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December 4, 2018 by Chase Vandros

A Guide to Shopping Ethically While Traveling on a Budget

They say to travel is to live because traveling lets us explore the beauty of the world. Traveling is not only about sightseeing, but it’s also a way of life, exploring, finding the missing pieces of your soul and replacing what you thought was a void in there, with the crash course of learning new customs, cultures, people, and places.

Some backpackers find museums, monuments, art, scenic landscapes, and traditional cuisine the best and surest way to experience the true essence of a country, but people who love to shop, find that shopping, especially buying something that’s particular to the local area, a souvenir, is the paramount way of exploring and taking in the core of the place. Whether it be a designer bag from France, a carpet or rug from Turkey, a kimono from Japan, or an oud from Dubai, what is better than bargaining at vendors and stalls in a local bazaar, or browsing and handpicking the famous handicrafts of the particular city of the country?

Shopping for a souvenir

Can you imagine going to Milan, Paris, Dubai, or Singapore and not putting thoughts into shopping for something spectacular that is special about that place, whether it be a keepsake you can hold onto a memory or just a new pair of glasses or shoes for yourself and your family back home? Thousands of people take Dream world Travel flights every year to travel for shopping alone, especially in time for Christmas, and New Year’s etc., shopping can be one of the best parts of a vacation.

These local things bought from famous bazaars or markets will not only remind you the most of your trip once you are back home but also are quite cheaper than going to a retail markup and local brands.

Shopping for a keepsake

More than any other souvenir, keepsakes are what will remind you the most about the trip once you’re back at home. Plus products made locally, especially if bought directly from the artisan, may be much cheaper because of the lack of the import taxes, and retail markups. Where shopping can be quite an exciting experience while traveling, being on a budget and having your heart set out on spending some time shopping can be quite daunting. However, you can make this experience quite exciting and rewarding. Just find cheaper places that aren’t a sea of knock-offs to haul around tourists. Listed down are some great tips on how to shop ethically, exploring and experiencing the essence of the place, while being on a budget.

Ask the locals

The best way of doing it like the locals is by asking the locals how they do it. Whether it be good local food or best shopping places, they know the best of it all.

Say no to chain stores

You have had your eyes on that Mikael Kors bag or a Versace shirt from your bucket list, and you think the best time to buy it is on your vacation in Italy because it is going to be different than in New York or London. However, the prices will be just as high, and, chances are, can be even higher because of the exchange rates. The prices of all the items of a brand are the same everywhere, whether it be in Spain or your hometown.

Do your research

Make sure what you are buying is original and genuine. Even if you have spared some money off your budget to buy those amazing china dinner set or beautiful Turkish handicrafts, how would you know if the market or the stall you are at, are selling the original and genuine items? By spending some time researching, even if that particular market is famous for that particular item. Again, go back to the first tip and ask a local Japanese where can you can get the best kimono and what are the places you should steer clear of?

Local markets and bazaars

Local markets and bazaars are probably the best way to experience the true essence of a particular place without breaking your bank. One of the best local markets are such as souvenirs, however, make sure they aren’t selling knockoffs, and handicrafts markets so you get to learn the culture and traditions of a place by exploring their arts and crafts. For example, some countries are famous for their textile production, some of their incredibly beautiful handwoven or embroidered crafts. In such markets, you will also get to meet people who will tell you historical stories about each item they will show or sell to you, making it one of the best way to immerse in the culture of that particular country.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

The best thing about these local markets and bazaars is how you can negotiate and bargain your way into no0t exceeding your budget. Learn by watching a local do it!

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November 17, 2018 by Chase Vandros

3 Holiday Gifts For The Traveller In Your Life

When it comes to holiday shopping, some people can seem to be so difficult to shop for. You look at them, and it seems like they have everything they need or could want. And if you ask them what they would like, they claim that you already know what they want, or to surprise them. Unfortunately, this only makes the decision more difficult.

This holiday season, don’t get caught just buying gift cards for the adventurer in your life, as more often than not they won’t use them. Instead, get them one of these three travel-appropriate gifts.

A First-Aid Kit

What is one thing that everyone – not just travelers – could use? An amazing first-aid kit. Everyone gets a few bumps and bruises just doing everyday normal things, but someone who is exploring the world probably ends up with more scraps then others.

Adventure Medical Kits has some amazing first aid/medical kits that can be used for travelling in North America and abroad, as well as a dental kit in the event that your love one suffers a tooth-related problem on the road. This gift will not only keep your loved one safe in moments of emergency, but also offer them some much needed peace of mind while jet-setting.

Merino Wool Clothing

If your loved one travels to places with varying climates, and could use some multi-purpose clothing, then Merino wool is the perfect holiday gift for them. Merino wool is some of the warmest, most breathable material available, and can go for weeks without being washed, making it incredibly popular with travelers.

In wet or hot climates, the fabric works like gangbusters: it regulates the wearers body temperature in hot or cold weather, and the clothes dry really quickly, so the wearer isn’t stuck in wet, soggy, and uncomfortable clothing. For Merino Wool clothing options, go for the Unbound Merino brand, since they specifically make their clothes for travellers.

Traveler’s Insurance

One present that the traveller in your life may overlook (though will absolutely need) is traveller’s insurance. People don’t really think about needing extra insurance when they are travelling, either because they already have existing health insurance, or they may not even know that insurance for travelers exists.

Traveler’s insurance isn’t only beneficial to the thrill-seeker or extreme traveller – an incident could happen anywhere and a bit of extra insurance could save your loved one from paying a lot extra out of pocket. For a list of reviews and types of travel insurance, check out this website.

Whoever the traveler in your life is, and wherever they allow their adventures to take them, don’t think you can’t give them a gift they will appreciate. An up-to-date medical or first aid kit, comfortable Merino wool clothing or even traveler’s insurance could be the thing they are waiting for, but don’t think to buy for themselves. Next time, hopefully, you won’t be so quick to grab a travel mug, world atlas or gift card for your traveling loved one – you’ll get them one of these thoughtful gifts.

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November 3, 2018 by Chase Vandros

5 Urban Parks You Need To Explore This Fall

Fall colors aren’t far away, even if your fall travel plans stick to major cities. Across Canada and the U.S., there’s an abundance of urban parks where you can escape into nature and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of fall. When you’re traveling this fall, don’t miss five of the best urban parks in North America.

#1 Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal

If your traveling to Quebec this fall, expect to see the kind of dazzling fall colors that sends thousands of people to Maine. At the heart of Montreal rises an impressive hill called Mont-Royal, topped with an illuminated cross and proudly showing off red, orange, and yellow foliage between the skyscrapers in this time of year. Designed by Frederick Olmsted, the same man who designed New York’s Central Park, Mont-Royal has beautiful wooded foot trails that lead to the hill-top chalet and an impressive promontory where you get a great view of the skyline.

#2 Forest Park, Portland

At over 5,100 acres, Portland, Oregon’s Forest Park is the largest wooded urban park in the U.S.A. There are plenty of great urban parks in Portland, but Forest Park is the crown jewel and a gift to nature lovers in the Pacific Northwest. There are 70 miles of trails, but the park is completely within city limits and located only 10 minutes from downtown Portland. It’s an incredible place to forget you’re in the city at all.

#3 Don Valley Trail, Toronto

Toronto may not have the hills of San Francisco or a mountain in the middle of the city like Montreal but look below street level and you can find wilderness that will make you feel miles away from the subway. A huge system of natural ravines cuts through Toronto. Some are small and hidden away, others occupy huge parts of the city, like the Don Valley Trail. Enter through Chorley Park to see some incredible old trees and dramatic slopes, stop by the Brickworks for a cider, and enjoy Ontario’s rich fall colors.

#4 Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Four times the size of Central Park, Griffith Park offers stunning views of the city of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory, not to mention tons of walking paths and even areas where you can go horseback riding. When you’re tired of Hollywood or the sights downtown, head to Griffith Park for a natural adventure.

#5 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Between the hills, the ocean views, and the bison wandering around, there’s a lot to see in Golden Gate Park. Make sure you bundle up to stay warm when San Francisco’s oceanside temperatures inevitably take a dip. Fall in San Francisco comes with a lot of ups and downs, and you’ll find yourself taking sweaters and jackets on and off all day. Stay warm when the fogs rolls roll in and get some thermal socks this fall for your travel adventures.

Wherever your travels take you, remember that it can get cold quickly in the fall. While there may be some gorgeous sunny days, a cloudy period, rain, or even just sunset can quickly bring in the cold. Come prepared with jackets, scarves, hats, thermal socks, and proper footwear for enjoying the city and its parks.

When it comes to thermal socks, Heat Holders thermal socks are a great investment. Seven times warmer than ordinary cotton socks, they’ll keep your feet warm when you’re exploring new cities and parks. Have fun exploring some of North America’s best urban parks.

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September 28, 2018 by Chase Vandros

The Best Travel-Friendly Swimwear

Swimsuits are a travel essential- whether you’re traveling in summer or winter you are pretty much guaranteed to need a swimsuit along some leg of your journey. But we don’t want just any swimsuit. It needs to be comfortable, lightweight, and great for tanning and traveling. We think we’ve found the perfect travel-friendly swimwear thanks to the company CoolTanⓇ and their incredible line of TanThrough swimwear.

The secret to getting an amazing tan with CoolTan’s suits is their use of specially formulated Microsol V fabric. This fabric is specially knitted to create millions of tiny pores, which work to let in approximately half the sun’s rays to get you a tan about as fast as you would with a medium level sunscreen. Plus, being able to tan right through your suit means you no longer have to use sticky and streaky tanning lotions, or have to deal with annoying tan lines. Getting a tan can be as easy as walking along the beach, going boating, or even just lazing by the pool. The unique fabric also allows water and air to flow right through the suit, keeping you nice and cool while also drying up to 3x faster than normal fabric. This makes it the perfect option for traveling because you won’t have to wait around for your suit to dry all day before being able to pack it back in your bag. The moisture-wicking fabric is also great at keeping you nice and comfortable throughout your trip, allowing your skin to breathe and making it so you don’t have to sit around in a soaking wet swimsuit.

CoolTan’s swimsuits are machine washable, making them super easy to keep clean and get out all that salt and sand to prolong the life of your suit. They are also durably stitched so they will last longer than normal suits that may fall apart after only a few uses.

CoolTan also has a line of TanThrough shirts available that make it even easier to get a tan when you can’t lay around on the beach all day or are just going about your day or travels. Their TanThrough shirts also contain that Microsol fabric that lets in the sun while functioning like a medium level sunscreen, no more farmer’s tan required.

CoolTan has a variety of colors, sizes, and styles to choose from including monokinis and 1-pieces, string and halter bikinis for women and everything from briefs to board shorts for men. Their line of TanThrough shirts has a variety of styles including polos and V-necks to suit all your activities and make a great option for traveling. We highly recommend checking out CoolTan to see just how easy it is to get a tan and to give the perfect travel-friendly swimsuits and shirts a try!

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September 17, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Managing Flight Delays: What You Need to Know about Compensation

Flight delays are a frustrating experience for anyone to have.

Whether you’re travelling across the world to meet a client and grow your business, or you’re heading out on holiday with your family, the last thing you want to do is spend several hours sitting in a terminal when you’re supposed to be in the air.

Unfortunately, flight delays do happen – and they happen quite regularly. Issues with the weather, problems with staffing and a host of other issues can cause delays to happen on an almost daily basis. The best thing you can do to make sure that you’re prepared is ensure that you know the details on flight delays before you start your trip.

Here’s what you need to know about delays and compensation.

What are the Rules Around Flight Delays

So, what are the rules around getting compensation for your flight delays?

Ultimately, if you’re flying from an EU airport, landing at an EU airport, or travelling with an airline in the European Union, then you should be entitled under compensation according to Regulation 261. However, this rule only applies if you have been delayed by more than 3 hours. Importantly, the time that you arrive at your destination has to be three hours later than it was meant to be.

Simply setting off from your destination three hours after schedule isn’t enough, as some airlines can take shorter routes to reduce the travel time. Additionally, the flight that you are claiming compensation for will also need to have been delayed or cancelled for a reason that wasn’t the fault of the airline.

Keeping you Comfortable: Beyond Compensation

As a passenger on a delayed flight, you’ll be eligible to more than just compensation when you arrive home in the right circumstances. In many cases, the airline must also provide you with drink and food appropriate to the time of day in question. This generally means that you’ll get a voucher for your lunch which you can use to keep your family comfortable, hydrated, and fed while you wait for the next leg of your journey.

For overnight delays, you may also find that your airline can provide you with accommodation at a nearby hotel, as well as transportation to reach your hotel. When there is a major disruption, the staff responsible for serving you might tell you to go and stay at a hotel and claim for compensation when you get back. If this is the case, remember that your airline won’t agree to pay for an expensive hotel, unless you can prove that there was no other alternative available.

Times You Won’t be Eligible for Compensation

There are plenty of instances in which you should be eligible for compensation after a delayed or cancelled flight. However, there are also situations where you’ll simply have to deal with the frustration of your delay. For instance, compensation isn’t payable in the event of an extraordinary circumstance when it comes to flight delays.

In simple terms, this means that if your airline can prove that your delay was caused by something that was outside of their control, like a security issue, a natural disaster or extreme weather conditions, then you won’t get compensation. Ultimately, airlines can’t be expected to pay for problems that they can’t control.

Most things in the control of your airline, including issues with staffing, or technical problems that could have been prevented with better care and attention will not fall into the category of extraordinary circumstances. You can also consider appealing a claim of extraordinary circumstances made by your airline if you believe that the delay was their fault.

Make Sure You’re Informed

Ultimately, while a flight delay or cancellation is always a stressful experience, you’ll find that you have a much better time knowing that you have your rights and opportunities for compensation ahead of you. Before you go on any trip, make sure that you read up on the nature of compensation for your flight, and how you can prepare for a delay.

The more you know about your airline’s policies, the better off you’ll be when something goes wrong. It’s also worth making a note of the airline’s number or downloading any apps it might have so you can contact customer service as quickly as possible when you find out about a delay. Waiting to speak to someone at the airport can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, as there are a lot of passengers to deal with.