km requires some good planning and takes almost a week. In 2011, the National Geographic Traveller featured it as one of their top 20 trips. You start at the metropolitan city of Montreal, which celebrated 375 years since its founding in 2017. The famous route also has a website to make planning easier.

Getting Your Car Ready for the Trip

You will need your car in prime shape for your trip across the nation. Car detailing is the process that makes the car any look new. There are several car detailing options you can see here.

January 5, 2018

7 Helpful Tips for Your Statue of Liberty Tour

Who wouldn’t want to stand in front of a gigantic, 300-foot-in-the-air painted copper statue of the Greco-Roman goddess of Liberty turned icon of American freedom? Ask any American, “Would you like to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, NY, before you die?,” and virtually 100% of the answers will be a resounding, “Yes!”

To learn how to book your passage ahead of time online to visit Miss Liberty on her home turf, visit libertycruise.nyc. For seven helpful tips to make your Liberty Tour experience as pleasant as possible, keep reading below.

1. Bundle Your Tickets With a Bus Tour

Often, you can get free or at least highly discounted Liberty Cruise tickets included in other tours you book. Double decker bus tours are a great way to explore New York’s most famous sites in only a day or two, and bus tours frequently offer the Liberty Cruise as part of some of their packages. Definitely look into it, so you can save and have a complete NYC experience, even with limited touring time.

2. Book Ahead Online and Arrive Early at The Battery

Buying your tickets on-site at Battery Park (“The Battery”) will mean waiting in long lines and making last-minute decisions on what kind of tickets to buy. It will potentially create stress and could have you waiting hours till the a boat becomes available, during the busiest periods. Avoid all that by booking ahead online; but still arrive at least half an hour ahead of time to be safe. Arrive even earlier if you want a chance to explore Battery Park before departure.

3. Choose the Timing Carefully

You can get a ticket for anywhere between 9am and 3:30pm, at half-hour intervals, for most days. Choose morning hours to avoid the crowds (shorter lines and more room on the boat are the benefits.) Also choose the off season, fall and winter, to get a less crowded experience.

4. Be Prepared for a Security Check

Expect the kind of security you’d see at an airport when visiting the Statue of Liberty. The security clearance before getting off the dock and onto the ferry is strict. You can’t bring anything that could be used as a weapon, not even a cigarette lighter, a plastic bottle with water in it, or a razor for shaving. Be prepared for this to reduce delays.

5. Enjoy the View on the Way Over

Get a spot on the Statue-facing boat side quick, so you won’t miss the view (especially if it’s crowded on the boat.) The ride is only twenty minutes or so long, so you can afford to stand the whole time in order to catch unforgettable glimpses of the New York skyline and harbor shore. And watch as Miss Liberty’s towering figure gets closer and closer: the ferry ride is an essential part of the experience.

6. Plan Ahead to See Inside the Statue

You can usually get regular tickets anytime to see the statue, but to get pedestal tickets (that let you inside), you need to plan a month or more in advance. Only 3,000 per day can get inside the pedestal (it’s free, but you have to book your spot.) And to get in the crown for a look over the harbor, you may need to reserve your spot 3 to 6 months ahead of time.

7. Don’t Skip Ellis

You can stop by Ellis Island and see the amazingly interesting immigration museum there direct from Liberty Island and on the same ferry. There is not good reason to skip this historic site, which was once the busiest point of entry to the US for immigrants in the country. But note you have to get a Liberty Cruise ticket that departs before 2pm (1:30pm or earlier) to get Ellis Island included.

January 2, 2018

Why You Should Get An Agent To Help With Your Relocation Needs

The process involved in relocation is never easy and these can be worsened if you are relocating to a new country. Not only are you going to be leaving your friends and family behind, you will be moving into a strange country and possibly different culture. Then you have to look for house to live in when you get there. The thought of this alone is enough to make your blood pressure rise.

If you are relocating to a place, you can reduce some of the stress by looking for a relocation services to help you out. It is true that this service does not come free and you may feel the pinch of losing some of your money. However, this pinch will be nothing compared to the pinch you will feel if you had to find yourself stranded in a strange city with nowhere to go. Getting a relocation service helps ease the burden of looking for a house by yourself in a place where you know nothing apart. There are many reasons why using a relocation service is a great idea.

They know the city

It could be a big city but the real estate guys can tell you where each property is and what neighborhoods to avoid. Since they know the city they should be able to offer sound advice to their client. They can tell the client the property to buy and why. They can also advice their client on the neighborhoods to avoid.

They know where the right property for you

No matter how smart you claim yourself to be, there is always a possibility that you may not be well informed to find a property by yourself. Property Managers work in collaboration with other agents who are willing to supply information. This means that they are always the first to get news about property for that has been put on sale.

They understand the law

Most people may not really bother about looking for their property alone. After all there are places like the internet where they can find advertisement for houses for sale. However, when you use an agent, you can sleep peacefully at night with the mind that you have your relocation searches settled. A good agent understands the law as it applies to real estate. It is important to get someone like a licensed estate agent who will guide you not only in choosing the right property, but for ensuring that every aspect of the law is strictly respected as required.

If you are also planning to buy a property, so it is always a better option to take the expert opinion or advice of the property agent. Casino games have become much popular these days. If you also wish to play casino games frequently, so you can ask the dealer to look for a place where they have an area for playing casino. However, playing at freespins365.co.uk is also a great option. There are many properties where club houses are available, so you may freely play games at casinonodeposituk.co.uk. Look now for a worthy investment in property with experts opinion!

November 30, 2017

Keeping Safe Whilst Travelling in Winter

Traveling in the winter can be dangerous especially if you are from a warmer climate that the area you are staying at. If you’re saving money for a trip, you don’t want it to be wasted with any accidents or spending your time freezing on your vacation. As such here are tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the winter.

1. Check the Forecast

An obvious precaution but one that deserves to be restated. Keep an eye on the predicted temperatures, especially the wind chill factor, so you can dress appropriately or stay inside during poor weather.

This is especially important if you are planning any outside, physical and/or long distance activities. A warm, at least comparatively, sunny day can quickly shift to wet, cold and/or icy weather with surprising swiftness and being caught out in such a situation can, in extreme cases, be life threatening.

2. Have Appropriate Clothing and Supplies.

Spend the time to workout what sort of winter clothing is right for the weather you will be experiencing. For cold climates this will typically include several layers from thermal underwear to parkas and ski jackets. Make sure to find out what is best for the area you are traveling in so you can pack appropriately.

When doing outdoor activities in cold weather make sure you have some form of method of outside contact and have either a map or other directions, because though winter scenery can be beautiful becoming lost can cause severe injury or be life threatening.

3. Travel Safely.

Driving in cold or icy conditions is dangerous. If you, or the person driving, don’t experience in driving in such conditions it is best if you find different transport. Never drive into a storm. Also make sure to learn if hail or sleet is common and be careful if either of these conditions are forecast. Hail can cause injury as well as damaging cars and equipment. Sleet is also dangerous, its liquid water content soaking warm clothes reducing their effectiveness.

This also applies to flying, keep an eye on the weather for your flight and make sure you know how to re-book or get a refund for flights grounded by storms, snow or other bad weather. If your flight is canceled a train ride can often get you to your destination.

4. Keep Electrical Devices Charged

In case the weather takes an unexpected, or expected, turn for the worse make sure your phones and/or other devices are charged. In confusing and crowded situations your phone may be the only place to get reliable information and will certainly be the only easy way to reassure friends and relatives or to organize around an unavoidable delay.

Following the twitter of your airline can make it easier to get up to date information about flights and potential delays. Twitter and Facebook can also be useful in informing friends and family of your situation when calls or regular internet access is an issue.

5. Check Opening Hours

Many tourist attractions will have shorter opening hours during winter, make sure to check what the best time to visit is. Weather can also influence this, especially for outside activities such as skiing or hiking, so be sure to check if an outing has been delayed or canceled.

In the end the best winter travel tip is to be careful and aware of your surroundings and to then prepare for the potential outcomes. If you plan to travel places like Thailand or Mexico, you won’t need to worry about these winter safety tips. But we have to travel for business sometimes as well and many places through Europe and North America can experience very cold winters. That being said, many winter locations make excellent holiday locations for the prepared and cautious.

Below is an infographic from Slater and Gordon Lawyers, who have been kind enough to provide us with some crucial tips for staying safe during winter travel.