Everyone loves a nice vacation to feel relaxed and enjoy some personal time alone, or with friends or family. When you desire to go to a place unknown alone or with your loved ones, mere planning just isn’t enough. With care comes caution, and it is obvious when you love yourself or your companionship. For that reason, safety comes first when we want a vacation to be like one and not turn out to be a nightmare.

Here are some basic safety trips that anyone can practice and get acquainted with:

 When you plan to visit a USA try knowing more about that place and the legal rules and regulation it follows

 Try finding out if it requires any entry visa like in ESTA US Visas, if it does then there is a facility to download ESTA Visas Application or country related legal application from the official website for a safe and secured travel.

 ESTA US Visas is an easy and a well-planned legal authorization which gets approved from the department of the homeland security to ensure safe travel, hence you get well-secured during travel.

 When travelling far places, pack in a smart and compact manner so that it is neither meager nor extravagant.

 Always keep emergency medical supplies nearby like a medical kit with an aspirin within your reach.

 Buckle yourself with a navigator or a well-read map to assist you

 Travel agencies help in your travel by providing vehicle assistance and good tour guides. So ask for one

 Weather conditions are important in deciding if you can tolerate if there are any extremities. Do your research

 Try using your card instead of cash. This is because in case of emergencies local currencies help.

 Pack yourself some light and handy food so that you don’t go hungry if the food is too expensive or not according to your taste.

 Schedule your time and reach the boarding place on time. Remember “haste make waste”

 Before leaving check if you have everything required, that is, passports, legal documents, tickets, local currencies, maps or navigator, food and water and then start off early

 It is always better to keep yourself in touch with any loved ones if you travel alone, that said, see to that you have a network access and local SIM to keep in contact and let them know about your whereabouts.

 Remember to enjoy and have fun.

About the Author:

Written by Robert Hall a Tech writer with a travel obsession – catch me @travelplex

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Best Family Camping Sites in the UK

If you are just like every other family in the UK, you most likely will admit that traveling is one of the most enjoyable activities out there. However, camping is actually one of the most popular activities in the area and so you should really find the best places for camping in the UK.

Here are some of the best places for camping that you can find in the United Kingdom.

Beach Camping Sites

• Scotland

The Clachtoll Beach in Scotland is one of the nicest campsites that you will find in the West Coast of Scotland. The sun beautifully shines on the beach and the soft sands shimmer white. However, you will need to bring a very strong tent because the winds can be quite strong.

• Cae Du, Wales

This is a beautiful spot to simply get away from it all. This is an ideal spot that gives everyone the best views in the area. If all you are looking for is a break and to go camping with a beautiful sea view, then you will need to check out the Cae Du beach.

• Troytown Farm, Isles of Scilly

Troytown Farm is the place where you will see the best panoramic backdrop. You will see beautiful rock formations and landscapes that will be the best that you will find in the area. Though it might be a long trip, it is definitely worth it on a holiday. With amazing campfires, this is a top spot in the Isles Of Scilly.

• Kintra Farm, Scotland

This is a short ferry ride from the Mull Of Kintyre and it sits on the Isle Of Islay. This is easily one of the nicest regions in Scotland and the nice thing about Kintra Farm is that the views are among the best in the world. This is certainly a beach that you can go to even if you are not looking to go camping. Just simply go to the dips and pitch down a tent. You will have beautiful coastal views and the overall experience cannot be compared to anything else.

• Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

This is easily the nicest campsite that you will ever find in the Gowner Peninsula. There are beautiful rock formations that cannot be found anywhere else in the UK and you will see the distinctive silhouette that truly exhibits how nice the area is. This place has been named the "best view in Wales" and certainly serves as a great place to visit no matter what your reason is. You simply cannot forget your camera when it comes to the Three Cliffs Bay.

If you are serious about being able to finally enjoy the best campsite in the UK, then you should think about visiting these areas. The UK is full of campsites of all types and you will definitely be able to find the best ones. Most people will admit that the UK is the best place for camping and so you should really keep this in mind. The nice thing about the UK is that you will see that the different campsites have something different to give and so this is certainly a reason why you need to visit the UK.

The United Kingdom is not necessarily known for their campsites and so you will only find a few places that will really capture your attention. Take your time to find the best campsite for you and your family and you will definitely have a great time.

About Author:

Diane Magruder is a hotel and resort reviewer and, while she's in between destinations is a freelance blogger for lakecomo.org.uk where you can look up 5 star hotels in Lake Como. If you're interested in visiting Lake Como she suggests checking out their Guide to Varenna for a great place to stay.

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Top 5 Road Trips

There’s something liberating about planning a road trip - it ignites a sense of adventure and free spirit.

There are many cult stories about impulsive mavericks hitting the road: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, Ridley Scott’sThelma & Louise and Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Why not pluck a leaf out of their books and throw caution to the wind? Forget small group tours, hire a car and explore your country of choice independently. Only the best experiences spring from the unexpected.

Heathrow parking specialists, Purple Parking has put together its top five self-drive destinations, popular for their superb scenery, vibrant culture and sheer wow factor. Wind the windows down, feel the exotic breeze on your face and enjoy!

CUBA: for culture vultures

Cuba is a unique and fascinating Caribbean island pulsating with colour and passion. It’s famed for its salsa, vintage cars, cigars and of course, its revolutionary spirit. Make sure you book some home stays (casas paticulares) as it is a great way to meet Cuban families along the way. When driving through Cuba, make sure you ask for directions and take a compass and decent map as there are few road signs. Make sure you stop off at the following:

• Havana. You will be charmed by the crumbling splendor of the capital city of Havana. Although not conventionally beautiful, its eclectic culture gives the city an air of romance as vintage cars drive past shimmering colonial palaces. This place is not contrived for tourism, it is refreshingly authentic.
• Trinidad. Wander the cobbled streets of colonial Trinidad and admire the impressive churches, museums and public squares. When you get tired, relax in one of the bars, enjoy the Cuban music and sample the traditional sugarcane drink, Guarapo.
• Varadero. Ideal for beach-lovers, the white sands of Varadero will not fail to disappoint. The turquoise waters are crystal clear and warm and the sunsets are incredible – perfect to enjoy with a relaxing rum.
• Baracoa. The unspoiled colonial village of Baracoa has secluded beaches, rainforest and a flat-topped mountain. The colourful but weathered buildings add to its charm. Amid the rich vegetation you can find cocoa trees which make the white chocolate Baracoa is famous for.

COASTAL CALIFORNIA: for party people

This is where America meets the big blue Pacific, thousand-foot cliffs plunge into the sea, the world’s tallest trees cling to hillsides and huge waves beckon enticingly to the surf-crazed. California is huge; exploring by car will help you reach more of the remote spots. For the ultimate road trip, check out the following:

• San Francisco. Welcome to America’s most liberal city. Join the locals for a street party, eat like a king at the vast array of cafes, sail to see Alcatraz, spot whales from Point Reyes and watch eagles soar over Golden Gate.
• Santa Cruz. In funky town Santa Cruz you will find surfers, nudists, tree-huggers and punks living together in radical harmony. Make sure you visit the famous beach boardwalk, its amusement park rides and sweet shops will appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Santa Barbara vineyards. Head inland for just a few miles and you’ll find yourself in some of the world’s greatest wine-growing regions. The hills above Santa Barbara have a high concentration of wineries where you can try a sumptuous pinot noir and a smooth merlot.
• Hearst Castle. Don’t miss the ostentatious Hearst Castle at San Simeon. This sprawling estate, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, has 127 acres of landscaped gardens, shimmering pools and statues from ancient Greece and Moorish Spain.

SOUTH AFRICA: for wildlife enthusiasts

South Africa is everything you ever dreamed of. Nature lovers and adventurers alike will be blown away by the 3,500 kilometres of stunning coastline, abundance of National Parks, unique wildlife encounters and world-class surf and shark cage diving experiences. This country is popular for self-drive holidays as the landscape is so diverse. It also has some fabulous wine tasting trails and incredibly warm people. Don’t miss out on:

• Cape Town. It is a thriving cosmopolitan city that enjoys great weather all year round. A creative melting pot, Cape Town has a fantastic dining scene, busy nightlife, sunny beaches and great shopping – and all this is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain.
• The Garden Route. This is a gorgeous stretch of the south-eastern coast which features mountains, lakes, tall indigenous forests, amber-coloured rivers and golden beaches. Bright wild flowers illuminate your journey and you can indulge in every kind of adventure activity along the way.
  • Cape Winelands. Wine-lovers must book a trip to the picturesque Cape Winelands, divided into six main wine regions. You can book a range of dine and vine tours, with wines ranging from sumptuous Rhone reds to perfumed Sauvignon Blancs.
  • Game Reserves. South Africa has a huge collection of wildlife regions, game parks, nature reserves, bush camps and lodges. If you’re looking to spot the Big Five in all their glory, you will be spoilt for choice. Popular reserves include: Kruger Park, Sabi Sands and Shamwari Game Reserve.

ICELAND: for adventurers

Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland is home to geographical phenomena and incredible landscapes. Here you will see lava flows, icecaps, deep fjords, geysers and hot springs. This magical country offers a variety of experiences and it is worth hiring a sturdy car to deal with slightly rougher terrain. if you’re lucky you may get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see killer whales and the awesome Northern Lights. Highlights include:

• Reykjavik. The capital of Iceland is a must-see, whether you go in the eternal sunshine of summer or never-ending night of winter. It has a quirky and creative culture and a kicking music scene, topped off with snow-topped mountains and incredible thermal pools.
• Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. These are two of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and must be seen to be believed. The waterfall spray produces stunning rainbows in the right light and there is a pathway leading behind Seljalandsfoss, allowing you to view it from within.
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Snaefellsjokull glacier lies on this Peninsula, which is steeped in history and well-loved by Icelanders; some of the most important sagas took place here. The majestic silhouette can be seen from afar and the entire landscape is brimming with hot springs, lava caves and waterfalls.
• Golden Circle. Three of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders can all be visited in one day: the Geysir hot springs area, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall and historical Thingvellir National Park.  Often called the ‘Golden Circle’, these attractions offer fabulous opportunities for the budding photographer.

NEW ZEALAND: for outdoor lovers

Much of New Zealand is pristine and untouched. A car will enable you to visit those harder to reach places, and then there are some spectacular walks and bike rides which will take you even further off the beaten track to reveal the natural beauty of the landscape and pure quality of the air. You can also learn about and meet the indigenous Maori people who have a strong influence on New Zealand culture. Wildlife is abundant here and nature lovers can watch whales, dolphins, kiwis and the protected colonies of royal albatross and penguins. Places worth a visit include:

• Auckland. The largest and most multicultural of New Zealand’s cities is a blend of islands, harbor and Polynesian culture and stretches from one side of the country to the other. Known as the ‘city of sails’, you’re never far from the wild surf and beautiful beaches.
• Bay of Islands. The first European settlers arrived in the Bay of Islands and forged relationships with the Maoris. There are 144 islands, each with its own unique culture. You can enjoy a sub-tropical climate while exploring one of the many nature walks here.
• Coromandel Peninsula. This is an ideal place to unwind with hundreds of natural hideaways waiting to be explored. The sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches and rainforests make it a hard place to leave.
• Kaikoura. For an unforgettable experience, head to Kaikoura to catch a glimpse of the huge sperm whales, dolphins and orcas which are often seen in the water off the peninsula. Nestled on the rugged East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura offers stunning coastal alpine scenery.

Wherever you go, make sure you research the country’s driving rules and regulations. Here are some of the most important things to read up on before you drive overseas http://www.purpleparking.com/travel-advice/driving-abroad

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National Gallery London

London is known worldwide to be a Mecca for art lovers; from Classical Greek sculpture to the most eccentric modern art, it’s all available in London. Michelangelo, Turner, Constable, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Emin and Hirst are all featured in the galleries featured below. Our advice is to not try to visit all of these galleries in one trip – that would be overload. Instead, pick a couple that you think might interest you, and combine a visit there with a visit to another great London attraction. That way, you can take in the art you see and don’t get overloaded.
So here’s a few of the best and most famous art galleries in London:
1) National Gallery – Located in a dominating position just off Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is probably the biggest and most famous Art Gallery in London, and indeed the UK. Worldwide, it is eclipsed perhaps only by The Louvre in Paris, or the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The museum contains a fabulous collection of Western European painting from 1250-1900, and contains works by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Gallery entrance is free, but there are charges for special exhibitions. The National Gallery says how a trip to the gallery can involve: “being inspired, learning about art, relaxing, meeting, lunching and shopping.” Nearest tube: Westminster.

2) National Portrait Gallery – Located in the same huge building as the National Gallery, this gallery contains the world’s largest selection of portraits and faces, from early medieval times to today. The gallery contains pictures of people from a vast number of fields, including politics, the arts, business, showbiz and religious figures. The current main exhibition is a series of portraits by Lucien Freud. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Free entry.

Tate Britain

3) Tate Britain – Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world. Its galleries show art from 1500 to today, from late medieval works to modern and contemporary art. Tate’s collection includes masterpieces by British artists such as Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Millais, Burne Jones, Whistler, Sargent, Sickert, Hepworth and Bacon. The current main exhibition is “Picasso and British Art” – “A rare opportunity to see Picasso’s legacy and influence on British art.” Opening hours 10am – 6pm. Nearest tube is Pimlico.

4) Tate Modern – This gallery contains the best in British modern and contemporary art. Its located just down the river from the Tate Britain. The current exhibition is notably a Damien Hirst retrospective featuring all of Hirst’s notable works to date, including his famous shark in formaldehyde, titled “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.” The theme of death runs through Hirst’s introspective display, and been seen to the key to unlocking Hirst’s work. There are plenty of things to do in Tate modern, including taking a guided tour, enjoying the displays, using the multimedia guides, plus learning to sketch in the gallery. Admission to Tate Modern is free, and the gallery is open 10am-6pm. Nearest tube is Pimlico.

5) Royal Academy of Arts – This well respected institution describes itself on its website thus: “The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position of being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects, whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.” The British artist David Hockney has an exhibition of his colourful works currently at the gallery. As with most London galleries, many of the permanent galleries are free, with there being a fee for the special exhibitions. The gallery is open 10am – 6pm, the nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus.

Royal Academy of Arts

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