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A biking holiday in Baja California

Apr 20th, 2012
by multilingual.
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With so much to offer, a holiday in Mexico can suggest more than just beaches and margaritas. If you like a little activity in between shopping and lounging, you may want to try biking the Baja Peninsula.  

This entire peninsula stretches more than a thousand miles, all the way from San Diego into Mexico’s Baja California. Although not entirely impossible, even taking time to bike a portion of this magical area will give holidaymakers an entirely new perspective on the real Mexico. 

Keep the camera handy as you weave through wild desert, remote coastline and cactus forests, while enjoying the magnificent weather the Baja Peninsula is renowned for. You will also come across spectacular ocean views from high cliffs and Boojum Trees that seem to sprout from nowhere. You can also plan to take breaks or spend the night in one of the many sleepy fishing villages you will encounter. 

Before heading off to the nearest bike rental shop you should be aware that this route is not without its challenges. Be prepared for strong headwinds, sudden dust storms and unforgiving truckers along the highways. Apart from the things you cannot control, the reward for such an effort is the freedom of seeing wild untamed land, migrating whales and Oceanside campsites.

Posted in: Holidays, Travel Tips.

What to expect on an Ecuadorian jungle Tour

Apr 19th, 2012
by multilingual.
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The jungles of Ecuador have more bio-diversity than found anywhere else on Earth.  A traveller choosing to experience a jungle tour will stay in a cabin far away from civilisation or even stay aboard a ship that cruises up a river.  With each new day, the traveller will venture into parts of the jungle and see how amazing it is up close.  Guided treks will be taken into the forestland.  On these treks, a traveller will see strange and unusual insects, animals and birds.  A guide will show the wide-eyed traveller the many types of plants that are growing there and explain to them the plants that are eaten, their medicinal properties, and how native people make tools out of these plants.
 
The jungle tourist will get to see where the natives of Ecuador live and visit their homes.  They will observe how these people travel, work and live without the high-tech conveniences that are so taken for granted in our own daily lives.  A medicine woman or man (called a Shaman) will be visited.  These spiritual tribe leaders will demonstrate their practices.  The Shaman will explain to the tourist the fragile coexistence they experience with their spirituality, naturalistic medicine and the environment.  The traveller will also sample peculiar jungle foods such as strange fruits, fresh fish wrapped inside leaves, or even insects!
 
The jungle is alive at night-time.  Most animals are only active at night.  There are lagoon rides on canoes and treks into the forest with only a flashlight and camera to search for these nocturnal creatures.  Bird lovers will be in their element with the opportunity to see over 450 bird species in the rainforest of Ecuador.  There is a variety of jungle experiences to choose from.  They can last a few hours or days, or longer than a week.  Lodging ranges from basics, to mid range, to 4-star.  The nearest international airport is in Lima.

Posted in: Air Travel, Holidays, Travel Tips.

Rotarua, New Zealand’s Hottest Destination

Apr 17th, 2012
by multilingual.
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Just 3 hours south of Auckland by car, Rotarua is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. You can experience Maori cultural immersion, legendary geothermal waters, and thrilling sports such as white water rafting, mountain biking, and sky diving for adventurous visitors.

In Rotarua, you can visit one of over 35 ‘maraes’, or meeting grounds, for Maori people in order to learn more about the beautiful culture, witness fascinating ancient customs, and sample indigenous foods. The local Maori people also operate educational tours of the Mountain and Lake Tarawera.

Rotarua’s Kuirau Park is the place to experience the therapeutic hot waters flowing underneath the ground. Spa therapies range from digging your own hot bath along the lake front to soaking in a luxurious private mud bath before having a massage.

For thrill seekers, Rotarua is the perfect place to find excitement. The forest has a well-known extensive network of biking trails. With many grade 4 and 5 rapids, Rotarua is a year-round rafting destination. Looking to try something new? White water sledging offers visitors a chance to glide down rapids on a boogie-board-style sledge. Rotarua has it all!

Posted in: Air Travel, Holidays, Travel Destinations.

Safe on land and sea

Apr 15th, 2012
by multilingual.
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With so many attractive cruise deals available, it easier than ever to book a holiday and sail off to parts unknown.  Cruise and stay deals are a great way to experience life at sea and explore new destinations.  Before you go, make sure you take proper precautions to ensure a safe journey.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

Tips for keeping safe on board

•    Attend all ship safety briefings.
•    Heed all precautions, warnings and signs.
•    Familiarise yourself with emergency routes from your cabin.
•    Leave expensive jewellery at home.
•    Lock your cabin door and never allow strangers into your cabin.

Tips for keeping safe on land

•    Familiarise yourself with local customs, attire and laws.
•    Do not overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
•    Travel in a group.
•    Avoid isolated beaches or streets especially at night.
•    Make sure any tour guides you hire are from a reputable company.
•    Leave a copy of your passport in the ship’s safe.
•    Carry your embassy and travel agency information with you.
•    Use travellers cheques whenever possible.  Keep a copy of the serial numbers in the ship’s safe.

Posted in: Cruise Holidays, Travel Tips.

Self-catering Holidays

Apr 9th, 2012
by multilingual.
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A self-catering holiday allows holidaymakers the freedom and ease of doing your own thing in your own way.  Accommodations available for rental range from traditional cottages in the style of the surrounding countryside, to highly modern and comfortable apartments and houses.  Whatever accommodation you choose, the sense of independence and comfort makes the perfect holiday.

Unlike in package holidays, self-catering accommodation allows holidaymakers to decide on the location and itinerary of their trip.  No need to get up before nine to catch breakfast, or to share a communal kitchen with strangers.  Snacks and meals can be had throughout the day without having to pay exorbitant prices.

With no set itinerary, exploration of the local area can be done on your own time and plans can be changed last-minute; that trip to the beach may not be so tempting when it’s pouring rain outside, but maybe a trip to the museum would cheer up glum faces.  Freedom to make decisions based on the weather and simply how the group is feeling creates a holiday to remember!

This is an option that particularly appeals to those with children.  Often, games and entertainment are provided within the accommodation, and a private garden allows kids to roam in safety.  No need to worry that they are irritating other guests means a more relaxing holiday for both parents and children.

As far as budgeting goes, self-catering holidays are value-for-money; space-wise, you get a full house or apartment, complete with home comforts – and with no need to eat out, this is a money saving venture.

For those who simply want to relax, some self-catering rentals provide chefs, food delivery, and daily housekeeping – so no need to do everything yourself!

Posted in: Holidays, Travel Tips.

Fury from Airlines after APD rises are announced

Apr 4th, 2012
by multilingual.
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Airline bosses have reacted angrily at the news that there will be an 8% increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD), the increase came in effect on April 1st and wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. The treasury is being urged by the heads of EasyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic and International Airlines Group (IAG) to review the tax because of the damaging effect it will have on the UK travel industry.

Families hoping to enjoy a break in the Sun Shine will be worst hit, with the rise in APD on short-haul flights meaning that travellers will now be paying £13 in tax compared with the previous £12, which when worked out for a family, soon adds up for a quick break in the sun. Those looking to travel long haul which is above 6,000 miles will face an increase from £85 to £91 per person.

Last year APD was frozen which came as some respite for airlines who had suffered from problems previously with volcanic ash cloud problems and snow over winter, however the Government insisted because of the freeze on the tax last year they had to increase it this year although they did say that they had also now levied APD on private jets.

The increases in the four bands for reduced rate which is lowest class on a flight are as follows:

Band A (0-2000 miles) £13
Band B (2001-4000 miles) £65
Band C (4001-6000 miles) £81
Band D (over 6000 miles) £92

The increases in the four bands for standard rate which is if your seat pitch is greater than 40 inches (1.016 metres) on a flight are as follows:

Band A (0-2000 miles) £26
Band B (2001-4000 miles) £130
Band C (4001-6000 miles) £162
Band D (over 6000 miles) £184

With these increases the cost for family holidays will be going up, so many will be looking for the best deals to save themselves money during a time when many don’t have a lot of spare cash, click here to discover some of the best deals to popular family holiday destinations for this summer.

 

Posted in: Air Travel, Holidays, Travel Tips.

Paris city guide

Mar 29th, 2012
by multilingual.
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Paris is a city of many astounding sites, and is a marvel for travellers to experience. The city being so full of attractions and landmarks, it is worthwhile to summarize some of the more noteworthy ones.

A discussion of Paris attractions cannot be held without mention of those landmarks that are synonymous with the city. One such landmark is the Eiffel Tower, which has been an iconic structure in the city since 1889. Visitors are invited to climb the tower, which is open to the public every day of the week.

Another iconic Paris landmark is the Louvre, which houses some of the most renowned works of art in the entire world. In this gallery can be seen works of art that date all the way back to ancient Egypt. Various eras and regions are represented here, and tours of the gallery may be arranged. The famous Louvre pyramid has been a remarkable sight since its construction in 1989.

There are several UNESCO World Heritage sites in and around Paris, and these tend to be sure things in terms of interesting attractions. One popular such attraction is the banks of the scenic Seine River. Taking a trip along this body of water is tantamount to learning the history of the city, especially considering the fact that this river runs through several of the city’s attractions, such as the aforementioned Place de la Concorde and Louvre.

Also located on the banks of the Seine River is the Musee d’Orsay, which offers a more specifically French representation of art. The era from about 1848 to 1915 is emphasized here. This means that the impressionist and post-impressionist schools are the main fare, including works by Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. Multiple artistic genres, including photography and sculpture, are displayed.

Posted in: City Guide, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips.

Amenities to enjoy on cruises

Mar 27th, 2012
by multilingual.
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Cruise liners understand what you need to make your holiday a lifetime memory; as a result, cruise deals include all the amenities that you cannot live without on your trip.

Sports and wellness

Many cruise lines provide guests with golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, spas and gyms on the vessels. This way you can stick to your keeping fit schedule while away from home. On the other hand, if you would rather play mind games while making some money, casinos are at your disposal.

Staterooms

Spacious suites are available with king or queen size beds. The cabins also have bathrooms with bathtubs and spacious washrooms beside them. Similarly, the cabins have refrigerators with supplies of your favourite drinks and resting areas where you can get comfortable with a drink or a good book. Air conditioning and ambient lighting are also included. The cabins have DVDs and televisions for entertainment within the room.

Entertainment and communication

If you cannot do without alcohol while voyaging, upgraded pubs and bars in the vessels provide you with these drinks in variety. Dance halls or ballrooms also give you the opportunity to dance to your favourite music. Further still, you can enjoy shopping for souvenirs from the duty free shops on the ships. Numerous theatre shows and cinema films make its way on the vessels too. In addition, internet connection and telephones are readily available on the ships should you want to communicate with friends and family.

Food and drinks

Intimate dining settings are accessible for you to taste exquisite meals and fine wine away from the crowd.

Grooming

You have the choice of grooming with the luxurious toiletries provided or having your clothes laundered. Likewise, your hair should not be a problem as there are on board salons to cater to you. You can choose the best way to pamper yourself and remain comfortable throughout the trip.

Posted in: Cruise Holidays, Holidays, Travel Guides.

Enjoy a Holiday in a Restored Historic Building With the Vivat Trust

Mar 21st, 2012
by multilingual.
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Holiday accommodation comes in many different shapes and sizes, and there are a wide variety of alternatives across the UK for those looking for something a little different or a unique location for a special occasion.  The National Trust is always a good source of information as well as providing holiday options of its own.  The Vivat Trust is also worth investigating.

Formed in 1981 and a registered charity, the Vivat Trust was created to restore buildings of historical, architectural and industrial interest which have fallen into disrepair or are facing demolition.  These buildings are painstakingly renovated to their former glory before being made available as self-catering luxury accommodation.  The Vivat Trust currently operates 22 properties ranging from country houses and towers to thatched cottages and converted watermills.

Those with a taste for history will have plenty to choose from.  The Bolton Percy Gatehouse in Yorkshire, for example, is a timber-framed gatehouse dating back to the 15th century, while The Magazine in Norfolk is a former arms store from the English Civil War.  Many of the properties are situated in beautiful countryside or peaceful surroundings, but there are more city-based locations too.  The Old Observatory House is a Gothic-style 18th century building on Calton Hill overlooking Edinburgh.  It provides spectacular views of the city below and surrounding countryside.

Vivat Trust properties range in size from those offering accommodation for couples only to those available for larger groups.  Many are also Grade I or Grade II listed buildings.  They include fully equipped modern kitchens as well as a television, DVD and CD players, laundry facilities, bed linen, towels and toiletries, and fuel for open fires.  There is no need to worry about buying food for the first night either as a luxury hamper with wine is included in the fee.

Posted in: Holidays, Travel Guides, Travel Tips.

Skiing holidays for the whole family

Mar 16th, 2012
by multilingual.
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Skiing holidays in Bulgaria are great for the whole family. Even if you do not particularly enjoy skiing, you can still have a great time on a winter sports holiday. A little advance planning will go a long way to ensuring that every member of your family thoroughly enjoys their winter holiday.

If you or someone else in your party is new to the sport, search the internet to find the ski resort you will be visiting and find out which parts of the season are less crowded. Finding yourself on a crowded mountainside, as a new skier, can be an unpleasant and intimidating experience, but there are usually plenty of times throughout the season when resorts are less busy. These times are perfect for novice skiers to practice their skills.

When discussing the best time to visit a ski resort, you may also wish to learn about the availability of skiing lessons; the majority of resorts offer lessons, both private and in groups. In some cases, a lesson or two is even included in the cost of your holiday.

If you do not enjoy skiing, there is still plenty to do on a winter sport holiday while the rest of your party takes to the slopes. Ski lodges often have lots of games, books and videos available to pass the time. You can relax by a warm fire as you read your favourite novel or watch a new movie that you have been meaning to see, but have been too busy to catch at your local cinema. Warm drinks are always readily available in ski lodges; so do not forget to make time to curl up with your favourite hot beverage.

There is sure to be stunning scenery to enjoy, so dig out your walking boots and take a stroll through the resort or out into the countryside. There is nothing quite like breathing in crisp, fresh, mountain air on your cheap holiday 2013.

Posted in: Air Travel, Holidays, Ski Holidays.

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