Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 116)
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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?
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A Road Trip with the Family
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring and the old man is snoring. If the lyrics to this nursery rhyme sound like a typical car journey with your family, you have my complete empathy. In fact, the thought of my extended family squeezed into the car for an extended period of time often sends me into a cold sweat. If it were not for the reward of spending quality time with my family in a new location there is a good chance I would live the life of a hermit!
A traditional English getaway with camping equipment, sports equipment, and a wide range of board games for when the weather decides to be uncooperative has always been a personal delight. I always come back thoroughly refreshed. The only hang-up that remains is getting there comfortably; but don’t worry, I have a bit of advice for you.
Whilst you can’t control the weather or your husband’s urge to take a power nap through the entire duration of the five hour journey, there are ways to make the experience of getting to your holiday destination more enjoyable. A trick that a friend of mine taught me was to ensure all the passengers have enough space. Historically, I used to cram every foot well with waterproof clothing and activities and treated the passengers as optional extras. However, fairly recently, I bought a trailer from Indespension which has saved countless arguments over who was allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.
The Trailer I decided to buy was the Daxara 127. This was the same trailer my friend had decided to get and they helpfully pointed out a few of its advantages. Firstly, the trailer is very light which keeps fuel costs down. It also is nice and compact: a perfect match for our holiday needs. I had worried that I would struggle to manoeuvre the car with a trailer attached but it is very simple.
If you are anything like me, you will always want to go away with your family on a UK break but are scared of the logistics of getting things from A to B. This trailer has solved that problem for me. I would wholeheartedly recommend the people at Indespension. They were incredibly helpful when I was dealing with them and gave me sensible advice throughout.
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A-list LA on a Z-list budget
Los Angeles is famous for its A-list residents, but you don’t need to have a budget to match theirs in order to enjoy the destination to the fullest. In fact, thanks to the abundance of free attractions, I think it’s easy to discover the delights of LA without spending over the odds. Of course, whether your budget is ample or relatively restricted, it is always good to know what the free local attractions are; so, no matter how much you intend to spend on your holiday, read my guide to find out all about some of the top things to do.
1) Take a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
The first thing on my list is taking a drive along the utterly breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, which is one of the most of iconic highways in Los Angeles. Driving down this road – in a convertible, if possible – is a fantastic experience, thanks to the combination of sunshine and the stunning coastal scenery. Presuming you won’t want to drive it in its entirety (it spans several hundred miles), there are a number of shorter sections you can tackle instead.
For example, the route from Santa Monica to Zuma Beach in Malibu, which is just 20 miles long, is known for being particularly impressive. Plus, there are several fantastic places to stop along the way. For instance, if you go to Surfrider Beach, you can watch the local surfers in action. By the way, if trips like this pique your interest, it is worth finding out more about fly drive holidays through companies like Bon Voyage.
2) Absorb art in the Getty Center
Personally, I always enjoy visiting a gallery or two when I’m on holiday, so for me a visit to the Getty Center is an absolute must. Come here and you can see both American and European art dating all the way from the Middle Ages to the present day. It spans a range of disciplines too, including sculpture, paintings, drawings and photography.
Alongside the permanent collection there are temporary exhibitions, so it is always a good idea to check exactly what will be on during your visit. I’d also recommend taking a stroll around the gardens, which are absolutely beautiful. As a quick note, there is one snag worth bearing in mind – while admission to the centre is free, the cost of parking is fairly steep at $15 (which is around the £10 mark).
3) Experience a slice of glamour at TCL Chinese Theatre
In my opinion, no visit to Los Angeles would be truly complete without experiencing a slice of movie-based glamour. There is no better place to do so than the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see hand and footprints from a host of celebrities. Plus, this won’t cost you a penny.
Seeing these prints is one of the most popular tourist pastimes, which is no surprise, really, when you consider that those of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp and Judy Garland are just a few that can be found here. So, don’t forget to bring your camera!
4) Reach for the stars at Griffith Observatory
The last activity on my list is visiting the wonderful Griffith Observatory. Thanks to recent renovations, it’s bigger and better than ever, and I love the fact that there are just so many great exhibitions, displays and special events you can see here without paying a penny. That said, you should bear in mind there’s a nominal charge for watching shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
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Falling in love with Ubud
I went to Ubud to rest. I’d already visited a few places in Bali, including trashy Kuta and boring Sanur beach. I didn’t like either place and had disregarded Bali as somewhere that was too touristy and not that great – I’d seen better beaches in Gili Trangawan and parts of Thailand.
There was one place in Bali I really wanted to visit, but I was really on the fence about it. I’d heard of people falling in love with the food, the earthy vibe, the beautiful rice paddy fields and spend days at a time doing yoga.
After I was stabbed in Indonesia, I was pretty jaded. I spent a few days being cautious any time two men on a motorbike came too close to me – I felt like it was all going to happen again. I needed to go somewhere calm, somewhere peaceful and somewhere that was western enough that I didn’t feel too far out of my comfort zone – Ubud was the perfect place for that.
I spent a lot of time, too much time, Skyping friends and family back home. I couldn’t do too much as my hand was bandaged up and I was emotionally drained. I made friends with kitchen hands that worked at a restaurant I shamelessly stole WIFI from. I spent too long eating organic raw meals and eating fresh cocoa beans. I wandered around rice paddie fields and hung out with monkeys in the forest. I browsed boutique shops and spent an afternoon chatting with a local artist who had exhibitions throughout South East Asia. I admired the delicate way in which the local women make offerings to their God, like clockwork. In the end, I fell hopelessly in love with Ubud and it stands as one of my favourite places in the world.
It’s the place where I fell in love with travel again.
Being mugged was one of the most intense, stressful and terrifying experiences in my life. I could have easily returned home, given up on my love of travel and written off Indonesia. Instead I went to Ubud, healed and finally found my groove again. I fell in love with the simple things: the contrast of the local decorations against the bright blue sky, how green and layered the rice paddy fields are and the generosity and curiosity of the locals who welcomed me into their homes and showed me a snippet of their world.
Of all places I’ve ever been, Ubud is one I want to revisit most. Fortunately it’s one of the cheapest places in Asia to fly to from New Zealand or Australia, making it a perfect option for a sneaky getaway this year. You can easily find a range of cheap flights to Bali on a number of flight comparison sites such as cheapflights.com.au. Once you’re there, costs are relatively low making it the perfect holiday destination.
Ubud was definitely my favourite place in Bali – have you visited Bali? Where was your favourite place?
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Tips for Moving Countries
Moving countries can be one of the most challenging things to do! I’ve moved to the Czech Republic for six months and to Spain for the summer. Once visas are all sorted out, there are a handful of things you need to get set up so you can be really comfortable.
Finding a Job Overseas
Depending on your line of work, it might be easier to find a job before you go overseas to alleviate some of the stress. Some international companies will offer you the opportunity to transfer to one of the overseas branches so you can gain international experience while progressing in your career. Many people who choose to move overseas will be starting afresh, meaning that they have to start from the beginning. If you’re considering moving to a country for a short period of time, teaching your native language can be a great way to make money. You can get in touch with locals through websites such as Couchsurfing to ask what the local job hunting sites are, so you can get started finding work as soon as possible.
Setting up an International Bank Account
Depending on where you live you can set up an international bank account before you even leave your home country. This means you can easily transfer money across so that you are ready to get started as soon as you arrive. Moving countries can be extremely stressful, so taking some time to get set up before you go can reduce a lot of the pressure. This means that you will already have some money in your new currency when you arrive, so that you can start paying for things without getting large penalties.
Finding Somewhere to live
Some people prefer to have organize already set up before they go overseas and this can be made easier if they are going through a recruiting company or are being transferred by their own company. If you teach a language overseas in a number of countries, like South Korea, you will find that accommodation is usually provided for you. If you have to find accommodation yourself, it can be a lot easier to do this once you have arrived in the city because that means you will have an opportunity to view the houses and your potential roommates. It’s also a good idea to wait until you have confirmed work before settling into a house contract as you might wind up really far away from your work.
Making new Friends
Landing in a new city where no one knows you is extremely liberating – you have the option to recreate yourself entirely, but it can also be kind of lonely. Unless you’re lucky enough to move somewhere where you already know people, you’re going to have to spend some serious time creating your new social group. Many people suffer homesickness in their first few weeks of living in a new city, but once they start meeting like minded people this tends to fade away. There are heaps of great ways of meeting new people, such as taking up a new hobby, learning a language or using online sites such as Couchsurfing to find local meets. Once you’ve made a few friends their social group will open up to you and everything will snowball.
Moving overseas is a great experience, but it can be really daunting. Do you have any tips for making the big move overseas?
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Top Things to do in Vegas
Vegas is essentially an adult’s playground and there are ample things to do, ensuring you’re never bored in Sin City. Whether you want to take control of some diggers, get familiar with a battleground, see an incredible show, go skydiving or visit Red Rock National park, there’s something for everything in Vegas. The biggest challenge when visiting Las Vegas is not finding what to do, but narrowing down all your choices! We’ve made a list of the best things to do during Las Vegas Holidays so that you can get started planning your trip of a lifetime.
Dig This
This is a very unique experience and reminds me of being a child in a sandpit. This is the first and only heavy equipment playground where you are completely in control. Here you can operate a real bulldozer, weaving around cones and knocking dirt over. This is a really unusual but fun way to spend your holiday and certainly provides a contrast to all the glitz and glam of Vegas. If you’re traveling with teenage boys, or men who are young at heart, little else will compare to the novelty and excitement of Dig This!
See a Show in Vegas
There are so many famous shoes that are on in Vegas – it can almost be overwhelming trying to narrow down your options. Vegas is home to a number of wonderful shows including Cirque du Soleil, Remembering Red, Armando Vera, Jersey Boys, Purple Rain, Raiding the Rock Vault, and so much more. The great news is there will be certainly something for everyone, regardless of age and tastes so as long as you look far enough in advance you’ll be able to secure tickets to some of the best shows on the planet.
Battlefield Vegas
These Battlefields contain over 350 machine guns from around the world – from those used in the World Wars right through to what is currently being used in Afghanistan. Battlefield Vegas is a hugely educational complex, offering a unique insight into machinery and weaponry. Often regarded as the best gun range in Vegas, Battlefield Vegas is also home to military helicopter, providing a complete experience.
Red Rock Canyon National Park
If you’ve ever driven to Vegas or seen a show on what Vegas is like, then you’d know that it has one of the most striking landscapes in the world; the fiery red desert providing a strong contrast to the shiny city of Vegas. Red Rock Canyon National Park is only a short drive from Vegas city and a world apart. There’s a visitor’s center that is packed with history and information and a number of hiking trails within the area so that you can really make the most of this beautiful National Park. If you’re short on time it’s possible to drive through the park, enjoying some of the highlights from the comfort of your car.
Skydiving in Vegas
While Vegas probably isn’t the first place that pops to mind when you think of skydiving, it does have a lot to offer in terms of scenery. You’ll be able to see sweeping views of the surrounding dessert, Vegas itself all while enjoying the thrill of flying through the air at impressive speeds. This is a great way to add a little excitement and adventure to one of the most exciting cities in the world. If you love adrenalin and thrill seeking, this is the perfect choice for you.
What do you think is essential to a trip to Las Vegas?
