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Ideas for a Weekend Getaway

March 30, 2019 By Admin Leave a Comment

When you’re finally able to make it through a long and grueling week, the best thing can be for you to get away from it all for the weekend. However, some weekend getaways can be a bit pricey. Here’s a quick look at a few weekend getaway ideas that are more budget friendly.

A Weekend Cruise

Cruises are always great vacation ideas but going for a week can be a large commitment. Try cruising for just a night or two, one weekend. While this isn’t the most budget-friendly option, all of your entertainment and food is typically included. If you want adult beverages, you can usually buy a drink card for an additional fee. Before you go though, get a few of the best renters insurance quotes so it’ll be easier to make sure all of your belongings at home will be safe and covered when you aren’t there – and it’s a good idea to have it even when you are there.

Go Camping

Camping out for a weekend in nature can be an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The first thing you’ll need to do is to decide exactly how much ‘roughing it’ you want. You might stay in a cute, rustic cabin, make reservations for your vehicle or an RV – which will give you all of the perks of camping outdoors while eliminating the need to carry a lot of equipment, or you might even just want to grab your backpack, take a hike, and camp out on the trail somewhere.

Casinos

If you’re feeling lucky, you might want to spend a night or two at a casino resort. Most states now have at least one and you can find one near you. The types of games and the amenities that each one offer vary quite a bit, but you’ll know it’s a good casino when they attempt to recreate a Vegas look and feel, like with live entertainment, upscale shops, buffets, and fancy restaurants. Some of them even have a spa where you can finally relax.

Tour Your City

If you’re looking for an escape where you don’t need to travel too much, why not book a stay at a cute bed and breakfast or that nice hotel you’ve been wondering about right in your own city or town? Allow someone else to cook your meals and then you’ll be able to spend your days checking out all of those quirky sites and shops that you pass all the time but never have the time to stop and explore. You might feed some ducks at a pond, drive around a few areas you’re not familiar with, or even poke into those dusty old antique shops that you’ve always wanted to check out.

Whatever you decide to do with your relaxing weekend off, try to avoid things that you normally do. Don’t go to a grocery store, avoid Starbucks. Instead of those things, try something like relaxing with a cappuccino at a quaint little café, read your morning paper in a park, and check out the restaurants in the area. Just remember to have fun.

3 Best Vacation Adventures in Arizona

February 18, 2019 By Admin Leave a Comment

Arizona is home to three national parks and 13 national monuments, according to information from the National Parks Service. If you love the outdoors and experiencing views like you’ve never seen before, Arizona is the perfect vacation destination. However, Arizona doesn’t just offer tourism spots for people who love nature. The state also has thriving cities, cultural landmarks, and museums. There’s something in Arizona for all kinds of visitors to enjoy. If you’re headed to Arizona or thinking about planning a vacation there, we’ve put together a list of three adventures you’ll need to have when you make your trip.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is a gorgeous attraction located in Supai, Arizona that features blue-green pools and a stunning waterfall that is sometimes split in half when the Colorado River is flowing strongly. This beautiful natural waterfall used to be part of the area where Havasupai Indians lived. Keep in mind you will need to get a permit and pay a fee before entering this location. Havasu Falls takes a bit of work to reach, but if you’re not into hiking, there are other methods of getting there. You can reach the falls by horseback or even by helicopter. No matter how you get there, the beautiful landscape and the bathing pools upon arrival are worth the wait. This attraction is perfect for outdoorsy types or just those who are looking to have a new nature-filled adventure.

Experience Tempe

Located next to Phoenix, Tempe gives you access to all the city adventures you could want. Tempe is also home to a vibrant, rich nightlife scene that’s the perfect choice if you need a break from the outdoors. There are a variety of clubs and bars here to experience, so you’ll be able to find the Tempe Nightclub that has the right vibe for you. Plus, Tempe is also close to destinations like the Phoenix Zoo and also has many restaurants and shops.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is somewhat of an oasis in the desert. This beautiful town is surrounded by red buttes and green pine forests making for a stunning landscape. This town is known for its many New Age stores as well as high-end art galleries. So, if you want a place where you can go on hikes and experience the outdoors while still being close to a unique town, Sedona is perfect. Sedona is also home to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is a popular tourist destination that you can access easily by vehicle.

These three destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Arizona and creating a unique adventure experience. From hiking to state parks to nightlife, Arizona has a little something for everyone. You can make the trip alone or bring friends or family along with you as this state is full of surprises for people of all ages.

Top 5 Most Popular Countries for a Destination Wedding

January 8, 2019 By Admin Leave a Comment

Would you and your partner like to exchange vows in a local church, or does a tropical beach sound more inviting? If you want to buck the traditional type of wedding and opt for something a little more intimate and glamorous, a destination wedding could be just what you’re looking for.

There are thousands of different locations around the world where you could find yourself saying “I do,” but which one should you choose when there’s so much choice? To narrow down your options, here are the 5 most popular countries in which you can get married.

Mexico

For couples who love sun, sand and the sea, Mexico could be your dream wedding destination. There are many Mexico destination wedding packages available, in a variety of locations, making your wedding unique to you and your partner. Many resorts in Mexico offer Mayan tribal dancer and exciting fire shows, entertainment that is sure to keep you and your guests mesmerized. Popular Mexican wedding location include Cancun, Cozumel, and Los Cabos.

Italy

Italy is a country where you can sample some tasty cuisine and wine, and it also has some beautiful landscapes. There are a number of different locations where you can exchange your vows. Lovers of history might enjoy Rome whereas those looking for a beach destination should consider the Amalfi Coast. If you’d prefer to be surrounded by culture, then Sorrento is the obvious choice.

Jamaica

If you want beaches, mountains, and waterfalls then Jamaica ticks all your boxes. You’ll also find the biggest selection of resorts offering wedding destination packages. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the legal requirements for getting a marriage license are easy. Wait just 24 hours and you’ll have your marriage license. You only need to produce a certified copy of both your birth certificates.

Africa

Made up of 54 countries, this is really a continent rather than a country. Nevertheless, it features in the list because there is such a wide range of options. Most African countries offer amazing weather, breath-taking landscapes and an abundance of culture. Let’s not forget the wildlife either. One type of celebration that’s becoming increasingly popular is a Safari wedding. As well as having a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs, you and your wedding guests are able to enjoy the locations natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Hawaii

To get to this collection of islands, you’re going to need to take a long flight from wherever you’re traveling. This doesn’t put many couples off, however, and that’s no surprise because it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you decide this is the destination for you, make sure you’re familiar with the legal requirements and how to apply for a marriage license.

This is a very short selection of the countries you could choose to get married in if you’re looking for something different. Make sure you make your plans well in advance so that none of your guests have to stay behind.

Money Smart Tips For Frequent Flyers

October 25, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

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Travelling the world can be quite an adventure. The excitement, the adrenaline and the ability to explore the unknown can be addictive; and expensive. Australians spent over AU$15,000 in 2016 on travelling and since then have continued to rise in the ranks to become one of the countries that spend the most on travel each year. However, simple travel oversights often made by travellers can end up making the experience very stressful and costly. For those who find themselves frequently hopping on planes and seeing their bank balances dwindle due to flights, take a look at a few nifty ways you can better manage your money and still satisfy that travel bug.

Get A Credit Card

Travel credit cards are worth looking into. Many credit card companies offer promotions for use of their services. These offers can include cashback and frequent flyer points for hotels, airlines and even air travel benefits such travel credit to be used in stores. Utilise these and your wallet will thank you. You will end up spending less on your flights (if financed using air points) or even getting your accommodation for free on a trip.

Another great credit card tip for travellers is to use their cards to book their travels and then use their cash to pay the credit card bill. This way you accrue points and benefits from your credit provider and also keep your credit standing in good shape. Keep in mind you should only pursue this if you do have the cash to largely finance the trip soon after the purchase. Travel can be expensive and if you cannot repay the amount on your card, it will end up negatively affecting your credit score. Experts such as Experian recommend keeping your credit card utilisation below 30 percent.

Have A Dedicated Travel Account- And Budget To Go With It

Budgeting is the cornerstone of many great financial habits in our lives. It is used to get a hold of our debts, achieve our saving goals and now, to keep an eye on your travel spend. The Westpac Global Travel Study revealed that 80 percent of Australians overspend when travelling overseas. Australian families are taking note with eight in ten families now letting their budget determine their upcoming travel plans rather than dreams. A travel budget is simple to make and important in so many ways. It allows you to keep up with your spending habits and more importantly, identify areas where you can be more money savvy. Keeping track of your finances is the first step to reducing unnecessary spending. This can mean more money freed up for your adventures. Many banks now offer a variety of products to smartly manage your everyday finances aimed at travellers, savers or for general use.

Pick An Airline

Many pieces advise travellers to shop around and compare prices before booking their flights. However, did you ever consider the perks that may come with sticking to one airline? Many carriers tend to reward customer loyalty; something you can use in your favour to save a lot of money. As you repeatedly book with them, you can accrue flyer and loyalty points. Flight upgrades and extra amenities can all come free or heavily discounted for repeat customers. Coupled with credit card points, you could find yourself flying for free, or close to it.

Whether it is for work or to explore the globe, travelling can certainly burn a hole in our bank accounts. However, that does not have to be the case. There are many tips to achieve budget-friendly travel and still enjoy the beauty that the world offers. Whether it is by implementing a travel budget or making smart use of extra perks that come with credit facilities, you can achieve the perfect balance between your finances and your travel ambitions.

Top 5 Most Amazing Places to Visit in Al Ain

October 20, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Al Ain is the oasis city of the UAE, which has everything in it. The city is surrounded by the vast mountain range, Jebel Hafeet, and the desert. This is an ancient city of 3000 BC, which is till date very popular among the tourists around the world. If you are an adventurist by heart, then this oasis amidst the desert will definitely allure you to explore it.

Book the best Al Ain hotels to make your vacation even more lavish and luxurious. What can you see once you are in this desert city? Here are certain famous tourist destinations of this city. Read on to know more-

1. Jebel Hafeet

This rough mountain has grown up from the inland of Al Ain. Take a trip to the summit of the mountain through the desert so that you get a panoramic view of the mountain, surrounded by the desert. That is something mesmerizing and you can’t get the beauty until you experience it. On your way to the summit, you will find breathtaking scenic beauty. The place is heavenly for the photographers.

2. Green Mubazzarah

If your eyes have been tired of visiting the cragginess of the mountain, it’s time to soothe them. Go to this place which is covered by lush greenery. There are several hot springs and water wells. This vast place is amazing for arranging a weekend picnic with your friends or family. You can even arrange a Bar-be-Que party.

3. Al Ain National Museum

The desert city has many things to tell its tourists. To listen to its history and past, you need to visit the museum once. And while you are here, don’t forget to visit the special ethnographic section where you can get the glimpse of the regular life of the people in Al Ain along with the exhibits, like Bedouin jewelry, traditional majlis and so on. Apart from these, you can visit the coin collection, the archeological section with artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages and many other things.

4. Al Ain Zoo

This is the largest animal enclosure of the entire United Arab Emirates. The Zoo was opened in 1969 and from the beginning, it has been one of the famous tourist spots in Al Ain. Along with the members of the cat family, like tiger, lion, leopards, and jaguars, you will also find the endemic mammals, like oryx and the Arabian antelope here. Apart from that, the zoo is also the house of the endangered species, like African and Arabian Gulf animals.

5. Wadi Adventure Park

If you want to have the best adventure in Al Ain, visit the park where you get to do kayaking, surfing, white water rafting and so on. This park is the biggest water rafting park in the UAE where you will find the world’s largest artificial surfing waves. The kayaking channels will give you amazing experience while there are three distinguished levels of surfing for the beginners, the intermediates and the experts.

These are the top 5 visiting places in Al Ain. There are many more and each of them are equally amazing. Plan now and go for a trip.

3 Travel Blunders that Will Ruin Any Vacation

August 21, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Vacations are supposed to be fun. They’re supposed to be amazing, thrilling, eye-opening experiences. They’re supposed to be less stressful than work. Sadly though, most of us have experienced frustrating vacations and know how quickly a trip can turn from idyllic to disastrous. On the plus side, the more you travel, the more you can work to avoid mistakes that induce stress and threaten your safety. However, inexperienced travelers will want to have a look at these three travel-based errors. Eliminating these gaffs will –– at the very least –– ensure you avoid a few massive headaches while on vacation:

Forgetting Documentation

It may come as a surprise to some, but many people still forget to take everything they need for basic traveling purposes. Tickets, IDs, and passports are all essential for navigating through airports and border stations. Forgetting or losing any of these documents will put you behind the eight-ball right from the start, and pretty much guarantee your trip won’t be much fun.

Winging It

We can’t stress this enough –– it’s patently unwise to travel without having your accommodations sorted out first. Not knowing where you’re going to stay or how you’re going to get around town is one of the fastest ways to derail any trip. Yes, it’s important to allow yourself time to explore a new city, and yes, it’s also rewarding to immerse yourself and “get lost” in a new environment; but winging it completely will only lead to trouble. Sort out your hotel or Airbnb months in advance and make sure you have a sound grasp for how you’re going to move throughout a city. Check the bus and train schedules, investigate the taxi situation, or skip the hassle altogether and hire a private driver. (For more information on driving services, check out www.aaylimos.com.) The point is, don’t fly by the seat of your pants on holiday.

Seasonal Blues

Many times, when you go on vacation carries as much weight as where you go. Indeed, there’s an art to scheduling the perfect trip. Go during the summer or and you could risk getting stuck in exorbitant lines and traffic caused by fellow tourists. Go during the winter months and you might not be able to experience everything a city has to offer. Of course, traveling with children can limit the times you can realistically hit the road as well. Nevertheless, pro travelers find ways to circumvent crowds and still have a great time. Look for sweet spots during the travel schedule and be willing visit a city during an “off” season. You may be surprised just how much more enjoyable your escapades are as a result!

Tips on Planing a Group Villa Holiday in Spain

August 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

If you are looking to go away in a big group next year for summer holidays, it makes sense to rent a huge villa for everyone, or a complex with 2 or 3 villas next to each other, depending on the group size. Not only is this a cost-effective way of traveling, removing the need for multiple hotel rooms, it is also a great deal more fun, all sharing the space with each other for the duration of your holiday. I have been on several of these big group holidays, so I wanted to give you some tips on how to get the planning just right.

Spain

Unless you have a particular reason to go to a certain country, I would most definitely recommend Spain as a place to look for your villa, specifically in the south of the country. The reason behind this is that you can easily fly into Spain from anywhere in the UK, for very low prices, plus the fact that Spain offers everything that most people look for in a summer break, and the villas here are far cheaper than the likes of Portugal and Greece. Keep an eye out for villas in and around Malaga, as these are some of the best that I have visited.

Car Rental

Bear in mind that in many cases, villas are in rural areas or in areas that are a little bit off-the-beaten path, so you will need a car rental for supermarket visits and meals out. Taking the Malaga example, if you rent a car when you get to Malaga, you maybe looking at higher costs, so be sure to get booked up before you leave home.

Amenities

Most people that go away in groups like this spend the majority of their time together in the villa, so you need to make sure that there is plenty for people to do. Naturally a swimming pool will be a key component of renting a villa, but also keep an eye out for pool and table tennis tables, TVs and speaker systems, a BBQ and plenty of outdoor seating space.

Money

When it comes to paying for the villa, you need to take extra special care, because you will be making a group payment on behalf of everyone. I have been on many holidays like this where someone pulled out at the last minute, which ended up driving the cost up for everyone. Once you have agreed with the group which villa you will rent and how much it will cost, make sure that you get payments from them prior to paying for the villa. If you do things like this, then should someone drop out, they can either sell their holiday to someone else, or simply lose the money, either way it will be their responsibility, and nobody else will lose out.

Group villa holidays are a great way to spend a summer break, just make sure that you get the planning right.

Visiting Australia’s Northern Territory for Gap Year Adventures

July 18, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

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Road Trips

Anyone who has bumped into a group of gap year students travelling around Australia will be more than aware of just how much they love to have fun. And as many of these youngsters are on a tight budget, getting temporary work to help fund their travels tends to be one of their goals. Apart from picking fruit and working at a carwash, there are many other solutions for trippers in Australia travelling on a shoestring. By scouring the net for websites with information on planning a road trip around Australia, tourists planning to make their way up to Alice Springs should be able to have a great trip. There are indeed some fantastic sites that provide the traveller with the sort of information that can be used to plan a successful trip around Australia. Of course, young travellers hoping to pick up some work as they make their way up to the Northern Territory in a beat-up campervan will need to look for details on the best ways to secure temporary employment on the route they plan to take.

Fun Jobs

Most people will not disagree with the notion that the best jobs are the ones where we can have a laugh at least once in a while. Fortunately, for gap year students in Australia looking to get some work that has a lot of fun on offer, there are plenty of jobs around Australia suitable for young people who are keen to be entertained at work. As well as working in bars and clubs, youthful travellers could try promotional work where they spend all day chatting to people. Finding Alice Springs accommodation after talking to someone promoting this popular part of the Northern Territory could turn out to be the beginning of a great idea for young travellers that had no real plan on where to go next in Australia. By taking into consideration how we will make it up to Alice Springs from the south of Australia, we may be able to get to our destination in good time. Young visitors to Alice Springs and surrounding areas such as Darwin will usually want to find out about the nightlife in this part of the Northern Territory. Luckily for party animals touring Australia, there are heaps of venues to enjoy boozy nights in Darwin such as the ones listed below:

Throb Night Club
The Lost Arc
Monsoons
Darwin Railway Club
HP Underground Nightclub

Place to Crash

Although lots of youngsters who use a campervan to travel around Australia will choose to get their head down in the vehicle when they cannot cruise the roads anymore, there will always be times when road trip travellers will crave for a bit more comfort. By taking the time to search online, gap year students heading towards Alice Springs will be able to book some suitable accommodation ready for when they finally arrive after a long drive in their trusty campervan. And as there are lots of providers of cosy and reasonably priced places to crash in the Northern Territory of Australia, it will not be long before these intrepid travellers have got the perfect pad for the Alice Springs leg of their journey. Of course, party people staying in Alice Springs should check out Darwin for a night if they want to let their hair down after a day visiting magnificent sights of this Northern Territory region. Impulsive travellers in Australia hoping to combine visiting tourist attractions in the Northern Territory with lots of late nights can easily have their cake and eat it.

On Land or On Sea? Reasons for choosing a Cruise holiday

June 20, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s a range of choice when it comes to holidays, many don’t know what to pick. You could visit one destination and explore the full scope of that one land, or you could take a cruise and venture to various places. With a cruise there’s no limits, no restrictions that will hinder you from having a spectacular and fun-filled holiday. Find one that suits you with all the places you want to see incorporate on the journey. Sail the seas today: experience a luxury cruise holiday. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a cruise holiday.

An Array of Attractions

With a cruise you don’t have to be limited to one location. Explore the world and tick of a number of those Bucket list destinations you’ve been longing to see. Cruises go cross countries and enable you to see a range of alluring sites. You can sail the seven seas travelling from Abu Dhabi to Rome, Monte Carlo to Barcelona, Amsterdam to London and more. See the world without stress as you sail along.

All Planned Out

Another thing that makes cruises such a sort out holiday is that it’s all planned out for you. You’re provided with an enticing itinerary before you board and they take you to the various destinations with ease. Planning all the locations you want to see manually can be a drag, when you book a cruise you’ll have the whole trip set out for you. With destination experts on hand also, you can be informed on what to view when you stop off. Sit back and relax and enjoy the ride and recreation. Don’t get yourself worked up about what to do next or where to fly to, with a cruise holiday it will be one stop after another packed with a host of events and attraction for you to be thrilled by. The only journey you’ll be down about taking is the journey back home.

Comfort and Luxury

One of the biggest highlights to cruising is the comfort that comes on board. This is a luxurious way to site see. Get an ocean view from your sensational stateroom. Receive a delicious selection of fine cuisines, indulge in a wide range of entertainment, and wake up to the wonders of each location in style. It’s the perfect way to voyage around the world. You’ll be provided with a high standard of service that is matchless. One of the biggest worries when travelling around is finding the perfect accommodation; on a cruise this will always be available to you with your own private and plush room on board at the end of your explorations.

Social

Everybody likes to meet good people with good vibes while they’re on holiday. They like the memories that come with socialising with a host of different characters. On a cruise you are in close proximity with like-minded people; people that are out for a good time of travelling and leisure.

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.