Leisure travel

6 Best (and Free!) iPhone Travel Apps

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6 Best (and FREE) iPhone Travel Apps

One of the downsides of traveling is that it involves a lot of planning, organizing and energy. From a month before you leave to even during your vacation, many of us are booking hotels, double checking for flight delays, packing, planning itineraries and the list goes on and on…Instead of listing 10 or 20 essential travel apps, we cut the list down to just 6 apps that can help you save time and effort while traveling.

1. TripIt

This app syncs with your emails so that email confirmations from hotel reservations, concerts, restaurants and cruises can be automatically organized into a personal itinerary.

2. Photosynth

Have you ever ran out of space to step back in order to take a full picture of your favorite landmark? Photosynth allows you to take 360-degree photos so you don’t have to struggle in order to get that perfect shot.

3. EveryTrail

For the outdoor travelers – search for the nearest trail around you and never get lost (it coordinates with the phone’s GPS)!

4. World Travelpedia or UrbanSpoon

World Travelpedia searches for the nearest restaurants and shopping spots all around the world. If you are in Australia, U.K., U.S. or Canada, UrbanSpoon is also a popular app that picks a restaurant for you when you shake your iPhone.

5. Flashlight and Compass Apps

Some of the best apps are already installed on your phone! The compass is great for finding your directions on a confusing foreign street (and it doesn’t even require data!). Whether it is used for searching the ground for something you just dropped at night or camping overnight, the flashlight also comes in handy while traveling.

6. XE Currency

Up to date currency rates, you can save the last updated rates so they can be accessed offline while at a local store. Ever wondered if a souvenir is worth the money by trying to convert it into American currency? This app is definitely a must if you are planning to do a lot of shopping.

7 Free Places To Go To In Europe

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7 Free Places To Go To In Europe

Traveling can be expensive, especially in Europe. With the high cost of hotels and food, it is hard to stay under your budget. Luckily for those who want to stay connected in Europe, our Europe SIM is currently free until August 31.

Oslo, Norway

Make your way to the Frognerparken (Frogner Park) where you can explore over 200 sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures are known to be unique and bizarre, make sure you get a picture of each statue!

Paris, France

If you go to Paris at the right times, you can get into Le Louvre for free. Once the residence of many French kings, Le Louvre now holds the famous Mona Lisa painting (La Jaconde). The museum is free on Friday from 6pm to 9:45pm for those under 26 and free on the first Sunday of each month and July 14 (French National Day) for all visitors.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

For all the music fans, the famous Concertgebouw Concert Hall in Amsterdam offers free lunchtime shows on Wednesdays starting at 12:30pm (September to June). Concertgebouw stands as the second most popular concert hall in the world with almost one million spectators each year.

Vatican City, Rome

If you are lucky enough to be in Vatican City on the last Sunday of the month, you can tour the Vatican Museums for free from 9am to 12:30pm. Here is where you can find some of the best works by Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Venice, Italy

The Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) has been the heart of the city for as long as history can tell. You can listen to string quartets, duets and orchestras as you enjoy the sight of the famous Basilica.

Paris, France

Re-live Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame visiting Notre Dame Cathedral free of charge. Choirs normally sing at 8am and 9am so make sure you grab an early breakfast.

Norway, Scandinavia

To catch a glimpse of the northern lights are on the bucket list of many travelers. The key is to be patient and know when to go. Tours can be expensive and can’t guarantee a sight of these mysterious lights. Plus, if you do your own research and stay in the area for a few weeks, your eventual discovery of the northern lights can be extremely rewarding. Northern lights usually appear during late autumn to early spring but the weather also plays a huge role. Some things to keep in mind are: visit during the night and visit when it is not snowing. Good luck with your sighting!

Top 6 Places You Can’t Miss While Traveling in Europe

It’s vacation season and why not add Europe to your destination list? Tourists can explore Greece’s original Olympic site (taking back to 700 BC), be serenaded down the Grand Canal in Italy, and go up the Eiffel Tower in France…all using the same currency!

  1. Le Louvre, France

    Le Louvre has been standing for almost 1000 years and was surprisingly first built as a fortress. Later, it was inhabited by many French rulers such as Louis XIV (Le Roi de Soleil or The Sun King).
  2. Olympia, Greece

    With all the excitement for the London 2012 Games this year, it would be interesting to see where the games began.
  3. Colosseum, Italy

    Another ancient structure, the Colosseum has been standing for almost 2000 years and symbolizes the imperial Rome of gladiators, spectacles and myths.
  4. Swiss Alps, Switzerland

    Chocolates are carry the symbol of it, watches and drinks are named after it, it almost subconsciously symbolizes durability and strength.
  5. Cheese Festival, Spain

    Taking place in May 2013, Trujillo is hosting the National Spanish Cheese Festival. This is when tourists can try hundreds of cheeses with wine, prosciutto and in tapas bars (perfect for chatting with some locals over appetizers and Spanish snacks).
  6. Museum Island, Germany

    A total of five museums on this island, Neues, Alte, Pergamon, Altes and Bode, Museum Island is definitely on the top of the list for many travelers. With centuries of history, the intricate architectural designs will blow you away.

What you need to know before traveling to Italy

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A country with an abundance of art, food, history and a fiery team in the 2012 Euro Cup, Italy is a travel destination that promises not to disappoint. Maximize your experience by planning ahead, learning some Italian food phrases and getting an Italian SIM card.

Buon Appetito

One of the many delicious Italian dishes can be found while feasting on a plate of antipasto. It is generally the first course of a meal consisting of cheese, vegetables and pickled meat. This is the best time to chat with friends over prosciutto (cured ham), marinated olives, and even figs on mozzarella. Finishing up the meal with an espresso or cappuccino is perfect preparation for a late-night snack of pistachio flavoured gelato.

Gelato (Italian ice cream) is a famous dessert not only recognized in Italy but also worldwide. In Italy, many people come on the streets late at night to have gelato with family and friends. Next time, why not try the pistachio flavour?

Affogato is an Italian beverage usually consisting of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso. The ultimate two-in-one coffee and dessert!

Exploring the Past

When visiting Italy, make sure to add the lost city of Pompeii to your itinerary. Almost 2000 years after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, the city still acts as a reminder to the great forces nature holds over humans.

While the gondolas were traditionally used as a means of transportation, today it is a great way to explore the city and sometimes used for rowing races. For about 40 minutes, you will be serenaded while enjoying the view of the Grand Canal.

Other places that you cannot miss:

  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Took about 200 years to build).
  • The Coliseum of Rome (Built in 70 AD).
  • The Amalfi Coast (Beaches, mountains and fjords).
  • The fashion capital – Milan (Make sure to shop on Via Monte Napoleone – this street houses some of the top designers).

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Holiday in Spain

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Summer of 2012 means another shot at picking the perfect vacation. This year, what’s more perfect than immersing yourself in Spain’s culture and food?

There are many tapas bars scattered in the streets of Madrid. After tasting the pickle skewers, deep-fried chili peppers and Iberian ham, you may find yourself at the hotel with no internet and outrageous rates for calling back to your loved ones in North America. So much for emailing them the pictures you took today or even giving them a five-minute greeting from the capital of bullfighting.

Don’t waste time searching for an internet café. Before leaving home, find a Spain SIM card with a data plan. Sharing your real time vacation photos with your Facebook friends will become easy and affordable. (99% cheaper than your carrier’s roaming rates.)

Things to do in Spain (and some fabulous photos):

  • The Canary Islands is a must-see when you visit Spain. Whether it is exploring the volcanoes, underwater diving, or stargazing under one of the most cloudless skies in the world, the Canary Islands definitely has a niche for every type of traveler.
  • La Tomatina is an annual food fight festival in Spain that has been around for about 70 years. Join in this summer for the biggest tomato food fight you’ll have in your life.
  • Drop by Madrid for one of the best bullfighting spectacles at the Las Ventas stadium on Plaza de Torros.
  • The list goes on and on…Happy vacationing!

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    Free World SIM Card – limited time offer!

    Traveling this holiday season?

    From now until December 31st, 2011, Brightroam makes communicating while you’re away a cinch with a free World SIM card offer (that would please even the Grinch!).

    Save $29 and have peace of mind – you’ll be able to talk, text and surf the web in over 200 countries. Order your card today to ensure fast delivery!

    Destination Unknown – Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Florida

    How do you compete with the bustle of Miami or the attractions of Orlando? Offer a more serene outlook! Sanibel and Captiva Islands are stone’s throw from Fort Meyers, Florida and its airport, and offer all the natural beauty and recreational fun of the state but at a laid-back pace.

    45635u17stqxely Photo courtesy of winnond/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    Things to do in Sanibel & Captiva

    1) Bird watch at the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society

    Founded in 1945, this refuge is home to approximately 400 species of bird, mammal, fish and amphibian. There are several types of endangered animal who live on this 6,000-plus acre sanctuary, and a day spent there will allow you to appreciate the wonders of nature in an impressive setting.

    2) Get your shell on

    The islands are known for their abundance of beautiful shells, freshly delivered from the ocean to be uncovered and treasured. The Sanibel “Stoop”, as its known, boasts a varied selection of conch, junonia and cockle shells (to name but a few). But visitors are urged not to take too many, in order to preserve the balance of the islands’ biodiversity. Locals love their shells so much, there’s even a shell museum!

    3) Take a dive

    There are many man-made reefs and wrecks located near the islands, making for great snorkeling and scuba diving adventures!

    4) Visit the Estates of Ford and Edison

    Tour the winter homes of two of America’s national heroes – Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Whether you’re interested in the lush lanscaping or the Lab & Museum tour, there’s something for everyone at every age.

    5) Call Fore!

    Sanibel and Captiva are home to several beautiful golf courses; the Sanctuary Golf Club features an Arthur Hills-designed course, plus a pool, fitness centre and tennis courts.

    Capture every moment of your trip with Brightroam’s USA Sim Card – it allows you to talk, text and surf the net, all at a super-low cost!

    Destination Unknown – Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    In honour of our newly launched USA SIM Card & Cell Phone Bundle, we’d like to explore a few American destinations that are the perfect place to visit this fall!

    Located about five hours driving distance from Toronto, Cleveland is often overshadowed by other close-by trip favourites like New York City and Chicago; it’s really too bad, because Cleveland has just as much culture, cusine and as many fun attractions as any other major US city!

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    Things to do in Cleveland

    1) Rock out at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

    Probably the biggest tourist attraction in the city, there’s good reason why – boasting permenant exhibitions about The Beatles, Films at the Rock Hall, and Treasures from the Vault (including artifacts from legends like Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin and The Bee Gees), plus a cool roster of visiting exhibitions like Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power, there’s something for every music fan.

    2) Take part in a Taste Cleveland Food Tour

    If you’re passionate about food, this is the sightseeing tour for you! There are several tour types to choose from – our pick is the Westside Food Market, for its array of treats from artisenal cheeses to an olive oil tasting, plus the city’s best falafel is said to be there.

    3) Thrill seek at Cedar Point

    With all there is to do in and around Cedar Point park and resort, it’s no wonder it’s a top-rated attraction in the USA. From rollercoasters to Challenge Park (which has activities ranging from go-karting to RipCord), you can indulge your fear factor – and maybe even conquor it – with a trip to Sandusky Island.

    4) Treat your ears to the Cleveland Institute of Music‘s student orchestra

    Every year, the renowned CIM Orchestra performs (usually at no cost) at the gorgeous Severence Hall. The repetoire ranges from symphonic works to concertos, and spans generations of compositional talent.

    5) Behold the Holden Arboretum

    You can imagine how beautiful this 3,500 acre outdoor museum is in the fall! There are several tours to take part in (including a tram tour), and until late October, their Leaf Trail is out of this world. It’s also the only place in the Arboretum where leaf collecting is permitted!

    Stay connected in Cleveland with Brightroam’s USA SIM Card or Cell Phone Bundle, which include wireless data services.

    Unique Fall Festivals in the USA

    Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the fun is! Fall is a beautiful time to get away with family and friends, and where better to start than with our neighbours to the south in the USA!

    Don’t just settle for an ordinary vacation – check out these unusual festivals throughout October & November to help you start planning.

    California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria, California)

    From October 7th through the 9th, celebrate that nutritious, delicious fruit that goes great with Mexican food. Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado prouducer in North America, and Avofest is now in its 25th year. Expect plenty to eat, drink and listen to during this tribute to the heart-smart avocado. As organizers say, it’s three days of Peace, Love and Guacamole!

    The Chocolate Show (New York, New York)

    Few words incite such delirious excitement as “chocolate” – indulge your sweet tooth at the boothes of over 30 exhibitors from around the world.

    Big Pig Jig (Vienna, Georgia)

    Barbecue in November? You bet! Check out Georgia’s oldest festival tribute to the tradition of sweet grilled meat. On November 4th & 5th, treat yourself to the whole hog with contests, arts & crafts, and a livestock show.

    Boston Book Festival (Boston, Mass.)

    Fans of the cult television show The Wire will want to attend the opening event of this year’s BBF; The Art of The Wire is a panel discussion featuring cast members and writer/producer George Pelecanos.

    No matter where the spirit of adventure takes you, Brightroam’s USA SIM Card or USA Cell Phone Bundle lets you talk, text and surf the net for much, much less!

    Talk Freely When You Travel To The USA

    With so much talk about high roaming rates from service providers, Brightroam puts it in plain sight! Check out the comparison chart for our new USA SIM Card vs. the rates provided by Rogers.

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    Learn more about our new USA SIM Card & USA Cell Phone Bundle, and how you can save big when you go anywhere in the States.