The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

destinations

How to Experience the Best of Iceland on a Budget

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Visiting Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people and offers travellers a unique experience that no other country in the world can match. The cost of living in Iceland is high, so the prices of food, drink, travel, and accommodation can be a bit of a shock to tourists. However, this doesn’t mean that only the very wealthy can experience Iceland.

Flights to Iceland generally use up the biggest chunk of your budget, but if you use comparison websites, you might be able to get cheap flights online and save yourself a significant amount of money. For accommodation, hostels will usually offer the best deals. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, make sure you compare international accommodation prices to find something that fits into your budget.

Here’s how to keep your trip as budget-friendly as possible.

Avoid eating in pricey restaurants

Food in Iceland is renowned for being costly and, if you’re not careful, you could end up over spending on meals. Try to find a hotel or hostel that includes breakfast so you can fill up before you head out in the morning. Eating in restaurants in cities and near tourist attractions is likely to be expensive, so the more regularly you can eat in smaller cafes or food stands the more you’ll save. If you can find a supermarket (the main store chain is called Bonus) try and stock up on snacks you can take with you while you’re out and about.

Instead of buying bottles of drinking water, bring a refillable bottle you can top up when you find a cold water tap. Cold tap water in Iceland is pure and safe to drink, but be careful with hot water from the tap as it is often high in sulphur. Alcohol is also expensive in Iceland so stock up on some duty-free alcohol at the airport.

Take your own layers

While it sounds like an obvious statement, the weather in Iceland is incredibly cold and many people underestimate just how many layers they will need when out seeing the sights  – especially at night. If you end up having to buy extra layers while you’re there, you’ll be eating into your budget unnecessarily. In addition, if you’re planning on camping or staying in hostels, bring your own sleeping bag and sheets as you may be charged extra to hire them.

Take advantage of free activities

Often people can spend a lot of money on tours and visiting the famous natural landmarks, but Iceland has more than enough free beauty to keep you busy. For example, while many people head to the Blue Lagoon and pay around 5,000 ISK (around R600) to enter, there are free hot springs that are just as beautiful, such as Reykjadalur – only 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

Another stunning place to visit is the seaside village of Vík í Mýrdal with naturally formed basalt stacks which border the black sands Reynisfjara beach. Other natural sights to see include the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the Hallgrimskirkja church, or a nature reserve in Iceland’s capital called Elliðaárdalur. 

To get the most out of your trip to Iceland, the best strategy is to research and plan as much as possible before you arrive. Look at several different options for accommodation, plan your itinerary with as many free activities as you can.

5 Reasons You Need to Visit Oman at Least Once in Your Life

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When you put your bucket list together, you probably have the typical exciting adventures on it. Attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Canyon are commonly placed on the “must visit” list, and skydiving or swimming with dolphins are on the “to do” side. But an overlooked treasure that should be on everyone’s “must” list is visiting Oman.

This small but incredible country is full of history and charm. Oman is celebrated around the world for its unique architecture and focus on protecting its country’s past and treasures, with good reason. There are some magnificent sights one can only see in this area, so you should make sure to visit Oman at least once in your life and explore.

Add These 5 Attractions  in Oman to Your List

  1. Muttrah Souq – If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the marketplace in Oman, head to Muttrah, in the capital Governorate of Muscat. Here you’ll find just about anything you’re looking for to purchase. The traditional Omani products are sought after everywhere because of their high quality. Bring home some Omani clothes, fabrics, or jewelry as your souvenir.
  2. The Grand Mosque – Omani architecture is seen in many movies and cartoons as the source of their settings. The Grand Mosque is one of the most commonly replicated. It’s one of the Sultan Qaboos’ most impressive creations, built in 2001. The magnificent large dome is seen from miles away and the expansive minarets, arches, and other aspects of the mosque make it unique and awe-inspiring.
  3. Salalah – There are incredible options if you want to book a Salalah tour package from Dubai. The problem is trying to decide which part of this historical city you want to explore. Choose from the city tour in which you get to explore tradition through museums and parks and one of the most ancient cities, Zufar. Or take a camel ride to the Eastern villages to see how everyone lives when they are mired in history and tradition. There’s no wrong choice when you head to Salalah.
  4. The Beaches – Oman is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, so if you want to head to the beaches, there are plenty to choose from. These beaches are known around the world for their spectacular pure white sands. It’s a beauty unlike any you’ve ever seen.
  5. The Castles – With such a vast and ancient history, of course Oman has had to defend itself over time. This is evident in the historical forts and castles that still stand and are there for you to explore. Immerse yourself in the history of Oman while you are transported back in time through forts like the Nakhal or Nizwa and castles like the Jibreen. They’re found just about everywhere you go.

History and Tradition are Still Alive in Oman

Oman has it all: sandy beaches, shopping, nature, and museums. They’re all found in a perfect balance of contemporary living and tradition. Why not do something out of the ordinary and explore this wonder of the ancient world on your next getaway?

5 Things You Need to Know Before Going to Disney World

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Known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World welcomes millions upon millions of tourists from across the globe every year. Whether you’re travelling with friends or as a family, there are tons of exciting activities and excursions to check out, helping to create fun-filled memories no matter your age. Before you head off and enjoy all the theme parks, characters, and parades, here are five things you need to know before going to Disney World.

When to Visit

Understandably, the time of year you plan your Disney World trip will have an impact on the cost. For example, if you’re looking to book your adventure in the summer holidays, you can expect to see prices increase, especially as children will be off school. Thankfully, Orlando experiences moderate temperatures all year round, meaning whenever you go, you can expect to take in some sunshine, especially when out and about exploring the theme parks.

Where to Stay

Orlando has a ton of accommodation options available. No matter your budget, you can pick from a list of hotels situated on and off Disney property. Ideally, you will want to pick a hotel that’s located within reach of the theme parks. There are many shuttle buses that you can take which provide a door to door transfer too. You may also benefit from hiring a car whilst you’re away, allowing you to do as you please.

Buying the Right Tickets

One of the main stresses you will experience when booking your Disney World trip is what sorts of tickets are right for you and your party. With dozens of admission ticket options to pick from, trying to find the cheapest combination will take time and effort. To make things easier, you may want to check out companies like Orlando Ticket Deals where you can find offers for Disney World tickets. There are several factors that you will need to consider, such as how many people are going with you, and how many children you have.

Where to Eat

Food is a huge part of everyone’s Disney World adventure, and with so many choices to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start. Before you book your trip, you should have a look at a range of restaurants located at Disney World and other theme parks where you can get an idea of menus, reviews, and prices. There are also dining plans that you can choose which could save you money.

What to Pack

Knowing what to pack for your Disney World holiday can be challenging. If you’re going in a large group, it’s best to pack as light as you can. It’s only natural that you will want to pick up some souvenirs and toys to bring back with you, so it’s best to only pack the essentials. If you’re heading to Orlando in the summer months, it’s advised to pack light and airy clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable when exploring the theme parks.

No matter your age, Disney World is sure to bring out your inner child. Before booking your trip of a lifetime, make sure to check out when is best to visit, where to stay, what types of tickets are right for you, as well as what to pack for your holiday.

One Day in the Northern Valley

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Are you looking at checking out what’s beyond the bright lights of the big Perth City? With the help of the friendly team we have put together a great itinerary for this escorted day tour, exploiting the Northern Valley and travelling away from the hustle and bustle of the Perth City for its veiled beauty is where our journey begins.

Heading North West of the City is an untouched and lush region that stays hidden to the average tourist, this day tour with its varied experiences from untouched bushlands and wetlands, vineyards, orchards, spectacular wildflowers and stunning scenery.

Sightseeing through some beautiful countryside through Gingin with the sampling delights that will tantalise even the most discerning of taste buds as we onwards travel to the ‘Nectar of Gods’ – The West Coast Honey Farm. With its golden liquid of plenty and the humming of bees in its fully functional hive inside for all to view, is a truly remarkable visual experience.

Lunching at a character pub is a must do on any travel and with this day tour out of the Perth City is no exception, with a generous serve of country hospitality the Scottalian is a true cosy eatery. Though continuing onwards only 60km out of Perth into this lovely area with rolling hills is the Citrus Orchard with its multiple varieties of lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges and mandarins where we sample more produce that is grown in this amazing state.

Though if you are missing the sweet tooth component of the afternoon, that will soon change as the tour proceeds into the indulgence of the Margaret River Chocolate Factory in the Swan Valley, with its free samples of their melt in the mouth drops of white, milk and dark chocolate is worth its weight in gold.

Though for the savoury tasters the Providore right next door is the place to stop and taste the huge range of preserves, chutneys, olive oils, award-winning wines and not to be missed chocolate liqueur.

With this, all-absorbing trail and delectable samples through the Northern Valley with its unspoilt beauty is a perfect day out for all ages and with a guided day tour is the perfect match.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip To Africa

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If you’re planning a trip to Africa, you’re going to want to make the most of your time there and enjoy every minute of your adventure. Africa is such a diverse continent with a wide variety of climates, landscapes, and lifestyles, so choosing where to go can be something of a challenge, but in truth, there aren’t any wrong choices to make.

If this is your first trip to Africa, you might feel more comfortable taking a more well-trodden path and going to one of the well-known tourist destinations. However, if you’ve been a few times before, you might decide it’s time to spread your wings and explore a bit further afield.

Going on safari has got to be on most people’s bucket list, and for good reason. The choice of places to go on safari has never been better, and you can take your pick of some of the world’s most breath-taking landscapes and wildlife on an African safari.

Tanzania has got to be one of the premier locations, being home to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Zanzibar Archipelago to name just a few highlights.

If you’re considering a Tanzania safari or one to any other African country, be sure to check on the times of year that are best for seeing the wildlife you’re most interested in. There are certain times when you stand a better chance of seeing specific animals and other times when you’ve got virtually no chance. If you don’t mind what creatures you see, then it might be more economical to go outside of peak times.

There are innumerable other ways to get the most from a visit to Africa, so if you fancy trying something different, have a good browse online. You could visit Uganda and see the mountain gorillas, or take a trip to a vibrant city like Cape Town, depending on whether you prefer wildlife or culture.

Wherever you choose to go, make sure you have a successful trip by following these guidelines:

  1. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for every eventuality on your African trip.
  2. Make sure you’ve got all the vaccinations you need in good time – some, like yellow fever, are compulsory and without them, you won’t get back into the UK.
  3. Check with your doctor whether you should take malaria medications before you go.
  4. Follow the advice of seasoned travellers about what to pack. You’ll find plenty of helpful websites that provide detailed packing lists based on real people’s real experience of the holiday you’re taking.
  5. Make sure you can take high-quality photos and videos while you’re away. If you’re happy with the kind of results you get from a smartphone – some of which are now very good – that’s the most convenient way to record your trip, but don’t economise on your recording equipment when you’re going to be witnessing such incredible sights and events.

Last but not least, be sure to approach your African adventure with an open heart and mind, and embrace the experience to ensure you make the most of your time on this extraordinary continent.