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MentallyStrong

Maintaining Mental Clarity & Sharpness While Traveling

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Staying mentally sharp while traveling can be both fun and essential for maintaining cognitive clarity, especially when you’re away from your usual environment and routines. Traveling, while enriching, can often lead to mental fatigue due to constant changes in surroundings, time zones, and schedules. To combat this, engaging in mentally stimulating activities can keep your brain active and prevent you from feeling mentally sluggish. One great way to stay sharp is by playing word games. Word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or even online crossword puzzles challenge your vocabulary, spelling, and cognitive recall. These games force you to think on your feet, combining creativity and strategic thinking to form words or solve clues. Whether you play them on your phone, with a travel companion, or solo, these games offer a simple yet effective way to keep your mind engaged.

Math Challenges Are A Favorite!

For those who enjoy numerical challenges, math games are another excellent tool for mental stimulation while on the go. Simple mental math, like calculating the cost of meals, figuring out tips, or converting foreign currencies, helps maintain numerical fluency. You can also engage in exercises such as cool math games mancala, estimating distances, time zones, or average speeds, which require quick thinking and problem-solving. For more structured mental math, apps like Elevate or Lumosity offer a range of math-based games designed to improve various cognitive skills, including arithmetic, number sequences, and pattern recognition. These games are not only entertaining but also tailored to enhance brain function over time, making them perfect for a traveler’s toolkit.

In addition to word and math games, logic puzzles are another excellent way to stay mentally sharp. Sudoku, for example, is a popular puzzle game that challenges your logic and reasoning skills. You can easily find Sudoku puzzles in newspapers, puzzle books, or through apps, offering a range of difficulty levels to suit your mood. Another fun and stimulating activity is solving riddles, brainteasers, or lateral thinking puzzles, which require you to think outside the box. These types of puzzles engage different parts of your brain, testing your creativity, memory, and logical thinking in unconventional ways. Many apps and websites feature daily brainteasers or challenges, which can be a quick way to stimulate your brain during downtime between flights, bus rides, or while waiting in lines.

New Opportunity To Learn

Travel also offers the opportunity to learn new things, and this can be another way to keep your brain sharp. Consider listening to educational podcasts or audiobooks that not only entertain but also offer valuable information on a variety of topics, from science and history to psychology and business. Audiobooks are an excellent option for travelers who might not have the space or energy for physical books but still want to engage in intellectual content. These allow you to absorb new information while on the move, whether you’re walking through a new city or relaxing at your destination. Apps like Audible or Libby provide easy access to a vast range of audiobooks, so you can pick a subject that interests you and dive deep into it during your travels.

Master A Second Language

Additionally, you can take advantage of travel itself to keep your brain active by learning about the culture and language of your destination. Using language apps like Duolingo or Babbel, you can learn a few key phrases or words in the local language, which not only helps in navigating new places but also keeps your memory sharp. Engaging with the local culture and history by visiting museums, reading local books, or even conversing with locals stimulates your curiosity and learning capacity, ensuring your mind remains alert and involved in your surroundings.

Ultimately, the key to staying mentally sharp while traveling is to incorporate a variety of activities that challenge your cognitive functions in different ways. Whether it’s through word games, math challenges, logic puzzles, or educational content, these activities can help you maintain mental clarity, adapt to new environments, and make your travel experience more enriching. Keeping your brain engaged during your travels ensures you stay alert, energized, and open to the many new experiences that come your way.

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trading with forex

How Risky is Forex Trading?

Forex (or foreign exchange) trading is the trading of currencies against each other. Like other trading, the aim of forex trading is to make a profit by selling for more than you buy a currency for. Like any form of trading, it comes with a degree of risk, although forex has unique risks compared to other forms of trading.

Leveraged Trading

One of the attractions of forex trading is the use of leverage. This allows you to trade with borrowed money so that with a small investment, you can trade large amounts. The benefit is that trades can potentially generate much larger profits, but on the flip side, it also increases the risk of every trade. It is important to be aware of this to take steps to protect yourself. Having numerous leveraged trades, even low risk trades, open at once, can result in significant losses if you make a loss on many of them. In addition, traders can incur significant losses very quickly when trading with leverage so it is extra important to have suitable stops in place. In addition, if you are a new trader, it is worthwhile to start out with small leverage and work your way up as you become more confident.

forex

Factors Impacting on the Forex Market

There are many factors that impact trading in any market, but because forex involves currencies from around the world, news from anywhere in the world can impact the forex market. This news can result in fast price movements or the change in trend direction. Whether you trade in the long term or short term it is important to keep an eye on global news.

Interest Rates

Interest rates have an impact on the exchange rates of a country. If the interest rate goes up, the currency gets stronger because other countries will look to invest in that country’s assets. The opposite it also true – if interest rates fall, the currency of the country will weaken as investors pull out. The changes in currency values that the interest rates result in can make forex prices change significantly.

Transaction Costs

There is a transaction risk that can result in exorbitant transaction costs simply due to the time differences between the beginning of the transaction and its end. Forex is a 24-hour market and currencies can be traded at different prices during trading hours. The bigger the time difference between entering a trade and settling the trade, the higher the transactional risk, as the time difference allows the exchange rate to fluctuate.

Conclusion

Before you begin trading in forex it is important to not only understand how the trading works, but also understand the risks associated with it. Only by understanding the risks can you begin to take steps to minimize the risk that faces you. The unique risks that are associated with forex trading may result in higher losses than you initially anticipated, but these can be mitigated if you know what steps to take and what to look out for.

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Iceland

Everything You Need to Know About Travelling to Iceland

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Are you planning to visit the land of fire and ice this year and want to know the best places to visit? Then you’re in the right place. Iceland is a huge island in the North Atlantic Ocean that combines natural beauty with a unique way of life in the modern world. You can stand in the middle of two drifting continents or go on a whale watching trip. Whatever you decide to do, you’re going to be in for a special experience in this destination. This article describes everything you need to know to have an awesome trip to Iceland.

Rent a Car:

The first and biggest piece of advice for Iceland is to rent a car. A car gives you the flexibility to explore the country on your own terms and allows you to stop and take photographs whenever you want to. Public transport is virtually non-existent and when you do find the bus, it’s very expensive and has limited service. Tours also cost a fortune and so the price of a rental and fuel for a few days will be about the same as a single tour.

iceland photo

The Best Places to Go in Southern Iceland:

Most people arrive and stay in Reykjavik. The capital itself is small with a charming city center and a few churches. You can spend a day wandering around to get a feel for what this place is all about. But, don’t limit yourself to staying here. If you have a car, plan to do the Golden Circle where you can see a historical national park, a huge waterfall, and a breath-taking geyser. A trip to the Blue Lagoon is also on most people list of things to do here.

Another popular activity is to explore the nearby towns of Keflavik and Hafnir. Both are small and have a special charm. They’re definitely worth a few hours to get some great photographs. If you’re more adventurous, you can follow the Ring Road along the southern coast where you’ll first pass through the lava fields. Then, suddenly the landscape transforms into rolling, green hills. As you’re driving, stop by at some of the towns and take a few photographs. You’re also going to see churches that are in the middle of nowhere.

As you’re driving, follow the brown signs to go to the tourist sites. Most of the places are free. This includes the bubbling hot springs, the Mid-Atlantic Drift, and other interesting places that you may come across. You should also be aware that if you’re at or around the coastal regions, it’s not uncommon to see seals on the beaches.

Places to Go in Northern Iceland:

Another popular thing to do is to visit Northern Iceland. There are several small towns along the Ring Road where you can stop. But the best place to explore the region is in Akureyri. This small town acts as the capital of the northern part of the country. From here, you can see the fjords, take a day trip to the glacier in the northwestern, or simply enjoy some of the hot springs. The drive from the south is very scenic as you pass through different landscapes.

Travel Tips for Iceland:

The first travel tip is about safety. Iceland is an unforgiving country and there are lots of ways that you can injury yourself, or worse. The warnings are here for a reason. If you’re told not to step off the path, then don’t. It’s foolish to try to get the perfect photograph by endangering yourself. The rocks around the hot springs are hot and will cause serious burns. The water on the beaches is unpredictable and has strong currents. Another tip when you’re driving is to only stop in the designated areas. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures of the landscape. This is both dangerous to you and other motorists.

Driving is easy in Iceland with very few people using the roads. But, there are two very important things to be aware of. The first is that the speed limit is 80 km/h and that this is strictly enforced. You’ll see plenty of speed cameras around the country that will send you a ticket. Remember when you gave your credit card information to the rental company? If a ticket comes, they take it from your credit card. The next is that snowfall and blizzards are common. Roads don’t have barriers and sometimes there are steep drops off the side. Just take care and prepare yourself. Sometimes, the road will be completely covered in a layer of ice and strong crosswinds blow piles of snow across it. The locals still drive fast and confidently, don’t copy them.

The final tip is how to save money in Iceland. We all know that the country is notoriously expensive and a mid-range meal for two can come to close to $100. For this reason, most travelers tend to buy at the supermarket and prepare meals in their hotel or Airbnb. The best place to get food is at Bonus. This is the largest supermarket in Iceland and you can find it in almost every major town.

The Takeaway Message:

There are so many places to visit and explore in Iceland that it’s a paradise for travelers with an adventurous spirit. You can see the capital, self-drive the Golden Circle or even go around the entire Ring Road. Wherever you go, you’re going to be awed by the beauty that this country has to offer.

 

 

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4 Tips On Washing Your Clothes While Travelling

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So your clothes are dirty and you haven’t washed them in a week!

You may have stuffed your luggage full with clothes for all the seasons. You then realize that you don’t need half of what you packed and end up chucking out some or maybe donating them to a charity.

This will save you space, reduce luggage load and also provide some good karma in the world.

So you might end up wearing your  each of your clothes for a day longer. With that in mind, you might find it challenging, keeping it all clean but there are a few ways to manage for little to no cost. It is easier than you might think to keep everything clean.

Below are a few pointers that I use which work well, maybe you could use them too:

  1. Sink-wash

This is basic and simple but effective. Block the drain of the sink, add in some shampoo or soap, add in the hot but not boiling water and wash your stuff by hand.

All you need is some elbow grease and some free soap from a dispenser! Probably one of the more popular ways for travellers to wash their clothing and it costs very little.

If you find that the sink drain is leaking or even missing, then use a rolled up sock or a dish cloth, stuffing it in, blocking the drain hole.

Wrap up the sock/cloth in a grocery bag to improve your man-made plug’s effectiveness! When you’re done, just rinse off all of your clothes and unplug the sink.

  1. Cha-ching! Coin-operated machines

A lot of places will have coin operated machines in communal areas. However, you will typically find these in cities, larger towns or touristy holiday resorts.

Hostels, guesthouses and hotels may have some washing/drying machines, ask at your reception.

So you place your clothes in the drum, input the time and/or temperature, add in some washing detergent and insert your coins to start your wash.

Tip: Laundromats are great places for meeting people, where you can have a quick chat as you wait for your fresh clothes.

  1. The laundry lady

Though not always the case, there may be laundry services available for a small fee. Simply arrange with the laundry person to do your laundry for you and you won’t be left having to do it yourself!

  1. Last but not least, drying your clothes

Finding a quick, efficient way of drying your newly washed clothes is essential!  Some climates will be better for outdoor drying.

So it the sun is out, and your accommodation has a clothesline outside, drying your clothes out there will only take a few hours.

What about in bad weather?

If there’s bad weather or if you’re in a hurry to the airport you’ll be forced to dry clothes indoors. Here’s a neat way to speed up your drying:

Using a dry towel, stretch it out over your bed, putting the garment over that towel.

Then by rolling it up as  tightly as possible and leaving it for a while, any excess moisture will be absorbed from the towel, seeing up your drying time!

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6 Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag

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Packing the little bag?

No matter where you in the world, your routine for packing the carry-on bag should nearly always be the same.

Just ensure that you have all of your essential items and whatever clothes you need to ensure comfort.

Depending on the flight or sea crossing, you might need to bring a carry-on case or bag or you maybe you’ll only require a large purse.

So whether you are booked in for a 30-min domestic flight or a 12-hour transatlantic one, below is a quick guide to help you pack for a smooth journey including some recommendations for bags to carry on with you!

  1. A backpack

If you are bringing gadgets like tablets or cameras then it might be wise to purchase a camera & laptop backpack, due to extra padding.

This will protect your gadgets and holds extra little bits like chargers or maybe a mini tripod, while still having lots of pockets and space for the rest of your essentials.

  1. A tote or gym bag

You should always pack a nylon tote, no matter what carry-on bag you use. These totes really are a dream for traveling!

Totes can fold right up to a small size to be easily stored away and they open out much larger giving you an additional travel bag if needed or you can simply use it as your main carry-on bag.

Gym style bags can often be a good option too. Just get a lightweight, durable one with good comfortable handles.

Having a cross-body strap might come in handy if you are carrying it while walking.

 

  1. A travel pillow

Get yourself a good quality adjustable pillow for your neck that will inflate with just a few big breaths or air.

Good ones will have a quick-release button for letting the air out, so you can adjust your comfort level or deflate quickly and put it back into storage.

  1. Some ear plugs

For long flights, you might want to get some sleep. Having a decent pair of ear plugs is a good cheap investment.

You’ll enjoy more comfort, fewer distractions and might just save yourself some sanity from a crying baby or loudly snoring man beside you!

It’s all about noise reduction, comfort and cost effectiveness! Look for the best noise reduction ones on the market that fits your budget.

  1. Snacks

You can usually bring some fruit or nuts on with you to the plane. You can also try out some healthy snack bars, most cafes or airport shops have these now. You won’t make yourself too full, while also giving yourself some good energy, with delicious natural ingredients.

 

  1. Hand sanitizer

Think of how many people are hopping on and off that same airplane that you have just been on! It’s not surprising to realize that bacteria is rampant.

You can play your part by keeping clear of any airplane bacteria build-up by not spreading them any further. Get yourself some wipes and sanitizer to keep the germs at bay!

 

Nearly packed…

So there you go, six things to pack into your bag and some good recommended bag types. Keep an eye on my next post for some more items to pack to give you a full carry-on back to cover any journey.

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camping car

4 Ways To Improve Your Travel Experience

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It’s all about thinking outside the box

Doing too much planning for your trip can make it a laborious task and suck the life out of the excitement of going.

So just do a flexible guideline of a plan and cover the most important things you need to do to make sure you are safe etc. Otherwise, you might feel that you must stick to a rigid plan and you won’t enjoy your travels as much!

Besides, you might discover that you prefer one city or country over another and so you’ll need to rearrange your flight plans in order to stay.

Spontaneity is what makes your travels memorable. It’s those spontaneous moments when you meet someone new or learn a new style of music that you’ll cherish forever.

I have listed below four ways that you can approach travelling to improve the quality of your experience:

  1. Get yourself lost intentionally

You’ll need to go visit where the locals live, eat and work to really appreciate an area.

So many worldly destinations are geared towards tourism and this paints a particular picture but you will often need to wander about further to uncover the real beauty and authenticity.

Not knowing where you are going, go on a mini expedition!

Write down your hotel or the name of the place you’re staying just in case you have to get a cab later, then just go in one direction and see where it takes you.

As a girl, you might be a little concerned with danger. Don’t be too afraid about stumbling across a dangerous area either because most of the locals will redirect or warn you beforehand.

  1. Do some volunteering

Across the world, the range of poverty and wealth varies. Some places are more developed, cleaner and more prosperous.

While other places are the opposite. How can you help?

Do some volunteering. This is such a rewarding experience, where you can learn more about a country, it’s inhabitants and its challenges.

You will make new friends by volunteering. You may have an idea of where to volunteer or discover a worthy cause on your way. Find something that you believe in and that also benefits the less well off.

  1. Slow right down

Don’t try to cram four countries into four weeks of travel!

Most of the highlights of your trips will happen when you simply slow down and explore your surroundings.

You will discover things you won’t find in the travel guidebook and you’ll meet interesting people, willing to chat and show you the place. Slow down and take it all in!

  1. Wine ’n’ dine the local way

In the Western world, we have “Chinese” or “Mexican” eateries but are they the real deal? On your journey, try everything for the taste and you might even find a new favourite dish!  Ask the locals where they would eat too.

Experience improved

There you go. Four ways to improve your travel experience. There are many other ways to enhance your traveling, giving you a more immersive, more exciting appreciative experience.

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3 Different Travel Scams (The Best Ways To Avoid Them)

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Be wary and trust your gut!

The world is full of shady scammers, preying on tourists for to make quick dollars!

Knowing what be cautious of is the best way prevent yourself being a scam victim. You might think as wise, mature traveler, that you are too smart to be scammed.

Think again, being scammed can happen to the even the most skeptical among us.

Scams come in the form of ridiculous charges in cabs and taxis to you unknowingly revealing credit card details to the scammer.

Having some prior knowledge gives you a little edge before you venture out. Loads of different scams are out there!

Below, I have just five of them. Hopefully, this helps you avoid unnecessarily losing your money while also keeps you safe.

  1. “The taxi meter is broken”

In this one, usually, cab or taxi drivers at the airports or busy tourist spots are renowned for this. But that’s not to label them, it can really happen at any point.

Upon getting into your taxi, the driver will start to drive away, telling you that “the meter is broken”, thus they will try charging you an extortionate taxi fare!

Avoiding it:

Negotiate your fare prior to him driving off! As a basic tip, check that the meter works before you hop in. If the driver refuses to turn on the taxi meter, just hop out into another one.

  1. “Overbooked” accommodation

Again, this scam usually would happen among taxi drivers.

On your way to the accommodation, the driver will start telling you that where you are staying is at full capacity or that it is closed, while conveniently offering to cart you to much more expensive place to stay, where they have struck up a deal with the owners to get a commission for bringing you there!

Avoiding it:

If you haven’t booked in yet or even if you have, then give your accommodation reception a call just to double check that they’re open!

Also, you could ask them do they run a shuttle service from airports so you can arrange to be picked up.

Even if the driver still tries to say that your hotel or hostel isn’t available today, then insist that he brings you anyway and get out!

  1. Unofficial WiFi networks

Free, unlocked Wifi networks might actually be dangerous if you connect to them.

The hackers can establish non-secure hotspots in public locations that then entice tourists to connect to them — giving them access to your device and data.

Avoiding it:

If you are in a bar or cafe, please always ask the staff what the official wifi network is along with the correct log in details.

This is often on a wall poster, the menu or on sometimes on the bill/receipt. For the more tech savvy among you, try encrypting your online activity by using a VPN (virtual private network) for extra security.

That’s just a taster!

These are just an introduction to the many scams out there. The number one tip is to be on the look out for shady characters around ATM’s, street sellers and taxi drivers! Trust your gut and keep your money safe.

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5 More Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag

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Nearly packed your carry-on bag but feel like you have forgotten something?

Remembering what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on bag becomes second nature to you as you travel more and more.

Some countries might have more stricter policies than others. But having your essentials will put your mind at was as you embark on your journey.

My other article on 6 Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag got you started with some bag styles and some basics to throw into the bag.

Below are a further five things that you can pack to make sure you have all you need at your disposal, no matter what length the flight is.

  1. Makeup!

Limited space in your carry-on bag and liquid limitations make it hard to bring makeup on your flight.

  • Some mascara will work wonders and help you brighten up those eyes after a long flight.
  • A good under eye concealer should be for hydrating shouldn’t crease. This is perfect for covering up any dark circles and nourishes the

  1. Panty liners

Traveling a lot in the one day will probably mean that you won’t have any showers. Ladies, pack enough panty liners and change them throughout your journey.

The main thing is to keep you dry and odorless and while keeping you fresh until you reach that shower!

  1. Mintor boiled sweets

It’s a good idea to avoid chewing gum on your flights. Since when you’re chewing, the swallowing of air can often give you a tummy ache.

As an alternative, go for something like a nice mint or sucky boiled sweet. Some people’s ears “pop” causing some mild discomfort and a slight deafening effect when they reach a certain altitude so having something to suck on may help this.

I’m not sure if this is just an old myth or if it actually works, I have never had my ears pop.

  1. Smell nice and sweat-free!

Ladies and gentlemen, please do us all a favour and use a deodorant! Buy a small can that you can take on the airplane and feel free to reapply it mid-flight.

  1. Keep those teeth white

Usually, it’s nice to pack your own electric toothbrush into your bag, but you can also buy small travel sized mini brushes to give you that quick freshen up brush on the go.

You can leave these in your purse or wallet no matter where I go so you will have a fresh breath and healthy white smile for those snaps!

 

You are set!

So five more things that you can add to your carry-on luggage. Remember to not pack any sharp objects, too many liquids or any other forbidden items.

If there are other things unique to you such as medicine or inhalers etc then obviously pack those in but these mentioned above and the few items from my other post will certainly get you ready for the best carry-on bag.

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uk places to visit

Great Places In The UK Outside Of London

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London is great but where to go beyond that?

A cosmopolitan city to the core, London boats tonnes of stuff to do and places to go. If shopping malls, museums or just plain old sightseeing tours are your thing, you won’t be let down.

But many people would consider London as just another European city. So if that bursts your bubble, then consider this; there’s lots of great little spots outside of London that you can visit. I’ve outlined just a few of them below:

Canterbury

Steeped in medieval architecture and home of the Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey, the great Canterbury boasts a fascinating history. For a long time, it was a popular pilgrimage location. Regardless of your love or hate for tour guides, this place is surely to be explored without a tour guide or you will miss out!

Edinburgh

In summer time, Edinburgh is great! Art festivals, super comedy acts to keep you laughing and stunning scenery are all standard in the lovely Edinburgh. It’s a beautiful city, steeped in culture and tradition. If it’s a museum you are after, then the National Museum of Scotland is sure to provide you with the answers to this great country’s rich history. Take a trip up to the castle and watch he cannon being fired, this is a daily thing!

Scottish Kilts, medieval swords and Scotch whiskey are also on the cards if that’s what you’re into.

Journeying away from Edinburgh is Glasgow. The art fans among you will really enjoy the Kelvingrove gallery and museum.

In the Northwest of Scotland, little towns are scattered around. One such example is Torridon, offering visitors surprises. For whale watching tours, taking a yacht trip or camping, Torrid has all of these covered for you.

Hull

If you are a gardener and love your flowers, then visit Hull this summer. You’ll be in for a treat. Imagine you could experience flowers that never die!

Well, now you can do that, in Hull. In a celebration of being a City of Culture for 2017 (an event held yearly around the world to celebrate city’s culture, people and arts) — Hull has got a field full of yellow flowers, but no ordinary ones! King Edward Square is home to over 1,700 flowers constructed from nearly 147,000 Lego bricks! Crazy, I know.

Gloucestershire

Southwest of the Cotswolds, don’t miss the charming Gloucestershire. Being further away from London, it’s not as over crowded as other places.

Stroud is a small town lined with streets of cobblestone, artisan breweries and vintage-style shops amidst the market stalls. It offers charming historical significance in addition to all of the modern needs of the new age traveler.

Rye

A historic little town, Rye is like other market based towns spread throughout the United Kingdom. What makes this place unique however, is its location. Found on the Romney marshes, along the sand line of one of the South coast’s longest beaches, you can expect to spend some time going through goods in antique shops and wandering through the alley ways.

Castles

Do castles do it for you? Windsor, Inverness, Skye and Cardiff sport some of the nicest castles where the grandeur of the United Kingdom’s complex past is visible. For the famous Stirling Castle, Scotland is where you need to go. But if you don’t intend on going that far north, then go somewhere closer to London, like the Leeds Castle in southeast London. Chartered buses do run, to haul you between the castles, so do some research prior to the trip to find the most appropriate deal for you.

Museums

For a more knowledge seeking, historical insight, then visit York, Southampton, Liverpool and Manchester. Any city with something unique in its history is worth a shot. Take Southampton for example. This was a port town from where the tragic Titanic once departed in the year 1912. Also, the SeaCity Museum is a great spot. Manchester is a great location for the sports fans among you, with the National Football Museum, where you big footy fans can hang out all day! For the train lovers among you, then go to York as it has a museum dedicated to railroads and trains and entry is free!

Are you a fan of the Beatles? Liverpool is for you. Take the long and winding road to the dedicated Beatles museum and look into The Beatles Story too.

Does glamping tickle your fancy?

If you like being at one with nature but in a more glamorous way, then glamping is ideal for you, providing you with a camping experience with some added luxuries.

Roulotte Retreat in Melrose

Here you can escape the cold by staying in one of the traditional Gypsy’s caravans in the Roulotte Retreat, Melrose. This is just on the Scottish border. The Eildon Hills overlook and each of the caravans has their own style influenced by Celtic, Indian and even Moroccan cultures.

Maybe return to London before you go?

If you like London, then maybe returning here after a few days in the countryside is a good idea. Cambridge is pretty easy to get to, where you will wander into the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Botanical Gardens at Cambridge University.

For nice beaches, then visit Southend-on-Sea. It’s a stunning location.

For a nice shopping experience in the countryside, then High Wycombe will delight and it also has some great architecture that will keep you gazed and dazed with the lovely buildings.

Budgets and more information

As the UK economy starts to recover and find its way through this whole Brexit thing, the travel industry there may take longer to reach max capacity again. But for the traveler, this is a good thing as it makes it more competitive for tourism and travel companies, giving you many options catering for all budgets.

Coming from outside of Europe? Then make sure you have your correct visa. Also check the expiry date of your passport!

Do research based on your chosen destinations, find out the level of expenses you’ll need and the look for the better times to book in your accommodation and you’ll be right on your merry little way to a great British adventure!

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5 Great Tips For Travel

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Are you seeking some travel advice?

Maybe this is your first time to travel. Having the know-how to best manage your trip will help you to really enjoy the experiences you encounter along the way.

From experience, I have drawn up some tips to help you out. Below are five great tips to get you started.

  1. Be a sun riser

There’s nothing more beautiful to watch than the sunrise in the early morning. Having the best sights and locations all to yourself is special.

If you are into your photography, getting some photos at sunrise will be great due to the sun’s light at this hour.

Places more known to be dangerous are also less so in the morning time. Free from any distractions, being at one with yourself as the sun rises is a lovely way to appreciate life.

  1. Humility

In many years time, you’ll remember the times along your journey when you looked or felt like a fool.

When you’re in a new city with a new language and way of life, it is very normal to feel slightly vulnerable or stupid for not knowing how to do or say something.

Don’t be too embarrassed, just have some humility, laughing at yourself and smile. Don’t fear failure and remember to appreciate other culture’s customs.

  1. Cash stash!

Cash is king. For an emergency, having some extra cash stashed away in a few places is a good way to cover yourself.

A couple hundred pounds or dollars or whatever is worth having stashed. This way, if you ever lose your purse or if your credit cards cease to function, you will be covered with your stash! ATMs run out of cash occasionally too.

Your extra cash can be stored away in secret, in your shoes, in a rolled up sock, in your toiletries bag, or maybe in a small hidden compartment of your main luggage bag.

  1. Meet the locals

You should try to make an effort to avoid other travelers for long periods of time and start conversations with local people instead.

Basic English is spoken in a lot of countries or you could even learn some basic sentences in their language. So don’t panic. It’s much easier to communicate with others than you might have imagined, use your body language and gestures.

You will no doubt learns something new and the local people you encounter will surely enhance your travels more than a  lot of travelers will.

  1. Have patience!

If you are one to worry about every little thing, then don’t! Whatever life throws at you, it’s a waste of energy to be annoyed and angered at most things for any longer than a few seconds.

What if you miss your flight? Not to worry, stay a little longer and see is your ticket covered, maybe you can rebook for free or at little cost.

God forbid if the internet goes down for a while! This is great! It’s good to take time out from technology and social media to engage in a  meaningful conversation with someone instead. Have patience.

Take it in your stride

No matter what happens, you’ll work it out as it happens. Your journey might pivot to a different route but that’s life.

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