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Tips & Checklists

Atlanta Nightlife: Top 10 Best Hotspots For Locals And Tourists

Atlanta nightlife

Between classy lounges and locally known dive bars,live music, and karaoke joints, there is plenty to do in the city of Atlanta. Before we look at some of the hottest joints in the city of Atlanta, let’s take a look at the history of the city.

Comparison Table

Atlanta Nightlife

Details

Ratings

Sister Louisa’s Church

A bar and an art piece all in one

MJQ Concourse

Modern American restaurant and dance club

Ten ATL

Local restaurant and bar that has frequent special events

Koo Koo Room

Underground bars that are quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s latest and greatest hotspots

Skylounge

One-of-a-kind venue that offers not only breathtaking views but a vibe uniquely its own

Havana Club Atlanta

Mainstay on the Buckhead nightlife scene

The Clermont Lounge

One of the city’s oldest strip clubs

Tongue & Groove

Most popular Atlanta nightlife hotspots since 1994 when it originally opened its doors

Cosmolava

Located in Midtown and has an impressive three levels which feature a total of six bars and even exclusive VIP accommodations

Opera Nightclub

Ranked as one of the top nightclubs in the country

Quick Navigation
The City Of Atlanta
How We Choose Our Ratings
Top 10 Atlanta Nightlife Hotspots
 Sister Louisa’sChurch of The Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
 MJQConcourse
Ten ATL
Koo Koo Room
 SkyLounge
Havana Club Atlanta
The Clermont Lounge
 Tongue & Groove
CosmoLava
Opera Nightclub

The City Of Atlanta

Atlanta nightlife

The city of Atlanta, Georgia was originally founded in 1837 as the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad line was put down. The city was first named Marthasville to honor the then-governor’s daughter but was soon changed to Atlanta.


In 1868, the city of Atlanta began its rise out of the ashes left behind by the Civil War, and it was the newly rewritten state constitution of 1868 that designated Atlanta as the new state capital.


Atlanta is known for many things and many people, but one notable figure is social activist Martin Luther King Jr. This public figure was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929. He was also known as a Baptist minister, but he had an enormous impact on race relations in the United States and was eventually shot and killed for his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. He was assassinated in April 1968 and was later buried back in his hometown of Atlanta,Georgia.


Another big milestone for the city was in 1996 when the Olympics came to town after real estate lawyer Billy Payne, a former University of Georgia football player, proposed that Atlanta host the Summer Olympics. This event brought many highs and lows to the city, though one notable event sent fear racing through the city.


The Olympic Park Bombing in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1996 Summer Olympics resulted in two deaths and more than 100 injuries. The bombing took place in Centennial Olympic Park and was the result of Eric Robert Rudolph’s homemade pipe bomb. The pipe bomb was filled with both nails and screws and was detonated between 1:20 and 1:25 a.m. The actual time of detonation varies by source, though most reports stated that it was 1:25 a.m.


The city of Atlanta has seen many ups and downs throughout the years, but that hasn’t slowed them down. In fact, the city has continued to see a spike in their population. In 2010, the population of Atlanta, Georgia was about 422,919. In 2016, the population jumped to 472,522.


As the city continues to grow, so does the number of Atlanta nightlife hot spots. Between the permanent population and the large number of tourists that visit the city every year, there has to be some great entertainment and places to visit,so we’ve taken a look at some of the hottest places to visit and come up with atop 10 list of hot spots to visit during your evening adventures in Atlanta,Georgia.

How We Choose Our Ratings

In a city as big and popular as Atlanta, Georgia, how does one possibly narrow down the top ten Atlanta nightlife hotspots?


This is how we did it.


We not only researched the city’s nightlife,but we looked at hundreds of visitor’s ratings, comments, and criticisms and based on these and our own research, we compiled a list of ten of the hottest spots most tourists and locals alike must check out.

Top 10 Atlanta Nightlife Hotspots

Atlanta, Georgia is known for not only the irrich history but their hot nightlife. The Atlanta nightlife offers both locals and tourists plenty of options, but there simply are too many hotspots to list, so we decided to focus on ten locations that both locals and tourists seemed to favor.


We ranked the top ten hotspots based on a mix of our own thoughts and reviews, along with those of those that have visited each location. We then averaged these numbers to come up with our final ranking.


That being said, let’s see what the Atlanta nightlife has to offer.

1

 Sister Louisa’s
Church of The Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

Sister Louisa's Church

Sister Louisa’s Church is anything but a church… In fact, it is a top hotspot in Atlanta for those looking for something a little different from the traditional bar scene. It’s so different that it is even a popular stomping ground for some hotshot celebrities including Lady Gaga, Owen Wilson, and even the cast of The Vampire Diaries and DropDead Diva.


Known locally as “Church,” Sister Louisa’s Church is a bar and an art piece all in one. Sister Louisa is actually former divinity student and local artist Grant Henry. Church was originall yan art gallery by the name of “Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room; Come on in, Precious,” but it closed within the first six months.


Church is now a bar that spoofs church culture. It features hundreds of different pieces, including, “shrines, statues of Jesus, Saints, the Virgin Mary, choir boys and girls, vintage taxidermy, tacky-ass Christmas yard blow mold nativity scenes, vintage bowling trophies, ping pong paraphernalia,teenage girl plastic horse figures, church chandeliers, plastic ducks, and other related items of similar ignorance.”


Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

2

 MJQ
Concourse

MJQ Concourse

This modern American restaurant and dance club that brings the word underground to a whole new level. Not only is the club entirely underground and has no website, though it’s live music counterpart, The Drunken Unicorn does. So how is it one of the hottest places amongst the ever-growing Atlanta nightlife?


Word of mouth.


Most find this nightclub thanks to friends that have already been to the bar. Located in an old parking garage, this bar and dance club mix is a two-room space with the main basement room that focuses on the bar and dance floor, while the second room is dedicated for lounging. Music ranges between most varieties, and while this is a popular hotspot on the weekends, it is also known for those who like to party during the week.


Overall rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars

3

Ten ATL

Ten ATL

TEN Atlanta is a local restaurant and bar that has frequent special events. It is a small venue, one that has more of a local vibe to it, but they welcome both locals and tourists alike. While it is less of a restaurant, it still caters to those who want to relax with a drink or two and even offers hookah for those that enjoy it.


Many individuals remark on the friendly staff and overall “chill” vibe of the venue. The staff is warm and welcoming and the different event nights give locals fun things to do throughout the week instead of just being a weekend pub.


Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

4

Koo Koo Room

Koo Koo Room

The Koo Koo Room is another one of those underground bars that are quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s latest and greatest hotspots. Unlike the dance clubs of the city, the Koo Koo Room is known more for their “house party” vibe. The music is generally provided thanks to a DJ, but it isn’t the typical dance party venue. Think more about lounging and enjoying a more laid-back house party. For those who like a more “chill,”location to hang out, the Koo Koo Room may be just the spot for you.


Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

5

 SkyLounge

Skylounge

The Sky Lounge is located at the top of the Glenn Hotel and is considered a one-of-a-kind venue that offers not only breathtaking views but a vibe uniquely its own. In fact, this venue was recently listed in Forbes Travel Guide as one of “Five Rooftop Bars to Visit in Atlanta.”


This covered outdoor lounge is said to fuse “downtown chic with lots of glam and a dose of allure.” It is considered a more upscale location for those who want a  more elegant or glamorous feel to it.


Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

6

Havana Club Atlanta

Havana Club Atlanta

Originally founded in March of 1996, the Havana Club has been a mainstay on the Buckhead nightlife scene. This club is15,000 square feet of “ambiance and Cuban essence” and includes three different rooms and nine bars.


This club is known for not only its exclusive events and legendary DJs, but also for its celebrity clientele. Both Lenny Kravitz and LeBron James have made appearances to the club, amongst many others.


The three rooms feature different vibes and different music settings. The main room features Top 40 songs; the second is more EDM music and the third features some of the hottest Salsa hits.


Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

7

The Clermont Lounge

The Cermont Lounge

The Clermont Lounge may be one of the city’s oldest strip clubs, but it really isn’t known as a gentlemen’s lounge any longer. In fact, it is known and frequently ranked as a time dive bar in Atlanta. That being said, it is still a strip club, but it isn’t known for its younger strippers.


This lounge is actually known for its aging line-up of strippers, including Blondie, who is not only known for crushing beer cans between her bosoms but also is known as a poet, artist, and dancer. The staff is very welcoming and friendly, but remember, it is an all-nude strip club.


Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

8

 Tongue & Groove

Tongue and groove

Tongue & Groove has been one of the most popular Atlanta nightlife hotspots since 1994 when it originally opened its doors. This sophisticated nightspot is 8.600-square-feet of sophisticated fun and features multiple mars within the venue, so getting a drink before you go dancing isn’t as difficult as it is in many other hotspots.


According to the venue’s website, Tongue &Groove caters to an “upscale crowd that enjoys fashion, music, art, and nightlife.”


Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

9

CosmoLava

Cosmolava

This venue is located in Midtown and has an impressive three levels which feature a total of six bars and even exclusive VIP accommodations. This three-level club offers different décor and feels for a variety of vibes, but one of the hottest is the Cue Club which is located on the lower level.


It is known for featuring many of the best DJ’s around and is home to the venue’s best sound systems.


Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

10

Opera Nightclub

Opera Nightclub

Before you ask, no Opera is not an opera setting. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Not only is it one of Atlanta’s top party places, but it is also ranked as one of the top nightc​​lubs in the country.


This venue is home to a variety of different environments, each one giving their own vibe to those who visit. They include a three-story main room, a lavish outdoor cabana area,an elevated garden, and fountain suit and a lounge in the back-room area.


Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Atlanta Nightlife Offers Something For Every​one

The Atlanta nightlife truly does offer plenty of options for both locals and tourists.Between strictly adult entertainment to a more low-key vibe for those wanting just to chill out and enjoy a drink, Atlanta, Georgia offers a variety of different hotspots for everyone.


So don’t be afraid to head out on the town with your friends and see which of these, or which of the many other hotspots the city has to offer, suits your mood!

​

Miami Nightlife: Top 10 Best Hotspots For Locals And Visitors

Miami nightlife

Miami is known not only for its breathtaking beaches but its vibrant nightlife. Yet, there are many spots that both locals and visitors like to frequent. This can make choosing a destination quite difficult. Towards the end of the article, a traveler’s guide is provided that will help you in your decision-making process.

Comparison Table

Miami Nightlife

Details

Ratings

Basement Miami

Ideal spot if you’re passionate about dancing and electronic music

E11EVEN Miami

Described as an ultra club due to its many amenities

Blackbird Ordinary

Has many comfortable booths as well as pool tables and board games

LIV Nightclub

One of the most legendary nightclubs in the world, as it frequently hosts some of the top musical acts

Mango’s Tropical Café

Has been operating for 27 years and is known for its unparalleled food options and amazing entertainment

Purdy Lounge

Ideal for anyone who likes to spend the nighttime hours dancing, partying, and socializing

Do Not Sit On The Furniture

Highly lauded as an oasis for house music

Story

Known for its large dance floor, which gives patrons ample opportunity to boast their moves

Nikki Beach

A quintessential South Beach landmark that is notable for its varied food options, cabana bar and more

Club Space

Known for its resident DJ’s which are some of the hottest in the industry

QUICK NAVIGATION
How the Ratings Were Chosen
Top 10 Locations for Miami Nightlife
1. Basement Miami – A Hotspot For Nightlife
2. E11EVEN Miami – A Hotspot For Nightlife
3. Blackbird Ordinary – A Hotspot For Nightlife
4. LIV Nightclub – A Hotspot For Nightlife
5. Mango’s Tropical Café – A Hotspot For Nightlife
6. Purdy Lounge – A Hotspot For Nightlife
7. Do Not Sit On The Furniture – A Hotspot For Nightlife
8. Story – A Hotspot For Nightlife
9. Nikki Beach – A Hotspot For Nightlife
10. Club Space – A Hotspot For Nightlife
Traveler's Guide for Enjoying Nightlife in Miami 
Final Thoughts on Miami Nightlife

How the Ratings Were Chosen

When selecting the hot spots that you see below, a combination of affordability, entertainment options, atmosphere, and food options were considered. Reviews from past visitors were strongly valued, as any location that received consistently poor reviews was disregarded from this list.

While all of the spots on this list represent the cream of the crop, there are some relative differences worth noting that have been highlighted using a 5-star rating system.

Top 10 Locations for Miami Nightlife

In this section, the 10 best locations for Miami nightlife are discussed.

1. Basement Miami – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Basement Miami is one of the hottest places to spend your night in Miami. This is because it frequently features famous DJ’s, which make this spot ideal if you’re passionate about dancing and electronic music. This place is nestled in the basement of Edition Hotel, a posh building located in Mid-Beach.

Basement Miami

Image via New Years Eve

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Basement Miami also has a bowling alley and an ice skate rink, which means you’ll never run out of things to do. Of course, there is also a bar at this spot, which will appeal to anyone who likes to drink alcohol.

This place frequently features live dancers which offer plenty to gaze at while you enjoy the stimulating beats. The lighting and sound system is also unforgettable. This micro-club gets 5 stars out of 5, as there is a plethora of things to do. If you are a night owl, then Basement Miami will surely keep you occupied for hours.


2. E11EVEN Miami – A Hotspot For Nightlife

E11EVEN Miami is often described as an ultra club due to its many amenities. It’s also opened 24/7, which means that the fun never stops. If you’re into partying, then this is one of the best spots to frequent in Miami. This place is located in the heart of downtown Miami, giving it a very central location.

E11EVEN Miami

Image via 11miami

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This club has recently been lauded as on the top 10 best night clubs in America and one of the top 50 clubs worldwide. If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate a holiday such as New Year’s Eve,then E11EVEN would be the ideal spot. This 20,000-square foot place is surrounded by premium lighting and sound.

Stars such as Drake, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex, and Steve Aoki have all performed here. If you can afford the bottle service, delicious food options, and 5-star hospitality, then this is certainly the place to be any day or night of the week. This place gets 4.5 stars out of 5 due to the A-list entertainment it offers.  


3. Blackbird Ordinary – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Blackbird Ordinary is a more casual spot for enjoying Miami nightlife. It has many comfortable booths as well as pool tables and board games. The food options here are both affordable and delicious, making this place ideal for budget-minded customers. Blackbird Ordinary also features DJ’s, local funk and reggae bands, and more nationally recognized acts.

Blackbird Ordinary

Image via Miami New Times

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The accompanying dance floor is ideal for anyone who loves to dance to live music. Many visitors claim that Blackbird Ordinary offers the best atmosphere of any place in Miami. It also helps that this place is open until 5am every day, as this offers tons of time to soak in its vibes. This place gets 4.5 stars out of 5.


4. LIV Nightclub – A Hotspot For Nightlife

LIV Nightclub might be one of the most legendary nightclubs in the world, as it frequently hosts some of the top musical acts. LIV’s amazing architecture will have your head spinning. It recently underwent a $10 million renovation, which only enhanced this place even more.

LIV Nightclub

Image via Resident Advisor

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Some visitors hate how hard it can be to get through LIV’s doors. Other visitors love this difficulty, as it means the experience inside is all the more rewarding. This place gets 4 stars out of 5, as you can easily drop a paycheck during a night of partying at this club. Still, this investment could provide you with a lifetime of experiences, which is what earns this place a spot on this list.


5. Mango’s Tropical Café – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Mango’s Tropical Café has been operating for 27 years and is known for its unparalleled food options and amazing entertainment. Caribbean and Latin cuisine are emphasized and there
is also an extensive drink menu that will surely spice up your night.

Mango’s Tropical Café

Image via Yelp

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Many visitors have also noted the beautiful art on display at this establishment. Thus, art buffs will also enjoy this location, as there are many inspiring works to look at and analyze. Mango’s Tropical Café also offers salsa lessons, which is a great way to mingle if you are single.

This hot spot gets 4.5 stars out of 5, as this is one of the best places in Miami to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or marriage. Many people also love Mango’s Tropical Café because people of all ages are welcome before 10pm. Many hotspots for Miami Nightlife have strict age limitations regardless of the time, which can be alienating for some visitors with kids.


6. Purdy Lounge – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Purdy Lounge is open until 5am every day, making it ideal for anyone who likes to spend the nighttime hours dancing, partying, and socializing. This establishment features a diversity of music throughout the week, which will surely appeal to music aficionados. Purdy’s also has an extensive cocktail and bottle menu, making this a great place to celebrate a special event.

Purdy Lounge

Image via Purdy Lounge

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The crowd that goes to Purdy’s tends to be young, making this a beloved spot for college-aged people. Visitors like to come to Purdy’s after many hours of celebration, as it’s the perfect spot for winding down a night. This place gets 4 stars out of 5, as the unique lighting, red walls, and lava lamps provide an unforgettable backdrop for dancing and socializing.


7. Do Not Sit On The Furniture – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Besides having one of the best names of any place on this list, Do Not Sit on the Furniture is highly lauded as an oasis for house music. At this intimate, underground setting, music is put first, which creates a very liberating atmosphere. If you are interested in dancing and stretching your body, then this place would be ideal.

Do Not Sit on the Furniture

Image via Resident Advisor

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

There are also booths and an outside patio at this spot, which means you can always take a break from the dance floor if necessary. Luckily, you actually can sit on these pieces of furniture. This place gets 5 stars out of 5, as the emphasis on music is a refreshing change of pace when compared with some night clubs in Miami which only emphasize bar service.


8. Story – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Story is known for its large dance floor, which gives patrons ample opportunity to boast their moves. If you are single and looking for romantic connection, then this would be great place to go. Story is also known for emphasizing both underground artists and more established artists, which keeps the music fresh.

Story

Image via Discotech

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This 27,000-square foot space opened in 2012 in the heart of Miami beach, which makes it very modern. There are 60 exclusive VIP tables here as well as 5 full-service bars. If you have the money, then Story is definitely the place to be. Story also offers exclusive valet service, which is ideal if you can’t find a place to park.

Many travelers have noted that the most memorable nights of their life have taken place at Story. This place gets 4.5 stars out of 5, as this is truly one of the most premiere nightclubs in the world despite the high cost of entry.


9. Nikki Beach – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Nikki Beach is a quintessential South Beach landmark that is notable for its varied food options, cabana bar, café, beach club, and second floor nightclub. Many celebrities like to frequent this establishment, as it offers a very luxurious setting.

Nikki Beach

Image via Djoybeat

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This oceanfront complex offers many unique salads which will surely appeal to anyone focused on health. For example, the Yoga Bowl features lentils, bulgur wheat, kale, fennel, peppers, peas, carrots, pomegranates, and green beans with a lemon vinaigrette.

Patrons often get to experience live music while at Nikki Beach. Yet, if you need a break from the tunes, you can always step outside and take in the sounds of the beach. This place gets 4.5 stars out of 5, as this is one of the best places to host a private function. There are 42,000 square feet of beachfront property, which allows Nikki Beach to hold as many as 2000 people.


10. Club Space – A Hotspot For Nightlife

Club Space is known for its resident DJ’s which are some of the hottest in the industry. This is certainly the spot to be at on the weekends, especially if you dig electronic dance music. The sound system at Club Space is top-notch, which is likely why it’s so popular at night. Many people stay until sunrise before heading home.

Club Space

Image via Miami New Times

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This place gets 4 stars out of 5, as a star was subtracted to the difficulty in getting in. If you haven’t made a reservation, then gaining access can be difficult or costly. Still, the incomparable atmosphere of Club Space makes it the common site of many joyous celebrations. As many other nightclubs are winding down, Club Space is still raging on, making it one of the best places to go for an after party. 

Traveler's Guide for Enjoying Nightlife in Miami 

As you can tell, there are many places you can go to experience nightlife in Miami. These places will appeal to both locals and visitors, as they offer something for just about everyone. If you are interested in going somewhere with your family, then Mango’s Tropical Café will be your best bet. This place is open to all ages until 10pm, which means you can bring your kids with you.

The salsa lessons are also very popular here, providing a more lighthearted dance setting when compared with the wilder nightclubs on this list. If you are purely interested in listening to electronic music, then DoNot Sit on the Furniture would be a great place to check out. The intimate setting makes for an unforgettable experience that will have your head spinning well into the morning.

If you are interested in a more prestigious nightclub experience, then LIV Nightclub, Story, and Club Space are ideal options. The main draw back of these places is how difficult it is to get in. Even if you have money, you might be barred entrance from these places. However, if you can gain access, then the experience is all the more rewarding.

Final Thoughts on Miami Nightlife

Miami is one of the best locations in the world to experience world-class music deep into the night. In addition, many of Miami’s nightclubs offer circus-like entertainment that you will surely never forget.

Frequenting the locations on this list can be a great way to let loose and express yourself in a unique way. If you are feeling down in any way, then just head over to one of the hot spots on this list. You will definitely find many joyous individuals who are interested in spreading love.

10 Tips for Traveling to Thailand: What You Need, Etiquette, and More

Thailand has become a tourism powerhouse in recent years. Statistics show that around 32 million international tourists visit this South East Asian nation annually. That translates to $71 billion (you read that right, billion) in revenue just from tourism. If you’re planning on booking a flight bound for Bangkok, there are a few things you should know beforehand. Below, we’ll go over the top ten tips for traveling to Thailand so you can make a smooth transition into this exotic country.

1. Dress Conservatively In Public Spaces

tourists walking on the Khao San Road, Bangkok

First on our list of tips for traveling to Thailand is to dress modestly. Although Thailand has quite a reputation, most average Thais are extremely conservative. This is especially true if you’re traveling to the countryside. Women travelers should never wear spaghetti straps, tight-fitting clothing, or clothes that reveal a great deal of skin. Male tourists can wear shorts, but their entire wardrobe should be tasteful, neat, and free of any tears.

If you’re visiting a Buddhist temple (aka wat), please wear formal attire. Thais consider it extremely disrespectful for foreigners to enter temples in clothing items like shorts, skirts, or tank-tops. Also, many Thais wear footwear like flip-flops or sandals so it’s easy to take off shoes when you walk inside a wat or a home. Like many other Asian nations, it’s important that you take off your shoes whenever you enter someone else’s house. The only real exceptions to this rule are the cities of Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, but even there you’ll gain more respect if you’re well dressed.

2. Don’t Make Out In Public

Going along with the conservative dressing theme, it’s considered extremely inappropriate to make displays of public affection in Thailand. While it’s becoming somewhat more common in big cities, it’s still quite distasteful for many Thais. Making out in public is a definite no-no, and it will annoy conservative Thais. So, you know, just get a room.

3. The “Wai:” Traditional Thai Bowing

how to bow in Thailand

Next on our list of tips for traveling to Thailand is the “wai.” Just like in Japan, Thais have a traditional way of greeting superiors that involves bowing. Basically, you have to place your palms together like you’re praying and bow slightly forward. This practice is known as the “wai” and it’s believed to be an Indian custom brought over to Thailand.

The higher a person puts his/her hands, the more respect they are showing. You might see people performing the “wai” as they pass by wats. As a foreigner, Thais don’t expect you to perform the “wai,” but it’s good for you to know. If anyone performs the “wai” to you, you can simply bow to accept their respect.

4. Language Barrier

Any tips for traveling to Thailand list has to discuss the language barrier sooner or later. Thai is a notoriously difficult language for Westerners to master. It will take a great amount of effort to learn the basics of this language’s unique script and tones. However, even if you master just a few key phrases, you’ll earn a great deal of respect from local Thais.

Here are a few key phrases to memorize before you land in Thailand:

“Hello” (formal, for males): sa-wat-dii, khráp (สวัสดีครับ)

“Hello” (formal, for females): sa-wat-dii, khâ (สวัสดีค่ะ)

“Please:” karunaa (กรุณา)

“Do you speak English?:” phuut phaasaa ang-krit dai mai? (พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม)

“Where is the toilet?:” hông nám yùu thîi năi (ห้องน้ำ อยู่ ที่ ไหน)

“Thank you very much:” khop khun mâak (ขอบคุณมาก)

For more useful Thai phrases, check out a Thai phrasebook.

5. Don’t Diss The King

This is one of the most important tips for traveling to Thailand. Seriously. Thais don’t take kindly to you disrespecting their royal family. In fact, it’s illegal to slander the King and Queen. If you are caught saying nasty things about the Royal Family, you could face serious time in jail…like 15 to 20 years! This has happened before.

A Swiss tourist named Oliver Jufer was sentenced to ten years in prison because he vandalized an official portrait of the former King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Luckily for Jufer, the King pardoned him. The moral of the story: don’t do anything to disrespect towards the Royal Family.

6. Don’t Pat Kids On The Head And Keep Your Feet Clean

what Thais think of the head, feet, kissing in public, and more

This might be one of the oddest tips for traveling to Thailand, but its important for Westerners to remember. In Thai culture, the head is the most sacred portion of the body. For this reason, Thais consider it a sign of disrespect if you pat them on the head. Even if you innocently pat a kid on the head, it will be interpreted in a negative way. If you accidentally touch someone’s head, ask for their forgiveness right away.

On the other hand (or foot, rather), Thais have the exact opposite association for the feet. For this reason, never touch others with your feet and never point your feet towards Buddha statues. It’s also considered inappropriate to step over someone who has outstretched feet. Either politely ask them to move their feet or move around them.

7. Offering Food to Monks

Theravada Buddhism is the heart of Thai culture. About 95 percent of the Thai population practices this old form of Buddhism and every man is expected to practice meditation in a monastery for a few months. No matter where you are in Thailand, you’ll have the opportunity to offer food to the monks in the morning as they go on alms round.

Women who want to offer monks food must put a cloth on their offering or give it to a lay attendant. According to the monastic code (aka Vinaya), monks are encouraged to stay as far away from women as possible to avoid sexual temptation.

If you want to offer money to monks, don’t hand it to them while they’re on alms round. As a part of the Vinaya, monks are not allowed to handle money. You can, however, put money in an appropriate donation box while visiting a wat.

8. Stand For National Anthem

People standing up for the Thai national anthem

The Thai government plays the national anthem every day at both 8AM and 6PM. You’ll even see this anthem played on TV and hear it on the radio. If you’re in a public area when this happens, you should stand still for the entirety of the broadcast. Thais don’t like it when Westerners disrespect their national anthem. You’ll also have to stand up for the royal anthem when it plays before movies. If you want to impress Thai locals, memorize the national anthem’s lyrics by listening to this video over and over again.

9. Eating Customs in Thailand

Thai cuisine is known around the world for its exotic aromatics and spicy flavor. Many Westerners are surprised that Thais don’t use chopsticks like in other Asian nations. Thais prefer to use forks and spoons at mealtime unless they’re eating East Asian cuisine.

If you’re eating out with others, expect to get a plate of rice and a bowl of soup of your own. Usually the main dishes are placed in the center of the table and you’ll have to share with those around you. Unlike in Western nations, it’s not impolite for you to start eating even when others don’t have their plates.

A few Thai specialties include the shrimp soup dish called Tom yum kung, the chicken soup with coconut stock known as Tom kha kai, and basil chicken called Ka-phrao kai. If you’re a vegetarian, you shouldn’t have any issue finding plenty of great eats in this nation. Just get used to using the phrase “phom kin je (for males) / di-chan kin je (for females),” which means: “I eat only vegetarian food.”

10. Thailand Festivals

We’ll end our list with a fun suggestion: visit during a major festival. One of the most beautiful festivals of the year is the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai every November. As the name suggests, people taking part in this festival light paper lanterns and send them into the river at night. You’ll also get to see a few parades and fireworks displays during this gorgeous annual event.

For those who don’t mind getting a bit wet, you could visit Thailand in April to take part in the Water Festival. This nationwide festival is a huge water fight lasting between April 13th and 15th every year.

A few other festivals to keep on your radar include the Buffalo Racing Festival in October, the Chinese New Year in January, and the Candle Festival in July.

Have An Awesome Trip To Thailand

If you follow these ten tips for traveling to Thailand, you should have no issues with locals on your vacation. Thai are extremely forgiving, so don’t worry if you make a few minor social faux pas. Now it’s your turn to book a flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport and see why so many people love vacationing in the “Land of Smiles.”

Oh, before we wrap this list up, here’s one last tip: bring plenty of mosquito repellant and sunscreen. You’ll thank us once you get to Thailand.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

How to travel with a cat (domestic and abroad)

We love them because they purr, they are soft and furry, they can guess when we’re upset and generally make our lives happier. We can’t stay mad at them for more than thirty seconds and we even praise them when they break, chew or scratch something precious. Yes, I am talking about our dear feline friends. I’m going to tackle a particular subject that most cat owners dread and should be avoided, if possible: how to travel with a cat. Cats are very sensitive to the smallest changes, and, as a consequence, they are not keen on traveling. They dread any change of environment and can become highly stressed if they are constantly being moved from one place to another. If you’re planning a short holiday, you shouldn’t even consider bringing your cat along. Instead, ask for a friend, family member or neighbor to cat sit for you. A week of living almost by itself in the house, with the occasional visitors, is much more preferable for your cat than a nerve racking two-hour flight or journey by train. But if you can’t avoid taking your cat with you when you travel, you’ll have to pay a lot of attention to preparations and allow your cat enough time to adjust to every change. We’ll walk you through every step, so you can be prepared when you have to pack up and relocate.

 How to travel with a cat

To-do list before departing

Whether you choose to travel with your cat by car, by train or by plane, there are certain things you have to take care of before leaving.

  • Food – you’ll want to feed your cat three or four hours before embarking on your journey. This way, your cat has enough time to digest the food and feel better during the journey if it experiences motion sickness.
  • Blanket – creatures of habit, cats dwell best in familiar circumstances. To make their journey slightly more enjoyable, make sure you put a familiar blanket or toy to remind them of home in their carrier. If your cat usually kneads or purrs on your clothes, you can even use a t-shirt that smells like you. The familiar scent will soothe your pet and help it be less stressed in the car or on the plane.
  • Stable carrier – your cat doesn’t necessarily need to have motion sickness to dislike the wobbling effect an unstable carrier gives in a moving car. Make sure you position its carrier in a safe place where it can’t topple down if you suddenly hit the brakes. If it’s possible, place the carrier so that your cat can see you. Fastening the cage with the seat belt is the best solution to keep it from moving and making your cat more comfortable.
  • Routine – cats thrive on a fixed schedule, so it’s important to stick to the routine no matter the circumstances. If the journey allows it, provide food and water for you cat following the schedule when you would normally feed it. If you’re travelling by car, allow your pet to have a playtime break whenever you stop to stretch your legs.
  • Open windows – your cat will be grateful if you crack open a window and let the fresh air in. However, you should be very careful if you leave your cat roam the vehicle with open windows. It won’t miss the opportunity to jump out of the moving car. Allowing your cat to play around in the car is not recommended, since it could distract you from driving and possibly cause accidents.

How to travel with a cat

How to travel with a cat by plane

Travelling by plane is scary for some people, so we can only imagine how it feels like for a cat. If you’re preparing for air travel, and you need information about how to travel with cats by plane, take note of the following to-dos.

  • Each airline will have its own animal policy. Make the appropriate inquiries about your pet before booking the ticket. Find out all the needed information: is the cat allowed to travel with you, or does it need to go in the cargo area? If you can choose between the two, keep your cat near you. Ask whether you need a special carrier, and find out if there are any medical requirements or any extra charges.
  • Prepare an identification tag for your cat. This should include your full name and your telephone number, as well as the microchip number of the cat and your destination.
  • Before buying your tickets, carefully consider the weather. A hot Sun in the summer or freezing temperatures in the winter might force you to leave your cat behind. You should also think about stops and layovers. In order to avoid your cat being moved from one plane to another, book a direct flight.
  • Let the flight crew know you’re not traveling alone if your pet is in the cargo. This way, you’ll have someone to check on the cat in case of delays.

How to travel with a cat

How to travel with a cat by car

If you can choose between travelling by plane or car, you might want to go with the latter. It’s not going to be a piece of cake for you, but it’s going to be easier for your cat. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

  • Get your cat used to the car before the big trip. You can start taking it for short 30 minute rides several weeks before the journey. Offering cats treats in the car will help as well.
  • If your cat has motion sickness, get a prescription from the veterinarian. If the cat is a particularly nervous traveler, talk to its doctor about a tranquilizer or a sedative. Do a trial run with these at home to make sure you’re not taken by surprise by side effects on departure day.
  • Make the cage look more welcoming and less hostile by adding a familiar toy or a towel that smells like your cat.
  • Pack a harness and a leash for breaks. It’s unpleasant for the cat to stay boxed in for five hours, so consider making stops along the way and allowing the cat to stretch its legs outside. To make sure it doesn’t make a run for its life, use a leash and a harness.

Relocating a cat is not an easy task. However, taking into account the above-mentioned pointers on how to travel with a cat should give you all the needed info on how to prepare and what to expect

Image sources: 1, 2, 3

Fundamental Things to Do Before You Travel Abroad

travel abroad checklist

Flights and accommodation bookings are indeed the most important aspects of travel planning. But if you want to fully enjoy your trip, you should take a look at our essential list of tasks to consider before you travel abroad.

Getting Ready to Travel Abroad: Essential Things to Do Before You Leave Your Home

Manage Your Finances

As you cannot travel abroad for free (unless you are the lucky recipient of academic travel abroad programs such as travel abroad scholarships), you should first take care of your finances.

Apart from making sure you have cash on you, you should also pay your bills or other important orders in advance, and check if your account details are updated. We are sure that the last thing you wish to happen while traveling overseas is get your accounts locked.

When traveling abroad, there are multiple options for you to withdraw or change money in the local currency. Here is what you should consider before leaving your home:

  • Check the international exchange rate in your country and purchase some foreign currency ahead of time.
  • Research the international exchange rate in the country you’ll be visiting as it may be more convenient to have your money exchanged there.
  • Do not exchange money in airports. The exchange rate is significantly higher than in a local bank or at the ATMs.
  • Keep your bank on the loop on your traveling abroad plans to avoid them suspecting frauds and freeze your card.

You may want to check the following Bank of America traveling abroad tips concerning international transaction fees, exchange rates, best credit card for traveling abroad, and protecting your money before you leave.

Estimating expenses is equally important. Even if your accommodation and flights are booked, once you’ll get to your destination there will be plenty of temptations thrown in your way from good restaurants to souvenirs shops.

Transportation costs should be researched too before you travel abroad. There are convenient options to review like day passes or weekly passes that allow access to all public transportation means from trains to subs. Depending on the country you visit, it may be inefficient or too expensive to order cabs. Start by mapping out at least your first drive or even plan the entire itinerary. There are always unexpected things that can happen so it’s better to control as many aspects of your traveling abroad as you can.

Additionally, if you have anything being delivered to you while you are away, you can place stop orders online. Note that this affair require a two days’ advance notice. So, hopefully, you will be reading this post at least a couple of days before your travel.

essential for a business or holiday travel abroad
Dollars, Euros, Passports, and a Suitcase: Get Ready for a Business or Holiday Travel Abroad.

Check If You Need a Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad

Let’s start by explaining what a consent letter is and why is it recommended to check if you need one before traveling abroad with your kids.

Note: consent letters for children travelling abroad, also known as travel permission letters or travel consents for a minor, are not legal requirements that apply to all countries. The United States, for instance, does not require such documentation. However, there may be countries which will ask to see it. Failure to provide this authorized document can result in you being detained or your trip delay.

What Is A Consent Letter For Children Traveling Abroad And Why Would You Need One?

Such consent letters are required for children travelling abroad alone, with one parent or accompanied by people who are not their legal guardians. So, if you want to take you kid with you when traveling overseas and your partner cannot join you, there are countries that ask for his or her written consent.

This is also necessary if you travel with someone else’s kid (nephew, student, sister or brother who do not have the age of majority, etc.).

What Should You Include in Your Child Travel Consent Doc?

In brief, such a letter should include the following:

  • Your kid’s full name, birth place, and passport info;
  • Important information such as allergies or special needs or diets;
  • Contact details of the non-traveling parent or legal guardian;
  • Written and signed consent of the non-traveling parent or legal guardian;
  • Start and end dates for the journey.

Make Copies of All Your Important Docs

It is best to keep a photocopy of your passport and other important stuff you have in your wallet (cards, tickets) in a secure place. In case you lose your wallet, you will congratulate yourself for writing down emergency phone numbers too. Contacting the right people without any unnecessary panic will get your trip back on track easier.

Set-Up an Out-of-Office Reply Message

For those who have a business or have an office-based job, it is important to take care of your partners and collaborators. Set automatic replies to any email you get while you are traveling abroad so to ensure the people you work with know you are away.

Don’t forget to specify an end time as well for this reply option to deactivate when you get back home. If you need more indications, here is a useful guide on setting up out-of-office messages for Outlook users.

Choose the Type of Travel Insurance Policy that Is Best for You

Choosing the travel insurance plan that best suits your traveling abroad purposes can significantly reduce financial and health risks.

As we’ve already touched on the subject a few times, maybe you’d be interested in checking what types of coverage you can get, as well as your best international health insurance options. A good medical insurance for traveling abroad can save you from great trouble.

Search for Best Things to Do at Your Destination

There are so many “best-of” lists to look over before traveling abroad: best restaurants, best places to visit, best shops. Review them from home so you can buy tickets or make reservations in advance. It is easier and more convenient.

Check the Weather

Unless you will be traveling to places with most unpredictable weather conditions, a weather forecast can enhance your peace of mind. This is a task that can greatly influence your packing strategy checklist. What to pack when traveling abroad? Start by ensuring you take with you the things you need such as rain coats, hiking boots, etc. Sometimes, a smart travel abroad checklist can really make the difference.

Further Advice

There are, of course, many other important things to consider before you travel abroad, especially if traveling abroad alone. Besides the fun part of reading more about the local habits of the places you visit, you should also research on the less pleasant aspects you may face such as unsafe areas or the country’s current state of affairs.

For more tips for traveling abroad, such as easy packing ideas and light packing tricks, you should check out our travel packing tips and checklists section.

Hope our post proves useful to you. Feel free to reach out and leave your feedback in the comment section below. Happy planning!

Photo Credits: DepositPhotos.

When and Where to Hire a Tour Guide: International Travel Tips

inventive tour guide in London
An inventive Londonese tour guide who illustrates his talks with photos of the area.

Why would you need a tour guide when traveling abroad if there are so many travel guide books, audios and tour guide app options you can use for a self-guided tour? In this post, we will discuss the usefulness of hiring a tour guide during your international travels. We will provide answers to the following questions:

  • What does a tour guide do? Are tour guide jobs threaten to disappear?  
  • What is the difference between guided tours and self-guided tours?
  • What are the must-visit places where you should hire a tour guide?

Tour Guide: Job Description in Brief

Tour guide jobs, as well as travel consultant or travel agent jobs, are considered by some futile professions due to the enormous mass of information there’s available for free. But are these professions threaten to disappear? As the majority of us travel without hiring one, the answer appears to be “yes”. Before making any other presumptions, let’s take a look at what tour guides can do for us.

Travel tour guide jobs are exciting and rewarding at the same time. Tour guides provide assistance and information to tourists and help them get familiar with the cultural or natural heritage they visit in the language of their choice.

Also, becoming a tour guide is no easy business. Just imagine the complexity a guided tour organization implies. There are, of course, certified schools, tour guide training programs and continual education requirements such professional need to follow. After getting a license, they can either apply for a job with guided tour companies or work at particular tourist attractions.

If you are curious about how much the average tour guide salary is in the US today, it appears that the wages start at $25,000 per year and can get to $35,000 for the more experienced professionals. Of course, local tour guides are not that well-paid as the ones that are lucky to have international tour guide jobs.

Why Should You Hire a Tour Guide When You Travel Abroad?

Hiring a tour guide can be the best way to visit all there is to see and know all there is to know when traveling internationally. They:

  • Are licensed and charismatic professionals that know how to get everywhere around your destination to make sure you don’t waste time and miss anything important.
  • Know how to maximize your cultural experience (e.g. a museum tour guide).
  • Help you communicate with locals and discover many more interesting stories about the places you visit.
  • Provide you with unique insights into an otherwise unknown area.
  • Advice you on best places to dine, to shop, to photograph, etc.
self-guided tour in the USA
Self-Guided Tour in the USA by Motorcycles

Why Shouldn’t You Hire a Tour Guide When You Travel Abroad?

If you are familiar with the language and culture of the country you visit, as well as very well-informed, you could turn your vacation abroad in an incredible experience without the help of a guide.

As an alternative, there are also self-guided tours, such as the so-called “guided by voices tour” (audio tour), that do not imply the presence of an expert. These are self-governing tours conducted either on foot or by a vehicle (self-guided bike tour) with the help of maps, booklets or electronic devices.

What would you choose between a self-guided Hollywood tour and strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a tour guide? Do you need an expert to inform you about everything you get to see there? The point is that there are travel destinations and locations that do not necessarily require hiring a tour guide. This should, however, depend on the specificity of the site one visits, as well as on how confident and well-prepared the tourist is.

There are guided travel tours available in many corners of the world where they make sense and can also make a difference.

When and Where to Hire a Tour Guide

Best Guided Tours of the USA

  • San Francisco Guided Tours: if you are a foreigner, you should definitely get a San Francisco tour guide and visit all those fabulous places of the City by the Bay.
  • New York Guided Tours: hire an NYC tour guide to get you to all these beautiful attractions in less time.
  • Chicago Guided Tour: will you be visiting the Windy City? Get a Chicago tour guide not to miss any of these 10 must-see places.
  • Washington DC Guided Tour Packages: not local? Then a Washington DC tour guide would be very helpful in spotting the city’s best attractions.
  • Grand Canyon Guided Tours: there are guided hiking tours worth booking. Being a Grand Canyon tour guide should be exciting looking at all those top-rated tourist attractions. As this destination is very popular and crowded an expert can help you save time and energy.
  • Yosemite Guided Tours: let a Yosemite tour guide introduce you to the park’s incredible scenery and secrets.
  • Yellowstone National Park Guided Tours: this is another destination where you would benefit from hiring a tour guide to satisfy your curiosity while feasting your eyes with all those natural wonders.
  • Jamaica Guided Tours: hire a Jamaican tour guide for a fun and memorable experience.
  • New Orleans Guided Tours: New Orleans tour guides who can share everything about the city’s history and culture can change your perspective about this jazzy destination.
  • Disneyland Guided Tours: have you ever heard about Tour Guide Mike? He is Mike Hewell, the Disney VIP tour guide who promises a stress-free Disney World vacation. He is, however, a very expensive tour planner. Customers can also purchase a customized itinerary to considerably cut wait times and enjoy an enhanced Disney World experience.

Even if you have visited the States for many times, a gifted Boston tour guide, Seattle tour guide, Los Angeles tour guide or Las Vegas tour guide with heaps of local knowledge will help you gain new insights into all these major cities.

Looking for more adventure? There are guided motorcycle tours of USA to experience.

Best Guided Tours of Europe

  • Guided Tours of Italy: private tour guides in Rome are said to provide the best-guided tours of Italy.
  • Guided Tours of Spain
  • Iceland Guided Tours
  • Guided Tours of Ireland and Scotland
  • Guided Tours of France: give a chance to private tour guides in Paris for a richer traveling experience in such a popular and well-known location.

Best Guided Tours of the Middle East

  • Guided Tours Israel: an Israel tour guide is an absolute must if you wish to learn more about the cultural and historical heritage of places like Jerusalem’s Old Town and Tel Aviv.

Best Guided Tours of Asia

  • India Guided Tours: if you are traveling to India, a talented tour guide can help you discover more about this fantastic country and its traditional culture.
  • Japan Guided Tour: a Tokyo tour guide is most useful as the city is one of the busiest in the world.
  • Guided Tours China: hire a Beijing tour guide and make sure you also book a guided tour for Tea Trek.

Best Guided Tours in Africa

Traveling to Africa? Hiring an adventure tour guide or Safari tour guide is a must! They can take you to Gorilla sanctuaries, to incredible waterfalls and  coastlines, as well as to mystical mountains.

We hope you enjoyed reading our post. Do let us know what you think on this matter. Is hiring a tour guide useful when traveling internationally? Have you had pleasant experiences with booking guided tours? 

Photo Credits: intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com, rideroute66.co.uk.

7 Tips for Traveling in Europe on a Budget

travel-in-europe-on-a-budget

We all share the same common dream deep down in our hearts of traveling all across Europe one day. The continent is world-famous for its rich culture, hospitality, breath-taking landscapes and tendencies to party like there’s no tomorrow. Literature, cinematography and the internet in general have rightfully made us fall in love with all of the romantic countries in Europe and yearn for the trip of a lifetime. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford an all-inclusive vacation in Europe, throwing Euros left and right on the first thing that catches our eye. Reality proves that merely the ride to Europe can turn out to cost you thousands of dollars if you stop at just your first result on a Google search. So how can you plan the Euro trip of your dreams while spending smart? You will soon find out that it’s not as impossible as it seems; we have gathered the best 7 tips for traveling in Europe on a budget so you can enjoy an affordable and worthwhile vacation abroad. Check them out below, plan your trip wisely and bon voyage!

romanian-landscape

1. Discover Eastern Europe

When we first think of Europe, the main countries that come to mind are probably Italy, France, Germany or Spain. But why limit your travels to Western Europe? If you venture into the East a bit more, you will find some of the most precious territories on this continent, filled with history, nature and sheer beauty, all at much lower prices than its Western counterpart. Greece, Czech Republic, Croatia, Romania and Turkey are just a few of the exquisite countries Eastern Europe has to offer; they all provide way more inexpensive services than most Western European countries, and they have some of the most beautiful hidden treasures you will ever discover.

fly-out-of-season

2. Travel Out of Season

Want to avoid heart-stopping flight rates and hordes of camera-clicking tourists? It’s simple; steer away from traveling between July and the first half of September in Europe! Also, you might want to avoid holidays like Easter, Christmas or New Year’s, as Europeans tend to visit their neighboring countries for celebrating. Besides saving a lot of money on airplane tickets, you will also enjoy a unique experience with the locals and discover their lifestyle. Try planning for spring or autumn; you are bound to catch pleasant weather, cheap tickets and a lot more space for wandering around.

luxury-hostels-in-europe

3. Choose a Hostel

Hostels are some of the best forms of accommodation you could ever imagine in Europe. They’re incredibly cute, cozy and cheap, while offering a memorable experience with fellow travelers. Before you panic over the idea of sharing a room with strangers, keep in mind that all of them are probably on the same mission as you: visiting Europe low-cost. Countries throughout Europe host a wide range of hostels for every kind of budget, from super inexpensive dorm-like rooms, to luxury hostels with hotel standards. Booking a hotel anywhere in Europe can be really pricey for almost anyone, so we warmly recommend the hostel experience for any adventurous traveler.

try-couch-surfing

4. Couch surf!

This is definitely our #1 piece of advice if you want to have fun and create fantastic memories. Websites such as Couchsurfing.com offer irreplaceable experiences for traveling abroad, giving you a unique insight to the local lifestyle and offering the chance to make awesome friends, as well. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, couch surfing is an alternative for exchanging hospitality by accepting and/or hosting guests at your own home, free of charge. The phenomenon is based on mutuality, so travelers and hosts are encouraged to exchange roles. It’s a great way of meeting open-minded locals and showing love by hosting them in your own home country one day.

graffiti-and-street-art-on-european-subways

5. No Taxis! Public Transport & Walking

One of the greatest tourist traps is definitely the European taxi. Many taxi drivers unfortunately seem to have a liking for fooling foreigners and bumping up cab fares, so the best decision is to use means of public transportation or actually walk, if the distances aren’t too far apart. Most city capitals have a metro or subway system with affordable tickets that can help you cross the city, and also a wide variety of buses to get around. Moreover, many cities in Europe offer daily, weekly or multiple-ride passes, so you don’t have to buy a ticket every time you want to visit a certain place.

picnic-in-the-park

6. Dine & Shop Smart

Ok, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t treat yourself to a restaurant meal when traveling abroad, but let’s face it: they get super expensive. Try local grocery shopping and putting together your own meals, maybe even with a traditional recipe. Nothing beats a lovely picnic in the park for enjoying a traditional, local meal and soaking up the sun. If you’re on the run and looking for a quick lunch, try any local deli or pastry shop. They have the same products as most bistros and they’re half price or even less. Furthermore, if you’re searching for cool souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones, talk to the locals and find out where the best places for shopping are. You should definitely avoid the shops that directly surround famous tourist destinations; we guarantee that you can find that cute key chain for way less money in a not so well-known shop.

museum-in-nice-france

7. Visit Museums for Free

Certainly one of the most memorable parts of your Euro trip will involve discovering the local culture, history and traditions. An avid traveler while surely want to find out more about the city’s background, so museums are at the top of the destination list. However, many museums and monuments can be really expensive to visit, due to their international notoriety. Thankfully, there are tons of museums you can visit for free throughout Europe, which will give you a unique insight about the country’s story. The Berlin Wall Memorial, Musée des Beaux Arts (Nice, France), Museo Storico della Liberazione in Rome, Musée d’art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and the National Museum of Copenhagen are just a few gorgeous museums you can check out completely free of charge.

Go from a simple tourist to an authentic traveler with these tips and enjoy the Euro trip of your life. What country did you enjoy the most in Europe? Do you have any other tips & tricks for traveling in Europe on a budget? Drop us a line in the comment section and have a safe and fun holiday!

Photo credits: Studentflights.com.au, Romaniadacia.wordpress.com, Wonderfulengineering.com, Budgettraveller.org, Pictoucountyrootsforyouth.com, Plus.google.com, Looklocalmagazine.com, barryzwick.wordpress.com.

Travel Tips For Women Over 50 Years Traveling Alone

travel-tips

You have to have patience. Even if you are an experienced solo traveler, every time you go on a new trip it is normal to take your time to adjust to the solo travel and get rid of those initial nerves, that you are out in the world alone and you have to handle everything by yourself. This is why, information is primordial. Read the following travel tips for women over 50 years traveling alone.

Safety Measures

safety

Plan everything ahead before you travel and choose your destination based on solid information.

Moving from one place to another and arriving in a place with a foreign language and culture can be stressful. This is why you have to plan everything ahead. You have to know what train/bus to take, how much it costs, where you have to arrive, and even buy the ticket in advance if possible.

If you want to travel to more cities and are not planning to stay in the same place, book in advance at least your first night of accommodation and try arriving there at noon. This way you will have time to check out the place and surroundings, and if you don’t like it, you have time to leave. Remember, everything looks better in daylight.

Prepare a first aid kit into categories. Make sure you carry with you all the medication you might need, from tummy troubles, pain creams and pills, bandaids, antibiotic ointments and so on, You know best what you might need, so prepare that carefully.

Safety Measures

When arriving in the new city, take your time to settle in, to get to know the city and see what’s safe and what’s not. This will give you more confidence and also it makes you to be less a target for potential trouble.

Try to stay in public, as it is much safer than private. Never, go into private cars or homes with people you have recently met.

Show confidence. If you have the feeling that you might have gotten lost, look around and choose someone to ask for help. Just follow your instinct, and you will find the right person, However, if you are just standing and appear vulnerable, the wrong person might choose you.

Don’t be afraid to make your point. If a stranger tries to rush you to make a decision, refuse to be rushed. No matter if it’s a vendor, a cab driver, or whoever, take your minutes to think, so you can make the correct decision.

Use your common sense but be rude if necessary. Traveling to a different country with a different culture, might be challenging, but there are some basic safety measures from home that apply anywhere. Find out if the area where your hotel is located, is safe. Avoid taking shortcuts trough empty parks or dark streets. When you are traveling alone, leave a note about where you are, in your hotel room or at the front desk person. Don’t go helping someone alone, always ask someone to go with you. If necessary, be rude and trust your instinct.

A woman travelling by herself should always take extra safety measures, no matter what her age is. Here is a tip that will make you feel extra safe. Always carry a rubber door stop with you when you travel. You can find it at most of the supermarkets and they are portable, small, and it takes just a few minutes to put it under your hotel and sleep without worries. Just keep in mind, that there are certain hotels or Bed&Breakfast, that don’t have a chain on the doors and you never know who has the keys to your room. Better safe than sorry.

It doesn’t matter that you are not in your 20s anymore, this rule applies for every woman. Dress conservatively in order to avoid attention. This applies  no matter if you are in America or Europe.

You should keep in mind, that other women are not necessarily safe. Even though women feel safer when around women, the world is full of dangerous women as well, who would lure you into dangerous situations. So, be careful.

Choosing the right purse is critical. Go for a purse that you can wear across your shoulders, but the ideal choice would be a pack designed with security features.

Packing

Don’t overdo it with packing, pack as light as you can. It will require more thinking, to prepare your travel wardrobe, but you will be more at ease with a lighter luggage.

Pick a base colour, like, brown, beige, black, navy and a contrast colour like white or beige, and maybe another colour or tow to accessorise all together. On the internet there are plenty of videos on how to pack light.

Always pack a pair of comfortable shoes, as nothing will ruin your trip, faster than sore feet.

Here is a bonus tip for traveling. Make sure you always have a small bag of almonds with you. If you get hungry and there are still many hours until lunch or dinner, snack on some almonds. They will give you energy and will stop your hunger. Buy your supplies before you leave.

Getting lonely

It is always difficult to start traveling by yourself, as there are times when you start thinking about many factors, especially when you are doing it for the first time. Wont it be acquired to walk around by yourself no one to talk to, eat by yourself?  If you feel you cant handle all of these things, try subscribing to a group of your age. Don worry if there are mostly couples, as people traveling in groups are very social and you won’t feel like the third wheel.

No matter how bold and brave you are as a woman, traveling alone will always get lonely at one point and you will experience extreme loneliness. The truth is you are alone, so its natural for that to happen.

What you can do to ease your way into that, is to look for restaurants which have communal tables, this way you can chat with new people. Don’t worry about feeling out of place, as many of the people who are choosing this type of restaurants are there for the same reason as you are.

A woman dining alone

Never go to a restaurant without a book or a magazine. You don’t want to stare at the wall while waiting for the food. Keep yourself busy as it will make you feel less conscious.

The days when loneliness strikes you the most, go out and don’t let it control you. Put on your dress and go have dinner at a nice restaurant, maybe even the best in town, if you can afford it.

Join tourist small day groups, as it is a great way to meet people, who you might have the chance to keep seeing during your stay.

Choose smaller hotels, because they are much friendlier places. You could ask to join a table of people in the morning, at breakfast, or you can hang in the lounge n the evening, maybe someone will ask if they can join you.

Since you are traveling alone, and you don’t have no one to comfort you, to hug you, to kiss you, why not pamper yourself? Go get a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a massage, all these are safe ways to get in contact with people.

When it comes to Europe, the majority of its cities are great for women of a certain age. If going to London, Rome, Paris, Florence, Berlin, Madrid, or Barcelona, you can stay in colorful neighborhoods that have access to local markets, public transportation, cultural attractions and historical sites. For example, in the UK, the cities are offering English language theatre  plays, films and lecturers, and in some museums you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea, or even have dinner.

Image Source: Women’s Health,RESCUEWIRE,the guardian

International Travel Tips Packing: Unusual Tricks for Traveling Light

The point of traveling isn’t about carrying as much useless stuff around you as you can, but about having just enough items to feel comfortable and have fun. The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, and there’s nothing worse than dragging an oversized baggage around with you all day. The best international travel site will always tell you to pack wisely. Nobody will ever brag about how much stuff he/she managed to stuff in their bags, but about how much fun they had. Modern age travel is all about dynamism, and ingenuity. international travel suitcases

Recommended Read: Packing List & Tips for an Overseas Trip

#1 Traveling Overseas; Regulations and Rules

 

If you are planning on flying, you probably know that international airports regulations force us to downsize our pack rat tendencies. Here are a few unusual tricks that will help you to not only maintain the weight below limitations, but also bring stuff you buy along the way, home. They should work regardless of the fact that you are traveling for a year or a week.

international travel tips packing light

Remember that packing light isn’t only about saving time and money, but also about the way you travel. If you want to feel comfortable and liberated when traveling overseas, you will refrain from pouring your entire closet in it. In case you are really missing something, you can purchase it abroad. Please not that very destination is different, and will require special preparation (be sure to also check out traveling south America tips and traveling Australia Tips)

 

#2 What to Take When Traveling Abroad: Unusual Advice

The biggest question is how is it possible to fit a whole trip’s worth in one, small suitcase or bag? The answer is as simple as it may sound: by giving up on all the things that are useless when traveling. Frugal thinking is the best idea. Instead of packing for the worst case scenario, one should think about the best-case scenario.

 

  • Only Bring One Pair of Jeans: All the denim lovers out there will probably be appalled by this idea. Is it even possible to make do with only one pair? The answer is yes, as long as you go for a pair that looks elegant enough for evenings, and is also comfortable enough for casual walks. For special occasions you can use a dress and accessories.
  • Nalgene and Small Bottles: Instead of carrying the entire shampoo or shower cream lotion with you, you can repack them in smaller bottles. Alternatively, small items can also be neatly packed in nalgene and waterproof containers.
  • Plastic Bags: have been used since the dawn of time. They are excellent not only for saving room, but also for protecting against leaking, or containing dirty clothes. Inventive travelers can even transform them into rudimentary umbrellas. We recommend that you use ziplocked bags for this purpose. Chances are that you will be asked to unpack at customs, but instead of rummaging through your stuff, all you need to do is share the contents of your small, neatly packed up luggage.
  • Tuck Small Things Into the Shoes: The space in the shoes is often not used. What better way to tuck away your underwear and socks if not here? Not only will you save space, but nobody but you will know where they are. This is less effective when you travel abroad alone.
  • Compress Bulky Clothes: If you are prepared to make a small investment, you can squeeze the air out of bulky clothes with a compression sack that you can purchase from the supermarket. This can be extremely useful if you are trying not to exceed the weight limit at the airport.
  • Split of Clothes When Traveling with Others: Even when you do all you can for safe travel abroad, unexpected problems may appear. One of them would be having your luggage lost. To avoid catastrophes you can split up your stuff with friends. So if someone loses their luggage they will still have clean clothes available upon arrival.
  • Using Purses for Clothes Stuffing: For some unknown reason, it seems that bags are easier to pack when they are rolled, not folded. If you roll tissue on paper, your stuff will get wrinkled.
  • Stick to One Neutral Color Scheme to reduce the need for useless accessories, shoes and other clothing items. You could also use tops that work with multiple outfits.
  • Wear Your Jacket on the Plane: one of the best ways to outsmart the system is by wearing your jacket before you embark on your flight. Not only are jackets large, but they are also not suitable for packing (most of them get wrinkles).
  • Ditch the Hair-drier: What is the point in taking a hair drier if you are going to stay in a 3-4 star hotel? Be aware that not all diffuser attachments fit on the packing list.

what not to pack hair drier

These are the main things that you should consider when traveling overseas with light baggage. If there are things that you should never forget to include, they represent paper-work (the VISA, credit card numbers, travel insurance, foreign currency and , passport).

 

Optional Packing List:

  • A multi-tool for peeling fruit and opening bottles.
  • A quick-dry campaign towel for long rides.
  • Medications, hat and sunglasses for the summer.
  • Converters, foreign currency, a money belt and an inflatable travel pillow.

 

We hope that these tricks will make packing easier, and we really hope that you will be able to cut down on the amount of useless stuff that you are taking with you abroad.

Overseas Travel Checklist: What You Need Before Embarking on your Adventure

Embarking on a journey across the world can be the adventure of a life-time, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared to deal with unexpected situations. As much as we enjoy traveling, getting organized can be a pretty daunting task. While it may be possible to survive without your favorite T-Shirt or underwear, there is nothing more frustrating than forgetting your passport, or papers at home. This is exactly why it is vital to prepare a list of necessary items well in advance.

 

The Overseas Travel Checklists should also include a comprehensive itinerary, proof of vaccinations and travel medications, and of course, a visa, when needed. There are a number of countries that cannot be accessed without it: Canadian travel visas are not that hard to obtain, but the Brazil Tourist visa is an entirely different story. Also, before you can experience the lush wildlife of one of the most exotic continents, you will have to register an Australian travel visa application.

overseas travel checklist suitcase

As you can see, every country has a specific set of rules which will make overseas traveling a bit difficult. Here is a quick check-list of items and documents that you should never forget, as well as a few tricks that will ensure safe travel abroad.

 

Overseas Travel Checklist #1: A couple of Months Before the Trip

Every trip begins with careful planning.  When you think about what to take when traveling abroad, you should not only focus on clothes, jewelry and other trivial stuff. There are many other items and problems to consider. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to travel abroad alone, or commit to traveling for a year, because the following items on the check-list are vital for every situation:

 

  1.       Check, and Re-Check Your Itinerary: As dreadful as it can be to create the perfect itinerary, it is important, especially if you are traveling on a budget. Make sure that all the dates, baggage allowance, seat allocations, and destinations are correct. You will have to deal with them sooner or later (preferably sooner).
  2.       Make Sure Your Passport is Valid for 6 More Months: You simply cannot leave the country without a valid passport. What countries do you need a passport for? When do you need passport? These questions require answers. Also make sure that you have up-to-date photos for it.
  3.       Take care of Travel Insurance: It is irresponsible to not have insurance when traveling overseas. It is the only way to protect yourself from unexpected events. Keep in mind that home and medical insurance might be enough to protect your baggage and health.
  4.       Book accommodations well in advance: Booking accommodations in a timely manner can help you save money, and avoid the unpleasant situation of having nowhere to spend the night. You can compare multiple hotels on the map, and pin-point the best deal for your needs.
  5.       Talk to Your Doctor About Vaccinations & Travel Medication: If you read traveling South America traveling tips, or Australia traveling tips you will see that certain regions require vaccinations for additional protections. Other regions require medication to combat diseases like Malaria. Consult with your doctor in advance.
  6.       Arrange Car Hire: Taxi’s are extremely costly overseas. Buses and other public means of transportation may also add-up to the cost of your trip. The most affordable way to travel in a foreign country is by far the cheapest way to move around. Shop around for car rental services in the area.

 important documents for overseas travel

Overseas Travel Checklist #2: One Week Before the Trip

With less than a week until the great adventure you must be excited. However, don’t get too excited because there are still some things that you should take care of. Before you go through the checklist, head on to the best international travel site for more information about your destination. Here’s what you should take care of until the time comes:

  1.       Check out the Immigration rules and Customs of the Countries you will be entering: As we already mentioned, every country has different rules, and to each their own. It is important to read about the policies and entry requirements for each.
  2.       Think About Carry-on and Checked Luggage: Carry-on luggage has a lot of restrictions and conditions. Make sure it only includes essential items like ticket, wallet etc. Checked luggage also has certain restrictions: if it is overweight you will be charged an extra fee. Secure your items with a lock, and have the luggage labeled with your contact details. There is also a list of prohibited items in carry-on luggage. To see it, head to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
  3.       Obtain Local Currency: Even the worth of a taxi drive is enough for when you land. Once you are there, there are plenty of ATM’s and foreign exchange location.
  4.       Note the Location of US Embassies: You never know what may happen, so it is a good idea to learn where the US embassies are. They will help you immensely if you run into problems abroad.
  5.       Re-Check Your Important Documents and Itineraries: A few things you should not be caught dead without are your passport, credit card, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, insurance documents, and travel visas. Make photocopies of them and put them in a separate bag.

 

Overseas Travel Checklist #3: A few Days Before the Trip

You’re almost ready to set off! There are only a few things that you must take care of. We will not go through the baggage list, because you can find it online (by the way, here’s a good list). There are only three things to remember:

visa for traveling overseas

  1.       Double Check the Paper-work: We know that it’s like the hundred time we tell you about this, but you will thank us. Double-check your passport, insurance paperwork, photos, tickets, ID, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, Visas and credit cards. It’s your last chance!
  2. Plan Transportation to the Airport Wisely: If your plane arrives at a given time, you should be there 2-3 hours before it leaves, especially for international flights. If you are traveling from another city, calculate the time with a one hour error.
  3.  Pack Light: It is vital to pack light and wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you are preparing for a long international flight.
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