Travel Tips

The USA offers motorcycle trips for everyone, whether you prefer long, winding roads or straight stretches, crashing waves or rocky red deserts, historical sites or fabulous entertainment. Here are three summer trips to add to your bucket list.

Tour the Oregon coast

No coastline is more beautiful than what you’ll find in Oregon. This scenic, winding highway runs along 363 miles of gorgeous coastland, occasionally pulling inland and giving you the chance to stop in some of Oregon’s nicest towns and state parks.

Where to stop

Depending on how long you have to spend, you could stop at any of dozens of scenic sites and fun locations. A few can’t be missed. The Three Capes Scenic Loop goes 37 miles off 101 and gives the best views you’ll have on the trip. While you’re on the loop, stop at the Tillamook dairy to get some fabulous cheese and homemade ice cream.

When you need a break from the outdoors, plan a stop at a site for shore eyes at the Mill Casino Hotel. This premier gaming location offers elegant dining, classy accommodations, fun games, and world-class entertainment before you head back out on the road.

Important tips

No matter what time of year you visit Oregon, you should plan to get wet. Summer temperatures are also unpredictable, and you can have baking heat or chilly winds on any day. Buy and pack your motorcycle jackets and gear accordingly.

Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway

You can’t go wrong at any time of year on the Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina, and this trip is on a lot of people’s bucket list for good reason. The parkway takes you through some of America’s most beautiful mountain landscapes, and if you love a curvy road, nothing can top the parkway.

Where to stop

As with Highway 101, the stops you take will depend on how much time you have to spend. Don’t miss the Blue Ridge Music Center at Mile 213. There are concerts all through the summer and music on the porch all day long. You’ll also learn about the history of bluegrass music in the region.

Plan a stop for dinner and a night at the Pisgah Inn at Mile 408.7. The inn is at the 5,000 foot elevation, and it will be hard to get a better view. The meals are also fantastic.

Important tips

Bad weather can hit the parkway at any time, so check out the parkway’s main website to make sure there are no closures. Also be aware that North Carolina requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets and use their headlights at all times.

Fly through Utah

The 124-mile Scenic Byway 12 goes through Utah’s most beautiful landscapes, including amazing straightaways along ancient sea beds and into alpine forests among the clouds.

Where to stop

We recommend traveling from west to east starting in Panguitch. Take some time to explore this town. The whole thing is on the National Register of Historic Places. As you set off, plan to camp in Kodachrome Basin State Park, and don’t you dare miss an amazing sunrise.

Another must-see is Dixie National Forest. While you’re there, take the time to see the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park. You’ll find hiking galore, orchards where you can pick your own fresh fruit, and not as many people as you’ll find in most parks, even at the height of summer.

Important tips

This drive can pretty lonely at points, so it’s smart to do this trip with a buddy. If you go it alone, always let someone know when you’ve set off and when you expect to be at the next point where you can call to check in. Stay safe and have fun!

 

Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province in the Philippines, is perhaps most famous for the colorful Masskara Festival held every October. Also known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod is also known for its sweet treats like piaya and barquillos, as well as its equally sweet people. Indeed, Bacolodnons (and Negrenses, in general) are considered by many other Filipinos as some of the most malambing or affectionate people in the country.

If you want to experience this saccharine hospitality for yourself, here’s a simple Bacolod City itinerary that won’t break the bank.

Where to Stay: Pension Houses or Hostels

It’s a well-known fact that accommodation expenses usually take up the largest chunk of any traveler’s travel budget. This is especially true if you got your flight tickets during airline sales or at travel expos. Luckily, Bacolod has plenty of affordable yet perfectly comfortable accommodation options to choose from. For example, the Ong Bun Pension House, located near the Central Market, has both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms for less than Php1,000 per night. If you’re traveling with a companion or a group, then the cost-per-person will go down even further.

Compare these rates to those of a commercial hotel chain and you’ll immediately see how much you’ll save. What’s great about these pension houses and hostels is that, while they’re not luxury establishments, they have all the essentials covered. From clean bathrooms to a stable Wi-Fi connection, you definitely won’t be left wanting for all the basic comforts.

Where to Go: San Sebastian Cathedral

Entrance Fee: Free!

The San Sebastian Cathedral was built in the 1800s but was only declared a cathedral in 1933, the same time when Bacolod became a diocese. The church was originally made from wood and iron, but through its many years of reconstructions and renovations, more materials like coral stones were used as building materials. This not only shows the colorful history of the Catholic faith in Bacolod, it also affords the cathedral a unique character that’s unlike any other in the country.

After going to mass, you can stroll the church grounds to find the separate belfry that displays the church’s two original bells. Across the San Sebastian Cathedral is the Bacolod Public Plaza, which is the traditional endpoint of the MassKara Festival street dancing competition. The plaza features a gazebo at the center and four fountains. It’s the perfect place to rest a while and take photos for those inevitable social media uploads.

Where to Go: The Ruins

Entrance Fee: Php100

A trip to Bacolod is perhaps incomplete without visiting The Ruins. Located in Talisay City (about 8 kilometers from Bacolod City), this grandiose structure used to be a mansion with Italianate and neo-Romanesque architecture. It was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugar plantation owner in the city, in memory of his first wife, Maria Braga. Because of this, The Ruins has been given the unofficial moniker of “Taj Mahal of Negros.”

The Ruins came to be in its current “ruins” form when it was burned down by the US Forces and Filipino guerillas during World War II. This act was done in an effort to stop the Japanese from converting the mansion into their headquarters. At present, the Ruins has become a popular destination not just for tourism but also for events like weddings. If you can, visit at night for an even more majestic view of the building’s facade.

What to Do: Attend the MassKara Festival

Entrance Fee: Free!

The Mardi Gras-esque MassKara Festival is one of the major tourist draws of Bacolod. It began as a government initiative to put the smile back on the faces of Bacolodnons, who were then reeling from the tragedy of the sinking of MV Don Juan. From then on, the MassKara Festival has evolved to become a celebration of Bacolod as a city. It also serves as a platform to promote tourism through local cuisine, crafts, and more.

Make sure to visit the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery, which showcases the city’s largest collection of masks. The owner, Jojo Vito, is the long-time designer of the masks used by the Masskara Queen. If you want, you can also get your own mask for the festival customized by Vito. Just make sure to give advance notice. The gallery also has novelty items and knick-knacks that you can purchase as souvenirs.

What to Do: Visit the Museums

Entrance Fee: More or Less Php200, Depending on the Site

Just like many other locations in the Philippines, Bacolod and the province of Negros has a rich and colorful culture and history. You can learn more about these by visiting the museums in and around Bacolod. Some of the most popular places to visit include Negros Museum, the Vintage Glasses Museum, the Mariano Ramos Ancestral House, and the Dizon Ramos Museum. All of these are located in the capital. Other highly recommended places are Balay Negrense and Bernardino Jalandoni Museum (The Pink House) in Silay City.

What to Do: Eat, Eat, and Eat Local Delicacies

Honestly speaking, food trips might eat up the biggest chunk out of your Bacolod travel budget. The city is simply a haven for foodies. The home of the original chicken inasal, Bacolod also has a variety of other delicacies like binakol and batchoy. You can also try the Bacolodnon versions of KBL (kadyos, baboy, langka) and kansi. Where Bacolod shines, however, is their wide range of sweet treats like piaya, barquillos, and napoleones. You should also stop by Calea, perhaps the most famous cake shop in all of Bacolod. Finally, make sure to stock up on authentic muscovado sugar, which you can get much cheaper from the Central Market.

Bacolod may not have as many breathtaking views of nature or sparkling beaches like other Visayan destinations. However, it’s still a perfectly charming (not to mention affordable) place to visit, one that will make you want to come back if only for their unique brand of happiness and lambing.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel tips category.

You’ve likely heard the saying, ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do’. Well, that heritage isn’t exclusive to Rome. The Romans spread out across the whole continent, and if you’re looking for somewhere with that type of historical significance than look no further than the Spanish city of Denia. While you don’t have to do as the Romans did, you’re never far from a spot of historical importance.

Denia gives you access to the beautiful beaches that you’d normally expect to find in this region, along with the idyllic life in Spain that lures in so many travellers. However, Dania is a special city for anyone interested in Roman Heritage. Most of the city is constructed around Denia Castle. This fortification was built atop of a hill which, gives the raised castle a view off the cliffs of the entire city. Round this castle is the evidence of a long past.

A Castle That Shows its Age

Of course, the Romans weren’t the only people interested in Denia. Over the years the city has changed hands many times, and the history of the area reflects this. Walking around the castle, it is possible to spot features that you’d find all across the area’s past. The castle shows the cultural impact of the Renaissance and the 18^th Century romantic movements, along with retaining a lot of its original charm.

Around the Castle, the remnants of the Roman settlement that began the town are still visible. Walking around these cliff-top areas you get a real sense of how the Romans used the land around them. The Castle hosts many cultural events throughout the year. While it is an excellent tourist attraction, it has plenty to entertain locals too.

Archaeology

As well as the castle, Denia has been home to many archaeological findings over the years. This old Roman town has been thoroughly explored to find anything of historical significance. You can see many of these important artefacts in the Archaeological Museum.

The museum itself is permanent with many Dania found items still there. However, throughout the year it hosts different exhibitions, giving you the opportunity to see collections of artefacts from various periods if you keep visiting.

The Town of Dania

Even outside of the main attraction, it is hard to get away from Dania’s heritage. The centre boasts some of the best-preserved architecture in Spain, with a mix of modern houses and buildings representative of both rural and town life from throughout the country’s history.

Any property for sale in Denia might be hiding even more of those Roman artefacts. While it is unlikely that you’ll stumble upon anything unknown, it is hard to avoid all of the historical cultures in Denia. If you’re looking for property for sale in Denia, you’ll get the views available from that Castle on a cliff. In a site of cultural interest, there is rarely little to do. The Romans didn’t have the best systems for organising property for sale, Denia is a modern city that copes with newcomers! If you’re interested in living somewhere with such a rich history, then looking for property for sale in Denia might be right for you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel tips category.

Traveling long distance by plane often goes hand in hand with prolonged layovers in major transportation hubs around the world. Frankfurt by the river Main hosts Germanys biggest airport which is a place where many travelers need to spend quite a bit of time while waiting for a connection flight. Which is OK, if you’re talking about two, three or even up to six hours. You can grab a snack, catch some Z’s, read a book or chat with your friends.

Anything beyond six hours is a drag and being stuck for an overnight layover royally sucks.

Instead of losing a day or an entire night in the transit area, why not spend that time discovering some parts of the city you’re literally grounded in. Turn waiting time into quality time!

Germany’s banking capital Frankfurt am Main – lovingly called “Mainhattan” by the locals – offers great points of interest, amazing food, lots of culture and a pulsating nightlife! Single guys can even upgrade their city tour with an amazing date as Frankfurt is also home to one of the most established escort agencies in Germany.

10 hours of great fun in Frankfurt

Let’s assume that you have a layover of 12 hours. You leave the plane at 6pm and your connecting flight takes off at 6am. Keeping in mind that you need to check out, maybe store your bags and check in the next morning. Hence, you should deduct at least two hours of your leisure time. Also consider that you might need a transit visa to leave the airport!

To reach the city center, you can either take a taxi, which is expensive in German, hail an Uber or take the subway. The lines S8 and S9 will take you in 15 minutes to the station “Hauptwache”. From there it’s just a short walk to the old town.

While you’re there, enjoy a bit of culture …

Check out the Goethestraße which is THE upscale shopping area in town. If you are interested in old architecture, stroll through the reconstructed old town with its beautiful houses, visit the legendary town hall called “Römer” and don’t forget to pay a visit to the impressive Frankfurt Cathedral.

… eat a Wurst …

Once you’ve ticked off all the cultural stuff, it’s time to dive into the German cuisine! And yes … the city has its own and very famous sausage specialty: The Frankfurter Wurst! This cooked sausage traditionally comes with a hearty potato salad, lots of mustard and some rustic bread. But don’t worry. If that is not your style, the local kitchen has a lot more to offer! If you like cheese, you must try the “Handkäs mit Musik”! Roughly translated, this smelly but very tasty delicacy is called “Hand Cheese with Music”. To drink, go for the locally brewed apple cider (“Appelwoi”). If you’re still not convinced: Frankfurt is home to hundreds of restaurants serving culinary delights from all over the world. So, no worries!

… drink a nice cocktail …

By now the time is right to experience the city’s amazing nightlife! The best way to start off into the night is by enjoying a nice cocktail while looking over the impressive skyline. One of the coolest rooftop-bars in Frankfurt is called the “Long Island Summer Lounge”. The top floor of a multi-story car park in the financial district is in fact THE place to chill for the local jet set! If you prefer a more urban and less fancy atmosphere, have a drink in the “Oosten”. This trendy bar is located directly by the river Main offering a stunning view and plenty of industrial charm.

… go clubbing …

Time to go clubbing in Frankfurt! Back in the 90s the city was one of the global birthplaces of electronic music – and that vibe is still around today! If you’re into progressive techno beats or fantastic house sounds, the “Tanzhaus West” is the place to be. And if you’re still looking for a date to enjoy your Frankfurt adventure with, here is another tip for you: the dating website Taleja is an amazing platform for singles, who want to casually hook up in Frankfurt.

… and don’t forget to check the time!

Remember: You’re on a layover. At first sight, Frankfurt might not be the most picturesque, trendy and hip city in Germany. But once you got to know it a little bit, a 12-hour layover in this pulsating city feels way too short! You’ve only scratched the surface and there is so much more to discover …

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel tips category.

It doesn’t matter if you’re using an Atlanta rental charter bus, ordering an UBER, or exploring the city by food. Whatever your transportation choice may be, there are several hotspots around the city that should not be missed. Some of these attractions are geared towards history buffs, some towards avid beer drinkers, and some towards lovers of all things nature.

ATL Hot Spots for History Buffs

There are plenty of attractions throughout the city that serve as the perfect stopping spot for history buffs. One of these is the Center for Civil and Human Rights, where you can go to learn about the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. You’ll see artifacts from MLK, including his handwritten speeches that made a world of difference at Civil Rights rallies.

You can also visit the home of Martin Luther King Jr. and see where he preached his powerful sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can even explore the room where he was born back on that fateful day in 1929. You can opt for a guided tour or check out the area yourself, but if a guided tour is on your itinerary be sure to show up early, they fill up fast.

ATL Hot Spots for Food and Drink Lovers

There are plenty of spots throughout the city to satisfy your tummy, no matter if you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or an alcoholic beverage of some kind. Atlanta has even been referred to as a “top foodie destination” since there are trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes all over the city. If you love seafood, reserve a table at Watchman’s Seafood and Spirits.

Need fresh greens in your life? Check out Local Green, a super fresh take on traditional ATL food. Vegetarians will love the jackfruit sandwich, which is the closest thing to pulled pork in terms of taste and texture that you’ll ever come across. You can also get a vegan pizza or cauliflower tacos. This might not be the place for extreme carnivores, but it is a vegan/vegetarian’s paradise.

For beer lovers, Atlanta is a dream come true. You can even set up a brewery tour with your charter bus provider or do a walking tour on your own. Be sure to check out these popular breweries throughout the city: Orpheus Brewing, SweetWater Brewing Company, and Scofflaw Brewing Company.

ATL Hot Spots for Outdoorsy Individuals

Some travellers to Atlanta are surprised by the amount of outdoor opportunities there are throughout the city. You can stop and smell the roses at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which is located within the confines of Piedmont Park. You can also make a stop at Centennial Park or Stone Mountain Park to get your fix or fresh air.

No matter what your travel preferences are, it’s pretty obvious that a trip to Atlanta can satisfy them. It is a common misconception that ATL is just an average urban destination, but it is so much more than just average.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Sometimes, when you get too excited during your trip, you could end up blowing your budget. You spent time determining how much you are going to spend and for which expenses. These tips will help you remain faithful to your budget and avoid overspending.

Keep track of everything spent  

You might feel excited about purchasing items that you find interesting, and you insist on buying them even when they are not a part of your budget. If you are unable to control yourself, you need to offset the said expense by reducing the amount you use for other items in your budget. By tracking what you have already spent, it will be easy to determine if you still have enough money left.

Create a daily travel budget

It helps if you have a daily budget, and when you have already used it up, you need to stop spending. You can head back to your place or look for activities that do not require you to spend more money. You can adjust your budget for the next day if you are willing to sacrifice some activities you intended to do on that day.

Cut back on things you can have at home

Some people enjoy their trip so much to the point that they get drunk. They also splurge on food. These things are available at home except for the uniquedishes that you can only find in the place that you are visiting. Therefore, it does not make sense for you to splurge on these things. The cost of alcohol varies from one country to another depending on the local taxes.

Use public transportation

You can save a lot if you decide to take buses or trains instead of a cab. It is also challenging since you need to figure out how to go from one place to another. You might get lost or confused along the way, but it is part of the experience.

Eat like the locals

Find the best places where most locals eat on a regular day. Avoid fine dining since you will surely blow your budget. You might splurge on one meal for the entire trip, but that is it. You might even consider cooking at your place, so you do not eat out all the time. You can purchase ingredients in a local grocery store and save money. You may also want to research ways to save money on food while traveling.

Reconsider your accommodation options

You might have to spend a large portion of your budget on accommodation. Instead of renting a hotel room, you can find and choose one of the big houses to rent available in the area. You might think that they are expensive, but you will get your money’s worth. These places are comfortable for your entire family. It is way better than a hotel room which is small and expensive. You will also spend money to rent several rooms since there is a maximum number of people allowed per room.

You need to be smart in using your money when travelling, so you are not broke when you head home.

The honeymoon is a really important moment in the life of a couple. It should be among the most memorable moments in one’s life. Obviously, the most important part of the honeymoon is the spouse. However, nobody can deny how important it is to have wonderful accommodations present.

Choosing an all-inclusive luxury resort like those you see at Capital Resorts Group reviews is not a simple decision. You will think about so many different things. The big advantage is that you pay in advance for practically everything that you receive, including rooms, activities, drinks and meals. However, you can also opt for paying just for the accommodations and then pay for activities, drinks and meals once you are there. Choosing between the two is difficult.

One of the easiest ways to choose the all-inclusive luxury resort, together with whether or not you want to pay for everything in advance, is to consider the following factors.

Available Budget

Sometimes a honeymoon budget is really strict but in others it is not at all. Is there enough money to deal with the unexpected trip expenses? This is something that should be taken into account as you always need some money for situations that are unexpected. Based on this, you can see how much money can actually be paid and your choices become simpler.

Be Careful With Included Drinks

When the deal that is offered says all drinks are included, you need to read the fine print or talk to someone at the resort to understand exactly what is offered. Sometimes the drinks are just local alcohol that you will most likely not love. If this is the case, it is usually better to buy your own drinks. Fortunately, when opting for the best all-inclusive luxury resorts, the drinks are high-quality.

Check Included Activities

You need to think about what you want to do as a couple while on your honeymoon. Are you interested in relaxation and you want to spend a lot of time together in a dream home? Are you more interested in adrenaline activities? These are important questions to ask since most all-inclusive luxury resorts include some activities. Will you take advantage of them? If not, it is better to opt for a deal that does not include activities so that you can pay for those that you want.

Entertainment is always important for a honeymoon. It is equally important as activities that are enjoyed. There are couples that want to explore while others just want to stay at home and watch movies in a state of the art home theatre room. Consider your preferences so you choose the very best possible options for you as a couple.

Final Thoughts

Always consider the tips mentioned above and you are going to be able to choose some really great all-inclusive luxury resorts where you can create those honeymoon memories that will last for a lifetime. Take as much time as you need to make the best possible choice. There is definitely no shortage of all-inclusive resorts to consider.

 

Whether you’re new to traveling or have spent your entire life exploring foreign locales, simply continue reading to discover a few travel tips which may make traveling from a to b a little easier.

Travel Tips for First Time Travelers and Seasoned Adventurers:

1. Make sure to carry a rechargeable battery pack on you, at all times

If you rely on your smartphone for storing your travel information such as your hotel bookings and plane tickets, it’s well worth making sure that you always have a pre-charged rechargeable battery pack with you, at all times. Thankfully rechargeable battery packs are fairly inexpensive to purchase.

2. If you enjoy camping, make sure to purchase a solar-powered rechargeable battery pack

If you enjoy camping when you travel or spend a lot of time taking part in exciting outdoor pursuits such as hiking, you may want to opt to purchase a solar-powered rechargeable battery pack which you’ll be able to clip on to your backpack or your tent.

3. Don’t bother packing a spare change of clothes in your carry on

While in the past travelers would often pack a spare outfit in their carry on luggage, the reality is that most airports offer inexpensive stores where you’ll be able to purchase a spare change of clothes in the rare event that your airline loses your checked in luggage!

As a bonus, you’ll find it far easier to keep your carry on bag organized, if you don’t have bulky items such as clothes taking up unnecessary safe in your carry on bag.

4. Remember to spend all your leftover coins before you leave a foreign country which you rarely visit

While you may choose to keep notes with a high denomination for a future trip or to exchange for your home currency, you’re probably best of spending all of your coins before you leave a foreign country.

As an example, you may want to purchase a few small souvenirs for your loved ones back home, when you’re passing through duty-free. Or you may want to use your coins to purchase a drink or a bite to eat at your terminal.

5. Always travel with a sleeping bag liner

If you find yourself staying at a hotel which has dirty sheets that you don’t want to lie on, you’ll find being able to sleep on a clean silk sleeping bag liner a lifesaver. Better yet sleeping bag liners are thin and take up little space in your suitcase.

6. Purchase water at airports to take on your long-haul flights

While most airlines offer free water, once you’ve drunk the free bottle of water which you’ll normally find on your chair, you’ll have to hail down a flight attendant in order to get a cup of water. Which can be difficult, especially when the lights are out and your fellow travelers are sleeping and flight attendants decrease the amount of time which they spend walking through your cabin, in an effort not to disturb passengers.

So next time you head off on an overseas adventure, make sure to refer back to this handy article for tips on how to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.