Travel Travel 2017

If you’re planning on flying for the first time relatively soon, then we’re here to ease your worries. Well at least that’s what we’re going to try to do. Your first plane journey can be daunting and the first thing we are going to ask you to do is look at the statistics for plane crashes. Flying by plane is safer than driving, and you’re not afraid to get in a car are you?

When you get on the plane you may find that it’s quite a small space and there’s not a great deal of legroom, but for a first flight why not go first class if you can afford it. You’ll feel freer and less claustrophobic, and it’s a nice way to ease in to flying. Finally you have to take your mind off the journey and keep yourself busy but if you can’t sleep, listen to music, watch a film on your tablet or listen to an audio book. These are all great ways to help you get through the journey without panicking too much.

Jet setting off on the adventure of a lifetime certainly has its benefits, but it is also wise to be clued up on the potential risks of getting a travel bug in each country you enter. There are many underdeveloped countries that are becoming popular destinations for backpackers and adventure seekers, with that in mind, your chances of becoming unwell due to unsanitary conditions is much higher.

Eating with the locals is highly recommended. A busy place is likely to have fresh food made to order, reducing your chances of eating food that was cooked yesterday.

Always take hand sanitiser with you, and clean your hands before and after eating. You may want to clean the cutlery provided to be extra safe, as washing conditions may not kill the bugs.

Always have travel insurance that covers all of the countries you are planning to visit, you never know if you need antibiotics or other medical attention if you become unwell. Buying medications over the counter can be easy on some countries, however it is always recommended to obtain any medications from a certified medial institute during your travels.

Chaing Mai is a city in Thailand that’s brimming with temples, beautiful landscapes and stunning backstreets. It’s the northern capital of Thailand so it is very busy with many tourists, however, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom is still blissfully calm and laid-back. This is the go to place for a spot of relaxation, especially after a long train or bus journey to the city, and you can then dig into some wonderful food after, whilst soaking up the delightful scenery. Chiang Mai has so many temples, so be prepared to take some ‘temple pants’ with you as you will need to cover your legs before entering, and sometimes arms too if you’re wearing a vest, but as long as you pack a light backpack with a camera that’s all you need. We recommend you stay light to explore everything this delightful city has to offer. A trip to Chiang Mai will not be forgotton.

Vietnam is a wonderful country to visit, and it’s very much a tale of two stories in many ways. The North Vietnamese people act differently around tourists to their South counterparts, and some say the Southern people are more welcoming and friendly. The country is more united than ever before, but there are problems it’s facing with regards to tourism. Let’s take Nha Trang as an example. This is a major tourist area where it’s predominantly packed with Russians and other Eastern Europeans. It doesn’t feel like Vietnam, the local people are working for their Russian owners, whilst beaches are not treated with respect. The plastic is everywhere swimming in the sea and you feel like your in Benidorm at times. Vietnam should remain true to its culture and not lose its identity for tourism cash. That is of course easier said than done, but too many towns and cities are losing their identities as the country expands and grows.

One of the best parts of travelling is being able to try new foods, exploring the flavours and smelling the aroma of it cooking.

When travelling to new destinations it is always good to do your research first, while trying new foods is good, you don’t want to be eating something you do not agree with. This can be the case in northern Vietnam, where dog is still a popular meat option for their meals.

The best way to try local dishes is to eat with the locals, and that’s certainly the case in countries within South East Asia. Street food is a popular way to have your meals, you just need to assess the food stall to make sure you are happy with the hygiene levels.

Street food is never perfectly clean; however poor hygiene can lead to serious illness. Try searching around and choose a vendor that has a lot of custom and of course a lot of locals, that way you know the meals are cooked fresh, and the tastes will be great.

A cruise holiday is a perfect way to discover the world and relax in complete luxury. That is of course once you decide what destination and type of cruise you are going to take. One thing to bear in mind is that if you are unsure of anything regarding your cruising holiday you can get help and support from a huge number of resources.

Review websites are just one way of seeing how good a particular cruise line is and how travellers find their service.

Destinations can vary greatly when you begin looking; sailing around the Caribbean and even Alaskan mini cruises that sail amongst beautiful idyllic settings are just some of the options available to you. Depending on your choices you may opt for something different to the type of voyages and itineraries you are used to, this may or may not be a good idea.

When choosing a package, you will find that you really do get what you pay for, on most cruise ships you will find upgrades ranging from cabin types/styles to shore excursions. There are a large number of companies that offer luxury cruises and tailor made cruising experiences for those with large budgets.

Thailand is becoming a popular destination for holiday makers and backpackers too. With such a wide variety of scenery from picturesque views, blue waters and a busy city too, it has something for everyone.

One of the most popular activities in Thailand is an open water diving certificate. This can be obtained by completing a course that runs over 4 days, including theory, lessons, exams and of course diving.

The best location in Thailand for deep sea diving is Koh Tao, with clear waters, beautiful corals and marine life of plenty. Koh Tao is also perfect for relaxing on the beach after a day of learning too, with white sand and a relaxing beach vibe.

There are many diving centres to choose from on the island, so you can plan and book in advance or you can turn up and see who has a slot available. An open water diving course will allow you to dive up to 18 meters, and your qualification will be recognised worldwide.

Many people struggle to decide where to go to for their next holiday, and it can be hard to pick the perfect destination. Mexico is a fantastic country with many beautiful and rustic cities within to visit. The people are friendly and love the tourism industry, so you can feel relaxed in a new inviting place. There are many different destinations within Mexico that are resort towns with a variety of sights to see, and of course shopping areas too. Places like Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Acapulco, and Mazatlan are some of the best cities to visit with lots offer tourists. Beautiful beaches with delicious food and bars are never hard to find in this vast country. If none of that sparks an interest, then maybe the scuba diving or parasailing may be what you’re looking for. There are so many different reasons why Mexico should be your next holiday destination.

Located along Australia’s south eastern coast, the Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial and is touted as one of the world’s most popular road trips. The Great Ocean Road is home to attractive towns, renowned beaches and scenic natural wonders. If you are considering visiting Australia, you should put the Great Ocean Road in your bucket list.

Some of the attractions along the Great Ocean Road include the Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles, both of which are situated in The Port Campbell National Park. You will come across numerous beaches as well. Stop if you wish, have a swim and create the footprints in the white sand.

You will pass through several towns including Apollo Bay and Torquay before you arrive at Lorne, the premier seaside resort in Victoria. This is an excellent place to learn how to surf and its one among the safest beaches on the coast. If you are looking for a perfect travelling experience, the Great Ocean Road should top your list. You’ll definitely love it.