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4 Things You MUST Do On Your Gap Year

Abbie Lewis — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 12:28:21 +0000

The purpose of taking a Gap Year is to step out of your comfort zone and away from the boredom of daily life to experience something new, different and exciting – moments that take your breath away.

Your gap year should be all about creating memories that last a lifetime, and, by incorporating these 4 ‘Must Dos’ into your travel plans abroad, there’s no way you can go wrong…

The Seven Wonders of the World

From the Taj Mahal in India, to the Egyptian Pyramids, Petra in Jordan and the Great Wall of China, (to name but a few) you should definitely aim to visit at least one of the globe’s Seven Wonders during your year abroad.

Dating back as far as 2589BC and located in every corner of the world the Seven Wonders are testament to man’s capabilities and advancements throughout the ages. Each site has its own unique history and culture, settled in lands of dramatic scenery.

To get the best out of the Wonder you decide to visit, research the country and city before you go to avoid tourist pitfalls. Oh! And don’t forget to hashtag #chasinggrammers when instagramming all those crazy photos, you can track your journey along with fellow travellers across the globe.

Iconic Parties

Partying is undeniably the primary reason for the popularity of the Gap Year. Wherever you go and whomever you are with, make sure that you find the fun to celebrate life and your journey at every opportunity. Some of the best parties in the world include the Full Moon party in Thailand, Mud Festival in South Korea, Holi in India and Burning Man in the USA.

Deep Sea Diving

Take your horizons even further and explore nature’s hidden secrets by getting a scuba diving license while on your worldwide journey. The most reputable scuba diving instruction can be found at any Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) dive centres. The centres are located all over the world in some of the most geographically beautiful locations from Dublin to the Philippines. You are guaranteed to see scenes that you would never have imagined, plus you get to take a look at the world from a very different angle.

Learn a new skill

For the Gap Year goers who thirst for that something extra, chase the burn of adrenaline while you are young, wild and free. Learn a skill and experience a thrill. Take up an extreme sport while styling out your gap year, it is a great way to keep fit and explore unchartered territory for those who want to push the boundaries that bit harder.

Whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, free climbing or mountain biking, taking up a skill or partaking in an activity with friends is a unique bonding experience you will never forget. Remember to thoroughly research all of the options available to you, to make sure they are safe and reputable.

The world is your oyster when you’re travelling on your Gap year. Remember that whichever path you choose to take during your time away we wish you a very safe journey full of the unexpected and completed by memories you cannot forget. Keep us up to date with your Gap Year experiences by tweeting at us @mytravelmoneyUK

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7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Israel This December

Abbie Lewis — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:58:52 +0000

The post 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Israel This December appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

4 Festive Christmas Destinations Across The World

Abbie Lewis — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:27:54 +0000

As Brits we are proud of our Christmas tradition. It’s an incredibly appealing one.

Heart-warming mince-pies, spicy mulled wine and a full-run of ‘The Snowman’ have long been basic staples of our perfect, white Christmas. And, whether it’s knocking back a whisky by the fireplace or spending the entirety of Boxing Day gorging on Turkey sandwiches, we all have our individual rituals when it comes to the festive season.

But what we find so great about Christmas may not be so great for our sense of adventure. Opting to spend the winter months put, for fear of missing out on a ‘proper Christmas,’ has totally isolated so many of us from the fact that Christmas is celebrated in many other places across the world. Which means that there are hundreds, if not thousands of incredible traditions that we’re missing out on!

Just take a look at what you could experience in any one of these 4 festive, Christmas destinations:

Jamaica

Christmas in Jamaica is such a bright and lively affair that you’d probably be too busy to even think of missing home.

In the days and weeks before the 25th, revelers in more rural locations take to the streets for the Jonkanoo parade, dressed in vibrant masquerade costumes that depict cows’ heads, horses, devils and policemen.

In other areas up until Christmas Eve itself, Grand Markets are opened, filled with delicious street foods, dancing, crafts and live, reggae music. Just some of the scrummy local delicacies that any visitor must try include pinda (peanut) cakes and Sorrel, a traditional Jamaican Christmas drink. Made of cinnamon, ginger, sugar, orange peel and rum, it’s an exotic replacement to our mulled-wine classic, and may taste even better!

While the typical Jamaican Christmas meal doesn’t include our favourite roast turkey, rest assured that you won’t go disappointed. Christmas dinner is typically made up of chicken, curry goat, roast ham, oxtail and rice with gungo peas.

India

Despite being a predominantly Hindu country, there are over 25 million Christians in India, which means that in typical Indian fashion, Christmas is a spectacular occasion.

Churches up and down the country are adorned with beautiful poinsettia flowers and candles, and the typical British pine tree is replaced by fragrant banana and mango trees, decorated with tinsel, lighting and intricate ornaments.

Across India’s bustling capital of Mumbai as well as much of Southern India, giant star-shaped paper lanterns are hung above Christian streets and houses. In the North-West of the country tribal Christians visit neighbouring towns and villages to sing traditional Christmas carols and share the story of Jesus’ birth.

As long-standing fans of Indian cuisine, British visitors to India should hugely enjoy the traditional Christmas meal. Succulent chicken and lamb curries, tender biryanis and even a well-spiced version of Christmas pudding are all staples of an Indian Christmas dinner.

Spain

Just a short plane ride away from home, Christmas in Spain is flamboyant, exotic and definitely worth visiting.

Christmas Eve, ‘Nochebuena,’ is the main event and a busy, sociable occasion. Pre midnight mass, celebrations take place throughout towns and cities, with many locals opting to spend the night in their favourite bars or restaurants before heading home for a traditional meal of Pavo Trufado de Navidad’ (Turkey stuffed with truffles).

In some parts of Spain (in particular the North) seafood is the staple starter of the Nochebuena meal, followed by an enormous roast lamb, pig or duck.

While the streets of Spain may see temporary peace during the time that Midnight Mass is being attended and meals are being eaten, there is even more fun to be found afterward. The early hours of Christmas morning are celebrated with music-filled, torch-light processions and parties will typically go on into the day.

Brazil

Perhaps the ultimate Christmas destination for any traveller looking for fun, sun and an abundance of festivity.

Similarly to Spain, celebrations commence on Christmas Eve but continue on into early January. From Christmas Eve, firework displays, churrascos (barbecues) and enormous electric trees made up of real lights brighten up the skylines of major cities across the country.

Brazilian renditions of our own ‘Silent Night’ (Noite Feliz) are sung by traditional carol singers throughout the run up to Christmas day, and on the day itself, many families and friends take to the beach for a day of sun, sea and relaxation.

Thankfully, the traditional Brazilian Christmas dinner often includes our own favourite, roast turkey and vegetables – albeit with a slight kick. There are a number of creative turkey recipes that include the use of champagne, spices and dried fruits! Because of all of the vast European immigration into Brazil, staples of traditional German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese Christmas meals may be found across the country. Delicious German Stollen breads and Italian Panettone can be easily found on Brazilian dining-tables during the Christmas period.

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The top 5 most fabulous New Year’s destinations

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:37:55 +0000

New Year’s Eve. According to the Telegraph, in 2013, a miserable 10 million Britons described it as the “most depressing night of the year” with the average UK resident celebrating in bed, asleep, by 10.38pm.

For those brave revellers who actually do opt to brave the cold and head out to Britain’s city centres, blustering winds, rowdy crowds and deadlocked roads predictably await.

Complemented by a dismal journey home involving two night buses and an extortionate taxi ride, we vow to welcome in the next year from the comfort of an exotic holiday destination – preferably, far away from home and from Great Uncle John’s rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Like most of our New Year’s resolutions, this dream rarely materialises. Don’t make the same mistake in 2014.

If you’re still ‘hmm-ing’ and ‘ahh-ing’ over those last minute travel plans, here are our top 5 most fabulous New Year’s destinations to help you make a final decision…

Sydney, Australia
Sydney is set to be the Mecca of New Year’s Eve 2015. It boasts 55 separate ‘vantage locations’ overlooking spectacular views of fireworks that leap across barges, skyscrapers and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In combination with a colourful ‘Light of Parade’ that features 50 illuminated vessels setting sail along the city’s waters, Sydney will not only provide you with the warmth you’ve been yearning for all winter. The 11 hour time difference from the UK means that you can put that phone away for the night and still have ample time to wish your friends and family a Happy New Year the next day.

After the New Year?

Stay in town for the Sydney Festival 2015, which kicks off on January 1st with ‘Field Day,’ a popular boutique music festival that brings together hip-hop, house, indie and electronic artists from across the globe.

January 8th-26th sees the unveiling of world renowned circus performer James Thierrée’s ‘Tabac Rouge’ show at Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay. The combination of circus, dance and theatre has been described as an ‘opium hallucination on a breathtaking scale’ and is not to be missed.

Courchevel, France
For those of you that love luxury and the festivity of winter months, Courchevel 1850 is the ultimate holiday destination. Nestled within the glorious French Alps, this tiny ski-resort features the highest concentration of five star hotels outside of Paris. So, naturally, New Year’s is a fabulous affair.

For the younger crowds, the New Year can be seen in at an outdoor party, in the snow, with an impressive firework display, deep house, techno and electro dance music. For travellers who prefer something a little more glamorous than their snow boots, the hotels bars and restaurants of Courchevel 1850 are renowned for setting a beautiful atmosphere.

For some truly divine food and elegant ambience, make a New Year’s reservation at LVMH group’s Cheval Blanc Hotel. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat there are a plethora of restaurants ready to cater to your needs. Situated 2100 metres high, Le Cap Horn boasts a delicious seafood and sushi menu, energetic waiters and a real party vibe, thanks to the eclectic mix of old and current tracks pumped out across the restaurant. The best after-party can be found at nightclub ‘Les Caves de Courchevel’.

After the New Year?
The crisp air and slopes of Courchevel provide the perfect opportunity to kick-start your post holiday detox.

If you’re still in a celebratory mood, stick around for Russian Christmas on January 7th. Thanks to the thousands of Russian tourists that descend upon Courchevel in the winter months, there is plenty of fun to be had well after the traditional festive season has ended on January 1st.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As a cosmopolitan city that fuses together the best of Western living and its own native, cultural practises, New Year in Dubai is a suitably grand experience.

January 31st will see some of the most the iconic landmarks of Dubai dramatically lit up by a series of awe-inspiring firework displays across the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and The Palm Jumeirah. To view the full spectacle all at once, jump on board the RTA water bus for just Dh75 (£13), or book a ticket to Sandance on Nasimi beach for live music and stunning views.

Sumptuous gala dinners are being offered by beachfront hotels across the Emirate, and in Downtown Dubai, the city will be abuzz with processions, dances and music showcasing both local and international cultural traditions.

After the New Year?
January 1st heralds the beginning of Dubai’s month-long Shopping Festival. Despite the name, fear not! This shopping and entertainment extravaganza isn’t all about spending the dough. Folk dancers in national costumes, live music, circus acts, fun fairs and fashion shows are all set to play a role, alongside delightful Emirati heritage events such as the Fazza Championships, showcasing the best in falconry, shooting and pearl diving.

Goa, India
India may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to your New Year’s celebrations but it should be. If you’ve ever been to an Indian wedding chances are you’re well aware of how extravagant Indian festivities can be, and Goa is no exception. There’s something for everyone.

Get into the New Year’s spirit from December 27th-29th at Goa’s Sunburn dance festival 2014, which will be hosting world-famous DJs from Sidney Samson and Paul Oakenfold to Jamie Jones and Sasha.

Laid-back travellers can slip on their Birkenstocks and head down to Anjuna Beach on December 31st, shoulder to shoulder with an interesting mix of backpacking tourists and local residents for a relaxing night of bonfires and barbecues.

Those seeking glitz and glamour typically head to any one of Goa’s upscale resorts such as the Taj Exotica in Benaulim, The Leela in Cavelossim or the Alila Diwa in Majorda for a night of fireworks, cultural dances, elephants and more.

After the New Year?
Aside from the India Yoga Festival taking place between January 9th – 11th in Goa, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

With a rich cultural history dating back to Portuguese colonisation of the region in 1510, explore some of the beautiful heritage sites that have been left behind, including the Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Dona Paula beach. Once you’re done, hop on board and Elephant, embark on a crocodile-watching adventure or visit one of Goa’s atmospheric spice plantations. The list is endless!

Marrakech, Morocco
Just a few hours flight away from London, Marrakech is the perfect New Year’s destination for culture junkies and party animals alike.

Celebrate New Year at the magical Jemaa el-Fna square in the heart of Marrakech, bustling with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists and fortune tellers. There are ample food-tasting opportunities, from delicious fresh fruit juices to some of the more interesting local delicacies (many of which are not for the faint-hearted.)

Jet-set crowds may opt to check out the exceptional nightlife that Marrakech has to offer. Nightclubs are typically, large, opulent and throw European parties to shame. Book a table at the city’s premier nightclub, Theatro, or pay a visit to the SO Night Lounge, part of the Sofitel Lounge and Spa. Sip cocktails against a back-drop of dramatic arches, water fountains and sensual lighting, or head inside to the main club to reign in the New Year in style.

After the New Year?
History is everywhere in Marrakech. Famous city symbols include the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque, the prototype of traditional Moorish architecture, as well as the Badii Palace, home to Sultan Ahmed El-Mansour (1578-1607).

Comptoir Marrakech is still the best spot to check out the city’s most talented belly-dancers (on the right night), and, if it’s food you’re after, Marrakech is home to an abundance of options. Explore Moroccan cuisine and live music at the Palais Jad Mahal or take lunch at La Mamounia, Marrakech’s oldest and most atmospheric hotel.

The post The top 5 most fabulous New Year’s destinations appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

Top 5 free city travel navigation mobile apps

Aviva Tabachnik — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:59:31 +0000

Getting around a new city can be tricky. Between road works, traffic jams and one way systems, even the most experienced of travellers can find navigating their way around to be a massive challenge.

So, whether it’s business in Tokyo, vacation in Florence or a school trip to Frankfurt, we’ve come up with a list of the top 5 city travel mobile apps that will help take the stress out of your city break.

They’re all free, and available to use with Android and Windows phones. Just download them, store them and open them up the next time you travel!

1. HopStop

The ultimate public transport app – HopStop lets you track any journey via bus, train, subway or by foot, and it is available in more than 68 cities all over the world.

Just type in the address of your destination and no matter where you want to go, the app will help you to map out your easiest route via public transport. You can also customise the routes which you use the most, and save journeys that you may need to take again.

Hint: When you’re travelling, make sure you keep your HopStop notifications on so that you can receive real-time traffic updates and public transport delays straight to your phone.

Available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

2.Hailo / Uber

Taxis are a necessary and comfortable solution for travelling around any bustling city. As a staple of London living, black cabs are the perfect way to get around. Finding one at 4am after a night out in Dalston however, may not always be so easy. The Hailo app uses your phone’s existing GPS to make your location visible to all licensed black cabs in the area – all you have to do tap ‘pick me up’ and your nearest cab will start driving towards you.

Alternatively, you could jump on the Uber bandwagon. Available across 46 different countries, including New York, London and Canada, Uber links you to a licensed driver in your area. It definitely beats standing on a freezing corner trying to hail a taxi – or worse, taking the dreaded night bus…

Hint: Want to make an entrance at an important event? When in London check out Uber’s premium option, Uber Lux and travel in the comfort of a BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 or Mercedes S-Class.

Both Hailo and Uber are available on iPhone and Android.

3.PinPin

Of course, if you’re going to be taking taxis all over the city, you’re going to need some cash. The PinPin ATM finder covers more than 220 countries across the world, identifying all the nearest cash machines wherever you are.

Once you have access to cash, the whole city is yours for the taking.

Available on Windows Phone.

4. Find My Car

Every car owner has experienced that moment of panic – “where did I leave my car?”In a foreign city or unfamiliar part of town or it can be even harder to retrace your steps and get back to your vehicle.

The ‘Find My Car’ app pins your parking space on a map, and gives you clear directions back to your car from wherever you are. It uses GPS so you can use it anywhere it the world, even if you don’t have access to WiFi

Available on iPhone and Android

5. Museums Mobile

There’s no way you can travel to a new city without soaking up all of the local culture it has to offer.

Navigate your way around all of the closest museums and galleries to you with Museums Mobile, one of the best free apps for culture vultures. With information on thousands of museums across the world, switch it on when you arrive in a new city and take your pick from the local sights.

Hint: Step out of your comfort zone. Literally. Make your way to a lesser known part of town and spend an afternoon exploring some hidden gems. It’s something new you can even do in your home town!

Available on Windows Phone

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Private lslands and San Francisco apartments for the same price

Aviva Tabachnik — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:27:00 +0000

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6 Exciting Holiday Destinations

Aviva Tabachnik — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 09:39:22 +0000

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The Top 20 Savvy Travel Twitter Handles To Follow

Aviva Tabachnik — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 09:11:04 +0000

Twitter can be an amazing tool to use for research. Whether you’re an avid traveller or celebrity follower, Twitter has the information you need or the people who have that information all in a 140 character snippet.

We’ve collected together 20 of the best travel Twitter handles to follow so that you get the lowdown on the best deals as they happen and lots of useful travel advice.

@getatraveldeal

So, you haven’t got lots of time to hunt down the latest travel deals. Follow @getatraveldeal and you’ll always be in the know about the deals as they happen. Sylvia Myers always has a mailbox crammed with great offers, discount codes and more.

@Expedia

Expedia, the popular travel site, already has a large following on Twitter, and with good reason. Their hot deals are second to none and you’ll also find top tips on popular destinations and a wealth of information about travel packages, hotels and flight deals.

@GoogleTravel

Yes, the search giant not only brings you the best search engine services, but some of the best travel services too. From interesting destination facts to the latest travel industry news, Google’s Travel Team will make sure you are kept up to date with the latest snippets.

@rickseaney

Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com cares about sharing the latest travel deals with his many followers. FareCompare is home to the largest database of historical and current airfares, but you will also find answers to air travel questions and lots of useful advice about travelling abroad.

@MiddleSeat

Fun stories about travelling, facts on getting the best deals and the latest travel industry news are what makes Middle Seat from the Wall Street Journal so popular with its followers.

@Gadling

If you’re a fan of the gadding.com blog, you will love the Twitter feed. Here you’ll find lots of fun, interesting and relevant stories about travel and how to get the best deals as they happen online.

@Orbitz

Orbitz, the leading online travel company, offers the best in travel news, deals and also the best planning advice so that you really get the best from your next trip. You can also check out the latest deals on their website.

@vagabondish

If offbeat travel news is what you are after, head on over to follow Vagabondish. Here you’ll get lots of information about individual cities, culture, fun facts and details about the latest travel promotions as they happen.

@PeterSGreenberg

Want the latest information from one of the world’s leading travel gurus? Need to know if it’s safe to travel to Egypt? Do you want more information on Traveller’s Cheques and other currency? Peter Greenberg answers these questions and many more.

@notfortourists

Not For Tourists is a great resource that gives you insider information on what is happening in neighbourhoods around the world. If you really want to blend in with the locals whilst travelling, this is the site for you!

@fareologist

The fareologist at Bing Travel is here to give you the latest hotel and airfare details, the lowdown on where to travel and the latest in travel news and trends. Bing Travel can also take the hard work out of finding your next holiday with their powerful search facility.

@Frommers

The best trips in the world start at Frommers and here you’ll find some of the best travel guides, deals, stories and much more delivered directly to your Twitter account in easy to read snippets.

@GuardianTravel

The Guardian is renowned for its great travel stories and their Twitter account is no exception. Emerging destinations, insider guides, travel trends and new hotels all make it onto their Twitter feed and you’ll discover some great places to travel that you didn’t even think of.

@CNTraveler

Conde Nast Traveler is one of the most respected of travel companies around and are loved for their truthful reviews of some of the world’s best destinations. Conde Nast correspondents travel anonymously so they are great at getting the best reviews and stories to your mobile device.

@Kayak

Want the latest in travel tips and trends, company news and travel news? Need random but useful stories and tips direct from the knowledgeable Kayak team? You’ve got it!

@TheAdolphus

Have you heard of The Adolphus Hotel? It’s a cosmopolitan hotel rated number 1 in the Zagat Survey (high praise indeed!). Located in Dallas, Texas, the Adolphus keeps its audience happy with interesting lifestyle and travel tips and events happening in the local area.

@frugaltraveler

Looking to holiday on a low budget? The Frugal Traveler can help you find those elusive deals and save a fortune on your travels. When you follow Seth Kugen, you’ll find these benefits and many more delivered direct to your timeline.

@TravelMagazine

Travel reports, guides, special offers, latest travel stories, travel articles and much more await you at The Travel Magazine. Based in London, this popular publication offers some of the best advice for travelling around the world.

@JetBlueCheeps

Want the last minute deals on airfares delivered to Twitter every Tuesday? Follow Jet Blue Cheeps and you’ll get just that. Cheeps are offered for a limited amount of time so snap them up quick before everybody else does!

@Paul_Steele

Paul Steele is the Founder and Editor BaldHiker.com. While his twitter handles do not offer travel deals, they do offer a look at places around the world you don’t want to miss. Some of the best photos, revealing some of earths hidden treasures.

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Romantic Getaways A Short Flight Away For Brits

Aviva Tabachnik — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:30:03 +0000

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PriceCheck | Say No To 0% Commisson

Aviva Tabachnik — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:36:34 +0000

Copy of MyTravelMoney.co.uk PriceCheck

£600 worth of €uros	Exchange Rate	Amount of €	Mid Market Rate	% Margin applied by provider
Moneycorp - Online	1.228	738.088	1.251	1.868
TravelFX - Online	1.227	737.427	1.251	1.956
Icici Bank - Online	1.226	736.886	1.251	2.028
Lloyds - Highstreet	1.188	713.988	1.251	5.072
Barclay's - High Street	1.178	707.978	1.251	5.871
Moneycorp - Gatwick	1.125	676.125	1.251	10.106
Travelex - Heathrow	1.120	673.300	1.251	10.506

MyTravelMoney Mystery Shop data is collected in real time on September 9th from 10:30am-11:00am

Key Findings

Avoid buying your holiday money at airport bureaus and high street banks at all costs. These purchases generally have markups as high as 10%.
Your time is precious, so use it wisely. Shopping for holiday money online can be fast and efficient.
£60 Out of every £600 exchanged will be pocketed by airport bureaus.
Your bank says ‘No Fees’? We say, No FEEKING way!

Co-Founder at MyTravelMoney, Stevan Litobac, comments:

“We hope that the PriceCheck data continues to empower UK travellers! Airport bureaus and high street banks continually try to manipulate people with tricky marketing and markups around 10%. Now people are starting to understand that online specialists can offer the same services, while saving travellers around 9% on each purchase. With knowledge comes power!

For press enquiries or comment: press@mytravelmoney.co.uk

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