TripRider travel planning app review

TripRider travel planning app review

 

TripRider say they have built an “ultimate trip planning app”. With so many really useful stand-alone apps already available, why do we need another?
TripRider is like a blank notebook and incorporates much of the functionality of other apps. For instance, like Tripit, it allows to keep track of schedules, like Google Maps, it allows to take screenshots of maps and directions, like Evernote, you can keep note of things you’d like to see and do, and like GetPacked, it helps with building a packing list.
In fact the app has so much functionality that it was daunting to get started with it. But the vintage design and user-friendly interface was reassuring.

Features

Packing List

This is organised into 9 categories such as Documents, Clothes, or Gadgets, which turned out to be a useful tool in remembering all the items I needed. I didn’t enter everything at once, but just added items gradually, as I thought of them. Then, on the day of packing, I checked items off the list as I put them in the suitcase.

Wallet

I normally always take a photocopy of my passport and credit card, in case they get stolen. With TripRider, I was able to take a photo of my important documents to store them electronically. I also found that I could password-protect Wallet via the settings and I thought this feature was so important it should have been enabled by default.

Location List

I was able to keep track of places I visited by pinning them onto a map and adding a photo to each location. The problem with this feature is that I didn’t always have internet connection so my iPad’s location feature did not work. But I was able to manually pin the location on the map once I returned to the hotel and connected to free WiFi.

Trip Plan

I am the type of a person who only plans a few “unmissable” attractions and improvises the rest, but TripRider allowed me to add a detailed day-by-day schedule if I wanted to. I added several attractions and used the checkbox to highlight a few of them as “must see or do”, which then regrouped them by date and by place in the Must see and do section. I also uploaded images of maps with directions, so I had them handy even when there was no internet connection for my iPhone’s GPS to work.

Briefing

I used this feature before the trip to check if I have covered everything I wanted to see and if my spending was within the daily budget. I also used it at the destination to keep track of my plans for the day.

Travellers

I was travelling with my partner and we were visiting a friend. TripRider allowed me to add both of them as ‘travellers’. Since they didn’t have TripRider installed, the only way to share my trip with them was to export it into a PDF. One feature I would have liked to see was the ability to collaborate on the same trip — e.g. the person in New York could have automatically updated my trip with her suggestions, instead of emailing me to say that a museum was closed on the day I planned to visit.

Trip Book & Photo Album

Once I was back from the trip, TripRider did a great job in organising my trip into a PDF iBook so I could both, print it and show to friends at home, and share it with my friends on Facebook.

Expenses

I was adding expenses as I incured them (I could even choose different currencies, as we had a stopover in Madrid) and kept track of my spending. The app also allowed me to organise expenses into categories, so I knew exactly how much I was spending on what

Top 10 hotel baths with a view

Top 10 hotel baths with a view

With designer bathrooms quickly becoming a highly lusted-after interior design trend, the world’s most luxurious hotels have unveiled their own bath time eye candy. Imagine sinking into some bubbles looking out across an azure sea, or enjoying a soak with a chilled glass of champagne over a cityscape? Look no further as we round up our top ten hotel baths with a view.

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, South Africa

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, South Africa

Forget whale watching from the hotel’s Leopard Bar Terrace and ignore the private cinema – Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is all about the bath-time views. The hotel is flanked by The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the majestic Table Mountain, proving the most gob-smacking vistas of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site as you soak in the tub.

InterContinental, Hong Kong

InterContinental, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famed for its dramatic skyline, boasting an impressive array of skyscrapers, surrounding mountains, beach-fringed coastlines and Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The really city bursts to life in the evenings though, as the imposing buildings light up in an array of colours and the harbour plays host to the daily Symphony of Lights. Where better to watch than from a vast, circular bath at the InterContinental hotel? Fits two people comfortably – a perfect setting to share a bottle of champagne or two.

Chalet Grace, Zermatt

Chalet Grace, Zermatt

Keen skiers find it hard to tear themselves away from the powder slopes and the stunning mountain views at the best of times. If reluctantly huddling up in a wooden chalet at the end of each day isn’t your thing, then staying in Firefly Collection’s Chalet Grace may be just the tonic. Facing across the valley, Zermatt’s hidden gem offers heart-stopping and uninterrupted views from the deluxe bathroom – the perfect place to thaw out.

Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

Bath time at Raffles Praslin in the Seychelles with views over the ocean

With the nearby Anse Lazio beach often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bath with a better sandy view than from Raffles Praslin in the Seychelles. Each villa features a carefully placed bath to maximise star gazing at night or to drink in the lush green hills, white powder beach and opal-hued ocean during the day.

Lake Vyrnwy, Wales

Lake Vyrnwy, Whales

Part of  Welsh Rarebits, a collection of hotels with distinction, Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa surprises and delights with a view that wouldn’t look out of place in the middle of New Zealand. If there was ever a reason to visit Wales, it’s this. The bath with a view overlooks a stunning, mountain-ringed lake; there seriously is no better place to shrivel like a prune in the UK.

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Australia

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Australia

Pier One Sydney Harbour is a stunning boutique hotel that offers bath views directly over Sydney Harbour Bridge. Epitomising ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else,’ Autograph Collection’s tagline, the hotel is a shining example of Marriott’s group of boutique, stylish properties. Book the harbour view balcony suite and enjoy a soak overlooking Sydney and the famed landmark bridge – the perfect way to start a trip down under.

Singita Boulders Lodge, South Africa

Singita Boulders Lodge

Did you know you can bathe in an alfresco tub whilst watching elephants enjoying some light refreshment? We didn’t either until we happened upon this South African 12 bedroom lodge, set in a wildlife reserve. Soak away your stresses overlooking the Sand River, and you might be lucky enough to spot herds of elephants drinking at its banks.

Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa, Maldives

The free standing bath in The Hideaway Maldives

There are few places better than the Maldives when it comes to ocean views, with most over-water villas on the collection of islands offering unbeatable vistas of the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa boasts a vast number of these following a recent $50 million renovation, and also offers a personalised butler service. This popular honeymoon destination is the perfect place to order a bottle of Bolly to enjoy in your rose petal bath.

Mandarin Oriental, New York

Mandarin Oriental, New York

There’s arguably no better skyline than that of New York, and Mandarin Oriental‘s stateside offering boasts unparalleled bird’s eye views of Manhattan. Book the Oriental suite to enjoy a bath not only with stunning views of the Big Apple shimmering below you, but also of the city’s much loved greenery. There’s no better place to immerse yourself in bubbles in the city that never sleeps.

Villa Kalisha, Bali

Villa Kalisha, Bali

Nestled in the lush Bali jungle, Villa Kalisha sits almost suspended about a steep gorge, overlooking show-stopping vegetation and the volcanoes of Bali. The dramatic open-air bathroom opens up in three directions, with tropical vistas in your eye line which ever way you look from your indulgent copper tub. You will never feel further from home or civilisation than you do here – perfect for the ultimate relaxing soak.

 

Top 5 beaches of the Greek Islands

Top 5 beaches of the Greek Islands

A holiday in greece can be popular for many issues: this way of life bright in addition to pleasant, intriguing in addition to complex historical past, testimonies of popular things in addition to characters, in addition to, of course, this landscape in addition to gorgeous beach locations.
Together with 1000s of island destinations in addition to where you live now variety, coastline A holiday in greece will be the 11th greatest on this planet. Couple of which with the warmth, however a comfortable local weather in addition to wonderful Mediterranean and beyond, and you also have got a lot of opportunities for you to some of the beach locations are usually absolutely awesome.

Navagio, Zante

Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Greece, this tucked away gem can be found on the island of Zante - known locally as Zakynthos. Surrounded by steep cliffs edge and can only be reached by boat, Navagio owes its reputation to ship the damaged smugglers' which foundered in the early 20th century and now sits on the pristine sandy beaches. A wonderful place to spend the day, many tour companies also offer boat and beach parties stop at Navagio; add a little excitement to them after more than just a relaxing afternoon sunbathing.

Red Beach, Santorini

Was found in the volcanic island of Santorini, Red Beach proved that the white sand is not a necessary ingredient when it comes to producing top quality beaches. Covered in red and gravel and is supported by high red clifftops, you can probably guess how this beach got its name. A beautiful and tranquil place to relax, it is a unique setting that makes this charming beach where you simply must experience when visiting Greece.

Elafonisi, Crete

Elafonissi beach, with pinkish white sand and turquoise water, island of Crete, Greece

 

Forget the golden coast of Australia, or the beaches of Thailand, if you want a beach that is truly tropical, head to Elafonissi on the island of Crete. The most southerly of all the Greek islands large, Crete boasts many places of extraordinary beauty, but none quite like this. The white sandy beach is long and soft, very shallow coastal waters and have the same fine sand resting beneath the surface; perfect for dipping your feet into. When the sun is shining, the water is soft and attractive baby blue and at low tide a sand dune appears, allowing visitors to walk to the offshore island coast. Here, you will find a business that offers thatched-roofed cabanas, sunbeds and umbrellas right on the water's edge. In a place like this, you would be forgiven for thinking you will end up in the Bahamas. 

Egremni, Lefkada

Beautiful summer at Egremni Beach in Lefkada Island, Ionian Sea, Greece

You’ll find a number of beaches around Greece with the name paradise sprinkled somewhere in their title, but for a true taste of heaven you’ll want to head for Egremni on Lefkada. A long winding shoreline, backed by towering white cliff tops, Egremni a great example of the perfect traditional Greek beach recipe. Take some pristine sand, bright white and soft on the feet, add turquoise mediterranean waters, clear and warm. Mix together with beautiful rock formations and overhanging trees, then finish with great sunset views. The result? One stunning Egremni Beach.
Sarakiniko, Milos

Sarakiniko on Milos island

Located on the gorgeous isle of Milos, Sarakiniko is probably the least beachy beach you’ll ever visit. No sand in sight, instead this coastal area consists of smooth rock formations that glide down towards the glimmering Med. Here, in protected bays, visitors can swim and enjoy the crystal clear waters; sheltered from the winds and currents by the rocks, with great visibility thanks to the lack of sand grains floating around near the surface. An unusual place, the utter uniqueness of this place makes it something rather special. You’ll struggle to find a place like Sarakiniko anywhere else in Europe.

Travel Guide to Los Angeles California

Thomas Cook Airline’s new flights to Los Angeles offer Brits the chance to explore California’s greatest holiday playground. The legendary home of the stars combines sun-kissed beaches with buzzy neighbourhoods, world-class culture and several of the planet’s most famous theme parks.
L.A. is a collection of villages, each with their own unique character, and most visitors will find a Westside location – between downtown and the beach – the most convenient place for exploration. Public transport has greatly improved in recent years, linking downtown by fast and frequent bus with Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood and the beach hubs of Venice and Santa Monica, while the Metro runs east to Pasadena and north to the entertainment hub of Universal City at lower prices than Londoners have to pay for Tube rides.

Hollywood

Hollywood sign (c) Massimo Catarinella

Hollywood is unmissable for first-timers, who will want to see the handprints of the famous immortalised in cement outside Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the most famous of all the ornate picture palaces which were created during cinema’s golden age. Grauman’s is still a functioning cinema where it’s great to take in a new release, and equally unmissable is the Hollywood Bowl, where every kind of music is performed in a beautiful outdoor setting from June till October.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios, Hollywood (c) BrokenSphere

To the north lies Universal Studios, offering a great day out enjoying movie-related rides as well as a unique tour past the Psycho house and other famous film locations. Major acts play at the Universal Amphitheatre and the Greek, perhaps the world’s most beautiful and intimate setting to watch a gig.

West Hollywood

Sunset Tower, West Hollywood (c) MikeJiroch

LA’s most relaxed and buzzy shopping, dining and nightlife are centred on West Hollywood, which connects Hollywood proper with Beverly Hills. Here Melrose Avenue and Third Street, running parallel, are lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants offering something a bit different from the norm. Joan’s on Third Street has the best breakfasts, while the city’s most interesting lunch offering is the delightfully retro Farmer’s Market at Third and Fairfax, an LA institution where you can pick a dish from stalls offering everything from Balinese to Brazilian, Cajun to BBQ specialities, and eat them at communal tables in a relaxed, sun-dappled setting.

Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip, sitting on a hill at the northern end of West Hollywood, can’t be missed; rubberneck the huge billboards, have lunch or a sundowner at one of its outdoor cafes – try Le Petit Four – and enjoy the view over a million twinkling city lights as the sun goes down.

Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles (c) Coolcaesar

Beverly Hills, where the stars spend their money, is a great place to while away an afternoon walking the beautiful streets around Rodeo Drive. There are plenty of places to take a load off between window-shopping the designer stores; Nate’n’Al’s on Beverly Drive is a haunt of filmland’s movers and shakers, and makes some of the town’s best deli sandwiches.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica beach (c) Kjetil Ree

From here it’s a half-hour ride to Santa Monica, the biggest of LA’s seaside resorts with good beaches, a lively pier and a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. The Border Grill offers great Mexican food in a sophisticated, colourful setting; its signature dishes can also be enjoyed at the twice-weekly outdoor farmers’ market, a great place to shop if you’re self-catering.

Venice

Muscle Beach, Venice, Los Angeles (c) Tyler Karaszewski

While Santa Monica is a family favourite, singles and couples may prefer edgier Venice to the south. Here Main Street offers cutting-edge shops and funky cafes, while the main attraction is a wander through the canal system connecting some of the city’s most enviable homes. Muscle Beach is the place to enjoy a stroll down one of the city’s liveliest promenades. For dinner, head for Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where Hal’s is a great local hangout – ask for the burger, even if it’s not listed on the menu.

Downtown

Walt Disney Concert Hall (c) jjron

Downtown shouldn’t be missed by foodies, who will love the Grand Central food market, where you can eat as well as browse, while culture-lovers can enjoy concerts at Disney Hall or world-class exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art. From here the road leads south to Anaheim and Disneyland or north-east to Pasadena, a beautiful town of arts and crafts houses with its own museums, charming little restaurants and elegant leafy boulevards for strolling.

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Thomas Cook Airlines will commence direct flights from Manchester to Los Angeles in May 2016, starting from £499 return including taxes. CLICK HERE to book.

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Image credits: LA skyline by BDS2006; Walt Disney Concert Hall by jjron; Hollywood sign by Massimo Catarinella; Universal Studios by BrokenSphere; Sunset Tower by MikeJiroch; Rodeo Drive by Coolcaesar; Santa Monica beach by Kjetil Ree; Muscle Beach by Tyler Karaszewski
Disclaimer: this article is sponsored by Thomas Cook Airlines

5 Tips To Do So Safely Travel Alone

5 Tips To Do So Safely Travel Alone

How to do so safely travel alone?

Traveling or traveling alone will make a wonderful experience and everyone should do this in his life at least once. When traveling alone, we can decide where we want and not be limited by someone else's plan.Not only that, we will be more likely to interact with people new and even make new friends when we travel alone. However, for traveling alone, we should not forget the preparation of various things. By doing so, consider these five tips to traveling alone:First. Creating a list of schedules and give copies to your family or friends, and tell them if there is a change in our schedule. It is important that family or friends we keep track of our existence if something goes wrong (not expected).Second. Save money in a safe place. Remove enough money and keep money in safe places, including bank cards. Do not spend all the money you have anything else to count them in front of strangers.Third. Do not tell strangers if we're traveling alone to avoid anything that is harmful to ourselves. If they ask, tell them you're waiting for your family or friends who will come or you're traveling with a group.Fourth. Avoid using flashy clothing or attract the attention of many people or clothing that does not fit with the place that we visit. Do not also wearing expensive jewelry or indicate that it is carrying valuables, this will be the target or targets of crime.Fifth. Do not show expensive gadgets, such as cell phones, cameras, and more. In a tourist spot will always be thieves who lurk tourists. Do not always put out or brought melihatkan expensive gadget, store them in a bag or a place closed when not needed. Additionally, you should not accept any packages from strangers, including food or beverages.

5 Most Unique Style Traveling Photo

5 Practical Ways to Pack Clothes for Traveling

How To Package Clothes for Traveling

 
If you frequently travel abroad, packing or repacking of goods in a backpack or suitcase is a routine that can not be avoided. Especially if you are among those who would ignore neatness, packing clothes can be irritating activities. Direct wants neat and wrong, no satpun left. However, if you can not arrange a neat, tidy Not that there is even clothes cluttered, crowded and easily tangled.

Apparently, packing clothes there is any technique, you know! Origin not cram clothes and other items into the bag. You can study it for a moment, so that when you will travel you can pack clothes into a backpack or suitcase neatly. Hope it is useful!

1. Mechanical Roll

For regular clothes like T-shirts or shirts, you could roll it before putting it in the bag. Roll technique aims to save space, so the suitcase and backpack you can fit more clothes.

The trick, folding clothes lengthwise, then roll it carefully so as not to wrinkle. if necessary, use a rubber band that rolls your clothes are not easily separated. Jka you are not good roll up, the clothes wrinkle should not rolled, but simply folded thin.

2. Place the weight on the basis of Koper Clothes

Heavy clothing should be placed at the bottom because if the small items in the base, you will hassles dismantled.

3. Pack the shoes in Plastic

Special shoes, shoe insert into the plastic, that can be placed anywhere without fear of soiling other goods. Even after use, do not discard the plastic because it can be used to wrap the shoes that have been soiled.

4. Shower Tool

Bath tools that you bring should also be put in a special place that is watertight, so if there is a shampoo or foam leaking do not contaminate the contents of the bag. Try not to carry liquids such as mouthwash as prone to rupture and cause dirty / sticky.

5. Save the goods Fragile

Put fragile goods in the middle of the suitcase, so that is not easily damaged. If possible, do not need to carry fragile goods during the trip.