Am I Nearly There Yet?

Category: Travel Advice

A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking
If you plan to have a memorable outdoor adventure, hiking is the best option. All you need is a good fitness level, to pack properly, find a great destination and make sure you take all the safety measures possible.
But, if you are a beginner, planning such an experience can be overwhelming.
To help you, we’ve created this essential beginner’s guide to hiking. So, continue reading, and find out how you can have a memorable experience in the middle of nature.
Choose your destination
If you never went hiking before, you should not aim climbing the Himalayas. It’s OK to dream about succeeding in exploring amazing places one day but to achieve such things you have to start somewhere.
Long hikes with too much climbing are out of the question for beginners. Instead, try to find a destination that has many short, easy trails, as well as other activities available for you to enjoy while you are not hiking.
A great destination is Scotland, and exploring the Scottish Highlands is a fantastic choice for an adventurous newbie. Not only does this area offer a great array of trails, but it also welcomes visitors with a spectacular mixture of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and interesting history.
It’s a perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy the impressive wilderness, but it also gives beginners the chance to indulge in other unforgettable experiences. And tasting the delicious whiskey and hearty foods, as well as befriending the welcoming Scottish people are just some examples.
Or, if you want something more exotic, head towards Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands that offers fantastic trails with great views, as well as perfect weather, relaxing beaches, watersports, mouthwatering local food, and of course Spanish wines.
And if you want to have a more meaningful experience, hiking El Camino de Santiago is a fantastic idea. While the complete pilgrimage might be too difficult for a beginner, you can always start somewhere close to Santiago de Compostela and enjoy a short walk until you reach the city.
Check the weather conditions
Before planning your trip, check the forecasts. While this is not mandatory when choosing a destination like the Canary Islands, if the Scottish Highlands sounds like a better option, you might want to avoid the rainy seasons.
In case you are a wild explorer and a bit of rain doesn’t scare you, you must pack properly. And while you’re on the trail, make sure to keep an eye on the sky, and if you think the weather is changing, it’s advisable to look for shelter or even turn back. Hiking in bad conditions is far from being fun.
How to pack for a memorable hiking holiday
If you’re a newbie who’s planning their first hiking adventure, packing is not as difficult as it is for advanced hikers who are getting ready for longer, harder trails.
The first thing to keep in mind is to have a waterproof backpack and pack light. It is a good idea to carry a light sleeping bag with you as most mountain huts won’t provide bed sheets, and even if they do, you might want to avoid using them.
You need comfortable gear, thermal underwear for hiking during the cool seasons, and light base layers during the summer months. And don’t forget your waterproof jacket for rainy seasons, as well as a hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
But probably the most important part is choosing your shoes. They need to be comfortable and worn before. You want to avoid blisters, which a brand new pair of hiking shoes can cause.
Besides proper clothing and shoes, you need water and snacks. Pack food that is highly nutritious because this is going to be your fuel. A tasty chocolate bar can also be in your backpack. You are a beginner, and you need a treat that will keep you going.
A map of the area is always useful, especially if you plan to have this adventure without friends or a guide. There are hiking guide books available for many popular destinations. Not only do these have maps of all the trails, but there is a lot of useful info about the best places to visit, where to eat, where to find shelter and much more.
What to consider during your hike?

A big mistake many newbies make during their first hike is not enjoying the surroundings. They are so focused on arriving at their destination and celebrating their first success that they forget their main reason for hiking is to be in the middle of nature.
So, do yourself a favour, and walk at your own pace. Stop from time to time to catch your breath and admire the landscapes.
Tell somebody where you are going and when
Even if you plan to go on a short trail, you can get lost.
To avoid disasters, any newbie should let somebody else know where they are and when regardless of their destination. Sure, places like the Scottish Highlands or Tenerife are always filled with visitors and hikers, and it’s unlikely that something bad will happen. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
These are our tips for a newbie who wants to have a memorable hiking experience. If you choose the right destination, pack properly, take all the safety measures possible, and walk at your own pace, you will have a successful first hike.
But to properly enjoy it, besides taking care of all the logistics, you must always go with an open heart and be prepared for unexpected things. For instance, if you plan a solo hike, don’t avoid having conversations with other adventurers. Or, if you didn’t complete your first trail because you had to come back to your accommodation for certain reasons, don’t feel disappointed.
Relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and get ready for walking it again or for your next planned route. The whole idea is to find pleasure in hiking. So, take it easy, and you will!
April 24, 2020
6 Packing Must-Haves To Survive a Long Flight
They say sometimes it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. That’s a very nice philosophical argument, but whoever said it probably didn’t account for long-haul flights. Long flights take you to some of the world’s most exciting destinations but can be tiresome, uncomfortable and really rather boring.
Thankfully, modern technology helps improve things somewhat with a range of items that seem specifically designed to aid passengers on long-haul. Try not to be stuck on a flight without these six absolute must-haves!
1. Headphones
This is important, particularly when you consider how uncomfortable the headphones supplied by an airline can be after a little use. Take headphones that you can feel comfortable using for hours on end that won’t bother you if you doze off whilst wearing them!
2. Neck pillow
Plane seats are notoriously uncomfortable. You can spend valuable sleeping time shifting as you try to find a position that allows you to drift off, just to be jolted awake as you’re knocked by the aisle trolley or your neighbour.
A neck pillow keeps you comfortable in an upright position, providing peace of mind that you’ll be able to nod off without interruption.
3. Backup Entertainment
Sure, you’ve got your phone and whatever. But what if your flying with an airliner that doesn’t allow electronic usage at all during takeoff and landing? What if, god forbid, your battery runs out?
Pack a paperback, a crossword, whatever is necessary to get you through. We also recommend a slim, portable charger to bring any electronic devices back to life if they do run out of juice, as you’ll want them on the other side!
4. Wipes
No, there’s nothing embarrassing about bringing wipes with you on a long flight. These are multi-purpose! They’ll freshen you up after your attempt to nap, but you should also use them to wipe down all the surfaces when you take your seat.
Airplanes are full of germs, and cleaning crews simply don’t have time to get rid of them all. Wipes are a great substitute for other liquids you might have taken with you.
5. Eye Mask
Combine this with your neck pillow and you’ve got the ideal sleeping environment. An eye mask is ideal for blocking out the ambient light that is almost always present on an airplane, as well as the occasional reading light or curious passenger staring out the window.
6. The perfect carry-on bag
Few things are more irritating for yourself or other passengers than a carry-on bag that just won’t fit anywhere. You need to find yourself a bag that stores your technology, reusable water bottle and some food for the road. Speaking of which, it’s recommended to bring nutritional snacks such as nuts with you when you’re travelling – they’ll give you the energy you need to keep going.
The right bag will do all this, whilst still allowing you decent leg-room AND easy access! There is a whole market designed for this purpose, which will save you a lot of grief and make the entire journey easier.
August 14, 2019
Europe’s Best Cruise Holidays
If you are planning to go on a cruise holiday this year you may wonder where you should start searching. After all, there are numerous destinations that you could potentially head to. How can you choose the best destination or cruise so you have the chance to see all those amazing sights? One of the great things about cruises is that if you opt to go on a cruise every year there’s a real potential for you to see almost every country in the world.
If you have never been on a cruise before you may want to think about heading out to Europe. Europe is vibrant, it’s full of culture and is home to some amazing cities and people.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cruises in Europe so you can take your pick and head off on a cruise that will take you to some of your chosen destinations.
France
France may well be on our doorstep but it’s well worth exploring. Why not opt for a cruise holiday that will take you to the capital of France for a few days? You can have the chance to stroll around Paris, experiencing what the city is like while you dine on some wonderful local dishes.
You may also want to opt for a cruise that will take you to Normandy where you will have the chance to visit the Palace of Versailles and Monet’s Garden. Don’t forget to see if your chosen cruise will take you to Lyon, France’s culinary centre or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, for a spot of wine tasting.
Italy
Italy is a country that’s full to the brim of history, art, music and some very tempting dishes. If you can find a last minute cruise deal to this country, snap it up! Why not head to Naples or Genoa, and enjoy sailing around the country that is remarkably shaped like a foot. If you would like to head to some of the smaller ports, you may wish to look for a cruise that will take you to the Aeolian island of Lipari and its history that goes back to 5,000 BC.
You may also want to opt for a cruise that will take you to Rome so you can see all that it has to offer. Marvel at the amazing architecture, see some incredible works of art and, of course, the Colosseum.
Spain
Spain is another European country that is steeped in history, character and some amazing archaeological sites. Head to Cartagena for those awe-inspiring archaeological finds or Valencia for its arts and sciences. Don’t forget to head to Barcelona if you can and see La Sagrada, Gaudi’s Casa Vicens or La Casa Batlló. Each of these destinations will let you delve deeply into Spain’s history while you explore magnificent works of art and the country’s intriguing culture.
There are many cruises that will take you around Europe, but cruises to France, Italy and Spain perhaps offer some of the best experiences.
February 23, 2019
The Most Asked Travel Questions After Brexit
With Brexit looming and the deal still up in the air, there is a lot of political and economic uncertainty. The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29th 2019.
This date falls right before our beloved Easter holidays, which leads us to question how Brexit will impact our travel plans? Here, we answer some of UK nationals top travel questions and concerns post-Brexit.
Are package holidays a safer bet?
Package holidays are easy and cost-transparent. They promise a fixed price and maybe are slightly more reassuring. Of course the same regulations apply if you are going through a UK booking agency.
Surely the ferry is not affected?
Ferry transportation is governed by international maritime law. Air travel might be something more heavily affected than ferry travel. But custom checks as a result of a no deal would lead to some exceedingly long queues whether travelling by ferry or air.
Shall I book a non-EU destination?
You should still be able to travel to the same places as before. But maybe now is a good time to try somewhere new and tick off a few bucket-list locations – learn about a new culture and go sightseeing! How about a trip to Dubai? Or Egypt?
Costs are only going to increase?
Yes and no. We all want to go on that perfect winter escape to the mountains, and with the fall of the pound against the euro, costs may increase. But also, due to the economic uncertainty, people may hold off going on holiday, with a focus on saving their disposable income. This may have an effect on airfare prices and there are a lot of up to date travel offers – so keep your eyes peeled.

Higher mobile phone roaming charges?
We’ve embarked on an exciting new era of no roaming charges and everything accessible on our phones, from the basics like cameras and maps to compasses and other travel essentials. Companies are increasingly focusing on building websites that have a high mobile site speed to make life easier when you’re on the road including booking accommodation, renewing travel insurance and mobile banking. However, a report from the Association of British Travel Agents and Deloitte says using your phone abroad might become more expensive if Britain leaves the EU.
What documents will I need?
The European Commission has said that in a no-deal case, UK travellers will not need a visa. British people will need to apply for/ buy another document to travel to member states, post-Brexit. For now, you can carry on without any extra documents. EU citizens and UK nationals will continue to be able to travel freely with a passport or identity card until the end of the transition period in 2020. Beyond that, the European Commission has offered visa-free travel for UK nationals coming to the EU for a short stay provided the UK offers the same.
February 13, 2019