28 June 2016

Revealed: The Top 7 Reasons Why You Need To Visit London

It doesn't matter whether you live in the UK or another country. One of the most famous cities in the world that you must visit at least once is London! It's a city that boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history and breathtaking architecture. If you still need convincing, check out these top seven reasons to visit the city:


1. You can explore 2,000 years of history in just one day


It's probably the only city in the world where you can view two millennia in just 24 hours!


2. There's always something happening


London is the city that never sleeps. One can enjoy musicals, comedy, exhibitions and more every day.


3. There isn't a shortage of places to eat


London is a city filled with restaurants and cafes that cater to all cuisines. The following infographic gives a few examples of places to visit, such as Brick Lane:

By england explore



4. Enjoy a refreshing pint from nearly 4,000 pubs


There's nothing better than to sit down at a nice pub and relax with friends while drinking some ale!


5. Plenty of famous landmarks to check out


From Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the Tower of London and the British Library. London boasts a plethora of famous landmarks.


6. Experience the art that has influenced the world


London's art scene is huge! From iconic and contemporary portraits to street art, the city is full of exhibits to enjoy.


7. The city is a shopper's paradise


From Harrods to Hamleys. You'll find a wealth of uniquely British stores selling all kinds of things!




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25 June 2016

How To Make Commuting In Texas Less Stressful

Photo by Travis Ruse
With all of the challenges in the job market, sometimes you need to make compromises. It could be that where you live right now doesn't have much in the way of well-paid jobs. Or perhaps you're qualified for a job that isn't widely available, and you need to look further for it. In either case, the truth is that more and more of us are having to commute to work. In Texas, as big as it is, that can mean long journeys. In sweltering heat.
Studies have shown that people who have to commute to work are, on balance, less happy than people who don't. And it makes sense. If you can just hop in your car and be at work in 15 to 30 minutes, that means more time in bed, quality time with your family and a better diet. Having to be up and out the door while it's still pitch black doesn't set anyone off to the best start.
But sometimes if you want the best job you have to be ready to travel, at least until it's practical to move or a similar position opens up nearer to you. In cases such as this, your commute should be as easy as possible. Windows down or up, it can get pretty hot on a cross-Texas commute. As such, it's handy to think about ways to make the commute from hell a little more heavenly.

1. Flexible Working Schedules
Not every employer is going to offer it, but if you have the chance to arrange it then sometimes a different schedule can help. If there is some work you can do from home, then you can spend more time with your family. For the time that you do have to spend in the office, you'll be much more serene.

2. Don't Drive, Leave It To Someone Else
Photo from Pexels
Driving for long periods of time is not a great way to get ready for work. The traffic is out of your control, and you can spend forever looking for a parking space. However, public transport links are improving all the time. If your job involves traveling from Dallas to Houston, it can be a lot better to avail of these improvements. Listen to some music, take your laptop and watch a film. Arrive in a good mood.

3. Stay Over From Time To Time
It may sound counter-intuitive for someone who wants to spend more time at home. However, sometimes there are advantages to staying overnight in a hotel in the city or town you're working in. If it means you can get to the office earlier and be done sooner, then you can get home at a civilized hour, eat dinner with your family and be more relaxed. Showing this ability to be flexible will also encourage your employer to be more flexible with you.
Chances are, you'd still rather have a more convenient job. And it is certainly important to bear in mind that your physical health and emotional well-being outrank everything else. However, these are ways to make commuting less stressful, not remove it entirely. And for as long as you've got to do it, you may as well do it in a more pleasant way.


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Spherical Accommodation in Canada

Are you the quirky type and long for weird, unusual, or even one-of-a-kind travel lodging experience? Have you tried sleeping in a spherical accommodation in the woods? How's that for a start?

Well, tree-huggers and adventurers will surely love this spherical accommodation nestled in a coastal rainforest in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is a quiet area so you can have a peace of mind, perfect relaxation amidst Mother Earth.

The spherical rooms are equipped with the basics such as a bed, table, chairs, toilet and bath. It also has electricity where you can plug in your gadget when you still have to get connected to the urban world. They also have wi-fi!








The whole place is called Free Spirit Spheres. You can stay a night or spend the whole week or even longer if you wish to relax and just be one with the nature. There are common areas for guests to socialise and use some amenities like the galley kitchen, sauna, and even enjoy barbecue cook-outs. So, start ticking that bucket list of yours!



You can find more information about these beautiful spheres in their website: freespiritspheres.com

(Photo credit: all photos are from freespiritspheres.com site)

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17 June 2016

Easy Ways To Make Any Trip More Memorable

All of us have memories of trips and travel experiences that stand out in our minds. Whether it was the activity, the people or the place, these trips are often the ones you enjoyed the most. We all also have trips that aren’t as memorable for one reason or another. Their details quickly become forgotten and overtaken by the unforgettable trips we’ve taken. None of us want to go on a trip that we will forget about as soon as we get home. Thankfully there are things you can do to make every trip one to remember. Use these easy ways to make any trip you take from now on far more memorable and enjoyable.





Go outside of your comfort zone


No matter how long your trip is, make a conscious effort to try something new each day. You can swing with dolphins at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Or touch real icebergs in Iceland's Jokulsarlon Lagoon. Talking to strangers, solo travel and trying unusual delicacies are also options you might consider. Going outside of what you are usually comfortable with is a simple way to create a memorable trip. It can also help you feel accomplished and more confident, which are feelings that you can take home with you. So start thinking about activities that you might like to try but never had the courage to before. If it’s something that scares and challenges you, it will be even better.




Be present


While you will understandably want to take photos on your phone or camera, try to refrain from doing this too much. Seeing the world through a screen or lens is not the same as experiencing it first hand. Allowing yourself to be present for every second of your trip will help you discover more. When you are checking social media or playing with your camera, you could be missing the sights, people and culture of a place. So turn them off and use your eyes to capture the wonder instead. Not only that, being present is considered the best way to protect yourself from thieves and potential hazards.




Take your time


Having a packed itinerary is an excellent way to see as many places and attractions as possible. But it doesn’t give you the chance to learn and discover more. While you can driving from one location to another, you could be exploring one place more thoroughly. So to make your next trip more memorable, give yourself plenty of time to experience every part. You never know who you will meet or what attractions you might uncover. The additional freedom it can provide will also make you more open minded and less worried about your limitations. So visit few places and stay for longer to create a trip worth remembering.

So whether you travel a lot or very little, these suggestions will help you create memories you can remember for all the right reasons. Travel is something all of us can gain a lot from, so do whatever it takes to make it as memorable as possible.


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12 June 2016

Travel In Style With Fashionable Carry Ons

There are plenty travellers out there who won't settle for anything less than stellar, from their air ticket, to the hotel they are booking, to the fancy restaurants they are going to dine to, and to the pretty and stylish luggages that will hold their fabulous stuff.

Well, not all of us can afford such lavish lifestyle while we still enjoy the fancy perks of travelling every now and then. And if you are one of those who travel in style and have the means to really go for it, here are some fancy and stylish travel luggages for the ultra fashionista out there. They are sleek in design, well-polished, and have the sturdy yet confident look on their design.



Ted Baker "Cosmic Bloom" Travel Bag







Tumi 'Voyageur - Oslo' Compact Wheeled Carry-On

This carry-on looks masculine with its polished and clean look and rather bigger handle. I think it's perfect for any gender as it looks very stylish and luxurious at the same time.






Longchamp 'Le Pliage' Wheeled Carry-On (21 Inch)


(Photo credit: Nordstrom.com)



Coach Bleeker Travel bag

This is a perfect bag for overnighters and short trips. Also a great accompaniment for your luggages. This beautiful Coach leather bag is for men, but I don't mind using it for my travels due to its roomy and sleek design.




(Photo credit: hespokestyle.com)


Kenneth Cole Reaction® Renegade 20-Inch Expandable 8-Wheel Upright In Purple



(Photo credit: bedbathbeyond.com)



Fossil Estate Framed Duffle



(Photo credit: ebags.com)



Bric's 'Bellagio Metallo' Rolling Carry-On (21 Inch)



(Photo credit: nordstrom.com)



Gucci Signature Leather Duffle



(Photo credit: gucci.com)



Louis Vuitton Pegase Legere 55


(Photo credit: louisvuitton.com)


And when you've finally decide which bag is the most suitable for your style and personality, match it with a nice travel accessory like a luggage tag or strap.








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10 June 2016

Problems That Can Halt Your Travel Plans And How To Deal With Them


It’s that time of year again where everyone starts to think about traveling to an exotic location around the world. That could be a popular destination in Europe or perhaps a less popular destination in South America. You might be going to a packed tourist destination such as Disney world or a small island off the coast of Hawaii. Either way, one thing is certain. You don’t want anything to disrupt your holiday plans, and there are lots of things that could. This is a problem that’s going to affect you both emotionally and financially. Particularly, if you haven’t insured your holiday. That’s why my first piece of advice to you is this.

Get Travel Insurance


If you can, you should make sure that all your travel plans are insured. Be careful whizzing through this purchase online too. It’s usually offered as an add on after you book your flight. You need to make sure that you have complete, not just partial coverage. If you only have partial coverage, you’re not going to be insured for all the things that could go wrong. Usually, it’s just if you’re ill or, and it might not even cover the people who you are flying with. You can get extra coverage arranged online for a minimal additional cost. It’s worth it to protect what could be a big investment in a holiday. Everything that you book for your holiday can be insured including car hire. When you book a car for your holiday, make sure to check that the cost is fully covered.

Avoid Missing A Flight


There are a few ways that you might miss a flight to your chosen destination. One possibility is that you simply don’t arrive at the airport in time. It’s important that you don’t underestimate how long it takes to get through baggage control. In can be anything up to a few hours depending on what country you’re traveling from. That’s why you want to make sure you arrive at the airport at least a few hours before your plane is scheduled to leave.


Typically, the other issue for missed flights is when you have connections. If possible, you should try and avoid getting a connecting flight. It does usually cost more to get a direct flight. But typically, it is worth it. If your flight is delayed, you’ll miss your next one and suddenly your holiday is in jeopardy. At the very least, you’re going to lose a few days of the holiday that are already paid for.

Lost Luggage


It’s not a bad idea to take a few pieces of clothing in your hand luggage. Just in case you do have the misfortune of losing your luggage. Again, avoiding connecting flights will severely limit your chances of losing your luggage. Though it is still possible. Another preemptive precaution is to mix and match the bags. If you’re traveling with other people, make sure there’s at least one item of clothing for everyone in every bag. That way, no one will have to deal with having no clothes for the holiday. Most luggage does turn up eventually, but it can take a few days.

If you avoid these issues, you’ll have a holiday without the nightmares that you often hear about.


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07 June 2016

5 Places In Europe You Won't Want To Miss

If you get a chance to embark on a tour of Europe, there are a few places that are essential to stop at. Paris, London, Rome, and Berlin are just some of the incredible cities you can enjoy. Europe is full of interesting countries and interesting people. It could take many visits to really experience everything you might be keen on. But there are also many places that you really shouldn’t miss out on. Here are 5 places in Europe that should be at the top of your list of things to see:



Lapland (Finland)


Finland is a great country to visit. And a sauna is an experience you really shouldn’t miss out on! But Finland is also home to Lapland. Here you can find hundreds of thousands of reindeer. You also have an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights. Exploring the six National Parks in the region could easily use up all your vacation days! But the sights, smells, sounds, and experiences will all be worth it.





Norwegian Fjords


These stunning sights will leave you in awe at their magnificence. They can be explored on foot as well as by boat. Hiking in this region will certainly keep you fit, and your camera busy. Their beautiful forms create some of the most dramatic coastlines you’ll find anywhere in the world. And Norway has 29,000km to explore. There is a reason why so many consider this one of those once in a lifetime holidays.They are equally glorious all year round, but many favor the icier months to enjoy the spectacle of the Norwegian Fjords.





Zagreb (Croatia)


Croatia is much neglected when it comes to European destinations. Zagreb has an extraordinary number of museums. They provide a fascinating insight into this beautiful country. There are three parts to the city. The modern area is often avoided by tourists as it is considered the business center of the city. There are many skyscrapers here. It’s worth exploring the higher buildings if you can for the great views. The nineteenth century lower town is the most fun for visitors. Amazing restaurants, cafes, bars and theaters can be found down the cobbled streets. The Upper Town is a thousand years old and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the country.






The Lake District (England)


This region of the UK is world-renowned for its beauty. It is very popular with walkers and hikers. Some of the published walks are incredibly challenging. There are also many paths for those just hoping to enjoy the views.




Madeira


For some of the most beautiful flowers and amazing sea views, Madeira is a winner all year round. This popular island has always been a tourist destination, which might be why travelers often avoid it. But the wicker basket sled ride is something you must experience while you are here! Enjoy the food, the wine, and the beauty of Madeira.


These 5 lovely European destinations could each make wonderful holidays. Or you might just be passing through on your way to your next stop. Try not to miss out on these little gems of Europe next time you’re here.

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Read This Before Visitng Paris!

Paris is one of the most romantic and cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Now that’s really saying something! When you visit this amazing metropolis, you see immediately why so many people make it a stop on round-the-world trips. Although beautiful, Paris is also pretty fast-paced and frantic. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then here are some tips to help you avoid sticking out too much!


The first tip I can offer is to learn at least a few French phrases. In France, like a lot of continental Europe, English is widely taught and spoken. You’ll usually be able to find someone who speaks decent English, but they may not always be that friendly! Although a lot of Parisians do speak English, many of them are very proud of their language and culture. If you approach them and begin speaking in English, they won’t appreciate how presumptuous you’re being. No one’s expecting you to be fluent, but learning a few common words and phrases will be highly appreciated. I’ll start you off with one you’ll be using a lot: “parlez-vous un petit peu d’anglais?”.
You should be on the lookout for pickpockets in Paris, particularly when you’re passing through metro stations. This is a big risk in any European city, especially if you’re a tourist. The worst spots for it are on the metro, on lines that go past many popular attractions. French pickpockets know a tourist a mile off, and will see you as an easy target. Luckily, there are some easy ways around this. The easiest precaution to take is simply making your valuables harder to reach. Put them in smaller pockets deep in your bag, rather than carrying them on your person. Stay vigilant about common tactics as well. Many pickpockets wait for that crushing swarm of people getting on or off a train to dip their hands into people’s bags and pockets. You can find a more complete guide on the French US Embassy website.

Finally, be sure to get a lot of navigation materials if you’re planning to get around yourself. Most tourists in Paris, and a lot of the locals to be honest, rely entirely on public transport. This is mainly due to how hard it is to get around in a car! Paris is a truly ancient settlement, and many of the roads were built for horses and coaches. This of course leads to a lot of traffic jams. There are odd-angled boulevards and avenues wherever you go, and finding somewhere to park can be an absolute nightmare. This has given rise to a lot of services such as Paris France Parking. This allows travellers and day-trippers to reserve spaces on certain roads. In general, my advice about driving in Paris is not to! If you are though, make sure to research rush hours, routes to attractions, and parking.
Hopefully, these three tips will do something about the big “tourist” label hanging over your head! Visiting Paris can feel a little daunting. However, a little preparation really goes a long way!


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Would You Add a Mobile Phone Tracker Software to Your Itinerary?


While you pack and prepare a list of things to do on your next journey to anywhere in the world, you may have forgotten about one important matter. How can you keep people at home informed about your whereabouts around the clock, for their peace of mind? With a mobile phone tracker software, you can easily handle this tiny glitch and travel to everywhere.

If you have read my recent blog about travelling to Baltimore, then you would know that this is where you will see many amazing sites, meet interesting people, attend exciting festivals, and have delightful food, while you enjoy the weather. Wherever you go, there would be lots of fascinating things and activities to explore. However, let’s not forget about the dangers of travelling.



Some Dangers to Consider

Different circumstances can warrant the use of a mobile tracking software. On your journey, you may come across some bad people, encounter risky incidences, lose your property, or even lose your cell phone. While Wi-Fi services are usually the main attraction during journeys, identity thieves and hacker can be waiting for an opportunity to steal your personal data. Most people save passwords and user ID on their browsers and if you are one of such people, then you need to think again!

If you lose your cell phone, with the tracking app installed on it, you can quickly locate it via the GPS tracking feature inbuilt into the app. If you fear that someone has picked the cell phone, you can also use remote features like locking the device to protect the sensitive data on it. In worse case scenarios, you may want to consider wiping off the entire data on the cell phone to protect your privacy and sensitive information on the cell phone.

Sometimes, there may be not network available to keep in touch with loved ones at home. How can they know about your most recent location and activity? With a monitoring app, they can get updates around the clock and find peace.


How a Mobile Phone Tracker Software Provides Peace of Mind

Are you wondering how such apps can be of use on your journey, consider this for a moment. If your loved ones are going on a journey, leaving you behind, you may want to keep track of their locations, know what they do on their journey, and keep in touch to make sure they are safe at every step of the way. With such apps on the target cell phone, you can find mental peace.

Besides, not getting constant updates can be very unnerving for those staying back, especially if the loved one is a teenager or someone who needs constant supervision because it’s the first time the person is travelling all alone. Through the tracking app, you can get enough information to find peace of mind.



Tracker Apps Offer Tracking and Monitoring Solutions

By installing the monitoring app on the cell phone of the person travelling, you can keep yourself informed and look out for the person’s safety. Through the GPS tracking feature in monitoring apps, like FollowMe, which is strictly a GPS tracking app,  you can know the exact location of the target cell phone at any time, and anywhere in the world.

Another app is xnspy, which allows you to track the person around the clock to know if he or she goes to any no-go areas that you watchlist. If the target device checks into or out of specific watch-listed locations, it notifies you via an alert. If the person goes to a politically unstable place, you can keep track via the geofencing feature and make sure they stay away from harm. This allows you to know of the target cell phone enters or leave a watch-listed zone.

Because the person will meet new people and socialize with strangers, there is the possibility that there will be exchanges of cell numbers. XNSPY is an ideal example of a monitoring app that helps you by giving you access to all messages sent and received via the target’s cell phone, including IM chats. This particular app allows you to access chats via WhatsApp, Skype, Kik, Line, and Viber, including Facebook messenger and iMessage. From the control panel, you can read entire threads of the conversations. The inbuilt “Watchlist Words” feature helps by sending you alerts if the target uses specific words.




You can also access all stored photos and videos on the target device from your control panel. You can also copy the multimedia files from the cell phone if you need to do that.

If you have concerns about whom the target person would befriend on the journey, through the app you can access the call logs and contacts on the target cell phone. You can use this feature of the mobile phone tracker software to know whom the target person talks to while on the journey, and how frequently.

Some apps also offer a feature that records the sounds in the phone’s surroundings. XNSPY is also one of the many apps that allow users to do this. You can turn on the recorder remotely. Once the app records the discussions, it uploads the files to the control panel and deletes the temporary files on the system. From the control panel, you can listen to the files whenever you can. I felt this is a very neat feature.


Therefore, to conclude, you can keep loved ones safe on the journey with the help of a decent app. Apps like this can help you to constantly guide and monitor your loved one while they explore the world. Additionally, you get remote control of the device to protect sensitive information in case you lose the cell phone.



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