Posts by : Izy Berry

Going on holiday is a great excuse to add some key summer pieces to your wardrobe. Who doesn’t love holiday shopping? Planning outfits not only makes us feel as though we’re already abroad, but it also helps us to plan what we’re doing once we arrive in this new part of the world.  For those who crave a holiday full of pampering, relaxation and luxury look no further. Browse this selection of five luxurious holiday destinations, brought to you by CT Shirts, retailers of men’s dress shirts.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Located in the east of Puerto Rico, Necker Island is part of Sir Richard Branson’s lucrative British Virgin Islands. Reservations are hard to come by but don’t miss out on the chance to stay in one of The Great House bedrooms, fitted with king size beds, en-suite bathrooms, a jacuzzi, and a sundeck. Boutique restaurants will be the perfect opportunity to wear a sharp fitted shirt, with long chino trousers or linen alternatives and loafers. Watch the sun set and sip on a cocktail while your evening meal is prepared in The Beach Pavilion.

The isolated island boasts a plethora of nature for you to soak in. Lemurs, flamingos, tortoises, and iguanas are amongst a few of the creatures that you will be sharing your holiday with. A slim checked shirt and chino shorts can be the perfect daytime attire, paired with flip flops to sift through the sandy coastline. If it wasn’t exclusive enough, Kate Moss, David Hasselhoff and even members of the royal family are known to have visited the island.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

For somewhere equally as exotic, the French Polynesia has been the choice of travelers for many years and it continues to remain a beautiful landscape. For a simply mesmerising destination then this is your best choice, the island boasts secluded white sandy beaches which meet the blue coral reef beneath the surface. Once you’ve dried off, change into a polo shirt and some linen shorts paired with some casual shoes.  Mingle amongst the locals at one of the renowned street markets in Vaitape where you will find hidden treasures such as black pearls and vanilla beans and embrace the vibe of the island.

If you want to avoid overcrowding, recommended visiting times are May, September and October. Conveniently, this also falls under the dry season when temperatures reach an average of 28°. For an uber extravagant getaway then choose to stay in The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a 5-star venue where a one-night stay in one of the over-water villas costs around £3,528 a night. In fact, it was the setting for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s multiple honeymoons (visiting once just isn’t enough).

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re happy to travel long-haul, Los Cabos is a beautiful and versatile landscape surrounded by seas, desert and mountains. A luxury holiday in Los Cabos can be as low-key or as extravagant as you want it to be, choose from private sailing excursions to Mexican cooking classes and market tours, or simply laze on the closest stretch of sandy shores.

Again, linen is the recommended clothing choice as it will help combat the heat and keep you comfortable while you lounge around in the baking temperatures. Along with the staple selection of chino shorts, a classic men’s evening shirt will come in handy for nights spent enjoying some seriously fine dining at El Matador, a mixture of vibrant Mexican, Latin, and seafood dishes. Wake up in time for brunch and head to Cabo San Lucas along the coastline. The French toast and tacos on offer at Café de Ciudad are more than worth it.

For those people wishing to hide away and enjoy Los Cabos in peace, The Las Ventanas Al Paraiso is perfect. It might be one of the most expensive places to rest your head, but it is known as a popular choice for solo travellers who just want to get away from it all for a while! Get out and explore or simply kick back in the infinity pool and sip a Margherita.

St Lucia, Caribbean

This Caribbean island is perfect if you want a holiday full of a mixture of adventure and rejuvenation. The picturesque scenery is nestled amidst a land carved by volcanic activity, with scatterings of rainforests and the famous Pitons, a UNESCO world heritage site. Other beauty spots to visit include the Sulphur Springs, Toraille Waterfall, and Morne Coubaril Estate.

At its hottest, St Lucia can reach heights of 31° and can remain light for almost 12 hours each day. Casual shirts and chino shorts will be essential for evenings spent drinking champagne overlooking the Caribbean sunset.

There are several options when looking for a hotel to fulfil your holiday dreams in St Lucia. Choose the Jade Mountain Resort in Soufriere, where the nightly rate for one of the exquisite suits is anywhere in the region of £1,500-£1,800. Some of the rooms feature a breath-taking infinity pool and a panoramic view of the Caribbean sea. Some famous faces known to have enjoyed holidays on the island include Chadwick Bosman, star of Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’, Ellie Goulding, and Oprah Winfrey.

Antibes, France

Compared to the other chosen destinations, France is not the first place that comes to mind when imagining a tranquil getaway – city breaks to the likes of Paris dominate the holiday market. However, the glamorous vibe and a relaxed dress code means you can enjoy days wandering through the old town streets. Why not stop to sample some delicious local cuisines along the way? In fact, it is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with your significant other. Antibes is a mere stone’s throw away from Cannes, so there is plenty of opportunity to explore.

Trainers or loafers are perfect to explore this destination while a neutral linen shirt is the perfect colour to keep cool while visiting. Spots along the Riviera are frequently becoming the backdrop of many summer weddings too, and a blue suit will make for the perfect combination with a riviera wedding tan.

Frequented by famous faces such as Emily Ratajkowski, John F. Kennedy, Orlando Bloom and Will Smith, The Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc is a go-to. The sea views are astounding and everything about the hotel is private — pools, butlers, and more.

Sometimes life hands us lemons and it is really difficult to make lemonade. This is particularly the case when you have to make this drink in the same place and under the same conditions where you got dealt the lemons.

The best thing to do when things do not go your way and you are losing your mojo, is to get away for sure. Time to someplace where you can relax, unwind and let off some steam.  The place you go should be somewhere that has a reputation for pampering people and causing them to let go of their stress.

Mykonos is known for stress reduction

One of the places that has a worldwide reputation for fitting this description is the Greek island Mykonos. This gorgeous Haven of sandy beaches and Christine water sits in the heart of the glorious Mediterranean Sea. For more than 2000 years, Mickey Mouse has been a stopover for those seeking to list off the troubles from the weary shoulders.

Whether it was visiting dignitaries or troubled seamen, the island has played the perfect host to those who needed a compelling getaway, and some time to recharge. Although the specific reasons why they came to Mykonos have very, they typically fit into a tight category reasons. Through the centuries, these reasons have been motivators to bring people to the island. Here is a list of those reasons and why people continue to come to Mykonos to forget their troubles.

Great Accommodations

The best type of place to stay to forget your troubles is a beach hotel in a room facing a lovely body of water. You can reserve your stay at Adorno Suites Mykonos beach hotel and be assured that it will be a truly marvelous experience. You will be right on the water, have a lovely suite, and be pampered by a staff that is trained to please. You will be treated so well that not only will you forget your troubles, you won’t want to leave.

Sun and Sand

Everyone knows that one way to forget your troubles is to go to a place where you can lie on the beach and wile your hours away. A beautiful beach, warm sun, and cool exotic drinks can make even the most stressed out soul forget his or her problems for a little while. Mykonos is known as a destination that has beautiful beaches all over the island and warm sun that is shining most of the time. When you come here you can order drinks right on the beach and remind yourself how the good life feels.

Working hard is not a sin, but not taking a break from your hard work to recharge and enjoy yourself just might be. Also when you put in too much hard work, your stress levels build which is very unhealthy.

Some of the most devastating illnesses today including heart issues, depression and high blood pressure is often a direct result of too much stress. Do the right thing for your health and state of mind and take a break on Mykonos.

Africa is a proud hub for wildlife tourism and it will continue to be…as long as an ecological balance is maintained. Many concessions and private nature reserves are continually working together to preserve the environment and educate tourists about the real problems that are being faced.

In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at Pondoro Game Lodge’s conservational  efforts to ensure wildlife populations are able to live on sustainable land in a balanced ecosystem.

Pondoro Game Lodge is located in Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is one of many lodges in the region that is devoted to ecotourism and the concept of conscious tourism. It is an essential undertaking to help ensure a sustainable environment for the precious wildlife in the region, including the famed Big 5.

Pondoro is one of the game Lodges in South Africa that is spearheading raising awareness by educating visitors from all over the world about their conservation efforts.

Pondoro’s environment-saving efforts

Pondoro’s location already shows their intention of contributing to conservation efforts. The Balule Nature Reserve is part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves.

Each of the areas is part of the APNR: Balule, Timbavati, Klaserie, Umbabat, Grietjie Private Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park. All have endeavoured to maintain an ecological balance, and this includes removing all fencing and other barriers that initially separated the reserves.

The benefit is the increase in the grazing area for the different wildlife populations which ensures that the land is sustainable. Pondoro Game Lodge is also associated with the all-women Black mamba anti-poaching team and their affiliate project, the Bush Babies Environmental and Awareness Programme.

How you can help preserve and help maintain a sustainable balance

Pondoro allows guests to meet the Black mamba anti-poaching team, find out why they are so effective and discover the rationale behind this initiative for a very reasonable fee. The money goes towards supplementing the costs that need to be covered so that the team can be as effective as possible.

So, by choosing to stay at Pondoro Lodge, you will experience lavish, unique accommodation that has been specifically designed to offer an incomparable ambience. Furthermore,  you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your money is being used to help conservation efforts in the region.

The exclusive safaris are renowned for offering some of the best wildlife sightings (including the Big 5: lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant and buffalo) in Africa. Choose between early-morning or night game drives, and if you’re feeling adventurous, there are sensational nature walks that allow you to track wildlife on foot. It’s an experience that will not be forgotten.

A change in mindset, embracing ecotourism and educating yourself about the reasons for these critical conservation efforts is essential for game lodges like Pondoro, to help preserve and increase longevity of the wildlife populations of Africa. You can be a bastion for the change that is desperately needed by spreading the wildlife-saving knowledge.

The first city that comes to mind when it comes to land-based gambling in the United States is Las Vegas. Americans, as well as tourists from Europe and elsewhere, travel to Sin City every year to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, amazing entertainment opportunities, but mostly to fulfill their need for gambling thrills. Not all of them know that Las Vegas is located in Nevada, and that this is not the only city in this state where they can gamble in land-based casinos legally.

Reno and Lake Tahoe have plenty to offer to those who enjoy gambling but want to take a break from the busy Las Vegas. The easy access to brick-and-mortar casinos and the fact that these places capture the very essence of the Wild West frontier makes them particularly attractive. There’s no shortage of Reno-based casinos and even though they pale in comparison to the biggest venues in Sin City, they radiate an unmistakable charm. Eldorado, Atlantis and Peppermill are just a few of the casinos worth visiting one in Reno, while Harveys Lake Tahoe, Montblue and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino await in Lake Tahoe.

New Jersey casinos struggle to stay afloat

Atlantic City used to be the main destination for gamblers, well before Las Vegas came around. The iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk continues to attract people from all over the country, as well as foreigners, but in ever decreasing numbers. Many years ago, this used to be a great destination for legal gambling, but it has lost most of its charm and it is now simply struggling to stay afloat. Online gambling is legal in the state of New Jersey, which has embraced sports betting regulation, but those who want to experience the thrills of traditional casinos have to go to Atlantic City. Caesar’s Atlantic City, Sands Casino and Tropicana are some of the worthy choices.

Discover the hidden gems of Mississippi

Mississippi isn’t the first state that people would visit when they want to embark on a gambling vacation. Having said this, the state has the third largest casino gambling market nationwide, one that started more than three decades ago. The iconic riverboat casinos continue to act as a magnet for many people who want to gamble in a truly unique setting. There are significantly fewer options compared to both Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but what it lacks in numbers, Mississippi compensates through originality. Silver Slipper Sasino, Margaritaville and Bally’s Tunica attract most of the visitors on a yearly basis.

Gamble in sunny California and Florida

The two southern states are famous for many things but land-based casinos are not necessarily at the top of the list. This makes it particularly surprising that there are more than 100 casinos in California, many of them on Indian reservations. These are all perfect choices for those who enjoy table games, as the emphasis is on games of skills, such as baccarat, blackjack and Pai Gow. There are dozens of land-based casinos in the Sunshine State and these establishments accept anyone above 18 years old.

Rolling green countryside, stunning stretches of coastline and white cliffs: the United Kingdom is the perfect destination for a luxury getaway. The four countries that comprise it are caught between the Atlantic and Europe, which means that it takes the very best from two large cultural pools. Of course, you’ll find some traditional cuisine on its menus, but you’ll also find some brilliant gastronomy from around the globe.

Hire a luxury country house

Country houses are one of the best ways to enjoy the infamous stretches of countryside. They’re perfect for having a cosy night in during the winter months and are ideal for having a summer party when the evenings get lighter. By choosing a provider that specialises in luxury, you won’t have to rely on TripAdvisor reviews and hope for the best when you finally arrive at the venue. Large country houses with Big House Experience, for example, are bound to be supremely furnished and decadent in style. Having a venue that’s beautifully furnished and indulgently comfy to stay in will give you pleasant alternative if you choose not to go out in the evenings. Your accommodation should also be a great place to stay, and not just somewhere to rest your head.

Spa resorts

The UK is full of brilliant spa resorts, and if you were to rent out a luxury house in the Cotswolds you would find plenty of beautiful spas to spend an indulgent weekend. You don’t have to travel to Greece to find an infinity pool either, as some of their local spas have plenty of Instagram-worthy places to bathe. You’ll also find thermal treatment rooms, among all the usual sauna and steam room favourites. If you’re travelling during the winter, spas are the best place to keep warm and treat yourself.

Red-brick cities

The best way to feel luxurious when in a location is to pick somewhere with stunning architecture. Luckily, the United Kingdom has plenty of this to go around. Choosing cities such as Oxford, Edinburgh, and London are ideal for spotting some of Britain’s most beautiful buildings. Edinburgh, in particular, has winding cobbled streets and secret alleyways which are ideal for exploring during the day. Although it’s not technically red-brick, it is actually made from Bath Stone, the city of Bath in Somerset is also full of elegant architecture, including its Roman baths. These spring water baths are some of the best-preserved ones in the world, and they originate back to 70AD, which is staggering when you consider how beautiful they still look. These ancient cities are usually home to fine-dining historical experiences that you won’t find in some smaller towns.

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most important historical sites in the world, as well as some of the most vibrant stretches of countryside. It’s a great place to visit for a luxury weekend, whether you decide to spend your days by the spa pool or exploring its various cities.

Calgary, located in the Canadian province of Alberta, is a picturesque city known for its high quality of life. It has beautiful scenery from its rivers to its foothills and prairies. Many begin their ascent up the Canadian Rockies from this beautiful city. So whether you have visited Calgary before or you are a frequent visitor, ask yourself these questions. Why only visit? Why not live in Calgary instead? Here are some reasons why you should make that move and begin enjoying a higher quality of life.

Squeaky Clean

Calgary is considered to be one of the world’s cleanest cities, both literally and in practice. The region prides itself on having good quality sustainable drinking water, hardly any air pollution, and clean sewage systems. That is because the city is strict in keeping things clean with their hefty fines for littering. For instance, smokers who drop their cigarette butts on the ground will receive a fine of up to $1,000. That amount is enough to deter even the avid of smokers from throwing away their butts on the sidewalk.

Reliable Transportation 

If you are like me and prefer to take mass transit most of the time, then Calgary and its suburbs is the place for you. Calgary’s transit authority, Calgary Transit, has a network of buses and trains with a fleet size of over 1,200 active vehicles. They have over 160 bus routes and 46 train stations to serve you anywhere throughout the area. Their light rail, CTrain, is 100% powered by renewable wind-generated electricity and is the only light rail train (LRT) system to do so in North America.

An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Dream 

As briefly mentioned, Calgary has rivers, foothills, prairies, and is close to the Canadian Rockies. With that said, this city has more than enough outdoor activities for outdoor lovers, no matter the season. During spring and summer seasons, you can bike or walk along one of Calgary’s famous rivers, the Bow River. The Bow River originates from the Canadian Rockies and makes its way through Calgary’s downtown. If you prefer to be on the water, then you can float your way down the Bow River or go surfing. Surfing? Yes, you read it correctly. You can surf or watch surfers do their thing under the 10th Street Bridge on the Bow River. Calgary is also known for the Calgary Stampede, a rodeo event, held annually in the summer. In the fall, the city and its suburbs transform into beautiful autumn colors. Hike through scenic routes or take a step back in time and head over to Heritage Park. You can enjoy Heritage Park in any season; however, fall would be the best time to go both for pictures and weather. There are also plenty of things to do during winter. You can go ice skating, sledding (tobogganing), skiing, and ice fishing, just to mention a few winter activities. You can also enjoy the Canadian Rockies, whatever the season.

Neighborhoods

So, you are convinced and are ready to move to Calgary. The city will be jam-packed, and you may find it challenging to find a home there. Consider looking for Auburn Bay homes for sale. Auburn Bay is a relatively new residential neighborhood in the suburbs of the city. It is located in the southeast quadrant of Calgary. Calgary Transit also services the area, so transportation is a given. This close-knit and diverse neighborhood has two schools, a mall, and several recreational facilities that include a dog park.

These are only to mention just a few reasons why you should make that move to Calgary. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it. Start looking for a forever home so you can move to this beautiful city and suburb. You and your family will have access to endless outdoor activities without leaving the comforts of the modern world behind — a win-win situation for all.

There’s something special about a beach town. It’s hard not to fall in love with places where the best feature is a natural wonder with a stunning view. Beach towns are places where tourists mingle with locals in appreciation of the water while balancing daily living with a healthy splash of spectacle as befitting a strong service industry.

And they are all different. Some are shiny jewels where even the individual grains of sand or the sparkles coming off the water feel deliberately placed. Others are diamonds in the rough that are made special by their uniqueness. The towns that embrace what makes them special are the ones that are most worth your time and attention.

Many are packed with events and things to do. Thankfully, there is more than one blog that offers fun things to do in and around the beach

Take in the spectacle

Beach towns are magnets for the spectacular. In a place like Atlantic City, you have the immersive gaming environment of the Borgata for example. 

In a place like Panama City Beach in Florida, you might find yourself checking out the deeply weird oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.

Many beach towns have large annual events such as concert festivals or other large events that can draw people by the thousands. They appeal because they blend together as many interests as possible into a heady mixture that’s hard to resist.

Appreciate the natural beauty

It’s hard to write about beach towns without taking a moment to appreciate the beaches themselves. Depending on the town, that appeal is different. 

In Panama City Beach, for example, the warm gulf waters and dual sandbar structure, combined with sugary, white sandy beaches call for splashing about and enjoying the clear waters.

In Coney Island, packed beaches often provide a communal, historic cultural experience. In Atlantic City, the view might be better than the feel of the water for some. Gaming is also a big part of the cultural communal experience in Atlantic City as well. 

But between the Borgata, Atlantic City shares the views and the calming sounds that echo in the memories of beachgoers all year long.

Tap into the simple joys

Every community has a different flavor. At Coney Island, be sure to try iconic Nathan’s hot dogs, ride a rollercoaster and maybe even take in a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game.

In Atlantic City, walk the legendary boardwalk and then try your hand at the tables.

Carnival games, slot machines, comfort foods all tap into those deeply rooted, often neglected pleasure centers of the brain.

Match the place you visit with your interests. Do you want to feel glamorous? Do you want to try your luck at the tables? Do you want to visit a place where you might get dirt under your fingernails? With no shortage of beach towns, there is no shortage of options. Deciding which one to check out is part of the fun.

Indulge yourself and get the most out of your experience. 

If you’re like most people, the holiday season can be more than a little overwhelming. After all, you’re likely juggling shopping for gifts, decorating, cooking, hosting, and visiting friends and family.

That’s why a travel calendar is such a good idea if you’ll be way throughout December. I’m a big fan of creating schedules and itineraries when traveling because they help relieve some of the biggest causes of stress when you’re on the go. When you know exactly where you need to be and at what time, you’ll have peace of mind since you’ll know you’re not likely to miss any flights and can create the rest of your schedule accordingly.

How you create your travel calendar is up to you- whether you like an incredibly detailed hour-to-hour schedule or just a brief overview is totally your personal preference. But either way, the first step is to find a travel calendar you like so you can then fill it in.

Next, I like to gather all of my information in one place. That means going through my email to find any flight and accommodation information, along with any activities you may want to do. During the holiday season, it’s even more important to have this information close by, since so many other people are on the road and in the airports- often causing delays.

While you can definitely create an itinerary on a piece of paper, a digital travel template is likely your best option. That’s because you can then share it with other members of your family, and access it from anywhere.

Now the fun begins. Begin filling in your travel calendar with any information you’ll need to know. This includes flight times, check-in times, check-out times, and the time you absolutely need to leave the house by in order to make it to the airport. Whenever possible, include things like your reservation name, check-in reminders for flights, and small details that will make your life easier.

If you’ll be flying, you’ll need to include flight numbers and times, along with the amount you paid for your ticket and any confirmation numbers so you can easily rebook if your flight is delayed or canceled. If you’re heading overseas, don’t forget to make a note of your travel insurance policy number and the phone number for your insurance company just in case.

Once you have your travel calendar ready, make sure you store it online in the Cloud so you can access it anytime. Print out a copy for your records, and you’ll be ready for an exciting month of travel.

RV trips are a great way to explore the unexplored, especially if you want to really get to know a new country or even continent like North America. RVs give you the ability to have a home away from home, feel safe at night and get a great night’s sleep you simply couldn’t achieve if you were camping. That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve it:

Rent a Great RV

RVs come in many shapes, sizes, and levels of luxury. If you are used to the finer things in life then opting for an old, outdated RV is not a choice, especially when there are so many great options available from Cruise America. Even their smallest compact RV still offers a spacious double bed so that couples can explore the back country in the comfort of their own home.

Pack More Mindfully

You only have so much space on a road trip. Even with a large RV, you don’t want to fill it to the brim, as this will just make everything cluttered and difficult to keep clean. Instead pack capsule wardrobes, limit your beauty routines, and be realistic about the equipment you can and should pack. If it is affordable to rent at your destination, then you are better off renting it then bringing it with you the entire way.

Prepare for Emergencies

To prepare for emergencies on your RV road trip and stay safe while driving you will want to:

• Have roadside assistance
• A satellite phone
• GPS
• Extra Water
• Extra Gas
• A Flare
• A Fire Starter
• First Aid Kit

Check Out RV Campsites in Advance

Though you should be able to find a campsite on the day, and rent a spot for the night, this won’t always be the case. Summer season in particular is very popular, meaning that there might not be space available for you. That is why it is always important to check out RV campsites in advance and ask them how full they usually expect to be.

Budget Accordingly

You will want to have enough money to pay for gas the entire way and back. Money for food. Money for going out, and if you don’t bring your own equipment, money for rentals on the day. This can all be budgeted in advance if you do a few equations of simple math (distance you intend to travel and the cost of gas in each state). You will want to budget with the maximum prices in mind, and then add an emergency budget on top of that.

Over estimating how much your trip is going to cost will keep you comfortable and safe as you travel.

Be Spontaneous with Your Trip

You can plan out your trip and plan out your rest spots, but don’t try to plan out everything you are going to do to the mark. There will be interests along the way that will capture your attention, and you will want to be able to have a spontaneous adventure without losing out on something else.

Give yourself space so that you can stop your RV at a lookout point and have an unexpected picnic. Give yourself the time so that if there is an unexpected county fair you can make a pit stop in. These are the sorts of activities that will make your trip so memorable.