Six ways to travel authentically in 2016

It’s never been easier, or some might say, cheaper to travel the world. Recent years have seen an influx of major airline competitors offering discount fares. The sharing economy has also opened up a whole new world of accommodation options for travellers once they reach their destinations. In addition to this, the gap year trend is rippling through to, errr new audiences, you could say, in older generations – those seeking authentic ‘backpack’ style experiences whilst away, regardless of the length of their trip.

Culturally we’re stepping away from being holidaymakers, and moving on to becoming travellers.

As a result, we crave authenticity of our experience. We want to know about and visit the hidden spots, the locals only beaches, the off-the-beaten-track coffee stalls – but it can be hard to find these… after all, if they were in all the guidebooks, they mightn’t necessarily be as authentic, right?

To help you out here are six top ways to seek out and find authentic travel experiences and ‘live like a local’ throughout your trip abroad:

 

image1) Eat with locals. There is no better way to literally get a taste of the local culture than by eating with a local. The sharing economy was made for food, really. VizEat is Europe’s largest social dining network and you can use the platform on your desktop or on mobile (iOS) to find locals in your travel destination to share an unforgettable and authentic travel experience. For example, a meal in their home or an “in the know” food tour of local producers.

image2) Travel with locals. Get around like the locals. If the city you’re visiting is cycle friendly, like Copenhagen, for example, embrace that. Otherwise, use an app like GoEuro to help you navigate your way around the local public transport system. While you’re at it, take the road less travelled. When you purposefully turn left instead of right, or take a few turns off of the main high street, that’s when you’re more likely to find a quirky shop, hidden gem of a cafe, interesting park or even a secret back-beach depending on where you are!

image3) Stay with a local. Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, this is no longer hard to do. Just jump on, search for your destination (there are hosts in over 191 countries – for the trivia buffs out there, that’s nearly all of them!) and request to stay. If you’re new to the platform or have any reservations about making a, ahem, reservation, just seek out the properties with lots of five star ratings and read through the user feedback.

image4) Shop with the locals. This is made easier if you make the effort to learn a few words of the local language – ok so you mightn’t be able to fluently bargain for the best deals at markets and the like, but you will feel more confident in stepping off the well-trodden high street equivalent paths. Local markets, particularly those not right in the tourist hotspots, can provide hours worth of free (depending on how restrained you are!) people watching and local interaction. It’s a great way to observe first-hand the sights and smells and the cultural business and social interactions of your destination. Language learning apps like Duolingo can help you to pick up a few usual phrases to try out during your shopping expedition. In France? Le fromage… combien?

image5) Sightsee with the locals. When you’re in a new place, there’s nothing better than having a local guide to take you around. There are loads of commercial tours – both walking and via bus or car – available to be found and booked online but the best things in life are free, right? Well, free-ish. Free Walking Tours By Locals is just that – a nifty little collection of where around Europe that you can book in to go on a free tour run by, you guessed it, a local. Don’t forget to tip generously though – this is usually how the guides make their living.

6) Finally, plan… but not too much. Leave time in your itinerary for those unexpected, unforgettable travel experiences.

THE ART OF PACKING – TUMI ‘s Top 10 tips

 

imageWith the holiday season well under way, we at Clothes-make-the-man.com, as always, are looking out for your best interests and to offer you invaluable advice. Now because of all this holiday shenanigans, we know no one like packing, it throws up all sorts of issues, leaving it to the last minute, have you packed enough or too much, I really should replace those speedos, yes you really should replace the budgie smugglers, honestly ! Do I have my passport, suncream, travel adaptor. The list is literally endless, as is the headache, until you’re laying on that lounger, relaxed with a bright coloured drink in hand. So, because we think so highly of our beloved readers we sort the advice of the experts, Luggage supremos and connoisseurs TUMI, to give us the inside know how. Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. The brand is sold in over 300 stores from New York to Paris to London and Tokyo,  so they know a thing or two when it comes to packing.

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1) First things first. Always check the weather forecast for your destination.

2) Use the TUMI folding pack to pack a separate set of clothes into your brief or personal item, just in case your luggage gets lost.

3) Have an “essentials pack” on hand with painkillers, hand sanitizer, umbrella, etc.

4) Turn your blazer inside out to prevent wrinkling. Pack socks, undergarments and other small items around the handlebars to create a flatpacking surface.

5) Put a dryer sheet inside your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

6) When hanging items, layer garments; blouse/jacket/ pants all can be hung on one hanger. Wrap belts around the inside of the case, insert into shoes, or line collars with them to keep them crisp.

7) Roll clothes instead of folding. (i.e. roll socks and stuff into your shoes.)

8) Unscrew the lids of liquid cosmetics/toiletries and place a simple patch of cling film on the top and screw them back on to prevent any liquids from ruining your trip.

9) Choose the right shoes and wear the heaviest ones to reduce weight in your suitcase.

10) Buy toiletries when you get to your destination or use the ones the hotels provide to reduce space and weight in your bag.

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Going for Gold: Your Must Have Olympics Attire

By: Keanu Adorable

The greatest quadrennial sporting event in the whole world has come again, and this time we’re in the tropical and sunny shores of Rio de Janeiro. Amidst the hype and controversy surrounding the Olympics, we here at CMTM cannot wait for the events to begin and get the party started! In preparation for Rio 2016, which begins on August 5, we have complied the best Rio themed merchandise that will help you look the part when watching the Olympics this month.

Omega “RIO 2016” Limited Edition Watch -£4,100 GBP

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Omega is the official timekeeper for the Olympics, and for this year’s Rio games they’ve released 2,016 special Speedmaster Mark II watches. The watch is embodied with a steel case with polished crown and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, features a matt black dial with a 30-minute recorder, 12-hour recorder and a small seconds sub-dial at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock which are decorated with a bronze, 18K yellow gold and 925 silver ring mimicking the Olympic medals.

Air Jordan 1 “Olympic” Retro High – £105

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Keeping things simple, the high-top model hosts a white base with “Deep Royal Blue” along its side panels and around the toe box. For a victory-inspired touch, its Swoosh is covered in “Metallic Gold Coin,” as is the “Wings” logo. Red branding can also be seen on the Jumpman logo along the tongue.

The “Olympic” Air Jordan 1 Retro High will retail for £105 when it drops worldwide later this summer.

Ralph Lauren Great Britain Polo – £119

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Ralph Lauren debuted his original polo shirt in 1972, and today the iconic style is offered in a wide array of colours and fits. This short-sleeve version is made from breathable cotton mesh and tailored for a trim, neat silhouette.

Adidas Team GB Hoodie – £50

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Adidas teamed up with British designer Stella McCartney for the official kit that Team GB will be wearing. Official merchandise have also been released for the public, so you can feel patriotic and cozy in the comfort of your own home.

Oakley Green Fade Collection – From £160 -£230

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To celebrate the 31st Summer Olympics, Oakley has designed a special-edition eyewear collection Green Fade, bringing back the vibrant green colour that was featured on the brand’s first performance product in 1980. The “Oakley Olympic team”, which includes the best athletes in the world, will wear Green Fade frames on the competition scene and when they’re relaxing. Another cool aspect of these specs are the fact that every piece of the collection is unique. All 100,000 frames are hand painted green through a particular colouring process. The EVZero, Radar EV Path, Flak 2.0 XL and RadarLock Path are out now.

Bonus – Limited Edition Apple Watch Bands 

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Like many major sporting event, the Olympic games inspires plenty of clothing and accessory brands to produce  products you can wear while rooting for your nation. Apple is no exception. The tech company will be selling Apple Watch bands that reference the national flags of 14 major competitors, meaning you can cheer on Team GB (or Team France, or Team Brazil) every time you get a notification on your Apple Watch. The only issue is that you can only get them if you’re in Brazil for the games. Specifically at the Apple Store at VillageMall in Barra da Tijuca. It’s the one which location sells the straps. If you’re not already planning a trip for the games, it might be worth it. Or if all else fails, eBay might be your best shot.

The bands are priced at R$329 (Brazilian currency, the real) a piece.

Top 10 DIY Family Activities for Rainy Days – The Stylish Dad

For a while now, I’ve been asked about,  if and when I’d start doing Dad focuses posts and for some unknown reason,  I’ve resisted it. Even though all this time, since I launch Clothes-Make-the-Man I’ve been a sleep deprived Father, helping to raise our two crazy, amazing, bonkers, adorable little ones. So here we have it, the launch of The Stylish Dad, posts hopefully, dedicated to all the Dad’s out there, trying to do their best, in this crazy parenting world. Please don’t think I’m going to be just talking about Nappies, sleepless nights and kids activities from now on. I hope you’ll agree with me when I say there’s so much more to us then parent related issues. We are still the same people we were pre-kids, with pretty much the same likes and interests. OK sorry we talk about our lil’uns too much, it’s just I’m sure you’ll agree, their are the best thing ever and by far the best product we have ever produces. So without further ado, here is your first post, hope you find it helpful and it does the trick. Please come and say HI over at Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and let us know your thoughts @TheStylishDad

These ideas are from Hape, who specialise in toys that are environmentally friendly and help children develop keys skills. Obviously these 10 games are all free and easy to make at home.

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Set sail for a new sensory Adventure with Aramis Voyager

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Since its launch in 1964, Aramis, has pioneered the prestige men’s grooming market with exclusive fragrances and skin care products exclusively tailored for the wants and needs of men. It was the first-ever men’s scent to be sold in department stores and was deemed not only as an over night success but a masterpiece in male fragrances. Over the years, Aramis has given birth to the successful Gentleman Collection and Lab Series for Men lines, but the original classic still enjoys a dedicated and loyal following today. It is sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

It’s latest incarnation, embarks on what can only be described as a new scent for the powerfully energetic and unequivocally masculine Aramis man. Aramis Voyager is both powerful and sensual and a real departure from its past brotherly scents. A new interpretation of classic elegance, this scent is inspired by the modern contemporary man and his love for adventure and discovery, whether that be in work or play. This captivating fragrance arouses the senses with a vibrant mix of notes including ginger, exotic woods and aromatic spices including nutmeg and tonka bean.

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