Travel Tips

5 Vacation Destinations that Support a Healthy Lifestyle

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The healthy lifestyle has already started turning into a dominant pattern for the modern human being. At the helm of this ship is fitness, an integral part of paying tribute to our physical and spiritual selves. In 2016, in the US alone, 20.9% of the population engaged in sports/exercise on a daily basis! That’s a whole lot of people leading healthy lifestyles.

Even the most active of people, however, consider vacation “break time”; or at least they used to. The trend of an active vacation is growing and an increasing number of destinations now feature fitness as a concept. In this entry, we will feature top fitness travel destinations.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Fitness means more than good looks – it stretches across the psychological, the physical and the social aspects of our culture. The Absolute Sanctuary Fitness offers balance between the three, featuring programs that will help you improve your fitness levels, while providing mind clarity.

The goals are set in accordance with your fitness aims and your fitness assessment. The activities that are included are everything from weight training and cardio exercises, to beach boot camp, Pilates and even Muay Thai kick boxing lessons. These sessions are balanced with yoga classes that feature Hot flow and Yin yoga, as well as the Ashtanga.

Towards the end of the day, you can relax with a back, neck, shoulder or a Thai massage.

Monchique, Portugal

Even though a growing number of people are looking to get into fitness as a road towards a better lifestyle, many of us are approaching this with weight loss in mind. The Longevity wellness retreat, located in the mountains of Monchique in Portugal, is an excellent way to lose weight on your vacation.

The experts here will start you off with an extremely personalized program that targets everything from weight loss to other physical, emotional and mental imbalances. The feature program focuses on teaching the participants how one’s attitude and emotional state can influence the weight loss success – something not enough people pay attention to.

This program features a variety of activities, ranging from Pilates and yoga to hiking. After you’ve completed the Longevity wellness program, you’ll feel relaxed and energized, in addition to a couple of pounds lighter.

El Albir Beach, Spain

In the neighboring Spain, near the gorgeous El Albir beach lies the world’s leading medical spa, the SHA Wellness Clinic. The entire concept, when it comes to food, is based on an ancient macrobiotic diet that roots back to the era of Hippocrates, when it was widely believed that a simple and balanced diet is the road towards a long and healthy life.

Although it revolves around the concept of a balanced diet, the SHA Wellness Clinic includes a weekly activity and exercise schedule that features hiking and yoga.

Melbourne, Australia

The Restart Health Escapes organizes both individual and corporate retreats that feature full room and board, healthy fresh meals, a thorough health and fitness assessment, beachside yoga, but also everything ranging from language lessons and spa treatments to cooking classes and personal lifestyle counseling. To top it off, activities such as kayaking through caves and Muay Thai kick boxing lessons are included, so you better come prepared with quality and durable gym equipment in order to feel as comfortable as possible.

Crete, Greece

Food and physical activity are pillars of physical health and the Wild fitness Food+Fit retreat brings the two together in the best possible way. The 10-day “vacation” includes outdoor movement activities that range from running to jumping and climbing, followed by food workshops that go into detail as to where a particular food is grown, how to prepare it properly and what effect it has on our bodies.

The retreat is located at Milia, a village that features refurbished farm buildings, set in the White Mountains National Park. Health, inspiration and breathtaking sights are to be expected here.

These five locations feature excellent health and fitness programs that will help you stay or even get fit on your vacation. The road towards spiritual peace is paved with fitness, healthy eating habits and a good mental balance.

Destinations, Food, North America, Street Food Guide

The Food Lover’s Ultimate NYC Adventure

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A vacation in the greatest city on Earth would be a dream come true for many. As the holiday season approaches, a chance to visit New York City becomes a treasure trove of possibilities. The sheer abundance of events, activities and sights is too overwhelming to cover in a single go, but at least, you can stimulate your taste buds with some of the most delicious and varied meals in the world. If you want to save some time and go straight for the hippest and most satisfying gourmet experiences, here’s the food lover’s ultimate NYC adventure.

Of course, the restaurants

food

Let us start off with the biggest bite of all – the choice of restaurants. The food map of New York City is a colorful palette of cuisines and cultures. If you are craving for a healthy and solid Mediterranean meal, Fig & Olive offers a whole array of dishes from Italy, Spain and France.

If you want to feel as if you are shacked up in the middle of the Alps, Baita by Birreria is a place for you. The place looks like a cozy canteen for visitors who like to pop in for a wine, warm up with salty pork and veal sausages.

A variety of exquisite meals can be a blast, but if you end up craving good ol’ sandwich bites, LaGuardia Place has brought the art of sandwich to a whole new level.

If you are in the mood for a tasty trip to Asia, Raku on East 6th Street is a place that has the most delicious udon in town, and ramen at Mr. Taka is conveniently filling on a cold December evening. Finally, if you want a solid meal that will keep you full for the most part of the day, stop by Insa on 328 Douglas Street for a delicious, juicy Korean barbecue (and a karaoke sing-off maybe).

Let’s talk about catering

Of course, New York City is nothing without the options to tweak the dining experience to your own idea of comfort. If you are renting a fabulous apartment and you feel particularly lazy that night, why not bring all the wine and dine glamour to your four walls?

With the endless number of top-notch NYC catering options that will leave you spoiled, the professional caterer will do all the work and it is up to you to deal with the rest. There are no boring queues and lengthy lines to ruin your appetite.

Most of these catering options come with modifiable course lineups that can be staggeringly rich – from cold chops and cocktail picks to warm bites, and wholesome family meals. It goes without saying you can limit yourself to fish, vegetarian or vegan banquets if you want.

The marketplace adventures

If you are spending a short time in New York City, why not feel like a true New Yorker? First of all, you need to stroll down the streets in search for the food market. Thankfully, New York has numerous food markets that are perfectly equipped with every delicious fruit and vegetable under the sun.

Most of them are in Manhattan, where you can literally stumble onto an amazing organic market after five or ten minutes of strolling about. However, you can find a few stray markets in Queens – New World Mall Food Court and Queens Crossing – as well as in Brooklyn – renowned Gotham Market at The Ashland, Berg’n and Industry City near the Upper Bay.

With all the necessary groceries in the bags, you can finally go to your temporary home and whip out pots and spatulas to begin your own private cooking session.

Take a chance on a food truck

Life in New York City can be quite hectic. So, it is probably safe to guess that your short stay will be just as speedy and filled with various activities. People tend to start taking it all in only after they have returned home. If you are a type of person who likes to move around and save time on all activities except sightseeing, taking a chance on one of New York’s iconic food trucks is a must.

Even if you are a person who enjoys low brow cuisine, you have to eat out at least once – otherwise, it is as if you haven’t been in New York. Eddie’s Pizza Truck will satisfy you enough and leave room for a thirst-quenching jug of beer or a cocktail. Tacos Morelos will offer you amazing midnight snacks, and a nice pita wrapped around juicy meat from Souvlaki GR will keep you buzzed throughout the evening.

Of course, these suggestions are not doing justice to all of the amazing restaurants and chow spots in New York City. If you are in the mood for an adventure, you can go out with your friends or family on an unpredictable gourmet journey throughout the night. You are bound to come across interesting places to eat around every corner. What’s life without some culinary risk?

Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Entertainment, Europe, North America, South America

Halloween Around The World

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Halloween Around The World

Marriage proposals in Italy, baking bread in the shape of babies in Ecuador, and burning expensive possessions to appease the souls of the dead in China. Across the globe there some strange but wonderful ways locals celebrate their own versions of Halloween. Thomas Cook has collated 50 of the outlandish laws, traditions and locations to create a Halloween map of the world full of need to know trivia you never knew existed.

Here are a few highlights from around the globe:

Halloween Haters

  • In Dublin, Georgia, USA your face must be fully visible and recognisable by law on Halloween
  • Vendragues, France it is illegal to wear clown costumes or makeup on this event if you are more than 12 years old
  • The country of Jordan made Halloween in its entirety illegal in 2014

Most haunted destinations

  • Multiple UFO, ghosts, orbs sightings and the abduction and reappearance a decade later of a young girl at Barranco de Badajoz in Spain make this the place to visit for believers in life beyond earth.
  • Visit the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, to become one of many who have spotted a Pharaoh wearing his golden collar, headdress, and riding a fiery chariot with black phantom horse.

Ghostly Traditions

  • The Romanian ‘Feast of St. Andrew’ involves eating garlic the night before and placing it near doors, windows and chimneys to ward off evil spirits.
  • In Germany, locals look to protect the visiting spirits drawn out during ‘All Souls Week’, by hiding all their knives so they won’t be injured.
  • Hati locals celebrate ‘Fed Gede’ alongside the visiting spirits, eating, drinking, warming their bones by the fire and dancing with them.

halloween

You can Map out all the countries and their traditions here: https://www.thomascook.com/halloween-around-the-world 

Africa, Asia, Editor's Picks, Europe, Luxury Travel, North America, Travel Planning

The Best Travel Destinations for 2018

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The Best Travel Destinations for 2018

Len Rutledge

The travel and tourism industry is booming as more and more people take advantage of low airfares and increased opportunities to see new places. While there has been some resistance to increased visitor numbers in some European destinations, much of the world is still welcoming visitors with open arms.

Here are some suggestions for places to travel and activities to experience in 2018.

The Philippines

Brilliant green rice fields, teeming cities, colourful jeepneys, stunning beaches, and smiling, happy-go-lucky people are all part of the Philippines scene. With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, you can find what you are looking for. Divers have long known about the country’s underwater attractions while Northern Palawan is perfect for sea kayakers, and Boracay is a world-class kiteboarding and beach destination.

The Philippines was colonised for 400 years and vestiges of the Spanish era can be seen in exuberant town festivals and centuries-old stone churches while huge shopping malls, fast-food chains and widespread spoken English come from the influence of the Americans.

travel

Boracay Beach. Credit: Philippines Tourism

Manila, the capital, is a pulsating hub that blends the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. Cebu is a choice tourist destination with balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts. Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion and the rice terraces are quite extraordinary. Palawan has thick green forest, white-sand beach, sparkling water and magnificently sculpted jade islands.

Philippines Airlines operates from most continents to Manila and there are some direct services to Cebu.

South Africa

Go almost anywhere in South Africa and you can experience a combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and style. During these tough economic times, it’s good to find a bargain destination where you can even afford luxury and have spending money left over. There is natural beauty in mountains, forests, coasts and deserts and world-class facilities.

It is not possible to talk about South Africa without mentioning wildlife. Everyone wants to see the Big Five, but there are also whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds and much more. If you are looking to experience wildlife viewing in luxury, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, in the pristine private Manyeleti Game Reserve could be the answer. It shares an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park and suites are decorated to reflect colonial times.

Tintswalo Atlantic Resort. Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic

The same company has beach-side Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5 star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town. This is one of the city’s hidden gems. The views of a wild sea crashing below contrasting with a roaring fire and fabulous welcome drinks will set the tone for a memorable stay.

For a city location, the all-suites Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Johannesburg appeals because it is directly connected to the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre, and is located directly opposite Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square in the in heart of South Africa’s  Richest Square Mile.

Monaco

Situated at France’s southeastern corner near the Italian border, occupying an area of just 2.8 sq. km, Monaco might be the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican), but what it lacks in size it sure makes up for in attitude and variety.

There is an ornate opera house, Michelin-starred restaurants, and casinos, palaces, cathedrals, supercars, mega yachts, deluxe hotels and designer boutiques. There are also museums and galleries, festivals, nightclubs, and gardens with exotic plants and sea views.

Monaco. Credit: Monaco Government Tourist Bureau

The country is one of the most surprising and rewarding destinations in Europe. It is just 30 minutes by car, bus or taxi from Nice Airport through hairpin bends and along rocky cliffs. Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate climate.

Berlin

As most readers will know, Berlin has had a chequered history in recent decades. It is now emerging as one of Europe’s leading centres of culture. The modern Mitte district has the Museum Island UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also two opera houses and six major theatres, as well as museums, innumerable galleries and arts venues. Now, many new major cultural projects are locating here, just a few minutes’ walk apart.

Opened earlier this year, the new Pierre Boulez Saal is a major international concert hall with the elliptically-shaped hall regularly presenting concerts and chamber music. A complete contrast is provided by the 1740s Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin’s first opera house, which reopened in October 2017. Unfortunately, Berlin’s most popular museum, the Pergamon, is partially closed but from mid- 2018, visitors can view part of the Pergamon Altar’s treasures at a temporary exhibition building directly opposite Museum Island.

The James-Simon-Galerie will be the Museum Island’s new central entrance and visitor centre with central ticket office, cloakrooms and facilities, cafés and a museum shop when it opens in 2019.

Berlin-Ansichten. Credit: Visit Berlin

To complement all this development, several major hotels have opened in 2017 and more are scheduled for 2018.

The Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz, opened in May offering 344 rooms with a modern design over nine floors. Later, The Yard,  4-star boutique hotel with 55 rooms opened, followed by the Orani Berlin, a classy hotel with 42 subtle but rather luxuriously furnished rooms. Between now and year’s end the 60-metre-high Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz with 708 rooms, The Meininger Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery with 245 rooms and the Hilton Berlin City East with 254 rooms will all open.

Bargain rooms may well be on offer during the European winter.

Los Angeles

Many readers will have been to Los Angeles, USA but most will not be aware of the wide range of museums, art galleries and concert halls that are spread throughout the city. In the downtown area, the futuristic Walt Disney Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and is right next door to the city’s newest cultural and design showpiece, The Broad. L.A.Live is another vibrant entertainment complex offering restaurants and live music venues.

Walt Disney Theatre. Credit: Discover LA. Photo by Matt Marriott

The Westside perhaps has even more attractions. There is the Getty Center located atop the Santa Monica Mountains then on Museum Row, there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Pettersen Automotive Museum, the Craft and Folk Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. In Century City you will find the Annenberg Space for Photography.

Hollywood, known as the entertainment capital of the world, is an essential part of the L.A. experience. Film enthusiasts will love the renovated TCL Chinese Theatre and you can tour the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars. Not far away is Universal Studios Hollywood with its rides, shows and tours.

If you consider L.A. nothing more than a gateway to the USA, you had better re-think. It is one of the top picks for places to visit in 2018.

The Best Travel Destinations for 2018www.LenRutledge.com

www.LenRutledge.com

North America, Travel Tips

5 Must Do’s in Napa Valley, California

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A lot of world trotting travellers tend to be content with picturesque surroundings without delving deeper. It is a matter of style over substance, but Napa Valley is a place for connoisseurs of quality. It is completely understandable if a question crosses your mind – but why Napa? Is it not one of those over-puffed regions everyone recommends, kind of like Toscana or Provence? Well, just like the two marvellous European landscapes mentioned along with it, it is worth the hype. These are the 5 must do things in Napa Valley, California:

Visit St. Helena

A visit to Napa Valley is incomplete without a visit to St. Helena. With a population of nearly 6,000, it does not seem like much of a town on paper, but it is so much more than that. The area is brimming with a variety of interesting activities every newcomer should experience. Visit the CIA campus which was established in 1968 – that is the Culinary Institute of America, if you were confused for a bit.

This locale produced many virtuoso chefs in the area. Also, if you are particularly hungry, you can get a burger at Gott’s Roadside Diner, a bona fide original which opened here in 1999. The town homes numerous wineries and three Michelin-star restaurants, so take your time to have the exact day in St. Helena that suits your sensibilities.

Castello di Amorosa

If you ever set foot in Napa Valley, you simply have to visit Castello di Amorosa. At first, you will not believe your eyes – it is an incredible castle transported straight out of medieval Italy onto the Californian meadow. However, this is far from a reverie and there is actually an interesting story behind it. It first opened to the public in April of 2007, and it is the pet project of Dario Sattui, the 4th generation of wine merchants.

Sattui actually inherited a winery from his grandfather who immigrated to California in 1886, and earned enough to have means to realize such a daunting project. The castle spreads on 171 acres and it has eight level, 197 rooms, a drawbridge and a moat. This was all built out of 8,000 tons of chiselled stone. What’s best of all – you can visit two levels of the castle for a general admission ticket and enjoy 5 wine tastings.

Enjoy some quality art

Napa Valley does not only aim to please your senses, it also wants to delight your mind. If you are in the mood for a refreshing tour of exquisite art pieces, the region does not fall short. Numerous exceptional art galleries, studios, museums and outdoor exhibitions dot the landscape and most of them are fitting for people of all generations, even toddlers in strollers.

If you have a chance, you must visit diRosa art gallery – a 217-acre home to more than 2,000 pieces of contemporary art.  The variety of artwork is staggering and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the pieces both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of media. More than 800 artists are responsible for this vast collection, so it is an opportunity you should not miss if you are in the region. Additionally, if you want to have a unique and pleasant experience which is as charming as it is casual, visit Jessel Gallery. Trust us, you will feel as if you are an honoured guest at a reception.

A wine tasting adventure

wine tasting

Of course, what is a Napa adventure without savouring that sweet nectar of Californian hills, the same drink that has been passed onto us, through tradition, from ancient Greeks and through historical whirlwind and turmoil as an answer to all anguish – wine. Coupled with amazing scenery, this wine tasting adventure can turn into a cherished memory you will gladly return to in times of stress.

Believe it or not, there are more than 400 wineries in the region, so it can turn into an unruly excursion if you and your friends are not careful. If you don’t know where to start, after a short consultation with a reliable DMC in California, you’ll be able to get all the information you need and visit some of the best wineries in the area. If you get around it, visit Crystal Cellar, Raymond Vineyard or Robert Mondavi Winery. You will not regret it even if it is out of your way.

Explore the great outdoors

Would you define yourself as an indoor person? If so, Napa Valley is as good a region as any to turn you around completely. Known for its natural beauties and gentle wavy landscapes, Napa Valley has more than 50,000 acres of pure unadulterated nature that include hills, mountains, fields and meadows. All this space if yours to trek, hike, run, bike and explore to your heart’s content. If you truly need a recommendation when it comes to outdoor activities in Napa Valley, be sure to explore Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges.

Some regions are gifts that keep on giving. One of those locations lies at the far end of the world, bathed by the gentle orange sun on the very edge of Pacific. Once you embark on an easy-going trip across the breezy slopes of Napa Valley, you will feel fulfilled by such a gentle surge of joie de vivre, you’ll ask yourself why haven’t you come here sooner? If you ever get a chance to return once more, do not miss it. The wide roads of Napa Valley are welcoming to all visitors, all the time, and if you are an old acquaintance, she is bound to introduce you to more intriguing secrets.

Luxury Travel, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

How to Cruise Like a Pro: Travel Tips You Should Know as a First-Time Cruiser

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Cruise vacation provides a unique experience. Since you are not limited to a single location, it is easy to feel disconnected from the world on a cruise. After all, that is the point. If you decide to embark on such a journey, it can be one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime. Everything is neatly wrapped up into a package of pure hedonism: comfortable accommodation, effortless transportation, various awe-inspiring locations, delicious meals and smashing entertainment.
cruise

If these attributes are enough to convince you and you want to learn how to cruise like a pro, here are some travel tips you should know as a first-time cruiser.

Pack smartcruise

Let us discuss the first advantage of the cruise that has already been mentioned in the introduction – you get to travel to numerous locations, yet you will only unpack once. A cruise ship is your hub of entertainment and your home away from home. You will rarely stay in one location longer than a day and you should always have a trusty backpack prepped. Fill the backpack with things that are necessary for a daily excursion – one extra t-shirt, a bottle of water, and a tablet. Keep your wallet and your phone in your pockets. If you suffer from hearing loss, you can follow this guide which has some tips on how to travel with hearing loss. This is all you need – pack as light as you can and leave the rest of the stuff in your room on the ship.

As far as packing for your cruise goes, try not to pack more than one big suitcase. After all, you’ll get a chance to wash your clothes on the ship, so you do not have to bring along the entire wardrobe. Take a close look at the itinerary for your cruise before you pack and check if you will need at least one formal attire. Shoes are the most important thing – pack the most comfortable sneakers you have, two pairs at least, and one pair of formal shoes. Fitness clothes are a must – there are gyms and various sport venues on the cruise ship.

Choose a specific cruisecruise

There are many types of cruise programs you can choose for your perfect vacation. These programs are fashioned to follow a particular theme and focus on specific things, such as carnivals or historical locations or tropical islands or entertainment shows. This gives you an excellent opportunity to sift through reasonable deals for Carnival cruises and find the one that will give you everything a cruise can offer for less money, which you can use to spend on day trips and sea excursions on a power catamaran for example. Knowing where to find the best deals (and when) is another trait of a real cruise pro, but there is no specific instruction that can get you faster up the learning curve. Since various agencies offer different deals all the time, the best course of action is to just start scanning the internet for the best deals. Cruise Critic’s review website is a good place to start. Look for early-bird rates and last-minute deals.

As far as tech goes

cruise

Check with the cruise agency how much using the internet and Wi-Fi costs. You’ll be surprised to learn that roaming charges and Wi-Fi can take a sizeable bite out of your travelling budget. However, remember you are on vacation. The point of the cruise is to disconnect from the world and enjoy yourself. Keep your “outer world” contacts to a minimum and use applications, such as magicApp or Viber to make phone calls by using wireless network – no matter what it costs, it surely beats the roaming price tag.

Alcohol is a touchy subjectcruise

Alcohol policies on cruise ships are a complicated subject. The regulations themselves can be mind-boggling, but they usually boil down to a simple thing – you can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine onboard with you. It’s best to nip that hope in the bud. Even though cruises are all-inclusive packages, your bill can really turn dizzyingly big if you drink alcohol onboard. That bottle you’ve brought along with you seems like a small thing, but it can mean a lot in the long run, and avoid drinking alcohol on a cruise in general – there are a plethora of other activities to enjoy that are bound to keep you busy.

In my opinion, all the advantages of a cruise vacation boil down to great organization. You do not have to bother with organizing your own adventure. Everything is prepared for you and there is a schedule so that you won’t have to worry about planning. The impression of your first cruise will hardly wear off for months after you have returned home. Soon enough, with these tips and a little bit of cruise experience, you will become a cruise pro who shares advice online.

Australia, Destinations

5 Reasons to Visit Brisbane Australia

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Brisbane, on the Queensland coast of Australia, is a fascinating city that everyone should visit at least once. The city on the Brisbane River is often overlooked by visitors in favor of other coastal destinations. Why visit Brisbane? The city has a thriving dining and market scene and several dining districts. Here are five things to do and see in Brisbane.

Museums and Galleries in Brisbane
Museums and Galleries in Brisbane

Museums and Galleries

The Cultural Precinct is a fantastic location for families to visit. The Queensland Museum and Science Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, and GoMA are all in this district. The museum features permanent and interactive displays that are ideal for adults and children. Admission is charged for travelling exhibits, but they’re worth the price. GoMA is a kid-friendly art gallery and the one most visited in the country, with explanations of the exhibits for kids. One feature of the precinct that adults and kids love is the shops operated by the galleries.

Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane
Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane

Wildlife

Tangalooma on Moreton Island, 14 km from the city centre, is the place to observe stingrays, turtles, and whales during migration season between July and November. The biggest attraction is the Bottlenose dolphins that come into shallow water at sunset. Visitors can interact with and feed the dolphins, and learn about the species and their habitat. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the habitat of native species including possums, wombats, kangaroos, and koalas. Visitors can go into the large kangaroo enclosure to meet and feed the kangaroos. Queensland is the only state that allows visitors to hold cuddly koalas. Have a photo taken with one of these charming little marsupials as a momento of your visit.

River Cruising in one of the highlights in Brisbane
River Cruising in one of the highlights in Brisbane

Cruise the Brisbane River

Experience views of the Brisbane skyline, gardens and parks, and the city’s historic homes as you travel the river. You can extend your tour to the islands of Moreton Bay. If you visit between May and October, you can observe humpback whales on their migration. Another enjoyable way to see the city is on a dinner cruise. After dark, the twinkling lights of the city reflect on the river.

More than hundreds of restaurants to experience in Brisbane
More than hundreds of restaurants to experience in Brisbane

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Brisbane

What’s on around Brisbane? Many of the must visit neighborhoods and districts are along the Brisbane River. South Bank features a lot of cafes, museums, shops, theatres, and cafes. The Queensland Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands are in the region. The Riverside Precinct features great dining on the Eagle Street Pier and the Craft Market on Sundays. Many heritage landmarks including the Customs House are in the Riverside Precinct. Manly’s Cambridge Parade features lively nightlife, cafes, and charming gift shops. Another of Manly’s attractions is the Manly Boat Harbour. Fortitude Valley is a shopping district and features the Brunswick Street Mall, McWhirter’s Markets, and the Chinatown District, that has a lot of authentic Cantonese and Chinese restaurants.

An exciting climbing adventure
An exciting climbing adventure

Climbing Adventures

Glass House Mountain rock climbing is an exciting climbing adventure to the summit of a dormant volcanic peak. The view from the top of Glass House Mountain is spectacular and suitable for climbers of all levels. Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers an urban experience in the heart of Brisbane. The cliffs are about 20 metres high and feature panoramic views of the city. Kangaroo Point is suitable for climbers of all levels and guides are available. The cantilevered Story Bridge built in 1940 is for the traveller who wants an amazing view of Brisbane. In 2005, tour operators began offering climbs to the top of the bridge. The trip is challenging and quite safe. The two and a half hour Story Bridge Adventure Climb is one of the unique experiences you can have in Brisbane.

Fast-developing infrastructure
Fast-developing infrastructure

Developing Infrastructure

The Cross River Project will make travel for residents and visitors much easier upon completion. Cross River Rail Brisbane is the largest transportation project ever undertaken in the city. Work begins at the site at GoPrint where a station at Woolloongabba will stand. A 5.4 kilometre tunnel will be built on the railway link that runs beneath the business district and the Brisbane River. The Exhibition Station that currently serves the region will receive an upgrade and four new stations to accommodate passengers travelling on the line will be built. The rail network will be upgraded, and reconfiguration includes Albert Street, Exhibition Stations going to Bowen Hill, Roma Street, and Woolloongabba.

Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands
Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit brisbane is during the autumn months between March and May when there is little rainfall since the rainy season has just ended, and the temperatures are comfortable. Visitors need only a light jacket to be comfortable.

Travel Planning, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

Large Family Vacations: 8 Tips for Traveling Cheap

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Even with a large family, it is easy to slash traveling expenses. Traveling with large family can be a fun adventure for the entire family. It is also fun to discover how far the family can make their dollars stretch. Here are eight ways to save when going on large family vacations.


1. If at all possible, drive instead of flying. Even if gas prices are soaring, it is generally cheaper to drive than to fly for large families. Plan well ahead of time to make your road trip all about attractions, and not miles. Plan to drive several hours a day and stop along the way to take in relevant historical sights and attractions. Driving increases the family’s ability to see and feel the world around them. If anyone uses a wheelchair, make sure every accommodation is available for the trip.

2. Pack well. It is easy enough for small families to lose track of clothing. With large families, it is almost a given. Knowing how to pack for a large family can save a lot of headaches on the trip. Pack outfits in gallon zipper bags. Keep pajamas in a special bag.

3. Make it a priority to find lodging accommodation that fit your family’s size. It is difficult to fit a family of five or six into a standard hotel room. Rooms that adjoin can also end up being quite expensive. Why not look for vacation home rentals or an extended stay hotel with all the necessary accommodations?

4. National parks are beautiful and can provide some of the best memories for vacationing families. You may even plan your family vacation around several national parks. Consider renting a lodge for your large family if one is available. Some families even choose to camp outside.

 


5. You may or may not be familiar with the term “shoulder season.” This includes the weeks just before and after your destination’s peak season. Traveling during shoulder seasons can lower your costs and save on lodging or airfare. For example, ski resort areas are less crowded in the autumn while the weather is still nice. For the beach, the shoulder season is May or September. Also, there is a good chance that families can upgrade to bigger suites, without additional cost, during a shoulder season.

6. When traveling with large family numbers by air, book the family flight far in advance. Airlines usually post their schedules about 300 days in advance or so. Beyond 300 days, prices generally increase. Families should also look for nonstop flights. Connecting flights generally cost more money. With large families, it is preferable for everyone to sit together too.

7. Decide on locations, venues, and dates and get everyone to agree. Everyone usually has a place they would like to visit or experience. Most People also have a place they would rather not visit. Let one family member take charge and gather all the information well ahead of time. Plan the trip based on what the youngest family member can handle. Be ready for multiple breaks during the day and lots of stops.

8. Buy your family snacks in local grocery stores. This can be a small adventure all by itself. Local stores offer a glimpse of what it would be like to live in your vacation destination. How does the store pack its fruits and vegetables? What new candies are available? Are there familiar brands your family prefers? Buying in local grocery stores, if available, can reduce food bills. It is also a good idea to bring water if you can to rinse off scrapes and to clean sticky fingers and hands.

Your family can also tap into the power of technology. There are apps you can download for nearby gas stops, sites to see along the route, local restaurants, inexpensive hotel accommodations, rental cars, vehicle maintenance, attractions, medical assistance, and so much more. Technology can be a great friend when it comes to family road trips. A travel agent can also help find your family the very best deals. Some travel deals offer specials for five or more people. Utilize your travel agent’s insider information to your advantage and enable your family to have the time of their life.

Travel Planning, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

Getaway Ideas for Parents Who Are Usually Too Busy

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When you become a parent, you accept that you won’t have many of the kind of footloose and fancy-free vacations that you used to have. It’s just part of the territory. Trips away now generally include the kids, rather than being romantic breaks for two.

But you can, and indeed should, still have an occasional vacation with just the two of you. The daily grind of parenting can be relentless. There’s always something to do, someone who needs you. Faces to wipe, homework to help with, dinner to cook, bottles to wash. It’s good for you, your relationship and your family to get away without the kids once in awhile. Ask the grandparents for a weekend babysitting favor, and jet off somewhere amazing for a couple of days. You’ll return relaxed, refreshed and ready to go again. 

Here are our ideas for the best weekend getaway locations for parents:

New York City

New York City is a classic weekend break destination. The city that never sleeps is packed with things to do all day and all night long. It is the world’s busiest and most exciting city, with endless bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and museums to explore. Whatever you want to do, you’ll find it in New York. 
The best thing about New York is the way it mixes a big city feel with distinctive neighborhoods. This makes it easy to plan a short break because you can choose what you want to do and pick the neighborhood to hang out in. Even if you’ve been to the Big Apple many times before, you’ll find somewhere else to go that is new to you. 
If you’re a New York virgin (or even if you’re not) start with a trip up the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center to check out the views and get your bearings. Then take a wander down to 5th Avenue for some indulgent shopping, and head out to East Village for lunch in one of the latest hip restaurants. Spend time strolling through Battery Park to work up an appetite for dinner, which you could follow up with a Broadway show or a night out dancing. 
New York is definitely best enjoyed child-free.

Vancouver

Vancouver offers the perfect combination of city break and outdoor life. One of the world’s most beautiful cities, it is backed by snow-capped mountains and fringed with sandy ocean beaches, but still has a trendy, urban feel with plenty of nightlife and café culture. 
Head to the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver’s old quarter, and take a wander. You’ll find lots of cozy cafes and hipster bars, some great independent stores and a vibrant restaurant scene. Nearby Chinatown was built around the same time and hosts everything from edgy bars to traditional Chinese grocery stores. 
When you’ve had enough of city exploration, you won’t have to go far to get some fresh air. Head to Stanley Park, the city’s green lungs. An 8km trail takes you around the seawall, through forest trees. Walk it, or hire a bike. After that, head to the beach to chill out, or travel up to the mountains. Time your visit right and you could ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.

Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re desperate to slow down and stroll, Charleston could be just perfect. It’s warm, beautiful and relaxed, and offers a completely different pace of life to almost anywhere else. Take a wander through its cobbled streets, which are lit with gas-lamps at night time, and enjoy its beautiful antique buildings. 
Amongst all the history, you’ll find some fabulous modern restaurants, with plenty of innovative cuisine on offer. Take some time to browse through Charleston City Market, for a real taste of the Old South. And if you want a day at the beach, it’s just down the road at Sullivan’s Island. The weather is good too, with a November average of 76 degrees. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is another great choice if you want a bit of beach and a bit of culture. It’s a hassle-free choice if you want to spend a weekend in the Caribbean, as you won’t need a passport.  San Juan is a vibrant Spanish colonial city, complete with pastel colored plazas and fortified walls. You can spend hours wandering the streets, taking in the architecture, soaking up the vibes and visiting art galleries. 
When you’ve worked up a sweat from all that walking, it’s time to hit the beach. San Juan boasts an impressive strip of palm-fringed sand, lined with beach bars and restaurants. If you want to check out a family vacation in the Caribbean or something more luxurious just for the two of you, those are options as well. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re feeling like being a little naughty, Sin City is your place. It’s big and brash, but a couple of days in Vegas is sure to make you forget all about your everyday life of kids and work. 
Treat it as a wonderful opportunity to escape, and embrace that brashness. Go for a wander down the strip, take a gondola ride at the Venetian hotel, spend some time in the casinos and see one of the famous Vegas shows. It’s a place to really indulge and go as wild as you like. 
Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Luxury Travel

10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Dubai Right Now

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10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Dubai Right Now

One of the most iconic and exotic cities in the world, Dubai is a city of wonder. You will understand the true meaning of development after taking a look at Dubai in the 80s and 90s. There is a lot more to the city than just skyscrapers and 5-star hotels. Whether you are a tourist or a businessman, you will find plenty of accommodation in the numerous apartments in Dubai. What was initially a desert backwater, is now a tourist hotspot.

Here are 10 reasons why you need to visit Dubai right now:

  1. City of multiple cultures

Home to at least 200 different nationalities, Dubai is the city of multiple cultures. Approximately 90% of the population from Dubai are not from the country, making it one of the most diverse cosmopolitan city in the world. As the majority of the population belong to the first-generation, they bring a myriad of cultures along with them.

  1. Foodie heaven

As the city has a wide range of cuisines to offer, Dubai is a heaven for foodies. Whether you are a vegan or a meat lover, the cuisines of Dubai will light up your taste buds. There are hundreds of Arab, Chinese, Japanese, French, Persian, Pakistani, and American restaurants in the city of Dubai.

  1. Hub of modern design and art

Design and art lovers will find Dubai the place to be, because of the various art galleries that dot the city, from Alserkal Avenue to the Financial Center. You can take a look at what the local artists have to offer in the Dubai Design District. On top of that, there are various festivals such as Design Days and Art Dubai, attracting artists from all over the world.

  1. Paradise for shoppers

The largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall is in this exotic city. Shoppers from all over the world come to Dubai just to satisfy their shopping cravings. Every year, the city hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival, which has discounts and giveaways for anyone and everyone.

  1. Heaven for night clubs and beach bars

With thousands of partygoers and miles of exquisite beaches, Dubai is a heaven for night clubs and beach bars. Spend the morning soaking in the sun and nights partying to the music of the hottest DJs in the world.

  1. The incredible Gold Souk

Situated in the oldest part of the city, you can take a look and purchase some of the best and authentic pieces of jewelry in the Gold Souk. As you can bargain in the Gold Souk, you won’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to get gold jewelry.

  1. Home to the 7-star hotel and other amazing hotels

dubai

As the city is known for tourists and businessmen, the city is home to amazing hotels, especially the Burj Al Arab, a 7-star hotel. The hotel has a fleet of Rolls Royces so that guests can go around the city in style. The exotic hotel in Dubai is standing on an artificially built island.

  1. Unbelievable view from the Burj Khalifa

Almost twice as high as the Empire State Building, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made building in the world. See what Dubai looks like from a height of 828m, while enjoying a meal.

  1. The mind blowing skyline

Wherever you are in Dubai, you can never escape the mind blowing skyline of the city. The city is filled with exquisite skyscrapers, bringing the cityscape to life, both during the day and at night.

  1. Palm Islands

Last but not the least, you can visit Palm Jumeirah, the largest artificial island in the world. On this incredible island, you will find multi-million dollar mansions, 5-star hotels, and resorts. Whether you are flying over the island or passing by on a boat, the palm islands are nothing short of breathtaking.

These are the ten reasons why you should visit Dubai. Book your tickets, pack your bags and head over to Dubai right now.

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