3 Tips for Single Woman Travelers

Below you'll find a series of 5 tips to help make your travels as a single women less stressful, more fun, and all around safer.  Careful preparation and planning can ensure you don't have to worry about any issues while out on the road, and these tips will help you along the way!

Take Care of the Important Documents!
You'll need everything from flight info, to passports, to travel insurance emergency numbers, and storing all of these things can sometimes become a mess.  I recommend buying a comfortable safebelt product with waterproof pouches for you to keep all your necessary documents.

Additionally, be sure to make copies of everything and store them separately somewhere else in your belongings, like in a second bag or main bag. Finally, for some extra precaution, email the scanned docs to yourself to you will have access to them online at anytime!

Keep In Touch!
Keeping in touch with family and friends on the road is essential, not only to you, but to them as well. Chances are you'll be returning one day, and keeping these relationships alive will make that return that much easier.  There are a number of cheap international calling services that allow you to make free calls at any time to your family and friends, and these can help make your trip that much easier.

Bring a Notepad and a Phrasebook!
The Phrasebook might be a given. If you are going to a foreign country and don't speak the language, you will probably need some simple phrases to get around on your day to day adventures.  A phrase book is one of the cheapest solutions to this problem! Additionally, although many backpackers will speak English, this is not always the case, so sometimes a phrasebook can come in handy with other travelers as well!

The notepad might be a little less obvious, but all I'll say here, is that you will need this one, so bring it! You'll be amazed at the end of your trip how many times you needed to quickly write something down.

In Conclusion...
Obviously there are a million and one other tips out there for staying safe while traveling, but these three are a great start and will help you get your planning underway!  Happy Travels!

Sizzle This Summer With HostelBookers

Make the most of the summer, and your money, by booking into one of the fun summer dorms available on HostelBookers.com this summer. And there are many properties in the HostelBookers summer sale with up to 40% off – so you’ll have all the more money for crazy nights out and alfresco adventures.

Best for taking a dip

SoBe Design Studio in the heart of Miami Beach in Florida has beautiful studios available. Whether you’re on holiday or business with friends, family or colleagues the fully equipped studios are a great choice. You’ve also got the luxury of an onsite swimming pool surrounded by a private patio area. Studios have hardwood floors, a TV and kitchen facilities which include a microwave and a fridge. They’re for 2-3 people and have a double bed and a sofa bed. Stay here and you’ll be just two blocks from Lincoln Road and the clubs and stores of Miami Beach. Private apartments start from €118.62pppn.

Best for cooking your sausages

Stay at the ZIP112 Hostel in New York City and you’ll get an incredible view over the Manhattan skyline from the roof terrace. Located in trendy Williamsburg ZIP112 is in the midst of all the NYC hipster action. You’ll find a kitchen, BBQ area, free breakfast, living room and Wi-Fi around the hostel. If you’re looking for a real break away you’ll also relish the staffs pride in creating a tranquil environment to relax on holiday. Shared dorms start from €51.40pppn and private rooms from €54.57pppn.

Best for lounging outside

Once a monastery, the Villa Saint Exupery Gardens in Nice, France, is now a 5-star hostel with beautiful private gardens. There’s also a bar and restaurant on site where happy hour drinks start from just €1. There are free computers and Wi-Fi and a free legendary breakfast too. If you’re into your sports you’ll be pleased to know they’re all televised on the big screen and you can join in with the fun action tours around the area too. Villa Saint Exupery Gardens has a kitchen and common room and a variety of room formations starting at 

€18pppn.

Summer Sale Property! 25% Off

Suly Resort & Spa in Bali, Indonesia, is surrounded by rice fields and is located in the heart of Bali. Suly Resort & Spa supports the activities of the Yayasam Bali Global Charitable Foundation who provide education to underprivileged children. The hotel is a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride from Ubud in the woodcarving district of Bali, visit  expedia to get more information. There are 16 beautifully designed rooms all in the traditional Balinese style. There are beautiful terraces overlooking spectacular gardens filled with butterflies and birds and you can take Balinese dancing lessons on site. Beds start from €18.77pppn.

So which will it be? Whether you want to party hard with 16 new dorm mates or get some privacy in a single private room HostelBookers is sure to have something to suit your budget and requirements. So check them out and have enjoy your summer! 

The South Pacific's Best Island Resorts

The South Pacific is a tropical island paradise waiting for you to discover. Providing visitors with the epitome of elegance, luxury and romance, resorts nestled amongst the islands of the South Pacific are bound to exceed even the highest expectations of visitors. Major islands of the South Pacific include Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. There are a number of ways to reach this topical paradise, including by sea or by air, but however you choose to do so, you will not be disappointed by the calibre of accommodation on offer.

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation

Providing guests with the ultimate luxurious experience, the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa in Tahiti defies the expectations of all things indulgent. Located on a private island which faces Bora Bora, this resort is the definition of a relaxing getaway. Whether you would like to treat yourself to a five star dining experience overlooking the famous Mount Otemanu, or pamper yourself with one of the many spa treatments available at the resort, you are sure to feel like a king or queen as you create everlasting memories of the perfect holiday.

An Unforgettable Family Holiday

Vanuatu is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in the world, offering visitors a warm and friendly welcome upon every visit. The Iririki Island Resort & Spa, situated on the island of Vanuatu, has been a family favourite for many years. Offering guests over 69 acres of tropical paradise, the resort is just big enough to contain all of that excitement from the kids! A four level cascading pool, a kids club and a fully stocked games room create the perfect atmosphere for a fun and exciting family holiday. Child minding services are available (if parent’s need a little escape of their own!) with a children’s playground and dedicated kid’s activities. Vanuatu has been voted the happiest place in the world for the last two years running, so it is no wonder that the South Pacific has become a popular destination for family holidays.

The Perfect Romantic Escape

Whether you are planning your honeymoon or just want to share the perfect getaway with the one you love, the South Pacific is home to some of the most romantic resorts in the world. Overwater bungalows at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa set the scene for the perfect romantic holiday. This tropical island resort provides spectacular views and scenic outlooks, surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal clear lagoons. Located 10 minutes from Tahiti, the secluded island of Moorea creates an unbeatable, breathtaking atmosphere for your romantic escape. The South Pacific is home to some of the most luxurious island resorts, providing visitors with world class service and five star facilities. This tropical island paradise has become a popular travel destination for couples and families, so instead of wondering what all the fuss is about, indulge your senses and book your next holiday to this perfect getaway today.

3 Reasons You Must See Alaska

Gliding past spectacular glaciers, experiencing untouched wilderness and cruising through the breathtaking scenery of the countryside are some of the best ways to experience all that Alaska has to offer. There are a number of different ways to experience Alaska; however the geography of this beautiful country is the perfect fit for a cruise holiday. Experience the vast range of destinations, the magnificent wildlife parks, the breathtaking sights and the maze of channels and passes as you explore this spectacular destination. Alaska is a must visit tourist destination and a once in a life time experience that you will never forget.

An Abundance of Native American Culture

Alaska is a country inspired by Native American culture with Russian influences. A must do when visiting Alaska, is to explore the abundance of culture that this historical country has on offer. The Anchorage Museum in Alaska is home to over 10, 000 years of history, exploring the formation of mountains and peaks right through to the more current cultural aspects that are influencing Alaska today. Gain a true understanding of the history that created this beautiful nation and why today, Alaska is still one of the most beautifully natural countries in the world.

Unspoiled Wilderness at its most spectacular

The best way to experience the entire uninhabited beauty of Alaska is to take a cruising holiday from Canada or America. Glide past exotic wildlife and keep your eyes peeled for a white-coated Kermode bear on Princess Royal Island, as you cruise past in luxury, aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas. One of the most famous Alaskan cruise ships, the Rhapsody of the Seas is lined with dramatic glass walls to offer the most magnificent views of the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. The Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Centre has helped to keep this beautiful country a sanctuary for all fauna and flora. The unspoiled wilderness of Alaska has created a beautiful home for some of the most amazing native creatures, such as moose, bears, caribou and wolves, creating a once in a life time experience for visitors.

Take a Step Back in Time

Have you ever dreamed of living through the experience of a gold rush? Alaska is one of the most famous destinations for gold rushes throughout history. Scaling the mountains, gold collectors survived the sometimes treacherous conditions of the Alaskan weather in hopes of finding the ultimate treasure. A number of dedicated sights have been established for tourists to experience the history and gain a better understanding of what like was like during the gold rush of Alaska. Whether you have a genuine love for all things nature, want to experience the culture and history that surround this beautiful country, or simply want to escape with a getaway of luxury, Alaska is the perfect holiday destination for you.

Magaluf Nightlife Central

This is a guest post by Charlotte Kay.

Magaluf. Forget stereotypes - I was pleasantly surprised.

Magaluf is party-central and has a Club 18-30s vibe in parts, but letting your hair down is the modern person’s right. The resort is primarily beaches and partying, but I was surprised by the nearby attractions, with history and nature. 

Flying to Son Sant Joan Airport is easy in summer, with regular flights. In times of belt-tightening, it’s good to save as money, and in my experience, a fantastic way to do this by booking airport extras. Airport Parking is something I rarely go without.

You’ll be pleased to know, the transfer to resort is around an hour - sweating without air-con is not one of my favourite pastimes either.

It’s easy to get around, with a reliable bus service and taxis. In the past, I’ve made the mistake of not asking the rough price before getting into the car, don’t make the same mistake! I think a great way of really exploring is to hire a car. There’s plenty to see, with the Caves of Drach not far away

I’d recommend jumping on the bus to Palma for the day, with the stunning gothic-style cathedral its centrepiece. Shopping here is great. If there’s one thing I know about it, it’s shopping, so take my word for it!

Summertime is hot, and I always visit a water-park for a day’s splashing. Aqualand is a huge water-park, popular with families, as well as Marineland, with its dolphin and sea-lion shows. However, a holiday favourite of mine is the boat trip. A good tip is to haggle if there are a few of you, as you may find the vendor will knock a little off the price. An all-inclusive trip is great value, and I love nothing more than sailing around the coastline, soaking up the sun. I find it’s one of the best ways to really see the beauty of the area, with beautiful, secluded coves often missed otherwise.

The shopping scene in Magaluf is tourist-tacky, which I find is best avoided. There is a great market at nearby Andratx, where you’ll find souvenirs - the best place to grab a bargain.

In my experience, you’ll find that clubbers won’t venture into daylight until well after mid-day, so I’d recommend hitting the beach early and enjoying the peace, before it gets crowded. For a quieter beach, Cala Portals Vells is great, and it’s more scenic too. Whatever beach you choose, there’ll be plenty of water-sports, with parasailing one of my favourites. I loved it, and I couldn’t believe the breathtaking view below me. I’d certainly recommend giving it a go.

Night-time. In a word – busy. There’s something for everyone, from karaoke bars, pubs, restaurants to night-clubs open until dawn. Many bars are in competition with one another, so there’s plenty of offers – the buy one, get one free cocktail is always a favourite of mine!

Magaluf isn’t expensive. I often find that arranging your flight, transfer and accommodation separate works out a little cheaper, so I’d suggest investigating that option. A great way to start your holiday refreshed is by booking an airport hotel, with Bristol Airport hotels offering fantastic rates, with plenty of choice. I have stayed at a couple of the Gatwick Hotels and I’d recommend them for convenience and price. One of my personal favourites is The Days Hotel at Gatwick.                                                           

It’s sometimes difficult to leave stereotypes behind when looking at holiday destinations, but I was pleasantly surprised when looking further into Magaluf. Partying is a given, but there’s much more than meets the eye.

Staying Safe in Prague

By Ahmed Ahmed

Prague is a city with a lot to offer. It’s one of Europe’s most popular destinations, welcoming tourists from around the world in search of its historic architecture and lively nightlife. Too bad that the city also has a reputation for petty crime. However, there is no reason to stay away; just be smart. Here’s how to get the best out of Prague without letting its crooks get the better of you. Tips courtesy of GoWithOh.com holiday apartments.

Avoid the dodgy spots

Photo by Flickr user bartlec

Many of Prague’s main attractions are clustered around the centre of the city. The Old Town (Staré Město) is where you’ll find the Old New Synagogue, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. A short walk takes you to the old Jewish Quarter (Josefov), and also to the gorgeous Charles Bridge. Because these areas are known to be tourist hotspots, it’s sensible to visit them during the day, as going there at night might expose you to unwanted attention and would-be pickpockets. Other key spots where you should be on your guard are Wenceslas Square and the main train station, Praha Hlavni Nadrazi.

Don’t let cabbies take you for a ride

It can sometimes seem like Prague’s taxi drivers never got the memo about the city’s rising status as a traveller’s hotspot. Many people complain that they can be grumpy, unhelpful and downright rude. Worst still, there are a fair few who will try to overcharge you outrageously. Always agree on a price before you set off, and make sure the meter is on so you can see if the price you settled on was reasonable or ridiculous. Remember that you’ll save money and see more by walking, so consult your map before jumping into a cab.

Beware of pickpockets

Ah yes – the pickpockets. Like many popular travel destinations, the Czech capital is home to its fair share of light-fingered individuals. The common advice about keeping essential cash and documents in a money belt on your person holds true. Leave any excess cash and non-essential valuables back at your hotel or apartment, and stay vigilant when out and about. Crowded streets, buses and metro trains are favourite haunts for pickpockets, so keep a close eye on your things and hold bags in front of you, to be on the safe side.

Get a fair deal

Photo by Flickr user The Man in Blue

Somewhat confusingly, Prague is a member of the European Union, but its currency remains the Koruna, or Czech Crown. This means that even visitors from inside the Eurozone will have to find a way to swap their cash. But don’t be tempted by anyone who approaches you offering currency exchange; the rates are often poor and you could even end up with false notes. Stick to the bank or, even better, withdraw what you need from the ATMs, of which there are plenty in Prague.

Days Out in Dublin, Ireland

Charlotte writes for Sykes Cottages Ltd. She enjoys visiting lots of places in the UK and Ireland, taking photos and writing about her holidays.

Dublin is situated on the east coast of the Republic of Ireland at the mouth of the River Liffey. It is both the capital of Ireland and the most heavily populated city but it is also has more green space per mile than any other European capital city and makes a fabulous holiday destination. Staying in a holiday cottage in Ireland strikes the perfect balance between busy city life and a good old Irish country welcome. So what do you do when you get there? Here is my guide to what not to miss in Dublin.

Guinness Brewery

The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and has become synonymous with the city of Dublin. For many years the Guinness factory was both the largest brewery in the world and the biggest employer in Dublin. Nowadays, times have changed and although it isnít the largest brewery in the world, it is still the largest brewer of stout. No visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, the Guinness themed tourist attraction that maps the story of Guinness in a seven story attraction, shaped cleverly around a pint shaped glass atrium. There is even chance to enjoy a pint of the black stuff on the seventh floor and take in a panoramic view of the city at the same time. Itís worth it just for the view!

Monument of Light

The Monument of light or the ëSpire of Dubliní as it is called locally is a stainless steel, pin-like monument that reaches 121.2 metres into the sky on O'Connell Street in the city centre. It was built as a replacement to Nelson's Pillar that was destroyed by bombing in 1966. It is lovely to visit the spire at dusk when it looks like the top of the pillar is merging into the night sky.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is the best known area for nightlife in Dublin. The quirky street pattern with little narrow cobbled streets and unique Irish pubs make it a popular hangout for tourists and itís easy to see why.

Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is a lavishly decorated manuscript created around 800 AD by Irish monks. It documents the four Gospels of the New Testament and is regarded as one of Ireland's finest national treasures. It is on permanent display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

This former prison was built in 1796 and was operational until the 1920ís. Nowadays itís a great place to visit to experience what it was like to be a prisoner and learn about the harsh conditions that prisoners of the past had to face.

Best Places to Find Love in Paris

Paris is often viewed as one of the most romantic cities in the world. So, it is no wonder why so many single women jump on flights to Paris, looking to meet someone special and fall in love. In a city as large as Paris, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly where to find other hopeful singles. There are a few well known Paris locations that have a great reputation for being prime spots for meeting other singles.

Café Flore

Although pricey and often considered to be a tourist destination, Café Flore is notorious for not only its unique historic background but also for being one of the top sports to meet singles in Paris. Open from 7 am to 2 am, Café Flore offers patrons a trendy locale for dining and mingling. For those seeking a historically old fashioned Parisian Café as the backdrop for a romantic evening or early brunch, Café Flore will not disappoint. It is helpful though to remember that most locals begin dinner at 9 pm. Once dinner begins, the noise level at Café Flore becomes quite loud, so for those wishing to engage in a long, meaningful conversation with that special someone, they may want to leave before the dinner crowd arrives.

Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots is a well-known café in Paris’ famed Saint-Germain-des-Pres region. Drawing in the intellectually inclined, Les Deux Magots has been well received in the community as a popular spot for singles and tourists alike. While its historical reputation precedes it, Les Deux Magots offers patrons a unique variety of services in a classy, artistic atmosphere along with five-star cuisine. Paris singles choose Les Deux Magots as a location for meeting fellow singles for many reasons ranging from the trendy interior design to the French ambiance, but one thing is for sure, Les Deux is one of the number one locations for meeting Paris singles. The outdoor seating option at Les Deux Magots is an appealing choice for those wishing to have a more intimate dining experience. The simple sidewalk tables offer an unexpected romantic charm when dining outdoors.

Lo Sushi

Sushi bars are also popular destinations for single women to find love in Paris. Chefs and patrons yelling orders back and forth in sushi restaurants creates a lively environment, making it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow diners. Lo Sushi in Champs-Elysees is one of the top rated sushi restaurants in Paris and popular among local singles. Offering a quieter dining atmosphere than most sushi restaurants, Lo Sushi provides ample opportunities to converse with other restaurant patrons. The trendy interior and intimate seating attracts both locals and tourists. The best spot to chat up a fellow single in Lo Sushi is the bar, which is where most of the restaurant action takes place. For those simply looking to be entertained, the bar is also a great location for quirky exchanges from the sushi chefs and staff, which could be a great spring board for meeting other singles sitting nearby.

Best Tours in Singapore for Single Women

Singapore is an incredibly safe destination for a single woman. Their low crime rate, trustworthy police, and excellent medical facilities make it an excellent choice for the female solo traveler. A great way to get acquainted with Singapore is through a tour. Tours are fantastic for a single woman because it gives them a chance to meet fellow travelers while also getting to experience some of the city. Singapore holidays have many fabulous tours that you can take, but these are just a few of the very best for single women.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour

Singapore Zoo offers a very unique experience for travelers in the form of their Night Safari. It gives single women the chance to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat while an experienced tour guide offers insights into the creatures. It's difficult to get a good look at nocturnal animals anywhere else, but on the Night Safari tour, it's easy. It's also a great tour to do after dark for single women who want to do some kind of activity at night, but don't want to dine alone. Sentosa Island Tour Sentosa Island is a beautiful tropical island that is easily reached by cable car from the city center. Single women will love this trip, as it's a great chance to relax, see some beautiful views, swim, and lie on the beach. It's a welcome respite from hectic Singapore, and it's an easy day trip. A tour gives single women a great way to meet other travelers and get some inside information on Sentosa Island's many sights and activities.


Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour

These are ubiquitous in every major city for a reason. For a single woman, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour might just be the easiest, most convenient way to see Singapore. The bus picks up and drops off at a variety of interesting sights around the city, making it easy to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Plus, the bus always has an informative and educational guide who is a great resource for tips on what not to miss.




Food Tours

Singapore is a very multi-cultural city, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the variety of different cuisines available. A great option for single women who have adventurous taste buds is to go on one of the many food tours available in Singapore. They range from tours focusing on high-end dining to tours that focus on cheap, but delicious Chinese food. For example, The Chinatown Food Tour gives visitors the chance to explore Singapore's excellent Chinatown and all the delicious foods available there, all with the convenience of an experienced, knowledgeable guide.

The Best Party Spots in Bangkok

With its infamous reputation and depictions in movies such as The Hangover 2, Bangkok’s nightlife is known around the world. Bangkok offers everything from the naughty and risqué at Patpong, Nana, and Soi Cowboy, to pubs, live music bars, and trendy clubs. It is truly the nightlife Mecca of South East Asia. However, with such a wide variety of nightlife options it can be difficult to know where to start. Based on personal experience, here are the three best party spots in Bangkok.

Nana Plaza

Of the three main red light areas, Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, Nana Plaza is by far the most exciting. While Patpong and Soi Cowboy are more widely known, they have both been reduced to more carnival, touristy sightseeing areas. For a place to really experience the naughty night life of Bangkok, Nana Plaza is the best choice. Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Plaza is a veritable three story sex mall centered on the square shaped plaza. Nana Plaza boasts a variety of open air bars and go-go bars with themes such as Bangkok’s infamous ladyboys, lesbian dominatrix, Japanese school girls etc. With such an exotic and erotic atmosphere Nana Plaza is definitely one of best three party spots in Bangkok!

Q Bar

Along with the more risqué options, Bangkok has a great club and bar scene.  One of the most world renowned clubs in Bangkok is the Q Bar. After 12 years, the Q Bar has set the standard for clubbing in Bangkok.  The Q Bar boasts the largest selection of alcohol in the city along with live DJs and a weekly party schedule. An eclectic crowd frequents the Q Bar with a good mix of Thai, expats and tourists, including several A list celebrities. The upstairs lounge, Q Up, has one of Bangkok’s only open air smoking terraces. Offering a place for cliental to enjoy a cigarette, shisha, or an imported cigar. Q Bar has been featured in magazines and television networks across the world and is the number one clubbing destination in Bangkok. The Q Bar is located near the BTS stop Nana at Sukhumvit Soi 11.

Khao San Road

Internationally recognized from Leonardo Decaprio’s movie The Beach, Khao San makes the list as one of the three best party spots in Bangkok.  Khao San is a short street located in central Bangkok, just north of the Grand Palace and Wat Phrae Kaw. Khao San road is a back packer’s paradise. With cheap hostels, restaurants, and bars, Khao San is an ideal place to party.  It is overflowing with foreigners from around the world and it is never hard to find a good time there. With open air patio bars lining the streets, each competing with one another to offer the cheapest drinks and best specials, it is easy to find a good place to have a few drinks.

With flights to Bangkok becoming more affordable in recent times, it is certainly a destination that I would highly recommend you visit. Indulge in a cultural experience by day and party hard at night, my ideal holiday!