Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 217
April 3, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Extreme Activities in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for the shopping trips, the fashion, the art, the museums, Gaudi, soccer, lying on the beach and enjoying the sun. All these things are everything but extreme. If you like to do extreme activities, you can do this in Barcelona. There are many things you can do. You just have to know what. I will list a few things you can do in Barcelona.
Jet ski
When you like water and you like speed, this is something you should do. You can go with a guide, but you can also go by yourself on the ocean. It depends per country and per jet ski, but most of the time you can just rent a jet ski. Sometimes you need a license, but not for the ´normal´ jetski's. When you are 16 years or older you can rent one. You have to be careful though because it can be dangerous when the sea is rough.
Speed boat
The speed boat is a bit the same as the jet ski. You're of course not on a jet ski but on a boat with other people. There is a captain who drives the boat. You can see some things along the coast. There is no time to relax on the boat, but when you like extreme this is a good alternative instead of sailing .
Quad
If you don´t know what a quad is, this is a scooter on four wheels. These things are meant to go off-road. You shouldn´t wear good clothes because you can get very dirty. If you want to spend a day away from the city this is the perfect opportunity.
Bungee jumping
This is probably the most extreme this you can do. You shouldn´t be scared of heights if you are planning to do this. First you get a short instruction, after that you will be led up to a 65m crane. When you are up you have to jump. I don´t know if there is something that lets your heart beats faster.
Skydiving
To do this you have to be a real adventurer. When you compare this to bungee jumping, 65 meters is not high at all. When you want to go skydiving you have to go in a plane. When you are on 12000 feet you will jump out of the airplane and make a free fall. You jump not alone, there is someone on your back to help you. After a few minutes the parachute will go open and you will land softly on the ground.
Plane/ helicopter ride
There are different options to see something of Barcelona. You can sightsee the city by bus, you can walk, rent a scooter, but there is also another possibility. You can go with a helicopter or a small plane. You will be able to get a beautiful view over Barcelona. Especially when the sun go down this is very beautiful.
Wakeboarding
If you like the water this is a very nice activity. If you know how to snowboard this will be easier for you than for others. When you go on the ocean an instructor will explain you how to do this. It is a very nice sport and I would definitely recommend it to you.
Karting
You can do this indoor and outdoor. This depends on the weather. A kart is a very small car wish is low on the ground. These things go really fast. You can have a lot of fun. Mostly you will race with 6 or 8 people, but this also depends on the size of the track.
Paintballing
This is a sport you can play individual or with a team. You will have a sort of gun, which has a sort of paint. You have to try not get hit by these capsules. You can also play this indoor and outdoor. There is no real time limit to this game. It is very fun to do.
Author: This article was written by Silvie, a travel writer and blogger for apartime.com, providers of Barcelona accommodation and vacation apartments Barcelona.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, spain, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: adventure, barcelona, extreme activities, spain
April 2, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Vacationing in Orlando, Florida
If visiting Florida means having fun in the sun, adventure and most of all a memorable experience, than Orlando is for you.
Orlando is centrally located in Florida and has gained a reputation for being an ideal place for a holiday. No matter what you plan to do throughout your holiday in Florida, you are guaranteed to have a splendid time in the Sunshine State.
As a popular central Florida holiday destination, the city of Orlando is most renowned for its outstanding theme parks, water parks, shopping centres and great restaurants.
Holidays in Orlando often involve visiting one, if not many of the world-class attractions. The water parks feature the most exhilarating water rides in the world, and Aquatica™ is close to the famous SeaWorld® Orlando and Discovery Cove to generate three overwhelming underwater life adventures. The water parks include water rides, water slides, rivers and lagoons among various beach areas.
For holidays to Orlando in 2012 a visit to the most famous attraction is a must on any Orlando holiday checklist. Disney Orlando boasts four unique theme parks; two water adventure parks, five golf courses offering 81 holes of golf, two spas, a Disney wedding pavilion, a Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, Downtown Disney, an entertainment shopping and dining complex, Pleasure Island and West Side. There are countless theme park attractions and others include Universal Orlando® Resort, Busch gardens and the Kennedy Space Center.
If you have chosen Orlando as your holiday destination for 2012, the next choice is sure to be accommodation. Villas in Florida are ideal for holidaymakers who are looking for a sense of independence and freedom on their holiday. Away from the chaos of busy resorts, a villa provides a home-from-home experience and generally a more pleasant experience than the confinement of hotels that often encourage its residencies to stay within the hotel for food and entertainment for convenience. Whether your Orlando holiday is on a budget or not, there are standard villas to more luxurious villas depending on the needs of the holiday group to choose from. Often many villas have pools and gardens to relax and sun bathe in, whilst some will have games rooms and spas. Not being tied to a resort gives visitors the option to venture locally or to more afar attractions and restaurants. It can be exciting for visitors to discover a local favourite restaurant or bar that is regularly visited to on holiday as it creates a comfortable and familiar atmosphere. Finding a villa in Orlando for your holiday will allow you and your holiday party to merge into the local surroundings, which most certainly does give a sense of belonging if you are in a local community.
When you plan your visit to Florida, make sure you consult a Florida travel guide to make the most of your vacation.
Filed under: travel
Lifestyle: April United States Cigar Events
Cigars can be one of the most luxurious items a man (or woman!) can indulge in. Like a fine wine, cigars can be complex, sophisticated and exciting. If you are looking to indulge in a little smoking while stateside, check out these April events happening in the United States:
April 3, 2012
5pm til the sun comes up.
Rocky Patel Cigar Event-CA
MEET ROCKY PATEL in hos only local appearance
NK Cigar Lounge
2803 Agoura Road,
Westlake Village, CA 91361
805 557 1095
Raffel Prizes, Buy Five Cigars get Two Cigars Free.
Buy a Box, get 15% off, 6 Free Cigars and $50 Lighter
Apr 04, 2012
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Alec Bradley Cigar Event-CA
Island Cigars at Taps Fish House
101 E. Imperial Hwy, Brea CA 92821
Come and meet Shervin Fazeliaref of Alec Bradley Cigars at this great cigar event featuring the entire Alec Bradley Cigar lineup. Great specials on box purchases, with giveaways and raffle items.
April 4, 2012
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Drew Estate Cuban Night @ Habana –NY
Everything Cuban but the Cigars
Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe Albany
1645 Central Ave.,
Albany, NY, 12205
518-690-2222
April 05, 2012
5:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Hyde Park Cigars-Drew Estate & Joya De Nicaragua Double Shot Event-IL
Hyde Park Cigars
1467 East 53rd Street
Chicago , IL 60615
Phone: 773-955-5159
Rock another Drew/Joya event with deals, food, drinks.
April 05, 2012
6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
ABC Liquors-Drew Estate Event
ABC Liquors
3110 West Gandy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: 813-839-7167
Join Drew Estate Florida rep Jason with great specials and deals on cigars as we pair it up with some craft beer.
Apr 05, 2012
5:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Alec Bradley Cigar Event
Twin Smoke Shoppe-
1537 S. 10 Street,
Philadelphia PA 19147'
Come and meet Jonathan Lipson at this Alec Bradley event, featuring the entire Alec Bradley Lineup. Great specials, and giveaways, box deals, etc.
April 06, 2012
5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Dallas Cigars-Drew Estate & Joya De Nicaragua Double Shot Event
Dallas Cigars
6162 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-373-9993
Come celebrate Texas Rangers opening day with the Rangers #1 fan…Dirty Fabien! Ryan and the Dallas Cigar crew will be there celebrating with great deals, food, drinks and fun.
April 06, 2012
5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
West Coast Cigars-UnderCrown Event
1650 Almaden Road
San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-283-9323
Join Alex from Drew Estate at West Coast Cigars in San Jose. He will be featuring the Undercrown with deals on all Drew Estate products. The BBQ will be going so don't miss a great night.
Apr 11, 2012
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Alec Bradley Cigar Event
Barclay Rex – 42nd
70 East 42nd Street,
NYC, NY 10165
Come and join Jonathan Lipson of Alec Bradley Cigars for this great event featuring the entire Alec Bradley Cigar Lineup. Great specials on all Alec Bradley Cigars, with promotions and giveaways.
April 11, 2012
7:30pm-9:30pm
Nat Sherman
El Tiante Cigars
12 E 42nd St (between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
NYC, NY
(212) 764-5000
Meet with baseball legend Luis Tiant. .
Founder & CEO, Daniel Tiant and Co-Owner & President, Michael Bellody will
Also be there.
April 16, 2012
5:00 pm
Rocky Patel Cigar Event
The Rocky Patel Cigar Cruise
Miami, FL
April 17, 2012
6:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Racine & Laramie-Drew Estate Event
Racine & Laramie
1640 Camino Del Rio N.
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 619-291-7833
Join Alex from Drew Estate at the Tilted Kilt in Mission Valley. The cost is $40 per person and you will receive 4 cigars from Drew Estate plus food and drink from the Tilted Kilt. Space is limited so call to purchase your ticket.
April 18, 2012
Jorge Padron Dinner
De La Concha Tobacconist
1390 Avenue Of The Americas
New York City, New York
(212) 757-3167
Visit the Padron Factory!
Call for details
Apr 19, 2012
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Alec Bradley Cigar Event
Baker Street Tobacconist
Napa Valley, CA
Come and meet Shervin of Alec Bradley Cigars for this phenomenal cigar event featuring Prensado and Black Market. Great specials on all Alec Bradley Cigars with raffle prizes and giveaways.
Apr. 20, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Partagas 1845 Launch Party
Select Cigars
1467 E. 53rd Street
Chicago, Illinois 60615
773-955-5159
April 20, 2012
1:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Churchill's Cigar Lounge-UnderCrown Event
Churchill's Cigar Lounge
2415 San Diego Avenue Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-546-7758
Join Alex from Drew Estate at Churchills Cigar Lounge in Old Town San Diego for Drew Estate event featuring Undercrown. Enjoy deals on all Drew Estate sticks with a raffle to follow the event.
If you can't make it to any of these cigar events, try ordering online from FamousSmoke.com.
Filed under: travel Tagged: cigar, event, events smoke, famoussmoke.com
Travel Guest Post: Traveling the World by Rail
If you are looking to travel the world, then you might wonder exactly how you are going to do so. Many people choose to save up for a few years and buy a round the world plane ticket whilst others grab their backpack and don't look back. However, these are not the only two options when it comes to travelling the world and perhaps one of the most overlooked forms of travel is by rail. There are some absolutely stunning railway journeys in the world and we think that travelling the world by rail is a great way to see some stunning sights.
Perhaps one of the best reasons to travel the world by train is that you are able to relax a lot more. Sure, you can relax if you travel the world by plane too, but there is no stunning scenery out of the window when you travel by plane. There are some absolutely breathtaking rail journeys in the world including the journey from Oslo to Bergin on the Bergin Line and the Orient Express. In fact, there are a huge amount train journeys that allow you to look out of the window and see some of the best scenery that you will ever have the opportunity to see. The fact that these railway journeys are so spectacular is probably enough of a reason to consider travelling the world by rail.
Another great reason to travel by rail however is that it is often a lot less costly than many other forms of transport. For example, the journey from Oslo to Bergin on the Bergin line costs from just £33 one way. Compare this with the cost of almost any airline ticket to anywhere in the world and you will already start to see why travelling by rail is the best way. As well as this, if you're scared of flying, travelling by rail is definitely a great alternative.
If you needed any more of a reason to travel the world by rail, then consider the fact that travelling by train will actually allow you to split up your journey a lot more than if you travelled in any other way. You will be able to take a railway journey for a couple of hours, explore the area and then jump on another train and head to another nearby city. As well as this, travelling by rail also means that you don't always have to have the exact route you're going to take already mapped out. You could choose to pick a destination at random and jump on the next available train. There is great freedom when it comes to travelling by rail.
Author: Ben Adams is a railway enthusiast and owner of Model Railway Layouts ; a website dedicated to helping people build fantastic model railway layouts.
Filed under: adventure, guest post, luxury, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: railway, travel
Travel Guest Post: Tasmania- A Gourmet Paradise
Tasmania has always been a favorite destination for tourists, not just for its beautiful landscape but also for its gourmet food. This Australia Island is a thriving gourmet paradise where the food tastes deliciously different. This could be for the fact that Australia has the most fertile soil, good sunshine and rainfall along with a traditional emphasis on quality over quantity. Besides its clean air and food, Tasmania is also famous for its wine produced from its bountiful and lush vineyards. Tasmania also has a well-developed food industry, which includes high quality products such as abalone, oysters, scallops and Australian salmon for international and domestic trade.
Premium fruits and food products
If you are visiting the Island for the first time, you will be amazed at the array of delicious products which include shiny apples, berries, herbs, cheese, stone fruits and grapes. It is no surprise why people keep flocking to Tasmania year round. Apart from this, the lush soil of Australia produced the best vegetables like potatoes, onions, beans, carrots, peas and fresh herbs. There are other fruits like raspberries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries which produce the best gourmet chutneys, pickles and jams. If you are on a holiday with your family, your kids would simply love the soft handmade cream fudge with choice fillings of the sweet berries.
Tasmania also offers the world's best milk and milk products as the country is well equipped with sophisticated processing techniques. Tasmania produces some of the best world-class gourmet cheeses, such as the Edam, Gouda, brie, camembert and other regular and exotic cheeses. Australia's craft cheese is gaining international recognition.
Lately, the perfect soil condition has been the breeding ground for the highly valued fungus called Truffles. The Northern Tasmania area has plenty of this fungus which is successfully unearthed by trained snifter dogs. In addition, Tasmania has been blessed with Saffron, the highly prized and most expensive delicacy in the Huon Valley. Apart from that, the dense rain forest of Tasmania is most fertile breeding ground for the leatherwood honey which is the most delicious worldwide.
Seafood, meat and the wine
If you love to gorge on seafood, then Tasmania has the best to offer by way of seafood cuisine. The best world-class seafood includes the specially bred ocean trout, mussels, oysters, Atlantic salmon, Tasmania Southern rock lobster and scallops. Tasmania's fish farming is most unpolluted as they do not use chemicals to enhance the growth of the fishes.
As far as your taste palate for meat is concerned, Tasmania has the best range of meat in premium lamb or beef for steaks and other meat cuisine. Tasmania also offers other game meats which includes quail, pheasant, venison, wallaby and hare meat. These are expertly prepared by chefs into deliciously succulent fare right in front of you.
Good food must always be accompanied by good wine and here is where the best of Australia's wine list comes in. Australia has won many international awards as far as gourmet food and wine is concerned. Growing grapes on lava rich unpolluted soil, clean air and fresh water, winemakers are able to produce the best variety of wines. In Tasmania, as you go about sampling gourmet food and wine, you even get to meet celebrity chefs. The wines of Tasmania have their own distinctive taste and note due to the rich soils and pleasant climate.
It is no wonder that Tasmania is truly a paradise for gourmet food and wine lovers. There is always a reason to celebrate in Tasmania and most of the local festivals are the places to visit. There is a variety of foods and wines to be sampled especially at the Aroma and Taste of Tasmania festival.
Author: Brianne is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology. Beside this she is fond of travelling. Recently an article on gangster paradise attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on fao schwartz.
Filed under: drink, food, guest post, luxury, tasmania, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: food, tasmania
April 1, 2012
Travel Guest Post: 5 Tips for Costa Rica
Your first question when you land in Costa Rica: Have I just found paradise or am I lost somewhere in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness?"
This is a common reaction for many travelers who visit Costa Rica for the first time. Travel hotspots come and go, but the best-kept secrets always seem to find a way of gaining special attention. Costa Rica has become a holiday haven for naturalists, eco-tourists, adventurers and thrill seekers. In other words, people are stopping to enjoy the little details. Business class is leaving its laptops and briefcases at home and buckling in for zip-line thrills through the Costa Rican treetops.
Wedged between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is a small country, roughly the same size as West Virginia. However, this Central American destination is not called the Rich Coast for nothing, as nearly five percent of the world's total biodiversity can be found within its borders. The eco-friendly stats do not end there. Almost 25 percent of the landscape in Costa Rica is part of national parks and protected sanctuaries. From the exotic Costa Rican jungle and Montverde Cloud Forest to Paos Volcano and the Cano Negro wetlands, it is a country of unparalleled natural beauty.
Nature is Costa Rica's highlight, and it comes in many forms and guises. If you are traveling to the Rich Coast Cost for the first time, then be sure to keep your itinerary as varied and diverse as the landscape. Here are five highlights to get your compass pointed in the right direction.
1. Before eco-tourism was king, coffee was the juggernaut that drove Costa Rica's economy. Its coffee growing regions are world-renown, so why not kick-start the day with a tour of one of the many coffee plantations. Located on the slopes of the Barva Volcano, Café Britt has been giving tours of its coffee production cycle since 1991.
2. Take a canal tour through the Cano Palma Wildlife Reserve. This is an ideal place to spot one of Costa Rica's famous white-faced monkeys. Green iguanas are hidden in the Raffia palms that grow along the shore. It is said that everyone turns into an amateur birder once they land in Costa Rica. This is your chance to practice those skills. After the canal ride, stop at one of the nesting beaches favored by the green sea turtle.
3. Just like the production of hybrid cars, canopy tours have exploded on the eco-scene. Get up close and personal with the wildlife lurking in Costa Rica's treetops. Pulse-pounding zip-lines, gondola rides or a more traditional and educational canopy tour can all be found in Costa Rica.
4. After floating through the treetops, it is time to float down the Tortuguero River and into Tortuguero National Park. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, and it is only accessible by boat. From sea turtles and manatees to monkeys, parrots, sloths and jaguars, a trip through Tortuguero is like flipping through the pages of a National Geographic magazine.
5. No trip to Costa Rica is complete without experiencing La Fortuna's mighty trifecta. In and around the town, you will find the Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs and the La Fortuna waterfall. Arenal is an active volcano, and chances are this is the closest you will ever get to a display of molten fireworks. Take a relaxing soak in the Tabacon Springs and you will have a wonderful view Arenal. It is one of nature's most potent and majestic scenes. There are horseback tours that will take you to the waterfall site. After a steep and lengthy ride, you will clear the foliage to discover a stunning postcard scene: emerald-green moss, a massive plume of arcing water and a crystal clear swimming hole. Paradise found.
Author: When he's not traveling, Porter Olson is a writer and blogger for UsDirect.
Filed under: costa rica, travel Tagged: costa rica
March 31, 2012
Travel Guest Post: The Luxurious Side of Liverpool
Liverpool is famous for many things such as the birthplace of The Beatles and the city's passionate footballing fans – but luxury isn't one of them. On the contrary, this bustling and cosmopolitan city has been in a regeneration project which has brought style, class and culture. Voted European Capital of Culture in 2008, the biggest names have flocked to the Merseyside making it the perfect destination for a weekend break.
Hotels
Finding a place to stay won't be a problem. There are many hotels in Liverpool, but only a few are stand out candidates. One hotel is Malmaison, on the Princes Dock which overlooks the Mersey River. The location is in perfect proximity to the city's hotspots. This boutique hotel is decorated with purple and black textures, giving it a brooding and luxurious feeling. The Brasserie also offers the local dish 'Scouse' if you want to try something different…
Shopping
Shopaholics will be pleased to learn Liverpool has a number of fashion brands living here. Bold Street is known to the locals for its quaintness, being packed full of cafes and its large choice of shops. Walking down the street you'll come across a number of independent and exclusive boutique shops full of unique gems waiting to be discovered.
If you're craving the top names in the fashion industry, Cavern Walks is the place to be. Here, you can find premium boutique stores like Boudette and Boudoir Boutique. It's also home to Vivienne Westwood while Cricket holds a wide range of designer labels including Stella McCartney, Dior and Armani; a place where the rich and famous frequent.
Restaurants
Found at the modern entertainment complex Liverpool One, you'll find the best Thai cuisine the city has to offer. Chaophraya has award-winning restaurants in Manchester and Leeds so I'm sure they'll have the same aspirations of delivering first class food and service to Liverpool.
Continuing with the Asian theme, Sapporo Teppanyaki can't be beat for entertainment while you chow down. Not only will you get fantastic sushi and more in the city's Chinatown, the talented chef's will amaze you with their culinary skills.
Bars
While Liverpool is teaming with places to drink, there are a few exceptional places to head for.
After a recent refurbishment, Hannah has become known for its New York styled atmosphere and setting. The classy décor and huge range of cocktails makes you forget you're in Liverpool. There's also a retractable glass roof which allows the sun and light to pour in while you sip.
The UK's highest restaurant, Panoramic 34 has the best view bar none. Located on the 34th floor of the West Tower, this swanky bar is the perfect place to chill out with friends. As its 100 metres above sea level, you gain a great vantage point over the city, night or day. There's no need to worry about getting a good seat either with floor to ceiling windows and a 360° view.
The Philharmonic in Liverpool is majestic both inside and out. Known to the locals as 'The Phil', you get a sense of grandeur when arriving and entering the Grade II listed building. This feeling is only intensified by hints of Art Nouveau décor and dark rich woods.
Filed under: travel
Travel Guest Post: Luxury Travel Agencies
Going on holiday can often turn out to be a disappointment. You have chosen a destination, booked your flights and accommodation and spent a couple of months waiting in anticipation for your holiday to start. Then you arrive and discover your accommodation is not what you expected, it's miles from anywhere and you may not have done enough research on your destination.
Don't fall into this trap. Holidays are precious and you may only go away once a year, so it makes sense to get it right. While it's tempting to cut corners and arrange your trip yourself over the internet or pick a cut-price option from your high-street travel agent, next time try something different and consult a luxury travel agency. This kind of agency can give you an extra-special holiday so that you can be confident you are only going to experience the best locations, accommodation and activities and you can avoid the busy, crowded beaches occupied by the masses.
A luxury travel agency can give you plenty of options, from all-inclusive beach holidays to honeymoons, escorted tours, safaris and even a wedding abroad. The list is endless and you can be sure there will be no empty promises – if you are promised a sea view, then that's what you will get, not a building site or block of flats obscuring your view of the sea. Holidays are tailor-made for you and you will be guaranteed to take home some fantastic holiday memories. And a luxury travel agent will only recommend the best accommodation with the highest level of service. Chauffeur transfers from the airport are standard, as is a concierge service. If you haven't tried an all-inclusive holiday before, you're missing out. Just go, relax and you don't have to worry about money for all the basics while you are away.
Even if you can't afford a holiday such as this every year, it's worth treating yourself now and then and saving up for that special trip. The variety of holidays available means that there will always be something new to try. You can have a specialist holiday, such as one involving music, art, spa, skiing or yoga, if you have a particular thing you would like to pursue. Whatever your hobby or interest, there is a luxury holiday on offer that will be suitable. These special kinds of holidays will also cater for different types of people and groups, from families to groups of adults or singles, you can find a destination to meet all of your needs. Private villas, cruises and train journeys are all available in different locations across the world.
Perhaps you like the sound of these holidays as an opportunity to experience something different but would like to balance your experience of luxury with some good deeds. Often holidays such as these are in some of the most impoverished parts of the world and you may be inspired to give something back by doing some voluntary work abroad. You can find out about your preferred destination and any particular problems in society there and what you could do to help. Voluntary work abroad is a very worthwhile experience and you could do anything from teaching in a local school to helping to build homes, classrooms or hospitals or assisting with water-supply projects. You might find these are life-changing experiences in many ways.
Author: Papan Choudhury
Filed under: travel
March 30, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Jet Charters 101
You work hard to earn your vacation days and the money it costs to take a vacation, shouldn't every moment of that vacation feel like you're actually on vacation? Most of us fly coach on commercial flights, trudging through the invasion of airport security only to be crammed into a tiny space full of strangers. A good deal of the time you even get separated from sitting with your travel party. Where's the fun in that? Wouldn't it be nice if your vacation started the second you began to travel to your destination, not once you've reached it and had a chance to decompress from the stress of commercial airline travel? Next time you plan a trip for your family or even for a romantic weekend for you and your partner think about a jet charter.
If you think first class is luxury, wait until you step aboard your very own private charter. Enjoy the absence of checked bag fees, taking your shoes, belt and watch off for airport security, and layovers. Save precious vacation time by scheduling your air travel around your needs, not the other way around. Kick back and relax without crying babies, unless they're your own of course, battles over the arm rest and waiting in line for a bathroom you have to share with 30+ other passengers.
Don't board your pet(s) this vacation, take them with you and avoid the trauma of checking them like luggage to be abandoned in the baggage compartment. This way, the whole family can stay together and play together from the start of the holiday to the finish.
Breathe easy and fly safe in the future by making the most of your trip this year and take advantage of the luxury of an air charter.
Filed under: guest post, travel, travel planning, Uncategorized Tagged: jet charter
Travel Guest Post: Beautiful Cambodia
Whether it's the sight of ancient palaces once hidden in jungle undergrowth, the sound of children singing as they help their families ply a riverside trade or the smell of aromatic jasmine rice, your senses will remember your holiday in Cambodia long after the trip is over.
This French colonial-influenced Asian country has suffered deeply at the hands of despotic rulers over the years but its people have emerged proud of their homeland and determined that the world should see its beauty, culture and fascinating history.
You'll more than likely start your trip in the capital, Phnom Penh. This stunning city, once known as the Pearl of Asia thanks to its wonderful French colonial buildings, sits at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers and, with two million residents, is by far the busiest of the country's cities.
Wander the grand boulevards and take in the Royal Palace close to the banks of the Tonlé Sap. Its grounds house the fabulous Throne Room of Prasat Tevea Vinichhay, site of the coronation of kings and official ceremonies, as well as the king's official residence, the Khemarin. Don't miss the glorious Silver Pagoda too, made of 5000 glittering silver tiles that cover the floor.
Absorb the culture of Cambodia's people with a trip to the National Museum which sits in a sweet terracotta building close to the Royal Palace and houses one of the world's largest collections of Khymer art. Afterwards, grab some lunch and head northeast of the city to Wat Phnom, positioned in a shady tree-covered hill, where you can sit and watch the locals arrive with lotus flowers as they offer up prayers – people believe that the temple is powerful enough to grant any wish.
But there's much else to see. Explore Koh Kong in the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains region where islands, rivers, waterfalls and jungles provide wonderful trekking country – and the beaches here are considered some of the best in South East Asia.
Pretty Sihanoukville, dotted with islands and white sandy beaches, draws the crowds these days too, with its laid-back grass shack restaurants and bars and its fun vibe. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and boat trips to the islands fill the days of many of the holidaymakers here (as well as a fair bit of lazing in the sun).
The gateway to the Bokor National Park, the small town of Kampot in south-east Cambodia is a must. Wildlife watchers head off through old tea plantations and jungle towards the ruins of a French colonial resort at the top of Bokor Mountain, the trek punctuated by the call of gibbons and the singing of the rare Orange-headed Thrush.
But no trip to Cambodia would be complete without a trip to the monumental Angkor Wat. Sitting regally across a whole square kilometre amidst encroaching jungle, this is the world's largest temple, the perfection of Kymer architecture, and reaches as high as Notre Dame in Paris. Despite being one of the wonders of the ancient world, it doesn't feel overcrowded and it's easy to sit peacefully, gazing up at the soaring central tower's magnificence.
Filed under: adventure, asia, cambodia, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: cambodia, royal palace
