Posts by : Izy Berry

Often overlooked in favour of the long stretches of palm fringed beaches on the east coast, Nungwi village at the very north of the island provides visitors with a feel of the “real Zanzibar”.

It is not an either/or situation. A stay on the east coast can be combined with a stay in Nungwi.

Some of the things which makes a stay at Nungwi well worth while include:

* Witness and interact with local people going about their daily activities.

* See dhows and fishing boats being built and repaired in the same way they have for hundreds of years.

* The spectacle of the fishing fleet heading out, or returning , with the white sails framed by the deep blue ocean is something to behold.

* Take a cultural tour with a local guide to learn what life is like for people of the village.

* Visit the turtle sanctuary. The small entry fee will help preserve the good work being done by this local charity.

* A wide range of marine activities are available.

* Hire bicycles to explore other areas at the north of the island.

* Take an evening cruise as the sun sets like a huge red ball over the mainland of Tanzania. It is a very special sight.

* Have the opportunity to eat at a wide range of restaurants, unlike the east coast where there are

few alternatives but to eat at your hotel. We tend to gravitate back to the Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Restaurant. Good food, great views.

* Well priced accommodation. We favour Flame Tree Cottages with spacious rooms set in lovely gardens on the ocean front. Close enough to walk to the restaurants and bars, but sufficient distance to provide peace and quiet.

Top Tip. Do not arrange any excursions with the “beach boys” touting for business. Always arrange excursions direct with providers, for example, dive centres, boat owners, or through your hotel.

We would like to thank Zanzibar Travel for this insight.

Las Vegas is often compared to Disneyland…for adults, and there’s so much to do that you may find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the options. Whether you like to gamble, go clubbing, enjoy opulence and luxury, spend time visiting the attractions, or spend your days at the buffet, there’s truly something for everyone here.

Here are some of the best things to do in Las Vegas:

Catch a show

Most people who visit Las Vegas will take the time to see some kind of show. From some of the most well-known singers and comedians to flying acrobatics, you’re sure to find something that catches your attention. Check out concerts, peep shows, Cirque du Soleil, Britney Spears, or one of the many shows that somehow manages to mix all of these things together (apart from Britney Spears).

Go Shopping

Vegas is full of hotels and resorts, along with plenty of outlet malls. That means you can enjoy both budget and high-end shopping, and you’ll be sure to find that perfect outfit for your night of drinking and dancing. Las Vegas is a place where you can shop up a storm, so it might be a good idea to think about limits before you head out to the shops.

Enjoy the Buffets

Vegas is known for its buffets, and you’ll see why once you arrive. Depending on where you stay you’ll often get a discount if you’re actually staying at the hotel (and you’ll get to skip the line when it gets busy), although it’s well worth trying a new restaurant every day.

Spend some time online to check where the best buffets are, as different buffets open and older ones improve every year. Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio are both excellent options, although be sure to wear your stretchy pants as the amazing food on offer is hard to resist!

Get Winning

Most people who visit Las Vegas plan to do at least a little bit of gambling, so set a limit and leave your most important credit cards in the safe in your hotel room. Whether you love the slot machines or consider yourself to be a shark at poker, gambling is a good workout for your brain, a nice way to meet new people, and a chance to win big.

If you are going to be gambling, consider doing it earlier on in the night before you begin drinking, so your decision skills are sharp and you have more of a chance of leaving Vegas a wealthier person than when you arrived.

See the Sights

While the strip is undoubtedly a fun place to stay, if you have a little time you may want to get out of town and check out the Grand Canyon. You can take a bus, but if you’re truly wanting to experience the best Vegas has to offer, consider splurging on a helicopter tour, which will take you to the bottom of the canyon where you’ll have a champagne breakfast.

It is essential to treat yourself on something rewarding from time to time. When you work very hard and barely have no chance to unwind, you sometimes forget about yourself. Thus, you have to make time for yourself and have the time to relax even just for a while. Life should not be all about work, you also need to loosen up at times.

One great way to spend your time off is to travel. You can travel anywhere you want alone or with your loved ones. Going to places is said to be a perfect way to recharge yourself and explore some things for the first time. Definitely, you deserve a fun and memorable trip somewhere.

In fact, one of the best travel destinations to date is Melbourne. This diverse coastal capital of Victoria is home to numerous awe-inspiring galleries and museums, world-class restaurants, stunning landscapes, as well as vast shopping centers.

The entire state of Victoria (VIC) is believed to be one of the most livable places in the world. In case you are planning to migrate to someplace, there are available McGrath houses for sale in VIC, which you can choose from that meet your needs and desires. This place is loved by foreigners that is why most of them stay here for good.

If you are visiting Melbourne, here are some of the remarkable tourist spots you must visit when in this striking city:

National Gallery of Victoria

Known as NGV, the National Gallery of Victoria is the biggest and oldest public art museum in Australia, which was founded in 1861. It is home to world-renowned finest art collections, events, exhibitions, and programs, from both local and international artists. The collection consists of around 70,000 impressive art works that you will surely appreciate even if you are not an art lover.

Eureka Skydeck

To have an idea about the layout of Melbourne, you can visit its interesting Eureka Skydeck. It is the highest vantage point that offers majestic views of the entire city. This is a great start to your trip because you will be able to see the potential places you might want to visit. More so, it is highly recommended to go here at sunset to witness the beautiful transition of day to night. The experience will surely amaze you and make you realize that Melbourne is a wonderful place to travel to.

Queen Victoria Market

Your Melbourne trip won’t be complete without visiting Queen Victoria Market. It is an outdoor hub with pretty much everything you need, from delectable meals to wide range of souvenir items. This is the perfect place to purchase souvenirs, which you can give to your family or friends when you get back home. Since it is a popular destination, be prepared to see a huge crowd here as you shop or dine.

Overall, Melbourne is an ideal destination for you to have the best time of your life. Add these places mentioned above in your itinerary when planning your trip. Certainly, this city won’t disappoint anyone and you can create happy and thrilling memories here with your loved ones.

Whether you consider yourself to be a great communicator, or you realise you probably need some work, one of the best ways to let that special someone know you care is with a beautiful bunch of flowers.

Flowers can say the things you can’t. Maybe you want to let someone know you miss them, you love them, or you just plain can’t live without them. Maybe someone you know is going through a tough time and you’re not good at having the right words, so instead of freezing up you send them a nice bunch of blooms. And maybe you simply want to say “Happy Birthday”, or put a smile on someone’s face.

 Flowers are now being bred for longevity, and the person you’re buying flowers for will be able to get days of enjoyment out of them, provided that they feed them the food that the florist gives them, keep them out of direct sunlight, change the water daily, and cut the stems at an angle.

If you’re not sure what type of arrangement you should get for your flower recipient, see if you can find out their favourite flower, or even their favourite colour. Paying attention to the colours that someone regularly wears is a good way to get an idea for their taste, and they’ll be even happier to see that you’ve noticed their preferences.

Still not sure? Figuring out the best arrangement depending on your relationship with the person, the occasion, and their preferences can be tough. Luckily, florists are experts at this type of thing, and can quickly point you in the right direction so you don’t feel like you’re floundering amongst a sea of daffodils and peonies.

 One of the best things about buying flowers for someone, is you can cover up the fact that you may have been too busy (or just forgot) to buy them a gift. Check out delivery Perth, and you’ll find that even last-minute deliveries can be accommodated, which means if you wake up on the day of your mum’s birthday, you can ensure that she has a lovely bunch of flowers in her arms by the end of the day.

Since I’m always traveling, flowers are a great way to let my family members know that I’m thinking of them, and I can quickly organise them online from anywhere in the world, or ring a florist for advice, meaning I never miss special occasions- even when I’m in a completely different time zone.

You can also ask for a message to be written along with your flowers, which is another great way to communicate with your loved one.

If you’ve been wondering how you’ll tell that special person that you’re thinking of them, consider saying it with flowers, and you’ll make the day of your friend, family member, colleague or loved one, and bring back happy memories ever time their eyes catch the beautiful bouquet in their kitchen, bedroom, living room, or office.

If you haven’t visited Ireland’s oldest city yet, then you really are missing out. From Waterford City to Waterford County there are so many things to do and places to visit. Revive your tired mind in the rural charms of the Waterford countryside and coastline and then rejoice in the urban strengths of the city of Waterford with its fascinating historical sites and lively shops, pubs and restaurants. All that’s needed is to base yourself somewhere clean and comfortable like the Travelodge Waterford Hotel and peruse this list of the Top 5 Waterford Attractions and you’re good to go!

1: Waterford Crystal

Waterford’s sparkling attraction and the product most associated with the city has had a stellar reputation since it was founded in 1783. But the quite incredible crafts and arts of the glassmakers are still on display in the 21^st century. The tour of the factory is excellent as the visitor watches closely as the beautiful crystal pieces are sculpted with amazing skill right through from a molten gobbet to streamlined and engraved final product. Waterford Crystal also has an impressive exhibition of some the finest pieces made by the factory over its two hundred years of excellence.

2: Waterford’s Viking Triangle

A trio of museums are the heart of historical Waterford. The Viking Triangle in the city centre comprises Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace Museum and all three are worth visiting in their own right. Climb Reginald’s Tower, the only monument in Ireland named in honour of a Viking (Ragnall), and get a great view of the city but also gain a sense of the Viking settlement that first put Waterford on the map. Enjoy the beginning of Waterford’s 1,000 years of history in the museum there before moving onto the fascinating Medieval Museum and the treasure trove of Georgian artefacts that make up the Bishop’s Palace.

3: Mount Congreve

Mount Congreve Estate has one of the great gardens of the world in its location just outside Waterford city. Built back in 1760, Mount Congreve’s house and gardens are beautifully maintained across some 70 acres of the estate with a restored wall garden, 3,000 different trees and shrubs, thousands of flowers and 1,500 herbaceous plants. The gardens are easily accessible from Waterford city but feel a world away to the visitor in their calming cultivated surroundings.

4: Christ Church Cathedral

Just inside the Viking Triangle in Waterford, Christ Church Cathedral is only the latest example of a place of worship on this site. There have been buildings celebrating deities here for over a thousand years but this 18th-century version is quite beautiful and the only neo-classical Georgian cathedral in Ireland. Take the time to admire the elaborate stained glass windows and explore the spooky cathedral tombs. Christ Church also hosts concerts, recitals and ongoing exhibitions throughout the year and is noted for the high quality of its acoustics.

5: Spraoi Festival in Waterford

Less of a place to visit than a time, the Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival runs this year from July 29^th to 31^st and it’s the perfect excuse to visit the city. Spraoi, the Irish for fun, is the biggest festival of the year in Waterford and it’s free to all. As most of the entertainment in the festival takes place on the streets with performers literally around every corner, visitors can’t fail but be pulled into the festivities. Spraoi has a proper community feel to it as well with locals really getting into the spirit of things and spending time and effort dressing up and creating exotic floats for fantastic events like the Spraoi Parade which winds its way through the city’s narrow streets at night attracting over 40,000 fans. Visitors can also enjoy top class live music and street performers from around the world as well as a wonderful fireworks display by the city’s river Suir.

Phuket is justly considered to be one of the most popular resorts in Thailand. Exotic cuisine, warm Andaman Sea and well-developed tourist infrastructure — all that attracts millions of travelers every year. There is a well-equipped international airport in Phuket; it’s located in 30 kilometers from the centre called Phuket Town. If you are arriving to Phuket and thinking about how to get to one of the beaches — Patong, Karon or Kata, just use our tourist guide to learn about the transport working on the route.

All transport in Phuket airport

Sadly, transport infrastructure in Thailand is not that well-developed as it could be. And a long distance to the beach (to Katon it’s 45 km; to Kata 48km; to Patong 35 km) makes it truly a burning issue. They have big buses, minibuses and taxi (transfer) running from the airport to the beach. The route is complex: first you have to reach Phuket Town and then change routes to head for the beach. You will spend 2h 40m in the road (including waiting time) and 140 bahts. By minibus the trip will take two hours and 180 bahts on average. You can also take official taxi service in the airport — it works in accordance with the taximeter counter and cost you around 900-1400 bahts (depending on how far the hotel is). You can also book a transfer online and pay in any currency — local or any other option that suits you most (dollars or euros) — transfer will bring you to the beach in 50 minutes and for $33.

How to choose transport from Phuket airport

City shuttles, comparing with the big buses, require no changes, yet they can also easily take you to tourist offices to buy some excursions (and that is pretty exhausting after a long flight). Please note that the minibuses have no luggage compartments and they usually head off the airport only when they are full.

This type of transport will only be fine with experienced travelers, since they will have to to change buses in Phuket Town and find the Phuket bus station on their own.

Families with children, inexperienced travelers and tourists with lots of bags better take a taxi on the sport or book a transfer online.

Bus Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• City buses Airport — Town
• 2 hours in the road
• 1 hour waiting at the airport
• Price over 140 bahts (90 to the bus station in Phuket Town, 50 to the beach)
• Comfort level: low

City shuttle Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• Minibuses have no firm schedule (to Kata, Karon or Patong)
• 1 hour in the road (+visiting excursion for 30 minutes)
• 1 hour waiting at the airport
• Price 180-200 bahts depending on the beach
• Comfort level: low

Taxi Phuket Airport — Karon, Kata or Patong beach

• Transfer / Taxi on the spot
• 50 minutes in the road
• No need to wait (meet at arrival) / taxi 5-10 minutes waiting
• Price over 900-1400 bahts (depending on the beach); transfer price is fixed – $33
• Comfort level: high

Don’t forget to see in Phuket:

• Wat Chalong
• Siam Niramit show / Phuket FantaSea
• Bangla Road Street (bars and Go-go show)
• Excurions to the nearby beqches: Krabi, Phi-Phi, Similan Islands
• Thalang National Museum

Despite the fact that millions of people travel there each year, there are still so many people that haven’t visited Niagara Falls. Why? Perhaps they fear they’ll be bored, that there won’t be enough things to occupy them, or that they think all there is to do is go on a boat ride and take a walk around the Botanical Gardens.

While each of those things are equally enjoyable for anyone who visits the area, there is still a lot more to this corner or Canada than meets the eye. Here are just a few of its secrets…

1. They’re just over 10,000 years old

It’s no wonder the Falls have carved their way into our minds the way they have; this iconic giant has been in place for 12,000 years. However, in geological terms, it’s very much the baby of the family; the Appalachians, for example, began forming around 500 million years ago. They won’t be around for ever though – in fact, scientists say that in 50,000 years or so, it will have eroded away completely.

2. People once tight-rope walked over it

A lot of people have taken a tumble over the Falls over the years, with a couple even surviving, but did you know that in the 1800s, several people made a fantastic tightrope-walking effort over nearby Niagara Gorge? It was completed again successfully in 2012 by Nik Wallenda, an American stuntman, for the first time in 116 years.

3. You can stay in a hotel right on the edge

If you’d prefer to see the Falls from the comfort of your own room, then you can do just that. A lot of people think that you have to stay in a hotel in a nearby town, but the Marriott Hotels in Niagara Falls offer breath-taking views, so that you can wake up each morning and eat your breakfast as you look out onto this magnificent natural wonder. You can even eat right on the edge, as many of the top restaurants in the area are built right on the cusp, so that you can enjoy unparalleled views while you dine.

4. There’s a museum dedicated to people who have gone over the Falls

Given how many people have decided to brave the fury of the Falls over the years, an exhibit was set up to commemorate their brave efforts. At the Daredevil Museum, you can take a look at all the props that have been used, and read up on some of the genuine accounts from people who survived, as well as learn about those who didn’t.

5. There are three parts to the Falls

You’ll have to take the Hornblower Cruise if you want to see them all, but Niagara Falls is actually made up of the American, the Bridal Veil and the Horseshoe Falls. It seems to be the Horseshoe waters that have captured imaginations for generations, but the others are just a stunning if you get the chance to visit.

Do you have any other fun facts about Niagara Falls?

If you live in a city, work in an office, and drive everywhere you go it is easy to forget that humans are not the only creatures on earth.  There is a whole other world out there that is inhabited by millions of different creatures.  Exploring the habitat of wild animals is an experience that will recharge your energy and help put your world into focus.  Here are some wildlife breaks that will knock your socks off.

Bird Watching In Bhutan

Bhutan is a small kingdom on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas that is landlocked by India in the south and Tibet in the north.  It is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers and there are close to 700 different species that you may spot.  There are guided bird watch tours available and bird watchers all over the world travel here to watch annual migrations of rare birds such as the Black-Necked Crane (a symbol of peace for Tibetan Buddhists) whose numbers are dwindling.  To see everything Bhutan has to offer, companies like Ampersand Travel provide tailor made trips.

Safari in South Africa

Fly into Johannesburg, South Africa and then drive five hours to Kruger National Park.  Do not attempt the drive at night as it can be quite dangerous due to hippos and crocodiles crossing the road.  Kruger National Park is a fabulous place to experience the thrill of seeing the big five: the lion, elephant, wild buffalo, rhinoceros, and the leopard in their natural habitat.   There are different guided tours that you can take by 4 wheel drive vehicle and you may be able to walk around on foot during the day.  There are plenty of tour operators that offer different levels of accommodation from five star villas to tents.

Cruise In the Galapagos

Taking a cruise in the Galapagos Islands near Ecuador is a great way to explore nature.  These volcanic islands were studied by Charles Darwin and they are host to species of animals and plants that are found nowhere else in the world.  Be sure to visit the giant tortoises that are more than 100 years old on the island of Santa Cruz and see the Charles Darwin Research Station that still continues his studies.

Spirit Bears in Canada

Travel to Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, BC for a chance to see the elusive Spirit Bear.  The temperate rainforest is also home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and the coastal waters are teaming with whales and dolphins.  The area also has ancient village sites and architecture from the First Nations people that live in this area that you can explore.  The lodge has fine accommodations and this is an experience like no other on earth.

Trekking In the Costa Rica Rainforest

The Costa Rican Rainforest is full of life and there are many tour operators that offer guided tours through the rainforest.  You can expect to see sloths, monkeys, and many different kinds of amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and arachnids.  You can even sleep in the rainforest overnight on some tours if you dare.

Peru

No visit to Peru is complete without hiking the famous Inca trail in the Andes up to Machu Picchu. There are three intersecting trails that you can choose from. They are called; One Day, Classic, and Mollepata and they all end up at the mysterious Sun Gate on Machu Picchu Mountain. You will wind your way past Incan ruins, tunnels, settlements, and architectural wonders along the way. Be sure to book in advance as they only allow a certain number of hikers on the trails at one time and the trail is closed for maintenance every February.

Russia

Its troubled past may deter people from travelling to this area but Russia is a fantastic place to visit.  It has a vast history, astounding architecture, an exciting blend of cultures, and the landscape varies from subtropical beaches to forests and tundra. Moscow, the capital city, is a great place to start and The Red Square, The Kremlin, and the stunning architecture of St. Basil’s Cathedral are sure to please all visitors.  You can then take a cruise along the river to St. Petersburg to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace and catch a ballet or opera at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. From St Petersburg you can catch the Trans Siberian Railway and take a trip on this exciting train that is bathed in history across the rest of the country. This fabulous train links Europe with Asia and you can continue your journey into other countries quite easily. 

Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and the tango is the national dance. Take some dancing lessons at one of the local clubs and try out this popular past time.  After mastering the national dance you should head out to see the wonderful area of Patagonia. Be sure to visit Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there are more than 300 glaciers.  Perito Moreno is the only glacier in the world that continues to grow.  Patagonia also hosts the seventh largest desert in the world, The Patagonian Desert, and there are plenty of nice places to stay in the area. Here is a travel guide to Argentina.

India

India has a history that spans over 5,000 years and the juxtaposition of modernity amongst the ancient sites will astound all who visit this exciting country.  Everywhere you look there are temples, churches, mosques and other sacred places to explore. Companies like this provide itineraries for your journey to make sure you don’t miss anything. There is so much to do in India; it’s a good idea to plan in advance to make the most of your visit. Join a safari trek or ride through the jungles where you can see tigers, birds, snakes and many other exciting creatures. Visit an ashram to learn how to practice meditation and yoga. There are also many volunteer programs set up to help the less fortunate. The shopping is fabulous and you can pick up pashminas, locally made clothing, and all of the major brands if you are visiting a large city like Mumbai or New Delhi. You can also pick up fabulous fabric and have outfits custom made at tailors for an inexpensive price.

Columbia

The capital city of Bogota is full of wonderful sights and it is worthwhile exploring the districts of     Usequén, where you can view interesting architecture, an open-air market on Sundays and Chapinero where you will find fabulous clubs and restaurants.  Be sure to travel to the Caribbean Coast and traverse the network of cobble-stoned streets in the walled city of Cartagena. Columbia is also one of the countries that the Amazon runs through so be sure to take a trip down this intriguing river where you can see fascinating sights like giant anacondas, pink dolphins, brightly coloured frogs and many other fascinating creatures.

There is nothing like getting away from it all and rushing down the slopes with the wind in your hair and the sun sparkling on the brilliant white snow.  It is a great stress reliever, a great way to stay in shape, and you will leave all of your worries behind you.  Here are four amazing destinations in different areas of the world for ski lovers looking to hit the slopes.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital city in Tyrol, Austria and it is located in the Alps.  There are nine ski hills to choose from and you can buy a pass that gives you access to all of them.  You will find world-class amenities on the hills and first class accommodations in the villages.  If you grow tired of skiing there are plenty of other things for you to do like ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, tobogganing, or you can even go on a horse drawn sleigh ride.

Whistler

Whistler, BC Canada is a great place for skiing and it recently hosted the 2010 Olympics.  It is a world class destination that is roughly 8000 km spread over two mountains and it is the largest skiable area in North America.  The runs are groomed to perfection, there is high end rental equipment available, and it is a great destination for families and people looking for a great place to party.   Be sure to take the Peak to Peak Gondola and soar over the beautiful area that connects the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb and takes approximately eleven minutes.  Be sure to try Heli Skiing and ski in the back country that very few skiers get to explore. The Whistler Village has fabulous accommodations, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife for your après ski experience. Check out the dos and don’ts of Whistler here. If you are really into your skiing, you can take a ski instructor course and spend the whole season teaching people how to ski.

Vail

Vail, Colorado, USA has been known as the winter playground of the rich and famous for years but this beautiful village has accommodations and amenities to fit everyone’s budget. The ski hill opened in 1962 and since then it has strived to offer a fabulous experience for people on and off the slopes. The ski hill offers many levels of runs that are sure to please everyone from the most inexperienced skiers to the experts. The mountain also offers snowshoeing, tubing and there are Kids Adventure Zone areas throughout the mountain. Once you have hit the slopes be sure to check out the village for fine dining, fabulous shopping (everyone needs a good pair of fxr snowmobile pants right?), and a vibrant nightlife.

Meribel

Meribel is located in Moutiers, in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps and it is easily accessible from Paris or London by train.  The area is part of the world class interlinked ski system of Les Trois Vallée and the world famous ski hill of Paradiski is also nearby.  These fabulous ski hills offer first rate lifts, peak snow conditions, and rentals and lessons for beginner skiers. There are plenty of first class accommodations available in the beautiful villages of Brides Les Bains and Les Allues and Meribel. If you are traveling in a group it would be worthwhile renting a chalet.