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Following Your Team – Great Sports Travel Around The World

April 1st, 2013

There is perhaps no better way to express your passion for your chosen sports team than to travel and see them perform abroad. Not only is this a great opportunity to cheer them on against foreign opposition, but it is also a chance to combine your passion for sports with a passion for travel.

cricket stadiumPeople travel for all sorts of reasons   to see the world, to visit family, to educate themselves or just to get away from it all. However, one of the most exciting reasons to travel is to witness sport. Whether you support a domestic football team playing in the Champions League, or the British and Irish Lions taking their inimitable brand of rugby to the classic opponents across the world, sports travel is a uniquely memorable experience. However, these trips do not need to be sports-exclusive; the big match might be the main reason for the visit but it gives you plenty of excuses to explore the local area, engage with the customs and sample some of the traditional culture. There are many sports that lend themselves particularly well to international travel.

Rugby
Rugby is a fantastic sport for travel, whether you fancy a trip within the British Isles, a jaunt over to the European continent or a real globetrotting experience. The Six Nations Tournament is a fantastic excuse for some more short-haul trips. The participating countries are England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy and with matches usually held in their respective capitals, these clashes have an unparalleled atmosphere and offer a chance to explore some of Europe’s most exciting major cities. Further afield, rugby is a sport enjoyed in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, to name but three and the Rugby World Cup or the British and Irish Lions offer a chance to see what the world has to offer in terms of the game and the atmosphere surrounding it.

Cricket
Cricket is a sport with its roots deep in English history but is now enjoyed in many former outposts of the British Empire, dotted around the globe. As with rugby, Australia is one of the most prominent and the Ashes series is a tournament which pits the original cricketing nation against one of its most successful export destinations in perhaps the world’s oldest international sporting rivalry. Not only is this a chance to see some of the most interesting cities down under but it is also an opportunity to be a part of an incredible sporting event. Other old colonies which have taken cricket to their heart include India, Pakistan and the West Indies; each of which have plenty to offer as general travel destinations, even without the cricket.

Overall, travelling to follow sport is a unique adventure that should be memorable for all the right reasons. From the Ashes to Six Nations clashes, professional sports tour companies are often the best way to travel; they take the stress out of arranging transport and accommodation and often include game tickets and exclusive bonuses too.

AUTHOR BIO:
Martin George writes regularly on cricket and rugby tours for several sports travel websites and blogs. He has witnessed more Ashes series than he cares to remember and certainly knows an awful lot about travelling abroad to follow a passion for sport.

Tips and advice for those taking a canal boat holiday

March 14th, 2013

If you’re in search of a peaceful, affordable and truly relaxing holiday, there’s nothing quite like a canal boat break. Gliding past green, quiet countryside as the sun beats down, sipping on a glass of wine as it sets   nothing compares to the tranquillity of a canal holiday.

canal boat break

Packing:

Many people find themselves a bit flummoxed when it comes to packing for a canal boat holiday. The main thing to remember is to pack lightly   whilst canal boats are beautiful and a pleasure to sail on, they are not the most spacious of vessels and as such, you will need to be strict with yourself when it comes to selecting supplies, as storage will be quite limited. Regardless of the forecast, always bring along a large bottle of sunblock, as well as a wide brimmed hat and some sunglasses. You will most likely be spending a great deal of your time outside and the last thing you want to deal with on a holiday is sunburn   not only it is painful, but it’s also very dangerous.

moonbeam1In addition to this, bring along a few board games, a good book, a raincoat (in case the weather takes a turn for the worst) and an extra towel, in case you decide to take a dip. Depending on the boat company you choose, other items such as bicycles, a television, fishing rods and tackle may be included in the price of renting the boat, although there are some companies which charge extra for these.

Respecting the river and other boat users:

In order to ensure that your holiday is both safe and enjoyable, it’s important to be considerate towards other boats on the river and to operate the boat safely. Make sure to moor only at suitable stops and always keep to the right side of the river whilst the boat is moving.

canal boat break

In addition to respecting other boat users, it’s also important that you respect the river and of course, the elements. All boating companies will provide life jackets   make sure that anyone on board who is under the age of twelve, or is not a strong swimmer, wears a life jacket when sitting or standing close to the edge of the boat. If the worst should happen and one of the passengers on board falls into the water, the first thing which you must do is to cut the engine and then get them out of the water straight away. Keep in mind that even if you are a good swimmer and decide to take a dip, the river currents can be as unpredictable as those found in the ocean, so swim carefully and get back on board if the weather gets bad.

Lastly, remember that the power supply for a canal boat will be limited and as such, power should be used as sparingly as possible. Try not to leave appliances or gadgets plugged in for too long and bear in mind that the engine will need to be running for about five to six hours every day.

AUTHOR BIO:
Emma Sinclair writes regularly for a wide range of boating and travel publications and blogs. She often visits websites like http://www.leboat.co.uk for inspiration for her work.

The city Made With Dreams and Music

January 2nd, 2013

Vienna, the largest city and capital of Austria has a reputation as the city of dreams, as it was the place where the world famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud lived. The atmosphere of the city is still filled with divine music that has been created by the great musicians such as Mozart and Beethoven. Thus the people of Vienna claim that the life into this city has been injected with dreams and music. It is true to some extent also.

vienna

We wanted to enjoy that divine atmosphere too when we planned for a holiday trip and that is the reason for my wife to insist on this city as our destination. It is one of the major cities in the European Union and many major airlines in the world such as Korean Airways, Air Canada etc are operating flights to Vienna. There are many small players who are operating cheap airlines flights to this city. Hence getting cheap tickets is not a problem in this sector.

Whenever you are going for a family trip, it is always better to go for the cheap tickets. It will help you to save a lot of money which you can spend for other enjoyments at the destination. We too were not different. We reached there in one of the cheap flights to Vienna. As mentioned earlier, the atmosphere there is quite positive for the growth of art and other cultural activities. However, the art is not limited to music here. It has a long tradition in drama and other theatrical arts too. Even now there are many theaters such as Burg Theater; Volks Theater etc catering to the needs of the visitors. Many people from all over the world visit this city regularly to witness the performances of talented artists here. After the introduction of cheap tickets to Vienna by many airlines, number of such visitors has increased in the recent past.

There are several museums also in the city which spread light into the rich heritage. Schatzkammer, which holds a treasure of Imperial jewelry of Habsburg dynasty, is attracting many visitors from all around the world. There are many other museums which take you for a journey through the history of the city as well as the region. Another attraction is the architecture. There are many buildings in the city which displays the rich heritage in architecture. It starts from the classical architecture to the modern ones.

Apart from a city that attracts you with its heritage in art and culture; it is an important destination for diplomats too. The city houses many international organizations such as United Nations and OPEC. The presence of such international organizations is also another reason for large number of people visiting the city more frequently.

We had a great time there. Still we are not satisfied. Actually, nobody will get satisfied even after a number of visits too. That is the specialty of the atmosphere here. The atmosphere itself will make you more romantic with the strong presence of the divine music.

Choosing Amazing Guided Tours For The Best Vacation Ever

October 15th, 2012

Tours help you see the country without requiring you to make dozens of different reservations. Learn about the best tours America has to offer and how to choose from them. There are tours available for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Guided tours help you see the best sights in every part of the country. Your tour guide will give you interesting facts and information on the historical background of each place you visit. There’s no need to stress about where to go and what to do when you purchase a complete tour package. If you want to see more of the beauty of North America, consider a tour for your next vacation. You can find walking tours in the cities you want to visit, or take a bus tour to see dozens of locations without having to rent a car or get on a plane.

row adventures

Exploring The Wildest Rivers in America
If you need a tour that will keep the entire family happy, consider booking seats on a river tour. ROW Adventures offers a tour that allows you to see more than 100 miles of wilderness as you travel down the Salmon River of Idaho. You and your children can explore natural hot springs, pioneer camps and extensive trails for hiking and biking.

Grand Teton National Park

See The Nation’s Best National Parks in a New Light
Anyone can visit the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone without a tour group. However, choosing a tour with plenty of skilled leaders will maximize what you see and do while you are there. Tauck’s American Safari event is a full eight days of adventure. You will see plenty of animals in their natural habitat. Watch wolves and bears hunting for food from a breathtaking vantage point. This tour works best for active individuals and couples. You will hike, bike and travel down the waterways of both amazing national parks.

Camp With the Majestic Bighorn Sheep
Adventurous vacationers who need to let off some steam will love backpacking in Canada’s Willmore Wilderness area. A guided tour will take you to the top of 10,000-foot peaks and through lush valleys, which are home to bears, elk and other majestic creatures. Sierra Club offers an affordable 12-day outing that limits each tour group to just 18 people.

Liberty Bell

Tour The Country’s Most Important Cities
A bus tour is the best choice for holidays for singles over 50s. If you have never seen the Liberty Bell or the Constitution, pick a historical tour that helps you see the cities that have shaped America. Look for a tour that includes stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and cities in Massachusetts like Salem and Concord. You can also choose a tour of Civil War sites or an exploration of the cities settled first during the expansion of the West.

Anyone can find a tour in America that offers their favorite activities. Stay active and busy while admiring the beauty of the wilderness, or explore the historical sections of the country’s biggest city. You can even find tours catering to singles or people of a certain age. Make the most of your vacation and spend less time on planning by choosing a complete tour package.

AUTHOR BIO
Shannen Doherty is a professional writer who covers the best holidays for singles over 50s and other travel topics for a wide range of vacation websites and blogs. She has been helping families choose vacation destinations for years.

15 Ways To Experience Sydney On Budget

July 26th, 2012

Given Sydney’s magnificent man-made wonders, vibrancy, culture and food, it’s no surprise that it’s the most visited city in Australia. However, if you’re traveling Sydney on a budget, you might feel you’re not getting the best out of your time at Sydney. That’s why you need to take a look at our 15 seasoned tips on how to enjoy what this spectacular city has to offer while on your budget.

Food And Drink

1. Follow Up On Deals And Special Offers

Use sites such as Groupon to look for coupons and special offers from major Sydney restaurants. Plan your nights out, purchase coupons in advance and shave several dollars from your budget.

2. Hit Wholesale And Farmer’s Markets

Head over to the wholesale Sydney Fish Market on Darling Harbor for fresh and cheap seafood stalls and eateries. Visit Sydney’s weekend markets to stock up on fresh farm products so you can fix most of your meals yourself.

Sydney Fish Market on Darling Harbor

3. Look Up Cheap Snack Options

Look up brekky deals for AUD 5 at bakeries and cafes. Opt to take out your drink and snack instead of eating in for a discount. Buy snacks from Circular Quay food shacks for $4 and from Asian grocers in the Inner West suburbs and Chinatown.

4. Look Up $ 10 Deals

Look up $ 10 meal steals such as Plan B, Surry Hills’ Bodega Café, and in the 60 food courts and restaurants of Chinatown. Check out similar deals at Marigold Citymark in Haymarket’s George Street, Glebe Hotel, Cheers on George Street and Big Bite Sydney.

5. Look Up Cheap Drink Options

Avoid peak times and hit the bars before 7 P.M. and between 9:30pm to 2am to avoid paying $20 for a drink. You can get cheap drinks at the downtown Mars Lounge, Sanctuary Hotel and Tokio Hotel on Darling Harbor.

Entertainment And Shopping Options

1. Travel During The Off-Peak Season

Summertime (November through February) is peak tourist season and hotels, airfare, food, attractions are more expensive. It’s best to visit the city during other months if you want to save money.

2. List Free Sights

The best attractions of Sydney are to enjoy such as all beaches, beach walks (Bondi to Coogee), the Royal Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbor, the Australian Maritime Museum and much more.

royal botanical gardens sydney

3. Look Up Free Entertainment Options

Look up free exhibition dates at Sydney’s various cultural hubs such as the NSW’s Art Gallery. Check out free outdoor events along Darling Harbor. Look for free annual events like Australia Day concerts, fireworks and Jazz festivals during your visit.

4. Look For Cheap Shopping Options

Visit Paddy’s Markets at Darling Harbor, Birkenhead Point in Drummoyne and Hot Dollar at the Bondi Junction for cheap clothes and souvenirs. Don’t forget to check out the Sydney weekend markets.

5. Enjoy great things at low rates

Watch shows at the Opera House for $35 per person. Listen to a performance by Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Conductors Series for $15. Go to the movies on Tuesdays when you pay only half price.

Accommodation Options

1. Check Out Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments offer living quarters, laundry facilities and a kitchen; you’ll be totally self-contained. Look for centrally located apartments and save on commute fare.

2. Check Out Other Cheap Stays

Troll sites such as MoveAndStay.com for mid-range accommodations at relatively low rates. Explore Sydney’s low-cost hostels on Hostels.com.

Wesley College sydney

3. Stay At Cheap Hotels On The Outskirts

The Australian Heritage Hotel in the Rocks charges $69 for a room, and it is $74 for a room at the Macleay Lodge in Potts Point. St Marks Lodge in Randwick and Hotel 59 in Rushcutters Bay charge $88.

4. Stay At Universities

Sydney universities, such as Wesley College and St John’s College offer rooms for $65 along with complimentary breakfast. Enjoy their sprawling complexes, pools, gardens and lawns.

5. Cheap Commute Options

Buy cheap passes from the Monorail and Light Rail and get some cool discount coupons. Get the Sydney DayTripper ferry ticket (works also for suburban CityRail trains). Always buy return trip tickets for single rides. A My10 bus pass gets you five round trips or 10 free bus rides a day. Use the free 555 bus CBD shuttle whenever you get it.

Adrenaline writer Ronny has been contributing guest posts on travel and adventure topics since she went on her first tandem sky diving experience

How to impress your spouse with a low budget weekend celebration?

July 23rd, 2012

It is a unique and original idea to partake in the organisation of your spouse’s pre wedding celebration. Usually stag weekends provide the opportunity for the future husband and wife to let loose and go wild with their friends separately, whilst the other half wonders what each of them are getting up to. But if you take the effort to organise a special surprise it is a great way of showing you care and that you love your partner, of course without being too intrusive of their stag plans. It will certainly put an even bigger smile on their face before the big day. This article will provide you with some great low budget weekend celebration ideas.

Let’s face it; most stag weekends entail getting drunk to a certain extent. So wherever your other half is going for their weekend away you could ring up the hotel and organise for a bottle of champagne to be left in the room upon your fiance’s arrival. You can leave a personal note alongside it telling them to enjoy their night, to have fun and that of course you love them. Obviously you do not necessarily have to leave champagne, you can leave whatever you think your partner would most appreciate; a crate of beer, bottles of wine, a box of chocolates etc.

champagne hotel

Another great idea to surprise your partner on their weekend away is to have a limo waiting outside the hotel (or wherever they are staying) to drive them around on their night out. Limo’s are considered quite old school now and thus it is the perfect gesture on a night where your other half is assured to be with some of their oldest and dearest friends. To cut the costs of hiring a limo, it is a good idea to have it merely drop them off at their first destination on the wild evening ahead.

In addition to this, you could surprise your partner and their friends at the club they are planning to go to by arranging VIP entrance. They will most likely get to enjoy their evening in the best spot in the club with a selection of complimentary drinks. This is guaranteed to be a hit with your fiance and his or her friends and will certainly put you in their good books.

limo

Furthermore, if your partner has planned a wild night out rather than a stag weekend away, secretly organise him or her one. Obviously you will need to speak to all of their friends to organise the occasion and ensure that they can all spare an extra night and day. Spending a weekend away does not have to be expensive. All you have to do is search on the internet for cheap deals, this is made easier by the help of price comparison websites these days. Try to find a good balance between quality and cost effectiveness. And remember it is a good idea to pick somewhere that your partner has never been to before as you ensure it is something new and exciting and thus will be a memory they will always cherish.

vip

If you pick one of the suggestions mentioned in this article then I am sure you will be able to provide your partner with a touching surprise on their stag weekend.

Security dos and don’ts when planning online booking for traveling abroad

July 19th, 2012

Booking a holiday online can be a lot less expensive than going to a travel agent. However, working out the logistics can be troublesome and there are certain security factors that need to be considered when booking online. Read on to learn more about travel security.

Planning a Holiday Abroad

With so many deals on low cost flights these days, many people go abroad for their holidays. Rather than simply going to the local pub or nightclub, one of the most common activities for travellers is to have a stag or hen party in another country. It can be a fun, different and exciting idea, having such a celebration abroad, especially if there is another country that is special to the bride and groom or their friends.

booking for traveling

Of course, planning such a holiday can be stressful, especially when booking flights and accommodation for a large group of people. There are a lot of things to think about, such as what to do, where to stay and if there are any special requirements for anyone going. If the person responsible for the holiday is booking it online there are other things to consider as well. Things like keeping all the details organised and of course making sure everything they are doing online is secure. If payments are being made it is important that bank details entered online will be safe and that the holiday being booked will not have any hidden charges or turn out to be a scam.

What to Look For

When shopping around for holidays online there are a few important things to look out for. The most important of these is that the travel website has approval from a well known travel authority, such as ABTA and ATOL. ABTA, The Travel Association, has firm guidelines for anyone wishing to join their organisation. If there do happen to be any queries or complaints about an ABTA member there is a consumer helpline and independent arbitration service. ATOL is the Air Travel Organisers’ Licence and any travel website that organises flights to foreign countries should have the ATOL symbol and a unique number somewhere on their website. This shows that the company is legitimate and that anyone booking a holiday with them will be protected if something goes wrong.

Booking for travel

It will be necessary to pay online when booking the holiday, but before any bank details are entered be careful to check that the website is secure. This can be done by looking for ‘https’ in the website address bar and the small padlock icon in the bottom corner of the window. For added security it is better to pay with a credit card or through PayPal rather than directly from a bank account. Both PayPal and credit cards offer excellent payment protection and are generally the most secure ways of paying.

What to Avoid

Many people are sensible when it comes to booking holidays online but it is still important to be careful. When looking at websites, remember that if the deals and prices offered sound too good to be true they probably are. Do not use websites or companies if no other information online can be found about them or if they have a lot of bad reviews. It is best to carry out a search of the company and see what others online say about them.

Also avoid any companies that do not seem to have a ‘face’ behind the website. Offline addresses and telephone numbers should be visible and easy to find on the website and getting in touch with a real person through them should be easy.

Booking travel tickets

Other Tips

When entering information into a travel website be sure that everything, especially names, is entered correctly as having to change something later could be expensive. If there is a group going such as in a stag or hen party it is important that all the details for everyone are well organised, especially when it comes to keeping track of payments. Hen and stag party organisers Eclipse Leisure have a useful tool that allows individual travellers to log in separately to make payments, edit details and even message each other. It makes things much more straightforward and secure than trying to organise things on a social networking site.

A stag or hen party away should be a memorable experience, but for all the right reasons. Staying safe online while booking it is the first step towards making sure that it will be.

AUTHOR BIO

Sarah James has written about stag party organisers Eclipse Leisure and other firms for a number of online publications. She particularly enjoys writing about travel.

Goji Is Great For The Busy Traveler

June 13th, 2012

People are always on the go these days and making sure to look after your health, especially when you’re travelling, is the right thing to do with a variety of goji ideas. This is the versatile fruit that can take a few different forms to become part of your travelling inventory so you’ll always have a healthy nutritious snack on hand when you’re on the move.

Remember that whether you’re catching a flight between destinations or out on a hike in your favored vacation land, goji juice is one of the best ways to get rejuvenated and slay that thirst. Mix this with a flavored beverage or other juice to create a specialized drink.  Experts recommend that four ounces a day will provide a great way to minimize the damage from free radicals that can injure DNA and the cells in your body.

goji juice

The best ways to store goji juice for travel depend in part on how active your plans are. If you’re hiking or taking long walks, then a water type bottle with a spout at the top is the best idea. The ones that fit into a fanny pack can be especially useful. Even an old empty juice container or plastic bottle can be filled with a favorite mixture of goji juice and put in a cooler if you’re travelling a short distance by car.

goji juice

Remember, this is the health food that grows in remote areas of Tibet and Mongolia and you don’t even need to prepare them in any particular way to get the benefits that include increased energy and an anti-oxidant effect. Goji berries are great raw and because they stay fresh in a regular sandwich bag, you can take them along on short or longer trips and enjoy their extra dose of Vitamin C on the go when the snack bug hits.

Goji

Here’s where you’ll get a low calorie package that you can make a part of your active life when travelling without having to worry about them spoiling en route. Dried goji berries are still rich in minerals and vitamins and they last longer and travel well in their dried form.

This guest post was written by Jenifer Bachelder of GojiBerries.us. For more great information about the health benefits of goji berries check out Jenifer’s blog or follow her on twitter.

Warsaw bike tours

June 12th, 2012

I have always thought that I’m the only person all over the world that before visiting a current place goes on internet and checks the best ways to explore the city. Well, I’m glad to see that I have made a mistake. Anyway, most of the times I’m noticing that many people are extremely satisfied with bike tours. To tell you the truth at first I wasn’t really keen on this idea but once I’ve tried it I enjoyed it a lot.

Warsaw bike tours

Now I see that you are asking specially for Warsaw. I’ve been there and I made a bike tour. The name of the organization was Warsaw by bike and I was extremely satisfied with the results of their services. The person who leaded the guides knew English and he was speaking really fluently so that you can understand everything. The places we went through were really safe for bikers so that you don’t have to worry about accident even if you are not really good with the cycling. By the way don’t forget to tip the guy well at the end of the tour because he is doing a great job for sure. Plus if you are a big group you will have the chance to use discounts. Of course the price is not that high but unfortunately I’m not pretty good with remembering numbers and this is why I can’t tell you the exact amount of money I spent on bike tour.

Warsaw bike tours

Bike tours are great because after all everyone is looking for interesting places that have stories connected to them. Of course you can always visit those places by yourself, but admit it, that it would be better if you are with someone who knows a few words about each building and object and best of all can explain everything to you. Not only bike tours are considered to be one of the best ways to discover a city, but also riding a bicycle is great for the most import in life – health. But here are still people who have issues. According to SAMSHSA more people come from different parts of the world to seek help. The most effective recovery centers in Florida are The Grapevine House and Beachway Rehab Center. There are different programs that help people effectively handle the issues.

Warsaw bike tours

I guess since you are asking about bike tours you are not in Warsaw already. If this is so, then read carefully. I hope you haven’t booked a hotel already. If I’m right – don’t. The prices of the hotels in Warsaw are really high. This is why most of the tourists who have been there at least once prefer to rent apartment in Warsaw or apartment in Krakow. I’m from Milan and to tell you the truth apartments in Milan cost considerably high. This is why when I’m going to Poland I’m always renting an apartment. First of all it is much more comfortable and second of all the last time I rented an apartment it was located really near to the office of the bike tour organization. So basically I went there on foot and saved a great amount of money. It is better to spend this money for something more useful such as presents and so on, than give them for public transport or taxi. But anyway, I strongly recommend anyone who hasn’t tried a bike tour so far to go and try! You will definitely enjoy it!

Enjoy a comfortable Overnight Flight in Economy Class

May 31st, 2012

Taking an overnight flight can be nerve-racking, tiring and even exhausting, unless you are flying first class or business class. Unfortunately most of us don’t have the luxury to fly first class, nor the luck to get a free airline upgrade from economy to business class. For economy class travelers, an overnight flight is quite a challenge, right from the seating to sleeping and so on. But we can make our overnight flight more comfortable by understanding the situation and by following the right step.

fligh

If you are an economy class traveler, taking an overnight flight, here are some tips to make your trip more comfortable:

1. Choosing the right seat is the key to a comfortable journey. Since you are taking an overnight flight, you will definitely want to sleep and in this case, none serves better than a window seat. An aisle seat is also a great option, if you are looking for more arm room.

flight

2. Though most airlines offer entertainment, bringing your own entertainment, such as iPod, game boy, novel or a magazine, is always a good idea.

3. Don’t forget your tooth brush and toiletries, including a deo and, of course, wet ones to help you freshen up.

4. Move around; take a stroll up and down along the aisle a few times. Contact your airline and ask whether you can request a special meal or you can carry bring your own meal. As most of the times, airlines foods are not that healthy or that tasty.

5. Drink plenty of water. Bring along a high quality noise-isolating headphone, this will help in reducing the noise of the plane. If you are taking sleeping pills, consider using only half of the pill as flight crew should be able to wake you up in case of an emergency.

Next Time, while taking an overnight flight, follow these simple tips, these will definitely make your trip more comfortable.

fligt
This post has been contributed by OneTravel – A travel website offering cheap Flights to Seattle, Cancun & many other countless destinations around the world.