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Going Camping: Essential Items For Your Backpack

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Whether you’re a city slicker who likes to get out into nature, or you’re a country resident with good camping locations on your doorstep, camping really is fun. Enjoying some time at one with nature is relaxing and peaceful, and camping is a great way to turn off the stresses and strains of fast-paced, technological day-to-day living. Here are some top tips on what to put in your camping backpack before your next big trip.


Water bottles

Did you know that you can survive without food for three weeks or more – but without water, your timeframe is much lower? This means that it’s vital to make sure that you have plenty of water bottles in your camping supply kit so that you can keep yourself hydrated while on a camping trip. Opting for bottles that have a wider opening for drinking is essential, as that way they are more flexible and easy to take a drink out of. Depending on where you’re planning to camp, you may also need to take the water itself – though most campsites provide this.

A tent

It may seem obvious, but devoting some time to thinking about your tent options is a smart move. While you definitely know that you’re going to need to take one, you’ll need to work out details such as what size you’re going to go for. If you’re a frequent solo camper, for example, then a smaller tent will be fine, but if you regularly go camping in a larger group, it’s probably more efficient to go for a tent with space for four or five people. That’s because warmth is key, and the more people there are in the tent, the more body heat there will be!

Camping stove

If you’re going camping, it’s unlikely that you’re also going to be dining out at any high-end restaurants. Cooking your own meals when you’re camping is a great move as it both saves money and allows you to eat what you want, when you want. While there might be a romantic appeal to setting up a campfire and toasting marshmallows around it, it’s probably easier to just invest in a good camping stove, which allows you to safely and quickly cook what you need.

Lights 

When you’re camping, it’s surprising how often you need to illuminate the area you’re in. Having a light of some kind is very useful for everything from finding where you’ve put that missing tent peg to helping you to see what you’re doing when cooking a late-evening meal, so it’s wise to be prepared. There are lots of As Seen on TV products available to help you with your camping light needs. Opting for a military-grade lantern, for example, means that you’ll have a dependable source of light no matter what conditions you find yourself in.

First aid kit 

Nobody likes to think about their camping trip going wrong or anyone getting injured while you’re in the woods or on the campsite, but it’s wise to be prepared for all eventualities. Putting together a first aid kit could end up making the difference between an injured person getting over their problem straight away or them becoming increasingly ill and it spoiling their trip, so it’s definitely worth doing. Some good items to include are plasters and bandages, some paracetamol, medicine to treat common ailments such as coughs and colds, and a set of wipes with antibacterial properties.


Maps and a compass

If you’re going camping out in the forest or countryside rather than on a designated campsite, then it’s definitely wise to prepare a route ahead of time and make sure that you know where you’re planning to go. Do your research on the area that you’re going to, and make sure that you know which landmarks you need to look out for to show that you’re on the right track. It’s also definitely wise to take a detailed map of the area, and a compass so that you can verify which direction you’re going in.

Being prepared is key for any outdoor activity or pursuit, and camping is no exception. Whether it’s stocking up on water bottles or making sure that you’ve got the right sort of tent, investing cash and energy in getting the right items will pay dividends in the long run. This way, you won’t carry the risk of running out of what you need or finding yourself stuck in a remote, rural area without your equipment!

Essential backpacking tips for beginners

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It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or where you’re heading in life, the chances are you’ve thought about taking off with nothing but a backpack for company on more than one occasion. Well, the freedom that such a getaway affords is irresistible, after all. There’s something inherently romantic about the spontaneity of backpacking; from the dreams that we’re sold as young travelers to the reality of the journey ahead, little else will beat the feeling of finally giving in to your sense of adventure. In fact, all this talk of backpacking is giving me itchy feet again.

If you’ve not yet managed to escape the daily grind for something considerably more laid back I’d urge you to do so now. Well, none of us are getting any younger, right? Perhaps the thought of heading out on your own with the world on your back frightens you. However, I’d like to take a moment to offer some reassurance. With the right kind of preparation any journey can become the most incredible adventure – if only you’d give it a chance.

So, what do you need to know?

Conducting thorough research

If you’re to enjoy your first backpacking adventure it’s vital that you conduct your research. Where are you going to be traveling, and what will the weather be like? What distances will you be covering, and how long are you away for? What local customs, and cultural differences should you be aware of? Backpacking is an excellent way to wander from the beaten track, but it always pays to know your stuff first. Now is also the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the routes you’ll be taking; are there any particularly difficult stretches? What obstacles are you likely to come up against? Ensuring that you’re physically, and mentally prepared for the road ahead is absolutely vital.

Hitting the shops

If you’ve never been backpacking before the array of items on offer can be overwhelming. Take a step back and breathe; these are your essentials. First of all, you’ll need a decent backpack, which will comfortably accommodate everything you’ve got to take with you. Next choose a tent and sleeping bag, which should be able to withstand localized weather conditions. Finally select camping and cooking supplies, and seek out clothing that will keep you warm and comfortable. Compression clothing, which offers support for muscles and joints, is a particularly good idea for this kind of getaway. A back brace for women is an especially good idea if you’re prone to injury, or suffer from recurring aches and pains; look for those with high ratings to be sure you’re buying the best.

Packing your bag carefully

Now that you’ve collected your essentials it’s time to get packing, ensuring you have plenty of insulating layers, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough food and water to last. A first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent will also come in handy, as will a seasonal animal guide, navigational equipment, maps, and a GPS system, and a portable cell phone charger.

If you’re likely to be leaving the country or crossing any international borders be sure to have your travel documentation handy, and ensure you’ve acquired insurance before you set foot outside of your front door. Emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, beacon, and space blanket will also come in useful. Well, you can never be too prepared. Oh, and hiking boots. If you’re buying brand new hiking boots take a little time to wear them in before you leave on your adventure.

Staying safe while backpacking

Safety should be your priority, of course – particularly if you’re backpacking for the very first time. As well as thoroughly researching your route ensure that you’re traveling with someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt; or a friend who’s as keen on the great outdoors as you are. It’s important not to tackle difficult terrain, or wild trails on your own. Ensure you have plenty of warm clothing and provisions to last the duration of your trip, and always tell someone where you are going. It helps to have several pairs of eyes looking out for you at various checkpoints, and for someone to be able to raise the alarm if needs be.

It goes without saying that you should prepare yourself physically for the challenge ahead, undertaking a few practice hikes in various weather conditions if you’re able to. Building your fitness levels will ensure you’re ready to tackle all manner of obstacles, while increasing your enjoyment of the great outdoors. Above all, be sure to listen to your body, and to your instincts. If you’re beginning to get tired or start to feel uneasy, stop for a while and assess your situation. Where are you in relation to your trail map? How much further do you have to go? Take a look at the weather, and the obstacles you’ve yet to face. There’s absolutely no shame in turning back, or adjusting your route if you need to. Hey, you’re living the dream regardless of how you get there.

Backpacking is an incredibly rewarding way of seeing the world, but it isn’t without its risks. By taking your time to plan and properly prepare for your adventure you and your travel partner will afford yourselves all kinds of rewards and opportunities – and stay safe into the bargain.

Top 5 Casinos Around the World

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For everyone who is fond of travel is well aware of how attractive visiting huge a casino on your trip can be. With the rising popularity of the casinos and casino resorts, there is not only an increase in these establishments but also a change in terms of their sizes. Everything about casinos today is big and luxurious – be it the floor area, the selection of games, the buffet or the attached hotel. If you can’t visit any of these luxurious casinos, that’s okay, you can still play online at Casino Netbet. But if you’re on vacation and casinos attract your attention, I would like to take you on a tour of the top 5 famous casinos from around the world.

1. Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, United States

Spread over an area of 340,000 square feet with 7788 slot and table games, about 40 bars and restaurants, this one is the largest in the USA. It is located in Ledyard and is the third largest in the world. It is extremely popular and has impressive interiors underlined in red, gold and blue. The atmosphere is electrifying and full of action with players glued to their favourite games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, Spanish 21 and more. The Foxwoods Resort Casino blends beauty and entertainment in the true sense.

2. The City of Dreams Casino in Macau, China

Justifying its name, the City of Dreams Casino in Macau is spread over an area of 448,000 square feet with 1964 slot and table games and about 32 bars and restaurants. Unique, cool and premium quality, it promises to emerge as a traveler’s dream destination. Apart from the primary casino, the City of Dreams offers premium gambling opportunities to its exclusive members in a special room. There are a multitude of games including the high calibre poker action.

3. The Rio Casino Resort in Klerksdorp, South Africa

The Rio Casino Resort spans an area of about 266,330 square feet and holds about 257 slot and table games along with 3 bars and restaurants. Referred to as the Tusk Rio Casino and Resort until 2006, it was re-named by the casino conglomerate Peermont Group and since then, it has grown huge enough to be the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from having a wide range of gaming machines and gambling rooms, it also has a children’s arcade as a special attraction.

4. The MGM Grand Las Vegas in Las Vegas, United States

Las Vegas has become synonymous with casinos and the MGM Grand Las Vegas is certainly a testimony to that. Spread over 171.500 square feet with a whopping 2639 slot and table games and bars and restaurants, it has a remarkable 17,000 seat arena. The casino is famous for holding an interactive crime-solving experience, designed after the popular TV show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. It is a hot-spot travel destination for those who want to stay up all hours of the night and enjoy the flashing lights, shows and casinos.

5. The Casino Estoril in Lisbon, Portugal

It is easy to travel in Europe and making your way to Portugal will be no hassle at all. With a massive gaming area of over 26,900 square feet and about 1235 slot and table games with 10 bars and restaurants, the Casino Estoril in Portugal is inspired by the James Bond novel Casino Royale. The special attraction of this casino is its independent art gallery, nightclub and music venue where the guests can relax and have good time.

These places are as interesting as they sound to be. So, if you have long been thinking about a vacation, be sure to try out one of these hot spots while you’re enjoying your relaxing time away.

Things I love about Eastern Europe

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When someone talks about Eastern Europe, the first thing to come to my mind is its beautiful architecture, the natural landscape, and its diverse culture. It is both thrilling and calming. If you are from the U.S., you’ll love the vibe of the cities of Eastern Europe.

Your trip to Eastern Europe will never be boring, but will be packed with unique experiences. What I love about Eastern Europe the most? Let’s find out!

The Fun-Loving People

Being a foreigner in a new place can be tough, but not if you’re in Eastern Europe. The people of the eastern end might seem a little conservative at first, but once you get through the first interaction, you can gel with them. The people of the region are fun-loving. They like to welcome foreigners with open arms so they can leave with a good experience and lots of fond memories.

Don’t be surprised if you get invited into someone’s home because that’s how the locals’ welcome foreigners. Hospitality is a major part of European culture.

Easy Access to many Beautiful Places

Easter Europe is home to some beautiful countries including Poland, Croatia, Estonia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, Slovakia, and many more. The great thing about visiting any one of these countries is that you can easily travel to another one without any trouble. The European railway system is quite massive and well connected, providing easy access to all the countries in the region.

Delicious Food

When in Eastern Europe, expect to get gastronomically overwhelmed. Due to the diversity in cultures and ethnicities, the region offers some of the most unique dishes. The region is known for its delicious cuisine that is heavily influenced by various cultures. What’s great is that most places offer healthy meals instead of junk. Furthermore, when eating out in Eastern Europe, make sure you are ready to eat more because their portion size is huge.

Geographically Diverse

Traveling to Eastern Europe is an exciting experience, especially because of its breathtaking landscapes. The region is geographically diverse with sea, green hills, mountains, villages, and a lot more. If you want to visit a place where you will get the best of both worlds, it is eastern Europe that you should choose. In winters, this region is covered with heavy snow, resulting in some impressive ski resorts.

Mesmerizing Architecture

If you are an architecture enthusiast or just someone who loves to witness gorgeous old buildings, make sure you visit Eastern Europe. The region’s impressive architecture makes it super interesting to explore. You can just head out and find a beautifully sculpted building to inspire you. That’s how impressive and exciting the architecture of eastern Europe is.

From the Hungarian Parliament Building to the Budzludzha Monument, and Stari Most, there are endless architectural marvels in the region to witness and soothe your eyes.

 

If you are into exploring culture, history, art, architecture, and natural elements, Eastern Europe is the place you should visit. It is truly a gem.

Saying Goodbye to Family and Friends to Travel

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Traveling feeds your soul. It helps you grow in many ways. When you witness new places and mingle with new people, those that you don’t spend your life with back home, you get to learn a lot. You find your true self and connect to your spirit on a deeper level.

But wait! What about those you are leaving behind? What about your friends and family?

When planning a long travel, it is important to let close ones know about your plan. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but it can be happening. We have listed down a few goodbye party ideas for you to plan before your trip.

Invite Everyone Over

Before you leave, it is important to meet up with your close ones and say them goodbye. However, visiting everyone individually will take up a lot of time, which is why it is best to invite everyone at your place and throw a party as a nice gesture before your trip.

This party is not only meant to spend time with friends and family, but also to reveal to them your excursion.

Memories’ jar

If you’re like me and quit your job to travel the world, you’ll know  that one of the best things about leaving is enjoying new experiences, but the worst thing is to leave behind loved ones. To make your trip relaxing, it is important to take along memories from home. For this, you can arrange a glass jar and ask friends and family to write their favorite memory with you on a piece of paper. Once everyone is done, ask them to put it in the glass jar that you will take with you. So, when you miss anyone, you can take out one piece out of the jar and feel relieved.

Guess the Place Game

To add some excitement to the party, play a guessing game with your guests. Ask everyone to guess the places you are travelling to, promise the winner of the game a souvenir from the tour.

Bucket List

Not everything is super fun about traveling. There’s a lot you need to do including making a bucket list. It is quite hard to come up with a list with all the places you want to visit and all the things you want to do during your trip. But having a list makes everything easy and keeps you organized.

A great way to make the task easy on yourself is to ask all the guests to suggest a few things that you can add to your bucket list. This way, you will not need to put a lot of pressure on your mind and end up with a dynamic to-do list.

Use a Polaroid

Polaroid pictures are vintage, hip, and cool. So, get one and take cool goodbye pictures with your friends and family. Give the pictures to the respective person so when they miss you while you are away, they can look at the happy goodbye picture. Leave a message at the back of the picture to give it a more personalized touch.

Now that the goodbyes are done, it is time to prepare for a trip of fun, adventure, excitement, self-exploration, and memory-making.s

 

Quitting my Job to Backpack Around the World

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It isn’t easy quitting your job, I must say. But I had to, for the sake of new experiences and fresh memories. I believe I deserved a long break from my hectic work life, so I quit.

Not everyone seemed to like my approach. Some said I was making a mistake giving up my job while some said I had lost my mind. To me, it was just years long excitement building up.

It was indeed an exciting excursion that I knew I’d remember for the rest of my life.

A Few Tips To Backpack The Right Way

How much you enjoy your world tour depends upon your backpacking skills. If you backpack sensibly, you will not end with a lot of luggage that you cannot handle.

Packing only the most necessary stuff is the way to go with it. Before packing anything, ask yourself if you need it. Do you really need all those pairs of shoes and dresses? You need to take as little luggage as possible. You can purchase most things from the places you are travelling to.

You might be intrigued to book all your hotels prior to arriving, but it is best to leave it for later, especially if you are on a budget. Book hotels that are cheaper.

Make The Most Of Your Tour

Your goal must be to travel as much as possible. When I was travelling, I did not waste my money on useless things, but I saved it for exciting things to do and to visit top tourist destinations. Every time I was hungry, I’d choose a local restaurant. This not only helped me experience new tastes and cuisines, but also saved lots of money. Of course, I indulged in fine dining some time and it was an experience of its own.

I always looked for free tour days for top tourist attractions. I would be a fool if I spent money on stuff that I could get free.

Walk around as much as you can. The feeling of exploring a new place on foot is far superior than any mode of transport. I had the most fun every time I explored any place on foot. The experience was amazing.

Top Places To Backpack

There is so much to explore in the world that it might be hard for you to pick a handful of places to travel to. Some of the places that I picked to explore include the following:

1. Peru

Peru is a breathtaking place that I picked after learning about it on the internet. I looked up the destination and found it quite amusing. What made my tour was a trip to Machu Picchu! It is truly a majestic place that keeps intriguing you. The hike was amazing and not to forget the llamas that are super adorable and friendly. The culture of Peru is super vibrant with endless places to explore.

2. Vietnam

After exiting the North America, I headed to East Asia. My first stop was Vietnam, a truly inspiring and fascinating destination. The gorgeous beaches, the breathtaking islands, and the scenic landscape, everything about Vietnam was magnificent.

Other places that I visited include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India.

 

Long Distance Relationships while Traveling

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Traveling when you’re in your teens or twenties should never be taken for granted. Hold on to every opportunity you get with both hands. The experience that you get from traveling is one that you really want to cherish, and will really change your perception of the world and things around you.

Some people choose to forgo the opportunity to see the world due to commitments such as relationships. However, this is a rather unintelligent thing to do because a healthy relationship should never require you to give up on opportunities like that. Many people believe long distance relationships require way too much effort and thus, give up on the idea of it.

 

In actuality, there is absolutely no reason why you should give up on your relationship just because you have to travel and vice versa. There are thousands of people who are in long distance relationships, and very happily so. Read on to find out how to maintain a long distance relationship while traveling:

Trust is the Foundation of All Relationships

Whether you’ve only been in a relationship for a month, for a year, or even a decade, you must know by now that trust is the foundation of any relationship – even family and friendly relationships. When there is a lack of trust in the relationship, you can bet your bottom dollar that you won’t be seeing your partner through to the end. Set ground rules in your relationship before you leave for your vacation.

Thank the Lord for Skype

Back in the day, when there was no video calling software, most long distance partners had to spend half their days next to the telephone in hopes of getting a call from their loved ones. Many even relied on the postman to bring in a letter. However, in the 21st century, things are a lot more different. We have access to a lot of software and technology that makes it highly easy to stay in touch with anyone, even if they’re across the ocean. Schedule Skype sessions/dates, with your loved ones and do your part of being there when you said you would.

Start a Blog

Starting a travel blog is an amazing thing because you’ll get to document all your thoughts and experiences along the way, which will make your experience a lot more interesting too. This blog will also help your friends and loved ones look at how you spent your days and nights there. Blogging is one of the best ways through which you can make the ones you love feel like they’re still a part of your life.

It’s the Little Things that Count

When traveling, you’re bound to find yourself caught up in a lot of things. You won’t have time to do most of the things that you want to do. However, try to get enough time and minutes to call your loved one every now and remind them that you miss them. In this day and age, apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram are very helpful in keeping you in touch with the rest of the world no matter where you are. Take advantage of these apps, stay connected and enjoy your journey.

Living & Working in Australia

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Studying in a country that is different to the one you currently reside in is one of the best experiences that really help you grow into a better and a more broadminded human being. However, working in a different country gives you a completely different experience.

 

Australia is one such country that is the first choice of people not only for education, but to start or grow their careers as well. Hundreds of people apply for a visa for the sixth-largest country in the world – by total area – Australia. However, if you’re considering what living and working in Australia is really like, read on to find out more!

Language

The official language that is spoken throughout Australia is English. Although Australians have their own accent and some slang language too, you’re not going to have much of a problem if you are coming there from an English speaking country.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Australia is rather high, especially for those who aren’t residents of the country. In fact, in recent months the cost of living in Australia has gone even higher, so if you don’t have a job to back you up, it might cost you more than most can afford. Consider this factor in depth, before you purchase your air ticket.

Weather Conditions

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, area wise. Due to this factor, the climate of Australia is diverse, which means that different parts of Australia experience different weather conditions on the same day. Thus, it depends on which part of the country you want to settle in. Northern parts of Australia are tropical while southern parts of Australia have a more moderate climate.

Multicultural

The population of Australia comprises of around 7% of Asians, 1% of other cultures, and around 90% Caucasians. Yet, it is a rather multicultural land, and you are sure to find there people of all races. There are several festivals that are celebrated in Australia each year. However, you are sure to find any and every cuisine within the country.

Career Opportunities

The economic crisis in today’s world might be relatively dangerous, but it still has not affected the levels of unemployment dramatically. Similarly, unemployment rates in Australia are rather low, although work permits and residency is not as easily acquired for foreigners as it once was. Moving to Australia is not easy due to the strict policies that have been introduced in recent times, so if you’re planning to move there for work, it would be best to go over these policies thoroughly.

Life in Australia

Australians are very expressive, easy-going and incredibly friendly people, which makes it easy for people of other nations to blend in and mix with the locals. Life in Australia cannot possibly be boring, because there are so many things to do. The locals there are full of life and once you really make some friends, there won’t be much to complain about!