PERIPATETIC.LIFE

How to travel non-stop

June 27, 2018

So, you’ve decided that travelling once or twice a year isn’t sufficing your appetite anymore? Don’t worry, because with a little bit of courage you can travel the world non-stop. Living inside a plane, rather than a house. Here are my tips as to how you can live that lifestyle.

Use your hobbies to earn money
We all have things that we excel at, so why not teach your hobbies abroad rather than at home? Be it photography or horseback riding. Research which countries are most likely to need your knowledge and expertise and then get paid to teach what you love!

Master the English Language
If you dominate the English language well, then you can virtually travel anywhere as a TEFL teacher and get paid to live and explore that new country! Learning the English language is what many countries would love to learn therefore you have a pretty open spectrum as to where you would like to travel. Be it South America or Asia.

Learn to scrimp and save
Maybe flying is comfortable, but paying for it, not so much. Don’t waste your money on things excessively, instead keep your pennies to buy the next flight ticket. They are not expensive when you book in at least a month’s advance.

Pack light
Or as light as possible. This can be a challenge especially when travelling a long distance; you think you need the entirety of your wardrobe! However, packing light means you have less to worry about and fewer fees to pay at the airport. Try detoxing from things that don’t serve you much a few months before travelling and then you realise how little you need to look good and survive!

Look after yourself
If you fly from city to country to continent, you need some time to look after yourself. As an introvert, I can sense the stress rising when I don’t have time for myself; therefore I need to make sure I make time for myself to feel 100%. Go for a massage or exercise to melt the stress away. Flying frequently can not only take a toll physically but also mentally, so you have to be prepared for the challenge.

I hope you have received some inspiration from this article, and if you are somebody who travels non-stop, please share how you can see the world to inspire many. As always, I wish everybody many happy travels!

You are never too young, or too old, to travel

June 14, 2018

One of the best things about travelling, aside from having great experiences, seeing different cultures and how people all over the world live, is that travel has no expiration date and no room for discrimination. You are never too young or too old to travel. Here I have a list of reasons why you should start travelling right away.

1) It teaches you about life.
Not only do you realise how people live in different parts of the world, and you experience different cultures, but you also understand how you fit into this world. You discover your uniqueness, gifts, and how people struggle and thrive in everyday life. Life cannot be taught in a classroom; it can only be seen from up close.

2) It shows you how to become a better person.
Travelling teaches you patience, how to go with the flow when things don’t go as planned (trust me, that can be a lot of the time) and how to respect and get along with other people from all walks of life and different countries.

3) It makes you realise how big the world is.
Once you realise how big the world is, you see how little space you occupy. You are never the centre of attention when you visit from country to country, realising that there genuinely are billions of people roaming this earth and you are just one person, smushed between the billions of other humans who are just like you.

4) It allows you to see life through the eyes of many.
You speak to people, you understand how life differs from country to continent, and you realise and become aware of life in different parts of the world. From the rich to the poor. Nothing teaches you more about each country’s current society than travelling and seeing the world through the eyes of many. Not just what you read and hear.

5) It makes you humble.
Breaking free from the bubble of comfort makes you appreciate everything you have, and everything you’ve lost. There will always be somebody in better situations than you find yourself in, and in worse circumstances. Being grateful for even the little things in your life is a gift. A great gift you are taught when you travel.

What else has travelling taught you? I’d love to hear! Post a comment below. As always, I wish you all happy travels and marvellous adventures to bless your life.

Top five cities to visit in Germany

June 12, 2018

If you have not visited Germany already, then I advise that you do. Not only does it have great architecture, delicious cuisine, and over 2 millennia of history, but there is a balance between wildlife, city life and town life, boasting some of the best, picturesque villages in Europe and of course, castles. I have selected my top places in Germany, and why you should visit them right now.

1) Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This small village has become relatively well known within the last few years, and it is easy to see why. With its architecture and streets, it looks like a toy town, and its relaxing atmosphere is excellent if you wish to take a break from the city. Only an hour and 40 minutes drive from Frankfurt, this is an excellent spot if you want to sample some of their famous sweet treats, known as the snowball, ‘schneeballen’ in German.

Points of interest: The Old Town and Rathaus (Town Hall), The Old Town Walls, Medieval crime museum.
Average time to spend in the city: A day or two is enough to sample what this beautiful quaint town has to offer. It indeed is a great escape from hectic day to day life, and you will most certainly feel rejuvenated after spending some time here.

2) Hanau
Home to the famous Grimm Brothers, who wrote the majority of our beloved childhood fairy tales, Hanau is more than the birthplace of the great authors. Located 25km east of Frankfurt am Main. This city is a great visit if you want to go someplace that is not a tourist hub. It is a simpler place, with not much happening, but it still is an excellent place if you want to explore Germany and you are located close by.

Points of interest: Schloss Philippsruhe, Wildpark, State Park WIlhemsbad.
Average time to spend in the city: A day or two is sufficient to get a taste of Hanau.

3) Frankfurt
The Metropolitan capital of Germany, not to be mistaken for Frankfurt Oder which borders Poland, Frankfurt am Main is the banking centre for Germany. Just like any other significant city in the world, London, New York, Frankfurt offers excellent day and nightlife to its locals and tourists. With its futuristic skyline occupying the town, Frankfurt is a must if you want to experience the essence of modern Germany.

Points of interest: Senckenberg Natural History Museum, The Palm Garden, The Museum District, The Römerberg, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral.
Average time to spend in the city: To see everything, and experience what the city has to offer, four to five days should be sufficient to take it all in.

4) Stuttgart
Home to Porsche and Mercedes Benz, Stuttgart is known as the capital of Mechanical engineering in Germany. With beautiful buildings and castles in its city centre, Stuttgart is perfect for avid car fanatics as well as people who want to have a weekend break.

Points of interest: Neues Schloss Castle, Schlosspark, Mercedes Benz Museum, Porsche Museum.
Average time to spend in the city: You can comfortably see all of its attractions and sample the day and nightlife in three days.

5) Rüdesheim am Rhein
Famously depicted in the 1960’s film, ‘G.I Blues’, starring Elvis Presley and Juliet Prowse, this tourist city is beautiful and tranquil, but with more vibrancy than Rothernburg. Most famous for its iconic cable car journey, which whisks you through the picturesque village and across its vineyards and finally to the famous Niederwald Monument.

Points of interest: Niederwald Monument, Ehrenfels Castle, Drosselgasse, Rheinstein Castle, Eibingen Abbey, Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet, Cable Car.
Average time to spend in the city: With most points of attraction being relatively close to one another, two to three days is a considerable amount of time to spend in the tourist town.

How to vacation like a pro

June 7, 2018

Planning your escape to another city or country is very exciting. However, organising the trip, not so much. From packing to planning, I have curated a list of things that will help you with your next journey, so that you can travel with ease and have the best time, not the worst time.

1) Your phone makes everything easier.
Thanks to the world we live in, airlines and hotels all have their apps so that you can get your boarding passes and hotel bookings all in one place. Less baggage, and fewer things to hassle with, giving you peace of mind. All you need is your phone when you travel. This handy device is not only what you need to get from A to B, but also to capture your amazing memories with the camera.

2) Learn the lingo.
One part of travelling is learning. Not only the culture, history but also the language. You don’t have to be fluent, but learning the basics in any language will help you a lot. Apps such as ‘Duolingo’ which is free, are great ways to practice on the go.

3) Don’t stay in one city.
If you want to see more of the world, you need to venture out! There is nothing wrong with staying in one place the entirety of your vacation; however, there are so many hidden gems in every country which aren’t known to the average tourist. If you have extra time and feel bored, then you can research how to get to the next city and have a wander. You never know what you may find.

4) Plan ahead.
To experience the city in the way which you want to experience it, make plans for the highlights and all the things you want to do. Making plans gives you clarity and a bigger picture of how much time you need, how much to spend, how much to pack etc. therefore it’s always a must on my list.

5) Keep it basic.
When it comes to packing, make sure to keep it basic. You don’t need everything in your house for a few days getaway. Pair your outfits ahead, and take the things you use on a daily basis. Everything else is not necessary. Learning this tactic can help you to make hand luggage with you anywhere you go, leaving you with fewer things to carry and no extra surcharge on cheap flights.

6) Try to blend in.
To avoid pickpockets trying to steal from you, and street vendors avidly pushing you to buy their products, try not to hang your camera around your neck, or have a large map in hand. This appearance makes you known to the world that you are a tourist, and unfortunately many think that tourists are an easier target than anybody else. To relieve yourself from unnecessary stress, try to dress like the locals, and you will not be annoyed by strangers.

I hope you have found these tips helpful, and have learnt something new. As always, I wish you all the best on your next adventure! Let’s see where the world takes you.

The forgotten city of Herculaneum, Italy

June 5, 2018

Once a vibrant coastal city, where only the wealthy Romans could afford to live, Herculaneum has become nothing more than rubble and ruins. Living in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, there was no escape for its inhabitants when the infamous explosion occurred in 79ad. Pompeii is the main tourist attractions when visiting the coast of Naples, but you should not forget to take a day tour to Herculaneum. Here I will explain why you should add Herculaneum to your bucket list.

1) History is well preserved.
In some ways, Herculaneum is a more exciting place to visit than Pompeii. Surrounded by volcanic rock, its location gives you a far more precise idea of the magnitude of the ghastly volcanic eruption. While roofs in Pompei collapsed under the weight of falling ash, it is stated that only a few centimetres of ash fell on Herculaneum, causing little damage. You can wander the streets, and feel as though you are part of the Roman era. It’s an experience you will not forget.

2) Easily accessible.
Whether you are located in Naples or Salerno, getting to Herculaneum is easy. With access from buses, trains, and tours. Luckily everywhere is practical to travel within Italy and very reasonably priced too, with trips around three euro one way, so it leaves you with no excuse to not hop on the train and dive straight into a piece of history.

3) Walk through time.
Alongside Pompeii, the most famous city engulfed by the Volcano’s ash and debris, Herculaneum is a must see while you are there. It is said, that the inhabitants died instantaneously, quicker than the inhabitants of Pompeii, due to the hot ash, causing their brains to burst. You can’t see the skeletons from up close, unfortunately, but you can from afar, and the sight is still daunting.

4) It’s an excellent location for a walk.
Why not stretch your legs, while taking in the history and learning more about the city you are visiting? There is nothing better than learning while exercising. And with summer weather being glorious in the South of Italy, why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to visit Herculaneum.

If you have not already visited this fantastic city of Herculaneum, I hope that this article has inspired you. If you have been and you wish to leave some recommendations or tips, please comment them down below. As always, I hope you all have happy travels, wherever it is that you are travelling to next.

Whisk yourself away to the French Riviera

May 29, 2018

It’s summer, and you’re deciding what to do. Well, do not worry, because I have contrived the perfect destination for you. The French Riviera. With the Mediterranean waves, hitting the beach, and warm evenings to enjoy delicious dining, this calming atmosphere is the perfect place to regenerate your mind and soul.

DSCN1936 — The beautiful small town of Èze

Comprised of numerous cities, the most famed being Nice, Cannes and of course the second smallest country in the world, Monaco, not only does the French Riviera ooze character, glamour and fashion, but it is one of the most popular destinations for the summer months. Not difficult to understand why.

DSCN1921 — Renowned for its luxury lifestyle, Monaco

Many have the perception that it is an expensive place to take your vacation, but in reality, it is accommodating to every budget. Small or large. There are restaurants of all quality, serving an array of cuisines, not only French, and the beach offers private areas for people who wish to pay, and also public spaces which are of course, free.

IMG_1821-2 — Mostly known for its glamour, Cannes

So, if you have not decided on where to go for a relaxing break, reconsider giving the French Riviera a try and if you have already visited the gorgeous French coast, then please comment below your experience. Hopefully, my photos will entice you to put your feet in the mild waters of the Mediterranean sea. I wish you all happy travels, wherever it is that the world takes you.

The hidden gem of the French Riviera, Mentón

Interview with the CEO of ‘Storyteller’

May 16, 2018

A new up and coming travel accessory business, Storyteller, not only sells excellent gadgets and accessories, but they also help the less fortunate, with each purchase made. Doing precisely as what their motto states ‘travel more, do good.’
I have had the honour of getting an insight into the business and the life of the CEO of the company, Bhavesh Patel, and hopefully, give my readers inspiration as well as exposure to the company. If you wish to check out their charity work as well as their travel stories and accessories, click here. Now let’s get into the interview!

1. What inspired you to create your company ‘Storyteller’?
Although I practised as a lawyer for a number of years, I always wanted to start my own company.
To create any business, however, having an incredible passion for what the company does is important, so I combined the two things I love and was most passionate about, travel and giving back to create Storyteller.
Travelling the globe allowed me to witness some incredible sights, but also showed me the problems occurring all over the world, especially, the lack of access to quality education for children. It was during my trips to India and Peru where I saw the effects of this, as so many adults I met were utterly illiterate. It was a repeat cycle, which was also increasing the number of individuals in poverty.
I wanted to help make a change and therefore made a conscious decision that an integral part of Storyteller would be to help fund and run educational workshops for both children and adults in underprivileged countries.
To create the type of global impact I wanted Storyteller to have, however, it was essential to have a range of high quality and unique travel accessories that set Storyteller apart from other companies.
That is where our flagship product, FlagMate fits really well. A unique travel accessory which combines the longevity of a travel journal with the simplicity of a souvenir, to create the perfect personalised product for travellers to capture their memories.

2. What advice do you have for people who wish to create their own business?

1) Have a full-time job and work on starting your company in your spare time until you are ready to make the complete jump! By doing this, you will have the financial input to put in at the start and also income to fall back as most companies won’t make profits immediately.

2) Pick the right team/business partners. If you are starting a business with a team or with a business partner, make sure that you complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, rather than just basing it on being good friends. Bringing different skills to the table in business is super important and will hold you well in the long term.

If you are starting a business as a solo entrepreneur, ‘solopreneur’, having positive people around is essential. They can help bounce ideas but also help out with marketing activities at the start which is when you could do with a first push in the right direction!

3) Use your travel experience! The most competitive companies today are global in nature, and to make your company, service or product relevant to new markets. You need to have a global mindset. You can read about world markets and study analyst reports, but there’s no substitute for indeed experiencing the world yourself.

4) Create a company which is based on something that you are genuinely passionate about, in the long term, and this will make getting out of bed much easier!

3. What is the most important thing you have learnt while travelling?
There are so so many! Travel has been one of the best teachers outside of the classroom for me. It has helped me grow my communication skills by continually being exposed to people from different cultures, religions and communities that I would never have encountered on the streets of London. It also allowed me to conquer my fear of heights as I climbed to the top of Trolltunga (Norway) and sat on the cliff edge some, 15,000ft in the air!
I have also learnt that when things don’t go to plan- never panic. If you lose your passport, don’t worry, you can go to the nearest embassy and arrange for an alternative. If you miss a bus, don’t worry there will be another one. If during the pursuit of your dreams there is a failure, don’t dwell on it, learn the lesson and move forward.
“Sometimes the thing that didn’t’ happen, often is the best thing that ever happened.” (Sorry I had to quote Dwayne Johnson somewhere ☺ )

4. What are your top 3 countries you have visited and why?
This is a tough one! I would have to say Norway for its incredible views, hikes and beautiful nature. It is one of the special places in the world where you can completely switch off and be mesmerised by the views in front of you.
Definitely Peru, for its amazing food, culture and magical places. I know people talk about Maccha Picchu a lot, but honestly, the energy and experience of just being there is out of this world, it is one thing I would recommend everybody experiences in their lifetime!
Finally, I cannot forget India. The food, culture, traditions and love the people of India share, really make this a this a special place for me. During my last visit to India, I stayed with a local family which was an experience that really stuck with me. The people in the village had very little, yet they gave so much to each other. The love and togetherness stuck with me, and it was great to see human beings, just being human.

5. What are your goals for this year?
Although Storyteller is not a charity, we want to part of a wave of new start-ups who are proving that having a balance between profit and philanthropy can generate a positive outcome for all individuals involved, and I believe that this will be an integral part of a business for years to come.
We are aiming to add six new products to our existing range, all of which will be made from eco-friendly materials, built to the highest quality for travellers around the world.
My long-term vision is not just for Storyteller to do good as a brand but to bring together passionate travellers from around the world in unity with a mission to do good in the world.

I hope you have enjoyed this interview, and if you have any questions please comment them down below, and they will get answered. If you wish to follow the adventures of the ‘Storyteller’ team, make sure to follow them on Instagram by clicking here. As always, until next time, I wish you all happy travels!

The unforgettable gem of the French Riviera – Mentón

April 26, 2018

With its nickname ‘Pearl of France’ this quaint city is sure a must see. Sandwiched between the Italian Riviera and Monaco, Mentón is the city not many people from abroad decide to spend their holiday. The town boasts much beauty that many oversee, which is why I want to share with you a few reasons why you should decide to make Mentón your next summer destination. If you are not following me on Instagram already, then please do as I am currently posting a selection of photos from my time in Mentón. Click here to keep updated on my travelling adventures.

It is less crowded than other parts of the French Riviera.
Thanks to the lack of fame Mentón offers, you can be sure to enjoy peace and tranquillity which is what we all genuinely want on holiday!

It has a gorgeous beach and plenty of restaurants by the sea.
With the beach aligned by an array of different cuisines at differences prices, Mentón is undoubtedly building a reputation with foodies.

It is easy to get to.
With flights to Nice being cheap, as low as, you can get the bus from the airport which takes you directly to Mentón. Great for budget travellers!

You can find more affordable hotel rates than other parts of the French Riviera.
It may not have a reputation yet, but this pretty city is perfect for a getaway without spending all of your money on accommodation, like many other famous areas of the French Riviera.

It may not be as glam, like Cannes or Monaco but it sure has kept its originality throughout the years.
Surrounded by the soft waves of the Mediterranean sea, and beautiful gardens, showcasing rare exotic plants, and brightly painted architecture this city is a real gem to the French Riviera.

I hope this article has garnered interest for your next trip to Mentón and with flights reaching as low as £40 return flights from London, why wouldn’t you go? High season is fast approaching, so if you have not booked your summer holiday yet, then take into consideration Mentón. As always, I wish you all happy travels, and if anybody has visited Mentón or has gathered inspiration from my article, I would love to hear from you!

A novice guide to seeing the world

April 24, 2018

Travelling is what brings us together, and many of us have the need and want to travel outside of our country. It is just that many we do not know where to begin! Airfare is too high, hotel prices are high, and it seems like too much fuss. Well, luckily for you I am here to give you tips on how you also can travel the world!

Booking flights
The best time to book flights is on a Tuesday, and usually a month – two before departure.
The cheapest flights usually land in airports further away from the city centre. However, don’t pay for a taxi as they will cost you a ridiculous amount. Find public transport instead.

Save money
If you want to travel more than once a year, then be prepared to cut back on the unnecessary everyday items. That can be such as buying your morning coffee every day and eating out multiple times of the week.

Take time to research
Doing your research will help you find when fewer tourists go to a particular place, meaning you will get a better deal.

You do not need to break the bank to have fun
Realise that there are a lot of fun things to do for free on holiday. Like walking and swimming in the sea.

Be organised
Try to make a plan before visiting the country, and then you can see how much money you will be spending and seeing if you are spending it on unnecessary things

Partake in the travel game
Take time to make accounts on Expedia, booking.com, Skyscanner. Doing this can help, as they can give you alerts and also good deals and offers.

I hope you have found these tips useful. Once you get the ball rolling, travelling becomes easier, cheaper and you get granted more opportunities! Even if you work an office job, you can find ways to have weekend breaks or a lovely exotic holiday once or twice in the year. It is all about analysing your lifestyle and realising there are always areas in which you can cut back on. As always, I wish you all many happy travels!

Pros and cons of being a TEFL Teacher

April 12, 2018

A TEFL teacher, teaching English as a foreign language, is a pretty fantastic job. You can teach in so many countries in the world, spreading your love of language to many, giving them opportunities all while you get paid to live abroad and explore new territory.

It is a win-win situation for fellow travellers who love the English language! Although, it can be pretty tough at times. Especially if you are abroad alone, and you cannot always rely on having the most behaved of students. That is just something all teachers know once they begin teaching. In this article, I will share you the pros and cons of being a TEFL teacher. Maybe it will help you choose your next career and give you an insight of the reality behind it.

PROS:

You can live anywhere you wish.
The more languages you know, the more extensive the world becomes. Of course, anybody can travel anywhere and use an app for translation, but living in a country is entirely different. You can feel vulnerable if you do not speak the language of your peers, but if you pick up languages easily, then you have so many opportunities which you may not realise! It can be daunting for anybody to make a move, especially when you cannot speak the language. However, landing a job as an English Teacher is a great way to get to know people, and help others at the same time.

You get paid to travel.
You do get paid to teach English, but if you live in a country you have never explored before, you are open to see so many things and experience what is it like to be a local, not just a tourist.

You are helping people.
The number one thing in teaching is that you are helping others reach their goals, leaving you satisfied when you have done an excellent job. If the passion is not there, I advise you to choose a different career, because it just is not fair to sabotage people’s abilities and future for money.

CONS:

It can be lonely.
Moving to a new country by yourself can be a struggle when you are used to being around family and friends. There may be the worry that you will not fit in, but that is all part of the challenge and one you should embrace.

It is a strenuous job.
Teaching is heavy work. Waking up early, teaching for most of the day, just to get home and mark papers and prepare for your next lesson. When you are going through your training to obtain your TEFL certificate, you will be faced with these challenges. If you feel unprepared for it then, then it most likely will not be the job you desire.

It is not going to make you rich.
It sure is a rewarding job, and you can travel, but you will not make excessive amounts of money. Also, you need to pay rent, food, and look after yourself. Although it sure is a decent wage, especially with the perks you receive.

I hope you have gathered useful information from this article. We must not forget how lucky we are to know and speak the English language fluently and the opportunities knowing languages can bring to us. I feel like the teaching of languages should be pushed to a higher category in school, because it allows one to have so many opportunities to curate a better life for themselves. As always, I wish you all happy travels and keep learning languages!

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