The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

John Telford

Effective Ways to Save Money on Family Vacations

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A good family vacation can bring your entire crew closer together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, these perks often come at a tremendous cost. Depending on the destination whether it’s a UK trip or Thailand adventure, and the season in which the trip takes place, a travel excursion with your loved ones can leave a gaping hole in your finances. While there’s no denying that family vacations are costly affairs, there are numerous steps you can take to soften the financial blow and keep your savings intact. Anyone looking to embark on a first-rate family vacation without breaking the bank can benefit from the following measures.

Opt for Driving Over Flying

It’s easy to see why so many vacationers choose flying over driving. It takes far less time to reach your destination and requires virtually no effort on the part of you and your family. However, flying – particularly during the busy travel season – can be exorbitantly pricey and eat up a sizable chunk of your travel budget. Even if reaching your destination via car requires more time and effort on your end, you stand to save a considerable sum of money. The funds driving frees up can be used for a variety of vacation-related endeavors, thus making the trip even more memorable. So, if you can drive to your intended vacation spot in a reasonable amount of time, consider relying on your car instead of shelling out a small fortune for plane tickets.

Consider Off-Season Travel

Many families prefer to travel during the spring and summer months. After all, these seasons are synonymous with agreeable weather and time off from work and school. However, since so many travelers hit the road during these times of the year, airfare, lodgings, travel packages and assorted attractions tend to be quite pricey. Budget-conscious families can nip this problem in the bud by traveling during the off-season – i.e., the fall and winter months. While weather conditions may not be quite as nice, the money you’ll save should prove well-worth any minor inconveniences. During the off-season, you’ll have access to hotel rates and airfare prices you won’t find at any other time of year.

Not only will off-season travel save you money, but it can also increase your destination options. While certain destinations may be outside of your travel budget during the busy season, you may find them to be comfortably affordable throughout the off-season.

Look for Family Travel Packages

When perusing possible destinations, keep an eye out for family travel packages. A good travel package will consolidate airfare, lodging and various attraction fees into a manageable lump sum. Even if a certain destination doesn’t openly advertise family travel packages, don’t give up before doing a little bit of online research. For example, anyone interested in an affordable Niagara Falls family vacation can find a convenient assortment of travel packages with minimal effort.

Keep Snacks on Hand

As any seasoned parent can attest, children are constantly hungry – especially when affordable dining options aren’t easily accessible. Whenever a child gets a snack attack while on vacation, many parents head for the nearest street vendor, refreshment stand or restaurant. Needless to say, this approach to feeding your kids can eat away at even the most robust travel budget. With this in mind, make a point of keeping snacks on hand throughout your next trip. Sure, carrying food around can be a little cumbersome, but this slight inconvenience stands to save you hundreds of dollars.

You can take this a step further by limiting the number of meals you eat at restaurants. Staying at a hotel that offers complimentary breakfasts and packing a lunch when going on outings can decrease food costs exponentially, thus freeing up funds for other facets of the trip.

For many families, vacations serve as the highlight of the year. Unfortunately, as enjoyable as these trips can be, they’re generally not easy on the wallet. Many of us have simply accepted exorbitantly expensive vacations as a fact of life and resigned ourselves to spending unreasonable sums on travel excursions with loved ones. However, even if you’ve grown accustomed to shelling out a small fortune every time your family is bitten by the travel bug, it’s never too late for course-correction. Putting the tips outlined above to good use can help you save a bundle on your crew’s next big travel excursion.

6 Reasons Why Beach Vacations Are the Best

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Cultural city breaks are great, and it’s always good to feel as though there is a lot to keep you entertained during your vacation. Visiting historical sites to learn something new, and dining out at some of the best restaurants the place has to offer. All of these are amazing experiences, but you could also return from your vacation feeling more worn out than when you left. Even if you consider yourself to be a ‘culture vulture’ instead of a ‘beach bum,’ why not set off to white sands and turquoise waters on your next break? Here are six reasons why you should.

1. Relaxation

As mentioned above, running around a city on your vacation uses up energy and isn’t always as refreshing. A beach, on the other hand, allows you to sit back with a good book in the sunshine, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. If reading isn’t your thing, listen to your favorite music or podcast as you watch the world go by. A stroll across the sand at sunset is beautiful and romantic, and as you take in a deep breath of that salty sea air, you will feel yourself completely unwind.

2. Incredible Experiences

Beach vacations offer some of the most incredible experiences available. With options to head out to sea on boats to look at the sea-life and other natural wonders, you will experience the very best of life itself. For example, Maui whale watching tours are very popular in Hawaii. Observing these majestic creatures is an incredible experience and shouldn’t be missed. Research whale watching tours from Maui if you’re considering heading out to the beautiful islands.

3. Activities

A lot of people make the misconception that beach vacations are all about lying around in the sun. While that is a part of it, there are usually a lot of other activities available for vacationers. Water sports, for one thing, are regular features on the coasts, why not try your hand at surfing or water skiing? There are often diving and snorkeling opportunities,too, if that is something that interests you.

4. Natural Beauty

Tropical beaches, rugged coastlines, and paradise islands are all wonderful places to explore. It’s not all about the white sands, but the nature surrounding it, too. From the picturesque Greek Islands to the exotic Caribbean, there is a whole range of places that offer awe-inspiring natural beauty. Who wouldn’t want to see that up close?

5. Health

Did you know that being near the ocean has health benefits, too? Swimming in the salt-water can help to rejuvenate your skin, and the air is purer to inhale. It certainly beats the smog and pollution you get in the cities, and will only help to refresh you.

6. Escapism

More importantly, a beach vacation is a perfect opportunity for a real escape from your daily routine. This is especially true for those who already live in busy cities or towns. If you want to come back from your vacation feeling re-charged and ready to get back to work, a beach trip will achieve this much more than a visit to another city.

Treat yourself to some rest on your next vacation and find a beautiful beach to lounge around on.

Top Romantic Wedding Destination: Make Your Dreams Come True

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There aren’t too many moments in the life of any human being as sacred as the wedding day. Your friends and family are going to be there, and most importantly, also will be the love of your life.

Now, the only logical thing is that you want to go big on this day. And, aside from getting yourself a Studio Suits wedding suit, you can take it to another level.

You can actually have a romantic wedding of your dreams. All you have to do is to pick a dream-like location.

Santorini

No matter how you put it, Greece inspires love. In a time long forgotten, Plato wrote the “Symposium” which is a treaty on love. Now, couples from over the world come here to marry, spend honeymoons, or just kick it.

Just imagine your wife’s smile on the first day on the beach. Try to imagine the salty, blissful atmosphere, where whitewashed houses stand against the eternal cliffs. The only reminder of reality are the shining roofs that soak the ocean’s glitter.

Yes, it does sound like something out of Amazon top 10 romance picks. However, it gets even better. That’s just the everyday Santorini, you can even go for black sand beaches, or visit volcanic sand beaches.

Finally, don’t worry. If you are a couple that likes small gatherings, just make this a vacation of a lifetime. People in Greece are wonderful, rich with hospitality, and you can make this a trip of a lifetime.

Sri Lanka

Right now, there’s this idea of a secluded ceremony. Yet, people have different sensitivities, and some people like to top it up a notch. So, instead of going for a volcanic beach, you could go full exotic mode and visit Sri Lanka.

If your spouse loves adventure movies, then this setting is ideal. Buddhist temples, rainforests, elephants, sunset-bathed beaches, wildlife, even more temples, and cocktails are what makes Sri Lanka such a powerhouse traveling destination.

So, if you want to have a total adventure, then you won’t miss Sri Lanka. Also, bring your friends, and you may even make this trip an even greater adventure than a “Hangover” movie.

French Riviera

Now, not everyone loves an adventure. And, that’s totally fine. Some people love (like your spouse for example) love a great romance. Maybe they dream their whole life to have a wedding that rings with dignity. So, meet the French Riviera.

In the 19th century, it was a place where royalty met and spent their holidays. In the 20th century, it became a resort and recluse for great artists like Pablo Picasso and Henry Mattise. And, even pop culture icons love to visit it nowadays.

Who could blame them? It’s a coastline stretching from Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco that has 310 out 330 sunny days. Basically, having a wedding here is a royal event. So if your spouse wanted to feel like a princess or a prince their whole life, you can get that fantasy in France.

Sicily

There aren’t as many locations that inspire true romance like Sicily. On one hand you have beautiful beaches that meet the Mediterranean sea. You turn around and spot an eternal volcano, whose presence is drenched in the smell of fresh oranges.

Hell, Michael Corleone found his wife here. On top of that, the scenery is enriched by vast cultural heritage preserved in houses, temples, and other architecture. Sicily is perfect for couples that cherish true romance.

Also, if your spouse is into photography, consider you are going to provide them with a true guilty pleasure. So, if you want something romantic yet approachable, go for Sicily. And, local cuisine has so much to offer, even more than an awesome pizza slice.

Fiji

Well, if Sicily is too much for you, opt for a more tropical variant. Exotic archipelago, rich with wild flora and fauna, yet bounded by beautiful villas is a simplified explanation of heaven that Fiji is.

Fiji is a perfect place for couples that want the natural scenery. Coral reefs, palm trees, green ocean water, white stone are just a part of this oasis. Locals give the word “hospitality” a new meaning and you can have your wedding in one of the fantastic villas.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to be inside. God forbid, you are going to utilize the scenery for a once in a lifetime chance to strengthen the bond between you and your partner forever.

Tuscany

Yet, couples can be picky. So, they seek a location that has amazing scenery, amazing architecture, and is warm most of the year. Luckily, you can even add great wine to the mix and you get Tuscany.

The second entry from Italy, Tuscany has a great architecture that shows various cultural periods from Italy’s history. The environment is a mixture of greenery, sand, and warm colors all over the place.

Finally, its greatest additions are the vineyards and wine. If you want an exquisite treat, taste different wines, and enjoy the experience fully. This location is fantastic for gourmets and all that feel like it.

Spain

Along the gourmet line, gourmets don’t necessarily need to enjoy food and drink. You can be a gourmet for an artistic experience. You may want to have a blend of various artistic styles, architecture, and beautiful natural scenery.

So, Spain is amazing for people who are looking for a sort of a culture shock. But, they also want to have a wedding in a place that has that right, legendary feeling. Mixing concrete and beaches, architecture and natural environment, Spain is an amazing destination for weddings.

You may want to visit Barcelona. It has everything you need for a wedding of your dreams.

Take the Trip

The only thing that is left is to book the trip. It may look expensive at first, but a wedding is once in a lifetime chance to make your spouse happy.

Certainly, you can always bring your wife breakfast to bed, or take her on a vacation. But, this kind of trip is something she is going to keep in her heart forever. Nothing is more sacred than that.

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.