Summer travel season is upon us! Which means several of you will be making the hop across the pond. Currently, I have zero plans to visit Europe this summer (although, Spain is slowly making it’s way onto my radar), but I will be living vicariously through you all!
Both of my little sisters will be spending their summer in Europe (in different places) — I couldn’t be more excited for them! I’ve been helping them book their travels, as well as numerous of their friends (thanks for following along ladies!).
I started to compile a list of items for them, but figured why not share it with you all! I’ve been lucky enough to travel Europe a few different ways — from trips with my families, luxury hotel stays to hopping on and off trains whilst staying in hostels.
Here are a few European travel tips & tricks I’ve picked up along the way:
1. Avoid restaurants in the city squares. Or near any major tour attractions.
2. Picnic, picnic, picnic. Grab a (euro) baguette, cheese, a bottle of wine (Paris has no outside liquor laws), and snag a grassy area.
3. Plan to use cash. Although credit cards are accepted, and ATMS are everywhere — I still run into the occasionally hiccup. Cash is also a better way to budget out your days.
4. Hostels. LOVE THEM. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and most hostels have free events for guests. If you are traveling with friends, book a private room!
5. Student Discounts. Bring your student ID, and ask away. You’ll be surprised how many entrance fees can be waived.
6. Free Walking Tour. Every city has one. Sign up and enjoy!
7. Trains. Personally, trains are my favorite way to see Europe. If you are planning to hop around, look into the Eurorail pass. Tickets don’t have to be booked in advance and reserved seats are cheaper!
8. Wifi. It’s free and it’s everywhere — just ask for the password!
9. Public bathrooms are hard to find. If you are at a museum or large attraction, be sure to make a pit stop at the “water closets.” You’ll most likely be paying a euro or two if you’re out and about.
10. Take a look at Eastern Europe. It’s sooo much cheaper than Western Europe, you’ll be amazed how far you’re money will go and there’s so much to see!
11. Keep your iPhone out of view. I’ve seen so many iPhones snagged while the person is taking a photo or texting.
12. Table Wine. It’s cheap and it’s delicious.
13. Bike Locks. If you are traveling by train, you’ll want to bike lock your suitcase or bag to the luggage racks. This will deter anyone from taking your bag at one of the many stops.
14. Comfortable Shoes. Most roads are cobblestone — leave the pumps at home.
15. Drinking from water fountains — totally normal and safe. If you find yourself in Switzerland, the water coming from the faucet will most likely be Evian. With that…
16. Bring a water bottle.
17. Aperitif Hour. It will soon be your best friend. Purchase a drink and all the appetizers are included. You’ll find this advertised throughout Italy.
18. Don’t try to see “all of Europe.” The worst thing I see people do is try to cram everything into one trip. Take time, relax, and enjoy the slower pace.
19. Travel plans can change and should change. After hearing about a cool city or attraction, I have changed my plans in a days notice. In fact, I encourage you to do so!
20. Big and small cities. Visit a mixture of both. You’ll get more a “local feel” in the smaller towns, and probably eat some incredible food.
21. Don’t overplan. Repeat, you do not have to have every minute of every day planned.
22. Ask people to take your picture. As awkward as it may seem, you’ll regret not having a picture of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower.
23. Strikes. They are all too common in Europe. Keep an eye out for signs, and if you find yourself stranded, don’t panic. Enjoy the extra time in your current location.
24. Bike Tours. This is my absolute favorite way to see a new city. You’ll get the lay of the land, and it will give you some ideas of what parts of the city you’ll want to explore. Check out Fat Bike Tour.
25. Pub Crawls. If you are going to go out, I recommend pub crawls with your hostel or any other small group. You’ll be with a large crowd, and have people that will notice if someone or something “isn’t quite right.”
Budget airlines often trade space and even basic amenities for crowded planes and cheaper tickets. With these four tips however, you can save some cash and even enjoy the trip.
CreditLars Leetaru
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CreditCreditLars Leetaru
I’m a recent convert to budget airlines, even though I may have once thrown a tantrum at the Ryanair check-in counter when they charged me 40 euros for forgetting to print out my boarding pass.
Frequent fliers may turn up their noses when they hear I’ve traded miles toward Delta Platinum status to fly airlines that have suggested charging passengers to use the bathroom while flying at one point, possibly removing seats to make passengers strap up and stand for the duration of the flight, and the ever-evolving hidden fees on others.
For the most part however, low budget international carriers like Norwegian Air and Wow Air have managed to work out the kinks, in my view, to make flying low budget worthwhile. Here are some tips to fly on a budget and deplane with your sanity intact.
Be smart when you book
Budget airlines don’t fly year-round to the same locations. Instead they open up chunks of time when you can book a flight to certain destinations. That also means people looking for a deal to a specific place all have to book — and travel — at the same time.
Twice a year, I travel to Cork, Ireland to see family. It had become expensive to take two trans-Atlantic trips with multiple legs. So, once those March to October Cork flights on Norwegian Air opened up, I booked a $300 dollar leg from Rhode Island immediately for a July visit. It was a couple hundred dollars more to book a flight from Georgia to Rhode Island. If you’re looking for similar deals, do some research on when the “high season” is in the place you’d like to visit. That same flight, also five hours longer because of the longer layover and flying past Ireland to Amsterdam for the connection, was nearly $1,400 dollars on KLM.
If peak flight and travel season for, let’s say, Iceland is May to September, look out for $99 Wow Air flights for January. Reykjavik, or any new location, is fun, no matter the time of year. Just bring extra sweaters.
Get around baggage restrictions
No one wants to stand in front of the check-in counter shifting headphones and chargers from the carry-on to your backpack, then to your checked bag just to avoid weight or size limits. Just pay for the bag. (Or read the fine print before you book, and be prepared to travel light!)
If you’re traveling with someone, though, remember that budget airlines usually charge you for baggage on each leg. That means one person can pay for a checked bag or carry on, while the other books an economy seat with no add-ons. That’s at least a hundred dollars in baggage fees saved. But what that also means is that one of you, the person who didn’t pay for a carry-on or checked bag, sometimes you will have to pay a little extra to sit next to your flying partner. For example, JetBlue doesn’t charge you to choose an economy seat. Spirit Airlines charges begin at $5 per leg. Norwegian Airlines begin at about $12 dollars. Most of the time, it costs about $6 to $15 dollars to choose your seat with this basic price, and you two can choose seats simultaneously and end up next to each other on the flight.
Choose a strategic seat
Most people automatically associate budget airlines with uncomfortable seats. Sure, they may not be as plush as airlines with bigger planes and more amenities, but I haven’t been on an uncomfortable budget flight in a long time because I keep an eye on the seats.
Here’s what I mean: When you first book, book toward the back of the plane. It may sound counterintuitive, but because everyone always seems to want to be up front (maybe they think it’s quicker to get on and off the plane, even though it usually isn’t), even though the seats are all the same. Plus, unlike bigger airlines, I haven’t been on a budget flight leaving the United States in a long time that was booked completely and sold out. Where are those empty seats, you ask? In the back, with me.
Also, if you’re traveling with someone, book the window and the aisle. No one likes the center seat, so your odds are higher someone just won’t book it — and if they do, you can always offer them the aisle or window so you can sit together. Who would refuse?
Social media is the best way to get help
Budget airlines are much smaller operations than their large, international counterparts. Reaching someone via Twitter direct message or Facebook message can be pretty easy. No one answered my question via email on an overnight flight to Europe, so before we took off I sent a message to the airline on Twitter. By the time I landed, I had the information and confirmation number for the shuttle transfer I needed upon arrival.
You booked that fall getaway to escape the stresses of everyday life, not trade them in for new ones. As relaxing as going out of town can be, a few unplanned events can easily turn your trip into an overwhelming situation. Follow these tips to keep your vacation memorable and, most importantly, stress-free.
Ever felt the need to make a Friday night so fun that it ended up being the complete opposite? When you’ve got limited vacation days on top of a hectic work schedule, an upcoming trip can easily become the only thing you look forward to for months. Tons of pressure to make that vacation perfect can end up backfiring on you. Just think of it as a Monday night that just so happens to become one of the highlights of your month. Sometimes the best memories you make on vacation are those that unexpectedly come from a good conversation, a tasty meal, and the wonderful people around you.
It’s important to remember that unplanned events can account for a lot of your vacation time. You don’t want a delayed flight, slight snooze, or cancelled tour to throw your entire itinerary off. Try to plan some activities for specific days, but leave some days completely open. When your schedule’s flexible, you’re not rushing to complete everything on your travel wish list; you’re exploring a hidden street, catching up on sleep at the beach for a few hours, or relaxing at a cafe over an espresso. You’re learning to enjoy the down time, which is the entire reason you went on vacation in the first place.
Traveling with others can become extremely stressful at times, because everyone has a different set of preferences. What if your partner wants a beach day, and you want to go explore the old town? What if your friends expected this trip to be a party weekend, and you’ve been looking forward to bubble baths and watching movies in your hotel bed? When planning your vacation with other people, have a discussion with your group to set a collective goal for the upcoming trip—are you aiming for relaxation, adventure, romance, or celebration? Doing this will avoid those awkward moments when you realize that your expectations differ from theirs.
It is and always will be a good idea to do as much research as you can about your destination: Look into everything from public transportation, restaurant options, cab estimates, and visa requirements. The more you know before you leave, the better.
We’ve all been guilty of overpacking. Too much luggage makes the inescapable struggles of travel—getting to and from the airport, waiting to check into your hotel, dealing with baggage claim—that much more difficult. Keep your clothing options easy and only pack the necessities—easier said than done, I know, but there are certain things you can leave behind. Air dry your hair, and leave your blowdryer at home. Don’t pack the heels you know you’ll never wear, and pack your comfortable sandals instead. Avoid baggage claim by fitting everything you bring into your carry-on. We promise it’s better to underpack and be comfortable than to overpack and be exhausted.
It’s no secret that that one percent live much more glamorous lives than most of us. While they have big houses and fancy cars, the income gap is probably most evident when it comes to how the upper echelon of society travels. Private jets, luxe beachside villas, and personal assistants are just the norm for wealthy folk. But, as entrepreneurs continue to create companies that democratize these once reserved services (Uber black cars anyone?), these types of travel perks are no longer reserved for the rich.
Yup, here are five ways you can now travel like the one percent on a budget.
Hire A Personal Trip Planner
Let someone else worry about the details. Photo: Getty
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Even though the rich are logging those airline miles, do you think they’ve ever planned the itinerary of a trip? Figuring out the logistics can be one of the most stressful parts of travel for some and why wealthy people have someone to do it for them. Luckily, there’s a more affordable option to get that top-notch service: Essentialist. For a fee of $1,400 a year, the luxury travel planning service will plan all of your family’s trips including flights, hotels, and activities. Plus, they tap into more than 75 editors worldwide to craft an itinerary that’s off the beaten path or get you exclusive access to tastemakers, shows, museums, or whatever you fancy.
Book A Private Jet
Yes, even private jets are available to those of us who don’t rake in more than seven figures. Many companies have popped up over the year allowing average Joes to book seats on private aircrafts for a fraction of the cost. JetSmarter, for example, makes booking a private flight as easy as Uber. You simply browse and book seats on existing shared flights via an app and can either pay as you go or set up a membership for $2,500 a year that gives you better discounts and accessibility. A quick search for a flight from New York to Miami showed seats on a private jet as low as $995 one way. It’s not cheap, but certainly not as expensive as owning a private plane.
Lounge In A VIP Airport Suite
There are no crowds or long lines in the VIP area. Photo: Getty
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Ever wonder why you don’t see celebrities waiting to board a plane at the airport? It’s because there’s a secret VIP waiting lounge where they can relax before take-off. But, what if I told you that you too could rub elbows with the stars? The Private Suite recently opened at LAX and is separate terminal where you can enjoy food, beds and a private TSA security check. You are also driven on the tarmac to the waiting aircraft. The cost for the convenience starts at $2,700 for four people traveling domestically. Plus, hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles are offering access to the space as part of an overnight package.
Rent A Private Island
There’s not a soul in sight. Photo: Getty
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Five-star hotels are certainly favorites of the rich. Private staffed mansions are just a little better though. While, yes, there are services like Airbnb that let you book alternative accommodations, companies like HomeToGo kick it up a notch. They the largest vacation home rental search engine and feature everything from private islands to actual celebrity homes. And they start at just hundreds of dollars a night, not thousands. An all-inclusive—chef, transportation, water sports, etc. are all included—private island in Belize, for example, costs just $600 per person per night.
There’s nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and realizing you forgot some essentials. Although some hotels will provide backups, they’re not always what you want. And if you’re traveling with kids, you might not want to fill your suitcase with diapers. Enter Jetblack. It’s a new personal shopping service where you text what you need, and it arrives at your door. They can send all the toiletries and essentials (think bulky diapers, wipes, sunscreen, ski gear, etc.) directly to the location and ensure it’s there when you arrive so you don’t have to worry about packing these items.
Even if you forget your swimsuits, they’ll get you new ones overnight. And you can opt to order all your holiday gifts through them, and they’ll send them ahead (wrapped, of course) to your holiday vacation destination. The Founding Membership price is only $50 a month for the service and Jetblack can send to any domestic hotel or house rental (nothing international at this time).
Travel bloggers love to write about the top places in any given country. Some do it to be helpful. Others pray on your FOMO (fear of missing out).
I get it. I totally understand the pressure of feeling like you need to “do it all” when visiting a new destination.
When I was planning my first backpacking trip, I was getting advice from everyone about the “must-visit” places. I felt overwhelmed until finally realizing there are no “must-visit” places.
The most important thing to remember about your trip is this: it’s your trip.
Spain is an incredibly diverse country, and it really does have something for everyone. Food. Language. Culture. History. Pursue whatever sites and activities peak your interest. Find your Spain.
FOR ART LOVERS…MADRID
Spain’s capital is home to the Golden Triangle of Art. Travelers can visit three of the top art museums in the world: Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
My personal favorite is the Reina Sofía, Madrid’s museum of modern art. Its most famous piece is Picasso’s painting “Guernica.” The first time (and second and third time) I saw the massive work it took my breath away. You can see it free of charge 7-9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday thru Saturday as well as 1:30-7 p.m. Sunday.
Madrid by night: Whoever nicknamed New York “The City that Never Sleeps” had obviously never been to Madrid. One of my first nights out there, I didn’t get home until 7 a.m.! Nights generally began with a late dinner (9 or 10 p.m.) followed by copas with friends. No one hits the clubs until at least 1 a.m. but usually not until 2 or 3 a.m. My favorite club is Space Monkey which plays rock music from the 60s to today.
When you visit Sol, don’t forget to look up for Madrid’s iconic Tio Pepe sign. Image Credit: Jacinta Valero
FOR ARCHITECTURE ENTHUSIASTS…GRANADA
The first time I visited Granada it was on total whim. My boyfriend and I went as a day trip from Jaén when we were in Spain in 2014. Little did we know, tickets to tour Granada’s main attraction, the Alhambra, sell out weeks (sometimes months!) in advance.We were able to see the magnificent Arabic palace and fortress complex from the outside and knew we had to get back to Granada to see the inside.
In 2016, we made our way to Granada once again. This time we had tickets. The Alhambra was definitely worth the return trip. Designed for its mountainous surroundings, the palace is a Moorish masterpiece. It’s almost impossible not to find tranquility as you walk among the structures many columns, fountains and reflecting pools.
Don’t visit Granada on a full stomach: When I’m in Granada, I hardly ever spend money on food. It’s one of the few cities in Spain with free tapas. In Madrid, you might get some peanuts or olives when you order a drink. But in Granada, every alcoholic beverage comes with a hearty snack. Drink up, eat up.
Walk off some of those tapas with a tour of the Alhambra. Just don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance! Image Credit: Guillermo Torres
FOR FOODIES…SAN SEBASTIÁN
Spaniards love to ask foreigners which region has the best food. I got this question dozens of times in the two years I lived there, and I always gave the same answer: Basque Country.
Why? For starters, due to its location, Basque Country has access to all the best ingredients. I’m talking about fresh fish from the sea and quality meats from the valley. In addition to quality products, Basque chefs have a long history of embracing and building upon techniques from settlers. Not only does the food taste good, but it’s (kind of) good for you! In Basque cooking, olive oil is more commonly used than vegetable oil. Typical dishes include salt cod, young eel, cheeks of hake and baby squids in their ink.
Learn to pronounce (so you can order) txakoli: Pronounced “cha-kuh-lee”, this highly acidic (and slightly sparkling) dry white wine is produced and served throughout Basque Country. When it is served, txakoli is traditionally poured into a tall glass from a height. It has a low alcohol content, but take care! Overdue the txakoli, and you’ll wake up with a wicked hangover.
San Sebastián will take your breath away from just about any angle! Image Credit: Inovación Web
FOR TRAVELERS TIRED OF BARCELONA…VALENCIA
Truth be told, I’m not a huge fan of Barcelona. And, it’s not like I haven’t given it a chance! I’ve visited it three times over the past three years but still find it wildly overrated.
I much prefer Valencia. When I visited last year, I rented a bicycle and rode all over the city! In my opinion, it is a smaller, cleaner, less-touristy version of Barcelona. That’s not to say Spain’s third-largest city doesn’t have its own vibe. Located on the eastern coast of the country, Valencia has numerous popular celebrations and attractions. The city’s most well-known festival is the Fallas during which elaborate monuments are burnt down. Sounds crazy? You’ve just got to see it.
Pick your paella: Outside of Spain, paella is thought to be a national dish. However, most Spaniards recognize it for what it truly is: a regional Valencian food. That doesn’t mean you can order paella just anywhere in Valencia though! Because of its popularity, many restaurants serve paella, but few do it well. It’s worth doing a little research. Find a place that makes paella fresh to order. It might take an hour to get your food, but at least you know it wasn’t sitting under a heat lamp all week.
Do your homework to find the best place to eat paella in Valencia! Image Credit: Dorvial Elze
FOR HISTORY BUFFS…CÓRDOBA
When my family came to visit for my first Christmas in Spain, we decided to leave Madrid’s winter weather behind in search of sun in the south! We found sun (yay), but the temperatures weren’t much warmer (boo). Our first stop was Sevilla, but like Barcelona, I found the city a bit over-hyped. It seemed to be playing to the crowds of holiday tourists, which is all fine and well, but when I’m traveling, I prefer a more authentic experience.
I found just that in Córdoba— a city aware of its charm but with no need to flaunt it. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Córdoba is home to La Mezquita. Known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, La Mezquita is a powerful symbol of the two cultures/religions that have shaped the region. Construction on the mosque began in 784 and continued until 987. When Christians reclaimed the city in 1236, it was converted into a church. Today, this extraordinary (and controversial) building is open to the public.
Take a walking tour: From the Romans to the Moors to the Christians, Córdoba has served as an important center of culture and learning for many different people. In order to get a clearer picture of this city’s rich history, I recommend taking a free* walking tour. After my family enjoyed our tour so much, we hired the guide to show us around the Jewish Quarter. Check out Córdoba A Pie, which offers a variety of tours in English, Spanish and French.
*If you’re a decent human being, tipping is not optional. Consider the cost of a full-priced walking tour, and pay what you can. Guides understand backpackers and budget travelers aren’t going to shell out big bucks, but it’s still important to pay them fairly for their service. It’s not charity!
Part mosque and part cathedral, no visit to Córdoba is complete without a tour of La Mezquita. Image Credit: Zoidberg
FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS…TENERIFE
Even though five million tourists visit Tenerife every year, I’d never heard of it before moving to Spain. If I’m being completely honest, I had no idea the Canary Islands even existed! Of the seven Canary Islands, which are located in the Atlantic Ocean some-60 miles west of Morocco, Tenerife is the largest and most populous island. Among the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, two airports service Tenerife.
In the southern part of the island, which boasts a hotter and drier climate, you find beach-side resorts, golf courses and shopping centers. But, who really wants to relax on vacation?! Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest point: Mount Teide. At 3,718 m (12,198 ft) above sea level, it’s the third largest volcano in the world. When I visited Tenerife last year, I climbed to the top of Teide sans cable car. The path, called La Rambleta, is challenging. You’ll need hiking boots, water, sunscreen and at least five hours to reach the top. If the thin air and steep climb don’t take your breath away, the views from the top will.
Get your permit in advance: In order to regulate visitors and protect the site, Teide National Park issue permits for the summit. The permit can only be applied for through the “Bookings” tab on the park’s website. The permit is free, but you must choose a date and time. Only 200 permits are granted per day, and slots fill up fast. As soon as you decide to attempt Teide, apply for a permit.
All that volcanic rock makes for an intense landscape. Image Credit: Photo by Tristan Krass on Unsplash
Got a question about traveling to Spain? Leave it in the comments, or send me a DM on Instagram (@alexnotemily)!
Don’t forget to download the Ultimate Spanish Learner’s Resource Guide to brush up on your language skills before your big trip!
@Tinyatlasquarterly isn’t your basic travel Instagram account. At first glance, it boasts thousands of incredible photographs of everything from rigid city architecture to cuddly looking alpacas. But what sets this 146,000-follower account apart is that every image is accompanied by a meaningful personal narrative that highlights the people, places, and stories behind each shot. These deeper connections are what first inspired photographer Emily Nathan, who is based in Oakland, California, to begin publishing a print magazine on all things travel, Tiny Atlas Quarterly, in 2012. Seven years later, @tinyatlasquarterly has evolved into a full-blown community with more than seven million #mytinyatlas posts showcasing readers’ best travel shots. At the end of March, Nathan is releasing her first photo book, My Tiny Atlas: Our World Through Your Eyes, which features work from 130 #mytinyatlas contributors. Here we’ve selected a few of our favorite photographs from the book.
Photo: The Lofoten Islands off northwestern Norway are known forcolorful fishing villages and Arctic fjords dwarfed bydramatic peaks. Nathan recommends taking the four-hour ferry ride along the coast for the best views and access to the beaches with the best surf.
Though Oahu has 112 miles of shoreline, this image was shot on a less popular stretch of sand, proving that even though much of the Hawaiian island is now thriving and populated, incredible nature isn’t hard to find.
Lake Hillier is just one of Western Australia’s pink lakes. Scientists suspect they get their bubble-gum hue from the same-colored bacteria and algae that flourish in the saline water.
For a few days every February, when the sky is clear and there’s strong runoff after a good snow season, El Cap’s Horsetail Falls turns into Yosemite’s famous “firefall.” If you ever manage to catch this phenomenon, don’t look away: it’ll only last for a fleeting ten minutes.
A gorgeous archipelago of 42 islands makes up Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is home to unique features like steep limestone formations, caves, lakes, and even sinkholes. Save for two islands—Ko Wua Ta Lap and Ko Phaluai—all the rest are uninhabited.
North of the Arctic Circle lies Uummannaq, a small heart-shaped island in Greenland. Since it only sees around 83 days of sunlight every year, summer is the best time to go—the only catch is the sun doesn’t set at all in June and July.
If you follow enough travel-focused Instagram accounts, you’ve probably experienced the digital awe of the hot-air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey. The good news is, if you make the trek to Cappadocia, you can actually experience this phenomenon any month of the year. And in the high season, between April and June, you can see up to 150 balloons in the sky at once.
Climb the 241 zigzagging steps to the isle of Gaztelugatxe in Spain and you’ll reach an ancient church said to have been burned down and reconstructed dozens of times over the centuries.
The largest national parks in the U.S. are in Alaska, with Denali coming in at number three. It’s home to some of America’s most iconic wildlife, from bald eagles and caribou to wolves and grizzly bears.
A solo road trip can be a liberating, enriching journey. With these safety tips, you’ll feel secure behind the wheel.
Hitting the road on your own can be an incredibly liberating experience. With no fights over the radio dial, you can sing loudly and shamelessly to your “Britney’s Back” playlist. You call all the shots and all the stops. Yep, even if you want to stop at that Bigfoot-themed roadside coffee stand. And with these safety tips, you can ensure your trip doesn’t go from inspirational Oprah Winfrey Network movie to horrifying “60 Minutes” episode.
1. Share your location
Sure, part of the fun of a solo road trip is being untethered. But emergencies happen, so tell someone where you’re going. You can download a locator app like Find My Friends or Life260 to share your location with a buddy. Of course, phone batteries die, dead zones exist, and occasionally you accidentally drop your phone into the stingray petting pool at the roadside aquarium you decided to visit. So plan a tentative route before you go, with details about where you plan to be and when, and leave a copy with a friend or family member. Speaking of which …
2. Have a plan
I know, I know. It’s the “open road” not the “make a plan road.” But having a plan doesn’t mean you can’t still make an unplanned stop at a shop advertising the world’s largest pizza. When you’re making a plan, the two most important factors are when and where you can get gas, and when and where you’ll be sleeping. Apps and online tools can help. On Furkot, you can map out your trip and even get suggestions for places to stop and sleep, eat or get gas. The iExit app finds your location on the highway and lets you know where the upcoming amenities are.
Some good, old-fashioned preplanning can come in handy if you don’t want your trip to eat up all your phone data (or in case your GPS bites the dust). Use Google Maps to plot out your general route, take a moment to look into the major towns along the way (bigger cities and towns will be more likely to have gas stations and places to stay), and make a note of any stretches through national parks, nature areas or rural areas where it might be more difficult to find services. Before you drive through these places, make sure to get gas and consider how long it will take to get through them.
3. Invest in screens
In case you underestimate how tired you are or the gas-station coffee lets you down and you need to pull over for rest, be prepared to pick a designated rest stop, and consider investing in some window coverings. They make it easier to nap without being seen as you drool onto the steering wheel, and keep curious strangers from knowing you’re in there alone. Windshield sunshades will also keep you cool on hotter days. For side windows, try pull-down screens. Using screens is also a good precaution to take if you’re leaving your car and have any valuables that can’t be stowed in the trunk.
4. Don’t lose power
Get a car charger, make sure it works with your phone and cigarette lighter or USB charge port, plug it in, and stash it in the glove box when you’re not using it. You never know when you’ll find your device flashing that ominous empty-battery symbol when you’ve taken a wrong turn at Nowheresville, gotten a flat tire, or are being stalked by angry raccoons. The charger should just live in your car.
5. Know thy car
You don’t have to be a professional mechanic, but knowing how to patch things up until you can get to one is important. If you’re taking your own car, you probably already know most of its quirks — the passenger-side window only rolls down halfway; it’s a snob that chokes on literally anything other than premium gas. But you’ll also want to know how to change or temporarily fix a flat tire, and where and how to refill the oil, coolant or transmission fluid. Even more importantly, just take good care of your four-wheeled bestie so you don’t find yourself stranded 100 miles from a mechanic because of a perfectly avoidable situation. A pretrip tuneup isn’t a bad idea. (Borrowing a friend’s car or driving a rental? Take a moment to learn where everything is before you even leave the dealership or garage.)
6. When in doubt, pack it
Movies make it look easy and romantic to jump in your car and go, but if you’re going alone, bring a well-stocked roadside kit with jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries and a gas can. You’ll also want basic tools like a tire iron, car jack, screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a pocket knife. Extra bottles of coolant, oil and transmission fluid are also a good idea. Less obvious additions: kitty litter (you can put it under the tires if you get stuck in snow) and duct tape (because, of course). Be sure to bring a first-aid kit and other personal safety items, like a Mylar blanket, extra layers (for cold weather), and nonperishable snacks and water. It’s hard to overpack for a solo road trip, and it’s better to be safe than to curse yourself in the middle of a dark rural back road for forgetting those extra batteries — so when in doubt, pack it.
Safety should always be a top priority when traveling the world and the good news is that there’s no shortage of safe and secure destinations worth visiting in the New Year. Here are 30 to consider for 2019.
Zambia
Renowned for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, Zambia earns a best-possible level 1 advisory (exercise normal precautions) from the U.S. Department of State and ranks relatively high on the Global Peace Index.
Japan
If you’ve got any reservations about touring Asia, a trip to Japan in 2019 is certain to put your mind at ease. The Economist even ranked Tokyo the safest city in the world as recently as 2017.
Slovenia
Slovenia is among the safest places you can visit in Europe and its capital city of Ljubljana received the coveted European Green Capital Award for 2016 based on its stellar environmental record.
Iceland
Iceland was the most peaceful country in the world in 2018, according to the Global Peace Index. But that’s just one of the many reasons this island nation’s tourism industry is exploding.
New Zealand
With a Global Peace Index value of under 1.2, New Zealand trailed only Iceland among the world’s most peaceful destinations last year. You’ll want to get planning soon though as spring (fall in New Zealand) is among the best times to visit.
Norway
Scandinavia is undoubtedly one of the world’s safest regions. Norway, in particular, is guaranteed to have visitors feeling safe and secure the minute they touch down.
Chile
Chile is among the safest places to visit in South America in 2019. It receives a level 1 advisory (exercise normal precautions) from the U.S. Department of State so visitors should just be careful to avoid potential scams or crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing in crowded places.
Austria
Seeking a peaceful destination in mainland Europe? Consider Austria. Only Iceland and New Zealand ranked better on the Global Peace Index last year. Like other popular places around the world, your biggest concern if any here is likely non-violent thieves.
Costa Rica
Despite the recent murder of an American tourist, Costa Rica possesses one of the lowest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean and is widely regarded to be one of if not the safest in Central America. It’s also the happiest country in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index.
Portugal
With a Global Peace Index value of 1.32, Portugal is the fourth-most peaceful nation on the planet. You’ll want to watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas in places like Lisbon but that’s good practice no matter where you are.
Singapore
Singapore is the most peaceful destination in Asia, according to the Global Peace Index. On top of that, The Economist named it the second-safest city in the world behind Tokyo.
Canada
The safest country in North America, Canada offers a variety of exciting destinations to visit in the New Year, including beautiful Quebec City, the closest Americans will get to Europe without venturing overseas.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Known for its numerous spa and wellness resorts, Scottsdale ranks among America’s safest cities, according to WalletHub’s most recent research, checking in at 15th among the 180 cities analyzed.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is tied with a handful of other U.S. cities for the lowest unemployment rate and ranks among the top cities in terms of home and community safety, which takes into account assaults and thefts per capita, the presence of terrorist attacks and mass shootings, among other indicators of safety.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
A popular summer vacation destination, Virginia Beach is the fourth-safest city in America, according to data from WalletHub, boasting the third-fewest assaults per capita.
Denmark
Denmark reports relatively low crime rates and ranked fifth on the Global Peace Index in 2018, cementing itself among the safest destinations in not only Europe but the world.
Switzerland
Although it boasts a population similar to that of New York City, Switzerland is one of the safest countries travelers can visit, routinely checking in toward the top of respected studies on peace, safety and threat level.
Sweden
Like its Scandinavian neighbors Norway and Finland, Sweden is one of the safest places you can travel to in 2019, narrowly edging out both of the aforementioned countries on the Global Peace Index last year.
Germany
Unlike a majority of the countries on this list, Germany receives a level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department due to recent acts of terrorism. Still, visitors are only advised to “exercise increased caution” when visiting and crime is relatively low.
Netherlands
With a safety index of 84 (out of 100), the Netherlands ranks as the 15th-safest country in the world, according to SafeAround based on analysis of various sources taking into account threats such as mugging, crime, road death toll, the occurrence of terrorist attacks and wars.
With a safety index of 84 (out of 100), the Netherlands ranks as the 15th-safest country in the world, according to SafeAround based on analysis of various sources taking into account threats such as mugging, crime, road death toll, the occurrence of terrorist attacks and wars.
Malta
Visitors to Malta are certain to feel not only safe but welcome as locals on this small island nation in the Mediterranean are among the friendliest you’ll meet. Its beautiful climate and array of attractions can’t be beaten either.
Australia
Australia is well known for its natural beauty and friendly locals but you can also add safety to that list. It should come as little surprise that the continent/country ranked inside the top 15 of the Global Peace Index for 2018.
Bhutan
One of the most peaceful and safest countries in Asia, Bhutan is a breathtaking destination located between China and India on the Himalayas’ eastern edge. This predominantly Buddhist nation measures prosperity based on citizens’ happiness levels.
Mauritius
Celebrated for its screensaver-worthy beaches, this booming East African island nation possesses one of the world’s best Global Peace Index values. The U.K. government points out that petty crime is common but most crime is non-violent. What’s more, visitors can ensure a safe and pleasant trip by practicing common sense such as avoiding accommodations that aren’t registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority. Better yet, work with a travel agent.
Cayman Islands
It’s rare for criminal activity to impact tourists in the Cayman Islands and visitors can really reduce their risk by avoiding summer’s hurricane season.
Hungary
Hungary was among the many European countries to rank inside the top 20 of the Global Peace Index in 2018, receiving a value of 1.53. That’s just behind Germany but ahead of more popular European destinations like France, Spain, Italy and the U.K.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Plus, few destinations are as rewarding and getting there is easier than you might think.
Horse trekking in Mongolia is the absolute best way to experience this incredible country. Why? Because nowhere in the world are horses more integral to peoples’ daily lives than in Mongolia.
It’s said that “a Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings”. Riding to the Mongolians is more instinct than it is a learned skill. It’s in their blood. Why walk when you can ride, as they say in Mongolia.
Why Horse Trekking Is A Must In Mongolia
In a country that has as many horses as people, 3 million in case you were wondering, to come to Mongolia and not ride a horse is to miss out on discovering the true spirit of Mongolia.
Of the country’s 3 million people, 1.5 of them live in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, while the rest live as nomads, or in small villages dotted throughout the countryside. For Mongolia’s 1.5 million nomads and villagers, life revolves around horses. They’re used for transportation, herding, hunting, and sport (primarily horse racing).
Children learn to ride at 3 years old and become jockeys at just 7-8 years of age. Learning to ride a horse is a right of passage in Mongolian culture, similar to riding a bike in the West. To this day every Mongolian learns to ride a horse, whether they live in the city or the country.
Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, I can’t think of a better place to learn than in Mongolia.
The Mongolian Horse
Some locals will claim that the Mongolian horse is like a wild horse. But don’t let this scare you. What they mean by this is is not that they are wild and dangerous, but that a Mongolian horse knows how to survive in the wild.
Horses in Mongolia are not kept in barns or pastures but are allowed to roam free on the vast Mongolian steppe, like the wild horses roamed thousands of years ago. Therefore, they need to have sharp instincts and know how to protect themselves from predators.
But, as personalities go, the horses that are trained for riding are far from wild. In all my 20+ years of experience riding horses, the Mongolian horses are some of the most friendly, docile, and sure-footed horses I’ve ever ridden. These guys never miss a beat, and can carry heavy loads, be it humans or supplies, over incredibly rough terrain for hours on end without injury or complaint.
Mongolian horses are also incredibly well trained. For a supposedly “half wild” animal, I was extremely impressed with how responsive and safe these horses were to ride. I shouldn’t have been so surprised as Mongolians are regarded as the best horsemen and women in the world.
The Best Places To Go Horse Trekking In Mongolia
In Mongolia, horses can take you where your own two feet can not. During the summer travel season, the ground is often so wet in places that the only way to get through is by horse, and even they can sink almost up to their bellies in mud. Hiking is only possible in a few specific areas where the ground is solid.
When in Mongolia, trekking is best done by horse, and man can those horses take you to some incredible places!
1. Mongolian Taiga (Tsaatan Reindeer Herders)
Meet Mongolia’s last remaining tribes of reindeer herders, the Tsaatan people. This unique community lives in teepees in Northern Mongolia close to the Russian border and survives completely off the grid by herding reindeer.
On the Mongolian Taiga, you’ll get up close a personal with the Tsaatan reindeer, taste reindeer milk tea and cheese, and even get to try your hand at milking and riding a reindeer (not at the same time, of course). Horse trekking to the Tsaatan reindeer herders is definitely a once in a lifetime trip you’ll never forget.
2. Lake Khuvsgul
Ride horses around Mongolia’s largest and purest lake, Lake Khuvsgul. Lake Khuvsgul is the second purest lake in the world. In fact, the water is so pure you can drink straight out of the lake and not get sick.
Its purity is the main reason why this lake is so revered among Mongolians. Not to mention that Lake Khuvsgul has the most gorgeous shades of crystal blue water I’ve ever seen. Trekking around the lake on horseback is one of the best ways to appreciate its beauty.
3. Hustai National Park
Home to Mongolia’s last remaining wild horses, the Takhi, Hustai National Park is a haven for wildlife and endangered species in Mongolia. Observing the Takhi in the wild is one of the most amazing experiences, and what better way to see one of the world’s last remaining wild horses than from the back of your own Mongolian steed.
4. Kagiin Kar Nuur (Black Mountain Lake)
Black Mountain Lake is a 20-meter deep glacial lake surrounded by the forested Khenti Mountains. The lake is a gorgeous oasis in the middle of the mountains. Trekking here you’ll feel like you’re riding through the middle of nowhere, just you, your horse, and nature.
5. Khan Khenti Protected Area
Made up of over 1.2 million hectares of land, the Khan Khenti Protected Area is a remote wilderness that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered Mongolian brown bear. Khan Khenti Protected Area is also virtually uninhabited by humans, and hunting is prohibited (I’m guessing the two are related) making it the perfect place for wildlife to thrive.
6. Terelj National Park
Located just 70 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park is the ideal place for travelers looking to go horse trekking in Mongolia without any long travel days to get started. Terelj National Park is a gorgeous mix of grassland, alpine peaks, pine forest and impressive rock formations. You can ride or hike anywhere within this national park, no trails needed.
7. Bogd Khan Uul National Park
Bogd Khan Uul National Park is essentially a national park built around the Bogd Khan Mountain, one of Mongolia’s 3 sacred mountains. It’s also the oldest legally protected natural landscape in the world, having been declared a protected site by the Qing Dynasty in 1783.
Located just outside of Ulaanbaatar, Bogd Khan Uul National Park is another great place to go horse trekking that doesn’t involve any long travel days to get started.
8. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park has one of the most stunning natural landscapes in all of Mongolia, the snow-capped rocky mountain peaks of the Altai Mountains. Riding through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is an absolutely awe-inspiring experience. You’ll see golden eagles soaring through the air, and ride past glaciers, lakes, rock carvings, and numerous 4000+ meter (13,000 ft) tall mountains.
When To Go Horse Trekking In Mongolia
The best time to go horse trekking in Mongolia is in the summer and early fall from June – October.
I wouldn’t recommend going horse trekking outside of that range unless you’re really comfortable with and super prepared for cold weather. Average high temperatures in the Mongolian countryside in the winter time are a frigid negative 20 degrees C (negative 4 degrees F) with lows between negative 30 – 40 degrees C (negative 22 – 40 degrees F).
When I visited the Mongolian Taiga at the end of August temperatures were already dipping close to freezing at night.
How Many Days Do You Need To Go Horse Trekking In Mongolia?
It depends on where you want to go.
To visit the more remote areas such as the Taiga, Lake Khuvsgul, Altai Mountains, and the Khan Khenti Protected Area you should plan to spend AT LEAST 1 week to make the trip.
To visit the parks closer to Ulaanbaatar such as Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Hustai National Park, and Bogd Khan Uul National Park you only need 2-5 days depending on how much you want to see.
How To Go Horse Trekking In Mongolia
There are two ways you can go about riding horses in Mongolia. One is to book a tour, either directly through a tour company or through your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. And the other is to go solo, buy a horse, and do an independent trek.
Which one you choose depends on how experienced you are with horses, how good your navigational skills are, and how much you value having an English speaking guide to teach you about the Mongolian landscape, customs, and to help you communicate with the nomads.
To book an organized tour, I’d recommend checking out Tour Mongolia, Steppe Riders, Stone Horse Expeditions, and Horse Trek Mongolia.
To get started planning your own independent trek, contact Steppe Riders. They provide complete training on how to complete your trek and can provide you with horses and gear for the duration of your trip.
Alternatively, you can also wait until you get to Mongolia and plan your trip in person through your hostel or hotel in Ulaanbaatar. If you’re looking to book an organized tour with a more reasonable price tag this is your best bet.
Organized Tour vs. Independent Trek
Organized Tour Pros
No need to plan your trip, just show up and have fun
You have access to an English speaking guide who can teach you about Mongolia and help you communicate with the local nomads
If something goes wrong you have an experienced guide with you to help
You don’t have to do any navigation, simply follow your guide
Tour companies provide your gear, food, and accommodation for you so you don’t have to bring or buy as much stuff
You won’t have to cook, clean, set up/break down camp, or tend to the horses at all during your trip
You don’t need any prior horse experience as your guide will help you every step of the way
Organized Tour Cons
Booking an organized horse trek is expensive, especially if you want a private tour
You have less freedom, as you’re at the mercy of the company’s predetermined itinerary
If you are an experienced horseman/woman going on a group tour could be frustrating as you’re limited by the least experienced person in the group in terms of how much you can do when riding
Independent Trek Pros
You have complete freedom to create your own itinerary, enabling you to go wherever you want for however long you feel like
You can go at your own pace, not at the pace of the group
It’s much cheaper than an organized tour
You can make whatever food you like instead of having to eat the local food every day (Mongolia is not known for its food)
You get the opportunity to really bond with your horses, unlike on an organized tour where your only interaction is your time in the saddle
You have the opportunity to improve your horse, wilderness, and navigational skills
You get to step into the shoes of the locals and learn what it’s really like to live as a nomad in the Mongolian countryside
Independent Trek Cons
You have to buy or rent your own horses and gear (you’ll need two horses, one to ride, and one as a pack horse)
If you or your horse gets injured there’s no one with you to go for help
You have to navigate yourself through the wilderness in a foreign country where there are no marked trails of any kind
You have to take care of the horses yourself including planning your route around places where they can find plenty of grass and water
You’re responsible for cooking your own food, getting your own water, and setting up and packing up your tent every day
What To Expect
Mongolia is a big country, area-wise, and is home to just 3 million people, half of whom live in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. The result of this is that most of the country consists of nothing but gorgeous natural scenery.
And when I say nothing but, I really do mean nothing. No plumbing, no electricity, no internet, extremely spotty phone service, no hotels, no toilets, and no restaurants of any kind are available in most of the country.
This is not a luxury trip. Have no doubts, you will be roughing it. During my trip to the taiga, I went 7 out of 10 days without a shower and 8 out of 10 days without a toilet just to give you an idea what to expect.
You’ll be camping for most of your trip, whether that’s in a tent, ger, or teepee.
As for riding, expect anywhere from 3-7 hours in the saddle per day depending on your specific tour and how far the route is.
If being dirty and foregoing your comforts sounds like a small price to pay for riding horses through vast open steppes and mountains of Mongolia then this is the trip for you.
How To Ride A Mongolian Horse
Riding a Mongolian horse is actually quite simple, even if you’ve never ridden before. Here’s what you need to know.
1. “Chu” pronounced “choo” (as in a choo choo train) means go
To get your horse to move, simply tap both legs against the side of the horse at the same time and say “chu”.
2. “Whoosh” means slow down
To stop your horse, pull back on both reins at the same time and say “whoosh”.
3. Mongolians steer by neck reining, and they always keep the reins in one hand
To turn your horse left, simply move your hand to the left, pressing the right rein against the right side of the horse’s neck and pushing their neck to the left. To turn right, move your hand to the right, pressing the left rein against the left side of the horse’s neck and pushing their neck to the right.
Do You Need Prior Horse Experience To Go Horse Trekking In Mongolia?
No. In fact, most tourists that go horse trekking in Mongolia have little to no experience riding horses.
Of course, having prior horse experience certainly helps. If you’re already comfortable around horses and know how to ride your trip will be much more fun as you can do a lot more on horseback. Having prior experience will also put you at ease when it comes to navigating rough terrain, such as river crossings.
Horseback Riding Tips For People Who Have Never Ridden Before
After riding horses for over 20 years, including doing a horse trek of my own in Mongolia, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to help beginners fast-track their way to equestrian success.
1. Relax
Horses feed off of your energy, so if you’re nervous, they will be too, and they’ll subsequently be more likely to spook, jump sideways, or run off, all things you don’t want them to do. Relaxing will also help you to better follow the horse’s movement, which will be extremely helpful if you get the opportunity to trot and canter.
2. Trust your horse
Your horse knows the terrain in Mongolia a lot better than you do, so trust him. He’s crossed many a river and gone up and down countless muddy mountain slopes with no issue. Your horse knows the land like the back of her hoof, so don’t worry.
3. Don’t be afraid to be firm with your commands
Not all horses are perfect angels. Some horses can sense that you don’t know what you’re doing up there and will try to take advantage of that fact by maybe constantly lowering their head to eat grass, or outright refusing to move for example.
If this happens don’t be afraid to give a firm tug upwards on the reins to pull their head up from the grass, or yell “chu!” and give them a firm bump on their side with your heels to get them to move. As long as you don’t explode in a raging fit of anger you won’t hurt your horse, I promise.
4. Keep the stirrups on the balls of your feet
Once you get on the horse, position the stirrups on the balls of your feet and push your heels down. This will keep you balanced and secure in the saddle.
5. Take your feet out of the stirrups and stretch your legs out straight intermittently throughout the ride
Just trust me on this one. Riding for hours on end will cripple your knees if you keep them bent at the same angle for 5 hours without a break. Your knees are your primary shock absorbers on a horse, and they will get tired, even for people like me who have ridden a bunch in their life. Stretch frequently and all will be good.
What To Pack For A Horse Trek In Mongolia
In general, you’ll want to make sure you pack light. All of these trips, no matter where you go, have at least some portion where your stuff can only be transported by pack horse.
There’s not much room on a pack horse so you won’t be able to bring a rolling suitcase full of stuff. It’s best to pack your stuff in a small, soft backpack or duffel bag. Whatever you do, do not bring a hard-shelled suitcase.
Some specifics for your packing list include:
1. A good warm sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees F (negative 18 degrees C)
A down sleeping bag like this one would be perfect.
2. Down jacket or another winter jacket
I wish I had brought my warm packable down jacket just like this on our trip for those frosty nights and mornings. It’s lightweight, super warm, and packs down small in your bag.
3. Long rain jacket or rain poncho
You’ll want one that will protect your legs when riding like this one. We have one just like it, and it’s great not just for riding, but for hiking and cycling as well.
4. A hat with a brim and chin strap
This is to keep the sun out of your eyes, protect your hair from getting caught in branches in the forest and to keep the hat from flying off of your head in the wind. This lightweight foldable sun hat would be perfect for horse trekking.
5. A riding helmet if you feel it’s necessary
Most tours in Mongolia do not provide helmets for riders, as Mongolians don’t ride with helmets. In the US I always ride with a helmet, but I did forgo it on this trip, mostly because helmets are such a pain to travel with.
A bike helmet would also do for this trip.
6. Gloves with a grip on the palm for riding
Wearing gloves will protect your hands from getting scraped against brush in the forest as well as from getting rubs from holding the reins. Any thin glove with grip on the palm will work. Leather gloves are also great if you have them.
If you don’t have anything already that will work you can click here to find these, cheap, durable, good quality riding gloves on Amazon.
7. Refillable water bottle
Any type of Nalgene or plastic sports bottle will do the trick. It just needs to be durable and reusable. We prefer to use squeezable plastic bottles as they’re much easier to drink out of while riding.
8. Boots with a heel for riding
These could be specific leather riding boots (you can also buy a pair in Mongolia) or rain boots. The boot just needs to be fitted to your foot so that it fits in the stirrups and have a heel so that your foot can’t slide too far forward in the stirrup or get caught in the stirrup if you fall.
These short riding boots are super comfortable and really easy to travel with. Not to mention they’re really versatile and can be worn for more than just riding.
The Post Office has released its annual Long Haul Holiday Report, revealing the cheapest destinations to take a long-haul trip. Based on the prices of 10 tourist items, including meals, drinks and sun cream, the report revealed the best places to grab a bargain overseas after examining 30 of the most popular destinations. Counting down to the cheapest, which might just surprise you, here’s how some of the top long-haul destinations fared.
30. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – total costs of essentials: £160
A 45% rise in the prices of holiday essentials in Rio has made Brazil’s best-known city this year’s highest-priced destination on the list – it’s more than three times as expensive as the cheapest destination in the report.
Dubbed one of the flashiest countries in the world, Dubai isn’t known as a cheap break. However, prices are down 21% this year, meaning the Emirate is no longer the most expensive destination in the survey. It is, however, one of the most expensive places to eat, with the average three-course evening meal for two costing £109.63.
Alongside Dubai, prices of holiday essentials are down 21% in Oman this year, where a cup of coffee will set you back over £3 and a glass of wine over £10.
The capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin’s pricey restaurant scene brings up the total cost of a visit to the waterside city significantly, with the average meal for two costing around £97.58.
The most expensive Caribbean island to take a holiday, Barbados is certainly more luxury than budget. A meal in the picturesque resort of St James will cost almost three times as much as the cheapest city in the report, while staples such as sun cream (£11.75) and bottled water (£1.87) are among the most expensive on the list.
Home to a plethora of super yachts and fancy bars, Auckland isn’t the place to go for a cheap trip. A meal for two will cost you around £90 and a single cocktail averages around £8.66.
Essential holiday items have now risen by 27% in Santiago, Chile (£126.10), where a bottle of sun cream will cost as much as £12.58, and insect repellent a staggering £18.53.
Located on the southeastern side of the island, Scarborough is one of the most picturesque areas of Tobago. It doesn’t come with the cheap prices often found in other Caribbean islands, but you can pick up a bottle of beer for £1.62 – bargain.
The biggest price rise this year was Lima, which was 8th in last year’s survey, which is now 54% more expensive. At £120.62 for all essential items on the list, this sent Peru’s capital tumbling to 21st place.
In 2014, China became the world’s biggest economy, meaning it’s no longer the budget destination it used to be. Prices for tourist staples average at £120 in the capital.
The biggest fall in prices on this list has been in Antigua (Jolly Beach), where the cost of being a tourist has plummeted 27% to £114.72, taking the island from 32nd to 19th place.
The exotic island of Mauritius isn’t known for being a cheap holiday destination, but eating and drinking when you’re there won’t break the bank – the main expenditures aside from fights and accommodation will cost around £114.31.
The bustling city of Vancouver isn’t the cheapest city to visit, but the prices of holiday essentials are all fairly average. The cost of a three-course meal for two is likely to hover around £81, while the average bottle of sun cream will you set you back 50% less than in Mauritius.
One of the most popular long-haul city breaks for tourists, New York isn’t known for being a cheap destination, however it’s this far down for a reason. In the Big Apple, you can dine on a three-course meal with wine for £71 for two, and grab a cup of coffee for £1.33.
Eating out in Seoul is expensive, but everything else comes pretty cheap. The cost of a meal for two in the metropolitan capital will cost around £81.02, but a bottle of lager is just £2.95.
The biggest year-on-year falls have been in three of the leading Caribbean islands, which had been looking expensive in past Post Office surveys. A 25% fall to £105.36 in St Lucia (Rodney Bay) has helped the island move up to 13th place from 28th last year.
Cancún, Mexico has dropped to 12th in the table from 6th in 2016 after prices rose 30%. Dining out in the popular holiday hotspot will set you back £69.83.
Phuket, Thailand fell from 7th to 11th place on the back of a 17% rise to £88.84, making Thailand’s top resort over 15% more expensive than rival backpacking destination Hoi An in Vietnam.
Another of the Caribbean islands to have seen a price drop over the past year is the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, the easternmost tip of the island, essentials average at around £85.34 in total.
Orlando has managed to retain its place in the top 10 cheapest destinations, primarily due to cheap food and drinks. Dinner for two averages at around £49 – over half the price of dining out in Rio.
A new entrant to the list, Costa Rica, was named alongside Japan and Vietnam as a hot holiday choice for 2017, and visitors attracted by the direct flights now available to the country will find prices down 8% in Tamarindo. This has taken Costa Rica from 12th to 7th place.
Known for its volcanic mountains and beaches, Bali is a popular long-haul holiday destination for many, and it’s easy to see why. It’ll set you back just £76.95 for some of the main expenditures.
Princes in Colombo, Sri Lanka are up by 7% this year, but it still remains the fourth cheapest long-haul destination to visit, thanks to low dining costs.
One of the cheapest places in the world for food and drink, it’ll cost just £1.37 for a cup of coffee in Mombasa and £45.78 for an evening meal for two.
Cape Town isn’t necessarily the cheapest city to visit for accommodation (a double room here will set you back around £310 for two nights), but the money you’ll save on eating out will make up for it. The average three-course meal for two costs just £40.12, and it’s worth going for the food alone.
Japan has a reputation for being a little more expensive than your average long-haul destination, mainly due to a dearth of affordable hotels, but the capital is growing increasingly affordable for UK travellers. In fact, the food in Tokyo was found to be the cheapest across all cities. A three-course evening meal will set you back an average £35 for two people. This means that the price of three meals in Japan will cost around the same as just one meal in Singapore.
Around The World Travel 