| Budget Travel Guide, South East Asia Travelling, Europe Travel Guide, Travel Blog UK

January 8, 2013
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Comments Off on The Smart Girl’s Guide to Istanbul: A Photoessay

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Istanbul: A Photoessay

Literally and figuratively bridging the gap between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It has an overwhelming array of cultural sites of historic and religious significance, great shopping in traditional bazaars and modern shopping malls, fantastic nightlife, and a unique character enhanced by the Bosporus flowing through the middle of everything and the personality of Turks themselves. Turkish food and desserts are also amazing, so if you ever get bored of sightseeing you can find a relaxed café to hang out in and experiment with rich Mediterranean dishes and hearty kebabs of endless styles, or just inhale plate after plate of baklava (even though you know you shouldn’t).

While living in Istanbul for nine months, I found that I never got bored. There was always another old neighborhood to explore, always another immense mosque to gawk at, always another nightclub to throw down in, always another museum to wander around in, or always another house party where I would meet more friendly Turks and foreigners. And if that wasn’t enough, there are easy day trips to beaches on the Black Sea or islands in the Sea of Marmara where you can bicycle around and escape traffic. From Istanbul you can easily visit other parts of the country on your own or as part of a tour. Click here to read more.

Ferrying from one continent to another

Dockside neighborhood of Istinye

“Sorry, you’ll have to wait your turn”

Annual Tulip festival in Emirgan Park

Beautiful flowers everywhere

Smoking nargileh with my roommate Özgün

Dancing to crazy gypsy music at Araf

Delicious food everywhere!

This dessert shop was four stories tall and down the street from my job. Dangerous combination.

Aya Sofya, possibly the most impressive building in the world

Blue Mosque

Visiting night markets all around the city to keep the kitchen stocked

Simply delicious

Hanging lamps in the Grand Bazaar

Turkey is famous for its carpets. Ones like these take months to finish by hand

Beautiful stonework all over the city

Mosque floor

At Basilica Cistern, under the heart of the old city

Visiting the Eyüp Sultan graveyard

Heaven!

All photos by Neil Hilton

January 5, 2013
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Comments Off on Top 4 Things to Do in Las Vegas

Top 4 Things to Do in Las Vegas

Planning a trip to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada? If so, then you’ve chosen a wonderful destination. Las Vegas is full of many exciting adventures, including gambling, great food, entertaining shows, and excellent shopping. In fact, Las Vegas is one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas in the near future, consider adding some of these activities to your to-do list.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Las Vegas is the shopping addicts dream come true. With luxury shops all up and down the main street, there’s certainly plenty to give your credit card a good workout. The shops at Caesar’s Palace are some favorites of locals and visitors. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace are home to luxury brands like Armani, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Coach, Fendi and more. If you prefer more trendy shopping, make a stop at Planet Hollywood to enjoy the latest from H&M, Billabong and Guess.

Enjoy Delicious Dining

If there’s one thing Las Vegas is known for (besides gambling), it’s the excellent food. Enjoy all kinds of different cuisines and food choices while visiting Las Vegas. One of the main attractions on Las Vegas Boulevard are the buffets. Nearly every hotel offers some kind of buffet for lunch and dinner. You’ll find those buffets offering steaks and eggs and even more high-end cuisine, like seafood at the Rio or French Cuisine at the Paris hotel.

Place Your Bets

And, of course, what would a trip to Las Vegas be without a little gambling. The stakes are high in this city, so chose your bets wisely. Go for the slot machines where you can gamble anything from a few dollars to some big bucks or choose to play some of the tables. In every casino you’ll find the favorites of Black Jack, Roulette and poker. Or, you may even chose to frequent one of the sports bars and place a bet on your favorite college or professional sports team.

Entertainment at It’s Finest

Take in a show or two while you’re visiting fabulous Las Vegas. You’ll find comedy shows, musical performances, magic shows and even circus acts. When it comes to Las Vegas, there’s no shortage on entertainment. All of the major hotels, including the Tropicana Las Vegas, have specialty shows that run at different times throughout the year.

There’s certainly never any shortage of fun or excitement in Las Vegas. And as the locals like to say, be sure to visit again sometime.

December 27, 2012
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Comments Off on How to Choose the Best Travel Sites for Your Next Trip

How to Choose the Best Travel Sites for Your Next Trip

Planning any kind of trip is difficult, but travel sites can make this task much, much easier. Read on to find out how this tool can help you plan your trip.

Planning any kind of trip is difficult. Not only will you need to arrange how you intend to travel to your chosen destination but of course where you are going to be staying. One way of make the best choices is through the use of the many travel sites to be found on the Internet today.

Along with allowing you to arrange your trip much more quickly, they also provide you with the opportunity to compare prices. Of course with so many travel sites to select from how can you determine which is the best one to use? Below we offer some words of advice you may find useful when arranging your next trip using an online travel business.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you search sites for the best rates possible. These sites have been designed in such a way to ensure that you save money. Therefore when arranging any kind of trip, make sure that you only pay for what you need. If they are attempting to get you to add extra things to your trip then look elsewhere. They are only doing this so that they make more money for themselves.

Another thing you should be looking at on any travel sites is which airlines they deal with. Look for those who are partnered with the major ones, as this will ensure that you have a number of different options to choose from. Plus it gives you much more scope with regards to the dates, times and where you fly from and to. Opting such sites will ensure that you are also getting the best deals possible with this aspect of your trip.

Choosing the best travel site is a lot like choosing the best bingo site – you need to find out which site offers you the best value for your money. Usually, it’s better to go for the site that offers the best bingo promotions, as these offer great deals and bonuses. And, you can use your winnings as spending money on your trip!

Finally when it comes to choosing travel sites make sure that the one you select you can use easily. If you are finding it difficult to navigate around a particular site then there is every chance you could end up making mistakes. As a result you could end up finding yourself missing out on some really good deals when arranging your trip. As a result you could end up having to spend hundreds more dollars than you wanted.

December 27, 2012
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Comments Off on What You Need to Know about Las Vegas Shows

What You Need to Know about Las Vegas Shows

If you have never experienced live entertainment in the gambling capital of the US, then it is time you think about taking in a couple Las Vegas shows.

The Venetian, Vegas

If you have never experienced live entertainment in the gambling capital of the US, then it is time you think about taking in some of the numerous Las Vegas shows that are available whenever visiting the city. Other than gambling, the primary entertainment option in Las Vegas are the different shows that are always playing no matter what time of the year you visit there. If you are planning on enjoying a night or two of entertainment other than gambling, here are few things you need to know about Las Vegas shows.

Features of a show – you can best describe any one of the numerous Las Vegas shows as those that “go over the top”, for lack of a better description. Unlike stage shows that you would see somewhere else in the US, the shows that are put on in Las Vegas are characterized by fancy costumes as well as special effects and features. Each show typically features two or three segments complete with an intermission between each segment.

Size of the show – some shows may include up to 200 performers (e.g. Cirque Du Soleil) while others may involve a single individual (e.g. musicians or singers). The audience size will also vary depending on where the show is being performed. Obviously, some casino resorts have larger entertainment areas than others. If you are planning on attending one of the many Las Vegas shows that are available, you might want to find out how many guests the show is capable of handling.

Time frame – the majority of the shows in Las Vegas take place after the dinner hour and start no earlier than 7:00 pm. Additionally, there are at least two performances of every show, sometimes three or four depending on the length of the show. The benefit is that a larger number of individuals have an opportunity to see their show of choice. It also enables the guests to have some degree of flexibility when it comes to scheduling one of these Las Vegas shows into their night out on the town.

Types of shows – if there is one thing that you can definitely say about stage shows in Las Vegas, it’s the fact that there is a huge amount of variety to choose from. Whether it is magic shows, stand-up comedy, or musicals, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. You will also find that a number of renowned entertainers play at a specific casino the entire year and there are a number of different national performers always include Las Vegas on their tour agenda.

Misconceptions to be aware of – one of the primary misconceptions that exist where Las Vegas shows are concerned is the different “Review Shows” that involve nudity. Many people are under the misconception that these are just glorified strip club shows when in reality the nudity is relatively limited. The bottom line is that the costumes that are used and the dancing that is performed in these shows is more of the focus, not the nudity.

December 25, 2012
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Comments Off on Things to Do in Birmingham

Things to Do in Birmingham

England’s second-largest city used to be known as the “Workshop of the World”, because it’s where the Industrial Revolution began. Birmingham actually has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam because of all the massive production and transportation 200 years ago! Today, the city is a great place to explore on foot and take in the many interesting sights. Grab a cheap Birmingham flight and don’t miss these activities when in the city:

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Brush up on your history at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Its beautiful, spacious interior, glass ceilings and majestic staircases are the perfect house for the fascinating exhibitions delving into the city’s history. Another great museum is the Barber Institute- this one for art lovers, as it’s got an impressive collection of Monets, Manets and Renoirs.

Haggle at the markets next to the Bull Ring to score deals on a mish-mash of different items, from clothing to art pieces to all sorts of knick-knacks. Take in the lively atmosphere of the market and people-watch with a coffee from one of the many nearby sidewalk cafes.

Enjoy the canals by foot with a relaxing stroll in the early evening, watch the sun go down and grab a pint at a nearby canalside pub. If you opt for a quicker journey, take a cruise down the canal on one of the narrow boats departing from Brindleyplace.

Go on a culinary excursion in the Balti Triangle, an area of Birmingham specializing in Balti cuisine with over 50 authentic restaurants serving up delicious curries. It’s a vibrant hub for people of all nationalities, and is home to the spicy dish called Balti, named for the Baltistan region of Pakistan where it originates, and the type of pot it’s cooked in. The Balti Triangle also has tons of unique markets and specialty food vendors.

Tour the BBC Studios at the Mailbox building, an awesome insider glimpse into the world of TV and radio broadcasting! You’ll learn all about the inner workings of the BBC and even get a chance to present your own news program at the end.

Architecture lover or not, you’re going to love walking around and taking in the gorgeous Victorian-style buildings in Birmingham. Stroll through the Church Street neighborhood for some great examples, and don’t miss the Cathedral there with lovely stained glass windows and Baroque architecture.

December 19, 2012
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Comments Off on Relax and unwind in the Seychelles

Relax and unwind in the Seychelles

The Seychelles is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean offering everything you could want from a holiday of sun, sea and sand. I say ‘island’ but there are actually 115 of them – many of which are uninhabited. So while you can enjoy the luxury comforts on offer at resorts such as Kempinski’s Baie Lazare hotel, you can also head out on a boat tour and explore much more remote areas. Some islands even offer basic, Robinson Crusoe-style living – perfect for getting away from the stress of modern life!

Here’s a quick rundown on what you can expect from a break in the Seychelles…

Mahe

Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles, and being home to 90 per cent of the country’s population is the place where you will find the most activity. The capital, Victoria, is where you will find the best restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, along with the Morne Seychellois National Park, a large protected wildlife area with many peaks and footpaths to explore.

Praslin

The next-largest island is Praslin, which is one of the most picturesque spots you could ever hope to find, with scenery that has earned it the tag of ‘the real Garden of Eden’ over the years. Many unique species of birds are found in the famous Vall?e de Mai.

Diving

The Seychelles has some of the best diving anywhere in the world, with clear waters, a warm climate and thousands of species of fish and marine life. The Cap Ternay Marine National Park is popular, but the many old shipwrecks in the bays have become habitats for fish. Look out for lionfish, whale sharks and even dolphins.

Nightlife

The Seychelles may seem like a sleepy island paradise, but there is still plenty going on once the sun goes down. Wander round Victoria and enjoy cocktails in some great open-air bars, or dance the night away at famous spots such as Club Lovenut. Alternatively, do what the locals do: grab some rum and some beer and head down to the beach! A relaxing drink and barbecue on the sand as the sun goes down is the ideal way to unwind.

December 19, 2012
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Comments Off on 5 Best Bars in Bejing

5 Best Bars in Bejing

Beijing is China’s capital and an insane place to go for a night out. It’s one of the fastest-growing international cities in the world, with loads of amazing places to go out on the town and experience some of the greatest nightlife in Asia!

The Bar at Migas

The Bar at Migas

Just adjacent to the popular Spanish restaurant of the same name, the Bar at Migas has an impressive rooftop patio for dance parties that last the whole night long. During the cold season, the crowds inside for parties featuring DJs spinning everything from house music to soul, funk and disco. But the best time to come is when it’s warm enough to hang out on the roof with one of their uniquely mixed cocktails. They’ve got chilled-out live music during the week, so there’s always a good time to give this spot a visit.

Apothecary

This bar has got some of the best cocktails in Beijing, hands down. They’re a bit on the pricey end, but it’s worth it for the true cocktail connoisseur or those just looking for a classy night out. They use all fresh ingredients to create a seasonal menu of cocktails that will blow your mind. Try something exotic like the aromatic Chrysanthemum cocktail.

Yugong Yishan

This lively spot is a great pick for live music in Beijing. They’ve recently been gathering bigger and better acts from an eclectic variety of genres, so there’s something for every musical taste. They also bring in plenty of local artists as well as occasional film screenings. A definite pick for eclectic taste and those who enjoy a bit of a “divey” atmosphere.

The V

Vampire fans will adore this elaborately-decorated “undead” bar, and everyone else will appreciate its quirky, comfortably gloomy atmosphere. Think coffin-tables, red and black wallpaper, Victorian-style chairs and a full menu of blood-themed drinks to get you in the mood.

Yin Bar

This rooftop terrace bar with a Jacuzzi and some of the best view of the city will make you start wishing you lived in Beijing (and why not, when you can find Beijing apartments so easily!) In addition to its luxurious atmosphere, Yin Bar has some crazy cocktails mixing ingredients you’d never imagine- such as sake and Chinese spirits, or lemon juice with vodka, watermelon and pepper. Enjoy in your bikini under the starry sky!

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December 16, 2012
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Comments Off on Car rental insurance advice for travellers

Car rental insurance advice for travellers

Renting a car offers you a lot of freedom to travel. There are a variety of cars on offer from many different countries in Europe and it is essential that you get car rental insurance that will cover you in the event of loss or damage to your hire car – but how can you do this?

Transfer existing cover

It is likely that the insurance you have taken out on your own car can be transferred to your rental car. However you should always double check this with your insurance company before you hire a rental car as there may be a fee or documentation involved.

It may also be useful to check with your credit card provider whether they other any form of rental car insurance cover. Often credit card companies will insure your rental car if you pay for the rental of the car with their card. There may be some terms and conditions attached to this benefit though and some credit card companies only reimburse you for an incident if you report it within a certain number of days. It is normally the case that credit card companies will only cover the car if it is paid for in full using that specific card.

Cover additional drivers

Before you allow other drivers to get behind the wheel of the rental vehicle make sure that they are covered by the insurance; you may run the risk of losing your cover for loss or damage of the car otherwise.

Check the value

Establish the value of your cover. If your policy provides a minimum coverage you need to work out the value of damage and loss on the hire car and determine whether you need to supplement the coverage.

For example, some insurance providers extend collision coverage to a rental car but only up to a value equal to that of your personal vehicle. In this way you may still be liable to cover some of the damage costs incurred whilst driving the hire car.

Specific policies

If you are not covered by your credit card of personal car insurance then consider taking out the insurance policy that hire car companies offer you. These insurance policies will normally contain a collision damage waiver and a loss damage waiver.

In addition you will be provided with “loss of use” cover in the event that you are unable to use the rental car. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully as some insurance companies will void your insurance if, for example, you decide to drive off road.

December 16, 2012
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Comments Off on Planning the perfect hen do

Planning the perfect hen do

When you’ve been given the honour of being your best friend’s bridesmaid, there usually is a little responsibility laid at your door as well as the chance to have your hair and nails done and wear a great dress alongside the bride on the big day.

What every bride wants is the perfect wedding, but she usually wants the perfect hen do as well, and if you’ve been tasked with the job of organising it, it can feel quite stressful. That’s why it’s always good to have a few ideas at the ready, just in case one of your mates picks you to plan her last weekend away as a singleton.

Hen nights used to be a domestic affair, but with the number of cheap flights now available, it’s more unusual to stay in your own country than to choose somewhere a little further flung.

Here are some top tips on choosing a great hen night destination:

Check who’s coming. Who does the bride want there to celebrate with her (and perhaps more importantly, who doesn’t she want to come?). Once you’ve established the list, make sure they all have passports and that the suggested date suits everyone, otherwise it’s going to be a tad disappointing for those who can’t make it. Give two dates, and go with the one that the most people can make. Advance planning helps here.
Pick a city that is easy to get to and that will appeal to most people. Fortunately, as brides usually want to gather their best mates around them for hen nights and weddings, you should have certain tastes in common, but consider who is going and try and pick somewhere that will appeal to everyone.
Cost it out. Make a realistic budget for the trip and check that all attendees are happy with the cost. Flights to Alicante are going to cost less than flights to New York, for example.
Make a room plan. Think carefully about who can share rooms. You don’t want people who aren’t going to get along to be forced into being bunk mates.
Try and choose activities that will appeal to everyone in the group, that keep everyone entertained without it feeling overly organised.
Talk to other people who’ve had to organise hen nights and adopt the best stuff, and avoid the stuff that went horribly wrong.
Keep it close. Don’t invite too many people if you’re going abroad, otherwise you might end up feeling like you’re leading a coach party, and the hen do will lose that intimate farewell feel that it should have.

If that checklist hasn’t put you off, then go for it and give your best mate the best send-off you possibly can, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy it too!

December 6, 2012
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Comments Off on An Overseas Checklist

An Overseas Checklist

Ever get that sinking feeling, just before you shut the door behind you as you leave for a vacation abroad? Just go through this checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything that you’ll need for your travels:

1. Visa or Passport

When traveling overseas, it is imperative to check whether or not you need a visa for entrance into your destination country or if your passport will do. The requirements for each country are different; for some countries you don’t need anything, for some you will need a certain amount of empty pages in you passport, for others you will need a visa and for some countries you will even need an invitation to enter. Be sure to check this information before your trip, it’s crucial!

2. Prescriptions and Immunizations

Before traveling abroad, make sure that you have enough of your daily prescriptions to last you while you are gone and that you have received whatever immunizations are necessary for entering your country of choice. Visiting your family doctor before leaving, can speed up the process. He will be able to contact your insurance to get all of your prescriptions in advance and can give you your shots.

3. Travelers Insurance

Speaking of insurance, many people choose to buy travelers insurance before an extended trip. This insurance is typically inexpensive and can save you boatloads in medical bills once you get abroad. If your insurance won’t pay, there are other companies that can help you out such as First4lawyers.com, these law services have experience getting compensation for accidents abroad.

4. The Proper Attire

While you may be focused on impressing the masses with your flawless style abroad, high heels are not adequate for typical tourism. Make sure that you have packed comfortable walking shoes, jackets for different types of weather and something that you can put on if it gets rainy. A hat is always a good choice too!

5. Major International Credit Card

Paying for things using credit cards can be a huge hassle in other countries, plus there are huge withdrawal fees if you are using a card other than a major international brand. To be on the safe side when traveling, use American Express, Diners or Visa/Mastercard. Better yet (and bringing us to the next item) use cash!

6. Money to Exchange or Foreign Currency

When you arrive in a foreign land, you’re going to need a way to get from the airport/train station what have you, to the place you’re staying. It is smart to have already picked up some foreign currency from the bank before leaving but if you couldn’t do that, then bring some cash with you that you can exchange at a money exchange booth. Nothing is more annoying than paying to take money out of an ATM and then paying more money to exchange it for another countries currency.

Other thinks you should probably include: Voltage converters for foreign outlets, copies of all of your travel documents, your drivers license, a medical/allergy card, a list of common phrases or a foreign language dictionary, all of your chargers and a good spirit for traveling!