Posts by : Izy Berry

If you haven’t visited Ireland’s oldest city yet, then you really are missing out. From Waterford City to Waterford County there are so many things to do and places to visit. Revive your tired mind in the rural charms of the Waterford countryside and coastline and then rejoice in the urban strengths of the city of Waterford with its fascinating historical sites and lively shops, pubs and restaurants. All that’s needed is to base yourself somewhere clean and comfortable like the Travelodge Waterford Hotel and peruse this list of the Top 5 Waterford Attractions and you’re good to go!

1: Waterford Crystal

Waterford’s sparkling attraction and the product most associated with the city has had a stellar reputation since it was founded in 1783. But the quite incredible crafts and arts of the glassmakers are still on display in the 21^st century. The tour of the factory is excellent as the visitor watches closely as the beautiful crystal pieces are sculpted with amazing skill right through from a molten gobbet to streamlined and engraved final product. Waterford Crystal also has an impressive exhibition of some the finest pieces made by the factory over its two hundred years of excellence.

2: Waterford’s Viking Triangle

A trio of museums are the heart of historical Waterford. The Viking Triangle in the city centre comprises Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace Museum and all three are worth visiting in their own right. Climb Reginald’s Tower, the only monument in Ireland named in honour of a Viking (Ragnall), and get a great view of the city but also gain a sense of the Viking settlement that first put Waterford on the map. Enjoy the beginning of Waterford’s 1,000 years of history in the museum there before moving onto the fascinating Medieval Museum and the treasure trove of Georgian artefacts that make up the Bishop’s Palace.

3: Mount Congreve

Mount Congreve Estate has one of the great gardens of the world in its location just outside Waterford city. Built back in 1760, Mount Congreve’s house and gardens are beautifully maintained across some 70 acres of the estate with a restored wall garden, 3,000 different trees and shrubs, thousands of flowers and 1,500 herbaceous plants. The gardens are easily accessible from Waterford city but feel a world away to the visitor in their calming cultivated surroundings.

4: Christ Church Cathedral

Just inside the Viking Triangle in Waterford, Christ Church Cathedral is only the latest example of a place of worship on this site. There have been buildings celebrating deities here for over a thousand years but this 18th-century version is quite beautiful and the only neo-classical Georgian cathedral in Ireland. Take the time to admire the elaborate stained glass windows and explore the spooky cathedral tombs. Christ Church also hosts concerts, recitals and ongoing exhibitions throughout the year and is noted for the high quality of its acoustics.

5: Spraoi Festival in Waterford

Less of a place to visit than a time, the Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival runs this year from July 29^th to 31^st and it’s the perfect excuse to visit the city. Spraoi, the Irish for fun, is the biggest festival of the year in Waterford and it’s free to all. As most of the entertainment in the festival takes place on the streets with performers literally around every corner, visitors can’t fail but be pulled into the festivities. Spraoi has a proper community feel to it as well with locals really getting into the spirit of things and spending time and effort dressing up and creating exotic floats for fantastic events like the Spraoi Parade which winds its way through the city’s narrow streets at night attracting over 40,000 fans. Visitors can also enjoy top class live music and street performers from around the world as well as a wonderful fireworks display by the city’s river Suir.

Phuket is justly considered to be one of the most popular resorts in Thailand. Exotic cuisine, warm Andaman Sea and well-developed tourist infrastructure — all that attracts millions of travelers every year. There is a well-equipped international airport in Phuket; it’s located in 30 kilometers from the centre called Phuket Town. If you are arriving to Phuket and thinking about how to get to one of the beaches — Patong, Karon or Kata, just use our tourist guide to learn about the transport working on the route.

All transport in Phuket airport

Sadly, transport infrastructure in Thailand is not that well-developed as it could be. And a long distance to the beach (to Katon it’s 45 km; to Kata 48km; to Patong 35 km) makes it truly a burning issue. They have big buses, minibuses and taxi (transfer) running from the airport to the beach. The route is complex: first you have to reach Phuket Town and then change routes to head for the beach. You will spend 2h 40m in the road (including waiting time) and 140 bahts. By minibus the trip will take two hours and 180 bahts on average. You can also take official taxi service in the airport — it works in accordance with the taximeter counter and cost you around 900-1400 bahts (depending on how far the hotel is). You can also book a transfer online and pay in any currency — local or any other option that suits you most (dollars or euros) — transfer will bring you to the beach in 50 minutes and for $33.

How to choose transport from Phuket airport

City shuttles, comparing with the big buses, require no changes, yet they can also easily take you to tourist offices to buy some excursions (and that is pretty exhausting after a long flight). Please note that the minibuses have no luggage compartments and they usually head off the airport only when they are full.

This type of transport will only be fine with experienced travelers, since they will have to to change buses in Phuket Town and find the Phuket bus station on their own.

Families with children, inexperienced travelers and tourists with lots of bags better take a taxi on the sport or book a transfer online.

Bus Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• City buses Airport — Town
• 2 hours in the road
• 1 hour waiting at the airport
• Price over 140 bahts (90 to the bus station in Phuket Town, 50 to the beach)
• Comfort level: low

City shuttle Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• Minibuses have no firm schedule (to Kata, Karon or Patong)
• 1 hour in the road (+visiting excursion for 30 minutes)
• 1 hour waiting at the airport
• Price 180-200 bahts depending on the beach
• Comfort level: low

Taxi Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• Transfer / Taxi on the spot
• 50 minutes in the road
• No need to wait (meet at arrival) / taxi 5-10 minutes waiting
• Price over 900-1400 bahts (depending on the beach); transfer price is fixed – $33
• Comfort level: high

Don’t forget to see in Phuket:

• Wat Chalong
• Siam Niramit show / Phuket FantaSea
• Bangla Road Street (bars and Go-go show)
• Excurions to the nearby beqches: Krabi, Phi-Phi, Similan Islands
• Thalang National Museum

Despite the fact that millions of people travel there each year, there are still so many people that haven’t visited Niagara Falls. Why? Perhaps they fear they’ll be bored, that there won’t be enough things to occupy them, or that they think all there is to do is go on a boat ride and take a walk around the Botanical Gardens.

While each of those things are equally enjoyable for anyone who visits the area, there is still a lot more to this corner or Canada than meets the eye. Here are just a few of its secrets…

1. They’re just over 10,000 years old

It’s no wonder the Falls have carved their way into our minds the way they have; this iconic giant has been in place for 12,000 years. However, in geological terms, it’s very much the baby of the family; the Appalachians, for example, began forming around 500 million years ago. They won’t be around for ever though – in fact, scientists say that in 50,000 years or so, it will have eroded away completely.

2. People once tight-rope walked over it

A lot of people have taken a tumble over the Falls over the years, with a couple even surviving, but did you know that in the 1800s, several people made a fantastic tightrope-walking effort over nearby Niagara Gorge? It was completed again successfully in 2012 by Nik Wallenda, an American stuntman, for the first time in 116 years.

3. You can stay in a hotel right on the edge

If you’d prefer to see the Falls from the comfort of your own room, then you can do just that. A lot of people think that you have to stay in a hotel in a nearby town, but the Marriott Hotels in Niagara Falls offer breath-taking views, so that you can wake up each morning and eat your breakfast as you look out onto this magnificent natural wonder. You can even eat right on the edge, as many of the top restaurants in the area are built right on the cusp, so that you can enjoy unparalleled views while you dine.

4. There’s a museum dedicated to people who have gone over the Falls

Given how many people have decided to brave the fury of the Falls over the years, an exhibit was set up to commemorate their brave efforts. At the Daredevil Museum, you can take a look at all the props that have been used, and read up on some of the genuine accounts from people who survived, as well as learn about those who didn’t.

5. There are three parts to the Falls

You’ll have to take the Hornblower Cruise if you want to see them all, but Niagara Falls is actually made up of the American, the Bridal Veil and the Horseshoe Falls. It seems to be the Horseshoe waters that have captured imaginations for generations, but the others are just a stunning if you get the chance to visit.

Do you have any other fun facts about Niagara Falls?

If you live in a city, work in an office, and drive everywhere you go it is easy to forget that humans are not the only creatures on earth.  There is a whole other world out there that is inhabited by millions of different creatures.  Exploring the habitat of wild animals is an experience that will recharge your energy and help put your world into focus.  Here are some wildlife breaks that will knock your socks off.

Bird Watching In Bhutan

Bhutan is a small kingdom on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas that is landlocked by India in the south and Tibet in the north.  It is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers and there are close to 700 different species that you may spot.  There are guided bird watch tours available and bird watchers all over the world travel here to watch annual migrations of rare birds such as the Black-Necked Crane (a symbol of peace for Tibetan Buddhists) whose numbers are dwindling.  To see everything Bhutan has to offer, companies like Ampersand Travel provide tailor made trips.

Safari in South Africa

Fly into Johannesburg, South Africa and then drive five hours to Kruger National Park.  Do not attempt the drive at night as it can be quite dangerous due to hippos and crocodiles crossing the road.  Kruger National Park is a fabulous place to experience the thrill of seeing the big five: the lion, elephant, wild buffalo, rhinoceros, and the leopard in their natural habitat.   There are different guided tours that you can take by 4 wheel drive vehicle and you may be able to walk around on foot during the day.  There are plenty of tour operators that offer different levels of accommodation from five star villas to tents.

Cruise In the Galapagos

Taking a cruise in the Galapagos Islands near Ecuador is a great way to explore nature.  These volcanic islands were studied by Charles Darwin and they are host to species of animals and plants that are found nowhere else in the world.  Be sure to visit the giant tortoises that are more than 100 years old on the island of Santa Cruz and see the Charles Darwin Research Station that still continues his studies.

Spirit Bears in Canada

Travel to Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, BC for a chance to see the elusive Spirit Bear.  The temperate rainforest is also home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and the coastal waters are teaming with whales and dolphins.  The area also has ancient village sites and architecture from the First Nations people that live in this area that you can explore.  The lodge has fine accommodations and this is an experience like no other on earth.

Trekking In the Costa Rica Rainforest

The Costa Rican Rainforest is full of life and there are many tour operators that offer guided tours through the rainforest.  You can expect to see sloths, monkeys, and many different kinds of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and arachnids.  You can even sleep in the rainforest overnight on some tours if you dare.

Peru

No visit to Peru is complete without hiking the famous Inca trail in the Andes up to Machu Picchu. There are three intersecting trails that you can choose from. They are called; One Day, Classic, and Mollepata and they all end up at the mysterious Sun Gate on Machu Picchu Mountain. You will wind your way past Incan ruins, tunnels, settlements, and architectural wonders along the way. Be sure to book in advance as they only allow a certain number of hikers on the trails at one time and the trail is closed for maintenance every February.

Russia

Its troubled past may deter people from travelling to this area but Russia is a fantastic place to visit.  It has a vast history, astounding architecture, an exciting blend of cultures, and the landscape varies from subtropical beaches to forests and tundra. Moscow, the capital city, is a great place to start and The Red Square, The Kremlin, and the stunning architecture of St. Basil’s Cathedral are sure to please all visitors.  You can then take a cruise along the river to St. Petersburg to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace and catch a ballet or opera at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. From St Petersburg you can catch the Trans Siberian Railway and take a trip on this exciting train that is bathed in history across the rest of the country. This fabulous train links Europe with Asia and you can continue your journey into other countries quite easily. 

Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and the tango is the national dance. Take some dancing lessons at one of the local clubs and try out this popular past time.  After mastering the national dance you should head out to see the wonderful area of Patagonia. Be sure to visit Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there are more than 300 glaciers.  Perito Moreno is the only glacier in the world that continues to grow.  Patagonia also hosts the seventh largest desert in the world, The Patagonian Desert, and there are plenty of nice places to stay in the area. Here is a travel guide to Argentina.

India

India has a history that spans over 5,000 years and the juxtaposition of modernity amongst the ancient sites will astound all who visit this exciting country.  Everywhere you look there are temples, churches, mosques and other sacred places to explore. Companies like this provide itineraries for your journey to make sure you don’t miss anything. There is so much to do in India; it’s a good idea to plan in advance to make the most of your visit. Join a safari trek or ride through the jungles where you can see tigers, birds, snakes and many other exciting creatures. Visit an ashram to learn how to practice meditation and yoga. There are also many volunteer programs set up to help the less fortunate. The shopping is fabulous and you can pick up pashminas, locally made clothing, and all of the major brands if you are visiting a large city like Mumbai or New Delhi. You can also pick up fabulous fabric and have outfits custom made at tailors for an inexpensive price.

Columbia

The capital city of Bogota is full of wonderful sights and it is worthwhile exploring the districts of     Usequén, where you can view interesting architecture, an open-air market on Sundays and Chapinero where you will find fabulous clubs and restaurants.  Be sure to travel to the Caribbean Coast and traverse the network of cobble-stoned streets in the walled city of Cartagena. Columbia is also one of the countries that the Amazon runs through so be sure to take a trip down this intriguing river where you can see fascinating sights like giant anacondas, pink dolphins, brightly coloured frogs and many other fascinating creatures.

There is nothing like getting away from it all and rushing down the slopes with the wind in your hair and the sun sparkling on the brilliant white snow.  It is a great stress reliever, a great way to stay in shape, and you will leave all of your worries behind you.  Here are four amazing destinations in different areas of the world for ski lovers looking to hit the slopes.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital city in Tyrol, Austria and it is located in the Alps.  There are nine ski hills to choose from and you can buy a pass that gives you access to all of them.  You will find world-class amenities on the hills and first class accommodations in the villages.  If you grow tired of skiing there are plenty of other things for you to do like ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, tobogganing, or you can even go on a horse drawn sleigh ride.

Whistler

Whistler, BC Canada is a great place for skiing and it recently hosted the 2010 Olympics.  It is a world class destination that is roughly 8000 km spread over two mountains and it is the largest skiable area in North America.  The runs are groomed to perfection, there is high end rental equipment available, and it is a great destination for families and people looking for a great place to party.   Be sure to take the Peak to Peak Gondola and soar over the beautiful area that connects the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb and takes approximately eleven minutes.  Be sure to try Heli Skiing and ski in the back country that very few skiers get to explore. The Whistler Village has fabulous accommodations, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife for your après ski experience. Check out the dos and don’ts of Whistler here. If you are really into your skiing, you can take a ski instructor course and spend the whole season teaching people how to ski.

Vail

Vail, Colorado, USA has been known as the winter playground of the rich and famous for years but this beautiful village has accommodations and amenities to fit everyone’s budget. The ski hill opened in 1962 and since then it has strived to offer a fabulous experience for people on and off the slopes. The ski hill offers many levels of runs that are sure to please everyone from the most inexperienced skiers to the experts. The mountain also offers snowshoeing, tubing and there are Kids Adventure Zone areas throughout the mountain. Once you have hit the slopes be sure to check out the village for fine dining, fabulous shopping (everyone needs a good pair of fxr snowmobile pants right?), and a vibrant nightlife.

Meribel

Meribel is located in Moutiers, in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps and it is easily accessible from Paris or London by train.  The area is part of the world class interlinked ski system of Les Trois Vallée and the world famous ski hill of Paradiski is also nearby.  These fabulous ski hills offer first rate lifts, peak snow conditions, and rentals and lessons for beginner skiers. There are plenty of first class accommodations available in the beautiful villages of Brides Les Bains and Les Allues and Meribel. If you are traveling in a group it would be worthwhile renting a chalet.

Cruising is one the most amazing ways to see the world. With Europe having some of the best cruising routes in the world, it’s one of the go to continents for seasoned cruisers and a great place to start out if you’re a cruising newbie. Here are 6 of the best European cruise destinations that you should think about visiting this year:

The Mediterranean

From experiencing the true sophistication of Cannes to indulging in tapas on Las Ramblas in Barcelona and sampling a few scoops of the finest gelato in Rome, a cruise around the beautiful Mediterranean is one of the best as it offers the ideal mix of both stunning cities, with plenty of history and culture to be absorbed, and plenty of beautiful beaches and opportunities to lay on the sands and relax.

The Greek Islands 

For sun seekers looking for picturesque views to indulge in delicious food, there’s no better European cruise destination than the Greek islands. From the picture perfect beauty of Santorini to the chic glamour of Mykonos and the simplicity of Crete, Greece is the perfect cruising destination for chilled out bathing.

The Canary Islands

Perfect for summer fun, sipping on cocktails and partying on the sands, the Canary Islands are an ideal cruising destination for some much needed rest and relaxation time. There’s plenty to do, from visiting the sand dunes in Fuerteventura to the amazing Palmitos Water Park in Gran Canaria and don’t forget the amazing volcanoes in Lanzarote.

The Baltic Cities

A European cruise that’s made for history lovers and culture enthusiasts, the Baltic cities have so much to explore and discover that it’s one of the most popular cruising destinations, especially with those who don’t want to spend their holiday sunbathing. From Russia to Sweden and Norway, the Baltics have some strikingly beautiful architecture that’s not to be missed.

The Norwegian Fjords

For a cruise which will show you some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery the world has to offer, the Norwegian Fjords is the ultimate. With so many breath taking views to be enjoyed and the opportunity to really explore by cycling, walking and sailing through the narrow passages.

For more inspiration check out Planet Cruise deals  where you’ll be able to find more amazing destinations and great deals to all of these incredible European destinations. With cruises to suit everyone from city slickers to seasoned sun bathers, European cruises are so versatile and varied there’s a cruising destination to suit everyone.

Images Courtesy of Planet Cruise

There are so many cool travel accessories constantly being released that it can be difficult to know just what to buy. After all, you want to look and feel great, be on-trend without having to pack all of your clothes, and use technology to make travel as easy as possible.

Here are some must-have travel accessories for your next trip:

A Travel Adaptor

This may seem like a boring addition to your travel accessories, but you’ll be wishing you had one if you rock up to a new country and realise your hair straightener or laptop computer won’t work. Get a worldwide adaptor, which can typically be used in approximately 150 countries, and you’ll be able to charge and use all of your electronics no matter where you visit.

A Passport Case

Passport cases have come a long way, and you can now get a cute case that shows off your personality while also keeping you organised. There’s nothing worse than rocking up to your gate in the airport and wondering where you put your boarding pass, and there are now some awesome passport cases that have multiple sleeves, allowing you to easily store everything that you need to keep safe.

A Cute Bag

Whether you’re using it as your carryon or planning to take it out on the town or to the beach once you arrive, a cute bag is a must when it comes to travel accessories. Tote bags are great for when you have a flight as you can use it as your “extra item” and still fill it with everything you need to take on the plane and items you’ll use once you arrive.

While there are many awesome handbags to choose from, your best bet is a dressy purse or clutch for when you’re going out to dinner or dancing and a more casual day bag for exploring the sites.

A few Pairs of Shoes

It can be hard to decide which shoes to take with you on holiday, since they typically weigh more than most of your clothes and also take up the most space, but you don’t want to be left without your favourites when you need them. Depending on your destination, a classic pair of black high heels is perfect for either a nice dinner out or a few hours of clubbing, while a pair of comfortable flats for during the day is also a good way to go. Wedges are popular for women visiting beach destinations, as you can dress up a pretty dress and go out at night without dealing with uncomfortable stilettos, and if you’re planning to workout in the hotel gym or go for a run to see more of your new town, gym or running shoes are a must.

Your best bet is to wear your heavier shoes on the plane, however this can also be annoying if you need to take them off to go through security

For most people, travelling long-term is a dream, and if you’ve managed to save enough money or you can work on the road as you travel, you’ll be able to have some of the most incredible experiences as you make your way around the world.

The only problem is it can be hard to know what to pack- especially if you’ll be visiting a variety of different countries and climates.

Here are some things you’ll need to take on your travels:

Technology

If you’ll be working remotely as you travel, you’ll need a good laptop. Whether you already have a laptop or you’re in the market for a new one, it makes sense to have it as light as possible so it doesn’t strain your back or add too much weight when it’s in your carry on. Macbook Airs are the perfect type of laptop for travellers, as they’re grunty enough to get things done, and can be stored in a purse- barely adding any weight.

For those who like to take photos and show off their travels (or simply keep the memories), you’ll need a camera. Whether you like the idea of a DSLR, a GoPro, or you have an iPhone with a good camera, don’t forget to take your chargers so you can be ready to snap on the go.

Bags

One of the biggest questions for many people about to travel, is the type of bag they should take. While many travellers begin their trip with a backpack, it’s common to find that this can cause back problems if worn for too long, and it also means that there’s more of a limit to what you can bring- something that is fine if you’re in Southeast Asia since the weather doesn’t change too much, but something that can be a problem if you’re experiencing all four seasons.

It can be tricky to decide on the best suitcases and luggage, but the trick is to look for something sturdy that will last for a long time and can deal with being thrown around by baggage handlers. I like to choose a checked and cabin luggage with a bright colour so I can immediately spot it when it’s going around the baggage carousel at the airport.

Toiletries and Clothes

One thing that’s important to remember, is you can usually find anything pretty much anywhere you travel. If you have a particular type of shampoo you can’t live without or a favourite shirt, by all means pack it for your trip, but if you do happen to leave something at home, it’s usually pretty easy to replace it once you’re travelling (and often for much cheaper than you would find at home).

If you will be experiencing multiple seasons, it makes sense to pack a swimsuit and a thick jumper, along with a light rain jacket, however you may find that it’s better to wait until you’re actually in the cold (or hot) weather, as you can usually find better deals overseas.

Whether or not you enjoy flying, long haul can be a nightmare if the facilities are lacking on the service you have chosen to use. If you are someone who enjoys a great amount of leg room, or simply must be able to play your favourite online games during a journey, and the services you need aren’t offered, you could face a miserable flight. This is why it is advisable to research your flight thoroughly and investigate the selection of airlines available before booking your trip. Fortunately, we’ve done some research for you which should go some way to helping you decide what on-board services really matter to you.

Best Personal Service

Korean Airways suffered a major setback in 2015 when the daughter of the airline’s boss threw a hissy fit over some nuts, but it has still manage to claim the number 8 spot in Travel and Leisure’s list of top airlines. Passengers benefit from excellent service and amazing menus based on dishes from China, Japan, Korea and the West. Even economy travellers can enjoy noticeably generous leg room.

Best for Wi-FI

If staying connected during your flight is a must, you will be looking for a flight that offers excellent Wi-Fi. It may be surprising to learn that until recently, Wi-Fi was not considered a priority for many airlines and that there are many still not offering a comprehensive internet service on all their flights. This is even more surprising with the rise in popularity of mobile gaming and one would think airlines would gladly provide travellers with access to entertaining distractions such as the popular Mr Smith Casino, Game of Thrones app during longer flights.

In fact, only 36% of flights worldwide offer even a chance of getting Wi-Fi on board. JetBlu is planning to provide a home broadband experience on its entire fleet with free access to Netflix and other streaming services. United Boeing 737 currently provide high-speed internet access to passengers and Virgin America has five aircraft equipped with high speed broadband capabilities. Perhaps now more and more airlines are realising the importance of efficient Wi-Fi, they will up their game and allow you as a passenger to access apps such as the much-loved Game of Thrones app, with the option to follow your house in 15 lines.

Best for Comfort

Qantas customers are raving about the level of comfort they are experiencing during their long-haul flights and who can blame them when they have sky beds complete with massage settings at their disposal in Business class, and convenient hammock-like footrests in economy? Business class fliers are also treated to co-ordinating his and her amenity kits which comprise hand cream, lip balm and facial moisturiser.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) are also recommended for convenient comfort in Business Class due to the staggered seating which allows passengers to move freely around the plane without disturbing others. Completely reclining seats are also a plus for those who wish to take a successful snooze during the flight.