Posts by : Izy Berry

It seems that traditional boozy hen parties might have had their day. Those three or five nights, spent in an alcoholic fog in a foreign land, and the ‘hope no-one took a picture on THAT night’ party spirit, may be in decline. Especially for those special, pre-wedding hen parties.

Nowadays, the more discerning hen-parties are choosing classy hen weekends abroad. Planning to cram every experience they can, into their once in a lifetime hen party. Consider this small selection of some of the best hen party destinations abroad.

Cape Town, South Africa

A great way to break up winter in the northern hemisphere is to head south. Cape Town has it all when it comes to celebrating the luxury hen weekend abroad. Attractions you’ll not see anywhere else such as Table Mountain, penguins or Great Whites. You can get out on a day safari, and get up close to Africa’s fabulous wildlife.

In the evenings get you dancing shoes on, and head for New Club Wonderland, on Buitenkant Street on a Friday or Saturday night. Enjoy a cocktail at Bree Street’s Arcade Café, very popular with the locals. Or enjoy a view across the city from the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar on Longmarket Street.

Hong Kong

If you’re looking for one of those never-to-be-forgotten luxury hen weekends abroad, Hong Kong could be for you. Take a trip on the historic Star Ferry, between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central Chai. Take the Peak Tram to the Island’s highest point, for some stunning views 1300 feet above sea level. Visit the Temple Street Night Market, and soak up the atmosphere of an Asian street market which has stood the test of time.

Let’s not forget the party scene either. At Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s premier nightspot, locals, expats and visitors party the night away in the over ninety bars and restaurants along the strip.

Singapore

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and see in Singapore. Merlion Park is a must visit, as are the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, for fantastic views across Singapore’s iconic skyline. If cuisine with a local twist is your thing, grab a cab to Chinatown and Little India.

Take a trip out of the city, and visit old Singaporean villages that have changed little in over sixty years and sample the street food. For Singapore nightlife, visit the famous Raffles Hotel for a pink gin, or Clarke Quay for its international restaurants and bars, and some serious people watching.

Melbourne, Australia

If coffee is your thing, Melbourne makes some of the best coffee in the world. Cafe tours around Melbourne would make a great hen activity during the day. It is also as famous for its street art. Designated streets literally full of the most fantastic forms of street art, which changes on a regular basis. Once you’ve strolled the byways and alleyways of the city, there is a lot of fun activities await you.

Take a beer tour through Yarra Valley, a horseback riding tour on the Gunnamatta Trail, or get a different perspective from the River Yarra by taking a private luxury cruise. Your private hens party cruise in the city of Melbourne will provide a completely different view of this most beautiful city. Luxuriously equipped, and capable of carrying fifty plus passengers, your hens party cruises in Melbourne can be booked during the day or at night, and from a few hours to the whole evening.

Wellington, New Zealand

Sitting on the southern tip of North Island, this capital city is a great place to enjoy an arty experience. Famous for great casual dining, strong coffee and local beers, it’s an awesome venue for a different, more laid back hen party.

The national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa is one of the must visits. You can check out some of many other museums and galleries in Wellington, or hit the great outdoors if mountain biking, walking or water sports are your thing. Getting a panoramic view of the city and harbour at the Mount Victoria Lookout is also something you shouldn’t miss.

In the evenings enjoy fine dining in the many restaurants, or stroll the night markets, sample the street food, and enjoy New Zealand wines and beers in the local bars.

Wherever you are, if you’re thinking of hen weekend destinations abroad, take an extra few days off, and make it a real hen party to remember.

Dallas, nicknamed “The Big D”, is known for offering great arts and culture, a wide range of cuisines, and plenty of activities to keep you busy, all of which make the perfect getaway. From free amusement parks for kids to a wide range of entertainment places for a fun night out, to some of the best dining scenes for lovers, the Big D has something for everyone. Here are a few tips for your next BIG trip to Dallas:

Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area

Dallas is located in the centre of the US, and in Texan tax breaks. Both of these features make it the leading corporate destination in the country. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area houses 22 Fortune 500 companies. And, the area’s economy is mainly based on technology, banking, healthcare and medical research, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, energy, and commerce. This is the ideal destination for a business trip.

Steakhouses

For a long time now, Dallas has been known as a land of steakhouses. While there are several mouth-watering cuisines in the city, steakhouses are still at the heart of Dallas’ dining scene. No one can deny the appeal of a perfectly grilled prime beef. Ranging from old-school traditional steakhouses to modern, chic versions, the city offers something for everyone. Have an elevated dining experience at the Crowne Plaza Dallas downtown hotel and fulfill your meat-obsessed dreams.

NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas

With several malls and districts to shop from, Dallas offers an exceptional shopping landscape. If you are in need of some high-fashion, luxury shopping, visit the NorthPark Center. It has several department stores and over 200 shops. Relax and dine in some of the best restaurants surrounded by unique landscaping. Its world-class sculpture and award-winning architecture makes it ideal for art enthusiasts. With over 200 shops & boutiques, as well as restaurants, the Galleria Dallas offers another great shopping destination. It also offers plenty to do and see, including a full-sized ice-skating rink, glass vaulted ceiling, and an adjoining hotel.

Sports

Dallas is home to six professional sports teams, including the MLB’s Texas Rangers, NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Wings, NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, soccer’s FC Dallas, and NHL’s Dallas Stars. You are bound to find fans cheering for their teams. Join in on the fun at any of the city’s many sports hangouts. And, don’t forget to take a trip to the Cowboys stadium in nearby Arlington.

Arts District

High culture can be found in downtown Dallas thanks to the Arts District. The district is considered the largest urban entertainment district in the US. There you’ll find superb performance venues, including three world-class museums, the Winspear Opera House, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the Klyde Warren Park, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater. This makes the Big D the perfect destination for arts and culture lovers.

Travel photographers know the difficulty of weighing up quality kit with the challenge of lugging it around the world. Here’s how to travel light.

Travelling and photography are a match made in heaven. Not only do you get to explore the world, but you can also capture those memories to enjoy for a lifetime. Perhaps the only challenge associated with travel photography is selecting the right gear to accompany you halfway around the world. Portability is a key requirement whether you’re heading to the Grand Canyon or Antarctica. Luckily, there’s a wide range of cameras and photography accessories for you to consider when you’re packing your bags.

Cameras

Let’s start with the obvious – the type of camera to take with you. The travel camera market is bulging at the moment, with photographers looking for a device more sophisticated than a smartphone, but not as bulky as most DSLRs. The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 is likely the most advanced travel model available in 2018, with its 24-360mm lens and a 15x optical zoom. It’s also capable of shooting 4k video making this a very handy addition to your backpack. For a little more scope, you might choose a bridge camera such as the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV which will give you all the functionality of a DSLR but it’s suitable for travel as it only uses a single lens. The huge range of this lens allows you to capture everything from landscapes to tightly-framed wildlife photos.

Weather Protection

Depending on where you’re heading, you may need to prepare for strong weather conditions and be aware how they might affect your equipment. You may have come across the term ‘weather-sealed’ when purchasing some of your kit, but it’s important to note this doesn’t translate as meaning ‘waterproof’. If you’re wanting to shoot in wet weather conditions, then take along a camera hood to slip over the body of your camera so you can keep snapping even in the midst of a storm.

Filters

This piece of kit also relates to the weather, and exposure to strong light. Just as you would protect your eyes, it’s important to shield your lenses from the great outdoors. UV filters are good for blocking strong sunlight, as well as preventing dust and other outdoor debris from reaching the coating on your lens. Neutral density filters are a great way to extend the number of daylight hours you can shoot in each day, whilst polarising filters are essential in removing sun glares from your shots.

Portable Tripod

The size of tripod you’ll want to take with you on your trip is dependent on the type of shots you’re expecting to take. If you know that you’ll be capturing scenic vistas, skylines or close-up wildlife images, then you’ll likely want to bring a full-sized tripod with you, but if space and weight is a problem, then there are plenty of compact travel-sized tripods available. Aluminium tripods tend to be the cheapest, but some other excellent options include the GorillaPod or the carbon fibre MeFoto GlobeTrotter Carbon C2350Q2T.

Of course, if you’re not already fully kitted out with travel photography gear, then the cost of all the above may seem daunting. However, to help offset the cost, you could trade in your current equipment on a reputable ‘sell my camera’ site to get you started.

Driving can be dangerous, we really take out lives into our own hands everytime we get into the car. In 2015 it was reported that there were 6.3 million crashes in the US alone, many with fatalities. You can make it safer, though, just by putting some thought into the way that you behave behind the wheel. Here are some things that you should never do while driving to stop you getting distracted.

1. Have an emotional phone conversation

You might not be driving down the roads I identified as the most dangerous in Ireland but however relatively safe you feel your route is, your mind needs to be focused on the road ahead of you. An emotional conversation will distract you, so it is much better to wait until you get to where you are going before you let those feelings pour out.

2. Drink Alcohol

Drinking behind the wheel or even being behind the wheel when you have a certain level of alcohol in your bloodstream is illegal, do it and you are likely to need a Texas Super Lawyer to mediate on your behalf with the authorities. There is no getting away from the fact that drink does impair your judgment, even having a small amount of alcohol could cause you to take risks on the road that you usually wouldn’t and cause you to react slower to events on the road. Just don’t do it.

3. Get Dressed

Never ever get dressed behind the wheel. That moment when you pull your top over your face, you won’t be able to see the road, or when you bend to fasten up your boots you are not concentrating on what’s ahead. Trust me, it only takes a split second for an accident to happen. Don’t risk being distracted.

4. Lean over to reach something

Again, lean over to reach something and you are likely taking your eyes off the road. Safe driving guidelines always tell you that you have to be able to anticipate the road ahead at all times so that you can react as circumstances change. Take your eyes off of the road and you are impairing your ability to do this. Ask someone to pass something to you if you really need it or pull over and retrieve it safely.

5. Discipline your Children

We’ve all been there when you are on a long journey and the kids are driving you mad, it’s so easy to lay into them. However, think about it from a safety point of view. While you are shouting and nagging your children are you really 100% focused on the road ahead? The answer is most probably no, when we are having difficult conversations it is super hard to maintain concentration on another task. We all know that discipline does need to happen, but maybe you should tell the kids to be quiet as you need to concentrate on driving and that you will speak to them when you reach your destination.

The trick to staying safe on the roads is to maintain your concentration and focus on the events that are unfolding in front of your eyes. It is when you become distracted that you can fail to react. Get rid of as many distractions as you can to increase your safety.

Real estate is one of the smartest investments you can make. Considering that rates of renting are increasing every year – thanks to Millennials and Gen Z, who have largely refuted traditional home ownership paths – and that rent has increased in almost all cities across the U.S., becoming a landlord could be the financial boost you always wanted.

However, real estate is also risky. Property is not inexpensive; even after you have paid off your mortgage, you can expect the costs of regular maintenance to add up. Plus, every renter threatens your investment due to the possibility of negligence or direct damage to the property.

Yet, you absolutely should invest in real estate and become a landlord – but you should be smart about protecting your investment as thoroughly as you can. Here are a few ways you can mitigate the financial risks of real estate and flourish as a landlord.

Get the Right Insurance

Typical homeowner’s insurance won’t cover anything in an investment property. That’s because the insurance you seek to protect your primary residence assumes that you will be on-hand to perform maintenance and preserve your investment; in a rental property, not only will you be absent nearly all of the time, but the people who are living on the property have little to no incentive to keep it safe and secure.

Thus, your first step to protect your investment should be procuring the correct insurance for your property: landlord insurance. While on the surface these policies look identical to typical homeowner’s insurance, they do more to safeguard your investment from careless renters. For example, in the event you cannot rent your property due to previous damage, your insurance will cover that loss of income while you rebuild.

Remember Home Warranties

Unlike insurance, home warranties do not differ between primary and investment properties. Whenever you purchase a home, you should acquire a home warranty to ensure the proper function of its various systems, regardless of whether you plan to live there or rent the space to tenants. A home warranty will help you avoid the excessive costs of replacing old appliances, HVAC units, electrical and plumbing and more. A renter cannot buy a home warranty because they do not own the property, so it is up to you to protect your investment in this way.

Consider Forming an LLC

If you plan to buy several rental properties and make landlording a significant source of income, you should strongly consider forming an LLC to protect your personal assets. If you purchase all your properties under your name, you assume the liability of their debts, so your real estate investments can force you into bankruptcy – and worse. Conversely, an LLC would assume those debts for you, keeping your personal finances safe.

Creating an LLC is easier than you might imagine, but the precise process does vary from state to state. Usually, all it requires is a business name, an operating agreement, a bit of paperwork and a filing fee of between $100 and $800. Then, you can enjoy financial security alongside the lucrative gains of rental properties.

Rely on a Property Manager

As handy as you might believe yourself to be, you probably don’t want to wait hand and foot on your tenants. Disasters can strike at the most inconvenient times – in the middle of the night, just before your long-awaited vacation, on the day before Thanksgiving – and you shouldn’t have to drop everything to replace a broken window or diagnose a problem with the refrigerator. That’s why you need a property manager.

In truth, property management firms do much more than handle maintenance requests from tenants. They can also manage monthly rent payments, perform tenant searches, handle evictions and more. If you prefer to enjoy the fruits of property ownership without the headaches, the minor costs of property management are well worthwhile.

Write the Right Tenant Agreements

The time has long passed when handshakes were an acceptable beginning, middle and end to agreements. You should know that you need a written and signed contract from your tenant to ensure your agreement is enforceable under the law. However, you should also be certain that your rental agreements say what you need them to, so your properties stay safe. At the bare minimum, your contract should state:

• The names of your tenants
• The limits on occupancy of your property
• The term of the tenancy
• The mandatory rent payment
• Any deposits and fees required
• Responsibilities for various repairs and maintenance
• Restrictions on illegal activity
• Rules regarding pet ownership

You could take a risk and skip protecting your property – and you might still profit for a time. However, sooner or later, a tenant will make you wish you had taken action to keep your investment safe. Thus, it is smarter to make moves first, and thus avoid regrets, with these six simple steps that will continue to protect your real estate.

The continent of Africa is a breathtaking terrain of diversity that has enamored travelers for centuries. It is a haven of adventure for the energetic of visitors, and a cornucopia of exhilarating experiences for those with more modest goals for their trip.

Adventure and education abound for those who visit Africa, and East Africa has some of the most incredible sights and experiences of all. People visit East Africa mostly to view the Great Migration but there is more to East Africa than just Serengeti. Given below are 7 destinations that a tourist should not miss exploring. You can use websites like Tripindigo.com to secure online flight bookings to East Africa.

Mt. Kilimanjaro (North Tanzania)

Bold adventurers have been scaling this great mountain for a long time. Though the mountain takes as many as six days to conquer, it is an exciting opportunity – even for those without a lot of special climbing equipment or experience. The terrain of the mountain makes it relatively easy to hike (in comparison to other mountains), which is exciting considering that Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Tsavo National Park (Kenya)

For those with safari ambitions, Tsavo National Park is a must-visit. As one of the largest national parks in the world, Tsavo is the largest national park in all of Africa. The park is separated into Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, and both of them offer numerous accommodations for visitors. Oftentimes, these accommodations are near watering holes. This makes game viewing easier, and even downright leisurely.

Zanzibar (Tanzania’s East Coast)

The unique history of this former slave trading post that initially became famed for its spices draws in thousands of visitors every year. Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site and has so much to see for those who wish to immerse themselves in history. Of course, one cannot make mention of Zanzibar without talking about the beaches. With options available for every budget, anybody can enjoy the unique scenery of Zanzibar.

The Selous (South Tanzania)

If you want a safari away from the Serengeti that still offers a more authentic approach to safari, The Selous might be the ticket. Cheetahs, elephants, black rhinos, crocodiles and hippos populate the swampy areas and wetlands of The Selous. The landscape of this area makes it possible for explorers to take their safari by boat, which is pretty exciting. Accommodations can be sparse in this area, but that just makes it easier to have an authentic trip and get to intimately know the region.

Lamu Island (Kenya)

This island off the coast of Kenya is the most well-preserved Swahili settlement in Eastern Africa. It still bares evidence of its numerous cultural influences: European, Asian, Persian, Indian and Kenyan inhabitants drastically shaped the island’s terrain and culture. This is a great starting point for anybody seeking a greater East African adventure, but it is also a great place to spend time is a standalone vacation. For history buffs, there is no greater sight to see than the blend of modern-day and historical buildings that line the cobbled streets of Lamu.

Mount Kenya (Kenya)

Mount Kenya is one of the highest peaks in Africa, second only to Mt. Kilimanjaro. While only the bravest of souls and most rugged of bodies can reach the mountain’s summit, anybody can appreciate the breathtaking view of the mountain in person. Pictures do no justice, though you’ll be compelled to take many when you see Mount Kenya for yourself. If your aim is not to climb the mountain, you can still enjoy the rich opportunities for game-viewing in the forest or take in the splendor of nearby rivers. There is no shortage of eye candy or adventure on Mount Kenya.

Mahale Mountains (West Tanzania)

Famed for its dense chimp population, the Mahale Mountains are a sight to behold for lovers of nature and wildlife who want an experience different from the traditional safari adventure. This remote location wasn’t deemed a tourist destination until about ten years ago, and it still remains a hidden gem in the heart of East Africa. May to October is the dry season and the ideal time for visiting Mahale Mountains.

Brisbane is dynamic combination of art and outdoor adventure where creative spaces, music, hip new tasty restaurants meets picturesque gardens and man- made beach lagoons. Go down under into Brisbane’s eclectic arts scene, eat, drink, and shop in the hippest neighborhoods, and explore the thrills and wildlife. Domestic and International flight arrive at Brisbane Airport from various global hubs. Search flights to Brisbane on sites like Expedia to find the most affordable tickets for your trip to Brisbane. From the airport, the city center is a 20-minute taxi or train ride to the city center. The inner city offers a free bus service that circles the city every 10 minutes, and a free CityHopper ferry service that will ferry you along the river from North Quay to New Farm. Explore the sun-soaked capital of Queensland, Australia over a couple of days or a few weeks with our tips of 5 unique must-see tourist attractions.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Visit Australia’s wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get the quintessential Aussie experience, cuddling with a national icon. This is the best place in Brisbane to guarantee to see and hugging a Koala. You will learn about them and other Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles in this sanctuary. Daily experience showings and encounters include large bird of prey flight demonstrations, platypus feeding, sheepdog and shearing shows, and barn animal encounters. Be sure to take a souvenir picture when your up close and personal cuddling with a koala or holding a snake or baby crocodile.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha

Located seven kilometers from the city, ascend to the top of Mount Coot-tha and take in the panoramic views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay. Dine at the renowned Summit Restaurant or the famous Kuta Café at the top of Mount Coot-tha. The breath-taking views are truly spectacular, purely stunning during the day and a blissful romantic wonderland at night. Also, on top of Mount Coot-tha is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha boasts diverse themed gardens over 128 acres of horticulture. Gardens include the beautiful Japanese gardens, fragrant plants, bamboo, cactus, indigenous plants, and the world’s most extensive collection of Australian rainforest trees. Children can enjoy the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail through the rainforest, and you can journey through the free guided walks, minibus tours and restaurants that serves up delicious views to go along with the amazing city views. Best of all it’s free admission to the gardens.

The Cultural Precinct

The heritage-listed Cultural Precinct of Brisbane is loaded with family-friendly excursions located on the banks of the Brisbane River. With several museums, galleries, performance venues, and picturesque parklands, it is definitely a day out destination with plenty of fun things to do. Relax on the riverfront surrounded by lush lawns and gardens. Explore the exceptional collections at the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Science Center’s interactive exhibits, or immerse yourself in the thought-provoking, avant-garde art at the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Institute of Modern Art. The QAGOMA are housed in two riverside buildings on the South Bank. The collection composed of over 17,000 diverse works of Australian and international modern, historical, and contemporary art exhibits. The Institute of Modern Art (IMA) in Fortitude Valley concentrates on commissioning new at work by Australian and international artists.

The music scene is Brisbane is one to talk about! Catch a show at the Queensland performing arts Center where world-class performances of everything from ballet to opera to comedy shows and contemporary music concerts. Check out the music line-up at The Triffid hosts some of music’s hottest acts or have a “down home country goodtime” at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, an all-American saloon with live country music and southern style bar snacks.

South Bank

The South Bank is the original site of World Expo in 1988; it is truly spectacular because it has a little piece of everything. In its 17 hectares it has a subtropical rainforest, a man-made beach, all the major cultural sites, with food from around the globe, markets, shopping, parks, walkways, rollerblading and a riverside promenade. The South Bank is an oasis for activity. Here you will find public BBQ grills, picnic spots, the Queensland Performing Arts Center, Queensland Museum, and the Brisbane Wheel. The Brisbane Wheel was built in 2008 to mark the 150^th anniversary of the state of Queensland. The giant Ferris wheel offers an exciting 10 to 12-minute ride with an amazing birds-eye view of the river and city any time of the day and night.

Brisbane’s Story Bridge

Brisbane’s Iconic Story Bridge is one of only three (After Auckland and Sydney) bridge climb experiences in the world. Built during Australia’s Great Depression in the 1930’s, this bridge is a historic and much-loved landmark of Brisbane. The bridge caters to people 10 years or older of all fitness levels. The bridge takes about two hours to reach the top of the bridge, 80-meters above the Brisbane River. At the top, gaze at the complete uninterrupted view of the city; look north to the Glasshouse Mountains and to the south to the World Heritage-listed Gold Coast Hinterland. If you’re into the thrill of an adrenaline rush, unique to this bridge is the choice to abseil or rappel down a 30- meter descent. Climb Brisbane’s Story Bridge during the day or at night.