Category: Travel

  • Three Nature Preserves to Visit in the San Juan Islands

    Three Nature Preserves to Visit in the San Juan Islands

    Blog provided by San Juan PM

    Do you enjoy relaxing hikes or walks through nature? The San Juan Islands is full of places where exotic wildlife and colorful foliage live freely. Here are three beautiful spots you might enjoy trekking through.

    Mount Finlayson

    Not to be confused with Mount Finlayson in British Columbia, San Juan Island’s Mount Finlayson is a verdant, serene hill on the island’s southern end with nature trails and flower-filled prairies. You may encounter some local denizens such as foxes, eagles, and sea lions.

    Yellow Island

    The Yellow Island Preserve is a small island housing a nature conservancy that you can take a boat to. You’ll find a unique, breathtaking away of wildflowers native to the San Juan Islands. The different flower species have been faithfully preserved and protected from being overrun by non-native foliage. Without a doubt, this is the best spot for admiring exotic plants on the Islands.

    Turtleback Mountain

    Located on Orcas Island, Turtleback Mountain earns its name with a series of hills shaped like a turtle’s shell. As you journey through the turtle’s back, you’ll see spectacular views of the islands, and exotic avians such as golden eagles, swallows, and turkey vultures.

    As you’re exploring the unforgettable hiking trails of the San Juan Islands, you may be looking for a cozy, comfortable place to rest when the day is done. San Juan PM offers San Juan Island cabin rentals on San Juan Island and Orcas Island for weary travelers and families on vacation. You’ll find harbor view, waterfront, and pet-friendly options for all your personal needs.

  • Things to look for in a vacation rental

    Things to look for in a vacation rental

    A vacation rental is exactly what you were looking for when travelling to a new destination with your family. Although, renting a private accommodation could be a tricky part of having an ideal rental place, which could be a rental home, cottage or bungalow. According to San Juan PM, you can easily find a number of places to rent in the San Juan Islands.

    However, there are a couple of things which you must look for before making the final decision. Vacation rentals are available in different sizes and are unique in their own way. You must always make sure that the owner or manager offers great customer service as well as a friendly neighborhood.

    San Juan vacation rental is available for accommodation at instant reservation. It is recommended that you book your slot immediately and do not wait around, as there is a chance you might miss it, especially during the peak season. The best part of renting the place is that your payments can be made securely through your credit card. In case you cannot make it to the place in time, you can still make your bookings online and pay for them.

    Most importantly, you can get such a warm and personal service at an incredibly low price, which is not available at extravagant hotels and resorts. You can book a great vacation rental near a magnificent location and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the San Juan Islands. Make your reservations today for an incredible vaction.

     

  • Fun Things to Do on Orcas Island

    Fun Things to Do on Orcas Island

    Orcas Island, which is a part of San Juan Islands, is a perfect place for the tourists to spend quality time. If you are one of those people who are looking to get in touch with nature, then make sure to go on whale watching tour on the Orcas Island. The Blackfish Fleet is the fastest in the region and it usually departs from East sound and then cruise out through the San Juan Islands. This is a small fleet, carrying only small groups, comprising of no more than 30 passengers.

    If you enjoy hiking do not miss Moran State Park on Orcas Island. You can also drive to the top of Moran State Park to see panoramic views of the island and the surrounding mountains. Orcas Island is not as busy as the other islands and is one of the most peaceful and serene places to visit.

    Darville’s Bookstore in downtown Orcas Island offers water views while you shop for books or enjoy a coffee inside. The Country Corner Cellars on Orcas Island offers daily wine tastings and sells Northwest wine too. The Crescent Beach Reserve on Orcas Island is yet another great place to relax and take in the beautiful beach surroundings of Orcas Island.

    Article by San Juan PM. Take your holiday to the next level with luxury vacation home rental that you can provide some peace and quiet during your stay at the San Juan Islands.

     

  • What to Do When Visiting a Country for the First Time

    What to Do When Visiting a Country for the First Time

    Summary: Visiting a country for the first time can be exciting because you do not know what to expect. If you are feeling a little hesitant think of what you can do to make the trip better.

    Everyday life when you are traveling is a bit different from your ordinary life back at home. When you are in your home city you know where you can go to rest, where things are, and how you can get around. When you travel to a new city you need to find a hotel and decide what mode of transportation would make the most sense, given your current situation. Some people stay near the hotel and are fine walking around to find places to check out or restaurants to eat at. Other people want a bit more freedom to explore and rely on taxis or public transportation to get from one place to another.

    When you are home you generally know what to expect. If you are in a new country and feel lost you can take some steps to familiarize yourself with the area.

    Research Ahead of Time

    Before visiting the country you could benefit from reading up on it beforehand. Read about the history, the culture, current events, and popular places to check out. Listen to some of the popular music from the country and possibly even watch a movie. All of these things will help you get more familiar with the country and could hopefully get you more excited about the trip.

    Try the Local Cuisine

    One of the best parts of traveling is having the opportunity to experience another way of life. Rather than eating at a big restaurant chain you have access to back home, try local cuisine from one of the smaller restaurants. Experience what makes that part of the world unique.

    Blog submitted by Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC: Finding a car hire in Jordan has never been easier with sites like Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC.

     

  • How To Best Plan Your Trip To Jordan

    How To Best Plan Your Trip To Jordan

    Summary: There are dozens of ways to explore the ancient kingdom of Jordan while keeping you vacation fresh and exciting.

    Traveling to the Middle East is an ancient tradition for travelers looking to understand the history of the world, but sometimes your travel experiences can get stale. Dodge your travel woes by changing up your routine with a handful of tips on how to explore Jordan with new eyes.

    Get Behind The Wheel

    Enjoy a classic road trip full of wonder and adventure wherever you choose to go in Jordan. Some of the best car rentals in Jordan offer an impressive fleet of vehicles, from eco-friendly hatchbacks to reliable 4WD SUV’s that will safely get you to your destination. Pick up your vehicle as soon as you get off the plane and enjoy the freedom of planning your own route through this grand kingdom.

    Book With A Local Travel Agency

    Big name tour companies claim to offer the best prices and experiences, but most contract local companies to handle their clients. Cut out the middle man and commission fees by booking your hotels, transfers, and tours directly with companies like Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC. You’ll enjoy lower prices and a more authentic experience.

    Take The Road Less Traveled

    Major sites like Petra or Wadi Rum have been heavily trafficked by tourists over the years, taking the fun out of exploration. Take some time to experience the capital, Amman, which often gets overlooked as simple a transit point, and visit smaller villages and nature reserves like Dana that don’t get as much love.

    Blog submitted by Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC: For the best car rentals in Jordan, contact the experts at Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC today.

  • How to Travel for Leisure Without Spending a Fortune

    Summary: Choosing to travel with a budget can help keep you from spending too much. There are numerous techniques you can use to save a bit here and there.

     

    Traveling for leisure can be a very fun and rewarding experience, no matter where you go. That being said, there are various expenses associated with traveling that can ultimately make the experience pretty costly. If you want to reduce the overall amount of money you spend throughout your travels, think wisely about where and how you spend.

     

    Convert Cash Wisely

     

    If you are traveling overseas, you will most likely need to get some of your destination country’s currency. The currency you use at home probably will not be accepted overseas, which is why you will need to find a place where you can convert your cash. Where you convert your cash is important, because some places have higher conversion fees than others. For instance, airports and small currency exchange businesses will charge higher fees. Since travelers who want to convert cash in their airport are usually less price sensitive, these conversion businesses can get away with charging a premium.

     

    Set a Budget

     

    This technique is very simple but can make a big difference in your traveling experience. Calculating how much you can afford to spend on your trip will help lower the chances of you spending too much. The more specific you can get the better off you will be. For example, coming up with rough figures of how much you can expect to spend on food, transportation, different attractions, and souvenirs will keep your spending under control. Using a spreadsheet or app to categorize your spending can help you determine whether or not you should make that next purchase.

     

    Blog submitted by Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC: If you are traveling abroad getting a car rental Amman can save you a significant amount of money. For more information, visit Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC online today!

  • Tips For Traveling With Your Family

    As a parent, you may be wondering what to do when your kids have a break from school. Whether it’s a long break for the summer or simply a three-day weekend, there is never a bad time to travel. Traveling is an excellent way to get away from the house to experience a different way of life and make positive memories, even if you’re just going to a different state. That being said, there is no doubt that traveling with young kids can occasionally get hectic. If you are planning on taking a trip with your family in the near future, continue reading below for some tips on how best to do it.

     

    Share to Save

     

    The more people you travel with, the more expensive the trip will be. If you are traveling with little kids that you need to pay close attention to, you want to make sure you do not overwhelm yourself. If you wish to save some money and space you can share suitcases and consolidate the belongings you all will travel with.

     

    Hire a Driver

     

    Coordinating transportation with your family can prove to be a challenge when you are traveling. Public transportation can be confusing and taking taxis can get expensive quickly. If it is in your budget, it may be wise to look into hiring a driver. For example, look into a car with driver in Amman, Jordan to make getting around the city one less thing to worry about. Having a reliable driver you can easily contact will save you a lot of trouble and the convenience will make the trip that much smoother.

     

    If you cannot afford to hire a driver, simply renting a vehicle may still be a good option to consider. Monte Carlo Rent A Car, LLC and other services can rent cars out to customers for the duration of their visits. By renting a car you do not have to worry about missing trains or handling the logistics of moving a baby seat or stroller around, for example.

  • Best kayaking places in the Washington state area

    Best kayaking places in the Washington state area

    If you love kayaking for sport or just love the outdoors and the open water, you may want to go Kayaking Washington state. Here are some of the most popular kayaking spots in the area.

    Kayaking in the Seattle Area – Seattle is a large area in the Washington state and is an excellent kayaking spot as it has many large bodies of water. The Seattle area also offers a wide range of dining, entertainment, and other activities for those who want to spend a few days in the area. Alki Beach is a fantastic location in West Seattle with an extensive coastline. This area has many kayaking tour companies that offer kayaking tours for affordable prices.

    Lake Washington – Lake Washington is a favorite spot for a kayaking adventure. Lake Washington is a vast lake that includes many fish species and therefore is a popular destination for kayak fishing. However, it is essential to acquire the appropriate fishing licenses before setting out. The Mercer Slough nature reserve is also a popular destination in this area as it spans roughly 320 acres of wetlands. The wetlands are full of birds, otters, turtles, and muskrats.

    Kayaking in the San Juan Islands – Located off the northwestern coast of Washington State is the Juan Islands. The islands have been a favorite kayaking destination as it offers all sorts of water spots apart from kayaking. The islands are famous for snorkeling, scuba dive, whale watch, and of course, kayaking.

    Crystal Seas recommend looking at the best times to visit these destinations by considering the weather and seasonality of tourist.

  • How to Prepare Your Soccer Team for Out-Of-Town Tournaments

    How to Prepare Your Soccer Team for Out-Of-Town Tournaments

    Summary: Keeping your players motivated and prepared on the road can be a difficult and frustrating task.

    When it comes to taking your team to out-of-town tournaments, it can often lead to a wide array of situations for those that are looking to enjoy an experience while still being in top physical shape and emotionally prepared.

    The Weather and Climate

    If you come from an area where the weather is typically sunny and warm and you’re travelling to an area that continuously faces cold weather patterns, it’s difficult to prepare for it. You need to factor in altitude, time changes, and temperature at all times so you can allocate the necessary resources for your players. It’s important to have a meeting with parents to decide whether or not these players are equipped to handle these games.

    Communication

    Another important aspect of travelling to away games is communicating with the parents. Obviously, they’ll want to know where their children are at all times. Providing them with a schedule of where you are going and what time frames you’re expected to leave, arrive, and play should be a routine thing to do. Additionally, it’s beneficial to arrive at the tournament two days in advance due to the fact that it’ll allow your players to get acclimated with their environment. By holding practices in the weather that you’re essentially going to play in, your players will learn what their limits are as well as what necessities you can provide them to get them up to speed with their surroundings.

    Sleep Schedule

    It always helps your players to keep them on a solid sleep schedule. With all of the technology and excitement surrounding them, it’s definitely going to be difficult to focus purely on the game. Ensure that you create a strict schedule that showcases what times they need to be in bed as well as when your practice times will start. This will help keep them prepared for anything and everything.

    Blog submitted by Soccer Garage: Searching for soccer supplies for your soccer team? Visit the experts at Soccer Garage today and find all of the latest soccer gear that you’ll need.

  • The Proper Guide to Shopping Abroad

    The Proper Guide to Shopping Abroad

    Summary: Shopping overseas is an exciting experience, but be sure that you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for.

    Visiting a new country is exciting, no doubt about that. Travelers love to get to know a place through its museums and landmarks, other through its traditional cuisine a gorgeous scenery. But, there are those that love to shop, and there’s nothing more exciting than experiencing a place where you can haggle with merchants at a bazaar, browsing the custom pots and baskets made by local artisans or sampling the latest in designer trends.

    Haggling

    Shopping abroad can be exciting and rewarding in its own, but there are pitfalls to this. The intricate art of haggling can be quite difficult when it’s your first time and especially to those that are accustomed to seeing fixed prices back home. Haggling takes time, patience, and an understanding of the price ranges. It may seem intimidating at first, but know that by putting your foot down, you could potentially see the price of an item go down to something more reasonable.

    Finding a Genuine Product

    Look, authenticity is something you care about when it comes to designer bags or other products. When it comes to finding these items overseas, you’ll likely run into the occasional “fake” every now and then. One of the best ways to avoid buying one of these low-quality products is to research. What specific item are you looking for when you travel? What qualities stand out from an authentic one versus a fake one? Which scams should you keep an eye out for? There are thousands of websites that help travelers like yourself find great deals on authentic items.

    Bio: Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC specializes in car rentals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE. For more information, visit them online today.