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!

More and more people engage in outdoors activities these days, as outdoor sports are becoming very popular. The top recreational activities include kayaking, jogging, walking, hiking, and camping.

How can outdoor recreational activities be beneficial to you?

The foremost advantage of spending time outdoors is gaining a good mental spirit and healthy balance of your body. Not only will it help in giving you the liveliness that everyone should have, but it will also pump your life force and the love of living.

Activities such as walking, bird watching, kayaking and camping all make you feel happier while appreciating the beauty that we often forget during our busy hours at the office. Nowadays the stress level has increased so much in everyone’s life that everyone, without exception, deserves a small break to get rid of this stress. Sometimes a small walk in the park will do the trick and can lighten up your tensions and make you feel happy.

In today’s hectic life styles, we hardly find time to spend with our families and friends. Engaging regularly in various outdoor activities can help you create much stronger bonds with your family and friends. You can interact and talk more with your friends and family while sharing the astonishing experiences of a different outdoor activity each time you go out.

How can outdoor recreation help you in saving money?

Our lives are never smooth and secured; everyone comes across various difficult times in their lifetime. Taking the time to engage in simple outdoor recreations will not only help you mentally, but you will also find that it costs close to nothing. For example hiking does not cost anything when compared with cycling. All you need is a pair of good shoes and a mountaintop to hike to. Another example is simply playing outdoors with your kids. Nothing will beat playing soccer or tags with your kids, especially when you take time off from a stressful job.

While there is other activities like hunting that are somewhat costlier however they will provide you with a lot of thrills and great sense of accomplishment. If you can’t afford spending money on such activities then you still have many options that will definitely suit your pocket.

You should try to spend as much time as possible in these types of activities. You should also encourage your friends, family and kids to spend such a wonderful time together building good memories. Nothing can be more enjoyable and beneficial than gaining a good and healthy lifestyle by being in the outdoors.

Cruise liners come in every shape and size: from gigantic ships to super- luxury, intimate yachts. Based on the number of passengers, these ships can be divided into large, medium and small. As the size of the ship will significantly influence your experience on board – larger cruises offer more amenities and entertainment options while smaller ships excel in personalised service and attention to detail – it’s worth giving it some thought.

Cruises on large ships A large ship can carry 1,500 passengers or more. These ships are ideal for families and those travelling on a budget as there are often cruise deals and last-minute offers available. Several decks and cabin options (a lower interior cabin will save you 25% or more when compared with an ocean view cabin) also mean that you can take advantage of what the ship has to offer without spending too much on accommodation.

On a large ship you can expect to find several restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, activities (often referred to as -clubs’) for children and teenagers, computer rooms, a movie theatre, a gym or health centre, various shops and, in general, all the amenities that a small town could offer.

Carnival, a giant in the industry, promotes its cruises as -fun and friendly’ and boasts to have the largest choice of recreational facilities and family entertainment. Disney cruises have also become popular with families – their ships can carry up to 3000 passengers with -Disney-style’ entertainment and dcor.

However, if you don’t care much about entertainment and you’re after something more sophisticated and quiet you’re better off selecting a medium-sized or small ship.

Cruises on medium-sized ships Medium-sized ships carry 500 – 1,500 passengers. These cruises offer the comfort of larger ships – without the noise. You will still have access to various dining options, live music, gym, shops, classes and activities but, with less passengers on board, you’ll experience a more sophisticated and tranquil trip.

Naturally, this comes at a price. Medium ships are more expensive than their larger sisters (unless you’ve landed a great cruise deal) and cater mainly for couples, 45+ travellers and for seniors.

Holland America Line specialises in medium ships and has many repeat cruisers who love the consistency and traditional nature of the experience: these cruises are perfect if you’re after a quality product, traditional cruising and tailored shore excursions. However, they’re not so perfect if you’re travelling with four children or are after late night entertainment – in this case Disney or Carnival cruises might be a better option!

Cruises on small ships Because small ships don’t need to stick to deep and open water, they will take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations, smaller ports, and you’ll be able to enjoy some amazing scenic routes. No wishful thinking: small ship cruises are the most expensive on the market, but if you’re in for a treat and your budget allows it, this is the ultimate sailing experience.

With 500 passengers or less the focus is all on exclusivity, service, atmosphere and elegance. For example, Silversea offers a -personal butler’ service while companies like Compagnie du Ponant and Windstar provide ultra-modern luxury yachts with sails that unfurl at the click of a button.

Whatever your choice, you can be sure that these cruises will be a memorable experience, well worth the expense. They are recommended for honeymooners or for anyone who has something to celebrate in style.

And what about you, travelling with four children? Don’t worry – one day they’ll grow up and you’ll be able to enjoy the pleasure of cruising on a small ship too!