Archive by Author
26. Feb, 2010

Experience France

camp franceFrance is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers from all over the world. Everyone once to come and experience the romance and splendor of Paris. There are many ways you can do this. You can go the mainstream route, which is sipping wine in a fancy restaurant, sight seeing at the Eiffel tower, taking in the cobble stone streets and small cafes. This is what most people envision when they picture a holiday in France. However, if you’re looking for a more “off the beaten path” type of holiday, and are more of the adventurous type, this won’t be enough for you.

A great way to take in the wonders of France, is to camp there. Forget all the snobby hotels and tourist crowded areas, try something new and get a different perspective that most don’t see. Camping is a great solution for traveling families as well, and anyone who is up for something new, and interested in the “road less traveled”. This is a great way to experience what France truly is, without all the glitz and glamor that is put up just for tourists. Experience the spirit of the French, and the beauty of the country.

13. Feb, 2010

Dream Manors

Dream Manors

YorkshireYorkshire has many beautiful sights that you won’t soon forget. One of their most prized attractions, are their many stately homes. These homes are rich in history, they feature stunning architecture and often date back to the 1800s and much later. They are positioned on acres of land, and often were the home to generations of the same family, along with precious memorabilia. Not only will you be in awe of their castle like beauty (and sometimes scale) but by the antiques and paintings within. Outside feature lush gardens and endless landscape. Even if you are traveling with family, you will find places for the kids to enjoy.

Visiting these manors is like going back in time, being surrounded by paintings and antiques that have been family heirlooms for hundreds of years. Discover the history that influenced the family and the home, and what shaped the foundations of what would become a building that would last for years and years to come. Hear about the events that surrounded it, and how it remains in such pristine condition. And at the end of the day, treat yourself to a beautiful country house, such as Scarborough Hotel, for the accommodation on your holiday.

13. Feb, 2010

Cottage Getaways

PembrokeshireIf you are looking for the perfect escape from your hectic life, consider a cottage getaway. Unlike a hotel, a cottage gives you the “home away from home” atmosphere you crave to relax away from busy city life. Pembrokeshire Cottages are the ideal location for weary travelers looking for beautiful surroundings and a calm setting.

Pembrokeshire is an area of natural beauty, with plenty of activities to choose from, and landscape to explore. Located on the coast is the National Park, with stunning cliff side ocean views. This town also provides the perfect environment for family vacations. There are activities for the kids, such as bicycle tours, and hiking and camping for the more adventurous. Pembrokeshire is the gem of Wales, where you can observe wildlife, and still have the modern attractions such as theme parks, all nearby. This provides the perfect vacation destination where there is something for everyone. Even for the most specific travelers, you can enjoy it all here.

The scenery alone is reason enough to come, with it’s coastal location, you can go for long walks to take in the serene environment that is very different from what you’re used to in the city.

09. Feb, 2010

The Efficient Budget Traveller

flight11Most of us are on a strict budget for our holidays. Budget travel is very common, and a great way to keep from spending money in unnecessary places. For example, for the same plane tickets one person buys, you can find at half the price with a little research and savvy hunting.

If you are doing a flight search, you often go straight to the comparative websites such as travelocity or orbitz. These sites are designed to do the hunting for you, finding all the major airlines and comparing prices on one page for easy choosing. However, there are some tips, or tricks of the trade if you will, to help you save even more. You may think that typing in your location and return date is all you need, but you can save even more if you take your time with the process. It’s not a well known fact that these deals can change every hour. Which means if you just hunt around long enough, you may come across one at noon that wasn’t there at 8am. It is important to check through out the day, and keep your eye open for the cheapest price. Doing this for a couple days will give you a good idea of the best price possible, so you know you’re getting the best deal.

04. Jan, 2010

Australia is the Destination

Australia is the Destination

australiaAustralia is ready to host two food festivals highlighting one of the most sought after ingredients in haute cuisine – the truffle, which will take food tourists and connoisseurs alike Down Under next year. Highly prized by chefs around the world, the truffle is a type of fungus similar to the mushroom.  It is used in various capacities in French, Spanish and Italian cooking for its decadent taste and texture.  Australia has now emerged as a top supplier of this exotic food item. In June, the Canberra Truffle festival will begin with the usual truffle hunts, truffle grading workshops and of course tasting.  Black truffles will be showcased in various dinning options. Then in August will be the Mundaring Truffle Festival.  This takes place at a location that is just 45 minutes west of Perth and is the first word in luxury travel.

Here you can be part of a Truffle Master class series of lectures that feature talented chefs and truffle growers giving their own presentations. Also part of this festival will be testings, and informational workshops. If you are interest in this event remember you must obtain a Australian travel visa from the Australian visa bureau before making any vacation arrangements.

28. Dec, 2009

Bristol Stag Weekends

stag10Stag weekends are best held at places with a vibrant nightlife – a must to make bustling parties a raging success. That makes Bristol (an industrial city and port in southwestern England near the mouth of the River Avon) one of those places that are much sought after for holding stag weekends; with its beautiful setting and friendly locals, the storming city of Bristol is currently a hot favorite among people willing to go the whole hog.

For stag weekends Bristol, the best way is to go by a car via the M4 and the M5; these two highways grant easy access to both east-west as well as north-southwest sides. In case you want to avail the train, you must be either at London Paddington or at London Waterloo to start from. From there, the route should be towards either Bristol Parkway or towards Bristol Temple Meads, which is also close to central Bristol.

The reasons that make Bristol stand out from the rest of the places are its daytime activities. A Bristol stag weekend is incomplete without the driving experience; so choose yours from a vast array of 4 x 4-s, quad bikes and mud buggies. It provides for rolling through the Bristol countryside in your most preferred way. The next set of activities includes clay pigeon shooting, since the option is available at the venue itself.  Else, just a stroll around the Bristol fairways and playing golf should provide enough excitement to make your day.

The evenings at Bristol are incomplete if proper accommodation is overlooked; it doesn’t pay to experience the bars at and around Baldwin Street and St. Nicholas Street and then spend the night under the sky, unless you intend to. For a more retro feel, there is also a large concentration of old-fashioned pubs off Park Street and Park row; also at the Berkeley Square. The best way to visit them is to start in this area, winding down slowly towards the harbor-front that features the best late night bars and casinos. That way you can have a good time at each place while still leaving the best for the last so you can sign off with a bang at the end of your stag weekend.

The city of Bristol also has a number of themed bars, clubs and restaurants; if you are up for some different kind of pleasure, nothing shall prove better than these.

01. Dec, 2009

Hawaii for Honeymooners

chinaman_s-hat_-oahu_-hawaiiIf you want an exotic Honeymoon without having to get any vaccinations or a passport, then Hawaii is your solution. You can choose the island with the state’s capital of Honolulu, or a secluded island like Maui. This series of islands welcome millions of couples every year, whether its for a wedding or a Honeymoon or both. As for accommodation, you can have the best of the best, such as Halekulani just outside Waikiki, which has scored Five Diamond awards from AAA for both lodging and dining.

Or Kona Village Resort on the Big Island, or Hotel Hana on Maui. You can take a drive to a remote location near a waterfall in the lush forest, or to a secluded beach for privacy. There is also a dinner cruise to see the island at sunset, or go hiking with a tour guide. There are plenty of activities for your Honeymoon vacation, as well as great weather virtually year around that won’t affect your planning.

Guest post from Modern Wedding . org

15. Oct, 2009

Top five things to do in London

housesofparliamentLooking for the best London visitors attractions without the hassle? Let us do the hard work for you.

1) ‘Make time for a Museum’

Think museums are not for you? Think again, London offers some 300 world class venues, guaranteeing something to impress everyone. For a more light-hearted visit, Madame Tussauds waxworks museum is the perfect way to spend your trip to London. From A listers, sports stars, to royalty, you can rest assured that should you fail to spot the Queen at Buckingham Palace you can always have your picture taken with her here.

2) ‘Take a tourist trip’

Looking for a different way to see the City? A boat trip down the Thames is arguably one of the most memorable ways to see the sights. From the water you can take in some of London’s most iconic monuments such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and parliament. The perfect way to see the sights and escape the crowds.

3) ’Hit the high street’

Indulge in some retail therapy. Whether it’s spoiling the little ones, or reverting back to your childhood gone by, a trip to ‘Hamleys’ toy store offers something to please both old and young alike. Whether it’s cuddly toys or connect four, you’re guaranteed to be taken in by the charm of this magical store.

4) ‘Take the weight off your feet’

You’ve shopped ‘til you dropped and seen the sights, so why not take in the surroundings from the safety of a seat. London’s Covent Garden offers an ideal venue to relax with a coffee and watch the world go by, or check out the many street performers that frequent the streets.

5) ‘Watch a show in the West End’

You’ve seen the sights, you’ve seen you shops, now see a show. Book ahead with a London theatre Break to guarantee the best seats at the best price, and what’s more, your nights accommodation, giving you a well rested nights sleep ready to start all over again tomorrow.

27. Aug, 2009

The wonders of the mountains at Blue Ridge

gatlinburgThese mountains make the east of the Appalachian rocks , that are located in the US , The group of mountains go right through the states of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania , south Carolina, Georgia and north Carolina. At the start they are a small strip of ground that is a little to the south side of Harrisburg , Pennsylvania.

These wondrous geography enthralled mountains, go north and south and are always miles wide!

They have very long and straight nooks and crannies, and ridges that separate the valleys that make the Blue Ridge Mountains. The top of the mountain is otherwise known as the Brasstown Bald. Some other landmarks there are the Blood Mountain and the famous Georgia Blue Ridge. They got the name from the battle that took place with rivals Cherokee and Creek.

The weather there is always like winter, and the peaks are freezing. The overall rain count of the mountain area tops that of neighboring cities. So if you are planning a trip there you need to make sure that you wrap up snug and warm. Gatlinburg vacation rentals are the ideal place to stay and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Also don’t forget the thermos flask laden with warm soup or tea to keep out the winter chills!

24. Aug, 2009

Forming the eastern front of the Appalachian Mountains in the Southeastern United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains cross the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Beginning as a narrow strip of land south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the geological Blue Ridge Mountains run northeast to southwest, rarely more than a few miles wide in Virginia North Carolina and South Carolina.

Long, parallel ridges, separated by deep valleys define the Blue Ridge Mountains. A rise at the top of Wolfpen Ridge known as Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state. Other high mountains in the Georgia Blue Ridge are Blood Mountain, named because it was the site of a battle between the Creek and Cherokee, Tray Mountain and Rabun Bald. The Blue Ridge ends in extremes: At the southern end is spectacular Amicalola Falls, tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, and at the western end is a 2000-foot drop from Fort Mountain to the Great Valley.

Distinctive weather marks the mountains of the Southern Blue Ridge. There is little average temperature difference in the winter months between the piedmont and the mountain valleys; however, the peaks are both colder and windier in the winter. Although the average relative humidity is lower in Atlanta than in the Blue Ridge, the total amount of both rain and snow in these mountains easily beats the nearby city.