March 12, 2013
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Comments Off on Know your street food when travelling

Know your street food when travelling

There’s nothing worse than being hungry when you’re surrounded by unfamiliar food. The question is, are you brave enough to try what’s on offer without identifying it first?

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Here’s a quick guide to some of the most familiar street food available – sorry it won’t help you identify and avoid deep fried locusts!

European street food is not too scary for us Brits; after all we’ve probably already tasted a version without even leaving the UK. That’s not to say that it was necessarily authentic or as tasty as the real thing, but we could probably identify the dishes and countries of origin in a line up.

Spain

In Spain you can start your day with a chocolate hug in the form of a churro. This is a choux pastry doughnut, deep fried of course, and enjoyed dipped in hot chocolate or café con leche. That’s strong coffee similar to espresso, but with the addition of hot milk and sweetened to taste. When you’re craving a savoury fix, mouth-watering paella featuring seafood and chorizo cooked to perfection is the way to go.

Italy

You can’t wander around Italy without eating bucket-loads of gelato. This Italian staple surpasses all ice cream and comes in too many tempting flavours, hence the need to eat bucket-loads.

France

In France you can pick up delicious freshly baked baguettes with all manner of fillings. Tasty cheese fillers include brie or camembert. And if you’ve still room for something sweet, you can watch in awe as street vendors skilfully prepare crêpes.

Turkey

At street stalls in Turkey you’ll find that late night favourite which appeals to us after too many tipples on a night out in Blighty – the doner kebab aka Döner kebap. Why not give it a go sober?! Definitely try simit, which is sesame bread similar to a bagel and often huge. For sweet treats you can’t beat a sticky slice of baklava – hey, you are on cheap holidays so you can treat yourself if you want!

Across the pond – New York

Talking of bagels, when in New York, it would be silly not to buy one of these substantial, salty treats. The New York bagel is made using malt and salt and is boiled before baking. Although the origin of the hot dog may be questionable, it’s a hugely popular street food in America. Often referred to as simply a dog, this sausage in bread combo is perked up with the addition of mustard or onions or chilli sauce or all three. Salty or sweet looped pretzels in various sizes are often sold from the same cart as hot dogs too. Of course doughnuts are available in many countries around the world, but the USA really does have a great selection. Choose from frosted aka iced, jelly aka jam or filled with vanilla custard or coated with coconut flakes.

New York City hot dog anyone?

March 11, 2013
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Comments Off on 5 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Paris Vacation

5 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Paris Vacation

The City of Lights is world famous as one of the most beautiful, historic and romantic cities in the world, but it’s definitely not known as a budget travel destination! But if you’re traveling on a budget, Paris certainly doesn’t have to be left out of your itinerary, and you don’t have to see it like a pauper, either! Let these 5 tips help get you on your way to experiencing Paris like a local:

Rent an Apartment One of the major expenses of traveling to Paris is the cost of staying in a hotel! So bypass that by renting an apartment for your time in the city. Site like airbnb.com let you rent an apartment from a local for a much better price than most hotel rooms- and you get to really feel like you live there. Most Paris apartments are gorgeous and you’ll really get the feeling like you live in the city for your time there.

Free Sites Despite its reputation as an expensive city, many of the best sites to see in Paris are absolutely free! Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de’ Triumph and the Eiffel Tower (minus going up) are all free to see. There are many free museums and events throughout the city as well, so check online before you go to see what’s going on during your visit.

Pack a Picnic Although it can be quite pricey to eat in Parisian restaurants, it’s very affordable and incredibly delicious to pack a picnic to eat along the banks of the Seine. There’s hardly a better meal to be had in the city than a hot baguette, round of fresh strong cheese, small jar of marmalade and chilled bottle of wine.

Soak up a Little Luxury If you can’t afford to stay at one of Paris’s luxurious hotels, book a tea or lunch there to experience the atmosphere. You can enjoy a hot chocolate at the classy Ritz Hotel and people-watch among the chic crowd while saving your wallet.

Shopping on a Budget Paris is a world-reigning capital of fashion, so it’s an absolute must to at least do a little window shopping while you’re there. There are dozens of vintage stores tucked in among the more expensive shops, or you can check out flea markets on the weekends.

March 1, 2013
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Comments Off on 5 Sports to Try in Costa Rica

5 Sports to Try in Costa Rica

Are you one of those people who just loves to be active while traveling? Well if you pick Costa Rica as your destination you’re in luck, because there is a whole plethora of sports you can include on your vacation involving the beautiful natural surroundings of the country. Stay active and explore this exciting country the sporty way. Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

Hiking With lush green forests and volcanic areas covering much of its area, Costa Rica is perfect for exploring by foot, so lace up the hiking boots and hit the trail. Arenal Volcano National Park has great hiking trails along with the impressive volcano, and a huge amount of biodiversity. Head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to explore the rainforests that thrive high in the clouds- just get there early to avoid the crowds!

Horseback Riding What a great and unique way to see the country, from the back of a horse! Horseback riding excursions let you see many spectacular sights within a few hours, or a few days if you choose a multi-day trip. Imagine riding leisurely through the countryside, or trotting along the white sandy coastline… this is a sport to really connect you with nature.

Sport Fishing Why not try a completely different kind of water sport while you’re here: sports fishing Costa Rica! Many fishers call Costa Rica the “best kept secret” of the sport fishing world, and it’s easy to believe when you look around the tropical paradise. Set out on the calm waters and learn about fishing from an expert guide, then bring home your own dinner.

Whitewater Rafting The tropical temperatures in Costa Rica ensure warm water for rafting year-round, and the setting could not be more perfect. Experienced local river guides set up half or full-day trips for a full experience in the rapids. There are classes for every skill level, so whether a beginner or expert you can step up with a paddle and hit the water.

Scuba Diving Do more than admire the crystal blue waters from up above- dive down beneath to explore the magical underwater life within! Costa Rica has some of the most incredible diving in Central America, with several coral reefs and plenty of diving shops to get you started. Don’t miss exploring Isla de Canyo, one of Central America’s most well-known diving spots.

February 25, 2013
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Comments Off on Experience the Life of the Stars in Hollywood

Experience the Life of the Stars in Hollywood

Visit the Stars of Hollywood

There are great ways for travelers to book exciting and unique trips such as excursions to Los Angeles, California to experience the lifestyle of the stars of Hollywood. Potential adventure seekers traveling to the L.A. area can book hotel stays, flights, cars for hire, and exciting experiences such as tours and cruises. American Express has the largest network of travel providers, which allows for a one-stop spot to book an entire vacation with no stress of compiling travel arrangements. This network of partners allows the company to offer a variety of options as well as exclusive deals and discounts that smaller providers cannot access.

After booking a flight and hotel, American Express cardmembers get to use Amex Travel to book the fun-filled experiences for their trips. The simple, comprehensive website allows adventurers to search for activities that fit their booking dates. To tour the celebrity lifestyle in Hollywood, travelers can book a variety of helicopter tours that fly above the city and the homes of the stars. In addition to helicopter options, there are airplane flights that offer the sites of the whole city as seen and lived in by celebrities. Members can also book cruises to enjoy dinner and city sites while partying like a star. Of course, there are also tours through the city streets so that members can see the neighborhoods and homes of their favorite stars for a guided glimpse into their private lives.

American Express cardmembers get exclusive perks and benefits when utilizing the American Express Travel system to book. Firstly, cardholders earn one reward point for each full dollar spent on a hotel stay, car hire, or travel experience. In addition, members can choose to pay for these amenities with either money or the points that they earn. Furthermore, it is possible to access exclusive rates, which allow for great deals on travel and experiences. Cardholders may find themselves eligible for exclusive upgrades that other guests cannot enjoy. The website uses special icons on the different travel options to notate which ones offer bonus point earning potential, and which offer exclusive savings that non-members cannot enjoy. By using this exclusive, convenient program, members can see Hollywood through the eyes of the stars without having to spend a movie star’s budget. Enter the unique world of Hollywood and begin your adventure with the stars today. By booking one of these great packages, your movie-start life can begin now.

February 11, 2013
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Comments Off on The 3 Best Ways to Live it Up in Lake Tahoe

The 3 Best Ways to Live it Up in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a destination for outdoor-loving, thrill seeking adventurers. Whether you’re visiting in the winter for a ski trip or ready to get out on the lake this summer, you’re in for a wild ride. This area is home to 18 world-class ski resorts, and just as many golf courses, hiking and biking trails. There are quite a few places for an adventure off the trails and away from mother nature here though, whether it’s pressing your luck in the casinos or tying the knot at the top of the hill, your trip to Lake Tahoe is one you’ll never forget.

Hit the Casinos
You’ll find casinos in both North and South Lake Tahoe, and while Tahoe is no Vegas, there are still plenty of chances to play the slots, put your poker face on, stuff your face at a buffet or check out one of the live entertainment shows. Many big names in music and comedy come through Lake Tahoe throughout the year to perform in the casinos, so even if you’re not throwing money around on the casino floor, you’ll stay fully entertained. The casino resorts are one of the best places to stay when you’re looking for non-stop things to do on vacation too. Many of them have rooms that range from budget-friendly to penthouse luxury suites, so there’s a chance for every traveler to stay here. Plus, most of them are close to great ski resorts, and provide ski packages and free shuttles to make staying here a clear choice. The resorts are fully equipped with awesome pools, glamorous spas, shopping, dining and a great nightlife scene.

Check Out the Nightlife
Don’t just stick to the casinos for this though. Many of the casinos and ski resorts have awesome bars, nightclubs and theaters to host events and special performances. There are constantly celebrities hosting events here, which definitely draws in the crowds. But the nightlife scene does not just exist in the resorts. If you’re really looking for great things to do every night in Tahoe, your best bet is to stay in South Lake Tahoe. This area is more populated with locals and travelers, and all of the best things to do at night are a short walk or drive away. There are plenty of wine bars in Tahoe, who feature delicious local wines, and Napa Valley is just 2 hours away, so you’re sure to have a great wine selection everywhere you go. Whether you’re getting wild on the dance floor at a nightclub or sipping wine like a lady though, the night rarely comes to an end early in these parts. Just make sure you sober up before hitting the slopes tomorrow morning!

Tie the Knot
Lake Tahoe is one of the top wedding destinations in the world, and with over 300 days of sunshine every year, love is always in the air around here. This is a great destination to host the special day you’ve always dreamed of, but tons of people get caught up in the areas charm and wedding chapels are put to use for many impromptu weddings in Lake Tahoe too. Whether you’re planning a wedding or get the spontaneous decision while you’re here, the lake and mountains provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.

No Lake Tahoe vacation is boring. Of course you can spend a day on the lake or in the mountains and pass out from exhaustion by 7pm every night, but you’re going to be missing out on half of Tahoe’s charm!

This article was written by Lizz Riggs, editor of TahoesBest.com.

February 5, 2013
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Comments Off on Get Into College Basketball Tradition!

Get Into College Basketball Tradition!

Let’s face it – there is no crowd more superstitious than a sports crowd. It may be the fans, or it may be the players but if there is a tradition or something that they believe in strongly it will be just as important to the game as anything else. And there are many schools within the college basketball realm that hold to certain traditions as part of what they have to do to win, and be who they are.

Brown University maintaining traditions

It doesn’t matter if you value Vanderbilt’s old bench policy, if you are buying Indiana Hoosiers basketball tickets or smearing blue and white on your face for Duke. There is a deep sense of history and honor within the college basketball world. Some of the traditions are as old as the game itself. And for many teams, participating in the traditions is just as important too.

The University of Tennessee is home to many athletes and fans that hold dear to time honored traditions. One such practice they have at their college basketball games is to sing their ode to the Volunteer State. Even people who are not Volunteer fans can’t help but be taken back by the passion with which the fans sing and how it totally unites them all in the arena.

St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, PA has been around for 160 years, and their mascot the Hawk has been flapping its wings almost as long! At St. Joe they have a saying that “The Hawk will never die.” As a result, one of their pastimes is to make sure the Hawk flaps its wings non-stop at any game home or away. It works out nicely for the person in the Hawk suit as they get a full scholarship to school and some really buff arms by the end of the season.

In 1886 Kansas University science professor E.H.S. Baily retuned by train with his colleagues, and along with students yelled the rousing chant ‘rah, rah, Jayhawk, go KU!” Eventually that chant evolved into ‘Rock, chalk, Jayhawk, KU.” The change in the wording was in recognition of the rock chalk that can be found throughout the central and western parts of the state. Ever since then it has been a staple at Kansas University games.

Silent Night isn’t just a song people sing at Christmastime it is also a college basketball tradition at Taylor University. Taylor, a small school in Upland, Indiana, has a tradition where every Friday before finals, fans pack the gymnasium dressed in Halloween like costumes then sit silently in the bleachers, until the Taylor Trojans hit their tenth point. Once the tenth point is hit the Taylor crowd goes nuts, and they typically get so wild that the game has to actually be stopped.

John Brown University in Arkansas has a rare tradition that usually gets them in trouble. During the first men’s basketball game of the season fans bring rolls of toilet paper and when the first basket is scored the crowd throws all of its toilet paper onto the court. This is not only a lot of fun for the Golden Eagles but their mascot even likes to make toilet paper angles on the floor. However, it also usually brings the Eagles the first foul of the night.

Traditions can be a lot of fun. They are a way to get the fans in on the action, and they can boost the morale of the team. They also have a unique way of uniting everyone throughout the generations of the school making sure that even in an age of quickly advancing technology and an ever changing world there is still something from the past that is relevant today.

February 5, 2013
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Comments Off on Staying smart on a cruise

Staying smart on a cruise

If you’re going on a cruise there are a few things to bear in mind to make sure your holiday is as enjoyable as possible.

Shop around

Before you even leave on your holiday, make sure you look around for deals at Virgin Holidays Cruises and even some of the travel comparison sites. Virgin has done a lot of promotion for their sale, and it’s been extended well into February, but if you look around for your holiday you’ll often find that you can get it cheaper than at the first place you look. If you book it this way, you won’t get chatting to someone on your shop and have your holiday ruined for you by someone who paid half the price you did!

Keep clean

In confined spaces germs can spread quickly. A virus such as flu could be barely detectable when the contagious individual boards the ship, but by the end of the holiday the illness has worked its way around the whole ship. Not an ideal way to spend your holiday.

Remember to always wash your hands before eating; although most cruise ships keep cleanliness standards high, with so many people all using the same areas you could still have germs on your hands if you don’t keep them clean.

Also, it’s a good idea to avoid uncooked foods that others also have access to, such as nuts, carrot sticks and fruit. Germs love to live on these types of surfaces and can become breeding grounds very quickly.

Remember social graces

This doesn’t just mean to be polite to staff and other holiday makers, which is of course useful. Toasts can be common place upon cruise ships and it can help to know how to make one without a social faux pas.

Begin with a ship/country appropriate toast like “the Queen” in the UK. To which someone should respond with “absent friends” or “sweethearts and wives” depending on the day of the week.

February 1, 2013
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Comments Off on Travel to Oslo

Travel to Oslo

Holiday time serves different purposes for each of us – for families it can be a great time to relax in a catered for environment and bond, for friends it creates fresh memories and for everyone it allows for a welcome break from the norm. Traditionally Brits favour destinations such as the south of Spain and France thanks to their welcoming nature for tourists and the fact that it takes only a couple of hours to get there. However thanks to the spread of cheap airlines, flights to all other areas of Europe have become readily available and affordable for anyone.

Oslo, Norway_\

Getting to Norway

Norway in particular is one of the great countries that have been made more accessible to travellers in recent years. Cultural similarities mean that the area is not too far removed from the familiar, but the environment and climate make for a highly refreshing change from typical UK conditions. The city itself is a unique blend of traditional Scandinavian style buildings mixed with ultra modern amenities and infrastructure – you can go from winding streets with a village feel to a metropolitan area in just minutes. Oslo features the best of everything, with several Michelin starred restaurants and high class conference areas, plus all the shopping opportunities you would expect of a world city all within walking distance in the compact centre.

On top of that, Norway is really easy to get to – flights to Oslo take you to the action in Norway’s bustling capital city. The flights to Oslo from London take around 2 hours 15 minutes. You can also find flights to Oslo from almost any other part of Europe, which is especially handy for those who wish to tour multiple countries.

When picking the right flight to Oslo, bear in mind that the city is served by two airports within 70km – the nearest is Gardermoen at 55km (with an express link to the city that takes around 19 minutes). The next nearest is Moss airport Rygge which is 66km to the south-east of the city.

For more out of the ordinary travel options, try looking into boat travel to and around Norway. Several ferries provide travel all around the Scandinavian region so if you are visiting a nearby city such as Copenhagen you can easily get to and fro from Oslo. Alternatively, you may wish to try a longer cruise – these all arrive at the docks in the centre of Oslo at the end of the journey, so you don’t have to worry about reaching the city over land.

Attractions in Oslo

Some of the best attractions and activities in and around Oslo involve the natural landscape. Norway is a naturally beautiful country with plenty of mountains, forests and water features, especially the famous fjords.

Boating and water sports on the fjords are fun for all – adventurers can try their hand at sailing independently on the waters, and there are also chances to try fishing and even swimming in the cool waters. And apart from the activities on offer, the fjords are simply a serene place to be. To take in the scenery you can either indulge in leisurely walks around the edges, or you can book onto one of the many sailing cruises on vintage sailing boats. Try to go around sunset and you will be rewarded with beautiful views.

Winter-time visitors have a huge range of winter sports to choose from around the city. Traditional winter activities such as skiing are readily available, and horse sleigh rides can be relaxing fun for all.

February 1, 2013
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Comments Off on Tips and Tricks for Vegas

Tips and Tricks for Vegas

Ever been to Las Vegas? Do you want to go? Well, you should because Vegas is – the city that never sleeps because the lights never go out.

A hotel in Las Vegas!

From outer space, Las Vegas is a huge beacon of light. Home to a large list of casinos and hotels; Vegas is noted to house the Golden Nugget Casino, the largest casino and hotel in the city, the Plaza Hotel and Casino and Caesars Palace just to name a few.

But there is more to Vegas then staying out until the crack of dawn and trying your luck at gambling at Caesars Palace and the like – there are restaurants, great shows, landmarks and many fun things to do. The trick to have a great time in Vegas is all about planning a trip filled with variety. To get you started, think about doing the following on your epic trip to Vegas.

If you want to slip through time itself, then slip through by going for a swim at Caesars Palace. This hotel has many attention grabbing pools to pick from, such as The Fortuna Pool (named after the Roman goddess of luck), The Apollo Pool (the Greek god of the sun will help you get that tan you want) and the Neptune Pool. Not to mention there is a great Ancient Egyptian styled nightclub called Cleopatra’s Barge to check out. Also why not fit in a massage?

Book early and plan to see some shows. Why not fit in some magical intrigue by see a show by David Copperfield? As for a concert, see a sell out show from headliners Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Elton John and Human Nature. There is Cirque Du Soleil, each edition of these shows are truly unique and different because they chop and change themes and concepts just as quickly as they do their amazing jumps through the air. There are comedy shows and even tribute shows for Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

At the Mirage, you can get up close and become friends with dolphins as you learn how to train them for the day. If you want to fit in more of Mother Nature’s amazing creatures then pay the Flamingo a visit. This natural reserve is filled with waterfalls, fish and lagoons. But the exotic birds really does make this place picturesque, there are flamingos, Chinese pheasants, swans and Mandarin ducks. Also if you wanted to see fish, go to the Koi Pond at the Wynn, they also offer gamblers free mojitos and tequila drinks from their menu, but don’t forget to tip your server a dollar at least.

As for landmarks, check out the Bellagio Fountain. This world famous fountain is a hotspot because of its unique visual performance and it is free. They run shows every fifteen to thirty minutes. This fountain dances to music in carefully choreographed shows and sprays water up to 460 feet into the air. But if you are a fan of Ocean’s Twelve, you can picture the water moving to Clair De Lune instead if you wanted.

There are many things to do in Vegas and as one last tip, try and avoid using the hotel’s internet connection too much. Instead invest your time in these free wifi hotspots.

January 30, 2013
by admin
Comments Off on Photo Shoot Tips or Groceries, Do it All At a Discount

Photo Shoot Tips or Groceries, Do it All At a Discount

Australia is a land of great open spaces and after the busy and crowded areas of cities of Europe, you welcome the freedom and expanse. While this has its plus points, in some ways it can be annoying. Suppose you run out of groceries, you have to run out and get some. It is more than likely the nearest corner shop is miles away. Why let it get you down? Buy groceries online in Australia and never worry about having to drive miles simply to pick up a pack of something or the other. Whether you are in Bendigo or Ballarat, Cairns or Canberra, these online grocery stores rush whatever you need the very next day. This saves you shoe leather and some money as well since online groceries cost less than those at retail supermarket like Coles and Costcos. The delivery charges are quite nominal and when you compare to your savings in petrol and the time you spend shopping, it is nothing at all.

Photography tips

Try ezyshop.com.au if you are in Perth and Western Australia. Fresh food, vegetables and virtually everything is available on their well stocked online shelves. Smartershopping.com.au is another one with over 900 products and great prices. Coles.com.au is the online avatar of the retail model and onlyoz.com.au is yet another online grocery store.

Regardless of whether you are a citizen of this lovely continent or a visitor to this paradise, photography does figure in your life just as groceries do but not at the same level of importance. Improve your photography skills and obtain great photo shoot tips, either online or physically from master photographers. This is one area where you may prefer to visit the studio and get practice advice in person rather than going online. It is absolutely necessary if you are new to digital photography and wish to buy a DSLR to kickstart your photography activities. A popular course is an 18 module online course leading to a certificate. Register, pay the fees and receive total instructions in becoming an expert digital photographer, all online. National Photo Training College has a presence in several cities across Australia. Registering for a course gets you started in digital photography and you can advance to the level you feel is enough for the time being. Photographycourses.com.au offers online courses and practicals in Queensland, NSW, Tasmania, Western Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, overseen by experienced professionals. If you are in Sydney Photo Workshop Australia offers professional photo shoot tips and courses at the right prices. An informed photographer is a better photographer and there’s nothing like a pro to give you special tips he has gained from experience.

Go shopping for groceries, attend photography classes and get value in return. The latest trend is to get online discount coupons from online discount voucher websites and use them at member establishments to get discounts as high as 70%. Another great advantage of registering with online discount sites is that wonderful offers for groceries and photo classes are available right on the website. You do not have to search yellow pages or go online. The website displays items of interest in your location and lets you enjoy huge discounts at these places.