Jan
24
2012
This article is a guest post by Shawna, who shares her experiences of taking family vacations to Melbourne, Australia.
Taking a family vacation to Melbourne was always a distant dream for my family and I. Finding accommodations that would suit my entire family on our budget was no easy task. We have three kids and that means we need a lot of space. We are also particular on style. We were so excited when we found these family friendly apartments that I just had to talk about it. Better than renting a house and way more affordable than a large hotel suite, here are a few of the other benefits we experienced in Melbourne with our apartment rental.
Our family accommodation Melbourne was in Stanton on Kilda Road. The location was perfect for us! We were a short walk from all the action of the business district and really close to parks and outdoor spaces. This made it simple to take the little kids outside for some playtime.
Oakleigh Apartment
The interior of the apartment was just like home. We all felt like we could stretch out and be comfortable here. The amenities that are included are really well thought out. Our unit included a DVD player, laundry facilities, Internet connection and a fully stocked kitchen. Even though no one likes to cook on vacation, having this kitchen probably saved us enough money to have stayed in Melbourne an extra day. We really only used it for breakfast and occasional snacks, but that adds up in cost! It also allowed us to sleep in a bit longer and made it possible for each family member to eat when they woke up on their own. It was a nice change from the normal vacation pace of rushing everyone out of bed and taking grumpy kids to a local restaurant.
Outside of our unit we found a wealth of things to do right on the property. There was a gym and a pool. The kids really enjoyed swimming with their dad while I took in a good book in the landscaped garden and grill area. We also made use of the onsite DVD library. We picked titles out as a family and then watched them back in our unit.
When considering a family accommodation Melbourne, I can’t talk highly enough about the unique experience an apartment rental offers. You’ll feel more at home and comfortable. You’ll also find unique ways to save money on food and entertainment when you just stay around the facility.
Dec
14
2011
Moms have arguably the toughest job in the world. Once in a while, it is not only nice, but necessary to snap out of your normal routine and get away on vacation to ease your body and mind. The following destinations are sure to help any mom relax and feel at peace; a much needed contrast from mom duties.
Haleakala Wilderness Cabins, Maui, Hawaii
Although it might seem like an obvious vacation spot, there is a place in Hawaii on the island on Maui far away from the hustle and bustle of the touristic centers. The location is the Haleakala Wilderness Cabins, and here, you can truly get away from it all and relax your stress away. Furthermore, you’ll love this place even more if you are on a budget, as you can find cabins here for as low as $60 per night! You are unlikely to find prices this low anywhere else on Hawai’i. These cabins are located on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala in Mount Haleakala National Park, and when I say they are far away from the buzz of the tourist spots, I mean it. You even have to hike a couple of miles to get to your cabin! If you like hiking, then this is perfect for you. If you don’t, just think of the price and the beautiful setting! Once you are there, you’ll be able to relax in peace and enjoy what Hawaii’s nature has to offer.
Spa Week
Rancho La Huerta in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico was recently voted “Best for Going Solo”, and it would be the perfect place for a mom to go to unwind. It is a luxury spa and resort that began in the 1940s, and it is only an hour’s drive from San Diego, California (3.3 miles from the U.S. border). This resort has about 3,000 acres of mountains and meadows, and it is located on the slopes of Mt. Kuchumaa. According to their website, they provide “space-that which is most lacking in today’s life, space to breathe freely, to relax, to renew, reflect, and redirect one’s longer living life”. Isn’t that all a busy mom wants? Space to breathe and think in silence, among nature’s beauty? While you are there, there is a very wide range of activities that you can take part in. These include: fitness classes, hikes, evening programs, lectures, cooking lessons, and last but not least, personal spa sessions. Usually, a stay at Rancho La Huerta is a week long, so you will have plenty of time to relax and take part in activities that truly interest you without any interruption.
Travel Abroad
If you want to see the world, or at least part of it, visiting a country you’ve always dreamed of is the perfect mom vacation. Perhaps you are passionate about Italian culture, and no one in your family shares this passion. Going on a vacation to a destination that interests you is a great way of rewarding yourself for all of the hard work you do. Needless to say, there are countless things to do in Italy. Going to Rome and seeing landmark locations like the Flavian Amphitheater (the Coliseum) or the Vatican would be a once in a lifetime experience. If you want to experience the Italian countryside, you can visit Lake Garda, which is the largest lake in Italy. There are a large number of activities that range from hiking and shopping that you can take part in there.
You should never feel guilty about wanting to get away for a while and experience some peace and quiet! Your family knows you love them, and they will most likely be excited for you to embark on your quest for some much needed R&R. These ideas are great for moms travelling alone, but don’t limit yourself to these destinations. Use these locations to get an idea for places that you might be interested in going. Happy traveling!
Zac is a travel writer and a blogger, he recommends cruise deals for relaxing holidays or you can choose holiday packages that best suit your needs.
Nov
23
2011
Egypt is a country of beauty and mystery from the past to the present. Travellers can explore the various time periods that saw the rise and fall of great kings, centres of learning and changes in its civilization. These are the key places that are must visits, offering a taste of the culture that surrounds this amazing destination.
Touring the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid at Giza should be a definite stop on your list. This majestic ancient wonder stands as one of the older pyramids in the area, allowing you to see one of the only Seven Wonders of the Ancient World left standing. Built for Khufu, this pyramid required over 20 years of construction to be completed.
Taking in the Sphinx
The Sphinx has a history spanning 4,000 years, being constructing during the time of the Pharaoh Khafre. This majestic sculpture has baffled visitors, archaeologists and other scientists for years, who have tried to figure out who it represents. Located within sight of the pyramids, this is one site that will leave you in awe.
A Stroll Through Luxor
Luxor is a majestic area, a museum in itself of Egyptian history. It holds at least one-third of the country’s most precious monuments, including: the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Queens. Its original name was Thebes, but its role as the main Egyptian capital has left an array of sites to tour today.
The National Museum of Alexandria
This exceptional museum displays over 1,800 artefacts from this city’s role as a major centre of culture and learning. You will see pieces from the Byzantine, Islamic, Pharonic and Alexandrian cultures that were present throughout its history.
The Museum of Memphis
This museum is an open air one, featuring sculptures and other statues from the time when this city served as the capital of ancient Egypt. This includes granite sculptures and coffins along with tablets from several other periods. A must see here is the giant limestone statue of Ramses the II.
Nov
8
2011
Lisbon is a modern, exciting city which offers something for everyone. Music and food, history and culture, Lisbon has it all, and although it is not among the most famous European cities, it is a wonderful place to escape for a week or two, enjoying real indulgence in a beautiful city, where tourist crowds will not dampen your spirits.
There are a number of things that you can only do on a Lisbon holiday, things that are totally unique to the city, and whether you try them on your first or fiftieth Lisbon holiday, you must try at least once!
The Arcadas do Faia is an essential ‘Lisbon only’ attraction. Fado music is popular throughout the city, but the Arcadas do Faia is where the locals go to enjoy good food, fine music and an excellent atmosphere. The prices are a little above some of the more tourist orientated Fado music halls, but here paying a little extra gets you much, much more. Fado music is hugely atmospheric, with similar routes to sea shanties, but with a more mournful tune.
The Alfama region is another excellent place to find fado music. Even if you are not looking for music, Alfama is an essential region to explore. The tiny cobbled streets are filled with timeless little bars and cafes, as well as a brilliant little train which takes you up the hill through the narrowest of streets.
Art lovers will love the Antiks Picturas, an art gallery showing the best of 20th Century Portuguese art and jewellery. The gallery gives a wonderful insight into Portuguese history as well as the artistic heritage. For more recent art, the nearby Enes Arte Contemporanea is another appealing attraction.
There are actually a huge range of unique, and sometimes bizarre attractions to find on a Lisbon holiday. The Santa Justa Elevator may sound like the last thing you would wish to find on a Lisbon holiday, but it is impossible to ignore. It is one of Lisbon’s favourite monuments, standing 45 metres high offering great views across from Baixa to Bairro Alto. St George’s Castle dominates the skyline, situated dominantly on the highest hill in Lisbon. It is a very impressive monument to the former glory of Lisbon as a world centre and base for many important voyages of discovery around the globe.
After a hard morning exploring, (any excuse!), be sure to have an espresso (bica) in the iconic café, Café a Brasileira. Lisbon is a perfect place to simply sit and watch the world go by, and Café a Brasileira is the best place to do it!
Lisbon Travel Resources
Villa Holidays from LinksBank
Oct
7
2011
Australia is a place that attracts many visitors each and every year, many heading ‘down under’ for a month, and ending up staying for a year! Such is the wealth of places to explore and things to do. Australia is totally unique. The world’s smallest continent has developed in isolation, and the amazing, varied wildlife is testament to this. But it is not only the nature which is unique and inspiring, it is the culture too. But what are the highlights? Which are the essential places to visit on a holiday? They are numerous and unbeatable!
Australia is huge, and you can’t ‘do’ the whole thing in two weeks. Nowhere near! So you have to pick and plan to get the most out of a holiday to Australia. One of the best ways to get a taste for the best of Aus is to take a week in Melbourne, and a second in Sydney. Melbourne is a wonderful city, where alfresco dining is king, and the shops and bars offer non-stop entertainment. It is also a city of sport, and nowhere does sporting events in the same way as Australia! Catching an AFL game is a must for any sports fan visiting Australia. Many hours can be spent milling around in the small streets and alley that make up the city centre, and trips out to the surrounding vineyards of he Yarra Valley, or hitting the beaches along the Great Ocean Road complete the Melbourne experience.
Sydney is home to the iconic images of Australian holidays. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are far more spectacular in person, and the city beaches in and around Sydney are probably the best city beaches in the world. The walk across the top of the Harbour Bridge is not for the feint hearted, but you are harnessed to the bridge, and the views are genuinely worth conquering your fear for! The ferry across to Manley is a ‘must’ during a Sydney break, as the combination of beaches and bars is second to none. The famous Bondi Beach, a surfer’s paradise is also within the city limits. Just outside Sydney, in Australian terms, 2 hours outside for the rest of us, are the spectacular Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are generally agreed to be the most beautiful landscapes in Australia, and it would be a real shame to get as far as Sydney without taking a day trip out to the park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area, there are some one million miles of forest, canyons, bushland and waterfalls to discover.
Between the two cities is the Hunter Valley wine region, Australia’s oldest wine region, and home to the best wines that Australia produces. There are some 80 wineries to explore, many of which have excellent restaurants on-site in which to enjoy fine dining and even finer wines after a tour! You are not limited to a car when exploring Hunter Valley, with plenty of opportunities to take a horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or even a hot air balloon ride through the region.
Sep
7
2011
The images of beautiful farmhouses and villas in Tuscany, surrounded by a coppice of trees in an otherwise open, sun blessed countryside are what holidays in Tuscany are about. Fine wine, fine food and fine weather are assured, but which if the many historic towns and hilltop villages make essential visits for those on their first Tuscany holiday?
Florence, Siena and Pisa are well known tourist sites for holidays to Tuscany, and all three deserve the acclaim they receive as beautiful, cultural spots, but there are many more worthy of exploration from a villa in Tuscany. The crowds and bus tours may concentrate solely on these three gems, but away from the tourist hoards are the secret treasures that those who return year on year to a Tuscan farmhouse keep quiet about, savouring the peace and atmosphere for themselves.
The walled city of Lucca is absolutely beautiful. How it has remained off the global tourist radar is a mystery, but no one who visits will complain about a lack of crowds! The wall is almost completely intact, providing a unique opportunity to walk the entire circumference of the ancient centre. There are also a couple of towers to climb, which provide an unrivalled view across the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. After that, you will almost certainly want a refreshing glass of wine, coffee or lunch, and Lucca is the place to have it! The ancient streets are filled with family run cafes and restaurants serving the finest homemade Tuscan fare, at local prices.
San Gimignano is known as the City of Towers. With 14 towers remaining, the skyline is one of the most striking of any hilltop town in Tuscany. The historic centre has been named on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet has also been largely overlooked by the tourist market, which makes visiting all the more special.
Nowhere is the combination of impressive Renaissance architecture and fine wine more perfectly presented than in Montepulciano. The main square is an enchanting place to explore, and is without doubt the most impressive in Tuscany. Market day, held each Thursday is a particularly good time to visit; and there can be few markets held in such surroundings.
Tuscan holidays are also known for their spa towns. So those looking for true luxury, combining mouth-watering food, fine wines and a spot of real pampering must head for Montecatini Terme, one of Tuscany’s best spa towns. There are a number of spas in town, from the local to the lavish, with something to suit every budget. The old funicular railway, which runs from the town centre to the hill town of Montecatini Alto above.
Jul
7
2011
Barbados is the Brits’ gateway to the Caribbean. ‘Little Britain’ as it is affectionately known, (due to its long links with Britain) is a magnificent island, where you can enjoy the two Caribbean dreams most people have; the long days on empty, palm fringed, powder white sand beaches, and an evening spent dancing with a cold rum punch in hand. Barbados excels at both! But with the four corners of the island being so distinct, where is your ideal piece of Barbadian heaven? You will be able to swim, scuba dive and fish from any villa in Barbados, the coastline is a beach-bum’s dream, with water temperatures always above 22?C, and visibility of around a staggering 80metres. But there are some huge differences to the atmosphere and facilities as you cross the island.
Most first-time visitors to Barbados choose the famous West Coast. This is because it is the safe bet, with lines of luxury hotels, plentiful facilities to answer to every tourist need and package holiday options available. Whilst the west is blessed with astonishing beaches on which to roam (all beaches in Barbados are public), for me, and for many travellers who wish to experience something new on their precious holidays, the charm of the Caribbean is lost slightly below the luxury hotels, vast holiday villas and gourmet restaurants. So where are the rum shacks?
The south of the island is almost as well known. Locations including Oistins (home of the Friday Fish Fry), Maxwell Beach and Enterprise Beach are found here on the South Coast, attracting many who have visited Barbados before, and have discovered the liveliest part of the island. There are still a great range of little beaches to discover along the South coast of Barbados, but it is the calypso rhythms and plentiful rum which continues long into the night which really set the south apart from the rest of the island.
The east coast is a forgotten gem. This is where the waves are the best, taking the brunt of the wind coming in off the Atlantic. Here, on the east coast, you will find the haunts of surfers and travellers who have found the Barbados that they were dreaming of. Quiet, affordable and simply beautiful. There are some magnificent places to discover, and discovery really is the order of the day. If you are a surfer, it is the east that you will want to discover, and if you love peace and quiet, this is where you will find it.
Finally, Central Barbados. This is the ‘rural’ part of the island, where you will find enormous colonial mansions, built on plantations by the British. There is a great amount of history, some of it fairly brutal, to be explored, the vast majority of which you will discover in the green, peaceful centre of the island. Hiking or jeep safaris are the best ways of getting to know the centre.
May
8
2011
Rome, Italy is among the world’s most famous cities to visit, and somewhere you simply have to visit at least once. Whilst those that return to a Rome apartment annually, it is the daily culture and way of life that keeps them coming back for long lazy lunches, fine shopping and numerous cappuccinos at pavement cafes, for the first time visitors, it is the world famous attractions like the Coliseum that first draw you in. So which are the unmissable attractions on a first visit to a Rome apartment?
The Vatican, an independent state in the heart of the Italian capital, and home to the Pope is the top of many people’s list when on a Rome break. The Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica are sites of note themselves, and aside from the Holy connotations, the Vatican is a genuinely unique place to explore. A must see site even for those who are not religious; a pilgrimage for those who are.
For many though, the Roman monuments are the main attraction of a Rome break. The massive Coliseum is certainly the most famous, and however many photographs and books about you have seen, nothing can quite prepare you for the moment when you enter the stands and see it in all it’s glory. There is a real atmosphere, especially in the gladiators rooms below the stands, where you can almost imaging the horror and strange excitement of ‘match day’. It is certainly worth paying the entry fee and actually getting inside.
Above the old Roman Forum is the Palatine Hill, where you will find the ruins of Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia, two of the most impressive Roman villas in Rome. There are also brilliant views across the city from the Hill, making the walk well worth it. The Parthenon is also an unmissable attraction. Unlike many of the other famous sites in Rome, the Parthenon is complete, inside and out. No imagination is needed to enjoy the Parthenon just as it was over 2,000 years ago, including the marble floors, highly ornate ceilings and the impressive façade. This is what Rome used to look like.
There are many tours of the city, which for a first time visitor, especially those with little or no Italian, are an excellent idea. Although you might not be able to go at your own pace, most tours take you to a selection of the best sites quickly and easily, giving you a really good overview of the city, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your Rome break in the cafes, restaurants and those attractions that tickle your fancy with a little more understanding of how best to tackle this beautiful and busy city.
Apr
7
2011
Algarve holidays are known for their lazy days on the beach. And there is certainly no reason to diverge from the tried and tested glory of Algarve holidays, but throughout the year are some fantastic events and festivals, which just add the icing to the cake. They do not all occur during the peak season, as most are not directed at tourists, but if you are lucky enough to have access to an Algarve apartment whilst they are on, they can provide the perfect way to really embrace the culture and people of the Algarve, giving you a truly Portuguese experience to treasure.
There are a great range of food festivals that occur at different times throughout the season, each coinciding with the specific harvest which they celebrate. However, there is one which will really stand out for ‘foodies’; the annual Seafood Festival (Mariscos) along Olhao seafront. It does not only celebrate the magnificent seafood that Algarve holidays are known for, but also hosts a surprising array of concerts of music in a range of styles.
Jazz is exceedingly popular in the Algarve, and the number of jazz festivals supports this. There are jazz festivals throughout the summer months in the Algarve, with the Lagos and Loule Jazz Festivals particularly standing out.
However, there are also a range of annual events that are unique, making for essential experiences on an Algarve holiday. The FIESTA (International Sand Sculpture Festival) which runs from 22nd May right through until the 22nd October is an amazing display of skill. Held in Pera, the FIESTA is nothing short of amazing, with a new theme each year, and new artists trying their hand, it has already developed a host of ‘regulars’ from around the world.
The Algarve has its fair share of religious events too. Almost every town and region has a feast to celebrate its own saint’s day, as well as the large religious events including Easter and Christmas. However, the biggest, most colourful and most exciting is Mae Soberana, which occurs over two weekends in April in and around Loule.
However, if there is one time you should visit an Algarve villa for a holiday of fun and festivals, it is February. February is carnival month. The weather is warm and the carnivals are outside, which makes a marked difference from the British Easter time! Most towns and villages have their own carnival in February, but the largest, and oldest of the February Carnivals is in Loule, where a huge procession of floats takes to the streets, complete with flamenco dancers.
Apr
7
2011
What is here to do in Orlando away from Disney? There is a vast, vast amount, it simply doesn’t get the air time due to Orlando’s world famous theme parks. There is a huge amount to do away from the roller-coasters and giant cartoons of DisneyWorld.
The city of Orlando itself is well worth exploring, not only for the huge International Drive, where you will find entertainment and food at every turn, but the centre too. ‘Historic Downtown’ as it is known is actually a charming part of Orlando, unique for most American cities. Surrounded by the modern, Downtown is a small 8 block piece of American history, which is often the focus for the cities many annual events, including the ‘Fireworks at the Fountain’ and the Veterans Day Parade.
There are also some great activities and centres for children, which do not involve ‘mouse-ears’! Gatorland is great fun, introducing visitors to the ‘gator which can be found in the Everglades. However, SeaWorld has to be the pick of the non-Disney attractions, and is one of the few parks, probably anywhere in the world, but certainly in Orlando, where queues are delightfully small; and certainly not for lack of entertainment. Finally Wet n’Wild is great fun, again for ‘big kids’ as well s real ones! There are no end of slides, from the gentle and fun to the downright terrifying! Fantastic fun and a fantastic relief from the mid-day sun for those of us used to more British climes!
There are a couple of great museums and centres around Orlando too. The Orlando Science Centre is great, and cheap. They also know their clientele, putting on exhibits like “Grossology; an impolite science of the human body”. Need I say more? A personal favourite however, is the always entertaining Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, a homage to the bizarre, crazy and downright intriguing. It offers one of the most engaging 2 hours you can possibly have!
Further outside the city, the countryside offers a great range of activity. Golf in Orlando needs little introduction, with some of Florida’s most famous golf courses, including the glorious Champions’ Gate Golf Course, being found within a few short miles of the city. Fresh water fishing trips on Lake Toho are great fun, but for me, it is the Airboat tours of the creeks and plains of the Kissimmee area which are the most fun, tearing through Boggy Creek at breakneck speeds, or looking for sometimes elusive wildlife provides a great day out.
Finally, the world famous beaches of Florida, are just an hour and a half from a holiday villa in Orlando. The beaches of east Florida are absolutely stunning, offering not only water sports and magnificent game fishing, but also the ideal place to simply sit and relax, soaking up the year round sun.
Disney is one of the biggest attractions in the world, but Orlando is about so much more. So why not explore and discover the best parts of the Sunshine State?