The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

John Telford

Tips on Bagging Some Travel Savings by Booking Last Minute

by

If you have the travel bug but your aren’t feeling flush enough to spend money on an expensive trip, then this is an article which is right up your street. Last minute travel has had its naysayers over the years and whilst there are many aspects of travel which you could once save on when you booked last minute that you no longer can, there are still plenty of ways you can bag a discount if you wait it out.

Whether you are looking for long haul savings or cheap last minute deals for a cruise, here are some top tips on how to secure them.

Flexible With Your Location

If you have you heart truly set on somewhere then you are unlikely to be able to get a great last minute discount, simply because your window of opportunity is so small. If however you simply want to get away from it all and explore somewhere new, then you are going to put yourself in a great position to be able to get a worthwhile discount. Most flight aggregators now have an ‘anywhere’ option that you can put in for destination, keep checking in and see where you may end up.

Flexible Dates

In recent years we have seen that some of the biggest flight and hotel savings are found by those who are prepared to travel and return on weekdays rather than the traditional weekend to weekend vacation. Stay flexible with your dates and you’ll be far better placed to go out and get those big savings.

Signing Up

There are few things more frustrating than an email inbox which is bursting at the seams with spam and unwanted junk mail, which is why many of us will ‘opt out’ of receiving newsletters from companies. If however you are looking to save some serious cash on your travels then it is highly recommended that you sign up to the newsletters and communications of airlines, tour operators and holiday providers. Often you’ll find some killer deals in these emails which you may very well be missing out on right now.

Following Social Media Accounts

There is an abundance of social media accounts which track airlines, cruise companies and hotels, looking to spot great last minute deals or pricing errors which you could take advantage of. Usually the deals that they share online are gone in a heartbeat which is why you should be looking to keep your finger on the pulse of the content that they are sharing.

Traveling Light

Most of the best offers that you will find on flights will not include any more than carry-on luggage, something which puts many off. If however you are able to be smart with your packing then you can take advantage of these deals. In reality you can still take a pretty sizable suitcase with you that fits into the restrictions around carry-on luggage, think smart, pack smart and save a huge amount of money on those last minute flight deals.

Wait for it… wait for it… go get that deal.

 

5 Overlooked Destinations That Are Great for Biking

by

Buying a hybrid bike for men or women is a great way to increase your traveling distance while riding. The electric boost from the motor means that you can travel outside of your comfort area and spice up the day’s journey by finding new destinations. However, how many beaches can your tour on your beach cruiser bike before they all start looking the same? Instead of just increasing your riding radius by a few extra miles, why don’t you expand your horizons and travel to one of these five overlooked biking destinations?

1. San Francisco

For those who own a men’s or women’s beach cruiser bike, you cannot go wrong by taking a trip to California, especially to the City by the Bay. Over the years, the city has invested over $100 million to establish more than 200 miles of bike lanes and cycling infrastructure. Also, the bike path known as The Wiggle provides views of the Golden Gate Park and the row houses of Alamo Square.

2. Montreal

Canada is known for its vastness and natural beauty, and Montreal, its second-largest city, is known for being mostly flat and bike-friendly. In fact, this municipality has over 1,000 miles of bike paths for the curious explorer. Meaning that you can spend every day of your vacation riding somewhere new. However, if you want the most exceptional view of the skyline, there is no better route than along the Lachine Canal.

3. Berlin

While many European cities offer bike paths, Berlin, Germany’s capital, prioritizes cyclists. With over 500 miles of bike paths and accommodating pedestrians and motorists, you will feel welcomed and entranced by the history and architecture of this lovely city. You can ride along the remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore one of the most extensive open-air galleries in the world, the East Side Gallery.

4. Ljubljana

If you are looking for an exclusive and rare view of city life, then take a trip to the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana has over 150 miles of bike lanes, and there are several areas where motorists are not allowed, only pedestrians, cyclists and some electric taxis. Also, if you do not own or want to travel with your bike, there are more than 20 bike rental stations in the city.

5. Tokyo

Not only is Tokyo the world’s largest metropolis, but it is also surprisingly inviting to bikers. Sidewalks are typically divided to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, which is unique to this location. Also, the vibrant nightlife, neon streets and tranquil gardens, make Tokyo one of the best cyclist destinations on the planet. Last, the 2020 Summer Olympics are being held at the New National Stadium, allowing for a sneak peek to any early travelers.

While riding is usually fun, using the same route day-in-and-day-out can lead to boredom and a lack of motivation. If you need to spice up your riding life, then consider taking a trip to one of the five locations above. Also, to get the most out of your adventure, consider buying a hybrid bike from your favorite shop.

Bali Travel Tips – What to Know About Visiting with a Family

by

If you’ve had a trip to Bali on your bucket list and finally want to make it happen, then you’ve got plenty of excitement in store. Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, packed with incredible culture and natural beauty, and visiting with your family can be a hugely rewarding experience.

To make the most of your holiday on the Indonesian island, it’s important to be aware of a few practical family-friendly tips. Read on to find out more.

Beach-side stays will always have plenty to offer

Bali attracts a diverse crowd of people, and there’s a lot to experience and do all over, but when you’re visiting with children, you probably want to prioritise activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Staying by a beach, such as some of the beautiful villas in Seminyak, can be a great choice, as you are conveniently close to all of the fun activities in the ocean and on the sand, as well as a good variety of restaurants and cafes to eat out in.  It’s also much nicer to explore the area on foot with ease.

Balinese people love kids

People in Bali generally adore children, and kids are regarded as an important part of the community in Balinese culture, so families generally experience a very positive and welcoming stay.

Don’t be surprised if strangers pay your kids’ compliments on how cute they are or offer them gifts. It’s also polite to respond with a friendly comment about their children.

While some parents can occasionally find this behaviour a little surprising or intrusive, you’ll generally find a friendly and warm environment. A great way to help children understand Balinese culture is by taking part in local dance lessons or craft activities, which can be a wonderful way to learn something new.

Safety standards are very different

While Bali is a fantastic place, it does have a very different attitude to health and safety than what you might be used to, and one of the biggest factors to be aware of is basic travel safety.

If you are planning to drive in Bali, make sure that you are familiar with all the rules, and it can be helpful to bring your own child seat, if you need one, as you may not be provided with one from your car rental service. It is also wise to have some help from a local guide, especially if you’re planning to travel around on your own extensively, as they may be able to help you familiarise yourself with the roads more quickly.

As well as travelling safely, it is also important to check on basic safety issues, such as child seats or highchairs in restaurants, or when on any ride or activity. While local guides and instructors can be warm and inviting, they may not be fully aware or trained with all safety procedures, so it’s worth keeping an extra eye on this.

Barcelona Travel Tips: 5 Things to Know Before Traveling to Barcelona

by

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona? Before you go, make sure you inform yourself! After all, if you want to give yourself the best experience possible, you’ll need to do some planning (and learning a phrase or two in Spanish or Catalan won’t hurt either).

If you want to know all of the insider Barcelona travel tips, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for 5 things you need to know before you leave on a jet plane.

  1. There are Two Official Languages in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of 17 autonomous regions of Spain. Catalonia has customs that differ from much of the rest of Spain and many residents of Catalonia believe that it should be independent.

As such, Barcelona has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. It is a language that is similar to Spanish, and has the same roots, but does have many differences. Most Catalonians are bilingual, so if you speak one or the other, you should be good.

  1. Be Strategic About When You Visit

You should be strategic about when you visit Barcelona so you can see the city without millions of other tourists. Early spring (prior to Holy Week or Semana Santa) and early fall (September and October) are some of the best times to visit. Late summer is probably the worst time, as many locals head on their own vacations and it’s the hottest time of the year.

  1. Book Tours in Advance

Barcelona is a huge tourist attraction (nearly 20 million people visited last year!), so it’s important to plan ahead if there are tours or other attractions you want to experience while you are there.

Whether you want to tour Barcelona with a tour guide or on your own, you’ll want to plan ahead for major attractions, like the Sagrada Familia or the Picasso Museum.

  1. Be Aware of the Schedule

The schedule in Barcelona is very different from other places in Europe and much different than what Americans are used to. Lunch is in the late afternoon (think after 2:30) and dinner is rarely before 9:00 p.m. Show up at a restaurant at what you think is a regular dinner time of 7:00 p.m. and you may just find it closed!

Many shops close after lunch and before dinner as well, so be aware of that. You might find places closed from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is all part of the extremely laid-back environment in Barcelona. No one is in a hurry, so don’t expect fast service in bars and restaurants. Instead, slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the more relaxed pace of the city!

  1. Stay Off Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is basically the Times Square of Barcelona. Overcrowded, extremely touristy, and full of the same old street vendors and tourist traps. If you can stand it, avoid Las Ramblas, as this isn’t the real Barcelona. Not to mention, you’ll also be at risk of being pickpocketed, especially if you give off the tourist vibe.

If you must, take a stroll or two just to say you’ve seen it, but save your meals, drinks, and other experiences for some of the other, more authentic areas of Barcelona.

Barcelona Travel Tips to Make It a Trip to Remember

If you fancy yourself a world traveler, Barcelona is a must-see destination. Use these Barcelona travel tips to go at the right time and make sure you know what to expect when you get there!

Did you find this article useful? Feel free to share it on social media and be sure to take a look around for more valuable information.

Considering Long Term Travel? Here’s What You Should Think About

by

Sometimes a simple two week holiday just won’t cut it. If you’ve been contemplating travel plans which extend longer than you’re used to – maybe a month, a few months or even a year – then there are many different things you need to consider to make sure you’re prepared, and that it’s the right choice for you.

Your Accommodation

The longer you travel for, the more troublesome your accommodation may get. If your long-term travel plans include travelling from place to place in various locations, then you need to research and compare accommodation options in all your planned destinations and make sure that they aren’t fully booked when you come to need them.

Alternatively, if your trip away will see you in one place for a long duration such as a year or more, and you would like a home hub to go to, you can always consider short or long term rental properties like property in Estepona to ensure that you always have a place to call home, even when you’re travelling.

Your Finances

Long term travel is very difficult to budget in advance, because you don’t know which spontaneous needs may arise, and there is always an increased risk of things not going to plan. This means you need an even bigger emergency fund than you would usually have.

It’s much wiser to figure your base budget before you begin planning. There is no point planning for a year spent in a new country if you cannot afford a year. Start with what you can afford, and you can always extend your travel plans as you go along, such as deciding to apply for a working visa to take on seasonal work or even get a full-time job to tide you over and allow you to travel for longer.

Your Commitments Back Home

Bidding farewell to family and friends for a two week vacation is nothing; you say goodbye, send a few snaps while you’re over there, and see them again when you get home. However, being away from your family and friends for several months, a year or even longer takes its toll. You won’t know how homesick you will get until you’re out there travelling, so it’s hard to prepare for.

All you can do is arrange everything in the best way before you leave for maximum comfort. Make sure you have decided a way in advance that you can easily speak to everyone, such as through video-calling or email.

You may also need to make a decision on your job. For long travel plans, you may have decided to hand in your notice, which means you won’t have a job when you return home, so you need to plan for that. Certain jobs may permit you to have a few months off work, but usually the maximum is 4 weeks.

Perhaps you have an accommodating boss who you can speak to about your plans and who can make allowances for you.

If you have any other commitments, such as pets, then make sure they are looked after while you are away – or even take them with you!