Top 5 Places to Travel in 2019

With the new year, comes new and exciting places to visit. Wether it was due to lack of time or you simply weren’t sure about some destinations; 2019 is the year to travel. 

Here are the top 5 places to visit in 2019:

1.     Mexico City, Mexico 

WHY: Experience colourful flavours and culture 

Lets face it, everyone loves Mexican food; and who wouldn’t want to have a traditional homemade taco? Although in the past it may have had a criminal reputation, it is definitely an up and coming city, filled with cultural history, homemade food as well as lively parties. What else could you possibly ask for!

2. Dordogne, France

WHY: A fairytale dream 

This pastoral Southwestern region lies within the richness of the cherished french culture we all admire. 2019 is an especially appropriate time to visit as it makes 100 years since the inauguration of the Félibrée; an annual celebration of all things Occitan. This includes food, music as well as activities such as renting kayaks on the Dordogne River.

3. Montenegro  

WHY: Breathtaking scenery and heritage

This Southern European country should be on everyone’s travel list for 2019. For years, this beautiful country filled with undiscovered beaches used to be considered a mere stopover that travellers combined with its popular neighbouring country Croatia. However, this underrated paradise has recently experienced development boom with its pink sand beaches, shopping spots as well as spas.  

4. Reykjavik, Iceland 

WHY:  A place to reach your inner Zen 

From natural springs and waterfalls to whale-watching, Iceland is surreal experience waiting to inspire you. One of the main reasons to visit is the night-time spectacle of the Northern Lights, which are more common in Iceland than any other Northern country. The perfect destination for a full body detox.

5.  The Azores, Portugal 

WHY: Natural adventure zone

Although Portugal has been a major touristic attraction, new to the scene are beautiful islands of The Azores. Filled with thermal springs, vineyards, volcanic lakes, these spots are all accompanied by outdoor activities such as surfing, diving and kayaking. These amazing islands have something for everyone.

Wishing you a year of spectacular travels.

5 WAYS TRAVEL CHANGES YOU

Travel has many positives; one of the main things is that it exposes you to new and exciting things you would have never experienced at home. In addition, travel does something more life changing; it has the power to change you as person for the better.

Below are the 5 ways Travel changes you. Enjoy! :-)

(1) Better Perspective

Whatever you are going through. Travel is sure to fix it and give you a little bit more perspective. What may seem like a large challenge will start to look small once you take in your travel experiences and meet more people.

In addition, it’s always great to have your views of the world be challenged and tested. This then makes you more open and more able to see things from another point of view.

(2) Having More Flexibility, Tolerance and Patience

When travelling, things do not always go according to plan. It doesn’t matter how well organised your itinerary may be, things can sometimes go off course. This isn’t always a bad thing. Through such experiences you may discover a new part of a city that you have never heard of. You may even meet and connect with amazing people you would have never met. By having these experiences you will find yourself slowly embracing the spontaneity of life.

Sometimes it is necessary to be taken out of routine and out of your comfort zone. Once you do that, you learn something new and exciting about yourself and the World around you. So try to have patience when things don’t go according to plan. You never know what good fortune may come out of it.

(3) More Knowledgeable

Travel fills in the gaps of knowledge. We all have a deep desire to explore the unknown. Once you begin your journey to explore and get satisfaction from learning something new on your adventure, your thirst for knowledge will grow even more.

If you have always wanted to see an elephant in real life in its habitat, go see it. If you have always wanted to have proper British fish and chips, go do it. It is all part of the learning experience and your personal development.

When you are in a social situation you will be able to confidently share your knowledge with people and maybe inspire someone else to go on an adventure.

(4) Travel Makes Your Happier

Travel makes you a happier person by helping you to start appreciating the little things. When you take in an epic view you start to realise that you play a very small part in the vast universe.  And once you realise that, you will think more about the present and embrace and appreciate the little things.

Travel  also enables you to realise how huge and diverse the World is and reminds us to be grateful for who we are and what we have.

(5) Travel Boosts Confidence

Travel makes you a better person overall. If you struggle with self-confidence you will get a life-long boost of confidence when you go on adventure, face your fears and immerse yourself in the moment. Through this, it puts you on a journey to discovering your true self and achieving self-acceptance.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLERS

More and more people are travelling solo as a way for self-discovery and character development. It's fantastic to explore and see what the World has to offer, but its important to stay safe out there. We know that for some of you, this may be your first time travelling to another country alone. Just to help you out, here are our top 10 tips for female solo travellers. Enjoy! :-)

(1) Only use Official Taxis

Check with the information point, the airport officials or hotel information point and find out where the official taxis are. Do not go into a taxi that you have not called for.

(2) Arrive in the daytime

Arrive in the daytime; there will be a lot more people walking around that can help you.  Also, trying to find your way around a city you have never been to is a lot less scary in the daytime.

(3) Learn the places to avoid

Research the city or country you will be visiting in advance. Find out which parts of the city are safe to stay in. Do not compromise your safety just to save money. Make sure you have travel insurance, take the taxi instead of walking at night. Be very vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

(4) Photocopy your travel documents

Losing your passport or flight tickets is a common problem and can ruin your vacation. To avoid this, make sure to have photocopies of your passport, flight tickets and any other important documentation. Put a copy, in your bag, in your purse, in your hotel room or have it saved in your phone. You never know when you might need it.

(5) Avoid giving away personal information

While travelling solo, you will meet a lot of interesting people. Remember to be vigilant and do not let strangers know what hotel you are staying in. Also, do not tell the person you are alone.

(6) Check out travel alerts

Check for any travel alerts in the country you will be visiting and look out for any alerts on wars or any other state of emergency situations. In addition, research the common crimes and scams in the country so you are well prepared and watchful.

(7) Dressing Requirements

Some countries are a lot stricter than others in terms of dressing. Before you travel check on the dressing requirements for that country or city and dress accordingly.

(8) Listen to the Locals

If locals or hotel staff tells you to not go to a certain area because it is dangerous. Do not go. In more nuanced situations, always follow your gut.

(9) Act Confident

Even though you may be unsure of yourself at times. Always act confident and assertive, it will make you less of a target.

(10) Let people know where you are

Visiting a new country or city is very exciting and you can get so caught up in the fun that you forget to update your