2012-1
20

Hotels In Melbourne Offer Something For Everyone

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This article is written by Shawn and is about his experiences when staying in Hotels in Melbourne, Australia.

The first step to enjoy Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, is by finding quality accommodation. Melbourne certainly has a lot to offer with an extensive list of hotels available to satisfy diverse list of visitors’ needs and requirements. On my few visits to Melbourne, I was lucky enough to get to know a few of these establishments, and some of them I would certainly like to recommend them to other travelers.

 

My first trip to Melbourne was on a business trip. It was a short 4 days stay and I really needed a no hassle hotel that would suit me perfectly for the occasion. I chose the Punthill, on Flinders Lane. This is located in the heart of Melbourne’s business district. This hotel has well equipped apartments which include as standard – direct dial phone, Internet and independent climate control. These were really valued by me, I was also able to use the Hotel’s conference facilities and guest laundry service. In the evenings, I relaxed in the Hotel’s Gym and Spa center. It was also really nice that I was within walking distance to a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants on Degreaves Street.

 

I enjoyed Melbourne so much though that on my next trip I decided to bring my family with me.  We planned the break and decided to stay for a whole week in Melbourne. This time we chose the Punthill, Oakleigh which is located about twenty minutes from the city center. The Hotel is located only minutes away from the Chadstone Shopping Centre. This shopping experience offers 530 stores and is one of the largest shopping centres in this part of Australia. The two bedroom apartment we stayed at had a refreshing modern finishing and came with a fully equipped kitchen. We had LCD TV with DVD player and a broadband TV, and wonderful room service which catered excellently to our family extensive needs.

 

These 2 experiences were so great that now actually we go to Melbourne on a regular basis. On last year’s visit we spent three weeks in Punthill, Burwood. This Hotel offered us an attractive discount for a prolonged stay. The children enjoyed the outdoor heated spa and plentiful free space with BBQ facilities as well as bike rides through Wattle Park. At the same time this suburban location was not too far away so we could still enjoy city life and visiting the Melbourne Aquarium and Botanical Gardens.

 

To conclude, it is tough for me to say which one of them is my favorite. I guess for each occasion each of them served me perfectly. What is important first and foremost is that you understand exactly what your requirements are. The range of Hotels Melbourne has to offer will mean you can find one to exactly meet your needs and requirements. Once you have booked your Hotel, you will be ready to really enjoy this truly great Australian city. I know our family did.

2011-12
14

How to Choose a Perfect Holiday Package for Your Vacation

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Choosing the perfect holiday package for your vacation doesn’t have to be a time consuming or tedious process. In fact, a lot of people believe the holidays to be the best time of year for vacations. The choices are as limitless this time of year as any other.

Destination

One of the most important decisions when planning a holiday vacation is the destination. A few things to take into consideration when looking at where the family will go are:
• Where does everyone want to go? Vacations are never any fun if the other members of the family don’t want to be there. Try to pick an area that has activities that everyone will enjoy. Holiday vacations offer more opportunities because many areas have special events going on that aren’t available any other time of year.
• If it snows where you live, it might be nice to break away from the cold and go somewhere warm. A vacation in the tropics is ideal for some families during the cold winter months in the north.
• What is available where? When choosing a holiday destination, be sure to check on what is open during the holidays. It could quickly turn into a nightmare if every restaurant in town is closed on the holiday leaving the family with no other options for eating that day.

All Inclusive

An all inclusive vacation means that there is more included than just lodging. These are good packages for families who want the experience but have a budget to follow. The key to shopping for all inclusive holiday packages is being aware of what is and is not actually included in the price.

• Airfare may or may not be included in an all inclusive vacation.
• Lodging is always included but any upgrades that the family may want or require may or may not be included.
• If looking at an all inclusive vacation package, pay special attention to drinks, meals and snacks. Some packages are very basic and may not include enough to fit the family’s needs.
• There are always some basic activities included in an all inclusive holiday vacation package. Be sure to talk over what activities the family would like to do to see if those activities are included or what the additional costs may be.

A la Carte

Some families will find an a la carte package holiday vacation much more enjoyable. This type of vacation is where a destination is chosen, accommodations are made for lodging and everything else is up to the family to choose and pay for separately. The a la carte vacation can be a better match for some families for a few different reasons.

• If someone in the family doesn’t want to participate in a particular activity, the family doesn’t have to pay for it for that member. Not everyone will want to go horseback riding or scuba diving so those fees will be available for that individual to participate in another activity that they have an interest in.
• Meals, snacks and drinks aren’t just limited to what is available at the lodging location. Families all have different taste in what they like to eat. Nothing can ruin a holiday vacation quicker than food choices that no one is comfortable with or likes.
• An a la carte holiday vacation gives the family more choices on the location they choose. There are a lot of interesting and wonderful places that do not have an all inclusive resort available. The family that is interested in seeing the local heritage of their destination up close and personal may find an a la carte vacation better suited for them.

Planning the perfect holiday vacation can be an adventure that the entire family can share from start to finish. Traveling during the holidays creates opportunities to witness and experience things that aren’t available any other times of year. From the planning stage to the journey home, the perfect holiday vacation starts with an idea and finishes with the memories.

 

Zac is a travel writer and blogger. For 2012 he recommends Singapore as one of the hottest destinations to visit, so visit Flight Centre and get cheap flights to Singapore.  Or if you are not up for a single destination you can cruise around with Princess Cruises, the most amazing cruise holiday there is.”

 

2011-11
8

New York’s Best Tours for Families

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New York City and children have more in common than one might think. For starters, they both buzz with constant energy, and they are both constantly on the move. And taking your kids to New York City is like mixing both those energies. There are many child-friendly tours in New York City. Have a look at some of your options.

Top of the Empire State Building
Creative Commons License photo credit: edrost88

The True See It All Tour

The name is a good indication of what this tour covers – almost everything. From Ellis Island to Grand Central Station, and New York Library to Times Square and everything in between, this bus tour offers several stops along the way as well as seeing practically the whole city as you drive by. Because there is not a lot of walking, but frequent stops, it is a good tour for older children especially. Prices are $62.50 for adults, $42.50 for children 3-11, and children 3 and under are free.

Central Park Movie Sites Tour

For older children, this tour is a chance to see some famous spots from their favourite TV shows. The tour visits the apartment building from Friends, the spot from Glee where they sang “I Love New York”, The Daily Bugle offices from Spider Man, and many others – over 40 different filming spots from different movies and TV shows. The tour is $38 plus a $2 ticket fee and lasts about 3 ½ hours.

Zephyr Seaport Liberty Cruise

Circle Line Downtown Tours offer several different options to see New York from a different angle – the water! The Zephyr Seaport Liberty Cruise takes a yacht to see the Statue of Liberty, while also taking in many of New York’s most famous landmarks in an hour-long roundtrip tour. It is great for younger and older children alike. Tour costs are $27 for adults, and $16 for children.

The Shark Speadboat Thrill Ride

The Shark Speedboat Thrill Ride is a 30-minute ride on a speed boat that looks like a shark and has live music and fun, and even has a Sharkie costume character to visit with the children. This tour is suitable only for older children. They must be at least 40” tall and able to sit in their own seat. Tickets are $23 for adults and $16 for children.

New York City Skyride

This is a unique tour that actually never leaves the Empire State Building. Visitors go on a virtual tour of all the most famous landmarks in the city from a moving platform and a huge high-definition screen. They are then taken on a guided tour from the observation deck. This tour is perfect for families with young children and older children because the option to leave, if necessary, is always available, and there is a lot to keep their attention spans. Tour prices are $29 for adults and $19 for children.

2011-8
24

Edinburgh

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Edinburgh is a vibrant city with lots to see and do and makes an ideal location for a short break or week long holiday. Once you arrive, you will find that Edinburgh is best travelled on foot, so forget the car and take your time.

The first attraction to mention is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The Camera Obscura boasts fabulous views and inside you will be wowed with interactive exhibits, such as a vortex tunnel, mirror maze and a shrinking room. It provides fun for young and old; it also offers a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your experience. Not many attractions can say that these days!

If you are looking for a bit of natural history, then Arthur’s Seat should be on your visit schedule. Located in Holyrood Park, the remains of this extinct volcano stand eight hundred and twenty three feet above the ground. This is a unique way of viewing the city, whilst also getting your weekly exercise quota. You can broaden your knowledge by visiting the National Museum of Scotland. We wanted to visit something that was unique to Edinburgh and this was interesting with lots of interactive things for kids. Make sure you have plenty of time though as an hour just won’t do for all the exhibits.

As far as eating out goes, Edinburgh has everything. A fantastic Indian restaurant that I cannot help but mention is Kismot. Family run (parents in the kitchen and children out front); this restaurant gives you excellent service and delicious Indian cuisine. In addition, Mimi’s Bakehouse was a unique place to grab a snack or lunch. This delightful little cafe served scrumptious breakfasts and lunches, but the cakes were an absolute must. Edinburgh has many hidden gems and these are just a couple, so plan a visit and find your own favourites.

Depending on where you are travelling from, options include arrival by car, National Express coach, train and plane so you really do have a great choice of travel options.

2011-6
7

Best Game Reserves on the Western Cape, South Africa

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Many people head east towards Durban and Pretoria in the hunt for big game spotting, and to the Western Cape for the wine, culture, beaches and marine reserves. There is no need. South Africa’s Western Cape has it all! The Western Cape is a wildlife haven from coast to mountains, and the many marine parks, wildlife reserves and biodiversity parks are neighbours to one of Africa’s best kept secrets, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Elephant Calfs
Creative Commons License photo credit: David W. Siu

Sanbona is famed in game circles already, being home to the only wild White Lions anywhere in the world, but outside these, it has always been the secret luxury game hideaway for discerning visitors looking for a holiday of pure luxury, astonishing scenery and excellent game viewing. The secret is out though! If you are looking to explore the very best of Western Cape game reserves, look no further than Sanbona.

All of the ‘big five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard) thrive in the park, but of course, there is no guarantee that you will be lucky enough to see them all on a single holiday here, which is why seeing the big five remains such an elusive and celebrated achievement. Not even the best guides, the perfect game viewing conditions and eagle eyes will ensure this; you need a lot of luck and the full cooperation of the wildlife, especially the leopards, which are a rare treat, often managing to remain undetected just feet from your car!

The Sanbona spans some 50,000 hectares, and is home to a phenomenal amount of wildlife, much that you might not associate with the wild flower strewn plains and mountainous landscapes in which the game reserve is found. Giraffe, zebra, hyena, cheetah, kudu, eland, Riverine Rabbit (the world’s 13th most endangered mammal) and even the elegant ostrich can be seen on the mountain plains of Sanbona, which makes it certainly the biggest and most exciting of the Western Cape’s game reserves, but also a personal favourite of all those in South Africa.

But what makes Sanbona extraordinary is not only the wildlife which it protects, but also the luxury with which you can relax whilst exploring. There are some beautifully luxurious self catering Western Cape accommodation on the outskirts of the park (the park is just 3 hours from Cape Town, making it perfect for day trips from anywhere in the region), and it lies in the heart of the Little Karoo Wine Route, ideal for all you wine lovers! This truly is a unique place to explore, where you can enjoy the wild, rugged beauty of wildlife and nature, whilst relaxing in pure luxury and the finest creature comforts. Welcome to the unique and irresistible world of Western Cape Game Reserves!

South Africa Travel Resources

Tours and Activity Holidays in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa
Hiking – Horse Riding – Mountain Biking – River Rafting – 4×4 Trails – Fly Fishing – Camping
Tranquil guest farm accommodation in the Drakensberg mountains

2011-3
15

A Wales Golf Holiday

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Chip to the green....
Creative Commons Licensephoto credit: Matt Seppings

For golf enthusiasts a trip devoted entirely to the game of golf can seem like the perfect getaway. When planning your holiday, consider golfing in Wales for the ultimate golf lovers trip. Wales is home to some of the world’s famous courses and stunning accommodations for those looking for a golf holiday that will satisfy the whole family.

Golf Courses and Accommodation in Wales

No discussion of golf courses would be complete without a mention of the Glamorganshire Golf Club, which is the oldest in Wales. A tour through the area requires a stop at the historic golf club for a stay. While golfing Glamorganshire Golf Club, stay in the resort town of Penarth for a summer holiday the whole family can enjoy.There are numerous places to stay in the area in the town of Penarth. You can also find resorts and hotels within driving distance of the world famous golf club. Ashburnham Golf Club, Conwy Golf Club, Royal Porthcawl, Royal St. Davids and Pyle and Kenfig Golf Clubs should be on your golfing in Wales holiday. Resorts and hotels in the area offer spa experiences and luxurious accommodations for everyone in the family. Book a stay at a resort hotel to provide the non golfers in the family with plenty of outdoor activities and fun while you enjoy the courses. For example, the Three Rivers Hotel and Spa is within eight miles of Ashburnham Golf Club and provides fitness facilities, pool and fabulous balconies for guests to enjoy during the stay. The local area provides shopping and restaurants for the family to enjoy.

Cost for a Golf Holiday in Wales

Search for golf packages that provide accommodations for the family as well as your agenda for the golf clubs. The cost of your golfing in Wales holiday can be dramatically reduced when you book a holiday that includes your activities and accommodations in one package. Golf packages may include a round of golf and a meal at the club for one low price. You can also shop around for multiple packages if you are planning to tour the countryside while on your golfing in Wales holiday. The golf packages also allow you to plan the agenda for the family. Hotels and resorts in the area may offer holiday packages for golfers visiting the local clubs.

2011-2
7

Orlando & Disney

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When you say Orlando, people think Disney! Whilst Disney and the enormous number of Orlando theme parks do dominate the attractions list of Orlando holidays, from Magic Kingdom to Wet n’Wild, Universal Studios to Busch Gardens, there is much more to the action packed corner of Florida to discover. Families have been flocking to Orlando villas for more than half a century for the excitement and magic of some of the world’s largest theme parks, but after a long day of Disney, or after a couple of days trying to keep your children in sight and safe from exploding with excitement, what is there for you to relax? For you to enjoy?

First of all, most people drive straight past the heart of Orlando in a mad rush to or from the airport. International Drive, or I-Drive as it has unfortunately become known, is the centre of almost all the action in Orlando. It is a thriving, street, where there is simply always something going on. The phrase “coming to life” is all too often attributed to streets, parties or other such completely inanimate objects, but you can actually forgive people for saying it about International Drive. It never fails to amaze, as more often than not, the street is host to some sort of festival or event. This is also the road which connects many of the big theme parks in Orlando. A personal, secret, pleasure is a little visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, a homage to all the weird and wonderful! It only takes about 2 hours to peruse, but is great fun, especially for what are known in Orlando as ‘big kids’!

Orlando is also an international golf destination. As with much of Orlando, luxury and quality are key to all of Orlando’s golf courses, with immaculately kept greens and fairways on every course I have ever played, as well as fantastic facilities providing for every whim, wish and want. There are always excellent practice facilities, available tutors, car hire, pro-shops and restaurants and bars on site, which means you will want for nothing. Among the best courses, and this purely a matter of opinion, are Champion’s Gate, one of the most celebrated courses in Orlando, Buena Vista and Shingle Creek Golf Course.

Orlando is also a great place for fishing. You may be thinking that it is Florida’s coast that offers the best fishing and that is n hour and a half from Orlando, but it is Lake Toho, a 42km freshwater lake that really produces some of the best and most serene fishing. There are many boat fishing trips going out onto the lake, which is known for its world class Bass fishing. A perfect anti-dote to a few days of Disney!

2011-2
7

Barbados Breaks – from the sublime east to the lively south.

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Barbados is one of the most fun Caribbean islands. It is an absolute joy to explore, and offers accommodation to suit every style, budget and type of holiday. Known for the stupendous beaches, beautiful water and high standard of life, Barbados has been the pick of the Caribbean for Brits for many years, yet somehow, the delights of Barbadian life have remained as strong as ever, and away from the resorts, the timeless Caribbean survives in all its sun blessed glory. Welcome to the true crown of the Caribbean!

The south and west coast of Barbados are the most developed sections of the island, where resorts abound and you can easily find villas of such luxury you will hardly know how to return to normal life after a week in residence. However, for some, travel is about experience, about discovering a place, a new way of life and little corner of the world that has been forgotten by the all encompassing notion of ‘globalisation’. In Barbados, you can still find it; you can still find the Caribbean that we all dream of; the endless palm fringed white sand beaches where you are alone, aside maybe from a fisherman barbequing fish.

The north coast of Barbados hides many fantastic beaches, and to the east, the most windswept and wild coast on the island, is where you will find surfers and water sports fans. This is not a resort area, it is where you will find those that have found what they are looking for, great sport and laid-back, inexpensive and an irresistible way of life. There is plenty of space here to get far away from the pampered and packaged Barbados, should you wish, and enjoy the ‘true’ Barbadian lifestyle, which still dances to the beat of calypso rhythm. The east coast is a particular favourite for those that discover it, with its small population and stunning vistas.

Inland, away from the iconic beaches, are the rolling limestone landscapes of Central Barbados. Few visitors manage to escape the allure of the coast, which is
understandable, but those that do have a whole new world at their feet. This is where much of the colonial past of Barbados can be found, with huge colonial plantation mansions and museums detailing the often brutal history of the islands. The countryside itself is a lush haven of nature with some magnificent hiking trails which cannot fail to delight walkers and those with a love for nature.

If you are looking for a little night time flavour of Barbados, then it is worth heading down to the lively south coast. This is where the bars can be found, and there is never any shortage of rum fuelled calypso nights to get you in the swing. There are some 1,500 rum shops on the island, and festivals spring up in the streets throughout the year, so you can almost always guarantee a party in the south!

2011-2
7

Australia Trip

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Australia is a wonderful place to find yourself, whether for a few weeks or a whole year as many travellers find themselves; whether planned or unplanned! The centre is absolutely vast, and however many times you are told, nothing will prepare you for the shear size of the heart of Australia. However, with only a couple of week’s holiday per year, a few precious weeks, the key to taking a holiday in Australia is planning! You will not be able to ‘do’ Australia in a couple of weeks, not even close, but you can
get a real taste for it, and return home completely rejuvenated in just a couple of weeks.

If you are only going for a short holiday to Australia, I recommend the east coast. There is however, some 18,000km of East coastline to choose from! It is the absolute water sports destination, with surf spots running the whole way along its length. The cities of Melbourne and Sydney, as well as the stunning Blue Mountains national park to the north of Sydney are where most tourists go for their holidays, and it is little wonder why. The Blue Mountains are absolutely stunning, with over 1 million kilometres of forests and bush, riddled with canyons, underground rivers and beautiful waterfalls. If you are in the area, and miss a trip into the Blue Mountains, you will have no option but to return next year on your holidays and explore it properly!

However, it is Brisbane that is the ‘gateway to the east Coast’. With the Gold Coast stretching away to the south and the Sun Coast away to the north, the best of Australia’s sporting beaches are at your feet from Brisbane. Brisbane itself has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, filled with little cafes and alfresco restaurants, where you can take a leisurely meal in the warm sun, and it is from here that you can find the now famous Steve Irwin’s Zoo.

From Brisbane you can also get an overnight train, known s the Sunlander, up to the Great Barrier Reef. You arrive into the town of Airlie, which is a great little town, but for those with limited time on their hands, you should get the ferry straight over to Hamilton Island, which is actually accessible by plane if you are staying further afield, either in Sydney or Melbourne. There is a huge amount to do on Hamilton Island itself, from hiking to sailing, fishing to diving, as well as excellent beaches, but it is the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef that has really got the tourists flocking here. It is just 90 minutes by ferry to the reef, which will simply astonish even the most battle-hardened traveller. There are snorkelling, diving and even a submarine trip to enjoy once you arrive at the edge of the reef, but whatever you decide to do, you will certainly return with a broad smile on your face and a memory which will last you a lifetime. No one can leave unimpressed by what is surely one of the most astonishing natural sites in the world.

2011-2
7

What to enjoy in Tuscany

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You may have dreamy images of a holiday in Tuscany, with fine wine aplenty, stunning scenery in every direction and food that makes the mouth water, but aside from relaxing and indulging, what is there to fill the days of your holiday in Tuscany? The answer, is plenty!

The artistic and historic centres of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca are, of course, huge attractions to anyone lucky enough to have access to a villa in Tuscany. The masterpieces that hang in museums and galleries, including the vast Uffizi Gallery in Florence, are famous world wide, and many Tuscan holidays would not be complete without at least a day or two soaking in the brilliance of the Masters, including da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. During the summer, the Uffizi and the Accademia (where you will find Michelangelo’s Statue of David), heave with visitors, making the tourist ‘off-season’ the best time to visit. The same might be said for the Tower of Pisa and the walls of ancient Lucca, but to a much lesser degree.

Even during the height of summer, it is possible to enjoy renting in Tuscany without seeing another soul. Walking holidays in Tuscany are hugely popular, and there is more countryside than you could hope to cover in a single visit to a Tuscany villa. The Garfagnana National Park is an absolute joy to explore. It is not well known, but offers exhilarating walking, taking you to long forgotten corners of the Tuscan landscape where life continues as it has for centuries. And there is nowhere for packed lunches and picnics like Tuscany! The Apuane Alps and Orecchiella Park are also well worth exploring on foot during a Tuscany holiday.

No holiday in Tuscany would be complete without sampling Chianti wines, right off the vines. Many of the local vineyards in the Chianti region have wine tasting tours, where you will get to sample a range of the famous red wines, and many visitors, especially those with a real interest and love for wines, simply drive from vineyard to vineyard in their quest to find the perfect accompaniment to their holiday in Tuscany. And for their own home!

There are also both Tuscan cooking and art classes to take. These range from relaxed afternoons trying your hand with expert help to full weeklong courses turning you from an interested beginner into one of the regions experts!

However, there really is very little need to do anything in Tuscany! Those that have visited a villa in Tuscany with a pool before, probably many times before will confirm, it is actually quite hard to leave your farmhouse and explore once you settle in! Such is the relaxed atmosphere, such is the beauty of many of the Tuscan farmhouses available to rent.