Things to Know When Traveling to Italy for the First Time
Posted by in Travel Planning on Dec 17th, 2020 | Comments Off on Things to Know When Traveling to Italy for the First Time
Italy is a dream vacation destination for most people. Apart from its amazing architecture, art, wines, and food scene, Italy also has a rich culture that will truly sweep you off your feet. If you are planning your first trip to Italy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and memorable adventure. The following are important guidelines for first-time visitors to Italy.
Transportation
Generally, there are many ways to get to Italy. However, taking a flight is the fastest and most convenient. Italy has well-developed airports and airlines with daily flights to and from the Big Three cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence. Compare the airline rates and book early regardless of your specific destination.
Italy is undoubtedly a big country to traverse in even one week or two. But, public transportation is usually the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Consider buying a train ticket as they have better rates and, are also faster. You can easily book the tickets online based on your itinerary.
Cultures
Unlike most nations, Italy was just a collection of many smaller autonomous regions until the late 1800s. Each of those regions had their unique customs and traditions, most of which they still uphold today. As such, there is a significant difference in terms of the practices and even the cuisines of Southern and Northern Italy.
The dialects in Italy also vary from one region to another but; a majority of the population can speak English. It is advisable to learn a few Italian phrases too such as how to say hello and thank you. Italy is also a Christian country with Catholic churches at almost every corner. Thus, there are places where you will need to wear proper clothing that cover your shoulders and legs.
As hinted above, Italy is quite large a region to tour on a single trip. However, proper research about the destination could enable you to easily find the best ways to get the most of your trip. The beauty of traveling is that you get to learn most of the things on the road.
How to Survive Solo Travel
Posted by in Travel Planning on Jul 31st, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Survive Solo Travel
Traveling alone may seem daunting if you have not started. For instance, what will you do if stranded away from home? What if you need something at night? Will go out alone? These are some of the things that you can be worried about when starting to travel alone. However, traveling alone should be easy. Simply follow these tips to survive solo travel with ease.
Understand Your Strengths
Before you start traveling alone, know the kind of person you’re. For instance, if you’re a sociable person, you want to be involved in everything that happens around you. That means you’re likely to go crazy if you don’t have a chance to communicate. Therefore, go to a place where you can speak the same language with the local people. If you’re an introvert, the language barrier shouldn’t be an issue. If your café culture is amazing, head to a vibrant city.
Don’t Fear Your Company
Spending a significant amount of time alone may seem daunting. However, you can roll with it. You just need to start loving your company. If you feel social, try to make some friends. For instance, you can offer to take a photo with other travelers at a major sight. You can also seat near a group of the chatty gang at a club.
Sleep Around
Try to stay in rented rooms or a home stay to get a connection with the residents. You have many options to consider when it comes to traveling alone. Your landlord may not offer to take you out. However, you can connect with the residents and learn a few tips. Hostels might also be a good option. However, you might end up spending time with travelers like you rather than the locals.
Solo travel can be a great way to get away from the normal stress and frustrations that come with job and family responsibilities. Follow these tips to travel alone with ease.
How to Plan a Solo Trip with Your Spouse
Posted by in Travel Planning on Mar 29th, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Plan a Solo Trip with Your Spouse
Traveling alone when you have a partner or spouse in life is not easy. You want to ensure their peace of mind while away. Your partner should also be convinced that you’re doing it for your good. Thus, you have to clear the doubts they may have, earn their trust, and confidence. Above all, you should plan the trip together to ensure that they know your whereabouts throughout the trip. Here are tips for planning a solo trip with your spouse.
Decide on Your Timing Together
When do you go on a trip? You can travel at different times or at the same time. Nevertheless, make sure that you decide together. And, make your departure time and return dates clear.
Keep in Touch
You may opt to keep in touch while traveling separately or not. It should depend on the goal of your trip. For instance, you can stay connected every day. You can also opt to avoid talking to each other until you come together again. Talk about it before you leave and reach a decision that is each partner is comfortable with.
Share Your Itinerary
Make sure that each partner knows where the other will be. This includes sharing details of the hotels where you will be staying, dates, and changes that you make with your partner. This will ensure the confidence of each spouse of the other’s safety.
Don’t Focus on Documenting Everything
Focus on enjoying the experiences instead of documenting everything and every minute. Your stories and memories will be enough and better to share upon your return.
Don’t Concern Yourself with Everything Back at Home
Feel free from the daily responsibilities and focus on enjoying your trip. This is precisely the reason to travel alone.
If you want to travel alone, follow these tips to plan the trip with your spouse. This will make your trip more enjoyable and fulfilling.
The Best Ways for Broke College Students to Travel
Posted by in Travel Planning on Nov 29th, 2019 | Comments Off on The Best Ways for Broke College Students to Travel
Many college students yearn to travel more, see the world, meet new people, experience different cultures, and even understand the world better. Unfortunately, many students don’t have enough funds to cater to their travel expenses. Therefore, they don’t travel more often. However, there are different ways broke college students can travel. Here are some of them.
Getting Great Flight Deals Online
Several websites offer great flight deals that make traveling more affordable. Broke college students can take advantage of these deals to fly to different parts of the world. But, to get such deals, students should be flexible with their timeline and destinations. That way, they can pounce on great deals the moment they become available.
Take Advantage of the Low Season
Again, this requires students to be flexible. During the shoulder or low season, accommodations and transportation are more affordable. Broke college students can take advantage of holidays and summer breaks during their schooling years to travel during the low season at affordable prices.
Avoid Eating Out
You can save a lot of money if you avoid eating out when traveling. Instead of going to a restaurant, buy products that you can cook in an Airbnb or hostel. This will enable you to explore the culture of the locals at your destination and eat what you like.
Use Free Museums and Tours
Using free stuff is one of the best ways for broke college students to travel. For instance, free tours provide an awesome way to broke college students that want to travel and explore different destinations. You can also attend free events, visit free museums, or go on free walking tours.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is usually cheap. It also gives you a chance to mingle with the locals and learn how they get around.
Other ways that broke college students can travel include studying abroad and volunteering. So, if you’re in college and lack of adequate funds is your major reason for not traveling more often, consider these options.
Important Travel Essentials You Are Likely to Forget
Posted by in Travel Planning on Jul 13th, 2019 | Comments Off on Important Travel Essentials You Are Likely to Forget
Travel packing is always a challenge for most people. You want to carry all essentials but you still want to pack light. Perhaps, the worst experience is to forget something important and fail to get it at your travel destination. Some travel essentials are must-haves but you can easily forget them. Here are important travel essentials that you are likely to forget.
Waterproof Phone Case
If it’s likely to rain or drizzle at your travel destination, make sure that you have a waterproof phone case. Whether you intend to go kayaking across a famous river or snorkeling at a renowned beach, make sure that you have a waterproof phone case. This will protect your phone and enable you to take as many pictures as you desire.
Adapter
Your phone or camera should be charged all the time to enable you to take photos that document the special moments of your trip. In some cases, you might even want to take videos. To ensure that your phone remains charged longer, carry a portable charger and an adapter that will adapt the charger to the local sources of power. This is very important because some countries lack the plugs required to charge some electronic devices.
Refillable Water Bottle
You want to stay hydrated when traveling. Refillable water bottles enable you to carry water anywhere and refill them when you come across sources of clean water. In addition to saving you money, a refillable water bottle makes an eco-friendly traveler. That’s because you avoid buying plastic bottles and disposing the off at your travel destination.
Travel Insurance
If the unexpected happens, you want to know that you are covered. That’s why you should invest in adequate travel insurance. Find out what is covered by the available insurance plans before buying. Additionally, inquire whether you will be covered by the insurance you buy at your travel destination.
Seasoned travelers know how important these travel essentials are. Make sure that you have ticked these essentials from your list before traveling.
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How to Make Friends When Traveling
Posted by in Travel Planning on Feb 20th, 2019 | Comments Off on How to Make Friends When Traveling
How to Make Friends When Traveling
Whether traveling solo or with a group, it is always advisable to interact and make new friends in the places you are visiting. Travel dude from ETG homes shared his wisdom on his business success and said that while you may not necessarily need anything from the people you meet on the way, making new friends is essential to a lively and memorable trip. Besides, the friends you make at your destination may come in handy in the event that you need help finding something in the local surroundings. Nevertheless, below are insights on how to make friends when traveling.
Book Accommodation in Hostels
Staying in hostels or dorms is one of the easiest ways to make friends, especially when traveling solo. In hostels, people usually share rooms and other common accommodation facilities, which give you a better opportunity to meet and socialize with different people. You can still make friends at resorts but, it is so much easier in hostels and dorms.
Interact With People on Transit
Whether you are on a plane, train, or bus, you will always have ample time to make new friends. You can engage people while on board or during stops. But, you should always know the right approaches to striking conversations with strangers. In case you try to make a conversation and the other person seems not interested, do not insist.
Visit the Local Bars and Clubs
Most people who have made friends when traveling met at bars or clubs. Even if you do not drink or party, heading out to the local entertainment spots once in a while will enable you to experience the nightlife and meet new people. If you drink, do it responsibly. Before heading out, do a little research about some of the best and safer entertainment spots around to visit.
Generally, there are no rules for making friends when traveling. However, the tips addressed above can increase your chances of meeting like-minded people and forming relationships that go beyond just traveling.
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