Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 98)
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The Top 3 Benefits of Holidaying in the UK
While it may have been the impact of the Great Recession that forced British citizens to holiday in England and its neighbouring countries instead of destinations overseas, it is fair to say that households throughout the UK have since rediscovered their love for all things patriotic. Although it is easy to see how exotic and sun-kissed destinations throughout Europe and the rest of the world remain alluring to us as individuals, we should overlook the fact that England remains a fascinating island nation with a rich history and unique cultural heritage.
The 3 Benefits of Domestic Travel
This is true whether you are a British based holiday-maker or someone who is looking to visit the country from overseas, and there are multiple benefits to considering the UK as a holiday destination. For example: –
1. Learn about your Cultural Identity
If you are a British resident who is considering local travel, destinations throughout the UK offer a unique opportunity for you to learn more about your countries cultural heritage. The nations’ of the UK are unique both in terms of their geography and historical narratives, and visiting its most renowned spots can help you to understand more about Britain and your own cultural identity. After all, you will have been raised with multiple beliefs and behavioural traits, and many of these will stem from an historical teaching that is unique to the UK.
2. Access a Diversity of Terrain and Activities
While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with European city breaks or beach holidays in foreign climbs, these trips can be fairly one-dimension and unsatisfying. Britain therefore offers a rich and potentially more diverse alternative, as it features stunning mountainous landscape, picturesque beaches along the south coast and luxurious countryside retreats such as the Barnham Broom Hotel. Britain is also a relatively small and compact nation, meaning that travellers can enjoy more attractions and adventures within a short space of time.
3. Beat the Summer Rush and Inflated Prices
While Britain has considerable allure as a tourism destination, it is not always the most popular destination among international visitors. This is particularly true during the months of summer, where people would generally prefer to visit a country with a sultry climate and excess sunshine. The benefit of this is that you will usually be able to stay in your destination and resort of choice when visiting the UK, as the demand for accommodation is lower and the comparative cost of travel is far more competitive than those associated with countries such as France, Italy and Portugal.
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Win a Trip to a Popular UK Holiday hotspot
Caravanning has always been a major British pass time, and since the recession, holidays within Britain have become more and more popular. And why not? Britain has some truly beautiful spots, and many of its campsites are award winning – not to mention very affordable.
If you have yet to embark on your first caravan holiday, or if you are a stalwart caravan fan, May is your month, as one lucky winner is given the chance to win a holiday home with Park Resorts and park fees for two years (worth a massive £50,000). As well as this, they are giving away 12 holidays to park resorts across the UK. Even those who prefer holidays overseas will find a campsite to suit them and Park Resorts have some great locations across the country, which provide an economical and enjoyable way to take a holiday in the UK.
If you’re trying to decide on where to escape to on your next getaway, Park Resorts offer a diverse range of holiday homes and accommodation is available in 6 grades, including the luxury platinum lodge pictured here. The ample choice available means that there is something to suit every family and budget.
If you are set on seeing the famous White cliffs of Dover, then St. Margaret’s Bay in Kent is your best bet. Set just beside the landmark, you can easily make the short trip to see them during your visit. Also nearby is the town of Deal, which boasts an unspoilt seafront, conservation area as well as an attractive beach. On-site, you can take advantage of the fully equipped gym or relax by indulging in a range of beauty treatments that are on offer.
If Wales takes your fancy, the Ty Mawr resort on the North Coast is a gorgeous spot to visit. Set at the foot of the mountains, the Park is just a 10 minute stroll from the seaside resort of Rhyl, which has a lovely sandy beach. With stunning views and walks, an indoor pool and adventure playground, there is something for all of the family.
Venture up North to Scotland to make the most of the beautiful Sandylands resort, which is set on the picturesque Ayrshire coast. There is plenty going on here day and night, from swimming and water sports, to dancing and cabaret, ensuring there is lots to keep the whole family entertained.
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3 Helpful Tips for Long Haul Travel
Ben and I are planning our trip to Europe for the summer, we’re looking at flights and I’m feeling a little bit nervous about traveling as a couple. Travel can be really hard, especially when you’re traveling with someone else, flying through various timezones and spending days cramped up in a plane. I’ve navigated a few long haul flights, with the longest being around 40 hours of transit. It’s not fun, it’s not pretty, but it’s necessary to get to your destination. Here are some simple things I do to ensure travel is as comfortable as possible.
Pay a Little More:
Whether it’s for a better class of train, airline or bus ticket, investing a little more into a long journey can make all the difference. I’ve flown “cattle class” a number of times and I don’t really mind it for shorter trips, but for 12+ hour flights it can be quite painful. Ben and I are looking into Executive Travel this time around as we are going to be flying all the way from Christchurch to Spain. I want extra legroom, more of a recline and just more comfort in general. Access to the lounges would be a big bonus as we’d be able to work while we wait for our connecting flights. If your budget is too tight to upgrade your flights or travel, make sure you take a travel pillow with you – I swear by them.
Bring Snacks:
This is more important for budget airlines, or land journeys, but make sure you bring snacks! I’ve been on far too many trips where I have thought I would be able to buy snacks onboard or would be provided with them, only to find my stomach churning the whole trip. Airport food tends to be pretty average, and at some airports there’s no food court which means a very hungry wait. Be organised, learn from my mistakes, and take snacks. Dry food like muesli bars, a roll or wrap and chips can be a good option.
Keep Yourself Entertained:
If your transport doesn’t have entertainment onboard, then make sure you bring your own. I have a Kindle which I am madly in love with and it is perfect for reading on a plane, especially as it has a gentle backlight so you can use it when the main cabin lights are off. I use my iPhone for music and bring my laptop to write onboard or watch movies on. If you’re trying to sleep, put on a boring Disney movie or something that you’re not very interested in watching and it’ll put you to sleep. If you put a movie you actually want to sleep, you might find it very hard to drift off.
I love travel, even the uncomfortable long haul stuff. Do you have any tips for traveling across long distances? Let me know in the comments below.
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Top Things to do in the Maldives
Ah, the Maldives… the epitome of paradise. You’ll find everything you need here for a tropical holiday, including beautiful diving opportunities, water sports, fun excursions, luxury spas and resorts, as well as some of the best beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a relaxing, fun and luxurious holiday then the Maldives is the right place for you. The first thing you’ll need to do is choose where you’re going to stay and you’re spoiled for choice in that regard. Places like the Elegant Resorts Reethi Rah offer absolute luxury and comfort at an affordable price. Once you’ve made your hotel reservations, you’ll need to plan how to spend your time. Here are some suggestions of the top things to do in the Maldives:
Get in the Water
The Maldives offer beautiful, clear blue water that is warm enough to take a bath in – well almost! It would be a shame to visit the Maldives and to not make the most of the water activities here. Diving is very popular on the Maldives because of the clarity of the water and the fact that it is literally swimming with bright, colourful marine life that make for a very exciting dive. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never dived before, it can be a lot of fun and there are properly guided dives available here for any experience level.
Get Up High:
If you want amazing views of the Maldives, why not consider a scenic flight? There are sea flights here that take off and land in the water. If you come all the way to paradise, you might as well make the most of it with seeping views. If the sea landing wasn’t enough to entice you, consider the incredible photos you’ll be able to take from onboard the plane.
Get Sporty:
What’s your preference? You’ll find yourself spoiled for choice in terms of water sports in the Maldives. You can go surfing, windsurf, parasail, kayak, kite surf, water ski or jet ski. It doesn’t really matter if you’re heading to the Maldives for your honeymoon, a family holiday or with some friends; any of these activities are a fun way to experience a new place, get a bit of adrenaline pumping and some exercise in.
Get Relaxed:
What better place to relax than on some of the most stunning beaches in the world? If you need to break up the sunshine, golden sand and warm ocean, why not head to one of the luxurious spas and have a massage or treatment? Your stress will almost melt away while you indulge in the finest things the Maldives have to offer.
The Maldives is the perfect place to take an island escape. Have you been before? Let us know in the comments below.
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Travelling in Central America: Give your Taste Buds a Treat
Travelling throughout any part of the world will bring you a taste of local culture, people, perspective and, literally, of the local grub. Central American countries offer a huge breadth of choices when it comes to food, encouraging tourists from all around the globe to come visit.
Here are just a few suggestions of where to go to sample this region’s diverse spectrum of flavors:
When you’re planning your travels and booking your flights to Central America, stop first in the Spanish-influenced Costa Rica. Dishes here are savory yet not overly spicy and include ‘gallo pinto,’ a dish of beans and rice seasoned with onion, cilantro and Lizano sauce, a local condiment. The Chorotega Indian-influenced food in the north and the Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with creamy coconut milk, on the east coast is evidence of the diverse Costa Rican palate.
Panama
Panamanian dishes also welcome the use of coconut, as well as plenty of other fresh fruits and vegetables, including corn and yucca. For a country so small, the amount of diverse flavor there is may surprise you. You can taste the influence of Africa, Spain, America and the Caribbean when you dine in Panama. You’ll no doubt enjoy trying dishes such as arepas, a fried dough made from corn, empanadas, tamales, and the catch of the day – usually sea bass.
El Salvador
Though it is the smallest of the Central American nations, El Salvador has a wide variety of traditional dishes. With Spanish and indigenous influences, Salvadoran cuisine has developed into a taste all its own. Pupusa, a tortilla filled with cheese, ground pork and beans, is a must-try for any visitor. Tamales, rice and beans, and deep fried yucca are also popular. Friends and family enjoy meals immensely in El Salvador and, as a result, mealtimes can last a number of hours.
Belize
Finally, head to Belize and you can feast on cuisine with African, Caribbean, Mexican, Spanish and Mayan influences. With so much inspiration to draw from, it’s no wonder the food here is so varied. The bean or fish-filled fried corn patties are a delight and seafood, including lobster and shrimp, is fresh and plentiful.
Travelling throughout Central America is sure to give your taste buds a treat. The only question is, how long can you go for?
Images by jesjimher, roland, Nagyman and Reindertot, used under Creative Commons license.
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4 Things to Check When Buying Travel Insurance
Buying travel insurance is one of those things you don’t want to get wrong, because it can end up being almost useless! If you find a good company you like, you can use them every time you go on holiday so it’s just the initial investment in researching the right company you need to get out of the way. I’ve personally had some pretty bad experiences with travel insurance – when there was a major earthquake in my home town one of my family members died and my travel insurance initially refused to fly me home. It was a very frustrating time for me as not only had I lost a near and dear family member, but I couldn’t call home as all the power and phone lines were down.
Thankfully, I knew a few friends who used to work for this company and they checked through my policy and found a clause that meant they’d fly me home. After this experience I am now pretty fussy with travel insurance policies, but have heard that holiday insurance with Holiday Extras is very reliable. When you’re sorting out which travel insurance company you’re going to choose, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1) Will the Policy Cover you for Cancellation?
I’ve read that in order to be covered for any unforeseen incidents that happen prior to your trip, you need to get travel insurance for that period. That seems really bizarre to me and quite expensive. Read the fine print of your policy and make sure it’ll cover you if something comes up prior to your trip that prevents you from going.
2) Can You Do That Activity
I’ve heard horror stories about people riding on motorcycles and not being covered by their travel insurance when things go pear shaped and they fall off the bike. By pear shaped I mean that they wont pay for your medical coverage if it’s not covered in your policy, simple! Even if the accident wasn’t your fault. This includes all sports activities, such as skiing, rock climbing, sky diving and so forth. Check if it’s in your policy!
3) What About the Excess
Some travel insurance policies have an excess fee per claim, others have an excess fee per item category. If the company charges per item category, a stolen bag with a passport, phone and cash inside could carry 3-4 excess fees alongside the claim. That can add up really quickly and eat into any money you might get in compensation for lost items. Just be mindful of what you’re really signing up for and make sure it’s practical for you.
4) Emergency Medical Evacuation
There are different tiers of travel insurance and some of the more budget coverage policies do not include emergency medical evacuation. Personally, I always ensure that mine covers this because I think if you’re in a situation where emergency medical evacuation is required, you don’t want to be worrying about the price tag that’s often 5 or 6 figures large. This is just one of those things that you probably wont need, but if you do need it you really need it.
Travel insurance can be the difference between life and death… but most often it’s a peace of mind you can’t afford to travel without. If you’re planning a holiday, please take a moment to check out this holiday planner for some travel inspiration.
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Top Places to Visit in New Zealand from Australia
I was originally born in Sydney, Australia but moved to New Zealand when I was just a little thing. I’ve always considered myself a Kiwi and if I’m honest there is a little bit of “sibling rivalry” between the two countries. While both countries are very similar, especially in terms of culture, they are polar opposites in some regards. Australia is a lot drier, warmer, more densely populated and has stunning beaches. New Zealand on the hand, is much greener, colder and sparsely populated. That means traveling between the two countries can be a great idea for a holiday, despite the relatively small flying distances.
If you’re living in Australia or just visiting, many places in New Zealand are a short enough flight distance to warrant the cost. Here are my top destinations to visit in New Zealand.
Auckland
This is a great city to visit as flights to Auckland are generally the cheapest across the board. Auckland is an interesting city and the largest in NZ. It’s also a great entry port to some of the northern beaches which are lovely and worth a visit. I lived in Auckland and particularly loved Devonport, which is a cute port suburb and Piha beach. Auckland airport is quite far out from the city, so just bare that in mind when you’re booking your flights.
Queenstown
This is a great place to visit in either summer or winter as it is bustling and alive in both seasons. During the winter you can carve the slopes of some of New Zealand’s best mountains. In summer, there’s a lot of great walks, bike riding tracks as well as water sport activities. Queenstown is regarded as the “Adventure Capital of the World” and is where bungee jumping was first invented, so if you’re looking to get your heart pumping this is the best place.
Nelson
Located at the top of the South Island, Nelson is home to some of New Zealand’s best beaches. The town itself is fairly laid-back and quiet, but absolutely stunning. There’s a bunch of amazing vineyards up here, so if you’re a fan of good wine, then you’ll be in heaven. Nelson is one of those places that locals like to go to enjoy their holidays because it is such a relaxing place.
Wellington
This is the art and cultural hot spot of New Zealand. The city centre is made up of tiny little streets and lane ways that are dotted with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Wellington is much more laid-back than Auckland and the entire city has a more chilled out vibe. Here you’ll find New Zealand’s best museum, Te Papa, which has a range of exhibitions including an earthquake simulator and a lot of great information on our native people.
These are my tips of unmissable places to visit in New Zealand. Thankfully with the cheap cross Tasman flight prices you can justify the price for a long weekend. For more information see New Zealand Travel Advice for Australians.
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What Happens When Life Gets in the Way
It’s been three years and five months since I first left New Zealand soil for the unknown.
Since then, life has managed to get in the way, a lot.
First it was in February 2011 when someone very dear to me passed away in the earthquakes.
Then it was later the same year when I was stabbed in the hand.
A year later, I came home only to meet someone who would stay on my mind for a long time. I left, was an au pair in Spain, sipped on tea in Morocco, and came home. We worked things out and we’ve been happily together ever since and it’s been great, really great.
I’ve had a relationship I’m really happy with, a self-made job that’s pretty cool and so everything was looking really good. Except, a part of me was missing travel. It’s no secret I’ve been missing Spain ever since I left.
My partner and I launched a blog together early this year: two-thirsty-travellers.com and set out some travel plans.
Everything was looking good… But then life got in the way. I had a family emergency that’s been at the forefront of my mind for the past two months. I’ve been busy, work has taken a back burner and travel has been completely off the cards.
Thankfully, everything’s going well and I’ve been able to make a real change.
But due to Ben’s training schedule, jetting off for a few months around Asia is no longer an option so our plans had to evolve.
We’re staying put for another 3 months in Christchurch while he knocks out the initial blocks of his training schedule. It gives us some time to sell the things we wont be using when we return and to figure out where and how we’ll store everything else.
After 2+ years of traveling out of a backpack, it feels a bit silly to have bought things like blenders, juicers, drawers, desks and TVs only to want to package them up and be free with just a backpack or two.
We’re not quite at the stage where we’re prepared to throw everything into the wind with blind abandonment. Instead, we’re looking at chasing summer – essentially spending half the year in Europe and the other half in New Zealand (or maybe Australia), maximising the sunshine hours and our productivity.
In July we’ll head to Europe (VIA somewhere cool, suggestions warmly welcomed). We’re planning on spending around 2 months living in Valencia or Alicante. In September, as planned, we’ll head to France so Ben can compete. Afterwards, I’d love to travel to a few new places (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Egypt are all big contenders) before settling somewhere else to live for two months. Initially we wanted to spend the entire time in Spain but visas might be an issue.
Our travel plans have evolved substantially since we first decided 2014 would be a big year of travel. A part of me is gutted that everything’s been pushed back and compromised, but a bigger part of me is excited for these evolved plans. I’m looking forward to exploring a new part of Spain, practicing the language, eating paella and watching Ben train in some world class facilities.
It’s going to be such a great adventure! If you have any suggestions of must-see places in Spain while we’re local, please let me know. I’d love to hear your suggestions 🙂
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Top 5 Reasons to Indulge in a Ski Holiday
Ski holidays are a great way to brighten up the drab winter months, get some quality time with friends and family and also help boost your vitamin d levels. Winter can get a bit plain, especially when the weather is grey and the rain is relentless. Going on a ski holiday is the perfect way to break up the cool months. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert skier or if this is your first time ever skiing, as long as you’re relatively fit you’ll have a great time. Many people worry that ski holidays are too expensive, but with a little planning you can make a ski holiday an affordable reality for you and your family. Here are our top 5 reasons to indulge in a ski holiday:
1) It’s Fun
No matter whether you’re a skier, snowboarder or prefer a sled, it’s all really fun. There’s nothing better than cruising down the mountain at great speed, carving your way down – it’s really a great feeling. Most ski fields offer diverse ski slopes so that no matter your ability you can get in on the fun.
2) It’s a Great Workout
Have you ever spent a few days skiing? You’ll probably notice that afterwards your butt, legs and thighs are all particularly sore. That’s because it’s a great workout and you’re engaging all these muscles. No only is skiing heaps of fun, it’s actually good for you too.
3) It’s Perfect For Bonding
Are your kids becoming teenagers who prefer their independence and would rather have a conversation on Facebook than in person? Maybe you just want to spice up your relationship a little with some fun? Whatever your reason, skiing is a great way to share a fun experience and bond with those special people in your life.
4) Get a Break
Winter can really drag on, especially if you don’t take any time off. With the long nights, dark days and grey weather it’s pretty easy to start feeling a little down. A family ski holiday is a great way to break up the winter, all while allowing yourself to have a much needed break.
5) Get Outside
When it turns cold most of us prefer to stay inside, wrap up warm and turn the telly on. By committing to a ski holiday, you’re going to be spending a few days at least outside, soaking in the vitamin d, getting exercise and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
A ski holiday is one of the best things you can do during the winter. It’s a great way to break up the cooler months and inject some fun back into your life.
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5 Tips for Perfect Beach Holidays
When the sun’s up, okay, especially when it’s not, it’s very tempting to spend some quality time at the beach. Whether you’re hitting the beach in your area or you’re flying to someplace where there’s sun, it is important that you map out your trip first.
So that you ensure you have the perfect beach holidays, follow these simple tips:
Pack light
You’re going to the beach. What’s in the beach aside from the sand, the sun, and the sparkling blue sea? It’s relaxation. How can you relax when you’re carrying luggage that weighs a ton? Pack only the essentials. Make a list of all the things that you think you need, review the list, and crush out some items after careful deliberation.
Pack smart
What are the “beach essentials”? Your swimwear is one. Your picnic basket is another. But one important thing that you must never forget to bring is plain water. Sure, you can bring soda and other flavoured drinks, but plain water is the best hydrate to replenish your body with after the long exposure to the sun.
Important items: sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, beach umbrella, mat or blanket, OTC medicine, moisturizer, beach toys, extra clothes that are light, sunglasses, book or magazine, extra money, and of course, a picnic basket
Easy, fuss-free food
No beach holiday is ever complete without food. You also need to ‘pack smart’ in choosing the menu for your picnic basket. Rule number one is not to bring messy food – food with sauces and soups. Easy food such as fish n’ chips, fried chicken, sandwiches, or any finger food, is the best option. If you insist to bring ‘messier’ food along, make sure that you pack them in tight containers. Also bring fruits and you can slice them in fun, tidbits sizes. Make sure that you pack them in good containers, too, so that won’t shrivel up.
Sunscreen
You might want to get a tan but you don’t want to get skin cancer. So it is best if you bring sunscreen instead of tanning oil. Sunscreen does not hinder your skin from getting tanned, but it gives you UVA and UVB protection, which is important. Even if the tanning oil has an SPF label, it is still oil based, which basically means that it is a dangerous product to rub yourself as you’ll probably still get burned which can lead to skin cancer.
Make a bonfire
It’s the perfect end to your day at the beach. Make a bonfire as the night air slowly creeps in. Huddle together with your friends and share stories.
