Tag Archives: travel

2024 Travel; where in the world will you go?

In a world where travel has become not just a luxury but a necessity for the soul, the year 2024 promises to offer a plethora of enticing destinations to satisfy every traveler’s craving for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup of popular holiday hotspots.

From the sun-kissed shores of Bali to the majestic landscapes of Iceland, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the romantic canals of Venice, the options are endless and the experiences boundless. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, a cultural immersion, or simply a chance to unwind and recharge, these destinations have it all and more.

Travel to Bali

Among the plethora of enticing destinations, holidays to Bali stand out as a journey to a quintessential paradise. With its idyllic beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture, Bali offers a sensory feast like no other. From surfing the legendary waves of Uluwatu to exploring the mystical temples of Ubud, Bali promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Not to mention the warm hospitality of the locals and the mouthwatering flavors of Balinese cuisine. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or spiritual rejuvenation, Bali beckons with open arms, ready to enchant you with its beauty and leave you longing for more.

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Travel to Venice

Venice, the timeless city of romance and intrigue, captivates travelers with its enchanting canals and Renaissance architecture. Stepping onto the narrow cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, where every corner reveals a new masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a gondola ride, lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways of the historic center, or indulge in a sumptuous Venetian feast overlooking the picturesque waters. With its rich history, unparalleled beauty, and romantic atmosphere, Venice promises an unforgettable journey filled with romance, culture, and endless charm.

Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, the vibrant metropolis where tradition and innovation collide, offers a sensory overload like no other. From the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku to the serene gardens of Meiji Shrine, Tokyo is a city of contrasts and endless discoveries. Dive into the bustling street food scene of Tsukiji Market, immerse yourself in the quirky pop culture of Harajuku, or marvel at the cutting-edge technology of Akihabara. With its world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment options, Tokyo is a playground for urban adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. Prepare to be dazzled by the energy and excitement of Japan’s capital city.

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As we come to the end of our exploration of these popular holiday destinations in 2024, one thing is abundantly clear: the world is filled with an endless array of captivating places waiting to be discovered. From the sun-drenched shores of Bali to the timeless charm of Venice and the dynamic energy of Tokyo, each destination offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s a destination out there that’s perfect for you. So, dust off your bucket list, gather your travel companions, and set out on your own journey of discovery. Let the sights, sounds, and flavors of these incredible destinations ignite your wanderlust and inspire you to explore the world with an open heart and a spirit of adventure. After all, the greatest adventures often begin with a single step into the unknown. Safe travels, and may your next holiday be filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories!

Studying while travelling. You don’t have to choose.

Studying online while traveling can be an amazing opportunity for those who crave adventure and want to expand their knowledge at the same time. With the advent of fast internet connections, it has become easier than ever to access online education platforms from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Greece or lounging on the beaches of Bali, you can now continue your education and pursue your dreams without any limitations.

One of the major advantages of studying online while traveling is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional classroom settings, you have the freedom to create your own schedule and study at your own pace. This means that you can take breaks whenever you want to explore new destinations or immerse yourself in different cultures. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can access your course materials and interact with professors and fellow students from anywhere in the world.

Speaking of internet connection, having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for studying online while traveling. Thankfully, technology has advanced to the point where even remote areas now have access to high-speed internet. This means that you can study and complete assignments without any interruptions, no matter where your travels take you. So whether you’re trekking through the Amazon rainforest or camping in the Sahara Desert, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to stay connected and continue your studies.

Another advantage of studying online while traveling is the cost savings it offers. Traveling can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of accommodation, transportation, and meals. However, by studying online, you can save money on these expenses by eliminating the need for a physical presence in a classroom or campus. Additionally, studying online allows you to avoid the high costs associated with obtaining a student visa for each country you visit. Instead, you can simply obtain a tourist visa, which is often much cheaper and easier to obtain.

Studying online while traveling is a fantastic way to combine education with exploration. With fast internet connections becoming more widespread, you can easily access online education platforms from anywhere in the world. The flexibility it offers allows you to create your own schedule and study at your own pace, while the cost savings make it an affordable option for those on a budget. So pack your bags, grab your laptop, and embark on an educational journey like no other!

St John US Virgin Islands: Travel Tips & Information

St John US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit. The island is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is located just east of St Thomas and west of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. If you’re planning to go, here are some tips and information to help you plan your stay at st john villa
rentals:

1 – There are no cars on St John so if you want to get around, there are taxis or buses that can take you anywhere on the island. You can also rent scooters or bicycles if you want to explore independently.

Continue reading St John US Virgin Islands: Travel Tips & Information

Visit London, summer’s coming!

The sun’s out and summer is officially on the horizon!
London hosts a huge variety of things to keep you entertained and its even better when it’s warm out. This weekend is set to be lovely and there are so many things taking place that I’m excited about so I figured I’d share.
I’ve lived in London most of my life but whenever I’ve lived in other cities I was always drawn back to London for events, fairs and shows here.
One of the stand out events for this coming weekend that have caught my eye was the new Queer Britain museum in the heart of London in Kings Cross. Its been in the works for four years and has been curated by an amazing team to showcase the rich LGBTQ+ history. Queer history is so important to learn about especially living in such a diverse city. This exhibit is free to the public but they welcome donations so if you’re in town would be a great addition to a London trip.

This week London is also hosting the Prince of Peckhams birthday. Immerse yourself and your friends/family in urban culture, food and music. Taking place at the Prince of Peckham pub, this week long 5th birthday includes chicken wing giveaways, a big fat queer quiz, a comedy night and children friendly bingo game hosted by a drag troupe. Depending on what day you decide to go there is something for everyone!

If you’re more into fitness than a trip to the pub the UK’s largest outdoor fitness festival is also running this weekend for 3 days. Timeout says “a three-day programme of activities that’ll help you work up a nice sweat. As usual there’ll be plenty of free fitness classes taking place on the Marshes, plus a free-entry 5k race for those who have made smashing Couch to 5k their new year’s resolution. It all leads up to the Hackney Half on the Sunday, with the 21km route winding its way around the borough through crowds of cheering spectators.”
So take yourself and your family down to Hackney marshes this weekend if this sounds like your cup of tea.

Whatever takes your interest London always has something to offer. There are many shows running all the time for avid theatre goers and the club and restaurants are top tier when you know where to look.
Finding somewhere to stay when you visit London can sometimes be a little bit of a struggle but having resources like Guestready makes it really easy to book the perfect accommodation for your stay whether it’s a short trip to have some fun in the big city or even a month long stay for work. As a (5 star rated by trust pilot) Airbnb management company they ensure a smooth service from start to finish in the location you want so you can book your stay in confidence and focus on all the amazing activities you have planned and just enjoy London.

3 Tips For Travelling Around the UK

As a plus size person, there are often things I need to think about when travelling; especially when taking public transport. Before the pandemic I often travelled to different places throughout the country to see friends and attend plus size events, so I thought I would share some travel tips with you as a plus size person.

Do Your Research 

One of the biggest things when travelling somewhere new is to do your research. For me this includes what the venue is like I am going to be visit – do I need to prepare myself for uncomfortable seating for example. However, what I also want to know is how easy is my journey going to be? Things like this article about the accessibility of UK train stations helps to make life easier, it tells me what to expect from different stations and helps me be prepared for those stations where life is going to be a little tougher.

Take Your Time 

One thing I definitely hate doing when travelling is rushing – I don’t want to be the last one on the train hunting for a seat or rushing into the station wondering which platform my train is leaving from. I’ve found things like Google Maps and The Train Line app can make life that much easier – even telling me if my train is delayed or what platform I should be travelling from.

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Know Your Worth 

I have travelled up and down the UK and even took a holiday to Las Vegas a couple of years ago. One thing that always comes up with discussing plus size travel with others is how uncomfortable people feel they will be, or how embarrassed. Just remember that you deserve to see as much of the world as you want, regardless of your size or shape. So if you need to make use of accessibility websites before you travel, want to book an extra seat for comfort or need an extender belt on a plane, don’t let that put you off doing as much travelling as you want; you deserve it.

If you have any tips for travelling around the UK I would love to hear them!

 

5 airport hacks for Heathrow fashionistas

No matter how often you travel, jetting off for a luxury holiday is always eagerly anticipated.

As well as the awesome activities enabled by a sojourn in the sunshine or snow, a break from the workaday routine is always cathartic.

And as Britain’s busiest and best-connected airport, Heathrow is the ideal gateway to glam locations like Bali, Cape Town and Milan.

But a fab pre-flight experience sets up a stylish break beautifully – so here are five airport hacks for Heathrow fashionistas.

  •  Divine drinks

First thing’s first – before browsing any of the airport’s chic gift boutiques or elegant couture emporiums, slake your thirst at the Heathrow Fortnum & Mason bar at Terminal 5. 

They stock excellent Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru and Brit Rose champagnes, effervescent cocktails like the Smoking Hedgerow and Intercontinental sour, and sublime Scotches like the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Islay Barley. 

  •  Chic boutiques

Once you’ve unwound with a few beverages and bar snacks, take a leisurely postprandial stroll towards Heathrow’s designer boutiques to see if anything takes your fancy.

Heading to Chanel is often your best bet – you can rely on this Gallic couturier to provide an amazing array of timeless outfits for any occasion, as well as matching shoes, accessories and watches. You can make a shopping reservation at boutique.heathrow.com and personal shopper or pick up on return services are also available.

  •  Spa pampering

After your retail therapy, you might need a bit of a break while your credit card cools off – in which case, book a massage at Heathrow’s Be Relax spa and pamper yourself prior to takeoff. 

Located at Terminal 5B, Gate 35, this bijou beauty bar offers full body table massages, oxygen and aromatherapy, a steam room and shower, and manicures or pedicures.

When your treatment is finished, you can also detoxify yourself further with a wonderfully healthy wheatgrass shake at the juice bar. 

  •  Lounge around

With the best will in the world, Heathrow’s main concourse can be hectic, so spending some spare time before takeoff in an exclusive lounge can help you realign your chakras before it’s chocks away for your flight.

There are several to choose from in Terminals 2 through 5, but there’s a Plaza Premium lounge in each and their sleek interiors and first class food, drinks and comfort make them the pick of the bunch – book your space on the official Heathrow airport website.

  •  Park in peace

When you’ve taken great care and consideration to prime your hair and makeup and pick out the perfect pre-flight outfit, the last thing you want is to arrive looking like you’ve been dragged through a bush backwards because you’ve braved packed public transport.

So find Heathrow airport parking at Looking4.com, cruise there in the comfort of your own car and step inside the terminal as confidently as if you were floating along the catwalk. Plus, when you’re tired on the return leg of your trip, you can hop back in your ride and hit the road homewards.

That’s our list! Share your own stylish Heathrow tips in the comments section.

 

Cool and Interesting Things to Do in Dublin

Dublin in the Republic of Ireland is increasingly popular for weekends away and longer stays to soak up the Irish charm of the place. There is plenty to keep yourself busy while on a visit to Dublin.

Here we explore some cool and interesting things that you can do when taking a holiday there.

Getting to Dublin

The easiest way to get to Dublin is to fly there. It cuts out a lot of the hassle of travelling any other way. A convenient airport to use is Luton Airport because it avoids much of the congestion when dealing with London-based airports and saves time if you live outside of London anyway.

When using Luton airport, take advantage of the Luton airport parking to save time trying to find a parking spot outside the airport. That way you won’t miss your flight trying to find a spot to park your car before you fly over to Dublin. There are longer duration stays when using parking at Luton airport, which avoids a meter running out, so it’s safer to use than other parking when out of England for a spell. Certainly, you can find options at lutonparking.com to book the right space for the dates you’ll need to reserve it for.

Guinness Storehouse Factory

A trip to Dublin really isn’t going to be complete without drinking a few pints of Guinness and visiting the Guinness Storehouse Factory. After all, when you get home, that’s what people will be asking about, and you don’t want to have to admit you forgot to include it. They’ll never let you in an Irish pub again!

The Storehouse is found in the St. James’ Gate Brewery. The interior design is interesting, as it resembles a traditional pint of Guinness beer. Billed as the #1 attraction in all of Dublin – and who can dispute that – adult prices start at just €18.50. Bargain!

The tour takes you through multiple floors that cover a potted history of beer brewing in Ireland. It also covers the history of Guinness beer making with the Guinness family, along with how the beer is created step by step. The tour concludes at the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a pint of cold Guinness while looking out over the modern Dublin skyline. Perfect.

Kilmainham Gaol

The Kilmainham Gaol harks back to the history of prison life and how challenging it was for the inmates. It was one of the largest prisons in Europe and it ran for hundreds of years.

It now operates as a tour, as well as a movie location from time to time too. It also houses St. Audeon’s,  which is the singular parish church to be found in Dublin.

Dublin Food and Drink at Its Finest

Dublin is steadily making a name for itself as the culinary centre for Ireland. While some Irish people would dispute the claim, a tour of some of the better eateries might just have them eating their words.

If you visit the Bison Bar, you get top nosh like brisket and ribs. Meat lovers positively rejoice at the place. It’s not such a fun place for stern vegetarians though – don’t say we didn’t warn you. There’s some local drink to wash the grub down with too.

The Workman’s is an interesting club to try out. It’s a great after-hours place to while away a few hours when the clock strikes midnight and you’re not ready to go home yet. They’ll kick you out at 4 am but it’ll be well worth it.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Two cathedrals were designed and constructed in Dublin, but St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest. Construction began in 1191 and attracts many tourists who come to see the impressive structure. The cathedral has more than 800 years of documented history now, so it surely has some interesting stories to tell if the walls could only talk.

Dublin Castle

The Dublin Castle casts an imposing figure even after its 800 years of existence. That’s pretty impressive in its own right. The walls are still holding up while its history traces back through centuries of changes to Ireland over time.

The property covers around 11 acres, so it’ll take you time to walk it all if you’re feeling energetic after a good feed. It is poised on the highest ridge overlooking its domain below. The castle itself has numerous rooms to explore. There are also several museums set up there, including the Revenue Museum, the Chester Beatty Library, and the Chapel Royal.

You have the choice of taking a self-guided tour or paying for a guided one with commentary providing historical insights. The guided tour is well worth it if you’re interested in learning titbits that aren’t in the Irish history books.

Relax on Stephen’s Green

Where is the best place to go on a perfect sunny day in spring or summer? We’d suggest heading over to Stephen’s Green, that’s where. It’s a lovely spot to laze around on the grass, walk the green or try your hand at feeding the ducks.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then try Murphy’s nearby to get a cone filled with delicious ice cream. That is going to hit the spot just right.

Get in the Escape Boats

Now for something quite different. The Escape Rooms is a creative mystery to join in with others and see if you can solve it. It’s situated at the Waterways Ireland at the Grand Canal Dock. The players will try to figure out the mysteries, crack the puzzles in time, and decipher secret codes with clues to what to do next.

The fun takes place on the Zorg Ella boat sitting at the Waterways. Each game is played with several players (from 2-6 people), which begins at the engine room and progresses from there. There’s only an hour to work through the game to complete it before your time is up.

Do you think you can handle the suspense, the drama, and the mental brain teaser to finish the game?

Eat Lunch at Phoenix Park

Spanning around 1,700 acres, the Phoenix Park is expansive. It is conveniently located just a couple of miles out of the centre of Dublin, so it’s an easy trip to get out there. There are plenty of lawns to walk and paths to follow to get some exercise while there.

Dublin Zoo is also in the park too, so a visit can combine lunch in the park followed by some time spent at the zoo. The animals are spread out over several acres and visitors are provided with a map to locate them more easily. The habitats are more spacious than you find in most zoos; the management clearly cares about the animals there. If you’re visiting the zoo in the morning and you didn’t get a chance to have breakfast, then the Meerkat Café offers a view of the meerkats while grabbing a snack and a coffee to get some quick energy.

Dublin is a vibrant city that has plenty to offer any visitor. There’s such a wealth of different attractions and things to do, it’s difficult to narrow the list down. But narrow it down you must because there’s just not enough time to see everything.

 

Can anything keep brits on home turf?

The world is our playground and thanks to the Internet , air miles, last minute flights and cheaper and cheaper long haul travel we have more access than ever, but it isn’t always the dream holiday we planned.

It seems that every year we are hearing about more and more incidents effecting holiday makers abroad. Family holiday destinations being ravaged by national disasters and even acts of terrorism. Places that were once considered totally safe and could be booked without worry are now requiring more research and consideration before booking that fantastically priced all inclusive package.

Disaster striking while you’re on holiday shouldn’t be your greatest concern as the risk is relatively low but it should still definitely be a consideration, especially when it comes to insuring yourself.

Recent reports have shown that some of the top holiday destinations have been experiencing disasters that have claimed lives, including Mexico who had two earthquakes in the space of weeks that killed over 360 people. More recently we have seen the extreme impact weather conditions can have on a place, trying to find a destination that does not experience flooding, wildfires and deadly storms with be a hard task. Even Europe have recently been experiencing some extreme weather conditions recently which is a far cry from how safe and predictable people have always considered it to be. From the death of 70 people killed in wildfires in Greece to a British couple losing their lives in a false flood in Sant Lorenc, Majorca, Europe is becoming less of a safe bet holiday destination.

The amount of British people Holidaying abroad is on the rise despite all of this and is set to keep increasing. The ABTA’s Holiday Trends Report 2108 showed that this yeah the amount of people planning on taking a foreign holiday this year was 60% which is the highest it has been since 2011 and that destinations like Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia are significantly up on bookings this summer despite bouts of terrorism in recent years. A survey carried out by Silver Travel Advisor reported that 63% of respondents said they would not take a holiday where there had been terrorist attacks. Those claims seemed to be very short lived though.

Indonesia is one of many countries that are impoverished and rely on tourism for money. Indonesia had a tsunami in September in which a lot of the devastation could have been minimised has their detection devices been functional at the time. Their disaster agency admitted that their 22 deep water buoys had not been functional since 2012 and people are putting it down to underfunding and lack of coordination by the government. Despite all of this the number of Brits travelling to Indonesia has doubled since 2010 and 360,000 British nationals have visited Indonesian islands in the last 12 months.

Business sectors within, and tied to, the travel industry like insurers are switching up their products to offer a wider range of coverage to support the drive to travel all over the world, making sure people are covered and protected against terrorism and national disaster.

For example, Insure4Retirement, a specialist Over 50s Home and Travel insurance provider, in partnership with Just Travel Cover, offer a Crisis Response Service with their Ready2Go Gold travel policy.

A unique selling point of this cover is that, should disaster strike while you’re away there is a dedicated team at hand with set skills to help you on a phone number which gives travellers access to immediate assistance. The service is provided by S-RM who has a team of crisis response consultants made up of former military, law enforcement and intelligence agency personnel, strategically positioned around the world to provide assistance during a crisis.

Tourism is an industry that will forever bounce back, especially as there are some nations that rely solely on this industry to boost their economy. Efforts will always be made to restore the effected areas as quickly as possible to welcome the tourists back. It’s only natural for tourist numbers to decrease after a disaster but everything shows that the lack of visitors won’t last very long. People love to travel, and the rewards greatly outweigh the risks. One way to ensure you have the best holiday possible is to minimise the risk by proper planning and having cover in place to quell your worries and be able to just enjoy yourself.

The Guide To Planning Your Luxury Trip To Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular Greek Cyclades islands that many tourists like to visit each year. Santorini is known for its amazing views, beautiful architecture and incredible sunsets. If you are planning on visiting Santorini this year or next, you should make sure to keep reading because we have put together a guide on how you can plan your luxury trip.

Choose The Location

If you are planning on going to Santorini, then you have probably already seen some photographs of the beautiful views that it has to offer. There are many different locations that you can stay when you are there but if you want to have a luxurious holiday then you should make sure to choose the right one. We recommend that you stay in either Oia or Firostefani if you want to feel relaxed and enjoy a luxurious trip. Of course, can stay in Fira, the capital, if you want a bit more of a buzz to your luxury trip.

Upgrade Your Flight

If you want to get your luxury holiday off to a great start, then you should think about upgrading your flight. You should make sure that you are travelling in style as well as living in luxury while you are on your trip to Santorini. Take a look at how much it might be to upgrade your flight to first class and you won’t regret it. You’ll feel like a VIP as you walk into the airport and sit in the VIP lounge. You’ll also get amazing service on the plane and you’ll be ready to start your luxury holiday from the moment you leave your home.

Go Shopping

When you set off on a luxurious holiday, you need to make sure that you look the part. Think about heading off to the shops before your holiday and getting yourself a whole new wardrobe. You’ll find that tourists in Santorini like to wear some of the best clothes so if you don’t have the wardrobe to match then you might not feel very luxurious. Get yourself some nice dresses for when you head to the local luxury restaurant if you want to get that perfect Instagram picture.

Stay In A Luxury Villa

A luxury holiday wouldn’t be the same without a luxury villa. Santorini has some amazing properties that you can rent out and enjoy some luxurious privacy. You’ll get some breath-taking views; your own private luxury pool and you can even have a chef come to cook all of your meals if you like. Hotels can be luxurious but there is no comparison when it comes to the villas on offer in Santorini. If you are looking for a luxury villa in Santorini, then you can browse more than 100 villas in Santorini to find out more.

Go Island Hopping

Santorini is a beautiful island but if you want to have a luxury holiday then you’ll need to visit some of the other Greek Islands. The great thing about this group of islands is that they are actually relatively close, so you can easily hop between each of them and see what they are like. The location of Santorini is great because it can actually be sued as a base to visit the other islands. Think about checking out Paros, Ios and the Anafi Islands for a little more luxury on top of Santorini.

Try The Wine

A luxury holiday wouldn’t be the same without some expensive wine that tastes amazing. The good news is that Santorini has an incredible winery that you can visit when you go. Plan your trip to the SantoWines winery if you want to be able to taste some of the most amazing wine that you have ever tasted. Not only will you enjoy the wine, but you can also experience the amazing sunset which is extremely romantic and luxurious at the same time. Don’t miss out on the SantoWines Winery because this wine is second to none.

Final Verdict

If you are planning on visiting Santorini soon then you should try to take on board some of the tips that we have discussed here. Santorini is a beautiful place with a lot to do so you are sure to be able to have a luxurious trip there. Make sure that you opt for a luxury villa rather than a hotel room when you go, this will give you the space that you need to relax, and you’ll be able to bask in the sunlight by your own private pool. Luxury holidays can be incredibly relaxing and will make all of your friends jealous. Why not book your luxurious trip to Santorini today and start holiday shopping to make your wardrobe stand out while you are there!