How to Budget Travel when you’re a Grown-Up

So you never got to take that gap year when you were fresh out of high school, but now you’re older and you’ve saved up some cash to treat yourself to an amazing travel adventure.

The big question is; how exactly are you going to travel without breaking the budget when you can’t sleep in hostel rooms or rely on being a student abroad?

Here’s how…

Research – Planning a head is also a good idea. By doing your research beforehand you can get the best deals and find places that offer grown-up activities.

Destination – When it comes to picking a destination, you should choose a place where your money will go further. No, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid expensive destinations entirely, but a week somewhere may be the same cost as spending a month somewhere else.

Budget – Try and plan out a budget of how much you can spend each day. You may want to spend more on luxury accommodation, but that means a shorter trip. Or spend less and stay for longer. It all depends on your priorities.

Bargain – You may be able to negotiate the price of your stay in a hotel or a hostel, especially if you look like a responsible older traveller.

The Longer Route – Always remember that slow transportation is usually cheap transportation. But also remember that trains and buses can allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Cook – It can be really fun to go from restaurant to restaurant, but this is one way to spend all your money fast. If you are staying in one place for most of your holiday then aim to cook a few meals yourself.

Know when to spoil yourself – You’re a grown-up now so you have the means as well as the sense to know when to splurge!

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NEVER eat these foods before flying

What you eat before you get on board can make a big impact on how you feel once you’re in the air, so leave those dining disasters off your pre-flight checklist and you’ll avoid the dreaded “jet bloat”, being the smelly seatmate and other flying horrors.

Beans

Always avoid anything that can cause access gas build up in your tummy, that means the obvious suspects like beans, broccoli and cabbage. You don’t want to spend the entire flight feeling bloated and no one on board will appreciate a gassy passenger.

Fizzy Cooldrinks

Yes, fizzy drinks can cause gas. Not only that, but drinks with caffeine will keep you from sleeping and cause multiple trips to the bathroom. The carbonation will probably also cause you to burp continuously and get heartburn.

Garlic 

Everyone knows it – garlic causes bad breath. Having stinky garlic breath while you’re in the tight quarters of a plane is not a nice thing for the passengers around you, plus it can also cause bad body odor.

French Fries

The wonderful smell of fries in the airport can be your biggest weakness, but you need to fight the urges and avoid eating them before you get on your flight! The fats and oils in fried food can cause heart burn which can lead to a very uncomfortable flight.

Alcohol

You might want to calm your nerves and indulge in some much needed alcoholic beverages, but alcohol has a dehydrating effect. Since the air in the airplane is also very dry, drinking alcohol can make it even worse. Stick to drinking lots of water and you'll stay properly hydrated. 

Burgers

A lot of people have difficulty digesting meat; if you decide to eat a huge double cheeseburger before you get on board, you might find yourself having digestive issues the whole flight. Plus eating a lot of meat can cause a very unpleasant body odor, and nobody wants to smell that!

Coffee

It's common to want to grab a cup of coffee before you get on your flight, but it’s actually best to avoid it! It not only leaves you with coffee breath, but it can leave you jittery, dehydrated and with an irritated bladder.

Chilli Peppers

Spicy food can cause discomfort in your stomach and bladder irritation, it can also leave you with a burning mouth. You don’t want to deal with your mouth feeling on fire during your flight, so avoid the hot peppers.

Fruits

Avoid apples at all costs, they are very hard to digest and can leave you very gassy. Orange juice should also be avoided as it can be very acidic and lead to heartburn, plus it can make you urinate more and you don’t want to be trekking up and down the plane the whole flight.

Bubble Gum

Gum might stop your ears from popping, but guess what? The more you chew the more air you swallow which leads to gas build up in your stomach and that means being bloated! The artificial sweetener in the gum can also cause flatulence.

If you feel hungry before your flight, or during the flight make your trip more pleasant and make sure to always avoid these foods, they should probably be saved for when you land in your destination.

Try these in flight dining hacks from Airport Shuttle - https://airportshuttlecapetown.blogspot.co.za/2016/09/10-genius-in-flight-dining-hacks.html

Strange Airport Facilities around the World

Normally sitting in the airport during a layover means stale sandwiches and trying to sleep on uncomfortable plastic chairs, however there are quite a few airports out there that have really upped their game.

Whether you’re stuck waiting for your flight or you’ve just arrived early, here are some weird and wonderful airport facilities around the world that’ll make your wait a lot more fun!

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – Art Museum

When you think of an airport, the first thing that pops into your mind is definitely not an art museum; however the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a museum called the Rijksmuseum that is open on a daily basis. Feel free to visit and soak in the beautiful exhibits and paintings.

Vancouver International Airport – Aquariums

There are not only one, but two aquariums in the Vancouver International Airport. Come and view a range of marine animals and plants, like sea urchins, jellyfish and eels. Believe it or not, but there is also a creek running through the terminal and the largest leafy wall in North America!

Hong Kong International Airport – Golf Course

Did you miss your morning game? Don’t worry because at Hong Kong International Airport you can play nine holes, simply bring your equipment or rent some. You can even hire a caddy for your game!

Tokyo Narita Airport – Oxygen Lounge

Did you ever think you would need to use an oxygen lounge? Well in the Tokyo Narita Airport they offer a facility where they pump oxygen directly into your lungs. No, this isn’t your plain old oxygen; this oxygen comes in some awesome flavours including cinnamon.

Miami International Airport – Canine Therapy

This isn’t therapy for your dog, but a trained pooch that encourages passengers to stop for a minute and play! The loveable golden retriever travels around the airport wearing a “pet me” vest, bringing smiles and happiness to otherwise stressful travel.

Zurich Airport – Nature Trails

Switzerland is a gorgeous place, so it is only fitting that they want to bring the beauty of Mother Nature to their Airport. Explore and find a nature conservation area between the runways, you can even rent bicycles and walking poles for the day.

Chicago O’Hare Airport – Dinosaur Skeleton

In terminal one, towering four storeys above you will find one of the biggest dinosaur skeletons in the world! The Brachiosaurus is on loan from the National History Museum and stands 22 metres tall – take a look if you want to kill time as well as learn a little something.

Some airports have gone all out when it comes to out of the ordinary airport facilities - what do you think?

Airport Shuttle is an affordable and reliable way to get to and from the airport in Cape Town and Durban - book your shuttle today!

How to Survive Travelling with Teenagers

Travel is one of the most important things you can experience with your child. However the teen years can prove quite tricky and travelling with them can be a bit of a challenge.

Make your next trip as teen-friendly as you possibly can with these helpful tips:

  Ø  Get them involved

From the very beginning of your travel adventure, make sure that your teen is involved. Get them to help with choosing a destination, creating itineraries and planning activities. Getting them involved will stir up the excitement and give them a sense of responsibility. Even during the trip, make sure you assign them fun tasks such as taking photographs of the surroundings or navigating with the GPS.

  Ø  Tough love

This one is a challenge, but it needs to be done. Find a way to convince your teens to leave behind their most precious items, like their tablet, laptop, gaming device, etc. They may protest and cause a scene, but these items will only distract them from spending quality family time together. After a day or so, they’ll come around and you’ll see how much more engaged they’ll be.

  Ø  Give them space

Even on holiday, teenagers still need their space. This can be tricky if your whole family is stuck in a small hotel room. If possible, it would be great to book separate or adjoining rooms for your older kids. This will give them some space to breathe after a long day of family bonding.

  Ø  Just chill

There’s always so much to do, but so little time. Make sure when you’re on your vacation that you don’t try and fit too many activities into one day, this will only cause tension and leave everyone feeling frazzled and ready to snap. Rather spread your plans out over a few days and leave time to just chill, like lying by the pool or watching a movie together!

The teen years are an important time to spend time with family and form a life-long bond. Travelling with teenagers can be difficult, but it is worth the challenge!

Airport Shuttle is a shuttle service that operates in both Cape Town and Durban. If you need to get to and from the airport comfortably and on time - book your Airport Shuttle today!

Why your Mom is the Best Travel Companion

Forget about a romantic weekend away, a girl’s getaway or a boy’s holiday. This time it’s time to call up your mom and make her your trusty travel companion.

Here are 12 reasons why your mom is the best person to travel with!

-- She knows exactly how to pack a suitcase properly

-- She’ll get you to do things you wouldn’t usually do without her

-- She knows how to fix any illness and she always has medication on hand

-- She won’t let you make bad footwear choices

-- She’ll spoil you no matter how old you are

-- She won’t let you stay in a dorm or communal accommodation

-- She has the best taste in food

-- She understands your moods

-- She reads a map like a professional

-- You’ll be able to bond and become the best of friends!

Are you ready for your mom to become your travel companion?

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How to Travel with your Dog

Bringing your dog on a trip with you can really add lots of fun to your trip. However you need to do your homework when it comes to dog travel.

By planning your furry friends travel ahead of time, you can have plenty of time to sit back and relax...

     1.       PLAN. Some places may require special tests to be done before you travel into their country. Make sure you take the necessary steps before you take your trip.

     2.       BREED. If you have a short-nosed pooch some airlines will not allow them to travel due to their potential breathing difficulties. It’s best to check with the carrier beforehand.

     3.       CHECK & CARRY. Will you be checking your pet as cargo or bringing them on the flight with you. If you have a small dog it is up to you what you do, however larger dogs need to be checked.

     4.       CALL. Some airlines prefer it if you call them ahead of time and make plans for your dog.

     5.       SHOTS. In some countries you will need to present a certificate showing that your dog has the right rabies shots.

     6.       SLEEPING PILLS. Yes, its okay for you to pass out on the plan after taking some sleeping pills, but giving your pet a tranquillizer could make it difficult for them to breathe! Instead check first with your vet to see what pills you can give your dog.

     7.       FOOD & DRINK. Always keep food and water attached to your carrier in case your pet needs feeding if there is ever an emergency situation.

Make your trip fun for you and your dog!

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Everyone should do these things when travelling alone

Many people say travelling alone is the best experience they’ve ever had. No one rushing you somewhere you don’t want to go, you can just do whatever you want to do!

Here are ... things everyone should do when they take that solo trip...

1.         Check your luggage. You’re alone, so no one is waiting for you because everyone managed to only bring a carry-on.

2.         Sleep late. One day don’t set an alarm and sleep it, after all you don’t have anyone rushing you around!

3.         Wake up early. Go to sleep early and wake up early. When you’re alone you won’t have anyone pressuring you into going out on the town.

4.         Cook. Go to the market and make something you love with the authentic local ingredients.

5.         Try a workout class. Whether it is Tai Chi in China or yoga in India, try something new that isn’t offered at home.

6.         Visit a popular restaurant without a reservation. This is brave, but often when you’re alone you’ll be seated at the bar without having to wait.

7.         Stop at a local pub. Find out what everyone loves so much about it!

8.         Take your time wherever you go. Slowly stroll through museums and markets as you please – no one is there to hurry you up.

9.         Pretend you are a local. Wander into a local cafe or coffee shop, snack on a bagel and do some serious people-watching.

10.     Do full-on tourist. Yes, the fanny pack, camera and tour guide – do it all!

11.     Eat EVERYTHING. Have an open mind and try something new, even if it is tuna eyeballs in Japan.

12.     Do nothing. You’re on holiday so relax and know that you’re alone so you don’t have to be anywhere.

Travelling alone is a wonderful experience – make the most of it and try out these things!

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