How to Plan a Luxury Vacation 

How-to-plan-for-a-luxury-vacation-to-include-luxury-accomadations-and-hire-a-driverPeople take vacations for lots of different reasons, but more often than not they do so to get a break from their everyday routine. For some people, they are after a simple change of scenery, the opportunity to pack in as much activity as possible, or spending quality time with family. For others, a vacation is our time to recharge and refresh ourselves. The right kind of vacation can do us the world of good both physically and mentally so if you are planning a vacation for some much-needed rest, relaxation, and general pampering, here are some handy hints to get you started.

Calculate your budget 

When people hear the word ‘luxury’, they automatically assume that this means parting with a large amount of money. This may be true in a lot of cases, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. The key to luxury travel is to spend money on the aspects of the vacation which are most important to you and save money elsewhere. Create a list that determines your priorities including travel, accommodation, dining, activities, shopping, etc. and identify where you are willing to spend more.

Choose your destination

One person’s luxury destination is not necessarily the same as someone else’s, so this step is really down to personal preference. Some people find white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters to be the rest and relaxation they need while others prefer to keep themselves energized with the thrill of a safari or take in stunning scenery on a mountain hike. Whatever you choose, make sure it is your idea of vacation heaven.

Fly in style

Your journey to your destination is an essential element of the luxury vacation so consider upgrading your ticket to a business or first-class standard. Alternatively, you might want to look into the possibility of hiring a private jet for the ultimate in travel luxury.

Find luxury accommodation

You might think that luxury accommodation would be extortionately expensive and while this can be true in some cases, it is possible to grab a bargain if you look in the right places. Even the most high-end hotels, resorts, and apartments would rather sell rooms at a lower price than leave them empty which is why many offer last-minute deals.

Hire a car

Luxury travel should not include public transport or taking taxis, so why not hire a car at the airport on your arrival and travel the country in style? You’ll be in comfort in the top of the range car and have the freedom to go wherever you choose. Click here to find out more. You can also hire a professional, experienced Limo to service your trip and keep you safe. To find more details try Limo Find for pricing and convenience.

Eat the finest food

Fine dining is an essential part of any luxury vacation so do some research before you arrive as to the best restaurants in the region. Ideally, you should sample signature dishes from the country itself but many destinations offer a wide range of cuisines. During your research make sure you find out what the dress code is for each establishment so you can pack accordingly.
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8 Easy Tips To Reduce Vacation Stress Effectively

There is no better way than to take a vacation than around a holiday. Here are 8 Easy Tips To Reduce Vacation Stress EffectivelyVacations are the time to unwind after months of slogging and following a daily routine. After all, everyone deserves a break and there is no better way to get one than going on a holiday. But this is just one side of the picture because vacations can be stressful as well. Right from planning a holiday to making travel and accommodation bookings, packing, long flights and more, every aspect involves stress. Financials and logistics can be equally challenging. What’s more, you may feel even more hassled if planning a trip with children. So what can you do to minimize the hassles? Is there a formula to make vacations totally stress-free? Yes, there are some easy tips that work and they are listed as follows:

Have a plan in place

Nothing works unless you have a proper plan in place and this rule applies to holidays as well. Start planning your vacation by deciding the destination and timeline, while considering the budget as well. Explore your options and shortlist the ones that fit into your budget. While you plan the trip, consider the fact whether you are going to travel solo, with friends or with family. Having everything drawn on paper in detail will definitely give you a good start and make bookings and arrangements easier.

Make arrangements in advance

The biggest stress that you may come across while planning a holiday relates to arrangements. Whether it is your flight tickets or accommodation reservations, book everything in advance. At the same time, do extensive research to find the best deals. Booking early not only makes you stress-free but also serves as the best way to economize travel. However, check the cancelation policy before making advance reservations because you may have to cancel at the last moment.

Pack smartly

A major hassle that people face while planning for vacations is about packing stuff. They may feel like carrying a lot but end up only tugging and towing heavy suitcases, with clothes they wouldn’t wear during the holiday. Reducing your packing stress is as easy as having a checklist of essentials and following it as you pack. Stick only to the essentials in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Don’t miss the stuff that you absolutely need, such as medicines, camera, and chargers.

Don’t over-schedule

Over scheduling your travel itinerary will only elevate your stress levels and you may end up feeling exhausted. Obviously, you will want to see and do everything at your destination and time will be a constraint. But over scheduling is the worst mistake you can make. The best way to deal with the situation is by making a list of places to visit and allocate optimal time for each. You may even consider researching online or talking to a local to find about the must-visit places. In fact, skipping some places may not be a bad idea as you can keep them for the next time.

Provide a buffer

When it comes to travel planning, you can never be sure because emergencies happen at any time. You can plan the timelines but cannot stick to the clock. Flexibility is the key to taking the stress out of planning and this is best done with a buffer time at the starting and end of the trip. A day off before you leave will give you plenty of time to pack and get ready for the trip. Similarly, you can really do better with a buffer day at the end of the trip so that you get some rest before rejoining work. This becomes all the important if you are traveling long distances because you will probably experience jet lag.

Choose a relaxing destination

If you really want to do away with stress, choose a destination that offers relaxation. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy peace and privacy. You can check online to find the best spa resorts and meditation centers to relax and rejuvenate. Consider staying in a holiday home rather than a crowded resort or hotel if you want to enjoy alone time. You may also consider a solo trip if the motive is de-stressing. Traveling with the family is fun but not something that you may always want to do. So opt for holidaying alone once a while without feeling guilty!

Be extra ready if vacationing abroad

Traveling abroad requires some extra preparation and being ready will keep you sorted out. To start with, you need to have all the documents. Do check the validity of your passport and have your visa done well in time. You would not want to get into a last-minute hassle with the immigration authorities. Paperwork is not the only thing that you need to worry about. Make sure that you exchange the currency at home itself because you may face difficulties at the new location. Carry enough cash to last through the trip so that you are fully covered. Safety is important as well, whether you go for a weekend getaway or travel internationally.

Have realistic expectations

Vacationers often have unrealistic expectations as they travel to their dream destinations. Don’t expect the trip to be perfect because problems may come up at any time. For example, you may not find a hotel room to be as good as you expected. Similarly, a sick child, bad weather and flight delays are some other problems that can ruin your plans. You can deal with the stress by having realistic expectations in the first place. Always have a plan B in place to keep things hassle-free on every front. Maybe you can explore a holiday villa if you don’t like your hotel room. Who knows what you may end up loving the experience!

The purpose of a vacation is to do away with stress and rejuvenate your body and mind. If you feel stressed during the holiday, it defeats this purpose itself. Following these tips can go a long way in making your trip enjoyable. So you must absolutely ensure that you do everything you can to avoid any hassles.
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7 Awesome Things to Do in Upstate New York

Be a World Traveler 7 Must-Know Secrets for Flying Internationally (1)Did you know that over 240 million people from around the world traveled to New York in 2017?

Many of these people more than likely visited New York City, for all of the tourist attractions and culture, but there is much more to see in this state besides the “Big Apple”. 7 Awesome Things to Do in Upstate New York

Instead of being stuck in a large group of people wandering the streets or having to deal with expensive food and experiences, why not travel a bit more to the north.

Continue reading to discover where to go and fun things to do in upstate New York so that you can begin planning your next trip!

Where to Go and Things to Do in Upstate New York

Everyone is quite familiar with New York City, but understanding where upstate New York actually is, is more than likely, a good place to start.

Upstate New York holds the minority of the population in the state but it covers a large area. Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, and Rochester are some of the main cities in this part of New York. Long Island and New York City are not classified as upstate New York, however.

Local people consider everything north of the Bronx Zoo to be Upstate New York, but the border is constantly being debated.

Below are some of the best things to do in upstate New York that will seem completely opposite to what you may experience in the city.

1. Adventure in the Caves

If you enjoy exploring, the natural stone bridges and caves near Pottersville can provide an exciting experience.

There are many guided tours that go throughout the caves, but you can also do your own hiking around the many trails and waterfalls.

If you are taking a family trip, gemstone mining is available, along with a nice picnic and playground area for when everyone needs a break. Be sure to pack a camera and extra water when you visit the caves!

2. National Baseball Hall of Fame

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cooperstown, NY.

This museum is an impressive 3 stories high and filled with an extensive history of baseball, along with more current items too.

The first floor is a learning center where the player plaques hang. The second floor is recommended to begin on because it covers the history of the sport. Furthermore, the top floor is for both old and new ballparks, making it a fun and educational stop!

3. Letchworth State Park

Those looking for beautiful scenery and a large area to explore should check out Letchworth State Park located in Castile, NY.

This park has 66 miles of trails, an abundance of waterfalls, and an amazing view. In fact, if you want to get the best view of the park, you can pay to go up in an air-balloon to see everything.

Along with miles of walking trails and hot air balloon rides, you can also go kayaking on the Genesee River for a relaxing and physical activity. Many people consider this park to be “The Grand Canyon of the East” because of the gorgeous cliffs and canyons.

4. Boldt Castle

Located in the Ten Thousand Island region of upstate New York is Boldt Castle.

From May until October each year, guests are able to visit, and they can only get to the castle by boat. The castle was built for George Boldt’s wife in 1900, and since then it has been restored and visited by many guests.

If you are looking for more information on the Boldt Castle, visit here to start planning your tour!

The Boldt Castle will make you feel as is you are taken back hundreds of years with its beautiful landscaping and decor.

5. Yaddo Gardens

The Yaddo Gardens may be in the same state as NYC but it is actually a very calm and peaceful place, unlike in the middle of Times Square.

These gardens are filled with many rose bushes and sculptures that will take you back hundreds of years. The estate is on 400 acres of land in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Walking around and enjoying nature will never be easier than when you visit the Yaddo Gardens. You will be overcome with peace and tranquility from the moment you walk in.

6. Whittaker Falls

If you enjoy looking at waterfalls but don’t want to deal with large crowds, like the ones in Niagra Falls, Whittaker Falls is an excellent place to travel to.

Located in Martinsburg, Whittaker Falls is a perfect stop that you can camp at to stargaze, roast marshmallows, and get away from the technology-driven world that we live in.

With the convenience of being able to camp, Whittaker Falls gives you the perfect opportunity to fish and get a daily dose of nature.

7. Lockwood Lavender Farm

Those who don’t have terrible allergies should consider traveling to Skaneateles, NY, to visit the Lockwood Lavender Farm.

This farm is an impressive 120 acres filled with fragrant and vivid purple flowers, called lavender. Along with all of the rows of lavender, you can also see goats and sheep roaming the land.

Nowhere to Travel but North

Finding things to do in upstate New York that are enjoyable and relaxing is quite easy with the help of nature.

Upstate New York is filled with many beautiful parks with areas to kayak, hike, and camp. There are waterfalls located all over the state that are sure to take your breath away, and you are still within hours (or minutes) of the city.

Utilizing the list above can help you successfully prepare for your next trip up north in New York and keep you from missing out on impressive views of nature.

Be sure to take a look at our blog to find more articles, like this one, filled with travel tips and ideas!
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Be a World Traveler: 7 Must-Know Secrets for Flying Internationally

Be a World Traveler 7 Must-Know Secrets for Flying Internationally

Flying internationally can be frightening, particularly if you’ve never done it before. Most people ask themselves, am I in the right place? Do I have the right amount of money on me? Is this the real cost of things?

If you’re a nervous traveler, you can probably relate.

But fear no more, here are seven top tips to help you enjoy a smoother traveling experience.

1. Is Your Passport in Check?

Arguably, one of the most important things you should make you sure you have organized before flying internationally is your passport. It goes without saying that if you haven’t sorted out your visa and passport, you ain’t goin’ nowhere.

You must make sure that you have applied for your passport well in advance of even booking your flight, especially if you’ve never had one.

Once you reach the point of no return, it is difficult to cancel a flight. For first-time passport users, it is highly likely that it can take a while to get all the details and paperwork sorted out, so start the process well in advance.

Also, be sure to count the costs. In the US, the price of a single passport application is $115 for under 16’s and $145 for any age above this bracket.

This is the standard price, but depending on whether you need it expedited, it can increase considerably, so the moral of the story is GET IT EARLY!

Another tip that may help you go a long way when concerned with your passport is making sure that you have made copies of it. Have digital references in case you need it at hand quickly.

It’s not just for flying, as it is not uncommon to need it for hotels and other necessities abroad.

2. Do You Need a Visa?

So many people have arrived at the check-in desk of the airport, assuming that a ticket and a passport will suffice to enter certain countries. Big mistake!

You cannot travel anywhere internationally without even checking whether or not you need a visa. All countries have different rules!

Paying for a visa is not insignificant. That document shows your right to be in a particular country. There are some countries like the U.S. and certain Latin American and European countries that allow you to obtain a visa on arrival.

However, some will not let you even check into the flight without it. What a waste of cash!

3. Pack Well

There is nothing worse than flying internationally, arriving overseas and finding out that there was some luggage mix up, or your luggage didn’t come. This is why it is useful to pack smart!

Don’t just fill your hand-luggage with junk food and snacks but fill it with things that you can use in the event of an emergency—an extra pair of clothes and underwear etc.

Another issue that is common when it comes to packing is obeying the airline’s weight restrictions.

If you know that you like to pack a lot, pay for the excess luggage in advance, or buy some scales and weigh them at home before arriving in the airport to fight the lady at the desk.

4. Money. Money. Money.

It’s very important to be monetarily prepared before embarking on your overseas journey.

It is always sensible to check the foreign currency in advance and the conversion rate too, so you don’t get ripped off all the time.

Additionally, a lot of banks block credit cards due to suspected fraud, so make them aware before you fly internationally and can’t use your card.

Always carry a sufficient amount of the local currency on you. You never know if they’re going to take card everywhere you go. You may end up stranded with no money if this is this case.

5. Don’t Get Sick

Health services in each country dramatically differ. Do you need certain vaccinations before you travel?

It is likely that if you are going to or coming from certain tropical countries, you are required to have vaccinations, and evidence of them too!

Also, medical insurance is probably something to consider if you are someone who takes regular trips to the doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

6. Can You Use Your Phone?

It almost sounds silly that people don’t check. However, a lot of people travel abroad, feeling like they can use their phones as they would in their home country.

It’s always a nasty surprise when they come back to a whopping phone bill. You need to double-check that your data roaming setting is not switched on on your cell phone.

If it is not switched off, you could be racking up some serious charges.

7. Sort out Your Electronics

This is arguably the least essential tip when flying internationally as it can quickly be resolved; nonetheless, it’s still vital.

Be sure to check you’re well equipped in terms of chargers and electrical devices, as some of these things can differ from country to country. Also, be sure to pick up some adaptors for the country that you are traveling to, as different regions have different plug sockets.

Flying Internationally: A Word to the Wise

Considering all the things above is only a necessity if you want flying internationally to be a walk in the park. Otherwise, disobey these rules, and it’ll be a catastrophe.

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Have you ever travel internationally, did you have any problems?
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