Planning A Vacation When You Have No Money

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Now and again, we all deserve a break from the daily grind - and a fresh change of scenery. Going on vacation can provide both, but what if you can’t afford a vacation? Taking out a loan is one option, but it’s not ideal, as it could result in further financial problems down the line. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which you can enjoy a trip away without spending much money at all. You may not be able to afford anything luxurious, however there are plenty of ways in which you could still get away. Below are a few examples.

Go wild camping

Camping is generally a good cheap option. You can save money further by considering ‘wild camping’ - this involves pitching up in the wilderness as opposed to in a campsite (saving you money on campsite fees). National parks are great places to go wild camping - if you’ve got one on your doorstep, consider planning a camping trip here.

Of course, you will need some essentials to camping, which could cost you some money if you don’t already own them. A tent and a sleeping bag are a must, plus you’ll need to bring some food and water. You can buy other camping gear at sites like EcoGearFX.com. Once you’ve got all the gear, you can head out on camping trips whenever you want.

Try car camping

You may not even need a tent to go camping. If you’ve got a car, you consider going car camping (sleeping in your car). This is best suited to larger cars in which you can fold down the back seats and comfortably lie down. You can pad out the back with lots of blankets and pillows. It’s not very luxurious, but it won’t cost you anything.

You will of course need to factor in the cost of fuel and tolls. It may also be useful to have a roof box so that you can pack lots of stuff without having to take up trunk space.

Visit distant family

Got some family members that live in a state - or maybe even another country? Why not ask to stay at theirs for a couple nights and take advantage of the free accommodation? This could be a great opportunity to catch up and enjoy some time away. Just make sure you provide enough warning.

You will still need to pay for travel, so factor this in. Book far ahead in advance and plan to fly on a weekday to reduce flight costs. 

Do volunteer work

There are many places such as farms, animal rescue centers and schools where you can get free accommodation in exchange for doing volunteer work. This might not be what some people consider a ‘vacation’, however if you’re more interested in travel rather than relaxing, it could be an option worth looking into.

As with visiting distant family, you will still need to pay for your travel, so make sure that you’ve got the money for this. Check out sites like Helpstay.com to find volunteer opportunities.

Start saving now

Still can’t afford any of these options? Or perhaps you’d prefer to stay in a hotel? Another solution is to start saving now. This can take a lot of discipline, but could ensure that you’re able to get that vacation you need. 

Even $10 per week is better than nothing - consider setting up a savings account that you can automatically pay into each month and avoid dipping into it for other purposes at all costs. 

Scratching Your Travel Itch During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a lot of changes to our lives, including how we socialize, shop, and work. It’s pushed us indoors, to the point where even a trip to a local restaurant seems like an exciting day trip. Bigger travel trips that will take us further afield will have to put on pause for the time being, which is pretty heartbreaking for people who already had a trip planned. Still, though you may be unable to explore new lands right now, there are ways you can experience the wonder of travel right from your own home. We take a look at some of the best ways to do this below.

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Virtual Tours

OK, taking a virtual trip might not be as fun as visiting in person, but it’s better than nothing! There are many ways you can explore the world from the comfort of your sofa. You could load up a place on Google Maps and dive into street view, for example. It won’t be as good as the real thing, but it will give you a sense of what the destination is like. Some of the world’s best museums have their collections online too, allowing you to virtually visit the attractions you’re currently unable to visit in person.

Foods of the World

One of the joys of traveling to a new destination is having a chance to enjoy all the delicious recipes that come from that region. If you can’t get there to taste it first-hand, then why not look at making the meals yourself? It’s a great way to bring a dose of international culture into your life. This carnitas tacos recipe is delicious and straightforward to make, and will make you feel like you’ve just touched down in Mexican -- especially if you’re playing Mexican music and sipping a Corona beer while you’re making it. You don’t always need to travel when you have your stomach to travel for you!

Learn a Language 

If you’ve always liked the disorienting sensation of not fully understanding what’s going on around you when you travel, then why not throw yourself into learning a language? You’ve got all this time that you have to spend at home; you may as well make the most of it! In the early stages, you’ll be completely confused by the language, just like you are when you’re traveling. Slowly but surely, however, you’ll find that the language is beginning to sink in. And who knows -- by the time the lockdown is lifted, you might just be able to speak the local language the next time you take a trip!

Planning a Trip

And talking about taking a trip: now could be the time to get planning. The pandemic won’t last forever! By dreaming up some travel plans now, you’ll be ensuring that you’re raring to go when it’s finally possible. Much of the fun of taking a trip happens during the planning stage anyway. You’ll find that it really can be enjoyable! 

Some of the Things We Love About France

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Whether you've been lucky enough to have lived or traveled there, or you find yourself drawn to anything French, there are many things to love about France. From the French living room furniture to the cool French girl style, everybody has their favorite. Indulge your inner Francophile and compare the following list to your favorites.

Food

How can you say enough about the food? Rich, delicious and perfectly prepared dishes at restaurants. Fresh baguettes and creamy fromage make a tasty meal when paired with fruit and wine. Fois gras is a decadent indulgence and escargot, green with herbs is the stuff of dreams. 

Wine

If you are from the United States, chances are your love affair with wine started with the big, bold flavors of California Cabernets. While delicious, they can easily overpower a meal and leave you too full for the food. Try a Cote du Rhone for a lighter touch that is perfect when paired with food, or treat yourself to a Chateauneuf du Pape. If you are into white wines, you can't go wrong with a Chablis or a Sancerre.

Accent

Why does everything sound more exotic with a French accent? Maybe it's the allure of the subtle difference in sounds that don't exist in the English language. Whatever the reason, the French accent is lovely and melodic. 

Museums

There is no shortage of stunning museums in Paris alone. The iconic Louvre with its I.M.Pei designed glass pyramid hosts the Three Graces, Cupid and Psyche, and Napolean's apartments, among thousands of other antiquities. The Musee d'Orsay amazes visitors with the ornate ballroom. The Rodin Museum has art, architecture and sweeping landscaped gardens to soothe the soul. Sit under the trees on a bench or make a picnic by the fountains on a beautiful day.

The list could go on forever. However, these are just a sampling of all the wonderful French things to be enjoyed. Have fun finding your favorites. 

LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: Great Choice for a Family Staycation

My sister celebrated her 50th birthday by booking a staycation for the entire family at a hotel in the outskirts of the city.

We checked in at the LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, USA. Nope, not United States of America, but "Upper Side of Antipolo." It took us about an hour to drive from our home in Quezon City to get to the place.

The hotel is nestled in the hills of Antipolo, Rizal. We arrived there at around 3 pm and waited for 20 minutes in the car until we were ushered in. Upon entering, I noticed the hotel was clean and the staff was friendly. 

We stayed in twin deluxe rooms on the 3rd floor. It was rather small, but it was clean and the beds were really comfy. It had a mid-size TV, a small desk/dresser, a closet with a safe, and toilet and bath with a hot/cold shower enclosure.

The floor to ceiling window of the rooms offered a great view of the pool.  Once we were settled in our rooms, the kids started changing into their swim wear and could not wait to get into the pool. I can't blame them. Summers in the Philippines can be brutally hot and humid.

The hotel's pool is not big, but the size was ample enough for the kids to swim and play, and for adults to just soak the heat away. The poolside staff was readily available to provide towels, and take your orders for food or refreshments from the Bistro.

We had dinner at The Bistro, located on the ground floor of the hotel. The dining area was nice and clean. The food was okay. Our tummies were happy.

This hotel also has function rooms for events and corporate meetings, and a rooftop area for weddings or private parties.

To summarize, the LeBlanc Hotel is a perfect family getaway not too far from home. Great for weekend staycations to celebrate special occasions. It is also a nice hotel to book a stay if you simply want to unplug and unwind.

Do You Often Travel For Business?

In the present day and age, travel plays an extremely important role in most businesses’ operations. There is a limitless number of reasons why companies may travel abroad and it proves to be a great way of expanding and growing. Nevertheless, there is one major downfall, and this is the fact that it can be a significant company expense. However, the truth is, it doesn’t have to be! Read on to discover the top five expense management tips for corporate travel, no matter whether you manage yourself or the travel of many people…

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1. Pre-Paid Cards – Instead of sending your employees away and getting them to give you a massive bill when they come back, you should send them off with a pre-paid card instead. You can fill it with the amount your employee is allowed to spend on the company whilst away, and then if they use it they have to fund the rest themselves. You can also negotiate certain costs as part of the trip, such as paying for their food, lodgings, or perhaps even entertainment. It’s also important to consider some extraneous costs, such as understanding the importance of tipping via this article in conversation with Anne and Carl Deane. This way, your employee (or anyone representing your business) is crystal-clear about the choices they need to make.

2. Re-Booking Options – Unfortunately there are many instances where travel plans have to be re-organized because a meeting is re-scheduled or a client can’t make it and so on and so forth. Make sure you select an airline and accommodation that allows you to easily and cheaply re-book. You don’t want to have to pay for your trip twice. 

3. Flexibility – If you can be flexible in relation to when you fly, then do so. Flying at awkward hours can be much cheaper. You may need to give your employee a day off work when they get back to recover, so work out what option is going to be the most efficient. 

4. Travel Management Software – There are lots of excellent travel management companies available nowadays. Their service is extremely beneficial. They have links with airlines and accommodation providers and thus they will be able to give you exclusive deals that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. 

5. Convenience - When booking a hotel, consider the convenience factor. For example, let’s say you need a hotel in Schaumburg, IL for a conference. How close is the hotel to the conference venue? How much will have to be spent getting there?

6. See The Full Picture – Last but not least, one of the reasons companies spend an excessive amount when travelling is because they fail to look at the full picture. For instance, when you are looking for the cheapest flights you should take into account the price of baggage and such like. Moreover, when it comes to accommodation, assess whether you have to pay for Wi-Fi and how much it will cost you to get to the conference centers and so on and so forth.

Inflatable Island Philippines - The Biggest Floating Playground in Asia

The summer is over and the kids are back to school. Vacations and road trips won't happen until weather warms up again. Ten months to plan the next grand family vacation is more than enough time to do research and save for it.

A vacation overseas may seem costly, however, with careful planning, a dream becomes a reality. Why not visit Asia? The Philippines has the some of the best beaches in this part of the world! Imagine all those 7,107 islands boasting of luxury resorts, pristine lakes and virgin beaches. Think paradise! 

Recently, a unique resort has been established in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines. For a bit of information, Subic Bay used to be the site of the United States Naval Base. It is situated in the main island of Luzon, approximately 159.5 kilometers (99 miles) from the capital of Manila. 

Inflatable Island goes by the tagline "Beach Play Reimagined," and it truly lives up to that. It is the biggest floating island in Asia, measuring  4,100 square meters (4,908 square yards) or just about the size of 8 full size basketball courts put together side by side. It contains inflatables slides, towers, bridges, human launchers, swings and so much more! Challenge friends to a race or just compete against yourself. A good, total body workout doesn't get better than this!

The newest addition to this floating playground is the "Unicorn Island" for the kids and kids at heart. Start with the rainbow walk and enjoy climbing the sea unicorn and sliding down the back of a giant magical horse named "Baba." 

The Inflatable Zoo is giant animal shaped floaties near the beach. If you want some relax time or get that perfect tan, these floaties are ideal for that. 

When the day winds down, families may find a nice spot on the Pink Bali Lounge and watch a movie on the giant floating cinema! Amazing!

This awesome beach playground's rates will not burn a hole in your budget. Considering the current exchange rate of  $1.00 = PhP53.50, a whole day pass will only cost less than $16.00 per person or $79.64 for a family of 5!!

Make the Philippines your next vacation destination in Asia. There are many luxury hotels around the area so finding the accommodation that would suit your needs will not be a challenge. While in Subic, you may also check out other cool places like the Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure. Remember to ask your travel agent about these too.

Unsure about the perfect time to book a stay? Here's a tip - the best months to visit the Philippines is between March to May. It is during this time that the weather is warm and rainfall is minimal. 

If you need more information about Inflatable Island, check out their website and Facebook page. 

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. 

3 Reasons Why I Gave Up My Dream To Travel

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"Nothing is impossible."

Nah. I don't believe it. There are things in this life that are impossible to achieve. For me, it is traveling that is now close to being impossible. I know, some of you are now raising your eyebrows, but it is true. I am giving up my dream of traveling and these are the three reasons why.

1. I don't have the money.

Really, I don't. Surviving every day is a task in itself. Trying to make the budget last to cover all the necessary expenses - food, utilities, doctor's fees, maintenance medicines is a mind-boggling thing. Despite having a job (online work-at-home gig), I barely have what you may even call "savings." 

Why won't I get a regular 9 to 5 job? Well, there's an explanation to that and read on to reason # 2.

2. I am homebound

I am tied down to responsibilities concerning the health and well being of my family. My mother has Stage 4 Breast Cancer with Bone Metastasis. My husband suffers from a myriad of chronic illnesses which gave him mobility issues. I babysit for my grandson everyday so his parents can go to work. I cook, clean, do laundry, buy groceries, run errands to the drugstore, and do other tasks as needed, as well as trying to earn my keep by doing my online job. 

I barely have enough time to spend for myself. No "me time" ever. None. 

With all these going on, traveling has been pushed out of the picture. The only "traveling" I do is going to the market, the grocery store, and the pharmacy. My travel radius has been reduced to within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from my home. Once a month, I take my husband to see his pain doctor, that is about 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) away from home. That's it. That's about as far as I get.

3. My wings are broken

I am the dragon with broken wings. I have lost the fire in me. Since I gave up my corporate job, I no longer have friends to talk to. My days are full of worry and stress. There are days when I just want to hop on a bus going to wherever. I need a break, I badly need a vacation but with everything that's going on, I simply cannot. 

And so I go on everyday, dreaming of places I wish to see. I long for at least a weekend in a far away place, without having to worry, without being rushed, without thinking about making dinner, scrubbing the toilet, and tidying up the house! 

In my mind I sing a stanza of the song, "Part of your world," "What would I give if I could live out of these waters? What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand...."

Am I being selfish? Am I only thinking about me?  

It is early morning as I write this post. Another sunrise. It is time to start the daily grind. 

Today my mind will entertain me with the wanderlust for Santorini.

Come travel with me. 

A Daydreamer's Guide To Visiting Lake Como, Italy

I dream of traveling the world. My greatest yearning is to be able to go to places I only read about in books. I have a modest travel bucket list of 15 places I would like to see and visit in this lifetime. Having ticked off only two in the list, I know have a long way to go.

Italy owns the top spot on my list. The primary reason I would love to visit Italy is that I would love to have a luxury vacation in one of those rental homes in Lake Como. This is written in big, bold, red font on my travel bucket list.

The other reasons I chose Italy is because I would like to visit the Vatican City, the seat of my Catholic faith. I would want to see St. Peter's Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museum. I want to have a chance to marvel at the structures built by the ancient Romans. Of course, no vacation would be complete without having a chance to dine with the locals and experience authentic Italian cuisine. 

I was born, raised, and still living in a busy city. I dream of living far away from an urban jungle, where I can indulge in a laid-back lifestyle close to nature. This is why I am filled with the wanderlust of Lake Como.

Well, since Lake Como, Italy is on the top of my bucket list, I have done my research on the place. So if and when my dream becomes a reality, I will be well prepared. In this post, I will be sharing what I have learned so far. So here goes.

Where is Lake Como?

Lake Como is located approximately 31 miles north of Milan, near the border with Switzerland. Oddly shaped like an inverted Y, with depths of up to 1,300 feet, it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, The serene waters, the rich and perfectly maintained gardens and luxurious villas with a view of the Alps make it the most idyllic destination for total relaxation. It has also been the favorite vacation place of the noblemen and wealthy since the Roman times.

For centuries, the lake's majestic views have drawn artists, musicians, even royalty to this place. The beauty of Lake Como is the inspiration behind countless works of art and musical masterpieces. If I were to get a chance to visit Lake Como, I would probably be so inspired I could write a book!

Getting to Lake Como is an hour and a half to two hours drive from Milan if you have a rental car. Another way is to take a train that from the Milan Central Railway station to Lake Como. Travel time through this route would be close to three hours. I am determined to get there someday so I have researched transportation, fare, and routes. I think I would choose a train ride and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Well, since Lake Como is on the top of my bucket list, I have done my research on the place, if and when my dream becomes a reality.

Where to stay and Best times to visit

There are several cities and villages on Lake Como so finding a place to stay would not be difficult. The major tourist destinations are the towns of Como, Argegno, Bellagio, Gravedona, and Tremezzina. You can choose to stay in a lakeshore villa or you can opt for a place in a higher elevation that would offer a view of the lake. Of course, deciding where to stay would depend on your budget.

Summers in Lake Como run from July to September and is the peak tourist season. Temperatures reach a high of 30C (86F) during this time. Many outdoor activities become available, like swimming in the lake, playing golf, and kite surfing. Since these months draw in the most number of tourists, expect high rates too.

The month of May is generally considered the wettest month, so if you don't like rain, avoid going there during that time. Autumn is always a pleasant time to visit too. The changing colors of the leaves on the trees and the serene waters of the lake give you that dreamy, romantic vibe!

If you love winter activities then the months of December to February would be the best time for you to visit. Not only will it give you the chance to try out the ski resorts, you'd also benefit from exploring the place with fewer crowds. It would be nice to spend a Christmas holiday there, wouldn't it?

Things to do and Places to See

There are various activities to do while in Lake Como. For the nature lovers, you can always choose to go hiking. A popular choice is the 45-kilometer long Sentiero del Viandante located on the east coast of the town of Como. It offers fantastic views and historical landmarks along the path. If you are looking for more thrills, you may want to try zip lining or bungee jumping. Yes, they have those too at Lake Como.

Water sports are widely popular in the warmer months. Aside from swimming in the lake's refreshing waters, one can also engage in sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. If you'd rather opt for easy activities, you may go fishing or take a relaxing boat ride. There are ferries that offer scenic trips throughout the length of the lake. Tour guides on board will be introducing you to grandiose lakeside villas, and even point you to the villa owned by no other than George Clooney!

Lake Como offers its visitors a chance to take a walk in picturesque gardens. You will be surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs and be awed by the beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. What a romantic place for a leisurely walk hand in hand with your loved one! If you are still looking for unique places to visit, try going to some olive groves and purchase authetic olive oil right from the source. A wine tour would be an exciting activity too.

Take advantage of visiting centuries-old churches and museums. The Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is one of the oldest churches in Como. Construction started in the 5th century AD. Renovations and extensions were finally completed in the 14th century! Another place worth visiting is the Como Cathedral or Duomo di Como. It is a beautiful, massive church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built between the 14th and 18th century. Its facade boasts of intricately carved statues, representing the gothic style architecture of the period.

As I mentioned earlier, any vacation would not be complete if you don't indulge in the local cuisine and experience the delicacies native to the region. Forget those diets for the moment and enjoy good food, good wine, great coffee and dine al fresco!

The plan

I believe I have done enough research. Here is my simple 5 step plan to make this dream into reality:

1. Create a vision board
2. Use that as a motivation to save money for the trip
3. Set a target date and check the cost of airfare from here to Milan
4. Check availability and room rates for accommodation.
5. Save. Save. Save!

I am determined to be in Lake Como someday soon.

I will create my vision board today and pin it on my office wall. One day, I know, Lake Como will no longer be a dream but a beautiful memory of a once in a lifetime trip.

10 Simple Steps To Creating A New Life For Yourself Abroad

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For a lot of people, the dream is always going to be to move overseas. Whether this has been a dream of yours for a long time, or it’s something that you’re only just starting to think about, you may find that moving abroad is all you want to do. Because when you have a dream, it tends to be something that you fixate on until you make it happen. As dreams go, they’re often always going to be scary, big, exciting, and just that little bit out of reach. Because they wouldn’t be dreams otherwise. But when it comes to moving abroad, this can often be something that you know you want to go after, but you just don’t know where to start.

It’s safe to say that the process of moving overseas isn't going to be easy. If so, we’d all be doing it. But at the same time, it’s not something that has to be impossible. As long as you have the right expectations and you’re willing to put the work in to make this happen, you can enjoy a new life abroad. Because this is what it’s all about - creating the best life for yourself. If you’re happy with your life and you very much want it to stay as it is now, then perhaps moving abroad won’t work for you. Because everything will change. But if this sounds like a dream come true, here’s how to create a new life for yourself abroad in ten simple steps.

1. Know Where You’re Heading

While some people will know exactly where they want to be when it comes to creating their perfect life abroad, not everyone will. Because sometimes, it’s more of a vision than a definite plan. So the first thing you need to do is figure out where you want to go. This list might be able to inspire you https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2018/01/08/quit-your-job-and-move-abroad-the-cheapest-places-to-live-in-2018/. When you’ve chosen a location, the fun can then begin.

2. Know What To Expect

Next, you need to have a bit of a rough idea of what life is going to be like for you. The worst thing you can do is to have all of these incredible images of what your new life overseas will be life to them find out that actually it’s nothing like that. So, connect with other expats, join forums and get talking to people online. This is often a great way to make sure you’re managing your expectations.

3. Get To Know Local Laws

As a part of that, you’re also going to want to make sure that you get to know any laws or customs that the location will have. If these are drastically different to what you’re used to, it will be handy for you to figure this out well in advance. That way, you’ll ensure that you are going to fit right in as a new resident.

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4. Visit The Area

But before you make any rash decisions on heading out when you’ve never even been to the location before, you’re going to want to make sure that you visit. Paying a visit for a week or two and taking a vacation there will allow you to get to know the different areas, and scope out the place before you dive right in.

5. Rent Somewhere

From here, the next thing that you need to do is find yourself somewhere to live. At first, it’s often a  good idea to find an apartment rental, just so you can be sure that you’re in the right place. Something like this - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0411/finding_an_apartment_rental_abroad.shtml can often help you to make the right decision.

6. Find A Job

The next thing on your list needs to be a job. Ideally, you’ll have enough money saved to support yourself for a while, but you will also need to be actively looking for a job. These tips https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/9-tips-that-could-help-you-land-a-job-abroad-0916 should be great for helping you with your search.

7. Set Up A Business

On the flip side, maybe you want to start your own business and that’s always been a part of the dream for you? When that’s the case, you will want to know the local procedures like https://www.rumah.com/panduan-dan-referensi/mengurus-sertifikat-tanah/contoh-surat-perjanjian-jual-beli-ruko before you dive in. You may also want to speak to a commercial property specialist to get their advice on the best way to go about it.

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8. Make Friends

When you do move, or even beforehand, you’ll want to ensure that you can make new friends. This may seem hard but as this shows https://www.buzzfeed.com/erinfrye/all-new-friends/ you can make it happen. This will also help you to settle into your new life.

9. Contribute To The Community

At the same time, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re apart of the local community. Join in with events, help out, and make sure that you’re really getting involved. This is often the best way to make sure that you can adjust to the new location and really make a life for yourself here.

10. Live!

And last but not least, you have to make sure that you embrace the new life that you’re created for yourself. Above all else, you have to enjoy it. Even if you get scared and things aren’t as you’d expected, run with it. Of course, life will be different now, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Instead, you just need to be able to out yourself out there, try new things, and get used to this way of life. When you do, you’ll be able to live the life that you’ve always dreamed of.

Looking for Alaska: Visiting the Last Frontier

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Each and every American state has its own culture, quirks, pros, and cons. But for the main tourist or traveler hotspots, we know exactly what to expect. For New York, we envisage hustle and bustle, Central Park, museums, art galleries, hot dogs, huge pizza slices, and Times Square. If we consider visiting Miami, we expect white sand beaches and a Cuban influence. When it comes to Nashville, we know we’re going to bump into people playing instruments and an onslaught of cowboy boots. But how about visiting somewhere a little less predictable? Somewhere that really can give you some adventure and escape. If this speaks out to you, it’s time to start planning a trip to Alaska, the Last Frontier. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to the full.

Weather

If you were to ask an Alaskan what seasons the state experiences, they’d probably reply “winter, June, July, and August”, tongue in cheek. It rings true that for most of the year, Alaska is biting cold. But you do need to pack to be prepared for anything. Weather and daylight hours vary greatly by region and season. It’s ideal to dress in layers during your stay, so you can easily shed to cool off, or add to warm up.

Where to Stay

Many of us try to skimp out when it comes to accommodation. We consider that we’re merely resting our head for the night in the chosen place and will spend the rest of our time out of doors. While this may work for a lot of places, you’re likely to return to your accommodation tired, weary, and in need of comfort and good rest after a full day out in the Alaskan climes. So choose somewhere with cozy rooms and high-quality facilities, such as Anchorage Marriott. 

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Things to Do

Now, the best experiences in Alaska tend to be outdoors and active. The state offers such beautiful landscape and scenery that it would be a crying shame to miss out on it. Here are some of the most stunning and immersive experiences to be had!

The Northern Lights

Believe it or not, you can indeed see the Northern Lights from Alaska! Many people travel hundreds of thousands of miles to places such as Iceland to see them when they’re available much closer to home. Take a Chena Hot Springs tour at the same time to pair the Aurora Borealis with spa treatments.

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek

For the more active amongst us, why not take a six and a half hour combination adventure starting from Juneau? Jumping into a canoe, you can look forward to paddling around stunning blue icebergs, cliffs, and astounding waterfalls. Once you reach Mendenhall Glacier, you can grab your trekking poles and hike through some of the state’s best scenery.

Alaska may be one of the lowest populated states, but for a long weekend or extended getaway, it can prove the most accommodating and enjoyable place you could imagine!