Travel

Road tripping in Western Australia is potentially one of the most exciting things you could get up to this season. The lure of the open road, the fresh air filling your Subaru Outback’s cabin as you punch your end destination into Google maps – coffee in hand as you watch the city disappear in your rearview.

This is what life’s all about.

But leaving ill-prepared for your trip can not only turn your holiday into a disorganised mess – but it can also leave you in some tricky situations. Here are 10 essentials to remember for your next road trip.

1. (Real) Maps

Yep, we’re talking about physical pieces of paper with actual directions on them. After you’ve finished rolling your eyes and explaining that you only use Google Maps, hear us out. Depending on how far you’re going, having a backup map is always a good idea because our phones aren’t always on us – and they can’t be relied on for everything. This doesn’t mean you’ll end up using it – but as a precaution, this can prove to be very helpful in the unlikely event that your phone just doesn’t work.

2.Camera

Whether it’s your iPhone, Android, or your trusted Canon AE-1, you’re going to want to snap some good pics of your trip. Even if you’re only heading off for the weekend, being able to look back on your time on the road is always a nice thing – especially once you’re back in the swing of things at home. Make those memories count!

3. Power inverter

This one’s essential. Charging your phone, laptop, or setting up your portable fridge will require a power inverter to give you access to your favourite pieces of tech on the road. Power inverters are easy to come by at your auto shop – or you can drop into your local dealership and see which one is best suited to your vehicle.

4. Entertainment!

“Are we there yet?!”

No road trip is complete without the tunes, films, and podcasts that will get you through those (let’s admit it) boring parts of the trip. Four hours in, even grown adults will start complaining – and passing the time with your favourite bits of entertainment is the perfect cure. So make sure you download those playlists and get those series offline before you lose signal.

5. Spare water and snacks

Snacks and water are always essential items to pack before you hit the road. While buying snacks on the road is fun, you know the variety is limited as soon as you say goodbye to the CBD. Make sure to pack plenty of extra ‘emergency’ supplies as well. Keep these in a place out of reach from the kids (and yourself), because these are your backups in case of an emergency.

6. Medical kit

No car should be on the road without a medical kit stored in an easily accessible location (the glovebox). But a road trip calls for a thorough inspection of your medical kit to make sure it’s up to date with all the essentials. If you notice something missing – make sure to remedy the situation before heading off. You’ll thank yourself later.

7. Jumper cables

Don’t find yourself without jumper leads. It’s just not cool.

Waking up to a dead battery can happen – even to the best of us. And while it’s tempting to rely on others to carry these vital bits of equipment – it’s better to be prepared rather than be forced to call up roadside assistance. With jumper leads on hand, you can get back on the road faster – as almost any willing car can help you get your vehicle up and running in no time.

8. Tyre deflator and pump

If you want to get off the beaten track and visit some of WA’s most prized locations on the coast, you’re probably going to need to deflate your tyres to get enough traction to pass over what is normally very difficult terrain.

Beach driving and some off-road tracks will require you to deflate your tyres. To do that, you’ll need the right tools. Don’t forget to pack other essentials like a shovel, ramp, and winch if you plan to do more serious off-roading.

9. Battery charger pack

Once your phone’s dead – that’s pretty much it for us modern folk. No phone means no music, no directions, no news, no communication. It’s pretty much the end of the world (we’re joking of course) but this can put a serious dampener on your trip.

Come prepared with some loaded charger packs to keep that battery life of your essential electronics sustained – even when your car is off or out of reach.

10. Car fluids

It’s never wise to leave the city behind without ensuring you have the right fluids on hand. Engine oil, coolant, a spare can of fuel, and of course emergency water are essentials for any long road trip. Make sure you keep an eye on your coolant and oil throughout the trip and monitor any drastic changes in engine temperature.

Being ahead of the game will save you time and money.

 

Gambling dates back to prehistoric times and remains firmly entrenched in many cultures worldwide. Some conservative societies prohibit gambling, but most have embraced it. The gambling business sector rakes in billions of dollars annually.

Here are some of America’s finest casino destinations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A relative newcomer to the world of casinos, Pennsylvania allowed its first land-based operations to commence in 2007. In 2020, it took a giant leap forward, legalizing PA online casinos. Residents and visitors can gamble online from anywhere within Pennsylvania’s state lines. Among Philly’s finest establishments are Parx Casino and Rivers Casino Philadelphia.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Known as America’s gambling Mecca, Las Vegas has always been America’s premier gambling destination. Its famous Strip boasts internationally renowned casinos like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the MGM Grand. Despite many other states boasting incredible casinos, thousands of people still flock to Las Vegas. Anyone wanting to start a business in the casino industry or one related to it would consider Las Vegas as their starting point. Regardless of how many other cities offer gambling, Las Vegas will remain iconic.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City was the first East Coast gambling destination. Its famous boardwalk is lined with establishments like Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Tropicana Casino and Resort, and the Ocean Resort Casino. With its access to the infamous Jersey Shore and a variety of other travel, tourism, and entertainment centers, Atlantic City remains a popular gambling destination. It is worthwhile adding to the itinerary of your road trip across America.

Shreveport, Louisiana

If the idea of a riverboat casino has always fascinated you, Shreveport is an ideal destination. Riverboat casinos have operated in this area since the 1840s, and you can expect a trip into the past coupled with southern charm and hospitality if you visit one. Louisiana is known as one of America’s most hospitable states, and visitors are always made welcome. Visitors should consider a trip to Bally’s Shreveport Casino.

Tunica, Mississippi

Tunica is a hidden jewel of the South that not many non-gamblers are aware of. However, it is one of America’s largest gambling cities, with ten operating casinos. The city offers a combination of Las Vegas glitz and Southern charm that many gamblers enjoy. Tunica is a central gambling city, a short drive from Memphis, Tennessee. Among its best-known establishments are the Horseshoe Tunica and the Hollywood Casino and Hotel Tunica.

 

One of the things that we should all do is to travel more often and visit places. Experiences can make us happy and understand other people’s culture better. Travelling can also take off stress. However, a plane ride is expensive—and we are not even accounting for hotel expenses yet. On top of that, security is an issue. As you know, there are companies that offer low airfare, and yet they fail to provide safety—they crash.

Today, we want to provide you with a list of low-cost airlines that do not compromise your safety and security. In the end, we hope that you’ll find one that serves your area so that you can book a flight at the soonest possible time!

Southwest Airlines Co.

Typically referred to as Southwest, this is the world’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC). It is a major carrier in the United States, and its headquarters are in Dallas, Texas. It offers 111 destinations in the US and ten other countries.

The service is great, and it received the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020. Many people who have tried the airline rate the comfort experience with 3 stars out of 5. This is acceptable, considering that the airfare is really cheap. Their planes also have WiFi, but it is not as strong as you would like it to be. It may be okay for eSport betting but not for real-time games online.

The fleet of Southwest consists mostly of Economy Class cabins. As such, you cannot really expect to book a flight here on First Class. Also, you would be happy to know that the company does not charge a fee for a maximum of two checked bags. Upon flight, you can ask for free peanuts and non-alcoholic drinks. They also offer automatic online check-in.

JetBlue Airways

Second on our list is another major American LCC, and it is the seventh-largest airline in North America. JetBlue offers 1,000 flights daily to more than 100 domestic and international locations. They have flights to Mexico, Central America and South America.

Overall, JetBlue has a rating of 3 stars for comfort, in-flight entertainment, staff service and value for money. People who flew on this carrier attested that the seats are roomier than the usual low-cost airline. There is also enough legroom. Flights are also on time, and many people have said that the attendants are nice.

Hong Kong Express Airways Limited

For Asian carriers, let us start with HK Express. The owner of this airline company is Cathay Pacific. They provide flights to over 27 destinations in Asia. For Asian travellers, you can book flights with this airline to Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and others.

The company’s hub is in Hong Kong International Airport. Most of the planes are of the Airbus A320 model. Many people who have tried this airline gave it a rating of three for the following:

• Legroom
• Onboard Experience
• Food and beverage
• Customer service
• Cleanliness
• Seat comfort
• Check-in and boarding
• Value for money

While this is good, the in-flight entertainment only has a rating of 1.5 stars out of 5. WiFi is not so great here, so do not expect that you can have fun on gambling sites like GG.Bet or watch movies on Netflix or other sites on board.

All the aircraft are Economy Class. If you want to eat, you have to pay for meals and beverages. On some occasions, you may have an allowance for your luggage. Otherwise, you have to pay an extra fee.

Jet2.com

Now, let us move to Europe. Also known as Jet2, this airline is an LCC from the UK. It is the 3rd largest scheduled airline in the UK next to EasyJet and British Airways. Among all the airlines we reviewed here today, this one is rated with almost 4 stars on everything. The only area where they can improve is in-flight entertainment, which has a rating of 2 stars out of 5.

The airline offers flight services to more than 60 destinations across Europe. Passengers who have tried the service attest that the service is great, but you have to pay more if you want more legroom. There are no free meals, so you have to pay for them, too.

EasyJet plc.

EasyJet is another British LCC that offers flights to over 30 countries. Unlike Jet2, the rating of EasyJet is merely a 3 out of 5 stars. This is not bad, considering that the airfare is really affordable. Like most economy class airlines, do not expect a great experience when it comes to in-flight entertainment.

EasyJet is the UK’s largest airline with flights not just in Europe but also in Asia. All the planes are single-cabin Economy Class. Because it is a budget airline, expect few complimentary services. You have to buy drinks and food once you are on board.

The technology we use for flight has gone a long way. You should not believe rumours that budget airlines are not safe. There was a time when budget airlines provided little comfort. They were a horror to be in—you had no legroom, and you had few amenities.

Today, airlines are changing all these. Because of stiff competition, airlines had to find ways to make customers loyal. The result of this battle for budget airline supremacy gave us better choices—cheaper airline companies that offer comfort and security at the same time!

Fly into Osaka this year with your kids to have an amazing family vacation! Osaka is not the same as the capital Tokyo but it still has many kid-friendly places starting from the USJ, Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center Osaka to much more. Here is a list of 10 kid-friendly places to visit in Osaka when you are there.

• Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan’s exact location is Tokyo but your Osaka trip with your kids isn’t complete if you miss this! So, head to the USJ and enjoy the day with your favourite cartoon and movie characters. You will have a chance to meet the minions, dinosaurs from Jurassic Park and Elmo from Sesame Street. The highlight of Universal Studios Japan is undoubtedly the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so if your kids are Harry Potter fans this will be the best experience out of all in this trip.

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Head to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to explore the underwater world in Japan. It is one of the largest aquariums in Asia and it exhibits different creatures living in the Pacific Rim. Fifteen large tanks display life in certain areas of the Pacific Rim. You will start your tour at the eighth level of the aquarium and go deep down to the first level. The highlight of the Osaka Aquarium is the central tank which provides the home to a whale shark. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.

• Legoland Discovery Center

After visiting the Osaka Aquarium you can head to the Legoland Discovery Center to double the fun. It is located on the opposite side of the Osaka Aquarium in the Tempozan Marketplace. A suggestion would be to spend half a day in the Legoland Discovery Center as there are many activities for the kids in different themed zones. Make sure to visit the attractions Mini Land, Duplo Farm and the Kingdom Quest. For those who are interested, you can visit the LEGO Factory and learn more about how LEGO bricks are being made.

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Japan has many Ferris Wheels but the Tempozan Ferris Wheel dictates them all. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel was opened in 1997 and at the time it was the tallest Ferris Wheel measuring up to a height of 112.5 metres. The full rotation of the Tempozan Ferris Wheel goes on for 17 minutes. It is a small ride but provides panoramic views across the Osaka Bay and the surrounding areas.

• Hozen-Ji Temple

Hozen-Ji is a Buddhist temple in Osaka and it is one of the most visited in the country. The main image here is the Fudo Myo-o, The Buddhist Spirit of Disciple which survived the bombings during WWII. Therefore, this statue is significant and according to common folklore, throwing a coin over the water or just pouring water to the statue while making a wish grants it. So, ask your kids to do this to get them excited about getting their wishes fulfilled.

• Tombori River Cruise

If your kids are all up for a lovely river cruise don’t forget to check out the Tombori River Cruise Packages. Usually, the river cruises go on for 20 minutes and allow you to learn about history and about the places you will be passing as you go. Each cruise can hold up to five people. So, it will be the perfect adventure for your little family. You can also have access to the Tombori River Cruise along with other major Osaka attractions by getting the Osaka Amazing Pass.

• Tombori Riverwalk

If you are too concerned about getting on a river cruise with your kids or if they aren’t up for the experience, the next best option is to take a stroll in the Tombori Riverwalk.

This is suitable as an evening stroll as the stores and the restaurants light up giving you incredible scenery. Try eating the delicious food at the stalls as they have the most amazing Japanese dumplings! You can also watch the sunset at the Tombori Riverwalk.

• ANIPO Animal Amusement Park

ANIPO Animal Amusement Park is a place not to be missed if you are in Osaka with kids aged 8 and below. It is a small outdoor amusement park with many rides and most of them feature animals. There are 4 attractions within the park with two highlights: sky-walking by bicycle, playing in the water using a water gun, Air Dome and the Mini Train. The sky-walking by bicycle is a thrilling experience because it will let your kids be like birds for a while! The second attraction allows your kids to shoot water through a gun to artificial animals. The one who takes the most shots gets to win.

• Tennoji Park

Tennoji Park is one of the oldest parks in the city of Osaka. It was established in 1909 as a public park and it was renovated in 2015 with new additions. It has a large open space for your kids to play to their heart’s content. You can also arrange for a small picnic in Tennoji Park and spend the day there. It is home to many other attractions like the Tennoji zoo, Osaka City Museum of Art, a Japanese Garden and a children’s play area. Food can be bought from the restaurants available in the park.

• Tennoji Zoo

You should check out the Tennoji Zoo when you are in Osaka with kids. Tennoji Zoo was opened in 1915 and that makes it the third oldest zoo in Japan. This is not a very large zoo but if your kids are animal lovers they will be excited to have this experience. There are lions, monkeys, red pandas, rhinos, chimpanzees, koala bears, hippos and even kiwis. The entrance fee to the park is just USD 5.

Budapest, Hungary is a great place to visit, especially if you are on a tight budget. While there are plenty of attractions that do cost money to see, there are also several things you can do for free.

Being such a historical city, you can spend your entire visit exploring the magnificent architecture. Aside from enjoying the old buildings, check out the top 10 free things to do while in Budapest.

Be sure to drop your bags at a Budapest luggage storage facility before starting your exploration of the city. Most attractions do not welcome bags inside, so leave your things somewhere safe while you investigate.

Heroes’ Square

This imposing square is dominated by the 118-foot tall column with the statue of the archangel Gabriel holding a cross and the Hungarian crown. This statue represents Hungarian independence.

Self-guided tours through Heroes’ Square are free, if you wanted to tour the square on a Segway, an Airwheel, or with a guide there is a fee. Grab a cup of coffee and take a leisurely stroll through the square.

Castle Hill

Pull on your comfortable walking shoes and take a hike up Castle Hill through cobblestoned streets. Stroll past Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Matthias Church, which was built in 1269. At the top of the hill is Buda Castle.

While it does cost to go inside the castle, you can walk around the grounds and through the gardens for free. Bring your camera and snap some fantastic photos of the castle and surrounding grounds.

Fisherman’s Bastion

While hiking up Castle Hill, stop by Fisherman’s Bastion, which overlooks the Danube River. You will have great views of the Hungarian Parliament for great photo opportunities. The Fisherman’s Bastion is a very popular tourist attraction.

It does cost to go up inside Fisherman’s Bastion, but the architecture of the building is fantastic and worth a look. During Hungarian holidays, admission is free, so if you are visiting during a holiday, definitely check it out.

Kerepesi Cemetery

It may seem a bit creepy to check out a cemetery while on vacation. But, if you have the chance to drop by the Kerepesi Cemetery, you should do so. This is the most famous cemetery in Budapest and dates back over 170 years.

The cemetery is the final resting place of many historical figures such as Béni Egressy and Vörösmarty Mihály. The cemetery has become a national place of worship and thousands of people visit each year. It is free to visit the cemetery.

Jewish Quarter

One of Europe’s biggest synagogues is located in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. There were over 400,000 Hungarian Jews that were killed during World War II and much of the Jewish Quarter was destroyed.

It is free to walk through the streets of the Jewish Quarter. Take in the historic buildings, some still in ruins from the war, and even drop into one of the ruin bars. There are guided tours available that do charge a fee, such as the Budapest Jewish Walk Tour.

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is an essential part of the Hungarian government. While it does cost to enter the building, you can still view it from the outside and marvel at the architecture.

Located on the banks of the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most remarkable buildings. Be sure to view the building in both daylight and darkness; it is magnificent in both.

Budapest Street Art

You do not have to spend the entire day in art galleries. Instead, you can soak up some colorful, interesting street art while strolling through the streets of Budapest. The Jewish Quarter is home to several very vivid murals.

Filatorigat is the only place where artists can legally tag the wall with graffiti. It is an explosion of colors and styles that you should not miss. Consult a map for info on the best places to view the must-see street art of Budapest.

The Great Market Hall

It is free to get into the Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall. With three floors of vendors, you can easily spend a lazy afternoon browsing through booths and enjoying lots of free samples.

There are more than likely enough free food samples available throughout the market that you can skip lunch. You can also purchase some unique and interesting souvenirs and gifts at the Great Market Hall.

Free Walking Tours

The absolute best way to enjoy the history and beauty of Budapest is to join a walking tour. Lace up your sturdy walking shoes and plan on spending several hours walking through the streets of Budapest.

Many tour companies do offer free walking tours with a knowledgeable guide to ensure you have the best experience. Sign up for several walking tours so you can see as much of the city as possible.

Remember, though, the tour is free but your tour guide does expect a gratuity or donation at the end of the tour to supplement their income.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

This haunting memorial to the 400,000 Jewish people who died in Hungary during World War II is free to view. The 60 pairs of iron shoes along the bank of the Danube Bank pay tribute to the Jews who were forced to abandon their shoes on the bank.

Once they removed their shoes and left them on the riverbank, they were then executed; their bodies then fell into the river to be carried away. Sit on the bank of the Danube River and think about those people who lost their lives.

Budapest is filled with so much history that you can spend weeks exploring and still not see everything. It can be costly to tour Budapest and see some of the interesting sites. However, even if you are visiting on a budget, you can still enjoy your time in the city.

While you may spend much of your time outside, taking in the architecture and monuments of this great city, you will still be able to fully appreciate the culture and history of Budapest.

If you want to go on a vacation and you find out that you do not have enough money or you have just enough money, then you would want to try to save money as much as possible. This is important so that you don’t get stranded in a strange country or you get forced to take a loan to come back that might be a bother for you. This article will discuss some helpful tips if you are travelling and the money you have on you is just exactly your budget, a little more, or a little less.

Use comparison websites
For everything you want to do, using a comparison website will save you a lot of money. From flight tickets to accommodations to restaurants to tourist attractions to taxi services, many comparison websites compare prices. From the price comparison, you would see those you can patronize at the cheapest prices. Once you can confirm that the company is legitimate, then it would be best to use them and with any luck, the money you would be paying would be lesser than what you budgeted. You would be saving money and your balance will begin to increase.

Moving about
As opposed to taking taxis and renting a car, you could move around with buses and trains. Buses and trains will provide you with the cheapest services when it comes to moving from Point A to Point B. You don’t want to spend all your money on renting vehicles or paying taxi drivers. You can check Traingenius reviews to read about those who have used the train services while on a budget and how it helped them to spend within the range of their budget without any problems.

Travel in the offseason
Most cities and countries have their on and off-seasons. Their on-season might be because an important festival or event is holding in the city around that time. With the traffic coming in, everything is bound to increase including flight tickets, accommodation and food. However, when you travel during the offseason when few travellers are coming into the city, the above-listed services and others would be much cheaper and you won’t have to risk spending more than you budgeted and trekking back to your country, even if you have to cross an ocean in the process.

Food
If you are really on a tight budget and you need to take extreme precautions, you could opt to eat twice a day as opposed to thrice a day. The money you would save from each meal could be the difference between coming back to your home, getting stranded at your residential city’s airport or getting stranded in the country you travelled to.

Travel with friends
If your budget is not complete, a very easy way to save money during the trip is by travelling with a friend. When you travel with a friend, both of you can share costs. For instance, you could contribute to a room, thereby meaning you would be saving at least 50 per cent on the room rates. There would also be a few other things that you could split the bill on that would come back to being able to save some money during your trip.

Going on a vacation is something that too many families can’t even imagine fitting into their budget. Between transportation, lodging, and activities, going on a vacation can be expensive. For many, these expenses simply aren’t in the budget. Between the expenses and the time that goes into planning and preparing for trips, many choose to not take vacations at all. Despite the stressors, Resort Save knows that the benefits far outweigh the negatives of vacations if done correctly. That’s why Resort Save is working to change how vacations are planned by making them easier and more affordable than ever before.

As a leader in the travel industry, Resort Save’s goal is to provide everyone who wants one with the opportunity to take a vacation. As innovators in the field, they’ve found a way to create easy, affordable vacations for families across the nation. Through their easy to understand system that has locations across the world, Resort Save knows that they have the trip that you’re looking for. Many have the same question about Resort Save. Can they help make your next family vacation the most memorable?

Easy Transportation

Getting to your destination can be one of the most stressful aspects of any trip. Between the costs of flights, transportation to and from the airport, as well as the baggage fees, many stop planning their trips before they’ve even chosen a destination. Resort Save understands that the stress is in the details. That’s why they have transportation that picks you up from the airport and takes you directly to you Resort Save accommodations.

Comfortable Lodging

Resort Save isn’t just known for their traveling efficiency, but also their world-class accommodations. Booking with Resort Save, you can rest assured that you’ll be in a comfortable hotel nestled in a prime location. When booking through Resort Save, you’re booking through a network of trusted travel accommodations that you can rest easy knowing you’ve received the best deal on while you’re there. Not only will you have incredible locations where you go but choosing where you go is half of the fun. Check out several of the options offered by Resort Save around the world here.

Activities

It can be difficult to pack an itinerary for a trip without breaking the bank. Resort Save understands the importance of knowing how to spend your days to get the most out of your vacation. Resort Save can help with that by putting their world-class customer service to helping you create the best – and most affordable – accommodations!

There’s no question that Resort Save is looking out for your family. Whether it’s been a year or ten years since you last took a vacation, it’s time to book your next one. A vacation is a memory that stays with you and yours for a lifetime. Resort Save is here to help you create those memories and continue instilling a lifetime of fun and adventure to you and your loved ones. Don’t wait until the kids are older! Check out Resort Save’s Steemit Blog for more valuable vacation tips.

Related: Resort Save Announces Partnership with Global Emergency Travel Services

Australia is so wide, the different parts have different weather. Generally, there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. The good news is regardless of the weather there is always someplace to have fun in Australia depending on what resonates with you the most. No matter the time of the year you find the time to travel, you will most likely always find something for yourself in the cities. Check our list of the places you can visit within the country with different climates.

Winter

Winter in most parts of Australia is from June to August. It is a good time to visit places like Kimberley, Darwin in the northern part of the country has that falls within its dry season. Overall, winter in Australia is an amazing experience and offers a wide range of activities. Swim with whales on the Great Barrier Reef, Stargaze at an outback sky in the Red Centre. Enjoy an amazing experience with Whale Watching in Augusta for a memorable tour. Go wine tasting and drinking in Adelaide, celebrate truffle season in the north of Perth, and head over to Melbourne for a range of adventurous events.  Also, you can head over to Hobart, Tasmania for the Dark Mofo festival, enjoy a whale/dolphin watching cruise. Enjoy watching the clear blue skies.

Spring

Spring in most parts of Australia is from September to November. September and October fall within the dry season and the wet season begins in November. Spring brings out the aesthetics of the land and Australia is not exempted, the country is transformed by wildflower blooms, colourful orchids, daisies and desert peas. Traveling to Australia around this time is cheaper and less crowded. Head to Canberra for the largest flower festival; visit the countryside to enjoy the best of wines. Head over to Sydney’s spring racing carnival. If you are into sports, you could attend the Australian Football League grand finals or celebrate with the Aussies at the Melbourne cup. Visit the remarkable Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red centre and watch the sun rise and set. Take a helicopter flight, motorcycle tour over the towering domes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Autumn

Autumn in most parts of Australia is from March to May. May is actually a better to plan a visit to the tropical north. Cairns and Whitsundays could be hit with tropical storms. In Southern Australia, although the weather fluctuates, it is usually warmer and sunny with slight rain. This is a good time to see the cities as there are always a ton of festivals taking place around this time and the wine regions always have a celebration or another. This season is usually not crowded and a good time to visit if you do not care much for crowds. Head over to Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast for a fun-filled stay.

Summer

Summer is one of the best seasons for both the locals and international visitors. In Australia it is from December to February and is famous for sunny days with high temperatures, cities like Cairns and Whitsundays should be avoided because for those areas that is the season of cyclones. Snorkelers and divers should take precaution and wear full-body wetsuits for safe swimming. The southern parts of the country is a bit more pleasant, there are hot, sunny days to enjoy the summer experience. You could visit the beach and even have a beach barbecue. Or go to Sydney for its over the top new year eve’s fireworks. If hiking interests you, this is the best time to visit the country with its beautiful, mild summer. There are also a bunch of festivals lined up around this time and if film, food, wine, art, festivals tickle your fancy you might want to head over to Australia. Don’t forget to pack your hats, sunglasses and sun-cream and drink lots of water as the temperatures soar during the daytime. Take proper steps to prepare for your visit as some accommodation providers and tourism operators might be closed down.

Whatever the time of the month might be, there will always be a place for you. You can check this list of essentials to take with you to have a regret-free trip.

 

How many times did you postpone your travel plans because of your busy schedule? How many times did you apologize to your kids because you didn’t go to the places you promised? If you don’t want them to always feel frustrated with you, it’s time for you to pursue these plans. These are some tips to make things happen despite having a busy schedule.

Improve your time management skills 

Regardless of the nature of your job, you need to ensure that you get things done during office hours. It means that you have to find a way to improve your time management skills. The reason why you keep bringing work home is that you can’t finish everything in the office. You have to change this attitude and try your best to stop working once office hours are over.

You don’t need to travel far

Another reason why you keep cancelling your plans is that you have huge plans. You want to go to places that are way too far from your place. Since you worry about the time it takes to fly there and get back, you have no choice but to suspend the plans. The best option is for you to change your travel destination. You can look for a nearby place so that you can finally go ahead with your plans. There are large houses to rent with indoor pool facilities that you can rent over the weekend. They look fascinating and there are tons of amenities for you to enjoy. They might cost a lot, but you will still end up saving a lot. You won’t need to spend on airfares and other transportation expenses. If you compute the overall cost, it’s still a practical choice.

Check the calendar at the beginning of the year

If you’ve been with the same employer for a long time, you already know the busy months. You also have an idea about the upcoming holidays. As such, it’s easier for you to plan a trip. You will even feel less stressed when you can map these details out earlier on. If there’s a need for you to ask for permission to take a leave, you can do it ahead of time.

Just go for it

Instead of worrying about the expense and time you have to spend to travel, you just need to go for it. Worry about the consequences later. The goal is to spend time with your family no matter what it takes. Besides, you don’t do it all the time. It doesn’t hurt to spend a weekend with them to do whatever you planned. You also need to involve your kids in the process. They might have ideas on where to go.

When you’re smart about planning your trip, you will finally make it happen. It doesn’t matter how busy you are. You can find a way to do it. You also have to listen to what your kids request from you. Perhaps, it’s been a while since they begged you to go on a trip. You need to make it happen for them.

 

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. You get to escape the mundane, meet new people, and experience new cultures. Plus, you gain that R&R you need now and then. One of the most significant impacts on traveling was and still is the existence of the electronic visa system. Perhaps you did not know this, but more and more countries introduce it in their visa policies so enhance tourism. People have easier access to a visa; the country gets more visitors every single year. It is a win-win situation. After all, filling in an online application form is a lot more convenient than going to an embassy, am I right?

How to find out which countries release electronic visas?

That is simple. Thanks to the mighty internet, we have access to a whole lot of information. That can be put to good use. You can find out in just an instant which state allows entry with an electronic visa as opposed to a standard travel visa for which you have to go to a diplomatic mission.

At the same time, you should know that while a particular country has an electronic visa system in place, it may not be accessible for everyone. The visa policy of that country usually contains a list of eligible nationalities, and as long as you are on it, you are free to apply online. For example, let’s say you want to travel to Vietnam. And you are a British citizen. According to Vietnam’s visa policy, you are eligible for an electronic visa, which you can obtain in just a few days.

The online visa application process

Once you decide to visit a particular country that releases electronic visa, and you find out that you are eligible, all that is left for you to do is to go through the online application process. However, keep in mind that the process requires some preparation. You must put together some necessary documents and information.

The requirements are not the same for all electronic visas. It depends on the country you wish to travel to. But one thing is for sure. All electronic visas are issued based on a valid passport. After all, an electronic visa is electronically linked to it. It is not possible to apply for an electronic visa without a passport or an expired one. Plus, most countries ask that that applicants’ passports are valid for at least another 6 months from the date of arrival.

Other requirements include a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, passport photos (digital), travel insurance, means of online payment, e-mail address and so on. As I mentioned above, it depends on the issuing country. However, you will never come across a requirement that is difficult to meet when you apply online for your visa. Accessibility is the whole point.

As soon as you have at hand everything necessary for the process, you are free to fill in an online application form. You must be very careful with the information you provide. It must be correct and accurate. Even a simple error as a typo can invalidate your entire document, which means that you have to repeat the application process. That would be a waste of time, energy, and money. It is best if you review your form carefully before submission.

An electronic visa takes a few days to arrive via e-mail. In some cases you have to print it out, but in others, you can just show the document on your phone or tablet. As you can see, an online application process of getting an electronic visa is far more convenient than going to an embassy, and as recent years show it, it gave a boost to many countries tourism.