Hot temperatures, lots of travelling around and air-conditioning area a guaranteed recipe for dehydration. When tap water is undrinkable and you are constantly distracted with wonderful holiday moments, it can be easy to forget to drink regularly. We should be drinking around 2 litres of water a day, and in hotter climes, it will need increasing to compensate for the fluid you lose in sweat.
Dehydration can lead to a multitude of other ailments and it is so simple to combat. Invest in a hydration pack that you can wear even on the most challenging of hikes and travel adventures. Fill the bladder on a morning with fresh water and you are much more likely to fulfil your daily fluid target. A salt replacement sachet will also work wonders if you are already feeling the effects of dehydration. Small and regular sips are the way to a hydrated and more fun holiday.
You only need to sit still for four hours for DVT to kick in. Those long coach trips are just
as likely sources of poor circulation as the long-haul flight that got you there. Remember to take regular walks and stretch your calves at every opportunity during long periods of inactivity. A pair of flight socks are a great way of safeguarding against DVT, you can pick them up at pharmacies or
online.
Weight gain can cause lots of illnesses; from diabetes to joint failure, respiratory problems and even heart failure. Granted this may not all occur in a single trip, but weight gain is a subtle yet slippery slope and prevention is far simpler than cure.
Holidays for many are about indulgence, and whilst a full-time diet is out of the question for most, perhaps one super-healthy, nutrient-dense meal per day is more realistic. As well as helping to combat weight gain, this will also ward off immune system deficiencies, which are why so many people catch colds and bugs on holiday.
Keeping active is crucial to keeping those lbs off. A pedometer could be your new must-take holiday gadget. More advanced bits of kit can track your heart rate and prompt activity every hour, but standard models work just fine to count your steps - aim for at least 10,000 per day to keep that waistline trim and your vital organs free of fat wrap!
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or bus, spending lengthy amounts of time in a cramped, seated position can cause even the best backs to get a little bent out of shape. The Kip-Kit is a new device, developed over a decade with the help of experts and strenuously tested in various travel situations. It supports your chin, stopping your head from nodding forward allowing you to better relax and to feel more refreshed on arrival. Make those travelling aches and pains a thing of the past!
There is no doubt that staying fit and healthy while being on the road isn't always easy but follow these guidelines and you will be well on your way!
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Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, there’s no need to sacrifice sleep just because you’re away from home. Catching precious rest in transit are a great way to squeeze the most time out of your trip, whilst feeling energised on your trip. Here's how…
Block it out!
Sensory distraction is the root cause of many travellers’ restlessness. Switch off your phone if possible, but if you must use it, switch on the blue light filter function (or download a blue light filter app). This filter blocks the light that keeps your brain engaged whilst you try to sleep.
An eye mask will block out visual distractions (runaway toddler, we’re looking at you!) It will also - more importantly - block out light so your brain can get into ‘night’ or ‘sleep’ mode. In a similar vein, invest in some earplugs: they’re easy to carry, inexpensive and will block out much of the distracting noises on a plane (here comes that toddler in a tantrum again!)
If you need some kind of noise to sleep, why not try a white noise app? This will let your brain switch off from all that is going on around you, and allow you to rest peacefully.
Save the bubbles for your destination
For many a pre-travel cocktail is as synonymous with a holiday as packing the SPF30. Similarly, many of us grab a coffee to perk us up after an arduous morning of schlepping to the airport. Yet alcohol and caffeine both stimulate your brain for many hours after you have finished enjoying them, leaving your sleeping pattern in tatters and your body in that ‘wide awake yet sleepy’ limbo.
Peppermint teas and alcohol-free, low sugar cocktails are sensible alternatives for the seasoned traveller who appreciates their in-flight snooze.
Find a comfortable position
Airline and coach seats have seemingly been getting smaller as the years go by. Uncomfortable and cramped, it is little wonder why so many struggle to sleep in them.
Some get close to the land of nod, but just as they drift their head nods, their body jerks them awake. In these instances, try the KipKit. It’s a head and neck support that is easy to pack in your hand luggage and gives all the support you need to not only sleep in transit - but also to avoid the crooked neck and residual back pain that usually comes with a travel nap!
Keep it calm
Now you have found your perfect sleeping position with the KipKit, focus on your breathing. Perhaps a meditation podcast will help you drift off to sleep. Essential oils such as lavender are known for their calming properties and are well worth investing in - in fact, many refuse to travel without these herbal heroes!
Remember that sleep problems are a very normal side effect of travelling, and feeling anxious about your lack of sleep may only make things worse. Instead, make use of the accessories above and speak to your doctor if your insomnia becomes a serious issue.
What are your tips to get a good night’s sleep on holiday? Please let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KipKitSocial/
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Camelbak lobo hydration pack
Decathlon | £54.99
Every traveller knows the importance of staying hydrated. Being thirsty or dehydrated when travelling is not just a bit annoying – it can be dangerous. Whether you are meandering around villages or cycling across a humid mountain range, this Camelbak hydration pack provides you with easy access to water. Its generous 6-litre capacity can be extended by a 2.5-litre ‘hydration bladder for cross-country marathons’.
Bose Quietcontrol 30 Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones
John Lewis | £254.99
Tangled wires seem that much more difficult to unravel after a 13-hour flight, don’t they? Wireless headphones are paving the way for the future of all headphones, and Bose create some of the best. These discreet, in-ear headphones have a heaven-sent ‘noise cancelling’ function will drown out the most irritating sounds, meaning the most testing part of your journey will be the choice of your crisp, clear playlists or blissful silence.
Vumos leak-proof travel bottles
Amazon | £15 for four bottles
Yes, you read that correctly – leak free! Gone are the days of opening your case on arrival to discover a soapy mess and leaky, broken travel bottles. Avoid a “Ross Geller” moment by investing in this four-pack of sleek silicone bottles - they are even hand luggage approved.
Mahabis slippers
Mahabis.com | From £79
This London-based frontrunner of footwear boasts a dizzying number of combinations that enables you to build your perfect unisex slipper. Collapsible heels make putting them on a breeze, and the detachable soles put paid to the pet peeve of having to change your slippers to nip outside. Stylish, comfortable, practical – they win from all angles!
Compression socks
Boots | £13.99
With long journeys comes increased risk of fluid build-up in feet and legs, as well as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). In fact, just four hours of inactivity can put you at risk. Reduce the chances of developing either of these ailments by investing in a pair of compression flight socks. Simply pop them on in place of your regular socks and enjoy the journey! Painful feet are fun for nobody – especially when you have countries to explore!
Power pack: Zendure A8 QC Pro Portable Charger 26,800mAh
Amazon | £72.95
For most people, travelling without a phone or tablet is simply incomprehensible today – especially as they often double up as cameras, organisers, alarms and notepads. An (un)popular pet peeve is therefore, unsurprisingly, gadgets running out of power. This Zendure portable charger is one of the best – and most powerful – on the market. Easily charge multiple gadgets simultaneously using the USB connection ports. Peace of mind just got a little more tangible. Take it everywhere!
Become an early adopter of the latest and ultimate in travel comfort. The Kip-Kit is a neck and chin support that is designed for travel. If cramped seats and ‘head nodding’ is the pet peeve that is stopping you from drifting off properly, the Kip-Kit will gently support your head for hands free comfort. It neatly tucks away in your hand luggage, and is great for road trips! Arrive at your destination well rested and free of neck and back strains and pains.
Have you got any must-have accessories you'd like to share with us? Please do so in the comments below or over on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KipKitSocial/
]]>A budget overnight train that enables even the thriftiest of travellers to take in the beautiful colours and sights of Morocco. Start in Tangier and weave through the desert and along the Atlantic coastline, covering 400 miles in a single night. Arrive in Marrakesh just in time for breakfast - a total snip at £30!
Jump on the Eurostar at London St Pancras and after a short taxi ride from Paris’ Gare Du Nord, you’ll find yourself on the Alps sleeper: For the traveller who prefers comfort over sitting overnight on a cramped carriage. £142 will get you a place in a six-berth carriage, and you’ll wake up in time for croissants and coffee slope-side.
Traveller tip: When travelling such long journeys by rail, views can be hindered in the dark of night, so use this time to catch some quality sleep. The Kip-Kit has been developed over a decade with the sole purpose of providing complete support for your chin, reducing neck and spine strain, enabling you to nod off and wake up feeling completely refreshed and ready for the rest of your adventure!
The French Pyrenees provide year-round views of a breath taking magnitude. Quaint medieval towns and picturesque mountains will make up your view for much of the ride, who wouldn’t love that? Better still, tickets start from just £12 for a one way trip. And unlike your stuffy commute, this is one train journey you definitely won’t want to end quickly!
They’ve been around since the 1960s, but the legendary bullet trains are a must for many avid travellers! We recommend Tokyo to Hokkaido (Japan’s largest main island) where hot springs and seriously delicious seafood awaits. Opt for a single fare (from £155) or a weekly first class pass for £366.
Traveller tip: Head to Japan in the springtime to catch cherry blossom season – truly magical scenes that gather keen travellers in their hoards every year!
If it’s luxury you desire, and faraway destinations aren’t on your travel plan right now – head to the emerald isle! The Belmond sleeper train is the ultimate in decadent travel. Forget stuffy carriages and questionable sandwiches, this train packs a real punch. On board you will find two restaurants, a bar, and sleek, open and modern spaces that really make this train stand apart from the rest. It is in service from April to October, so book your ticket from £3,300 for a two-night trip including entertainment and food.
Luckily there are some very simple things that can reduce the chance of aggravating or triggering these conditions, allowing you to arrive at your long awaited tropical destination one happy traveller.
Be sure to take regular walks up and down the aisles once it is safe to do so. This will keep your muscles working which will reduce the chance of spasms or uneven strain on your spine. Long periods of pressure on your spine will give you a world of pain both on holiday and in the longer-term. Setting a timer to get up and move every thirty minutes to one-hour could also break up your journey.
This can start long before your flight, but is equally useful on-board. Practice gentle stretches such as Pilates or yoga to activate your thoracic spine whilst working out the damaging tension. And whilst there isn’t going to be room to go full-blown child’s pose on the plane, you will be able to perform some stretches in a quiet area which your body will absolutely thank you for on landing!
It’s the job it was made to do. It is ergonomically engineered to provide optimum support for your chin, neck and spine, which will enable you to gently nod off to sleep, safe in the knowledge that you won’t wake up feeling stiff and uncomfortable like you usually do on a flight! It allows the muscles as the back of your neck to relax without your head lulling forwards and waking you up. Your cervical spine will thank you for this bit of kit!
Ensure you have brought support for your lower back for the flight. Whilst airplane chairs aren’t known for their comfort, you can soup up your seat to make it more comfortable. A cushion could work fine, a specially designed tool would be even better. Providing lumbar support will keep your spine straight and help to stop you slouching – ultimately stopping pain in both your back and your neck.
If you suffer from chronic neck and back pain, then the chances are you will ultimately find it difficult to be comfortable in a confined space such as an airplane. So as well as taking the above preventative precautions, be sure to pack plenty of entertainment to divert your mind elsewhere. Books, magazines, music, movies, and games: it all works!
Disposable heat and ice pads are brilliant to ease that nagging pain that can develop on a long flight. Just be sure to check that they are in line with your individual airline’s hand luggage policy.
We hope you found these tips useful. If you would like more information on comfortable travelling, spine health or the Kip Kit, we’d be happy to help. Please get in touch.
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When there’s not enough time to learn a new language in time for your annual leave, Google Translate has got your back. Handy for any holiday - almost crucial when off the tourist grid, and with 103 languages you are almost certain to find the one you need.
Talk or type into your phone and the app will verbally or textually translate. Play back or show the translated word or phrase. Google Translate is especially useful with the rise of Airbnb and similar accommodation options, where hosts may not speak your language. A revolutionary camera function means you can hold up your phone to a sign/ menu etc. and it will translate on-screen. Ordering food, conversing, directions, all made easy. And speaking of directions…
What started as every city dweller’s best kept secret has become a global phenomenon that has changed the way millions of people travel. Either enter where you are planning on travelling from, or let the app ‘find’ you. State where you wish to go and Citymapper provides the options available, along with how long it will take and how much it will cost. Walking, cycling, public transport, taxis and even via hoverboard are all taken into account (although we feel it might be some time until that last option is quite ready!)
It even has ‘rain free’ options to keep you as dry as possible on your travels, and share options to help friends find their way. Citymapper has almost forty cities including London, New York, Hong Kong and Lisboa just to name a few, and more are frequently being added. So whether you are a pro at public transport or a stranger to the bus, Citymapper makes city travelling a doddle.
Tripit is fantastic for storing all of your travel essentials in one place. Your flight boarding passes, train tickets, trip itineraries, hotel and restaurant reservations are all easily accessible. Avoid the usual flustered panic scrolling through vast email chains or flicking through print-outs.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, forward your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and Tripit cleverly pulls the information together, creating a ‘master’ itinerary for you to keep a hold of. Handy features such as calendar syncing and ‘share’ options make it useful for regular business travellers.
Travelling with friends or family? Booking together but paying separately? And how about that rather fancy meal you all enjoyed whilst away? Splittr marks the end of that awkward post-dinner bill splitting, and more! It even works offline. Input costs as you go and Splittr will calculate how much each person owes. It converts to your preferred currency and gives you more time to enjoy your holiday without having to mentally calculate and remember who paid what and when every time something is paid for. Flights, hotels, restaurant bills (where one person had steak and another a garden salad), taxi fares etc. are all proportionately divided. Perfect! But where to go…?
Looking for an up-to-the-minute pocket guide of the coolest hotspots, restaurants, attractions, exhibitions, gigs and free stuff? The Time Out app could be your new best friend. Save lists of your ‘must visit’ places and book tickets for events today, tomorrow or well into the future. Read reviews from real people and look out for Time Out deals and discounts. With destinations spanning from London to Seoul and everywhere in between, it’s like having a local expert in your pocket, wherever you travel to!
We hope you found this list useful. Do you have a go-to travel app? We’d love to hear about it! Do get in touch to share the travelling knowledge. Happy travelling!
]]>You can check in online around 72 hours before your flight’s departure. Doing this saves the hassle of the dreaded check-in queue! These lines are arduously long and are not the best way to start your holiday – a much better time will surely be had sipping a cocktail in the departure lounge? Many airlines now let you print your own boarding pass at home. Some even have ‘paperless tickets’ where you can download an app and scan your boarding pass via your phone or tablet. One less thing to worry about when you leave the house. As all airline policies differ somewhat, it is always best to remain on the safe side - be sure to check your check in options with your individual flight company, and choose what is most hassle-free for you.
Airline rules across the board state that no containers larger than 100ml are to be carried in hand luggage. Anything over 100ml, pack into your hold luggage, or it will be confiscated at airport security. Avoid the stress by keeping all liquids (that includes gels, pastes, creams, lipsticks and makeup etc.) in a clear plastic bag. The bag must be sealed and no larger than 1L capacity. You can grab these at the airport, but save the fussing and plan ahead – many pharmacies and health stores sell these pouches so you are good to go. Have your liquids pouch separate and in the airport tray at security to save having to open your luggage. Drinks cannot be taken through security. Some exceptions can be made for duty free purchases from the airport, provided they are sealed and you have the appropriate documentation (i.e. receipt) to show should it be required.
Comfort is king when travelling. Long trousers/ skirts will keep the backs of your legs off that often sticky airline seat, and jumpsuits are a no-go. Belts and metal accessories are best left for your destination as they can set off the metal detectors and cause unnecessary stress when you are made to re-enter the detector and be patted down by airport security. Heels are impractical and will slow you down, as will any shoe that is hard to remove. Many airports now require all passengers to remove all shoes as a precaution when going through security. The easier your shoes are to remove, the faster you will be on your way to your adventure!
Many people choose to travel ‘hand luggage only’ these days (if this includes you, our ‘how to pack your hand luggage like a pro’ blog could be for you!). However, even if you have hold luggage checked, carry-on bags are seemingly getting bigger in line with our love of in-flight entertainment. iPads, iPods, magazines, games, Kindle’s or old-school books: they all take up space. Have the most-used items at the top, and keep all ‘flight entertainment’ handy to save you having to root around your hand luggage on a packed plane. Make sure everything is charged up, perhaps bring a power pack to charge your phone in-flight, and enjoy your journey!
Once discovered, the Kip-Kit will be your absolute travel essential! Ideal to help follow your hassle-free airport experience with a hassle-free flight, it packs away neatly into your hand luggage and will help you to get some well-deserved restful sleep. Supporting your chin to alleviate tension in your neck and back, you will seriously wonder how you ever travelled without it! More details can be found here: https://www.kip-kit.com/products/kip-kit-travelling-chin-rest
We hope you found these tips useful. What would you add as your top tip to reduce stress at the airport? We'd love to know, please comment below. Additionally, next week we'll be sharing our best travel apps of the year so make sure you check back for that or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KipKitSocial/
(Because packing like a pro begins before you even pull your case from the attic!)
Although broadly similar, each airline has slightly different maximum dimensions for their hand luggage allowance. An inch or two can make a huge difference when it comes to squeezing your case in the overhead locker or beneath the seat in front of you, and most plane interiors differ. Don’t get scuppered with an additional fee at the check in desk!
Many airlines now let passengers carry on two pieces of hand luggage: A small case/ holdall plus a laptop bag/ handbag. This vital piece of info will save you precious space. You could keep essentials and documents etc. in your easily-accessible bag, leaving clothes etc. in your larger carry-on bag.
For some time airlines have imposed a strict maximum liquid container size of 100ml. Save time and hassle – and avoid the risk of confiscated items – by obeying this rule!
200ml hairspray that’s half full? No. Full sized sun cream? No. Sealed 500ml water? No. Travel sized goods? Yes! Stock up on miniature (100ml or less) essentials beforehand – or buy at your destination if you are unsure. Remember waxes, gels and lipsticks etc. class as ‘liquids’ and will need to be contained in your clear sealed 1L bag.
With holiday rentals on the rise over traditional hotels, you could have washing machine or laundry facilities at your disposal. This could literally half your packing load, making your packing task easier from the get go!
Rolling your clothes will reduce creases and increase the available space in your case. It’s a win/win situation! Bonus points if you roll and stuff your socks/ bra in your shoes. Which brings us to…
Whilst it would be wonderful to travel with a trunk full of shoes, it simply isn’t practical. And let’s be honest: who really wears all of the shoes they pack? Take a load off your luggage (and your back!) by being practical; a pair of sandals/flip flops, walking/training shoes and a pair of ‘go-with-everything’ heels for the ladies should be more than adequate. Wear the ‘bulkiest’ pair to travel in for extra space.
Remember that outer pocket on the suitcase you’ve never really used? Well now it’s time for it to shine! The last thing you want to be doing on the plane is unpacking your suitcase – underwear and all – in front of a jam-packed plane. Keep magazines, iPads, headphones and general plane entertainment in an easy-to-reach place.
Avoid the worry of toiletries leaking onto your precious gadgets by securing all electronics in zip-lock bags. If there’s space, light coloured clothes will also thank you for this treatment, and will provide padding for your said gadgets.
Offline apps are just as useful and take up literally no physical space. Download before your set off and be a clever traveller.
Enjoy forty winks on the journey to reward yourself after all that packing prowess! Arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go. Whilst it can be difficult to fall asleep in transit (especially if you’re not lucky enough to bag the window seat!), the Kip-Kit could be your new best friend. It easily tucks into your hand luggage and will provide all the support you need to have a restful snooze on your flight. Visit https://www.kip-kit.com/products/kip-kit-travelling-chin-rest to be informed when they are available in the UK, and for product information and technical specifications.
We hope you found our tips useful. Do you have a favourite micro-packing tip? Why not send us your recommendation via Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/KipKitSocial/
]]>A favourite amongst car enthusiasts, motor cyclists, mountain bike riders, skateboarders – in fact just about anyone on wheels! You’d be hard pressed to find a more exciting stretch of road than Stelvio Pass. Forty-two kilometres of bendy hairpin corners zig-zag through the serene backdrop of the Swiss-Italian mountains, making it as much of a visual treat as a speedy experience!
This special road is only open in the summer months due to the dangers that winter brings to the area (We’re looking at you, ice and snow). Be sure to pencil in your trip at the right time and check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
If wilderness is what you desire, then this road is for you! These mountains used to attract Prospectors aplenty during the Gold Rush. Today there’s not much left in the way of gold, but there is one of the best – and most beautiful – driving experiences in the world to discover.
Non-stop it’s a ten hour drive, but then you’d miss the soul of this historical land. Step back in time at one of the many small and traditional towns or take in the views en route: whether it’s winter’s snow-capped mountains, or summer’s plush greenery - every season has an attraction all of its own.
If the wild doesn’t fill you with warmth, then this intercity route has your name on it! Experience the bright lights of Italy’s best cities with just enough scenery to get you by in between. Start in Milan and take in the beauty of the Italian countryside as you hot-foot it through Parma, Florence, Pisa and Perugia before rounding off your journey in the nation’s capital, Rome.
This route is for the traveller who truly wants it all! Drive the route in its entirety in seven hours, or stay over in one of the many buzzing cities and towns along the way. If you want to slow the pace, rest your head in a sleepy Italian village. A completely customisable trip that takes in the beach, city and mountainous countryside - The beauty of this road trip is that the itinerary is in your control!
No bucket list of drives is complete without Route 66. Once upon a time, the now-legendary stretch of road was the main route between Chicago and California and has featured in countless films and TV series as a means to a new life. Route 66 itself was removed from the US Highway System in 1985 and replaced with the modern – and more direct – Interstate Highway System... but that hasn’t stopped millions favouring the nostalgic, longer route over the years and to this day.
It is now known as ‘Historic Route 66’ and at almost 4,000km long, it is certainly worth splitting the journey with a fellow traveller or two.
For longer journeys, splitting the driving duty is always recommended: Rested travellers are happy travellers! Splitting duties also gives all members of your travelling troupe plenty of opportunity to take in the scenes and soak up the atmosphere for themselves.
Resting in a car is far from easy - you struggle to get comfy, head rested against the widow, or flopping forward can put serious strain from the muscles at the back of the neck. Prepare as thoroughly for your body and wellbeing as you have for the route of your road trip.
The Kip-Kit has been developed over a decade, and provides complete support for your chin which reduces the strain from the muscles at the back of the neck, leaving you comfortable in your seat, able to nod off and wake up feeling completely refreshed and ready for the holiday fun to continue. Because why would anyone want to ruin a good road trip with exhaustion and neck pain?
For more information on what the Kip-Kit does and how it can support you in your travelling adventures, visit: kip-kit.com.
]]>From the natural to the man-made and the mind boggling, we hope you get to see them all!
As the second largest coral atoll in the world, Aldabra has a deserved place on this list. It’s is a natural beauty, practically untouched by humans, leaving weird and wonderful creatures to flourish. It is also home to the largest natural population of giant tortoises, which has recovered dramatically following being hunted to near-extinction in the 1700s. Thankfully, this priceless piece of marine history was protected in the 1980s, achieving UNESCO World Heritage status – so we can rest assured that this crucial ecosystem will continue to thrive. Flight time from London: 13 hours.
Heading to Cambodia, this mesmerising temple boasts the title of largest religious monument in the world – and at 402 acres, it’s not difficult to see why! It was built in the early 12th Century and its design is so well respected amongst architectural circles that it is known as the ‘Angkor Wat style’. Walking tours are a great place to start your temple discovery, but a little research beforehand will enable you to fully immerse yourself in Angkor Wat, a whole day can be spent taking in this beautiful structure from every aspect.
Flight time from London: 15 hours. Arrive there refreshed and ready to take in the sights by resting properly on the journey. Sign up to be the first to know when the Kip Kit is available. Also perfect for those long, often uncomfortable transfer journeys.
If it’s history you desire, you would be hard pressed to find an area as rich as the Wudang Mountains. This small mountain range in eastern China has been home to a whole host of inhabitants since at least 250AD! The area’s Taoist monasteries have been known for centuries as the best centres for meditation, martial arts and Chinese medicines in the world. The breath taking ‘Golden Hall’ is also situated in the Wudang Mountains: and with 20 tons of copper and 300kgs of gold adorning this grand structure, it certainly lives up to its name. In sunshine or snow, the Wudang Mountains never disappoint! London to Beijing flight time: 10 hours.
If you are visiting Turkey then be sure to add Hagia Sophia to your list of ‘must see’ landmarks! This man-made basilica is often considered one of the great wonders of the world. As it currently stands, this Greek Orthodox Church was built in between 532 and 537AD, although two previous iterations once stood in its place before being damaged by earthquakes and decay. Hagia Sophia is known particularly for its colossal dome structure. Mosaics and marble columns provide a grandiose feel. The church itself is the best-known surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. London to Istanbul flight time: 4 hours.
Famed for its jaw dropping, dramatic landscape, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park provides visitors with a completely unique experience. It is known as China’s first national forest park. Ice – rather than rain erosion – is the main factor responsible for the column-like appearance of many rock formations at the park. Some of these colossal structures stand at more than 1,000m tall. Remember to stop by the Bailong Elevator for some of the best views – although at 326m high, it’s not for the faint hearted! London to Zhangjiajie flight time: 15 hours.
Travel aspirations and ‘must see’ lists can be particularly subjective, but we hope his list helps to inspire your next trip! Whether historically significant, architecturally ostentatious or a natural wonder, landmarks take on many forms. Have we missed a particularly fantastic one? We’d love to hear from you! Perhaps one or more of these destinations are already on your list? In which case, our Facebook competition could help to build up your travel pot – one lucky person will win £100!
As some of the world’s best sights aren’t typically on your doorstep, you may consider upgrading your journey comfort (without the hefty flight upgrade cost!). Arrive at your dream destinations refreshed and ready for adventure!
Please feel free to contact our friendly team should you have any questions relating to this blog or the Kip Kit itself. We’re here to help. Happy travelling!]]>Before you have even set off on your journey, you have the age old problem of packing. From deciding if you need a jumper to trying to work out how many pairs of shoes you should pack, PackPoint is the app that every traveller needs. PackPoint uses up to date weather analytics along with details such as trip duration and your planned activities, to make a packing list that is perfectly tailored for you. Not only that, it means there’s no excuse for forgetting anything, just remember to bring your Kip-Kit.
When looking for flights or somewhere to stay, you want to make sure you get the best deal. Skiplagged is a site that allows you to find hidden deals and loopholes on air fares, to get you the most for your money. Their unique algorithm allows you to find the best deal by splitting a journey or booking a cheaper rate hotel through their site. They also have a handy app to enable you to find your low rate journey on the go.
You don’t need to be a high flyer to take advantage of LoungeBuddy. LoungeBuddy is an app that allows you access to any airport lounge without the need for memberships or first class tickets. The app allows you to log in and find a lounge that meets your requirements and budget to let you relax before you jet off. Within a few clicks you can find yourself a lounge that has designated Wi-Fi or a place to plan the next part of your journey. If it’s rest that you’re looking for, make sure that you bring your Kip-Kit with you to get the most out of your pre-travel naps!
If you’re looking for places to visit that won’t be in the guide books then try Atlas Obscura, a site dedicated to finding you the hidden gems in each city you may visit. Whether it’s New York or Berlin, you can fall down the rabbit hole finding your unusual trip destinations. Many of the attractions are submitted and reviewed by other travellers and posted with honest reviews so you know you are in safe hands with these weird and wonderful places.
Finally, to help you remember all you adventures we recommend Trover. Trover is a site and app that allows you to share photos of your holidays to help others discover new trips. Not only is it a great way to share photos with people and record your memories, it’s also a fantastic way to discover new places. Think Instagram, but just for your travels and you have the right idea!
Wherever you go on your travels, we hope that you find the best deal and have a fantastic adventure using some of our favourite sites and apps. Was there anything we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page.
]]>By providing support for your chin, your neck muscles will have less stress on them allowing you to wake rested and ready to take in the sights of your destination. Whether that’s reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, taking in the sights of the Scottish Highlands or looking up at the Blackpool illuminations. Without a rested journey, your holiday won’t be half as fulfilling or enjoyable.
Introducing Kip-Kit, the new way to make travel the most relaxing it can be. Kip-Kit is a new travel device that has been developed over the past decade with expert input to bring relief to your neck and chin whilst you relax on your travels. Kip-Kip boasts a pocket sized design that allows you to use it anywhere and everywhere to ease any journey from commuting to long haul flights. No longer will you have to blow up a travel pillow or wrestle with a cushion, with Kip-Kit you can fall asleep in seconds.
Kip-Kit is about to launch on Kickstarter, and to celebrate we are giving away £100 in cash to put towards your travels. What would you spend it on? Possibly a weekend away, a new travel case or possibly a meal out to celebrate whilst you are away. However you spend the money, be assured that your travel can be made easier with Kip-Kit.
To be in with a chance of winning, just sign up to be notified of when the Kip-Kit campaign is launched https://www.kip-kit.com/products/kip-kit-travelling-chin-rest and follow our Facebook page for product updates and top travel tips https://www.facebook.com/KipKitSocial/.
Terms and conditions:
The competition will close on the 25th September and the winner will be notified within 7 days. Uk entrants aged 18 and over only.
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