7 SUMMER ADVENTURE TRAVEL TIPS

Hi everyone! Hope you had a splendid weekend! Below is a list of my 7 travel tips for Summer! Hope you find it useful and interesting!!!!

7 SUMMER ADVENTURE TRAVEL TIPS

        1.             BOOK EARLY

Whether booking for flights or Hotels or Pick-ups/drop-offs, remember to book early. Fares are cheaper when booked earlier than the proposed due date. Avoid the rush-hour and make your reservations earlier. If possible buy your air tickets two (2) months before the travel date. Also for hotel reservations, do ensure to make your reservations at least one (1) month prior to the check-in date. It will help save a lot of cash.

2.            TRAVEL WEEKDAYS NOT WEEKENDS

When making reservations ensure your departure dates fall between Monday and Thursday. Weekend rates apply especially for hotels. Hotel fares for weekend are often higher than during the week reservations. Also, availability during the week are higher than weekends.

3.            TRAVEL-LIGHT

Make sure to pack only the needed items. Why stuck your bags when you will/might be doing some shopping and will need the space. You might not need 5-black pants for a 2-weeks holiday. 2-3 is ENOUGH! Take a few clothes. Combine same pant with different tops! Recycle outfits! Go on flats so you can take walks and enjoy your adventure. Shop all you want whilst saving yourself the extra luggage amount!

4.           CHECK FOR TRAVEL PACKAGES/BUNDLES

Most cities have travel guides that offer flexible tour/holiday packages. These packages often include hotel, tour bus, tickets to events/shows, discount shopping, personal tours etc. It will amaze you how cheap and affordable the packages are and a very good way of having a complete fun adventure.

5.            PLAN TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS

Travelling in group also helps reduce cost. Asides Airfare, you could possibly share most things such as Hotel rooms, pick-up/drop off, get discount for large purchases even baggage allowance because it will be measured together and not independently. The group could rent and enjoy a cozy Airbnb and share the amount. It gives you access to enjoying more while paying less.

6.           VISIT A DIFFERENT CITY

 Why visit the same regular/major city which are often expensive? Visit or stay in a new city. Why do London all the time; take a train to Birmingham, Bristol or Sheffield. How about visiting Marseille or Nice instead of Paris the capital. Visit a different country; say Nosy Be - Madagascar, Varna – Bulgaria, Seychelles, Cape Verde, Medellin – Columbia, Lisbon - Portugal etc. Try something new! A different kind of Adventure… It costs less.

7.            TRAVEL SUPER OFF-PEAK PERIODS

It is common knowledge that summer period is between May – September, with July – August being the peak. Most families travel late June/early July and return late August/early September. You save cost when you travel SUPER off-peak periods. For example; if you plan on spending 2 weeks, it is cheaper to schedule your travel very early between the 20^th of May and 14^th of June or very late between the 1^st and 14^th of September. You pay a bit less while enjoying maximum adventure. 

Enjoy your summer Adventures.... XOXO!!!

Budget Friendly Destinations - Lisbon, Porto - Portugal

Portugal is gradually leaving the “Unusual Destination List”. I did some research and found that Portugal has one of the highest visit number increase for tourist between 2016 – 2017. Ordinarily I shouldn’t be talking about Portugal as it is gaining awareness very fast and seem to be on the lips of tourists these days but will still mention it for those who haven’t heard.

Portugal is known for its culture, diverse and dynamic art, world class cuisines, a very rich history, amazing architecture, safety, beautiful environment, and the most interesting of all; a very affordable economy.

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon. It is also known as “the city of Seven hills” just like Rome. The two majorly visited cities in Portugal are Lisbon and Porto. These cities are one of the most pocket-friendly cities in Europe. Interestingly they both have different landmarks or symbols but are both beautiful.

Lisbon is identified by its vibrancy, colours, sunshine, free-spirited lifestyle, cozy weather, beautiful trekkable streets, green-yellow ambience etc. Lisbon is Vibrant.

 While,

Porto is very rich in culture, artworks, medieval palaces and cathedrals and sweet Porto wines. Porto is Heritage.

 

It just reminds me of Johannesburg South Africa and Capetown South Africa. It gives me the same kind of effect. You know the YIN and YANG effect.

LISBON IS THE YIN AND PORTO IS THE YANG. They are two perfect cities depending on your preferences. I can’t seem to choose one above one as I love adventures and wouldn’t swap culture and art and history for ambience, cool look-out points, cuisine and vice-versa.

The cuisines are out of this world. Very rich, traditional and tasty no matter the city you are in.

 You love shopping then visit Lisbon. You want souvenirs then visit Porto. You want very beautiful relaxation points then swap between the two.

You want to visit beaches, cute and affordable hotels, children spots, whatever gets you going on a vacation, then visit Portugal.

My number one country on the list for this summer is actually Portugal!

I can’t help going on and on about this nation, it’s the in-thing for now. Its highly trending and would recommend it to travelers, adventurers and even first-timers to try this one!

Below are some of the places to visit, whether you are in Porto or Lisbon.

Oceanario de Lisboa

This is a modern aquarium built on water. It is amazingly beautiful and also very large.

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

It is an enormous monolith that leans over the River Tagus. Its an amazing sight.

Arco da Rua Augusta

This is a massive riverfront square. It is just a majestic view. A very beautiful spot for selfies.

MUDE

A fashion and design museum

 

Rossio Square

A beautiful huge plaza

Belem tower

This uniquely, medieval and stunning structure sits on the Tagus River

Dom Luis Bridge

A beautiful showpiece

 

Clerigos Tower

A very beautiful place that overlooks the entire city

 

Majestic Café

It’s just as its sounds

 

LELLO Bookstore

I keep wondering how a bookshop can look this beautiful.

 

Serralves Museum

An architectural wonder and beauty surrounded by a magnificent park

Portugal also has other beautiful cities such as Sintra, Faro, Coimbra, Lagos, Fatima, Portimao, you know so many beautiful cities, town and villages.

The streets are beautiful and a great sight to behold, trekkable for more fun. The hotels are highly affordable. You will be dazed at how wallet-friendly the rooms are.

Am soooo obsessed with Portugal right now. I might be doing something more on some of the other cities in Portugal as the week goes by……

Most people have already travelled for summer, I call them the early bird. Some others are just about to join. If you are still indecisive on where to go and you truly want to holiday in Europe; Please do Portugal!!!

XOXO!!!