The Best Travel Apps

Posted on by Lucky n Love

Let’s face it, technology has changed the way we live, work, and travel. While there’s an app for just about anything, for every useful app there are a dozen or more not-so-useful ones, simply taking up space on your phone for no good reason. Before you embark on your next trip, consider downloading these (actually useful!) best travel apps to help make your planning and the journey itself run smoothly.

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Packpoint

Travelers who hate packing, rejoice! Packpoint takes the guesswork out of packing and shows you what to bring based on the length of your journey, the weather in your destination, and the activities you have planned.

Lounge Buddy

Regardless of which airline or class you’re flying, Lounge Buddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world. When you enter your trip details, the app advises which lounges you have access to based on the airports you pass through, and how to purchase access if you don’t have it already.

Timeshifter

Traveling through different time zones? Timeshifter will help you avoid jet lag long before you take off, as well as offer in-flight and post-flight suggestions. The app itself relies on neuroscience and circadian rhythm research and creates a personalized plan for you based on your age, gender, sleep patterns, and specifics surrounding your travel plans.

Calm

One of the most popular meditation and sleep apps on the market. Calm offers an array of themed meditations, sleep stories, and music. Meditation topics run the gamut and include self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels, and happiness.

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XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app will keep you from getting swindled on those exchange rates the next time you’re abroad! Providing live up-to-the-minute rates that you can store and view off-line. You’ll be glad you had this techy travel companion to keep track of your funds.

Google Translate

Easy to use and navigate, Google Translate allows users to translate over 100 languages while typing. You can access 59 languages off-line, and translate bilingual conversations into over 70 languages. It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s convenient for travelers who want to get around and communicate with those around them.

TripWhistle

Safety is paramount when traveling, and TripWhistle is built around just that. Users can map their location to send to loved ones, along with GPS coordinates. TripWhistle also offers emergency numbers for firefighters, police, and medical personnel in over 200 countries. Don’t forget, 911 is just for North America.

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Costa Rica Adventure

Posted on by Lucky n Love

Costa Rican life consists of endless beaches, rainforests, river valleys, and biodiversity all in one place, for the perfect Costa Rica adventure. Many airlines offer non-stop flights, making the trip easier for you.

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Forest Ziplining

Whether it’s through the evergreen Monteverde Forest with the Arenal Volcano’s view or through the vibrant jungle canopy, ziplining is very common and one of the most popular activities in the Costa Rican jungle.

Wildlife

Nearly 25% of the country is preserved for national parks and wildlife. It is home to 27 national parks and takes up five percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Los Quetzales National Park allows birdwatchers to get a full aerial view of the various species of birds. Monkeys call the jungle home; so keep an eye out to see these amazing creatures in their own habitat. The Corcovado National Park is another prominent place to visit for frequent whale-watching and dolphin sightings.

Surfing

Towns such as Samara, Avellanas, and Tamarindo are great places for year-round surfing on these Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The warm water and steady winds combine to make Costa Rica a surfers paradise. Many of the beaches offer boards and lessons for beginners.

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Volcano Hike

The massive Arenal Volcano is one of the most well-known spots in Costa Rica. The surrounding area around the volcano offers kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. Hot springs and waterfalls are also present, with zip lines and horseback riding available below the volcano summit. Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s centerpiece is another million-year-old volcano that offers views of the Nicoya Peninsula and Lago de Nicaragua.

Waterfall

La Fortuna waterfall by Arenal is an approximated 20-minute hike presenting a massive waterfall with a jungle backdrop. Another favorite is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Northern Plains, offering bright blue waters. Lesser-known waterfalls include Bajos del Tori in the Alajuela province and Catarata del Toro, which plummets into an extinct volcanic crater with aerial views.

Rio Rafting

Named as a Biosphere Reserve, Rio Pacuare offers a white-water Caribbean experience through the safari-like jungle. According to National Geographic, it is one of the top spots for white-water rafting. The highlight of rafting in the Rio Savegre includes sightings of the jaguars, tapirs, and birds that call this biosphere home.

Jungle Drives

A 4×4 is recommended for the best driving experience in Costa Rica. The off-beaten paths offer unique views but require vehicles that can make their own path. Driving on the beach is not permitted. Another way to get explore is via horseback.

Deep Diving

The majority of shore islands on the Pacific coast are the hot spots for scuba and deep diving. Get up close and personal with various species of sharks, dolphins, and much more. A renowned spot for diving is The Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste province.

Yoga Retreats

Aside from the adventurous and bold activities offered in Costa Rica, yoga retreats are available for leisure in the peaceful surrounding. Nosara is a popular spot located in the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a beachfront area for a relaxing yoga session.

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Tips For A Terrific First Trip To Ireland

Posted on by Lucky n Love

Have you been to Ireland? Is it on your bucket list? Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit. Having been to Ireland many times, and helping clients experience this magical place, below are some of my expert tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland.

You’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It’s finally time to take that trip to Ireland! I applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin’s Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland
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Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right; it takes some getting used to and is not for everyone.

Tax-Free Shopping

All those goodies you’ll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That’s right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland. Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on your purchases.

Differing Currencies

And while we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.

Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you’re traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season’s days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.

Public Transportation Pointers

The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country’s many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your trip. As an Ireland destination specialist, I will help you plan your custom itinerary, and have more tips and tricks to make your first trip to Ireland one that you will never forget.