The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

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10 Pro Tips for Traveling to London

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About 37.9 million tourists visited the UK in 2018. In 2017, tourism reached an all-time high with 39.2 million visitors. Before you head out and start traveling to London, though, it helps to have a plan.

Charting your adventure will ensure you make the most of your trip. Otherwise, you might unintentionally miss out on an amazing opportunity.

Keep reading to discover the 10 pro tips you need to consider before traveling to the UK. With these tips, you can plan an epic adventure you’ll remember for years to come. Start charting your course with these 10 London travel tips today!

  1. Chart Your Course

Before traveling to London, try to plan as much as possible. You’ll want to consider where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and who you’re going with.

Take the time to make a list of all the places you want to visit. What type of trip are you planning? Are you hoping to see the sights, or relax?

You can chart your course based on whether or not you want to:

  • Relax at a resort
  • Ride on a road trip
  • Explore cities
  • Venture the countryside
  • Shop in the city
  • See the sides

Who are you traveling with? How do they want to spend the course of the trip?

Decide whether you want to stay in London or travel throughout the UK. If you plan on leaving London, you’ll need to plan a way to get around. You’ll also need to consider different places you’ll explore.

Don’t forget to consider the duration of your trip. How long you plan on visiting London can determine where you’ll go and when.

If you’re planning with a group, confirm everyone’s travel days. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

You might want to consider hosting a meeting. Make a list of what everyone wants to do during the trip. Then, plot your course to maximize your time.

  1. Plan How You’ll Get Around

Don’t forget: London is big! There’s a lot you’ll want to see and do.

To make the most of your London travel plans, consider getting an Oyster Card. An Oyster Card is free (though you have to pay a deposit) and will allow you to travel the tube.

Getting an Oyster Card at the beginning of your trip will help minimize travel-related expenses. You can get an Oyster Card at most tube stations, already preloaded.

Otherwise, take the time to walk between tube stops. Keep your head up and take in the view around you.

When planning your travel to London, consider flying into one of the low-cost airports. For example, you can arrive at London Stansted or London Southend. The downside, however, is that you’ll need to travel from the airport to the city center.

Don’t forget to check out these Tailwins loyalty programs to get rewarded for your flight.

If you’re traveling with a student, as a couple, or with a senior, you might receive a discount rail or tube fare.

You can also rent a bike in London! Instead of relying on the tube, you can cycle around the city and take in the sights. Biking around London is a great way to learn your way around.

  1. Find Free Attractions

Americans spent about $782.4 billion on leisure trips in 2019. Before traveling to London, make a budget for your journey. Consider how much you’ll spend on travel, hotels, entertainment, and food.

If you don’t make a budget beforehand, however, you might not realize you’ve overspent until after your trip.

There are plenty of free attractions you might consider during your trip. For example, many of the museums are free. These museums include the:

  • Tate Modern
  • British Museum
  • Science Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • National Portrait Gallery

Take in the city’s rich heritage and history by exploring one of these museums.

You can also visit Big Ben for free! Big Ben is the bell located in Queen Elizabeth II Tower.

  1. Schedule a Show

Consider watching a show in the west-end during your visit, too. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells unsold tickets for each day at a discount. You can take in the theatre at a discounted price and add a little entertainment to your trip.

  1. Take a Tour

Before traveling to London, consider scheduling a tour. There are plenty of hop-on-hop-off buses that will carry you around the city. If you want to save money, hop onto one of the red London buses and head upstairs.

From there, you can see sighs like the Houses of Parliament, Leicester Square, The London Eye, and Big Ben. Then, hop off and explore on foot!

  1. Try the Cuisine

Don’t forget to get a taste of London while you’re there! Consider trying one of London’s favorites such as fish and chips.

You can also visit the markets in London, including Borough Market, which is full of tasty treats. Don’t forget to visit the dessert stalls while you’re at it!

  1. Head Inside Buckingham Palace

During the summer, consider scheduling a tour of Buckingham Palace.

Make sure to purchase your tickets online before you travel to London. Otherwise, you might find all the tours booked! Touring the palace can give you a better sense of what it’s like to live like royalty.

  1. Carry an Umbrella

While you’re out and about on foot, don’t forget to take an umbrella with you. London’s weather is often unpredictable, so you never know when it might rain.

Otherwise, make sure to wear your favorite pair of comfy shoes as you start walking around the city.

  1. Notice Notting Hill

If you’re visiting London’s East-End, don’t forget to explore Nottingham Hill. Stop by for brunch before exploring the area on foot.

While it’s a great stop for the foodies in your group, Notting Hill is also known for its annual carnival, high-end shops, and Victorian townhouses!

  1. Meet the Locals

Take the time to learn from the locals, too. Londoners are friendly and ready to aid your travels. Ask them about local hot-spots or restaurant suggestions.

You never know where you might end up based on their recommendations!

Plan It Right: 10 Key Tips for Traveling to London

Ready to plan a trip you’ll never forget? Keep these 10 tips for traveling to London in mind. With these tips, you can chart a course for an amazing adventure!

Searching for more seasoned advice for your trip? Explore the Europe section of our blog for more helpful travel guides!

Animal Vacations: 5 Destinations to Get Up Close to Animals

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Any vacation gives you a refreshing change from daily chaos, but a vacation that involves animals is special. You and your family experience living beings you could never interact with on a daily basis. It gives you perspective and memories that can last a lifetime.

There are plenty of destinations throughout the world that put you up close and personal with wildlife. To start your travel wishlist, check out these animal vacations.

1. Galapagos Islands

Few places in the world are more famous for animals than the Galapagos Islands. Located in Ecuador, this island cluster is known as the animal nirvana that inspired Charles Darwin to discover the theory of evolution.

The Galapagos Islands feature animal species you’ll find few other places on the planet. In fact, islands home to the only tropical penguins in the world. They’re also a habitat for sea lions, albatrosses, giant tortoises, iguanas, and more.

2. Bandhavgarh National Park

The most famous furry resident of Bandhavgarh National Park in India is the majestic tiger. The park boasts the highest density of tigers in India, so you’re likely to spot one or two on your trip.

Beyond tigers, there are 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds throughout the park. The 600-square-mile reserve hosts striped hyenas, sambar deer, and barking deer to name a few.

3. Bali Bird Park

Bali is a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the natural wonders of the world. Those natural wonders include flying wildlife.

The Bali Bird Park features a stunning 5,000 birds representing over 250 species. To provide the ultimate home for all its winged residents, the park is divided into “regions” that mimic each bird’s natural habitat.

4. Manitoba, Canada

Few animals have more respect and natural beauty than the polar bear. As awe-inspiring as it is to see these bears in person in their natural habitats, that isn’t an opportunity we often get.

For that reason, the town of Churchill in Manitoba should be on your globe-trotting list. During October and November each year, polar bears follow a trusted migration path through Canada. Churchill happens to be right along that path.

During this treasured time, visitors will be able to see polar bears making their trek out of their own windows.

5. Great Barrier Reef

As much beautiful wildlife as there is to explore on land and in the air, there’s a whole world under the ocean’s surface. Few places in the world will let you experience that world the way the Great Barrier Reef does.

Despite its tricky name, the Great Barrier Reef is actually a collection of around 3,000 coral reefs. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the reef is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and mollusks.

Top Animal Vacations for Your Bucket List

As much as you may love your furry friends at home and the wildlife in your backyard, you don’t have to limit your experiences to your own region. The incredible animal vacations above will give you and your family the rare chance to collect with wildlife around the world.

For more fantastic vacation ideas, check out more articles on our site.

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?

Thailand Travel Destination – Koh Bulon Lae

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Thailand is without doubt a beautiful and diverse country, ever popular as a holiday destination. Its better known tourist locations are well documented and have been enjoyed by millions of people for many, many years. But the wants, needs and desires of the tourist evolve, and this evolution has found visitors looking for something that differs from the well-trodden tourist hotspots.

There is now a great deal more focus on the kingdom’s islands. Of course some are already well known, Phuket and Krabi to name just two. But Thailand has 1430 islands that sit in its coastal waters. Many of these islands are unspoilt, uncommercialized and epitomize Thailand’s natural beauty.

Lapped by the blue waters of the Andaman Sea, to the Southwest of Phuket and part of Surat Province, lies Koh Bulon Lae. A visitor is unlikely to find a more natural location, one which is almost entirely untouched by modernity or the commercial giants that view each visitor as part of their ledger’s bottom line.

If you enjoy glitzy shopping malls, beer swilling on a bar crawl, beach parties or the thumping music spewing from neon lit nightclubs, then give Koh Bulon Lae a wide birth. Wild hedonism is not to be found here, nor are cars, there are no cars on the island, no ATMs and definitely no 7-11s. With everything that the island doesn’t have, it has become much loved by singles, couples and families as a rare gem of a place to be enjoyed and cherished simply for what it is. Paradise!

The island is tiny, you can walk from one side to the other in around 20 minutes, and in taking such a walk you will go from pristine beaches, to mangrove, swamp and dense jungle, such diversity in a small area is astonishing. When visiting the island, a walk from coast to coast is a must.

Meander along the trail that cuts across the island to see and feel the diversity of the island. The one thing that is striking is the noise, with every decibel being given by nature. Shrieking bird calls are endless, the millions of cicadas create a cacophony of noise that most people never experience. You are also likely to encounter the large, but harmless, monitor lizards that lounge around the mangroves.

Getting to Koh Bulon Lae

Traveling to Surat Province is straight forward. There are many bus and minivan services to the area, many of which can be booked to take you straight to Pakbara pier. There are flight services to Hat Yai and Trang from where transfers can be taken to Pakbara. It is from Pakbara pier that the power boats make the short crossing to Koh Bulon Lae. The power boats are met just off the beach by longtail boats to ferry visitors ashore.

There are also inter-island boat services that connect the many islands that lie off the West coast of the Kra Isthmus. Island hopping has become a popular way to explore the kingdom away from its mainland, thus, from the mainland or any of the Andaman Sea islands, getting to Koh Bulon Lae is without problem.

Where to stay on Koh Bulon Lae

Many of the island’s visitors are backpackers on a budget, and they are well accommodated. Between Panka Yai Bay and Mango Bay, set on the forested trail are the Jungle Huts. Basic but entirely adequate, these homely residences are the bargain stay option on the island. Yes, staying here does require a walk to the beach, but on Koh Bulon Lae there is no such thing as a long walk!

School Beach is the islands best beach, and one of the most beautiful in the whole of Thailand, not surprisingly the cost of accommodation here tends to be higher. Although, close by is Panka Noi Bay, which offers excellent accommodation at very reasonable rates. Go just a little further North to Panka Yai Bay and visitors can enjoy the cheapest bungalows on the island. Visitors planning a trip to the island should be aware that many places close up between June or July, through to October.

Koh Bulon Lae, What to Do

Koh Bulon Lae is not about expelling boundless levels of energy, quite the contrary in fact. The most energetic activity you are likely to indulge in will be swimming and snorkeling in the island’s silky blue waters. Visitors can hire a kayak and paddle around the island with ease and explore its quiet coves, above and below the water.

Trekking is popular, and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to trek across the island. Trek at your own pace and enjoy being enveloped by unspoilt natural beauty. You may even hear the island spirits that are said to whisper in the gentle breeze.

Undoubtedly, most visitors love the pristine beaches and pure white sand. Lap up the sun, loose yourself in quiet contemplation, meditate and be at peace with the world. For any explorer coming to the Kingdom of Thailand that is seeking natural tranquility, it is Koh Bulon Lae.

What to See in Florence: Florence, Italy Travel Guide

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View of Florence skyline from top view in Italy

The unrivaled charm of Florence, Italy attracts more than 15.4 million visitors each year, and this number only continues to grow as the city becomes a more popular travel destination.

Really, it’s no question as to why! People flock from all across the globe to immerse themselves in Florence’s world-renowned art, stunning architecture, and culture unlike anything else.

Are you planning a trip to Florence? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wide variety of sights and attractions available, so we’ve created a must-see guide for you!

Here’s what to see in Florence so that you can experience it all and get the most out of your time in this beautiful Renaissance city!

What to See in Florence

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a night out, you’ll be sure to find it in Florence. Keep reading to find out what would be an absolute sin to miss out on!

The Accademia Gallery

Deservedly referred to as the capital of arts, Florence is home to around 30 percent of the world’s most important and influential works of art. If you’re craving a taste of the city’s more creative side, then visiting the Accademia Gallery is a must!

Roam the hallways of this famous art museum and witness the sheer beauty of iconic art pieces like Michelangelo’s David and Madonna of the Sea.

Inside tip: touring Florence with The Roman Guy allows you to skip the line for Michelangelo’s David (among other things)! Not to mention, you’ll be able to explore the whole city with an expert guide if you book a tour.

The Duomo

If you’re looking at photos of Florence, you’ve probably seen the great cathedral glowing against the backdrop of an Italian sunset. That’s the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and it’s widely recognized as one of the world’s most stunning religious monuments.

Take an afternoon stroll through the heart of the city and immerse yourself in some of Florence’s grandeur and 14th-century architecture as you tour the huge domes, steps, and hallways. You can’t miss it!

The Boboli Gardens

Wander along the manicured pathways of the Boboli Gardens and unwind with the serenity of green grass, glittering fountains, and stunning sculptures. This historical park once served as the first template for the “Italian Garden” and boasts some of the world’s greatest green architecture.

Guests can explore Italy’s most famous gardens on foot here and really enjoy the warm Florence weather as they stroll through blooming flowers, twisting vines.

Ponte Vecchio

Spend a charming afternoon taking a stroll across one of the oldest bridges in Italy. The Ponte Vecchio overlooks the famous river Arno and is a popular sight-seeing destination for all types of tourists!

When you’re done, you can wander off to the nearby shops and spend a few hours browsing the gifts fit for all budgets.

Nightlife

Once the sun goes down, some of Italy’s best nightlife is found right in Florence!

Depending on your taste, there are many different bars and clubs to choose from if you’re looking for some fun after dark.

Listen to a live DJ at Tenax, sit down at and meet locals at the Friends Pub or bust some moves at Space Electronic Discoteca — either way you’re guaranteed for an incredible night!

Start Exploring

With so much to fill your trip itinerary up, these are what to see in Florence, Italy. Add a few of these to your list and you’ll be in for an unforgettable vacation!

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other articles about all things travel and entertainment!