The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Travel Tips

The Importance of A Meticulously Planned Itinerary For Your Upcoming Trip to Florida

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When we take vacations most of us will have an idea of a couple of activities which we’d like to do but most of us would rather get to our destination and then let the wind take us where it will. In fact many people love this spontaneity and the idea that anything can happen during their time away. With a trip to Florida however, this is simply not the case and it is absolutely vital that you have an itinerary which is packed from morning til night on each day, and here is why.

Volume of Possibilities

Here in Florida there is simply so much to do for tourists that even a two week vacation won’t begin to scratch the surface. Whether you plan to visit Miami, hit the beach, go to the Everglades, indulge in some of the amazing theme parks here, catch some sports or go shopping, you will only be able to enjoy a small percentage of what is available. This is why you have to be efficient with your time, in order to make the most of every minute and at the very least tick of some of the main activities which you want to do.

Theme Parks

Once you have a solid itinerary you can start making preparations to save some money with your theme park tickets. Let’s say that you want to get some tickets for Universal Orlando, if you decide to rock up on the morning then you can expect to be waiting in line for a very long time before you even get the chance to buy the tickets, and that is before you even enter the park. Having an itinerary means that you’ll know exactly which days you’ll be at each park, allowing you the chance to secure your tickets online and save money in the process as well. Ticket online are notoriously cheeper than buying at the park.

Route Planning

Florida is a big place so you will need to ensure that you know where you are going and when, in order to design the most efficient route. For example if you are staying in Kissimmee and you want to visit Orlando downtown, there is no point in trying to get to Tampa as well because they are in different directions. As you plan your itinerary you will be able to map out smart routes which allow you to hit multiple destinations in one day.

Saving Money

You can find a huge range of coupons and vouchers online for restaurants, theme parks, activity centers and all manner of money saving opportunities. In most cases you’ll need to select the day that you plan to use the discount and this cannot be done unless you know where you’ll be and when. With this in mind then it is fair to say that by having an itinerary in place, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money on your trip, something which everyone can appreciate.

Map the trip out, plan your days well and maximize your time in Florida.

Discover the best of Goa in the rains

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Come monsoons and I am off to Goa again. It has always been one of “the destinations” I prefer to enjoy during the rains. The beauty of the beaches coupled with rains and lush greenery makes the place even more amazing. Though the best time to visit this tourist hot spot is sometime between October to March, I do not prefer it due to the tourist infestation. The ideal meaning of vacation to me is enjoying the beauty of a destination when it neither feels lonely nor overtly crowded. And a weekend in Goa is the answer.

I discovered that the monsoons are an ideal time for me to unwind and rejuvenate on the Goan beaches. I wanted this trip to be well-planned and executed as I was eagerly anticipating it and thus, I went about researching the places to visit and stay to enjoy this unwinding interlude. It was then I realized that I could bask in the glory of everything in Goa with three popular monsoon hot spots of the city, the Baga beach, Calangute, and Candolim.

Travel to Goa

As an inevitable tourist destination that nestles amidst the beautiful seas and hills, I have witnessed Goa enthralling a limited number of tourists during the monsoons. It was not just the amazing discounts I found online but also the promise of solace and tranquillity in the otherwise crowded city bustling with tourists during the ideal visiting seasons.

I prefer traveling to Goa by air as it saves a lot of time. The airport is 29 km off Panaji and I opted to get a car on rent with Savaari car rentals for a convenient and optimal experience.

Goa, an overview 

Goa is one of the coolest and serene destinations to visit during the monsoons. Green Ghats like the Chorla Ghat, Amboli Ghat are no less pristine and refreshing, washed up in the Goan torrents. Take a drive to the exotic valleys and marvelous waterfalls to be equally mesmerized.

I booked a taxi for my travel to the stunning Dudhsagar Falls, Tambdi Surla, Chorla, and the Netravali Waterfalls and was glad that I visited there during the monsoons. The cascading water with the increased flow of water, thanks to the rain, was an overwhelming sight. I took the adventurous trek to the falls and spotted some beautiful butterflies, exotic birds, and animals. The next morning, we headed to the Aguada and Chapora forts where the rains added on to the charms of these timeless classics. The car driver was aware of the roads and this made our life simpler.

I feasted on the Goanese, Konkan, and continental cuisine at some of the permanent restaurants and shacks. The next stop was suggested by our car driver – the Savoi spice plantation. The scenic drive through the tropical forests and the verdant valleys were simply perfect. I savored the aroma of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, cloves, cardamom, and vanilla. To top it all, Goan Saraswat meal was served for lunch and I couldn’t have asked for more.

I had saved the best for the last; the beaches. We visited the butterfly beach, Colva beach and the Palolem beach in South Goa. The little drops from the sky made these places worthwhile to visit.

It is recommended to book rooms in advance during the off-season and avail the discounts on some of the luxury hotels in the city for a comfortable stay. I had made my reservations and sought accommodation at a beach resort in Baga, North Goa. Since the Baga beach is one of the most happening beaches in Goa, I had a good taste of the nightlife as well.

Reaching Goa by cabs

A drive to Goa is quite an adventure. The versatile terrains, ghats with infinite twists and turns are a challenge. As a frequent traveler to Goa, I suggest you book a reliable and affordable taxi in Goa for a road trip during the weekend. The drivers are well versed with the roads and know the best places where you could stop to click amazing pictures. I particularly find cabs to be convenient when I am out on vacation. I believe that I can cover most of the places with the help of a local taxi driver who will make sure to cover all the places that I cannot afford to miss on my weekend getaway.

Distance and time taken

The Goa International Airport is in Dabolim. The nearest tourist destination I could visit first was the Candolim which was approximately 37 km. We were able to cover this distance in about an hour while driving on the NH 366 and NH 66. The distance from the airport to Baga beach depends on the route taken where the distance via NH 66 is approximately 47 km, and the distance via NH 366 is 52 km. It takes 40 km to reach the Calangute beach from the Dabolim Airport. There are innumerable beach resorts and luxury resorts in Goa for a comfy stay. You may book your place of stay accordingly.

If you are an adventure seeker like me, then Goa is the place to be during the monsoons. It is the perfect break with a whole bunch of offbeat things to do. I was pleased that my trip to one of the popular tourist destinations in India during the offseason indeed turned out to be one of the best to date.

Must see Historical places in Bangalore

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Bengaluru, or more popularly referred as Bangalore, is known as the garden city, and techies love to call it by the Silicon Valley of India. Full of lavishly laid gardens all over the city, you’ll find clean and smooth roads, corporate offices of all major tech MNCs and high-rises. And what you’d expect least in this city is historical places, as Bengaluru is not very commonly mentioned for historical monuments, correct? However, you’ll be surprised to know that there are lots of places where you’ll witness some of the most important events from the pages of history which helped to shape India what it is today. There are lots of resorts near Bangalore like Discovery Village with all modern amenities where you can stay for a couple of days to visit these places. Let’s have a brief journey over those places and monuments to know our root and culture deeper.

  1. Fort of Tipu Sultan: Imagine walking back in the history when the great emperor Tipu Sultan administered the Mysore, in his own summer palace. This fort and palace are located at the heart of the Bengaluru; you’d have no problem finding the place even if you’re a first timer in the city. Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan, started building this fort and later was completed by his son. The construction of the palace reflects the architectural prowess of the Indo-Islamic style. Every pillar, every balcony, every wall and every part of the fort and palace neatly describes the royalty once dominated a significant portion of India back then. If you’re a keen student of history, there’s no better place to learn more about Tipu Sultan and his reign than the museum of the palace, where you’ll see lots of things with immense historical importance. The place opens at 8.30 am and remains open till 5.30 pm, including holidays. Entry fee for a single person is 15 rupees only.
  2. Bangalore Fort: The great Kempe Gowda, known as the founder of Bengaluru, built this fort using mud. Later the father of Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali fortified the fort with stones and made it like how it looks today. Once it had nine gates, but most of the structure got destroyed over the beating of time. The famous Delhi gate is still there and preserved well for the tourists to see. You can go there anytime between 8.30am to 5.30 pm every day for an entry fee of 5 rupees only.
  3. Bangalore Palace: This place would make its spot among the top contenders of any list of top historical attractions in Bengaluru, and for good reasons. In a city like Bengaluru which is the fourth most populated and one of the busiest cities of India, it adds as a surprise element to come across such a gorgeous historical place spread around 454 acres of area. This place is breathtakingly beautiful, thanks to the Tudor Revival architecture which sets it apart from other historical monuments in the city. This palace was built in the impression of the famous Windsor palace of England, one of the homes of Royal British family, and it reflects that same British architectural finesse of that time. King Chamaraja Wadiyar built this palace in 1887 and it still standing there as the epitome of British historical architecture in India. The place opens for the public every day at 10 am and closes at 5.30 pm.
  4. Government Museum: Museums are the places where historical and archaeological elements are being preserved for the keen souls, but the government museum of Bengaluru itself is a building of prominent historical importance. It is among the oldest museums of India and was founded in 1865 by the surgeon Balfour (who also established the Madras Museum). The architecture of the building followed the neo-classical style in the exterior, and the interior comprises eighteen galleries total with rarest artifacts, paintings, coins and scriptures from the centuries of Indian history. The museum remains closed every Monday; you can go there to have a glimpse of history at any other days of the week within 10 am to 5m.

If you’re in Bengaluru or somewhere near it, it will be one of your best weekend road trips; If you come to visit some of these finest references of Indian history.

The Last Cat Travel Checklist You’ll Ever Need

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If you’re one of those people that can’t go on holiday without one of the most important beings in their life — their dog or their cat — it’s a good thing you are reading this article. You can most definitely travel with your cat, but there are some things that you have to organize in advance, especially if you are leaving the country.

Let’s look at some things you need to make sure you take care of before you leave the house with your fluffy friend.

Vet check-ups

You probably love your cat enough to give her omega 3 for cats or probiotics regularly, but that’s not enough, and you know it. Your cat should have a vaccination plan that’s on par, and the truth is that for your cat to be entirely immune to diseases that can be transmitted to other animals or humans, you should take her to the vet at least 2 weeks before your departure.

Many vets can issue pet passports which need to contain details of your cat’s treatment that are up to date. If your cat needs to take treatment every day (for example, if your cat has diabetes), make sure that you get a prescription for the medication for the whole length of your trip.

There are cats that have histories of becoming anxious when they are confined. If that’s the case with yours, we urge you to talk to your vet and ask him or her to prescribe some sedatives. There are several to choose from, and there are also alternatives that don’t call for synthetic drugs to be used.

Planning your holiday with your cat

If your cat is not familiar with the outdoors, you should know that she needs to be kept indoors. Do you really want to take your feline friend with you if you’re likely to be out of the house for 8 to 10 hours every day? What would be the point of stressing your pet if he or she is going to be alone anyway?

Sure, if you’re visiting your parents for Christmas and you’re likely to spend a lot of time indoors or there will always be someone at home to watch over the cat, that’s something else. But if you are planning a trip to a strange country (and not a move), you might be better off with leaving your cat behind and hiring a pet sitter.

Whatever your case might be, the cat needs to have food, treats, water, a good supply of cat litter, as well as one or more litter boxes. Naturally, it’s always easier to travel by car than to have to go on a plane with your cat, and that’s because you will at least have the freedom to make a stop and clean your cat’s litter, deposit it into a plastic bag, and get the carrier cleaned.

What if you’re leaving your cat behind?

Leaving your cat behind is actually a good option. Dog parents don’t have that luxury as many dogs aren’t going to feel content with just having a food bowl, cozy napping spots, and a litter box. But cats are pretty self-sufficient, so all you need is a pet sitter. Besides, if your cat doesn’t even have any specific medical needs, you can just ask a neighbor, family member, or a friend to come feed them and clean their litter trays every day or every couple of days. You can also choose to take your cat to a cattery, but make sure you do as much reading about that place before you decide to do so — as much as you can.

Moving Across The Country? Make It An Easy Transition

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Considering relocation can be stressful and costly for many people across the nation. There are questions that arise if this should be the right path, all the way down to money expenses. Moving can be stressful; however, by getting the right tips and tricks to help with your move, it will help eliminate these potential risks and concerns that you may have.

Big Moves Across Country Can Be Nerve-Racking

Since most concerns about moving across the country are financial, the best way to establish a stress-free transition would be to review your financial standpoints prior to heading out the door. One way to get started would be to consider hiring a moving company to help with the actual move. North American Van Lines expresses to their prospective clients, “Ask a company if they do in-home estimates. An estimate made over the phone cannot adequately evaluate the needs of the move.”

The move may seem scary because you are headed to a new area and do not know what to expect. However, making the trip less stressful will help your move feel safer and allow you time to consider what to expect while you are in the process of moving. One of the best tips to acknowledge is that your move is to better your life and start fresh, as well as getting an opportunity for yourself and your family. Therefore, do not be afraid of the move, as you will adapt rather quickly and fall in love with the new area that you are headed towards. In addition, if you make the move less stressful, you will have the opportunity to see the beauty of the area you are going to, rather than worrying about your belongings.

What To Consider When Moving Across Country

Underthegoldenappletree.com shares, “Before you go on that trip, plan your expenses with your partner first. Create an approximate idea of how much you will be spending so that you won’t be caught off guard when you’re already in your move.” This is one of the biggest considerations to acknowledge, as moving can bring about pressures that you may not be prepared for. The best way to handle these pressures is to eliminate the questions prior to leaving. You need to ask yourself a few questions before leaving to help the move feel right.

Some of these questions will be: are you nervous or excited about the move, does the move make sense to you and your family, are you planning on being there for a certain length of time, do you like the area, have you gotten everything prepared for the transition including your finances and belongings? If these questions are answered before the date of the move, you will understand that your move is right and you are ready. It is better to be prepared for the move, instead of waiting till you are in the car and stressing about it during the move. You will feel a better peace of mind and know that you made the right decision. Having people to help you with the move will make it an easier and faster process.

According to Forbes, “Connecting with someone who’s walked the same path you aspire to embark on will only fuel your passion even more and will empower you with insightful tips on how to make the transition.” This will help your overall transition and allow you to get the anxiety off your shoulders.

When you are considering moving across the country, make sure to get your plan intact before heading out the door. By finding a moving company and getting your financials in place, you will be more prepared and have a peace of mind before they leave. In addition, if you talk to others that have been through a cross country move, they will help you eliminate certain concerns that you may have. If you are positive you are ready, then you are all set to change your life and start fresh. Therefore, do not be concerned about your move. Make sure you pre-plan and get the right team in place to help you with the move. Before you know it, you will be established and beginning your new life with ease and freedom.