The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

John Telford

5 Things You Need to Know Before Going to Disney World

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Known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World welcomes millions upon millions of tourists from across the globe every year. Whether you’re travelling with friends or as a family, there are tons of exciting activities and excursions to check out, helping to create fun-filled memories no matter your age. Before you head off and enjoy all the theme parks, characters, and parades, here are five things you need to know before going to Disney World.

When to Visit

Understandably, the time of year you plan your Disney World trip will have an impact on the cost. For example, if you’re looking to book your adventure in the summer holidays, you can expect to see prices increase, especially as children will be off school. Thankfully, Orlando experiences moderate temperatures all year round, meaning whenever you go, you can expect to take in some sunshine, especially when out and about exploring the theme parks.

Where to Stay

Orlando has a ton of accommodation options available. No matter your budget, you can pick from a list of hotels situated on and off Disney property. Ideally, you will want to pick a hotel that’s located within reach of the theme parks. There are many shuttle buses that you can take which provide a door to door transfer too. You may also benefit from hiring a car whilst you’re away, allowing you to do as you please.

Buying the Right Tickets

One of the main stresses you will experience when booking your Disney World trip is what sorts of tickets are right for you and your party. With dozens of admission ticket options to pick from, trying to find the cheapest combination will take time and effort. To make things easier, you may want to check out companies like Orlando Ticket Deals where you can find offers for Disney World tickets. There are several factors that you will need to consider, such as how many people are going with you, and how many children you have.

Where to Eat

Food is a huge part of everyone’s Disney World adventure, and with so many choices to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start. Before you book your trip, you should have a look at a range of restaurants located at Disney World and other theme parks where you can get an idea of menus, reviews, and prices. There are also dining plans that you can choose which could save you money.

What to Pack

Knowing what to pack for your Disney World holiday can be challenging. If you’re going in a large group, it’s best to pack as light as you can. It’s only natural that you will want to pick up some souvenirs and toys to bring back with you, so it’s best to only pack the essentials. If you’re heading to Orlando in the summer months, it’s advised to pack light and airy clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable when exploring the theme parks.

No matter your age, Disney World is sure to bring out your inner child. Before booking your trip of a lifetime, make sure to check out when is best to visit, where to stay, what types of tickets are right for you, as well as what to pack for your holiday.

How to Prepare for a Hiking Trip: 5 Essential Tips

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Whilst many of us love nothing more than to jet off an annual holiday for some sun, sea, and relaxation, many others like to do something a bit more exhilarating. If you’re the adventurous type and looking for your adrenaline fix, you may be interested in going on a hiking trip. Before you head off, it’s important that you’re well prepared, so here are five essential tips on how to prepare for a hiking trip.

Define Your Trip Style

First and foremost, you must spend time deciding on what type of hiking trip you wish to go on. There are all sorts of questions to ask yourself first, such as whether you want to camp out at night, stay in a luxurious lodge, or go hiking in the Adirondacks. Deciding what type of trekking is right for you is crucial, to give you a clearer idea of where you want to go.

Choose Your Trip

Once you’ve decided on the type of hiking, walking, or trekking you want to do, you need to find a trip that’s right for you. For example, if you want to stay put in the UK, HF Holidays offer a range of guided hiking holidays which allow you to explore stunning walking locations. Whether it be the rolling Cotswold Hills or the granite cliffs of the Cornish coast, you are bound to find an area that’s suitable for you.

Assess Your Fitness Level

Unlike a beach holiday where the most exercise you will likely do is going from your sun lounger to the pool, a hiking holiday requires stamina and energy. To get the most out of your trip, it’s only natural that you will want to see as much as you can, so walking mile after mile can take its toll, especially if you’ve put health and fitness on the backburner. Before you head off on your trip, you will need to assess your fitness level. If you aren’t sure how to do this, your tour operator will be able to help.

Train for your Trip

Once you’ve established your level of fitness, you will be able to begin training for your hiking trip. It’s best to start a month or two before you head off, so whether it be spending time at the gym build your muscles and stamina levels, or even working out from the comfort of your own home, remaining consistent and focused is key. We all know how important regular exercise is for our health, so staying active will help you get the most out of your hiking trip.

Bring the Right Equipment

If you haven’t got the right equipment with you, your hiking trip won’t be one you’ll want to remember! There are all sorts of weather conditions you will face, so knowing what to pack for your adventure is crucial. Wearing the right books to support your feet, and the right clothes to wear is important, so don’t hesitate to contact your tour operator for more information. The last thing you want is to find yourself in torrential rain with nothing but a flimsy jacket on!

To get the most out of your hiking trip, it’s important to establish your level of fitness first. The more training you do, the better! Also, bringing the right equipment along with you is crucial, so if you aren’t sure where to start, make sure to ask your tour operator for help.

One Day in the Northern Valley

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Are you looking at checking out what’s beyond the bright lights of the big Perth City? With the help of the friendly team we have put together a great itinerary for this escorted day tour, exploiting the Northern Valley and travelling away from the hustle and bustle of the Perth City for its veiled beauty is where our journey begins.

Heading North West of the City is an untouched and lush region that stays hidden to the average tourist, this day tour with its varied experiences from untouched bushlands and wetlands, vineyards, orchards, spectacular wildflowers and stunning scenery.

Sightseeing through some beautiful countryside through Gingin with the sampling delights that will tantalise even the most discerning of taste buds as we onwards travel to the ‘Nectar of Gods’ – The West Coast Honey Farm. With its golden liquid of plenty and the humming of bees in its fully functional hive inside for all to view, is a truly remarkable visual experience.

Lunching at a character pub is a must do on any travel and with this day tour out of the Perth City is no exception, with a generous serve of country hospitality the Scottalian is a true cosy eatery. Though continuing onwards only 60km out of Perth into this lovely area with rolling hills is the Citrus Orchard with its multiple varieties of lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges and mandarins where we sample more produce that is grown in this amazing state.

Though if you are missing the sweet tooth component of the afternoon, that will soon change as the tour proceeds into the indulgence of the Margaret River Chocolate Factory in the Swan Valley, with its free samples of their melt in the mouth drops of white, milk and dark chocolate is worth its weight in gold.

Though for the savoury tasters the Providore right next door is the place to stop and taste the huge range of preserves, chutneys, olive oils, award-winning wines and not to be missed chocolate liqueur.

With this, all-absorbing trail and delectable samples through the Northern Valley with its unspoilt beauty is a perfect day out for all ages and with a guided day tour is the perfect match.

Top Reasons You Should Experience Travelling Alone

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Everyone knows that travelling is one of the most worthwhile experiences a person can have. Taking your family on holiday, visiting relatives abroad and going on a business trip all have one thing in common – they involve travelling with other people. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bringing people along for the journey but taking the plunge and travelling by yourself is an important step. Whether it’s for a few days or a few months, here are some of the top reasons you should try travelling alone.

Making Decisions

When you’re young, it’s easy to let life guide you since many people have more control over your environment and activities than you. As you get older, however, learning to make good decisions for yourself becomes vital. People in their twenties, people in their seventies and everyone in between can gain much-needed experience by travelling alone and forcing themselves to make all the important decisions on their own. When you return from your trip, you’ll have a new self-confidence that you can trust yourself and the choices you make in life after surviving all by yourself.

Independence

The freedom to make your own choices gives you a better appreciation of your independence. Being able to take care of yourself and avoid relying on other people is a valuable quality to have and one that can be earned by travelling alone. Every step of your journey is decided by you and nobody else. You choose which accommodation you prefer; you choose the restaurants you want to eat at, you choose what time you go to bed. Take a look at some accommodation for single traveller holidays to inspire you. Being on your own doesn’t mean you have to be bored.

Building Character

Not everything will necessarily go to plan while you’re taking your solo trip. You might lose or forget something important, eat something that makes you ill, overspend on your budget. These are things that are incredibly stressful at the time but can teach you valuable lessons. Being the only person responsible for your circumstances is a great way to build your character and learn more about yourself. How do you handle being in a crisis? Do you still treat other people politely when under stress? Are you reliable when a stranger needs your help? These are all useful lessons to become a better, more well-rounded human being and travelling alone challenges you to do just that.

New Experiences

No matter your initial reasons for travelling on your own, the new experiences you have along the way will be priceless. You can never fully predict what will happen and so being able to embrace the unexpected and go with the flow will open you up to people and places you might never have dreamed of. Sometimes travelling with family or friends can be restrictive in that you must act as a group. Travelling alone lets you experience the world on your own terms and at your own pace.

3 Most Welcoming Countries for Students

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The market for international studies is getting bigger day by day. More students across the globe are looking for the best quality education, and they are willing to travel thousands of miles to acquire it. Certain countries boast of better international education systems than others; these are the countries that international students flock to.

Top tutors at IBuyEssay have vast experience with international studies, and they recommend the following three countries as the most welcoming for international students.

1. The United States

The international studies market in the US is estimated to be worth over $50 billion. Therefore, the US is the top choice for international students.

The US boasts of some of the leading international universities. These include Harvard, Princeton, and MIT. It is also home to lesser-known international universities such as Illinois State University and Pace University. All these universities have the most advanced systems of international studies, and the knowledge obtained here is easily marketable.

The US is welcoming to international students in a variety of ways:

  • Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity

The US is the boiling pot of the world with a population that comprises people from all walks of life. The cultures here are diverse, and your peers will make you feel at home.

  • Student Financial Aid

While the US is not the cheapest place to study, there are lots of organizations that offer financial aid to international students. There are also other organizations that help international students settle down and even get citizenship.

  • Enlightening Experiences

The US student lifestyle is under-rated. It is not all about partying. Smart students take advantage of their time in the campus to network, gain new skills and exciting ideas. You will meet thousands of international students like yourself. You will also interact with young minds seeking to change the world with innovative, progressive ideas.

2. United Kingdom

The UK takes in over 500,000 international students every year. Most of the UK’s international students come from China, The United States, Germany, Ireland, and India. It is estimated that the UK’s international studies market is worth about $5 billion.

There are several reasons why international students are drawn to the UK:

  • Globally Recognized International Universities

The UK is home to some of the leading international universities. These include Oxford, Cambridge, the University of London, Newcastle University, and Cardiff University. These universities offer over 50,000 courses spread across more than 25 subject areas.

  • Financial Support

Scholarship programs in the UK are offered on a merit basis. That means that outstanding international students have better chances of qualifying for financial aid. There are also other organizations that help international students settle down in the country.

  • Law Requirements of Entry

The UK student visa is easy to get as the process is transparent and straightforward. International students can also obtain a work permit that allows them to work while studying, and even after graduating.

3. Australia

 

Australia’s international studies market generates about $3 billion of annual revenues. Most international students studying here are from India, Canada, China, South Korea, and Indonesia. Some of the incentives they find here include:

  • Notable International Universities

Australia is home to several global universities that include Macquarie University and The University of Western Australia. Certifications from these universities are coveted and easily marketable. Courses taken by the international students in Australia are fully covered by the Australian Qualification Framework.

  • Inclusive Society

Australia has a diverse population of people from all over the world. The sheer number of international students also means that you will interact with different cultures and gain new perspectives on life in general.

  • Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Australia is significantly lower compared to the US and the UK. It is also easier to get a student visa here, as there is less bureaucracy involved.

With competition in the job market heating up, students with highly esteemed certifications are at an advantage. International learning at the leading universities in the above-mentioned countries is the way to go. They have some of the best global learning institutions, and you will find them extremely friendly.