The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

vacation

Top Tips to Make Your Vacations More Exciting

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However much you love going on vacation, if you choose to travel to the same area each year, or if you revel in the same activities that you participate in at home, your trip can quickly become boring. If you are fed up with the traditional family vacation and want to enjoy something a little different, here are some top tips to spruce up your next getaway.

1. Stay Somewhere Different

Although hotels might be the easiest option when you have a family, staying somewhere different can allow you to hear about new activities and can help you to feel as far from home as possible. For instance, if you are planning to visit the Arctic Circle on your next trip, why not consider staying in an igloo or an ice hotel? If you are not adventurous to try different types of accommodation, then you should consider staying at themed hotels, such as Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World, which allows you to look out over the park’s animals throughout your stay.

2. Go on a Unique Group Tour

If your family members are starting to argue and get fed up with one another, you should consider going on a group tour. These will allow you to see your surroundings in a new light while also enabling you to meet and mingle with other like-minded travelers. For instance, at Silverscreen Tours, they allow you to participate in Game of Thrones location tours that can take you around the locations of the key scenes from the hit television show in the heart of Dubrovnik.

3. Dump Your Luggage

There is nothing that can dampen your enjoyment of a vacation more than having to carry around heavy luggage throughout your trip. If you are struggling with the weight of your bags, and this is preventing you from being able to participate in all the activities that you have in mind, you should find somewhere safe to store it. If your accommodation does not offer a luggage hold, you should consider researching your local luggage storage centers, which are often located in stations or using luggage storage apps.

4. Be Spontaneous

Although it is essential to make an itinerary for your trip to ensure that you do not waste precious vacation time, there is value in being spontaneous. Rather than creating a timetable for your trip, you should allow yourself to explore and try any activities that catch your eye. This will enable you to experience new things that you did not even know existed before you got on your flight.

5. Enjoy the Journey

Many vacation-goers are put off from traveling long distances because their journeys can often feel like a waste of time. To make your vacation as exciting as possible, you should find ways to enjoy the trip as well as the time spent at your destination. For instance, you could read a book or watch a film that you have always wanted to, play games with loved ones, make exciting stops along the way, or go on scenic detours.

6. Experience Local Culture

If you are tired of the cultivated tourist landscape and want to see the real country that you have decided to visit, you should visit independent restaurants away from the tourist hotspots, speak to residents and consider couch surfing with a local family.

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?

The Top Reasons to Let Travel Agencies Book Your Holiday

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While technology has altered the way people do various things, one thing has not changed much, and that is booking a holiday. That’s because having a travel agent by your side to handle some of your holiday tasks, such as choosing a destination and booking accommodation can make a huge difference.

If you want to visit a particular destination, for instance you want to visit Kochi, all you have to do is give the travel agency a call, and then they’ll book you any flights to Kochi.  Travel agencies are experts when it comes to traveling and so you won’t have to worry about anything.

If you are still not convinced about why you should let a travel agency book your holiday, continue reading this article to get more reasons.

They will save you time and money

A lot of people believe that travel agencies are very expensive. But in reality, you can save more money if you let a travel agency to book your holiday. Planning a trip, especially a business trip can be quite time-consuming and you may not have the time. Additionally, searching for places to have fun at your intended destination may also take your time. Travel agents know these places because they deal with them almost daily. They are also up-to-date with promotions and deals. So they will basically handle all these tasks of planning a trip for you, hence saving you time.

They provide additional bonuses

As an individual, when searching for the best rates and deals on the internet, you may not see everything that an airline or a hotel offers. Travel agencies have connections, so they can provide you with better-packaged deals with a hotel or airline such as Air India. The travel agency will also ensure that you get the best deals possible.

They provide a human touch

Travel agents care about your feelings and the things that you want. There are amazing deals on the internet, but you should know that what you see is not always what you get. By using the same travel agent to book your business trips or holidays, he or she will become more familiar with your likes and dislikes. And so he or she will ensure that the holiday becomes perfect.

All you’ve to do is to give them a call and let them know your plans, and then they will arrange everything you need for your holiday. This personal touch can have a huge impact on your trip.

They are there for you in case things go wrong

In life, nothing is certain and anything can happen anytime. To be honest many things usually go wrong than right. You may miss a flight or it may be canceled altogether. This might be stressful. But a travel agency has the necessary resources that can help them rebook your flight and make sure that you reach your destination. Additionally, during high seasons, many people travel and that can make it overcrowded. A travel agency can make the process easier for you.

6 Reasons Why Beach Vacations Are the Best

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Cultural city breaks are great, and it’s always good to feel as though there is a lot to keep you entertained during your vacation. Visiting historical sites to learn something new, and dining out at some of the best restaurants the place has to offer. All of these are amazing experiences, but you could also return from your vacation feeling more worn out than when you left. Even if you consider yourself to be a ‘culture vulture’ instead of a ‘beach bum,’ why not set off to white sands and turquoise waters on your next break? Here are six reasons why you should.

1. Relaxation

As mentioned above, running around a city on your vacation uses up energy and isn’t always as refreshing. A beach, on the other hand, allows you to sit back with a good book in the sunshine, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. If reading isn’t your thing, listen to your favorite music or podcast as you watch the world go by. A stroll across the sand at sunset is beautiful and romantic, and as you take in a deep breath of that salty sea air, you will feel yourself completely unwind.

2. Incredible Experiences

Beach vacations offer some of the most incredible experiences available. With options to head out to sea on boats to look at the sea-life and other natural wonders, you will experience the very best of life itself. For example, Maui whale watching tours are very popular in Hawaii. Observing these majestic creatures is an incredible experience and shouldn’t be missed. Research whale watching tours from Maui if you’re considering heading out to the beautiful islands.

3. Activities

A lot of people make the misconception that beach vacations are all about lying around in the sun. While that is a part of it, there are usually a lot of other activities available for vacationers. Water sports, for one thing, are regular features on the coasts, why not try your hand at surfing or water skiing? There are often diving and snorkeling opportunities,too, if that is something that interests you.

4. Natural Beauty

Tropical beaches, rugged coastlines, and paradise islands are all wonderful places to explore. It’s not all about the white sands, but the nature surrounding it, too. From the picturesque Greek Islands to the exotic Caribbean, there is a whole range of places that offer awe-inspiring natural beauty. Who wouldn’t want to see that up close?

5. Health

Did you know that being near the ocean has health benefits, too? Swimming in the salt-water can help to rejuvenate your skin, and the air is purer to inhale. It certainly beats the smog and pollution you get in the cities, and will only help to refresh you.

6. Escapism

More importantly, a beach vacation is a perfect opportunity for a real escape from your daily routine. This is especially true for those who already live in busy cities or towns. If you want to come back from your vacation feeling re-charged and ready to get back to work, a beach trip will achieve this much more than a visit to another city.

Treat yourself to some rest on your next vacation and find a beautiful beach to lounge around on.

4 Most Popular Services You Can Get Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

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In the past several years, an increasing number of people are looking to get different services outside of their country or even continent. Whether you are thinking of taking an exciting vacation, or medical tourism, there are many options to consider.

The main reason why people are going abroad to procure different services is the price difference. Lower prices offered by local companies allow you to get the service you need, while also saving some money and spending it elsewhere. Not to mention the prospect of traveling to a country you have never visited before.

If you are willing to give it a shot, below are some of the most popular reasons to look for services beyond the borders of your country:

Bachelor Parties

Vegas is exciting and all, but, on the other hand, why not opt for a unique bachelor experience abroad? There are many cities in Europe that have a lot to offer when it comes to stag weekends, and you may even find the total expenses of your vacation are a lot lower than what you would have expected.

So the next time one of the guys takes an arrow to the knee, make sure you consider turning the bachelor party into a wild and memorable weekend abroad. Although there are many possibilities when it comes to destinations, if you do some research, you can hardly go wrong with any of them.

This way, while having a great time, you also get to experience a different country and a new city, making sure your bachelor party is one of a kind. And who knows, you might even find yourself returning for a second visit.

Dental Health Services

With the prices of healthcare services, it is really no surprise that medical tourism has been gaining in popularity, especially when it comes to dental healthcare. If you find yourself in need of a dental procedure, whether it is corrective or cosmetic, make sure you consider all of your options.

Instead of paying a fortune for a dental procedure in their home town, many people decide to find a reputable dentist abroad and go on a medical vacation. In doing so, they either simply save some money, or treat themselves to a nice holiday abroad. This opportunity to combine their healthcare needs with the pleasure of a vacation is simply too good to pass on.

Adventure Tourism

Whether you are a thrill-seeker or not, you have probably already tried adventure tourism, or at least heard about it. There is nothing quite as exciting as adding some physical activity and a little adrenalin rush to your vacation. If you are looking for a more exciting vacation experience, adventure tourism could be right up your alley.

While there are probably several different adventure tourism sites near you, there is more than one reason to consider going abroad for this type of holiday. First of all, it can save you some money, depending on the country you choose to go to, and secondly, you can add to the excitement of the experience by connecting with a new culture and a new landscape.

Whatever type of thrill you are looking for, there are many options on the international level and it’s up to you to do your research and choose the best deal, instead of simply opting for the nearest or the most popular site near you.

University Education

Studying abroad can be beneficial for any student. If you have the opportunity to take your studies across the border, there are several reasons you should do so. Apart from obtaining a degree in your field of preference, you will also have the opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people, and engage in their customs and way of life.

Further, the life experience you can gain while living and studying abroad will change you, not only as a student, and help you become a better person. While it may be hard in the beginning, studying abroad will teach you responsibility and organizational skills which will last you for a lifetime.

Finally, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone will help you grow and return home with a lot more than some souvenirs and a couple of new friends. And the best thing is – the prospect of moving to a different country to study may be much more affordable than you may think.

Conclusion

There you have it: these are the four most popular services people look for abroad. However, whether you are planning on throwing a bachelor party or applying for a student visa, you should do your research on the things you need to know about your destination country and what you can expect when you get there, in order to avoid any unpleasantries.