The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

adventure

Top Reasons You Should Experience Travelling Alone

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Everyone knows that travelling is one of the most worthwhile experiences a person can have. Taking your family on holiday, visiting relatives abroad and going on a business trip all have one thing in common – they involve travelling with other people. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bringing people along for the journey but taking the plunge and travelling by yourself is an important step. Whether it’s for a few days or a few months, here are some of the top reasons you should try travelling alone.

Making Decisions

When you’re young, it’s easy to let life guide you since many people have more control over your environment and activities than you. As you get older, however, learning to make good decisions for yourself becomes vital. People in their twenties, people in their seventies and everyone in between can gain much-needed experience by travelling alone and forcing themselves to make all the important decisions on their own. When you return from your trip, you’ll have a new self-confidence that you can trust yourself and the choices you make in life after surviving all by yourself.

Independence

The freedom to make your own choices gives you a better appreciation of your independence. Being able to take care of yourself and avoid relying on other people is a valuable quality to have and one that can be earned by travelling alone. Every step of your journey is decided by you and nobody else. You choose which accommodation you prefer; you choose the restaurants you want to eat at, you choose what time you go to bed. Take a look at some accommodation for single traveller holidays to inspire you. Being on your own doesn’t mean you have to be bored.

Building Character

Not everything will necessarily go to plan while you’re taking your solo trip. You might lose or forget something important, eat something that makes you ill, overspend on your budget. These are things that are incredibly stressful at the time but can teach you valuable lessons. Being the only person responsible for your circumstances is a great way to build your character and learn more about yourself. How do you handle being in a crisis? Do you still treat other people politely when under stress? Are you reliable when a stranger needs your help? These are all useful lessons to become a better, more well-rounded human being and travelling alone challenges you to do just that.

New Experiences

No matter your initial reasons for travelling on your own, the new experiences you have along the way will be priceless. You can never fully predict what will happen and so being able to embrace the unexpected and go with the flow will open you up to people and places you might never have dreamed of. Sometimes travelling with family or friends can be restrictive in that you must act as a group. Travelling alone lets you experience the world on your own terms and at your own pace.

Your Zion National Park Questions, Answered!

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The Zion National Park in Southwest Utah is one of the most visited national parks in the United States for a number of reasons. It has gorgeous scenery and plenty of hiking trails to explore, making it the perfect destination for those who love adventures. It is also home to diverse wildlife, from the mule deer to the bighorn sheep.

A trip to Zion National Park is one that you will remember for years to come. To make the trip more fruitful and enjoyable, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the national park, answered.

How Do I Get There?

You can reach the Zion National Park in a number of ways. Those visiting the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley can continue their journey by car; the Zion National Park is about four hours away from the Grand Canyon. The same can be said for those who are visiting Zion from different parts of Utah. The closest national park is the Bryce National Park, which is about an hour away from Zion National Park.

The most convenient way to reach the park, however, is by flying to Las Vegas. From McCarran International Airport, the Zion National Park is around two to three hours away by car. You can easily rent a car from Las Vegas, plus you get the bonus of being able to sample this glamorous city upon arriving or before ending your trip.

What about Accommodation?

Being the popular destination that it is, Zion National Park has a number of accommodation options to choose from. The Bumbleberry Inn, the best Zion hotel in the area, offers homey accommodation for any kind of traveler. It has its own theater and you can use the shuttle rides to get to various points in the national park.

There are several camping grounds too, so you can go all out with your adventure to the national park and spend some time in the wild. The Lava Point Campground and the South Campground are the more popular ones, but you have other options to choose from. There are even RV resorts for those traveling in their RVs.

Is it Safe to Drive to Zion National Park?

Driving to Zion National Park is not only safe but highly recommended. The Zion Scenic Drive is actually one of the area’s best attractions. The route takes you across the national park and straight to the forest area.

The drive itself is special. You will be driving along a twisty road with gorgeous scenery to enjoy from start to finish. There are some areas with sharp hairpins and challenging turns – not all of them have guardrails – but as long as you are focused, you will have a lot of fun taking this route.

Don’t forget to have your camera ready too. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape; chances are you’ll be making several stops while driving this route.

Once you get to Zion National Park, you will have even more things to do. Now that you have these questions answered, you can plan for the trip better and have the best time exploring the national park.

Top Things To See And Do In Canada For 2019

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With 2018 almost on its way out and 2019 coming in strong, you might have already started planning next year’s great getaway. Many people begin planning in advance, especially if they’re looking to make it a getaway to remember – jetting off to far flung places and doing something truly extraordinary that might be a once in a lifetime kind of thing. For many, the experience of a lifetime includes visiting Canada with its rugged coastlines, majestic mountain scenery and historic towns and cities with impressive colonial era architecture. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, check out the top things to do in Canada for 2019.

The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer train journey, developed over a century ago brings together luxurious accommodation, dining and sightseeing together with one of the plushest and most desirable ways to experience the Rocky Mountains. With numerous itineraries to choose from as well as the ability to pick tours with flights included, there’s no better way to get up close and personal with the majestic natural wonder that is the Rockies. Choose from departures in Banff or Jasper and see one of the wonders that draw international travellers to Canada time and again!

Road Trips

With so much land to explore, it makes Canada ideal for road trips. Choose from doing a loop of the West from Vancouver-Calgary-Edmonton, the Ontario loop which includes Toronto-Niagara-Ottawa or the Quebec corridor with Montreal and Quebec City. Feeling brave? Combine all three and take a journey coast to coast along the Trans Canada Highway – probably the ultimate road trip you can do with the exception of the US’ Historic Route 66.

Culture and Cuisine

Fancy getting a look into Canadian history and sampling some of the local fare? Head straight to Quebec where you’ll be whisked away in time with some of the colonial era architecture, leaving you wondering if you’ve stepped foot in France or if you’ve wandered back in time. Be sure to try poutine – arguably Canada’s national dish comprised of French fries, cheese curds and gravy, sometimes topped hilariously with extras up to and nearly including everything but the kitchen sink. Explore the history of the regional old trading Forts, such as Fort Chambly or Fort Lennox before taking a river cruise down the historic St Lawrence through old town Montreal.

Friendly Faces

Want to brave Canadian frontiers that many travellers don’t explore? Head to the little visited islands of Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland for up close and personal experiences with locals so friendly you might just be slightly rattled. See if you can understand a Newfie with their slang and twang before trying the local dishes of Jigg’s dinner, potlicker, and toutons. We’ll leave you to look into what they are so you can whet your appetite and get excited about visiting this rocky island full of friendly people and glorious scenery.

So if you’re after a trip to remember, check out Canada. With excitement and beautiful nature (and people!) coast to coast, it’s no wonder so many love the Great White North. Be sure to plan your trips accordingly with the weather, with May to September being the ideal times to visit most of the country if you want summery climes. So get those bags packed – Canada won’t explore itself!

2019’s Beach Destinations – The Islands You Don’t Want To Miss

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With 2018 half over it seems fitting that now would be an ideal time to start thinking about where to head off for the summer holidays next year – especially if you’re hoping to head abroad somewhere far flung and exotic for a bit of a higher class getaway. These things take time to plan to perfection, so why not start now? Here we list the up and coming hot spots for 2019 that you won’t want to miss in terms of spectacular islands you need to see at least once. Grab a pen and paper – you won’t want to miss a single suggestion!

The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the hottest destinations for beach-going holidays at the moment and for good reason. With so many stunning strips of sand idyllically lined with palm trees, cafes, all highlighted with the azure blue of both sea and sky, there’s simply no better way to spend your week or two away than by lazing about on the soft sands of the Maldives and its islands. The perfect romantic getaway for couples who want to celebrate an anniversary, a birthday, their honeymoon or they just want to sunbathe on white sands and swim in some of the most beautiful waters around, this is the place. With numerous other activities to choose from, such as snorkelling and diving trips, fishing trips, spay days and more, it’s easy to see why the Maldives continues to top a list of amazing places for those beach holidays. Check out Neoscapes Maldives to book your next vacation your way. You won’t regret it.

Madagascar

This mysterious island of the south east coast of Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique species of both plants and animals. From the majestic and unique Boabab trees to the Tsingy de Bemaraha Reserve and everything in between, this island is home to some of the most eclectic things you can see and do. This is definitely not just a beach destination and is actually in fact one of the most adventurous places you can explore and experience! For those who love exploring culture and getting out and active, you can stroll the Avenue of the Boababs – a stretch of Boabab trees that jut up into the sky to create a strange and mystical silhouette against the rising or setting sun or don your wetsuit and get out in the water to try your hand at both wind and kite surfing.  

Indonesia

The largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is home to numerous islands (over 18,000 with around 6000 inhabited) with some of the most pristine and stunning beaches around South East Asia. While islands such as Java and Sumatra are quite crowded, their sights such as Prambanan – famous 8th century temple complex – as well as other temples such as Uluwatu and Borobudur, Indonesia is a great mix of culture, history and beaches making it a huge hit for those who love a little of everything. For the best beaches, head further east to the islands of Bali and the Gili’s – famed for their sea turtles. The further east you go in Indonesia the more remote you get which means the beaches get better and less crowded, with the only downside being in the time it takes to reach these islands.

Vanuatu

A collection of small islands in the Pacific Ocean, only a couple hours’ flying time from mainland Australia, Vanuatu is a beautiful paradise that combines the pleasures of a beach holiday with exciting activities such as watersports, hiking volcanoes and trying something of a local legend in terms of drinks – kava. A popular sight around the island, kava bars are not quite alcohol but will leave you with effects similar to having a couple glasses of beer or wine. A cultural aspect to Vanuatu island life, you should try kava at least once during your stay. Port Vila is the capital city and while it is awash with your typical island resorts with private beaches and the like, lined with crystal clear waters if you want something a bit more rustic and off the tourist trail, consider checking out some of the neighbouring islands for a more remote and romantic beach experience.

Fiji

When you think of Fiji, the images of expensive exclusive resorts and beautiful beaches probably dominate your thoughts and you wouldn’t be wrong. While mainly marketed as a mid-range destination, the possibilities for beautiful beach getaways in Fiji are endless. Many family friendly resorts are found on the main island, those looking for a romantic getaway will find secluded white sand beaches void of crowds on the further outlying islands with high quality, luxury level resorts on offer, perfect for those important holidays such as honeymoons or anniversary celebrations. Be the envy of your friends with a Fijian holiday – it is after all one of the most sought after and popular romantic getaway destinations!

Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a hot destination for those seeking beach holidays and for good reason – the high quality and number of sandy strips is staggering and with several islands to choose from, it’s easy to see why Hawaii attracts thousands of visitors a year. Usually touted as a bit of a higher class and more exclusive destination, resorts and hotels are top quality and the opportunities for excursions such as helicopter rides through the high, green volcanic ridges of the islands are numerous. Snorkelling and diving trips to majestic reefs are popular options to beat the heat and get up close and personal with some of the beautiful marine life that call this area home. In short – Hawaii is a top destination most years, especially for those located in the United States due to its relatively close proximity and volume of flights from cities such as Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

Cuba

Cuba is the place dreams are made of in terms of both beaches and cultural wonder. The perfect place for both resort lovers and rustic travellers, Cuba offers a bit of something for everyone. From the lush and luxurious resorts of the likes of Montego Bay and Varadero, holiday makers can kick back on the white sands to while away the hours between excursions to various towns, tobacco farms or pristine snorkelling sites. Those who like to live rustically and experience the country by travelling and getting in with the locals, Cuba is an ideal and very safe place to explore by road, including hitch hiking. Stop for awhile at secluded beaches before heading off again to the next town. Be sure to try out staying in a Casa Particulaire – essentially a Cuban homestay sanctioned by the government to allow visitors.

So there you have some of the top beach holiday destinations for 2019. With so many amazing places to choose from, it’s no wonder beach holidays are so popular with so many people. Which will you choose? The sky’s the limit!

How To Have Peace Of Mind On Your Next Travel Adventure

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Traveling has the potential to be very stressful and this is one main reason why a lot of people refuse to take trips. While it’s healthy to know yourself and be aware of what worries you, you also don’t want to be stuck at home if deep down you’d rather be out exploring.

This is why it’s so important to create peace of mind for yourself and be relaxed during your travels. Remember that you’re in control of how you feel and what you let get to you. You’ll be glad to know there are actions you can take to prevent chaos and surprises from ruining your holiday.

Plan Ahead

It’s always a smart idea to plan ahead and complete all your necessary tasks at home before you depart. This includes securing the house, learning how to pack light and cleaning and getting the yard work done. Speed up the process by having the right tools to help you. You can learn more about what those are at mygardeningnetwork.com. You want your house nice and tidy for your return, and so it looks like someone lives there and is maintaining it while you’re away.

Know where you’re Going

If you’re someone who wants peace of mind when traveling, then it’s a good idea to know where you’re going. Don’t try to wing it in this case and hope for the best. Have your plane ticket, hotel and activities reserved ahead of time and understand the best route for each step of the trip. Use your phone and maps to get you to the right locations with ease. Making a plan ahead of time will minimize surprises and you’ll feel less anxious as you travel around.

Leave your Expensive Goods at Home

Although you have nice belongings, it may not be the right time to show them off. Depending on where you’re traveling to, wearing expensive items can turn you into a magnet for thieves. Only pack what you need and try not to appear too flashy when you’re out and about. You’re more likely to keep your peace of mind when you’re not attracting unwanted attention. If you do end up bringing anything that’s expensive, be sure to lock it up in your hotel safe when it’s not on you.

Unplug when you Arrive

Remember that you’re on holiday to get a break from the craziness of everyday life. Use your time wisely by unplugging from your computer, phone and other electronics. Try to stay in the present moment and enjoy what you’re experiencing in front of you. Meet people, eat good food and enjoy the culture and weather at your destination. Set aside time each morning to check your messages and then make a promise to yourself to stay engaged on your trip.

Conclusion

Traveling doesn’t have to be taxing. Put measures in place which allow you to remain calm and have a nice time. Do what’s necessary in advance so you can let your worries go when on your holiday.