Showing posts with label Guest Post On Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guest Post On Travel. Show all posts

Looking for Quirky Things to Do Off the Beaten Path in Hong Kong?

Are you bored of the cliché guidebooks suggestions for the major tourist attractions in Hong Kong? Are you eager to go off the beaten track and explore more of this fascinating city? When you look beyond the obvious tourist hotspots, you will find that there is so much more happening in Hong Kong and that this city has infinite weird and wonderful experiences to enjoy. 
Here are a few of the most interesting and wacky things that you can do while you are in Hong Kong:

Go Clam Digging

You might not have thought of Hong Kong as a place to go digging for clams, but it is a favourite pastime on Mui Wo, a town located on Lantau Island. The best place to look for clams is the point when the River Silver enters Silvermine Bay. You can also visit the peaceful and quiet village of Shui Hau, where you can get the digging tools from the Fung Wong Bungalow Centre. If you get yourself some clams, the Bungalow will even cook them up for you.

Check Out Great Street Art

When the thought of visiting an art gallery seems a little bit boring and cliché, why not take a stroll down the street and check out some modern and edgy street art instead. Some of the best examples of street art in the city are at the intersection of Oil Street and Victoria Harbour. The concrete walls in this seaside location are festooned with a great collection of colourful and quirky paintings.

Go on a Vertical Bar Crawl

Have you ever been on a night out where getting to the next bar required going up an elevator rather than walking down the street? At the Circle Tower in Causeway Ball, you will find more than 20 bars, one on each floor. You can start at the top and work your way down, or vice versa.

Visit a Farm on a Roof

The HK farm is a tiny island of green in the middle of a sea of grey concrete. Located on a 4,000 square foot rooftop, it grows local organic produce. It also offers a number of activities for visitors, such as a farmer’s market, tours and beekeeping demonstrations.
These are just a few of the quirky and fascinating things that you will find when you venture off the beaten path in Hong Kong.

Plan Your Hong Kong Adventure with Flight Centre

Are you eager to book a Hong Kong flight already? When you are planning your travels, consult the expert advice of your Flight Centre travel agency. They are well versed in the art of travel and they will be able to help you design the perfect getaway. Not only will they be able to find you a cheap flight, they will also offer insightful travel advice based on their insider knowledge of Hong Kong. 

Whenever booking with Flight Centre, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Lowest Airfare Guarantee. This means that if you find a cheaper price on airfare anywhere else, your Flight Centre agent will beat the price by $10 and offer you a $100 voucher for travel. So what are you waiting for?

What would Want you to modify in parking meters?


In complete parking system, Parking meters are the places where most of the time is consumed. Parking meters sometimes are thus frustrating. However you might have thought of some modifications if they were present in parking meters, parking would have been really easy. You might be glad to know parking meter modifications suggested for many years and can really helpful are in the process and modifications might soon be available. Have a look at parking meter modification you might see in near future.

Quick credit/debit card payments:

If you choose to pay your parking fees from credit/debit cards instead of cards then you might have to be involved in a process that can last for 30 mins to 1 hour as well. It is mainly because of the factors such as busy credit/debit card machines, slow internet connection to process charges, support for particular bank or financial institution credit/debit cards and so on. However as per modifications are concerned in the near future, parking companies have planned to solve this problem by providing direct link machines. These direct link machines will work on a private internet line which allows accessing and processing credit/debit card payments quickly. Moreover these machines will be installed in parking meters directly to decrease the quantity of people in a queue waiting for service.

Universal parking cards:

Parking companies are planning to develop parking cards which will be accepted by all parking meters, no matter what company they belong to. These parking cards will be like ATM cards and one can use one particular parking meter card into another company’s parking as well. The parking meters universal card idea is still under process of complete development. Advantages of this modification will be decreased time to get access to parking. Moreover parking fees will go down as there will be no requirement to recruit separate parking assistants who process payments for parking. These parking meter cards once bought should we recharged with an amount and one can use them in any parking for ex in airports, malls, cinemas etc.

Solar parking meters:

It’s one change which is not of advantage or disadvantage to common people but this change is good for the environment.  In most parking spots, parking meters are placed outside directly where sunlight falls, so parking meters in futures are planned to run on solar energy and keep the underline electricity line as backup power. The idea will benefit in saving huge amount of electricity as there are many parking meters present in one country. In parking areas where parking is located in the underground area of the building, solar panels can also be installed in a nearby street lights outside.

Parking meters will charge based on parking time:

This modification is in successful application in many parking meters. Airport parking Heathrow is one example of it. Parking meters offer parking individuals with different packages that are based on parking time. For ex if someone is on parking at the airport and will be returned after two or three days then he can opt for packages with long parking durations. Thus one can select any package as per suitable time and thus charges of these parking packages vary based on parking time you require.

Top 5 Theme Parks in Southern California




There’s so much to love and enjoy about Southern California. The sun is always shining, the ocean is ready for swimming and the mountains are gorgeous. Still, one of the best aspects of Southern California is all the access to theme parks. If you’re planning on visiting California to bask in all the sights and sounds, here are the five best amusement parks you need to visit.

Universal Studios

Tucked away in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood—a real movie studio and theme park. The park has about 16 rides based on movies, including King Kong, The Mummy, Jurassic Park and more. What makes this so unique is that you can go on tours of old studios and possibly get a glimpse at the studios of current movies. Just outside the park is the CityWalk with live music, movies and shops.

Knott’s Berry Farm

On the site of an old berry farm, the seeds of the modern day amusement park were planted when Walter Knott held fairs on his land. Now the Orange County theme park boasts 40 rides with great rollercoasters and activities. One of the main themes of the park is the old West and quintessential America. This is a really fun park to visit.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

This theme park in Valencia is much more intense and scary than the other parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for its massive rollercoasters that try to spin you around as much as possible while scaring you out of your mind. The park has 52 rides—most of which set the standard for the rest of the rollercoaster-centric theme parks around the world. It is currently developing what will be the third tallest ride in the world that will open in 2013. Since it’s essentially in the desert, avoid going in the height of summer.

SeaWorld San Diego

If you’re not keen on waiting for rollercoasters in the desert, head farther south to San Diego’s SeaWorld. This amusement park combines a traditional theme park with the animals of a zoo. Here you can see exhibits of beautiful animals like dolphins, polar bears, beluga whales and more. They also have eight rides for you to enjoy and several show focusing tricks the animals can do. It’s thoroughly entertaining

Disneyland/California Adventure

Finally, you have one of the most well-known theme parks in the world: Disneyland. The original Disney theme park is filled with magic and unique experiences. Although California Adventure is considered another theme park, it adjoins with Disneyland and you can buy a dual ticket, which is definitely worth it. You have to loose yourself in the world of Disney at least once in your life.

Tim Martinez grew up in Southern California and loves to travel. When he’s not traveling, he writes for the official blog of Camping Gear Outlet.

11 Sensational places to be visited – Booking these at the instant

The winter is all set to come. However, there’s time enough for you to plan if and where you would vacation during the winter. If you can pan ahead of time, you will be able to save lots before and also while traveling. It is always wise to budget travel, rather than spending extravagantly while vacationing, and then falling deep into the sea of debt. You would never like to spoil the joys of traveling to somewhere extravagant, beautiful and spectacular. So, it is better to start saving from now on, and plan the vacation early, so that you do not incur debts while traveling.
The 11 beautiful places to be visited this winter
Some of the most beautiful places, where you can visit this winter, are:
  1. The Theme Park heaven – Orlando, in Florida, is the best place for the theme park vacations. It is home to the most beautiful theme park of the world – the Disney Land. Then, there’s the Universal Studios Florida, and the SeaWorld Orlando.
  2. Safari in the form of surfing – Laguna Beach, is one of the iconic 7 mile stretch of sea and sand situated in the Southern California's, Orange County, where you can soak yourself up in the waters and just relax in the sun. you may also be able to browse through the art galleries over there.
  3. Visiting the South Border – Tulum in Mexico, is the place for a seaside community. There are many of the beautiful Caribbean beaches, known mainly for the giant sea turtles. There are also the Mayan ruins, situated on these beaches, with the temples and the castillos from 3th, 14th, and 15th centuries. There are also the ruins which adorn the cliff.
  4. Fulfilling your Caribbean dream – Puerto Rico is a city styled in the old world fashion, where you may be able to explore the rain forests, visit the bay which glows in the dark, and is eerie too.
  5. Travelling the paradise in the Pacific – This place, Oahu situated in the Hawaii, is mainly a very simple place, and that’s what attracts most people. Such a place can help you in de-stressing. The Beach Walk is full of gift shops and art galleries.
  6. Skiing the Rocky Mountains – Those who are fond of the cold weather, Bozeman, in Montana is the right place. The air is filled with the scent of the pine trees, and chilling. If you are interested enough, you may be able to see some finest dinosaur fossils of the world.
  7. Observing the Southwestern Sun – There’s lots to Albuquerque, in New Mexico, other than the golf courses and baseball exhibitions. There’s the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and the Pueblo Cultural Center, which exhibits the art collections of Southwestern Native American. Then, there’s the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
  8. Having some Tropical fun – Costa Rica, which is situated in the all round beautiful and adventurous Central America, is a place which is affordable too. You will have plenty of choices here starting from the museums, the markets, to the nightlife in the capital city of San Jose, the lava spitting volcano. Then, there’s also the Manuel Antonio national park and the forests of the Monteverde and Santa Elena.
  9. Skiing on the Italian mountains – Cortina d'Ampezzo, situated in Italy is a beautifully spotted region in the Dolomite Mountains, where the peaks are at least 9,000 feet above the sea level. The most popular ski resort in this place offers Dolomiti Superski pass, costing you around $40 per day. If you can put your hands on one of these passes, you may be able to get the access to all of the areas of the slope.
  10. Skiing through the Northeastern slopes – There are the marvelous ski havens situated in the west side of the US and the European mountain ranges. One such place is the Smugglers' Notch, situated in the Vermont Green Mountains. This place blends together the ease of affordability with the availability of one stop shopping facility, convenience and skiing options.
  11. Surfing the perfect beach – The perfect beach is situated in Vietnam, Nha Trang. Though the airfare to make your trip to this place from the US is not low, the cost of the food and the lodging is quite affordable. In fact, the beaches are the major place of attraction, mainly in the winters. There are a number of temples here, which are worth visiting, other than trying out scuba diving, surfing and sun bathing. Then, there’s also the option for you to get signature Vietnamese dishes, which blend together the Southeast Asian dishes with mainly the claypot types and the noodle with the French foods (colonial influence).
So, these are some of the most beautiful travel destinations for the coming winter. You can book the tickets and the hotels or resorts from now on, to avoid hassles later on, and save on the booking costs too.

Hummer Safari Best way to explore Dubai Desert Safari.

The best way to explore the deserts of Dubaiis the hummer safari. It is the most thrilling experiences for touriststravelling to the deserts. The Hummersafari Dubai takes you to the most beautiful and outstanding sand dunes,deep into the desert in the exteriors of the city. Travelers get to view thebeautiful picturesque scenery which is truly the rarest and world classexperience which awaits you while viewing the sunset. A four wheeler will takeyou to the enchanting desert drive through the gigantic golden sand dunes.

Environment Picturesque



You can also take a break and halt for aphoto shoot in the camel farms. It is the most memorable part of the journey toDubai which you will never forget in life. After arriving in the desert youwill receive a warm and gracious welcome from the Arabian people who willwelcome you with a fine and luxurious Arabian environment at a distinctiveBedouin camp with conventional Arabian carpets, low levelled tables andcomfortable fine cuisines for sitting.

Adventure



People who are a little more adventurous cantake a go at the camel ride. Creative and artistic people can try Arabian costumes;henna painting or take pleasure in the perfumed Sheesha- the Arabic water pipe.Youwill be thrilled with the splendid buffet dinner which awaits you with a wideassortment of barbecue preparations, salads, varieties of main courses and alist of never ending delicious deserts. The best moment of the evening is thedazzling presentation by the exotic belly dancers under the moon lit skies.

Amazing Dessert View




Deserts are amazing which always containsvarious little secrets in them. The desertsafari in Dubai is the most premier safaris that one should not miss.You are guided by the most well skilled drivers you will offer you the most excitingride in the deserts. There are varieties of desert safaris which you can chose from-The morning desert safari, evening desert safari, and overnight desert safari.Morning and afternoon safaris are for people who do not enjoy travelling in thenight.

There are cars to pick you up and drop you.You can also try your hands on the camel ride, quad bike or sand skiing.Evening deserts carry a lot of mysteries. Avail the same with the guides in Dubai.So if you are looking forward to spending a thrilling time in Dubai, contactthe tour operator for varieties of Dubai holidaypackages in different priceranges which will consist of all you want to experience in your lifetime.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Adelaide, Australia

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Adelaide, Australia

The spectacular city of Adelaide is one of the major tourist destinations in the country. There is every thing in the city from pilgrim favorites to sports destinations, from major educational organizations to gardens museums and much more. It is hard to shortlist the major hot spots, yet there are few things one should not miss on a visit to this city.

Adelaide

Here is a concise description of the city and its attractions:

1. Adelaide Fringe Festival

If you are planning a visit to Adelaide, it is better to opt for the month of February and March. This is the time of Adelaide Fringe. Being the second biggest fringe festival in the world, the festivities last for 24 days. Thousands of artists use this as a platform to display their talent and specialty. You can see street parades, celebrations, parties and much more throughout the night.

2. Flora and Fauna

In spite of being a developed city, it is an abode of flora and fauna representation of the country. One must visit the zoological gardens of Adelaide and Monarto to get the glimpses of important species like kangaroo, pandas, emus, koalas and much more. The Cleland Wildlife Park also has a collection of numerous animal species for viewing.
The city has a botanical garden and those who have the desire to get a brief account of the Australian plant types must not miss this place.

3. Important Sea Beaches

This is the place one can get the chance to be closer to the dolphins. At the Glenelg beach, you can plenty of dolphins having fun in the water. If you would like to spend time at sea beaches, then you must visit the Aldinga beaches.

Adelaide - Glenelg Beach

4. Pilgrimage

Adelaide is also termed as the 'City of Churches'. Here the Catholic Archdiocese is an important place of visit for pilgrimage. There are some astonishing museums presenting a rich source of information.

5. Places of Interest

In the South Australian Museum, you can experience many aspects of the aboriginal culture, fossil specimens, rare archives, and many scientific excerpts. There is a frozen zoo inside the museum. If you want to gather vital facts on frozen tissue related research, then it is the right spot for you.

6. The Famous Haigh's Chocolate

The Haigh's Chocolate is one of the popular chocolate store. You can have a unforgettable chocolaty experience here. The famous ice coffee is the most refreshing things to drink during a hot summer afternoon.

7. An Eminent Wine Centre

The National Wine Centre is another famous place of visit to gather knowledge on different wine varieties and taste them. Get the stock of all favorite wine brands under one roof and excel the art of making a cocktail of your choice. In addition to these, there are some exotic eateries and restaurants in the city known for their excellent availability of famous Australian delicacies in their menu.

IMG_6163

8. The Art Gallery in South Australia

The Art Gallery of South Australia has a rich collection of some magnificent artwork, one cannot escape admiring. An enormous collection of over 38000 of famous artifacts from various ages is preserved with great care in this place. There is a representation of the style of colonial art other than the section of British and Japanese art. The work of famous artists like Russell Drysdale, Arthur Boyd, Henry Moore etc are included in the collection of masterpieces of other well-known artists.

9. Rivers and Lakes

The beauty of Torrens River can be experienced during a jogging session in the Linear Park located adjacent to it. The beauty of the Mawson lakes is enchanting for all. Some other rivers are Sturt river, Barker Inlet, Little Para river etc.
A lovely day down at the linear park

10. Malls, Racing Grounds and other attractions

Apart from these special places to visit, you can have fun with many shopping malls, beauty spa centers and world's major hotels. There are horseracing grounds for the betting addicts to try their luck during the racing season. Make a list of shopping from the shopping centers, as they are known for quality and wide range of stocks. The infrastructure of the city is excellent for traveling with availability of various means of transportation round the clock. The metro and tram services are suitable for traveling to various parts of the city and important places. Yet one should gather sufficient information on the train schedules and flight arrival and departure timetable for convenience at all points of time.
About the author:
Danny Duric is a traveler and avid blogger. He likes to visit and experience new places. Currently writing on behalf of East Coast Car Rentals a car hire in Adelaide.

Best All Inclusive Vacations For Spring Break

Over the years, Spring Break has become the vacation time that is synonymous with a carefree, partying atmosphere. All inclusive resorts represent the best values available for Spring Break vacations. They are suitable for college kids bent on drinking and dancing the nights away, couples looking for a romantic retreat and families who seek a destination that’s fun for every member of the family. With such variety, and such outstanding vacation values to be had, it’s no surprise that more people are opting to spend Spring Break at an all inclusive resort.

Majestic Elegance, Dominican Republic

The Majestic is one of the best Spring Break destinations for college students. Not only does it feature large rooms and one of the most fantastic pools on the island, but it also provides name brand liquor at no extra cost. Guests with a passion for fitness will love the state of the art gym facilities, while the beach is easily among the most beautiful. The resort opened in 2008, making it a relatively new property that boasts many wonderful amenities. A daily bikini contest ensures that the fun never stops while a boisterous nightclub and bar provide live musical entertainment by night. Rooms have large flat screen televisions and Jacuzzi tubs. An adults only section of the property lets college kids really let it all hang out.

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

This all inclusive resort is a fully adults only destination that is ideal for travelers looking for a romantic Spring Break getaway. The resort boasts only a dozen cottages and suites, making it an exclusive property that specializes in providing intimate experiences. Perched on dramatic cliffs along the sea, this resort does not have a beach, but it does have outstanding service and gorgeous views. The Caves is a favorite among celebrities, and well known bars like Rick’s Café are within walking distance. Of course, with each cottage being unique and the surroundings so tranquil and idyllic, most guests never leave the resort’s grounds. The proximity of caves and cliffs makes it easy to explore the ocean waters. Televisions are only available upon request, a fact that serves to highlight this property as a destination for romantics.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic

A stunning resort that’s suitable for partiers, couples and families, Grand Palladium provides Jacuzzi tubs in every room. Four oversized pools and exclusive beach access make this the ideal property for people who love water sports. The resort boasts eight restaurants, none of which require reservations. Separate areas are reserved for kids and teens, allowing them to indulge in their own style of fun while parents have services at the spa or simply lie on the beach. Staying here also grants access to the amenities at sister resorts. These amenities include a sports complex, a casino and several more restaurants. A disco is also on site for adults who are in the mood to dance the night away. Free babysitting is available at various hours, and four different kid clubs ensure the right amusements for kids of any age.

Occidental Grand, Aruba

The epicenter of Aruba’s tourism culture, this modern resort has a lively feel that any type of Spring Break traveler can appreciate. The rooms are large and comfortable while the service is polite. This is among the best all inclusive resorts in Aruba, and it’s heavily favored by an American clientele. The Fun Club is the favorite destination for kids. The casino and the swim up bar never fail to attract adults. The resort is located just 10 minutes from bustling Oranjestad, so there is always something fun and new to do nearby. Beach access is quick and easy, though it is often a crowded scene. Volleyball is a favorite pastime at this beach. Televisions and DVD players make it easy to keep kids entertained, and the large pool is a favorite with many guests.

Any of these all inclusive resorts offers excellent vacation value for travelers looking for a Spring Break escape. With things like food and entertainment included in the price, choosing an all inclusive vacation is one of the most flexible ways to travel.

Author Bio
Rebecca Brown is an avid blogger for NQ Mobile, keeping students protected when using their mobile devices while studying and acationing abroad.

Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Vacation Spots

The honeymoon is often considered just as important as the wedding for newlyweds. The honeymoon needs to be special and romantic, and that can only occur if the newlyweds pick the best destination for their trip. There are many common honeymoon destinations, but this list will show you the 10 best spots that you should visit for this special trip.

Destination 1: Kauai

The Hawaiian Islands have been a huge honeymoon destination for years, and Kauai is no exception. One of the best things about Kauai is how versatile it is. There are lovely beaches and hotel suites, adventuresome trails and hikes and water activities that almost anyone can enjoy.

Destination 2: Florence
This city is known for Renaissance art, beautiful architecture, fine food and wine and close attractions that you can easily walk to. Florence has long been called one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why. There are lovely stone streets, artistic and romantic attractions and you and your new spouse will feel close the whole time.

Destination 3: Santorini
Resting near the Aegean Sea, Santorini is known for Green cooking and many accommodations just for couples. There are many romantic cliffs and beaches that will give you and that special someone a great look at both natural and architectural beauty, and the white-washed buildings are something to take in. You can enjoy the beaches, wineries and suites to your pleasure in Santorini.

Destination 4: Crete
Crete is just as versatile as Kauai. This large Greek island is separated into four different regions that offer everything from beaches to jungle adventures. The food is amazing, the views are versatile and romantic and everything about these four regions will attract you and your new spouse. Crete offers something for everyone.

Destination 5: Paris
Is there anywhere more iconic than Paris for a honeymoon? The virtual city of love, Paris is practically the definition of romantic, and it truly is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. The hotels and attractions are expensive, but you will definitely get your money’s worth here.

Destination 6: Edinburgh
Edinburgh is located in Scotland, and it is one of the best places in the world if you enjoy sightseeing. There are castles to explore, new restaurants to indulge in and a vibrant theater scene that will excite the artistic side of you and your spouse. This is a relatively unknown honeymoon spot, so you shouldn’t be overrun by premium hotel and food prices for newlyweds.

Destination 7: Jamaica
Are you exhausted after all the planning, the wedding and everything else? Then Jamaica might be the perfect place for you. Everything is very laidback here, and you can easily enjoy yourself with all-inclusive resorts. You can enjoy great food, music and entertainment without ever leaving the hotel. If you do want to explore, then Jamaica has plenty of beaches, forests and bars that you can have fun at.

Destination 8: Key West

Many of the hotels and restaurants are very upscale in Key West, and the environment is both fun and romantic. This destination is perfect for people that love the water, and the nighttime is full of fun bars and clubs to visit.

Destination 9: Niagara Falls
Many people probably wouldn’t consider this a normal honeymoon destination, but it’s actually very cozy and romantic. You and your spouse can hold each other tight as you travel under the Niagara Falls, and the hotels are full of retro charms like a heart-shaped bathtub for two.

Destination 10: Madrid
The world-class hotels call thousands of people to Madrid, but the beautiful streets, the lovely parks and the wonderful museums and attractions keep them coming back for more. Madrid is a city full of Spanish sensibilities, and the environment is something that newlyweds will love for a long time to come.

Conclusion
Picking a honeymoon destination can be difficult, but you are sure to find something you love from one of these 10 destinations. Talk to your local travel agent or do some research to see if one of these spots offers what you two are looking for. Your honeymoon is a special time, and you should only pick the best place for the two of you to enjoy your new marriage.

Author Bio
Katelyn Roberts is a frequent contributor for NetQin, helping couple explore vacations to keep them healthy and safe.

My Trip to London – Portobello road

London is known for its antiquities market. In fact, London has the largest antiques market in the whole world and this is just something that I had to visit. I’m not a fine antiques collector, but I do appreciate fine works of art so the city was at the top of my list of places to visit during my weekend away.
The world’s largest antiques marketplace is Portobello Road in London. I heard that there were dozen’s of antique shops there selling all sorts of things that date all the way back to the Roman times. Fortunately, my guidebook said that Portobello Road wasn’t that hard to find. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too confident in my way-finding skills and felt it would be better to take a taxi - the tube or bus would have been cheaper, but I wanted to be sure I could get there early and preferred to spend my time browsing the shops instead of trying to find my way around the labyrinth that is London. 
It didn’t take me very long to get from my hotel to Portobello Road. Taking a taxi wasn’t such a bad idea after all since I did get the chance to take a look at different parts of the city on my way there. One part of the trip that particularly stuck in my mind was this awful commercial for a car company (I actually sold my car to them in the states and used the money to fund this trip!).
Portobello Road is an old street with dozens of antique shops lining both sides. There were also sidewalk stalls that showed quite a mixture of antiques. I visited all the shops that I could that day. Appleby Antiques had quite a collection of pots and pans that dated all the way back to the 18th century (or so I was told). Cristina Truscott had a fine collection of Chinese antiques, fans and plenty of decorative objects.
Walpole Antiques had interesting items from the British Army and Navy including some pretty amazing furniture. Sadly, taking home a heavy antique chair would have presented some problems so I had to satisfy myself in just being amazed at the fine craftsmanship of the different periods.
Portobello Road was antique heaven for me. The collections were so huge that a day wasn’t enough for me to browse through all the shops. There were many times when I spent at least 10 minutes just inspecting a single item that caught my interest – I could have spent weeks there.
I knew that there were quite a lot of places in London that I could visit, but sightseeing wasn’t really my main objective. Portobello Road was enough to fill my heart’s desire for antiques so I spent the whole weekend in just this one area.

Bio:
James is a freelance marketer, dedicated budget traveler, and occasional blogger. You’ll often find him hanging around Manhattan, pretending to be cool.

Australia's Snowy Mountains Has More to Offer Than Just Snow



European explorers tended to be more literal than poetic when naming their Australian discoveries. When Australia's highest peaks were discovered in the 19th century, they were simply called the "SnowyMountains." While of course that's true enough throughout the Southern Hemisphere winter months, especially June through September, by the time November rolls around, you'd be forgiven for wondering how they got that name. Ironically, there is arguably more to see and do in the SnowyMountains in summer than there is in the winter. These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy:

Image Source
Mountain Biking
The SnowyMountains have become a mountain biker's mecca in the summer. In fact, there are now internationally renowned mountain bike races held on some of the SnowyMountain's more treacherous slopes. One extreme example of this is Thredbo's Cannonball Run, a hair raising 2 mile downhill run that attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world. Of course, with thousands of acres of pristine mountains to explore, there are also hundreds of less death-defying mountain bike trails to explore in the SnowyMountains.
Horse Riding
The classic Australian film, "The Man from SnowyRiver" did a lot towards cementing the SnowyMountains in the public's imagination as the premier horse riding destination in Australia. Amazingly, if you go to the SnowyMountains for a horse riding adventure, it will live up to its legend. There are trails and guided tours for all levels of ability, including half-day rides in the foothills for beginners to multi-day adventures for experts. You can try your hand at mustering cattle if you think you're up to the challenge or just take it at a more leisurely pace and wake up each morning to a campfire and a "cuppa" brewed in a "billy" before you hit the trail again.

Image Source
Hiking
Call it hiking or call it bushwalking as the Australian's do, there's no better place to put on your hiking boots and explore than Kosciusko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. You can take self guided hikes on well-established trails or get an experienced guide to take you on overnight or multi-day treks into lesser travelled areas of the mountains. Either way, you'll love hiking in the SnowyMountains in summer.

Image Source
Climbing, Caving and Abseiling
If you like roped sports or like the idea of trying them, there are rock climbing, caving and abseiling adventures waiting for you in the SnowyMountains in the summer. In Jindabyne and the other major villages in and around the SnowyMountains you can find dozens of outdoor adventure shops that have experienced guides who can take you to secret spots throughout the SnowyMountains that will not only get your heart pumping, but will briefly stop it with their breathtaking beauty.

Jack enjoys the different seasonal activities on offer in the Snowy Mountains in summer and winter. If you are looking for some open space and fresh air then check out some of the accommodation in the Snowy Mountains NSW on bookitnow.com.au.

Glacier Holidays in New Zealand

New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers are unlike any other ice landmass in the world as they are incredibly easy to reach. There's no need to trek for hundreds of kilometres to reach them as their faces are only 250m above sea level, situated within the South Westland World Heritage Area. If you are staying on the South Island then including a visit to these marvels of nature are a must-do and it would be a shame if your New Zealand holiday excluded these great marvels of nature.

So what are the New Zealand glaciers?
Fox Glacier is 13kms long and the longest of West Coast glaciers. The surrounding peaks are a spectacular sight, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman reaching over 3km (10,000ft) above the landscape.  This powerful river of frozen water drops 2.6km (just over 8,000ft) as it travels from the zenith of the Southern Alps towards the West Coast.

Franz Josef Glacier is second in size to Fox Glacier at 12kms (7.5 miles) long. Being regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers, the glacier is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and flows in a north westerly direction and traverses along a sharp decline. The terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier is within only 300 metres above sea level and there are only two others in the world to be this close to the coastline.

What makes these glaciers so unique?
The circumstances of the weather and the natural structures around them ensure that both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers move at around 10 times faster than other valley glaciers across the globe.  Fox Glacier has a huge build-up of snow at the top called the nevé, which measures 36 sq. kms. This is then channelled down the glacial valley as if it were a giant toboggan track.
More snowfall at the nevé therefore means the glacier advances. But if the weather causes the ice at the bottom to melt, then the glacier retreats. The glacier is currently in this latter stage and this alternating advance/retreat pattern causes shifts in the landscape over time.

What's the best way to enjoy seeing the glaciers?
The ideal way is to let an independent New Zealand tour guide, an expert that knows the area, show you all that there is to see.

In order to fit everything in, it is recommended you take a tour of the region lasting at least six days with a full itinerary that has been put together by experienced professionals. There are companies operating tours of New Zealand's South Island glaciers using rail and coach transfers or you can drive yourself.  You might take time during your tour to experience a helicopter excursion over Fox or Franz Josef Glacer (some flights reach over 7000ft to land on fresh snow) or visit Queenstown to experience a speedboat trips along river canyons.

Most tours will depart from Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and include highlights such as:

  • passing by the Waimakariri River
  • staying in Franz Josef village
  • climbing the Haast Pass
  • visiting the shores of Lake Wanaka
  • morning tea at Te Anau
  • cruising the awe-inspiring Milford Sound
  • spending time near Mount Cook
  • crossing the Rakaia River

So what can we finally say about the glaciers that summarise how easy it is to explore this region during your tour of New Zealand? There's nothing quite like the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers anywhere else in the world. Unlike the many mountain glaciers and indeed the North and South Poles, you can actually walk right up to and on the glaciers from towns near their bases. It is a stunning wilderness that's right next to civilisation. Hikes to the base of either glacier are possible and scenic tours provide unique views of these colossal rivers of ice and a choice of accommodation close to the glaciers will suit all budgets and tastes making a visit both affordable and accessible.

Tips to find best travel insurance for young students

There are several factors that the students traveling should keep in mind while choosing travel insurance. Before buying the insurance, the student should determine how frequently he/she travels and with whom, for instance a school group, alone or with friends. The insurance companies provide travel insurance specially designed for the students who are not experienced in tackling emergency situation.

The basic coverage on the travel insurance is inclusive of emergency medical and evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption and baggage loss as well as delay. Make sure that you read the fine prints before buying it, to know what your insurance policy covers.

Most important aspect of travel insurance for students as well as their parents is “access to help” when they require it. Look for a policy that has 24-hour guidance from a professional. Some policies have additional provisions like Student Guard from Travel Guard, Travel Insure's comprehensive student policy and Atlas International. During emergency some policies pay for the traveling expenses for a parent or other relative to accompany the student. This coverage is popularly known as "emergency reunion." You can search different insurance websites that offer this type of coverage on their travel insurance policies.

What is the exceptional student coverage?


Travel Guard and Travel Insured both the insurances provide assistance prior to the trip, for instance passport, vaccination information as well as contact information at embassies. Both the insurances provide cash advances during emergency situation. Some insurance companies offer assistance for the students who provide translation and interpretation services. Under this policy the professional assistants also send emergency messages to the student's family during emergency circumstances.

What is the additional coverage bestowed on the students?

The extra coverage bestowed on the student is determined on the basis of the location where he is traveling and what he might do. Therefore, buy policies that provides extra offer on your basic policy. If you want to engage in sports activities then look for an insurance policy that gives coverage to students who are interested in this type of activities. There is also additional coverage that includes terrorism coverage and political evacuation coverage.

Know about the cost of the travel insurance:

Your travel insurance will cost from 4% to 10% of the total expenses on the trip that incorporates transportation, hotels and other tickets, but excludes food. If you buy an expensive insurance plan, then it might have an extended coverage. This type of insurance policy will have lower or no deductibles. In case you buy an expensive policy, then it might cover more medical care. The student can be more secured by buying a comprehensive plan. But the student should compare the quotes offered by different policy provider, so that he chooses the best deal.

Get More Freedom for Your Holiday with Camper Vans for Hire



I have been thinking about buying a camper van for a number of years now.  This seemed to be the perfect option for my young family but I have never really had the money to invest in a camper van.  The prices stay high in this market even for older vans that have done a lot of miles.
Hiring Camper Vans
A few months ago I was online looking for a cheap family holiday in the UK when I came across a website offering camper vans for hire.  This intrigued me as it seemed to be a great way to get more freedom on our family holidays.  It would also be the perfect opportunity to try out a camper van and see if it would suit our family before we saved up enough money to invest in one ourselves.
I contacted the hire company and booked a camper van for our summer holiday.  There was plenty of choice available and I was able to select a camper van that would be big enough for my family to sleep in comfortably.  All I had to do was go and pick the camper van up on the day before our holiday so that we could pack ready to leave in the morning.
Benefits of Camper Van Holidays
I was amazed at how much more freedom and flexibility the camper van gave us for our family holiday.  We had the option to stay just a few nights at campsites and then move on if we felt like it.  This was so much better than booking a static caravan as if we didn’t like the site or the surrounding facilities we could just move on the next day.
  • We have had a few bad holidays in the past where we have booked a static camper van only to find when we arrived that the camp site wasn’t as expected. 
  • We would then be stuck there for a whole week trying to make the best of things. 
  • With the camper van we hired we stopped at one camp site for the first night and then moved straight on the next day. 
  • This first camp site had listed children’s activities in the brochure but these were not as advertised.
  •  Being able to move on the next day without any fuss or hassle was ideal and the next campsite we found was much better for the children and we stayed there for the rest of the week.

Camper van hire is a great idea for family holidays.  This has given my family the chance to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a camper van without having to find the money to invest in one outright.

We're all Going on a Malta Holiday!




Summer in Malta is pure holiday bliss. An ideal destination for European travellers, the Maltese island caters for everyone with the mind to enjoy every minute of their time away from work. Besides being surrounded by locals who are fluent in English, tourists can also expect to partake in a host of activities that are tailored to suit all of their tastes and, more importantly, their budget. So make the most of your trip by diving into the enchanting culture and exclusive beaches that the coastal nation has to offer.

Malta 2012 Holiday Guide:

  1. Wine Tasting: Taste the local wines and enjoy the surroundings of the lush Upper Barakka Gardens. Running from the 9th to the 12th of August, the annual Delicata Wine festival is the perfect way to kick your Malta holiday off to a festive start. Treat your palette and senses, buy a souvenir glass for 12 Euros and sample as many off the 22 bouquets and native delicacies as you desire.
  2. Golden Sands: Classed as having the best waters in Europe, Malta’s Golden Sands beach is a local treasure that attracts visitors from far and wide to its warm tidal currents. A paradise spot that will steal your worries and replace them with peace, Golden Sands beaches is the tropical centre to swim, surf and sun-bathe your days away.
  3. Blue Lagoon: Now that you’re fully enveloped in your Malta holiday, take a day and sail to the Blue Lagoon. A jewel that emanates the beauty of the Mediterranean, Blue Lagoon will capture your imagination and fill it with the inspiration accompanied with such a splendid view.
  4. Gozo: Take a ferry-ride to Gozo and enjoy the greenery of this eco-friendly isle. Gearing you down to unwind, this Malta Holiday quest will take you to the Azure Window, through the Ghantija temples, and into the wondrous Calypso Cave. Peaking your curiosity to see more of Malta’s many mysteries, Gozo is the place to revive your adventurous spirit and send it packing.
  5. Mdina: The former medieval capital of Malta, Mdina is filled with cobbled pathways and magnificent historical architecture. Your chance to live and breathe the resilient grandeur of a time long past, the available tours will enlighten you about Malta’s culture and add to your holiday hundred-fold.
Besides these activities, tourists can take their pick of interesting adventures. Charter your own yacht, search for authentic gifts from the Ta’Quli crafts villages, and wind your evenings down within the plush environment of your luxury accommodation. An understatement, Malta holiday destinations are little pieces of heaven – so much so you’ll never want to leave.
Citations:

Bella Gray is a lifestyle blogger who highly rates Malta's Mellieha Bay Hotel. A travel guide for tourists looking to go abroad, Gray is the perfect go-to-gal for all your holiday advice and travelling solutions.

Travel In Sydney: Something For Everyone

For a world class holiday, make Sydney, Australia your destination. Cultural events, sunny beaches and awesome nature tours off...