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]]>Enjoy Art at the Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery will first captivate you with its impressive exterior before amazing you with the things it houses inside of its walls. The place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city thanks to the fact it’s free to enter and has the finest collection of artworks in Scotland. The works on display include paintings from renowned Scottish artists as well as those from popular international painters.
Relax at The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is a part academic institution dedicated to the study and conservation of plants and part a serene getaway for nature lowers. The gardens cover an area of 72 acres and provide a home to more than 13,000 plant species from all over the world. Its herbarium also has more than three million preserved plants.
Get a Nostalgia Fix in the Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh is considered the first of its kind in the world. It features an expansive collection of old toys, children’s books, games, and all sorts of other items that hold significant importance to kids around the world. It is a great way to spend a day with your family or get a nostalgia fix and relive some cherished memories. And best of all, the museum has free entry.
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]]>The post How to Vacation in Spain On A Budget appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Book Travel In Advance
As in many countries, booking your train tickets in advance can really save you some dosh. It is possible to travel vast distances between major cities for less than fifty euros – check out options between Barcelona and Madrid, and Seville and Valencia. On some of these trains, even first-class tickets will cost significantly less than train travel in other countries, so you can treat yourself to some travel luxury while staying in budget!
Hit The Bars
Part of the bar and drinking culture in Spain involves bar snacks, and across the country, many of these drinking establishments will serve you fantastic (and quite filling) snacks for free, or just a few euros. If you go at around 5 pm, you can expect to be served nuts, chips, battered vegetables, warm chorizo, and even small platters of patatas bravas with your beer. If you eat enough bar snacks, you will save serious money on dinner, and get to sample little tastes of Spanish cuisine.
Stay Off Season
Visiting Spain even just a week before or after the high season can halve the price of your accommodation. Spanish people usually holiday for the entirety of August, so avoid this month if you can, and check the dates of other European school holidays to avoid hordes of crowds and higher prices. Consider May or late September, as in these months the weather is still generally good but you won’t get caught out by inflated prices.
(@vasilikii_avourdiadou)It is relatively easy to see the best of Spain whilst staying within budget. Avoiding certain times of the year, enjoying the bar snacks and being savvy with rail travel can save hundreds of euros, all for little effort.
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]]>The post Reasons to Travel With Public Transportation appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>A Built-In Tour
When you travel through a city with public transportation, you’re basically getting a built-in tour. You can just feast your eyes outside of the windows of the train or bus and enjoy all of the various views the city has to offer.
A Real Experience
Not only that but traveling by train or bus is about as real an experience you can get. You might think that visiting a museum is the best way to learn about a city, but going on public transportation is like stepping into the shoes of everyday people who live there. What’s more real than that?
It’s Cheap
Finally, why wouldn’t you want to save some money while traveling? After all, you’re already spending tons of money on other things, so you might as well budget yourself on inter-city travel.
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]]>The post Everything You Need To Know About Shopping Tax-Free appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Two Types of Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-free shopping refers to the ability to purchase items without the addition of local sales tax or VAT. This can happen in two main scenarios: purchasing goods in duty-free shops at airports or buying goods in a foreign country and then applying for a tax refund.
How to Shop Tax-Free
Shopping duty-free is pretty straightforward, so here’s a quick guide on how to take advantage of a VAT refund:
- Not all stores participate in the VAT refund scheme. If you’re not sure, ask. At the time of purchase, you’ll need to inform the cashier that you intend to claim a VAT refund.
- At the point of purchase, you’ll need to fill out a tax-free form provided by the store. You’ll need your passport for this.
- When departing the country, present your purchases, receipts, and completed tax-free forms to customs for validation. This usually needs to be done before you check in your luggage.
- Once your forms are stamped, you can claim your refund immediately at a refund booth at the airport. Refunds can be received in various forms such as cash, credit to a bank card, or even as a transfer to a digital wallet.
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]]>The post Now is Your Time to Fly With British Airways appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Status Match
A member of the Oneworld Alliance, British Airways is offering a limited-time status match with airlines that are not even part of this alliance, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Air Canada, including several European partners. Passengers who apply for the offer will be able to receive a status with British Airways for six months, which will be extended to a full year upon the purchase of two qualifying flights.
How the Conversion Works
Those who hold gold status with Delta will receive British Airways Silver status, while those on Delta Platinum status will become British Airways Gold members. This same process applies to United Airlines, with United Airlines Premier Gold members receiving silver status while Premier Platinum and Premier 1k members will be shifted to gold.
Not the Only Way
For those frequent flyers who don’t happen to be members of loyalty programs to airlines to whom the special applies, there are many other deals being offered by British Airways as part of its spring sale. From London to Madrid, India, and more, there’s bound to be a destination up your alley where you can enjoy your next vacation.
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]]>The post How to Save Money on a Family Vacation appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Location Matters
If you’re heading to a popular tourist destination, then consider carefully where in the city you stay. Rather than staying in the center, consider staying outside the city or even on the outskirts of the city itself. This way, you can end up saving a lot of money just because of the lower demand.
Search For Deals
While it may sound obvious, look for travel specials rather than simply seeking out decent prices for yourself. This may mean selecting flight dates and accommodations as dictated by the travel agent or airline with whom you found a good deal.
Book Early
As frequent flyers know, ticket prices fluctuate heavily depending on the time of year and when you decide to book. In that case, make sure to book your flights and hotel early as demand and availability are sure to drive prices upward. Also, consider tracking prices over time in order to get the best deal.
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]]>The post How to Have a Good Time While Renting an Air BnB Room in Someone’s Home appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Be Respectful
It’s good to remember that you are in someone’s home with them, and as such you should act in a way that is respectful to them and their lifestyle. If you act in a way that causes them any difficulty then you will be creating a negative feeling between you and causing unnecessary tension.
Work Out a Timetable
This doesn’t have to be super formal, but you could either ask them or simply observe to see what time they like to make breakfast and dinner so that you’re not getting in each other’s way too much.
Use it as an Opportunity to Spend More Time Out and About
When traveling it’s great to experience the local life and explore the nearby town. With the money you are saving on accommodation, you should feel able to head to a restaurant or cafe for lunch or dinner instead of making it in the Air BnB kitchen.
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]]>The post When are Airfare Prices their Cheapest? appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>It Depends on Where You’re Going
Because the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere are different from the South, peak seasons happen at different times. In the United States, the end of October is the best time to book flights if you’re looking to travel over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Naturally, as the festive season approaches, prices go up, so make sure to book well in advance. Still, this isn’t the only way to save.
Take a Risk
Another way to save money is to book a last-minute ticket a day or so before your trip if not on the day itself. While this is risky as there may not be seats left, this strategy can allow you to get some great deals.
Track Prices
If you don’t want to specifically wait for October to book a flight, then consider tracking prices over time and buying tickets once you see that the price is down. While it may be laborious, this is a foolproof way to get the lowest price.
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]]>The post How to Pay For Your Vacation With Credit Card Points appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Set Your Travel Goals
Whether it’s flying first class or staying in a luxury hotel, it’s important to determine your travel priorities. This is because while your points may cover some expenses, they may not cover everything, so at least ensure that they pay for the things you want the most.
How to Earn Points
Although your program may allow you to earn points on every purchase, sometimes certain purchases or store categories earn you more than others. Make sure to read through your credit card provider’s points structure carefully to maximize your earnings ahead of your vacation.
Take Advantage Of Special Offer
If you don’t yet have a credit card with a loyalty program or are looking to switch, then make sure to get a step up by signing up for a credit card with sign-up bonuses and deals. For example, the Platinum Card by American Express has a welcome offer of 150,000 membership points as well as airport lounge access.
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]]>The post Avoid Buying These Souvenirs On Your Next Vacation appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Replaceable Items
Because many objects are available to purchase worldwide, don’t waste your money on products you can get back home. Rather focus on buying souvenirs that you know are authentic and local to the place you’re visiting.
Perishables
Not only could some food and beverages expire before you take them out of your bag once you get home, but some airport security may decide to confiscate them depending on how strict their rules are. Furthermore, food can spill while in your baggage as you travel, making for a sticky surprise when you open your bags upon arriving home.
Consider Material and Size
Because there are baggage weight limitations, avoid buying heavy and bulky items so that you don’t incur any penalties. Also, make sure that you don’t buy souvenirs made from more fragile materials if you’re unsure whether they will break.
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