If the UK goes ahead with the plan, they’ll join countries like South Korea and Singapore who have used mobile apps to aid the efforts to slow the rate of infection.

Its believed that NHSX, the innovation arm of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is partnering with Pivotal, which is a US-based company, to develop a tracking app.

Privacy concerns

The app could be released once the UK relaxes the current lockdown restrictions. Many countries have had to make a significant concession on personal freedoms by limiting citizens movement.

However, using cellphone apps to track citizens opens up another can of worms where privacy is concerned.

As much as we all want to do our part to flatten the curve of new infections letting the government track our every move sounds far too much like the start of almost every dystopian sci-fi film.

In order to combat the apparent privacy concerns, the app is said to be opt-in. That means participation will be voluntary. It is hoped however that at least 50% of the country’s population will, in fact, opt-in.

Bluetooth instead of GPS

According to reports, the UK are also considering using Bluetooth technology to help track and trace efforts for people who have been in contact with someone who tests positive for the virus.

Using Bluetooth instead of GPS data would help resolve at least some of the privacy concerns. With Bluetooth, the app would be able to keep track of which phones also running the app have been in close proximity.

This will make it a lot easier to inform people who may unwittingly have interacted with someone who later tests positive for the coronavirus. This will also mean that the government will not have a complete record of your comings and goings.

Tracking of phones in South Africa

Over in South Africa, the government has, according to their statements, been using information from cellphone companies to try and do similar contact tracing.

They have specifically mentioned this kind of contact tracing in cases like that of a resident who fled a province after testing positive.

The government have not been very transparent about what this entails and exactly what data they would use.

An app too far?

Getting a knock on the door by government employees because my cellphone data placed me in the same area as someone who tested positive for coronavirus, while helpful, seems overly invasive from a personal privacy point of view.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

The post New opt-in coronavirus app could ease UK lockdown restrictions appeared first on Australian Times News.

Just a few years ago, your cellphone was only used to send and receive text messages and calls. Today, it’s a mini-computer capable of navigating you around the globe, while taking high-quality photos and keeping in touch with your friends.

There are many ways mobile technology can enhance your travels. Here are a few suggestions.

How to use mobile technology during your travels

Browse, research, book

From finding the best flight deals to booking accommodation and learning about the best tourist attractions, you can be sure that there’s an app for everything.

You can monitor your bookings, make amendments or cancellations online and on the go. In addition, many hotels and airlines now offer messaging options and chatbots, making communication so much easier.

AI ChatBots can answer the most commonly-asked questions without a hitch, and can assist travellers in checking rates and managing their bookings easily.

Language and translation apps

From language and translation app to Google Translate’s new point-and-translate service, making your way around the globe has never been this easy.

The apps are easy to use, and you don’t have to carry a heavy phrase book with the common tourist phrases around anymore. Simply use the app, or even easier, point your phone’s camera at the text and wait for the magic to happen.

Watch: How Augmented Reality (AR) and mobile technology is revolutionising translating

Navigation and wayfinding apps

You can use Google Maps to navigate, well, pretty much everywhere on Earth. There are apps to help you around malls, parking lot and airports as well. Additionally, share your live location with a friend as a safety precaution.

Furthermore, Google Maps allows you to save any location to a list for future reference. It’s the ideal way to keep track of all the places you want to visit at some point.

Simply click on the location and save it. You’ll be able to see the saved locations (green flags) on your map. If you’re ever in the area, you’d be able to spot it easily as you navigate around.

This is a screenshot of my personal Google Maps account. I’ve saved all the places I want to visit to the ‘Want to go’ list, and have other lists too: favourite places, friends to visit, etc.

Priority Pass’ in-app airport maps, for example, assist travellers to easily locate available lounges and other airport amenities, taking the guess work out of navigating around a strange airport. Never miss a flight again!

Also read – Google Maps rolls out AR walking directions on Android and iOS

Save on packing space

Gone are the days when you had to fill your suitcase with unnecessary junk. Now you can listen to thousands of hours of music on an iPod, Spotify, Google Music or iTunes.

If you’re a lover of books, you can now carry an entire library with you on a Kindle or your e-reader of choice, and save a ton of space in your luggage.

If you want to snap a few holiday photos, your phone doubles as a camera and video recorder. Remote worker? Sure, just pack your tablet or laptop. Or, as I like to refer to it, ‘my entire office.’

Boarding passes and loyalty passes

Mobile boarding passes have revolutionised the way travel. It has cut down on the amount of paper used by airlines, as well as the time it takes travellers to get through the check-in process.

“Tech-savvy travellers can simply breeze through boarding gates with a turn of the wrist. Advances in technology mean that biometrics could soon do away with the traditional boarding pass entirely, with passengers’ faces becoming their ticket to travel. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security says it expects to use facial recognition technology on 97% of departing passengers within the next four years.”

 Phil Seward, Destination CRM.

Electronic payments

Gone are the days when travellers needed to do an electronic transfer (EFT) or swipe your credit card. While there’s nothing wrong with those methods, we now have many more options.

From Apple Pay and Samsung Pay and Google Wallet, to PayPal Here (thanks, Elon Musk!), ROAM Pay and GlobalVCard, going cashless has never been easier.

Not also does it ensure your safety – not having to carry cash your person – but it saves you time. No more standing in ATM queues or carrying a bulky wallet. And then there are also currency apps.

Exchange rates constantly fluctuate and working our foreign currency can often just lead to a nasty headache. With currency apps like XE Currency or CalConvert, you’d be able to calculate the cost of the coffee in a jiffy.

Watch: Autonomous travel will rely on people and computers working together

With TSA

The post Here’s how mobile technology can enhance your travel experience appeared first on Australian Times News.

Unfortunately, there isn’t really much we can do about it this point, other than staying at home and never setting foot out of our front door ever again. The same study explained:

“The further melting of glaciers cannot be prevented in the current century – even if all emissions were stopped now. However, due to the slow reaction of glaciers to climate change, our behaviour has a massive impact beyond the 21st century.”

That said, there are ways we can reduce our carbon footprint while travelling. Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, explains that it’s not about “closing ourselves in and building a wall”. Zapata adds:

“We need to create bridges, and we need people to find solutions for the issues that we’re creating. Just because you’re sitting at home does not mean that you’re not producing carbon emissions.”

So what to do? For starters, change your habits and make practical choices to promote sustainability. It’s all about the mindset. Let’s look a few ways to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling.

Ways to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling

Choose your mode of transport carefully

Transport generates the most greenhouse gas. When you have the option of travelling by plane, car, train or bus, choose wisely.

The International Council on Clean Transportation has calculated the passenger miles per gallon (pmpg) of planes and trains at a consistent 45 pmpg and 51 pmpg, respectively. Greyhounds and other inter-urban busses clock in at 152 pmpg.

If you have no other option other than travelling by plane – the worst offender of them all – there are still a few ways you could minimise your carbon footprint.

Choose direct flights where possible and skip the layovers. By buying carbon offsets through Climate Action Reserve, you can ensure that a tree is planted or a stretch of ocean is cleaned up.

Once you’ve reached your destination, limit the amount of time you travel by car as much as possible. When travelling, hire a bicycle instead or explore on foot.

Pack light, fly light

By carrying lightweight equipment and supplies, you exert less force, especially when travelling by vehicle. The lighter, the better.

Also see: 10 essential travel safety tips you need to know

When on an airplane – or any other mode of transport – carries heavy luggage, it uses more fuel. If you can travel with only a carry-on, do consider it. Not only will it save you time at the check-in counter, but it’s also easier to move around once you get to your destination.

Yours truly is a firm believer in the one-bag-travel mantra, and I’m constantly looking for ways to travel even lighter. I can fit two weeks worth of supplies into a 30L duffle backpack with room to spare.

A few suggestions for travelling light:

• Don’t pack an outfit for every day and don’t be lazy. Pack 2 or 3 shirts, 2 or 3 pants and wash as you need. Polyester dries a lot faster than cotton and should be dry again by morning.
• Downscale your gadgets. Why travel with a 15 or 17″ laptop when you can get the same amount of work done a 10″ tablet with keyboard? It’s lighter, smaller and easier to haul around.
• Collapsible and compact. Buy soap and shampoo sheets, they’re tiny and 50 x 2 cm sheets will last you quite a while. Get a travel towel. It’s under a R100 at most places and folds to the size of your fist.

Reduce your carbon footprint by generating less trash

If you haven’t heard about the Great Pacific garbage patch, prepare to be shocked. The mass of waste floating around the Pacific gyre spans about 1.6m square kilometres. It’s three times the size of France. No jokes.

We have no other option but to refrain from using single-use plastics such as straws, takeaway coffee cups and plastic bags. Transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle takes some work but it’s easy enough to get the hang of.

Also see: 10 must have in your backpack items for Europe travel

When travelling, carry your own water bottle; a collapsible water bottle if you’re a one-bagger with limited space. Carry your own reusable shopping bag; they can usually be folded into a tiny ball and won’t take up too much space.

Carrying a small cutlery set with you will reduce the amount of plastic cutlery when ordering takeout. There’s a nifty little thing called a spork – spoon, knife and fork all in one – which is the perfect option for travelling foodies.

And, you know, when you’re out on your travels and you see a plastic bottle or a plastic bag lying around, it’s not going to kill you to pick up and recycle it properly. Most cities have recycling bins, we’re just too lazy to use it.

Save energy throughout your trip

Regardless of where you’re staying, don’t leave the lights and air conditioning on. Don’t think because you’re staying at a fancy hotel, it’s in order to leave the air conditioning on.

Central air conditioning units use 3.5 kilowatts per hour. If you were to turn it off for eight hours while you were out exploring, you would save 28 kilowatts. That’s the equivalent of more than 7.5 litres of fuel or charging 2 525 smartphones.

If you can, book through eco-friendly hotels as they save massive amounts of energy on everything from lighting to doing the laundry. Laundry accounts for 16% of an average hotel’s water usage.

By cutting down on the laundry load, you’ll save water and other resources. Many big-chain hotels are switching to eco-friendly alternatives such as LED lights and high-efficiency thermal insulation.

You can also practice eco-friendly habits by limiting the amount of towels you use and how often you need the sheets washed.

Watch: How to carbon offset your travel

The post How to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling appeared first on Australian Times News.

In simplistic terms, if your phone was your house, the sets of permissions would be the rooms in your house. So, you may invite a handyman into your home and be happy for them to access the rooms they need to work in.

But you’d want to make sure they stayed out of your bedroom and your study. Or your vault full of gold coins that you sometimes swim through.

Similarly, when you invite an app onto your phone, you want it to have the correct permissions for the work it needs to do and no more.

App developers found loopholes

However, according to a study presented at PrivacyCon 2019, app makers making use of certain Source Development Kits (SDK) are finding ways around the permissions system.

In general terms, an SDK is a framework for creating applications on an environment, namely android in this case.

It’s a way of documenting and distributing development tools for specific environments.

In this case, SDKs built by Baidu and Salmonads, both Chinese firms, could allow Android apps using the same SDK to pass data to each other and then to their servers.

Using the house analogy, this is essentially like the handyman letting Mickey Mouse into your kitchen even though you only gave Mickey permission to jump around on the trampoline in the yard.

Big-brand apps are culprits too

Alarmingly, the threat isn’t just from shady Android apps from small developers. The report identifies apps from Samsung and Disney that have hundreds of millions of downloads.

Additionally, the study focused on Shutterfly. Shutterfly is an Android photo app which does not ask permission to track your location.

However, the developers have worked around this by extracting your GPS information from the EXIF metadata in your photos; and sending actual GPS coordinates back to its servers.

Android will address the problem

Android has promised fixes for many of these vulnerabilities – some of which they’ve known about for a while – with the launch of Android Q. However Security experts are rightly warning that that’s too little late.

Adoption of the latest Android version is notoriously slow. By May this year, just 10.4% of Android phones were running Android P. With Android Q almost upon us, over 60% of Android users are still running the 4-year-old Android N.

The post Thousands of Android apps track your phone without permission appeared first on Australian Times News.

The importance of securing your data

The need to be aware of cybersecurity threats have become quite significant in recent years according to VPNRanks. Due to Net Neutrality rules being repealed, increasing cybersecurity threats, strict internet censorship, and geo-restriction laws, the online world is no longer a safe space to be. 

Data security has become critically important for individuals but more so for corporates. It’s now more important than ever to read up on a few travel safety tips.

The constant threat of hackers trying to get hold of your banking and other account information is probably enough to make you want to work from home until you get invited to come in for your retirement party.

According to Locomote, identity theft amongst business travellers was two to four times more likely. Rest assured, there are a few relatively easy steps you can take to reduce the risk to the data you carry around on your devices.

Secure your device

While making your way through airports, coffee shops and hotels your phone is probably the device you’re most likely to lose. If your phone is running Android or iOS, switch on the Find My Phone feature.

Whether it’s forgetting it on your seat in the plane or setting it down while retrieving your travel documents, your phone is going to be the number one candidate for loss or theft.

But the find your phone feature will give you a chance to recover your device, as long as it’s switched on. Some operating systems and third party software will even allow you to wipe your phone if necessary.

Keep track of your devices

You’ll want to keep your devices with you all the time. Don’t let your phone, tablet or laptop leave your sight. And apart from the obvious risk of theft, it’s not impossible that someone could hack your machine and install malware on it.

In the same vein, don’t leave your devices in your hotel room. If you really have to, consider using the safe. However, first prize would still be to keep your devices on or around your person at all times.

Secure your hard drives

Your hard drive should be encrypted. If it’s encrypted already, run as fast as you can and go encrypt it. Now.

You have a password on your laptop, phone and tablet. But in reality, if you haven’t encrypted your data then nothing really stops someone from taking your hard drive or SD card out of your machine and plugging it into theirs.

They will then be able to view the contents of your drive quite easily. Encryption ensures that your data is only accessible when you or your operating system gives it the correct security key.

Secured over public networks

Secure public Wi-Fi doesn’t exist, as simply as that. Treat every public Wi-Fi hotspot like a firearm and proceed with extreme caution. Always assume it’s loaded and able to do you severe damage.

Hackers will commonly try and intercept your data between your devices and the hotspot. If you absolutely have to connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, then you need to use a virtual private network (VPN).

This will encrypt everything you send or receive from your machine. You can also set up a VPN on your phone, tablet and laptop.

Be alert, think ahead

The easiest way to mitigate your risk when it comes to data security is to make sure that you never have to carry any sensitive information you don’t need on your devices.

If your work involves sensitive data, get in the habit of only keeping information that you need for your trip on your machines while travelling.

This will limit the risk, should your computer be lost, stolen or your security breached.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

The post Tech travel safety tips: How to protect your devices and data while on the go appeared first on Australian Times News.

The US study found that Twitter users are younger, highly educated, and earning higher incomes when compared to the general US population. Twitter’s netizens were more likely to identify as Democrats.

About 36% of the Twitter users interviewed identified as Democrat, compared to the 26% of adults from the general public who identify as Republican.

Different sets of values

The two groups also differed in their opinions on political values with regards to race, gender and immigration. According to research conducted by Pew, 66% believed that immigrants would strengthen the US. About 62% said existing barriers in society make it harder for women to get ahead.

Compared to the general public, only 57% believed in the benefits of immigration. Moreover, 56% felt that societal barriers are holding women back.

The research shows that only 64% of the focus group believed that white people were treated more fairly than other sectors of the population. That is compared to the 54% of the general public who agreed with that statement.

In addition, the study found that the median user in the top 10% by tweet volume created more than 130 tweets per month, “favourites” 70 posts per month, follows approximately 456 accounts and has on average 387 followers.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

TOP IMAGE: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The post Twitter users are better educated, study finds appeared first on Australian Times News.

Additionally, it’s easier to navigate around a new place if you only have a carry-on bag — no long queues at baggage claim and no heavy luggage to lug around.

My bag of choice is a 33L duffle backpack: Carry it as a duffle bag over your shoulder or flip it sideways and it’s a backpack. Depending on how you carry it, either the sling or the backpack straps can be tucked away when not in use.

It has a laptop sleeve on the inside and there’s enough space for two packing cubes, a 15″ laptop, toiletry bag and the maroon gadget bag you seen in the image above.

However, the bag is a bit heavy with the 15″ laptop. I’ve now invested in a 10″ tablet for travelling. The tablet is also nice for this load shedding dilemma we find ourself in, because it can be charged with a powerbank.

Fitting everything you need into one small bag sounds daunting, I know, but it’s really not that hard. Sure, I get that minimalism travel isn’t for everyone. Not everyone wants to live out of a bag and handwash their clothes every second day.

I had this very discussion with my best friend while we were wandering around Swaziland for nine glorious days. It was before I bought my duffle backpack, and I took two bags on that trip: a sports bag and a backpack, mainly because we rented a car and didn’t fly.

My friend, who had taken a nice sturdy suitcase, told me while unpacking her gown that she prefers comfort. I didn’t have space to pack a gown, you see. I, who took only three t-shirts, a pair of jeans and two track pants, had to wash my clothes frequently.

The point is that minimalist travel might not be for you and that is okay. But if you think it could be and are looking for some pointers on how to actually go about it, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll look at a generic minimalistic travel list.

You’ll need a sturdy bag

Oh, there are so many options, and we’ll go into detail about this at a later stage. Before you go out and buy a bag that is way too big (or small), you need first to assess what you want to take.

I’ve managed to get my travelling items down to nine clothing items. Disclaimer, I get to save extra space because I only travel with one pair of shoes, my trusty Salomons. Other sites out there will advise you to take one pair for walking and one “fancy” pair.

Yeah, if my Salomon’s aren’t good enough for a fancy establishment, the establishment is not good enough for me. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

It also helps that I pretty much wear the same type of clothes and I’m not really bothered about fashion. Personally I go for a cross between Jessica Jones and Dean Winchester.

Therefore, my list includes:

• Three black t-shirts
• One pair of jeans
• Two pairs of track pants
• Two long sleeve check shirts (actually, exactly like the image above)
• One jacket
• Pyjama top and bottoms
• Underwear
• One pair of shoes

That’s it. The t-shirts are polyester, so they dry out overnight. I love cotton, but it’s not really ideal for travelling. Unless you plan to take one shirt for every day, you’ll need to scale down on the clothes to save space.

Toiletries

I bought a microfibre towel – it’s quick-drying too and folds into a little ball smaller than my fist. Look, you won’t be able to wrap it around your body like a floofy big towel, but it gets the job done.

My toiletry bag is pretty much minimalist too.

• Toothbrush and tiny toothpaste
• Strange handglove thingy for washing
• Shampoo sheets (50 small sheets in a tiny container, just add water)
• Liquid soap sheets
• Laundry wash sheets
• Mitchum roll on
• First aid kit
• Earbuds
• Mosquito repellent.

That’s it. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to cope with just that, but I have no complaints so far. It also helps that I’m not a make-up wearing person.

On occasions that I do need to take makeup, I get by with one black eyeliner, and an eyeshadow compact in shades of black, grey and green. And it’s easy enough to squeeze those two items in anywhere.

If you need more space, try packing smaller items in bulky shoes – think socks, power cables, toiletries – and wear your heaviest clothes, like jackets, jeans, etc, while in transit.

A waist belt or under-the-shoulder bag is ideal for holding passports, cash, your phone, etc. while on the move. If you’re still not convinced, try a 65L bag and see how that works out. You can always downscale later.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com

The post Travel light: see the world with only a carry-on bag appeared first on Australian Times News.

Airbnb

With Airbnb, you can either rent individual rooms in someone’s house or an entire apartment. The platform puts you in touch with locals who rent out rooms, apartments – even couches – and you can get amazing deals and hidden gems if you tweak the search filters a little bit.

The app handles everything pertaining to the transaction for you, from finding the host, to paying for your stay. Protip: When you connect your Gmail account to Airbnb, they will get access to your contact list. If you don’t want that to happen, sign up with an email specifically set aside for newsletters and junk mail.

Hostelworld

Much like Airbnb, Hostelworld sorts out your accommodation crises for you. Search for accommodation using an interactive map, get all the information you need and read reviews from other travellers.

With Hostelworld you’ll save on accommodation costs, and it will also suggest activities and tourist attractions in the area which might be of interest. Add different filters to your searches to find the perfect accommodation for you.

Trail Wallet

When you set out on your travels, money might be the last thing you want to worry about. We know, you just want to enjoy your time away from away, chase adventures and experience new things. But the entire trips could go very sour very quickly if you’re not clever with your financials.

With Trail Wallet, you can keep track of your expenses. It allows you to organise by trip or by or by month. Set a daily budget to ensure you don’t overspend and it is straightforward to update the app and add new transactions.

Skyscanner

The easiest way, by far, to find cheap flights. The app collects data from more than 1,200 sources to ensure you get the best options available. It will also compare flights for the most affordable and most accessible routes.

A particularly useful feature is the chart that allows you to see which days of the months to get the best deals. Fly to anywhere in the world and use Skyscanner to get your say. More than 60 million people use Skyscanner.

Roadtrippers

Last but not least, Roadtrippers. It lets you build custom travel itineraries. You can plot your route directly from the app, or via their website. The app will then show you exciting attractions along the way, scenic locations and where to get a meal.

You can set up your interests in advance so that the app will show you what you want to see. Then, share the route with your friends or travel buddies. It’s flexible to use, and you can change or add more stops as you go.

TOP IMAGE: Pixabay/FunkyFocus

The post Five must-have travel apps for your next trip appeared first on Australian Times News.

The world where employees annoy us with their eating habits and the state of the office kitchen can make or break relationships and business deals, and curtail promotions.

Let’s look at a few pointers for keeping everyone happy and avoiding any unnecessary office drama.

Do unto others

This first class of kitchen offence falls under the heading of treat others the way you want to be treated. Basically, it means to take all the things that annoy you about using a shared kitchen, and ensure you don’t do those things. So in other words:

• Clean the microwave after you’ve used it.
• Tell the office manager when the milk or sugar runs out.
• Don’t let your food go off in the company’s fridge
• Clean up when you’re done.
• Fill up the kettle for the next person.

Few things can be more frustrating than arriving at a microwave only to find the insides plastered with last nights briyani or a river of 2-minute-noodle juice flowing out of the poor abused appliance.

 Image credit: Envato Elements

You’d think that someone would put a little bit of effort into not having colleagues think their home isn’t an expensive garbage can.

Perhaps this whole segment could have been summarised to clean up after yourself. Remove the old food, report the milk and fill up the kettle when you’re done. It’s right there in the bible: do unto others. It’s nice to be nice.

Share food or offer to prepare

Remember that episode of Friends where Joey doesn’t share food? Yeah, don’t do that. Let’s watch that clip, we can all do with a bit of a laugh anyway.

It’s not nice to eat in front of colleagues who are also hungry. Perhaps they haven’t had time yet to take lunch. Or they didn’t pack anything.

When getting your food from the kitchen, ask if you can bring something for them or offer them some of yours. Sharing is caring and all that.

Don’t steal your colleagues’ food

We’re going with Friends again on this one. See the guy who stole Ross’ sandwich? Don’t be that person. Your colleague may just react like Ross…

Who does this? Eating other peoples food needs to be the in-house test for psychopathy. These people have no conscience; they want what they want, and they don’t really care what the consequences are.

Anyone caught eating other people’s food need to be instantly lie detector-ed and either fired or promoted to CEO.

Avoid smelly foods

How did you get this job when you didn’t go to school? If you had gone, you’d know that garlic, eggs and fish are not welcome in shared lunch spaces. Pack some celery sticks tomorrow and watch out for wedgies.

Keep your remarks to yourself

This is the only item on the list that I’m not entirely sold on. I mean what if they’re the ones who brought the egg and pilchard salad? Surely someone needs to point out the error of their ways? Though I’ll concede this is probably an area to tread lightly.

Location, location location

Image credit: Envato Elements

If possible, avoid eating at your desk. If you have your own office, keep the door closed and never eat in front of customers. Ideally, sit in the break room or other designated eating spot.

Outdoor spaces are nice, and it will give you an opportunity to disconnect from work for a while and take a real break. Use the time to socialise with your colleagues if you – and they – are so inclined.

_______________________________________

With TheSouthAfrican.com [H/t: The Spruce, Etiquette Scholar, Work It Daily]

TOP IMAGE: Envato Elements

The post A six-step guide to food etiquette in the workplace appeared first on Australian Times News.

Getting away from your comfort zone can do wonders for that “stuck-in-a-rut” feeling, so get those travel plans ready.

We’ve lined up six of the best budget travel destinations for 2019 to add to your must-do list. From relaxing in Zanzibar, to a bucket-list favourite in India, to amazing cuisine in Malaysia, the world is yours for the taking this year.

Puebla, Mexico

A UNESCO heritage site, the city of Puebla, has a historical centre and a network of churches that will leave any history buff fascinated. It’s one of those quiet, underrated travel gems and the streets won’t be packed with tourists.

The accommodation is cheap. For example, a week’s stay for two adults at Hotel Sofia would cost around AUD$250, while a double room at Hotel Senorial for a week would work out to AUD$280.

Agra, India

Agra is situated in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state and is home to the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum was built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.

While November is the ideal time to visit India – due to the sightseeing tours and festivals taking place – there’s no reason why you cannot book a holiday now.

Book into the Sai Palace for under AUD$100– for five nights stay! Hotel Bhoomi charges approximately AUD$230 for six nights stay, while backpackers save even more: only AUD$75 for six nights at Rhine Hostel; or AUD$63 at Hotel Safari.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

A popular travel destination. The streets of Buenos Aires are lined with cafes and parks to guarantee hours of peaceful exploration. Enjoy the local cuisine: steak, wine, empanadas and ice cream.

Buenos Aires has luxury accommodation if that’s what you’re after. However, travellers can consider a week’s budget accommodation at Merit San Telmo for under AUD$400. Alternatively, backpackers can look at splurging AUD$130 for a week’s stay at Adventure Hostel.

Zanzibar

A trip to the “Spice Island” certainly won’t be wasted. Just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is any budget traveller’s dream. Enjoy the islands street food snacks for as little as AUD$3 and book into budget accommodation in Stone Town.

Also read – Barcelona: 14 pictures that will make you want to visit right now

And when we say budget destination, we mean less than AUD$200 for six nights’ stay at Malindi Guest House with breakfast included or AUD$250 at the Kilimanjaro Lodge on Nungwi Beach.

Transylvania, Romania

There is more to Transylvania that just talks of Dracula. Hike through limestone gorges, visit the magnificent castles and enjoy the cuisine. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is also a must-see.

At AUD$460 for six nights, the 5-star Denisa Boutique Hotel is a steal. Check in advance because rooms here sell fast. If you’re looking for something cheaper still, check out the Pensiunea Piatra Mandrutului. It’s in high demand and will only cost about AUD$140 for a week’s stay.

Penang, Malaysia

Head to George Town in Penang and forget about your cares and stress for a while. George Town is any foodie’s paradise, from cosy restaurants to street food vendors. The Red Garden as a wide selection of food stands for any budget.

Also read – Zambia: 12 pictures that will make you want to visit right now

The Sanguine Avenue Light Blue House is top-rated and won’t break the bank. Stay comfortably for six nights while only spending AUD$170 on accommodation. Alternatively, book into the Windy Sea View House for only AUD$340.

TOP IMAGE: Pixabay/igorovsyannykov

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While the two main languages are Spanish and Catalan, English travellers will get by just fine. It’s a safe travel destination, as safe as a large city can be anyway.

Barcelona (Top image: Pexels/Aleksandar Pasaric) boasts two of the best-known parks in the world: Parc de la Ciutadella with walking paths and the Cascada fountain, and Parc Guell with landscaped gardens and the great Banc de Trencadis bench.

It is also home to La Rambla, one of the most popular streets in the world and it dates back to mid-1840s. It has a bustling nightlife, so go after dark. This is where you’ll find street performers and artists, and the famous La Boqueria market. And the beach is just 15 minutes away. It is definitely worth a visit!

What to do in Barcelona and when to go

Explore the neighbourhoods

Barcelona has a smorgasbord of charming neighbourhoods with beautiful streets and hidden alleys to explore. Head over to the Barri Gotic, the city’s old town, where you can get lost daydreaming, or explore Garcia if you are looking for some peace and quiet away from all the touristy hustle and bustle.

Visit the Sagrada Familia

The impressive basilica took longer to build than the Pyramid of Giza. It stands a whopping 984 meters tall and combines several architectural styles such as Catalan Modernism, Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau. Get your tickets here.

Visit Park Güell

The garden complex on Carmel Hill is the stuff of postcards and a definite must-visit for your to-do list. Get lost between the sculptures, colonnades and fountains and drop by the Gaudi House Museum too.

Also read: Travel safety: Keep your data safe whilst abroad

The architecture is simply beyond compare! Antoni Gaudí is responsible for most of it. He received his architectural degree in 1878. From the start of his career, his work stood out from his contemporaries. He was influenced by nature and many of his designs incorporate curved construction stones, as can be seen from image above. Read more about him here.

Best time to visit Barcelona

If a budget trip is what you’re after, book now. November to early March is low season, meaning prices will drop exponentially, from flights to accommodation to tourist attractions. You won’t wait in queues, and you’ll have enough space to move around.

High season is from May to September and is the hottest and most crowded time of the year. But if it’s the beautiful Barcelona beaches and renowned festivals you’re after, then May to September would be the perfect time for you.

Holiday accommodation in Barcelona

Accommodation rates drop significantly this time of the year. Staying at the Travelodge Barcelona Pablenou can cost less than 400 euros for two adults for six nights.

If luxury is what you’re after, indulge yourself with a week’s stay at the Casa Gracia for under 650 euros, or a week at the Grand Hotel Central for 1,500 euros. It’s pricey, yes, but this is your view from the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool…

With TSA

The post Barcelona: everything you need to know about a quick city break and 14 pictures that will make you want to visit right now appeared first on Australian Times News.

The thunderous waterfall is also the largest curtain of water in the world, spanning more than 1,700 meters wide and dropping over 90 meters into the Zambezi Gorge at a rate of about 550 000 cubic meters every minute.

Just look at all that water!

It truly is a sight to behold and now is a good time to pack your bags and go on an adventure.

Need an itinerary? Don’t worry, we have your back.

What to do in Livingstone, Zambia

Victoria Falls

A visit to the Falls has to be the first thing on your agenda, for all the wonderful reasons discussed above. The ‘smoke’ from the waterfalls can be seen up to 50 kilometres away, and the ‘thunder’ of the water can be heard from the surrounding areas.

Book a 30-min helicopter flight to take you over the Victoria Falls, and you might even be able to spot a few elephants and giraffes from up there too.

High Tea at the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel

You know you want to. The 5-star resort offers the ultimate luxury experience, and the views from the deck overlooking the Zambezi will leave you speechless. Keep an eye out for zebras and giraffes; they roam around the gardens at times.

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Guides are available for a trip to the pool, located right at the edge of the Victoria Falls. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and safety are the guides’ number one priority. Access to the Devil’s Pool is seasonal and can only be done when the water level of the Zambezi River is low enough. But fear not! From late August to early January is the perfect time for a visit.

Zambezi River sunset cruise

Take an hour or two out of our day to meander around the islands from the safety of your cruise deck. Keep an eye out for all the wildlife along the river banks like elephants, hippos and crocodiles.

Couple that with sipping traditional cocktails out on the deck during the fading twilight hours (from around 18:00) and you’ll be in paradise. This sunset, though!

Best time to visit Livingstone

Well, now. It’s rain season from November to April, transforming the surrounding areas into a thick green bush.

The Zambezi river is at its lowest levels during November, perfect for a visit to Devil’s pool, and the temperatures aren’t as high in November and December is it is during August and October.

Holiday accommodation in Livingstone and Kitwe

Backpackers on the hunt for holiday accommodation can stay at the Fawlty Towers dormitory for as little as GBP 45 / AUD 80 per week, but if luxury and privacy is more your thing, then the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort Lodge is for you, and breakfast included.

Campers looking for a break away from the bustling city life can head over to the Simoonga Thandizani Volunteers Camping Site. There are bungalows available with spectacular views, too. And free WiFi!

And if you wanted to head out to Kitwe, you might want to take a look at some of the holiday accommodation over there. Breakfast is included at Cuppoccinos Lodge, and they have a risk-free cancellation policy. The Sherbourne Guest House and Roadview Park Hotel are both in high demand.

With TheSouthAfrican.com

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