Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 113)
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Canada Day – A Perfect Time to Visit
My wife and I like to take vacations abroad. We have been to places around the world such as Jerusalem, New York City, Tokyo, Sydney and Mexico City. As we were discussing our summer vacation plans, we were stumped. We were not sure where to go until a co-worker of mine suggested that we go to Canada for Canada Day. Honestly, we did not know very much about the holiday, but were interested in going to a different country and joining in their festivities.
There are many great places to visit in Canada and I had always wanted to go to Toronto. I think the reason was since I liked the professional baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays. Anyway, we boarded the plane and flew to Toronto a few days before Canada Day was celebrated. We purchased a few books and informational guides about the history of the celebration. We learned that the celebration began on July 1, 1867 with the colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Province of Canada becoming the country of Canada. Although it became a country, it was under the umbrella of the British Empire until 1982, when it officially became entirely independent. Many businesses close on July 1 in honor of the celebration.
My wife and I discussed where we wanted to stay. Toronto has plenty of places to lodge such as international hotel chains, bed and breakfasts, local motels and much more, like Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square, One King West Hotel & Residence, The King Edward Hotel and Jare’s Place Bed & Breakfast. Eventually, we agreed upon a hotel and reserved our room a few months before Canada Day. It was a good thing we did, since many rooms were already booked. It excited me since there would be many people in the city and I liked being where events and action are.
Getting to Toronto was easy, as we booked our non-stop flight to Toronto through Air Transat. After we landed and passed through customs, we decided to take a taxicab to our hotel. As we traveled, we visited with the cabbie about our excitement about exploring the city during Canada Day. He told us that this celebration was not exclusive to the city, but it was all over the country. In fact, one of the biggest celebrations is in the capital of Ottawa. At Parliament Hill, there is an amazing fireworks displays as well as live music, sports activities and much more. In addition to this, he stated that many cities and towns have festivals and parades to celebrate the Day.
We were glad to get to Toronto a few days early since we could visit various festivities. My wife and I found ourselves going to Harbourfront Centre a few times while we were in the city. There was plenty of activities and live music for everyone to enjoy for a number of days. Although we had never heard of any of the musical groups, we enjoyed the music and made it a point to purchase some songs online. In addition to this, there were plenty of street vendors who sold wares such as clothing, flags and works of art. My wife in particular was thrilled with the large amount of shops who sold merchandise at Lake View Market. We found great items for ourselves and merchandise for our family as well. Shopping and sightseeing made us hungry and there were plenty of dining options for us to visit such as local vendors who sold fried foods and local dishes. A special fireworks show was presented at the Harbourfront Centre one evening that was incredible. I am pleased to state that there was plenty of space for everyone, including children, to see the amazing display.
We wanted to go to a parade that truly gave us a taste of the true celebration of Canada Day. Therefore, we went to East York. East York is a district in the city, which has plenty of things to see and do. One of the biggest reasons that we chose to visit East York was the parade that it held each year for Canada Day. There were many floats, politicians, marching bands and other people who were in the parade. We took plenty of pictures on our digital camera as we saw entertainers and people who highlighted this special occasion. When the parade was over, we visited vendors who sold food as well as merchandise. Something that really came across to us was the wide variety of activities for children to do. There were many rides to go on, mascots to say hello to and crafts to create.
Before we went home, we stopped at Black Creek Pioneer Village, which holds a citizenship ceremony each year. There was a fee to get in, but it was worth it. I had never seen a ceremony like this one and it was wondrous to see people of many different ethnicities become Canadian citizens. It was something I will never forget. While we were in Pioneer Village, we visited the museum, walked around various gardens and said hello to friendly animals.
Our trip to Toronto to experience Canada Day was fascinating. The people were fantastic and quite friendly. There were plenty of things for us to see and do. Those and other experiences made our trip amazing. We are planning to visit Toronto again and hope to visit another city in Canada to get a new experience of Canada Day.
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Queenstown City Guide
Queenstown is one of the biggest tourist hot spots in New Zealand and is definitely worth a visit. It’s often thought of, at least by New Zealanders, as the “adventure capital” of the world. This is where bungy jumping started out and here you can jump out of a plane, off a bridge, or get in a boat that’s going at crazy speeds – whatever extreme sport you fancy.
Costs in Queenstown
Queenstown is expensive for New Zealand, and if you want to enjoy it I think it’s best to bring a pretty cushiony budget along with you. If you want to do any extreme sports, you’re looking at least $100 and sometimes well upwards. It’s worth it though.
Accommodation in Queenstown is above the national price, but it is a great place to splash out with a number of luxury and high-end hotels. If you want to stay somewhere special you could consider staying where I did, at the best hotel in Queenstown. If you’re looking for somewhere cheaper, hostels are a great place to look and there are a number of quirky hostels around the city starting at around $20.00. If you’re traveling with two or more people looking into apartments can be a great way to keep costs down while enjoying Queenstown. Arrowtown is a quaint little town not too far away that is lovely to stroll around and has slightly more affordable accommodation.
Food in Queenstown tends to be around the standard price point for New Zealand. My favourite places to eat in Queenstown are Winnie Bageos – delicious pizza and Ferg Burger. Both establishments are well known throughout New Zealand for offering hearty and delicious meals.
Transport in Queenstown is a little scarce, but it doesn’t really matter because Queenstown is easily explored on foot because it is quite compact. It is a great place to have a car though, because you can go off and explore some of the numerous walking and biking trails around. There are a number of buses that service Queenstown and taxis are easily found.
Things to do in Queenstown:
Go up the Gondola:
Yes, there are Gondolas all around the world, but few can deliver such striking views. I was completely in awe the whole way up the gondola, except for a few moments where I decided to worry it was natural for me to be up so high. Thankfully, there’s a large (sturdy) viewing platform up the top so you can spend some time enjoying the view.
Luge:
I guess I’m still a child, but luging has to be one of the most fun things I’ve done in a long time. It’s a little distracting, though, as it’s perched on top of the gondola’s viewing platform, so you’re spoiled with incredible views while you twist and turn down the luge track. Buy five rides, it is expensive but so worth it!
Bungy jumping:
I’d love to post photos of me being super brave jumping off a bridge, but I can’t – because I’m not crazy and I quite fancy being alive. Although bungys are very safe, my fear of heights and/or water prevents me from enjoying this. It’s totally worth it though, if you are an adrenalin junky. Look on Bookme.co.nz for earlybird discounts.
Visit an icebar:
I managed to avoid icebars in every main city I’ve been that’s housed them, I expected them to be tacky and absolutely freezing – and they are – but they’re kind of novel too. My favourite part of visiting the ice bar was smashing my glass on the way out and admiring the ridiculous ice sculptures.
Go Jetboating:
Do you like traveling at crazy speeds on water, while it’s being thrust up around the sides of the boat? Do you love adrenalin? Well, then you should definitely do some jetboating in Queenstown. Unfortunately it was a bit too chilly when I visited, but my friends have been and say it’s absolutely amazing and it’s kind of considered one of the token things to do in this adventure town!
That’s my round up of Queenstown.
Have you been before? What was your favourite thing to do there?
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Top Hotels for a Family in the Sun
Want to have a lazy day at the beach? Parkim Ayaz Hotel can give you that as this hotel is just 30 seconds away from the beach! Aside from the beach they also have an amazing outdoor pool and a great selection of facilities including watersports, a climbing wall and mini-golf. You will definitely enjoy your family vacation here.
Do you want a beautiful hotel, great room, really friendly staff, and right on the beach? Tsilivi Beach Hotel will give you just that. The rooms are large, beautifully decorated and spacious, ensuring that you feel extremely relaxed on your holiday. There is a waterpark nearby and you can take the Levante speedboat trip to the shipwreck. There is also entertainment every night for the guests. This hotel makes any holiday special.
If you just want to lie in the sun (or shade) and listen to the waves breaking on the beach, then Barut Lara Resort Spa & Suites is perfect for you and your family. You will experience a one of a kind excellent service from the always smiling and courteous staff. The hotel has its own beach and jet skies. The rooms are very clean and they always have fresh fruits waiting for you at check-in.
If you’re looking for lots to do for kids this is the place, whether beach activities or in the hotel. Club MAC Alcudia is a very big hotel with free entry waterpark for everyone. Kids and kids at heart will have fun here! Aside from the Kids Corner of entertainment, the adults will enjoy being in this hotel too. The food has varieties “buffet style” and they also have themed-style nights.
Hotel Playa Costa Verde is a laid back and serene atmosphere for a vacation. The hotel retained its original designs but it is very clean and well maintained. They offer snorkelling on the beach which is great, especially for the adventurous type. The staff here are very friendly and accommodating. The hotel has a 24 hour poolside restaurant that served from breakfast till breakfast again. This is a very good place to relax and have quality time with your family.
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Where I Stayed: Queenstown
Most of my travel has been done alone, my recent trip to Queenstown was with my boyfriend. It was our first trip away together, so I wanted it to be special. Traveling as a couple is much different to traveling alone: instead of focusing on meeting people and soaking up the experiences that travel provide, you want to soak up each other’s company in a new place.
I always feel there’s a little pressure when booking a place for someone else too – you want to be certain that they’re going to love it as much as you think you will. When browsing for places to stay in Queenstown, Azur Lodge stood out. The main thing that drew me to choosing Azur was the stunning view of Lake Wakatipu and that it was rated one of the best places to stay in Queenstown on Tripadvisor.
Upon arrival to Azur, I knew I’d made the right choice. We were shown around the main lobby area, which is well appointed with a large kitchen, dining area and spacious lounge. Azur manages to perfectly balance luxury with a homelike comfort, ensuring you start to unwind from the moment you step in. From the beginning the staff make it very clear: nothing it too much trouble. Would you like afternoon tea and a bottle of wine brought to your room to settle in with? No problem. How about dinner brought in from a lovely restaurant in Queenstown and set up in your room? In villa dining can be easily arranged.
Our plan was to check in and then promptly make our way to Queenstown to do some sightseeing. After walking into our villa, with the gas fire already set and the stunning view our minds were quickly changed. Instead, we took a drink each and stood outside in awe, admiring our private view.
The rest of the villa was very spacious and comfortable with a giant bed, a lounge suite by the fire and a small kitchenette.
I fell in love with the bathtub – the views are just irresistible and it’s the perfect place to soak in some bubbles, while sipping on a glass of wine.
My partner and I donned our matching robes, and watched attentively as the sky slowly changed from grey and mystic, to pink and dreamy.
And then we decided to order complimentary canapés and wine. We had planned to drive into Queenstown for dinner, but found ourselves too comfortable and content to consider leaving our room. So we ordered gourmet pizza that was brought to us by one of Azur’s staff in a picnic basket and laid out on our table. The rest of the evening passed enjoying each other’s company and we awoke to the same breathtaking scene we’d seen the night before.
I’ve never stayed somewhere that I found so irresistible I wasn’t tempted to venture out and explore. I would have to agree with the ratings that Azur has earned, it is definitely the best place to stay in Queenstown and definitely makes the list of my favourite hotels I’ve stayed in.
It was the perfect way to start my trip away with my partner and exactly the kind of relaxing holiday I’ve been wishing for.
Where is your favourite hotel? Have you stayed somewhere very memorable?
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Finding Travel Inspiration
I’ve been home for a few months now, and while I’m happy to be exploring more of New Zealand (posts on Arrowtown and Queenstown to come) it can be hard to keep the travel dream alive while focusing on the more mundane aspects of life – working and saving. After 2.5 years cruising around the world, being constantly stimulated by a variety of new experiences, being still can be quite challenging.
I spend a lot of time browsing finding travel inspiration, to keep my dream alive. My ultimate goal is to work towards a life where I am not bound to any location and free to explore at my own will. That’s my dream. I could pack up right now and travel for another year or so, but eventually I’d reach a point where I’d have to come back home and start again. So, I’m busy laying the foundations now so that I can eventually become a real nomad.
I spend a little too much time browsing websites, mostly travel related. I get lost in stories of adventures, or places to visit. I’ve probably spent more time on the Lonely Planet website than I have any other website, finding myself mentally inserting myself into pictures that grace the homepage.
The other day my friend sent me a cool music video, which features one of the most amazing natural phenomena I’m yet to see: the Northern Lights. I’ve always wanted to visit Norway to see them, but this video actually features them as seen in Swedish Lapland. This video is all focused around the Northern Lights, has a cool soundtrack with it and shows off how advanced Sony smartphones are getting.
If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, this one is definitely worth a watch!
There’s also a making of video so you can soak in the scenery for a bit longer:
What do you use as travel inspiration?
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Top places to pop the question
If you’re thinking it’s about time you made an honest woman or man of your other half, here are four fantastic locations that should get the answer you’re hoping for. If not, then at least you can cross them off your ‘been-there-done-that’ list!
Who said romance was dead?
If your soul mate is a Sex and the City fan, why not head to Pont des Arts in Paris. This pedestrian bridge not only connects The Louvre with the Institut de France, but it was also the spot where Big finally bared his soul to Carrie. This romantic setting overlooks the Seine, so watch those trembling fingers with that diamond-encrusted engagement ring.
A word in your shell-like
How about whispering sweet nothings to your future spouse by way of the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station, New York? When we say whisper, you’ll effectively be shouting. By standing in opposite corners of the low ceramic arches, your voice will follow the curve of the domed ceiling and the fantastic acoustics will deliver your proposal. So keep it clean…or maybe not!
Elvis has left the building
It may be a cliché, but Las Vegas is a great destination to pop the question and then tie the knot. Forget months of wedding planning and a guest list as long as The King’s playlist, when you can have an intimate, no-fuss do with the legend himself.
When in Rome
Go for a big Italian-style gesture and drop to one knee at The Trevi Fountain in Rome and ask for your beloved’s hand in marriage. To seal the deal, try asking in Italian. You’ll probably get a round of applause from the crowds, which should do the trick if your target is faltering!
Beach Heaven
There are few places as romantic as an exotic beach when the sun is shining. So if you are looking to save yourself a few pounds whilst not cutting down on the romance, consider taking a trip to somewhere like Cyprus. Great Holidays are common but your other half will have no idea!
You might not be able to guarantee you’ll get the answer you want, but we know you’ll have a great time pursuing the prospect of marital bliss in these fabulous iconic cities.
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Skiing holiday – money saving tips
It’s at this time of year when you begin to think about your financial situation. Taxes have been paid and for the first time you can get a real overview of your finances (for better or for worse!). But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some room for some fun too.
While you may be putting some aside to make up your stocks and shares ISA allowance for the new tax year or at least getting your savings in order for the new financial year, you might still be able to afford a bit of time away in January or February. You just have to be a little frugal when you do.
Take a look at our money saving tips to make sure you have a fantastic skiing holiday without spending all your savings.
Before you book
You don’t have to just look into the top French Alpine ski resorts as there are plenty of non-Eurozone resorts which are much better value for money. Choose from the likes of Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Sweden and you’ll be sure to be in the best position to find a great deal.
Accommodation
When it comes to booking there is always the temptation to go all-inclusive due to the notion that it’s the cheapest way to travel. However, when booking a skiing holiday if there are a large number of you, the best option to save some money is by booking self-catering. The bigger the apartment or chalet and the more people, the lower the “per bed” cost.
Pre-book equipment hire
Hiring your equipment when you arrive at the resort is one of the biggest expenses on a skiing holiday, but you don’t always have to make this mistake. There are a whole host of websites online that enable you to pre-book equipment before you travel, and save some money in the process.
Check your airline
Many budget airlines offer cheap flights to ski destinations but then charge you an arm and a leg when it comes to putting any equipment on board. It’s always advisable to check any additional costs before booking. Make sure you research a number of potential airlines, checking their baggage charges and allowances.
Get the most competitive exchange rate
It’s advisable to research the currency exchange rates well in advance of travelling and if possible purchase them in the UK before you set off. If you won’t want to carry too much cash on you it’s also worthwhile looking into a pre-loaded currency card to save money on credit and debit card charges.
Offers
Eating out can often be expensive if you’re self-catering, so always try and look for the restaurants and bars that offer lunch and après-ski deals. If you have gone all-inclusive try and fill up with those meals that you’ve already paid for.
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Backpacking on a Budget: Get it Right
You may be about to finish university and you’re finding yourself sitting there wondering what to do when it’s over, do you get a job, join the unemployment line, educate yourself some more or like many ex-students before you do you go travelling? Of course you could be in your second year of University and be wondering about what to do when third year ends; either way it’s a tricky decision especially considering how expensive travelling can be.
The main thing about travelling is the experience of seeing the world and the expansion of your mind, but coming quite close to the top of the list is money. As we know money makes the world go around and it’s just a shame there isn’t a universal currency to make travelling a little easier, however you can get great rates on foreign exchange at Travelex no matter what currency you need and it’s particularly good on Euro exchange as you can collect them at any Travelex store within four hours of ordering, or you could get them delivered to your door next day when you order by 3pm.
Keeping the price down
On the topic of money, travelling can be pretty pricey, well anything can be pricey when you have little to no money and in the current economy everything seems to be exceptionally expensive.
But there are things you can do to keep the price down when you’re travelling, first of all backpacking is the cheapest way to get about and it pretty much guarantees you can go and do whatever you want as you aren’t tied down by a suitcase. Whilst backpacking there are other actions you can take to ensure the price stays down as much as possible, such as using a hostel due to the much cheaper price tag compared with a hotel and walking as much as you can, but don’t forget to take a little rest.
Cheap destinations
Another way of keeping the cost down is to travel to destinations that aren’t completely overpopulated by tourists and travellers, which can increase prices, making your budget backpacking trip not very budget-like at all.
Asia is a very popular place for travellers to head to, but have you ever thought about visiting Nepal? With its tropical nature submerged in Asian culture this picturesque and peaceful destination will take your breath away, and whilst there you can immerse yourself in sacred Hindu/Buddhism temples and visit Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu valley.
If you like places that aren’t overpopulated, then head over to Nicaragua with its luxurious and satisfying mixture of wilderness and peace as you explore the views and the colonial cultures. Take the time to visit the volcanic lake, Laguna de Apoyo in the town of Masaya or visit the two largest fresh water lakes in Central America, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua.
Or you could visit Cambodia, which is filled with backpacking hostels and has plenty of cheap internal travel that will help you maximise your minimal backpacking budget. There’s plenty of history for you to visit from the old to the new, such as the historical Phnom Penh and the temple complex of Angkor Wat, and more recently the ‘killing fields’ and Tuol Sleng prison museum.
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Best Post- Studying Trips
You know the kind of trip we’re talking about. This is the holiday where, after months of slaving away in front of a book or screen, you can finally escape the wonderful world of education and retreat to a destination that’s a little more relaxing. Forget about exam papers and essays, now you’re free to do what you want, when you want, how you want! But where?
You’ve dreamt about it for months. Packing up, heading to the airport, leaving your car in the airport parking and jumping on the first flight to wherever. But now it’s decision time. Stuck for inspiration? Here are our top post- studying trips.
New York
Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out! If you’re searching for glitz and glamour this summer, then a holiday in the Big Apple is an absolute must. Surrounded by city sophistication and streets every shopaholic would love to get lost in, New York is the ultimate indulgence after months of endless revision.
Filled with world famous tourist spots and unmissable landmarks, you’ll never be bored in NYC. From picnics in Central Park to the dizzy heights of the Empire State Building, there’ll be plenty Kodak moments for you to enjoy. And what would a trip to New York be without some retail therapy? If you are thinking of visiting, then remember to check out Bloomingdales and Macy’s; you’ll shop till you drop!
Amsterdam
For those looking for an eclectic mix of culture and good fun, Amsterdam is the place for you. Renowned for its ‘interesting’ nightlife and colourful social scene, this city is great for those who love the party lifestyle. With notable venues such as Sugar Factory and Melkweg (Milky Way) providing incredible entertainment, you’ll soon rediscover your student self.
And for individuals who are curious what else the Dam has to offer, you won’t be disappointed. Amsterdam is a beautiful destination, and can provide just as many pretty pictures as the next place! From walks down its gorgeous canals, to admiring the courtyards at Begijnhof, the city will take your breath away. And don’t forget to discover its history! Whether it’s Stedelijk’s modern art, or the Anne Frank Museum, there’s plenty to explore.
Ibiza
If all else fails, then there’s only one thing for it. A guaranteed way to cure those post-college/ Uni blues is… a beach! Escape the gloomy UK and get sunning yourself some place hot! Can’t face the likes of Malia, Magaluf or Ayia Napa? Then Ibiza could be the perfect alternative. With amazing weather and white sandy shores, once you’re there you’ll never want to leave. And that’ll manly be because of its world famous nightlife. Attracting a whole host of award winning DJs from across the globe, Ibiza never fails to throw the best parties. So why not be a part of it?
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Summer Escapes
It appears that summer is now with us, despite the weather’s best ideas of arguing this case, so it’s a time for us all to be thinking of our holidays. It almost seems there are innumerable options where to go, what to do, how to travel and what to see when we are there. After a few years of manic holidays and big trips, I think this year we will be running away from it all and escaping to somewhere idyllic, peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle.
I’ve been looking into where to go and have found five perfect destinations, off the beaten track and just what I may be looking for….
1. The Maldives
I could have almost picked any of the picture-perfect escape islands; crystal clear waters, white sand, wooden huts and almost nobody to disturb you. But the Maldives have always intrigued me; I want to stay in a hut sat on stilts out in the middle of the water, with nothing but the Indian Ocean and white sandy islands around me. Almost the true island castaway holiday, I can imagine you may be able to stay and not even see another holiday maker your entire stay. Surely the greatest form of holiday escape?
2. Lake Garda
One for the big budgets here; popular with a-list celebrities and royalty alike, in Northern Italy nestled in between ornamental gardens, snow-topped mountains & lush hillsides. Providing food & drink only Italy knows how to, a perfect place to relax and see the other half live, sampling the finest side of life. Luxury at its very best, if I can afford it I’ll be crazy not to go!
3. Cuba
A solid favourite for us, having already visited a few years ago. I know staying in an all-inclusive resort cannot necessarily be described as ‘escaping’ but it’s the peace and quiet I’d go here for. When lying on the golden beach you’d be hard pushed to hear anything other than the lapping of the ocean. I think the country has an effect on people to turn their volume down; nobody was exerting themselves or making much noise! Compliment this with fantastic local food and never-ending cocktails, peace and quiet at its best. I know I said I’d probably go here next on a cruise holiday while passing through, but I may jump ship and not leave, I love this country so much!
4. The Lake District
Not the most glamorous of destinations, I grant you, but it’s the British countryside. For me, this can be an inspiring, peaceful place to stay. I don’t even think you need sunny weather to enjoy the Lakes, sitting outside a quiet pub with a pint of ale in your hand, listening to the wildlife and the world go by. No wonder so many great poets and writers such as Wordsworth have been inspired here.
5. Santorini
This has been sold to me by a close friend, who always goes towards the end of the summer, when it’s still nice and warm, but there are fewer tourists. Island holidays are the perfect escape and this is no different; idyllic scenery, famous white buildings on black sandy beaches, again coupled with amazing Greek food and drink. Probably the busiest of my five choices, a lively area but with enough quiet little caves, beaches and sightseeing spots to be able to run away should the need arise.
All I need now is my bags packed and a quiet corner to sit in once I’m there. This may sound boring and dull to some, we all need a little escapism once in a while, why not actually use your holiday for what it’s intended and relax!
Where do you want to escape for Summer?
