The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

John Telford

3 Ways to Take the Stress from Air Travel

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Does the mere thought of travelling to the airport, checking in, going through security, and waiting around for hours on end for your flight put you off the idea of travelling by air? Fear not, as there are things that you can do to take the stress out of air travel.

Put the three pieces of the advice laid out below into practice, and you’ll be sure to touch down in your holiday destination feeling rested, relaxed, and ready to have the time of your life.

Book your pre-airport arrangements in advance

Your travels begin as soon as you leave your home. If you want to keep your stress down from the moment you embark on your adventure, you need to ensure that you book your pre-airport arrangements well in advance of your departure date. This means organizing for somebody to look after your home or to at least check up on it while you’re gone, and it means pre-ordering transport to the airport.

If you are travelling to the airport in your own vehicle, you must book yourself a parking space in advance. The last thing you want to do is turn up at the airport to find that they do not have the room to accommodate your car, as this will cause you unnecessary headaches and could even result in you missing your flight. So, for the sake of your stress levels and your travel plans, make sure you book yourself a parking lot space on a trusted website like Parkon.com before you arrive at the airport.

Sail through security with ease

Security checks at the airport are necessary; there’s no denying it. They are designed to keep you and fellow air travelers safe, which is why you must undergo them every time you attempt to board a flight.

You’ll never be able to avoid airport security checks, but you can speed them up considerably and subsequently take the stress out of them. If you sign up for the TSA PreCheck program, you will be able to streamline the security process simply because you won’t be asked to take off your clothes or remove your electronic items from their bags. This will shave off a considerable number of minutes from the time you usually spend passing through security lines, which means that you’ll be able to spend more time relaxing in the departure lounge.

Have a sleep on the plane

The stress doesn’t magically disappear as soon as you’ve boarded your plane. Being confined to a small space is never particularly relaxing, and neither is turbulence! If you want to escape the stresses that are commonly encountered up in the air, simply find a way to drift off to sleep.

Easier said than done, right? True, sleeping on planes is not always the most straightforward experience. It can be achieved, however, if you put the following advice into practice:

  • Tweak your sleeping habits before you start travelling to ensure that you’ll be tired on the plane
  • Pre-book your seats to ensure that you aren’t sat in high-traffic areas (next to the toilet, near the galley, etc.)
  • Wear comfortable clothes that keep you warm when the onboard temperature drops
  • Alleviate your back pain by investing in any of the items listed here

Simple Steps to Book a Flight Online

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Booking a flight via any of your devices is as easy as providing the required information and clicking the confirmation button. Book Delhi Mumbai flights by following the following simple steps;-

Outline Your Travel Plans

Travel plans comprise of your destination, date and time of travel, duration of stay, and deciding on a travel package. Note these details down and have them easily accessible as you book your flight.

Visit the Airline’s official website

If you already have an airline in mind, visit their website to learn more about the flight you wish to take. In some instances, travelers have no idea what Airline is ideal for their travel plans.

When it comes to such situations, enter your travel details on an aggregator site such as Momondo and Skyscanner. An aggregator website will show you lets of flight options for the particular information you provided. Then, you can sort the data based on price, length of trip, or Airline.

Compare Flight Offers

The more flexible you are, the higher chances of landing a fairer deal. Weekdays have the cheapest flights, thanks to low demand as compared to weekends. Booking earlier, by about two weeks or more, offers more affordable flights.

Compare available flights keeping in mind relevant details such as departure and arrival airports, prices, travel times as well as cancellation terms of the Airline. Take note if the price includes taxes and luggage fees.

Purchase Your Ticket

Once you have decided on the flight, follow the website’s prompt to purchase your plane ticket. Every site will require you provide the following information during purchase;-

  • Name
  • Number of travels
  • Seat preference
  • Any allergies and other meal preferences
  • Credit or debit card information

Some airlines allow that you pay your baggage fees online to reduce your checking time at the airport. If you are purchasing an international plane ticket, you will require your passport, and in some instances, a visa to purchase your ticket.

Decide on Complete Package or not

As you near the end of your booking process, some airlines may suggest add-ons such as accommodation and car rentals. Before agreeing to the offer, do some research to ensure you are getting a fantastic deal.

If you require any special accommodations such as a wheelchair, be sure to place a request during your booking. If the website does not prompt such a request, call the Airline directly to avoid future inconveniences.

Flight Confirmation

Finish by confirming that all the information you have given is correct. Provide any personal or payment information required to complete the process. Once you are through, you will receive an email of your receipt and ticket information.

In case you do not receive that within a few hours, contact the Airline. Please save a copy of the receipt, or even better, print it out.

Conclusion

The emergence of technology has made it easier for travelers, both domestic and international. If you wish to book your flight right from the comfort of your home or office, follow the above steps to achieve the best results.

UK getaways: Your must-pose questions

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For obvious reasons, staycations seem to be on the rise.

There are two types of staycations; the type where that you literally stay at home, and the type where you drive off to somewhere in your own country. As so many of us have engaged in the former over the last few months, today’s topic is going to look at the type where you galivant towards a UK destination of choice.

Suffice to say, the difference in a Mediterranean break are substantial to say the least. There’s unlikely to be much sea, little sand, and perhaps an even smaller amount of sun!

This is the reason we have penned today’s guide. We’ll now take a look at some questions that you simply must pose as you prep for your UK staycation.

Is your location weather dependent?

Some might suggest that this is almost a silly question when it comes to a UK vacation. After all, the country is renowned for perhaps every rain joke and quip in the book (and arguably, for good reason!).

However, it’s something that you should most definitely be posing. When you book your hotel, whether it is in Bournemouth or at the opposite side of the country, make sure it will safeguard you against the elements. In other words, if the week turns out to be a washout, you need to rest assured that there will be sufficient activities to keep you, and probably the family entertained.

This might mean ensuring that you are located near indoor attractions, or anything else that is not going to be spoiled if the conditions take a turn for the worse.

Have you thought about the traffic?

Quite often, UK staycations are spread across long weekends with one of the big reasons to save that precious annual leave. However, when taking the plunge to travel to your destination of choice on a Friday afternoon, you are of course dicing with the dreaded rush hour traffic.

If you haven’t read the news, there are some parts of the UK that are notoriously bad for this. When we say notoriously, we mean some of the worst in the world. If you’re not careful your staycation can be consumed by the car journey itself and clearly, this isn’t the type of break that anyone is looking for.

What about the local tourists?

On the subject of the crowds, never forget the local tourists. Particularly if you have planned your getaway in the peak of the school holidays, you’ll be surprised at how busy some attractions can get.

If your circumstances dictate that you must travel during these times, at least try and hit the more popular attractions during the week. This will limit the number of local tourists somewhat, and hopefully allow you to experience the area without hustling for space.

Remember, it’s not just the local attractions that can be blighted by crowds, but the roads as well. In a similar vein to the previous point mentioned, try and travel outside of the peak rush hours – even when you are taking a simple ride to a local attraction in the region you are staying.

8 of the Most Amazing Beaches on the Globe

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There are a lot of beautiful places on planet earth. There are stunning mountain ranges, raging waterfalls, city skylines, and more. One of the most fantastic views, though, has to be the ocean’s crystal clear water from a beach with pristine white sand. There is something about this contrast of colors on a sunny day that calls out to so many. 

Outside of the beauty that the beach provides, it also offers a sense of calm and tranquility. As visitors set up their beach chairs and towels, the rest of the world seems to fall away. 

The other great thing about the beach (and these beaches especially) is that beachgoers can choose between relaxation and beach activities. There are watersports, beach sports, shopping, and more that each of these beaches offers. They are dream beaches for anyone that loves the sand and saltwater. 

So, if you are planning your next trip and not sure where you are going yet, make sure to have an open mind with this list of beaches. We apologize in advance, though, if you cannot decide between which of these amazing beaches you should visit. You may just have to plan multiple trips. 

7 MILE BEACH 

Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

This award-winning beach is a stretch of oceanfront that is enjoyed by people from all around the world. The white sand and crystal clear water are as fun to look at as it is to enjoy. And, with it being a vast expanse of beachfront, there is plenty of space for everyone and every type of beach activity. Off the beach, there are plenty of resorts, dining options, and fun activities for everyone. Lastly, if you are looking to explore and experience multiple beaches, Grand Cayman also offers several other beaches to enjoy as well. 

Ka’anapali Beach

Location: Maui, Hawaii

With amazing resorts, spas, and delicious restaurants, there is as much fun out of the water as in it at Ka’anapali Beach. In the water, you have snorkeling, surfing, and so many other water activities. If you are like most of us, though, and enjoy simply relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. You will be able to sit back, enjoy the views, and bask in the sunshine. With all that Ka’anapali beach offers, there will be something for everyone. 

NUSA DUA 

Location: Bali, Indonesia

Located in South Bali, Nusa Dusa is a beachgoer’s dream. From five-star resorts to fine dining to golf resorts, the area is set up perfectly for visitors. On the beach, you will get picturesque views and access to calm and peaceful waters. The reason why the waters are so calm is because of an offshore reef that protects the shore. This allows for plenty of fun and relaxing dips in the water for everyone at the beach. Also, for those interested in being able to check out multiple beaches on their trip, Nusa Dua has several different beaches that you can explore. 

 

NAVAGIO BEACH 

Location: Zakynthos, Greece 

Navagio Beach is an interesting beach for a couple of reasons. The first is that it can only be accessed by boat as white limestone cliffs completely surround it. The second reason it is so interesting is that it has an actual shipwreck on the beach that has been there since the ’80s. Add in the pure white sand and crystal clear blue waters, and you have a beach that is well-deserving of being on this list. So if you ever find yourself in the Greek Islands, make sure to visit Navagio Beach and all that it has to offer. 

BONDI BEACH 

Location: Sydney, Australia

With a large number of activities, Bondi Beach has so much to offer visitors. This is especially true if you enjoy surfing, as Bondi Beach offers excellent surfing opportunities, among other water sports and activities. With resorts, fine dining, shopping, and a number of seasonal events, there will be something for everyone at Bondi Beach. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of opportunities for lying on the beach, catching some rays, and relaxing the day away. 

NISSI BEACH 

Location: Ayia, Napa, Cyprus

Located in Cyprus, Nissi Beach is a unique beach as it offers a large amount of shallow water off the shore. A small islet splits the beach, allowing for shallow waters that can be explored and enjoyed. This also makes the waters great for many different water sports. Outside of the water, visitors have access to stunning views, soft sand, and world-class hotels and resorts. With all of the resorts comes plenty of activities and fun in the sun for all.  

PIHA BEACH 

Location: North Island, New Zealand

With black sand and a rock known as “Lion Rock,” Piha Beach is anything but average. Its uniqueness and beauty are enjoyed by many, and the wild and mysterious waters make for excellent surfing. Another highlight of the beach is what is going on behind it. Butting up to the beach is a protected parkland consisting of subtropical forests and a large variety of wildlife. So if you are looking for a beach that is as unique as it is beautiful, Piha Beach may be the choice for you. 

AS CATEDRAIS BEACH 

Location: Galicia, Spain

Also known as the Beach of the Cathedrals, this is one beach that was made for exploring. Over time, the waters have carved out different formations in the rocks and even some natural passageways. So when the tide is low, visitors can go exploring through these different rock patterns. Also, when not exploring, visitors can sit back and enjoy the stunning views that the beach, rocks, and water all combine to provide. 

8 of the Most Amazing Beaches on the Globe Conclusion

There is just something about the natural beauty that the beach and ocean come together to provide. And as you can see from this list, there are a number of different types of beaches that offer this. 

Outside of the views, though, these beaches offer so much more. From resorts to water sports to fine dining, everything you will need to enjoy a vacation is right there. 

So start planning your trip, and get ready to enjoy the journey of a lifetime. 

5 Amazing, Breathtaking Costa Rica Destinations

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With over 1.7 million visitors each year, Costa Rica is a popular destination for tourists — and it’s not hard to imagine why.

There’s something for everyone.

With its bustling cities, beautiful scenery, and amazing wildlife, there are very few people in the world who wouldn’t find somewhere they loved in this amazing, diverse country.

The main issue is narrowing down your options!

Although Costa Rica has endless, stunning places, these are the Costa Rica destinations that should be top of your list.

1. San José

San José’s first impression doesn’t do the city justice. It doesn’t have the amazing scenery that some other places in Costa Rica do but with its charm, food, and nightlife, the capital of the country is well worth a visit.

It’s a great base to explore or start off from. You could even spend a day there before moving on. Fortunately, most major cities have places to store your luggage if you’re only there for a few hours and don’t want to get a hotel.

2. Conchal Beach

When planning your trip, chances are you’ll want to look into the best beach destinations in Costa Rica.

Look no further than Conchal Beach.

Costa Rica beach destinations are plentiful, but Conchal Beach is special. This beautiful beach with its white sand and tranquility is the ultimate place to go to relax and soak up some rays.

3. Monteverde

Home to the cloud forest, there’s nowhere else like Montverde on earth.

It’s one of the top destinations in Costa Rica due to the amazing tour of the plants and wildlife. It can be beautiful and relaxing if you stay in one of the reserves, or you can visit somewhere like the Bat Jungle for a little more excitement.

4. Tortuguero

A little town on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is famous for its wildlife. Sea turtles aplenty can be found here, and there’s a dense jungle with exotic species of monkeys and birds that people desperately hope to get a glimpse of.

If you’re an animal lover, this is the place to visit. You can hire local guides to explore on foot or by boat, and they’re sure to help you get the most out of your trip.

5. Arenal Volcano

The youngest volcano in Costa Rica’s activity hasn’t put tourists off visiting. It’s safe to do so if conditions are allowing it though, so don’t worry!

See an active volcano, take a dip in the hot springs there, and visit the nearby town of La Fortuna. There’s plenty to do around this place, and seeing an active volcano is, in itself, pretty awesome.

These Costa Rica Destinations Are Only Some of What’s on Offer

More and more people are beginning to realize what Costa Rica has to offer. It’s truly a wonderful country, with so much exotic wildlife and wonderful scenery that it makes for a dream vacation.

It doesn’t matter what you like or don’t like — there are Costa Rica destinations for everyone!

For more travel advice and tips, check out the rest of our blog!