Vacation And Travel Photos

Goa, dream vacations in India

2012-01-21T10:04:00.009Z

Continuing with my travel wishlist lets fly from Istambul to Goa, a small province on the Eastern coast of India. Goa was the first place visited by the Portuguese explorers in India and it was from there that they started the sea trading routes to Europe. In fact, although Goa's state capital is a city called Panaji, the largest city in the province has the name of the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama.

The Portuguese influence is most visible in the architecture, specially in the many Churches, Monasteries and Cathedrals. These structures that are present throughout the cities of Goa state and have inclusively helped the province to gain an UNESCO world heritage architecture award. Above the beautiful Santa Catarina Cathedral in the city of Velha Goa (Old Goa in English).

Also beautiful and part of Goa's world heritage architecture are the numerous Hindu Temples one can find in the region. A fine example of this temples, just a few miles from the capital Panaji in a village called Kavalem, is the amazing Shantadurga Temple (devoted to the Goddess with the same name).

As always in vacations beautiful beaches are not an optional and Goa is no exception in this mater. The climate is very warm all year so I'm hoping I can find some cheap holidays to Goa. From North to South of Goa's state there are several beach spots perfect for a refreshing dive and catching some sun rays. Without any doubt I would love to try the waters of Praia da Colva :)

One final thanks to Wikimedia for the beautiful photos they share.

Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

2012-01-15T17:01:00.011Z

In another joint venture with Andre, this next post is all about Vila Nova de Milfontes. A small village in the South of our country Portugal famous for it's beautiful beaches, it's history and it's gastronomy.

Vila Nova de Milfontes is perhaps the most touristic beach location in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. The view from the bridge over the Mira river invites who passes to make a stop and meet the place. The village offers to it's visitors a small and calm river beach, perfect for families with kids. Also several ocean beaches, from those the one called Praia do Malhão (just 5km from the center) is the most know. Located in Alentejo's Southwest Natural park this beach has extensive sandy areas and excellent conditions for water sports like surf.

With it's 525 year's of old, Vila Nova de Milfontes breathes history. Over the Mira river places like the town's fort, the Forte de São Clemente, built in the end of the XVI century to protect the village from piracy, are amazing. Even oldest, the church of Nossa Senhora da Graça (in English, Our Lady of Grace) whose construction date goes as far as the beginning of that same XVI century.

Those who like nature may explore many track paths along the coastal lines, in fact, some of them are among the best preserved in all Europe. Between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo, there are several track spots of exquisite beauty. Amazing desert beaches and breath taking cliffs ending on the ocean.

As to the gastronomy, it's mandatory to taste the local fresh fish dishes and seafood. In the local restaurants it's always easy to find dishes like the Arroz de Marisco (seafood with rice and sauce). A word too for the Açorda de Marisco (the same seafood base but this time cooked with eggs, bread and herbs), very good if you ask me!

With and exception to the Summer month of August, it's usually very easy to find where to stay. I guess all options are available, from camping, to apartments and hotels, all you have to do is choose what's best for you and come visit us on your next Portugal holidays. See you soon ;)

Istanbul, Byzantium or Constantinople - dream vacations in Turkey

2012-01-12T22:32:00.014Z

Today I'll be giving wings to my vacation and travel wishes so instead of a place I already know, I'll be writing about a place that I'm sure I would love to visit! As you may know, I'm much fond of Italy and Greece so, staying in Europe, I would definitively had to dream with the other country in the South Eastern side, Turkey. Much like Italy and Greece, the Republic of Turkey is another one of those countries that breaths history everywhere, in it's case the Ottoman Empire history.

Speaking of Turkish history is of course speaking of Istanbul. In it's earlier days a Greek city called Byzantium, later renamed to Constantinople and made capital of the Roman Eastern Empire. In 1453, after a long siege, the city was conquered by the Sultan Mehmed II and made again capital but this time of the Ottoman Empire. A very well known symbol of this last conquest (know in history books as the Fall of Constantinople) is the Hagia Sophia Mosque (photo above), a former Roman/Greek Orthodox Basilica that was converted to a Mosque in the very first day after the Ottoman victory.

Speaking of Mosques, what to say about the beauty of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (above) locally know as the Blue Mosque. It's in fact very hard to find words that accurately describe the uniqueness of the architecture of this structure. The numerous cupolas and domes accompanied by the six minarates seen from the Courtyard are absolutely amazing.

Another fine example of the Ottoman architecture is the Dolmabahçe Palace with it's Baroque decorated facade, beautiful. This palace is located on the margins of the Bosphorus, also know as the Istanbul Strait, the Strait that separates the city in two and that also serves as boundary between Europe and Asia.

As if Istambul's historical side wasn't enough to convince me, I must also say that the city streets appear to be filled of life and activity. Above, a view from the İstiklal Avenue in the historical center. For me a reminder of how much I liked the busy streets of Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete.

Most definitively I'm certain that as soon as I can I'll be making a vacation in Turkey. For now, Istanbul has for sure assured a higher place on my dream vacations wishlist!

Lanzarote, the Volcanic island in the Canary Archipelago

2012-01-11T22:54:00.013Z

In a return to the Spanish Canary Islands series let me fly South over the Atlantic Ocean and take you all the way to the beautiful island of Lanzarote, the most oriental of this Spanish Archipelago and from the seven larger islands the one closer to Africa.

Maybe because of this African proximity Lanzarote has less rain and it's the island where the volcanic and desert landscapes are by far more evident. Nevertheless, the natural beauty of this kind of landscape is irrefutable. Coastal landscapes like the ones near the Papagayo beach area (above) are not only beautiful but also unique in the way they mixture the sandy beaches with the island's volcanic mountains of los Ajaches.

Also amazing are volcanic landscapes like the lava fields near the mountains called Montañas del Fuego. As to the beaches on the island I must say I have no doubt in choosing my favorite, bellow, the fabulous Papagayo beach. After a photo like this (thanks to wikimedia) I'm sure I need to say nothing more :)

Last but not the least, the economic beauty of the Canary Islands. Having a reduced tax regime the prices of the hotels are invitingly low. Better yet, since the weather is good almost all year, if you choose the low season it's gonna be fairly easy to find cheap holidays to Lanzarote. As usual, one last thanks to Wikimedia for the fabulous photos - far better than the ones I have :) - before my next holidays I really must do a photo crash course with you guys!

Florida - Perfect For a Holiday Vacation All Year Round

2012-01-06T23:48:00.005Z

Back to the United States, this time to check out the beautiful Florida beaches. Thanks to Mike here we go!

Florida is perfect for a holiday vacation at any time of the year, no matter what age you are. It is known as the sunshine state, because that is exactly what you get even in the middle of winter. Temperatures are usually around the 60 to 70s even in November and December, so it has to be warmer than staying at home.

It is comfortable enough to lie on the beach or at the pool and sunbathe during the day. However, the sea water is likely to be much colder, so be warned if you decide to go swimming. Temperatures may drop to around the 40s in the evenings, but do not let that put you off because it is a good opportunity to snuggle up in front of a nice log fire for a romantic evening, or go for a stroll and view the fantastic sunsets.

It does not matter where you go in Florida you will find plenty of shops and many first class restaurants serving every type of cuisine you can think off. Whichever part of the state you choose to visit you will never be far away from some fantastic markets. At the all year round local events and festivals, you'll find the friendly inhabitants, are only too willing to welcome visitors to come along and join in with the activities.

You can have a wide selection of accommodation options to choose from. There will be something to fit any budget. Throughout the winter and autumn months, you can find some fantastic properties at really low prices, when demand falls. During spring and the summer months prices are much higher, and it is advisable to book well in advance if you want to have your choice of the best properties.

Florida vacation rentals can be found to accommodate from groups of two upwards. They are usually booked on a weekly rate, but can be rented for longer vacation periods, by arrangement with the rental company. If, for example, you are planning on a 4-6-week rental and using this as a base for exploring the state, you can try to negotiate a cheaper weekly rate.

A rental property can be much more cost effective per head than a hotel, depending on the size of the group. You will have privacy and all the facilities you may need to accommodate your group. You have the option to cook and eat in, whereas in hotels, which are usually room only you have to go out to eat.

Orlando is the perfect family holiday for the kids and the young at heart. If you like excitement and have plenty of energy, you will love visiting the theme parks and trying out all the rides from the tame to the really scary. There is no shortage of popular shows to go and see after, or before you enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants.

If you prefer to spend a relaxing day at the beach watching the world pass by, Florida is the place to go. You will appreciate some of the best beaches, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Florida is perfect for a holiday vacation and has something for everyone, including the fishermen and those who enjoy sailing and other water sports.

Mike, thanks again so much for your participating. Can only hope you lend me that chair some day ;)

Lord Cochrane, Scotland

2012-01-03T01:11:00.008Z

Let me start 2012 wishing you all a happy new year, filled with health and joy! After that how about something a little different from the usual travel related posts? Abhishek decided to share with us a bit of Scotland history, more precisely the story Lord Cochrane, a Scotland Naval Hero - not forgetting of course a suggestion on places to stay near Lord Cochrane's city, Culross :)

It is a little known fact that Scotland produced one of the great naval heroes of the nineteenth century. Lord Cochrane achieved hero status in a remarkable career that encompassed daring do’s for the Royal Navy, crusading on behalf of the under privileged as an MP then leading the nascent Chilean Navy in rebelling against the Spanish.

Cochrane’s early life contained much of the of the toughness that so often breeds radical genius. Born at the Dundonald at Annsfield near Hamilton in South Lanarkshire he then spent much of his early life at the family seat of Culross Fife. His father was a frustrated scientific inventor who through the necessity of limited finances having inherited the ancestral pile turned to inventing, partly as an escape partly as a hope making a fortune. His invention of coal tar was later used to seal the hulls of ships but symptomatic of the family relationship with the Royal Navy, they refused to use it until after the patent had lapsed.

Short of cash the young heir was sent to the sea. Here he found a calling and a skill. Unlike most young midshipmen Cochrane was taught of the life of the real Royal Navy through his early mentor Lieutenant Larmour. This gave him both an essential insight into the mind of the British sailor but also invaluable ability as a seaman. It was this grounding allied with a cunning rebellious streak that were to serve him so well through a glittering career.

It is when you read of his exploits as a captain that realise just how remarkable a figure he was. In fact read the works by CS Forester and Patrick O’Brian and is clear both Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey borrowed a great deal from Cochrane’s life. Cochrane’s appeal was his ability to achieve the apparently impossible. In fact very often – such as when he took the major Spanish base of Valdivia in Chile with its surrounding forts. It seemed such an impregnable fortress any attempt to take it was so unlikely to succeed by the time the Spanish knew what was happening Cochrane had already succeeded.

It was this ability to achieve the impossible that meant the Napoleonic French called Cochrane the wolf of the sea. He was never content with simple ship to ship action. Very often he looked to use land action and explosives to achieve his objectives. This could have seen him re-write the book on naval and coastal warfare but Cochrane’s dislike of tory high minded authority meant frequent clashes with the admiralty. This was added to by his years as much loved MP for Westminster where he regularly clashed with the administration. All this added to the Admiralty’s antipathy to Cochrane’s that eventually led to dismissal from the navy and his career abroad as an adventuring, if principled, admiral for hire.

In later life and with a change of administration at home led to his reinstatement and he died as Admiral of the Red; one of the most remarkable military characters of the 19th century.

Mackays Self catering has a two bedroom Scottish cottages in Culross where Cochrane spent his early life.

Portugal and Spain seen from Space

2011-12-28T01:33:00.006Z

How about that, my beloved hometown Lisbon seen from space!! It's all over the news here in Portugal - NASA's photo of the day is a beautiful snapshot of the Iberian Peninsula taken from the International Space Station last 4th of December.

Taken by night, the photo shows the fantastic light spectacle made by the cities all over the Peninsula. It's absolutely amazing how the lights can so clearly identify the land, allowing us to easily find several of the major cities of both Portugal and Spain.

Very easy to spot are the Portuguese capital Lisbon (bellow near the shoreline to the middle), the Spanish capital Madrid (far into the center of the Peninsula directly above Lisbon) the coastal city of Seville (to the right near the Gibraltar Straight).

Also being the 4th of December a Saturday night, I would guess that half of Lisbon's lights must be from "Bairro Alto". All the way from the Altis Hotel to the streets near Bairro Alto Hotel the city is filled with people enjoying the nightlife. The discos and the many, many bars open till late hours always fill the city streets with people, music and light :)

Now more seriously, let me leave here a huge thanks to NASA for taking and sharing wonderful pictures like this one. Loved to see how my country looks from up there!

10 of the most beautiful golf courses around the world

2011-12-23T01:34:00.005Z

Just in time for Christmas another one of David's lists, this time a list of ten spectacular Golf Courses here and there around the globe. Hope you like it and Merry Christmas to you all!! :)

When it comes to sportsmen and women, golfers must be up there with the most fortunate sports people. Not only are they lucky enough to play the sport they love day in and day out, competing for vast fortunes watched by huge numbers of people; they also get to travel around the world and see some amazing countries and places. You may think that the spectacular sights are to be found away from the course but there are certain courses around the world that are beautiful sights in their own right. Below, TravelSupermarket looks at 10 of the most beautiful golf courses around the world:

St Andrew’s, Scotland - Scotland is the home of golf and the courses at St Andrew's on the Fife coast are a place where almost anyone who has ever swung a club wants to play at some stage in their life. Golf has been played here since the 15th Century and the real challenge is coping with the demands the coastal location places on a player, amidst the sand dunes and wind of Scotland's beautifully rugged east coast.

Muirfield, Scotland - Another great venue in Scotland is Muirfield, located in Gullane, East Lothian, just a decent approach shot away from Edinburgh. The storied greens here are viewed as particularly testing and are where Jack Nicklaus won his first British Open. There are usually two visitor days a week and tee availability should be checked with the course itself; a round usually costs around £200, depending on local factors.

Celtic Manor, Wales - Wales is home to some of the UK's most stunning vistas of mountain and ocean and the Celtic Manor resort in Gwent has emerged as a highly-rated golfing venue in recent years. Its courses include The Montgomerie, designed by legendary Scottish Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, who captained Europe to victory in the Cup in 2010. The modern facilities here are superb, with a golf academy and a floodlit driving range amongst its attractions.

Royal County Down, Ireland - Moving away from Scotland and Wales and across the Irish Sea, Ireland's green hills and attractive coastlines are home to some special golfing locations. In Northern Ireland, the Royal County Down Golf Club is a very fine venue. Over a century old, this course enjoys a setting between the Irish Sea and the Mountains of Mourne and is some 30 miles south of Belfast and within 100 miles of Dublin. With wind from the sea as well as the heather and gorse bushes to deal with, this venue can challenge as well as stimulate the senses.

Ballybunion, Ireland - Also in Ireland, although right down in the south west, is the Ballybunion Golf Club. Again, the course makes the most of its setting on the Kerry coast, with its fairways and greens placed amongst the sand dunes which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The course has a wild feel to it thanks to the native plants and the sea views give a real feeling of freedom.

Royal Melbourne, Australia - Away from Britain and Ireland, visitors to Australia can experience the superb facilities at the Royal Melbourne Golf club, in the south east of the country. There are two 18-hole courses at the site, an East and a West, with competition events being held on a composite course with 12 holes from the West and six from the East.

Mid Ocean, Bermuda - For golfers who are rich enough, the island of Bermuda has an exclusive venue known as The Mid Ocean Golf Club. With spectacular sea views and a course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald. It can often feel like golfers are actually playing in the middle of the ocean itself on this course's cleverly laid-out fairways. As well as hosting some major golf tournaments in recent years, the course was also the site of meetings between American President Eisenhower and British Prime Ministers in the 1950s.

Pebble Beach, USA - The United States itself is blessed with some the finest golf courses in the world, not the least of which is Pebble Beach in California, a five-time host venue of the US Open. The resort contains five different courses which present different challenges, with a Scottish-style links course sitting alongside the Pebble Beach Golf Links, in use since 1919 and the Spyglass Hill Course. An exclusive venue where it is unlikely to come across casual golfers, there is also the oldest course in continuous use west of the Mississippi, the Del Monte, which has seen over a century's service. Exclusivity means that playing here can be an expensive experience.

Pinehurst Country Club, USA - Over on the eastern seaboard of the US, the Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina enjoys eight picturesque courses, with more holes on offer to the golfing visitor than any other course in the USA. The fairways are lined with trees and there are plenty of bunkers to break things up a little and it is also noteworthy as being the place where Payne Stewart won his last tournament before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1998.

Augusta, USA - Also in the southern states of the USA is the Augusta National Golf Club, the venue at which the Masters is held each year. One feature of the course which frequently attracts attention from gardeners as well as golfers is the amount of pink azaleas that decorate the championship 18-hole and nine-hole courses. The 11th, 12th and 13th holes are collectively known as 'Amen Corner', viewed as one of the sport's most challenging trios of holes.

Very few earn the right to wear the Green Blazer of a Masters champion, one of the most iconic titles in sport and the kind of gravitas associated with the jacket informs the ethos of the venue, known as a place of conservative decorum and respect for tradition. Golf is a sport that crosses geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing players who travel to soak up some of the world's most picturesque locations as well as taking part in one of the world's most widespread and enjoyable activities.

Greek Island Holidays

2011-12-19T23:43:00.004Z

And back to Greece with this Casey's guest post about Greek Island Holidays. A huge risk I must confess! Last year's posts about Greece inspired me and my friends so much that we ended up going for a week to Crete with a small visit to Santorini. A spectacular trip I may add ;)

Greek island holiday travel is a stellar choice of holiday destination whether you are traveling as a single person, as a couple, with friends or with your children. The weather on the islands is hot all day long during the summer months; warm days and cool nights are what make up the fall and spring weather in the Greek Islands and the winter months are cold. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is hot and you can take advantage of the myriad of activities available on each of the Greek Islands, such as the beaches, water activities and nightlife.

If you are interested in a Greek villa holiday in 2012 the island of Crete is a good choice. It is the largest of the Greek Islands and has the most to offer tourists on holiday. Hotels, villas and boutique hotels are abundant in Crete, which makes it a good choice for Greek island holiday travel with the entire family. The beaches are marked with small rocks, the water is clear and the water sports are in full force during the summer months.

The island of Corfu is perhaps the best island to visit for a Greek villa holiday 2012 because the northeast side of the island has been largely developed by several British holiday companies that have built a number of luxury villas that cater to holiday travelers of all types. Restaurants, pools, sports and the ocean make this island perfect for the whole family. During the summer months, Corfu is alive with holiday tourists enjoying the Greek cuisine, the hospitality of the locals and the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.

Lefkas is a small Greek Island known less for its tourism industry than for its history, which makes it the perfect holiday destination for history buffs. The island is rumored to be the home of Homer’s Ithaca and the island was the location of the Greek mythological suicide of Sappho. The island is also rumored to have a history tied in closely with the life of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love from the Greek mythology and also to Odysseus. The island is home to a number of hotels, resorts and villas, though it is not among the most traveled of the Greek islands. It is still a beautiful location for a holiday with the family; the history of the island makes it fascinating for those interested in Greek mythology.

In short, if you have visited Greece before, why not try visiting one of the many Greek islands in 2012?Depending on what you are looking for in a holiday, each of these islands has accommodation, restaurants, beaches and entertainment that is sure to please everyone in the family.

Thanks for sharing Casey and is that what I think it is... Yeap! I'm already starting to be curious about Corfu and Lefkas ;)

Winter Getaway Guide

2011-12-17T10:18:00.004Z

Back to the Central Europe it's time to year what Hannah has to tell us about Winter Getaways and check out some Mont Blanc photos. Thanks so much for the post and words to you Hannah...

Winter getaways are a great alternative to the standard summer holiday and provide completely unique opportunities, such as taking part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, or exploring the fantastic landscapes of regions that are best seen when blanketed in snow. A cosy cabin with a roaring open fire or a magnificent converted castle or chateau can provide unrivalled accommodation in a wintry setting.

One of the most popular winter getaway destinations is, understandably, the Alps that span much of Europe, including France, Italy and Austria. The landscapes of this vast region include great towering peaks such as Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn as well as pristine lakes and rich pine forests. The skiing available here is some of the best in the world with many ideal resorts offering a huge range of slopes and sports throughout; the main season for Alpine winter sports is between December and April. In addition, there is much history and culture in the Alps, including Berchtesgaden in Germany and the great meadows of Austria that inspired The Sound of Music.

Another hugely popular winter destinations is Canada. Like the Alps, it offers great skiing opportunities but there is also much else to be seen in this vast and diverse nation. The huge pine forests and mountain ranges, including the huge Rockies, provide a chance for hiking and exploring and are home to many different varieties of wildlife that are found in few other places. Some of Canada`s cities are also best seen in winter, such as Vancouver, where sports such as ice hockey are highly popular. Further south, across the border into the United States, ski resorts such as Aspen flourish in winter on a huge tourist influx which supports a vibrant nightlife and exciting atmosphere.

For a more sedate winter getaway experience, Scotland can provide a break of calm from the relentless rush of the daily grind. In the rugged countryside of mountains, including Britain`s highest peak, Ben Nevis, rivers and magnificent lochs, walking and exploring is a pleasure all of its own. In this great natural expanse, iconic and unique accommodation can be found in converted castles that offer a rich sense of history as well as luxury and the sense of complete isolation from the outside world. In winter, Scotland tends to have a fairly high snowfall which creates glorious white landscapes but not necessarily with the inconveniences that come in areas with poor access.

For those seeking greater culture and vibrancy from their winter getaway, the cities of Eastern Europe are often best visited in winter. Riga, the capital of Latvia, for instance manages to maintain a picturesque image of red tiled roofs and ornate church spires, while also being a bustling urban region with numerous bars and restaurants. Krakow, in Poland, is also a popular winter destination as its grand castle and great town square provide attractions even while the snow is falling.

Overall, there is a huge variety of winter getaways on offer, with something available to suit travellers of all tastes, whether seeking sporty excitement, isolated peace and quiet or the enchantment of a snowbound city. Any getaway can be made all the more accessible by using First Choice discount vouchers to bring the cost down.

Egypt, Cairo, the Nile and the Pyramids

2011-12-13T22:20:00.008Z

Egypt, Cairo, the Nile and the Pyramids... Without any doubt a magnificent option when it comes to vacation destinies! For me this travel is still a dream to be fulfilled but I've been talking with a couple of friends who went there recently only to confirm what already were my best expectations. Egypt is a destination to add ASAP to my travel wish-list :)

I must confess that I'm so into going to see the Pyramid of Cheops and the Sphinx that I've already started to look around the Internet for cheap holidays to Egypt. Also for a trip like this one, taking into account the vast and rich Egyptian history, though I prefer staying in apartments, I must seriously consider to book a tour agency package. After all, not having to deal with local tour planning, and having a local guide to help you navigate in Cairo and to tell you the stories of places like the Giza's Pyramids or the Vally of Kings is a huge advantage.

Staying for at least a couple of days in Cairo is also mandatory for this travel. Egypt's capital is not only the largest city in Africa but also the biggest one in all the Arab World. It's unique mixture of cultures and flavors is something I don't wanna miss. Bellow, just for starters, a photo of the spectacular view towards the city's downtown one can admire from the top of the Cairo's Tower building.

The Islamic architecture that dominates Cairo's landscape and the many Mosques that granted the city it's nickname of the The City of a Thousand Minarets are a must see as well as some visits to the local markets and of course dining here and there to get a taste of the Egyptian food - meat dishes like Kebabs and Koftas are rather common options but I'm also gonna try my vegetarian friend's recommendation: Kushari, a rice based dish garnished with onions, macaroni and a spicy tomato sauce.

Still not sure if I can accommodate it in the budget but a cruise in the Nile would be awesome! After Cairo and the Pyramids, going all the way to Aswan in the South of the country and visit the ancient ruins of the Vally of Kings would make the perfect trip... Oh well, who knows if it isn't next year that I can make this dream come true :)

Car Hire Tips

2011-12-03T22:39:00.006Z

Thanks Clair for today's an article on how to do a better car hire deal. A set of tips very helpful specially for those who are already planing the next vacations ;)

Car hire is often the most suitable way of getting around when on holiday abroad. It's also convenient for a range of other activities such as moving house or visiting relatives in the UK. Car hire options can be confusing, with a wealth of companies and services available. It can also be costly if you haven't approached it the best way.

Here are a few tips to get the most from your car hire. By choosing the right vehicle, hiring at the right time and ensuring you get the best deal then car hire needn't to be a minefield.

Knowing exactly what you need before you book is important. Will you need a large boot? If not a small get around may work out much cheaper. If you are going to be driving around a hot country with kids then air conditioning may be an absolute necessity.

The best tips of course, are those that save you money. There are plenty of ways to keep the costs down when hiring a car. These include flexibility on the day you hire a car. Car hire is often much cheaper during the week than at weekends. If you arrive on holiday on a Saturday and intend on spending the first couple of days lying by the pool, it might be worth waiting till Monday to hire the car and start going on day trips from there. Keeping your fuel usage low will of course make car hire much cheaper. Try not to drive around with too much luggage if possible as a heavier load will of course use up more petrol. Taking your GPS with you or a local road map to prevent unwanted detours is another way to use less petrol. Many car hire providers rent GPS' also and if you are not familiar with the area, this can be a very necessary add on.

If you are leaving from near you own home then it's worth bringing your own baby seats or booster seats as companies will charge to rent them. If you are flying then you will need to look into which firms can provide the correct child or baby seats for you.

Make sure you are aware of local driving laws. It sounds obvious, but many people get caught out abroad because they don't know the basic speed limits or other rules of the road. If you are not sure, check online and make a list of the most important differences between driving at home and driving around your holiday destination.

Whether you're holidaying in Penzance or in Portugal car rental can be an easy, cheap and convenient way to get around. Following these simple tips should make the process smoother and more affordable.

Thanks again Clair, I'll for sure be remembering this article of yours before booking my next car hire! Also thanks to Open Galleries for the Rome and Lisbon photos.

Finding The Best Cruise Package

2011-11-28T00:16:00.000Z

After the Top European Resorts article it's once again Becky's turn to guest post, continuing on the Cruises topic, let's find out what are Becky's tips on how to find the best Cruise package :)

The leisurely pace and elegant surroundings of a cruise ship are an increasingly popular choice for holidaymakers looking for a vacation offering something a bit different. Different and exciting, yet easy and hassle free. With a cruise you get the best of both worlds and an opportunity to find exotic locations alongside pre-arranged travel with the added bonus of entertainment on route.

No longer must you spend time and energy planning your journey, your transport or day trips out. Simply board your ship at your chosen destination and let the crew and staff do the rest. Where ever you decide to cruise, whether on the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean or Mediterranean, you will enjoy choosing what do see and do and where to spend your time, both on and off the ship.

With so many different cruises on offer don't forget to ask the following questions when choosing which package best suits your needs:-

When do I want to travel? - The answer to this question will effect the overall cost of the holiday with the winter season often a cheaper option. However, don't forget to check out what late offers and discount rates are available during the summer season as you may just find what you are looking for at a much better rate than you anticipated.

How should I choose where I go? - Make sure the package you choose includes the countries you most wish to visit, but don't ignore the chance to visit somewhere you wouldd not have considered before. This might just end up being the best part of the cruise and the chance to take some unique and unforgettable snap shots!

How long do I want to cruise for? - Consider how long you want to be on the seas for and how long the complete cruise lasts. Make sure you get plenty of time to enjoy each stop on route and ensure you get the time you need to relax and unwind between destinations. Two weeks is often a good length of time, although longer cruises can be a good way to take a special break away, especially for a celebration or a honeymoon.

What entertainment will be provided on the cruise? - Each cruise ship and holiday offer will provide a number of different on-board activities aimed at a range of different age groups. It is therefore well worth checking before you book what is on offer and who it is most suited for.

Where shall I cruise? - Last, but not least check the specifics. Where do you want to start the holiday, where do you wish to go to and where will you finish the cruise? For example, a popular choice for a holiday is the Mediterranean cruise. With a vast array of on-land activities, water sports and breathtaking scenery it is hardly surprising passengers return year on year.

If med cruises are the type of holiday for you make sure you know which way you wish to head and whether you want to travel to the west, east or central. Each type of cruise will offer something new and different to feast your eyes on, with the brilliant blue waters reflecting a perfect view of the varied local marine life. Booking a cruise holiday just couldn't be simpler!

Thanks to Becky and also to Open Galleries for the free photos.

Top 5 Cruise Locations

2011-11-23T00:18:00.003Z

And lets give a warm welcome to Sarah who is for the first time participating with a guest post. Also the usual thanks to Wikimedia and to Open Galleries for the nice photos and off go to Sarah's fantastic Top 5 Cruise Locations!

Whether you are a fan of adventure or prefer relaxing under sun-drenched skies, the number of holiday cruises available means that there is always something for everyone. Simply check out what is on offer and choose the destination that has everything you are looking for. To give you some ideas here are five of the best, beginning with one or two action-packed adventure cruises.

Traditionally one of the most popular of all cruise destinations, the Bahamas has everything the fun-seeker needs. Aside from the glorious stop-off beaches, fantastic weather and beautiful locations, the Bahamas offers the chance to partake in a variety of water-related activities. Take a guided scuba-diving day out and swim with the dolphins. Alternatively, stay above water on a thrilling speedboat or hop aboard a sailing vessel and become a temporary member of an actual sailing team.

While there is no doubting that Hawaii is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenic views on the planet, it is also a place sure to satisfy even the hungriest of thrill seekers. Among the many highlights you can enjoy at this location is the famous North Shore of Oahu, regarded by many as the best surfing experience there is. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on solid ground, take the hike across the lava fields leading to real live and active volcanoes. Here, you can take in all the fire pits and lava tubes, saving the best till last -- an 11-mile crater rim.

For those who prefer the quieter life, then the options here are no less abundant. Among the most popular, however, is a cruise that will take you through all the stunning glory of the Fjords of Norway. Cruise through numerous colossal, slender fjords that appear to rise to the heavens. The experience is sure to leave you breathless and humbled in the presence of these glorious natural wonders. Just bear in mind that the best time to take this cruise is during the months of June through to August.

If the Fjords of Norway sound a bit chilly to you then you may well prefer to take the cruise that takes you through the glories of the South Pacific. While some may find the long distances covered going from island to island leaves them with too much idle time on their hands, for others this will prove the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. In addition, the extensive traveling rarely ends in disappointment, the highlights including the tropical paradises of the Fiji and the Polynesian Islands.

Finally, we have what, for a great number of people, is the absolute number one cruise destination - the Caribbean. Comprising a thread of tiny islands peppering the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean offers river falls in Jamaica, whitewater rafting in the rainforests of Costa Rica, snorkeling with stingrays or horse riding along the region's unrivaled beaches.

Suffice to say the planet is truly blessed with an unlimited number of outstanding destinations for adventure seekers and leisure fans alike. Simply decide what it is you are looking for, check out what is available in the way of cheap cruise holidays, make your choice and book.

Colosseum, the Ultimate Arena, Rome, Italy

2011-11-21T18:48:00.008Z

And here I am back to The Eternal City, Rome, my absolute favorite European capital. Wherever you go in the city it's difficult to make more than a few hundred meters without arriving at some fabulous monument. From the Roman period to the Renaissance, from the Middle Ages to the XXI century, the city is home to several structures of incalculable architectonic and artistic value.

Also in favor of Rome's tourism is the fact that, although the city's cost of life is far from being the cheapest in the old Continent, it isn't that hard to find good places to stay at reasonable prices. Just one tip, if you wish to find the best deals on hotels don't limit your search to travel agencies, search the internet too. Also keep in mind that being flexible on the dates of departure and arrival (checking in/out on weekdays) is always a plus when searching for good rates and discounts :)

Back to the city itself allow me to take you on a tour to the fabulous Roman Colosseum. The enormous circular stone structure built around the year 70 a.C. is almost 50 meters high and, although damaged by earthquakes and plundered several times over the years, it still maintains it's inner circle almost intact and a good part of it's outer walls. Along with the Roman Forum, the Colosseum ruins are still today one of the major symbols of the old Roman Empire and, of course, the most famous landmark of Rome.

Inside the building one can still go upstairs and see what's left of the old spectators stands and access corridors and stairways. Bellow the ground, the catacombs and training complexes where the Gladiators stayed before the fights are also worthy of a look. On the ground floor, in order to help recreate the original scenario, part of the arena in front of what used to be the Imperial stand was reconstructed. To get an idea of the atmosphere of the Colosseum just imagine that in it's days, above the arena, it had a capacity of 50.000 seated spectators.

The almost unbelievable size of the Colosseum is very well shown in this last photo. Both the buildings in background and the people in the streets nearby seem amazingly small don't they? Needless to say, Rome's most important must visit spot :)

Last but not least, a big thanks to OpenGalleries.org for yet another set of beautiful photos from Rome.

Hidden Holiday Locations, UK

2011-11-21T00:47:00.002Z

As Maria says, London isn't for sure the only place worthy of a visit on the UK. As you may be guessing the thanks of today goes to Maria for her insights on several cool UK places ;)

Don't be fooled into thinking that London is the only place worth visiting in the UK. Sure, the sprawling metropolis of the capital has all the glitz and the glamor of a dazzling west end theater district, centuries of culture engrained in every street and more shopping, museums, sightseeing tours and sporting activities than you could ever get bored of. But London is not even half the story of the great British Isles.

The UK houses a population over 62 million people and is one of the leading economic and political countries on the world stage. It didn't get this way through accident and a trip to the country will illustrate the thousands of years that have contributed to its success.

With the combined force of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland alongside England, the United Kingdom has a rich and diverse history. The sandy shores of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales and the Cornish coast in southwest England have for many years been popular holiday spots amongst British holidaymakers. The height of summer can see these tiny coastal retreats turn into hives of activity, with families flocking to the seaside for locally caught seafood, respectable surfing conditions and the chance to indulge in the great British past time of building sandcastles.

England's Lake District and Peak District are vast national parks in the north of the country with glorious panoramas of the British countryside. Sweeping mountains and serene lakes are coupled with some of the greatest country houses in the land. Places such as Chatsworth House and Howard Castle offer an insight into the historical gentry and aristocracy that helped build the country.

Thriving metropolises such as Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle are great for indulging in retail therapy, café culture and nightlife. On the fringes of all these big cities are some real gems of hidden holiday locations. The Warwickshire countryside surrounding Birmingham extends down into chocolate-box style villages.

With quintessentially English stone cottages and old world charm, the villages around Stratford-Upon-Avon and extending down into the Cotswold's hark back to a country that Shakespeare would be familiar with. The Cheshire countryside outside Manchester offers pockets of affluent small towns that still exist around the hub of the medieval parish churches.

The contours of majestic Scotland are often overlooked due to its cold climate near to the top of the northern hemisphere. However, an adventure north of the English border is certainly worthwhile to discover some beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan cities. The beautiful mountains, glorious lochs and natural wildlife are breathtaking and inspirational.

Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are thriving hubs of business, culture and economy. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival during August draws artisans, actors, film and TV professionals and authors to the various facets of the festival around Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the city. During this excitingly busy month, self catered Edinburgh apartments are often a great option for accommodation, giving guests to the city the freedom and independence to explore the delights of the festival and the city at their own leisure.

Top European Resorts

2011-11-19T00:02:00.001Z

Thanks to Becky off we go for a list of some Top European Resorts. If you're in doubt about where to go on your next vacations who knows if your answer isn't in these next lines ;)

It's only really in the last couple of generations that package holidays to Europe have become both popular and the norm. Prior to this, with probably a few exceptions, it tended to be the well heeled who traveled across the Channel and holidayed in such places as San Tropez or Monte Carlo. Despite the economic boom in the early sixties and the resultant shifting in ideas, most holidaymakers still went by train or coach to the seaside. Europe was viewed on the television or by film.

Nowadays top European resorts roll off the tongue with a familiarity brought by overseas travel. The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region would typify this. It is home to nearly half a million people, is very accessible primarily via Faro airport and as such is a vital tourist destination crucial to the Portuguese economy. It brims with a vibrancy during the summer: not only is it awash with holidaymakers but also is an important center for the fishing trade. Almonds, figs and oranges grow throughout, further add to the ambiance of the area.

Who, fifty years ago, would ever have imagined going 'island hopping'? Back in the day Samos, Naxos, Zakynthos and Paros would have sounded like names of exotic chocolates or players in an international football team, not holiday island destinations within easy reach. A flight to Athens opens up the tourist to these jewels of the Aegean Sea. The bigger islands such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes can offer a livelier, more compact holiday but whichever way round the blend of climate, friendliness and civilization make all things Greek a favored holiday choice.

Spain's 'White Coast' or Costa Blanca as we know it, was always destined to be a holiday hotspot. Benidorm has moved from being a small village into a mixture of hotel, beach and skyscraper and has even demanded the nickname of 'The Manhattan of Spain'. Unlike New York though, Benidorm is dwarfed by an impressive mountain; the Puig Campana reaching 1406 meters into the sky.

If Benidorm is approaching middle age, then it has mellowed accordingly. Not unlike Manhattan, it is a byword for excitement yet has worked hard to lose its 'lager lout' image with such individuals now holidaying elsewhere. It's old town still reveals a sense of medieval Spain, yet the cabaret scene of an evening is second to none. The mountains that surround the town give Benidorm a climate all of its own and its beaches still resound with pure enjoyment.

With theme parks and song festivals, sporting events and shopping areas, cheap holidays in Benidorm represent a great time with good value for money. There's so much to do here.

Once again thanks to Becky for this article and also to Wikimedia and Open Galleries for the photos.

Santorini, perfection to say the least!

2011-11-17T22:54:00.014Z

Santorini is a Greek island part of a small set of islands that form an archipelago with the same name. In the past all of the islands of the archipelago were part of the crater of a huge volcano that erupted and destroyed itself 3600 years ago. Even nowadays if you look closely at the island's geographical disposition you can imagine the size of the crater. Anyway, geographical history aside, Santorini is without doubt one of the most beautiful places I've had the pleasure to visit.

The beauty of the sights is impossible to describe. The views from Oia's cliffs towards the other islands are beyond perfection. The white painted houses, instead of built, almost seamed like if they were carved on the cliffs and turned all the landscape into some kind of surrealistic painting - to this day I'm still convinced that Dali must be acquaintance of the local architects!

Speaking of surrealism, before boarding to Greece remember that Greeks use an unique alphabet so simple daily tasks like reading a menu or the morning newspaper can be rather challenging. You can't imagine how many times did I wish I had some handy translation services at my disposal :)

Like I stated before the beauty of the sights is nearly impossible to describe, with that in mind, allow me to show it in pictures. Above a normal view from the streets of Fira, Santorini's capital city, and bellow a detail from a church taken from one of the countless balconies of the cliffs of Oia, a small town on the North of the island. Amazing views right...

Since sights aren't all in a travel let me tell you about the local food. In Santorini, much like in other regions of Greece, the food is wonderful. The Mediterranean influence can be easily noted in the local dishes by the abundant use of olives and olive oil, cheeses, and herb seasonings. Besides this you can also count with a wide variety of magnificent salads and a very good selection of wines.

Also a note for the people on the island, they were all super friendly. Apart the obvious language barrier (I'm from Portugal and I speak zero Greek, much like most of the Greeks do when it comes to speaking Portuguese) everyone tried to make use of their best English and everything went great.

I leave you with the article title - Santorini, perfection to say the least! - and with the usual thanks note to the Open Galleries site for the lovely set of Santorini photos.

Top 10 Scuba Diving destinations around the World

2011-11-15T23:25:00.008Z

Again with David for a top 10 on the World's best Scuba spots. Thanks for the list David!

Clear waters, low pollution, abundant wildlife, an impressive backdrop and a variety of experiences on offer are crucial factors in the ideal scuba destination and all are met in spades at the following ten sites. Each one is as close to an aquatic paradise as you are ever going to find on this oceanic planet of ours.

Queensland, Australia - A predictable choice perhaps, but there is a reason that even the most hydrophobic of land-lubbers has heard of The Great Barrier Reef. Hugging 1800 miles of the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is apparently visible from space, although most would agree it looks better through the lens of a dive mask. Over 1500 species of fish, 20 different species of reptile and over 400 spectacular species of coral carve out a living in the coral gardens of the reef. Whether approached from the luxury of Heron Island, or one of the many budget hotels or hostels that line the Queensland Coast, the Great Barrier Reef must surely appear on every diver's bucket list.

The Egyptian Red Sea - Lovely warm seas, a huge variety of marine fauna, an abundance of wrecks and reefs and a mere four and a half hour hop from the UK, the Egyptian Red Sea well deserves its reputation as a premier scuba destination. The plethora of biodiversity on display has not escaped the attention of conservationists and many of the Egyptian reefs are now part of protected marine parks in which sustainable diving is the order of the day, making the Red Sea a top destination for the eco-minded diver.

Chuuk Islands, Micronesia - On the 17th February 1944, the United States Navy launched Operation Hailstone, a massive air and surface assault that sent 47 Japanese ships to the bottom of the sea. 55 years later, the wrecks of that terrible day are slowly disintegrating at the bottom of Truk Lagoon, in the beautiful island state of Chuuk, a fascinating historical curio and a stark reminder of the horror of war.

Truk lagoon is surely the pinnacle of wreck diving. Strewn among the eerie hulls of sunken ships are jeeps, aircraft and tanks, a morbidly fascinating seascape softened by the encroaching vibrancy of the beautiful Pacific marine life. This is one to see before the ruins of history are finally consumed by the sea.

Richelieu Rock, Thailand - The sheer walls of Richelieu Rock are home to a simply stunning array of wildlife. White eyed moray eels, harlequin shrimps, tigertail seahorses, pineapple fish and lionfish bejewel the cracks and crevices of the sea walls, while schools of snapper, mackerel, jacks and barracuda patrol the open waters in search of a meal.

A utopia for the underwater photographer, Richelieu Rock has also long been famous for its giant residents. While less common than in previous years, vast whale sharks are still regularly seen in the area, as are majestic manta rays. Divers should be aware that this oasis of marine life is not the most accessible; with very few daytrips available, this site is one for the live-aboards.

Turks and Caicos - Nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to some of the most pulse-raising diving in the world. The walls of North West Point and West Caicos are favoured hunting grounds for blacktip sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks and an abundance of Caribbean reef sharks. A number of dive companies offer the opportunity to get up close with these prehistoric predators.

For those divers seeking a slightly less adrenaline fuelled experience, these islands still have plenty to offer, not least the opportunity to meet JoJo the Dolphin, something of a cetacean celebrity in these parts.

Fiji - Fiji is known as "The Soft Coral Capital of the World", a title the country richly deserves and one that earns it a place in this top ten. The Republic of Fiji comprises more than 332 islands, providing perhaps the most rich and varied selection of diving experiences available in any one country on Earth. The only problem awaiting any Fiji-bound diver is that most pleasant of conundrums; whether to explore everything the islands have to offer aboard a live-aboard, or to become intimately acquainted with just one of the country's reefs while becoming immersed in the relaxed Fijian culture at an island resort.

Maldives - Much admired as the destination of choice for honeymooners, scuba divers have long since known there is more to the Maldives than all-inclusive romantic getaways. The atolls that support these idyllic islands are scored with deep channels carved out by the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, unique structures that provide a unique diving environment. The plankton rich waters are home to jacks, trevallies, barracuda, manta rays and a glittering assortment of smaller reef fishes.

Of course the scuba diver is not immune to the more obvious charms of the Maldives! There can be no finer backdrop for a diving expedition than the white sandy beaches, gently swaying palm trees and azure seas of this little drop of heaven in the Indian Ocean.

Bonaire - The Bonaire National Marine Park is the benchmark by which all marine parks are judged. Funded by a park entrance fee, the local authorities have invested in law enforcement, education programmes, research, habitat upkeep and monitoring schemes, the results of which are now there for divers to enjoy. Thirty years of conservation have produced arguably the most pristine reefs found anywhere today. Within 300 yards of the shore, a diver will find themselves surrounded by a remarkable array of Caribbean wildlife, including parrotfish, eagle rays, angelfish, porcupine fish, morays and a cornucopia of invertebrates. There is a reason that conservationists seek to replicate the success of Bonaire around the world.

Cayman Islands - The Cayman Islands are, in fact, the tips of submerged mountains, a series of structures that are conducive to some excellent diving. The steep, plunging walls of the mountainsides reach down in places to 20,000 feet below sea level, providing a habitat that is inviting both to divers and to the species they hope to see. The geography of the Cayman Islands goes even further in providing some superb diving. The islands have no natural rivers and few hilly regions, so there is very little run-off into the ocean. These conditions are ideal for reef development and have led to the emergence of some staggeringly beautiful coral formations.

Mozambique - Mozambique offers a wide range of diving experiences, from delicate reefs to high octane pursuits of whale sharks and great white sharks. At the hub of this diving paradise is Praia do Tofo, a small town that shares a coastline with the highest concentration of whale sharks in all of Africa. It also provides access to the Manta Reef, where two new species of manta ray were discovered as recently as 2009.

For all its aquatic treasures, Tofo is not all Mozambique has to offer the diver. A unique experience awaits the visitor to Bazaruto Island, where leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles all frequent the seas, occasionally sharing their crystal clear waters with dugong, an exceptionally rare mammal that is found in greater numbers here than anywhere else in the western Indian Ocean.

Well David, after reading this, I must confess all I wanna do is go straight to the airport and get on the first plane to any one of this fabulous destinations... Just checking, anyone else coming too? ;)

Albufeira, a very popular English tourist destination in Portugal

2011-11-09T23:41:00.008Z

Today's post is a joint venture between André and myself. André wrote the original text in Portuguese and then I've translated it and also added a few notes and the photos for publishing. Hope you like it cause Albufeira is definitely a nice vacation spot :)

Synonym of beach, cool nights and diversion Albufeira is considered the English capital of tourism in Algarve. Once upon a time a calm fishermen village in the South of Portugal Albufeira is nowadays a full grown city full of life. Throughout the last decades the accommodation offers had multiplied several times and there are now available hundreds of hotels and rental apartments.

Late deals are often available for this wonderful location so do remember to check it out before booking - it's not unusual to get good rates in these promotions :)

With over thirty kilometers of coast Albufeira is well know for the quality beaches it has to offer. In 2011, the council had twenty beaches distinguished with the Blue Flag Award, a prize that stands for it's good quality. In all these beaches, besides the natural beauty it's also possible to enjoy a vast number of waters sports and other activities like water bikes and motor boats, canoing and also several water slides. Excursions to the local caves, diving, para-sailing and fishing expeditions are also available.

As to the night diversion there are two main spots. The first one, the most reputed one, is the Oura - internationally know as "The Strip". On the main avenue there are many bars and clubs where the fun starts early and only ends at dawn. The second spot, the downtown of Albufeira, is a bit more traditional. On the older streets of the village the Moorish architecture mixes itself with modern bars and restaurants. From a tourist point of view I'm sure it's at least a must visit place.

Also in the vicinity of Albufeira (a few minutes away by car) is the Zoomarine. A theme park that offers wildlife encounters, pools, many diversions and even a 4D cinema. Along the most successful animal presentations of the park the dolphins show is simply amazing. Finally a bit about the local food: seafood is the typical food in Algarve so I guess everyone should try it (it's very tasty). Nevertheless, the many restaurants in Albufeira offer many, many other options both in national and international cuisines so find good places to eat it's no problem there :)

As always a final thanks to Open Galleries for the Albufeira photos.

Hotel or An Apartment Rental, which is More Economical?

2011-11-08T22:24:00.004Z

For the first time Guest Posting with us, a big thanks to Baljinder for this economical reflexion about the choice of an Hotel versus an Apartment Rental when in vacations.

Vacations are a perfect way to shun the stress of daily life and work. Elders as well as children refresh and renew themselves by actively participating in outdoor activities, available in almost all holiday destinations.

As per a recent research, doing things bring more happiness than owning. So, if you can spare some time and money from your Whereas on one hand you can not put a price tag on vacation, but on the other, you can not indulge in extravagance during vacations, as you may end up paying huge debts afterwards. So you must look for ways to fit leisure time into the family budget, or else the results may be disastrous for you.

When summers are round the corner, people start making plans for their holidays. Their minds are full of turmoil, containing a lot of questions, like whether they should visit a beach or go to mountains, for spending summer vacations this year. They are caught in a fix if a hotel is good or a condo is more reasonable to stay while holidaying.

Condo vacations do make sense in every way. Below listed are a few points which indicate why condos are better and more economical out of the two options:

Get ample space in a condo - In a hotel room you would end up staying with two children in one room. This can really turn your vacations in a complete fiasco. While in a condominium you and you kids can enjoy separate rooms, which gives them more homey feeling as compared to a hotel room. Fully furnished apartment rentals are best suited for big families and for multi-family vacations.

It seems more pricey but not - Though an apartment rental will seem a bit costly while checking in, but we take into consideration its amenities, the overall stay is way cheaper then a hotel. You are provided with a kitchen in an apartment rental which has all the appliances.

Cook as you like - You can cook whatever yo like to, if you are staying in an apartment rental. You can always save money by bringing your own groceries and cooking at least two times in a day. You can save more money by cooking on your own than by ordering something from the hotel. Moreover, you won't be bothered by room service guys, time and again.

A furnished apartment rental or a condo is more economical indeed. But while checking out, you have to take care of things like taking out the trash, dispose the garbage and making pile of your laundry separately on your own. But in the end, you will enjoy that "at home" feeling the apartment provides to your family.

Well, I'll for sure remember this post when booking my next vacations! Once again thanks to Baljinder for the post and also to Open Galleries for the photos.

7 Sights to See in Australia

2011-11-04T23:54:00.008Z

According to Sachin wherever you are in Australia there is always something to do, nevertheless there are some places in the country which stand out from the rest for their sheer mind-blowing attraction. Bellow, the seven sights that everyone must see in Australia.

The Opera House - an iconic building recognized all around the world although the inside of the Opera House is something known by a much smaller number of people. Nevertheless, the interior of the building is fantastic and watching a show seated inside explains why this building is so iconic. Any visit to Australia is incomplete without spending a night in a serviced apartment in Sydney so you have easy access to a late night performance in the Sydney Opera House. Leaving the Opera House at night will provide you with wonderful views of Harbor Bridge and Darling Harbor to end a perfect evening.

Olympic Park - an historic place having played host to the 2000 Olympic Games and raising the bar for countries hosting the games since then. The park has been slightly redeveloped to house businesses alongside the sports facilities, but it still hosts over 5000 games and events every year. A visit to the Sydney Olympic Park will bring back all the raw power of the Olympic Games.

Great Barrier Reef - one of the greatest natural formations in the ocean. The reef can be seen from space and is the single largest structure made by living organisms in the world. A large part of the reef is protected but it is possible to learn to dive at the reef and experience this miracle of nature first hand. A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must if you are staying in Gold Coast apartments - it is the experience of a lifetime.

Yarra Valley Wine Country - Yarra Valley is internationally recognised as being one of Australia’s leading wine regions. The Yarra Valley offers accommodation, wine tasting sessions, beautiful scenery and wonderful walking opportunities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sample some of the country’s greatest wines.

Manly - a relatively quiet area of Sydney which is home to numerous beaches and long, beautiful costal walks. The water at Manly Beach is crystal clear and there is an abundance of cafes and bars along the coast to provide for your every need. Oceanworld Manly also offers the opportunity for the thrill seekers out there to go swimming with sharks.

National Parks - There are thousands of National Parks in Australia protecting everything from deserts to eucalyptus woodlands. In any area of Australia you will be within easy reaching distance from a national park and all of them offer a unique environment and remarkable beauty. When in Australia be sure to visit a number of diverse national parks so you can experience all aspects of the country.

Whitsunday Islands - It is no wonder that the Whitsunday Islands are a popular tourist attraction. With 74 Islands situated in the warm waters of Australia’s Coral Sea, these idyllic retreats will offer you peace and solitude whilst you enjoy the weather of your dreams in the highest standard of accommodation.

Once more thanks to Sachin for yet another fabulous Australian article and to Wikimedia for the photos.

Bare Footing in the Caribbean Islands

2011-10-24T23:45:00.010+01:00

And this time it's back to the Caribbean :) Thanks so much to Kathleen for sharing her experiences and also to OpenGalleries for the Caribbean photos!

Whatever the budget allows, the Caribbean Islands are a great place for a magnificent vacation. The various Islands represent beauty and freedom and provide a place to relax, where all visitors seem to leave the worries of the world behind them, while moving into a new and splendid adventure. Whether you love wearing sandals or going barefoot through the white sands with a gaze that wanders to look at the blue skies and billowing white clouds, you will feel that you are one step closer to heaven while on your vacation to the Caribbean.

There are many moments experienced on the Islands that vacationers just want to "breathe in" and somehow find a way to take those special moments back home with them. Whether you are taking pictures with your camera or in your mind’s eye, you will never quit viewing those scenes that spoke to you, "I must return here again one day."

Whether you approach this vacation in a mundane, practical manner, or you work your way through the details in a "dreamy" sort of way is truly up to you. Whatever your choice, you will love seeing the various Caribbean Islands pictured on the Internet, in travel magazines or in a TV documentary and/or on a travel channel. Talk with friends who have experienced an Island adventure and definitely check out their photos.

There are many "specials" that include airfare and hotel costs that are in great demand throughout the year. Some extremely expensive accommodations suddenly become more affordable. A variety of websites offer promotions at different times of the year. While checking these sites, you will see fabulous pictures of the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Jamaica and other equally appealing destinations.

The Bahamas is a place where there is a significant price range for hotels and activities. It offers the Rand Nature Center where history is witnessed and diverse life forms can be seen. The Atlantis Resort provides a variety of room prices and also allows visitors a vision of waterfalls and underground marine life. While in the Bahamas, you will see deep blue-green ocean waters and beautiful white sandy beaches merging into magnificent pine forests.

Cancun is referred to as the Caribbean Jewel and is one of Mexico’s greatest highlights. In Cancun, you will experience the Mayan Ruins of old or the extreme-modern of shopping malls and the Hotel Zone, a well-known nightlife district noted for its bars and nightclubs, as well as some of the best and most special music offered from around the world. Deep blue waters and elegant white sands are just the beginning of a wonderful experience in Cancun.

Sousa Bay Resort is a great place to relax and enjoy. Travel to the Dominican Republic and you will find a small piece of paradise at this noted resort.

Wherever you travel in the Caribbean, the restaurants provide a chance to experience every variety of food found around the globe. Specialty foods in small cafés and world-class spreads available in luxurious restaurants are both highlights of a wonderful visit to the Caribbean Islands.

Guides are available to get you to your destinations. Renting a car is also an option once you land at the airport or settle into your accommodations. Checking out the Internet prior to your vacation is wise and sending for tourist information before your departure will help you to familiarize yourself with the Islands and the many places you may choose to visit. If you expect a great vacation, you will have just that in the Caribbean.

Kathleen Hubert is a blogger who writes on a variety of different sites. Check out more of her work at led tv.

Scuba diving and snorkelling in the Mediterranean

2011-10-22T18:27:00.004+01:00

And thanks to Jess Spate for this list of some of the best scuba spots on the Mediterranean. A big thanks also to Jess's boss for allowing the use of the photos in this guest post :)

Almost anywhere you go along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, there are places to get into the water and find out what lies beneath the surface. Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Egypt- each country has something unique to offer under the sea as well as on the land. Here are just a few of the finest diving destinations around the Med:

Portofino, Italy - Less than an hour's drive from the grand old city of Genoa, the Marine Reserve at Portofino provides the best diving and snorkelling in the Europe- at least, that's what the locals say! There is some pretty strong evidence to support their claims. The seabed off Portofino is carpeted with fields of red corals and sponges, which are home to a wide variety of rare and interesting marine wildlife. The largest submerged wreck in the world (the Amoco Milford Haven, more than 1000ft or 330m long) is just down the coast and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue stands tall, 55ft under the surface of San Fruttuoso Bay.

Paros, Greece - It's hard not to be seduced by the romance of underwater archaeology. What could be more exciting than swimming over the top of ancient stony walls and finding the traces of an ancient civilisation lying where they fell a thousand years ago or more? The island of Paros is probably the best place in the world for amateur divers and snorkelers to explorers to learn about underwater archaeology and to get involved with it. Those who have plenty of time can even take a course (including incredible field trips) from the Aegean Institute.

Malaga, Spain - Diving in Malaga's La Herradura area has one real advantage- the bays in this area are so sheltered that there is almost always somewhere calm to dive, even in poor weather. There are reefs to dive on and also open caves to explore. Octopus, eels, and large grouper are plentiful. Sardines shoal in huge numbers too. Those with sharp eyes should keep a close lookout for seahorses in the coral. The waters off Malaga are also frequented by the huge sunfish. The world's largest bony fish, these creatures can weight anything up to a metric ton. They're not considered dangerous to divers though.

Malta - A paradise for wreck divers! All kinds of shallow water wrecks can be explored in this part of the world, from tug boats that sank only a few years ago to relics from the Second World War. It's not just boats either- divers can explore what is left of a WWII bomber aircraft too. Advanced divers can even get down to an old submarine lying about 55m below the surface. In total there are more than 20 wrecks to dive around Malta and the islands of Comino and Gozo. Many of the wrecks still have their guns, torpedo tubes, propellers, and other details intact.

Those are just four dive destinations out of hundreds of choices, if not thousands, spread out across the Mediterranean. There is something for every diver, and for every snorkeler too- you don't have to be an expert. Dive schools and underwater tour operators have never been more popular. There is no shortage of help and guidance for underwater explorers.

Jess Spate is a keen amateur diver and lately she has been moving towards underwater photography but still loves to dive just to see what's down there.

Five famous and vibrant carnivals around the world

2011-10-16T06:26:00.008+01:00

And time for another of David's top lists. This time the top five of carnivals around the world. I know I would love to go to Rio but let me see what more do you have in mind ;)

Visit any of the hundreds of carnivals that take place throughout the world and you can be confident there will be wonderful parades, fantastic music and tasty food. However, while amazing festivals and street parties can be found in every corner of the globe, you may discover the following five are among the very best.

Notting Hill Carnival - The largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is a fun-filled celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place through the streets of west London.

Held over the course of the August bank holiday, the three-day party starts with a steel band competition on Saturday and is followed by Kids' Day on the Sunday, where you'll see children decorated in colourful outfits with prizes awarded to those deemed to have the best costume.

However, it's on Monday that the action really takes place, as the epic procession winds its way through the city, culminating at Ladbroke Grove. Performers wear a wide range of vibrant costumes, while soca, calypso and R&B music can be heard for miles around from the dozens of static sound systems that play throughout the day.

The carnival also hosts performances by some of the biggest names in music, Wyclef Jean, Katy B and Jamiroquai among those to have appeared in previous years, so you can be confident there'll plenty of opportunities for you to sing, dance and have fun.

If you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the many food stalls selling Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken, fried plantain and rum punch. Some one million people attend the carnival each year, so you can be sure you'll be in good company when taking in the fun.

Many of the streets will be closed to vehicles during the bank holiday weekend, so using public transport is a good idea. Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, Queens Park and Latimer Road are just some of the tube stations close to where the action takes place, although it is a good idea to check in advance for any temporary closures or diversions.

There are plenty of cheap hotels in London to choose from so you should have no problem finding suitable accommodation for the event.

Barbados Crop Over - To gain an insight into the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival, you might want to visit Barbados during its annual Crop Over festivities.

Much like the name suggests, this carnival was designed to mark the end of that year's successful sugar cane harvest and dates back to the late 17th century - a time when the Caribbean island was the world's largest producer of sugar and was under colonial rule.

In celebrating the harvest, workers used to hold feasts and drinking competitions and over the years Crop Over has developed into one of the region's most vibrant and biggest festivals.

Starting in June, the two-month event sees a wide range of musical performances, children's parties and shows take place. However, the highlight for many is the Grand Kadooment closing parade, held at the start of August and a designated national holiday.

This spectacle sees dozens of costumed bands perform in the streets, with the carnival closing with a fabulous firework display.

Quebec Winter Carnival - The Quebec Winter Carnival in Quebec City is likely to be a much chillier affair than Barbados' Crop Over, but you can still have plenty of fun when taking in this Canadian event.

Attended by around 750,000 people each year, the spectacle is held over a 17-day period in late January and early February so it's a good idea to wrap up warm!

Although the first official Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955, winter-themed celebrations have been happening in the city since 1894, with the locals gathering just before the start of Lent to eat, drink and have fun.

While these still form large parts of the modern-day carnival, it has since grown to encompass a range of other elements, including snow sculpture contests and dog-sled races.

More than 300 shows and activities take place and you can buy a Bonhomme Effigy pass to gain entrance to these for just CAD $12 (about £7.50). These include two Night Parades, held during the second and the third carnival weekends, where colourful floats make their way through the city and each year a beautiful ice palace is sculpted.

Events take place all over Quebec City, so getting to the action shouldn't be too hard. If you want to take in the Night Parades, however, you'll need to take either the 800 or 801 Metrobus to Charlesbourg.

Rio Carnival - Fantastic carnival action can also be found in Rio de Janeiro and like the Quebec Winter event this is held just before Lent, although it tends to start slightly later in the year, either in mid to late February or early March.

This four-day celebration kicks off 40 days before the beginning of Easter, commencing on Saturday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday.

With two million people taking to the Brazilian city's streets every day of the event, this is the world's biggest carnival so you'll definitely be in good company if you choose to be part of it.

Hundreds of groups of performers, called bandas and blocos, dress up in extravagant themed costumes and dance to the sound of samba music. But while the festival is mainly about fun, there is a competitive element to it with each team out to win the prestigious accolade of having the best float.

New Orleans Mardi Gras - Taking place around the same period of time as the Rio Carnival are the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

Although Mardi Gras events have been held throughout the state of Louisiana since the 1830s, it is the New Orleans spectacle that is the biggest and most celebrated version.

Designed as a final celebration before the start of Lent, here parades are held on a daily basis for about two weeks up until the event's close on Shrove Tuesday. Many of these start in the Uptown and Mid-City districts of the city before heading along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street, with float riders often tossing colourful beads into the crowds

You'll also find lots of parties and celebrations taking place in Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, with marching jazz bands putting on great performances.

Another traditional element of the celebrations are king cakes, which are made from cinnamon-filled dough that is shaped into a hollow circle and finished with a glazed topping and coloured sugar, so make sure that you try one of these tasty treats while watching the fun.

With so many wonderful carnivals happening all over the world, you're sure to find a fabulous street party wherever you are.

Once again thanks to David and to the team of travelsupermarket.com for sharing!