This is no easy decision to make, and it’s one you should consider carefully as it will strongly affect the kind of holiday you have. Here are some pros and cons to consider for each option…

Travelling alone

Pros

Going it alone holds a certain allure for many. You’re unencumbered, pleasing no one but yourself. There are no arguments about who misread the itinerary, no negotiations about when or where to go. In the great tradition of finding yourself while on the road, the journey is yours to chase however you wish – popular choices for solo backpackers include treks across Europe, south-east Asia or South America.

Cons

Loneliness. The cold hard fact is, if you’re travelling solo, while you do have the opportunity to meet fellow travellers in hostels, none of these people know you like a friend, family member or partner does. Additionally, you’ll lack that second opinion that can sometimes be invaluable when travelling – making decisions that much easier.

Travelling with a partner

Pros

There’s no better way of getting to know your partner than going travelling with them. You’ll learn new things that you didn’t know before, even if you’ve spent a lot of time getting to know each other online dating or working together. The things that make you strong as a couple will also make you strong as travel buddies.

Couples might like to opt for romantic hotspots such as Paris, New York or Venice, but look for the lesser-known places that might bring some romantic magic too: for couples dating Adelaide, Edinburgh or Dubrovnik are often overlooked yet truly distinctive travel destinations.

Cons

Pressure can certainly be intensified on the road, especially in a backpacker situation. You might find that minor disagreements can be taken personally, or that competing interests (should we go to the museum? the beach? shopping? to the pub?) might cause tension. And if you’re staying in hostels, your ‘together time’ will be seriously reduced.

Travelling with friends

Pros

Your mates are the family you get to choose – they know you best and share your interests and activities, dreams and hopes. Backpacking with friends can be a 24-hour party – especially if you go to somewhere that likes to party hard, such as Berlin, Ibiza or LA.

Cons

No matter how well you get along with someone in daily life, travel can reveal surprising things. You may discover that you’re keen to be active but your travel buddy wants to lie on the beach – and that can lead to friction.

You might now have a clearer idea of what each travel route might bring you, but the main thing to remember is to have an open discussion with any travel companions about what you want from your trip and to be honest with yourself about whether you would prefer to travel alone, with a friend or with a partner – or a combination of all three!

 Most of us find something stressful about travelling. Even without the added complications of taking to the skies, there can be a huge variety of things to remember as well as a great deal of potential problems and issues to take into account.

So to help out a little, here is a list of simple but useful tips for reducing the stress of flying and travel in general. These little hints are based on the advice and help of some of my friends and acquaintances who have experience as seasoned travellers, and who came to my rescue in order to help me enjoy every aspect of my future journeys;

Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

Again, it sounds like a cliché but you can never be too careful when planning and preparing for a trip. Make sure to do any research you might need for it including; potential risks in the country or city you’re visiting, health issues and vaccination procedure, culture, dress code and the general dos and don’ts. Not everywhere requires a great deal of research though and beware spoiling pleasant surprises through over reading.

A Fool Proof Check List

There’s no harm in patronising yourself when it comes to writing a comprehensive check list of everything you need to pack, plan for and sort out before or on the day of your flight. Everything should go on here, from what clothes you need to pack to picking up your passport on the day or evening of your trip. Each item or action should checked off as you complete it so as to avoid confusion and in this way the worries of forgetting important things should simply vanish with each tick.
Plan Ahead

Don’t forget that by planning ahead you can save yourself crucial spending money. For example booking your car in at a long stay car park for example Manchester airport parking online, as opposed to a rushed booking taxi the day before your flight. You can even save money by planning your route from airport to hotel/hostel and avoid those high rate tourist taxis upon your arrival.

Sort Cash Before Travel

It normally makes sense to change your over currency before a trip. It means you’ll spend less cash during the build up to your flight and it ensures a far less stressful time at the airport.

With your research done, your check list completed, your planning over and your currency exchanged you can now sit back and enjoy the flight. Even the airport will seem like a more tranquil place with all those horrible little worries removed from the experience.

What tips do you have? Please share below by leaving a comment.

Carrying or using drugs is very, very risky and the laws on both trafficking and the use of illegal narcotics are worlds apart from those at home. While the laws of most Western countries take the ‘harm minimisation’ stance and aim to protect the health of drug users, all countries throughout Asia have the death penalty in place as an option to sentence would-be traffickers. Do what your mother says and stay away from drugs, and do not carry drugs for anyone else! Even if they pay you enough to buy your own Jetski! When you carry drugs for someone else – even if you do not profit out of it – that’s called trafficking, and Asian countries don’t let traffickers off too lightly.

The first thing that will save your life/get you out of trouble/prevent you from losing wads of your well-saved money is – common sense! If things sound dangerous, they generally are. If things sound risky, they generally are. If things sound too good to be true, nine-tenths of the time, they generally are! Scams don’t just happen in Asia, but all over the world. In Asia, scammers generally target tourists as they are often viewed as easy targets. Many scams involve gaining the trust of the potential victim, so if a fairly random person begins to act super nice to you – remember that no one is invulnerable to scammers, especially you.

Always be wary of other people and make sure you do not cause offense. Across all Asian cultures, the concept of ‘face’, ‘saving face’ and ‘losing’ face relates closely to what we refer to as ‘Dignity’. Dignity is of course important to westerners, but not compared to the complete and utter seriousness of the consequences of losing face in Asia. It is important when dealing with authorities, police or anyone to treat them with respect, and do not question their authority, as this could potentially make them feel like they have lost face – ultimately creating a worse set of consequences for you.

If you use common sense and logic while when travelling throughout Asia, the biggest cause for concern should only be minor interruptions, such as having the runs, sunburn, or that splitting headache from drinking too much Tiger Beer!

This is a guest article from Andrew Wang who blogs about saving money.

Backpacking in Australia is many a young travellers dream, however, many people find themselves overwhelmed with options and potential plans, so much so that they find themselves getting put off making the trip altogether!

When considering going on a backpacking tour of Australia, there are a few things to contemplate: the first of these is exactly when in the year to go. Although Australia is indeed a wonderful destination to visit all year around, there are certain benefits to be had by visiting at different periods; the different times of the year also dictate which are the best parts of Australia to visit (after all, Australia is a rather big country!).

Spring is considered to fall between September and November in Australia; this is an ideal time to check out the country’s national parks and gardens, which are jam-packed with some of the most exciting and varied species in the entire world. It is generally considered to be an off-season as far as tourism is concerned, however, many companies still operate during this time and can, therefore, offer some fantastic deals and savings.

December to February is Australian Summertime and is complete with some of the highest temperatures you could ever hope to encounter. It is the perfect time to hit the beaches and indulge in the famous Australian BBQ on the beach, or catch a few waves surfing. It can be a notorious busy period, so booking is advised well in advance. If you do decide to head down under this year, then get your flights to Australia from Cheapflights.co.uk.

March to May is Autumn season; it is another quieter period – although temperatures are not sweltering, it is consistent and a great time to check out the more cultural aspects that Australia has to offer.

June to August is Winter and the majority of visitors are only interested in what winter resorts and cities can provide – this can be an especially cheap time to check out Australia’s countryside (provided you have no problem coping a slightly colder climate than you would usually expect!).

Guest post by Cheap Flights

A lot of people feel like they get ripped off when they book a hotel room. There can be a huge difference in the price that is paid for identical rooms in the same hotel. With HotelCalculator.com you can get absolute best market prices and go and enjoy your holidays without any doubts. HotelCalculator.com is one of the first online hotel comparison engine that checks and compares hotel deals available on over 20 travel and hotel websites from all over the world. What is more, service is 100% free!

Take advantage of discount hotel prices, all you need to do is to type in the location, select number of days and guests and then hit the Enter tush. The website will hardly take 15 to 30 seconds before it shows a well organised list of hotel options available for your requested data. This quick, efficient and affordable way of online hotel reservation will make your life much easier.

At HotelCalculator.com you can choose from over 100,000 hotels worldwide, a hotel that meets your expectations. With just a couple quick clicks you can find Paris best hotel deals! You can find hotel that has the amenities that you specifically need, for example you are looking for a hotel with swimming pool or wellness center . The results can be also narrowed down by price, popularity, type and hotel star rating. HotelCalculator.com is an amazing time and money saver!

Another helpful function is the integrated map which will help you quickly find hotels locally, by airport, city center or any city attraction. On the website you can take a look at the photos of objects and get information about services. You can also check which hotel is the most frequently selected in the city.

There is also a new handy innovation, thanks to Hotel Calculator’s iPhone app you can easily book your hotel anywhere you can get a 3G or wireless connection. Booking hotels couldn’t be easier!

Often overlooked as an essential when travelling, having a good travel insurance policy that meets all your needs will really come into its own if something were to wrong, especially if you consider the relatively cheap cost of a policy compared to what you could be paying out if you don’t have any.

When you come to purchase a travel insurance policy the first decision you’re going to have to make is the type of policy that will best suit your requirements. A single trip policy will be suitable if you’re not a frequent traveller and just need cover for a short one off trip. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling a number of times in a year, then you’ll want to look into an annual multi-trip policy which will usually work out cheaper if you plan on travelling more than 3 times a year.

There are numerous specialist policies that cover everything outside the norm. These policies are aimed at those who don’t fit in with the requirements of a single or annual multi-trip policy. Travellers looking for a more adventurous or active trip can get cover which is very specific to their needs with policies for backpackers or winter sports cover.

Remember that travel insurance is there to give you peace of mind so you can relax on your trip and not have to worry about all the ‘what-ifs’. A specialist policy doesn’t always mean an expensive policy and by shopping around you’ll give yourself the best chance getting the best travel insurance for your needs at a good price. It’s certainly worth spending a few minutes getting to grips with the basics of travel insurance after all there is little point in purchasing a policy if it’s not going to cover you for what you need.

There are many things you can do yourself to minimise any hassle or stress and enjoy your trip. Be sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have as providers may not pay out if you come to make a claim. It’s a given but don’t do anything illegal as your guaranteed to void your policy. It also may not be a good idea to partake in any dangerous activities you may not be covered for.

If you have to make a claim the process will go a lot smoother if you report and obtain documentation for any losses or thefts to the local authorities as providers are likely to ask for this if your claim is for lost possessions. It’s also a good idea to keep a log of your conversations with your insurance provider noting time, dates and who you’ve spoken with.

This article was written by Jeremy Cabral who is part of the team at Credit Card Finder, Australia’s most popular 100% free Australian credit card comparison website.

Students looking to travel overseas are often in a tight financial situation. Even if you supplement your studies with a part-time job you are probably looking for smarter ways to travel – ways that let you enjoy your trip while not having to scratch and scrimp your last pennies.

How to Let Your Hair Down Guilt-Free

If you want to enjoy a trip to a sun-soaked beach guilt-free you need to get your finances well in order before you leave home. A great way to do this with relative ease is by putting some money aside each week as early as one year before you leave for your holiday.

It would be foolish to travel with a credit card in tow but no money in your bank account. A sure recipe for financial disaster on your return home.

Handy Tips for Getting Cashed-Up

The following savings tips can help you acquire a nice nest egg for your next holiday. Most of us spend way too much money on things we don’t really need; expenses such as cups of coffee on your way home from uni, gadgets that go out of fashion tomorrow and clothes you won’t be able to wear in 6 months because you’d be laughed at.

Instead, why don’t you aim to inhibit those spending urges in order to save money for a better cause – your next holiday.

Consider Prepaid if You Suck With Credit

Prepaid cards are a great alternative to credit cards. You won’t end up with debt because you can only spend what is yours to start with. If you need extra funds on your card before you leave home you could ask your family to be paid in “cash” for birthdays, Christmas and any other occasion where you’d normally receive presents. If you do, load the cash to your new prepaid card, then keep it tucked away until you are ready to travel.

Consider Your Destination

Some exotic destinations make it very hard to stay fluid with cash. It is a good idea to research your holiday destination because you might need a combination of cash, credit card, prepaid card and travellers cheques to keep cashed-up.

Keep Your Documents in Order

If you are planning an overseas trip, chances are that you might need a visa to visit the country of your choice. The last thing you want is to be stuck at the airport in a foreign country because you failed to bring the necessary documents with you.

Check to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after your planned return home. Trust me, you won’t be the first student stranded overseas because his passport has expired.

If you are planning to do a working holiday you will need the appropriate International work visa. Plus you might want to check the following to cover all of your bases:

Where to Stay

Students love to bed for the night on the cheap. Thanks to a wide range of networks you can stay in comfortable and safe surrounds while mingling with like-minded people. Try the following for fun and to save money:

See the World While You Are Young

Travelling is one of the best education you can have. It will teach you respects, introduce you to other cultures and make you new friends in all corners of the world. Chances are high that you’ll come home a more confident, relaxed person and once you catch the travel bug it will accompany you for the rest of your life. Make the most of it!

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I was recently nominated to participate in Tripbase’s “3 Best Kept Travel Secrets” by Katie Sorene.

“Congratulations on being nominated in Tripbase’s Best Kept Travel Secrets Project! Two months on, and we’re amazed at the response we’ve had. Over 100 travel bloggers have participated so far, sharing their Best Kept Travel Secrets on far-flung destinations, hidden hotels, exotic foods and expert travel tips.” – Katie from Tripbase.com.

And so here are my ’3 best kept travel secrets’. They were all unknown to me and I found them to be true gems…

1. Xlendi Bay, Gozo, Malta

Found on the small island of Gozo, is the fishing village known as Xlendi. Its focal point is the small sea-inlet ‘Xlendi Bay’ with its deep turquoise waters, sandy beach and surrounding cliffs. The bay is often dotted with the traditional fishing boats displaying the bright colours of blue, red and yellow, adding further beauty to this town.

Photo by stevesheriw

2. Stourhead Garden, England

For a period of six months I lived and worked in Shaftesbury, England. Every weekend was spent exploring the surrounding areas and the National Trust property of Stourhead Garden was a place I frequented. For a short period of time I worked as a groom just down the road. What a divine area of Wiltshire it was to work! I don’t expect, as a passing traveller, I would have had the time to have Stourhead on the itinery but as a ‘local’, I got to truly explore the magestic, 18th century garden with its bridges, grottos and temples.

Photo by BethM527

3. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is still the travel destination that I hold the fondest memories. I have in the past already dedicated a full post to Hallstatt. What captured my attention is that I stumbled upon it quite by chance and found it to be so lush and green, and tidy with a dolls-house atmosphere within the village. The surrounding mountains and lake, simply resembled nothing like what I would see here in Australia.

I now have to nominate five other bloggers to share their 3 best kept travel secrets.

Here are my nominations

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TravelTipsPlus.com is a proud supporter of the ANZ Bank’s ‘FebuSave’ campaign designed to assist women to save money during the month of February. FebuSave is a fabulous initiative considering the report results regarding women and their finances! It incorporates the internet and the power of social media, giving the program the ability to build a very supportive community for women to take ownership and responsibility for their financial well-being.

The research ANZ Bank undertook prior to the campaign found the following results:

• 58% of women have less than $5,000 in savings and 33% have less than $1,000.
• 56% of Australians do not save money on a regular basis.
• 52% of women claimed they know they should have a financial plan but keep putting it off.
• Only one in ten women are very confident in managing their investments, financial planning and superannuation,and
• Less than one third of women surveyed said they were very confident about managing everyday finances.

So come and join me and others this ‘FebuSave’ and register your support and pledge what you will go without in order to save some pennies during February. You can also join the FebuSave Facebook Fan Page.

Big Dreams, Warrant a Big Savings Plan

There will be things we all wish to achieve and purchase during our life-time. For me as a young women having finished three years of University, my desire was to travel. In less than 12 months, I put a plan in place to get myself overseas for a period of two and half years. Here are 7 budget tips for the young women wishing to do the same (the blokes can implement these principles also!):

1. Work a few extra hours wherever you can. That may mean taking a second part-time job and working after hours or on weekends.
2. Ensure you attract minimal fees with your banking institution.
3. Excess savings should be in an account earning higher interest.
4. Prior to purchasing items ask yourself “Do I really need this?”. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll save by not spending on purchasing items you can do without.
5. If you must purchase those ‘I can’t live without’ items, shop for the best value and this may not mean the ‘cheapest’!
6. Try to survive without a credit card and if you can’t, pay off the debt when it’s due and avoiding heavy interest charges.
7. The best tip and most obvious tip – don’t spend more than what you earn! You will ‘never’ get anywhere with your finances, let-alone that life experience of travelling abroad!

Have you undertaken overseas travel and what did it take to get you on that journey? What budgeting and savings tips can you share?

A free website can help holiday travellers answer their most pressing questions.

Litchfield, CT “How big is a canoe? Can I fit it in my hand luggage?”

Not a strange question to Luke Dudley, founder of LuggageLimits.com. In fact, there isn’t a luggage-related query that Dudley hasn’t heard or is hard-pressed to answer. However, travellers don’t need the Connecticut Algebra teacher close by when booking a flight, as the revolutionary free travel tool he designed provides answers to virtually any luggage question.

There are few things in life that are free and rarely does a tool so useful come without charge or a hidden catch, but that’s exactly what ‘Luggage Limits’ provides; a no cost travel implement that is breaking the mould for those weary of being a target for every increase from swelling fuel prices to hidden taxes.

Dudley, a seasoned globe trotter who relocated from leafy suburbs of England to Connecticut’s northwest corner with many stops along the way, recalls some of the luggage horrors he had.

“The changing scenery was beautiful and I loved waking up in a new country but the luggage was a different story,” he said. “When you relocate as much as I have, you soon look at your possessions in a new light, and I can’t remember how many times I’ve had to leave a bike or bulky items at the airport for kind friends to collect and forward to me.”

However, it was the students’ luggage at the boarding school where he teaches that highlighted a gap in the industry. The kids regularly needed to fly with sports or music equipment or just had lots of heavy bags and would often incur a fortune in baggage charges and the stress of last minute unpacking at the flight counter. He knew there was a better way.

This summer, the travel world watched with interest as he brought a truly innovative concept to reality. ‘Luggage Limits’ has made a fast track into the major players of travel with acknowledgments from Lonely Planet (the World’s largest travel guide book publisher) and it’s easy to see why. With no membership required, no fees and no hidden catch, ‘Luggage Limits’ offers essential travel information at your fingertips without having to wade through pages and pages of airline regulations.

‘Luggage Limits’ recently reached the milestone of featuring baggage information for 100 Airlines and is proving to be as essential to travellers as their toothbrush. With hundreds of web visitors each day, it is clear more and more people recognize that the start of every journey should begin with a trip to LuggageLimits.com.

Yet, the site is constantly evolving.

“As visitors to the site can attest, it continually adds information and includes more and more airlines,” said Dudley. “With the goal of having luggage details for every airline, it’s rapidly becoming a ‘one stop shop’ for all flight luggage information.”

So, do you know how to get a giraffe into a canoe? There is a website that knows.

Know your limits!