A Foolproof Guide To Planning A City Break

Hi lovelies,

When you get the opportunity to plan a city break, there are so many different options and locations to choose from. Each different city offers its own way of life, as many cultures tend to come together to create a diverse and inspiring location that’s perfect for a short vacation. Ensuring that you have the best possible experience on your trip couldn’t be simpler, as there are just a few key steps that you must take in order to achieve holiday heaven. So, if you’re in the early stages of planning a city break and want to know more about how to truly make the most of your time, then read on for some of the best top tips around to ensure you create memories that can last forever. 

Set Your Budget First
Setting your budget before you make any decisions is the most important step to take. Allowing yourself to begin searching with no cap on money will either leave you with a huge bill, or give you a sense of having to ‘settle’ for something that’s closer to your price range. Take everything into consideration, including spending money, and make a plan of how much you can afford to shell out on each day of your trip. 

A Comfortable Stay
The hotel that you choose to stay in for the duration of your trip has a massive impact on its overall success. There are so many on offer in each city that choosing the option which boasts both the highest standards and best value for money seems almost impossible. Begin your search by identifying the amenities that you value most: perhaps a king sized room, a pool or gym, complimentary wifi and other technology such as TV’s and air conditioning. An example like this hotel in Butte, MT offers each of these things and more, but just remember to book up as far in advance as you can in order to secure the best room on your chosen date. 

Research Activities Beforehand 
There's nothing worse than arriving in the hustle and bustle of a new city only to be swept up by the flowing currents of people with no sense of direction or aim for your adventure. Researching the different activities that are available to you before you reach your destination will help to structure your days, and cut out the usual tourist blunder of wandering the streets for hours on end. Its even beneficial to find some restaurants and bars that offer options you might like, as this will save you so much time during your trip which you can utilise more productively instead. 

Planning a city break has never been so simple with these top tips to aid you in your adventure. Always begin by setting your budget before anything else, and source a top quality hotel to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Do some research before you arrive to save yourself heaps of time, and don’t forget to pack your camera to snap some pictures of your perfect trip!

Three Life-Changing Cities That Everyone Should Visit

Hi lovelies,

The world is full of iconic cities. When planning a trip, you might struggle to decide on a particular place to visit. You have so many options but only so much time and money. How can anyone pick? Well, if you want a little guidance, then this article might just help to point you in the right direction. These are four life-changing cities that everyone should visit, so you should bump them up to the top of your “must-see travel destinations” list. You won’t be disappointed after a trip to any of these breathtaking locations.

New York City, U.S.
We’re all inundated with images of New York City on a regular basis. For many of us, this started when we were children. New York was everywhere. It was in the films we watched, the adverts we saw on TV, and even the magazines we read. This is still the case today. And it doesn’t just apply to American citizens. People all over the world are bombarded with pictures and videos of the Big Apple on an endless basis. It makes sense, then, that so many of us want to visit this magical and intriguing city. It might be one of the most impressive promotional campaigns for a city in history.

If you’re wondering what to do in this overwhelming megacity, you should start off by exploring some of its iconic landmarks. The Empire State Building might no longer be the tallest skyscraper in the city (it hasn’t been the tallest building in the city for a long time), but it’s still one of the most famous skyscrapers in New York City. Going to the top deck and looking out at the concrete jungle from a higher vantage point will really help to put its beauty into perspective. And, obviously, it wouldn’t be a trip to New York if you failed to see the Statue of Liberty. You should also head to Broadway, of course. If you have the time and the money, seeing a theatrical Broadway experience is otherworldly.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Whilst it might not be as famous or as popular as New York City, that doesn’t take away from the cultural and historical significance of Kuala Lumpur. This gigantic city is visually impressive, but it’s also a fascinating place. Admiring its huge skyscrapers is unavoidable, but there’s more to this city than tall buildings. That being said, the Petronas Towers (the two most iconic skyscrapers in the city) are worth exploring first. But you should also visit Chinatown if you want to experience Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural heritage on a first-hand basis. The city is so big that it might be worth renting a condominium whilst you visit this wonderful destination. This will give you enough time to see and do as much as possible.

Picture Source

NYC is a never-ending sea of skyscrapers.

Dubrovnik, Croatia.
It’s also worth visiting Dubrovnik if you want an unforgettable trip. This Croatian city has been a bit of a hidden gem for many years, but it recently became popular with tourists because its Old Town was used as the filming location for Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the TV show, then you’ll probably find yourself quite giddy at the prospect of seeing King’s Landing and the Red Keep in real life. You should definitely book yourself a walking tour whilst you’re there; you’ll want to make sure you see all of the filming locations for yourself. You won’t want to miss anything. Plus, a tour will give you a bit of a history lesson and explain what purpose these ancient castles and city walls served in the real world.

Whilst mass tourism has overwhelmed the city over recent years, it has brought this fantastic place to the attention of the world. And it deserves to be noticed. It’s absolutely beautiful. Regardless of its recent fame, Dubrovnik has a lot to offer in its own right. You should take a kayak ride around the stunning Lokrum Island. You might also want to take a ferry to the island; it’s a stunning place. You’ll see everything from an ancient monastery to wild rabbits hopping around. As important as it is to appreciate culture and history, there’s no denying that the beautiful animals on the island seem to intrigue visitors the most.

There are too many incredible cities in the world for one person to explore. Hopefully, the three suggestions in this article will satiate your hunger for stunning new destinations to visit.

*This is a collaborative post.

7 Things You Mustn’t Forget When Travelling Abroad

Pixabay. CCO Licensed

Hi lovelies,

Many of us forget items like toothpaste or sunglasses when travelling abroad. As irritating as this can be, it’s usually not the end of the world – such items are easy to replace once you’re out there.

However, there are other items and documents that you can’t afford to forget. In some cases, you may not be able to travel without these items. In other cases, your health could be at risk by not remembering them. Here are just 7 essentials that mustn’t forget when travelling abroad.

Passport
Without a passport, you won’t get further than the airport. A passport generally isn’t needed when travelling on a domestic flight, but for any flight or boat trip abroad it will be mandatory.

If you don’t have a passport, you should give yourself a couple months to apply for one. Passports expire after time, so it’s also important to check the dates and renew your passport when necessary (some flights don’t allow you to travel on a passport that has less than six months on it, so you may want to renew your passport before it runs out just in case).

Visa
Many countries also require you to apply for a visa before entering the country. There are usually different types of visas depending on whether you’re travelling as a tourist or travelling for work. Tourist visas tend to be fairly cheap and straightforward, whilst working visas can be pricier and more complicated.

Nowadays most visas are electronic – you may not automatically get a paper copy (although it can be worth requesting one). To apply for some visas, you may need other documents. For example, you may need a flight reservation for a visa or you may need proof of accommodation. Make sure to do your research so that you have everything you need – there are companies that can help with visa application process.

Money
Unless you plan to beg whilst you’re out there, you’ll need some money (or at least, access to money). Some countries may not even allow you to enter without proof of available funds. It’s often worth having a combination of cash and card – some countries will be largely cashless, whilst others may rarely accept card, so having both forms of payment covers all bases.

In the case of cash, it’s sometimes cheaper to buy currency whilst you’re out there, so you may only have to bring a card. Alternatively, you may find it’s cheaper to buy cash beforehand to get the best rate. There are pre-paid travel cards that you can also look into to avoid exchange fees – you’ll want to buy these beforehand.

Your phone/charger

Most of us are so attached to our phones that forgetting them is unlikely, but it can happen – particularly if you leave your phone on charge overnight and have an early flight. In most cases, it’s the charger that gets forgotten. Whilst you may be able to buy one abroad, your phone may die before then if you’re on a long-haul flight.

You technically don’t need to take a phone (people used to travel without them), but most people wouldn’t dream of it nowadays. Besides, apart from offering emergency contact, phones are often used for navigation, translation, taking pictures and various other purposes.

Travel insurance
If you need medical attention when abroad, it could pay to have travel insurance. Without being able to afford treatment, some hospitals may refuse it.

Travel insurance can also be handy for reimbursing you if your flight is cancelled or if baggage is lost. You should shop around for insurance before you leave to find the most affordable and comprehensive plan. Make sure to print off confirmation documents too just in case they are required.

Hotel/flight booking confirmation
Most hotels and airports will have booking information stored online, but in cases of technical problems or admin issues, it’s worth taking paper copies of your booking confirmation as a backup. Paper copies could also be useful for finding flight information or directions to a hotel if your phone isn’t working.

Medication
Certain medication could also be important when abroad. If you have a serious allergy, you don’t want to forget your EpiPen. Similarly, you don’t want to forget malaria tablets when travelling to a high-risk malaria zone. A basic first aid kit could also be useful in the case of an emergency.

5 Top Tips On Relocating

Hi lovelies,

They say that moving house can be one of the most stressful things you can do, but what about not just moving house but uprooting your whole life and relocating? The whole idea is enough to put anyone off, but once you get your head around that, then the benefits are endless, and it could be the best move you ever make. Remember, no matter what reason you’re going for, whether it’s for a better job, to be near family, for better schools or to make more money, you can always come back. The first thing to do though is actually to get you there, so here are some top tips for relocating. 

Get Organised  
You want to start planning as far in advance as you possibly can. Once you have made the decision to relocate then start planning out how you are going to do it. Make a load of checklists keep on top of what you need to do. Bekins Moving Solution suggests having a timeline allows you to stay on track from start to finish.

Stay On Top Of Your Finances
Relocating can be an expensive business, and even if you are doing it with or for work, you might have to fork out for some initial expenses before you get the money back from your employer. There are going to be costs such as buying a new home or paying a deposit on a rental, hiring movers and getting new utilities. So it’s important to stay on top of your finances and budget for what you will need and when and then allocate accordingly. 

Research Your New Location  
There is a lot to do and a lot to think about before you go, from where to live, what the schools are like, and where you will go out to eat and drink. It will really help you for when you get there as well as easing your mind if you do your research beforehand. Use the internet to find out as much as you can, ask other people on forums about moving there, you’ll be guaranteed to find someone who has been in the same situation and will be able to offer you loads of help and advice and you might even make a new friend or two who will welcome you when you arrive. 

Make The Most Of Social Media
As well as internet searches and forums, also use social media. Have a look for Facebook groups on the specific area you’re moving too if you’re a parent, then there could be a parent’s group you could join, or if you’re moving to a particular street there might even be an online neighbourhood community to join. Search relevant hashtags on Twitter as well to see what you can find. 

Ask For Help  
If you’re moving for a job, then you may as well as your new employer for any assistance they can give as they will obviously want to make things as smooth as possible for you. It could be just advice on things, but you never know what other help they could give you once you start asking. 

*Photo credit for this collaborative post: Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

5 Things To Do In Miami

Hi lovelies,

Miami is one of those cities thats reputation precedes it; every travel lover who has been to the US will have a story about a great time spent here. It has a rich history for being the home of the most glamorous beach bums and the wildest parties, but there is something here for everybody, and if you have the opportunity, then it’s certainly worth the trip.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Miami, however, then what should you do here? We’ve noted down 5 of the must-see places for travel fanatics. Plus, don’t forget to pick-up the best carry-on luggage.

#1: Chill out on Miami Beach

One of the things that Miami is most renowned for is its beaches, and it’s a perfect place to visit due to the fact that it’s both a city and a surfers paradise. If you’re in the city, you simply need to head down to Miami Beach and South Beach, and spend a day soaking up some rays, watching the world go by, and checking out boat rental Miami options if you want to be as cool and stylish as the locals!

#2: Head down to Ocean Drive

If you’re somebody who loves walking around the city and seeing some of the most interesting places, then Ocean Drive should certainly be on your list. It is quintessential Miami; from the art deco buildings to the beautiful palm trees, this place will give you everything that you expected from the city. There are many cafes here, so if you want to get a bite to eat with the locals and feel so Miami, then here’s your spot.

#3: Go to South Pointe Park Pier

Some travel lovers will prefer to relax, and this is nothing to worry about in Miami. South Pointe Park offers some beautiful green areas, and if you’re a fan of cycling or simply walking around the park, then this is a perfect place to go. Head to the pier around sunset if you can, but at any time there is something here that’s worth seeing. There are even free meditation classes here, which is pretty great, huh?

#4: Swing by the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
You wouldn’t be fully enjoying a city if you didn’t see the finest art that they had on offer, and Miami is no exception when it comes to brilliant works. Whilst there are plenty of options out there, the ICA has some beautiful sculptures worth seeing, and guess what? It’s free. For an inexpensive day away from the hustle and bustle, be sure to check out some of the great art galleries in Miami!

#5: Drink in the cocktail lounges
Of course, Miami has a reputation for being a party city, so it would be pretty rude not to enjoy a cocktail (or two) while you’re here. There are so many cocktail bars around that you’ll be spoilt for choice, and we’re just saying, most of them are extremely Instagram-worthy. Check out some of the options, and enjoy living it up like the locals whilst sharing your travel stories with the awesome bartenders.

Enjoy your time in Miami!

Image credit for this collaborative post: Image credit

Five Things To Do In NYC

Hi lovelies,

When coming to the Big Apple, like any major city, it can feel like time goes by in a flash and therefore, you want to have an idea of some sort of what you want to get up to while you’re in a city like New York. So here are five things to do in NYC to give you a starting point.

See The Statue Of Liberty Up Close
You may have only seen her in movies, but seeing The Statue Of Liberty up close is something you’ll definitely want to experience. It’s one of those iconic buildings that are even more impressive in the flesh. Based on Liberty Island, there’s plenty of ferries that go back and forth to the statue every day, so it’s one of those tourist areas that is always going to be busy.

Pay Your Respects At The 9/11 Memorial Museum
It’s still harrowing to think about the events on September 11th 2001, where the Twin Towers fell after terrorists hijacked two planes which ended up killing nearly 3,000 civilians. However, although gone, they will never be forgotten, and there’s now a 9/11 memorial museum that has been created to honour those killed. It’s a very haunting and emotional experience but one that is very much worth visiting. 

Experience A New Type Of Dining At Ellen’s Stardust Diner
With every dining experience, there’s no one quite like Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and it’s still pretty unique even today. They sell typical American-style food but with the added twist that all the waiters and waitresses who serve you, sing too. They are mostly made up of performers that are fresh out of drama school or are between work and needing the extra money to take lessons and continue to live in the city. It’s certainly a great experience to have a professional sing while you’re eating.

Be Entertained At A Broadway Show
Talking of performers, one thing you absolutely must do is to see a broadway show. Tickets are usually pretty expensive but you can always get last minute tickets, and TodayTix is certainly one of those apps that you can take advantage of to find great shows at a discounted price. Regardless of how long you’re staying in the city, it’s certainly worth going to catch one whether it’s a foot-tapping musical or a hard-hitting play.

Go Up The Empire State Building
Of all the buildings in NYC, the Empire State Building is likely to be one of the most iconic because of its views on the viewing platform. It’s a typical place for many to take a selfie and an even more commonplace for someone to propose to their loved one. A 102-storey building was constructed way back in 1930, so you certainly see a piece of history here too. 

New York City is home to some of the best food, sights and experiences, so make sure you make the most of it by having these five things on your travel bucket list during your stay.

Photo credit contributed post: Image Source