Author Archives: Chris Oldfield

Battle Of The Boutiques: Pretty Little thing vs. Missguided vs. Boohoo

Fast fashion is taking over our lives and feeding our online shopping addictions. Convincing us that we constantly need new outfits, drawing us in with sales, and tempting us with their low prices and luxury fashion knock-offs. With so many trying to grab our attention, we need to decide which one deserves our hard earned money (or student loan) and deserves to be the queen of the Student Boutiques. Now, Missguided, boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing (PLT) all have unique selling points, and they all try to address a different kind of girl.

1. PrettyLittleThing (PLT)

I have decided to end with these because I feel like they are just on a completely different level. Yet again, they offer sales and offers galore, gorgeous prints and use beautiful gals to draw you in. A little pricier than the others but this is because you’re paying for good quality! They love the glitz and glam and cheeky side boob shots, but also commit themselves to cute cover-ups, flattering flares, and luxurious long length gowns. PLT is always money well spent, boosting our self-confidence to level 100.

2. Missguided

Out of all three, Missguided offers the biggest student discount at a whopping 30%! How could you say no to that? They definitely appeal to a certain group of gals, that’s for sure. If you’re rebellious, a bit of a biker chick, in love with black and looking for something particularly seductive, Missguided is definitely the winner for you! They pride themselves on stripped down and black styles, revealing what makes a woman, a woman and generally ensuring you look as sexy as hell! They have the balance just right between showing off your best assets in a mature way while releasing your true personality tastefully.

2. boohoo

With such a huge array of products they offer, you can’t go wrong no matter the occasion or your personal style choices. At the most affordable prices out of the three, boohoo is sure to sort you right out and keep your bank balance in check too. If you label your style as the ‘girl next door’ then Boohoo can tick all your boxes, as I believe that this is the kind of girl that they are mainly designing for. Keeping up with constant sales, offers and new releases mean boohoo is doing everything in their power to ensure you can keep it classy and conservative, but a little bit cheeky also.

So, whether you’re the girl next door, a feisty one or someone that’s all about the glitz and the glam, all three are perfect choices. They obviously know what we students like and continuously get their trends and pieces on point. Where would we all be without our quick fix online boutiques? Probably a lot poorer than we currently are.

Out of PLT, boohoo and Missguided, which boutique is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Omaze: Win Prizes While Helping Charities

Have you heard about Omaze? Are you wondering what the deal is? Is Omaze legit? Why do they collect money, and where does that money go? Do people really win? Find the answers to these and other questions here.

What Is Omaze?

How would you like to get the chance to win a major prize or have a once-in-a-lifetime experience while helping a worthy cause at the same time? That’s the principle that drives Omaze.

According to Omaze, Inc.’s About Us page, Omaze was founded to challenge the idea that charities shouldn’t market themselves like for-profit businesses do, and should instead rely on expensive and exclusive galas to bring in funds.

Instead, Omaze incentivizes donations by giving people a chance to win prizes, and many more people can participate.

Founders Ryan Cummins and Matthew Pohlson also wanted to take once-in-a-lifetime prizes that, in a typical celebrity auction fundraiser, could only be afforded by the rich, and make them attainable by almost anyone, while simultaneously raising more money for worthy causes.

How Much of Your Donation Goes to Omaze’s Charities?

Fundraising with Omaze has fairly high overhead costs. For prized-based giveaways with chances to win a car or a house, only a little more than a tenth of each donation goes to charity. 

However, Omaze claims that the higher level of donations makes up for this shortcoming. After all, 10% of a million dollars is significantly more than 60% of $100,000.

Omaze’s experience-based giveaways have significantly less overhead since the prizes don’t cost as much. They deliver about 60% of their donated funds to their associated causes. 

The overhead also means that charities don’t have to pitch in any money for the fundraiser; the giveaways are self-funded. Part of every donation that comes in goes toward the giveaway’s costs, including prize acquisition and advertising. So while the whole donation doesn’t go to the charity, the charity doesn’t have to spend money out of pocket, either.

What Kinds of Prizes Can You Win From Omaze?

Omaze doesn’t offer run-of-the-mill prizes. Instead, you’ll have chances to win unique experiences with celebrities, massive amounts of cash, homes, cars, and more.

Some past Omaze giveaways have included chances to:

  • Attend the Game of Thrones finale with actress Emilia Clarke
  • Win a Lamborghini blessed by Pope Francis
  • Have your likeness drawn into an episode of BoJack Horseman

How to Enter Omaze’s Sweepstakes?

The classic way to enter Omaze’s giveaways is by making a donation. Every $10 in donations made through the Omaze entry form will give you one entry. Donations are rounded up, so a $20 donation will give you two entries while a $22 donation will give you three.

Of course, you do not have to make a donation to enter; each giveaway also has a non-purchase entry method. To use it, scroll down the sweepstakes page until you see the “Free Alternate Method of Entry” link. Click on the link and follow the instructions for your free entry.

Entering through the alternate entry method gives you 200 free entries. Whether you use donations or the AMOE to enter (or a combination of both), each person is limited to one million total entries per giveaway.

When it comes to who can enter and how, Omaze has a set of rules for all of their giveaways, but individual sweepstakes can have exceptions or expansions to those rules listed on their pages.

For example, Omaze giveaways are usually open to residents of most countries, with the exception being countries that are embargoed by the United States. If more regions are restricted from entering, that information will be listed on the sweepstakes page.

Is Omaze Legit?

Omaze is not a scam. It is a legitimate company that really does raise money for charity while giving away impressive prizes. And the funds they raise are impressive. For example, in August of 2019 alone, Omaze raised over $1.2 million for 43 different charities.

There are, however, some important things to keep in mind. Omaze helps charities, but it is not a charity itself; it is a for-profit company. It keeps about $1.50 of every $10 donation as income and spends another part of each donation for marketing and other expenses.

Furthermore, Omaze’s documentation says that it is unclear whether you can deduct your donations from your taxes. Some regions won’t let you deduct a donation that you make in return for consideration, and a grand prize counts. If you’d rather get a sure-fire deduction than a chance at a dream prize, donate directly.

On the other hand, if you like the thought that your good deed could also win you a prize like a Porsche with a trunk full of cash, Omaze is the way to go.

Do People Really Win Omaze’s Sweepstakes?

If you’re wondering whether Omaze’s sweepstakes are legit, rest assured those prizes really are awarded. And remember, although donations help good causes, they aren’t required to enter.

If you’d like to know more about the people who have been lucky enough to win Omaze’s fun prizes, check out their winners’ page. It not only includes the winners’ names but also photographs and descriptions of their experiences.

Current Omaze Sweepstakes to Enter

If you’d like to try your hand at being an Omaze winner, you can visit the Omaze Experiences page. Good luck!

The Best Tour Companies in Europe in 2019

A man leading a walking tour group in Germany
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.

When you think of group tours, you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.

In the past, that image was pretty accurate.

But now? Not so much.

These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.

I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.

If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:

THE BEST DY TOURS IN EUROPE

A charming narrow medieval street in the heart of Europe

New Europe

Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!

New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!

Most tours will last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.

–> Click here to learn more about New Europe!

Free Tours By Foot

Another free option is Free Tours By Foot. Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.

They also have partnerships with other tour companies so you can find more specialized options here as well. For example, they have a great beer tour of Paris (as well as a macaroon tour if that’s more your style). Those tours aren’t free (they cost around 60 EUR per person) but they are a great way to get a specialized insight (as well as to try some amazing French beer and desserts!).

–> Click here to learn more about Free Tours By Foot!

Walks

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Walks, which can be found in London, Athens, and various cities in Spain and Italy.

What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.

Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 60-90 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!

–> Click here to learn more about Walks!

Context Travel

Context offers comprehensive history, food, and cultural tours all around the continent. They are long, intellectual walks packed with information. Context hires experts to lead these tours (e.g., a chef for a food tour), which is why they are some of my favorites. They aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny if you’re serious about getting beneath the surface of a destination. Expect to pay around 100 EUR per person.

Context also offers amazing private tours, and you can book customized tours as well if there is something specific you’re interested in.

–> Click here to learn more about Context!

THE BEST MULTI-DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

A man cycling through the mountains of Europe

Busabout

Busabout is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that is popular with the backpacker crowd looking to meet and connect with other travelers. You can purchase tickets that let you travel the whole network with a set number of stops, and you can get on and off whenever you want.

The only downside to Busabout is that if you want to visit a city not on one of its routes, you have to make your own way there at an additional cost. But if you are looking to meet lots of people and not spend too much time worrying about your itinerary, then this is a great, affordable option.

–> Click here to learn more about Busabout!

Viking River Cruises

With multiday and multi-week itineraries to choose from, this is a solid option for anyone looking for a “hands-free” trip around Europe. Much like ocean cruises, with Viking, you simply need to book your cruise and go along for the ride. You’ll explore the heart of Europe from a unique perspective and the comfort of your own cabin, while stopping at some of the most interesting cities Europe has to offer along scenic rivers like the Danube, the Seine, and the Rhine. You’ll also get free Wi-Fi, free port excursions, onboard meals, and 24-hour concierge.

–> Click here to learn more about Viking!

Intrepid Travel

When it comes to multiday (or even multi-week) guided tours, Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years (I just went on a trip to Jordan with them), and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and support local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.

BONUS: As a reader of this site, you’ll get discounts on some of Intrepid’s tours. Each month, Intrepid offers Nomadic Matt readers a discount on some of its best tours around Europe and the world. Simply check out the website for more details!

–> Click here to learn more about Intrepid Travel!

***

While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours. They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.

So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe, be sure to consider the options above.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time. Here are my favorite hostels in Europe.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

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