Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 100)
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Exploring London on a Budget
London’s not cheap, but it’s not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. I’ve been there twice, but only because my flights flew in and out of London. On both trips, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in London and wondered why I hadn’t bothered to make a little more time to explore. There are lots of things you can do in London to minimize the costs and stretch your budget a little further. Here are my top tips for exploring London on a Budget.
Photo Credit: London Terrace by Richard Gould on Flickr
1) Consider Staying in Apartments
Choosing Short Stay Apartments London allows you to stay in comfortable accommodation, at the fraction of the price that you’d pay for a hotel in London. It’s great if you’re traveling with a few friends or a family, as you get a lot more space to relax in. Most apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, so you can make some meals at home to keep costs down. Apartments allow you to have all of the home comforts you’re used to, without spending a fortune.
Photo Credit: Borough Market, London SE1 by Paul Wilkinson on Flickr
2) Eat at the Markets
Choosing to have dinner at the markets, instead of a restaurant, is a great way to enjoy some of the local flavour without spending a ton on food. There are many different food markets in London that are prized for offering some delicious meals, check out: Borough Market, Partridges Food Market and Leadenhall Market.
Photo Credit: London Underground Oyster Card by London Chow on Flickr
3) Get an Oyster Card
Most Londoners don’t bother owning a car because parking is just too expensive in London and there are numerous tolls when you want to drive into the city centre. As a consequence of this, London has one of the best metro systems in the world, which is perfect when you’re visiting for a few days. You can buy an Oyster card, preload it with money and take advantage of the relatively cheap metro system. Once you leave London, you can get a partial refund for any money you loaded onto your Oyster card.
Photo Credit: London British Museum by Martin Pettitt on Flickr
4) Check out the Museums
One of the best things London has to offer are its museums. Many of them are surprisingly free, making them the perfect place to visit for the budget conscious traveler. As London tends to have inconsistent, unpredictable and frequently dreary weather, escaping into a museum is a great way to pass a day while soaking in some serious culture. Most popular free or cheap museums include the Bank of England Museum, the British Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the Museum of London.
London is relatively pricey, but you can still really enjoy London even if you’re on a budget. Once you’ve found a great value at short let London you can start researching what you’ll do in this city. Have you ever visited London? What are you favourite low cost things to do there?
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Getting a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road
Photo by: Filippo Caputo on Flickr
One of the biggest struggles of a budget traveler, can be getting a good night sleep on the road. I’ve sleep in hundreds of different places, in as many cities, across the world. I’ve slept in luxury hotels with a plush pillow menu, right through to budget backpackers that have outdoor toilets and rooms without locks, with mattresses that felt like they were made of wood, covered in a weird latex material. Getting some beauty rest is one of the most important things when traveling, so you can recharge your batteries and make the most of your time in any one place. But sometimes, this is a challenge and over the past few years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that make this easier.
1) Buy a Travel Pillow
There’s nothing worse than waking up when you’re asleep on a bus or plane, with your neck craned on some weird angle and pains tingling all over. Whether you choose to buy a neck pillow with beads in it, or a more simple one that you blow up – it’ll be a lifesaver if you’re planning to take any long flights or buses. My neck pillow has also come in handy in hostels that provide something that resembles a pillow but really provides zero comfort.
- Photo by: Miko Design on Flickr
2) Invest in Ear Plugs
Last night I was staying in a dorm in Siem Reap, all in all it was a nice hostel. I climbed into bed around midnight and prepared myself for some much needed sleep. At 2:30 I was woken to some of my roommates returning to their room, only to be woken again at 7am when their alarm when off like a siren and woke me up. Some ear plugs would have saved me the trouble and allowed me to get a decent sleep.
3) Read Reviews
When you’re booking into a hostel or hotel, take a minute to read the reviews posted on websites such as TripAdvisor, as others will tend to comment if there was something exceptional or exceptionally bad about the accommodation. It pays to spend a few minutes having a read, so that you can be properly prepared for what lies ahead of you – good and bad.
Photo by: Rebecca Phillips on Flickr
4) Book into a Private Room Sometimes
If you’re moving from dorm to dorm, chances are your sleep will often be broken. If your budget allows, spend a little more once a week or so, to stay in a private room. This will let you catch up on much needed sleep and also to enjoy a little privacy. While there are lots of benefits to staying in a dorm, it can be really tiresome to constantly have to share your own space. Spending a little more for a decent night’s sleep once a week can make a huge different to your energy levels.
These are my tips for sleeping as well as you can when you’re traveling and on the road. Do you have any tips for improving your sleep when overseas? Share them in the comments below:
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Must Visit UK Events This Autumn/Winter
If you’re a connoisseur of live music, comedy, art festivals or sports events then the UK is your number one travel destination for the remainder of 2013.
So start packing your toothbrush and sorting out those travel arrangements because below we’ve hand-picked out some of the most exciting and spectacular events that Great Britain has to offer over the next few months.
Bestival, Isle of Wight
Bestival is a multi-award winning 4 day music spectacular staged at Newport in the heart of the Isle of Wight. The event has been running since 2004 and attracts more than 60,000+ music lovers every year. The festival caters for a variety of musical tastes from Indie to House and travellers are every year encouraged to attend in fancy dress to add a unique and distinctive flair to the occasion. Tickets are generally priced at around £150 and it’s great fun for all the family.
Birmingham Comedy Festival
Russell Brand, Adam Hills, Bill Bailey and Robin Ince all line-up at Birmingham’s annual comedy extravaganza that runs from October 4th-13th at various venues across the UK’s second city. The festival has been running since 2001 and every year has grown in popularity as more acts and spectators join in the fun. With tickets for some shows starting from as little as £1.50, it’s well worth a day out.
UKIPT London
If you’ve ever had a few games of Texas Hold’em with your friends down the local bar and wondered how you could improve your game, now’s your chance by taking the opportunity to witness the professionals in action at one of Europe’s biggest poker festivals. The FullTilt UKIPT starts in early October and you could even have the chance to participate live at the glamorous Grand Connaught Rooms yourself by qualifying for the event online via the host’s website.
German Market Manchester
Don your Santa’s hat, have a glass of mulled wine and head down to a festive exhibition of food, gifts, crafts and Christmas trees at Manchester’s famous German market this November. With an array of over 300 stores, there’s plenty to keep you and the family entertained as you sample all things wonderful about German culture and cuisine.
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Tips for Staying Fit on the Road
I’m going to start this post with a confession: I almost always get fat on the road. Well, I wouldn’t say fat, but definitely cuddly. This month long trip with my sister will be different – I’m certain of it. I’ve been gyming a lot during my time at home and I’m not so keen on throwing it away just to indulge in a box of Oreos (or ten). There’s lots of little things you can do when you’re traveling to avoid letting the pounds pack on. At home I’ve been gyming 3-5 times per week, and eating mostly paleo. Transitioning into a life without a gym or a kitchen for a month or more, is always challenging. But on this trip I’m committed to putting Fitness First and working hard to maintain my body as best I can. Here are some tips for staying fit on the road, that anyone can do no matter their fitness level or dietary requirements.
1) Walk Everywhere
Walking is a great way to burn off that piece of baklava or your banana and Nutella roti. I find that when I walk a lot during my travels I tend to discover hidden little secrets I wouldn’t have found otherwise. It also helps you kept fit with minimal effort, while saving you money. If the weather’s good, the distance’s not too far then why not walk there?
2) Say no to Rice / Bread
Depending where in the world your next adventure is, you’ll probably be offered some of the staple high carb foods with your meal. Whether it’s roti in India, rice in Indonesia or bread in Italy – you can skip on all of these low nutritional value and high calorie foods. They’re all cheap, so you’ll often be given a generous serving for a minimal price or even for free. As tempting as it is, just decline them or eat only a little what you are served.
3) Exercise Still
On my first trip to Asia I took a pair of running shoes and shorts and managed one whole run in my four month trip. I was in Chiang Mai, one of the cooler parts of Asia, and found myself completely drenched and exhausted 4 minutes into my run. Look into a body weight circuit that you can do anywhere – made up of things like burpees, press ups, sit ups, lunges and squats. Even though you don’t have the weights that you have when you’re at the gym, you’ll still get some good bang for your buck and feel all the better for it. If you’re into yoga, most countries have yoga retreats plastered around and this can be a great way to keep in shape when you’re on the move.
4) Rent a Bike
I used to love riding a bike when I was a kid, but it was not something that I re-visited until I was 22 and in Amsterdam, the city of bikes. Since then, I’ve become quite smitten with renting a bike in a foreign place and exploring that way. You’re so much closer to the environment – the people, the smells, the sounds, which allows you to get a really good feel for a new place at a much slower pace than if you were in a car. It’s cheaper, too and allows you to get in some decent exercise as well.
5) Don’t go Crazy with Your Eating
Against all odds, you don’t need dessert with every meal. Find a good balance between enjoying the local food and sweets, and actually eating an appropriate amount for your height, weight and activity level. There was a lovely restaurant in Hoi An that sold European style cakes and desserts for a measly $1 a pop. I took great delight in having a compulsory daily dessert (or two) for the week we were in Hoi An. Thankfully I hadn’t bothered to get any clothes tailored, because they probably wouldn’t have managed to fit after that week. Life is all about balance and keeping your eating in check will be the best way for you to stay at a healthy weight when you’re away from home.
6) Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
I’m not really a big drinker, thankfully. I think I’ve left that part of my life behind me. However, it’s not uncommon when you’re backpacking across Europe or making your way around the tourist trail of South East Asia to drink every night. This is the most effective way to require a new wardrobe, as drinking your calories allows them to pack on quickly and with minimal effort. Combine that with the poor decisions, including food decisions, that tend to go hand in hand with drinking, and you’ve found a shortcut to getting a solid pair of love handles. Yes, it’s great not setting an alarm, sleeping in, spending your days lazing around exploring and realizing your biggest struggle of the day is choosing where to eat – but just because you can get drunk every night doesn’t mean you should!
These are my tips for staying fit and looking good on the road. Do you have anything else to you do while on the road to keep fit? Let me know in the comments below!
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Travel Safety Tips
Coming from New Zealand, one of the safest countries in the world, the rest of the world can seem quite daunting. As my sister and I are preparing for our trip to South East Asia, we were discussing how we’ll keep our money, passports and other valuables safe. I told her that her current handbag probably wasn’t a smart choice as it has a flap that is really easy to open. Any prying hands would easily be able to grab whatever they wanted from her bag in as little as a heart beat. She was confused – this is not something we really have to consider on a daily basis. Over my travels, I’ve learned a lot of travel safety tips that I tend to take for granted, but in relaying them to my sister I’m realizing their importance. Here are my top Travel Safety Tips:
Photo credit: Travel Budget by mynameisharsha on Flickr
1) Get Travel Insurance
This really goes without saying, but get it. I’ve heard stories of people who haven’t bothered to get travel insurance and have found themselves stuck in foreign hospitals, unable to pay the huge medical fee – often for incidents that weren’t their fault – and without insurance coverage they’re unable to afford the medical evacuation fees to get home. Don’t make this mistake. I always choose a local travel insurance provider, such as Southern Cross Travel Insurance, because I know they are reputable and will provide a decent level of coverage. When you’re feeling sick and worried about your own health, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay to see the doctor or for whatever you need to get seen to. When I was stabbed in Indonesia I was very grateful I had travel insurance as it paid for the replacement of my backpack that was cut in half, the cost of my doctor visit’s, medication and even the cost of hiring a driver to take me to the nearest town to use the ATM facilities.
2) Minimise The Opportunities
Most cases I’ve heard of friends having bad fortune overseas, could be blamed on the fact they’d set up the opportunities. One of my friends had all of her cards stolen from her wallet on the beach and then was unable to access her money. Thankfully she was traveling with a friend that covered her until she got a replacement card. Another friend had his wallet stolen in Prague and lost his valuable cards. I was attacked in Indonesia because I was traveling by myself in a remote area with a very valuable camera. Do what you can to minimise the opportunities available to someone who might like to take advantage of your carelessness. Don’t take your cards to the beach, carry a small amount of cash and no cards when you go out drinking, don’t go to remote areas with expensive gears alone. Minimise it, then you’ll reduce your risk.
Photo credit: Drinks out in Santiago at Barbazul Tobalaba by sarahstierch on Flickr
3) Don’t get Sucked In
Along the wonderful road of travel, you’ll meet all kinds of people. Young people setting off on their first Overseas Experience, others who have been on the road for months or years at a time. You’ll meet locals who are captivated by your blond hair or your height. You’ll meet people who will welcome you into their homes, or to a wedding. You’ll meet others that will want to scam you for every cent that you have spare. That’s life. Avoid unsafe situations by simply not allowing yourself to get involved. One of my friends was traveling around India and he was quite well travelled. He met two guys who befriended him for a few days and after there was a great bond between them all – they brought up a business proposition. Gem Trading.
All my friend had to do was front some cash, they could get some cost price gems and on sell them for a great profit. Sounds great? Yeah, it was a scam. Thankfully he didn’t get too involved, but as the saying goes “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. Be cautious.
4) Use Common Sense
This might seem too obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t use common sense. Do some research about the places you’re going and find out what’s appropriate or not. Avoid dark alleyways at night time if you’re alone or just a few of you. Don’t rent a scooter to drive in Asia unless you’re already comfortable back home. Don’t take unnecessary risks just because you’re somewhere else with a different area code and language.
5) Trust Your Instincts
Too often we talk ourselves out of worrying. We are the only animals on the planet that routinely ignore our instincts. They’re there for a reason. They might not always be right, but if you have a feeling that someone you met is not worthy of your trust, or dangerous or trying to take advantage of you – don’t talk yourself out of it. Just listen to your gut instinct.
Photo credit: Strangers’ Stories by Alyssa L. Miller on Flickr
6) Don’t Get Too Drunk or Drugged
Yes, drinking while you’re away is fun and if you’re inclined to indulge in some other substances (legal or otherwise) I’m not here to pass judgement, but be clever about it. Educate yourself on the local laws and what the penalties might be for going against them. If you meet a group of people, don’t get completely wasted until you know them well enough to judge whether they’ll look after you. Avoid taking drinks that aren’t prepared in front of you or that aren’t straight from the bottle.
On the same note, bare in mind that, in Asian countries especially, a number of foreign tourists have died from alcoholic drinks that have been contaminated. Drinking is fun and all – but how crappy would it be for your parents to get a call that you’ve been killed because you drank some contaminated alcohol? Sticking to bottled drinks, such as beer, is the safest way to drink in developing countries.
7) Plan Ahead
Taking a little time to plan *some* things in advance will save you a lot of worries and hassle further down the line.
Ray Calver, someone who inspired me to travel, suggests that if you’re arriving at weird times you should prebook your transportation and accommodation to save worry and stress. The last thing you want is to be stranded at the airport at a crazy hour, forced to pay outrageous prices to sleep somewhere.
8) Be Smart With Your Money
Don’t carry too much at once. Don’t take all of your cards out with you every day.
Another great tip is from To Travel Too who suggest it’s a lot safer to withdraw money from the ATM inside of the bank, rather than outside. That way you can avoid using an ATM that has been affected by skimmers. It also allows you an opportunity to put your cash into your wallet without being so visible to the public.
These are some of my key travel safety tips. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
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Five Best Places to visit in India
In every region in India, there are numerous places worth visiting. India is known for being a very challenging place to visit, all while being extremely rewarding. While picking only five places to visit is a challenge, all the places in this list clearly show the incredible sightseeing available to tourists. Once you’ve found cheap flights to India with fly.co.uk, then all that’s left is figuring out how you’ll spend your time. Check out these five best places to visit in India for some inspiration:
Photo credit: Dravidian Temple by Scalino on Flickr
The Dravidian Temples in Tamil Nadu
Located in the south of India, the Tamil Nadu area is known for its incredible number of temples. Thousands of constructions all around the state are waiting to be admired by all. The town on Kanchipuram, for example, is renowned for the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest construction in the city, built to honour deities such as Shiva and Parvati. The stylized architecture of the temple has been maintained for hundreds of years, and tourists can still admire its numerous shrines and statues. Travellers with an interest in architecture, religion, or history will certainly enjoy visiting this unique temple, if they are vacationing in the south of the country.
Photo credit: Kathakali by thought and memory on Flickr
The Kathakali Performances in Kerala
Many tourists prefer travelling to the western part of India, where they can enjoy a relaxing vacation in Goa or Kerala. The latter region is particularly well-known for its unique Kathakali performances. Kathakali is a combination between theatre and dance, a form of pantomime in which the great events of Indian history are represented. Traditional Kathakali performances tend to last the entire night, but for tourists, there are numerous shorter performances organized, which are just as amazing as the local ones.
Photo credit: VT Station Set by Bollywoodtourism.com on Flickr
Bollywood Tours in Mumbai
Mumbai is universally known as the home of the famous Bollywood Studios. Movie fans can enjoy many exciting tour packages, which will take them on a trip to see where some of the most famous Indian movies were filmed. Not only will everyone learn how these exciting movies are made, but they can also go on a studio tour with live shooting to see the process with their own eyes. Furthermore, these tour packages are the best options if you’re travelling with children, since they will surely be entertained and pleased with the entire experience.
Photo credit: Corbett National Park by east med wanderer on Flickr
Corbett National Park
Located in the northern part of the country, India’s first national park is an incredible choice for tourists of all ages. Due to its size, you will certainly need time to explore this park thoroughly, especially if you want to see endangered Bengal tiger. There are several tour packages available for visitors, and they can make use of the hotels nearby to save time. However, the park is open from November to June due to the monsoon season, so if you really want to visit it you have to plan your vacation around the dry season.
Photo credit: Taj Mahal by ndj5 on Flickr
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is by far the most visited attraction in India, and everyone who is travelling to Agra stops by to admire its beauty. Many things have been written about this monument, which was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his third wife. If you plan on visiting the Taj Mahal, you should certainly plan ahead. There are times when the monument is closed due to state visits, and both ticket prices and safety measures vary from season to season. Because of that, you should always pack lightly for your visit, and never bring heavy cameras and large sums of money with you.
From ancient temples to breathtaking theatre performances, it is clear that India has much to offer. Regardless of the region you visit, each one has an incredible history ready to be explored.
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Top tips for surviving a family holiday
Family holidays can be fantastic occasions, full of great memories, opportunities to bond with your kids and your partner and a chance to experience an exciting new destination.
And although the stresses and strains of family life can spill over into your precious holiday time, with a bit of planning, a bit of understanding and a lot of patience, it is possible to have a wonderful holiday that you and your children will remember for ever.
Be organized
As with many things in life, holidays are made a lot easier if you’re well organised, so plan everything in advance by using a site like http://www.superbreak.com to help you to choose a destination and plan your rail travel and accommodation.
Photo credit: Family playing on the beach by Uncle Catherine on Flickr
Give everyone some space
Although spending time together is important, giving everyone a bit of space and time to themselves will help to keep tempers at bay and allow each member of the family the space to relax in their own way.
Depending on where you’re staying during your family break, there may well be other children to play with, kids clubs to join and beaches to explore, so try having a set time each day when you’re together as a family and the rest of the time give your kids a little bit of freedom to explore.
Plan some activities
Boredom is one of the biggest causes of family strife, so to stave this off before it becomes an issue, make sure you’ve got some fun activities planned for your trip.
If your clan has very different tastes you could have each child pick a different day’s activities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to do something that they want and to share it with the family.
Photo credit: Smiling family of six peddle 4-wheel bike by mikebaird on Flickr
Remember to have fun
Throughout your holiday try to remember that one of the main and most important reasons for going away was to have some fun with the family.
Try not to get too tied down to routines, itineraries and plans and give your family the time and space to enjoy each other’s company and just have a bit of fun.
For most families, the chances of having a completely trouble free break are fairly slim, but by following these tips you can help to make sure that your family has as many good times as possible, ensuring that you’ll have holiday memories to treasure forever.
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Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Common Travel Myths
Photo credit: Out the airplane window by tudydamian on Flickr
You have to be rich to travel the world.
This is one of the most pervasive myths about travel, and it’s also patently untrue. While billionaires certainly have no issue chartering a private jet for vacation, it doesn’t take a goldmine to see a few gorgeous destinations. From credit card companies that offer piles of welcome miles to flash-sale sites providing incredibly deep discounts on everything from airfare to vacation packages, you’ll discover a wealth of low-cost options if you just take the time to look.
You can’t go anywhere unless you speak the language.
Though it’s convenient to speak the local language, it’s by no means required. What is required, however, is a basic understanding of respectful phrases. Please, thank you and hello will go a long way in earning you respect with the community.
Conversely, nearly everyone in major cities speaks English.
Some foreign cities are home to an astonishing number of English speakers, but you simply can’t count on it. Never go anywhere with the assumption that you’ll be understood; learn a few basic phrases, and get used to gesturing.
Photo Credit: Airplane cabin by ta on Flickr
First class is the only comfortable way to fly.
It’s definitely more comfortable than economy, but comfort isn’t measured in seat inches alone. Ease of booking and friendliness of service go quite a long way in making your flight enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Plus, many major airlines offer a slightly souped-up version of economy that offers more space for only a few extra dollars.
Weekend trips always cost more than mid-week jaunts.
This depends entirely on where you’re going, when you book your trip and which agency you use. While weekends tend to be more expensive on the surface, you’ll find an array of weekend-getaway deals on sites like Travelzoo, Airfare Watchdog and Jetsetter. What’s more, prices can vary by the hour, so it pays to check rates often.
If you convert your money before you leave, you’ll save loads of cash.
We’re not sure where this started, but too many first-time travelers make this mistake. It may seem more convenient to exchange your currency at home, but the rates are astronomical. Convert only what you need as soon as you land, and then use local ATMs to grab cash for the rest of your trip. Trust us: You could save hundreds of dollars.
Photo Credit: Foreign currency and coins by bradipo on Flickr
Trip insurance isn’t really necessary.
Like any other type of insurance in any other country, travel insurance in Canada protects you against a series of unexpected situations. Never leave home without it; though it seems like an added expense, it’ll pay off should you run into trouble.
You have to book months ahead to score the hottest deals.
While this may have been true in the past, the bevy of modern travel agencies and websites have made it possible to track down a deal at virtually any time before your trip. Last-minute offers are especially alluring; by snatching up a special just a few weeks before departure, you could get access to some of the best discounts on the market.
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Mauritius: Paradise in Name and Nature
Photo Credit: Mauritius by Mohammed Alnaser on Flickr
Mauritius, a name that happily rolls off the tongue, is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean close to the Tropic of Capricorn. With a sub-tropical climate Mauritius enjoys good weather almost all of the year, a note worthy feature of life here. In the summer months (November to April) the mean average temperature is 25C, and in the winter months (June to September) it is 20C, so the paradise is often popular with sunbathers and swimmers. In terms of air quality it has been rated second in the world and so can boast a luxurious place to relax, especially juxtaposing against the grind of relentless city life.
The luxurious island is famous for its 93 miles of white sandy beaches, lagoon and coral reef (worlds third largest). Mauritius also has wonderfully scenic mountainous habitats away from the coast, that can provide hiking distractions away from the beach.
With a widely diverse environment for its size, Mauritius is not just about the beaches and coast, it is also home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals with conservation high on the local agenda since the 1980’s. The island has also set up nature reserves on nearby inhabited islands.
Photo Credit: Black River Gorges National Park by oldandsolo on Flickr
Visits to the Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens and the Black River Gorges National Park are high on most visitors list of places to visit, with snorkeling and sailing in the coastal waters obvious choices for the more active among us.
Not surprisingly perhaps, Mauritius is a destination of choice for those UK visitors looking to make a special and memorable trip, with direct flights available from London to the islands airport near its capital city, Port Louis. Trailfinders.com create tailor-made holidays so you can enjoy the parks and coastline at your leisure.
Photo Credit: Mauritius Beach by patrickcadona on Flickr
Don’t be fooled into thinking the tropical island is all beaches and coast, it has its own history and culture. First discovered in 1507 the island is now independent, since 1968, both British and French are widely spoken, including in Parliament, by the multi-lingual Mauritians. With a constitution based on the UK model, but with a president as a head of state rather than a monarch, Mauritius ranks highly for democracy and political freedom for its 1.25m inhabitants. By sightseeing the highlights the city has to offer, you can get to known the place better and be introduced to something more than a beach destination, but to a country that has its inhabitants as top priority.
However, if you can’t be torn away from the beach it has plenty to offer, at just a sandcastle away. From swimming with dolphins to the tropical beach gardens of Sugar Beach there is something for everyone.
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Anything to Declare?
I come from a country that has very strict declaration laws. New Zealand is geographically isolated, which means that it is protected from a lot of the cross contamination that happens between neighbouring countries that share a land boarder. As a consequence of this, we have to be really strict with what we let into the country. Traveling between New Zealand and Australia I became very familiar with long customs arrival cards that are double sided and ask you details of where you’ve been recently, what you’ve been up to and a long list of questions about what you are carrying. When I bought my bike back from Cambodia, it was promptly taken off me and sprayed for a good half an hour. You’re not allowed to bring wooden souvenirs into the country.
When I first traveled to Hong Kong I tried to declare my fruit that I’d brought with me, as in New Zealand arriving with overseas fruit is a criminal offence. I walked over to the security guard, palms a little sweaty feeling anxious that I might be met with a hefty fine. The airport security guard in Hong Kong, with his intimidating gun, quickly prompted me “You have any drugs?”
“no”
“lots of money?”
“no”
“any guns?”
“no”
“well then byebye”
New Zealand is crazy strict with what we have to declare and it’s become kind of a point of difference for me between New Zealand and other countries. When I saw this informative picture, I thought it was really fascinating the odd things people try to get away with. I mean, four crocodiles… really?
Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments below
Anything To Declare? An infographic by the team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk
