The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

travel

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?

The Best Places to See and Photograph in Mallorca

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Mallorca, also spelt as Majorca, is one of the most famous islands in the world, and for great reason. It has resorts and beaches that have been enjoyed by many of all ages, but for photographers, this stunning Balearic island offers something more. Something unique. From sheltered coves to caves, and stunning mountains made of limestone, the island itself is worth photographing every detail.

Even its towns offer something exceptional, and you can explore and photograph ancient cities and ruins of Roman and Moorish backgrounds. Many visit Mallorca for the resort, but the photographer will wish to use this guide to truly enjoy the island and all it has to offer.

The Best Beaches to Photograph

Beach photos are a challenge to photograph. You have glare and overexposure to deal with, on top of the fact that the best beaches are often full of people. Thankfully, in Mallorca, just having a car of your own and a sense of adventure is enough to take you from the overpopulated resort beaches and straight to the doorstep of your own private oases. From nestled coves to crystal water caves, Mallorca offers beaches you will love to photograph for hours on end.

Formentor 

For stunning white sands and the scent of pine trees head to this sanctuary on the Mallorcan coast. It isn’t quite as popular as other beaches in the area because it is only accessible by boat or by car. As there are limited parking spaces available, it is wise to head here early and capture sunrise photos of the empty beach rather than sunset.

Cala Estellencs

If cliffside beaches are your preferred landscape, then head on over to Cala Estellencs. This beach is nestled against golden cliffs and is a great place to take photos of rock caves and, if you have a camera that can be taken underwater, is a great place for such advanced photography.

Cala Mondragó

Another beach that offers white sand and beautiful pine forests is Cala Mondragó. This beach, unlike the other option on this list, is located in an environmentally protected area and is a natural reserve untouched by human society.

Cala Varques

This hidden gem can be difficult to find because the parking lot is approximately 15 minutes away from the beach. For that very reason, however, it is also something of a hidden gem. Visit here for golden shaded rocks that branch out over turquoise waters.

The Best Views to Photograph

Hiking and photography go hand in hand because every photographer knows how beautiful natural vistas can be. To help you narrow down which panoramas to hunt down and photograph, here are the top two:

Cap de Formentor

This area is full of beautiful views, which is why it’s no wonder that locals refer to it as the meeting point of the winds.

Torrent de Pareis

For a scenic hike through a remote area, you should head here. You will be able to photograph a dramatic canyon and sea caves along the way and even enjoy a private beach that not many venture to.

It is a remote, scenic hike through a deep canyon next to the sea with caves & a small beach.

The Best Towns to Photograph

There are so many stunning towns to photograph in Mallorca, and these range from small pedestrian towns nestled in the mountains to sunlit beach towns of ancient stone.

It can be hard to pick just one to visit and photograph, which is why you shouldn’t try. Instead, rent out one of these stunning villas in Mallorca, rent a vehicle, and then make day trips to all of them so that you can truly capture stunning images.

You don’t want to limit yourself to just one town, especially a town that is populated predominately due to a resort. You want to escape the family holidays and the party-goers and find hidden secrets, and with this list of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca, you won’t have to stress about finding them:

Deià

This hillside town is nestled between the Teix mountain and the sea. It is old and stunning, and very laid back, making it the perfect escape for the photographer that wants nothing more than to take their time capturing every corner and every detail.

Valldemossa

Another hillside town is Valldemossa. It is located 400 meters above the sea, which means it offers not just stunning streets to explore, but some otherworldly views of the valley and beyond. It is a fan favourite for artists, and photographers are no exception.

Sóller

This stunning town must be visited. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it is also full of orange and lemon groves that will make for some truly great pictures.

Capdepera

Walled towns are always fun to explore as a photographer, and so Capdepera is the place to go. This enchanting town must be explored by foot, which is why it retains such a quaint charm and traditional feel. If you visit, make sure to spend some time photographing the castle.

Fornalutx

Above Sóller is Fornalutx, which is so beautiful it even made the list of Spain’s most beautiful villages. For photographers, there is no better place to go and take pictures on the entire island.

How to Get Truly Unique Photos in Mallorca

Photographers regularly go above and beyond for photographs. From renting a helicopter tour to buying underwater camera equipment. Thankfully, in Mallorca, the only things you need to do to snap some beautiful pictures of the island are to:

Rent a Boat

Renting a boat is one of the best ways that you can explore small and isolated beaches and, of course, capture the coastline from the sea.

Rent a Vehicle

If you want to get to remote beaches and to any of the hilltop villages and towns in the area a car is a must.

Your trip to Mallorca can be something special and unforgettable when you go with a photographer’s eye. Simply make time for these hot spots, and you will have photographed the best places in Mallorca.

Business Travel: How to Prepare for a Business Trip

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Group of business people in the airport terminal on arrival or before departure

Americans go on over 400 million long-distance business trips annually.

If you’re in a profession that involves a lot of business travel, soon you’ll be a pro. But your first trip may be a little intimidating. After all, a business trip is very different from your normal vacation travel.

Preparing for a business trip takes more than just packing a suitcase. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a business trip.

Pack Appropriately

Yes, a business trip is much more than packing, but that doesn’t mean you can overlook properly packing.

We suggest packing everything you need in carry-on luggage. That way, you don’t run the risk of losing your luggage and ending up without your clothes and business materials. Most business trips aren’t that long, so you should be able to pack everything you need in a carry-on suitcase.

To ensure everything fits, make sure to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Also, place all of your toiletries or liquid items in sealed plastic bags. That way, if an item breaks or leaks, you won’t be rushing to find a laundromat.

Once you pack your carry-on with your clothes, toiletries, and shoes, you need to pack your personal bag. We suggest a suitcase to carry all your breakable technology and work-related paperwork. You can carry it on the plane with you and it’s professional enough to use when you attend your business meetings.

Plan for Work and Play 

When deciding what clothes to bring for your business trip, remember that even the busiest of business trips involve some free time.

Figure out how many days you’ll have business obligations, such as meetings or conferences. That’s how many complete business outfits you’ll need.

But just because you have three days of meetings, doesn’t mean you need three pairs of pants and three separate business suits. Plan to pack versatile items that you can wear for multiple days. So you may have one nice pair of slacks and one blazer. Then you can change out the shirt or tie for each separate day, this saves you room when packing.

Plan to pack at least a few outfits for your free time. After a long day of business work, you’ll want to relax in clothing you feel comfortable in.

Also, bring one dressier outfit in case a client or boss invites you out to a fancy dinner or for drinks. You never know what situation you’ll end up with during business travel so it’s best to plan for every situation.

Practice Your Elevator Pitch

Many people focus on packing and forget all about preparing mentally for the trip. When you’re on a business trip, your elevator pitch is very important.

You may end up with the chance to talk to a future employer or large client. You don’t want to clam up and stumble on your words!

Every good business person has multiple elevator pitches depending on the audience. Practice each one in front of the mirror or to a friend.

Along with your elevator pitch, make sure you pack a stack of fresh business cards as your follow-up. Getting caught in a conversation without your business card is a huge indicator that you’re new at business communication. Always keep a few in your wallet, suitcase, and pockets so you’re never caught empty-handed.

Find the Right Accommodations

When traveling, your accommodations can make or break any trip. Business travel doesn’t have to look like a run-down motel with a lumpy mattress. Booking comfortable accommodations means you’ll be well-rested and prepared for your business work.

Many hotel lines come with business suites which are larger rooms complete with kitchens for extended stays. You can also look into renting homes or rooms from individuals through sites like Airbnb.

If you’re traveling for a longer period of time, look into corporate housing. These furnished apartments, houses, or condos provide a cost-effective housing solution. Learn more information to find out if this would be a good option for your trip.

Create a Schedule

Odds are you have a certain routine you follow during a typical work week. Your routine helps you keep track of everywhere you need to be. But when you go on a business trip, your routine is completely changed.

To make sure you don’t miss any important appointments, create a schedule with all your obligations. Include meetings, cocktail hours, meals, and important travel times. Use different colors to signify things that you can’t miss from items that are optional.

We suggest creating a digital schedule with your smart phone’s calendar. That way, even if you’re on the plan or in the back of a taxi, you’ll have access to it. You’ll know when and where you need to be with just a glance.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

Our final tip for a successful business trip is to keep track of all of your expenses. Most companies reimburse you for work-related travel expenses, but you need to have your receipt to receive all the money you’re owed.

Instead of trying to keep track of a large stack of paper receipts, download a scanner app on your smartphone. When you receive a receipt, scan it on your phone and store it in a special folder. Then when your boss asks for your expense receipts, you have everything you need in one convenient location.

Beyond Preparing for Business Travel 

Using these tips, you won’t have to stress about business travel.

Before every trip, set up a checklist that contains both your packing list and final steps to get ready. Then, as you prepare, cross off your items so you know you don’t forget anything. Using this method, you’re brain will be able to concentrate on your work business, which will make your boss happy.

For more great travel advice, business or personal, keep tabs on the travel section of this site.

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.