We all know that the winter can be undeniably dreary and even depressing. So, in order to beat the winter blues, why not take a vacation? While many see traveling as something typically done in the summer, some destinations are at their prime in the winter months. » Read more: Where To See During Winter
Finding A 4 Star Hotel For Your Perfect Family Holiday
September 4th, 2010 No comments »There’s one thing for sure – kids aren’t daft. They love visiting a quality 4 star hotel as much as their mums and dads – and probably for many similar reasons.
They love the attention lavished on them from the hotel staff and the fact that they think they’re being treated with more respect than mum and dad could ever give them! And whilst there’s every chance they’re waited on hand and foot at home, it’s a real eye opener to visit a luxury hotel and see how it really should be done.
Lots of hotels will provide gifts to keep younger gifts happy and make them feel extra welcome. These can range from bags of sweets on the pillow, to cookies at bedtime or activity sets with competitions and prizes on offer. They’re a sure way of bringing a smile to their faces and making sure your children remember their hotel stay for a long time to come.
During your holiday your little ones will no doubt beg you – repeatedly and maybe very loudly – to go to the swimming pool with them. And then no doubt they’ll be asking to visit the Spa – and the tennis courts. Some hotels even have designated swim times for children.
This generally seems to be an acceptable arrangement for parents and children alike! With too few hours in the day to have a go at all the available activities, your kids will no doubt sleep well – tired and happy, know that their in for even more fun the next day. What you’ve got to ask yourself is – will you be able to stand the pace?
If you choose a hotel that specifically caters for kids, there will probably be activities and opportunities for all sorts of entertainment. There may be a children’s gym, crèche, activity club or designated games room. They’ll be able to make new friends and get together with other children the same age to socialise and play sports. In fact, you might see so little of them that you forget you’ve brought them along with you in the first place!
And we mustn’t forget breakfast every morning. There’s nothing more certain to get your little ones (and you) out of bed with a spring in their (and your) step than the promise of endless fruit juice and the smell of bacon, egg and all the trimmings. And they’ll no doubt quickly notice how relaxed mum and dad are – with no cooking or washing up to do.
Of course there’s also the guest room. After a hectic day the kids can lie back and wallow in style on crisp clean sheets and a comfy bed, remote control in hand. And they’re totally safe in the knowledge that mum and dad are having a civilised drink in the bar downstairs and have absolutely no idea what they’re watching upstairs. But as long as they remember to tuck teddy in at bedtime, everyone’ll be happy. For there’s nothing quite like a great quality 4 star hotel break to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
This information brought to you by Hampshire Short Breaks ~ Leeds Short Breaks ~ Northamptonshire Short Breaks
2 Wonderful Techniques To Help Discover Florida
September 4th, 2010 No comments »For fun and adventure and tradition, yes tradition! Read on…
Here are Some Fantastic Approaches to Discover Florida.
# 1. Fun and Adventure
With over 34 million visitors every year, Orlando could be the undisputed theme park capital with the planet. But in case you are right after more entertaining and adventure right after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you really should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world well-known Daytona International Speedway and exploring the Everglades national park.
Never Miss a Room Shuttle launch…
Cape Canaveral on Florida’s ‘Space Coast’ will be the only place inside the West in which people are launched into area. Being there when the Room Shuttle blasts into space is often a truly incredible encounter.
Really do not Skip Florida’s largest and fastest roller coaster…
Is Busch Gardens, Tampa
Prepare for the thrill of your life on Sheikra, Florida’s tallest roller coaster and also the world’s tallest dive coaster. 70mph of pure adrenaline-pumping excitement. Travel 200 feet up and then plunge on the depths of an underground tunnel, with water!
Really do not Skip Bush Gardens Zoo…
With over 2600 animals, the zoo at Busch Gardens is one particular of America’s top zoos
# 2. Traditions
Appear beyond the additional obvious tourist attractions and you is going to be surprised at what you find.
There is an abundance of architecture, museums, forts, art work galleries.
Really don’t Miss Historic Wrecks…
Pensacola has fascinating wrecks to explore. This includes the 500-foot World War 1 battleship USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo and an A-7 Corsair aircraft that fell off the deck of the USS Lexington.
Never Skip Fine art Deco Buildings…
Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, Miami, and appreciate South Beach’s Art work deco buildings. Painted pink, lavender and turquoise, they line the palm-fringed walkway.
Never Skip a Driving Tour…
If you have a car whilst visiting Miami, do yourself a favour, and take a driving tour of Coral gables. Coral Gables Driving Tour isn’t just a single with the country’s richest neighbourhoods, it’s a separate city within Greater Miami. Identified as ‘The Town Beautiful’ for good reason, its elegant homes line winding avenues shaded by banyans and reside oaks. This driving tour winds its way along the lush peaceful lanes and is both relaxing and cultural.
Along the tour are these beautiful sights:
1. The Granada Entrance – a replica with the gate to Granada in Spain.
2. The Region Club Prado Entrance – complete with ornamental pillars.
3. Alhambra water Tower – made in 1925.
4. Coral Way – lined by live oaks and Spanish-style houses.
5. Venetian Pool – a stunning public swimming pool.
6. Coral Gables Congregational Church – built in Spanish Baroque style.
7. Biltmore Hotel – 1 in the most stunning hotels from the country, beautifully restored to its 1920s century grandeur.
8. The Lowe Art work Museum – contains European and Native American Fine art.
9. French City Village – one of numerous international villages made to add variety to the city.
10. Dutch South African Village.
11. French Region Village.
12. Chinese Village.
13. French Normandy Village.
14. Coral Gables Town Hall
15. Miracle Mile – the district’s most crucial shopping street.
Other Bits of Culture:
– Hemingway’s House in Key West, wherever the novelist lived from 1931-1940.
– Small Havana in Miami – three.5 square miles of Cuban culture and life.
– The Ringling Museum of Art work and Ringling Museum (Sarasota).
– Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island – a charming Victorian resort.
– Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg.
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Reptilemania at the San Diego Zoo
September 3rd, 2010 No comments »
Why did it have to be snakes?
A few weeks ago, there came a day that a mother fears – the day when her five-year-old son declares that he wants a snake for his birthday. Especially if on that same day his father declares that yes, this is a possibility.
Oh, really.
So far, the five-year-old is just “totally into” snakes and lizards. At a friend’s birthday party recently, there was a Lizard Lady, who brought several cages of reptiles and showed them to the children, telling the crowd a little bit about each animal. There were lizards, turtles, small snakes, and a 75-pound Burmese Python. AT A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY. The Lizard Lady had the gall to invite parents to wrap the 75-pound snake around our shoulders for a photo opportunity.
I wouldn’t have considered the notion. But when I saw the look of rapture on my son’s face when she said that, I naturally stepped forward and volunteered to be the first. What else is a mom to do?
Our next reptilian adventure will take place in a far safer environment, which will not include any bodily contact between the snakes and myself. San Diego Zoo’s Reptilemania happens September 16 – 19 starting at 9:00 AM, and offers visitors up close and personal visits with the reptiles and the reptile keepers. They’ll present information about the various species that the Zoo has in residence, even show off tortoises that are estimated to be over 100 years old. Admission is included in the cost of a zoo ticket ($37 for adults, $27 for children).
Lucky for you, that same weekend is also White Elephant sale weekend at the Zoo gift shop. Discounted prices on lots of merch, so the exit doesn’t have to be as painful.
Anyway, Reptilemania should hold the kid’s snake fix for a while. Except that he’s since changed his mind and now he says he wants a tarantula for his birthday. Yes, that’s what I said. A tarantula.
There. Is. No. Way.
[photo from SanDiegoZoo.org]
Las Vegas #1 Labor Day Party Spot
September 3rd, 2010 No comments »div class=”field field-type-filefield field-field-lvvimage”
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img class=”imagefield imagefield-field_lvvimage” width=”500″ height=”751″ title=”Veer Towers at CityCenter Las Vegas” alt=”Veer Towers, CityCenter, Las Vegas, ” src=”http://lasvegasvegas.com/sites/default/files/VeerTowers%20at%20CityCenter%20Las%20Vegas.jpg?1283504351″ / /div
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Veer Towers at CityCenter Las Vegas/p
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On-line travel site, Orbitz.com, says the a href=”http://www.orbitz.com/blog/category/top-10-lists/”Number One Labor Day Destination/a is Las Vegas.nbsp; A majority of the party-goers for the three day, official end-of-summer bash would rather be in Las Vegas.nbsp; And why not?nbsp; The Great Recession version of Las Vegas continues the long tradition of being the most fun place on the planet./p
pa href=”http://lasvegasvegas.com/content/las-vegas-1-labor-day-party-spot-1283497498″ target=”_blank”read more/a/p
Sydney’s Inner West Explored
September 3rd, 2010 No comments »Sydney is often touted as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Along with two of the most recognisable architectural icons on earth, its harbour location, café culture, outstanding beaches, flourishing arts scene, superlative dining, great weather and overall upbeat vibe all combine to produce a city that’s ridiculously self-confident and excessively beautiful. You could visit Sydney, stand on the steps of the Opera House and not venture more than a mile or so in any direction and still have the time of your life.
Circular Quay Reflections by Dicktay2000 on Flickr
There Goes The Neighbourhood
What really makes a city great though? What gives it a heart beyond the must-sees and the views from tall buildings, the boat trips and bus tours? How do you really get to know a place?
Think of some of the world’s greatest metropolises and it’s often their neighbourhoods – the districts just beyond the dazzling sights, the places where people live, relax and play – where the true spirit and lifeblood of the city can be found. Think New York‘s Lower East Side or Tribeca or Harlem, San Francisco‘s Castro or Haight-Ashbury, London‘s Hackney or Highgate, Paris‘s Latin Quarter or Montparnasse, Chicago‘s Wicker Park. These are the places where movements are born, sub-cultures form, and independent shops, galleries and cafés thrive. Delve deeper into these places and you’ll truly understand what makes the city tick.
Sydney too, has its fair share of fascinating neighbourhoods. In his latest feature for vtravelled, ex-Sydney resident David Whitley gives us a thorough introduction and guide to Sydney’s Inner West; a somewhat imprecise metropolitan area to the west of the central business district and one of its most rewarding environs – for those prepared to scratch the surface a little.
The Inner West
David Whitley
David explains: “When I first moved to Sydney in 2001, I generally stuck to the well-trodden paths. The bars of the city and Kings Cross; the beaches of the Eastern Suburbs; the ferry to Manly. I rarely saw any need to venture further west than Darling Harbour.
Then when I got a proper job, I ended up living in Ultimo, right on the eastern fringe of the city’s Inner West. And I began to get it. The Inner West is something of a fluid concept, incorporating a number of Sydney’s most interesting neighbourhoods – such as Glebe, Newtown, Balmain and Leichhardt. What they all have in common is a certain vibe – a bit alternative, a bit creative, a bit studenty, a bit salt-of-the-earth working class and largely unpretentious.
Sydney Harbour Bridge from Balmain by Dicktay2000 on Flickr
The charm is less immediate than the tourist tickboxes of the harbour and Bondi Beach, but it gets under your skin. Over the years, I found myself increasingly hanging out in the Inner West. I moved back to the UK in 2006, but my friends are now scattered around these on-the-surface unassuming neighbourhoods that give Sydney its soul. Every year I visit, and every year the appeal of the Inner West lifestyle and attitude increases. If I were to move back, it’d be this part of town I’d move to.
Glebe, Sydney by Vandelizer on Flickr
And, for any visitors wanting to go beyond the standard tourist fare in Sydney, I’d heartily recommend a short bus or train ride west of the centre. That’s where you’ll find life beyond the glossy sheen – and it’s fascinating.”
For for the full low-down on this area, including recommendations on where to eat breakfast, people-watch, find the best coffee and ethnic eats, or just somewhere to sink a beer in the evening, head right on over to David’s feature.
If you’re considering a trip to Australia this autumn or winter, then Sydney is a fantastic place to start. Virgin Atlantic can fly you there daily from London Heathrow, via Hong Kong – always worth a prolonged visit in its own right – and Virgin Blue is your best choice for onward flights.
Thanks to dicktay2000 and vandelizer on Flickr for the use of the photos of Glebe and Balmain.
What’s your favourite Sydney neighbourhood? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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Isle of Wight Things to Do
September 3rd, 2010 No comments »The Isle of Wight is an island that can entertain the whole family with a range of different fun days out. With a width of only 23 miles, it is possible to have a good time without spending hours travelling from place to place. If you are after quiet relaxation or an action-packed adventure, there is something there for you. » Read more: Isle of Wight Things to Do
How About A Holiday That’s Really Just For You?
September 1st, 2010 No comments » How about we take a little time to talk about holidays which may be a little more exotic, and maybe you hadn’t even considered them at-all. Instead of considering run of the mill holidays in Spain or Greece, here are a few different holidays that you may like to consider.
• The single most popular of all the Caribbean vacation destinations is Barbados. Whatever you want to do, you can do it here. It’s not only the scenery but also the people here that are always amazing. Other undeniable attractions are the beaches, diving in the ocean and, of course, the weather. Barbados holidays have recently become very popular with young holiday makers because of both the night life and beach life. Barbados is equally popular with younger and older genereations on tropical holiday-maker. As well as the many sports activities to enjoy including diving, water skiing and jet skiing, and you might not know it but Barbados also offers fantastic beach-front restaurants and duty free shopping as well as jewellers, art galleries.
Well known for its ‘hippy trail’ and as a destination for gap year students, Thailand hasn’t always been the most popular destination for the average holiday maker but as Thailand is getting more popular among those who want a proper holiday but want more than just lounging by the pool in another chain hotel. If you want something that’s a little more adventurous then Thailand is certainly a place you should give a go. When you start travelling around Asia, then Thailand is a great destination to begin with. As you travel through the country you will be transported from a westernised modern Asian culture through to the more relaxed, spiritual and less urbanised areas. The two most popular cities in Thailand are Bangkok and Phuket, one a bustling modern city the other only a few moments travel from some of the most enchanting beaches you’ll ever see. Thailand holidays are an amazing way to experience a completely different culture, and believe it or not some of the worlds most luxurious hotels are here as well. The hotel I would definitely recommend you check out is the Evason Six Senses!
• Keeping to the Eastern lands but not quite as far, you’ll hit Mauritius probably the most restful of all the holiday choices. Do you love the odd spa holiday or two? Those who love rest and relaxation will find there is no better place for them. Picture a hotel set amongst forests and green hills in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with clear blue skies that are only surpassed by the blueness of the sea. Spa treatments are on the menu here, and such a massive amount of them. Mauritius holidays are made for those that want to make the time to just chill out and enjoy the time they have on the island far from any of the distractions of home.
Try Log Cabin Breaks If You Want A Relaxing Holiday
September 1st, 2010 No comments »You should really like leaving on a holiday break, the feeling you get when you have loaded the car, shut the front door and you are generally prepared to set away on the holiday journey. Most people enjoys to spend time off and household getaways tend to be crucial to get nearly everybody together along with to spend time as a family group away from your own home. Presently there are generally lots of alternatives when it comes to overnight accommodation and depending on what you enjoy you will be able to select from self catered breaks, bed and breakfast, hotel accommodations, cottage or even you might like to check out the Log Cabin Breaks inside the UK.
The lodge rentals are becoming one of the most well known vacation selections and every single year thousands and thousands of consumers start looking to devote time away inside the idyllic countryside settings. With log cabin parks to possibly be uncovered through the whole of the Uk you could pick and also choose from the area and the location in which you would certainly a lot of like to spend a number of time inside. The splendor of the log cabin breaks is you may locate a area in which is within easy get to reach of your your own home, so when you are proceeding away on a quick holiday you will certainly be able to access a destination easily as well as be unwinding on your break in no time.
Whenever you are away only for a small amount of days you will certainly really want to have all kinds of things you need to hand to guarantee that your time off is comfortable and stress free. The lodge rentals are generally completely outfitted for a self -catering holiday so every single one of you should bring with that you are the goods you can need for your time away as well as many provisions. Far though the log cabin breaks are generally inside quiet and also peaceful locations, secluded and also away from the busy areas you will certainly be close enough to tiny villages along with urban areas to have access to some terrific dinning establishments, pubs along with places to eat, should you possibly not like to cook dinner!
Something of which actually sets the Log Cabin Short Breaks above many of the additional self catered getaway options may be the fact that you get a great deal of extra amenities obtainable to you, along with almost all of these are generally integrated within the price of your holiday. The popular amenities of which are generally readily available include the private hot tubs and these are ideal for relaxing, unwind as well as taking life very easy after a day out exploring or even enjoying leisure pursuits. Additional things to do of which are generally accessible consist of swimming pools, gyms, health and also elegance spas, golfing ranges, tennis courts along with much more. You will certainly additionally uncover the log cabin parks tend to be always in areas of outstanding natural splendor as well as close by you will certainly discover a lot of outstanding spots to walk in addition to take country side strolls. You may additionally put your bikes inside the back of the family car along with delight in a number of fantastic bike tracks along with trails.
The Log Cabin Holidays are generally such a versatile holiday break and have so a whole lot of to provide families, friends as well as partners in addition to you will usually get an enjoyable along with fun time away. There are generally deals and also offers in place all through the year and also this you will be able to get off at anytime and this includes Christmas, Easter and of course the traditional summertime getaways. If you have never been on a log cabin holiday ahead of then consider a few days out, either 3 or perhaps four days and choose a place and consider some time off, you will not end up being disappointed with the fantastic holiday accommodation, locations as well as services available at the log vacation parks.
Weekend Destinations for the Craft Beer Aficionado
September 1st, 2010 No comments »Texas is big. I know, surprise, surprise. You can drive for hours and never leave the state. So where can you go for a quick weekend get away? A place that takes both no time at all to get to, but gets you away from the daily grind? There are many places in and around San Antonio, Austin and Houston that both natives and visitors can get to with relative ease. Blanco, Texas is one such town. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this quant little town boasts quite a lot of history, beautiful landscape and fun things to do. Rivers, hills and lots of antique shopping. Plenty for everyone. For those who also partake in the pleasures of a American craft beer, Blanco is also home to the Real Ale Brewing Company.
Mighty friendly folks here in Blanco!
Real Ale Brewing has its humble beginnings back in 1996. Water from the nearby Blanco River is used in their brewing process. It utilizes a 60-barrel brewing system. Its staff is small, but all are dedicated to producing fine Texas craft beer. Now, I live in San Antonio. I’ve been here since 1995, a year before Real Ale opened their doors. I’ve travelled many places and visited many a brewpub and brewery. I’ve long since been a fan of Real Ale. Yet, I have never taken the time to stop by. Well, on a sunny Friday afternoon I decided to load up the car and head up to Blanco. From San Antonio, this is but a meager 45 minute drive.
Arriving into town soon after leaving, I passed up the historic courthouse right off Main st and took a right on San Saba. Soon I arrived and Real Ale. The Friday tastings and tours had just begun, so I parked an quickly headed in. The tour had just started, so I had made it in time. The tour was led by the brewery manager and he quickly led everyone through the brewing process at Real Ale, while also making everyone feel at home.
Mmmmm Beer!
The tour moves from the where the brewing magic begins, at the mash and lauter tun, to the kettle and then to the fermentors. A little simplistic explanation, but you get the drift. The tour also explains where all the ingredients come from, where they come up with new ideas for others beers and where they experiment. The tour discuss the bottling and kegging process and moves over to the cold room, where all the beer is stored before is is distributed throughout the state. When the tour ended, we just happened to be at the tasting room. Aww, shucks! The folks here are very generous and will happily pour you samples of what they have on tap. I stuck around for a few minutes afterwards and chatted with the owner and head brewer about upcoming events in the area and seasonal brews that were on their way.
A great day to be sure and a destination that should be considered whether you live in the area or are visiting nearby San Antonio, Austin or Houston. There are plenty of nearby Bed and Breakfast places to stay and much to be done on the nearby Blanco River.
Photo Credits (all): Jeremy Banas
