Countries

Top 5 budget destinations for families

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: Budapest, Hungary, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Turkey

The UK economy is on the up, so the papers say, and this could be good news for holidays. Why? Well, recent research has shown that sterling has strengthened against a lot of currencies, which is good news when it comes to spending overseas since we’ll get more bang for our buck, while prices have actually dropped in some of Europe’s most attractive destinations. All in all, 2014 looks set to be a great year to go away.

Below are our top five budget destinations for families – hopefully they’ll give you a few ideas for your own holiday, while you can get yet more ideas on this website.

1) Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a really interesting place for an affordable family break. Perhaps best for those with older children, Budapest is famous for its rich history and architecture, not to mention its many thermal and mineral springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties – perfect for tired mums and dads!

And if that tickles your fancy, you’ll be hard pressed to beat the Gellert Baths, which offer indulgent bathing for both men and women (in separate sections, mind). This Art Nouveau building is so stunning that you’ll feel like you’re bathing in some kind of cathedral – a truly amazing experience.

2) Marmaris

For several years now, Turkey has been a favourite destination among cost-cutting holidaymakers who don’t want to compromise on sun and fun. Located on the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris is a particular gem, home to a beautiful harbour, grand castle and, of course, stunning beaches.

Among the highlights of a trip here is going on a cruise from Marmaris Bay around the local coastline – something that lots of companies offer. Not only will you be able to see the destination from another perspective, but you’ll also have the chance to stop at various sunspots and relax. Just make sure you sort your visa before. You can apply for a Turkish visa online before hand.

3) The Costa del Sol

Our next suggestion is Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, which has just about everything a family could wish for – well-priced accommodation, abundant beaches, gorgeous scenery, great weather and food so delicious that even fussy eaters won’t be able to resist.

Plus, there are plenty of destinations within the Costa del Sol that cater for different kinds of holiday. If you fancy soaking up a little culture, for instance, you can head to Malaga, while if you would prefer a more traditional fun-filled family getaway, Torremolinos or Benalmadena might be more your scene.

4) The Algarve

Is there anyone who would object to a holiday in the Algarve? This is Portugal’s best-loved destination – and with good reason. Famous for its soaring summer temperatures, massive array of brilliant beaches and huge selection of activities, it has something for everyone.

The icing on the cake is that the research we mentioned earlier (the Post Office travel report) found that prices have dropped substantially in the Algarve, which means if you go there this year, you’ll pay less for things like food and drink than you might expect.

5) Cape Town

Rounding off our list is Cape Town – the perfect choice for families who are keen to do something a little bit different. Adults and children alike are bound to be thrilled by a trip to the top of the city’s famous Table Mountain (which takes just five minutes on the Cableway), but there’s plenty else to see and do as well.

Boulders Beach should definitely be high on your to-do list if you’re travelling with the family, though. Not only is this a great place to relax, but you can see African penguins here too.

05 Apr 2014

Top Tourist Attractions in Vatican City

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: Catholicism, Christianity, churches, culture, museums, Vatican City

The top tourist attractions in Vatican City are an interesting set of landmarks that lie in the holiest place of the Catholic faith. Vatican City is located within the city of Rome. It has a relatively small land area but ironically, its size does not immediately correlate with its global influence. In fact, the Vatican City is even one of the most powerful nations in the world nearly equal to the United States of America, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia in terms of its economic importance.

The Vatican City remains as one of the most special places on earth because it is a perfectly functional theocracy. It has certain religious authority over the international members comprising the biggest spiritual organization in the planet. While other theocracies fail, the Vatican City remains intact for 2000 years.

1. Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel remains the most iconic of the top tourist attractions in Vatican City. It is located within the complex of the Apostolic Palace, which is the official residence of the pope. What makes the Sistine Chapel so noteworthy is that its interior walls, especially the vaulted ceiling, are decorated with masterpiece paintings of Renaissance history’s greatest artists. Raphael’s frescoes depict the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul in the service of God.

2. St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is the most popular among the top tourist attractions in Vatican City – popular meaning it is always flocked with visitors from Italy or beyond. Interestingly, St. Peter’s Square is shaped like a key from aerial view, which depicts the inheritance of the apostle Peter as the chief builder of Christ’s church. The St. Peter’s Square is very crowded during special vigils and papal inaugurations, with the latest event about the cardinal from Argentina being elected as Pope Francis I in March 14, 2013.

3. Casina Pio IV

The Casina Pio IV is a famous learning center for the College of Cardinals that runs the Vatican City. Curiously, this patrician villa is divided into three schools according to their special field. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences is a school focusing on pure sciences such as biology, chemistry and astronomy (with the latter integral for the creation of the Vatican Observatory). The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences is close to the heart of the Catholic doctrine focusing on the global issues that Christian societies face. Lastly, the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas caters to a wide array of academic fields.

4. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums store the chronicles of the Vatican institution. The story of Christianity is written in the documents and codices housed in its libraries. Some of these written texts are highly guarded secrets pertaining to prophecies in the past made by saints.

The Vatican Museums also keep and display an extensive collection of relics, especially the types of old weaponry found in the vaults of the Swiss Guard armory. This is the place to investigate Vatican history, whether good or bad.

19 Mar 2014

Top Reasons To Visit South Korea

Author: Jeremy Albelda | Category: South Korea | Tags: Asia, culture, Food, History, natural, Outdoors, reasons to visit, South Korea

Bright lights and a vibrant city life is one of the top reasons to visit South Korea. But there’s more to this Asian country than neon-laden cities and urban jungles. South Korea has a history that spans hundreds of years and much of its culture is still well-preserved, thanks to the unsuccessful colonization of the Europeans.

But despite this, South Korea remains to be at the forefront of technology and entertainment, as K-pop music and fashion is slowly making its way into the mainstream media (some of which are already dominating the US Billboard Charts).

So, pack your Delsey luggage, get your passport ready, and get ready to enjoy the top reasons to visit South Korea!

Authentic Korean Food. Korean cuisine offers a great variety of flavours, from mild to downright spicy. Choose among some of the most appetising dishes, from mouth-watering bulgogi, traditional Korean noodle dishes, to Korea’s national food Kimchi, a fermented vegetable side dish.

Korean cuisines are both healthy and delectable, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. It is no wonder Koreans have great, supple skin.

Natural attractions. South Korea is not all neon-lights and brick and mortar establishments and concrete pavements. It still preserves some of its natural attractions, such as the Jeju Islands (also called the “Island of the gods”, and the majestic views in the Seoreksan National Park.

Cultural heritage. South Korea is home to a great number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. And you won’t even have to go from city to city to discover it. Taking a leisurely stroll along Gyeongju or Seoul (or joining a tour, if you find that more convenient), you will be able to marvel at a great number of old palaces, temples and gates which have a lot of story to tell about the history of South Korea.

Bathhouses. One of the top reasons to visit South Korea is their bathhouses. Choose from a great variety of saunas and spas, from milk baths, mud baths or even baths with temperatures ranging from cool to scalding hot.

Either way, you are guaranteed a relaxing way to call it a day after touring Seoul or feasting on authentic Korean cuisine in one of the most interesting countries in the world!

21 Feb 2014

Best Destinations to Travel for a Gap Year Job

Author: Jeremy | Category: Australia, United States | Tags: America, Australia, gap year jobs, jobs, New Zealand, united states, usa

Your ticket to seeing the world on a gap year obviously comes much cheaper if you are able to spend some time working! A job in an exotic location is a fantastic opportunity to meet interesting people, really get to know the area, learn new skills, acquire CV-enhancing work experience, and perhaps even fund a trip-extension. Here are three great gap-year destinations you should consider:

Australia

Australia is a beautiful country and a wildly popular backpacking destination. With a culture very similar to the UK’s, living and working far away can still feel reassuringly familiar. This is a land of sunshine and spectacular natural wonders where most people live on the coast within reach of multicultural cities and enjoy the beach and active outdoor lifestyles.

Work opportunities and jobs in Australia include harvest work, bar work and catering, and office temping. Ranch work can offer more adventure – working on an outback cattle station, for example – but may require some farming experience.

As recruitment consultant Daniel Lucas confirms, UK job-seekers will be warmly welcomed: ‘Any Brits with a sales background, farming background, au-pair or nanny experience, horse-riding skills or nursing, care experience need to buy a ticket and get over here ASAP.’

USA

Working in the USA could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to put aside your media-driven expectations and explore the reality of this dynamic country which exerts a truly global influence. Diverse landscapes and cultural experiences abound though you will find many echoes of home too.

Working at an American summer camp is a well-established paid-work option which entails inspiring and educating young people during their summer vacation. You will meet many friends and get plenty of free time to explore the country.

Au pair work with host families is another established employment route which offers the chance to experience the American way of life, yet also allows you plenty of time off to socialise. Those with special skills can often take advantage of niche opportunities, working, for example, as ski or snowboard instructors in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain resorts. As with similar ‘dream’ jobs, the pay may not be top drawer, but you will get to spend as much time as you choose on the slopes.

New Zealand

New Zealand, ‘the adventure capital of the world’, is another all-action destination for sports and outdoor enthusiasts that is also crammed full of truly stunning natural landscapes and amazing wildlife. Kiwi society and lifestyles will seem very familiar to UK travellers, as will New Zealand’s climate.

There are a variety of jobs open to ‘gappers’ in hospitality, promotions, IT, finance and similar industries. Outdoor options range from fruit-picking and construction to more specialised work for those with expertise, or willing to undergo training. For example, a white-water rafting company in Rotorua is willing to hire instructors who successfully complete a five-week training course.

Earn as you travel

For pay-as-you-go travel opportunities, a gap year working abroad is hard to beat. You are bound to meet new friends and gain ‘inside track’ knowledge about your chosen destination, both of which could prove invaluable if you are considering a career move overseas. Whatever your plans, the trip will enrich your life and future job prospects in equal measure.

11 Feb 2014

Best Time To Visit Jordan

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: best time to visit, festivals, Jordan, Middle-East, Petra, ruins

If you are after the famous Petra and Jerash tourist spots, then the best time to visit Jordan is throughout the autumn and spring time seasons when the climate is favourable enough to delve into the exciting outdoor setting and the picturesque backdrops that are filled with lush flora. For some Muslim travellers, spending a vacation during the sacred months of Ramadan are deemed as the best time to visit Jordan to experience the long-established customs and to take pleasure on the Eid al-Fitr merry makings.

For some, April is deemed to be the best time to visit Jordan since this is the time of the year when wild flowers blossom fully and are truly breathtakingly beautiful. Among the other preferable dates to enjoy the sun and the scenic scenery are during the months of March to May and September to November. Watch out during the month of March since monsoons may be experienced especially in the north bound areas.

Being one of the well-loved and popular tourist destinations in Jordan, It is highly recommended to visit the prehistoric Bedouin metropolis of Petra early in the morning when the tourists are not yet all over the area. During this time, you’ll have more ample time to truly appreciate and savour the beauty that this famous landmark has to offer since more often than not, the place is teeming with lots of crowd. Moreover, it is also strongly suggested not to book excursions during peak seasons so as not to spoil the fun.

Bear in mind too if you are a budget-conscious traveler that the best time to visit Jordan with its most affordable airfares and accommodations is during the months of July to August, the warmest and most dried up season of the entire year. It is also quite affordable to visit during the months of November to March when cold breezes, light rains and snow are experienced in the country. On the other, prices for tours and accommodations are relatively high during the peak season in autumn and spring when the climate is believed to be perfectly awesome.

Don’t forget to remember that if you’re a Christian who loves to devour on luscious food every now and then, the month of Ramadan is not definitely recommended as one of the best time to visit Jordan, or much of the Middle East for that matter, since Muslims during this month of the year are required to fast and many business establishments aren’t open at this time thus, indulging on eating is strictly prohibited.

Lastly, the Jerash Festival throughout the months of July or August is celebrated as a cultural kind of festivity in regions surrounding Amman. The yearly Global Village Festival in July on the other hand is an additional approach to gain insights about the native legacies and legends of the country.

29 Jan 2014

London’s Unmissable Bars, Clubs & Pubs!

Author: Jeremy | Category: England, Travel Deals | Tags: bars, cheap flights, clubs, Drinking, England, London, partying, pubs, United Kingdom

When it comes to the top bars and clubs in Europe, the city of London simply can’t be overlooked. There’s so much entertainment on the capital’s streets as it is, and sometimes there are some amazing bars and clubs that get overlooked by tourists – and even Londoners – when on a night out.

If you’re thinking of visiting London, England in 2014, then a tour of the city’s best places to drink is a must, with some of the oldest pubs in the country laying roots in the capital for hundreds of years! Here’s a short guide to London’s Unmissable bars, clubs & pubs to kick start your evening in one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

Lime

Lime can be found nestled in the suburbs of Palmers Green in North London, and having just undergone a complete refurbishment from its previous name The Live Room, this bar is a real eye catcher. With black and silver walls, stylish mirrors surrounding the seating areas, table service and smart, friendly staff, there’s no doubt you’ll have a night to remember in Lime, especially as the DJ plays the freshest hip hop tunes until the early hours! Call or visit their website to reserve a table.

Moonlighting

Moonlighting is another of London’s top bars/clubs, and it’s extremely popular with students on a Thursday night with drinks selling for £1.50! Situated in the heart of Soho, one of the capital’s trendiest boroughs, Moonlighting hosts a number of nights every week, with the busiest being Saturday.

If you’re looking for great cocktails, a dazzling interior and old tunes as well as new ones, then Moonlighting is the place for you, and just like Lime you can call ahead and reserve a table – or even host a party there!

Koko

Koko is one of London’s oldest venues, and to this day it remains a popular place to party with the capital’s youth in the heart of Camden. From NME nights to gigs and special DJ appearances, this is a great place to spot celebrities in the city, especially if a great band is playing. Koko is pretty big inside, with 3 levels overlooking the main dance floor.

Furthermore, the club also puts on special student nights in the week (usually Wednesdays), meaning there’s a whole host of great drinks deals to take advantage of. Get discounts on tickets by booking online at the Koko website.

The Wishing Well

Palmers Green has a knack for cool places to drink, and situated right across the road from Lime is the Wishing Well. Home to some of London’s most seasoned Irish drinkers, the Wishing Well is as traditional as pubs come, playing live music most nights of the week and even supplying drinkers with sandwiches towards the end of the night!

Furthermore, there’s an overground train station opposite the pub, meaning you can be back in central London in less than 20 minutes. Run and owned by manager Chrissy, she keep’s this establishment in tip-top shape, so get down to the Wishing Well and experience a true Irish pub at it’s finest!

If you are looking for the finest London bars and clubs, you needn’t despair, as the establishments listed above will get you well on you way to one of the best nights out that you’ve ever had in your life!

10 Jan 2014

Best Time To Visit Gibraltar

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, England, Featured | Tags: best time to visit, Europe, Gibraltar

There really is no considerable difficulty in planning the best time to visit Gibraltar. This country has a pleasant climate like its neighboring country of Spain. However, Gibraltar’s special location along the Mediterranean coast makes it quite more appealing than most cities in Spain up north.

This country becomes a favorite vacation destination for the British expats because of its less hostile weather. Apart from the friendly atmosphere, Gibraltarians have a friendlier treatment towards the Englishmen that has defended them for many centuries. Although the climate here is warmer, the people’s collective deference for Spain is another story.

Gibraltar’s sense of independence is so strong that oftentimes their animosity towards mainland Spaniards could have violent consequences. For safety purposes, it is not always advisable to enter Gibraltar’s northern borders via on foot or taxi ride during night time. (more…)

22 Dec 2013

Top 5 Sights in the Southern Hemisphere

Author: Jeremy | Category: Australia, Travel Deals | Tags: Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Zambia, Zimbabwe

There are plenty of historical and cultural landmarks dotted south of the equator that travellers flock to. This is not surprising given the fact that four of the world’s continents – Africa, South America, Australasia and Antarctica – are encompassed within its territory.

If you’re thinking of visiting one of the countries in the Southern Hemisphere, or indeed taking part in a round-the-world trip, then here are some of the top 5 sights for you to check out.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Symbolising the religious zeal of Catholic Brazil, the imposing Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ that has become synonymous with the country. Its substantial size of 98 feet and position on top of the 2,300 feet tall Corcovado Mountain makes it dominate the Rio skyline. Although there is a strenuous climb up to the foot of the statue, the views over the rest of the city are breathtaking. It is estimated that over 1 million people visit every year.

The Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

One of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a 16km-wide inlet which forms a natural harbour at the northern tip of the country. Although many visitors come each year, the natural beauty of the area remains preserved to a high level. 144 islands make up the area where people come to enjoy the picturesque bays and sandy beaches. Yachting and fishing are also popular pastimes in the Bay of Islands.

Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

The incredible Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. Referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the World on numerous occasions, it has also been selected as a World Heritage Site. Because of its reputation, millions of people flock to the Reef every year, especially tourists travelling down the popular east coast route. The Great Barrier Reef supports an extremely diverse plant and marine life which make snorkeling an attractive pursuit also.

If you’re planning on visiting Australia and seeing the Great Barrier Reef, visit this site:

The Telegraph guide to visiting the Great Barrier Reef

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Lying on the border of both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone after the British monarch of the time, the Falls are considered to be the largest in Africa and the world due to its combined height and width. Large national parks surround the waterfall with an eclectic bundle of wildlife to enjoy for visitors.

Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia

If visiting Sydney then the harbour district is the must-see area for all tourists. With its historical past and cultural landmarks, the image of the harbour is widely associated with Australia. This is notably because the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge lie within a small distance of each other, two of the most prominent sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The spectacular celebrations at New Year also take place around the harbour, perhaps the most famous fireworks display in the world.

19 Dec 2013

Top Reasons To Visit Adelaide, Australia!

Author: Jeremy Albelda | Category: Australia | Tags: Adelaide, Australia, History, market, Things to see, wines

There are definitely a lot of top reasons to visit Adelaide, Australia. The capital of South Australia (and the fifth largest city as well in the continent) has a lot to offer tourists with a taste for art, adventure and good food. The best wines, great, bush tucker food, arts, historical landmarks, you name it: Adelaide has it.

And there’s more to love about this city. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Adelaide:

Festivals. Adelaide is known as the “Festival State” of Australia. And why not? There’s always something to look forward to when you visit Adelaide. One of the highlights in Adelaide is the Adelaide Festival of Arts which is celebrated between the last week of February to the first week of March. This internationally renowned festival is one of the world’s biggest celebrations of arts. The weeklong celebration involves theatre, opera, dance, cabaret, classic and contemporary music, as well as new media. At the heart of the celebration is the Adelaide Festival Centre, which usually hosts the opening of the event.

Local Flavors. Want something a little more extreme than the regular barbies and fish and chips? How about some bush food? Australia (particularly Adelaide) is rediscovering the joys, wonders and flavours of bush tucker, or food enjoyed by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Try out Kangaroo, crocodile or emu meat, or feast on some witchetty grubs.

If the idea of eating grubs or feasting on emu meat is a little too intense, then try out a pie floater from one of the late night pie carts.

Wines. South Australia’s rich soils and ample amounts of sunshine makes it a perfect place for making some of the best wines in the continent. As a matter of fact, it is considered Australia’s premier wine state.

Adelaide has some of the best vineyards in the state, with the nearby Barossa Valley boasting of some of the world’s finest Shiraz and Cabarnet.

Gaming with a Touch of Class. Not every country has gaming and casinos, but Australia is not one of them! A sight in itself, Adelaide Casino is located within the historic Adelaide Railway Station which was built way back in 1856. They have plenty of table games and slots, and if gambling isn’t your thing, just admire the iconic structure! Australia is also a special country because they are one of the last to permit online gambling as well. So, if you’re worn out from sightseeing all day, feel free to hit the tables from your hotel room on http://www.casinomidas.com.au/!

Adelaide Central Market. One of the top reasons to visit Adelaide is its lively central market, which is filled with some of the freshest, organic produce in the country. It’s the best place to observe the Adelaide culture (while shopping for some souvenirs and local finds).

10 Dec 2013

Top Five Things to do in Las Vegas

Author: Jeremy | Category: Travel Deals, United States | Tags: holidays in las vegas, las vegas, united states, us, usa, vacation

Las Vegas has long captured the imagination of Americans and others vacationers for its excitement and many fun offerings. Known as a mecca all over the world for the best quality casinos and resorts that can be found along with one of a kind gambling and entertainment, Las Vegas is a destination not to miss. Visiting Las Vegas promises to be the vacation of lifetime. Not only are the downtown casinos rated best in class, but the Las Vegas strip incorporates the nearby communities of Paradise and Winchester providing tourists with significant variety and satisfaction. When in Las Vegas, tourists should always make sure to capture the excitement and novelty of America’s most desirable vacation destination by taking part in the following must see and do attractions.

Las Vegas shows are legendary for a multitude of reasons including having the highest quality performers and incredible variety amongst the many offerings. Major productions include performances by the likes of David Copperfield, musicals such as the “Jersey Boys” and “Rock of Ages”, and fabulous concerts by leading bands and soloists. When These productions are definitely among the things to do in Las Vegas that will deliver memories for a lifetime for you and your family.

Equally entertaining are the one of a kind museums including the super popular Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement and the one of a kind Neon Museum. While at the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, referred to by locals as the “Mob Museum,” visitors can learn about the exciting history of organized crime in America. At the Neon Museum visitors can see the exciting past of Las Vegas through actual signs and other architectural marketing wonders from the actual resorts and casinos that have become so legendary in American history. Whatever your interests, Las Vegas offers a unique array of exciting museums that you will not find the likes of anywhere else.

All visitors should also check out the famous Bellagio Fountains to see a one of kind highly choreographed water show done to specially choreographed music. The shows are unique and are another one of the many things to do in Las Vegas.

A fourth treat for all visitors is the fine dining Las Vegas offers. Whatever your favorite cosines, Las Vegas offers world class restaurants and eating venues that you must take advantage of. The restaurant scene is in fact a staple on everyone’s list of favorite things to do in Las Vegas.

Lastly, you should take advantage of the world’s nicest and best gambling experience. The casinos that call Las Vegas their home are unequaled by those anywhere else. You can choose from a diverse array of options either downtown or on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, and Caesars Palace are legendary attractions that are must see and do experiences for your visit. Other fine casinos such as Binion’s Gambling Hall and Casino and Tropicana Las Vegas offer even more variety and even more world class gambling.

The next time you plan a trip, remember that a Las Vegas holidays provide memories for a lifetime and offers several must see and do adventures for everyone.

07 Nov 2013