travel advice Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

Where to Start if You’re Visiting the Caribbean for the First Time

May 5, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

The Caribbean is one of the most rewarding places you could ever visit, but most people haven’t ventured to this natural paradise. This is a shame. For Americans, it’s especially easy to visit the Caribbean Islands, because you don’t even need a passport to go to this United States-controlled region. There are literally dozens of Caribbean islands, so there’s more to do than the average person can pack into a single trip. The following tips will help you start a lifelong relationship with one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world.

Wherever else you go, you absolutely must visit Barbados. Barbados is a sovereign nation and one of the most well known islands in the Caribbean. The culture of Barbados is a smattering of various peoples that have immigrated or been relocated to Barbados over the centuries, including populations from West Africa, India, Britain, and Creole regions. All of these influences are reflected in the food, music, and culture of Barbados. The nation is very welcoming to tourism, as it is a major part of its economy. As such, scheduling family-friendly holidays to Barbados is a cinch.

The Bahamas and Cayman Islands are also common stops for first timers. The weather is so pleasant, and the price of visiting so hospitable, that you’ll find something to enjoy no matter who you are. The Bahamas is a great place to learn how to surf, to sample local cuisine, to go on guided tours of jungle and ancient volcanic landscapes. For those who simply want to relax, the beaches are a perfect place to drowse in the sun, perhaps reading a book, perhaps not.

Trinidad and Tobago offer many pleasures for nature lovers and those interested in one of the more dynamic nations in the Caribbean. Swamps and wetlands offer greenery and wildlife not seen in most other parts of the world. Trinidad and Tobago’s natural landscapes are incredibly colorful and verdant, as is the food you’ll enjoy, with its tastes of native spices and traditions. You’ll enjoy the cities as much as the natural areas, basing your stay in independent hotels or in any of the resorts that dot the coasts of these lovely islands.

No matter who you are, the Caribbean is an incredible treat. Because these islands depend so greatly upon tourism, many of them make it very easy to visit from different parts of the world. For example, plenty of cruise lines stop in the Caribbean, some moving from island to island to give you a taste of different corners of the Caribbean. Flights arrive in these islands’ many airports, from spots all over the globe. Once you’ve arrived, ferries and tour boats can take you wherever you need to go, as can small passenger planes used solely for travel between islands.

In the end, the Caribbean is blessed with natural resources and natural beauty. If you love eating, recreating, and life itself, the Caribbean is definitely for you. Visit now, visit again, visit as often as possible.

The Luxe Life in Los Cabos, Mexico!

April 28, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Los Cabos is often considered the ‘Lands End’ of the Baja California peninsula. Yet with average flights times from the states being less than 3 hours, Los Cabos is the perfect location for a quick getaway with your friends. The two towns of Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, offer beautiful landscapes and action-packed activities. From La Sierra de la Laguna mountains to dry desert and finally the Pacific ocean, there isn’t much that you can’t do in Los Cabos. It’s no surprise that this is one of Mexico’s top 5 travel destinations.

5* resorts line the coast and bring the two towns together. Including spa resorts, adults only and family friendly choices, there is a resort for everyone. However, for an authentic yet luxe stay at Los Cabos, a luxury villa rental is also a great choice.

While the two towns of Los Cabos are generally referred to as ‘Cabo,’ they both have distinct personalities. Your stay in Los Cabos will no doubt include a mix of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as they are separated by a mere 20 miles of coastline. But it’s good know the difference when you decide where you want to stay.

Cabo San Lucas:The louder, gaudier town of the two, Cabo San Lucas is always ready for a party. San Lucas relies heavily on tourism and so, unsurprisingly, you will find tourist shops, bars and beach parties on every corner. As a result, San Lucas is a hit with the younger crowds looking for adventure. The majority of the action takes place around the marina. Activities include: Snorkeling, diving, quad biking and dune buggy riding, zip-lining, fishing, sailing and a plethora of watersports.
San José del Cabo: A mere 20 miles can make a world of difference in Mexico. San José del Cabo is the older, more mature of these towns and this is reflected in the town’s very atmosphere. 250 years is no small age gap, and so San José del Cabo has taken on a more sophisticated, grown-up approach to tourism. Cobblestone streets, authentic eateries and local culture make this part of Cabo a laid-back and luxe destination. Activities include:sampling authentic Mexican cuisine, perusing the local galleries and wandering around the marina.

The best thing about Los Cabos is that you really do have the best of both worlds. If you like a party but need your time to relax, staying in San José del Cabo gives you the downtime you need. If you love being the life of the party but also enjoy a few hours looking at impressive local art, then you can stay in San Lucas and head over to San José for your culture fix.

Within San José del Cabo there are many exclusive communities that offer luxury rental villas. The Puerto Los Cabos development is home to many such communities. Fundadores is a great example that offers stylish villas with unbeatable ocean views. The Los Cabos corridor joins the two towns and also offers many unique vacation rentals. Developments along the corridor include beautiful Punta Ballena. Cabo San Lucas is known for it’s famous developments such as the Pedregal. Often frequented by celebrities and socialites, Pedregal is home to unique and innovative villas that leave a lasting impression.

Wherever you decide to stay, there are some things to keep in mind when visiting Los Cabos:

Be Aware at the Beach- Due to the strong currents of the Pacific ocean, not all beaches in Los Cabos are swimmable and some can be very dangerous. San Lucas has better (and more swimmable) beaches than San José but they are also busier.
Haggling is a Thing-With Los Cabos attracting so many tourists, there are many sellers offering over-priced souvenirs and local wares. Feel free to ignore or politely decline their offers. However, if you are interested in an item, haggling effectively will save you some cash.
Adventure Tours-Many tours are available for all of the different activities available in the area. Booking a tour in person will always be cheaper than online versions as you can once more negotiate the price.
Rentals – Luxury vacation rentals are aplenty in Cabo, however be aware of the location. As the center of the action Cabo San Lucas is generally more in demand and therefore more expensive than San José del Cabo.
High/ low season – As with all tourist destinations in Mexico, Los Cabos has a high and low season. Generally speaking, the high season runs from October to March/April while the low season is April/May to October. Weather is temperate year round, with slightly more rain in the summer months. If crowds aren’t your thing, travelling towards the end of high season or during the low season will pay off.

If you and your friends have your hearts set on a fantastic Mexican getaway but you’re not sure where, Los Cabos is a clear contender. It’s true, there are many amazing destinations in Mexico but how many can offer you a mix of majestic mountains, desert dunes and the rolling waves of the Pacific ocean? If you still need convincing, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pro’s-

Accessibility: Los Cabos is a short, direct flight from the States. It is especially accessible from the west coast.
Two in One:Los Cabos is literally a two in one vacation. Visitors can choose how much time to spend in each town, making the most of the distinct personalities.
Unlimited Adventure:Los Cabos’ unique blend of landscape means there’s not many adventure activities you can’t do here. From whale watching and deep sea fishing to riding over the desert on your choice of vehicle – Los Cabos was made for adventure.
Safety:Los Cabos is generally considered safe as a travel destination. Beware of hangovers above all.
Choice of Accommodation: Los Cabos offers a range of accommodation options in different areas along the tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

Con’s-

Popularity: Los Cabos is a very popular destination. If you’re looking for a less touristy destination, head for San José del Cabo.
Sea Safety:As with many awe-inspiring things, the Pacific ocean can also be very dangerous. Many beaches are off-limits to swimmers so waterbabies may find this frustrating.
High Season, High Prices:Accommodation and activities usually cost more during peak season.

Whether you choose Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, you and your friends are guaranteed a memorable stay. With so much on offer every day is different in Los Cabos, creating a vacation you won’t forget in a hurry.

Amazing Summer Holiday with the Family On A Farm In the Alps

April 3, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Photo credit: Pixabay

Getting away from it all with the whole family can sometimes be difficult. It can be hard to choose what to do to keep everyone entertained and interested. So why not try a unique family summer holiday on a farm in the alps? You’ll get plenty of fresh air, have fun and learn some new skills too. Here are some reasons you should try a farm stay in the Alps with the kids this summer.

Learn what it’s like to live and work on a farm

A farm stay in the Alps is a great idea for a family summer holiday. The Alpine traditional farm life is like no other and this is your opportunity to get a taste of this lifestyle. Some children may not have met some of the animals they find on the farm, let alone helped to care for and feed them. On a farm stay you can learn all about how to look after the farm animals and how the crops are grown and produced. Some stays also include cooking with the farmer’s wife using with the fresh produce from your location. It can be a real eye-opening experience for some children especially if they haven’t been on a farm before.

Try new activities

There are some new and exciting things you can do whilst on your farm stay summer holiday. Why not learn to ride horses as a family, some farms offer lessons and guides to take you out for a trot or a gallop. You could also take a hike or walk amongst the mountains and valleys in your beautiful alpine setting. Other farming related activities you could try are milking cows and churning butter, collecting eggs and herb picking. It’s great for the kids to learn about how their food is made and where it comes from. Why not try a tractor ride too and feel like a real farmer!

Get out into the fresh air

Staying on a farm in the alps can kick start your healthy lifestyle by getting you outdoors and breathing that fresh Alpine air. You will probably be up early and out and about with all the things you want to do. Even if you don’t want to try any particular activities, exploring the area you are staying in and soaking up the relaxing environment will do wonders for your health. It’s also a time to put away the electronics and spend some time away from the screen. Well maybe bring your camera along to capture those special moments.

Where to go on your farm stay holiday

There are some perfect locations in the Alps for your family farm holiday. In Austria, France and Italy you can find farms to accommodate you’re stay. Try Tirol in Austria for spectacular mountain scenery and to learn about organic farming. Or Morzine in the French Alps for postcard perfect views and incredible food. In Italy, you will find the Alpine location appealing and very friendly for families. And the Swiss Alps should not be forgotten too where you can enjoy skiing as well as most stays will be very close to the lifts.

As you can see there are lots of reasons to book a farm stay holiday in the Alps this summer. You’ll enjoy your summer family holiday just as much as a winter family holiday in the Alps. These kind of holiday memories can stay with all the family for years to come. Have you ever stayed on a farm in the Alps? What was your experience?

Why Niagara has so much more to offer than just the Falls

March 22, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

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Well over 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year, with numbers increasing with every season. With so much to see and do for all ages though, it isn’t hard to see why. If you’re planning your next break away, check out these top reasons why Niagara has way more to offer you and your family than just a few snaps by the Falls…

1. So Many Tours On Offer

You’ll probably be familiar already with the Hornblower Cruise, which sails past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before taking you right up to the base of the famous Horseshoe Falls. While this adventure is thrilling in its own right, were you aware that there are dozens more tours besides that? If you’d like to see a new side to Niagara, why not take a guided tour around the Gorge, where you can feast your eyes on all the geological features and ancient landscapes that have made Niagara the place it is today?

If you fancy somewhere a little livelier though, how about taking a tour around the Daredevil Exhibit in the IMAX Theatre by Clifton Hill, which is packed with amusement arcades and other fun activities for the kids, not to mention the SkyWheel and Skylon Tower for unparalleled views.

2. Just Think Of The Food And Drink

If you’re a food lover or wine connoisseur, you couldn’t be in a better spot that Niagara! This area is home to some of the best wineries in Canada, including award-winning Icewine recipes. You can take one of the regular tours from the Fallsview area right into the heart of the wine country, where your expert guide will explain the production process, even allowing you to sample some of their best tipples and ideal food pairings.

If you prefer company while you eat, why not attend one of Niagara’s many food festivals? You and 30,000 other people will be able to enjoy the Springlicious Food and Drink Festival this year, with many culinary delights on offer, as well as beers and spirits. For a touch of class though, you’ll find many fine-dining experiences to satisfy your appetite; why not try out the new Niagara Falls restaurant, Morton’s Grille? With crispy pizzas, tender steaks and tasty cocktails, who could resist?

3. Perfect Territory For Nature Lovers

Finally, if you’d prefer the quiet life, Niagara Falls is ideal for nature lovers. You’ll find dozens of picturesque hiking trails around the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Devil’s Hole State Park, which will lead you to phenomenal views of the rushing river rapids, through complex cave systems, right out onto tranquil picnic spots.

Heading just 10 minutes north of the Fallsview area though, you’ll stumble across the stunning botanical gardens. Not only is this home to the exotic Butterfly Conservatory where over 2,000 tropical inhabitants are available for you to photograph, but you’ll find the world-famous rose gardens here too.

Will you be going to Niagara Falls this year?

How to Pick Bucket-List-Worthy Travel Destinations?

March 16, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

Putting together your bucket list of travel destinations is often easy when you first think of it, but when you sit down and go to put pen to paper, suddenly you start to question what makes a destination worthy of bucket list status? How do you possibly begin to put together a bucket list of travel destinations that will leave you feeling fulfilled, and as though you’ve seen the best of the best in your books?

There are actually a few criteria you can use that will help you put together your own ultimate list of bucket list destinations that you can slowly work on over your lifetime. Let’s take a look.

Get Engaged and Start Your Research

The first step should be to get engaged and start your own form of travel research. This can include talking to friends who have travelled far and wide, talking to a travel agent, reading blogs such as the popular mrhudsonexplores.com blog, watching travel-based television programs, picking up travel magazines, and brochures.

This is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge and discover countries and destinations that appeal to you. It’s a good idea to take notes as you conduct your research, both on the destinations that appeal to you and those that don’t.

Is It a Life-Changing Experience?

As you pick each of the destinations, the most important question you can ask about each one is whether or not it will be a life-changing experience. Is it an experience you will carry with you the rest of your life? Will it enrich your life, your mind, your spirit in some sort of way? If you can answer yes to each of these questions, then you know you’ve chosen the right destinations.

There are plenty of sample bucket lists out there, but remember your bucket list needs to be a reflection of you. It doesn’t matter what others may consider a bucket list destination, it’s about what would be inspiring and meaningful to you.

Create an Order to Your List

Once you start to shape your list of destinations, you can then begin to order them and prioritize them. You can choose the criteria you order them, here are some common ones:

From least expensive to most expensive
From closest to furthest away
From the shortest trip to the longest

Order them based on season (the ideal season to visit each destination).

By organising your list of destinations it will help you to work through them. For example, maybe the first few years you can only afford to visit the cheaper destinations. At least you can look at your list and instantly know which destinations that includes.

The List Should be a Fluid Thing

It’s also important to keep in mind that your list should be a fluid thing, meaning it shouldn’t be written in stone. Over the years your interests, budget, availability, etc., can change. It’s important to re-evaluate your bucket list every few years and make sure it’s still reflective of the places you really want to see. By keeping an open mind to new and emerging destinations, you’re sure to choose wisely.

Experience Dunedin – What to See & Do

March 13, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

Situated in the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is a city with strong links to Scottish heritage and is often known as the ‘Edinburgh’ of New Zealand. The city is well-preserved in its Victorian and Edwardian structures and features a picturesque harbour, a great nightlife, amazing restaurants, lots of wildlife including the world’s rarest penguin colonies and plenty of natural attractions.

Otago Peninsula

With volcanic origins, Otago Peninsula forms the easternmost part of Dunedin and and is home to a large number of wildlife species, especially seabirds, penguins and seals. Make sure to head to Taiaroa Head. because it serves as the only mainland breeding site of any species of albatross in the world! At Otago Peninsula, you can hop on small off-road group tours to go and see wildlife in the area. If you are after flexibility adn want to wander off at your own pace you can also get car rental services around Christchurch. Venture around Otago Harbour and explore local attractions such as Larnach Castle, Macandrew Bay and Broad Bay.

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Larnach Castle & Gardens

Located on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle offers an excellent castle experience, award winning gardens, functions and events, dining and accommodation with exceptional quality. Construction of Larnach Castle was completed in 1874 and the castle has been through many changes of ownership and use but nowadays is a popular tourist destination offering tours to the public.

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Penguin Place

A private conservation reserve with the purpose of aiding in the survival of the endangered yellow eyed penguin, Penguin Palace provides guided tours which funds the project’s habitat restoration, predator control, animal rehab and research for penguins. Tours will take you around the reserve through trench systems and viewing hides where you can see the penguins at a close distance but without disturbing them.

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Tunnel Beach

South of St Clair, Tunnel Beach features sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves. Where it gets its name from is the naturally but dimly-lit tunnel that goes down to the beach. The tunnel was actually hand carved in the 1870s so that people could access the secluded Tunnel Beach!

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Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

The most extensive history museum of New Zealand, the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum is a regional history museum that explores the history of settlement in New Zealand from the Waitaki River south. You’ll learn about how life in New Zealand has changed, from the lives of indigenous Maori, early Chinese settlers and other migrant groups, introduction of new technologies, culture, fashion and art.

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Dunedin Railway Station

This railway station was designed by architect George Troup. It opened in 1906 and is located at Anzac Square, Dunedin. Built in a Renaissance Revival architectural style, Dunedin Railway Station is a fine specimen of the city’s most prosperous years. Every Saturday morning there’s a farmers market in Anzac Square right outside the station. Also, tourist trains often run from the station and are a great opportunity for sightseeing up the coast of the South Island. These sightseeing trains are the only trains that are currently operating at the station!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12b/23151333804

A city of picturesque views, wildlife and nature. What are you waiting for? Start your search for cheap flights to Dunedin and have a blast in the New Zealand’s ‘Edinburgh’

Flying Business Class for the First Time: A Beginner’s Guide

February 2, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

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You never forget your first time flying business class on an international flight. The champagne, the lie-flat seats, the the VIP treatment – business class is a whole new level when it comes to air travel. Like a kid in a sweet shop, it’s difficult to decide whether you’d rather sleep in your lie-flat bed or sit up and order just about everything from the menu.

But it can also be a little bit daunting if you have no idea what to expect, so here are a few things to know before you book your flights.

Booking Business Class Flights

If you want to fly business class for the first time but can’t justify the price tag, you’ll be pleased to know that there are companies offering unlisted fares that are much more affordable than booking online. SkyClub.com sells cheap business class tickets privately to customers – just give them a call and they’ll usually quote a better fare.

Dress Code

These days the dress code for flying business class tends to be rather relaxed so you can wear pretty much anything, but ‘smart casual’ tends to be the general consensus amongst airlines. If you’ve paid top dollar for a business class ticket it’s unlikely they’d comment on what you’re wearing – just don’t attempt to board the plane barefoot or wearing a T-shirt that displays offensive language.

Pre-flight

Airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Emirates offer business class customers a chauffeur driven car service to whisk you to the airport in style. Virgin Atlantic even has its own Upper Class Terminal so you can get from the curbside to the lounge within minutes!

Business class comes with a whole host of perks such as extra luggage allowance, dedicated check-in desks, priority lanes and lounge access, so try to make full use of your time at the airport.

Lounges

Some airlines have dedicated lounges while others will make use of another airline’s lounge, so check what lounges you have access to.

Inside the lounge you can usually help yourself to drinks and snacks, take a shower, connect to Wi-Fi and even enjoy a full a la carte meal before you board the plane. If you fly business class on British Airways for instance then you can enjoy a free treatment in the Elemis Travel Spa so you’re fully relaxed before heading to the gate.

In-flight

Once you board the aircraft that’s when things really get exciting. Forget about cramped seats and plastic trays – business class is all about flat-bed seats and proper tableware!

Most international business flights these days have private suite-like pods where you can stretch out and relax. The seats tend to have lots of buttons and little storage spaces, so if you’re not quite sure what everything does, don’t be afraid to ask! Usually a member of cabin crew will come round the cabin before take-off to offer you a glass of champagne or juice and a newspaper.

The amenity kit is always a real treat, and will usually contain things like luxury skincare products, perfume, an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste. In business class on Qatar Airways you’re even presented with luxury pyjamas from The White Company so you can get really comfy during the flight.

After take-off you’ll be served a multi-course meal accompanied by a selection of fine wines and spirits. You can indulge in as many things as you like, so the food and drinks will keep on coming. Some airlines will let you dine on demand, while others will have a set meal time.

If you’re travelling on an overnight flight and just want to sleep then you can use the express service where you’ll be served a light meal and a flight attendant will wake you up just before landing.

But if you’ve never flown business class before it’s likely you’ll be too excited to sleep, so you might want to spend the flight watching movies. Forget peering into a tiny screen – in business class you’ll have an ultra-large flat screen TV complete with noise cancelling headphones for your own private cinema-style experience.

Arrival

On arrival sometimes you’ll have access to an arrivals lounge where you can take a shower or have your clothes pressed before a meeting. As a business class customer your bags will usually come off the plane first and if you’re travelling through a major airport you may have your own priority lane when you get to customs and immigration. It’s always best to check with your particular airline though before you fly.

Flying business class for the first time is such an experience and one that you won’t forget in a hurry. It may be more expensive than an economy ticket but if you can collect air miles or purchase a discounted ticket then it’s truly worth it just for a decent night’s sleep and a memorable journey.

5 Unique Family Holiday Destinations

January 13, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

Choosing where to go on holiday can be a minefield of regular all-inclusive hotels with cheesy entertainment; that’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with these holidays, but sometimes you just need some adventure and excitement. The ‘away from the norm’ holiday that you decide on will obviously be based on the age of your children, so here is a fantastic five ideas to whet everyone’s appetite!

Monkey Sanctuary Family Volunteering, South Africa

If your children are aged 13 or over, you can choose anything from one week to twelve weeks at a Monkey sanctuary in Pretoria. From feeding to learning, you and your family will be totally absorbed into the lives of the cutest of the primates. Just try not to get your children mixed up with the monkeys when it’s time to leave! Volunteering organisations offer a range of holidays in Nepal, Thailand, India and other inspiring countries; check out the Pod Volunteer website for more information.

Trekking, France, Mercantour

If you are more of an active family, then swap a normal trip to France and a Disneyland Paris visit to a week trekking in Mercantour. You can indulge in up to an eight day, full board adventure with a knowledgeable guide and carrier donkey for company. These holidays can be tailored for families with young children too.

Cornwall Railway Carriage, Cornwall

You really can make this holiday your own. This stunning 1950’s converted railway carriage, set in the countryside of Hayle, Cornwall is a fantastically unique base to work from on your holiday. You can enjoy any of the brilliant and fun filled days out that Cornwall has to offer; including The Donkey Sanctuary, Bodmin Jail and Roskilly’s Farm which boasts free entry and scrumptious ice-creams for the adults. These are just a few of the reasons why you should go to Cornwall for your holidays.

Northern Lights, Lapland

On this full board getaway there are a mixture of fun family activities available, which will expose your whole family to the Christmas warmth at any time of the year. This unique holiday is perfect for families with younger children to really soak up the magic.

Activity Holiday, Montenegro, Lake Skadar

This particular holiday has been recommended by The National Geographic and The Lonely Planet. With 7 nights in the stunningly beautiful Villa Meila, you will have so many things to keep you and your family entertained that you will forget the meaning of ‘boredom’. With hiking, kayaking, caving, wine tasting, wild-swimming and much more, this is definitely a trip that will exhilarate as well as relax you.

These are just a taste of what you can experience as a family; they will leave you safe in the knowledge that you’re one of only a few families to enjoy these fantastic destinations! Trips like these will give your children something that they really cannot learn in their classroom.

How To make your money last longer when travelling

January 13, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

As a regular traveler, there’s one thing I hear over and over again – I don’t have enough money to travel.

Now, as any good nomad knows, traveling is never something that’s restricted by money. No matter how much or how little you have to spend, there’s always a way to hit the road and experience a new culture.

What most mean when they say they ‘wish they had the money to travel,’ is that they wish they were able to travel smarter. Here’s a quick guide to teach you how to make those necessary savings in order to ensure the trip of a lifetime.

Establish Your Budget

Before you start planning, investigating destinations and attempting to book flights and accommodation, it’s essential to have a clear estimate of your budget. One of the biggest pitfalls holidaymakers face is misjudging their finances and ending up out of pocket. Even if you have nothing to your name other than a passport, making sure you have an in-depth understanding of your monetary situation is the first step to any successful trip.

Once you have a clear idea of how much expendable income you have, the next is to establish your priorities:

Do you have to have luxurious accommodation or can you opt for a cheaper hostel?

Are first-class flights essential or can you handle the trip in coach?

Asking yourself these questions give you a clear base from which you can then search for the appropriate savings, in order to perfectly customize your trip to your own requirements

Avoid The Tourist Traps

Let’s face it: the most famous attractions come with the heftiest price tags. This is often where most make the mistake of parting with large sums of cash because there seemingly isn’t to be an alternative. However, to the experienced eye, it soon becomes clear that most of these admission fees are truly scandalous when compared to the actual experience.

For example: The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the world’s most well-known landmarks. Famed for it’s extravagant design, which remains unfinished to this day, it will set you back a whopping €29 to visit the significantly less impressive interior. However, you can experience the monument in all its glory -and take the essential selfie – for absolutely no charge, by simply wandering around the outside walls.

This situation is also often the case for tours and excursions. There are many trips available that offer customers transport to top attractions. However, regularly it’s significantly cheaper to make your own way there. Keeping an eye out for these kinds of tourist traps is one of the easiest ways to make your money go further.

Hit Up The Sales

The travel industry is awash with businesses attempting to attract more guests to their establishments. As a thrifty traveler, you can make incredible savings by keeping up with the top names in travel and capitalizing on their sales. This way, you can cut the costs without having to sacrifice quality and luxury.

For those looking to book now, one of the best current offers available is the annual sale by the Corinthia Hotels. If you head across to their website from the 11^th January to the 28^th of February 2017, you can receive an incredible 50% off on their top locations. This includes five* hotels in Lisbon, Prague, St. Petersburg, Budapest and Malta. They also are doing a bonus offer of 30% off their exclusive London flagship venue, for those looking for the very best!

Live Like The Locals

Once you’ve found great savings on your accommodation and itinerary, the only thing left is to slash all those miscellaneous costs that unavoidably come with travel. By far the best tactic here is to learn to live like the locals! These people have been searching for the best ways to cut costs in their native country for their whole lives – so who better to take a few tips from.

Here are a few ideas for elements of your trip that could benefit from local advice.

Places to eat. As well as being able to recommend good value restaurants, locals also have the best insights into the shops and markets that offer deals on food for even more savings. You can even try your hand a cooking a local recipe!

Getting around. Every city has its unique public transport system. Knowing whether it’s cheaper to take the bus, train, tram, taxi or even underground is knowledge that all city dwellers gain at a young age. Ask around to find the best option for you!

I’ve already briefly covered tourist traps; this falls into the same category. Instead of heading straight for them, investigate what local’s do for fun in the city. Not only will you save money, you’ll enjoy a much more authentic experience.

Local Rates. It’s a poorly kept secret that many country’s charge different prices for foreigners and natives. While there’s not foolproof way around this, if you manage to befriend some locals you may find yourself eligible to the discounts they enjoy!

It cannot be said enough times: money should never dictate your ability to travel. These tips are only a few of the infinite ways to side step your financial restrictions and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. If you have any more handy hints for fellow travelers, be sure to leave a comment below with your ideas!

Don’t Miss These Hikes In Malta

January 4, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

There are so many great and famous hikes around the world that most would not even consider Malta when planning a vacation. However, this little archipelago is home to a wide range of beautiful treks and day trips, which offer both geographical and cultural wonders.

These four hikes are some of the best in Malta and are a great way for visitors to get a holistic experience of this beautiful country

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingle Cliffs are one of the most picteresque and popular trails in Malta. Their popularity not only relies on their natural beauty, but also on the rural nature of the surrounding countryside. The cliffs offer a large variety of options for all abilities. There are gentle slopes with a pleasant cafe at the end or much longer, full day, hike options that will provide challenge for more experienced hikers.

All of these routes can be found a short walk from Dingli town itself, which has frequent bus links from Rabat, Valletta and St Julians. As well as the hiking opportunities, there are also sites of prehistoric interest along the cliffs, which provide a fascinating short break. As well as these Bronze Age sites, the cliffs also include a small church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, at the highest point in all of Malta. As you can imagine, this church offers spectacular views to the surrounding areas.

Valletta City Walk

Although when thinking of hiking we automatically picture wide open spaces and isolation, Malta also offers a great capital city. These hiking tours not only create an opportunity to take in the amazing views on foot, they also include a huge amount of culture for those willing to take on the historic city of Valletta on foot.

One of the most popular of these tours is ‘Malta’s Medeival Capital’ tour. Starting in the Upper Barracca Gardens, it begins by showing you the opulence of the world’s deepest harbour and takes you through a tour of the city and of Malta’s fascinating history. If you fancy being more independent on your hike around Valletta, there are a large range of tours that you can download and complete on your own.

Using these virtual walks will not only give you a wider insight into the culture of the place but it will also give you the opportunity to see the capital of Malta as a local. You might come across a hidden cafe or a beautiful view you can’t imagine isn’t in the guide books, either way it will show you the beauitful city of Valletta as you never would have before.

Golden Bay to Bahrija

For hikers who are looking for a bit more challenge on their holiday to Malta, this 6 mile hike from Golden bay to Bahrija could be just the thing. Starting in the holidaymakers hotspot, this hike travels south along the coast path towards the small town of Bahrija. Due to the high altitude of this village, hiking is ideal, although a bit of a challenge.

The brisk north winds combined with the sunshine means offers a truly refreshing and scintiallating walk up to some spectacular views. The panorama from Bahrija allows the dedicated hiker to see around Northern Mata as well as the South West of Gozo. On really clear days Sicily can even be seen in the distance. Bahrija has two churches, one of which is still in use and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. There are celebrations held here on the 11^th November. They include adults giving gifts of dried fruit and mixed nuts to the children, ideal snack food after the trek up to the churches.

Comino Circuit

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s three main islands and this is much of its charm. Being only 3.5 square kilometers the island is mostly uninahabited, having only one hotel. The main draw for the area is the blue lagoon, which is very popular in summer for day trippers as it has excellent snorkelling and windsurfing opportunities.

Here, there is also the same historical signifance that surrounds all of Malta. This island was inhabited during the Roman period as well as being used as hunting ground by The Knights of Malta. For hikers this island is a paradise; it has no main roads or, aside from the hotel, private areas and hikers can essentially go where they please. This gives visitors the opportunity to take in and marvel at the atmosphere of the place which is only helped by the scent of wild thyme and herbs that the lack of cars or urban life allows to waft right across the island.

For such a small country, Malta is the hikers dream. It supports a range of difficulties and, perhaps what is so individual to this spectacular place, a incredibly ecclectic range of locations and backgrounds for your hikes. Whether you fancy a short morning walk ending in a goreous restaurant, something to break up the beach days or even an adventure on a new island that’s like nowhere you’ve ever been, Malta has it to offer in spades.

If you have been on one of these hikes or you’ve found your own individual hiking expreience in Malta then leave a comment below to let us know.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.