Below are four great trip planning tools that can help you budget, plan overland travel, search for the best events worldwide, and provide helpful packing tips.
Eardex -AirTreks recent blog post introduced us to this great travel budget tool. Eardex, or the Earth Index, provides information on the cost of living around the world. Eardex shows the cost of living in different towns, cities, regions, and countries by listing local prices of popular products and services, such as the price of hotels, eating out, and public transportation. Eardex users provide the data used to find these local prices and the service is free. Eardex is useful to all types of travelers, whether you’re a backpacker, expat, or luxury traveler the tool allows you to accurately budget your daily expenses.
We’re introducing a new series on the Global Basecamps’ blog highlighting travel experiences that we feel are bucket list worthy. This week we’ll be highlighting the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s best wildlife and nature destinations. A Galapagos cruise is a truly once in a lifetime experience, where you’ll discover the island’s fascinating volcanic geology, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking wildlife.
When to Visit
The Galapagos Islands are a great destination to visit year round. Peak tourist season is from December through mid January and mid June to early September. From December to May the water and outside temperature are warmer, though there is more rain during this period. You will experience light, short rains almost daily. The warmer water temperatures make swimming, snorkeling, and diving more comfortable, though there are fewer fish to see during these months. Sea lion mating season also falls during this time and in March and April you can see many newborn sea lions. February to April is a beautiful time of year to visit the islands, as all the flowers are in bloom creating a colorful landscape.
From June to November the water and temperatures are much cooler. This attracts more fish and birds. It can sometimes be cloudy or windy during this time of year, though there is little rain. This is a great time of year for diving; you can see more fish and penguins. Keep in mind the ocean is not as clam during these months. The ideal time of year to visit depends on your specific travel goals. With warm weather from December to May and more wildlife viewing from June to November both are great times of year to visit.
Galapagos Tour Options
There are a variety of Galapagos cruise options ranging from budget to luxury, and lasting from three to eight days. The cruises include all meals and excursions. Our first class yachts have no more than twenty guests and multiple decks with spacious rooms.
When you hear the news that your partner has an opportunity to work overseas,
you may experience a host of different emotions ranging from excitement to
apprehension. When the dust settles you may be left wondering what will happen to
your own career. Here are some tips if you want to keep your working life on track
when you move overseas.
Work Permits
A major barrier for partners who wish to work overseas is often the local work
regulations and permit requirements. Before you relocate, make sure you research
what is required in order to work in your host country and start the application process
as soon as possible.
You may require assistance from an employer in your home country to enable you
to work overseas, and if your partner’s employer is unwilling to assist then you may
need to take other steps. The more time you have to familiarise yourself with the
local regulations, the more chance you have to meet the conditions set out in the host
country law. It is possible that you will need to produce an array of documents that
are best obtained in your home country prior to departure.
Almost a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, the country is still struggling to revive their tourism sector. However, as evidenced here Japan is quickly rebuilding and recovering from the destruction and tourism is actually doing better than expected, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Japanese people have handled the disaster exceptionally and are striving to bring tourists back to their incredible country. Here are five great reasons to start planning a Japan tour now!
Ski Season
With a 5-month ski season, spring is a great time to hit the slopes in Japan. With excellent conditions, varied terrain, and many easily accessible resorts to choose from, Japan is an ideal ski destination. Most resorts are typically open from December to March, receiving most of the snow in January and February, with plenty of snow left in March in April for some great spring skiing. Kagura resort has even been open until late May for the past few seasons. Gassan, in Yamagata Prefecture, has a very strange season that usually starts in April and continues through July. Though for most resorts, peak season is from mid-January through February. However, during most weekdays even the popular resorts remain relatively uncrowded.
After decades of isolation the 60 plus islands surrounding the southern coast of Cambodia remain largely untouched. Koh Rong is the biggest Cambodia island off the coast of Sihanoukville. The majority of the island is undeveloped, though there are plans to develop it into a luxury resort destination. Right now, travelers can visit for a day trip, or stay in one of the few small beach resorts. There is around 27 miles of beaches, one of the most beautiful being Long Set beach. There are seven bays on the island, all offering great snorkeling and diving. There are also several nearby islands, easily accessible by boat. Other activities include swimming, hiking and fishing. From the mainland, it takes a little over 2 hours to reach Koh Rong, but it is well worth the journey to experience this tropical paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this incredible island before it becomes a tourist hot spot!
Bantayan Island, Philippines
Visit Bantayan Island, located northwest of Cebu, where life is slower and you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful beaches. Until recently, foreigners did not frequent Bantanyan. Though the tourism industry is growing on the island it still retains a secluded feel. There are no large shopping malls, major hotel chains, movie theaters, etc. There are a handful of restaurants and bars in Santa Fe, though Bantanyan is definitely not the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife. Bantayan is a place for travelers looking for a tranquil getaway and hoping to spend most of their days lounging on the beach. The warmth and friendliness of the locals allows travelers to learn about day-to-day life on Bantayan, where locals farm and live simply in bamboo houses. The island is just 7 by 10 miles, and has crystal clear waters. Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the Bantayan.
