Best Travel Tips for the Budget-Savvy Man or Woman

You have probably read so many articles about travel. They usually say that you should invest in these experiences. Some can say this easily because they have the budget for it or not as many responsibilities. It is challenging to leave work, children, or pets, behind, for example. Of course, it does not mean that you should not indulge in a little bit of travel. It is good for your soul.

On the Practical Side of Things…

Secure and photocopy essential documents

To prevent horror stories, involving lost passports and other documents, keep them in a secure place. Invest in one of those secure bags that don’t get easily ripped by a knife. Usually, these bags have extra locks, too. Just to be on the safer side, photocopy the documents, as well. Don’t keep the originals and photocopies in one place.

Write all vital data in a notebook

Writing
Keeping your important data ready in a notebook is highly recommended

Sometimes, we get a little too reliant on the cloud and our mobile phones. What if you lose your phone? What if there is no Wifi or even mobile data where you are going? Make sure you have data ready in your notebook – yes, the traditional kind.

Buy travel insurance

Most likely, your airline will ask you to buy insurance to cover you on your flight because it is a money maker for them. However, the type we are talking about is medical travel insurance. It is not that expensive and is really critical if you do get sick or injured. You don’t want your savings getting wiped out by a medical emergency, for example. And, if you are in a location with poor medical facilities, the insurance will take care of transporting you to someplace that does have good facilities.

Email or call your bank

Your bank should be aware you are going overseas. You are, perhaps, going to use your credit card in unexpected places. Alert them that it is not fraudulent activity if the card gets used in your destination – but up to a specific date. Send your itinerary

What you should put in your carry-on

Little bottles of toiletries, medicine, and electronic devices should be in your carry-on. With babies, you should have your wipes ready, too. Continue updating with the airline as to what has been changed in the carry-on rules.

Keep your cash and cards safe

This goes without saying. Spread them in different organizers or wallets.

Money-Saving Ideas

Use this link: http://bit.ly/VivTravelDeals

You will get some great discounts. It allows you to get almost wholesale prices.

Book ahead of time

To get some discounts, book ahead of time. Check out potential holidays in which you can go without your request being rejected by your employer.

Currency
You can save a lot of money by booking ahead of time, with a group

Book with a group

Take your friends and family. There are some group discounts that you can avail yourself of. It is also more fun and safer to travel with a group.

Take a package trip

Find out if some tour packages will let you visit more places at a lower cost. This is not very flexible, though, but it will do.

Pack light

Just pack what you need for the duration.  A huge bag can mean extra luggage fees.

Getting Ready for the Time of Your Life

Be flexible

Don’t be afraid to swerve away from your plans. Some changes can be more fun.

Keep an open mind

Be respectful of the various cultures and lifestyles that you will encounter. Not everyone is exactly like you!

Bring extra towels and underwear

Prepare for a possible plunge. It may not be in the plans, but what if you see a beautiful body of water?

Go for the road less traveled

Happiness
Try to avoid crowded tourist spots

If you can get away from bus tours, do so. Don’t go to crowded tourist spots if you can afford it. There are some hidden gems in every country.

Change your sleeping schedule subtly as your travel date nears

For those crossing time zones, this is vital to your trip enjoyment.

Have a nice trip!

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7 Lesser Known Destinations for Quality Snorkeling

In recent times, deep sea diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling have emerged as the most popular underwater recreational activities for interested individuals.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is fast emerging as a popular underwater recreational activity

The first two are intended for experienced divers as they require specialized equipment as well as training. For a blog about scuba diving, try poolschoolinparadise.com. Snorkeling, on the other hand, is something that even novices and children can undertake, assuming it is under expert supervision, of course. All you need is a diving mask, swim fins, a breathing device called a ‘snorkel’, and a good understanding of how to use them. And you are ready to explore the wonders the oceans hold inside their waters.

Some of the most popular places to snorkel include:

  • The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
  • Komodo National Park in Indonesia
  • Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
  • The Maldives
  • Maui & Big Island in Hawaii
  • Belize

But here, we’ll introduce you to some lesser known places that offer just as good a snorkeling experience.

Plage de la Palud, South of France

Located in Port Cros National Park in the Mediterranean, Plage de la Palud is known for its vastness of sea life. This is probably the only place in the world where you can spot dusky grouper, huge gilt-head bream, greater amberjack and brown meagre at depths as shallow as 2 meters.

Ghar Lapsi, Malta

A little difficult to reach but a must visit if you happen to be in Malta. An ideal place to snorkel towards the end of summers if you love quietness, clean deep waters, and a picturesque seabed.

Silfra Fissure, Iceland

You’ll need a dry suit to keep you warm in the icy cold water, but the adventure is totally worth it for the unique experience of snorkeling between the North American and the European continental plates. With underwater visibility of up to 300 feet, Silfra has one of the cleanest waters anywhere in the world.

Snorkelling in Silfra Fissure, Iceland
Snorkeling between continents in Silfra Fissure, Iceland (Source: icelandadvice.is)

Makarska, Croatia

Makarska Riviera is a 60 km long coastline between the towns of Brela and Gradac. There are dozens of snorkeling spots with seasoned, professional guides available. Starfish, octopus, and a number of other unique fish species can be easily seen up close.

The Medes Islands, Spain

The islands are part of a protected Natural Marine Reserve. Medes is a group of 7 islets located off the coast of Costa Brava in northeastern Spain. Amidst views of colorful sea vegetation, you are likely to spot sea horses, sea basses, barracudas, sea stars, moray eels, red mullets, groupers and plenty of other fish

Ningaloo Reef, Australia

The reef is home to an abundant amount of marine and coral life. Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is famous for sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, and if you’re lucky, even dugongs.

Key Largo, USA

Key Largo in the US state of Florida offers multiple remarkable snorkeling spots. It is famous for its stunning coral reefs, including the 3rd largest in the world. The rich sea life you can explore includes tropical colored fish, sea turtles, starfish, eels, lobsters, conchs, rays and much more.

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