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travelling

Now that the Christmas celebrations are beginning to wind down, we have been dreaming of hopping on a plane. We’re so tired of these freezing, dark evenings – we're desperate for some sunshine!

We find ourselves swooning over snaps of Bali and Hawaii on Instagram and scrolling through the Ryanair site to see what flights we can afford with the €16 in our bank accounts.

If you too are hoping to jet away with the gals in the coming months then we’ve got wonderful news for you.

Going away with the girlies is actually good for your health.

That’s right, booking a girls trip will boost your happiness and improve your health, according to researchers and who are we to argue with science?

Psychologist William Chopik discovered that our friendships have the biggest impact on our wellbeing. His study, which was published in Personal Relationships, found that spending quality time with your friends improves your mood.

He explained, “These are relationships of choice. You choose to hang out together because you enjoy each other’s company.”

He added:  “You can sit down, look them in the eye, have a true back-and-forth, and read each other’s body language. They can see you and your facial expressions. You’re emotionally responding to things, and you can pick up on their emotions. You don’t always get that through a phone call.”

Going away with your friends will help you spend pure quality time together. We don't get a chance to have heart-to-hearts during coffee dates or cinema trips so it is the perfect way to bond with your best pals. 

If anyone needs us we’ll be looking up Air BnBs with our besties. A holiday is well-needed!

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We all know at least one person who goes into full panic mode during a flight if the slightest bit of turbulence occurs. If you don't know anyone in your friend group, it's probably you…

Nervous flyers are pretty common, considering you're putting your entire trust in two people you've never met before in a cockpit.

The actual process of flying can cause huge amounts of discomfort, be it from the taking off aspect, the turbulence during or the landing. One flight attendant has revealed the best seat for anxious flyers;

"If you’re a nervous flyer or feel uneasy with turbulence, then sit as close to the front of the plane as possible. If you like turbulence and feeling everything then sit near the back of the plane," the former flight attendant named Matt, told The Mirror.

The ex-Easy Jet employee also revealed which seats have the most leg room, which we're fairly sure everyone already knows but nevertheless. It's nice to have an actual flight attendant's word for it.

"If you like extra legroom, the first row or emergency exit rows are good but be prepared to not have anything on the floor where you’re sat as you’re only allowed stuff in the overhead lockers. The floor has to be clear in case an emergency evacuation is needed."

The pilot is likely to avoid any turbulence from the front of the plane, so if you sit near the cockpit you'll probably avoid the experience too.

The front row or an emergency exit row is the ideal spot for those long-legged people (we're envious of you). If you're getting sweaty palms at the thought of the plane shaking, definitely don't sit at the back.

The back of the plane is the worst place to be anyway, seeing as the bathrooms are usually mid-way up the plane or at the front. You've got to have priorities, so book the front seat and pay the fee if you need comfort.

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American officials have now told tourists to plan ahead when they’re organising trips to the States, as applications for the ESTA visa are about to get much harder.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a reminder to anyone planning a visit, warning potential visitors to; “Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States.”

The ESTA visa grants you access to enter the USA, but now the process is totally changing, maybe not for the better…

It was, until recently, possible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) until basically the last second, with real-time approvals achievable.

Now, you will need to apply for a visa at least 72 hours before you travel in order to gain the documentation in time. The old service is no longer available.

Without an ESTA visa, you cannot gain entry into the United States;

“Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.”

Just as the Christmas travel rush has started, holidaymakers and business travellers will have to change the way they visit the USA.

US authorities have always advised applicants to carry out the documentation at least three days in advance, most people could get their ESTA almost instantly.

The DHS also warn: “Upon arrival in the United States you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible.”

The DHS recently added a query regarding the applicant’s social media activities to the form, but it’s optional.

“If an applicant does not answer the question or simply does not hold a social media account, the ESTA application can still be submitted without a negative interpretation or inference.”

Stronger security measures are expected over Christmas and the New Year, when 41 million passengers are expected to travel through American checkpoints nationwide.

Take note, globetrotters.

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It's T minus 24 hours until we'll be heading off, backpack loaded down with cheaps cans and glitter, to Electric Picnic and we're sick with excitement.

Bring on three days of camping, dancing, and soaking up everything that the Stradbally festival has to offer.

If you're anything like us, you'll be up at the crack of dawn buzzing to go and get on the road.

If not, you might wanna reconsider your travel plans for tomorrow morning, EP organisers have warned.

They have told the expected 50,000 revellers to to give themselves a bit more time than usual to get to the campsite due to major roadworks. 

"We are urging everyone heading to Electric Picnic this Friday to give themselves plenty of time as roadworks are likely to considerably add to journey times," a spokesperson said.

"We would strongly recommend people to leave as early as possible and also to car pool if possible."

Sounds doable, right?

The on-going roadworks on the M7 are to blame for this as they have reduced junctions 8-11 to just two lanes with a 60km/hr speed limit on this stretch of road. 

Annoying as it may be, who wants to get held up in traffic when they could be chilling out in the Jimi Hendrix campsite?

 

Where it all begins. #ElectricPicnic

A post shared by Electric Picnic (@epfestival) on

If you're wondering what kind of clothes to pack, it looks like the weekend is set to be mainly dry with a mix of cloud and sunshine – we'll take that!

Sunday, bowever, might get a bit rainy so chuck in a raincoat just in case. 

While we want to have fun at EP, we can't forget that safety should always come first. 

Festival boss Melvin Benn has said to "behave safely and behave well but come and have the craic".

Sounds good to us – now roll on tomorrow! 

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Travelling the world is the stuff of dreams.

Some people sacrifice everything in exchange for the trip of a lifetime, which is exactly what Jonathan Kubben Quinonez did. 

The Mexican-native quit his job and sold his car to begin his epic journey, but was sad to leave one very special person behind. 

The wanderluster is massively fond of his mum, and he knew that she would be worrying about his wellbeing. 

He decided that he needed a way to let her know he was safe and well while embarking on his global expedition. 

 And so, Instagram account @momimfine was born. 

Now the account updates his mum and his 267,000 followers on his travels, and his message to his mum is always on show. 

Whether it's written across his palms while scuba diving, emblazoned on a pizza in Italy, or scrawled on his signature sign atop a mountain, Jonathan's mum is the most in-the-loop woman around. 

Jonathan told The Lad Bible that it all began when he took his first trip to Cuba.  

'When I arrived, with the time difference, the Communist party blocking the internet and the prices of phone calls, it was difficult to communicate with my friends and family,' he told the site. 

'Mums are always worried. Especially mine.'

 'It was complicated to be in contact with her so I decided to give a positive message and show her that the world is a beautiful place and that I am fine.'

'I started to take pictures in funny or scary situations with my sign. Whatever the situation was, I always found a way to give my message.'

The message paid off, as Jonathan now travels the world with ease thanks to his travel influencer lifestyle brought on by the sign. 

And we're sure his mum is only delighted for him .

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It's the festive season which means a LOT of visiting relatives and a whole load of travelling. 

Just HOW do celebrities look so fabulous and prepared for all their long haul flights? Preparation, of course. 

So whether you are travelling via plane, train or automobile this year, here is how to do it with style. 

1) Keep it casual 

Don't bother with high heels and elaborate outfits. Dress in simple pieces that you can easily take on and off.

Throw on a pair of flats with your comfiest jeans and T-shirt. Pop a blazer into the mix if you want to look a bit more put together. 

2) Think comfy thoughts 

Don't be afraid to take your trainers straight from the gym on to the plane. Airports usually involve a lot of walking so you will live for the supportive shoes.

If you have a lot of things you need, use a backpack with soft straps so that you can breeze to your gate in pure comfort with minimal hassle. 

3) Don't forget your gadgets  

Make sure your phone is charged and maybe throw an extra charger into the bag. DON'T forget your headphones because that is a killer.

Remember you will more than likely have no Internet in the air, so make sure to download any podcasts or music BEFORE you take off. Throw a book in the bag just in case though.  

4) The perfect scarf 

A scarf can keep you warm when you land, but it can also double as a handy blanket or pillow when in the air.

Planes tend to be cold, so this will make sure you stay snug all the way to your destination.

5) Co-ordinate  

Just because you are travelling does not mean you cannot stay chic. 

Forget the bright pink floral suitcase and invest in minimal luggage in colours that go with everything. Trust us, you will never be happier to see your bags at the other end of your journey. 

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Whether it’s a round the world trip for a year, or a four week holiday to some far-flung continent, it’s a rite of passage to do some sort of long-haul travel in your twenties.

With your bag packed, Birkenstocks bought and tickets booked, you might think you’re ready to go, but there are a few unexpected things (good and bad) that will no doubt happen along the way.

Here are just a few…

1. You’ll realise you can live without your GHD
Either it’ll break, it won’t work in the strange foreign plugs, or you’ll bravely leave it back at home – whatever happens, you’ll soon discover that you can get on just fine without super-sleek hair. Rock those curls!

2. That 3-hour train trip from Dublin to Cork will seem like a breeze
36 hour bus journey with two border crossings? I thought this was meant to be a HOLIDAY?!

3. You’ll gain the talent to sleep anywhere
Planes, trains, buses and shaky taxis are all just places for you to rest your weary head now. Sweet dreams, little traveller.

4. You’ll become hugely patriotic
Barry’s Tea is now the most important thing in your world, even though back home you could take it or leave it. As for music, if it’s not The Fields of Athenry you can just turn it off, thanks.

5. You’ll lose half your clothes to dodgy laundrettes
Which is not the end of the world because you seriously overpacked. Oops.

6. You’ll take 10 million pictures of churches/Inca ruins/indigenous plants
Someday you just know you’ll look back and treasure them all…

7. Only to realise later that NOBODY needs that many pictures of anything
Delete, delete, delete. Back to selfies and pictures of your food!

8. Everyone becomes a friend
This is especially true if you’re travelling alone. No room for awkwardness here – just get out there and start chatting!

9. You’ll get horrifically, disgustingly ill
It might come out of one end, it might come out of both. It happens to the best of us! Ride the sweaty, nauseous wave and know that you’ll feel better tomorrow… or the next day.

10. You’ll lose all sense of style
Skinny jeans? No thanks. Heels? Oh god, no. You have your “fancy” flip-flops and that one dress that’s not ripped to shreds. Those will do just fine for now! 

 

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Travelling is all about exploring new places and discovering new things. However, because it is so easily accessible it can be hard to find places that nobody has ever heard of! Why not put these pretty awesome places on your list:

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

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It’s lovely and cool here with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 21°C so head up if you get too hot.

Luang Prabang, Laos

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This is a UNESCO World Heritage site meaning it is one of the world’s most protected sites.

Suzhou, China

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Rich in 2,500 years of history it is not too well known by tourists – until now that is…

Mont-Saint-Michel, France

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This island off France is home to a pretty magical town that is rich in history.

 

L-r: Cameron Highlands, Malaysia; Luang Prabang, Laos; Suzhou, China; Mont-Saint-Michel, France

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Thailand is an extremely popular place for Irish 20-somethings to let loose and go crazy! Apart from the plane tickets, obviously, it makes for a pretty cheap long holiday.

It is famed for its Full Moon parties, elephant riding and tubing but there is so much more that the country has to offer that you would be mad not to pop these on your itinerary.

Night market
Take a night off from the partying scene and spend the evening wandering around the night markets. You pick up some pretty awesome clothes and taste foods you would never have tasted before.

Get a tuk-tuk
You have probably heard of these as a means of transport in Thailand. While they may have a cute sounding name, they are far from cute reaching up to 60mph… eek! An experience you can’t miss.

Long tail boat
Apart from the fact that the long tail boat taxis are the best way to get to some of Thailand’s most secluded beaches, they are pretty spectacular.

Get a massage
A Thai massage is a must when you are visiting the country. They are extremely cheap so why not treat yourself to one every day!

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Before you head on your holidays it is important that you make sure you have the appropriate vaccines.

Here’s a list of what you need or should probably get for certain locations:

South America

Yellow Fever (required)

Tetanus

Typhoid

Hepatitis A and B

Malaria

South Africa

Yellow fever (required)

Poliomyelitis

Tetanus

Hepatitis A and B

TB

Typhoid

Malaria

South East Asia

Poliomyelitis

Tetanus

Typhoid

Hepatitis A and B

Malaria

Eastern Europe

Poliomyelitis

Tetanus

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid

Diphtheria

Always talk to your doctor to make sure you have the required vaccines, because they change form time to time. Make sure you get your vaccines at least four to six weeks before travelling.

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Traveling is a very stressful time for everyone. The slightest turn of events can ruin your day and when things go wrong, they go very wrong. If you have traveled through an airport recently or you are dreaming of your summer plans, be prepared.

1. Baggage
Is it necessary to be so overly strict on baggage. When you go into Dunnes or Penneys or Samsonite for our posh readers, are we really supposed to bring a measuring tape and measure the correct size? No. And, does it really matter if the bag looks too full? Give us a break. If you come across an air hostess that insists you check in your carry on – don’t take it lying down. You take out every jumper in the case and put them on. Take crap from no one.

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2. First Class
If you can’t spot the rich folk in the airport, check out their bags. They will either be massive or designer. These rich people are the worst on long haul flights. If you’re flying on a plane that has first class and coach, it is like you are in a massive doctor’s waiting room and they are calling up everyone who is better than you first. They swan on to first class and get their luxury bed and better food. Oh god how we hate them.

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3. Gates
Your gate is boarding in an hour. Great news, you can get a nice meal before you get on the plane. Now it’s a half an hour until the gate closes. You will start walking but realise it is 20 minutes away. Then you start running. The panic and stress between now and boarding will cause a serious amount of sweat.

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4. Duty Free Prices
So, you are on your way to your European destination and you need to buy alcohol before you go. Ah yes the duty free is nice and cheap – 2 litres for €20, brilliant. You go to pay and are told: “Oh sorry that is only for people flying to countries outside the E.U. If you squint your eyes and look at the tiny price in the bottom corner – that is how much they are.” Bring in the awkward moment of putting it all back.

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5. Liquids
This 100ml rule needs to end. It is so bloody stressful and now Dublin airport are insisting you have to use their plastic bags. Grrrrr.

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6. Searched
There is nothing worse than going through security and getting beeped. Then the always-awkward rub down from the security woman or man. Oh the shame. And if you’re prone to these incidents, you’ll usually look so nervous that it looks like you have something to hide. Just madness.

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7. Bad food choices
Is it wrong to expect a McDonalds in every airport? Is it wrong to shiver at the sight of a Quick burger? And is it okay to be sad when all they have are two overpriced restaurants serving below average food?

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8. Leaving things behind
Whether you are the person who rushes everyone or you have a friend or parent who is, there are serious consequences. When you get overwhelmed in an airport and are in a rush, you can leave things behind. The gifts to bring home, the vodka for a festival you are going to in a few weeks or that large Toblerone you have been craving. But, you know what is worse? Leaving stuff behind on the plane – so close yet so far.

when-your-really-innocent-friend-says-something-sexual

9. Rude staff
When airport staff are rude it ruins your day, so watch out for this one. You catch someone on a bad day and you could be forced to check your carry-on bag or undergo an unpleasant security search.

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10. Bag checks
There is nothing worse than having to open up your bag at security. It doesn’t matter if your underwear is on top or not – it is still awkward and embarrassing. And, most of all, it wastes time that could be spent eating a burger and chips.

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11. False promises
When your flight is delayed and you are promised it will take off soon and then it’s delayed more and you’re promised it won’t be long and then it’s cancelled. Worst feeling ever.

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via our content partners CT

 

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Here are some ways to make sure you arrive home content and happy with your travels.

1. Take lots of photos
Snap all around you. Who cares if you “look like a tourist” – you’ll appreciate the great memories when you come home!

2. Get out there
Hotels are strictly for sleep. Get out there and see what this new and exciting place has to offer and do it all.

3. Keep a journal
Sometimes we forget the little things so write everything down so you can remember each day as it was.

4. Early to bed, early to rise
We’re not suggesting you hit the leaba at 6pm or anything but you will need your full day to do all you need to so get your beauty sleep. You need to look good in those pictures after all!

5. Don’t miss opportunities
Just because your tired or it’s too hot doesn’t mean you should skip the day’s activities. You will regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did.

Remember to stay safe when travelling, these tips should help! 

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