A guide to organized safari trips in Uganda

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Gifted with a range of unique attractions, Uganda is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on the African continent. This lush tropical land is the source of the mighty River Nile, the longest river in the world. The Nile twists its way North like a flickering ribbon, through arid semi-desert with scattered rocky kopjes.

It is in Uganda where the savanna meets the huge Lakes of East Africa, and where snow capped mountains bear down on expansive jungles. While Uganda offers a range of opportunities for adventure travelers, the focus of adventures in Uganda are the Uganda Safaris that give travelers a rare opportunity to encounter an untamed African wildlife in its unpolluted natural surrounding on unforgettable game drives and treks.

With the rapidly expanding infrastructure and one of the most stable political atmospheres on the African continent, Uganda is a haven to adventure travelers.

Mountain Rwenzori Trekking Safaris

UNESCO ranked the Rwenzori Mountains as one of the most interesting mountain ranges for hiking and mountaineering adventures in the world. The mountains possess such a fascinating beauty comprising of snow-capped peaks, V-shaped valleys, a multitude of fast flowing rivers with magnificent water falls, clear blue skies, and unique stratified vegetation.

The mountains have a properly laid out hiking trail network, the central circuit, that lasts seven days. This can accommodate first timers. For more adventure one can ascend the snow-capped peaks of the mountains.

Uganda Safaris via Self Drive or Tour Operator

Organizing for your safari trip can be done in two ways. First you can book through a tour operator. When you chose this option ensure you book through a registered tour operator. You can check for registered tour operators on the AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) website. Not all registered tour operators guarantee value for your money and that’s when you check TripAdvisor for that which has the best reviews.

The majority of tour companies offer a range of pre-arranged safari packages depending on what the traveler is interested in, the number of days they would want to spend on the safari and their budget. Some companies give travelers an opportunity to tailor one that suits their interests incase the available packages to not cater for all their interests and aspirations.

When you have finally come up with your desired package, you agree on a fee for that package. The tour operator then goes through all the preparations for your safari including booking for permits (gorilla and chimpanzees), booking for your accommodation, preparing for transport and meals plus other extras as shall be indicated in the package bought. This option saves from all this hustle and stress involved in organizing for the trip.

Uganda Safari

Uganda Safari

Travelers on a Game Drive (Notice the Self drive traveler and those in a tour operator safari van)

The other option is you take care of all those preparations which can be stressful but the advantage with this is you get to save on your expenses. In addition tourists are in control of all the tour itinerary which gives them the chance to tailor the trip exactly to their requirement. This tactic has its drawbacks though, it can prove to be the worst imaginable of nightmares if poorly planned.

Guided/Organised Trips/Vacations in Valencia, Spain

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Valencia may not be the most popular Spanish holiday destination, but due to an expansion of the routes on offer to the main airport, it is one that will see an increase in tourists from the UK. Here, we will explore some of the best guided excursions in Valencia.

Walking Tours of Valencia
The city of Valencia is beautiful and one that offers plenty of benefits to those who want to explore it on foot. The majority of English speaking walking tours explore the main sites of Valencia, but there are plenty of specialist tours you can explore as well. Tours generally take about three hours and cost roughly 10 Euros per adult per hour.
One of the specialist tours is the Tuk Tuk tour. Tuk Tuk’s are small private tours lasting about two hours. A Tuk Tuk is a motorised vehicle with no roof on the back so the two people sitting there and the one tour guide can see everything.

Wine Excursion in Valencia
The Spanish Bodega region of Valencia is one of the best wine regions in the whole of the country so if this is something you think you may like, then taking an excursion here is ideal. These wine excursions last in the region five to seven hours, which generally includes lunch in the middle. This means you will have to set aside a whole day for one of these tours. The tours generally cover the wine fields of the region, a tour of a modern bodega and a meal with some wine tasting.

Visit the sun drenched vineyards and enjoy sampling the produce, what better way to spend a holiday?

Visit the sun drenched vineyards and enjoy sampling the produce, what better way to spend a holiday?

Paella Cooking Class in Valencia
Paella is the dish of Spain, but cooking it if you do not know how is not easy. If you want to learn something different on your holiday and have some fun at the same time, then look into a paella cooking class. Paella actually originated in Valencia, hence the name paella Valenciana. The course lasts about three hours and will not cost any more than 50 Euros per person. The majority of courses also include a lunch of paella and wine.

Spanish love their Paella, and you'll love every minute of learning to cook it!

Spanish love their Paella, and you'll love every minute of learning to cook it!

Travel/Logistics to Valencia
Serviced by Valencia airport, Valencia is easy to get to from many of the major airports in the UK. Handling over 5 million passengers a year, the airport welcomes flights from Gatwick, the East Midlands and Stanstead with Bristol, Dublin, Manchester all being introduced in April 2012. The issue with this region is that unless you want to have a transfer journey of over 130 kilometres then this airport is the only option. With this in mind, as Ryanair and Easyjet are the two airline carriers flying from the UK to Valencia, low cost Spain flights are not an issue.

Above are just three of hundreds of guided and organised trips in Valencia, Spain. As a region that has so much history, you should make sure that you see everything you want to see in the area before getting on your flight home.
Description Tag: If you are travelling to Valencia, make sure you check guided and organised trips in the region as they are some of the best that can be found in Spain.

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Description Tag: If you are travelling to Valencia, make sure you check guided and organised trips in the region as they are some of the best that can be found in Spain.

A Guide to Deep Sea Fishing Trips around Australia

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Being able to fish in the deep blue sea is simply exhilarating. What could be more thrilling than riding the huge waves, being able to experience the strength and might of the game fish that is trying hard to get rid of that hook you have successfully set in its mouth! If you are planning to go on a deep sea fishing trip sometime soon, it is better to make plans with a charter or have a trip in a party boat. It becomes more relaxing and cost effective; by the time you reach the marina, the details have already been worked out by them.

A deep sea fishing scene near Lord Howe Island

A deep sea fishing scene near Lord Howe Island

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sydneydawg2006/2510756649/

Deep Sea fishing is not for the faint hearted; it is thrilling but dangerous at the same time. One needs to be well prepared before one can actually venture out in the raging sea chasing the game fish. Yellow fin Tunas, Striped and Black Marlins, Swordfish are the main attractions. For barramundi, trevally and cobia we would suggest the Northern Territory. Cairns in Queensland is known for its Great Barrier Reef and Marlins. It is always better to be accompanied by a professional fishing guide in such trips. They know the water in and out and also the dos and don’ts for a successful trip.

Check the following list, bear all of these in mind on a deep sea fishing trip:

  • Seagulls feasting on small bait type fishes in a particular fishing spot is a sign that there are larger game fish below the surface of the water. Also watch out for floating log and debris, chances are that there is a large game fish in the area.
  • Your fishing tackles matter a lot. The rods and reels must be in accordance to the fish you are willing to catch. Make sure that everything you have is in a working condition.
  • Proper clothes are a must if you want to enjoy the trip. It is a good idea to bring along a full sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and pullover might come handy; it gets a little chilly in the wind in mid sea.
  • The captain of the charter will definitely go through the safety rules but be sure to carry and wear your life jacket at all times. Also make an effort to know where the lifeboats/rafts, extra life jackets, fire extinguishers are.
  • Double check and see if the radio and the GPS are in a proper working order before you leave port.
  • Deep sea fish are very strong and can pull a person off the boat even! Ensure that your fishing rod is securely anchored and that you too are attached to the boat in some way- just in case the rod gets free. If there are children on board, be extra cautious.
  • It is a good idea to leave a copy of your vital information with somebody back home before you leave; could be a family member or some official of the marina. Your personal details along with the name of the charter company, route, expected time of return and other details. This comes handy in case of an emergency situation.
  • Keep a medical kit handy. Check if the flashlight is working fine and also if you have extra batteries. Carry enough rations in case you are stuck on the water for a couple of days. Keep your wallet and cell phone in a waterproof bag and attach it firmly to your clothing. Do not forget to keep some extra flares- distress signals at night.

    • It is once in a life time adventure to experience deep sea fishing and for the die-hard anglers it is definitely on the bucket list. Pack wisely; carry your best fishing tackle products – you are going to need them for sure. Carry hats, shades and plenty of sun block, camera to capture these once-in-a-lifetime- moments and lots of positive attitude. So, when can we expect you here? We are waiting to welcome you to the Down Under.

    Outdoor Clothing aktive8.com has a wide range of outdoor cloths visit the websites and choose your outdoor cloths.

    Scuba Diving in South Africa

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    South Africa is home to a diverse variety of weather conditions as well a wide variety of magnificent wildlife in the coastal regions. The coastline of South Africa is characterised by an extremely long coast boarding the cold Atlantic Ocean to the west and the warm Indian Ocean to the east. There are many spots all along the South Africa coast where one can enjoy an unforgettable scuba diving experience.

    Scuba Diving in Ushaka Oceanarium Durban, South Africa

    Scuba Diving in Ushaka Oceanarium Durban, South Africa

    Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/helmutrs/6064550643/

    Many of South Africa’s coastal areas are considered to be some of the best diving sites in the world. In fact, Aliwal Shoal in South Africa was chosen as one of the top ten must-do dive sites by Diver Magazine. The coral growth and sponges in this area are gorgeous as are the other marine life which is breathtaking.

    In Cape Town one can dive among beautiful kelp forests in the cold water. It is the only place in the world where all three different types of kelp can be found together. When diving in Cape Town, South Africa, it is required to put on a thick wet suit as the water is very cold, but the experience of swimming through the giant kelp and spotting the colourful coral underneath the canopy is well worth it.

    There are plenty of diving schools in South Africa which provide professional instructions so that visitors can enjoy a safe and unforgettable scuba dive. This gives divers the comfort of training before one gets fully immersed in the water, while still allowing yourself to have the option of exploring these beautiful dive sites to the best of your ability.

    Diving Wrecks in South Africa

    The Produce is one of the most interesting wrecks in South Africa and many divers are drawn to dive it with great interest. This unique ship wreck was a Norwegian tanker that was in commission during the 1960′s and 70′s. However, in 1974 the ship sank just off of the coast near Aliwal Shoal in the area of the Northeast Pinnacles. This amazing diving site has been classified for intermediate to experienced divers because of the currents that surround it. For the viewing pleasure of the divers one can see a lot of big fish as well as a large variety of smaller tropical fish whose wonderfully bright colours stand out in sharp contrast to the turquoise waters.

    Best Time to Dive in South Africa

    Since the waters can reach a chilly temperature from July to October in South Africa, it is definitely recommended that you try to dive in the warmer months of February and March when the water is warmer.

    There is a lot to be said for cold water dives and if you don’t mind wearing a full wetsuit, then be adventurous and dive in the colder months. This is especially important if you want to see the ragged tooth sharks, as they can be predominantly found on the South African coastline from June to November. Tiger sharks and hammerheads can be seen from December to January in South Africa.

    Popular Dive Locations in South Africa
    The Northern Pinnacles is an interesting dive site in a region known as Protea Banks. This scuba diving location in South Africa is well known for its display of a rare pink coral and the numbers of rare reef fish that can be found here. Divers can also visit two caves known as ‘Hole in the Wall’ and ‘Hole in the Floor’. These underwater caves do make for interesting penetration dives and they are also a focal point of the ragged tooth sharks during the mating season. It is recommended that people who want to dive at the Northern Pinnacles in South Africa do so in the colder months which is between June and November in order to get the best scuba diving experience.

    If you are a novice who is looking for a good dive, or an intermediate diver who wants to see something different, there is a small reef at Sodwana Bay which is known as Anton’s Reef. This diving site is very shallow and there is a visibility of about fifteen metres, which have combined to showcase the region’s wonderful variety of coral types and marine life. Divers are able to enjoy the large schools of tropical fish and the exciting underwater topography which is formed by many of the overhang regions.

    Should you want to go for a more adventurous dive, there are shark cage dives available where close encounters can be made with the great white sharks. Mosselbay is known as one of the most well known of these diving locations.

    A diving site which is located in Sodawana Bay attracts some of the more serious divers is Nine Mile Reef. This area is a little harder to get to than some of the other reefs in the area, in which case it is not frequented by as many divers, leaving it in nearly pristine condition since it hasn’t been bothered by too many people. The underwater topography in the area is magnificent, with large drop off regions, large coral tree growth and gorgeous pinnacles. There is a large diversity of tropical marine life, possibly even the largest collection of specimens in the region, and there are also large schools of fish that will pass by as you dive, making it a truly spectacular underwater experience.

    Marine life in South Africa

    Some of the marine life that you might encounter in your diving locations:

    - Great white sharks
    - Ragged tooth sharks
    - Humpback whales
    - Turtles
    - Mantas
    - Eels
    - Zambezi sharks
    - Coral
    - Sponges
    - Hammerhead sharks
    - Rays
    - Grouper
    - Tuna
    - Southern right whales
    - Sardines
    - Whale sharks
    - Tiger sharks
    - and a wide range of tropical and reef fish as well as schools of pelagic fish.

    South Africa Diving Fact Sheet

    - Average Air Temperature: 25C – 29C
    - Average Water Temperature: 14C – 24C
    - Recommended Exposure Protection: Anywhere from a 3mm – 7mm suit depending on where you are diving and what time of year you plan on doing the dive
    - Average Visibility: Anywhere from 5 to 50 metres
    - Coldest Times: July to October
    - Hottest Times: February to March

    If you are planning a Scuba diving trip to South Africa, South African Hotels.com specialise in South African accommodation.

    Guided Walking Holiday Tours in Cyprus

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    Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has been called ‘the playground of the gods.’ It’s easy to see why. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the island is rich in natural beauty. Although Cyprus is only 3572 square miles in size, it packs in a lot of flora and fauna. It is home to 140 flowering plants that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet and boasts twenty rare orchid species. One of the best ways to appreciate Cyprus is on foot. There are several options for guided walking tours available.

    Landscape at Silikou, Cyprus

    Landscape at Silikou, Cyprus

    Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/graeme/2928300511/

    Cyprus Travel Secrets

    Cyprus Travel Secrets focuses on the Akamas area. Stay at a stone house, in the countryside, close to Polis and Latchi. Experience all the comforts of home, while discovering the island. The company strives to take visitors on unique walks, which won’t be listed in any guidebook. A week-long package costs €595, which covers accommodation, five days of guided walks with lunch provided, and transfers.
    Cyprus Travel Secrets link.

    Cyprus Active

    Cyprus Active offers the Three Crusader Castles Walk, which takes place in the northern section of the country. With this professionally guided, eight-day tour, you walk steadily west, enjoying panoramic views. Stop at local highlights such as Buffavento Castle and St. Hilarion Castle. On day five, take a break from walking to go swimming, or to explore Kyrenia. At the end of the trek, receive your certificate from the Kyrenia Mountain Trail Association. There is also a second itinerary, which leads walkers all the way from Cape Korucum to Cape Zafer Burnu.
    Cyprus Active link.

    A view of Nicosia taken from the Shackleton Tower

    A view of Nicosia taken from the Shackleton Tower

    Xplorebritain.com

    This company provides a more relaxed approach to the walking tour. Also based in the Akamas area, Xplorebritain guides visitors on hikes that are ten miles or less. Home base is the three-star Aphrodite Beach Hotel. The itinerary includes the Pissouromouttis Trail loop, a stop at the Baths of Aphrodite, a climb to the summit of Moutis Sotiras and a trek through the Kouphon Gorge. There is a day off from walking in the middle of this seven-night holiday. For the £745 price, you get a flight from Gatwick, hotel with air-conditioning and transportation when needed. Breakfast and dinner are part of the package, as are some lunches.
    Exlore Britain Link.

    Cyprus Tourist Organization

    People interested in shorter walks should take advantage of the free, guided tours offered by the Cyprus Tourist Organization. Such walks cover the capital Nicosia, Lemesos, Germasogeia and Kato Pafos. The Kato Pafos tour takes visitors to a UNESCO World Heritage town. The walking tours are only a few hours long. Some combine a bus tour with the walk.
    Visit Cyprus
    Cyprus Tourist Guide

    Local Guides

    If you want a more personal experience, consider hiring a local through a site such as Private Guides. Some offer group walks, while others prefer to lead private treks. This is a great option for travelers wishing to take a day hike, rather than committing to a walking holiday. This walking tour in Troodos link from Private Guides will interest many walkers.

    481 words (not including links)

    Bio: Juliet White is a freelance writer and travel blogger. To read more of her work, visit www.thelostbackpack.com and also her Twitter profile.

    5 Must Do Trips in New Zealand

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    Fiordland National Park to Glow Worm Caves

    New Zealand is a unique and mysterious country. As the last piece of earth to be settled permanently by humans, this country has a wildness that has yet to be extinguished by modernity. The result is the opportunity to plan vacations that are adventurous, awe inspiring and beyond the ordinary. Regardless if you are looking for a hot weather or cold weather adventure, New Zealand has a “must do” trip for you.

    Monkey Creek in Fiordland National Park

    Monkey Creek in Fiordland National Park

    Fiordland National Park

    If you have only one chance to make it to New Zealand then you need to make plans to visit Fiordland National Park. This amazing park provides you with opportunities to sea kayak, to cruise in ships between the narrow fiord passages, to go ice cliff climbing, to explore growing glaciers, to hike, to ski down the longest ski run in the world and to take in geological splendors unparalleled in any part of the world. This “must do” trip can be scaled up or down depending on how much time you have and what level of adventure you are seeking. It is great for single explorers, couples and even families.

    Rotorua – Glow Worm Caves/Blackwater Rafting

    Another “must do” New Zealand trip is Rotorua. This region of the country is primarily known for two things, the glow worm caves and blackwater rafting. The glow worm caves can be explored along a trail or on a floating tour of the cave system. Blackwater rafting is a unique New Zealand experience that allows you to float through cave systems. The darkness of the cave gives blackwater rafting its name, but with the bioluminescence offered by glowworms on the ceiling of the caves, you will not be in total darkness. In fact, you will feel as if you are floating under an brilliant blanket of stars.

    New Zealand Volcano/Geothermal Tour

    New Zealand is home to a fabulous collection of volcanoes and geothermal features. You can tour these features in a number of ways. A great way to start, however, is to take a helicopter tour of the volcanoes. This will give you a unique view of the landscape and the seascape. You can even have the helicopter pilot set down on one of the volcanoes so you can explore it and/or have a nice picnic lunch. To explore the other geothermal features you will want to be on land. You can take trails and guided tours of the spectacular hot springs, natural hot tubs, Hot Water Beach and the thermal mud pots. You can even get a special spa treatment that utilizes the mineral rich mud from these geothermal features.

    Sea Kayaking in New Zealand

    A very popular activity in New Zealand is sea kayaking. Sea kayaking vacations will allow you to explore both land and water. All you have to do is pack your camping and exploration gear in your sea kayak and head out to sea or inland along one of the country’s many waterways. Tour the coastline or explore the interior for a weekend, a week or even longer. If you select this option, make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance in place, as some outfitters will require it.

    Sea Kayaking in New Zealand

    Sea Kayaking in New Zealand

    Wine Country/Hot Air Balloon Excursion

    If you are looking for a “taste” of New Zealand then plan a wine country vacation. Set down in the Marlborough region and you will be ready to tour the many world class wineries found in this area. Taste wines and local delicacies as you bicycle across the countryside. For a romantic option for this trip, book an early morning ride in a hot air balloon and watch as the sun filters across the rolling hills and vineyard of Marlborough. Enjoy a glass of local wine and spend time in the silence of the moment.

    Author Byline: It only took one trip to New Zealand for Madeline Binder to fall in love with this country. Now she is dedicated to helping other people plan for a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand.

    The Best Four Gelato Shops in Florence

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    When you are in Florence, you will find yourself in dire need of an ice cream. Your Tuscany villa with pool will be too far away, and the summer heat coupled with long walks on torrid city stones will drive you to the first gelato shop displaying mounds of overflowing fruit-flavored deliciousness. But, are you sure this is the best gelato you can get in Florence? At the moment you might not be interested, as even a spoonful of slush would refresh you, but halfway through your ice cream you might realize that what you have in your hand is a mediocre product. One quick tip: if ice cream rises above the pan, something is wrong. Move forward.
    Here are four excellent suggestions where you should go to eat the best ice cream in town.

    Perchè no?
    When you are just outside the Public Palace or the Uffizi gallery you will find yourself in Piazza della Signoria. Go towards the prestigious Via dei Calzaioli until you reach the intersection with Via dei Tavolini on the right. At number 19/r you will find this historic ice cream shop in business from before WWII. Its interiors are a beautiful example of very elegant Liberty art. Here you can enjoy the celebrated sorbets and semifreddi, gelato cakes. After many ownership generations, antique recipes were rediscovered and employed in the production of excellent ice creams and cold pastry. If you want to spot some Italian and international celebrities, be sure to visit this unique spot in Florence.

    Grom
    A unique name for a unique ice cream. Grom will satisfy the most ambitious tongues in the world, and let anyone else discover a paradise of flavors. The characteristic of Grom is the employment of solely the freshest and most whole ingredients from the globe. All ingredients are grown on local organic farms, including eggs and milk. Only in-season fruits are used to create this ice-cream, while exotic flavors are directly imported from the finest places of production. Some examples are Sicilian lemons, South American chocolate, and vanilla from Madagascar. Even water is directly brought in from a natural spring. To eat this rare delicacy go to Via del Campanile, a short walk from Piazza del Duomo.

    Badiani
    One of the most traditional ice cream makers in Florence. This one is off the city center, set in Viale dei Mille, a short walk from Piazza Libertà. This shop showcases a very elegant and refined ambient, matching one of the finest gelato in town. Although a little out of the usual tourist trail, the short walk to Badiani is worth your effort, as you will find one of the largest taste selections in Florence.

    Vivoli
    While you are coming from the Duomo square walking through the renowned Via del Proconsolo in the heart of Florence, take a left on Via dell’Anguillara then go to Via Isola delle Sinche. At number 7 you will find one of the oldest ice cream shops of Florence, called Vivoli. The peculiarity of their gelatos are the originality of their flavors, some of which I am sure you never heard of. Such as caramel pear, real orange flavored chocolate, or simply rice. Vivoli is another historic place in Florence, first opening in 1930.

    A tub of Pistachio Ice Cream from Vivoli
    A tub of Pistachio Ice Cream from Vivoli. Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffschwartz/196227888/

    When in Florence, now you know where to go to make sure all the gelato you eat is only of the highest quality. You will remember it as one of the best memories of your holiday in Tuscany!

    Matt lives in Florence writing for ThriftyTuscany.com, an owner’s direct website for your holiday Tuscany apartments.

    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.

    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.”

     

    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.