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Traveling in New Zealand in A Self-contained Campervan

Published

3 years ago

October 4, 2020

curator

Exploring New Zealand can be fun. The best way of doing it is obviously by renting or buying a self-contained campervan. You will have the opportunity to travel wherever you want, often camping under the starry skies.

There are very few experiences that come close to how united you will feel with Mother Nature while exploring in a self-contained campervan. Nevertheless, before you decide to ride off into the beautiful New Zealand sunset, you need to understand what having a self-contained campervan means.

For more information about self-contained campervans, you can check the following link: Self-contained Guide.

Reasons to Explore New Zealand in A Self-contained Campervan

The Ease Of Using a Self-contained Campervan?

A self-contained vehicle is what you will need since they come with amenities that allow you to store your items and dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly way. Once you’re done exploring for the day, you will need somewhere to rest and pack your campervan.

Luckily, there are many freedom camping sites dotted around the country where you’ll have access to some amenities without paying a single cent! Nevertheless, freedom camping sites come with some conditions. For instance, New Zealand has stringent rules when it comes to preserving the environment and ecology.

What a Campervan Needs to Be Classified as Self Contained

Self-contained campervans usually have a government-approved blue sticker. This means that they have all the required amenities to get parking at freedom camping sites. If you park your campervan in a freedom camping site without the self-contained sticker, you are liable to pay hefty fines.

It’s not a risk you want to take since government officials patrol freedom camps frequently. Additionally, for a van to qualify as self-contained, it needs to have the following items:

Either a fixed or portable toilet
A freshwater tank
A covered rubbish bin
A grey water tank
A sink that has a water trap with connections to a water waste tank

Your van may have all these items, but it isn’t classified as self-contained if it doesn’t have the government sticker.

Where to Camp for Free

Just because New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world with plenty of nature trails and landscapes, it doesn’t mean you can park your campervan anywhere you wish. There are numerous designated spots for this in the North and South Island. Here are a few of them:

North Island

– Long Beach Domain

– Rankers Koha Camping

South Island

– Robin Hood Bay

– Lake Pukaki Rest Area

Do prior research and make a list of these locations based on the places you plan to visit.

Where to Dispose Of Water Waste

When you have a self-contained campervan, it is your responsibility to ensure it’s clean. You will also have to dispose of the waste responsibly. To empty the wastewater, you have to use the multiple dump stations all over NZ.

These stations will help you to dispose of the wastewater in your campervan correctly. Most local maps and camping apps will show you where they are located.

The Benefits of Using a Self Contained Campervan

As we mentioned earlier, New Zealand has stringent rules regarding taking care of the environment and being ecologically friendly. That’s why acts like dropping wastewater on the floor aren’t considered environmentally friendly: It is not only harmful to the public but the vibrant ecosystem of NZ.

Therefore, the first benefit of using a self-contained campervan is that it is eco-friendly. Apart from taking care of the environment, a self-contained campervan will allow you to park in all of the campsites in New Zealand. Most camps don’t allow vehicles without the self-containment certificate to park in their areas.

Besides, there are almost 340 campsites all over NZ for you to enjoy. Thus, you will have the freedom you need to get adventurous while being confident that you can access toilets, water, and showers. Make sure to ask your NZ rental for referrals to campsites along your route before leaving to explore.

Moreover, with a self-contained caravan, you can freedom camp on any public land with the necessary permissions. You will also find signs to show you if there isn’t camping allowed on a specific piece of land. If there aren’t any signs, it means most campers can park on the land as long as they have self-contained campervan certification.

However, it is not unusual for local councils to change their regulations on freedom camping. Districts all over New Zealand have differing freedom camping laws. Therefore, if you want to explore New Zealand on a self-contained campervan, you should make sure that you’ve done sufficient research about the locations you wish to visit.

Conclusion

Any person who thinks about New Zealand should consider exploring the nation with a campervan. Driving a campervan through NZ comes with both freedom and comfort and experiences that you’ll never forget.

Before you set off to start your adventure, there are things you have to consider. For instance, New Zealanders (who are fantastic people) have to bear the brunt of tourists who don’t do their part to conserve the environment. Be careful not to litter or let your toilet overflow. Treat the country as you would your home for future generations of Kiwis.

The post Traveling in New Zealand in A Self-contained Campervan appeared first on Travel Experta – Family Travel Blog.

By: Marina Villatoro
Title: Traveling in New Zealand in A Self-contained Campervan
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheTravelExperta/~3/mk0T3-H5ZQY/traveling-new-zealand-self-contained-campervan.html
Published Date: Sun, 04 Oct 2020 19:43:10 +0000

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Gift Ideas to Buy for Hiking Fans on Black Friday

Published

3 years ago

November 18, 2020

curator

Days spent on hiking is beneficial to every individual involved. It boosts up metabolism, burns out calories, releases oxytocin, and strengthens the muscles while keeping our bodily functions alert sharpening our senses. Hiking is a delightful way to explore places with our loved ones, friends, and relatives, so if you know a hiker inside your closest circle, giving them quality presents that can be used for hiking can enhance their experiences.

Black Friday Outdoor Equipment Deals

Hiking and wilderness exploration can be an excellent dynamic activity open to everyone. For some of us, a common detriment that we encounter is the amount of gear and equipment to prepare and bring for each of our adventures. These things should ensure our safety and convenience while being able to function proportionate to our needs.

Every seasoned backpacker or trekking enthusiast may indulge in quality tools and equipment that can assist them with their undertakings. If you know a passionate hiker you can read this review of the north face jester backpack in case you are wondering what to give them as a gift this coming holiday. Remember that the gear you want to present to them is manufactured with rugged materials built to withstand the strains and difficulties of natural terrain and different atmospheric conditions.

Black Friday is one of our most awaited shopping days of the year since it gives us the opportunity to land affordable deals with items of interest. Several companies have already launched many discounts and sales three weeks early before the actual event happens. More enterprises and products are expected to follow this trend until the ultimate showcase of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

If you want to purchase gifts in the form of outdoor gear and equipment, some of them are already accessible for early acquisition. But it is recommended to wait for Black Friday to avail them at their most discounted price. Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a shopping experience you do not want to miss when choosing and buying the best equipment for your next hiking activity.

Top Black Friday Gifts for the Hiking Enthusiast

Every outdoor specialist or hiking enthusiast knows the value that every tool on their arsenal can bring them while on the trail. They know that the quality of each item is proportionate to the function with their primary purpose. Modern-day equipment is built with robust materials that perform in conjunction with each personal need during any hiking adventure.

Hiking Jacket

Any person that wants to go on a hike should be prepared with every possibility. Rain, snow, hail, sleet, are probabilities that come naturally with adverse atmospheric conditions. Having a reliable hiking jacket layered with quality waterproof and tear-resistant fabrics keeps you dry while regulating your sweat output and body temperature.

Hydration Flask

Modern fluid flasks come in various forms such as the camel bak that lets you sip water or the rugged hydro flask manufactured with industrial metals. One of the difficulties caused by strenuous activities such as mountain climbing, jogging, hiking, or PT is the onset of dehydration. Outdoor items such as flasks and hydrating-equipment are designed to accompany every adventurer while providing them enough fluids during their journey.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are built with nylon, advanced composites, and durable yet lightweight fabrics. These shoes are designed to be waterproof while having a slip-resistant base that helps you grasp even the slimiest surfaces. They are also incorporated with enough padding and fits well with the contours of your feet that aids in preventing physical damages and discomfort while hiking or navigating rough terrain.

Campground Tents

In case your hiking ends up in a two or more day ordeal, having a convenient camping tent may provide you immediate shelter and a forward outpost. Camping tents are now capable of fitting in 8 people all at once built with reliable and flexible all-weather fabrics supported by modular poles for quick builds. These tents can be easily folded and stored in a carrying bag for travel convenience.

Conclusion

Hiking is an enjoyable activity that everyone can benefit from. It is great for exploring natural areas of the earth while providing enough exercise to burn out calories and excess fat stored while sitting in the office. If you know an outdoor enthusiast, then Black Friday can be a great opportunity to gather items valuable to their next adventure.

The post Gift Ideas to Buy for Hiking Fans on Black Friday appeared first on Travel Experta – Family Travel Blog.

By: Shahbaz Ahmed
Title: Gift Ideas to Buy for Hiking Fans on Black Friday
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheTravelExperta/~3/iLTbl2wK9RE/gift-ideas-to-buy-for-hiking-fans-on-black-friday.html
Published Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2020 13:44:00 +0000

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Surprise Alaska 50% bonus promotion, buy miles at 1.83 cents per mile

Published

3 years ago

November 17, 2020

curator

A surprise Alaska 50% bonus promotion is underway right now, where members can purchase miles with up to 50% bonus. The current promotion of up to 50% bonus is applicable on minimum purchase of 30K miles, on transactions completed by December 23, 2020.

ALASKA MILEAGE PLAN – UP TO 50% BONUS MILES

Link to Promotion

This promotion is tiered with 40% bonus on purchase of up to 29k miles. Minimum purchase of 30K miles is required for the 50% bonus. The bonus tiers look like this;

Buy 3,000 – 29,000 miles, get a 40% bonus
Buy 30,000 – 100,000 miles, get a 50% bonus

With a 50% bonus, this promotion yields 1.83 cents per mile – a decent value. Note that Alaska MileagePlan has has 60% bonus promotions in the past, which yield 1.72 cents per mile. The current promotion can be maximized by purchasing 100K miles, for a total of 150,000 Alaska miles;

Recall that Alaska airlines will not be joining OneWorld alliance until March 31, 2021, which means a window to leverage the sweet spots in the program. In its current state, Alaska miles are one of the most valuable airlines currency in the market and come with great airline partners and routing sweet spots (including stopover on on-way awards) – couple of examples;

Cathay Pacific from North America to Asia (Cathay Pacific Business Class on 777-300ER review 2018), o/w for 30K/35K/50K/70K across all cabins
Fiji Airways (no first class) and Qantas from North America to Australia, o/w for 55k in Business or 70K in First Class
American Airlines from North America to Europe, o/w for 22.5K/57.5K across Econ and Business

If you plan on purchasing miles, I recommend using them in a short turnaround, because there is a good chance we see some devaluations as the generous Alaska MileagePlan joins OneWorld.

Additional Terms and Conditions of the promotion

Transactions must be completed between 6:00 AM PST November 13, 2020 and 11:59 PM PST December 23, 2020 to be eligible for bonus miles.
Miles are purchased from Points.com Inc. for a cost of $27.50 per 1,000 miles, plus GST/HST for Canadian residents. QST will be charged to Quebec residents.
Miles are non-refundable and do not count toward MVP and MVP/Gold status.
You may purchase and gift Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles in increments of 1,000 miles up to 60,000 miles, and in increments of 5,000 miles up to a maximum of 100,000 miles per transaction.
MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K Mileage Plan member (Elite Member) accounts have no annual limit on the number of miles which may be purchased or gifted through Points.com. If you are not an Elite Member, your account may only be credited up to a maximum total of 150,000 miles acquired through Points.com in a calendar year, whether purchased by you or gifted to you.
Offer is subject to change and all terms and conditions of the Mileage Plan Program apply.

By: Points Miles and Bling
Title: Surprise Alaska 50% bonus promotion, buy miles at 1.83 cents per mile
Sourced From: travelupdate.com/surprise-alaska-50-bonus-promotion-buy-miles-at-1-83-cents-per-mile/
Published Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2020 18:05:04 +0000

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Sponsored: The Modern Sapien: Book One: The American – Sci-Fi, Apocalyptic, Satire Book Review

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2020

curator

Sponsored – this review is sponsored by writer of The Modern Sapien, John Michael Thomas.

PREMISE

For the most part, I’ve been stuck inside since March, due to COVID-19. I’ve had to cancel plenty of travel plans, and have been cooped up in my place due to my pre-existing condition making COVID a higher threat for people like me. While I have been daydreaming and planning future trips – late in 2021, hopefully – I’ve been trying to improve my knowledge base and read more. The author reached out and asked if I’d do a review, and I said I’d be happy to read and review. I purchased The Modern Sapien on Amazon for $2.99 for Kindle, and there is also a paperback and Kindle Unlimited subscription option.

Per the author, The Modern Sapien “…takes place in future phoenix, and is a satirical take on the way we live. It’s sci fi cyberpunk.” Sounds good to me, I’m a huge fan of sci-fi, alternative history, and the like from authors like Robert Conroy or Harry Turtledove, so this should be a fun review. I’m writing this as I read through it, which is something I have not done before.

Cover art from Amazon

Initial Thoughts

I’m not even 10% into the book, and it lives up to what he said – satirical take on the way we live. Set ~80 years in the future, the EU has launched their neucular arsenal against what’s left of the United States, based in Phoenix, and people are not only not afraid, they welcome the destruction. Lots of discussion about warring hash-tags and selfies and the misery olympics, between presumably better-off people of Phoenix ‘almost’ dying and having conniptions, and the “poverty-stricken Malawi” saying welcome-to-my-everyday-life in Africa. Definitely a very reputation-oriented culture in this book, which reminded me of the episode “Majority Rule” by FOX’s Orville by Seth McFarlane, where citizens rate each other and appearance is everything.

The book’s structure of data entries from various character’s point of view is a bit jarring, not entirely setting the stage for readers to grasp. Who is this person, why is this person the perspective that is important – is not entirely clear. Similar to the World War Z book where it’s told from different person’s perspectives, perhaps later in the book they’ll tie together somehow.

Modern Sapien paints a fantastical, disparate picture of the world 80 years in the future, due to the devastation from something called the “Seattle Hack” led by evil villain Jeff Bezos, and how companies became conglomerates and their own city-states to survive. There’s a online universe called the Nexus, which is similar to the Oasis from Ready Player One or the Matrix virtual reality, but with the real-life costs of the movie Surrogates, where the humans still need nutrients to survive. It is strongly anti-consumerism, I think, highlighting the reverence and honor paid to the Red Solo cup for example, as a goal to be achieved – everyone wants an authentically created one, rather than a “fabricated” product.

A quarter of the way in, the book starts to explain the setting. I’m a bit confused why it’s brought up here, when it should have been at the beginning, but I just shrug and move on.

I learned a lot more about encryption than I cared or needed to know, but interesting nonetheless, at a very basic level.

Relatable

While it is sci-fi and futuristic, it is relatable, such as when the Japanese kid at his graduation party (called adulting party) gets mobbed by far off relatives he barely knows, or is forced by his parents to make small talk and say hello to people he just could not care about. I certainly understand that feeling, as growing up I was told to go say hi to this person or talk to that person, and I just hated feeling like a talking, dancing monkey.

There’s a very good Handmaid’s Tale vibe of sacrificing freedoms for security with protection military and drones. Give up your guns, and everyone is safe (thanks to the drones)

Very distinct sci-fi vibe, maybe steampunk I could see as well.

Themes

As I’m progressing through the book I’m getting a very weird Brave New World vibe where everything, everyone has its place. The satire continues, as the author mocks vegetarians, war hawks, gun nuts, the younger generation, social media obsession, consumerism, religion, and many other topics. Very interesting, making me develop a mental ??? as I’m reading through it.

CONCLUSION

I did notice and do some double-takes over various typos in the book, which I assume an editor would have caught, which can change the wording or meaning of the sentences. That’s not ideal, but a good first effort. I would certainly read more about other books in the series once they are released, and for a reasonable $3 for 200+ pages, I’m pretty pleased with this purchase, sponsored or not. It boots you off to this parallel world where things are different, yet vaguely the same. I was not expecting some of the NSFW language or scenes I found in the book, so I wouldn’t prescribe it for young adults, but to each their own.

You can purchase a copy or learn more about the book on Amazon here.

Sponsored – this review is sponsored by writer of The Modern Sapien, John Michael Thomas.

Featured Image is from Pixabay. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which, should you click through and/or make a purchase, grant me a commission. Also, I only post in the best interest of my readers. Lastly, thank you for supporting my blog and my travels.

What do you think of my writing? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments, or reach me directly at TheHotelion@gmail.com! Like my posts? See more here, on TravelUpdate! Follow me on Facebook (The Hotelion) or on Twitter and Instagram: @TheHotelion

By: The Hotelion
Title: Sponsored: The Modern Sapien: Book One: The American – Sci-Fi, Apocalyptic, Satire Book Review
Sourced From: travelupdate.com/the-modern-sapien-american-sci-fi-apocalyptic-book-review/
Published Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2020 01:41:35 +0000