Leisure travel

Destination Unknown – Leipzig, Germany

September 8, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, family, Germany, Leisure travel, Travel, Web/Tech | Leave a comment

It may not have Berlin’s notorious nightlife or Munich’s museums, but Leipzig is known for its historical happenings and famous past residents (including Bach and Geothe).

Just a few hours south of the bustle of Berlin, this fast-growing city has it’s own cultural cache, including the Thomaskirche (the church where Bach played organ), and Spinnerei Gallery. The gallery used to be an old cotton manufacturing plant, and its tagline, From Cotton To Culture, demonstrates the shift in Leipzig from industrial town to up-and-coming metropolis.

Screen shot 2011-09-08 at 12.44.53 PM Photo from germany.travel

5 Things To Do in Leipzig

1) Attend Bachfest

Indulge in some high culture at the city’s renowned festival to honour perhaps their most famous resident, Johann Sebastian Bach. Not just for hardcore classical music lovers, the festival also includes programming for children and families – a great way for everyone to enjoy the day!

2) Visit the Church of St. Nicholas

Visually stunning, the Church is not just an iconic religious symbol; it holds great significance in the 1989 demonstrations against Communism that began in East Germany and lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Their motto is now “Open To All”.

3) Take in the Leipzig Festival Of Lights

Another mesmerizing emblem of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig, the day-long project illuminates the route taken by protesters in 1989, and includes concerts and art installations.

4) Experience Amazonia

As if the beauty of Leipzig weren’t enough, the Asisi Panometer will surely astound you! The world’s largest 360 degree panorama, Amazonia is Yadegar Asisi’s “magical picture of nature”. At a scale of 1:1, the representation of Brazil’s rainforest is unique and quite unbelievable.

5) Spend the day at the Belantis Theme Park

With roller coasters, water rides, and a castle to boot, Belantis is a huge attraction ready to receive guests from children to the young at heart. Get your Segway driver’s license for an added sense of adventure!

Stay connected in Germany with Brightroam’s Germany SIM card, which includes wireless data services.

Brightroam SIMs Can Save You Thousands

August 23, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Communication, Leisure travel, Road and Rail Travel, roaming charges, SIM Card, Travel, Web/Tech | Leave a comment

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Photo courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There have been many articles published recently about the outrageous bills people have received upon their arrival home from a getaway or business trip. In her article for The New York Times, Michelle Higgins recounts the story of Jeff Gardner, who racked up an $11,000 Verizon bill while in Jamaica for four days. Jim Eagles of the New Zealand Herald talks about two friends, who together faced roaming charges of about $800 traveling to France and Spain, each sending only a few texts and making a handful of calls.

In both cases, the articles mentioned the simplicity and spendthrift advantage of SIM cards. Brightroam’s SIM cards work in over 200+ countries, and the service is post-paid, meaning you’ll never use up your minutes before you’re finished your trip – and the cost per minute is very, very low.

One of our customers, Steve Connolly of New York, gave this testimonial about his switch to Brightroam: “My partner and I have switched to your service from pre-paid SIM cards. We pre-order, they arrive on time and it’s less hassle when we’re in-country. Amazing service that saves us money.”

Sounds a lot happier than Jeff Gardner, doesn’t he? Read more of our testimonials here, and remember Brightroam for all your communication needs while traveling.

Have A Nice Trip!

August 19, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Leisure travel, packing, phone, planning, Road and Rail Travel, SIM Card, tips, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Travel – whether for business or pleasure – always comes with a few pitfalls: long wait times and line ups at the airport; unexpected changes in the weather; a smaller-than-expected hotel room.

With some advanced planning, you can ensure that everything within your control can be managed, and make every trip a pleasant one!

1) When packing for a getaway, make sure you have the following items in a carry-on bag:

  • an extra set of undergarments and an extra pair of socks

  • an extra t-shirt

  • a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra contact lenses and any other essential toiletries

  • any guidebooks, maps or language books you require for your stay

If your other luggage is lost at the end of your journey, you’ll at least have some things to get you by. Remember that most airlines don’t give much in the way of reimbursement for lost bags, so don’t get caught away from home without what you need!

2) Avoid jetlag by planning an overnight flight. You can sleep while you travel and wake up to a new day in a new place.

3) Rent or purchase guide videos to learn about your destination; by seeing the locations rather than simply reading about them, you’ll feel familiar with your new surroundings, and more at ease.

4) Learn the following phrases in the most commonly spoken language of your destination:

  • “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to ________ (name of your lodging here)?”

  • “What time do you close/open?”

  • “Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?”

  • “Please” and “thank you”

These are phrases you’re bound to use during your stay and learning them will help you plan, manage and enjoy your trip.

5) Renting a car while you travel is often a great way to get around; be sure to research the rules of the road, though. Find out what certain signs indicate, the speed limit of major routes, and anything else that will help you avoid getting ticketed or towed.

6) In some countries, the tip on meals is included in cheque’s total. Find out if this applies where you are staying, and avoid paying to much (or too little) after you eat.

7) Don’t carry your passport with you when you’re out and about; make a photocopy of the information and carry that instead – keep your original passport in your hotel’s safe.

8) Don’t overpack! Learn the weight restrictions of your airline before packing to ensure you’re not charged at the airport. If you plan on shopping on your trip, leave space for new items. This is often the main reason for weight overage charges.

9) Research any museums or galleries you plan to visit before you leave; many have reduced (or free) admission on particular days or certain times.

10) Order your Brightroam SIM or international phone as soon as you can to make sure it arrives on time. Don’t suffer the surprise of high roaming fees – plan ahead and get ready to roam!

Vacation Reads

August 17, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in book, Books, Leisure travel, reading, Travel, vacation | Leave a comment

30749gwuttwmcfs Image by nuchylee/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There’s no better time to crack open a book than on vacation – no distractions, just you and the written page. Here’s Brightroam’s guide to some great vacation reads.

The Great Gatsby

This classic story of class war, love and madness is currently getting the Hollywood treatment again, this time with Leonardo DiCaprio slated as the story’s devilish anti-hero. So why not indulge in this time-tested novel and be ready for the inevitable debate of “What was better – the movie or the book?” We’re sure it’s F. Scott Fitzgerald’s incarnation, with its lush description of ’20s era New York, but it will be amazing to see what director Baz Lurhmann adds to the already gripping tale.

The Book of Awesome

Written by Neil Pasricha, it’s a compendium of happiness and an off-shoot of Pasricha’s blog, 1000 Awesome Things. This uplifting read will brighten any vacation (as if they aren’t bright enough!) with the affirmation that life, and all its messy, unexpected turns, is indeed amazing. From free refills to flossing, his accounts of the little things and why they rock are sure to bring a smile to your face!

A Stolen Life: A Memoir

The story that captivated America, Jaycee Duggard recounts her days as a kidnapping prisoner – and her miraculous escape – in this new bestseller. An incredible true story of will and courage, Duggard’s message of being a survivor (rather than a victim) will warm your heart.

When God Was A Rabbit

A quirky novel from new writer Sarah Winman, it’s an every day tale of the extraordinary lives of a brother and sister. Sure to make you realize how rich life can be, even during the tough times, the span of the novel (four decades) is captivating and clever.

How To Win Friends And Influence People

A vacation can be a great excuse to pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read for some time. This classic “self-help” read by Dale Carnegie is still as popular now as it was when it was published over 75 years ago, and the advice still rings as true. Find a little empowerment and return from your relaxing getaway with a new outlook on life!

To ensure your mind’s at ease all trip long, order a Brightroam SIM or international phone to avoid unexpected roaming fees!

Destination Unknown – Girona, Spain

August 9, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Catalan cuisine, Communication, Europe, Gadgets, Girona, golf, golfing, Leisure travel, Road and Rail Travel, Spain, Sports, Travel, vacation, vacation packages | Leave a comment

While many who travel to Spain flock to the country’s well-known cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Seville, the area of Girona (about 2 hours away from Barcelona) is a wonderful hidden gem for those looking to do something different on their European getaway.

With its mild temperature and laid-back atmosphere, visitors have an abundance of things to do during their stay, whether your interest is sports, culture or cuisine.

Screen shot 2011-08-09 at 4.28.15 PM
Photo from girona.cat

5 Things To Do in Girona

1) Visit the Museum of Art

Spain is home to many wonderful museums and galleries, and the Museu d’Art is no exception. With a collection that spans the Romanesque period to works from the 20th Century, the most unique feature of the museum is the Museum-Pharmacy of the Hospital de Santa Caterina. The ceiling is decorated with paintings from the 19th Century, and the room contains pharmacy/apothecary jars and jugs dating all the way back to the 16th Century.

2) See the Houses on the Onyar

Brightly painted apartments line the river Onyar (which runs through Girona), and their interesting construction and unusual detailing are a sight to behold. Walk through the city and enjoy the urban scenery.

3) Take a cultural tour of the Catedral de Girona

No matter what your religious affiliation, the austere beauty of the city’s grand cathedral should not be missed. The tour includes an audioguide, and takes visitors through the Nave, Treasury and Cloister.

4) Enjoy a game of golf

An 18-hole game awaits you on a beautiful course at Golf Girona, designed by F.W. Hawtree. Packages are available in combination with several of the city’s hotels, and range from the “Landscape” pack to the “Luxury” pack. For more seriously sporty types, PGA Golf de Catalunya is also close by, and is ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world.

5) Eat at the Casa Marieta

Offering traditional dishes like Duck with Pears, this mainstay of Girona’s dining scene uses market-fresh ingredients to prepare an unfussy array of delicious plates.

Though Girona has its own airport that receives flights from many European cities, a great way to enter the city is by train. The landscape between Barcelona and Girona is peaceful and pretty, and will help ease you into your adventure in this picturesque place.

Stay connected in Spain with Brightroam’s World SIM card, which includes wireless data services.

Brightroam is giving away Free SIM Cards!!!

July 12, 2011 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Gadgets, Leisure travel, Shopping, Travel, Web/Tech | Leave a comment

To start your summer off right, Brightroam is offering a FREE SIM CARD when ordered on or before July 31, 2011.

Your SIM card will remain active for 90 days and an extension can be purchased if you need one in the future.

Just follow the link provided and enter the promo code “FREESIM11″ at checkout for your discount. www.brightroam.com

Keep your passport safe

May 2, 2008 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Health and Wellness, Leisure travel, Road and Rail Travel | Leave a comment

Last week I almost lost my passport while in Las Vegas and I thought it would be handy to offer up a few tips I’ve heard over the years on keeping your passport safe while you travel.

1. On route – don’t let your passport out of your sight! Don’t let the hotel front desk or tour company take your passport away to photocopy it without knowing where they take it. Don’t leave your passport sitting on your seat on the airplane when you walk to the washroom. Don’t turn away from your bag while looking for cash or reading a map. Keep your passport with you at all times when traveling from departure to arrival.

2. Keep a copy at home! Passports can get stolen or lost no matter how hard you try to keep track of them. Keeping a copy of your passport at home will ensure that you have the information in a safe place just in case you misplace it while on the move.

3. Share your secrets! Make sure someone you trust has access to that photocopy in your home or a digital copy on your PC so that they can send you the information if needed.

4. Better yet – travel with a photocopy! If you lock your passport in a safety deposit box at a hotel or local post office while traveling, carry a photocopy with you at all times. That way if anything happens, you have the information immediately on hand.

Good luck and safe travels.

Multiple stop-over tickets

April 24, 2008 by Brightroam Blogger in Air travel, Leisure travel | 1 Comment

Are you ready to travel all over the globe? The Airtrek travel booking service offers multiple stop-over airline tickets. If you plan to cross the globe and stop in several cities and/or continents, you now have more than just an affordable way to call home – you can save money on flights too.

There are many airlines offering discounted rates at any given time but you always pay too much if you need to travel to more than one city. Airtreks is the leading provider of multi-stop international air travel. Their website is fun and easy to use.

First off, visit the Guide to Planning for useful links on budgeting, packing, passports, tickets, safety and more.

Then, use the Trip Planner to select your track. You can choose your destinations with a world map or by a list of city names.

When you view your route a price estimate will display along with alternate options “More for your money” or “Special value”. These options add or eliminate cities to show you the most affordable options on your chosen route.

Airtrek is excellent for the traveler who needs to span the globe but also for the wanderer that is curious how much it would cost to see the world’s 25 most beautiful cities. Be inspired, check out the Current Airtreks Specials and see where your imagination will take you.

Travel Blogs

April 17, 2008 by Brightroam Blogger in Leisure travel | 1 Comment

While I love to have readers visit my blog, truth is, there are hundreds of excellent travel bloggers. There are two travel blogging websites that I really enjoy: Travelpod and IgoUgo

Travelpod is great simply because it’s the biggest. Journalists and newscasters rant and rave about it, ten of thousands of people post each week and pretty much the entire globe has been covered.

IgoUgo has stood the test of time. This website has been going strong since 2000. What I have always liked about IgoUgo is that it treats the blog entries like recommendations where users are required to think about their trips in stages of events and venues. For example, I stayed at XX Hotel and visited XX museum and ate at XX restaurant and here are the details on each place. While it leaves slightly less room for creativity and story telling around travel, it is a valuable resource for travelers seeking honest advice.

Some other good travel blogging sites include:

World SIM Card

March 14, 2008 by Brightroam Blogger in Communication, Gadgets, Leisure travel, Web/Tech | 1 Comment

If you find yourself traveling overseas a lot, then chances are you have a huge phone bill. Perhaps you have already heard about International SIM cards and how you can switch the SIM card in your unlocked cell phone for a local country card every time that you travel saving you a bundle on roaming fees.

Maybe your even a step farther and have a cell phone that you use only for International travel by buying a SIM card for that trip for that country. You are certainly ahead of the game if you travel one country at a time. However, if you spend a lot of time in several countries or even several continents – you are spending unnecessary time and money by constantly switching your SIM cards.

The World SIM Card from Brightroam is the ideal solution for international travelers roaming through more than one country. It covers over 160 countries and still gives you 50-80% savings you expect from Brightroam International SIM cards.

So if you’re an international jet-setter who travels everywhere all the time, your worldly knowledge has expanded to saving valuable time and money with one SIM card to keep you in touch.

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