Travel Deals

Live like the rich and famous (for a few nights)

Want to live like the rich and famous? Liz Taylor's home is available as a vacation rental these days ... photo by CC user Warner Brothers - eBay - Frank Driggs Collection (public domain) on wikipedia.org

Fancy yourself a fan of the homes of Hollywood stars? For the longest time, the star-struck among us had to content ourselves with going on tours of celeb homes, and standing on the outside looking in, imagine in our minds what it must be like to have a home that resembles a palace more closely than one in which we would raise our families.

In the past decade or so however, enterprising entrepreneurs have snapped up the former abodes of A-list names like Elizabeth Taylor and Merv Griffin, and have converted them into holiday rentals for those wanting to live out a long standing dream. What’s more, the price on many of these beauties is more than reasonable … if you save up a bit of money, paying less than £400 a night to stay in Liz Taylor’s former castle becomes very doable.

Intrigued in the possibilities that await? Check out the infographic below, or for more info check this page

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30 Nov 2015

Check out Groupon Pages for great insight on Restaurants!

Groupon has been expanding into different verticals recently. Their bread and butter is still deal-a-day vouchers, but they have a massive selection of online coupons and have now created a sort of directory of sorts for restaurants around the country. There are real reviews about the places, detailes, maps, business information, etc.

You can check out an example here: Tampa Pizza Company. Groupon Pages are very well laid out and helpful and can be a great asset next time your traveling on business or pleasure!

groupon Pages

13 Nov 2015

How to save big time on any future travel purchases

This site is called Best World Travel Deals.com for a reason! Today we’ve got a great tip for you all. Most people are familiar with Groupon for being the deal-a-day giant, but they have recently gotten into a new vertical, online coupons. Leveraging their massive relations with retailers small and large, they were able to secure over 70,000 exclusive coupons with more than 9,000 different retailers available on their website, sans annoying sign-ups.

You can find coupons to save money on virtually anything you might be shopping for, but there are an especially large amount of coupons available in the travel arena. There are all the companies you know and trust like Travelocity, Orbitz Fox rent-a-car and much more. Check out Groupon Coupons today and start saving!

travelocity coupons

 

25 Oct 2015

5 of the best nightlife spots in Canada

Montreal has some of the best nightlife spots in Canada ... photo by CC user 27961484@N02 on flickr

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

Fun in the Sun during your Corfu Holiday

A Corfu holiday should include a day on isolated beaches like these ones!

Corfu is a beautiful Greek island cast out into the Ionian Sea, close to the coast of Turkey. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and for good reason too – one glimpse at those lush hillsides, dense forests and sparkling blue seas and it’s clear to see how it got its name.

Like its neighbouring islands, Corfu has a fascinating story to tell and is peppered with ancient ruins. Its history is smattered with battles and conquests which span the last several centuries, and its legacy survives in the form of crumbling walls and fallen temples, towering fortifications and echoing castles. Wander among the remains and learn about the Ancient Greece lifestyle, the advances of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish sieges, and even the Napoleonic Wars.

It’s fair to say that if you’ve got a Corfu holiday on the agenda, you’ll never be short of fascinating things to see, do and experience. But of course, a trip to this beautiful island offers so much more than a history lesson – something that the kids will be happy to know!

Today, a Corfu holiday take many different forms. Check out a tour operator like Thomas Cook holidays to get an idea of the different types of package holidays available. You can enjoy family fun in the sun on one of its beautiful beaches, a day’s shopping trip in its incredible capital city, or pick up the tempo in its buzzing party resort of Kavos.

If you’ve got a laid-back beach break on the cards, this lovely island is happy to oblige. Head to beautiful Acharavi or Aghios Georgios in the north, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with wide sandy beaches and quiet, traditional tavernas – perfect for trying the local cuisine or enjoying a Grecian nightcap at the end of another gorgeous day.

In Corfu resorts like Sidari and Govia, you’ll find a livelier vibe which tempts in tourists looking for somewhere upbeat, with plenty of home comforts and nearby activities. These resorts lay on plenty of entertainment both day and night, so you’ll never be short of things to do.

For fun in the sun, the beautiful Emerald Isle of Corfu ticks all the right boxes…

12 Mar 2014

Planning an all inclusive holiday – what do you need to know?

Planning an all-inclusive holiday isn't as hard as you think - follow our guide and you'll be chilling in this pool before you know it!

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and book that relaxing all inclusive holiday you’ve been dreaming about all winter – good for you. The only question is, what do you need to know before you do? Our guide will help you get to grips with what to look into before handing over your cash.

All inclusive deals aren’t all the same

The first and arguably most important thing you need to bear in mind is that one all inclusive package can vary an awful lot from the next. So, don’t make your booking without thoroughly checking exactly what you’ll be getting. You can pretty much bank on food and drinks being included, for instance, but often you’ll find some of the fancier drinks are excluded.

If you’re planning an action-packed trip, it’s also worth finding out whether any onsite activities are part of the deal (or water sports at the local beach, for instance), since this could help you decide whether or not this really is the best option for you. Similarly, if you think there’s a lot included that you just won’t use, it could be worth looking around some more, because you may well find there’s an offer better suited to your needs elsewhere.

Food and local restaurants

Enjoying some good food is part and parcel of a decent holiday, and when you’re going all inclusive you’ll largely be tied to the restaurants at your chosen resort – after all, you’ll have paid to eat there, so it’s unlikely you’ll want to pay extra to eat somewhere else every night! So, check out what kind of food is on offer at each venue. As well as thinking about whether you like the sound of it, consider how much variety there is – if there isn’t much, you may well get bored of what you’re eating after a few days.

While you’re likely to want to eat at the resort most of the time, occasionally you might like to treat yourself to lunch and dinner out. So, you should also take a peek at what kinds of restaurants are nearby – and what sort of reviews they get.

Location

The next thing you need to think about is the location of your hotel. When doing so, keep in mind the facilities and activities included in your deal – they may well mean you’re happy enough to stay somewhere a little further out from the centre of the action, purely because they offer you plenty to do.

If, however, you’re really set on visiting certain attractions or spending lots of time out and about, you should make sure there’s plenty of scope for you to get around easily. It’s worth considering the cost of transport, too, because this can have an impact on your overall budget.

Budget

Speaking of budgets, while all inclusive deals can be great for making sure you don’t overspend and seeing your overall holiday cost at a glance, you need to do your sums before booking. First of all, check whether there could be any hidden charges – if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask.

Again, you should also make sure you fully understand what is – and what isn’t – included in the price you’re paying. Remember to add on any attractions that you expect to go and see, as well as any known travel costs. Doing all this will help you build up an accurate picture of the overall price of the holiday, as well as work out how much spending money you’ll have per day. Another way to make your trip more feasible is to leverage credit card points, click here to learn more.

Flights and hotel transfers

You’ll often see all inclusive deals encompassing hotels, flights and transfer costs. Because they’re so simple, these often seem particularly appealing, but it pays to stop for a moment and look carefully at the individual costs. Often, it’s actually cheaper to organise your flights, transfers and hotel separately.

Why? Chiefly because it allows you to select the very best deal for each, not to mention giving you the freedom to pick flight times and suchlike that best suit you – Holiday Nights is a good place to look.

17 Feb 2014

Discover Desert Landscapes and the Red City in Jordan

Wadi Rum is one of the amazing natural assets that are just begging to be discovered in Jordan...!

Jordan is becoming an increasingly popular place to visit for a walking holiday and with very good reason, as its desert landscapes are truly spectacular and provide a wilderness experience like no other.

Another attraction of hiking in Jordan is that you can visit some amazing historical sites as you walk, including the breathtaking city of Petra. Also known as the Red City, this was once an important stop on the trade routes from east to west, although much of its charm for travellers lies in the fact it remained undiscovered by the western world for centuries.

We’re going to take a look at some of the highlights of a trekking tour in Jordan – if this interests you, Explore Worldwide can help you organise your ideal holiday.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert valley where you’ll find some incredible rock formations and beautiful scenery. The cliffs and rocks here have been carved into bizarre shapes by the power of the wind and they really are a sight to behold.

This part of Jordan was made famous by TE Lawrence, who was based here during the first world war and who went on to write about his experiences. He described the landscape as “vast, echoing and god-like”.

However, Wadi Rum was being used centuries before as a trade route and it’s one the local Bedouin people know well. They still live a semi-nomadic life in the desert and visiting one of their camps will give you an insight into how they survive in what seems to be such an inhospitable environment.

Among the most famous – and impressive – rock formations in Wadi Rum are the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a towering red-stone cliff, and the Burdah Rock Bridge. Dotted throughout the valley are thousands of petroglyphs and inscriptions that indicate that the area has been inhabited by humans for centuries.

Petra

Petra is Jordan’s most famous tourist attraction and with very good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is quite incredible, with the original city having been hewn out of the cliffs and other buildings developed around it in its sheltered location among the mountains.

It was the Nabateans who developed it into a thriving hub for traders crossing the desert from the Orient to Arabia and it was a bustling city until the Roman era, when trade routes were diverted and Petra gradually lost influence.

Despite being known to the local Bedouins, it was forgotten by the rest of the world until the early 19th century when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt stumbled across it. Although many of the buildings were in ruins, the tombs and chambers that had been carved out of the cliffs themselves are still in remarkable condition.

One of the highlights is the Treasury, which greets travellers as they enter via the Siq Gorge. Obelisks, temples, tombs and a Roman-style theatre are some of the other things you can discover as you wander around the city.

If you’ve got the energy for a bit of a climb, make your way to the Al Deir Monastery, which stands at the top of a flight of 800 steps that have been cut out of the rock. In addition to the archaeological treasures themselves, there are two museums onsite that have been designed to give visitors a better understanding of Petra’s history, as well as to showcase artefacts that have been recovered here.

15 Feb 2014

London’s Unmissable Bars, Clubs & Pubs!

Wishing Well Pub, London, England

When it comes to the top bars and clubs in Europe, the city of London simply can’t be overlooked. There’s so much entertainment on the capital’s streets as it is, and sometimes there are some amazing bars and clubs that get overlooked by tourists – and even Londoners – when on a night out.

If you’re thinking of visiting London, England in 2014, then a tour of the city’s best places to drink is a must, with some of the oldest pubs in the country laying roots in the capital for hundreds of years! Here’s a short guide to London’s Unmissable bars, clubs & pubs to kick start your evening in one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

Lime 

Lime can be found nestled in the suburbs of Palmers Green in North London, and having just undergone a complete refurbishment from its previous name The Live Room, this bar is a real eye catcher. With black and silver walls, stylish mirrors surrounding the seating areas, table service and smart, friendly staff, there’s no doubt you’ll have a night to remember in Lime, especially as the DJ plays the freshest hip hop tunes until the early hours! Call or visit their website to reserve a table.

Moonlighting 

Moonlighting is another of London’s top bars/clubs, and it’s extremely popular with students on a Thursday night with drinks selling for £1.50! Situated in the heart of Soho, one of the capital’s trendiest boroughs, Moonlighting hosts a number of nights every week, with the busiest being Saturday.

If you’re looking for great cocktails, a dazzling interior and old tunes as well as new ones, then Moonlighting is the place for you, and just like Lime you can call ahead and reserve a table – or even host a party there!

Koko 

Koko is one of London’s oldest venues, and to this day it remains a popular place to party with the capital’s youth in the heart of Camden. From NME nights to gigs and special DJ appearances, this is a great place to spot celebrities in the city, especially if a great band is playing. Koko is pretty big inside, with 3 levels overlooking the main dance floor.

Furthermore, the club also puts on special student nights in the week (usually Wednesdays), meaning there’s a whole host of great drinks deals to take advantage of. Get discounts on tickets by booking online at the Koko website.

The Wishing Well 

Palmers Green has a knack for cool places to drink, and situated right across the road from Lime is the Wishing Well. Home to some of London’s most seasoned Irish drinkers, the Wishing Well is as traditional as pubs come, playing live music most nights of the week and even supplying drinkers with sandwiches towards the end of the night!

Furthermore, there’s an overground train station opposite the pub, meaning you can be back in central London in less than 20 minutes. Run and owned by manager Chrissy, she keep’s this establishment in tip-top shape, so get down to the Wishing Well and experience a true Irish pub at it’s finest!

If you are looking for the finest London bars and clubs, you needn’t despair, as the establishments listed above will get you well on you way to one of the best nights out that you’ve ever had in your life!

10 Jan 2014

Top 5 Sights in the Southern Hemisphere

Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia

There are plenty of historical and cultural landmarks dotted south of the equator that travellers flock to.  This is not surprising given the fact that four of the world’s continents – Africa, South America, Australasia and Antarctica – are encompassed within its territory.

If you’re thinking of visiting one of the countries in the Southern Hemisphere, or indeed taking part in a round-the-world trip, then here are some of the top 5 sights for you to check out.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Symbolising the religious zeal of Catholic Brazil, the imposing Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ that has become synonymous with the country. Its substantial size of 98 feet and position on top of the 2,300 feet tall Corcovado Mountain makes it dominate the Rio skyline. Although there is a strenuous climb up to the foot of the statue, the views over the rest of the city are breathtaking. It is estimated that over 1 million people visit every year.

The Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

One of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a 16km-wide inlet which forms a natural harbour at the northern tip of the country. Although many visitors come each year, the natural beauty of the area remains preserved to a high level. 144 islands make up the area where people come to enjoy the picturesque bays and sandy beaches. Yachting and fishing are also popular pastimes in the Bay of Islands.

Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

The incredible Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. Referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the World on numerous occasions, it has also been selected as a World Heritage Site. Because of its reputation, millions of people flock to the Reef every year, especially tourists travelling down the popular east coast route. The Great Barrier Reef supports an extremely diverse plant and marine life which make snorkeling an attractive pursuit also.

If you’re planning on visiting Australia and seeing the Great Barrier Reef, visit this site:

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Lying on the border of both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone after the British monarch of the time, the Falls are considered to be the largest in Africa and the world due to its combined height and width. Large national parks surround the waterfall with an eclectic bundle of wildlife to enjoy for visitors.

Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia

If visiting Sydney then the harbour district is the must-see area for all tourists. With its historical past and cultural landmarks, the image of the harbour is widely associated with Australia. This is notably because the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge lie within a small distance of each other, two of the most prominent sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The spectacular celebrations at New Year also take place around the harbour, perhaps the most famous fireworks display in the world.

 

19 Dec 2013

Top Five Things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has long captured the imagination of Americans and others vacationers for its excitement and many fun offerings. Known as a mecca all over the world for the best quality casinos and resorts that can be found along with one of a kind gambling and entertainment, Las Vegas is a destination not to miss. Visiting Las Vegas promises to be the vacation of lifetime. Not only are the downtown casinos rated best in class, but the Las Vegas strip incorporates the nearby communities of Paradise and Winchester providing tourists with significant variety and satisfaction. When in Las Vegas, tourists should always make sure to capture the excitement and novelty of America’s most desirable vacation destination by taking part in the following must see and do attractions.

Best Things To Do In Las Vegas

Las Vegas shows are legendary for a multitude of reasons including having the highest quality performers and incredible variety amongst the many offerings. Major productions include performances by the likes of David Copperfield, musicals such as the “Jersey Boys” and “Rock of Ages”, and fabulous concerts by leading bands and soloists. When These productions are definitely among the things to do in Las Vegas that will deliver memories for a lifetime for you and your family.

Equally entertaining are the one of a kind museums including the super popular Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement and the one of a kind Neon Museum. While at the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, referred to by locals as the “Mob Museum,” visitors can learn about the exciting history of organized crime in America. At the Neon Museum visitors can see the exciting past of Las Vegas through actual signs and other architectural marketing wonders from the actual resorts and casinos that have become so legendary in American history. Whatever your interests, Las Vegas offers a unique array of exciting museums that you will not find the likes of anywhere else.

All visitors should also check out the famous Bellagio Fountains to see a one of kind highly choreographed water show done to specially choreographed music. The shows are unique and are another one of the many things to do in Las Vegas.

A fourth treat for all visitors is the fine dining Las Vegas offers. Whatever your favorite cosines, Las Vegas offers world class restaurants and eating venues that you must take advantage of. The restaurant scene is in fact a staple on everyone’s list of favorite things to do in Las Vegas.

Lastly, you should take advantage of the world’s nicest and best gambling experience. The casinos that call Las Vegas their home are unequaled by those anywhere else. You can choose from a diverse array of options either downtown or on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, and Caesars Palace are legendary attractions that are must see and do experiences for your visit. Other fine casinos such as Binion’s Gambling Hall and Casino and Tropicana Las Vegas offer even more variety and even more world class gambling.

The next time you plan a trip, remember that a Las Vegas holidays provide memories for a lifetime and offers several must see and do adventures for everyone.

07 Nov 2013