Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category

Top Travel Choices for Bird Watching Enthusiasts

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Tortuga Bay bird watching

Bird watching is nature’s way of putting on a show – the beautiful dancers, the illustrious singers, the enticing production of stunning costumes with brilliant colors and unforgettable scenery. For bird watching enthusiasts of all levels, it helps to know where to go, where to stay, and what to bring.

Top 3 locations in the world for bird watchers

Depending on the area, the populations of winged beasts vary greatly. To make the most out of your birding trip, check out these top birding locations where you are sure to catch a glimpse of the most possible species in a single location:

India

1,200 of the 8,650 known species of birds can be found in India. Kaziranga National Park is one example of and is home to a variety of species that vary by season.

Tanzania

One of the world’s top birding destinations, Tanzania offers walking safaris through mountains and forests where bird watchers can spot 1,038 species of birds, including several endemic and near-endemic species.

Bulgaria

Home to over 400 species of birds, Bulgaria gives viewers a chance to see migration during the fall season, including populations of storks, pelicans, eagles, buzzards, and more.

3 hotels and resorts that offer bird watching

Let your hotel do the work for you when you’re ready to spot the rarest of winged beasts. These hotels make ornithology easier with bird-spotting opportunities right on their property:

Taj Lake Palace in India

This fantasy hotel floats on the waters of Lake Pichola and offers a variety of nature experiences, including bird watching.

Zambezi Queen, Luxury African River Safari

This hotel is actually a 45 meter luxury boat. They offer the opportunity to see thousands of elephants and over 400 species of birds, also offering smaller boats for bird watching and game spotting.

Estancia El Colibri in Argentina

Freedom and nature are the focus of this hotel, and they offer bird watching and many other activities right on the property.

3 must-have items when bird watching

If you’re going to spot those incredible feathered friends, you need more than just a good set of eyes. Here are three items any birdwatcher should bring along:

Binoculars

Aim for lightweight but with strong optics to maximize bird-spotting chances.

Bird classification book

Look for books containing names, photos, characteristics, and likely locations and seasons to help you identify the winged wonders you witness.

Sketchbook or camera

Use a good zoom lens on your camera so the birds are visible in the photos. In places where cameras are not allowed, or if the noise of the shutter would disturb the birds, try your hand at sketching.

If you’d like more information on any of these birding locations, or if you’d like to start planning your own bird watching excursion, contact a Luxe Travel specialist at 1-866-365-8747 or concierge@luxetravel.com for more information.

Wonderful Traveling Blogs

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

I knew that I was going to have to follow those top travel blogs! They are way too good to miss out on, and I honestly feel like they are something that I definitely am going to have to keep on reading. I do not have the funds to travel yet, and my wife would kill me if I just stopped working and left to travel on my own. We have a baby on the way. Still, traveling is a great thing for anyone to do. When our child is all grown up, I feel like this is the only thing that I can decide for myself. I honestly feel like there is nothing better for me to do right now than to actually look at how other people are setting up their traveling plans. I suppose that it truly depends on the person. Some people enjoy bunking with others, while other people, usually the older people, enjoy staying in hotels and such. What a wonderful world we live in.

Isle of Man Tranquility, Adventure, History However You Like It

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

The Isle of Man is so close to the rest of Britain that it is often overlooked as a place to visit for a holiday and yet as the article below describes it has plenty of attractions to suit all tastes. It’s easy to fly there from Gatwick if you live in the South East of England or by ferry if you live in the North. If you do decide to fly, why not book one of the many gatwick airport hotels with parking so that you can drive, park, stay the night in comfort without the worries about parking or onward travel arrangements.

So, what does the Isle of Man have to offer? Perched in the Irish Sea it can be likened to an offshore platform where armed with a pair of good binoculars you can sit back and watch some amazing marine life swim by in the most peaceful surroundings. At least twelve species of whales including Risso’s dolphins and minke whales, have been recorded close to the Isle of Man coast. The warmer months of the year are the best for viewing these large cetaceans, as the sea is calmer and more whales are swimming and visiting closer inshore.

Guided wildlife tours are available from Douglas (the island’s relaxed capital), Peel or Ramsey which allow you to get up close and personal to pods of dolphins, seals or basking sharks. In the colder months, if you are a bird watching enthusiast, come and see the return of thousands of migrating seabirds that use the island cliffs and shores as an over wintering ground, escaping from the frozen winter conditions of the Arctic.

For those interested in history, the island has ancient monuments galore. Commonly spotted on the island are Neolithic burial tombs like the one at Cashtal yn Ard in the North of the island. Viking boat burials were common here and many of the historic sites are located in spectacular spots high up on cliff sides. The main cultural influences on the island in the ancient past were from the occupation by the indigenous Celts and then Vikings who occupied the island like many other parts of Britain from the ninth century onwards.

One of the best preserved castles in Europe is found at the appropriately named Castletown. The castle dates back to the ruling Norsemen who built the castle to defend the entrance to the nearby Silverburn River and remind their unruly subjects who was boss at this time. The castle is famous for its huge, towering walls constructed from limestone which dominate the view over a lot of the southern part of the island.

Part of the Manx National Heritage and acquired by the Manx Government in 1998 is Rushen Abbey, probably the most important historical site, apart from the castle, on the island. It lies close to the Silverdale Burn and is an important reminder of the Christian heritage of the Isle of Man.

The abbey buildings are intact in parts and through extensive archaeological investigation and reconstruction more of the original structures will be available for the visiting public to see.

Popular Places in the Philippines

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

The Philippines is often off the typical travel route of South East Asia for the reason that it is simply not on the way to anywhere. It is on the “wrong side” of the ocean for many travelers, and a bit tricky to reach. Something which makes it perfect for those wanting to travel somewhere which is not packed with tourists.

The Philippines is also great for the reason that so many of them speak fluent English. It’s very easy t make yourself understood and the tourism industry is surprisingly well established.

The Philippines is made up by over 7,0000 islands, in other words, there are many places to see there.

One place you should not miss however, is Caramoan. This peninsula on the main island is very beautiful. In fact it has been the film set for several of the popular “survivor” series, because it feels so remote.

You can actually hire a boat taxi to take you out to one of the islands or beaches and leave you to stay over the night and sleep at the beach – how cool is that?!

The limestone cliffs, white beaches and green jungle is what makes the place so popular with tourists. Mostly the tourists who go there are actually Filipinos, but there are a few foreign tourists there as well.

Caramoan is like no other place in the Philippines and definitely worth a visit.

Phillippines is pretty interesting when it comes to where and when to visit, as its monsoon days differ depending on where you are.

If you want to go surfing, the east coast gives the most consistent waves, especially during the monsoons.

There are so many places to visit in The Philippines that it is hard to know where to begin, but Boracay, Manila and Bohol are some great places I recommend.

Learn Spanish in Argentina and Tour San Carlos De Bariloche

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Learning Spanish has been quite enriching if you have the resources to study it in a native-speaking country. Aside from Spain, you also can learn Spanish in Argentina and get to appreciate the language within the context of the Argentinian culture. One of the breathtaking areas in Argentina is San Carlos de Bariloche, found in the province of Rio Negro. The city has a different ambience during winter and in spring which can make your stay very memorable. When you take Spanish lessons during the winter season, you must make it a point to visit the very scenic Mount Cathedral and ski in its magnificent slopes. You can get to practice your Spanish as you interact with the people in the ski resort, as you sip on a cup of warm chocolate and freshly baked croissant. In spring time, Bariloche will offer you a unique encounter with nature, particularly the varying landscapes covered with flowers and foliage. You can opt to unwind and relax amid the spectrum of floral beauties in between you language classes.

A Cutting-edge Resource for Tourists

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

We all know that travelling is one of the best things on Earth. However, there are some people who think that going away on holidays can be really stressful and they prefer to stay at home dealing with their daily stresses. I’m no that kind of person and I generally prefer to take risks instead of staying at home. Maybe that’s because I always use Hostalbookers, which is a site that has all the information I need to make my trip perfect. The site is becoming more and more popular and I’ve noted that they’ve added some useful categories like travel tips, medical tourism and many others. Remember that organizing a trip does not have to be a disturbing experience; Hostalbookers can help you get the information you need to make your trip an out-of-this-world experience. I’ve already chosen my next destination and that’s all thanks to that wonderful site.

A Heartwarming Hot Air Ballooning Story

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

I recently lost my wife to cancer and have struggled to get through. We frequently went on hot air balloon rides in Massachusetts because it was our absolute favorite activity. I couldn’t fathom going on one without her. But then my mother thought this would be a great way to spread her ashes. So I gave it some thought and decided she was right. I contacted our favorite Boston area hot air balloon company and we set it up. I invited our families and a few close friends to join. It just would not have been the same without them.

The experience was definitely more than I could have imagined. It turned out to be the perfect way to say goodbye. And I know this is what she would have wanted. It just goes to show how treasured of an activity hot air ballooning is. Well, at least for our family.

Keep in Mind These Travel Tips when Planning for a Theme Park Visit in Orlando

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

Disney vacation homes would be a great choice for families or large groups who would visit Disney World Resort and other Orlando attractions. Staying at vacation homes would be one of the most helpful tips that you should follow. These homes would naturally have a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your meals. This would mean that you would save money from eating out at expensive restaurants in the area. Your vacation to Disney need not be overly expensive if you are able to plan it well. You can look for vacation packages that would help you get a good deal on your accommodation and park tickets. These homes also offer more room and space, which means that everyone would be comfortable. Treat your lodging as your home and make sure that you lock all the doors whether you are there or at the park. Secure the area before you leave. Make sure you have the contact numbers of people you can call if you need any assistance.

Before leaving your accommodation whether it is at one of the Kissimmee vacation homes or Disney homes, make sure that you have everything ready for your day at the park. You should arrive early at the park so that you would be able to go to your preferred attractions early before the line gets too long or the sun gets too hot. Bring a change of clothes or swimwear in case you would go for some water rides or water recreational activities at the park. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes that would be good for walking and exploring. Prepare for the weather. Protect yourself from the heat of the sun by wearing eyeglasses and putting on sunscreen lotion. Get a map of the park so that you can find your way around the park. This would help you find the attractions easily. You can also try going clockwise or counterclockwise when you explore the park so you would not miss anything. Do not forget to bring your camera with you. Enjoy your day at the park.

Log Cabins: a Great Choice for Cheap Holidays

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Do you find yourself caught in a stressful grind? Modern lifestyles can be overwhelming and draining especially if your job and family obligations demand from you more than what you can accomplish. In times like these, you need to find a soul sanctuary where you can forget about the harshness of the real world. Taking a pleasurable vacation will be a perfect idea! If you think taking a time out will leave you broke, there are plenty of cheap holidays you can consider that are not only easy on the budget but very private as well. If you are going to do your research on the internet, you will be fascinated by a myriad of great offers that suit your budget. One of them is log cabin holidays!

Although staying in a log cabin is more of a classic way of family bonding, it still never ceases to amaze plenty of vacationers because it provides an ample space for families to enjoy their leisure time together. Log cabins are made of wood and logs and it leaves a casual “ho-hum” impression on holidaymakers, but once you check the interior, it has a wide range of modern comforts that will entertain and keep you busy for the whole period of your holidays.

If you were to compare the expenses of log cabin accommodations with hotel lodging, you will appreciate the practicality of this type of self-catering holiday as this will not ruin your budget. These cabins are set on a beautiful location that will let you appreciate the serenity of the surroundings. Whether you are an adventure seeker or the less energetic type, you can be sure that there is a perfect activity for you.

Staying in a hotel may deprive you of the sheer joy of sightseeing but log cabins provide you the opportunity to get in touch with nature. Most cabins have facilities that will combat boredom if you choose to indulge in indoor activities. You can either watch movies with your kids or play board games. Whatever activities you have in mind, log cabins are equipped with facilities for your entertainment needs.

Log cabins are perfect example of cheap holidays. Whether you are planning to take a vacation in your own country or abroad, there are plenty of log cabins to choose from that suit your taste. These properties are found in a location blessed with lush trees, stunning beaches and peaceful scenery that will definitely take your problems and stress away!

The Magical City of Orlando Florida

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

One city that is very distinguished in the country as a great and happy place is the city of Orlando. Located in the state of Florida, this place have got a good amount of attention not only in the country but in the whole world because of the fabulous and excellent entertainment it can provide to anyone of all ages, but most especially to children and the young at heart. Two of its main attraction, Disney World and Universal Studios, are well known to be one of the best theme parks in the United States of America. The other attractions in this city include watching an NBA basketball game as well as enjoying the wonderful weather in this tropical climate found in the Sunny State of Florida. Orlando Florida looks to be one of the most progressive cities in the country, so visit the place to enjoy it now. Learn more online on what else can be found in this great city.

Be Sure to Upgrade Your Passport Married Name Change

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

If your getting ready to go on a trip, and need your passport, you need to make sure your passport is updated. If you have married you need to make sure your passport married name change is updated. It doesn’t take all that long to get it done, but you can call the passport office, and ask what paperwork they need in order to make the name change. The sooner you get it done, then the sooner you get your new updated passport back, and be ready to go. I am a person that makes a list of everything that needs to be done before I go anywhere. People kid me about it, because I start packing and getting ready at least a month before I am ready to go. I just like to plan ahead, and not wait till the last minute to make sure I have everything. I don’t want to get to where I am going, and learn I forgot something I really need. It is better to plan ahead, make a list, and then you won’t be under so much stress right before you leave.

Visiting the Countryside of Northumberland

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Recently my wife and I decided to take a trip to Northumberland for a countryside break. We couldn’t decide which to take, a bed and breakfast or self catering holiday cottage. The main reason we couldn’t decide was we thought it would be useful to stay with somebody who could tell us the best places to visit and other useful information. However after finding Newcastle Self Catering we simply had to go there!

Hedley Hall Newcastle Self Catering Cottages simply looked so beautiful that there was no competition. With the amount of countryside and wildlife surrounding the cottages it was a gorgeous place to stay. Inside the cottage was just as gorgeous as the outside too, very spacious and cosy along with everything you could need and the bathroom was just amazing.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the cottages there was plenty to do from countryside walks to visitor attractions like the Beamish Open Air Museum or Hadrian’s Wall.

Backpacking Europe with Your Friends?

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Are you planning a backpacking trip to Europe and thinking about bringing your friends with you? Depending on your itinerary, length of stay, and most importantly your friends, this might be a good or bad idea. There are so many reasons why bringing your friends is a good idea. However, there are also tons of reasons why bringing them might be a terrible idea. Backpacking Europe is all about pushing your limits, exploring your independence, and learning to make it out in the world on your own.

If you’re considering backpacking with a group, it’s important for you to decide whether or not you can handle an extended period of time with your friends. For example, if you’re hoping to see many different places and you’ve got a strict itinerary that doesn’t allow for any compromises, you will probably want to go it alone. Otherwise you may miss out on certain places you’d like to visit because you’re friends don’t want to go.

How To Stash Cash While Backpacking In Europe

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Observing safety precautions with your cash when backpacking in Europe is a good idea to be free from danger. With this, you will also have a peace of mind during your travel time. However, making a back up pocket for your cash for emergency reasons may be crucial, like inserting an extra twenty or fifty dollar bill to your sock but will make you worry of falling out to the sidewalk. Another good idea in keeping your cash is to put it inside your money belt. This way, it is far from the thefts attention. Some people have designed their own safety money pockets just like one famous traveler who designed his own theft-proof pants pocket. He keeps his credit card to that pocket to be free of danger on the road. Some women also sew safe pockets on the safe area of their clothes where robbers cant easily notice.

Rent A Car Germany

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

When you use a car hire Germany service you give yourself every opportunity of seeing everything that Germany has on offer. There are a wide variety of models to choose from. Whether you are bring the family or just a friend you can find a good reliable model.

Germany has for a long time been known as a rich and progressive country. Germany has provided birth to numerous individuals and ideologies which have aided to shape the globe as we know it today. The official name of Germany is the Federal Republic of Germany. It’s situated in West Europe. The biggest train station in Europe is located in Berlin. The European Central Bank is in Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt Airport terminal claims the world record in the most global destinations served. The Lufthansa, based in Frankfurt is the worlds biggest airline in terms of international passengers carried and Europe’s biggest in terms of kilometers flown.