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  • Tourist Prices in Relation to Local Prices

    Tourist Prices in Relation to Local Prices

    When embarking on a journey, the dilemma of opting for tourist prices versus standard prices is essential for travelers mindful of their budget. Many times, travelers inadvertently select the higher-priced choice due to dual pricing structures, where locals and tourists face different charges. This phenomenon can be observed in various instances, including taxi fares, market costs, and entry fees for attractions. In certain nations, such as Mexico and Peru, tourist pricing is officially embedded in the system, complicating efforts to evade them.

    Dual Pricing Structures

    Travelers often come across varying prices for residents and visitors. This is apparent in cases where a taxi driver charges a local one amount and a tourist a different one, or where a market vendor sets distinct prices for locals and tourists. In some regions, official tourist pricing is implemented for entrance fees to museums and attractions, making it challenging for visitors to avoid higher payments.

    What you can do about it: While bargaining might be effective in some situations, it is usually advisable to take the scenario as a means of supporting the local economy. Enlisting a local acquaintance for significant purchases or simply accepting the elevated price for minor items can assist in managing expectations and diminishing stress.

    Tourist Areas Versus Local Areas

    Areas frequented by tourists generally feature inflated prices for food, lodging, and other services. Well-known locations like St. Mark’s Square in Venice or Times Square in New York City exemplify places where prices surge due to tourist interest.

    What you can do about it: To sidestep these elevated prices, consider venturing to spots away from the primary tourist attractions. Strolling a few blocks from the tourist hubs can often reveal more budget-friendly choices.

    City Versus Mid-sized City and Rural Prices

    Costs in large cities can be considerably steeper than in smaller towns or rural locales. For example, during travel in India, expenses in Mumbai or Delhi may be significantly higher compared to other regions of the country.

    What you can do about it: After exploring the key attractions in a city, think about checking out mid-sized towns or rural areas to extend your budget further.

    Peak Season Versus Other Seasons

    Traveling during peak season frequently results in the highest charges for lodging, food, and activities. Sellers and service providers are keenly aware of the heightened demand and adjust their pricing accordingly.

    What to do about it: To evade elevated prices, consider traveling during shoulder seasons or choosing destinations where peak times are not in effect. This approach can lead to substantial savings and a more enjoyable experience.

    Costly Destinations Versus Inexpensive Destinations

    The expense of travel can vary greatly by destination. For example, an evening out in Stockholm can cost much more than in Bulgaria. Carefully selecting destinations can significantly affect your travel budget.

    What to do about it: Conduct research and select destinations recognized for being budget-friendly. Resources like The World’s Cheapest Destinations can offer valuable guidance on economical travel opportunities.

  • The Ultimate Travel Gifts for Holiday Celebrations

    The Ultimate Travel Gifts for Holiday Celebrations


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  • Premier Glamping Adventure in South Africa: Few & Far Luvhondo

    Premier Glamping Adventure in South Africa: Few & Far Luvhondo


    Our safari vehicle climbed into the Soutpansberg Mountains, passing ancient 2,000-year-old acacia trees, rugged red cliffs, and striped kudu grazing on the shrubs. With each bend in the road, excitement grew for our South Africa glamping experience at Few & Far Luvhondo, Sarah and Jacob Dusek’s impressive comeback to outdoor hospitality following the sale of Under Canvas in 2018. Instead of their prior model of establishing glamping sites near well-known national parks, they selected a secluded area in Limpopo, referred to as “The Forgotten Mountains.”

    Even though the Soutpansberg Range is rich in biodiversity, home to numerous rare and endemic species within the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, it has been quietly suffering from deforestation and mining, not to mention the looming threats of proposed industrial development. Tackling ecosystem restoration, alongside combatting mining interests and government red tape, is an enormous challenge, but if you’ve read Sarah’s book, Thinking Bigger: A Pitch-Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the World…she’s definitely up for the task.

    Welcome to Few & Far
    The entrance of Few & Far Luvhondo greeted us with African drumbeats, a tray of lychee lemonade, fragrant warm hand towels, and friendly smiles. Giselle, the GM, guided us to the main building, which featured a canvas design that wrapped around a tree, reflecting the shape, strength, and timeless grace of the baobab. The Limpopo Province, and specifically this site, is home to some of the largest baobab trees in Southern Africa. These “Trees of Life” deeply inspire the Duseks’ designs and Few & Far’s strong sense of location.

    Behind the Scenes: The dining area’s canvas canopy was missing the necessary opening, so co-founder Jacob was called upon to make the daring cut to fit it around the tree. Transforming a design hiccup into a family endeavor, it was eventually placed with the assistance of the Duseks’ two teenage sons!

    Cliff Suites
    Giselle escorted us to our cliff suite, a C-curved canvas and wood structure offering breathtaking views from both sides. She pointed out the Few & Far field guide and binoculars on the desk, saying, “Watch for giraffe, nyala, and zebra; they are often spotted along the valley floor.” I envisioned embarking on a safari right from our outdoor shower, clawfoot tub, and luxurious canopy bed, and couldn’t help but grin.

    After wishing us a wonderful stay, the hospitality continued with a handwritten note on the cocktail-and-espresso bar: “Welcome to Few & Far Luvhondo, we’re thrilled you’ve arrived in our forgotten mountains. We hope you’ll feel at home, discover a bit of magic in the wild, and perhaps carry it with you upon your departure.”

    Dining with Purpose
    Lunch was served by the infinity pool with a special guest, Dr. Dawn Cory Toussaint, Few & Far’s resident ecologist and reserve manager. With an ambitious vision to protect, rewild, and restore a contiguous 100,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains, Dawn was one of the first hires in 2021. Small and cheerful, she’s not the typical image you’d expect behind the excavator removing invasive species or clearing out hundreds of poaching snares, but like all the women in Sarah’s circle, she is not to be underestimated. While enjoying a delightful lunch of beetroot gnocchi and wood-fired pizzas made with farm-fresh veggies, Dawn shared some exciting news…

    Conservation Goals & Achievements
    Thanks to the efforts of Few & Far and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, 11,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains recently received formal environmental protection, and an additional 25,000 hectares are scheduled for protection later this year. We raised our glasses in celebration and admiration of Few & Far’s 50-year vision to preserve a mountain range and sequester 100,000 tons of carbon each year.

    Behind the Scenes: A $100 per person per day conservation fee is included in a guest’s stay, which supports Few & Far’s carbon offsetting programs and ecosystem restoration initiatives. For those wanting to make a tangible difference, guests may join the “Conservationist for a Day” program, which involves rewilding and carbon capture by removing invasive species and planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

    Female Empowerment
    “Are you ready for your afternoon game drive?” asked a young woman dressed in shades of green. With Sarah continuing her role as managing partner of Enygma Ventures, an investment fund for African female entrepreneurs, it’s fitting that she employed Lizzie as a safari guide. Lizzie spent her childhood eating meals at a nature reserve’s soup kitchen but began staying longer each day to volunteer and gain knowledge about the environment. Her diligent

  • 11 Distinctive Points of Interest to Discover on a New Jersey Road Journey

    11 Distinctive Points of Interest to Discover on a New Jersey Road Journey


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  • Top 10 Profitable Remote Positions Ideal for College Students

    Top 10 Profitable Remote Positions Ideal for College Students


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  • Steer Clear of These 10 Frequent Travel Errors

    Steer Clear of These 10 Frequent Travel Errors


    There’s a significant possibility that if you’ve been traveling for a while, your skills have improved compared to earlier times. Each journey provides a chance to enhance your packing techniques, minimize your time at the airport, and discover the best airfare options. It’s essential to pinpoint common oversights in your travel approach that could hinder your progress.

    Here are 10 frequent travel blunders to avoid.

    1. **Reserving Too Soon**

    Buying plane tickets at the last minute presents certain risks (such as not securing a ticket) and benefits (like obtaining a fantastic price). Conversely, making reservations too far ahead can trap you into paying excessively high fares.

    2. **Avoiding AirBnb or Hotels Entirely**

    Sometimes, one option may be superior. Restricting yourself to solely hotels or vacation rentals might cause you to miss out on amenities, bargains, and a more authentic local experience. Explore both options to determine what suits each trip best.

    3. **From Airport to Lodging**

    Even those averse to planning should have a solid understanding of how to reach their accommodation upon arrival. You’re most susceptible to scams, overspending, and wasting time with your luggage while you figure out how to hail a taxi. The book World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by foXnoMad Podcast guest Laurie Woolever provides insights for numerous major cities across the globe.

    4. **Packing Excessively**

    Include only the items and clothing necessary for a week. Packing beyond that indicates you’ve included unnecessary belongings that you can likely find at your destination.

    5. **Neglecting Mileage Programs**

    One flight is sufficient to justify signing up for a mileage program. Here’s how to maximize their benefits, and since most program miles don’t expire, they can accumulate, even for infrequent flyers.

    For the additional 5 travel blunders (some of my personal favorites) watch the video here.

  • Luxury Accommodations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An In-Depth Analysis

    Luxury Accommodations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An In-Depth Analysis


    Saudi Arabia is swiftly growing its hospitality industry, featuring some of the most exquisite hotels globally. Jeddah, an essential hub on the nation’s western coastline, is an ideal destination for discovering premium hotels at competitive prices. A notable option is the Voco Jeddah Gate, the largest upscale hotel in the region, situated just outside the existing downtown in an emerging business district.

    The Voco Jeddah Gate provides rooms starting at $150 per night, boasting amenities like a kitchen, washer-dryer unit, spacious accommodations, and a fantastic breakfast buffet. The hotel has several swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs, and a sizable gym. In accordance with Saudi cultural practices, there are optional women’s only gyms, hot tubs, and pools indoors ensuring privacy. Additional amenities include a central lounge offering coffee and mocktails, a wedding venue, meeting rooms, and extensive banquet halls.

    The breakfast buffet at the Voco Gate is comprehensive, featuring local and international cuisine, with multiple stations available serving a range of dishes on request. Even non-guests can buy a pass to enjoy the buffet experience.

    In summary, the Voco Gate in Jeddah presents a remarkable accommodation opportunity, although prices are anticipated to increase as the nearby area continues to evolve.