Category: Lifestyle

If you were to ask people from any nation around the world what their number one country would be that they want to visit, there’s a good chance that it’s going to be France. France, known for its fantastic history, great scenery, and safety for tourists, is a prime destination during all parts of the year.

On the other hand, the French know that tourism plays a massive role in the industry, and as such, are able to nickel and dime visitors. That’s where we come in, though. If you have wanted to visit France but have been put off because of the massive prices that can come with a visit, here are five essential tips for traveling to France on a budget.

Fly into Paris

There isn’t really a wrong place to fly into in France, but there are some airports that stand above the rest for international travelers. Nice Cote d’Azur Airport and Lyon Saint Exupery Airport are fine options, but if you really want to save money, it makes sense to fly to the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The largest city in France also has the largest airport and by far the most options.

Because of the multitude of options, flying into de Gaulle is fairly cheap. There are about 20 United States cities that fly directly to Paris, ranging from New York to Detroit to Los Angeles. No matter where you are in the country, there should be an airport within driving distance that can take you directly to de Gaulle without needing to stop in New York City, Montreal, or London along the way, all while saving you money.

Avoid the Toll Roads

Here in the United States, we’re used to toll roads which are mostly owned by private companies and offer the fastest way to get across large states on roads that are maintained frequently. We tend to think of other countries not relying on toll roads, but that isn’t the case. France is one of those countries that has a massive amount of toll roads, and they can add up quickly when driving around.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other roads throughout France where you can avoid these tolls. Though you’ll have to drive a few more miles (or kilometers, if you will), you’ll avoid the massive tolls and get more of the French scenery. If there are routes where it would make more sense so that you can save on gas, then it’s best to prepay for a toll pass as the cost will be a fraction of paying at the gate.

In Fact, Skip the Car

The toll roads can be unavoidable if you want to see all of France, but even then, you can skip them completely if you don’t drive at all. One thing that we Americans aren’t really used to is having access to railroads which will quickly take you from one major city to another. Sure, we have railroads, but they can be incredibly expensive and slow. That’s not the case in France where all major cities can be scene cheaply and easily.

Trains are running on a daily basis, and you’ll be shocked at how cheap they are. Paris and Nice are nearly 500 miles away from each other, so you might think that trip would cost over $100. However, it’s barely above $20 and the trip is just under six hours long. That type of value for travel can’t be beaten, so feel free to see all of France for just a few bucks.

Focus on Lunch

Dinnertime is huge for the French, and restaurant prices reflect that. While most of us are used to lunch and dinner prices being about the same for any restaurant picked at random, French dinner prices can be nearly triple the cost. If you want to visit France’s finest restaurants, going in the middle of the day could save you hundreds.

As for the smaller local restaurants, you can spend next to nothing for lunch depending on what you get. If you go for the plats du jour, you’ll get a dish that’s only a few bucks. Other cheap options are the formules and menus, which are two and three-course meals. If you plan on staying, fresh groceries can be bought at markets for cheap, too.

Visit the Vineyards

Let’s face it, one of the reasons why many of us want to visit France is because of the world-class wine. France is home to some of the best wines in the world, and buying them can be a lot of money when purchased on the shelves.

However, if you visit one of the wineries directly, you can save a lot. Even if you aren’t going for the top-rated wine in the world, there are plenty of fantastic vineyards to visit where you can get fine wine without breaking the bank.

Each year, New York City pulls in more than 60 million visitors from outside of the metro area and the United States, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s almost its own country with its sheer size and massive population, and there’s plenty to offer those millions who visit. One of the main reasons that people have held off on going to the Big Apple, though, is the cost.

New York can be one of the most expensive cities around if you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, we’ve got some great tips on visiting America’s largest city. Here are five essentials you need to know when going to New York City on a budget.

Go LaGuardia (Sometimes)

If you’re visiting from another city in the United States, you’re almost always going to want to fly into LaGuardia Airport. It’s a much cheaper option for domestic flights, but JFK might be your only option if you’re international.

Also, when looking at flights, make sure that your one into LaGuardia is significantly cheaper if you want to save. That’s because JFK is easier to get to via public transportation, which may offset your savings if flying into LaGuardia.

Ride the Rails

Here in the United States, let’s just say that the public transportation infrastructure is lacking in most major cities. It’s hard to get around in any way but a car, but that’s not the case for New York City more than any other in America. Beginning operation in 1904, the New York City Subway has more than 6 million riders every day, and it’s because you can go wherever you need in the NYC metro without a car or extensive walking.

The best part about using the subway lines in New York City is the price. In most cases, you’ll pay under $3 for a single ride and you no longer need to carry cash with you to pay. If you plan on staying a little longer, you can get a MetroCard which can be refilled to give you more rides without having to pull out your phone. Nowhere else besides Chicago offers a US subway system this extensive.

Avoid The Swanky Areas

As we’ve noted, getting around New York City is cheap and convenient, so you can stay in any borough and only pay $2.75 to get to another. Many people who visit from outside of the city make a beeline for Manhattan because that’s where all of the more upscale hotels are. However, all of the boroughs have their charm for a much lower cost.

If you want to save yourself hundreds (if not more) over the course of your stay in NYC and don’t mind a 20-minute trip to Manhattan, you can stay in Queens where they offer plenty of affordable (but good) hotels. Plus, if you stay in Queens, you’re going to be much closer to popular visitor spots like Flushing Meadows and Citi Field.

Look For The Free Hotspots

It seems that these days in New York City, it costs at least a $1 fee just to stand on the sidewalk. However, there are still plenty of great free visitor attractions to be found. Of course, Central Park is the one that always draws the attention of tourists, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Any time of year is a great one to visit, but make sure to avoid the extra costs like carriage rides.

The other big free destination that people often relate to New York City is Times Square. While it’s mainly just a lot of advertisements in one intersection, it’s still a hotspot just to say you’ve seen it in person. Taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, going to one of the many free museums, or popping into Grand Central Station are all other great options that won’t cost you a dime. 

Ask Locals For Food Recommendations

There are a lot of people who live in New York City that don’t have a lot of money to their name, and one of the biggest reasons is that they’re saving money on food. New York has featured a lot of prominent restaurants on television and film which have brought in tourists, but it’s better to ask the locals where to eat.

You’re going to get some great recommendations, and probably some memorable stories about that restaurant. Once you’ve walked around the city for a while, you’ll start to get a feel for which restaurants are more beloved by locals and more affordable compared to the overpriced ones that are just tourist traps.

During the 2000s, there were about six to eight million people who made their way to Japan each year as visitors. In the 2010s, that number skyrocketed, growing each year until reaching nearly 32 million prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism became a larger focus for Japan, and it’s easy to see why they’d want to have so many come to visit.

Japan has a lot to offer, but it can become expensive in a hurry if you’re not sure what to expect. If visiting Japan has always been your dream but you’re worried about the cost, we have you covered. Here are five essential tips for visiting Japan on a budget.

Picking the Airport and Time

If you want to fly anywhere in Japan, the cheapest time of the year is going to be between March and May while the most expensive times fall at the end of the year. Once October comes to a close, flights start to skyrocket, so try to find that sweet spot of mid-April or early-October for the best prices.

When it comes to airports, you’re going to have a lot of options due to Japan’s size. Tokyo is going to be your best bet for the cheapest airport due to its massive size. Osaka isn’t too far behind while Nagoya, Okinawa, and Kagoshima are a bit more on the expensive side. International carriers like United can get you there the cheapest while flying Japan Airlines within the country is the cheapest.

Get a Train Pass

No matter where you fly into, you can make it to all the great tourist spots in Japan thanks to the country’s rail system. Buying a Japan Rail Pass allows you to travel for one, two, or three weeks unlimited without needing to worry about refilling your card. This is an absolute must even if you don’t plan on using the rail system all that much.

While they aren’t all that cheap on the surface (around $225 USD for the seven-day pass), it’s going to save you a ton in other travel expenses. There is an upgrade option for the Green Pass that’s offered, but you’ll want to avoid that to save money. What Japan considers to be coach class on a train is what we expect the first class to be like on an American flight, after all.

Capsule Hotels

There are a lot of us that need the perfect scenario in which to fall asleep. We need a fan running, we need complete darkness, and maybe a little bit of ASMR until we doze off. Then, there are those that aren’t concerned about being in a super-cramped space, they just need to be vertical. If you’re in that latter category, you’re in luck, because Japan has what’s known as capsule hotels.

Think of them as large human-sized filing cabinets where you can get some sleep. These are popular tourist spots, so not all of them are cheap, but many run for as little as $10 to $20 per night. When you just need a place to rest your head, it’s hard to beat that price compared to some of the larger hotel rooms which can be nearly $1,000 per night.

Visit Familiar Spots

You might scoff at the idea of leaving the United States or Europe, heading all the way to Japan and eating at a KFC, or stopping at a 7-Eleven. However, you shouldn’t, because those two chains in Japan are much, much different than they are in the rest of the world. In fact, the 7-Eleven that most of us know as a convenience store offers affordable great-tasting food that will make you wonder why it’s not the standard.

While Americans and Brits are also used to Dollar General or Poundland, Japan offers 100-Yen stores. Again, like KFC and 7-Eleven, the quality of these stores is through the roof compared to the other countries. These are great spots for toiletries during your stay and even full-on grocery shopping in a pinch.

Head to the Historical Spots

There are going to be some very convincing places in Japan to spend money like the Pachinko machines or the Pokemon Store. Instead, to save money, try visiting many of the historical sites that are completely free of charge and are absolutely breathtaking. 

Some of the best spots that you can visit include the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, the Senso-ji Temple, and Dotombori District. While they might lack some of the glitz and glamour that downtown Tokyo offers, it’s going to save you a lot of money during your stay.

Florida is the third-most populous state in the US, and the second-most visited behind only California with tens of millions making their way to the Sunshine State each year. There are some very obvious reasons why people head to Florida, especially when you consider that the state has more coastline than any other on the mainland (yes even more than California).

When people visit Florida, they tend to spend a lot of money. If you’ve always wanted to check out the best of what Florida has to offer and either don’t want to break the bank or don’t have too much to spend, we can help. Here are five essential tips for visiting Florida on a budget.

Fly to These Two Areas

You know an area is reliant on having millions upon millions of tourists come in to dump their hard-earned money in other areas when the flights are incredibly cheap. No airport in the United States is cheaper to fly to than Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. The second and third-cheapest airlines, though? They both belong in Florida.

Florida relies heavily on tourism, so flights are numerous to even the smaller airports of the state. However, the two cheapest airports are Orlando International (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). What makes these two even more tempting for travelers is that they offer direct flights to some of the smaller markets in the United States that have decent-sized airports.

Disney Plans

Let’s face it, the biggest reason that many people from around the world come to Florida is because they want to visit the Disneyworld Resort in Orlando. After all, that’s why Orlando has the second-cheapest airport to fly to in the United States. If you’re going to Disney, you’ll have to show a lot of restraint unless you want to end up spending thousands of dollars on tickets, food, lodging, and, naturally, all the merchandise.

The biggest way to save yourself money is by booking far in advance and during one of the cheaper months. January, February, and November offer low rates, but September is the best time as the kids are all back at school. Shopping around for a hotel on the Disney property while also avoiding a lot of the add-ons like desserts and souvenirs (yes that will be hard) will save you hundreds of dollars.

Ticket Tips

The tickets at Disney Parks themselves become a bigger percentage of the yearly expenditures for visitors every year, but there are ways to get them cheaper. Disney offers a Park Hopper ticket that allows you to go from park to park freely. However, once you get there, you’ll realize that it can take more than two entire days just to enjoy the Disneyworld park itself. Stick to the value pass and download the Genie+ app so you know which rides have the shortest lines.

Disney doesn’t have a monopoly on theme parks in Florida, though. There are plenty of others who would rather visit Universal Studios. The opposite situation is true at Universal, where buying the multi-park pass will actually save you money. The parks (Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Wet ‘n Wild) are much smaller and will give more value over a three-day trip.

Coupons Galore

Have you ever been inside a hotel or a gas station and they have that rack near the door which is filled to the brim with traveler’s brochures? Well, most of those pamphlets, brochures, and booklets were placed there by Florida companies or the Florida tourism board. A lot of those brochures are jam-packed with coupons in hopes of promoting the tourism industry which Florida relies on heavily.

From getting half-priced on go-karts in Kissimmee to a free sub sandwich at the Miami Children’s Museum, there’s a way to save at least a few dollars at every popular tourist stop in Florida. There are even discounts for hotels in cities throughout the state, so you’ll never have to pay full price for your stay whether you’re headed to Disney, Tallahassee, Tampa, or anywhere else.

Stick to Beaches

If you really want to get the biggest Florida experience without breaking the bank, spending your time near the beach is going to be the best way to do that. Because of the insane amount of coastline that we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of hotels that are competing to give you the lowest price. 

Not only that, but grocery stores are going to have cheaper options and you don’t have to worry about a theme park’s outside food policy. Also, about 40 percent of the entire Florida coastline is open to the public, giving you hundreds of miles of options to choose from when you’re soaking up the sun.

In the age of the internet, people do not need to step out of their homes to explore the world. Technology has come a long way, and one of the most exciting advancements is virtual tours. A virtual tour is a way of exploring a place, site, or attraction from the comfort of your home. 

Virtual tours provide convenience, accessibility, and an enhanced learning experience. Today, we will explore the different types of virtual tours, popular destinations, and the benefits and potential drawbacks of virtual tours.

Types of Virtual Tours

Virtual tours are designed to simulate the experience of physically being somewhere, without actually being there. They can be divided into different types, each with their own unique features:

360-degree tours

360-degree tours allow users to navigate a location as if they were physically present while sitting at home through an immersive 360-degree experience. Viewers can interact with the location by zooming in and out of different spots, changing their angle, and getting a complete view of the area.

Interactive tours

Interactive tours are similar to 360-degree tours but offer more interactive elements. Users can click on specific areas to get more information or facts about what they are seeing, making the experience more engaging.

Guided tours

Guided tours are virtual tours led by a tour guide who takes visitors through the location. These types of virtual tours simulate the experience of being on an actual tour with a guide. The guide provides commentary, explanations and also answers questions in real time.

VR-based tours

VR-based tours are one of the most immersive types of virtual tours as they provide the user with the full virtual reality experience. Users wear a virtual reality headset and are transported to a different location, allowing them to explore the area as if they were actually walking through it.

Popular Destinations with Virtual Tours

Virtual tours can take people to different parts of the world without leaving their homes. Many attractions now offer virtual tour options, including:

Museums

Many of the world’s most famous museums have now digitized their collections, allowing people to visit and explore them virtually. For example, the Louvre in Paris has a virtual tour that showcases the most famous pieces in the museum, including the Mona Lisa.

Landmarks and Historical Sites

Virtual tours provide a unique opportunity to visit some of the most famous landmarks and historical sites in the world. Some popular examples include Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China, and Machu Picchu.

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Many national parks and wildlife reserves now offer virtual tours that allow people to experience the natural beauty and wildlife from their homes. Yellowstone National Park, for example, offers a virtual tour that showcases the park’s different geothermal features.

Cultural and Entertainment Venues

Digital experiences from cultural and entertainment venues such as Disney World and Broadway shows have become increasingly popular. The Disney website offers virtual rides and experiences, while many Broadway productions offer virtual performances that simulate the theatre experience.

Benefits of Virtual Tours

Virtual tours offer several benefits to users, particularly during a pandemic or when physical travel is challenging. Some of the benefits of virtual tours include:

Convenience and Accessibility

One of the most significant benefits of virtual tours is convenience. Users can explore destinations from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of their physical location or mobility constraints.

Cost-effective

Virtual tours are a cost-effective way to experience destinations that might be expensive to visit physically. It eliminates costs associated with travel, lodging, and expenses while on-location.

Ability to Visit Places Difficult to Travel to in Person

Virtual tours provide the opportunity to explore places that might be difficult or impossible to reach physically. For example, museums that are located miles away, and iconic sites or national parks that are miles away, can be visited through various virtual tours.

Enhanced Learning Experiences

Virtual tours offer an immersive learning experience, offering new insights into the history, geography, culture, and more. Interactive tours within virtual tours allow visitors to learn about various aspects of the location and gain insights without attending any actual classroom.

Possible Drawbacks of Virtual Tours

While virtual tours offer several benefits, there are a few drawbacks to be considered, such as:

Lack of Physical Experience and Interaction

Virtual tours may lack the physical experience of being somewhere physically. Users cannot smell, touch, or feel the place.

Limited Personalization

Virtual tours are limited to a general pre-programmed tour that does not allow customization or personalization for the individual visitors.

Technical Difficulties

Technical difficulties with online connectivity or issues with software and browser compatibility can cause issues with virtual tours.

Evolution of Virtual Tours

VR technology has kickstarted a new era of digital tourism, ushering in an era where traveling without ever leaving the house is becoming mainstream. One of the most prominent developments in the virtual tour industry is the increasing demand for VR-based tours offering a fully immersive and interactive experience. With the rise of VR technology, it is projected that virtual tourism could become the norm in the future.

Other developments in the industry include the development of AI-powered virtual tour guides and holographic technology that could take the experience to a whole new level. Virtual tours have come a long way, and it is exciting to imagine what the future holds.

Traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, many people are now seeking more than just a tourist experience. They want to make a positive impact on the world while seeing new places and meeting new people. This is where volunteer travel comes in.

Volunteer travel involves combining travel with volunteering, allowing individuals to contribute to community development and social impact while also experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. Today we will explore the benefits of volunteer travel, the different types of volunteer travel experiences available, how to plan a volunteer travel trip, and the best practices for responsible volunteering.

Benefits of Volunteer Travel

Volunteer travel can be a life-changing experience, providing a range of benefits to those who engage in it. Firstly, it allows individuals to grow personally and develop new skills. By immersing themselves in a new culture and working on a project that is outside their comfort zone, volunteers can gain new perspectives and develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Volunteer travel also provides an opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding. By living and working alongside locals, volunteers can gain a deeper understanding of a culture and its customs, language, and traditions. This can lead to increased empathy and respect for different ways of life, which is increasingly important in our globalized world.

In addition to personal growth and cultural immersion, volunteer travel allows individuals to contribute to community development and social impact. Volunteers can work on projects that have a direct and positive impact on local communities, such as building schools or community centers, teaching English, or working on conservation projects.

Finally, volunteer travel can enhance career opportunities by providing valuable experience that can be added to a resume or used to build a professional network. Many employers value candidates who have international experience, cross-cultural communication skills, and a passion for making a positive impact.

Types of Volunteer Travel

There are many different types of volunteer travel experiences available, depending on an individual’s interests and skills. Some of the most popular types include:

• Conservation and wildlife projects: Volunteers work on projects that help to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats, such as monitoring sea turtle populations, rehabilitating injured animals, or working on conservation research projects.
• Community development and education projects: Volunteers work on projects that aim to improve the lives of local communities, such as building schools or community centers, teaching English or other skills, or supporting local entrepreneurs.
• Disaster relief and humanitarian aid projects: Volunteers work on projects that provide emergency relief and support to communities affected by natural disasters or other crises, such as building shelters or distributing food and supplies.
• Healthcare and medical projects: Volunteers work on projects that provide healthcare and medical services to communities in need, such as providing vaccinations, conducting health screenings, or supporting medical clinics.

Planning a Volunteer Travel Trip

When planning a volunteer travel trip, it is important to do your research and select a reputable organization that is committed to responsible and sustainable volunteering. Look for organizations that have a clear mission and a track record of positive impact, and read reviews and feedback from previous volunteers.

It is also important to assess your personal skills and interests and choose a project that is aligned with them. Think about what skills you can bring to a project and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Preparing for cultural differences and challenges is also important. Learn as much as you can about the culture and customs of the country or community you will be working in, and be prepared to adapt to different ways of life. Consider learning some basic language skills to help you communicate with locals.

Finally, budgeting and fundraising for travel expenses are important. Many volunteer travel organizations require volunteers to cover their own travel expenses, so it is important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Consider fundraising or seeking sponsorship from friends and family, or explore crowdfunding platforms to help cover the costs of your volunteer travel trip.

Best Practices for Responsible Volunteer Travel

Responsible volunteering is essential to ensure that volunteer travel experiences have a positive impact on local communities and the environment. Some best practices for responsible volunteering include:

• Respect for local culture and customs: Volunteers should respect the culture and traditions of the communities they work in, and make an effort to learn about and understand local customs and beliefs.
• Collaborative approach with local communities: Volunteers should work collaboratively with local communities, taking into account their needs and priorities, and involving them in project planning and implementation.
• Long-term impact and sustainability considerations: Volunteers should consider the long-term impact of their work, and ensure that projects are sustainable and have a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
• Ethical treatment of wildlife and conservation efforts: Volunteers working on conservation projects should ensure that their work is conducted ethically and that the welfare of animals is a top priority.

The winter season is often associated with chilly temperatures and snow, making it the perfect time for snow-filled adventures and cozy getaways. Whether you’re a fan of winter sports, interested in exploring new destinations, or simply seeking a cozy escape from the cold, there are countless winter travel destinations to choose from. Today we’ll explore some of the best winter travel destinations, including snowy adventures and cozy getaways, as well as provide tips for staying safe during winter travel.

Snowy Adventures

For many people, the winter season is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding. There are countless destinations around the world that offer top-notch skiing and snowboarding experiences. One of the most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its breathtaking mountain views and unparalleled ski runs, Whistler Blackcomb is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves skiing or snowboarding. Other popular skiing and snowboarding destinations include Aspen, Colorado, and Chamonix, France.

If you’re looking for a unique winter sports experience, consider dog sledding. This exciting activity is popular in many destinations around the world, including Alaska, Norway, and Canada. Dog sledding is a great way to explore the winter landscape while also experiencing the thrill of a fast-paced adventure. If you’re not up for dog sledding, you can also try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or ice skating.

Cozy Getaways

If winter sports aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of winter travel destinations that offer a cozy escape from the cold. One of the best destinations for a cozy winter getaway is the Swiss Alps. With its charming villages, scenic views, and warm hospitality, the Swiss Alps is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to relax and unwind during the winter months. Other popular cozy winter destinations include Banff, Canada, and Lapland, Finland.

Many travelers also opt for a cozy cabin or lodge experience during the winter months. There are countless destinations around the world that offer cozy cabins and lodges, from the mountains of Colorado to the forests of Sweden. These types of accommodations provide the perfect setting for a cozy winter retreat, complete with roaring fireplaces, hot cocoa, and warm blankets.

Winter Festivals and Events

In addition to snowy adventures and cozy getaways, there are also many winter festivals and events that are worth traveling for. One of the most famous winter festivals is the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. This annual festival features massive snow sculptures, ice skating, and other winter activities. Another popular winter festival is the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada, which features ice skating, snow slides, and even an ice hotel.

If you’re interested in something more unique, consider attending the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China. This festival is known for its massive ice sculptures and impressive light displays. Other popular winter events include the Northern Lights in Iceland and the Christmas markets in Germany.

Safety Considerations

While winter travel can be exciting and fun, it’s important to take safety considerations into account. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack warm clothing, including layers and insulated jackets. It’s also important to pack proper footwear, such as waterproof boots with good traction.

If you’re traveling to a destination with snowy or icy roads, consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle or hiring a professional driver. Additionally, be sure to check weather reports and road conditions before traveling to ensure safe driving conditions.