Saturday, November 7, 2009

Luxury Cruises - Holiday in Style

Luxury Cruises - Holiday in Style

For many people a luxurious holiday means not having to exert yourself any more than ordering another drink from the hotel bar. After all a holiday should be a welcome break from the stresses of working life back home and we rightfully deserve some rest every now and then. But what else is there in the way of luxury holidays that we can indulge in? One of the well known luxury holidays is a luxury cruise ship holiday.
Cruise holidays have long been regarded as the ultimate in luxury holidays mainly down to the destinations and duration of these cruise holidays. Cruise ship holidays tend to be quite long as you will be cruising the seas between a network of islands or stop offs typically most cruise ship holidays tend to be in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. These destinations are popular thanks to their pleasant weather and wide range of places you can stop off and see.

There are other cruise varieties though that operates in much colder climates as far north as Alaska, Norway and Iceland that are popular with those tourists that want to see the breath taking views of icebergs and the wildlife that can be seen too. Typically though cruising holidays tend to be like beach resorts all spread across the multiple decks of a cruise ship.

On board the ship there are plenty of features that can add to your luxury holiday without ever feeling like you are off land. There are multiple swimming pools, sun lounging decks and even cinemas and shopping complexes, all on board the ship. Evening entertainment on board the cruise ships is well known for great singers and variety acts as well as ballroom dancing (if you can find your sea legs).

The core part of a luxury cruise though is the aspects that make it a luxury holiday as opposed to a standard holiday are the accommodation and dining options. For those looking to get luxury service then booking early for the upper class cabins and dining options are vital. The higher level accommodation will typically have much more space and features to their cabins than standard cabins. Dining options for the upper class choices are also great with special restaurants and menus that fit their price tag you'll be dining in luxury just as you will have wanted.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

New Zealand Travel-See the South Island In 15 Days


New Zealand Travel-See the South Island In 15 Days

Most people start their South Island holiday In Christchurch. I'd like to suggest an alternative. How about flying into Wellington. That may sound crazy, but it allows you to catch the Interislander ferry across to Picton, which is a great way to start your holiday. As you approach Picton you travel through the Marlborough Sounds, and you will get a much better look at them from the ferry than you would by road. You then collect your hire car from Picton and commence your journey at the top of the South Island, which means you won't need to backtrack over the same ground.

My suggestion for a 15 day trip is:

Day 1 fly to Wellington. Stay in the city or the Oriental Bay area so that you have a short trip to the ferry the next morning.

2. Wellington to Picton on a morning ferry (about 4 hours). Then collect your hire car at Picton and drive to Kaikoura (about 2 hours). You travel along the coast for most of the journey. The Kaikoura Range comes down to the sea and depending on the time of year there may be plenty of snow still.

3. Go whale watching in the morning in Kaikoura before the winds start, then drive to Hanmer Springs (about 2 hours). Visit the thermal pools in Hanmer. A lovely clean, alpine resort.

4. Hanmer to Christchurch (about 2 hours)

5. Christchurch

6. Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (about 3 hours) and stay the night (try for a lake view room. The scenery is amazing).

7. Drive from Tekapo to Queenstown (3.5 hours). Spend four nights in Queenstown. There is plenty to do and see, and four days is my recommended minimum time here. Try and book a lake view room if you can.

8 to 10 Stay in Queenstown. This will give you a chance to relax for a few days, although you should plan a bus trip to Milford Sound on one of these days (and a bungy if you are game). The trip to Milford Sound is a big day, but at least someone else is doing the driving. A trip on the old steamship TSS Earnslaw is also recommended as is a trip up to Bob's Peak on the gondola.

11. Drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. Make sure you travel over the Crown Range rather than through Cromwell, as it's shorter and has better scenery (about 1 hour). About 20 kilometres before Wanaka stop of at the old Cardrona Hotel for morning tea or lunch. Stay the night in Wanaka. The scenery is similar to Queenstown, but the town is less hurried. A beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Wanaka. Visit Puzzling World while in Wanaka.

12. Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier (about 4 hours). Spectacular scenery past endless lakes and then to the West Coast which is wild and rugged. Better to stay at Franz Josef rather than Fox Glacier as FJ has more variety in accommodation and places to eat. And you can see the glacier from the centre of the village. New Zealand weather can change quickly, but if the weather and funds allow, take a helicopter flight on to the glacier. Unbelievable!

13. Drive from Franz Josef to Punakaiki to visit Pancake Rocks and the blowhole. Not much else there other than a small village, but there is a motel called the Rocks Resort which is beachfront. We have stayed there a few times. The rooms look over the ocean and the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows so you can watch the sun setting over the ocean. Beautiful.

14. Drive from Punakaiki to Greymouth (about 30 minutes). Drop your car off then catch the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch. Along with Milford Sound, this is one of the "must do" things in NZ. The train takes about 4 hours to go from Greymouth on the West Coast to Christchurch on the East Coast, and travels through the alps. Have your camera ready, sit back and enjoy a wine, and watch the world go by. A taste of New Zealand rail travel is a wonderful way to finish your holiday.

15. Fly home.

This itinerary doesn't take you to Dunedin. My personal opinion is that Dunedin is a bit over-rated, and that there are better things to see in your limited time on the South Island.

Hope this gives you plenty to think of. Enjoy planning your New Zealand travel.

P.S. 1. Don't forget your New Zealand travel insurance.

P.S. 2 When making your New Zealand hotel reservations, always try and book somewhere close to amenities, and if possible, with a view.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Adventures By Disney Discount

Adventures By Disney Discount

Family time is more important that ever. Now, you can spend time with your family on not one, but two unbelievable Disney getaways. It's family time - times two!
Purchase a select Adventures by Disney tour for 2010 and receive a free 3-Night Bahama Cruise from Disney Cruise Line. You can book this promotion starting today through January 15, 2010. Some of the Adventures by Disney itineraries include Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Alaska, London/Paris, California, Grand Canyon, Peru, and many more.

The Adventures by Disney Tours are the all-inclusive group tours to exciting destinations. Every aspect of your vacation is taken care of including top luxury accommodations, luggage pick and transfer to your next hotel, transfers from the airport, behind the scene adventures, Disney Cast Member tour guides, and even local experts. It is the ultimate family vacation!

Now, when you book a 2010 Adventures by Disney, you can take an additional Disney vacation on board the Disney Cruise Ships. You can take a free 3-Night Disney Cruise in 2010 or wait until 2011. It is the most incredible Adventures by Disney deal yet! For more information on Adventures by Disney 2010 tours, contact Destinations in Florida Travel at http://www.destinationsinflorida.com

Some More Great Tips For Your Dubai Tourism

Some More Great Tips For Your Dubai Tourism

I covered a few things that you probably would like to know about Dubai before planning a trip to the area in a previous article. In fact, I really just scratched the surface. So in this article, I'm going to give you some more great tips for your travel so that your experience in Dubai is as pleasant as possible. Keep reading to find out more.

Let's begin with language concerns. A lot of people worry about going to a foreign land because they don't speak the language and wonder if they can communicate with local people. Well, this should put your mind at ease. While the official language is Arabic, English is widely spoken and understood by most of the people there. So you should have very little trouble communicating there. Bring an Arabic/English dictionary with you just to be on the safe side.

I know a lot of people like to drink, so let's get this issue out of the way so that you don't get into any sort of trouble. You can get alcohol in any hotel club, restaurant or bar. However, restaurants outside the hotel are NOT allowed to serve alcoholic beverages nor are you allowed to bring any inside. These laws are STRICTLY enforced, so you should keep this in your mind.

Photographs are a big thing with tourists. Who doesn't bring a camera with them when they go and visit a foreign land? Well, here's what you need to know about taking pictures. It is normal and acceptable to take common tourist photos of the area with these exceptions. But it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. Don't do it. Also, if you're going to photograph men from the area, ask permission first. Photographs of government buildings and military installations are a big no-no.

What about getting around in the area? This is no problem. You have a choice of a number of transportation modes including taxis, car rentals and even water taxis. This is a great way to travel between Dubai and Deira. Water taxis will take you right across the creek from one place to the other. There are also fully air conditioned water buses.

In the last article in this series, I'll go over some more great tips. In the meantime, check out the resource below for all your Dubai tourism needs.

Monday, November 2, 2009

How to Choose the Right Hotel

How to Choose the Right Hotel

Whether embarking on a long anticipated vacation, visiting family out of town, or simply passing through for a night's rest, choosing the right hotel can be tricky. Initially it may not seem all that important where you stay, but it can very well determine whether your trip is an enjoyable or unpleasant experience. One sure way to wake up on the wrong side of the bed is to sleep on an uncomfortable, lumpy hotel mattress!
You probably will not always have time to thoroughly research each accommodation option before every trip. If you heed the following simple advice, however, you will be better equipped to recognize important hotel features right away, saving you time, money and peace of mind.

First things first - location, location, location! Nothing is worse than booking a fabulous hotel only to find out when you arrive that's an hour away from where you need to be. If you are unfamiliar with your destination, make sure map the hotel's address in relation to the sightseeing attractions, convention center, or relatives' house you want to be close to.

Safety is another important factor when considering location. Browse the property's online reviews to get a feel for the neighborhood and call the front desk to inquire about security features. If you have doubts, move on. Not even a great deal is worth putting yourself in danger for.

Familiarize yourself with the hotel's amenities before booking. Don't assume that what is standard at one chain can be expected universally. If you like to work out before you check out, confirm that there is a gym. Can't live without HBO? Make sure the rooms have cable. And breakfast can mean different things to different people, so find out what is included.

Last but not least - go ahead and judge a book by its cover. If the exterior is shabby or the lobby floors are dirty, there is a good chance the bed will be lumpy too. A property worth your business will strive to maintain its appearance and comfort. This includes keeping common areas clean and periodically replacing old furnishings with new hotel bedroom furniture.

When your stay is over, consider posting a review on a hotel or travel web site. Potential future guests will appreciate your first-person feedback.

A property worth your business will strive to maintain its appearance and comfort. This includes keeping common areas clean and periodically replacing old furnishings with new hotel bedroom furniture.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Top Romantic Staycations

Top Romantic Staycations

For many people taking a vacation means much needed time with a loved one. This could be perhaps a long weekend or a whole week to relax, bounce back and revisit some of the things that made you fall in love. However, with emerging costs and the looming economy many couples are contemplating taking a vacation to save money.

The good news is that you can still take it easyand bounce back without breaking the bank by taking a new kind of vacation called a Staycation. What used to be nothing more than a different way to spend your vacation time by whiling away the hours in your own backyard has now become a new American classic. The staycation is becoming increasingly prominent among young couples, families and anyone who finds their wallets affected by the ever-rising price of today's way of life. Instead of a 3-day to a theme park or a week at a favorite beach resort millions of people are checking out the local scene and saving their nickels and dimes for something like...oh... food and rent. But if you're used to cooling off by the water with your loved one and sipping exotic drinks with little umbrellas you may be wondering what could possibly be romantic about your own homee.

Plenty! Here are our Top Tips for a Romantic Staycation

1. Budget- Even though your not spending a fortune on an tropical vacation you still need to set a budget of what you can afford to spend on your staycation. If you're used to taking a vacation every year then you must have an idea how much you can spend. Instead of wasting all your money on your gas-guzzler and a extravagant resort, use some of your towns resources and you may even save a buck or two.

2. Do not Disturb - tell everyone you're on vacation and cannot be reached unless its an emergency. You're not at homee, you're not available to talk or fetch their mail. Let family and friends know that you are away and not to be disturb.

3. Staycation Rules- to ensure that you have a romantic staycation it is important to create your staycation rules. Unless you've taken this time off from work to specifically clean the gutters, mow the lawn you're going to need to wipe them off your list. Make a list of things you CAN'T do. This is supposed to be a ROMANTIC staycation and last time I checked painting the guest room was not romantic.

4. Planning- Before you can plan anything you need to discuss where you'd want to go if money were no object, once you have envisioned this place, go to the nearest party store. Even better, go online and you can find just about anything you need. Say you want to go to somewhere tropical. Take a part of your budget and apply it to your location. Buy some tiki torches and line your back yard with them. Get some flower leis and a few coconut bras. Pick up some premade frozen drinks or make your own and you've got yourself a tropical vacation in your backyard!

5. Entertainment- Gather a bunch games made for two players. Pick out a couple of movies together and select movies that you BOTH like. If there's a movie that you saw when you began dating this would be a great time to relive those memorable moments.

6. Night Out- Enjoy a night of dinner and maybe even a little dancing. This is the perfect opportunity to try that restaurant you have been dying to go to. Make a reservation and take out that black dress that has collected dust in the back of your closet.

If dinner and dancing out is not in your budget, bring them to you. Set up your own dining room as a small bistro and order in. A simple tablecloth, some pretty candles will do the trick. The best part of having a romantic dinner at home is that you are a lot closer to putting on something more comfortable.

7. Relax- The whole point of a good vacation is to let loose and do a whole lot of nothing. Read a book you've been meaning to or take a stab at that new (or old) hobby. As long as whatever you doing doesn't break any of the previous rules, enjoy!

8. Be a Tourist - Explore your town or city. Plan a day in the town you live in, or nearby. Hit the historical sites,museums and parks that you've never seen or would like to see again. You will be impressed with the things you've never even known about where you live.

9. Local Hotel- send the kids to grandma's and get a night at a local hotel. A change of scenery could be just what you and your loved one needs. Many local hotels have amenities like a pool, hot tub, spa and more that you can take advantage of.

10. Break the Rules- So you made a list of things not to do during your staycation but now may be the time to break that rule. Almost everyone has a list of things they want to do in their homee and you know you're going to feel guilty when you head back to work after spending a week at homee and nothing on that list got done. Take a look at that list and find ONE thing that you, as a couple, can do in one day (two days if you've got a whole week) and tackle it together.

As your Romantic Staycation comes to an end you should feel relaxed, refreshed and hopefully that romantic spark is a little brighter now after spending some quality time together.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

An ultimate guide to Gold Coast Hotels

An ultimate guide to Gold Coast Hotels

When you think of your idealistic destination to spend a holiday or a vacation, you want a place that allows you to spend quality time with friends and family. Gold coast is one such perfect place to enjoy a comfortable and pleasurable experience all through your stay. Gold Coast is filled with spectacular natural as well as man-made features. Beside this, it provides a wide array of accommodations and a plethora of activity to choose from. Gold Coast Hotels have a lot much to offer. To help you decide on the type of hotel, it is sensible to first decide on the kind of activities that you would want to embark on once you are there. For people with specified budget, there are trendy nightspots, vibrant cafes and fabulous restaurants in the Mermaid Beach and Broad beach areas. One can also opt to pay for thrilling rides at theme parks or just stroll around the coast that bustles with brilliant art galleries and world-class museums. For those who are deeply in love and romance, there are nature parks or mountain forest tours and horseback riding activities. If you wish to enjoy more of this stuff, then you must book a hotel in Mermaid beach or Hinterland area. For the water lovers, it is ideal to spend time doing water activities in the Surfers Beach or the main Beach areas. Most Gold Coast hotels in this area offer spectacular beach views. They also provide great shopping choices in the Broad beach area. Once you have figured out the activities you want to trail on, then you must prepare a budget and look for the appropriate hotel. There are accommodations for all needs. One can find backpacker hotels and cheap apartments that range from 20-130 dollar for a night. If you intend to go on a bender, there are newly built six-star hotels that range from 350 $-500 $ per night. The Gold Coast has become increasingly popular as it presents pleasure and adventures for the serene and the wild, the savvy spender and the spendthrift, the historian or the artist, the nature-tripper or the water-lover, the nightlife indulgent or the restaurant hopper, the theme-park lover or the shopper. It offers a wide range of activities for all types of people and preferences. There are ample amount of recreational activities and some of them would not even cost a cent. Shore walking, swimming or nature trekking are all free of charge. So, if you wish to enjoy this paradise within your specified budget, then choosing a Gold Coast Hotel is the right pick for you. Gold coast hotel are truly splendid and a superb place for tourists. If you really wish to enjoy the experience of a lifetime, then you must certainly plan to stay at the incredible gold coast hotel.

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