Tag Archives: travel

Editor's Picks, Europe, Travel Tips

Vodice – Vibrant and Relaxing in Equal Measure

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Vodice is favoured by the balmy mediterranean climate experienced by all the towns and cities on the the Croatian coastline. It is a hopping tourist hotspot, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and natural wonders – no wonder then that so many, young and old, choose to visit or move permanently to this terrific town.

Whether you live for the hustle bustle of the summer season, with beaches to luxuriate on, the yacht-filled marina to meander through and taverns, cafes and clubs galore, or prefer the more sedate side of life, with cultural sites, Roman ruins, National parks and fascinating wildlife of land and sea, visit Vodice to find exactly what you are looking for.

vodice

Perfect place for sunseekers

In summer, Vodice is vibrant and fun-filled. Many fulfil their fantasy of the perfect party-hard vacation in Vodice. During the day, the beaches are filled with sun-seekers and swimmers, and the warm nights are long and filled with music. Tourists go for excellent seafood meals at Vodice’s many fine restaurants, and drink in a relaxed tavern or busy bar before adjourning to a club to dance until the wee hours in a hedonistic bacchanalia that, while wild, retains a relaxed and happy vibe.

vodice beach

Nights full of music and dancing

If you are looking for excitement and adventure, then Vodice can offer it in abundance. Vodice has more to offer than sunbathing. People play on the beaches, and recreate on and under the sun-sparkled Adriatic sea. Why not play tennis or volleyball to burn off those extra holiday pounds? Swim from the beaches, or try diving beneath the blue waters to see the submarine world, teeming with life, or go fishing, sailing, jet-skiing or banana boating above the waves.

Surfing is also popular, and kayaking can be a good way to see the town from a seaward perspective. Or why not venture away from the coast a take a tour inland – bicycling is popular in this varied region. Pick up a biking map from any tourist office in Vodice and you will see the wide variety of tracks available nearby for a range of abilities and fitness levels.

vodice nightlife

Property hotspot for retirement

If you are considering looking for a retirement property, then Vodice could be a very good choice. In the summer, you can enjoy the maelstrom of the tourist invasion and make the most of the fun in the sun, blessed beaches and vibrant lifestyle, while when the tourist season is over, you can enjoy the quieter and more relaxed side of this terrific town.

Vodice has plentiful and varied real estate on offer. Whether you are looking for a larger new build property, a stone town centre villa, or a seaside apartment, there are many exciting deals to be had. So consider Vodice when searching for property in Croatia, and come and experience vibrant and yet relaxing Vodice for yourself.

vodice croatia

The beaches stretch along the whole town of Vodice, and varies along its length. Some of the beaches are pebbly, some rocky, some enjoying sun-drenched terraces on which to spread your towel. One of the most popular stretches is Plava plaza, a Blue flag beach and the recipient of an international ecological award. Another popular stretch is Hangar beach. Both beaches have a range of facilities including bars, restaurants and you can easily access anything you might require as you relax and soak up the sun.

Rich history and culture

If you are a fan of history and culture then you will enjoy the attractions of the town itself – the old parish churches, 17th Century Coric Tower, and the wells on the water springs round which settlement in the area was centred. Near Vodice you can see several more pretty historic churches, and stone field cottages, for example those at Raso’s bunja. Many amazing archaeological sites are to be found near Vodice, including remarkable Roman ruins.

vodice culture

From Vodice you can also visit some of the most spectacular natural sights in Croatia at the Kornati and Krka National Parks. Sail to the beautiful Kornati Islands, or experience the scenic splendour of the waterfalls and lush greenery of Krka National Park inland. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the Falcon centre in the pine forest of Dubrava.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

The Thailand Bucket List

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Thailand is a great destination, consisting of a little bit of something for everyone, regardless of whether they are a luxury traveler or adventurist. Whatever you thought of it, it is bound to exceed your expectations: Thailand is a country similar in size to Spain, and with its 66 million inhabitants, it is one of the 20 most populated countries in the world. We are going to try and write a bucket list worthy of this cultural giant, but it may seem a bit short and incomplete, and we apologize in advance. One would have to write a several novels in order to fit in all the amazing things you could do in Thailand.

Thailand
The Grand Palace

First things first, The Grand Palace. It was built in 1782 and has been home to the King of Thailand and his royal court for almost 150 years. This magnificent structure tells the tale of an indigenous culture, the only one never to be colonized by the Europeans, developed in the heart of the Malaysian peninsula – it is just as fascinating today as was in its earliest stages. It is truly a monument to the architecture and craftsmanship of the Thai. Its great walls hold the war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Administrative centers of the country that are open to the public are a rarity, and it would be a shame to miss out on such a beautiful one.

Floating Market

One of the first things tourists do when they visiting other countries and cultures is hit the markets to see the local goods and try their hand at bartering. What makes this practice even more fun in Thailand is the fact that some markets float on the rivers. These curious floating markets consist of boats piled with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh coconut juice and a colorful palette of local food. A spectacle that you would probably never find again in the world, and an attraction for all senses, Thailand’s floating markets are the definite crème de la crème of the country.

James Bond Island

The next on our list are the Phi Phi Islands. They are some of the most beautiful islands in the entire south-eastern Asia, and naturally, Thailand’s big tourist spot. Staying in the Phi Phi Islands might be too dramatic for most people, with the amount of traffic they get, but for the most relaxing, yet involved and gorgeous holiday, move to an amazing place somewhere on the mainland. Phuket is a good choice, with the ferryboat ride from there to the Phi Phis being 90 minutes of heaven. Getting to your destination, you will immediately start experiencing the perfection of life inside a postcard. It definitely is worth paying a visit.

Thailand is an exotic location near the equator, with beautiful weather, pristine beaches, and a sunny disposition. Everything is strange and spicy in this country, from the exquisite cuisine that has made its rounds in the world’s most prestige restaurants to the pleasant cultural shock all visitors are bound to discover. With bright colors, flowers, buildings and people, what is there not to love in this heaven on earth?

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Adriatic Paradise – The Coast Which Has It All

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Have you ever visited a place so magical and other worldly that it robbed you of your breath every time you rounded a bend and took in a new sight? No, I am not talking of a fairy tale wonderland but the irrepressibly beautiful Mediterranean country of Croatia with its long and undulating Adriatic Sea coastline speckled by a thousand islands of all shapes and sizes. If there ever was a sailing paradise anywhere on the world, then this coast wins that designation hands down.

Adriatic Sea

What Makes Croatia’s Adriatic Coast so Special for Sailing?

There is no one reason why sailing off the coast of Croatia comes at the very top of the list of many adventure and thrill seekers. It has the sights, the history, clear blue waters and its central location in Europe makes travel easy and convenient for travelers from all around the world. In short, the following is a running summary of the major reasons why sailing around this enchanting coast should be at the top of your holiday plans.

1. Dalmatian Island Hopping

If Croatia had nothing else to offer the discerning visitor other than its embarrassingly rich collection of islands, it would still command worldwide respect as one of top travel destinations on the globe. Sailing from one end of what is more popularly known as the Dalmatian coastline to the other you will be treated to an unbelievable cornucopia of islands, some of them large and densely populated, others teeming with untamed verdant vegetation and yet others dry and rocky, bereft of all forms of life. The one common denominator is that they are all beautiful to behold with the surrounding azure waters making them stand out in their majesty.

island hopping

The most popular of Croatia’s islands are Brac, Korcula, Hvar, Mljet and Vis. Each of them has its own unique flavors which draw visitors by the droves every year. Sailing from one to the other, popularly known as Dalmatian Island Hopping, is an enduring passion for adventurers who never tire of exploring the region year after year. Almost every one of these islands is ringed by beautiful sandy or pebble beaches. While the major islands are interlinked by a regular ferry service, the bet way to explore the region is aboard a chartered boat. You can charter your own boat from the myriad boat charter agencies in Croatia’s cities such as Dubrovnik or Split.

2. Tour Croatia’s Magical Cities

The historical and cultural heritage of Croatia is quite unprecedented in terms of scale and variety too. Indeed, Croatia has more UNESCO protected cultural heritage sites than such established and ancient European nations as Germany, Italy or France. The most significant of these are walled cities pristinely preserved since their heyday back in the middle ages. If you want a trip back to antiquity and travel back wholly amazed, just book the next flight to Croatia and you are in for one hell of a ride.

magical cities

3. Savor the Tastiest Mediterranean Fare fresh From the Sea and Vineyard

Croatia has an enduring seafood culinary culture as intriguing as the best of Greek Islands or the Mediterranean coast of Italy. The best of seafood dishes are tempered with even more delightful influences from Croatia’s interior offering everything from game meat, vegetables and dairy products as well.

delicious cuisine

If you are passionate about sailing and adventure in general, you will love the great experience of touring Croatia, a country located conveniently at the meeting points of Central Europe, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. With its unequaled landscapes, scintillating culture and a historical heritage quite unmatched by any other destination in Europe, there is every reason to go on tour to Croatia if you have never been there and also to make a return visit if you have tasted its delights in the past.

Travel Tips

How to get one year travel insurance as a senior citizen

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travel insuranceLife does not stop when you cross the age of 60! In fact, for most people, this is a period of life, which is most enriching. The reasons for that are pretty simple. Once you reach sixty, you do not have any responsibilities. All your kids are grown up and now have kids of their own. There is no financial burden as your savings and pension plans are enough to sustain you and let you live comfortably.

This is an age when most senior citizens want to travel across the world. However, the biggest hurdle is getting one year travel insurance when travelling. While most senior citizens may be fit enough to travel, the insurance companies see them as liabilities. Hence, the upper limit for any type of travel insurance is set at sixty-five years or sixty-six years.

However, this does not mean that you cannot get one year travel insurance . Today, we will share with you a few ways and means to get this type of insurance.

To start off, you need to narrow down the correct insurance company. As we said, since most insurance companies have an upper limit of sixty-five or sixty-six years, you need to focus on those companies that allow you to take travel insurance up to eighty-five years of age. The number of such companies is quite low. However, if you check out online and offline advertisements, you will be able to find these companies in your area.

Next, you should read the offers and the terms and conditions. More often than not, due to the advanced age of the individual applying for one year travel insurance , these companies demand a higher amount of premium and have extremely strict rules and regulations. Read the terms and conditions and then fix up an appointment with the company to understand each of the rules and how they affect you.

Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to get yourself and your partner cleared for travel. In order to do this, make up an itinerary of the places you want to visit and the times when you want to travel. Next, research the local conditions during those periods and the health related issues travellers may face. Approach your local physician with this information and let him or her advise you about all the inoculations and other medical procedures. Remember, if you do not do this before you purchase one year travel insurance, the insurance company can charge you a higher premium.

The final step is to cross check the travel conditions covered under the policy. With all due respect to your age, you should check if emergency medical facilities like ambulance services and hospitalization are provided when needed. Remember that you are travelling to a foreign country and every single detail is important when you are taking one year travel insurance. Do your homework well and you will be covered for all your trips within a year, even though you may be a senior citizen.

Travel Tips

How to find cheap all inclusive trips

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Going on a vacation is everyone’s cup of tea. Unfortunately, not so many people have the opportunity of enjoying a holiday trip as cost seems to be a great stumbling block. Cruises, getaways, resorts, flights and other aspects can be quite expensive and searching for cheap all inclusive trips is not an option but a very important consideration. An all inclusive holiday package includes hotel, flight, entertainment and some meals as well. However, the actual elements of such an all inclusive vacation package will depend on exactly where you intend to travel and the companies you are dealing with in booking the vacation. To find the least expensive deals on all inclusive getaways, here are a few tips that will be of great help to you.

Destinations

Destinations play a very significant role in determining the cost of all inclusive trips and it is essential that you choose wisely where you intend to go. While some vacationers have a definite idea of the destination they wish to visit, there are some who simply want to go far away from home where there are no work schedules, alarm clocks or stress. Some destinations are well known when it comes to offering cheap vacation packages and they are definitely worthy of consideration. As such, you will need to do your homework well in order to find destinations that suit your budget but which can still guarantee you the best and most memorable experience.

Travel dates

When you will decide to travel is very important, especially if you are looking forward to finding cheap all inclusive trips. There are different ways in which you can use travel dates tactically to get cheap vacations. To start with, make sure that you plan your trip well in advance as this will go a long way in garnering you some discounts. If you can travel during off-season, then the better for you as you will be able to enjoy a much cheaper vacation. All popular vacation spots and resorts have times of the year when their business is booming as well as times when business is quite low. You will be able to find great deals during the lulls as most tourism operators will be willing to bend down on prices to ensure that their facilities remain relatively busy.

Before you finally decide to choose a cheap trip, it is essential that you have an idea of exactly what you are expecting. Cheap all inclusive trips make it possible for you to enjoy nice hotel rooms and have a nice time on a budget. You can’t, however, expect to stay in a luxurious hotel suite, enjoy catered dinners and limo services when traveling on a budget price. As usual, you will always get what you pay for. Online reviews can really help you a lot in making wise decisions and ensuring that you enjoy the most reasonable all inclusive trips possible. Hunting for online discounts is a great way to ensure that you pay much less for your vacation and still enjoy the experience.

 For even more useful tips and information or if you want to check out the latest offers online for all inclusive holidays follow this useful link: http://www.startour.dk/All-Inclusive-hoteller/.

Editor's Picks, Travel Tips

Top destinations for winter holidays

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Many travelers are making the choice of traveling through the winter months and this has caused the winter holidays to grow in popularity. The winter holidays are certainly a great way to break the monotonous cold winter days and escape somewhere for a nice vacation. Thanks to the fact that many people are seeking to holiday in the winter there are many package deals that you can find on the market at very good prices thus making the Christmas break affordable.

Many people love to go skiing; however, sometimes those holidays can be quite expensive. Skiing can turn to be quite expensive because you will have to pay not only for the accommodation but also for the ski lifts, renting the equipment etc. All these extras can add a significant amount to your expenses. However, you can now find many destinations where skiing can be practiced at very low rates so it is good to explore as many deals as you can.

One country in Europe that has proven to be quite cheap not only for summer, but for winter holidays too, is Bulgaria. There are different ski resorts there that offer the same service and experience as some of the major ski resorts in the world. The ski slopes are really well equipped and can be used by both professionals and newbies. Bulgaria is also a very cheap country when we are talking about food and drinks. Although in the EU for quite some time now, the country manages to keep their prices really low, which makes a family holiday really affordable. By choosing to visit Bulgaria during the ski season, you will find that you don’t have to be rich to be able to go on a skiing holiday.

Sometimes, when you are fed up with the cold, the last thing you want to do is go to a country where it is also cold. That is why beach holidays in warm destinations are very popular in the winter months. Many resorts in Tenerife, Orlando etc., have their beach seasons in the winter because in the summer it is way too hot. That is why if you look carefully you will be able to find great deals for those destinations.

When we talk of winter holidays we cannot miss Egypt. The resorts the country offers on the Red Sea are simply fantastic and they are a great choice for everyone who wants to experience the winter sun. In Egypt people can enjoy the luxury of the best hotels at very affordable prices. The weather is great at almost all times and the hotels can offer all inclusive holidays with private beaches so that you can fully enjoy your time there. If you are a fan of diving, this destination is one of the best in the world to visit. Diving in the Red Sea is fantastic and if you don’t fancy diving you can just snorkel as the water is crystal clear so you can see everything from the surface.

Whatever your choice for winter holiday is, there are plenty of offers out there for every budget. Just get the time off work and go recharge your batteries! For even more useful tips and information or if youw ant to check out the latest offers online for winter holiday packages follow this useful link: http://www.spies.dk/vinterferie.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe

Historic Istanbul

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Istanbul has been a ‘world city’ for millenniums and there is no better place to start than where it all began. Historians tell us that there was a Mycenaean settlement here from around the 13th century BC then Byzas the Megarian founded a Greek settlement here in the 7th century BC and this led to the name Byzantium. The town became an important centre of trade over the next thousand years and in the 4th century AD, Constantine chose it as the site for the new capital of the Roman Empire. Thus Constantinople was born.

Constantinople grew to become a great city, protected by water on three sides and by a great wall on the other. Grand buildings were built and the city remained safe until the beginning of the 13th century when the Christian crusaders sacked and destroyed much of it. The Byzantines finally regained control but the city fell to an Ottoman siege in 1453. The name Istanbul was used in Turkish alongside the original Constantinople, during the period of Ottoman rule. This period saw a rebuilding of the city with new palaces and many mosques and these are today some of the great attractions in the Old City.

Hagia Sophia

This is a magnificent building completed in 537. This was the greatest Christian church in the world until 1453, when it was converted into a mosque. In 1935 it became a museum. It is a place that everyone ‘must visit’ when in Istanbul as it is probably the city’s greatest historic site. It is the interior with its huge dome that visitors find so magnificent. The dome is supported by 40 massive ribs which are held by hidden columns. The effect is stunning and no rival was attempted anywhere in the world for the next thousand years.

Chapter 2 Hagia Sophia

Most of the millions of gold mosaic tiles which covered the church’s interior have recently been restored and the result is something quite spectacular. There are several Islamic touches from the buildings time as a mosque. Most noticeable are the large 19th-century medallions inscribed with gilt Arabic letters with the names of Allah, Mohammed, Ali and Abu Bakr.

Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmet Camii was built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I and he planned to build something that would surpass the Hagia Sophia. With the instantly recognised exterior and its six minarets he has achieved that but the interior falls far short. The domes billow upward as we enter into the huge courtyard which is the same size as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a portico with thirty small domes. From here the full grandeur of the exterior is revealed.

Chapter 1 Blue Mosque

The interior space is huge but somewhat dark and the four huge pillars which support the dome seem oversized and almost overpowering. The mosque derives its popular name from the twenty thousand or so blue Iznik tiles that adorn its upper interior but many areas are difficult to see properly. The lower walls and arches are covered with arabesque stencilling.

Basilica Cistern

This 1500 year old underground water reservoir is a wonderful escape from the outside heat and we linger here. It was first used to store water for the palace and surrounding buildings but apparently hasn’t been used for this purpose for the past 1000 years. Now the structure has been restored and opened as a unique attraction.

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The cistern is huge and the roof is supported by 336 columns arranged in rows. We had been told about two columns supported on upside-down Medusa heads and we find them at the far left-hand corner of the reservoir at the end of one of the raised wooden walkways. There is still a small amount of water in the reservoir and there are carp swimming around. The lighting in nightclub colours throughout the reservoir is very attractive and we end our visit in the candlelit café, where soft lighting and classical music contributes to the overall atmosphere of the place.

Topkapi Palace

This was the home of the sultan from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The complex is huge and you can’t see it all in less than half a day. The palace is a series of pavilions built around four courtyards. The Imperial Gate behind the Hagia Sophia leads to the first courtyard. This is open to everyone and it is here that we buy tickets for other areas. This courtyard houses the Byzantine Aya Irini, a former Eastern Orthodox church, and an entrance to the Imperial Mint.

Chapter 2 Topkapi Palace

Middle Gate leads to the Second Court where there are some important buildings such as the Palace kitchens, Imperial Council Chamber and Inner Treasury. All these have displays or things worth seeing. This court also provides access to the Harem which some say is the highlight of their palace visit. The sultan was allowed four wives and as many concubines as he could support and you can see a small section of their quarters including some of the dormitories, a bedchamber with a large indoor swimming pool, a charming small hamam, library and a dining room.

Grand Bazaar

The famous Grand Bazaar at first appears chaotic but actually there is some order to it. This has been the heart of the Old City for centuries and you must visit even if you don’t want to shop. There are over 4000 shops, 3000 different traders, several kilometres of covered lanes, and mosques, banks, restaurants and workshops. Construction started in 1456 and repairs, expansion, and reconstruction have continued to the present day.

Chapter 2 Grand Bazaar

There are many opinions about the Grand Bazaar but a visit can be very enjoyable. Some say it is a tourist trap while others swear that many locals shop here all the time. Probably both are correct. Spend some time looking at the array of goods, or searching out the little cafes that hideaway among the shops. The architecture, colour and the tea men who run around with small glasses of hot tea are fascinating.

Valens Aqueduct

Chapter 2 Valens

Probably nothing says that Istanbul was once a Roman city better than this. Only a small section of the original now remains but it is still an impressive sight. This was part of the major water supply system for Constantinople which at one time formed a 250 km network of water supply canals and aqueducts. The surviving section is just under a kilometre long as it crosses the small valley between Istanbul University and the Fatih Mosque. The most impressive view is where the wide Atatürk Bulvarı road passes under its arches but we are fascinated by the remains further to the east where it is incorporated into some old buildings.

Len Rutledge is the author of Experience Istanbul available as e-book from amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IR1X5K6

Travel Tips

The Best Strategy to Find Cheap Flight and Hotel Arrangements

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We all love to go on vacations. It’s so relaxing and refreshing that a few folks need it at least twice a year. You are spending your hard-earned money and want to have fun on the vacation, so why not plan it wisely and enjoy it to the fullest.

To begin with, plan your vacation quite early. Speak to anybody in your network and they will validate this. There is a reason behind that. Planning your holiday ahead of time saves you big money while availing of great services. The later you plan your holiday, the higher the cost of flight and hotel will be.

cheap_flight_hotel

Planning earlier also gives you time to research and consult with others to know about the best time to visit and the best places to visit. It is always great to visit some places when there is some event or some cultural festival scheduled.

After deciding the vacation destination, the next big thing is making travel arrangements and hotel bookings. These two bare the highest cost. Therefore, you should ensure that while booking flight and hotel you do a lot of research online.

Collect quotes from various websites or travel agents and compare them. You may find this activity cumbersome, but believe me, it’s worth it. You would certainly be successful in finding tickets and rooms within your budget.

You should also visit the websites of the respective airline and hotel. Some airlines offer some extra privileges to passengers flying at a particular time. Similarly, hotel websites offer great discounts or services to the guests. Don’t get fascinated by the first choice, review others, compare them and make your customized package.

There are several travel agents and holiday planners available these days. You could meet a few and book a vacation package. Stick to your budget and they will find you the best flight and hotel for your money. If you are not satisfied with the package, ask for more. The better the negotiations, the better the deal is.

If your job or business doesn’t allow you to plan your vacation earlier and you travel at the last moment, even then you could get great options. You may get a vacation while the prices for flights and hotels are still low. If you find time during a high season, do some legwork and you could still find a great deal. Travelling at odd times and choosing three-star rooms over five-star ones are ideal ways to save money during the peak season.

 So the next time you plan a vacation, ensure to consider these helpful tips. I can bet that these will help you find the best flight and hotel for your budget and will save you some money to spend on the vacation. You will be proud that you were smart enough to get a great deal and will cherish the memory forever. I would love to learn any additional tips from you to help our fellow travelers enjoy their vacations.

 Author Bio:

This article is written by Paul Winchester. Paul is a freelance writer interested in various topics like lifestyle, food and traveling. If you haven’t choose your travel agency check out the latest deals on cheap packages with flight and hotel from Spies (in Danish Fly og hotel fra Spies) on this web page.

Travel Tips

The pros and cons of the cancellation trips

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Going on a holiday is something most people dream of all the time. There is nothing more refreshing than a week in the sun. There are, of course, holidays for every taste and interest and for every budget. There are plenty of agencies out there that are always willing to help you make the right choice. Amongst the holidays that you plan for a long time there are also cancellation trips that you can avail of if you can prepare yourself to leave in the last minute. Many people think that these vacations are the way to go but are these holidays as good as they are thought to be?

cancellation trip

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of the cancellation trips is that they are extremely cheap. You just need to be flexible with your time and you can find a fantastic all inclusive holiday half price. Many people would tell you that thanks to these trips they have been to places that they may have never considered visiting otherwise.

The travel agencies like to have their hotels and planes full so every seat needs to be taken. With the cancellation trips, although those seats have already been taken they have been cancelled afterwards, so the travel agency will need to sell them again in order to fill their hotels and planes. The prices of those trips, as mentioned before, are extremely low because most agencies have to refund only a small amount of money to the original holiday maker. The money that they have refunded they will need to get back and that is why these holidays are so cheap.

The cancellation trips need to be sold as quickly as possible. That is why it is wise to register your email address with a travel agency so that you stay updated with the latest holidays on offer. You will normally get emails on daily basis that will show you several cancellations that you can choose from. Remember that the first to come is served first so if you have found the desired holiday, you will need to book it ASAP.

Cons

One of the negatives of these trips is that, because they are extremely cheap, you need to book them as soon as you see them. You will not have the time to check if you can get days off work or to check if your partner can also make it. You will have to book the holiday and then worry about the rest. Sometimes you will feel forced to book a holiday that you have no idea if you will be able to attend.

You have to be very flexible with time as some of those cancellation trips are last minute notice meaning that they can only give you a day’s notice. Some people say that if you want to avail of those trips, you will need to have your bags packed before you start searching. This is something that most people wouldn’t do so it can cause them hassle in organizing everything before the departure like pets, kids, etc.

Cancellation trips may sometimes cost you a little more than if you have booked them in advance. This is because as you are buying somebody else’s holiday you will be paying for the things they have wanted to do or see. For example, if they had 2 kids and wanted to go to the water park every day, but you don’t have kids and want to go diving, you will have paid for the water park but wouldn’t be using it and you will have to pay for the diving trips additionally. Also, you will be stuck with their choice of hotel and food in the case of all inclusive holidays.

Cancellation trips are great if you know all the pros and cons and search for them the right way. However, they really are not for everyone out there so always do your research before you make any final decisions and payments.

Author Bio:

This article is written by Paul Winchester. Paul is a freelance writer with more than 4 years experience and he msotly interested in writing about traveling. For even more useful tips and information about cancellation trips from Startour (or as the Danes say afbestillingsrejser fra Startour) check out this web page.

Asia, Editor's Picks

Inspiring Inle Lake

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Words: Len Rutledge   Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

Everyone visiting Inle Lake in Myanmar’s hilly north-east has an image in their mind of an Intha fisherman rowing with one leg at the stern of a flat-bottomed canoe, past a backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains. Fortunately most leave having seen their dream. With its stilted villages built over the water, ancient stupa complexes and a backdrop of green hills, Inle is the top attraction of Shan State and it has become one of Myanmar’s most visited tourist areas. There are flights from Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan to little Heho airport which at times seems overwhelmed by the volume of travellers.

Nyaung Shwe

This is the largest town near the lake but many visitors prefer to stay at one of the small hotels, guest houses or resorts around the lake. Even if you do this, don’t overlook the town. The busy Mingalar Market is in the northern part of the town and this sells a range of goods, mainly in the morning.

Inlay Lake893

A little way outside the town, is the teakwood Shwe Yawnghwe Monastery. The monastery has an ordination hall with unique oval windows and this has become a tourist attraction because of the opportunity to photograph young monks standing behind these.

Getting Around

Getting around

To reach most of the lakeside accommodation you need to transfer to a long-tail boat in Nyaung Shwe for a ride first down a wide canal, and then across Inle Lake itself. You will be pleased to find that the high-powered boats for tourists have padded seats, umbrellas and life jackets. The locals are not so lucky and we saw many boats that seemed well overloaded.

Floating gardens

These are created by collecting weeds from the surface and lashing them together to form metre-thick floating strips. These are then anchored to the bed of the lake with bamboo poles, and heaped with mud scooped from the bottom. This means that they can be used regardless of fluctuating water levels. Crops – including cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, peas, beans and aubergine – are grown year-round.

Floating gardens

We’d seen some of the small wooden boats so piled up with weeds from the lake that they were sitting barely above the water and we’d seen groups of people in their boats working together to collect these weeds and now we knew why.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

Phaung-Daw-Oo-Pagoda

The pagoda has been constructed in the traditional and elaborate Myanmar style of architecture even though it is over the water. At the centre of the monastery building is a golden stupa topped with an ornamental umbrella-shape. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with murals depicting Buddhist stories. In the central shrine in the main hall there are five small lumpy gold objects that were once recognised as Buddhas. Devotees have been placing so much gold leaf on them for so long, that the original forms are no longer recognizable.

One-leg rowers

One-leg rowers

The smooth lake, the blue sky, the small wooden boats with their huge basket nets, the rowers standing tall, leg and oar moving as one, make for a thrilling encounter. The rowers are men who stand in the stern of their boats with one leg wrapped around a single oar moving it steadily back and forth in an easy rhythmic practiced motion. Theories as to why this method of rowing evolved range from it providing both hands free for handling the fishing nets, to needing to stand to be able to see the reeds and weeds in the water ahead.

Local markets

The markets in the Inle Lake area move each day from one of five locations to the next, ranging from Nyaung Shwe at the north end of the lake to Nam Pan towards the south end. Farmers come from all around to sell their produce, traders come to buy in bulk, and families come to do their regular household shopping. It is colourful and there is a strong sense of community but it rapidly gets crowded – mainly with tourists.

Market

One of the interesting aspects of the market is seeing women of the Pa-O ethnic group, the second most numerous tribe in the region. These women wear dark plain coloured skirts (lungyis) with long sleeveless shirts, cropped long-sleeved black jacketsand distinctive brightly coloured turbans.

Nga Hpe Chaung monastery

Nga Hpe Chaung monastery

It was built in the 1850’s on teak columns in the middle of the lake. It is a handsome building housing many beautiful Buddhist artifacts, and quite a few monks. Awhile back the head abbot and some of the monks trained several cats to jump through hoops, so it became known as the ‘jumping cat’ monastery to foreign backpackers. The trained cats are no more so you will just have to put up with the idyllic setting, its collection of old Buddhas from around Myanmar, and its peace and tranquillity.

In Dein

A narrow canal wound its way from the lake, initially through reed beds but later through dense jungle until finally the village emerged around a bend. It was a perfect rural scene with water buffaloes wallowing while women from the local village washed clothes nearby.

In Dein

We alighted at a small jetty and were immediately besieged by the locals who peddle their bamboo hats, “Welcome to Inle” T-shirts and Shan-style bags from little stalls. The highlight in town is a breathtaking complex of 1,094 16th century stupas, the main In Dein pagoda and the surrounding ruins which cover the dome of a hill. You reach here up a long roof-covered passage where there are hundreds of vendors. The top provides a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding farmlands.

Len Rutledge is the author of Experience Myanmar available as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPQHC5I