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.
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.
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.
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.
Destination Review - Myanmar
If your interests lie in traveling to foreign countries, visiting exotic places, interacting with new cultures and outdoor travelling then you’ve probably come across or heard about Myanmar. An exotic destination with many word class attractions guaranteed to leave you in awe whether it’s your first time travelling there or not.
Most of the destinations are spiritual like temples, pagodas and historical sites. There are also beautiful beaches, some of which are seasonal beaches. Some local travel guides like the offer tour packages in which you get to experience the true beauty of Myanmar at sites like;
1. Bagan: A main tourist destination in Myanmar situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River.
2. Mandalay Palace: The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy constructed between 1857 and 1859.
3. Inle: It is a vast and beautiful lake found in the mountains.
4. Ngapali Beach: Stretching nearly 3 km with soft white sand spotted by coconut palms.
5. Ngwesaung Beach: Stretching almost nearly 11 km long located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyawaddy Region.
6. Nabule Beach: a vast and beautiful golden beach found 40 kms north of Dawei City.
7. Shwedagon Pagoda: It’ official name Shwedagon Zedi Daw, is a gilded believed to be more than 2000 years old and which is decorated with jewels and coated in gold.
What is also important to note and most tour guides will emphasize is that you need to stay safe and never compromise on your safety. Some of the activities to watch out for when traveling and some tour guides will explain to you are;
1. Crime: Pickpockets are a major headache as tourists have a high chance of being targeted by pick pocketers in the streets.
2. Begging: There is a begging syndicate using children or sometimes mothers carrying children to solicit travelers and to beg from tourists although being classified as a taboo by tradition.
3. Corruption: To get assistance in case of missing documents or closed offices many tourists are asked to pay bribes to officials but not openly.
4. Driving Conditions: The road infrastructure in the country is very poor and sometimes travelling by car can be very uncomfortable and sometimes very dangerous.
5. Civil conflict: Some areas in Myanmar which are restricted by the government have insurgents who pose a very dangerous risk to tourists.
6. Animals: Myanmar has an abundance of stray cats and dogs roaming its streets. Precaution should be taken so as to avoid contact as much as possible. If bitten you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Myanmar is a paradise worth discovering and exploring provided you take care of yourself, respect your surroundings and respect the local culture. Myanmar will prove to be a magical experience worth reliving.
Travelling Thailand in the Rainy Season: How to Prepare
Travel to Thailand during the rainy season can be fun and a very productive experience if planned. Before booking a flight for a vacation in Thailand in the months between May and October, it is essential to consider the state of the desired destinations and weather safety. This travel tip is a guide to keep you safe and dry in Thailand in this infamous season of the tourist calendar.
Prepare for Travel Delays
Flight scheduled to travel the various rain friendly destinations of Thailand can easily be interrupted due to unexpected torrential downpours. It is essential to prepare psychologically for delays in flights. Sometimes there are cancellations of trips. Park your favorite snacks and hot drinks to kick the boredom and discouragement at the airstrip.
Get in Touch with Weather Reports
Travel in rainy Thailand can be inconvenient and disastrous when conducted without knowledge of the expected weather patterns. There are instances of scary thunder and bad lighting. Sometimes the weather changes from torrential downpour to warm climate on the same day. Excellent knowledge of the weather for the different parts of the day can assist in clothing and stay safe from destinations that are dangerous during the rains.
Prepare for mosquitos
You may take mosquito tablets before traveling to Thailand in the rainy season. Malaria and other mosquito-related infections are synonymous with the rainy season. Mosquito net or repellants can offer a good night sleep for an enjoyable vacation.
Choose your Means of Transport Wisely
Moving around in vans and private motorbikes can be fun but very uncomfortable because of the unexpected rains sometimes. Muddy and slippery terrains may be dangerous and regrettable to use. Always get advice from travel agents who understand the destinations well.
Protect your Possessions
Items such as cameras and phones should be packed in plastic carriers or between the stuff in a backpack or carrier bag that is waterproof. You may opt to leave items that are not waterproof in the hotel room as well, but that may deny you from capturing some of the best moment of the vacation.
A holiday in Thailand is always enjoyable no matter the time of the year. Prepare well and get the best of every moment.
Finding Culture In A New Place
Culture has become somewhat of a buzzword when it comes to travel.
Everyone throws the word around and I’d be willing to bet a lot of the time when we’re traveling we get so caught up in experiences we don’t think too much with how they relate to history and culture. I think a lot of what we’re exposed to abroad is actually something much more sinister; tourism.
Unless you make a concerted effort to go beyond the tourist realm of a new country, it’s hard to experience what the true culture is actually like. Now, I understand why most people don’t do this, it’s stressful traveling in an unfamiliar country and some places just don’t feel safe to stray from the beaten track.
Certainly, there are many tourist destination that manage to balance their offering with including a true experience of culture but keep in mind it’s a produced experience of culture – they’ve decided what you’re going to see, and it may only be a single chapter in the book.
I think one of the best ways to get an idea of the real heart of a place is to speak to locals. This could be as simple as asking the people working in places, restaurants, bars you visit. Wherever you are is home to them, and they’re an excellent barometer for figuring out what’s going on at any time of the year.
Do your research before you travel, make sure you get some understanding of the history of where you’re going. Look up any native peoples and places or sites of importance to them. Even researching in this simple way will reveal a lot more about where you are visiting, and even if it’s only for a rest holiday you’ll find yourself looking at the beach a little differently.
Destination Review - The Red Center, Australia
Australia’s magnificent red center is dominated in tourism literature with Uluru (more commonly known as Ayers Rock) and at time, Alice Springs. Yet those two centers are really only the tip of the iceberg when it come scenic splendor. Author Nevil Shute published the novel, ”
Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges
If you’re looking for something completely different to do in the middle of Australia, I suggest a casual 17km bike ride along the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path. This sealed path meanders through attractive bushland between Flynns Grave just outside Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap. The path meanders across the landscape and has generally easy grades. It’s a relaxing scenic ride that is suitable for visitors of all ages. Keep your eyes open because there’s plenty of flora and fauna to see. You may get lucky and see the rare black-footed wallaby, especially if you travel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for a return trip and a rest break at Simpsons Gap.
Standley Chasm
Located 50 kilometers west of Alice Springs lies Standley Chasm. This unique geographical feature has been gouged into the tough sandstone by floods that have flowed down a narrow tributary of the Finke River. The end result is a deep red chasm that rises 80 metres above the floor.
To see the Chasm at its most dramatic, be sure to time your visit for an hour either side of noon on a nice sunny day. You will then witness the sheer walls glowing from reflected sunlight thus creating a breathtaking display of stark form and rich colour.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Who would have expected to find, in the middle of a desert, a water hole that’s big enough to swim in. Surrounded by high red cliffs sits a large waterhole with a sandy creek fringed by gums making this one of the most popular and picturesque picnicking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Much more than just a popular place for the locals to take a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is also recognised as an internationally significant geological site. A three kilometre Dolomite walk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore some of the interesting formations. The West MacDonnell Ranges are the source of the water that has collected in a deep pool. Red River and Ghost Gums shelter the picnic area located nearby.
Yosemite National Park - Do It Now
Travel builds character. It defines who you are as a person. Being able to withstand rocky terrain physically and metaphorically shapes your decision making skills. It gives you confidence in your ability to navigate life. That’s why there’s no better time to travel than in your 20s. At what other age do you get to be gloriously selfish and adventurous?
There’s a quote by musician Henry Rollins that strikes a chord with young people. It urges them to get a passport, take a summer, and see other parts of the world. If you’re American, you may be unable to travel outside the country at first. That’s ok, there’s a world of adventure to be had in the U.S.A. You can start there and get the passport later.
Why Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park is a backpacker’s paradise. Stretching nearly 1,200 miles, it’s an outdoor treasure trove filled with natural beauty, photo opportunities, and experiences like none you’ve had before in your life. First protected in 1864, Yosemite sees its fair share of visitors each year and for good reason. Known for its breathtaking waterfalls, giant sequoias, and deep valleys, the Californian National Park offers the perfect setting for your first backpacking adventure.
Here are five reasons why backpacking in Yosemite National Park in your 20s is ideal:
• Over 95% of the land is designated Wilderness. What better way to experience the Great Outdoors than sleeping in the wild? In order to do so, you’ll need a wilderness permit. It’s free but in great demand so reserving one is highly recommended. The cost is $5 per confirmed reservation plus $5 per person if traveling in a group. Half Dome permits are now $8 per person. It’s a small price to pay for lodging on any trip you take.
• You’ll eat well and inexpensively. Running low on provisions is unheard of in Yosemite. In fact, stocking up on the foods you love and fuel your body while backpacking is easy. There are a number of places to buy food. The Village Store, the Ahwanee Sweet Shop, and Housekeeping Camp General Store are open during business hours as a convenience for visitors to the park. Purchase your favorite backpacking foods and enjoy them in one of the many picnic areas throughout Yosemite. You’re young so you know what it’s like to eat on a budget. Word to the wise: Don’t leave any scraps behind or you’ll attract bears at your campsite.
• You’ll gain a better understanding of what’s important in life. Void of many modern technologies, you’ll gain a healthy appreciation for the planet and its natural resources. You’ll see rock formations where glacier water slowly carved their surfaces for a period of over 3,000 years. You’ll stand beside ancient sequoias in Mariposa Grove and realize their significance for the first time. Rather than be distracted by electronic gadget, your focus is on the scenery ahead of you and the way it makes you feel. Make sure to document your experience with a digital camera (pack lots of batteries), a journal, and the writing tool of your choice. You won’t want to forget a moment spent in Yosemite. Cheryl Strayed built a career out of a solo hike down the Pacific Crest Trail.
• You’ll learn that earning a living and making a life for yourself are two very different things. Employment opportunities exist with or without you. It’s better to travel while you’re young, debt-free, and childless. Many people are under the assumption that entering the working world straight out of college is advantageous. They forget how hard it is to request time off. Money is almost always a factor. Once a person gets used to a certain type of lifestyle, they need a way to financially support themselves. Before buying a house, new car or designer suit, consider the value of a backpacking adventure. You’re likely to learn more than you did as a student, and this time around, your education is free.
• You’ll enjoy a variety of adventures that excite and amaze you. Yosemite offers plenty to do year round. Among the different activities promoted by the park is art and photography, auto touring, biking, birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding & stock use, picnicking, ranger and interpretive programs, rock climbing, tours, volunteering, water activities, and winter sports. You could honestly choose a different activity every day and still not do everything you set out to do in the park. Part of growing as a person is challenging yourself to try new activities. Fire up the neurons in your brain by stepping out of your comfort zone.
There are a number of compelling reasons to pack a rucksack and visit Yosemite. If anything, do it because you’re young and you can. You won’t regret the experience you have. In fact, you’ll create memories that you carry with you throughout your lifetime because of your adventure.
Destination Guide - Venice
To many travelers, Venice is a dream destination known for being unique and romantic. There is so much to see and experience, and here are just a few prime examples of what can make your visit an extremely memorable part of your vacation.
Canal Grande
Everyone wants to experience gliding on an authentic and serenaded traditional Venetian gondola ride on these famous “liquid streets” that comprise the city's main water thoroughfare. You are taken past magestic Renaissance palaces, beautifully colored gardens, elaborate churches, and other landmarks.
St Mark's Basilica
This is Venice's most famous cathedral, is one of the finest examples of the opulent Italo-Byzantine architecture style, and contains valuable art, metalwork, and other treasures. Originally built in 832, by the time of the 11th century, it was going by the nickname “Church of Gold”.
There are 85,000 square feet of mosaics that show scenes from the Old Testament and the New Testament. The four bronze horses were created around the 4th century BC in Constantinople and were plundered during the Fourth Crusade and were placed in front of St. Mark’s in 1254. The ones you see are replicas that were installed in the 1980s due to air pollution that was doing damage to the original ones that are still inside St. Mark’s Museum.
Doge's Palace
The palace is over 1,100 years old. An architectural masterpiece with its elaborate exterior, rococo interior, and grand halls, it was the residence of the Doge, the "Duke" of Venice. Italy's greatest architects added to it as the city grew, and it has been a museum since 1923 with priceless paintings by Venetian masters.
The Bridge of Sighs is a symbol of love. It is best to go there on a gondola because it is said that if a couple kisses at sunset as they pass under the bridge and hear the bells of St. Mark's tolling, their love is sure to last forever!
Walking Tours
They are very popular and allow you to see numerous sights first-hand. If you want to take one that is unusual, consider a Ghost Tour! You get to explore the city's mysterious past and go through abandoned piazzas and ancient passageways while your guide tells ghost stories and legends as you see the spookier side of Venice.