travel advice Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

How to Stay Safe and Stress-Free on Vacation

June 15, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Vacations are wonderful experiences that people can’t wait to take, which is why they sometimes get a little careless. You need to put some effort into staying safe if you’re thinking about going on vacation sometime soon.

These are five things you can do to ensure that you and your family are going to have a good time on your next annual trip by staying safe and protected:

Have Your Vehicle Inspected

The first line of defense for vacation safety is making sure that the vehicle you drive is safe on all counts. You need to make sure it’s a roadworthy vehicle by having someone put it through a several-point inspection. This person needs to make sure that the brakes and tires are in excellent condition, that all the fluids that protect the motor are full, and that the safety devices and lighting elements work well. Take it to a certified mechanic and make sure that this person gives you a green light to drive the vehicle. Once you get the seal of approval, you’ll know that it’s okay to take the car on the trip.

Buy Insurance

Insurance is a good idea for protecting yourself in the event of a bad experience on vacation. For example, travelers insurance covers you in case of emergency medical expenses, lost luggage, or flight cancellation while on vacation. For those embarking on the road trip of a lifetime, an updated policy which covers any special circumstances may need to be considered, such as motorcycle insurance if towing a couple of Kawasaki bikes behind your motorhome en route to the Grand Canyon.

Travel in Packs

There are ways that you can facilitate staying safe on vacation once you’re there, too. Traveling in packs is an amazing way for you to cut down the chance of experiencing a robbery of some kind. Robbers and muggers are less likely to attack someone who is with a bunch of her friends than they are to attack someone who is alone and perpetrating a tourist look. Make it a practice to travel with your family and friends everywhere you go on this vacation to stay safe.

Explore in the Daytime

Another safety measure that you can use is taking care of all of your business during the daytime. Go out and explore the area as much as you want in the daytime. Go shopping, swimming, scuba diving and anything else that your heart desires, but do it in the daytime. If going out at night, stick to populated well-lit areas which are clearly designated as nightlife hotspots. Pay attention to where you notice any police or security stationed so that in the event something happens, you know where to go immediately for help.

Use Chip Cards

The use of the chip card is a form of financial protection that can help you while you are on your trip. You’ll want to bring your chip card with you so that you lower the possibility of falling victim to credit card fraud while you are there.

Those suggestions are just the beginning when it comes to safety on your family trip. You can take those suggestions and then come up with additional suggestions that will make your safety even more ironclad. You should be able to enjoy your trip, and you will if you always stay proactive.

Unusual ways to sightsee on your next trip

February 9, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Attention all adventurers; those who refuse to follow the status quo and want to shake things up a bit. Have your vacations become a bit formulaic? Do you simply repeat the same approach to sightseeing over and over — a walk around town, stop for a coffee, a quaint place to eat in the evening? If so, you probably want to turn your next trip on its head and do something totally different. Have you ever thought of the following unusual ways to take in the sights on your next trip?

Get a bird’s eye view

If you desire a change of perspective, you’ll certainly get it by taking a helicopter or hot air balloon tour of your next destination. There’s nothing quite like soaring over a cityscape; seeing skyscraper buildings reduced to miniatures and street vehicles into tiny dots. Or feeling like you could just reach out and touch the side of a mountaintop, coasting through the jet stream with giant birds of prey.

In many cities you’ll find companies offering helicopter tours of the area — arguably some of the most iconic trips you can take would be over the Las Vegas strip or The Grand Canyon. Similarly, you’d be surprised how many hot air balloons are in the skies; hundreds set sail every year above the New Mexico desert.

Go underground

One of the most exhilarating ways to learn the history of a city is by exploring what lies beneath; many of the world’s oldest metropolises have — now disused — hidden tunnel ways, harking from past eras. If your next destination has a history marred with war, you may find there are old safety bunkers underground. Indeed, if you go beneath modern day Naples, you’ll find evidence of how citizens hid from air raids in World War 2; if you look carefully, you can still find old cooking pots and kids’ toys.

Spin around the streets

If the thought of being in dark, enclosed spaces leaves you feeling somewhat funny, why not look for novel ways to tour the streets? With some pre-planning, you should be able to find a tour company offering an ‘off the beaten track’ tour of your next vacation spot. However, for something truly unique and fun, you wouldn’t be disappointed with an open-air “party bus,” like The Trolley Bike. You’d be hard pushed to find a more memorable way to tour a city, especially if you’re traveling with a big group of friends.

Virtually tour far-flung lands

On occasion, the destination of your dreams might be just that — a dream. Luckily, thanks to the Internet, it’s now possible to take in the sights, without having to be there. Have you ever wanted to bear witness to the world’s best marine life? Google has extended its Street View feature to cover The Great Barrier Reef so that you can dive in from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t spend another trip doing the same activities. Try an unusual approach to sightseeing.

Alberta Hotels: 5 Reasons to Book Your Stay Online

January 8, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you planning a trip to Alberta for the near future? Have you come to realize that there are hundreds of hotels to choose from? Are you concerned that you may not be able to find the one that best suits your budget and personal requirements?

On the plus side, it’s nice to know that there are so many hotels in Alberta. This should give you the confidence you need to find the one that suits you best.

Conversely, you also have to consider the fact that more hotels can lead to more time on the comparison process.

There are many things you can do to make life easier on yourself, such as searching for and booking an Alberta hotel online.

With the help of Expedia, for instance, you can find the right Alberta hotel and make a reservation – all without wasting any time.

You may have a few questions and/or concerns before you head down this path. That’s why you want to learn more about the top reasons to book online:

Save Time

It can take a lot of time to call one hotel after the next to collect information, such as rates, room sizes, amenities, and much more.

This is why you need to use the internet. When doing so, you never have to worry about wasting time. You can efficiently and effectively compare your options, all with the idea that you’ll make a timely decision.

Save Money

There will be a lot on your mind when traveling, but saving money always seems to move to the top of the list (at least for most people).

If you want to get started on the right foot, you should consider the cost savings associated with booking a hotel online.

Thanks to the internet, you can quickly compare hotels with the idea of finding the right one at a price you can afford.

Tip: there are all types of hotels in Alberta, so keep an open mind. As long as you’re searching with budget in mind, you should be able to find something you can afford.

Learn More About Amenities

Some travelers don’t have any special requests in regards to amenities. Instead, the only thing they care about is finding an affordable hotel in a safe part of town.

Others, however, have a long amenity list that they keep in mind when making a decision.

Are you interested in a hotel with a pool? How about one with an exercise room? What about a business center?

If you need to learn more about amenities, you won’t struggle to do so online.

Read Traveler Reviews

If you have never stayed in a particular hotel in the past, it can be a challenge to understand everything it has to offer. This is why you should take the time to read as many traveler reviews as you can find.

Depending on the hotel, you may come across hundreds (or even thousands) of these. You don’t have to read them all, but you should definitely browse through a few. The information you collect will help you make a more informed decision.

Learn More About the Location

Once you know the address to a particular hotel, you can then search the location to get a better idea of where it is in proximity to other destinations.

For instance, you may be most interested in a hotel close to the airport. Another traveler, however, may be seeking a hotel that is downtown.

Using the internet to book an Alberta hotel ensures that you never have any unanswered questions in regards to location.

Tip: if you are unsure about where a hotel is located, don’t hesitate to make a quick phone call to learn more. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

You have a lot to think about when traveling. From making your way through the airport in a timely manner to avoiding serious jet lag, there is always something in the back of your mind.

If you want to clear the air a bit, use the internet to find and book an Alberta hotel. This way, you don’t have to worry about this detail.

Do you have any experience booking a hotel online? Is this something you enjoyed? Were you able to take advantage of the many benefits detailed above? Share your personal experiences in the comment section below. Your feedback can help other travelers book the perfect hotel in the future.

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.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45273580@N04/31425305620

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!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tahini/4421283425

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.

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