How to Visit Dubai on a Budget

After discussing some travel options with my pal “J” the owner of Techy Ninjas, he explains to me that traveling to Dubai has gotten interesting and due to its reputation for luxury hotels, posh restaurants, and high-end shopping malls, most people consider Dubai to be an expensive tourist destination. However, you can still experience the best of this progressive Middle Eastern city on a budget. The following are useful ideas for visiting Dubai on a budget. 

Use Public Transport

Dubai has a well-developed public transport network, which you can use to cheaply traverse most parts of the city. Apart from having the cheapest metro tickets in the world, Dubai also has trams, buses, and water taxis. Public transport is usually more efficient and cheaper than taxis, especially if you are planning long journeys around Dubai. 

Ditch the Popular Tourist Attractions 

Dubai is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and natural attractions that keep millions of visitors flowing in throughout the year. As such, you can expect huge traffic and higher rates for accessing popular attractions. But, there are still lots of budget-friendly attractions in Dubai such as beaches, beautiful landscapes, and museums. 

Besides, the destination also hosts periodic cultural and arts events that you can visit for free entertainment and learn more about the region. With a little more research, you can also easily find alternative accommodations in Dubai for budget travelers. 

Eat Locally 

Dubai is undoubtedly a great destination for food lovers with endless options for gourmet international cuisines. However, you do not have to eat from high-end restaurants to experience the food culture. There are several budget-friendly food outlets and restaurants serving a wide variety of finger-licking Middle Eastern, American, Asian, and English cuisines. Some of the local restaurants might look simple but, the food is great and quite cheap. On the other hand, visiting the local food joints will also give you a better perspective of the culture. 

Whether you are planning a trip for a few days, weeks, or longer, Dubai boasts something for every traveler. The above tips can help you to get the most of Dubai without breaking the bank. 

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Traveling with a Violin

Every musician has a deep affection for their instrument and, nothing could be more fun than bringing it on a trip. However, the fear that traveling with delicate instruments like violin could impact quick damage and wear often prevents many from taking them on trips. The following tips can help you to travel safely with your violin. 

Know the Airline Regulations for Traveling with a Violin 

While airlines will allow you to bring along a violin in your carry-on luggage, there are specific regulations regarding the recommended sizes, weights and numbers. The rules may vary from one airline to another. To avoid any delays or issues at the airport, be sure to check your airline policy for boarding with a violin. The airline regulations will give you a better idea of the things to consider for a hassle-free trip with your instrument. 

Find a Suitable Violin Case 

Whether you are going on a short or long haul trip, a standard violin case is the best enclosure to carry the instrument. A standard violin case has personalized spaces for the instruments and its accompanying parts like the bow. It also has soft padding to cushion the violin from dents or scratches during movements. The case also has straps to hold the instrument in place during transportation.  It is also secured with a lock to ensure the safety of all its contents while on transit. 

Loosen the Strings before Packing the Violin 

Before you put the violin into its case, it is usually advisable that you loosen the strings. The case generally protects the instrument but, fluctuations in humidity and temperatures on the plane might impact tension on it. Such changes could cause warping on the bridge and damage the instrument. Loosening the strings will reduce tension on the violin in case the changes occur, thereby preventing damage. 

Bringing your violin on the trip could be a great way to experience the world while also doing the things that you love. Following the tips discussed above will enable you to achieve just that. 

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What You Need to Travel the World

Are you wanderlust? Do you want to travel the world, have fun, and enjoy your overall experience? If yes, here are is what you need to travel the world. 

Make a Travel Plan

Before leaving for any destination, put down a list of the items you will need for the journey. This will help you avoid overpacking by carrying only the crucial items you need for your trip.

Learn Important Phrases of Exotic languages

Communication is very important when traveling. You will have a better travel experience if you can communicate with locals at your travel destination. To simplify communication, learn important phrases of the local languages. For instance, learn salutations and common etiquette phrases like thank you, sorry, and welcome to make communication with the locals easier.

Carry Extra Camera Batteries

You want to document your travel experiences whenever you go on a trip. If your camera battery dies, you risk missing a chance to capture some memorable moments. Nowadays, phones have equally awesome cameras. However, your camera might take better photos than your Smartphone. Therefore, carry an extra camera battery and don’t forget the charger if you plan to use the mobile phone or camera to take photos.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel involves numerous risks. For instance, you can fall sick while traveling. Having an emergency while traveling can freeze your wallet quickly and leave you stranded. A good travel insurance policy will cover you from such eventualities while abroad.

Ask for Prices before Committing Yourself   

Know the prices of public transport means like a bus and train before you use them. Some of these forms of transport can be very expensive leading to the exhaustion of your budget faster than expected.

Stay Hydrated

You’ll have a hard time trying to enjoy your trip if you have to nurse jet lag. To avoid this, stay hydrated during long flights. 

Write Down Your Room Number and Hotel Address

It is easy to forget these details while up and about having fun. That’s because new travel destinations bring joy and excitement. Traveling to some places can also bring panic and stress. This can easily make you forget the location of your hotel, especially when in a big city. To make things easier for you, write these details in a notebook or on your phone.

Use the Local Guides

Tour guides are knowledgeable about various spots that you may want to go to. These include the best hotels, beaches, and coffee shops.

Wear a Sunscreen

If traveling to a destination that has harsh weather like along the equator in Africa, carry and wear sunscreen. This will help you avoid sunburns. 

Book Early

This is particularly important when you want to take advantage of cheap flights that tend to attract more people. Early booking also allows you time to sort out issues like pricing errors if they occur.

Follow these tips and you will enjoy your time traveling the world.

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How to Ensure Travel Doesn’t Put You in Debt

You dream of traveling to a distant place to get away from home for a while. Unfortunately, you fear that travel can put you in debt. So, does this mean you will never get away from home and work? It’s possible for anybody to travel without going broke as long as they take time to plan their trips. Here is a guide on how to ensure that travel won’t put you in debt.

Include Travel Expenses in Your Savings Plan

Start saving for a trip early if it’s a priority for you. Include it in your savings plan then start working towards this goal. Essentially, you should figure out things that you may have to cut form the budget. This may seem like adding a burden to yourself but it is a sure way to ensure that you enjoy great moments away from home.

Budget Your Daily Expenses

Once you have decided to save for your trip, conduct some research. Estimate the amount you will spend every day during the trip. This means you have to conduct research on hotels, restaurants, and other places you wish to visit checking prices. Also consider unexpected costs like changes in plane ticket fees.

Save on Foods

Eating out all the time can be expensive. If possible, stay in places where you get continental breakfast after paying for the room. Saving on breakfast may seem minor but it will save you a significant amount of money during the trip.

Don’t Take Loan to Go on Vacation

Don’t get a loan just to go on vacation. Additionally, don’t charge your vacation expenses on your credit card especially if you don’t have a plan to pay off the amount quickly. Simply put, don’t borrow money just to pay for a trip.

Choose Your Destination Wisely

Traveling to some places is cheaper than traveling to other places. If you have a tight budget, travel to a destination that is closer home. You can visit art galleries and museums within your hometown or in the adjacent town. You can also go to the local national or state park if you don’t have money to cater for long distance travels.

Basically, you need to conduct research and plan carefully to ensure that travel doesn’t put you in debt. Simply follow these tips to budget and plan for your next trip.

 

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What is Eco Travel?

What is Eco Travel?

For those who are familiar with eco-travel, you will agree that the phrase has been interpreted in different ways over the years. And, this has only impacted more confusion amongst travelers who really need to be enlightened on eco-travel. After a long conversation with a buddy of mine that runs Techy Ninjas , an advertising agency out in Texas, and happens to do a lot of traveling, decided he wanted to give me some travel tips that day, and well, I have decided to share those tips with you today. Below is a detailed description of the tips that will help you understand it easily and better.

Definition of Eco-Travel

According to The International Ecotourism Society, eco-travel refers to responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the locals. Eco-tourism emphasizes on connecting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature describes eco-travel as ‘’environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local people.’’

While the above definitions might seem different, it is only in the words. Both are advocating for the same thing; responsible traveling.

Principles of Eco-Travel

There are certain guidelines that travelers should abide by in order to ensure eco-travel. These guidelines are mainly push for activities that promote eco-travel. They include;

• Minimizing impact
• Building environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• Providing positive experiences for travelers and locals
• Providing direct financial benefits for conservation
• Providing financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Raising sensitivity to the political, environmental and social climate of the host country

Based on the definition and principles of eco-travel above, it is clear that the bigger idea is asking travelers to always try to leave the places that they visit better than they found them. Travelers can contribute to this course in many ways, for instance, buying goods and services that benefit the locals, staying in accommodations that are ecologically sound and supporting local environmental conservation initiatives.

In a nut shell, eco-travel mainly requires that you travel the green way.

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Tips for Traveling With In Laws

Tips for Traveling With In Laws

Traveling with your parents can seem a little tricky but, your in-laws? That’s just so tense! However, it does not have to be that serious. With proper advice and common sense, you can find traveling with in-laws to be quite fun and life changing. It could take a while before you figure things out clearly but, the tips below can smooth things out and enable you enjoy the trip.

Discuss the Trip with Your Spouse In Advance

It is not enough to tell your spouse that you are planning a trip with the in-laws. Your other half should be in the know about everything related to the trip in advance. Agree on all the aspects of the trip including, attractions, things to do, when to leave and return. When laying out the plan, consider things that your in-laws will also be interested in.

Schedule Your Time Alone As A Couple

When on an adventure with a group, it is important to set aside some time to reconnect with your spouse. You can take a stroll on the beach, go out for a dinner for two or retire to bed early.

Bring Humor

Even if you think you know your in-laws too well, you could still be surprised at the stunts they pull off when on an adventure. However, there is no reason to take things seriously. Instead, try to find humor in every situation to keep the fun going.

Keep Your Hands Busy

However much you try to relax, being around your in-laws for so long will make you feel uneasy. To ease out the tension and even get a few minutes to wander off, find something to do on behalf of the group like taking photographs.

With the tips discussed above and a little confidence, you will find there is nothing really intimidating about traveling with in-laws. In fact, it can be one of your most memorable experiences.

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