Vacation

Spend Your Vacation in Vietnam – 2021 Travel Guide

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If you did some research before opening this article, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of sightseeing options. These sightseeing spots range from the amazing scenic landscapes to the small, uninhabited islands, to the ancient temples and museums. There are literally thousands of options to choose from.

However, if you are planning on visiting Vietnam during your next summer vacation, you should not feel overwhelmed since you might find this article helpful. The text below will feature some of the best things to see and do in Vietnam, but, before taking a look at that, you should first learn something before traveling there. Let’s take a closer look:

What You Should Know Before The Trip

There are some things that you should know and prepare before visiting Vietnam. These things include:

  1. It is Actually a Huge Country

Source:vegantraveldiaries.com

You might not realize it, but, Vietnam is incredibly large! However, once you open your map to find the route you should take, you might realize it then. So, to understand it a bit better, it would take around 30 hours to travel by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – which is quite a lot when you think about it. It will take you more time to get from one location to another, and this is true for entire Asia, but especially true for this country. Hence, you should come up with a good itinerary plan.

  1. Be Prepared For Different Weather Conditions

Generally speaking, the weather is always warm and extremely humid. But, since Vietnam is vast, it is natural that the weather varies quite a lot. And, “by a lot”, I mean that there are three weather regions. This means that a blizzard can occur in one part, while it is sunny in another part.

  1. A Visa is a Must

Source:bestpricevn.com

The number of people who land in Vietnam that did not know they need a Visa is a bit shocking, hence, ensure that you get one on time. Now, do not be stressed when you think about the daunting process of obtaining a Visa, everything is made easier by the Internet.

The process of getting an electronic visa is quite simple. You will need to fill in a form, pay for it online, get an approval email that usually takes about three business days to arrive, and lastly, ensure that you have packed your passport, approval letter, the entry, and exit forms, as well as money. If you want to see more information about E-visas for Vietnam, check out https://e-visa-vietnam.com.

  1. The People Are Friendly And Lovely

You have no idea how lovely and friendly Vietnamese people are. Once you try to talk to someone you met, you might be positively surprised by how nice and friendly they are – and they will take their kindness to a new lever. From giving you free food to telling you motivational life stories, these people will share the little they have with you.

What to See And Do

Once in Vietnam, you will, of course, want to try and see as many things as you can. However, as previously mentioned, you will need to carefully come up with an itinerary plan. That is why the list below will feature the must-see locations while there. These must-see locations include:

  1. The Mesmerizing Ha Long Bay – Northern Vietnam

Source:sensasia.com

This bay features over 1500 small limestone islands and it spreads over 1.500 square kilometers. In 1994, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and for most people who choose to visit it, it is a place that looks like it came for a fantasy movie. Some of the things you can do there include boat riding, exploring different limestone caves, as well as watching the diverse wildlife.

  1. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi

Source:vietnam-guide.com

Yet another UNESCO site, The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a fascinating piece of Vietnamese history. It is close to 40 meters high, the tower in the center is perhaps the most recognized characteristic of the Citadel and it often referred to as the symbol of Hanoi. You can see various wells, palaces, relics, and ancient roads once there.

  1. The Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City

Source:gonomad.com

These tunnels are literally a war museum that offers tourists the experience of how the Viet-Cong soldiers lived like. It is created by more than 120 kilometers of tunnels and it was created during 1948 when the soldiers fought the French army. This is one of the most iconic sightseeing spots and you can walk through the underground tunnels, fire an M16 rifle, and you can try food that the army ate.

  1. Phing Nha-Ke Bang National Park – Quang Binh Province

Source:lonelyplanet.com

If you are an adventurer, you might want to visit this amazing national park – especially if you want to hike, explore the caves, as well as mountain biking. It is also where the largest cave in the world is located called Son Doong which has parts that reach up to 200 meters in height. Some other activities that you can opt for, include various tours, kayaking, and visiting the locals.

  1. My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An

Source:getyourguide.com

One of the best examples of the Champa civilization is this sanctuary that is located in the southern part of this country. The entire complex houses over 70 structures that are all devoted to various Hindu Goddesses and Gods, however, the most famous structure is called Shiva – that was and still is considered to be a protector of the Champa kings.

  1. The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne – Mui Ne

Source:cocovietnamtravel.com

Once in Vietnam, you should not miss seeing the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne. There are various tours that you can go on during the day, however, if you are a bit more adventurous, you can choose to explore them while walking. Some interesting things that you can do include kite flying, and taking some of the best sunset pictures ever.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various things that you can do while in Vietnam. From visiting the war museum to kayaking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, the possibilities are endless. So, now that you know everything that you should do before your trip, as well as what you should see once there, do not waste any more time, and start planning the itinerary right away!

 

Top 5 High Priced Splendid Villas in Dubai for 2021

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Dubai is one of the highly admired countries not because of its tourists’ attractions but also due to its magnificent business. If you are planning to spend your vacations in Dubai with your family, you should not worry about your residential as well as traveling facilities. Book an automobile of your choice in advance from cheap car rental Dubai for traveling across the city. 

Many people search for the best residential units to stay with family in Dubai. No doubt Dubai has a never-ending chain of hotels and resorts, but these places are appropriate for short period stay. If a family travels to Dubai for spending vacations, they will surely stay there for a month or two. For a long duration stay with your family, a beautifully developed villa is the best choice. 

Are you looking for investment in Dubai villas?

Source:bhomes.com

As the real estate market of Dubai is rising to its horizon, there has been a competition among investors and buyers for purchasing a property in it. But still, there is the best place for investment in Dubai. If you want to buy your residential accommodation or plan to invest in flourishing your business portfolio, you should look for the best villa communities in Dubai. 

Many elite class residents of Dubai buy these villas for their residence. Because a strategically designed and meticulously planned villa community will make their lifestyle luxurious. If you want to spend a lavish life in Dubai, you should buy a high priced luxury villa in Dubai. 

Which are the latest villas in Dubai?

Some Dubai villa communities are recently launched by keeping in view the interest of investors, tourists, as well as residents in them. These stunning residential units are perfect pictures of a dream landscape and villa as these are also accompanied by serene beaches, lush golf courses, and crystal lakes. 

Here are some of the most expensive latest villas in Dubai.

Coral Boutique Villa

Source:agoda.com

Many rich families go to Dubai to arrange their wedding in the most beautiful destination in the world. Such families want a complete life package as they have to go shopping to malls and for the entertainment of kids to parks. Coral Boutique Villas are perfectly suitable for accommodation of such families because of the availability of everything from malls to the recreational places in the nearby areas. 

This villa is present at a 5 minutes distance from the Mall of Emirates. The most captivating feature of this villa is its glass roof. You can avail of the other amenities such as a spa center, a swimming pool, a cafe bar, a play area, and a business center. You can reserve this villa for your residence in Dubai at the average cost of INR 31,000 per night. 

Arabian Ranches Villa

Source:thenational.ae

Arabian Ranches villa is the topmost villa community in Dubai for this year. If you want to stay in the best villa in Dubai, choose this one. While staying in this villa, hire a car from a car rental Dubai because of the unavailability of metro service in this area.  This community is self-sustainable. So, you can invest in it even if you are not a Dubai resident. 

This villa community, consisting of 4000 apartments, townhouses, and villas, developed by Emaar properties is the marvelous example of a blended architect of Arabic and Mediterranean architecture. All the villas of this community are different from one another in terms of their layout and style. You can rent this villa within the price of AED 143k to 240k and buy this at approximately 3M AED. 

Palm Jumeirah Villa

Source:youtube

Palm Jumeirah is a highly prestigious villa community of Dubai developed on the man-made island. Every villa has its own private beach in this community. These villas also boast enthralling views of landmarks and the Dubai skyline. Moreover, the amenities of a manicured garden and private pool make it most appealing for Dubai’s elite residents. 

This villa has spacious rooms featured with the soothing and high-quality interior. Though this is the best place for your family to stay in Dubai, its rental costs are relatively higher. You have to pay almost 226k AED for a 3-bedroom, 353k AED for a 4-bedroom, and 432k AED for a 5-bedroom villa. The investors and buyers can accommodate this villa in AED 6.14M, 9.5M, AND 17.5M for 3, 4, and 5-bedroom villas respectively. 

J5 Villas

Source:agoda.com

J5 villas are located in the neighborhood of Al Barsha, Dubai. This villa is one of the ideal destinations of Dubai for family holidays. Its location is superb for everyone, particularly for shopping lovers due to its proximity to the Mall of Emirates. Along with the mall, Al Barsha Pond Park, and Ski Dubai is also present there. 

There are four spacious bedrooms in the villa along with an en suite bathroom. Its residents can also enjoy easy access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking space. So, you will not face any parking problem for your vehicle rented from cheap RentalCarsUae service providers. You can stay in this villa at the per night charges of approximately 1NR 48,000.

AKOYA Oxygen Villa

Source:builder-property.over-blog.com

If you are a true admirer of nature, you should select AKOYA Oxygen Villa for your residence. Its beautiful lake, well-organized golf courses, and lush gardens provide the most beautiful scenery together for the enjoyment of nature’s company. This villa community consists of more than 20 sub-communities. This community was developed a few months ago by DAMAC properties.  

Rooms of this villa are well furnished with traditional cultural style to enlighten the natural lifestyle. Besides other amenities of villa, you can easily go to shopping malls, dining restaurants, leisure hotspots, and healthcare centers due to their close presence. For moving across the city, rent an automobile from the car rental Dubai company. You can book this for your stay at the negotiable cost of AED 38k. 

Therefore, enjoy your family trip to Dubai by staying in any one of these hotels. 

8 Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Sri Lanka

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If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience, Sri Lanka may be the best choice for you, especially if you prefer visiting distant places, and discover a lot of new things you didn’t know before. This country offers beautiful and exotic places, no matter what type of vacation you want – parties all day and all night, or having a nice and calm time with your partner or close friends. But, is there anything you need to know before traveling there? Do you need special documents, or a visa to enter the country? You can click here to inform yourself about what you need to go to Sri Lanka and check if your country has a visa regime with it.

Your personal and travel documents are the first thing you need to have with you when you go to another country. Check the validity of your passport, book the flight, and of course, the accommodation there, and also if you have your payment cards with you because you don’t want to get lost in some foreign country where you don’t know anyone.

But, once you arrive in Sri Lanka, you will see great and highly developed cities, but also some pieces of their beautiful nature, you will catch the sunny days, live together with the locals, and be a part of their culture and tradition. Also, there are just a few things you should be careful about, and you will have a great vacation there. These are just a few of them:

1. It’s more affordable compared to the popular destinations

Source:mirror.co.uk

Sri Lanka offers beautiful sandy beaches, bars, great restaurants, and everything there is exactly what you need, so you can have the time of your life. If you compare it to some similar-looking destinations, you will realize that it’s more affordable than Thailand or Maldives for example, but it still offers breathtaking landscapes and crystal clear sea.

2. People there are very friendly, but…

Locals enjoy that new tourists come every year. They are very generous and polite, but at the same time, you need to be careful and try not to fall for street scammers, especially those who are getting physically very close to you or even touch you, no matter how friendly approach they have. Also, it’s always better to take your suitcase by yourself, and not let anyone take photos with your camera. There are really nice and kind locals, who will do everything to make your stay there more comfortable, but scammers are present in almost every commercial destination, and you must be careful with them.

3. Don’t mention politics when you talk to some of the locals

Sri Lanka had a difficult past when it comes to war and politics. That was one of the reasons that stopped the country from developing fast enough, so there are still parts of it that should be developed. Locals absolutely want to talk about their job, the kids, and everyday problems, but politics is still a topic that is better to be avoided when it comes to conversation.

4. All the places around are easy to reach

Source:meetingmediagroup.com

Sri Lanka is not just a beautiful coastline and sandy beaches. You can also travel around the country by train or bus, and reach some of the popular natural beauties, tea fields, and breathtaking views. You can always find a way to travel around, but we recommend you to use the train because the railway passes through really beautiful spots everyone should see them at least once in a lifetime.

5. Exchange the money for their local currency

Source:blog.continentalcurrency.ca

People there are using rupees, even though they are not the main currency there. Also, Sri Lanka rupees are different than Indian and Pakistani, and you will need to exchange them at the border. It’s better to use American dollars and get the rupees when you get inside the country, because of the exchange offices odder better rates. Don’t give your money to street strangers who say they want to give you a better rate – they are again, probably the same street scammers we already talked about.

6. Don’t forget to try tea

You’ve maybe heard about Ceylon tea and cinnamon. Do you know that the previous name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon? Once you arrive there, you are in the center of the most beautiful tea in the world. People there still refer to most of their home products as Ceylon, and while you are there, you can enjoy the authentic taste of their traditional tea.

7. Local food is very delicious

Source:gulfnews.com

If you want to try special and exotic recipes and combine unusual ingredients, local cuisine is what you need. You will rarely find pizza and burgers there, so be ready to try new things, especially if you are a fan of fish and seafood. Also, be aware that most of the population is Hindu, and you won’t find beef there, and it’s even better not to ask or order anything that contains this ingredient.

8. It develops very fast

As we already said, this country has a painful past because of the civil war that ended not so long ago. Tourists still find it as a risk to travel there, but the truth is that right at this moment, there is no risk for them to choose it as their next vacation destination. Since the country is developing and getting better as time goes by, it will become more expensive, and less affordable than it’s right now – so you need to travel there the sooner you can.

Just like every popular destination, Sri Lanka was also affected by the current pandemic, and the situation with tourism is very bad right now. But, there is always hope that things will be better soon, and we will be able to travel again, and plan our next summer vacation, starting from now. This country is worth visiting, and you need to put it on your planning map right now.

10 Reasons Why Timeshare is a Bad Investment

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While timeshares are being sold as a profitable financial investment, they turn into a liability soon once you have to pay annual maintenance charges regardless if you use your asset or not.

According to LinxLegal, a reputed timeshare cancellation company, “Very few people ever travel as much as they think they will. The lies that were told to you to be accurate, such as “You can sell your timeshare at a profit.” Wrong. A timeshare is, and always will be, a depreciating asset. Look at the Wyndham rental market on eBay. As you can see, the better option is to rent a condo on eBay Timeshare Rentals for pennies on the dollar than to “own” an inflated timeshare.”

Investing your hard-earned money in a timeshare is absurd. There are many people considering cancellation of their timeshare purchases. Though it seems improbable, it’s not impossible.

Source:hawaiibusiness.com

After you have read this article, you may not want to sign up for a timeshare, even if you really wish to. There have been numerous cases of timeshare frauds. Customers usually end up having nothing. The reason for losing their hard-earned money is that most people who sign up to timeshares, do not weigh up the benefits and costs of their ownership. Unfortunate as it may seem, most people are not even aware of the costs until they are charged with taxes on their first bill. Also, in case of default of payment, people face the problem of fore disclosure with their collateral.

Since signing up for a timeshare is a scam and misery for your hard-earned money, here, we have organized a list of top reasons why you should not invest in a timeshare.

  1. Highly Intelligent and Aggressive Sales Technique

Timeshare companies sell intelligently. People may want to fetch details on a timeshare, but they end up purchasing it because of the intelligent hard-sell of the salespeople. Some may even think of buying it and end up signing up contracts without doing a cost-benefit analysis of the ownership.

Source:startribune.com

If you’re someone scammed with the purchase of a timeshare, you would surely want to find a way to cancel.

  1. Mortgage Payment is Just the Start

Assuming that you don’t have cash for a timeshare purchase, you may need a mortgage. Most people do not read the document carefully. Please be informed that in addition to the mortgage fees, you will be liable for maintenance, assessment fees, property taxes, and further utilities as well.  Your inability to make payments for these add-up expenses would legally allow your contractor to block your contract.

  1. No Market for Resale

You may want to reconsider investing in timeshares since they do not have a good market. There are hardly any buyers for your contract. Plus, you will lose good money when you opt to sell your contract. Timeshare is fine if only buying it helps you enjoy a good vacation at a luxurious resort. Otherwise, it’s a bad idea for investment.

  1. Possibility of Reselling is a Scam

Since selling timeshares is very rare, there are numerous scammers making false promises to sell your timeshares to buyers in the market. Though they promise to connect you with the clientele in exchange for hefty commissions, their commitments are never fulfilled. They may charge advances from you claiming you resell your timeshare. However, they never manage to find the right buyer and end up scamming you.

Please know that some states have enacted strict laws to regulate timeshare reselling. So, not all brokers are scammers.

  1. Losses Cannot Be Deducted from Tax Returns

Timeshares are hardly sold benefiting their owners. Even if you manage to sell it at a loss, you’re not likely to get a deduction of that loss from your tax returns. Getting it done is rather complicated. However, there are a few exceptions. Make sure you do some research online to find out more about how to deduct the loss from your returns.

Source:daveramsey.com

  1. In Case of Non-payment, Foreclosure of Collateral

Going for timeshare purchasing through mortgages is not advisable at all. As mentioned above, there are various expenditures you are liable to pay for in addition to the mortgage price. However, in case of non-payment or default, you may experience foreclosure and the lender may enforce the sale of your collateral to recover the borrowed amount. Foreclosures will certainly hit hard on your credit score.

  1. The Lender Enforcing Foreclosure Can Get the Deficiency

The sales amount retrieved is often not enough to cover for the mortgage. As a result, the lender can gain the benefit of deficiency too. The deficiency is the amount of difference between the sales amount of the collateral and the loan. Fortunately, certain states have robust policies to protect your right to a deficiency amount. However, there are some states that don’t favor the debtors. Hence, the lender can manipulate the judgment in their favor and gain the benefit of deficiency as well.

  1. Renting a Timeshare Is a Rare Possibility

Source:insurancequotes.com

At the start, the hard-sell of the salesperson attracts you to buy in. Renting seems feasible and easier as communicated by them. However, this is not true. Renting is complicated and is often extremely difficult. Again, this aspect needs a timeshare owner to thorough research so that they can know more about the available options.

  1. Scheduled Acquisition is Almost a Scam Too!

Acquiring booked resorts at ease is deceptive than communicated by the false salespersons. Some states do not allow scheduled acquisitions. It’s not that easy. It rarely happens.

  1. Rent a Resort for Vacations Since It’s Cheaper

Most people consider timeshares worth an investment. However, it’s not true. Plus, you may want to consider renting an accommodation for your vacations in a resort of similar standards. Because it’s cheaper and saves you from dumping your hard-earned money in timeshare scams. You not only save yourself from a lot of hurdles and hard-sell of salespersons, but you also save yourself from a lot of costs such as a mortgage, maintenance, services, utilities, and taxes.

The Beach vs. Pool: Where’s The Best Place To Be?

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This situation has probably happened to you: You went on vacation, and you saw a large number of people who spend their time at the hotel pool instead of on the beach. You don’t understand why? Well, everything has its reasons. Some people prefer a sandy beach while some are more fond of the pool. We will try to understand the reasons for both. The beach vs. pool – where’s the best place to be? Try to answer that after reading this text.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Beaches and Pools

Source: pexels.com

Long sandy beaches and the sparkling sea are the dreams of every person who thinks of spending his vacation far away from the city noise. Cocktails on deck chairs, daily parties – it’s all nice, but somehow always after returning from the beach, we usually end up at one of the pools in the hotel complex. After each swim in the sea, we immediately run under the shower. We wash off the sand and salt – and only then slowly lie down on one of the deck chairs and enjoy the sun. The pool is a little different. You often find yourself in a situation where on the way to the beach -you first jump into the pool and then get carried away, that in the end, you often do not reach the beach.

Most hotel complexes have made an effort to build a large number of pools of various shapes and sizes. Not to neglect their content and interesting programs. We assume that because of such things people often forget, and do not even go to the beach – but fill their day with activities at the pool. We can use the pools day and night because you will admit – nothing is more beautiful than a night swim under the moon and various lamps around and in the pool.

What Can We Expect From Going To The Beach, And What When We Go To The Pool

Do you want to rest, drink cocktails, and go out under a parasol for a long time? You could hardly wait to replace the city streets with white sandy beaches – and swim in the warm sea. However, with most people, it usually lasts only for a few days – and then we start to look for a change and new adventures. In the beginning, it is staying next to one of the pools that organize various programs or parties – and later it is going on excursions. Most people often decide to go to an aqua park or some of the places where there is a chance to swim in the pool with dolphins, seals, etc. However, most aqua parks offer you fun in pools of various shapes and sizes where you can expect the unexpected.

Swimming Pools in Aqua Parks: A Swimming Paradise

Source: pexels.com

Aqua Parks are truly a paradise for all pool lovers. The designers made an effort to make a large selection of pools with different facilities. Some parks are not even possible to visit in only one day. Although we love going to the beach and swimming in the sea – the facilities in the pools like those in the aqua parks will always attract our attention, regardless of whether we are younger or older. All the benefits of swimming in the sea, the pools have managed to replace. Today in the pools we have the opportunity to swim in the waves, surf, or water ski. We also have pools with rapids, canals, slides – and even saltwater pools. Overall, swimming pools are the main attraction of all aqua parks and they are something you should try if you haven’t already.

You Can Use The Pools All Year Round

The huge advantage of the pool over the beach and the sea – is that we can use them all year round. There are outdoor and indoor pools, so according to CapitalCountryPools – regardless of the season we can enjoy them. Beaches and the sea are reserved for summer. We often decide to spend our free time and vacations not only at sea – but also in spas. We can visit them throughout the year because nature and spa pools are great not only for health but also for relaxation and good rest. In such pools, you can be treated with healing water, but also enjoy swimming under jets, whirlpools, or a jacuzzi. All these pools have their purpose for both medicinal and relaxation purposes.

Beach Or Private Pool

Source: pexels.com

We must say that both options have their advantages. There is no better feeling than lying on the sand by the sea while the waves are lapping you. Not to mention the romantic evening walks on the beach. Many great loves began thanks to these beautiful landscapes. Swimming in the sea or ocean is the most beautiful thing, and sports fans can enjoy things like surfing, diving, or exploring the underwater world.

Yet having a private pool in the house is almost a breath of luxury. Just imagine that you can enjoy the pool every day, sip your favorite drink, and throw yourself into the water whenever you want. Of course, we must point out that owning a swimming pool costs – not only the construction but also further maintenance, while you do not need to go to the sea. However, the better option depends solely on you and your preferences and desires.

Conclusion

We tried to show you the differences between the beach and the pool in some way. As you can see for yourself, there is a difference and a reason to opt for both suggestions. Still, some advantages speak in favor of the pools. Namely, you can use the pools all year round, you can own them (if you are lucky and have proper conditions for it), you can choose those with salt or freshwater –  and enjoy them even during the winter if they are covered. On the other hand, the advantage of the sea and the beach is in the nature that surrounds you. You can enjoy the sea, the lovely nature, and beautiful sandy beaches – as well as the fact that you do not have to pay for this kind of pleasure with continuous maintenance as required by the pool.

Last Minute Travel Success : 7 Essential Tips

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According to trends in travel search data, 44 percent of jet-setters book last-minute. That’s roughly half of all travelers scrambling to find the right flights and accommodation, then stuffing everything they think might be useful into their luggage.

Last-minute travel can be a thrilling prospect. It’s a liberating, spontaneous feeling looking at the next few weeks in your calendar and simply saying to yourself, “Hey, why not a much-needed vacation?” Left to one’s own devices – that nagging voice in the back of your head telling you to be “restrained” – you might never actually take that vacation you deserve. But when you strike while the iron’s hot, it’s an astute investment in your own best interest.

Having said that, last-minute travel comes with its own set of challenges. Without the time to thoroughly prepare, you need some help if you’re going to get the best accommodation, flight and activity recommendations.

If you plan on traveling last-minute this spring, follow these seven tips for last-minute travel success.

Source:piano-travel.rs

Get the Time off Now

First thing’s first: book your time off right immediately. Whether it’s a vacation away from work, school or simply the daily responsibilities of being around the house, ensure that you can clear a space in your schedule for travel. The last thing you want to do is book a trip only to find that immovable responsibilities are going to keep you at home.

This can be as simple as putting in a last-minute vacation request with a manager or coordinating with a neighbor to look after your precious pooch while you’re on vacation. Whatever the case may be, do it first.

Consider Travelling Mid-Week

When you travel on the weekend, you compete with the entire weekend getaway crowd, many of whom booked their flights months in advance. If traveling last minute, consider flying in and out of your destination mid-week: between Tuesday and Thursday.

Mid-week flights tend to be less expensive than their weekend counterparts. Understandably, this isn’t a reality for all last-minute jetsetters, who might only have the weekend off of work to travel, but if you can swing it with your personal responsibilities, it could wind up saving you a couple of hundred dollars.

Check Out a Trustworthy Travel Deal Curator

Perhaps the best thing a last-minute traveler can do, if they want an attractive, perfectly priced vacation, is to realize that there are limits to your own deal-seeking abilities. Sometimes, you have to defer to the professionals. In this case, that means using a trustworthy travel deal curator like Travelzoo.

While you might have some success on your own, seeking out deals on flights, accommodation and experiences, travel deal curators are far more effective, scanning wide swaths of offers and vetting them for the best prices and value. More than that, they can bundle your flights, accommodation, and activities so you not only get the best price, you also have a few less things to worry about. And when you’re traveling last-minute, the more responsibilities you can shift off your plate and onto an expert’s, the better.

To get started planning your comprehensive getaway, check out these last-minute trips from a leading online publisher of travel deals.

Make a Packing Checklist

Source:madeinaday.com

When you’re dealing with two weeks or less of planning time for a vacation, that’s when mistakes are liable to happen. You forget your electric toothbrush, passport or – arguably worse – you forget to even pack a bathing suit!

The only way to be sure you have everything you need for your last-minute vacation is to make a list and check it twice. Sectionalize your packing list into key categories: clothing, toiletries, documents, electronics, and miscellaneous items. That latter category can cover everything from medicine you may need, to foreign cash you should pick up before departing.

If you think you may need a last-minute vaccination for your destination with advice from the CDC for last-minute travelers.

Keep an Open Mind

One thing to realize about last-minute traveling is that it may not be exactly the trip you pictured. With limited time, you may not be able to nab the precise hotel, activity or even location you’ve been daydreaming of. But that’s okay!

With an open mind, the spontaneity and exploration of a last-minute trip can be even more thrilling than a well thought out vacation. Enjoy whatever comes your way, and try to push aside any preconceived notions about your trip ought to be.

Cast a Wide Net for Recommendations

When planning out what to do on your last-minute getaway, don’t just consult one source. If all you have is a single guidebook, then the guidebook is all you’ll see. And as well-intentioned, as guidebooks are, they only represent a fraction of what’s out there.

Solicit your friends over social media for recommendations. Those close to you, who know you, maybe better poised to offer experiences you’ll enjoy. Or head to a local “subreddit” forum, where locals congregate to share recommendations in their city or region. Just Google your destination along with the word “subreddit” and click through the top link to ask for recommendations or read helpful posts.

Pin Your Itinerary with a Maps App

Source:imore.com

One of the easiest ways to plan an itinerary (and ease is what you’re looking for when traveling last minute) is to simply use your maps app. Whether you’re on Google Maps, Apple Maps or similar, plotting an itinerary is as simple as downloading an offline map of your destination, dropping pins where you want to visit, and then writing a rough timeline in your notes app.

When it comes time to follow your itinerary, all you have to do is open your maps and search for directions to your next grand adventure.

If you’re considering a last-minute vacation this spring, just do it! And follow these easy tips to ensure you plan the best possible flights, accommodation, recommendations, and itinerary.

 

 

Vacation Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Career

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Job, gig, career, work – whatever you call it – it takes time and attention. Sometimes a lot of it.

Thankfully there is that thing called compensation. But you could be marveling over the numbers in your bank account and then suddenly see that exotic locale flash across the screen. There’s a sunset, the sky, a mountain, a vast blue ocean. Remember those?

You realize that there is a life to live for yourself out there. You realize that you’ve been getting up to an alarm and following the same old routine every day – with little to no change (in perhaps years). But don’t worry. A vacation could be your reality paycheck. A vacation is a chance for perspective. For autonomy. For evolution. 

It has a bad wrap, the word ‘vacation’. Hearing it conjures an image of a sunbather. That’s right, the one who’s laying on a wooden chair on the beach with nothing to do but sit and sip cocktails from coconuts all day.

Img source: libertytravel.com

But setting out on a journey away from it all is not the time to do nothing. It’s an opportunity to work on yourself and to make life-course adjustments. Going on the right trip could be a turning point in your life.

Rather than a temporary escape from the stress, vacations can be a career and personal success catalyst. It’s all in how you approach it. But how much vacation time should take? According to entrepreneur.com, you should find the ideal balance between vacation time and work that will let you relax but at the same time not forget about your duties and responsibilities. 

Some of the soul searching and questions you must ask yourself simply cannot be done on the job site in the middle of the grind. You’ve got to break free. When you have true clarity of mind, you can reflect on the following:

  • Is it the right job at the right time?

Who else is in your life? A spouse? A child? How does your schedule influence the time you share with them? Are you earning enough to achieve your financial goals? Is there happiness? What else could you be getting paid to do? Maybe you are considering a career change? Then take your time to create a resume to get the job of your dream. Or it might be a better idea to ask a professional resume writing service, like resumeget, to do it for you. In the meantime, you can enjoy your vacation. 

  • Are you climbing or clinging to that career ladder?

Img source: hassonassociates.com

Is there mobility in your current position? Can you grow or be promoted? What is in your power to request? What can you demand?

  • Are you the one making the job work or are you working for the job?

Granted not all of us are on the cutting edge when it comes to our jobs, but the handle is just as important as the blade. Can you innovate or improve a system or process that you use? 

Remember that there’s nothing keeping you from ‘branding’ the way you go about things either. After all, doing your work your own way is the ultimate freedom.

It’s so easy to fall into a vacuum of eat, sleep, work, repeat. To be comfortable and to trade ambition for regularity. Your labor should follow from your own life’s pursuits. That is, if you wish to be the one thriving, not just your employer. Your work output should be in tandem with your legacy and what you want to leave behind.

Afford yourself perspective to truly see your part in the bigger picture. Lift the dome off your career vacuum. Become a better professional and person for those around you. Achieve your dreams. Go on vacation.  

Top 6 Original Outdoor Vacation Activities

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The summer holidays are in full swing. And if you haven’t had your summer vacation yet, then you might be looking for a few good ideas to occupy yourself with, in case you’re still planning on taking a well-deserved trip. We all need some time off from our drudging office lives and what better way to do that than to just undertake some exciting, outdoor activities that you normally don’t undertake, that will rustle your feathers, that will get you some much needed fresh air and that will take your time off of your 9 to 5 rat race for the time being.

Whether you’re going to Spain, Iceland, Morocco, India, Vietnam or Italy… at least one of these recommended activities are bound to be offered at your vacation destination of choice. So without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best summer outdoor activities that you can’t afford to pass up.

1. Elephant Riding

If you’re a lover of animals, then riding an elephant should be right up your alley. These magnificent beasts are naturally very calm and friendly. Believe it or not, they actually enjoy hanging out with us silly humans, provided we treat them with the respect they deserve. And most people do, because do you really want to get into a fight with an elephant?

Elephants have the ability to traverse steep, gravelly terrains, which are narrow and hard to navigate. So if you’ve always wanted the thrill of a good hike, without having to do any of the work, then taking the hike on an elephant might just be the thing for you. Elephants will enjoy walking you through the untamed wilderness. Just so long as you pay’em in peanuts afterward.

This is a popular tourist activity in India.

2. Kitesurfing

Looking for something that will give you a bit more of a jolt? Kitesurfing is a fun, water and wind-based activity that you are going to love. Especially if you haven’t ever done it before. This skill can be learned with a little bit of motivation and grit. And it’ll be totally worth your time to get educated before you hop onto the board.

There’s no feeling quite like standing on a kitesurfing board and letting yourself be dragged all across the water by the wind. If you’re lucky and you’ve got the skills, you might even take off and fly a few dozen feet. The pros are doing it all the time. It’s a very liberating experience. I’m betting you can’t wait to try it out, can you?

There are many spots where you can do kitesurfing, such as Morocco.

3. Quading

If you’re more of a lover of motors, then you might want to give quading a shot. Quad bikes are kind of like motorcycles, but only with four wheels and a bad temper. You’ll be more stable on a quad than you are on a motorcycle. All in all, it’s a completely different experience. Quad bikes can go pretty fast. Low-end quads will top out at 55mph, while high-end quads might very well go to 90mph.

If your vacation destination just so happens to have large areas of land where hardly anybody ever shows up, then this would be an excellent opportunity for you to raise some hell on your quad. There’s no feeling quite like taking your 250cc quad and revving it up to its top speed of 55mph, riding down the road and watching the dust behind you as you make speed.

Iceland has some nice plains and valleys that make for an interesting environment to go quadding in.

4. Bungee Jumping

If you are looking for some danger in your life to really shake yourself awake, then the good ole’ bungee jump might be something that’s going to suit you well. We all know how it works… you get a cord around you and then dive head down into the abyss, praying to your deity of choice that he’ll leave the cord in one piece. What better way to relax on your vacation than to needlessly risk your life in a needlessly dangerous activity that most people wouldn’t even dream of touching?

There are so many places where you can get your bungee on, that I can’t possibly list them all here. One popular bungee location is the Chaulière bridge in France. This one will have you almost 600 feet high. If that doesn’t scare you into feeling alive, I don’t know what will!

5. Ziplining

Looking for the thrill of being high in the air, but without the risk of a cord coming undone and you splattering face down onto the ground hundreds of feet below you? Then ziplining is probably the right choice for you. You won’t go nearly as high or as fast as you would when doing the bungee. You’ll still be hanging on a cord, though. Except the cord won’t be as high and it won’t have to take as much of a strain as the bungee would.

Ziplining is an activity that is growing in popularity all across the world. It’s a relaxed way of discovering nature. Many ziplining tours will have many ziplines on a path that is essentially a hiking trail. Except you won’t be walking all across the trail… some bits you’ll be ‘flying’, instead.

A popular place for ziplining is the US. And if you’re not looking for a hiking vacation, then you can also go ziplining at a dude ranch called Bar Lazy J in Colorado. According to bootbomb.com, next to ziplining, dude ranches will provide many activities, not all of which are as strenuous as hiking, and most of which you’ve never even heard of. So if rest and relaxation in nature is your thing… then ziplining at a dude ranch it is!

6. Cave Excursions

If you’re one of those people that enjoys creeping him/her self out with a good horror movie, then maybe it’s about time that you go and experience something creepy in real life, such as an underground cave. Our lovely little planet harbors many caves, some of which are pretty dangerous if you don’t go in there with a guide. People have become lost in caves in the past without having to find their way back. You can die in there on your own. But not to worry, because most tourist accessible caves won’t let you in there without a guide anyway.

A cave excursion can be a lot more enticing than you’d think. The rock formations you’re going to find there is quite a marvel to behold. These structures have formed over eons. It’s incredible what nature will do over so much time. And you get to stand there and have a look at it. If you enjoy being awed by nature’s creations, then a cave is the place to be for you.

The Valporquero cave in Spain is a really good one. You’ll find it in Castile and Leon. It’s got streaming water, so you’ll certainly find some refreshment on your educative cave excursion.

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