Three Ways To Travel Ethically

Travelling the world is one of those adventures can completely change who you are and how you see the world. From eye opening experiences to life changing encounters, there is a reason behind everything that you experience and encounter as you make your way across the world. 

But that doesn't mean you should leave your mark on the world as you travel. Travelling as ethically and environmentally conscious as possible should be something we should all aim to do. This needn't difficult or expensive.

Related topic: Things to see at Big Ben

Clothing

Invest in good quality eco friendly clothing that will last you for your trip. No one wants to lugging huge amounts of luggage around especially if the items it contains aren't likely to last you your whole trip. 

For example if your travelling to warmer climates, like backpacking around Australia, choosing mens shorts that are ethically made and will wear well as you travel again and again can save you have to pay out for new pairs compared to cheaper fast fashion. 

The same goes for any items such as coats or shoes. Investing in fewer items that are better quality will not only enable you to travel lighter but cut down on any clothing waste by eliminating any throwaway items. 

Toiletries 

Well know we need to be more conscious of our plastic use and toiletries can be one of the biggest contributors when it comes to using plastic. 

As with clothing, toiletries can really weigh heavy in your luggage so by making some simple changes to what you use you can reduce your plastic usage and lighten up your load. 

Swap bottle to bars for products that will last that little bit longer and be much easier to pack away as you move from place to place. With shampoo and conditioner bars for your hair and bars of soap you can pack more efficiently whilst also doing your part to help live and travel ethically. 

Forget the wipes and replace them with washable and reusable pads for your skincare routine and washcloths for the shower or bath. Do the same with your single-use plastic Q-tips and replace them with reusable cotton swabs.

It may seem easy but it will be worth it in the long run when you know you are helping to reduce your impact on the world. 

Food. 

It can be easy to stick to foods you know and love that remind you of home. But if that food isn't native to where you are travelling, chances are it's already racked up quite the carbon footprint to make to the store you are standing in. 

Why not make the effort to eat locally sourced food from local retailers and markets. Not only will you be expanding your palete and discovering new foods and drinks, you will also be making more ethical choices when it comes to what you are eating. 

Another great thing is that you will also be supporting locals and the economy too. Helping workers put food on the table and bring in an income for their families too. 

Eating local foods has so many positive benefits for so many different reasons it stands to reason that for those who want to live and travel as ethically and sustainable as possible it is the best option all round. 

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5 Must Visit Travel Destinations for Beer Lovers

By Peter Minkoff

How far are you willing to travel for a good pint of beer? If you’re a true beer lover, there’s no distance that can keep you away from trying a new type in a new country! So, if you’re really crazy about good beer, here are the top destinations you must visit this year that will quench your thirst.

Seattle

Seattle has an amazing brewery-count with over 60 breweries doing business and serving beer lovers from all over the globe. Each year, we get a new addition to the scene, and this year we got one of the best: Future Primitive Brewing. This little brewery specializes in “little beers” as their inventors like to call them. They are making an effort to rediscover old and forgotten methods and outdated styles and employ them in making something new and delicious. Other must-visit breweries include some cult faves like Reuben’s Brews, Cloudburst and Pike.

Tokyo

Beer is rarely the reason why people decide to visit Tokyo, but even if that’s not your main mission, don’t leave this city without sampling some of Japan’s best crafts. Tokyo has a pretty good scene filled with both local- and expat-owned breweries that serve everything from Japanese crafts to American favorites. For instance, make sure to visit Watering Hole in Shibuya that serves a fun mix of Japanese craft (Onisdensetsu, Minoh) and American Burley Oak and Upslope. A relatively new addition to the scene is Øl—a Scandinavian-Japanese bar opened up in partnership with Oslo Brewing. They serve everything from Oslo’s beers to Kyoto Brewing beers to Ballast Point lagers to house-made ginger ale!

Sydney

One thing is for sure, Australians love their beer! Craft breweries are popping up all over the country, especially in Sydney which is a must-visit beer destination. There’s not much to say about the scene that will make your brewery choice any easier: wherever you see beer, feel free to grab a pint, especially when in Marrickville, the country’s beer capital. Marrickville also has an excellent craft beer store that offers around 1000 beers from just about every beer brewing region in the world including local crafts. This means you can bring a taste of Australia with you and surprise those waiting at home with a bottle of best Aussie craft.    

Prague

The Czech Republic not only consumes the most beer per person, but they also produce some of the best brands of lager. Staropramen, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, Krusovice and Budweiser are some of the most popular beers in Europe. Kozel is very masculine and strong with its dark foam and thick taste while Pilsner Urquell is known for its “hoppy” taste. If you want to try something light and sweet, opt for Matuska, one of the country’s youngest crafts and try their Zlata Raketa with undertones of citrus and tropical fruit. All in all, drinking beer, especially crafts, is a valid pastime and hobby in the capital of Prague, so there are a plethora of different bars where you can sample some of the country’s best crafts. And there’s just no best or worst bar to visit in Prague. Each is completely unique and offers what they think is the best example of Czech beer. So, don’t hesitate to visit them all!

Berlin

It’s just impossible to leave out Germany when talking about beer. So, when in Berlin, make sure to go straight to Markthalle Neun, an urban market filled with everything one hipster might need: Good coffee, fresh and farm-raised food and craft beer. Heidenpeters is the place to go if you want to try amazing Pale Ale, IPA and Brown Ale (sometimes they also offer Porters and Stouts). In Kreuzberg’s Wrangelkeiz neighborhood search for Hopfenreich that serves local beers from producers like Berliner Berg, Stone Berlin and Spent Collective. And Brlo Brwhouse is a modern beer playground that serves around 20 beers on tap from house-brewed Helles to other local, national and international beers. It’s really a place to be. And, if you’re visiting Berlin in July, make sure to visit Berlin Beer Week, a 10-day celebration of beer experience with numerous events taking place throughout the capital.

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The Glorious Golden State: A Luxury Getaway to California

With gorgeous stretches of white sandy beaches, incredible cities, friendly locals and an exotic climate to boot- it’s no wonder that California is the most visited state in all of America. Being home to the stars and some of the most expensive places that exist in the world, it’s the perfect destination if you’re planning a luxury trip of the holiday of a lifetime- here are some ideas for making it extra special!

Hotels

It’s usually best that the first thing to think about when you’re booking a getaway is your accommodation, and even more so when you’re planning a luxury trip. Prestige hotels can be booked up months ahead of time, so it’s worth making sure the dates you want are available and ensuring you get in there to avoid disappointment. While there’s more to a trip than the place you stay, it’s still important and if you want to get five star treatment then you’ll need to choose well. Some luxurious hotels to consider include the Ritz- Carlton at Half Moon Bay, InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the Four Seasons and Rosewood CordeValle. At the highest end of luxury you have establishments like Belmond El Encanto and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. There’s no shortage of fancy establishments to pick from, all of which will have the features you’d expect. From high end gyms to shops and spas, the best quality beds, views and so much more. It’s nice to retreat back to at the end of a busy day, and rest up ready for another day in one of the most exciting places on earth!

Drinking and dining

Going on vacation is all about indulging a little, and a luxury getaway wouldn’t be complete without tucking into some delicious dishes. The Golden State is been listed in the top ten food cities in America- so understandably the best chefs in the world all want restaurants here. It means you can enjoy all kinds of cuisines, and indulge in delicious food. For Asian cuisine try WP24, or for delicious French-American fusion food try Patina which you’ll find in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. You could tuck into a juicy steak at Palm Restaurant or try out Shojin if Japanese cuisine is your bag. There’s something for every taste, and plenty of options when you don’t mind spending a little more. And not forgetting drink too- California is all about the wine! Over ninety percent of all wine in the US is made here, and so a taste test is necessary. You could book a wine tasting event, or just enjoy some different varieties when you go out to eat or drinking in the evening.

Attractions

You have everything from scenic parks and stunning beaches for relaxing days spent soaking up some sun,  to cool clubs, restaurants, and bars in the evenings in Cali. Whether you want to stay up all night or make the most of the sunny days, you won’t be short on things to do. When you think of California, it’s likely the stunning beaches that spring to mind, but along with topping up your tan on the sand, why not dip a toe into the clear blue waters too? You can hire all kinds of boats and yachts all over the state, and spend a day on the waters. You could grab your binoculars and spot some Californian aquatic wildlife which includes everything from wild dolphins to whales and sea lions amongst others. You have the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins too, there are thousands of them around warm southern states! Or you could get some drinks and throw a boat party if you want to let your hair down. The beach and water is just one place to explore, be sure to check out the incredible driving routes too. As California's most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge is probably on your list of places to visit while you’re visiting. If you want to indulge in some retail therapy then California is the place to be. It’s famous for being home to some of the best shopping destinations in the world. Take downtown San Diego for example, the Westfield Horton Plaza is a massive outdoor mall with shops, restaurants and even a cinema. You could walk down the iconic Rodeo Drive, and rub shoulder with the stars, in all honesty it’s just about the most luxurious place in the world when it comes to shopping!

Getting around

When you’re enjoying a luxury vacation, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting on buses and public transport! To give the trip a high end feel, think of how you’ll get around. Companies like Go Luxe can be used to get you to and from the airport or to events during your trip in style. Another thing to consider is hiring a luxury car- a Cadillac, a Mustang or a Bentley for example would certainly have you feeling like you were doing things right! When you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the location and the things you’ll do when you arrive, but it’s important to consider how you’ll get to each place. That way you can do your research and book everything ahead of time making the trip run as smoothly as possible.

Have you ever visited California, or is it on your list? What kinds of things would you most like to do if money was no object?

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The Only 4 Hotels You Should Stay In Miami

 Tired of the cold and looking for a little getaway? Well look no further because in less than three hours you could be on a beach in Miami enjoying the rays and having the time of your life. Planning a trip can be a little stressful but don’t worry we got you covered, so all you have to do is remember to pack your bathing suit. Here’s a list of four of the most luxurious hotels that will make your trip one to remember.

Photo courtesy of Faena

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

 This high-end hotel overlooks the gorgeous Miami Beach and is only two miles from the Miami Beach Golf Club and six miles from the birds and animals at Jungle Island zoo. Faena Hotel is “a place unlike any other” and is was one of Forbes top five star hotel within its first year of opening. As described by Alan Faena this hotel was created for “a new paradigm of the Miami lifestyle, one where design, refined hospitality, and culture converge.” Amenities include 3 polished restaurants, a pair of hip bars and an ornate cabaret theater, plus a chic spa, a beautifully decorated outdoor pool and a fitness room. Faena Hotel is for sure an experience worth the trip and it’s one of the coolest and most exclusive hotels in Miami.

Pelican Hotel Miami

The Pelican is the first hotel created by Italian fashion giant Renzo Rosso owner of Diesel. Located in the heart of the famous “Deco District” in Miami Beach, the Pelican is one of Miami’s finest hotels. The Pelican takes pride in their attention to detail which allows them to maintain the title of one of the greats. The Art Deco hotel has become a hit with the fashion, music and publishing set for its intriguing decor. Every one of the 29 rooms is completely different from the other which allows its guests to experience something different. Amenities include happy hour, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and is pet-friendly. With its whimsical nature, the Pelican Hotel is a quirky, surreal, state-of-the-art hotel that is sure to bring the childish side out of everyone.

Washington Park Hotel

Located in the heart of South Beach just two blocks from Miami Beach's most pristine powder-sand beaches and a half mile from Lincoln Road and the SoFi District, the Washington Park Hotel is a collection of four landmarked Art Deco hotels. The Washington Park Hotel is a hotel reimagined and is respectfully updated with a modern design sensibility and a unified boutique hotel concept. Amenities include a pool, hot yoga, a fitness center, access to the TUK TUK (shuttle), and martone bikes to explore the island. Washington Park Hotel is much more than just a hotel but strives for it to be more of place to interact with people and have a space of connections between people. “Our guests are individuals with unique needs, but we see more than that; we see an evolving community of thinkers and doers, of people choosing to explore life fully.”

The Standard Spa

Miami can be quite the party scene and if you aren’t really a party-goer than, The Standard Spa Hotel is a perfect fit for a relaxing getaway. The Standard Spa reimagines the modern spa experience and believes that every guest should go home feeling better, calmer and more grounded…”the ideal cure for this topsy-turvy world.” The Standard is a hydrotherapy paradise, complimentary to hotel guests, there’s a Turkish-style hammam, aroma steam room, Roman waterfall hot tub, Finnish sauna, arctic plunge, treatment baths, mud lounge, and an infinity pool. Last, but not least, guests are invited to partake in treatments from experts specializing in everything from nails and skincare to massage and acupuncture. Sounds like the perfect escape.

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