10 Great Free Stuff To Do in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of the most liveliest and beautiful cities in Australia. It is the cultural hub of the country and there is always so much to do and see in Melbourne, that a day or two often extends a short holiday. Melbourne offers a lot to those tourists too, who are on a budget holiday and want to explore the city for free. In addition to the budget accommodation found there, There are a number of great free things to do in Melbourne such as:

1. Federation Square

Federation Square

Federation Square is located on the route of the free city circle tram. It is a huge space packed with restaurants and bars. However it is also the place to catch all the major sporting events of the world on the huge television set that is mounted at the federation square. It is an experience in itself to watch an adrenalin packed match with crowds that cheer and jeer at each and every victory and defeat. There are a number of museums there, and tourists can visit them and catch a cultural glimpse of the city and the best part of all - the entry to the museums is free!

2. Australian Center for the Moving Image

The Australian Center for the Moving Image is located at the Federation Square and it is a treasure trove of almost everything pertaining to screen-based art. Crowds throng the museum on weekends and it is a delight to learn the evolution of art through the exhibits. The center is open 10 am to 5pm on Monday to Fridays. On the weekend and on public holidays the center is open from 10 am to 6pm.

3. City Circle Tram

It is a cultural lesson in itself to travel by the city circle tram to all the major tourist spots of the city. And that is because the trams are very old and historical plus there is a running commentary that gives details about the places that one is visiting. The city circle tram has an old world charm about it and perhaps the best part about it is that it's totally free!

4. National Gallery of Victoria

The celebrated National Gallery of Victoria is located on the St. Kilda Road and it is the place to go to in case you are an art buff. It houses the works of some of the most famous and biggest artists, of not only Australia but of the world as well.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

They are one of the best botanical gardens in the world and a trip to them is not to be missed at all.

6. Picnic in Edinburgh Gardens

Edinburg Gardens are beautiful and landscaped with a lot of love. In case you have some time on your hands then do pack a picnic lunch and head there for an awesome time.

7. Go cycling by the Yarra River

Yarra River

Tourists also enjoy to cycle alongside the Yarra River. They not only manage to get their dose of exercise but catch the beautiful scenery of the river also.

8. Watch fireballs by the River in the night

Post 8pm, there are fireworks by the Yarra River and you can catch the exhilarating display for free!

9. Festivals and Street Parties

Melbourne hosts a number of festivals and street parties such as the Moomba, Vietnamese Festival, Northcote Festival etc. They are the place to be if you want some great live music, yummy street food and a great fun-filled atmosphere.

10.Picnic at the Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens are an out of the world experience with their miniature villages, dragons and fairies. If you want to pamper the inner child in you, then just head to the Fitzroy Gardens with a picnic basket and have a whale of a time.

Melbourne is a great city and it is a boon for all the budget travelers who have a beautiful vacation without burning a hole in their pockets!

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in Madrid

People travel for various reasons; to have fun, to do business, see the world and find out about cultures and habits of people living around the globe. If the thought of visiting Madrid has never crossed your mind before, you better start thinking about it seriously, because you never know where your next business trip will take you, and am sure you don't want to find it rough, shopping around for the best affordable hotel or resort deals available. Because of this, i have listed 7 places you can find accommodation for just under $50 per night.

1. Etap Madrid Valentin Beato

You don't have to spend several dollars to find quality accommodation in Madrid. Though this hotel is not very close to the city center, it might serve your purpose well if you don't have commitments in town. This place is just too good for its price. Not only is it comfortable, the rooms are clean, compact and can accommodate up to 3 individuals. Again, there's satellite TV for those of us who love entertainment, and breakfast is optional (not inclusive in the fee charged).

Definitely, it's a place you can check out when you're on a budget. No frills, and it's even easier to access it from the airport. Just pick bus number 200 and it will make 3 stops and there you are.

Ibis Alcala De Henares

2. Ibis Alcala De Henares


It's well worth your $50. The Ibis will treat you well. I can't forget to mention their friendly staff (so don't be surprised if the managers rushes upstairs with your wife's handbag because she'd forgotten it downstairs during breakfast), you'll also appreciate their simple, clean, yet modern rooms which are fantastic for people who have families. Again, this is a great place for those looking to stay away from the town center.

3. Husa Moncloa

When i asked about hotel Husa, i was told that it's a great place for people looking to stay near the the city center on a budget. Word has it that hotel Husa's staff are friendly (though i haven't confirmed), and very attentive to clients' concerns. Breakfast; top rating, plus you receive free chocolates and liquor in the comfort of your room. It's a 30minutes walk from town, and you can use the super metro system to rich town quickly if you don't have time.

4. Hostal Concepcion Arenal

Here comes the thrill of hotel Hostal. Just 100m away from Gran Via, this guesthouse is just too good for its price. If you want to indulge, and get familiar with Madrid's culture, habits and practices of the local people, definitely i would recommend this place because of its proximity to Gran Via-the heart of Madrid's cultural and shopping artery. All in all, it's a clean, comfortable and safe place to be.

5. Hostal Salamanca

If you want a little bit of prestige, and experience what it means to spend a night or two in one of Madrid's finest business hub, then this is the ultimate place for you. It's location makes it an ideal place to be, easily accessed from Barajas airport and beautifully surrounded by state of the art shops and boutiques. And by nightfall, you will discover the thrills of Juan Bravo's Avenue disco pubs such as Doblon or Keeper. If not, you can try some of the glorious restaurants in the area for a full experience of culture, habits, as well as way of life of the people living in Madrid.

The Way hostel Madrid

6. The Way hostel

Though it's a hostel, there are several things you'll love about sleeping the night away in this hostel. Firstly, its location is desirable (a walking distance from most sites), a spacious and comfortable lounge area, as well as several tour events to crown your experience here. You'll enjoy, though there's a suggestion contribution of about 8 euros at the end (don't worry because it isn't a must either).

7. Cat's hostel

With its proximity to Plazor mayor, many guest are opting to spend the night here. Not only is it situated in a nice location, but it has large rooms that can be used for private, or shared rental. Again, all the rooms are very clean, safe and well lit. Other features that may attract you include a central fountain, wooden windows, attractive Spanish tiles, and its architectural attributes in general.


It's a real challenge traveling on a budget. But it's more mind boggling when you have to shop around for the countless accommodations options available that will suit your pocket--and you don't know where to start. Who said that you can't sleep in Madrid comfortably under $50 anyway? The above list will prove you wrong if you thought there aren't accommodation deals under $50.

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in Amsterdam

If you are looking for a serene place to spend your summer holidays then Amsterdam may be the best choice. This place has a lot to offer to its tourists. The, culture, habits and heritage of the people living in Amsterdam is quite interesting. The pristine natural beauty, the beautiful churches and the parks constitute the main tourist attraction of this place. While going on a tour one has to surely think about the expenses and a tour to Amsterdam in luxury can be heavy on your pocket. In order to save money you must never miss out on any of the popular tourist attractions and so the best way to cut down the expenses is to choose inexpensive hotels and such other places for accommodation.

There are a lot of budget hotel in Amsterdam, some of them starting from a range as low as 25 dollars. However, it is unfair to think that hotels that charges less money will not provide you with any facilities or that their services will be poor. Here is a list of a few hotels that provide a lot of wonderful facilities and charge low price at the same time.

· Mercure Amsterdam Arthur Frommer.

This boutique hotel is located near Prinsengracht which is the centre of Amsterdam. The best part of this hotel is that most of the tourist destinations are only walking distance away from it. Travelling by tram is the best way to reach this hotel. This hotel has an awesome location. It lures its customers with a paltry price of $24 and provides clean rooms and luxurious interiors.

Hem Hotel Amsterdam

· Hem Hotel Amsterdam.

Situated in Voorburgstraat, this hotel provides you with all the basic necessities including well-furnished rooms and ready-room services and exquisite restaurants. With facilities of swimming pool, laundry, sauna, banquet halls etc. it is no less than a five-starrer. And you will be amazed to know that you will receive all these services at a meagre charge of just $25.

· Falcon Plaza Hotel.

This hotel is located in Valkenburgerstraat. It also provides with exquisite services that cater to both your basic as well as your additional needs. The prices for this hotel start from $33.

· Best Western Blue Square Hotel.

It is located in Slotermeerlaan. This hotel provides world-class service to the visitors. The hotel authorities have also made special provisions so that tourists can buy souvenirs that depict the culture and habits prevalent in that place. The starting price charged by this hotel is only $45.

· Hotel Casa 400.

This hotel is situated within the ring road of Amsterdam. The location of the hotel is outstanding. Tourists can easily take a public transport from the hotel to reach the heart of Amsterdam within nine minutes. The station is only three minute walking distance from the hotel. This hotel provides all the basic necessities and overwhelms its guests you additional features like free internet and parking services. The costs of rooms in Hotel Casa 400 start from a meagre $13.

· Poet Hotel Amsterdam.

Poet Hotel Amsterdam

The hotel is located in Jan Luijkenstraat. The location is magnificent, and the needs of the tourists are catered to with great hospitality. Plus the additional attraction is its cost, which is $48.

· Hotel City Garden Amsterdam.
The hotel is located in P C Hooftstraat. This hotel has seventy rooms which provide beautiful view and are beautifully decorated. Each of these rooms comes with a private bathroom and other facilities like a flat screen television, a safe, a telephone etc. The price charged for booking a room in this hotel starts from $33.

These are a few of the many cheap hotels that you will find once you land in Amsterdam. So without thinking twice about the cost, you can pack your bags and set aboard to see and enjoy the habit, culture and heritage of Amsterdam.

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in Jerusalem

The city of Jerusalem is one of the leading cities in terms of travel and tourism in the world. The religious significance of Jerusalem has attracted pilgrims from all over the globe who frequently visit some of the remarkable sites within the city. With unforgettable tourist sites such as the Jerusalem market, the church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Mary's Tomb in Kidron valley, Jerusalem registers huge traffic of both foreign and domestic tourists all year round. Accommodation within Jerusalem is one of the important factors to consider when visiting. Ranging from the pricing, the level of comfort and the location, accommodation facilities vary and as such it is good to sample. Below are some of the greatest accommodation options under $50.

Citadel guest House

Located in East Jerusalem, this comfortable and relaxing guest house is a two minutes walk from Hurva Synagogue. The visitors here are treated to a safe haven with free Wi-Fi a rooftop terrace and a picnic area. The rooms are fitted with a ceiling fan, satellite televisions and a telephone. The shared kitchen is an option for those who may want to have their meals from within. There are dining options around for those who prefer to eat out.

Eden Hotel Jerusalem

Eden Hotel Jerusalem

This is a spectacular accommodation option with free parking; air conditioned rooms and free internet. The rooms which are 23 in total are fitted with cable television and have kitchenettes. Breakfast for the hotel residents is served in a very nicely done dining area. The hotel location near restaurants and cafes makes it a darling for those who love outdoor partying.

Jerusalem Inn Hotel

This hotel by far offers the best bed and breakfast packages at an affordable price. With a total of 23 rooms, its location at the centre of Jerusalem makes it easily accessible just steps away from Jaffa Street. It offers its guests a unique Israel breakfast buffet in addition to a free laptop and wireless internet to use while in the hotel. The beds are comfortable each with a digital deposit box.

Palatin Hotel Jerusalem

Its location at the heart of Jerusalem makes it just a few steps away from the Old City. Its close proximity to banking facilities, restaurants, cafes and art galleries captures the imagination of visitors. All the 28 rooms have wireless internet, air conditioned rooms with telephone and cable television. The experienced staffs here are very resourceful in giving directions and Jerusalem tour tips.

Jerusalem Tower Hotel

As its name aptly puts it, this hotel is truly a tower located in central Jerusalem. It is situated close to Ben Yehuda Pedestrian shopping mall. The hotel has 120 fully furnished air conditioned rooms each fitted with a cable television and a safe deposit box. The staffs are very friendly and they can be of material assistance when booking day trips around Jerusalem. It offers parking facilities, a bar, a gift shop and a coffee shop. The meeting rooms are open to guests who may want to use it.

La Perle Hotel Jerusalem

Located in downtown Jerusalem, this unique boutique hotel is planted close to stores, bars, restaurants and bus termini. Its 12 rooms consist of 6 double and 6 single rooms. It has wireless internet, cable television and air conditioning. They are also fitted with kitchenettes and the lovely shared verandas offer perfect relaxation options. The hotel offers both short stay and long stay visitor packages. The staffs are bilingual and very resourceful.

Montefiore Hotel Jerusalem

Montefiore Hotel Jerusalem

Located at a walking distance from the Old City, the Western Wall and Ben Yehuda Promenade, this hotel has excellent public transport connections that can take you round the city. It has 47 rooms all having Wi-Fi connections and upon request, a free laptop is given so that you can connect with people back at home. The Angelica Restaurant offers fine grill and exceptionally done dishes.

With all these great and affordable places to stay, a visit to Jerusalem can be one of the most memorable events. Coupled with the many types of tours in Jerusalem; choosing whether to settle for double decker bus or just walk can be somehow difficult and confusing. Luckily, the department of tourism offers guided tours.

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5 Reasons Fall Is the Best Time to Travel

From the time we are kids, we’re conditioned to count down the days until summer. Summer means freedom from responsibilities, vacation time and fun in the sun.

Or maybe you dream of getting away during the winter months, and escaping the snow and ice and visiting someplace warm and sunny — or going the opposite direction and hitting the slopes on your favorite mountain.

While there are numerous benefits to getting away during the winter and summer months, there are just as many drawbacks — most notably the increased crowds and increased rates. When everyone is headed to the most popular destinations at the same time, your long-dreamed-of getaway could turn into a very expensive headache as you stand in yet another line and navigate yet another crowd.

The solution? Travel during the off season, most notably the autumn months. In fact, by some accounts, fall is the best time to travel just about anywhere for several reasons.

Fewer Crowds

For many people, the summer months and school vacation weeks over the holidays and in the later winter and mid-spring are the most convenient times to travel, and for many, this is because the kids are out of school. Even those without kids try to get away during those months — there’s just something about spending a week at the beach during the summer no matter how old you are. But then there’s the problem of crowds. With everyone flocking to the same places at the same time, traffic, lines and long waits are inevitable; for example, wait times to see monuments or major landmarks in some cities can reach up to four hours or longer during the summer months. If you travel in the fall, most of those other travelers will have returned home, shortening the time you have to wait for popular attractions and increasing the chance that you’ll score a room at that great hotel you’ve always wanted to stay at or a table at the hot new restaurant.

Lower Rates

Another benefit of lower crowds? Lower rates travel. The same trip that you would take in the summer could be as much as 50-percent cheaper if you travel in the fall. Because fewer travelers are clamoring for reservations come September, travel providers drop their rates to attract visitors or even offer special perks like free meals or spa treatments to attract visitors. Travelers to major cities who visit on the weekends might find even better deals; for example, Toronto hotels that cater to business travelers often offer special weekend deals to entice travelers to fill the rooms on the weekends (find additional info on deals here). The upshot? More money in your pocket and the same — or better — trip.

Better Weather

Just because the calendar changes to September doesn’t mean that the freezer switch is turned on. In fact, many destinations like Canada and New England have some of the best weather of the year in the fall months. If a beach trip is what you have in mind, most southern beach towns still have warm and sunny weather well into October or even later. If hurricanes are a concern, purchase travel insurance.

Exciting Festivals

In many parts of the world, fall marks the beginning of festival season. From world-renowned events like Munich’s Oktoberfest and Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta to more specialized events like Knoxville’s Boomsday fireworks festival, you’ll find celebrations of music, art, food and more around the world in the fall. Serious wine lovers tend to flock to wine producing regions in the fall, when the grapes are harvested and the wine-making process begins, while many regions burst with color as the leaves start to change. All told, fall cannot be beat in terms of celebrations and things to

do.

Easier Logistics

Have you ever tried asking for time off over the Fourth of July, or the week between Christmas and New Year’s? You probably have to do it months in advance, even if your plans aren’t nailed down yet, because others are asking for the same time off. Taking your vacation time in the fall might be an easier sell, as the rest of your office isn’t headed out of town at the same time. If you have kids, getting away after school starts might be a little trickier, but building your trip around long weekends usually means fewer missed days for them.

While there is really no “bad” time to travel, fall certainly has some considerable advantages over other times of the year. If you are thinking about a getaway, consider planning your trip between September and November. You might just find yourself counting the days until September instead of June.

Railroad and autumn leaves image photo credit: Ian Sane / Foter / CC BY

Renaissance festival foxes photo credit: eschipul / Foter / CC BY-SA

About the Author: Louise Vinciguerra might be a fantastic joke teller, but her ability to plan great trips is no joke. She makes her living as a content creator, spending her days on Facebook, Wordpress and Twitter.

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in London

Traveling to London is a very exciting experience. It can be expensive doing so, however. With the increased cost of affair and essentially every other commodity related to traveling you will find that saving money on a room can give you a great more of spending money if you know where to look. There are many hotels in London, but many have very high price tags. Most hotels charged a minimum of $150 per night. There are many that will charge for other guests as well if you get a smaller room. For the savvy traveler, though, finding a great hotel is a simple matter of research.

Tune Hotels London

Tune Hotels

This chain of hotels is one of the most affordable in London. It balances economy with luxury and has many of the accommodations other high class hotels have but with a much lower cost. You can book a room here for as little as $35 per night. You can even get deals here that make the room even more inexpensive if you book during special deals. This hotel is perfect as there are three in central London and will accommodate just about any person or group.

Pavilion Hotel

This hotel has gained a reputation as a great place to stay and has affordable pricing. There is not only that, but the fact that you can soak up a lot culture from this hotel. Each room seems like a movie set in some ways. The hotel has a surreal and inviting atmosphere. You can get a room here for as little as $80 a night. Compared to many other hotels you will find this hotel is very unique and satisfying.

Umi Hotel London

This hotel is a more budget friendly hotel than many other mid-level hotels of the same kind. This hotel focuses on quality of service and great accommodations. It is unique among hotels of its type because it is much larger than other hotels of the sort. It also overlooks a private garden and is a very quiet area. If you are looking for a place to relax this is a great place that gives you quick access to the city, but also allows you to have peace when you want it. Rooms here start are just over $65 per night.

Church Street Hotel

This type of hotel may not be for everyone. It has many paintings and other artifacts inspired by Hispanic culture. The mood of the hotel is very religious. You will find all of the amenities you would require in a hotel, but in a quieter and more observant atmosphere. If you are a religious person or do not mind staying a place with so much depicted this is a great place. The prices for rooms start at just over $100 a night. Comparing that to many larger hotels is great because it is significantly less than what you would pay elsewhere.

Easy Hotel London

Easy Hotel

This hotel chain is a great type of accommodation for the person seeking the cheapest room that is also of great quality. The rooms in these hotels in central London are not for luxury purposes. They are smaller than the average room and the color scheme can make your head hurt if you are in the room and see it for too long, but you will find all of the amenities you need. The price is also hard to beat at just under $50 per night for a room.

Travelodge

This is a larger hotel chain that focuses on efficiency rather than luxury. You will find many branches of this hotel in London and will be able to book a room easily. The rooms have every convenience you will need. There are also facilities to make tea coffee. The rates start at just under $30 if you can book early enough. You can book up to 12 months in advance for a trip on this company's website.

Premier Inn

This is the largest hotel chain in the UK. It is very affordable and had all of the modern conveniences you could want. The rooms are clean and neat and provide a very comfortable space for a very great rate. The rates start under $70 per night for a room.

Conclusion

If you are looking to experience the culture of London but want to have more money to see more things you should invest in a budget hotel. They are much less expensive and will allow you more money to spend on attractions and having fun in the city. For those with the habbits of ill-planning and booking at the last minute you will want to make sure you book as soon as possible for the greatest discount.

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Country Roads Take Me Home – The Beauty of Denver, Colorado

“Country roads, take me home, to the place, I belong…” this popular John Denver song will linger in your ear as you plan your vacation to Denver, Colorado. Though you can stay connected with home as you travel, you'll feel instantly at home in Denver. The rocky mountains of Denver continue to wonder visitors and travellers all over the world because of their natural beauty, majestic sights and the beautiful places and interesting things to do. So if you are looking for a weekend near the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking near the banks of the Shenandoah River or simply driving down the road to Rocky Mountains, here are some of the beautiful facts about Denver Colorado to keep you company.

1. Scenic Trail Ridge Road 

The most popular attraction in your trip to the Rocky Mountains is the scenic drive to Trail Ridge Road. Ranked as the best and recommended by more visitors that visit the park year after year. From this popular road you will have an unobstructed view of the mountain top as well as the entire valley. The air is crisp and clean but be wary about changing weather conditions that could happen within minutes as you enjoy the heavenly view. 

2. Lovely Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake is possibly the best places in the area where you can commune, have fun and fish. There is a clear trail all the way to the banks of the river and once you get there, the view is exhilarating as you see it in online! The shores of Lilly Lake are perfect for a picnic and day camping activities with the entire family. And though you can find things to do on vacation that may eventually require some financial assistance to afford your travels, pleasures like these are absolutely free. 

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural places to visit in the US. Aside from 359 miles of hiking trails and 585 campsites, the park is the home to 280 species of birds and about 60 types of mammals that roam freely in the park. Be ready to greet elk, big horn sheep, coyotes, black bears and mule deer. It would help if you visit the park services office or visitor centers (there are 5 visitor centers in the park premises) for orientation on what to do with wildlife. 

4. The Continental Divide and other natural wonders 

A demarcation of the flow of water between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean runs through the park. The highest point in the park is at the top of Longs Peak which is about 14,259 feet. This park is not just one of the most beautiful parks in the country but it is also boasts of a variety of things to do because of its different climates; visitors may hike, snowboard, ski cross country, engage in mountaineering activities and so many more. 

5. Country Road Lyrics 

Yes, John Denver’s popular song Country Road pertains to the natural scenery in Denver, Colorado. This was released as a single in 1971 but continues to inspire people to visit and enjoy the wonders of Rocky Mountain to this day. 

Visiting the Rocky Mountains in Denver is now easy with a variety of hotel accommodations nearby. It is recommended that you book in advance since the park offers activities whole year round to tourists. You can easily find a great hotel in Denver in advance to make your vacation time more uncluttered with last-minute logistics. Booking early will help you take advantage of the best sights and thrills of Rocky Mountain on your next vacation. 

So while you may love San Francisco and other US cities, Denver, Colorado offers you a world, unlike any other, that, without a doubt, you will fall instantly in love with. "Country roads, take me home. To the place, I belong..." Cheers! 

Photo credits: one, two, three, four. 

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5 Great Ways to Connect with Home While Traveling

 

We travel to far and wide places because we want to be disconnect from our hectic life and have totally new experience, see a totally new world. Shutting oneself from the connected world is a very difficult preposition. But still there happens to be those moments where you would want to share an amazing pic that you just took or want to call up home just to say 'I am ok, mom'. So how do you stay connected with your loved ones while exploring, experiencing new worlds? Here are the five ways with wich you can stay connected to your world back home. 

1. Let’s Skype

Skype is one of the most popular communications service worldwide. With an internet connection, you can stay connected using Skype from your laptop. You can text; call and even video call your contacts. These features are available in the standard version, but if you want to group video chat, and an option for unlimited calls to your favorite country, then the premium version - costing $4.99 monthly - suites your needs. 

 2. Wi-Fi calling apps on Android

The data-calling market is crowded with companies selling their products -apps. Some of these apps support only voice calling, while others allow a wide range of options like photo transfer, video call and group chatting. Wifi calling Apps for android like Google Voice, Fring, Tango, etc. are some of the popular apps on the Android platform. Google Voice allows synchronization of my missed calls, voice mails, and text messages with multiple devices, even my contacts across too. Fring's niche is its ability to call other Fring users worldwide free of cost. Moreover the texting and video chats too doesn't cost a cent. Tango is a computer and Android app that allows free international calls and video calls. The Android update includes sending voice messages amongst other feature upgrades.

 

3. International calling plan

Before you embark on your 'voyage', contact your carrier and find the best international calling plan from the country or a regions that you are visiting. Every carrier has affordable and attractive calling plans for international travelers who would want to be in touch with people back home. International airports too have mobile service provider outlets to help you get a plan on the go.

4. Via Facebook 

Facebook is one of the best ways to share your photos, thoughts, experiences, etc with a large group of people. Your friends will be in constant update about your activities and update you back with gossip from home.  Lately, Facebook had added a video conference call feature where one friend can connect with other friends using the camera and mic, just like Skype. I personally found the quality of the video conference of Facebook far better then Skype.

5. The old fashion way - Post Card or letter

Sending a post card with a stamp and some hurriedly written message to your loved ones back home is very nostalgic. The post card tells about the place you have visited, and the stamp and post office mark permanently registers the date and place from where you posted the lovely postcard.

No matter where you travel on the face of this earth you are just a click away from the world that you left behind and set out in search of tranquil holiday. There are various gadgets and gizmos with lots of new features to keep you connected with your world. And where technology fails to reach, there is always the old fashioned post office and the attractive post cards. Happy Traveling!

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How to Use an Unsecured Loan Wisely for Your Travels

The current world involves consumerism with a lot of stress due to long working hours. Thus, a holiday has become an essential part of the individual’s life to keep him/her sane. Whether you opt for an adventure or to attend a beach break, this means a major financial need. In this case, if your overall budget cannot stretch to accommodate your holiday, then you might find that unsecured loans are very useful. This is a loan that is availed and affirmed by the creditworthiness of the borrower. No collateral is needed for you to get one. It is also referred to as a personal loan or signature loan. A high credit rating is all what you need to borrow or to qualify for the unsecured loan. Not the use of property. A personal loan is more preferred for travel because of various reasons.

It can take up to 7 years with a fixed loan repayment.
You can borrow a higher amount of money for and all need to be used wisely during the travel. Unlike bank loans, this will depend on your budget and the circumstances under which you are in. The length of repaying unsecured loan can be as short as one year or as long a 7years. You repay it monthly just like any other loan.

Less paper work is needed to get an unsecured loan
If you need money fast and with less hassle, personal loan takes a short time to be processed. Unlike a bank loan, unsecured loan usually involves much less or no paperwork. In fact you can get a payday advance. It is therefore a convenient and quicker financial solution for tight budget travel.

Overpay your unsecured loan in case you have extra income
Sometimes you can win a jackpot, or a token from a friend. This is always "un-budgeted" for. Therefore instead of wasting such unexpected cash, you should relieve yourself the burden of the unsecured loan. This will give you the freedom you need on your trip. Seek the advice of a consolidation or financial experts. They will assist you in relieving yourself of confusion and stress.

Enjoy good interest rates with unsecured loan for your travels
Even if unsecured personal loan is much riskier on the side of the lender, they do not charge high interest rates. You are assured of fairly competitive interest rates, such as 7.4% APR available on loans. Lower interest rates will help you travel into most prestigious places you have ever dreamed of.

When you opt for an unsecured loan for your vacation, it is crucial to ensure that it is flexible. Always ensure that there no hidden charges for repaying the loan at an earlier date and that there is no increasing of the monthly amount to be paid. However, avoid borrowing more money than you can repay or you need. Remember that as a client, this kind of loan can lead to your bankruptcy. Thus, destroying your credit rating in the future. This in turn will lead to impossibility to borrow more money under whichever circumstance.

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7 Great Under $50 Accommodation Options in Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It's a beautiful city with under 400,000 people living in it. If you are considering a vacation to another country or just want to explore the culture of Europe, consider Zurich in Switzerland. You may be surprised to know that it's actually affordable to stay in Zurich. A budget travelers will love to learn that you can travel for less even by knowing that cheap airline tickets are available on fly.co.uk. And better yet, you can find accommodation options for under $50. This article will list 7 amazing accommodation resources for under $50 in Zurich, Switzerland.

1. Lastminute.com

If you've ever been on vacation before, then you know that waiting until the last minute to book your

 Lastminute hotel Zurich

hotel can save you loads of money. Lastminute.com can be your source for finding a decent hotel in Zurich for under $50. There is actually a little "hotel price range" sliding bar that you can change to your selected price. It lets you choose from £0 to £378. After you have selected your price, you choose your preferred hotel star rating, check in date, number of rooms, and adults and children. If you want to get even more specific, you can also choose between hotels that allow pets, hotels with internet service, and hotels with room service.

2. Wimdu.com

Windmu.com has some decent room options to accommodate you for only $41 per night. And these aren't low standard rooms, either. The website shows a picture of the rooms you will be staying in, and they are very high quality for the low price. And what more could you want in a room besides family and child friendly, washer and dryer, internet and WiFi, and kitchen and towels? You also get to enjoy your own bathroom.

3. Airbnb.com

Airbnb.com is your other option for high quality rooms in Zurich for around $50 or more. For a quiet room in Zurich with only 5 minutes to the center, you will only be spending $44. The room is beautiful with an outdoor deck as well. Along with the beautiful décor of the room, you will get the following features: it's one minute away from the bus station and five minutes to the city center, five minutes to the train station, 40 minutes to the airport, and five minutes away from the lake. You get WiFi, linen, and towels provided for you for the entire stay.

Other options

- A hostel is basically sharing a dorm room with other people on vacation. These normally be less common in the US, but they are found widely in Europe and other countries. You get your own bed, but you share a bathroom with other people. While it doesn't sound ideal, you get to save loads of money and enjoy your vacation.

- Trivago.com compares hundreds of hotel rates and gives you the cheapest deals possible. Trivago.com can help you find a cheap room in other countries.

cheap rooms in Zurich

- Orbitz.com also compares hundreds of hotel rates and gives you exactly what you are looking for, for a low price.

- Hotels.com is a trusted online booking service that has been used by millions of people. You can find plenty of cheap rooms in Zurich here.


If you have been thinking about traveling to Switzerland for a while now, consider staying in a cheap hotel from one of these three sources. It's amazing how much cheaper it can be to stay in other countries besides the United States. Don't stress about being able to afford to stay in Zurich, because it's entirely possible.

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Desperately Want to Travel but Cannot Afford It? This One is for You.

You want to see the world but you do not have enough savings to finance your journey? Did this stop you from fulfilling your traveling dream? There are other ways of financing your trip, such as going online to find the best loans for you, if you did not save in the first place. Traveling is possible even without savings. According to your employment contract, you may be expected to work for years before you save enough money for your trip. However, such an approach will take you long especially if you are little income. There are people who have made it through ways you are just about to read.

Take a Vacation Loan to Travel Where You Wanted
Taking a vacation loan is one way of traveling to your destinations if you had no savings in the first place. Most people are not aware that vacation loans can even be obtained online. These loans have been financing many people who have made trips to their destinations around the world.
The benefits of obtaining a loan, especially online, include competitive interest rates and the ability to use a great online loan calculator.  Furthermore, online lenders will ensure that you get enough money to cater for all your travel expenses.
All you need to do in order to get a loan, is to fill an online application. In many online banking, you will get your loan in as little as 24 hours after your certification of the documents. The application process is convenient since all transactions take place on secure servers.

You Can Choose To Work in Hostels and Restaurants as You Travel
There are two avenues available for getting temporary employment in restaurants and hostels; either as a professional or as a non-professional. You can identify hostels and restaurants along the route of your journey and place requests to be hosted as you work for them.
This way, travelers can raise enough cash to pay bills and spare some for touring. Professionals can specify to work in areas of expertise in hostels or restaurants as they travel to their destinations.

Consider Professional Blogging to Finance Traveling
Blogging gives you the opportunity to make money at the comfort of your resting time. Becoming a professional blogger especially before starting your journey is more convenient than saving for years to get the required amount for your traveling expenses.
Blogging is more convenient to finance your travel since you can trade with it anywhere in the world. Travel with a laptop and get access to internet as you click money to your account.

Finance Your Travel through Your Skills
There are people who are very talented in various skills like painting, writing music, driving, making of exemplary jewelry, and singing, among others. Each one of us has at least a skill that can be traded in exchange of cash while traveling. In fact, this will make you more money in a short period than a lifetime of saving.

First, identify places along your route of travel and market yourself. This approach has potential to raise money more than your employment. In addition, money raised during your journey could be enough to meet our traveling expenses and remain for saving.
Exploring the best things about traveling does not need to base on savings to be successful. Creativity is the only requirement for you to live up to your dream. These four ways are just an example; travel cheap and easy.

Related post: 10 Things to Consider When Visiting Europe

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Everying You Need To Know About RTW (around the world) Flight Deal

Instead of purchasing separate flights from one destination to another and connect to your destination, one can choose the Round the world (RTW) deals which offer a flexible and a times more economical way of international travel.

The round the world ticket is an airline ticket that allows one to fly around the world over a period of up to a year. Between three and twenty stops at various airports is included although this seems to have been compacted into a maximum of 16 sections through the computerized e-ticketing system.

RTW flight deal

Flight deal RTW

There are very good deals that may guide one to select and find their dream expedition and that will assist you during the preparation for a round the world journey. There are many airlines and flight service providers that can help one when deciding the destination where they want go and where to book the Round the world tickets. The cost ranges from as low as $500 to $2,000 and above depending on the airline and the destinations one wants to go to.

Deciding on where to go

This is a very important step even before one begins to plan for the journey. It is advisable to get a pen and a map and mark out the places that you have always wanted to go to. Then make a list of these places. Next narrow down your dream destinations. One can do this by watching travel documentaries, look online, consulting with travel agents, reading widely about travel features in books, magazines and newspapers. After this, one can continue with their travel arrangements and preparations with this in mind.

Planning for the journey

Planning for the journey

Consider that as interesting as traveling can be, it can also wear you out at the end of it. There is need for one to come back from their holiday relaxed and not fatigued. Select a short list of the travel destinations and put a time frame, priority and urgency in terms of importance to each of them. Also settle on the number of nights to spend in each place. Here it is worthy to consider the activities, attractions and events one would want to engage in and then see on which to allocate extra time.

Seasons of north and south hemispheres

The north and south hemispheres experience different seasons from each other. This is because of the tilt of the earth on its axis with reference to the plane of the ecliptic during its rotation. These seasons are winter, autumn, summer and spring. One should research well on the seasons of the locations that they want to travel to at different times of the year so as to make a good decision on when to visit their dream destinations and experience the best moments during their travel.

When planning a holiday, activities full of adventure such as sun bathing on a beach, adrenaline packed activities, sampling a variety of enthralling cultures and other opportunities that come once-in-a-lifetime are often scheduled. Selecting the Round the world (RTW) flight deals can add color to these experiences by bringing you to the right destinations in which you can enjoy them. This implies that there is no boundary to the experiences one can take pleasure in and the memories that they can take home. By choosing the Round the world flight deals, exploring the world is made much easier.

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