Travel Destination Bucket List

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Reasons to Always Book Your Vacations Online

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If you are still using tour operators and agents for your annual vacation then it is time to stop and think about whether or not this is giving you the best value. Unless you are booking a vacation to some far flung place with tight restrictions, or if you are using a tour agent who have partnerships with hotel providers, the truth is that you have just as much access to flights, accommodation and events as they do. There are so many reasons why you are better off booking your vacation in individual segments and doing so online, and here are just a few of them.

Cost

The first point to mention is the cost difference between booking yourself and booking through a travel agent. Remember that travel agents are a business, they need to make money somewhere, and that somewhere will be a slight premium on using their services. My Dad recently booked a trip from Newcastle in the UK to New York complete with hotel in Long Island, the cost came to £1450. When I searched for the same trip online, with flights and hotels separate, the cost was closer to £1050. This may not always be the case but it 90% of the time you’ll save money through booking online.

Hotels

Travel agents love to tell you that they will get the best rates from the hotel but very often you’ll find that the cheapest rooms can be found through speaking with them directly or through finding a third party company online. Hotels in the UK for example offer some great discounted rooms which you can find online, discounts which the travel agents just don’t have. If you are planning a vacation then try it out for yourself, go to the travel agent and see what prices they give you, then try to beat it on your own, you’ll be very surprised at the results.

Tours

When it comes to taking a tour abroad it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the travel agents have access to the best tours, this isn’t always the case. In fact in many cases you’ll find outstanding tour companies recommended by fellow travelers, who the travel agents haven’t even heard of. Again this comes down to make money and travel agents will partner with tour companies so that they both win, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best one.

Ease

An attractive prospect of using a travel agent is that they make your life easier, they can package up a deal for you which will see you pay once and off you go. This may be true but in reality booking vacations online is not difficult at all, it may take an hour at most to research where you want to go and find the best hotels and flights for you. Travel agents used to make things easier, but the world has changed and this is no longer true.

For your next vacation, look to do a little more on your own.

Top 5 reasons to visit the Lake District in the UK

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If you haven’t yet visited the Lakes, where have you been? Thanks to the abundance of stunning natural scenery, the welcoming nature of the local people, and the overall relaxed vibe, the Lakes is the perfect place for winding down whilst also immersing yourself in proper British culture. In the county of Cumbria, the Lake District is Britain’s largest national park, covering a huge 2,292 sq km. Most famous for its abundance of beautiful crystal watered lakes, the area boasts some of the most beautiful picturesque views, whilst also being rich in historical culture. But if that doesn’t persuade you, here’s 5 reasons why you should visit the Lake District:

Food glorious food

Sampling all that the Cumbrian countryside has to offer is nothing short of a delight. With so many local watering holes and eateries to delve into, Cumbria truly is the place to be if you’re a foodie. Be it classic pub food, or something a little more up market, the Lakes has it all. Indulge in a traditional British afternoon tea, complete with tea by the pot, jam and cream scones and delicate finger sandwiches for the ultimate in British country cuisine.

Photography

If you’re a keen photographer, the Lakes is definitely the place for you! The endless landscapes, stunning wildlife and breath-taking views make it a photography dream, be it amateur or professional. To get the ultimate shot, head down to one of the many fantastic lakeside areas at dawn, to snap the scenery as the sun rises.

Events galore

From beer festivals to bonfires, there’s a traditional event for everyone in the Lakes. Take inspiration from the season by visiting Beatrix Potter at Hill Top and have the opportunity to see the very place the writer, most famous for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, lived. If delving into the culture of the Lakes isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also a huge range of historic public houses ready to serve you craft beers and home-brewed ale.

It’s a little luxury

Visiting the Lakes gives you the opportunity to spend some time relaxing, indulging in a little me time and looking after yourself. Renting a cottage is the best way to see the lakes, not only does it give you the freedom to do whatever you please, but lots of properties come with free standing baths or hot tubs, perfect for that little bit of luxury living. There are a fantastic range of Lake District cottages from Lakelovers, one of which could well be your dream resting place. Ranging from romantic boltholes to picture-postcard luxury and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.

Peace and Quiet

Going to the Lakes gets you out of the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as being able to see a part of the world previously hidden and gives you the opportunity to steal a moment or two to yourself. Submerging yourself into tranquil surroundings naturally leads to a feeling of calm, and what better way to do that than in the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

Ideas for a Weekend Getaway

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

  1. Throb Night Club
  2. The Lost Arc
  3. Monsoons
  4. Darwin Railway Club
  5. 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.