London Tube now runs 24 hours at weekends

By Payless Flights | Published: December 1, 2016

After months of wrangling with transport unions, the world famous London tube now runs 24 hours a day on Fridays and Saturdays.This applies to the Victoria and Jubilee lines as well as most of the Central and Northern lines. The Piccadilly line follows on December 16. Average services are every 10-20 minutes.Parts of the Metropolitan, Circle, District and Hammersmith and City lines are expected to follow.The changes come about due to increasing night-time usage with a 173% increase since 2000.The other good news is that the Mayor of London has frozen tube fares for the next four years.

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Bulgaria. A New World Golfing Destination

By Payless Flights | Published: November 21, 2016

In the high-powered and glamorous world of Golf ,we often see many beautiful destinations.Now Bulgaria offers high quality and visually stunning courses with the most amazing Black Sea vistas. The Balkans, the anchor of South Eastern Europe, is now under the spotlight as a leading Golf resort destination, winning prizes from the international golf media and plaudits from many golf tourists.

There is so much to tell you, a bit too much on a single blog post; the link below will take you to our full article on this exciting addition to the golfing world.

http://www.paylessflights.com/en/news/Bulgarias-Black-SeaA-New-First-Class-Golfing-Venue_986/

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Cheap transatlantic flights are now a reality

By Payless Flights | Published: November 15, 2016
Lower fares apply mainly to Scandinavian destinations, but not only.

Lower fares now a reality thanks to Norwegian.

For the past months, transatlantic travelers have been waiting, with baited breath, for the long awaited launch of Norwegian Airways bargain flights from the U.S. to Europe. Now they have to wait no longer, as the dream has become a reality. Norwegian is selling tickets from the U.S. to London, from as little as $322 return.

Norwegian is very much the ‘new kid on the block’ in the transatlantic travel market (the London-Las Vegas route is the latest to start in November 2016), but they are already establishing a reputation for modern planes , high standards, and low prices.Here are some examples of the fares:

London-Boston $322 rtn, London-Oakland $339 rtn,
London-Orlando $427 rtn, London-LA $438 rtn,
London- New York $463 rtn, London-Las Vegas $550 rtn,
London-Fort Lauderdale $1093 rtn
Norwegian is the first airline to introduce the budget airline model to routes across ‘the pond’. Travelers reviews of journeys so far have been positive.Cabin staff are reported to be very professional , most are American. As with the Budget model many items have add-on charges, but at these prices, it is difficult to argue.

Once in Europe, Norwegian offer a variety of budget flights between local destinations.However, Easyjet and Ryanair are among several others, in what is a highly competitive market

For the best flight deals check out http://www.paylessflights.com/

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Come to Ecuador’s exciting adventure capital

By Payless Flights | Published: February 1, 2015

Ecuador’s tallest volcano, Tungurahua, greets visitors to the country’s adventure capital, Baños de Agua Santa. This centrally located resort, often known simply as Baños, was originally named after its surrounding hot springs. Today, however, visitors are just as likely to come to Baños for volcano exploration tours, cloud forest hikes, whitewater river rafting, or a wide variety of other thrill seeking activities.

The location of Baños in Ecuador’s geographic centre means this retreat is easy to reach from all corners of this small South American nation. Buses travel frequently from Riobamba, Quito, Guayaquil, and Ambato to the tiny northern  Baños terminal. Baños itself is easily walkable, but mountain biking is another way to explore this scenic community.

Many Roman Catholics make pilgrimages to the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water. A sculpture of the Virgin Mary, who was said to be spotted near the over 60 waterfalls surrounding Baños, stands inside this church constructed from volcanic rocks and filled with unique paintings. The Virgin Mary is also believed to have protected the church from several volcanic eruptions.

One of the closest waterfalls to central Baños, Cascada de La Virgen, empties close to the thermal baths. However, many believe the Pailon de Diablo is an even more impressive waterfall. Visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top of the Manto de la Novia, whose most unique feature is its two distinct chutes.

The T. Halflants tourist office is the easiest place to find maps of the many leisurely Baños hiking trails. One of the most challenging treks is to the summit of the town’s Virgin Mary statue. Mountain bikers, on the other hand, may prefer making the 61kms downhill journey to Puyo. Small cable cars travel to many of the waterfalls situated along the first 18kms of this scenic journey.

The amount of rainfall varies the difficulty of the Pastaza River’s rapids from Class II to Class IV. Rafting excursions are often part of larger organised tours into the nearby jungle. Baños is often called the ‘gateway to the Amazon’ because it is the largest mountain community visitors will encounter prior to entering the isolated Amazon River basin. These Amazonas jungle tours, which last from one day to two weeks, frequently include encounters with native villagers and wildlife.

The nightlife of Baños is centred around an area of three blocks known as Zona Rosa. The small businesses in front of the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water are the most reliable places to purchase local handicrafts, while the local market serves up the cheapest snacks. Most of Ecuador’s signature sugar cane taffy, melcocha, is produced in Baños. Sugar cane is also commonly consumed as squeezed juice drinks or chewable cane pulp sticks.

Backpackers on budgets can either stay in one of the several central Baños hostels or participate in the active Baños couchsurfing community. Arriving prior to Friday or making advance reservations are the easiest ways to ensure rooms during busy weekends. Those with a little more money to spare may wish to splurge on a stay at the scenic Luna Runtun Adventure Spa.

The bravest visitors to Baños can partake in canopying, paragliding, bungee jumping, and rapelling down waterfalls. However, the most unusual Baños attraction may be La Casa Del Arbol. This ‘swing at the end of the world’ is actually a wood plank which people can sit on, then sail over a steep hill edge.

 

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Norwegian Says Yes to Low-Cost Flights to Europe

By Payless Flights | Published: July 12, 2014

When Norwegian first stepped up and announced that they will be offering low-cost long-haul flights about a year ago, the airline industry laughed out loud and focused on any possible flaws from the carrier. A year later, Norwegian flies from Europe to five destinations in the U.S. – Orlando, FL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. From US Norwegian flies nonstop to Bergen, London, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.  The carrier operates 416 routes to 126 destinations within Europe and into North Africa, the Middle East, USA and Asia.

Norwegian Air

Norwegian brought to the table a simple and widely used among domestic carriers solution for inexpensive international tickets, offering what the company calls LowFare. You pay only what you plan to use. You don’t need to pay for luggage, for reserved seat, not even for food, if you don’t feel like it. You can fly with your carry-on luggage, filled with snacks and whatever else you were able to fit in there and save an average between $200-$300 for a one-way ticket. If you want to bring check-in luggage, that would cost you from $40, depending on your trip. Remember those blankets and pillows that we take for granted in the long-haul flights? Norwegian says – that’s money included in your ticket too and if you don’t need them you don’t have to pay for them. Just remember to bring your jacket or blanket, or even a pillow, because if you end up needing one, that would be an extra $5 for each. Earphones sell for $3. Snacks are between $4 and $20; alcohol is $7-$10.

Shopping during the flight

You don’t get complimentary water either, but you are allowed to bring as many bottles as you can fit in that carry-on. Keep in mind that with such a low fare cost, the tickets are nonrefundable and the changing fee is about $140 for transatlantic flights and $60 for domestic European flights.

The bad news is that the lower prices apply only to certain destinations and the majority is in Scandinavia.

Lower fares apply mainly to Scandinavian destinations, but not only.

If that is not your final destination, you need to look for additional domestic flights or pay full price for your trip. In August you can fly from New York to Oslo for as low as $319.00 and in September the same flight starts at $203.00 for one-way ticket with all taxes included.  A flight from New York to Copenhagen in August starts from $303. The prices are just as good from the West Coast. Direct flight from San Francisco to Stockholm starts from $322 in August and $245 in September.

Unlike the vertical aviation concept, which proposes a standing passengers’ cabin that leads to decreased costs of flying, Norwegian appreciates comfort and uses different methods to lower the cost. Besides the actual LowFare, Norwegian claims that the Dreamliner itself is a reason for the cheaper tickets. According to Norwegian, the new Dreamliner is much more fuel efficient, which leads to lower ticket prices. Check out their inflight welcome video HERE.

Ambient light should ease jetlag

About a week ago I got to experience the Dreamliner and it is pretty awesome. It is not a spaceship or a magic carriage, but definitely would make your flight more bearable and even pleasant. Yes there is more room, the leather seats feel larger, so does the leg room. The middle row has only 3 seats, just like the end ones, unlike other aircrafts that like to scoot in 4 and 5 people together. Norwegian claims that the Dreamliner flights higher than an average plane, delivering cleaner air and thus mitigating jetlag afterwards.

I don’t know about that … I still experienced jetlag after my flight. Ambient lighting, electro-chromatic self-dimming windows, Android tablets at each seat, self-flushing toilets, bathroom doors that do not fold to take even more out of the tiny space, larger overhead bins, working USBs and of course endless on-board shopping with open tab all the way till landing.

You can dim your window with the push of a button

Norwegian promises Wi-Fi on board and I was hoping to get some, but it turns out that Wi-Fi applies only to flights within Europe. “We are in the middle of nowhere, it is hard to get a signal from anywhere”, assured me the flight attendant.

Thumbs up Norwegian and you as well Dreamliner.

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Everything You Need to Know about Using Electronic Cigarettes on Board

By Payless Flights | Published: March 22, 2014

E-cigarette ads promise the freedom to enjoy smoking virtually anywhere … on a plane … during 9-, 12-, 14-hour flight … even TSA allows a vapor in the carry- on (as long as you follow certain recommendations) … and rumor has it carriers even sell them on board … like no more shaky feet 3 hours before landing … like smoker’s Heaven on Earth …

It gets even better … there are no official rules for using e-cigarettes on board of commercial aircraft. The Transportation Security Administration has not officially outlawed their use.  At present TSA is drafting a ban, which should be released in mid-2014. Since there are no official rules, the organization suggests checking with the carrier for its policy on e-cigarettes.

The International Air Transport Association recommends that all aircraft prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes: “Electronic, simulated smoking materials (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) should be prohibited from use by both passengers and crew at all times. Operators should not permit the use of any item which could insinuate that smoking is permitted on board aircraft. Permitting the use of these devices on board could result in passengers attempting to smoke real cigarettes (or other smoking products) and/or increased unruly/disruptive passenger events.” IATA agrees that e-cigarettes can be carried on, but they should remain stowed at all times and unused in the passenger’s carry-on baggage.

So it is up to the carriers and the commercial ones all say NO!!! A survey among the leading U.S. and European carriers revealed that you must remain cold turkey through the entire flight. US Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, Air France, AlItalia, KLM, as well as Bulgaria Air said NO to using e-cigarettes during the flight. “In fact, the vapor that comes out of the device can set off the smoke detectors”, explained Air France. Even the lavatories are off limits. Keep in mind that tampering with the lavatory smoke detectors is a felony that would lead to fines and prison time.

Bottom line is the no smoking signs on board apply to both conventional cigarettes as well as electronic ones, unless you are flying with a private charter.

Smoking on all commercial flights is forbidden

Wizz Air, the European low-cost carrier recommended trying nicotine gums instead, although I am sure many smokers are already aware of this option. Blogs are overflowing with ideas how to deal with nicotine hunger during a flight – chew tobacco, ask doctor for nicotine prescription or anything else that does not emit smoke.

Recommendations for flying with electronic cigarette:

–          Separate the components and place the charger and any cords and battery with your other electronic devices. If the electronic cigarette is powered by lithium batteries, IATA requires any lithium batteries to be packed in the carry-on baggage, because they are considered a fire hazard.

–          Place the liquid in 3oz liquids bag.

–          Place the e-cigarette tube in a clear bag as well.

FYI – If you are not sure what is allowed in your carry-on bag, you can download the myTSA app and find the answer.

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A Rundown of Southwest Special State Livery

By Payless Flights | Published: February 13, 2014

Have you ever flown with Air Force One? Me neither and probably never would. But Southwest feels our pain and lives up to its reputation as a unique and thinking outside-the-box carrier. It is so proud of its special livery Boeing 737 fleet that will let anyone fly with it, even the President.

Lone Star One is the first of State One Fleet

In 1990 the carrier introduced Lone Star One – the first of a series of State liveries. It features the Texas state flag across the body of a Boeing 737. Having Texas as the first of the special line is no surprise, as Southwest is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Four years later, in 1994, the carrier introduced Arizona One. The aircraft is painted in the state flag colors and commemorates one of Southwest’s major hubs.

Arizona One was released in 1994

In 1998 Southwest introduced California One featuring a bear on the hull, and a year later – Nevada One.

Nevada One made an appearance in 1999

 

New Mexico One was released in 2000. The 737-700 is painted in yellow and red and depicts the state’s official flag and the ancient symbol of the Zia Pueblo Indians. The recognition comes 30 years after Southwest initiated service to New Mexico in 1980. The state was so excited, it declared Sept. 18th, 2000 ‘Southwest Airlines Day in the State of New Mexico’.

In 2005 Maryland One joined the State Fleet. Right on Flags Day Southwest commemorated its growing presence at Baltimore-Washington International Airport with an aircraft painted in the Maryland flag colors. The carrier arrived at BWI in 1993 and helped transform the underused airport into one of the busiest hubs in the area.

Maryland One revealed during Flags Day

The sharp Illinois One was introduced in 2008. Southwest dedicated it to the great relationship developed with Chicago Midway Airport, as well as to its employees working there. The unique paint job features an eagle with a shield, resembling the one from the Illinois state flag.

Florida One proudly presenting the Seal of Florida

Southwest began service to Florida in 1996 with two airports – Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Tampa. In 2010 the carrier introduced Florida One, which represents the ties to the Sunshine State with almost 300 daily nonstop departures. The same year Southwest began service to Panama City Beach, the seventh Florida city on their service map.

Last, but not least, in 2010 the carrier revealed Colorado One. It was Southwest’s way to say ‘Thank You’ to Denver for growing faster than predicted and becoming the carrier’s fifth largest market.

Through the years Southwest has released more specialty planes, which commemorate a milestone that the carrier reached with different partners. Nine of them are honoring the aforementioned states. There are 2 planes dedicated to SeaWorld’s whale Shamu. As an official carrier of SeaWorld, Southwest released the latest Penguin One plane in 2013. The featured penguin species is a gentoo, which can be found at SeaWorld Orlando.

The Boeing 737 with SeaWorld's Shamu on a side

Not quite sure which would be the next featured state or partner, but if you spot one of these special airplanes remember that you are looking at something unique that takes an average of 100 gallons of paint, about 30 people working around the clock and over 216 consecutive hours to paint just one of those unique liveries. Oh, and don’t forget to snap a photo and share Southwest’s ‘luv’ with us, you lucky ones!

 

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The Olympic Rings and Airlines – Who flew them Best?

By Payless Flights | Published: February 10, 2014

Russia’s largest airline Aeroflot was awarded the status of General Partner in the Passenger Air Transportation Service category, for the 2014 Winter Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. Thus the carrier has the right to proudly display the Olympic rings and the symbols of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee on its aircraft.

Sochi 2014 Olympic Partner

Aeroflot presents the Olympic A320

Take a look at some of the other carriers that decorated their fleet during past Olympic Games.

2012 Olympic Games

British Airways Dove A319

In 2012 British Airways repainted nine of its A319s with dove design, created by Pascal Anson. The artist chose the dove as a symbol of peace and social unity, as well as because doves were used during previous Olympic ceremonies, such as London Games in 1948.

In 2010 Air Canada also repainted some of its Boeing 777s to recognize the company’s role as an official carrier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The airplanes displayed green-blue mountain scenery and a painting of a snowboarder sliding along the hull.

The summer Olympics in 2008 took place in China and Air China celebrated the partnership by highlighting the games mascots on its planes – five “Fuwa” cartoon characters.

2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Air China's Five Olympic Mascots

Alitalia did not hesitate to brag about being the official airline partner during the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino. And the list goes on … as far back as the creation of the Olympic Games, but when did it all start? Who was the first carrier to display the Olympic logo on its aircraft?

Research showed that in 1996 Air France was the first company to recognize the possibilities of turning its aircraft into flying billboard. The company repainted its signature machine, the Concorde, into a Pepsi advertisement.

Yet, the Olympic symbols have been flying for much longer than Pepsi’s logo. There is no clear information, which was the first company to display the Olympic Games logo on its airplane, so we can only speculate.

The Olympic symbol is composed of five interlocking rings, colored in blue, yellow, black, green and red, on a white background and was designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who also happened to be the co-founder of the modern Olympic Games. The symbol gained popularity a few decades later, in 1936 during the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin.

The airship Hindenburg with the Olympic Rings

Hindenburg displays the Olympic Rings in 1936

Meanwhile, from March 1936 until May 1937, the German commercial passenger-carrying rigid airship LZ 129, also known as Hindenburg, attempted six test flights, among which was its first North American transatlantic journey. On the hull the airship displayed the registration number D-LZ129 and the five Olympic rings, promoting the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin. Would it be wrong to speculate that this is the first aircraft to display the Five Rings?

While the past is somewhat blurred, the future is already bright and clear. Long before it won the bid, Korean Air had already revealed the special PyeongChang 2018 aircraft. The design is based on children’s drawing contest and the winner was chosen among 300 entrants from all over Korea. The winning design features a ski jumper and figure skater, holding the Korean flag.

 

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How to Score a Fair Last Minute Airfare

By Payless Flights | Published: February 5, 2014

departure sign; last minute travel tipsLife happens and among our planned vacations and leisure travels there are some last minute emergency trips that catch us completely unprepared and leave us doomed to spend our savings on the tomorrow’s airfare. If you are faced with similar scenario and you are not one of those lucky rich procrastinators, who wouldn’t mind spending a small fortune on a last minute ticket, you might want to read this article, because there are ways to save money.  

Search intermediary websites: Back in the days, it was a common practice for travelers to head straight to the airport and to expect the best last-minute fair at the carrier’s desk. The Internet has revolutionized sales channels, especially when it comes to air travel, and today intermediary websites such as paylessflights.com offer better deals than the carriers themselves. This holds true almost every time, for both domestic and international travels. And because it might sound paradoxical, I would back this statement with an excerpt from a recent study on flight prices on the Internet. It revealed that the average price on a ticket from Madrid to New York was cheaper on intermediary websites, than purchased from conventional agencies or even on the carrier’s website.

That being said, if you find the ticket you need and the price is right, book it immediately or it might be gone before you know it. For your own sake, especially if travelling the next day, make sure you call and talk to a live agent who will confirm your purchase.

Take advantage of price discrimination: When it comes to prices it is no longer a secret that airlines discriminate. In other words they provide the same product to different people at different prices and different times. While some levels of price discrimination are socially acceptable, such as student, military or senior discount, others might be a complete insult for the consumer. You can’t change this fact, so instead of dwelling on it, you might as well take advantage of it. Recent studies revealed that the day of the week when you purchase your ticket does matter, yet different researchers interpret this factor differently, so your best bet will be to experiment for yourself, if time allows. One study showed that in the final two weeks before departure online purchases are on average of 4% cheaper on the weekend than during the week. On the other hand, some travel gurus insist that the best day to purchase a ticket would be Tuesday afternoon, because airlines apply discounts on Monday and by Tuesday all competitors have already followed. Experiment, experiment, experiment, if the current situation permits.

Be flexible: Unless it is an emergency, try to be as flexible as possible on several different levels. For starter, try to choose flexible dates. Some travel advisers claim that flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are cheaper than the rest of the week because these are the least popular days to travel.

If choosing your flight date is not the case, at least try to include Saturday in your round trip travel. This will guarantee you lower price, compared to a one or two-day travel.

Next, be flexible about the times of travel, even if that means you need to board at some ungodly hour of the night. Many passengers, true to their comfort, try to avoid those late and less popular flights.

On the same token, try to book a flight with one or more stops, if your schedule allows. I just ran a simple search on our website for a round trip flight from Chicago to Miami, and just as I expected, there was a $500 difference between a non-stop flight and the one with layover.

Opt for nearby airports. Unless you are on a company paid business trip or somebody will be expecting you at a particular airport, do a search with nearby airports. You might end up finding much cheaper tickets that will not only cover your rent-a-car, or bus ticket, or whatever other means of transportation you choose, but will also save you some extra money.

Use your miles: Have you signed up for one of those loyalty programs that apply miles to your account every time you travel? If so, now is the time to put those miles to good use. Different carriers have specific names – air miles, sky miles, award miles, etc. No matter what you call them, miles are literally free travel money, so one should never underestimate their savings power. Call the airline company, check with them how many miles you will need for this particular trip. If you don’t have enough, you can transfer miles from family members’ accounts, purchase some from the company’s website or some carriers would even allow you to apply your miles and pay the difference with real money.

Check the fair specials: Some of the big carriers such as Delta, United and US Airways post their specials online. Keep in mind that these specials apply to particular round trip destinations and set dates of travel, as well as trip duration. With a little more luck, you might be able to fit in one of their special-fare frames and score a cheaper last-minute deal.

Check the combos: As absurd as it may sound, when it comes to last minute deals a flight+rent-a-car or flight+hotel might cost you less than the flight itself. If that’s the case, take the combo and throw the service you don’t need.

Ask for bereavement discount: Bereavement fares are travel options for customers who are faced with last-minute emergency travel. Such fares are usually refundable and permit changes with no extra fees. The bereavement fare gives you a discount between 10 and 75 percent off the regular last minute price, but you need to contact the carrier directly over the phone. That being said, because you will be paying a portion of the full fare, often times you will pay more than the cost for a sale ticket or a low-fare carrier ticket. What is more, you will be facing the option for your request to be turned down and that will put additional stress on you. Also, keep in mind that if you decide to take advantage of such discount you will need to provide proof of death or illness, as well as kinship.

Check low-cost airlines: When booking in advance, you have the right to be picky and brand loyal. Yet, when it comes to last minute travel and saving money, you need to perform a thorough research and remain open-minded for low-cost companies that might provide you with better fare.

Upgrade to higher class: If none of the above tips work for you, at least do one last search for tickets in first class. You might end up finding the same price, if not better, than the one you were about to pay for a coach seat. Even if you have no other option, but to purchase that exuberant full-fare last-minute ticket, at the end of the day you will travel in comfort.

Purchase smart and travel safe.

 

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Trips You Should Take Now And Why

By Payless Flights | Published: October 23, 2013

We all had those trips that we dreamed about when we were younger; backpacking across Europe, surfing in Costa Rica for months on end, or maybe a Gap Year in Southeast Asia. Whatever your dream trip was, chances are, you probably never left for it. We always seem to be sacrificing travel for our everyday lives. When I ask people why they don’t travel or why they stopped traveling, the number one answer I get is “I don’t have time or the money.”

Now, we’re all busy and we all feel like we’re strapped for cash lately but if there’s one thing I’ve learned while traveling, it’s that going somewhere and immersing yourself into another culture or an activity away from the hustle and bustle that is life, is actually much more relaxing and much more therapeutic than you would think.

Here’s a couple ideas for trips that you should take now, and why.

Backpack Through Europe (For At Least Two Weeks)

Everyone has dreamed of taking a few months off and just traveling around Europe at their own pace. The food! The culture! The people! If you’re anything like most people, it never came to fruition. But now that you’re older, it seems as though that dream never really died.

Right now is actually an opportune time to go. Since Greece is constantly hanging in the balance, the Euro is staying relatively steady at 1:1.3. It’s cheaper than it has been in years and many of the countries offer off-season prices in the early winter months. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Visit Alaska

Alaska is one of the most pristine, majestic and truly awe-inspiring places on earth. It’s perpetual snow-capped mountains and it’s glacial waters aren’t just breathtaking, they’re mesmerizing.

Fly into Anchorage or take a cruise departing from Vancouver or Seattle to get the most for your time. If you wish to see the state at it’s finest, take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage with stops in over 10 cities and “excursions” at each stop. You can take a boat ride to see the monstrous glaciers in Kenai Fjord National Park, you can take a mild white water rafting trip through Seward, or even para-glide off Mount Alyeska in Girdwood.

If you’re taking a cruise into Alaska, chances are your cruise line will offer options to see the magnificent state in it’s own ways. Princess Cruise Line and Holland America both have their own train cars if you want the best of both worlds.

Alaska is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’re in desperate need for fresh air and mountains, be sure to hop on a plane as soon as possible.

Spend A Week In Central America

Although you could easily spend 6 months in Central America, wet your appetite with a week long visit to one country. The reason I say to only visit one country is because each one has it’s own diversity and you wouldn’t even scratch the surface in a week.

My top picks for places to go are; Belize, Costa Rica and Tikal, Guatemala.

Belize is home to islands, wildlife, rolling hills filled with jungles, ancient Mayan ruins and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Be sure to stop by San Ignacio for a taste of how everyday is led by the locals and definitely visit Caye Caulker; it’s the most laid back atmosphere packed into a tiny island.

Costa Rica seems to offer it all; jungles, wildlife, beaches, surfing, adventure. And it doesn’t just seem to, it really delivers. Anywhere you go in this country has a great adventure waiting for you. Whether your adventure of choice be horseback riding on a volcano or surfing in Jaco. 

Tikal, Guatemala is a place of other-worldly mystery. It’s home to one of the largest Mayan ruins sites in all of Central America. It’s sprawling campus is miles long and it’s hundreds of temples and pyramids give you a chance to see how life truly was for the ancient Mayas. Stay at Tikal Hotel Inn for a chance to stroll out of your front door and onto the National Park.

Visit Bali Before Trash Takes Over

Bali seems to hold a mystic place in our imaginations, with it’s temples and beautiful jungles. But there’s one problem; trash. It’s local inhabitants aren’t exactly taking care of the place. So as you’re driving along the highway, the unexpected smell of burning plastic seems to fill your nose unexpectedly.

Granted, it’s still the beautiful oasis that you’re picturing in your head but not quite as pristine as you had hoped. If you’re wanting to go, now is the time. Although there has been talks of legislature moving in to prevent the problem from getting worse, nothing is actively being done to stop it.

 

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