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

November 30, 2012
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Comments Off on Skiing? It’s all about the après, darling.

Skiing? It’s all about the après, darling.

Whether it’s your first time skiing, or your hundredth, there are two words that are bound to make your holiday: Après-ski. Anyone who thinks a ski trip is all about what you do when you’re clipped into your bindings is sorely mistaken. During the hours leading up to when the lifts close, the pistes may be emptying out, but the mountain is coming to life. In little pockets all over it, sometimes at the summit, sometimes halfway up, and sometimes strategically placed at the base, everyone is enjoying the best of what skiing social life has to offer.

Cheap flights from Monarch Airlines will take you to many of Europe’s famous ski resorts. The après-ski partying takes many forms, from painfully chic to downright wild, so here’s a quick look at some of Europe’s best:

The Showy Spot:

Want to spray a magnum of champagne at a world-renowned DJ, with the entire resort watching you? Then head to La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere. At the main crossroads of many of the pistes and lifts, you’ll be the center of attention as everyone makes their way down to somewhere less cool.

The Luxury Glamour:

Famous for its five-star food, Chez Vrony in Zermatt, is the best place if you’re into your pampering. Sleigh beds covered in sumptuous furs surround the chalet, and you’ll look fabulously chic as you lounge and snack on something divine.

The Wild Spot:

The Krazy Kanguruh in Saint Anton lives up to its title, in that it is totally crazy. Never thought of doing body-shots while it’s still light outside? Well, then, you must head here for an afternoon you probably won’t remember. Good luck skiing home.

The Family-Friendly Bar:

A family-run business called Jam Bar in Tignes is the perfect place for a vin chaud, and a chill out. It’s always full of fun people, and with a more cordial environment, you might actually get the chance to meet some of them.

The Place To Be Seen:

Hennu Stall in Zermatt may be small, but that’s because it’s full of only the best people in their chicest ski attire. Follow your ears down the run home and you’ll stumble across this “chicken coop” of cool.

The Music Venue:

Fly into Grenoble and you’re just a short journey from Jack’s Bar in Meribel and the best live music the Alps has to offer. There’s always a theme or event going on here, so if you’re looking for some cheap beer, people in costume, and the liveliest locals, check this one out.

The Best Drinks Deals:

If you have a thing for Scandinavians, or listening to Brits talk about their gnarly off-piste jumps, then Chambre Neuf in Chamonix is the place for you. They’re famous for their drinks specials, so this is a great place to start a wild evening,

November 27, 2012
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Comments Off on 5 Ways To Work Online

5 Ways To Work Online

I love being able to get up work anywhere and anytime I want. Vacation time is no longer limited to two weeks a year. But unlike the infinite “get rich quick” schemes out there, working online takes time and effort. Here are five ways to work towards freedom from a 9-5 job.

Graphic/Web Design

If you’re design savvy and/or know how to code in various languages, consider a freelance design job. There are an abundant amount of gigs to be found everywhere from Smashing Magazine to Craigslist. You can make great money in this industry by charging per hour, per project, or on a contractual monthly basis. As an example, my significant other charges $40 an hour and up to $2000 per website designed and coded. A popular emerging industry is creating and modifying WordPress templates for blogs and other websites.

Writing

With the proliferation of online news sources and the demand for online content, freelance writing is an excellent option. It’s a rewarding job as you get to research and write about what you’re interested in. You do not necessarily need to be an expert on a particular topic, rather just be passionate and eager to learn. There are countless websites and blogs regarding every topic imaginable, meaning there’s something for everyone. I have a friend who gets paid for writing about anime conventions she attends. You can get paid per word or per article.

Online Marketing

Online marketing is the promotion of products and services through the Internet. It has become increasingly more important to companies’ overall marketing strategy. And with over 2 billion Internet users online, it makes sense. Internet Marketing involves SEM (Search Engine Marketing), banner advertising, email marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing. Although many online marketing jobs are full-time positions on location, one can still do freelance online marketing for a company (or companies) at home. Better yet, create a website with valuable content and market yourself! The benefit of this type of job is that it’s more likely to be an ongoing project rather than one gig. While traveling, I met someone who does freelance online marketing to support his nomadic lifestyle. His favorite office is a private bungalow edging the beach on an island in Thailand.

Micro Jobs

Micro jobs are small, simple tasks that are outsourced because they cannot be accomplished by computer. They can be tasks ranging from filling out a short survey to categorizing photographs. It is not a very viable solution for making a full-time income, but it’s a nice activity if you’re mindlessly wasting time surfing the Internet. I use Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) during spare moments for spare change.

Games/gambling

Some people participating in online gaming have found a way to earn money. Many games do not allow it, such as World of Warcraft (although people certainly do anyways), but another Blizzard title, Diablo III, has installed a Real Money Auction House in the game. There, players can sell virtual commodities for real-life money. Some players have seen success, one unnamed user making $10,000 in less than two months. Then there are online gambling sites like Party Bingo.com, a direct way to turn gaming into profit. There are games of both chance and skill, with jackpots often in the hundreds of dollars.

Jobs that allow you to travel are the best, cruise ships jobs are also pretty cool, I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, check some out at www.CruiseOffers.com.au. Pretty cool, huh?!

November 27, 2012
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Comments Off on 5 Interesting Gatlinburg Attractions

5 Interesting Gatlinburg Attractions

Gatlinburg highlights the magnificent scenic view of nature where the Great Smokey Mountains is the star of all attractions. But while you are admiring this natural display of Gatlinburg’s environment, and lounging in your great gatlinburgcabinrentals.com acommodation, there are also other things you can check out:

The Space Needle

The mountain ranges are incredible and best observed on board the Space Needle which gives you a 360-degree view. The Space Needle itself is also among the great Gatlinburg attractions. When you are in Gatlinburg, the space needle is the ultimate site for your visit to capture the amazing Great Smokey Mountains.

Clingman’s Dome

Another way to observe the Great Smokey Mountain is at the Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak which is more than 6,600 feet, where an observation tower can give you breathtaking view of this historic mountain. And yet again, Clingman’s Dome itself is an attraction in Gatlinburg.

Aquarium of the Smokies

If you love animals, the Aquarium of the Smokies is a good pick, which is one of Ripley’s attractions and among the most spectacular in Gatlinburg. The aquarium has a larger population of sea animals than Gatlinburg has people. And don’t forget the birds of Gatlinburg are great attractions with more than 200 species native to Tennessee. The outdoor scenery could never be more colorful and lush than seeing the flutters of nature’s lovely creations that promises good relaxation and diversion from the bustling life in the city.

Gatlinburg Golf Course

If you like sporting activities on your holiday, enjoy the finest tee time at the Gatlinburg Golf Course recently hailed as the best municipal golf course across the states and where you can also see the captivating scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Or you can enjoy fun times with the kids and the rest of the family at three various city parks in Gatlinburg namely, Herbert Holt, Mynatt and Mills Parks.

Gatlinburg Convention Center

If you come with a group, whether small or large, another attraction is the Gatlinburg Convention Center which has a flexible meeting space that can cater from small groups to bigger delegates. The large halls and small meeting spaces can provide for company conventions, family reunions, club activities and other group meetings.

November 20, 2012
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Comments Off on 3 Day Trips from Sydney

3 Day Trips from Sydney

A breath of fresh air awaits you outside the bustling city limits after you fly into Sydney. Head towards the mighty mountains and get sidetracked by the towering sandstone edifices. Take a drive through the hinterlands to beaches that rival the best in the world. Study the grapes hanging heavy on the vine. Book Australia holidays online and plot a blissful short escape from town.

Blue Mountains

Set your senses alight at the Blue Mountains. They derived their name from the blue haze hovering above the mountains caused by the oils from the bountiful Eucalyptus trees. In fact, a number of plants here can’t be found anywhere else. The Blue Mountain area is one of rugged plateau, inaccessible gorges, cascading waterfalls, and sandstone escarpments. Walk along Victorian-era trails that lead down to the temperate rainforest teeming with wildlife. Listen to the mimicking call of the Lyrebird. Peer through a lookout at Echo Point and view the peculiar rock formations that make up the iconic Three Sisters. You can settle down in Katoomba, small city in the center of the valley. The small town is located next to the main trails, which will take hiking professional and amateur into the amazing landscape. You will need few days to explore at least the main trails that the valley as to offer.

Jervis Bay

Drive to Jervis Bay on Grand Pacific Drive, a coast-hugging route that offers a sensationally scenic ride. Jervis Bay has been officially recorded as having the whitest sand in the world. Discover a remote beach with the powder-fine sand among the bay’s hidden inlets. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for snorkelers, anglers, and divers. Join a dolphin cruise and laugh in amazement as the playful creatures pop out from the teal waters. Whale watching is available during their migration season. After a swim stroll on the Scribbly Gum track through the forest to photograph the fascinating trees it’s named after.

Hunter Valley

Wine country. Score some cheap flights to Sydney and become a discerning wine drinker with a tour through the beautiful Hunter Valley. Get ready to conquer several of the 130 wineries have made the region its home. Rolling fields and rows of budding grapes fill the countryside. Become acquainted with the subtleties of tasting wine and learn about the delicate process of crafting it. Savor the different varieties and select a favorite to pair with sumptuous artisanal cheeses. Alternatively, head towards the Hunter Valley Gardens where over 60 acres come ablaze with color and character. Each of the dozen gardens is differently themed, creating a unique journey through 8,000 roses and fairytale fables.

November 20, 2012
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Comments Off on A dose of winter sun is just what you need

A dose of winter sun is just what you need

When the days get short and the weather gets cold, you know you’re in for the long haul. Spring is by no means just around the corner – it’s a long time until we’ll be seeing daffodils bursting into life.

One way to break up the winter is to book in a week of sunshine. Half of the pleasure is in the anticipation. If you know you’ve got a week’s break from the gloom of winter coming up in February, say, then you can start to count down towards it, and by the time you get back you’ll be on a high for a week or two, and then only have a few weeks of winter left before the start of spring.

The trouble with winter sun is that you sometimes have to go a long way to find it, and if you only have a week to spare, you don’t really want to go on a long haul flight.

No surprise then, that more and more people are discovering the joys of the Canary Islands – only a few hours’ flight away but more or less guaranteed warm and sunny weather, even in the depths of the UK winter.

You may not have ever considered going to the Canaries, but these Spanish islands off the north-west coast of Africa have plenty to offer tourists – young and old, in groups or with families. The main industry of the Canaries is tourism, so you’ll always get a warm welcome, and as well as beautiful beaches the inland of each of the islands is well worth exploring.

To find out the best deals for holidays Spain Lanzarote, all you need to do is a quick internet search and you’ll come up with a range of options, many of which have an appealing low price ticket attached to them.

You never know, your first trip to the Canaries may be the beginning of an annual winter tradition in your household.

November 20, 2012
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Comments Off on Britain on a budget

Britain on a budget

Whether you’re visiting the UK for the first time or a group of friends looking forward to a girly weekend, you’re in the right place! But the good news is that a holiday in the UK that feels just as much a holiday as flying somewhere far away isn’t a budget breaker. Booking a stunning Somerset holiday cottage is within budget especially when you’ve worked out the cost split between a few friends. Choose a cosy cottage in Somerset with decor to rival that of a boutique hotel at a price which won’t break the bank. From your holiday cottage, you’re in the ideal position to explore Somerset; spend a day relaxing on Burnham beach or check out one of the great value days out the region has to offer.

Once you’ve arrived in Somerset, you’ll be looking for something to keep you entertained. Here’s our guide to making the most of Somerset on a budget…

A weekend away at a spa may be the height of luxury but what about something a little more affordable? Try one of Somerset’s fantastic heated outdoor swimming pools. Make the most of a sunny day and go to your nearest lido, try Portishead or Street, for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The price of the entrance ticket means it’s a really cheap day out, just try to avoid visiting during the summer holidays when you may have to queue. If you really want to push the boat out (no pun intended!), Somerset is home to a number of upmarket outdoor swimming pools such as the Clifton Lido which make for a seriously luxurious few hours.

A year round favourite is the Fashion Museum in Bath with a permanent collection of clothing, accessories and photography from the 1600s to the present day. Ticket prices vary according to how many of Bath’s attractions you want to visit but entrance to the Fashion Museum alone is a cheap day out. If you visit over the next few months, you’ll be able to see ‘Glamour’, an exhibition showcasing twentieth century evening wear and ‘Sport and Fashion’ which demonstrates the important relationship between the two as far back as 1880. Given that Bath is the training ground of many 2012 Olympians, there’s really no better time to visit the museum. After a few hours you’ll be sorely tempted by the promise of retail therapy in Bath’s new shopping centre.

Once you leave the cities behind, you’ll see why Somerset has featured on the silver screen; it’s a breathtakingly beautiful county. Leave your holiday cottage and escape into the countryside to blow away the cobwebs. Try a stretch of the South West Coast Path along Somerset’s northern edge for great views over the beaches especially at sunset. Walking up Glastonbury Tor is another popular choice with far-reaching views across the Somerset Levels your reward for making the ascent. If you happen to be there in June you’ll probably be able to hear some of the world-famous Glastonbury Festival for free.

So what’s stopping you? Who needs an excuse for a girly break to Somerset with so much to see and do? Now…what to pack?

Photo Attribution

Clifton Lido: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517490@N00/5213238694/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Fashion Museum: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenandandy/1130158156/sizes/z/in/photostream/

November 16, 2012
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Comments Off on Hawker haven in Singapore

Hawker haven in Singapore

Singapore is quite possibly the best representation and epitome of the word “melting pot” both figuratively and literally. Out of all of Southeast Asia, I think it is the most un-Southeast Asian country simply because of the immense mixture of culture and nationality that populates the country. Other than that, it is probably the most westernized and cosmopolitan country in Southeast Asia with its very innovative, modern, and contemporary buildings and architecture styles. And though some people visit Singapore for a variety of reasons – for business, graduate studies, short vacations, shopping, or what have you – what usually makes people keep coming back to this tiny island is none other than its food and the whole experience of dining in Southeast Asia’s hawker heaven.

Regardless of what your preference is or what your palate is craving for at any given time, it can most definitely be satisfied by Singapore’s wide array of cuisines in its ever famous hawkers and food courts. Food stalls in these hawkers vary from Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, or whatever other cuisine you can think of and meals generally cost around $2 and above depending on how much you order. It is understandable, however, for new-comers to this melting pot country to get quite intimidated and confused about what to order when faced with the hundreds of choices in these hawker establishments. It gets quite overwhelming in itself during peak hours just to decide what to order, and top that off with a swarm of hungry students and employees hurrying to get their fill of their hawker favourites, and it’s easy to turn your back around and just look for a more “decent” dining experience in a restaurant. But believe me, just tough it out on your first try and you’ll eventually agree with me when I say that sticking it out is so worth it for the whole experience you get out of eating in a hawker place that you’d want to keep coming back. All hawker establishments generally have the same cuisines and dishes to offer, but to make things a bit easier for first-timers in the Lion City, here are a couple of staple hawker favourites that are a must-try.

Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish is definitely one of the favourites both by locals and tourists alike – a very simple chicken and rice dish that has just that amount of flavour that would keep you wanting more. The chicken-rice combo is served with dark soy, ginger, and a few other spices that go perfect with the poached and steamed dish.

Satay
This heaven-on-a-stick dish comes either in chicken, beef, mutton, or pork in small bite-size pieces skewered on thin sticks and is partnered with a spice-infused peanut sauce and is best eaten with white rice.

Roti Prata
This pancake like bread of Indian origin can also be found in most hawkers and is definitely a crowd favorite when it comes to snacks. You can choose an assortment of fillings as simple as cheese or as complicated as egg, meats, onions, etc. It is served with a bowl of curry where you dip your Roti Prata in and is best eaten using your fingers!

Chili Crab
As the name says, this dish includes a generous serving of crab cooked in a thick mouth-watering buttered chilli sauce and is often eaten with “mantou” or fried rolls.

Nasi Lemak
This popular Malaysian rice dish is also a staple in most hawker establishments. The rice is cooked in coconut milk and is served with a variety of sidings which include meat curry, peanuts, anchovies, a hardboiled egg, and some vegetables.

There are a whole lot more of dishes and cuisines that you should try and taste for yourselves too. But these 5 dishes are some of the must-tries for first timers, especially if you’re not very adventurous with trying an entirely new world of spices and flavours, because these dishes, though simple and subtle are still interesting enough to tickle your taste buds.

November 16, 2012
by admin
Comments Off on What Makes Dining in Korea So Distinct

What Makes Dining in Korea So Distinct

Most often than not, Asian countries are most likel considered a melting pot especially when it comes to food. There’s always a mix and match of western food, to Asian foods that originally came from other countries that was transformed into a new and unique style and presentation, and so on. But likewise, each Asian country also has its own distinction. This goes the same for Korea.

So what is Korea most famous for?
Honestly, it would be so hard to tell for the simple reason that they have a lot to offer. They have soups, noodles, seafoods, vegetables, beef, cakes, you name it. It won’t be hard to find something you like here.

But some factors to look at, is that they are lovers of spicy food. Especially during winter season, spicy foods and soups top their list. Another thing is, they love to mix and match, say beef with vegetables, chicken with rice and egg, among others. Of the famous are their Bulgogi, a mix of thinly-sliced marinated beef with vegetables, and Bibimbap, literally meaning mixed rice, it’s a flavored rice with vegetables, beef and topped with fried egg.

Dining Experience in Korean Restaurants
The true Korean dining experience more immerses us, travellers into the culture of Korea. It moves us away from the typical fast food meals, and even to the fine dining we know of. In Korea, in most restaurants, and for most of the meals, your order will be cooked in front of you. Literally right on your dining table. You have this circular griller at the center of your table and personally watch your meal slowly getting cooked.

This is just pretty interesting especially for a first time dining experience in Korea, so you also get to know the story of the food you eat.

Street Food Experience
Just like any other Asian country, the idea is the same, you find carts along the street selling various fried foods (usually) and you either eat it in front of the stall while standing, or walk along, or have it wrapped and take it home. A lot of things you will find are skewered meals, rice cakes, and you even have free soup in some cases. Apart from it being exciting, this is one of the ways you can have inexpensive meals in Korea.

But as always, words can never be a good explanantion; it’s always best to experience it first hand and let your palate have the experience!

November 14, 2012
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Comments Off on The importance of learning languages for travel.

The importance of learning languages for travel.

There’s nothing more intimidating than trying to learn a new language from scratch. Yeah, some English-speakers go on to study languages like Thai before deciding to book their hotel in Bangkok for a couple weeks and do brilliantly, but my own mediocre French GCSE is pretty much limited to finding the train station and tunefully reciting the alphabet. I’d say that puts me in the vast majority

And yet, people from other countries appear to manage just fine. How DO these pesky foreigners manage it?

Two things: Immersion and Necessity.

Ask any Scandinavian and they will tell you that their TV is dominated by British and American shows. They also start learning English language from a relatively early age. This immersion, at school and at home, provides a great environment for language acquisition. It’s no coincidence that many Scandinavians speak English better than we do.

Not all nationalities are blessed with this kind of ideal learning environment, though. Others have to learn through endless schooling, tests, mistakes and hard work. In many countries, learning English is the key to a better job and a more comfortable life. It’s the language of business. Want to go abroad in the future? Learn English first!

In the English speaking world we’re both blessed and cursed with the adaptation of our language as a lingua franca. We’re never immersed and it’s just not necessary, so generally we don’t get into the mindset to learn a new language.

Of course, when you travel to a country where English isn’t widely spoken, this presents a challenge. As adult travellers to more exotic destinations we’re forced to learn by necessity for the first time. More often than not though, as an English speaker, it’s mostly unnecessary to learn any new language for travel. Someone is bound to speak English and sign language is pretty universal, so why bother, right?

“FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST, POUR FA-VOR-EH!”

That sentence will send a shiver down the spine of any Brit traveller and sums up why you absolutely SHOULD bother if you don’t want to be tarred with the lobster-pink brush.

Yes, arguably it’s tougher for English-speakers to learn a foreign language, and for this reason English-speakers carry a slightly harsh reputation for being lazy with languages. The whole point of travelling is to broaden your horizons though – don’t miss out on a huge part of the experience through laziness!

Learn English with Kaplan

November 13, 2012
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Comments Off on The World’s Best Cycling Locations

The World’s Best Cycling Locations

Over the past few years, the continued focus on people’s health as well as the environment has dramatically increased the number of cyclists globally. More and more people are taking to their bikes not only to go to work and get around but also on their holiday. It’s economical so it won’t make a big dent in your wallet. It makes you very independent as well as ensuring you get plenty of exercise. Here are some of the best cycling locations around the world.

The National Highway 1 in Vietnam runs the length of the country from north to south. It’s challenging with hills and stunning views and scenery along the way taking in the best parts of the country’s coastline, rice fields and the tree lined mountains. Along the way you can stop off for time in the turquoise waters or take a peek at the rural life of Vietnam.

Cape Breton Island in Canada is another route which promises breath-taking scenery with its rocky coastline and the adjacent highlands which are amazing to see in autumn. The route has tough climbs and descents as well as wildlife, fishing villages and the crystal clear Bras d’Or inland sea.

Europe boasts a number of exciting and eye pleasing routes. The hilly route between Luberon and Mont Ventoux in Provence, France is well sign posted and bursting with culture from ancient Roman ruins, medieval chateaus and vineyards. Mont Ventoux is on the Tour de France route and consistently lures those who crave to experience the summit. In Italy, Fruili-Venezia Giulia touches the northeast corner of Italy. The roads are a cyclists dream as you pass farms, pretty and earthy countryside and enjoy the sun. Renowned for wine you can stop off for a well-deserved break and bond with the locals.

Ireland and England are both well known for their pretty countryside and patchwork fields and offer plenty of cycling routes. The Isle of Wight in England offers pretty rolling hills into the sea and lots of green hedges and gullies which make the island unique. County Clare in Ireland offers a coastal route taking you along the dominating Cliffs of Moher which face out to the Atlantic and the infamous Burren, a unique landscape. There are of course plenty of Irish pubs along the way to stop off for a tipple or two.

Wherever you decide to go for your cycling holiday, don’t forget to carry your American Express KrisFlyer Credit Card. All purchases made with the Card go directly towards KrisFlyer miles, so you can start saving to visit another location on our list!