St. Augustine of Hippo, the great philosopher, once mentioned that “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Europe is an important chapter of this book. Yes! Europe is a chapter because it is a continent with 44 countries. Thus, there is a lot to see and experience in this magnificent continent sharing its border with the largest continent – Asia. Europe cannot be called one page of the World book because each country in Europe is special in its own way and must be seen at least once in a lifetime.

Vacation in Europe is therefore a gala affair and needs time, money, research and passion to pursue. As a travel lover, this incredible continent is any day a dream destination for most of us. However, proper and timely planning about everything needs to be done well ahead of time to save money and hassles in the foreign land.

There are many countries in Europe. Therefore, there are various types of places to visit in Europe. The list is almost never-ending and for sure, however, long a vacation one plans, when in Europe, any vacation will seem short.

However, visiting so many beautiful and popular places would not be an easy affair. One has to plan for inter-city transfers, hotel bookings, meals, and lot more things. Over and above that, there are a number of things to do in Europe, for example, skiing in the Alps, enjoying theatre performances, visiting the best historical monuments, taking a gondola ride, and tasting the incredible food across the cities to experience the best flavours, textures, and mouth-melting tastes. This calls for an additional cost of tickets and entrance fees for such events and activities. Planning such events and activities in advance would help in managing the travel budget to some extent.

Before planning a vacation, most people face a dilemma about whether Europe is an expensive place to visit or not? The answer to this question though is not very easy and crisp. Why? Because planning a budget Europe trip is absolutely possible but this might require adjusting on many quarters and compromising on many fronts. Since a budget Europe trip also needs to be planned according to the taste and preferences of all the people travelling, this might be a daunting task.

However, as they say, there is a solution to every problem. Similarly, this problem of creating a budget trip to visit Europe too has solutions. There are a number of travel hacks for Europe trips that would surely take care of the budget, that too without compromising the satisfaction level of anyone.

8 Tips to Save Money on Your Vacation in Europe

Vacation in Europe is almost a dream for everyone. However, the dream is not converted into reality for most people just on grounds of the huge expenditure involved in such a trip. However, there are small tips and travel hacks which might make the tour somewhat economical. Some of these tips and travel hacks include:

1. Choosing The Cities And Places Well

Europe is a big continent with more than 40 countries. Some of these countries are quite popular tourist destinations. Choosing the right cities and the places one wants to visit wisely can keep the expenditure under control. For example, visiting places like Berlin, Paris and London are quite expensive whereas a trip to Bulgaria or Greece might not cost that much. Therefore, choosing the places wisely becomes the key to planning a budget Europe trip.

2. Booking The Flights Early

Flight tickets are quite costly. In case of any travel what pinches the most is the cost of flight tickets. However, planning much ahead of time can help the tourists get the best deals and offer on flight tickets. Last-minute bookings of tickets would only increase the cost of the trip. Furthermore, there are many places to visit in Europe. Exploring one place after another will add up to the travel cost. Therefore, planning the itinerary well is the crux of the entire trip. It is advisable to plan in a way such that no round trips have to be made within Europe. Round trips to a particular location would only add to costs. Also, it is advisable to spend some time researching the travel plans and comparing the flight fares before proceeding with the actual bookings.

3. Saving On Travelling Within Europe As Much As Possible

While flight tickets are soaring high, travellers need to search for alternative options for travelling. Interrail is one of such economical yet adventurous options for travelling and exploring Europe. Interrail is nothing but the concept of travelling across the countries in Europe by train. Some of these train travel routes are epic in themselves, thus enhancing the charm of trips to Europe. The tourists can also try to get an interrail pass from the competent authority. This will save costs further. The travel using the trains is not only safe but also enjoyable as it gives a chance to explore the places even more.

4. Taking Public Transport

European cities have a wonderful network of public transport systems. Using the public transport system would help the tourists in saving huge costs of intercity travel. The use of public transport would also help the tourists to explore the city and its life and people in a far better way. Taking the metro, bus, ferry, or tram is a much better way to explore and roam around the city. The tourists just need to have a map of the city so that they do not get lost and they are ready to go. Tourists can also book a public transport pass that allows them to travel using various modes of public transport throughout the city for the entire day. This is way cheaper than hiring a taxi each time, isn’t it?

5. Getting The Best Hotel Deals

Travelling to any location involves planning a lot of things. This includes planning where to stay and for how many days to stay. Choosing the right stay is a very important component of the entire travel plan. The hotels should be selected wisely. Choosing a hotel near a specific location might give a beautiful view but it is surely going to raise the cost of travel within the city. Therefore affordable accommodation in the central area of the city might be a wise decision. Further, though there are a lot of sites and travel companies providing the best hotel deals in Europe, one needs to be sure and wise about choosing the time of travel. In the case of off-season travel, tourists can get better deals on hotels.

6. Buying City Passes

Almost all the cities in Europe have a lot to offer. From scenic beauty to museums, monuments to zoos, tourists have a lot of things to do in each city. Therefore, many of these cities offer passes for all these major attractions. These passes are cheaper ways of visiting the major attractions. For example, a museum ticket might cost around 500-1000 INR whereas a pass like the Paris Museum Pass helps the tourists to visit 60 such museums in two days. The pass might cost somewhere between 3000-3500 INR. Such a pass would not only save costs for the tourists but would also help them save time (time of standing in a queue to get a museum ticket). Further, there are certain museums that offer free entry or discounted entry on certain days such as the Louvre offers free entry on the first Saturday of every month between 6-9:45 P.M. local time. Researching them and planning accordingly too might be a trick to save some money.

7. Choosing The Right Roaming Plans

International calls have always been costly. International roaming charges are quite high. Therefore, travellers need to choose the right roaming packages while travelling. Such roaming packs should also include data since travelling using GPS navigation or researching the places would require call data. It is advisable to use the free Wi-Fi networks available at hotels, airports and other public places. This would save them some costs since even the mobile data is costly on roaming. It is also advisable to use the calling and messaging facility wisely and use it only when needed since the calls and messages are also costly. However, the use of platforms like WhatsApp calling and messaging over a Wi-Fi network can be a useful travel hack for Europe trips. You can also choose to get an international plan for Europe for the travel duration. This might save you some costs.

8. Saving On Water And Meals

Bottled water is quite expensive in most places in Europe. However, the regular tap water supplied in Europe is safe for drinking too. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a bottle and fill it up with tap water whenever possible. Using this water would help the travellers save a huge cost of buying bottled water to drink. Furthermore, though European nations are known for their incredible food, stopping to buy a meal every time would be a waste of time and money. Therefore, carrying enough snacks to munch during the trip would be a wise decision.

Europe is a dream destination. You can make it the most memorable trip by researching well and following these tips and tricks to the extent possible. Visit Adotrip.com, your travel buddy and enjoy amazing tour packages, flight deals, hotel bookings, and other travel-related services under one roof, that too, at cost-effective rates. It is surely going to help save a lot of money when you embark on your dream destination. Bon Voyage!!!07

Bodybuilding guru Hany Rambod shares his secrets to staying in shape while away.

Whether you’re a pro bodybuilding and fitness competitor with a rigorous promotional and guest appearance schedule, a working professional regularly traveling for business, or just someone taking a weekend getaway, maintaining your workout routine can be challenging when you’re away from home base. Taking a break from the gym every now and again usually won’t steer you off the path to your goals, but consistently straying from your plan certainly can.

Here, world-renowned trainer and 19-time Olympia champion coach Hany Rambod takes us through his five tips for getting the most from your workouts while you’re on the go.

Plan ahead

No matter your profession, Rambod maintains that planning ahead is a key component to staying on track for anyone. While certain cities may be short on gym options, most will have at least a few hotels with respectable gyms or at least one that will get the job done.

“Unless one of my athletes is required to stay at a specific hotel for logistics purposes, I always tell them to do their research ahead of time and find either a hotel with an adequate gym or find a hotel within walking distance of a gym.” Google makes it very simple to find gyms or fitness centers nearby, and unless you’re traveling to the middle of nowhere, there’s no reason you can’t find a spot where you can get a decent workout in.

Check out a Band

You may not expect someone who’s known for training champion bodybuilders to be recommending resistance bands, but Rambod emphasizes that a few easy-to-pack bands can make all the difference when you’re short on equipment.

“Bringing along a few bands with varying levels of resistance can allow someone with a basic knowledge of strength training to get a great workout in almost everywhere. They’re light, don’t take up much space in luggage or even a small carry on, and you can take them nearly anywhere.”

Get creative

Before starting your workout, it’s important to take inventory of what’s available, then come up with a plan.

“There have been times when I’ve had athletes message me in frustration to tell me all they have is an adjustable bench and some dumbbells. So let’s say all you had was an adjustable bench and some dumbbells and needed to train arms. You could do alternating dumbbell curls, then put the bench on an incline and do one-arm dumbbell preacher curls, then sit down and do concentration curls. For triceps, you could do overhead extensions, followed by kickbacks, and finish off with bench dips. That’s a legit arm workout with the most basic of equipment.”

Reps and Rest

If you’re limited to lighter free weights or machines with lighter stacks, going heavy sometimes isn’t an option. Rambod recommends getting comfortable with doing a higher-rep routine with less rest time between sets to maximize the effectiveness of your workout.

“The base of my FST-7 training program focuses on finishing your routine off with seven sets, all done with very short rest periods in between. Using this type of program that incorporates more reps, less rest, and a focus on pumps over just moving weight can be a great option when training with less resistance than what you’re used to.”

Train heavy before traveling

If his clients know they’ll be traveling, Rambod always recommends training the body parts for which more equipment and heavier weights are needed while they’re at home.

“It’s always easier to train arms or shoulders at a small gym or a hotel fitness center than it is legs or back. Get the heavy workouts in while you’re at home and save the smaller body parts for the road with some light dumbbells and bands.”

Enjoy the scenery

Use your cardio time to get out and see things! Rambod always tells his clients that if they’re in a beautiful city with a picturesque skyline or someplace that has a trail with scenic views, don’t sit on a treadmill and stare at a wall for an hour.

“Get out. See the world,” he says. “If you can get a workout in and still make the most of your time away in a unique place, that’s winning!”

International travel to Bali is back and better than ever. Travelers looking to explore the Land of the Gods are in for an easy journey as quarantines are no longer mandatory upon arrival, visas are not required to enter Indonesia and more flights to the province are continuously being added. Unforgettable adventures await all who are planning their next visit.

For travelers wishing to connect with the local Balinese culture, traditions and spiritual history, here are tips from Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a sanctuary set in the heart of the lush jungle in Ubud, on five ways to experience Bali now:

Visit the Ubud Art Market: Located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace, the Ubud Art Market is gearing up to open in December 2022 after relocating and undergoing extensive renovations. Locally known as Pasar Seni Ubud, travelers from across the globe will be able to visit the market to find beautiful silk scarves, handmade woven bags, baskets, hats, and many other authentic handcrafted items.

Indulge in Sunday Brunch at Sawah Terrace: To celebrate its seventh anniversary, Mandapa recently announced a new Sunday Bruch at Sawah Terrace, featuring the finest delicacies and traditional dining customs in Bali. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the flavors of the Indonesian archipelago with local dishes, including Tuna Gohu (ceviche), Sop Buntut (oxtail soup), Nasi Campur (Indonesian rice bowls), Babi Guling (Balinese suckling pig), and Beef Konro (slow roasted beef), making a connection with the community and Balinese people.

Hike to Mount Batur at Sunrise: One of Bali’s sacred volcanoes, Mount Batur is located 5,600 feet above sea level and accessible by a three-hour hike. Boasting stunning panoramic views, Mount Batur offers a one-of-a-kind setting to watch the sunrise and connect with nature, soothing the minds and souls of all who make the journey.

Cycle Through Ubud’s Rice Fields: To experience a magnificent view of the rice fields and learn about the traditional irrigation system, travelers can take advantage of cycling through the breathtaking Ceking Rice Terrace. A long-time icon of Bali scenery and culture, it is not to be missed with its sloping green rice fields.

Trek to The Highest Temple: A visit to the the highest temple in East Bali, the Lempuyang Temple, is both a physical and spiritual journey for travelers to the province. The temple is considered one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali and offers a glimpse into the customs of the local Balinese community. Complete with views of Mount Agung, visitors can take in beautiful scenery as they trek the 1,700-steps to reach the temple.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the third resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection. Located in Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart of Ubud where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River, Mandapa is an exclusive journey inside an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory journey to wellness and nature. Mandapa offers 35 suites, 25 private pool villas, four unique dining concepts, including exclusive dining beyond experiences within the Reserve, and a restorative Spa and fitness center.

Designed as a sanctuary to relax one’s mind, body, and soul, Mandapa offers individually tailored spiritual, wellness, and health programs as well as activities to suit travelers of all ages, such as Mandapa Camp, along with the personalized attention of a dedicated Patih or butler.

With understaffing and mounting delays and cancellations, travel experts offer advice and recommendations for staying ahead of the travel chaos.

It’s no secret that traveling this summer was more chaotic than in years past. But how will travel around Thanksgiving — one of the busiest flying seasons in the U.S. — look this year?

In the summer, air travel was hugely impacted by understaffing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, causing flight cancellations and delays along with lost baggage and an overall rocky journeying experience.

To ease the stress around traveling during this Thanksgiving season, TODAY spoke to two travel experts and consulted with travel site TripAdvisor to compile a list of tips and answer common questions about the less-than-friendly skies.

How will Thanksgiving travel look in 2022?

According to Tripadvisor’s fall travel index, six out of 10 Americans plan to travel this season, despite the travel chaos, and 50% of people plan on traveling more this fall compared to last fall.

Melanie Lieberman, senior features editor at travel site The Points Guy, told TODAY that she is expecting a more chaotic travel season than normal, given the fact that airlines have already reduced their schedules and demand is high during the holiday season.

Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant and co-host of travel show “The Jet Set,” pointed to a culmination of factors that he says has the potential to unfold in a disastrous way for travelers this Thanksgiving.

“What I’m really interested in watching is the convergence of COVID and the flu together without masks because that’s something we haven’t done yet,” Laurie told TODAY, referencing how this holiday season will be the first winter and flu season that masks are no longer required on domestic flights.

“As people begin to call in sick, it’s now a question of whether or not these airlines have enough staff to crew and man the plane,” he said.

What time should I get to the airport?

Lieberman recommends arriving at the airport three hours before your flight to account for potentially long lines. But she also suggests taking extra measures to sidestep airport crowds.

“This is a really great time for travelers to ensure they are enrolled in programs that cut down on the time you need to spend at the airport and will make that travel process easier, so ensure that you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck … or Clear,” Lieberman said, referring to programs that allow travelers to skip long lines and have special exceptions at airport security, like not having to take your shoes off.

She also recommends checking if your credit card company allows access to an airport lounge, so you can arrive at the airport earlier and then spend time in the lounge.

Laurie also recommends arriving at the airport three hours before your flight, but he believes the long lines are the result of flyers anticipating them.

“Everyone goes super early, and then everyone’s there for a 6 p.m. flight at 7 in the morning, and now you’ve got these lines that just continue on forever because everyone’s paranoid,” Laurie said.

What can I do to make the travel experience easier?

First and foremost, both experts emphasize the importance of flexibility and having a backup plan, because it’s likely that your flying itinerary will not go perfectly smoothly.

Lieberman suggests flying out earlier in the week and later after Thanksgiving, given how short the holiday is, to give yourself a few days of buffer for getting where you need to be.

“One thing we’ve been recommending all summer long is taking the first flight out if you can, even if you’re not an early bird,” Lieberman said.

Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor, told TODAY that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be the busiest day of travel. She recommends choosing your airports strategically.

“Airports in major hubs will be more crowded, (so) it’s a good time for travelers to take advantage of smaller regional airports whenever possible for a smoother experience with less delays and congestion,” Brogan said.

Laurie added that some airlines have certain agreements with other airlines to rebook you should your flight get canceled.

“Not every airline has those agreements,” Laurie said. “So in the back of your mind, have a backup plan in the event you are canceled and the next available flight isn’t for three days, and at that point, it’s already Thanksgiving.”

How can I stay COVID-19 safe if there’s no longer a mask mandate?

Masks are no longer mandated on domestic flights in the U.S., though some international flights may require masks through a country’s specific COVID-19 requirements. But, Laurie said, masks are still recommended.

“It’s not unusual anymore to board an airplane wearing a mask, whereas in 2019 if you did it, everyone would look at you thinking, ‘Oh no, you’re sick,'” he said. “Now, no one would even think a thing if you walk on the airplane wearing it, so why not do it to protect yourself?”

Additionally, with the flu season fast incoming, Laurie noted many people will be falling sick, and every airline is handling sick calls and positive COVID-19 cases differently.

To limit exposure and ease the travel process, Lieberman reiterated the importance of not traveling in the days immediately before and after the holiday, if possible, and instead trying to fly on less busy days earlier and later in the week.

How can I ease the travel process if I’m flying with children?

Lieberman recommends ensuring you have early boarding, whether that’s part of the airline’s policy or something that you have to pay for, because air travel will inevitably be more crowded this year.

“Flying on a less crowded day is definitely helpful,” she emphasized. “(And) if you have a whole family traveling only with carry-ons, you want to make sure you have room for your bags in the overhead compartment … so keeping your family together and getting early boarding is one way to cut down on the stress a little bit more.”

Laurie recommends packing a little bit extra when traveling with children in the event that your journey hits a speed bump. He suggests looking into the airline’s seating process, because some airlines will not necessarily seat families together just because they are on the same reservation.

“So long as there’s a guardian for every child, there’s no real requirement to fit you together if that’s the fare you booked,” Laurie said. “Make sure if you want to sit together, you spend the extra $15-$20 per ticket and ensure you have your seats together.”

In all, Brogan summed up the travel experience in one concise tip: “Pack your patience, and recognize the airlines, hotels and restaurants on your vacation are doing their best to serve you despite continued labor and supply chain challenges.”