Posts for travel

Travel Essentials Which You Simply Cannot Forget

Travel

If you have some travel coming up then the key to the success of your journey will be how well you plan ahead. Of course getting the destination sorted out and actually making your travel plans will be the most important aspect, but beyond that you need to ensure that you have got your prep just right. Thankfully we live in a world where we can access travel docs on the go, and buy anything which we may have forgotten to take, when we arrive at the destination. In spite of this however, to minimize your stress levels, here are 5 things which you should get on top of ahead of your travels.

Chargers

You will no doubt be taking all manner of tech with you when you go away, from phones to laptops, tablets to cameras, and you need to make sure that they are juiced up. Many of us rely on our gadgets to keep us on track with our travels, so make sure that you don’t forget to take any chargers with you.

Visa

Prior to leaving home you must check to see whether or not you need a visa for your chosen destination. In many cases obtaining a visa can be as simple as filling out a form online, but nonetheless you should ensure that you have completed this. If you don’t have a visa you could be denied access to a country which is why you must arrange it beforehand.

Airport Transfer

If you are flying then it makes sense for you to arrange an airport transfer prior to your journey, so that you will be the one who is relaxed and casual when you step off the plane, safe in the knowledge that someone is waiting for you. If you are staying in a hotel then speak with them to arrange a transfer, alternatively look for a private transfer service who can take you safely to your destination.

Cash

Many people like to wait until they arrive at their destination to get their foreign money, but it actually makes more sense to do so before you go, at least some of it. First of all it makes everything far more comfortable if you arrive at the destination with some foreign currency in hand, secondly you generally get cheaper rates and finally you rarely have to pay commission, something which you will when you are abroad.

Paper

You may very well have all of your important information on your phone or downloaded to your tablet, but it still makes sense to take paper copies with you as well. Phones and tablets are high risk possessions when it comes to theft, and there is never a guarantee that these devices may not get damaged or stop working, which could land you in bother in terms of your travel docs. Keep them on your gadgets by all means, but it also makes sense to have some traditional paper copies with you, just in case.

Have a great time on your trip, remember the essentials and you’ll be just fine.

Continue Reading

Unusual Destinations for a Memorable Stag-do

Travel

A stag-do is an amazing opportunity to do something fun with the boys before making a life-changing commitment. You can fill your days with fun packed adventures and spend your nights exploring the nightlife. More and more people are travelling to experience stag weekends, but if you want to avoid the touristy areas then here are five unusual destinations for an awesome stag-do.

Wes'_Bachelor_Party_005

 

Israel

You wouldn’t necessarily associate spending time in Israel with being on a stag-do, but that is what makes it unusual. If your group is more interested in spending time learning about history and absorbing culture then this is perfect for you.You can take a two day tour of Bethlehem where you can view some of the most stunning churches in the world and see the birthplace of Jesus.

There is no partying allowed but if you do want to let off some steam, Tel Aviv is only 60 km away and the nightlife doesn’t get started until 11pm. There is no closing time so you can party until the sun comes up. A stag do in Israel could be the perfect combination of culture and fun.

Brno, Czech Republic

Prague is already one of the most popular destinations for a stag-do because of its cheap bar, exciting day activities and fabulous nightlife. Brno is a great place for people who are looking for a more unique place. Flights are fantastically cheap, the beer even cheaper and there are some great activities for revellers to do. You can drive a tank and fire machine guns, work as a team to get out of an escape room, or try go karting. The bars, pubs, and restaurants are open past 6am so it a great place to party.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is the perfect place for a group of guys to head who are looking for a great bonding experience. Madeira is the largest island in Portugal and it is a great destination to give canyoning a try. Canyoning is exploring canyons using different techniques to explore like walking, rappelling, swimming, and climbing. There is an option for beginners if the group has never tried this exciting sport.

Although Madeira doesn’t have much of nightlife there are several pubs that are open until the early hours of the morning so that you can sit around and rehash your exciting day’s adventure over some pints. Or you can head to the casino. An interesting fact about Maderia, is that its airport is named after the footballer Christiano Ronaldo, so when you are organising your airport transfers, you’ll understand why they are refering to the airport as this.

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and it offers many exciting things for stag parties to do. There are plenty of great activities to do during the day like hiking, cycling, white water rafting, and quad biking.  At night you can experience the thrill of a pub crawl where it never gets dark. Helsinki is a great place for music lovers and you can find bars that offer techno, trance, and live rock shows complete with mosh pits.

Macau

Macau is a great destination and offers many exciting adventures for a group of guys to experience. You can play golf, go go-karting or charter a private yacht complete with alcohol, models, and food. You can also experience a Casino Royale style private tournament at the famous Starworld Macau. Make sure you pack a suit so you don’t feel out of place here.

Continue Reading

The Best French Locations Outside of Paris

Travel

Whenever people visit France, the first place that they generally head to is the capital city, Paris. This is completely understandable, it is the poster child of the country, it has iconic landmarks and a reputation that precedes it. Indeed, the first time that I myself came to France, I too headed straight for the city of love and ended up living there for around 6 months.

1280px-Bordeaux_Miroir_001

After the first half year, I got sick with the France-bug and decided that I wanted to see more of the country. This proved to be a great decision as the more I traveled throughout France, the more I realized just how much more there is to see in this beautiful country than just its glitzy capital. Vacation rentals in France are becoming more and more popular throughout the city and this is one of the best ways to explore the country, using them was how I managed to discover so much of my adopted country as many of them are situated where hotels are not. If you want to see what more France has in store for you aside from the capital then here are my top picks for places that you should travel to.

Bordeaux

One of the most famous exports that has become associated with France is without question its wine and if you want to see where the magic happens then there is no better place to go than Bordeaux. Not only is Bordeaux wine one of the nation’s most loved, it is also the oldest with production of wine in this region dating back to the 8th Century. Aside from the vineyard visits that you will take and of course, the wine sampling, Bordeaux is filled with beautiful spots and several World Heritage sites where you can see some of the very best of the French countryside.

Bretagne/Brittany

The best place to see the French coast is, in my opinion, in Brittany or as it is locally known, Bretagne. Here you will find an altogether different side of France, the coast is rough, the waves crash and the temperature drops significantly when you get to Brittany. Walking around Brittany feels as though you have stepped back in time and there is a really medieval feel about the place. Most activities take place on the water and if you are up for a bit of sailing then look no further than the Brittany coast. One of my favorite things to do in Brittany is to indulge my love of seafood and I honestly have not tried fresher or tastier seafood in France than in the little restaurants on the coast of Brittany.

Foix

Not only will you find one of those traditional small French towns here in Foix, complete with medieval castle, but you will also find a castle which was actually in operation as a fortress. Unlike many of the quaint castles that you see throughout France, this one has battle wounds and is as impending as it is impressive. The whole town feels like something from a fantasy novel and it feels as though nothing would be untoward if a wizard walked straight through the huge gates.

Lyon

A far cooler city, in my view, than Paris and a city which offers some of the finest French food anywhere in the World let alone France. Here in Lyon you will find the usual historical sights which most French cities offer but more importantly you will find a chic and vibrant cultural scene throughout the city. From the nightlife to the themed cafes and plentiful Michelin starred restaurants, if you want a relaxing break in a trendy environment then look no further than the streets of Lyon.

Corsica

For a truly awesome trip away you can head to the little island of Corsica, reached by ferry, this islet offers tourists pure natural splendor and a wide variety of it at that. The island juts out into the Mediterranean like a noisy neighbor and the landscape alters dramatically in just a few short miles, one moment you are enjoying the vistas of calm waters and beauty coves, the next you are watching the rugged hillside, swooping valleys and thick forests. You could comfortably spend a week or two in Corsica and whether you want to relax by the sea and sunbathe, or get adventurous in the woodlands, Corsica has got you covered on both fronts.

So there you have it, my list of awesome destinations in France that you should consider before, or perhaps just after, you visit Paris. Paris is beautiful, classy, exciting and iconic for sure but there is so much more to this amazing country than just its capital and I would implore you to broaden your horizons and get traveling through the country the next time you take a vacation in France.

Continue Reading

How to Have a Laid Back Vacation at One of Brighton’s Boutique Hotels

Travel

Located 11 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Brighton is a beachside area most known for its’ boutique hotels and its 82 bathing boxes near Dendy Street Beach. While it’s a smaller, prestigious resort area, you’ll still find plenty to see and good food to dine on, without going to crazy.

sunset-613421_640

A Guide to Having a Relaxing Vacation in Brighton

Are you coming to the Melbourne area for just a relaxing holiday or to celebrate an upcoming nuptials? You’ll find that Brighton Savoy’s beach wedding venues in Melbourne will exceed your needs with its fine accommodations, beachfront property, and onsite caterer. If you haven’t decided, why don’t you visit and see for yourself?

Nestled among almost six kilometres of coastline by Port Philip, you’ll find a myriad of seaside activities to partake in. In addition, you’ll experience many waterfront restaurants and cafes and local shops right near each other. Try some of these travelling suggestions to experience a relaxing and fun holiday.

  • Book your hotel. Aim to find one right on the coastline that has lots of amenities, such as The Brighton Savoy – 4 Star Hotel. This beachfront hotel offers an array of accommodations including Queen and King seaside view rooms. It also features the Seaview Restaurant, serving European dishes, which makes it convenient if you don’t feel like going far.
  • Visit the beach. Along the long strip of Brighton Beach is Dendy Street Beach, which is where you can view the infamous bathing boxes. Over a 100 years ago, the residents there had a strict moral code and would change into their bathing costumes in these boxes. These 82 bathing boxes in Brighton are a sight because they are all exactly the same size and painted in vivid colours. There are a few different ways to see them, either by a scenic walk near the Bayside Coastal Trail or by dining at the Baths, which used to house all of them and you can still view them while you dine.
  • Hike and explore the Bayside Coastal Art Trail. Just breathe the fresh air and take in the scenic beauty and walk along four different trails at the coastline and gaze at more than 50 pieces of artwork. Different artists, such as Charles Douglas (C.D.) Richardson and John Mather have painted different pieces of the beach and the seaside coast.
  • Check out some of the local shops. One of the main shopping and entertainment districts is located over on Church St. You’ll find everything from specialty clothing stores to crafts and home goods from local artisans to restaurants and nightclubs featuring a piano bar.
  • Get pampered at a local spa. Find one with soothing music and a calming tea that’s served to as you arrive that sets the mood for your treatment. Consider a soothing spa package that includes features such as a luxurious footbath, a body scrub, a hot oil treatment and massage, and an invigorating facial all done near the beach.
Continue Reading

Seven Magnificent Cruise Vacation Destinations

Travel

Set sail aboard a floating city by booking yourself on a cruise, and you’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime. For those struggling to pick an itinerary, we’ve put together seven of the most exciting cruise vacations, so let’s get traveling!

The Canary Islands

640px-Lanzarote_1_Luc_Viatour Continue Reading

Continue Reading

The Best Bachelor Party Destinations in The World

Entertainment, Travel

Las Vegas, Nevada serves as the most obvious destination city of choice for holding a bachelor party. I, however, do not believe that the sin city is the best destination for the event. Yes, the city is full of sheer masculine magnificence displayed in the beautiful hotels and casinos, the mild night heat conducive for all night parties, relaxing pools, unforgettable shows like the Mayweather fights and the divine dancers who make dancing look like fine art. All of these make it an ideal location to unleash the beast before one last time before getting hitched. However, if you broaden your scope a little bit, you will discover that there are other cities around the world that offer as much as Vegas and sometimes even more.

Rio de Janeiro is one such city. Other than the statue of Jesus, Rio is famous in the party scene for mostly three things; beautiful beaches, carnival and some of the most gorgeous women in the world. So, if the wedding day is set in February, why not plan a trip for the carnival, a festival where everyone’s decadent flair comes out. The festival is like a gigantic street party where women where revealing cloths and dance in the streets. It gets even better as the party goes on for four days.

Praia_de_Copacabana_-_Rio_de_Janeiro,_Brasil

South Beach, Miami is another location that seems to be the perfect fit for a bachelor party. In almost every corner, there are gorgeous women in their swimwear. These women flock the many energetic clubs located along the stretch. However, I would advise holding the party at the Nikki Beach Club, commonly described as the planet’s sexiest spot. The mix of the beautiful people and the free flowing drinks is most likely to provide an experience to remember.

1200px-Ocean_drive_day_2009j

The Spanish coast is a must visit if you want an experience full of dancing. Ibiza does not disappoint for the dance lovers having some of the largest clubs in the world like Privilege and space. With over 12,000 revelers in one place, a bachelor’s party fits perfectly in the clubs. Then there are the Disco buses that drive revelers from club to club around the city. All this will play along well with the wedding with the beach’s atmosphere acting as a perfect remedy for a hangover. However, the party scene is not the only reason to hold the party here. Ibiza also has a breathtaking countryside that offers the chance for the groom to have a rapid Para-sailing adventure.

Danny_Wade_-_Pacha_Ibiza

This list would not be complete without the mention of Amsterdam. This city is like a compilation of every bachelor’s dreams. The rich architecture and history of the city make it a good place to go biking around as you catch sight of the dazzling performances by street artists. Then of course there is the legal nature of some things that most places demonize. You can just walk into a café and lawfully purchase some things that will enhance your experience in the city. Bachelors can also visit the infamous red light district where maidens enchant passersby through opulent windows. However, it is important to get your stories straight after a night in Amsterdam if the wedding is to proceed as planned.

nightlife in Amsterdam

So yes, it is true that Las Vegas is an ideal city to hold a bachelor party. However, there are also other cities in the world where have a lot of fun in the premise of having a bachelor party.

Continue Reading

Rad Motorcycle Road Trip Routes in North America

Auto, Cars, Motorcycles, Travel

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best Motorcycle Road Trip Routes in North America ... photo by CC user ian mcwilliams on Flickr

Just upgraded your ride? If you are looking to take it on an amazing adventure, the following motorcycle road trip routes in North America will supply the memories that will last you a lifetime…

photo by CC user Qyd on wikimedia commons

1) Highway 1, Vancouver to Calgary, Canada

Canada may be a big country, but the landscapes that have defined this nation can be found in the mountainous provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Within them, there are a number of short drives that take in some of its most dramatic views, but for those looking for a multi-day journey through of the best natural scenery that Western Canada has to offer will want to drive their bikes between the cities of Vancouver and Calgary.

Pulling away from this nation’s most modern city, the snowy peaks of the North Shore Mountains and the Cascades will combine with the lush greenery of the Fraser Valley to create an epic start to your journey.

Those that want to stew in geothermically heated water will have their first opportunity at Harrison Hot Springs, while those seeking to witness the raw power of nature will have a chance to do so at Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Continue Reading

Continue Reading

Now On Instagram