traveling Archives - Foreign policy

6 Reasons to Rent a Luxury Car When Traveling in Europe

Published on September 1, 2020

We only got one life, so experiencing the finer things in it is what everyone should strive for. Not that materialistically-valuable things make life better, but they certainly make it more fun, and cars are one of them. Everybody wants to drive a fast car at least once in their life, but the reality is, not all of us can afford one. Not everybody needs one in their life, so sometimes it’s much better to experience the adrenaline once or twice and then settle down with a practical, less-expensive vehicle.

However, everybody is young at some point in their life, and being young means making bad decisions and having fun, because after all, that’s what life is all about. If you are someone who loves traveling, and you’re planning to travel to Europe after the global COVID-19 pandemic calms down a bit next year, this article is for you.

Today we’ll talk about luxury-car rental and why you should do it at least once in your life, so if this interests you, we welcome you to stay with us until the very end. You’re probably as excited as we are, so let’s not waste any more time and jump straight into what matters the most.

1. You get to experience the lifestyle

Let’s not lie to ourselves, feeling like a rich celebrity for a day is amazing, especially if you can experience it while you’re out traveling the world. There isn’t a better feeling, and it’s one of the things that renting a luxurious vehicle can help you feel.

People will look while you’re driving down the street, heads will turn, and you’ll get all the attention you want. On top of that, you’ll feel the pleasure of driving such a comfortable and luxurious vehicle, and all of that combined makes up for an unforgettable feeling that you should feel at least once.

2. Comfortable and fun time

Traveling should be comfortable, but unfortunately, most budget cars don’t offer that level of comfort, neither does going by bus, train, or by plane unless you’re in the business class. Traveling with a Bentley is a lot more comfortable than sitting in a smaller car for a lot of hours, so it’s not all about showing off and feeling expensive, it’s about comfort as well.

Billionrent.com is a website where you can take a look at a lot of choices if renting while in Europe is something you’re planning to do shortly. It’s useful to know the exact price before planning the entire cost for the journey.

3. It is not as expensive as you think

Now, something that a lot of people assume is that renting a luxurious vehicle is impossible to do if you’re just an “average Joe”, but that’s simply not true. It’s cheaper than people think, or should we say, less expensive. Now if you are planning to use this car for a long time, and all by yourself, the price might be a bit unaffordable, but that’s not the case if you’re traveling with more friends at once. Splitting the cost will make things a lot more affordable for each one of you.

4. A lot of options to find your dream car

If you ever wanted to drive the car of your dreams, now’s your chance. Car rental services are not like they were they before, offering just a few models for you to choose from. Today, you can choose one out of a hundred different car models, and that’s the case with a lot of car rental companies.

Let’s say that you want to surprise your partner or your best friend by pulling up and picking them in their favorite luxurious vehicle. Well, you can do it. Although a lot of the companies in 2020 will most likely have the model you’re looking for, it’s still worth it to do the research just to be sure. After all, you’ll get to know the cost as well by doing this, which is necessary for planning your entire journey better.

5. You get to test the vehicle before buying it

We haven’t included anything on this list for those who are a bit wealthier. Some people can simply afford luxurious cars, but they want to try them out first before buying them. Well, the test-drive period is sometimes not enough, but an entire journey through Europe with the car is. If you want to purchase a certain Bentley model for example or even a Lamborghini, you can test it out first by renting it for a few days. Who knows, maybe you’ll change your mind and save yourself a lot of money. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars here, which is not a small amount.

6. Opportunity for photographs and memories

Last but not least, cruising down the cities of Europe in a luxurious car will be a great opportunity for you and your friends to take photographs, show off a bit on social media and just have an overall great time while you’re at it. Maybe in the future, you can show these pictures to your kids, or grandchildren, because things will definitely change by then, and maybe the car you’re going to rent will be considered an old-timer.

Conclusion

As you can see, renting a luxury car is more than just showing off. It can be a real opportunity to have a great and unforgettable time with your friends, or with the people, you’ll meet if you’re traveling alone to Europe. Driving a luxurious car is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life, which is why we recommend that you try it while you’re young.

Besides, renting a Lamborghini or a Porsche is not as expensive as people think, especially if you share the price with the rest of your friends who travel with you. Split the cost with three or four people and it’s probably cheaper than all of the money you’re going to spend by using public transport in the cities you visit. However, not many people think outside of the box, which is why we decided to remind you about it in this quick guide.

Several Spanish Phrases To Learn Before Traveling To Barcelona

Published on July 15, 2020

Travel

Are you planning to travel to Spain/Barcelona? Then you will have to learn the basics of the local language spoken there. By comprehending the Spanish language, you will obtain an added advantage while you are on your trip. It will help you in your future outings as well. Spanish is a language spoken in several other countries that include Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica, and large parts of South and Central America.

Even if it is just plain “Hello” or “Goodbye,” you should learn to speak Spanish while traveling to Barcelona. Learning Spanish is relatively easy, but it is impossible to learn the language one year in advance of your travel. To become fluent, you will have to take classes to go on a vacation, but this is something which is not possible. By learning a few phrases that are used daily, you can speak Spanish to the required.

Learning and Practicing Spanish is a better idea since you will understand what is going on. You will also get a context of what the locals are talking about among themselves. Moreover, when you are traveling for a break, learning the local language is highly recommended. You can also befriend a few locals by knowing their spoken language. Smash the Ice by knowing a few useful phrases in the Spanish Language, and enjoy the conversation.

Few Useful Phrases In The Spanish Language

The leading language of Barcelona is not time-consuming or stressful. Instead, it is an incredibly easy language that will make your stay in Barcelona a lot easier. Below is a compiled list of the common phrases that are used in day to day lives. It will help you do the basic talking when you are on a break. So even if you don’t have someone around to help you find something, you can do that alone. The phrases are translated for your convenience so that you will understand what the Spanish phrase means.

From the day you book your tickets till your departure, even if you spend some minutes it is enough. Few minutes of practice every day is enough to keep the essential phrases in your memory. By learning the local language, you will experience the incredible feeling of being on vacation.

Below Listed Are A Few Phrases –

We will start with some classic phrases that will help you speak Spanish. The most common one includes Hola. We have been familiar with this term, and have heard it quite often. Hola is the Spanish translation for Hello. You can also opt to learn more about the Spanish language from expanish.com

There are a few other stock phrases that we often use in our daily lives that include –

Buenos días – Good Morning

Buenas Noches – Good Night or Good Evening.

Hasta Luego – While separating when we say, “See you later.”

Por Favour – Please

Muchas Gracias – A way to express gratitude, when we say ” Thank You.”

Only knowing the basic “Good afternoons” and “Good Evening” will not work. To take the conversation forward, you will have to learn other conversational phrases as well. We continue with a few polite conversations that you will need to interact with others.

Well, and what about you? – Bien, y tú?

Do you know how to speak English? – Hablas inglés?

I am not able to understand – No entiendo.

I like to visit Barcelona! – Me Gusta, Barcelona!

These were the basic ones. You will need something to eat when hungry, whether you need some tasty tapas or are craving an incredible paella beside the sea. You will have to know a few phrases to ask for what you want to eat. Find them below:

Starter – Primero

La Carta – Dishes in the Menu

Dessert – Postre

Lunch – Almuerzo

Dinner – Cena

Water – Un Agua

A glass of wine – Un vaso de vino

Bread – Pan

Can I have the bill, please – La Cuenta, por favor.

When you are done with the delicacies of Barcelona, it is time for some shopping. You must have heard a lot about the markets in Spain. Barcelona is world-famous for the fantastic stuff it offers to the tourists. For sure, you will not miss the spree of visiting the attractive stores of this beautiful place. There are several quirky boutiques for people who love shopping. Get to know a few phrases that will help you along in your shopping in Barcelona.

Where is the trial room – Dónde está el probador?

Does your shop accept credit cards? – Aceptan las tarjetas de crédito?

I will like – Me gustaría

Medium – Medio

Large – Grande

Small – Pequeño

I will have to buy more solution for sun tan – Necesito comprar más crema solar!

Now, to shop, you will have to move in and around Barcelo. To and fros from a place will need some more phrases to learn. You should be able to make the driver understand where you want to go. Barcelona has so much to do and see.

Excuse me – Perdona

Where is …..? – Dónde está

From where will the bus leave for the airport? – De dónde sale el Aerobús

I need to get a taxi – Necesito Un Taxi

Derecha – Right

Izquierda – Left

Entrance – Entrada

Open – Abierto

Where will I find the best ice cream in Barcelona? – Dónde Puedo comprar el mejor helado de Barcelona?

Where can I find a food restaurant in Barcelona? – Dónde Puedo encontrar un buen restaurante?

So are you waiting for someone to teach you? Don’t wait! Start learning on your own. However, there are a few words, and you may find it difficult to pronounce them. Don’t worry, watch a few tutorial videos online, and you will know how to pronounce words in Spanish accent.

The Bottom Line

You can look for a place to stay in the country as it has some of the best hotels and resorts for the tourists. You can also rent an apartment in Barcelona to obtain the best benefits and also enjoy the freedom of staying in an apartment. With several options available, you will not have to face many difficulties in this new country.

How to Tackle the Challenges of Moving to the UK

Published on July 10, 2020

Life

Moving to a brand-new home is never easy. Things get even more complicated when you will have to move to a whole different city and even worse when you have to move to a whole different country. But, just because it is difficult, does not mean it is impossible. Although, things get a bit more complicated when moving to the United Kingdom. The challenges that you will face there may have a harder impact on you and your family. Acclimating to the UK standards may take a bit of time.

However, since you have decided to move to the UK, I believe that you should first prepare yourself a bit before you take that final leap. There are some things you can learn about the culture of the United Kingdom and the people that live there. You also need to find a way for transport, learn the roads, find a job and maybe even learn the accents.

But, you shouldn’t worry too much. With the right amount of planning, I think that every person is able to tackle all of these challenges. For you to make the right decisions, I can help you create the plan that you need to make some things easier on yourself.

Finding a job

One of the first things you want to do when you move to any country, not just the United Kingdom, is to find somewhere where you will be able to work. At first, it may seem to you like this is not some of the challenges you need to tackle because you haven’t had any problems finding a job in your past before, but right now, we are talking about a whole different country. You weren’t born in the UK which means that you may not have the same privileges as everyone else.

However, you shouldn’t let this discourage you. With enough effort, I’m sure that you will be able to find a job where you will feel comfortable and accepted. Although, I would recommend finding a job before you get there. This is a much safer approach.

Of course, if the reason for moving to the UK is because you got a job here, then you can just skip this step.

Public transport

If your plan was to rely on public transport for traveling in the UK, I think you will need to spend a bit more time researching it and learning how it works. This is especially true when it comes to bigger cities such as London. Although, driving your own car in your cities in the United Kingdom might not be the best idea. The traffic is usually pretty awful which means it is better to rely on public transport.

With the underground rapid transit, you can basically travel anywhere you want. And it is much cheaper than having to fill up the tank of your vehicle with the gas every week.

Different plug type

You probably would think that this might not be the most challenging thing a person has to prepare for when moving to the United Kingdom. But being left without battery on your most important devices such as your smartphone is never a good thing. The microwave, your fridge, the bedside lamp, and everything else will need to be compatible with the UK plugs. They are completely different from what is in the US and what is used in every other country in Europe.

If you’re looking to find an adapter, you should look for a plug type G.

Meet some locals

Whenever moving to a completely different city or country, it is always best to befriend someone that is local or at least a citizen from this new country, in the situation, United Kingdom. Of course, the best way you can do this is just by visiting any local bar or pub. This is especially true when it comes to UK citizens. These people love going to pubs and they enjoy meeting and drinking with strangers. That is why I believe that the bar is the perfect place for meeting new people.

I can’t exactly recommend you bars about the entire UK, but if you’re ever near Birmingham, The Vanguard, 1000 Trades, Fight Club Birmingham and Frizzenti are great options. And according to Kev’s Best, Frizzenti is the place for the best cocktails.

Language barrier

One of the biggest challenges anyone might face when moving to a country as a foreigner is the language barrier. Having trouble to fluently speak the official language of the country you have moved to, may prove as a serious problem. You may have trouble meeting people, finding a job, or traveling around the city. Although, since we are talking about the United Kingdom, we’re also talking about the English language.

These days, most people around the globe can speak English or they can at least understand the most basic words. But, the UK is not just England. There is also Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales too. The differences in accents between all of these four locations are huge. Sometimes it feels like all of them are speaking a completely different language.

Even when coming from a country that has English as an official language, for example, the USA, you still might have trouble understanding locals.

But, I wouldn’t worry about that too much. With enough experience, you will be able to understand most UK citizens. Most of the time, people from the UK will avoid using their dialect or accent to help foreigners keep up with them.

Driving on the opposite side of the street

When coming from every other country in Europe or the USA, you should always remember that cars drive on the left side of the street. It is the opposite of what you’re used to and you should never forget that. When you’re in a vehicle, make sure you stay in the right lane, and when you are a pedestrian make sure you look in the right direction.

There are tons of other challenges that you have to deal with after moving to the UK, but with enough effort and time, you will be able to overcome anything.

7 Key Steps To Take When Starting a New Travel Blog

Published on April 10, 2020

Travel

Although it seems difficult and complex, designing a travel blog can, in fact, be quite simple. And, if you are thinking about creating one that you’ll use for writing about your adventures, you might find the step-by-step guide below quite useful. Let’s take a closer look at the steps that you should take when starting a new travel blog:

Step 01: Choose a Suitable Name

Naturally, the very first step that you should take is choosing a suitable name for your blog. The title must be moderately short, simple to memorize, write & type, and something that will stick in people’s minds. You should also avoid adding numbers or hyphens to the name, especially since you won’t want to explain what it means.

You should also try to bypass using terms that are similar and overused in the entire blogging world. Yeah, you can choose something similar to “Wandering Steven” or “Wanderlust Anna”, but, you should be aware that it won’t stand out from the crowd and that they might already be used by other people. Hence, choosing something that is unique.

Step 02: Pick a Website Building Platform

The next thing that you should choose is a website building platform. This platform allows people to develop a site, insert the content they produced such as pictures, videos, articles, and so on. Naturally, there is a wide range of free platforms that you choose to utilize, but consider choosing the most love, used, and popular options, WordPress.

WordPress is not a platform that can enable you to simply drag & drop things, yet, it is quite user-friendly and it doesn’t require coding. It is also customizable, meaning that you have the opportunity of optimizing its speed in order to rank higher when using some SEO strategies. Additionally, there are various free themes and if you want to see a few of them, check out CanyonThemes.com.

Step 03: Get The Add-Ons You Need

The add-ons you choose to install will be extremely helpful for you and your travel site. Basically, the ones you choose will add extra traits to the blog. Most of the ones you’ll find are free, however, there are some a bit more advanced ones, that might require you to pay a small fee. When it comes to the things you can choose, it will entirely rely on you and your needs.

For instance, Akismet will shield your pages from bots and spammers that leave random comments, Yoast SEO can help you optimize your article, while WP Rocker speeds up your blog, which means that it will perform better. These are only some of the hundreds you can get, hence, do some digging before you install them.

Step 04: You’ll Want to Make an Online Character

Once you get it up and running, the next thing you should do is to create an “About Me Page”. Trust me, this will be one of the most visited categories on the blog, especially since individuals will want to know more about who you are, the story you can tell, and an explanation of why they might want to continue tracking your adventures.

A thing worth mentioning is that you should also create social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even YouTube. This can allow you to reach more people, hence, expanding your loyal audience. And, it’ll also make it simpler for people to distribute the things you post to your blog.

Step 05: Compose The First Article

Once you understand and do the aforementioned steps, it is time to start writing high-quality content. When starting out, one of the best things you can do is to publish at least two to three articles every week. But, there is one key thing that you should always remember and follow – QUALITY is more important than QUANTITY.

This is why you must give yourself enough time to create perfect and useful posts that will have a major impact on your audience. You’ll definitely want your content to inspire people, but, they also need to contain useful tips that people can utilize when they are traveling.

When starting out, you can choose to, for example, tell people more about yourself. Or, you can share your packing strategy, your research on a specific country or place, as well as what your travel essentials are. Additionally, you can share what your all-time favorite place is, give interesting advice on what people can do when they travel, show some incredible photographs, and so on.

Whatever you choose to write about, it can allow you to figure out and comprehend how WordPress works, including how to publish photographs, how the header works, and all the other important details and formatting that is required when publishing on this website.

Step 06: Consistency is The Key to Success

As mentioned earlier, you should post at least two or three articles per week, but, some people can also choose to share daily – especially if they have traveled a lot in recent years. All in all, you should try to be as realistic as you can, especially when it comes to what you can manage to do. Being consistent will build a stronger relationship with your followers as well, which is something a lot of people strive to do.

Step 07: Consider Creating an Email List

When starting out, one of the most important things that you should not skip is building an email list. Now, you might be questioning – why must I do this early on? Well, by doing this, you’ll be able to connect with your readers better, and you can have a strategy for reminding them that you are still there.

It is relatively cheap to build your email list and the only thing it will require is patience and time. There are various tools that you can use for creating an email list, hence, make sure that you utilize them. This will allow you to notify your readers about new posts and adventures.

Conclusion

By following the tips mentioned in the article above, you’ll be able to make the entire process of starting and creating a travel blog easier, cheaper, less time consuming, as well as less stressful for yourself. So, now that you know what you should do, do not waste any more time. Instead, start from the first step in this article, which is to choose a name for your site!

8 Important Things to do Before Traveling to Europe – 2020 Travel Guide

Published on March 25, 2020October 23, 2020

Travel

Exploring Europe is probably one of the most exciting ways to spend your holiday. Surely, this is on everyone’s wish list. As you know, Europe is one of the busiest places in the world when it comes to tourism. Every year, millions of people from all over the world are making tours through a couple of European countries. One thing that’s really impressive about Europe is that you can meet new people, their culture, mentality, tradition, dishes, etc. Moreover, when it comes to culture, pretty much all of the counties are very different, so you will have the opportunity to learn about all of them.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting beautiful Paris, culturally rich Italy or Greece, or mesmerizing hills of Switzerland, you will have the time of your life. If you are thinking about doing that in the nearest future, there are a couple of things you need to do before you start your adventure. Preparing all of the essential things will make your trip much more pleasant and smoother. In order to help you with preparing for your Europe tour, we’ve come up with a list of the important things you need to do before your adventure starts.

Valid Passport

If you are planning to leave the country during summer days for a trip, you need to make sure that your passport is valid. You need to remember that a high number of counties require your passport to be valid for six months, even though some countries require three months after you arrive. This is important even if you are staying just one day or a few months, the principle is the same. On the contrary, if your passport is not valid for six months, that country could deny you entry. This is a pretty strict rule and that’s why it is important to check your passport before you leave your country. If you would like to learn more about it, check this website.

When traveling across Europe, you will not require a visa, unlike the United States, where a visa is a must. In case you need a visa, check here. In the EU for instance, the borders between the countries, for those in the Schengen Zone are basically inexistent. For example, you can travel from France to Germany and you will only see a board that you have entered a new country. You will not need any documents. However, if you plan to visit some other European countries, you should check if a visa is required.

Packing

Packing is probably the most stressful thing you need to do before traveling. There are not many stressful things than this one. Packing just the right amount of clothes is going to lead you a long way. Bringing a high number of unnecessary things to your trip could ruin the whole experience. Probably the best thing you can do is packing light. That way, you can avoid paying for checked luggage, there is no need to show up too much early on the airport, and avoid staying in the line for checking your bags. Therefore, you will prevent yourself from worrying about losing your bags. While in Europe, your light packing will make your bus or train transportation much easier.

Extra Bag

In case you think about going shopping during your trip, it wouldn’t hurt you to bring an extra bag. You can pack light and then store all of the new things you will acquire on your trip into that bag. Sometimes it could happen that we buy too much on our trip. This is a hardship that is not easy to overcome while you are on a trip. So, being careful and having an extra bag could lead you a long way.

Calling a Credit Card Company

Before you leave the country, you need to call your credit card company and let them know that you are going to be out of the country. Letting them know where you are going and on what date is essential because there is a chance of them blocking your card and this can cause you some serious trouble. In order to prevent this, make sure that you make a quick call to them and explain the situation.

Use Local Currency

During your trip to Europe, you should always pay in local currencies. At the same time, try not to exchange your money at the airport because you will end up losing some money. Naturally, you can use your American Express, Diners, MasterCard, or Visa since they are widely accepted all over Europe. However, we recommend that you should exchange your money into local currencies. That way you will be able to protect yourself from potential scams. Moreover, you will have a much better experience if you are trying to cope with a new currency, and why not, save some of them as a souvenir.

Avoid ATM Fees

Before you leave your country, we recommend you to check with your local bank what ATM fees you can expect in Europe. When you are in a foreign country, local ATMs could charge you a wide array of fees. We are going to name a few of those. You can be charged with non-bank ATM usage fees, international transactions to from your currency to a local one, and ATM operator access fees. There are a couple of ways you can limit these fees. You can either use only your bank’s ATMs if possible or you can use the debit card at your bank’s international partners’ ATMs. That way you will prevent being charged with a $5 usage fee for each withdrawal.

Prepare Google Translate and Google Maps

These days we have so many possibilities for communication and you don’t need to worry about communicating with people in foreign countries. You can start using Google Translate application in case you face some hardships with communicating with people. However, we feel that a lot of people in Europe are speaking very good English, so you shouldn’t have too many problems. Anyway, you need to be prepared just in case. Also, you should use Google Maps. With that app, you will never get lost since the maps are frequently updated for every country.

Check your Phone Plan

Before you start using your apps, you need to make sure that your cell provider will not go out on you. You need to call your provider and ask them if you are covered for the countries you plan to visit. In case they don’t have for some of them for some reason, you can either switch your phone to airplane mode or you can just turn it off, and just use Wi-Fi. In case you have T-Mobile, there are chances that you will be able to get some inexpensive calls, for about $0.20 per minute and some free data.

Traveling to Egypt in 2020 – What You Need to Know

Published on March 2, 2020March 4, 2020

Travel

Every year, millions of tourists flock to Egypt to catch a glimpse of its historical artifacts, beautiful beaches, and the magical Sahara Desert. However, recent political developments have led many to reconsider their travel plans. Here is what you need to know before traveling to Egypt in 2020.

The History of Egypt

Egypt is an ancient land, one of the cradles of human civilization. Egyptians were building pyramids back in the 2700s BC when many other civilizations were just discovering bronze. These megalithic wonders are still captivating out attention, thousands of years later. Built as tombs for pharaohs, pyramids endured countless wars and conquests. For almost three millennia, the Egyptian empire was a major player in the East Mediterranean. Later, when conquered by Alexander the Great, it continued to be a regional power. It was restored by Ptolemy I Soter after Alexander’s death. The Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt until the death of Cleopatra in 30 BC when it fell under the Roman government. It was known as the breadbasket of the Empire, which is kind of ironic, considering that it is mostly desert. The Nile valley could produce so much grain that it fed a huge portion of the Roman Empire. It remained under the rule of Rome and Byzantine until it was conquered by the Islamic Empire in the seventh century. Later came the Ottomans, then Mamelukes, and finally British. All of these empires left distinctive traces of their presence in the Nile Valley. Modern Egypt has very little to do with the ancient one, but it is still a country worth visiting.

Visa Requirements

Egypt requires an entry visa for almost all visitors. You can click here to see the exact requirements and whether you need it. You can get a visa online, but there are a few catches.

Is Egypt Safe for Tourists?

In general, yes, Egypt is safe for tourists. Although, to claim that there is no risk at all wouldn’t be true. The last major terrorist attack that killed 20 and wounded 47 happened in Cairo in 2019. It is impossible to claim that another one won’t happen next week or next month. The political climate in Egypt can be fragile and there are several groups in the country that don’t shy from using terror as a political tool. Officially, none of those groups targets tourists, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Then again, that can be true for London, Paris, or New York as well. One way to increase your safety is to closely follow the precautions below.

Safety Precautions

Make sure that a hotel has adequate security before booking it. Most hotels that cater to tourists are surrounded by protective barriers and have plenty of security guards on duty at all times. As we said, chances of you or your group being deliberately targeted are very small, but better to be safe than sorry. When booking a tour outside the hotel, as a visit to the pyramids, use only recommended guides and tour companies. When on the street, you need to stay vigilant, as there are plenty of pickpockets and you could easily be relieved of your wallet or phone if you don’t pay attention to your surroundings.

Watch Out for Hustlers

A huge part of the Egyptian economy relies on tourism. Tourists are a rare source of foreign currency and money in general in the country. That means everyone, from paupers on the street to security guards and even officials, will try to hustle you or scam you. You will be bombarded with offers, many including the word “free” in them. Never accept them, as nothing is free in Egypt.

Tipping Is Mandatory

Everyone will expect a tip, from the baggage handlers (even though they carried your bags less than 10 feet), toilet attendants, hotel staff, tour driver to your guide. People are very poor in Egypt and salaries are low. Those tips are very much appreciated.

It Is Hot During the Summer

During the summer months between May and August, the temperature gets incredibly hot. If you can set your travel date for some other period of the year, do so. The Sun is almost unbearable even for locals, let alone tourists. Add in the fact that most sights you want to visit are in the desert, with little or no shade and it gets easy to see why sensible people visit Egypt between September and April. Even then, you will need a lot of sunscreen during the day and a hat is mandatory.

Dress Moderately

This is especially true for women. Egypt is a deeply traditional country, with strong religious feelings. Shoulders and legs should be covered every time you go outside the hotel, and this goes for both men and women. You may see people in tank tops near the most famous sites, but don’t chance it in cities.

No Drones

If you were hoping to get that amazing drone footage of the pyramids, we have to disappoint you. Drones are forbidden in Egypt, except by the permission of the Ministry of Defense. That means the drone stays at home since you risk customs seizing it on entry. Plus, there is a hefty fine for perpetrators and you can even end up in jail.

Extra Charges

Almost every major touristic site has some extra charges. For instance, The Egyptian Museum sells separate tickets for the main exhibition and the room with the mummies of pharaohs. There are also photography ticket and a video ticket, also sold separately. You can easily end up paying three or four times more than you have planned on tickets alone. Make sure you know the cost in advance, so you can avoid surprises.

Don’t Drink Tap Water

Tap water is not drinkable in Egypt and you should avoid even brushing your teeth with it. Always use bottled water, or you can boil it for teeth brushing. We wouldn’t recommend drinking even boiled water. Hotels will usually provide plenty of bottled water for their guests.

5 Ways to Survive When Traveling for Business

Published on December 5, 2019

Travel

Long delays, security queues, cramped hotel rooms, traffic jams – they’re all things that most business travelers are pretty well accustomed to by now, but they’re still = stressful and tiring to deal with. Especially when all the inconveniences of travel are combined with spending more time than usual with co-workers, meeting important clients, and getting to meetings across town on time in a city that you’re unfamiliar with.

Then on top of that, because you’re in the new city for work you’re away from family and friends. It’s no surprise that business travel can become a drag for the many people who have to do it regularly. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to not only make sure that you survive the experience, but even make it enjoyable.

1. Upgrade Your Accommodation:

If you’re going to be staying with co-workers, then the last thing you want is to be sharing a hotel room with somebody that you’re only used to seeing from 9-5 on weekdays. Plus, hotel rooms can quickly become cramped and small even if you’re on your own, as many don’t offer much space for working – and you certainly couldn’t hold a meeting there. Instead, if you’re in San Francisco – or any other major U.S. city, you might want to consider other options. For instance, renting a fully furnished and equipped apartment. You could rent a two- or three-bedroom space, so everyone has their own area. You’ll just have to share the living space and dining area. Alternatively, you all rent one-bedroom apartments that you can find from providers like theBlueground on the same floor. It’s the most convenient and comfortable option for business travelers. Best of all, it’s more cost-effective than a long-term stay in a hotel.

2. Pack Smart and Light:

There’s nothing worse than waiting around for ages for your luggage to come around on the carousel. This is even more stressful if you’ve got just a little bit of time to get to an important meeting once you’ve landed. Instead of dealing with that hassle, it’s definitely worth becoming familiar with the art of traveling with carry-on luggage only. This way, you can keep your luggage with you, bypass the queues, and let’s not forget that it’s much easier to pull along with you to wherever you’re staying. You can get a lot of clothes into a carry-on bag by rolling instead of folding them – and this helps you avoid creases and wrinkles too. Be smart about what you pack – a few essential items like earplugs or good headphones can go a long way in helping you have a more relaxing flight.

3. Be Prepared:

The more prepared you are, the easier and less stressful your business trip is going to be. Make sure you do everything you need to in advance, like checking into your flights online, reserving meeting rooms and tables at restaurants, or booking cab rides from the airport to your accommodation. Being super prepared will help you feel more in control, and since you’ll be able to stay organized, it’ll help you make a good impression on your boss, co-workers and anyone you’re meeting with, too.

4. Make it Fun:

If you’re going to be staying somewhere for at least a few days, then you’ll want to find some fun to do as well as work. It’s important that you’re able to take at least a couple of hours to do something that you enjoy, rather than working all the time. Maybe it’s going out for drinks with co-workers and clients in the evening. Or enjoying a big dinner and catching up with a friend who lives nearby that you don’t get to see often. Possibly it’s checking out some of the biggest tourist attractions and activities in your current city. Injecting some fun and recreation into your business trip gives you something to look forward to and helps you clear your mind after working hard.

5. Look After Yourself:

It can be tempting to neglect looking after yourself on a business trip so that you can get more work done, but this will only lead to you feeling more stressed out, run down and burned out. So, make sure that you are taking care of yourself just as you would back at home. Try to eat nutritious meals whenever you can rather than relying on fast food, takeout and unhealthy restaurants. Keep healthy snacks with you throughout the day to avoid grabbing candy or chips from the nearest vending machine. If where you’re staying has a gym or at least a bit of equipment, this is definitely worth taking advantage of. If the weather is nice you could hire a bicycle, or simply set aside some time to go for a run in the morning. Even just taking a walk can be a great way to explore your new location too.

Business trips can quickly get stressful, so it’s important to have steps in place to help you not only survive but thrive when traveling for work.

Traveling to the United States for the First Time? Here Are the Top Things You Should Know

Published on November 12, 2019November 12, 2019

Travel

According to official data, the United States remains one of the top vacation destinations, with over 77 million visitors in 2018. It has everything you ever wanted for an amazing vacation – mountains, lakes, forests and national parks, wildlife, the ocean, iconic cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, as well as plenty of nightlife, museums to visit, and opportunities to spend time outside.

However, going to the US for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, especially because of the cultural differences. Even though you live in Europe and you grew up with American sitcoms, TV shows, and movies, there are still many differences that you will have to embrace. Here are some things that you should expect during this adventure.

Health and travel insurance

Under no circumstances, should you travel to the United States without having health insurance. The medical system there is ridiculously expensive, so you may end up paying thousands of dollars for a short visit to the ER.

The healthcare system is complex and, sometimes, seems to follow rules that nobody else in the world understands. Unlike most other countries that adopted a universal healthcare system, healthcare in the United States mainly focuses on private providers and insurance companies.

That being said, all minors under the age of 18 years old will receive free medical healthcare if none of their parents can afford it. Similarly, all people over the age of 65 and those who live on social welfare are qualified for free healthcare.

Have your documents with you at all times

Anytime you enter a liquor shop, a gas station or even a regular supermarket hoping to buy a beer, you will be asked for your ID. Don’t flatter yourself even though you are well into your 30s because the local rules state that all citizens under 45 years old will be asked for ID whenever purchasing alcohol or cigarettes.

That being said, you may also be asked for your ID by law enforcement or when entering bars, clubs, and even some restaurants. And don’t forget that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and not 19 as in Canada or 18 as in Europe and almost all other countries in the world.

Tipping services

Many Americans work in the service industry, relying almost entirely on tips to make a decent monthly living. Therefore, tipping is expected and, in some situations, even mandatory.

Unlike many European countries where tipping is optional and doesn’t usually exceed 10% of the total bill, in the United States you will be expected to tip a minimum of 15-20%. This includes drivers, baristas, waitresses, and bartenders.

The reason behind this tipping policy is that most people in the service industry are paid way below the minimum wage because they are expected to earn more by being nice to customers and working for their tips. Coming from a country like Germany, Austria or Japan where people rarely tip, this practice may seem strange but it is the American way.

Consider your budget

Ah, taxes. The American taxation system is complicated and makes little to no sense if you live outside the country. Perhaps the weirdest thing you will come across in your trip is seeing one price displayed on the shelves and paying another price for the product at the register.

The reason is that the United States doesn’t enforce a VAT per se, meaning each state has its own taxation system. Most foods, beverages, clothes, and other mandatory products are taxed between 7-8% and 12%, depending on the state, while taxes for alcohol, tobacco, and electronics are usually higher.

Make sure to take this into account when considering your budget for the trip. America remains one of the most expensive destinations in the world, so always bring extra money with you for emergencies.

How to plan a low-budget trip

If you plan on living in the United States for a short while but don’t have more than $2,000-$3,000, there are still plenty of tips to follow to make the most out of your money. For instance, renting a one-bedroom home for a month is more convenient than staying in Airbnbs, hotel or motel rooms.

Renting a house in the suburbs is not that expensive, and you will also get a small backyard. However, you should look out for pests, especially raccoons as they now tend to invade our homes more often. They are smart and very curious creatures and they have adapted themselves very well to living amongst people. They will eat from your trash cans and get inside your house through a pet door or even under your garage. To inform yourself about raccoon traps and how to keep them away from your home you can check out seedsandmore.net.

Although they look friendly, raccoons are disease carriers and can easily force you to pay a visit to the hospital which you may not afford unless you have solid traveling insurance.

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