Posts by : Izy Berry

It’s interesting to think about how much travel has changed in the last 100 years. From trains to planes, from glamour to pain, we’ve certainly come a long way.

Many people consider the 1950’s and 1960’s to be the Golden Age of Travel. This was the glory days of Pan Am, and before flying became a much cheaper way to travel.

While it’s easy to remember a lavish, colourful era, when passengers every need and comfort were catered to, I don’t agree that it was really that great to travel 50 years ago.

Sure, we may not have had to deal with the annoyances and inconveniences of modern travel, including tiny seats, bad food, and long security lines, however the reality was far different than most people expect.

Travelling in the 1940’s was far more expensive, and you would be paying 40% or more for the same flight which you purchase today. Depending on which route you took, it was four to five times more expensive to travel (especially to fly) during the so-called “Golden Age”.

There were also far more flight accidents and plane crashes during this time, and if you hit a bad patch of turbulence you could end up with a snapped neck. It also wasn’t safe to land in fog, and mid air collisions were a common occurrence. While the glass dividers between first and economy classes looked nice, they would shatter and spray those on the plane during a rough patch of turbulence or an accident.

While today we take onboard entertainment, iPads, and Kindles for granted, these distractions weren’t available during this time, so if you forgot a book you were destined to be bored.

In my opinion, travel has come such a long way that now is the Golden Age of Travel. No longer is travel solely for the richest among us, and taking a flight is something that most people can do. Minorities for example, would rarely travel, and if you were black and could afford a ticket you were unlikely to be allowed on the same plane as white passengers.

Sure, the legroom must have been amazing, and instead of arriving 3 hours early for security, you could make your flight by simply showing up 30 minutes before, and you were guaranteed to eat something nice like a steak on your flight, but I would much rather live in a world where people of most economic backgrounds can afford to travel occasionally.

Flights are also much faster, as are trains and boats if that’s the way you like to travel. And the world is a much smaller place, which means we can have access to countries and places which were previously unthinkable.

With technology constantly changing, and travellers able to get recommendations and reviews for hotels, we’re also guaranteed better service. The next ten years will be interesting as fuel prices continue to increase, but one thing is for sure, despite all of the inconveniences of travelling, it’s now accessible to more people than ever, and that can only be a good thing.

When someone begins to plan a trip they’re often inundated with suggestions from friends or family who have been to that particular destination and have loads of advice. If that someone is brave enough to venture into the numerous online travel forums for advice then you’ll get same inundation from strangers. All of these people have their own opinions and experiences, but that advice can often boil down to one thing.

Avoid the tourist traps.

While that sounds like good advice one might wonder what it all means? What is a tourist trap? For many, a tourist trap is simply an overpriced and underwhelming site, museum, building, or experience. However, one man’s trap is another man’s treasure, and you’d be better off to take that advice with a grain of salt.

When it comes to London it can be hard enough to decide how to fit all of the wonderful things to do into the time you have allotted. When you add the fact that you now have to avoid the tourist traps to the mix it can seem downright daunting. However, if you visit some of these London landmarks — tourist traps or not — you’re certain to have a great time.

And you may have them all to yourself.

The Tower of London

Home to the Crown Jewels and the crown that the Queen wears for state functions, the Tower of London is a bit on the expensive side but worth the price for the sheer history of it all. You can take a guided tour and learn more about the site’s impressive macabre history, and explore the many towers that make up this monument.

For those who would like to experience a bit more of the dark side of history, sign up for the Ceremony of Keys, which takes place at the creepy hour of 10 pm. Unfortunately, you do have to apply two months in advance for this ceremony.

Buckingham Palace

Everyone who visits London wants to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, right? The answer to that question is generally in the affirmative, and if you happen to pass by at the right time you should definitely check it out. However, a visit to the interior of the palace, the home of the Queen, is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, tours of the interior are only available during the summer months when the Queen is away. However, during your tour you’ll be able to see priceless works of art hanging in the staterooms, and the many antiques and priceless artifacts located here.

The London Eye

Constructed to mark the turn of the 20th century, the London Eye has been described by some as a monstrosity, and by others as an overpriced waste of time. That being said, a ride on this behemoth of a Ferris wheel is undoubtedly the best way to get a bird’s eye view of beautiful London.

Be sure you queue up early, though. The lines at the London Eye have been known to be an hour or more deep, especially during the peak tourism season. It’s all worth the wait when you sit at the top and see the city spread out below you. Bonus points if you’ve made a friend in London and can sneak a kiss at the top.

The Globe Theatre

Shakespeare fans would likely disagree that the famous Globe Theatre is a tourist trap, but the fact remains that it is a reconstruction of the original, and it is often crowded, due to its prime location on the banks of the Thames. The Globe is also a working theatre, and performances of Shakespeare’s works can be seen here on a regular basis.

If seeing a play is not your thing, consider a tour. Guides are happy to give visitors in-depth information about the Bard and the period of time when he penned his greatest works. The guides are also very theatrical which highlights the experience.

A visit to London is the highlight of almost any globetrotter, tourist traps or not. If a trip to England’s capital is on your radar make sure to consider some of these options, in addition to some off the beaten path ones.

Charming accents, incredible scenery, more pubs than you’ll find anywhere else, and friendly locals. These are just some of the reasons why I can’t wait to get to Ireland, and if you’re an avid traveller, you’ll be thinking the same.

Often Ireland gets overlooked in favour of the more typical tourist countries like France and Italy. Huge mistake. Ireland is a country of legends, and its long history has left its mark on the country, which is full of castles, rolling hills, and tales of “little people”.

Here are some reasons why you should travel to Ireland:

Visit Dromoland Castle and Fly some Falcons

Medieval nobility used to be fond of falconry, which is why Dromoland Castle offers a school in the sport. You’ll be paired with a falconer and hawk, and will be able to launch the trained hawk into the sky and call it back to your arm.

The castle itself is also well worth a visit, and is now a luxury hotel with large and comfortable suites-some located in the turrets of the castle.

The estate also offers pony rides, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding lessons, and a golf course.

Eat in Cork

If you’re going to Cork, you’re in for a treat. The English Market is a huge roofed food emporium and showcases artisanal food offerings along with regional Irish ingredients. It’s also the ideal destination for people watching, shopping, and wandering. Don’t forget to try the traditional black pudding, along with soda bread, goats cheese, and cakes.

Experience Literary Dublin

Dublin is famous for the many literary figures who have called the city home over the years. Each of them had a different pub where they hung out when not writing. Take the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl for a fun way to explore the city and learn more about the famous writers, including Brendan Behan, Michael Collins, James Joyce, and Oscar Wilde.

Gamble at the Galway Races

The Galway Races are part of the largest and most famous racing festival in Ireland, with 250,000 people attending each year. Betting is fun, and millions of Euros are spent during the week, and ladies day continues to grow every year. Running over seven days, you’ll leave with a hangover, new friends, and a few interesting stories. There are 51 races for both fans and punters, and if you can’t make the races be sure to do your Galway Festival betting with William Hill Ireland.

Learn all about the Titanic

When the Titanic sank and dragged over 1,500 people to a watery death in 1912 it sparked a fascination with the ship which continues today. In Northern Ireland you’ll find Titanic Belfast, which is where the ill-fated ship was built. The massive museum is an interactive experience and will show you how the Titanic was built, tells many of the passengers stories, and explores the wreck under a glass floor.

You can also tour the pumphouse and dry dock, along with the first-class tender which was recently restored.

Have you been wondering if you should take up photography? I made the decision to work on my photography skills a few years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made.

Here’s some reasons why you should take up photography:

To keep your memories

Some people have excellent memories. I am not one of them. I’ve forgotten so many things which have happened in the last year that I sometimes wonder what’s going on with my brain. However if you show me a photo of the day you’re talking about, I’m immediately transported back to how I felt, and what I did that day.

Photography allows you to keep those special memories, including graduations, birthdays, weddings, births, and those random days you never think are going to be special, but end up being the moments you look back on and smile.

Because it’s fun

Many people think that photography is hard, or it  requires a lot of skill. But the more you practice the better you get, and you’re likely to find yourself wanting to practice, since photography is just so fun.

You’ll get to capture expressions on children, beautiful landscapes, bright colours in markets, fun memories with friends and family, and everything in between. And as you become a better photographer you’ll learn what makes a good photo, and how you can edit it to make it even better.

You’ll notice more details

Photography changes how you see the world. All of a sudden you’ll be noticing how the light hits someones face, the texture of a flower, and so many shapes, colours, trees, and flowers. You’ll become almost child-like in your wonder, and see beauty everywhere.

This ability to notice things is sure to make you a better photographer as well.

It’s challenging

Often in life we end up in a rut. We might get into a routine, and realise we’re bored with life and need a challenge. Photographers are constantly growing their skills, and there’s so much to learn about photography and editing your photos that it may seem a little overwhelming at first. However if you take the time to read as much as you can, practice at every moment, and continue to see it as a fun, creative outlet, you’ll find yourself enjoying the challenge.

Technology has changed photography

There are now so many incredible cameras on the market, that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an old pro.

Clifton Cameras as one of the largest ranges you’ll find anywhere, along with plenty of accessories if you’re just getting started, and they often give video reviews of different cameras so you can see which is better for your needs.

Because technology is changing so fast, it’s vital that you talk to the experts or do your research so you can know which camera is right for you. This will often depend on how you like to take your photos, your budget, and the types of photos you find most attractive. For camera options, you can watch the video review below to give you some ideas:

When temperatures heat up in crowded, stuffy New York City, there is only one place real New Yorkers dream of traveling: the Hamptons. During the hot summer months, the once-small towns on the eastern-most tip of Long Island become cool, luxurious havens for the city’s most glamorous inhabitants. However, the Hamptons aren’t reserved for New Yorkers alone; in fact, there is plenty of space for visitors near and far.

If you are looking for a simple summer vacation spot, you should consider a trip to the place many New Yorkers call their second home.

Where to Stay

There are 10 distinct hamlets that make up the Hamptons, and each region has its own perks and flair. For the perfect Hampton trip — one that fulfills your vacation wishes and stays within your budget — it is critical that you rent space in the appropriate town. Here is a quick summary of each hamlet in the Hamptons:

• East Hampton. Inarguably the most popular area of the island, East Hampton offers unparalleled nightlife, shopping, and luxury accommodations. Cheaper lodgings can be found farther inland, but generally this is an expensive place to stay.
• Southampton. Glittering with multi-million-dollar mansions, Southampton is the neighborhood for the rich and famous.
• Sag Harbor. A combination artist’s haven and old whaling town, Sag Harbor is a mixture of funky and quaint, with boutique restaurants and shops along Main Street.
• North Haven. With a suburbs feel, North Haven is most often populated by families. Unfortunately, there aren’t many attractions in this tiny town.
• Westhampton. Closest to New York City, Westhampton is a good choice for travelers looking for urban fun as well as a relaxing trip. The beaches, shops, and restaurants here are as high-quality as East and Southampton without the high price tag.
• Sagaponack. The oldest of the hamlets, Sagaponack is also one of the most rural, which allows for beautiful landscapes and scenic beaches.
• Amagansett. Nestled inside East Hampton like Vatican City inside Rome, Amagansett has a distinct culture of art and music that separates it from the larger town around it.
• Water Mill. More people call Water Mill home than other regions of the Hamptons; though some rental properties are available here, most of the community are locals who enjoy peace and quiet.
• Montauk. The best surfing on Long Island is right here in this old fishing village, and the pub scene at night is fun for travelers and locals alike.
• Bridgehampton. As the site of the Hampton Classic Horse Show as well as quite a few world-class wineries, Bridgehampton tends to attract the super-rich.

What to Do

Because the Hamptons attract visitors with quite a bit of disposable income, shopping opportunities abound. Whether you are looking for clothing, furniture, fresh produce, or just a souvenir to take home, you can find a line of shops in East Hampton, Southampton, Westhampton, and Bridgehampton willing to cater to your needs. The antique market is particularly bustling in the Hamptons, so if you love old things, you will have plenty to see and buy.

Watersports are perhaps the most popular activity in the Hamptons due to the excellent beaches around the hamlets. As mentioned, Montauk is known for its superb waves, which attract surfers (including the wind and kite varieties), paddle-boarders, kayakers, and more. Montauk and Sag Harbor are also prime destinations for avid boaters, who can fish, tow, and more in the calm, blue waters. In fact, boating is so popular here that many owners donate their boats to be resold at rock-bottom prices; you could easily snatch up a first-rate vessel to bring back home — or keep in the marina for your next Hamptons vacation.

Before it became a lavish vacation spot, the Hamptons were a retreat for hundreds of big-name artists looking for inspiration. All over the region, historical houses are open for visitor exploration, like the Pollack-Krasner House where renowned painters Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner created countless works. Additionally, galleries, museums, and institutes showcase famous pieces of art from past and present artists of the island.

How to Get in and Get Around

The closest airport is MacArthur, which is still roughly 50 miles away from the beaches of East Hampton, which makes land travel much more feasible for visitors to the region. It only takes about 90 minutes to drive to the Hamptons from New York City using the Long Island Expressway and Route 27 — though traffic may slow you down on popular Hamptons weekends in the summer and fall. Conversely, the Long Island Railroad costs only $15 and makes stops throughout the Hamptons’ hamlets for more exposure to this beautiful place.

Situated right in the heart of Europe, Germany has a plethora of fantastic tourist attractions and experiences. Visitors from all across the globe travel to this beautiful country to see fascinating places of natural beauty and architectural masterpieces.

There are indeed a lot of things to do when on a holiday – but the bulk of excitement comes from the place you choose to stay. There is nothing difficult about booking hotel accommodation, however it is recommended to reside in one of the holiday homes in Germany.

A stay in a holiday home endows lots of freedom and gives a much greater degree of privacy. To persuade you further, let’s go over the fantastic things you could do throughout your stay!

Colossal Cities!

Germany has some modern metropolitan areas including the famous cities of Berlin and Munich, however Frankfurt is a must-see city for avid travelers. Due to its commercialism, Frankfurt has developed a reputation of being cold and boring, however this wild accusation of its character is unfair.

Seen as the gateway to Europe thanks to its thriving airport, the city has world-class ballet, opera, theatre and art exhibitions. The huge skyscrapers and modern feel, especially around the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Westend districts, coupled with the city’s rich culture, history, dining and activity options might just surprise you!

Hamburg, Germany’s biggest port and the second-busiest in Europe is approximately 100km south of the North Sea. Also Germany’s second city, Hamburg is perfect for young travellers. With a fantastic nightlife scene, a bohemian hub and beautiful views, as well as Strand Pauli, a recreated Caribbean beach on the shores of the River Elbe complete with real sand, beach huts and a huge outdoor dancefloor, Hamburg will tickle all of your fancies.

Fascinating Festivals!

Also one for those who love a good knees-up are the famous Volksfeste (peoples’ festivals) that take place all over the country. The most famous of which is the Oktoberfest, the world’s largest funfair held annually in Munich. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture and since 1810, visitors have been able to enjoy beer, amusement rides and traditional food. Top Tip: Try the Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), a local delicacy!

Another unique tradition in Germany are the magical Christmas markets that take place in cities, towns and villages throughout the country. If you are fed up with Christmas commercialism, the traditional and romantic markets of Germany with their craft-made not mass-produced Christmas gifts will surely win you over! With so many Christmas markets, the most difficult choice is which ones will you sample the Glühwein at – highly recommended are the festivities in Nürnberg and Dresden.

Homely Holidays!

As well as the brutal winters, Germany has stunning summers and is a more than pleasant place to spend the holiday months.

With more than 600,000 tourists a year, the first resort that comes to mind is Sylt, well-known for its unique shape and geological spectacles. Sylt is a luxury holiday destination with a magnetic effect. To be fair, it is easy to see why! The western side of the island has over 40km of white, sandy beaches, one-third of the isle is covered by natural sand dunes and Sylt boasts a landscape dominated by large heaths that accommodate 2,500 animal species.

Germany’s largest island is called Rügen and is one of the most popular holiday destinations thanks to the beautiful seaside resorts of Binz and Sellin. Easily, one of the most popular activities on Rügen is bike riding. If you are one of the many cyclists who flock to the region, the route to Cape Arkona (near Putgarden) is highly recommended. Be it a family, seaside or adventure holiday, all interests are catered for due to the island’s diverse landscape.

Natural Niceties!

Germany is not short of natural beauty. For those interested in climbing peaks and national parks, don’t look any further than Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a hilly climbing area with some thousand climbing peaks in east Germany. The 93km² national park protects the unique and earthy character of the range. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful castles of Neurathen and Falkenstein!

Talking of German castles, it would be rude not to mention Schloß Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle) in Bavaria, or the romantic Rhine in west Germany. Parts of the Rhine straight out of picture books, the precipitous hills, lavish greenery and castles perched upon practically every hilltop. The region was recognised by UNESCO by designating it as a World Heritage Site. I’m sure if UNESCO rate it, you will too!

Ace Activities!

There is truly something for every taste in Germany. As the pun in the title explains, there is a plethora of activities to take part in or experience. Be it a luxury holiday on Sylt, a honeymoon in Hamburg, a family holiday on Rügen or a city break in one of the many urban hotspots.

The most popular holidays, thanks to Germany’s wicked landscape are skiing and walking holidays. The Allgäu and Schwarzwald (Black Forest) regions in south Germany are particularly popular thanks to the mountainous terrain and cosy cottages. In winter, the weather gets rather cold, leading to classic wintery weather including snowfalls perfect for skiing and other snowsports.

With fantastic accommodation available at cheap prices, as well as fantastic activities, this is a country with so much to offer.

With so much to do in London, it’s important to take advantage of what’s right under your nose. Amidst all the historic buildings, the London underground and amazing restaurants is some of the best shopping you’ll ever see in your life. I can hear you now, “Shopping?” you say, “That seems kind of shallow to come all the way to shop.” But that’s where you would be wrong, London is rife with shops and retailers found nowhere else in the world and boasts some of the oldest and most opulent department stores on Earth. You don’t have to spend your whole trip shopping till you drop, though you easily could, but you should definitely take at least a day to see what all the fuss is about and treat yourself.

Burlington Arcade

Let’s start off with the classics. Burlington Arcade is the longest and oldest covered shopping arcade in England. According to British Airways, the shopping center opened in 1819 (nearly 200 years ago!) and has long been a favourite destination for celebrities, royalty and other esteemed members of British high society. The area is now recognised as an architectural and historical landmark. There are over 40 different luxury retailers at Burlington including Chanel and La Perla along with some of the most famous antique jewelry and watch sellers in the world. Slip on something sophisticated and mingle with the upper crust while you see what it looks like for a building to spend nearly two centuries in business.

Covent Garden

For those looking for a little more culture with their shopping, you should check out the world-famous Covent Garden. A bustling convergence of retail, sightseeing, dining, and nightlife, Covent Garden is the place with something for everyone from the glamour gal to the gourmand. Covent Garden is also home to the Royal Opera House, which has been at its location (though not the same building) since 1732. Plan ahead and snag a ticket to a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Selfridges

Savvy shoppers and PBS devotees know enough to make a stop by the legendary Selfridges flagship store in London. Opened in 1909, the over 100-year-old establishment is a pillar of English retail and one of largest stores in the UK (second only to Harrods). The history of the shop and its founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge, were recently brought to life on the small screen in the British television series (now a PBS Masterpiece series in the States), “Mr. Selfridge.”

Topshop

For the younger fashionista looking to find the latest looks fast then Topshop is at the top of the list for places to go. Topshop has become the official headquarters for fast fashion on the cutting edge and is a favourite of stars and celebrities. Paris Hilton was recently caught on an undercover trip to Topshop by The Daily Mail. Take the time at this store for some of the cutest clothing at the best prices you’ll ever find. Your wardrobe will thank you.

Harrods

You knew that we were getting to this. No shopping list would be complete without mentioning Harrods. The shop occupies five acres, has five floors, and spans over 1 million square feet making it the largest department store in all of Europe. Even if retail therapy isn’t your thing, you owe it to yourself just to take in how amazingly humongous this place is. Harrods is positively massive and with their motto of “all things for all people everywhere,” they probably have your number on something you don’t even know you want yet. The BBC reports that even footballers can’t keep their hands off the high-quality goods at Harrods, but you know better than to make the same mistake.

This is only a light taste of all that London has to offer when it comes to getting your shop on, but this should at least provide you with a good starting point, especially if you’re in a rush. With so much history and so many stories behind its stores, shopping in London means a whole lot more than a quick trip to the mall and a swipe of the credit card. It’s truly a whole experience in and of itself, regardless of whether or not you end up making a purchase.

Unless you have the memory of an elephant, which most of us don’t, then you could be forgiven for forgetting the odd thing every now and then. Provided the things you forget aren’t important, then really it doesn’t particularly matter if you forget to put the rubbish out in the morning, but in the case of holidays, if you forget a particular detail, you might be putting your whole holiday in jeopardy.

There are certain things which holidays need, and if you fail to do one of them, or forget to print something out, then you could run into problems. Don’t stress about it, simply make sure you organise yourself well ahead of time.

Consider this your list to tick off as you go through your holiday planning stages, and once you have a tick at the side of all of these points, you should be more than good to go.

Getting to the airport

Have you given thought to how you’re going to get from home to the check in desk? So many people leave this until the last minute and then find the cost of buses and trains has shot through the roof. Make sure you organise your transport ahead of time, and if you have an early flight, give serious consideration to booking an airport hotel, to make your travel day much less stressful as a result. I do this regularly, often using the Stansted Airport hotels, and I find this a stress-free approach to my travel.

Passport validity

Check your passports as soon as you book, because most holiday destinations the world over require you to have at least six months’ validity on your passport from the date you return home. This may mean you need to renew your passport early.

Do you need a visa?

Sometimes you may need a visa, other times you won’t, but do check early in proceedings, because if you need to apply in a more formal manner then this can be a lengthy process. Check online on the Embassy website if you’re not sure.

API

If you need to do API (Advanced Passenger Information), make sure you do this at least 72 hours prior to travel, to avoid problems at the check in desk.

Health issues

Check with your GP whether you need any additional immunisations or medications to travel to your chosen destination, and make sure you have enough of your regular repeat medications to see you through the duration of your trip.

Print out confirmations

Sometimes you don’t need a paper copy of a booking, but I always find it’s a good safety cushion to have one just in case. Check spellings of names and details on any confirmations, and print them out, storing them in your hand luggage.

Pack!

Obviously you won’t forget to do this, but I find doing my packing in stages eases the total stress-fest for me!

Tick off these items and you should have everything vitally important for your upcoming trip. If you forget anything else, well, that can be sorted out quite easily at a later date.

Every year people flock to Amsterdam to celebrate the orange experience, King’s Day (formerly Queen’s day). It’s a two day event, starting on King’s day Eve that is like a carnival, with people dressed in orange pouring into the streets. It’s a fun day, that both locals and tourists relish. There’s a citywide street sale, there’s fact painting for children and those who are young at heart, and there’s tones of parties and music. It’s the perfect time to visit Amsterdam and takes place towards the end of April.

KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines – decided to do something a little different this year to get people excited about the orange experience. They partnered with Heineken, also a Dutch brand, to find some bold explorers from around the world worthy of visiting Amsterdam during King’s day for free. In various bars scattered around the planet, when someone ordered a Heineken beer, they were propositioned with a Dutch challenge, such as singing ‘Oranje Boven’ – a Dutch song – in front of a large crowd in a busy bar. Those brave enough to follow through were rewarded with immediate flights to Amsterdam – for them and a friend, to enjoy the wonderful Orange Experience during King’s Day.

Thankfully the hilarious footage was filmed and turned into a video for our entertainment. If you’ve managed to miss King’s Day this year, why not put it on your bucket list for next year. While you’re planning your travels for next year, take a look at this hilarious video.

Would you be bold enough to participate in these challenges for free flights to Amsterdam? I think I would!

This is a sponsored post.