The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Travelling on a Budget: What You Need to Know

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No matter where you’re going to in the world, or how long your trip is, it’s important that you’re financially prepared. If money is tight and you need to watch every penny, creating a travel budget before heading out the door is important. Whether you’re heading on a solo adventure, a trip away with friends, or a family holiday, here are a few pieces of advice that can help you stay within your means.

Come Up with a Plan

While travelling can be great for those who have money to spare and the luxury of time, others need to be more careful with their finances. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, coming up with a plan should be your first port of call. You don’t need to create an hour-by-hour itinerary, but having a good idea of what sorts of attractions and events you want to check out will give you clarity on entry fees and any other costs involved.

Travel Out of Season

To get excellent value for money, it’s best to avoid travelling during the school holidays. Travel companies are known to hike their prices up and take advantage of families who are only able to travel during this time. Once you’ve found a destination that catches your eye, you can do your research into what months are best to visit. Even if the sun isn’t shining as brightly, you could save a fortune on your trip by going a little out of season.

Be Accommodation-Savvy

While many of us would love nothing more to stay in an expensive hotel suite, having the finances to do so is another story. Before booking your trip away, there are lots of great websites that you can use such as Trivago and TripAdvisor which enable you to compare a variety of hotels in the destination you’re heading to. We all like a bargain, so getting the best deal possible on your room can free up some cash, which you can use to spend on other things.

Pack Properly

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and find that you have left something important behind. Before you head to the airport, make sure that you create a checklist to ensure all essentials are packed and ready to go. Remember, many airlines have weight restrictions in place on luggage. There are lots of packing tips that you can use to your advantage, helping to avoid paying fees that can eat into your travel budget.

Prepare for Emergencies

Even if you’ve purchased travel insurance for your trip, there are various things that can go wrong when away from home. If you find that your flight has been cancelled, or you have splashed too much cash, running out of funds half way through your trip is never a nice experience. To ensure you have plenty of cash behind you, check out websites like SimplePersonalLoans where you can take out a loan that can provide a comfort blanket for when you need it most.

Before you head off on your travels, there are lots of handy tips that you can use to ensure you stay on budget and avoid overspending. While we all like to let loose on our holidays, it’s best to keep track of your finances to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Elderly travel: The extra considerations

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One of the great benefits about traveling is that it isn’t defined by age. You could be parents travelling the world with a newborn baby, or you could be in your 90s and just enjoying your retirement.

Of course, different age brackets have different considerations. While child friendly activities might be on the cards for the younger generations, it goes without saying that this is of no importance to the elderly.

If you, or an elderly relative, is planning a trip in the near future, it’s a good idea to keep on top of some extra considerations. Today’s post will now take a look at three of them.

It’s all about the Coronavirus

With the global spread of the Coronavirus disease over the past few months, this should be number one on your list of considerations as an elderly person travelling.  The risks are higher compared to younger travelers, particularly if you already have an underlying medical condition. This is why we would point you in the direction of this page from Staysure which contains useful information around what insurance covers during the Coronavirus outbreak, which can help you plan for your upcoming trip.

Under no circumstances should you approach one of these trips without adequate insurance, especially with the current state of play with the Coronavirus. Depending on the country, you might be advised by the government not to travel at all.

Be wary of the temperature (and it goes both ways)

If we were to roll back the years, we may have once absolutely reveled in heatwaves in tropical locations. Now, a greater degree of caution needs to be taken.

Should you be avoiding these sorts of places, in peak season, at all costs? Absolutely not. All we are saying is that you do need to be careful, as the repercussions of succumbing to something like heatstroke are far more severe for the elderly. A lot of people will mitigate this by staying indoors during the peak daylight hours – but you must question whether or not this is the way in which you want to spend your getaway.

It doesn’t just work with hot weather either. Cold weather can be just as treacherous for the opposite reasons. Wrapping up warm is one way to get around this, but also consider other points like the risk of slipping. This is something that can be common if you are heading to somewhere like a ski resort, so exercise further caution here.

Your choice of accommodation matters as well

You may have followed all of the above advice, but you should also be wary about what sort of accommodation you will be staying in as well.

Like we alluded to at the start of today’s article, it’s not all equal. No, we’re not talking about playgrounds this time, but more related to the fact that some hotels and resorts are more accessible than others. For example, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the top floor of an apartment block, with a lift that is out of action for half of your holiday. This is where research into your stay is crucial and you need to make sure that all of these points are covered long before you book your break.

Choosing the Right Hotel in London

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If you are planning a trip to the vibrant and exciting city of London, you can look forward to a host of attractions. This is a city that boasts a rich and long history, diverse culture, and some world-famous landmarks and attractions. One thing you can be certain of when you visit this city is that you will benefit from a full itinerary, so you can enjoy plenty of excitement and adventure.

Of course, you need to ensure you find the right accommodations for your stay in London, and this can be tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cost of hotels but also the location, as there are so many distinct areas of London. Fortunately, if you are visiting central London, there are plenty of hotels that offer access to all the main attractions within walking distance, so you may be better to choose a central hotel such as those in Piccadilly Circus or the West End.

What You Should Consider

There are online tools that allow you to do everything from an address lookup to a people search free, so you can use the address lookup facility to try and learn more about the area where you are considering staying. When it comes to choosing the right hotels, there are various factors you have to take into consideration. Some of the main ones include:

The Overall Cost of the Stay

The cost of London hotels can be high, but there are some deals to be had if you do your research. You should make sure you look at the overall cost of your stay rather than the average per night, as this will then enable you to see exactly how much you will pay for your hotel. Also, consider whether anything is included in the price, such as breakfast, free wifi, and other amenities and services. You can then determine whether the cost offers value for money.

The Location of the Hotel

There are many desirable places to stay in London, from the bustling West End and upmarket Mayfair to the political heart of the city in Westminster or the grungy music hub of Camden in North London. In order to choose the best location, work out which attractions and sights you are most interested in seeing, as you can then choose a hotel that offers easy access to them. However, no matter where you choose a hotel, you can reach attractions with ease via the bus and train services as well as on foot.

Facilities and Amenities

You also need to check the facilities and amenities in the hotel to ensure it is suited to your needs. If you plan on doing some work while in the city, check if there are business facilities and free wifi available. Also, look at facilities such as a fitness center, restaurants, bars, and other amenities that you are interested in.

Looking at these factors will make it easier to choose the ideal hotel for your needs when you visit London.

4 Most Popular Services You Can Get Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

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In the past several years, an increasing number of people are looking to get different services outside of their country or even continent. Whether you are thinking of taking an exciting vacation, or medical tourism, there are many options to consider.

The main reason why people are going abroad to procure different services is the price difference. Lower prices offered by local companies allow you to get the service you need, while also saving some money and spending it elsewhere. Not to mention the prospect of traveling to a country you have never visited before.

If you are willing to give it a shot, below are some of the most popular reasons to look for services beyond the borders of your country:

Bachelor Parties

Vegas is exciting and all, but, on the other hand, why not opt for a unique bachelor experience abroad? There are many cities in Europe that have a lot to offer when it comes to stag weekends, and you may even find the total expenses of your vacation are a lot lower than what you would have expected.

So the next time one of the guys takes an arrow to the knee, make sure you consider turning the bachelor party into a wild and memorable weekend abroad. Although there are many possibilities when it comes to destinations, if you do some research, you can hardly go wrong with any of them.

This way, while having a great time, you also get to experience a different country and a new city, making sure your bachelor party is one of a kind. And who knows, you might even find yourself returning for a second visit.

Dental Health Services

With the prices of healthcare services, it is really no surprise that medical tourism has been gaining in popularity, especially when it comes to dental healthcare. If you find yourself in need of a dental procedure, whether it is corrective or cosmetic, make sure you consider all of your options.

Instead of paying a fortune for a dental procedure in their home town, many people decide to find a reputable dentist abroad and go on a medical vacation. In doing so, they either simply save some money, or treat themselves to a nice holiday abroad. This opportunity to combine their healthcare needs with the pleasure of a vacation is simply too good to pass on.

Adventure Tourism

Whether you are a thrill-seeker or not, you have probably already tried adventure tourism, or at least heard about it. There is nothing quite as exciting as adding some physical activity and a little adrenalin rush to your vacation. If you are looking for a more exciting vacation experience, adventure tourism could be right up your alley.

While there are probably several different adventure tourism sites near you, there is more than one reason to consider going abroad for this type of holiday. First of all, it can save you some money, depending on the country you choose to go to, and secondly, you can add to the excitement of the experience by connecting with a new culture and a new landscape.

Whatever type of thrill you are looking for, there are many options on the international level and it’s up to you to do your research and choose the best deal, instead of simply opting for the nearest or the most popular site near you.

University Education

Studying abroad can be beneficial for any student. If you have the opportunity to take your studies across the border, there are several reasons you should do so. Apart from obtaining a degree in your field of preference, you will also have the opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people, and engage in their customs and way of life.

Further, the life experience you can gain while living and studying abroad will change you, not only as a student, and help you become a better person. While it may be hard in the beginning, studying abroad will teach you responsibility and organizational skills which will last you for a lifetime.

Finally, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone will help you grow and return home with a lot more than some souvenirs and a couple of new friends. And the best thing is – the prospect of moving to a different country to study may be much more affordable than you may think.

Conclusion

There you have it: these are the four most popular services people look for abroad. However, whether you are planning on throwing a bachelor party or applying for a student visa, you should do your research on the things you need to know about your destination country and what you can expect when you get there, in order to avoid any unpleasantries.

Dream Destinations To Go To In Sicily

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People travel the world for different reasons. Some travel for fun, some to unwind, and some to explore. The Italian country is, for sure, an excellent fit for all of those reasons plus more. But just like any other journey, you need to do a bit of research, check out some sites, visit parks and make an itinerary for your trip step by step. The places to be mentioned in this piece are one of the best scenes you must visit this summer.

1. Scopello

In the bright season of summer, when everyone heads for the beach, Scopello Sicily should be destination number one. This peaceful location is home to a plethora of hotels, villas, and beaches, each offering the tourists and the natives’ adventure, peace, and tranquility. On the west side, there is the wine country, the giant Etna Volcano in-between, and the medieval villages of the southeast.

Additionally, if coral reefs and gigantic rock formations are your cup of tea, then the Faraglioni neighborhood is the destination for you. As a matter of fact, the very name ‘Faraglioni’ means stacks of coastal rocks eroded off with oceanic water. Here, you can take a hiking or boating excursion over and under the stones, which is quite fascinating. A view on any of these sceneries will, without a doubt, take your breathe away.

2. Menfi

The Menfi town in Sicily is humbly adorned with rolling hills beautifully carpeted with vineyards. So much so, it is rather obvious to say that the town’s main job is wine-making. And this is reason enough that you should head there to taste one of the finest wines in the world paired with the best Italian cuisines. Additionally, Menfi’s shoreline is a paradise to beach-lovers with its fair share of sand dunes, white sands, and translucent waters, making its way to the land.

Still in Menfi, those with a hunger for cultural stimulation, could visit the Selinunte Archaeological Park. The park is very rich in classical Mediterranean history, taking you through a time capsule of what transpired and the reasons why some things happen the way they do today. The park has quite a lot of scenes to take in, including one of the oldest temple ruins in the world. It is both perfect for learning and having fun for you and your family.

3. Syracuse

Syracuse town is yet another location in Sicily, which is known for the ruins it posses. The Archeological Park has several historically magnificent sites that will amaze you, including a limestone structure shaped like a human ear. Besides the park, you can head to the beach, take a walking tour around the town and finish off by having a meal or two at any restaurant in the town.

Nearby, you can head to the marvelous island of Ortigia. Also rich in historical sceneries, that offers tourists and the natives quite an array of activities to partake. From the vast selection of hotels, villa, restaurants, and night clubs, there is so much to do in Ortigia.

As seen, Sicily is the place to be. So much so, you could head to our website Select Sicily and make your booking today for an experience of a lifetime In Sicily.