Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

January 18th, 2012

Miami – A Great Place to Visit with Family

Miami is America’s favourite holiday destination, an amalgamation of sun and sand, of style and kitsch and of beaches and retirement homes. Miami caters to people of all types, and everyone can find something here to keep them entertained and relaxed. Family holidays centred on Miami can be full of activity and fun, since it is a very family-friendly city, and there are many places which parents and children can visit and enjoy together.

Delano

Miami Beach – Probably the most famous beach in the world, Miami Beach has three distinct sections. The central beach is very popular among those who love to jog or go for a stroll on the beach or even go rollerblading on the boardwalk. The south beach is the embarkation point for all cruise ships, and the north beach has all the best cafes and restaurants. All the sections of the Miami Beach are equipped with toilets and deckchairs and restrooms, hence making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy. Excellent winter weather, the combination of sun and sand, and tremendous varied activity all around, make this a great place to enjoy Miami at her best.

Everglades Safari Park – An air boat ride through the Everglades is a unique experience. The alligators are fascinating to watch, both in their natural environment in the water, and in the numerous alligator parks in this region. The natural beauty of the Everglades, and the birds and plants all around are the reason why a visit to the Everglades is a must on every visitor’s agenda.. Families can take a bus tour or a half day tour on the airboat, generally followed by an animal show. Occasionally, the visitors can get a glimpse of endangered species such as the bald eagle and the leatherback turtle.

Miami Seaquarium – Performing killer whales and dolphins are the star attraction of this sprawling 38 acres marine life entertainment park. It is one of the premier attractions of Miami, with great presentations, and eight varied animal shows through the day. Education and entertainment all in one package, family holidays take on a new meaning when children and adults get a hands-on experience with dolphins at the Dolphin Harbor.

Miami Children’s Museum – This specialised museum, though small and located away from the city centre, has many activities catering specially to children. There is a pirate area, and a rock climbing wall. The other sections introduce the children to the various activities which happen on a port, and since most of these are hands-on exhibits, the children will love to get inside a fishing boat and a model of a Carnival Cruise ship.

Miami Science Museum – The largest natural history collection in South Florida can be seen at the Miami Science Museum, which also has some great interactive astronomy exhibits. The planetarium and the nature centre fascinate the children, and they learn a lot more by looking and interacting with the exhibits, than they would do in their classrooms. The Energy Dancefloor and the Sealab make the long queues at the entrance worthwhile, and the Touch Pool, where children can touch the stingrays, is one of the museum’s most popular sections.

November 21st, 2011

Bahama Bay – World Class Entertainment for the Entire Family

The Bahama Bay Resort & Spa, located just off Lake Davenport in Orlando, Florida, is a world unto itself. Lush tropical foliage and unparalleled service tempt the guest to never leave the resort. Fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, the resort is just too conveniently located to limit yourself to that option. A ten minute shuttle ride will drop you in the middle of Disney’s world renowned theme parks. Equally accessible are a host of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Accommodations and Amenities

Guests at the resort reside in family style villas. Each villa is beautifully appointed and come s with fully equipped kitchens, two full baths, private balconies and two cable TVs. The villas offer privacy and relaxation, but don’t worry. You are not left entirely to your own devices. The Bahama Bay Resort & Spa is a full service resort and we pride ourselves on our unparalleled customer service. Almost any request can be accommodated.

The common areas are also spectacular. Four heated swimming pools with in-ground spas, a fitness centre and the elegant Eleuthera Spa and Salon are available 16 hours a day. In addition to room service, the Tradewinds Restaurant & Bar and Mambo’s Poolside Bar & Grille are located on site. For the nature conscious, the resort features its own beach, fishing dock and hiking trails.

Area Attractions

Almost too many to name, the attractions of Orlando are world famous. The theme parks alone would take weeks to thoroughly explore. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Wet’n Wild and Sea World each offer their unique perspective on entertainment. A word to the wise is to limit the number of theme parks that you visit. There is so much to experience at each one that a measured approach is best. If you really think you missed something, come back next year. We’ll still be here when you want to return.

Dinner and Shows

In addition to the host of restaurants on the City Walk, several exceptional dining experiences are available in the Orlando area. Step back in time or visit a land of fairytales with the Medieval Times or Arabian Nights Dinner Shows. Both of these themed shows immerse the guest in lands faraway in place and time.

For a more contemporary gustatory experience, try the SeaWorld Makahiki Luau Polynesian Feast and Celebration. Celebrating the joys of the sea and its bounty, this one of a kind feast features the music, the dancing and, of course, the food of Polynesia.

Amongst the more notable shows available are Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba and Blue Man Group show at Universal City Walk. Admittedly, both are somewhat avant-garde but both are family friendly and are well worth the price of admission.

Can’t decide between dinner and a show, try both. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at Wonderworks combines the best of both worlds. Magic, illusions and comedy highlight the evening’s repast. Be careful or you might just become part of the show.

Click here for great deals and offers at the Bahama Bay Resort Orlando and Disney World Orlando.

November 21st, 2011

Disney_It’s Gonna Be a Hard Day’s Night

The Hard Rock brand is recognised around the world for its glamour and its glitz. A guest at any of their hotels is assured of an exciting and truly memorable experience. The Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando proudly carries on this tradition.

Welcome

Rock & roll memorabilia welcomes you as you enter the lobby of this upscale resort located on the Universal Orlando entertainment complex. Check out Buddy Holly’s glasses, the guitars used by Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards and Pete Townshend and much, much more.

Accommodations and Amenities

Accommodations range from standard rooms with garden or pool rooms through suites to club level rooms with access to special areas of the hotel. Amenities include a magnificent spa, a well appointed fitness centre and, for those of you who refuse to relax, a completely outfitted business centre.

Don’t miss our spectacular 12,000 square foot pool. It comes with a sand beach, two Jacuzzis, interactive fountains and a one-of-a-kind, 260 foot slide. Our gift shop features the latest in Rock & Roll couture from the hottest designers. Our concierge is always at your service to fulfil the most demanding request.

Major Attractions

Orlando is known for its theme parks and the Hard Rock Hotel is conveniently located near many of them. Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are just minutes away by foot or shuttle bus. Both parks feature innovative, movie and television themed attractions. Ride the Hulk Coaster or travel down the Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios will thrill you with the Men In Black Alien Attack feature or surprise and amuse you with the newest attraction, The Simpsons Ride.

Other theme parks, such as Wet’n Wild, Aquatica and Sea World are also located nearby. The Hard Rock Hotel provides complimentary transportation to these attractions as well as to the Mall at Millennia.

Nightlife

Enough fun in the sun? Do you need to unwind after a long day of thrills and spills? Have no fear, you are in the right place. Drop the kids off at Camp Lil Rock, where they will be entertained and dutifully cared for until midnight. Then drop in and sample the delights of Velvet Sessions, the Hard Rock Hotel’s rock & roll tribute bar. The last Thursday of every month is especially rockin’. Top names in the music industry host rip roaring cocktail parties.

For those who want to explore a little more, the City Walk features several world renowned establishments. Of course, the Hard Rock Café is present but so are the NASCAR Sports Grille, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Pat O’Briens and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Each venue has it own flavour and entertainment. Try them all, just not in the same night.

Click here for great deals and offers at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and Disney Orlando.

September 13th, 2011

Opportunities Galore for Holiday Makers in Fiji

Wish to go surfing on the reef breaks, or go snorkelling in the azure waters, or perhaps to just laze around on a beautiful beach? An adventure for an enthusiast or a dream for a languid traveller – Fiji holidays offer it all. The problem is not the lack of choices, but often the plenty of it that confuses a vacationer.

 Fiji holidays

Before you pack your bags and catch your flight, here are a few details you need to know.

You may take a flight to the Nadi International Airport to reach Fiji. You can also opt for a cruise to this island; however, this would be a little more costly. Local buses, carriers and boats are the chief means of transport on the island. You may also rent a car from an agency to explore the islands on your own.

May to October (the dry season) is the best months if you are planning a holiday in Fiji. Remember, as this is the peak season, prices may be higher. You can also go during other months; just visit the drier Yasawa and Mamanucas regions instead of the wetter ones.

Fiji is a kaleidoscope – the vibrant capital city Suva juxtaposed with the remote village of Kadavu, the scenic Namosi Highlands contrasted to the idyllic Coral Coast, the secluded hideaways of the Mamanucas juxtaposed with the bustling resorts at the same locale! Whatever your idea of a vacation – Fiji is sure to cater to your interests.

Trek through the trails of the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park to scale up Mount Batilamu, dive and snorkel the Rainbow Reef in Taveuni, ride a boat through the mangrove forests of Viti Levu, discover the hidden wonders of the Naihehe Sacred Caves – do whatever your heart wishes for on this holiday.

Check out the Mud Baths here – they are said to have healing powers, catch a performance of the traditional Fijian dance, visit the treasure trove at The Fiji Museum – these are sure to enrich your experience. Relaxing and partying could also be all you do here. Suva offers a nice opportunity to dine and shop for all travelers.

August 11th, 2011

Cyprus – a Top wedding destination

Best Locations For A Wedding

There are many places in Cyprus to have a wedding. With over 330 days of sunshine, beautiful ocean water and tropical climate, it makes this the location perfect. There are companies in Cyprus that can schedule the whole wedding form start to finish. Whether one wants it to be beachside or in a villa, the options are endless. One can have a themed wedding in a Medieval Castle, a picturesque wedding in an ancient church or a luxurious day, on a yacht. Many popular wedding locations include: Agia Napa, Paphs, Polis, and Protaras.

Wedding Destination
Why Cyprus

Cyprus is designed for both civil and church weddings. The marriages performed here, are legal in both the UK and US. They cater to foreigners and their weddings, so the locals are hospitable. With this becoming a popular wedding destination, even hotels are sectioning places for weddings inside their facilities. Cyprus has become the fourth most popular destination for weddings. While the UK does have historic sites and magnificent destinations, they cannot compare to the beauty in Cyprus. A tropical paradise, these locations views, are awe-inspiring and will make beautiful photographs to enjoy for years to come. Every woman wants to feel like the goddess of love, so why not have a wedding where Aphrodite herself was born?

Wedding Budget

Surprisingly, a wedding in Cyprus does not have to break the bank. One can customize a wedding to fit any style and budget. A simple wedding in the Town Hall will cost around £750.00. An average traditional style wedding can be less than £3500. A wedding can be as grand or as simple as one would like. Many wedding venues offer packages that can offer significant savings.

Best Time to Have A Wedding

Since Cyprus is sunny most of the year, almost anytime is perfect to plan your special day. There are a few months, you will want to avoid. Most resorts are open April through October and close from November through March. Though the winter months are mild, there can be rain and snow from December through February, in some areas.

The Honeymoon

After one has completed the big day the next adventures is the honeymoon. Being in a tropical paradise is the perfect place to spend time as man and wife. Since many hotels offer packages that include wedding and lodging, most couples choose to stay right in Cyprus for their honeymoon. However, if one has a sense of adventure, there are many sites close to this location.
Since one is already in Greece, there are many sites right outside their door. Well-known tourist attractions include Acropolis and the famous crowning temple and historic Athens with the Parthenon and ancient Agora.

There are plenty of flights from London to Cyprus that are run by budget airlines so it shouldn’t work out much more expensive for your guests to join you as you celebrate your special day.

July 26th, 2011

Wandering through Copenhagen

The city has the perfect mix of history and hip. The beautiful city of Copenhagen is easy to get around and a joy for those who like to just wander around new locations. The city isn’t cheap which is typical of Scandanavia. Copenhagen has a lot of charm and is ideal for walking. It’s most inconic site is the statue of the little mermaid but the statue is actually quite far from the city centre and not really worth the walk. I would recommend taking a canal tour and this will pass the little mermaid statue, the flurry of activity around the statue is in many ways more interesting than the statue itself. The canal tour operators in front of the parliament building are one of the cheapest and the one the locals recommend. A canal tour is the perfect way to see all the main attractions. For the best panoramic view, I would recommend going to the top of the round tower. The tower is unusual in that rather than being a steep flight of narrow stars to the top, the path is actually a spiralling archway.

Copenhagen - via allmystery.de

The hippie commune of Christiana is certainly worth a visit whatever you politics. The open sale of marijuana on the main street know inventively as „pusher street“ attracts the usual mix of students and tourists. A walk around the lake is also advised, architects freed from conventional building regulations have designed their own dream homes. The commune despite it’s appearance is still a regulated community and they may like to think tthey are some pseudo-anarchic-enclave but they still have clear rules which you should respect. The best way to find a reasonable city centre accommodtion is through Wimdu.

If you feel the desire to leave the city a train journey north of Copenhagen brings you to the castle of Königberg. The setting of Hamlet and a testimony to Denmarks former status, the castly is well worth and wander, the village of is also worth a look. My visit to Copenhagen was really enrichted by able to stay in a beautiful city centre apartment thanks to Wimdu at a fraction of the cost of a hotel of similiar quality.

June 28th, 2011

Great Barrier Reef

Cairns acts as a gateway to some astonishing and very important Australian attractions: it is the closest major city to the stunning world treasure of the Great Barrier Reef, the floral wonderland of the Atherton Tableland and various other national parks, and the Whitsunday Islands. The city itself is quintessentially Queensland: filled with the trademark houses hoisted above the ground for coolness, the city seems languid and sleepy in its tropical location but hides a vibrant nightlife and energised, friendly community. Use the city as a base for exploring some the natural treasures of the Australian continent and prepare to be dazzled by the discoveries to be made.

Great Barrier Reef

The north-east coast of Queensland is best identified by the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system. Stretching over 1,600 miles along the coast, the reef is host to unique sealife and is a vital component of the Australasian Pacific ecosystem. Currently under threat by pollution, climate change and overfishing, the Reef’s status as a World Heritage Site is much deserved, and seeing the Reef in all its glory as soon as possible is much recommended. Vivid coral and plantlife abound, making a home for over 1,500 species of fish as well as supporting the life cycles of dolphins, birds, sea snakes and crocodiles. Diving, snorkelling and sailing are must-do activities around the reefs. Definitely take an underwater camera.

If one natural wonder of the world wasn’t enough, the Atherton Tableland is also immensely close to Cairns. This plateau hidden amongst the folds of the Great Dividing Range (the third-longest mountain chain in the world, incidentally) is an environmental wonder: home to ancient sections of rainforest and bush which are now protected parks, the Tablelands are a verdant discovery in an otherwise fairly arid area. The Tinaroo Dam is a defining feature, offering water sports and supporting local wildlife. The beauty of the area is untouched by the few towns scattered around, and hikers and nature lovers will enjoy the Atherton Tablelands immensely.

Among the parks on offer is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a theatrical showcase of the culture of the Northern Queensland Aboriginal people. This park displays the rainforest people’s culture through dance and theatre, explaining the history and beliefs of the Tjapukai tribe, and has won awards from the Australian government. Well worth the visit and entry fee, this park and others similar to it will fully highlight the rich Aboriginal past and present.

Cairns itself is much underrated as a city. With typically friendly locals, a vibrant nightlife, and urban attractions to interest every type of traveller, Cairns itself will surprise the intrepid tourist. Forget the Sydney Opera House and the barely habitable Alice Springs, both are wonderful symbols of Australia and deservedly so; but for a truly unforgettable and uniquely Australian experience, see the tropical beauty of the north, be touched by the deep abiding spiritualism of Australia’s first inhabitants, and revel in stunning coastal wonders that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.