Hot honeymoon destinations

by Jules on September 1, 2010

Try a honeymoon in Croatia

You’ve finally tied the knot with the love of your life. If you’re planning a tour abroad for your honeymoon, then do we have a list for you. We’ve tried to configure a list that keeps to the adventurous, the romantic and the solitary path. Additionally, we’ve made it convenient to rid yourself of your partner mid-honeymoon if you see fit. Jokes aside, here are some of the best places you and your partner can explore, together, forging a new life and a dream of unity and togetherness. There is no better way to do it than through a trip to one of our seven top honeymoon destinations. (Try not to mind the anti-nuptial sentiments strewn about.)

7. Egypt, North Africa -  “Love is blind, marriage is the eye-opener.” The honeymoon, then, should be something akin to sleepwalking. In Egypt, honeymoons can be a dreamy walk through a long though alive past. Who could ever forget a honeymoon to the pyramids or to the bustling Cairo? However, if you’ve got the time, try sailing in Aswan, or wildlife viewing in Giza, or a cruise on the Red Sea. Natural wonders, too, await your nuptial bliss in Sinai and Dehab. It’s really not a good idea to entomb your partner and leave them for hours, however.

6. India, Asia - “I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.” The jury is in and the verdict goes to India. Newlywed is considered a sacred tradition in India and if you’re in need of some mollycoddle, then you can’t pick a better country. If you like to party hardy on the beach under a full moon, Goa is your place. Or if you both desire traditional music, then sway to the sitar, sarod and tabla. Or head out to Jaisalmer for the Desert Festival or the Pushkar camel fair at the end of October. If you’re both adventurers, then you can’t go wrong heading to the Andaman Islands, where the rainbow of endemic fish surround you in curiosity. Just because you got hitched doesn’t mean you can hold your partner underwater for long stints at a time.

5. China, Asia - “A woman cries before the wedding, the man after.” You both will shed no tears (maybe jet lag tears however) once you land in China (maybe tears of joy to know the Russian-made plane stayed in air). A trip through China will fill up archives of photo albums, or that account you have with Flickr. Whatever the case, the coast and interior of China beckon for adventure and entices sightseeing. Of course you’ll see the Great Wall, but don’t miss a romantic cruise on the Li River—consummating your love should be done before, not on, the cruise. The giant Pandas are an anomaly (threaten to feed your mate to them) as are the Terracotta soldiers. If getting off the flattened tourist’s path is a must, head to the city of Riuli—an unruly and very “real” part of China.

4. Ethiopia, East Africa - “Marriage is a three ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring and suffer-ring.” Ethiopia is like a circus because it has so much to see and do, with animals! Though brimming with some luxury resorts, you should come to Ethiopia if adventure is what you seek. In addition to trekking up and around several mountains over 4,000 meters, the Simien Mountains National Park is awe-inspiring with landscapes, canyons, escarpments and circumnavigating mountains. Photographs can only capture some of the grandeur. Wildlife includes the Walia Ibex, the Simien Fox, gelada baboons, and numerous birds. You should only send your spouse out alone if you never want to see them again (get travel insurance before you come).

3. Chile, South America - “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.” The secret to a long lasting, happy marriage, however, is traveling. A tour to Chile is the adhesive that bonds memories for years to come. Chile is a place for adventurers, not for the slothful. The great outdoors is greater here with the Lake District, encircling national parks, alpine forests, lakes and volcanoes. The Parque Nacional Lauca, by example, makes the list for the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. Skiing, fishing, scuba diving, white-water rafting, and voyages to Antarctica are all highlights. Antarctica is one sensible way to rid husband or wife baggage (should you change your mind mid-honeymoon).

2. Tunisia, North Africa - “A wedding is a funeral where you smell your own flowers.” If you’ve never smelled a Middle Eastern medina, then you’re missing out. Wait till you smell and see the great outdoors, no less, than on the lakes near Chott El Jerid. Moreover, a coed or luxury or even local hammam will have you smelling clean for weeks. These hot baths are an experience for any traveler who hasn’t kept up with hygiene for a while. Golf, scuba diving, souq (outdoor market) shopping and visiting Ksour—the place where Star Wars was filmed for the odd hilltops in the area—spotlight a trip through Tunisia. A fated camel ride into the desert might be worth paying a guide a little extra tip should your better half get your better judgment.

1. Croatia, Europe - “If it were not for the presents, an elopement would be preferable.” An elopement in Croatia would be ideal for anyone not wanting to face friends and family back home. The museums, beaches and nature here are serene with plenty of history. If you’re into seafood and great eating, a trip to Volosko reveals a sampling of Croatia’s best. Plus, the town is just so serene. Additionally, the beach not to miss is the Golden Cape (Zlatni Rat), on Brac Island. Kitesurfers and windsurfers come to Brac to catch the rife winds and waves. If your love for the outdoors begins to outweigh your love for your partner, then head out bushwhacking and climbing in Risnjak National Park. For primitive though quant cottages, getaway from crowds in the Kornati National Park, an archipelago of nearly 100 most uninhabited islands.

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7 Fantastic film set locations

by Jules on August 27, 2010

Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London.

Checking out where your favorite movies were filmed can be a bit like watching the extra features on DVDs – they kind of spoil a bit of the magic and mystery. But film set tours are a popular holiday option, so whether you opt to explore Carrie Bradshaw’s New York on a Sex and The City tour or get off the beaten track in Tunisia at the archaeological dig near Onk Jemal, made famous by Count Almásy (Ralph Fiennes) in The English Patient, check out these movie set locations;

7. Gosford Park 2001, UK – The murder mystery film directed by Robert Altman was filmed at two English country houses; Syon House and Wrotham Park. Syon House is close to Kew Gardens in London and the upstairs and bedroom scenes were filmed here. Syon House is open to the public and is actually inhabited by the Duke of Northumberland. Wrotham Park is just outside London in Barnet and the exterior, staircase, hall, drawing and dining room scenes were all filmed here, although unfortunately Wrotham Park isn’t open to the public.
6. Gladiator, 2000, Malta – Director of the star studded film Gladiator deemed the real Colosseum in Rome too small and so constructed a set on top of ruins at Fort Ricasoli in Malta. In fact the whole of the Roman section of Gladiators was filmed in Malta as Rome didn’t look enough like Rome!
5. Lost In Translation, 2003, Japan – The Park Hyatt Tokyo at 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku in Japan’s capital Tokyo, was the setting for Sofia Coppola’s film Lost in Translation. The pool, bar, lounge and internal shots are all of the Park Hyatt, as are the views from the hotel.
4. Batman, 1989, UK – Much of the Batman film, directed by Tim Burton was filmed within the UK. Wayne Manor’s exterior was Knebworth House and the interior shots were Hatfield House, both of which are open to the public. The interior Axis Chemicals shots are of a disused power station in Acton, London and the exterior shots are another power station in Lower Barford, Bedfordshire. And Gotham City was actually a series of 18 stages built at Pinewood Studios, London.

Pienza in Tuscany, Italy

3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001, UK – There are many important locations in both the Harry Potter movies and books and film director Chris Columbus decided to use Platform 4 at Kings Cross Station in London as the setting for the magical Platform 9 ¾ where the Hogwarts Express leaves from. The exterior shots are actually St. Pancras Station in London though and the Hogsmead Station which finishes the journey is Goathland which is on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986, USA – The high school that was used for the adventures of Ferris Bueller was the Glenbrook North High School on 2300 Shermer Road in Illinois. Director John Hughes, who actually used to live right by the school, used it in two cult 1980’s movies; Bueller and The Breakfast Club and he is said to have inspired the “Brat Pack” movement of the 1980s. And if you always wondered about the scene where the Ferrari gets trashed, don’t panic – it was just a fiberglass replica!
1. The English Patient, 1996, Italy – Much of the blockbuster film The English Patient was filmed in Italy including the scenes in the villa where Count Laszlo de Almásy recounts his story. The 9 times academy award winning film directed by Anthony Minghella, stuck pretty closely to locations described in the 1992 Booker winning novel of the same name by Michael Ondaatje. The villa is actually located in the small rural village of Pienza in Tuscany, although some interior scenes were filmed in studios. And in case you wondered, the church that Kip and Hana visit is the Church of San Francesco in Arezzo which dates back to the 13th century.

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Mexico etiquette: decorum while you travel

by Jules on August 23, 2010

Mexico

Mexico is a hot place, with a lot of chill residents who live life to a different beat. Here, afternoons are off-the-clock, discussions are held up close and personal, niceties are appreciated and greetings follow an established order. If you get it wrong, however, you won’t be shot like in the Hollywood flicks. Most likely, you’ll have to laugh it off and order another round. Following these next habits of etiquette when traveling in Mexico will have you fitting in like a hot tamale in a hard shell taco.

7. Mexico: Take Siesta All The Time - Mexico has a different time zone entirely. Though over-worked and over-paced in business life back home, Mexican business practices do not follow the same policies. When here, be sure to give yourself extra days, not hours, to get your affairs in order. One of the biggest faux pas: running around during Siesta time (2-ish – 5-ish), demanding that this or that be taken care of immediately. Pop a bottle of chill-pills and ease your way into scheduled events. If coming to Mexico on holiday, then pretend that every hour of every day is siesta, mixed with a little machismo and Corona, and you’ll fit right in.

6. Mexico: Breathe the Second Hand Breath - Let’s set the scene: It’s been a crazy night of Tequila, worm-gulping shots mixed with burritos, fajitas and chips. Your pores are sweating grease and hooch. Your newly formed Mexican friends are tipsier than you. They lean up and talk to you about 10 cm (5 inches) from your face. You can only guess how their breath got that night-soil smell. Well, guess what: It’s hugely impolite in Mexico to step away when someone is talking to you. Personal space in Mexico is closer than the leeway you give or get back home. If you must gasp for fresh air, look away as you (fake) cough or when you (fake) laugh. Otherwise, you’ll be taken for rude and may turn immediate friends into instant foes.

5. Mexico: OK & Thank You - If you’ve traveled much at all, you’ll know how important it is to learn something of the local culture and language—just a few words can get you a long way. The more you try to speak Spanish, the further it will get you with the locals. Walking into a shop and blaring, “Hey, where is the cheese and milk?” won’t win you friends. Don’t be surprised if the store clerk disappears for five minutes before ringing you up. A simple “Buenas Dias” and “Gracias” will invite help and courtesy from others. Also, don’t do the American OK sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle with the other three fingers in the air). This, my friend, is not only rude but also vulgar. Saying “OK” will do the trick.

4. Mexico: Kiss & Shake It - You must learn how to kiss and shake it in Mexico. Here’s how it works: Women must kiss the air on both sides of each other’s cheek. When a man and women greet, they do the same. If you are a man, attempting this with another man in Mexico may get you hurled into a back alley. Men shake hands unless they are very close, where a hug might do too. Kissing everyone you meet, too, is a no-no. Stand close, kiss air and shake hands. You’ll feel more in place when you do.

3. Mexico: Compare The Two - Unless you do want to end up like a Hollywood movie—either stranded, held hostage or worse—then you won’t want to make fun of the locals’ accents. In Spain you may have noticed how Rs are rolled and everyone lisps. They don’t do the same here. If you start to speak with the same lisp, the Mexicans may ask where you picked up the funny accent. Don’t compare Spain to Mexico either: “Oh, Spain is so lovely and the cities are so clean…blah blah blah.” They don’t want to hear you tell them that their cities are dirty. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to trash in the roads in Mexico.

2. Mexico: Don’t Diss The Miss (or the Moose) - The idea of beauty from your home country and Mexico are likely very different and distinct. For one, what is considered overweight in your country may very well be a sizzling look here. Walking down the street with your Mexican macho buddies and pointing to this that girl with the big behind could get you into deep trouble if you diss her. Or, if you ladies are with your gal-pals, then don’t make fun of random guys’ greasy hair. Styling gel, moose and spray are used in vast quantities to achieve a look of chiseled perfection. If you’re a foreigner with a rump or a guy who secretly enjoys a buttery hair-do, then you’ll have no problem really fitting-in in Mexico.

1. Mexico: Poking Fun - Unless you’re really familiar and have been friends with a Mexican for years on end, it is not acceptable to poke fun at each other. If you’re out bar hopping around Mexico City, for example, you should never cut down another man’s masculinity in front of others. Doing so could prove to take several years off your life. Machismo, or masculinity, is a big deal in Mexico, a very hierarchical structure. Ladies, it’s also not kosher to make fun of some other girl’s weight or outfit. Public embarrassment is considered rude and not amusing. Jokes about race, ethnicity and religion may very well be OK. Witticisms poking fun at others generally are not.

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7 Awesome windsurfing destinations

by Jules on August 20, 2010

Windsurfing

If you’re into windsurfing then you probably already know some of the hottest surfing destinations on the planet. But what about those awesome surfing locations that you haven’t checked out, until now…

7. Dahab, Egypt – A great year-round destination with warm waters and good winds, Dahab offers windsurfers a sheltered lagoon. The beach boasts plenty of windsurfing centers and for the strongest winds, hit Dahab in summer.
6. Caberete, Dominican Republic – Caberete is blessed with Eastern Trade winds which are year-round and coupled with warm waters and there are some great windsurfing schools making Caberete great for beginners as well.
5. Cape Town, South Africa – Beginner and expert windsurfers alike will love Cape Town where there is a large range of opportunities from massive Atlantic Ocean waves to sheltered serene lakes and lagoons.
4. Tarifa, Andalucía, Spain – The town of Tarifa benefits from the east and west winds that blow along the shore from the Straits of Gibraltar. There is a wide bay which draws kite surfers and windsurfers alike and the warm year-round waters are a bonus.
3. Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand – Fancy a location with a 6km long windsurfing opportunity, consistent winds and waves of up to 1.5 meters? Then check out Jomtien Beach which has Thai Golf winds and monsoon winds during October and June.
2. Le Morne, Port Louis, Mauritius – Combine a vacation with some windsurfing opportunities in the shallow and flat Le Morne lagoon. This is also a great place to learn to windsurf and the trade winds are pretty consistent too, with around 300 windy days a year.
1. Portland Harbor, Weymouth, UK – Calling all serious windsurfers, kite surfers and speedsailers, Weymouth is one of the UK’s most famous spots, thanks to steady winds from the south east. There are also water sports centers and the major international and national water sports events draw huge crowds.

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10 Imaginative ways to save for a holiday

by Jules on August 18, 2010

That dream holiday is within reach...

With a little bit of careful planning and creative thinking your next travel adventure could be even bigger and better with these imaginative ways to save up for that trip;

Set up a vacations saving account – Open a savings account solely for the purpose of that next trip. Try and get a decent level of interest on the account without locking your money away (unless you’ve already set your travel date and really don’t need the money before then). Many accounts will allow you to name them specially and if you’re going to use the account whilst actually travelling then check the overseas fees charges.
Save money every month – If you work regularly then set aside a set amount each month to add to the holiday savings fund. Better yet, organize a direct debit to go out as soon as you get paid – you won’t miss it then! If you don’t work regularly just set aside a certainly percentage of what you do receive. And get kids in the saving habit as well by saving up their pocket money for souvenirs etc. Better still, encourage them to do extra chores, either for you or in the neighborhood such as newspaper deliveries, car washing, lawn mowing etc.
Give up nasty habits – If you smoke or drink then what better incentive to give up than allocating the money saved into the holiday pot! Same goes for that newspaper or magazine you buy but never have time to read – it all adds up over the course of a year.
Raid the piggybank – Stash all of your spare change in the penny jar and after a few months this will soon mount up. Many supermarkets have machines to convert it although watch out for those that charge a fee. Better still, pay the money straight into your bank account.
Work out your budgets – Sounds pretty dull but knowing the state of finances can help you sleep a bit easier. Work out your home budget on a spreadsheet; money coming in then money going out each month on bills, mortgage, food etc. This will show you where you can make cutbacks and also how much you can realistically save each month – warning, this might be quite an eye opener! And secondly plan a vacation budget so you know how much money you’ll need to save. Factor in flights, accommodations, trips, food, airport parking, pet care etc. And read up on how to save money on every vacation.
Wedding gift – If you’re getting married then why not ask for contributions to the honeymoon instead? Chances are if you already live together you’ll have enough cutlery and bed sheets and could do without that Panini maker!

Win it – There are plenty of travel competitions out there which offer the opportunity to travel the world!  The PureTravel Travel Writing Competition is still open and the top prize of 1,500 USD for local tours and 750 USD for flights will get you on your way to an amazing vacation!

Marry overseas – Why not get married abroad and combine it with an awesome honey-cation at the same time! There are many companies that organize the whole package, so you can just turn up. Better still is to elope and throw a party on your return.
If you don’t need it, sell it – Check out the online auction websites to shift all your unwanted stuff. Clear out your garage, loft, basement etc. Or hold a yard sale or take a pitch at a local car boot sale.
Volunteer – Consider a voluntourism holiday where you can share accommodation with the other volunteers and all chip in with the cooking. You’ll get to go somewhere off the beaten path and try something different and you’ll only have to find the funds for flights and the basics.

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Revealed; the 10 best cities to take a taxi

by Jules on August 13, 2010

London, home to the best taxi drivers in the world!

Almost everybody uses taxis to hop from A to B when on a vacation. After all who can beat their local knowledge and the ability to deliver you safely to your destination. Not all taxi drivers are created equally though, so which cities in the world have the best taxi drivers?

Research conducted globally for hotels.com quizzed over 1,900 people for their opinions on taxis; their levels of cleanliness, value, quality of driving, knowledge of the area, friendliness, safety and availability;

10. Frankfurt, Germany – 10%
9. Paris, France – 10%
8. Copenhagen, Denmark – 11%
7. Dublin, Ireland – 11%
6. Madrid, Spain – 12%
5. Bangkok, Thailand 14%
4. Berlin, Germany 17%
3. Tokyo, Japan - 26%
2. New York, USA – 27%
1. London, UK – 59%

London taxis were overwhelmingly voted number one in the world thanks to helpful taxi drivers who know where they are going (thanks to the ‘Knowledge’ taxi driving test).

So what about the bad news; London cabbies are named the most expensive in the world, New York and Paris taxi drivers are the rudest and Rome had the worst taxi drivers in the world!

So what do you think? Leave your comments below….

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8 Astounding art collections you must see

by Jules on August 11, 2010

The Hermitage, home to an abundance of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Add a bit of culture into your next holiday with a trip to a world-renowned art gallery. The most famous art galleries attract millions of visitors every year so you’ll be in great company. Just plan your trip carefully to ensure you get to see your chosen art collections. Arrive early to beat the organized tours, check ahead for opening times and offers and read up on some of the art so you can really appreciate the works. And these are eight beautiful art collections to get you started;

8. The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt – Fans of ancient Egyptian arts and artifacts will be in their element at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo which has the world’s largest collected collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The collection includes pieces that have been recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun featuringg some 1,700 items including his gold funerary mask.
7. National Gallery, Washington DC, USA – The National Gallery is one of America’s most respected museums and showcases works from the thirteenth century onwards including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and works on paper. There is a collection of Western paintings and sculptures that dates from the Middle Ages right up to the 18th century which is showcased in the palatial neoclassical period West Building. Whereas the East Building is reserved for the more modern side to art.
6. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy - The world famous Uffizi Gallery is home to an astounding collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures and paintings. There are thousands of pieces of art to explore, which tell the tale of Italy through the ages, including Roman and Greek sculptures, Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The highlight of many visits are the famous Botticelli, Birth of Venus and Titian, Venus of Urbino which attract large crowds..
5. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA – Definitely one of the must-do things when in New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply the Met, is massive. There is a comprehensive European art collection which contains works from the Romans to Renoir including some key pieces by all the masters. There are also works from Egypt, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania, as well as a large American art collection.
4. Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, Moscow, Russia - The Pushkin Fine Art Museum features a massive collection of fine Western art including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces of art and an impressive collection of French Impressionist works.
3. Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia - For an amazing collection of Russian and human art and artifacts, then head to the impressive Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. The collections are so huge that they fill six buildings including the Baroque Winter Palace, which showcases works from Dutch Masters. The Hermitage was the first purpose built art gallery within Eastern Europe and their collection swelled in size with key pieces from personal collections of the Tzars and now numbers some 3 million pieces. Don’t miss the Russian regalia collection, Faberge pieces and key works from da Vinci, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, Rodin, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Rubens.
2. Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK - The UK is fortunate to be home to some great museums; British Museum, Tate Modern and Tate Britain in London, the Lowry Centre in Manchester and the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London features exquisite collections of decorative arts from Britain’s national collections. The works include ceramics, photography, glass, jewelry, textiles and other pieces as well as guest collections.
1. Louvre Museum, Paris, France - Probably the most famous art gallery in the world, The Louvre used to be the Royal Palace of Paris. The iconic glass pyramid structure now houses a vast collection of works including Renaissance pieces; the Mona Lisa, works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli and Titian. There is also the antiquities section, home to the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory as well as 19th century French masterpieces.

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