Our smartphones have become like our own personalized travel agents these days. From finding flights, to accessing real time translations, they have become a one stop shop for everything we need to search for, book, and enjoy our holidays.
Through the use of helpful apps, we can now easily travel all around the world like a pro. Though the usefulness of an app can definitely be regional; for instance what might be a brilliant app for Australia, might not do you any good in Europe.
When travelling through Europe you are faced with a wide variety of transportation options, hotel decisions, languages, currency conversions, etc. As such, knowing what the best apps are to help you with your journey is vital in order to enjoy a flawless travel experience.
The following are our favorite apps for European travel. I guarantee you’ll be well taken care of if you have these seven apps on your phone!
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Blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, sun-kissed beaches, and some of the best nightclubs in the world, Ibiza is known as the party hard island of the Balearics.
And indeed, when the local population is swallowed whole by the seven-million-odd tourists that arrive en masse each year, partying hard is what most travelers tend to do.
But for those who don’t wake in in Ibiza with a hangover (it’s possible, I promise you!), there are a huge range of other fantastic things to do.
From stunning nature, to rich cultural heritage, if you’re willing to truly explore the island you may discover that Ibiza has a surprisingly peaceful side; hushed churches and secluded north-coast coves.
The following are our favorite ideas for things to do in Ibiza.
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There’s no denying that Bali makes for a wonderful holiday destination, but with over 18,000 islands, there are plenty of other places to explore in Indonesia, offering unspoiled island scenery and authentic cultural encounters.
Indonesia is also an ideal destination for liveaboard or adventure cruises – places like Komodo or Raja Ampat are best explored on a boat, allowing travelers to seek out the remotest islands and best scuba and snorkeling locations, without having to worry about tourist crowds.
Yet, until recently, planning an Indonesia cruise required a fair bit of forward planning. Many local operators don’t have a website, and there’s no way besides word of mouth to find out who to trust. True, you can always book onsite – but if you’re planning to head off the beaten track, you may be stuck for days waiting for a boat.
But companies like Nowboat.com are solving this. Nowboat is the first all in one seafaring platform, collecting over 900 trusted local operators worldwide and allowing travelers to get in touch with them and book at 0% commission.
Indonesia is one of the top countries featured on the platform, with over 160 yacht charters and adventures available – here we’ve selected for you our five favorite Indonesia cruise adventures, available to book on nowboat.com for this summer!
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So you love being on the water, and always admired others who enjoy getting out on their own and kayaking away. But perhaps you’re worried that you’ll find yourself paddling around in circles for most of your day.
Even if you have never kayaked, there is no need to fret: there are plenty of fabulous spots for kayaking beginners all over the world. And the great news is that kayaking is a great sport for any beginner to learn.
It’s relatively simple to pick up kayaking, and this is a great way to get close to nature, and access remote sightseeing that you wouldn’t usually be able to enjoy on land.
The following are the best kayaking spots around the world for beginners. If you find yourself in one of these destinations, consider renting a kayak!
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It’s one thing to see pictures of incredible wildlife online, but getting up close and personal with them is another matter entirely.
From meeting pandas in their natural environment, and snow monkeys in Japan to ethical experiences with elephants in Thailand, here are six amazing travel ideas for animal lovers.
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Australia is one of the world’s most remote and popular tourist destinations. This wildland forms an edging around two opposing worlds: modern and sophisticated cities and miles of mystic and indigenous land that’s left to be explored by aspiring adventurers.
These days, staying entertained while traveling is easy with the aid of modern devices like your phone. Watching a movie under the stars, taking beautiful photos; it’s all possible with a few power banks and the internet. But for those able to detach themselves from their electronics, there’s definitely something to be said for being present in the moment, and fully embracing an experience. Too often these days we end up missing out on the moment, because we’re distracted by, or attempting to live it through the screen on our phone.
So, in honor of disconnecting, and fully immersing ourselves in an experience, the following are incredible Australian adventures, worthy of choosing to live in the moment (without your phone!)
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One of the most interesting destinations in the world, Bhutan is a mysterious country wedged in-between India and China, in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. It is known for its rich cultural history; a remote region defined by majestic monasteries, fluttering prayer flags; and elaborate festivals.
While festivals in Bhutan are so frequent that you could easily happen upon one by accident, you can definitely plan ahead to make sure your trip coincides with attending. Bhutanese festivals are perhaps one of the most authentic cultural experiences left in the world.
The word “tsechu” translates literally to “ten-day,” and Bhutan’s annual tsechu festivals are held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tsechu are held in various cities throughout the year, so knowing about them in advance may help you decide the best time to visit Bhutan.
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It feels like there are a million different secrets to finding cheap flights these days, and everyone has a different opinion. Some people will tell you to make your booking on a Tuesday, some might tell you to use an incognito window, or that you should cozy up to an air hostess for their friends and family discount!
But the one secret I’m loving at the moment are cheap flight subscriptions, where there’s a team of travel nerds who run algorithms and send you email alerts when they find crazy low prices.
I’m signed up to a number of these subscriptions, though I definitely have my favorites. And one of them is Dollar Flight Club. While many subscription services exist offering notifications on flights only out of America, Dollar Flight Club is something for everyone.
They search the web for flight deals leaving your home airport, where-ever you’re based in the world, and the deals they find usually save you around $500 on international flights.
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Experiencing underwater life never ceases to inspire and amaze. Offering an entirely different pace, human beings have long been enchanted by the blue silence, surrounded by marine life.
It is true that some of the coolest places on the planet are under water. There are hotels, shipwrecks, temples, museums, restaurants and other underwater sites around the world that are worth diving and snorkeling for.
While the list of exceptional underwater experiences seems as endless as the great depths of the sea, we’ve put together our favorites; some the top sites to don a full face snorkel mask and explore underwater life.
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With colourful shop windows, golden beaches and turquoise waters, and an extremely zen town mentality, there are very few places that can compare to the hippy town of Byron Bay.
A favourite on every east coast Australia road trip, Byron Bay truly is one of a kind. It boasts glorious beaches, an amazing chilled out atmosphere, enough bars and restaurants to keep you fed and watered for weeks, and beautiful surroundings.
But there are a couple of things you should know before visiting this captivating town in northern New South Wales, which will ensure you make the most of your time in the town and see the very best of Byron Bay.
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Jungles may make up only six percent of the earth’s land surface, but they produce nearly half of all the oxygen we require to survive. And, home to some of the world’s most iconic and endangered wildlife, jungle destinations offer a travel experience unlike any other.
Jungle trekking is a way to transport yourself back to a time of exploration as you come face to face with landscapes and animals few people have seen with their own eyes; from the lush humid jungles of the Amazon, to spotting tigers and sloth bears in the national parks of Nepal.
On June 5th, over 140 nations will participate in celebrating World Environment Day. And what better way to celebrate than by listing the countries that are home some of the world’s greatest rainforests.
We can only hope that through continued conservation efforts and sustainable eco-tourism, we can preserve these great jungles for generations to come. You might think that jungle trekking sounds primitive, but you might be surprised to find that the best hotels for jungle trekking are as much luxury as they are eco-lodge!
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Scotland is one of those rare countries in the world with landscapes so diverse you could travel for months and still not have seen it all!
From the highlands in the north with dramatic moors, rolling hills, rugged coasts and dazzling lochs, to the Scottish borders which boast medieval castles and manor houses, there is no doubt that Scotland is one of the world’s most beautiful and historically fascinating countries.
But you haven’t visited Scotland if you haven’t journeyed through the Highlands, and there are some definite perks to setting yourself up in a Scottish Highlands Hotel (a personal favorite is the Luxury Cairngorms Hotel).
The majority of stock photos from Scotland come from this area – clans, tartan kilts, whisky, bagpipes, and the whole area has rightfully been described as an “adventure playground” for hikers, mountain bikers and sailors, however the romantic and remote scenery is enough to captivate those who are maybe less energetic!
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One of the premiere tourist attractions within the UK, Cornwall attracts a wealth of Brits and international visitors alike.
A charming county with a slow paced lifestyle and laid back atmosphere, tourists flock here to relax, to soak up the sun (it has the most in Britain!), and to enjoy and explore some of the UK’s finest natural attractions and outdoor activity scenes.
Cornwall combines beautiful surf spots, gorgeous gardens, cliff top walks and beautiful weather. It offers visitors the chance to take a stroll along the beach, indulge in a bit of wave watching, and then head back to a tradition pub to enjoy a pint with friends beside a glowing log fire.
You will obviously need somewhere to stay while on vacation, and one of the most popular types of accommodation here are cottages. However there are many cottages throughout Cornwall, and choosing one can be a daunting task. So we’ve put together 5 tips to finding your perfect stay.
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World famous as the birthplace of the original pizza pie, and known for having the best pizza, pasta, and coffee in Italy, travelers to Naples are often lead by their appetite.
Though unlike the Italian dream destinations of Venice, Florence, and Rome, Naples doesn’t often rank as a tourist favorite. And perhaps it’s because the area doesn’t market itself well, or because there’s a certain gruffness to this urban sprawl.
Many people’s first impressions of Naples is one of grunge and grime, but for travelers willing to look past a rough exterior, the city is an unlikely masterpiece of breathtaking frescoes, strong tradition, and invaluable artistic, cultural and historic heritage. And, sitting within view of the mighty Vesuvius, the seaside offers one hell of a panoramic view.
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The natural beauty of St. Lucia is reason enough to visit this Caribbean island. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of spots to discover and things to do during your stay.
If you need a good excuse to visit St. Lucia, even if you’re on a budget, consider these four reasons why this island should be your next vacation destination.
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The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is an interesting and intoxicating destination famous for its full on food, urban exploration, and cultural contrasts.
From getting lost in the maze of streets and tiny lanes around Chinatown, to finding yourself in conversion with a Buddhist Monk on a smart phone, this is a city with a rich and multifaceted personality, and has long drawn some of the highest tourism of other cities in South East Asia.
But although being a living example of the well trodden path, Bangkok still has a bountiful number of secrets which have remained largely unexplored by typical travellers.
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It’s known as the Adventure Capital of the World for good reason. New Zealand, with its breathtaking scenery, offers visitors a voyage of discovery on so many levels. Whether you wish to seek out rare endemic plants and animals, engage in extreme sports, or simply introduce your tastebuds to cuisine unlike any other, New Zealand offers something for everyone.
While it would be impossible to place everything New Zealand has to offer into one “Best Of” list, the following attractions are my personal favourites and recommendations that will suit every type traveller.
This is a bucket list destination sure to provide you with an unforgettable holiday, so much so that you will leave the country with a determined mindset to return. So without further ado, let’s dive into what makes New Zealand so special.
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Set on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, and an easy two hour flight from Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas has long been the destination of choice for a quintessential Mexican beach vacation.
With white beaches, spectacular arching stone cliffs, and a location where golden desert meets the shimmering sea, Cabo is firm favorite among surfers, divers and hikers. But with a coastline that stretches from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is tempting a new type of traveler: the foodie.
It’s said that the only word you need to learn to eat well in Los Cabos is mariscos (Spanish for seafood), thanks to the incredible catch that comes straight from the bountiful waters.
Spending two weeks in Cabo San Lucas this past February led me to some truly amazing restaurants. But when it comes to highlighting my favorites, I have to recommend these three.
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Nestled in the heart of Central America, between Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, Honduras is a country that not a lot of people know about. And those who do? Well, they seem to only hear the bad things.
Honduras has a long history of military rule, corruption, poverty and crime which have rendered it one of the least developed and most unstable countries in Central America. And yes, it has somewhat of a negative global image.
But, little of the Honduran violence affects tourists, and most visitors to the country are free to enjoy the national parks, small towns and ancient ruins of the Latin American country without incident. This is in fact a vibrant and fascinating country, and one of the cheapest in the region; you’ll be able to do activities for a fraction of the price you’ll pay in its neighbors.
Honduras has a notorious reputation, but with these safety tips anybody can have a safe and happy time seeing the raw beauty and fascinating culture within this Central American country.
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When it comes to eco accommodation, there are eco lodges; the type that offer rustic accommodation in pristine natural surrounds, and then there are eco lodges; architectural gems so sleek and sophisticated, it’s easy to forget that they’re good for the environment. The newly launched Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge are the latter.
Ecotourism is thriving in Tasmania, and Freycinet Lodge has long been the sweetheart of the tourism scene. Nestled within Freycinet National Park, it offers one of the most unique locations for accommodation in Australia, with the ethos of looking after the environment first, and then the guests who come to appreciate it.
But their nine new pavilions have completely redefined what an eco lodge could be. Extending the current values and experience, innovative architecture seamlessly blends nature with accommodation in a way we have never before seen.
Blurring the lines between inside and out, a stay here is an immersive experience which draws the wilderness in, while not sacrificing on luxury or comfort. And we’re absolutely loving it!
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Discovering Italy is a unique experience, and whether you plan on visiting iconic cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, or smaller towns by the lakes and the mountains, the list of attractions and things to see is truly endless.
But beyond its most famous sights, Italy is a patchwork of charming small towns. And this is an incredible opportunity to witness a more traditional side to an otherwise modern country, and experience some of its richest culture.
Situated 66km northwest of Vercelli in northern Piedmont, Varallo is a small mountain town set in a wild, remote region known for adventure sports; black skiing, rafting, canyoning, and fishing.
Famous for its pilgrimage site, the Sacro Monte, and the Sesia river which heads spectacularly north to the foot of the Monte Rosa (the second highest mountain in the Alps), there are plenty of incredible opportunities for sightseeing in this charming town on the Italian Alps.
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Thailand has become one of the popular countries in the world for travelers seeking affordable luxury, with everything from 5 star hotels, to Michelin star restaurants, and private luxury villas available for less.
Budget travelers and backpackers can often get by in Thailand for US $25 per day, but most of us have a lot more to spend. And what might get you a 3 star hotel in some of the world’s more expensive cities like London, Paris, or New York, can often translate into a stay in a million dollar villa in Phuket.
A country that offers some of the best value for the money, a trip to Thailand gives everyday travelers the unique opportunity to shoot higher than 5 star hotels, and as such, private luxury villas have become the trend.
Think incredible locations, infinity pools, state of the art kitchens, and the exclusivity of your own residence; antique furniture, elegant interiors, and tropical gardens with day beds.
But what’s more affordable than staying in a private luxury villa in Thailand? Not having to pay for it!!
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It’s interesting to note that if you were to research why Myanmar has two names, you might struggle to find a concrete answer. Such is the country’s diverse and often turbulent history, that Myanmar and Burma are used interchangeably depending on where you go and who you speak to.
The ruling military junta changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989, a year after thousands were killed in the suppression of a popular uprising. Rangoon also became Yangon. But some countries like the US and UK do not recognise the legitimacy of the regime that changed the name.
Regardless of what you call it, perhaps the country is best summed up by English writer Rudyard Kipling, when he said “…it is quite unlike any land you know about.” Apparently he only visited for three days, but it was enough to make such an accurate observation.
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Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and draws visitors from all over the globe with its elegant European feel, convenient and reliable public transportation, rich culinary heritage, and wealth of exciting attractions.
With year round festivals and events, there is always something happening in Melbourne. Whether you fancy watching sports, enjoying entertainment, or simply want to relax in beautiful gardens, Melbourne makes for the perfect holiday no matter what your personality is.
Though how do you know if Melbourne is the destination for you? Even though it’s a pretty safe bet in terms of an incredible vacation, what kind of travelers does the city suit?
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Whether you’re visiting relatives in New Zealand or soaking up the bright lights of Hong Kong, travelling with kids can really make those grey hairs sprout.
And the stress seems to ramp up days before the trip – youngsters spit the dummy for random reasons and teens whinge when they realise they might miss the Aussie tour dates for Taylor Swift.
But family travel can be much more Zen-like if you follow these three tips.
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