Travelling is a great way to learn about another culture and meet new people. However it can take its toll on the environment and it’s important to be aware of this when on the move, as there are a number of ways in which you can reduce the impact that your holiday has on the planet.

One of the simplest ways to have a ‘greener’ holiday is to walk more. Choose a central hotel, as this will ensure that you don’t need to use a rental car or taxis quite as often; although these modes of transport are great for reaching areas outside of the centre of a town or city, they’re not as necessary when you are located close to the main attractions. Public transport is another good option, as is renting a bicycle to explore the area.

Another very enjoyable way to make your time away more eco-friendly is to dine in restaurants which use locally grown produce. This is also the best way to experiment with the area’s traditional cuisine too. If shopping in the local supermarket, try to purchase items which are not pre-packaged, and make sure to recycle packaging where possible.

Many people like to bring their electrical gadgets such as mp3 players, phones and cameras with them on their holidays, however if you want to do this, always remember to unplug them after charging, as plugged-in appliances drain electricity even when they’re not switched on.

It may also be worth enquiring with the local tourist office about eco-friendly tours; many cities and towns now offer guided tours which are designed to lessen the damage done to the environment, by respecting the natural areas and using an earth-friendly mode of transport.

Many people long to travel to Malaysia, but are concerned about the cost of such a holiday. However, there are plenty of ways in which you can travel around this beautiful country for less; here are a few tips to get you started.

One of the best ways to save money on a trip to Malaysia is by eating food from the street vendors instead of dining out. There are hundreds upon hundreds of stalls in Penang which have delicious local cuisine, which is perfectly safe to eat. This is also a great way to experience a part of the country’s culture, as food reflects the Indian and Chinese influences on Malaysian cuisine.

Another tip is to visit the attractions which do not charge an entrance fee. Although there are a few attractions which do have entrance fees, there are plenty of popular places of interests which are free to visit. These include the Clan Jetties located on Weld Quay, the Kek Lok Monastery on Crane Hill and the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple.

One of the expenses which can really add up after a while is transport costs, and for those who want to visit sites which are far away from each other, walking may not always be an option. One solution to this in Malaysia is to rent a bike, from one of the cycling shops which are scattered all over the country. These cost very little and are a healthy and quick way to move around the city.

It’s also worth remembering that many of the areas just outside Georgetown can be explored via a free shuttle bus. The shuttle route for this bus begins outside a mall called the Sunway Carnival, and ends at a hub called the Bukit Jambul, making a number of stops along the Penang Bridge and in the Bayan Lepas region.

When choosing a hotel, it’s important to consider the basic factors which are a priority for you during your trip and base your decision upon these; things which should be included are the price, location and facilities of the accommodation.

For many people, price will be the deciding factor in which hotel they choose to stay in. However, whilst it’s important to stay within your budget, remember too that a cheaper room will not necessarily represent better value for money. If the room does not have the facilities you require, then you may not end up enjoying your trip quite as much, as a result of this.

The location of the hotel should also be carefully considered when booking a room. Centrally located hotels tend to be some of the most expensive, as they are conveniently close to all of the main shopping and business areas. However, if you are on a tight budget, you don’t have to choose a central hotel in order to easily access these areas; just make sure that the one you choose is close to the local public transport stations, so that you can easily make your way around the area via train or bus.

The whole purpose of a holiday is to unwind and relax in comfortable surroundings, so it makes sense to consider the facilities of the hotel as well as the price and location. Make sure to enquire about whether the hotel has a massage room, sauna, swimming pool or spa. Additionally, check if they offer things like an inclusive breakfast, free wifi or car parking in their prices. These little extras can make a break away much more enjoyable, so it’s worth looking for a hotel which offers such things.

Tips for winter skiing holidays

Whether it’s a trip to northern Scandinavia, the Swiss Alps or the Rocky Mountains, a ski holiday is a fantastic idea for a winter holiday. To ensure that your time away goes without a hitch, bear in mind the following tips.

Before you book the trip, it’s important to check that the resort you are considering meets your needs, in terms of skiing equipment, prices and accommodation. The size and formation of the ski slopes in resorts can vary quite dramatically and beginners who are considering a skiing holiday will need to avoid resorts which mainly offer the more difficult black and red runs, which are suitable for advanced skiers. Instead, novice skiers should look out for green and blue slopes.

When it comes to packing for a skiing holiday, the key is to bring clothing which can be layered. Ideally, holiday-goers should being an outer layer for protection against the elements, a mid layer and a base layer. Clothing should be quite practical for the most part and preferably multi-purpose; for instance, ski jackets which are windproof, waterproof and come with pockets for keeping the essentials such as keys and money. Waterproof, sturdy boots are a must for time spent walking outdoors. The restaurants and bars in ski resorts tend to be quite casual, so there’s no need to bring too much extra clothing for going out in the evenings.

In terms of insurance, it is essential to purchase travel insurance which comes with coverage for winter sports. Skiing is lots of fun but can cause injuries, and so insurance is an absolute must. The European Health Insurance Card does not cover winter sporting accidents, so check with your travel provider regarding what exactly is covered by the insurance you take out.

Taking advantage of travelling on your own

Travelling by yourself could be an amazing experience for many reasons; it’s the perfect chance to indulge yourself, by doing all of the things that you’re interested in, without having to take into consideration what others want. It’s also a fantastic way to boost your confidence in terms of handling challenging situations, and you’re more likely to meet lots of different interesting people when alone on the road.

There are certain things to keep in mind when taking a trip alone, one of the most important of which is safety. Make sure you take safety measures, including avoiding walking alone through the night. It’s also a wise decision to do some research prior to taking off, to see which areas are safe and which are not. Although staying out of harm’s way is important, it’s also important to not let your fears about these matters to get the better of you; use your common sense and believe in instincts. A lot of people one meets when travelling alone have the best of intentions and do not mean you any danger.

When it comes to accommodation, where you stay will largely depend on your budget and your travelling plans. As a solo traveller, hostels will be the most suitable option, as there is ample opportunity to make new friends and socialise. Although, if your budget allows, it can be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of a rowdy hostel for a few night’s, by booking a hotel room for yourself.

Being a solo traveller needn’t mean that you spend all of your holiday break alone. If you want to visit some local attractions with people, you may always join a tour group. This is a fantastic way to get to know others who are travelling alone and see the sights of the area while doing so.

Make the most of your time alone by doing everything that you wish to do; whether that’s a day spent scuba-diving, roaming around a gallery or simply just kicking back on the beach and taking a doze. Take pleasure in the flexibility and tranquility of a solo holiday and make the most of it!

How to get a great deal on a hotel room

For those who have been working hard all year, taking a well earned rest in an exotic location is a wonderful way to unwind and relax. But the prices for this kind of holiday can build up easily; from the flight tickets, to the hotel and spending money, it’s no secret that a trip away can leave your wallet feeling a lot lighter. However, there are ways in which you can make your perfect holiday more affordable.

Together with flights, accommodation tends to be one of the biggest expenses, though with some careful planning, it is possible to find a hotel room which is clean, comfortable and most importantly, inexpensive.

One of the most effective ways to get yourself a reduced hotel rate is to book your holiday in the off-season; if you’re adjustable about when you go away, you can save yourself a bundle. Through the off season, which could differ depending on where you are visiting, hotel rates are considerably less expensive. This is also a good idea for people who are visiting a popular holiday resort but want to stay away from the crowds, as hotels and the local area are generally calmer and quieter during this period of the year.

If you’re not flexible with regards to when you travel, there are other ways to find a great deal on a hotel room. Just like flights, hotel room rates are typically much more expensive when booked at the last minute, so try to plan ahead and book your accommodation a couple of months before hand.

Researching and reviewing hotel rates yourself might be time-consuming and hard. Online reservation sites such as Vivastay take the hassle out of finding a great deal by allowing customers to look for multiple hotels at the same time, to enable them to quickly and easily compare prices and reviews, with just the click of the mouse button.

Wherever you choose to stay during your holiday, make sure to check the reviews of the hotel online before committing to a reservation. Recent guests will provide you with a much better idea of what the accommodation and services at the hotel are really like.

Vivastay Reviews

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