Travel - House Of Coco Magazine

Travel January 7, 2021

Travel Therapy: Pampering Yourself on the Go

Traveling, for the most part, is a fast-paced adventure. You are often on-the-go, always moving or exploring one city after the other in a short amount of time. However, there are times when you need to spend on self-care. Just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself while you’re at it.

Mellow down the high-energy of traveling by taking a break. Whether you’re considering chiropractic services in Salt Lake City or a massage in Hawaii, don’t forget to pamper yourself before you jet off to your next travel. Consider these travel-pamper activities.

Pamper Your Eyes

Traveling involves plenty of flying or driving. As a result, you can lose a few (or plenty) of sleep. As you go to your next destination, give your tired eyes some extra love by pampering them. Take with you some hydrating collagen eye pads, aka miracle workers that erase any signs of travel exhaustion, be it puffiness, wrinkles or dark circles. Plus, they can leave you feeling fresh.

Soak Under the Sun

If there’s a nearby beach in your travel itinerary, make a stop. After all, there’s nothing more fun and relaxing than staying at the beach. Lie down on the sand and soak up in Vitamin C as you lounge around the nearby beach.

Most beaches offer private cottages and secluded spots so you can unwind in peace. These beaches also offer the best food and drinks so you can indulge yourself while you’re hitting the surf. Also, if the resort has hammocks, take advantage! Enjoy the view or write down your thoughts in your travel journal. Lie down and let no one bother you until it’s time to go to your next destination.

Visit the Spa

Adventurous traveling takes its toll on your skin and nails. Give yourself a short break by enjoying a sweet escape to the local spa. If you are staying in a hotel, ask about their spa services and don’t hesitate to indulge in them. It doesn’t have to be something too fancy (but if you have the means to go with an aromatherapy session, feel free!). A simple mani-pedi rejuvenates your body.

If you don’t have the time to visit the spa, shower yourself in DIY aromatherapy. After a long day of exploring a new place, there’s nothing more relaxing than a hot and steamy shower perfected by an aromatic shower bomb.

If you’re too tired to indulge yourself in aromatherapy, an overnight sleeping mask should do the trick. Face masks rejuvenate the skin after a day of traveling or a long flight. Put it on your face before you head to bed and wake up looking like you enjoyed a spa day.

Indulge in Fine Dining

When you’re on vacation, every activity is fair game – and that includes fine dining. Whether it’s your favorite restaurant or a food place you have always wanted to try, indulging in delicious food is one of the best ways to pamper yourself. While you’re at it, top off your menu with your favorite dessert! The entire foodie experience might be pricey, but that’s OK. You’re on vacation.

Go Shopping

Souvenirs are part of traveling. If you end up in a place where there are shops or malls, don’t hesitate to shop. Load up on the local food you’ve always wanted to try or buy some local clothes and accessories. Visit a boutique and grab some perfume or a new gloss. Just because you’re traveling light, doesn’t mean you can’t take a few gifts home.

Take a Staycation

If an adventurous trip out of town (or out of the country) isn’t in the cards for you, a staycation is the best combination of pampering and travel. Take a night or a long weekend to learn more about your hometown. Book a hotel nearby and explore the city like a tourist. And when you’re tired from all the walking, go back to your hotel to sleep or indulge in room service.;

Finally, Sleep In

Sometimes, the most pampering activity is the simple activity of turning off your alarm. Indulge in sleep while you are away from home. If you’ve got nothing on your travel to-do list for the day, sleep in.

And while you’re at it, unplug. Turn off your phone and enjoy the rest because this is the epitome of a true vacation. Technology has taken much of our lives. Do yourself a favor and unplug for a while. Refrain from checking emails, texting or surfing the web. Just enjoy your surroundings and take a break.

Traveling shouldn’t always be fast-paced; it won’t hurt to take a break in between. When you’re out exploring the world (or your local area), don’t forget to pamper yourself.

Travel January 7, 2021

11 Safety Tips to Consider While Planning Your Next Trip to Austin

If you are planning a trip to Austin, you are in for a treat. A lovely city, the great capital of Texas lying at the point of Colorado, it is recognized as the second-largest state capital in America. Austin is one of the most important areas in terms of administration, education, and culture. There are historical museums, lovely parks, libraries and not to forget the lovely southern culture, there is just a lot to explore.

Although Austin is growing every day in terms of economy, it certainly has not lost touch with the natural greenery and serenity. If you are planning your next trip to Austin, you need to keep in mind a few safety tips.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind On Your Next Trip

By now, we all are clear that there are bad people everywhere. From little snatchers to more serious criminals like sex traffickers, there are criminals who are known to take advantage of travelers. Unless you are aware of how to handle the current situation, you can undergo some issues during the trip. Fortunately, these tips will help you stay safe.

Perform Your Research

Before you arrive, make sure that you have done your research. Enlist every single thing and every place you want to be. Then go to websites like tripadvisor where you can easily find genuine reviews left by people who have been to the place you are planning to go to.

Apart from that look for the neighborhoods or hotels where you are planning to stay and see if they are in the safe zone. Many websites show hotels and areas at affordable prices. Although they look good, there is a possibility that they might be in someplace that is just unsafe and not up to the standards you are looking for. This is why it is important that you get some real-reviewed research done.

In Case of Emergency Contacts

Of course, you need to have all the numbers of us in case of emergency. From the police department to the hospital – in case you get some unwanted car accident injuries. Get the numbers of the following:

Nearest police station
Hospital
Embassy
Hotel

Blend in The Crowd

When people look like they are not from the area, they become vulnerable to crime and fraud. As much as you want people to know where you are from, you need to play safe somehow as well.

Gather as much information as you can and when it comes to going out, make full use of technology when getting around instead of asking people, and even if you have to ask someone about the location, make sure that the person you choose is reliable – like a shop owner or something.

Protective Clothing

Instead of wearing something out of the ordinary, blend in with people, and wear things that are not bound to catch attention. Invest in some protective clothing that will allow your belongings to be saved and it will become a bit difficult for snatchers and pickpockets to steal from you.

Duplicate All Your Important Documents

It is important to copy your duplicate documents and keep the original ones safe. Obviously, as tourists you might need to show your ID every now and then therefore having your documents scanned and printed out in excellent copies will help you get around while keeping the original documents safe. This way, you’re not going to try to find the proper paperwork if you decide to get home.

Stay in Touch with Friends and Family

It doesn’t matter whether you are out for a weekly trip to Austin or you need to stay there for a month or so, it is important that you keep your loved ones at home updated with your present situation.

Send them your location every now and then or call them to update so that in case of any emergency. It’s easier to track a person if someone has knowhow about their whereabouts.

Don’t Trust Public Wi-Fi

Don’t let your judgment obscure the ease of Internet connectivity. When using open Wi-Fi, hackers trying to steal sensitive information will access the records, like credit or debit cards or social security numbers. If you need a wireless Internet connection, set up a virtual VPN connection that helps you to connect to The internet remotely when traveling.

Take Care of Accidents

Car accidents are quite unfortunate and daunting. However, in tourist sites, it can be a bit hard to drive especially with all the traffic around. If you are not a regular driver or belong to someplace with different driving regulations.

Even if you meet a minor accident with no visible car accident injuries, you should at least consider getting spinal decompression in Austin– for many people it’s quite relaxing.

Imply Hotel Room Security

Your hotel room might have all the security measures in place, you can actually take some security measures to even get your room a bit more secure. Many hotel rooms have jammers so make sure that the service is at least working. You will be provided with Wi-Fi but using your personal connection is much better.

Put signs like Do Not Disturb and lock the blinds on the windows so show that you are in the room. You are never too sure who has access to the room – sometimes even the staff.

Keep A Track of Surroundings

Just don’t let your personal security or as they say, “your guard down” do something like posting a flawless picture on your social media sites. Have a watch on your personal items at all times and make sure to use good judgment while talking to strangers. A great deal of the pleasure of traveling is the chance to encounter new people and hear about their cultures. But if anyone near you behaves suspiciously, or if you feel unsafe, leave the place instantly.

Drink with Some Responsibility

For passengers, it has to be one of the most important points. While exploring the hot nightlife with Southern cow folks of Austin, you are bound to get pretty drunk – and that’s completely fine! Getting drunk is common among adults but you need to keep in mind that drinking responsibly will help you remain safe and keep in touch with yourself while being away from the house.

While you’re away from home, it is possible for you to get into a dangerous and unwanted situation – not to mention that all the people at a bar are not trustworthy. you’re more likely to get lost or wind up in a dangerous area, and being intoxicated makes you an attractive scapegoat for theft, theft, or worse.

Also, ladies, keep an eye on who is making your drink and what is going into that drink ALL THE TIME!

Conclusion

Traveling to another city or country requires utmost diligence and care. You need to make sure that all the safety tips are being followed and you are aware of where you are headed. Austin is one of the best places to go to America and there is a lot to explore. Just make sure that you are taking all the precautions and being careful throughout the trip. You will have the time of your life with minimum hassle.

Interiors January 5, 2021

Sustainable Tips For a Futuristic Looking Hotel

Interior designers are racing to find ingenious ways to blend architecture, the environment, energy efficiency, and the benefits to the human psyche in structural designs. While classic architecture and interior design still hold their own, contemporary and futuristic design is fast becoming trendy. That’s because this new concept of architecture brings such an aim closer to being realized. And let’s face it: a building that looks futuristic looks really cool!

It’s not just homes that are leaning towards contemporary design. Hospitality establishments such as hotels, resorts, inns, and rental homes are also joining the Green Movement when it comes to architecture, construction, and design.

Updating to an Environmentally Friendly Futuristic Hotel

If you own a hospitality establishment and you want to update it, you might want to veer off the beaten path and look towards a futuristic design. The design alone not only gives you stunning structural and environmental advantages, but it will also make your establishment stand out from its competitors.

Check out these few tips to have an awesome hotel that looks as if it jumped out of a science fiction movie.

Use sustainable furniture, accessories, and fixtures

According to new recycling statistics, we are producing 2 billion tons of waste material each year. That’s a lot. But the thing is, a lot of these waste materials are totally recyclable, although we’re presently recycling just a fraction of it. So why not purchase recycled furniture, accessories, and fixtures in your new futuristic hotel?

We’re not just talking about saving items that are ready to be thrown away although you can certainly purchase second-hand ones. Many companies actually have developed technologies, systems, and processes to literally turn trash into useful things, including furniture. A lot of DIY enthusiasts and environmental organizations also create useful things out of stuff that is destined for the landfill. Check out your area or browse the web for these entities such as heavy-duty outdoor trash receptacles. Not only you’ll be saving the environment, but you’ll also support the local economy.

Shift to eco-friendly beds

The mattress is the heart of each room of your hospitality establishment. Sooner or later, you will need to change it, whether for an upgrade or replacement. Pick the best mattress that is made with environmentally friendly materials and processes.

In general, those made of natural latex foam are the standard of eco-friendly beds, but there are alternatives. Also look for bed cover materials such as wool, bamboo, or organic cotton. These materials are all environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable.

You should also opt for beds with certifications such as CertiPUR-US or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This means that the materials they’re using and their manufacturing process do not involve heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, ozone depleters, and other toxic substances or pollutants.

Use CFL or LED bulbs

Hotels often use a lot of lighting for safety, mood, ambiance, comfort, and convenience. But with so many lights and due to a hotel’s long operating hours, the energy costs add up.

Diminish your establishment’s energy consumption by changing your bulbs to light-emitting diodes (LED). LED bulbs are tough, long-lasting, and come in many varieties. In addition, with new lighting technology embedded in them, they reduce maintenance and its resulting costs. Going by what an innovative master’s degree in product and interior design teaches us, it is essential to learn how to adapt and really master the art of change, and introducing energy-efficient lighting allows you to start a positive change right in your own hotel.

Replace old appliances

Technology has advanced to the point that many appliances can now operate with vastly better functionality and performance at less power than their old counterparts. So when you upgrade into a futuristic hotel, don’t forget to upgrade your appliances as well.

Replace your energy guzzler freezers, refrigerators, TVs, and other appliances with their newer counterparts. While the initial cost is high, you will be surprised at your energy bill savings.

Install water-saving devices

Your hotel uses a lot of water for sprinkling the plants, washing the guest’s clothes, cooking meals, and many more. You might even use a commercial water softener, from a website like Hillwater.com, to ensure that your guests are getting the best water possible. Your guests also use water from your system to wash. At the end of the month, you’ll look forlornly at your water bills.

This doesn’t have to be. You can install water-saving features like infra-red auto-shutdown faucets. After the guest washes his hands, the faucet automatically shuts down. Other ideas include motion-sensor showers; when the guest leaves the shower, the water automatically stops flowing.

High-tech sensors will do the trick, but there are also other ways that you can incorporate into your daily operation. For example, you can change your plant watering schedule. Rather than watering them mid-morning, you can do so in the afternoon when the temperature is much cooler. Or rather than a fountain as your hotel’s reception centerpiece, why not a huge vase of flowers or a massive sculpture? You save both water and electricity.

Go solar

In full operation, your hotel uses a lot of energy from the local grid. But by installing solar panels, you can cover at least a part of your establishment’s energy requirement. Yes, we’re still quite a long way from creating a fully solar-powered hotel, but technologies in generating power from the sun are advancing rapidly.

Install a roof garden

Many apartment buildings in the city have resorted to a new trend—planting a garden on top of the rooftop. Rooftop gardens are incredibly popular right now, and they can easily be built as long as there’s easy access to the roof, which most commercial establishments have.

Planting a roof garden in your hotel insulates your establishment efficiently by absorbing heat. You have a cooler hotel, and your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system don’t have to work too hard. That’s energy savings for your establishment.

Because plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, your hotel garden helps keep your surroundings fresh and cool. They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. And of course, a well-designed rooftop garden just looks really cool.

Conclusion

Is a futuristic looking hotel still the stuff of science fiction? Not anymore! With so many revolutionary technologies and design mindsets nowadays, you can definitely transform your hotel into a true, eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and beautiful hotel of the future.

Lillian Connors is a Senior Content Developer at ACT-ENVIRO, with years of experience in developing content.

Throughout her career, she always looked for ways to contribute to the environment in recycling efforts, while providing valuable information with her written articles.

She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainability not only makes us far less dependent on others regarding how we live and do business but also contributes to our planet being a better place to live on. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book and sip on an occasional appletini.

Gift Guide December 24, 2020

Give the gift of travel: The last-minute gift guide

2020 may have been the year of cancelled travel plans, but with more hotels and travel operators than ever now offering gift cards to redeem against a future trip, it’s never been easier to give the much-needed gift of a getaway this christmas. Why not transport your loved one to a treetop bathtub, a cosy Cotswold bolthole or snowy alpine scene this festive season – stoking their future 2021 travel plans while supporting the industry. Plus, if like us, you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the last minute – fear not, all of these are available as e-vouchers, so simply pick your favourite and get gifting.

For the wild ones: Canopy & Stars

Whether it’s a woodland hot tub hideaway or rustic shepherds hut, Canopy & Stars gift cards can be used to book any of the 850 chic glamping getaways on their website – with a year to make the booking, for any amount you choose. Book here.(Maylies Northumberland pictured above)

For design-buffs: Kip Hideaways

Amembership designed to showcase the best under-the-radar, stylish and affordable places to stay in the UK, Kip Hideaways are our go-to for great value boutique travel inspiration. Choose from 80 gorgeous UK hideaways with their 12 month membership gift card. Book here.

For the Afternoon Tea Aficionado: 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel

Set along a tree-lined street in South Kensington, this regal hotel offers vouchers for a Champagne Afternoon Tea ‘Scentsation’ in the hotel’s Botanica tea room, to a three course dinner for two. Book here.

For a Five-Star City Escape: Kimpton Fitzroy London

Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Kimpton Fitzroy London is the ideal setting for a secluded yet central London getaway, boasting ornate 19th century architecture alongside ultra-modern amenities Book here and use code XMAS20 will give purchasers 20% off all monetary vouchers.

For countryside lovers: Lucknam Park

From cream teas to cantering across its 500 acres of parkland this quintessentially British countryside hotel just 6 miles from bath has something for everyone, with vouchers for everything from equine adventures to sumptuous spa days. Book here.

For the Spa-goers: Glass House Retreat

The ideal gift voucher to relax, renew and reset after a challenging year – this retreat in the heart of the Essex countryside is just an hour from central London, offering expert therapists, instructors and a super spa for those seeking the ultimate wellness experience. Book here

For the wellness worshippers: Health and Fitness Travel

From Golfing Retreats at Gleneagles in the bracing Scottish air, to personal training and deep tissue massages in the unspoilt tropical rainforest scenery of St Lucia, Health and Fitness Travel offer over 1100+ programmes to choose from worldwide. Book here

Adventures December 18, 2020

Last minute splash-out Christmas gift ideas for frustrated travellers

As a collective of travel-obsessed content creators, #TeamCoco definitely understand the frustration brought about by being grounded for the better part of the year. So, if like us, you’re a disgruntled frequent flyer, then this gift guide is just for you.

Here’s a few blow-the-budget ideas for you or someone special this Christmas. Because heck – we’ve all survived a truly ‘unprecedented’ year and we deserve something to look forward to in 2021.

The Ultimate Bespoke Health Membership to the Lanserhof at The Arts Club

The Arts Club is one of Mayfair’s swankiest member’s clubs and its state of the art fitness and health facility Lanserhof certainly matches the club’s impeccable standards.

The Lanserhof boasts some of the most advanced diagnostic facilities and training equipment in the world. The Ultimate Bespoke membership — its most expansive to date — includes unlimited personal training, virtual reality coaching sessions, cryotherapy, massage treatments, studio classes and even the exclusive use of the Members Lounge’s Butler services.

It also includes IV infusions, physiotherapy, two spine and movement analysis sessions, six 3D body scans and an MRI over the course of one year. It is the perfect gift to yourself, if you’re looking to take your living room lockdown workouts to new heights.

Lanserhof at The Arts Club’s Ultimate Bespoke Health Membership costs £18,000 per annum with no joining fee. Visit www.theartsclub.co.uk/lanserhof for more information.

A European Supercar Driving Holiday with Ultimate Driving Tours

Car enthusiasts will love this next gift idea, because Ultimate Driving Tours is offering a 10-day luxury supercar tour of Europe that is ideal for those looking to do a socially-distanced ultra-luxe driving holiday in style.

During this incredible supercar tour, guests will drive Ferraris and Lamborghinis across Stuttgart, Provence and Nice all the way to Monaco, where they will board a private superyacht to watch the Formula One The Grand Prix.

As an added flourish, guests can also book helicopter transfers, accommodation onboard the superyacht, or drive an ex-F1 car at a private track in the South of France. Now that’s what we call THE perfect splash out holiday.

Ultimate Driving Tours’ European Supercar Driving Holiday with Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality is 10-days long and takes place over two sets of dates. Saturday 15 – Monday 24 May or Friday 21 – Sunday 30 May 2021. All-inclusive rates start from £16,190 per person for a couple.

A Private Jet excursion with PrivateFly

What better way to say goodbye to 2020 than by booking your very own private jet travel experience? PrivateFly’s Jet Card is a fabulous gift idea for frustrated travellers, giving cardholders exclusive priority access to PrivateFly’s jet fleet.

Each Jet Card allows up to five nominated users and travellers returning within 24 hours also receive an added 20% discount on their hourly rate. Travellers can choose from three aircraft categories: Light jet which holds up to six passengers, Midsize Jet which holds up to eight passengers of Heavy Jet which can hold up to 13. After this holiday gift idea, you’ll never want to fly coach again.

Fixed hourly rates start from €5,900 for the Light Jet Card in Europe. For more information, visit privatefly.com/jetcard.

Canada December 18, 2020

Dreaming of a White Christmas? These Transatlantic Places are Known for it!

Bing Crosby had it just right. Dreaming of a White Christmas is something many of us share every year. The chances of it happening hinge on where in the world you happen to live.

A general rule is the further north you are, the better your chances of snow are. Environmental issues like climate change could impact Christmas Day being a winter wonderland, but geography remains key.

“Edinburgh Christmas Markets” by Ally Crockford (CC BY-SA 3.0)

If we all resided in Lapland, chances are there would be no problem. Whether it’s the USA, Canada, or across the pond in Britain and Ireland, the odds on White Christmas hitting your town are different. After all, that is the question many of us ask, wondering if we will be greeted by snow on that special day. With that in mind, here are some destinations on both sides of the Atlantic where a White Christmas is possible.

Edinburgh, Scotland

From Arthur’s Seat to Princes Street, the Scottish capital Edinburgh is perhaps better known for its Hogmanay celebrations on New Year, yet it has the joint shortest odds of the seven major cities in the UK for there to be snow on Christmas Day.

You could head even further north of the English border or west to the industrial port city of Glasgow, but nowhere else in Scotland quite has the same charm. It may interest you to know that the UK Met Office defines a White Christmas as a single snowflake falling within the 24 hours of December 25.

The year 2020 marks a decade since the last one in Britain. Just north of Edinburgh in the County of Perthshire, almost half-a-meter of snow was recorded on the big day in 1981, so major all is still well within living memory.

Quebec City, Canada

Snowfall in December is common throughout Canada, with Quebec City one of the last fortified towns before the great white north beyond. With the area’s French heritage, you can look forward to a bilingual Christmas. A 250km drive northeast of cosmopolitan Montreal, Quebec City is packed full of European influences from colonial times. The town is famous for its German Christmas Market during December, for example.

Unlike Montreal, there is an old school vibe about Quebec City. Its architecture reflects that, and a smaller size to this locale makes it a desirable destination if you’re looking for an intimate as well as White Christmas.

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City received a whiteout on Christmas Eve 2017, and the states of Northwest America are statistically the most likely to have snow come the big day that follows. Built upon the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago evokes images of deep-dish pizza and Al Capone for many. With recent experience of snow on Christmas Day fresh in the memory, Chi-Town saw its big sporting attraction at Soldier Field threatened by the weather. The gridiron for the Chicago Bears’ NFL game against Cleveland Browns had a blanket that needed clearing before any festive football could be played.

In the US, what constitutes a White Christmas is different from the definition given across the pond. Meteorologists stateside are looking for more than an inch of snow on the ground on December 25, which is a harsher metric than their British counterparts use.

Republic of Ireland December 16, 2020

Traveling with Your Best Friend: What You Need to Do Before Your Big Adventure with Your Dog

Traveling with your best friend is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you can have. Together, you two will explore new places, meet new people, see amazing sights, and eat delicious food.

It would not be much different if your best friend is your dog.

Plenty of people take their pets on a road trip or even when they fly to an international destination. It can be a memorable experience, but it can also be a disaster without proper preparation and planning.

Training Your Dog to Become a Good Citizen

You are bringing your pet to an unfamiliar place where they are bound to encounter plenty of other human beings and animals. If this is not something that your pup is used to, then you will have a bad time.

Your future travel companion may need to undergo puppy training first so that, when it is time to explore, they can behave and have fun. If not, they may become nervous and aggressive.

You need to introduce your dog to new environments first. Venture beyond the dog park like a friend’s house, for example, and then a (pet-friendly) hotel. Take them on a train or car ride. Do these things gradually, not within one day. Your dog may feel overwhelmed by all the changes in its surroundings.

Expose them to other animals that they likely will encounter during your travels. Let them learn what a cat or a squirrel looks like, and the fact that it likely would not be friendly, so that, when you are on the road, they would know what to do.

Start Local

Your dog’s first trip should not involve a plane or an eight-hour drive. Get them used to traveling by going around the town or a nearby destination. This will get them used to sitting still and make them feel comfortable inside a vehicle. If you’re from the UK and Ireland, check out www.dogfriendlyretreats.com.

Driving your dog around town will also allow your dog to get familiar with different traffic sounds. They should not freak out when they hear the loud beeping of cars and trucks while in transit to your destination.

This will also allow them not to associate traveling with visits to the vet. Some dogs get anxious about riding in automobiles because they have had a negative prior experience (getting shots at the vet, for example). A quick drive to the beach or a hiking trail will let them get over their fear.

Traveling by Car

Traveling by car is the best way to go if you want to take your dog with you. They are more used to automobiles than other modes of transport because you would be traveling alone or with people you know. With trains and buses, there are strangers around you or they may have to be sat somewhere else.

Traveling by Air

Taking a plane is just not the most pleasant experience for pets. Some airlines allow people to bring their dogs with them on the plane. The dog will have to be in a carrier, but they can stay under the seat in front of their owners. Most, however, have to be placed in the cargo hold which is both scary and uncomfortable.

Luckily, there are now pet-friendly airlines that will not treat dogs as cargo.

Pet Airways only cater to fur babies who get to ride in the main cabin. There are no humans allowed in the plane. You and your dog will have to travel separately and then reunited at your destination. However, you can be assured that they are safe and comfortable.

Virgin Atlantic also provides better flying conditions to pet travelers. Pets are still kept in the cargo hold, but the area is secure as well as heated and airconditioned to ensure that animal passengers are comfortable and safe.

For long-haul travels, whether by car or plane, if you are unsure that your dog will be able to handle the journey, you can ask your vet about anti-anxiety medications.

Dogs are wonderful companions and, like you, they like to explore. However, traveling far is not for everybody. Before a big trip, they should be trained and prepared so that they, too, can enjoy the adventure.

Travel December 15, 2020

What Gear Do You Need for Sailing? A List of Sailing Essentials for Beginners

Before casting off and sailing away on your boat, you must remember to pack several essentials in your personal sailing bag. While each sailor may have different ideas of the ideal gear to take on board, we’ve found some pieces to be more useful than others for everyday sailing scenarios.

Once you learn what these pieces of gear are, you can check out these helpful tips for a safer and more meaningful sailing experience.

What to Remember Before Packing

Before we get to our list, there are a few things to remember before packing for a cruise. These include:

The boat’s limited space
The boat’s weight capacity

With these two considerations in mind, you can’t just pack whatever you like. You must focus on packing what’s useful for your adventure to make the most of the boat’s limited space and weight.

Ideally, your baggage should be limited to one duffel bag and a backpack or two soft-sided duffel bags.

Sailing Essentials

Whether you are going on a short or long cruise, it is important to have the following things in handy:

1. Hats and Caps

These pieces of headwear allow you to take cover from the elements. Bring at least four caps or hats with you since the winds are bound to blow away at least two during your trip. Even better, fasten hats around your neck using shoelaces or any thin fabric so that they don’t go overboard when they fly off your head.

Also, bring caps and hats suited to the particular conditions you are sailing in. For instance, grab a couple of good brim hats for sailing in tropical seas to get excellent protection from the sun. Then, when sailing at night, you can wear one of those breathable and comfortable watch caps to help your body cool down.

2. Gear for Bad Weather

When it comes to the weather at sea, you don’t want to take any chances. Pack a full set of foul weather gear in case the weather goes haywire. The jacket and pants you bring along should match the particular conditions, too. This means lighter gear for the tropics and heavier gear for rainy passages.

Complete your attire with a pair of high-quality sea boots to ensure that no foul weather ruins your sailing experience.

3. Marlinespike and Sailing Knife

Knives are a must-have for those who are setting sail. Ideally, a marlinespike and sailing knife should be on a sailor’s belt while he or she is at sea.

Yes, you don’t just pack them in your bag; you keep them attached to you at all times. This way, when emergency situations that require cutting or slicing occur during your trip, you will have easy access to your knives.

A knife can be secured to your belt using a lanyard. A lanyard also ensures that even when the knife slips from your grip, it will still be attached to you. This can be crucial if you fall overboard with a rope tied to your leg, which, you’ll be surprised, occurs more often than you think.

4. Undergarments

Your feet can’t be naked inside those sea boots because that is a surefire way to experience the most painful blisters. What you want to do is ward off those blisters by wearing thick, heavy socks.

Obviously, it is not just the feet that should be protected by a layer of undergarments, but the rest of your body, too. Make sure you don a protective under-layer beneath your foul weather gear. They should be made of moisture-wicking materials to keep your skin warm and dry and prevent your body from the cold. Microfiber synthetics are usually the go-to material for these types of garments.

5. Sailing Gloves

The worst thing about handling sailing lines with bare hands is that it can cause rope burns. The line running out fast between your grip and peeling away at your skin can be an excruciating experience. A pair of sailing gloves will keep you from falling into this trap.

When you purchase a pair, make sure to go for a “three-fourths” length that keeps all but the tips of your fingers covered. These provide the best protection for handling halyards, sailing sheets, and boating anchor ropes.

6. Medications

Any offshore trip is bound to bring with it seasickness. As such, you would want to pack some type of medication to prevent such an occurrence. You need to be in top form at sea so that you can assist with sail changes, stand watches, and work with your team to accomplish day-to-day objectives, even when you’re not feeling your best.

Now You’re Ready to Set Sail!

So, there you have it: the five must-bring sailing essentials to make your current and future trips safer and more fulfilling. Being at sea, while freeing and powerful, also leaves you at the mercy of the wind and water. Hence, you must pack offshore gear pieces that address these elements efficiently and effectively. You can also check www.hatrealm.com/ for the different kinds of hats that best fits you.

Travel December 15, 2020

5 Marketing Mistakes Every Tour and Travel Operator Should Avoid

The modern tourism industry is one of the most competitive playing fields, at least from a marketing standpoint. Almost everything is done online, and standing out from the crowd requires a combination of strategy, skill, and consistency. While many successful marketers boast superior knowledge of the market dynamics, novices create mistake-riddled strategies and end up hurting their business’s credibility. Here are a few of those mistakes alongside tried-and-tested ways to avoid them:

Doing it alone

This is perhaps the most common mistake among startups and small-business owners. Many agents read blog content on marketing and assume they are well equipped to set off a campaign. The tourism industry is pretty crowded and, as stated above, challenging to thrive in. Without a proper tourism marketing partner, you are bound to struggle, and your marketing strategy will probably offer an underwhelming ROI. Marketing experts not only know the industry and have a better chance of creating an effective marketing strategy but also take the marketing burden off your shoulders and let you concentrate on other aspects of your business.

Failing to create a website

If you haven’t thought of creating a website for your tour operating business, you are riding for a fall. Many people prefer booking trips online, and travel agencies that have a website have a better chance of getting business than not having one, regardless of service quality differences. Websites have also been shown to increase business credibility and bolster reputation.

Ignoring social media

Experienced marketers know that Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other major platforms expose you to thousands of potential clients and even give you the chance to target certain audiences. If you aren’t on Facebook and Instagram yet, this is the best time to take your business there.

Ignoring the search engines

Search engines are incredibly powerful marketing tools. They decide which site gets the most exposure for specific search queries. Paying special attention to search engine optimization (SEO) helps ensure all your marketing efforts aren’t in vain. If you entrust an agency with your marketing, make sure they are acquainted with SEO. Key benefits of SEO include:

Quality traffic
Better user experience
Acts as a main source of leads
Helps to build brand credibility
Promotes brand awareness
Helps to improve website speed

Not implementing an email marketing strategy

Spamming has given email marketing a bad reputation, but the technique is still highly effective and can make a difference for your business. With regular emails, you can keep old customers and high-quality leads engaged, so they don’t forget they had a positive encounter with you. For example, if you are a zipline tour operator, you can send monthly emails to your subscribers informing them of special offers and upcoming events. The bottom line is to keep them engaged, whether they actually want to book a trip or not.

Endnote

Avoiding these mistakes can help you boost your repute among clients and search engines. Make sure to review your marketing strategy and eliminate anything that undercuts your efforts.

Food Travel December 10, 2020

The Enchanted Garden Globes at Ashridge House

Let’s face it, none of us were dreaming of a Covid Christmas. Many of the festive things we love to do this time of year have been put out of bounds by the restrictions put in place to keep us all safe. Lucky for us, there are some who have been thinking outside the box to make sure we can have as close to normal celebrations as possible whilst keeping out of harm’s way.

Ashridge House is well known for many for its links with the magical wizard-ing world of Harry Potter. In fact, some of the interiors of the magnificent palace bare a striking resemblance to those from Hogwarts Castle, particularly the enchanted marble grand staircase. If you head deep into the woods (which one of the movies was actually filmed in) you’ll find an ancient tree recognisable as the famous Whomping Willow – but don’t worry, this one won’t attack you.

This year however, Ashridge House is bringing the magic in a very different way. In response to government restrictions, social distancing and the rule of six, the palace has been transformed into an actual Christmas wonderland for guests to enjoy a nearly-normal, yet socially distanced, holiday treat.

The day begins being welcomed with a glass of fizz into your very own private Enchanted Garden Globe – super festive complete with cosy blankets and Christmas lights, framed by the grand palace façade beyond. Cast your mind back about 500 years and you’d be sitting in the gardens of a private residence of one of the most famous monarchs of all time – King Henry VIII – which we like to think is a subtle nod to the feast you’re about to tuck into.

First up is a country platter of charcuterie – a selection of cold meats furnished with accompaniments of cheese. The piéce de resistance of course being a thick wheel of baked camembert.

Did you even have a Christmas dinner if you didn’t describe it as having ‘all the trimmings’? Yeah we’re guilty of that too but this time we really do mean it. A combination platter furnishes your table, with roast Norfolk turkey; sage, shallot and chestnut stuffing; honey roast ham with Granny Smith apple compote; grilled root veg; winter greens; and duck fat roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary. The non-meat alternative is a tasty Vegetable Wellington – tried and tasted and given the stamp of approval by our vegan guest.

The palace sits surrounded by 190 acres of pruned gardens and mysterious woodland, which has also had the Christmas makeover. The Enchanted Woodland Walk will guide you through a series of light installations that bring the gardens to life – through a tunnel of cascading stars and magical caves.

Of course, we know it’s not all really enchanted, but what the team at Ashridge House have put together truly captures the essence of Christmas. And to reignite that flicker of Christmas spirit that has been put out in so many of us this year, well – what’s not magic about that?