Travel Advice

Travel Hacking Cartel Play-By-Play

Of the many notable travel trends over the past couple years, one trend that has become quite popular is Travel Hacking. This gave birth to sites like Travel Hacking Cartel among others.  So what is travel hacking and how does it work?

Travel hacking is the strategy and tactics implemented by individuals or groups that track, exploit and maximize travel savings, travel rewards programs, airline/hotel loopholes, and pricing errors to travel at superiorly discounted rates usually not readily available to the general public.

In other words, by mixing reward program points with a dedicated collection and redemption strategy, while tracking airline sales and mistake fares, it is possible to travel for free (or close to it).

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Travel Advice

2016 Travel Trends


Low oil prices should keep airline prices steady or slightly lower
The low oil prices and increased competition (in most countries) should keep base fares of flights from rising. Some routes are already showing signs of trending lower. The only caveat is that a lot of airlines are moving to the charge-for-use model. This includes charging for checked bags, carry-on bags, and drinks.

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Asia, Travel Advice

Why you should do Thailand with Contiki before you get old

Contiki Thai Island Hopper West Review Tips

The Thai Islands. The magical land of iconic longboats, crystal clear waters and Leonardo DiCaprio’s first movie The Beach. With its vibrant nightlife and great selection of snorkeling, diving, and rock climbing spots, it is not only a great place to retire, but a land that should be experienced while still young. It is an area where you will discover new shades of blue and where your collection of selfies will easily triple.

So where do you begin? How can you get the best value for your money, while meeting new like-minded people and not have to bootstrap it on accommodations?

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Europe, Travel Advice

Crimea Ukraine/Russia: Is Travel Possible?

Crimea has been in the news a lot over the past year.  It’s an unfortunate circumstance for its image and tourism, which is sad considering the beauty of the peninsula.  But when it comes to travel, is it safe?

Luckily, it’s a lot easier than you think.  We hope that the below information and photo-essay will motivate you to visit the peninsula some day. Enjoy!

 

Red line: From Kiev Blue line: Return to Kiev
Red line: From Kiev – Blue line: Return to Kiev

General transport guide:
From Kiev, take a train to Simferopol
Take a bus from Simferopol to Sevastopol
Take a bus from Sevastopol to Balaklava
Hike from Balaklava to Yalta – Expect 4 to 5 days
Bus from Yalta to Laspi
Laspi back to Simferopol by bus, then train back to Kiev by train

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Europe, Travel Advice

Andorra – Skiing in the Land of No Taxes

Taxes. What a drag. We work and work and give half our money away. Okay, so it’s necessary, but nobody likes seeing their pay-check being chopped by tax. Wouldn’t it be lovely if there was a place where tax didn’t exist? Where the world was duty-free and you could make your cash go a little bit further?

Every heard of Andorra? Andorra is a tiny principality in the Pyrenees between the borders of France and Spain, and, wait for it, it’s tax free! And just to add to the allure of this place, it also has some gnarly ski slopes and resorts dotted all over the place. So you have tax-free and powder. Taxfree and powder! Oh the joy. Who bestowed this gem on the earth?

Andora Ski Snowboarding Trip Tips Travel Slope

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Europe, Travel Advice

How to Cycle Like the Dutch

If you ever been to the Netherlands, you probably know there is a lot to talk about. Certain buildings, plants and traits define what the Netherlands is all about for a passing visitor or even a local.

There are the lilies, the windmills and the stunning buildings that fill the country with color. There is the freedom of expression and the everlasting traditions of the nation.  All this being said, there is one particular aspect of their culture that cannot be stressed enough and it is a must for every traveler that chooses Netherlands as their next vacation destination: bicycling.

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N. America, Travel Advice

The City of Microbreweries and Food Trucks

It goes without saying, travel and cold suds go hand in hand. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day of sight-seeing or bond with friends old and new.

Portland’s reputation for beer is legendary with more than 80 (yes 80!) breweries within the greater Portland area. With this many breweries, it’s impossible to leave a pallet unsatisfied no matter what your taste. Best of all, since Portland law states that all alcoholic establishments must offer food, many breweries have invested in the full experience by offering great meal pairings to their beers.

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