Travel

I love ferry rides. Before the pandemic, every now and then, we will go for holiday on a nearby island. We usually travel by car and parked our car near the ferry jetty. Then we will buy the ferry tickets from the tickets counter and wait to board the ferry to take us over to the island. The ferries departed at scheduled time. If possible, I will always look for a seat next to the window. I love to watch the view outside and also to feel the sea breeze blowing in my hair.

While boarding the ferry, I also enjoy watching people loading all types of goods and motorcycles onto the ferry. Before that, I used to wonder how the vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, and trucks were taken over to the island. It was only recently that I have some rough idea and the procedure involved on how to transport a motorcycle, a car or a truck over to an island.

For some islands, it is possible to bring along your car or motorcycle over to the island by ferry. There are ferries providing transporting services for car, motorcycle, van, bus and truck to and from the islands. If you are looking for services to ship your motorcycle or any other vehicle from one place to another, the best place to start your search for transporting or shipment services will be at Shiply. Shiply will help you get the best competitive quotes from multiple shipping companies and to enable you to make quotes comparisons from the different companies. All you have to do is to make direct calls for future inquiry concerning your shipment.

The rates quoted will depends on the size and weight of your shipment. It will also depends on the distance between the original or boarding location and the destination location. The charges will be different depending on the time taken to deliver your shipment. If there is a fixed time frame, definitely the rate will be much higher than those taking normal delivery time. Another factor affecting the rate is the route taken by the transport company.

If the destination is not on the common route and is far off, then extra charge will apply just to get a transport on the purpose to deliver one single item. The longer the distance, the higher the rate. The rate also depends on the method of transportation used to transport the motorcycle. Before committing to the shipping company, it is better to find out the type of services provided and what to expect if your motorcycle is damaged during the transportation.

There are three ways to transport a motorcycle. The first method is loading your motorcycle onto a pickup truck. The second method is securing your motorcycle to the sides of a truck or a trailer. If you are not comfortable with these two methods of transportation, then the next option is to use a shipping company. This is when you will decide whether you wish to transport your motorcycle in an open trailer or in an enclosed trailer.

 

Holidays used to be the time of the year we would all eagerly wait for. They would bring our family a chance to spend some quality time together while discovering new places. But now, because of the global pandemic situation caused by the COVID-19 virus, leaving the safety of our homes may seem scary for most of us. Thankfully, there are safe alternatives where your family and you will be able to enjoy your holidays in a safe and controlled environment.

The perfect opportunity to discover Cancun

Who hasn’t ever dreamt about visiting the Caribbean? Especially the stunning city of Cancun, in the beautiful shores of Mexico. The combination of nature, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts have made this destination one of the most visited by tourists every year. Just imagine how much fun your children could have playing on such beautiful beaches!

However, many people decided to postpone their summer holidays this year because of the global pandemic. But contrary to what some people may believe, Cancun is safe for travel.

The best all-inclusive resorts in the area have recently instated safety measures in accordance with the Mexican Government and the recommendations given by the World Health Organization (WHO). That is the case of Atelier de Hoteles, a luxurious hotel chain that has recently reopened its doors with its shielded vacations program. This program aims to keep both clients and employees safe during their stay in the hotel.

To ensure this, the following safety measures have been taken:

• Shoes and guests’ suitcases will be nebulized upon arrival.
• A mobile app has been developed to assist with check-ins, consulting the restaurants menus, ordering suite service and chatting with the e-concierge. This will drastically reduce human interaction and therefore, exposure.
• All public areas and food/beverage outlets count with anti-bacterial gel dispensers.
• A “health squad” was created to deep clean and disinfect all rooms and hotel areas.
• Anti-Covid 19 spraying on the suites before the guests’ arrival, as well as constantly on the common areas.
• Safe distancing measures will be implemented in the beverage and food outlets.
• Obligatory hand washing program.
• Use of the detergent and chemical products “USA Clean Line” and “Global 9” for disinfecting and cleaning all areas.

All the fun your family could wish for

Now that we know how safe your holiday experience in Cancun will be, the next thing is to decide where you are going to spend it. The best All inclusive Resorts Mexico are, by far, those run by the hotel chain Atelier de Hoteles. That is why we can not stop recommending their resort Hotel Playa Mujeres. Traditionally, parents would have to sacrifice their own share of fun in order to find activities for their kids to enjoy themselves in, but this does not have to happen any more. This resort was created keeping the needs of all the family in mind, so you can all enjoy your holidays without having to give up on anything.

Kids can enjoy themselves and interact with the world through the many activities offered at the exclusive Doodle Land® program. With its exclusive gastronomic workshops, interactive activities, art sessions, etc., your kid will be entertained while having fun with other children within his same age.

Adults also have their fair share of fun at Playa Mujeres Family Resort, enjoying their multiple installations like the luxurious Nuup Spa or the fantastic 18 hole golf course.

But what makes this resort so special is the amount of activities your family will be able to enjoy together. From spending time together in the luxurious suites (in which, by the way, pets are allowed too since they are considered a member of the family) to luxurious dinners in one of the 5 different restaurants in the resort or to have fun by the hotel pool. The possibilities are endless as long as you are together with your loved ones.

The Vatican is a place that many dream of visiting when they’re in Rome. For some, it’s a place they visit for religious reasons, including to hear the Pope address large crowds.

The Vatican is steeped in history as well as some mystery. There has been numerous scandals, too, including claims of sexual abuse against children, unfortunately.

Despite some of the potentially darker sides of the Vatican and its history, it’s still a major tourist destination.

If you’re planning a trip there, keep the following in mind.

An Overview of Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and a two-mile border with Italy surrounds it. Vatican City covers a little more than 100 acres, and it’s governed as an absolute monarchy, with the pope as the leader.

The Vatican mints its own money, issues passports, operates media outlets, and has its own flag. It doesn’t assess taxes, however. Instead, the revenue for the Vatican is generated through admission fees to the museum, sales of stamps and souvenirs, and contributions.

On Vatican Hill during pagan times was a Roman necropolis. Emperor Nero crucified St. Peter there.

Vatican City was signed into existence by Benito Mussolini, following a dispute between the government of Italy and the Catholic Church. The 1929 Lateran Pacts let the Vatican exist as a sovereign state.

The Swiss Guard was hired as a mercenary force in the 1500s, and you’ll still find the guards there, whose sole role is the protection of the pope.

The Vatican is to the west of the Tiber River in Rome, between the districts of Prati and Aurelio.

When To Visit

Lines start forming early at the Vatican, as it’s a destination for more than six million tourists a year.

The earlier you can get there in the morning, the better. It’s advisable to try and be in line by 7:30 to get in when the museum opens at 9 a.m. unless you’ve booked a tour that allows you to get in at a certain time.

If you get a Vatican Museum ticket, you get admission to several museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

There are skip the line tickets offered by tour companies.

The Vatican Museums are closed Sundays other than the last Sunday of the month, which is a free day.

There’s not one day, in particular, that’s considered the best day to visit the Vatican, but the weekends can be busier.

On Wednesdays, if there is the Papal Audience, the crowds might be quite a bit bigger.

If you want to beat the crowds and you visit Rome from April to October, you can book a Friday night visit to the Vatican Museums.

The most crowded day is probably Saturday because there are not only international travelers, but there are often visitors from other parts of Italy.

As far as the pope’s audience, this may be different because of the coronavirus pandemic, but typically it’s held each Wednesday except in July. In warm weather months, it’s in the square. In cold months, it’s in a hall to the left of the basilica.

If you are going to the Vatican specifically for the Papal Audience, you can get tickets in advance, but it’s still first-come-first-serve, so you may want to get there early to get a good seat. It gets very hot in Rome in the summer when the Audience is outside.

The Papal Audience usually starts at 9 or 9:30 a.m.

There is also the chance to see the Pope on some Sundays at noon if he’s in Rome. Sundays are called the Papal Blessing, and this is when the Pope appears at an apartment window and gives a short speech and blessing. The event in total usually lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.

What Are the Rules?

When you visit the Vatican, you have to follow some rules. First, be aware of what the restrictions are for bringing backpacks or bags in. You can’t bring large umbrellas, video stands, tripods, weapons or knives.

You have to dress appropriately, meaning that you need to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. You can’t wear shorts, short skirts or sleeveless shirts.

You can’t take videos or photos in the Sistine Chapel, although you can elsewhere. You also can’t use a mobile phone in the Sistine chapel.

You can’t touch any art either.

Main Areas

If you’re going to the Vatican without a tour, you might want to start with the museums because they’re the most rigorous part of visiting.

If you do take a tour, you can go directly from the Sistine Chapel to the basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s largest churches, and it dates back to the Renaissance era.

It’s not a cathedral but does have a bishop.

If you want to climb the Vatican dome, there are hundreds of steps, and it can be claustrophobic.

If you make it to the top, the views of the city are beautiful.

The Vatican Museums showcase the world’s largest private art collection.

You can’t just go and see the Sistine Chapel. To see it, you have to go through the whole of the Vatican Museums, although you can book express tours which last just under two hours. You still have to walk through the other museums, but not actually tour them.

Overall, if you have the opportunity, it can be best to see the Vatican, especially for the first time, with a tour guide. This might mean a group tour or a private tour, but either way, it can make your experience a lot more fulfilling and manageable. There’s a lot to see and it’s overwhelming to try to do on your own without a guide.

You can also have a scheduled time to enter with a guide, and a guide can help you figure out what your priorities are as far as what you most want to see during your visit, so you don’t miss those things.

 

People go out on a holiday to relax and have fun, but there are times that they are not successful because they failed to strategize right and do everything necessary for their holidays to be one of a kind and spectacular. Planning holidays is like playing slots games in online casinos or their sister sites, if you do it wrong, it will take a huge compensation from your bank account.

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and if you fail to do it, you will end up regretful and sad that you spent money for something that is useless and nonsense.

Do not worry as there are so many ways you can do to make your holiday worth remembering for a very long time. Read this article and be amazed how you can turn your simple holiday to something extraordinary and fun.

Tag along fun to be with people

Your holiday would definitely be different if you spend it with the right people. Be with people you know can maximize your experience. You can have a jolly and fun loving officemate join you or you can tag your most favorite comedian high school batchmate.

The more lively the people around you while you are on a holiday, the happier your holiday could get.

Find a good destination

There are so many places to go, but not all of them are best for you to visit. You have to choose a destination where you can have fun and could really excite you. If you love the beach, then go to a beach, if you like peace, go for a place where you can find a good landscape of nature and so on.

Do not go to a popular place instead go to a place that suits your interest and personality.

Take photos

How to make your holiday remarkable? Take photos. Photos you captured can make your holiday fun. Apart from the experience, it is nice to bring home still photos of good memories.

Also, the photo taking itself is fun and something to look forward to too. Invite your friends and have playful photos captured.

Play games

Sure, playing games is one of the things you can do to maximize your experience. Travelling to your destination can be long, dragging and tiring, playing games along the way can minimize the burden you feel and can definitely make your trip exciting.

Playing games can also be done while you are in the hotel. Make sure to bring cards with you or other board games so fun won’t stop anywhere you are.

Try different things

Try something different, if you have not tried cliff diving, maybe it is time you do it today. On your holiday, do something unusual, something you have not tried or you do not do every day.

Keep your gadgets away

Sure, keep all your gadgets away and stop using them. Take advantage of your break and enjoy the scenery, fresh air and real life landscapes.

The suburban setting of Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary is only minutes from restaurants, shopping options, and popular theme parks in Orlando. Its modern accommodations help guests relax through the signature Hilton Garden beds that allow flexibility. Corporate travelers can find plenty of valuable services in the hotel’s business center.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Modern conveniences are in every room, including an ergonomic work desk, coffee maker and microwave
• All rooms are equipped with free high-speed Internet access
• The room’s Garden Sleep System provides a flexible bed that adjusts to the guest’s weight
• Self-laundry facilities are included in the hotel’s amenities
• Select rooms come with jetted tubs for a touch of luxury
• Full-service restaurant with menu options for breakfast and dinner
• Business center with a full host of services

In and Around:

• Lake Mary is 15 miles from downtown Orlando
• Central Florida Zoo is just seven miles from the hotel
• Charge up your day by watching the races at Daytona Speedway
• Within 15 miles from the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

New Zealand has been described by some as just an extension of Australia. Being neighbours, with similar flags, indigenous culture, and landscapes, the statement is not far from the truth.

There are nearly half a million Kiwis currently living in Australia – that’s more than the total population of Wellington. On average, more than 20,000 Kiwis move to Australia annually. Interestingly, many Australians are now taking the opposite route back to New Zealand.

Let’s take a look at possible reasons why Kiwis are flowing into Australia in their numbers …

The Weather

The weather in Australia is considered very desirable to most Kiwi emigrants. With New Zealand having a nearly round-the-year rainy and cold weather, Australia’s hot climate is a breath of fresh air to some. The weather is just as unpredictable in Australia as it is in New Zealand, but in some places such as Brisbane, you can get up to 283 days of sunshine in a year. Other capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne also record a sunny climate which most Kiwis are delighted to get used to.

The Wildlife

The scariest animal in New Zealand, and about the only animal the country is known for, is the Kiwi bird. This is unlike Australia that has a rich wildlife offering. Impressive creatures such as the kangaroo, koala, and wombats, among others, attract thousands of tourists to the country each year. Australia is also home to more than 20 of the most dangerous creatures on the planet such as the box jellyfish, the eastern brown snake, the red-back spider, the blue-ringed octopus, and bull sharks. While New Zealand is known for its cool mountains, Australia’s parks and nature reserves are quite enticing.

The Wine

Aussies love their wine more than New Zealanders! There are about 60 designated wine regions in Australia producing more than 1.3 trillion bottles of wine yearly – making it the fifth-highest producer of wine in the world. On the other hand, New Zealand is also remarkable in wine production. With prominent labels like the Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail for wine-loving tourists; the country is the fifteenth top producer of wine in the world.

The Beaches

This is probably the loveliest thing about Australia. There are more than 10,000 beaches in Australia. In fact, if you were to visit a new beach every day in Australia, it would take you about 29 years to go round. From Bondi Beach to Whitehaven Island, Cable Beach, and Bells Beach amongst others, you will certainly have a great time touring the beautiful and picturesque beaches the country has to offer. New Zealand has great beaches too – the likes of Cathedral Cove, Ninety Mile Beach, Medlands, Sandfly Bay and more than 400 others.

Better Pay

While the cost of living in Australia is a bit higher than that of New Zealand, especially in big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne; Australia pays higher. There are also better job opportunities in Australia than in New Zealand. When you compare Melbourne and Wellington, you will find that workers comfortably take care of bills in the former rather than in the latter. Given that Australia is already developed, the tax is much reduced too, unlike in New Zealand. Australia also ranks higher on the world Human Development Index.

Better Lifestyle

Being a continent that is about five times the size of New Zealand in population and also better developed, Australia generally has a much better lifestyle. With better music, food, and art offerings, you will easily adapt as a Kiwi. Australia is about the sports capital of the world, with many international sporting activities taking place in the country all year round. In terms of culture, while the Maori are better accepted in New Zealand than the Aboriginals are accepted in Australia, there are more colourful cultural festivals in Australia.

Ease of Movement

It is much easier to move from New Zealand to Australia than it is from the latter to the former. In fact, as a Kiwi, you can visit, work and live in Australia without a tourist or work visa. As a Kiwi migrant to Australia, there are many benefits you stand to enjoy, unlike other migrants. It is also very easy to move property from New Zealand to cities in Australia such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. (Visit https://www.ausmove.co.nz/moving-to-australia)

Better Phone Services

Service providers are more generous in Australia than in New Zealand. Telecom companies in the continent offer great data plans with unlimited texting, calling and other fantastic offers. For the same cost, you will get far less service in New Zealand. So if you are comfortable with the phone service in Auckland or Wellington, you will be mind-blown in Australia. You get free Wi-Fi in nearly every proper establishment in the country unlike in New Zealand.

These are the possible eight reasons why thousands of Kiwis migrate to Australia every year. There could be many other reasons but they will inevitably centre around the better life Australia offers. With the recent positive developments in New Zealand, however, statistics show a significant drop in the number of emigrants and an actual increase in the number of people coming into the country. Reports also indicate that more Aussies are coming to New Zealand to live. Hopefully, in a few years to come, more Kiwis will return home.

 

San Diego is a famous city for tourism, especially with its beautiful landscapes, warm weather, attractive beaches, many attractions, and excellent restaurants.

The city is known for its sunshine and warm weather year-round to visitors, but locals would warn to avoid May and June because it is not as sunny and warm during those months when the marine layer stretches a cloud of gray over the skies most of the day.

Getting around San Diego is quite comfortable with the many transportation options such as the coaster, the trolley, taxis, buses, or driving yourself.

So, if your thinking of visiting San Diego for a day and want to pack in as much as you can, here is a guide of five locations you need to visit while here.

1. Coronado

 

A famous landmark for San Diego is the Coronado Bay Bridge. Over the bridge is the city of Coronado where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches. A notable place to visit is the Hotel Del Coronado, which was known to cater to Hollywood royalty over the years, and even is the star is some ghost stories. Visitors are welcome in the grand lobby, bars, and restaurants in the hotel. You can sit on a patio and enjoy the view of the white sand beaches.

Tip: Start your day in Coronado early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of the magnificent beaches and the hotel public areas. Grab yourself a coffee or mimosa, and enjoy the views in the morning. In order to get in all your locations, allot for only 90 minutes in Coronado.

2. Old Town

After your early morning at the beach, enjoy the history of San Diego in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find many Mexican restaurants and souvenir shops, but further in, there are many tourist-oriented shops, fascinating artifacts and historical buildings to tour, such as Casa de Estudillo, Mason Street School, McCoy House, Old Adobe Chapel, Whaley House, and Heritage Park. Most can be visited for free.

Grab lunch in a San Diego restaurant in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find some of the best Mexican food, enjoy lunch as Café Coyote or Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant.

3. Mission Beach/Belmont Park

Belmont Park and Mission Beach are fun for the whole family. Belmont is an amusement park, with an old-school wooden roller coaster and many other rides and games. Head to the Wave House, a restaurant and bar that features sand floors and wave simulators where you can watch novice and expert surfboarders do tricks. Or rent a surfboard and try catching waves on the Pacific Ocean directly behind Belmont Park.

Tip: Since your trying to pack a lot into one day, only spend a maximum of two hours at the beach.

4. La Jolla Cove

In the northern neighborhood of San Diego along the coast, you will find La Jolla Cove, one of the most exquisite pieces of coastline in all Southern California, and it curves around a bay which is home to leopard sharks, seals, spiny lobsters and a variety of species of fish. If you were hoping to snorkel or scuba dive during your visit to San Diego, this is the spot to do it.

5. San Diego Breweries

San Diego is a popular spot for premier microbreweries, and consistently winning awards for its diverse and tasty craft beer. After a day of sun, adventures, and beach, unwind from your busy day or enjoy a brewery tour at one of these top breweries, Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, AleSmith Brewing Company, Green Flash, Pizza Port, or Stone Brewing Company.

Packing Tips

Here are a few items you should make sure to pack for your one day in San Diego. You probably already have a swimsuit, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, but here are other items to consider:

• Sweater -nights can be cold, and the coastal breezes could catch you off guard when the temperature drops suddenly after the sun goes down. Keep warm with a sweater.
• Flip flops – you’ll want to walk the beaches in flip flops
• Wetsuit – if it is not July or August, the ocean can be cold, so if you’re swimming for an extended period, a wetsuit will help keep you warm.
• Umbrella – there’s not much shade on the beaches of San Diego, so bring an umbrella to shade yourself.

A family vacation to a lake can be the perfect getaway for a number of reasons. Lakes are inherently tranquil and peaceful, they afford you with the opportunity to really bond with your family, and there is a lot of flexibility in what you do during a lake vacation.

For example, you might spend your time on the water, hiking nearby trails, or simply admiring the views.

Lake vacations can be less expensive than other destinations as well, so if you’re thinking about a family lake getaway, the following are some options you might consider.

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is located near Branson, Missouri, and you can enjoy all the entertainment and excitement of Branson itself, but also the calm, relaxation of the lake. Table Rock Lake features almost 800 miles of Shoreline, and many of the best Branson hotels and resorts are located along these shores.

There are, in fact, more than 100 resorts adjacent to Table Rock Lake, as well as campsites.

Table Rock Lake is beautiful with clear water, and hidden beaches tucked away, as well as deeply forested areas surrounding the shores.

Moonshine Beach is a popular area of the beach, and it’s adjacent to the Dewey Short Visitor Center Recreation Area. There are wide, sandy beaches, and you can dive, picnic or hike.

A less crowded part of the lake is the Beaver area, which is on the southwest corner of the lake.

Cape Fair is off Highway 75, and it’s known for swimming options.

The State Park Marina offers boat and wave runner rentals, and you can rent a pontoon at Indian Point Marina.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon, and it’s the primary feature of Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is known for the deep, blue color and how clear the water is.

The lake was formed more than 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed, and it’s the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake is also the ninth deepest in the world.

There are two islands, which are Wizard Island and Phantom Ship Island.

The lake is fed only by rain or snow because there are no rivers in or out of it, and surrounding the lake are old-growth forests.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is found in California and Nevada, and millions of people visit the area every year. The lake is surrounded by mountains and cliffs, and during the winter it’s a ski area. During the warm-weather months, people flock to the lake for swimming and water sports.

Lake Tahoe features hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and you can take scenic cruises.

If you go to the north shore of the lake, it’s more like San Francisco with high-end shopping and dining. If you go to the south shore, there are casinos and more options in-line with nearby Reno.

Lake Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d’ Alene is located in Idaho, and what was once an under-the-radar destination is now a star-studded place for travel, but it still maintains its sense of solitude and natural beauty.

Lake Coeur d’ Alene is the second-largest in Idaho, and it’s over 26 miles long, boasting around 135 miles of shoreline.

There are many boat ramps around the lake, and there are sandy beaches.

There’s the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which runs along the waterfront, and there are parks outside of the city, including Mineral Ridge and Heyburn State Park.

Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes is a region of central New York. There are several state parks in the Finger Lakes region, including Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen.

The Finger Lakes region includes 11 glacier lakes where you can boat and fish, and if you like wine this is a great destination for you as well. There are many wineries and wine trails in the Finger Lakes region.

Lake Winnebago

Lake Winnebago is the largest lake in Wisconsin, and one of the things it’s best known for is its windsurfing and kite surfing. There are shallow areas of the lake, so the water temperatures can get very warm in the summer months, and the lake hosts the annual Wind Power Championships in September.

Lake Winnebago is pretty massive, spanning 138,000 acres, and the average depth is only 15.5 feet.

This is a fisherman’s paradise a well. It’s one of the top places to catch walleye in the entire nation, and you might also catch bluegill, largemouth bass, perch, white bass, and catfish in the lake.

Indonesia is a haven for travelers of all kinds mainly because it is bursting with permanently inhabited islands. Unfortunately, a vast majority only travel to one, Bali. Flores Island is gem and happens to be one of the best diving sites in the Archipelago. This is mainly because of the Manta Rays of Komodo National Park, the swift currents and crazy critters found in Maumere Bay.

How do you get there?

Thanks to progressive infrastructure, flying between the islands in Indonesia has been made quite easy. From major cities you can fly to two key destination in Flores, that is Labuan Bajo and Ende. The flight offers majestic views of both Labuan Bajo and the island network as you descend. However, this view is best enjoyed if you are sitting on the right side of the plane.

Despite looking unfinished, the airport at Labuan Bajo is quite modern and suits the city well. From there you can take a taxi, train or bus into town if your Flores dive resort hasn’t arranged transportation for you. The town center is only accessible through a single one-way road that goes around it, offering stunning panoramic views of the port with a backdrop that is full of endless islands.

Where to stay

The options for accommodation in Flores are scarce when compared to Bali. However, there is a wide range of choices depending on your budget. The AYANA Komodo Resort located on the exquisite Waecicu Beach in Labuan Bajo is the first and only 5 star resort making it a great choice for luxurious accommodation. Featuring 192 guest rooms and 13 suites, the resort is inspired by open living, comfort and light.

Where to eat

If you are a fan of trying out local cuisine, there are a number of vendors on the streets selling traditional dishes such as Beef Rendang, Nasi Goreng or Soto Ayam. You can also head to the local fish market if you want to sample the daily catch. Have a beer or cocktail while enjoying some of the most alluring sunsets you will ever see.

Diving at Flores

Diving is the primary reason why travelers visit Labuan Bajo. It doesn’t matter whether you are a first timer or a seasoned diver, you should try out the liveaboard tours as there are plenty of companies to choose from. Most tours offer land-based activities in various islands including a visit to the Komodo National Park to see the dragons either in Rinca or Komodo Islands.

If you are new to diving, with the help of an instructor you will descend to 12 meters and then take a series of breathing exercises. Depending on the time of the year, you are most likely to witness a group of massive manta rays.

Komodo dragons

You can’t dock at Rinca, Komodo or Padar islands and not explore the Komodo National Park which is home to about 5,700 Komodo dragons. Additionally, this is the only place that you will see the massive monitor lizard in live action, an animal that is aptly named for its reptilian appearance and aggressive nature. Ensure that you get a guided tour when going on a Komodo dragon tour.

What to see

The manta rays are the biggest attraction to the Indonesian underwater world especially around the Komodo National Park. However, while these creatures frequent the park, spending much time with them might not be that easy because you are more likely to get caught in a quick draft. With that in mind, some sites around the Komodo National Park will allow you to enjoy the display of trevally, whitetip sharks, barracuda, tuna and rainbow runner swimming around looking for something to eat.

You are also most likely to see Eagle rays. Similarly, you may see interesting critters such as nudibranch and frogfish amongst the corals while butterflyfish, lyretail anthias and angelfish can be found around healthy sloping reefs.

 

The year 2019 is coming to an end and many have already started browsing the early bird offers for next Summer holiday. With thousands of offers on the table and big discounts available, it can be hard to choose the right hotel for your needs. Here are five tips that will help you make a decision!

1. Know what is important to you.

The starting point when choosing a hotel is knowing what is most important to you. Are you looking for a romantic atmosphere or party vibe? Do you want a room with a view? How about free breakfast? Create a list of deal breakers, and it will naturally narrow down the available options. Then, continue with the following five tips to pick the perfect hotel for your next holiday.

2. Location, Location, Location

It’s safe to say that the hotel’s location is one of the most important factors. Whether it’s the beach, attractions or places to dine, you ideally want to be able to walk to most places and not spend hours in public transport or taxis each day. We recommend checking the location yourself and not to trust what the hotel says on their website. They might say that the beach is only “10 minutes away” but forget to mention that this is by car and not by foot.

3. Hotel Amenities

Oh, I didn’t know I had to pay for parking my car! Hotel amenities vary, and you should always check that the hotel covers your basic requirements to avoid turning your stay into a nightmare. Here are some tips on what to look out for.

If you are travelling to a hot country during the Summer, make sure that rooms come with air-conditioning. There is nothing worse than spending your holiday sleepless because of the heat. Equally important is free Wi-Fi. You might want to stream a movie at night or play games at casino sister sites, and the worst that could happen is the hotel charging you extra for using the Internet. Also, have a look at the times for check-in and check-out. You might arrive at your destination early in the morning and don’t want to wait until 3 p.m. to check into your room. Perhaps ask the hotel ahead of your booking, whether early check-in or late check-out is available. Last but not least – breakfast! Have a look to see if the room price includes breakfast and, if not, adjust your budget accordingly account for the extra cost.

4. Be Careful with Reviews

Reviews are a great way to get a first impression of a hotel. However, be aware that not everyone is like you and what others praise or criticise might not matter that much to you. Are guests complaining about loud music coming from the pool bar? Well, if you go on holiday to party, this might be the perfect hotel then! Does one review mention “disgusting bathrooms” while all others praise the cleanliness of the place? It might just be a one-off bad experience and shouldn’t affect your choice. We recommend to look out for patterns. If every second review mentions a poor Wi-Fi connection and the Internet is crucial for you, then the hotel is probably not the right pick!

5. Who’s the Hotel’s Typical Visitor

When researching hotels, try and understand who’s the hotel’s main clientele. Do a lot of the reviews come from families but you’re going on holiday with a group of friends? There might be a mismatch here! Does the hotel focuses on bachelor parties, but you’re travelling with your partner and kids? You might find the hotel is lacking essential amenities such as a kids-friendly pool or a babysitter service.

If you are clear about your requirements and follow the five points above, there is no reason that you won’t find the perfect hotel for your next holiday. And now get cracking, because big savings are waiting for you when you book early!