4 Top Tips To Make Your Next Vacation The Best One Ever

December 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment

pic6

Holidays play a crucial role in the lives of millions. And once you’ve been bitten by the bug, exploring the world becomes top of your agenda.

Progressions to travel and other facilities make exploration easier than ever. Budget airlines and online resources make it possible to book a vacation from the comfort of your own home. Nevertheless, if you want to get more from your next trip, there are a number of steps that must be taken.

Follow these four items, and your next vacation will exceed even your wildest expectations.

Book Better Accommodation

When booking a vacation, your primary thoughts will concern tourist attractions and other fun items. However, you should never underestimate the importance of your digs. It’s easy to dismiss it as nothing more than a bed to sleep. But anyone that has endured a terrible hotel will confirm that accommodation is much more important than that.

A great night’s sleep will allow you to achieve far more from your waking hours. Meanwhile, you should be keen to look for location and cleanliness too. The right accommodation will take your enjoyment to an entirely new level. It’s as simple as that.

Give Something Back

Vacations provide some of the most enjoyable moments in our lives. But what better way to gain ultimate satisfaction than by giving something back to those less fortunate?

The concept of volunteering abroad has become increasingly popular in recent times. The great projects give people the chance to experience wildlife up close and personal. You’ll be doing something great for the planet while also enjoying a unique trip that will not be matched anywhere else.

If animals aren’t your thing, then you can always help out a village of people. Either way, it will help you mature as a person while gaining a truly unforgettable experience.

Be Social

Whatever type of holiday you take, getting involved with the local culture is a must. Make no mistake, we all love sitting by the pool for a few days. But there’s so much to see in this beautiful world and it would be a shame to miss out.

There’s a strong chance that you’ve picked a location for a particular attraction, and you should see it. However, the guide books won’t tell you everything. Try to immerse yourself in the culture. Eat the local cuisine. Enjoy the local entertainment. Speak to the local people.

You’ll gain far greater memories for doing it.

Choose Companions Wisely

Taking a family holiday rarely poses a problem, but travelling with friends can be a great way to end a relationship. Therefore, it’s imperative that you give the process of picking a vacation buddy serious thought.

Being in proximity for extended periods can be testing, especially in a foreign land. You need to be sure that you can handle being around those people. If you are unsure, then try to arrange a big group. Travelling in a large group gives you the chance to break away. Just remember that this is your holiday too, and you should do whatever makes you smile.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Six Melbourne Road Trips

November 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment

pic9

A driving vacation is the perfect option for anyone that wants the freedom to create their own agenda rather than being tied to a specific routine. All you need is your belongings and a hire car and you’re be ready to go, and you’ll be in control of the sites you see. In this article, you’ll find six road trips in Melbourne that will offer you an unbelievable experience.

1. Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive

The Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive will take you through Batesmen Bay, Phillip Island, and a number of other seaside towns. As well as the spectacular views, there are plenty of visitor attractions and landmarks along the way. Highlights include the Croajingolong National Park, Jervis Bay, the local beaches, and the birds and wildlife. It is also a great region for seafood.

2. The Great Ocean Road Route

The route measures 243 km and is an excellent opportunity to experience the south eastern coast of Australia; it will take you through several major cities and settlements such as Apollo Bay, Anglesey and Rye River.

It is considered one of the Australia’s most picturesque drives and it highlights include The Otways and its rainforests, Bell’s Beach, the 12 Apostles and the waterfalls. You will also have plenty of opportunity to experience the wildlife, and if you love surfing and water-based activities, you’ll find plenty of beaches to explore.

3. The Great Alpine Road

The road measures approximately 211 miles. It has a varied terrain and it will take you through some of the most stunning views in Victoria. As well as the local vineyards, you’ll have the chance to experience the Gippsland Lakes, striking valleys and the forest views.

The Great Alpine Road runs between Wangaratta and Metung and provides plenty of opportunity to explore the beaches, mountains and lakes along the way. Highlights of this route include the Alpine National Park and the Rutherglen Wine Region.

4. Yarra Valley

This is one of Victoria’s most spectacular regions. It is known for its gardens and villages, and numerous vineyards. It is also famed for its restaurants, which makes Yarra Valley an ideal location for food and drink lovers; there’s plenty of green scenery to enjoy along the way as well. With so much to do and see you might not get to experience it all in one day, so consider making your trip a little longer if you want to make the best of it.

A hire car will be essential to take you between each tourist attraction and destination; it’s a good idea to research car rentals in Australia before you go, Budget Rent a Car is a good place to start.

5. The South Gippsland Circuit

This circuit is famed for its striking beauty and for its many tourism spots. It is a great area for people who enjoy the outdoors lifestyle, while also taking in some of the world’s most magnificent views. If you are driving this route, you’ll find plenty of reasons to take a detour along the way. First, you’ll want to visit the local beaches and the Gippsland Lakes, and the Wilsons Promontory National Park is another attraction that isn’t to be missed.

6. Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive

You’ll need to be prepared to travel, but with so much to enjoy this drive is worth the effort.

The Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive is steeped in history and there are plenty of modern day attractions, too. Highlights of this route include The Murray River with its beaches and forests; it’s rich in local vineyards and produce as well.

Filed Under: evergreen, traveling Tagged With:

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island

November 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment

pic3

The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island is picturesque during the holidays, as the inn is fully decked out with a tree and all the classic trimmings, amid several wood burning fireplaces.  The Ram’s Head Inn is high on a hill overlooking a harbor–optimal for sledding! Shelter Island has several ice skating spots, and the surrounding North Fork and Hamptons are filled with Christmas tree farms and festive vineyards. Please visit www.theramsheadinn.com or call 631-749-0811 for rates and details.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With:

Why You Might Want to Consider a Winter Vacation

November 5, 2015 by 1 Comment

What’s so special about summer vacations? Why should summer get all the fun? If you really want to know the answer, it comes down to school scheduling. But schools have not always taken a break in the summer. Before the Civil War, school, such as it was, took place year round. Rural schools took to breaks in the spring and fall while city schools took breaks in the spring.

Now that the U.S. school system has largely agreed to take time off in the summer, it makes sense that family vacations would be scheduled during that time. The only vacation time we get in the winter is roughly the first two weeks of it, otherwise known as the holiday season. Even so, that time off is often spent preparing an elaborate staycation, or going off to see nearby relatives that are just over the river and through the woods.

There is something to be said for ditching the traditional vacation during the summer, and putting all your eggs in the winter vacation basket. Here are some reasons you might want to do that, and some places you might want to do it:

Not Everyone Has Kids

Summer vacation is all about the kids. But what if you don’t have any kids? Why should your vacation schedule be dominated by school scheduling? Even if you have kids, depending on age, going on vacation with the kids might feel a lot more like work than vacation.

By taking a winter vacation without the kids, you can go on a more adult-themed vacation. Leave the cartoon characters and talking animals behind, and enjoy something with a bit more sophistication. Cruises are considered to be one of the highest sophisticated forms of adult vacations. As for the best winter cruise? The Caribbean is always a great option. But really, almost anywhere makes for a great winter cruise vacation.

Because It’s Warmer Some Place Else

Why do birds fly south for the winter? The same reason you should. As a rule, it’s warmer in the south. Southern California is a popular destination for those who want to get out of the cold because it is 75 and sunny all year round.

Because of its popularity as a winter destination, make sure to do your hotel booking online and early. When taking your vacation at a popular destination, getting the best price for a room is not the primary concern. Getting a room at any price is the first order of business. Securing that room where you want, for as long as you want, at a price you are willing to pay is the reward for planning ahead.

Because You’ve Seen All the Summer Places

Do you feel like you are going to the same places year after year? Maybe that’s because you are going at the same time every year. It might even be worth going back to one of your favorite places at a different time of the year. Alaska is a good example.

There are some Alaskan sights and adventures that you can take in the summer that may not be available during the winter. But the reverse is also true. Because of the seasonal ice roads, there are some places in Alaska you can’t get to If you are not there in the Winter.

Whether it be the Caribbean, Southern California, or Alaska, there are good reasons and places to go in the winter. So the next time you here the now famous words, “Winter is coming,” think vacation.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

FlightHub’s Travel Tips to Marrakech

November 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment

There had been debates regarding the etymology of the city name Marrakech. One side states that it was derived from the Berber word mur akush meaning “Land of God.” Historian Susan Searight claims the word was first documented in the Qarawiyyin manuscript meaning “country of the sons of kush.”

pic5

Anyway, enough about that, the city of Marrakech in Morocco is a hot tourist destination for many reasons. The Moroccan lifestyle, handicrafts galore, amazing cuisine and story-telling museums.

The climate of Marrakech can be pretty brutal, the average temperature during summer is 32-45°C (90-100°F). Travelers are encouraged to visit the city from March to May or October to November to experience the spring and fall seasons.

Our expert team at Flighthub provides the cheapest deals possible for trips to many popular destinations, including Marrakech. We also have connections to several hotels in Marrakech like the Kenzi Farah and Dar Kantzaro at discounted rates to once again ensure that you spend less on travel accommodations and more on exploring and experiencing this magnificent city.

Now, going back to Marrakech, here are the features to look forward to upon your visit.

Jemma El Fna

The main square of the city and the most visited area by tourists is the Jemma El Fna. It has food stalls, handicraft stores, juice vendors and even snake charmers. This place has a combination of food, entertainment and commercial business.

Majorelle Garden

Majorelle Garden was established and designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle from 1886 – 1962, it’s situated in the heart of Ochre city. The variety of floral species covers the entire area and produces fresh air along the green paradise.The garden shelters water lilies, lotus flowers, palm trees and other exotic plant species. The environmental facility also takes care of different birds like house sparrows, robins, blue tits (get your mind out of the gutter), warblers and turtledoves.

Inside the garden is the Galerie Love, filled with love posters designed by Yves Saint Laurent. The garden has its own cafe, the Café Bousafsaf that serves cool and hot beverages. A perfect place for a break.

Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech with its decorative arches and unique architectural design attracts travelers daily. The mosque is fortified with sandstone, bricks and red stone. The Minaret tower made of sandstone stands at 253 ft and overlooks the city. The locals refuse to build buildings taller than the Minaret because it’s their most preserved and cherished landmark.

Art Appreciation
Marrakech is rich when it comes to arts and crafts. There are several museums scattered around the city, some of them big, some of them small. One in particular is the Maison Tiskiwin which exhibits the works of Dutch anthropologist Bert Flint, the collection depicts the connection between Morocco and the sub-Saharan Africa.

Dar Si Said Museum

The Dar Si Said Museum in Riad Zitoun El-Jedid has the oldest set of weapons, ceramics and carvings crafted during the early days of the city

Maison de la Photographie and Marrakech Museum of Photography and Visual Arts showcase the best images captured by world-renowned photographers. Maison presents over 8,000 photographs that portray the developing city from 1870 – 1950. The Marrakech museum of photography and visual arts on the other hand, exhibits temporary and permanent galleries from time to time.

The Ensemble Artisanal

Located at the Avenue Mohammed V, the Ensemble Artisanal is the department store version of Marrakech. Everything is original and hand crafted. If you’re hoping to buy some souvenirs for your family back home, then this is the place to be. They sell leather belts, carpets, bags, babouches, jewelry and more items, you name it. You can also put your bargaining skills to the test and try to convince vendors to lower the price for each product. The locals perfected different kinds of handicrafts to distribute great quality items.

Diversity of Food

Marrakech offers one of the most amazing sets of food and beverages in all of Morocco. Even the foods being sold along the streets are mouthwatering. The city aroma is blended with different kinds of ingredients and spices. Intoxicating. Make sure to taste their signature dish, Tagines. A combination of vegetable and meat cooked carefully and slowly in a tagine or a pot.

They also have delicious kebabs cooked over an open grill and scrumptious Couscous cooked with fresh ingredients.

After your gastronomical experience, cleanse your tummy by drinking some of their sweet orange juice or refreshing mint tea.

Gastro MK Restaurant
Also, be sure to make a reservation at the Gastro MK restaurant within the Maison MK hotel in your itinerary. The fine dining restaurant serves French, Moroccan, Mediterranean and European cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meal on a patio with the open sky and a wide view of the city. Travelers highly recommend drinking cold cocktails while overlooking the view from the terrace.

Affordable Luxury

If you’re worried about the expenditures for hotels then put your mind at ease. Rest assured that Marrakech is filled with great hotels that provide great quality service in exchange for reasonable prices.

The Medina Gardens
Located in the center of the city, this hotel is a great spot for couples. The hotel provides efficient service, cleanliness is maintained and most of all, the hotel is approximately close to various tourist attractions like the Koutoubia mosque and Majorelle gardens.

Respect their Culture

The primary religion in Marrakech is Islam, so make sure to put on decent clothes and avoid showing too much skin, it’s called manners. Be interactive with the locals because it’s rude to be distant since they’re trying their best to keep you accommodated.

Hope you guys had a sudden urge to visit the Marrakech and experience the city. Friendly people, kind vendors, tangled streets and red walls, you can find all of them in Marrakech.

Once again, booking your reservations through Flighthub.com will help you save on your pre-trip expenses, let us help you make your trip to Marrakech affordable and memorable!

This post has been sponsored by FlightHub, Canada’s leading online travel agency. All opinions are their own.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With:

The Top Eight Things to Do in NYC This Fall

November 1, 2015 by 1 Comment

20140920_122826

NY Fall Foliage Tour

Cross the George Washington Bridge and soak up the vibrant autumn colors of the Hudson Valley with this 4.5-hour fall foliage tour. Scenic stops include the 18th-century Fort Montgomery, Lookout Inn—the highest point of Palisades Cliffs—and West Point Academy.

Pumpkin Picking

Looking to get out of the city for some family friendly fun? New Yorkers can take the ferry to Staten Island, where the Historic Richmond Town Pumpkin Patch welcomes kids with a cornstalk maze, hay rides and a farmhouse tour. Other farms that offer pumpkin picking include Stuart’s Farm in Westchester County, Secor Farms in New Jersey or Elwood Pumpkin Farm in Long Island.

Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour

When the summer heat finally subsides and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better time to cruise around Central Park. This two-hour bike tour includes all the park highlights, from Belvedere Castle to Bethesda Terrace to Shakespeare Garden.

New York Ghost Walk

From the paranormal to the eerie, the New York Ghost Walk will reveal the spooky underbelly of the West Village—right in time for All Hallows’ Eve. Discover a grave site buried beneath one of New York’s most popular parks and the hangouts of the ghosts of Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe on this 2- hour walking tour.

Village Halloween Parade

One of the most beloved Halloween traditions in New York City is the Village Halloween Parade that marches up 6th Avenue on October 31. Don your most elaborate costume to fit in with this artistic extravaganza, complete with music, puppets, dancers and live bands.

Blood Manor

Embrace the spookiness of the season by wandering through a haunted house like no other. Blood Manor is made up of 5,000 square feet of fear-inducing fun, from themed rooms to long dark corridors.

World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruises

For all the joys of Thanksgiving without any of the clean-up, leave the cooking to someone else this year and make a reservation for a World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruise. The cruise sails along the Hudson River, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and a holiday feast with all the traditional fixings.

This is a guest post from NewYork.com. NewYork.com is a leading and trusted expert on New York City and the only existing website to plan and book a complete New York City itinerary, ranging from hotels, Broadway shows, dining, attractions and tours.

Filed Under: evergreen, traveling Tagged With: , , ,

How to Make Vacations to Disneyland More Affordable

October 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment

12 06 11 106

What child doesn’t dream of a trip to Disneyland? Taking a trip to the happiest place on Earth ends up being the trip of a lifetime for most families. It also ends up being one of the most expensive.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take this dream trip with your family without having to give up taking another vacation for years after. Here are a few things you can do to make a Disneyland vacation more affordable:

Buy a Timeshare

One of the most expensive components of your Disneyland trip is lodging. Even the cheapest hotels around the area charge expensive rates thanks to their proximity to one of the hottest tourist attractions in the world. The longer you stay, the more rapidly your costs will add up.

Investing in a timeshare can help you save money while also giving you a nicer place to stay. For instance, a Welk Timeshare offers villas and suites with up to three bedrooms and 1,400 square feet. You’ll feel like you’re staying in someone’s home rather than living out of a hotel for the week. In many cases, you’ll end up paying less than you would for a hotel room for the same amount of time. Check out this Welk Timeshare review for more direct hotel information.

Invest in Annual Passes

A single, one-day ticket for Disneyland costs $99. Add another $40 and you can visit all the parks in the system. Now multiply that by the number of people in your family. It adds a hefty price tag to the cost of your vacation.

You can save a great deal of money by investing in an annual pass, which starts at $599, depending on the options you choose. This may seem like a lot, but it gets you into the park on most or all days of the year (again, depending on which options you choose). If you don’t think you’ll go that often, at least invest in tickets that last several days instead of buying them by the day.

Cook and Bring Snacks

Investing in a time share has the added benefit of allowing you to prepare and cook your own meals. You will save a lot of money by purchasing groceries and cooking in your suite than eating at restaurants every night.

You can save even more by packing up snacks and bringing them with you into the park. A simple ice cream cone can cost $5 in the park. A whole package of granola bars costs $3 and can last you all day. Budget for a few treats, but have the snacks on hand to cut down on the overall expense.

Bring All Essentials

Don’t forget the aspirin and wind up paying $10 for a few pills because you got a headache while you were in the park. Bring all essentials with you so you don’t end up spending needlessly. Some examples include sunglasses, sun block, sun hats, band aids, aspirin, and a toothbrush and toothpaste (if you’re the type who likes to brush after every meal). Think ahead and pack a bag before you go.

Take Your Own Pictures

Official Disney photographers wander throughout the park all day looking to capture family moments. They actually give you a card with a number ID on it that allows them to tag any photos they take of you during the day. You can then go to a photo booth and buy any that you like. You can easily spend a lot of money on these photos.

Instead, bring your own camera and take your own photos. You will find plenty of friendly staff members and visitors who will be happy to take a family photo with your camera.

Don’t let the cost of a Disneyland trip keep you from taking the family vacation of a lifetime. Use these easy tips to help you bring down the cost and make it more affordable. You may even find that you’ll have the budget to take several trips with the right savings strategy.

Filed Under: traveling

Saybrook Point Celebrates Autumn On The Water

October 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Guests will marvel at the beautiful colors of fall along the shores of southern New England at Connecticut’s premier resort destination in historic Old Saybrook.
20150919_110815
Known for its charming New England character and feel, Saybrook Point is the perfect getaway for celebrating Autumn’s vibrant colors and refreshing seasonal delights. Nestled between Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa gives guests the opportunity to experience breathtaking views and elegant dining surrounded by the finest accommodations and luxurious amenities. During the season, this award-winning resort offers a unique array of packages for guests to enjoy the perks of being on vacation without ever having to leave the joys and comforts of this well-appointed property on the shores of southern Connecticut.

To celebrate Halloween, Saybrook Point is hosting its second annual “Pumpkins on the Point” extravaganza featuring a spectacular pumpkin display on the terrace of the award-winning Fresh Salt restaurant and Saybrook Point Marina, where hundreds of locally-grown, hand-carved jack-o-lanterns will illuminate the day and night. Guests will also enjoy a Trick or Treat Trail, hayrides, carving demonstrations, music and seasonal delicacies prepared by Fresh Salt’s award-winning culinary team. For guests, 21 years-of-age or older, Saybrook Point is also hosting a lively after party at the gorgeous Waterfront Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. This festive “Halloween Masquerade” features live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a variety of food stations.

Starting at $407, the “Pumpkins on the Point” package allows guests to enjoy the amenities of an overnight stay coupled with the delights of a special brunch the next morning. Families with small children will be able to extend their stay by choosing the “Pumpkins on the Point” family package. Starting at $319, this Halloween fun day will include overnight accommodations, as well as a delicious pumpkin-themed breakfast for the whole family.

The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is also offering an additional autumn package for couples looking to spice up their romance. The “Fall in Love with Autumn” package features a luxurious and intimate escape complete with a complimentary bottle of wine to enjoy from a private balcony overlooking a picturesque Long Island Sound. Starting at $369, couples will rekindle the romance over dinner for two in the alluring waterfront restaurant, Fresh Salt, before embarking on a crisp fall hike after breakfast the next day using the property’s complimentary bikes.

For the nature-loving visitors, Saybrook Point is offering an exclusive “Autumn by Rail” package, which whisks away guests on an unforgettable 2.5 hour journey aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Here, guests will revel at the stunning views of the countryside and soak up the colors of the season, while meandering along the beautiful southern Connecticut hills. The next morning, guests will relish in a seasonal breakfast creatively prepared by Fresh Salt’s talented culinary artisans. Starting at $339, this unique package also includes overnight accommodations and a bottle of wine to share upon arrival.

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa’s spectacular Autumn packages are available now through October 30 and may be booked by calling 860.395.2000.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: