1.It seems that we all believe that the further we travel the better our holiday will be. However, sometimes the best trips are not actually that far from our homes. You don’t need to fly to go on holiday and sometimes an organized coach trip can provide you with a wonderful experience in places that you might have wished you had discovered earlier.

2.Travelling alone can be a difficult and sometimes even scary experience. By travelling with an organized group travel tour you are far more likely to meet like-minded people and you might even form lasting friendships. Meal times and excursions are far easier to handle when you are in a crowd, so by booking a group travel tour you will not be left out.

3.When you book your travels on your own you have to organize every aspect of the tour separately. The flight, hotel and any transfers are all down to you along with many other factors. It is a realistic prospect that one of the factors may go horribly wrong. The flight might be delayed and the transfer may not wish to wait for you, or the hotel might be awful. With group travel (it’s interesting fact that the Danes use the term grupperejser) these things have been taken care of so there are fewer chances that problems will occur.

4.Many of the top tourist destinations around the world have a multitude of things to see and do. In fact it is often the case that you cannot fit everything into the time that is available to you. Choosing what to see and what to miss is a difficult prospect as everything always seems so good. With an organized group tour the best sights and experiences have already been researched so you can be sure that you will not miss any of the highlights.

5.When you visit sights on your travels it is sometimes difficult to know what you are actually seeing. Trying to organize a guide that speaks your language can be expensive and time consuming. By travelling as part of a group you will find that the tour company will already have qualified and well-spoken guides in place and as there are large numbers of you the cost is minimal.

6.It is widely believed that by booking a trip yourself and organizing all of the details that you will save money. Whilst in some cases this might be true in others it is not and in the long term group travel can be far cheaper. Budget airlines often use airports that are a long way from your final destination and, therefore, expensive on transfers and hotels offer large discounts for group booking which tour companies can pass on to their clients.

7.We must all agree that we simply do not get enough holiday time and our breaks never seem long enough. By booking with a group travel agency you are leaving all the organizing for them to arrange and saving yourself the hassle. This means that when you are on your vacation you have more time to enjoy it and you can get more from your time away.

The post Top 7 reasons to choose group travel for your holiday appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Take for example when you stay in a hotel. Most hotels offer a cleaning service for your room, if not every day, then every couple of days at least. But how many times have you been left feeling disappointed? Rather than changing the bedding, the bed is only remade. Or those towels you left on the bathroom floor to be replaced are simply just hung up again. After a very short time, the hotel room begins to lose its cleanliness.

But what about when you stay in an apartment? Apartments can be even worse as they tend to have more rooms that can become messy, and also a kitchen area where food can be prepared. This kitchen, however, is usually a tiny kitchenette that even when a single plate is left out, the place can look very untidy.

And if you have any clothes that need washing and laundered, it’s up to you to firstly find a local laundrette, and then spend your precious holiday time waiting for your clothes to be washed and ready – time that could be spent outside enjoying the culture of the area you are visiting or participating in an exciting activity.

It doesn’t have to be this way though. Even when you are staying in a self-catering villa, with Villa Ducale you will be offered a helping hand from the friendly housekeeper who will come once a week to professionally clean the villa and change the linen. Or if you would prefer an intermediate change, this can also be arranged for a small fee. This flexibility means if you don’t want to be disrupted by the housekeeper visiting too often, you don’t have to be. I’m sure when you have been away on holiday before staying in a hotel or apartment, you have experienced the embarrassment of a cleaner entering your room to clean when you are still asleep, want to take a shower or trying to get

ready!

As well as having your rooms and bathrooms cleaned, and the towels and bed linen changed, Villa Ducale also offers an ironing and laundry service. This special service is also carried out by the housekeeper, but you will need to request this directly and make an advance booking.

You can be sure that when you stay at Villa Ducale, you will be made to feel welcome and very much at home. You will feel relaxed so you can enjoy your holiday in Abruzzo without having to worry or stress about things such as cleaning and doing laundry. Villa Ducale really does offer the personal touch and will go above and beyond to ensure your stay in Abruzzo is perfect.

Attached Images:

•  License: Image author owned

This post has been written by Concetta, a professional house keeper that went on holiday recently.

The post Relax At Villa Ducale With A Luxury Cleaning And Laundry Service appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Planning to travel to Gran Canaria is something that you ought to do well in advance because once you touch down at the island, you will be swept off your feet and you will barely have time to take everything in. Whether you are looking to explore the water parks which are at the South side of the island or you are looking to enjoy some nice moments at the resorts, there is always something that will sweep you off your feet. Some of the water parks include Aqua Park, Aquasur and Ocean Park which are ideal for a family that has younger children.

With plenty of water sporting activities available on the outskirts of the island, you can be sure that your travel to Gran Canaria will indeed be worthwhile. Aside from the various attractions, there is the fact that the island has a well developed transport network so you can very easily get around. Getting around is very important because without it you might not be able to experience the greatness of the various forests, the wonderful beaches, the well laid out water sporting places, the numerous sightseeing places and great mountains. The coast line of this great island is littered with all sorts of activities including the presence of dolphins that light up the entire coast of the island.

One of the reasons why you would not have a hard time finding accommodation when you travel to Gran Canaria is because of the existence of all the Gran Canaria Resorts. Some of the resorts on the island include Puerto Mogan, Playa Taurito, Bahia Feliz, San Agustin, Puerto Rico, Playa Del Ingles Holidays and Maspalomas. Getting to each of these resorts is quite easy and all you have to do is be prepared to have a great time because that is exactly what you will have while on Gran Canaria.

A traveler hoping to travel to Gran Canaria should prepare for the trip by having travelers’ cheques rather than cash because while at the island, there is a higher chance that the cash will not help you too much. However, you have to make sure that these cheques have been insured against loss or theft. In addition, carrying along your drivers’ license would come in handy because you might find yourself having to do some driving while on the island. There are good car rental services that will help you explore the island very easily.

Jody Mars loves to write about travel and travel destinations, thus helping the readers to decide the next destination for their vacation. She is convinced that one of the best things you can do is to add to the list travel to Gran Canaria (Interesting for you could be that the Danish term is rejser til Gran Canaria). Jody recommends Spies to help you with the choice of perfect vacation spot.

The post Travel To Gran Canaria – What To Expect appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Different Gardens

Nong Noochs is constantly changing the gardens so that no two times to Nong Nooch will ever be the same. The various gardens are inspired from places all over the world including France, England and elsewhere in Europe. Of course, there are also gardens fashioned like traditional Asian ones. There are currently 12 different gardens including the Vase Garden which features elephant sculptures. One of their creative gardens is named the Pontoon Lake and is a floating garden. Possibly the most creative garden is the Stonehenge Garden which is fashioned much like the original Stonehenge. Each garden is vastly different than the next which highlights the amount of creativity and thought put into this beautiful landscape.

Species

Nong Nooch is home to thousands of different species of plants including just over one thousand species of palms. Though the palms are found throughout the garden, many more species are found here as well including cactus, cycads, and a plant with bright flowers that is known as bougainvillea. Nong Nooch also features one of the most popular plants in Thailand; the wrightia tomentosa which is a light green leafy plant with white flowers.

Conservation Efforts

Not much thought was put into conserving or saving any dwindling species of plants when the garden was first started. Now however, it is one of the main goals of the park. Numerous institutions work together with the park to make every effort to keep some plants from becoming extinct. The park strives to maintain as many types of threatened species as possible. An example of a threatened species found at Nong Nooch Gardens is the group of cycad plants. The cycad plants have been around since the time of dinosaurs but unfortunately due to humans lack of conservation efforts have dwindled down to almost nothing. The Nong Nooch Gardens has every intention of bringing the population of this plant as well as others back to a thriving state.

The Nong Nooch Park has many sites and activities and welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world visit every year. The main attractions for many are the various gardens. These gardens are well kept by staff and are some of the most beautiful gardens in the entire world. The park is well known by botanists and small-time gardeners alike and is an attraction that cannot be missed when visiting surrounding areas, especially Pattaya.

Citations:

• Image Source of Elephants

Featured images:

•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned

Victor is a Thai travel writer based in Bangkok who writes for www.gogoflorist.com. He is a specialist in Thai native orchids and shares his passion on their blog.

The post Visit Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Flower Gardens appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

This had led to travellers becoming more knowledgeable and smart about exactly what they are allowed on board and in the hold. In general, budget airline allow less weight for your suitcase and some restrict the weight and size of hand luggage.

In light of this many devices and systems have come about to make packing and sticking to the right weight easy. The first is the EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale which is light and small enough to bring on any holiday weighing just 5.5 ounces. The Voyager allows the traveller to weigh their case digitally and precisely by strapping the scale around a suitcase handle. The large but light handle gives good grip for both hands as the weight is displayed in kilograms or pounds. The device is very easy to use and can measure even the heaviest of cases – up to 110 pounds!

Another useful gadget is the new suitcase from Delsey – a self weighing suitcase that’s handle turn red when it weighs over 22kg, the case gives room to pack various travel essentials such as clothes, shoes and toiletries alongside preventing over packing. Once the suitcase is packed the user can move the case and test if the red light comes on to alert them to a weight issue. The idea launched from the well established and renowned luggage company hopes to remove any issues at the airport and save flyers expensive excess baggage costs. Some airlines currently charge £20 per kilo over, so for an airline that allows at 15kg luggage weight – a small amount for a two week holiday – going over by just 3kg would cost £60. To put things in perspective this could be the weight of two pair of heavy shoes such as wedges or heavy clothing such as jumpers and a dressing gown.

With such large charges it is no wonder that many companies are introducing gadgets in an attempt to measure luggage weight and help customers avoid hefty fines. The best way to steer clear of excessive charges is to check before flying and never assume that all airlines have the same allowances.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: sxc.hu

Jenny Wadlow is online marketing manager of Suitcase.org.uk, the UK’s leading luggage supplier.

The post A Gadget To Help Weigh Your Case appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Book a table at Joël Robuchon

This sumptuous, royal purple draped restaurant is a magnet for big spenders and flamboyant characters who want to be seen. Located in the glamorous MGM hotel, this expensive restaurant boasts seafood as it’s speciality. It’s the only Robuchon restaurant in the world, which says plenty about Vegas importance on the culinary map. If the entrees are too pricey – then there’s always the In and Out Burger.

Party at 1Oak nightclub

Vegas is where Hollywood celebrities come to play and get paid. Kim Kardashian recently hosted a New Year’s Eve party at the new 10ak nightclub, for which we would wager she was paid a pretty penny. On any regular week, you can see performances by stars such as Wiz Khalifa, Fergie and Major Lazer. Prepare to spend the whole night rubbernecking to see who’s in the VIP – you might even try your luck at blagging your way in.

Room at Caesar’s Palace

The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the MGM might be the priciest room on the Strip (at $40,000) per night, but the smartest choice for comfortable luxury is Caesar’s Palace. The most expensive suite here is $3,000 per night, keeping you in with a chance of meeting one of the Vegas big spenders whilst you scout the restaurant bar with your beady eyes. Caesar’s Palace is credited as being the hotel which defined Vegas luxury to the standards that we know today. You’ll be in good hands.

Now that you’ve pinpointed some of the key hotspots, all the usual rules apply. Just have fun, be friendly and be prepared to pay your own way. You never know, you could meet some really interesting characters in Vegas. The town isn’t all about gambling, contrary to the popular perception, and it’s possible to have a very good time without even stepping foot on the gambling floor. The Vegas experience is all about adventure and letting your freak flag fly.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Amanda ‘Money’ Clarke is a travel writer who penned this article hungover from a night at www.poker-blog.be

The post How to Meet High-Rollers in Vegas appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

1. Use Local Currency for Holidaying in Europe

When travelling to Europe, it is important to have at least 100 to 150 Euros. This cash can be used to purchase food in the airport or to hire a cab. Local currency is the easiest way to pay, but it is not always the safest because if it is lost, it cannot be replaced. Keep in mind that the currency exchange rates at the airports are not in the traveller’s favor. It is better to obtain the money from a bank before departing for Europe.

2. Use Traveller’s Cheques for Holidaying in Europe

Though traveller’s cheques are slightly antiquated, they are recommended for travelling abroad to protect funds against theft. If a traveller’s cheque is lost, simply call in the number on the stub, and the money will be restored within 24 to 48 hours. Traveller’s cheques can also be converted into local currency with a signature. This is a convenient process that many travellers find safer than local currency.

3. Use Credit Cards for European Holidaying

Credit cards are universal because they are accepted everywhere. Many traveller’s prefer credit cards for flexibility. Airline tickets, hotel rooms, and rental cars can all be charged on credit cards. Meals and cash withdrawals are possible while holidaying in Europe. As long as the limit is high enough, traveller’s can purchase any items and worry about the expenses later. Always check the exchange rate to determine how much higher it will be while travelling in Europe. Exchange rates are typically higher than standard rates, and other fees may also be applicable.

4. Use Cash Machines on European Holidays

Debit cards can help travellers obtain cash when travelling in Europe. It’s best to limit the number of transactions because a fee will be charged when cash is withdrawn. This will keep money safe in a bank account until it is needed. The exchange rate might not be in the traveller’s favor also.

5. Use Prepaid Cards for European Holidaying

Prepaid cards can also offer a certain level of protection from thieves while travelling. These cards can be used in the same way that credit cards are used when travelling abroad. The funds must be loaded onto the card before travellers can access them. There is typically a flat fee for cash withdrawals. With the PIN number, it is difficult for thieves to take advantage of the funds on the card if found.

Choose Two Best Options for Travel Money

Choose two best options for travel money while traveling in Europe. Select the option that is most widely accepted and is safest. With this strategy, travellers will be protected.

Written by Natalie Brooke

Natalie has travelled extensively in the past twelve months to over 30 countries. She uses cash passport cards from Travel Money Oz every time she travels to keep her travel money safe. She prides herself as a thrifty traveller and loves sharing her thrifty practice with her readers.

The post Best Options For Travel Money Holidaying In Europe appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Image by reasonablyso via flickr.com

If you are an expectant mum for the first time, then it may well be worthwhile considering have one last holiday away, just you and your partner. This may be the last one that you get for quite some time! With the world seeming to be getting smaller and travel has opened up so much around the globe, you are spoilt for choice as to where you can go and enjoy yourself before having another little person to concentrate most of your time and effort on. From staying in a caravan a few hundred miles away, visiting Europe or going to further climbs such as South East Asia, where ever you go you will need to make sure that you look after yourself whilst you are travelling and do not over do things.

• Rest as and when required
• Try and also remain active on long haul journeys and move about
• Where appropriate clothing and footwear
• Drink bottled water
• Try the local cuisine but be careful with what you eat

Transport

All depending on how far into your pregnancy you are you may have to get a doctors permission in order to fly or use a ferry. If you do travel on a plane, especially on a long haul flight, make sure that you dress comfortably which includes good supportive and comfortable shoes. Make sure that you drink plenty of water as the air conditioning can dehydrate you somewhat. If possible try sleeping for as much of the journey as you can but also make sure that you get up and walk around a bit to get your circulation going as well. Remove shoes and socks when sat in your chair and bring along a cushion with you to get yourself comfortable. Even if you are going away in your car, you should still take plenty or rest stops where you can walk about, use the bathroom and get some refreshments as well. If you try and travel in as relaxed a fashion as you can, then this will help you not to feel as tired when you ultimately reach your destination.

Clothing

You will need to make sure that you take the correct clothing with you when you are going away also. You should check the local climate of where you are travelling to if you are going abroad and see what the weather is like at the time of your when you will be going. If in a warmer climate then you may want to purchase yourself some good quality 100% cotton cheap maternity clothes online in order to keep cool in warmer climates. Also make sure that you get lighter colours which will help keep the mosquitoes away. If going away in a colder climate then make sure that you take plenty of warm clothes with you. Lots of thinner layers are best as you can remove these easily if you get too warm. Gloves, hats and scarves are also a must for a colder climate to stop your extremities getting cold. Whatever climate you go away in you should always have some comfortable footwear which is also practical.

Eating

If you are travelling abroad then you may want to stick to bottled water and no ice in your drinks. This can help you contracting stomach bugs which may hinder your holiday. Also foods that you order may be washed in tap water so you have to take this into consideration and you may wish to avoid salads. You may have a strong constitution though so can happily deal with this. Different woman get different feelings during their pregnancy and food can affect them in different ways. So be adventurous but do not go too far in trying new things if you have an adverse reaction and start feeling ill. It is worth while speaking to your doctor before you go away and let them know the country that you are going to, they will be able to recommend some over the counter medicine which can help combat minor illness’s when you are abroad.

Enjoy yourself, but not too much!

Remember above all to enjoy yourself and have a great time as once you bundle of joy appears, you will still have great holidays but they will be different as you have to cater to their needs and desires as well as your own. Enjoy the freedom of being able to do what you want and go where you want to whilst you can. Make sure that you do not overdo things though and take plenty of rests if you have a very hectic schedule planned. If you do feel unwell at all and the symptoms persist, then you should consult a doctor straight away. So always make sure you have travel insurance as well!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

This article was written by Deane Schwarz on behalf of Bump Baby and Beyond. You can find plenty of good quality and cheap maternity clothes from Bump Baby and Beyond and great prices as well. Deane enjoys travelling with her son and writing about their adventures together in her blog.

The post Enjoying Your Holiday When You Are Pregnant appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Bled, Slovenia

This is a very beautiful part of Europe that is certainly worth exploring. Lake Bled is the main focus of this town; the lake attracts both tourists and locals alike. If you can make your schedule fit, make sure that you are at the “Bled Days” on the fourth weekend of July – this is the festival that is held around the lake at dusk. Thousands of candles are floated by the local children on the surface of the lake. The effect is magical, especially as the scenery is so picturesque. It is certainly worth the trip.

Tulum

The town of Tulum in Mexico is a little off the beaten track. It is south of Cancun and in a decent hire car it will take approximately one hour. This place is worth the drive as it is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The stunning Mayan ruins sit aloft the coast, directly on top of a perfect beach. This Mexican gem is a really great place to explore, do not expect a beachfront full of huge, expensive and ecologically damaging hotels. Instead you will find charming beach huts, cabanas with all mod cons and twinkling candle light as the sun goes down. It is unhampered by the mass commercialism that is so popular in Cancun. Using a rental car will guarantee that you get to Tulum in a timely fashion , click here for more information.  

Alnwick

Northumberland is in the north east of England, it is the last stop before Scotland. This is a very nice place to visit. If you are into Harry Potter then this is the place on your travels, never to be missed. Many of the exterior shots of Hogwarts were filmed at this historic castle and there is often a giant or two stalking the grounds. There is annual entertainment here, kids can try their hand at being a knight for a day or there is always a feast being served in the great hall.

Alnwick town is a sweet, traditional Northumberland market town and is a charming slice of country life. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the local tea shop or have a look in the best bookshop in Britain! This place is a great place to explore if you have a car and it is a great opportunity to explore the Northumbrian coast at the same time.

The best places are usually the amazing places that you find when you move away from popular routes and put your adventurous hat on. If you are travelling with kids, get them involved in finding somewhere off the beaten track and you may just find a place that you return to time after time.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Written by Elizabeth James who writes for Hirecars.co.uk

The post Unusual Places In Europe To Visit appeared first on Dream Travel Blog.

Hub of Tourism

Bangkok ranks third in the cities most visited by tourists in the entire world. With over 12 million visitors last year, the scope of the tourism market in Bangkok is incredible. Just as it is found in every major city of a country, Bangkok is the center of all art, media, music, performance and food. It is the melting pot of various tourist cultures as well as the classical Thai influences that permeate through tradition and have become a part of modern society.

Life of Luxury

There is literally something for every person and every age in Bangkok. It is a great place for a visit, for business, and even to live. Just as Japan was for foreigners in the 80s, Thailand’s exchange rate allows quite a luxurious lifestyle for outsiders since foreign currency transfers in at such a high rate. This makes it that much more popular since people can stretch their money even further and live a life of luxury. A vacation in Thailand can have every whim and wish catered to at a fraction of the cost in America.

If you like traditional Asian culture, Bangkok is the place to go. With street vendors lining every inch of the roads selling uniquely Asian cuisine and trinkets to the Buddhist temples on the outskirts of the city, Thailand is truly the wonderland of Asia. You will never see a more intensely welcoming yet different view of the world until you visit Bangkok.

With all there is to do during the day it’s even better if you’re into nightlife. Bangkok houses some of the most exciting and upbeat bars and clubs in the entire world. Sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia for its catering to the adult side of entertainment, Bangkok really is a place you’ll never forget. If you love to have fun and see the world, Bangkok is a must see destination. It’s like another world here on this planet with the radically different culture, climate and animals.

Citations:

• Image of Bangkok Taxi

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Image author owned

John is an experienced florist in Bangkok and know the city well after living there for over 20 years. He writes floral and travel tips on the Gogo Florist site for people wishing to learn the out of the way activities from a local resident.

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