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Qatar for ladies

March 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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...]

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Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Have an EHIC?

March 15, 2013 by 1 Comment

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.

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3 Best Streets for Shopping in Barcelona

February 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

1. Passeig de Gracia

Barcelona’s most up-market avenue is a beautiful setting for high end and designer shopping whilst taking in some of the city’s cultural sites at the same time. Easily recognisable by its hexagonal-shaped paving stones and Modernist buildings designed by Gaudi, el Paseo de Gracia is a fashionista’s dream street. From Manolo and Jimmy Choo to Stella McCartney and Gucci, this boulevard will leave you dressed head to toe in luxury (if you have the sufficient funds!). But fear not because for those with a smaller purse it is also home to high street stores such Zara, Mango and Nike. As you make your way up the street from Plaça Catalunya towards Diagonal make sure you stop off at Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and the Pedrera to take in some culture during your spree!

Barcelona2 3 Best Streets for Shopping in BarcelonaAttribute to Flickr user ‘mabadca’

This would also be perfect position in which to find holiday accommodation during a trip to Barcelona as it’s close to all of the main attractions. Check out Oh-Barcelona for a great selection of apartments close to Passeig de Gracia.

2. Portal de L’Angel

If you’re searching for the latest fashion trends for more affordable prices take a stroll down this pedestrian street in the city centre. With younger brands such as Pull and Bear, H&M, Oysho and Bershka you can find everything you need in one place on this road as you walk down towards the Gothic Cathedral.

Barcelona3 3 Best Streets for Shopping in BarcelonaAttribute to Flickr user ‘Mary’

3. Raval

For something a bit more quirky that no one will have at home check out the Raval neighbourhood for some original vintage stores. Wander along Carrer de la Riera Baixa With more of an international influence in this area you’re likely to find some great bargains in amongst the boutiques stores especially for accessories. Mandatory shops for vintage fashion fans are Lailo on Riera Baixa, and Holalá!

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How to Afford Holidays to Magaluf 2013

February 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Holidays to Magaluf 2013 – it’s already on the cards, but making it happen is another story. It doesn’t have to break the bank, the key is sorting your shizzle out, planning ahead and banging your mate’s heads together so they’re on board.

Magaluf clubbing holidays are all about the completely unapologetic party madness. Booking a break in the Balearics and heading for Magaluf means that you are definitely ready for some clubbing carnage, and by Jove have you hit the right spot.

Magaluf How to Afford Holidays to Magaluf 2013 [Read more...]

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Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

January 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Miami Beach

A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.

miami beach Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

miami beach Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

Marco Island

Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Marco Island Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you’re on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.

Cocoa Beach Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

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Top Things to Do in Cork

January 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Cork is a lively little city that buzzes with energy. From its cheery nightlife and full-on festivals to its madcap traditions and bustling streets, you can’t help but be captivated by this charming place. It’s a relatively small city which makes getting around pretty easy – whether on foot, by car or by public transport. You’ll find a Travelodge hotel near Cork Airport to help make getting in and out a straightforward experience, and on top of that there’s a pretty efficient bus network offering access to key sights all over the city.

One of the most striking things about Cork is that it’s full of surprises. For instance, in a city that’s Irish to the core and eternally proud of its heritage, you might not expect to stumble upon an English Market. But here it is – and as its name suggests, you’ll find a range of tasty goods that you’d find in any English street stall. However much of the delicacies on offer are locally produced, so it’s not exclusively English – it’s more like an Irish market with an English flavour.

cork Top Things to Do in Cork

On the theme of shopping, the city’s network of narrow twisting alleyways are an absolute delight. Explore the rabbit warren of lanes that weave their way around Grand Parade and Patrick Street, and take your time enjoying the lovely independent stores that sell everything from handmade treats and chocolates to vintage clothing, antiques and crafts.

Blarney Castle Top Things to Do in Cork

Shopping aside, Cork is famous for the stunning Blarney Castle – a fortified stronghold that dates back to the 12th century. Most of the original castle was destroyed in the 15th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Lord of Muscry in 1446, and it’s this construction that survives today. Although a partial ruin, parts of the castle and grounds are open to the public, including the famous Blarney Stone. This bizarre custom supposedly bequeaths the gift of eloquence upon those who hang upside-down and kiss the stone. Madcap it certainly is – but that hasn’t stopped millions of people from visiting the castle to do just that.

cork Top Things to Do in Cork

Whatever tickles your fancy, Cork is a charming city that’s packed to the rafters with things to see, do and experience. It’s the sort of place that once visited is never forgotten, so don’t expect your first trip to be your last…

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Holidays on a Budget

January 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

In these times of recession it, there’s always the uncomfortable question of whether a holiday is affordable this year as there are other pressing bills to pay. Well, everyone needs a break to recharge the batteries so check out the following and start packing your bags.

India

Ever tried something new and certainly exotic? If your holidays have mainly been a fortnight on the Costa del Sol, you might want to expand your horizon and travel somewhere new. India is a vast country and has the ability to fulfil all of your holiday needs. For a resort holiday head to Goa. It has amazing beaches, temples to visit and the shopping is great – think silver hand crafted jewellery and leather goods at remarkably cheap prices. The accommodation available range from five star beach international beach hotels to Maharaja Tents, complete with four poster beds and en-suite bathrooms.

5020126142 4f48a1659b Holidays on a Budget
The beach at Goa is a vast sweeping expanse and the Indian Ocean gently laps the shores. It is a great spot to people watch as Indian families like to walk on the beach, the odd hippie left behind from the seventies will trot along the beach and, of course, the backpackers of the world will also hang out on this very beach

5019730057 6aeeb8a5b9 Holidays on a Budget


The fresh food available in this part of the world is superb and eating where the locals eat will lead you to the best places in town. Vegetarians are certainly in for a treat as the local food is centred on veggie dishes or fish. Do not rule out India as a destination on a budget – it is a great place to travel and will offer you great value for money.
The Canary Islands have always attracted tourists for the year round weather and the fact that the islands are certainly geared up for traditional tourism. Trying these islands can come as a shock to some – they are fantastic places to see unique natural flora and fauna. The swimming is great and the Canarias cuisine is a treat. Lanzarote has an active volcano and it is as simple as arranging rental car to get to the peak. The black, volcanic landscapes are a world away from the busy beaches in the tourist areas of the island. Combining hikes in the national parks with trips to the local markets and you can have the best of both worlds.

5264677030 c140efbf32 Holidays on a Budget
The reason why the Euro stretches far in this part of the world is the tourist industry. Lots of tourists have managed to keep prices down and there are numerous opportunities to bag a bargain. Accommodation is certainly plentiful here and a trawl of the internet will provide you with many options for affordable places to stay. Lanzarote is a place that can entertain the kids (water parks, beaches and volcanoes), parents (great walks, restaurant and beaches), as well as grandparents (entertainment, walks and great trips). If you have never been, then try something new. Lanzarote can fulfil your holiday desires but at a reasonable cost.
This is a Guest Post by Elizabeth James, a travel blogger living in Lanzarote.

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Top Five Secrets for Women to ensure you have a Fabulous Holiday

November 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Once you have painstakingly decided on the ideal location and saved your pennies for this perfect holiday, it is time to start thinking about how to make your getaway the best it can be. Sometimes we wait all year to get away from the boredom and stress of everyday life, so a few handy tips can go a long way to helping you get the most from your holiday and to make sure it is fabulous all the way.

girl beach 600x398 Top Five Secrets for Women to ensure you have a Fabulous Holiday

Here are the top five secrets to a fantastic holiday:

Pre-Holiday Preening

If you do not work as a model for a living, then 24/7 preening may not be high up on your priority list. Your legs may be a bit fuzzy, your bikini line a little ‘70s porno’ and your feet may not have seen a pedicure for a LONG TIME. So when holiday season comes around, it is imperative that you are preened to perfection so that you feel and look amazing. Make sure you can stand in your bikini with pride with beautifully buffed skin and a firm control over your body hair.

Well-Fitting Clothing

Nothing says holiday victim like ill-fitting shorts and scabby flip-flops. When choosing your attire you should take the time to find a capsule wardrobe that covers every situation. The worst mistake you can make is to panic buy holiday clothes, or to be swayed by bargains. You may save a few pounds but you will lose all fashion credibility. Clothing that compliments your figure and makes you feel comfortable and gorgeous is essential to that fabulous holiday feeling.

A Decent Holiday Plan

Unless you have a knack for winging it and getting good results, it is always worth thinking about the things you want to do and see while away. A detailed plan of every minute of your holiday would be OTT but if you can have an idea of the main things you want to do, then that focus can mean you never have a boring moment or confusion of how to spend your time. If the plan is simply to read a book and work on your tan then you’re sorted, but if you are somewhere that is bursting with exciting things to tell your friends and family about, then get a plan together so that you can bore them on your return.

Photo Souvenirs

Even though stopping and taking a photo can seem like a chore at the time, you will thank yourself later when you can reminisce over your awesome holiday weeks later, when recounting your adventure to others. You will always remember the general moments of a holiday but as the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words. Having a decent camera is half the battle so make sure you invest in something that can capture the moment effortlessly such as my lovely little Samsung Galaxy camera phone.

The Perfect Bikini

No pressure, but the perfect holiday could be ruined if you choose the wrong bikini. Your holiday style is all about confidence, so if you can’t feel good strutting about in your two-piece then it is the wrong swimwear. Taking into account your body shape and best bits, it is worth investing time and money into a bikini that makes you feel extra special. Whether that is a halter neck number or a string bikini, it is time to try on all ranges to see which one fits your style and figure. If you are blessed in the chest department then the task can be even harder, as you need to find something that takes into account your ample size. The Freya bikini range offers a wide selection of gorgeous swimwear to hug you in all the right places, increasing your holiday confidence tenfold!

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Vivid Sydney Festival 2012

June 5, 2012 by 1 Comment

Utter visual power is in store for you at the fourth annual celebration of lights, music and ideas. Vivid Sydney Festival 2012 is back, with over 100 creative industry events and over 60 light installations that stretch the eloquent canvass of one of the worldʼs most radiant cities.

vivid sydney festival 7 Vivid Sydney Festival 2012 [Read more...]

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Good Reasons to Travel to Italy

May 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

For vacationers coming from all around the globe, Italy is surely an interesting location simply because of its great architecture, emerging fashion trends, water canals with condoles and well-known cuisine for example pizza and spaghetti.

Italy is famous because of its positive climate all through the year. Fortunate with a geography which has a specific mixture of hills along with beaches, it’s a vacationers’ heaven. The gorgeous landscaping of lakes, ski resorts, mountains, seas and vineyards intrigues nature lovers. Italy is really a territory of amazing extremes. Vacationing in Italy is definitely a fantastic experience. [Read more...]

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