Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 68)
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The Best Places to Visit in India
India has a reputation for being one of the best places in the world for people who want to “find themselves”, and whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in this diverse and exciting country.
Here are some of the best places to visit and soak up the culture on a holiday in India:
Goa
Goa is known to be one of the best destinations for chilling out, rejuvenating, and even letting loose. The beaches here are incredible, and in December there’s a music festival called Sunburn which happens over three days.
While Goa can often be packed with younger travellers, more and more of the older crowd are heading to Goa to see what all the fuss is about.
Hampi
Hampi is where you’ll see some incredible monuments and antiquated temples, and this is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the Tungabhadra river near Karnataka, these amazing landscapes will have you reaching for your camera. If you like rock climbing, this is the place to be, and you’ll meet tourists from around the world.
Sunderbans
This national park is also a World Heritage Site, and stretches across India and into Bangladesh, including at least 50 different islands. This is also home to a number of wild tigers, and other wild species like monkeys and rock pythons.
Spiti Valley
This is often called “Little Tibet” and you’ll find it between India and Tibet. This is a desert mounted valley and has incredible vistas and breathtaking mountains. There are also monasteries here which can be visited by tourists, including Lalung and Dhankar, and some of these monasteries are over 1000 years old.
Andaman Islands
If you like scuba diving, the coral reefs here are inspiring. You’ll find wrecks waiting to be dived, colourful fish, and even some awesome volcanic lava, making it a great diving experience for both experts and beginners.
Golden Temple
This temple is a must-visit, and you’ll find it in Amritsar. Named after the god Hari, this is a sacred and cultural centre to the Sikhs, and sees more visitors every day than the Taj Mahal- 100,000 visitors to be exact. The temple also has a holy bath which is said to purify your soul.
Bhangarh, Rajasthan
This is an Indian Ghost town, and is said to be one of the scariest places in the country to visit. Tourists continue to visit though, although there’s no visiting after sunset so be sure to visit during the day.
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
This is a hugely important temple for many Indians, and has both oral and written history. Now it’s one of Kerela’s most well-known temples and is a reflection of the social, religious and historic development of the region.
Rishikesh
This is the best place to go if you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie, with plenty of rafting and camping available. There are also many other adventure sports waiting for you to try, so be sure to visit Rishikesh.
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The Best Places to Visit in Canada
Canada is an excellent place to visit any time of the year, however it often gets overlooked in favour of slightly more exotic destinations. This is a mistake, as Canada has some of the most amazing scenery in the world, along with big cities, small town charm, and of course, that Canadian friendliness.
Here are some of the best places to visit when you spend your holidays in Canada:
Churchill
Churchill is the place to go to see the famous polar bears, and if you head to Manitoba you’ll be likely to see one wandering into town- they like it so much that residents have a polar bear jail to keep themselves safe.
Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world, so you’ll have to be careful not to fall in love with the place and end up staying. This is a place where you can shop and sightsee in the morning, before going hiking in the afternoon to spot some of the famous wildlife. Foodies will enjoy Vancouver, and you can spend time shopping at the public markets and enjoying delicious, fresh, locally grown food in the restaurants.
Whistler
While many people would think that this ski destination would only be fun in the winter, they would be wrong. There is plenty to do here in summer, including great hiking, and if you love skiing or snowboarding, a winter visit could be a good idea as well.
Halifax
Take a friendly Canadian and then add a little more kindness and make them super welcoming, and you’ve got the residents of Halifax. Along with some lovely, open-hearted people, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, fishing villages waiting to be explored, cute stores, and some delicious food.
Toronto
As the most populated city in Canada, you’d expect it to have a “big city” vibe, and while you wouldn’t be wrong, it somehow manages to avoid the brashness associated with cities like New York, and you’ll always find someone willing to give you directions. This is an extremely diverse city, with excellent food from countries around the world, and many different cultural districts like Little Italy, Chinatown and Little India.
Banf
If you’re looking for a cute little skiing village with a party atmosphere, Banf is the place to go. While you’ll have an excellent time if you love to ski or snowboard, Banf is also about meeting people from all over the world, partying until dawn, and then hitting the slopes the next day.
Montreal
If there was one word associated with Montreal, many visitors would choose the word “quaint”. This is where you’ll find some excellent historic sites in Canada, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the French and English history.
As you can see, there is a range of places to visit in Canada, and one trip may not be enough. Ideally, you would need at least two weeks to see the sights in Canada, however a month will give you more time to really soak up the culture and learn more about the country.
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Health problems that travelers may not consider
Everybody knows that when they travel to certain countries on vacation, it is likely that they need to have shots to protect them against picking up nasty diseases. Often, these include shots to protect against malaria, typhus, or hepatitis, but there are also other health concerns, and if your trip is a last-minute decision, you may not realize that you need shots at all.
Why protect yourself at all?
When traveling abroad, you are exposing yourself to a whole host of bacteria and other nasties that may simply not be present in your home country, which means that your immune system has not had a chance to develop an immunity towards those particular bugs. If your immune system has already been compromised through a genetic disorder or a previous illness, you are even more at risk of picking up something that could seriously damage your health. This is why you need to have your shots, sometimes even months in advance of when you plan to travel as they may take a while to kick in.
The type of vaccinations you need and the precautions you need to take will depend upon your destination. Insect bites are common and can often be treated with simple ointments or sprays. However, it is worth using preventative measures rather than treatment to combat these, as some insects carry malaria. Eating new foods can upset your stomach and cause diarrhea, but this can also be a symptom of food poisoning caused by food being prepared in unhygienic conditions, so always maintain your own personal hygiene regime and keep away from any eateries that look questionable in this regard.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, especially the latter, you may not think twice about cleaning your lenses in local water or with a soiled napkin, but you could be risking your eyesight if you do so. Our eyes can pick up infections easily, so it is vital that you maintain a good cleaning regime while traveling abroad, using bottled water if necessary to wash out your eyes or your lenses. However, this can be a problem if you travel abroad a great deal, so you may want to consider doing away with your glasses or corrective lenses by undergoing laser eye surgery, a modern eye care treatment that is quick and relatively painless.
If your health is already below par near to your intended travel date, you should consider postponing traveling until you are better because your immune system may not be able to fight off any bugs that may head your way. Also, if you are noticeably ill, be aware that the airline may not let you board the airplane, in which case your travel plans will have to be postponed.
Traveling abroad is always an exciting prospect, but it can also pose problems for your health. The key is to be aware of the health issues present at your destination and ensure that you take the correct precautions so that you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about your health.
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Why you need Travel Insurance for your Next Trip
Many people are unsure if they want to purchase travel insurance for their trip. Once you’ve already paid for your flight and hotel and saved for your expenses while traveling, the idea of shelling out even more money for travel insurance can have some people choosing to “self-insure” (hoping they don’t get hurt, sick, or robbed and understanding that they’ll be paying if something happens).
Travel insurance will cover you for a variety of different things, depending on both the coverage you choose, the policy, and the insurer. It’s important that you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel, so you don’t need to worry about any surprises in the event that you do need to make a claim.
Booking your insurance at least a few weeks in advance is a good idea, since you then won’t need to worry about potentially cancelling a trip if you get sick or injured.
Generally, travel insurance will cover you in the event that you get sick or injured while overseas. You won’t be covered for anything medical while you’re at home, as it’s expected that you’ll have your own insurance.
It’s a good idea to check the standard of medical coverage that is covered. Some insurance policies will allow you to visit an international hospital (so you can be sure that they have the necessary facilities, training and health and safety standards), while others will only cover you if you visit a local hospital (which can be problematic in certain countries). Knowing this will allow you to make the best decision at the time.
Travel insurance should also cover you in the case that you need to cancel a trip, major medical (this should also cover emergency medical evacuation back to an excellent hospital or your home country), accidental death (this will make it easier on your family in the event that you suddenly die), and travel medical (which can include anything from strep throat to an infected bug bite).
There are many different travel insurance providers, and the one you choose will depend on the level of cover you’re looking for. Some will include coverage for your personal items like passports, mobile phones and laptops, while others will only include medical coverage.
If you choose not to take travel insurance, it’s important to remember that while you may be traveling in a developing country, the medical costs can be much higher than at home. Thailand is a good example, and is one of the best places for a cheap holiday, however it also has some of the most expensive medical care in the world.
If you’re seriously injured or sick overseas, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to demand payment up front, meaning that your family would need to cover the costs. This can be a huge cost, and families have had to mortgage properties to pay for their loved ones care after motorbike accidents in Southeast Asia.
For your piece of mind, be sure to purchase travel insurance for your next trip.
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How to Improve your Appearance
Many people find that as they get older, they begin to notice more imperfections. It’s true that we’re our own harshest critics, but here are a few ways you can improve your appearance and improve your self-confidence:
Whiten your teeth
A clean, white, healthy smile can do wonders for your appearance. When someone is talking, out eyes naturally fall to their mouths occasionally (particularly if we’re attracted to that person). Love My Teeth whitening kits work well, and you can whiten your teeth at home without paying hundreds of dollars for professional whitening. You’ll be surprised at what a difference white teeth makes to your appearance and self-esteem, and you’ll be showing your new smile off at every opportunity.
Workout
Not only is working out great for your health, but you’re likely to lose weight while toning your bod. The best way to work out is to combine high-intensity interval training (short bursts of sprints or jumps followed by jogging or walking) with strength training which will help you burn fat while creating muscle.
When you workout and look after your body, you’ll begin to feel better and will quickly notice that you fit your clothes better and naturally want to eat well to get better results.
Watch your diet
There are so many misconceptions around what we should eat that it’s hard to know what to believe. Generally though, staying away from high-carb, processed and sugary foods will have you losing weight quickly, and you can fill up on protein and healthy fat for fewer cravings. Intermittent fasting is another great way to lose weight, and it’s all about eating at certain times so your body is in a fasted state for longer, and therefore burning more calories.
Look after your skin
Sun damage, smoking, and simply having an expressive face can lead to wrinkles. Picking acne can lead to scarring, and before you know it, you can be feeling self-conscious about your skin. Choose a non-abrasive cleanser and find the best moisturiser and night cream for your skin type. Always use a moisturiser that’s at least SPF 30 during the day, and if you’re a woman, removing your makeup is crucial before bed to prevent clogged pores.
There are many different options on the market which can help with scarring and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is excellent for light wrinkles and recent scarring, while some people are beginning to get botox a couple of times a year in their late twenties and early thirties to deal with early signs of ageing and help prevent wrinkles from forming.
If you’re hoping to improve your appearance this year, consider using some of the above tips. Remember, while there are many small things that can make you look better, it’s what’s inside that counts. Accepting yourself and all of your flaws will make you a fun person to be around, which is always an attractive trait.
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5 Tips for a Luxury Escape in Italy
Italy is a marvelous blend of ultra modern and historical treasures that will delight all who visit. It is a wonderful country for travellers looking for a luxury escape and there are so many different things that you can choose from, and amazing places to stay, to indulge yourself. Here are five tips for a luxury escape in Italy.
Get a Private Tour of the Colosseum
The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built and it is over two thousand years old. It has a long and exciting history that includes gory gladiator battles and public spectacles with between 50 000 to 80 000 spectators. After the medieval times it was no longer used for entertainment and was used as a fortress, a quarry, and by the church for residences. Over time the building has sustained damage caused by earthquakes but a large portion of it remains intact. You can learn more about this fascinating building by taking a private tour with a history guide that will allow you to skip the line, wander through areas not always open to the public, and learn fascinating things about the Colosseum and the surrounding area including the Arch of Constantine and the Seven Hills of Rome
Rent a Farmhouse in Tuscany
Renting a farmhouse in Tuscany is a fabulous way to indulge and relax. You may be able to help harvest grapes or olives if you arrive at the right time of year. There are also garden tours, cooking lessons, winery tours and tastings, and many fabulous meals to indulge in. Burn off the extra calories by wandering through the rolling hills that are abundant in this beautiful area.
Rent a Ferrari to Drive Around
The history of the Ferrari is fascinating and there are two museums that showcase the history in Modena and Mirabella. There are many Ferrari experiences that you can take advantage of while visiting. You can rent a Ferrari and tour on your own, take a trip out to the countryside where you can enjoy locally grown food, or you can test drive a vehicle with a copilot so that you can really let loose on the narrow streets.
Go On a Private Vatican Tour
You will have to get up early for this one but tour can arrange a private tour of Vatican City before it becomes busy with the daily crowds. You will get your own knowledgeable guide that will show you things that the crowded tour groups don’t get access to.
Hire a Personal Shopper in Milan
Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world and many of the world’s top designers have set up their headquarters here. You can hire a personal shopper that will give you access to things like undivided attention from the sales staff, entry to the stores during non-business hours and many other personalized treats. You can also meet with the personal shopper, give them your measurements, an idea of your personal preferences, and they will do the shopping for you.
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5 of the Best Places for a Golf Vacation
What better way is there to forget about the stresses of your day-to-day life than to head out onto the links and play some golf? You can work on your backswing, concentrate on getting your score under par, and relax in the sun as you reduce your stress and improve your health. If you are going to popular golf courses make sure to have all of your Tee Times booked in advance so that you are not disappointed. Consider staying at a golf resort so you can hop out of bed and start working on your swing the second you wake up.
USA
The USA has fifty states and nearly twenty thousand golf courses to choose from. There are world-class golf courses scattered throughout the country so it is up to you to choose a destination and then find the golf courses. Florida, Arizona, California, and Hawaii are great destinations for winter golf and the mild climate is great for family activities outdoors.
Scotland
Scotland boasts some of the world’s best and oldest golf courses and some of the greenest greens in the world. Carnoustie is just one of the challenging world-class courses and it was the host of the 1999 British Open. You can stay in a castle that has a golf course nearby and you can spend your evenings touring whisky distilleries, beer breweries, or just relaxing in a nearby pub.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers up some fabulous resorts where you can live and breathe golf for your entire vacation. Spend your days on the course and your nights relaxing in a luxurious resort or enjoying the nightlife that it has to offer. Make sure you take some time out from golf to take a tour through the rainforest and see some of the enchanting creatures that call Costa Rica home.
Croatia
Croatia is a very popular place for tourists and it is known for things like its walled city of Dubrovnik, hundreds of islands with some of the best beaches in the world, and a fantastic coastline to explore. It is also a fabulous destination for golfers but there are a few challenging courses for avid golfers to explore. Be sure to check out Adriatic on the Istrian peninsula that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from several different points on the course. When you are not playing golf you can explore the islands, wander through Dubrovnik, or just try some of the fabulous local wine and food.
Spain
There are fabulous golf courses scattered throughout Spain. But if you are looking for an area that is ripe with great and challenging courses then the Costa Brava is the place to be, with incredible courses like PGA Catalunya on offer. It is sunny and beautiful all year round and if you feel like taking a day off there are plenty of beaches to work on your tan and relax in the sun.
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5 Countries Perfect for a Self Drive Holiday
Driving around a country is a great way to explore it at your own pace without worrying about having to stick to the set schedule that goes with taking public transport like a bus or a train. You can stop at any points of interest that you happen upon and stay as long as you want if you like a certain area more than you had anticipated. You can rent a camper van and sleep in it wherever you can park it legally or you can rent a car and just stay in accommodation that you find along the way. Your options are endless when you take the perfect self-drive holiday! With GPS so easily accessible now you can find things to explore along the way.
Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world and there are so many different things to see and do. Renting a campervan is a great way to explore this beautiful country. You can sleep up to 8 people comfortably and you will be free to explore the beautiful coast of BC, the Rockies and foothills of Alberta, the beautiful fields of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the wine country of Ontario, or the glory of Quebec. The east coast is stunning as well and be sure you try the lobster that this coast is famous for.
Australia
Australia is a great country to hit the open road. There are plenty of beautiful sights along the south east coast and you can drive the 244 km of the Great Open Road. It travels from Victoria along the coast and offers breathtaking scenery like rainforest, and beautiful beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting animal sightings like kangaroos, koalas, or maybe even a pod of whales. Or for something completely different head off into the Great Outback and drive through the desert with small towns, various wild animal sightings, and be sure to visit Ayers Rock.
USA
The Continental US has 48 states and each one offers its own exciting things for travellers to experience. If you rent a car you can take it to different states but be sure you know what states your insurance is valid in before heading out. The whole country is connected by a fabulous network of highways and you can cover vast distances by hopping on super highways or meander along classic routes like route 66 or the coastal highways. There are natural wonders like The Grand Canyon in Arizona, California offers the excitement of Hollywood and Disneyland, and Washington DC hosts the White House.
Spain
Spain is a fascinating country to explore by car. Tour through the major cities of Barcelona, and Madrid, and check out the cultural wonders and art that these areas are famous for. Be sure to check out the Monastery of Montserrat about 45 minutes outside of Barcelona. Try the tapas (appetizers) that this country is known for and be sure to sample the local wine as well. If you want to include some beaches in your itinerary, here are the top four.
The UK
Travelling through The UK in a rented car is a fabulous experience and there are so many exciting things to do and see. If you are interested in exploring Roman ruins, visiting villages that have preserved their heritage, and exploring the beautiful countryside than the Cotswolds is a great place to start. You can stay in a 300 year old house, live on a working farm for a few days, or relax in a bed and breakfast.
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3 Tips on Packing for Your Business Trip in China
Packing for a business trip requires careful consideration, particularly for international travelling. Ensuring you have all the necessary clothing is just part of the puzzle – there’s also the paperwork, guides, currency and customs to be familiar with. Here are a couple of quick tips to help you adequately pack for a trip to China.
1. Pack Small
A small suitcase (or, ideally, carry-on luggage) is a godsend when travelling to, and around, China. A benefit of a business trip is that your clothing needs are dramatically reduced. The length of your stay will dictate the amount of clothing you require, but many travellers can get by with one or two suits. Ladies may choose to bring both skirts and pants, weather permitting. If carrying a laptop bag as well as your personal items, check the airline allows both to be carried on.
Once you arrive in China, getting bags to your hotel can be difficult if you are relying on public transport. If you can arrange transport at the time of booking flights, it will make the trip to your hotel much smoother. It can be hard to get everything you need ready for a business trip, particularly international trips, so enlisting the help of a corporate travel expert, such as FCm Travel Solutions, can make life easier. If you are heading off for the first time, travel blogs can also give you tips for getting out of the airport with less stress.
2. Pack for the Season and the Region
China is such a large country, so the climate can vary dramatically depending on the region you are staying in. From May to November, the coastal areas of southern and eastern China are prone to severe weather conditions or even typhoons. The northeast is incredibly hot during summer, while winters can be freezing. Central regions may also experience extended periods of heavy rain, so packing an umbrella and wet weather gear is essential.
Being suitably dressed makes a huge difference to the success of your trip, so do your homework before setting off. Knowing how to dress for the seasons will make your trip much more pleasurable. If you’re looking for some new clothes, check out these JC Penney Coupons to save money on new clothes and luggage.
3. A Chinese to English, English to Chinese Translation Guide
As worldly as we would all like to think we are, most travellers will rely on a translation guide more than they care to admit. Mandarin is the most common dialect spoken in China, so learning a few key phrases will help you get by much more smoothly. You can also purchase a translator app for your phone, where you speak into the phone and it plays the translation. Just be mindful of roaming charges when using these apps.
Another idea is to have place cards with your hotel address listed on them in Chinese. In an emergency, these can be shown to passers-by as a way of asking directions, or to taxi drivers for navigation to your hotel.
Obviously there are additional items you will need to bring on a business trip to China, including a visa and a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. It’s also a good idea to exchange currency, as many small places do not accept cards. What are some essentials in your suitcase when you travel for work?
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Hot Tubs are the #1 Luxury Holiday Amenity
If you’re like most people, you’ll often take a moment to breathe after a few months (or years) and realise you haven’t had a break for a long time. However, it’s crucial to regularly relax and refresh in order to remain productive at work, especially if you rely on your creativity.
Blue Chip Holidays has recently completed a survey so they could understand what it is that most people want when they plan a luxury holiday. The results are interesting and many people will be surprised by which luxury items ranked in which spot.
More than 1000 adults from the United Kingdom were surveyed. First, they were asked about the must-have item that they would choose if they were going to chill out and relax in a luxurious holiday home. Those who took the survey could choose from a list of potential options or choose their own, and most people (34%) said that a hot tub or private pool would be most likely to make them happy.
The hot tub was followed by a private garden or balcony (31% of respondents said this was important), and dog friendliness was most important for 14% of people who don’t like to leave Fido at home. This option was tied for a private chef, which 14% of people said would make them feel the most spoiled, and a log burner or open fire came in at last place with just 9% of people saying it was the most important
The results are more interesting when you look at the age and location of the respondents. The people who lived in the UK said that the private pool or hot tub was the most important to them, while older people in Northern Ireland (65 and older) were more concerned with a log burner or open fire. Respondents between the ages of 25 and 34 were split between a private chef, hot tub and private garden or balcony.
The Scottish who were over 65 were split between three different options: a private chef, dog-friendly or an open fire. Those who were a little younger (between 54 and 64) were more interested in a private chef and a holiday home that was also dog-friendly.
Tori Kirway-Taylor is the Brand & Communications Manager at Blue Chip. He analysed the study and had some comments about what the choices revealed. She said that Blue Chip was most interested in the must-have item depending on the holiday maker’s age and location.
“The results show that when it comes to luxury, we all have different ideas about what we would like to see and how we want to be treated.” Tori said that this is why Blue Chip ensure that their holiday cottages appeal to many different people.
She also said that Blue Chip was happy to see that many of the survey’s respondents considered a private chef to be a great addition for their holiday home as this is something that Blue Chip offer.
