4 Traveling Experiences That Are Worth the Time and Effort
Summer vacation season is upon us, and people are deciding how they want to spend their precious vacation time and money. While tried-and-true destinations like a beach, theme park or historical site are always fun, this year you want to try something a bit different.
With that in mind, check out the following list of travel destinations that might fly under your radar, but are well worth the time and expense:
Salzburg, Austria
If you dream of traveling around Europe, plan a one or two day side journey in Salzburg, Austria. The city is the birthplace of Mozart and features a plethora of amazing baroque buildings, with very few modern homes and stores. This means the city looks much like it did over 400 years ago. Salzburg also was the setting for “The Sound of Music,” which is a major plus for fans of the Von Trapp family.
One key tip is to bring along a high-quality smartphone with you on your journey to Salzburg. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge not only has amazing picture-taking abilities, but it also is water-resistant. This way, when you are visiting Hellbrunn Palace and its famous trick fountains, you don’t have to worry about your smartphone conking out if it gets wet.
Crete, Greece
Another ideal European spot to visit is Crete, one of the Aegean Islands in Greece. As U.S. News and World Report states, Greece is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. As the largest of the islands, Crete offers the most activities and restaurants, including plenty of taverns that feature delicious local food at reasonable prices. If you can schedule your trip for later on this summer, it will still be warm enough to enjoy the amazingly pristine beaches, but most of the summer crowds will have returned home.
Monument Valley, Navajo Nation
Chances are good you have seen photos of the iconic Mitten buttes in Monument Valley. While the pictures are incredible, nothing beats seeing these gorgeous natural rock formations in person. Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is home to a variety of sandstone formations that range in height from 400 to 1,000 feet. You can either pay an entrance fee and travel through the dusty but navigable road yourself or you can hire a local tourist company to take you through in an open-air Jeep. Be sure to carry a bandanna to wrap around your nose and mouth.
Plan on spending several hours at the park to take full advantage of the angles of the sun and how the light changes on the monuments throughout the day. When the day is over and it’s time to hang your hat for the night, stay at The View hotel, which features rooms with amazing views of the formations.
Vietnam
Located in southeast Asia, Vietnam is another surprisingly affordable vacation spot that boasts incredible landscapes, budget-friendly lodging options and affordable and authentic local cuisine. Ho Chi Min and Hanoi are both cities that are used to catering to tourists as well as backpackers who would prefer to see much of the scenery by foot. In some cases, you can get by on as little as $20 a day. If you wish to see a number of cities in Vietnam, multi-city tours are also available for reasonable prices.
The Best Places to Visit in the United States this Year
The United States is often underrated, and many people will skip it and instead head to Southeast Asia or Europe. However this huge country has a lot to offer, whether you like small country towns, large cities or remote locations with stunning views.
There are many ways to travel throughout the states. Flights can sometimes be picked up for as little as $70 domestically, and there are also Greyhound buses. For a great way to see the country though, consider doing a tour with Trek America. The United States is an excellent place to do one of these tours since it’s so spread out and organising transport can be tricky unless you’re renting a car.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the United States this year:
New York
You’re probably not surprised to see that New York is on this list, and while many people may assume it’s too much of a tourist destination and give it a miss, it’s a good idea to remember that if thousands of people are visiting a city and raving about it to all their friends, you’d be missing out.
New York city is a favourite for many people since it has so much to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you can see yourself gawking at the buildings in Times Square or people watching in Central Park, the hardest part is planning out your day. If you want to play tourist you can head to the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty or you can grab a snack on the side of the road and spend a day or two wandering through the Bronx or Brooklyn.
Savannah
For those who want to learn a little about the history of the Untied States and get a little taste of country life (complete with historical buildings that look like they came straight out of Gone With the Wind), Savannah is the perfect destination.
Wander through Bonaventure Cemetery, go shopping for souvenirs in City Market and take a walking tour to learn about the history behind the town and some of the things that make it so special.
Orlando
Orlando is in a perfect spot- close enough that you can head down to Miami and lay on the beach or take a tour out to the Everglades, but also on the doorstep of some of the best theme parks in the world, including Universal Studios and Disneyworld.
Las Vegas
Sure, Vegas is a complete tourist trap and it’s not exactly highbrow or where you’ll do any learning about the United States. But it’s a fun time for a reason, and if you’re hoping to have an incredible weekend it’s where you’ll be able to really cut loose. Las Vegas is also perfectly positioned if you want to visit the Grand Canyon and you can easily take a bus or helicopter tour to the canyon.
Why you should consider taking a cruise this year
While cruising was once only for the slightly older demographic, this is no longer the case. Passengers of all ages are enjoying this relaxing and rewarding style of vacation, and as cruise companies continue to grow and build bigger and even better ships, growth in the cruise industry looks like it’s in no danger of slowing down.
Taking a vacation is sometimes one of those things that sounds like a great idea until you do it and realise that you’ll need to make sure everyone’s passports are still valid, book flights, get through the airport, and then check in and out of hotels (sometimes more than once if you’re switching destinations). The stress of going on holiday can be counter intuitive which is why so many people are desperate for a break but don’t quite have the energy to actually book a cruise.
Here are some reasons why you should consider taking a cruise this year:
It’s a cost-effective choice
Cruising is actually one of the most economical ways to travel. Increased competition within the industry has meant fares that are cheaper than ever for customers. When you look at how much it would cost to take a family on an international vacation, factoring in flights, insurance and accommodation, you’ll usually have spent thousands of dollars before you even get to the airport- and this doesn’t even include food and other money spent on things like outings, tours and souvenirs.
Joining the Bolsover Cruise Club can give you access to even better deals, so you’ll be the first to know about some of the best prices around, making your holiday even more cost-effective.
It’s a convenient and easy way to travel
Since we only have a limited amount of time to travel each year, it makes sense to avoid wasting it in airports and transfers. Since you’ll be able to relax the moment you get on your cruise ship you can begin unwinding before you’ve even left the port.
Cruising is also one of the best ways to have an all-inclusive holiday without booking a resort. Most of your holiday will be paid for up front, and since your food, transport, accommodation and entertainment is all included in your cruise fare, you won’t be opening your wallet much (if at all) once you’re onboard.
You can also pre-pay your gratuities and plan and pay for tours at each destination before you board the ship, meaning that you won’t need to worry about getting a huge bill or be doing math in your head as you travel.
The facilities are excellent
If there’s one thing you won’t encounter on a cruise, it’s boredom. Cruise ships of today include everything you need to have a good time, including pools, spas, libraries, cinemas, hair salons, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, and shopping.
You’ll have numerous restaurants to choose from each day, and most cruises have a kids club so you won’t need to worry about entertaining the rug-rats.
Best International Destinations for your Hens party
Inspired by travel comparison site dealchecker‘s recent round up of the hottest new hen do destinations stated that 1.3 million Brits had their hen and stag parties overseas last year, and as international flights can be a steal on low-cost carriers, it’s easy to see why you would want to get away to celebrate your impending nuptials.
Here are some of the best international destinations for your hens party:
Riga
Riga is on point when it comes to both price and trendiness, and with so much culture to soak up, along with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities (check out the Nativity of Christ Cathedral and St Peter’s Church), it’s also one of the places where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Don’t forget to take the girls to the Central Market, a UNESCO protected site that’s one of the largest markets in Europe with endless bargaining opportunities. The foodie scene continues to grow in Riga, and if you’re heading out for a night with the girls don’t forget to head to the Hardcore Hangover Club or the Skyline Bar.
Dublin
The good thing about Dublin is it’s a manageable city- you can walk through most of the main streets in just a day. Be sure to do some people watching in St Stephen’s Green and spend some time gossiping in the sun before getting cultural exploring the National Museum of Ireland and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
This is the place to go if you and the girls like pub culture, and with the best live music scene in Europe, outside bars and vintage cocktails are calling your name before you go clubbing at Copper Face Jacks.
Lisbon
Lisbon is currently attracting bohemians from all over the world, and its bustling markets and edgy art galleries are easy to see by tram. Be sure to spend a day sightseeing and wander through Alfama, the oldest district in the city and go see the Lisbon Cathedral.
For your night (or nights) of partying, head to Pink Street where you’ll find a strip of bars (many with live music) waiting for you. Follow it up with a visit to Lux Fragil which is one of the most prestigious places in the city, or go to the secret rooftop bar Park instead.
The next day, treat yourselves with a day at the Float In Spa and gossiping about your night.
Berlin
Berlin has it all- history, culture, fun people and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Take a bike tour and see the main sites, before sunbathing in the floating pool at Badeschiff.
Berlin’s nightlife is out of this world, and it’s the place to go for those looking for some serious partying. Berghain Tresor is well worth a visit but they’re tricky to get into so have a backup plan. For a fun night of burlesque go to Prinzipal Kreuzberg or spend a few hours drinking cocktails in Limoandier.
Berlin has some of the best hangover food in Europe, so head to 3 Minutes sur Mer for a taste of Paris or Alpenstuck for cuisine from South Germany.
Top party destinations around the globe!
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my travels around the world, it’s that you’re never too far away from a good party!
Whether it’s exploring the garish delights of Walking Street in Thailand’s Pattaya, or visiting the deluxe slots games in Monte Carlo, it seems that the love of partying is the one thing that unites all of us humans.
It’s at night-time where we all let our hair down and have a good time, and as New York’s got a reputation as being ‘the city that never sleeps’, it’s also cultivated a pretty impressive partying heritage too.
Exploring the gritty bar culture on the Lower East Side is definitely one of the more atmospheric ways to experience life in Manhattan – plus you’re never too far away from some pizza pie to soak up the booze!
But it’s still Las Vegas that manages to be the self-proclaimed ‘party capital of the world’ and a quick look at the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip will instantly reveal just why. As well as all of the risqué entertainment and tacky cabaret shows, there’s also the fascinating 24-hour gambling culture that’s been permitted by an endless array of weird and wonderful casino resort hotels.
Of course, since the rise of the internet, you don’t have to visit Vegas to enjoy casino culture. This is because sites like Betway offer all of the traditional table games and their big jackpots can easily be enjoyed just about wherever you are in the world.
The great thing about being able to play a quick game of online slots remotely is that it leaves you free to explore the potential of other legendary party hotspots. And whilst Amsterdam may have some fairly restrictive gambling legislature, it’s definitely more open minded when it comes to other night-time activities that have helped its red-light district become something of a mecca for stag and hen parties.
But even if you want to break away from the hordes, Amsterdam has plenty of other partying attractions to enjoy. And who could resist cruising around Amsterdam’s canals on a hot summer night with a glass of champagne or two?
And just in case this all sounded a little too frenetic, then a quick trip to the French Riviera reveals how it’s become a partying hub for more refined tastes with the perfect mix of casinos, beachfront bars and chilled-out beats to enjoy under the summer skies!
The Top 10 Group Outings to Take This Summer
Summer is a time of gatherings and picnics, of social outings that can be spent in one of a variety of parks or interesting locales. The following ideas should provide some inspiration for planning an outing for your friends, co-workers, organisation, or family.
#1 – Arrange a Hiking Trip
A lot of places in the UK are hiker-friendly. In fact, Great Britain is a walker’s or hiker’s paradise. Whether you wish to explore the Lake District or stroll through an urban area, you can arrange for a hiking or walking holiday in both the UK and other walker-friendly cities in Europe, such as Copenhagen, Paris, and Rome.
#2 – Follow a Band
If you are a fan of a musical band, then you may have the opportunity to follow it whilst it is on tour. Who knows? Your travels may even take you beyond the UK and into a number of European towns and cities.
#3 – Plan a Backpacking Adventure
If you love adventure, then get together with other backpackers and plan a European backpacking excursion. Backpack your way through the UK as well as such countries as Greece, Spain, Italy, France, or Germany.
#4 – Plan a Road Trip
Plan a road trip to a popular European destination in such countries as Switzerland, Germany, France, or Italy. This is the ideal trip to take for the budding travel writer or photographer. Plus, it’s easy to hire a coach to take you to your destination.
#5 – Visit Breweries in Germany
You might plan an adventure by visiting the different breweries in Germany. If you and your friends appreciate a well-crafted ale or beer, then you will definitely want to schedule this summer outing.
# 6 – Visit Sporting Events
What sport do you like? If you enjoy sporting events, then you might schedule an outing to visit several games away from home. You might also plan a journey to participate in a sport, such as horseback riding or boating.
#7 – Plan a Wine Tasting Outing
If you are a wine aficionado, then you no doubt will want to plan a trip to taste wines at various wineries. Some regions are famous for their wines. Therefore, you can save money and time by condensing your travel to one specific wine-growing area.
#8 – Immerse Yourself in a Language and Travel
Learn a language such as Spanish, and then visit places in Spain to test out your new skills. This type of ‘field trip’ lasts about seven days, and is an ideal goal for anyone who wants to either brush up on their language skills or use their language learning at a travel destination whilst on holiday.
#9 – Host a Family Picnic
Summer would not be summer without getting together for a cookout, barbeque, or picnic with the family. Use this time to catch up on current events as they pertain to your loved ones and relatives.
#10 – Visit a Museum
You cannot live in Europe and not take time to visit one of its many museums. If you have friends who are art lovers, then plan an outing to a museum – stay cool and enjoy the sculptures and painted works.
Traveling Better With Points
Why you Should Travel to the Maldives
The Maldives has long been a destination that seems just a little too “exotic” and out of the way for the average traveller. But now that Tiger Air has opened up flights from Asia, you can now get a return ticket for a steal- meaning that your excuse for not visiting this incredible destination is no longer valid.
Here you’ll find some of the best beaches on earth, and with almost 1200 islands in the country, they’re so perfect that if you had only been to The Maldives you would assume that every other beach in the world was the same. Expect to see whiter-than-white sand, glowing azul water, and incredible diving.
Accommodation is also far more reasonable than many people believe, and if you book in advance you can often find excellent deals. Check out Jumeirah Maldives for excellent deals or have a look online while you’re booking tickets to compare prices and rooms.
Many resorts also offer complimentary water activities, or you can just use your time to sign up with a company for some lessons. Try paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking and more.
This is a country of paradox, with some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and locals who are still in the “old ways.”
Head down to the fish market to see where people buy their dinner, and chose between giant tuna, caught fresh that morning. And for something a little different, consider admiring the fish at the first underwater restaurant in the world- the Conrad Maldives. The glass dome seats 14 and is located five metres under the ocean, serving fish while you watch them swim past. There are also plenty more options for dinner, including Ufaa and Reethi Restaurant which are well-known.
Be sure to visit the shark park, since the Maldives has been a shark sanctuary since 2010 shark fishing is banned throughout. If you’re a fan of seeing the big sharks, you’re in luck, and if you prefer teeny sharks you can visit one of the many lagoons which double as shark nurseries where you can see baby sharks.
If you’re interested in marine life, the Maldives has some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world. Think magnificent caves, incredible coral walls, and schools of bright tropical fish. In deeper waters you’ll find turtles, manta rays, sharks, and even whale shark, and if you’re someone who doesn’t like to be cold you’re in luck- the water is so warm you probably won’t even need a wetsuit.
Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group with friends, or on your honeymoon, the Maldives is no longer out of reach for the average person. In fact, you’ll be able to afford to fly to the Maldives, stay in a hotel, and do numerous activities for little more than you would for the same style in Southeast Asia. If you’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives, now’s your chance, before everyone else realises how affordable it really is.
How to have a Secret London Escape Weekend
Whether you live in London or you’re going for a weekend escape, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself without having to play tourist. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay then why not look at getting an apartment with some friends to make the most out of your weekend, some where like the Urban Retreat Apartments could bring your weekend together.
Here are some fun, secret things to do in London:
Go to a Hindu Temple
The Swaminarayan Temple was constructed in 1995, and at the time it was the largest of its kind outside of India. Built from Bulgarian Limestone and Indian Marble, you’ll find the temple in the middle of Neasden so take some time to wander through it and enjoy the gorgeous carved wood and beautiful domed ceilings.
Explore the eerie cemeteries!
Highgate Cemetery is eerie, interesting and a must-visit if you’re hoping to get off the beaten path in London. Spend some time wandering through the narrow trails in between the Victorian gravestones and look for some of the famous people who rest here, such as Jeremy Beadle, George Eliot, Douglas Adams and Karl Marx.
See an Underground Cave
The Chislehurst Caves are man-made, and this labyrinth was built by the Saxons, Romans and Druids. Recently the caves have been a mushroom farm, air raid shelter and a music venue where Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie all sang. Now you can take a guided tour for a unique experience.
Air your Grievances
At Hyde Park Corner you can hear democracy and maybe even get something off your own chest. The north-east corner of the park has been used since the 19th century, allowing people from all walks of life to say their piece. George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin have spoken here, so if you get inspired, feel free to vent.
Play Sherlock
Head to the Evans and Peel Detective Agency, which is a hidden cocktail bar located underground. If you can show the right credentials a “detective” will take you downstairs and show you the bar, where you can solve a few mysteries and enjoy a great selection of bar snacks and drinks.
Enjoy a bookshop Barge
Word on the water is a second-hand bookshop barge that moors at different locations along the canal bank. You can enjoy a large range of great books, poetry slams, a wood-burning stove and live music.
Join the Circus
Visit the National Centre for Circus Acts, where you can take a day to experience life in the circus, learning trapeze, juggling and tight wife.
Go Skating
Roller-skating has made a huge comeback, and if you feel like letting off some steam you can head to the London Rollergirls Club where women can play Roller Derby (think rugby on skates) or join in on the Sunday Stroll or London Friday Night Skate.
Go to the Movies
These aren’t just any movies, and the Hot Tub Cinema is exactly what it sounds like- the perfect place to relax and watch a movie outdoors (in an inflatable hot tub). In summer there are a bunch of London roofs where you can enjoy both modern and classic films.
Ways to Fight Boredom this Weekend
We spend all week looking forward to the weekend, and then halfway through we realise that we’re complete and utterly bored. And in a world where we’re so connected and there’s so much for us to do, most of us don’t admit to being bored since it seems so inconceivable that we can find it hard to entertain ourselves.
Here are some ways to fight boredom this weekend:
Get Reading
Reading seems to be a lost art, and most of us spend more time watching our favourite TV shows or seeing that movie we were recommended that we forget to exercise our minds. Whether you’re a fan of fiction or you prefer to learn about the world with non-fiction books, there are so many incredible authors and books can be downloaded at the touch of a button, so there’s really no excuse.
If you find that you don’t have enough money to actually buy books, grab a library card, head down to your local library and load up. If you’re lucky enough to have an e-reader, you can often find releases by new authors for just 99 cents- a bargain!
Get Organised
Remember when you were little and you’d never tell your mum you were bored because you knew she’d immediately put you to work with some chores? If you’re feeling bored, take the time to do those chores you’ve been putting off for months or years. Clean out your closet and donate those clothes you never wear to charity. Wash the sheets and blankets in the spare room, fix that drawer that always gets stuck, or paint yourself a feature wall. You’ll feel accomplished and will also be more likely to get the week off to a great start if you know you were productive during your weekend.
Learn a language
As the world becomes smaller, you’ll find that you meet more and more people from different countries around the world. Learning a commonly spoken language like Chinese or Spanish can have huge implications for your career and also allow you to meet new people and learn new things. It’s never been easier to learn a language, and with so many resources like websites and apps, you can make it a fun challenge as well.
You can also find teachers in other countries who are willing to teach you their native language for just a few dollars per hour, so make the most of the free time you have in your weekend and get learning.
Earn some money
If you have a saving goal and want to earn some extra money, the weekend is the perfect time to do it. Visit Super Casino to see the many games that you can play while earning money, and you’ll no longer be bored and will instead be completely focused on beating your high score and maybe even making some money to add to your savings plan.
Still bored? Consider getting some exercise, meeting up with friends, or volunteering during the weekends.