While the offered name is Anna Maria, the barrier island referred to as “Dream Town” is located in between Manatee County and the west coast of Florida. For many years, it has become a traveler favorite due to the fact that of its close distance to a lot of terrific places. There are likewise lots of close-by islands that are worth a go to while in the area, including Key Royale and Longboat Key. The 3 cities on the island are Anna Maria(Dream Town), Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. The entire island has a combined population of around 8,500. The lovely beaches, neighboring tourist attractions, and low population density make this a fantastic location to go to on vacation. You can experience all of the elegance of a Florida vacation without feeling crowded by countless teenagers partying on the beach. There are a few hotels and resorts on the island, but the best method to enjoy your trip is with a 2 bedroom apartment holiday leasing on Anna Maria Island. Lots of travelers choose the hotels and resorts because they just don’t know how to find the best getaway leasing. Perhaps they have actually tried handling a trip residential or commercial property supervisor in the past, but without the results, they were looking for. In truth, this is a more efficient choice referred to as FindRentals.com. Find Leasings is a business that works straight with the residential or commercial property managers in your place. They collect listings from all of the most reputable trip property owners in the area and then organize those listings on their site. You can discover a 2 bedroom condo holiday rental on Anna Maria Island in a matter of minutes by using their online search feature. And they have listings in numerous other vacation locations as well. If you’ve never ever gone to Anna Maria Island, then you are losing out on an incredible holiday. Plan a see this summertime and utilize the Find Rentals browse feature to locate the 2 bed room getaway rental of your dreams. Should Check Out Locations on Anna Maria Island. Southwest Florida has many excellent things to see, and Anna Maria Island need to absolutely be at the top of your list. The island has a lot to provide in concerns to things to see and do. Once you show up on the Island, Holmes Beach is the first place you will get to experience. Holmes Beach is the center city of this area and it has a lot to offer. The very best part about the city is the Manatee Public Beach. The beach has a beach coffee shop where you can enjoy the popular all you can consume pancakes and other savoury breakfast treats. They preferably have a beach shop, a play ground close-by and volley ball courts. The City of Anna Maria sits to the north of the island, just waiting to be discovered by tourists and explorers.The location is finest checked out throughout the day and it preferably has a lot to provide from fantastic dining establishments, gift stores and other items that are popular in the Island. The Historical Anna Maria Pier is ideally found here, just off of Pine Opportunity. The 750 feet stroll to the dining establishment is mesmerizing, to state the least. You can watch local fishermen go about their work and likewise enjoy an exceptional view of the Skyway Bridge. If you go even more north of the Island, you will reach Bean Point. The area was named after George Emerson, who was the first long-term homeowner on the island. This is where he began developing the island back in the 1900’s. Anna Maria Island is preferably house to the Historic Museum that features the history of the island. You can also go to among the most popular historical monoliths; the Old Anna Maria Prison. It was built in 1927 and the most interesting part about the jail is that it does not have doors, windows, roofing or bars. Exceptional Areas to Play Golf in Anna Maria Island If you are a devoted golf player heading to South Florida for your vacation, then you absolutely can not miss out on a visit to Anna Maria Island. Royale Club The courses in this great island might be couple of, however the Key Royale Club is understood to be amongst the very best. It lies in Holmes Beach on the northern end of the island, which is an excellent location to assess your abilities. It is a members-only club, nevertheless the course gorgeous and well established. The Rolling Green Golf Club If you are on the hunt for a more economical and friendly course, then you can not go wrong with the Rolling Green Golf Club It pertains to Thirty minutes from Anna Maria Island, however it is rather open, making it best for newbies in the sport. It tends to be quite stressful throughout summer, however the charges here are sensible and the food never disappoints. The very best part is that lunch and beer are bundled in the charges. Bradenton Club. This is possibly the closest course to the island, just 10 minutes east of Anna Maria Island. Bradenton Country Club is renowned for its Donald Ross-designed course, and it consists of lagoons, water fountains and a lot of trees. The club ideally deals a selection of other sports such as pickleball and tennis in addition to family activities and events. The Pinebrook Ironwood Course This one boasts greens from Champ Ultra Dwarf Bermuda, for this reason using a surface area that is far better than traditional turf. It is located around 15 minutes from the Island and offers a design that is challenging for sophisticated golf gamers in addition to enjoyable for the amateur gamer. from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2018/11/18/start-your-vacation-on-anna-maria-island-with-a-glamorous-2-bed-room-rental/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180250864508
0 Comments
Anybody that goes out to Florida and has the chance to go to Anna Marie Island will be astonished when they initially see the immaculate beaches that display why the location is a leading traveler destination. Integrate that with the just great Florida weather condition and you the dish for a holiday that will provide memories that last a life time. The island is not huge however it boasts an effective presence in the location, offering households a lot of alternatives when it pertains to what they can see and do. This may be one of the reasons why Anna Maria Island vacation leasings are so popular. There are a couple of not to be missed experiences when on the Island.To start with do not miss out on the opportunity to take pleasure in a few of the best seafood in Florida at the ‘Rod and Reel Pier’. The Grouper sandwich has fans who state it is a not to be missed experience. Sit outside and gaze over the salt water and take in sightings of Dolphin, Stingray and a huge number of various fish species. For those in love with the beach daytime is not when the enjoyment requires to stop. When night falls locals and visitors can be seen on beach blankets taking in the stars in a sky that is devoid of light contamination. Load a night time picnic for an experience that you will never forget. For a relaxed day of checking out lease a bike and meander across the Island. It’s the perfect way to find a few of the concealed gems that Anna Maria Island is well-known for. Stop and address your leisure. Admire the incredible views or visit for some refreshments along the way. it’s the perfect day out. For those interested in Anna Maria Island holiday leasing a check out to Findrentals.com is the best service to the finding that best leasing which will make a visit to this wonderful Island that a lot more remarkable. What Anna Maria Island Can Offer In Regards To Holiday Rentals For Guests In The CityEnjoy Water Activities? You Will Definitely Love Santa Maria Island. Book Today If I showed you that there is a traveler destination that features quick beach access so that you can satisfy all of your water-based activities for example, jet skiing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling all available on the water would you be interested? Although you’re excited about the sites you’ll visit, whatevers it is you’ll do, and what you’ll see on your getaway, is unimportant until you find a rental place to stay pleasantly.If you would like to look for excellent rentals on Anna Maria Island, then the best website to work with is findrentals.com, which is incredibly easy to use and browse through. Private HomesFind the right property to rent for your upcoming vacation. Visit findrentals.com to get the best rentals you can imagine. They find exclusive homes for you to rent that are both relaxing and interesting. Vacation homes can range in size and can have one bedroom or even more than that. In order to get a worry-free stay at the property, first determine the number of people you will be bringing and the amount of bedrooms you will all require to ensure that you will all have an experience that is perfect for a great vacation. Regardless of whether you have sizable family you taking with you, you can easily find a home CondosRevel in your time at a rental, especially taking into account how many other travelers that are most likely to be surrounding you.Often, the condo units offer an outdoor swimming pool for use, amongst numerous other services.If you do not mind remaining in a location that is not as private yet still has a lot to use, one of the apartments in the location might be worth leasing. CottagesAdditionally, this region features tiny cottages that are readily available for rent. These homes are perfect if you enjoy the bed and breakfast kind of feel when taking a trip for holiday. A small cottage might provide a relaxing and inviting environment that reminds you of house while you are away from home and enjoying your time on Anna Maria Island. There are a number of kinds of vacation leasings available on Anna Maria Island. Usage FindRentals.com to discover exactly what you are trying to find in a place to remain. The Best Places on Anna Maria Island
As you explore the southern most parts of Florida, we would highly suggest that you think about taking a stop at Anna Maria Island at least as soon as prior to you leave. The island has a lot to use in regards to things to see and do. When you arrive on the Island, Holmes Beach is the top place you will get to experience. Holmes Beach is the center city of this area and it has a lot to use. The very best part about the city is the Manatee Public Beach. The beach has a beach coffee shop where you can enjoy the popular all you can eat pancakes and other mouth-watering breakfast treats. They ideally have a beach store, a play ground nearby and volleyball courts. The city of Anna Maria sits to the north of the island, for anybody who wants to take a trip there.The place is finest checked out throughout the day and it preferably has a lot to use from excellent dining establishments, present shops and other items that are popular in the Island. The Historic Anna Maria Pier is ideally found here, just off of Pine Avenue. The 750 feet stroll to the dining establishment is mesmerizing, to say the least. You can view local fishermen tackle their work and also enjoy an outstanding view of the Skyway Bridge. If you go even additional north of the Island, you will reach Bean Point. The place was named after George Emerson, who was the first irreversible local on the island. This is where he began establishing the island back in the 1900’s. Anna Maria Island is preferably house to the Historical Museum that includes the history of the island. You can likewise check out among the most popular historic monoliths; the Old Anna Maria Prison. It was constructed in 1927 and the most amazing part about the jail is that it does not have doors, windows, roofing or bars. The Majority Of Popular Anna Maria Island Water ActivitiesWhile checking out Anna Maria Island, there are a good deal of different activities you can participate in, a variety of which consist of investing a long time having fun in the water. If you are a fan of getting in the water and attempting new things, you might be interested in taking part in a few of the most amazing Anna Maria Island water activities that are readily available. Kayaking Go on a smooth journey throughout the water while riding in a kayak. One-seat and two-seat options are readily available, so feel free to ride alone or with a liked one. Take your time and take pleasure in a leisurely flight throughout the water while getting in the best arm workout from moving those paddles backward and forward as you ride around in the kayak. Paddleboarding Find out to support yourself on the board and make your way through the water at your own speed. Even if you have never ever been on a paddleboard in the past, there are a variety of well-informed guides prepared to program you the method. Once you have handled to master stabilizing your body on the board, you will rapidly begin to ride through the water like a pro. Snorkeling Desire to get a remarkable view of the fish and other types that are living at the bottom of the ocean? If so, you can go on an exciting snorkeling experience. Lease the equipment you will require to have and begin. Experienced guides are there to aid newbies, so you can feel comfy while you are snorkeling throughout the water and trying to enjoy the view in front of you. Enjoy your time in Anna Maria Island while participating in all sort of water activities. You will have rather the experience trying new things, whether you are kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or doing something else in the water that is intriguing. from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2018/11/18/clear-factors-that-choosing-an-anna-maria-island-trip-rental-makes-good-sense/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180250863878 People looking for a 3 bed room holiday condo in Anna Maria Island have actually concerned realize that getting customized outcomes fasts and easy. I make sure that everybody trying to find a 3 bed room trip condo in Anna Maria want to pick just the best. Fortunately is that those looking for such a condo can get customized outcomes rapidly. With holiday rental search engines like FindRentals.com, you can find a range of various leasings that are most likely to match your needs. You will also exist with the chance to directly connect with a getaway rental supervisor. This will enable you to get expert assistance from a trip rental supervisor that will enable you to find precisely what you are trying to find if you are not necessarily thinking about determining all of the information yourself. You can provide whatever that they would require to know to help you as finest possible including your travel dates, the number of individuals staying, the total variety of children and more. For example, if you are particularly searching for a 3 bed room condo vacation rental on Anna Maria Island, you will be presented with the chance to sort by bedrooms. This will permit you to scroll until you get to the choices that provide 3 bedroom leasings. This can give you an easy way to filter through the various condominiums that would likely not be thought about so you can concentrate on feasible alternatives for your trip. While the look for trip rentals used to be tedious, it is now much easier than ever. With a comparison engine like FindRentals.com, you must be able to find the best holiday rental to base your holiday out of in no time. The Very Best Places on Anna Maria Island
Southwest Florida has lots of fantastic things to see, and Anna Maria Island should definitely be at the top of your list. The island has a lot to provide in concerns to things to see and do. Once you arrive on the Island, Holmes Beach is the top place you will get to experience. Holmes Beach is the center city of this area and it has a lot to provide. The best part about the city is the Manatee Public Beach. The beach has a beach cafe where you can enjoy the popular all you can eat pancakes and other mouth-watering breakfast treats. They ideally have a beach shop, a play ground close-by and beach ball courts. The City of Anna Maria sits to the north of the island, just waiting to be found by tourists and explorers.The place is best gone to during the day and it preferably has a lot to use from terrific dining establishments, present shops and other products that are popular in the Island. The Historic Anna Maria Pier is preferably found here, simply off of Pine Avenue. The 750 feet walk to the restaurant is mesmerizing, to state the least. You can watch regional fishermen set about their work and likewise delight in an outstanding view of the Skyway Bridge. If you go even additional north of the Island, you will reach Bean Point. The area was named after George Emerson, who was the very first permanent citizen on the island. This is where he began developing the island back in the 1900’s. Anna Maria Island is ideally house to the Historic Museum that features the history of the island. You can likewise visit among the most popular historic monoliths; the Old Anna Maria Prison. It was built in 1927 and the most exciting part about the jail is that it doesn’t have doors, windows, roofing system or bars. The Absolute best Anna Marie Island Water ActivitiesYour journey to Anna Amria Island can bring you lots of enjoyable and enjoyment, with a lot of the island’s activities occurring right on the water. If you are a fan of getting in the water and attempting brand-new things, you may be intrigued in participating in a few of the most fascinating Anna Maria Island water activities that are offered. KayakingGo on a smooth ride throughout the water while riding in a kayak. One-seat and two-seat alternatives are offered, so do not hesitate to ride alone or with a liked one. Take your time and delight in a leisurely ride throughout the water while getting in the ideal arm workout from moving those paddles backward and forward as you ride around in the kayak. PaddleboardingDiscover to balance yourself on the board and make your technique through the water at your own speed. Even if you have never ever been on a paddleboard in the previous, there are several skilled guides prepared to reveal you the method. When you have handled to get the hang of balancing your body on the board, you will quickly begin to ride through the water like a pro. SnorkelingWish to get a fantastic view of the fish and other types that are living at the bottom of the ocean? If so, you can go on an amazing snorkeling experience. Lease the devices you will need to have in fact and start. Experienced guides are there to assistance novices, so you can feel comfortable while you are snorkeling throughout the water and trying to take pleasure in the view in front of you. Enjoy your time in Anna Maria Island while participating in all kinds of water activities. You will have rather the experience attempting brand-new things, whether you are kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or doing something else in the water that is exciting. from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2018/11/18/you-can-easily-discover-a-desirable-3-bedroom-rental-for-your-getaway/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180250864218 Looking for a no foreign transaction fee credit card in Canada? We can help! We use our credit cards for almost everything when we travel. Carrying cash puts us at risk for theft, and traveler’s checks are pretty much a thing of the past. So what does a non cash carrying traveler to do? Well, that leaves us using a Canadian credit card while we travel. Now that’s all fine and good, but here’s a harsh travel fact that a shocking number of Canadians don’t know: Most Canadian credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2.5% to 3% every time you pay in a foreign currency (including in USD)! No foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada 2018We’ve done the leg work and sorted through a long list of Canadian credit cards, and found a few great choices that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee. What is a foreign transaction fee?A foreign transaction fee is an additional fee of 2.5% that you’re charged when making a purchase in a foreign currency. This foreign transaction fee is 2.5% to 3% on top of any exchange rate! So, if you buy something for $1,000 USD out of Canada, a fee of 2.5% (or $25) is added to your purchase on top of the daily VISA or Mastercard exchange rate. The tricky thing is that this foreign transaction fee isn’t listed separately on your credit card statement – it’s just hidden in the purchase amount on your credit card statement. Most Canadian travelers likely don’t even know that they’re being charged a foreign transaction fee. Sure, your credit card’s fine print may mention the fee, but honestly, who reads that? Canadian No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards Comparison Table
Who can save by getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fee?Canadian travelers like us can definitely save on foreign transaction fees, but Canadians who shop in US dollars at sites like Amazon.com, snowbirds who spend a good part of the year down south in the USA or Mexico, and even businesses that buy from U.S. vendors can also be hit hard by these fees. In these cases, a credit card with no foreign transaction fee could save them a bundle. TravelersIf you travel anywhere outside of Canada and pay using your credit card in a foreign currency, you’re likely paying the 2.5% foreign transaction fee for the privilege of using your credit card. This can really add up, when you figure in food, accommodation, ticket prices and transportation.
ShoppersWhether you cross the border into the USA to shop, or you buy online from the comfort of your home in USD (or another foreign currency), you’re still charged the extra 2.5 % if you pay with your Canadian credit card. Here’s the thing: You don’t need to be outside of Canada to be charged the extra 2.5%. The foreign transaction fee is also charged when you pay in USD or other foreign currency using your credit card from within Canada. Here’s what’s worse. If you make a purchase in a foreign currency, and then return it, you’ll be charged the 2.5% foreign currency fee on both the return and purchase. That means the item you just returned cost you 5% on top of the exchange rate differences. Ouch. Business that buy from U.S. vendorsIf you’re a business that buys from vendors in the USA in USD on your credit card, you’re probably paying that pesky foreign transaction fee, and costing your business $$$ in the process. Snowbirds who winter in the southBecause snowbirds often spend months out of Canada in the winter, it’s easy to spend upwards of $20,000 in credit card charges, especially if you’re paying for all accommodation, food, travel and activities on your card. With a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, you’re unnecessarily paying $500 in foreign exchange fees (on $20,000 in purchases) to the credit card company. I don’t know about you, but I can easily think of plenty of other ways to spend that $500.00. No foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada 2018When our trusty no foreign transaction fee Chase Amazon Visa card was discontinued last year, we were in the market for a new card. After searching for hours, we could only find five current Canadian credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Wanting to save some money? Here are the only Canadian credit cards that we could find that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee at this time. Scotiabank Passport Visa InfiniteThere’s no FX markup on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, whether you make foreign currency purchases online or outside of Canada. The annual fee is $139.00, but you also get some interesting perks. If you travel a lot, there’s also comprehensive travel protection included, which includes emergency travel medical insurance for multiple trips (25 days coverage if you’re under 65, and up to 10 days if you’re over 65). There’s also trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay insurance, coverage for delayed and lost baggage, and travel accident insurance. Perks also includes rental car collision loss/damage insurance. It also comes with a free Priority Pass airport lounge membership, plus six free visits per year from your date of enrollment. This card comes with complimentary Avis® Preferred Plus membership, plus Visa Infinite Benefits, which include Visa Infinite Concierge and the Luxury Hotel Collection. You can earn Scotia Rewards points with purchases. Earn 2 Scotia Rewards points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more). Earn 1 Scotia Rewards point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
There’s 19.99% interest on purchases, and 22.99% interest on cash advances. Apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite now. CIBC Air Canada® AC conversion Visa Prepaid CardWe’re going to start with the CIBC Air Canada® AC Conversion Card. The first thing to know is that this is a prepaid card, so you add funds up front. What’s interesting is that this is a multi-currency card. That means you can hold several currencies at once on this prepaid foreign currency card, so you can pay in the local currency, and you don’t pay the 2.5% to 3% foreign currency conversion fee. You manage the card, including adding funds, and checking your balance, with an app that’s available on Google Play and iTunes. Apply for the CIBC Air Canada® AC Conversion Card here. There’s no 2.5% to 3% foreign transaction fee on the 10 supported currencies below (if a currency isn’t on this list of 10 currencies, you pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee).
How it works:
You can add more money to the card anytime via the app as you travel, in Canadian dollars, as long as you have an internet connection for the app. Reloading is free. The minimum amount you can load is $100 CAD equivalent at a time. The maximum balance is $20,000 CAD equivalent. Funds on this multi-currency credit card never expire. Can I withdraw from an ATM? Yes. There’s one free international withdrawal monthly For foreign withdrawals, there’s no fee for the first ATM withdrawal outside Canada, but there is a fee for subsequent withdrawals after that. ATM withdrawals within Canada at CIBC ATMs are free. Where can I use the card? Is it like a regular Visa? You can use the card anywhere you would use a non-prepaid Visa, including 36 million Visa retailers worldwide, or at any ATM where Visa is accepted. Advantages
Disadvantages
Apply for the CIBC Air Canada® AC Conversion Card here. Scotiabank ® U.S. Dollar VISA* CardIf you’re paid in USD, and you make only USD credit card purchases, the Scotiabank ® U.S. Dollar VISA* card may work for you. There’s no U.S dollar foreign currency conversion fee on this card. However, transactions in any currency other than USD are charged a 2.5% foreign currency transaction fee. However, and this is probably a deal breaker for most people, you need to make payments in U.S. dollars. That means that if you don’t already have US dollars to pay with, you’ll need to convert your Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars at the bank – where they’ll charge you their foreign exchange surcharge, usually between 1 and 3%. So you won’t get charged a foreign transaction fee when using the card for USD, but you’ll get charged an equivalent fee when converting Canadian dollars to US dollars. The only way to avoid this is to get paid in US dollars and use that USD to pay off your credit card. The annual fee is $35.00. Interest is charged at 19.99% on purchases, and 22.99% on cash advances. Home Trust Preferred VisaThe Home Trust Preferred Visa has a 0% foreign currency conversion fee, meaning that there’s no foreign currency fee on either purchases or cash advances. The annual interest rate for both purchases and cash advances for the Home Trust Preferred Visa is 19.99%. There’s no annual fee. There is a 1% ATM charge of 1.50% (with a minimum fee of $4.50 and a maximum fee of $45.00) if the ATM is located in the United States, and a 1.50% ATM charge (with a minimum fee of $5.50 and maximum fee of $15.00) if the ATM is located outside Canada and the United States. If you’re in Canada, the ATM charge is 1.00% of amount withdrawn (with a minimum fee of $2.50 and a maximum fee of $10.00). This card does have a $10 inactive account fee if the credit balance hasn’t changed in 360 consecutive days. Unfortunately, we’ve read reports that Home Trust’s email and phone service could use some improvement, and that there are significant delays with applications. HSBC Premier World Elite® Mastercard®The HSBC Premier World Elite® Mastercard® has no foreign transaction fees. There’s an annual fee of $149, and the interest rate is 17.9%. In the past, they’ve waived the annual fee for the first year, and also offered a 30,000 points bonus. There are a few perks included with this card, including 31-day insurance coverage, a $100 annual travel enhancement credit, 3% in travel rewards on all eligible travel purchases, and 1.5 % in travel rewards on all other eligible purchases. Brim Financial Credit CardsYou may see the new Brim Financial Credit cards on a few lists of Canadian credit cards that don’t have foreign transaction fees. We’ve decided not to include them on this list, because of less than favorable reports from Yahoo Finance and from Redditors here. Discontinued cards or cards that now charge a foreign transaction feeIn our research for this article, we came across at least four cards that had no foreign transaction fee in the past, but that are now charging a fee, or that are now discontinued. Unfortunately, a lot of other, less up-to-date, lists still mention a couple of these cards as having a 0% fee, but that’s changed. Two of these cards have been discontinued (the Chase Visas), and the other two now charge a foreign exchange fee (the Rogers Mastercards). Chase Amazon Visa and Chase Marriott VisaWe really loved our Chase Amazon Visa, but sadly they discontinued the Chase Amazon.ca Visa and Chase Marriott Visa in early 2018. There’s no word if these cards will be replaced. Rogers Platinum MastercardThe Rogers Platinum MasterCard used to have no foreign currency conversion, but that’s changed as of March 2018, and it now charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Instead, the card offers 3% cash back rewards on all purchases made in a foreign currency. You can redeem the awards using the Mastercard® Pay with Rewards app on your smartphone. However, the cashback rewards can only be redeemed towards “anything Rogers”, including your Rogers or Fido bill, Toronto Blue Jays tickets, Chatr mobile, or shopping online on Rogers owned Today’s Shopping Choice website. There’s no annual fee (from March 13, 2018 onward, however there used to be an annual fee of $29, but this was dropped). Interest on purchases is 19.99%, and interest on cash advances is 21.50%. There’s no account maintenance fee. Rogers World Elite MastercardThe Rogers World Elite Mastercard used to have a 0% foreign transaction fee. Now the fee’s 2.5%. That said, you’ll get 4% cash back rewards on all eligible purchases made in a foreign currency, 2% unlimited cash back rewards on Rogers products and services charged to your card, and 1.75% cash back rewards on all other eligible purchases. You can redeem the awards using the Mastercard® Pay with Rewards app on your smartphone. However, the cashback rewards can only be redeemed towards “anything Rogers”, including your Rogers or Fido bill, Toronto Blue Jays tickets, Chatr mobile, or shopping online on Rogers-owned Today’s Shopping Choice website. Interest on purchases is 19.99%, and interest on cash advances is 21.50%. There’s no annual fee. Canadian American Express Card with no foreign transaction feesWe haven’t been able to find an American Express credit card in Canada that waives foreign exchange fees. From what we can tell, you’ll be paying the approx. additional 2.5% fee if you use a Canadian Amex cards for foreign currencies. While you’re here, check out our thoughts on the best travel insurance for Canadians, and tips on how to get travel insurance if you’re already abroad. Have you found a different Canadian credit card with no foreign transaction fees? Have you tried one of these no foreign transaction fee credit cards for Canadians? Let us know below in the comments, and we’ll add it to our list! from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-cards-in-canada/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180180435833 Looking for the best gifts for business travelers? We’ve got you covered! As veteran road warriors, we’ve logged our share of miles over the years. From planes, trains and automobiles to cabs, buses and ferries we’ve done it all numerous times across every continent. Since we work as we go, we also spend a lot of that travel time on our laptops, working when time permits. While we originally started traveling solely for pleasure, over the years we’ve begun traveling more and more for business as well. What does that mean to you? Over that time we’ve also learned a lot about the best gear and best gadgets for business travelers. The best gifts for business travelersThere are a lot of great choices here, from the best business travel backpack, to great travel jackets and to electronics gear that any business person will love. Leatherman TSA compliant toolsWe all have a few favorite travel items that we just don’t want to go without. For years, my favorite travel gadget was my little Leatherman multi-tool. I took it everywhere with me! Unfortunately, my beautiful little Leatherman multi-tool was the first thing confiscated from my carry-on luggage when security requirements got stricter after 9-11. I still miss it! Since we travel almost exclusively with carry-on only, I need a multi-tool that is TSA-compliant. Luckily, Leatherman has some amazing TSA compliant products that can be carried onto a plane. Leatherman Style PSIf you’re looking for a TSA travel-friendly multi-tool, this is your gadget. The Style PS is keychain size, and comes with needle nose pliers, spring action regular pliers, scissors, a Phillips screwdriver, a nail file, tweezers and a bottle opener/carabiner. What’s really cool is that you can access the tools while the Style is closed for easy access. It’s uber lightweight at 1.58 ounces, and you can get it in black, red or blue. Learn more about the Style PS here. Leatherman Tread TempoI think the Leatherman Tread Tempo watch is as gorgeous as it is functional. At first glance, it just looks like a stylish, Swiss-made watch, but look closer. See all of those links in the watch band? There are 30 tools hidden in this watch band, including an abundance of screwdrivers (with indispensable flat and Phillips screwdriver heads), box wrenches, a file, strap cutter, bottle opener, carbide glass breaker. Plus, it’s water resistant to 200 meters, and has a 25-year warranty on the bracelet. Get the Tread Tempo here at Leatherman. See the full lineup of Leatherman TSA-compliant products here, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. International WiFi hotspotReliable WiFi is an absolute essential for any business traveler. We’ve used a WiFi hotspot for a few years now, and absolutely love having reliable WiFi almost anywhere in the world. Right now, we’re using the Skyroam Solis WiFi hotspot, which gives us unlimited WiFi wherever we travel. See our review of the Solis here.
You can rent the Solis for about $9 USD a day, or do like us and buy a device and get either a monthly, no contract Go Data plan or buy access one daypass at a time. Find out more about the Skyroam Solis here. LaptopSure, it’s on the pricey side, but if you really want to make a business traveler happy, get them a powerful, lightweight laptop as a gift. There are some great choices on the market right now, including the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. The Surface Pro 6 comes with the latest 8th Gen Intel® Core i5 processor, and 8 GB RAM. See prices and more for the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. The Lenova Yoga 720 is a good value choice, with an i5 Intel core, and 8 GB RAM. It’s also a touchscreen that can flip between tablet and laptop. We have an older version of the Yoga that we got a few years ago, and still use it regularly as we travel, because it’s so lightweight and handy to use on the go. See the Lenova Yoga 720 on Amazon. If your business traveler is a Mac fan, you can’t go too wrong with a 13″ Macbook Pro with retina display or even the new iPad Pro tablet.Portable Power ChargerI’ve had my little, lipstick sized Anker portable charger for over four years now, and it’s still going strong. I take it wherever we travel, as it fits neatly in a pocket. There’s enough charge in this little gadget to recharge a new smartphone a couple of times. The newest version continues to get great feedback, and it’s a more powerful 3,350mAh. See the new version of the Anker lipstick charger here. If you’re looking for a larger power charger, we use an older version of the Anker Powercore 10,000mAh. Ours has served us well the last four years, and the current version gets great reviews as well. See the Anker Powercore 10,000mAh on Amazon here. For even more power, check out the Jackery PowerBar. This thing is a beast at 20,800mAh, and it has the huge advantage that it lets you charge our laptop as well with a AC Outlet Portable Charger. It weighs 1.5 pounds. Accessories case for cable and other electronicsWe travel with a lot of electronics, and honestly, our carry on backpack often looks like someone dumped out their electronics junk drawer. There are cables, chargers, headphones, eReaders, iPods, iPads, cameras and more in ours every time we go anywhere and sometimes it gets hard to organize. We’re looking at getting a cable and gadget organizer to get it under control, and this Bagsmart accessories case is at the top of the wish list. If you’re looking for something a little bigger, Bagsmart has a two layer accessories case that will hold a tablet as well. Universal power adapterHeading out of country? Chances are you’re going to need a travel power adapter so your electronics continue to work while you’re on the road. We’ve used this little Insten universal worldwide travel charger adapter for years now, but it’s getting a little out-of-date (especially since it doesn’t have USB ports). We’re looking to upgrade to something like this highly rated SublimeWare international travel adapter, with four USB charging points. Confused about adapters and voltage converters? Learn how not to fry your electronics overseas here. Bluetooth keyboardIf your business traveler likes to work on a tablet or phone, a Bluetooth keyboard can help them be a lot more productive. This folding iClever Bluetooth Keyboard is great for travel, since it’s compatible with IOS, Windows, and Android and doesn’t take up much room. Get prices and details here now. Travel pillowWe’re big fans of travel pillows that are comfortable, breathable, and easily malleable into almost any shape. This BCOZZY Chin Supporting Pillow is designed to keep your head from falling forward as you sleep on a plane. It’s filled with polyester fiber (not memory foam!), and comes in dozens of colors.
See the BCOZZY on Amazon here. Rolling luggage setWe’re big fans of carry-ons with spinner wheels. We find that four wheels make it incredibly easy to navigate through airports. We’re a little divided as to whether we prefer hard sided luggage, because it’s so durable and handles water better, or soft sided luggage, which expands more as we pack and have convenient outer pockets. This hard sided American Tourister 21″ spinner comes in a lot of great colors (which is perfect for picking out your luggage in busy airports). For soft sided carry-on fans, this classic Samsonite Silhouette Xv Softside Spinner 21 is a top pick. Just don’t overload the front compartments, or it will want to tip forward. Priority pass airport lounge passWhat weary business traveler wouldn’t love to relax in a comfy airport lounge? You’ll earn big points with your business traveler if you pick them up a membership to a airport lounge network. The big player in the airport lounge space is Priority Pass, which gives access to 120 airport lounges worldwide. Annual fees range from $99 to $499. Sleep maskTruthfully, I’ve never liked sleeping with a mask, but they can be indispensable for business travelers who are light sensitive. The best of the best and the one our daughter swears by is the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask. Travel hair dryerHair dryers are big and bulky, so a compact version with a folding handle is always welcome for travelers. This Conair Vagabond Compact 1600 hair dryer has a handle that folds away neatly, and it weighs less than a pound. Travel ironIf you need to stay unwrinkled and professional, a travel iron is essential for business travel. This Steamfast mini travel iron is lightweight and compact. See prices and details here.See prices and details here. Document organizerIf your business traveler is the organized type, they’ll love this Zoppen Multi-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet. It’s big enough to store your passport, credit cards, money and travel documents with ease. Wireless Noise Cancelling headphonesAirports and hotels are full of annoying noises that can mess with your productivity. We’ve tried several pairs of Bluetooth headphones in the past few years, and the pair that always makes the cut into our carry-on is our silver Bose QuietComfort 35 II Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones. They’re small and lightweight, which makes them excellent for travel. What makes these headphones truly shine though, is their active noise cancelling ability. These over the ear headphones will drown out annoying noises, and have great sound quality. Portable hard driveLosing an important document or report while you’re on the road is an absolute nightmare, so having a portable hard drive is essential for business travelers. We like the Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro Portable External Hard Drive, which is small, lightweight and reliable. You can wirelessly connect it via WiFi to your phone or tablet, use it to back up photos directly from your camera’s SD card or plug it into the USB port of your computer just like a traditional hard drive. It also comes in a range of storage sizes. Tile device trackerThis is a slick little device designed to help business travelers who are worried about losing their phone, laptop, or really, anything else. The Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker is a little plastic electronic tile that can be stuck on luggage, a phone, or something else. When you need to find your object (with the attached Tile), just run the Tile app. Packing cubesI was skeptical of packing cubes at first, but then I tried them. I absolutely love how easy it is to stay organized during business trips using packing cubes. I use them to keep socks and underwear organized, keep shoes separate, and another for daily wear or dress clothes. We use these eBags ultralight packing cubes, which are lightweight, compress well and the mesh also lets us easily see what’s inside. See prices and details on Amazon now. GoToob travel toiletry containers for clear liquidWant to bring your favorite shampoo and conditioner on your trip, but the bottle’s too big? These little GoToob travel toiletry containers (see our GoToob review here) are just the ticket. They’re cute, come in a variety of sizes, refill and clean easily, and they don’t leak which is probably the best reason to travel with them. See prices and more details here. Travel InsuranceOne of the easiest things to forget when jetting off on a last minute business travel trip is travel insurance. Every traveler needs travel insurance, but it’s pretty shocking that a lot of people travel without it. Yes, travel insurance is insanely practical, but your business traveler will love having peace of mind as they travel. World Nomads covers nearly every country on the planet. Toiletry bagA good toiletry bag can help keep your toiletries organized, and also keep those inevitable spills contained. The eBags Pack it Flat Toiletry kit is one of our favorites. It can hold an awful lot, but still remain fairly compact. Because it folds up neatly and packs flat, it fits easily into almost any kind of luggage, from carry-on, to checked bags, to backpacks or even a day bag. The bag is water resistant and easy to clean. Click to check prices and more here. TSA-compliant clear toiletry bag for air travelIf you’re traveling carry-on only, and looking to minimize hassles in airport security, getting a clear, TSA-compliant toiletry bag is a game changer. Unfortunately, TSA-compliant toiletry bags are necessarily small (only a quart or litre in size), so it probably won’t hold all of your gear. We use a clear TSA compliant toiletry bag to store liquids and store other (non-liquid) toiletries and accessories in another bag.
We like the YAMIU toiletry bag. It’s a quart sized, clear, waterproof, and resealable bag that’s TSA compliant with the 3-1-1 toiletries rule. This is a two-pack that comes with two sizes (only the smaller bag is suitable for TSA-compliant liquids). See prices and more details here. French press travel mugSure, a travel French press is definitely a luxury, but coffee lovers know that a great brew is always a high priority, even on business trips. We really like this durable, attractive, Espro travel stainless steel french press. It’s lightweight and makes a mean cup of coffee. All you need is a few grounds and some hot water to make a hotel room or morning on the go suddenly more bearable. If you’re a tea drinker, you can get the tea filter instead. See more about the Espro here. Kindle with free cellular connectionWhen you travel for work, there’s almost always some free time, either in airports or at night in your hotel. One of the constants in our travel bag is an e-reader, which can hold literally hundreds of books. Get your business traveler a Kindle with both Wi-Fi and free cellular connectivity, like the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite or the more expensive Kindle Oasis.
See the Kindle Paperwhite here (be sure to select the Wi-Fi + free cellular connectivity option). Collapsible travel bottleThis collapsible travel bottle from Nomader is a win, both for reducing single use plastic, and for convenience. Since it’s collapsible, it fits away neatly when not in use. It’s BPA free, with a silicone body, fits 22 oz, is dishwasher safe, and has a leak free twisting cap. See prices and more details here. Hidden pocket cardiganThis hidden pocket cardigan from SCOTTeVEST is stylish enough for business meetings, and it’s great for holding small amounts of cash or credit cards. Unfortunately, the zippered pockets aren’t big enough for a passport, but it’s great for a day to day use when you don’t want to carry a backpack or purse. The fabric is quite sheer, so it’s perfect as a light cover-up in warmer weather. Women’s travel jacket with pocketsI’ve worn my women’s Chloe Glow SCOTTeVEST travel jacket for a couple of years now, and still love it. It’s made of a cotton/poly/spandex blend, and has 15 hidden pockets, with plenty of room for passports, electronics, and more. It’s a fairly warm jacket, so it’s only good for climates where it gets cooler than about 18 degrees Celsius or 65 Fahrenheit. Warmer than that, and it gets hot (see our review of the SCOTTeVEST women’s jacket here). See the women’s Chloe Glow jacket on Amazon. For business use, the more stylish women’s trench coat from SCOTTeVEST is a great choice. It has 18 pockets, and comes in four colors. Men’s travel jacketIf you’re looking for a polished men’s travel jacket with a lot of pockets, we’d start with the men’s cotton blend jacket. Designed for travelers, it comes complete with 25 pockets and some cool travel features. See more on the men’s cotton blend SCOTTeVEST jacket. Carry on backpackWe’ve tried traveling with a messenger bag and briefcase before, but they’re both a bit awkward. The messenger bag always digs into my shoulders, and I spend a lot of time switching it around trying to get comfortable. I resisted a carry on backpack for a while, because I thought it wouldn’t look professional. The good news is that there are some great carry on backpacks made specifically for business travelers. They come in stylish, sleek designs and most convert easily to a suitcase style. One of our favorite carry on backpacks is the Tortuga Setout travel backpack. Tortuga is an independent retailer (you won’t find these backpacks on Amazon), made by and for travelers. The Setout is a standard carryon size at 22″ x 14″ x 9″, but it holds an expansive 45 l. As a bonus, it’s stylish enough to use for business travel, and we think it’s one of the top travel backpacks out there. See prices and reviews for the the Tortuga Setout Backpack now. Personal item sized backpackIf you’re a died-in-the-wool rolling suitcase traveler, you may want to try our trick of using both a rolling suitcase and maximizing your personal item allowance. Almost all bigger airlines let you take a personal item as well like a purse, or smaller backpack, free of charge onto the cabin. This is a great bonus for extra storage, and so few people maximize the size of their personal item! One of our favorites to use as a personal item is this sleek little Standard luggage Co. daily work backpack. It’s definitely business travel friendly, and only 2.2 pounds and 17′ x 11′ x 6′ (45 x 28 x 15 cm). It has a lot of little bonuses, like an integrated USB port and lockable zips. Plus, it works well as a day bag. Elastic clotheslineThis portable elastic clothesline is pretty much guaranteed to be an indispensable travel item in no time. It’s elastic, packs away neatly, and even has built in clothespins, making it perfect for hanging up wet swimsuits or underwear. Compression SocksTo be honest, compression socks are probably not at the top on the list of travel gifts for most people however compression socks are said to help travelers prevent blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms) from flying by increasing circulation in the legs. Surprisingly, blood clots from flying are somewhat common, and, while the risk is higher for those over the age of 40, they can affect more than just older business travelers. Do you have any great ideas for business travelers? Tell us in the comments below!
from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/the-best-gifts-for-business-travelers/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180126949138 from Extreme Hotels Cabarete https://extremehotels.com/cabarete-airport-transport/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180106243693 Thinking about taking your kids to a live theatre show in London’s West End? You should. It’s no secret that London’s West End has some of the best children’s theatre on the planet, with dozens of family shows available year round. The problem is, with so many amazing performances, how do you decide which one is right for you and your little (or big) ones? We’re planning a London visit this Spring and definitely plan on taking advantage of the huge selection of live theatre for children, so we thought we’d share with you some live action family shows and musicals that you definitely don’t want to miss. There are even some cool Harry Potter themed attractions and shows on the site, like the Breakfast at Hogwarts experience (which you know we’re going to have to check out for ourselves). The best part is that every show on this list can be bought ahead of time. To check out a long list of great choices for family shows with kids in London’s West End, check out family theatre with Encore Tickets. Encore Tickets has helped over 29 million people enjoy the best of London’s theater, attractions and live events since they started back in 2000. While every show on this list is amazing in its own right, we’ve included a suggested minimum age. Of course, every child is different so take that as you will. Best London shows for kids of all agesSchool of Rock (ages 5+)Based on the Jack Black character, Dewey Finn, from the movie of the same name, the musical School of Rock is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. As the 13 gifted musical students come into their own right on stage in front of you playing their own instruments, Dewey Finn realizes that all it takes is a little practice and a whole lot of love to be the rock god he’s always wanted to be. Matilda the Musical (ages 6+)When things aren’t sunny for young Matilda, she decides to take control of her own destiny. Based on Roald Dahl’s acclaimed book Matilda, we learn that sometimes kids have to be a little creative to achieve their dreams. With some amazing staging and an empowering story, little ones and kids of all ages will love Matilda. Wicked (ages 7+)The winner of hundreds of awards and always a crowd favorite, Wicked puts on a spin of the Wizard of Oz story, with the lines between good and evil not as clear as we always see in the movies. This amazing play featuring the good witch, Glinda the Good, and Elphaba, the evil Wicked Witch of the West, will have you and your kids talking for days about the lavish costumes, amazing sets and awesome special effects. The Mousetrap (ages 6+)A classic whodunit murder mystery will have you guessing who murdered who in The Mousetrap. The worlds longest running play, 65 years and still going strong, continues to entertain even today’s youth and, with over 10 million people having seen the production, you know it’s a classic for a reason. Disney’s The Lion King (ages 6+)Based on Disney’s acclaimed film, join Simba, Timon and Pumba as they return to the pride lands of the African Serengeti in one of the largest theatre productions to date. With over 200 puppets and famed songs such as the Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata, this live action odyssey will change how you view live theatre. Disney on Ice (ages 3+)Classics never disappoint and Disney on Ice has existed in some form or another since I was a child. With dozens of today’s famous characters from Moana and Maui to all the Disney Princesses, past to present, if you love figure skating or just creative storytelling on a cool medium, you might want to check out Disney’s latest incarnation of Disney on Ice while you’re in London. Disney’s Aladdin (ages 6+)Magic carpets, genies, evil sorcerers, princesses in peril as well as a rags to riches story, what’s not to love? Disney brings the beloved Princess Jasmine and Aladdin, the boy who found the magical lamp, to life in this huge unforgettable tale. With songs from the movie and some amazing special effects, Disney’s Aladdin is sure to bring a smile to everyone in the family. Best live theatre in London for middle school aged children and olderThe Wider Earth (ages 10+)Join a young Charles Darwin as he sets out across the sea in the HMS Beagle and discovers new lands and more importantly, new animals and species in this great blend of storytelling and science. We’ve heard that the intricate sets and amazing puppets do a great job of bringing to life this award winning play and the debate between faith and science will leave your kids asking questions for years to come. The Comedy about a Bank Robbery (ages 11+)With laugh out loud gags, some hilarious back and forth banter and a stolen diamond gone missing, this comedy caper will leave you and your kids in stitches. Best live theatre in London for older children and adults Heathers The Musical (ages 14+)The Heathers are feared, hated and envied by everyone in their high school. When the three most popular girls in school (all named Heather) befriend Veronica, she soon learns that leaving the Heather trio isn’t as easy as it was getting in. Based on the 80’s classic featuring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers is a dark and comedic coming of age tale that will make you question just how important being popular really is. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (ages 14+)Inspired by the BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, this theatrical tale of Jamie choosing to wear a dress to grad is both thought provoking and taken right out of the headlines. As gender becomes more fluid, choosing your own path isn’t always the easiest road to take. This thought provoking and entertaining musical play will leave you with more questions than answers. In this case, that’s a good thing. London’s West End Matinee ShowsWhile seeing a show in London’s West End is high on our list of the best things to do in London with the family, we’ve discovered that the secret for affordable family theatre in London is to book the matinee shows. Not only are the shows cheaper, which helps when you have a family with you, but you’ll find better seat selection, smaller audiences and easier parking. You’ll find most of the shows on the above list have a matinee a few times a week (namely Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday) and with show choices for almost any age, from toddler friendly shows like Disney on Ice and Aladdin, to primary age shows like Matilda the Musical and School of Rock, to older family shows like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Heathers, there’s something in London’s West End for everyone. Think we missed any great London shows for the family? Reply in the comments below and we’ll share it with everyone. from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/family/the-best-live-theatre-shows-for-kids-in-londons-west-end/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/180083074888 from Extreme Hotels Cabarete https://extremehotels.com/dominican-street-food/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/179859644068 Thinking of visiting London with the family and wondering about the best things to do in London with kids? The good news is that there’s a lot of things that are fun, educational and just downright cool in London with the family, but the bad news is that there’s so much to do that it’s easy to be overwhelmed! We’ve done the leg work for you, and found some of the most fun, entertaining, and even educational things to do with your kids, whether they’re teens, tweens, or younger. Our kids, at 10 and 13, are a great age for almost all of these London attractions for kids, but we even included some fun picks here for visiting London with toddlers and preschoolers! Things to do in London with KidsWhile a lot of cities aren’t great for kids, London’s definitely an option for a family friendly visit. There are a lot of London activities and attractions that are specially geared to the under 18 set, with everything from museums to a fun nighttime show to playgrounds and restaurants as well as many indoor play structures. Getting around is easy as well: while the Tube can be a bit pricey, it’s definitely child friendly. See a show in London’s West End!Seeing a show is one of our favorite things to do in London with children. London is a wonderful place to catch a show with the kids, as they have choices for almost any age, from toddler friendly shows like Disney on Ice, to primary age shows like Matilda the Musical, and School of Rock, to other family friendly shows like Merlin’s Magical London. No matter which show you check out, there’s something unique and special about catching a live show with the kids in London’s West End! Set off on a Harry Potter TourOur entire family are huge potterheads (if you’re a muggle who’s never heard the term, a potterhead is a Harry Potter fan, who’s read all the books, and seen all the movies). In our case, we’ve even made the trek and written some Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips. If your kids are Harry Potter fans (most kids over a certain age are), and you’d like to check out the world of wizards yourself, a guided tour that takes the participants to the most important and magical venues where the movies were filmed, is a great way to spend a day in London. Warner Brothers Studio (where the Harry Potter movies were filmed) is a great choice. The Muggle’s Guide to London walking tour is a great place to start, and a special, 2.5-hour journey around the city, where you’re guided to the venues where the movies were shot, provides exciting insight into the magical tricks of film making. See some options for Harry Potter tours in London here. Visit the British Big 4 – The London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of LondonIt’s not really a visit to London if you haven’t seen the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, is it? Arguably, these are the most iconic answers to the question of what to do in London with kids. The good news is that London is a fairly compact city, at least as far as seeing these iconic sights. One of the easiest ways to see all of these great attractions in a day or so is to take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. You may even be able to fit in Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and even more. Sure, by the end of that day you’ll be exhausted, but it’s nice to see all of the big attractions in one fell swoop and then leave you time to check out the lesser known areas of London the folowing days. Visit the Royal Observatory in GreenwichA great opportunity to have fun together while still learning something cool, a visit to the Royal Observatory is recommended for families with older kids and an interest in the natural sciences. Our kids, at 10 and 13, definitely fit that description, and are first in line for any cool, science themed attraction. There’s a lot to see here, from standing on Earth’s most renowned Meridian Line, taking a journey back in time to learn how astronomy has developed and how the seas were first mapped, and then seeing the Great Equatorial Telescope, which changed how the world perceives the universe. Go to an outdoor playgroundLondon is full of areas where kids of all ages can take part in exciting adventures, while having fun and being suitably challenged. Most of the bigger parks in London, and the city is famous for having lots of them, have at least one large outdoor play area for kids, with climbing frames, tunnels, mazes and lots of other opportunities for fun. There’s a great list of London playgrounds here. While you’re there, be sure to check out the local wildlife. There are a surprising number of grey squirrels wandering around London parks, and they’re endlessly entertaining for little ones. Visit a zooLondon has some spectacular, world-famous zoos as well. Any family visiting the city should spend at least one day exploring London’s zoo and farm areas. The Zoological Society of London Zoo, the London Wetland Centre, the Sea Life Centre and Richmond Park all have areas where the entire family can see exotic and more common animals, including creatures of the savanna, the seas, and the mountains alike. Grab a bite in a family friendly restaurantLondon has plenty of restaurants that combine great food and fun. The Rainforest Café looks, well, like a rainforest, with tropical animals and lots of green and the meals also transport the guests to a lush, exotic place in an instant. On top of that, there are lots of other restaurants around London designed for keeping kids well-fed and entertained as well. Visit one of London’s parksWhile most visitors to London likely think of the city as a bustling, busy place (and it can be), London is also home to plenty of lovely, quiet, green areas. There’s a great list of parks here from the city of London, with information on feature gardens, skateboard parks, playgrounds and much more. One of London’s most accessible urban parks is Bishops Park, which is a great space for toddlers, teens and adults alike. The park has an urban beach that is like nowhere else and the skate bowl, the trails and the manicured garden areas are unique as well. Picnics are also allowed, so if the weather is nice, you can spend an entire day there together. If you’re up for one of London’s quirky or unusual things to do, and are up for a swim, check out the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. A lido is an outdoor pool, and there are plenty in the city. However, unlike the majority of heated, chlorinated lidos with defined swimming lanes, the Serpentine is a non chlorinated, open lake in Hyde Park in the heart of London. If you’re in London over Christmas, take time to check out the Serpentine Swimming Club’s semi-famous Christmas Race, where brave souls battle the elements to become the champion. Go Ape at Battersea ParkBattersea Park is right next to the river, with plenty of paths for walking, plus it has a zoo, playground and the Go Ape climbing experience. It’s always one of the most favorite family things to do in west London. The Go Ape Park is an excellent opportunity to explore nature, get physically active and have loads of fun in the heart of one of the world’s largest and busiest cities. The Battersea Park is open from February through November and has plenty of variety in its courses and is suitable for anyone from the age of 4 and up. At Go Ape, everyone, even the fittest, most athletic adult can find challenging obstacles. The canopy adventure takes visitors to the top of some of the tallest trees in the city and the Fisherman’s Net will make you climb on rope ladders, zip wires and wire crossings, to mention just two of the Park’s many attractions. Things to Do in West London with KidsFor whatever reason, West London often gets neglected when talking about children’s activities in London. We’ve included a special section with our top picks for things to do in this fun area of the city. We’ve already talked about checking out a show in West London, but it’s worth mentioning here quickly again. There’s just so much variety in terms of kids shows here, which is honestly quite rare, and it’s a unique family experience the kids will definitely remember! Holland Park Adventure PlaygroundThe largest park in the Royal Borough, Holland Park occupies over 22 acres of land, and is packed full of fun attractions. Kids, younger and older, can enjoy all sorts of physical activities. They can run around or have fun with the swings on the playground, they can test themselves on the climbing wall and they can explore nature in the wildlife area. There’s even a pretty Japanese garden that kids will love. KidtropolisGreat for kids from newborns to age 12, Kidtropolis has plenty of surprising inventive and perfectly safe toys and play areas. Children around the age of three will enjoy the artsy fun at Messy Play, while kids over the age of three can test their abilities driving around in Bumper Cars. Kids over the age of four can let off steam jumping on the Inflatable Assault Course – the name might sound aggressive, but it’s designed for little ones and a lot of fun. Bay Sixty 6Do your kids love to skateboard or BMX? Bay Sixty 6 is a great choice for families with older kids, aged from nine and up. Bay Sixty 6 is a skateboard and BMX facility with special design solutions. Some of the areas are challenging for advanced skaters and bikers, while others are used for beginners’ courses. Pottery Café in FulhamWhen the weather gets foul and you are looking for some creative fun, this pottery studio will keep everyone busy, including young kids and teenagers, parents and grandparents alike. This may be a little quirky and low key, but people swear it’s one of the best family experiences in London. What’s especially cool for families visiting London is that you don’t need to have any tools or supplies. Everything you need for creating your own art is available at the venue and the place organizes lots of thematic events and programs that the entire family can take part in together. Kensington Memorial ParkKensington Memorial Park is another park where the entire family can have fun together, with tennis and football courts, a field where kids can play cricket and a great playground. The Park has a new water play facility as well, which is perfect for having fun not only on hot days, but in cloudy weather as well. Do you have anything to add to these best things to do in London with kids? Let us know! from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/europe/best-things-to-do-in-london-with-kids/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/179840772923 Looking for a first hand Skyroam Solis review? We’ve used our Skyroam Solis for over four months now, and share our thoughts: the good, the bad and the orange. What is Skyroam Solis?The Skyroam Solis is a portable WiFi hotspot. It works in over 130 countries, using the same technology that cell phone carriers use to get you data. Want 10% off the Skyroam Solis? Use code BAREFOOTNOMAD here. The Solis lets connect up to five devices over WiFi at the same time. It has a built in battery that can also charge your devices on the go. Best of all, it’s easy to use. Even the most gadget-adverse traveler should have no trouble getting it up and running in minutes. Why portable WiFi?Getting reliable WiFi wherever we go is a huge hassle. Hotel WiFi isn’t always stable, and scrounging free WiFi from a local McDonald’s gets old pretty quickly. Other options are buying a local sim card, or using our home cell roaming plan, but they both have major downsides. We’ve bought local sim cards for our unlocked phones, but we tend to hit data limits quickly, and sharing our cell data with our laptops and the rest of the family can be a huge pain. Plus, it’s often a hassle to figure out which plan and provider to choose overseas. Even then, a lot of countries don’t legally allow visitors to purchase a local sim and, though there are ways around this, researching them is a huge hassle. We’ve also thought about using a worldwide roaming plan with our home cell company while we travel, but honestly, roaming charges can be huge and the data caps are often ridiculously low on roaming plans. We usually don’t need data every day we’re gone, but most roaming plans charge you every day you turn your phone on. We were looking for a WiFi solution that was affordable for the four of us, and that worked almost anywhere in the world. Enter the Skyroam Solis. It’s a 4G LTE mobile WiFi gadget that automatically works off local cell towers, with no SIM needed. Up to five devices can share WiFi on one Skyroam Solis, making it a great choice for our family of four. Skyroam Solis ReviewFirst impressions of the Skyroam SolisHonestly, our first impression was that the Skyroam Solis is a pretty stylish unit. The bright orange case definitely stands out, and it fits easily in the palm of my hand, or my jacket pocket. Now, the orange look may not be your thing, but it definitely has the advantage that it’s hard to misplace, and is easy to find in the bottom of a backpack. The included zipper case and charging cable helps keep everything together and also helps protect that awesome orange color from getting scratched up as it gets tossed around in our backpack. How fast is Skyroam Solis?For us, the most important thing about a portable WiFi solution is speed and reliability. Sure, the Skyroam works in over 130 countries, but that’s no good if it’s slow. Happily, we were consistently getting speeds of around 31-32 Mbps on our first tests in Canada and at multiple times throughout our extended road trip. A speed of around 30 Mbps is plenty fast to run email, watch Netflix or Youtube in HD, interact with social media (including watching Instagram or Facebook videos) and browsing the net. Even with all four of us connected, with me on email, the kids streaming YouTube videos, and hubby Charles playing video games, the speed was instantaneous, with no seeming lag for anyone. We tested the Solis throughout Canada and the USA, where cellular data speeds can often be lower than Europe and elsewhere in the world. You’ll probably get speeds in the 40 Mbps range in Europe and Asia. We’re taking our Solis down to Mexico and the southern USA this winter and we’ll report how well it works there as soon as we can!
We’re testing our little Solis portable WiFi in the middle of the Canadian prairies in this picture. We still had a connection speed of over 30 Mbps. How much data do you get with Skyroam?Technically, Skyroam gives you unlimited data. We used our little Skyroam Solis pretty extensively with the four of us, burning through at least 800 MB a day for several days in a row. We didn’t notice any throttling at all, and speeds stayed consistently fast. Does Skyroam throttle data?That said, the terms and conditions say they do have a fair use policy. They say here “If there is high usage (over 500MB) within 24-hours, the connection with (sic) go to a lighter 2G speed, which is great for e-mail, web surfing, social media, apps, messaging, and WiFi calling. Data always resets with the next global daypass.” To me, that sounds like you can be throttled if you’re on a busy network, and you’re using a whole lot of data over 500MB. We’ve read other reviews that mention that they started to get throttled after the 1 GB mark, so I’m guessing that they don’t have a hard limit and it depends on which carriers they’re currently operating on. To avoid throttling, Skyroam suggests closing any apps that consume data in the background, like auto backups, cloud syncing, app updates, and so on. We keep those for when we have free WiFi and haven’t had any problems using up a ton of data. The good news is that Skyroam data resets every 24 hours, so even if you manage to overuse the fair use amount and got throttled, your data will reset to higher speeds at the end of the day. How long does the Skyroam Solis battery last?Skyroam says the built in batteries on the Skyroam Solis lasts 14 to 20 hours, and our tests found that to be pretty close. We tested the Skyroam for the first time on a road trip in the interior of British Columbia in Canada. The battery lasted a full 14 hours for me, from the time we hit the road at 8 am, to when we went to sleep around 10 pm, with about 15% battery left. A cool feature about the Skyroam Solis is that you can also connect your phone or device to it, and recharge your phone while on the go. The Skyroam Solis comes with a built in 6000 mAh power bank and comes with a USB-C connection to charge all the latest devices.
If you find you need additional power, you can either purchase a power bank to help top up the Solis or even buy extra batteries for it, since you can open the Solis and switch out batteries anytime. That said, from our experience and unless you’re severely going off grid, the batteries in the Skyroam Solis should easily last you the day. Want some extra spare batteries for the Skyroam Solis? Skyroam suggests these and these. How much does Skyroam cost?There are a couple of ways to use Skyroam: a daily pass, their new monthly data subscription, or the new 1 GB GoData plan. The best part is there are no contracts, and you pay only for the days or months that you use the Skyroam. The Skyroam daily pass and monthly data subscription (in USD)The daily pass (which lasts a full 24 hours from the moment you begin) costs $9 if you own your own Skyroam device. You can buy a Skyroam Solis for around $149.99, and that includes one free daypass. If you decide to just rent a Skyroam Solis for the length of your journey, the daily cost also starts at $9 per day. Skyroam Solis in CanadaWhat I really liked about the Skyroam rental is that they only quoted me a $9.99 shipping charge to Canada. If you’re Canadian, you’ll understand why this is so huge – we usually pay a small fortune to have anything shipped into Canada. In fact, we checked out a competitor, and they were charging over $30 to ship to Canada. If you’re in the USA or Europe, your shipping will likely be even less. See how much a Skyroam rental costs. You can also get unlimited Skyroam service for $99 per 30 days. Because we travel so much, we own our own Skyroam Solis, rather than renting. That means that we don’t need to wait for a rental to be delivered if we take off at the last minute! It also means we pay a bit less for a daily pass and even if we get stuck someplace local without internet and don’t want to use up all our cell data, we can just opt to enable the Skyroam for the day. This has been fantastic when we visit my Mom in the middle of Alberta Canada and here shaky WiFi services goes down again, and our Solis comes to the rescue with WiFi for all! The Skyroam GoData planTo use the Skyroam GoData monthly plan, you’ll need to own the Skyroam hotspot. Rentals aren’t available with the plan. The GoData plan gives you 1GB of data (at 4G LTE data speed) for $9 a month. You can buy more data, on the go, at $9/GB. Plus, there’s no contract. Like the daily plan, you can connect up to five devices. Every month you get another 1 GB of data. However, any unused data you didn’t use doesn’t roll forward.
Since we sometimes go a month or two without traveling, we’re sticking with our the 24 hour daily passes. That said, we may switch to the GoData plan the next time we head out for an extended trip just so we’re not limited to daily time limits. Find out more about Skyroam GoData. Where does the Skyroam work?The Skyroam Solis coverage map says you can get coverage 130+ countries, including Canada, the USA, Mexico, most of Europe, and South America as well as Asia and the Middle East. To test it, I entered the last 10 countries we’ve visited: Canada, the USA, Mexico, Belize, Ecuador, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Anguilla, and the Dominican Republic. There’s Skyroam service everywhere but in Belize. Nine out of 10 is pretty good, I think. See countries where Skyroam’s available. How does Skyroam work?Skyroam uses Skyroam’s patented virtual SIM technology to connect you to the nearest cell network, and will connect with over 300 carriers at 4G LTE speeds (where available). Does Skyroam work on planes or on a cruise?Because Skyroam works off cell networks, it won’t work where you can’t get a cell signal, like while you’re in the air on a flight, on cruise ships (unless you’re near a cell signal in port), or somewhere very remote. How do you use Skyroam Solis?The Skyroam Solis is honestly super easy to get up and running. When you first get the unit, you’ll need to pull a little plastic tab to connect the battery. Then, connect it to your cell charger via the provided USB cable to charge. Ours came pre-charged.
How do I load Skyroam?If you want to add more day passes, or see how many passes you have left, switch to a $99 30-day plan, or start a GoData subscription, go to a.skyroam.com on a connected device. Update! Skyroam’s just introduced a new app in late 2018. The app lets you activate your Solis, load the Skyroam with more WiFi service, troubleshoot problems, get help and more. We love it because it lets us see battery life, signal strength, the number of devices connected, WiFi status and more on the status screen. Grab the app on iTunes or Google Play. Who is Skyroam good for:
Where to buy Skyroam SolisYou can buy Skyroam Solis on the Skyroam website here. Skyroam Solis discountWant to get a Skyroam for yourself? Want 10% off? Use code BAREFOOTNOMAD here. from The Barefoot Nomad https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/tech-2/skyroam-solis-review-how-we-get-unlimited-wifi-anywhere-we-travel/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/179725593898 |
AuthorLearn about traveling and living in the Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Good places to visits and fun things to do in Dominican Republic. Archives
October 2018
Categories |