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Rome’s Colosseum – all you need to know

August 17, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Say Rome to most people and they’ll think of all sorts of things – great food, stunning architecture and fascinating history. For sure, it’s got to go on your bucket-list. There’s loads to see and do in the Italian capital – you can do most things in a day but a longer city break would the best option to absorb all that Rome offers.

Rome is home, of course, to one of the New Wonders of the World – the Colosseum, or the Colosseo, as it’s known locally. And if you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit. Here’s all you need to know about landmark that’s known the world over.

It’s a ‘wow’ attraction

It may not be in perfect condition, but what’s left of Rome’s Colosseum is still awe-inspiring. The massive, dominating structure is one of the New Wonders of the World – having been voted for by 90 million people. A team of experts had a good think about it and decided it was a ‘masterpiece of unquestionable value’ – loved by Romans and visitors alike.

When you walk up to the Colosseum, you won’t fail to be stunned. Standing beside it, you can really imagine what it would have been like in its day, and the sounds that would have come from it. The round structure could bring in massive crowds around its central arena.

Not just big – it’s the largest of its kind

In its day, the Colosseum had four rows with 80 arcades. Each one of those had 70,000 seats. Imagine how many people altogether. The best way to get an idea of this is to take a Colosseum Arena Floor tour.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world. A huge monument, that’s gone on to remain a symbol of Rome’s past. And it’s why so many visitors flock to it every year to see this wonder of ancient architecture – and why it’s also so loved by modern day Romans as well.

The famous gladiators…

Go to the Colosseum and you’ll no doubt see a gladiator or two – well, not real ones, but guys dressed up as them, and who are happy to pose for a tourist photo if you line their hand with euros. They’re a symbol of the Colosseum’s lively and infamous past.

The Flavian Amphitheatre, which was built by Emperor Vespasian, was where games happened in ancient Rome. Of course, they were the scene of gladiator fights. These usually involved prisoners of war or slaves – the aim was to win their freedom.

There were also re-enactments of naval battles on artificial lakes. Julius Caesar first brought up the idea, but it was Titus who first brought the display to the Colosseum – with water coming into the arena and outside of it.

Getting there

You’ll find the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo 1 in Rome and it’s open every day. You can reach it by taking a bus, there are many of them so check local listings. You can also take Tram number 3 and Metro Line B, to the ‘Colosseo’ stop.

5 types of vacations that will help you to challenge yourself

August 17, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

For some people, holidays are all about rest and relaxation. However, for those people who love to challenge themselves, holidays can be the perfect opportunity to do this. There is something about being in a different location, surrounded by a new culture, and stepping away from the usual routine of day to day life, which can lead to self-reflection. Embrace this feeling. Use your next vacation as an opportunity to push yourself. Don’t just follow the crowd, make your trip a life-changing experience that you will never forget. Below are five types of vacations that will help you to challenge yourself.

Book an exercise boot camp

Perhaps you are already an exercise enthusiast, or perhaps you have given up on the idea of ever getting fit. Either way, an exercise boot camp is a perfect option for you. Why not sign up with a number of your most supportive friends? Instead of putting aside a couple of hours a week for exercise, you will have dedicated an entire block of time. This will be difficult at first, but eventually, you will reap the rewards.

Reach for the skies

The sky’s the limit with this next idea. If you are looking to challenge yourself both physically and mentally, you should try climbing Kilimanjaro. This is a fantastic way to explore a different part of the world. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is the kind of experience that will stay with you forever. Every time that you struggle with self-confidence, you will be able to remind yourself of this mammoth achievement.

Go on a yoga retreat

Do you find it difficult to stay calm? Are you frequently plagued with nerves and anxiety? If so, you should challenge yourself to truly relax. Going on a yoga retreat will force you to push yourself mentally. It will help to improve your breathing, your flexibility, and your self-awareness. Many yoga retreats insist that their visitors disconnect themselves from all technology, follow a specific schedule, and completely alter their diet. These changes will be challenging, but they will teach you something about yourself.

Obtain your scuba certificate

Most people return from holiday with a fridge magnet or a key chain. You could return with a highly respected qualification! If you love to explore the underwater world, you should definitely consider trying for your scuba certificate. This will allow you to progress to more challenging dives. It could also give you the opportunity to become an instructor. Instead of completing the course locally, why not schedule it in for your next vacation?

Learn a new language

Rather than picking up a few key words or phrases, you should use your vacation as the perfect chance to learn a new language. Take a course, read a book, or listen to tapes, in preparation. Then, when you go abroad, try to interact with the locals. They will be impressed by your efforts to respect their culture. Even though you may be tempted to throw in a few words of English, try to challenge yourself not to.

Tips for Finding the Best Educational Travel Company

August 2, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you planning on taking an educational trip in the near future? If the answer is yes, then there are some things that you will need to know. As you probably already know, traveling abroad can be very stressful. This is why working with a travel company that you can trust is very important. Below we are going to learn some tips that you may find helpful in your search.

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What Is Included in The Price

These tips for how to find the best educational travel company are useful, but this first one is very important and needs to be addressed first. Before you sign anything, you will need to agree on a price for the trip and find out what is included in that price. Students and trip organizers often fail to ask this very important question. Many educational travel companies will have extra fees that are not clearly stated in the initial price of the trip. So, finding out what the total cost of the entire trip is will help you avoid any surprises.

Will You Be Met at The Arrival Airport?

Some travel companies will arrange for you to be picked up at the arrival airport and transported to your accommodations, but some will leave that task up to you. So, instead of finding out at the last minute that no one will be at the airport to pick you, ask your travel company about the situation. If you need to find a taxi, make sure that you call around before you leave home and find a company that is safe to use and will meet you at the airport. You should always be diligent about your safety when using a taxi service. In some areas of the world, taxi drivers have been known to overcharge travelers.

Find Out If Your Itinerary Is Flexible

When talking to your educational travel company representative, make sure to inquire whether your itinerary is flexible. This is very important because many companies will not offer refunds if something happens and you have to miss your travel dates. Having a flexible travel itinerary will allow you to leave on a later date in case something comes up. Also, you should ask the agent if they offer travel insurance, which can help protect your investment in case you need to cancel or change your dates. By doing so, you will have peace of mind knowing that the money you put up for the trip won’t be a total loss.

As you can see, there are quite a few things that you will need to talk about with your travel agent. Remember that the more questions you ask, the more informed you will be about your trip. So, before you pack your bags and head out into the world, make sure to bring these questions up. These tips are very important and apply to individual travelers, as well as groups of students. Traveling outside of your comfort zone might be scary, but it doesn’t have to be if you are prepared.

Why You Should Visit Park City Utah This Year

July 31, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

When it comes to beautiful scenery and amazing activities, Park City, Utah has something for everyone. Here you will find amazing ski slopes covered with white powdery snow as well as some of the finest dining in the world. Today, we are going to look at a few reasons why you should consider this resort city for your next vacation destination.

They Have Some of The Most Beautiful Condos in The World

If you are looking for fantastic rentals, then you are in luck because Park City is home to some of the finest condos in the world! Here you will find beautiful condo suites that have plenty of room for your entire family. These rentals come fully furnished and will provide you with a soft bed to rest your head on after a long day out on the slopes. Condos are great for families as well as single people. Most rentals come with a full kitchen that will allow you to save some money by cooking your own food. Many of these rentals are located near the ski slopes and within walking distance of the area’s shops and restaurants.

The Area Is Home to Amazing Shopping Opportunities

If you love to shop, then you will be right at home in Park City, Utah. Here you will find many luxury shops that contain some of the finest goods in the world. These shops can compare to those in New York and Paris, so if you are looking to buy luxury goods, this is the place for you. Park City also offers those who are more budget minded shopping opportunities. Here you will find many second-hand stores where you can really snag some amazing deals. So, no matter what you are looking for, you can find it here in Park City.

Fine Dining Can Be Found Everywhere

If you are a fan of fine dining, then you are in luck! Park City has some unique places to eat. One of the local favorites is a place called El Chubasco. This Mexican restaurant has a taco bowl to die for and 12 different homemade salsas to choose from. This restaurant has a casual setting, but the food you find here is far from the everyday norm. Another restaurant that you may want to check out while in the area is Ganesh Indian Cuisine. A great place for not only good food but a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy time with friends and family. One of the most popular dishes at this Indian restaurant is Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish that is carefully prepared and cooked in a tandoor oven.

As you can see, there a more than a few reasons why you should visit Park City, Utah this year. Plus, there are many different good restaurants to choose from, and you will spend your time relaxing in one of the city’s finest condos. So, if you are planning a vacation this year, why not consider coming to this beautiful area of the country?

Hotels to Visit Before You Die

July 13, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Hotels are one of those places where most of us will ultimately spend far longer than we ever thought we would intend to. Whether they’re part of a short getaway, a brief stop on a globe-trotting adventure, or part of a romantic escape with a loved one, hotels play a unique role in the lives of those from all over the world and through just about every culture.

Some hotels stand out for their historical value. In countries such as the United Kingdom, many a still standing inn or tavern once provided rest and shelter to the highest nobility of the land. Others boast distinctive architectural features that set them apart from the local landscape and make them prominent tourist attractions.

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Chateau Beauvallon

The Chateau Beauvallon is an award winning hotel situated in the picturesque Mont Tremblant area of Quebec. The hotel features some of the most gorgeous wooden interiors available in Canada and the hotel has won numerous awards over the last several years, including the Mont Tremblant Hotel And Business of The Year Award. The hotel contains a pool, free parking and a fitness center / gym all on site. In addition, it offers free parking and a shuttle bus service for ease of access. Meeting rooms and a laundry service make the hotel an ideal getaway for combining business and pleasure with potential new clients. There’s also a spa on site should you find yourself in need of a little extra rest and relaxation.

Hotel Kakslauttanen

This hotel has become rather famous in recent years owing to its so-called igloo village which is a collection of specially constructed pods dug into the ground, which function as some of the hotel rooms. The biggest draw of the hotel however is the stunning view it offers of the Northern Lights at the correct time of year. One only needs to lie on their back within their igloo and gaze into the majestic night sky. The hotel is also noteworthy for its commitment to ecology and green technologies which has made it a very popular destination for young, professional holiday makers.

Astarte Suites Hotel

The Astarte Suites Hotel in Greece features arguably the most beautiful swimming pool and spa that complement its luxurious sea views. The rooms themselves match the grandiose atmosphere generated by the building’s stunning architecture and breathtaking views. Its situation in blissfully peaceful surroundings means that venturing outside the gorgeous hotel grounds reveals only more of Greece’s natural beauty. Even the quality of the clothes and robes supplied to the guests who take advantage of the spa treatment are of the absolute highest quality money can buy.

Some people swear by camping and its many perceived virtues, but for more of us a hotel is the answer. Whether opting for a taste of the life of luxury for the duration of your stay, or simply looking for somewhere nice to call home for a day, there is a hotel experience out there for everyone. Check your local guides for more advice and recommendations.

Top Reasons to Visit Quebec in the Winter

July 13, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

In the age of global travel, the world is your oyster, so if you are planning a winter vacation, you will be spoiled for choice. You might be contemplating a trip to Aspen Colorado, Disneyworld in Orlando, or even an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for some winter sun, but have you considered a trip to Quebec?

Quebec Province in Canada is full of amazing places to visit and things to do. You can visit all year round, but winter is an especially magical place in Quebec. The Canadians really know to how to celebrate winter in style, so for a magical winter vacation, let’s take a look at what Quebec has to offer.

Winter Carnival

The winter carnival in Quebec is the largest and most spectacular winter carnival in the world. Join the locals for 17 days of fun at the beginning of February. There are dog-sled races, sleigh rides, and skating. You can even take part in canoe races! Quebec City really knows how to party in style, so if you want a taste of Mardi Gras in a Winter Wonderland theme, make sure you visit Quebec around the beginning of February.

Spend the Night in an Igloo

Adventurous types will have enormous fun spending the night in an igloo. The Parc National du Bic organizes packages for visitors who wish to live like an Eskimo. You will receive a warm winter sleeping bag and everything else you need to stay warm and cozy. You also get access to a hut where you can cook meals. If the idea of sleeping in an igloo sounds a bit too much like “roughing it”, book a stay at the world-famous Ice Hotel instead. The Hotel de Glace has 36 amazing rooms, each with a bed of ice. There are also saunas under the stars!

World Class Winter Sports at Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant in Quebec is the best ski resort in the eastern half of North America. The scenery is spectacular all year round, but in winter it is simply amazing. The Mont Tremblant village has plenty of boutiques, bars, and restaurants to keep you entertained after a hard day’s skiing, and TremblantSunstar.com has a wealth of superb accommodation to suit all budgets. Ski, snowboard, or have a go at snowmobiling – the fun never stops at Mont Tremblant!

Dog Sledding

Canada is famous for its dog sledding and there are several operators in Quebec that offer dog sled tours. Take a ride out into the snow and finish the trip in a traditional Yurt with some local food and drink.

Experience the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, nature’s amazing light show, are visible from Quebec at certain times of the year. One of the best places to enjoy the show is inside Mount Megantic National Park. Here, light pollution is minimal, so you can stand under the moonlight and stargaze to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to catch an ice hockey game while you are in Quebec Province. Montreal and Quebec City are also worth a visit.

Why should Agra (India) be on your bucket list

June 17, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

People make their bucket lists according to their own preferences and what attracts them the most in a location. There is no wrong way to do it. Only you can establish the criteria because you are the one who knows yourself best. It is pretty logical. However, you must always be open for recommendations. Broadening your horizons is the best thing you could do as a traveler, which is why you should hear more about Agra.

Chances are you already know about this city in India. Everyone knows what is there to explore. If not, then you should know that Agra hosts one of the biggest love monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The monument is, in fact, the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. UNESCO declared the structure a World Heritage Site stating that it is the ‘jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.’ It is not difficult to see why. The place is an architectural wonder and a small piece of heaven. The gardens are spectacular, and the sights are amazing. Keep in mind that the area may get crowded sometimes. Taj Mahal has millions of visitors every year. However, do not let that steal the opportunity of admiring one of the most beautiful structures in the world.

Apart from Taj Mahal, Agra has other beauties you can enjoy. One of them is the Agra Fort. The structure is not as imposing and impressive as the Taj Mahal, but it is definitely worth visiting. The place holds many stories, but it would be best if you hire a guide to enlighten you on the building’s history. The sights are beautiful, and you can enjoy a nice view from the top. People say that the Agra Fort is a complimentary attraction in the city, although it would be best to enjoy it without comparing it to Taj Mahal. Otherwise, you can spoil the experience.

Sheesh Mahal is inside the Agra Fort, but there is something special about it that makes it a main attraction. The walls and ceiling are covered in mirrors. Small pieces of mirror, in fact. The glass palace was built by Shah Jahan as well. The mirror is said to be brought from Syria. The design is marvelous, and you will be mesmerized by the details of the place. There is nothing like it in the entire world. Do not leave the Agra Fort without seeing the Sheesh Mahal.

Agra should be on everyone’s bucket list. As a traveler, you cannot go through life without seeing the Taj Mahal at least once. The trip is affordable; you can do it on a budget, like most travelers. Not to mention that getting a visa is extremely easy. All you need is an Indian e-visa, and you can enter the country through one of the 24 airports and three seaports. All you need is a valid passport and a few other things. You can also get passport photos online if you think it is necessary. There is little effort on your part. All you have to do is book that flight and pack a bag.

Old and Bold: Three Senior Adventure Tours Across America

June 8, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

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Age is just a number, so why should it keep you from an intense and exotic adventure? More and more seniors are breaking stereotypes and ditching the lazy vacations by the pool for kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing in some of America’s most adventurous locations. Some say your life doesn’t begin until you’re 50, so why not live it to the fullest? Here are some of the boldest locations and senior adventure tours in the United States that you just have to jump on.

Explore the Missouri River with Row Adventures

Missouri may not seem like a typical vacation spot, but it has everything you need for an adventure that gets you in touch with the nation’s roots. Row Adventures, a multisport travel group, takes you along the journey of Lewis and Clark. Travel back in time on your 34’ canoe dugout as you listen to the stories of the river. On your journey you will visit the camps Lewis and Clark stayed at 200 years ago, hike the famous White Cliffs area, and explore Native American cultural sites. Suitable for anyone in reasonable physical condition, it is a great way to dive into America’s past.

Rock the Waves of Hawaii with Road Scholar

Hawaii is regularly listed as one of the favorite vacation destinations for seniors. But why not explore Hawaii in style? Get your feet wet on a marine adventure through the islands with Road Scholar. Originally called Elderhostel, Road Scholar is a travel group that organizes educational travel for older adults. Road Scholar dismisses the idea of simply laying out by the beach and plunges you right in the waters of Hawaii. On your tour, you will learn how to surf and navigate the waters in a canoe. Then, explore the water underneath the waves in a submarine and snorkeling adventure. The program is geared towards grandparents and their grandchildren so bring your loved one along for a journey you’ll never forget.

Navigate the Glaciers of Alaska with ElderTreks

Alaska is full of magnificent animals from the humpback and orca whales to the sea lions. But what if you could get up close and personal with these animals? ElderTreks, an exotic adventure tour agency catered towards travelers over the age of 50, coordinates a cruise through the Alaskan waters. You will travel aboard a motor yacht and sail through the infamous icebergs as you explore the beauties of Alaska. Along the way you can also hike on glacial moraines and sea kayak for sights of whales and sea lions.

If you’re the adventuring spirit, these three tours are sure to impress. Ditch the regular vacation, and embark on an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Remember, age is just a number – to being old and bold!

Essential Things to Look into Before You Rent a Boat

June 1, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

While it is expensive to own a boat, as well as inconvenient, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy them. In fact, thanks to boat rental Miami visitors and residents alike can enjoy the luxury and convenience of seeing the city from the side of the water, in a way they can afford. When you rent a boat, things such as maintenance, docking bills, and storage are all included in the price, so you don’t have to worry about those added expenses. So what should you look into first?

The Type and Size of Boat

Choosing a type and size of boat is down to your party, but also to the waterway on which you will be sailing. A bow rider or deck boat, for instance, is a great touring boat. A pontoon is great for larger groups of people looking for some true luxury and relaxation. If you want to live the life of luxury, then a yacht is what you are looking for. Fishing boats are also incredibly popular. Essentially, there is a boat out there for anyone, regardless of your particular needs.

Your Rental Agreement

You must read and study the terms and conditions as set out in your rental agreement. Even if this is your fifth or tenth time renting the same boat from the same company, you need to check your agreement. Look for things such as how far you can sail, whether you can sail at night, how many people you are allowed to have on board, and more.

A key thing to look for as well, is cancellations. Generally speaking, if you have to cancel for whatever reason, you will lose at least your deposit. However, if you are not allowed to sail, for instance due to a weather phenomenon, then you should be allowed your money back.

The Condition of the Yacht

It is absolutely essential that you examine the yacht before you take it out. On the one hand, that is to make sure that it is in good condition, although you may not really know what to look for. On the other hand, however, it is to make sure that you will get your deposit back by highlighting any damage that was there before you took the boat out.

Safety Equipment

Last but not least, it is important that relevant safety equipment is on board. This includes first aid kids and life jackets. If you charter a very large yacht, you may also need it to include dinghies or life rafts. It is unlikely that you will ever need them, but then they also said that the Titanic was unsinkable and look what happened to that.

Yachting and boating is a relative safe experience. However, this is mainly due to the fact that you have to take the time to make sure the weather is fine and the relevant equipment is on board. In so doing, you make sure that, while you are out on the waterways, you can sit back, relax, and just have a really good time.

Sunshine Reveals Top 10 Beaches in Greece for 2017

May 31, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British tourists. Sunshine, a UK-based online travel agency, has recently completed a new report on the five top off the beaten track beaches on various Greek islands. While off the beaten track, these beaches are not desolate, and there are fantastic amenities available for travellers of any ilk.

UK online travel agency Sunshine has found that Greece is one of their most popular holiday destinations. For 2017, however, they wanted to recommend which of the many different locations in Greece are particularly interesting. The list they revealed was:

Iguana Beach in Crete, which has two lovely beaches with amenities and is easy to reach with public transportation. The church of the Holy Apostles is not to be missed. It also has an easterly cover, which can get very busy because it is smaller, but the surf is also milder. The Iguana beach is the second option, which is more exposed and bigger. The sand is thick and the multitude of shells make it a favourite with children. It is a Blue Flag rated beach. Various hotels, including Athina Beach Hotel and Sorta Apartments, are available here.
Kalathos in Rhodes, which faces the Mediterranean and doesn’t experience as much wind. Kalathos beach is classed as one of the best beaches in the area, despite its coarse sand. This is because it is a very big beach that is relatively quiet regardless. The clean water is very attractive, and most guests stay in the Atrium Palace Hotel, which is very friendly for families and comes with various restaurants, tennis courts, novelty pools, and beautiful gardens.
Vatera in Lesbos, which is the longest beach of the island at 7km. Scattered pebbles make up the beach and, on a good day, you can see Psara and Hios islands, and even Turkey. The sea is flat and warm, making it perfect for children. There is an ancient temple nearby that is worth a visit, but the rest of the space feels almost desolate. There are some excellent local eateries, however, and you will really feel as if you’re living amongst the Greek.
The Pelion peninsula, which is filled with a variety of beautiful beaches, each of which offers something unique. A popular area you will find quite a lot of tavernas, castles, rock tunnels, caves, excellent hotels and lodging opportunities, and more. This area has a very old town feel to it, which is quite romantic as well.
Velanio in Skopelos, where you can enjoy rock top chapels and idyllic coves. In fact, the film Mamma Mia! was filmed here in 2007, even though the Velanio beach was not featured in it. It is the least developed and longest beach in the area, with 600 meters of fine gravel and pine-backed sand. It is a beautiful and scenic area, with views all the way to Evvia across the pristine see. It is a part-naturist beach, which is something to be aware of. The area itself is incredibly beautiful, with fantastic hotels and villas available.

A representative from Sunshine says: “Greece is a very popular tourist destination and for good reason. In fact, each one of the island has something unique to give to its visitors. Listing all of the beaches available would be impossible, and the five mentioned above are our personal favourites, even though other people might like different beaches better. What sets the five above apart, however, is that that they are slightly off the beaten track, giving people more of a unique experience when they visit.”