Famous for its hot weather and wonderful Skyline, Kuwait can be an expensive country to visit. However, you can visit Kuwait on a budget without breaking the bank!
With amazing infrastructure, it’s no surprise that Kuwait’s tourist reputation is growing so here are the best travel hacks when visiting Kuwait!
Best Time To Visit
Booking Hotel on a Budget
Eat Local
Travel Hack – Use a Laundry Service
Keep a Record of the Essentials
Best Time To Visit
Travelling creates excitement and memories but unfortunately, it can also be a source of stress! You can approach your big trip to Kuwait on a budget by knowing the best time to visit. Our number one travel hack for you is to avoid travelling in November, June, or January as the prices for flights and hotels will skyrocket. According to travel data, December and Spring are the least expensive periods to visit Kuwait.
Booking Hotel on a Budget
It can be a stumbling block to your budget to book a hotel as they’re often expensive and you start to think to yourself “how will I enjoy the rest of my trip now?” but it doesn’t have to be this way for your Kuwait trip.
When visiting Kuwait on a budget, our travel hack for you is to book the Royal Inn Hotel which is in Al Salmiya. It ticks all the boxes for your big trip; it’s budget-friendly, and it’s located close to the city and to the local beach. Just be sure to take care of your shoes, especially with all the sand around!
Eat Local
Everybody loves food (we love it as much as we love doing laundry!). To make your travelling experience even better, eat food on a budget. Avoid the expensive restaurants, buy local. Kuwait has a lot of local street food and restaurants that cater to the locals.
To save you money, we recommend the area of Kuwait City souk; home to a variety of cuisines and prices that are budget-friendly!
If you spill food or drink on your clothes, don’t worry, we’ll clean it up for you!
Travel Hack – Use a Laundry Service
There is no better feeling than wearing your favourite outfits on a holiday, but it can be a buzzkill when you go back to your hotel only to find out you have tons of laundry that need to be done. The launderettes in Kuwait can be expensive and this can be stressful.
But it doesn’t need to be that way. Laundryheap is your friend. Just book your laundry service with us (we do have a service in Kuwait) and we’ll subtract one less chore from your duties!
All you need to do is book online or through the app and your dirty laundry will be collected and returned to you 24 hours later! It’s budget-friendly, efficient and convenient!
Keep a Record of the Essentials
The organisation is the key to everything and to stay on budget, keep a record of the essentials; the expenses, the hotel price, the food, drinks, the souvenirs and etc. We all get excited when travelling and it’s easy to go on a shopping spree (we don’t blame you!) but a record would benefit your budget significantly.
We even recommend recording your luggage weights. Luggage fees are common but as a travel hack and to keep you on budget, pack light and pack right and you will not be overcharged at the airport!
Make sure you neatly separate the clean clothes from the dirty clothes!
Visiting Kuwait on a budget is important, but enjoying your trip is more important. Follow our travel hacks but also have fun, take plenty of pictures and enjoy the food!
The Kuwaiti LaundryHeap website is available, and you can view it here.
Traveling with friends is an experience unlike any other. Not only do you get to experience a completely new part of the world, but you get to do it with your besties. These hacks will make traveling with your friends the ultimate experience.
Plan the logistics together
Create a group chat
Consider renting a property
Create a kitty
Don’t overpack
Make plans together
Be flexible
Communicate
Stay present
Have fun!
Plan the logistics together
Whether you are traveling with 1 or 100 of your friends it’s important that you plan the logistics of your trip together. This includes, your destination, the length of your holiday, transportation, and accommodation. It’s important that you plan the initial logistics together so that everyone has a say in the holiday plans and is aware of the important details. Once you have sorted the initial logistics, you can divide the arrangement of the tasks between you.
If you don’t already have a group chat with your friends, make one. A holiday group chat will allow you to discuss arrangements without needing to be physically together. This will ensure that everyone stays up-to-date on the holiday plans, and you can discuss ideas for what to do on the holiday. Try to keep your group chat solely holiday-related so that it doesn’t become congested with general chat.
If you are traveling with a big group of your friends it may be more cost-effective to rent a whole property rather than book individual hotel rooms. Look into the properties available to rent and compare the price, per person, to the price of individual hotel rooms. Renting a whole property comes with the added bonus of having communal areas to yourselves so that you can plan what the days ahead hold. In addition to this, if you are holidaying on a budget, whole properties come equipped with kitchens so you can save money on eating out.
One of the more awkward parts of traveling with friends is deciding what to do when it comes to money. If one of your friends pays for dinner, and another friend pays for drinks, and a different friend pays for brunch, it can all become incredibly confusing trying to figure out who owes each person what. Instead, create a kitty before you go on your holiday. Everyone puts an agreed amount of money into a pot, either physical or an assigned person’s bank account, and that is the money used whilst on the holiday. It is the fairest way to ensure that everyone is paying equally towards the holiday.
When traveling with friends there is always somebody who overpacks and can’t carry their luggage. You don’t want to be that person, so pack your suitcase smartly. Take clothing that is weather appropriate and can easily be transferred from day to night. When it comes to toiletries and electronics, such as cameras and chargers, divide the items up between yourself and your friends. There is no point everyone taking their own shampoo and charger if you can share.
A holiday with your friends should be filled with spontaneous fun and laughter, not a rigorous schedule of things to see and do. That being said, make plans with your friends and schedule a handful of activities to fill your days. Do activities that are both fun and unique to where you are going- something that you can’t do at home. Make sure that all plans are discussed and signed off with every member of your group before anything is booked. You don’t want to isolate any of your friends who may not want to do certain activities.
Although you should plan certain activities, remain flexible whilst you are on holiday. Be open to changing plans depending on what others in your group would like to do, and remember that this holiday is supposed to be a fun experience for you all. Spontaneous activities, or even just having a lazy day, can create the ideal situation for life-long memories with your besties.
Communicate
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, but when you are with a big group 24/7, even if that group is made up of your best friends, it can become overwhelming. Don’t feel guilty about needing some time on your own to gather your thoughts, simply find a quiet area to relax. Before you go, however, communicate with your friends how you are feeling and what you are going to do. This will both make them aware of where you will be, and also ensure that they know what headspace you are in.
Whilst you are away stay present rather than on your phone. You are supposed to be enjoying time away with your friends, not updating the world on what you are doing. Take your phone with you to take pictures and videos, but limit your screen time and your friends’ screen time. Enjoy spending time and making memories together, and update the world when you get back.
The most important thing to remember when traveling with friends is to have fun. Going away with your friends is supposed to be fun, spontaneous, and exciting, so don’t sweat the small stuff, and open yourself up to new experiences. Most importantly, have the best time with your best friends.
Whilst you’re living it up with your besties, don’t worry about your laundry because we’ll be taking care of it for you. Book your Laundryheap order today by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.
Solo travelling is one of the most unique experiences you can have. You can go on an adventure, doing the things that you want to do, and exploring the things that you want to explore. If you are travelling solo, these hacks will help you on your journey.
Research
Have a rough plan
Pack light
Take home comforts
You are your own entertainment
Don’t forget your phone
Keep cash on hand
Be friendly
Take advantage of free experiences
Embrace the experience
Research
Before booking your flights, organising accommodation, and making an itinerary, it’s important to research the destination you are going to. Solo travelling, although fun, can be dangerous. You are in a foreign country, on your own, with no other person to help you if you get into trouble. That is why it’s integral to thoroughly research the country and specific location that you will be travelling to. Figure out what their laws are, how to contact the emergency services, and read about other solo travellers experiences in the country. The more information you have about the location you are visiting the safer you will be.
One of the joys of solo travelling is being able to do what you want without having to consult anyone else. Even if you prefer to live in the moment rather than stick to a rigorous schedule, it’s always wise to have a rough plan of what you want to do. There is so much exploring to do when you are in a different country, and you never know if you will be back there again, so making a list of things you want to see and do ensures that you don’t waste any of your time.
Packing is one of the hardest parts of any holiday. It’s easy to panic about what you need, overpack, and end up having to lug around a heavy suitcase for the duration of your holiday. When you are solo travelling, you must remember that you are responsible for your own bag, meaning that you will have to carry it around regardless of how heavy it is. Be brutal whilst you are packing and only pack your essentials. Make a list of what you need, and stick to it, or risk having aching hands on your holiday.
As incredible as solo travelling is, it can get lonely. When packing, slip a couple of small home comforts into your suitcase for moments when you may feel alone. These could be photographs, a candle, a teddy, or even a special pillow. Whatever it is that makes you feel comfortable, pack it. You don’t want feeling homesick ruining your holiday.
When you are travelling with other people you can rely on them for entertainment, but when you are travelling on your own, you are your own entertainment. Take this opportunity of being on your own to read that book you’ve been meaning to, or finish that series. You won’t want to be otherwise occupied when you reach your destination, but you will need to entertain yourself somehow on the journey there and back.
Solo travel is a great time to go off the grid, escape from your usual routine and have an adventure. That being said, it is important that you keep your phone on you, fully charged, and with the appropriate sim card. Your phone is handy to have for 2 reasons. Firstly, you will want to remember the adventure you have been on and you can use your phone to take pictures and videos. Secondly, if you find yourself in trouble you may need your phone to get in contact with the emergency services or a relative or friend. You may not need your phone whilst you are away, but it’s always best to have it on hand just in case.
Although most places accept card payments it’s always best to have a small amount of cash on hand. This, similarly to having your phone with you, is just in case of an emergency. You never know when you will need cash, so it’s wise to get a small amount out before you leave. As well as this, some places you visit on your travels may not take cards so it’s best to have cash for buying food, drinks, and any souvenirs you may want to pick up along the way.
Solo travelling is a great way to meet new people, both locals and fellow travellers. Whilst you are wandering around, don’t be afraid to speak to people. Ask locals for suggestions on what to do, where to eat, or where to get a drink. Speak to fellow travellers about their holiday experience so far. Being friendly is the best way to begin speaking to people, and you never know, you may find yourself meeting a life long friend.
Any form of travelling can be expensive, which is why it’s good to do as many free experiences as possible. A lot of locations will do free walking tours, which is a great way to meet fellow travellers whilst you explore your new location. Do as many free experiences as you can so that you can save your money for food, drinks, and any other experiences you want to try whilst in a new country.
The most important thing to remember about solo travelling is to embrace the experience. Enjoy your time travelling alone, experiencing a new country, and taking on a new adventure.
Whilst you are travelling we will be doing your laundry. To book your Laundryheap order head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
Whether you’re backpacking across the world or going on a hiking holiday, these are your backpacking essentials.
Essential documents
Money
Chargers
Shoes for all occasions
Plenty of underwear
Suitable clothing
Medicine
Essential toiletries
Backpack rain cover
Reading material
Essential documents
The most important thing to make sure you pack is your essential documents. This includes your passport, visas, transport tickets, and any other documents that will allow you to freely travel. Without these documents, you will not be able to travel so you must make sure that you have them with you at all times.
Money
Asides from your essential documents, the most important thing to pack in your travel backpack is money. You must make sure that you have enough money for the whole of your trip. If you are travelling to numerous countries with different currencies, you must make sure that you have a suitable amount of money in each currency you will be using. It’s always best to take extra money with you when you’re travelling just in case you run out before the end of your trip.
Chargers
Firstly, decide what electrical items you want to take with you. Whilst making your decision, think about the space that you will have in your backpack, how heavy your appliances are, and whether you will have access to charging ports. Once you have decided on your electrical items make sure that you pack your chargers. For backpacking, it’s always best to take portable chargers so that you can charge on the go.
Shoes for all occasions
There is limited space in a travel backpack, however, you must make sure that you pack shoes for all occasions. If you are planning on going on long walks or hikes make sure that you pack hiking boots. A comfortable pair of trainers is always essential whenever you go travelling. If you are staying in a hostel during your travels make sure that you pack a pair of flip flops for the showers.
Plenty of underwear
Whilst you’re travelling you may not always be able to find facilities to wash your clothes. This is why you must make sure to pack plenty of underwear. In addition to this, you may want to pack extra socks for when you’re walking as hiking boots tend to rub the heels of your feet. The more underwear you have the more prepared you will be for any situation.
Suitable clothing
Think about where it is you are travelling to and how active you are going to be. Use this as a guide to help you choose what clothing you are going to pack. If you are going to a warm destination you want to choose lighter materials. If you are going to a cold destination you may want to pack thermals. Regardless of where you are going make sure that you pack comfortably and practically. It’s always best to pack at least one waterproof jacket.
Medicine
If you suffer from allergies or need to take medication on a regular basis, make sure that you pack it. Ideally, you want any medication to be near the top of your bag so that it is easily accessible. Asides from medication that you take on a regular basis, make sure that you pack some basic medical essentials. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, sun cream, bug spray, etc. You want to make sure that you are equipped for any low-level injuries that you may face whilst on your travels.
Photo by Senior Airman Kirby Turbak
Essential toiletries
As previously mentioned, you do not have a lot of room in your travel backpack, so you need to bring essential toiletries only with you. Essential toiletries include toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, lip balm, and any contact lens solution you may need should you wear contacts. You may also want to take skincare products, however, these are not a priority and should be taken out if there is not enough room. You should store your essential toiletries at the top of your bag with your medicine as you never know when you may want to quickly freshen up.
Backpack rain cover
Your travel backpack will store all of your belongings for the duration of your travels. It will be the most important item on your trip. This is why it is essential that you invest in a backpack rain cover. You don’t want to get stuck in the rain with your backpack and risk getting your belongings wet, and potentially destroyed. A backpack rain cover will protect your backpack, and all of your belongings, from the rain, ensuring a safe and dry journey.
Reading material
When your travelling you need to conserve the battery on your devices, such as your phone, as you won’t always have access to charging portals. This means that when you aren’t exploring, you will have to find other ways to entertain yourself. Take some reading material on your travels as a way to entertain yourself. You could even take books on your destination(s) so that you can do some pre-reading on where you are going. Make sure that you don’t pack too many books though as you don’t want to make your bag too heavy.
woman, reading, book
Laundryheap is available in several countries across the world, including Bahrain, Singapore, and Kuwait. If you are looking to get your laundry done whilst on your travels, head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your service.
Whether you’re camping for a week, or travelling the world on a gap year, packing a travel backpack is difficult. Here are some tips to help you out.
Make a list
Pockets, pockets, pockets
Be versatile
Roll your clothes
Toiletries at the top
Don’t forget a plastic bag
Make sure it’s waterproof
Weight distribution
Make your bag distinctive
Lock it up
Make a list
Before you even begin packing you need to write a list. Write down everything that you need- clothes, shoes, underwear, toiletries, etc. Writing a list will help you to visualise exactly what you will need to fit in your backpack and can help you eliminate the unnecessary items. Additionally, writing down what you will need could help you to think of essentials that you may have forgotten about. Once you have made your list, you can then begin to think about the space that your backpack provides you and how everything is going to fit into it.
Pockets, pockets, pockets
You may have noticed that your travel backpack has an abundance of pockets. You need to utilise the space that these pockets provide. They are perfect for separating your clothes, storing important items, such as money and your passport, and even storing your water bottle in an accessible place. Take note of the location of these pockets and, before you begin packing, evaluate what items will be best to put in them.
Be versatile
When it comes to the clothing that you pack be as versatile as possible. You don’t have a lot of room, so you need to be smart about the clothing you choose. You need to pack suitable clothing for the climate that you are travelling to, that can be worn on multiple occasions. Remember, whilst your travelling you may not always have access to cleaning facilities, so think about investing in easily washable, and stain-resistant clothing.
Roll your clothes
Once you have made a list and decided on your items, you can begin packing. It’s important to always be conscious of the amount of space that you have in your backpack. To conserve as much space as possible, roll your clothes rather than fold them. Not only will this conserve space, but it will also prevent your clothes from becoming overly wrinkled.
It’s always best to leave your toiletries until last so that they rest at the top of your backpack. As you are travelling there will be times when you want to quickly freshen up, maybe after a long hike or particularly gruelling plane ride, and the easier your toiletries can be accessible the sooner you can continue your adventure. You never know when you will need a deodorant top-up, so it’s best to keep it somewhere accessible, just in case.
Image by Jack Kennard
Don’t forget a plastic bag
Unlike when packing for a normal holiday, when you’re packing a travel backpack you need to think about things that you will need for every scenario. Plastic bags, for example, are a staple for any backpacker. They can be used to store dirty and/or wet clothes so, when you do come across a cleaning facility, you will know what items need to be washed. This delays the amount of time you spend doing laundry and gives you more time to explore.
Make sure it’s waterproof
No matter what climate you are travelling to your backpack must be waterproof. You don’t want your clothing, possessions, and important travel documents to become water-logged on your travels. If your backpack is not already waterproof, or if you would like an extra waterproof layer for protection, you can buy a waterproof bag cover.
It’s important to remember that you will be carrying your backpack with you most, if not at all, times whilst you are travelling. This means that you have to make sure that your backpack is not too heavy or difficult for you to carry. The best way to ensure this is to put the heaviest items nearest to your spine, meaning that they are packed first and towards the middle of the bag. Medium-weighted items should be put towards the top of your backpack, with the lightest items, such as clothing, being put at the bottom. The aim is to keep the weight centred and close to your body so that it doesn’t pull painfully at your back and shoulders.
Make your bag distinctive
There are only a certain number of different travel backpack designs. This means that you may come into contact with other people who have the same, or at least a very similar, backpack as yourself. To avoid any potential bag mix-up make sure that your backpack is very distinctive looking. This way, if you do lose it for any reason, you can easily describe it. Use bright colours and embellishments to make your bag stand out. Think outside of the box and get creative.
Lock it up
You need to make sure that your backpack is as safe and secure as possible. Buy yourself a lock that can be looped around your backpack and prevent people without a key from accessing the contents of it. The easiest way to prevent anything from happening to your bag is to make sure that it is with you at all times. Try not to let your bag out of your sight if you can.
Luckily, Laundryheap is fully operational in several countries around the world, including Singapore, Kuwait and the US. Whilst your travelling don’t forget to use our postcode checker to see if we can take the stress of doing laundry away from you. Head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your slot now.
If being in self-isolation is leaving you yearning for a holiday more than ever, here are 10 fun facts about Amsterdam. The ideal post-isolation city break destination.
Amsterdam got its name from the Amstel river
Amsterdam is the new capital of the Netherlands
Amsterdam lies below sea level
Amsterdam has over 100 canals
There are over 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to dancing houses
Amsterdam’s tap water is safe to drink
Amsterdam is home to some of the most famous museums in the world
Amsterdam’s floating flower market
Amsterdam’s tourists drastically outweighs its locals
Amsterdam got its name from the Amstel river
Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village in the 12th century. The city grew around the Amstel river and was protected by a dam that prevented flooding from the ZuiderZee (South Sea). Thus the name Amsterdam was given to the city as a combination of Amsel and Dam.
Amsterdam only became the official capital of the Netherlands in 1983. Prior to this, everyone assumed that Amsterdam was the capital but it was never official. Despite being the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam isn’t the political capital. The Netherlands government buildings are actually housed in Hague.
Amsterdam lies below sea level
Half of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, is situated below sea level. In the 12th and 13th century, residents would dig ditches and remove water to pump windmills. This resulted in the ground getting progressively lower to the point where half of the Netherlands now remains 2 meters below sea level. Without the dikes and dunes that are enforced every year, the Netherlands would be submerged underwater.
Amsterdam has over 100 canals
There are 165 canals across Amsterdam, which separate the city into 90 different islands. The majority of them were built in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. They now have a combined length of 100km. Amsterdam is notorious for its canals, so much so that the historic Canal Belt, or ‘Grachtengordel’ in Dutch, is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
There are over 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s canals are home to 2,500 houseboats, many of which have been afloat for centuries. Houseboats are either wooden or concrete, with the concrete ones being most desirable. If you own a wooden houseboat you are legally required to take it to a shipyard every three years for repairs and to be painted. The majority of the boats are residential, however, you can find hotel houseboats and even museum houseboats.
Amsterdam is home to Dancing Houses
The Dancing Houses of Amsterdam are famous. Found on the edge of the Damrak canal these houses get their name from their crooked appearance. Originally built as both houses and offices for wealthy bankers, the soil these houses were built on was so swampy that they had to be built on stilts. This caused the houses to wobble and sink slightly, making them off-balance. The Dancing Houses are a regular tourist attraction and a highlight of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s tap water is safe to drink
Amsterdam’s tap water is the cleanest in the Netherlands. Above this, the Netherlands has the cleanest tap water in Europe.
Amsterdam is home to famous museums
Not only is Amsterdam home to some of the most famous museums in the world, but it also has more museums per square meter than any other city. Famous figures, such as Anne Frank and Van Gough, have museums in Amsterdam, alongside the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam museum.
The Netherlands is well known for its flowers, specifically tulips. The iconic floating flower market of Amsterdam has been in business since 1862. It is now one of the most famous flower markets in the Netherlands. To this day, all the stalls of the market are located on boats as a remembrance to when flowers were delivered to the Netherlands by boat.
Amsterdam’s tourists drastically outweigh its locals
Amsterdam is visited by roughly 14 million tourists per year. 4.5 million of these tourists travel from the Netherlands, with the rest travelling from around the globe. Amsterdam is home to only 821,000 residents, meaning that the tourists drastically outnumbers the locals.
Another fun fact about Amsterdam is that Laundryheap operates from the city. If you are visiting Amsterdam and need your clothes laundered you can book your slot via the Laundryheap website or on the app.
Dubai is a city known for being technologically and architecturally advanced, yet it is incredibly traditional and religious. That is why we have made this guide of Do’s and Do Not’s for your visit to Dubai.
Do
Dress respectfully
Take taxis
Drink tap water
Leave the city
See the Burj Khalifa
Dress respectfully
Dubai is a traditional Islamic city so dressing conservatively is highly advised. It’s suggested that women wear loose-fitting dresses and skirts, and men trousers and jeans coupled with long sleeve tops. However, just because you have to dress conservatively, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably. Dubai is one of the capital cities of fashion, where men and women alike love to experiment with colours, fabrics, and patterns. So, be fashion-forward with your conservative attire.
Take taxis
Taxi services in Dubai are reasonably priced and a great way to escape the heat and travel around the city. Additionally, if you are planning a wild Dubai night out, it’s best to plan to get to the club via taxi. It’s an offence in Dubai to be seen on the street intoxicated and could lead to a fine or even a month in prison. Better to be safe and book your taxi to and from the club than risk a prison sentence.
Despite popular debate, it is safe to drink tap water in Dubai, so give it a taste. If you are still dubious, there are hotels that will import bottled water from Europe, however, due to the lack of environmental sustainability importation promotes, drinking imported water should be avoided. Instead, ask for locally sourced bottled water to avoid the harm to the environment and avoid the tap.
Leave the city
Dubai is a beautiful cosmopolitan city, but there is a lot to explore just outside the city walls. Take a trip to the desert one day and experience life beyond the city of Dubai. Desert safari experiences can be bought at a range of prices, and often involve a camel ride. Go wild for a day and return to the civilisation of the city later on.
No Dubai trip is complete without seeing the Burj Kalifa. Standing 829 meters tall, the Burj Kalifa is the tallest building in the world and an architectural sight to behold. You can pay to see Dubai from the buildings viewing platform 555 meters up, or be shadowed by the building as you observe it, for free, from below. Either way, your trip to Dubai will not be complete without visiting this spectacular structure.
Don’t
Wear swimwear away from the water
Take photos of government buildings
Eat or drink in public during Ramadan
Engage in PDA
Make big plans on a Friday
Wear swimwear away from the water
As previously discussed, Dubai has a conservative dress code; this code also applies to swimwear. When at the beach or a pool it is completely acceptable to wear any form of swimwear that you desire. However, as soon as you step out of the water, you must be conscious of your clothing and consider throwing on a dress or shirt over your swimwear.
Regardless of where you go on holiday you always want to take a few snaps for the memories. Dubai is home to some of the most extraordinary modern-day buildings that, undoubtedly, need to be caught on camera. This being said, be mindful not to capture any government buildings as, for security reasons, this is strictly prohibited.
During the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims will take part in Ramadan where they will fast during daylight hours. If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan the locals won’t expect you to take part in the festival, however, you must be respectful towards those who are. If you want to eat and drink during daylight hours there are a handful of cafes and restaurants that stay open, however, you’re options will be limited. Alternatively, you can eat and drink in your room until the sun goes down.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA) are a strong offense in Dubai. Everything from a kiss on the cheek to hugging in public is considered indecent. At a push, a married couple may hold hands, but even that is pushing the boundaries of acceptability. To avoid causing offense, it’s best to save showering your other half in affection until you return to your hotel room.
Make big plans on a Friday
Friday is considered a holy day in Dubai and is therefore not for working. Don’t worry, the whole city doesn’t grind to a halt, but you should expect there to be a limited number of amenities open. Bear this in mind when planning your Dubai trip and consider having a beach day on Friday.
Whatever you’re plans are in Dubai, do make sure that you use Laundryheap for all your holiday laundering needs and do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy your trip in the freshest smelling clothes.
Coventry often gets overlooked on the tourist trail in the United Kingdom. Rich with history, hidden gems, and a host of incredible tourist attractions to see, the West Midlands town is certainly worth a visit.
Recently named the UK City of Culture for 2021. The city is home to four major sporting teams, a plethora of music venues and its cultural influence on the UK is evident throughout history. So, whether you are thinking of visiting from another part of the UK or further afar, this list will give all the reasons you need to visit Coventry.
See whats left of one of England’s most famous cathedrals
Take in Coventry’s version of the Sistine Chapel
Watch one of Coventry’s four major sports teams
Visit the Lady Godiva
Coventry is the birthplace of Two Tone music
Go to the Transport Museum
Check out the unsung art and culture
It’s easily accessible
We operate there!
See whats left of one of England’s most famous cathedrals
During the Blitz of World War II, Coventry was on the the cities most affected by the shelling. The bombing in November 1940 is what saw the devastating destruction of the Coventry Cathedral.
The ruins of the medieval structure remain today in the form of a visitor site. Afterwards, Sir Basil Spence designed a second cathedral which features a grand but modest tapestry by the renowned English artist Graham Sutherland. This second cathedral now lays adjacent to the site of the original. Coventry is the only city in the UK to have had a total of three cathedrals in the past millennia.
Watch one of Coventry’s four sports teams
Coventry has several professional sports teams that play their home games in the city. In terms of professional football, Coventry City FC has represented the city since 1883 and currently play in the Football League One. City are the only professional football team representing Coventry.
Rugby Premiership side Wasps RFC is the newest professional team to play their home games in the city. They left London for the Ricoh Arena in 2014 and haven’t looked back since. As well as Wasps, Coventry R.F.C. and Coventry Bears represent the city in Rugby Union and Rugby League respectively.
Visit the Lady Godiva
Coventry legend narrates that Lady Godiva, an English noblewoman, rode naked on a horse through the city’s street in protest to a tax her own husband had imposed on his tenants. Some even claim the phrase ‘Peeping Tom’ came from this legend because in later versions of the story a man named Thomas was struck blind for looking at the naked Godiva riding.
Coventry City pays homage to this story in various forms, including a clock and a statue of Lady Godiva riding her horse in the city centre. As well as these more traditional nods to the legend, the city hosts the Coventry Godiva Festival. This is Britain’s largest free family festival. The event hosts up to 189,00 people and has had artists like Kasabian and Biffy Clyro headline over the years.
Coventry is the birthplace of Two Tone music
The Specials was formed in Coventry in 1977 and are arguably Coventry’s most successful exports. They are known as the originators of Two Tone music (which fuses ska with punk rock) and took Britain by storm in the late 70s.
Two Tone music is credited with spreading a message of racial unity. As a result of this, Coventry City FC has released a limited edition shirt to commemorate the band and the influence they had on English culture. The kit features aspects of the label’s black and white branding, and the anti-racism Kick It Out logo. One framed shirt has been donated to the Coventry Music Museum by the club to celebrate Two Tones 40th anniversary.
Go to the Transport Museum
Coventry was once one of the car manufacturing capitals of the world. Despite this no longer being the case, the museum still has an impressive collection of cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Not many people know Coventry was actually the birthplace of the bicycle. You can learn more about this and loads of other interesting facts at the Transport museum. Most importantly, the museum is located in the City Centre, so it is easily accessible for those visiting without a car.
Check out the unsung art and culture
Coventry certainly has its fair share of art and culture to take in. Warwick Arts Centre sits on the outskirts of the city and has an incredible programme of films, plays and performances. Despite the name, the centre is much closer to Coventry than Warwick. It is also one of the biggest centres of art outside of London.
Within the city of Coventry itself, be sure to visit the Herbert Art Gallery which hosts various exhibitions from local artists old and new. After that, why not take a trip to the Belgrade Theatre, a long-standing provincial theatre. Similarly, you can visit the more modern Tin Music and Arts Centre in the Canal Basin. This centre hosts a mix of music, film and classes, providing something for all tastes.
It’s easily accessible
Coventry is only about an hour by train from London, located around 95 miles to the north-west of the capital. The city’s convenient midlands location means it is also easy to get to from cities in the North of England.
For overseas travellers, Coventry does have its own airport that goes to a few locations within Europe. Alternatively, Birmingham City airport is only a 30-minute drive or 20-minute train journey away.
We operate there!
If all the reasons on this list are not enough to entice you into visiting Coventry, then you should probably know that we also operate in the city. If you do find yourself in Coventry with laundry that needs to get done, Laundryheap are here to help! You can book a same-day laundry & dry cleaning collection with free next-day delivery.
Amsterdam is ripe with history, culture and excitement. The city has something for everyone, with priceless work of arts and historic architecture coexisting harmoniously alongside coffee shops (marijuana dispensaries) and the red light district.
It is always worth thinking ahead and deciding what to pack for your trip in advance. So, whether you are travelling from within Europe or coming from further afar, make sure you come prepared.
I Amsterdam City Card
Maestro Card/ Cash
Waterproof Clothing
OV-Chip Card
Bring Earplugs
Backpacks Over Suitcases
Comfy Shoes Over Clogs
Don’t Forget Your Travel Adaptor
Study A Map Of Beforehand
Carry ID At All Times
I Amsterdam City Card
The I Amsterdam City Card offers you a unique way to explore the Dutch capital. The card will give you admittance to the majority of the cities main highlights, including more than 70 museums, public transport, canal cruises, discounted dining and bike hire.
You can order your card online before you reach the city and have it shipped home, to your hotel or pick it up once you arrive. If you are already in town, you can pick it up straight away – there’s no processing time. This card comes with a booklet, map and magazine, perfect for planning your trip as soon as it arrives. Alternatively, you can download the I Amsterdam City Card App to check out some of their recommended itineraries.
Maestro Card/ Cash
If you have not travelled to Amsterdam before you won’t be aware that most supermarkets don’t accept anything other than maestro cards. Likewise, with smaller businesses like cafes, bars and restaurants have a similar policy regarding credit cards.
You do not want to be that unsuspecting Visa or Mastercard user who’s card gets rejected after enjoying a three-course meal in a posh restaurant. For that reason, be sure to either have a maestro card at hand or carry cash with you at all times. But, there is no need to worry too much, though, as there is an abundance of ATM’s scattered around the city.
Waterproof Clothing
Amsterdam weather can be very unpredictable all year round, but chances are if you are there for more than two days you’ll see some rain. With this in mind, we advise you to pack several items of waterproof clothing. A good rain jacket and some a sturdy pair of boots should do the trick.
OV-Chip Card
Amsterdam is renowned as a cycle-city, but it’s public transport is comprehensive and efficient. To travel on public transport in the city, you will need an OV Chipcard. Buses, trams, trains and metro services require this useful smart card to gain access.
Thankfully, there is no specific OV Chipcard for tourists. We recommend using the single-use chipcard or an ‘anonymous’ OV Chipcard. You can purchase your OV Chipcard at public transport service desks, ticket machines at train stations, tobacco shops and in several supermarkets.
Bring Earplugs
Amsterdam’s city centre can be a particularly busy place both during the day and at night. As a result, the noise levels can be extremely loud and keep you awake at night if you stay in the centre of the city. It is worth packing a pair of noise-cancelling earplugs. This will ensure you get enough rest to see all the sights in the day.
Backpacks Over Suitcase
When packing for your trip to Amsterdam, try to remember that many of the cities streets are cobbled and not ideal for suitcases. A good size traveller backpack will serve you perfectly well in the city. This is especially true if you are only staying for a few days.
Comfy Shoes Over Cloggs
Do not be fooled by Amsterdam’s flat terrain, walking around the city all day will leave a mark on your feet. To avoid blisters and bruises, make sure you pack comfy trainers or sturdy boots. Also, you will undoubtedly find yourself riding a bike at some point. This calls for suitable footwear with high-grade calf support. The Dutch may have historically worn Clogs on their feet, but times have evolved and so has the footwear.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Adaptor
Like most other countries in the EU, the Netherlands power sockets have two prongs. So, if you are travelling from any non-EU country, we recommend buying a travel adaptor before arriving in Amsterdam. You do not want to reach your hotel without access to your phone charger or beard trimmer when you have big plans in the city that night.
Study A Map Of Amsterdam Beforehand
The Dutch Capital has a notoriously confusing layout, thanks to the endless canals that curve around its oldest and more central neighbourhoods. For this reason, we recommend consulting a map before you get to the city. It is almost inevitable that you will get lost on your first outing onto the canals,that is why identifying key landmarks beforehand can help you find your bearings.
Carry ID At All Times
If you are not a native Amsterdamian, you probably won’t be aware that in the Netherlands you are required by law to carry ID at all time. Due to this law, you must remember to carry a form of photo ID card at all times. Although it is not common, police officers can fine you if you do not have identification present on request.
If you are thinking of travelling to Amsterdam follow these tips, stay safe and enjoy your trip. If you require a laundry service on your trip, Laundryheap is here to help with all your laundry worries.
Solo travelling can be an experience like no other! With no friends or family with you, it can be easy to begin daydreaming about sleeping in with no judgement or stuffing our faces day after day, guilt-free.
Travelling solo can indeed produce a wealth of excitement and adventure. It is also true that it brings with it some real struggles. One day your drinking at a hostel bar with new your new fascinating international friends, the next you might find yourself alone and lost in one of the less friendly neighbourhoods in town. If you are thinking of giving solo travelling a try, then make sure know what you are getting yourself into.
Breaking the news to friends and family that you will be solo travelling
Having to make new friends
Bringing your bag with you EVERYWHERE
Not speaking to anyone for a whole day (or more)
Relying on selfies
No one to split the bill with
Getting lost on your own
Feeling sick with no one to look after you
Having no one to share your experiences with
Breaking the news to friends and family that you will be solo travelling
This is something anyone who has considered travelling solo will understand. Before your dream is even close to becoming a reality, expect your parents to ask you thousands of time: “Why would you want to travel ALONE?!”. The same applies to close friends who might take offence to you wanting to travel on your own instead of with them.
Getting questioned by your friends and family is always the first struggle solo travellers face themselves with. Some will question your motives for travelling solo, some your capacity to make friends and others might question your ability to survive on your own! Nearly 100% of the people bombarding you with such questions would have never been solo travelling themselves. They might not understand the numerous reasons there are for wanting to see the world on your own. Don’t let these initial reactions from people put you off of your dream.
Having to make new friends
The fear of not making new friends when travelling alone is probably number one on most peoples list of worries about travelling solo. Images flash through our minds of us sitting alone at a hostel bar, no one wanting to talk to us, checking our phones habitually for any human contact we can find.
This reality can be especially true for those of us who are more introverted and don’t make friends as easily as others. It might be that you are surrounded by more brash extroverts who prevent you from getting a word in or just that you find it hard to build enough courage to start a conversation with someone. Thankfully, there are some suggestions to combat this struggle. You can always book day trips where you find plenty of like-minded solo travellers also looking for friends. Better yet, you could use this opportunity as a chance to grow your social skills and push you out of your comfort zone.
Bringing your bag with you EVERYWHERE
Picture this, you have just arrived at your destination after 8 excruciating hours on a bus with no toilet on board. In a desperate hurry, you grab your bags and head full steam ahead for the bathroom. Just as you enter the door of the bathroom, you realise no one is with you to look after your bag, meaning you have to stuff yourself and your two oversized bags into the cubicle with you.
This situation isn’t unique to bus stations, though. Want to go to the toilet in Mac Donald’s? Better bring your bag. Want to check out that beautiful view at the top of the hill? Be sure to take your bag. With no one around to watch out for your stuff, you have to be extra vigilant and ensure you bring your luggage with you EVERYWHERE when travelling from one spot to another.
Not speaking to anyone for a whole day (or more)
The thought of spending some time alone could seem appealing to some people thinking of travelling solo. Although not all people quite realise just how much time they will spend alone. It is pretty common to leave the hostel in the morning, explore the city all day, and return at night without having said a word to anyone. Especially if you are in a country with locals who speak little English.
While this can sound like heaven to some people, others aren’t as keen on their own company. This can often induce feelings of loneliness in people. The best way to avoid this problem is to hang around the hostel bar – strike up a conversation with the barman and your fellow travellers. Ask about their time in the city, or their experiences travelling so far, you might just find out some useful tips. You could end up finding yourself the perfect companion to accompany you on your next exploration around the city.
Relying on selfies
A common theme for most solo travellers is that their photo albums only consist of two types of photos: photos of incredible views; and selfies with said incredible views in the background. You want to capture this once in a lifetime moment, but also don’t want to look like an obnoxious tourist carrying a selfie stick around.
The only solution to this struggle is to ask a stranger to take a picture of you. It could be helpful to learn how to ask for a photo in the local language. This might seem like an impossible challenge, but it could be the only way to get that photo you so desperately desire.
No one to split the bills with
Splitting the bill on holiday is a ritual many of us take for granted. We all have glorious memories of enjoying delicious meals with friends on holiday and not being able to believe how cheap it was when divided up in the group.
This problem doesn’t just relate to your time spent eating out on holiday. That cab from the airport would be 1/2 the price if you had 2 friends with you. That private hotel room with two beds inside would also be 1/2 the price if you had someone else to share with. As a solo traveller, you have to get used to eating all the costs throughout your trip. There isn’t an easy answer to this problem, you can use tools like Uber Pool to split the cost of taxis, but you will need to find friends to dine with if you want some help covering dinner.
Getting lost on your own
Having two heads instead of one when navigating your way around a new city comes with its advantages. When you get lost in a new place with a friend, it can be an exciting adventure that you will one day retell to all your friends. When you get lost in a foreign place on your own, it can quickly become a scary experience, especially as darkness starts to creep into the sky.
The best thing you can do if you find yourself in this sort of situation is to remain calm and remind yourself that if you got yourself to this point, then you can yourself back to your hostel. It might be a good idea to carry a business card from your hotel or hostel or take down the address on a piece of paper. That way you’ll always have the address to get home, even when your phone has run out of battery. Another tip would be making the most of the free city maps you find in almost every hotel or hostel reception.
Feeling sick with no one to look after you
It’s never nice getting sick, especially when you are on holiday, and even more so if you are alone. No one wants to be the person in a hostel dorm keeping everyone up all night, with there sneezes and coughs, not to mention the fear of spreading the illness.
With no friend to confide in and tell you it’s going to be OK, you can find yourself calling your parents at awkward times to describe your symptoms in the hope they have the magic cure. If you do get sick while travelling solo, take the time to slow down, get some rest and take the break your body is clearly crying out for. It could be a solid move to treat yourself to that private hostel room to ensure you don’t alienate yourself from the rest of the backpackers by keeping them up all night.
Having no one to share the experience with
There will be various times throughout your solo journey that something unbelievable will appear in front of you, you will be dying to discuss this phenomenon, but alas, you will be alone. This can often be a strange realisation for travellers when they find themself faces with incredible beauty but have no one to discuss it with.
That is not to say these moments can’t still be enjoyed when you are alone. Times like this are perfect for self-reflection or journaling your experiences. It will also help you to appreciate your own company and eventually realise some moments are more special when only experienced by yourself.
If you are travelling solo and you are lucky enough to end up in one of the cities we operate in, why not choose Laundryheap as your new laundry companion. We are currently based in London, but our services are available in London, Manchester, Coventry, Birmingham, New York, Dublin, Dubai, Sharjah and Amsterdam.
