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July 30, 2020 by Chase Vandros

Achieve Long-Term Travel Packing Success With This Packing Guide.

The Ultimate Travel Packing List For 2020 – Cool & Functional Pieces For Long Term Travel

With lockdown measures being lifted and the signs of recovery stepping up a gear there will be many people who are looking to escape what has felt like an eternity of furlough and the same 4 walls day-in day-out. Now the worst looks to be behind us we are in desperate need of an escape, and nothing will cure that like a long travel trip. Long-term travel can be a tricky task to pack for, what to take and how much to take are 2 questions that you will no doubt be asking yourself before you start putting your packing list together. To make what could be a daunting task we have compiled a few of the essential items we think you will need, along with some handy tips on how to pack, what to pack and how to approach your packing.

Clothes

Starting simple with this one, but this can be the difference of packing too much and having to pay excess baggage, and not packing enough and running out of, or not having suitable clothes for part of your trip. It’s a brilliant idea to take some comfy clothing with you for any down time, a personalised hoodie is a great way to make memories and have something to hold onto and look back and reminisce after your trip is over. A personalised clothing company such as Banana Moon Clothing is a great place to get your personalised hoodie.

Toiletries

Making sure you have your essential toiletries is an essential when taking a long trip, if you suffer from any sensitive skin conditions running out of product that agree with your skin can make for a very uncomfortable trip. Take enough toiletries for a long trip can be tricky, due to the size of the size of the bottles and the weight of the contents. Doing some research beforehand may identify similar or other suitable products that are accessible whilst travelling, cutting down on weight and freeing up a little suitcase space. If you are taking any liquids with you, be mindful of the limits and prohibited items. Make sure to pack these separate from your main luggage and well wrapped in a plastic bag, just in case the worst was to happen, and a spill occurs you can rest assured knowing the remainder of your luggage is safe.

Shoes/Insoles

Travelling long term is likely to mean you will spend a lot of time on foot exploring new sights and scenery. If this is the case, then suitable footwear is an essential item if you are looking to avoid blisters and sore feet. Once you have selected your footwear a great addition to these are a pair of energy absorbing insoles, taking away any strain that is put on your knees and hips during long walking sessions. What’s more is they are great for posture and your back, meaning the following day you won’t be left feeling stiff and achy.

Medication

If you are on any kind of medication then you must ensure you have spoken to your medical professional in advance, as you will require medication whilst you are travelling. It may not be possible to get enough medication to last your whole trip, so creating a plan of hoe you will get your medication with your GP is a must.

First Aid

A well-stocked first aid kit should feature on any packing list, as unknown surroundings can bring unknown dangers and having a first line of defence can prove invaluable when travelling. You can find all you need from a basic first aid kit here but be mindful of additional items you may need to include that are location specific, such as insect repellent and bite cream. When considering additional items for your first aid kit be mindful whether your vaccinations are up to date for your travel destinations.

Passport & Travel Docs

Another absolute must have here, so make sure you have all your travel documents, tickets, boarding passes, visas, accommodation details and most importantly an in-date passport. As these are essential for your travel these documents must stay safe throughout your trip, a great way to do so is by adopting a plastic folder where you can store these documents, keeping them all together and protected from the elements.

Backpack

When you are travelling a backpack is more than just a bag, it is your method of storage for the day to day essentials whilst out and about so when choosing a backpack look for one that is both lightweight and sturdy, including both the build quality and the zips. As well, keep in mind comfort as you may be wearing your backpack for a long time so something comfortable can make your day to day traveling far more comfortable.

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July 18, 2020 by Chase Vandros

5 Profitable Side Jobs You Can Do While You Travel

If you are planning a long trip abroad and you are looking to work while travelling and make some extra income for savings or to cover travel expenses, any of these job ideas are great for you.

Whether you are working a 9-5 job or you are running a business, a side hustle ensures that you never run out of cash. And it is also a great way to save money, especially if you are planning a long trip and the expenses may eat deep into your savings. The best part is that you can work while backpacking across the world and earn enough money to fund your adventures.

There are dozens of job opportunities everywhere you go, whether by working remotely or getting your hands dirty in a far-away land. Some side jobs can give you a full-time income. However, many of them are only good for making a little extra money, and that is not a bad idea!

Since the world is now connected through the internet, finding jobs while travelling is easier than ever before. You can find remote jobs by doing a simple Google search, or you can even find nearby gigs by visiting jobs sites at your destination country or city.

No matter the travel plans you have made, our list of 5 profitable side jobs has something for every traveller, and many of them will make your travel worthwhile.

Internet affiliate marketer

The job of an internet affiliate marketer is quite straightforward. All you need to do is promote a product or service through a blog or website, or even a social media account. If someone purchases the product through your link (recommendation), you earn a commission. Sounds pretty simple, right? The best part is you do not need any special skills to become an affiliate marketer. Sign up through websites like ShareAsale and you are good to go.

Day trader

Your job as a day trader includes buying, selling, and trading of stocks. This is a job that can make you a lot of money, but you must have some experience with trading. It comes with high-risks, but it is a great side job that you can do while you travel. You only need your smartphone to keep tabs on the stock market.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is fast becoming one of the most popular side hustles today. It involves buying and selling products online across the world. One of the reasons why it is such a great idea for a side job is you do not need to invest in inventory. You are a middleman that connects the customer to the company you are partnering with. It requires low investment but has the potential to yield great profit.

Travel Blogger

If you love taking pictures and keeping a diary of your adventures while travelling, then you should consider starting a travel blog. It may take some time to build your audience, but it is worth it. You can make money by telling your unique travel stories. Brands love that!

Voice over

All you need to become a voice over artist is great vocals and some recording equipment. Since you are travelling, we recommend only the basic stuff including a microphone, a recording app for your mobile phone or laptop, headphones, and a quiet place. With quality internet speed, you can send your demos to Voquent where you will connect with clients looking for your voice talent.

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July 15, 2020 by Chase Vandros

3 Awesome Active Holidays For Thrill-Seekers

There’s something to be said for vacations where the focus is unwinding all the way – if you lead a busy lifestyle, taking a holiday where the extent of your daily exercise is lifting a cocktail to your lips while lounging by the pool probably sounds pretty good.

However, some of us can’t chill out for more than a few days before we’re itching to do something more active that sets our pulses racing and stimulates the senses.

If you count yourself in the latter camp, take a look at these three awesome active holidays for thrill-seekers.

Surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, so if you’ve dreamed of riding the waves since you first listened to The Beach Boys, there’s no better place to learn.

Hawaiians have been surfing for hundreds of years and it was once reserved as a pastime for the island’s royalty, but the waves at spots like Oahu’s North Shore now attract acolytes from around the world. Waikiki Beach is one of the best places to find your feet, and you’ll learn on a longboard at first, under the close watch of an experienced instructor.

Tips: browse the Sparky’s Surf School website for more information on surfing lessons in Waikiki.

Skiing in France

Fancy cruising down freshly powdered slopes while enjoying majestic mountain views, then spending your evenings knocking back toffee vodkas while dancing on table tops?

For many, the après-ski scene at famous French Alps resorts like Val Thorens, Meribel and Morzine is as much of an attraction as the skiing and snowboarding on the pistes ̶ if it sounds awesome, perhaps it’s time to try it out for yourself? Skiing on beginner’s slopes is free in many resorts and after a few lessons on easy green runs you’ll be tackling cruisey blue pistes and having the time of your life!

Tip: chat to Alpine holiday specialist Erna Low about arranging a tailor-made ski break.

Deep sea fishing in Jamaica

As well as being the homeland of reggae and an island packed with beautiful beaches, dramatic waterfalls and verdant mountains, Jamaica is also one of the world’s best spots to charter a boat and go deep sea fishing.

Off the Caribbean coast of locations like Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, you can catch everything from Blue Marlin and Wahoo to Tuna and Sailfish while enjoying the vibes and knocking back a few ice-cold Red Stripe beers. Furthermore, most tours are catch and release, so you don’t need to worry about harming the fish or disturbing the ecosystem.

Tip: book a deep sea fishing tour with Island Routes and prepare for adventure on the ocean waves.

Any one of these three action-packed breaks will make your next vacation your best ever ̶ if you don’t do boring holidays, get booking today!

What’s your favourite active holiday? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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July 9, 2020 by Chase Vandros

Sweet Jamaica – 5 Sublime Scenic Spots

When asked to picture Jamaica, some people will sketch sun, sea, and sand in their mind’s eye.

And if you take an all-inclusive holiday to a Jamaican resort you may not get the chance to absorb any more than these basic elements.

As those in the know will tell you, it’s only by venturing off the beaten track that you truly experience the real Jamaica and understand how its majestic natural scenery has inspired a culture with a truly global footprint.

With that in mind, Let’s take a look at 5 sublime scenic spots in the land of wood and water.

Firefly, St Mary

Nestled on a hilltop 10 kilometres east of Oracabessa in Saint Mary parish, Firefly estate is the former home (and burial place) of celebrated English playwright Sir Noel Coward.

This is idyllic setting was also once owned by notorious privateer Sir Henry Morgan and its strategic position offers amazing views over the Spanish Main. When you see the vista for yourself, you’ll understand why Sir Noel found it so deeply inspirational.

Tip: stay the night at Blue Harbour, Sir Noel’s nearby seaside property!

Strawberry Hill, St Andrew

Strawberry Hill hotel in Saint Andrew parish is located in a lush mountainside setting overlooking Jamaica’s capital Kingston.

This charming traditional establishment was a favourite hideaway for reggae icon Bob Marley and over the years many other luminaries from the music world have stayed here. The views are to die for, and the customer service is impeccable.

Tip: when dining here, try the chicken breast stuffed with callaloo.

Pinnacle, St Catherine

Pinnacle is a site of national historical interest in the hills above Sligoville in St Catherine parish. In the 1940s and 50s this is where Jamaica’s first Rastafarian community, led by Leonard Howell, survived by farming the land and observing a religious and moral code with African traditions at its core.

The community was dispersed after a series of raids in the 1950s and the Rastafarian religion then spread throughout Jamaica and around the world thanks to the influence of reggae music.

Tip: hire a reliable car from a site like Enjoy to explore rugged locations like Pinnacle.

Zion Country, Portland

Zion country in the tiny rural community of Long Road in Portland parish is an amazing eco lodge run by Dutch native Free-I.

If your idea of paradise is lounging in a hammock on a rustic veranda, while watching the sunrise over the Caribbean and manatees splashing by the beach, this should be right up your street.

Tip: ask chef Owen at Zion Country to prepare some roast breadfruit ̶ you’ll love it!

Rockhouse, Westmoreland/Hanover

Rock House Hotel is in Negril, which straddles the border between Westmoreland and Hanover parishes in west Jamaica.

Book a private villa in this cliffside establishment and lounge on your private sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear water or simply watch some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets while sipping a cool rum punch.

Tip: take a look at this video of Rockhouse for a taste of the magic.

That’s our list! Share your own Jamaica highlights in the comments section!

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March 10, 2020 by Chase Vandros

The Five Best Reasons to Visit India Now

India has risen near the top of vacation destinations because of a variety of reasons. It is one of the largest countries in the world with a vast array of topographies, climates and sights, with dozens of different cultures living together.

A visit to India is sure to challenge and excite you, and leave you with lasting memories. Deciding the best reasons to visit India, is difficult because there are so many great ones. But to give you a sense of why you might want to come, are what we think are the five best reasons to come visit India.

The History

India is a country that has been in existence for more than 4 thousand years and throughout that time it has maintained itself as a place that set standards in terms of cultural significance and leadership. Ancient India presented the world with great rulers who dominated the region. Some of the most powerful include Ajatasatru who presided over a huge Indian kingdom around 500 BCE, His territory covering the northern tip of India, from Bengal in the east to the Punjab in the west, and north into Nepal. And, Samudragupta Gupta who was an Indian Emperor who led the Gupta dynasty from 335-375 AD. He has been called India’s Napoleon because of his mastery as a military general and tactician. Unlike Napoleon however, he was never defeated in battle.

As you peruse the history of the country you will discover great leaders and statesmen and a country that has faced many challenges and endured coming back better and stronger. Today, you can see examples of the country’s great history in its architectural landmarks, and on full display in its writings, artwork, and pictures at museums and galleries around the country, that chronicle the country’s history.

The Culture

Indian culture is recognized around the world as one of the most dominant. The country itself is a melding of many different cultures, languages and histories from the region that today compromise a wealth of richness and beauty. Indians are known for their pride and respectfulness and they exhibit great hospitality to strangers. They have strong family values, elevated the mother and father as nearly sacred. The elders receive and even higher status.

Most Indians are Hindus and strongly religious. A large number are also Buddhist which borrows heavily from Hinduism. These faiths require that Indians treat each other and others well, in order to create good fortune for themselves. As a result, you might find Indians doing good for you even at their own expense. Many visitors come back often because of the culture here.

The Value

Lots of people choose India because it is a vacation destination that delivers value for your money. Whatever your budget, there are hotels, food, and activities in abundance for you. You can also get budget flights to just about anywhere in the country. In fact you can find amazing discounts on your next Air India Express booking. Book in advance for the best rates on flights.

The country attracts the highest end travelers, but can also accommodate those who have meager budgets and want to have a memorable time. The country is constantly voted as having one of the highest “bangs for your buck” in terms of travel value.

The Sights and Activities

No matter what city or region of India you choose to visit, there is so much to do. Whether you enjoy roaming the big cities and discovering world class restaurants nightlife, and shopping, visiting the mountains where you can trek and even sample its world class Yoga and religious retreats, exploring forests where you can find exotic animals and plants, or a trip to get closer to and partake in the the country’s deep spiritual history and beliefs, India is a destination that really does have it all.

A trip to India offers a magical journey into a country that has a glorious history, amazing people and food, and also offers the best in modern conveniences. Come any time of year for a great time.