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Travel Savvy Tips to Make Your Holiday Hassle Free and Fun-Filled
Monday, March 26th, 2012 /

Travel today has been made easy. You can book your dream destination through the click of the button but ensuring your holiday goes as well as dreams of it is a whole new piece of cake altogether. Like many travelers have found, most holidays plans are rather unrealistic. You might end up squeezing in so much sight-seeing that you end up more tired than refreshed after your trip.

What to carry when traveling is of prime importance. First things first; research the weather reports. You don’t want to take a parasol along when what you need most are woollies. Secondly, most travelers end up packing all sorts of unnecessary ensembles which they end up lagging around. Travel light and make sure you fold or roll your clothes up well to avoid creasing. Jeans are a good option though a formal outfit is a safe bet. If you’re not sending your clothes to the laundry for dry cleaning, tub washes them and hand them for ironing.

Currency too is an important aspect as you don’t want to get stranded without the right cash or run to a cash exchange. Also, check to see if your credit or debit card is functional there. Don’t carry too much cash in your wallet as most travelers’ tales do recount how easy it is to be mugged. Cash those traveler’s cheques one at a time and slow down on the shopping. Customs is extremely trying if you’ve landed up with what seems like enough purchasers to open shop.

Sleeping hours whilst travelling are difficult to maintain. After jet travel, if you experience jet lag, it’s better to sleep it out rather than rush into sightseeing. Try relaxing too. If you go sightseeing in the morning, spend the afternoon lazily either by sitting and reading or chatting with new friends. Refresh yourself for the evening out and try to turn in early. Too much alcohol has the negative effects of a hangover and a feeling of bloatedness. So, moderation in what you eat and drink will help you feel light. Make sure the water is safe and whatever you eat outside has been made hygienically. The last thing you want to do is lie sick in the hotel!

Don’t forget to take your digital-camera along so you can keep your friends up-to-date on your travels and cause a stir of admiration and envy! Try to take back some flavors too by jotting down the traditional recipes or you can make a mini-scrap book in quiet afternoons at the hotel. Don’t go to all the places in the tourist brochure, the local people many a time can tell you of even more interesting places along with their folk lore and myths.

It’s better to travel in a group or with some of your close friends rather than alone. It’s safer and you have more fun in sharing your discoveries. So, turn to the map and chart where to go keeping in mind your preparation to be travel savvy.

Jeremy is an interior designer and works as a design consultant in a bathroom manufacturing and retail outlet. He designs assembled bathroom suites as well as various other bathroom products and writes on a variety of topics related to design and design tips.

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How Vacation Volunteering Can Benefit You
Monday, March 26th, 2012 /

Why do you go on vacation? Why do you travel? Perhaps one of the most common answers to these questions would be “to take a break from daily life”. It is understandable that most people want to spend some time away from the daily rigors of their existence, and traveling to a different place is always a good way to do it.

However, there is more to traveling and going on vacation than just merely indulging yourself. Now, do not get me wrong. I am the first one to stand up, pack my bags, and go to the nearest beach to recharge and pamper myself to death. There is another side to traveling that not many may consider, though: volunteering.

Volunteering on vacation, travel volunteering, or whatever you may want to call it, is the idea of going on a trip and offering your services to the local community. There are many organizations that organize these kinds of vacations, and the services that are offered to the community of the destination are also just as varied.

For example, you can volunteer to help build houses for the poor. Habitat for Humanity is well known for this. You can also volunteer to spend a longer period of time to teach children – even adults! Whatever program you end up joining, the bottom line is the same: you get to have a different travel experience, and the people you interact with benefit from your vacation as well.

Aside from being able to help those in need, how else can volunteering while on vacation benefit you?

I cannot think of a better answer than obtaining a sense of self-achievement. This may sound selfish, but anyone who has tried helping others out without expecting anything in return will know that this feeling is hard to beat. Knowing that you are able to make the lives of other people better is something that will help you sleep better at night.

More than having a sense of self-achievement, volunteering on vacation also broadens your horizons. This is especially true for those who may have it good at home. Many first world residents have their own issues, but only when they get to see how less fortunate people live do they fully realize how good they have it. Volunteers will tell you countless epiphanies they have had while offering their services on vacation. And when you get back home, you will only appreciate what you have even more.

On a more practical note, volunteer vacations can benefit you in terms of your profession. Surveys have consistently shown that companies see it as a plus if job applicants have foreign travel experience. Add to that the fact that you actually traveled not only for yourself but for others, and you will be looked upon in a better light. This is connected to the previous point that volunteer travel gives you more awareness of reality beyond your own situation. This kind of awareness only makes one more tolerant and open to deal with all sorts of situation that may come up in the course of one’s job.

Planning your next trip? Why not consider volunteering?

Traveler Cheryl Grise may just have experienced it all when it comes to moving from one place to another. She loves pampering herself, but she also enjoys exploring different situations to broaden her horizons. Follow her to read more of her expert advice, which she shares with countless people by promoting her blog.

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Ideas For Days Out In The Lake District National Park
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 /

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations. It is a mecca for walkers, cyclists and water sports but there are lots of other things to see and do there.The area around Windermere has many attractions and in Windermere itself you can find the World of Beatrix Potter.

The writer lived in the lakes and many of her stories were inspired by the beautiful landscape. In the World of Beatrix Potter many of the characters are brought to life and the children can meet the likes of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-duck. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the Tailor of Gloucester Tea Room whilst the children have lots of fun.

A short walk up the road from the Beatrix potter exhibition you come to the Windermere Steam Boat Museum which houses a fantastic collection of steam vessels. You can trace the history of boat building in the Lake District over a two hundred year period. If this has given you a taste for steam boat travel then take a walk down to the lake and book yourself on a cruise.

The lake is ten and a half miles long and you get fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.  During the summer months a cold buffet is served and a jazz band provide entertainment. Still on a literary theme, the village of Grasmere is a lovely place and was once home to the poet William Wordsworth and his sister. They lived in Dove Cottage which is open to the public.

The Wordsworth Trust provides guided tours and you get see where he wrote many of his famous poems and the guide provides anecdotes along the way. Next to the cottage is the Wordsworth Museum which tells the story of how he lived and what inspired him to write such wonderful poetry. Whilst in Grasmere you can visit one of the number of independent shops selling items from handmade sweaters to locally produced food stuff.

A popular stopping off point is the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop which sells all kinds of confectionary and is around four hundred years old. A short drive from Grasmere brings you to the market town of Keswick where you can visit the Mining Museum. Copper and lead were mined extensively here and the museum holds the finest collection of mining memorabilia in the country. A short walk round the corner brings you to the Cumberland Pencil Museum.

This is a fantastic place for the whole family to visit and you get to chart the history of the pencil.  The children can go in to the Kids Art Studio where they can draw and colour for free. There are many events and exhibitions held here throughout the year. If you would like a bit of exercise there is a lovely walk through stunning countryside to the Castlrigg Stone Circle, just outside of Keswick.

Thousands of people visit this prehistoric site every year and you get brilliant views of Skiddaw and Blencathra from here.These are just a few of the places and attractions that the Lake District has to offer. There is every kind of water sport available on the lakes and the mountains are great for walkers and climbers. Pack your walking boots and head for the Lake District.

Chris is a travel writer for a UK holiday company that provides log cabin holidays in the Lake District. For the ultimate in self catering holiday experiences some time away in the Log Cabins with Hot Tubs is something to try.

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London Attractions for Every Taste
Monday, December 12th, 2011 /

As one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, London attractions go well beyond the usual tourist sites. Whether you want to look at one of the world’s oldest governments, see breathtaking art, or do a bit of shopping, London attractions are for you. Here are a few must-see’s and must-do’s in this iconic city.

Experience the Public Transportation.

In a city with heavy traffic and high fuel and parking prices, why drive? Using city transportation not only gets you there faster and for less money, but also lets you experience some of the most iconic transportation systems in the world. London’s iconic Underground subway system, also known as “the Tube”, can get you anywhere quickly and cheaply, if you don’t mind a longer journey time, you can enjoy the view from the top of a double-decker bus.

See the Crown Jewels.

Touring the Tower of London lets you get an inside view of an iconic 900-year old building. You can learn about its history as a castle, arsenal and jail, as well as see the shiniest of all London attractions — the Crown Jewels, including the 317 carat Koh-i-noor diamond. To get a better understanding of the building and its history, opt for a tour led by a Beefeater.

Visit Art Museums.

Museums such as the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert and the British Museum span the entire human history of art from ancient coins and medals to the most modern abstract art. Most are located conveniently to the London Underground system, and have reasonable entry prices.

See it All.

While many London attractions are on the ground, the London Eye takes you 135 meters above the ground. This attraction is essentially a very large Ferris Wheel with enclosed cabs. Taking 30 minutes to complete one revolution, it lets you see as many as 25 miles from its Thames-side location.

Go Shopping.

Located near the Knightsbridge tube station, Harrod’s is one of the world’s most iconic department stores. In addition to an extensive collection of the world’s finest goods, Harrod’s also has a famous “Food Hall” which plays home to a host of delicacies. It also features 30 different eateries.

See Buckingham Palace.

Home to the Queen of England, this regal London attraction also periodically opens its doors to the touring public, allowing them to view the State rooms. It also features a 29-acre garden, and, if you time your visit appropriately, the opportunity for you to see the changing of the castle guard.

Visit Madame Tussaud’s.

 

Madame Tussaud’s wax museum remains the standard by which every wax museum in the world is judged. Featuring hundreds of wax figures from Shakespeare to Britney Spears, this attraction has just about everyone’s favourite personality immortalized in wax. Its central location, near the Tube and just 5 minutes from Buckingham Palace, makes it easy to visit.
Be There.

Ultimately, the most exciting of the London attractions is London itself. Make sure that you take some time to walk the streets, stroll into a pub for a pint, and slow down for a spot of tea.

 

Please note that this article is provided for your interest and ease of reference only. We cannot accept any responsibility for any advice or information contained in them.

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London Tourism; Top 5 more Unusual And Fun Things To Do
Sunday, December 11th, 2011 /

Good old London in England is one of the most frequented cities in Europe. Thousands of tourists come into the city every month of every year to sample and explore the diversity of this amazing place. London tourism is rife and a record number of tourists boosted London’s economy by 600 million pounds. Travel and tourism London is equipped, the national language is English and people are able to travel around the capital with ease, all factors adding to the profitable London tourism industry. If you are planning a first time trip to London or are even going back to explore more of the great city, here is a list of the top five more unusual tourist destinations and things to do while in the city, in no particular order.

1. The London eye

Upon flying into London, the London Eye can be seen from the air and is bound to intrigue visitors. A giant Ferris type wheel which boasts the most spectacular views of the River Thames and the city can be enjoyed in while enclosed in capsule because London is known for its erratic and cool weather. The London eye is one London tourism attractions that can be enjoyed during the day and the nights, providing different ambience for both settings. If travelling with a partner, an incredibly romantic idea could be to hire out one of the capsule’s just for the two of you and you can even indulge in a romantic dinner with London at your feet. The London eye is easy to find on any London tourism map. To book and for more information, visit, http://www.londoneye.com/

2. London boat trips

The River Thames is an iconic feature of London culture and a massive river stretching through the entire city and beyond. A lovely London tourism activity is to enjoy a leisurely cruise on one of the frequent London boat trips offered. See some of London’s historical landmarks from the water and a totally different angel, get a feel for the city and be boated all around this magical city. It is a truly innovative way to tour and a great idea. For the more social and party inclined few, there are also river party boat options offered. What a diverse setting for a party and at least the neighbors can’t complain.

3. The London dungeon

A favorite among London tourism information, this magical and fun place is a must for tourists of all ages but a true treat for children. Not only is the London dungeon superbly run with amazing actors in scary attire and props jumping out at every corner but through the fun there is also a great amount of information about the dark history of  London including the great fire and the plague. Be careful, you might just run into the infamous Jack the Ripper. The London Dungeon is truly great among London tourism attractions and deserves a stop.

4. Watch a live soccer game

England and London is known for their soccer hooligans and its immense passion for the game. London offers the usual tourist attractions which are great but why not get a true feel of the country and city and take part in an important ritual and watch a live soccer game. The Chelsea stadium is a lovely one and the roar of the crowd is bound to give you goose bumps. Rather stay neutral at the game but if already a soccer enthusiast and if you are lucky enough to see your team play, scream your heart out, just make sure you are surrounded by fellow supporters. Have a look on any London tourism map for the stadiums and search the net for fixtures.

 

5. The Natural History Museum

Arguably one of the most incredible museums in the world, it is massive and offers interesting parts of  history that are bound to astound anyone of any age. Pieces of history hide behind ever corner while a huge dinosaur skeleton will surprise you. London tourism is filled with attractions with thousands of people and often the Natural history museum plays second fiddle to the more popular London tourism destinations. The natural History museum is a truly magical place that is both educational and exciting, for more information on what’s happening in the museum, visit www.nhm.ac.uk

Sarah Mancini loves to travel and share her experiences with others.

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Top of the Turks: Britain’s Top Turks
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 /

Britain is well known for being a multicultural country, with many people from Europe and even further afield having emigrated there over the years. Turks first began to head to the UK for work, but later on following the Cyprus conflict many Turkish Cypriot families were forced to flee their homes. Following the latter, more Turkish mainlanders came to Britain in search of employment as a result of economic instability. These immigrants and their ancestors have brought us some very famous personalities over the years. For example…

  • Boris Johnson

Mayor of London Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is perhaps not best known for his Turkish heritage (one could argue that his Turkish holidays were better known). Indeed, his work as both a journalist and a Conservative politician – closely followed by an opinion on his notoriously unruly hairstyle – is usually what is foremost in people’s mind when they think of him. However, during an appearance on family history programme Who Do You Think You Are? in 2008 it was revealed that  his great grandfather was Turkish newspaper editor, journalist and poet Ali Kemal Bey. Having shared his great grandson’s interest in politics, Ali Kemal was assassinated for his beliefs in 1922 during a period of political unrest in the country. While Boris Johnson’s Turkish heritage may be a little more distant than some’s, it is certainly a rather interesting example.

  • Ramadan Güney

British-Turkish Cypriot Ramadan Hüseyin Güney was a businessman and politician, credited as being the founder of the UK Turkish Islamic Trust as well as establishing London’s first Turkish mosque in 1977. Having served as part of Cyprus’s British army and police after leaving school, he emigrated to Britain in 1958 following a period of violent political unrest. Once there he set up a music publishing business, and by the age of 35 he was a millionaire. In 1985 he acquired Brookwood Cemetery, this decision largely made in order to secure Turkish burial facilities. Brookwood, located in Woking, Surrey, is the largest cemetery in the UK, and was originally known as the London Necropolis following its being established in 1849.

  • Abs Breen

Best known as a member of the boy band Five (AKA 5ive) before pursuing his solo career, Richard Abidin Breen is half Turkish on his father’s side. His parents are both musicians, while it was a teacher at the Italia Conti Stage School where he was studying who originally suggested that he audition for the boy band. Organised by Simon Cowell, Five was formed in 1997 and enjoyed a fair amount of success before disbanding in 2001. In 2006, four out of five of the band members (Breen included) got together and reformed the band as part of a comeback tour. However, they did not get as lucrative a record deal as they had hoped for, and as such disbanded eight months later in 2007. Although a few of the band members attempted to pursue solo careers, Breen’s has arguably been the most successful (albeit only moderately so when compared to Five’s).

  • Tracy Emin

Artist Tracey Karima Emin is both famous and infamous in equal parts. The daughter of a Turkish Cypriot, she was born in Croydon and grew up in Margate. Having had somewhat of a rocky childhood, Emin studied painting at the Royal College of Art, earning an MA, before slowly but surely making her way into the world of less conventional art. Emin’s most famous works are arguably Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963-1995 (a tent with the names of everyone Emin had ever slept with appliquéd onto it) and My Bed (a messy unmade bed complete with accompanying bedroom trappings). However, Emin has also produced a number of other works in a variety of mediums including photography, fabric, neon, films, books and found objects.

Eli Smith is a journalist and chronic wanderlust sufferer. When not travelling, he enjoys relaxing with a cool glass of cider and a good book.

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