Posts for Travel Tips Category

How to Backpack Cuba on Budget

Travel Tips - Shelia - July 26, 2020

how to backpack Cuba on budget

Everyone loves to go on a vacation with family and friends. Well, Cuba is famous for the white sand Caribbean beaches, which makes it more beautiful. Moreover, Cuba can give a fascinating and educational experience, but it is not a cheap destination for foreigners. All credits go to the Cuban government because they gain revenue from tourism. As, the crimes are rare, and tourists are safe in Cuba, it has become one of the popular tourist destinations. Besides, foreigners are officially very well looked after.

However, if you are looking for how to backpack Cuba on budget, then you are in the right place. Here we are about to share a few tips for backpackers to enjoy Cuba trip on a budget.

How to Backpack Cuba on Budget

Look for cheap Accommodation

If you are traveling to Cuba, then the best way to stay there is to find cheap accommodation. Well, if you reduce accommodations costs, then your entire trip can come under your budget. Also, you can find your friends who are willing to travel with you to Cuba. This way, you can save money for the trip by sharing the cost.

Moreover, anyone backpacking Cuba solo can make friends and save a great deal of cash. This will give you many benefits, such as getting a partner for yourself and a buddy who can spend time with you on a trip.

Casa particulars

If you are wondering how to backpack Cuba on budget, then ‘casa particulars’ or homestays can save you a lot of money. If you want to enjoy your trip on a budget without spending too much on a trip, you can go for it. It is simply staying with the locals who rent out their additional rooms. Besides, you can get to stay with the Cuban family in their homes.

This can enhance your experiences, and you can get to know about Cuba in a detailed way. Besides, you can also gain much knowledge about Cuban history and culture from them. The room rent is $15 to 30$ or $50 for an expensive and luxurious room.

Moreover, if you want to save on the rent, you can go for sharing. There are big bedrooms with a huge bed where three people can sleep in a single bed. Thus, check with the Casa that how many people can stay in a room before you book.

Bargaining and haggling

Many a time, when we travel, we tend to see that we are overcharged. It is common in a tourist place, as people tend to understand that all the tourists are rich and can afford any amount of money. However, for tourists like backpackers or someone looking for a budget-friendly trip, this can be a bit problematic.

Hence, if you are wondering how to backpack Cuba on budget, you can start bargaining with the taxi drivers, tour guides, and salespeople. Try to come to a win-win situation for both of you. If you visit Cuba, make sure from the beginning of the trip that you don’t show that you are rich; instead, you confirm you are a student or a backpacker. It will help you to save money.

Besides, if you can make some friends on your Cuba trip, then you can go for sharing the money and save money in turn.

Foods in Cuba

Most of the restaurants in Cuba aim tourists and travelers because they can charge the price in CUC. If you go to restaurants, then they will charge you 5-10 CUC that is huge. Besides, for a backpacker looking for cheap foods, the only options are pizza, spaghetti, and bread with cheese. In such a situation, it is advised to go to local restaurants or places that serve home-cooked food. Also, backpackers can try food from local streets.

Besides, if you see the street foods or the local food shop, you will get an amazing flavor of the food and little pocket pinch. You will get the taste of pure, authentic food, which will help you save lots of money. Thus, if you doubt how to backpack Cuba on a budget, this is one of the best things to do in Cuba.

Budget transport

Who doesn’t want to travel in a lavish car or roam around in a 1950s car? If you are looking for how to backpack Cuba on a budget, then hiring a 1950s convertible can be challenging. Thus, backpackers can use bus or public transport services. You can book buses in advance. Also, it covers most of the places and destinations and very comfortable.

Moreover, you can also go to carpool services. They can also collect from Casa and drop you wherever you want to. The price is very similar to the bus. If you are a backpacker, this can be a plus for you to travel the country with some of the people around in the carpool. It will be on budget, and you will get to meet with new travelers and enjoy the trip thoroughly with them.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing in Cuba is open for travelers and is the best way to meet locals and also other travelers. Also, if you are a solo traveler you can get the opportunity to make new friends or partners. However, it is not widely popular due to the limitation of legality and the internet.

Moreover, if the internet is easily accessible for all, then Couchsurfing will become more popular.

Entertainment

Well, Cubans love music, and you can get to see a lot of musicians play on the street. Live music or sudden salsa dance on the streets are some of the things that can be seen very often in Cuba. These things will not cost you a penny and definitely will entertain you.

However, Cuba is not a cheap place to travel. Thus, a proper plan, careful negotiations, and using the above tips can help you save a lot of money.

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Top 5 Best Things to do in the Sunshine Coast

Travel Destination, Travel Tips - Shelia - April 30, 2020

Discover the top things to do in the Sunshine Coast and enjoy your Queensland Holiday in the sun.

1. Visit the beaches

If you go to the Sunshine Coast, you have to visit the beaches; they’re what the coast is known for! Check out popular beaches like Bulcock beach with its local playgrounds, perfect for families. Or visit Noosa Heads for classic fun in the sun. Surfers will enjoy a trip to Coolum Beach for the opportunity to paddle out and hang ten. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

2. Climb a mountain

Along with a lot of beaches, the Sunshine Coast has a lot of mountains that you can climb. One of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast if you like getting active, try one of the local mountain climbs. Mount Coolum National Park features Mount Coolum, a dome-shaped mountain that stands 208m tall and overlooks the Sunshine Coast lowlands. Of course, Mount Coolum isn’t the only mountain with impressive views of the Sunshine Coast. The Glass House Mountains are also full of popular hikes with stunning scenery.

3. Enjoy some ginger

Something you might not expect on your trip to the sunny, seaside Sunshine Coast is ginger, but you’d be surprised how enjoyable a trip to The Ginger Factory can be. The Ginger Factory is more than just a store that sells ginger and ginger-flavoured food (though there is plenty of that). There’s also rides and activities for visitors of all ages. There’s also an attached rainforest for when you want to reconnect with nature. Then you can enjoy a meal at the café, and maybe some handmade ice cream for a final treat.

4. Go to Aussie World

If the fun rides at The Ginger Factory weren’t enough for you, all the excitement of Aussie World might be one of the best things to do in the Sunshine Coast for you. Thrill rides, family rides, sideshows and more can be found at Aussie World. The park is full of brightly coloured attractions that are sure to capture the attention of any young ones with you.

5. Check out the markets

Like a lot of seaside Australia, the Sunshine Coast is home to many markets. The Original Eumundi Markets are some of the most popular markets, full of art, craft, entertainment, and more. But there’s also markets like Nights on Ocean with artisan stalls, live music and performers, and street food—a great way to spend an evening in the Sunshine Coast. You can also check out the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, the Caloundra Street Fair, and so many more markets and marketplaces. The markets are a great way to get a feel for the culture of a town and find a memento to take home with you.

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How To Make the Most of Your First Yacht Charter Experience

Travel Tips - Shelia - April 5, 2020

Warm weather is just around the corner, and chances are you have some cabin fever right now. Why not start planning your summer adventures? One excellent choice is chartering a yacht. Whether you’re stepping aboard with family or a large group of friends, there’s nothing quite like sailing across the open water and soaking up the sun. Check out these tips to help you make the most of your first yachting experience.

Read the Contract Thoroughly

When you charter a yacht, you’ll need to sign a contract. Read it thoroughly to ensure you understand what you’ll receive, which rules you’re expected to follow, and which fees you may incur during the course of your experience. Check the size of the yacht first. If you’re only taking a small group of friends, a small one is fine. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a large party, you want to make sure everyone has enough space to move around.

Next, read the insurance clause. Some charters provide the insurance as part of the cost. Others expect you to pay more for optional insurance. Verify how much the deposit is and what happens if you need to cancel. In addition, read the rules regarding whether smoking is allowed on board, how old children must be and whether they can roam freely (younger children should not, regardless of the rules), and whether you’re allowed to bring your own food aboard.

Pack Only What You Need

Chances are you’ll be on your charter yacht for the entire day and possibly into the evening, so it is important to pack essentials. Naturally, you’ll want to have bathing suits with you to enjoy the sun, but you can save space by wearing them under your regular clothes. Remember, being on the water can be chilly in the evening, so check the temperatures and consider packing a sweatshirt or light jacket.

In addition to layered clothes, pack plenty of sunscreen (and remember to apply regularly). A lip balm with an SPF and a large hat will help to protect your scalp and face. Avoid tanning oil, as it can stain the boat’s deck. If you’ll need it, pack essential medications, as well as some pain reliever and anti-nausea medication.

Finally, bring the fun stuff. A deck of cards and a Bluetooth speaker are great for music and entertainment on the water. A flashlight and matches help with light for evening sailing. Pack smartphones, tablets, and other electronics in Ziploc bags to protect them from the water.

Practice Good Etiquette With the Crew

The crew running your yacht charter is there to make your experience as special as possible, so practice excellent yacht crew etiquette. In addition to treating the boat itself well, listen to all of the crew’s instructions and follow them. The rules are not only to protect the boat but to protect you as well.

After listening to instructions for your trip, give the crew the space they’ll need to work safely. Avoid their quarters and work space, and never expect them to take care of any children you have aboard with you. If you do have questions, ask the captain first. If the captain can’t help, he or she will direct you to someone who can.

Finally, part of practicing good etiquette is tipping well. The standard rate is between 10% and 20%. You can offer cash to individual crew members or tip a lump sum that they can divide between themselves. Some charters automatically add a gratuity for large groups, but tipping above and beyond shows your appreciation and ensures you’re treated well if you ever book another sailing trip.

Take Advantage of the Offered Stops

As nice as it is to lay back on the deck and watch the waves and the sun, part of the experience is taking advantage of the stops you can make. Some charter experiences allow fishing, while others will stop at popular beaches or spots where you can watch for dolphins or other sea life. Many charters sail along shores that provide a variety of shops and restaurants right by the water. For example, charters in southern Florida often stop at waterfront restaurants Miami. If you have the chance to eat at one of them, some of the popular ones include Seaspice, Zuma, and Texas de Brazil.

Before you know it, temperatures will soar, the sun will shine, and you’ll be itching to feel it on your skin. By planning and preparing your yachting experience now, you ensure smooth sailing down the line.

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How to Plan the Perfect Party

Travel Tips - Shelia - March 25, 2020

Party planning has it’s perks. You’re in control of all aspects of a celebration, from the decorations to the food and drink to the guest list. But with these perks come the logistical challenges of planning a large gathering for a huge number of people. To help you through these logistical challenges, here are a few tips for planning the perfect party.

Take Care of the Essentials First

Of course, you might want to jump right into all the fun aspects of planning a party before doing anything else. But before you can make your party playlist and plan your decorations, it’s important to first take care of all of the essentials that go into a large gathering. This means making a budget, thinking about how many people you’re going to invite, coordinating table and chair rentals and planning out the food and drink that you want to serve. Getting these essentials out of the way before doing anything else in relation to planning your party will eliminate any large scale worries you have about making sure you have a space large enough for your guests and whether they’ll have enough to eat.

Hire Outside Help

With so much to coordinate in planning a party, it can sometimes seem like a full-time job. So, for assistance, why not hire the help of people for whom party planning is a full-time job? Hiring a private event planner New Jersey is one way to make sure you are taking care of everything you need to take care of when it comes to hosting a large event. This event planner will be able to provide advice for your party as well as coordinate some of the essentials that you want to get done before moving onto other more fun elements of the planning process.

Customize It

Finally, remember that this party is a reflection of you and your tastes. Take the time to have some fun with customizing the party, whether that be through music, decorations or special food and drink selections. The fun part of hosting a party is that you get to make the decisions that dictate what kind of experience your guests will have, so try to embrace this opportunity and really make the party your own.

Taking care of the essentials, hiring outside help and customizing your party are three steps to planning the perfect party. Remember that this party is a reflection of you, and really try to embrace the opportunity to put on a killer event.

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Keep Your Life Trendy Online and Offline With These Simple Tips

Travel Tips - Shelia - March 2, 2020

Fads come and go, but some trends have the staying power needed to become a cultural phenomenon. In our increasingly high-tech world, many of the most popular pastimes are digital in nature. For those less inclined to embrace a virtual activity, however, connecting to the web might be the best way to make new connections in the real world. The points detailed below will provide a brief overview of the technological trends you should know about.

Discover a New Hobby or Rediscover an Old One

Hobbyists come in all forms, from the casual fan to the serious devotee. Wherever a person falls on that spectrum and whatever he or she finds interesting, chances are high that there are many others with a similar passion. Though it is often difficult to find these like-minded individuals in daily life, the internet makes it easier than ever before. A fan of vaping, for example, might want to connect with others to discuss the latest flavors or products. In addition to searching for an online vape site like smokingthings.com, he or she could also find online communities dedicated to this popular pursuit.

Discover the Latest Hits or a Hidden Gem

Services like Netflix and Hulu allow audiences to binge on content anytime. Finishing a season — or an entire series — in one sitting is no longer an unattainable goal. Additionally, movies are now available on many streaming services as soon as a film is no longer showing in theaters. This allows people to enjoy a wider range of content in the comfort of their own homes. That freedom has resulted in the widespread popularity of several shows that became instant classics thanks to online audiences.

Discover More Effective Methods of Staying in Shape

Though it is difficult to stick to a plan involving diet and exercise, a person on such a program can find advice and support through his or her smartphone. Apps and gadgets abound in this sector of the market. The more connected people are, the better able they are to repeat successes and learn from failures. Track physical activity, find expert nutritional advice and discover much more designed to help anyone the path to getting in better physical shape.

There is seemingly no aspect of human civilization that has not been tied to our continued reliance on technology. While on one hand that might sound foreboding, it can also be harnessed for useful purposes including the three listed here.

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