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Kempinski Bilila Lodge

Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge, previously known as Bilila Lodge is located in Serengeti Central area of northern Tanzania. This 74 bedroom hotel is very far from a an authentic safari camp. Bilila is large and modern and when you are inside this hotel you could almost be anywhere in the world.

The rooms were spacious and overlooked a watering hole where the Elephants and other wild life gather. The public spaces are beautifully appointed and the staff friendly and helpful. It certainly was a wonderful place to return after a days safari.
Kempinski Bilila Lodge  Kempinski Bilila Lodge [Read more...]

What is There to do in the Centre of Florida

Visitors to the centre of Florida will be amazed at the variety of things to do and places to visit in the area that has been a favourite with tourists for many years. As well as 100 miles of coastline, central Florida is home to many lakes and ponds, which add to the outdoor attractions for visitors.

Fishing

Visitors and residents alike enjoy fishing in central Florida which is home to some excellent freshwater and salt fishing. Many of the 554 freshwater lakes in Polk County are linked together by canals and here many different fish can be caught. Bluegills, speckled perch and catfish can all be caught by anglers here and the area has been called the “Bass Capital of the World” because so many large-mouth bass have been caught here. Sea fishing off the west coast is also popular and charters leave from the Tampa-St Petersburg area.

Florida fishing What is There to do in the Centre of Florida [Read more...]

Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

Fancy a bit of summer sun this year without paying a small fortune? You might be surprised to learn that it’s not so far out of reach. Thanks to the vast array of affordable holidays available through package tour operators and low-cost airlines, the chances are you will find a cheap holiday this year that fulfils that classic combo of sun, sea and sand, without putting a large hole in your bank balance.

sun and sand  Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

So how do you find it? When it comes to finding a cheap holiday, summer is one of the most competitive times of year. Of course, travelling in summer means that the kids are on holiday which can immediately bump the prices up, but providing you’ve got a sharp eye for deals, you can often get around this with a few simple tricks.

sun and sand 1 Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

For starters, when you’re searching for a cheap holiday, look out for tour operators’ deals and discounts. Spending just a few minutes comparing the main websites could serve up some great summer savings. Try looking for advance bookings too, and providing you won’t have school-age kids in tow, try searching outside of the school holidays – for instance in May and September or October. This is outside of the peak season and can often represent some fantastic savings.

sun and sand 2 Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

Of course where package holidays are concerned you can also look for late bookings. This is still a great way to snap up a bargain and works by searching for package breaks departing within the next few weeks. Availability and choice is strictly limited and the discounts won’t apply to every holiday, but for those that have been reduced, you can often snap up a great last-second deal – particularly if you can be flexible with your holiday criteria.

sun and sand 3 Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

There is plenty of summer sun and lashings of sizzling special offers out there – it’s just a matter of finding your favourite.

Search online for a fantastic range of escapes departing this summer, and find great deals on holidays both this year and next through Thomas Cook Holidays, the world’s best-known name in travel.

sun and sand 4 Summer Sun and Sizzling Special Offers

Bondhus Lake Norway

The glacier Bondhusbreen in is an offshoot of the Folgefonna glacier, with a length of approximately 4 kilometres, and a height distinction of 1,100 metres. It is based on Kvinnherad municipality of Hordaland county in Norway. Right down from the glacier is Bondhus Lake.
Bondhus Lake Norway Bondhus Lake Norway

Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

 If you are looking to visit one of Bonaire’s hotels and Bonaire diving resorts, then there are some places you should bring your loved ones. Buddy Dive Resort is made up of 77 units with various options from hotel rooms to newly remodeled studios and apartments with one, two and three rooms. Visitors can enjoy the fully equipped kitchens, air-conditioned cooled bedrooms with the option of queen or twin beds, personal patios and balconies are furnished in modern Caribbean decoration. Amenities include cable television, in-room phones for room service, room safes to put your belongings in and daily housekeeping to keep your beds fresh and rooms clean.

bonaire diving resorts  Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

    The Activity Center has various activities including mountain biking, kayaking, nature tours, and snorkeling. “Buddy’s Rangers” Kids Club will keep the kids off the internet with a weekly schedule of activities for children 5-14 years old. Childcare is available. Guests can relax at the swimming pools, calming gardens with hammocks, or the sandy terraces with lounges.

bonaire diving resorts 1 Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

Wifi Internet connection areas are available in certain locations around Buddy Dive.The large open air reception center is open everyday to aid with any guest need and after-hour security is always on-duty. Buddy Dive’s 5-Star, Gold Palm, full service dive operation, caters to experienced and inexperienced divers with a  full rental department, a full range of instruction, gear sales and service. The team of dedicated dive professionals are always willing to help.

bonaire diving resorts 11 Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

Buddy Dive works every day from morning to the afternoon. Boat trips on comfortable customized dive boats and also schedules guided day and night dives to specific diving sites. The digital photo center has cameras for underwater photographers.

bonaire diving resorts 12 Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

    Dining at Buddy Dive begins daily with their buffet breakfasts in front of the relaxing ocean. The Pool Bar has seaside dining and drinks for either lunch and dinner with theme nights under their expansive thatched roof terrace. It won’t be long before a brand new oceanfront restaurant for casual dining opens in 2013.

bonaire diving resorts 13 Enjoy Bonaire Diving Resorts Today!

Friday evenings are perfect here because there is a large all-you-can-eat barbecue along with Moogie entertainers for guests at the weekly Rum Punch party. It is a tradition that Buddy Dive provides for its visitors. Information can be found on bonairepros.com.

Qatar for ladies

Not quite as out and out flashy as Dubai or Abu Dhabi and not as strict as some of its other Middle Eastern neighbours, Qatar is a bit of a unique spot. Unlike some other Islamic states, in Qatar women can drive, vote and go to school. The capital city Doha is busy but not quite the party capital Dubai has become.

That said, if you are travelling to Qatar on business or pleasure you won’t be short of things to do in this gas-rich state.  Along with the ex-pat brunch buffets and fine dining restaurants – Doha has a lot to offer culturally. The exhibits at the Museum of Islamic Art and The National Museum offer a feast for the eyes and the brain. Comedy, art and night clubs are all plentiful in the capital Doha, though if you’re travelling alone you should take the necessary precautions when you traverse between them. [Read more...]

5 Sun-Kissed Destinations

When the British weather is doing its worst, it’s well worth planning an escape to sunnier climes to keep your spirits up. To help you out with your holiday ideas, here are some top tips on great sun-kissed destinations.

1. Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh and the whole Red Sea Riviera is a true paradise for divers. The Straits of Tiran offer stunning coral reefs, and if you’ve never dived before, there are plenty of qualified instructors available to help you get started. Many of the beaches on the Sinai Peninsula are home to unusual wildlife and have a protected status, so you’ll be able to enjoy a truly unique beach experience.

Egypt 5 Sun Kissed Destinations

2. Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands provide so much more than sun soaked beaches. If you’ve ever seen the George Clooney film The Descendants, you’ll be aware that Hawaii features some truly breath-taking and unspoilt countryside that will thrill hikers and explorers. Animal lovers will be able to go whale-watching, and sports fans can take their pick of the island’s many golf resorts.

Hawaii 5 Sun Kissed Destinations

3. Tenerife

The strange but beautiful volcanic landscape of Tenerife provides the ultimate distraction from rainy Britain. Choose to relax on its perfect beaches or visit the Parque Nacional del Teide, a national park that’s home to many strange lava formations. If you feel like a bit of culture, visit the ancient city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna in the north, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Tenerife 5 Sun Kissed Destinations

4. Phuket, Thailand

Just over an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Phuket is ideal for winter sun seekers. It is a place of pristine beaches, invigorating water sports and luxury hotels with private pools for you to enjoy in quiet seclusion. Hotels here are also usually family friendly, allowing children to enjoy their own activities while you relax in peace, so you can be sure that the whole family will have a great time.

Phuket 5 Sun Kissed Destinations

5. Barbados

Barbados is one of the best destinations to recuperate. Take to the beach, cocktail in hand, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. Alternatively, explore the unique Barbados Wildlife Reserve and experience animals in their natural environment, including the popular local green monkeys, which come and go as they please.

Barbados 5 Sun Kissed Destinations
For hassle-free payment while on holiday, why not apply for a credit card from American Express? You’ll find a host of great options, from travel rewards cards to generous cashback credit cards, all accepted at a wealth of top establishments around the globe.

Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Have an EHIC?

A question pondered by many holidaymakers when planning the necessities for their stint abroad is whether there’s a need for travel insurance if you have already taken the time to organise a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and the answer is simple – yes, there is. It’s a common belief that because the EHIC covers your health issues when abroad then there’d be no point forking out extra for holiday insurance, no matter how affordable it is.

trave02 Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Have an EHIC?

With cheap travel insurance available online from reputable providers, it’s not a difficult process and insurance could be yours with a couple of clicks of the mouse, but why bother? It’s recommended that if travelling within Europe, both travel insurance and an EHIC should be invested in. You hear so many stories, on the news and through word-of-mouth, of people running into trouble during their holiday abroad – whether it’s a health matter requiring emergency medical attention or trying to retrieve their luggage that has been lost along the way. As farfetched as it may sound that any of these eventualities could happen to you, it’s important to bear in mind that it could happen to anyone – even you.

Whether it’s single trip insurance or business travel insurance to cover you when on a business trip, the importance of it is paramount. While the EHIC covers you within the EU, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland, travel insurance protects you wherever you are in the world. While an EHIC covers state-provided emergency treatment, it won’t cover all of your medical expenses, which is where a travel insurance policy comes in rather handy. If you require private medical care for whatever reason, without an insurance policy, you would have to pay, considerably.

Travel Insurance also covers your belongings should they get lost, repatriation should the worst happen and also protect you in the event of trip cancellation, delays and missed connections, amongst much much more – something the EHIC won’t cover at all.

Compare the cheap travel insurance options online today and make sure your back is 100% covered.

In the Clouds

Salar de Uyuni is one of the top attractions to see during any visit in Bolivia. Salar de Uyuni is famous for one thing – salt! These beautiful soda lakes are located 350 km southwest of Uyuni, across a surreal desert landscape.

Salar de Uyuni spreads out over 4 square miles of surface area and yet is so flat that the largest range in height throughout its vast property is just over 3 feet. However, the whole thing is actually almost 12,000 feet above sea level! It is unknown exactly how much salt lies within this spectacular natural wonder, but at least 25,000 tons of it is extracted and mined every year.

in the clouds  In the Clouds

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats is one of the most incredible and breathtaking sights on earth. This entirely flat, sparkling, blinding white landscape seems to stretch for miles with no end as if it was the ends of the world itself.

in the clouds 1 In the Clouds

When covered with a thin layer of water around the month of December, it becomes a perfect glorious sparkling mirror of all that is around it. Some pink flamingoes visit every November which makes it a great month for a visit.

in the clouds 2 In the Clouds

Hot in the sun, and bitterly cold at night, Uyuni is the jumping off point for Bolivia’s most spectacular scenery. For travelers seeking nature’s most beautiful sights, there’s no place better than Salar de Uyuni. The sunrises and especially sunsets will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before as the colors not only dominate the sky, but also melt across the shimmering salt plains like the most vibrant real life watercolor painting in the world.

in the clouds 3 In the Clouds

This is a fantastic place for photography. Salar de Uyuni is a trip of a lifetime that will dance in your memories forever.

in the clouds 4 In the Clouds

Due to a dense, 6-foot salt crust, it appears like a desert. Scorched by day, frozen by night, the flats harbor one of the most extreme daily temperature dichotomies on the planet. The weather can be very cold, but it is well worth it for the amazing scenery.

in the clouds 5 In the Clouds

In June and July the bright blue skies contrast with the bright white salt crust. After an especially wet season, the lake is covered in water which adds to the special experience. The winter months can be extremely cold, but trips to the Salar are still possible and stunning.

in the clouds 6 In the Clouds in the clouds 7 In the Clouds in the clouds 8 In the Clouds in the clouds 9 In the Clouds

Lanzarote – a great place to visit

Whatever your holiday group make-up, Lanzarote is a fantastic destination for a holiday. One of the largest Canary Islands, located just off the north-west coast of Africa, Lanzarote has a great climate year round, which is why it’s always been such a popular winter sun destination. It’s a great place to go to, for example, for the February half term.

Lanzarote 1 Lanzarote – a great place to visit

If you love spending time on the beach and in the water, there is a huge choice of beautiful beaches here and you can do practically every water sport you could think of. And for kids there are numerous different attractions like water parks, theme parks and zoos.

Holidays to Playa Blanca, one of the most popular resorts with a beautiful white sandy beach, can be as fun-packed or as relaxed as you like.  You’ll find busy seaside towns behind some of the beaches, with all the shops and restaurants you could want, but there are also natural preserves to visit like the beach of Papagayo, which is protected from development.

Lanzarote 2 Lanzarote – a great place to visit

Away from the beach, you can do lots of walking around the island of Lanzarote and one of the most popular places to visit is the Fire Mountains national park, so named for the five volcanoes which created the lunar like landscape here. Also known as Timanfaya National Park, this is a great place to go for a day trip.

Although it has a great climate, Lanzarote is a place that you can get a great family holiday for a really good price, whether you book an all-inclusive package deal or if you book just the flights with a budget airline and then arrange your accommodation separately.

Lanzarote 3 Lanzarote – a great place to visit

It’s a great place to visit for a blast of sunshine in the depths of winter, but is also a great place to go at Easter or October. You may find it a bit too hot during the summer, especially if you have young children, but you can always take a siesta to avoid the midday sun and make your holiday even more relaxing!