Great Brisbane Destinations for Young Travelers

February 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Young, wild and free? Here are some of the best Brisbane destinations that are perfect for young travelers (or anyone who’s up for the challenge, really.)

Some tourists may be hard pressed to find rental car once they arrived, which is why it is recommended to book before arriving. The car hire in Brisbane by DriveNow, for instance, allows you to easily and quickly book car hire online and get behind the wheels right after arriving at the airport.

Tree top walk. Found at Lamington National Park, this trail of suspension bridges is the closest you can come to walking on air. The structure was built 25 years ago and features 180 meters of suspended bridges, which sways 15 meters off the ground. Conquer your acrophobia (fear of heights) and burst through the canopy by climbing up to one of two observation decks along the way. The highest tower reaches 30 meters above ground.

Games night out. Put some supersized fun into your next board game by playing with your buddies using a giant version of classic board games. Game Night is held in King George Square every last Thursday of each month starting at 5 PM up to 9 PM. There are giant versions of Connect Four, Jenga, Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, as well as a selection of regular board games. What’s best is that joining is free and you can bring your own games.

Moreton Island glamping. Love camping but not the gear-lugging, latrine digging and tent-pitching? Take a trip to Merton Island and take advantage of their “glamp,” which is a collection of permanent two and four-person tents which are splendidly furnished with a queen size bed, veranda and other necessities. No more creepy crawlies! You can choose to rough it by cooking your own meal at the communal kitchen and barbecue area or glam it up by simply strolling to the on-site restaurant.

City hopper ride. If time is on your side and wants to explore Brisbane’s inner centre, then jump aboard a CityHopper. A free service ride that uses reconditioned Brisbane City Council ferries and meanders along the river. The ferry stops at North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street terminals. Catch the red-hued CityHoppers between 6 AM and midnight, seven days a week. They run every 30 minutes, so you and your travel buddies have plenty of chance.

Seafood. Craving for seafood? You can buy fresh prawns from the trawler in Cabbage Tree Creek at Shorncliffe.  The trawlers can be found mooring along the Sinbad St. stretch of the inlet, playing their ocean-fresh offering on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Rooftop Cinema. The rooftop bar of Fortitude Valley’ Lime Hotel has the best view in town. They screen classic films as well as recent releases on Thursday nights starting at 7:30 PM while you recline on couches and pillows or you can even set yourself up at bar tables. The bar opens at 5 PM, serving tapas and drinks, and stays open after the movie ends until midnight.

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Tips for holidaying during cash crunch

January 27, 2017 by 2 Comments

A vacation, especially a family vacation means you need to be ready for many expenses like transportation, accommodation, food and drinks, and so on. Holidays are meant to be relaxing and comforting but unexpected cash crunch can ruin your mood completely.

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, you can book cheap apartments to rent in Amsterdam for long term that are not only cost-effective but comfortable too. Enjoy the atmosphere of Amsterdam and discover the amazing museums, galleries, shops and café by comfortable tram rides. Riding a bicycle on the streets of Amsterdam can give you a very satisfying experience. You do not have to be a financial broke after visiting Amsterdam. There are plenty of tourism sites which give amazing deals on Amsterdam tourism. You do not have to sacrifice your enjoyment to make it cost-effective.

Amsterdam has the widest selection of accommodation. There are many options to suit every taste and budget. The canal homes and old-world hotels give the travelers the most satisfying holiday experience in Amsterdam.

Budget accommodations– As Amsterdam is one of the busiest tourist destinations, it is always better to book your accommodation in advance. There are plenty of budget accommodations in the city. For a pocket-friendly holiday in Amsterdam, you can look for studio apartments. Studios are an appropriate arrangement for couples visiting the city. Booking a self-catering apartment can also save your money. In a self-catering establishment, tourists can cook their own meals. Youth hostels are great for students and backpackers. Some of the hostels have separate smoking rooms. Bigger apartments are suitable for a group of families traveling together. The families traveling together can share the rent of the apartment. The holiday apartments come cheap if you book for a longer period.

Book early– To save some extra money during your holiday, plan well. If you plan early and book your budget accommodations early, you can get some handsome discounts. Use price comparison websites to check the lowest rate for rooms. Plan your vacation in the off-season. Usually, less number of tourists visits Amsterdam in winter. Hotels and apartments give great discounts during the off-season. Make the most of it.

Travel light– Keep your bags and suitcases as light as possible. Research on the weather and pack your clothes accordingly. When you pack light, you do not have to pay extra for your heavy baggage.

Public Transportation & Tourist Pass– Research on public transportation system of the city before arriving. The tram rides are quite comfortable in Amsterdam and suitable for sightseeing too. You can also book a sightseeing bus ride at an affordable rate. Get a tourist pass to travel through the city. These passes can save a lot of money. Travel passes are available for different durations (one day to seven days passes).

If you are short on budget you can easily skip the souvenirs. The t-shirts, caps or keychains are not the things that make your holiday memorable. Click lots of photos and take them back home as photos are one of the cheap ways to share fond memories. The cafés are the part of Amsterdam’s cultural heritage. Visit one or two during your stay in the city. If you are short on cash, you can try small cafes in the streets of Amsterdam. They serve amazing food for little prices.

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TRAVEL TO SPACE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM @ExploreSpaceKSC #JoinTheJourney

January 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Experience space as only NASA astronauts have before with the new, custom-designed Space Visor virtual reality headset and mobile applications available exclusively at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Available for purchase at visitor complex gift shops and online at TheSpaceShop.com, the Space Visor transports users to a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), where they can explore inside and learn about each module, and then to the surface of the moon on a rocky lunar rover ride.  Other experiences include visits to restricted areas at the visitor complex such as the Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules and more. The headset can be used while at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and then from anywhere else a user might be.

“At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex we create immersive space experiences for our visitors,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “The Space Visor is the next step to bring our guests an unparalleled experience at the height of current technology.”

The premium headset allows users to interact with three separate applications:

  • KSC 360 Expedition encompasses all parts of the visitor complex, and users are prompted to learn facts about each rocket in the Rocket Garden, gaze at space shuttle Atlantis as she floats in orbit, take a ride on the moon in a lunar rover at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and sit in the commander seat of the Mercury-Atlas 8, Gemini IX and Apollo 14 capsules.
  • Space Dreams explores the room of a space-inspired child to learn facts and figures about the solar system from galactic-themed décor including each planet, a Mars rover and a Mercury spacesuit.
  • Edge of Home allows guests to see the International Space Station like an astronaut; they will take part in an extravehicular activity, walk around the outside of the ISS while learning facts and figures about each module.

Delaware North, operators of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, worked with Orlando-based VR technology partner, brandVR, to create content that is compelling and approachable for all audiences.

For more information, click here.

This information has been provided by and used with permission of www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Romantic getaway: Europe’s 8 most amorous cities

January 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day marks the time of year you can put aside everything else and focus on you and your loved one – at least if you’re lucky enough! In which case, why not really indulge you and your partner by booking a city-break overseas in one of Europe’s most romantic metropolises? But which one to choose…?

Paris

Nicknamed the ‘City of Love’, Paris is pretty much the obvious, nay essential place to kick-off a list of this ilk. Blessed with so many delightful sights – from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe to the Latin Quarter and the cobbled streets of the bohemian Montmartre to all those bridges over the Seine – it may be a cliché to say Paris is the ideal city for lovers to visit, but its romanticism is absolutely unquestioned.

Venice

As far as this blogger’s concerned, Venice may just be the most romantic city in the entire world. Built on an island lying in a lagoon, it contains villas, opera houses, canals and nary a road to be seen. Much of it dates from the Renaissance, including so many of the timeless artworks to be discovered in its multitude of churches. Beautiful and utterly unique in equal measure.

Florence

Speaking of the Renaissance, you absolutely can’t overlook its birthplace as a possible Valentine’s destination. Brimming with spellbinding architecture and stunning statues, it’s also blessed with that awe-inspiring Tuscan sun, gorgeous gelato and all those utterly delicious food dishes. The one problem with the place perhaps is that it’s so beautiful you may never want to leave!

Barcelona

A world-renowned Iberian institution, the Catalan capital is Spain’s most popular tourist destination – and for good reason. Offering up all those magnificently shaped Gaudi structures, incredible cuisine, supreme nightlife and, for culture vultures, a fascinating history and arts scene, it’s a metropolis to absolutely explore (so best pack those comfy but great-for-walking women’s brogue shoes from Mr Shoes) while on a romantic getaway.

Vienna

Waltzes, Ferris wheels, pastries, horse-drawn carriages, royal residences, opera and exquisite Imperial architecture; yes, this Central European capital that’s oozing historical resonance has it all. Easily one of the most elegant cities you could care to visit, why not take a Viennese whirl in one of those Hell Bunny skirts in the Austrian capital? Why not, indeed!
Amsterdam

The Dutch capital’s another city blessed with the beauty that a cornucopia of canals can bring, yet – unlike one or two others on this list – it’s far from the mega metropolis; to visit Amsterdam is to take in a charmingly and very charismatically compact city. And, frankly, who couldn’t feel amorous here, with all its cafés and restaurants and bicycles and echoes of the Dutch masters?

Prague

A perennial destination for stag and hen dos it may be, but this relatively recently discovered tourist-trap of a European capital also makes for a fine Valentine’s short-break location. Why? Because, once again, the architecture is breath-taking in its old fashioned beauty, while its restaurants and café culture are topped off by its plethora of cosy bars in which you and your loved one can sample and sup from an unparalleled choice of fine beers – or a bottle or two of red, of course!
Santorini

Finally, who could overlook the picture-postcard beauty of this little bit of heaven in the Aegean Ocean. In actual fact, this destination’s an entire island (one of the Cyclades) as much as it’s a city, but with its rugged landscape, whitewashed cubiform houses and, of course, that blue, blue Mediterranean water, it’s simply an irresistible locale to while away a few loved up days with your special someone.

 

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7 Ways to Save for Your Next Family Vacation

January 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Family vacations are a fun, much-needed time for families to have together. It allows them to get out of the normal routines and just create new experiences in a new destination. The only problem is, depending on the size of your family, going on vacation can be expensive, causing some families to miss out altogether. The good news is there are some ways that you can pull more savings so that you can book that much-needed trip this year. Check them out below:

1.  Don’t Eat Out

Eating out is a ton of fun, but also comes at a hefty price. If you’re going to increase your vacation savings you’re going to want to cut back on eating out. If you’re used to eating out 3 times a week, cut back to once per week and put the money you would have spent on the other days into a savings account.

2.  Keep the Change

A penny saved is a penny earned. When it comes to saving loose change, it can add up pretty quickly. When paying for things, use cash and never give exact change. When the cashier gives you the change, place it into a piggy bank or jar. When the jar fills up, take it to your local bank and have it added to your savings account. You can do this every month until you’re ready to book the trip.

3.  Switch Energy Services

Some of the highest bills in the house are the mortgage and the energy bill. If you’re dealing with a higher energy bill, you may want to look into ways to cut those costs. Aside from taking actions like reducing your energy consumption, you can also check online resources to find out how to switch to a more affordable energy provider.

4.  Withdrawal From Your Bank’s ATM

Have you ever checked your bank statement and added up how much you’ve spent in a month on ATM fees? The number just might surprise you. While it might seem like a $2.00 fee won’t be much, if you’re using the ATM even 5 times in a month, you’re throwing away $10 a month or $120 a year. Not to mention any additional fees your bank might assess because you didn’t use their ATM. The best bet is to withdrawal the funds from your bank’s ATM.

5.  Cut Cable

Cable services can cost several hundred dollars per month. While your family may love watching their favorite shows and movies when they get home each day, there are more affordable solutions to get entertainment. Subscribing to streaming services, for instance, allows you to see TV shows and movies instantly. You could also consider getting a library card and checking out movies for free!

6.  Use Coupons and Codes

Coupons have and will always be a great way to save money on things you purchase. You don’t have to be an extreme coupon saver to get the savings either. Simply clipping coupons out of your local newspaper and using them can save you money. You can also use coupon codes and verified codes online to get huge discounts on already affordable internet shopping deals.

7.  Earn Some Cash

If you’re having trouble saving from your current budget you can always increase the amount of income you have. There are plenty of side hustles out there that you could consider to earn some extra cash for your vacation. For instance, having a yard sale and getting rid of all your unwanted belongings can bring in vacation money. Some might consider being an Uber driver and using their car to get some extra money.

Don’t let finances keep you from going out and having a good time with your family. If you’re struggling to find the money to pay for your next vacation, give some of these creative ideas a try. By putting the money you’re saving directly into an interest bearing account, you’ll also allow your vacation savings to increase by just sitting there! With these saving tips and a being financially savvy while on vacation can help you cut back and enjoy creating memories with the ones you love.

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Heroes and Legends of Kennedy Space Center

December 30, 2016 by 4 Comments

 

“To sit back and let fate play its hand out and never influence it is not the way man was meant to operate.”

~John Glenn

space center

The passing of the iconic John Glenn – astronaut, Senator, and American hero – served as a reminder to us all of who and what’s truly admirable in life. Mind numbing apps, mediocre professional athletes who make headlines for all the wrong reasons, C-list television personalities famous for reasons no one really knows . . . these are the kinds of people who have been influencing our children (and let’s face it- many adults as well). But we’re in a position to change all that, to instill the values we hold dear.

Inspiration can be thrilling! There’s no better place to experience that than a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida with the new Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing. This multimedia collection of interactive exhibits includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and much more. These exciting parts of the complex lead to the stunning rotunda celebrating our country’s fearless space explorers.

rocket garden

Located next to the Rocket Garden, the new exhibit begins with a 360 degree movie featuring clips of NASA, the lives of astronauts, and some memorabilia. Listening to the journeys that were made, watching the work that was done, hearing how humble these brave men and women are about the entire thing was both moving and humbling.  As you move through the Heroes and Legends, you head into large area that hangs a rocket overhead, and houses space shuttles as well as personal items of the astronauts . Characteristics that one would require to journey into space title each display, such as “Selfless”, “Inspired”, “Courageous”, with items that an astronaut felt inspirational to the person they became or an important representation of how they became the man or woman that they did. Many chose to include toys, comic books, and scouting or sports memorabilia in their representative items, reminding us that what we do as children (and what we expose our children to) really does mold who they become.

kennedy space center

You can also find the original setup and belongings of the Mercury Mission Control room, and watch a 4-D movie titled “Through the Eyes of a Hero”, which depicts the lives, excitement, setbacks and wins of the space program as well as the 93 astronauts who have so far been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

When you finish viewing, head through the doors to the Astronaut Hall of Fame and be greeted by Alan Shepherd (in statue form) to meet the inductees. Created by the Mercury Seven Astronauts (the same who adorn the outside wall of the building) as a place to honor American Astronauts, you can learn about their lives with displays and interactive touch screens.

hall of fame

With all the ugliness that has surrounded recent months, spending time at the Kennedy Space Center’s Heroes and Legends was almost healing, a balm to the soul. Looking to the stars brought me back to Earth. It was a gentle reminder of a proud history, of great minds and brave souls working together to achieve tremendous things. While no one would call me an overly emotional person for the most part, I have to admit that I found myself misty-eyed more then once.  What’s next for NASA? Well, as they will tell you- they will keep exploring.

As inspiring as the site is – and make no mistake, this is a powerfully enriching destination to visit – its behind the scenes projects are impressive, too. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) helps university students pursue careers in math, science, and technology. The U.S. Space Camp incorporates the Hall of Fame in its program.  You and your family can have lunch with an astronaut should you so choose, and ask questions about life in space or NASA. It’s not only fun, but a wonderful experience for anyone, no matter how old or young. Photos are available with the astronaut afterward, as well. In case you were wondering- of course they have Tang.

astronaugt hall of fame

Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

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Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Punta Cana

December 28, 2016 by 6 Comments

When it comes to family vacations, the bar is always being raised. Let’s face it: families want something that’s quite a step above camping in the backyard for their getaways. This time of year, most of us are craving warm temps, sunny skies, and lots of opportunities for a swim. Exotic and different are icing on the cake. That’s why Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) is sure to inspire memories that last forever. I was happy to be hosted to experience it.

dominican resorts

The resort’s luxurious accommodation includes the Swank Swim-Up Suite. Imagine a private, VIP-style wrap-around terrace that’s adjacent to the pool, along with sunbathing beds. You’ll feel like the resort’s all your own. There are other configurations and sizes of swim-up rooms as well, to suit different needs and family sizes.

resorts punta cana

You’ll find the décor bright and cheery, but with simple, modern lines to feel more relaxed – rather than formal and uptight. Kid friendly, but still chic.

spongebob pineapple house

The ultimate in luxe accommodations, and still able to fit a larger family is The Pineapple, inspired by SpongeBob Square Pants’ home under the sea. Two bedrooms and three bedrooms in a loft configuration are looked after by your own personal butler. Special activities can be booked for guests staying here, such as a moonlight beach dinner prepared by a world-class chef, wine tasting, an in-suite afternoon tea party, pizza party, or pajama party.

dominican republic resort

So, if you crave more water than swimming in the pool, they have the beautiful Uvero Alto Beach available and just steps away. There are plenty of lounge chairs and even beach beds available for guests to use, you won’t need to scramble for them or search around in vain. The beach is lovely, quiet, and very clean. You will want to spend quite a lot of time there, if you are like me. You can order drinks while on the beach as well, which makes staying longer even more appealing. Other outdoor games and activities, such as tennis, are found at the resort, along with playrooms for the kids and the opportunity to run into – and take photos with – your favorite Nickelodeon characters, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Indoor activities include the fitness and dance studio.

family resort

Their spa can be a welcome respite from the kiddies – with experienced resort staff taking care of them should you so desire– or have them join in the fun with mani-pedis designed for them or a massage with marshmallow butter. There are several outdoor cabanas where you can get your treatments, as well. My son and I enjoyed a morning at the spa (dad was not into it) where we enjoyed a mother/son massage treatment (in the same outdoor cabana at the same time). He was thrilled he was able to be a “big guy” and indulge with mom in some special time. I also got my hair done, which was fun for me. I very rarely get any alone time. The staff was very nice and made it easy to relax.

hotel spa

For something a little dirtier, there’s always the famous Nickelodeon slime!  This happens several times a day at the waterpark area, and you can also reserve your very own family slime-ing at the front desk.  Not to be missed while at Nickelodeon, of course.

get slimed

The Nickelodeon Place waterpark area is a child’s paradise, with quite a few slides, a giant water bucket that dumps frequently, a “lazy river”, and more. We spent quite a lot of time there, and with a restaurant (Aqua Bite) at the location, it made it easy not to leave. If mom and dad need a minute, there are plenty of lounge chairs to relax on.

waterparks

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is Nickelodeon’s first-ever international property, providing both nonstop family entertainment and Karisma’s renowned Gourmet Inclusive® Experience.   Located on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach in the Dominican Republic, the upscale property has re-imagined the art of hospitality to deliver delightful twists including surprise slimes and unexpected visits from your favorite Nickelodeon characters.  Combined with world-class dining and drinking indulgences, sleek modern design and innovative amenities, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana offers an unforgettable getaway for Nickelodeon fans and luxe resort lovers alike.

Disclosure- We stayed at the resort in order to share our experiences with you. All opinions are my own and honest.

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How to Travel and Still Advance Your Career

December 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Going on an extended trip and exploring the world doesn’t have to mean putting the rest of your life on hold. A lot of avid travelers I know actually have a strong career or a successful business they run while traveling. Thanks to the internet and today’s best mobile devices, there are actually a lot of things you can do while traveling.

In this article, however, we’re going to talk about how you can still advance your career and enjoy an extended trip to amazing places. Here are a few things you can do to achieve this.

Rack Up Experiences

Just because you’re away, doesn’t mean you can’t still work. Some companies now allow employees to work from remote locations. If you happen to be working for a company or a startup that allows remote working, spending a few hours every day to catch up on work-related tasks can always be done no matter where you are.

You can also seek freelance projects or switch to an online job completely. These projects can be added to your CV – and your LinkedIn profile – which means you will be able to find a better position to fill when you get back thanks to the wealth of experiences you bring home.

Lastly, consider offering consultation services in a field you’re really good at. For example, you can consult for online businesses if you know your way around internet marketing and content creation. You can even use the trips you’re on as a selling point and produce awesome content along the way.

Pursue a Higher Degree

Another cool thing you can do while you’re away is pursue a higher degree. Thanks to distance learning programs from top universities, you can now get a master’s in various fields without actually attending physical classes or becoming a full time student. Online courses offer the same accredited degrees as their offline counterparts, which means you can take a program that suits you and be qualified for mid- to top-level management positions when you’re done.

Some degrees have more potential than the others. Be sure to check out the market and find degrees that are in high demand before choosing a course to take. The future for those with an online healthcare administration degree is particularly bright because the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing today. Those with MBAs and other degrees will also find the market to be particularly promising.

Work Overseas

Of course, you can also enjoy relaxing weekends at exotic destinations when you work for a European or Asian company. Some US-based companies also have branches overseas, allowing you to apply for a lucrative position in great areas and have more opportunities to travel.

Working overseas may not mean being able to travel or relax every day, but it is still a nice compromise between exploring the world and boosting your career. Once you’re happy with the experiences you gather, you can relocate back home without having to start over with your career.

Do you have other tips and stories about boosting your career while traveling the world? Be sure to share them in the comments section below.

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