Spring or Summer – Building a Great Holiday No Matter the Season
Jun 2, 2013

Spring or Summer – Building a Great Holiday No Matter the Season

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It’s that time of year again… and we’re incredibly excited. It’s all about making sure that you can get away for a little while. You might be tempted to really just get into the swing of things, but there is something to be said about a little bit of planning. There is something to be said about finally getting to have the type of experience that you’ve always wanted. You might feel guilty stepping away from all of the hectic details found in everyday life…but it’s absolutely necessary.

Sometimes we go back to the classic questions, like when to travel. The truth is that you should be able to travel all year round and still get amazing experiences, but there are naturally going to be peak times of the year where you’re really itching to just be gone for a little while. It just depends on what type of leave you can get from work. If you can get time now, there are a lot of spring travel deals out there. You can go with a package holiday and tour a resort for a little while, or even go on a cruise. The choice is really up to you.

The best thing that you can do is figure out where you want to go. Remember that if you’re trying to figure out your seasonal travel plans, geography is very important. You don’t want to go somewhere that’s already experiencing winter, for example. This would be true for places like New Zealand, where they are going to have colder temperatures than what you might be looking for. Always check the weather around your trip and continue checking it. This is also where good travel insurance comes in handy — if the weather turns bad on you, you still want to make sure that you can get your money back. If you just leave everything to chance, you won’t get that opportunity. Insurance might sound unnecessary, but it really can come in handy when you really think about it.

You also want to make sure that you’re packing the right clothes for the trip. Unless you’re really going to a fancy resort, you want to try to dress as simply as possible. This keeps you from being a target for criminals who see you as a rich traveler that has more than enough resources to spare. Sometimes, it just doesn’t pay to stand out. If you’re going to a resort, you’ll benefit from increased security. Still, we think it would be best to err on the side of caution in things like this.

Bringing enough money for your host country is very important. You cannot be guaranteed that all of the ATMs will work properly. This means that you have to bring enough money to take care of just about everything else that you will need. If you’re like most travelers, you might find it better to purchase what you need when you land rather than trying to navigate around with multiple suitcases. That just becomes a real pain.

Do you want to have a rental car? Make sure that you look up whether or not you have to have an International Driver’s Permit before you land. These are common details, but it’s very easy to overlook them in the rush to finally get to go on holiday.

Bringing along a guidebook ion your host country of choice is good, but it’s even better to plug into a travelers forum where real people will tell you what the destination country is honestly like. They can give you tips on where to eat and even where to sleep, so don’t skip over this at all. Good luck!

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Romantic Hide-a-way Islands On Your Honeymoon In The Maldives
Apr 30, 2013

Romantic Hide-a-way Islands On Your Honeymoon In The Maldives

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Beautiful Beaches

The real taste of paradise awaits you in Maldives where over a thousand islands makes up the Republic of the Maldives. You will find resort islands that are set in the clear beautiful turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Perfect white sandy beaches gently sloping into the warm water, you will find seclusion, peace and quiet, and feel a world away from your daily life at home. The ideal setting for your honeymoon.

Beautiful Weather

If you are a sun lover, you will love The Maldives. The tropical climate with warm year round temperature and lots of sunshine is one of the outstanding features. The temperature stays reasonably constant all year varying between 26C and 31C.

With A Sprinkling Of Rainfall

You may experience a little rain in the southwest monsoon from May to October but on average the overall rainfall is minimal. Theres no such thing as a winter depression when you honeymoon in Maldives.

Restaurants and Cuisine

Enjoy the freshest seafood in the excellent restaurants to be found in hotels throughout The Maldives.

Many hotels will even prepare and serve the fish you catch. Shellfish and Tuna are the local specialities. You will find a variety of cuisine including Indian, Sri Lankan and European influences. Another excellent reason to honeymoon in the Maldives

Recreational Activities

Some resorts do offer tennis and other recreational activities in the hotel. There are a few excursions available such as the submarine ride where non divers can experience the underwater pleasures of the islands and a visit to the capital, Malé where you can experience the local market and explore all the shopping opportunities. Evenings tend to be relaxing in this peaceful environment though some hotels provide entertainment in the form of bands or discos.

Diving and Snorkelling

The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty and boasts some of the best diving in the world. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated many since The Maldives was discovered as a diving destination.

The warm waters and excellent clarity allows you to fully appreciate all this magical region has to offer as visibility can be more than 50 meters. The perfect location for your honeymoon in Maldives.

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Why Yes, You Can Take Advantage of Car hire in Italy
Apr 26, 2013

Why Yes, You Can Take Advantage of Car hire in Italy

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Car hire in Italy allows a traveler more independence and flexibility on their trip. A rented car allows you to be on your own timetable, rather than that of trains, buses, or taxis. Car hire is practically a necessity if you wish to explore the countryside, and it provides added privacy when touring the cities.

What to expect

The most common car when it comes to the majority of Italian car hire companies are Fiats and Fords. Do take into account that most cars in Italy have standard transmissions – you will pay more for an automatic. Be specific when you make your reservation!

For the less adventurous, there are ways to hire a car with a driver as well. Drivers are paid by the day, but be sure to give them at least a 15% tip when you are finished with them. Most hotels can recommend drivers to you, so don’t be afraid to ask!

For Americans traveling in Italy, you can save more money by booking your car hire service before traveling in Italy proper. While most American chains (such as Avis, Hertz, etc.) have affiliates in Italy, the rates are much higher. If you have small children that will require a car seat, be sure to request this – a minimal fee will apply.

Hidden Surprises and Hidden Costs

In general, Italian car hire companies will hold you responsible for any damage to or loss of the car. Collision policies do not cover theft – in fact, all Italian car hire companies require you to purchase a theft-protection policy on top of collision coverage. However, you may already have sufficient coverage under your personal auto insurance policy, along with credit credits – save money and research!

If moving from one city to another, be sure to check for drop-off fees and/or one-way service charges. These can be very expensive. Other fees to note are early-return fees; some Italian car hire companies will charge you for returning the car before your contract expires, while others will give you a refund for those extra days. Before you turn in the car, check to make sure the gas in the tank is at the same level as you received it. Car hire companies will charge you a refueling fee if they have to do it for you! To save money, buy gas as far away from any car hire company as possible – gas stations around Italian car hire companies may overcharge.

Getting an International Driver’s Permit is not required to drive in Italy, so save your money. However, this permit may keep you from getting involved with local authorities. All the international permit does is buy peace of mind – you must decide what that is worth to you. These permits can be obtained from the American and Canadian Automobile Associations, respectively.

No matter which Italian car hire service you choose, keep in mind that you and anyone that will be driving your rented car must be at least 21 years of age. Those under 23 years of age are generally expected to pay with a credit card.

Don’t let the details keep you from using a car hire service in Italy – with a little extra planning, a wonderful trip awaits you!

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Should You Consider a Clothing Optional Holiday?
Apr 22, 2013

Should You Consider a Clothing Optional Holiday?

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Spring and summer bring out the frisky side in all of us. If you’ve been wondering what you’re going to be able to do this summer traveling season to spice things up while leaving your comfort zone, we have one phrase for you: clothing optional holiday.

Indeed, going natural might not be for everyone. Families with small children may not be comfortable with taking that plunge. Contrary to popular belief, clothing optional zones aren’t for ogling the sexual side of human beings. It’s about being out in nature, surrounded by like minded people. Naturists are all about connecting with each other in a much higher way than before. Whether it’s just topless sunbathing or a fully nude experience, there are many places all around the world to indulge in the art and joy of nudist holiday fun.

A few things that might cross your mind before you go:

Yes, you’re going to have the option of taking off your clothes, but that doesn’t mean that you have to do so. Nobody is going to pressure you at all to go nude. If you want to just go topless in the clothing optional zone of a beach, you can definitely do that. Everyone started out as a newbie, so they understand your apprehension. You just have to make sure that you’re thinking about your own comfort. Bring along a cover up in case you really do want to go bare but you get afraid to go all the way.

You also need to make sure that you’re looking at the opportunity through honest eyes. This isn’t about being a supermodel, or the world’s fittest dude. You have to realize that this is about stepping out of your comfort zone in a safe manner. You have a chance to let go of all of those stressful things that are holding you back. Why wouldn’t you enjoy yourself? Why wouldn’t you take advantage of it? Why wouldn’t you want to do anything you could to be able to finally have a chance to be in your natural state?

If you’re traveling away from home, remember that nobody’s going to tell on you. Nobody is going to judge you. That’s not what social nudism and naturist living is all about.

On the practical side, you needed to bring lots of sunscreen. If you’re someone that burns very easily, you might want to practice with just exposing one half of the body or the other and then covering up. Or you might want to pick the shadiest area possible. Bringing an umbrella is perfectly understandable. This is even more the case if you’re going to be very close to the Equator, where you can have very humid summers that bring plenty of heat with them.

Above all, don’t feel like you have to get naked or everyone will give you dirty looks, and don’t think that you have to stay naked. Design a clothing optional vacation on your own terms, based on what you do. These trips will still be about activities, making new friends, and sharing experiences. You’ll just be adding something that’s a little out of your comfort zone. Good luck!

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Should Children Really Travel In a Troubled Economy
Apr 9, 2013

Should Children Really Travel In a Troubled Economy

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Travel changes everything, and everything changes travel. Travel is an expression of the human need for exploration and mystery, but it’s also something that is tightly controlled, regulated, and dictated by a wide variety of factors. If you really want to make sure that you have a good time, you need to address the factors of travel that matter most to you. If you have a family already, you might feel that children and travel are two words that just don’t belong in the same sentence. There are a lot of concerns that parents naturally have while they’re thinking about traveling with children. Safety, crime, food, entertainment… the list goes on and on.

We think that children should definitely be part of the travel conversation. It’s a great way to introduce your children to new cultures, and that’s always in season. You want to make absolutely sure that you let them know that travel is a safe and fun experience. Here’s what you really need to know.

First and foremost, you want to start small. Get the kids involved when they’re young. You want to make travel feel natural, safe, and very fun. There’s no need to bring up crimes in other countries, or the fact that other people speak a different language in a negative way. It’s important to reinforce the importance of all cultures, not just the one that we feel comfortable with.

Let them see where they really want to go. Show them beautiful, colorful photos of other places. You’ll find that children really do have a natural sense of wonder. They simply want to explore the world around them. This means that they’re going to be a lot more excited than you might expect. Don’t stress about how you’re going to connect everything together. It’s going to be well worth your time, don’t worry.

Another point that you really need to think about is the budget you set aside. Remember that it’s not just you and your spouse traveling anymore. Expect delays. Buy travel insurance. Get better cameras. Your children are going to be moving quickly to try to interact with just about anything and everything they can get their hands on.

Keep your first trips short. You don’t want to wear them out when they’re so excited about the entire experience. The more that you can work in, the better off you will honestly be. Why not check it out today for yourself? You’ll truly be glad that you did!

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Travel to Auckland To Escape the Winter Chill
Mar 22, 2013

Travel to Auckland To Escape the Winter Chill

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Brrr! If you’re reading this from somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you already know one thing — it’s cold! We’re still in for a bit more winter before Spring actually comes around.

Auckland is a great travel destination in the wintertime, because you will have warm weather while everyone else is fighting snow. What fun!

Auckland is actually the largest metro area in New Zealand. You have plenty of different things to see and do. We’re going to cover just Auckland City itself — there’s a vibrant population here, and this is where most of the activities are going to be contained.

Auckland is well known for being a place where great ships dock. It’s known as the City of Sails because of the large number of yachts that grace the Harbour (Waitemata) and also the Hauraki Gulf. There are also 48 volcanoes but don’t get scared — the volcanic field is technically active, but the 48 volcanoes are now extinct.

Getting in is pretty easy — you want to go through Auckland International Airport. It’s New Zealand’s largest airport, and it has frequent service to Australia. There are direct connections to the South Pacific, the US, Asia, and even to Buenos Aires and Santiago.

Getting around Auckland must be frustrating for travelers that are used to public transportation in their home country. The truth is that you are going to need to use other methods to get around Auckland. It’s mostly a car city. If you have a license in your home country, you should be able to drive without a problem. An International Driving License tends to help matters as well. You need to be aware that New Zealanders do indeed drive on the left.

If you are going to go with public transport, you would have to go with bus service. This is the most used method of public transportation in Auckland. The buses are nice, and they run about every 5 to 15 minutes.

Buses, however, aren’t always reliable. You’ll find that car hire and taxis will get the job done more efficiently.
Auckland is a very congested area, and this means that you’re going to be dealing with a lot of traffic. Drive carefully — there are red-light cameras around to see if you are following the rules of traffic.

There are some global car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thirfty, and Europcar. They are all there to offer you private car hire service, if that’s what you would like.

Things to see in Auckland

Plenty! You can see tons of museums, including the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This one isn’t completely limited to a war memorial at all — it also showcases Maori arts and crafts. I’ts located in the Auckland Domain, which is a large park on an extinct volcano. Wow!

There’s also the New Zealand National Maritime Museum — tons of exhibits on New Zealand’s maritime history.

You can also check out the Sky Tower — the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

There’s the Auckland Art Gallery, which has the largest collection of national and international art in the country.

Traveling with kids? You’ll love the Auckland Zoo. There’s nearly 120 animal species, well over 750 animals, and plenty of different habitats. It’s a little expensive, but well worth it. [Read more...]

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Can You See Yourself in the Algarve Region of Portugal?
Mar 15, 2013

Can You See Yourself in the Algarve Region of Portugal?

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Travel is an all year thing. Even if you’re celebrating the height of the holidays right now, there’s no reason that you can’t start thinking about traveling again. Most people seem to only think about travel at the last minute, which ends up slowing them down. The truth is that life is very short and there’s always something to look into. You would be a lot better off if you could look at all of your travel options ahead of time and then make plans.

Everyone has emailed us to tell us that we need to start talking about some offbeat places to travel. We decided to cover the Algarve region of Portugal in a different way, by giving you a bird’s eye view. Our next guides after that will cover some of the quaint places found within this region. Every traveler needs to find their own way of blazing a path in the host country that they go to. There’s nothing wrong with following our travel guides, but we’re firm believers that you need to make sure that each trip reflects your own personality. To do anything less than that would really not serve any good purpose at all. You are worth it, you know!

So let’s cover the region as a whole. As mentioned before, the Algarve is a region that actually is divided up into other regions.

You have Barlavento, which covers Lagos, Silves, Portimao, Lagoa, and Albuferia. There’s also Serra Algarvia, which covers Mochique and Caldeirao, and then you have Sotavento, which covers Faro, Loule, Sao Bras de Alportel, Olhao, Tavira, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, and much more.

Where you start your exploration just depends on you. Every region has its own list of activities and insights for you to explore.

This is a popular holiday destination, considering that most people speak some form of English at the resorts. Still, there are times of the year where you can go without all of the crowds and high prices. The high season is naturally going to be July/August. So if you planned a winter trip, you would make out very well. The weather is honestly not that bad in the Mediterranean. It might be a little rainy, but if you can handle that there’s a wide world of culture waiting for you.

If you go during the warmer months, you’re going to love swimming in crystal clear water. It’s something that really pulls people in. Frequent travelers of this region indicate that there are so many friendly faces waiting for them. Tourism is very popular here, and local residents have no problem being friendly and helpful to tourists that come here. It benefits everyone in the end, after all.

This area has a very rich history that cannot be ignored. Settlements and trading ports have been seen here since 1000 BC. The region is well known for rich deposits of copper, manganese, and iron. The area was discovered by Phoenicians who came from what is now modern day Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. [Read more...]

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Should You Really Avoid the Peak Travel Season?
Mar 11, 2013

Should You Really Avoid the Peak Travel Season?

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The peak travel season is almost here — a month or two more, and we’ll have plenty of people milling about in airports, restaurants, and just about anywhere else that tourists congregate. The truth is that a lot of people have been trained to avoid the peak travel season, but is that really the best course of action? We don’t really think so anymore. The reality is that you have to look at when a trip is truly going to fit into your schedule. We’re not just talking about having time off — you want to make sure that you can get away from everything that’s bothering you. If you don’t have a real break in your schedule, taking off is just going to make you feel anxious.

We don’t really think that there’s any reason to skip over the peak travel season. Even though there are a lot of people, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be a bad time to travel. You truly need to make sure that you are getting things done in the proper order, at the right time. Otherwise you could feel left out and not able to truly get what you want to get done. That would be a total shame, and not something that we want to deal with at any point.

Look for great deals during the peak travel months. You will have some more competition for flights, but not as much as you think. The troubled economy has made hospitality industry veterans very nervous — from flights to hotels. It used to be a given that the warm summer months would bring everyone out, but this is not a slam dunk anymore. It means that you’re going to have to make sure that you’re thinking carefully about anything and everything you can do to save money. The more work you put in, the more likely that you’re going to actually thrive and shine.

It would be better to make sure that you’re working on everything coming your way than to assume peak travel is hopeless.

If you don’t have a passport already, make sure that you get one. You don’t want to wait too long on this because everyone will flood the market with requests. Trying to get your travel papers in order is only frustrating the first time that you do it. Once you have everything set up, you can go where you want to go.

Sit with your travel group and discuss where you honestly want to go. The peak season can yield challenges, but it’s an adventure that you might not want to miss. It’s just a matter of connecting everything together. Why not check it out today, while it’s still on your mind?

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