Travel Destination Bucket List

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Cruise Holidays: Range of Styles

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The cruise industry has seen amazing success over the last decade or so, and what was once largely for the rich and elderly, is now a hot favourite with families all over the world. If you are thinking of booking a cruise holiday, here are a few packages that are specifically designed for certain groups.

  • Solo Cruising– Primarily aimed at singles who wish to have a great time and meet other likeminded travellers or passengers of the same age. Many people like their own company and wish to spend time in solitude. This can also be done on a singles cruise, as no one tries to get you to interact, although there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. You are likely to find people who like the same things, and many life-long friendships started with a singles cruise, as have countless marriages.
  • Young Family Cruises– This is an expanding market, as more and more parents realise the many benefits of a floating holiday, and if you wanted to take the kids away for a few days, there are Royal Caribbean cruises from Australia offered by leading cruise tour operators. This is a wonderful opportunity for any young person to experience something unique, and regardless of their ages, there is always something to do on a cruise ship. One of the main reasons families choose a cruise is the huge number of onboard activities that their kids can engage with, and with supervision, there are no fears of losing your kids.
  • Romantic Cruises – There are many short cruises leaving Melbourne and Sydney that are designed to attract romantic couples, and the best way to book such a cruise would be to search online for a leading cruise holiday operator. Many of the passengers have grown up children and they can indulge themselves in a romantic getaway, and by meeting other couples, they are expanding their contact lists. There is some more information on choosing the right cruise, which you should find helpful.
  • Mega Cruises– A mega cruise would be a trip around Australia, which would take the best part of three months, or even a round-the-world cruise, which is designed for seasoned cruise passengers who want to see the world in style. If you and your partner are both retired and the kids have families of their own, why not go for an epic 3-month cruise? Of course, a round-the-world cruise would consist mainly of retired people, although many of the passengers are only on the ship for a portion of the voyage.

Of course, prior to booking any cruise, you should find out what you can about the package. If you have any queries, the online cruise tour company is there to help. You can search by dates or destinations, and there are always some great last-minute deals if you can leave at short notice.

Reasons to Plan Well Before a Trip to Orlando

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If you have trip to Orlando coming up then I can tell you from experience that you are going to have to do more planning and preparation than you would do normally for a family holiday. Orlando offers so much in terms of things to do and things to see that you really need to spend some time online ahead of your trip to make sure that everything is in order for when you get there. This is going to be the trip of a lifetime but first you need to plan well, and here is why it is important.

Saving Money

One of the most important reasons why it is necessary to plan well ahead of your trip is so that you can take advantage of the many ways in which you can save money. Let’s say for example that you are looking for Universal Studios tickets, if you plan well you can buy them before you leave and get them for a fraction of the price that you would pay when you get there. The same goes for other parks too, if you want to save some money, plan well and buy them online. You can also save money by planning ahead as early birds get better deals on things like car rental and accommodation.

Calming the Chaos

The reason why you need to plan your itinerary before you go is so that you can maximize your trip to Orlando. If you don’t do this then it can very quickly get overwhelming as there is just so many things to do and so many places to see here. The last thing you want is to spend money on a big trip like this and then come home regretting that there were things that you didn’t do. If you spend a short amount of time before you go weighing up the things you want to enjoy, you can be sure that you can tick everything off your list during your time there.

Busy

A trip to Orlando is like a summer holiday where you relax on the beach for a couple of weeks, this is a holiday which is going to be busy and you need to ensure that you have everything prepared. From kids clothes to visas, car rental bookings to an itinerary, all of these things will ensure that you are well planned for the mayhem which you are about to enjoy.

Tips

Something I found very beneficial was the number of tips and hacks which I found online and if you take a look I have no doubt that you will find them helpful too. Things such as where to eat and when in order to save money, which opportunities to take advantage of and things to watch out for. Vital information which really helped us out during our vacation in Florida.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by you, plan well in order to have the very best time in Orlando.

5 Tips for Taking a Spur-of-the-Moment Trip

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It’s impossible to predict when an amazing travel opportunity will come knocking. Though it’s preferable to plan vacations well in advance and to book your holiday accomodations online months before you’re due to set off, sometimes a spur-of-the-moment trip comes together at the last second. To help you take advantage of a possible “chance of a lifetime,” make sure to check out our top five tips for vacationing at a moment’s notice. Read this post and then get moving!

Talk to Your Boss

Few people would consider risking their job to take a last-second vacation. Still, it is possible to “have your cake and eat it too,” if you decide to take a spur-of-the-moment holiday. Speak with your boss and explain to them why you’re requesting time off so soon. Additionally, any solutions you can offer them before you leave will likely be appreciated. If, for instance, you can finish a report on blood collection sets sooner than anticipated, your boss might not mind you heading out on a quick vacation as much.

Keep it Short

In general, the shorter the trip, the less planning is required to make it a success. It’s virtually impossible to put together a two-week trip if you only have a few hours to prepare. (And that goes double if you don’t already possess a valid passport.) On the other hand, it’s definitely feasible to organize a quick weekend getaway in a scramble. Plus, traveling on the weekends could save you the trouble of asking for time off from your boss.

Have a Goal in Mind

Unless you have a very specific place or event you want to see –– like a concert, sporting event, festival, or exhibit –– consider putting off a trip until you have more time. Fortunately, quick trips that are centered around a single event are easier to budget for –– in terms of both time and money.

Pack with a Partner

It’s very easy to forget to pack an important item –– even if you’re an experienced traveler. As such, it’s a good idea to pack with a partner, particularly if you’re short on time. Having an extra pair of eyes can help you spot a potential mistake and prevent you from taking off without a toothbrush, towel, or worse, without your wallet or cell phone!

Have Fun!

The chance to have a spontaneous trip doesn’t happen very often. So if all the conditions are met –– i.e you’ve got the time, money, and resources to pull it off –– then make it a point to soak up this rarest of vacations. Happily, some of the best decisions are the ones made in the blink of an eye.

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.

Why You Should Book Yourself onto a Greek Island this Summer

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There are many stunning island chains in the world, all with their unique flavor of isolation, wonder and natural beauty. But very few can compare to the sheer idyll offered by the islands off the mainland of Greece, situated in the Aegean Sea – a part of the Mediterranean once crossed by ancient armies and bronze-age traders. Here, you’ll find a mystique rarely available to the budget traveler, and peacefulness that will help you relax in complete luxury for the duration of your stay. Here’s why you should book yourself onto a Greek island this summer.

The Cuisine

Of the European culinary delights you might be familiar with, Greek might sit lower on the list than French, Italian and Spanish fare. However, all this means is that you’ll be in for a mesmeric, taste bud-tingling treat for the duration of your stay on a Greek island. With locally-sourced ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, bulging olives, and fresh catch-of-the-day fish, you’ll wonder how food so healthy can taste so good. You’ll conclude, after your stay, that it must have been the food that gave birth to one of the world’s most enduring ancient civilizations.

Ancient Wonders

Speaking of the ancient world, Greece is one of the most fascinating, with some of the best-preserved relics located precisely on the islands that once made up its empire. Whether or not you’re a fan of ancient culture, you’ll be blown away by some of the incredibly old sites that decorate the islands off the coast of Greece; monuments to a time when this area of the world was one of the busiest with trade from across the ancient world. Visiting these places is a beautiful and memorable part of any trip to a Greek island.

Luxury Villas

If you’ve come to Greece for that castaway desert island feel, you’ve come to the wrong place. You won’t find discomfort or savagery here – only a gleaming selection of attractive villas that decorate the shores of the many islands that pepper the coast. Search through villas in Paros for rent to get just a taste of what you might be able to call home for the duration of your vacation; white-walled, open-plan and deliciously private stays at incredible prices, giving you the perfect base from which to explore your island at your own pace.

Sea Trips

Once you’ve selected an island and a place to stay, you’re by no means restricted to that island. You’re able to travel between Greece’s many islands with surprising ease, which is why many people call a trip to this part of the world an exercise in ‘island-hopping’. Either charter your own boat, or take local ferries, to find new corners of paradise, new world-class eateries, and unique ancient relics to satisfy your craving for adventure on seas that are unfailingly calm, turquoise and tranquil. A trip to a Greek island is simply not complete without a trip to a neighboring island over the dead-flat Mediterranean Sea.

It’s expected that, after reading this article, you’ll already be on your way to booking your stay on one of Greece’s wonderful islands – enjoying a summer of mystery and wonder in 2019.

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.

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.

How to make the most of a weekend getaway in Belfast

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There’s no doubt that Belfast has always been appealing from a tourist perspective; after all, it’s only a stone’s throw from the rest of the UK. However, over recent years its popularity has soared, with the rise of budget airlines partially to thank for this.

To suggest that people only visit Belfast due to its accessibility would be doing it a terrible disservice though. There are in fact plenty reasons behind the tourist appeal to Belfast, with its luxury hotels and general atmosphere being just a couple of note. However, for the purposes of highlighting exactly what you can do there, let’s now talk about the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Titanic Belfast

Truth be told, you could visit a number of cities around the world and feast your eyes on a Titanic museum. There’s a major difference when it comes to Belfast though – this is the city in which the boat was actually built.

That’s right, and the most interesting element of this is that it only really opened in the aftermath of the hugely successful movie. It cost £97m to build, is now the largest Titanic museum in the world and back in 2016 it was classed as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Crumlin Road Gaol

When you first venture to Crumlin Road Gaol, it might sound bizarre to hear that this was once one of the most advanced prisons of its era. Of course, that was all the way back in 1845 – but back then it cost £60,000 (which is the equivalent to more than £5m in today’s money).

It closed its doors in 1996 but makes a very good attraction for those who like to delve into history. The tour allows you to visit inside, including the Governor’s office and execution cell.

St George’s Market

If markets are your thing, St George’s is right up there with the best. The fact that it has been operating since 1604 should highlight exactly how historic it is, but it’s also the last Victorian covered market that can be visited in the whole of the city.

In 2014, it was classed as the best indoor market in 2014 and with almost 300 stalls available, this really shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

HMS Caroline

As you may have gathered from the Titanic reference earlier, Belfast has some terrific maritime attractions. HMS Caroline is one of these, with this being the final ship that survived the Battle of Jutland.

Of course, since then it has been restored into a full-blown tourist attraction. Those who visit it will get audio and visual displays, and learn how the 300 men who worked aboard the ship really lived.

If history isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for Belfast – it’s a sterling ship that always grabs rave reviews from anyone who decides to visit.

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

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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

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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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.