Airport Transfers In London
Airport travel could be a very overwhelming and irksome journey, traveling across mazes of immigration and different checks. It could be a very tiring process if there are no plans in place for transfers. When you reach the city of London, there are many options to airport transfers other than the regular taxi services. One can opt for going by train or a public bus. In most buses and trains, there are options for securing your luggage safely without disturbing other fellow passengers. Also, most train stations that are disabled friendly, have lifts and easy commute options for travelers as well.
Reach On Time With Non-Stop Trains - Easy Alternative To Taxis
If you do not want to spend money on taxis, there are open options to choose trains that go non-stop from the Heathrow Airport to Reading or Victoria. Most often, these would cost you very little compared to using the taxi service. It could be daunting if you had a journey with more than 6 hours on the flight. Better not to opt for a train travel in that case. However, In case you want to reach soon, a train is the better option.
Tips To Choose The Right Taxi Provider:
If you decide that a taxi would be more suitable for you owing to traveling with kids or elders, keep in mind that a good taxi assistance can be booked in advance to avoid any annoyance in finding a good service. Here are basic pointers that help in making a choice:
1. Weight and passenger limitations - Always check for the limitations specified to avoid any last minute confusions.
2. Meet and Greet Service - Most service providers aim at a meet and greet service. Just submit your details in the online portal of the taxi service and they would greet you at the airport when you arrive and let you pay once your travel is completed.
3. Round the clock service - It is also best to find out if the service and customer desk is available around the clock to make sure you are in safe hands. It will greatly help especially if you are new to London.
Whether you get down at the Stanford or Gatwick Or the Heathrow, make sure you plan up a good possible way to travel back to your place before your flight starts. It will help you sort and weed out unwanted time delays getting your airport transfer done in a safe and quick manner.
Wet And Wild Hamilton Island - Australia
Nestled amongst Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island encapsulates the best that Australia has to offer – perfect weather, azure waters on pristine beaches, coral reefs, exotic wildlife, fresh food and sumptuous wines as well as the Aussie sporting spirit of adventure at every turn. The Best Job in The World Campaign certainly got people across the globe talking, with more than 34,000 entries and an estimated $US70m worth of publicity worldwide.
Hollywood In Hamilton
Even Oprah Winfrey wanted to get in on the action. During her recent visit Down Under, the megastar flew her lucky audience winners to Hamilton Island for a feast cooked by hunky celebrity chef Curtis Stone. It’s not the first time that the idyllic island has been celebrity-studded. Hit Australian film Muriel’s Wedding filmed the honeymoon there (under the moniker of Hibiscus Island). Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill shot Dead Calm in Whitsunday passage. Hamilton Island’s marina has earned the nickname Hollywood, because of its film connections.
Wet and Wild!
It’s not surprising that Hamilton Island can attract A-listers. With crystal clear waters at the doorstep of the hotels and luxury bungalows lining the shore, the water-sports and activities are there for the taking. From windsurfing to sailing, jet skiing to snorkeling, Hamilton Island has a plethora of wet and wild fun for all ages.
Aye, Aye, Captain!
Imagine chartering a yacht to see the 74 Whitsunday Islands up close and personal. Snorkel off the side of the boat surrounded by tropical fish, luminescent coral and breathtaking sea-life. Hamilton Island offers accredited sailing courses for beginners, competent crew and captains so you can sail off into the sunset safely.
Landlubbers
If you’re more of a landlubber, then Hamilton Island’s world-class golf course, luxury spas, adventure tours or wildlife sightings are for you. The 18-hole golf course is just a five-minute ferry ride away at Dent Island and boasts a beautiful view over the ocean and Hamilton Island. If holiday rejuvenation is your mantra, then there are several spas offering full-body treatments from facials to massage, hair masques to foot rubs and everything in between. For those that can’t sit still and need to get the adrenaline pumping to fully unwind, then hit the go-kart track or quad bike trails through the bush. Or make like Oprah and cuddle a koala. Just watch out for those amorous ones! From July to September, Hamilton Island is a highway for migrating whales, so don’t forget to bring the binoculars.
Hamilton Island’s natural beauty, man-made adventures, rejuvenating views and expanses of pristine waterways make it the perfect tropical adventure. And the best thing is, you don’t even have to leave Australia. Flights to Hamilton Island are available from most Australian capital cities
A Day In Australia
When you need a vacation, why not visit lovely Australia? With the gorgeous beaches, clear blue waters, awesome rock formations and immaculate rainforests, who wouldn’t want to spend an unforgettable and fun-filled day in the sixth largest country in the world? If you only had 24 hours to spend in Australia, what would you do?
Phillip Island: Day Tour in Melbourne with Kangaroos, Koalas and Penguins
If you want an awesome and fun thing to do while visiting Australia, check out Phillip Island. If you were planning to spend an unforgettable day in this lovely country, this is one way to spend it. Want to get up close and personal with Australia’s amazing wildlife? During the day tour, you can see the penguins, kangaroos, wallabies, seals and koalas. You will be visiting the cattle farm, enjoying a fun penguin parade and checking out the koala conservation area.
Blue Mountain 4WD Wildlife Discovery
When visiting the Blue Mountain 4WD Wildlife Discovery, you start your drive off to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. On the way to your destination, you will get to see kangaroos and the site of the Olympics. Heading into the Blue Mountains, you will see more kangaroos, parrots and kookaburras. Stop to eat lunch at a hotel with a view of the mountains. Before returning to Sydney, you will ride through the wildlife reserve to see even more kangaroos, dingoes and koalas.
Green Island Reef Cruise
Visiting Green Island will take anyone’s breath away. This daytime tour is located in the spirit of the Great Barrier Reef Island. Inside the island is a rainforest with coral gardens and white beaches. Spend the day exploring, snorkeling and sunbathing before returning to Cairns.
Great Ocean Road Adventure
During your visit to Great Ocean Road, not only will you experience a tour of Otway’s rainforest but you will also see wild koalas, Bells Beach and an amazing rock formation. You will cross Australia’s longest bridge to see views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
Ayers Rock Sunset Camel Adventure
Have you always wanted to ride a camel? This adventure will allow you to enjoy a one hour ride on a camel from Ayers Rock Resort. You will experience amazing views of the desert while the sun is setting and turning the terrain red. The guides will describe everything during the camel adventure. Your trip ends with tea or champagne at the Camel Depot.
Spending a day in Australia will be an amazing and unforgettable experience which will make you want even more days spent in this unique country!
This guest post comes from Victoria Heckstall. She is a freelance travel writer who recently spent time in Australia on a cultural excursion.
How to: Pack Like A Pro, Every Time
The best thing that ever happens to any person is a vacation. After weeks or months on end sitting on a workstation in the office or at school, you obviously look forward to a break. Most people take this opportunity to visit loved ones in other cities or towns or even new destinations. It is important in this case to pack your travel kit adequately. After all, nothing beats preparedness.
It is a vacation alright, but who said it shouldn't be planned for?
Proper preparation prior to traveling is essential. It will help you avoid problematic situations and inconveniences such as buying items, which you may have forgotten. This may dampen your spirit and spoil the joy of traveling. It is recommendable that before you embark on any arrangements, come up with a packing list. This must include all items you would require while away from home.
The list typically has the following items, clothes, toiletries, travel documents, credit cards or cash, a first aid kit, and accessories. Pack the clothes keeping in mind the prevailing weather conditions of your destination and the duration of your stay. Do not forget also to include sandals, shoes, and slippers. Just in case you have planned to do some shopping on the latest fashion wear and shoes, then you might consider buying them at the next stop (destination). This way, your baggage becomes lighter and you can shop, shop and shop!
Be on the safe side.
Be on the safe side; carry your identification documents such as the national ID, passport or Visa. This is because authorities may confront you. If you intend to cross international boundaries, make sure to have your vaccination certificates within reach. Keep photocopies of these documents or better yet, scan and post them on your email to act as a backup. Get a leather case (to house these documents) with a strap to hang around your neck but inside your shirt or top. This way you can be guaranteed of their safety and accessibility.
Prepare your reservation documents and tech gizmos.
Other essential items to be included in your travel kit are hotel reservation documents and gadgets. These- plus a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, hair care products, deodorant, sunscreen lotion, phone, phone charger, dental floss, mosquito repellent, hand mirror, camera, an I-pod or MP3 player, sunglasses, road maps, diary, caps/ hats and the list goes on!
Enjoy your well-deserved vacation and remember to bring home one or two souvenirs. Plan well and prepare all you need.
Things to Love About Odd Vacation Rentals.
Perhaps you think odd vacation rentals are only for the adventurous types who travel to exotic places and stay in igloos or ice hotels. You might not realize that some of the oddest rentals are right here in America, close to home and available for your next adventure vacation.
An Island
You can stay on an island off the Florida Keys for a few nights. This island includes a two bedroom, two bath luxury home, where the main suite shower also offers ocean views. There is a motor boat for your convenience, but who would want to leave this private island paradise very often?
A Church
Travel to Martha's Vineyard in the American Northeast to stay in an old Methodist church redone to be one of the island's most upscale retreats. The church was abandoned by the Christian sect, so it was purchased and turned into luxury rooms for guests. The advantage to this church is its ability to cook meals. Many of the hotels on Martha's Vineyard do not have the option for cooking.
A Rolling Room
What do you do when you want to build a hotel, but the land you've purchased is only zoned for RV's? You build each room on wheels! These cabins, located in Washington state, do not actually move, but they are up to code. The walls are steel and glass to provide visitors with pristine views of the Cascades.
A Sanitarium
There is an old Victorian house in California where the mentally insane once wandered and tried to find themselves. This home is now a bed and breakfast, but travel through its halls and marvel at the fact that deeply disturbed residents once stood in the middle of the luxury which exists there today.
A Trailer
Stay in a trailer park on vacation! Bisbee, Arizona is a throwback town, all the way to its old style trailer park inn. Guests stay in any one of the trailers lined up just outside of town while they visit the charms of downtown Brisbee. The trailers are all vintage, but redone to provide all the modern day conveniences.
A Treehouse
Finally, live the dream of every kid when you stay in a tree house in South Carolina. You need to paddle your way to the tree house, but it is in the center of a wildlife refuge to fuel your adventurous spirit. There are hiking trails all around you and a rugged feel to the whole experience. If you are looking for a true outdoors camping adventure, you really should try sleeping in a tree for at least one night.
Destination Review - Gympie, QLD
Gympie – a little town just over an hour's drive north of Brisbane is like thousands of other towns. Nothing stands out, the highway zooms past on the outskirts with only fuel and fast food stops to distract a driver. Yet, for history buffs, Gympie has so much to offer. In fact, the state of Queensland owes its very existence to Gympie – a town that has been written in history as “the town that saved Queensland”.
In the middle of the 19th Century, the state of Queensland was on the brink of bankruptcy. New South Wales was poised to take over with the two states amalgamating into one huge state. By chance, a gentleman by the name of James Nash discovered the one product that
could save the state – gold – and lots of it too. In fact, gold is still being mined in this area with a large goldmine still in use on the southern approaches to Gympie. Gold of course started a rush with thousands flocking to the area. Many worked for mines while others worked the many creeks and rivers in the area panning for gold.
Railway Hotel, Gympie, Queensland.
You can still see evidence of this period in numerous museums and restored heritage buildings. Gympie has thrived and grown in the decades since gold and is now a hub for tourism – although you wouldn’t know it from outward appearances. But then, that is the appeal of this quiet little town. While Gympie has little but history to offer, the area around is so diverse there is something there for everyone. You can read more about Gympie here.
The Mary Valley
Gympie is the gateway to the Mary Valley, an area dominated by the Mary River, one of the few rivers in Australia that actually flows north. The Mary Valley is a rich agricultural area but more importantly, a flora and fauna area that is famous for some it’s rare species. These include the Mary River turtle (sometimes cited as Mary River tortoise) and the Australian Lungfish. We will write a special page dedicated to the Mary Valley at a later date.
Destination Guide - Florida at New Years
Every year, a large number of tourists head to Florida for spring break. One of the reasons that make the state so popular is due to its hundreds of miles of white sandy beaches, exciting cities and an endless variety of things to choose from.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach has become a popular destination for spring breakers. More than 100,000 people flock to the area each spring. In the last few years, the area has become a favorite destination for families seeking to escape from the larger crowds. It's best to plan ahead of time if you decide to visit Pensacola Beach during spring break season. Expect to see hotel rooms on the beach to fill up fairly quickly.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is considered to be one of the World's top beaches. With more than 20 miles of white sandy beaches, the area has become a popular spring break destination for families with children. Selected areas on the beach allow for cars to park from sunrise to sunset. A variety of activities feature kayaking, parasailing, and offshore cruising.
Marco Island
Marco Island provides visitors to a wide variety of beach activities ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf at one of the area golf courses, do some fishing, go out for a boat ride or watch a beautiful sunset. More than 37 miles of barrier island coastline stretches from Naples to Marco Island.
Miami
Miami is world renowned for its Latin flavor and the colorful neighborhoods that comprise Little Havana. The city provides visitors with an entertaining nightlife and a growing culture. South Beach is without a doubt the most recognizable location in Miami, consisting of decorated Art Deco buildings to its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. The city's shopping areas, attractions, and restaurants are all within easy reach from the beach.
Key Largo
Key Largo provides excellent diving, snorkeling, and fishing in the region's subtropical waters that abound with a variety of fish. Key Largo is an outdoor lover's paradise providing year-round recreation sure to please everyone. A must-see attraction not to be missed is the Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site. The area comprises some 2,000 acres of rare hardwood hammock as well as being the largest hammock track in the United States. Visitors have the option to hike or bike within the nature trail while exploring some of the forest.
Flying with a baby - Traveling with Kids Follow Up
Taking your baby for a trip doesn’t have to be strenuous anymore. All you need is a little preparation and forward planning. Start planning early enough to allow time for new ideas. Before embarking on your trip, remember to do the following.
1. You need to consider certain supplies essential for the trip. Make sure there is enough food and milk for the journey. Remember to include fruits in your child’s menu. If you happen to carry solid food, pack them in a cooler. It is better to bring with you food that is easy to prepare while travelling. You can prepare fruits easily by simply peeling, mashing and serving your baby at room temperature.
Always carry feeding bowls and utensils when traveling with your baby. This is because many hotels and restaurants do not have cutlery for infants. A travel high chair is very important as you can feed your baby wherever you go. Wipe-clean plastic bibs are also very important in cutting down on the laundry.
2. Before feeding your baby, warm the food and milk at optimum temperature. Don’t overheat the food as the baby will have to wait for it to cool down. Cold food is bad for your baby.
You need to know how to sterilize feeding equipment s when travelling with your baby. Microwave sterilizer bags and disposable bottle liners work well. Stores that deal with infant feeding equipment will offer a range of traveling accessories such as these.
3. Other essential items you will have to carry include diapers and fresh pair of clothes for the baby to change after taking a bath. You should also consider carrying a torch if you are breastfeeding as lights can go off at night. Never forget the baby’s blankets as they bring warmth and comfort. Dress your baby in light clothing when travelling in order to conserve the temperature.
4. If you are planning to fly, arrive at the airport early. Two hours earlier is good as security inspections when going to the gate have intensified. The baby will have time to familiarize with the new environment and feel comfortable throughout the journey.
5. When booking for the flight explain that you are travelling with a baby and you will be seated together. This is very important in allocation of seat tickets and prevents changing seats with other passengers on board.
Destination Review - Watamu, Kenya
Watamu is a beautiful coastal town that is located south of Malindi and north of Mombasa. It boasts of white sandy beaches and a warm climate perfect for your summer vacation. While there are plenty of good hotels in the area, this post will only cover five 5-star hotels that you can be rest assured are up to standard.
The Charming Lonno Lodge is one of the best in the hotel business. It has spacious rooms, superb hospitality, great service and delicious meals. The staff is attentive and dedicated to making your stay in the hotel as fulfilling as possible.
Chrystal Bay Resort is a hotel where you can only expect pampering and comfort. It is located next to the beach for easy access. It has luxurious suites that merge both the Kenyan and Italian culture. The hotel is simply beautiful, to say the least.
Mawe Resort makes it to this list as the serene and quiet facility. It has excellent host services and great food. For those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of town, the resort is the best option in Watamu.
Garoda Resort is another resort with amazing hospitality and good access to the beach. It has spacious and luxurious rooms. The food here may be a let-down but those who enjoy Indian food will be thrilled.
Watamu Palm Beach is located near the Watamu National Marine Park. It only has eleven rooms that are fully equipped with private bathrooms. The quiet hotel allows an intimate stay in Watamu. It has spacious rooms and superb hospitality.
Watamu is a beautiful coastal town. Visited by many tourists yearly, it has gained a reputation of being a serene and calming environment for those who wish to escape the harsh city life. Visit any of the beautiful hotels above for a thrilling experience.
Destination Review - Cooktown
Cooktown is a small frontier town located in Tropical North Queensland. It is known for being the town where Captain James Cook beached his ship in 1770. It also has a rich Aboriginal history that crossed paths with Cook in the same fateful year. Cooktown is a very popular tourist destination, hosting many historical attractions as well as beautiful views.
Although it is quite small, there is a lot to do in Cooktown. The town is rugged and unspoilt by the metropolitan world, showing the beauty and harsh desert flora and fauna Australia is so well known for. Down at Fisherman’s wharf, you can catch Barramundi and Spanish Mackerel in what was once one of the busiest ports in Queensland during the Gold Rush. You can also climb up the Grassy Hill and see some of the most breathtaking sights in Australia at sunrise or sunset.
For more history, you can check out Cooktown’s Nature Powerhouse Museum that is home to a priceless collection of botanical flora illustrations, the Cooktown cemetery that has some of the oldest graves in Australia, or take a sightseeing tour with experts in the area. Choose one of the many guided tours available in buses and four wheel drive vehicles that will give you a taste of Cooktown’s culture and history from the people that live there.
Cook Town North Queensland
Of course, you need somewhere to stay while you are visiting. Cooktown offers lots of accommodation, from old farming cottages to seaside shanties. For more information on what you can do and see while in Cooktown and where to stay, contact Tourism Tropical North Queensland and take a trip back in time before the holidays are over.
Choose one of the many guided tours available in buses and four wheel drive vehicles that will give you a taste of Cooktown’s culture and history from the people that live there.