Searching for Beauty in New Zealand, by crampy_au

This post by I Eat My Pigeon got me thinking about age and travel.

Are certain places perfect for certain age brackets but totally wrong for others??

Can we divide our travel careers into travel decades?

Let’s take my travel CV as an example and see which travel decade fits you best!

0 – 10 Fun, Sun and Sand

Running, swimming, adventure and silliness.

My 0-10 destinations were Orlando, Florida and Marbella, Spain.

10 – 20 The Naughty Years

Making friends, getting up to mischief, partying and general naughtiness!

For me this was island hopping in Greece, skiing in France and shopping in New York….. Cancun and Ibiza also fit well in the Naughty Years!

20 – 30 The Backpacking Decade

Baggy pants, beach huts and hostel parties.

My backpacking 20’s were spend in Thailand, Australia, Goa and Mexico.

30 – 40 Searching for Beauty

Slowing down the pace, searching for beautiful, unique and special places.

Not quite 30 but hoping to put New Zealand, Italy and China in my 30 – 40 travel decade.

Which travel decade are you? Does it match your age? Still in the Naughty Years at 30, Backpacking at 50? Let us know, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this you might also like: Which Continent Are You?

I love to travel…. loads but I also like staying in one place.

Some people, however, take their passion to a whole new level.

If you really really love to travel all the time then this article is for you!

Check out these 21 tell-tale signs and see if you are, in fact, a travel addict!

1. Your travel bucket list is 4 pages long

2. Coming home is more like a vacation from traveling

3. On your home-ward flight, you’re already planning your next trip

4. Once home, you’re already booking your next trip

5. Staying in the same place for more than one week makes you fidgety

6. Films make you want to travel

7. Books make you want to travel

8. Music makes you want to travel

9. Every day brings a new destination idea

10. You work to fund your next trip

11. 9 to 5 makes you feel like you’re in prison

12. You don’t wait around for people but take off on your own

13. Thinking about all the places you haven’t been makes you feel anxious

14. When you’re not traveling you fantasize about traveling

15. You say you could stop traveling whenever you want

16. You’re happiest on the road

17. You’re constantly counting countries and continents

18. Booking flights gives you an amazing high

19. The high street in your hometown plunges you into despair

20. You’ve tried living a stationary life many times but you always fall off the wagon

21. Your parents have suggested you seek professional help

How did you score?? Any travel addicts out there? Let us know we want to meet you!

If you liked this you might also like: 25 Signs that You’re a True Citizen of the World

We all have our own ideas of beauty, I prefer tall and tanned whilst others opt for pale and interesting.

As beauty is so subjective, is it at all possible to create a list of the best looking nations in the world??

Apparently so! Check out this list of the 10 Hottest Nations in the World and bear in mind when planning your next trip!

1. America
2. Brazil
3. Spain
4. Australia
5. Italy
6. Sweden
7. England
8. India
9. France
10. Canada

Agree or disagree? Has a super-hot nation been left off the list?? Let us know, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this, you might also like: Top 10 Happiest Counties in the World

List taken from research conducted by onepoll.com

Traveling with a partner? Continuing the romance theme this month, these tips are not to be missed for all lovers in transit…

Traveling with a partner has its rewards and pitfalls. So before you head out together to explore the wild blue yonder, give these tips some serious consideration.

Trust me, it will make life on the road together a lot smoother!

1) Communicate

Probably the most important tip of all, communicating about where you want to go and what you want to do before you go will make things a lot easier once you’re away from home.

Make sure the destination you choose is compatible with both of your desires and that you’ve each had a chance to talk and listen.

2) Separate

Sometimes taking time apart will make the trip better for both of you, especially if you’re on a long journey.

Don’t be afraid to take a day trip to that underground cave you’re dying to see while your partner lounges on the beach.

If you’re hesitant to go out alone as a woman, reach a destination where you feel comfortable. Then your partner can venture out for a day or two while you enjoy a secure adventure of your own.

3) Compromise

Compromise doesn’t always entail giving up on what you want or meeting in the middle. Sometimes rock climbing and deep sea diving just won’t jive. Don’t sweat it.

Rather, dare to do things you think you may not like on occasion. By the same token, make sure your partner is coming with you on your wild escapades too.

4) Plan Ahead

I don’t mean that you should book everything ahead of time. But it is a good idea, especially on shorter trips, to make sure you’ll both be able to do what you want at a given destination.

Disclaimer: if you’re not a planner and neither is your partner, that’s OK. Just be sure you’re both ok with the fact that if you don’t plan you may end up in a youth hostel bunk-bed, or skipping a meal.

Not planning can lead to the greatest adventures, but it should be fun for both of you.

5) Respect

At home you have your creature comforts and your personal space at your disposal all the time. Sometimes being on the road together crimps that style.

Make sure you’re respecting each other’s privacy by being considerate – especially when it comes to sharing a bathroom!

6) Keep it Romantic

There’s nothing more fun than getting a romantic surprise whilst traveling, but it should be something you know your partner will like. Don’t throw a surprise party if you know your partner wants a tranquil escape!

7) Indulge

Don’t buy that $10,000 rug in Mumbai if you’ll be paying it off for the next ten years. But indulgence is relative. If it means going a little over your budget then go for it.

In Kerala, India, my partner and I once decided to rent a houseboat for $100 a day (a literal fortune compared to what we’d been spending), but the experience was worth every penny!

Keep in mind that you may never return to a place. Don’t hesitate. You won’t be sorry.

Don’t Sweat the Small Things

New destinations can be stressful, small irritations and stressful events often occur whilst traveling. This can lead to frustration and aggression, which sometimes gets taken out on your partner.

Take time to cool off and then let it go. Don’t let the little things get in the way of a great vacation together.

If major incompatibilities arise on the road, work it out once you’re back home. Don’t waste your trip on couple’s therapy!

Had some awesome or disastrous experiences traveling as a couple? Let us know, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this you might also like: 10 Ways to Avoid Vacation Stress.

As Winter turns to Spring the animal kingdom is preparing itself for the mating season.

As thoughts turn to fluffy bunnies, skipping lambs and flower blossoms, it’s the perfect time to start/grow a family.

Check out these stunning places across the world, ideal for baby-making!

1. Yoshino, Japan

d’n'c

THE number one destination in Japan to catch sight of the annual cherry blossoms. A dreamy destination to contemplate the cycle of life.

2. Breacon Becons, Wales, UK

Alan Stanton

Young lambs galloping across lush, rolling hills. A Spring mating paradise.

3. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Danny Nicholson

Water: a beautiful symbol of life. A stunning spot to reflect on the new life you’re about to create.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amy Bonner

The Tulip capital of the world, where you’ll find fields upon fields bursting with the joy of life.

5. Procreation Vacation!

The latest trend of many luxury resorts and spas, such as the Five Gables Inn offering a special “Birds and Bees” package for aspiring baby makers!

Where was your baby made?! Any more great suggestions for Spring baby-making?! We’ want to hear from you!

If you liked this you might also like: The 12 Most Magnificent Lakes in the World

Met someone fantastic on your travels but finding the distance difficult to deal with?

Take stock of your relationship this Valentine’s Day and follow this sound advice for dealing with the difficulties of long-distance love!

1. Pick up the Phone

Communication is key to sustaining love across borders.

Email sucks. Stay in regular contact over the phone (Skype with web cam is even better) and you’ll be better placed to overcome the obstacles posed by the distance between you.

2. Get on a Plane

Nothing beats quality time in real-time, real life!

Throw money at the problem, get on a plane and go visit your significant other whenever you can. Otherwise the passion will fade. A relationship can’t survive on memories alone.

3. Be Realistic

If there’s absolutely no chance of you being in the same country for any length of time at any point in the foreseeable future then there’s little point keeping the love affair going.

Face facts, be practical and cut the chord sooner rather than later.

4. Set a Deadline

Set a date when one of you is going to make a move. It’ll give you both a tangible landmark to look forward to and keep the relationship moving forward.

5. Test out the Waters

Don’t jump into the deep end. Take things slowly. Try out a 3-6 month period of togetherness before making any big commitments.

A gradual approach will help ensure success in the long-term.

6. Maintain Perspective

You may feel like you’ve been together a long time but bear in mind the actual time together in the same place.

Your relationship is most probably still in its very early stages so don’t get carried away.

7. Admit Defeat

All sorts of difficulties may emerge even after one of you makes a move: cultural clashes, missing friends and family, feelings of loneliness in an alien country.

These obstacles could be too difficult to overcome so it may be better for everyone to cut your losses and call it a day.

But – if you believe that love conquers all then don’t give up too quickly, it just might work!!

Had a disastrous long-distance relationship or one that ended happily ever after?! Let us know, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this, you might also like: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Picking a Travel Partner

Think you know yourself pretty well?

Which continent would you say suits you best?

Have a go on our fun quiz and find out where in the world is your perfect fit!

1. You decide to throw a party. What do you go for?

A)    Your 3 closest friends in a quiet bar
B)    A crazy street party
C)    A beach bonfire
D)    Sophisticated dinner party
E)    A wild garden party
F)    A chilled gathering with incense and candles
G)    A dive bar with pumping tunes

2. You’re re-decorating your house. Which style do you choose?

A)    Minimalism
B)    Every wall a different color
C)    Earthy tones
D)    Art prints
E)    Indoor plants and tropical fish
F)    Hanging beads and woven mats
G)   1960’s retro

3. You want to get in shape. Which is your preferred type of exercise?

A)    A punishing program of press-ups
B)    Sweaty dance class
C)    Running in the park
D)    An architectural walking tour
E)    Swimming, climbing and rappelling
F)    Yoga, meditation and reiki
G)    A grueling regime with a personal trainer

4. Your favorite cocktail is:

A)    A refreshing Martini
B)    A spicy Bloody Mary
C)    Organic coffee Kahlúa
D)    A Champagne Bellini
E)    Sex on the Beach
F)    Pina Colada
G)    Whisky Sour

5. Your ideal date would be:

A)    You and your date on top of a hill miles away from everyone
B)    A buzzing restaurant and a passionate kiss
C)    Camping out under the stars
D)    Gourmet dining and fine wine
E)    Beach bar with beautiful people
F)    An eclectic culinary fusion and a selection of exotic teas
G)    Dinner and a movie.

6. Your friends would describe you as?

A)    Quiet and mysterious
B)    Vivacious and sensual
C)    Wild and unpredictable
D)    Well educated and refined
E)    Fun and friendly
F)    Unique and spiritual
G)    Charming and business savvy

7. You’re dressing to impress. What do you wear?

A)    Smooth fabrics and cool colours
B)    Something stretchy and sexy
C)    Scant clothing so your skin can breathe
D)    An impeccable ensemble exquisitely designed
E)    Neon brights
F)    A quirky outfit with vibrant colors
G)    Something cute and sporty

8. You’re hiring a wedding band. Who do you pick?

A)    A solo singer with haunting love songs
B)    A lively 10-piece
C)    Percussionist performers
D)    A string quartet
E)    A brass band
F)    An expressionist dance troop
G)    A great cover band

Results
Mostly A’s: Remote, solitary and mysterious…. You’re Antarctica.
Mostly B’s: Passionate, lively and haphazard….. You’re South America
Mostly C’s: Wild, free and at one with nature….. You’re Africa
Mostly D’s: Refined, sophisticated and cultured….. You’re Europe
Mostly E’s: Down to earth, fun and friendly…. You’re Australia
Mostly F’s: Spiritual, colorful and exotic…. You’re Asia
Mostly G’s: Upbeat, outgoing and open….. You’re North America

Now you’ve figured out which continent you are, find out which travel destination suits you best with Tripbase’s Personalized Destination Finder!

Let us know where you end up!

Proper traveling involves getting dirty.

You won’t always have access to the facilities you’re used to at home. And it’s only when we’re truly filthy do we appreciate being clean.

But if the thought of wallowing in dirt brings you out in a cold sweat, then you’d be well advised to seek out travel destinations renowned for cleanliness.

Check out this list of the 10 Cleanest Streets in the World:

Eat your dinner off the sidewalk!

1. Calgary, Canada

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

3. Helsinki, Finland

4. Ottawa, Canada

5. Minneapolis, US

6. Oslo, Norway

7. Stockholm, Sweden

8. Zurich, Switzerland

9. Katsuyama, Japan

10. Bern, Switzerland

Been to any of these places? Could you eat your dinner off the sidewalk? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this you might also like: Top 10 Friendliest Countries in the World.

List taken from Forbes.com World’s Cleanest Cities.

Just last week I asked you guys for some help planning my perfect winter vacation.

To recap, this was My Winter Vacation Wish-List:

1.    Somewhere hot
2.    Somewhere not too expensive
3.    Somewhere with great food
4.    Somewhere with stuff to see
5.    Somewhere with friendly people

I firstly consulted the Tripbase Destination Finder with my preferences which sent me to….

1. Peru

I like! I also received some great travel recommendations from some spectacular travel bloggers, here were my faves:

2. Malaysia

Recommendation from Cecil, The Travel Feeder

3. Arizona

Recommendation from Nancy D. Brown, What a Trip

4. Belize

Recommendation from Alex, The Virtual Wayfarer

All four places look amazing and fit my criteria for the trip, thanks guys!

I’m looking for sun, good food and friendly people but travel is such a personal thing, everyone wants something different from a destination.

What do you look for when planning a trip? Is it weather, cost, activities, good food, culture, nightlife, family fun??

Post up your comments and let me know!

Photo Credits from Flickr: Peru, Peru travel photos © Matthew Barker, Peru For Less, Malaysia, yuliang11, Arizona, TurnDriverSide, Belize, jayhem

ZEDZAP>Nick

It’s about this time of year that everything starts getting a bit dull and dismal.

Just last week I decided to start planning a winter vacation.

But finding the perfect winter travel destination is not as easy as it sounds.

Fancy helping me out??

I’m going to post up my vacation wish list and I’m counting on you guys to tell me where to go!!

Shouldn’t be too hard bearing in mind you’ve all been just about everywhere!

THE BEST SUGGESTIONS WILL BE FEATURED IN A SPECIAL WINTER TRAVEL BLOG POST.

Sound good? Perfect, here we go:

1.    Somewhere hot

2.    Somewhere not too expensive

3.    Somewhere with great food

4.    Somewhere with stuff to see

5.    Somewhere with friendly people

Not asking too much am I?

I look forward to your suggestions and remember, the best ones will be published right here on this blog!

Get posting travel people, my winter sun depends on it!