Things To Know About Glasgow Foodie: Foodie Explorers Food Blog Travel Blog

BY  Ankita Apr 12, 2024

As travellers increasingly seek unique and memorable experiences, vacation rentals have emerged as the go-to accommodation for those looking to immerse themselves in local cultures far removed from the well-trodden paths of mainstream tourism.  Staying in a vacation rental, whether it's a cozy rental apartment in the heart of the city, a quaint cottage in the countryside, or a beach house with sweeping ocean views, offers a unique opportunity to live like a local and uncover hidden gems that can make your trip truly unforgettable. This article discusses the main reasons why a vacation rental is a great choice for you. We tell you how vacation rentals are better than hotels when renting out as a local or as a traveller, both for you and as a traveller. Here, you will also find some top tips for finding a good vacation rental to enhance your stay and experience. A Gateway To Authenticity For an authentic vacation experience, hotels do not do justice to vacation rentals. Vacation rentals often have local decor, and the architecture of the property feels more personalized and local. On the other hand, a hotel experience is more sterile and lacks personality. This way, a vacation rental environment differs from any hotel and enhances the overall experience of the stay. You get to immerse yourself in a new experience by cooking with local ingredients found in neighbourhood markets. You can try new ways to cook food in the new place, just like the locals.  Again, you can dine at local-favourite eateries that you might not find in guidebooks, but only locals can tell you about. Try new dishes and immerse your taste buds in a variety of flavours. Enjoying leisurely strolls in lesser-known areas can offer new experiences in a new place. Furthermore, the personal spaces in vacation rentals allow travellers to experience daily life as locals do. They can wake up to the sounds of the neighbourhood, maybe a local street market or the morning chatter of residents, offering a daily rhythm and pace that hotels shield their guests from. This is especially a priority for the younger generations of travelers, including Gen Zs, who are looking for authenticity in their adventures. Tailored Local Insights One significant advantage of vocational rentals is the personalized insights provided by hosts. Many hosts are keen to share their love for their city or town, offering recommendations not typically featured in tourist guides.  From the best local coffee shop where residents grab their morning brew to hidden alleys with the best street art, these recommendations allow travellers to explore areas off the beaten path and experience the locality as natives do, not as tourists.  The freedom to explore new places and areas when interacting with locals while staying in local rentals during vacation is beyond immersive. You experience not only the new food and language but also the local community. Often, while travelling, when you interact with local people, they tend to suggest the best local places and events. Don't miss these local events as you get to taste a new culture and where you can also make deeper connections. If a local family invites you to visit their home, be gracious enough to attend it if you can. You will get a lot of cultural insights from them, and cultural exchanges happen, too. You can also get new opportunities to participate in local traditions. Economic Benefits To Local Communities Opting for a vacation rental over a hotel also increases the local economy. Hotels are expensive, as you already know; on the other hand, vacation rentals are relatively cheaper. Hotels come with restaurants and room service, while vacation rentals do not, so you have to do all your cooking and shopping.  That might seem hectic while traveling, but when you are on a budget, it's the best option. You get to shop in the local farmer's market and enjoy new produce local to the area. You interact more with the locals and increase your exposure to new cultures.  The bright side of vacation rentals is that you get to enjoy local homesteads and architecture. If you don't wish to cook them, go exploring local restaurants and take suggestions from locals. This also helps uplift the local economy as most of the local restaurants are run by local families. Engaging with local services helps you distribute your money more evenly and sustain small businesses. You also get to interact with more locals, providing you with deeper cultural insights. You would be wrong if you think opting for a residential neighbourhood rental will help the locals.  Instead, stay in vacation rentals outside tourist-heavy areas where more than the high price of the rental fee is put on. Staying in less touristy locations will benefit the local communities, especially financially. Sustainable Travel Vacation rentals can also contribute to sustainable travel practices. Many rentals are established in residential areas, which spreads out the impact of tourism and reduces overcrowding in popular tourist centers. Additionally, the ability to cook and manage waste more efficiently in a rental can decrease the ecological footprint of your stay.  Renters can also engage more directly with local recycling and sustainability initiatives, becoming part of the community's environmental solutions. This can be especially impactful in regions where sustainability is a community priority, allowing travellers to contribute positively to the local environment. Uncovering Hidden Gems Other than the sustainable and economic advantages of opting for vacation rentals is discovering hidden gems. It can be a new dirt road to a river bank or a secluded beach only the locals know about. You can also find hidden gems like a family-run vineyard that offers you private tastings. Or a historic site that hasn't made it to any tourist guide yet. These new hidden gems heighten your memory of the place and make your vacation special. If you love adventure, you can ask locals for hiking trails that lead to amazing views that only locals know about. You can also visit artisans' workshops where traditional crafts are made. These unique spots often provide the most cherished memories of travel, as they offer a sense of discovery and personal connection to the place. Tips For Finding The Best Local Vacation Rentals Finding the perfect vacation rental can be the key to unlocking a local experience. These are some of our practical tips to help you discover the best spots that connect you with the heart of your destination. Research Thoroughly Research is essential to find the best local vacation rentals. You must do a thorough research on the area you are planning to visit. Look beyond the typical vacation rental platforms, like searching for local forums that offer information on rental properties to tourists.  You can always search social media groups and blog posts that offer insights into the best local vacation rentals. You can also search platforms where the particular local residents are active and what they have to say about the place. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are great, but you should also check out local rental websites and agencies that might offer unique listings not found on the larger platforms. Read Reviews Carefully Reviews are crucial information that previous guests of vacation rentals leave for future guests. So, if you have to check the vacation rental reviews before you select one for your trip, see what your predecessors have to say about the host of the rental and the local community.  You get a clear picture of the locals from previous renters who stayed at the place. Reviews can reveal a lot about the authenticity and convenience of the location and the quality of the living experience. Communicate With Hosts Once you narrow down your choices, reach out to potential hosts with any questions you have about the property and the area. A good host will be eager to provide information and may share insights into local gems. Their responsiveness and willingness to offer advice can be a good indicator of the kind of experience you'll have. Consider Location And Accessibility Choose a location that balances tranquillity with accessibility. Want to experience the lifestyle of a local when visiting a place? Then, try to find vacation rentals in locations that are easily accessible to local communities. If you find a rental in a tourist-centric area you might not get much interaction with locals. However, considering how you will access the attractions and amenities of the place, you can always use public transport to visit the key attractions. You can rent a local car to reach distant places. Still, the local markets, cafes, and sites of interest locally can greatly enhance your stay. Check For Amenities Check for vacation rentals that offer amenities for your comfortable stay. Even if there is no food available in a vacation rental, see to it that they offer a proper kitchen. You must check all the amenities like gas, stove, and utensils, which should be included in the rental. You might also check for proper bathrooms, water, and internet to connect with the outside world when needed. Some people also work while vacationing, so the internet becomes essential for them in this situation. Ensure that the rental has all the amenities you'll need to enjoy your time there without hassle. Verify Safety And Legal Considerations Lastly, ensure that the rental is in a safe area and that all local laws regarding vacation rentals are observed. Some areas have regulations on short-term rentals that might affect your stay. It's also wise to verify this information to avoid any legal inconveniences. Wrapping It Up In conclusion, vacation rentals are more than just a place to stay; they are a gateway to deeper cultural immersion. You get a chance to live like a local while enhancing sustainable tourism. By choosing local vacation rentals you discover the heart and soul of that particular destination. After all, people make a place special, not monuments. So next time you travel to a new place, opt for a vacation rental in the local area instead of a hotel in a touristy area. This choice could transform a standard trip into a unique exploration of the local way of life, leaving you with rich and rare memories. Learn More About: Travelocity Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy Jackson Hole Luxury Rentals: The Inside Scoop On The Most Desirable Properties

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 22, 2021

Every traveler dreams of a World tour at least once in a lifetime and what could be better if you could visit the world’s legendary locations for free. Some unbelievable locations on earth which are hard to believe that they actually exist are reachable. We are not aware but there are plenty of breath-taking legendary locations undiscovered.  We humans mostly use terms like ‘legendary locations’, ‘mystical locations’, ‘magical locations’, 'legendary places'  when we wish to define something unreal or unbelievable or too beautiful to believe in our own eyes. Often writers have made these legendary locations a part of their story to make them more significant. We might not be even aware of what all could be such possible locations that can be legendary.   There are some beautiful existing places on earth that exist but we are not aware of those places. What could be better if you could visit these places for free? This means that there will not be any extra expenditure for visiting these legendary locations.  Also Read: Must Visit Places in New York  Top 10 Legendary Locations in the World It is very unrealistic to visit legendary locations in real but they do exist and you can visit them at least once in your lifetime.   1. Pink Lake Hillier, A Legendary Location in Australia The sight of the pink Hillier lake is just mesmerizing and it is very hard to believe that it exists. A Royal navy explorer had found out about this legendary lake which is a strawberry milkshake in color. Many must have found this legendary location in fairytale stories but nobody must have believed that it actually exists.   2. Haiku Stairs, A Legendary Location in Hawaii This legendary location is also known as a stairway to heaven which is found in Oahu in Hawaii. This is the greatest attraction on Hawaii island, whose specialty is the beauty of the location along with all possible risks. There are 3922 stairs in this Haiku Stairs of Hawaii, which is vertically inclined to a mountain ridge. There is only one handrail which would be your support if you are about to fall. These Haiku stairs were built for a purpose in 1942, by the US navy as a top-secret facility through which they would transmit radio signals to the ships in the Pacific Ocean.  3. Mont Saint-Michel, A Legendary Location in France More than 2.5 million visitors visit this place in France every year. This legendary location is one such location that is often used in many Fairytales and many Hollywood movies. This historical monument is clear evidence of the mastery and expertise of the builders of several generations. Mont Saint-Michel of France has been built over a period of 1300 years, hence several generations worked for this place. This monument is placed on a tidal island which means that only during tides this place becomes a tide.  4. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, A Legendary Locations in India Ellora Caves of India is another legendary vision that one must visit at least once in a lifetime. This cave is a world-recognized cave because it is the largest monolithic excavation in the world. This cave also represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. A number of Indian movies and Indian novels have a clear mention this legendary place. This model has 34 caves constructed together in disguise.  5. Underwater City in Shicheng, A Legendary Location in China A legendary ancient city that was established at least 1300 years ago is currently placed 26-40m underwater. This city was constructed on a valley in China, which was flooded in 1959. Very few people know about the history of this place, and many of the Chinese are not aware of this place. Long ago there was a mountain in China named “Wu Shi Mountain” which means 5 Lions and a city was built at the foot of this mountain named, “Shi Cheng” which means Lion City. Now, this legendary location has become an underwater exploration location.  6. Chefchaouen, A Legendary Locations in Morocco  This is a small town in Morocco that has been often a film shooting location for romantic scenes or merrymaking scenes in movies or music videos. The most interesting thing is the blue walls of the town. The blue color represents the blue sky according to the Jewish community. Hence the Jewish residents of morocco painted the town blue.   7. Perito Moreno Glacier, A Legendary Location in Argentina The most interesting fact about this legendary location is that Perito Moreno Glacier is not located in Perito Moreno town. So you might know why is the glacier named Moreno? It is named after the famous explorer Fransisco Moreno. The word “Perito” means a specialist. This glacier covers100 sq.miles and it is 3 miles wide being the largest freshwater lake in the world. When scientists all over the world are worried about all the glaciers melting due to global warming, this Perito Glacier is a surprise to humankind. This glacier is expanding at least 2 meters per day. This is one of the most adventurous trekking locations and is unbelievably beautiful.  8. Cappadocia, A Legendary Location in Turkey This place is not only mystical but also magical and the beauty of this legendary location is unbelievable. Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in Turkey and this place is famous for the “fairy chimneys” of this place. This place gives a feel of whether Mars is on earth or specifically in Turkey. It is also often called “Moonscape” not just because it looks like a moon but because it is actually wonderful.   9. Moraine Lake, A Legendary Location in Canada This lake is a glacially-fed lake that is 14 km outside the village of Lake Louise. The place is a valley named Ten Peaks. The interesting fact about this lake is that this lake is 6000+ feet above sea level. The surface area of Moraine Lake is at least 50 hector. The image of this lake is also in the $20 dollar and many other such significant items. This lake does not allow swimming due to the presence of a large number of flora and fauna in it.  10. Dark Hedges, A Legendary Location in the UK  This place has been photographed most number of times, there is nothing much unique about this place but still, the place is considered to be very legendary just the way nature has designed it. The famous show: Game of Thrones has been featured on this location quite many times in different scenes. The Dark Hedge is very famous for the road that runs in between the woods and driving could be the best activity there.  Bonus: Transfagarasan Road, Romania Named by Top Gear the best driving road in the world, a road trip on Transfagarasan Road in Romania will be a memorable experience! The road offers spectacular scenery with every twist and turn. At the top, you'll see 2,500m high mountains on both sides and Transylvania's plains in the distance - jaw-dropping landscapes you'll want to take your time to enjoy fully and take lots of pictures! If you're planning to visit Romania this legendary place should be on your list of places to see! There are many such mesmerizing legendary locations in the world that you might visit, we have listed some of them for you. Make sure you add all these places to your checklist while you visit any of these places on earth. Also Read: Never Miss These Places in Mexico

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

We know exactly how difficult it can be to travel with the youngins. Depending on their mood and yours as well, simply moving from one room to another in your own house can be intimidating. But you deserve to get out of your backyard, and your little one deserves to see the world. Our goal is to work with you to create and carry out a realistic plan that will ensure you and your toddler have everything they need for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. Make sure to utilize this list as a guide, adding and removing items as necessary. If everything goes according to plan, you'll have multiple moments with your family, unwinding and relishing your vacation, which will make all the effort worthwhile. When taking a trip with young children, here are a few toddler travel essentials to consider packing. Toddler Travel Essentials  If you are taking your little one on a trip, your biggest cause of concern may not be your baby. Rather, it will be all the things you will carry just to support the royal majesty's trip. Every minute will require something that you may feel ready for on a trip. Here are certain toddler travel essentials that will get you started.  Gro Anywhere Blinds When it's time to put your little one to bed, the long, hot days of vacation often mean that the sun is still shining brightly outside. It can make it difficult for them to fall asleep without blackout curtains. With just a single click, the innovative "one-size-fits-all" Gro Anywhere blackout blind blocks out annoying sunlight. With suction cups that adhere straight to the window glass for a secure fit, it's simple to use. The updated model allows you to use it on both larger and smaller windows. It has a maximum size of 130 cm by 198 cm. The blinds offer two designs- Ollie the Owl and Stars and Moon. It is washable and comes with a convenient bag that makes packing it simple. Don't leave home without one if you want to keep your child's bedtime routine while on vacation and prevent the sun from waking them up too early!  Merifor Travel Mattress With the help of this top-notch travel mattress, you can ensure that your child sleeps through the night. Unlike many travel cot mattresses, Merifor's Travel Mattress is made of nursery foam and approved by Allergy UK. It is thick and comfortable, with a special breathable fabric that helps keep your baby cool on hot summer nights. You can wash the cover at 60°C to get rid of dust mites and allergens, and the mattress itself is wipeable. You don't have to worry about any minor spills. It measures 64 cm by 93 cm, so make sure your travel cot will fit into it snugly before using it. Its inability to be folded or rolled makes it unsuitable for every trip. This is its lone disadvantage.  Splash About New Happy Nappy A dependable, leak-proof swim diaper is essential when taking your baby for a swim. Nobody wants their child to be the cause of the pool's closure for maintenance. The updated, reusable Happy Nappy from Splash About is less bulky to pack for vacations and more environmentally friendly than disposable swim diapers! Because of its premium neoprene design, tight-fitting waist and leg cuffs, as well as non-gaping gusset, you can wear it in the pool without worrying about embarrassing poop leaks. It comes in sizes ranging from 0-3 months to 2-3 years and offers UPF 50+ built-in sun protection. It helps shield your baby's bottom from the sun. It is not required to be used with any other swim nappy, but if you'd like, Splash About sells a Cotton Nappy Wrap and Liners. It's easy to rinse it off after swimming, and it dries quickly, making it ready for the baby's next dip. The Happy Nappy is available in several adorable designs, such as Owl Pussycat and Dino Pirates, which is the best part.  Apramo Flippa Dining Booster Not even a high chair? Not a problem! Wherever they are tucked in, your baby or toddler will be safe and sound with the Apramo Flippa Dining Booster. The Flippa can accommodate babies weighing up to 15 kg and up to three years old. It is essentially a miniature high chair that can be fastened to the seat and back of a regular dining chair using two straps. It has adjustable rubber feet for added stability, sturdy aluminium legs, and a plastic back and seat. Your child can eat from the tray that comes with the Flippa. Or you can remove the tray so they can sit up at the table once they are secure using the Flippa harness. It's time for dinner! After that, you can clean it, and the Flippa will neatly fold away when you press a button. This one really is one of the most convenient toddler travel essentials.  Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrie This is one to pack for vacations because it comes in nine different colors and doesn't take up much space in your suitcase. You can use the Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier to take your child on adventurous trips. The places you can explore are endless with this backpack-style carrier because it daringly goes where strollers cannot. With an adjustable hip belt, torso length, and mesh back to keep your back cool, it's made to be comfortable for both parents carrying small children. The seat, foot stirrups, and child safety harness all adjust to fit kids of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Along with UPF22 protection, it has an integrated sunshade and a rain cover for inclement weather. To ensure your preparedness for anything, it even features an emergency whistle. The carrier features easy-access mesh side pockets for snacks and drinks, zipped pockets in the hip belt, and a compartment behind the child seat for additional storage, so there's no need to bring extra bags. It folds up neatly for storage after your exploration is complete.  Mountain Buggy Bag Ride Another of the toddler travel essentials is the Mountain Buggy Bag Ride. Even though travelling can be stressful at times, it becomes even more difficult when a baby is along! The clever ability of the 35-litre, two-wheeled Mountain Buggy Bag Rider to change into a four-wheeled kid's ride-on seat makes things much easier! To utilize the seat, just turn the dial on the case and then fasten the padded seat liner. Secure your baby in the five-point harness that is completely adjustable, and voila! It is possible to tow your child and pull your suitcase simultaneously! It is appropriate for kids weighing up to 15 kg.  Travel Insurance For Children  Does my child/baby need travel insurance? You could ask. It may appear that the answer is no at first. Your toddler is not paying for the vacation. Save for their stuffed Bluey, your toddler's suitcase is empty of priceless belongings. Nevertheless, travel insurance is crucial for safeguarding your young child, particularly if you're going somewhere where they do not recognise U.S. health insurance policies. Making the decision is simple because, when travelling with a parent or grandparent, children under the age of 17 are automatically covered for free under certain insurance policies. Wrapping Up  These products will make long trips with a baby or toddler more comfortable, peaceful, and enjoyable, whether you're travelling by car, train, or airplane. With these essential travel items, vacations won't have to be sweaty affairs. These are the absolute bare toddler travel essentials you cannot miss out on, given the safety factor. Let us know what more you would like to add to the list in the comment below. Read Also: A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!