TOP 5 TRAVEL HACKS FOR LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

(1) Good Seating

When it comes to good seating. You cannot leave it to chance. When booking your flights see if there is a way to select your seats beforehand. The exit aisle on the plane usually has more space. On the day of your flight don’t be shy to ask at the check-in if exit aisle seats are free. Also another hack is that if there are 3 or 5 seats in a row that are free, you pretty much have a bed.  

(2) Exercise

To avoid getting cramp while on your flight it is important to take a stroll down the aisle in order to get blood flowing through your body. You can do other light exercises such as knee ups and shoulder rolls to loosen your body up. You can do these light exercises in between films and game sessions to create a bit of routine.

(3) Entertainment

Remember to preload your tablet or smartphone with some movies or TV shows to watch. Create a flight playlist and download a few games that you know you can play for hours. Remember to ask the airline if they will have WiFi or USB outlets on the plane. It is also important to have noise cancelling headphones to get you in the zone and fully relaxed for your flight. Also, remember to carry a high capacity charging battery for your devices.

(4) Pack smart

When everything important is in your backpack you will sleep so much better on the plane knowing all your stuff is with you. 

So much time is wasted waiting to collect your luggage from the carousel. When you have your backpack with you it’s nice to be able to get off the plane and head out the airport and begin enjoying your trip.

(5) Catch up on stuff

A long flight is the perfect opportunity to finish editing those images, organise your photos and finish that blog entry you never had the time to get round to. It’s also a great time to think of all of the things you aim to do and the places you want to see once you get to your destination.  

TOP 5 MONEY SAVING TRAVEL HACKS

(1) MONEY EXCHANGE

Never exchange your money in the airport. The rates are usually not great and you could end up paying more than you bargained for. It is best to do it in advance so you have time to compare the rates. Also, keep an eye on the exchange rate.

(2) KEEPING IN CONTACT

If you want to stay in touch with family and friends through making calls. It is strongly advised that you used the Whatsapp telephone feature. It uses a VOIp system so through the use of the Internet your calls will be completely free.

Whenever you wish to make a call, find a place with WiFi to avoid running up a huge bill. Also, don’t forget to turn off roaming on your phone. This is another cause of high phone bills when travelling.

(3) AIRPORT TAXIS

Airport taxis can be very expensive because the taxi drivers usually inflate the price. Before your trip, research the best ways to use public transport to get to your hotel. It is also an opportunity to hit the ground running when experiencing a new country. If you do insist on using a taxi from the airport make sure to negotiate on the price before entering the taxi. This is to ensure that you avoid getting an unexpected price that you did not budget for when you reach your destination.

 (4) SAVE MONEY ON FLIGHT TICKETS

Book your flights during the weekdays because it is a lot cheaper. Also, try not to book your flights during the weekends or public holidays, as the price will increase.

Sometimes airlines also do discount codes on their flights, so be on the lookout and search the Internet there are loads.

 (5) AVOID TOURIST TRAPS

Tourist traps are usually overhyped places where tourists go to eat and be entertained. Those places are usually really expensive. To avoid being ripped off check out the local things to see and do. Remember to do your research.

To truly enjoy the culture of the country or city that you are visiting eat the local food. It’s going to be much more affordable and will further add to the experience.

When you arrive at your destination. Go to the information centre or check with your hotel and they will usually have coupons and discount codes for different restaurants, theatres and tourist attractions.

TOP 5 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2017

As we are heading into 2017.  We have been hearing that most people's New Year resolutions is to travel more. Here are a few of the destinations that we think will be very popular in 2017. Click the images to find out more. Enjoy! :-)

(1) CANADA

Get ready to explore cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa. They all have something unique to offer and there is something for everyone. In 2017, it will be Canada’s 150th birthday. So there will be festivities all year long. In addition to the celebrations, there will be free Discovery passes that will give anyone (especially tourists) free entry into all of the national parks in 2017. This will give visitors the opportunity to explore Canada’s various habitats. Also, its National Heritage sites will be free to all. Canada is truly a budget friendly destination. These are just a few of the perks that will be available to tourists visiting in 2017. 

(2) JAPAN

If you want to party and explore different cultures and interests, Japan is the place to be in 2017. There are so many festivals happening in Japan. You won’t have to wait until spring and summer for the partying to start. In January there will be The Internet Cat Video Festival, the Ice Waterfall Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival and many more. There’s also an opportunity to see a sumo tournament, which is held at the prestigious Ryogoku kokugikan. There are also a lot of attractions such as the Todai-ji Temple, the Fushimi Inari taisha shrine and many more. 

(3) CUBA

In recent months many restrictions have been lifted, and an increasing number of people now have the opportunity to visit Cuba. For the first time in 50 years it will be easier for Americans to go and legally spend money there. It is amazing that Cuba has come a long way. It is now a new frontier in tourism open to learn from and explore.

Cuba has relatively been untouched by globalisation and the country gives you the feeling of stepping into a time capsule surrounded by old cars from the 1950s and old buildings. Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are so many things to see and do, such as The Malecón, Old Havana, Varadero Beach, Playa Paraiso just to name a few. You can even visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, which is now a Museum. 

(4) BOTSWANA

Botswana is the destination to visit if you want to get up close and personal with nature and rare wildlife. You should visit the Savute Reserve (Choba National Park) and see the elephants chilling and doing their thing. You can also check out the Rhinos at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. After that, you can get a history lesson at the Three Chief Statues Monument in Gaborone. Also by stepping into a dugout canoe you can explore the Okavango Delta and every now and then you will a see a hippo.

Botswana has a reputation for offering a luxurious experience for its visitors, so it's definitely a great place to check out in 2017.

(5) PORTUGAL

In recent months Portugal has increasingly become a popular holiday destination for tourists and it shows no signs of slowing down. It has the perfect blend of adventure, amazing beaches and vibrant cities. Portugal is also known for its delicious wine. It also has a reputation for providing affordable luxury for its visitors. According to the US News Rankings, Lisbon is one of the least expensive cities on the European continent, so this means you can explore without worrying too much about your pockets.  Places to check out are Algarve, The Azores and many more.  At this rate Portugal is definitely going to be even more popular in 2017.