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April 29, 2013
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Comments Off on A Vibrant Island with Plenty to Offer

A Vibrant Island with Plenty to Offer

The Canary Islands have long been a holiday favourite; great for summer or winter sun. There’s no need to sit on a plane for hours on end either; the vibrant island of Lanzarote is just a 4 hour flight away, and you can be certain of sun, sun, sun!

The liveliest part of the island is the party town of Puerto Del Carmen. A short transfer journey from Arrecife airport, which is a godsend in summer temperatures, this is a town with something for every taste.

The main pull is of course the weather, and the Canaries are blessed with hour upon hour of sunshine, albeit with quite a bit of wind, I found! One tip I would give is to use a higher factor sun-cream than you normally would, as the wind tends to play a huge part in sunburn and sunstroke!

Flights leave the UK all year around, with great fares available. One idea I would suggest is to pre-book one of the great value hotels on offer with AirportHotels.com, meaning a rested start to your break, and a little bit of luxury thrown in for good measure. Flights these days are often early in the day, and that means an extremely early start, which is made harder if you have children in tow! An airport hotel gives you the luxury of time and extra sleep – something money can’t buy! There are facilities available at most large UK airports, including north of the border, with a great range of Gatwick Airport hotels on offer. Check out the hotels at your airport and see for yourself!

Once you land at the airport, and during your transfer, you’ll notice one thing – a strange landscape. You’re probably aware that Lanzarote has many dormant volcanoes, and it’s the previous eruptions, many, many years ago, that have led to this lunar-like landscape. One place it’s more noticeable than any, is at Timanfaya National Park, which is a must visit, in my opinion. Here you’ll literally climb a dormant volcano, and see food being cooked from the thermal heat emitted. You can even ride a camel if the mood takes you!

Puerto Del Carmen’s beaches are golden, but with black flecks, due to the volcanic sand. It’s for this reason I would highly recommend wearing flip flops at all times when walking on the beach – that sand gets hot, hot, hot!

There are sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire on the beach, and a number of water-sports on offer, perfect for a cool-down in the intense heat – I’d highly recommend jet-skiing.

There are a few excursions available from resort, the main one being Timanfaya, but another I’d highly recommend is a glass bottom boat-trip, with the chance to catch a tan in quick time and see some of the colourful underwater residents. You can take your pick from full-day or half-day trips, so take your pick.

The biggest pull for when compared with the island’s other resorts, is the night-life. This is where you’ll find clubs and bars playing music until all hours, with bars competing for customers. This is where you’ll save money on drinks offers, so shop around!

Year-around sunshine is a huge bonus, and the relatively short flight time is the cherry on the top. Remember my idea of an airport hotel prior to travelling, which makes airport stress a thing of the past. Be sure to check out the wide range available, including Manchester hotels with
AirportHotels.com, and you’ll soon be jetting off to the Canarian sun, without a care in the world!

April 29, 2013
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Comments Off on 5 Tips to Help you Pack for your Holiday

5 Tips to Help you Pack for your Holiday

Packing is normally a stumbling block for many travellers. Desperately, we sit on top of the suitcase and force the zip to shut. Panicked packing often leads to a disorganised mess of things you could have lived without on your journey. With a flight to catch and important documents to find (where did you put them?), it’s never as simple as we think it’s going to be.

To avoid a packing disaster, try out some of our travelling tips:

Give Yourself Time…And Then Some

Don’t leave packing until the night before, and certainly don’t put it off until the morning of the journey. A few days before your holiday, you should keep your suitcase open in your bedroom and gradually pack it with the things you need. This gives you the perfect opportunity to launder your clothes and rush into town to buy anything you’ve forgotten.

People have a tendency of overpacking, so if you stuff your suitcase full of clothes and toiletries, you can slowly remove items that you believe you can live without, over a period of days (when you’re feeling a bit more frugal).

Make A List

You really can’t be too organised for a trip abroad. Making a concise list can help guide you through the essentials, so you don’t leave anything important behind. Map out how many outfits you’ll need, depending on what you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re planning on hiking up a mountain, don’t forget your walking boots! Getting your thoughts in order will bring you a little peace of mind.

Be Selective

Luggage weight is limited, so don’t throw everything you own into your suitcase. Invest in portable luggage scales, otherwise you may arrive at the airport with too much baggage. Always bring simple, staple clothes with you that are easy to mix and match and pack for the weather.

Go as light as you possibly can. You’ll probably want to bring back some souvenirs or clothes from your holiday destination, but if you have no room, what are you going to do?

Techniques

Most people swear by the roll technique, and we agree. Somehow, this means that everything fits snugly into your suitcase and doesn’t crease.

To make the most of your suitcase space, buy your toiletries in miniature andstore them in a plastic wallet. Normal, plastic shopping bags are a must-take also. You can store dirty and wet clothes in these bags for the journey home.

Always keep your important documents close to hand, such as the tickets for your flights and your travel insurance. You don’t want to rummage through your suitcase to pull them out.

Divide And Conquer

Do not keep all your valuables in one place. If you’re holidaying with someone else, make sure that he or she has half of the money, and then you split the rest up between bags. This precaution is purely for any instances of lost luggage or stolen rucksacks.

The key thing to remember is: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. When you get to your hotel, safe and sound, make sure that you deposit the majority of your money in their safe.

April 29, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on 5 Sights Off the Beaten Path in Paris

5 Sights Off the Beaten Path in Paris

Want to have a great, memorable experience in Paris but hate the idea of waiting in endless lines to see the Mona Lisa, Notre Dame and typical Paris sights? While you surely can’t miss a trip to the Louvre or one of the Eiffel tower tours, make sure to also fit in these activities off the beaten tourist track:

Climb the Tour de Montparnasse

It may not be the most beautiful building in the city…in fact, many people would call it the ugliest! But climbing to the top of Paris’ largest skyscraper has 2 advantages: you don’t have to see the building itself, and you’re granted one of the best cityscapes of anywhere in the city.

Find the “I Love You Wall”

If you’re anything like most travelers, you’re all about activities that cost little or nothing. You’ll be spending enough on other Paris attractions tickets that a few freebies are sure to be welcomed. The “I Love You Wall” in Montmarte is an adorable tribute to the world’s most romantic city. The artists who created the wall chose 311 written samples of love quotes and put them on blue glazed tiles to make up the wall.

Eat at Paris’ Oldest Restaurant

It must be mentioned that part of a Paris holiday is enjoying true French cuisine in French atmosphere, so where better to do that than at the oldest restaurant in the city? Le Procope was originally opened as a gentleman’s establishment in 1686, and today it serves classic bistrot fare in a lovely atmosphere. Reservations are best if you’d like to eat dinner, but if atmosphere is what you’re after you can simply pop in for an afternoon coffee.

Check out the Orangerie Museum

Everyone knows that as far as museums go, the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are tops. But as far as avoiding crowds go, you might want to check out some of the city’s smaller museums. The Orangerie has got an impressive collection of Impressionist works along with 8 large Monet water lily paintings. It’s located in the beautiful Tuileries gardens so you can enjoy a walk before or after the museum.

Get Lost in the Latin Quarter

Spend half a day without a plan, and simply wander through the Latin Quarter. You’ll find yourself in a maze of charming alleys and café-lined squares just far enough from the touristy areas to feel like you’re a real local. Grab a baguette and ball of cheese from a local shop, find a street bench and watch the Parisian world go by with a typical French lunch.

April 28, 2013
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Comments Off on The Costs of a Holiday in Amsterdam

The Costs of a Holiday in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not the most expensive place to visit, but it’s not the cheapest either. It has avoided the economic meltdown of some European countries and the standard of living is high. However, there are ways of shaving the costs of seeing this delightful city and some attractions are actually free. Getting there is cheap too; if you search online for flights to Amsterdam you’ll find some great deals on flights.

There are lovely parks all over Amsterdam, but the general opinion is that Vondelpark, the biggest, is the best of the lot. It was created in 1850 and has a friendly, relaxed feeling. It has picnic gardens and a calm lake and wide thoroughfares for cycling and rollerblading. There are free concerts and lots of other activities all through the summer.

Free to have fun

If you like live jazz and cheap beer, Cafe Alto would be a perfect choice. There is no charge for the music, which is on every night from 9 pm and you can relax there for the whole evening. Dam Square is very touristy, but there are always street entertainers there in summer. There is a free ferry from Centraal Station. Use that for slow-motion sightseeing and it means you can explore some of the north of Amsterdam for free. Visits to The Westerkerk and The Begijnhof are also free. The Westerkerk is a huge Protestant church where Rembrandt is said to be buried, although there is no proof of that. The Begijnhof is a group of historic buildings surrounding a garden courtyard. Number 34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam. Of course, there is the notorious Red Light District. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s more of a theme park now, but it is worth a visit and it costs nothing to stroll through. The Magere Brug drawbridge is also worth a look. It is on the Amstel River and opens to let boats pass at about 20 minute intervals.

You won’t get everything for free, but with a little forethought you can have a good time without breaking the bank. The choice of airports could make a difference. The main airport, Schiphol, is the closest to the city, but Eindhoven Airport might offer cheaper flights. It’s about ninety minutes by bus from Amsterdam. Do not buy money at the airport, as you will probably get a bad exchange rate and might have to pay high commission charges. The International Currency Exchange is much better and good deals can be found online.

It’s all on the cards

In Amsterdam, it makes perfect sense to hire a bike. They are everywhere and the roads and traffic control systems are geared to them. Different rental companies have different charges, but a bike would cost from 10 euros to 15 euros a day. Amsterdam is well served by buses, the metro and trams and the ticket for all of these is the OV-chipcard. The best idea is to get an unlimited ride card, although that will depend on how much time you intend to spend in Amsterdam. The I Amsterdam card gives unlimited travel on public transport and free entry to 38 museums and other sightseeing spots and a free cruise on a canal.

The most expensive places to stay are in central Amsterdam. Staying away from the centre is much cheaper and, because public transport is so efficient, it’s still easy and quick to travel in.

April 27, 2013
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Comments Off on Glamping In Europe

Glamping In Europe

Love the outdoors but hate the idea of roughing it? Then a glamping trip may be in your near future. Glamping is ideal for anyone who hates bug bites, bear spray, leaking tents and musty old sleeping bags. Short for “glamourous camping”, glamping is all about keeping it comfortable while enjoying the great outdoors. One key feature is that fabulous designer canvas tents can be hard to find and to price compare; one suggestion is to source one from Glamping specialist, Boutique Camping (linked to before). They have bell tents, as well, if you want to stay in something that looks like a mini marquee from medieval days of yore.

Electricity, and climate control functions are all part of the glamping experience. And forget sleeping on the hard ground – glampers not only often sleep on an air mattress, but several are treated to the comfort of a spring mattress.

If you’re ready to pack up the bell tents, the hiking shoes and get glamping, here are some of the top excursions in all of Europe.

Canna Camping Holidays in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland

This camping destination is ideal for anyone who’s looking for a full on retreat that still offers all of the comforts of home. Situated on the Isle of Canna, campers can rest in bell tents that include solar lighting and a wood burning stove. The washrooms and showers are just a stone’s throw away.

What really makes this site fun for a lot of visitors is the wildlife. Not only is there a thriving wild life, but you’ll be able to see amazing animals like basking sharks, minke whales, sea dolphins, sea eagles, puffins, and even orcas.

Eco Luxury Yurt Suite in Lanzarote

Forget having to bring your own tent; this campsite features a yurt that comfortably sleeps up to 5 campers. Venture inside of the yurt and you’ll be treated to beautiful interior that features wood flooring, rich fabrics, and numerous pieces of antique Mongolian furniture. There’s an outdoor kitchen for you to enjoy, a garden, and a full on marble bathroom.

There are a lot of things to do in the area as well. 200 metres away is a small sandy beach where you can catch some rays on a beautiful day, or you can visit the village of Arrieta and partake in some fishing with the locals. If you choose to stay around the campgrounds, then make sure that you take a dip in one of the solar-heated communal pools.

Belrepayre Airstream Trailer Park in Midi Pyrenees, France

If a retro-style campsite is what you seek, then head to the Belrepayre. Situated close to Mirepoix within the Pyrenees, pack up your own caravan or tent or hire one of the nine different vintage Airstreams that you’ll be able to find on site. Each Airstream has its own features and quirks, from the 1953 Silver Streak Clipper that’s outfitted with 1950s curtains and kitchen wear to the 1970s Melody Maker that includes a record player and records and tapes form the era.

The campsite itself is full of amenities, such as wooden hot tub, a general store, the “Apollo Lounge” and a Mongolian yurt. But make sure that you do venture out and enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables that the nearby local farmer’s markets have to offer.

If you’ve got to the end of this article and didn’t realize that I didn’t make a typo when I used the word Glamping, then I recommend a little read of the wisegeek page on Glamping.

April 24, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on What is There to do on a Port Visit to Antigua?

What is There to do on a Port Visit to Antigua?

Antigua, or ‘Wadadli’, is one of the most luxurious places to holiday in the world, and is one of the most culturally significant islands in the West Indies. The Spanish translation of Antigua actually means ‘ancient’, and the island was named by Christopher Columbus, one of the world’s foremost explorers at the time. Currently, Antigua’s capital city St. Johns is home to over 30,000 people, and it also has one of the biggest deep water harbours in the Caribbean, able to accommodate some of the biggest cruise ships in the Caribbean.

Whether you’re looking to holiday in Antigua, or take a brief day trip from another island in the Caribbean, there are plenty of things to see and do. Not only is the climate great if you want to top up on your tan, but the food is simply spectacular and the locals are ever so hospitable. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do when on a port visit to glorious island of Antigua.

Indian Town National Park

From bird watching and snorkelling to hiking and swimming, there are so many things to do at this national park you won’t know where to start! Located towards the eastern end of the island, the Indian Town National Park is a great day of for the family, but remember to buy a map of the area before you come – it really is quite big and you don’t want to get lost.

Image from NYTimes

Offering some of the best hiking on the entire island, you’ll have to get up early if you want to cover ground in this national park, however the views of the ocean and lush green landscapes make it well worth the while. Furthermore, there are also great snorkelling sites here, some with shallow waters suitable for kids. There are even waters so clear that you can see the amazing coral reefs right under your feet!

Finally, make your way down the coast towards Indian Town Point for more beautiful views, including bird watching hotspots. There’s also the famous Devil’s Bridge in Indian Town Point, which is a limestone arch that has been formed over thousands of years by battering waves on the rocks. Before booking your holiday to Antigua, make sure you compare prices online – cruise.co.uk help you find tailor made cruises.

British Forts and St. John’s Cathedral

If you’re looking to visit Antigua for the day, then the British Forts and St. John’s Cathedral is a must-visit place on your tour. Not only are they great insights into the architectural history of the island, but these amazing structures also show the influence of religion throughout hundreds of years of settlements on Antigua.

The British Forts on the islands may be in ruins, but the views of forts, and the views offered by the structures across the rest of the island are simply fantastic. Furthermore, it’s completely free to get in, and if you’re travelling to the island with your children, then there’s no need to worry about eating into your budget!

Constructed in 1683, St. John’s Cathedral is one of the most famous places to visit on the island, and also culturally significant too. It can be found in the heart of St. John’s town, and the baroque architecture is a joy to behold. A stroll through the cathedral’s gardens will a great way to end your day on the island, and with an entrance fee of only $3, it’s a cheap date too!

April 22, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on Melbourne to King Valley

Melbourne to King Valley

As wonderful as Melbourne is, it is a busy, bustling city, and sometimes, you find that you just need a break from the buzz of activity around you and escape to somewhere where you can relax a bit more and breathe a bit easier. After you find a Europcar depot in Melbourne and get yourself a car hire, you are ready to hit the road for the call of the King Valley.
The Nectar of the Gods

The vineyards located in King Valley make up some of the most popular of the area’s attractions. Many people come here to visit the vintners operating out of the location, some of which have been in operation since 1889. Today, there are more than 70 families operating out of the King Valley, and the land area used by these vintners for their wine represent over half of the plantings in the North East Victoria area.

At many of the wineries, you can also purchase or sample fresh local produce. Many of the winemakers also create gourmet foods, all set amid the natural beauty of the King Valley region. Tours are available, and if you time it just right, you might be able to partake in one of the wonderful festivals held throughout the year.

For more information on King Valley’s winemakers, click here.

Lake William Hovell

Lake William Hovell is a great location for those who want to experience some unparalleled fishing and boating. This beautiful area also contains walking and biking trails through the mountains and more gorgeous natural scenery than you’ll know what to do with. Check this link to learn a bit more about Lake William Hovell.

Paradise and Little Falls

A little off the beaten path is a set of beautiful falls known as Paradise Falls. During the winter and spring, the mountain snows melt and spill over the falls in a beautiful display of nature’s glory. Close to Paradise Falls is another set of falls known as Little Falls. While not as impressive as the majestic Paradise Falls, Little Falls has its own amazing and charming beauty.

You can get more information about Paradise Falls here.

Mount Cobbler

Rising over 1600 metres above sea level, Mount Cobbler is an impressive mountain located in the Alpine National Park. The mountain stands near the similarly named Lake Cobbler, which can be reached via a 4-wheel drive track, and from the lake, the mountain can be reached by a hiking trail. Another trail leads to Dandongadale Falls, the highest waterfall in Victoria.

More information about Mount Cobbler can be found here.

Bike Rides or Walks around Whitfield

Set in the centre of King Valley’s wine country, Whitfield is a picturesque little valley well-known for its annual King Valley Virgin Wine, Food and Arts Festival. Less well-known, but just as impressive, are the many biking and hiking trails located throughout the area around Whitfield. This will give you a great chance to get to know the lay of the land and experience the beauty of nature.

For more information on Whitfield, click here.

Roughing It

Of course, one of the best ways to get in touch with nature is to spend some time actually living in it. Fortunately, the King Valley region offers a wide variety of excellent camping grounds scattered throughout.

When looking for camping supplies, it is essential that you get in touch with experts, such as those atWangaratta Camping World or Adventure Camping & Fishing, for your camping gear and some advice on the best way to go about having your camping adventure. Of course, location is important as well, and you need an area that can cater to everyone and everything, from singles to large reunions, such as Painters Island Caravan Park.

Get Out and Enjoy Life

Life is what happens when you live it, so it’s important to get away from the routine and get back to nature on occasion. With a fine selection of wineries and other fun activities such as camping, a holiday to King Valley may be just what you need to unwind and refresh those batteries.

April 22, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on Top 10 Must-See New York Attractions While on Holiday

Top 10 Must-See New York Attractions While on Holiday

For many Australians, visiting New York City is a dream come true, and the city certainly is an amazing place to explore. Called both the City That Never Sleeps and the Capital Culture of the World, New York City is a hub for politics, culture, fashion, cuisine and finance. Planning a trip can be exciting, but you don’t want to forget important details like travel insurance. Having coverage means that you will be alright if you lose your bag, get in an accident or have to cancel your flights. Thankfully, you can compare travel insurance online and get peace of mind in minutes. When you are organising your trip to New York City, be sure to plan to see each of these amazing 10 must-see Big Apple attractions.

Image courtesy of Eric Mayville/flickr.com

1. Times Square

This is perhaps the most visited destination in all of New York City. Right in the heart of Midtown, Times Square is the headquarters of shopping, cuisine and shows, and the neon signs that illuminate the streets are truly remarkable.

2. Central Park

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Central Park is more than 800 acres of greenery right in the heart of the city. Make time to cycle, jog or walk through the park and enjoy the escape from New York’s hustle and bustle. In the summer, visitors to Central Park can catch musical performances and even full theatre shows right on the grass.

3. Broadway Shows

Although technically this isn’t a single attraction, it is an activity that all visitors should try to include on their itineraries. Broadway tickets can sometimes be expensive, but if you head to the TKTS counters around town, you can scoop up discounted prices for certain shows at the last minute. Catch new shows like Wicked and classics like the Lion King on Broadway.

4. Chrysler Building

For fans of architecture and history, the Chrysler Building is a must-see destination in the city. This Art-Deco structure was built in 1930 and still stands out in Manhattan as one of the most beautiful buildings.

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Often simply called MOMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest art collections on the planet. More than 2 million pieces are on display on any given day, and there are guided tours and kid-friendly exhibitions to appeal to all ages.

6. Statue of Liberty/Staten Island Ferry

One of the most iconic landmarks in New York City is the Statue of Liberty, but most people only ever get to view it from the shoreline. To see it up close and really have the opportunity to appreciate what it stands for, try a trip by boat. There are guided tours that will take you to the State of Liberty and even let you tour the structure, but an affordable alternative is the Staten Island Ferry, which runs dozens of times each day and sails right past Lady Liberty herself.

7. Fifth Avenue

There is no question that New York City is a shopping mecca, and Fifth Avenue is the epicentre of it all. From department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s to upscale designer boutiques, Fifth Avenue has it all. Even if you can’t afford to indulge in anything yourself, window-shopping can be just as exciting thanks to the marvellous window displays on both sides of the street.

8. Empire State Building

Although the building itself is impressive and stands as the city’s tallest structure, you will want to head straight up to the 86th floor. On the Empire State Building Observation Deck, you can take in some of the best skyline views in all of New York City.

9. New York Natural History Museum

It is nearly impossible to choose just one amazing museum to visit out of the dozens of options in the city. However, the New York Natural History Museum is routinely chosen as the best in the Big Apple thanks to its enormous collection and its appeal for both children and adults.

10. Brooklyn Bridge

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in New York City. It spans the river dividing Brooklyn and Manhattan, and millions of people travel across it each week. You can cycle or walk across the bridge to get a sense of its size, or you can simply enjoy the views from the banks of either borough.

If you are planning an upcoming trip to New York City from Australia, then you can look forward to an exciting adventure. Be sure to stop and explore as many of these top attractions as you can in order to make the most of your holiday.

April 20, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on Top 5 Activities in Macau

Top 5 Activities in Macau

If you’ve never been to this tiny, semi-autonomous territory in southeast China, you will be pleasantly surprised at the range of activities available. Macau isn’t far at all from Hong Kong, and has an entirely different feel—possibly as a result of enjoying even more of a freewheeling lifestyle and mentality than HK does, or possibly because of its history as a Portuguese colony. Whatever the reason, Macau makes an excellent travel destination. Here are five activities to keep the smart girl (or guy) busy on their holiday:

1. Gambling
Well, that’s the most obvious one. Macau is world-famous for its immense, lavish casinos (around 30 at last count). Visitors to the peninsula generally find themselves at the tables at some point or another, so it makes sense that gambling revenues are the single largest generator of income in the territory. Our advice? Avoid being a statistic, and play the odds in your favor by practicing up first. Try your hand at online gambling on a site like http://www.onlinecasinoaustralia.com.au before betting big in real life. It’s fun, and with some luck and skill you could make some real money to help fund your trip.

2. Shopping
As with most high-society cities, Macau enjoys a chic shopping scene, and fashion makes up a big part of life here. You will be very impressed by the variety and quality of the clothes and accessories you can find in the boutique shops that characterize several districts. Be sure to check out Av Ateliê and the Line Lab for especially creative products.

3. Macau Tower
Over 1000 feet tall, this free-standing spire in the middle city offers amazing day and nighttime views over Macau and the Pearl River Delta. It is one of the only free-standing towers that takes members of the public all the way to the top of its mast via an exciting vertical course. Climbing to the top is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you’re not adventurous enough the 360 degree observation deck (and restaurant) are sublime.

4. Hitting the beach
Macau’s Hác Sá beach has great swimming and sun-tanning. Laying out with the rich and famous of China, Hong Kong, Europe, and elsewhere gives the experience an especially glamorous overtone. For the more adventurous, you can easily rent jet skis, windsurfing boards, and water scooters.

5. House of the Dancing Water
Saving the best for last, this nightly entertainment extravaganza will blow you away. With fantastic costumes, amazing lights and special effects, and a stage pool the size of TEN Olympic swimming pools (yes, ten of them), this show tells an epic love story through dance, music, acrobatics, and fantastic characters. Truly unmissable.

Any time spent in Macau is practically guaranteed to be fun, because that trait seems to be the most important to the local population that tries as hard as possible to cater to visitors. In a place as dependent on tourism as Macau, you are always treated like a princess, and with this guide in hand you’re sure to find the best of this oriental gem.

April 17, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on Ready for Anything: Women’s Summer Festival Essentials

Ready for Anything: Women’s Summer Festival Essentials

There aren’t many bigger style challenges than trying to look good in a field that’s turned into a mudbath. With a little luck your summer festival weekend won’t leave you soaked through, but rain or shine, it really does pay to be prepared. Embracing the lack of mirrors, showers and hair straighteners can be really liberating but, even when we’re partying in a field, some of us still like to make sure we look chic.

These essentials will help you do just that – easy fixes for common festival style obstacles. They’re light and easy to fit in your backpack, and they’ll help brighten up any girl’s festival experience, whatever the weather.

Wellies

While you might be daydreaming of a summer of love, skipping through the fields in your favourite boho sandals, the reality of British summer festival weather can hit you where it hurts if you’re not prepared. Thanks to the sterling work of festival mavens Kate Moss et al, wellies are now a serious festival fashion essential. If you want to make like the A-list, make them a pair of Berghaus boots. A classic black will go with anything you want to wear at a festival.

Waterproof mascara

Come festival season, you’re supposed to flip the boho switch, ditch the make-up and frolic as free as nature intended. While it’s blissful to get away from the daily make-up routine, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit to at least caring a little bit about what we look like while we’re partying, even if we are up to our necks in mud. The key is to keep things simple, with a tinted lip balm, tinted moisturizer and a slick of mascara – but make it waterproof for full staying power.

Face wipes

Personal hygiene is one of the first things to go out the window when you hit that festival campsite. Festival showers are your only chance of a scrub-up, but only the bravest of souls chances a dip under that freezing cold trickle – and that’s if you can find them. Take a supply of face wipes with you instead. Lightweight, and pocket-sized, they’re a great way to instantly freshen up your face and armpits for the next day’s partying. Look out for 3-in-1 wipes that cleanse, tone and moisturize, to save you packing more skincare.

Dry hair shampoo

Nobody wants to spend their whole weekend queuing for a shower. But nobody wants to spend the weekend looking like a greaseball or caked in mud. Thankfully, many moons ago a certain haircare genius invented the shower in a can. Dry hair shampoo has been on sale for decades, well known to campers and caravanners, and it’s a great way to keep your hair looking fresh when there’s no way to wash it. Absorbing hair oils at the root, it’s even become a catwalk style secret, used to give hair added va-va-voom and bounce. Look out for mini-dry hair shampoo sprays that are easier to pack and lighter to carry too.