Travel - House Of Coco Magazine

Travel April 25, 2022

Things to pack for your next adventure holiday

Packing is one of the worst parts of going on holiday, but putting the right things in your suitcase will make your trip a whole lot easier. Adventure holidays can sometimes leave people especially stumped. While packing for a city break is fairly straightforward, holidays that are jam-packed with sports and activities require a little more attention to detail. After all, if you’re going to be out in nature, there may not be that many places to pick up the supplies you forget. Here are some items you definitely don’t want to leave behind:

Sunglasses

Regardless of the climate, Wiley X sunglasses for superior protection are a must-have. It can be hard to navigate rough terrain if you don’t have a decent pair of shades to keep the sun out of your eyes. Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory, so make sure you find some that are up to the task of staying in place as you explore your destination of choice. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time around water or even snow, invest in polarised lenses to reduce glare and give you the best visibility you could hope for.

First Aid Kit

Even the best hiking boots can sometimes result in blisters when you’re tackling some particularly challenging trails. A first aid kit crammed full of plasters, gauze, and antiseptic cream will serve you well on your adventure holiday. Even if you don’t expect to get hurt, it’s never a bad idea to be able to treat minor cuts and scrapes as they happen. Letting a shallow wound get infected can lead to all kinds of complications, so carry a small kit to keep you and your group safe.

Waterproofs

If you’re expecting fair weather while on holiday, you might be tempted to skip your waterproof layers when packing. However, as any good adventurer knows, it’s important to expect the unexpected, and being unprepared can lead to disasters when out in the wild. Waterproof layers don’t take up a lot of room in your luggage and are light enough to carry. You’ll be thankful to have them on hand when you’re next caught in a freak storm or shower of rain.

Water Purification Tablets

Depending on the country you’re traveling to, you might not be able to drink the tap water safely. And if you’re out and about in the wilderness, you probably don’t want to risk gulping water from a stream. Water purification tablets help you to stay hydrated wherever you are, helping you to stay strong and healthy. Take along a large stainless steel water bottle and fill it up whenever you get the chance. If you don’t have much space in your bag, you can always hang your water bottle off the bottom.

Every adventure holiday will have a slightly different packing list, but hopefully, the ideas above have inspired you to update yours. Happy adventuring and make sure you stay safe out there!

France April 25, 2022

Best Things To Do On Holiday In St Barts

St. Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts or St. Barths, is a Caribbean island with a beguiling combination of European grandeur, beautiful landscape, and laid-back island charm. The island is known for being an expensive getaway for the rich and famous, complete with luxurious French-style food and boutique goods. A trip to St. Barts must go on the wish list if it isn’t already. Here are some of the most fun activities available on St. Barts. Plan your dream holiday in St Barts today.

Beach Activities Of All Types

The island of St. Barts has twelve primary beaches, the majority of which have been left unaffected by industrialization Am and are still natural wonders. St. Jean Beach, a beautiful ribbon of white sand with a natural coral reef, is ideal for swimming. The secluded Grand Saline Beach, located on the island’s southern shore, is one of St. Barts’s most magnificent lengths of sand and sea. The full width of Saline Beach, as well as its dunes, is designated as a nature preserve.

Gouverneur, a stunning small swath of pure white Caribbean sand just around the rugged cliffs from the previously stated Grande Saline Beach, seems to be another candidate for one of the most beautiful coastline sites in St. Barts. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, St. Barts is a true surfing paradise. If you love playing in the water, you can discover in this article the best surf spots in St. Barts.

Fishing And Diving In Pristine Waters

Some argue that the best and greatest way to enjoy St. Barths is not from the beaches on the island but the ocean surrounding it. The waters around the island offer excellent Caribbean fishing. Surfcasting and shore fishing are great ways to unwind. You may also go deep-sea fishing in Gustavia by chartering a fishing boat with a guide and heading out past the reefs in search of a larger sport fish. Marlin fishing is best from May to September, and this location produces some monster fish.

Snorkelling, a catamaran trip around the island, surfing, and other water sports are available for families. Grand Cul de Sac’s tiny bay is perfect for water sports. Other popular activities in the lagoon include windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The Nature Reserve of Saint-Barthélemy is an ocean sanctuary separated into five zones around the island that protects much of the ocean surrounding St. Barts.

World-renowned Festivals And Carnival Events

If you’re visiting St. Barts in late April, don’t miss the venues of the St. Barts Film Festival. The St. Barts Film Festival, which began in 1996, has established the island as a destination for regional filmmakers to screen and debate their work. Near the end of April, the celebration takes place.

The St. Barts’ Music Festival takes place in January and attracts top-tier musicians from all over the world. Year after year, new attractions are added, and the festival gets even bigger and more fun. Ballet, indie rock, and jazz are all on the schedule. Carnival events begin in February, with parades through Gustavia’s streets.

Shopping And Dining To Your Heart’s Content

The gourmet restaurants on St. Barts feature delectable French-inspired cuisine, including crepes, croissants, and succulent, fresh fish. Or step away from the sophisticated French cuisine and visit some of the island’s locally-owned restaurants. Gustavia, the red-roofed capital of St. Barts, is a small harbour town with the best shopping on the island. The streets are lined with chic boutiques, duty-free shops, and art galleries. Whether you’re looking for luxury shoes, bikinis, linens, lingerie, or artisan jewellery, St. Barts has it all. On St. Barts, you’ll find a mix of designer retailers and shops selling locally manufactured goods.

Conclusion

From the single adventurer looking for thrills to the couple on a romantic getaway, even for the whole family on vacation, activities, and attractions are plentiful on St. Barts. Find more fun activities here.

Travel April 25, 2022

How to Travel in Style to Your Dream Destination

The key to traveling in style is to keep it simple and practical. Whether it’s a long journey or a short one, you need to have the right accessories and equipment with you – this mostly depends on your destination. The weather of the destination along with its culture all matter. You need to take into consideration numerous factors if you wish to have a perfect traveling experience. In this article, we look at several factors which need to be considered if you wish to travel in style to your dream destination.

Have The Right Accessories

Some things are necessary for you to take along with you on your travels while others are a luxury. You need to find the right balance between the two. Ensure that the gadgets you carry with you are useful so you don’t have to carry extra weight. You should make a map of your destination and bring a handsome amount of cash to avoid feeling stifled. You’ll also want to capture plenty of memories of your trip, so make sure you have a good camera on hand as well. You must know your destination well enough so, before embarking on your journey, take the time to decide which places you want to visit and be sure to bring a map and determine travel costs ahead of time. Lastly, make sure you check the forecast to bring appropriate attire. If it’s the rainy season, make sure you have umbrellas and raincoats.

Use The Right Transport

Using the right mode of transportation to your destination will be very useful. The journey holds just as much importance as the destination. Ensure that you choose a comfortable vehicle or transportation service for your traveling. Of course, some methods take longer than others but, ultimately, comfort is what you should aim for. For instance, renting your own vehicle might be more practical. But if you’re on holiday, why not experience a little glamor? When you opt for a Luxury yacht charter, you can rent a whole yacht to yourself and enjoy panoramic views. It’ll be a bit costly but it provides a little luxury alongside the fun and joy of traveling with friends or family.

The Right Clothing

As mentioned above, you must check the forecast to determine what to pack. The right clothing will play a pivotal role in your comfort level. It doesn’t matter if you have a long way to travel or not, you want to dress for the occasion. Throw in a couple of t-shirts along with dress shirts to have something for both casual and elegant outings. Pack different options of footwear because you may walk a lot when sightseeing, and you’ll need versatile footwear to counter any conditions. This will help you stay comfortable and look stylish while ensuring you have a good time.

Traveling is always a fun experience. However, to improve your holiday, you can streamline your travel routine and plan it out. To travel in style, you need to know what essentials to pack and plan your itinerary ahead of time – however, leave some room for spontaneity! Keep an eye out for hidden gems and you’ll definitely make wonderful memories on this trip. Refer to this guide to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Travel April 22, 2022

5 Things to Do Before You Relocate to Canada

Home to delicious maple syrup, incredible scenery, ice hockey, and polite locals – Canada is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. For expats, it’s the perfect place to experience both a life of adventure and relaxation.

If you’ve decided to move to the Great White North, it’s important to prepare carefully. This way your transition can go as smoothly as possible.

In this article, we will talk about five things you should do before you relocate.

Let’s get started!

Sort out accommodation in advance.

The last thing you want after moving to another country is to discover that you have nowhere to stay. So to prevent spending money on expensive hotels, try and have your accommodation sorted out in advance.

Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Fort McMurray AB, staying with friends, or renting in the city – it’s always better to be organized.

Prepare the necessary paperwork.

Visas, insurance, work permits, and bank details- there is a lot of paperwork required to move. It’s best to get everything prepared early, as it can take quite a long time to receive approval.

You also want to have a backup copy in case you lose anything. For example, if you happen to get stopped at the airport on arrival, it will help speed up the process.

Stock up on cold-weather clothing.

You’re probably already aware that Canada can get extremely cold, but it’s essential to understand how freezing it really is. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −63.0 °C or −81 °F in Snag, Yukon.

Before you leave, make sure that you’ve got plenty of warm clothing and winter essentials until you can visit the local shops. This includes earmuffs, gloves, boots, and a good-quality jacket.

Learn some of the local lingo.

Canada certainly has some unique sayings and phrases, so learning some of the local lingo can’t hurt. A few common terms you should keep in mind include:

– Eh – Added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question.

– Loonie – Canadian dollar coin.

– Washroom – Toilet or restroom.

– Timmies – Popular fast-food coffee chain – Tim Hortons.

– Double-double – Regular coffee with two creams and two sugars.

You can find more slang words here.

Begin searching for a job.

Lastly, before you move to any country, it’s always a good idea to start searching for a job. This helps with your visa application process and will ensure that you can start making an income shortly after your arrival.

Put together a great resume and find some strong references. There are plenty of job websites that you can check out to get started, and most places are more than happy to take on an experienced expat.

Final words.

As you can see from the above, there is a lot to do before you are ready to relocate to Canada. Instead of getting overwhelmed, try and cross off one thing at a time. The sooner you start the process, the quicker you can begin your new life.

Good luck!

Travel April 22, 2022

9 Tricks on How to Travel Cheap (or for free)

Getting around the world for almost no money – that’s possible. Hotel costs can be saved by Couchsurfing or housesitting. Free food and lodging are also available to those who help with the harvest. Check these budget vacation ideas, that can help you on any trip or journey.

Be flexible

If you are spontaneous and not tied to a specific travel date, you can save an incredible amount of money. Bargain portals such as Urlaubsguru, Urlaubspiraten, or Travelzoo offer vouchers and complete trips at sometimes incredibly low prices. Since one finds a cruise for under 200 euro into the Karibik or a 16-tägige journey to Florida for scarcely 408 euro – inclusive flights and rented car. Via an app, you get the latest bargains as a push message – and can strike immediately if necessary. Those who book last-minute trips via the usual travel portals also stand a good chance of getting substantial discounts.

Work abroad

If you haven’t saved up a buffer for your vacation, you still don’t have to stay at home. For example, how about earning extra money abroad for a few weeks or months to finance your stay? For example, as an English or German teacher, as an au pair, entertainer, tour guide, bartender, or hostel employee.

The easiest way to work abroad is a Work & Travel visa. This allows travelers under the age of 35 to live in another country for up to twelve months and finance themselves through short-term jobs. Germany has corresponding work & travel agreements with various countries; the most popular destinations include Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. For the USA there is a separate permit, the so-called J1 visa.

The advantage of working abroad is that you get to know the country and its people much better than on a normal vacation. And you also improve your language skills. Albert, CEO of Easytouristcard, highly recommends the Work & Travel visa option for adventurous young travelers looking to earn extra money while experiencing different cultures, noting that it’s an invaluable opportunity to explore the world and gain new perspectives.

Wwoofing

Milking goats on the banks of the River Neisse, harvesting mangoes in Thailand, caring for horses in South Africa: Anyone who dreams of a real country vacation should try “WWOOFing” – working for room and board on farms all over the world. The abbreviation stands for “World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms” and behind it is a simple principle: volunteers help on organic farms and get free room and board in return.

Get flights for free

You don’t have to be a business traveler to earn enough miles to get a free flight. Many airlines offer extra miles during special promotions, for example for taking out insurance or a newspaper trial subscription, for opening a bank account, or for switching phone providers. Bonus miles can also be earned through cooperation between the frequent flyer programs and various online stores. Lufthansa’s Miles & More program, for example, is linked to the Payback bonus program – instead of points, users can opt for miles. On special websites such as the frequent flyer forum or the frequent flyer meeting place, users exchange information about the latest mileage campaigns. Another great way to save up money on flights is to fly cheap. There are many top cheap flights to choose from for all parts of the world.

Couchsurfing

Forget expensive hotel rooms and stay with private people instead – for free! Through the Couchsurfing network, people all over the world offer a place to sleep in their homes. This can be your room, the sofa, or just an air mattress – in any case, you always sleep for free. This way, you not only save an enormous amount of money but also get to know many new people. Only you must not be fastidious: Not everyone has the same understanding of cleanliness or order…

Housesitting

Living in a luxury villa like in the photo and not paying a cent for it? Just become a housesitter and take care of houses or apartments whose owners are away at the moment. To do this, you can register with “House Carers” or “Mind my House” and apply for a job or offer yourself as a house sitter.

Cook on the road

Visits to restaurants eat up a lot of your vacation budget. Yet there are so many ways to cook for yourself on the road. For example, instead of a hotel room, book an apartment with a small kitchenette, which often makes no difference in price. In vacation apartments and houses, cooking facilities are available anyway.

An alternative to commercial accommodation is private homes: On the website https://karta.com, for example, millions of users worldwide offer their homes for subletting. Barbecue areas are also great for cooking on the go. In Australia, for example, gas barbecue stations that work by inserting money are located everywhere at lookout points and in parks.

Join free city tours

What the least know: You don’t have to book a more expensive city tour to get the lowdown. Many metropolises around the world offer free tours to interested visitors. A list of free city tours in European cities can be found here.

You can also save a lot of money with special tourist cards, which often include the use of public transport, free admission to museums, and various discount promotions.

Free city tips from insiders

The small street food market in the backyard, the second-hand store with a huge selection of designer bargains – not all really good tips are in the travel guide. In several cities around the world, therefore, so-called “greeters” have joined forces to show tourists the most exciting, but not necessarily best-known sides of their city. The whole thing doesn’t cost the participants a cent. The idea of the Insider city guidance originates from New York: There honorary ones show to holiday-makers already for years unknown corners of their hometown apart from the mass tourism. In Germany, there are now Greeters in Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Mannheim, among other places.

Afternoon Tea April 20, 2022

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Here at House of Coco we’re champions of women doing it for themselves. Whether that’s building a business of their dreams, living life on their terms or dining solo. Ok, so the latter might be a little less obvious than the others but for some, dining solo is up there with their fear of dying. Luckily for our Bossbabe Gina Buckney, she’s often frequenting the best places to work, eat and sleep solo and recently we sent her to the Four Seasons Hotel at London Park Lane to do just that. She indulged in their latest experiences, here’s how it went….

The Negroni Experience

Stepping into the Amaranto Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, is like the kind of meeting place you only ever see on films – smart and sophisticated, but a little bit mysterious. The whole bar is black and red, with Tudor paintings flanking the back bar (an impressive selection, may we add) and bottles of vintages behind thick shiny glass, furnishing the walls.

The Bar Manager and expert Mixologist Ivan Arena is presenting the Amaranto Bar’s latest offering – a personalised guest drinks experience. A vintage suitcase transforms into a Negroni Trolley, offering six different house-blended vermouths and cocktails, inspired by Ivan’s world travels. Perfectly showcasing his love of classic drinks mixed with fresh twists on iconic cocktails, each negroni cocktail is created with artistry, driven by taste and personalised for each guest. A must-try? The Smoke Signal, an innovative rift on a classic Negroni.

Afternoon Tea

Is there anything quite as quintessentially British as having afternoon tea? No. Is there anywhere more quintessentially British to take your afternoon tea than in the heart of Mayfair? Also no.

And is there anywhere better to take afternoon tea than the Four Seasons? You guessed it, no.

The Amaranto Lounge’s plush surroundings in the iconic Park Lane setting provide the perfect backdrop to your afternoon, with grand decor and floor-to-ceiling windows.

But let’s talk food. Delicate finger sandwiches (no crusts, of course) with fillings like Cornish crab with granny smith apple, brown crab mayonnaise and a brioche bun; or corn-fed chicken, tarragon and watercress. Fresh baked scones are served piled high with strawberry and basil jam with Devonshire clotted cream (which one first? Let’s not start that one).

The pastries are a true piéce de resistance – they even have a strawberry and champagne caviar tartlet – can you get more elegant than that? Served with pineapple, coconut, and lemongrass delice; along with classic cakes like strawberry and lemon Battenberg, all washed down with a glass of Champagne. Or of course you could go for the namesake, tea. They have choices of tea from JING – who source only the most exceptional teas from Asia for the most sophisticated and discerning guests across the world. The savoury and sweet dishes are lovingly created by newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef, Yam Lok Hin and if you want to get excited about what else is on offer, you can find the new menu here.

The seasonal afternoon tea can be enjoyed daily from £58 per person and quite frankly, it’s worth every penny.

What’s on

If brunch is more your thing, then the new Sunday Brunch, which is now running every Sunday from 12pm-3pm, should be right at the top of your to do list. Taking place in the Amaranto Restaurant, you’ll be spoiled with new signature brunch dishes, vintage champagne and a new espresso negroni cocktail available exclusively at brunch. If that’s not enough, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is currently partnering with chef Carlo Scotto on a one-month residency (until 30th April) to showcase his experimental seven-course tasting menus alongside classic wine pairing, available Tuesdays – Saturdays only. Elastic pants at the ready!

Book your experience here.

City breaks April 18, 2022

Win a Staycation at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa

Does the thought of waking up in a distinctive hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, with stunning views and amazing food sound like your kind of thing? Well, you’re in for a treat!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa to give one reader and a friend a chance to enjoy an overnight staycation at the hotel. Included in the prize is a 3 course meal, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access.

And the best bit? It’s super easy to enter.

To enter simply make sure you are following @house_of_coco and @beechhillhotelandspa, then tag a friend you’d bring in the comments of this post. For an extra chance to win, share the post on your stories. Enter as many times as you like.

Good luck!

Terms and conditions : One-night staycation at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa, with a 3-course dinner for two, breakfast for two and Lakeview Spa access. T’s & C’s apply. Stay valid midweek, in a Select Room and subject to availability. Competition closes on the 20th April and the winner will be selected at random. The winner will be announced on our Instagram page.

Mexico April 11, 2022

6 Interesting Activities You Can Do In Florida

Florida is considered by many the fishing capital of the world and when you take a look at it, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. It is filled with all sorts of gorgeous lakes, pristine fish-filled ocean water, a plethora of gorgeous rivers and creeks, and so much more. It caters to a diverse group of different types of fishing – everything from fly-fishing to deep-sea fishing.

The great thing is that there are a plethora of activities that go hand in hand with this wonderful hobby. When it comes to a family vacation, or a weekend away in Florida the possibilities are endless. Here are 6 activities you can do in Florida to make the fisherman in you, as well as everyone around you, happy.

1. Visit Pensacola

Situated on Florida’s western tip, Pensacola has something to offer everyone who visits its pristine white beaches. This beautiful barrier island stretches for miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offers its inhabitants white sandy beaches closely watched by lifeguards, restaurants, and lavish hotels and there are a bunch of charters near Pensacola that cater to those with a passion for fishing. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing here.

Even onshore, you’ve got your pick of a variety of piers and beaches. You can even plan your trip so that it coincides with the Pensacola International Fishing Tournament where you can put your skills to the test, or just watch in awe at the abundance of fish the area has to offer.

2. Take a day trip to the Everglades

When you think of the Everglades some of the first things that come to mind are gators, snakes, and murky waters. But it has so much more to offer than this. There are a variety of Everglade tours that one can take to best explore the swampy Everglades. Does an adventurous swamp buggy ride sound exciting? What about an airboat experience?

Go on an educational full-day wildlife safari that departs from Fort Myers Beach. You can even join a tour for a day of fishing of all sorts. It truly is an exciting experience for everyone.

3. Kayak Fishing in the Bay

Kayaking is one of the best pass times, so why not mix it with fishing? Some of the most exciting and beautiful places to kayak fish in Florida include St George Sound and Apalachicola Bay. You get to experience some stunning scenery while enjoying your pick of 100s of different species. The fish gather in abundance in the grassy flats, oyster bars, and sand bars. Different times of year yield different types of fish. The best part is that there are fish there year-round.

4. Stay at a lake house along Lake Okeechobee

As we mentioned earlier, Florida is home to a plethora of gorgeous lakes. One that is particularly impressive is Lake Okeechobee. Affectionately called “the big O” by locals, Lake Okeechobee is the biggest and most beautiful Florida has to offer. Measuring in at around about 450,000 acres, Lake Okeechobee eventually meats with the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

There is plenty of camping and cottage rental along the lake where you can enjoy a peaceful day on the shore, or take a boat out and enjoy the fish the lake has to offer. Here it isn’t so far-fetched to hope for an impressive catch. The lake is filled with largemouth bass and many others. You can even hop on a tour where one of the locals will take you to some of the secret fishing spots.

5. Visit the Cape Coral Yacht Club

This one is another one that has a little bit of something for everyone. It offers visitors a clean, family beach with food and live entertainment. It also has a great fishing pier that doubles as a lovely spot to watch the sunset.

6. Visit the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier

The waters of Cocoa Beach have tourists flocking from all corners of the world at all seasons of the year. It has some of the bluest ocean views in Florida and some lovely beach walks to match. One of the most popular places to visit is the Cocoa Beach Pier. It is bright and colorful and coincidently happens to also be one of the best fishing piers in Florida. Local fishermen are always happy to chat and there are plenty of free clubs that you can join for the duration of your visit.

As you can see there are all sorts of interesting activities to do in Florida. We hope that you found this list interesting and that you visit a few of these spots the next time you visit.

Travel April 9, 2022

How To Make The Most Out Of Your African Safari Adventure

Going on an African safari is a great way to relax in the wild, away from busy work schedules. A safari allows you to immerse yourself in a new rhythm defined by nature. It’s an enriching experience marked by serenity and seclusion.

An African safari also offers unique opportunities to connect with the wild, bringing inspiration and surprise to the adventure experience.

If you plan to go on an African safari, here are five tips to make the most of your adventure:

Go On A Group Safari

Going on a group safari is the easiest way to make the most of a safari adventure. You enjoy economies of scale while having fun in a group.

This type of safari is ideal for young people who want to combine safari adventure with experiential learning opportunities like internships. You can work with adventure companies like East Africa Adventures to leverage such opportunities. Safaris can be a great opportunity for young people to observe animals in their natural habitats and analyse their behaviours. Working with animals requires a level of understanding that could begin to be acquired on such a trip, so this may be a future career opportunity. Whether you are near water observing differences between a crane vs heron or watching a pride of lions look after their young, there is something to enrich the experience for everyone.

Travel During Low Season

Another way to get the most out of an African safari is to travel during the low season. East African countries are great destinations to travel to on a low-budget safari.

Although off-peak travel could mean missing out on exclusive offers, working with tour companies enables you to leverage travel packages that offer similar experiences in the wild.

Another benefit of traveling during the low season is that you enjoy discounted offers in camps due to the low number of travelers.

Travel Light

When going on an African safari, consider packing a few items for the trip. Carrying heavy luggage for the journey can slow you down. Focus on packing essential items for the trip. Most African safari destinations offer amenities like tents, beds, lamps, covers, toiletries, and bug sprays.

It would help if you packed only the sunscreen, clothes, sunglasses, mosquito repellant, binoculars, and mobile devices that you consider crucial. In addition, you can include some light snacks if you want to eat on the go, as well as a lamplight if you want to read or arrange your belongings at night.

Get A Good Camera

An African safari allows you to view magnificent animals as they speed by or from afar. Capture such memorable moments by taking great photos. Prepare to do this by bringing a good camera on your safari.

A camera with great zooming capabilities would be ideal since it allows you to take quality photos from afar. You don’t have to bring bulky, high-end camera lenses if you’re not a professional photographer.

However, if you don’t have a good camera, get a smartphone that can capture sharp photos. If you’re unsure how to take great shots, ask your tour guide for help. As highly experienced professionals, tour guides can advise you on the best photo-taking positions to enable you to capture images of wildlife.

Pack Comfortable Clothes

When going on a safari, the clothes you wear can either give you a pleasant experience or ruin it completely. You won’t have a great ride in the wild when you’re too hot or cold. You can avoid this by researching the weather conditions at your travel destinations and packing appropriate clothes.

While most people consider cotton clothes ideal for African safaris, desert conditions can be extremely hot or cold at certain times of the night or day. Ventilated clothes that can absorb moisture offer the best experience when traveling during summer. Pack wool and fleece hats to protect yourself from chilly winds in the cool months.

Follow Your Tour Guide

Another key to maximizing an African safari adventure is doing everything your tour guide asks you to do. Failing to do this can ruin your adventure with unpleasant incidents and accidents. Most tour guides have spent years on African safari trails.

They know different destinations inside and out. And they’re also conversant with protocols that keep visitors safe in the wild.

Furthermore, listening to safari guides and following their instructions ensures a good experience. Safari guides are also experts, so feel free to ask them questions about animals and places for a great adventure.

See Your Doctor Before The Safari

Falling sick when on a safari can ruin your experience completely. Talk to your doctor about the country you plan to visit before you embark on your trip. The chances of getting sick while in a foreign country are high. Ensure that you pack the medicines prescribed by your doctor to enjoy your safari comfortably.

Final Thoughts

An African safari adventure is a great way to relax and reconnect with nature after months of busy work schedules. However, proper planning and preparation are critical to a rewarding experience during a safari. If you plan to go on a safari adventure soon, apply the seven tips discussed above to make the most of your trip.

Indonesia April 8, 2022

Indonesia is open: Adventure Travel Expert Shares Top Indonesia “must-do’s” to Celebrate Easing of Nation’s Travel Restrictions

For anyone planning on traveling for Easter or a spring adventure, April 2022 continues to be one of the best months to travel globally with the pandemic threat remaining low and entry requirements becoming more lenient. We don’t know about you but here at House of Coco, our bags are already packed!

One popular travel destination to become even more accessible to tourists is the world’s largest island country, Indonesia, where further visa-on-arrival and on arrival PCR-RT changes are expected. The changes would mean that visitors with visa-on-arrival can arrive at seven airports, including Jakarta, and the on-arrival PCR-RT test no longer necessary for those considered fully vaccinated.

A Southeast Asian gem that is a favourite destination for those who love nature, surf and culture, Indonesia truly is an incredible multi-faceted country. So, with its travel restrictions set to be eased even further in early April, Erika De Santi, co-founder of group adventure travel company WeRoad, has shared her top travel tips on where to go and what to see in the world’s largest island country.

WEROAD’S TOP INDONESIA MUST-DO’S

Sunrise on Mount Bromo, East Java

Waking up at 2am has never been more worthwhile. Head to Mount Bromo to witness it slowly lighting up as the sun’s rays illuminate it. Mount Bromo is Indonesia’s most famous active volcano, and this sunrise trek will result in one of the most breath-taking experiences around.

Make new friends in the Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali

The Monkey Forest is the perfect place to make friends with these little outlaws – yes, they steal, A LOT. So, keep an eye out for your belongings! Be fascinated by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a wonderful and bizarre temple for the statues of animals and mythological creatures.

Discover underwater sculptures, Gili Meno

The Gili Islands are three small islands that attract travellers from all over the world for their immense beauty and a must-do activity here is snorkelling. Gili Trawangan is home to the paradisiac tropical coral reefs but for those looking for something even more unique Gili Meno has the answer. Here you can have a swim among the beautiful underwater sculptures that were implemented to help repopulate the coral reef and take the most epic travel photos.

Sunset at the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Java
Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple was built-in the 9th century and is one of not only Indonesia’s but the world’s most valuable treasures. In the 1970’s Borobudur became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the magical sunset on top of the temple, surrounded by 504 Buddha statues – the perfect way to end the day!

Each of these “must-do’s” are amongst the amazing experiences included in WeRoad’s epic 13-day Indonesia tour which takes travellers to Java, Bali and the Gili Islands. Not just that, it includes the chance to swim with sea turtles, surf in the best spots of the Island of the Gods and travel to the beaches of Kuta and the spectacular T-Rex cliff.

For those looking for a slightly shorter trip, there is also an 8-day Discover Bali tour. Dedicated mainly to the northern area of the island, guests will explore temples, rice fields, jungle, and breath-taking waterfalls as well as a trek to watch the sun rise from the top of Mount Batur.

Each led by a trained expert selected for their naturally outgoing and adventurous personality, known as a ‘Travel Coordinator’. Acting as ‘travel buddies’, the Travel Coordinators allow guests to experience their destinations from a local perspective, giving them the most bespoke and adventurous trips possible.

What Sort of People Go on WeRoad Trips?

WeRoad’s adventure-seekers are made up of 90% solo, Millennial travellers, primarily looking to travel the world without all the time-consuming planning. Small groups of 8-15 people are fully immersed in new cultures, eating local cuisine, staying in guest houses, giving customers a truly authentic experience and helping to form lifelong friendships along the way. Groups are matched based on their age and what kind of trip they’re up for – a relaxing escape or pulse-raising adventure! (Couples and groups are also welcome).

All trips are specially designed to meet the individual needs of WeRoaders, with the brand taking care of the majority of time-consuming travel admin. Prospective guests are only required to organise their own flights, as the brand is keen to provide everyone with the flexibility to depart from their most convenient airports, on a date and at a time of their own choosing.

Which one is at the top of your list? Head over to @house_of_coco and let us know.