The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Travel Tips

The Best Places to Travel to Stop the January Blues

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January might seem like a long way off, or perhaps you’re already dreading the bitter coldness of the month. However you feel about the first month of the year, the UK is not the best place to spend it, and many people experience the January blues. One of the best ways to defeat them is to travel. Not only are destinations cheap in January, allowing you to have something to look forward to and break the monotony of the winter months, but holidays can also allow you to tick off any travel-related new year’s resolutions.

· Russia

If your new year’s resolution is to travel somewhere a little bit different, you should consider the positives of visiting Russia in the winter months. Although it might be unreasonably cold in January, with lows of -8 Celsius, there is no country like Russia in winter. Russia was built for the winter months and can help to vanquish any lingering depression after the Christmas period, with its spectacular landscapes and monuments. What’s more, if the back-to-work period is stressing you out, you can book a stress-free holiday with Exoticca Travel’s trips to Russia, the perfect way to see as much as possible of this momentously vast country bridging Europe and Asia.

· Canada

Leave your life and the UK behind with a holiday getaway to Canada, whose exquisite natural attractions and National parks will have you begging to weather the winter out in North America. The best place to travel to in Canada during January is British Columbia, whose destinations such as Glacier National Park are at their best in the winter months, allowing you to remember the joys of the winter season rather than the negatives. While you are there, you may also have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as bears and moose, and even the phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

· Sweden

Whenever most people think of Scandinavia, they think of winter with sprawling snowy landscapes, pine forests and regal mountain ranges. If you want to step into a Christmas card, visit Sweden in the new year and have the opportunity to follow reindeer and moose through the woodland on safari, sleep in an igloo and even lose the Christmas pounds and shake off the January cobwebs by visiting the ski slopes. Additionally, if you are fixated on the Northern Lights, Sweden is the perfect destination to spot them if you are looking for a viewing location a little closer to home.

· Australia

If you are fed up of winter and want to turn the clocks forward to summer, it is time to book a flight to Australia, which, in January, experiences some of its hottest temperatures of the year. Additionally, where could capture the Australian way of life more than the Gold Coast? Fulfil all of your Christmas dreams this year and get your 2020 bucket list ticked off early by enjoying the waves in Surfer’s paradise, or finding the child in yourself again at one of the many theme parks.

3 Fun and Cheap Travel Ideas for Students

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Even though the global economy is on a downward spiral, you should still find ways to keep seeing the world. Travel is so much more than going on a vacation to take a break from your busy lifestyle.

Taking time off from your normal life routine in pursuit of adventure allows you to re-discover yourself. Every person has so much potential within them; all you have to do is unlock yours. You need a feasible traveling solution that allows you to change scenery without having to dig too deep into your pockets.

Since not many can realistically achieve round-the-world trips, they have to find cheap travel ideas. The fact that you spent less money to go to travel does not mean you won’t have as much fun as another person who spent more.

As a college student, you have to travel as much as you can during your college years. It might seem to you that life doesn’t get any busier, but trust me, it does. Before you have a family to take care of, make sure you travel as much as you can.

Pull the student card whenever you can to get travel discounts to your dream destinations. While at it, visit do my homework for online writing help.

1. Local Tourism

When we talk about traveling the world, local tourism is not something that comes to many people’s minds. I bet there are so many tourist sites within your city you’ve never visited, let alone the rest of the country.

Before you think of traveling overseas, why not explore your country of origin first? You’ll discover so many gems that people hardly talk about. Many of us are guilty of traveling out of the country each year when we hardly know our own country.

People get so caught up in their busy lives that they forget that they could very easily get a staycation within their city at a very affordable rate. Since so many people are short of time and money, you don’t have to book flights to another country.

2. Regional Travel

Since we’re looking for cheap travel ideas, you should definitely look into regional travel. Many people, when they think of traveling, envision faraway destinations. Nobody thinks that the exotic destinations they see in movies can be found in their backyard.

Even if you’ve traveled regionally before, it was probably because of business. Everyone wants to go to Disneyland or Bora Bora, forgetting that their budget cannot allow it. Instead of saving all year to go to a one-holiday destination, why not visit different regional destination every few months?

3. Visit National Parks

Not many people know how affordable it is to visit national parks. The entrance fee is subsidized so your whole family can have a fun time and you don’t even spend much. If you love camping, this is an excellent way to bond with your friends.

Conclusion

These three amazing travel ideas allow you to take time off your busy schedule without spending an arm and a leg.

Look like a Local: How to Dress in Italy on Your Trip

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Back side of young woman making picture of beautiful colorful old italian buildings, happy travel to Europe, summer vacation concept

Romantic architecture. Mouth-watering pizza. Flavorsome wine.
Missing anything?

Oh yes, fashion! Italian fashion is renowned for producing names like Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Versace. So it’s no wonder you’re wondering how to dress in Italy.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are our top tips on dressing like a local.

1. Tailoring is Key

You never see an Italian sporting baggy threads.  Italians would see this as poor attention to detail and will think you can’t find your perfect size.

To avoid this, go tighter even for men’s pants.  And for women, choose a well-fitted pair of capri pants as they’re classy.

2. Dress Like the Rest of the Region 

Italian dress code varies depending on the geography. The main divide is between the North and the South.  For example, Milan sits in the North and is world-famous within the fashion industry.  The style there oozes sophistication and depends on designer brands.

On the flipside, Italian attire in Southern cities like Rome sticks to a more traditional style.  When you’re here, make sure you don’t show too much skin as locals aren’t keen on revealing clothes.

Also, dress formally in cities as opposed to rural towns and also consider the weather.  Before you pack, remember that the North is warm in the summer and cold in winter whereas the South is warm all year round.

3. Wear Classic Colors

You may ask “what do people wear in Italy”, and the answer: is the right color palette.

Italians occasionally wear bold colors but mostly stick to classic tones.  Pick clothes that are dark blue, black, cream, white and tan.  Brighter colors are common in spring and choose light colors in the sun as they best reflect the heat.

And, when you’re picking out your outfit, always avoid unnatural colors like neon green or mustard yellow.

4. Sport Nice Shoes

Before you Google “how do people dress in Italy”, know that locals wear fine shoes.
When you dress in Italy, wear sturdy shoes that aren’t overwhelmed with bling.  Choose a pair made from high-quality fabric or leather and ensure they are in good condition.

Italians will appreciate designer labels on your feet but if you can’t, make sure they’re classy and clean.  For example, these sneakers are made in Italy and will be a hit.

If you’re a female, get a pair of ballet-style shoes or a classy boot to complete your outfit.

…And that’s How to Dress in Italy

It’s important to know how to dress in Italy so you fit in with the locals.  Italians stick to classic colors and tailor their outfits to fit perfectly.  But before you go, check the weather so you know whether to rock your summer or winter outfits.  Buona fortuna!

Are you ready to embark on your next adventure? Check us out for more top travel tips.

Awesome Winter Getaways

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Source: David Becker on Unsplash

When it comes to great getaways, you might be stuck comparing different holiday packages and seeing what fits your needs, wants and budget. With so many amazing options out there nowadays, it’s hard to nail down just one or two options to choose from, especially during the winter months when you can either go whole hog and embrace the chill or opt for somewhere that you get sun and warmth. Not sure where to pick? Check out these amazing options for winter getaways that you didn’t know you needed. 

Sweden

Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe for winter getaways for those who want to really experience the snow and cold. With the potential to also see the northern lights in the more northern parts of the country, what’s not to like? For travellers who are looking for the ultimate Swedish getaway, using snusdirect can help you make the most of your time in this welcoming and friendly northern European nation. Just come and see for yourself why winters in Sweden can be some of the best you have ever experienced – with food, fun and frivolity to be had!

Morocco

If you aren’t one for the snow, why not swap it for sand on your next trip? Visiting Morocco in the winter months is a great way to escape the frigid temperatures of the UK without having to go too far from home. Morocco during the winter is one of the best places to go for sunseekers – with temperate climates, delicious food and swathes of unique landscape to experience, Morocco has a little something for everyone, whether it’s adventure, chilled days on the beach or heavy duty activity. If you just want a great cultural city break, consider Marrakech or Fez – two amazing Moroccan cities that tourists love exploring, both on their own as well as on tours. 

Russia

Another amazing winter destination that can almost be done in conjunction with a trip to Sweden, Russia is chock full of incredible things to see and do, including the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow, Red Square, the Kremlin and more to name but a few. Want a walk on the wild side? Check out the experience of being hit with branches of herbal trees in a spa situation complete with sauna and a possible dunk in a frigid body of water. Don’t worry though – there’s enough vodka to warm the cockles of the body afterwards. Don’t forget to try all the delicious Russian food on offer while there – you won’t be disappointed.

So whatever the reason for wanting to get away from it all this winter, hopefully one of these amazing options will help you make that hard choice over where to go. There are honestly so many great choices on offer when it comes to those epic family or couples getaways over winter, picking the right one can be a bit daunting. Hopefully with these tips will help you create the best holiday possible with the least stress. Good luck!

4 Tips for British Drivers Who Are Driving on the Right for the First Time

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Hiring a car on holiday gives you a great deal of freedom, allowing you to get off the beaten track and fit more sightseeing into your holiday. However, if you’re a British holidaymaker, driving while abroad can present many challenges. Only about a third of the countries in the world drive on the left, so unless you’re visiting Australia, or parts of South Asia or Southern Africa, you’re probably going to have to learn to drive on the right. So how do you get used to this change?

1. Make your first trip somewhere easy

Don’t make your first journey on the right-hand side during rush hour on the autobahn or through a traffic-clogged city centre. Some countries have terrible reputations for having poorly maintained roads or locals who don’t obey traffic laws, so it’s worth knowing the safest and most dangerous places to drive across the world. British travellers may want to learn to drive somewhere quiet, and where locals are used to confused tourists on the roads. The Canary and Balearic Islands, islands around Greece, and Spanish coastal areas tend to be quite tourist-friendly, so it’s worth hiring a car and getting some practice before you commit to an epic road trip.

2. Know the local laws

It’s important to have a quick read-up on local traffic laws and familiarise yourself with any unusual or unique road signs. Remember, not all countries will have signs in English, especially once you get off the beaten track, so you may want to download a translation app on your phone. If you take your own car, you may need to carry certain items, i.e. in France you’ll need to carry a warning triangle, fluorescent vest, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and more. If you’re caught without them, you can get fined.

You should also read up on local customs that aren’t officially law, but drivers will expect you to know. For example, if you drive in Turkey, you’ll find people beep their horn at you a lot, especially if you hesitate for more than a second, and tailgating is quite common. Other drivers aren’t trying to be threatening, it’s just how they drive.

3. Get the right insurance

Getting the right insurance is very important when driving abroad, and you shouldn’t assume that your travel insurance policy will cover everything. Make sure to compare rates ahead of time to select a cheap auto insurance company and getting the best coverage for the right price. Even if you take your own car overseas within the EU, you may not have a great deal of cover, and your breakdown cover may not extend to destinations abroad. You should look at options for temp cover for the duration of your holiday so you have the best possible level of cover.

4. Choose a suitable hire car

Driving on the right is a little easier if you have a left-hand drive, and if you hire an automatic then you also don’t need to worry about gears. If you have the option of hiring a GPS, then this can help too, as you can focus on the road rather than directions. Stick to a car that’s similar to your vehicle at home, as this will mean you’ll already be used to this size and style of car.

While driving on the right can be nerve-wracking, it’s a handy skill for travellers as it opens up so many more destinations around the world.