Rabu, 27 September 2017

Things to Look For When Booking a Beach Resort Vacation

Staying in a beach resort is a great vacation experience. You have everything at your fingertips. You stay in a hotel with direct access to the water offering a host of fun activities. This type of vacation is popular with couples, honeymooners, families and groups of friends.

There are a number of considerations you need to factor into your decision when booking this type of vacation property. One of the most important considerations you will want to look at is the facilities that the beach resort provides.

Most of these types of accommodation offers include a wealth of great activities on site, enabling you to enjoy the most of your time away from home. From watersports to swimming pools and fitness areas to restaurants, bars, beauty salons, spas and more. You need to determine which facilities will make or break your vacation, enabling you to make the best decision to ensure you have the best and most memorable vacation experience.

The next thing you will want to take a close look at is the type of accommodation offered. In most cases beach resorts are a small town on their own on the edge of a white sandy beach. This means they offer hotel rooms ranging in sizes and styles to apartments to self-catering villas and so much more. Your decision should be based on the number of people travelling and the privacy that you are looking for. If you want to be cut off from the main resort, but still enjoy all the facilities, then a villa may be the right choice for you.

Location is an exceptionally important decision which should be based on the type of vacation you want. Some beach resorts are located on the edge of the sand with their own stretch of private beach, while others may be a short walking distance from the water. For the best experience, you should try and choose one that ticks all the boxes you feel is important for your vacation experience.

If you want to enjoy some relaxation during your vacation and are looking for an opportunity to rejuvenate yourself while enjoying a host of activities. Ensure you choose accommodation that includes a day spa. This is a way to treat yourself, get your batteries recharged and enjoy some time in the sun. You will be ready to go home and face the hustle and bustle of daily life after a few days of sun, recuperation and rejuvenation.

Some of the beach resorts automatically include breakfast. This is a great start to your day. Ensure the one you choose includes bed and breakfast (if you don't choose self-catering), this way you get a great start to the day and will spend less on food during the stay, which can help you stay within budget.

Chances are when you're looking at available beach resorts and all they have to offer, you are working to a strict budget. This is why you should pay careful attention to see what is included in the price. If you are booking for a long weekend at a resort, then you will want to make the most of some of the activities available. Do they offer you free access to some of the water sports? Do you have free access to the fitness center and pool? Ideally you want to find one that includes some of these activities to help you keep your budget to a minimum.

The final step before you make your booking is to read past guest reviews. Don't rely on the establishment's website, rather look up on some of the popular independent review sites to see what everyone else has to say about their experiences.


Jumat, 08 September 2017

How to Stop Stressing Over Your Family Vacation Destination

So you are packed and ready to go on your family vacation destination, but for some reason, you just can't seem to relax.

Do not waste what little time you have by letting yourself worry and get caught up with things going on at home, at work or trying to make sure that everyone is having a good time on the trip. If you are stressed out, other people will notice and it could affect them as well.

Here are some things that you can do to help chill out:

The first thing you need to do is disconnect! It seems at times that we cannot function without our handheld devices. But it's hard to sit back and enjoy your vacation when you are constantly checking and re-checking your phone for new calls, texts and emails. And don't let yourself get caught up on social media sites. If you spend too much time looking at what everyone else is doing, you could miss out on what's happening right in front of your eyes. So have your entire family unplug from technology, at least for a day.

While you are on vacation, allow yourself to sleep in! The kids are out of school and you don't have to go to work, so try not to set an alarm clock and watch those dark circles under your eyes - disappear. Aside from the physical side effects, you will find that with an extra hour or two of sleep, you will be less cranky throughout the day. So draw the shades and turn the clock so that you can't see the time - if you start your day in a rush, then you'll see to be in a hurry for the rest of the day.

Do less work! Find out if there is a company that will deliver groceries to your vacation home. If there is, then let them do the shopping for you. If that service is not available, then plan ahead and budget to eat out at various restaurants so that you are not spending majority of your time preparing meals for everyone.

Allow yourself to splurge and be pampered while on vacation. Spa treatments, like massage, are one of the best ways to relax. Experienced massage therapists are able to work on your tension spots and help release your stress. There are several massage companies who are willing to schedule an in-room session, so you can enjoy your treatment in privacy. If you are traveling with your significant other, try a couples massage.


Selasa, 29 Agustus 2017

Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica - Piedras Blancas National Park

Some of the harder to reach locations in the southern region of Costa Rica are the most rewarding to visit in terms of wildlife. Focusing on the Corcovado National Park on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica offers travellers numerous species of birds to sight as well as many mammals, some of which are endangered. However, for the adventurous traveller who enjoys more elusive sighting opportunities, the Piedras Blancas National Park offers a challenging terrain that is home to a dizzying array of flora, fauna and birdlife.

A Protected Preserve

The Piedras Blancas National Park was originally incorporated into the Corcovado National Park, acting as a sort of gateway for the larger preserve considered by many as the country's crowning jewel. However, in 1993 the Piedras Blancas was formed independently to protect the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the area, which is also the only remaining habitat of the endangered Jaguar. A wildlife holiday in Costa Rica is always rich with exotic sighting opportunities, but many species that inhabit the Piedras Blancas National Park are still being studied and remain an exciting mystery to researchers and visitors alike.

Lush and Tropical

The Piedras Blancas National Park spans over 14000 hectares and forms a protective barrier, with its neighbour the Corcovado National Park, to safeguard the biological corridor of the Golfo Dulce region. The geographical position of the forest means that the weather conditions, including over 200 inches of rain per year, keep the forest lush and tropical all year round. Consequently, the Piedras Blancas is home to a biologically diverse variety of animal and bird life. One could easily focus a trip's entire attention on the Piedras Blancas National Park and come away highly rewarded.

Impressive Level of Biodiversity

Studies of the preserve have revealed an impressive level of biodiversity within the forest, similar to that found in Corcovado. Scarlet Macaws and toucans have benefited from rescue and preservation efforts, as have all four of the South American big cat species - all of which have been recorded in the area. Other wildlife frequently seen includes an amazing array of reptiles, including over 37 amphibian and 42 reptile species - such as the poisonous Coral Snake, the Pit Viper, the Boa Constrictor and numerous colourful frogs and lizards. Over 330 species of birds have also been sighted in the park, making Piedras Blancas renowned one of the best areas for bird watching and wildlife holidays in Costa Rica.

For amazing wildlife holidays in Costa Rica the Piedras Blancas National Park covers all interests. From the Bottlenose Dolphins seen along its coastline, to the magnificent birds that fly over the towering canopy, as well as the exotic array of reptiles and mammals that inhabit the dense, lush forest, even the most seasoned traveller will be thrilled with all this spectacular park has to offer.

Selasa, 15 Agustus 2017

Lombok Tour Package: Discovering More of Indonesia

The beautiful island of Lombok in Indonesia may not be as hugely popular as its much hyped neighbor Bali, yet it is just as worthy of exploration as any other travel destination. Especially for the most dedicated travelers, a good, satisfying travel experience does not only mean exploring the most popular places there ever is on the planet. It also means traversing the less popular ones for its own rewards apart from popularity, one of the possible rewards being that less known destinations may in fact offer a more unspoiled natural beauty, which, after all, is one of the ultimate goals of traveling around different places away from home. On this note, a Lombok tour package will definitely be a good option, both for its unspoiled natural beauty and as much as for its affordability.

Listed below are some attractions that makes this destination a good investment of one's travel time and resources:

Mt. Rinjani National Park
Mt. Rinjani National Park is a sprawling 41,330 hectares (159.6 square miles) of nature reserve and water catchment area and includes an additional 66,000 hectares (250 square miles) of adjacent protected forests. Mt. Rinjani as a whole is the second highest peak in Indonesia, and is increasingly becoming popular among trekkers and mountain climbers. Locals consider the mountain as sacred, and its Saganak crater is the venue for pilgrimage of thousands who believe that making an offering in the waters and bathing in the hot spring can cure illnesses.

The Gili Islands
Popular among tourists who are after a remote island experience, the Gili islands consists of three coral islands made naturally perfect and awe-inspiring by white sands dotted with swaying pine trees. The local government has prohibited the use of automobiles in the islands, and the means of transportation that is available is by horse cart called cidomo, or alternatively, by foot or bicycle. Superb coral formations, as well as the plethora of rich marine life, has made diving in Gilis a popular activity among visitors and locals alike.

Sekotong
Sekotong is a place of stunning beauty, dotted on the left with gently rolling hills and small rural villages sheltered under green valleys. On the right side is the ocean stretch, which paints the area a lovely blue color in the sunlight. In between Sekotong and Taun township sprawls a majestic arc of white sand and turquoise waters.

Senggigi Beach and Resort
Known as Lombok's most developed tourist area, Senggigi is home to facilities and conveniences such as bars, cafes, discotheques, and restaurants, most of which are found on the main beach road.

Kuta Beach
The south coast of Lombok is known as Kuta. Kuta boasts of a fabulous bay that is characterized by white sand, crystal clear waters, and excellent surfing waves. Kuta is less busy than other parts of Lombok, making it perfect for a quiet holiday. Various accommodations are available, ranging from the relatively luxurious hotel to the most affordable homestay. The most famous activities in the area include surfing, relaxing under the sun, and surfing.

Minggu, 30 Juli 2017

Italian Vacations: Spots to Avoid When Driving

Driving through Europe is no small feat. There are differences in traffic signals, few signs, and language barriers to contend with. At least in Italy they drive on the same side of the road as the United States. Weaving through traffic in cities like Rome and Milan can be difficult, but the countryside poses its own set of obstacles. When planning driving vacations, spots along the way can be tricky to navigate. But, if you've got your heart set on doing it yourself, don't be discouraged!

If you've looked into driving around Italy, you have probably already heard horror stories about the streets of Rome. To start with, the traffic during peak times is bumper-to-bumper. There aren't really "lanes" for drivers to adhere to, so everyone crowds into the streets trying to rush to their own destinations. This can lead to some terrifying bobbing and weaving. Before you go on green, you should look both ways a few times to make sure the coast is clear.

Rental car companies are very aware of the dangers of driving in Rome. If you do decide to rent a car in the city, you can bet your insurance will be almost twice the cost of renting the car. You may actually save money by taking taxis or hiring a driver.

Experiencing the bucolic countryside is a must for many tourists. While driving in the country is much easier than in Rome or even Milan, there are still things to be aware of. Maps of the countryside don't provide much detail, and there is a general lack of signs in rural areas. You should give yourself at least twice as much time to travel than you anticipate. If you don't, you could very well miss that wine tasting you booked or lose your spa reservation.

Staying in a beautiful villa in Tuscany is the pinnacle of many people's vacations. Spots like San Gimignano, a medieval town nestled in the province of Sienna, are sure to be unforgettable. However, you can't drive within the town walls. They do have parking areas, but they quickly become packed with daytime tourists.


Rabu, 12 Juli 2017

Batam Tour Package: A Weekend Thrill in Indonesia's Hidden Getaways

Batam is a tropical island and a city in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. Once an unknown area of jungle forests, it has come to be recognized as one of the most beautiful tourist spot in Southeast Asia, boasting of attractions that can be considered as unique albeit having similarities with attractions from other travel destinations. Located 20 kilometers off the south coast of Singapore, it is also a free trade zone within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle. Its residents are mainly of Malayan origin, but over time, other ethnic groups from Indonesia have settled in the area. These different ethnic groups reside in Batam's different coastal villages, while the island's "Orang Laut" (sea people) have preserved their culture and tradition of living in boats and boathouses. The island's inhabitants and their culture, along with the various attractions, make for a worthwhile Batam tour package, which is especially popular during the weekends, and a try at any of the following attractions and activities will open a new perspective of Indonesian travel and culture.

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple
Batam is home to many temples, which occupies the island's various areas. All of these temples attract visitors and tourists, apart from pilgrims and worshipers. Among these temples, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is the most prominent. It is also considered as one of Batam's major tourist attractions, being also one of the largest temples in the Southeast Asian region. It is also known as the Laughing Buddha temple.

Chocolate House
Travelers, especially those who are on a trip as couples, will find something romantically sweet in Batam, the Chocolate House. This chocolate shop sells over a hundred varieties of chocolates, making itself a true haven for chocolate lovers. Chocolates from this store will make for a really good gift to friends and loved ones back home, as the prices are reasonably lower here compared to other locations.

Go-Kart Circuit House
For thrill and adventure activity seekers, Batam offers its very own kart circuit, the Go-Kart Circuit House. Anchored in a purpose built track, it offers speed enthusiasts an opportunity to race for fun against time along with team mates. Safety is an important feature of the Circuit House, and visitors are required to abide by the rules on proper footwear and clothing.

Indonesia Miniature Park
As its very name suggests, the Indonesia Miniature Park is an impeccable depiction of Indonesian life and culture in a miniature presentation that uses the park as a medium. Different pavilions give a synopsis of Indonesian daily life and culture, with excellent collections of architectural displays along with depictions of Indonesian traditions and culture.