Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 221

Travel Guest Post: What to Wear When Flying

When it comes to flying, it's important to wear clothes that are comfortable, practical, and fashionable. That's why I look to celebrity airport style to help me figure out what to wear when traveling. Celebs fly more than the average person, so they've got what to wear down pat. I chose three of my favorite celebrity airport looks to share with you — I included tips on why their ensemble is perfect for traveling and how you can get their look for less!

When it comes to catching a red-eye flight, comfort is key. Personally, I'm not a fan of wearing sweatpants in public — even for an overnight flight. Instead, I prefer to wear a cozy, oversized sweater with leggings, like Kate Bosworth in the photo above. This outfit looks chic, but is still very comfortable. Wear tall, knee-high boots with a pair of thick, warm socks. And don't forget to bring a pashmina, which can double as a blanket.

Kristen Cavallari is layering perfectly in this airport photo — which is very important when it comes to flying. I don't know about you, but I always find cabin temperatures freezing, so I like to wear a cardigan that's easy to put on and take off. A scarf can also add an extra layer of warmth that's easily removed. If you're headed to a warm destination, be sure to have a light top underneath your cardi for when you arrive. Flat shoes are always a good idea if it's a mad dash to the next gate!

It wasn't too long ago that your Sunday best was worn when flying — so maybe you channel that mindset and like to get a little dressed up for a flight like Vanessa Hudgens. For classy comfort, I suggest a maxi dress. A maxi dress can be so comfortable for a long flight — and you won't have to worry about your bare legs freezing! You can layer up your maxi with a scarf or a long cardigan. You'll be the most fabulous, as well as the most comfortable person on board!

Author bio: Sarah Heckle is a writer from Indianapolis. She keeps a personal fashion blog called Tulle and Trinkets.

Filed under: travel

Travel Guest Post: 5 Unusual Spa Treatments from Around the World

When you visit a new country it's important to learn a bit about the culture and traditions – try the local food, visit the sights and attempt to speak some of the language. Sometimes a spa treatment is part of sampling a foreign culture, such as an invigorating Thai or Turkish massage. There are, however, some more unusual options out there for the adventurous traveller. Whatever your choice of location, having access to your own transport gives you more freedom to explore the areas off the beaten track. Check out cheap car rental online, and you could be driving off to sample one of these 'treats' below in no time…

Noodle Spa, Japan

Ever been enjoying a pot noodle and thought, 'I wish I was having a bath in this'? Me neither actually, but if you're visiting Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, Japan, this is one of the options available to you. The venue, around three hours' drive south of Toyko, is a mixture of a hot springs spa resort and a water amusement park. You can choose to bathe in sake, green tea, wine or coffee as well as ramen noodle soup, for around $44 for an adult day ticket. Driving from Tokyo takes about 1 hour once you reach Atsugi IC after the Tomei Expressway.

The Geisha Facial, New York

Japanese geishas have been using nightingale droppings as a cleanser for centuries, and now several spas in New York and Hawaii have caught on too. The treatment, known as 'the geisha facial', involves applying powdered and sterilised nightingale excrement to the skin, which is said to contain enzymes which break down dead skin cells in the same way as a light acid peel. Victoria Beckham is a fan, and you can try out this yourself at Shizuka New York Day Spa for $180. Bargain. There's a choice of parking near the Rockefeller Center that's only a short walk away.

Snake Massage, Israel

The Carnivorous Plant Farm is not the most immediately comforting name for a spa, but when the treatments inside involve live snakes writhing around your body, it is perhaps fitting. Ada Barak, who runs the spa in Talmei Elazar, Israel, uses big non-venomous snakes for deep massage and little ones for light massage. Ada says she realised the therapeutic effects of snakes after hearing people felt relaxed after handling them. I'll take her word for it. The spa is about an hour's drive from Tel Aviv.

Bull Sperm Hair Conditioning, London

This 45-minute intense conditioning treatment uses organic Aberdeen Angus bull sperm to revitalise tired hair. Mixed with Iranian plant root, the sperm is rich in protein, which is what hair lacks when it's dry. Pioneer Hari Salem, of Hari's Salon in Knightsbridge, discovered the magic ingredient after a process of trial and error and testing other products including avocados and truffle oil. Chelsea Cloisters Car park is under 5 minutes walk away.

  Cactus Massage, Mexico

Cacti: the next best thing to a sponge, right? At the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico you can opt for a cactus massage, where the prickly spines of cacti are removed and the paddles then used to apply a mixture of cactus blossom and agave pulque (similar to tequila) to the skin in order to remove toxins. $250 for 80 minutes. Puerto Vallarta International Airport is 25 miles (40 km) away.

Author: John has enjoyed traveling since he was a boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to faraway lands to see distant relatives.

Filed under: guest post, israel, japan, london, Mexico, new york, spa Tagged: israel, london, Mexico, NEW YORK CITY, snake massage, Spa

Travel Guest Post: Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah is located high in the mountains in Utah, about 35 miles from Salt Lake City. It is home to beautiful mountain vistas and some of the best skiing in the world. That is no reflection on Park City's other attractions, of which there are many. It is a world unto itself and unless you have been there, it's a good bet that you have never seen anything like it. In an area that offers year-round activities of every kind, Park City is a great vacation destination all the time.

In the summer, outdoor events are a daily occurrence. Everything from sporting events, to festivals, to concerts under the stars in the evening; if it happens outdoors, it happens in Park City. If you are the outdoorsy type, there are 350 miles of trails, most of which are on the mountain, where hiking, biking, horseback riding and chair lift rides are the order of the day. The mountains are covered in beautiful forests and wildlife sightings are common. There are 6 world-class golf courses in close proximity to Park City and places to fly fish if that is your hobby. The shopping is fabulous, both in the historic Main Street boutiques and at the nearby factory outlet stores.

Winter in Park City, Utah is a very exciting time of year. The resorts and the mountain are in full swing with skiing season. Skiers come from everywhere to try the slopes above Park City. Snowmobilers, snowboarders, snow shoe hikers and sleigh rides will have your attention. You will see some still riding bikes in the snow (they call this snow biking.) The horseback riders will be back and the hikers will still be hiking.

All year-long Kimball's Art Center and the Egyptian Theatre are ready to put a little culture in your vacation. Kimball's gallery is free to tour and they routinely host exhibitions. The theatre has live performances all year. You can choose from concerts, films, comedians and theatrical productions. The Park City Museum and the Ski History and 2002 Olympic Museums at the Utah Olympic Park will give you a little insight into the past of Park City.

Winter is a time for holiday celebrations and some of the biggest events of the year. Christmas in Park City lasts a while. Santa is everywhere; handing out treats and taking notes. Wait until you see the sleigh and the reindeer fly down the mountain! There are parades, fireworks, carolers and horse and carriage rides on Main Street. Park City's Historic District will look like a snowy Christmas village scene from long ago. New Year's sees a few celebrations around town, as well.

In Park City special events and entertainment are always happening. After New Year's comes Sundance Film Festival time; every year, since it was founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Art exhibitions, theatre, musical events; you want it, Park City has it. Fabulous cuisine can be found in Park City's 100 plus restaurants. They will have room for you when you get there; they have over 12,000 options for your accommodations. You can choose one of the resorts, a downtown hotel, Bed & Breakfast lodgings, a Condo or rental home. They are ready for you and your family to join them for some fun and entertainment.

Author: Rick Mumford

Filed under: adventure, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: luxury, park city, ski

Beauty Guest Post: Laser Hair Removal

There's one problem that all women hate, it drives everybody crazy, and now there is a solution to this problem in just a few easy steps! If you're still trying to guess; the problem is unwanted body and facial hair! There are so many different ways to get rid of this hair: You can wax, pluck, or shave, but none of these gives you a long-term solution. Fortunately now there is something that you can do. If you're sick of wasting your time shaving, or fed up with the pain caused by waxing and plucking, then there's a cheap and easy long-term solution to your hair removal needs, it is called Laser Hair Removal! It is a fantastic technique which will get rid of all of your unwanted hairs once and for all! If, like many, you've had enough of the time-consuming traditional methods of hair removal yet still yearn for smooth hair-free skin, then you should definitely check out laser hair removal today!

The main benefit of using laser hair removal is that after sufficient treatment the results will be permanent, unlike many of the traditional approaches to hair removal. This is fantastic as it means that you don't need to do it every day or two, unlike shaving which for many is a never-ending process. Waxing will keep you hair free for a longer time, but you first have to wait for the hair to grow long enough so that the wax will stick to the hair, resulting in you being hairy for a while between waxes. Laser hair removal gives you the opportunity to never need to undergo the time-consuming and often painful methods that you're used to. Most women will only require laser treatment once every four to six weeks and an average of just 6 visits to the clinic before the desired area will be fully treated. Six may sound like a large number, but fortunately Sk:n clinics offer a package deal so that if you sign up for more treatments you will benefit from a significant discount!

Laser hair removal is so simple and quick that you'll be amazed that you haven't tried it before. Most people experience no pain at all, because the specialist blows cold air over the area of the body undergoing treatment. This is fantastic because unlike shaving you don't need to do it every day and it isn't painful like waxing or plucking! So don't hesitate a second further, experience laser hair removal today and do away with shaving!

Filed under: beauty, guest post Tagged: beauty, laser hair removal

Travel Guest Post: A Lavish Holiday in the Snow- Three of the World's Most Posh Ski Resorts

When it comes to holidays in the winter months, it's a toss-up between a luxury beach resort on a tropical island, or a lavish chalet in a posh ski resort. Skiing has often been seen as a pastime for the wealthy, with royalty from across the world regularly enjoying a break at only the most exclusive ski resorts.

Even if your skiing ability has much to be desired, the world's most exclusive ski resorts offer so much more than just a day out at the slopes. A week in the lush snowy mountains could end up with you being pampered in a health spa, or perhaps taking helicopter trip to take in the awesome views of a mountain range from above. Not to forget the luxury boutiques that can leave you wondering where the day went after you just popped out to have look.

Skiing is not a sport just for the élite anymore, and with the advent of snowboarding and budget resorts some places are now overrun with people, and the feeling of exclusivity has been lost. Never fear however, because there are still some resorts that keep their posh status, but the price doesn't come cheap. After a week staying in one of the world's most posh ski resorts, you could be left looking for a 0% balance transfer to quickly clear your maxed out credit card. Just remember that you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich, famous, and powerful, so it will at be worth it.

St. Moritz – Switzerland

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Quite possibly the birthplace of winter holidays in the Alps, St. Moritz was thrust onto the world stage when it hosted the 1928 Winter Olympic Games. It later hosted the 1948 Winter Olympics, and the original stadium still stands to this day. This resort attracts the rich and famous, with Liz Hurley being one of the notable regular visitors. It's all about upper-class living here, and if skiing isn't your thing there are loads of posh boutiques to go shopping in. Every year the Cartier Polo Tournament is held in St. Moritz, which is also sponsored by the luxury brand Ralph Lauren. One of the most extravagant places to stay in St. Moritz is Badrutt's Palace. Complete with ski huts and luxury suites, it has everything even the most discerning guest could wish. Other great accommodation includes the five-star Kulm Hotel, located right next to the lake.

Zurs – Austria

[image error]Located high up in the mountains at 1717m, Zurs is nestled within the Arlberg ski region, a place that has produced a number of Olympic skiing champions. It is widely regarded as Austria's most exclusive ski resort, and almost all of the hotels are absolutely luxurious. It's a small place, full of expensive places to sleep, eat, and drink, and the ski runs surrounding the resort rarely get busy. It lacks the bustle of places Like St. Moritz, but it certainly matches it for price. Famous actors and actresses are especially found of Zurs, mainly because they can keep out the limelight and enjoy the company of other rich and famous people. You really can't go wrong with any of the hotels in Zurs, because they are all so good, but one that really stands out is the Hotel Zurserhof, where the Royal Suite comes complete with your very own personal butler!

Telluride – Colorado

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Telluride is often compared to the famous Aspen resort, but for all the right reasons. Sure, you will see celebrities, film stars, rich business owners, and musicians wandering round the resort, but unlike in Aspen, that's not why people come here. Telluride can throw off any accusation of it being pretentious, and rest in the knowledge that it's exclusive. The attitude is different here, because there is no gaping or autograph requests when a celebrity does show their face. There is a film and art festivals held here, and it's got a real cool vibe about the place. It's so cool that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes own a place here, as does Oprah Winfrey. If they haven't invited you round to stay, then settle for the Lumiere Telluride, where you can watch the sunset while relaxing in a private hot tub, if you take the penthouse suite.

Filed under: adventure, austria, guest post, luxury, switzerland, travel Tagged: austria, colorado, luxury skiing, switerland

Travel Guest Post: New Zealand Travel Guide by Campervan

 New Zealand is a country with a small population, but it is easily accessed by travelers. It has facilities for visitors and a modern travel system. The country offers outdoor adventure and scenes.

The primary way of getting around New Zealand is by domestic flights, car and bus. The country has rail links, but these are limited and are more directed toward tourist travel. They offer impressive views such as the Trans-Alpine line which sets off from Christchurch to Greymouth on South Island.

For many travelers, campervan hire in New Zealand is the most popular means of travel. The Campervans vary as to their size and conveniences. The campervans can contrast from the large American Revs to VW vans transformed into campers.

The landscape of New Zealand is ideal for campers. Campgrounds are located all over New Zealand. Their facilities extend from basic services to more conveniences with hot showers and electricity on the sites. The NZ Camping Guide is a comprehensive survey of campsites. The Department of Conservation operates a variety of campgrounds all over New Zealand.

New Zealand campervans come with either manual or automatic transmissions and gas or diesel engines. They can handle from two to six people. Some models are small, being the size or a car while others are fully equipped with a full-sized refrigerator and shower. The companies need the campervans to be returned.

The usual rental time is a five-day minimum. During Christmas and New Year holiday, the minimum is usually ten days. New Zealand will allow a regular driver's license for motor home drivers if it is a license accepted inside New Zealand. Twenty five is the standard driver's age, but some rental companies cater to younger drivers.

The primary sites for motor home hire in New Zealand are Christchurch and Auckland, close to the airports. Other campervan hire places are in Nelson, Picton, Wellington, Queensland and Coromandel Peninsula. The companies allow for one-way trips.

If travelers plan to move between the North and South Islands, they need to reserve a place on the Cook Strait ferry trip which takes three hours. The ferries have a charge for each vehicle and each passenger. The ferries provide entertainment and restaurants for passengers. Some campervan companies may have a connection to the ferry company providing a better rate.

Fully equipped campervan sites with electricity are best. They have a plug in place for power, a drain and water. Many camp grounds have dump points. Most campgrounds have laundries, bathing facilities and a community kitchen and a game room with TV. The cost can vary from $10 to $17. It is best to book ahead since high season and school holidays are the busiest times. Four sources for finding camping grounds are Holiday Parks, Top 10 Camping Grounds, I Respect NZ Camping Map and DOC Conservation Campgrounds.

Author: Milos Radakovic

Filed under: guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: new zealand, travel

Travel Guest Post: St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in NYC

New Yorkers, Irish or not will soon transform the streets of Manhattan into a sea of green to pay homage to the patron Saint Patrick, and visitor's will be swarming to the city to be a part of the festivities. If any New Yorkers would like to join in on the celebrations, CitySights NY has suggested New York's top ten locations to celebrate St Patrick's Day like a true Irish!

While atop a CitySights NY iconic double decker bus, arguably the best seat in the house, passengers will pass by (and have the option to stop and check out):

St Patrick's Cathedral – St Patrick's Day is after all a religious holiday so a stop at the Neo-Gothic style Roman church is a must even just to admire the magnificent architecture
Rockefeller Center (Top Of The Rock) – arguably the best view of the city, see Manhattan come alive in green attire and hear the bagpipes blare
Fifth Avenue – witness the biggest St Patrick's Day Parade in the world as marchers provide entertainment down Fifth Avenue
McSorley's Old Ale House – St Patty's Day isn't complete without a Guinness at New York's oldest Irish pub just a short stroll from the East Village stop: 1st ave between St Marks Place and 9th Street 
The Empire State Building –  the iconic landmark that boasts impressive 360 degree views – again a great way to see the city embrace the celebrations
Central Park – great for the kids, head to the Central Park Conservancy to join in the St Patrick's Day Craft at the At the Chess & Checkers House
Merchant's House Museum -  step back in time and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the reopening of its newly restored Servants Quarters, arguably the oldest intact site of Irish habitation in Manhattan
Irish Arts Center – immerse yourself in an authentic afternoon of Irish music, dance, song, language and crafts
Brooklyn Bridge – stop off for a photo in front of this famous landmark that was built with the help of Irish immigrant worker
Times Square – see the buzz and excitement of Times Square and stop off at O'Lunney's in the heart of the action for a pint or twoCitySightsNY offers many daytime and nighttime tours to help create an unforgettable St Patrick's Day, like the All Around Town Tour which has a web special of $49 for up to 48hrs of use.


Filed under: drink, guest post, holiday, new york Tagged: holiday, nyc, st. patrick's day

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Essential Easter 2012 News for Manchester Airport

Many people will be travelling this Easter to different destinations. The beauty of modern information world is that today you can pre-plan your trip well in advance online, taking care of small but meaningful arrangements such as accommodation, Manchester airport parking , eating out and entertainment. To get you prepped before you travel here are top 5 essential Easter 2012 news for Manchester Airport:

Improved shopping. Renovations at Manchester Airport by World Duty Free Group have just wrapped and you can enjoy the revamped main walk-through store at Manchester Airport Terminal 1 with a brand new World of Whiskies shop-in-shop (boasting a trendy tasting area) and a fabulous 'Contentainment' video wall. A breathtaking stand-alone beauty outlet offers two Estée Lauder-owned brands, Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown in one outlet, a first for airport retail.  Besides purchasing exclusive beauty products, you can enjoy confectionary, sunglasses, watches, jewellery and fashion accessories shopping. Now the stores are easily navigable and you won't waste a minute of your time shopping at Manchester Airport.

Free trolleys for all! Free luggage trolleys will be available during Easter 2012. Manchester Airport will spend a whopping £1 million on new luggage trolleys available to travellers at Manchester airport parking areas. This means you don't have to use a non-refundable £1/€2 coin to use trolleys (from 10th April).

Ryanair changing terminal. From 6th March 2012 all Ryanair flights to and from Manchester Airport will run to and from Terminal 3.  Find Terminal 3 on the Manchester Airport map to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Ryanair New service: Manchester – Valencia. From 2nd April brand new Manchester to Valencia service starts with Ryanair, so hurry to book  affordable tickets to subtropical Valencia, promising to be warm and sunny this April.

Author: Hannah Crossfield

Easter family fun. On Friday 6th April Junior Hangar Club at Manchester Airport invites all under 10 year olds to meet Jet Set Jenny and her good friend 'The Easter Bunny' for fun family activities and games such as Easter Egg Hunt and Decorate an egg competition.

Easter 2012 can be a great time to travel and celebrate if you start planning now. Draw your budget and map out your itinerary, taking our Manchester Airport tips into consideration.

Filed under: guest post, holiday, travel, travel planning Tagged: Easter, manchester, UK

Lifestyle Guest Post: Top 3 Tax Haven Destinations

When one thinks of going on vacation, thoughts of shopping, beaches, and skiing often come to mind. For some though, these three travel destinations also offer a break from taxes in their home countries. With April looming in the near future, thoughts of getting your efile done probably has you yearning for a holiday. The following countries are known for not only their tourism, but the tremendous tax breaks involved for foreign investments. From the Caribbean Islands to the Swiss Alps, the following tourist hot spots provide haven from hectic work schedules as well as the intrusive hand of the taxman.

1) The Cayman Islands are home to the Seven Mile Beach, arguably the most beautiful beach in the world; scuba diving, and snorkeling. The islands also boast a complete lack of direct taxes (including income and payroll) and are a home for big name corporations like Shell, as well as political figures such as Mitt Romney. The Cayman Islands recently came under scrutiny for it's secretive banking investment practices and is known for two things: it's tourism and it's lure as a tax haven.

2) Bermuda is another tropical paradise free of income and payroll taxes. It boasts several corporate partnerships in regards to offshore investments. Bermuda is famed for it's miles of horseback trails, snorkeling, and the world-famous PGA Grand Slam tournament. Just look out for the infamous Bermuda Triangle where more than your tax dollars may go missing.

3) Switzerland, the world's most famous tax haven, which boasts a 10-24 percent income tax level and the world famous "Swiss bank accounts" known for their private and secretive banking practices. Switzerland has been a tax haven for American celebrities, politicians and mega corporations like Kraft, Yahoo, and Nissan. Switzerland also offers world famous skiing in the Alps region, sophisticated arts, and world-class shopping.

You may not flaunt a private Swiss bank account or a mansion in the Caymans, but that doesn't mean you can't rub shoulders with the world's elite in these popular resort destinations.

Author: Paul Lynch is a freelance writer based out of Greensboro, NC. He went to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he majored in English and Psychology. He has spent time in the U.K. as well as Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland. He can be found on a blog post near you.

 

 

Filed under: bermuda, caymen islands, guest post, switzerland, travel Tagged: bermuda, caymen islands, switerland, tax haven

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Hot Spots in Vietnam

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Once upon a time this was romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient but today Ho Chi Minh City is referred to as Saigon but almost everyone who lives there. It is a modern city and has only been under Vietnamese control for a little more than 200 years. The character of the city remains heavily French influenced with villas, a lively café society and wide boulevards but with a strong Asian feel. Saigon has more of a cosmopolitan feel than Hanoi although most of the old French colonial city is rapidly vanishing beneath the constant rising skyline.   Saigon is a fresh, fun and vibrant city desperate to be explored and a 'must do' on any Vietnam holiday.

Mekong River Delta

Mekong Delta is the perfect relaxation place for holiday to Vietnam.  Classed as the southern rice bowl of Vietnam, it is a fertile area covered with rice fields and winding tributaries of the Mekong River. Originating from the high plateau of Tibet, the Mekong River spans over 2600 miles long and travels through China, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam. The Delta is a colourful and beautiful display of rural life with its lush and plentiful vegetation, island farms and floating markets. A place not to be missed, the Mekong River Delta will provide a Vietnam holiday not to forget.

DaLat

In the central highlands lies DaLat, Le Petit Paris which was the name given to this former French hill station.  The Vietnamese like to name it City of Eternal Spring because of the cooler, fresher air of this mountainous region. It is nestled in the highlands and known for its tranquil beauty and was a favourite of the French during colonial days.  There is much French influence here and there are hundreds of picturesque colonial villas dotted throughout the town.  The alpine landscape of pine forests, rolling hills and tranquil lakes make it a popular getaway for honeymooners and travellers alike.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang offers the widest selection of accommodations in the central coastal region of all the seaside areas in Vietnam. It proudly hosts some of the best-known beaches and pristine crystal clear waters. Popular for snorkelling and diving, the area has a lively atmosphere and many ocean front seafood restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Stunning examples of the Cham culture can also be found in the 10th century Po Nagar Towers.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay in the North of the country is one of the most scenic areas in Vietnam. It has over 3000 fascinating sculptured islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Perfect for visit whilst on holiday to Vietnam, the rock formations are full of fabulous grottos, caves and lovely beaches. You can wander through rock formations which legend says were made by a mighty dragon whose feet caused the formation of mountains in the sea.

Author: Victoria is a writer for  http://www.greatvietnamholiday.co.uk/

Filed under: travel Tagged: holiday, hot spots, Vietnam