Travel

 

For many people, sleeping in a place which is not their home is uncomfortable. Others feel excited especially if they are staying in an exquisite hotel. Regardless of how you feel when you decide to book a hotel, you need to ensure your safety. These are some tips to consider.

Do not stay on the ground floor

Before you reserve a hotel room, you need to confirm if your room is on the ground floor or not. Most break-ins happen on that floor. You need a place which is high enough to deter potential intruders, but not so high that during emergency cases when you have to use the stairs it will be a problem.

Keep your bags close

While waiting for your turn at the front desk, you need to ensure the safety of your luggage. You need to keep it close or pass it on to someone who works for the hotel. Given how busy the lobby is at times, you could end up losing your bags.

Make sure no one knows your room

It is usually a policy for hotels to not inform anyone about the room number unless permitted by the guests themselves. It is for the security of everyone staying in the room. For instance, your key has your room number on it, and if someone else saw it when the front desk staff handed it to you, it is possible to request a different room as you now consider the room compromised. The same thing can happen if someone says the room number out loud.

Check the locks first

Usually, the valet will accompany you into the room. Make sure that you check the locks first before you ask the valet to leave. If there is a problem, you need to ask for someone to immediately fix it by relaying the message to the valet or request a different room.

Use the door wedge

Do not rely on the locks on your door alone. For further security, you need to use the door wedge. It is to ensure that no one else can access your room. Sometimes, crooks can have access to spare keys given their relationship with some people working for the hotel.

Take your valuables when you leave

Make sure that you do not leave anything valuable in your room. Your gadgets and personal documents like passport need to be with you at all times. Your room could end up getting compromised especially if you asked the cleaners to come over and make the bed. If the place has a vault, you can use it to keep your valuables. The hotel usually does not cover the payment for lost items inside the room, but they will do if you kept the things inside the vault.

Now that you know these hotel safety tips, you have nothing to worry about. You can check out the best hotels around Oxford now and finalise your booking. With top hotels in the area, safety is not an issue.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Traveling around Asia is a dream for many people around the world, especially for people in the west. As a citizen of the western world, traveling to Asia is like being transported into a different reality. A place with very different cultures and customs, Asia is a place of beauty and exotic locations filled with historical wonders.

There are many places that one could visit in Asia, but it is important to slow down and choose just a few areas in order to take in all the wonders that this part of the world has to offer. Southeast Asia is a name that refers to a sub-region of Asia that is bordered on both sides by ocean. To the West, you have the Indian Ocean, while to the East there’s the Pacific Ocean. With that said, here are a few places that should be on anybody’s list of locations to visit.

Bagan

Bagan is considered an archeological paradise. It is one of those hidden gems that lies off the travelled path. The site is home to around 2000 temples of different shapes. It is believed that the structures where raised between the 9^th and 13^th century and the site receives around one million tourists per year. This is a wonderful location that people traveling around Southeast Asia should not miss.

You can travel around the area of Bagan with a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk, which is a good idea because the archeological site covers an area of 65 square kilometers. After an earthquake in 1975, the structures suffered a bit and there was a plan to restore some of the damaged structures.

Macau

Macau is a place is Asia where the West meets the East and form a beautiful mixture of cultures. The city is known to be the gaming capital of Asia. There is a large variety of amazing casinos to be found here, including the iconic Casino Lisboa, which also represents a symbol of the spirit of Macau. With its lotus shaped form, the structure is truly a sight to behold and also used as a guiding landmark for Macau’s citizens.

When it comes to visiting Macau, most people go there with the purpose of gambling and visiting the many beautiful casinos found there. However, besides the many casinos, there are also many other places of interest in the city. An example could be the ruins of St. Paul, a structure built in the 17^th century and was eventually destroyed by fire. What remains is only the facade of the former structure which acts as a kind of altar to the city.

Since the spirit of Macau is all about gambling, people have the option of trying out few casino games found on Gametwist Online Casino, while at the same time visiting other places of interest around the city. This online casino can offer you the same experience as the one would have in one of the casinos found in Macau, but you have the option of choosing where to play them. After that, you can say that you have participated in the gambling spirit of Macau.

Halong Bay

The number one tourist destination in Vietnam. Halong Bay has received a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It is truly a unique place in the world and it is also known as the Bay of Descending Dragons. Dragons play an important role in Vietnamese culture. There is a story that a dragon and her offspring defended the vietnamese from invaders. The dragon sprayed fire with emeralds or jades and after many years they formed the eroded towers surrounding the area.

The rocky formations are covered by forests and there are many activities that one could partake in. Rock climbing is one of them, as well as taking a cruise around the Bay. The best time to visit Halong Bay and Vietnam in general is between March to May or September to November, which are times when one could avoid the extreme heat. Winter can also be cloudy and cool and may not make such a great experience.

Singapore

Singapore can be seen as a melting pot of cultures and different demographics as well as a large variety of different architecture. It can be seen as the number one travel destination in Asia. In 2018 this island nation has been voted as one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime rate. Among the beautiful urban area, there is also a large variety of beautiful greenery present in the city.

A wonderful attraction of the city would be the Garden by the Bay opposite from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Most people visit the garden to see the Supertree Grove. The trees have a high that ranges between 25 and 50 meters. Between two of the largest Supertrees there is a walkway where people can take in a panoramic view of the garden.

Final Word

Southeast Asia is truly one of the most amazing places on Earth that people can visit. Aside from the destinations mentioned above, you can be sure that there are many more places that are as beautiful and interesting. For a person who was born in the west, visiting just one of the places mentioned can truly be a life changing experience.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

My good friend Tatiana Kukanova Regan went traveling just after her 21st birthday and by the time that she was 22 she decided that this would be her new way of life, much to the surprise of many, including myself. Many thought that she would fail but here we are 5 years on and she has forged quite the career for herself. The lifestyle which Tatiana Kukanova Regan is living is called digital nomadism and it is a lifestyle which she absolutely adores. I spoke with Tatiana last week on Skype and I asked her what it was that she loves most about this kind of lifestyle, here is what she had to say.

Location Freedom

Unsurprisingly Tatiana started off by telling me that the greatest reason why she loves this lifestyle is because she can work from just about anywhere in the world. As long as she has her laptop and an internet connection she can work in Bali, in Rio, in Israel or in Portugal and it would make no difference at all to her. Throughout her career as a digital nomad she has worked and traveled through almost 30 countries, exploring new cultures and ways of life as she goes. It is fairly easy to see why this would be the greatest benefit of such a lifestyle.

When She Wants

It is not just freedom of location which Tatiana Kukanova Regan enjoys but also the freedom to work whenever she wants. For most of us working Monday to Friday 9-5 this is something which we can all agree would be beautiful and for Tatiana she loves nothing more than working from 9pm-3am, such is the lifestyle that she leads. What this means is that she gets to work on her own terms, when it suits her and nobody else. She of course has deadlines when she is working with clients but even within that timeframe she can work at any time of the day that she so wishes. Furthermore she tells me that she loves nothing more than working in her pajamas straight from her bed, something we would all love to have the luxury of doing.

Cool People

I asked Tatiana how she copes with not speaking to co-workers each day and having the gossip with them and she did concede that it was something which she missed a lot when she was first starting out with this lifestyle. In order to counteract this she decided to work in co-working spots and use the internet to meet people who had a similar lifestyle to her. During the years she tells me that she has met some super cool people and some friends for life, which helped to fill the void left by the lack of co-workers in her job.

Do you think you would like a lifestyle such as Tatiana Kukanova Regan? If so let us know what you like most about it in the comments below.

 

A guide to the best Christmas shopping in Edinburgh on your CLC World holiday. From dedicated stores to festive displays, the city is magical in winter.

Get into the festive spirit this season with a day trip to magical Edinburgh from CLC Duchally Country Estate

Edinburgh is a magical place to visit at any time of the year, but there’s something particularly special about a Scottish holiday over Christmas. The beautiful architecture, quaint cobbled streets and scenic surroundings make this much-loved city an idyllic backdrop for Christmas lights, magical markets, music and more – read our short guide to Christmas shopping in Edinburgh to find out what not to miss if you’re planning a cosy holiday to CLC Duchally Country Estate for the festive season.

The Best Christmas Shops

No visit to Edinburgh during Christmas would be complete without a visit to the famous Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe on Canongate in the centre of town. This cheerful grotto is – you guessed it – a yuletide sanctuary all year round! Selling everything from traditional hand-crafted decorations to historical gifts, exquisite miniatures and ceramics, it’s perfect for stocking up on Christmas adornments for your home.

If one dedicated Christmas shop in Edinburgh wasn’t enough, you’ll be very excited to hear there is also The Nutcracker Christmas Shop selling all the festive accessories you could wish for. This Edinburgh address is actually run by the same family that have two Christmas stores in the village of Crieff, a mere ten miles from CLC World’s Duchally Country Estate.

Festive Christmas Markets

Without a doubt, the best way to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit in Edinburgh is to head down to one of the bustling Christmas markets and warm up your hands with a festive mug of mulled wine. The most popular market is held in East Princes Street Gardens and is a treasure trove of hand-made goods, crafts, unique artisan gifts and delicious food and drink. When it comes to shopping for family and friends, this picturesque market is the perfect place, since there’s something to cater for every taste and interest – along with plenty of refreshments to keep your energy up as you shop.

A Little Post-Shopping Adventure

What could put you in the festive mood more than taking a spin on an ice-rink in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities? Glide along to festive favourites at the ice rink on St Andrew Square, surrounded by the bright Christmas lights to help you unwind after a long day of retail therapy..

A Very Famous Tree

The Jenners Christmas tree is truly the stuff of legend. Every year, the department store raises its magnificent tree bedecked with lights and tinsel in its central foyer, which is several stories tall and can be viewed from each level of the store. Grand and glorious, this is a much-loved local tradition and is very much worth a visit during your Edinburgh shopping excursion from CLC Duchally Country Estate.

The Best Boutiques

One of the many lovely things about Edinburgh in the Christmas season is that every store gets involved in making the city feel as festive and atmospheric as can be – from the very largest department stores to the smallest independent boutiques, everywhere lights up, decorated like a winter wonderland. Adventure down whichever charming cobbled streets take your fancy to be rewarded with the best independent shops for special, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.

Christmas Shopping in Edinburgh: Where to Stay

Edinburgh is an easy day trip from CLC Duchally Country Estate, which is located 54 miles away in the heart of the Perthshire countryside. The perfect tonic to a Christmas shopping in Edinburgh excursion, you’ll unwind and relax in the lead-up to the festive season in romantic surroundings. Mornings are spent relaxing in the resort’s leisure centre before cosy afternoons pass sipping whisky around an open fire and wrapped up warm to stroll through the resort’s 27 acres of parkland. A choice of both elegant rooms and self-contained lodges make Duchally Country Estate the ultimate destination to soak up the magic of the festive season in Scotland.

South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. Located towards the southernmost part of Africa, this country is home to ethnic diversity and is rich in culture and tradition. If you are yet to visit Africa, you want to head to South Africa first. It is a rich, safe and wonderful country that tourists love visiting. On your first trip, here are some tips you need to remember.

Find the right places to visit

It helps if you research where you are going, and which areas are worth your time. From museums to shopping malls, South Africa can make your days interesting. Make sure though that you only visit places that are safe. Avoid places that are too crowded or if you can hear angry demonstration mobs coming. You also don’t want to wander around aimlessly and stick to the places on your list.

Avoid being flashy

Like any other country, you want to act like you are one of the locals. Avoid getting too much attention. You don’t want to be too flashy by using several pieces of jewellery when you are only heading to a local market. You also don’t want to show how much money you have when paying for items you buy in a store.

Determine how you can have internet access

The good thing is that in various parts of the country, the internet signal is good. Therefore, you won’t worry about internet coverage. You can buy a sim as soon as you arrive at the airport to have a mobile internet connection. You can also find hotels with Wi-Fi access.

Rent a car

To avoid using crowded public transport, you can rent a private vehicle. Car rental for daily use is quite cheap in South Africa. You can also hire one with a driver so that you can visit the places that are on your list without any problem. If you are driving the car, you need to follow the traffic rules and think of safety all the time. The refuelling stations are not self-service. It is customary to tip the people helping refill the car.

Open yourself to the experience

You can research a lot about the country online, but you will find out that the real South Africa is so much more. Therefore, you need to open yourself up to this experience and ensure that you take home a wonderful experience. You might have stereotypes about the country right now that are quite unfair. When you go there, you will forget all these stereotypes and enjoy every part of the experience. Most of all, you need to appreciate the locals who will try their best to welcome you.

South Africa is not all safari and jungle. It offers a lot more as it is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Take your time to understand the country and go back home feeling satisfied with your experience.

Image: Unsplash.com

Check out more travel tips from the Vanilla Mist Blog.

Going to Spain and not visiting the city of Malaga would be a huge pain considering that it is the sixth most populous city in the country, and its charm lies in the tourist attractions that have been formed thanks to the centuries of history that have left indelible footprints.

There are several monuments that have been standing for thousands of years and are examples of the passage of civilizations such as the Phoenicians, the Punic, the Roman, the Arabic … The beaches of Malaga are also tourist attractions highly prized by its own people and by foreigners as well.

The incredible historical monuments

The first thing any tourist would likely want to do when after arriving in Malaga is to visit its monuments. Then it is best to rent a vehicle from a company that provides services near the airport such as DELPASO car hire Malaga airport

Thanks to the settlement of millenary civilizations, in Malaga you can enjoy great historical sites that allow you to know the way of life of ancient societies such as the Roman or the Arabic.

Strolling through the historic center of the city of Malaga is a journey through time that evokes the way of life of the last 3000 years while walking down Alcazabilla Street, there is the Palace of Customs with access to the Alcazaba, and to the Roman theater that is observed completely from a balcony viewpoint. The remains of the ancient Phoenician wall can be seen in the basement of the Renaissance palace of the Counts of Buenavista.

The park of Malaga, simply known as the Park, is a botanical garden with an extension of almost one kilometer where you can visit small stays, statues, and plants from the five continents, this park is considered unique in Europe.

Surrounding this botanical park is the Consistorial House, the headquarters of the Bank of Spain, the Casa del Jardín Mayor and the Palacio de la Aduana. There are also two historic gardens nearby: Pedro Luis Alfonso Gardens and Puerta Oscura Gardens.

To visit each historical site of the city of Malaga a long-term stay is needed, after all, there were several civilizations that left footprints in every corner of this city. But the main attraction of this province is not only in the vestiges left by ancient communities but also in the fact that Malaga was the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso.

Marvelous beaches

Malaga is located to the west of the Mediterranean Sea and in the south of the Iberian Peninsula a few kilometers from the Strait of Gibraltar, which places it in the center of a bay surrounded by mountains and rivers that flow into the Mediterranean.

For those people who going to the beach is the first thing to do when landing feet in any seaside city, but don’t have the slightest idea of how to get there, then the best option is to rent a vehicle with a driver who will be pleased to meet the requests of the visitors. In Malaga airport transfers Driveeyou this type of service is possible.

There you can get the benefit of combining the monumental, museum, cultural, gastronomic heritage in one place with sunbathing or simply strolling on a beach, that is possible only in a city like Málaga.

Thanks to its geographical location, Malaga has 16 beaches where you can enjoy the ardent sun of the Mediterranean and with access to wonderful amenities depending on the one chosen.

La Misericordia, La Malagueta, San Julián, San Andrés, El Palo or Pedregalejo are some of this group of beaches that are part of the coastal area of this province, they have a series of facilities that make them more accessible and safer.

You can choose some more urban and visited, such as La Malagueta, Pedregalejo or San Andrés and other more isolated as Guadalmar, suitable for nudists, you can even choose a charming corner as the Baths of Carmen or Peñón del Cuervo.

Likewise, many restaurants can be easily found during the maritime trips surroudinng the city limits, where authentic places of good traditional Malaga cuisine will be found, such as fried fish and sardine skewers.

The best thing about walking along the beaches of Malaga is that you can do it any time of the year.

Malaga, the birthplace of world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso

That Pablo Picasso was born in this magical city undoubtedly makes it even more interesting and attractive for tourists and art lovers. Picasso’s birthplace is located in the Plaza de la Merced, in the historic center, where you can see an exhibition some objects from the painter’s childhood.

The Picasso Museum Malaga is located in the Renaissance Palace of the Counts of Buenavista, it has 276 works that allow traveling through the eighty years of the creativity of the famous Malaga painter. It also has a yearly schedule of temporary exhibitions. In 2013 this museum had more than 400,000 visitors, of which seventy percent were foreigners. Nowadays it’s the museum with the highest visit count of Andalusia.

Information of interest

Taking into account that this city is one of the most visited in Spain, and mostly by foreigners, it is important to have any good information at your disposal, however insignificant it may seem. The highways in Malaga are of high quality and, as in the whole peninsula, driving is on the right side, the maximum speed on the highway is 120 km/h and in urban areas minimum 25 km/h maximum 50km/h. The minimum age allowed to rent a car is 21 years.

If you plan to rent a car, it is likely that an international license will be requested. The agencies that offer rental services have a fleet of new and well-equipped vehicles. The client can choose the model that best suits their comforts.

In 2013, the public bicycle loan service has been adopted. There is a bus station that serves different locations in the metropolitan area. The vehicles that provide public service are identified in beige color with a green stripe. On the other hand, taxis are colored white with a blue diagonal line and show the Málaga shield on the front doors.

How many of you have marked Pakistan in your to travel list this year. The aroma of the spices, and the hospitality is awaiting you in the beautiful landscape of Pakistan. In the last decade Pakistan has been depicted as a terror state with a lot anarchy and terrorism. Our own western media has been showing it all the time as a terrorizing backward state. The reality is altogether different on ground for those foreigners who have visited Pakistan. For them Pakistan is most misunderstood country and that too because of media’s hypocrisy that has been instilled in the minds of people.

Security

The most important aspect is the security situation in the country and it is worth mentioning here that the situation has been altogether changed from what the media shows. It’s a completely peaceful state with loving and caring people who love to have visitors and guests from around the world in their country. Don’t fall for what you see on TV, rather go for the reviews of other travellers and bloggers like the Polish Blogger Eva Zu Beck who has fallen in love with Pakistan after visiting it. Migraintology the famous YouTube food channel is in love with Pakistan’s food.

Food

You’ve got to admit, Pakistanis have got one of the best cuisines in the world. From steaming spicy meat to sizzling curries and oven fresh naans, the Pakistanis love their food and make all those who travel there fall in love with it too. The beauty of Pakistan is that their food is divided as per regions so you would find different types of cuisines within the same country. Don’t miss out on their famous food items like Nihari (a cooked beef stew), Haleem (mashed beef cooked in a stew), Sajji (barbecued whole chicken) , fresh naans that make your salivary glands water etc. This one trip to Pakistan is going to change your view of your own food.

Terrain

From the largest mountains of the world in the North, to the barren deserts in the south that continue till you reach the sea, Pakistan has got it all. With such a diverse terrain you could possibly imagine, Pakistan has got a lot to offer to its visitors. If you are up for some hiking or lovely time in the mountains then this is the best destination for you. It is home to the three largest mountain ranges of the world, the Hindukush, Karakoram and the Himalayas. If you want some road trip in beautiful green plains then the plains of Punjab await you or if you would like some adventures along the coastline then the Arabian sea in the south will offer you sights and options which you won’t forget. The Northern areas of Pakistan are the most special areas and have got some best sights to offer the travellers and visitors. The stunning places like Skardu, Gilgit , Attabad Lake will leave your jaws open in awe at the awesomeness and beauty of nature in those places.

Hospitality

Treating guest as a special VIP is part of the Pakistani culture. So you will find that every Pakistani will be open to you and will open their hearts and homes for you. You will always find that peculiar smile on their faces when you visit them and all of them are always ready to take a happy selfie with the foreigners. There are Pakistanis who consider it as a bad thing to take payment from guests so you would find many Pakistanis who would refuse to take any payments from you. You would be offered such love and care that you will forget other things for a while. The warmth of love and care brings many things together and this warmth that you’ll experience in your trip of Pakistan will always stay with you.

Culture

The Pakistani culture is so diverse and rich in traditions that everyone who visits Pakistan falls in love with it. From the rich dresses of ladies to the smartly turned out Shalwar Kameez of the gents you will be offered many wonderful touches of their rich culture which welcome and absorbs guests in itself. Pakistan has altogether 4 provinces with each province offering a separate and unique opportunities of entertainment to its visitors.

Entertainment

There are so many new sources of Entertainment in this country that offer a refreshing and new experience to the travellers. Having a lunch in the lush green fields of Punjab or walking along the green beaches of Arabian Sea to cave exploration in the barren province of Balochistan you would forget the entertainments like Bungee Jumping etc.

Conclusion

Pakistan is a most misunderstood state when it comes to travelling and visiting. Mostly because of the recent decade’s anarchy that has been spread in the region. All the tourists who have travelled Pakistan narrate an altogether different story and tell us totally opposite from the Media and what it has to say. Travelling to Pakistan is the main hype now on travel sites and food blogs because of their overwhelming love and taste that they offer to the tourists. Entertainment sites like food blogs , travel sites are slowly tilting towards showing Pakistan’s positive image. Even on gaming sites like New UK Casino you’d find many slot games on the Subcontinental theme. So don’t miss it out and do add Pakistan to your must travel list.

Who said you need to slow down in later life? If you’re nearing retirement or are already enjoying your work-free lifestyle, you may find you have more free time and cash to spend travelling. The world is your oyster, so why not get out there and enjoy it?

As a continent, Europe has something for everyone; it’s rich in history, has plenty of culture and is as hot or as cool as you’d like, depending on where you’ll be visiting. There are some real beauty spots and places of interest to visit, so which ones should make it to the top of your travel list?

Take a look at this guide to the must-visit destinations in Europe, provided by Acorn Stairlifts, for some inspiration ahead of your next trip.

The Highlands, Scotland

If you’re looking for breath-taking scenery, plan a trip to beautiful Scotland. With many areas of natural beauty, it’s hard to choose just one area to visit, but thankfully given the small size of the country and the transport links on offer, you can explore much of this country in a single trip.

Travelling by rail is a great way to navigate Scotland’s hilly terrain, seeing as much of the country as possible and gaining a panoramic perspective on the gorgeous landscape. The West Highland Line is a train service that operates from Glasgow and travels to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig. The route is largely considered to be the most picturesque in the world — and with its rugged mountains, it’s easy to see why.

If you’d prefer to explore the Highlands via boat, include a stop at Moray Firth in your itinerary, located near the tip of Scotland. The water is home to around 130 bottlenose dolphins, and regular boat tours operate. You may be able to spot seals, whales and porpoises further out, while you’ll also enjoy dazzling views of the coastline.

Once you’ve seen enough of the stunning scenery, pay a visit to Edinburgh. This vibrant and historic city has much to see and do, whether you spend your time visiting the zoo, exploring the old town, touring the underground vaults or enjoying a bite to eat in one of the city’s many cafes or restaurants. For even more culture, plan a visit in August — the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world — is in town for much of the month.

The Algarve, Portugal

With its year-round warm temperatures and stunning coastlines, Portugal is another beautiful destination to add to your travel wish list. The Algarve, in particular, is a popular choice, especially for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Golfers of all skill levels who visit the Algarve can tee-off at one of the region’s many golf courses. Coastal courses are a perfect choice for panoramic views as you play and, as the country receives a staggering 300 days of sunshine a year, there’ll be little chance of rain spoiling play.

Of course, perhaps you want to travel to escape the cold and soak up some sun. The Algarve is ideal, with its many stretches of sandy beaches and plethora of luxurious hotels and apartments. It is renowned as a tourist destination but take full advantage of not being limited to travelling in the school holidays and visit in the quieter months such as October and June.

If you’re fond of learning the historical culture of a destination, lose yourself in one of the many churches that line the Algarve landscape. Unlike the stone churches and cathedrals present in many countries, some of those in Portugal are lined with spectacular tiles and azulejos that make them stand out from any religious building you’ve seen before. Or head down to the Old Town where you can relax in the Old Town Square (Praça da Vila) and admire the surrounding architecture.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast stretches 50-kilometer along the south of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. It’s famous for its quaint fishing villages and small beaches that many relax upon. If this is somewhere that you are considering travelling to, avoid holidaying between November and Easter as many hotels and restaurants are closed during this period and you will miss the exciting hustle and bustle of the destination. Instead, spring and autumn are perfect times to visit when temperatures are around 15-26°C and precipitation levels are between 3 and 4 inches.

If you want to relax somewhere truly luxurious to treat yourself, head to the town of Positano. Here, streets are lined with colourful houses, impressive hotels and shops filled with beachwear and ceramics — you can get even your own pair of sandals made for you.

For scenes of a striking silhouette, stay in Sorrento which faces Mount Vesuvius — a volcano in the Bay of Naples. Sightsee by boat around the coast of Sorrento either on a rented small vessel or as part of a group excursion. There’s plenty of photo opportunities such as the rugged coastline of Italy and the turquoise sea.

On the Amalfi Coast, you’re never far from other splendid locations either, such as the ancient town of Pompeii. Here, you can visit the amphitheatre which dates back to 80BC and relax in the preserved baths.

Paris, France

When imagining a trip to Paris, it’s likely that the iconic Eiffel Tower will spring to mind. But there’s so much more to see and do if you only know where to go…

Monet’s Gardens is situated in Giverny, around a 45-minute train trip plus a 10-minute bus ride from the capital. The spectacular garden is split into two parts, both of which are equally impressive — one is called Clos Normand and is full off symmetries and complementing colours, and the other is a Japanese inspired water garden.

Although it is recommended that Paris is explored à pied, there are other ways to get around and see what the city has to offer. The open top hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you to the Louvre, Montmartre and Notre Dame — giving you time to get off where you please or take memorable photos from the comfort of your seat. Many of the buses provide you with headphones too for a private commentary of the attractions you’re passing.

If you’d prefer to travel by water, take one of the popular cruises down the river Siene. This is a great opportunity to put your feet up after a long day exploring. Admire the picturesque streets, bridges and cathedral as you’re taken on an adventure through the city.

Crete, Greece

Crete is Greece’s largest island. Renowned for its rich history and long sandy beaches, it is a perfect destination for a balance between culture, adventure and relaxation.

For history lovers there is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which showcases artefacts between Neolithic to Roman times (a time span of 5,500 years). This museum taps into the imagination with detailed descriptions of jewellery, pottery and other famous pieces from ancient sites.

If you long to be by the sea, visit the Venetian Harbour on the west side of the island, in an old town called Chania. Take a relaxing sunset stroll out to the trademark of the town — a lighthouse that sits near the harbour entrance.

This destination is perfect for food lovers too. Locals produce their own meat, wine, cheeses and even catch their own seafood — it’s guaranteed that your dish will be as fresh as it can be. The local wine is tasty too — find the ideal one to complement your meal for a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.

As we have discovered, there are many beautiful destinations that are suitable for older travellers — with opportunities to put your feet up if you need to, or take time out to learn about the rich history of the area. What are you waiting for? The world is your oyster!

Want to find internships abroad and travel the world whilst learning useful and transferable skills for future employment yet still wanting to further your studies whilst you do it. Then you should consider an internship abroad. You can gain both college credits and invaluable expertise and experience all in one year. You can improve or learn language skills which again will be transferable to the workplace. When you go for a job you will set yourself apart from those who have only been studying or have only worked in part time jobs close to their home. As well as this it will also give you an idea of what you might like to do or not like to do when you enter the world of work.

So, what are the six most important things to consider?

1. Think about the most popular or realistic places to find an internship abroad
2. Are Summer internships oversubscribed?
3. What are the most realistic areas to get work in
4. How long does an internship typically last?
5. What do I need to be accepted onto an internship?
6. Will I get paid?

1. Placements are available in most developed countries all over the world. China has one of the fastest growing economies and is a country that welcomes US students in any field of work. Australia is another popular destination and one where there is no language barrier. England will also welcome you as an intern in many different areas.

1. Summer internships are the most popular, you have time to spare without affecting your studies and tourist countries such as China, Australia and England can be grateful of your Summer services.

1. Any and many areas of business will welcome internships as a way of promoting international business networking and this is also the field that you are most likely to get work in at a later date. Marketing is also another area including graphic design, public relations or advertising. Hospitality is another area that always seems to have positions available especially in the Summer months when tourists descend on many parts of the world.

1. Placements are very flexible and usually depend on how much time you have and how well you are doing. They usually last between four and six months on average and as you are often working for free or very reduced rates as long as you are adding benefit to the company they will be more than happy to keep you on.

1. Requirements will vary from program to program, but some common requirements are that you are currently or have just finished your degree program studies. You usually need to be aged eighteen or above with credentials in your chosen field.

1. Again, whether or not you will get paid is subject to agreement, but the general rule is that you won’t get paid. You are more likely to get free board and lodgings and possibly costs of excursions

An internship is an investment in your future whilst giving you the opportunity to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life whilst seeing different parts of the world and meeting new people. What’s stopping you?

Florida is a haven for vacationing with families!

If you have small kids, then you must take them to Florida. After all, there are wild rides, stunning beaches and spectacular sunsets here. It is no wonder to see Florida listed as Number One dream holiday spot for children. This is a state which is home to Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center and many other thrilling theme parks. One can imagine sandcastle-building, fishing or relaxing along the miles of coastline and indulge in great family fun. Start planning your trip and rent a villa in Florida for great fun and excitement!

The Sunshine State is a prime vacation territory and filled with diverse destinations. With a vast number of attractions and thousands of miles of shoreline, it sure is not easy to pick the top holiday spots for family fun. However, based on travel expert reviews and feedback from holidaymakers, here are our picks for the top five family hot spots in Florida!

1. Disney World
   Walt Disney World should be at the top of the list. After all, it is the most sought-after destination for families in Florida. More than 40 million guests head to the Magic Kingdom every year. There are plenty of lodging options, and one can easily get budget-friendly locations and hotels that offer fun activities for kids. Major attractions in the Disney World include Pirates Dinner Adventure with sword fights, acrobatics, mermaids, monsters, and breathtaking stunts! Explore the Secrets of the Deep and keep your eye out for the evil pirate king. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a re-creation of a traditional East Coast boardwalk with classic arcade games, street performers, sweets and treats, bike rentals and lots more.

 

2. Sanibel Island
   The kids will simple Sanibel Island! The Gulf Coast island is the star attraction and a paradise for the little adventurers who love looking for seashells and making sand castles. Have fun at Sanibel Thriller high-speed catamaran and watch the Dolphins leap in the spray. The whole family can pedal, hike or drive on the Bike paths throughout. Explore the Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to spot wildlife such as spoonbills, gators and other residents. Sanibel is a wonderful place to explore on bike, and the whole family can join in the fun. Take the 90-minute excursion to spot bottlenose dolphins leaping in and out of the waters of Pine Island Sound. This is certainly a bonus for families. If your children love nature, then go for the kayak trips in the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

 

3. Augustine
   St. Augustine is another of best places to visit in Florid. The city itself is beautiful, and the ocean and the surrounding attractions add to the fun. Augustine Alligator Farm is a must visit, and you would be glad that you visited. One can spend the whole day here, and the kids will love looking at the vast collection of alligators, caimans, and crocodiles. It is fun to watch the mother albino alligator with her albino baby alligators. There are hundreds of alligators in the Alligator Swamp, and in the Alligator Lagoon, one can watch the staff feed the large alligators. When in St. Augustine, do not miss out on the Alligator Farm. Your family would also love playing golf at the Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf. Potters Wax Museum is a lot more fun and offers a much more traditional, authentic feel with hundreds of wax figures of celebrities and historical men and women. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is another must do for the whole family. You will be surprised to find the blend of history with a legend at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The kids will be fascinated with all the peacocks!
4. Amelia Island
   Head towards the Amelia Island which is about half an hour drive from Jacksonville International Airport. The uncrowded spot is just perfect for families who want to kick back and enjoy a relaxed and low-key vacation on the beach. Amelia Island and its peaceful beaches are popular with families from Georgia and southern Florida. Enjoy popular activities with your children like fishing, horseback riding, geocaching, and eco-tours. The Pirate playground is not very far away from the Main Beach, and there is art, nature, and imagination here to stimulate the physical abilities of your little ones. There are restrooms and picnic tables where you can sit and relax. Explore Amelia Island Lighthouse chi is located on the island’s tallest bluff and is the oldest lighthouse of the state. Other points of interest include The Nature Centre open and Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
5. Legoland
   If you are looking for more fun and less expensive option, then Legoland is the place for you and your family. As one of the most favorite Florida attractions, you are in for an awesome experience in the park. Most of the rides are adjusted towards younger kids, and they can have some fantastic fun and loads of other activities. It is a great family theme park with huge white-knuckle rides and roller coasters that are perfectly suitable for younger children. The Lego Test Track roller coaster, Coastosaurus, Flight School and the Dragon ride are popular. Legoland retains its historic garden areas and is a creative haven where the whole family can have fun for hours. There’s still plenty of action and fun for the little ones and the tiny thrill seekers. The excellent range of rides and plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy shows makes it just perfect for families with small kids!