Travel Destination Bucket List

The ultimate destination for your travel bucket list!

Top Luxury Holiday Destinations

By Leave a Comment

Source: Richard Mcall on Pixabay

Are you thinking about booking a holiday for later this year or into next year but you aren’t sure where to go? Maybe you want something a bit more luxurious but exotic at the same time and need some interesting ideas on destinations that offer the perfect blend of both. You might be surprised at the places you can go that combine serious exotic travel with touches of luxury throughout. If this sounds like the kind of thing you’re looking for this year, read ahead to learn more about some of the best locations in the world that allow you to experience a truly unique culture without skimping on luxury.

India

Believe it or not, India is one of the top countries where you can score luxurious travel deals for cheap. India is home to some of the world’s most weird and wonderful sights including the city of Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Varanasi and more. While many people come to India for cheap backpacking trips, many others come for the luxury side of things – often allowing luxury seekers the opportunity to really get a lot of bang for their buck. Many of the old colonial hill stations have been transformed into beautiful, luxury accommodations – providing visitors with a historical and beautiful experience that is likely to rival many others around the world. 

Morocco

Morocco may not sound like the type of place where you can find luxury travel, but nothing could be further from the truth. Whether you want a city break in the likes of Fez or Marrakesh or you’re interested in getting out into the wilderness a bit more, Morocco has something for everyone. In terms of luxury travel, Morocco has a bit of everything ranging from high class beautiful traditional guesthouses known as riads – often with gorgeous decor that rivals impressive hotel chains right up to luxury beachfront resorts that offer yoga and surf lessons along with luxury accommodation that rivals some of the top resorts in the world. 

Japan

When it comes to luxury, Japan is one of the best places for it. Whether you want something seriously modern, bordering on futuristic or you are looking for something more traditional, Japan has something for everyone. Ryokans are the best option for luxury traditional Japanese travel – with sliding rice paper doors, dinners on tatami mats and roll out futon style beds, all topped off with usually an onsite onsen (traditional mineral bath) that brings the whole thing together perfectly. 

Tanzania

Whether you’re on Zanzibar or you’re traversing the African bush on safari, Tanzania is one of the most ideal places for luxury travel seekers. Resorts on the island of Zanzibar can be truly exquisite and provide ample offerings in terms of luxury accommodation and catering, often with private resort pools, private guides for safari and truly immaculate and impressive rooms to stay in. Most offer restaurants on site, even out on safari with high quality, world class cuisine, alcohol and all the trappings that befit a luxury getaway. 

So whether you’re looking for a simple holiday or a getaway to celebrate something impressive such as a ten year wedding anniversary, hopefully these top ideas for surprising luxury holiday destinations. Enjoy!

Great Camping Experiences – What Makes Them, and How To Have One

By Leave a Comment

Source

Now that summer is over and school is back in session, you and the kids may be bemoaning the loss of those carefree weekends camping as a family in all your favourite spots. While autumn does bring in some cooler weather, never fear – if you live in an area where it’s a slow process you might be able to squeeze another trip or two in before the white stuff flies. If you don’t however, why not consider stocking up on some cool gear that helps you get out and get back under the stars – come what may?

Here are a couple of our top picks for things you’d need if you want to extend that camping season into the chillier months.

Tents

One of the main reasons it gets so cold when camping is from laying on the cold, hard ground. Many people purchase special heating pads or insulated ground coverings to solve this issue, but what about going one step further? Opting for a truck roof tent can be a great way to get off the ground and up a bit higher, helping to stay warmer and more insulated than your traditional pitched tent on the ground. Another benefit to sleeping in a truck tent is a less chance of being accosted by insects in the night. Even if you aren’t able to use a new truck tent this season, it’s a great option for those hot summer nights next year when you find you can’t sleep inside the house.

Helpful Equipment

If you’re the type of person who really likes to get out and among nature through camping, then you might want something that really puts those campsites to shame in the way of creature comforts that you can bring on the road with you. Tuff Stuff 4×4 is the place to check out everything you need from trailhead winches to overland expedition trailers that are solar ready with full kitchens, the perfect accessory to make any long distance road trip through backcountry a success story.

Make Camping Your Go To Activity

Everyone who’s ever been camping knows what fun it can be – taking off out of town with your favourite people in tow to check out some of nature’s best spots below mountains, along lakesides and on beaches. With so many places to explore while camping, the world becomes your oyster, even if you’re only exploring your own regional area. The benefit to some places with larger area to cover is that you will never run out of places to explore – especially with Tuff Stuff and all their fantastic gear that you will want to make your camping spot a home away from home.

So if you like camping and are still wanting to get in on it a bit before the weather changes too badly, why not consider saddling up with some unique and heavy duty gear that will continually get you from one end of the country to the other with nothing but great times and adventures to be had in between. Enjoy!

Mad For The Med – Why You Should Pick A Mediterranean Cruise For Your Next Holiday

By Leave a Comment

If you’re one of those people who loves to wait until school’s back in in September before heading out on a holiday just to beat the crowds (and maybe the heat a bit too), you might be wondering what the best location is to head to this year to really make the most of those summer months before they’re gone. Maybe you can’t decide between a beach holiday or one in the mountains, a lazy getaway where you just chill out and take a load off or one where you are constantly on the go. The nice thing is that there is such a holiday that incorporates both preferences, and if this sounds like you, then look no further than an the option to kick back and relax on a Mediterranean cruise.

Amazing Excursions

Regardless of which cruise you choose, you can be sure that there will be excursions to not just fit your body, but your budget as well. Excursions from the ship can range from strolling around local ports and backstreets all the way up to hiking hills and countryside tours with wine tastings and more. Each port stop on your cruise will offer up a whole array of exciting options for getting off the boat and getting into the local area. With such great options such visiting the Palace of Knossos and the archaeological museum in Crete to getting lost in the backstreets of medieval Trogir in Croatia, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Mediterranean cruises for their getaways. There are quite literally hundreds of great things to see and do.

A Great View – Right From The Deck

It’s no secret that if you head up on the top decks, as you wind your way through the passageways and narrow lanes of islands throughout the Med that you will have amazing, unadulterated views. Imagine the stunning scenery you’ll see when you cruise past such sights as the Amalfi coast, the rocky shores of Crete, the rugged coastline of Albania and mainland Greece or the volcanic islands of Santorini. Sit back and relax perhaps with a glass of your favourite local wine in hand as you watch the world literally float past you.

World Class Cuisine

If you’re a total foodie you won’t want to miss out on a cruise trip to the Mediterranean. The region is known for some of the world’s best cuisine and wine, with opportunities to get off the ship and wander tiny winding back streets that are often home to some of the most unique local undiscovered gems in terms of culinary experience. From pasta and pizza in Italy to olives, souvlaki and the tastiest local wines in Greece or grilled lamb in spice with delectable coffee in Turkey and more options throughout the Med, it’s easy to see how some of the food options here are to die for. Come back an expert in cuisines of the Med and make them at home to relive memories of exploring tiny village cafes and rubbing elbows with locals.

So if you want something a bit new and different this year, why not consider taking a cruise to the Mediterranean. With many countries to choose from in the area, the only problem you’ll face is “which country should I pick?”

The Ultimate Must See List In Tanzania

By Leave a Comment

When you first start thinking about places you’d like to go in Africa, it’s inevitable that the usual suspects make their way into your mind. Things like taking the challenge by the horns and climbing Kilimanjaro or joining a world famous safari group on the Serengeti. But what about the other things that you can do, and since Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, what specifically should you not miss in this large and amazing country? Here are the top things you have to check out when you’re in one of Africa’s greatest gems, Tanzania.

Source

Kilimanjaro

Of course climbing one of the world’s most famous mountains is a must for many people during their trip to Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro can be an awe inspiring, challenging but life changing and affirming experience. Many who choose to climb this spend the previous months preparing as the climb can be gruelling depending on the route you take. Some routes are suitable for children and families but a general rule of thumb is that children under 10 aren’t permitted due to the terrain and difficulty of the climb.

The highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is actually a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones. Standing at a height of over 19,000 feet, it’s imperative to climbers to spend the night over several days on the mountain in order to acclimatise to the elevation changes and to lessen the discomfort and sometimes dangerous effects of altitude sicknesses that can be a problem at further heights. Typically most of the routes up Kilimanjaro take around a week. To enjoy the trek and allow for a day or two where you might need to take it a bit easier due to altitude, consider booking a trip that is around eight days in length, depending on your chosen route.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This conservation area is a wide swathe of land in the north eastern part of Tanzania, about 180 kilometres west of Arusha. The region is known for the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders which is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera, the result of a huge volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse between two to three million years ago. The highlands of the crater vary in climate depending on what side of the crater you find yourself – it covers over two hundred and fifty square kilometres of land – with one side of the crater receiving more annual rainfall that the others. The inner portions of the crater are primarily grassland and provide excellent areas for animals of all kinds to find water, food and shelter from the elements.

The Maasai people here have used the fertile land of the inside of the crater to subsistence farm for generations and are today struggling to retain claim to this land. After the Serengeti was made a national park, the Maasai people were moved by the government to the crater region as an attempt to rehome them. There was also a drought and other issues plaguing their former lands at the time, such as infestations of certain pests and widespread illnesses. Today the continued fight to create a more protected status for the crater means that the rehomed Maasai are again facing expulsion.

Believed to be the spot that humans first inhabited, hominid remains have been found that date back three million years. It’s also believed that one of the first footprints of man is found in the crater, making this not just an important place for animals, but also for mankind.

The Serengeti

One of the most famous safari and national parks in the world, the Serengeti National Park sits in the northern part of the country and is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing options available. The park extends into southern Kenya in an area known as the Maasai Mara, a popular destination for those looking to experience both wildlife as well as village life. Serengeti is literally derived from a Maasai word meaning ‘endless plains’ and is rated as one of the Seven Wonders of Africa due to it being the site of the largest mammal migration in the world to take place on land. The Serengeti, being a hugely sought after safari site boasts numerous camps, lodges and companies which vary in class and rating from basic tent based safaris all the way up to five star lodges with private safari tours.

While the Serengeti is one of the most popular and sought after safari experiences in Africa, one thing has come to light in recent years and that’s the fact that overcrowding can be an issue. To avoid overcrowding, try to go in the shoulder seasons right at the beginning or ends of the rainy season. The bonus is you are likely to score a decent deal as well if you phone in advance and book last minute.  

Zanzibar – An Island

Located off the east coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, the island of Zanzibar stands out like a pearl in the turquoise blue seas. The island is fairly large and takes awhile to get around by car but is home to not just perfect beaches but idyllic corners of quiet solitude and small local villages where the coconuts are fresh and the smiles are plentiful. Nungwi on the very north coast is said to be the party town for those looking to mingle with other backpacking travellers and those who want to get their dance on, but nearby Kendwa offers a similar vibe, but much, much quieter with beach bars selling all the latest and greatest in cocktails, mocktails as well as local and international beers. Accommodation on the island ranges from modest and rustic bungalows all the way up to ultimate 5 star resorts with private beach access and even – get this – your own butler.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and as a result is a bustling little urban area with a surprising amount to see and do. The harbour is a lovely little thing, with brightly painted boats set against the turquoise backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Peddlers of food and trinkets line the streets, as do taxi drivers who call at you asking if you need a ride somewhere. As a general rule of thumb circa 2014 a taxi ride from Stone Town to Nungwi kind of distance was around $30USD. Stone Town is also home to the famous lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury and you can even tour his home, something any fan of Queen will have high on their to do list. Stone Town overall is a great place to just check out a museum or two, take some cash out (ATMs are few and far between over the rest of the island) and possibly stock up on any snacks, medical supplies and the like that might be harder to find in the rest of the island. You can also arrange fishing trips, snorkelling trips, and spice tours to numerous plantations throughout the island to see how things like nutmeg and vanilla are grown.

 

So there you have a couple of great places to check out in Tanzania, a country that will both challenge and surprise you at every turn and leave you breathless and thrilled. So come to Tanzania – you won’t regret the choice, especially with so many other countries to head to from its well connected airport as well.

Adventures In Africa – The Perfect Idea For Your Next Holiday

By Leave a Comment

Source

If you have been thinking of where to go for your next amazing getaway but you aren’t sure where you should hit up, why not consider the diverse and unique continent of Africa? With so many countries spread across this enormous land mass and from islands to jungles to safaris and more, you will be left purely in awe at not just the level of things to see and do in this region of the world, but the continued friendly welcomes you receive from the people who make this continent their home. Here are a couple of perfect first time African countries for you to consider for your next exciting holiday.

Morocco

Morocco is a country in northern Africa in the very north western corner. This relatively small nation is majority Muslim with many unique and interesting things to see and do, including tours to the Sahara desert which should not be missed. Be sure to check out the mazes of souks in the cities such as Fes and Marrakech and visit the leather tanning vats of Fes for a look at the production of leather products. Essaouira on the coast is home of the Gnaoua World Music Festival – a must see for those who love various types of ethnic music.

Tanzania

One of the most beautiful countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania is welcoming and large with a seriously laid back nature about it. Visit the gorgeous island of Zanzibar with its turquoise seas and white sand beaches – idyllic by many island standards and be sure to visit Stone Town – the capital of the island and also birthplace of legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. While on the mainland, consider heading to the north of the country and climbing Kilimanjaro – a bucket list item for thousands of people the world over. There’s nothing quite like it.

South Africa

Perhaps one of the most visited countries in all of Africa, South Africa is a perfect combination of Africa meets Europe. Founded and settled by Dutch explorers, the country is awash with mountains, vineyards, national parks and coastline that plays host to impressive wildlife such as penguins.

Egypt

Despite what the media will try to tell you, Egypt is safe, beautiful, welcoming and an amazing place to visit. Home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world in the likes of Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, Egypt still continues to enjoy numerous tourists (and tourism is on the rise again!). With amazing Red Sea coastline home to everything from Lionfish to sharks along with amazing natural scenery throughout the country such as Farafra desert to the Coloured Canyon north of Nuweiba on the Sinai, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more Egypt.

So if you’re looking for action, adventure and a bit of chill, consider Africa. It has everything you could possibly want with a lot of options for creating the trip of your dreams. Come and see for yourself just why visitors to this amazing place all say they leave a piece of their hearts here. We bet you will too.

World Cruises – The Best Experience Ever

By Leave a Comment

Carnival-Freedom-Cruise-Ship

Source

It’s coming up to that time of year that the summer and all its fun and frivolity is nothing but a fading memory into the colours and chill of the autumn air, and so you might start finding yourself fantasising about travelling somewhere warm and sunny with some sea and sand rolled into one. If you aren’t sure where to head off to, why not consider a few places by way of a cruise? The perfect answer to those who are looking for a bit of luxury and a little taste of a number of places!

The Ultimate World Experience

If you’re an avid traveller already but you’re looking for something containing a bit of luxury with everything you need taken care of, you might find that a round the world cruise is exactly the kind of thing that is up your street. With a number of options for routes, the only question left to ask yourself is “which one?”. You can embark on a world cruise by way of several routes: London to Singapore, London to Hong Kong or London to Auckland to name but a few. What could be better than jetting off for 60 to 120 nights aboard a world class luxury cruise liner?

On Board

You might be wondering what types of things are included in a trip around the world on a cruise liner, and that’s an excellent question. You would be surprised to know that most cruise lines offer full board on their ships, including self serve tea and coffee and snacks throughout the day (including late night!). Also included are shows and entertainment, and occasionally (on some cruise liners) even your alcoholic drinks are included – but check prior to boarding to see if this is the case with your specific package.

Ports of Call

Ports of call vary from route to route and liner to liner, so choosing the right route for you and what you want to experience is the best bet. Some routes take smaller cruise liners due to interest or the ports that they will be calling into, so booking well in advance is essential for some cruises. A lot of companies also offer early bird discounts, and other fantastic benefits for booking early. Additionally excursions while in port are a fee on top of your booking, so make sure you take this into consideration when booking your cruise. The benefit though is that you can add them on after you’ve made your initial booking in many cases, so don’t think you need to pay for everything in one shot up front. That’s the benefit to cruises as a whole, usually – the ability to create a booking account and add to it in advance of the trip so that you can essentially make payments toward the trip.

So overall, taking a world cruise is a great way to see a number of the amazing sights of the world without having to pass up luxury and quality. Cruises are fast becoming a favourite mode of travel for many people around the world, and you can easily see why. So take a chance on your next trip and book a cruise – you won’t regret it.

Great New Forest Getaways

By Leave a Comment

 

Swan Green, New Forest, Hampshire, England.

Source

Autumn is always a lovely time in most places – albeit with changes in weather which might leave some people wishing for the days of summer to return. Autumn can be a beautiful time of year, especially to get one last trip away from home in before the winter hits, and what better way to get away for a few days, or even a week, than booking a cottage somewhere.

South England

It’s no surprise that the south of England has a number of great attractions for all types of people. With easy and quick proximity to London, the south is always a bit of a hot spot for tourists from all over the world, and it’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city for awhile, especially with all the fantastic cottage rental options in the area. For example, you can rent a cottage in the New Forest for relatively cheap, depending on the time of year and the size of the cottage, which allows you a wonderful autumnal getaway in a beautiful part of the country. The New Forest is historical as well in that it was used as prime hunting grounds for monarchs of England dating back to the middle ages, and was employed as a large, makeshift airbase for Allied troops in World War 2. Memorials can still be found dotted throughout the New Forest, amid its wandering ponies and pigs, and its thatched roof cottages and winding, country lanes.

The Surrounding Area

The area surrounding the New Forest is equally unique and provides many easy travelling opportunities to other cities and towns with a variety of sights and events. For example, a short drive from the New Forest are the cities of Bournemouth, Southampton and Salisbury – Salisbury being the location of a number of amazing historic pubs, a charter market dating back to the middle ages each Tuesday and Saturday, as well as one of the oldest professed pubs in the area – the Haunch of Venison, which boasts flooring taken from the original floor of the gothic cathedral in the 1200’s when the floor was redone. It also is home to one of the last remaining full pewter bar taps in Britain, which makes this a great stop for history buffs. Salisbury, as mentioned is home to the famed Salisbury Cathedral, which has the tallest spire in the UK.

Other great towns nearby include Yeovil, Glastonbury, Bath and Bristol, with Glastonbury hosting numerous beautiful pagan sites and the famed Glastonbury Tor, and Bath being well known for it’s ancient Roman Baths and Thermae Spa which recreates the Roman bathing splendour for relatively low prices to be enjoyed by visitors. Numerous villages are dotted throughout the New Forest alongside their own unique pubs and teahouses, with Burley being perhaps one of the quaintest of the small villages, with a number of quirky shops and restaurants and single room teahouses.

So there you have a few amazing reasons to visit and book a cottage in the New Forest. Not only is it an area rich and ripe in history and amazing sights, but it lends itself to being a location that works for both outdoor lovers, shoppers, city explorers and the like. So don’t delay – many cottages are offering great last minute deals if your holiday ends before October, so book today and come see just what a treasure the New Forest really is!