Posts by : Izy Berry

• April, August, September and October the cheapest months of the year to book in
• Saturday and Sunday are the cheapest days to book

Online travel agent Opodo.co.uk has today revealed the times of year domestic, long haul and short haul flights are at their lowest, giving savvy travellers clues as to when they should be booking their holidays in 2017.

Examining data from all return flights departing from the UK between November 2015 and October 2016, Opodo has disclosed the best months and days to hunt for holidays on.

April, August, September and October delivered the best discounts, while the best days to book on were Saturday (an average saving of 4% – 6% domestic, 3% short haul, 3% long haul) and Sunday (an average saving of 3% – 7% domestic, 3% short haul, 1% long haul). More information on the way flight prices fluctuate from month to month can be found at: https://www.opodo.co.uk/best-time-to-book-flights/

If you’re planning to visit popular destinations New York, Dubai, Hong Kong or take any other long-haul trips this Summer it’s worth holding out until April, when tickets are on average 6% cheaper than the rest of the year. However if you’re taking the trip in 2018 then September is your best bet, with an average saving of 8% across the board.

Long-Haul:

For those planning on taking a trip to Europe in the Summer, flights in April are on average 5% cheaper than the rest of the year, the only exception to this is September and October when prices crash to 14% and 13% respectively.

Short-Haul:

October and September are again the cheapest months to fly within the UK, with August rounding out the list.

Domestic:

Lukas Balter, destination expert at Opodo, said:

“When the first frosts start appearing on the ground and with temperatures currently at rock bottom it’s only natural people start thinking about beaches, holidays and above all the warm embrace of the sun. But you shouldn’t just book the first flights you see. With a little planning you can get a much better deal than at other times of year and when you visit Opodo.co.uk you can search for combination flights with different airlines, helping you find the best price possible.”

About Opodo:

Leading online travel agent Opodo was named “Best Flight Booking Website” in the 2015 and 2016 British Travel Awards. With a presence in 14 countries, this pioneer of online travel offers deals from over 450 airlines and 855,000 hotels to make it as quick and easy as possible for an increasing number of consumers to find the best value and most convenient travel options; getting them to more of the places they want to be.

About eDreams ODIGEO:

eDreams ODIGEO is one of the world’s largest online travel companies and one of the largest European e-commerce businesses. Under its four leading online travel agency brands – eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, Travellink, and the metasearch engine Liligo – it offers the best deals in regular and charter flights, low-cost airlines, hotels, cruises, car rental, dynamic packages, holiday packages and travel insurance to make travel easier, more accessible, and better value for the more than 17 million customers it serves worldwide. With a presence in 44 markets, the company has a human team of over 1,700 professionals. eDreams ODIGEO is listed in the Spanish Stock Market.

There are far more than 5 reasons to adore beautiful Venice but let’s make a start with five. Venice is definitely a place that you should place high on any bucket list for visits in Italy and around the Adriatic Sea. Place it especially high if you love art, architecture, Italian food and culture.

Venice is a unique city in north eastern Italy and the capital of Veneto province. Venice’s geography contributes greatly to its features historically, culturally and artistically and architecturally. The city is built across more than a hundred small islands in the shallow Venetian Lagoon at the estuary confluence of the Po and Piave rivers. These densely populated islands are linked together by bridges where practical, and serviced by water traffic when not.

You can arrive by car, bus, aeroplane or boat but once you are there you may have to try out a few novel ways of getting about. Venice is the type of place you can wake up one morning and just decide to take advantage of deals for last minute city breaks and the type of place that you will want to return to.

Getting Around Venice

Just getting around is a fun adventure. Good advice is to invest in a simple street map to help you negotiate the narrow medieval allies and canals. Being a pedestrian is as good as way as any to get around. By walking you will get to feel the vibe of the Venice, explore back alleys and stop to take photos at your leisure.

Otherwise there is an efficient water taxi service with boats called “vaporetti” to take you where bridges can’t.  And of course for the romantic experience take at least one gondola ride, on a real water gondola. Not the ones you cram into on the way up the ski slopes.

Venice Historically

People started to populate the islands just over 1500 years ago to escape those marauding and troublesome Visigoths, Huns and the likes from the north. Living surrounded by water meant they were essentially left alone to get on with fishing. Many of us would like the same today.

However because of its strategic place at the north of the Adriatic Venice developed and eventually came to prominence as a point of launch for the crusading Christians through the Middle Ages heading off to find the Holy Grail. I think Monty Python are the only ones who have come close to finding it. The City State of Venice also became a strong international finance centre as well as important trade centre for exotic goods from the East like silk, rice and spices. It was not by mistake that intrepid explorer Marco Polo set out on his travels from Venice in search of oriental delights.

Venice Architecturally

Because of its financial wealth, Venice had developed its unique architectural style by the 14^th century from a mix of Byzantine and Arabic influences combined with Gothic features. Of special interest is the Gothic lancet pointed arch and the ornate tracery decorations that make Venice architecture so distinctive. There is a delicateness about the balconies and windows that defy the fact the buildings are made of stone. You feel light and airy about Venetian Gothic as opposed to dark and eerie about much other Gothic.

Essentially the whole of Venice is an architectural museum! A few of the most gorgeous examples include the Doge’s Palace, the Ca’ d’Oro, the Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Giustinian and Palazzo Dandolo, to name but a few. Once you have been to Venice, you will realise that its influence has spread all over with buildings from New York, U.S.A. to Adelaide, Australia

Celebrate Venice Biennale!

Venice becomes the fitting focus for various biannual celebrations for art and architecture on alternating years. The Art Biennale will be held in 2017 while the Architectural Biennale is 2018 but you can visit the sites even when the biennale is finished.  Artists and designers get to showcase their thoughts for the future in expos and pavilions where up to half a million people attend the exhibitions. There are contributions from all over the world, from over 60 countries.

Venice Art Masters

Venice is art, in its architecture and its priceless artworks that are exhibited or stored there. Venice itself has been the subject of, and inspiration for, many artworks by artists such as Turner, Guardi, and Canaletto. Great painters have influenced the world and changed aspects of art forever with their novel perception of light, colour and space – artists like Bellini, Tiziano, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Veronese.

There are far too many galleries and museums to mention all but do you research before you visit to see the works that most interest you. Check out these for a good start – Gallerie dell’Accademia, Museo Correr, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Original Murano Glass.

And here are a Few more Reasons to visit Venice

I should mention Venice is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason.  I haven’t even begun to talk about the delicious Italian food and wine you will find in Venice, or the best places to stay. However I hope I have tempted to you to check out more about Venice and plan a visit soon. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Most committed travellers will experience Paris at least once in their lives. But it can be tricky to know exactly how to navigate this incredible city if you haven’t been there before. Since I was just in Paris late last year, this post has everything you need to know about getting to and from the airport, travelling within the city, and the best ways to get around like a local.

Here are some tips for getting around in Paris:

Use Blacklane

We used Blacklane for our Paris airport transfers, and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The last thing I want to do after a long flight is to try to navigate the public transport system or find a cab, and it was so nice to know that as soon as we arrived in Paris, our driver would be waiting to take us directly to our hotel. I’m also someone who likes to get to the airport nice and early, so instead of the usual stress associated with getting ourselves to the airport, our driver was waiting at our hotel at the perfect time, making our travel back home smooth and easy. I found the price much cheaper than a taxi, and the service was a lot more premium, so if you’re planning a trip and going to need a Paris airport transfer, there’s no better! Blacklane is available in many cities in the world and their easy booking service makes it a breeze, especially for countries where you don’t speak the language. 

Do some walking

One of the best ways to really see a city is by walking, and Paris is no exception. This is a city that continually has something new (and charming) to see around every corner, and if you download the Paris map in Google Maps, you’ll be able to navigate without Wi-Fi or 3G, although half the fun is getting a little lost and discovering new restaurants, boutiques and neighbourhoods. Take your camera, as you’re guaranteed to see hidden courtyards, colourful doors, and plenty of other gems you would miss if you weren’t out having a wander.

Get on your bike

Biking has all of the advantages of walking, only it’s faster so you can cover more ground in less time. Check out the Vellib bikes which can be both rented and returned at a variety of stations throughout the city. You can buy 1 or 7-day tickets at the stations (or online), just remember to keep safe and follow all of the road rules (don’t forget to download the Velib app to see the closest station to you).

Take the Metro

While Parisians like to complain about how crowded, dirty and annoying their Metro is, it’ll still get you where you need to go both quickly and easily. The metro is easy to use, and you’ll find machines at each station so you can buy single tickets or a ten-pack if you’ll be there for a few days. Each line has a different number and colour, making it a walk in the park to navigate, and you also download a map of the metro system or check out the RATP website to plan your trip before you leave each day.

As you can see there are plenty of excellent ways to get around Paris, and after your first visit you’ll be able to navigate it like a pro. Be sure to take your hotel’s address with you each day, and you’ll find plenty of cafes have wifi so you can also navigate over a latte.

Whether for confidence, spiritual experience, community independence, adventure, or freedom, more and more women are choosing to embrace the motorbike life, and taking to bikes with an increased voracity.

Many of these women are learning to ride during their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, confronting cultural expectations, societal stereotypes, and personal challenges along the way as they embrace the independence and freedom of motorcycling. While women on bikes are currently at an all-time high, it’s nothing new, and chicks have been riding motorbikes since before they could vote.

There are definitely a lot more women getting into motorcycling though, and they’re now one of the fastest growing demographics in the industry.

Right now, women make up 12% of motorbike owners in the United States. And when you look at both riders and passengers, 1 in 4 are female. Not to mention that a quarter of all purchases are either highly influenced or made by women.

The industry is beginning to realize exactly how many women want to be on the open road, and you can now find motorcycle gear online, including motorcycle jackets for women and even Icon gloves– designed for female hands.

In 2013, around 27 million people in the United States operated a motorbike, and approximately 6.7 million of these people were women. A survey from 2013 (commissioned by Harley Davidson) found that of women riders, 37% reported always feeling happy, compared to just 16% of women non-riders. There were similar numbers for confidence, with 35% saying they always feel confident, compared to just 18% for women who don’t ride, and another big statistic was communication, with a huge 60% of women saying they were content with the way they communicated with their significant other, compared to 38% of non-riders.

Need some more reasons to own a motorbike? The same survey found that more than a third of female riders reported that they feel less stressed after they’ve been riding, while 50% said they were extremely satisfied with their current relationships. And for those that ride, more than half of them said that their motorbike was a key source of their happiness, and almost three quarters of female riders said that they believe that their lives have improved since they began riding.

Since so many women are beginning to ride bikes, and women have a natural affinity toward connection, many of these women have connected with each other. There’s even a resource called Women Riders Now, along with hundreds of riding clubs that are women only, numerous Facebook groups, and a number of organisations including Women on Wheels.

Back in 2013, Maggie McNally-Bradshaw was (unanimously) elected as the chair of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) board of directors. This is the first female to lead the board in the 89-year history of the association.

As you can see, millions of women are enjoying their motorbikes every day. If you’ve always wanted to own one, keep in mind that there are women of all ages learning to ride and purchasing their own bikes every year, and this number continues to grow.

Now that we’re in the middle of winter, it can be hard to know what to wear if you want to look cute while also keeping warm. Luckily, we’ve got everything you need to know to stay stylish in the cooler weather, so read on to learn how you can stay on point without freezing over the next few months.

Here are the biggest style trends right now:

Colour

This great infographic goes into lots of detail about which colour trends are actually in this season, and which are out. It turns out that purple is huge right now- whether in shades of lilac, violet or just plain purple. Another big trend? The Prince of Wales check which looks great in a chic skirt or dress (with tights of course). And just when you thought animal print was out, it turns out it’s back with a vengeance. Also big this season? Riverside blue, airy blue, sharkskin, aurora red, warm taupe, dusty cedar, lush meadow, spicy mustard, potter’s clay, and bodacious.

Metallics

Just when you thought this trend was starting to die down, you learned otherwise- if you saw all the people out and about for New Years wearing liquid metal or chunky metallic accessories, you’ll know that this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. Since many people have at least a few black staples for the cold months, this is a great way to make a statement and dress those pieces right up (particularly for a night out).

Necklines and Chokers

Off-the-shoulder necklines have also come back, and looks great in the cooler weather with rich jewel tones, dark prints, long sleeves, and of course, a nice pair of ankle boots. You also may have been living under a rock if you haven’t seen that chokers have made a return, so keep it subtle with a black ribbon or go all out with velvet or crystal details and embrace the Victorian look.

Puffy Jackets

This 90s trend has been big on the runways this season, and one good thing about it is the fact that you can stay super warm while embracing this trend. Want to go all out? Choose bright red or hot pink. Planning to avoid the “look at me” look? Choose burgundy, olive green, blue, grey, or black.

Boots

Boots are always in over the winter months, but you’ll find that ankle boots are huge this year. And over-the-knee boots are also back, although you can keep it relaxed with a cute top and dressy pair of skinny jeans, or go clubbing with a suede pair of boots and a chic miniskirt.

Stripes

Stripes are always a favourite, although we often see them in the summer months in reds and navy. Choose a stripy sweater or even a cute scarf to get the most out of this trend, just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple to let the stripes tell the story.

For more information about these trends, check out the infographic below.

When you’re travelling, it can be tricky to know exactly what to bring with you. After all, you don’t want to bring too many things and weight your bag down/ be dealing with extra baggage chargers, but you also don’t want to be realizing that you’re missing something super important while you’re away.

Here’s what you should take on your next trip:

Sunglasses

For anyone travelling in summer (or visiting Southeast Asia throughout the year), sunglasses are a must. Be sure to check if your sunglasses will offer you the best possible protection from the sun, and if you want to be sure you’re getting quality while still looking good, check out Ray Ban sunglasses.

Electronics

Some people taking their first trips will be tempted to leave certain electronics behind. If you work online you’ll obviously need your laptop, however this is also a good thing to bring if you take low cost airlines, or long buses or trains- you can load it up with movies and keep yourself entertained. A kindle is another great thing to bring, as you can download books super easily and keep them all together- no longer will you need to book swap along the way. Just be sure to pack all of your chargers, as arriving in a new destination without your phone charger will mean time spent finding an electronics store to buy a new one.

Good shoes

While you can always find flip flops on the road, you’ll definitely be needing some good shoes if you’re planning to be active and either hit the gym occasionally or go for walks or hikes. Even though shoes can take up a lot of room, it’s worth bringing shoes that are comfortable, well worn-in, and supportive.

Makeup

This is a tough one, as many people believe that makeup takes up precious room in your bag, and you’ll be likely to sweat it off anyway. I personally believe that you should at least take the basics- a good foundation, bronzer, and mascara (along with a high-SPF sunscreen and night cream), so you can feel good when everyone has decided to go out for the night.

Clothes

When it comes to packing clothes, it can be hard to decide just what should make the cut. Think about layers- you want to be able to layer up when it’s cold outside or you’re in air conditioned transport, but you’ll also want to be able to remove layers when you’re walking with your backpack through a humid city or hanging out by the beach.

Before packing every item of clothing, consider how and when you would wear it. Can you mix and match it to make a variety of different outfits? Is it an easy item to throw on and wear anywhere? Or would you only wear it occasionally and in certain circumstances?

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when you’re deciding what to take on your next trip, but remember- almost anything you forget can be bought overseas, and you’ll appreciate a lighter bag over a heavier one.

New Jersey is a northeastern U.S. state at a distance of aprox 130 miles of Atlantic coast. It is broadly divided into three geographic regions:

• North Jersey
• Central Jersey
• South Jersey

Though New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state in U.S but still it is one of the most densely populated states out of the 50 United States.  This state experiences two kinds of climate basically. On one hand the south, central, and northeast parts of New Jersey have a humid subtropical climate, whereas on the other hand the northwestern region has a humid continental climate. Apart from English Spanish is the most frequently spoken language.

New Jersey is a very interesting state with lots of things to be done. Those who want to play slots, NJ is a perfect place for them as betting and gambling in sports and games is very popular over here. It is a secured, legal and fully registered online casino where you can play freely without any worries about its legality and earn real money.

Betfair online casino offers a wide range of online games to be played. From Roulette to Blackjack, from Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild to Fortune Pai Gow and everything in between can be found here for your entertainment.

Apart from these betting and gambling NJ has various other attractions for you to fall in love with it such as:-

• Concerts & shows
• Natural parks
• Nature & wildlife areas
• Museums
• Water & amusement parks
• Gardens
• Historical sites
• Farm houses

Let us throw some light on few of the best places to be visited in New Jersey:-

• Cape May Country Park & zoo- A perfect zoo to be visited in all times especially in winters. You can find a variety of animals within their enclosures. You can have a great time with friends and family over here at no cost as the entry is free.
• Jersey Shore Alpacas- It is fun to visit this place, spending time with Alpacas like feeding them, learning to know about them and their stories and all can be really a good time.
• Cape May City Beaches- It is a clean, well maintained beach. You can either enjoy sun bath in the early morning or afternoon hours or just have a leisurely troll on the beach in the evening.
• Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach water park- It is the best place near sea side with thrilling rides and slide pass. Children love this place so don’t miss out to take your kids here on your next visit to NJ.
• Battleship New Jersey- Watching the ship in the midst of water and having a step back in history knowing about historical piece would be worth visiting. This ship is famous for having taken part 3 times in war.

While visiting the tourist attractions in NJ do not forget about the amazing concerts and shows held over here.

1. Passport

You won’t be going anywhere if your passport isn’t in date and in your hand when you head through airport security. Store it in a plastic wallet along with any other important documents you have (boarding passes, transfer tickets, insurance documents, etc.) and keep it safe in your hand luggage bag.

2. Medication

If you take regular medication, you’ll need to make sure you have enough of it available to cover your holiday. Speak to your GP if your usual repeat prescription isn’t going to last the duration of your holiday. Keep emergency medication tucked safely in your hand luggage, just in case there’s a problem with your hold luggage. If you’re jetting off to a country where malaria is a potential problem, you’ll probably need malaria tablets.

3. Phone charger

These days, most of us use our phones for everything – phone calls, email, and photographs – so make sure you’re able to use yours by putting a phone charger in your luggage.

4. Toiletries

You will probably be able to buy toiletries at your destination, but for peace of mind and to save money, buy them before you go and pack them in your luggage. A handy tip when packing is to lay your clothes in first, then a towel, and lie your toiletries on top in a plastic bag; that way, if spills occur, your clothes won’t be ruined.

5. A first-aid box

Regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel or backpacking, packing a few supplies of plasters, bandages and antibacterial cream is always a good idea. Add some insect repellent and an itch-reliever lotion too for good measure.

6. Comfy clothes

The focus when you’re going abroad is usually making sure you’re well stocked with shorts, t-shirts, sandals, swim clothes, and a couple of fashion savvy going-out get-ups. As well as your usual holiday clothes, pack a pair of comfy joggers you can buy online and a hoody or long-sleeved shirt – just in case it gets a bit nippy. Travelling in joggers is a good idea, too; while it may seem like a good idea before you set off, sitting in a plane seat in tight denim pants is bound to get uncomfortable!

7. A phrase book

Wherever you’re going, the local people are guaranteed to know more about the best sights, restaurants and beaches than any travel reps. Prepare yourself for chatting with the locals by investing in a handy phrase book and learning some of the lingo.

8. Sun cream

If you’re going somewhere warm, you’ll need sun-cream. Even on overcast days, the sun’s rays are strong enough to cause nasty burns, so make sure you’re constantly covered. If you’re going on a hike or a walk, cover yourself with suncream, wear a hat and pack plenty of water to avoid burns and deter heat-stroke.

9. Neck pillow

Keep yourself comfy on the plane with a supportive neck pillow. Most airlines sell neck pillows on-board, so don’t worry if you don’t manage to pick one up before you fly.

10. Keys and wallet

Keep your wallet with you at all times; when you’re out and about, keep it safe in a zipped pocket in a bag (not in your back pocket!). Tourists are an ideal target for pick pockets, particularly in crowded market places, so keep your valuables safe at all times. Pack your keys away in your hand luggage and keep them there; you don’t want to get home and find yourself stranded outside your house!