How to Plan the Perfect Beach Getaway

When winter hits, it hits hard. We are often forced inside, hate venturing out into the cold, and often suffer for it. The winter blues are a very real phenomenon, and are caused due to the combined cold and lack of light that we are exposed to winter after winter. It is for this reason that a getaway to the beach is not just a fun excursion, it’s a wellness necessity. Even in the height of summer, the beach offers health benefits. Saltwater and salt air are great for clearing your lungs and even clearing your skin. To make the most of your beach holiday, however, you need to take it up another level. You need to follow these tips:

 

Rent out a Beach House

What is better than a beach vacation? A beach house! Unlike hotels, beach rentals are stylish and infinitely homier. You can feel like you are in a home away from home. You could even end up saving money by making your own food and packing picnics before you head out for the day. You also won’t feel as pressured to get out every day, and, if you splurge, you might even find the perfect beach-side beach home to rent out, meaning no matter what, you are making the most of the time on the water.

 

Pack The Quintessential Travel Wardrobe

Anyone traveling can tell you that fashion and style are hard things to pack in small quantities, but only if you don’t put thought into what you bring and what outfits you can wear beforehand. Create a summer color theme and pick only a few clothes to bring with you to create the quintessential travel wardrobe. What is important here is not how many items, but how many outfits you can wear, and with the right, complimentary color scheme you can make unique look after unique look for a week or more with clothes that can fit into a carry-on.

 

Tips for Sunbathing

One other way you can prepare for your beach getaway is to prepare for the actual sunbathing aspect. Sunbathing done right will give you that beautiful glow without causing damage to your skin or risking the chance of burning. The secret? Wear sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen does not stop you from tanning. It certainly slows the progress, as UV rays are not burning your skin, but that is for the better of your health and your tan. The kind of sunscreen you wear will also be important. Far too many brands actually choke the sea life when it washes off of your skin, leading to coral bleaching and greasy oceans. Choose an ocean-friendly model and apply it before you go into the sun for maximum effect.

 

Your trip will be what you make of it. If you want to lie in the sun all day, then you are all set. If you want to spice up your day, head out into the town. Go shopping, visit bars, see local tourist attractions, and otherwise enjoy your beach holiday like you would any city holiday, with trips to the beach in-between. The choice is yours, just make sure you have the perfect accommodation, wardrobe, and sunbathing kit before you go.

Top 10 Eid tourist attractions for Arab visitors in London

london at eid

What’s So Trendy About Eid In London That Every Arab Went Crazy Over It?

London has become the prime city on earth, and as with other fine downtown places in the world, you’ll find Arabs there, in some cases in bulk. Well, it’s no undeniable fact that the Arab individuals have delightful and wealthy tastes and London has both. If you’re in London at this time while Eid, listed here are the best activities to do in minimal spending and some trendy festivities that why everyone gets crazy about them:

Festival fun

Typically, the much-loved Eid in the Square festival has returned. Since being introduced in 2007, it is now certainly one of London’s important cultural shows in the capital’s occasions diary. The big event will likely be held on June 2 in Trafalgar Square, and it is liberated to attend.

Countless numbers are anticipated to come down on the square as a possible fascinating line-up of occasions has been planned. UK-based nasheed designer Saif Adam, renowned for his Islamic tunes, in addition to modern and conventional acts from around the globe, will be carrying out on the big stage. You’ll also have a worldwide food store offering foods from Malaysia, Bulgaria, South Asian countries as well as Lebanon, in addition to calligraphy pursuits and henna providers.

Mass prayer events

A number of outdoor places have grown to be sites for a large number of congregants to participate in Eid prayers. Both The city of Birmingham and Greater London sponsor Eid in the Park functions that see numerous Muslims engage in mass prayers. If you’d like to visit exactly what is commonly known as the biggest Eid special event in European countries, Birmingham’s Heath Park is envisioned to host a lot more than 58,500 people during its Eid celebrations.

With prayers starting at 8:25 a.m., the morning of routines features a funfair, bazaar as well as minigolf, in addition to laser clay-based pigeon firing.

In case the weather conditions don’t make it possible for outdoor prayers to happen, there’s usually a choice of attending Eid in Shine. A brand-new event combined with the variety of celebrations happening during the weeks’ time of festivities, London’s biggest event center will likely be organizing an Eid prayer function together with family-friendly pursuits.

Special Deals on Eid

Although Greater London can be a beloved of Arab-speaking vacationers due to Harrods and the particular glistening stone shops in Mayfair, the metropolis of Greater Manchester is quickly becoming a well-known desired destination for buyers from the Middle East.

Manchester’s intu shopping mall in Old Trafford is welcoming people to commemorate Eid from June 12 to June 14 with sitar, tabla percussionists as well as harp artists set to amuse the throngs of people while youthful members of the family can also enjoy henna as well as bhangra dancing shows.

Retail travel and leisure in the United Kingdom carry on to take advantage of customers from the Middle East paying for high-end products.

Muslim History Excursions

Greater London features prosperity of Arab and Islamic relationships and one travel company is making an Eid exclusive for all those looking to see the points of interest. Muslim History Excursions is keeping a couple of Eid excursions, at 12.14 on July 21 and 24, departing from Temple Subterranean station correspondingly.

Eid Family Enjoyment Day

A small neighborhood function is actually due to take place on the weekend in harrow on twenty-sixth June, located at the Lower Hillside Senior High School. The Eid celebration will include video games, great bake deals, and ladies’ elegance area.

Check out the Eid Celebration placed at Trafalgar Square

Each and every year lots of people infiltrate Trafalgar square, and that is organized right here every year. The event has recently completed a decade and doesn’t have entrance pass. The event takes place at midday and finishes at 7 pm.

Greater London Central Mosque

The particular mosque that is proudly located on the boundary of the Regents Recreation area serves a large number of Muslims on Eid day. There are maximum five prayers held each and every hour from 8-10 am until twelve noon.

Eid In the Recreation Area

You can say your prayers for the Eid in the Recreation area that is organized in iRed bridge. The big event is held at the Valentine Park centrally located in Ilford, and this particular Eid is likely to make it 6 years happening for this occasion.

Edgware Street

Edgware Street is actually known as Small Arabia, that offers to be dynamic with hustle bustle particularly during Eid time. The particular Lebanese dining places and the several shisha cafes on the street are generally open till late, some ever twenty-four hours. Edgware Street, London’s Little Arabia offers to be particularly energetic over Eid – with all the Lebanese dining places as well as shisha clubs. The majority of shops are open until midnight, a few 24-hour. Therefore it’s an ideal spot for lunch break, supper, late-night treat – or simply to soak up the weather.

Vehicle Spotting

If you’re a car fanatic, you’ll be able to visit vehicle spotting and get to find out many of the most unique supercars most of which belong to Arabs. A $1.8 million Gold and Black Bugatti Veyron have also been seen in Greater London just lately. Check out the location in close proximity to Harrods to find the best activities.

Dar Marrakesh

A different must check out place on Edgware Street is undoubtedly Dar Marrakesh. The particular Bistro is open until midnight on Eid nights and will also be having festivities.

Store Shopping

Arab-speaking people to Greater London are recognized for shopping to a great extent, particularly at the time of Eid. The particular Westfield shopping mall, by way of example, noticed a normal purchasing per Arab at 714 The UK Pounds. The yearly ‘Ramadan rush’ perceives a large number of Arab-speaking people to Greater London, particularly over the Eid special occasion. Most of the Westfield shopping malls noticed normal spending from visitors reaches £714 last summer season, a 20 % surge on the previous 12 months, in accordance with media channels reviews.

How to make travel a learning experience How to make travel a learning experience

Everyone loves to travel. I do not know a single person that would not love to see the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or Niagara Falls. There are certain places that you hear about for the longest time and long to visit them to experience the culture, food, and life. The great thing about travel is that it is an educational experience, too. A lot of people claim that travel is the best kind of education you can get and I have to agree with them. Huffpost says, “The Earth is filled with infinite experiences, wonders and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Imagine hiking through the verdant, kaleidoscopic Amazon rainforest, camping out underneath the aurora borealis in the Canadian tundra or meandering through an enchanting Kenyan village. Much education is experienced in a classroom or through a textbook; those avenues do get the job done, but they aren’t nearly as fulfilling or effective as traveling the world is. See the world, and broaden your cultural, intellectual, and spiritual education like you could never have imagined.”

Find educational sites

There are so many educational sites around the world that will allow you and your children to learn about history and culture. Named as a New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a fantastic place to learn about Inca civilization. The Great Wall of China is a sight where you can learn more about Chinese, their war, and their culture. The Vatican is a must-see when you are visiting Italy. All of these places are learning experiences that will stick with you and your children forever. Most children learn best with hands-on experiences, and this is more hands on than a class could give you.

 

Learn about culture and language

Culture and language is very hard to learn about until you are immersed in it yourself. Travel forces you to learn other languages and cultures, but allows you the flexibility to still speak some English a lot of the time (depending where you are traveling). There are small cultural things that you would not know about until you travel to that area of the world. For example, in Italy, most stand to drink their coffee. If you sit down, you will be charged extra. You also pay for water in Italy and most of the time when you pay, you just round up instead of tipping. Yes, you can read all of this online and you can learn Italian through an app, but if you do not experience it in person, you cannot put your skills to use and you will never actually master it.

 

Time management

Oh, time management is a funny thing. Most say they are good at it and fail in the end. It is a hard skill to master, but travel helps master that skill. Between all of the flights, trains, and appointments, you have to learn how to master managing your time, or you will end up stuck in a city that you do not want to be in. Traveling isn’t constantly about making flights and appointments, though. It is also about smushing in as much as possible in a small amount of time. You have to learn how to best plan your days in order to fit in everything you want. Once you are done traveling, you can use those skills in your daily life, as well.

Improve social skills

We already talked about how traveling can help you learn or master another language, but did you know that travel can also help improve your basic social skills, as well? Traveling in places that you are not familiar with requires you to branch out and ask questions and talk with other travelers and locals. If you are traveling with a group of people (lets say your family), travel (especially family European travel) will help improve your communication skills, as well. Social skills are necessary for educational and non-educational purposes, so you could always use an improvement in social skills!

 

Although traveling is one of the best educational experiences you could ever ask for, some sort of schooling is needed. Homeschooling is a fantastic option for travelers and it allows for flexibility, which is perfect! If you notice that your child is having trouble with schooling, definitely consider reaching out for help. Empowered Learning Transformation Centers, located in Hazlet, NJ works with homeschoolers and other children to assess and correct the underlying causes of a student’s inability to efficiently learn. It is the perfect enhancement to a child’s homeschooling instruction and it is customized based on your child’s learning style and skill level. “The Empowered Learning™ Program is an exclusive combination of “outside-the-box” educational and medical technologies that works on the brain’s processing abilities, directly affecting underdeveloped cognitive, visual and sensory-motor functions and literally changing the brain physically as it eliminates barriers to learning.”

 

Niagara Falls- Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls is nature at its mightiest. More than just a look at a waterfall, a visit is a full vacation surrounded by the natural beauty of the area and the luxury that has drawn tourists from around the world.

A great introduction to the Niagara Falls is from the water with tour from Niagara CruisesVoyage to the Falls boat tour visits Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the most famous, Horseshoe Falls. Whether you decide to see the Falls in the daylight, illuminated at night, or both, there is no better way than floating up close to the massive wall of moving water. You will almost certainly get wet if you are on the open/outdoor areas of the boat, make sure you wear your (free with purchase of ticket) parka they hand out. If you don’t take the night cruise, make sure you take the time to see the falls lit up at night- it’s a beautiful sight, and one you will be glad you took the time for. Before or after your ride, take advantage of “access to the Lower Landing and Falls viewing area” for a whole different viewpoint of Niagara Falls.

There are plenty of options to get close to the water on foot with the White Water Walk. Viewing platforms and a wooden boardwalk offer an up close look at the trillions of gallons of water that make the “Niagara River’s Class 6 white water rapids”. Rising above you are the walls of the Niagara Gorge, cut down by the power of the river to reveal “410-million-year-old rock layers”. The views you will get on your walk next to the raging waters are breathtaking and like none you will see anywhere else. It’s also a lovely stroll, one that anyone at any age can take.

niagara falls

 

If you are looking for a different angle to view the river, try the Whirlpool Aero Car. Over a century old (just celebrating it’s centennial in 2016) the trip takes you over “3,500 feet across the Canadian side of the Niagara River”. You will cross the international boarder between the USA and Canada during your trip. From the antique cable car, you look down over the Niagara Whirlpool, like seeing the eye of a storm from above.

Maybe a peak behind the running water with a visit to the tunnels of Journey Behind the Falls. You can feel the mist as Horseshoe Falls crashes down from 13 stories above. There is an upper and lower observation deck at the foot of the falls, just be prepared to get wet. In Spring and Summer, free souvenir rain ponchos are given out to protect you from the moisture kicked up in the air as water thunders past going 40 mph.

Wondering how Niagara Falls became the wonder that it is today? Take a look at Niagara’s Fury, a 4D, 360 degree movie that will dazzle and engage all your senses. This is a bit different then other tours, as it’s not out “in” nature, but brings nature in to you. The ground beneath you moves as the history of Niagara Falls unfolds. As the story is told, you are “snow” and water mist down on you and your family as you journey through 10,000 years of time, ending up in the present day. Take your souvenir (biodegradable) parkas with you when you leave, you never know when you will need one again.

You can take a break from getting wet and visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens just ten minutes north of the Falls. It is easily one of the most beautiful spots in the area, one that might be passed up due to the overwhelming draw of the falls themselves (but should be on your “to see” list). A highlight is the Butterfly Conservatory taking you to a world of tropical plants and colorful butterflies. Flying loose, they float in the air and decorate any leaf or flower they land on. Also available from May to mid-October are guided tours of the Botanical Gardens by horse drawn carriage.

You can get deals and packages and save quite a bit by doing so. If you plan on visiting multiple locations and attractions, or if you are staying for a few days, the Wonder Pass is a pretty good idea.  There are also buss passes and more to choose from- visit the Niagara Parks page for more information and to choose what suits your family’s needs.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls is the historic town of Niagara-on-the-lake. Located where lake Ontario meets the St Lawrence River the town has a story dating back to  1790’s when it was the original Capital of Upper Canada. If you want a cool title, get elected here and be addressed as Lord Mayor. Fort George has been restored to the original condition when it played a role in the War of 1812. The costumes and recreated lifestyle of the time period add to the immersion into local history.

The annual Shaw Theatre Festival, dedicated to George Bernard Shaw, playwright and nobel prize winner, is a great time to visit. Multiple festivals are held in Niagara-on-the-lake throughout the year including events dedicated wine. You might not think of Canada when grape growing comes to mind, but Lake Ontario causes moderate weather in the area so take advantage of the local wineries. Queen Street has shops and restaurants, that will introduce you to other regional favorites.  Stop for an Ontario specialty, Butter Tarts, or for locally made jams at Greaves Jams & Marmalades.

 

Exploring the Amazing Scuba Diving Sites of Malta And Gozo

Both Malta and Gozo have multiple spots that are perfect for scuba diving and that’s precisely why thousands of people travel to the islands every year during the summer months. However, what we have for you today are the absolute best of the best. If you want to make sure you will get the best diving spots offered on your trip, book your dive tour with Atlantis Dive Center.

The Um El Faroud Oil Tanker

If you are looking to dive deep inside a shipwreck, there’s no better option than to explore the Um El Faroud in Malta. It is advised that you dive with a guide because the streams can get very strong in the region. The 115-metre long and 10,000-ton heavy oil tanker is more than 30 meters deep and scuba divers find it to be a fascinating spot for exploration, especially due to the marine life that has made its home inside.

Cave Diving at the Double Arch

Considered to be one of the best examples of Gozo’s diving spots, the Double Arch is a cave diving experience like no other in the region. Do be careful of the sea urchins, but there are also many other types of fascinating marine life (octopi, squids, scorpionfish, and cuttlefish to name a few) to see here. The two arches here are 20 metres and 45 metres deep respectively.

P29 Patrol Boat

While all underwater wrecks are somewhat haunting to look at, this one is particularly thrilling to explore. The Maltese patrol boat P29 was sunk intentionally to create a reef for scuba diving enthusiasts and the result is actually quite good – and a bit creepy!

Reqqa Reef

If artificial reefs are not for you, the Reqqa Reef in Ghasri, Gozo has you covered. It’s an ideal spot to see the marine life of the North Coast in all its diversity. Divers should see huge schools of fish, stingrays, moray eels, and lobsters among countless other examples of the fabulous marine life that thrives here.

Billinghurst Cave

The final entry on this list is the 50-metre long and 30-metre deep Billinghurst Cave, which is famous for the spectacular effects produced when sunlight hits the entrance. Once you enter the cave though, it’s very dark, so you will need to bring your own light source in order to see the red sponges, coral covered walls, and the various species of brightly coloured fish. It almost feels like a different world inside that tunnel.

If you are wondering why the Blue Hole is not on this list, in spite of it formerly being one of the best spots for scuba diving in the entire European continent, then that’s because the Azure Window collapsed last year into the sea during a storm and the Blue Hole is off-limits indefinitely, if not permanently. Keep in mind that the choice of best spots may differ from person to person and there truly are so many amazing scuba diving spots in these areas. Nevertheless, if this is your first visit, you cannot go wrong with any of the ones mentioned here.

John Glenn Astronomy Park to share hero’s legacy with next generation

Forty miles southeast of Columbus in the secluded and tranquil woods of the Hocking Hills State Park, community members are setting their sights on the sky. Ohio’s Hocking Hills, known for its lack of light pollution and resulting clear night sky views, has always been a mecca for astronomy fanatics. Thus, members of the Friends of Hocking Hills State Park (FHHSP) has broken ground on for John Glenn Astronomy Park, which opens in early 2018. Named for one of America’s greatest heroes and an Ohio native, the park is made possible through generous donations and pledges from community members.

John Glenn Astronomy Park will not only allow visitors to explore the night sky, but will also offer daytime study, welcoming visitors to its Solar Plaza to study the Sun, Earth and the North Celestial Pole, among other celestial features. It is ideal for research, star parties, special events and general daily visitation. Designed by Ohio-based M&A Architects, the Astronomy Park includes:

  • An ideal elevation of 1,000 feet
  • An 80-foot in diameter Solar Plaza, which highlights the Sun’s orientation to the Earth as it changes throughout the year and is encircled by a low wall with notches that offer framed views of the Sun on key days
  • An enclosed 540-square-foot observatory featuring a retractable roof to permit night sky viewing
  • Gathering areas
  • Open green space
  • Plenty of free parking

Perhaps the most famous Ohioan with an eye on the cosmos, John Glenn, agreed to lend his name to the park, giving it his blessing shortly before passing away on Dec. 8, 2016.

“The Friends of Hocking Hills State Park organization is honored to move forward with a project that will bear Glenn’s name and legacy for years to come, with a focus on educating and engaging visitors,” said Julieann Burroughs, president of the FHHSP Board of Directors. “The park will spark an interest in science, exploration and astronomy among guests of all ages and is expected to become a meaningful scientific research facility.”

Preliminary design for John Glenn Astronomy Park is complete and construction of the park, which is located next to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills State Park is well underway. Land for the astronomy park will be leased to the Friends organization by ODNR for $1. As observatories statewide find their views obscured by increasing light pollution, the facility will solidify Hocking Hills’ reputation as one of the country’s last great pollution-free spots for stargazing. The region draws more than 3 million visitors annually from around the globe, with most coming to experience its unspoiled natural environment.

“In addition to miles and miles of trails through dense forests, stunning rock formations and rushing waterfalls, our star-filled skies get high marks from visitors,” said Hocking Hills Tourism Association Executive Director Karen Raymore. “The Tourism Association is thrilled at the opportunity to offer one more reason for travelers to visit the region and a new way for them to experience another natural attraction, which has been here since the dawn of time.”

John Glenn Astronomy Park in Ohio

Study the sky night or day!

What does it take to make for ideal astronomy viewing? Exactly the conditions you will find in Ohio’s Hocking Hills. That is why it is now the home of the John Glenn Astronomy Park. The Hocking Hills State Park is located forty miles from Columbus, easy to get to but far enough to have excellent visibility without light pollution getting in the way of star gazing.

Clear night skies have drawn many astronomy enthusiasts and now the John Glenn Astronomy Park takes that to the next level. The Solar Plaza welcomes visitors to study the daytime features of the sky. The Sun, Earth, and the North Celestial Pole are just a few of the features on display before the night time show begins. The enclosed 540-square-foot observatory allows for viewing the night sky with its retractable roof.

If you want to spark some excitement in nature and science this is a great destination. So many of us get a diluted view of the stars that it is easy to forget how magical and inspirational they are. This park offers visitors the experience of the near pristine night sky through a large telescope and with their bare eyes.

Night or day you can head to the woods and enjoy the Hocking Hills State Park then visit the observatory at the John Glenn Astronomy Park to get a wider view of the natural world.

Ohio’s Hocking Hills, known for its lack of light pollution and resulting clear night sky views, has always been a mecca for astronomy fanatics. Thus, members of the Friends of Hocking Hills State Park (FHHSP) has broken ground on for John Glenn Astronomy Park, which opens in early 2018. Named for one of America’s greatest heroes and an Ohio native, the park will be fully built and ready to open formally in June. 

In the park’s own words, “sadly, the lights of our modern world have, in recent decades, put our view of the heavens behind a veil of artificial light.   Most of us live under a sky that gives only a pale, washed out hint of its former beauty.

An astronomy park in the Hocking Hills State park was inspired by our vanishing night sky.   The Hocking Hills, in rural southeastern Ohio, is one of the few areas left in the state of Ohio where the night sky can be seen in its near pristine state.   The observatory will provide a venue for visitors to the Hocking Hills State park to experience the night sky through a large telescope and with their eyes.”

Find out more on the John Glen Astronomy Park website – jgap.info – or on Social Media – Facebook

How to Plan for a Luxury Family Holiday in Sicily – Tips and Tricks

Are you just about to start planning your upcoming family vacation to Sicily but don’t want it to seem like the typical holiday? Rather than doing the typical things and staying in the typical hotels, why not kick your vacation up a notch and turn it into a luxury getaway? Sicily is just the right place to plan for something luxurious, giving the entire family memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve never planned a luxury family holiday before, then these tips and tricks will help you to pull it off without any stress or worries.

Upgrade the Accommodation

One of the key ingredients in luxury travel is to upgrade your accommodation. Rather than staying in the typical large chain hotel, why not book a holiday villa for the family? The Wish Sicily site (https://www.wishsicily.com/) provides you with a huge collection of Sicilian villas to choose from, all with their own style and amenities. Not only will a villa be more luxurious, it’s also more convenient for families since you’ll have a lot more space to stretch out in, a kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and even outdoor space (depending on the villa you book).

Book a Private Tour

If you and the family are visiting Sicily for the first time, then you’ll quickly discover there is a lot to see and do. With that said, there are all kinds of tours and day trips you can sign up for, but you’ll be with a group of people. For the ultimate in luxury experiences, why not book a private tour where you’ll also be able to customize the itinerary. This is a great way to make sure you see and do everything you want without having to just go along with pre-determined itinerary. You can view some of the private tours available at https://www.toursbylocals.com/Sicily-Tours.

Rent a Luxury Car to Tour Around

Rather than relying on taxis to get around, you may want to rent a luxury car so that you can drive to any place you want. Just make sure the vehicle is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. It will also need to be big enough to handle everyone’s luggage.

Get Restaurant and Shopping Recommendations

While there is nothing wrong with hitting up the typical touristy restaurants and shopping destinations, if you want a more realistic and authentic look at Sicily, it’s best to ask where the locals go. You can specify that you want an authentic and luxury experience, which will likely take you off the typical beaten path.

Have a Travel Agent Help You Out

Planning a vacation is no easy task, and if it’s a destination you’ve never travelled to before, it’s even tougher. It can be extremely helpful to speak to a travel agent and have them build you the perfect itinerary with all your luxury requests in mind.

By using these tips and tricks you’ll be able to put together a luxurious family vacation to Sicily that no-one will forget. These tips will help you to make the best use of the time, and ensure the vacation is everything you hoped it would be.