Spain has long been a highly sought after vacation spot in Europe. There are so many wonderful locations within the small country that you can easily become overwhelmed by which spot to choose for a vacation.
Beaches
I have to start off by mentioning what is most popular in the region. There is so much more to the area than the beaches but with around 460 km of coastline, you are bound to want to spend some of your vacation in cheeky bikini bottoms or board shorts on a beach. They are glorious and well worth a couple days just exploring and relaxing.
Thrill-seeking
If you are like us then no trip can be complete without some sort of, scare the heck out of your parents, event. Otherwise known as thrill-seeking! In Valencia, there are several spots this can be accomplished via cave exploration, theme parks, zip lining and so much more.
If you are looking for a spot to go look no further than Terra MÃtica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, and Aqualandia theme parks. You can also get your fill of water activities in towns such as Alicante, Dénia, Altea, and Torrevieja which enjoy perfect weather for spending your days in and around the water.
Culture
Any time you spend in Spain will offer cultural experiences. Some places will offer more depth than others. Elche and Alcoi are the types of towns that offer rich cultural and artistic heritage while at the same time offering coastal charm and mountain allure.
Valencia is also where you can enjoy local festivals, which are some of my favorite ways to explore an area. Las Fallas, La Tomatina, and Holy week are wonderful to be a part of and will give you a beautiful glimpse into local heritage.
Any time you spend in Spain will offer cultural experiences. Some places will offer more depth than others. Elche and Alcoi are the types of towns that offer rich cultural and artistic heritage while at the same time offering coastal charm and mountain allure.
Valencia is also where you can enjoy local festivals, which are some of my favorite ways to explore an area. Las Fallas, La Tomatina, and Holy week are wonderful to be a part of and will give you a beautiful glimpse into local heritage.
Food
Valencia is famous for its beaches and coastline but it is also known for its gastronomic culture Some typical dishes you can enjoy are paella, fartons, Spanish omelets, and horchata just to name a few. You will delight in discovering where your Spanish palette lies and you can enjoy these spoils throughout the entire region.
Between all the marinas, golf courses, unspoiled beaches, and wild nightlife, there really is something for everyone. As you can see from the video above, We are Holiday, so why not head over and explore for yourself all that Valencia can offer?
Sometimes, we all just need to get away, whether from work, home, or just in general. It’s not always about fancy hotels, exquisite places to eat or expensive things to buy, it can be all about family time without interruptions. One way I enjoy getting away with the family is to go camping. It doesn’t sound like it would be that fantastic, but once you get out there in the open, away from technology, you may feel so much better like I always do.
Here is our list of the Top 5 Best National Parks for Camping in the United States:
Yosemite National Park-California
I’m sure this is a name that you are familiar with, whether you’ve read about it or heard about it on television. This park has been protected since 1864 and is best known for its beautiful waterfalls. In this 1,200 square mile park, you can enjoy meadows, sequoias, the wilderness areas, and deep valleys. If you are up to a challenge you can even hike up the cables of Half Dome for a one of a kind view like my son just did last week.
Camping is extremely popular in this park. There are three areas that offer camping with multiple different campgrounds in each area. These all have their own opening and closing date as well as what is allowed in the park and what isn’t in terms of travel and sleep. Most campgrounds allow RV’s, so if that’s how you’re traveling, you’ll be in luck.
The Adirondack Park-New York
I’ve personally been here and let me tell you something-it’s absolutely beautiful. In fact I spent a lot of time here growing up and after all my travel it remains one of my very favorite places on Earth! It’s one of the largest national parks in the United States. It’s bigger than the Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National parks combined. It has an area of 6 million acres and half of it has been constitutionally protected by the forest preserve to remain forever wild.
Inside of this massive area, you’ll find an enormous variety of campgrounds for your family to enjoy. These include RV parks, tents, and others. Since this is such a large area with tons of mountains, steep cliffs, lakes, and valleys.
Glacier Bay National Park-Alaska
I’d love to go camping or at least travel to Alaska someday. This park features deep glacial fjords and high peaks, making it one of the most amazing places to view the scenery. Glacier Bay is a significant marine and terrestrial wilderness sanctuary, making the experience that much more amazing. It is also one of the largest protected Biosphere Reserves in the world.
If you decide that Glacier Bay may be the right spot for you, there are only a few campgrounds to choose from. Barlett Cove is one of their most popular walk-in campgrounds. If you go here, you’ll get a permit and bear-resistant food containers. You must also attend a 30-minute orientation so that you’re fully prepared for camping there and what their rules and regulations are.
Acadia National Park-Maine
Want to go camping in the winter? No problem! Acadia National Park features campgrounds that are open all year round with certain restrictions. This is one heck of an adventure if you plan to do it in the winter. In order to get to some of these campgrounds, such as the Blackwoods Campground, you have to hike there because the road is closed off to automobiles. Sites are also limited during this time of year (December-March). You’ll also only get water from a hand pump and you’ll get a portable toilet.
If you plan to camp during prime time, it’s suggested that you make a reservation at a lot of these campgrounds because of how popular the area is. Surrounding the area, you’ll find stunning lighthouses, beautiful nature, wildlife creatures, and great seafood.
Hot Springs National Park-Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is also known as “The American Spa”. This park surrounds the north end of Hot Springs, Arkansas. In this area you’ll find thermal water. You can take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or you can have a wonderful spa experience at the Quapaw Baths and Spa. You can also visit the hot springs where you can taste and feel the water.
Throughout the park, you’ll find geothermal areas. These areas are hot springs that you can enjoy. They can be found along the western side of Hot Springs Mountain in the downtown area of the city. There are also multiple campgrounds that you can enjoy if you’re passing through or plan a vacation there.
I’m sure this is a name that you are familiar with, whether you’ve read about it or heard about it on television. This park has been protected since 1864 and is best known for its beautiful waterfalls. In this 1,200 square mile park, you can enjoy meadows, sequoias, the wilderness areas, and deep valleys. If you are up to a challenge you can even hike up the cables of Half Dome for a one of a kind view like my son just did last week.
Camping is extremely popular in this park. There are three areas that offer camping with multiple different campgrounds in each area. These all have their own opening and closing date as well as what is allowed in the park and what isn’t in terms of travel and sleep. Most campgrounds allow RV’s, so if that’s how you’re traveling, you’ll be in luck.
The Adirondack Park-New York
I’ve personally been here and let me tell you something-it’s absolutely beautiful. In fact I spent a lot of time here growing up and after all my travel it remains one of my very favorite places on Earth! It’s one of the largest national parks in the United States. It’s bigger than the Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National parks combined. It has an area of 6 million acres and half of it has been constitutionally protected by the forest preserve to remain forever wild.
Inside of this massive area, you’ll find an enormous variety of campgrounds for your family to enjoy. These include RV parks, tents, and others. Since this is such a large area with tons of mountains, steep cliffs, lakes, and valleys.
Glacier Bay National Park-Alaska
I’d love to go camping or at least travel to Alaska someday. This park features deep glacial fjords and high peaks, making it one of the most amazing places to view the scenery. Glacier Bay is a significant marine and terrestrial wilderness sanctuary, making the experience that much more amazing. It is also one of the largest protected Biosphere Reserves in the world.
If you decide that Glacier Bay may be the right spot for you, there are only a few campgrounds to choose from. Barlett Cove is one of their most popular walk-in campgrounds. If you go here, you’ll get a permit and bear-resistant food containers. You must also attend a 30-minute orientation so that you’re fully prepared for camping there and what their rules and regulations are.
Acadia National Park-Maine
Want to go camping in the winter? No problem! Acadia National Park features campgrounds that are open all year round with certain restrictions. This is one heck of an adventure if you plan to do it in the winter. In order to get to some of these campgrounds, such as the Blackwoods Campground, you have to hike there because the road is closed off to automobiles. Sites are also limited during this time of year (December-March). You’ll also only get water from a hand pump and you’ll get a portable toilet.
If you plan to camp during prime time, it’s suggested that you make a reservation at a lot of these campgrounds because of how popular the area is. Surrounding the area, you’ll find stunning lighthouses, beautiful nature, wildlife creatures, and great seafood.
Hot Springs National Park-Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is also known as “The American Spa”. This park surrounds the north end of Hot Springs, Arkansas. In this area you’ll find thermal water. You can take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or you can have a wonderful spa experience at the Quapaw Baths and Spa. You can also visit the hot springs where you can taste and feel the water.
Throughout the park, you’ll find geothermal areas. These areas are hot springs that you can enjoy. They can be found along the western side of Hot Springs Mountain in the downtown area of the city. There are also multiple campgrounds that you can enjoy if you’re passing through or plan a vacation there.
And there you have it! The top 5 best national parks for camping in the United States to take your family to on your next road trip. These parks are scattered all around the United States and there are even more than what is on this list. Camping is such a fun family experience and it gives you plenty of time to bond with each other while fishing, hiking, or just enjoying a nice walk. And don't forget to bring a saw with you for gathering and cutting firewood for that perfect campfire experience your family will never forget.
A quick intro to this article. This is a guest post from Cassidy who is now 20 years old and has been featured in a couple of our articles such as: climbing Half Dome and our recent Banff trip. She has become a new member of the family over the past couple of years. Apologies for the photo quality.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
A common debate when considering traveling with young kids; how young is too young? My parents didn’t dwell on this question for too long before deciding to move all of us aboard our homebuilt catamaran with my (then) six-month-old brother. There were eight of us total; I was the eldest child by 7 years, the next was 6 years old, then 5, 3, 1, and the baby. Add my parents and we made eight high-sea explorers, ready to sail south from California.
By the time we had reached Panama, Val gained his sea legs and was comically tipsy on solid ground. He had become vocal and very friendly to anyone who would listen. He was no longer in diapers, no longer nursing, no longer NEEDED naps, yet he didn’t break his desire for fishing lures. He and his older brother were obsessed with fishing and had learned how to troll while underway. They would ask questions about the kinds of fish they caught and, as a family, we would do the research. Within a few weeks, everyone knew where the fish came from, what they ate, if they were any good to eat, and all about their lifecycles. Their curiosities became a great way for everyone to learn more about a big part of our lives on the boat.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
Here is Her Experience Growing up and Traveling with Young Kids on a Sailboat
The youngest – Val – had barely mastered crawling, let alone walking or swimming. He needed his afternoon naps, was still nursing, still wore diapers (a fun product to stock and dispose of properly on a boat and in foreign countries). He was adventurous, quick to take up an opportunity to explore, and he was all too fond of fishing lures. Val took up a lot of our energy, but what six-month-old doesn’t? This is the time in a child’s development where they have gained the freedom of mobility and the curiosities of the world are at their fingertips. What better time is there to introduce more of that world to them?
As for my other siblings, the four of them quickly mastered swimming with ice cream bribes. While Val chased after hermit crabs on the beach, the others would practice diving with snorkel gear along the shore. Competing with each other – who can hold their breath the longest, who can find the biggest shell, who can catch a fish (an unsuccessful endeavor). On occasion, my stepdad would bring out the SCUBA gear and they got even more comfortable in and under the water.
During our time hiking through Costa Rican jungles, I would create wild stories about pirates and talking monkeys. The kids would run around in character and add to the story as they discovered a “magical beetle” climbing a tree or a "secret path leading to buried treasure". Just because they’ve been mobile for years doesn’t make them any less excited than little Val about the world around them. I ask again, what better a time to expand their access to that world?
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
They found other ways to communicate despite a lack of shared language. They would be up a tree with four other children within five minutes of landing. My sisters traded toys for woven trinkets and eventually learned how to weave themselves. The boys would go out on treasure hunts or build driftwood rafts. Sometimes, their roles would be reversed and you would find boys with woven baskets and girls with rafts. Either way, the day usually ended with everyone jumping off of the bow of the boat and having a blast!
We later found that within the small boating community there was an even smaller community of family cruisers that we would cross paths with as often as possible. Even though we always found ways to interact with locals wherever we were, it was still nice to have some people we could easily communicate with. We met a lot of like-minded people in the community that led to lifelong friendships despite the long distances. Including my best friend of now 6 years.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
I hope you enjoyed this little piece about my time growing up on a boat traveling with young kids! It is my first time writing about my life in this way and I hope it helps more people take the great leap as my parents did. Please feel free to leave a comment below about your experience!
Written by Cassidy
Some of our very best cultural experiences happened while sitting on a rickety plastic chair in some hole in the wall, where all we can do is guess what it is we’re ordering off an incomprehensible menu. Not to mention all the mouthwatering meals that accompanied them along the way.
With that said, here is our list of the Top 5 Incredible Foods to Try in Bangkok:
1. Pad Thai
After traveling all over Thailand for years and eating Pad Thai wherever I could get my hands on it, I can honestly say some of the best I’ve ever found was in Bangkok. You’ll have the best luck walking along and near the famous Khao San road. There are people all throughout the area whipping up delicious Pad Thai constantly. It may be the wild tourist street we’ve all heard about, but it's also where you can find some the best street Pad Thai in the country.
If you want to avoid the chaos try walking around some of the other streets in the area or maybe booking a Bangkok food tour would work better for you.
2.Thai Basil Stir Fry (Phat kaphrao)
You'll have no trouble finding this dish in almost any local restaurant on the side of the road. Thai basil Stir Fry is one of the most incredible foods to try in Bangkok. And a great way to experience it and all the others on this list is to simply go for a walk and stop at the most local restaurants you can find. Or ask some locals where they love to eat. You’ll find that almost anyone would great you with a smile and be happy to point you in the right direction!
3. Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam Thai)
Due to its popularity, Som Tam Thai can be found all over the city. I quick google search can help you find the most popular places to find it.
4. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
You can find Mango Sticky Rice all over the city, but some of the best can be found by taking a walk along Sukhumvit Soi 38. You will have no difficulty finding the dish, as mangoes are almost always in season in Thailand. The best time for mangoes, however, is from March to July.
5. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
Thai Iced Tea can be found pretty much anywhere that serves beverages. As well as various street carts around the city.
On a side note, BUGS!
Thailand is a magical place full of delicious experiences waiting to happen! I hope you enjoyed our list of the top 5 incredible foods to try in Bangkok. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite Thai dish is!
The Road Trip of the Gods
Some countries have public transport that leaves something to be desired, and it’s in these places that the value of rental cars really shine. Greece is a perfect example of this, with limited bus routes that run seasonally and sparse train lines. If you want to see the country’s various historical sites, a private car will be the way to go. Here’s an example route that showcases what I mean, the ‘road trip of the gods’, if you will. And, If you're looking for some help getting to Greece, make sure to visit this list of the best travel sites.
Here is what you will see on the Road Trip of the Gods
The tickets for the Acropolis run from €10-20 depending on the season, but I would recommend splurging for the €30 multi-ticket which includes the entrance to the smaller sites around the city as well. The Ancient Agora and Tower of the Winds alone make it worth the extra cost.
Argos
The Asclepeion of Epidaurus was essentially the medical center of the ancient world. It had an incredible reputation, and people would travel for weeks on end to this place, just to be treated by the local physicians and priests. The medical practitioners here would famously prescribe treatments based on information that the patients had given to them about their dreams, and though the method seems unorthodox, they had the highest success rate in the known ancient world with dozens of surviving accounts.
Mycenae is no less impressive, however. Being one of the strongholds of the ancient world, Mycenae is responsible for the domination of the southern Greek city-states in the 16th century BC. According to legend, it was founded by the mythical hero Perseus, and was ruled by his descendants for years to come. In the 12th century BC, Mycenae collapsed and no one is sure as to why. Today, most of the site still stands, with interesting architecture and a quaint museum on site. Not only is Mycenae just a great site to see, but it represents such a dominant place in a period of history shrouded by uncertainty.
Rio-Antirrio Bridge
Delphi
Thermopylae
There is also a wonderful set of hot springs that were said to have been heated by the venom of the Hydra in the legends of old. After a long day of traveling, I can’t think of anything better.
Pelion
There you have it! No Greece trip is complete without following the Road Trip of the Gods! Where is your favorite spot in Greece? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by Miro Siegel
Written by Miro Siegel
Here are ESTA Visa facts you should know when planning a trip to the U.S.
Visa Waiver Program
The VWP (Visa Waiver Program) allows people that come from specific countries to visit the US for tourism or business purposes, as long as the stay is under 90 days. No visa is required in this case. USA legislation dictates that visa status cannot be changed if this is how you enter the company and in the event that you do not qualify, this is when a visa is needed.If you are not interested in tourism and you need to travel to the USA for working arrangements, the work visa is mandatory. In fact, if you are allowed entry through the VWP, you are not legally allowed to receive payments for practically anything. If you are on a visitor visa or enter through the ESTA visa process, you breach conditions if money is received for something. You can be arrested and even detained.
If you enter the country through the VWP, the passport you hold needs to be valid and machine-readable. If you do not have such a passport, a visa is needed.
Electronic System For Travel Authorization
When you are a resident for any of the countries covered by the VWP, you need ESTA authorization before you actually leave on your trip to the US. There is a travel and operational promotional fee that has to be paid as you apply for authorization. However, payment does not guarantee you are going to be allowed to enter.When you apply for ESTA, you have to fill out an application form. In it, you need to be as honest as you can be. This is the only way to be accepted. Background checks are going to be done and if you lied, there is a pretty good possibility that you will never be able to take advantage of the ESTA system. If this happens, your only alternative is a visa.
It needs to be added that the response to the application is much faster than what you might think. Since everything is handled digitally, you normally get ESTA approval in just a few hours after you submit the application. Only in rare situations, when more checks are needed, you will need to wait for up to 72 hours. Be sure that you get your ESTA authorization first, before buying your plane ticket. The official response will be emailed to you, together with a number you should hold.
One of the best possible ways to enter the country is through ESTA. With this in mind, whenever you can use this system, take advantage of it.
Recording videos that look impressive can be challenging, especially when you’re traveling. You might not be able to fit all the optimal gear in your limited space. Or maybe you don't feel the need to own a super expensive camera. Even with these limiting factors, you can still capture some awesome footage of your next trip!
Here are our top tips for learning how to record great video footage on your next big adventure!
· Make sure the camera doesn’t shake
One of the main problems with photos and footage shot on vacation is very often the camera is shaky. While some camera shake can be corrected in post-production, that isn’t ideal and the video won’t have the same quality regardless.
Be mindful of that fact and try to keep your camera as still and steady as possible while you record videos. It may be a good idea to invest in a portable travel tripod that you can quickly set up and use to keep the camera steady.
· Find the right lighting
In many cases, you may not have the time or opportunity to find the right lighting – but if you do, make it count. The video footage that you record will look far more impressive in soft lighting that has fewer harsh shadows or bright spots.
If possible, try to make it a point to record outdoor footage during the golden hour – i.e. the hour right after dawn or right before sunset. The lighting conditions during that timeframe are especially good, and the footage that you capture will reflect that.
· Decide about the audio – in advance
Before you go on vacation, you have a decision to make: Is it important to you that you record audio along with the video that you shoot? If it isn’t important or you intend to replace the audio track with background music anyway, you have nothing to worry about.
However, if the audio is important – you need to take steps to ensure that you’re able to record good audio. That starts with using a decent external microphone, such as a portable shotgun microphone for general audio, or a lavalier microphone to record commentary.
· Increase the frame rate on your camera
The one setting on your camera that you should try to adjust to capture footage that really looks great is the frame rate. Setting the frame rate at 60 will let you record videos that look smooth and fluid, and you could even consider using slow-motion effects later on.
It should be noted that recording at high frame rates will increase the file size of the videos that you capture, so be sure that you bring spare storage cards, just in case.
· Keep your camera clean
Honestly, you’d be surprised how often video footage of a vacation is ruined just because the camera lens was slightly dirty. To make sure that never happens to you, bring your cleaning kit with you on vacation and make it a point to check and clean your camera regularly.
· Diversify the types of shots that you record
Try to make it a point to capture a wide range of shots. Mix things up by recording some tight shots, medium shots, and long shots – and of different subjects including people, landscape, transportation, sights, and so on.
The diversity of your shots is especially important when you edit and cut together your video. Having more diverse material will let you put together a far more compelling video and tell the story of your vacation much more effectively.
· Do not use the digital zoom on your camera
The digital zoom on your camera should be avoided at all costs. While it will enlarge the subject you’re recording, it will do so at the expense of the video quality. Instead of trying to ‘zoom in’, if you want a close-up shot you should get physically closer.
Or you could just as easily apply a zoom effect in post-production, and for example, could use Movavi Video Editor and follow the steps at https://www.movavi.com/support/how-to/how-to-zoom-in-video.html.
If you follow all the steps listed above, you should notice a marked improvement in the quality of the video footage that you record – and how good they look. It may take a bit of experimentation before you’re able to gauge the lighting perfectly, but that will come in time too.
Here is our list of the 5 best train trips around the world!
1. Sleeper Train, Thailand
If you’re looking for a more private experience you can book your own cabin the first-class sleeper car. Otherwise, you would be in one of the bunks in the second-class car which is still very comfortable and perfect for those who enjoy socializing. With both options, you have access to the restaurant car with a variety of options. Though it may not be the most luxurious of trains, it gets the job done and always ends up being one of those adventures that any traveler lives for.
2. Venice Simplon Orient Express
Although the original Orient Express is no longer running on any route there is still a way you can experience what it was like. The Venice Simplon Orient Express is a private luxury train using original carriages from the 1920s and follows many of the old routes including Paris to Istanbul. With all the carriages restored to their former glory and the lack of modern technology its almost as if you step through a doorway to the past when you climb aboard.
3. The Trans-Siberian Express
The TSR is actually a number of services, ranging from slow local stoppers to grand international trains running the main route, as well as two separate routes to Beijing in China. The more affordable public train, Rossiya No 2, takes six days and is definitely a great way to meet the locals and see the countryside. Those looking for a more high-end experience can find that as well with Golden Eagle, a private luxury train service that runs along the same route.
4. The Canadian
The Canadian is known for having “Canada’s best window”. This is true no matter where you’re seated, but the absolute best view would have to be from the dome car. If having a panoramic view from the top of the train doesn't interest you; you can still enjoy the magnificent scenery over a gourmet meal or in the comfort of your own cabin.
5. Train to the Clouds, Argentina
I hope you enjoyed our article on the best train trips around the world. Have you ever taken one of these trips? Let us know in the comments!
Here's a range of tactics for avoiding homesickness when you're away from loved ones after the festive season:
Acceptance
First of all, it's quite normal to feel down after the holidays. In fact, New Year blues are part of a cycle, meaning they'll come and go. The first step to overcoming January blues is adopting an acceptance mindset, which means recognizing that things have gone back to normal. Rejecting reality is likely to lead to surges of hope followed by huge disappointments.
Make a Plan
After the high of a holiday, going back to the regular, boring routine is enough to lower anyone's spirits. Revive the excitement of anticipation by planning fun activities such as fun get-togethers with friends, a trip to take place in a few months, or start thinking of what you'll do over Easter. Use an international calling app that makes cheap international calls to include others back home in your plans. Whatever you plan, ensure the activities fit your budget, lifestyle, and will give you a thrill.
Stay Active
Get Your Finances in Order
Part of the New Year blues come from financial stress. We spend a lot of money on trips, food, and all forms of entertainment during the holidays. This leaves a lot of people with holiday debt. After the festivities, it's time to sit down and sort your financial situation. If you still have some money left, use it to settle a bill/debt right away. It's also important to set yourself a budget for the next few months until your finances are back in order.
Get a Grip on Jet Lag
People living abroad tend to travel across multiple time zones to be with loved ones during Christmas. Unfortunately, they may end up experiencing jet lag. The body clock takes time to adjust to the timing of light and darkness at the destination. This disrupted rhythm can cause certain unpleasant symptoms like a headache, poor concentration, tiredness, disorientation, and indigestion. Restoring your regular sleep pattern can help speed up the re-adjustment phase after the holidays.
Reframe the Situation
Whatever emotions you are experiencing, try making your circumstances work in your favor. For instance, think of the extra pounds you gained over Christmas as an incentive to finally start exercising and eating healthy. Some mood-boosting foods to stock up are those containing vitamin B like whole grains and those containing Omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish. Reframing your situation will make you feel like you are in control of your life and not the other way around.
Be Sociable
Spending time with friends or even colleagues is another great mood-booster. If you just moved to a new country, it's time to perk up your social life. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to meet people from all walks of life. There are several apps for meeting new friends and keeping in touch at Christmas, including Bumble BFF, Friender, WeChat's 'shake' feature, and much more.
Laugh all the time
Laughter releases endorphins which instantly raise your spirits. When the festive season feels long gone and you have nothing exciting to look forward to, find humor in everyday things and avoid taking life too seriously. Lighten the load by making some jokes, reading a funny book, watching funny movies, going to comedy shows, or simply hanging out with friends who make you laugh. Plus, remembering memories of strange and funny moments during the festivities will surely get you giggling.
Stay Connected
Most of the New Year blues are related to having been around many people over the festive season and then suddenly finding yourself surrounded by few people or people you don't know that well. To lift your spirits, try and stay in touch with loved ones throughout the year. Luckily, keeping in touch at Christmas and after the festivities has been made easier and faster with technological advancements.
Those living or traveling abroad can now make cheap international calls with apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WeChat, Google Duo, and much more. Although app-to-app chats are free, they require an internet connection. In the event that your loved ones haven't installed an internet connection or the older generation don't own or even know how to operate smartphones, you can use the Yolla app. This international calling app makes cheap calls to mobiles and landlines across the globe.
Hopefully, you won't ever need any of these tips, but here they are if you do. I hope you find them helpful. Please feel free to let us know how you get motivated after all the festivities in the comments!
Before we get into some of our tips and what we learned during our stay let's talk about how it actually went and what we did on one of my favorite Canada holidays we've taken by far.
The fail, and Bow Lake
I guess we should have known what we were getting into given that they are a couple of the most famous lakes in the world. As it turns out, the lakes are so busy they close the parking lot and force you to pay for a shuttle up. It didn’t seem like a big deal until we discovered the hour-long wait for each lake!
Columbia Icefield, and Ice Explorer
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Here are some of my tips that might help you out should you decide to make the trip:
Tip #1 Figuring out where to stay
During our research phase of the trip, we quickly discovered how high the prices were and how difficult it was to find a place in Banff so, we opted to stay at a much cheaper Airbnb in Canmore, just outside the park border. I would recommend looking there if prices seem intimidating. It’s about a half an hour extra to drive to the big sights from Canmore, but I think it was well worth the hassle.Tip #2 Wake up early for Lake Louise
Let’s just say this, I don’t like waking up early. But I would highly recommend getting up just before sunrise and make your way over to Lake Louise. For one, it is the only time you will be able to claim a spot in the parking lot. And there’s nothing quite like watching the sun crawl its way down the mountains and light up the lake.Tip #3 Keep an eye out for the wildlife
Tip #4 The best time for Moraine Lake
As we talked about before, the best time to visit Lake Louise is as early as possible in the morning. What I wanted to mention here was that I think the best time for Moraine Lake is actually the afternoon. The light shines perfectly on the water at that time and creates the stunning deep blue color we all want to see.Unfortunately, getting into Moraine is quite difficult in the evening because of how crowded it gets. You can take the free shuttle up for Moraine and you might have to wait up to an hour. Or you might be able to get lucky if you wait near the entrance for them to open it. To keep things moving, they open the gate every 20 minutes or so to let just a few cars in. So, you have to be fast but you just might be able to sneak in!
We had an amazing journey to Banff and all the stop along the way. I hope this article was enjoyable and helpful for anyone planning on making the trip themselves. There will be more posts coming soon about some of the other stops we made along our summer road trip!