Travel

PeacefulLake

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Rest & Relaxation at the Lake

In life, we are all running around and going nowhere very fast. We all take part in our type of rat race. Whether you are a mom who is raising kids or a working soul that seems to spend long days at the office, stress and frustration over all the things you have to do can seem endless. It often seems that we spend our days doing the same old things and then have to get up in the morning to do it all over again. Is that really how you feel life should be? Is it the way you expected it to be when you were a child looking at the world and seeing nothing but potential? Most likely the answer to that is, “No.” We say, “It can be” with just a little rest and relaxation at the lake.

Step Out of the Rat Race

Escape The Rat RaceBefore you embrace the endless circle that becomes a mundane life, you should take time out. Find a place that you can remember who you were as a young adult when you were filled with ambition, desire, and drive. Do you remember that person who had big dreams for an adventure filled life? It is in each and every one of us. It is the person that you were when you accepted your graduation certificate, wearing that cap and gown, in front of your family, friends, and classmates. If you could reset your mind in a weekend, would you do it? Would you go back to that person who wanted more out of life? Most people would.

Ways to Unwind

Stand Up To StressIn virtually every area of our world, there is water. Whether you are hoping to spend time near a bubbling brook, or you want to spend time listening to the waves lapping against the shore, nothing on Earth is more peaceful than being near a body of water. This is why there are so many lakeside retreats like the Billy Chinook Marina, available. There are campgrounds near the lakes and rivers, hotels near the beaches, and log cabins in the woods near small streams. You will have the opportunity to witness the beauty that Mother Nature provides. It can bring out your inner child and help you remember what living life is truly all about.

Enjoy Breathing Easier for Awhile

When you spend a weekend away from real life, you will get a new perspective on your life. There are some people who venture out into the wilderness, next to a body of water and decide that they do not want to spend the rest of their life doing the paper chase that they call a job. It may spark your creative mind or help you fall more in love with the family that you spend your days taking care of. Perhaps all you need to stop going in circles is to step outside of your box and rediscover the carefree person that you once were. We think you will like what you find when you are there. You just have to be willing to rejuvenate your mind and body.

LAX Los Angeles

Landing in LAX? Let Blacklane Get You Into the City Quickly!

As you know, I love a good adventure. I’m all about thriving in the chaos of a bustling city as well as exploring new lands. But sometimes, we travel aficionados are faced with one major obstacle before we can even embark on a new adventure: getting out of the airport. One of the most relevant examples of that is LAX in Los Angeles. I personally find it to be one of the busiest airports I’ve ever had to navigate. I know a lot of you might be considering hiking the beautiful trails of Northern California soon enough, so I thought I’d give you a quick tip to help you get right on your way when you land in LAX. And, it’s courtesy of Blacklane, the best airport transfer service you’ll ever need to get you out of the airport and into the city easily.

What is Blacklane?

Blacklane now services travellers in over 236 cities worldwide, including those landing in LAX. There are multiple reasons I recommend Blacklane for LAX airport transfer, including no surge pricing, their suite of professionally licensed drivers who are handpicked by the company, the choice of three car classes to suit a variety of budgets and travel styles and, the knowledge that the company puts safety and comfort first. You will never find yourself hitching a ride with multiple passengers with Blacklane, as they really ensure to make this experience as luxurious as possible for each client.

Lax Airport Transfer Service

Most importantly, though, you get to choose the service you’re looking for. Meaning, you have three service options at your disposal, depending on what you need at the time, including:

  • Classic A to B trips (for set trajectories)
  • Hourly hire (when you want to visit multiple destinations)
  • Full-service airport transfers (to get you out of the airport quickly and comfortably)

So, How Does it Work?

It’s really very straightforward. Blacklane allows you to book your ride via a user-friendly app. However, unlike Uber, there is absolutely no risk at the driver refusing your request or you having to wait for long periods of time before your ride shows up. Your ride requests are treated as appointments, where you can book a time and vehicle directly via the app. Your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate with a personalized sign, and they will also help you with your luggage.

Further, you have an hour leeway to get to your ride in case security lines or baggage claims take longer than anticipated. Your driver also has a flight tracker which ensures they are notified of any flight delays, so you don’t need to stress about that either. It’s as professional as airport transfer services get.

So really, if you’re landing in LAX, be prepared and get yourself the Blacklane app. Getting yourself to the city centre from the airport can be a real headache but Blacklane has made the process so much easier. LAX seems like much less of a stressful place now that I’ve been using Blacklane.

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8 Ways to Be a Responsible Traveler in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a popular destination on the Baja Peninsular in Western Mexico. It has a reputation for being picturesque, safe, and cheap. Some people come here to relax on the beach and others want to experience the water sports. It’s also a popular place for young Americans to come and have a good time. But, before you pack your bags and plan for the holiday of a lifetime, remember that you need to be responsible. Just because you’re going on vacation and have spent a lot of money, you shouldn’t be careless. Here are eight ways to make sure that you’re a responsible traveler when you visit Los Cabos.

1# Don’t Waste Power:

This goes for any traveler whether you’re in some of the luxury vacation rentals in Los Cabos or staying in a hostel. The weather is hot for most of the year and people will always use their fan and air conditioner. This is fine when you’re in the room and want a little respite from the brutal heat outside. But, don’t think that because you’ve paid for it that you suddenly have the right to waste power. Some people will actually leave the air conditioning on almost 24/7, even when they go out. Don’t do this and be careful with the power that you’re using.

2# Clean Up After Yourself

One of the most obvious ways to be a responsible traveler is to clean up after yourself. Most of us don’t throw litter on the floor and will always dispose of it correctly. But, sometimes when you’re on the beach with a few bottles of beer it can be easy to forget. Make sure you pick up all of the bottle tops and stop anything blowing away in the wind.

3# Go the Extra Yard and Recycle:

Recycling in Mexico isn’t as big as back at home and you may find that some of the locals don’t even care. People may come around later to scavenge the recyclables to sell on to make a little money. Even if you do see this when you visit Los Cabos, you should still make the effort to recycle. Developing countries can have major problems with litter and are often unsustainable. Make sure that you don’t contribute to it when you visit.

4# Smoker’s – Be Careful:

Lots of people smoke in Mexico and Los Cabos is no exception. The laws are more relaxed and you’ll probably see many of the locals walking around or sitting with one in their mouths. After they’re finished, they toss it on the floor. Don’t copy them. Just because they do it in their own country, it doesn’t give you the right to do it too. If you do smoke, make sure that you stub it out and dispose of it correctly.

5# Don’t Waste Food:

If we’re on vacation, we like to indulge. Admit it, everyone likes to order large meals and savor them before heading back to reality. You’re going to find a wide selection of restaurants and types of food in Los Cabos and it can be tempting to order as much as you like. But before you do, remember that what you don’t eat will be thrown into the garbage. Poverty is endemic in Mexico and it’s not a responsible thing to waste all the food because of the greediness of some visitors.

6# Volunteer and Give Something Back:

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer along the Baja Peninsular to some of the more underprivileged people and in the rural communities. Los Cabos is quite wealthy from the tourism though as soon as you leave it starts to get poorer. If you have the time and an opportunity, try to give something back. After all, you’re lucky enough to have the wealth to come and visit their country.

7# Enjoy the Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is quite popular in Los Cabos. There are plenty of chances to go snorkeling and to enjoy the scenery. You can see a whole range of fish swimming underneath you in the water. Or it’s possible to kayak to some of the more secluded areas. Fishing is also another activity that visitors like to get involved in. Whenever you do, be careful not to disrupt the ecosystem and to leave any place exactly the same way that you found it. The locals may not be as careful as you, but it doesn’t give you an excuse to be careless.

Image from Max Pixel

8# Choose the Tour Company Carefully:

You can find lots of tours in Los Cabos that range from riding a quad bike in the desert to going out in the water to look for whales. Inevitably, some have better practices than others and it’s your duty as a responsible traveler to not contribute negatively to the environment. This means that you should do your research into the different companies offering the tours. The best practice is to give your money and join the ones that do care and protect the environment and the places that you’re visiting. Be aware that this probably won’t be the cheapest one available. Though paying a little extra and knowing that you’re doing your part is often far better.

The Takeaway Message:

Los Cabos is a great travel destination to come and unwind or relax. It’s also a great place to get involved in water sports and enjoy the scenery and ecotourism. However, you should always do your best to be a responsible tourist and not do the things you normally wouldn’t back at home.

travel tips

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The Very First Things to Do When Arriving In a Foreign Country

It can be hard to know what you should do first when arriving in to a foreign country (other than finding your accommodation of course). Now, I have been in many different countries on my travels across the globe, so I have devised some tips that you may find useful, that definitely helped me out. Below listed are some things for you to consider when you first arrive into a new location.

Avoid the Currency Exchange at Airports:

If you have not stocked up on local currency, or simply need additional funds, avoid Currency Exchange services at all costs. As long as you have informed your bank of your intentions to travel to the location you are in, you should be able to use ATMs, which will allow you access to local currency at much better rates.

Get a Feel For the Area Around Your Accommodation:

Try and spend a few hours exploring the streets and side roads around your accommodation to get a feel for things. You will be spending a lot of time walking around here, from heading out to get food, to just simple things like shopping or hitting up the beach. Try and find out if your accommodation is served by public transport, or is at least near a public transport stop. You will also be able to avoid less desirable areas far easier.

How Long Do You Intend to Stay In Your Location?

If you intend on staying in a location for a considerable period of time, it may be worthwhile to open a bank account in the country you have chosen to visit. Similarly, it may make better financial sense to start hunting for reasonable rental accommodation, rather than paying for hotels and hostels.

Intending to Drive Abroad?

If you intend on driving in the location of your choosing, check the local traffic regulations first. I learned the hard way that my home licence was not valid in some locations, or needed to be exchanged for local licences in others. Making this mistake – driving under the assumption you have the right to do so, could lead you into considerable trouble with local law enforcement. You will also need to ensure that your level of cover for insurance is sufficient for that country (and indeed valid in the first place).

Try & Obtain Internet Access:

One of the first things I do when getting into a foreign country is getting access to the internet. Even just to let loved ones know that you have arrived safely into the country, having internet access is very important. It will also allow you to research local sights, order food and plot paths with Street View. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how useful the internet is however, so I’ll drop it!

Armed with these ideas, you will be able to settle into your new location with ease. Best of luck with your travels!

 

men in backpack

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Eating Healthily While Backpacking – Yes, It Is Possible!

Hi again! As you know, I love to eat healthily. However, sometimes this is more challenging to achieve.

And when heading out on a backpacking adventure, it is very easy to simply through some very unhealthy food options into your bag and continue on.

It does not have to be like this however! There are some ways you can ensure that you get a wholesome, and importantly, filling meal, while out on your expedition.

Don’t Skip Out On Breakfast!

This might seem like a no brainer to some of you reading this, but you would be surprised at the amount of people who just skip breakfast. It has been said a billion times that breakfast is the most important part of the day when it comes to eating, so make sure to eat well!

I like to choose slow burning carbs, things like oatmeal, so that I will feel fuller for longer, and will have more energy throughout the day.

Add in a little fruit or yogurt if you are not a big fan of the bland taste of porridge. Even small additions such as honey can make a huge improvement to the taste, and energy levels you will benefit from.

Visit Local Grocers for the Freshest Produce:

If you are intending on bringing along some items to eat while out and about, make sure they are the freshest. Avoid big chain stores where possible, and visit local grocers.

They will not only really appreciate your business, but can provide you with the freshest produce possible. That can’t always be said from the faceless chain stores!

Packing things like bananas & nuts in your bag are both healthy and very tasty, providing you with essential vitamins, oils and nutrients.

Don’t Forget Water!

Something that may also seem like a no brainer is, packing water. And I mean water, not sodas or fruit juices!

Nothing can hydrate you better, despite marketing slogans and advertisements. A water bottle is reusable, so make sure to pack some water purification tablets with you too.

They take up next to no room hardly in your pack, and can be a literal life saver. They are also inexpensive, and you will be doing your little bit for the planet, by reusing your bottle.

Avoid Junk Food:

Where ever possible, try and eat real food. Junk food will fill you up temporarily, but will leave you feeling sluggish, with a literal nasty taste in your mouth. Try and pack things that have plenty of fibre to help keep you full.

If you want to bring snacks, dried fruits, nuts or even protein bars (if you want something sweet) are great choices, and again, will not take up your entire bag.

There we have it – simple huh? By using a little common sense in your packing choices, you too can eat healthily while backpacking. You will feel much better as a result, without the sugar hangover.

how to pack for travel

Essential Tips for What You Should Pack For Your Travels

If you are anything like me, knowing what to pack when heading off on the latest adventure can be a real challenge. In my case, only with experience came the answers to what are essential items, and what can be left behind. Strategically speaking, packing the right things in your bag or backpack can mean all the difference to your journey. I have listed below some items I have found essential on my travels, and hopefully will be of assistance to you also on your journeys around our incredible planet.

First Aid Kit:

Something you should always have in your bag or backpack is a first aid kit. Now, I’m not talking about something huge here. A few basic items can make an adequate first aid kit, should you be unlucky enough to require it. Band aids, burn, bite and antiseptic creams, small bandage wraps – these kinds of things can be put together into a small kit that will not take up much room in your precious storage area.

A small kit will be sufficient should you get caught short in the wilds (in the main anyhow, unless you have a serious accident!), and more comprehensive kits can usually be found on site in hotels / hostels etc.

An LED Torch:

LED torches are inexpensive and cast much better light, ideal for when daylight begins to dwindle. A lot of foreign countries are not as well serviced with public lighting as you may be used to, so a small LED torch is something that is essential to me.

Earplugs:

Needing no explanation really, earplugs should be in everyone’s travel kit, even for the flight over!

photo for earplugs

A Clothes Line:

You will find that you need to wash your clothing quite regularly, and trying to dry your clothes by draping them over towel rails is very ineffective (as I have learned the hard way!). A small, elasticated clothes line, with hooks either end, will be far more effective. You can use these anywhere you can find anchor points to attach the line to, from balconies to over the bath tub.

Swizz Army Knife:

Even the Astronauts carry these, and I’ve found that a Swizz Army knife can be an essential tool, especially when heading out into remote areas of exploration. You’ll never know what you might encounter, so having one of these gives you a better chance (by far) of overcoming any obstacle that may be in your path.

Zip Lock Bags:

Another item that won’t take up much room, but can be a real god send in certain predicaments, is zip lock bags. From leaky items, to separating dry and wet items of clothing, you’ll be glad you’ve got these in the bag!

Superglue:

You’ll be surprised just how useful super glue can be when travelling. From fixing broken shoe soles to fixing issues with your bag, super glue has a thousand uses.

That’s just a small few examples of my essential travel items.

bonfire

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Considering Camping Out? Here Are Some Essential Tips!

On occasion while on my travels across the world, I have visited locations that warranted longer stays, and not wanting to miss sunsets and other visual delights, I would choose to camp out overnight.

It is hard to beat seeing an epic sunset before settling down to a campfire, under a blanket of twinkling stars. I’ve learned however, that there are some things you can do to make the overnight adventure a bit easier.

Hopefully these will be of some help to you too.

Pack a LifeStraw:

There is only so much water one can bring on a trip, and if you run out, you are in for some bad times! And if your camping decision is an impromptu one, then it is easy to get caught short.

It is for this reason that I always pack a LifeStraw in my backpack. Inexpensive and compact, a LifeStraw (or any other brand of similar device) will allow you to get a nice drink of water from sources that you may not be sure of, quality wise.

While LifeStraw will remove impurities and bacteria, keep in mind, you still will be unable to drink salt water through this – an easy mistake to make!

Create Ambient Light Easy:

Lights from torches can be sufficient, but these are designed to be directed beams of light, and sometimes, you need a more ambient source of light.

All you need is a clear water jug and a light source (even the camera flash on your mobile device will suffice). Attach the light source to the side of the water jug and voila! You now have ambient light!

Keeping Bugs Away:

Bug repellent can be very effective to keep unwanted nasties away from your camp area, but often times, these sprays are far from ideal to carry about with you.

The solution? Carry a little Sage with you. Toss this into your campfire, and bugs will stay away!

Coffee Drinker? Here’s how you can Enjoy Coffee Easily!

If you are like me, a nice hot coffee at the end of a long day is the perfect way to relax. But brewing coffee at a campfire is not very easily done.

Luckily, there is a way! Simply take enough grounds to make a single cup, and place them into a coffee filter. Tie the top of with some unflavoured dental floss.

Now all you have to do is place the filter into a cup, as you would with a teabag, and leave to brew to your desired strength.

Use Cotton Pads As Fire Starters:

Nothing can be as frustrating while out camping, then trying to get a fire going. Especially as the light starts to dwindle, and your tummy begins to rumble.

However, soak cotton pads in a little wax, and these will burn for ages, enabling you to get your fire started with ease.

Armed with these ideas, you will be able to just get on with enjoying that sunset!

how to meditate

How to Meditate Effectively Anywhere

As you know, I am well on my way to achieving my target of visiting 100 countries. And you sure can bet that, while on my travels, it has sometimes been a challenge to find a suitable space in which to meditate.

However, considering how highly I value meditation as part of my daily routine, I would sometimes have to go to considerable lengths to find a place that was suitable to my needs. But I discovered (eventually!) that it does not have to be this way. Here are some things I’ve learned, and come to accept about meditation.

You Do Not Need Absolute Silence:

Noise is inevitable when you are travelling, and if you are staying in hotels or hostels around the world, it can be almost impossible to find quite quarters in order to meditate. Even the safe haven of your room can seem loud when you are trying to focus your mind (if you concentrate on that noise), what with elevators, people meandering through the halls outside, and every other associated noise you will find in these places.

But what I learned over time is, while it is preferable to have absolute silence, it is not essential. The key here is to pay attention to what is happening inside your own head. And controlled breathing is probably the most important thing you can do.

Control Breathing For Effective Meditation Anywhere:

As I have said before, controlled breathing is the most important technique to effective meditation. If you can control your breathing correctly, tune into that sound. Eventually, you will be aware of nothing else, with some practise. Achieving peace of mind can really be attained anywhere if you lock down this one specific technique.

Use Certain Ambient Noises To Focus Your Mind:

Sometimes, I prefer to step out into the great outdoors in order to meditate. And the sounds of nature can be effective in helping you reach peace of mind. So, if you are on a beach and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, tune into the gentle sounds of the waves hitting the sand.

In a park? Listen out for birds singing or insects buzzing about. Focusing your hearing on these kinds of things can help you to block out other noise that may be present in the area.

Don’t Give Up!

Whatever you do, don’t give up. As is the case with effectively any task you choose to perform, practise really does make perfect. And the tools you will build, from stronger focusing techniques to better breathing control, will help you attain a state of peaceful mindedness much quicker, when in ideal meditative settings also. Seriously, it really is possible to meditate anywhere, take it from me!

These are some of the techniques I have used down through the months and years I have been travelling around the globe. Why not try them out for yourself, and see what your mind is capable of.