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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

The World's New Year's Plan

I've taken a little time off from blogging to celebrate the holiday and be with family, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't have the next holiday and celebration time on the brain. I'm talking, of course, about New Year's Eve. Some people get really excited to ring in the new year in style. I, on the other hand, like to chill at home and go to bed the second the ball drops. I'm saving my vacation funds for my bigger trip of the year, and this year it needs to be as large as possible, as we will be going to Edinburgh and London.


What will you be doing for NYE? Are you traveling?

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Jakarta On A Budget

Being able to travel the world is a privilege, but regardless of your budget, it’s something that you can do without spending too much. People daydream about beach holidays and ocean views and having time to visit the rainforests around the world, but there’s always one worry: cash. Travelling always seems so expensive, and when you factor in flights and accommodation and you visit more than one place, those dollar signs sure do rack up.

Man Standing Beside Black Motorcycle

The thing is, the world isn’t as expensive as you think it is, and moving from one place to the next isn’t the bankrolling wonder you imagine, either. There are plenty of countries in the world where you can find a bargain and one such place that you can travel without too much cash is Indonesia - more specifically, Jakarta.

Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands, and Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and it sits on the island of Java. It’s said to be one of the most populated islands in the world with over 10 million people. To give you an idea of how multicultural it is, it’s the Indonesian equivalent of the Big Apple, and websites like https://rumahdijual.com/ can give you an idea of the property market - just in case your vacation turns into a staycation! Travelling to this exotic archipelago may sound pricey, but it’s going to take a little shimmying here and there to get the budget trip that your bank account will thank you for. Here are some of the best tips that you need to see Jakarta on a budget.

Closeup Photo of Person's Foot Near Mountain

  • Booking a good few months in advance for travel, accommodation and activities is probably the best budgeting tip that you could get. Special offers with airlines, Airbnb rentals at a discount and as there are so many routes you can take, you can find a discount anywhere. Some people like to fly to Kuala Lumpur and then go onto Jakarta after that - either way you need to be kind to your wallet and spend more money on activities than on the actual travel.
  • The high seasons to travel are New Year and during the June-July school break. If you avoid these times, you can find that the tourist attractions will be far emptier than the high points. The wet season in October and March is the best time if you don’t mind a little rain!
  • Buying local is always going to be great for your budget. Jakarta is packed with budget market stalls for clothing and groceries, and even the souvenirs that you want to bring home with you. Opt for these over the expensive options and you can get goods that are locally made instead of the imported options.
  • Indonesia is made up of so many islands that you’re never going to be short of things to do, and in Jakarta, simply sitting with a cup of coffee at a cafe outdoors is enough to keep you entertained as you watch the local people go about their daily business. There are waterfalls, beaches, temples and galleries that can all be seen for low, low prices, too.
  • Where possible, don’t hop in a cab. The convenience of one is tempting, but the public transport is so reliable and can be kinder to your wallet instead of hiring one wherever you go. Cab fares will vary with the time of day whereas the public transportation largely stays the same.
  • You can haggle here! Vendors in foreign places will always try their luck with visitors, but you’ll get some respect for trying to barter. Always drive a hard bargain like over half off the price, and when they say no, increase your asking price enough for them to make a deal. Top tip: pretending to walk off to another vendor can get you what you want!
  • Make use of the free things to see. The beaches are especially amazing and you can buy local food for cheap. The street food is just to die for so you can fill up cheaply while you head to the sand to enjoy a day of relaxation. Don’t be afraid to hike and trek, either, as the walking tours can often be cheap enough to enjoy without spending all your cash - just ensure you have the right clothing.

Jakarta is a place you want to visit, and if you are going on a budget, plan this trip in advance so that you can hit all the right bargains and make the most of the place you could call home.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Where To Spend Your Long Weekend In North Carolina

If you want to see the best of a state, then a road trip might be the perfect way to get a snapshot of what it has to offer. If you don’t have much longer than a long weekend, it can be hard to see everything North Carolina has to offer, however. For that reason, we’re going to look at some of the must-see highlights you can’t miss.


Experience the nostalgia of Old Salem

Every state has its own history, but few present it quite as impressively as North Carolina does with the living museum of Old Salem. Unlike many of the manufactured “old towns” around the country, this is the real deal, with genuine preserved buildings, many of them converted into galleries where you can see a host of antiques. Authenticity is the name of the game, with many of the tradesmen employed at Old Salem using the traditional methods of creating souvenirs you simply won’t be able to find elsewhere.

Go wild in Duck

Despite the modest name, this underrated spot offers some of the finest natural beauty in the state, offering one of the most family-friendly beaches. It’s not the biggest of towns, with few accommodation options inside it, but you can easily find a hotel near Duck, North Carolina, that offers even more of the gorgeous coast to explore on your way there. With plenty of piers and walkways to explore an ever-shifting coast, as well as plenty of kayaking and canoeing fun, it’s a great way to feel closer to that good North Carolina nature.


Get romantic in Charlotte

One of the best places in the country for a Valentines getaway, Charlotte is just as good for couples who want to make a flying stop before exploring the rest of the state, as well. It’s a city full of rich and authentic culture, from scrumptious Cajun food restaurants to live jazz and blues joints, sometimes you can both in the same place. If you want a spot for a romantic dance, you can even bring your own favorite record with you to Petra’s Bar on the Bring Your Own Vinyl night.

Escape to the sea at Outer Banks

Duck is a perfect place to stop at the coast on your way through the state, though if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can continue your voyage out to the Outer Banks. This island chain offers tons of natural beauty to explore, but the adventurous amongst you will want to see the history of piracy, including some of the places that the famous Lord of the Pirates, Blackbeard himself, making the area his hideout during his most infamous period. From shipwrecks to piracy museums, it’s perfect for those fans of the scurvy sea-dogs.

With a rich history, gorgeous natural beauty, and a great romantic city getaway in the form of Charlottesville, there’s no doubt that North Carolina has something to offer just about every kind of traveler. You just need to be willing to look a little deeper and go a little further.

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