Wednesday, February 22, 2023

4 Essential Items for Keeping Your Belongings Safe While Travelling

4 Essential Items for Keeping Your Belongings Safe While Travelling

Safety is a big concern for any traveler, from the novice wanderer to the regular explorer. And this is for good reason; as a tourist in an unknown destination you become an immediate target. Although there are many options around today for keeping your belongings safe, below are four essential items you just can’t go without.

1. Safe Luggage

Suitcases, backpacks, carry-on luggage – all these items can get expensive, especially when you have to purchase all of them at the same time. However, spending a decent amount of money on luggage is actually a good idea, as it can go a long way to keeping your stuff safe. Large stores such as Luggage Direct are a great place to start. Backpacks or carry bags that you’ll be using daily should be made with strengthened material and have sturdy zips to ensure the safety of your valuables when walking around.

2. A Good Lock

Although it’s not a bad idea to have a lock on your backpack while wandering, it can become a little tedious if you have to unlock it every 10 minutes. Where a good lock comes in handy is with the luggage you don’t have your eyes on. Most hotel rooms have safes in them these days, however, you can’t always fit everything in them. Put any other valuables in your suitcase and lock the zips. This also applies for when you put your suitcase on the plane. Go for a lock with a combination rather than a key though, as they are much harder to break into.

3. A Money Bag

Whether it’s a money belt, a cross body bag, or a document holder, you should always take a separate storage component for your important material – passport, tickets, document photocopies, money, spare credit/travel cards. It’s even a good idea to store the items that you won’t need daily access to, such as photocopies and spare cards, in a document holder in your suitcase or room safe. When walking around, money belts or cross body bags are a great choice for some spare cash and your passport. That way, if something does happen to your backpack, you still have these essentials on you.

4. Insurance

It’s very easy to slip your wallet in your back pocket, or to not zip your backpack up completely. It’s these careless mistakes that could end up costing you big, especially if you’re wandering around tourist hot spots. However, even if you are being very cautious on your adventures, sometimes bad luck still manages to find you, so the best way to cover yourself for all possible scenarios is to take out travel insurance.

It’s easy to get carried away with safety measures while travelling, especially when it comes to your belongings. And it’s usually because this little bag of goodies is everything in the world to you for however long you are away. Taking note of the above four items will go a long way in assuring that your belongings will be secure, giving you greater peace of mind to enjoy your holiday.

What is your essential safety item when it comes to travel?

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Exploring Bali on a Rainy Day: 6 Tips for a Memorable Experience

Exploring Bali on a Rainy Day: 6 Tips for a Memorable Experience

Rainy days in Bali can be a fun and memorable experience, despite the island being primarily known for its sunny beaches. Bali experiences rain from October to March, with the months of December to February being the rainiest. But, don't let the rain dampen your spirits, as there are plenty of activities and experiences to be had. Here are six tips for making the most of a rainy day in Bali.

Indulge in Luxurious Spa Treatments during a Rainy Day in Bali

Rainy days in Bali can be transformed into a relaxing and rejuvenating experience by visiting one of the island's many spas. From traditional Balinese massages to unique treatments such as a 24-carat gold facial or a vinotherapy red wine treatment, there's something for everyone. For a truly indulgent experience, consider the Bloody Mary treatment at the RĂ©mede Spa at St Regis Hotel, which includes a vodka tomato clay wrap, a body reviver made from tomato, pineapple, and wasabi, and a vermouth and mineral salt bath. For a complete pampering experience, add on some freshly shucked oysters and a delicious Bloody Mary.

Discover the Flavors of Bali through Cooking Classes

Escape the rain and immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Balinese and Indonesian cuisine by taking a cooking class. Most classes start with a visit to a local market to gather fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, followed by hands-on instruction in the kitchen. Popular dishes include gado gado, a vegetable salad with peanut sauce, sate lilit, a minced meat sate, and pepes ikan, fish wrapped in banana leaves. For a truly authentic experience, consider a cooking class at Jambangan in Ubud, held in a traditional Balinese home. For those seeking adventure, Bali Asli in Amlapura offers cooking classes in a traditional kitchen complete with a wood-fired mud brick stove.

Unleash Your Inner Detective: Mind-Bending Adventures during a Rainy Day in Bali

A rainy day in Bali provides the perfect atmosphere for some mind-bending adventures. Challenge yourself at the Totem Escape Room in Seminyak, where you'll have the chance to solve puzzles, use logic, and work as a team to escape intriguing rooms like Locked in the Darkland, Kidnapped, and Mission Impossible. If you're looking for something less intense, visit the Dream Museum Zone in Kuta, where a collection of 120 life-size murals provides a backdrop for wacky 3D illusions. Strike a pose and capture unforgettable memories in the Safari, Indonesia, and 18+ areas. Add a touch of excitement to your day with a visit to Upside Down World Bali in Denpasar, where everyday settings like the kitchen, bedroom, and dining room are turned on their head. Don't miss the chance to snap some gravity-defying photos in the traditional Balinese room, complete with wooden carvings and antiques.

Explore the Depths of Bali's Marine World: Tips for Underwater Adventures

Dive into the heart of Bali's rich marine biodiversity and get up close and personal with the diverse sea creatures that inhabit the island. The monsoon season may bring rains to the surface, but it has no effect on the underwater world waiting to be explored. Here are some exciting underwater adventures to experience in Bali.

Discover the Beauty of Tulamben: This picturesque location on the eastern coast of Bali is a popular destination for divers, featuring breathtaking underwater landscapes and a wreck of a US Army transport ship.

Unleash Your Freediving Potential: Head to Amed and take part in Apneista's freediving courses. Learn the art of holding your breath and dive into the depths of the ocean without equipment.

Ride the Waves: Brave the stormy seas and test your surfing skills on Bukit Peninsula or in the Canggu area. For a more thrilling experience, try night surfing at Komune Resort on Keramas Beach or Finns Beach Club in Canggu.

Walk on the Ocean Floor: Take a tour with Seawalker in Sanur and marvel at the marine life as you walk on the bottom of the ocean, protected by a special helmet connected to oxygen tanks on the boat above.

Indulge in a Shopping Spree in Bali

Bali has undergone significant development over the years and now boasts of chic shopping malls, providing a perfect escape for shopaholics during the rainy season. If you're one of them, then Kuta's Beachwalk and Discovery are the ideal first stops after your arrival. Other malls worth considering are Lippo Mall Kuta and Mal Bali Galeria in Kuta, which feature dining options, Western-style department stores, and gift shops. For a more authentic shopping experience, head to Seminyak Village Shopping Mall, where you'll find boutiques that offer regionally designed clothing. For those who love movies or prefer a break from shopping, both Beachwalk and Mal Bali Galeria have cinemas on offer.

Immerse yourself in Bali's rich cultural heritage by visiting its museums and galleries during the rainy season. Ubud, known as the island's cultural center, is home to numerous galleries showcasing a diverse range of artworks. Notable locations include the Blanco Renaissance Museum, once the residence of the eccentric Spanish painter and still displaying his masterpieces, the Agung Rai Museum of Art, where you can gain insights into the evolution of Balinese paintings, and the Komaneka Art Gallery, presenting a contemporary interpretation of Indonesian art.

For a historical perspective, head to Denpasar, the capital of Bali, which houses several notable museums. Take a trip to the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali, to discover the island's fascinating history, or visit the Musium Bung Karno, dedicated to Indonesia's first president, Sukarno. These institutions offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors looking to spend some time indoors during the rain.