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5 Tips to Save Money While Visiting India
Monday, January 30th, 2012 /

India has an interesting history where different ethnic cultures entwined with foreign cultures from invaders, and today it has a diversity of cultures that surpass any country in the World. Starting with a strange civilization along the Indus River valley and the emphasis on agriculture in the southern regions, India is a favorite destination for tourists from the four corners of the globe, all through the year. India is also loved for its adaptability to low budget vacations. Please remember to be careful and alert, failing which you might fall a prey to some of those uncouples agents who will take you on a high-price ride.

Being affordable to every class of tourist endears India to the holiday makers and budget travelers. Given below are some ways of enjoying the spirit of India in an affordable manner and 5 ways to save money while visiting India.

 Season

The tourist season in India is between October and March every year, and it is better to avoid travel during this time, if you want to control your expenditure, and save your bankroll. The best season differs with what you intend to do. If you prefer  outdoor activities, or fancy the mountains during winter and summer months, you may plan accordingly, but remember it is always good not to visit India during national holidays like new year, and important festivals like  Diwali (October to November), when the costs escalate abnormally, and can make it inconvenient for the tourist. The unbearable heat and the wet Indian monsoon, in the southern part of India between April and September is a damper, but the advantage of cheaper accommodation during this time may be a face saver.

Air Tickets

If procrastination is a habit with you, you are likely to suffer its consequences, when you travel on a holiday to India. Similar to other places around the world, most domestic flights in India have exciting offers only for advance bookings, when you can save substantially on airfare. Though the travel sector is organized and regulated, you may have to buy tickets without discounts,  for last minute bookings…

Packages

Traveling to India can be made simple, if you avail of the special packages from travel agents through the Internet, which will definitely offer you extensive savings. Moreover, these packages are much more affordable, and economical  than when you book your accommodation, air ticket, taxi and guide by yourself, because, they have the advantage of numbers, which they are passing on to you.

 Rural Area

Though the urban cities have registered unbelievable escalations in both real estates, and, particularly in the  cost of good accommodation, Many are opting for excellent accommodation, in the rural cities that are, in terms of cost, a fraction of  those in the metros, and are located conveniently, just a few kilometers from the metro  cities.  Staying at t cheaper tourist centers are in the interior parts of India is a fine way of saving money. The hospitality industry has taken cognizance of this and is moving in all directions from the focal metros, to give the tourists better and cheaper options of saving money without compromising of food quality.

Budget Meals

It is a common known fact that hotel food is very expensive, so it would be prudent to choose a hotel with free food, or it would be still better if you get a house on rent, if your stay is for a longer period of time. A house could provide you a home away from a home, allowing you to cook the food of your choice or order one at an affordable price and save sufficiently. These are 5 ways to save money while visiting India.

 

In addition to writing travel articles, Paul is a freelance writer that writes on various topics such as commodity trading online in order to help people invest their money wisely.

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Hunter Valley Australia
Friday, January 20th, 2012 /

If you are a wine lover, you are already familiar with the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Together with the Barossa Valley in South Australia, the Hunter has made Australian wines famous. This was not an overnight accomplishment, though. The fascinating history of wine growing in the Hunter Valley goes all the way back to colonial times.

Hunter Valley

Lieutenant John Shortland stumbled across the Hunter River in 1797 while looking for escaped convicts. While he did not find the convicts he was looking for, he did find a verdant valley rich in natural resources. His discovery of the Hunter led to rapid settlement and within a quarter of a century, land access to the region was established and the first vines were planted: 20 acres by 1823 and that was only the beginning.

Some of the pioneers of Hunter Valley viticulture included George Wyndham, James King and William Kelman. James Busby, an amateur viticulturist, played a big part in Hunter Valley history. The 500 cuttings he brought over from Europe helped establish many of the early vineyards. Busby was an eccentric gentleman, but has been credited with bringing the cuttings that were responsible for establishing the Hunter Valley’s reputation for producing fine wines.

James Busby had a sister named Catherine. She fell in love with and married William Kelman. Many of Kelman’s first vines were some of those brought over by Busby. Others followed suit and by 1840, there were over 500 acres of vines in the Hunter Valley. Before the turn of the century, many of the most famous names in Hunter Valley wines were already established, including Dr. Henry Lindeman and the Tyrell, Wilkenson and Drayton families.

The first half of the 20th century, plagued by wars and depression, saw no further growth in the Hunter Valley, but in the prosperous 1960s, the region began another growth spurt. In that era of increased prosperity, the dry table wines that the Hunter Valley produced became popular. The sixties were also a period of expansion in the Hunter. After over a century of domination by a handful of growers, Dr. Max Lake set the stage for the future when he started Lake’s Folly in 1963. His success led to the establishment of dozens of other boutique wineries. Today, there are over 120 wine producers in the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Gardens

After road improvements from Sydney were completed, the Hunter Valley vineyards became a popular tourist destination. Today, along with wine, the region has become one of the major entertainment centers of New South Wales. The largest wineries compete with each other to offer the most in-demand Australian and international artists. There are regular food, wine and music festivals in the region and a number of family attractions, such as the Hunter Gardens, have been established.

It goes without saying that there are now plenty of Hunter Valley accommodation options to choose from. From basic family campgrounds to luxurious spa resorts, the Hunter Valley has everything for every budget and lifestyle. The Hunter Valley is easily reached by car, coach or air, so there is nothing stopping you from visiting this world-class wine growing region.

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Coffs Harbour: Australia’s Holiday Coast
Friday, January 20th, 2012 /

Coffs Harbour and its neighboring cities on the mid north coast of New South Wales are so popular, the area has been dubbed the "Holiday Coast." There may be a bit of advertising hype in that slogan, but there is truth in it as well. Formerly called the "banana belt," the region is where the weather on the long New South Wales coast changes from temperate to sub-tropical.

Legend says that the first European visitors to Coffs Harbour were convicts, not tourists. They were followed by timber cutting interests. Until 1865, when the Carywell sank while trying to enter the harbour, it was also a busy shipping port. The sinking of the Carywell brought that to an end for nearly 15 years until finally a lighthouse was constructed, making navigating the waters safe.

The Big Banana

While the timber and fishing industries were always big in the Coffs Harbour area, it acquired a reputation as being the "banana belt" or "banana coast" partly because the plantations extend right down to the Pacific Highway and partly because of the iconic "Big Banana", located just north of Coffs Harbour city center. This landmark has been there for over 40 years and its popularity has inspired a host of imitators.

The banana industry got off to a shaky start in Coffs Harbour. First grown in the 1880s, they faced a great deal of competition until disease wiped out the crops further north in the 1920s. The 1920s also saw the completion of the railway line to Sydney. This was when tourism started to develop in the region.

Today, tourism is booming in Coffs Harbour. It is particularly popular as a family destination and has many attractions for everyone. Of course, many of the major activities are either in the ocean or along its shores. These include surfing, whale watching, fishing and scuba diving, along with just enjoying a day at the beach.

Coffs Harbour

If you like shopping, you’ll love Coffs Harbour. Not only are there wonderful shopping areas in the city itself, adjoining areas offer many unique shopping experiences. Bellingen, in the hills behind Coffs Harbour is a haven for artists and artisans. At the Old Butter Factory in Bellingen, you can find fine handcrafted woodworks, wind chimes, soaps, art works and many other unique hand made products. Another Bellingen attraction is the Yellow Shed, which also sells hand crafted and unique gift and souvenir items.

Not far from Coffs Harbour is the town of Woolgoolga. You can’t miss it because of the large domed structure that resembles a mini Taj Mahal. Woolgoolga has one of the largest concentrations of Indian residents in Australia and is famous for its delicious Indian restaurants.

Clearly, you can’t see everything the Holiday Coast has to offer in just a day or two. Don’t just make the Coffs Harbour area a short stopover. Settle down in a Coffs Harbour accommodation and give yourself time to see everything it has to offer. Don’t limit yourself to the town center and beaches, either. Explore the towns and villages all around Coffs Harbour and you will see firsthand why it is called the Holiday Coast.

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How To Save Money on Your Winter Vacation
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 /

The sky is overcast, the trees are bare, and you’d love to escape the winter blahs with a little vacation. Many others have the same idea in the cold months, driving up prices at popular destinations. With a little planning and some flexibility, however, you can get a great deal this winter.

1. Think big when it comes to airports.

Greater airport traffic equals lower prices. If you’re going skiing, choose a resort near a major international airport. The Salt Lake City International Airport has several hundred flights arriving each day and inexpensive airline prices. Salt Lake City also has ski resorts. On the other hand, if you choose an out-of-the-way ski chalet in Colorado, you may be stuck having to change planes to board a regional carrier, driving up your ticket price.

2. Choose your budget, and then choose your destination.

If you don’t have a set destination in mind, you’re free to pick the least expensive one. Instead, decide what type of environment you’re looking for, such as a snow-covered mountain for winter sports, a beach to take long walks, or a glitzy casino. Then find the best deals.

3. Rent your gear.

Airlines are charging increasingly exorbitant fees for checked items. Compare the airline’s price for bringing your skis or other equipment versus renting them at your destination.

4. Ask about package deals.

If you plan to participate in skiing or other activities, you may find that an all-inclusive deal costs less than paying for everything a la carte.

5. Consider half-day ski lessons.

Half-day lessons cost far less than full-day, and a half-day may be all that you need. This leaves the rest of the day to spend skiing with your family or friends.

6. For ski vacations, consider staying in town.

You always pay a premium for being right on the slopes, and the close proximity may not be necessary. Nearby hotels typically have shuttle buses that run to and from the ski areas.

7. Pack a sack lunch.

Ski-lodge food tends to be pricey because the resort has a captive audience. If you pack a sack lunch and stow it in your locker, you can save a lot of money.

8. Ski early or late in the season
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It is usually cheaper, and an added bonus is that you will spend less time waiting in line and fighting crowds.

9. Consider making a house-sitting or rental deal with a snowbird.

When choosing a ski resort, think outside the box. Northern states such as Michigan have both ski slopes and residents itching to spend the winter in Florida. Investigate ski locations in these areas and check out house-sitting and rental options nearby. Individual home owners may be especially eager to negotiate a bargain price rather than miss out on the income altogether.

10. Consider multi-day packages.

If you’re skiing on multiple days, find out if you can save by purchasing a multi-day lift ticket ahead of time.

11. Don’t be afraid to bargain.

With the economic downturn, vacations have been one of the first budget items that families cut. As a result, many vacation spots are struggling. Ask to speak to a manager about discounts or package deals.

12. Go to a traditionally summer destination.

Vacations spots on the Mediterranean such as Italy, Monaco and Cyprus cost less money and may feel almost balmy to someone used to blizzards. Another plus is the absence of crowds in museums and other attractions.

13. Go to an off-season beach.

Tropical beaches are pricey in the winter, but if you just enjoy walking on a windswept beach without getting into the water, tropical weather may not be necessary. Instead, consider a beach vacation in a location with a moderate winter climate. South Florida vacations will be sky-high during the winter, but if you travel to northern Florida or southern Georgia islands like Amelia Island, Saint Simon’s Island or Jekyll Island, you will find prices cut in half. Winter weather is mild in these areas.

14. Plan a last-minute week in Vegas.

If you’re thinking about a spontaneous Las Vegas vacation, check hotel prices for the week between Christmas and New Years’ Eve. New Year’s Eve itself is a peak time, but hotel business can be slow after Christmas. Hotels often won’t give discounts until the last minute, so be prepared to be flexible.

15. Get your airline ticket in advance over the Internet.

No matter where you go, buy your tickets well before Thanksgiving or Christmas since prices climb steeply in the weeks leading up to these holidays.

If you decide on travelling out of country, be sure that your car insurance policy complies with local regulations.  Sites like Kanetix can help you compare quotes in a snap!

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St Kilda: A Can’t Miss Melbourne Experience
Friday, January 06th, 2012 /

Melbourne, Victoria is Australia’s second largest city and is well known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the heart of Melbourne, St. Kilda is known as one of the most cosmopolitan suburbs in the city.

Like many districts in big cities, St. Kilda has had a checkered history. In its early years, it was Melbourne’s first seaside resort. As the city grew and became one large metropolis, for many years, St. Kilda went into decline. The famed St. Kilda baths, where many famous Australian Olympic swimmers have trained, went out of fashion and many of the formerly fashionable shops and restaurants languished as Melbournians turned to newer venues.

Acland Street, St. Kilda

Since the 1980s, St. Kilda has been rediscovered and today, it is one of the trendiest suburbs in Melbourne. College students and backpackers call Fitzroy Street and Acland Street home and they are two of the hippest streets in town. If you’re looking for a place with a lively artistic atmosphere, then you will find it here. Fitzroy and Acland Streets are both great places to just hang out. Grab a book in one of the small independent bookshops you run across, sit down for a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and you’ll fit right in. Be sure to check out the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts while you’re on Acland Street. It’s easy to find: just look for the wonderful Victorian mansion it is located in.

If you have ever been to LAs iconic Venice Beach on a Sunday afternoon, you get an idea of what it’s like at the beach in St. Kilda on the weekend. If at all possible, be in the St Kilda area on any given Sunday. That’s when the Esplanade Arts and Crafts Market is on.

For the family, the beach at St. Kilda offers a great day out. You will definitely want to take the kids to St. Kilda’s iconic Luna Park. Go to St Kilda breakwater and look for the delightful fairy penguins that can often be seen there.

There’s plenty to do in St. Kilda at night, too. If you’re looking for entertainment, the lower Esplanade is the place to go. For a big night out, take in an international act at the Palais Theatre. For more local entertainment, try the Esplanade Hotel or one of the pubs in town. Finding entertainment at night is not going to be a problem in St Kilda: the problem will be in making your mind up about which place to go to.

Palais Theatre and Luna Park

When you’re on St. Kilda’s Carlisle Street, you may have to pinch yourself before you forget that you’re in Australia and not someplace in Europe. Not only is the atmosphere cosmopolitan on Carlisle street, it seems as if English is only the local’s second tongue. You are in Australia, though, and everyone speaks English, too, so you won’t have any trouble communicating when you order a mouth watering cake or bagel at one of Carlisle Street’s many wonderful eateries.

There are still many people who say that St. Kilda’s days of glory are gone. They are only just beginning. Be part of the action. Stay at a St. Kilda accommodation  and get the most out of your visit to Melbourne. Whether you stay in one of the many backpackers resorts or in a magnificently restored Bed and Breakfast, you will love this part of the city.

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