Travel Archives - Page 9 of 11 - Oh My Heartsie Girl

July 30, 2018

Traveling to Cambodia on a Budget

Traveling to Cambodia when on a budget is completely reasonable, and we have the tips on how to make your money stretch, but still have a great time!

Hostels and Hotels

The consensus is that hostels are much cheaper and this is usually true. However, you can get a hotel room with fans for only a few dollars per night. Unlike Hostels that may be booked up later, you probably won’t have to switch hotel rooms during your vacation.

Whether you find a hostel or hotel room that’s in your budget and travel area, you should ask if there’s a discount for staying longer. Because tourists in Cambodia usually prefer to bounce around the country, many hotels and hostels only handle guests for a night. You might be in for a sizeable discount if you’re staying for a week in one place.

Visa

Getting your visa ahead of time or applying for it online as a Cambodia e-visa will save you money for a few reasons. First, if you get a visa after you land you’ll lose time and scammers who scope out the airports will possibly set your sites on you as a target.

Secondly, if you want to get your visa when you arrive, you’ll need to have 2 passport photos, and if you don’t, it can be a costly pain. Save yourself the time, money, and energy and just apply for a Cambodia e-visa.

Watch Your Drinks

If you prefer a beer with your meal, it doesn’t seem too bad that you’re spending a dollar per drink. However, in some areas through Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, you can pay as much as $8 per beer. That adds up fast!

Keep an eye on places where beer is cheap, and where you should just get water. There are a lot of money saving tips when it comes to food and beverages, but the best one is not to pay more than a dollar for a beer.

Getting Around

When you’re trying to get around in a city, it’s reasonable to be suspicious of both tuk-tuks and taxis. There’s a great, and little known, alternative: bike rental. In most major cities you can rent a bike for as little as $2 a day. You can save tons of money by renting a bike, rather than taking a tuk-tuk or taxi.

Now, if you’re traveling from one major city to another, you’ll want to take a bus. Always check the reviews on the bus company, but where a taxi might cost you $80, a bus ride will probably cost you less than $8.

Anticipate Fees

Although many temples are free to enter, getting into the city or generalized area might come with a tax or fee. Angkor Wat usually has a multiday pass that you can get for much cheaper if you’re going to be in the area for more than a day.

But once you’re in you can participate in free meditation workshops, and guided tours. If you don’t feel comfortable calling them free because you paid an entrance fee, consider it a great deal.

Knowing When to Visit

Although early November might not seem like the best time for a holiday if you’re on a budget, it’s “off-season” for most parts of the world. It’s also the best time to visit Cambodia because the Bon Om Touk festival begins on November 2nd.

The country may have its flaws and slight signs of its recovery from long-term corruption, but during Bon Om Touk most of that is set aside. The signs of the aftermath usually are still present, causing many people to visit Cambodia to understand their culture and recent history.

But, the Water Festival is the opportunity to see the culture through celebration. It’s also your chance to take part in a major event and see the culture of Cambodia while staying in one part of the country, which will cut down on your travel expenses.

Traveling Articles of Interest:
10 Tips You Must Do Before Traveling
What To Take When Traveling
Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Getaways
Cities Less Traveled

July 6, 2018

Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Getaways

These days, travelers don’t need to choose between going to a fun, exciting spot and being able to stay within their budget. Here are six U.S. destinations that are sure to please, whether you’re flying solo, traveling as a couple, or planning a vacation for the whole family.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a golfers paradise. While it can be a little warm between the months of May to October, as in over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the remaining six months of the year are nearly perfect. Fall and Winter temperatures usually average between 50 and 70 degrees which makes it the perfect weather to play golf.

So if you want to hit your driver down the same courses that Phil Mickelson and Jordan Speith play, then Phoenix is the place for you. With over 250 golf courses in the greater Phoenix, the options are almost endless. You can play Troon, Scottsdale TPC, Grayhawk, and Moon Valley all have been home of both PGA and LPGA tournaments to just name a few. Now if you want a great deal, come during the summer, even though it can be quite warm you can play at these world famous golf courses for about half of the price. So grab your best putter and a favorite golf wedge and come have a swing.

2. Front Royal, Virginia

Front Royal is a Virginia gem. It’s sitting at the gateway to Shenandoah National Park, the most popular national park in the nation, and is less than a 70-mile drive from D.C. You can have the best of both worlds here – some of the best views of America from Skyline Drive as well as big-city excitement. The Front Royal Entrance station to the Park opens hikers and nature lovers up to more than 2,000 acres of protected land and 500 miles of trails, ranging from beginner level to extremely difficult.

Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns are also close by, and wine lovers will enjoy a trip to Chester Gap Cellars. Virginia wines will surprise you! On Main Street in Front Royal, you’ll find the old-time county seat right next to fun shops and eateries. Don’t miss Gourmet Delights, a great little gift store, and Cafe Amore, a family-owned, Italian cafe and bar.

3. St. George, Utah

Saint George, Utah was originally settled by Mormons traveling south from Salt Lake City. Now, it’s known for its great golf courses and close proximity to Zion National Park. It’s also just under a two-hour drive to Las Vegas, the gaming and entertainment capital of the world. The trip to Vegas is spectacular as you pass through the Virgin Gorge.

Don’t miss strolling in Springdale, Utah, the small town right next to Zion National Park. The Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon is outstanding for dinner the night before you strike out on a hike through the Narrows. You can stay in the Park at the Lodge (but make reservations well in advance), or stay in one of the many retro motels in Springdale, or alternatively for less money at the nearby towns of La Verkin and Hurricane. If you dare, on the way out of the area, drop by Grafton Cemetery that’s reported to be haunted.

4. Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is the first major city as you drive into Florida from I-95. Many don’t realize all this small city has to offer the budget conscious traveler. It sits right on the Atlanta Ocean, and the St. Johns River runs right through it. The St. John’s is the longest river in Florida. It’s considered a “lazy river,” and is one of the few rivers in the U.S. that flows north.

Jacksonville is the perfect spot to relax in the sun. Discover delicious organic juice bars right on the coast. If you’re in Jacksonville on Saturday, check out the Riverside Arts Market under the bridge. You’ll find an array of artwork, handmade crafts and jewelry by local artists. Jacksonville is also one of the most popular golfing destinations in the South. The PGA Tour has its headquarters at TFC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach where the Players Championship happens every year and Amelia Island, which has 117 holes of golf in beautiful surroundings, as well as golf clubs in Ocala only a drive away.

Believe it or not, you can take in a Broadway show in Jacksonville at Jacksonville Theater, right in the Orange Park event center. Take a day trip 40 miles south to visit St. Augustine, the oldest settlement in the U.S., and visit the wacky Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, an affordable fun spot for kids of all ages.

5. Omaha, NE

Though not especially known as a vacation spot, if you have kids, a trip to Omaha is a must because of The Lied Jungle at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. In recent years, the Zoo has added numerous attractions. You’ll have fun exploring the largest indoor rainforest in America. On multi floors, you’ll see monkeys, macaws, tapirs, and small hippos in their natural habitat, representing species from Africa, Asia and South America.

6. Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boothbay Harbor is the quintessential New England Coastal town. Relax and enjoy and have some lobster on the pier, freshly caught courtesy of real Maine lobstermen. Boothbay Harbor is known as the Boating Capital of New England. Explore Burnt Island Lighthouse, the Maine State Aquarium, Penny Lake Preserve, or take an Atlantic sunset cruise on a historic schooner.

No matter which season you’re planning your trip and regardless of your budget, Phoenix Arizona, Front Royal, St. George, Jacksonville, Omaha, and Boothbay Harbor are all definite spots to add to your vacation short list.

July 5, 2018September 4, 2020

Driving Through Montana

Montana is a fascinating state. As the fourth-biggest state land-wise in the country, it’s got a lot of room for people, but not a lot of people that live there full time. In fact, it ranks 48th in population density. People seem to be more likely to travel there on vacation than to live there, perhaps because of how remote it feels. The biggest city in the state is Billings, with a population of about 110,000 residents. In some major metro areas across the country, there are mere suburbs with bigger populations than that. But Montana more than makes up for its modest population with its astonishing natural beauty.

Mountainous Montana

The name Montana translates to “mountain” in Spanish, and unlike some state names, the etymology behind this one makes a lot of sense. When you arrive in Montana, you’ll feel and see the reason behind its name. The tallest mountain in the state, Granite Peak, has an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet. You could spend an entire summer in Montana and not run out of mountains worth viewing. That’s one reason why Montana is best visited by car. There’s airport service in cities like Billings and Missoula, but you might be better off just taking your car and hitting the road. If you’re coming from the East Coast, fly into a mid-sized city like Spokane, Washington, and then rent a car and head east on Interstate 90. You’ll be in the college town of Missoula in about three hours’ time, which is a great place to start your journey into Big Sky Country.

Plenty of us like to “get away,” but we also like to get away to places that still have at least some level of cell phone service. Montana’s cell phone service can be tricky because of the rural areas. In fact, you could argue that the whole state is one big rural area, but there are definitely some places that are more populated than others, and it’s those places where you’re more likely to have better mobile phone service.

Since we depend on our phones to help us navigate these days, make sure you get any issues with your phone fixed before you leave town and try to navigate your way to a mountain. Look for a cell phone store in Montana to have professionals check out your device and ensure that it’s best equipped to handle whatever adventure you choose. The employees there will take a look at your phone and once the necessary fixes have been made, send you on your way to a fabulous destination like Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

Seasons of Montana

Visitors from other parts of the country might be surprised by how much the seasons change in The Treasure State. The state is home to some of the most beautiful summers you’ll see anywhere in the world, with clear blue skies, abundant sunshine, and weather that’s seasonably warm without being oppressive. It’s one of many reasons why celebrities flee Hollywood in the summer and head to the mountains. However, winter is another story. Only people who are really comfortable with winter extremes should try driving through Montana during the cold season. There’s one joke that describes the state’s weather as “nine months of winter and three months of poor skiing.” It doesn’t matter how good a winter driver you are if the area you’re in is experiencing whiteout conditions. There’s a certain point when it’s just not a good idea for anyone to be out in that sort of weather unless they work in emergency services or something similar.

So when you’re looking at your calendar and trying to plan a trip through Montana, consider what you’re most interested in doing. Would you like to hike, ski, or simply drive around observing the natural beauty? Whatever you choose, you’ll remember your trip to Montana as a journey to one of the most unique states in the country.

My Travel Articles…
10 Tips You Must Do Before Traveling
8 Easy Tips To Reduce Vacation Stress Effectively

June 27, 2018

Why You Should Choose Phuket in Thailand for a Girl Trip

Whether you are planning to go on a solo trip for some exciting travel experience or you want to have a bachelorette trip with your favorite girl gang, nothing is more empowering than traveling alone on an all girl trip on your own. That being said, with all that excitement, solo women travelers tend to be extra nervous when picking their destination. Other than making sure that you do not end up choosing an insanely expensive or not so happening destination, you also need to check for safety and security. If you want all your concerns from finances, to fun and action, to nature and beauty to safety and security packaged with a perfect balance, head straight to Phuket, in Thailand.

Phuket happens to be one of the largest islands in Thailand, and it began to come into the limelight in the late twentieth century when the government started taking a significant interest in developing local tourism. Phuket is now a fully fledged tourist destination with a comprehensive transport system and an international airport of its own with a lot to offer to people who come to visit Phuket. It is one of those destinations that you would want to go back to again and again every time you make a travel plan. As for a bachelorette trip, here is why Phuket is a super awesome destination.

Suits Every Kind of Traveller

Some budget travelers fancy vacationing on an exotic beach but are unable to afford a suite at a luxurious resort. Then some wealthy travelers love their secluded spot on their resortś private beach and do not like a gang of day-tripping backpackers around. Fortunately, Phuket is designed to cater to every kind of tourist that can exist. You will be able to find backpacker hostels, mid-range hotels and serviced apartments and fancy world-class resorts, so you do not have to worry much about your accommodation. Likewise, you will be able to find all kinds of food options to suit your taste buds and pockets.

Nearby Islands

Although Phuket itself is very fun and happening, when you are in Phuket you must head to the smaller islands dotting Phuket. You will find some of the most gorgeous pristine white sand beaches and beautiful limestone formations as you will head to Phang Nga Bay and Koh Phi Phi. In fact, the Maya Beach that lies near Koh Phi Phi became famous after the famous Leonardo Dicaprio movie ¨The Beach¨ for its exotic white beach. Likewise, James Bond islandś claim to fame are two of the Bond movies that were filmed on the island. That gives you another reason to go for island hopping. You can browse online for some of the best tours in Phuket.

Nightlife and Shopping

A bachelorette trip without some fun at the bar is incomplete. Phuket has a lot to offer regarding nightlife and shopping. Just head straight to the famous Patong Walking street, and you will be delighted to find nightclubs and bars of all kinds, tempting food options and a variety of shopping options from branded stores in the nearby mall to street shops.