Plan your travel getaways ahead and check out these top 5 underrated destinations worldwide! Just a disclaimer, these don’t serve as an official list but rather, are results from the thorough research of the author based from reviews gathered on top blogs and travel sites online.

So if you are one of those type of people who love to plan ahead and wish to add a twist on their bucket list, then these recommendations are for you. Just for this entry, I will provide the location, reasons why you should go and visit, (or I might just throw away some fun facts about the place!) and the best time to book your ticket and visit the area. Mark your calendars so you can go ahead and file your vacation leaves and save up for your much-needed getaway!

City of Valletta, MALTA

(Credits to the original owner of the photo. No copyright infringement intended)

Location: Valletta is the capital city of the country Malta, which is located in the Mediterranean and forms part of Europe (and a member state of the European Union).

Did you know? The City of Valletta is Unesco-world-heritage listed for its harmonious collection of baroque architecture.

Reason/s to visit: Its baroque architecture no less! The city has become a home to groundbreaking contemporary architecture, delightful cuisine, and a burgeoning nightlife scene. You’ll be in awe of their multicoloured Maltese balconies, their innovative new uses for their subterranean spaces, and their authentic local cuisine.

Best time to travel: April, May, and June – These months usually give you the best weather throughout the year. It’s mostly sunny, spring means temperatures rise and May is usually the month where swimmers start heading to the beaches.

July – September – If you want to avoid the heat of the sun and high temperature and wish to travel to Malta on a far less busy time, try visiting during these times. You might also get better deals on flights and accommodations.

Svaneti, GEORGIA

(Photo taken from Georgian Journal website. No copyright infringement intended)

Location: No, I’m not referring to one of the states of the USA. Svaneti is a historical region in northwest Georgia, bordering Russia. The country of Georgia is in the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan.

 Did you know? Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in Europe. Svans, (the ethnic population occupying the territory) have been living there even before the Ancient Greek times.

Reason/s to visit: The picturesque view—it’s so beautiful it looks photoshopped! Because of its remoteness, the people who live there were able to preserve its beauty and their culture. The place boasts its high Caucasus mountain region.

Best time to travel: May, June, and September – The lowlands around Tbilisi (capital of Georgia) are particularly hot and humid in midsummer – while the mountains are cooler and drier.

 Dubai, UAE

(Photo taken Huffingtonpost.com. No copyright infringement intended)

Location: Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf, in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates.

Did you know? Palm Islands are three artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali, on the coast of Dubai. Artificial islands—meaning, they are man-made! How crazy and amazing is that?!

Reason/s to visit: Aside from checking out these incredible man-made islands, the reason to visit Dubai is because of the city’s uniqueness. Dubai has historic sights, futuristic architecture, active night life, and out-of-this-world attractions.

Best time to travel: November- March – Dubai really has only two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and experiences beach weather.

 Dubrovnik, CROATIA

(Photo from Mila Atkovska, Shutterstock. No copyright infringement intended)

Location: Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia. It is located on the continent of Europe. Neighbouring countries are: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia & Slovenia.

Did you know? Game of Thrones fans, take this– Dubrovnik was the main filming location in Croatia for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the TV show Game of Thrones. How cool is that?!

Reason/s to visit: Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubrovnik’s Old Town has been a popular filming location in recent years. The Game of Thrones television series and the Star Wars: Episode VIII film were both shot here. Also, given Dubrovnik’s position along the Adriatic Sea, it’s not that difficult to island-hop with the help of ferries and charter boats.

Best time to travel: September and October –This is when temperatures aren’t stifling hot yet most of the cruise ships have abandoned the port. The water remains warm for these two months, so it’s a great time to dip into the sea.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

(Photo from pixabay.com. No copyright infringement intended)

Location: Yosemite is located in eastern central California in the United States. West of the park are the major cities of San Francisco and Sacramento, California. Southeast of the park is Las Vegas, Nevada. South of the park is Los Angeles, California.

Did you know? There are 747,956 acres of land in Yosemite National Park. It’s about four times as big as New York City.

Reason/s to visit: Yosemite Valley. You’ll be impressed by the panoramic windshield views of a glacier-carved canyon, thickly forested, with grassy meadows beside a bubbling river and granite monoliths scraping the sky. (Plus, considering its size, you won’t be running out of things to do!)

Best time to travel: March – June – Spring (in the USA) is by far the best time to visit Yosemite Valley. In May the waterfalls are at their peak, the wildflowers are blooming, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Daytime temperatures are often divine, but be prepared for chilly temperatures at night.

These are some really good places that you should definitely include on your bucket list! Make sure you took note of the best times to travel and start saving now. Or you might want to consider your financing options. Remember, you only live once so maximise all opportunities you can get!

References:

https://www.georgianjournal.ge/discover-georgia/

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/131

http://enjoyintercambio.com

https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/georgia/travel-guide/best-time-to-visit-georgia

https://newatlas.com/the-worlds-largest-man-made-island/9172/

https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/croatia/southern-dalmatia/dubrovnik/experiences/news/photos/7-reasons-to-visit-dubrovnik-croatia

https://travel.usnews.com

https://www.myyosemitepark.com/park/yosemite-national-park

https://www.lonelyplanet.com

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post 2018 Top 5 Travel Destinations appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

5 Finance tips on planning your next trip

Based from experience, and I reckon a lot of people can relate, the most effective way of travelling cheap is planning your trip early. It means you have to do everything in advance—book flights, reserve accommodation, set your itinerary, etc…This had been a practice of seasoned travelers, couples, and/or families who desire to escape their busy lives every once in a while.

However, planning a trip can be a long process. You don’t want to risk missing too much and it’s always a good thing having something to look forward to! So as someone in the Finance industry and a self-confessed wanderlust myself, I am giving you 5 finance tips to make the most out of your getaway.

 Set a budget.

This budget can help you determine how much money you need for your entire trip and you can anticipate how much you need to save. This will all depend on your itinerary, the length of your trip, the activities you’re going to do, and you could also include here your accommodation and air fare. You can start a spreadsheet if you want to go the extra mile and be organised.

Create your itinerary.

After determining how much you are willing to spend for this trip, map out your activities and the places you’re going to visit in your stay. This will help you save money, time, and effort (hint: sore legs because of too much walking). It’s also a good way to excite yourself about your travel destination, the more reason to do Tip No. 5!

Research about your destination.

Check at the country or city you are traveling to and find out an average daily allowance for it. There are several helpful blogs online which you can use at your disposal. For instance, you may find out that the cost of living is relatively cheaper in countries in Asia compared to destinations like Europe or America.

Buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance is more than just a medical protection. It covers when your camera is stolen, your luggage is missing, your flight is cancelled, or a family member dies and you have to come home. you should always compare travel insurance policies and find one that suits your unique needs. The following link may assist you to learn more.

Save, save, save.

When the destination is determined, the budget is set, and the itinerary is created, you have one thing left to do—SAVE. Write down all your current expenses so you can determine where the majority of your money is going and you can decide how to cut back. Your small purchases, sometimes, add up which create a huge portion in your budget. Do you have a cut down on your morning coffee? Do you really need that pillow? Review your finances and rethink your priorities if you really are serious in saving the budget you set in the first step. Commit to setting aside a percentage of your allowance or income and label it as your Travel Fund. However, if you don’t have much time to save and you’ve exhausted all possible cutbacks on your budget, consider securing a travel finance. Consult your local broker today and see what deals are available for your situation.

Have a fun getaway!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product.

Corporate Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

The post 5 Finance Tips on Planning your Next Trip appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Top glamping spots in Western Australia

We often challenge ourselves thinking we could actually try an adventure outdoors—with nothing between us and the stars. So we try camping. Then comes few mosquitoes, the ants that find their way into the tent, or that annoying piece of rock that keeps digging into our backs as we sleep. The idea of a camping adventure is inviting, but there is, apparently, an alternative without going through such hassle.

Enter glamping. Or ‘glamour + camping.’ Or ‘glamorous camping.’ But isn’t the idea of camping supposed to be rough and dirty? Well, yes. Glamping is just an option for those who seek chill and relaxation and wanting a close-to-nature experience at the same time. It’s pretty similar to the real idea of camping, minus the small tent, camping gadgets, and uncomfortable sleeping bag.

Glamping is starting to take over Western Australia due to the breathtaking coastlines, amazing national parks, forests, and bushlands. Check out these glamping spots in the area and see for yourself how you can experience nature in style!

Karijini Eco Retreat

Milky Way and eco-tents. Source: http://www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au/

Let’s start the list with the award winning Karijini Eco Retreat. The drive might be a long one (16.5 hours!) but it sure is worth it when you get to experience the ultimate outback experience. It was voted the #1 glamping spot in Australia last 2016.

 Location: Karijini Eco Retreat, Off Weano Road, Karijini National Park

Wild Goose Camping

Wild Goose Camping. Source: http://www.wildgoosecamping.com.au/

For those who want to enjoy and explore the outdoors of WA’s south-west in style, check out Wild Goose Camping.

Location: Big Valley Farm Campsite, Gracetown Caravan Park, Taunton Farm Holiday Park, Prevelly Caravan Park, private properties and other campsites within the Margaret River region.

Mile End Glamping

Home sweet dome. Source: http://www.mileendglamping.com.au

Mile End Glamping lets you experience the unique sensation of glamping under the stars in your own private luxury dome in the heart of WA, Margaret River.

Location: 76 Yelveerton RD, Yelverton, Margaret River

Glamping Co

Explore Australia in style! Source: https://www.glampingco.com.au

If you want to arrange a romantic getaway for 2 or even create the ultimate glamping village for you and your loved ones and friends, Glamping Co is the way to go.

Location: Anywhere in Australia…you get to choose!

Soul Camping

Soul, nature, and luxury. Source: http://www.soulcamping.com.au

If you are the type to be completely hands-on and in control to your adventure, Soul Camping is the answer! They tailor fit your glamping experience according to your needs, at the location of your choice.

Location: Contos Campground, Wharncliffe Mill, Busselton Holiday Park, Yallingup Beach Holiday Park, Prevelley Caravan Park, anywhere in Margaret River region.

The Billi

Ultimate luxury @ The Billi. Source: Source: http://www.thebilli.com.au

The Billi gives you the ultimate glamping experience. It’s like staying in a 5-star hotel in the middle of nature! You can choose from their 1 and 2 bedroom villas, studio rooms, and ultra-luxurious eco tents.

Location: 23 Lullfitz Dr, Cable Beach

Nomadika

Relaxation at your backyard. Source: Source: http://www.nomadika.com.au

If you seek adventure but craves for something familiar at the same time, Nomadika is your spot. It is a pop-up sanctuary, with its 4m diameter tent, creating luxurious camping space. It can be set up anywhere you want it—even at your own backyard.

Location:  Your backyard, Lake Brockman, Woodman Point, Swan Valley, Lake Leschenaultia, Margaret River and more.

 Have you decided which spot are you going to experience? If you are worried about the cost since these all seemed luxurious, let me help you in securing a finance! Contact me today!

You can surprise your best friend, your partner, or your friends to one of these amazing glamping experience!

Bookmark this page for future reference!

Disclaimer:

Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product.

Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

The information contained in this page is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements.

The post Nature Meets Style: Top Glamping Spots in Western Australia appeared first on Soul Finance Group.