05 Nov
Travel

Obtain An International Driving Permit from IDA

 

In a world where international travel has become more accessible and appealing, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary documentation to explore foreign lands, including a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). When it comes to obtaining an International Driving Permit, the International Drivers Association (IDA) stands out as the go-to solution for getting one quickly, conveniently and with numerous benefits. In this post, I’ll delve into the advantages of choosing IDA as your trusted partner for securing an IDP.

What is the International Drivers Association?

International Drivers Association, or IDA for short, has established itself as the premier provider of International Driving Permits. These UN-regulated permits, known as IDPs, are essential for foreign travelers who wish to drive in a foreign country legally. IDA’s track record and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a top choice for obtaining an IDP.

Here are some key features that set IDA apart:

4.6 Trustpilot Rating (1,500+ reviews)
The high Trustpilot rating reflects the company’s dedication to providing quality service and ensuring customer satisfaction. With over 1,500 reviews and an impressive rating, IDA is a reliable choice for your IDP needs.

Speed and Convenience
One of the standout advantages of IDA is the speed and convenience of their services. They provide digital IDPs in just 8 minutes. This swift turnaround ensures that you can obtain the necessary documentation for your international driving adventure without delays. They can also send you a physical copy to your home address or any address abroad.

24/7 Customer Support
IDA’s commitment to customer service is unwavering. With 24/7 customer support, they are always ready to assist you, regardless of your location or time zone. This ensures that you can get your questions answered and issues resolved promptly.

3-Year Money-Back Guarantee
IDA’s confidence in their services is demonstrated by their 3-year money-back guarantee. This guarantee provides peace of mind to customers, knowing that their investment in an IDP is secure and backed by a reliable company.

Free Replacements for Customers
Accidents happen, and documents can be lost or damaged. IDA offers free replacements for their customers, ensuring that you have a backup IDP if the need arises. This convenience is invaluable when you’re abroad and need a replacement quickly.

Issued in 12 Translations
IDA caters to a global audience by offering IDPs in 12 different translations, making it accessible to people from around the world. This inclusivity is a testament to their commitment to serving international travelers.

 

What is an IDP?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a vital travel document that allows you to drive legally in foreign countries. It is recognized and accepted in 165 countries across the globe. It is common for rental car companies overseas to require an IDP in order for you to rent a car. Also, if you’re ever stopped by traffic authorities, many countries now require you to present an IDP alongside your valid driver’s license from your home country. (Learn more with these country specific driving guides.)

This simple document is increasingly important as it acts as a translation of your native license, making it easier for local authorities to understand and validate your driving credentials. However, it is not an official identification document and cannot be used as a replacement for a driver’s license.

 

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit with IDA

As long as you are 18 years of age or older, you can apply for an IDP through the International Drivers Association. No test is required and the process is quite straightforward. You simply answer a few questions on the IDA website and in just a few minutes, your application will be complete.

Once confirmed, your IDP booklet (physical copy of your International Driving Permit) will be sent to the address you provide. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your IDP in only 8 minutes. This digital copy can be used in many countries but check the local rules as some countries only accept the physical version. Finally, you’ll receive a complementary ID that has your important IDP information on it as well.

Please note: This service is excellent, especially if you’re already overseas and need to obtain an International Driving Permit quickly. If you are still in your home country, you can also obtain your IDP in person at the proper office. In the USA, for example, you can visit any AAA location and obtain your IDP in just a few minutes while you wait.

Conclusion

You definitely don’t want to be caught without an International Driving Permit these days. One of my friends recently traveled to Romania and had a wonderful 10 day driving itinerary all planned out, with accommodations paid for in advance. When they arrived at the car rental location, they discovered that without an IDP, they could not rent a car. As a result, they had to cancel their plans and ended up staying in one city the entire time.

More and more people are surprised by these new rules all the time. That’s why it is so important to make sure you get your IDP either before you travel or, if you’re already overseas, as soon as possible. With the help of the International Drivers Association, you’ll soon have all the documents you need to avoid any surprises when driving or renting a car during your travels.

The process is quick and easy and the peace of mind it provides is invaluable!

The post Obtain An International Driving Permit from IDA appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Sep
Travel

How to Take Epic GoPro Photos as a Solo Traveler

How to Take Epic GoPro Photos As A Solo Traveler

Taking selfies is an art! If you don’t believe me, spend a bit more time on Instagram. Figuring out how to take the perfect shot does take a lot of practice.

People often ask me how I take amazing GoPro shots as a solo traveler. I finally decided to put together a rundown of some of the tricks that I have learned along the way.

Here are my tips on how to take epic GoPro photos as a solo traveler!

GoPro Solo Photos

Anytime we are talking about photography; settings are the best place to start. Learning which settings are best for different situations is an essential part of becoming a good photographer. Settings are particularly crucial for selfies because they really are more challenging to take than shots of other people.

Raw Format: The most common setting for me is continuous shutter in RAW format. I love this option because it dramatically increases my odds of getting a gorgeous pic.

Using the RAW setting is a must. Although it creates a bigger file size, it gives you the best quality pics. Since no information is compressed when you shoot in RAW, it is much easier to edit.

Continuous Shutter: Continuous shutter is especially useful for selfies. It gives you a few shots to choose from, which lessens your chances of having your eyes closed in an otherwise perfect shot and other similar issues.

Pro tip: While learning how to take a good shot is essential, having the right tools to edit your pics is priceless! Even the best photographers on the planet need to edit their photos. If you haven’t already, check out my Lightroom Presets for a collection of my fave fixes.

Night Lapse Mode: This is so important in low light environments. From dimly lit rooms to shots of starry skies, night lapse mode is a must use. It will make a dramatic difference in the quality of pics that you can shoot in dark conditions.

GoPro Solo Photos

Burst Mode: To increase your odds of capturing the perfect shot, use burst mode on your GoPro. This will shoot a quick sequence of photos that will give you a video-like line of shots. Doing this will capture every exciting moment whether you are jumping off of a waterfall or just making a silly face.

Voice Control: This is a total game changer for solo travelers. Just turn on this feature, and you can get hands-free selfies! Just say, “GoPro, take a photo,” and you will get a single shot in RAW format. For video, you’ll say, “GoPro, start video,” and you can create your own hands-free movie. What more could a solo traveler ask for?

Video Settings: When it comes to mastering the GoPro, you will also want to figure out which video settings are best for different situations.

For a slo-mo video, go for 60fps / 2.7k (or 240fps for super slo-mo). If you are planning on sharing on Instagram, YouTube, or FB Stories, opt for 24fps / 2.7k. If you are aiming for professional video production standards, use 24fps / 4k.

GoPro Solo Photos

Accessories

Incredible accessories are a must for every girl on the go! For me, it’s all about the three-way mount. This gives a camera grip, extension arm, and tripod, so it’s perfect for pretty much any situation.

I also bring my dual battery charger with me everywhere that I go. Having 2-3 batteries on hand is essential for travel, and it’s ultra-convenient to be able to charge two batteries simultaneously.

Last but not least is my best amigo, El Grande! This seriously long pole (38 inches/ 3.16 feet) is perfect for paragliding and other times when you truly must capture the entire scene.

Read More: How to Take Amazing Travel Photos with a GoPro

The post How to Take Epic GoPro Photos as a Solo Traveler appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.

05 Jun
Travel

Travel with Ease: Discover the Benefits of Reliefband

Traveling can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. Rarely is travel one extended period of purely stress-free moments. That would be ideal, but it’s not reality and I can say this after having traveled non-stop for over 20 years. Some of the more common challenges that travelers face are anxiety, stress and motion sickness, all of which can put a damper on your journey. Like I said, travel is hard at times and it can take a toll on our bodies and minds.

Fortunately, I came upon a product that offers a very simple yet effective solution to alleviate these kind of travel-related woes. It’s called the Reliefband.

This product was introduced to me by two friends. They both used it to eliminate nausea associated with motion sickness whenever they are traveling by air or car during their adventures. I did some more research about Reliefband in order to find out how it works and if it could be a genuine solution. While looking for more info, I was also thinking about the small group tours that I lead as there are often travelers who experience some motion sickness on some of the journeys we take.

In the end, this product could very well be a must-have piece of travel gear for those travelers who do suffer from motion sickness, stress or anxiety.

  1. Understanding Reliefband: The Reliefband is a groundbreaking wearable device designed to provide relief from motion sickness, nausea and anxiety. It harnesses the power of neuromodulation technology to stimulate the median nerve located on the underside of the wrist. This gentle stimulation targets the body’s natural neural pathways, effectively reducing the signals that trigger these discomforts, and offering travelers a pleasant and hassle-free journey as a result.
  2. Combatting Motion Sickness: Motion sickness can turn an otherwise positive travel experience into a nightmare. Whether you’re on a bumpy road, turbulent flight or choppy seas, the Reliefband can come to your rescue. By emitting precise electrical pulses that modulate the median nerve, it helps normalize the erratic signals between the brain and the stomach, thereby mitigating the symptoms of motion sickness. The Reliefband offers a drug-free and non-invasive solution, making it safe and suitable for all travelers.

  3. Relieving Nausea and Morning Sickness: Nausea can strike at any time, even when you’re on the go. Whether you’re affected by a strong odor, unfamiliar food or a sudden change in altitude, the Reliefband can swiftly provide relief. Again, the gentle pulsations from the device help to disrupt the transmission of nausea signals from the stomach to the brain, effectively easing discomfort and allowing you to enjoy your journey to the fullest. For pregnant travelers experiencing morning sickness, Reliefband can also be a game-changer, offering quick comfort and convenience whenever needed.
  4. Managing Anxiety and Stress: Traveling can also be stressful, especially for those prone to anxiety or nervousness. The Reliefband’s neuromodulation technology extends its benefits beyond physical ailments, as it can also help soothe anxiety. By stimulating the nerve, it triggers the release of natural endorphins and serotonin in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation even when in stressful situations. With Reliefband, you can bid farewell to pre-travel jitters and normal travel stress and embrace significantly more serene travels.
  5. Easy-to-Use and Travel-Friendly: The Reliefband’s user-friendly design makes it a perfect companion for travelers. With adjustable settings, you can personalize the intensity levels according to your needs. The device is discreet, lightweight and easily fits on your wrist, ensuring convenience and portability. It is also rechargeable, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements. With its long battery life, the Reliefband is ready to accompany you on all your adventures, providing relief whenever and wherever you need it.

Traveling should be exciting and fulfilling, and free from the discomforts that can often accompany it. With Reliefband, you can now bid farewell to motion sickness, nausea and anxiety, and fully embrace the wonders of exploration. This revolutionary wearable device offers a drug-free, non-invasive and highly effective solution for travelers.

(Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have specific medical concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional.)

The post Travel with Ease: Discover the Benefits of Reliefband appeared first on Wandering Earl.

05 Jun
Travel

Air Turbulence: The Older I Get, The More It Makes Me Cry

Air Turbulence
Let me start off by thanking every one of you who left a suggestion in the comments of my last post (and in emails) about where I should travel next. I really wasn’t expecting such enthusiastic recommendations and every single comment I read put a huge smile on my face.

And as soon as those comments starting piling up I began to spend some time pondering over the suggestions, as well as thinking about my own goals for my upcoming travels and what I wish to accomplish.

In fact, I had originally planned yesterday to be the day that I would sort it all out and make a decision. The idea was that I would use the one and a half hour flight from Cancun, Mexico to Florida to concentrate on choosing my next destination. Flying through the sky at 35,000 feet just seemed like a perfect time to think about travel.

And as the plane took off at 11:31am yesterday morning, I did begin to read through the list of possible travel destinations – which includes Africa, Azerbaijan, Philippines, Colombia, Antarctica, Latvia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, India, Tajikistan, South Korea, China, Japan and many more – I had written down from all of your comments.

However, the reality is that my flight came and went and I was not able to reach a conclusion, not because there were too many options but because my session of travel contemplation did not last very long after take-off.

I believe that it was about 20 minutes into the flight, as we soared high above the western tip of Cuba, that the airplane suddenly dropped straight out of the sky. One second the clouds outside seemed to be far below the airplane and the next second they seemed to be far above.

And I, my friends, was terrified.

IMPENDING DOOM

Okay, maybe the above was a little bit of an exaggeration.

Perhaps the airplane didn’t exactly ‘drop’ out of the sky. I guess it was more like a quick shake, a little shimmy if you will. Actually, if I remember correctly, the pilot referred to it as a ‘small pocket of turbulence’.

However, it sure felt like more than a ‘small pocket of turbulence’ to me. I braced for the worse and remember thinking that I really should have been kinder to the woman at the airline check-in counter who had confusingly tried to charge me double the normal airport departure tax. Now I was certain that my life was about to end and that was going to be my last thought.

This never used to happen when I traveled on airplanes. But, and I really, really, really, hope that I’m not alone with this, as I get older, it seems that those little moments of normal turbulence have become significantly more frightening.

It’s as if the airplane hits one small ‘bump’ in the sky and the next thing I know the sweet elderly lady next to me is asking if I would be so kind as to release my insanely tight grip on her now black and blue arm.

All it takes is one little hiccup in the air and I immediately reach under my seat (while holding back tears of course) to ensure that my inflatable life vest is in place before lowering myself halfway into the crash position. Of course, I try to pretend that I’m searching for something in my backpack that I’ve placed under the seat in front of me but I’m really just getting ready for the inevitable impact.

Crash position

FLYING USED TO BE FUN

I’ve literally flown hundreds of times during my life and for years I loved every single minute of every one of those flights, even those moments when the plane was stuck in turbulence, both small and large pockets. Never did I find such common turbulence to be any reason for worry at all.

But these days, not only do I immediately think my life is in its last precious moments but I’m often unable to concentrate on anything else during the rest of the flight.

I can’t even concentrate enough to watch Kung Fu Panda 2 on my personal entertainment screen. The airplane shakes once and I close my eyes so tightly and my heart beats so quickly that I enter into a twenty minute ‘life flashing before my eyes’ session. And when I finally snap out of it, the damn Panda has somehow discovered inner peace and is now able to redirect cannon fire coming from Lord Shen’s armada. How did that happen? I missed it all.

Well, I suppose this is just something that I need to come to terms with. There is no denying the fact that as I get older, I find myself more and more uncomfortable while flying. Perhaps ‘uncomfortable’ is not even the best description.

‘Scared out of my flipping mind‘ is probably somewhat more accurate.

Has anyone else experienced this? Anyone? Please??

Photos: Brace Position (by kalleboo) / Light Turbulence (by Robert Couse-Baker)

The post Air Turbulence: The Older I Get, The More It Makes Me Cry appeared first on Wandering Earl.

‹12345›»