Cache is King: The Geocaching Phenomenon Continues to Grow

Written by: Amanda Wilson

GPSThis is a story about one of those phenomena that you’re either completely hooked on or you’ve never heard of. The phenomenon is called “geocaching,” and it was created in 2000, when GPS devices were just starting to become widely used. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates, and then attempt to find the geocache (essentially, a container) hidden at that location. Read more »

Categories: giraffe travel, guest travel blogs, thetravelinggiraffe | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top tips for road trips, including 10 “must-have” items to get you on your way

Without a doubt, the road trip has become one of the most celebrated means of discovery for the alternative traveler. Old, young, solo or surrounded by a handful of your closest friends, nothing beats taking to the open road, the wind in your hair and home at your back, en route to your next greatest adventure.

Road trips aren’t just tons of fun; they’re a cheap and convenient way to get around. Not sure how to pack? Don’t worry, we’re got you covered.

Road trips are cheaper than flying

Caravan

image credit: kingsunderlavenderskies.tumblr.com

One of the greatest things about road trips is the money you save on travel expenses, especially in countries like Canada, where (thanks to a monopoly on air travel) flying can be outrageously expensive. For North Americans, taking to the roads is an affordable way to explore the vast wilderness that occupies their own backyard, while European road trips can lead to the exploration of multiple countries in only a few days. Forget booking airline tickets and train tickets that cost an arm and a leg, take to the road and travel far, for less.

Planning to embark on some long-term travel? Why not consider investing in a caravan, giving you a motorhome, instead of a mortgage! After all, there’s a reason that the iconic hippie love wagon – the original caravan – has become a symbol for freedom, escape and respite that represents the wonder and beauty of the open road. Whether you decide to buy or rent on-site, a caravan is an awesome way to enjoy a cheaper travel experience.

Travelers tip: Don’t forget, there is strength in numbers. Loading a car or sharing a caravan with four of your friends, and splitting expenses, can save you huge amounts of money on gas and other essential items like caravan insurance. Read more »

Categories: giraffe travel, thetravelinggiraffe, top tips from thetravelinggiraffe | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Credit card catastrophe: Why it’s important to inform the bank when you travel abroad

So, I just got back from a three week adventure to Sweden, Finland and Russia and after ripping apart my bank for leaving me high and dry overseas, I have to admit – I should have made the call. Here’s what happened.

Unlimited, free cash withdrawals overseas? Easy packing.

As I was emptied my purse in preparation for the trip, I stood contemplating which credit card to take with me overseas. You see, my husband and I are lucky enough to have a German account from which we can withdraw money from any bank machine around the world. So, the easiest way for me to pay for things while traveling – and avoid massive charges on my Canadian credit card – is to take out money and just pay cash. That being said, I always take my Canadian card with me in case I run out of moolah and need to use the plastic.

Making payments prior to take-off

Since I was heading to Russia, where I had no idea how easy it was to get things done on the ground, I decided I should plan a little further ahead than normal. My itinerary had me flying into Stockholm, traveling onward to Helsinki and Kuopio, and then onto St.Petersburg for four days of discovery before heading home.

First of all, since the Russian visa application for Canadians (and Europeans) demands an invitation letter from the hotel for every applicant, we had to make our reservations months in advance. We reserved four nights in a three star hotel called History Hotel on the English Embankment (review of what is possibly the worst hotel in St.Petersburg, to follow) through St.Petersburg.com (mixed feelings about this site, you’ll find out why later). I made two separate reservations, since 4 of us were staying for 3 days, and only 3 were staying for the 4th. To make sure that we had the best possible “Russian” experience, we also booked tickets to see Swan Lake at the Hermitage! Needless to say, costs were adding up, but given the fact that I had made the purchases on the Canadian side of the ocean, I was sure there would be no problem with the order. Read more »

Categories: giraffe travel, thetravelinggiraffe | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Adventure Journal by Contexture International.

jack joseph's mom

if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever..

rlpbbc3

This WordPress.com site is the cat’s pajamas

Wonderful Cinema

Short reviews on high quality films. No spoilers.

Mind Games

exploring Minds and inviting Ideas

Cajun Food, Louisiana History, and a Little Lagniappe

Preservation of traditional River Road cuisine, Louisiana history & architecture, and the communities between Baton Rouge & NOLA

Restaurant and wine reviews

Restaurant, food and wine experiences

Bunz Bakes

The rises and falls of one girl's baking adventures!

Vicky...the Northern Chicky

Grab a Glass of Wine and Let Me Tell You About My Day!

Project Light to Life

A bucket list blog: exploring happiness, growth, and the world.

WEB SPACE

Everything about the Online World

Robby's Quest Children's Books

written by D.C. Rush

feelgoodeverydamnday

DONT VISIT THIS PAGE!!!! I might change your mind.

People Who Love San Francisco Blog

What are the people Like in San Francisco ❤ Like ✔ Comment ✔ Tag ✔ Share ✔

MasterMind

MasterMind my book on the secret to the Law of Attraction

Stepping String

A travel blog

Sugar & Jazz

Fiction for the Fashionably Unstable

The Love of a Dog

Life as seen through the eyes of an animal lover.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 802 other followers

%d bloggers like this: