Travel

For my good friend Thomas Leeper Myrtle Beach has been his entire life, he was born here, he was raised here and apart from the odd trip across to other regions in North Carolina, he has remained here for the majority of his adult life. As someone who loves to travel I just struggle to understand people who don’t want to go out and see what the world has in store for them, and so I began to try and convince Thomas to take a trip away. Thomas had concerns about traveling alone, but I gave him plenty of reasons as to exactly why he should. Thomas took the advice and spent what sounds like a wonderful week in Costa Rica last year. I wanted to extend what I said to Thomas about solo travel to anyone out there who isn’t sure whether or not they should do it.

The Trip is Your Own

When you go solo traveling every decision that is made is your own, you don’t have to listen to what others want, you won’t have to compromise, nor will you have to sacrifice any aspect of the trip. When you travel solo you can eat when you want, go to whichever attractions take your fancy, go to bed early or late, and you won’t have to hear anybody else complain if things aren’t working out well. This autonomy on the road is so valuable.

Time to Reflect

Traveling can often be a very sobering experience and one which causes you to look at your own life and reflect on where you are going and where you have been. Now when you travel with others you can talk about these things but there is far less time for a personal reflection. When you travel solo however this is exactly what you will get, the chance to hit the pause button on life and just take stock of everything that is going on.

Meet People

Whilst you can of course meet people when you travel with others, it is not the same as when you travel alone because you are more of a package deal. When you travel alone, however, this is not to say that you have to stay alone, and you should take the opportunity of meeting new people during your trip. People are much more inclined to approach you if you are on your own than with friends or family and this can open up the chance to meet a number of interesting people, you may even make a friend!

Drinking It In

In my personal experience, I find that I get much more from a destination when I go there on my own. Whilst it is nice to share your experience with others and to chat about what you are seeing, you really get to focus better when you are by yourself.

If you want to go away alone but you are unsure, take my word for it, you will love it!

 

Going away for Christmas with the family can be a lovely idea and ensure that it is a year that you never forget. Whether you are setting off to get some much-needed winter sun or you are heading to a winter wonderland to feel as Christmassy as possible, you will find that it can be stressful travelling with kids so here are a few tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Choose an Easy Destination

First, you should choose somewhere that will be simple to travel to and provide an easy holiday experience. There are lots of good options for Christmas, including many major European cities which come alive at Christmas with beautiful lights, markets and festive events or you could look to somewhere with warmth and sunshine.

Choose Easiest Form of Transport

Often, the most stressful aspect of going away with small children is travel so you should think about the easiest possible route. If you are flying, you might find it less stressful to catch the train to the airport instead of having to drive which can be another cause of stress. You can also book your tickets online in advance, such as a train travelling from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport.

Create a Loose Itinerary

You will want this to be a holiday that is special and create many happy memories so it is a good idea to have something planned for each day. It is helpful to have plans but this should also be flexible as you do not want to force the family to do things if they do not feel like it.

Pack in Advance

Every parent that has taken their kids on holiday knows just how stressful packing can be. This is why it is a good idea to create a checklist for your kids and to help them to do a practice pack in advance of the holiday. They should then have their bag packed and ready well in advance of leaving the house so that there is no major rush and stress to start the holiday.

Going on holiday over Christmas can be fantastic and make it a festive period which is extra special, but it is also sure to cause some stress for the parents. Travelling with children will always be difficult but with added expectations it can cause a great deal of stress. Hopefully, these tips will help to reduce stress and allow for the best Christmas yet this year.

 

Most drivers look forward to going on a road trip. It feels liberating and destressing to drive along the open highway with the wind blowing through your hair. A long list of adventures awaits you as you explore different places and do things that are out of your comfort zone. If you are a new driver and it is your first time going on a road trip it is essential to create a list of things that you need to prepare.

You can never predict what will happen to you in the middle of the road. That is why you should be ready for whatever circumstances might come your way; for example, getting in touch with companies like Fort Lauderdale Towing Service, so you can rely on someone to help tow your vehicle in case it breaks down in the middle of the road. Here are more essential tips to ensure that your road trip will turn out to be as smooth as possible.

Look for good companions

Your co-travelers can make or break your road trip experience. You want to make sure that you have pleasant companions while driving for long hours. Make it a point not to bring illegal stuff inside the car like alcohol and prohibited drugs. There is a possibility that your vehicle might get pulled over by cops, and you do not want to be taken by surprise and get in trouble with the law.

Update your insurance policy

The rule of thumb is never to drive your vehicle if you have not updated your full insurance policy. Remember that neither you nor your friends can ever predict an accident. Driving without insurance will give you a big headache and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and settlements. Regardless who is driving your vehicle when the accident happens it is your insurance that will cover the damages.

Prepare your back up tools

Never go on a road trip without packing all the essential tools that you might need during the trip. Get ready with your jumper cables, spare tire, wrenches, and a hammer that can be used to break glass windows in case of emergencies. If you are not sure of the tools that you need to buy, ask for assistance from your local auto supply store.

Plan your stopovers

You may be excited to drive for twenty hours straight, but it is not safe to do so. You have to be realistic when it comes to calculating the distance each time you travel. Rest every four hours, take a bathroom break, keep yourself hydrated, and eat healthy snacks between stops. Book motel rooms where you can sleep and freshen up.

Lastly, do not pressure yourself to drive if you are feeling tired and sleepy. Doing this can lead to road accidents that can cause serious injuries. As a driver, you are responsible for the lives of your passengers. Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/road-winding-street-bridge-1030789/

 

Located in the midst of the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, lies Greece’s largest island and popular holiday destination, Crete. This idyllic island is like no other, as it offers varied terrain from the white sands of the islands pristine beaches, to its rugged mountain ranges and dark caves. The island of Crete is a destination where its mythical history meets modern day, as many of its ancient remains still stand tall, offering the perfect cultural Greek experience. As well as majestic architecture and a rich Greek history, the island also offers a more modern, luxurious destination which has made the island one of Europe’s most loved holiday destinations.

Crete is a popular island loved by tourists from across Europe and further afield, mainly due to its diverse offerings no matter what type of holiday you desire. Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon with a luxurious feel, or a family holiday packed with Greek history and architecture, this beautiful island has it all to offer. Whether it’s sampling some of Greece’s finest cuisine overlooking the surrounding waters, or visiting the islands famous Ideon Cave, the birthplace of the mighty Greek god Zeus; we want to share some reasons as to why Crete should be your next holiday destination.

The perfect place to stay

With Crete being one of the most favoured holiday destinations in Greece, there are hotels to suit everyone’s needs. If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel then your choices are endless. From freshwater pools to award-winning children’s entertainment, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay. Crete also offers a romantic paradise, perfect for you and your partner to enjoy a relaxing week in the sun or even your honeymoon. There are numerous luxurious hotels in Crete, which will provide you with a lavish and romantic place to stay, whilst forgetting about life back at home and enjoying the warm Mediterranean heat.

The pristine sandy beaches

One thing the island’s locals can be proud of is their beautiful beaches. With stretches of fine white sand and calming turquoise waters, relaxing on one of Crete’s pristine beaches is sure to provide you with some much needed rest and relaxation. One of the island’s hidden gems is Seitan Limania Beach, close to the city of Chania. The winding track down to the shore takes you through towering cliff edges before you meet the endless views of the waters in front of you. This surreal location does get busy during peak season due to its beautiful surroundings, so it’s worth enjoying the tranquillity of Seitan Limania early in the morning whilst paddling in the clear waters of the Agean Sea.

The ancient Greek history

One thing which makes Greece so famous is its rich ancient history. The island is full of architecture which still stands hundreds of years on from its creation and provides the perfect Greek cultural experience. From the majestic Fortress of Koules to Knossos Palace, known as Europe’s oldest city, there are an abundance of ancient ruins which help bring history to life and allow you to truly understand the beauty of this island. During your stay it’s also worth paying a visit to the famous Ideon Cave, which the locals past and present believe was the birthplace of the Greek god of the sky, lightning and thunder, Zeus.

No matter what your holiday desires may be, the island of Crete will have everything you’re looking for. From a romantic getaway with a splash of luxury to a history packed adventure; Crete is the perfect place for your next European break.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Travelling to a beach condo or mountain cabin for vacation is so old-school. These days, more vacationers are opting for something a bit different for their one or two week getaway. Visiting a luxury ranch resort is becoming more of a trend; it is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature, relax, and indulge your inner cowboy or cowgirl.

Some of the top-rated ranch resorts in the US are not just known for their luxury, but also for their stunning natural scenery. If you’re looking for your next vacation spot and want something a bit different than the beach getaway, try visiting spots like The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas, or Lost Valley Ranch in Colorado.

Or, here’s an even crazier idea…start looking for ranches for sale and create a luxury resort of your own. Obviously this requires an investment and a lot of hard work, but it you do it properly it can be quite lucrative. Here’s how to build the best luxury ranch retreat from the ground up.

Find a partner or two

Not only will it be difficult to invest all on your own, but it will also be difficult to do all the work if you don’t have a few team members backing you up. If you know of any friends, relatives, or acquaintances that might be interested in an endeavor like this, give them a call or take them out to lunch to see if they’d be interested partnering up.

Partnering with family is the best option for running a successful luxury ranch resort. One reason for this is due to the fact that visitors love seeing a family-run business more than anything. This especially applies to something like a ranch resort or adorable B&B. Many of the current ranch resorts and retreats in the US are family owned and operated, at least the most successful ones are.

Start out small and work your way up

There’s no need to go crazy right at the beginning. Some of the top ranch resorts have taken years, even decades, to become what they are today. Of course you need to start somewhere, so start simply with the accommodations before venturing into other aspects of the project.

Well established ranches have everything from 5-star accommodations to outdoor excursions like fishing, horseback riding, ATV rides, and nature walks. Chances are these resorts did not start their first day of business with all of these offerings, but instead they worked their way up to it. You can do the same.

Find a location that is remote, but not too remote

Part of the beauty of vacationing to a ranch resort or retreat is simply to get away from the hustle, bustle, and craziness of the everyday world. This means that is important to have your ranch somewhere secluded and away from the madness of the world.

However, you also want to make sure that your ranch resort is not too far away from the rest of civilization. This makes it extremely difficult to get to, and also makes it harder on you to have access to the proper resources to keep things running smoothly.

 

The Caribbean is a hotbed for cruise ships, luxury holidaymakers and tourists escaping the winter. Each and every island has its own culture and traditions as well as the paradise-like stretches of coastline. And you’re guaranteed warm weather where you can wear your t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops every day. So whether you want to indulge in one of the Luxury Caribbean getaways or soak up the colonial heritage in Barbados, here are our top destinations for the ultimate getaway.

Barbados

Barbados receives millions of tourists each year from around the globe. Many spend their time in an all-inclusive resort or a beachside villa overlooking the turquoise coast. This island offers some of the most luxurious vacationing experiences. And has dozens of activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. The first stop is usually somewhere around the coast. Spend your days lounging on the sand or in the beachside bars listening to reggae and soca. Rent a jet ski and speed around the warm waters under the clear sky. Or go sea kayaking to find hidden stretches of sand and coves. Away from the beaches, you can get to grips with nature. Barbados has a dense covering of jungle throughout its interior. Jungle trekking and wildlife tours allow tourists to experience the best of the island’s biodiversity. Make a special stop in the capital city Bridgetown to soak up the British colonial heritage too. And take the time to visit one of Barbados’s famous rum distilleries.

Grenada

Grenada in the West Indies combines white-sand beaches with dense rainforests. The tiny island nation has a rich colonial history that oozes in the architecture of capital city St George. And Grenada offers a unique experience found nowhere else in the Caribbean: An underwater sculpture park. Most of the resorts and vacation rentals lie around the coast. Picture yourself waking up next to the tropical Caribbean Sea. Then going for a swim after breakfast before jungle trekking later in the day. Visitors can enjoy cocktails overlooking the coast as reggae plays in the background. This tiny island-nation has a much better safety record compared to some of its neighbouring islands. So you’ll always feel safe and comfortable exploring Grenada independently. We recommend renting a car.

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (called BVI by the locals) has a reputation for high-end tourism and luxury. Wealthy holidaymakers have stayed in the tropical paradise since the 1960s. And tourism numbers just keep growing. You’ll find a highly developed tourist infrastructure and dozens of activities at your fingertips. Some prefer renting a private vacation rental on a secluded beach. Others take the chance to explore more of the archipelago. Add in the miles of coral reefs thriving in the shallow waters and the vibrant marine life. But the real highlight of taking a vacation in the British Virgin Islands is that you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Only a fraction of visitors take their holidays here compared to other islands in the Caribbean. And you’ll probably find that you’re the only person on the beach.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the Caribbean’s most famous tourist destination. The island has a reputation for the world’s finest reggae and stunning beaches. But aside from the resorts, Jamaica is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. You’ll find several 18-hole courses around the island. These have been rated among the most beautiful in the world. Book yourself a trip and play a round of golf surrounded by the verdant and colourful tropical environment. Then return to the coast or your vacation rental and enjoy a cocktail next to the beach. Other highlights include day trips into Jamaica’s interior. Out in the jungle tourists can follow trails to waterfalls and search for wildlife. Birdwatching tours are recommended to witness the thousands of colourful tropical birds. But as with every island paradise, nothing quite beats returning home after an action-packed day to swing in your beachside hammock.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has the luxury, but without the masses of tourists. You can find dozens of high-end accommodation overlooking the coast or Mount Obama (also known as Boggy Peak). But unlike some of the other island in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda have lots of adventure activities. You can go zip lining along 12 lines in the jungle and horseback riding. If you’d prefer isolation and relaxation, book a villa along the coast. Or if you want some outdoor fun, put on your hiking boots and scale Mount Obama. This is the highest point at 400 metres. Trekking up is reasonably easy, and you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of both islands. When you visit, try to visit both Antigua and Barbuda. Each island is different, and you’ll get to see and experience both sides of the island-nation. Regular boats and ferries connect them to each other in a few minutes. Or book a tour which takes you around the must-visit attractions.

A Luxurious Caribbean getaway

If you want the ultimate getaway with as much sun, sea and luxury as you desire, come to the Caribbean. Check out Barbados for its music and colonial heritage. Head to the British Virgin Islands for five-star luxury without the tourists. Check out the golf courses in Jamaica and get the adrenaline pumping in Antigua and Barbuda. Whichever island nation you decide to visit, take the time to explore all parts of its history, heritage and culture. And get away from the beaches to see the natural beauty inland.

 

Nothing evoke the carefree summer days like cycling to the shore with a towel and a good book in a bike basket. While the pristine beauty of Hamptons beaches is unmatched, they have more to offer than sand and surf. Splendid discoveries also await along the quiet back roads north and south of Route 27. From the horse farms to the vineyards and wetlands, there is no better way to explore the byways and beat the local traffic than to ride a bicycle.

You will find terrains, circuits and beautiful scenic routes for the avid cyclist. Below are some of the best bike places where you can spot many avid bikers on their beach cruiser bikes.

Cape Henry Trail

Away from the clamor of Virginia Beach lies the sparkling water of Cape Henry in First Landing State Park. This hiking and biking trail runs along the shore of Cape Henry Trail which stretches for approximately seven and a half miles. As you bike along, you will notice that the trail is fairly organic, having been created and improved over the decades by fellow bikers and avid hikers speeding and stamping along. Made of crushed stone, gravel and sand, the trail is lined with natural Spanish moss and filled with the serene sounds of birds chirping and water flowing with not a concrete slab in sight.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

If you enjoy a lively crowd, you may want to head over to Virginia Beach Boardwalk where there are plenty of beachgoers. The bike path runs alongside the 28 meter-wide main boardwalk and cyclists get all the great views and atmosphere of the boardwalk, without having to worry about meandering pedestrians. Virgina Beach Boardwalk is where you will find the largest collection of rental bike vendors in one single place, all running perpendicular to the beach and sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean. You can also find city bikes for sale. It is one of the most popular bike trails in the state, despite being only 3 miles along, due to its ideal terrain and fun-filled locality. There is plenty of shops, restaurants, musical entertainment and King Neptune, the twenty-four foot, twelve-ton bronze statue that stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park.

False Cape State Park

For a biking experience that is more like a wild safari outdoor adventure, head over to False Cape State Park. It is just over four miles from Virginia Beach and can only be accessed by biking, kayaking, or taking a shuttle. Its abundance of hiking trails run along the soft, finely milled sand of the shoreline, so mountain bikes are most suitable for this terrain. If you like animals, False Cape is one of handful of places in the state of Virginia where you will snakes, turtles, sea rays, dolphins, and deer.

The weather is warming up and the time could not be more fitting to get your bikes out of storage if you have been winterized our bike. Besides checking the best motorcycle protective gear, here are some tips to get our bike ready for the spring and summer riding season.

Always remember that you cannot simply ride out of your storage unit on your bike. Before you hit the road, there are some essential safety precautions you must take.

• Start off with a spring bike cleaning to make the bike look great for your first ride. Remove dust and dirt that has accumulated on the bike by rinsing the bike from top to bottom with a garden hose. Clean the bike with warm soapy water and use soft-bristled brush to clean the pedals. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth.
• Check your fuel tank. You may need to drain the tank and re-fill it. You should also replace the filter
• Inspect the tires and rims for damage and repair. Replace the tires if necessary. You can find motorcycle parts online should you need to replace any.
• Look at the tires for wear and tear, fraying, cracks, holes and bald patches. Replace the tires if you see any noticeable damage. Once visual inspections are completed, check the air in the tires by squeezing them. If they are too squishy, then the tires will need to be inflated
• Inspect the brake. Make sure that the brakes will allow you to slow down, be in control and be safe.
• Even if you changed the oil before storing your motorcycle for the winter, you probably need to change it again before the upcoming riding season. You should also check all fluid levels. You may need to top them off or completely flush and replace some.

Once you are done checking on the bike, do not forget to look at the motorcycle gear for the summer. Dressing for riding in the summer heat is not the same as dressing for riding in cooler weather. A little research will help you find gloves, motorcycle helmets and jackets that offer the right balance between protection and the increased ventilation to help you stay cool.