Travel tips

The thought of being a solo traveler can be scary, and it has stopped many people from embarking on adventures. However, solo travel can be exciting if you note these biggest travel mistakes to avoid while traveling.

Let’s face it, it’s your first time visiting a new place in a new region, and things can get overwhelming. However, I always advocate that the excitement of the journey you are about to embark on should alway overshadow any fear that might creep in. 

Having enough and adequate information is one thing that helps with being a solo traveler. In this blog, I have decided to compile 10 pitfalls to avoid as a solo traveler. If you’re looking to have a safe and enjoyable journey, these tips will come in handy. 

Want to know more? Stick with me!

Biggest travel mistakes to avoid as solo traveler

I have experienced both worlds as a solo traveler vs group traveler. However, there are so many things you will have to deal with as a solo traveler.

One of them is the fact that many locals see you as a target for theft or scam. You have little idea of the environment. However, on a group tour, they have all figured out.

That is not to say solo travel is bad or a death sentence. Anyhow, here are the biggest travel mistakes to avoid as a solo traveler.

Not doing enough research

It’s always unimaginable to me when I see people traveling without doing research about their destination. Of course, I understand the thrill that comes with being spontaneous. But, that shouldn’t rule out research work. 

Before you go anywhere, ensure that you research the destination thoroughly. By getting information about your destination, you get to understand the local customs, laws, and safety concerns. 

For example, is your destination country a conservative society? Do they frown at people of opposite genders interacting together in public? Not being aware of things like this can lead to uncomfortable or dangerous situations. It is always best to be armed with enough information. 

However, if you’re a last minute travelers, check this tips on how to plan your last minute trip to get you started.

Overpacking

People always say it’s best to travel light, and I’ve had to agree with him over the years. I know that the concept of traveling light might seem foreign, especially as a lady. 

The other time I traveled with some colleagues, all the guys seemed to have only one small box each and it was amazing how all their items could fit. But for the ladies, we each had a minimum of two large boxes. Understandably, there are always a lot of essentials for us to pack. 

However, packing too much actually makes traveling cumbersome and can restrict mobility. Packing light on the other hand makes it easier to move around and saves you from extra baggage fees. 

Not being safety conscious 

While it is good and advisable to always share travel details with friends and family, you should always ensure to not overshare. This is to ensure that information doesn’t get into the wrong hands as we all need to be safety conscious. 

During my last visit to Rwanda, I met a friendly local who took me everywhere and gave me needed directions. However, he also seemed too intrusive and kept asking for details that were none of his business. While it might have not meant anything to him, I remembered that I was a solo traveler and his intrusive questions seemed like red flags. So, I gave him wrong information every time for my own safety. 

As a solo traveler, always prioritize your safety. This includes sharing your travel itinerary with someone you trust, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding risky behaviors like walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.

Being rigid

One thing about me is that I always like to have a plan. I envy those who live life through spontaneity as I always have to question decisions before I make them. If you see me embarking on a journey, you can be sure that I have made plans prior to that trip, and I try to stick with plans. 

While it’s good to have a plan, I have also noticed that being too rigid can cause you to miss out on spontaneous adventures or become stressed if things don’t go as planned. The panic that comes with something being out of place isn’t what you will want to experience while on a trip. So, allow room for flexibility in your travel schedule.

Not having travel insurance 

The topic of travel insurance is usually one to look at from different points of view. Some people argue that there is no need to get travel insurance, especially when going on a short trip. After all, you can save the money you would have used to get travel insurance, and use it for other things. 

Yes, it might be a short trip, and not getting travel insurance might help you save money. But, have you thought about what happens when unexpected situations occur? You might think it won’t have to you, but you will start wishing you got the travel insurance when it does. 

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Skipping it to save money can end up costing you more in the long run.

One of favorite travel insurance to use is insubuy. They offer you cover on medical, theft, among others for your travel in and outside USA. I highly recommend them for your travel. Click here to sign up got Insubuy travel insurance for your travel.

Being reckless with money

I got an opportunity to travel to Tanzania recently, and converted $200 to their local currency. This conversion gave me over 500,000 Tanzanian Shillings. I was excited and bragged to my friends that I had more than enough money for my stay. Well, did I? 

With the thought that I was walking around with over half a million of the local currency, I didn’t think twice before spending. In the twinkle of an eye, I ran out of cash. It was then it dawned on me that I was being reckless with money and I needed to manage my money wisely. 

I’ve learned that as a solo traveler, it is always safe to have the local currency and another backup option. It also helps to not solely rely on one form of payment. 

Not Learning Basic Phrases of the Local Language

Yes, you are new to the country and region, but it is helpful to do things that will help you blend in. In many countries, you will realize that English is not their primary language. So, communicating with the locals can get frustrating when you do not know bits of their local language. 

Knowing basic phrases like “Hello,” “Thank You,” and “Where is the bathroom?” can go a long way in navigating a new place and showing respect for the local culture. One of the fastest ways for your trip to go south is when you cannot communicate with the locals. 

You need travel apps like Google translate to help you pick up phrases and communicate effortlessly. I used this app on my trip and I love it. Check out other must have travel apps you need as a frequent traveler.

Sticking to Tourist Traps 

Only visiting popular tourist spots can give you a skewed view of a destination. The most annoying part of it is that these tourist traps are usually unnecessarily expensive as everything is hiked. 

For example, anyone who visits Paris France would love to see the eiffel tower. Which is not bad, however it may be crowded. There are other fun places to visit in Paris that is not a Hotspot but still fun.

When traveling, my best advice is to explore the country like a local. Instead of sticking to local traps, try to  explore local neighborhoods, eat where locals do, and discover hidden gems. For me, I would rather spend money getting a local to show me around than sticking to tourist traps. 

Underestimating Transportation Times

As a solo traveler, you always need to be alert. It is best to keep in mind that you’re not in your home country, and things are different. 

 Failing to account for travel time between places can lead to missed flights or rushed sightseeing. Always factor in extra time for transportation, especially in areas prone to traffic or with complex public transport systems.

Not Backing Up Important Documents and Photos

Losing your phone, camera, or documents can be a major setback. Always have backups of important documents like your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Additionally, regularly backup your photos to a cloud service or external storage device.

Planning to travel soonest, check out our detailed and best travel resources. These resources are tested and tried for your flight tickets, hotel accommodations or alternatives and of course huge travel deals and cash back.

Which of these biggest travel mistakes have you experienced? Comment below the biggest travel mistakes to avoid that you’d follow. Ciao

Are you aware that you have an internal body clock? Jet Lag is a real thing. I always feel exhausted on my trips at least for a few days. So, I had to figure out ways to minimize jet Lag to jump start fun on my trips. These 10 ways to minimize jet Lag is what you need to know on your trips.

Not to sound like a geek or go down the science route, but we all have an internal body clock that regulates how we handle certain activities. It is your internal body clock that adapts to a certain time for sleeping. It is why you may find it hard to stay awake after a certain time.

Being jet lag is a common challenge for travelers crossing multiple time zones. It often happens when the internal body clock is tampered due to the varying time zones, and can be quite a hassle. Sometimes, it can dampen your mood and even limit your ability to enjoy your trip.

As someone who has been victim to being jet lagged multiple times, I can attest that it isn’t a funny experience. After a while, I began to look up ways to minimize experiencing jet lag when I travel, and I will be sharing some of these tips with you.

Ways to Minimize Jet Lag

Jet Lag is a major issue for travelers. I always feel so tired after a long trip that I cannot do much. So, these tips on how to minimize jetlag made it easy for me to enjoy my trip.

Research the time zone ahead

It is common for travelers to always research about their destination city. However, no one really pays attention to the time zone or time difference. You would often find people wanting to know the available accommodation or food options.

Recently, I added a new trick to my traveling routine. Whenever I know I’m traveling to a place with a varying time zone, I make sure to research the time zone ahead. Few weeks or days before my trips, I gradually start adjusting my sleeping schedule to it with my destination’s time zone.

Of course, it’s going to feel weird at first. However, it does the trick by ensuring that I don’t feel jet lag by the time I arrive at my destination city. By doing this, I’ve found a way to regulate my internal body clock to align with my destination’s time.

Stay Hydrated

I know, I know. You may be tired of always hearing people say you should drink water and stay hydrated. I’m not here to educate you on the importance of staying hydrated. However, I’m here to let you know that you should stay hydrated if you desire to minimize jet lag.

Water automatically becomes my best friend when I’m on any trip as I can be sure that it is a safe option for my body system. Before the flight, during the flight, and even after the flight, I always have my good share of water and stay hydrated.

It wouldn’t be easy ignoring the caffeinated and carbonated drinks you may be served on the flight. However, keep in mind that dehydration can exacerbate the effects of jet lag and you do not want that to happen.

Stay Active

Hard as it might be, you need to stay active upon arrival at your destination. Now, I’m not saying you should engage in rigorous work out or activities; even I won’t do that! But, it is essential to engage in light physical activities to assist your internal body clock.

These exercises help to combat the stiffness that comes with being on long flights. Even during the trip, you can get up and move around the cabin regularly. It would help improve circulation and reduce discomfort.

Once you engage in walks and light stretches, it’s easier for your body clock to adjust to your destination’s time zone.

Reset your time devices

Are you going to a place that operates on a different time zone from your home country? If yes, then one of the first things you should do once you board your flight is to reset all your time devices to the local time of your destination country. You have no business seeing the time of your home country when you’re in a different time zone.

Doing this helps with conditioning of the mindset as it would adjust to the time that it is seeing at the moment. If you leave your devices on the time of your home country, it would be hard for your internal body clock to adjust, leaving you cranky.

Choose the right flight

Picking the right flight for your trip especially as it pertains to timing goes a long way in minimizing jet lag. I read somewhere that it is always best to pick flights that arrive at your destination in the evening. I initially didn’t understand the reason why until I tried it.

Arriving at your destination in the evening also helps with conditioning of the mind. By the time you arrive and see that it is night hours, your body will adjust, making it easier for you to go to bed at the right time. By the next morning, you are feeling energized, and you can go ahead with your activities as planned.

Also check my tips on how to score cheapest flight tickets for your travel. You need this tip to still travel even with the rising Inflation.

Avoid heavy meals

I personally find it weird that people can eat while on a trip, but I know that I cannot compare myself to others. It is best that you avoid heavy meals while traveling, especially when going to a destination with varying time zones.

Why?

Heavy meals can disrupt your digestion and make it difficult to sleep. Of course, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t eat while traveling. But instead of going for a heavy meal, you should opt for lighter meals during the flight.

Also, foods high in carbohydrates can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. So, you should opt for those options first before considering others.

Take light naps

Let’s say you got to your destination in the morning or afternoon. Of course, it would be tempting to fall right on the bed and sleep to your heart’s content. After all, it’s been such a long flight and you’re tired. Yes, there is every justification for you to sleep.

However, it wouldn’t be the best thing to do as it would mess with your internal body clock. When you sleep for a long time, you’re most likely to wake up at night when it’s time to actually sleep. Then, the cycle continues, messing with your plans for the trip.

So, no matter how tired you might be when you arrive, opt for short power naps of 20-30 mins.

Embrace sunlight

I’m not the best when it comes to bonding with nature or the outdoors, but I’ve learned that exposing yourself to natural light helps with resetting the body’s internal clock. So, I’ve become that person who forces herself to step out in the mornings while on a trip.

The idea here is that being exposed to sunlight helps in fighting sleep and tiredness. Often, we are jet lagged and would want to sleep the whole day. But being outdoors signals to your body that it’s time to wake up, helping to minimize jet lag.

Don’t rely on supplements

Whenever the topic of being jet lagged comes up, I often hear people say they would take certain supplements to sleep if they can’t sleep at the right time at their destination city. While supplements can be good to improve health, they are some that are harmful and can do more damage to your internal body clock.

Instead of relying on supplements, engage in some of the points I have spoken about. Even when the tiredness hits at the run hours, try reading a book or watching a movie to stay active. You can even go on a light jog.

If you are to use any supplement, ensure that it is under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Be patient

Being jet lagged is normal, and it happens to the best of us. Don’t beat yourself up about it when it happens. It is always best to keep in mind that jet lag is a natural response to crossing time zones.

One thing about the mind is that things tend to go south when we are agitated. None of the steps I’ve spoken about would work if you’re anxious and on the edge. So, be patient, and the jet lag feeling will wear off eventually.

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Many people put off traveling as a luxury they can’t afford. Even now that the world inflation is on high. Here is how to budget and save money for travel seamlessly.

I love to travel for an international trip at least once a year. This I have achieved this year on my recent trip to Douala Cameroon.

Next year first quarter, my goal is to go on another international trip to the west coast. The city of Gold, Ghana. So, here I will be sharing my tried and tested tips of over 5 years of travel.

How to budget and save money for travel

Why do you need to budget travel? Like with everything or plan, you need to create a budget.

A budget will give you an insight into what you can afford. Recently, I did a budget for trip, and with the current inflation, I realise my budget was too low.

Did I still achieve my travel goal? Yes. But I have to opt for budget friendly options. For example, going for hotel Alternatives instead of luxury hotels. Also, eating from the local food stands instead of a chic restaurant. Etc.

Let’s jump right into how to budget and save money for travel.

1. PLAN YOUR TRIP AND CREATE A BUDGET

In all my trips, I also do a detailed research and plan my trip. I go as far determining the place I will stay and how far it is to the things to do or the city’s hotspot.

The last time I decided to go with the flow, i lost so much money and time. Now i do my research and determine the total cost.

I know that the rising inflation may affect my plan, yet I prepare for such inflation. Determine the total cost for your trip and start working towards it.

You can save money while traveling by going for hotel Alternatives, sharing cost or looking for deals to save from. Yet , a budget will give you an overview of how much it will cost you.

2. BREAK DOWN THE COST INTO ACHIEVEABLE SAVING GOALS

I cannot over emphasize saving for your trip. So, I love to save money towards my travel goals.

No one likes to go on a trip and come back to debt from such trip.

Now that I know my budget, it’s time to break down the cost to monthly saving goals. This I do with calculator.me savings calculator.

This calculator gives me an insight into how much to set aside monthly to achieve my goal. Also, it give a realistic overview of my travel goal factoring the inflation rate, the interest rate if any and other factors.

So as I plan for my trip, I am sure that I have m budget and financial goals covered.

3. ADOPT A FRUGAL LIFESTYLE

Another way to budget and save for travel is to adopt a frugal lifestyle. Cancel that subscription that you don’t need. You know that subscription that you can live without.

I love to follow the Nerflix series, Emily in Paris, yet I cancelled my subscription. The extra money from the subscription I add to my travel savings.

Only spend on your necessities for now. Even if you can afford luxury, cut down to make your travel savings goal achievable.

4. Save for plan B,C AND D.

I love to plan as I hate surprises. When I say surprises, i mean hitches and bumps in my plans. But pleasant surprises, count me in.

As I save for my travel goals, I also save for plan B etc. You never know. Save money for unplanned circumstances.

This reminds me of my pregnancy. I had some money saved for complications and thankfully, there was none. Save for travel insurance and any other unforeseen circumstances.

As you plan your trip, be flexible with your dates. If after setting your budget and using the calculator to determine your monthly savings, your date is not feasible. Adjust it to achievable monthly savings or feasible travel date.

Also, be on the lookout for travel deals on Google flights to save on flight tickets. Sign up for WayAway to be notified of huge savings on flight, hotels and other travel deals.

Feel free to comment other tips on how to budget and save money for travel with ease. You will definitely find my tips above useful to budget and save money for travel effortlessly.

What are you to look out for while booking hotels? A good hotel should have these things I want to share. Here are the best tips for booking hotels that is just right for you. Also, you can avoid hotel booking mistakes with these tips.

I remember almost freaking out the first time I had to travel to another country on my own as the thoughts of finding accommodation were terrifying. Although I was going to a new country, the nerves were in place as I had no idea where to stay and accommodation is an essential part of any travel plan.

Together with my friends, we came up with some guidelines and factors to consider when booking a hotel. With these factors, I was able to ensure that I got the best hotel during my vacation.

Since then, I have always used those factors as a guide before choosing a hotel, and they have never failed me. In this article, I would be sharing these factors as tips to consider when booking a hotel.

They help to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay and make the best out of your vacation.

Tips for booking hotels

These factors and tips to consider before booking your hotel are as follows.

Budget

Before embarking on any trip, I know you would have a budget. In this budget, you’ve also factors in and made provision for accommodation. Thus, it is the accommodation budget that informs the type of hotel you would book.

If you’re on a strict budget, you would be going for less expensive hotels. It is ideal to always have a budget before going ahead to check for hotels. With a budget, the searching process becomes easier.

Working with your budget also ensures that your planning process is in place. This way, you wouldn’t spend all your money on hotels as you know your limit. You can also check out my tested and tried tips on how to plan the best trip on a budget.

Location

Before going ahead to book any hotel, you should also check the location of the hotel. It wouldn’t make sense to book a hotel that is on the outskirt of town. If you do this, you would be spending a lot on transportation.

Ideally, the hotel you book should be within proximity to hot spot areas. As a tourist, you should book a hotel that is close to tourist attractions, restaurants, relaxation spots, etc.

Your hotel should be situated in an area that should be within walking distance to these locations if possible. It helps to reduce your expenses during your trip.

Reviews

What are people saying about the hotel? For me, I always check out reviews about any hotel I’m considering as it informs my decision. From these reviews, I can tell if I would get value from the hotel or not.

There was a time I forgot about checking reviews and was about to book a hotel. Luckily I checked out the reviews at the last minute and it saved me from wasting money on the hotel.

People are always going to drop ratings and reviews about their experience at any facility. It is also a red flag when there are no reviews about a place.

Reviews will also save you from booking the worst Airbnb apartment if that is what you’d prefer. Also, check out my tips for booking Airbnb as a beginner.

Amenities

I know that there are some things you’re looking to enjoy at any hotel you want to stay. It might be the free Wifi, swimming pool, or even a gym. These are some amenities that some hotels provide.

However, it would be unwise to assume that you can get these amenities at every hotel. Instead of working on assumptions, check through the website of any hotel you’re considering to know if they have the amenities you desire.

It is always important that any hotel you book has the amenities you need. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend money on a hotel that doesn’t give your desired value.

If your hotel doesn’t have a WIFI but you still love the aesthetics, you need Airalo. Airalo offers you data to allow you communicate and use the internet while you are away. This is an e-sim you can use for all countries you visit.

You can choose to get the service per country or per region or continent. Check my post on why you should opt for e-sims in place of buying new sims per country.

Safety

Is the hotel safe for people to stay? This is an important question to answer before booking a hotel.

You can check this from different angles including the location of the hotel. It is always best to check and ensure that the hotel is not in a high-brow crime area. Your choice should be in a peaceful and calm location.

Also, you should check to know if the hotel has security measures in place like security personnel’s. Safety is a very important factor for me to consider, especially when I am visiting an unfamiliar region. It is one of my top tips for booking hotels.

However, it is not a good idea to travel without travel insurance. We plan but things may happen even with all the tips. Also, there may be medical emergencies or other things you need sort on your travel. Hence, you need to add a travel insurance to your must have travel essential.

Check in and check out times

The check-in and checkout time of the hotel must also align with your traveling schedule or you would have a sore experience. I remember once staying in a hotel where the checkout time was 10am and my flight was for 1pm. I had to pay for the extra hours I stayed in the hotel which went above my traveling budget.

Since that day, I’ve always ensured to research the check-in and checkout times of any hotel I’m considering. I’ve noticed that many people are not aware of this tip. However, it is best to keep in mind that not all hotels have the same check-in and checkout times.

Cancellation policy

What happens if something comes up and you no longer have to travel? Would the hotel refund your money or not?

The cancellation policy of a hotel is also another factor to consider before booking a hotel. Understandably, life can be unpredictable. Suppose the travel plan doesn’t work out again, it would be nice to get a refund.

Some hotels have a no refund policy, while others may give half refund. In some cases, you may be lucky that the hotel gives a full refund. The circumstances vary, depending on the cancellation policy of the hotel. So, pick a hotel with a favorable cancellation policy.

Policies

Asides from the cancellation policy, you should also keep an eye out for other policies to ensure that you are fully aware of everything. For example, some hotels do not allow people to lodge with children. Of course, we can say such hotels are not family friendly. Therefore, you shouldn’t book such a hotel if you’re traveling with your family.

Also, there are hotels that are not pet-friendly. If you have plans to travel with your pet, you have to find a suitable hotel.

Always ensure that you familiarize yourself with all the policies before booking a hotel. It helps to ensure that you do not pay hidden fees.

Membership , loyalty and discount programs

Although this is not a deal breaker for me. Yet, it is one of the top tips for booking hotels you need to know. Who doesn’t love a discount or loyalty program?

Some hotels run loyalty programs for regular lodgers and these are my best type of hotels. The more you stay in such hotels, the more you earn points that give you discounts on future stays.

When checking for hotels to book, check for such hotels. There are many perks to enjoy when you book such a hotel.

Room options

Knowing the room options is also important as it would influence your decision. Check the types of rooms available (single, double, suite) and their sizes. Make sure the room suits your needs and preferences.

The room options is one of the mots important tips for booking hotels you should know. Don’t just book, check out the room options to find out if it is just right for you.

Travel resources for your next trip

1. Vacation outfit ideas: Click here

2.  Book your hotel stay on Trivago for the best deals

3. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel using hostel world

4. Don’t be stranded in a new city without internet, sign up for Airalo

5. You need insurance for your travel, book it on EKTA

6. Traveling solo? don’t worry, book fun activities in Africa with GetYourGuide.

Feel free to comment other tips for booking hotels you know. What is the deal breaker for you when booking a hotel?

If you’re an outdoor person, I know you’ve probably fantasized about camping on many occasions. It could also be that you’ve had camping experience and are looking forward to more. What are the must-have camping essentials you need?

It’s always a wonder when people complain about not having an idea of an outdoor activity to do. What happened to camping!? Sometimes, they say camping can be uncomfortable. However, I believe that camping gets uncomfortable when you do not have the right essentials.

I’ve decided to come up with a list of must have camping essentials for those who enjoy the idea of camping. With these essentials, you are sure to have the right and best experience when you go camping.

Must-have camping essentials

These are the must-have camping essentials you need for a comfy night under the sky. You need this essentials to make you feel like you’re home while in nature.

Tent

The first thing that ideally comes to mind when you think about camping is the thought of where to sleep. It is where the need for a tent comes in. The goal is to ensure that you pimp up the designated camping space in a way that brings comfort even while outdoors.

Now, what you should do is to get a reliable and durable tent. It should be waterproof to protect you from the weather if it starts to rain. It also comes in handy for the tent to be lightweight for ease in movement. While picking out a tent, you should ensure that you choose one that offers adequate ventilation

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Sleeping Pad/ Mattress

Of course, I do not expect you to sleep on the floor when you go camping. Once you decide to experience the outdoors through camping, you need to get both a tent and sleeping pad. Unfortunately, I’ve seen instances where people get the tent but forget to get their mattress.

Personally, I would go for an inflatable air mattress as it is easier to carry around. All I need to do is to inflate when I get to the camping location. However, I also look out for certain important factors like the cushioning and support. After all, I wouldn’t want to go back home with body pains or complications.

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Torchlight

Is there a flashlight in your camping bag? It is one of the first things I ensure to pack when going camping as it helps to light up the environment. I’m always particular about safety during camping, especially as you may not be used to the environment. Thus, it is important to have a flashlight for when you want to move around at night. It is also important to pack extra batteries for the flashlight.

Now, if you’re someone who doesn’t like stress, you can opt for a headlamp instead. This way, your hands are free while using the light.

First Aid Box

First aid is the first treatment given to a person before the arrival of a doctor.’ I’m sure you’ve heard this so many times that it has even become a song in your head. It goes to show the importance of having a first aid box even while engaging in fun activities like camping.

It is important to keep in mind that you are prone to accidents when engaging in outside activities. For example, you may accidentally trip on the root of a tree or get bitten by an insect. Whatever the case may be, it is important to have a first aid box with its essentials to ensure your safety during the experience.

Insect Repellant

I always whisper a word of gratitude everytime I use an insect repellent as I’m grateful that it was invented. If you’re someone like me who has sensitive skin or is particular about their skin, I’m sure you can relate.

Understandably, camping is associated with insect bites. After all, you’re outdoors, which is the natural habitat of insects. So, you should try as much as possible to be free of these bites. Else, you might develop an illness.

While packing your camping bag, ensure that you have your insect repellent. This way, you have peace of mind and would enjoy the camping experience better.

Water

Being outdoors has a way of making you dehydrated. So, while you’re planning your camping experience, you must ensure to have provision for water.

Often, you’re in a location where you cannot easily access stores. In addition, you cannot depend on the natural sources of water as you’re not sure they are suitable for drinking. Therefore, you should have a steady supply of water for the duration of your camping experience.

If the campsite has a water source, consider carrying a water filtration system or purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water during your stay.

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Camp Knife

A knife comes in handy in so many ways, especially during camping! Thankfully, there are camping knives that are portable and you can use them in versatile ways. You never can tell, there may be a rope waiting for you to cut.

One thing to keep in mind is that you must go for a study camping knife. After all, I’m sure you do not want to get a knife that would break on the first use. You can use the knife for cooking, cutting things, and even repairing or screwing!

There is usually a sense of comfort I get when I feel my camping knife in my pocket during a camping experience.

Firewood

Although I hear that it isn’t allowed in some campsites, I cannot imagine a camp experience without firewood. It is almost like a camping culture to sit around a firewood, make food and share stories. Wouldn’t you want to have this experience as well?

I would classify firewood as a camping essential especially as you need it to keep warm and also to prepare food. It can also serve as a source of light and security. However, it is also important to ensure that you follow safety procedures when using the firewood. You need to be familiar with fire safety rules and regulations before lighting the firewood

Sitting provisions

Some people may decide to opt for chairs while others may prefer logs of wood. Whatever the case might be, you need to have provision for sitting.

This way, you are not sitting on the floor which gives room for insect bites or attacks. You get the full camping experience when you have a comfortable arrangement for sitting. With this, you can enjoy the environment, admire the stars and even share stories. It is something to consider when going camping.

Thick clothes

It is best to keep in mind that you’ll be staying outside when camping as it is an outdoor experience. Therefore, it is important to carry thick clothes as the weather would be cold at night. You need sweaters and jackets to keep warm. You would also need socks to protect your feet both from cold and insects. You can also go the extra mile and pack a head warmer to ensure that you have all grounds covered.

Once these are packed, you can be sure that you are well protected and you’re out to get the best camping experience.

Feel free to comment other must-have camping essentials you cannot do without. ciao

I have curated a list of my favorite must-have travel apps to assist you in avoiding unnecessary downloads (and potential expenses). These apps will not only save you time and money but also enhance your travel experience s.

Hence, I strongly recommend having these apps on your phone before embarking on your journey. Here, we present to you a curated list of 7 exceptional travel apps to consider for your upcoming trip.

7 must-have travel apps 20230

In years of traveling, here are my top 7 must-have travel apps I highly recommend. These apps are perfect if you’re just starting out traveling or a frequent traveler.

Viator

Viator is your go-to for hassle-free tour bookings. When you’re traveling to a place where having a guide or daily itineraries would be perfect, check out what Viator has in store for you. They offer a wide range of tours, from daily excursions to weeklong adventures with included transfers. Keep in mind that the quantity and quality of the deals can vary significantly depending on the destination.

Foursquare City Guide

This app simplifies the process of discovering great places to eat and fun activities to do. Just enter the area you want to search, along with your preferences like breakfast, nightlife, or things to do. You can use the versatile filters, such as distance, price, open now, and places you’ve been, to refine your search. Tap on your selection to view more details, including ratings and photos. If you end up liking the location, you can easily add it to a custom list.

VeePN VPN

VPN from VeePN is a reliable tool to protect your data and prevent hacker attacks while you travel. With it, you can bypass regional restrictions, for example, you can change the Play Store country. VeePN can be found on Google Play and can be used to change the region. You only need a couple of minutes to figure out how to change the Play Store region.

Culture Trip

Culture Trip used to be an app and website where you could read about travel destinations. But now, it mainly focuses on offering package tours. Just look up the country or region you want to explore, and Culture Trip will present you with multi day trips to your chosen destination.

For example, you can embark on an incredible eight-day trek through Patagonia or go on a thrilling safari in Kenya and Tanzania. You can easily book these packaged tours directly through the app or website. Additionally, Culture Trip provides plenty of recommendations and interesting magazine-style articles to enhance your travel experience.

HotelTonight

If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers to go with the flow or have a backup plan in case your reservations fall through, give HotelTonight a try. Among the best travel booking apps, HotelTonight takes pride of place. Simply let the app know where you want to stay, and voila! Watch as the deals magically appear on your screen. Just tap on one to get more info and a couple more taps to pay, and you’ve got yourself a room for the night.

Advice! HotelTonight and many others may overcharge you when booking tickets. To protect against this, you need a VPN Edge extension that will prevent your activities from being tracked. As a result, you can get a much better deal.

Hopper

Hopper is a must-have app for planning your trips and making informed ticket purchases. This mobile-exclusive application monitors flight prices and provides precise recommendations on the optimal time to buy, even sending notifications when prices drop.

What sets this travel app apart is its attention to detail. It goes beyond advising you to wait, offering specific dates when prices are expected to increase. You can also conveniently book flights through Hopper, with a small commission fee.

Roadtrippers

During a road trip, discover intriguing places to visit with the fittingly named Roadtrippers. With this app and website, you can explore a comprehensive map of the United States and Canada (with some coverage for Mexico too!) that showcases unique roadside attractions, museums, amusement parks, campsites, restaurants, and more.

Simply add your preferred sites to your trip, and Roadtrippers will chart your route accordingly. For $29.99 per year, a Roadtrippers Plus account grants you access to offline map downloads and unlimited stops along your route, whereas a free account only allows for five stops.

Although it’s crucial to not spend your entire trip glued to your phone or social media, there are moments when utilizing your smartphone can greatly enhance your travel experience. It can ensure your safety, save you money, and provide a smoother journey. By downloading the aforementioned apps, you’ll have more time, energy, and money to invest in your next adventure.

Travelling for me is all about my backpack. I am a backpack girl. So, I don’t use travel luggage’s as I love to pack light for my travels. In this post I will share the best travel backpack you need to get ASAP. Also, all you need to know before getting a backpack.

Backpacks are easy to carry. You can easily move around and go about in a city with your backpack. Although, we ladies love to pack a lot. With a large size travel backpack, you can fit in as much outfit and travel essentials easily.

What do you look out for before you pull the trigger and get a backpack? For me it is the weight, size and of course affordability. Also, the security of the backpack.

It is easily to fall into the hands of thieves pilfering through your backpack while you go about. So, an anti-theft travel backpack is the best option.

Tips to shop the best carryon travel backpacks

As I said earlier, I love carryon backpack because it easy to move around with. Below are my tested and tried tips on getting the best travel backpack for your local and international travel.

• Security: I highly recommend anti-theft backpacks. This types of carryon backpack allow us save your essentials from easy access to thieves. More like hidden zippers or Zippers at the section you put on your back.

You can save your valuables like international passport, your cash, keys and other important documents in this sections.

• Light weight backpacks: The extra weight of backpacks will either weigh you down or add to total check-in luggage weight. I prefer light weight yet durable travel backpacks. So, you can fit your items with less worry about the bag been to weighty.
• Budget: I love to shop on a budget. So, I am always on a lookout to shop for budget friendly items.
• Compartment: A travel backpack with compartment makes it easy to pack your essentials. I love travel backpack already organized so you can decide to fit in your needs accordingly.

Travel backpack vs travel luggage, which is right for you?

Some may ask, which is the best travel backpack or travel luggage’s? This clearly depends on your needs. If you’re travelling as a family, you definitely need more than travel backpack.

If you have a baby, you definitely need a travel luggage and an extra carry bag or travel backpack carryon. However, if you’re travelling solo or as a couple, a travel backpack is just right for you. The below are the advantages of a carryon travel backpack.

• Flexibility: Easy to move around with.
• Avoid extra cost of check-in lugagge.
• Avoid stolen or missing luggages.
• Easy access to your valuables while on a long haul flight or short one.

Best travel backpack perfect for international travel

Below are some of my recommendations on Aliexpress that are budget friendly with great reviews. I will be linking below some of my favorites. Click here to shop some of the best travel backpacks.

Click to buy it

Click here to buy it

Click here to buy it

The store that I highly recommend to shop the best travel backpack is the Bange Factory store on Aliexpress. The reviews are excellent. Also, the offer free shipping for all their backpack. Click here to shop Travel backpack from Bange Factory store on Aliexpress.

Feel free to comment below on what you look out for while shopping for travel backpack. Ciao.

With the amazing Bali Tour Packages From India, all you have to do is just relax, unwind and explore the treasure troves in Bali. The customized international Bali Tour Packages from Mumbai are like the anchors you drop before you dock at the port and experience colorful traditions, peachy sunsets and pristine beaches.

Indonesia’s famous island Bali is nicknamed as The Island of the Gods making it an idyllic destination with a perfect amalgamation of leisure as well as adventures. Enjoy each and every nook of Bali as you visit the majestic temples, volcanoes located in the centre of the island, practise yoga or explore the villages on a scooter. These places are great option of instagrammable places to visit in Bali.

Make it a point to relish the delights of sunrises and sunsets at the vibrant locations along with stunning Bali Swings. Situated at a distance of seventeen kilometers from Ubud is the renowned temple of Tirta Empul which is a sacred place to perform purification and soul cleansing with holy water.

An active volcano at Mount Batur and Caldera Lake is considered as the best hiking destination in Bali. Home to near around one thousand and more monkeys the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the must-visit places for a fun-filled experience. Crank the quotient of fun as you visit Waterbom the water park in Kuta with awesome rides like Twin Racers, Super Bowl and FlowRider.

Bali tour packages for India – Explore bali

The below are some of the best places to add to your itinerary on your visit to bali. Also, I have shared a recommendation of Bali tour packages for india whether as a solo traveler or as a couple.

These places are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali.

Ubud

Strike gold with the Bali Tour Packages From India as you visit Ubud which is nothing less but nature’s delight. The beauty of Ubud cannot be bounded by words no matter how elegant they are. A tour of the Tegalalang Rice Fields is a must in Ubud as there are no sky-kissing structures obstructing the view of the beautiful scenic rice terraces which slowly and gently melt down into paddy fields.

Sip on hot coffee in a nearby quaint cafe and let your camera lens do the rest of the talking. Visit the territory of the Macaques at the Ubud Monkey Forest. It is a natural habitat for around more than six hundred Balinese long-tailed monkeys. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a hotspot for tourists because of its wildlife and religious value.

Saraswati Palace or Ubud Water Palace is dedicated to Saraswati and was once the residential palace of the Sukawati royal family of Ubud. Besides the classy water garden and lotus pond, it also hosts the classic Bali dance show at night. Ubud is the perfect location for the twelve swings and nine nests that are enriched with breathtaking views.

Nusa Lembongan 

Visit this part of Bali Province with the Bali Tour Packages from Mumbai Nusa Lembongan. It is a small island which lies off the southeastern shore of Bali’s mainland. The visitors can tour the entire island by foot in a duration of three to four hours making it a perfect and popular day trip destination.

One of the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan is to reach the craggy cliff of Devil’s Tear where the waves crash against the rock face and create magical rainbows, natural infinity pools -a chance for photographers to be in their mantle.

Dream Beach is one of the best beaches here for swimming, climbing down to the incredible swing or simply relaxing on the sand. Jungut Batu Beach is the longest beach and the main strip on the Nusa Lembongan as all the wooden tour boats and fishing boats moor here.

View the enchanting sunset as the sky gets filled with hues of orange and vibrant yellows. Mushroom Bay is an awesome hotspot to relax and hang out and have an amazing time with family and friends. You need to dress for content on this beach. Check out this list of what to wear to the beach if you’re not swimming.

Penida Island

Splash in foreign waters with the Bali Tour Packages from India as you visit Penida Island. Diamond Beach is one of the famous “cliff beaches “of Nusa Penida and has turquoise water with white sand. It is named after the pointy and diamond-shaped rocks on the beach.

Go wild as you click some awesome breathtaking views from the thatched nest as the beach can be easily reached by a small trek. Take a swing on a swing set which is tied to two palm trees and soak in the view of the azure blue waters. Atuh Beach is a serene and tranquil beach which is perfect for relaxing.

There are a number of fascinating rock formations with picturesque views. The terrain of the white sand and the shimmering water of the ocean makes it perfect for swimming. Take a hike of forty-five minutes to reach Kelingking Beach which lies on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida Island as this beach is a secluded stretch of white-coloured sand which is bordered by steep T-Rex shaped cliffs.

Go snorkelling around the island as it has spots rich in marine life and coral because of the strong currents and nutrient-rich waters of the region.

Denpasar

The next place to visit and enjoy with the Bali Tour Packages From Mumbai is Denpasar.After boarding a flight to Bali you most likely land at the provincial capital of Bali- Denpasar as it is located on the southern end of Bali. In local Balinese, Den means north and Pasar means market as it refers to the area which lies in the north of the Kumbasari market.

It is a great blend of attractions and activities. Bajra Sandhu Monument is situated in the core of the city and was built to commemorate the various struggles of the people of Bali. It is made up of thirty-three dioramas which feature the historical stories and cultural aspects of Bali.

Bali Provincial Public Museum has a vast collection of nearly ten thousand artworks which gives a peek into Balinese history, culture and traditions. The Le Mayeur Museum houses the splendid and unorthodox works of the Belgian artist Le Mayeur who spent his last years here.

Take a half an hour drive from Denpasar as you visit Seminyak where you can enjoy the beach or take your tiny tots at the Dream Museum Zone which has an interactive art gallery with illusions to play with besides the 3D life-size murals

Have you been to Bali? Why haven’t you visited? Feel free to comment other places you have visited in Bali. Don’t forget to check out the Bali tour packages for India. Ciao.

Anytime I travel without paying attention to my budget, I get wasteful with my funds. I love to shop for souvenirs and enjoy unique experiences on my trips. So, the best way for me to save money while traveling is to have a budget to work with.

How can I save money while traveling? What do I need to do to ensure that my trip is fun and within budget? Below I will share these tips on how to save money while traveling on a budget. These tips will help save while traveling on a budget. Also, I will introduce you to WayAway to help save and earn cash back while you travel around the world.

Traveling around the world may seem quite expensive. However, it is achievable. You can read my post on how to travel the world for free or get paid to travel. Also, you can opt to save money towards your travel goals. Many of us find it hard to save but it is not that deep. Check out my fail-proof tips on how to save money for travel with ease.

Let’s jump right in.

Save money while traveling

With my few years of traveling, here are my best travel tips to help you save money while traveling to Europe, the USA, or Africa.

Travel to a country that is cheaper than your home currency

One of the best ways to get value for your money is to travel to countries whose monetary value is less than your home country. This is one of the best travel tips to follow.

For example, USD is way bigger than Celfa or Cedes, so your funds will benefit you more if you travel to Benin republic or Ghana for vacation or just visiting.

On the other hand, traveling to the UK from the US will definitely cost you more. This is because the currency of the country of the visit is more than your home country.

Sign up for WayAway Membership

A great way to save money while traveling is by signing up for a WayAway membership. This is a platform that aggregates all your travel needs in one service.

You can find the cheapest flight tickets, best hotels or alternatives available as well as airport transfer for your trip. A fun fact is that you get to earn cashback when you book your travel needs on this platform.

WayAway platform is so transparent. Each amount you will earn as cashback is displayed beside each service. See the infographics below to see how to benefit from WayAway plus membership.

With this, you can save while traveling around the world. I highly recommend you sign up for a WayAway membership to get the latest travel deals and earn while doing what you love.

Opt for Hotel Alternatives

When I started my travel journey, I always go to hotels for my accommodations. However, hotels can be quite expensive to stay in. This is especially when your trip runs for 1-2 weeks. Imagine the total cost of booking a hotel for 2 weeks.

A great option on how to save money while traveling is to opt for hotel alternatives. There are so many hotel alternatives you can opt for.

• Hostels: This option is budget-friendly accommodation to stay on your travel. I highly recommend this option for solo travelers. Also. it is perfect to bond and network. Click here to book on Hostelworld.
• House sitting/ pet sitting: If you love pets and don’t mind taking care of them, you can go for pet sitting. I am not a lover of animals, so I avoid this option to save money while traveling. You can opt for this option for longer stay travels.
• Couch surfing: Although this method is fun, it is not easy to find a host. Many people offer their homes for travelers to stay on their visit. This host will help you achieve your travel goals by recommending fun places to visit. All you need to do is to update your profile and reach out to possible hosts long before your actual travel.
• Religious homes
• Academic hostels
• Guest houses
• Airbnb

Eat in local restaurants

Eating in big restaurants is great. However, the full experience of a place can be enjoyed by eating with the locals. I love to try out new foods and cultures. And the best way to enjoy that is by eating in the local restaurants.

Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the major street foods of your place of visit. I am sure you’d love the experience. Get recommendations from the locals on where to try out their local dishes.

Don’t be afraid to try out the foods. The locals will definitely advise on the foods to try that are perfect for tourists. Eating from local restaurants is a great way to save money while traveling.

Cook your meal if possible

Eating out will definitely cost you a lot. So, if you can cook your own food. It is a cost-effective way to save money while traveling. I highly recommend this for travelers that will be visiting a place for over a week.

Visit the local grocery stores to get the ingredients to make your own dish. You get to enjoy meals cooked at home like you never traveled.

Other ways to save money while traveling include walking some distances within the city to save costs or visiting free places tourist attractions. All these tips are necessary to get value for your money. Don’t forget to sign up for WayAway membership and newsletters to get prompted about the latest travel deals there are. Earn cashback while doing what you love.

Feel free to comment below which of the tips you already use. Also, comment on which of these tips you’d be using on your next trip.