7 Travel Apps for the Thrifty Traveler

For people who love to travel on a budget, an ultra-mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be a lifesaver. Whether it's for finding the best domestic travel insurance offer or checking out the cheapest hotel rates on the Internet, there's bound to be an app for all of your travel needs.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and check out this list of of some of the best must-have apps for travelers:

Skype

Do you want to be able to stay in touch with your loved ones back home but hate the idea of paying outrageous cellphone rates? Then make sure to download the ever popular Skype on your mobile device. No need to use your cellphone provider's expensive international plans - this VoIP app lets people make cheap calls to anyone, anywhere! IMs and Skype-to-Skype video/voice calls are free, while a paid Premium account gets you unlimited international and group calls.

Google Translate

Throw away those bulky phrasebooks and language guides! Now you can communicate like a local with Google Translate. The app supports at least 70 languages. Though the translations might not always be one-hundred percent accurate, it's more than enough to get you through common everyday scenarios like asking for directions or saying "thank you" in the vernacular.

Airbnb

For backpackers and tourists on a super strict budget, Airbnb is a very essential tool. The app allows people to search for affordable accommodations wherever they are. From regular hotel rooms to overnight apartments, Airbnb has got you covered. It's a great app for people who want a new kind of traveling experience (since most of the accommodations offered by the Airbnb community are from locals who are renting out spaces in their own homes) and save money at the same time.

Google Maps

Another helpful offering from Google, Google Maps is hands down the best map application that anyone could ever possibly download on their device. The route planner feature is particularly useful, especially for travelers - imagine getting extensive driving, cycling, walking and public transportation directions with just a click of a button. Whether it's the streets of New York or the jungles of Timbuktu, you'll never get lost again with Google Maps by your side.

TripAdvisor

Honest and unbiased reviews by travelers, for travelers. TripAdvisor is a travel companion you should never leave home without. The app, which provides instant integrated access to the TripAdvisor online community, lets users rate and review hotels, restaurants, malls, and other tourist attractions. Want to check out the highest rated places in your area? Then let TripAdvisor do its magic and get your money's worth for every destination that you'll visit!

Gate Guru

Traveling entails a lot of time spent inside and around airports. Save precious time and money with gate Gate Guru - the best airport guide you can carry around your pocket. Receive flight information such as departure times, weather reports, and real time flight status updates on-the-go. Got a four-hour layover? Gate Guru can come up with some of the best airport eats and stores you can shop around in while waiting for your next flight.

AwardWallet

Keep track of your frequent flyer miles with AwardWallet! This handy app helps you stay up to date with the various loyalty and rewards programs that you are subscribed to. AwardWallet is well-suited for frequent travelers and for people who like to join travel clubs.

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Park, Stay and Go at Crowne Plaza London Heathrow

For premium accommodations during your visit to London, consider making reservations to stay at the Crown Plaza London Heathrow. Just one of more than 370 hotels representing the Crown Plaza brand, you can expect the kind of elegance and style that is synonymous with comfort and quality. Add in some great services designed to make you feel most welcomed and right at home along with some friendly customer service and you will be glad you made the choice to choose the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

Located just 2 miles from the airport and only a 20-minute drive from central London, you would be ideally situated to go anywhere including Wembley Arena, Twickenham Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre, just to name a few nearby venues and attractions.

The Hotel at a Glance

There are 465 rooms at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow of which you can choose a Standard, Club, Family or Accessible room or a Suite. All rooms are equipped with High Definition LCD TVs with a wide range of HD channels and Wi-Fi connection, along with other amenities such as minibar, laptop safes, and even fluffy bathrobes for the Club room package. Upgrade to a Club room or suite and enjoy other extras like complimentary snacks, access to the Club Lounge and more.

Choose from a wide selection of delicious dishes at Orwell’s Brasserie serving modern British dishes with their own fusion of international flavours, for breakfast, lunch or supper. Kids eat for free from selections off the children’s menu. For adults looking for a more casual dining experience, opt for Dr. O’Driscoll’s Irish Bar at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow. Here you will find some pub favourite dishes and can enjoy a pint of your choice of beer. For a great cocktail, choose Orwell’s Bar and nibble on bites chosen from the deli style menu.

Park, Stay and Go

For those leaving London for a family vacation or just rushing out of town for a business trip, book an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow and save yourself the hassle of rushing to the airport the day of your flight. Choose a Park, Stay and Go package allowing you 4, 8 or 15 days parking in the designated parking area and depart on your trip without a worry in mind, knowing that your car is conveniently stored and ready for you upon your return. No need to fuss catching a taxi when you get back, when you can just catch a short ride back to the hotel and load the family or all your business documents in your own ride and head home at your own leisurely pace.

The Park, Stay and Go option is not just about parking convenience. It’s also about you and your family. For the duration of your stay you have access to the hotel’s facilities too, including the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, spa, gym and even 9-hole golf course, in case you want to get a little fun in before your trip. Whether you are heading out on a vacation or a business trip, the planning can be quite stressful already so enjoying a short care-free stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow will help you set a positive, relaxed mood before you jet-set off.

If you travel often on business, look into becoming a member of the park, Stay and Go Club. It’s free to join and the more often you stay, the better the deals you will get.

Comfort, quality, satisfaction, relaxation and savings – it’s what you can expect from the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

To keep up to date with the hotel’s news why not follow its Facebook, Google+ and Twitter profiles.

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5 Budget Travel Tips

People are travelling around a lot more these days it seems. For many people, work can include trips abroad and whilst most of us are struggling with day to day living costs, the idea of taking a holiday is also still something we strive towards.

So whether it is for work or play, travelling can be an expensive business and any way that you might be able to save a few pounds is worth knowing about.

One thing to keep in mind before you even go anywhere is that unexpected circumstances can prove costly when you are away from home. This is why having adequate cover from questor insurance is essential and can help to give you the peace of mind to really enjoy your trip.

Here are 5 tips to help you get from A to B with the minimum of expense and the maximum enjoyment:

Choose the right time to travel

Whether it means missing the crowds of package holidaymakers at an airport or making sure you don't miss the last train back, choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference to the cost, as well as to your overall enjoyment. Off-peak fares and ticket prices are always cheaper than the busiest times of travel.

Travel light

Investing in a strong piece of cabin luggage with 360 wheels might seem like strange advice for a list aimed to cutting back on expenses, but good luggage lasts a lifetime and can help you save money on excess baggage costs by taking everything that you need in a carry-on bag.

Entertain yourself

It is definitely a good idea to load up your iPhone with films, TV shows and albums to make sure you have all you need to keep yourself entertained on your journey.

The upgrade

The holy grail of any air traveller is the upgrade, that elusive reward given out by airline staff or airplane crew. There are a lot of websites giving 'inside secrets' on how to grab one, but the real trick is to look presentable, ask nicely and hope that your luck is in on that particular day.

Make a meal of things

Wherever you are going, if it involves an overnight stay then you have a chance to sample the local cuisine. This doesn't need to be expensive, and sometimes a little research will show you where the locals eat the best food at great prices.

Photos via Flicker Creative Commons

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Travel Tips for the Elderly

The great pleasures to be derived from travelling don’t have to end just because we happen to be getting older. People in their senior years regularly continue to cruise, fly and take road trips all over the world and have fabulous holidays. But of course they have to factor in a few additional considerations and take a bit more care on some aspects of their travel plans, from homelifts to packing, especially if they have a medical condition.

Before leaving

It’s a good idea to research the travel agents a bit, as many of them now specialise in travelling for seniors, and also to check out the medical facilities that are available at the destinations you’re considering. If you use a wheelchair or guide dog, make all the necessary arrangements such as seating on the plane. Your travel insurance also needs to cover any medical conditions to remain valid.

Luggage

Make sure you take a bag into the cabin that contains all the medication you’ll need during the flight. A pill-box is always a good idea too, because on holiday routines tend to get disrupted and you’ll need to know what you’ve taken each day of the week. Use a suitcase that has wheels to lighten the load.

Disabilities

You can call the airport well ahead of your flight to make arrangements about seating, services, meals and shuttles, and the travel agent should also have been informed of any disabilities. Try to book only direct flights, but where this is not possible give yourself plenty of time for transfers.

At the destination end, you or your agent can contact the local authorities to see whether the transport system can handle your particular disability. You can also contact the local embassy to check the availability of things like wheelchairs, relevant medications or guide dogs.

Medication

Before booking a trip, ensure that your medication is legal in that destination country by contacting the consulate or embassy, and take a doctor’s letter confirming dosages and the fact that your medicine is purely for personal use. Always keep it in its original packaging, and take this with you even if you’re using a pill-box. Take a supply of needles and syringes to last the length of your stay.

Clothing

With clothing, go for comfortable attire that allows for free blood circulation, and ensure beforehand that your body can handle a long flight as sitting motionless for prolonged periods can cause blood clots under certain conditions. Compression stockings are often recommended to stimulate circulation in the lower legs.

Infection avoidance

Use an alcohol-based hand cleanser for your hands, especially before eating or after being in crowded places like a bus, plane or train.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

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5 Best Ways to Taste Vietnam

If you've never been to Vietnam, you're probably curious about the cuisine. Vietnamese food is a fantastic way to experience the culture of Vietnam in a way that is not only educational, but tasty, as well. Whether or not you have actually visited Vietnam, there are a number of ways you can explore the cuisine.

1. Visit a Vietnamese Restaurant

If you're in America, consider visiting a local Vietnamese restaurant. Go with a friend to a place she recommends or simply check out a place in your local yellow pages. Remember to explore and be adventurous. Don't simply order the chicken because it seems "safe." Trying new foods is a time to do just that - try new foods. Pick something random or let the waitress pick for you.

2. Eat with a Vietnamese friend

Do you have Vietnamese friends? Ask about their culture and food! Ask a friend if you can come over for dinner or come the next time she visits her grandma to try some authentic Vietnamese dishes.

3. Visit Vietnam

Perhaps the best way to taste Vietnam is to actually visit and explore on one of those Vietnam tours. Check out local marketplaces, restaurants and groceries. Explore and try everything you come across. Don't be afraid to test out new things or try a taste of something that looks a little scary. Remember, trying new things is the only way to find out what you like and what you don't.

4. Take a Vietnamese cooking class

If you live near a college, check out one of their cooking classes. Your local community center may also be a great place to find local Vietnamese cooking classes. These classes will not only teach you about Vietnamese cuisine, but will give you a chance to try cooking some yourself. If you're the adventurous type, this is a fantastic way to jump feet first into Vietnamese food.

5. Visit a Vietnamese grocery store

A Vietnamese grocery is a fantastic way to explore new foods, ingredients and cooking styles. Grab a recipe off the Internet and head to your local Vietnamese grocery with a list of things you need. Chances are, you'll be able to find everything you need and start trying Vietnamese food firsthand. While you may not make the most authentic food the first time you cook, you'll quickly improve the more you practice.

Overall, there are many ways you can learn to taste Vietnam. Whether you actually get to visit Vietnam and try the food firsthand or you cook it yourself in America, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to truly taste and try the fantastic food that Vietnam has to offer.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

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Ultimate Party Ski Resorts in Australia

There’s no better way to party with your friends than on the slopes in one of Australia’s top ski resorts. Getting the perfect balance between great terrains and thriving nightlife can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re making your bookings. Here are a few of the best ski resorts in Australia for the ultimate snow adventure party.

Falls Creek

This great ski resort is centred around a traditional alpine style village. With pedestrian only access, most of the accommodation here is ski in, ski out. Not only is this convenient for hitting the slopes during the day, but it makes for a fun way to travel through the village after the sun sets. With 32 dining options on the mountain and in the village, Falls Creek has more on offer than any other Australian ski resort. From a quiet night in at one of the cosy restaurants to a slighter wilder time at one of the clubs or music venues, there’s something in Falls Creek for every taste. When you need some time to recover, there’s always the option of a sauna and a few drinks in front of the open fire at one of the ski lodges.

Thredbo

With the highest lifted point in Australia, the nation’s longest ski runs and amazing beginner’s slopes, Thredbo is one of the most popular ski resorts in the magnificent Snowy Mountains. Boasting 6 bars and 20 restaurants, as well as a club for the really keen partiers, there’s plenty of opportunity to have some fun after dark. Thredbo has a reputation for a seriously thriving nightlife, with many revellers partying on until well after the sun comes up. It’s not just snow season that sees Thredbo full of travellers, the party goes on all year round with a fantastic range of activities to do once the snow has melted and the ski season is over.

Perisher Blue

Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australasia, and it has a fantastic party scene to match. With 1245 hectares of varied terrain, skiers of every ability will be able to find their perfect slope before heading back and enjoying some post-ski entertainment. With an amalgamation of four different villages, Perisher offers a great range of bars and restaurants. There’s everything from spirited pub races and karaoke competitions, to a few quieter spots where you can enjoy a drink and chat with friends. No matter what your party style is, you’ll find something that is perfect for you at Perisher.

Choosing the best place to party isn’t easy, as there are simply so many great Australian ski resorts to choose from! These are some of the best in the business though, and you’ll have an amazing time both on and off the slopes. With world-class facilities, terrain for all abilities and a vibrant social scene once the sun goes down, make your next party a guaranteed success with a trip to one of these great ski resorts.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

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Cruising To France Need Not Be Expensive

Ever fancied a trip to France but worry that it may be expensive? Long for a river cruise through France to Prague for a romantic break away? It doesn’t have to break the bank and there are so many cruises to France and through the beautiful country these days that your trip is just a few clicks away.

Paris is well known as the city of magical romance; a place where you can take the love of your life for a romantic proposal or spend some quality time together. With a cruise through Paris to other enchanting locations you could be seeing exciting new sights every day, making a river cruise can be an ideal option for intrepid explorers.

Enjoy the journey

With a range of European river cruises on offer throughout stunning cities and picturesque locations it could be the perfect opportunity to explore Europe in well-appointed accommodation and enjoy each other’s company. Cruise ships have a large range of facilities on board for comfort and luxury so there is no need to worry about where to go for dinner.

The accommodation is the epitome of style and the best thing about a cruise is that not only do you get to sit on board and watch the scenery go by in various locations, making for striking photo opportunities, but you also get the option to disembark and explore particular points on the journey.

More places, more choice

On a river cruise adventure in France you can maximise the places you see and turn your holiday into an exciting journey rather than just a destination. Spend a few days soaking up the beauty of Paris, stroll around the stunning towns of Giverny and Vernon or explore the medieval city of Rouen taking in the haunting beauty of the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. With a river cruise, so much is possible.

Prices you can afford, locations you will love

You may worry that a holiday could be expensive but with a river cruise it can be less expensive than you might think. Companies such as Viking offer a wide range of cruises in a selection of areas so that you can spend your holiday not just visiting one destination but enjoying several points along the way. The great thing is that the price is less expensive than you might think.

Surely the opportunity to visit several places and learning the history of towns and cities all while staying in high quality accommodation is a more exciting option than simply visiting one place? A river cruise in France could be the perfect option for your holiday this year so why not take a look at the locations available and the huge number of options and create the holiday of your dreams?

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Indulge Yourself In Some St. Lucia Nature

St. Lucia is one of the world’s most popular and luxurious destinations. As a sovereign country situated in the Caribbean Sea, it benefit’s from the best tropical weather, cool winters and blistering summers. With a population of just under 180,000, St. Lucia heavily relies on the money generated by tourism, however in recent years, many of the world’s rich and famous have started to snap up property here.

The island was named by colonised by the French, and named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse. However since 1814, the island has remained in control of the British, and St. Lucia continues to apply a legal system tightly based on British common law. Due to the on-going world recession, the island’s economy has been hit hard, with tourism numbers rapidly declining. With many of the island’s native people originating from African descent, as well as East Indian, a large proportion of the population have immigrated abroad to find work.

Culture

The island of St. Lucia is known for its exciting culture, and from festivals to sports, music to dance, there are many amazing things to see and do here. One of the biggest festivals on the island is the Saint Lucia jazz Festival, held every May all over the island. Drawing hundreds of famous artists, bands and composers from all over the world, St. Lucia remains firmly under the spotlight during this spectacular festival.

When it comes to sport, St. Lucia is one of the most passionate and talented island countries in all of the Caribbean. Their main cricket team – the Windward Islands Club – is entirely made up of players from the island, with Darren Sammy (the first St. Lucian to represent the West Indies national team) being a loved national treasure, and sportsman of the year in 2004!

Things To See and Do

As the banana market becomes more competitive in the midst of the recession, St. Lucia has started to see small increases in tourism numbers, and government officials expect these numbers to continue rising throughout the year. From the Pigeon National park to The Pitons World Heritage Site, St. Lucia is an island of natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

If you’re considering taking a holiday to the beautiful island of St. Lucia, then there are a number of things to see and do. Why not take a trip to the Mamiku Botanical Gardens, where you will be able to explore the amazing woodland trails, exquisite landscape gardens and the ruins of an 18th century family estate.

If you’re looking for something a little more daring, why not jump in a car and head down to the drive-through volcano – the only one in the world! Not only will you be able to smell the sulphur, and see huge clouds of steam rising through the crater vents, but this will also be an unforgettable experience if you’re travelling with young children. When it comes to relaxing, then the mineral mud baths are one of the best ways to unwind on the island – so make sure you give them a try!

This guest post was written on behalf of Cruise. Cruise.co.uk offer you 2013’s top last minute cruise deals from all around the globe.

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Best Destinations for Multi-Generational Travel

With families living further away from each other geographically than at any time in history, multi-generational holidays are on the rise and are set to be a key travel trend in 2013. It is no surprise that as grandparents are living longer, retiring earlier and have more disposable income than in the past, many are off jet-setting with the whole family in tow. Another rationale behind this recent trend is the increasing popularity of “milestone holidays”, where the growing distance between relatives makes for the perfect excuse to organise special family-reunion trips to celebrate occasions like anniversaries, weddings and major birthdays.

However, this can make planning the trip a little tricky since there are more people to please with a varying range of ages and interests. Depending on the type of holiday, there are some important factors to bear in mind. Here are 3 of the best destinations for multi-generational travel:

Caribbean

For a hassle free holiday with something for everyone opt for an all-inclusive Caribbean deal. With some surprisingly good deals on offer, a holiday like this avoids extra costs of meals and activities which have a tendency add up! Whilst lacking in culture and often a reason to leave the resort it may not be for every family. But for those just looking to relax in a heavenly setting and let everyone do their own thing it is perfect as kids can join activity clubs whilst the adults can relax in the knowledge that everyone is occupied.

London

City breaks work well as destinations for multi-generational travel as long as there is a very good public transport system (avoiding multiple car hires) and lots of activities for all age groups. Therefore London is a safe bet with its host of attractions from the Tate Gallery or the Churchill War Rooms, to Harry Potter Studios and the London Dungeons, there really is something to cater for every audience. In addition, there are many sites that would be enjoyable for the whole family together such as a ride on the London Eye or a Thames river cruise.

Paris

Again boasting an efficient public transport system, and a vast array of attractions, Paris makes for an age and family friendly destination. Let the kids spend a day and Disneyland Paris, whilst the grand-parents can enjoy strolls along the romantic streets, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. In terms of accommodation, an apartment offers the best of both worlds with separate sleeping arrangements with common living spaces to enjoy a bit of family time! All-Paris-Apartments have some great options located all over the city, spacious enough to hold sizable family groups. This also keeps your budget intact as you can make the most of the self-catering facilities by cooking meals for yourself.

About the Author: Georgia is a European enthusiast who believes that this continent can cater to every type of traveller and even when you think you’ve seen it all, there is always more to be discovered!

Images by Grand Velas Resort, TJ Morris, Moyan_Brenn

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Budget Guide to Menorca for Families

A family holiday is a special occasion for everyone to spend some quality time together and build important memories. But it can be less fun for parents if they are worrying about money. Treating the kids and constantly paying entrance fees for attractions can easily mount up.

Cheap holidays in Menorca can be easily achieved however, as all it takes is a little bit of time to seek out those attractions which are free and see where money can be saved without compromising on fun. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the price down while on holiday on this stunning Balearic island.

Es Freginal Park

This park in the centre of Mao provides a great place to shelter from the hot Menorcan sun and engage in some family friendly games, such as football, Frisbee or hide and seek. It has a fantastic array of well kept flower beds, making for a lovely place to pass some time entirely for free.

Meals can be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday, so taking a picnic to the park can be a good opportunity to take advantage of the weather and cut down on costs. It is easy to pick up some picnic ingredients locally and enjoy them in the great outdoors, not far from the centre of activity.

Club Sant Jaime

Instead of heading to the two water parks on the island, you can go to Club Sant Jaime in Son Bou, which also has water slides and a swimming pool to keep the kids entertained. Add to this the wooden maze, which is equipped with water sprinklers and is lots of fun.

It can often be a better option for younger children who might not appreciate all of the rides at the larger water parks, plus under-threes get in for free. Parents may also enjoy the landscaped gardens complete with views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

The beach

It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but the magnificent beaches on the island are a great attraction and can be enjoyed for free. If you know your children get restless quite quickly then bringing along some cheap equipment for snorkelling, building sandcastles or playing bat and ball can help to keep them entertained.

Otherwise, head to a part of the coast with plenty to explore, such as the Cales Coves, where there are a number of caves and rock pools. This is a fun activity for children at the age where they are starting to get a bit more independent and like to investigate things for themselves.

Navette de Tudons

For the bargain price of just €2 (£1.73) visitors can go inside this pile of stones, which was once used as a burial chamber as long ago as 1130 BC. It was excavated in 1960 and is remarkably well preserved and fascinating to explore.

Inside there is an exploration of Neolithic man and how he lived in these parts, making it great for getting kids to think about the past and exciting history buffs too.

Cami de chavalles

It costs nothing to walk the some or all of the Cami de chavalles, a bridleway which extends around the entirety of Menorca's coastline. Originally built for sentries in the 17th century. it was kept open throughout the 18th and 19th centuries too.

The route has only just been fully reopened as there were parts which had been closed, but it is a great way to get to know the island and see some of the best views on offer of Menorca's coast.

Click here to learn more about cheap holidays in Menorca with Cosmos.

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