Now that independent driving is part of the practical driving test, gaining good navigation skills while learning to drive is important. The advantage of learning how to navigate early in your driving experience is that you will quickly become a more confident, practical driver.

Plan ahead

It may seem obvious, but planning ahead is key to successful navigation. Before starting your journey, study the route on a map. If your drive covers a long distance, identify service stations and places you can stop for a break, integrating these points into your route. As a good starting point, there are plenty of journey planner apps available online and for mobile phones, many will generate multiple routes to choose from.

If youre travelling to a venue, restaurant or business, check for directions and a map on the company website. If possible, its worth phoning ahead to your destination in advance of your journey to check that it is easy to locate and to enquire about parking.

Look out for road signs, road markings and landmarks

Road signs will usually start to provide directions before you need them, so make sure you observe all signs and road markings as you drive. When going on a long journey, be aware of towns and cities along your route as a way of mapping out the benchmarks of your journey. This way, before sign posts appear for your destination you can confidently navigate through other locations along the route.

Keep a map to hand in your car

Even if you have a satnav, keeping a map in your car is advisable, its always a good idea to have a physical back-up in case your satnav breaks! If you find you are lost and need to look at a map, find a safe place to pull in to re-navigate. Never compromise driving safety by checking details on a map or programming your satnav while driving.

Its worth always keeping a map book of your local region in your car, to cover areas you are likely to drive to. When driving to a new destination, for example going on holiday, its worth taking a map of the places youll be travelling to. If nothing else, maps can be vitally useful for determining location in a breakdown situation.

Satnav

A satnav system can be useful when driving, especially if you find yourself in an area you dont recognise, but be wary of trusting the directions you are given verbatim. Always sense-check directions provided by a satnav, remember to primarily use road signs and markings for guidance and never blindly follow instructions. While satellite navigation can be effective, a satnav map in need of an update, or with programming discrepancies could lead you into a dangerous situation, so always use common sense while driving!

Lost? Dont panic!

If you find you are lost, dont panic. Find a safe place to pull over, such as a car park or layby and check your location on a map. In this instance, a satnav system or a mobile phone with GPS can be extremely useful for determining your location. Finding somewhere to safely stop and re-navigate as soon as you lose your bearings will enable you to resume your journey with confidence.

If you are lost near to your location, stopping to ask for directions is a good idea, people at local businesses, petrol stations and service stations are likely to be able to provide directions to nearby destinations. To help remember a set of instructions and ensure your full understanding, repeat directions back to the person advising you. If you have a complicated set of instructions to follow, it might be worth writing them down if possible. When resuming your journey, take your time, staying calm and focussed.

Traveling alone has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be dangerous if proper precaution is not taken. It can force the traveler to meet other people and to make friends, which can be good, depending on the person. You can go at your own pace and change your plans as and when you like. However, it can be lonely traveling alone and you often end up paying more in the form of single room supplements. And it can also be more challenging especially if you are a woman traveling solo.

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure your solo trip is safe and enjoyable. Do some general research on your destination you should have some idea of where your hotel is located; as well as the basic layout of the city or resort, and which areas of town that it might be best to avoid. Make a point not to look too much like a tourist. For instance, dont walk around with your camera, name tag or guidebook too visible; and try not to read your map in a public place.

ATMs can be found just about anywhere and offer a convenient way to access your cash. If you use an ATM while traveling alone, try to find one that is in a crowded or a public place; and if you are using one at night, try to choose one that is well lit. Take a few moments to check out your surroundings if you are using an ATM in an isolated spot; and once you have completed your transaction, dont linger in front of the ATM, leave the area as quickly as possible.

When you leave your hotel, carry just enough cash on you for that day that way if you are robbed, you wont be completely broke. Make copies of your passport, plane ticket and any other important documents and keep the copies separate from the originals. Use a money belt and wear it inside your clothing, if you have to carry your passport or other valuables with you. Keep a tight grip on your wallet or purse in crowded places, and watch for the distraction tactics that many thieves employ.

Write down the name and address of your hotel in English and the local language, if applicable and carry it with you at all times. Rather than mispronounce the name of your hotel to a cab driver and perhaps be taken to the wrong destination, simply hand over the card. Always use licensed taxis be particularly careful of unlicensed taxis at airports, train stations and major tourist attractions that will almost certainly overcharge you and are also illegal.

In many cities, public transportation is so good that you might not need to take a taxi. Be particularly careful with your purse, wallet or handbag when riding the bus, metro or subway. Try to wait in a well-lit area and board a car that is occupied by several people. Most city transit systems have easy to use route diagrams displayed; if you arent sure where you are going, you should be able to read the map without making it too obvious that you are a tourist and not a local.

If applicable, try to take a hotel room that is on the first floor; that way there is less chance of your room being broken into. Always use the deadbolt lock to secure your door; you can also put a rubber doorstop under the door to further deter any would-be intruder. Avoid using the doorknob hang tab to order room service it can leave the impression that you are alone in the room just pick up the phone instead. Use the Do not disturb sign to prevent the hotel cleaning staff from entering your room unless you actually want them to.

Unfortunately, women still face many more challenges and dangers than men do when traveling alone. Some countries and parts of the world are particularly challenging for a single woman traveler, such as the Middle East; and in many places, the normal rules of behavior that apply at home just wont work. Try to do some research before you leave home and if in doubt, observe how the local women behave and react in particular situations.

Women in particular should be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you just dont feel comfortable, or are being pestered by somebody, be prepared to take refuge in a public building, hotel or large store a tactic that almost always deters people. Be firm but polite if accosted on the street by homeless people, panhandlers, or people trying to sell something. Even if you arent married, a wedding ring can be an essential device for fending off unwanted attention.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding experience just take some basic precautions, avoid looking too much like a tourist, and your trip should be everything you hoped it would be!

Most people decide to take a gap year after they go to university or even before, but many find it difficult to save up enough money to go. It can be difficult to save money from your first job or even part-time job so here are a few tips to get you on your way to your gap year adventure.

There are several ways to calculate how much you need to earn to be able to go traveling and there are several problems that you will encounter along the way. Several banks will be able to advise you on the best accounts for savings; however some of the best will be building societies. They will probably be the ones with the best interest rates.

So once you have set up a savings account you need to decide how much you need to save. The expenses that you will have will be varied, but the main expenses will be your round the world ticket and the money that you will need when you are there, including all food and accommodation.

If you plan your trip well and decide where you want to visit well in advance then you should have a good idea how much you will spend. You should also have a look at the average cost of accommodation in the area. Sites like Lonely Planet are good for things like this and there will also be reviews on the towns and cities in the region.

You should also account for travel in the country, including buses and trains. You will also be able to find this information on the internet. As well as all these expenses you should factor in food and even exchange rates. Once you have decided how much you will need, you have to have a look at your expenses here. How much can you afford to put away each month? It may be daunting at first but there are probably a few ways that you can curb your expenditure.

If it is possible to live with your parents then that might be a good option, as you will save money on accommodation, bills and council tax. If this is not an option then you could have a look at getting a part time job.

Travelling to Durham and Choosing from Durham Hotels

Durham is a lovely city in the North East of England, with great restaurants, plenty of sights to see and a selection of beautiful Durham hotels. The city is easily reachable by road, air or rail. Rail – As the city of Durham is found on the East Coast of England, it can be easily reached with frequent services travelling between London and Scotland. A rail journey from London to Durham takes around three hours, whilst you can journey between Edinburgh and Durham in less than two hours. Newcastle, situated just North of Durham takes around 15 minutes. (15mins) in the North. Rail tickets, from either GNER, Virgin Trains or Arriva trains are normally cheaper when bought in advance, but don’t forget to check the restrictions before you buy. Durham’s train station is in close proximity to the city’s shops, restaurants, bars and of course, Durham hotels.

Flying to Durham

Air – Durham’s closest airport is Newcastle Airport (NCL) with internal flights to and from London and other UK airports. You can also fly from airport further afield such as Paris and Amsterdam. Once you have landed at Newcastle Airport, you can continue your forward journey to Durham by rail (around 15 minutes), bus or taxi (around 30 minutes along the A1). You could also choose to fly into Durham Tees Valley Airport, which can be found between Durham, Middlesbrough and Darlington. This airport is also well served by rail and road to allow you to continue your journey to your choice of comfortable Durham hotels. Road – If you are driving to Durham, the city is easily accessible from main roads: the A1 (M) from the North or South; and the A69/A68 from the West. Durham and its surrounding area also has a great bus and coach services.

Sleep in Style – Durham Hotels

There is plenty of comfortable, stylish Durham hotels for you to rest and recover from your journey. Whether you are looking for a comfy, cheap hotel to sleep in, or more luxurious Durham hotels, there is accommodation to suit every budget and taste. During your stay in Durham, you can choose from a wonderful array of things to do. With great shopping – from chic independent boutiques to well known High Street brands, you can really shop till you drop! And when you need to rest your feet, just head back to your Durham hotels. The city also has campsites, caravan parks, guest houses and self-catering accommodation, many of them in close proximity to the city centre. Why ever you are travelling to Durham, there is a wealth of things to do, places to go and plenty of lovely Durham hotels to rest your weary self!