The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

The Americas

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!

Best Remote Camping Spots In Southern California

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Overlanding is a great way to see more of the country than you could possibly imagine from a vantage point along a major highway, as well as a means to accessing a lot of other outdoor adventure activities like kayaking, rafting, and off-road biking. Whether you’re planning on taking your Jeep out for a relaxing trail ride over a few days or you’re hunkering down near your favorite spots for other outdoor activities, you need to know where to go when it’s time to shelter for the night. Here are a few great ideas for your next Southern California adventure.

Arroyo Seco in Los Padres National Forest

This small campground in the national forest is accessible to a few trails in the area, making it an easy choice for those who want to see more of the area’s attractions before moving on. Unlike many smaller national forest camping spots, it has access to showers, making it a must-stop camping spot if you are in between more rustic locations. Despite that small amenity, it’s still fairly isolated, but its shady sites and accessible picnic amenities make it a good spot to park and put up a tent on top of Jeep for the night.

Laguna Campground, Cleveland National Forest

This camping spot has rustic choices for your tent and a great view from practically every campsite, but it also has full restroom and shower amenities on hand. That makes it perfect for people who have a limit on their ability to appreciate the rustic. If you’re seeing the Cleveland National Forest, keep it in mind for a quiet night or two in the woods with just the right level of creature comfort to let you sleep easy.

Los Prietos Campground, Santa Barbara

With a 2.5 mile hiking trail that starts right at the campground and access to the nearby Santa Ynez River close at hand, this is another good spot for people who want to be close to a lot of activities while still enjoying a quiet, out of the way camping experience. The best part is the location is friendly to vehicles, so you won’t be testing your tire rims on the way to camp. You can save that for when you’re on the trail after you’ve gotten some rest.

Paso Picacho Campground

Located within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, this well-maintained and road-accessible campground makes it easy to enjoy all the amenities at the park. Since it is well-maintained and accessible compared to more rustic choices, it is an ideal testing ground for new truck overlanding gear before you head out into the unknown. See the sights, enjoy a few days of wonderful trail and water activities, and make sure your gear is ready to be put to the test before you count on it to keep you going as you off-road your way through new wilderness.

Adventuring Beyond Campgrounds

Eventually, you may want to really test your mettle as an overlanding enthusiast. When that time comes, you might want to invest in the dispersed camping permits that let you make your own site locations within the U.S.’s national forests. Annual subscription permits are accessibly priced by to make it easy for you to support the country’s national resources while enjoying them whenever you have time for an adventure, and you won’t have to worry about finding an official campground when you’re ready to pop your roof-top tent for the night.

Making The Most Of Your Trip To Niagara Falls Canada

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Right about now you’ve probably had your fill of puttering around the house and spending more time with your family than you’d ever imagined, and you might be yearning for a getaway to someplace where you can see and experience different things and explore new vistas in the great outdoors.

As soon as those options are available again, then, you should consider a vacation across the pond in Canada, with a nice long stop to visit the famous Niagara Falls and the vast recreational and sightseeing area surrounding them. It’s a destination that offers a magnificent setting with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to engage family members of all ages. Not to mention that for over one hundred years it’s been known as the honeymoon capital of the world.

For starters, there are actually two cities named Niagara Falls, one on each side of the international border between Canada and the United States. The Canadian side is at the southern edge of the province of Ontario, an easy 116 km (72 miles) drive or train ride from the provincial capital of Toronto. There is usually a wide choice of nonstop flights to Toronto from the UK.

Choices of accommodations abound on the Canadian side, from full-service resort hotels to bed & breakfasts, motels, and a variety of affordable campgrounds with amenities. Restaurants range from family-friendly to fine dining establishments showcasing farm-to-table specialties and a wide variety of international cuisines. The famed Canadian friendliness will make you feel welcome wherever you go.

Here are some don’t-miss things to do and see:

See The Three Falls

Niagara Falls is comprised of three magnificent waterfalls that are a wonder of the natural world. For a complete experience, join up with one of the Niagara Falls boat tours that includes an excursion on a Hornblower cruise into the basin of the falls either by day or by night when they’re illuminated. You’ll get wet for certain, but a nifty rain poncho that’s yours to keep is included in the price of admission.

If you haven’t gotten your fill, you can see the falls from another perspective with the Niagara Parks Journey Behind The Falls that takes you down 150 feet in an elevator to a series of tunnels that lead you right to the edge of the wall of water thundering down from the top.

And for the truly adventurous, you can get another perspective yet by taking an exhilarating ride on a zipline right over them. If you’ve got a Go-Pro, this is definitely the time for it.

Bike Along The Countryside

A great way to see the natural beauty of the region is on one of its many cycling trails. Take along a picnic lunch and choose one of the more than 200 trails, catering to riders of every level. Named one of the top ten cycling routes in the world is the Niagara Parkway that runs 58 km (36 miles) along the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Enjoy A Day On The Water

For a lovely way to spend some time, take a lazy afternoon outing on the Niagara River via canoe or river raft. For a wilder go, you can take a kayak trip on a fast-moving current. If you’ve got the kids along, head over to the huge indoor waterpark with slides and wave pool where everyone will have fun.

Explore The Trails

If you want to stretch your legs, set out for the Niagara Gorge trails which offer1.1 km (6.8 miles) of glorious views. Hike them on your own or take a guided tour through the pristine, old-growth forest of Niagara Glen. For a real challenge, the Niagara Glen Bouldering Trail is for you.

Do Some Wine Tasting

The Niagara Region is known for its award-winning wines, including the unique ice wine, made from grapes harvested in the winter when temperatures are way below freezing and sugar content is highest. The Niagara Wine Route features dozens of wineries with tasting rooms set amidst acres of beautiful vineyards.

Take In The Nightlife

Nothing stops in Niagara Falls when the sun goes down. There are seven nightclubs as well as casino gaming, comedy clubs, and live entertainment with headline stars. If you’d rather kick back, you can relax in one of the city’s many pubs with a pint of local Moosehead lager and a big bowl of poutine, Canada’s national dish. A good way to end any day, eh?

How to Improve MacBook Pro Battery Life: A Guide

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Tired of your computer dying all the time? Or having to sit next to an outlet when you work? Check out this guide on how to improve MacBook Pro battery life!

We love our MacBook Pro’s don’t we?

They make our life easier and provide an avenue for productivity and enjoyment. But one thing we hate about our MacBook Pro’s is their battery life.

It is frustrating to have to continuously charge your laptop. And if you are at a coffee shop and can’t find a seat near an outlet you go insane!

Have you ever wondered how to improve MacBook Pro battery life? Luckily, there is a solution. In this guide, we will show you how to do it.

A Guide on How to Improve MacBook Pro Battery Life

We don’t want you to give up on your MacBook Pro. Follow these steps below and you will immediately see the battery life lasting longer.

  1. Turn the Lights Down!

We usually like to have the display light on at its full capacity. But you do not have to waste your battery life with the display light.

Using the F1 key on your keyboard, you can gradually reduce the display light. Lower it to a capacity that works best for you. Even if you only bring it down by two notches, you will see a huge difference in how long your battery lasts.

And remember, there are the keyboard lights too!

You should also completely turn off the keyboard lights, by using the F5 key. Unless you are working in a very dark room, there is no need to ever have them on.

  1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

While Bluetooth still has its purpose, you probably do not use it as often as you used to. In fact, Bluetooth has many problems that many Mac users avoid the feature altogether.

We suggest turning Bluetooth off permanently. Only turn it on if you need to use it immediately. Once you are done, turn it off again immediately.

Wi-Fi also drains your battery immensely. Now, this one is a bit more tricky. After all, unless you are using your hotspot or an internet cable (remember those?) you are probably reading this very article because of your Wi-Fi connection.

However, if you do not need a Wi-Fi connection for your current work, it should be off. For example, if you are listening to an audiobook from iTunes and do not need to browse the web simultaneously, turn off the Wi-Fi. If you are watching a movie through Quicktime Player, there is no need for you to open Netflix – turn the Wi-Fi off!

  1. Energy Saver Settings

Okay, we want you to do something Right Now!

As you are reading this article, open your System Preferences app. Click on the lightbulb icon that reads Energy Saver underneath.

The first thing you will see is a bar with a slider. This gives you the option to choose when to turn your display off. If your computer is idle, you will want it to turn the display off to save you energy. We suggest leaving it at 10 minutes.

Underneath this slider, you will see four options. We want you to focus on the first and the fourth.

The first option prevents your computer from going to sleep when the display is off. Ideally, this should be unchecked. Only keep it checked if you need to jump right back to your MacBook after taking a break.

The fourth option enables Power Nap. This feature allows your MacBook Pro to backup files, check emails, and perform other tasks while your computer is asleep and connected to a power adapter. Unchecking it saves your laptop’s energy.

  1. Which Apps Are Responsible?

On the menu bar of your MacBook Pro, you’ll see a battery icon. Click on it and you’ll see a drop-down list.

You may see a list of apps that are using significant battery life. If any of these apps can be immediately closed, then close them immediately. You will be surprised how many apps remain open even when they are not used.

You should also not use an app if you do not have to. For example, while it may be convenient to use FaceTime and Messages on our MacBook Pro as opposed to our iPhone, it is better to use them on iPhone so you do not drain your laptop’s battery.

  1. Always Update

We get it, you don’t want to update your apps or your OS X because you’ll have to restart your MacBook Pro and it’ll be hours till you can get back to work.

But when apps and your operating system update, they often are more efficient than ever. This efficiency may include being able to conserve your battery power.

Do not put it off, always update when updates are available.

  1. Watch Movies

Yes, watching movies can save your battery life. Who knew?

If you are watching a movie on QuickTime player, by default it is not full screen. This means that the computer also has to use power for the operating system which is still visible.

If you watch the movie in full screen, then your battery only has to focus on the movie and not on the operating system.

Also, if you have the option of downloading a movie from the Internet as opposed to streaming it, then you should download it and watch it offline. And don’t forget to then turn off your Wi-Fi if you do not need it.

  1. Have a Backup Charger

If and when your MacBook Pro charger stops working, you cannot continue using your laptop until you purchase a new one. It is always best to have a backup MacBook charger in your possession.

Choose a charger that can pump more juice into your laptop’s battery. After long-time use, your charger will weaken and your weak battery life is due to your MacBook Pro not being charged adequately.

You should always have at least one backup Macbook charger with you.

Save Your Energy

Now that you know how to improve MacBook Pro battery life, you can take the necessary steps to save your laptop’s energy.

Be sure to read more productivity tips and tips on how to travel better.

Must Visit Attractions in San Francisco

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San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It’s a mix of cultures from around the world – during the gold rush in the 1800s, Chinese migrated and stayed here. In recent years, many of the newest and brightest tech companies choose to reside their headquarters here. The city’s also heavily influenced by Mexican and Victorian culture, making San Francisco bits and pieces of everything and anything.

While the city’s not huge, it might be difficult for any first time travelers to navigate their way through the city. Here are some of the attractions that you should visit during your stay.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco. It isn’t just one of the many landmarks of San Francisco, but the first thing you would think of when talking about San Francisco, or even The United States.

Built during the 1930s, The Golden Gate Bridge is often recognized as one of the modern wonders of modern architecture. The bridge is famously colored with ‘international orange’, which allows the bridge to stand out in heavy fog. The bridge connects The San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is still heavy with traffic till this day.

You might want to start your journey at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, a location dedicated to providing information and relative merchandise to tourists. The observatory here is great for taking pictures of this picturesque bridge.

You can further explore Golden Gate Bridge in a few different ways. The Golden Gate Bridge has a pedestrian side lane opened for tourists, where you can enjoy the sceneries up there. While tourists can walk across the bridge, it will take roughly 2 hours to walk from one side to the other. Biking would take roughly half the time. For those with limited time, cruises around the Golden Gate Bridge and Oakland Bay Bridge are also available.

2. City Light Bookstore

Name one thing in common for these influential writers: Georges Bataille. Charles Bukowski. Frank O’Hara. Allen Ginsberg. The answer: They have all been published by City Light, a legendary book store and publisher operating in San Francisco.

While the bookstore was first opened by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin since 1953, it rose to fame by publishing Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl and Other poems’, a collection of poems that depicts a generation hooked with drugs and sex. Allen Ginsberg’s collection was so controversial that it had caused Lawrence Ferlinghetti to be jailed. Fortunately, the judgment was later revoked. Ferlinghetti was released, and City Light has then become a symbol not only for the beat generation but also for freedom of speech.

As the bookstore has been expanded several times, some remains. For instance, a room has always been dedicated to poetry. The bookstore is much bigger than it used to be, but it’s still dedicated to selling leftist critical theories, political theories and literature. They still sell books coming from small and indie publishers.

In the words of Philip Larkin: ‘in times when nothing stood but worsened, or grew strange’, City Light is one of those few good things that did not change.

3. Alcatraz Island

The only time you want to get inside a maximum security federal prison is a visit to Alcatraz Island.

While Alcatraz Island was once a military base (hence, structures of the Officers’ Club remains), Alcatraz Island was most known as a max security prison reserved for the nastiest and troubling criminals. Despite this, no one has successfully escaped—At least, that’s what the government claims.

Since the 1970s, Alcatraz Island has been turned into a tourist destination. Many of the cells remain as they were in the 1960s, while showing inmates personal items such as color paints, checkerboards, dominos, and libraries. Some of the more infamous prison breaks were also documented with exhibitions.

4. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest Chinatown in North America but also the biggest Chinatown out of Asia.

Since the 1840s, many Chinese immigrants have immigrated to San Francisco because of the California Gold Rush. They then began to live here, opening businesses reflecting heritages of motherland. Hence, you can find many Chinese restaurants, Dim Sum Places or even Chinese Medicine shops here, with Chinese signs hanging all over the place.

While the restaurants here are well worth a visit, one of those shops where you shouldn’t miss is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. As the name suggests, this is a place that made and sold fortune cookies here. If you are interested in how these crackers were made, definitely check this place out.

5. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is known for being the crookedest Street in the United States. It is a block filled with 8 hairpin turns, decorated with expensive flowers and bushes around each turn. The 5 mile speed limit is another testimony to the difficulty of this one-way course.

While many tourists drive here to test their driving skills, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit here even if you are not driving. The cityscape from the high above of the Lombard Street is stunning, making this a perfect place for sightseeing.

Ready to start your journey? Fly with Cathay Pacific now by booking your Flight to San Francisco now.

6. Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Bay Area. While initially built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, the structure was built with plaster, wood and burlap that weren’t meant to withstand time. It was once torn apart due to safety reasons, but because of popular demand in the 1960s and donations from a philanthropist, the site was officially rebuilt with more formidable materials.

As for now, The Palace of Fine Art no longer expedites or showcases any arts, but the palace has then become one huge piece of art. The mixture of Greek and Roman styles is grandeur and stunning, with a central rotunda built in according to Roman temples. Next to the rotunda and structures is an artificial pond with sea birds chirping, with benches lying around the pond for any weary tourists to rest.

7. Union Square

Located in the heart of the city, the Union square is known for being the best location for shopping.

Many of the big international brands and luxury are in here, including Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Boss, Gucci, Tiffany’s, Levi’s or even H&Ms. Upscale shopping malls, such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Westfield can also be found here.

Besides shopping, the area is also home to the American Conservatory Theatre, one of the most reputable theaters of San Francisco.

8. Fisherman’s Wharf

If you are a foodie or looking for souvenirs, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of those places you can’t afford to miss.

Located just next to the San Francisco Bay, the area is known for its restaurants, serving fresh Dungeness crabs and scallops that have just been caught from the sea by local fishermen. The Sourdough bread and clam chowder are also tasty.

Besides the food, Fisherman’s Wharf is also known for hosting a bunch of souvenir shops, selling postcards, candies, chocolates, toys with the Golden Gate Bridge printed on them. If you are seeking new ways to explore the city, you can also join the cruise rides hosted by some of the local companies here.

Right next to the Wharf is Pier39, where you can see sea lions lying around, bathing in the sun. ‘The Aquarium Of the Bay’ and the ‘San Francisco 7D experience’ are also here, which are both entertaining and educational for any family visitors.