Apart from the above, of course, each country is differenet and so is the travel packing list which may vary a bit! . It goes without saying, of course, that depending on the activities you intend to join you may need to change the list appropriately (e.g. if you climb Kilimanjaro you will need mountain trekking shoes but also special snowwear). So here is our travel paching list for our trip in Tanzania:

• mosquito net (especially if you stay in hostel)
• urination bags (if you are going to campsite in national parks)
• download Uber if you use a taxi in Dar El Salam
• organic or soap shower gel
• Waterproofs
• isothermal (necessarily if you are camping)
• visa (online before you travel)
• jungle spray with more than 4 deet
• snacks like cereal bars for days you might not find anything else or want to supplement your diet
• powerbank
• adaptor
• reusable bottle
• medicines and vaccines – advise the experts or travel medicine of a hospital (for malaria – treatment for malaria, vaccinations for yellow fever, typhus, hyperpatitis a and b, dipthyritis – after first testing to see if you already have antibodies, we recommend that you have antiemetics, betadin, antiseptic hankerchiefs, painkillers and electrolytes)
• Hat
• light (if camping)
• Sunscreen
• work gloves (if any volunteering is in your itinerary)
• school supplies (if you are planning to visit school)
• clothes and shoes in good condition you don’t need or spare to give them to someone who may be in need
• hand antiseptic
• Slippers
• Sportwear and shoes
• microfiber towels

And last but not least happy smiles and good mood have to be in your travel packing list! Just an advice especially while visiting countries like Tanzania. Don’t expect to find western standards services, after all, you didn’t choose Tanzania for that reason, focus on the uniqueness of this country and the vibes of its people, respect their culture and their way of life, and your stay there will be unforgettable!

The post TRAVEL PACKING LIST FOR A TRIP TO TANZANIA appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Driving in Iceland

• The road network is in a good condition throughout the country.
• The driving is done from the right side of the road and at the roundabouts priority has the one that moves within the node.
• The streets near Reykjavik are usually with more than one lane per direction, while in the rest network it is mostly with one, without an emergency lane.
• Gas stations can be found in residential areas, so pay attention to secluded areas when traveling to north.
• The gas filling in the car is automatic and the payment is made mainly by credit-debit card.
• The outside cities speed limit is 90 miles an hour.

1. Do not stop outside demarcated parking!

During the journey you will come across beautiful landscapes that will make you wanna stop for short stops and take photographs. This needs special attention!! It has been common that tourists stop on the side of the road for photographing by putting themselves at risk from the passing cars and trucks. There are parking areas that can comfortably let you admire the scenery and rest safely simultaneously.

2. Night driving – weather condition

In most parts of the network there is no night lighting so you need to pay attention if you plan to drive during night or dark hours. Also because of the difficult weather conditions which are constantly changing it would be good to check the condition of the road network you are going to use. An easy way is by clicking here.

3. Is it necessary to rent a 4X4?

It is common for tourists to rent SUV-type vehicles with 2 or 4 wheel driving system. In addition to the comfort that they probably offer in terms of space and convenience, it is not necessary to rent one, since all known points of interest are accessible to all types of cars (Roads category F). Off road driving that is advantageous to an SUV-type car is prohibited anyway  so… Also the car rentals ensure that they wear suitable tires on all vehicles so that they can move in snow weather as well.

4. Beware the doors of the car!

In Iceland there are strong winds, so beware when you park. Be sure to park the vehicle against the wind, it may be difficult to open the door, but you will avoid injuries to you and damages to the car.

5. Do I need to pay tolls?

In the road network you will not find any toll points except one. It is the Vadlaheidi tunnel located near the northern town of Akureyri,  where if the weather is not good enoigh, we definitely advise you to pass through. In case you decide to pass the tunnel, see the instructions here, so that you can get a code and be charged during your transit with a smaller amount. We paid 1,500 ISK, while if it was paid by the rental office we would be charged 4,500 ISK.

iceland

6. How do I pass bridges?

Usually bridges are with one strip for both directions, so need to pay attention here too. Reduce speed when approaching them and if you see a car coming from the opposite side, stop and arrange who will pass first. Icelanders are a very polite people and usually provide the tourists priority.

Driving in Iceland is relatively safe and enjoyable, as long as you pay attention to the points we analyzed above. By driving you will discover beautiful destinations and taste a different travel experience. Beware, drive responsibly and enjoy!

The post 5+1 USEFUL TIPS TO DRIVE A CAR IN ICELAND appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

In addition to this, you need to leave your senses feel these extraordinary vibes! Yet we understand the fact that a photo of northern lights has a great emotional impact for you as well!

What is Aurora Borealis – meaning?

To begin with we have to know what is exactly the aurora. The phenomenon sometimes referred to as polar lights, northern lights (aurora borealis), or southern lights (aurora australis). It is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic).

Furthermore, Auroras are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. These disturbances are sometimes strong enough to alter the trajectories of charged particles in both solar wind and magnetospheric plasma. These particles, precipitate into the upper atmosphere. The resulting ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents emit light of varying color and complexity.

How to find the Aurora Borealis forecast?

Producing Aurora Forecasts for Arctic circle’s countries is based on Space and Earth weather predictions, including Moonlight and Weather Warnings. Available in a variety of  app throughout the internet, it is wise to download one before chasing the northern lights.

Where is the Aurora Borealis observatory

As far as the observation is concerned the top countries to see the phenomenon is Norway, Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Sweden, Canada, Greenland, Alaska! There are many accommodation options to observe it in a dreamy way.

Check out this amazing lodge spots in Sweden.

Tips on chasing the aurora with a DSLR camera

ISO, shutter speed, and aperture These are the three things you will need to get familiar with

More useful photo tips for chasing northern lights

In addition, here are some useful photo tips for you:

• The aperture is what is called “f” in your camera settings. The smaller the f/number, the larger the aperture.
• Changing the ISO is changing your camera’s sensitivity to light, the higher you go the more sensitive your sensor will be.
• ISO, aperture, and shutter speed are really the three pillars of photography.

Last but not least, remember that camera settings depending on the aurora activity, low, medium or high intensity!

Aurora Borealis in Iceland – Best spots for chasing the northern lights in Reykjavik

Last bit not least here are the top spots for chasing in Reykjavik:

1. Perlan museum (if aurora ctivity is high)
2. Grotta island lighthouse
3. Any other place dark

You can chase aurora by yourself or with an organized tour.

 

 

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But lets start by making a common assumption, and this would be that we all love travelling! But what is it that makes our travel experience even better? The apps and services that are built to make a traveler’s life easier.

In addition to the most famous applications that offer travel services such as Uber, Google maps, ParkAround, Jump bikes etc. we discovered a new innovative luggage service, different from the others. You all know the typical luggage service (we already presented to you the first lockers in Athens), the thing you dont know yet is that Bounce’s idea of storage is based on a different concept making it very unique!

(LIKE QUOTE) Hundreds of locations in major US cities
Store your luggage, gym bag, or workbag for just $5.90 per day Bounce

use bounce bag storage in us cities new york

What makes Bounce so special?

Bounce takes advantage of the extra space available in a common neighborhood store strictly selected by Bounce itself, and gathers all these businesses on its platform, making this extra space available to you. We are not just talking about a lockers-type store, but a grocery store, a hairdresser, etc, which makes the most of its useful space, since there is one, of course, and its guarded safely enough to accommodate your luggage!

Discount 10% Use our link and get a discount

Use this link and get an extra 10% discount on the already super low price of 5, 90 USD per day!

How does Bounce work?

1. Download the app for free.
2. Search for the storage store that suits you best.
3. Make the payment online (5.90 USD per day)
4. Show your reservation at the store.
5. Leave your luggage and receive it according to your reservation.

Why should I choose Bounce?

• It is super cheap, only 5.90 USD per day.
• You don’t need any cash.
• It has no baggage restraint as long as it is manageable by one person.
• It’s easy to use.
• You can book storage for more than a day.
• It’s innovative.
• Its safe.
• It has many spots in the cities where it operates.
• All partners are checked by Bounce to meet the safety criteria.
• It contributes to the participation of local branches in corresponding innovation actions.

use bounce luggage store in us cities new york

What should I be careful about?

While booking online, please check carefull  the opening hours of the store that you choose.

Discount 10% Use our link and get a discount

Use this link and get an extra 10% discount on the already super low price of 5, 90 USD per day!

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What is DNA Travel

DNA traveling is the new worldwide trend among travelers! You simply get to travel, to those countries that you seem to have an ethnicity relationship with! That’s right! First of all you have to be willing to find out your heritage results! Secondly you have to order online a DNA test, take it, send the samples and wait patiently to learn the results! Once you have the results all you have to do is choose your nest travel destinations based on the DNA roots of you! We are more than excited for that interesting testing that seem to be the next trend in terms of traveling!

Hos does the DNA test works?

Experienced technicians process your sample individually, using algorithms which calculate your Ethnicity Estimate, determining which segments of your DNA originate from different regions in the world. They also compare your DNA to the DNA of others to find close and distant relatives!

Explore DNA testing

1. Your DNA reveals your unique heritage, the ethnic groups and geographic regions you originate from. The steps are too easy.
2. Order the DNA kit online, activate it.
3. Get some samples according to the instructions included in the kit.
4. Send the samples back.
5. Wait for the sample to be analyzed.
6. View the results in 3- 4 weeks.

Why take the DNA test?

• For the experience!
• For the curiosity, we all seem to have!
• For more reasons to travel!
• For more open minded vibes!
• Last but not least amaze yourself!

Travel more…

We truly believe that other than being an interesting and fun testing idea, DNA traveling can broaden our minds and get us closer to the most unusual travel destinations, or even closer to those destinations we wouldnt choose for our bucket lists, and finally help us travel more and travel better!

Cant wait to hear your results, feel free to share them with us!

The post DNA TRAVEL – HOW TO REVEAL YOUR HERITAGE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Train from Luxor to Cairo

Here there are the two options completely different from each other. The first one is the simple day trip train with options Ac1 and Ac2 and prices at €10 per route, and the second one is a night sleeper train with a private cabin and price at 80USD per person. The difference in price is chaotic indeed so it depends on your wallet, we chose the cabin due to health issues that did not allow us to travel seated for 9 hours. The cabins were cute, overpriced of course, including dinner and breakfast. The good thing about the night train is that you save an overnight stay at a hotel and don’t waste any time commuting from one city to another.

Train from Cairo to Alexandria roundtrip

At Cairo station there are no machines to get tickets on your own as we have read in other blogs so you will have to wait in huge queues, spend a lot of time, have the money ready, split up into two lines of men women ( See extra tip below to save time). Know in advance the itineraries you are interested in. See prices here. Generally there are some delays, we did not face a particular problem but be prepared for Egyptian times.

egypt how to travel by train

Finally, if you have someone local around, just ask them to help you at the counter because most employees do not speak English and you may lose your turn while looking for another queue. Theoretically you can buy your tickets online here, but we unfortunately did not succeed doing so because the system had fallen down while we were there. If you make it, remember to print the tickets in a hardcopy version. There is also control everywhere however for passengers’ bags and luggage and once you pass the checks just ask the employees to guide you on the right platform! An indicative price is at €3 the route for Ac1 and Ac2.

egypt how to travel by train

Extra Tip
Always have cash on you, credit cards are not used anywhere (except hotels and fine restaurants).

 

Extra Tip
Give the money to the lady of your group in case there is one of course because women queues are too small compared to those of men!

Extra Tip
Close either Ac1 or Ac2, they are both ok and safe.

Extra Tip
Train restrictions

The post HOW TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN IN EGYPT appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

So let s assume as well that you are about to leave on a great ten days trip (…New York maybe…?) and you can have a regular bag and a backpack with you… Here we go then, we provide you below with our list of travel essentials for big travels!

• Passport
• Visa if required (esta etc.)
• Credit card
• Cash in foreign currency
• Driving license
• Waist bag
• Backpack
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof (disposable)
• Travel Insurance
• Charger (with proper adaptor)
• Printed tickets (each airport has its own rules)
• Camera
• Memory cards
• Sleeping Plane Pillow
• Earplugs
• Sleeping Mask
• Socks (for long haul flights)
• Pocket Book or ebook
• Sport Shoes
• Flip flops
• Pijamas
• Thermal wear
• Clothes, lingerie
• Toothbrushes
• Travel size shower gels etc.
• Tissues, wipes
• Painkillers, antiemetic pills etc.
• Hat, sunscreen (if required)
• Windproof Jacket Lightweighted (if required)
• Protective cover for toilet (in India, for example, you will need it)

Extra tip:

We usually travel on a low budget (perhaps always…) so when we have normal baggage with us we put some cereal bars and coffee shots to carry with us in our backpacks as we wander in cities and between meals for some extra power shot!

Extra tip:

You must always have printed or marked somehow the main addresses like the one of your hotel or accommodation (eg. Screenshot especially in countries where they do not speak English the photo helps a lot), see before the traveling day how to travel to and from airports and departure times. Big airports are so big that you have to calculate the hours correctly to avoid losing flights and connections.

Extra tip:

Generally speaking, keep with you anything that can be printed (eg. if you mobile gets stolen, which is not impossible… Have boarding passes in printed form, etc.).

Extra tip:

If you travel light with a backpack take advantage of yourself. Pockets, clothe cases anda  Even your head can be used to carry a hat!

The post OUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACK LIST appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Travel Documents!

Passport! Those who have one check the expiration date not to be less than six months from the date of your trip. In case the expiration date is close we recommend you to renew it immediately. Those of you who do not yet have a passport time to gain one! Collect all the paperwork needed and get a passport! Also remember to check you have white pages for the US visa! Have a photo of the passport on your phone or a printed one.

Visa!

In the USA you will need ESTA. Enter the ESTA website and once you have passed all the necessary data carefully, you just give some time for it to be approved. The Whole process is done electronically and will take you about two hours. It Costs about 15euro and lasts for one year. Photocopy your approval.

roatrip usa

From – to the airport!

Park Around airports in case you want to move in the comfort of your car, leave the car in a safe place and find it clean when you return, with very little money! For those of you who want more comfort, do not have a vehicle or you will be with great company we recommend Uber, will leave you and will receive you safely, quickly and comfortably outside your gate.

Accommodation!

New York Is famous for the high cost of staying there, so it may be difficult to find the ideal accommodation for you. However, especially if you are traveling with company we recommend Airbnb, Hostel and of course couch surfing! Do not stay out of town, coz you have to feel the vibes of the city, but make sure that you are close to a metro stop to be more flexible. Photocopy your reservation.

Airport!

Big airports are really big so pay attention! Especially Those of you who have never been in such an airport, you may need even an hour to move from one gate to another. Calculate your times correctly and in case you have a transfer to another airport, pay attention because other rules apply in each airport and you may need to print new boarding passes. Before you fly, be sure about which airport you are landing to organize your transition to your accommodation and back prior your flghts. It is wise to keep  all boarding passes-check ins photocopied as well.

usa travel

Check In!

It Goes without saying that we do electronic check-in before our flights, but if the airport does not support automatic procedures you may have to wait in line to leave luggage and show your cards. You May even need to have your boarding passes printed! So either case have them printed with you.

Luggage!

Make Sure your baggage and hand luggage limits are those refferes on the tickets you have purchased. Beware because overweight and extra baggage especially in USA cost enough money. To reduce the cost you can travel with a backpack up to New York and add luggage to the inbound flight! That’s what we do!

Travel Applications!

Uber, Google Maps offline, maps me, whats up, Jump bikes  etc. Be Sure to save all the points of interest you want to visit, your accommodation etc. Download maps to navigate even without internet connection. Save your credit card to Uber so you don’t waste time when you use it.

usa travel

Credit Cards!

You are in the US, in the metropolis of all cities, forget the cash and use plastic money, only! You Achieve better parity (normally…)! Take with you another card, you never know… Make Sure you have a high credit limit, high enough and tell your bank where to ypou are about to travel (some banks need this info). Take some cash with you (only a few though). Dollar is not one of our favorite currencies in terms of travelling and unfortunately the exchange rate with euro is not very pleasant at the time! Make sure before you travel that you know all the currency rates!

Entering the country!

Upon the arrival at the airport there is a series of standard procedures in order to pass the control! No need for exaggeration. There are automated procedures and a mini interview that goes like what is the reason for your visit etc. Make Sure you’re serious and response to the questions properly so that you get to finish up soon.

Travel itinerary!

With this one you will need your own good online search (via an updated travel blog like ours ;-)), or through a travel guide or with a travel agency to book a tour! Its not that difficult, get  pen and a paper and start palnning! Once you are done pass all points of interest on Google Maps and then calculate times and distances, now there you are you have your itinerary ready! If  time wont allows it that you walk, you just get some Jump bikes that will get to the next point conveniently!

usa travel

Travel Insurance!

In the case of the USA, travel insurance it is not obligatory, but it is something that is  good for you to have  especially on long journeys. Besides you will find it very useful to have travel insurance, once needed. Try a famous travel insurance company such as the Mondial assistance etc.

Tipping!

You’Re in the US, which means that everything  looks  and actually is more expensive! The same is true with the tips which  usually are not mentioned in the original prices at the menus nd many times its obligatory to leave tips. The percentages range between 10%, 15% etc. You should also know that tips are often collected for the wages of employees, especially in restaurants and cafés.

Internet!

As we mentioned in the Practical guide of RoadTrip in California, check out US Mobile and place your order to havea  number and internet connection everywhere in the USA!

Renting a car!

For those of you wishing to rent a car to take a trip out of New York, choose a well-known company which usually lets you pick up-drop off at different places that are more convenient especially if you depart from a different airport than the one you landed at. Choose providers like Alamo car etc.

The post ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO USA appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Uber’s goal is to make our city better!

Your rides in the city of Athens, whether it’s for a simple commuting to and from your workplace or even for a long ride through the city’s touristic attractions, are easy and simple through the Uber app (ios & android) whick you can download for free on your mobile so that you can use it at any time and place!

uber usa

How does it work?

The main feature of the Uber app is to get you in touch with a nearby driver to take you to your destination. Just follow the steps below:

1. Download and get the free Uber app from the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone. Open the app to create your account.
2. Request type your destination and select a route. The price will always appear in advance.
3. Route details: you will see the driver’s photo and vehicle details, while at the same time you can track his arrival on the map.

uber usa

More detailed steps:
Step 1 A passenger opens the application: The passenger enters their destination in the box “Where do you go?” at the top of the screen. It touches the route option to see the waiting time, the size of the car and the price. Then confirm the pickup location and press request.

Step 2 A passenger is assigned with a driver: a nearby driver sees and accepts the passenger’s route request. The passenger is automatically informed when the driver’s vehicle is about one minute away.

Step 3 The driver receives the passenger: The driver and the passenger verify their names and destination. The wizard then starts the path.

Step 4 The driver transfers the passenger to the destination: The application gives the driver access to detailed instructions so that the driver can concentrate on the destination and the passenger can enjoy a comfortable ride.

Step 5 The driver and the passenger give a rating and reviews: At the end of each route, drivers and passengers can rate each other with 1 to 5 stars. Passengers can also compliment the driver. In cities where tipping is available, they can still add a small extra amount to express their gratitude.

Why use Uber?

• For safe, easy, fast and economic routes.
• You know the estimated payment in advance.
• Card payment. No worries about carrying money or looking for change.
• To comfortably enjoy my route on demand at any time and day.
• To track my itinerary history.
• To share both my itineraries with other passengers and epimerizw the cost (we hope that this service will soon return to Greece).
• To choose the driver and evaluate the Uber services after every trip.
• To stop multiple times.

uber usa

Why do we distinguish Uber?

• For Uber’s vision to improve our cities and help evolution, opportunities and diversity (more people – fewer vehicles – happier cities)!
• Because Uber operates everywhere in the world, in more than 600 cities keeping its services simple and easy!
• Because Uber develops close links with the local communities (co exists perfectly with public transport)!

Uber and Jump Bikes

Now, you can find and rent an electric bike using your Uber app. Select Bike, and enjoy the ride. Move through traffic faster, easily ride up hills, and reach your destination without breaking a sweat. We tried them in San Francisco and we loved them! We hope to see them soon in Europe and why not in Greece! What do you say? Read about our experience with Jump bikes in San Francisco in our blog post! Jump bikes are pedal-assist electric bikes, so the harder you pedal the faster you’ll go. An integrated GPS and lock helps you can find a bike near you, and go for a ride.

Go further, get there faster, and have more fun.

uber usa

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As you may already understood we did a lot of preparation and came up to a very strict itinerary for our roadtrip in California, of course thats not something you all have to do when travelling but we guess it depends on where you travel and when! To be more specific… US is considered to be an expensive country especially for low budget travellers, so the more informed and prepared you are the less money and time you ll get to spend! This idea of travelling doesnt fit all your trips but surely worked out for us (also has to do with how many days you travel, we only had two weeks available…)

usa roadtrip

Mobile Card-Internet

There are various prepaid companies in America (eg. T-MOBILE). We did not locate these companies at any airport but found a lot in the streets of the cities we visited but we had it all done in a different way! US Mobile! Enter the website, ask them to send you a starter kit with SIM cards in one of the places you plan to stay in Usa! When you arrive ask for the package and activate in simple steps the package that best suits you! You won’t find a cheaper way than this one, honestly! Of course, in rough and desert areas there is no signal but don’t worry because there are tourists and locals everywhere for any help you may need!

roatrip usa us mobile

Parking

For those of you who ll rent a car, you will definitely be concerned about the parking lot. This is because while parking is available everywhere, the time allowed for parking is limited, eg. For two hours on Monday between 9.00-10.00 in the morning. Always consult the signs on every street! So either you move it all the time or you put it in a public parking lot! By saying public parking we mean $20 a day with extra charge for nightly parking! Do not risk it, they are constantly  municipality patrols who lift the illegally parked vehicles!

Gas stations

Here we laughed a lot, as you will laugh too trying to understand the self service system while you see that no one will try to help you! What you need to know is that you leave the car next to the pump of choice, go inside the store to pay and exit to start the filling process! You will be surprised that there is a really slow mood at the gas stations, where you can stay even for a whole quarter, because nobody is in a hurry! So arrange your times!

Uber

In USA, the use of Uber is widespread! They use all the services that Uber provides at very low cost, easily, quickly and without the stress of finding any parking, etc. You’ll see Uber-crowded cars going to work while taking care of the environment after sharing the route with other fellow travellers! Car pooling applies perfect to travelers like us! We’ve been able to discover whole cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami with the use of Uber with incredible ease and absolutely no stress, while enjoyed the sightseeing along the way!

roatrip usa

Tolls

Tolls? What tolls? There are no such things in Usa, or rather there are.. but don’t worry about it because everything is automatically charged in the car when it passes eg. from bridges, etc. (read your agency’s rules while renting a car!).

Car Rental

We chose the agency Alamo car, which has a free shuttle bus that picks you up from the airport, takes you to the parking lot and there after you complete the process of declaring your data you choose one of the huge cars that are parked there and you just take off for your roadtrip! At the end of your trip you leave it at one of the cooperating car rentals that are available in almost all the cities and you still leave with the same ease and the corresponding shuttle bus!

Red street lights

More generally, the driving consciousness of Americans is enviable! Do not rush, do not run, follow the rules and respect the other drivers! Your experience on the streets of USA will definitely be enjoyable and relaxing! If you have a red street light in front of you and you want to turn right while you are free from your left, just pass slowly!!

Extras:

• Credit card everywhere (but keep some change too)
• Do not be confused with different time zones from city to city
• Only stop at vista points-specially designed points on motorways to enjoy views
• Download a good app with maps like maps.me and offline Google Maps

We hope you find our tips useful and follow them when you are having this dreamy roadtrip in California!

The post ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PLAN A ROAD TRIP IN CALIFORNIA appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.