Posts by : Izy Berry

Aircraft charters have been around for quite a while. Selecting this method of travel means that you can use a certain plane for a certain trip without any type of long term commitment. There are thousands of different aircrafts to choose from, which includes all sizes of planes from a single engine turboprop to large, executive jets. The size and type of plane will be a significant factor in the cost of the travel.

Advantages Offered by Air Charters

If you only fly to destinations on a private plane a few times a year, then chartering is typically the most affordable option. You will pay for the journey you make, with the primary factors affecting the cost being the age and type of plane, as well as the distance being traveled. Unlike jet cards or fractionals, you don’t have to invest a large amount of money upfront and there is no continual, monthly feels that have to be paid.

With such a wide array of planes available to fly in, you can select the one that best suits your travel needs. Regardless of if it is a light jet to take five to ten people to a meeting hundreds of miles away, or a bigger jet to fly across the continent, you will easily find the perfect charter plane for your needs.

If you currently have a fractional or a jet card, then the jet charters can offer a useful supplement or be a great option for shorter trips. Fractional programs often impose a minimum flight time, which makes a shorter trip extremely costly.

Important Considerations

One of the main disadvantages of a jet charter, as with any type of private flight plan, is that it can become quite costly. If you plan to fly over 20 hours per year on a private plane, it is worth looking at alternative options, such as Fractional Ownership or Jet Cards.

Also, it is important to consider the aircraft demand will be higher at certain times of the year. During peak travel times, you will have to compete with prominent families and individuals who choose to charter and may be stuck with a sub-par charter option.

The safety, quality of the aircraft and standards of service vary quite a bit. This means you need to get a good feel for the company you plan to work with. One way to do this is by browsing the virtual catalog a company offers. Here you can browse the options offered, such as the Turboprop, light jet, mid jet, super-mid jet and heavy jet. The cost of the quote that is typically given includes the ramp fees, taxes, catering, fuel surcharges, fuel and landing fees, as well as any overnight expenses for the crew, if applicable. With chartered private jets, safety is still the number 1 priority. The fuels and oils used by these aircraft are bespoke aeroshell fluid 41 and hydraulic fluids. These go through an industrial process to remove impurities and make them suitable for operating complex machinery. The testing involved before they are allowed to be used commercially is immense. So when travelling this way, you can be sure you are in the safest of hands. 

Remember, the cost of the chartering services can vary quite a bit based on the aircraft, actual geographical location, time of the year traveling, when you are booking the flight and the service provider. For example, a Turboprop may cost around $1,500 while the heavy jet costs $8,500. This is why it is essential to consider your needs to find the best option.

The Bottom Line

People who fly out of a particular airport often build a relationship with the selected charter company. They get a chance to know the planes available, as well as the crew and pilots. This helps them know what to expect with each trip. If you are new to the charter market, it is a good idea to do a bit of investigating prior to making a decision. This will allow you to find the right charter supplier for your needs.

You can keep your Hawaiis and your Virgin Islands. I’m not interested in Bermuda, Barbados, Belize, or the Bahamas. The only tropical paradise I ever want to see again is Palau.

An island country in the far west Pacific ― or the far east, depending on your perspective ― Palau is a tiny archipelago with massive beauty. I had the extreme fortune to visit its exquisite shores last year, and I cannot wait to go back. Here are all the reasons Palau is the most perfect place to spend your vacation days as well as all the reasons you will never want to leave.

The Underwater Serengeti

There is snorkeling and scuba diving ― and then, there is snorkeling and scuba diving around Palau. In the waters amongst the archipelago’s 500-some islands, the waters are teeming with some of the brightest, busiest, most mind-boggling sea creatures in existence. Though you can step in the water basically anywhere in Palau and find a fascinating place to swim, these five sites tend to attract the most divers ― for very good reasons:

• Chandelier Cave. I was hesitant to agree to underwater caving, but I eventually caved (pun intended) and was glad I did. Though there is hardly any coral, there are some exotic fish hiding in the labyrinthine caverns.
• Helmet Wreck. Whenever you get the chance, you should book a wreck dive. This shipwreck from World War II has grown a fabulous coral system from bow to stern, demonstrating how life always prevails.
• Blue Corner. An impressive ridge of coral extends deep into the ocean, making for spectacular views, but the strong currents here reserve this site for experienced divers only. I sat this one out, but my partner wouldn’t stop talking about the one-of-a-kind views.
• Turtle Wall. In contrast, this site is ideal for beginners. This massive reef seems to be just five feet below the surface, but it actually extends almost 900 feet to the ocean floor. Based on the name, it is no surprise that this is a popular hangout for sea turtles.
• Jellyfish Lake. Last but not least: Palau’s most famous diving site is a saltwater lake that is suffused with millions of jellies. The jellies’ stingers are too small to hurt humans, and swimming amidst so many harmless blobs is a memory you cannot miss.

The Harrowing History

During World War II, Palau was a highly advantageous island for the Pacific Theater, and Japanese and American forces fought desperately for control of its airstrip in 1944. The result was tragic ― thousands of casualties on both sides and a natural paradise littered with war wreckage ― and much of the evidence of the struggle remains on Palau today.

I took a guided tour to many sites containing WWII-era machinery, which includes rusted tanks, planes, and even unexploded ordinances. It is thrilling to realize how important this tiny archipelago was to two of the most dominant nations, and it is captivating to see the complex machinery deteriorating due to nature’s power.

The Cosmopolitan Culture

Though much of my time in Palau was spent exploring the natural scenery, it is hard to ignore the culture that has developed in its most populous city, Koror. Influenced by the convergence of peoples, Koror is equal parts American and Asian ― with a healthy dash of distinctive Palauan, to boot.

Thanks to my saved up rewards points from my amazing rewards card, I was able to save money when
I booked a hotel within walking distance from the downtown neighborhood. Exploring the shops and eateries on Main Street is terrifically fun, and since Palau uses the U.S. dollar, prices were easy to understand. I particularly enjoyed seeing traditional Palauan storyboards, an art form not common anywhere else.

The Commitment to the Environment

As an environmentalist, I was most thrilled to learn that Palau is leading the world in environmental protection. An astounding 100 percent of Palau’s oceans are preserved as natural sanctuaries, and the small-island nation is working hard to use only renewable resources and keep the environment pristine. In 2014, President Remengesau was named “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations, which is no small honor. I look forward to returning to Palau to find it even more beautiful than when I left ― which is impossible to say about most other vacation destinations.

Nothing’s better than popping open a cork after a hectic day at the office, and the exquisite wine that flows in tempting drops into your polished glass.

Sometimes in this sweet moment we hear this voice whispering in our ear “should I really be drinking wine?” We then try to answer the question by countering that a little wine won’t hurt. Of course, overindulgence on anything is a health no-no, but what if it’s just a glass or two of your favorite wine per week?

Most of us know the heart-healthy benefits of red wine. Now, prepare to be relieved and amazed! Did you know that your wine-drinking habit can be a powerful health elixir? Check out the following benefits of wine that go way beyond heart health.

1. Live Longer. Yep. A recently discovered Blue Zone on the Island of Ikarios are people who live longer than anywhere else in the globe. Their daily wine consumption is agreed to be one of the reasons for the phenomenon. That and eating fewer animal-based foods and consuming more plant-based foods. You’ll notice that the residents of Sardinia and Crete continually sips dark red wine, the same variety of pinot noir from Advintage. A study in 2007 found out that procyanidins, a compound found in red wine tannings help promote heart health.

2. Promote eye health. Resveratrol also hinders out-of-control blood vessel that grows in the eyes. This is according to a research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine. This aids with treatment of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Take note though that these studies were done in mice, so the dose for humans is not yet clear. However, this is a promising start.

3. Get Smarter. The resveratrol found in wine may help improve short-term memory. Tests show that 30 minutes after trial, researchers notice that participants taking resveratrol can retain longer words and has increased performance in the portion of the brain connected with the production of new learning, emotions, and memories.

4. Prevent Prostate Cancer. A report by Harvard Men’s Health Watch found out that men who drink an average of four to seven glasses of wine every week have a 52% less chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to those won don’t. Red wine is also associated with the prevention of aggressive or advanced cancers.

5. Lessen the risk of stroke. Wine can also reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. An analysis adjusted for sex, age and smoking, intake of wine on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis was associated with a lower risk of any type of stroke compared with no wine intake.

6. Prevent breast cancer. Red grapes have the ability to stop the activity of aromatase, the enzyme found in breast tumors that produce their own estrogen – doctors call this an aromatase inhibitor. Red wine can serve as a nutritional source of aromatase inhibitor, which may decrease the elevated breast cancer risk caused by excessive alcohol intake.

7. Reduce your diabetes risk. People who drink wine moderately have a 30 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This may be because of resveratrol, which enhances sensitivity to insulin. Insulin resistance is the most vital factor that contributes to Type 2 diabetes risk.

The only mistake you can make is to rely on a bottle for all your health concerns. Overindulgence is a no-no. Now that you’ve seen the many awesome benefits of wine, it’s time to drink a glass!

A great wine holiday combines spectacular vineyards with rich heritage and top-notch wine. Whether you’re a novice or connoisseur, these world-class regions promise the experience of a lifetime. Learn more about your favorite wines, enjoy the local attractions and take in the beautiful landscapes.

Piedmont, Italy

Situated on the borders of Switzerland and France, Italy’s second largest region is home to the legendary reds, Barbera and Nebbiolo. The charming hilltop town of Asti is where you’ll also find the sparkling Italian white, Moscato d’Asti. It’s this impressive legacy which makes Peidmont one of the best destinations in Italy for the wine lover.

Some of the vineyards such as Roero and Monferrato have even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect magnificent scenery in the nearby Alps and be sure to indulge at one of the many fine dining restaurants.

Rhone Valley, France

Boasting 13 wine trails, this picturesque landscape in Southern France stretches an impressive 150 miles. Producing wine for over 500 years this region is responsible for many full bodied reds and was the birthplace of Syrah.

Visitors can explore the many quaint villages and take culinary workshops which are offered throughout the region. You’ll be given pairing advice for locally sourced foods including truffles and cheeses. The active individual can also enjoy an array of activities from hiking the Mont Ventoux or if you’re feeling brave, you could cycle the entire length of the Rhone.

Galicia, Spain

Nestled in the northwest corner of Spain, this verdant region receives plenty of rainfall throughout the winter. It creates a lush green landscape unlike anywhere else in the country.

Tour the famed vineyards of Ribeira and Monterrei where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to taste the wine and find out more about producing methods. The region is also home to Albarino wine which is becoming increasingly popular on the international stage. Be sure to sample some of Galicia’s world class seafood and visit the many historic sites including the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Travel down the awe-inspiring Garden Route on the southeastern coast of South Africa and you’ll eventually stu8mble upon a wine mecca. The famed route covers dozens of exclusive wineries, showcasing the regions signature Pinotage and Chenin Blanc wines.

The spectacular backdrop of mountains provide the perfect setting for a full day tour where you’ll visit beautiful vineyards including the famed DeMorgenzon. These masters of production play baroque music throughout their estate as it is believed to enhance the ripening process! From here, finish your adventure by visiting the bustling capital, Cape Town which is home to plenty of great restaurants and chic bars.

Treat yourself to an indulgent holiday in one of these wine destinations and you’ll be guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience.

Image by puliarf used under Creative Commons License.

Reading my articles has showed you, without a doubt, that I am very fond of unique experiences. I’ve had quite a few already, and I plan to have even more in the coming years. Next year – if I can find the time and the energy – I plan to spend a few days in a picturesque part of Europe, which is unfortunately off the tourist maps most of the time, exploring some of its less known wonders hidden underground.

The salt mines of Turda

Turda is a small town near Cluj Napoca, one of the most important university centers of Romania. While it was for a long time overshadowed by another salt mine of the country, it has quickly gained notoriety as one of the most spectacular underground attractions in Romania. The mine itself, which has been turned into a tourist attraction and a place of relief for respiratory issues, was producing table salt as early as a millennium ago.

“Spectacular” is the word I’d use to describe the wonders of this tourist attraction. People could spend days underground, wandering around in the vast man-made caverns, breathing in the healthy air. The resort offers a series of activities to explore, from rowing on an underground lake to simply sitting on a bench, using its free WiFi to read the news or play casino games while letting the air do its job. And it could be worth it even beyond the experience – a friend of mine who has spent a week there told me he didn’t even catch a cold in the next year and a half.

The ice cave of Scarisoara

An unsung wonder of the Romanian countryside, hidden between the mountains of Alba county, is the ice cave of Scarisoara. To reach the cave, you’ll have to drive – there’s no train, no bus to take you close to it. By car it can be reached at the end of a scenic drive, followed by a 10 minute walk in the woods. But once you get there, the wonder begins. First you’ll have to walk down over 200 steps into something that resembles a giant sinkhole. Once you get to the bottom, you’ll feel the change in the air: it’s cold. And when you enter the cave, you’ll find out why – it is filled with ice, even during the hottest days of the summer. And it’s amazing.

Once you’re in, you’ll be amazed of the dimensions of the Big Hall, from where you can visit the Church (with over 100 stalagmites made of ice) and the Little Reserve. There are other areas inside, but these are reserved for researchers and scientists. But the part you can see is amazing in itself.

Travel broadens the mind but it also puts it under a great deal of stress. Your body also gets a pummelling from travel, changing time zones and kicking around in airports. This harm can only be minimised, so how do you make your air travel as enjoyable as possible? We have tips on what you can do on long flights to slay boredom including offline tablet games. Also we share other tips to get through the journey which bookends any holiday or trip you may have.

When most people book flights the first operators they think of are the budget airlines such as Ryanair, FlyBe and Easyjet. We have all experienced the sardine effect on these flights so why not consider other airlines which may give you more leg room and comfort, Skyscanner for example compares flight destinations and airlines as often the price difference will be smaller than you think. Don’t assume that price is everything as you may wish to pay a little more and have a better flight experience.

You may be past that point and in a week or so you will find yourself (once again) on a plane possibly dreading a flight. The novelty of having 5000 books on the kindle has worn off so you get out your tablet, flick airplane mode on and fire it up. Then you realise you are bored of all the apps and games on there.

Wi-Fi is freely available at most airports so the seasoned traveller will take advantage of this – some airlines even offer this service.

Why not try Euro Palace Casino which has a variety of games that you can bring with you on the flight. These games are always updated so if you are a regular flyer you can find new challenges and different gaming environments. Euro Palace also has an accompanying blog which provides an update to the latest games that you can play. Games range from Basketball and Rugby Star, Brides Mades, Penguin Splash and many more which keeps things fresh.

Other kit to bring on the flight include a travel cushion – it takes a lot of air miles to invest and get used to bringing one on a trip but they are well worth it. When the alternative is your fellow passengers shoulder or a rolled up coat you will be so glad you packed it. Flight socks may look ridiculous but they are essential especially on longer flights, socks mixed with comfortable clothing will make the journey far more bearable. To top it all you can now buy attractive travel wallets which will put your boarding passes, passport and car parking tickets all in one place. No more searching in your bag and coat to find the boarding pass you thought you didn’t need anymore!

So for travel its best to be realistic about how stressful a journey can be and also to refrain from making the same mistakes twice. If you ever say “next time I am going to” – stop. Make a note and ensure your future flights are more comfortable next time. With a mix of technology and the practical flying doesn’t have to be an endurance test and could actually be enjoyed.

The island nation of Sri Lanka is situated to the south of India and boasts a tropical climate combined with rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Sri Lanka attracts people from all around the world with its stunning sandy beaches, ancient religious sites and large jungles and national parks. Here are some of the things that are waiting to be discovered in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

This colossal rock is the national monument of Sri Lanka and no trip to the country would be complete without taking the time to view it. The gigantic rock measures two hundred metres high and set is set in a picturesque garden. A path leads to the very top of Sigiriya and visitors who complete the climb will be rewarded with spectacular views, while Sigiriya is also famous for its ancient and remarkably well preserved rock murals.

Pinnewale Elephant Sanctuary

This impressive sanctuary serves as a safe haven for dozen of elephant’s who have been injured by Sri Lanka’s poachers. One of the great things about Pinnewale is that the elephants are allowed to roam freely on large padlocks and visitors are permitted to interact with them in a controlled way before being put in an enclosure while the mighty beasts make their way down to the river each day to bathe. People who want to get even closer to these magnificent animals have the chance to volunteer to help take care of the elephants at Pinnewale for a few weeks or even months.

Adam’s Peak

This mighty mountain measures 2,243 metres high and can be found in the very heart of Sri Lanka. It takes around four hours to climb to the top of Adam’s Peak including plenty of rest stops along the way. The best time to start the climb is 02:00 so that visitors will have plenty of time to reach the top before securing a stop to watch the enchanting sunrise. While climbing to the top of Adam’s Peak is no easy task, people who have plenty of stamina will find that the effort is definitely worth it.

Kandy

This picturesque town can be found in the very heart of Sri Lanka and is the country’s cultural capital. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which is believed to house one of the original teeth of Lord Buddha from the period when he explored Sri Lanka.

Galle

This charming town can be found on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is famous for its large cricket ground where regular matches are held. Galle also boasts several stunning sandy beaches and this is a popular place to go surfing among active travellers.

Sri Lanka is a nation that is just waiting to be explored by people who have a strong sense of adventure and a love for nature. Those who enjoy taking part in adventure activities are sure to get the most out of exploring Sri Lanka and naturally taking out a travel insurance policy before leaving home is essential.

The travel industry has an ongoing challenge. People cancel trips all the time, leaving hotel rooms standing empty. Revenue is lost, good reviews are lost, and it’s never good for a hotel to look like it couldn’t find customers.

It didn’t seem like all that much of an issue to me, though, until I found out the extent of the problem. Millions of hotel reservations are cancelled every day. That’s not an exaggeration. In the US alone, 220,000 hotel rooms are cancelled daily.

It’s because of this that most hotels don’t offer refunds. They’ve got to cut their losses. Of course, that’s not much comfort when you can’t get your hard earned money back.

No one wins. Everyone is frustrated. It’s a good thing there’s a solution.

Hotel Rooms Recycling

Recycling is probably not something you associate with hotel rooms. You recycle paper, plastic, and glass. Not cancelled reservations.

But a company called Roomer have found a way to recycle hotel rooms. Those non-refundable rooms standing empty are being wasted. The money has already been spent, and although it’s not coming back, the person who booked is getting nothing out of it.

Recycling a hotel room is as easy as selling it on to anyone who wants it. Instead of leaving those hotel rooms empty, fill them up with replacements.

Hotel bargains.. Someone?

Frustrated sellers are willing to sell cheap. It’s the perfect opportunity for bargain hunters. The hotel rooms are great quality, even though their prices don’t show it.

All we need to do is match these people up. Sounds simple? Good luck with that. Even if you manage to find a good match, you won’t really know how good it is until everything goes off without a hitch.

But the brilliant solution that Roomer found makes it easy, which is why they were selected as one of USA Today’s top 3 travel websites. This is how I found the company that had the perfect bargain for me.

Discounted hotel rooms, here I come!

Every time I go away, I inevitably spend far more than I budget. Everything costs more than the last time. And no one wants to compromise. If I have to pay more for comfort, I find a way. Or change the destination.

But Roomer’s deals were incredible. While looking through their hotel-marketplace, I found prices which made me more than a little suspicious. Over 70% off loads of 4 and 5 star hotels. Could I really trust those ratings?

The answer is a resounding yes. The prices weren’t low because of the quality. They were low because sellers were willing to settle for less. Any remaining suspicion was taken away by Roomer’s advanced automated verification system. They make sure the seller and the hotel are not misleading you over what you’re going to get. That’s something most other bookings sites won’t do.

A win-win-win situation

The sellers get their money back. The buyers get great deals. And the cancellations no longer affect the hotels. Those rooms and hallways which would have been empty are now filled.

The hotel industry recognises this. Many hotels partner with Roomer to ensure the best service possible. They also offer exclusive deals on unreserved rooms through Roomer’s website. This means you’ve always got a great chance of finding what you’re looking for.

More trips, more often

The solution also allows people to travel more often. When you’re getting bargains this good, you free up money for the next time. A vacation doesn’t have to be a rare event.

Travel destinations fill up, as more and more people take advantage of recycled rooms. The quality is amazing. The service is flawless. Roomer is really a great find – it will change the way I travel.

Have a look for yourself, and see what sort of deals you can dig up.