Essential Oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures as a natural alternative to medicine (an ‘essential oil’ is made from separating the most powerful healing elements of a plant, like eucalyptus or sage, into a single oil that you inhale or rub on your skin).
They are one of the world’s most ancient methods for healing, boosting energy levels, reducing anxiety, and from Egypt to England, from China to the United States, aromatherapy has become the most popular way to treat yourself in a natural, safe and cost-effective way.
Nebulizing deffusers are used in people’s homes, in yoga studios, and in medical centers everyday. It’s a machine that disperses your chosen oil into the room so that you can breathe the healing properties into your blood stream.
Ever instantly felt calm at a luxury spa? Did your mother ever cure your cold with eucalyptus? That’s aromatherapy.
In the context of travel, just because you’re constantly on the move doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from aromatherapy. I’ve recently discovered the mobile-mini nebulizing diffuser from Organic Aromas … it’s compact, portable, wireless, and fabulous for traveling with.
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Pets form a very intimate part of our lives, and for those who like to travel, the idea of leaving your most vulnerable family member at home is often quite unthinkable.
However, travelling with pets is never easy, and you have to prepare for it as you would prepare for a child travelling with you, maybe even more.
People often make the mistake of thinking that it won’t be that hard to arrange a perfect trip when it comes to traveling with your pets. But once the trip starts, unprepared travelers inevitably run into problems that can ruin the whole thing.
Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure that everything is perfectly organized for your trip.
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When it comes to travel, money (or lack there of) is often quoted as the biggest obstacle. But it shouldn’t be.
Figuring out how to save the money for travel can be quite overwhelming, but there are many ways to cut back on everyday expenses if you’re willing to reassess your priorities.
You don’t need to be rich to travel the world; with a couple of creative strategies you might be amazed at how quickly you can accumulate a savings.
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People planning a vacation in the western United States usually make two big mistakes.
The first is that they spend too much time in Los Angeles. But there is so much more to do in the western United States than explore the bubble of rich homes and Hollywood clones, that we would argue you should skip LA completely.
The second mistake is that they assume Las Vegas is all about the gambling, and miss out on the geological wonderland and incredible natural surrounds. And while we’ll include Las Vegas in this itinerary, we do so as a base for exploring further out.
Western USA is an incredible region for a road trip, and travelers have a diverse range of exciting cities, coastal towns, and natural wonders to choose from when planning an itinerary. But being that there is so much to cover, we wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re struggling with planning your route, use the following guide to fill two weeks worth of driving. These are the highlights of Western USA … not including LA.
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Every year during September and October, tulip season in Tasmania is one of the most spectacular draws to the Cradle Coast.
A tulip farm atop a 12 million year old volcano, Table Cape Tulip Farm features acres of patchwork fields that fly into a rage of color each spring.
Unsurprisingly, people come from far and wide to see this spectacle, and delight in wandering through the farm. In fact, these are the largest tulip fields in the Southern Hemisphere that you can actually wander in.
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I don’t know if it’s because I’ve recently turned 30, but I definitely remember a time when I used to have more energy.
Whether you’ve traveled for an active adventure, or urban exploration, a very common goal among travelers is to get the most out of every day. After-all, you have limited vacation days, and you’ve traveled to an exotic location – you want to experience as much as possible.
But there’s no denying that moving around all day comes with one downside; exhaustion, aches and pains. Long days of traveling, sightseeing, and walking are incredible, but they definitely take their toll.
Many travelers experience soreness, muscle pain, and fatigue overseas, and it can be especially difficult if you’re wondering how you can possibly head out again tomorrow.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, wondering how you’re possibly going to continue with your itinerary, I’ve got you covered. Pranamat ECO is a therapeutic accupressure massage set you can travel with, and a great way to relax and get rid of muscle pain.
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Everyone has a list of places they want to visit and explore before they kick the bucket.
From small things like quirky restaurants in hidden corners of faraway towns to giant metropolitan cities or sweeping countrysides, the world is full of sites to see and we only have so much time to see it all.
There are some places, though, that are breathtakingly beautiful and full of rich history that are often overlooked by many world travelers. A common country that falls in this category is New Zealand.
Often overshadowed by its larger, sunnier Australian neighbor, New Zealand is a small island country with an abundance of wildlife, astonishing views, and inspiring culture. Other-worldly in its natural beauty, this unique destination is also incredibly accessible due to the recent uptick in tourism.
There are hundreds of reasons to add New Zealand to your travel bucket list. Still need convincing? Here are a few highlights.
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Travel writing was once something reserved for the pages of books, and glossy magazines, though today we live in an age where anyone can create their own platform, and become a travel writer purely based on their own means.
Travel writing is certainly a more practical career goal than it used to be, though whether you’re writing for blogs, newspapers, or creating travel guides, the ability to create well written, quality content is still something you need.
Fortunately, if you’re passionate about writing, this is a skill that can be honed. If you’re looking to sharpen your travel writing skills, the following are 6 strategies that have worked for me.
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As great as tourist hotspots can be (after all, there is a reason they are so popular!), you can get a lot out of exploring places more off the beaten path if you know how best to do it.
There are plenty of remote destinations that require some getting to, but once you are there, you know you are experiencing something incredible and rare!
Here are five top tips for exploring these remote destinations.
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A mysterious and alluring country, Myanmar has recently become an emerging destination in Asia.
Formerly known as Burma, this state in the heart of the Southeastern Asia offers insight into a still relatively unknown world. It tempts curious visitors with stunning temple landscapes, and a sealed culture that has only opened up to the world within the last decade.
Tourism has been enjoying somewhat of a boom in recent years, especially while the travel experience maintains an air of authenticity, which is reasonably difficult to come by in a world that steadily becomes more globalized.
It may take a month to uncover all the uniqueness Myanmar has to offer, but no matter how long you choose to spend, the following guide will help out with everything you need to know when planning a visit.
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It’s fair to say that most of us rely on our credit cards when travelling. With the ease of using a card for international payments, the protection they offer, and amazing travel rewards, it makes sense too.
It’s incredibly important to practice fiscal responsibility, and use a credit card responsibly, and if you can do that, there are a lot of benefits to having one in your arsenal.
The following are reasons why credit cards have become a travel essential.
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When it comes to travel, preparation is not always limited to the practical side of things; booking your hotels, making sure your passport is valid, and deciding what to bring.
Wherever we go in the world, we find people doing things differently, so it’s important to prepare for cultural differences too (this is of course part of the joy of travel; after all, if we were all the same, the world would make for a very boring place!).
We can’t always avoid cultural slip-ups, and keeping your sense of humor when you travel will help you no end. Yet, taking a few minutes to learn about the culture and norms will help you avoid the most embarrassing scenarios.
The following are cultural dos and don’ts for when you travel to Peru. Follow these simple guidelines, and you will set yourself up to have a more meaningful and engaged trip.
After all, not offending everyone unintentionally at every turn can only be a good thing!
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An affordable European capital with a huge range of things to do and direct flights to most European cities sounds like a dream city break, right?
Growing up in Warsaw, I was convinced that my hometown was anything but a coveted tourist destination. Most people I met abroad had only been to Cracow, and the few who visited Warsaw usually came for business.
But after having moved to the UK for university, I now have a different perspective on things. Several friends have visited me over the years and they all absolutely loved it here. I slowly realised that Warsaw is, in fact, a pretty great destination.
For those willing to give Warsaw a chance, the following is an itinerary for a two-day city break, complete with sightseeing highlights and locals’ favourites for things to do.
Accommodation in Warsaw is pretty affordable by European standards, so you’ll be spoiled for choice! My personal recommendation is Sen Pszczoly: a good introduction to the city’s quirky vibe located right in the center.
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Given that Florida boasts more miles of coastline than any U.S. state other than chilly Alaska, you might have imagined it would be relatively easy to find a peaceful beach here, away from the tourist throng.
Alas, it’s actually a far-from-straightforward task, in large part because the locals aren’t usually too eager to tell you about them (understandable, after-all, why would you not want to keep such secluded gems to yourself!)
The good news, though, is that we’ve strung together many of the best secret beaches based on our own local knowledge from 8 years living in the Sunshine State.
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Getting distracted from work is easy. Getting distracted from work as a digital nomad is nearly impossible to avoid.
As a full-time traveler and remote worker, you need to keep your income flowing in order to maintain your lifestyle. Avoiding all the new places, people, and food, though (at least long enough to get some work done), is tough.
Staying productive as a digital nomad is one of the most important things to be mindful of while on the road. Even though you might rather be out exploring your new location, without spending quality time with your laptop, clients, or business, you’ll be on the next flight home before you know it.
Follow these steps to get productive — and stay that way — as a remote worker. Your long-term travel lifestyle depends on it!
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I typically don’t live life with regrets, though if I was pushed to name one regret, it would be not being able to speak a foreign language.
Especially since I used to be able to.
And to be honest it’s quite embarrassing. Being in a foreign country where the locals are making all the effort to speak in English and I can’t string a sentence together in theirs.
Telling people that yes, I did learn Japanese in High school, but now it’s all but disappeared.
So on my most recent trip to Japan I decided that enough was enough. I was done with feeling ashamed and guilty that I hadn’t put the effort into retaining Japanese as a second language, and I wanted to replace that with a feeling of pride at being able to thrive in real world conversations.
I told myself I wasn’t going to travel with a portable translator, and a couple of months before I left I downloaded Rosetta Stone on my desktop and phone.
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Whether you’re travelling for business or for leisure, it’s important to know the best places to stay, no matter where your itinerary takes you.
For many travellers, accommodation is always an important factor to consider. And this is something that should involve a great deal of forethought, as your choice can really be an overall make or break.
With concerns over safety and comfort being top priorities, it’s crucial to take your time to find the best places to stay in any city or town. Follow these tips when doing so.
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Let’s be honest. Making ethical travel choices isn’t always easy. And it’s often the least sustainable means of travel which come in the cheapest, while companies who champion positive ethical values and responsible travel are slightly more expensive.
Responsible and ethical travel will require you to do your research before you visit a place. It will cost time, money and effort. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you can often make an individual impact by being willing to make a couple of simple lifestyle changes.
We can’t all live in the mountains and eat only what we have grown in our vegetable patches, however part of our duty as travellers is being aware that our decisions (yes, even on holiday!) have a significant impact on our natural surroundings.
I genuinely believe that we can explore the world and discover new cultures and places, while honouring and respecting the planet. Here are a few of my suggestions for how to travel in a more ethically conscious way.
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For many travel enthusiasts, finding a perfect place to spend an unforgettable summer can be quite challenging. With so many famous tropical destinations out there, the choices seem to be endless.
An island nation that lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, one of the top picks when it comes to summer escapade is the beautiful island of Malta.
Aside from its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Malta’s weather is perfect beach weather; very mild winters and warm to hot summers. The seascapes here are among the most stunning in the Mediterranean, and the beaches radiate with golden sand.
Don’t let the title of the ‘Smallest Country in EU’ fool you; with such an incredible range of coastline to choose from, Malta Uncovered has put together a comprehensive list of the best beaches around the country.
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Sydney is one of the most amazing cities in the world, but it can also be one of the most expensive.
From a morning cup of coffee to a bunk in a hostel, the cost of visiting Sydney often catches travelers off guard, and might be a little bit higher than you were expecting.
However, you don’t have to let a trip to Sydney break the bank! Here are our top tips and tricks for saving money while visiting this incredible city.
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When we think of useful travel apps we think of browsing the app store and downloading something useful to our phone.
And certainly, nowadays there are apps for just about everything; flight schedules, money journals, foreign language translations – there’s something to meet every traveler’s need.
There are many mainstream apps that almost everyone has; social media apps for staying connected, perhaps online banking to stay on top of your bills while you’re overseas. But by the same token, there are also a range of apps that will make your life easier, that you may not have realized you need!
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Europe is one of those very rare continents where you can land in Italy for breakfast, and be in Switzerland by lunch. And if there ever was a town worth crossing the border for, it would be the Swiss city of Lugano.
An hour drive from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, Lugano is the largest holiday town in the region of Ticino, and with a stunning selection of natural sites, historic buildings, and a distinct Mediterranean flair, there are many reasons to plan a visit during your trip to Italy.
Whether you plan to visit Lugano as a day trip from Milan, or use it as your springboard to start exploring Switzerland, it’s cheap and easy to organize a shuttle bus, train, or private transfer.
The following are reasons to make the trip from Malpensa Airport to Lugano, and visit Switzerland while you’re visiting Italy!
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Bangkok’s reputation precedes itself, but however you feel about the Thai capital, it is safe to say that it’s definitely not a boring place.
For me, it was a struggle to like the city. On my first visit I loved it, on my second I hated it. On my third and fourth I was a bit indifferent, and on my latest visit, in February 2018, love blossomed again.
Having spent quite some time in ‘the Venice of the east’ I feel comfortable writing that if you visited Bangkok without liking it, you probably had the wrong guide.
So to help you avoid developing an unhealthy and complicated relationship with Bangkok, here are some tips to make sure your visit to ‘the Sin City of Asia’ (damn, so many nicknames) is going to be a spot on success.
You can also use our three day Bangkok itinerary as a guide for planning out your trip.
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Paris. Every superlative in the world has been used to describe Paris, and whether they’ve personally traveled or not, I would wager that every person on earth could reel off an impressive list of things to do.
Photographs of Paris are instantly recognizable, and if you’re traveling to snap a photo of the wrought iron Eiffel Tower, or gargoyled Notre Dame cathedral, let’s be honest, that’s not exactly new.
Paris is, after-all, the most visited city in Europe, and many, many, people have walked the lamplit bridges of the Seine before you.
But despite being one of the most travelled cities in the world, Paris manages to keep a few secrets. Beyond the grandoise palaces and boulevards, and behind the museums and historic facades, are cobbled backstreets with many lesser-known things to do.
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So you’ve finally decided to cross Italy off your bucket list, now comes the difficulty of actually deciding what kind of experience you want to have!
When it comes to a country like Italy, it’s important to first resign yourself to the fact you won’t be able to see everything in a single trip. You could easily spend two weeks in just about any Italian city alone.
But if you’re looking to take in the highlights, the following is a perfect 2-week itinerary for experiencing the best of Italy. Included are the “Big 3”, being Rome, Florence, and Venice. These cities cater to just about any type of traveller whether you’re a foodie, architecture/art lover, history fanatic, or are simply searching for a little romance.
So without further ado, enjoy this helpful itinerary and “Fai un buon viaggi”!
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