Travel

If you ever, for whatever reason, find yourself in a wheelchair, you should never feel like your chances to get out there and see the world are limited. True, your disability, be it temporary or long-term, might stop you from doing certain things on your travels, but it doesn’t have the power to stop you from going on an adventure altogether. So, stop entertaining that thought, and stop listening to anybody that might try to tell you what you can and cannot do. Exploration and travels are entirely possible, and the points below illustrate how to start your next adventure.

Find out accurate accessibility information prior to travel

When you travel, you don’t want to waste any time. You want to be out exploring the city that you have journeyed to, and you certainly don’t want to spend hours trying to get in or out of somewhere because you can’t find an accessible entry or exit for wheelchair users. To stop yourself from having to do just that, you must find out accurate accessibility information in the place that you travel to before you get there. This may involve finding out about wheelchair accessibility at train stations and getting in touch with your hotel beforehand to make special arrangements for your arrival.

Pack light

The truth of the matter is, in a wheelchair, you won’t be able to carry, push or pull too many heavy bags or cases on your travels. This is just a given, and the sooner you accept this, and the sooner you resolve to packing as light as you can, the more stress you will avoid on your travels.

You should pack for yourself two small bags: one that can be easily hung up or carried on the back of your chair, and another that can be comfortably kept on your lap. Due to your lack of space, you need to be very economical with the way you pack.

Make yourself comfortable

On your travels, you could find yourself in your chair for long stretches — these will likely be periods of time sitting down that are longer than those you are used to when you are at home, and you will probably have to do more pushing and pulling on your wheels than you are used to, too. To get yourself through these extended periods and to stop them from ruining your adventures, quite simply, resolve to make yourself comfortable throughout them. If this means investing in wheelchair accessories like gloves and arm support, or wheelchair parts like cushions and cozies, then do it. Remaining comfortable with wheelchair accessories such as this while exploring the world is essential if you want to truly enjoy yourself while you’re out there.

You may be in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t mean that your chances of exploring the world are diminished. You can do it, and if you follow the advice above, when you do, you’ll have the time of your life.

A dream vacation around the magical land down under features high on pretty much everyone’s bucket list. From swimming the Great Barrier Reef, to watching the sunset at Uluru, to hanging out with actual kangaroos and koala bears, the attractions of Oz are too many to list. Whether you’re planning a long road trip around this vast country or maybe embarking on a popular working holiday, one thing you’ll need to consider is logistics. Australia is more of a continent than a country, spanning three million square miles and packed with dozens of cities, sights and beaches. The worst thing you can do is land in Oz without a proper plan in place. Here are some tips on how to plan your dream trip to Australia.

Map it All Out

Your starting task also happens to be the most fun part of your prep. Travelling around a country the size of Australia can actually be incredibly challenging, despite the high-quality infrastructure. Have a map, either on your phone or the old-fashioned way, and make sure you have every stage of your route properly planned out, with plenty of backup options for when you inevitably miss the train or your car rental breaks down in the middle of the desert. Always make your starting point somewhere with plenty of infrastructure that is well-connected.

Whatever you do, don’t just draw out a route on a piece of paper on where you’d like to go without seeing if it’s actually feasible or not. Driving across Australia can take several weeks, and going from one major city to another may involve a four-hour flight with a transfer in between, so always check the logistics every step of the way, before you start to make any notes on that trusty map of yours.

Start with the Cities

A little fact about Australian geography; most of the country’s civilization is clustered into a little corner in the east of the country, which is where you’ll find the top three biggest cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Perth is the cheeky little outlier in the West of the country). These should be your starting points as well as your hubs in between other places you plan to stop off. They’re also the places where you should allot the greatest amount of time for, as exploring them properly can easily take weeks.

Oz’s big cities are global melting pots of culture, nightlife and entertainment, with some of the most renowned bars, museums, restaurants and sports teams in the world. Make sure to schedule in some things you want to do in each city before you land, and prepare by buying tickets or making your reservations, as these are all super busy cities. If it’s your dream to see the Sydney Swans in action, then make sure to book your tickets in advance, and to claim your bets on Oddschecker well-ahead of schedule. Same goes for anything else. Basically, if you have an Australian Bucket List, make sure to have a similar list for each city you’ll be spending time in, and plan accordingly.

What to Pack (and Download)

Once you’ve got everything planned, mapped out and booked, it’s time to finally start packing! There are a few things you’ll definitely need to survive your Oz adventure, so let’s get straight down to business. Make sure to buy at least a couple of Australian Power Adapters for your plugs, as they won’t be easy to come by once you’re in the country. Get some very high SPF sunscreen and make sure it’s completely waterproof. Bring along a classic Lonely Planet Guide Book in case you’re in need of inspiration, a waterproof phone case, and a sturdy water bottle for those long stints in the desert.

There are also some handy apps you can download; when you’re in the city, download The Happiest Hour for live info on all of the best happy hours and food deals across all of Oz’s major cities. Get LiveTrekker for when you’re on the road or in more rural areas (operates on GPRS so 4G signal not necessary), and of course the Stayz app through which you can book accommodation anywhere in the country. Happy travels and stay safe!

Are you unable to afford a trip away? Would you love to escape the demands of daily life? Are you extremely close to reaching the end of your tether? If your answer to these questions is yes, you should seriously consider arranging a staycation. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to enjoy the benefits of a holiday, without any of the costs. However, your staycation will only be a success if you take the time to plan ahead. Below are four steps that will guide you through the process.

Overhaul your living space

Before you do anything else, you will need to overhaul your living space. Failing to take this step will make it impossible for you to enjoy your staycation, as you will be spending your time in a cramped and cluttered home. This is your chance to take control of your property. Throw away the old items you no longer need, experiment with a new layout, and invest in attractive accessories. You could even go all out and place towels on the end of your beds, along with some mini toiletries and a couple of fancy chocolates.

Find fun activities to enjoy

The next step is to find fun activities that you can enjoy in your local area. This is an excellent opportunity for you to inject some much-needed excitement into your staycation. Instead of falling into step with your usual schedule, it is important that you push yourself to do something different. If you are wondering how you to go about this and try something new, you should go online to visit Ticket sales. There is no better place for you to find incredible tickets at affordable prices. From musical displays to sporting events, there is no end to the amount of fun that you could be having.

Organize delicious refreshments

You could also have a lot of fun organizing delicious refreshments to enjoy throughout your staycation. If you are a keen chef, you should take the time to look through your favorite recipe books. Are there any ambitious meals that you wouldn’t usually have the time to try out? Perhaps this is the ideal chance for you to put your culinary skills to the test. Alternatively, if you are looking for an easy life, you could explore your local takeaways and restaurants. Just try to find somewhere that you haven’t visited before, as this will make it easier for you to believe that you are on holiday.

Take plenty of great photographs  

Finally, you should endeavor to take plenty of great photographs. The fact that you haven’t left your local area shouldn’t stand in the way of you getting beautiful holiday snaps. After all, if your staycation goes to plan, it will be an experience that you want to remember. That is why you should set yourself the challenge of taking at least five photos each day. You should also learn the basics of polaroid photography, as this is a brilliant way for you to mix up your photo collection.

As hosts of the 2018 Fifa World Cup 12 cities located across Russia have been selected to host world cup matches. Examples of which include St Petersberg, Moscow, and Sochi. To discover predictions to the nearest match and how some of the largest world cup stadiums have fared, simply continue reading.

Traveling to Russia during the World Cup: Review of the stadiums

1. The Luzhniki Stadium– Moscow

The Luzhniki Stadium, which is located in Moscow, is the largest of Russia’s world cup venues and can seat 81,000 spectators, so it’s clear to see why the Luzhniki Stadium was selected to host the first game of the tournament as well as a semi-final and the Fifa World Cup Final. The Luzhniki Stadium is scheduled to host 7 matches and has received rave reviews as tourists have found the stadium a breeze to navigate and love the view most seats give spectators of the pitch.

2. Saint Petersberg Stadium – St Petersberg

Saint Petersberg Stadium which has a capacity of 67,000 seats also has impressed international tourists. As it’s a modern newly built stadium, which was opened in 2017. Better yet the Saint Petersberg Stadium is fully enclosed so that spectators and players are protected from the elements. Like the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, the Saint Petersberg Stadium is set to host 7 matches, including a semi-final match, whilst the majority of Russia’s World Cup stadiums will host just 5 world cup matches.

3. The Fisht Stadium – Sochi

The Fisht Stadium is a modern stadium which was built in 2013 and boasts a sizeable capacity of 48,000 seats and provides every spectator with a great view of the pitch. Which international spectators love as one of the reasons why soccer fans from a wide variety of countries have traveled to Russia for the Fifa World Cup is to gain a real-life glimpse of their favorite soccer stars. The Fisht Stadium is set to host one of the world cup’s four action-packed semifinal matches. Which is sure to be hotly contested.

4. The Ekaterinburg Arena – Ekaterinburg

While the Ekaterinburg Arena was built in 1957, soccer fans still have raved about their world cup experiences at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The arena can comfortably accommodate 45,000 excited soccer fans as part of the arena has been opened up to accommodate extra stands. The Ekaterinburg Arena is set to host 4 matches.

5. The Kazan Arena – Kazan

The Kazan Arena was built in 2013 and can host up to 45,000 enthusiastic soccer fans. As the Kazan Arena is well designed and a breeze to navigate, the large, world-class stadium has been selected to host one of the world cup’s 4 world cup quarter-finals.

6. Nizhny Novgorod Stadium – Nizhny Novgorod

The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium was built specifically for the Fifa World Cup and as a result is extremely popular with spectators as it’s been designed to host soccer matches, whereas some of the other stadiums featured on this list host a variety of sports events. The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium has a capacity of 45,000 seats and is set to host 6 matches, including a quarter-final.

In conclusion, Russia has really stepped up, when it comes to producing world-class venues which spectators will love!

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most prominent city states, and over the last few decades, it’s developed its well-deserved reputation as a place which should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Combining a gorgeous harbor and natural beauty with plenty of attractions to sample, like shopping centers and cultural destinations, there’s so much to do here that you’d need weeks or months to get it all in. But to shorten the list a little, here’s a summary of the top places to visit in this truly global city.

Shopping malls

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s top shopping destinations, and it boasts a whole range of both accessible and top-end malls which are certainly worth checking out if you’re a shopaholic. Those who fancy doing a bit of luxury shopping can head to the Times Square Mall in Causeway Bay, where outlets such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Tiffany can provide you with the goods you’re looking for. And if you’d prefer to head to a mall with some less high-end brands on offer, the Tsuen Wan Plaza Mall has stores like H&M for you to try.

Cultural venues

However, Hong Kong is also known for its many cultural sites. Those who love museums can head to the Hong Kong Museum of History in Tsim Sha Tsui East, for example, where can they learn about everything from the Opium Wars to the influence of Japan on Hong Kong. And if you’d like to visit an art gallery, why not check out the Opera Gallery on Wyndham Street – which features a range of exhibitions and showcases lots of talented artists? There’s no shortage of culture here in Hong Kong, and the best bit of all is that the small size of the city and the top-quality MTR public transit system means that you can easily move on to another venue if you, or any children you have with you, get bored

Schools and colleges

Hong Kong is home to a number of prestigious educational establishments, and whether you’re considering enrolling yourself or your child, or you simply want to see what these buildings look like from the outside, you’re in luck. The University of Hong Kong’s Main Campus in Pokfulam, for example, boasts a beautiful main building designed in a Baroque style. And the school for Americans in Hong Kong on Man Fuk Road in Ho Man Tin is also worth a visit, although tours are by appointment only.

Hong Kong is a fascinating place to live, work or even just to visit, and there’s plenty of culture and fun to soak up just by walking the streets. But if you’re looking for a specific activity, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. Culture vultures and shopping fanatics alike will find something to fill their days with here, and from top shopping venues to amazing educational institutions there are plenty of top attractions to visit in this city – so don’t miss out!