Author Archives: Jeremy

Want Luxury? 5 Reasons You’ll Love St. Petersburg

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, Europe, luxury, Russia

When you think of a decadent, luxurious holiday destination, Russia might not be the first place that springs to mind. But you may be pleasantly surprised to find out what St. Petersburg has to offer to the discerning tourist with a taste for the finer things. The former imperial capital of Russia and second largest city, St. Petersburg is also a major cultural centre and bustling metropolis, home to some incredible and unique tourism hotspots. Below, we list out the reasons you’ll love St. Petersburg if you are an unapologetic lover of all things luxury…

1) Hermitage Art Gallery

Housed in the awe-inspiring Winter Palace which was built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the Hermitage Art Gallery is home to one of the biggest art collections in the world, with 360 rooms exhibiting some of their 3-million strong catalogue of artworks and exhibits. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1750, the vast collection at the Hermitage is considered by some to be the most comprehensive overview of Western European art, so naturally this trip may require a little forward planning to see everything you want to see – see https://www.hermitagemuseum.org for more information.

2) Ballet

A visit to Russia would simply not be complete without seeing the ballet – and the original Mariinsky Theatre, where many of the greatest works of Russian ballet & opera were first performed, is the perfect choice. Founded in 1860, the Mariinsky continues to stage both modern and classic performances – see what’s on during your trip at http://www.mariinsky.ru/.

3) Nightlife

St. Petersburg is often referred to as the ‘beer capital’ of Russia, and many breweries and distilleries call it home. There is a great nightlife scene in St. Petersburg, and some bars & nightclubs are so exclusive you may find yourself turned away IF you have not booked in advance! The Mayakovsky bar on Pochtamtsky per 5 offers sophisticated cocktails, smooth jazz, moody lighting and sumptuous velvet interiors – ideal for a classy evening out.

4) Hotels

St. Petersburg’s many hotels offer a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, but to truly revel in the old-school splendour of mother Russia, you could do much worse than stay at the 5-star Corinthia, boasting a spa and workout room, multilingual staff, full concierge service and lounge bar, the Corinthia captures the true essence and grandeur of its historic location at Nevsky Prospect, and offers the ultimate in Russian hospitality, comfort and decadence.

5) Dining

With so many amazing cultural destinations in St. Petersburg, you can expect the very best of their cuisine too. Russian food may not be a byword for fine dining, but the eateries offering traditional fare in St. Petersburg will blow you away. One of the leading high-end restaurants in St Petersburg, ‘L’Europe’ located in the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe on Nevsky Prospekt effortlessly blends handsome turn-of-the-century décor with flawless haute cuisine, offering a mix of Russian and European cuisine, including a sumptuous caviar and champagne brunch on Sundays.

04 Aug 2015

How we travel differently: Daytona Beach for dogs

Author: Jeremy | Category: United States | Tags: dogs, Florida, hotels, pets, usa

In the past, if you had a dog and you loved to travel, you faced two agonizing choices: Drop Fido at a kennel or leave him in an empty house with daily visits from a pet sitter. Now, however, more hotels and businesses recognize that for many, a dog is a cherished family member and travel companion. Daytona Beach, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, is ahead of the curve. There are pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches, and parks. If you’re headed for Daytona with your canine in tow, here are some tips to make it a blast.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Daytona Beach, some charge exorbitant pet fees or impose strict size limitations. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach allows pets of all size and lets them stay for free. The tile floors are easy to sweep up after a day at the beach and the kitchenette makes it easy to keep food dishes clean and water bowls filled. If you love the homey feel of a B&B, the Coquina Inn has a liberal pet policy and even includes a “bed and biscuit” welcome basket for your dog.

Where to Play

Image by Amy Fox via Trover.com

Daytona Beach has some of the best dog parks in the south — there’s even a dog beach! The Lighthouse Point Park and Ponce Inlet Dog Beach is just a few minutes south of Daytona Beach and gives you and your dog plenty of space to enjoy the sun and sand. The Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park is a four-acre dog park with plenty of benches, watering stations, and separate small and large dog areas. The Manatee Island Park also has a separate dog park so you and Fido can enjoy an afternoon of manatee watching.

Where to Eat

One of the advantages of vacationing in a pet-friendly city is having lunch with your dog. At the Blue Grotto, you can even go dancing. This beachfront bistro offers a full menu of lunch and dinner delicacies, cozy waterfront gliders for admiring the view, and a huge dog-friendly deck. Cool off with a cup of frozen yogurt at Rhokkoh’s, a pet haven on historic Beach Street. There’s plenty of water bowls outside, free treats inside, and magazines for dog lovers scattered about. Heli-Hogs is a fun barbecue joint with dog-friendly seating and smells that will have your dog drooling. They also offer helicopter rides.

Where to Get Help

If you’re in town for a wedding or a business event and need a hand with your dog, Rover.com can hook you up with a dog walker, pet sitter, or even an overnight stay. If your dog sprains an ankle swimming in the surf, there’s a Banfield Pet Hospital right near the beach. Go Vet Go is a mobile vet service that will come right to your door in a pinch.

Why not plan a Daytona Beach vacation with Fido this year? You and your dog will have a ball.

20 May 2015

5 of the best nightlife spots in Canada

Author: Jeremy | Category: Travel Deals | Tags: Canada, Montreal, Nightlife, North America, Toronto

With wedding season just around the corner, now is the time to start planning those all-important stag and hen nights. Nowadays, these celebrations are more than just an evening out – they’re a holiday in themselves, and that’s why picking your destination is so important.

Of course, whether it’s a hen night or simply just an excuse to have a good time, good nightlife in any holiday destination is essential, and that’s why more and more of us are turning to Canada. Wherever you land in the Great White North, here are the nightlife spots in Canada that cannot be missed.

Niagara Falls Casino Resort

Far from being just simply a wonderfully romantic destination, Niagara Falls also offers a great night out thanks to its casino resort. Gambling has always been a controversial issue in Canada, with sites like http://cad.SpinPalace.com only legal in certain regions. For that reason, stick to practising at Spin Palace at home – you can enjoy the best of the land-based casino action within this resort, which features an array of visual spectacles such as its famed glass enclosed walkway.

Brutopia, Montreal

Perfect for those who are keen on a tipple or two, Montreal’s Brutopia is particularly welcoming thanks to the relatively lenient drinking laws in the region – that is, one only has to be 18. Hence, most folks can enjoy the abundance of entertainment that goes on here, including frequent live jazz performances and an extremely impressive selection of beers.

Just For Laughs, Montreal

If you’re getting married in the summer, then be sure to head over to Montreal (appearing twice here simply for being known as Canada’s ‘party capital’) to catch the Just for Laughs festival in July. This year’s line-up will feature the comedic talents of Neil Patrick Harris and Mike Myers – guaranteeing a night out filled with huge grins.

El Convento Rico, Toronto

Energising Latin music? Drag queens? Check. This Latin drag bar is in Toronto is sure to be one night out you’ll never forget: El Convento Rico features live entertainment from exotic dancers, a bright and vibrant décor and out of this world catering.

C Lounge, Toronto

Another Toronto hit, the C Lounge promises a night out that’s a little different from the rest – it has its own on-site spa too! Make sure you turn up early to get your hands on some spa treatments while you sip cocktails in its chic interiors. What’s more, head over in summer and you can even have access to your own VIP area by the pool, complete with palm trees.

07 May 2015

Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations in 2015

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Mauritius | Tags: Africa, Asia, Borneo, honeymoons, luxury, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, North America, Southeast Asia

With the Big Day approaching later this year, only your honeymoon remains to be planned, and despite the massive undertaking that your blowout wedding will be, you want your trip afterward to be just as epic. If you’re looking for nothing but the best for your spouse to be after your wedding this year, the following luxury honeymoons will have you both over the moon with the value that you will receive for your hard-earned cash…

1) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With expansive frontages on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, Mexico has no shortage of hidden secret getaways that will grant you the post-nuptial relaxation that you so richly deserve. Those seeking the best in luxury will be pleased by what they’ll find in Puerto Vallarta though, as it has a long history of serving visitors from the chillier parts of North America, yet they are not as overrun by the tourist hordes as Cancun has experienced in recent years.

With many resorts just outside of town being nestled within their own private coves, you needn’t worry about unwelcome interlopers as you bake in the sun or play in the waves, and with an assortment of divine infinity pools on these properties, you’ll have an alluring plan B if you’d rather not swim in the ocean.

2) Mauritius

In the Indian Ocean, most attention these days is focused on the prettiest belles at the ball (the Maldives and the Seychelles), leaving unassuming Mauritius open for you to enjoy without the crowds that flood into the prior two locations during the high/honeymoon season.

This isn’t to say that Mauritius pales in comparison in the tropical beauty department, as its beaches and its peaks coated with lush rainforest will make you wonder why only vacationing South Africans seem to know about this place.

Many resorts can be found along the west coast and on Grand Baie, but make time to take a day trip to Ile Aux Cerfs, where some of the most crystalline waters in the country can be found.

3) Malaysian Borneo

Many folks seeking out luxury honeymoon destinations in 2015 automatically default to Thailand, which is understandable considering the very high quality of its beaches, food and its people. These qualities aren’t confined to this celebrated nation, as you will find destinations with similar advantages in places in Malaysian Borneo.

While it does have beaches that are world class, a cuisine that combines the best elements of its Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage, and locals that are just as accommodating, Malaysian Borneo has a fraction of the crowds that the Land of Smiles gets, while having marine and rainforests that have some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world.

Tours to see orangutans and other rare species should be on your agenda here, as this will make for an action-packed day that will make your lower-key ones all the more satisfying.

16 Apr 2015

One of England’s Most Historic Cities: Top Reasons To Visit York

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, England | Tags: History, museums, shopping

If you haven’t yet explored the entirety of England, then these top reasons to visit York might just help you complete your journey. York is situated in the north of Yorkshire and it has been deemed as a vibrant city, a fact which draws a great deal of tourists more and more each year.

For those who have a passion for delving into the olden times, the city’s rich history is probably one of the top reasons to visit York and one of the more interesting ones in England. A lot of tourists come from homes that places like AnyWeather Roofing LLC help to construct, which are beautiful and well built, but they often lack the historical component that is so intriguing to many of us. York showcases the biggest medieval cathedral in northern Europe and it also takes pride in Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the major attractions in this city. Also, to have the best possible experience with York’s abundant historical assets, you can visit the York Dungeons, which are run by Merlin Entertainments Group . With the Dungeon’s interactive presentations and complex exhibits, adults and children alike can enjoy while learning at the same time about the in-depth past of the city of York.

With many affordable trains available for travelling in the United Kingdom, tourists won’t find it difficult to explore York. Several connecting rides are obtainable from different locations, thus choosing your trip by rail will allow you to appreciate better the captivating scenery of York along the way.

Another of the top reasons to visit York is its museums. York possesses a huge number of museums within its borders, ranging from the York Castle Museum to the Yorkshire Museum. Any of these museums will satisfy the complex tastes of true culture buffs. If you happen to tour by train, you can also drop by the National Railway Museum for a fast peek.

If shopping is your greatest love, you will never be dismayed from the moment you set foot in York. Apart from the conventional shopping markets which are situated within the city, long-established roads such as the Shambles are still present. The Shambles was formerly the spot of 25 butcher’s shops and at present, it already contains a great deal of gift shops and more fresh additions of restaurants and cafes, many of which count among the top reasons to visit York.

18 Nov 2014

Visiting The Top Tourist Attractions In Yemen

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, culture, History, Islands, Middle-East, nature, UNESCO

Many people visit Yemen to see its top tourist attractions every year. Situated at the South-bend of the Arabian Peninsula in South West Asia, Yemen is a part of the countries of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is on its north, Oman to the East, and Red sea to the West. Yemen has more than 200 islands it takes pride of. One of them is Socotra – the largest among Yemen Islands just 415 km off the coast of Somalia. It is the sole republic of the Arabian Peninsula.

Socotra Island has a very diverse flora and fauna that can only be seen in the island. Only here will you see a flesh-eating centipede and countless varieties of reptiles and birds. A must-see sight here is the Dragon’s Blood trees.

The capital of the Republic of Yemen is Sana’a. This city is a second century city listed among the World Heritage sites by UNESCO. If you are in Yemen, you will feel like you are in a biblical era because men and women here still wear traditional clothes and houses are made of rammed earth and look like pictures of biblical or Koran houses hence, including it in the top tourist attractions in Yemen.

Shibam is another notable city to visit due to its amazing landscape holding numerous tourists around the year. A majestic group of clay and stone as well as wood buildings is its main attraction. Shibam is also fondly called as the Manhattan of the Desert and is considered to be the first city of skyscraper buildings in the whole world with some structures having a height of eight stories. Though this is not an archaeological site, Shibam is a living city.

Wadi Dhahr is also an ought-to-see valley abundant with vegetables and fruits. In 1930’s, Imam Yahya’s palace was erected here on top of a high rock that is why it’s called the Rock Palace or the Dar Al Hajar.

Aden City is a magnificent city which is among the top tourist attractions in Yemen. It is where Aden Museum is situated. It is also always visited by tourists because of its fun-filled water parks, lagoons, and bird watching activities. There are also a number of beautiful hotels and resorts here which are perfect places for leisure and unwinding.

There are just a lot more top tourist attractions in Yemen to experience. For souvenir hunting, visit Kawbakan City and Souk of Beit Al-Faqih. The Shihara Suspended Bridge is a 17th century bridge and its Sunday Market is popular to tourists. The Rock Art of Sa’da has ancient drawings and texts that were written by nomadic tribes which date back about 4,500 years ago.

24 Jun 2014

Top family attractions in Tenerife

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: aquariums, water parks, wildlife

Tenerife has long been a popular destination among families – its wonderful weather, beautiful beaches and excellent resorts all make it a natural choice for parents looking for somewhere to escape with the kids.

There are, naturally, a host of family-friendly attractions on this Canary Island. If you’ve never been before and are wondering what to expect – or just want some new ideas of how to spend your break – check out our guide.

Loro Parque

Loro Parque is undoubtedly one of the best family attractions in Tenerife. It’s home to a wide array of exotic animals – including parrots, penguins, sea lions, aligators, flamingos, tigers, chimpanzees and many, many more. There’s an aquarium with an underwater viewing tunnel, allowing you and the kids to get incredibly close to the majestic sharks that patrol the waters.

There are also several kids’ play areas, where little ones can let off some steam while you and your partner relax with a drink. You’ll also find a cinema in Loro Parque, which shows a film about various ecosystems from all over the world and explains why conserving them is so important.

Siam Park

To cool off from the hot Tenerife sun, head to Siam Park. This is the island’s largest and most exciting water park, providing thrills and spills for people of all ages. There are dozens of adrenalin-pumping rides here, including Tower of Power, the Dragon, the Volcano and Kinnaree.

As well as the slides, there is also a white-sand beach, a wave pool (designed so you can surf), a lazy river and plenty more to keep everyone occupied.

There are also plenty of play areas for little children, so toddlers are just as well catered for as teenagers.

Whale and dolphin watching

You don’t have to stick to purpose-built attractions during your stay, as Tenerife has more than enough natural ones to keep every member of your family happy. One particularly lovely way to spend a day together is to go on a dolphin and whale-watching tour.

There are numerous boats that depart from the island’s harbours each day in search of these stunning marine mammals and, thanks to Tenerife’s location on the migratory route of many species, there is a lot to look out for. Resident species include bottlenose dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, while minke, sei, fin and blue whales, along with Atlantic spotted, striped and common dolphins are just some of the migratory species that pass by.

Camel Park

Camel Park is a great place to come with the kids, especially if your youngsters love getting up close with wildlife. As its name suggests, there are camels here and you can ride them if you’d like to have a go. These animals are ideally suited to Tenerife’s dry, rocky terrain and this is a wonderful way to see some of the island’s arid landscape from a new perspective.

In addition to the camels, this place has a farm where you and the children can interact with animals like donkeys, chickens, goats, ducks and dogs.

Those are just a few suggestions for family-friendly activities in Tenerife – there are many more places to discover and things to do that are bound to enthrall kids, not least of all the stunning beaches for which the island is famous.

Whatever you plan to do during your holiday, make sure you book the best accommodation in a favourable location – you’ll find lots of options here.

18 Jun 2014

The Top Reasons To Visit Craigavon, Northern Ireland

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, cafes, culture, golfing, nature, Northern Ireland, skiing, United Kingdom, watersports

It may not seem like a much, but the top reasons to visit Craigavon will be enough to make you appreciate your vacation experience in Northern Ireland. This small settlement in the county of Armagh depicts the simple lifestyle which the Irish have been widely known for. And it also takes you away from the busy, deafening and oftentimes claustrophobic environment of usual tourist destinations in the country.

Craigavon was initially planned to be a “New City” for Northern Ireland, mirroring similiar developments in the nation of Great Britain. But because of certain hitches in the planning, Craigavon was not able to deliver as much as it should in terms of development. In spite of this, changes have brought forth tourism advantages for the nation, with the availability of recreational facilities like shopping centers, parks with artificial lakes, playing fields, public gardens and petting zoos. And those who are fond of skiing would definitely appreciate the artificial ski slopes that have been built in and/or near the area.

One of the top reasons to visit Craigavon is Wetlands Way at Portadown, which is just 3 miles out of the city. This is especially a must for those who enjoy being at one with nature and who love to challenge themselves. However, if this trail does not give you enough excitement, or in contrast gives you too much, you could explore other highlights within this area like the Millennium Court Arts Center, which contains two galleries and hosts a number of creative and cultural events all year round.

The Chimes Coffee House is also something you should look into checking out if you wish to have a taste of Ireland’s very own specialty teas, coffees and home-made delicacies. And the best part about this latter landmark is you get to appreciate a view of St. Mark’s Church.

Within the residential area, people can seek out another one of the top reasons to visit Craigavon, the Tannaghmore Gardens, which is located on Lurgan’s. Unlike the previous options, this site provides guests with up-close interactions with local and rare animal breeds. And just at close proximity is the Barn Museum, where information as well as preserved remains of the animals are displayed.

The Craigavon Golf & Ski Center should offer you more adrenalin-pumping pastimes while in town. But if you’re into water activities, the Lough Neagh and River Bann should extend you enough opportunities to engage in some swimming, canoeing and other water sports.

10 May 2014

Top Things To Do In Sydney

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: attractions, Australia, beaches, culture, museums, surfing, Sydney, theme parks, wildlife

The top things to do in Sydney aren’t top secret. In fact, they’re pretty much a giveaway due to its popularity. Known as the Harbor City, Sydney is the oldest, largest and most developed city in Australia and is one of the most visited in the world. It ranks high on the list of most beautiful and livable cities. Sydney is a hub in the Pacific for business, design, culture, art, history, fashion, boating and cuisine. Hence, when you go here, you’ll not only be greeted by iconic sites, you’ll also be able to join in some interesting activities.

One of things you should definitely do is attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon back in the 1970s. Many make the mistake of thinking the opera house only offers performances, but it actually is a multi-use venue that hosts around 1,500 types of gatherings each year, attended by more than 1.2 million people. Around the Sydney Opera House, you can enjoy a multitude of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Don’t miss the sunrise here which offers amazing views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and skyline, it’s magnificent.

To add to the list, you could also consider water-based activities as one of the top things to do in Sydney as it is also where you’ll find Bondi Beach, the setting for many surfing, sailing and swimming competitions over the past few years. This widely popular strip of sand surrounded by suburbs is popular with tourists and locals alike, and is a spectacle to see during the summer. There are plenty of bikini clad ladies, good-looking men as well as pods of whales and dolphins cruising the area!

Don’t miss Rushchutters Bay, a very nice suburb near the city center where you can enjoy a bit more relaxed of an atmosphere, but still being just minutes from the Sydney mix. Rushchutters Bay also houses the d’Albora Marina which is a fun place to hang out and check out all of the amazing boats coming and going.

Now, if these top things to do in Sydney don’t satisfy your curiosity, you could always head on out to Luna Park (a popular amusement park), located in Milsons Point, which has been in existence since 1935. Some of the attractions include the Staple Rotor, which has been operated since the park’s opening, the Skylab Ferris Wheel, which gives you a view of the area from 35 meters up in the air, and the Wild Mouse roller coaster, to name a few. Other hangouts you could check out after are the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Observatory, and the Powerhouse Museum.

25 Apr 2014

Japan: A Destination Of Contrasts

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured

Japan is an amazing destination that offers stark contrasts on many fronts. It is a country where modern skyscrapers co-exist side by side with temples; where technology is extremely advanced and progressive, but nature is highly respected. If you ever make it there, the best way to take in the country is to embrace everything that it has to offer – Nature, temples, urban attractions, and historical landmarks .

One thing to keep in mind is that Japan is much more expensive than people think, and many are rudely awakened when they arrive and see what the costs of accommodation is. The best bet is to rent an apartment and use it as a home base to see local attractions. There are many places to stay in Japan, so make sure you do your research beforehand. Here is a list of some of the top things not to miss on your amazing trip to Japan!

Without a doubt, one of the top reasons to visit Japan is to experience Mt. Fuji. This iconic natural landmark is Japan’s tallest mountain. It is revered for its perfect conical shape. Every year, around 250,000 make the climb to its summit. The best time to attempt the climb on Mt. Fuji is between the July and August (mid-summer).

However, if hiking isn’t your thing, Mt. Fuji is visible from many places, particularly from Kanto, Tokyo. The mountain is most visible from Kanto during the winter. Two more mountains you should consider on your itinerary to Japan are Hakusan and Tateyama. Along with Mt. Fuji, they comprise Japan’s three holy mountains.

Ginza, a neighborhood in Tokyo, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Japan’s major tourist attractions. It embodies the hip, modern and urban atmosphere of Tokyo. Ginza is within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and other renowned historical landmarks.

The Matsumoto and Himeji Castles are fantastic historical landmarks that are a must on your Japanese itinerary. They showcase different eras of the Japanese Empire. Between the two, Himeji Castle is older. It was built from 1333 to 1346 and expanded from 1601 to 1608. It is better known as the “White Heron Castle”.

Matsumoto Castle was built a bit later, around 1504. Locals refer to as the “Crow Castle”. Much of this castle remains intact despite its long live. Like Himeji, it is one of the 12 castles in Japan that are still in original condition.

Last but not certainly not least is Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. Found in Kyoto, it is one of the most attractive sights in Japan. Kinkaku-ji has clean ponds and pine trees spread throughout the park and at the middle is a temple. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is not so old as it was constructed in1955. The temple that came before it was built in 1397, but was burned down in 1950 by a radical Buddhist monk.

These are just a few suggestions of the top things to check out in your vacation so think outside the box!

23 Apr 2014