Enjoying Florida Like a Pro

Sometimes, the best vacations can be somewhere in between an exotic getaway and a cozy staycation - like visiting a different state, for example! Domestic holidays are a cost-effective way to change your environment and have an adventure, and one of the most popular destinations in the entire US is Florida. It’s no surprise - ‘the sunshine state’ has it all, from beautiful scenery to beaches, to nightlife and shopping, and all with a healthy dose of sun and heat. But if you have limited time, the options can be overwhelming! Here’s a list of the highlights to help you narrow down your activities and make the most of your vacation.

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Beautiful Nature

One of the most famous parts of Florida is the Everglades National Park, and for good reason. The Everglades is the second biggest national park in the country, only beaten by Yellowstone, and it can be pretty spectacular. A boat trip out on the water is a fundamental part of any Florida vacation, where you can see some of the incredible wildlife, including both alligators and crocodiles!

Beaches

It isn’t the land of sunshine for nothing, and Florida is full of beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. Miami beach is perfectly located if you want to enjoy the sand and sea with easy access to amenities and the rest of the state, but you can also get off the beaten track a little and find some wonderful gems. Whatever you decide to do, you absolutely can’t make a trip to Florida without sampling at least one of the beaches.

Nightlife!

When you’re not out on the water or lounging under a sunshade, you’ll want to enjoy the incredible nightlife Florida has to offer. Warm, clear nights contribute to a thriving cultural scene, with Duval Street in Key West boasting a particularly brilliant atmosphere with its Caribbean vibes. Don’t worry about hitting the bars too hard either; in Florida you can order a Reset IV, available 24/7, to cure hangovers and make you feel your best for the rest of your vacation.

Museums

Once your hangover is cured, you might be interested in exploring the cultural side of Florida. Though you might not think it at first, the state has plenty of fascinating museums and galleries to keep you occupied, not least the fabulous Salvador Dali museum in St Petersburg, which is a must-not-miss for art fans.

Shopping

Florida wouldn’t be Florida without its shopping experiences, and your vacation is the time to treat yourself. Every big city in the state has a bustling center and marketplaces, so a trip to Florida is definitely an excuse to whip out your purse and have a look around.

Family Attractions

For a family holiday, you can’t get much better than Walt Disney World. It’s a hugely popular amusement park, world-famous, full of legendary rides and experiences including Space mountain. Whilst Florida is stuffed full of amusement parks, including Universal Studios, this one really can’t be missed by anyone, even if you don’t have kids!

Eventually, we'll be able to travel safely, and when we can, Florida can be a great destination, even if you don't want to go to the theme parks. In fact, that makes it much more affordable.

How to Take The Stress Out Of Your Next Travel Trip

The chances are that things might still be a little different the next time you get to travel abroad. The last thing you will want from any vacation is added stress, so here are a few things to consider as you begin to dream about your next big adventure. 

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Airport Transport

Airports can be exasperating with all the queues and protocols you have to go through. Once you finally pick up your luggage, the last thing you want is to be struggling with local transport systems. Consider booking ahead a dedicated travel service that can transport you straight from your airport to your accommodation. Rather than merely being an essential part of the journey, you could book a high-class vehicle and make this a luxurious and memorable part of the vacation. Look for well-reviewed and trusted transport providers. In Arizona, for instance, the phoenix transport service has a fleet of vehicles that can suit your needs, whether traveling alone or as part of a family group. Services like this often have a global network and vehicles in multiple locations, so check out if they also provide your destination services. 

A Local Guide

A knowledgeable local guide can be a godsend if you travel somewhere that is culturally very different from your home country. The local guide can help you navigate a city. Their local knowledge will often result in you getting cheaper tickets for local attractions or handy little tips that can help you stay away from the money-grabbing tourist traps. A local guide could also help, especially if you want to get a real flavor of the local culture, pointing out neighborhoods that might be hidden gems and eating at restaurants the locals may use themselves. 

Check Your Destination’s Travel History

While a destination might look glorious from the glossy brochures, it is always worthwhile to do a little digging and find out more about your chosen destination. If a country is politically volatile or continuously shifting in and out of being a restricted health area, it might not be wise to book too far ahead. Another aspect of exotic travel is ensuring you have the right vaccinations. Please do your research and plan ahead; sometimes, it is advised to be vaccinated months before traveling.

Create an Itinerary

A lot of us, when we travel, don't want to over-plan. We want to respond to any little discoveries we might stumble upon or even take into account the day to day weather forecasts. But a loose itinerary might be a wise idea if you want to avoid queues and guarantee access to must-see attractions. An itinerary will allow you to book ahead and ensure you get what you want out of the trip. It is wise to leave space in the itinerary so you still have relaxation time and don't feel you have to rush if you want to spend longer in one location. There are even templates out there that will allow you to update the itinerary as you go.

Exploring Pyramids Around the World + 10 Travel Tips

A few weeks ago, we took a staycation to Egypt to explore the pyramids and take a Nile river cruise. It lit a fire in me to really plan a trip to Cairo and surrounding areas, because it has been on my trip wish list for a long time, but seeing how truly unique and beautiful it is really pulled me in. Egypt isn't the only place with pyramids, but it is the most known. Check out all the other places with pyramids and then learn some tips on traveling within Egypt. 

If you plan to visit Egypt, here are 10 tips for visiting: 

1. You will need an entry visa - This will cost $25 at the airport, and it will need to be paid in cash (not in local currency).
2. Agree on  prices ahead of time - You can haggle on pretty much everything, so make sure to agree on prices, especially on things like taxi rides and tours.
3. Don't hesitate - Walk confidently across the street, because traffic can be crazy and hesitating is not your friend.
4. Carry tissues or toilet paper with you - Many places don't have toilet paper, including busy places like airports. Make sure you are prepared.
5. Carry cash/change - Tipping is expected almost everywhere, for everything. 
6. Don't feel pressured - You'll feel like you're getting the hard sell on a lot of things. First off, learn the phrase "La, shoukran", meaning "no thank you". You can also leave a small tip for demonstrators to show your appreciation.
7. Get travel insurance - It's highly recommended to have insurance if you're traveling in Egypt.
8. Dress conservatively - Egypt is primarily Muslim, so cover up more than you normally would in a hot climate. It will also help protect you against the desert conditions. Think Indiana Jones: long pants and long sleeves (at least no tank tops). Columbia Sportswear and other outdoor clothiers sell lightweight clothing that's moisture-wicking and embedded UPF to keep you from burning in the blazing sun.
9. Use Uber - Uber is a great mode of transportation, plus you pay by the app and you have a price set up-front. It relieves you of haggling one place. Just make sure you double-check your car and driver before getting in. 
10. Smoking is allowed - People can smoke everywhere, pretty much. Don't be surprised by this. If it greatly bothers you, this might not be a destination for you. If you can tolerate it, expect to do laundry, or carry a spray bottle with plain vodka in it to spritz clothing. As it evaporates, it removes odors like smoke. Since it doesn't have it's own smell, you won't go around reeking of booze.

Is Egypt on your wish list? If so, what do you most look forward to seeing?