How to Avoid Roaming Charges in the EU: A Guide for Brits

With the cost of everything soaring, the last thing anyone needs when they’re backpacking around Europe is to be hit with hefty data roaming charges that can leave a big hole in your wallet. But many Brits are still unaware that they’re racking up huge mobile bills when abroad, leaving them outraged when they get back home and discover they’ve been unknowingly clocking up data charges as they travelled.

Since Britain left the European Union, most mobile networks stopped providing free roaming in EU countries, which allow their citizens to make calls and use mobile data at no additional cost while in member states. But Brits may not know that when they’re in an EU nation and using data for such things as maps and messaging that they’re incurring charges that could add up to large sums.

According to a survey commissioned by mobile network Lebara UK, some Brits are paying up to £1,000 in roaming charges while on holiday in the EU. As many as one-third of British people holidaying in places like France, Spain and Italy were paying such enormous bills that were mostly made up of roaming charges, the survey found.

Other destinations where Brits were holidaying when they were being charged for mobile data roaming included Germany, Greece and Croatia. Respondents to the survey, carried out by OnePoll in early August and involving 2,000 people, also visited the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal.

What’s All the Roaming About?

When you’re backpacking around Europe, in towns and cities you don’t know, the most essential tool is right there in your pocket — allowing you to easily find hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs, and snap all the sights as you go. Sharing picturesque images with pals on social media is another must-do while abroad, making them green with envy that you’re on your travels in exciting places while they’re stuck at home.

So it’s no surprise that almost half of survey respondents (44%) said they used mobile data for social media use in EU countries — posting pics to Instagram, TikTok and other online platforms to keep their followers updated. A total of 42% of those who took part in the poll said they used mobile data for maps, so they could quickly locate the places they wanted to be. Others (28%) streamed music on their mobile devices; 20% used mobile data for gaming; and 16% were looking for love while abroad — not in pubs and clubs but via dating apps.

Avoiding Big Roaming Charges in the EU

Before you head overseas on your next big trip, check with your mobile network provider to see if free roaming in the EU is included in your package, or if there are extra charges. Even if you have to pay more, small sums can quickly add up when you’re downloading, streaming, scrolling or searching on your phone.

For those unlucky enough to have no free EU roaming, they may want to consider getting a SIM-only deal before they head away. These are available in the UK from networks like Lebara and they don’t tie you into any contracts and provide the amount of EU data roaming you’re likely to need.

So when you get to your destination, swap out your usual SIM for your new one, giving you the freedom to roam like home. You can then enjoy your holiday without the worry of clocking up data charges as you travel and being landed with a massive bill when you get back that would certainly ruin the happy memories of those carefree European days.

5 Backpacking Tips for Seniors

Backpacking is for everyone. There’s no cut-off age. Even in your later senior years, you can enjoy incredible backpacking and hiking experiences with family members or groups of friends.

However, as you get older, you’ll undoubtedly start to notice that your body probably isn’t moving the way it once did. While that shouldn’t keep you from exploring the great outdoors, there are a few things you should keep in mind now that you may not have had to consider when you were younger.

Let’s take a look at some of the best backpacking tips for seniors so you can safely enjoy all of your backpacking experiences through your golden years.

1. Don’t Go Alone

While there’s something to be said for a solo hike, it can be risky for anyone. That risk becomes elevated as you get older. While planning and preparing are important, you can’t predict every little thing that might happen on the trail. You could lose some supplies, suffer an injury, or get lost somewhere.

While we’re living in a tech-forward world, digital devices don’t always work on the trail. Don’t rely on your smartphone to keep you “safe” on your own. Instead, plan your backpacking trips with other people.

2. Plan, Prepare, and Pack

Even if you can’t predict everything that will happen, it’s no excuse not to plan and prepare as much as possible. If you’re an avid backpacker, you probably have a mental checklist of everything you’ll need for the trail. However, it’s never a bad idea to double-check that you have everything you need and take into consideration any new items you should bring along just in case. Some of the basics include:

  • Hygiene products;
  • Appropriate clothing, extra items for changing weather, and proper shoes/boots;
  • Any prescription medications;
  • A first aid kit;
  • A communication device.

It’s also crucial to make sure you pack enough food and water. As we age, our energy levels tend to drop. Packing nutrient-dense snacks and water for backpacking will keep you satiated and hydrated throughout your hike and give you a boost of energy when you need it most. Integrating some extra vitamins and supplements into your daily routine even before the hike can also make a big difference for active senior hikers, so you don’t burn out on the trail.

3. Be Mindful of Your Body

No one likes to admit that they’re “feeling their age,” but it happens. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone when you’re planning a backpacking trip. Instead, choose to be mindful of your body. Ask yourself if you’re really up for a strenuous hike or camping trip.

How do you feel? Do you tire out quickly? Do you deal with aches and pains each day? If so, you might want to hold off on your trip until you’re able to build some stamina and train for it.

Even if you’re already on a backpacking adventure, check in with yourself frequently. Listen to your body when it tells you to take a break or slow down. While it can be tempting to push yourself to your own physical limits, that will only put you at a greater risk of injuring yourself.

4. Research Locations

It’s a good rule of thumb to do your research on any location you plan on hiking. This is not only a backpacking tip for senior hikers, but for all adventure seekers. Whether it’s a local spot or somewhere across the country, make sure you’re fully aware of things like:

  • Terrain;
  • Trail length;
  • Common obstacles;
  • Local wildlife;
  • Weather forecasts.

Continuing to do your research, especially when it comes to weather conditions, is crucial right up to the day of your hike. Knowing as much information as possible about your hiking location will make it easier to pack properly, and mentally and physically prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

Dealing with pre-existing conditions on hikes is something older individuals must think about. Some of the most common health concerns for seniors include:

  • Respiratory diseases;
  • Balance issues;
  • Cognitive decline;
  • Heart disease.

If you have any underlying health conditions, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before heading out on a backpacking trip. They’ll let you know if it’s safe to do, and can help you prepare by refilling your medications and offering suggestions on how to stay healthy.

Even minor conditions shouldn’t be ignored. For example, you should treat dry eye before gearing up. Dry eyes can cause a sensitivity to light and make your eyes feel like they’re burning. That’s the last thing you want when you’re spending all day outside. Taking care of these small-scale issues before you go will keep you comfortable, safe, and healthy on your hike.

Backpacking Tips for Seniors – Our Takeaway

As you age, your needs change. No matter how many times you’ve been backpacking in your life, don’t ignore those needs. Your main priority should always be to keep yourself safe and healthy, so you can continue to enjoy backpacking for many years. Keep these backpacking tips for seniors in mind as you plan and prepare for your next trip, and you’ll feel better about it every step of the way.

Best Places for a Family Trip to the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is one of nature’s greatest miracles. An extraordinary phenomenon, it lights up the night sky with a vibrant, electric light show of vivid greens, purples, and blues. It is an unforgettable experience, and one that should be experienced at least once by anyone who loves to travel, even if it means forgoing a beach vacation just once.

For families with kids, the Northern Lights is a great experience. It is a truly remarkable, unique thing to see, conjuring up the magic, drama, and power of nature, and cannot fail to amaze even the most jaded and tetchy of younger ones.

That said, planning a Northern Lights family trip does come with its fair share of challenges. The Aurora Borealis appears at night, and is best seen when there is no moon. This tends to mean staying up late, and waiting patiently with nothing much else to do until the Lights put in an appearance. Plus, as it is (almost) always found in the cold, frozen north of the planet, your little ones will have to put up with icy temperatures while they wait. This can lead to boredom and the odd tantrum, even from the most patient of kids.

The key to planning an amazing family trip to see the Northern Lights therefore requires a little planning, and one of the most important things to do is pick the right place to look for them. So to get you started, here are four of the best places to watch the Northern Lights as a family.

Alaska

Cruising to Alaska is a great way to see the Northern Lights with kids. For starters, an Alaska cruise is an incredibly family-friendly experience, with loads of entertainment and activity to keep them busy on board, and loads of amazing wildlife and dramatic landscapes to see ashore. Plus, Alaska’s vast wilderness is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis…and what’s not to love about seeing nature’s greatest light show from the comfort of a cruise ship?

Tromso, Norway

Aurora Borealis in Tromso, Norway

Aurora Borealis in Tromso, Norway

When it comes to seeing the Northern Lights as a family trip, Tromso is an absolutely classic destination. Known as the capital of the Arctic, Tromso is a charming city, and its position on the Gulf Stream means that it tends to be a little warmer than other viewing destinations, which will keep the kids happy. Most importantly, Tromso is right at the center of the aurora oval, the area where the lights can be seen, so you have the best possible chance of seeing this extraordinary phenomenon in all its glory.

Rovaniemi, Lapland

Possibly the best Northern Lights family trip location, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland would be worth a visit even if the Aurora Borealis didn’t exist! Set deep in the Arctic Circle, the town has a great claim to be called ‘the home of Santa Claus’, and you can visit Saint Nick’s workshop at the Santa Claus Village. Outside of town, the Arctic Snow Hotel offers astonishing glass igloos where you can stay and watch the Lights from inside, with a 360 view. You can also take a snowmobile adventure from the Aurora Emotion viewing station, which is guaranteed to thrill older kids.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family adventure

Northern Lights in Iceland, perfect for a family trip

Exciting Viking history, ice caves, bubbling thermal caves, AND the Northern Lights? What’s not to love? Reykjavik offers a slightly different Aurora experience, giving you the chance to stay in a city (with all the associated comforts and things for kids to do during the day), while also viewing one of nature’s most beautiful experiences!

Don’t Let Dietary Restrictions Get in the Way of Your Backpacking Goals

Backpacking is a great way to stay active without getting bored — every trail provides something new and exciting. However, it’s easy to burn thousands of calories each day when you’re on the trail, especially if you’re taking on rough terrain.

Needless to say, most backpackers recognize the importance of staying properly fueled. However, if you are backpacking with dietary restrictions, that might seem easier said than done. Things like food allergies or sensitivities can make it hard to get the calories you need to keep going on a long hike.

Thankfully, it’s not impossible to get the right nutrients and fuel your body in healthy, effective, and efficient ways. Learning how to do so can make each experience more fulfilling and enriching, so you can focus on your surroundings instead of your grumbling stomach. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain your strength and energy on long backpacking hikes, even if you have to deal with dietary restrictions.

Plan the Perfect Trip

Packing snacks for the trail can be easy enough, even if you go with the same “stand by” snacks every time. However, unless you’re camping after a hike, the most important way to keep yourself properly fueled is by eating a healthy meal before you hit the trail and after you’re done.

So, it’s a good rule of thumb to choose backpacking locations that are surrounded by places that fit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, it’ll be easier for you to find healthy, filling options in trails close to cities that cater to plant-based diets. Some of the best areas in the country for plant-based tourists include:

  • Portland, Oregon
  • Austin, Texas
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Chicago, Illinois

Backpacking should be fun and exciting. It’s all about exploration and discovery. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the perks of “city life” while you’re on your trip. While backpacking, search for local restaurants that cater to your dietary needs, and you’ll have an easier time fueling up and recharging.

Understand Backpacking Food Basics

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or you’re hitting the trail for the first time, you probably understand how important it is to have enough food with you. However, far too many backpackers make the mistake of not packing enough nutrient-dense items. There are some essential rules to follow when it comes to backpacking food basics, including:

  • Choosing shelf-stable ingredients;
  • Packing plenty of lightweight food, including freeze-dried and dehydrated items;
  • Packing calorie-dense items;
  • Understanding cooking times.

The more you understand how to pack your food efficiently, the easier it will be to pack snacks and meals that meet your caloric needs and take your dietary restrictions into account while backpacking.

Yes, we suggested meals. Sometimes, when you have restrictions that require certain ingredients to be eliminated, small snacks won’t cut it. Thankfully, there are plenty of pre-packaged and even stoveless meals you can take with you on the trail. Nowadays, you can find vegan options and gluten-free options, as well as pre-made meals that will offer warnings and disclaimers about any ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.

It can take a bit of time, research, and even some trial and error to find pre-packaged meals and snacks that meet your needs and taste great. Don’t be afraid to try different brands and options, and you’ll eventually find what works best for you.

Create Your Own Snack Hacks

While there are plenty of pre-packaged snacks and meals on the market, sometimes the easiest way to meet your dietary needs is to make your own. You know your restrictions better than anyone. Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to ingredients.

Plus, when you’re in charge of preparing your own snacks and meals, you can choose flavors you love, and you won’t get bored on the trail. Having something delicious and nutritious to look forward to can keep you motivated and energized long before you dig in.

It can take a bit of creativity to prepare meals and snacks, depending on your dietary restrictions. For example, many people take nuts or trail mix with them while backpacking. Nuts are a great source of protein and can provide a quick energy boost. However, if you have a nut allergy, those pre-packaged mixes aren’t an option.

Thankfully, you can create your own with things like seeds, dried fruits, and different spices. Not only will making your own snacks allow you to leave out ingredients you can’t have, but you’ll also be in control of sugar content, fat, and flavor.

You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to create snacks and meals that meet your restrictions and taste great. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different foods and flavors. It can end up saving you money and keeping you properly fed and fueled on your trip.

There’s no reason dietary restrictions should get in the way of your backpacking goals. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe, healthy, and energized on the trail.

Planning A Trip To France? How To Craft The Perfect Break For You

Being able to travel and see different countries is an amazing experience. You can learn so much about culture and people by going on holiday and exploring the cities.

One popular place to visit is France as the country is so diverse and offers so many different holiday opportunities. Before you visit a country for the first time, it is always a good idea to do some research and find out a little bit about the country. This gives you a good guideline to work with and it can help you make the most out of your experience.

In this article, we are going to be talking specifically about France, so if you are planning to visit the country soon, then keep on reading to find out our top tips.

Be Prepared

One of the first things you should do before you travel to France is to make a plan. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to make a detailed itinerary or have your whole holiday meticulously planned, but it would be a good idea to have a basic guideline of the things you would like to do.

France is a place that has so much to offer, so depending on what sort of holiday you are after, there are different places to visit. If you are wanting a sunny, beach holiday, then we recommend visiting the south of France as it offers such a wide variety of beaches that you can relax on.

However, if a beach holiday isn’t something you are after, then you can always go for a city break in Paris, or embrace the slopes and go skiing, which we will discuss below.

Go Skiing

As mentioned above, if you are travelling to France for your holidays, then going skiing could be a great opportunity to make the most of your holiday. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then a skiing holiday in France is definitely the right option for you.

In terms of where to ski in France, you have a few options available. Chamonix, Avoriaz, and La Tania are all great places to go whether you are a beginner skier or advanced. If you have never skied before but have always wanted to try it, then France would be a good place to go as you can enjoy some gorgeous views while you ski down the mountain. All resorts in France will offer you induction courses too, so you can learn the basics before you start.

Live Like A Local

Mingle with the locals at a French market

Mingle with the locals at a French market

Another good way to make the most of your holiday in France is to simply live like a local. Being a tourist anywhere in the world can be a little daunting, so the best way to enjoy your holiday is to embrace the culture and live like a local.

This is why it is so important to do your research before you go to France as this will help you learn a bit more about the culture and the customs. Different countries will have different ways of living, so if you want to properly fit in and feel comfortable in the country, then you will need to take some time and do some research to find out how you can live like a local.

Learn Some Language Basics

When visiting any country, it is a good idea if you learn some language basics beforehand. While English is spoken all over France, it would still be polite if you knew some basic words and phrases, so that you can ask for things or respond to people in a polite manner.

No one will expect you to be fluent in the language, but it can make a huge difference if you can ask for a drink in French or just simply say ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’. The great thing about learning a language in the modern age, is that there are so many helpful apps available that can teach you the basics beforehand. A lot of the apps may have translators too, so you can use the app while you are exploring.

Explore The History

Explore the history of France with interesting sites like the Catacombs

Explore the history of France with interesting sites like the Catacombs

France is a country that is rich in history, so if you are planning to travel there and you enjoy learning about history, then you should take the time to explore some of its most historic sites. The catacombs in Paris are one of the most popular historical sites to visit as there is still so much mystery surrounding them.

If you want to get the full experience, you can book a 45-minute tour that shows you all of the gruesome and grisly details of the catacombs. This tour is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but if you are into to the macabre, then it could be the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Paris.