Tag Archives: social media

Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Head Out and Camp! Turn Your Boring Weekend into Adventures

Leave a comment

Head out and camp! Turn your boring weekend into adventures!

“To live is to travel, to love is to breathe in nature, to feel happy is to be far away from city life.”

weekend

What’s your plan for this weekend? Oh! Don’t tell me it’s “laying on your bed the whole weekend, binge-watching series.” It’s boring. Besides, it is bad for your health. If you are asking- how can it be bad? You should know that it leads to:

  • Physical inactivity,
  • Disturbed sleep cycle,
  • Poor eyesight,
  • Poor mental health because of fewer social interactions, and
  • Inadequate diet.

Yes! Those few hours of your “just one more episode” actually affect the body and mind negatively. After sitting for several hours in front of the computers and surviving a stressful week, you should reward yourself with some relaxation. And the best way to relax is to go out for a short trip and enjoy the freshness of nature.

But what is the adventure of going all alone? Especially if I consider your weekend mood, I’m sure that your adventure will include going out to the nearby convenience stores to get the food. And, then you’ll come back home, just to scroll the social media the whole day.

Oh, wait!

While you’ll be scrolling social media, you’ll feel jealous of your friends who are actually out there and “enjoying” their weekend. That’s why rather than planning for your trip all alone, you should include your friends. Trust me; you’ll miss all these moments when you get old.

Not to forget that you might also regret not planning right now. Why? The reason is that once you let an opportunity go, it is almost impossible to get the chance again. So, instead of spending your Saturday/Sunday in your bed, you need to call your friends and plan for a camping trip.

Nonetheless, the crucial question is- how to plan? Going on a trip means you need to pack everything in a small bag so that you don’t face any kind of inconvenience. But, here’s the catch! The camping I am talking about is not like this.

Confused? Alright! Let me explain it in simple terms. For your weekend plan, I am talking about going on camping using the trailers. The trailer includes almost everything that you have in your home. It is like a home on the wheel. Thus, you don’t have to worry about carrying a lot of stuff with you.

Now that you know what we will do let’s create a plan for your weekend trip. Don’t worry! I know you have your office on Monday, so you don’t want to look tired and grumpy. This trip will be filled with adventure but the ones that’ll refresh you. So without further ado, let’s get started with the planning!

Decide the location for your adventure.

The first thing that you have to decide is your destination. Where do you want to go? Is it somewhere near your city or is it at another place? You can look for various unexplored places online and select among them.

Just ensure that your destination is reachable within two days that you have. So that you don’t waste your entire time driving. If you want, you can create your own little picnic/camping spot that is not far away. Remember that it is not about the location but about the people you will be with and the memories you’ll create.

Arrange an off-grid trailer

The next step of the planning process is to get off-grid trailers. However, as it has been mentioned on this website, instead of buying any trailer, you should look for a customizable one. So that you can add all the amenities and features that you want to make your traveling experience unforgettable. 

Moreover, for the days you are not traveling, you can rent it. So it is a beneficial investment for you from which you can get extra rental incomes. Isn’t it amazing?

Pack all your essentials

Now that the two most important tasks are settled, you need to focus on packing. What most people do is that they try to fit in their home in their traveling bag. And that is exactly what you shouldn’t do. Keep your back as lightweight as possible so that it doesn’t become a bother on your trip.

So make a list of all the essentials things. Eliminate the stuff you are sure you can survive without, like that extra pair of jeans. You know that you won’t be wearing them, it is just an addition to your bag. In fact, you divide all the essentials between your friends, so that the overall luggage with you is minimal.

That being said, now let’s talk about the essentials you need to pack:

  • Toiletry kit
  • Track pants
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Socks (keep an extra pair)
  • Portable phone charger
  • Water bottles
  • Music
  • Cameras

If you are planning to go to a cold place, don’t forget about your jacket. Traveling can get very tiring, so carry only comfortable clothes with you. Remember this trip for doing fun and relaxing, so pack your bags accordingly.

Don’t forget about the first aid kit.

I know the first aid kit should be on the essential list I mentioned above because it is crucial. But because it is a crucial thing, I made a separate point for it. So that no matter what, you don’t forget about packing the first aid kit.

Also, ensure that your first aid kit is fully equipped. Keep antiseptic, bandages of different sizes, thermometer, medicines (for cold/fever), and ointments.

Go out and explore

Lastly, hope on the trailer and enjoy your trip. Click pictures, make a vlog, spend time in nature, watch the sunrise/ sunset, make a campfire just like old school days, etc. Believe me, at last; you’ll feel glad that you decided to spend your weekend in the best way possible.

Wrapping up!

When you get busy with life, you tend to forget how to spend quality time. For you, it is all about waiting for the weekend to rest in your room while watching a random series. However, life is a lot more than that. So rather than spending your weekend in a boring way, call your friends and spend some time with nature. I can guarantee that you’ll feel way more relaxed and ready for the Monday blues.

Europe, Travel Tips

Instagram Influences Holiday Choices of More Than 10.6 Million Brits

Leave a comment

Instagram influences holiday choices of more than 10.6 Million Brits

According to a new study, upwards of 10.6 million Brits are said to be shunning more traditional guidebooks and holiday brochures and turning instead to social media for inspiration and making bookings regarding their travel plans.

The research, conducted by villa holiday tour operator Villa Plus, surveyed 1,000 British tourists to determine what factors influence their getaways, and which services they turn to when it’s time to book.

Results showed that despite more than a third of Brits admit to being influenced by friends and family when it comes to the holiday-making process, social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, now play a key role in both the way in which Brits browse for holiday inspiration and the method we turn to for making that all-important booking too.

Coming a long way since it’s humble beginnings, platforms such as Instagram are now much more than a way of showcasing your holiday snaps. In fact, advancements in the software mean users can are now no longer restricted to simply browsing their grid for inspiration but can now also buy or book life’s luxuries such as holidays too – and many of the products needed to take away with you as well.

The data mirrored said advancements and the clear generational shift in terms of both travel priorities and the way in which social media is utilised.

For more than a fifth of 25-34 year olds (22.2%), ensuring your vacation destination is “Instagram-worthy” was a main priority, whilst in contrast, more than a quarter of 55-64 year olds prefer to prioritise the experience itself, admitting they would actively attempt to relive their previous holidays time and again.

For some, price is much more appealing than and the perfect Instagram snap. Men were found to be the more frugal of the sexes, as nearly four times more men than women were likely to choose a location based on whether they could source a cheap deal.

The research also revealed which cities are most influenced by the Instagrammability of their vacation spot:

1. Newcastle (22.7%)  
2. Manchester (20.6%)
3. Belfast (20.1%)
4. Birmingham (18.4%)
5. Glasgow (16.3%)

Newcastle claimed the crown, as upwards of 52,000 Geordies believed that an Insta-worthy location was paramount when deciding where to book their holiday.

instagram

Despite a fifth of those hailing from Manchester also admitting to being heavily influenced by social media when making choices in relation to location, just 2% stated that they had used the platforms to make a booking. 

Similarly, when it came to the booking stage, over a fifth (21%) of 65+ year olds reveal they still prefer more traditional methods, opting to complete these transactions over the phone. 

That said, more than 10% of Belfast residents, however, claim to have done so directly through social media.

Further information can be found here:  https://villaplus.blog/2019/07/23/how-do-you-choose-your-next-destination/

Travel Planning, Travel Tips

7 Travel Trends for 2018 That Will Drive the Global Tourism Industry

Leave a comment

With population growth comes the rise in the demand for tourist packages and exciting vacations. Just like the entertainment industry, tourism is booming and coming back stronger every year, probably due to the same factor – pure, unadulterated hedonism. Throughout the year, the incessant pace of everyday obligations and soul-crushing work leaves people thirsty for a grand escapade, and in 2018, the menu has never been so long and varied. If this fact alone makes you pumped for the coming vacation, read on to find out what seven travel trends for 2018 will drive the global tourism industry.

Experience more important than comfort

Traveling used to be all about comfort. Even today, most casual travelers will look for tasteful hotels that offer scheduled meals and exclusive access to a nearby beach. However, there is a strikingly different subculture that is looking for completely opposite offers from agencies – flexible experiences that will provide them with the basics and leave them to revel in the experience.

Loose framework better than schedule

These people are looking for authentic bed and breakfast accommodations or Airbnb setups. They do not want scheduled guided tours; instead, they use their trusty cell phone to tell them where they are going, they gather information and use GPS completely independently from any guides. In many ways, this is the best way to “get your hands dirty” and truly get a feel of the country you are visiting.

Free marketing via social media shared photos and videos

In relation to the aforementioned cell phones, mobile bookings, ratings and social network activities are through the roof. With the access to high-quality phone cameras, people are making audio-visual diaries of their travels as they upload photos and videos to their social media profiles. This alone is a form of self-replicating marketing for many popular regions in the world. Furthermore, short video formats are slowly replacing the ever so popular endless photo-ops, which make the destination appear even more appealing.

LGBTQ travel is on the rise

Up to 7% of world trotting travelers identify as members of LGBTQ community, and vibrant tourism targeted for this population has been booming like mad over the last three years. In fact, the statistics are showing that LGBTQ identifying people are traveling more often and have different spending habits than members of the cisgender population.

And so is female solo traveling

80% of all travel decisions are made by women, married or single. Naturally, as western culture encourages equality and independence, this also reflects on tourism – there is a noticeable increase in arrangements made by solo female travelers who are just as bold and adventurous in their choice of packages as their male counterparts – in 2018, solo female travelers are looking for challenging traveling experiences more than comfortable, pampering setups in five star hotels and world-class spas.

Food tourism never goes out of style

Gourmet inspired vacations have actually been at the heart of traveling since forever – throughout history, many people have been prepared to embark on long pilgrimages just to mingle in the region that is known for their dream food, be it cheese or pasta.

Appropriately, there is a significant increase in interest in the food travel market. In fact, the World Food Travel Association has concluded that the industry is generating more than 150 billion US dollars per year. If this number does not give you a coronary, neither will a salty Bavarian weisswurst.

Adhering to this statistic, travel agencies are looking to capitalize on such a lucrative trend and offer some delish sounding packages. In fact, one of the popular trends right now consists of having an exquisite world-class meal in your living room by hiring a personal chef service, while regions like Singapore offer a bona fide event out of a visit to the farmer’s market where you haggle over condiments and watch food being prepared on the spot.

Blood-pumping adventures against mundane boredom

As it turns out, before your typical 2018 traveler indulges in a region-specific meal, they’re looking to fill up on something else – a blood-pumping activity or an experience that will leave them exasperated and excited. Plunging into the depths off the coast of the Cayman Islands to investigate haunting shipwrecks, hiking on the steep slopes of Swiss Alps or driving across the African safari as the wind blows-back your hair are only some of the adrenaline-inducing adventures travelers seek out. Additionally, it appears they mostly opt for bikes to move around, even when the terrain is not particularly friendly.

Travel preferences tend to evolve with the constant flow of dangerous hotspots and simmering conflict zones, but they never alter the landscape completely. People know what makes their heart flutter with excitement and they recognize true beauty when it stands right in front of them. Global safety concerns notwithstanding, the demand for more travel packages and preferences continues to grow at a relentless pace, and it appears 2018 will be a busy and exciting year for tourism. All things considered, it’s not hard to discern one thing from these travel trends – working hours might have become crueler around the world, but quite fittingly, people like to party and travel just as hard as they work.