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.
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?
Traveling is on a temporary hiatus as countries implement bans and social distancing measures to protect their citizens from the threat of COVID-19. But that’s just a temporary setback, hopefully. In a year or two, everyone can see the world again.
COVID-19, however, will most likely change the way people travel, especially in terms of where people want to go.
Health and hygiene have always been crucial in global travel and tourism. Now, the pandemic has turned them into even more important factors. It could also influence the future’s most popular destinations along the way. Simply put, no matter how much effort destinations put into their hot spots – whether it’s a decking servicein B&Bs or more parks in cities – if a place is not hygienic enough, people are not going to visit it.
COVID-19 and the Next Top Destinations
A report from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which was done in collaboration with TCI Research, Tripadvisor, the Global Health and the World Economic Forum, revealed that most travelers are likely to go to destinations that are clean, safe and healthy. They are more likely to book trips to places that have managed the pandemic well. These emerging travel patterns show more than just what a mid-term re-opening of tourism could look like. It also shows the long-term effect of the pandemic on the competitiveness of individual destinations.
In terms of a global comparison, most Asia Pacific countries mounted strong pandemic responses. Most countries in the region handled aspects of the crisis well. Within this successful group, some places have performed better in terms of COVID-19 control and response.
If you’re planning for a trip after COVID-19, consider the following countries.
Japan and Australia
If you plan on visiting Tokyo alone in the future, there is hope. Japan is one of the go-to destinations after COVID-19.
Along with Australia, Japan ranked highly for destination competitiveness before COVID-19 hit. Both of these countries mounted strong responses against the virus, but others reported fewer cases. This could encourage tourists to book trips to other Asia Pacific destinations, such as Thailand and Vietnam – both of these countries reported fewer cases compared to other countries.
In comparison to a majority of the countries in the world, Australia and Japan have been winning at controlling COVID-19. Both countries also have a long history as top go-to destinations given their natural and cultural assets.
Vietnam and Thailand
Destinations like Vietnam and Thailand have mounted leading global COVID-19 responses, which may improve their competitiveness after the pandemic. Both countries’ perception of safety may encourage travelers to visit or return.
A report from the Global Health Security (GHS) Index, which was an assessment of health security in nearly 200 countries, ranked Thailand as the sixth top destination in the Asia Pacific. It is also the only middle-income destination to score well in the GHS index, where it gained recognition for its integrated disease surveillance systems, specimen and laboratory transport systems and risk communication plans. The country is also one of the five destinations to publicly declare their commitment to giving priority access to healthcare workers who contract COVID-19 while responding to the pandemic.
Vietnam, on the other hand, boasts of a strong response to COVID-19. The country’s swift and strict response to health policies has been studied by other countries. Who can forget Vietnam’s viral PSA that included a music video and a dance challenge?
Singapore
The City of the Merlion is still in the running of countries to visit after the pandemic. The city-island-nation is also known for its strong response to COVID-19, both in regional and global terms. Many countries are praising Singapore’s innovative contract tracing and technology intervention efforts, especially since the country has made its code open source available to the global public.
Apart from assessing a country’s response to COVID-19, it’s important to also study the dynamic relationship between COVID-19 and its impact to travel. For instance, in light of the new health preferences, residents and visitors may have a greater preference for less populated places, such as nature reserves and parks.
This is a plus for nature-rich destinations, but it could also pose a problem for a primarily urban destination like Singapore. Fortunately, the country continues to find new ways to showcase their strong response to COVID-19, which is still a bonus for visitors.
COVID-19 may have changed the way people travel, but it has not quenched the wanderlust. If you are planning to take off after the pandemic, consider visiting these destinations.
Getting some much needed fresh air in the great outdoors is an absolute must these days. If you’re headed for a hiking trip in the Sierras or a tropical beach getaway in the Bahamas, there are some essentials you’ll want to make sure to have on hand.
Being prepared for your adventure is going to greatly increase your enjoyment of the experience. Here we’ve compiled an extensive packing list for your next outdoor getaway.
A Few Tips
First, we recommend that you make a definitive plan about what you’ll be doing. This will help you narrow down the appropriate gear. If you’re going camping, can you drive up to the site, or are you going to need to hike out to the location? This will determine if you need to have super lightweight gear, or if you can pack an air mattress.
If you’ll be out sailing, check the weather beforehand and make sure to pack a sweater in case the winds pick up. Or if you’ll be kayaking, ensure that your gear is waterproof or you have waterproof blankets for things like your camera and food.
The Basics
No matter what you’re doing outside, there are some very basic essentials for every excursion.
Sunscreen
Even if you’re in the north of Scotland visiting the Isle of Skye and the weather forecast is cloudy all day, it’s still important to have some sunscreen. As a matter of fact, approximately eighty percent of the UV rays from the sun can penetrate cloud cover.
Even if you’re relaxing under an umbrella on white sandy beaches reading a book and drinking a Mai-Thai, the sun can reflect off the sand. So it’s always a safe bet to carry sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF and apply it hourly.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential regardless of what you’re doing. Particularly if you’ll be out on long treks through remote areas where you can’t just stop at the store and pick up a bottle.
A water bottle that has a built-in filter is a great option. You can also look for something lightweight and dishwasher safe. Try a few out until you find the best one for your preferences.
Lightweight and Breathable Clothing
Choose clothing items that are lightweight, moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable. Stay away from one hundred percent cotton items. Cotton does not keep moisture away from your skin, takes forever to dry, and doesn’t provide insulation when the sun goes down and it gets cold.
Instead, look for garments made of nylon, polyester, or a blend. These materials tend to be very durable and super-fast drying. For cooler weather activities, consider wool. Wool has come a long way and is no longer bulky and scratchy. Try an ultra-fine merino wool base layer. It’s moisture-wicking, fairly quick-drying, breathable, and itch-free.
Travel Towel
Always carry a towel, and don’t panic. Though that is a joke from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, it is a very accurate assessment. Travel towels are one of the most versatile items you can have.
They function as a towel, of course, for drying yourself off. You can lay it down to sit on the ground comfortably, use it as a blanket to wrap up in sitting around the campfire, or roll it up and use it as a make-shift pillow. Look for a lightweight, sand resistant one if you’re hitting the beach.
Ones that are made with one hundred percent Turkish organic cotton that is super absorbent and quick drying. Look for one large enough to be a picnic blanket or something to wrap up in to stay warm, but also fold up to fit nicely in your bag. For example, one of these waterproof camping blankets could come in very useful, especially if you get caught in the rain.
Good Shoes
A good pair of activewear shoes are going to make all the difference during your outdoor experience. Again, this is where planning comes in. Will you be on a long backcountry trek or kayaking at Big Sur.
One suggestion is to look for a pair of shoes that will cover all your bases. Something that is lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable. A great pair of durable hiking sandals is a good way to go. They are good for a mountain trail or a day out on the paddleboard.
Hiking Gear
So you’re headed out on the rail and want to be prepared for an all-day adventure up to the top of a beautiful mountainscape. You’ll be best off if you have all of these things with you.
Day Pack
You’re going to have a decent amount of gear on hand for an extended day hike. Make sure that you have a solid backpack to haul it all. Look for soft and breathable shoulder straps and the same for the back panel. It should be padded slightly and made of breathable material. You don’t want a super gross and sweaty back at the end of the day.
Some external side pockets to carry your water bottle is nice. Also having a rain cover included is a good idea. Find a pack that is manufactured with thick and durable material to help protect your gear inside and the outer layer from being torn.
First Aid Kit
This one is mission-critical. Regardless of where you are going and what you’re doing. First aid kits can be made with a few standard items or purchased. A hand full of bandages and butterfly bandages in case of cuts or scrapes, an elastic wrap bandage, if there are unfortunately any sprained ankles along the way. Antibiotic ointment with a pain reliever is also ideal.
They make smaller versions of these kits that are ideal for hiking. They have compact scissors and tweezers, plus some tiny alcohol wipes and a small roll of adhesive bandage tape.
Camping Gear
Depending on if you are a camper or a glamper, there are a few different types of camping gear items you’ll want to have on hand. Of course, you’ve got your tent, sleeping bag, and cooler full of food ready to go. In addition, here are a couple of things that will make your camping experience a fantastic one.
Camping Stove
If you’re not going to be backpacking out too far, a larger camping stove can be a huge asset when camping. Though it’s fun to cook stuff on the campfire, it can also be a ton of work. Keeping the fire going enough to actually cook meat all the way through, or having to build a fire every morning just to make coffee.
Even if it’s a single burner propane stove it is worth packing a little extra gear for convenience at mealtime. Especially if you are cooking for a few people.
Foldable Chairs
Not all campsites have great seating. Usually, there’s just a picnic table, and that’s about it. And we all know the best part of camping is sitting around the fire at night. Invest in your camping comfort by picking up a sturdy and durable folding chair.
Grab one that doesn’t sit too low to the ground, they are smaller yes, but they are a real pain to get out of every time you need to put more logs on the fire.
Let the Adventure Begin!
Whether you’re headed out to the Appalachian Trail, camping at the beach, or spending a day at the lake; make sure you plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Hopefully this little packing list has helped get you ready for your next awesome outdoor adventure. Have fun and stay safe!
If you’re planning a week-long vacation or a quick weekend getaway, Palm Cove must be on top of your bucket list.
Palm Cove is a village found on the northern Queensland coastline that has become a great tourist attraction because of its beautiful weather and proximity to other tourist hubs that the region is proud of. It’s also the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest.
Now you know why it’s a tourist’s favourite!
Aside from its great weather and beautiful location, Palm Cove has a lot more to offer. It’s home to countless attractions that every traveller, whether local or foreign, must experience in Queensland. To save you time, we listed our top 4 for you to check out when you visit Palm Cove!
The Great Barrier Reef
We’re crazy if this is not the first on our list. The Great Barrier Reef never fails to astound travelers with its calm waters and majestic marine life underneath. No wonder why this natural wonder gets the most visitors in all of northern Queensland!
If you want to hangout with the colorful and lively marine life, Cairns Aquarium offers a great package where you can swim with the sharks or appreciate the lively and gorgeous corals of The Great Barrier Reef.
Sundown By The Reef House
Spending a lot of time under the sun and under the water is fun and understandably tiring. Good thing you can relax in your private balcony at the Reef House which overlooks the Palm Cove beach where you can watch and wait for the sun to come down. Appreciating the beauty of the sunset is one of the best ways to cap off any day!
Reef House sits within the greeneries and emerald pools of Palm Cove. If you book your stay here, you’ll definitely be rewarded with scenic views and relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect when you just want to loosen up and unwind.
The Great Grandfather Of All Rainforests
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It spans across the Cairns Region and nestles century-old trees and rare species of wildlife that have lived here on the earth before us.
If you have a thing for adventure, you’ll love this piece of land that offers a number of tours that you’ll definitely want to try.
You can marvel at the vastness of the rainforest from up above in the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. If you don’t fear heights, then you’ll love flying just meters above the canopy of trees. Don’t worry, weather-proof gondolas has been tried and tested to safely bring you to the other side while living a memorable experience!
If you’re afraid of heights but the waters don’t scare you, then a river cruise might be more suitable for you. Billy Tea Safaris is a tour that will allow you to cruise at a coastal route that leads to the Daintree River that’s almost covered with mangrove forests and wildlife. During this trip, you’ll be allowed to dip in the Emmagen Creek after a barbecue lunch in the forest.
Furry and Feathery Friends
If you’re an animal lover, you don’t wanna miss this in Palm Cove. You can book a trip to the Koala Gardens and Birldworld Kuranda if you want to hangout with our friendly neighbors from the wild!
Observe the Australian furry icons in their natural habitat in the Koala Gardens. Just marveling at the cuteness of these creatures while they’re eating, sleeping or just messing around is enough to complete your day! As a souvenir, you can carry them and strike a pose for a photo. Just ask some assistance from the staff.
If that isn’t enough, then a trip to the Birldworld Kuranda will feed the inner Steve Irwin in you. You’re allowed to roam around this park while 60+ species fly above you! Just be careful though. A cheeky macaw might land on your shoulder and hitch a ride. Well, just because!
From the atmosphere, to the picturesque views, and countless attractions and activities, Palm Cove proves to be the ultimate travel destination. It’s just hard not to fall in love with this place.
So whether you’re travelling alone, or on a honeymoon with your partner, Palm Cove really is the place to be. If you’re with the family, don’t worry. This piece of paradise is also perfect for you!
Pack your bags now and get ready to fall in love with Palm Cove!
With Brits having spent much of 2020 in lockdown, real life discovery and exploration for many will have seemed like a thing of the past with overseas travel plans having taken a back seat for much of this year.
However, while we may not be packing our bags and hitting the road this month, there is still plenty of opportunity to get lost in the beautiful, exotic backdrops of popular series on Netflix – that are helping to inspire our next travel adventures.
To help to find new ways to scratch that wanderlust itch, we’ve teamed up with youth travel provider, Topdeck Travel to discover how you can experience many of the popular Netflix shows for yourself when overseas travel opens up again next year.
Selling Sunset
Selling Sunset is the glamourous real estate reality that has taken Netflix’s audience by storm during months of lockdown. The reality TV show follows the highs and lows of life at the real estate agency, The Oppenheim Group as its team work to sell multi-million-dollar properties located in high end zip-codes. The uber-glitzy lifestyle of the show’s main characters and ‘realtors’ isn’t the only thing making viewers green with envy as they watch as scenes switch from sun-drenched LA boulevards to the serene views of the Hollywood hills. The Netflix hit takes its name from the infamous ‘Sunset Strip’, the 22-mile long road that stretches from West Hollywood through to the beaches of Malibu and provides any visitor with a glimpse into the lux lifestyle of the local residents.
Fancy experiencing sunset on LA’s boulevards? Get the Netflix experience with Topdeck’s California Calling tour – hitting the road from April 2021.
Travellers will be spoilt for choice with so many amazing sights and activities to try in the City of Angels. With a driving tour of Los Angeles, those heading on the trip will get to see the sights depicted in the Netflix show, including Beverly Hills’ Sunset Boulevard, the Luxurious Rodeo Drive, as well as being taken along the iconic Hollywood Hills. The trip will include entry to the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as a trip to Las Vegas – in a party bus!
Below Deck
Offering some much-needed escapism and travel fantasy, Below Deck follows the guests and crew of a super-yacht as it leisurely sails from one beautiful corner of the world to the next. Viewers of this Netflix addiction are transported to crystal clear oceans and breath taking, island beaches – it’s hard to comprehend how the drama that plays out between crew members is possible in such awe-inspiring settings. Whether its deep diving for lobster lunches in the Caribbean Sea or mooring for sunset cocktails in a picturesque harbour, each episode provides audiences with more than enough inspiration to pack a bag and set sail for adventures at sea.
Put the wind in your sails and breath in the sea with a sailing tour like no other with Topdeck on the Summer Fun and Sailing tour – Setting sail from May 2021
Travellers heading on this trip will experience a sun-soaked excursion like no other. The trip includes a visit to 13 countries with 3-nights spent on a boat sailing in Greece. Just like those depicted in Below Deck, those attending the trip will get to experience the high life with walking tours of Rome, Monaco, Venice and Munich – all in a single trip!
Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris is the story of a 22-year-old Social Media guru, who relocates to Europe to help bring an outdated marketing agency into the 21st century. This millennial take on ‘Sex on the City’ is set against a backdrop of charming, cobbled Parisian streets and boutique lined boulevards and oozes French culture from the opening episode. As the series continues, many of Paris’ iconic landmarks are bought into shot; from croissants by the River Seine to star-lit strolls in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. The dreamy series has divided audiences since being added to Netflix, but one thing is for sure – this series is European city break wanderlust at its finest.
Get ready to explore the French capital like a local with the Essential Europe tour from Topdeck – soaking in the sights from May 2021.
Travellers will get to experience the unmissable sights of Paris depicted in the popular Netflix show. Not only will they get to see the quaint cafes and patisseries that make up Paris, but they’ll also be able to visit the iconic Louvre museum, the Champs Elysees and the Montparnasse observation tower – where they’ll be able to view the streets from above and see why they call the stunning destination ‘The City of Lights’!
Street Food ASIA
From the creators of ‘Chef’s Table’, this Netflix original documentary series embarks on a global journey, taking viewers around the streets of some of the world’s most vibrant cities, exploring the rich culture of street food. In one of the thirty-minute episodes, viewers will find themselves immersed in the characterful and colourful streets of Delhi in India to hear all about its signature street flavours that are deeply connected to the families and locals that live there. With a focus on the culinary scene within the city, the show explores India’s magnificent cocktail of flavours, as well as showcasing a spectacle of colourful textiles and spices that can be found in its many street markets. Anyone eager to break out of their lockdown routine and experience a fresh, exciting culture will be sure to be inspired by this look into local life and tantalising street food.
Delve into Delhi’s incredible culture on the Topdeck Namaste India tour – Exploring the awe-inspiring from April 2021.
On the trip, travellers will be given the opportunity to not just see this incredible city, but to really experience it. As India’s capital can be quite overwhelming, Topdeck’s experienced tour leaders will help guide travellers through the city to taste some of the city’s delectable culinary treats and weave through the craziness of cars, rickshaws, scooters, and people.
The trip will visit not only Delhi, but many of India’s amazing destinations and sights. Those attending the trip will be treated to watching the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, travel by local train from Jaipur to Jodhpur, head on a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and visit the striking Ranakpur Temple.
For more information on Topdeck and to book any of the trips listed above, visit: https://www.topdeck.travel
One of the most frustrating parts of traveling is packing the suitcase for the trip. It’s hard to gauge if you’re packing too much or too little. Did I remember this, that, and the other thing? Do I roll my clothes, or fold them?
In general, traveling can be stressful. Travel blogs, like inspire4travel, can help ease those concerns with tips and tricks to make the experience go smoothly.
10 Tips for Packing the Most in Your Suitcase
Knowing a few packing hacks can also help reduce the stress of travel. Here are 10 tips for making packing easier:
1. Roll your clothes. Let’s end the debate. Rolling your clothes provides more room. Rolling does cause wrinkles, but most hotel rooms have irons.
2. Plan your daily outfits. Many people make the mistake of throwing every piece of clothing they like into one suitcase. Then, when they get to their destination, pulling an outfit together is a hassle. Planning your outfits saves suitcase room AND dress-stress.
3. Leave the liquids home; use bar-shaped toiletries. If you’re flying, most airplanes have strict rules regarding liquids. Skip trying to remember the liquid limits. Use bar shampoos and conditioners.
4. Pack heavier items at the bottom. This is a well-known hack. Pack heavier items, such as shoes, at the bottom of your suitcase. It will prevent the heavier items from making the suitcase tip over, or damaging fragile items.
5. Use a sunglasses case to store cell phone chargers. Phone chargers can break easily if left loose in the luggage. Putting them in a sunglasses case protects them, and makes it easier to find when you get settled in your destination.
6. Put a sticker on your luggage to help identify it quickly. Not many things in life are more awkward than the baggage carousel. At least one person always picks the wrong suitcase off the line. Putting a bright sticker, or other easily recognizable visual cue, can help get you out of the baggage claim without any awkwardness.
7. Create a packing inventory. Do you always forget at least one item when you pack for a trip? A packing inventory can ensure that you have everything you need. Toiletries, chargers, enough socks, etc.
8. Wear that heavy jacket or sweater on the plane. Nothing takes up more room in the suitcase than a bulky jacket, or sweater. One beloved travel hack is to wear it on the plane. It’s a win-win solution: More room in the suitcase, and planes are always freezing.
9. Use a dryer sheet to keep clothes smelling fresh. No matter how far you travel, your clothes will somehow end up smelling funky. Tossing a dryer sheet in the luggage will help keep it smelling fresh between washes.
10. Don’t leave packing to the last minute. One reason why people pack incorrectly is because they do it at the last minute. Rushing through packing only ensures that you will forget something. You don’t have to pack a week ahead, but a day or two in advance is better than last minute.
While much of 2020 was a wash for travel, adventurers are looking to 2021 to get away. In fact, over half of the vacations already booked for 2021 are for international destinations. After a year of road tripping, these packing hacks will come in handy for long-distance travels.
When people are traveling, there’s always the urge to give up moral standards that they observe at home. There’s greater potential for casual sex, mostly because of alcohol and drug use, peer pressure, desire for adventure, and travel excitements. And while there’s nothing wrong with casual sex, statistics show that many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) occur during international travel.
Travel can be a great way to explore the world, and having sex while at it can make the experience even better. There are even now apps available (check it out) to enable you to find someone for a casual hook up wherever you are! However, it’s important to understand the social and cultural differences of sex around the world. This way, you’ll enjoy the experience to the fullest without putting your health on the line. So, here are 4 great tips that will help you have better, safer sex while traveling:
Know Your Status Before Leaving
Normally, sexually active adults should take STI tests at least every 6 months. According to Sandra Larson, a nurse and relationship expert at My Sex Toy Guide, getting tested regularly should be a standard procedure, especially if you have multiple partners. “Knowing your status, at least twice a year allows you to make the right decisions to protect yourself,” she says.
When planning to travel, testing becomes even more important as it helps you to take all the necessary precautions. Depending on whether you have an STI or not, the doctor will advise you on what to do to protect yourself and those around you. You can even choose to postpone travel until you’re off the medication.
Pack Your Condoms
Whether you plan to have sex or not, make sure you pack enough condoms in your bag before leaving. Furthermore, condoms are affordable, lightweight, and even the TSA guy will give you the go-ahead nod. So, depending on the duration of your stay, pack as many as you might need. Having enough condoms puts you a step ahead in avoiding STIs and pregnancy.
Sandra advises that you avoid the temptation to buy when you get to your destination. “It can be a hassle to buy condoms when traveling, especially female condoms.” So, take care of your sex life and pack up before the journey.
GET CONSENT Before Sex
Regardless of how tempting it might be to disregard your moral responsibility away from home totally, consent is a MUST! After all, the last thing you want is to be accused of rape in a foreign land. Besides the embarrassment, you might be jailed and might need to get help from criminal lawyers. So, before anything else and despite how intoxicated you might be, ask for consent before touching, kissing, or sleeping with someone. Besides getting you out of trouble, consent clears the confusion, doubt, and cultural misunderstanding.
Note: You don’t have to engage in sex when traveling. But if you must, ensure you’re familiar with the sexual etiquette at your destination. Understand the norms for sex but don’t fall victim and participate in uncomfortable and risky behaviors.
Everything in Moderation
As stressed before, the feeling of being no longer obligated to observe the same moral standards when traveling as at home can lead to risky behavior. Whether it’s from peer pressure or the desire for adventure, do everything in moderation. Besides learning about the sexual etiquette at your destination, make sure you drink and do drugs (if you have to) in moderation.
Remember, you’re in a foreign land, and you might not be able to get away with it as you do back home. Most importantly, look out for yourself and enjoy the experience. Also, make plans on how to get back home beforehand and have a clear understanding of no-go zones.
To sum it up, traveling can be good for your sex life, especially when done well and responsibly. The adrenaline that comes with experiencing a new culture is immeasurable, especially because you know it’s only for a limited period. However, numerous things might not go as you’d have anticipated, and prevention is better than cure. Isn’t it?
So, whether you’re traveling with your partner or exploring new ground solo, know your status before leaving, pack your own condoms, get consent before sex, and most importantly, do everything in moderation. Additionally, get a good private room for accommodation, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun!
How often do you get the feeling that it’s time to drop everything and get away? To have some real me-time with nothing to concern you apart from how to fully indulge yourself? However, all too often, the real world, in the form of work or other commitments, get in the way so you never actually book anything.
Never fear. You can always treat yourself at home instead by transforming your surroundings and creating a five-star staycation experience.
Creating Ambience
One of the main things that many people judge the quality of a hotel stay by is, not surprisingly, the bed. While getting a new mattress might be a bit excessive – and may even cost as much as going away – you might like to treat yourself to some luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, which are considered to be the best by many people.
Remember to buy some indulgent chocolates too and leave one on the pillow for a little bedtime treat.
Luxury Dining
Going away is also the time when you want to leave the cooking to someone else as well as to explore some new flavors and cuisines. The great news is that, these days, virtually anything that you could ever want from abalone to zabaglione is a phone call away. Delivered to your door, ordering in is like the very best room service.
Maybe you’ll also want to theme your staycation around one particular country, or around a few, by ordering different cuisines, you could take a gastronomic tour of the world.
The Nightlife
Travel is all about soaking up new experiences and cultures, and you can reflect this in the entertainment that you want to enjoy. So, maybe start to sample the sorts of foreign-language films you might not normally watch on a streaming service like Netflix.
Many foreign language titles are filmed on location, so you could choose based on where these films are set, as well as by the plotline or genre, to get a feel for what it would be like to visit. Watching films set in the country you intend to visit can also give you ideas of what you’d like to do for fun when you get there. So, as well as enjoying a movie and learning about different cultures, you’re also getting in a little research into restaurants, bars, and other forms of entertainment for when you do travel.
As an example, a casino is often a favorite form of entertainment when you’re away. Five-star hotels famously combine the two, with the likes of Caesar’s Palace and The Venetian in Las Vegas being among the most prominent examples. You can complete your luxury staycation experience by emulating all the excitement of roulette, blackjack, and slots from the comfort of home with an online casino. If you’ve never tried one before, you’ll find some great ideas for getting started on a comparison site that will also tell you where to find bonuses and the widest choice of games. It will also provide a simple way to register so you can get your evening of entertainment started quickly and easily.
Just Relax
Last, but not least, remember to take time out to relax. This might mean catching up with all those books you’ve been meaning to read, or transforming your bathroom into a chilled-out spa with candles and some ambient sounds. Or, you could just seize that all-too-rare opportunity to do nothing at all.
However you choose to spend your staycation, one thing is for sure. You’ll emerge at the end of it feeling more refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world – at least until the next time that you need a holiday at home.
The next year is the perfect time for a staycation, as the UK and its resorts look to get back on their feet and welcome tourists back for a full on summer season.
In fact, even now seaside towns are awash with illuminations and bright lights to celebrate the festive period.
If you can’t wait to plan a getaway for next year, then you could certainly do worse than the likes of Brighton, Cromer and Whitby. But what are the must do activities for a day beside the seaside?
Eat Fish & Chips
You won’t find better fish and chips than you will in seaside towns, especially those with a fishing port. Many towns on the coast are renowned for their catch of the day and the likes of Papa’s in Cleethorpes and Harbour Lights in Falmouth having become iconic.
There are many different variations, and specialisms in different part of the country, but fish, chips and a bit of salt and vinegar, and you really can’t go wrong.
Right across the land you’ll find tons of excellent coastal fish and chip shops, and you can click this handy guide to find one close to where you’re holidaying.
Play Bingo
Across seafronts and down piers you’ll find plenty of fun and games to enjoy from hook-a-duck to donkey rides and plenty of shooting games and rides. But no game is more iconic by the seaside than bingo.
Bingo has so many social aspects to it and because of this the game has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. It’s developing a real community online, and a number of online bingo fans are picking up their dabbers on holidays by the sea too.
In some areas you’ll find huge bingo halls, while others are simple huts on the pier, but all offer the same thrills as you would find online and there are plenty of prizes up for grabs too!
Go Crabbing
For those with a family especially, crabbing can offer hours of fun. It’s fishing with a twist, with that twist being you’re out to catch crabs.
Popular in port towns especially, all you need is a net or bucket and a long piece of string, with the aim then to dip your vessel in the water and hope to pull some crabs out!
There are many hotspots for crabbing across the country, with the likes of Whitby and Scarborough in North Yorkshire, as well as Salcombe, Dartmouth and South Pool along the south coast.
Dip Your Toes In The Sea
No trip to the seaside is complete without at least dipping your toes in the water. Of course it’s cold, it’s Britain, but if you’re not going to head for a swim, at least walk along the shoreline and feel the sand or pebbles between your toes and let the water wash over them.
It’s a tranquil and therapeutic feeling that can’t help but calm you, and in times like this, that feeling is priceless.
