Victoria Cross – RyaEast

14
May

These Apps are a Must Have for any Travel Enthusiast

Before traveling, there are a lot of things that you have to remember to do, such as planning activities, ensuring all your documents are up to date, and packing everything that you might need for your trip. If you are an avid traveler and often forget to do something essential, it might be time to consider doing something to make sure you are completely prepared for your trip. Whilst some people like to make lists, there are also some really great apps available that are a must-have for any travel enthusiast. Here are just a few that you should consider downloading:

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy is the perfect app for travelers that like to do things on a budget. If you spend a lot of time in airports thanks to long layovers or flights that often get delayed, this app will make your flying experience so much more comfortable. All you have to do is enter your credit card details, airline status, and lounge memberships and the app will tell you which lounges in the airport will let you in for free, or which ones you can buy a cheap day pass for.

TransferWise

If you are tired of losing money thanks to unfair conversion rates when you transfer money whilst on holiday, then the transfer services for abroad by Transferwise will really improve your entire traveling experiences. This safe and easy app will allow you to transfer money up to eight times more cheaply than the back does thanks to thanks to it’s the system that bypasses expensive international payments.

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is a great app for when you are planning a backpacking trip with minimal costs. The app does exactly what you would expect from an accommodation app or website, however, the design of the website and the interactivity sets it apart as it allows you to see exactly where the hostel is in relation to where you want to visit and also shows you many reviews to make sure that you are staying somewhere clean and safe.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is probably an app that you have already heard of, thanks to its great reputation for finding hundreds of flights at the cheapest possible price. With the app searching over 1,200 sources to find the best available option, you don’t have to look much further to be sure that there aren’t better cheap flights are out there. You can also keep tabs on your favorite flights and destinations, which allows the app to send notifications to your phone if the price changes at all.

TripIt

TripIt is the perfect app for you if planning your itinerary is the most stressful part of your trip. Making sure that your flights, transport, and hotel check-in times are all correct and line up can be difficult, however with TripIt, all you have to do is forward your flight, hotel and all booking confirmations to the app’s email address and the app will set up and show you a detailed itinerary. This takes the stress out of things completely on the day of travel itself so all you have to worry about is how you’re going to relax.

These apps are just a handful of the hundreds that are available to make your travel experience just slightly easier, whether that is with the actual planning of your trip or once you arrive at your holiday destination, there’s bound to be an app to help you with that. If you like the sound of these apps and want to find out about some more, just look for some on the app store or on the internet, see what else is out there.

30
Apr

Best Destinations for a Couples Holiday

By Victoria Cross In Things to Do

Going on holiday with your significant other is always a fun experience, especially if the relationship is quite new and you have never traveled together before. It can allow the two of you to bond and get to know each other better, as well as have an amazing time together exploring new countries and new cultures. Although, it can be hard to decide on a destination that you both would enjoy, which would also have places and activities that appeals to both you and your partner. This is especially true if your tastes are quite different, they do say opposites attract after all! If you are struggling to think of the best destination for you and your partner, this list might be helpful for you:

Paris

I’m sure it is no surprise that Paris is on this list, as it isn’t famously known as The City of Love for nothing. Thanks to the food and wine, the beautiful sites, and the romantic language, Paris has become a very popular destination for couples holidays. Couples flock to the city on their honeymoons, to celebrate their anniversaries or just for romantic getaways. Whether you decide to take the guided tours available around the city, or just take your time getting to know it at your own pace, you are guaranteed to enjoy your time in Paris.

Venice

This famous city is one that everyone should visit if they get the chance, regardless of whether it is for a romantic couples holiday or not. The beautiful canals and small restaurants tucked away down side alleys, make you feel like you have been transported to an entirely new world. You or your partner can take a ride in a gondola, which may be pricey but are definitely worth it for the romance. With other must-see sights, such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, you are unlikely to get bored, however, if you do and you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your partner as you sit on your Venetian balcony, check out ponly. Here you will find conversation and question games to play with your significant other, which will easily pass time in the evenings.

The Caribbean

A popular holiday destination, for families, friends, and couples, the Caribbean has many destinations that you and your partner will enjoy. Whether you stay in a hotel on a resort, in a private villa or cottage, or really anywhere else, you are bound to have a good time thanks to the huge difference in culture, the people you will meet and the gorgeous sights to see. There are also many cruises to take around the Caribbean, something that you and your partner should consider as it can be argued that everyone should go on a cruise at least once in their life.

Santorini

This Greek island is, according to some on the internet, one of the most romantic holiday destinations a couple can go on, thanks to the beautifully whitewashed town of Oia found on the island. The town has become a hugely popular destination for honeymoons thanks to the unique buildings built into the side of a cliff and breathtaking ocean views. The town is also very well known for the sunsets that can be seen there, provided perfect photo-ops to remember your holiday by. Whether you are going for your honeymoon or just a holiday away, definitely consider this Greek island, if not for the beautiful sights then the chance to discover and learn about a new and interesting culture.

Tokyo

If timed correctly, booking a holiday to visit this city or many other Japanese cities at the start of the year, you may get to see the famous cherry blossoms. This beautiful once a year occurrence is something that you are likely to remember for the rest of your life and will definitely make your holiday with your significant other extremely special. As well as this, the Japenese culture is hugely different from that of the western world, making it an ideal destination to go and learn about new foods and ways of life. Whilst often thought of as busy, you and your partner might just enjoy the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Author: Victoria Cross