Month: March 2018

Evolutions in the world of travel have opened the doors to various holiday adventures. Sometimes, though, you simply can’t beat a few days of sun, sea and sand. This is the ultimate form of relaxation and is particularly rewarding when you lead a hectic life. If you’re going to take this type of vacation, though, it’s vital that you make the most of it.

Here are my five simple tips to ensure that those lazy days on the beach are everything you hoped for and more.

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Get the beach bod. Nobody in this world looks perfect, but having confidence in your skin is vital. Even if you don’t usually subscribe to the idea of sculpting a better body, having more confidence on the beach will improve the trip greatly. A few weeks of increased exercise and healthy nutrition will make a telling difference. Besides, it’ll make you feel far less guilty about tucking into those holiday treats.

Stay by the beach. Jetting off to a warm climate with sandy beaches is great. Unfortunately, the enjoyment will be greatly reduced if you have to travel an hour to actually reach the beach. While you will seek comfortable accommodation, the location should be the priority. In Florida, you can find a host of great properties at www.harmonybeachvacations.com. However, it’s not just the Sunshine State where being a stone’s throw from the beach is key. Always check this factor before booking.

Go at the right time. Depending on where you’re going, the climate can change through the year. An appreciation of those elements is vital. Whether it’s these great winter destinations or simply adjusting the dates for your trip to a set location with the weather in mind doesn’t matter. Of course, this may result in an increase in flight prices and other costs. Still, a 15% increase for triple the fun is a worthy trade off.

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Do something new. Sitting by the sea with a cocktail or 10 might sound like heaven. Still, you don’t want to return home feeling as though you missed out on an opportunity. The beach is a great place for snorkelling and other adventures. Visit www.paralenz.com to get a diving camera for the ultimate photos and memories. Meanwhile, water sports or even helicopter rides can be a great way to do something extra. Even if you simply explore the local area or take a day trip to a nearby city, this will leave you feeling far more satisfied with the trip.‎

Pack the right things. Having already established that looking great on the beach is key, finding the right fashion trends should be on your agenda. You may assume that the local stores will have all the necessary lotions etc. But you don’t want to waste your entire first day sourcing those goods, so packing those is vital too. Apart from saving time once you’ve arrived, it’ll put your mind at ease during the preparations and planning phases.

There are so many different cities that you could visit in the US, all of them offering their own unique experience. Some are definitely more popular than others, and one that always have an amazing stereotype surrounding it is LA. Los Angeles is a city in southern California, and it is known for being home to the rich and famous, the infamous Hollywood sign, the walk of fame, and many more. But those are all just the things relating to celebrities, and boy are there a lot of them. However, there’s just so much more to LA that draws millions of tourists in each day. If you’ve got LA in your sights, here’s why you should be visiting.

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Beaches

The beaches are one of the main reasons why so many people come to LA. They have long been famous for their incredible stretches of sand, lovely blue warm waters, and plenty of things to do on the beach. Venice beach is one of the largest beaches, and most famous. It has a unique style to it, there are usually tons of street performers lining the strip, as well as multiple shops to tickle your fancy. If you’re feeling extravagant, you could even hire a Los Angeles charter jet to travel up state a little further. As they do, you can usually have some of the best views of LA beaches, as there is honestly just so many of them. Santa Monica beaches is another famous set. Both of these are home to the celebs, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even get to see a sneak peak of one or two relaxing on the beach!

Amusement Parks

There’s plenty to do to keep you occupied in terms of beaches, but if you’re looking for a bit of fun with amusement parks, LA is your place to go. The biggest one on most people’s hit lists is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Whether going with children or not, it’s a firm favourite due to the sheer scale of it, and the fact it feels as though you’re being transported to the set of Harry Potter itself. There’s also the Santa Monica pier which is great for a few amusement rides, classic theme park games, as well as a lovely sunset if you’re there of an evening. The amusement park on the peer stays open until late at night, when it does get dark, the vibrant lights of the theme park look amazing.

The Nightlife

If there’s one thing LA knows how to do right, it’s throw a good party. Well, you’d expect it to with the potential for many celebs to suddenly wonder in. Make no mistake, it is one expensive night out, but it is one to remember. If you head to downtown LA, you’re going to have a slightly more relaxed, definitely not as expensive night. Head up to Hollywood and you’ll need to take a hell of a lot of money with you. However, you do have the chance of meeting a celeb!

Rutland’s motto is “Multum in Parvo”, meaning “much in little”. As the smallest county in England, it’s certainly little but there’s an awful lot to it as well. If you live in London, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the high life around the city, but sometimes the way to experience luxury is to get some peace and quiet. Rutland is only a couple of hours away from the capital, and could offer you the perfect place to hide away if you want a quiet weekend. If you’re planning a trip away this spring or summer, you could do worse than spending some time in Rutland.

Choose Somewhere to Stay

Rutland might only be small, but there’s still plenty to do and it’s worth staying for at least a couple of days. Finding somewhere to stay should be your first step if you want to have a relaxing time. Luckily, you have a number of great options for a country house hotel in Rutland. Choose the right hotel and you can benefit from beautiful grounds and even a swimming pool. If you want something a bit smaller, you can also find some great guest houses, B&Bs and even pub rooms that will still offer you the comfort and convenience you’re looking for.

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Places to Eat and Drink

It wouldn’t be a luxury weekend away if there weren’t good places to eat. Part of the fun of going away is that you can eat what you want and explore the local food and drink culture. Rutland is home to the restaurant with the longest-held Michelin star in the UK, and there are other fantastic restaurants on offer too. But if you’re not looking for a 2 AA Rosette restaurant like Lake Isle Restaurant, there are pubs, cafes and places to get afternoon tea. The Grimsthorpe Castle Tea Room is one option for the quintessential English pastime of drinking tea and eating tiny sandwiches, scones and cake.

Arts and Culture

Rutland has plenty of nature and wildlife, but it’s also a place that’s brimming with culture. Theatre is a particular attraction, with the open-air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall, where you can watch a production from the Stamford Shakespeare Company. There’s also Uppingham Theatre, where you can find everything from music to children’s theatre. If you prefer looking at art, you can find galleries like Goldmark Gallery and Orange Street Gallery. Uppingham has plenty of antique shops too. Each year, you can also enjoy Rutland’s arts festival, which gives you the chance to explore a range of different arts.

Visiting Stately Homes

For a luxury weekend, there can be nothing better than exploring some luxury homes. Rutland has some fantastic stately homes that you can visit, both within Rutland and just outside of the county. Rockingham Castle was built by William the Conqueror and opens for visitors in the spring. You can tour the castle or the gardens, or visit the tea rooms or gallery. There’s also Burghley House in Stamford, where you will find the Gardens of Surprise, as well as The Orangery Restaurant. In other counties nearby, you can visit Grimsthorpe Castle, Belvoir Castle, and Belton House.

Museums and Historic Buildings

On top of stately homes and art galleries, you’ll also find historic buildings and museums to explore in and around Rutland. Oakham Castle dates back to the 12th century and it’s free to visit all year, although it’s closed on Tuesdays, Sundays and bank holidays. It received funding for renovation in 2016 so it continues to be cared for. You might also want to visit the Rutland County Museum, where you can learn about history from a huge range of periods. There’s natural history from the Triassic and Jurassic periods, collections from both world wars and other military conflicts, and items from home life in Rutland through the years. There’s something for everyone, no matter what type of history you’re interested in.

Relaxing Spas

If you prefer not to move much while you’re away, instead of getting out and about, spending some time at a spa is also possible in Rutland. You can get spa treatments at Barnsdale Hall Hotel near Oakham, and there’s the Clarins Health Spa at Stapleford Park. If you go just over the border, you can also find Rushton Hall’s Stableyard Spa in Northamptonshire and Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire.

Spend a luxurious weekend in Rutland, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There’s plenty to do – or not do if you prefer to stay in.

Holidays are supposed to be an amazing time. We only get a handful a year, so it’s important to make the most of them when the opportunity arises. Travelling to exotic destinations and experiencing a new culture is good; in fact, it’s out of this world. Of course, there are cons as well as pros, the main one being health. Anytime a foreigner lands in a new country, the hazards to well-being are massive. And, that’s without including a never-heard-of-before disease. No, common issues often turn a dream into a nightmare, and here are the ones to watch out for on your next trip.

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Sunburn

When the weather is good, it’s nice to hit the beach and top up on the tan. After all, we all need to make hay while the sun shines. The problem is the intensity of the burning ball of flames in the sky. At home, you may be able to wander around without any cream or lotion on your body because your skin is used to the heat. Abroad, the UV rays may be stronger and burn the skin as a result. Even a relatively small patch of red is enough to stop you from lazing by the pool or splashing in the sea. Please, use a high factor cream and top up during the day to avoid a nasty scold.

Sunstroke/Dehydration

Sunstroke will ruin a holiday and that is a fact. Once it hits, you’ll be hugging the toilet wishing for death. It is that bad. Too much sunlight plays a part, yet the main culprit is not drinking enough fluids. Let’s rephrase that – “not drinking enough” water. There are bound to be beverages flying around, but you have to be sure to top up of the body’s H2O levels. A lack of the liquid will lead to headaches, migraines, and a host of bodily issues. If you do like a beer, try and have a glass of water too.

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Hayfever

Again, allergies have less of an impact at home because the body is familiar with pollen count. When it isn’t, you are and understand how to stop sneezing and watery eyes from destroying the day. Unfortunately, it isn’t something we think about on vacation. Do they even have hayfever in other countries? Yes, they do, and the pollen there can be more intense. The best bet is to take hayfever relief tablets along for the ride and pop them when necessary. Just check what type of drugs you’re allowed to bring into the country so you don’t get stopped at immigration.

Delhi Belly

Although the name suggests it’s based in India, in reality it’s a stomach bug. Indeed, bacterium or a virus may not be involved because water displacement can be a cause. So, while you have to drink plenty of H2O, don’t take any chances. Always buy drinking water from a shop or supermarket and make sure the seal is unbroken. Also, use spring water to brush your teeth to avoid ingesting any unwanted bacteria.

Have you suffered from these in the past? How do you fight back?

The best way to experience the vast number of attractions New Zealand has to offer, is to get comfy in your campervan and head off into the unknown. New Zealand has so much to offer and who knows what scenery and hidden gems you will uncover as you drive into the sunset!

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New Zealand covers all tastes and interests in what it has to offer. There is plenty of action for adrenaline junkies, culture, museums, mountain trekking and helicopter flights around glaciers – to name a few!

If you are planning on touring around New Zealand by motorhome, the following tips will help.

Choosing your vehicle

Unless you normally reside in New Zealand you will need to hire your motorhome on arrival. Try to budget for as much space as possible. Your trip is likely to last at least two weeks, so you and your family don’t want to feel cramped. Of course you will hopefully be enjoying the fabulous New Zealand lifestyle, so you won’t be sitting in your campervan for long periods.

If you have never travelled in a motorhome before, carefully research the facilities your family require and ensure they are included. For example if you are planning on staying on a remote camp site you may need the convenience of a large water tank.

If you enjoy the whole motorhome experience you may even find yourself considering class b rv’s for sale on your return!

Insurance

You will need insurance to cover the rental period of the motorhome. Most motorhome hire companies offer insurance as part of the rental package in case of accident, fire and theft. Your credit card company will also offer insurance protection on vehicles of a certain size. It is important to check the exact cover.

Ensure you take out travel insurance as this will cover you for any healthcare and medical intervention required. Be sure to check what the excess is on your policy.

Remember to take copies of all your insurance documents with you, also email yourself a copy just in case details are lost.

What should you pack?

In theory you should need to pack little more than your clothes and buy groceries whilst on the road. Most motorhome rental companies hire out there vans extremely well equipped, with sufficient pots, pans and utensils suitable for the sleeping berth number. Bedding should also be included.

Don’t forget to pack your driving license along with important contact details in case of emergency. Other useful items to pack include, sunscreen, first aid kit and travel adapters.

Maneuvering your motorhome

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Motorhomes are remarkably easy to drive, especially as motorhome companies tend to lease vehicles that are new and in good roadworthy condition. In New Zealand, you drive on the left, which is the same as in the Uk.

Although easy to drive, it will take a little time to adjust to the width and height of your van. Practice and be very aware of bridges and tunnels with restricted height.

Due to the size of a motorhome, it is inadvisable to travel into cities where space is restricted. A better option would be to leave your motorhome in the campsite and travel by public transport or taxi when visiting the city.

All you need to do now is plan your route and enjoy your trip!

When it comes to getting away, most of us have a list of things we would love to see and do. You could call it a travel bucket list. It contains your dream destinations, and experiences you’d love to pursue. The trouble is that most items on said list are followed by a large, and never fading BUT.

I would love visit to this place but…

I would love to do this but…

But money, but time, but motivation. Over time, it becomes less a list of things you’d love to do, and more a reminder of what you never will. Either way, it’s a sad way to live. Which is why we’re going to take a closer look at three common travel list wishes and dispel the buts which follow.

I would love to visit that ONE destination, but…

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We all have at least one dream destination we’re sure we could never get to. But if the stars aligned, THIS is the place we’d go. For some people, it’s Australia. For others, the Caribbean calls. Either way, you likely print pictures of this place to get you through. So, what’s stopping you? In truth, it can be a few different things. Money is a big one here, as you well know. Fear can also stand in the way. It could be fear of the long flights or the creatures you’ll encounter during your stay. Either way, it’s hard to overcome. BUT, not impossible. If you look into how much it would cost, you can set about a savings plan. If you look into facts and figures, those creatures might not seem so dangerous. And, if you visit a doctor, you can even overcome flight anxiety. Bish, bash, but nothing.

I would love to vacation on a yacht, but…

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Come on; we’ve all dreamt of this at some stage. If only you could be like guys on the films, taking those gorgeous women onto your yacht. You would be the stud of the century! Most commonly, though, money and means get in the way here. You can’t afford a yacht. Even if you could, you don’t live near the sea. Fear not, my friend. There’s a little thing called a yacht charter to rescue you. Here, you rent a yacht for a few hours, or a weekend. It already has a docking area, so that’s covered. And, a rental shouldn’t set you back too much, either.

I would love to visit those scenes on television, but…

You know the feeling; you’re watching Game of Thrones and driving yourself wild looking at the scenery. And, no, we aren’t talking about Daenerys… There are some pretty spectacular scenes on this and many other shows. But, they’re just sets, right? You can’t visit them. WRONG. In truth, many programs like this are filmed on location. For instance, all those King’s Landing scenes are shot in a Maltese fortress city called Mdina. And, you can visit that whenever the mood takes you.

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There’s nothing like taking a vacation. That chance to get out there and see the world is one of the best things there is and anyone who gets the opportunity to do it is incredibly lucky! Which makes it all the more sad when people find themselves in a position where they feel as though they are getting bored of the same old types of travel over and over again. Taking the same kind of vacation year after year is bound to get boring after a while Even if you’re going to be most exotic place in the world, it’s going to lose some of its charm after a while. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to bring back your love of travel.

Get off the grid

We all spend so much of our time connected thanks to the internet and smartphones that it can often be difficult to create that line between your normal life and your vacation. Being connected to the people around you is great, but it can also be a real drag to be constantly checking up on things like social media when what you really want is to be enjoying your time away from all of that. Getting off the grid and being able to enjoy your vacation free from all of that is one of the best things that you can do to recharge your batteries and remind yourself that you don’t need to be glued to your phone all of the time.

Do some good

A lot of the time it can feel as though traveling is a little, well, self-indulgent. After all, you’re doing something that is almost entirely for yourself. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you feel as though you could be doing something a little more worthwhile on your travels then why not see if you can do some good while you’re out in the world. Whether it’s animal volunteering opportunities in Africa or environmental conservation in South America, there are always causes that need support all over the world. Being able to use your vacation time to do something good in the world can be one of the most fulfilling experiences there is.

Stay where you are

When was the last time you really explored where you live? Most of us are so familiar with our hometowns that we never really think about them. Well, if you really put in the effort to go exploring, then you may well end up finding that the places near where you live have a lot to offer. That way you can enjoy new and exciting things with all of the comforts of home thrown in for good measure!

The wonderful thing about doing these things is that you can always go back to the more familiar styles of vacations that you’re used to. After all, taking a break from them can help you to see them in a totally new light. The key is to make sure that you’re not doing the same things time and time again until you can no longer see what it was that you loved about them in the first place.