Posts by : Izy Berry

While many people think of the beach and sun when they think of a holiday, there’s a lot of the world that you’re missing out on if you don’t fancy somewhere cold. We explore the best cities to visit in the winter, some of which are better in the cold than they are in the summer. If you’re planning a winter break for late 2015 or early 2016, this is your ultimate guide.

Christmas in New York

While temperatures in the summer can be quite impressive, they can get rather low in winter too. The city seems to suit the cold weather better than the hot, with clear, bright blue skies and crisp mornings and lots of snow. The winter fun kicks off with the Thanksgiving Day Parade – 50 foot balloons in the shape of cartoon characters and superheroes make their way down from Central Park through Broadway. After that, it’s Christmas season. 5^th avenue shop fronts have their holiday displays, the Rockefeller Centre lights their 70ft tree with five miles of lights and a Swarovski crystal star atop, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is in its 84^th year.

Oslo

Dawn takes all morning, and fine mist hovers over the trees. Oslo is a beautiful city in winter. Very cold, but very beautiful. You shouldn’t go without adequate clothes to keep you warm. With a wealth of culture to keep you entertained and educated, just outside of the city there are parks where you can practice your skiing, snowboarding or sledding skills. If you’re a keen winter sportsperson, then making sure that you have the right equipment can mean the difference between a good time and a great time.

Venice

Venice can be very crowded in summer. Plus, the canals do make it a bit smelly too. In winter, on the other hand, it is practically deserted. You don’t have to queue for anything (the basilica of San Marco has queues to rival Disneyland in the summer), and you have the city to yourself. From enjoying a coffee or a delicious hot chocolate in one of many secret gardens to looking over a romantically misty lagoon, to watching an opera at the Fenice, Venice might be deserted in winter, but there’s lots to keep you entertained.  If you go during the Carnival of Veice, however, you’ll find that the city is definitely not deserted – and the prices that you pay will go up – but it is an incredible time to be in the city.

Once a small fishing town in the Valencia region, today Benidorm has become one of the premier destinations in Europe, known specifically for its two long stretches of sandy beach backed by palm trees and beach-side bars, as well as its hopping nightlife. There are plenty of great things to do around this region any time of year, so if you’re looking to plan a holiday to Benidorm, here are some of the great sites and activities you won’t want to miss out on.

The Beaches

If you’re heading to the coast of Spain for your holidays, odds are you’re looking to spend a little time relaxing and unwinding on one of their many luxurious beaches. Benidorm has great stretches backed by promenades where you can order fresh seafood and paella or simply sit in the shade of a palm tree and enjoy a refreshing drink. The two main beaches are Levante and Poniente, which are both large curling beaches that are great to relax on or walk. Malpas is the third and can be found at the foot of the castle cliffs.

The Old Town

Benidorm’s Old Town is filled with great sites and landmarks, such as the Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana, Placa del Castell, and the Balcon del Mediterraneo, where you can take in wonderful views of the coast and the city. At the edge of the Old Town, between the beaches of Levante and Poniente, you will also find the location of an old castle that was bombed in 1812 prior to the Battle of Trafalgar.

Algar Waterfalls

For those looking to get out and explore some of the region’s natural wonders, Algar Waterfalls is a place you must visit. Located just 15km from Benidorm, this park not only provides visitors with beautiful vistas of the river and waterfalls along with spots to picnic, but it also is home to swimming holes that sit beneath the falls and allow you to stop and cool off along the way. Be sure to also explore the nearby Old Town of Algar.

Guadalest

For a great day trip, the old walled town of Guadalest and the mountaintop castles of San Jose and Alcozaiba are must-see attractions for those who enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains and historical sites. The region is also home to the baroque Catholic Church, Mare de Déu de l’Assumpció, as well as the tower Rock of Alcala, a tower that protected the northern side of Guadalest Castle.

Benidorm Island

A trip out to Benidorm Island, located about 3.5km off the coast will give visitors the opportunity to escape the crowds and spend some time relaxing amongst the native wildlife, which mostly consists of peacocks, and has given the island its nickname Peacock Island.

However you plan to spend your time exploring the Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, there is no doubt that you will find your Spanish holiday unforgettable.

Images by Stephen, Diego Delso, Jon Connell, Roger Davies and Rob Ellis used under the Creative Commons License.

Brisbane has come into its own in the past decade. With a vibrant and diverse culture, it offers an affordability that its counterparts (Melbourne and Sydney) cannot match and a climate that has its southern cousins green (and shivering) in envy. There are a host of reasons you should study in Brisbane, but here are the top five.

1. Climate

As Australia’s largest sub-tropical city, Brisbane boasts bright sunny days and mild nights most of the year. Even in winter, clear, soul-warming sunshine creates average daytime temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius, meaning outdoor dining, activities and even beach-going are standard fare.

2. Affordability

When it comes to affordability, Brisbane has Sydney and Melbourne beat. Student accommodation in Brisbane ranges from share houses to apartments, with specialists such as Iglu offering complete accommodation packages that include rent, utilities and even internet in a fixed weekly price.

3. Culture

From South Bank to West End, from Fortitude Valley to the picturesque heights of Paddington, Brisbane is a bevy of culture. Having found its true feet as a city to suit all tastes and desires, each weekend Brisbane serves up a bounty of festivals, fairs and activities.

In August, the once country town pays homage to its agricultural roots with the hugely popular Royal Queensland Show, or ‘The Ekka’ as it’s more fondly termed. Thousands turn out for this nine-day event that sees prize cattle shoulder to shoulder with the finest fare, most amazing produce, and carnival attractions.

In spring, the city comes alive with the Brisbane Festival, culminating in the city’s night of nights – ‘Riverfire’, when the entire river city is lit up with music and fireworks.

That’s not to mention the permanent fixtures of the casual friendly lifestyle, vibrant music and arts scene, and the funky café and restaurant culture.

4. Transport

If you have the good fortune to obtain student accommodation in Brisbane, you’ll soon discover that it’s a city that is easily navigated and should be freely explored. The city welcomes outdoor living, meaning cycleways, walking paths and parks abound.

Traversing from the outskirts to the city is equally simple, with trains and buses servicing the city’s transit routes while ferries scoot along the river.

5. Activities

Due to its climate, Brisbane is a sporting and leisure paradise. From rowing the Brisbane River to leisurely cycling its banks, there is always something to do in the city.

Within an hour’s drive are two of Australia’s most picturesque coastal areas, with the Gold Coast and its iconic Surfers Paradise to the south and the more rugged beauty of the Sunshine Coast and the tourism gem Noosa to the north.

Are you looking to blend work and travel? If so, here are five indispensable courses that will provide you with highly transferrable skills and greater chances of employment as a traveller.

1. Business administration

If you’re planning on travelling abroad and doing the whole ‘working holiday’ thing, administration jobs are one of the easiest and fastest ways to pick up work. You’ll need some basic skills such as typing and will need to practice your phone manner. By doing a short course or certificate in business administration, you’ll pick up invaluable skills and knowledge to work in almost any office environment. These include using office-specific software and learning some basics about financial and accounting procedures. This type of course could really help you stand out amongst other working holiday makers and help you land a job quickly.

2. Construction and engineering

Alongside administration, this industry offers excellent opportunities to combine work and travel. Additionally, many construction companies are multi-national, so once you land a job with them, your chances of working in new locations both here and abroad are dramatically increased. By starting with something like a Certificate in Construction and Engineering, you might be able to get your foot in the door with an employer who then offers to pay for your ongoing training an education. Take a look into education providers who have teamed up with industry to provide on-the-job training, such as Careers Australia.

3. Teaching English as a Secondary Language

Referred to as TESL or TEFL, this course is almost purely designed for those looking to work abroad. You will need to polish up on your English skills first and it’s probably a good idea to research the language requirements of TESL courses before you go down this path.

4. Internships

Some multi-national companies offer cadetships or internships for school leavers and graduates. This can be an excellent way to get job-specific training, build your work experience and even get paid while you study. During or after your training, you may be posted in other locations domestically or internationally. If this is of interest to you, start researching companies in the resource and mining sector.

5. First Aid

First aid is not only an invaluable life skill to have, but it can also help you if you’re interested in working or volunteering abroad on humanitarian or community-aid projects. Because most of these are based on poorer, regional arears with low levels of hygiene, having basic first aid skills and knowledge are invaluable. As a traveller, this type of training can also be extremely helpful and in some cases, life-saving.

If you enjoy travelling and would like to combine this with work, consider doing one the courses outlined above, as they can provide you with skills for almost any job, anywhere.

Dubai is the emirate which is at the forefront of contemporary jet setting. You might find yourself stopping here for a couple of days, on business, for a short but indulgent getaway or as part of a transfer to your final destination. Whatever the reason, there’s plenty to see and do no matter how long you are staying for. Here’s a sample itinerary of what to do during your day and night in Dubai.

Morning

Start the day by filling up at La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie with the best breakfast in Dubai. Sit outside on the terrace and sample the French menu of oeufs brouillés à la truffle, pain perdu, oeufs bénédicte and, of course, a selection of freshly baked pastries. You can even choose to wash it down with a glass of Champagne. Then it’s time to go and see the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Make your way up to its observation deck for spectacular views of the city. Continue your morning here by shopping in the famous Dubai Mall, which proudly sits on the ground floor of the building. From Jimmy Choo to Michael Kors to Montblanc, this is a shopper’s heaven.

Noon

If you want to take it easy, Jumeirah Beach is an incredible stretch of white sands and clear waters with a city skyline backdrop. Parts of the beach are private and these resorts charge day pass fees for service, but there is also a public area to take advantage of. Fancy being a bit more adventurous? A hot air balloon ride should do it! There are operators that take groups over the dunes and the city, so research and book yours in advance. If you prefer to stay on the ground, wander around the Al Fahidi Historic District where you can pop into craft shops, cafes and art galleries.Or, if you want to get out into the desert, you can take tours either in a 4×4 or on the back of a camel. Whichever way you choose to go, it’s an experience you’ll likely never forget!

Nighttime

Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek that you can spend an evening floating around on a dinner cruise. Choose your favourite cuisine from the different operators then set sail and watch the twinkling lights of the city as you eat your meal and drink your wine. Once back on dry land, go for a cocktail at Skyview Bar, QDs or The Act, each offering their own form of entertainment like burlesque and sheeshas. Another popular option is 350 Lounge, where you can mingle with the young and trendy while overlooking this spectacular city.

Pack as much in during your stay in Dubai , it really is a place where its fascinating history meets its innovative present and looks to an exciting future.

Images by  Marc Gerard del Rosario ,  David Jones ,  Aleem Youssaf ,  Florian Martys and  David Lisbona used under the Creative Commons License.

Sunny Portugal, with its appealing climate and stunning natural scenery, is consistently listed as a top tourist hotspot. The coastal capital city of Lisbon is the second oldest in the world after ancient Athens, meaning that there is plenty to see and do. The city boasts plenty of opportunities for hill-top photographs, relaxing on the beaches, and visits to the many UNESCO world heritage sites dotted about. Here’s a guide to a quick city break to soak up some sun and some history.

Day One – Ancient Alfama

After checking into your hotel, start at the beginning of Lisbon’s rich history with a visit to Afama, the ‘Old Quarter’.  The land on St. George’s Castle has been in use since the Iron Age, but the castle dates back to the early 12th century, and is strikingly well preserved for its age, and enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city from the camera obscura. The Sé Romanesque Cathedral eclectically mixes many dates and styles of architecture, following several repair and rebuild attempts since its original construction in 1150 AD – be sure to visit the on-site architectural dig to learn about the processes of uncovering these incredible sites. For dinner, pop into a nearby Tasca for some delicious tapas.

Day Two – Tram 28

Famous for its vintage styling, Lisbon’s original tramline 28 has been serving locals and visitors alike as part of the city’s public transport since 1914. The hour-long route takes you through the centre of the city’s narrow streets, from the shopping district of Baixa through to Campa de Ourique. A 24 hour pass costs just $6, so stop off and visit anything that takes your interest as you explore the centre of town. After dinner, grab a tram to the boho Bairro Alto for a sample of Portuguese nightlife – a pub crawl up the Rue Atalialia is a great start.

Day Three – Beautiful Belém

The city has been the starting point for many of Portugal’s famed global explorers, and has a strong maritime history – start off at the Torre dé Belem, a 16th century gothic fortress erected during Portugal’s ‘Age of Discovery’. At lunchtime, sample a custard tart and have a picnic visiting the aristocratic Tropical Garden. To learn more about Portugal’s seafaring and colonial past, snap a photo of the Discoveries Monument and head to the Maritime Museum before heading home.

The beautiful Caribbean island of Cuba, situated south west of the USA, is known to most travellers and tourists due to its turbulent cold war history with the US and its remaining a communist state. However, Cuba offers plenty for travellers to see, do, and eat with incredible historical architecture and sunny weather. With the recent news that its fifty-year-long US trade embargo has ended, the time is ripe for visiting before the ‘Americanization’ of its culture begins.

Hotels

Over the last couple of years Cuba has increasingly expanded as a tourist destination, from further emphasis on its rum tours to the huge variety of live music and nightlife in Havana. As the country is set to finally open its doors to North American holidaymakers, new hotels are cropping up all over the place, with at least nine set to open in Havana within the next five years. These are set to compete with the current range of hotels for all budgets, from newer luxurious honeymoon resorts to family friendly, vintage B&B styles, including a converted former mob palace.

Food

It’s difficult to say what impact the importation of American groceries will have on traditional Cuban menu fare, which usually consists of simply prepared dishes with Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences and organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Unless you are staying in an inclusive resort hotel, the best grub can usually be found at a paladar (home restaurant) or street food made by locals and sold on the premises, usually in the front garden. In bars and restaurants, rum is very easily available and remarkably cheap, with bottles available for approximately 3$CUC, and is used as a base for a wide range of cocktails.

Culture

As with all of the Caribbean islands, Cuba is ideal for visiting to get some R&R on a sunny beach, but its unique cultural charms beg to be appreciated. For an introduction to the country’s turbulent history, visit the Museum de Revolucion, or wander around the art galleries of Havana’s Plaza Vieja. For a big picture tour of Havana, take a classic car tour in a modified pre-revolutionary classic car for the novelty of it. If you’d rather escape the city for a few days, bookworms and nature lovers alike can hop on a bus to Finca Vígea and visit Ernest Hemingway’s house.

The Costa del Sol is often one of those areas in Spain that tourists think they know about but have never actually visited. If you want to experience the region for yourself, there are some fantastic places to visit and attractions to see. Here are just five reasons why you should vacation there, but there is much more to experience besides.

Málaga

Often, Málaga is just seen as tourists head away from the airport, but it is also a great coastal resort. The city has some amazing cultural and historical attractions, including a Roman amphitheater, the Picasso Museum and the 15th-century La Manquita, Malaga’s cathedral.

Marbella

This resort is an ideal location for a holiday with your friends. It’s renowned for its glitz and glamour, and you might be lucky enough to spot a celebrity or two while they’re mooring up their yachts at the Puerto Banús. However, the resort also has plenty of Spanish charm, especially within the buildings, cafes, and restaurants of the old town.

El Caminito del Rey

This is only an attraction for those who have a head for heights. Many say that it is the world’s most dangerous walkway; it stretches for four kilometers but is also positioned over 100 meters high. If you don’t fancy the walk, you can still admire the views from El Chorro nearby.

The Rock of Gibraltar

Gibraltar offers visitors a little piece of the UK on the edge of the Mediterranean. When you visit here, you should take the time to go on a cable car up to the top of the rock. Once you’re there, you’ll have some remarkable views and will also be able to see some of the famous residents, the monkeys.

Caves of Nerja

This labyrinth of caves is situated deep underneath the town of Nerja. If you visit here, you’ll see some amazing stalactites and stalagmites as you head on the five-kilometer trail. One of the chambers creates a natural amphitheater and plays host to a number of concerts throughout the year.

Staying on the Costa del Sol

There are so many resorts across the Costa del Sol, so you can easily choose one that suits your tastes. There is also a wide range of accommodation options depending on your budget and the facilities that you’re looking for. One idea is to research the vacation rentals in Costa del Sol and look at the apartments that are available on a short-term basis. These can be rented in a choice of sizes, with different amenities and in locations across the region, so you get exactly what you’re looking for. The vacation rentals are great for families who want a relaxed atmosphere or groups of friends who all want to stay together.

When you’ve visited the Costa del Sol once and experienced the charm and facilities for yourself, you’ll want to return year after year. Finding the perfect vacation rental will help you to enjoy your break even more.

Women and men have different needs when it comes to vacation essentials. Some of the most convenient gadgets out there are not always available at your typical store. Here are a few gadgets to make your next vacation less stressful.

Supportive garments

Walking around on vacation can cause foot pain and soreness if you don’t have the proper support. Foot Angel compression socks can prevent and relieve pain in your arches and heels. The sleeves are open-toed, so you can wear them with some fashionable footwear without anyone knowing that you are wearing them. Make sure that you pack the proper footwear for your trip. If you find that you don’t have the right footwear, it is recommended that you buy it before stressing your feet too much.

Buy clothes when you get there

Don’t leave all your clothing behind, but plan on buying some while you are traveling. Shopping can be fun, and you can pick up some unique items that you cannot find anywhere else.

Folding trolley bag

A wheeled bag can help you navigate through airports and railway terminals while saving a lot of strain on your back. This helps ensure that you have more energy when you arrive at your destination.

Portable hair dryer bonnet

If you want to look your best, you may want to consider how you are going to do your hair while on vacation. A portable hair dryer bonnet takes up very little space in your bag and can be a real lifesaver when you are getting ready to go out for the evening.

First aid kit

No one wants to waste their vacation shopping at the pharmacist. A very small first aid kit is all that is needed for most trips, unless you plan on taking part in strenuous or more dangerous activities. If you don’t want to buy a prepacked kit, then try to at least remember to pack a small bottle of nonprescription pain reliever, a few band aids, and antibiotic cream.

Skin care

When you are on vacation, your skin is exposed to a lot of different elements. Late nights out and time in the sun can take their toll on the beauty of your skin. A good under-eye and night cream can help you to reduce the appearance of dark spots and eye fatigue. Even if you are traveling to a temperate area, you should still pack sunscreen. Some of the worst sunburns on vacation happen when travelers least expect them, such as on a ski trip.

Reconsider your list of essentials

While it is important to pack enough to be comfortable, you also want to make sure that you don’t pack too many things. Airlines have become much stricter about enforcing baggage weight limits. If you go over, you can pay a significant amount to take all that extra stuff that you likely don’t need. You can go on an extended trip with far less baggage than you think.

Travel can be expensive. Along with flights, accommodation, public transport, and insurance, you’ll need to budget for food. Depending on the country, food can quickly add up, and since most travellers fail to budget enough for this, you may find that you need to cut your trip short, or spend less time visiting tourist sites and doing activities.

There are plenty of ways to cut your food costs when traveling. Remember that along with three meals a day, you’ll probably need to budget for both snacks and water-no one goes to Italy without trying the gelato after all.

Here are some ways you can cut food costs while traveling:

Choose accommodation with breakfast:

You’ll be surprised how many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses offer breakfast for their guests. While some may have the usual continental breakfast of a stale donut and bad coffee (I’m looking at you Motel 6), many will offer fresh fruit, a cooked breakfast, or delicious pastries. This is the perfect time to eat as much as you can, particularly foods with lots of protein which will keep you full for longer.

Cook your own food

Most hostels have some form of kitchen, and you can check reviews to see how stocked and clean the kitchens are before you book the hostel. This is not only a great way to save money, but you’ll be able to find fresh local produce in many of the markets so you’ll stay healthy as well.

Traveling can be hard on your waistline, and too many nights of fast food and pasta can mean you’re practically unrecognisable when you arrive home. Grab the makings for a salad and some pasta, or make up some huge sandwiches and you can take one for lunch the next day.

Be sure to leave the kitchen as clean as you found it for the next people, so you don’t become that annoying person who everyone resents. The best dishwasher detergent breaks down oily residue, so you can put those dishes back nice and clean.

Choose one big meal per day

Tasting the local food can be one of the best things about traveling, and it’s important to find a healthy balance between enjoying yourself, and ensuring that you don’t blow your budget.

A good way to do this is to eat breakfast in your hostel and follow it up with a light lunch. If you can’t bring lunch with you, check out a local supermarket, deli, or market, and grab some local food to eat in a park. Not only is this usually much cheaper than eating out, but you’ll be able to people-watch and enjoy the fresh air at the same time.

Then you can eat dinner out, and celebrate a successful day of sightseeing with a delicious meal. Alternatively, you could switch these meals around and make lunch your largest meal. Often restaurants will have lunch specials, and if you make a quick run back to your hostel with the leftovers, you can get two meals out of one lunch.