Travel and Destinations Blog

In a survey completed by nearly 50,000 readers of the highly respected Condé Nast Traveler magazine was awarded the honor of being voted the best city in the U.S, and if that was not enough, it also topped a poll that voted this historic city as their favorite city in the world.

Amazing feat

 When you come up against iconic destinations such as London, Paris or Rome and closer to home, New York San Francisco or Chicago, and still end up top of the pile as the most favored destination, that is an amazing feat by anyone’s standards. Charleston came out as number 1 for good reason, when you consider the diversity of attractions and facilities that it has to offer together with a rich cultural heritage which the residents are justifiably proud of.

All round world beater

 The survey took in rankings that covered aspects such as atmosphere, friendliness, accommodation, restaurants, culture, attractions and shopping. Charleston scored heavily in all of these categories and when you stay in one of the excellent hotels in Charleston, either in the heart of the city or in any number of beautiful locations, you can soon understand why the area is such a big hit with tourists who come to visit from all over the world.

Rich history

 The oldest and second largest city in the state of South Carolina, Charleston has a rich history. Founded in 1670 and named as Charles Towne in honor of King Charles ll of England, it became Charleston in 1783, and one of the many features of this beautiful city is the large amount of well-preserved architecture that tourists can still appreciate as they wander around the different areas, in particular the old city, which has a charming old feel to it.

Unique culture

 Charleston is particularly famous for its unique culture, which is a blend of influences originating from Southern U.S, English, French and West African elements. To immerse yourself in the cultural heart of the city you need to head to the downtown peninsula, which is well known for art, music, local cuisine and fashion. A highlight of the calendar is one of the world’s foremost performing arts festivals called Spoleto Festival USA, held annually in late spring. There is also the Charleston Fashion Week to look forward to which attracts contributors and visitors for all around the globe.

Festivals

 The city is always a place to celebrate culture and the locals know how to put on a party. In addition to the Spoleto Festival and the Fashion Week, you can also take in established annual events which include food festivals called Taste of Charleston, The Lowcountry Oyster Festival and the Charleston Food and Wine Festival. Culture lovers are well catered for in not just food and wine but also with other highlights in the calendar that include the impressive MOJA Arts Festival and also the Holiday Festival of Lights which is held at James Island County Park.

There are so many things to see and do in Charleston with countless museums, theaters and many live music events going on. With a friendly atmosphere and no shortage of events to entertain you, it is easy to see why Charleston was voted as the world’s top vacation destination.

Chris McMahon has extensive experience as a travel consultant. His articles mainly appear on travel blogs.

All across the globe you will find incredible hotels that offer world class accommodation, cuisine and entertainment. These establishments provide visitors with the ultimate in luxury and relaxation whilst on vacation. Make the most of your international stay and indulge in the splendour on offer.

Luxury Beach Holidays
If sun, sea and endless white beaches are your preference, a luxury holiday at a top resort is the perfect choice for you. From the Mediterranean to the East there are hundreds of top resorts that offer five star service right on the beach. Lie back on a private stretch of sand and sip endless mojitos delivered by your personal waiter, or indulge in spa treatments at the water's edge.

All resorts offer sun soaked fun for everyone and both couples and families can enjoy a luxury holiday of their choosing. Some of the world's best resorts and hotels that offer luxury holidays are located in places such as the following:-
-       Mauritius and Seychelles
-       Halkidiki and Mykonos in Greece
-       Waikiki and Honolulu in Hawaii
-       Mozambique
-       Thailand
-       Kuala Lampur
-       Dubai

Luxury Holidays In The City

London, Paris and New York are not only the fashion capitals of the world, they are also incredibly popular locations for luxury holidays. Hotels in these cities aim to cater for every amenity and some of the top hotels in the UK even offer access to a personal chef and private health club in London. In New York, luxury holiday accommodation can also include a concierge who will assist with everything from laundry to tour guiding. Paris is renowned for its cuisine and no holiday is complete without dining at a Michelin starred restaurant in the capital, many of which are attached to boutique hotels where you can relax and unwind and make the most of your luxury holiday.

Other cities that offer superb luxury holidays are:
-       Tokyo
-       Moscow
-       Los Angeles
-       Singapore and Macau

Exotic Luxury Holidays

You do not have to stay within the classical guidelines of a luxury beach resort or visit the world's most luxurious cities, you can also enjoy a luxury holiday at some of the world's more exotic locations. Safari holidays in Africa also cater for people who want to indulge themselves whilst in the bush and five star bush camps and accommodation is readily available. The Amazon jungle may sound as if it is roughing it, but luxury accommodation is also on offer at some of the riverside resorts. Treetop lodges, luxury camping and cruise options also make for an exotic choice.

Regardless of your preferences you are sure to find the ideal place for a luxury holiday with a little bit of research. Whether you want to watch lions roar from your hot tub or visit a health club in London there is sure to be the perfect destination just waiting for you.

 AUTHOR BIO

Adriana Frederick is a travel writer who writes extensively for international online publications. She has travelled the world and stayed at five star resorts in the Amazon, Landmark Hotel London establishments and once camped illegally in a luxury caravan beneath the Eiffel Tower. Her best travel experience was staying at an exclusive Landmark Hotel London where she was waited on by retired royal footmen.

Often overlooked by tourists and language learners alike, Malta offers holidaymakers much more than just sun, sea and sand. The island archipelago is virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean and its climate is typical for its location. Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching consistently over 30 degrees Celsius, and winters are extremely mild giving travellers the perfect setting to explore the rich and diverse activities Malta has to offer.

Beaches are plentiful and most offer water sports. Diving is extremely popular off the coast of Malta due to the crystal clear waters which house a diversity of marine life, reefs, caves and wrecks. Inland there is an abundance of other sports to try out, from golf to horseback riding and almost everything in between, sports fanatics will not be disappointed in Malta.

For a slightly more relaxing activity, it is worth spending some time exploring Malta’s history. Its colonial past is evident in the magnificent architecture which graces most cities and villages and remains of its pre-history dating back 7000 years can be explored in one of Malta’s several archaeological sites.

This will leave just enough time in the evenings to sample one of Malta’s delicious seafood restaurants, go for a drink in the lively St. Julian’s Bay and, for the night-owls, go dancing in one of Malta’s top night clubs.

All of this would surely be a perfect complement to an English course on the bilingual island. Maltalingua English Language School, which overlooks the vibrant St. Julian’s Bay, offers an extremely high standard of teaching, modern facilities and even its own private pool and rooftop terrace! Outside of the classroom you can mix with fellow students or mingle with the locals, striking up conversations in English. For your chance to win a free English course at Maltalingua, just enter the competition on their website: http://www.maltalingua.com/competition/pool/

Travel insurances help travelers of all age groups to go about their journey with the peace of mind, that should anything go wrong they’ll be taken care of. However, the majority of coverage providers extend such assurances to those belonging to a younger demography. Often the elderly like those over the age of 65 faces a lot of problems in getting the same coverage for themselves.  The general schemes applicable to the masses are not suitable for most of those over this particular age; this is due to the host health issues that this age group share, though not uniformly. Due to this reason they need to apply for specialized coverage like travel insurance over 65.

What?

These coverage provide security to over 65yrs travelers regarding their medical expenditure, loss of luggage, repatriation, extended stay expenditure (due to train or flight cancellation etc), accidents, death etc.

Types

However since different individual may have variable causes for travelling, two kinds of insurances are provided, one for those who rarely travel i.e. once in a year and another for those who’re frequent travelers.

The first kind is called (i) Single trip insurances – these cover only one trip, so you can get them only when you need to travel. Some companies offer a variety within this particular type like Staysure, they offer a basic scheme and a comprehensive scheme, the former covers only the cost of medical, luggage and repatriation while the latter goes further and includes a number of other factors like passport loss, personal money etc. along with those offered under basic.

The other kind of coverage is called (ii) Annual Travel Insurances - these are perfect for those who frequently travel, say at least twice or thrice in the same year. These offer you the ease of a single policy for repeated use; further these are cost effective too. Often it has been found that even if you’ve to travel just twice, buying a single Annual Travel Insurance is cheaper than buying two separate Single Trip insurances.

Basing on your individual requirement you can opt for the kind you want.

How to apply?

Once if you’ve taken your pick of the kind of policy you want you can follow the below mentioned procedure when applying for such coverage:

• Firstly, approach your standard medical coverage provider and find out if they carry a travel insurance plan for those over 65yrs. If not, find out if the travel agency which is assisting you with your trip has any association with such coverage providers. It would be best for you if you can get coverage from either of these two sources.
• Find out those policies which extend security to pre-existing medical conditions. These may include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer etc. not ever company covers every condition, find out one which secures you the best. Ask for a list of such conditions covered by the companies you approach and clarify any doubts before purchasing from any one vendor.
• Watch out for any extra add-ons, on the plan you require. Such extras hike up your premium greatly and are rarely ever used.

There are a number of sites available online which provide this particular coverage, look through them and only after an initial research and comparison purchase a plan.

Author’s Bio – Jonny Pean regularly contributes to leading travel blogs. He thinks that having travel insurance over 65 is a must for senior travelers.

When planning a vacation, there are many options that you could consider and this is normally based on your preference. However, travelling in a group always come with many advantages and is better compared to other options unless you are seeking for privacy.

As you plan for your vacation, it is important to consider all the possibilities available for making this opportunity a memorable one while at the same time seeking for ways to relax and enjoy the best moments of your life. It is obvious that travelling in a group comes with more benefits compared to solo travels and below are some of the advantages that you will get from a group travel:

• You save big with groups travelling: Normally, the cost of holidays can be worrying and thus restrain many from enjoying a good time away from home. However, travel groups have afforded members of great opportunities to save big since the cost of important travel details such as transport, accommodation and gate fees is discounted by various organizations as a way of attracting more clients. Discounted prices for such facilities will go a long way in enabling you to save big and thus be able to do more within your set budget. To enjoy discounted packages however, it is important to do your booking earlier and travel in groups of more than 5 people.
• Great travel ideas and information sharing: Normally, two heads are better than one and this is true when it comes to the group travelling. When in a group, members can easily share their travel ideas thus making their holiday more successful and entertaining. Joining a well organized group allows each member to contribute their travel suggestions about vehicle rentals, ticket plans and tour packages. This always makes the experience easy and manageable.
• Travelling in a group allows for flexibility: planning a vacation is not easy and especially when doing it alone. However, joining a group gives you some level of flexibility since you can easily choose your desired destinations and dates on the internet or join an already existing group for an already planned tour. This allows you to also decide on the kind of events and activities you will participate during the tours.
• Travelling in a group is more exciting: Unlike solo travelling, group tours are exciting and have no place for boredom. As you travel with people with whom you have shared views and interests, you get a chance to make your trip more entertaining and also get a chance to make new friends. It is undoubtedly that group travelling can help you scale great heights that you cannot be able to scale alone and this is a major advantage to consider.

When looking for a travelling group, it is always important to do your homework well and identify one whose members you have a lot in common. This will help prevent possible crashes that are likely to arise during the trips. This always brings some great and memorable experiences while helping you save on the travelling cost greatly.

TravelonJo is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, family reunion ideas visit her travel websites: www.best-family-beach-vacations.com

Louisiana has always been the vacation destination of many bird watchers eager to enjoy the state’s natural habitat. From the barrier islands and coastline, along the Mississippi River up to northern Louisiana, every part of the state offers a unique setting for many of the rich havens that permanent and migrating birds call home. With a good pair of walking shoes, and binoculars (and/or camera), any local or visitor can quickly become a Cajun bird watcher.

Often referred to as “Cajun Country”, Louisiana is home to millions of acres of dense bayous, winding rivers, rich wetlands, and beautiful coastlines that are all ideal for bird watching. These areas serve as a unique habitat for a huge array of bird species that are attracted to these “hot spots.”

With 115 beautiful bird watching sites, Louisiana provides its own unique offerings to the America Wetland Birding Trail. Winding through 22 different parishes, this birding trail provides opportunities to see hundreds of different species, as birders make their way along the coastlines from Texas to Mississippi.

A Bird Vacation

Louisiana offers a variety of bird   watching opportunities that make for the ideal vacation. Whether traveling in an RV or pitching a tent in a  campsite, every bird watcher will have access to discover numerous birds that have nested deep in the wetland areas full of natural flora (and alligators). Numerous tours are available to explore state parks and natural refuges. However, it is Louisiana’s coastlines that provide the  greatest birding opportunities to learn about different bird species, observe them in their natural habitat, or take stunning photographs in unique natural settings.

Louisiana Festivals

While living the Cajun Country lifestyle, visitors and locals enjoy the year-round bird festivals. Held every winter, the Eagle Expo offers unique birding opportunities for the newbie or skilled bird watcher. During spring, the Grand Isle Bird Festival celebrates the migration patterns of hundreds of bird species taking refuge along the Louisiana coastline for a few days or weeks. Every summer, the hummingbird festival celebrates the unique, colorful bird in its own natural habitat.

As a Hobby

For any individual seeking a valuable and fun hobby, nothing beats Louisiana birding. The state provides everything a new or experienced birder requires that include:

• Bird Watching Nature Camps

• Wildlife Refuges and Sanctuaries

• Bird Checklists

• Trip Reports

• Birding Clubs

• The Audubon Society

Louisiana’s Nature Conservancy provides critical and educational information on the state’s nature preserves, wildlife sanctuaries, preservation efforts, field trips and more. There are well over 20 wildlife refuges all throughout Louisiana, and numerous state preserves to maintain the rich natural habitats for a variety of wildlife species including permanent and migrating birds. They are located from the coastlands of Louisiana, along the Mississippi River and up into northern Louisiana along the Texas and Mississippi borders.

Connecting with Nature

Bird watching is the simplest way for any individual to create a rich connection with nature. It provides the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while moving about. Bird watching provides easy exercise that can feel effortless, even when walking great distances.

Birding provides an easy but exciting hobby that can be enjoyed with another, or the entire family. The experience provides the opportunity to appreciate nature in unique habitats. It serves as the ideal solution for a solitary hobby, or one that can be shared in a social environment with others, including those in a bird watching club.

Louisiana is one of the richest bird watching states in the nation, with spectacular coastline bird watching opportunities. Throughout the entire year, the state is home to well over half of all permanent and migrating bird species in North America, and many from Central and South America, too. It provides the opportunity to understand bird behaviors and how they directly relate to the bird watcher’s world.

Author Bio

I am Julia Wilson, native of Louisiana. I work for Visit Louisiana and love the thrill of outdoor adventures like birding, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, swamp tour, paddling etc.

If you want to visit all the New York City attractions, you will have to be organized and have to follow a good city guide. The average city tourist that has 7-14 days for his vacation has to plan carefully, if he wants to see as many attractions as possible. As New York is one of the most visited places in the world, the tourist infrastructure is pretty good, so you can’t complain about the lack of support. Therefore, even before leaving home, you will have to establish the routes that you want to follow.

Manhattan

Manhattan is probably the first thing that you want to see, and considering that the majority of the sights are situated in about the same areas, you will be able to see them all. The Manhattan tourist course is surely an interesting one, and you will recognize most of those places from the Hollywood movies.

Preparing for the walk

As you will probably spend many hours on the New York City streets, you will have to have a decent grasp on direction, and to follow this advice:

• Use public transportation - MTA made an exceptional transport system. Buy the metro card which costs only 29$ for 7 days, as you can use the buses and subways unlimited, the taxi is pretty expensive, $15-$20 for an average ride. You can choose to pay whenever you use public transportation, but this costs $2.50-$3.

• Dress comfortable – even if you are in one of the fashion capitals of the world, you will have to know that Americans are not as concerned as Europeans are about clothes. It is better to be comfortable, especially because you will be on the streets for hours

• You have many places to eat. Halal-Food is preferred even by “suits” on Wall Street, so they have to be good. Besides this, there is a McDonalds, Burger King or Subway at any corner.

Best New York City Attractions

5th Avenue: Guggenheim Museum – Metropolitan Museum of Art – Apple Store – Trump Tower – St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Museum of Sex

This is one of the best courses that you can make. You just need to walk on the 5th Avenue from North to South, and to stop wherever you like. This course includes the Apple Store, but also the Empire State Building, which is the most visited building in the world. You will need an entire day for this, but you will surely find the museums and attractions here interesting.

Hint: have a camera, smartphone or photo device fully loaded and with spare batteries, as you will surely have many things to capture!

Other interesting courses are those that of the Park Avenue, which is easily recognized because it is the “greenest” of all, and Madison Avenue, which is another interesting place in NY, with a rich history and many objectives.

While you are visiting Park Avenue, you will have to visit the Central Park also. It is impressive not only because of its size, but also because it has many attractions and places where you can have fun. It is surrounded by large buildings, and the lake is simply beautiful!

Are you aiming to have a vacation next year in Croatia? Then now is the time to save money for it! Most people might consider this to be a dream vacation, not just because of the beautiful places that you can visit but also because it will take a considerable amount of money just to realise this dream.


There is no doubt that you will need money for your vacation, whether you are near or far. But you do not have to burn your wallet and drill a hole in your pocket just to have that dream vacation in Croatia. Here are some tips you can use on how to save on your Croatia dream vacation.

Save early

You might have already heard that “the early bird catches the worm.” In line with the topic, this can be translated as, “the early saver catches the plane.” You get the point, right? This means that you should start saving as soon as possible so that you do not have to save a bigger amount of money in a shorter length of time later on. Every time you get your paycheck, calculate how much of that needs to be set aside so that you can have the budget for your vacation.

Book early

When you book early, you can often get a significant discount on your booking. Now, to be able to book early you need to plan ahead, which means you should already have a date in mind. If you are the spontaneous type of person who decides during the heat of the moment, then you should forget about saving on your vacation. When you book too close to your intended date, there is a big chance that you will have to pay full price without any discounts. Of course, this is not always the case, as some airlines will give away discounts just to fill their vacant seats. It is a trade-off, though, as there are a lot of inconveniences when you have to fly on short notice.

In addition to this, watch out for discounts, special deals, and promos that are announced every once in a while. Signing up for newsletters from airlines can be a great way to be aware of these promos.

Do not be a loner

While it is true that travelling alone has it perks, such as the ability anywhere you like in Croatia without asking for the permission of your companion, it is proven to be more expensive. Most Croatia tours are fond of giving big discounts for vacationers who come with a big group. You can go online and find people who might be interested in going with you in the name of saving a considerable amount of money. This can also be a great time for you to meet new people and make good friends.

These are just a few of the things you can do to save on your vacation in Croatia. Remember, money is not everything. All need is the initiative and creativeness to save money, and you can still have the time of your life in Croatia.

Canada is well known for the cultural diversity of its people. With so many cultures joined together in one large and beautiful country, visitors are bound to learn something new with each trip. In order to meet the most people and experience various blends of different cultures while visiting Canada, here are 5 festivals to attend:

1. The Calgary Stampede

 For people that love cultural diversity, cowboys, and the great outdoors, the world famous Calgary Stampede held in Calgary, Alberta, is sure to be a favorite. With over 1 million visitors each year for the 10-day event in July, it is the perfect opportunity to meet new people. For people that want to get away for a while, they can additionally travel an hour to explore the Canadian Rockies.

2. Canadian Aboriginal Festival

 If you want to attend a massive festival showcasing various aspects of the First Nations culture, the Canadian Aboriginal Festival in Toronto, Ontario, is a must. For 3 days each November, many people from North America and beyond visit the Sky Dome to join in the festivities.

Such festival highlights include:

• Dancing competitions
• Musical performances by First Nations artists
• Lacrosse competitions
• Fashion shows
• Workshops
• Educational classes
• Aboriginal artwork

3. Juste Pour Rire (Just for Laughs) Comedy Festival

 Every year in July, Montreal, Quebec, holds the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival that attracts comedians and guests from all over the world. It is so popular that it not only has an international standup comedy show entitled Just for Laughsbut a practical joke show known as Just for Laughs Gags as well. With the festival's vast popularity, it is easy to become immersed in many different cultures.

4. Winnipeg Pride Festival

 For people that want to see more of the gay and lesbian culture in Canada, the Winnipeg Pride Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is sure to please. Although there are also excellent pride festivals in larger cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, pride festivals in smaller cities are a great source of community excitement.

The Winnipeg Pride Festival is held every June and includes the following events:

• Boat cruises
• Baseball games
• Screenings
• Dance parties
• Parades

5. Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (Montreal Jazz Festival)

 If you want to lose yourself in the very best of the jazz culture, the Montreal Jazz Festival will deliver. The Montreal Jazz Festival is one of the world's most acclaimed and largest festivals that brings in over 1 million visitors a year to Montreal, Quebec.

The festival is held at the end of July and beginning of June, and has included numerous musicians from different parts of the world. Just a few of the famous names include:

• Ella Fitzgerald
• Dizzy Gillespie
• Chick Corea
• Miles Davis
• Oscar Peterson
• Diana Krall

Canada is a thriving country with lots to offer its residents and visitors. By attending these 5 festivals and more, you will easily lose yourself in the cultural diversity and never see the world in quite the same way ever again.

Jeff Noble is a travel consultant. His articles mainly appear on travel blogs. Find out who are the  most common visitors to Canada, visit the link.

Are you finally ready to take that long-awaited holiday to London? If you are, then you had better start looking for good accommodations in this magical, exciting city.

There is no doubt that London has been a popular destination for visitors from around the world for decades. Its many sights and cultural significance attract millions of tourists – and now you are one of them.

But first things first: You have to take care of your accommodations. There are dozens upon dozens of hotels located in London. For instance, Westpoint Paddington London hotels have been delighting guests for many years. And believe it or not, even in a city like London, you can get great deals on the best hotels. All you need to do is a bit of research, ask for recommendations from colleagues and friends, and compare rates.

But in order for you not to get stuck with a hotel that looks good only on paper (or the Internet, for that matter), you should not be afraid to phone them and ask for certain details. Below is a guide to help you decide on the best hotels to stay in London.

Location, location, location

Location is of prime importance in helping you decide where to stay. If the hotel allows you easy access to the hottest tourist spots and sites, then that’s one point for them. You would not want to be in a hotel that is advertised as a “quiet respite from hectic city life,” which is just a glorified way of saying that it is miles away from London civilisation. When you go to London, there is nothing quite like being at the heart of this throbbing metropolis. You need to be in the thick of things, so to speak.

This being said, look for a hotel which is conveniently located near transport links such as train stations, bus lines, and even Heathrow International Airport.

Determine what your requirements are !

Each of us has a different idea of what our hotel should be like or what it should have. If you are the type who doesn’t mind roughing it a bit, then you could go for a budget hostel where you can sleep in dormitory-type rooms and share the WC with other guests. Or if you’re like me, who sees a holiday as the perfect time to relax and pamper yourself, then opt for a hotel with some reasonable amenities such as en-suite showers, toiletries, facilities for making coffee and tea, televisions, telephones, blow-dryers, and, of course, being London, central heating (especially if you are visiting during the fall or winter).

If you are travelling with children, it would be a good idea to look for a hotel with amenities for children, such as baby cots and high chairs, and options for apartment-style accommodations where you can benefit from a separate living room, a fully-fitted kitchen, and a dining area.

If you simply cannot be separated from your emails and various messages, then look for a hotel which offers complimentary Internet access – if not in the room, at least in the lobby, so you can check your messages even for just a few minutes each day.

India is truly a fantastic and magical travel destination, favored by all tourists seeking excitement, myriad of colours, sights, tastes and attractions. Vacationers, backpackers, honeymooners and holidaymakers, visitors from all walks of life are welcomed in the nation with offerings suiting their budgets, tastes and requirements. Hill stations, heritage sights, cultural destinations, beach resorts, exhilarating adventure sites or relaxing places on nature, India is not short of destinations or attractions.

Beach: Sand & shingle
Bus Service: There is a daily service to & from Argostoli.
Cash points: There are 2 – 3 cash points in Lassi / shops will accept chip & pin cards
Credit cards accepted: Most restaurants in Kefalonia now prefer only to accept cash.
Famous for: Celebrity spotting, White Rocks Hotel, has had celebrity guests over the years.
Ferry service : Ferries are available to Lixouri from Argostoli operating most of the day
Money exchange: There are money exchange bureaus in Lassi
Special needs pax: Resort is not suitable for people with walking difficulties due to locations for hotels and beaches.
Suitable for: Older couples / Couples / Single travellers / Culture enthusiast / Group of friends / Families / Weddings
Sustainable Tourism: The resort is kept very clean , and recycling bins are in place around the resort
Supermarkets: Good selection selling everyday goods, including English items & newspapers.
Taxi: Taxis are available, and can be flagged down
Travellers Cheques: Banks & exchange bureaus will accept the cheques
Walks: Customers can walk from Lassi to Argostoli along the Ferrari costal road, which has amazing views. Other local walks are over the hillsides into Lakithra and Spilla.

Mainstream Hotels / Apartments
Dionysos Village Resort
Lorenzo Hotel – Thomas Cook
Lassi Hotel – Thomas Cook
Mouikis Apartments - Manos
Princess Hotel – Thomas Cook
Panorama Village – Thomas Cook
San Lorenzo Village – Thomas Cook
San Lorenzo Residence - Manos
White Rocks Hotel – Thomas Cook

 Whilst beach holidays remain incredibly popular, many people are increasingly looking to do something different. They want a summer holiday that takes them away from the sunbeds on the beach. Here are five ideas for activities to enjoy on a fun-packed holiday.

Cycling 
In addition to hiring a bike to explore the local area around the resort in which you are staying, it is now possible to take special cycling holidays in destinations that are perfect for either road cycling or mountain biking. These include cycling through the stunning scenery of the French Alps or staying a little closer to home and traversing the pleasant green countryside and quaint villages of the United Kingdom. 
 
Walking 
A less demanding activity than cycling, but still energetic nonetheless, walking holidays are perhaps the ideal way of taking in your surroundings and admiring the scenery at its best. In much the same vein as cycling, walking activity holidays can take on many forms, from rambling across open moorland to traversing mountain trails and negotiating rocky cliff paths. Before deciding on which type of walking holiday to take, it is best to ascertain your fitness levels and walking ability as some are much harder on the body than others.

As South Africa’s second most populous city, Cape Town boasts a myriad of venues that know how to show travelers a great time.  This vibrant mountain-strewn city on the Atlantic Ocean is the continent’s most popular tourist destination.  The world converges upon this extraordinary city to experience its scenic enchantment as well as new and exciting venues like the following.

Lionshead Bar

One of the renowned Bree Street bars, the Lionshead Bar can best be described as minimalist in style and décor.  It’s all about getting down to basics.  The all-gray interior features several rectangular tables and plain benches.  Nothing adorns the walls and there are no typical tavern props to be found.  Consequently, the atmosphere features a chic simplicity where people enjoying their drink and enjoying a night on the town take center stage.  After booking you travel plans with sites such as TravelStart.co.za, be sure to add a stop at the Lionshead Bar to your itinerary.

Waterfront Market on the Wharf

Located behind the Two Oceans Aquarium on Dock Road, this unique market is filled with organic foods, eclectic clothing, arts and crafts, and all sorts of wonderful items that are sure to delight visitors to the city.  Locals rave about everything here from the delectable oysters to the sweet treats that are perfect accompaniment for strolling along the waterfront.

There might be plenty of critics out there arguing to the contrary, but in this year of cutting back and making family life easier that is 2013, the staycation is taking over in a big way. Just a couple of years ago, most looked at the idea of holidaying on national soil as something of a compromise – a decision that was made not by choice, but out of necessity. From limited cash to limited time to health complaints and so on and so forth, it was largely not the ‘done thing’ to holiday at home if you had the option of straying further afield.

Today however things are different and the people of the UK have at long last started to celebrate all the amazing things that are right on their doorsteps and put their exotic dreams on hold for a while at least. And when you look at what’s to be gained from holidaying at home when considering young kids as part of the group, it’s pretty hard to dispute the way in which UK holidays are more than a little appealing.

Money Matters

Just to get the most obvious of the three out of the way from the start, a UK holiday if booked sensibly and with care will almost always be exponentially cheaper than a foreign holiday. And what’s more, the fact that Brits already know how much things cost at home means that they can budget more accurately and realistically than hazarding a guess at how much it might cost to get by in some far, dark corner of the word.

Lamentable Logistics

And then comes the subject of logistics – as in getting the family including the kids and all the necessary luggage where it all needs to be in the first place. A UK holiday usually means a single trip in one vehicle, while a trip abroad means commuting, flights, transfers and Lord only knows what else that might be necessary. The more complex the logistics, the greater the chance of something going wrong, the longer the journey time and usually the greater the cost…so why bother?

Change of Plans

In addition to the above, booking a package holiday is all well and good if things go to plan in the meantime, but try and make even the slightest alteration to a pre-booked deal and chances are you’ll be looking at practically no recompense. By contrast, make a booking with an accommodation provider in the UK having arranged your own transport and there’s usually a great deal more flexibility to speak of. Not that all follow suit, but you’ve got certainly a better chance if plans change slightly.

Worst Case Scenario

Rounding things off, while it’s something most wouldn’t want to spend too much time thinking about, one of the biggest grey clouds that hangs over the head of parents on holiday with their kids is the ‘what if’ cloud – as in what if something goes wrong and we have to return home in a hurry? It’s simple common sense – the further afield you travel, the great the trouble in getting home in a hurry such circumstances dictate and thus less peace of mind for the trip as a whole.

By Lisa Morton

Lisa Morton’s preferred holiday involves the very best Holiday Cottages Cornwall has to offer with her friends and family by her side. 

Enriched with different culture and traditions, Chennai has an image of being the cultural capital of the south. The city is famed for being the ardent supporter of development in every aspect. Despite the fact that the city has a history that goes back to 350 years in total, Chennai has been growing at a fast pace.

The city lies on the west coast of the country and therefore enjoys the existence of some of the best beaches in the country. Chennai is one of those places in India, which is a wonderful blend of modernism and ethnicity. With all shades of the rainbow, it stands tall in the crowd of developing cities. Chennai is very well connected with Goa, another spectacular tourist destination in the country. With the distance of 736 kms between the two and multiple Chennai to Goa flights, these two cities have been able to connect to each other efficiently.

Goa is the most visited tourist destination in India at present. Situated in the beautiful Western ghats, this truly exotic place is on each traveler’s list. Blessed with beautiful flora and fauna, it is one of the best biodiversity spot in the country. The pleasing landscape, the serene beaches and the colorful people makes Goa a tourist destination with a difference. However Goa cannot merely be termed as a tourist destination, the city actually gives new meaning to fun and adventure. It is indeed nature’s priceless gift to a country like India. The diverse culture, religion and fesitivity make it a synonym of rainbow, reason being the diversity. Visit this vivacious city to get the most excellent experience unity in diversity.Although a visit to Goa is pleasurable in any season, one should plan a trip at the time of some festival or event.


Goa is significantly famous for its churches; the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the famous of all. It is a church where the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa are well preserved. The glistening beaches of Goa truly win hearts; the beaches are picturesque and fall under to circuits. The North Circuit comprises of about 8 beaches such as Calangute, Anjana Vagator and Baga and the South Circuit consists 9 beaches which are interconnected and named as Velsao, Colva , Betalbatim and Majorda.

One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arvalem Caves. The caves were the shelter for Pandavas when they were in exile. Goa has exquisite Rock cut caves, which are significantly famous for their natural architecture. It is also considered the land of forts; Cabo De Rama Fort Sentinels of the Past, Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort are some of its significant forts.


One can get the best experience during the festival times at Goa.  Among many hindu festivals, a visit during Dusshera will be perfect. This festival is celebrated with exuberance and zeal. There are several zatras, which are related to this festival. Lots of garlands of marigold flowers are used to decorate the houses. Infact everything starting from the vehicles to cows is garlanded with marigolds.

 
Bonderam is a Christian festival celebrated with enormous energy. On this festival special floats are exhibited in the carnival, which are very much inspired from the heritage of the state. Several music and entertainment performances also take place during this festival.

There are 11 weekly flights between the two cities. The first Chennai to Goa flight is at 2:10 PM, which is operated by SpiceJet airline 1011 and the last flight is at 6:15 PM, which is operated by Air India 975.

Goibibo.com one of the leading travel and hotel industry. They provide best services in both hotel and travel sections. Chennai is the city of tradition and culture. Enjoy the cities like Chennai and Goa as both have different tradition and culture. For flight booking goibibo give best services to their customers.

As summer approaches and thoughts turn to finding the ideal holiday, it can be difficult to please absolutely everyone. The age-old adage appears time and time again; should you opt for a relaxing beach holiday, or a more a more cultural, mind-expanding city break? What is going to keep you occupied for the most amount of time and cause the least arguments along the way?

Well, there are in fact numerous destinations in Europe where you can actually find the best of both worlds. With fascinating cities located on beautiful coasts, it’s more than possible to combine a city and beach break into one holiday to suit everybody.

So where can you find such destinations?

Barcelona

Thousands of tourists flock to Barcelona every single year, and little wonder with how much if offers those who visit. With absolutely fantastic weather and mild climate for most of the year, it makes the ideal city break for those who like the sunshine and fancy enjoying a bit of beach time thrown in for good measure.

This is definitely the most obvious choice on the list and made even better by the fact it’s only a couple of hour’s flight time away from the UK. Combining some amazing sightseeing, tantalising food with a dip in the warm waters of the Mediterranean makes for ideal holiday for many.

Nice

An exclusive coastal resort in the South of France is an ideal location for those who love beach holidays. With picture-postcard looks, golden sands, and multiple places to relax with good food and tasty cocktails, there’s little wonder why it pulls the crowds, including many celebrity faces each summer.

However, there’s much more to Nice than just being a beachy haven. With a full city behind it which contains ancient monuments, Roman ruins, great designer shopping opportunities, as well as an excellent nightlife and clubbing scene, it’s also a great place for those who need a bit more from their holiday than just lying on a sunbed.

Venice

Certainly known more for being a touristy city than a beach, Venice is recognised as being an area for romance and couples breaks. This Italian ‘floating city’ attracts many people looking for great food, relaxing boat trips and shopping in the exclusive outlets dotted amongst the tiny alleyways.

It’s surprising for some then when they learn that there are a couple of huge public beaches, just a short boat ride away from the main area which aren’t subject to the swathes of tourists found in the city centre. Found on Venice Lido - an 11km long island just off the coast, the beaches border the warm Adriatic Sea, making it yet another beautiful destination for those looking to combine their sightseeing city break with some relaxation on the beaches in the sun.

About the author

Fancy any of these destinations, or other city/beach locations dotted around Europe or further afield? VIsit www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk to find some fantastic, luxury breaks to these locations and much more.

Traveling, devoid of proper shuttling plans within the area of travel, will be always tedious, and is bound to create a whole lot of exasperating moments, every now and then and almost all the time, during the entire travel period. This actuality becomes all the more fretful, during the case of airport transfer times; this is because, getting out of the respective airports to one’s own hotel rooms or apartments in a convenient way will be tough, without pre-arrangements for the same. Quite often, even seasoned travelers get stranded at certain occasions, in the overall mess-up of the landing airports, which are obviously created by the hasty exodus of large crowds. It is a matter of verity that a ‘crowd’ does not possess any kinds of behavioral norms; it always goes with the ‘spur of the moment’. These kinds of traveling snags surface just because the traveler does not find apposite means of transportations for moving across. One of the best ways for tackling such tiring situations is to go for the best car rental facilities, offered by popular car rental airport operators.

Why the traditional hen night at the local public house has been replaced by trips to foreign places and even a night at home.

Many people now get married when they are older so getting loud and brash doesn't always fit the bill. More and more people are deciding to make the hen party a night in rather than a night out as it not only saves money but can give an interesting twist to the evening. Since hen party costs have risen by 50% according to Wedding Magazine, anything that helps control expenditure is likely to be welcome.

Beautiful Hens

A current favourite is to have a few beauticians in attendance at the party. The bride to be and her guests can still get dressed up have a drink and a laugh and enjoy themselves but can also be pampered while they are at it. There is no need for one person to foot the bill either; the guests can chose their own treatments and pay on the night or everyone can chip into a communal kitty. It is after all a great way of getting your manicure and pedicure done in preparation for the big day.

Naughty Hens

If you feel like giving the bride a naughty send off then why not combine a house party with a visit from a representative selling nice but naughty underwear and other items. Once again there can be food and drink available but it gives the whole evening a theme and there is no need to worry about travel arrangements and losing drunken hens in the club at the end of the evening.

Reminiscent Hens

If your bride to be is older then why not have a seventies or eighties party in one of the hen's houses. Fancy dress is great fun and no one has to be too embarrassed about walking the streets wearing lime green flares. Dig out some old records; make some good old fashioned sandwiches don a curly wig and disco dance your way through the evening in the privacy and comfort of home.

Hens on the run

Staying in for your hen party doesn't mean you have to be at home. If you decide to move theparty to another location, the BBC has identified a growing trend towards partying in coastal resorts, such as Bournemouth.

If your bride to be wants a really special night then why not jump on a cheap flight with your mates and book an apartment somewhere warm and sunny. There is no need to hit the clubs on hen weekends abroad; instead hit the supermarket and stock up on local wine and foods and party on the balcony until the early hours. If going abroad for a weekend is not something you normally do then companies such as Red7 can give you some ideas as to where to go and what to expect when you get there. So why not step out of your comfort zone and start packing you bags for the hen night of a lifetime.

AUTHOR BIO

This look at alternative hen nights was written by Kevin Maddox, an experienced writer and traveller who is has experienced many successful hen weekends abroad

Whenever I visit Morocco, I imagine that I am following in the footsteps of Winston Churchill. That may sound a little pretentious, but the great wartime leader loved Morocco and especially Marrakech, which he called the ‘Paris of the Sahara.’ He even visited the country twice during the stresses of the Second World War, once to introduce President Roosevelt to the delights of the sun setting on the snows of the Atlas mountains and once to recover from a near fatal bout of pneumonia, which he had picked up in Tunis. If Morocco was good enough for Churchill and Roosevelt, then it is certainly good enough for me.


Some say that Morocco is a fusion of African and Arabian culture. Certainly, Marrakech was the end of the trade route through the desert, the great market and meeting place being the Djemaael-el’Fna square where you still get a feel of the Arabian nights and where fire-eaters and snake-charmers vie for your attention. I like the Majorelle gardens, the 12 acre Botanical Garden with its collections of birds and cacti, and also the Islamic Art Museum which is on the site.


There is, of course, much more to Morocco than Marrakech. There are many fine beaches on the Atlantic coast, as well as those enchanting Atlas Mountains.


Then, at the other end of North Africa there is Egypt. What can I say about this ancient, vivid country where civilisation has flourished on the banks of the Nile for millennia? People more skilful then I have been trying to capture Egypt in prose for centuries, but even the best of them have failed. You have to go to Egypt to know what it is like, and to love it. 


When most people think about Egypt they conjure up those ancient monuments. I could give a list of all the ancient places you have to see, starting with the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, and Luxor with its Valley of the Kings and the superb temple at Karnack, but I do not have enough space to do the subject justice. Whilst these ancient treasures are worth a visit, there is more to Egypt than its monuments. There are fine sandy beaches to bask on and coral reefs to explore, when you feel like emerging from the past into the present, especially at the famous Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh. And you really must not visit Egypt without making an excursion into the great sea of sand that is the desert, to experience its harsh beauty and wonderful solitude. You will find it easy to locate a good tour, either in 4x4s or for the authentic touch, camel.


If you are looking for a luxury holiday in Egypt then remember the many fine hotels in the Sinai Peninsula. These hotels, as well as being great for diving, often feature private beaches, stunning views out over the Red Sea and are family friendly.

Author Bio: Charlie Moran loves a luxury holiday in North Africa with Sovereign travel.