We all strive for luxury in our life, and especially in today’s age of social media, where we’re so prone to comparing our lives to other people’s, it can be quite disheartening when we think we fall short.
But the problem with social media is that it’s so easy to create a fake reality, and only show glimpses of someone’s actual life. It can really quickly become destructive, and trick us into thinking that luxury is about champagne, private jets, and vacationing in the Maldives.
Luxury is actually about quality, and living your best possible life. It is often more a mindset than something you can drink, something you can touch, or having the shiniest bling; luxurious living is a feeling.
So, with that in mind, the following are four tips for living a more luxurious life.
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Frequently awarded the title of the happiest country on Earth, Denmark is an incredible country, bursting at the seams with culinary prowess, Viking history, winter hygge, and culture and sustainability.
While there are many incredible parts of the country to explore, you can’t visit Denmark without first stopping in its capital city. Named by Lonely Planet as the #1 city of 2019 for its innovative design, inviting culture, and revolutionary food scene, Copenhagen is a European traveler’s dream.
Modernist, quirky, and the epitome of Sandinavian cool, you would never guess that this cosmopolitan city was once a sleepy Viking fishing village. Though the one thing that often turns people off is the expense of visiting.
Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, and you can definitely spend money if you’re not careful. But that’s not to say that visiting Copenhagen on a budget isn’t possible, you just have to know how to achieve it.
The following ideas are some of the best ways you can visit Copenhagen cheap.
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The stresses of everyday life can be overwhelming. From family and work issues to commuting, daily chores, illnesses, home maintenance and plenty of other concerns, the grind of day-to-day life can pick away at your mental well-being.
If you ever feel stuck in life, or tired of your current situation, it is sometimes best to get away. A vacation may sound at first like you are running from your problems, but the truth is quite the opposite.
For the reasons listed below, you may be surprised at the wonders a good holiday can do for your mental health.
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LA is one of those iconic destinations that every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime; a sprawling urban metropolis that is deeply creative, and bursting at the seams with culture, personality, and access to Mother nature.
Whatever draws you to LA, whether it be laying underneath palm trees on a golden coast, the glitz of Hollywood, upmarket bars and boutiques, or lacing up your hiking boots for treks across the rugged mountains, LA truly has something for everyone.
But with such a huge range of experiences, in a city more than ten times the size of Paris, the most difficult part of planning isn’t going to be figuring out what to include on your itinerary; it’s going to be how to maximize your time.
For that reason alone we highly recommend renting a car.
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When we think back on some of the most exciting, happy and fulfilled periods of our lives, many of them have been when we’ve been vacationing or traveling through foreign lands.
It’s that feeling you get when you’re surrounded by new sights, smells and sensations, and this is often something we choose to memorialize in our minds.
If you’ve chosen to travel to Malaysia, there’s a whole world of new experiences that await. A country packed with dynamic cities for urban adventure, beautiful beaches, ancient rainforests full of exotic wildlife, and a melting pot of Asian cultures, there are many memories you’ll create.
But how to preserve them? The following tips will help to really capture the memories you create, ensuring they keep on giving years after you’ve returned back home.
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While we don’t have a choice over the country we’re born in, these days we often do have control over whether or not we choose to stay.
There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents almost endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. And when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, most nations are very welcoming!
People move abroad for many different reasons; for business, study, wanderlust, or simply to seek better life opportunities. Either way, to experience life as part of a new culture and have the chance to discover an exotic new land is a romantic adventure quite a lot of people entertain.
If you’re considering moving abroad but haven’t yet figured out where you want to go, the following are the best countries to live in as an expat, as well as important things you need to know!
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Our most recent road trip saw us hire a car in Cancun. We were wary about driving in Mexico, but ultimately wanted the freedom to get around without being stuck on a tour bus.
And while the trip itself went smoothly, picking up the car hire almost took longer than the flight did.
Despite the ridiculous wait, I didn’t plan on complaining; the Hertz girl was copping an earful already. The guy in front of us was trying to return his vehicle, and wasn’t thrilled that his credit card was being charged $5,000 for, what he argued, was minimal damage.
He had taken out car hire insurance, but didn’t have an excess waiver, and had a really shitty deductible.
After having listened to an hour of his yelling, we finally got the keys to out own vehicle, and, drove out of the lot having learnt a very valuable lesson.
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Holidays can be super expensive, and none of us have a bottomless pit of cash. But that doesn’t mean we should stay at home and feel miserable knowing we can’t afford to jump on a plane.
In fact, if you plan it right, there’s no reason why you can’t have a short trip away at least once every two months. But this means you need to wear your budget traveller hat. The five tips below will show you exactly how to do it.
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Although Antarctica may seem like a cold, sparse and unwelcoming continent to the uninitiated, it is actually one of the most diverse, interesting and strikingly beautiful places on planet Earth.
From its thriving wildlife and breath-taking scenery, through to its status as an adventure playground for those fond of snowmobiles and sledges, the most southern continent offers a different kind of experience for each type of traveller.
And with more opportunities to get to there than ever before, here are just a few reasons why this should be the year you visit Antarctica.
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Are you planning a getaway over the Christmas break? Perhaps you’ve traveled for a white Christmas in the UK, or you’re in the UK and planning out your escape!
Either way, if you’re planning on driving to the airport and paying for parking facilities, bear in mind that some are definitely busier – and more expensive – than others.
A study conducted by Staysure, a UK travel insurance provider, investigated search engine data and airport parking sites to determine how passengers at UK international airports use airport car parking services and how much they pay for them.
The results provided some surprising insights.
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It’s that time of year again; the holidays are upon us and if you haven’t already made Christmas travel plans you’re probably brainstorming where to spend the season. After all, you’ve now only got a little over a week!
Traveling over Christmas is a fantastic way to escape the usual stress the season may bring. And holiday memories are often the memories that are most cherished.
But when do you actually pull the trigger and book your flights? Some people think they should book their tickets as soon as they can. Others want to wait out until the very last moment.
But if you haven’t already run your flights comparison and booked your flights, you may be cutting it too close. Whether you’re interested in a beach getaway or skiing vacation, Travangelo has revealed the best time to book flights as Christmas fast approaches.
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I often say that travel is an art. It’s not simply as easy as booking a plane ticket, hotel room, and tours. Art is how we express ourselves and showcase our creativity and uniqueness.
How we travel should be no different than how we paint, sculpt, dance, or sing. It’s not simply about finding a destination that inspires us, it should be an avenue for creating your own unique journey. And that’s what I love about Adelaide.
Yes, South Australia’s capital has many notable attractions, but this isn’t a city that defines itself by a top 10 list. I found Adelaide to be a city that prides itself more in offering unique travel experiences than pushing must see attractions down your throat.
Adelaide is a destination where expressing yourself is the focus, and that begins from the moment you check into The Watson Art Series Hotel. Australia is home to several Art Series Hotels; a brand which looks to provide travelers with artistic comfort to inspire a unique journey.
Oscar Wilde said that “life imitates art far more than art imitates life”. Art has the ability to alter our perception of life, so we were more than happy to let the The Watson Art Series Hotel alter our perception of Adelaide.
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For the last couple of years, tourism tendencies in Europe became even more patterned.
According to the World Tourism Barometer publication, most tourism to Europe is heavily focused on Western countries like Spain or France, while Eastern Europe continues to fly under the radar.
But there are many beautiful places all over Europe that deserve just as much recognition as the likes of Paris or Rome, so in this list we will present the most underrated destinations.
Consider traveling to these fabulous locations in 2019!
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If you’re traveling as a family, it’s likely that you’ve set this time aside to bond with them. Travel is a fantastic way to bond with each other, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Family travel can of course be more stressful than traveling alone; the logistics involved in coordinating group flights, accommodation, and tours, and trying your best to keep everyone happy and civilized!
But remember that less is often more when it comes to planning an itinerary, and if bonding is your main goal, the thing that matters most if that you’re spending quality time together.
The following are 6 ideas for bonding with each other when you’re on a family trip abroad.
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From my seat here in Australia, Black Friday sales have not typically mattered to me.
As my friend Vanessa Chaisson wrote: “I reject the manipulation of capitalism and societal pressure which leads to environmental destruction, communities ravaged by debt, and non-ironic acid washed jeans.
I am a minimalist committed to supporting local businesses and the betterment of my community. I have been blessed with abundance this year and I need nothing more.”
But when I heard about Hotels.com offering 50% off hotels for Black Friday this was also me:
“Holy s&%t. Black Friday sales also apply to TRAVEL?????!!!”
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This summer we spent a week in Brittany; a beautiful western region of France known for its delicious crepes and cider, as well as the impressive Mont-Saint-Michel.
Though unlike typical tourists who choose to stay in hotels, we chose a 5-star campsite located in Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, a charming village of the northern part of Brittany, also called the french Emerald Coast.
In a place where breathtaking beaches meet wild nature and rich history, you can explore the stunning Cap Fréhel, the picturesque Dinard or the medieval town of Saint-Malo.
Thinking of a 5 stay camping experience in Brittany yourself? This is an overview of our experience.
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A charismatic country in the Balkans, with a landscape of rugged stone churches and jaw-dropping castles ripped straight out of the Middle Ages, Romania is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
By European standards, Romania is well and truly off the beaten path, though for those willing to venture into the (relatively) unknown, the country offers one of Europe’s most authentic experiences; a wonderful blend of history, culture, and religion.
Fascinating urban centers like Bucharest offer sharp and constant contrasts; blending a cosmopolitan vibe with well-preserved medieval buildings. Rural villages offer the chance to witness fascinating age-old traditions, and come into contact with Saxon fortresses, Gypsies and wild bears.
Romania is also home to some of the most unspoiled wilderness in Europe, and from Delta villages built of reeds, to magnificent Gothic churches and castles backed by the majestic peaks of the Carpathian mountains, those seeking outdoor adventure are truly spoiled here.
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Booking hotels via Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) like Expedia and Booking has become very easy and convenient. Meta search websites like Kayak and Trivago have become so mainstream that they’re household names.
Before the internet, being able to find any information about hotels was the problem, and the above mentioned websites emerged to solve this. But now, 20 years later, shifting through the information is the problem, and the same websites are doing very little to help.
In fact, a closer look reveals that they are doing the opposite. Actively working to make the booking process confusing.
From misleading claims about discounts, to giving a false impression of room availability, and rushing you into booking decisions; in some cases OTA’s have become so bad that government authorities have stepped in to take action.
Especially for those of us who are passionate about travel and booking our own trips everyday, booking hotels online has become frustrating.
Here are the top 5 frustrations about booking hotels online (don’t worry, there’s a solution!)
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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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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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Traveling to other countries is eminently exciting and will open up your mind to new cultures and your life to new experiences you’ll never forget.
But there’s more to traveling abroad than just getting there: you also have to think about how to get around once you do.
What makes a travel method “best?” As we explore some options below, we’ll consider speed, comfort, convenience, cost savings, and pure, full out fun as good reasons to include a travel option on our “best” list.
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Europe has an allure that no other continent possesses. And with 51 independent countries, each with their own set of landmarks, natural wonders, and traditions, perhaps the great draw is the multitude of cultures and sheer diversity.
Of course, Europe is home to major destinations that dominate world tourism. The likes of London, Paris and Italy are frequented by mass tourism, and they have been written about so many times we could fill a library with their descriptions.
However away from the grandiose of commercialism and mass media slavery, Europe has many hidden gems, and authentic small villages where you can truly feel as though you’ve stumbled upon something undiscovered.
If you’re looking to take a detour from the beaten path of tourist-y Europe, the following are some of the most underrated small villages you’ll find.
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There’s travel and then there’s exploration.
Exploring a destination goes well beyond hitting the top attractions and sharing a few selfies on social media. Explorers travel in order to truly learn about destinations and to then share their importance with the world. An explorer looks to protect and give back to the places they experience, not take from or leave a negative impact.
To be human is to want to explore, it’s in our blood. And nearly all of us dream of following in the footsteps of the world’s great explorers. While many of the world’s greatest expeditions are suited to the small minority who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the expedition, there is one incredible expedition that anyone can experience without having to subject themself to brutal conditions.
Antarctica remains one of the least explored and largely untouched regions of the world. But these days it is also one of the very rare expeditions that you can experience in luxury.
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