When getting ready and putting a plan in place for your upcoming vacation overseas, something to strongly consider is keeping your items secure and having a safeguard in place at all times. There’s nothing worse than being in a foreign country and not knowing for sure where to turn for financial help. If your cards and money have been lost or stolen, it can bring your trip to a screeching halt. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind prior to departure to make your trip a whole lot easier:

Have Numbers and Passwords Handy

If you’re carrying a wallet or purse, you likely have all or most of your money in there at all times. It’s a good idea to always stash some cash or a card in your hotel safe or in a secure location. This way if you lose any money, you won’t be entirely out of funds. Another suggestion is to write down your important credit card numbers on a piece of paper along with the phone numbers for customer service care and make a copy for each traveler. This way you’ll be able to make contact with your credit card company to cancel the card right away. They may also send you cash through a designated wire transfer company location. Having access to these numbers can save you a lot of stress and hassle. Maybe you already have your numbers memorized, but just in case, write them down. It may seem petty or like a huge hassle, but they will be there if you should ever need them.

Know Money Transfer Locations Ahead of Time

If you happen to lose your credit or debit cards while traveling to Barcelona, you need to be sure to have a backup plan in place. Now is the time to find out where the money transfer locations are. Because there are so many scams and businesses that overcharge for money transfers, be sure to research ahead of time and only choose reputable kiosks like Ria Money Transfer Spain. They will be able to welcome your request and help process your transaction as quickly as possible. Just be sure to have your driver’s license, passport or photo ID with you. From there, you will have to fill out an application. Make sure you have contact with someone in the states who will assist with transferring the money. If you’re transferring from your own bank, be sure to have all of the right account information and contact information readily available.

Talk to Your Bank Prior to Leaving

Whether you use your bank to wire you money or not, it’s still important to have direct contact with them prior to your departure. That is because your bank account may get flagged, especially if it shows transactions occurring in different countries. If the account is flagged and you’re unable to get in touch with your bank, you could be stuck overseas without access to any cash or funds. The only alternative would be to obtain a money transfer or try to take out a personal loan from a local bank overseas. Prepare ahead of time by contacting your bank and keeping more than one account open and available while you’ll be traveling, just in case the card is unable to be processed or it’s denied while you’re overseas.

Keep Some Money in US Exchange

While an important part of functioning in Europe or any foreign country is to have Euros readily available, it can also make you more vulnerable to theft. Keeping some funds in American may thwart a thief or make them less likely to easily grab or pull a scam during a transaction exchange. Keeping American dollars in your pocketbook is a great way to have a backup should you misplace your Euro monies. Again, stashing some of these funds behind in a safe at your hotel can help prevent being left without any money at all for the remainder of your trip.

Utilizing multiple ways to use your financial tools while on vacation is important and may save your vacation from falling into disaster. Careful planning, knowing how to access fast cash overseas and who to call when you’re in a major financial bind are things to check off your list prior to leaving for vacation.

Finding an apartment in a new city can sometimes be a little tricky, especially if you have never been to the place before. So It is important to make sure you plan appropriately and do as much research as you can before committing to any decision.

I recently moved to Madrid, I can tell you that it wasn’t easy (at first) trying to find a new place from my desk in London but after a while my task became easier. That’s because I followed a few simple tips that make things much easier.

Once I had figured out my budget, my needs and also my favorite neighbourhood in the city it was time to find my place. Here’s what I did to make it easy.

Get Online

Online listings are definitely the best way to find an apartment that suits you. The internet is a great resource and you should utilise it as much as possible. One of the best online sites I found was Nestpick, Nestpick helps everyone find great furnished apartments in Madrid and many other cities. The online sites also give you a clear idea of what prices you can expect to pay in certain neighbourhoods.

Focus On The Landlords

Once you start chatting to landlords, focus on how they communicate with you. If they are keen, respond quickly and readily open to share all information with you then it’s a very good sign. Any landlord that doesn’t reply promptly, doesn’t answer your questions directly or is unfriendly, should instantly set off red flags in your head.

Why Not Have A Staycation?

If searching online is just not for you and you feel it’s too much of a risk then a great idea is to take a staycation in the new city. It’s basically a short holiday over there so you can see first hand the areas you are interested in and also meet the landlords face to face. Give yourself a few days at the very least, this will give you enough time to find alternative options if the viewings you lined up aren’t to your liking.

Have you ever found a new apartment in a city that you haven’t visited before? What tips did you follow? I would love to hear all about your experiences, what worked and what didn’t work for you. I’m sure your thoughts will help everyone else in our community.

Car manufacturers these days achieve some pretty incredible gas mileage in vehicles offered to consumers. Simply search the makes and models reviewed on Cars.com to see for yourself how far car makers have come in terms of making filling up less painful on your wallet at the pump. If you’re getting 30 miles per gallon or more, do yourself a favor and hit the road for a great road trip vacation, the fuel for which might cost you little more than the pocket change in your couch.

If you live along the East Coast, there is no shortage of road trip routes to consider. The states that make up this region are also pretty small which means that you can cover a lot of ground quickly. If you find yourself toward the southern part of this region, consider a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway located in North Carolina and Virginia. This route is a favorite among travelers, especially in the fall months when the foliage starts to turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. It is the most visited route in the U.S. and traverses The Great Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 460 miles along its route.

If you love the ocean, consider heading out toward Massachusetts embarking on a short road trip along the Old King’s Highway. This route runs just 34 miles put delivers incredible beauty and vistas of Cape Cod. Be sure to leave plenty of time for stops along the way in small towns like Sandwich, Orleans and Nantucket.

Lush green mountains, quaint towns, perfectly preserved covered bridges, stoic white churches and a gorgeous drive await you along Highway 108 in Vermont. The route will take you to some of Vermont’s most iconic ski areas including Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe. Take it slow and take in the Green Mountain air.

From museums to restaurants to sports arenas and zoos there is so much in store that you can be doing this summer. Which such a wide assortment how can you choose just a few? Where ever your summer travels take you this summer be sure that some of those travels involve spending time in the great outdoors. Did you know that there are plenty of health benefits when you spent some time outdoors? Some of the health benefits of being outside include: increase in healthy eyes, boost of vitamin D, enhanced sleep cycles, positive effects of being grounded on a natural surface, enjoyment of clear air, overall boost to your psychological health and well-being and increase in exercise intake. Being outdoor creates a positive buffet for your mind and body. From a boost in your mental ability to increasing your attention span, the benefits out being outdoors are enormous. In fact, according to a Harvard Health letter being exposed to the outdoors is a prescription for great health. Did you know  that roughly 90 percent of people in the United States spend their time inside? With summer around the corner, now is the time to break free of the indoor life and venture out into the great outdoors.

Be sure that you are ready for outdoor traveling when you shop for great outdoor apparel at L.L. Bean. At L.L. Bean you will find everything you need to step outside this summer and enjoy every moment of it. From scaling a mountain top, hiking the trials or just going out in your own back yard, you will find the apparel and gear you need to go from the indoors to the outdoors in style. L.L. Bean has the gear you need and with their partnership with Groupon Coupons you can save money too.

Before making the trip over to L.L. Bean, be sure to visit to Groupon Coupons for super money saving coupons and promo codes. Want a hot tip? Use this promo code and get 10 percent off on what you need this summer from L.L. Bean. Get a quick 15 percent off your next order when you use this code. Enjoy up to 50 percent off when you use this coupon. Find more for less when you use this promo code and score 50 percent off on sweaters, slacks, and more. Order your luggage and save when you use this coupon. Enjoy up to 50 percent off new markdowns with this code. Sign up for emails and save. Enjoy free shipping on any order with this code. Use this code with your L.L. Bean VISA card and enjoy earning $50 in coupons. From free shipping to Australia to free shipping in the USA and in Canada you will always say more when you use Groupon Coupons at L.L. Bean.

Be healthy this summer when you venture into the great outdoors. Get the gear you need to survive the wild when you shop L.L. Bean. Be sure to visit Groupon Coupons before seeing L.L. Bean for great outdoor money saving deals.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of renting a car and it really is a great feeling to get out on the open road. Driving your car is simple enough, but driving someone else’s car is another story altogether, therefore you need to know the following tips when renting a car

Choosing the right car

The right car will all depend on you and your needs for your trip, ideally this will be not too big or too small and relatively fuel efficient. Choosing the right car will definitely be more comfortable and cause you less stress on the road, so you really need to think carefully what you need the car for. Extras are also another thing to be aware of, and these are things like a GPS or entertainment system. Most of these things are not that useful, but you need to be realistic and think about your own circumstances. Entertainment systems are great for families on long drives and navigation systems are great for those in places that they are not familiar with.

Checking the car

It is important to check that your car is in good condition before you drive it. There will generally be a damage report that you can refer to for any existing scratches or other issues with the car. It is important to double check this and to take note of any damage that is not on the report, as this may later become your fault! It is also a good idea to check the all season tyres and ensure that they are in good condition. If they aren’t simply request another car!

Take pictures

Another thing to do is to take pictures of the car to ensure that you can prove the condition of the car and this is also useful if you need to prove the distance you have traveled or the amount of fuel that was already in the car.

Read the fine print

This is an important step when thinking about insurance and it is important to know what is included in the deal. If you are unsure ask as many questions as you need, because it is better to be safe than sorry in this case.

Be clear about returning the car

One of the things that affects the cost of your rental car is, of course, the length of time that you rent it for. For example, hours can be the difference between a day or a half day. Therefore it is important to return the car on time or within the time, otherwise you may risk having to pay more for the car. It is also important to understand small things like how much fuel you have already paid for or do you need to fill the car up to full? These are very important because if you don’t follow the rules closely you will need to pay and trust me the fuel is much more expensive when you fill up with the car company at the very end. You may even consider prepaying a tank of fuel so that you don’t have to go to the trouble of buying it in the end.

Did you ever want to travel somewhere that the celebrities go? Whether you’re a star-gazer or just want to experience the life of the rich and famous, it’s totally possible to travel to some of the favorite destinations of celebrities. And you might even see one of your favorite stars while you’re at it!

Los Cabos, Mexico

Many famous celebrities love to come to Cabo for its relaxing beach atmosphere and abundance of things to do. And what’s great about Cabo is that it’s affordable for all sorts of travelers, you can find many Mexico beach rentals at superb prices! You don’t necessarily need to be making millions to enjoy a holiday here. Of course it’s possible to stay in a high-end luxury resort, but there are accommodations for all types of budgets. You can relax on the white sand beaches, drink a pina colada and look out for some of your favorite celebrities.

St. Barts

This gorgeous travel destination, short for Saint Barthelemy, is a favorite spot for the rich and famous to spend their vacation days. It’s one of the most elite and expensive islands in the Caribbean and many celebrities come here to enjoy luxurious holidays, elegant dining and the most upscale style of life. There are no shortage of vacation villa rentals in St. Bart’s, so you too can enjoy your holiday here.

Ibiza

Many famous celebrities come to Ibiza not for their most relaxing holiday, but to party! Ibiza is a well-known destination for the rich and famous to let loose and spend some of that money. It’s all fun here, all day every day, and all night as well! If you come to Ibiza, you can be nearly assured of a star sighting as so many of the big celebrities come here on vacation.

The Hamptons

Spending time in the Hamptons is a well-loved pastime of the rich and famous. Many big names have houses in the Hamptons where they love to spend the summer months. With so much prime real estate in the Hamptons, it’s no wonder that it attracts the very wealthy and elite. There is quite an exclusive atmosphere here so if you decide to spend your holiday in the Hamptons, be sure to dress the part!

Lake Como

George Clooney is famous for his house on Lake Como, but he’s not the only star who loves to make this his vacation spot. Many rich and famous people enjoy time on Lake Como in Italy, as it’s a great place to enjoy a new culture, food and great atmosphere in an upscale environment.

Have you been to any rich and famous hot spots before? Or have you bumped in to any movie stars on your holidays? I am sure that there are plenty of interesting stories out there that myself and all the readers here would love to hear. Jot your stories down in the comment section below, I always enjoy hearing some great tales from other people’s journeys around the world.

If you want to have an up close and personal encounter with animals in the wild, below are five of the best places that you should visit. In these destinations, you can see some of the most rare species of animals that you are used to seeing only in photographs.

Botswana

Whether it is mammals, reptiles, or insects, Botswana has a reputation that is hard to match when it comes to the density of wildlife. It is home to The Big Five, which includes buffalo, black rhino, elephant, leopard, and lions. If you want to spot them, two of the best places to check out are Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. More so, it is also home to more than 150 species of reptiles, which include back mamba and spitting cobra.

India

National parks are abundant in India, which means that there are plenty of opportunities to see animals in the wild. In fact, the country is home to 89 national parks. More so, there are also more than 400 wildlife sanctuaries. Most people go here to see elephants, especially in conservation camps where they are properly taken care of and not abused. In the North Indian region, you can find more than 500 mammal species and 30,000 insect types.  One of the best places to see is the Corbett National Park. In East India, meanwhile, be sure to see Orang National Park and Kaziranga National Park. If you are on the west side, visit Ranthambore National Park. In the south meanwhile, see Parambikulam National Park. Here are some examples of the wildlife holidays you can go on in India.

USA

The high number of national parks and protected wildlife areas in the US makes it an excellent country for wildlife viewing. Among others, one of the places that you might want to visit is the Rocky Mountain National Park if you want to see coyotes. Meanwhile for black bears, head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for their wolves, grizzlies, and herons, among others. If you want a safari that is similar to what you can experience in Africa, go to Grand Teton National Park.

Thailand

When you talk about wildlife in Thailand, most people will probably mention elephants. There are even volunteer programs where you can help in the conservation of elephants, especially as the country has long been in the eye of the international community for the alleged maltreatment of elephants when they are being trained. There are conservation camps and national parks where you can see not only wildlife but also beautiful gifts of nature. Some of the places you should see include Khao Yai National Park, Erawan National Park, and Do Phu Kha National Park.

Malawi

One of the best places for wildlife viewing in Malawi is the Liwonde National Park, which is home to an abundance of hippos and elephants. You can also see the latter at Vwaza Marsh. Meanwhile, at Nyika National Park, you can spot plenty of antelopes. If you want to spot buffalos and leopards, you should head to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Many of these national parks offers options for accommodations that range from budget-friendly to luxury safari camps.

If luxury travel has always been in your bucket list, now is the time to make it real. If you have no idea on where to go, here are some of the destinations you may want to consider. From luxury accommodations to fine dining restaurants, these places will offer a memorable holiday.

Courchevel

Skiing is Courchevel’s biggest draw. All throughout the year, it attracts tourists from all over the globe. There will be an abundance of choices for five-star hotels and lavish chalets catered by professional staff to suit every traveller. The beauty of the French Alps will surely be a visual treat. When it comes to accommodations, some of the top picks include L’Apogee Courchevel, Aman Le Melezin, Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, and Hotel Le K2, among others. Aside from having a good sleep, you will also not run out choices for a gastronomic feast.

Maldives

For beach-lovers, the Maldives is one place that is hard to beat. Here, you won’t see hotels set in towering buildings. Instead, each resort is situated in a single island, offering the best in terms of exclusivity. For the best experience, stay in lavish bungalows that sit on the top of water, many of which have their own swimming pools. You can jump straight into the pristine water. Some of the best luxury resorts in Maldives include Six Senses Laamu, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maalifushi by Como, Cheval Blanc Randheli, One&Only Reethi Rah, and Soneva Fushi. These hotels have their own restaurants that can offer prime dining experience with a good view of the ocean.

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic may be known for its beer, but beyond such, there are endless reasons why this will make an excellent choice for luxury travel in 2017. The laidback ambiance of the city makes it a favourite amongst jetsetters from around the globe. There are many companies offering exclusive tours that will make you feel like a royalty as you discover the rich past of the city. When it comes to accommodations, you will have a long list of alternatives. Some of the best hotels that you may want to consider include Golden Well Hotel, Alchymist Prague Castle Suites, Aria Hotel Prague by Library Hotel Collection, BoHo Prague Hotel, and Ventana Hotel Prague.

Japan

Regardless of where you go in Japan, you will not find it hard to have a luxurious vacation. Tokyo, the country’s capital, is one of the best places to see. Here, you will have an endless selection of high-end accommodations. You can indulge in shopping until you drop and have a sample of the country’s rich culinary heritage. If you are looking for something that is more exciting, head to Niseko. Here, you can try skiing. They have powder snow all throughout the year. They also have a huge section of luxury chalets and hotels to offer the perfect accommodation. The ancient capital, Kyoto, is another stop that should not be missed, especially for foodies.