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January 21, 2017 by Chase Vandros

What, when, where, how: How apps have shaken up the travel industry for good

In truth, ‘apps‘ have been around for decades. Once upon a time they were launched as programs through our trusty desktop system, while now they tend to be booted up via our phone in a flash.

Pick any industry, and there’s every chance that apps have had a sterling impact. When it comes to the travel industry, it could be argued that they have well and truly shaken it up.

We first started taking an interest in this topic following a Tweet by Brian Ferdinand. Following some of our own research, let’s now take a look at just how the travel industry has effectively been reformed thanks to the power of the mobile app.

We’re not indebted to the travel agents

Turn back the clock a decade or two and there was one option and one option only to book a vacation; you had to take a trip to the travel agents. Sure, some people may have had a timeshare, while others may have rented from a friend. However, on the whole, the vast majority of the general public used a travel company to put together their entire vacation and there was little room for customization.

Suffice to say, this has changed enormously. Sure, the high streets are still dotted with plenty of travel companies, but the DIY-approach has become more popular than ever before. The likes of Airbnb mean that browsing an array of properties is easier than ever, while all of the “standard” catalogue booking apps also add to this simplicity.

In simple terms, rather than heading out to the high-street or picking up the phone, comparison apps and Airbnb mean that you can book accommodation in a matter of clicks.

There’s more trust in the taxi system

For tourist hotspots, this has never really been an issue. For those areas which might carry something of a reputation, this issue is huge for travelers though.

Previously, flagging a taxi may have been regarded as almost dangerous in some countries – you really had to choose carefully and seemingly vet all of the drivers.

Thanks to apps like Uber and Lyft, this is no longer an issue. As well as adding a degree of safety to the whole taxi practice, it also means that you can know for sure that you are not paying over the odds.

Self-guided tours are in-fashion

In a similar vein to the last topic we looked at, self-navigating is now completely possible thanks to the abundance of apps. For the purposes of this example we’ll just refer to Google Maps, but there are others available and it means that wandering the streets aimlessly is now no longer an option.

It also means that tourists tend to see more during their stay. As well as Google Maps, something like Google Trips can even organize an itinerary and route so that people get the most out of their day. It means that you don’t necessarily have to rely on organized tours anymore and again, the do-it-yourself concept is in.

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January 20, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Europe Beyond The Usual: Three Destinations You Don’t Hear Enough About

It’s not hard to list the cities in Europe you know you’re supposed to go to. Leaving aside London for a moment – because everyone knows that – there are plenty that are pre-loaded onto most bucket lists. We know Paris is a classic, and that Barcelona is always in the conversation. Amsterdam is hard to beat for an easy-going weekend break whether it’s your mind or your fun-loving side that prevails.

The truth is, on a continent as vast and diverse as Europe, there are going to be countries and cities that don’t make the colour supplements as often. That’s a shame, in one way. They deserve all the same hype as their more vaunted counterparts. In another, it’s no bad thing – because if they ever do get that hype, they won’t be the “get away from it all” breaks they are now.

Aware as I am that by mentioning them now I’m perhaps playing a part in hyping them up, here are some of Europe’s jewels that deserve a bit more love. If you travel smart, you can see them while they’re still – relatively – undiscovered.

Belgrade

The 1990s were a decade filled with tension in what used to be known as Yugoslavia. Wars between Serbia and its near neighbours in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo raged, and led to NATO intervention. It is impressive today to see how each has bounced back, and moved on. Since the leader responsible for much of this strife, Slobodan Milosevic, was deposed, Serbia has changed.

One thing that has remained though is the austere beauty of its capital, Belgrade. As Serbia turns towards a new future, tourists are beginning to return. It’s to a city where they can see sights as diverse as the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Church of Saint Sava. Religion and science may make for odd bedfellows, but they provide wonderful day trips for Belgrade tourists.

Antalya

It’s not exactly true to say that Turkey has gone unnoticed by tourists. There are plenty who pour into Istanbul every year and see the imposing architecture to be found there. Antalya, however, flies under the radar and for the moment maybe that’s a good thing. It means that when you step off Antalya airport transfers, you can enjoy the sights in relative peace.

Those sights include the magnificent Duden waterfalls and Hadrian’s Gate. The latter, three imposing triumphal arches, was built to mark the visit of Roman emperor Hadrian. Meanwhile, if you just want to kick back on the beach, there’s a great one at Konyaalti.

Oslo

Scandinavia is getting hipper and hipper, and at the moment the attention is focused mostly on Stockholm and Copenhagen. Popular, dark TV dramas have a lot to do with that. As yet, we haven’t been introduced to one set in Oslo.

This means, on the positive side, that you can explore and experience sights like the Oslo Opera House without too much jostling. If you like your art in the open air, then two local parks – Frogner and Vigeland – will be to your taste. Speaking of taste, try the Kafe Asylet for a sit-down meal. A mix of traditional Norwegian food and European ambience, it’s well worth the stop.

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January 20, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Get European In 2017! Four Beautiful Places You Must Visit

At the beginning of a new year, we’re all determined to change our lives and to become someone completely new – and probably a whole lot more interesting! As the year drags on, it’s hard to force yourself to do that and to pull yourself out of your new routines. What you can do is take yourself off to see the world. This will give you more opportunities than you’ve ever had before and it’ll also turn you into a better and more cultured person. And what better place to do that than in Europe? Here are four holiday destinations in that part of the world that are a little different from the norm…

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland is where the Scottish parliament is in session for part of the year. It’s also arguably the cultural centre of Scotland and one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. With double layered streets, Edinburgh is full of surprising secrets and nooks and crannies that you’ll love exploring. During August it’s home to the biggest arts festival in the world and full of actors, artists, musicians and comedians, but arguably you’ll only find the ‘real’ Edinburgh if you visit at other times of the year. Whether you want to visit the Fringe or tour the castle or walk up to Arthur’s Seat, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Edinburgh.

Helsinki

Unless you absolutely love winter weather, you might not want to take a trip to Helsinki just yet, but never fear – it warms up in spring time to become a fantastic destination. There are very few places in Europe that are cooler than Helsinki, and it retains the friendly and warm yet chilled out vibe of other Scandinavian cities while combining it with its very own edge and style alongside the gorgeous art nouveau buildings. The galleries and boutiques in the Design District are definitely worth a visit, while the gastronomy throughout the city is an absolute treat for any foodie.

Tuscany

If you want the perfect cultural expedition then there’s nowhere better to go than Tuscany in central Italy. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes with its vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills and patchwork fields. It’s the home of Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and da Vinci and Michelangelo are both closely associated with the region. If you want to see art, there’s nowhere better than Tuscany, with countless churches and cathedrals filled with glorious frescoes, and a number of world class galleries and museums. Combining that sort of rich culture with traditionally gorgeous Italian food, Tuscany is a treat for everyone.

Iceland

If you want a real winter wonderland then Iceland is the place to visit. You’ll have to wrap up warm but you’ll find that the temperatures are more bearable than you might imagine. Reykjavik is a youthful city full of great food, clubs and galleries, and if you want some nature then there’s nowhere better than the Icelandic glaciers, where you can see natural ice caves and the famous geothermal spa the Blue Lagoon, where you can bathe outdoors in winter. To top it all off, you might just catch the famous Aurora at night.

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December 8, 2016 by Chase Vandros

5 Ways to Shop for Vacation Packages

Are you ready for a vacation?

If so, do know how best to go about shopping for the right trip packages? If not, you could be costing yourself a fair amount of money.

While most people have different priorities when it comes to what they want (and expect) out of a vacation, it is important to put some research time in. By doing so, you will most likely save yourself some money, money that can be put towards a future vacation etc.

As for the research time, much of that can be done through two avenues, travel companies and the Internet.

So, are you ready to put some time and effort into properly for shopping for vacation packages?

Putting Your Plan in Motion

In order to find the best available vacation packages to suit your needs, remember these five tips:

Research – First and foremost, putting the necessary research into your vacation plans is where you begin. That research is typically done through either a travel company and/or the Internet. When working with a travel company, research them to see how long they’ve been in business and what kind of track record they offer in terms of giving customers what they want etc. Even though using a newer travel company is fine, start with those that have been around for decades. The older ones tend to be around for the simple reason that they have met or exceeded the needs of most customers.

Websites – Even if you decided to go ahead with a travel company, you should still use the Internet to your advantage. Whether in search of Chile vacation packages, excursions to Europe, perhaps even doing a group tour of parts of Asia, the worldwide web is a great resource tool. Use the Internet to track down not only travel company websites, but also travel blogs. There are countless travel blogs out there, blogs that give you lots of useful information on when to travel, where to travel to, how to go about saving money on your trips, what to avoid etc. Yes, it can be a lot of information to gather, but it certainly can pay off when all is said and done. Best of all, you will be better prepared before you even put your first dollar down towards a trip.

Get Social in Your Travel Needs

Social media – With millions of people globally active on social media, you stand a good chance of talking to someone with great travel tips. As a result, you are able to gather some information, information that can help you shop for the best vacation package you need. Many travel companies are also active on social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.), so you can gather lots of good details just by being socially active. Various publications also use their social networks to cover how best to save money on trips, so use these opportunities to learn more when not reading written copies. Lastly, don’t forget social video sites (see more below), sites that can make you feel with a simple video or two like you’re already at your desired location.

Videos – When it comes to online videos, YouTube is a great place to start. Just do a simple Google search for vacation videos on YouTube and other such online channels. In doing so, you can watch the experiences of travelers on their vacations; experiences you hope to soon have yourself. Travel companies are also known to post videos, so do your best to check them out and see what you can learn from them as far as hotel stays, saving money on airfare, where to go for food and entertainment etc.

Word-of-mouth – Finally, turn to friends and outside family members to see how they’ve gone about getting the best vacation packages. In many cases, they likely saved money by doing their own planning on and offline. Who knows, they may even want to tag along on your next venture?

Getting away from it all is something most people yearn for, so take the time to properly plan your next getaway.

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December 7, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top attractions to visit on a trip to London

London is filled with some of the most incredible attractions in the world. The city has to something to offer everyone no matter what their taste or interests. Whether you are a history buff or a culture vulture, whatever your area of interest you can be sure to find it all here. That is why London has repeatedly occupied the top spot of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. It attracts record numbers of visitors to its charming shores every year, with close to 17 million visitors to the city annually.

To squeeze the most out of a trip to the city you should choose to stay at a hotel in the city centre. There are a number of Kensington hotel special offers at some of the best luxury hotels in the area, which could help to save on accommodation costs.

A good option would be the Park Grand London Kensington a luxury boutique hotel renowned for its elegance, fabulous facilities and affordable price. Another benefit of staying here is that you are just a short distance from key attractions in the city including…

Westminster Abbey is one the top attractions to visit on a trip to London

Westminster Abbey: If you are a first time visitor to the city Westminster Abbey is a must see. Westminster Abbey is situated on a spot that has been linked to Christianity from the seventh century. Its official name is the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster and was founded in 1065 by Edward the Confessor. It is also the location where most of the sovereigns were interred beginning from Edward in 1066. It also has the distinction of playing host to the royal tradition of crowning the ruler, which has continued through centuries with Queen Elizabeth II also having been crowned here. It has also served as the venue for the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and sadly also the location where the funeral of Lady Diana took place. It has been the pre-eminent church in England from 1066, when it began to be used as a place of worship.

London Zoo: It is one of the top zoos in the world. London zoo opened to the public in 1826 and at the time of its inception was one of its kind in the world. Since then it has played a pivotal role in rearing and breeding exotic species of animals like Asian lions and Giant Pandas. The zoo is home to a diverse collection of more than 8,000 species of mammals, fish, animals, insects, amphibians and reptiles. Other striking exhibits include a Penguin Pool, a piranha aquarium and a shark aquarium apart from the famous Moonlight World with reversed lighting for visitors to observe the behaviour of nocturnal species. Other interesting places to visit at the zoo include the Hyacinth Macaw Aviary, The Elephant House, The Invertebrate House, The Lion Terraces etc. Also while there make it a point to drop in at the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo with its Pet Care Centre and Touch Paddock.

The British Museum: One of the most famous museums in the world the British Museum collection is spread over three acres of arts and artefacts. This is from all corners of the globe with collections as varied as Old Master Drawings, Egyptian, Japanese, European Decorative Arts, manuscripts, Greek, Islamic, Chinese and Indian among others. It is also home to some of the most famous exhibits like the Elgin Marbles, The Lindisfarne Gospels, Colossal horse from Halikarnassos, The Rosetta Stone, Bust of Ramesses the Great and the Parthenon sculptures among a host of other priceless antiquities. This cultural treasure is not to be missed.

The Courtauld Institute: To see one of the finest collections of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings a visit to the Courtauld Institute is highly recommended. It holds an astounding range of works of some of the world’s most prominent artists. A terrific place to spend an afternoon exploring at leisure! The Museum is located within Somerset House on the Strand that long with Ludgate Hill and Fleet Street connects Trafalgar Square to St Paul’s Cathedral. You could spend the entire day on a walking tour of this part of London.

The Victoria & Albert Museum: Another one of the finest museums of its kind the Victoria and Albert Museum was founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It is one of the largest museums of decorative arts with its collection comprising furniture, jewellery, sculpture, photography, stained glass, fashion and textiles, ceramics and loads more of exhibits to see. It also plays host to a number of temporary exhibitions all year long.

Big Ben and Parliament: The most iconic of London’s landmarks are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben stands an impressive 97 metres in height and the tower houses a giant clock with its massive bell which is known as “Big Ben”. It tolls on the hour every hour and it is known the world over as being the time keeper for BBC radio. And below the massive tower stretching across the magnificent Thames River are the city’s famous Houses of Parliament. One upon a time the site where the Houses of Parliament now exist was home to the Royal Westminster Palace, home of William the Conqueror. There are guided tours of the Parliament Building and if you are lucky you might get an opportunity to the political machinery in action, including discussions and debates. Along with Parliament Square there are a host of other government buildings in the Whitehall area that has made the area synonymous with the UK government.

Piccadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square: These are known as the city’s two most well known tourist spots. Both of them lie nearby and are gateways to Soho, which is London’s vibrant entertainment and theatre district. Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square was created to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory over the French & Spanish Armada in 1805 at Trafalgar. Other notable attractions in the area include the National Gallery, St. Martin’s-in-the-fields and Admiralty Arch. Piccadilly Circus is the focal point for a number of streets which are Regent, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury and Haymarket, spots where you will find the busiest traffic areas of the city. Also in the area is the city’s most well known sculpture, Eros that is balanced on a single foot.