The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

UK travel

Heading to the UK? Consider these travel tips

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It might not be possible for most people at the moment, but the UK rules on travel are poised to change.

Does this mean that an influx of tourists are set to bear on the country in May? Who knows.

Like most nations, tourism has been hugely impacted through the pandemic, although with a stellar vaccination programme in place the UK does seem to be in a good position to turn this around in the not-too-distant future.

Following on from the above, if you are planning a trip to the country, read on and decipher the following advice to help you on your way.

Be careful how you understand the rules

The UK government has put together some formal timeframes on when the country will reopen again. As we have already alluded to, international travel forms part of this, with the country supposedly set to open to visitors from abroad in mid-May.

However, this is not set in stone. There are various criteria that needs to be met for this to happen – meaning that you must be able to be flexible with your plans. The situation could turn on its head in a matter of days.

If you are traveling for a prolonged period of time, search for storage near me to safeguard your trip. If things change, and you have to stay for a different length of time, knowing that you have the flexibility of storing your belongings your own terms is great for peace of mind.

Avoid public transport

There are two strands to this next piece of advice. If all goes well, there should theoretically be no reason why you should avoid public transport for pandemic reasons, although many would suggest that it’s somewhat safer to do so.

However, this point instead revolves around overusing public transport. A lot of tourists will immediately head into London and jump on the tube. Sure, for some trips there’s absolutely no problem with such an approach, but for others it can be quicker, and more scenic, to walk.

In some ways, there’s nothing better than getting lost on your travels (within reason, of course). It gets you off the touristic track and allows you to sample local life.

Be wary of any plans you make

This final point isn’t about any dates that the UK government may opt to change – we should have already covered that through today’s article.

Instead, it’s about any plans you make once you arrive in the UK.

You’ll have probably read about all of the top attractions and want to tick them off in bucket list-esque fashion as you venture around the country.

Such an approach is admirable, but times have changed. The pandemic means that attractions have altered their opening hours, with some not being open at all. It means that you need to go back to basics with your trip’s plan and assess what you truly can and can’t do once you arrive in the UK.

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?

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.

Backwoods Breaks For The Perfect Romantic Getaway

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If you are looking for the perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner then a countryside retreat may be just what the doctor ordered. Throughout the UK we have some of the most idyllic settings which are nestled into the landscape of this nation making for the perfect place for you to relax for a weekend away with your partner. The list of choices is endless so we have picked our favorite spots for a romantic break in the UK which we think will make for the ideal location, let’s take a look.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is made up of 6 counties which come together to form this quintessentially English setting. Throughout this region you’ll find rolling green valleys, rich forest lands, quaint villages and natural scenery which has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Whether you and your partner are looking at talking romantic walks through the woods, discovering small towns or simply closing yourselves in for a little while, the Cotswolds is a great place to do it all.

The Lake District 

The Lake District is without question the jewel in the crown of the English countryside, a huge region filled with mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, ravines, valleys and meadows which offers up plenty for the romantic couple. Dotted throughout this region is many cottage hideaways and boutique hotels which make for the perfect spot for those in love. Spend your days hiking, biking and gazing upon the incredible natural splendor of the Lake District.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye sits on the northern tip of Scotland and if you are looking for somewhere to completely get away from it all then this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This small and quiet region has outstanding natural beauty – hence why it is often used as a cinema location – it also offers a quiet and slow pace of life. Enjoy taking the train through the crags and valleys on the West Highland Railway, discover the harbor town of Portree and sample a fusion of Scottish and Nordic cuisine before lighting a fire and relaxing in your accommodation with your loved one.

Snowdonia National Park

Legend has it that King Arthur’s famous sword Excalibur is nestled somewhere in this region of Wales, true or not there is a real magic about Snowdonia National Park which has been the source of folklore like this for generations. For you and your partner there are fewer places which are more relaxing and peaceful than this national park in northern Wales and it is a great option for a romantic getaway. Nature lovers can bask in waterfalls and rugged rock formations, adventure lovers will enjoy the wide range of activities on offer and all couples will love the range of accommodation options here from ancient castles to small cottage retreats.

Getting away from the daily grind with your loved one and reconnecting with nature is something which is absolutely necessary from time to time, and these are the best places to do exactly that.

Tips for Helping an American Friend Visit the UK for the First Time

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It’s always fun when your friends come to visit you. You get to show them around, have fun, and generally help them out by taking a huge budget factor out of the equation. If your friend is from America, however, then even with an offer of a couch while they were here isn’t enough to offset the high costs of travel. What you can do, however, is help them plan out everything that they need to make their first visit to the UK a great one:

What They Need to Travel to the UK

Everyone needs a few things when they travel to the UK, and although Americans do not need a visa to enter the UK border, they do need:

1. A Valid Passport

Valid passports are necessary for travel, and in most cases just remembering to bring it with you is all you need to do. If your passport is about to expire, is expired, or you do not have one, however, then you need to plan in advance. This includes saving up for and paying the passport fee and ensuring you do this with enough time to get your passport back to you before your flight. As soon as you two start to plan their visit, you will want to learn more about the process and what they need to do.

2. A Return Plane Ticket

Though not absolutely necessary, it will make things a lot easier at customs if they have a designated time for when they intend to leave the country. This could either be a return plane ticket or a ticket via the Eurostar to see a bit of France before they had back home.

3. Accommodation

On the landing card, you need to state what your contact address will be in the UK when you are visiting. As they are likely staying with you, you will need to give them your address to write down.

How to Help Them Minimize Costs

To help them minimize costs, there are few strategies to play:

Set Up Alerts for Transportation Deals

It will always be easier for you to find out about, say, train ticket sales. Simply keep an eye out for these sales or set up a specific alert so that when you know, you can let your friend know. Doing this means they can easily hop on over to Paris for £30 each way, improving the quality of the trip and making the flight worth it.

Exchange Currencies

If you plan on traveling to the United States soon, then you two can easily work out a deal where they give you money in American dollars, and you give them the equivalent back in British Pounds. This way you don’t have to waste money on transfer fees or in the exchange rate. If this isn’t an option, then help them find the best way to convert their currency.

Order Them a Pay-As-You-Go SIM

Though Pay-As-You-Go SIM cards can be as easy as heading to the local shop to get, they often aren’t the best deals. By ordering them a SIM card in advance, you can help them stay connected for a very affordable monthly rate.

Traveling overseas is a big deal, so help encourage your friend to come over and help them spend less while doing it by following these steps.