Vacations for Two?

Vacations for two are generally intended to be a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just about anywhere can provide a great opportunity for romance, but there are some places that more enjoyable than others. Most people think tropical when they think romance, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. There are many places all over the world that can put the spark into a romantic relationship.

One place that relatively few Americans go is Africa.  This is a place where you don’t have to wish for adventure because you experience it. Sub-Saharan Africa provides some of the greatest opportunities for wildlife viewing on the planet. In addition to the wildebeests, giraffes, elephants and lions, the scenery in Africa is very diverse. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the few places on the equator that has visible snow. Subtropical grasslands, majestic mountains and humid rainforests are all sub-climates on the African continent. If wildlife viewing is not high on the list, Africa can still be enjoyable for history lovers. Egypt has some of the most impressive cultural artifacts in history with the Cairo Museum and the nearby pyramids at Giza. A trip on the Nile is also a great romantic option for couples.

Tropical locations are always high on the list for romantic getaways. Within the United States, Hawaii in many ways seems like a foreign country with the island culture. The tropical warmth is great for outdoor luaus that couples can enjoy. Many hotels have spas located within their doors, and a couples massage might just do the trick. Many Caribbean islands and the Mexican coast also have the tropical feel and generally cost less than a flight to Hawaii. All of these are great options for a vacation for two.

Some people like cooler weather, and mountain locations can be just as romantic as tropical venues. The United States has two major mountain chains that have a number of ranges attached to them. The Appalachians and the Rockies are both great venues for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Many ski resorts have romantic lodges, but couples may want to book a separate cabin instead. Many mountain cabins come complete with hot tubs and other such romantic amenities.

Of course, these suggestions are only the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to romantic getaways for two. Many South American, Asian or European cities could also be noted. Those who like ancient sites will enjoy the Mediterranean basin. Trips to Asia can provide a very exotic experience for those of European and American stock. The choices are nearly endless.

What Takes Your Accommodation Fancy? From Tents to Castles…

Once you’ve decided where to go and what to do on your summer holiday, the next choice to make is where you’re going to stay. Fortunately, you’re not short of options these days, with places out there to suit all budgets and requirements. Here we’ve summed up some of the most interesting and obscure holiday accommodation available for you to choose from on your hols, from bargain basement to luxurious magnificence…

Campervan
The unassuming campervan is an excellent option for people on a budget who plan on travelling around a lot. It is often the choice for backpackers when moving around, particularly when doing farm work in Australia and then moving around to other destinations.

Bedouin Tent
Venture out on a trip into the Sahara Desert in Morocco and you will find your accommodation will most likely be a large Bedouin tent, with plenty of space in the camel car park alongside! Whilst not the most luxurious of places, it’s certainly a step above the usual British image of a tent on a campsite! 

Bed and Breakfasts
The archetypal accommodation choice in the UK, bed and breakfasts continue to draw in travellers around the country. Offering a huge range in themselves (you can find luxury B&Bs with all the trimmings all the way down to people’s spare room) B&Bs can cater to any need. If you’re holidaying in the UK, there’s no doubt a B&B will be on your radar when looking for somewhere to stay, whether you’re looking for a cheap bed and breakfast in Scarborough or boutique B and B in Weymouth. 

Boutique Hotel
If you’re feeling a little flusher when you go on your holidays, you might consider a more unique type of hotel which offers unique quirky features in addition to your usual fare at everyday hotels. Boutique hotels are a great way to stay somewhere individual whilst still getting all the fantastic service you’d expect from a top end hotel.

Water Villas
For those at the top end of the social scale, luxury water villas are the perfect place to spend a relaxing holiday soaking up the sun. These stunning bungalows which sit on stilts above beautiful blue waters really are the epitome of luxury and, for those that can afford it, there’s nowhere better to spend a holiday.

Take a Different Approach to Your Summer Holiday

When summer comes around, we usually reach for the same travel brochure or website and look for something similar to what we did the year before. A holiday on the beach in Spain, lying by the pool in Portugal or wandering in the hills of France are usually on the menu for the summer holidays, but why not try something different?

Below are a few options to consider if you fancy a slightly different break for this year’s holidays:

Trekking in the Himalayas

For the more adventurous out there, a trekking holiday in the Himalayas is a fantastic way to get away from it all, see beautiful sights and experience one of the world’s most incredible creations. Trekking in Nepal has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people doing the hikes to raise money for their chosen charity. It won’t be the easiest, most relaxing holiday you’ve ever had, but it could well be the most rewarding…

Golfing in Dubai

As with most things, Dubai has become one of the premiere places to go on a golfing holiday. With guaranteed weather, some of the best courses in the world and all the luxury you could ask for, golf holidays in Dubai really do have it all. The best thing is that it also has plenty to entertain the rest of the family who aren’t golf enthusiasts. With beaches, breathtaking architecture, trips into the desert just some of the things to do, the non-golfers won’t find themselves bored whilst you work your way around the back 9.

Travel Through Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is a beautiful collection of countries with loads to see and do. And the best thing is that it is all so close and so well connected, so it’s easy to hop between countries and see an amazing amount in just a week or two. If you get an interrail ticket you can hop on and off most trains, though it might be just as cheap to pay individually depending on what route you take. With the opportunity to see stunning places like Budapest, Lake Bled and Dubrovnik, it’s no surprise this is such a popular choice. So there you go, rip up your ticket to a holiday by the pool this year and try something a little different, it could be the best thing you ever did… This is a guest post from Tom at Navigator Travel who offer great value world travel insurance, perfect wherever you choose to go…

Why a UK Break Beats Going Abroad

With so much excitement around the Olympics this summer, there’s no better time to be exploring the UK and sampling the fantastic places to see and things to do. Olympic fever put the spotlight of the world on the UK and everyone rose to the challenge, with events, celebrations and parties happening up and down the country. So when better to explore your homeland then when it is reaching for the stars to impress the world?

Here’s why you should be staying at home this summer:

Fantastic Destinations

The UK is packed full of fantastic places. From the cosmopolitan capital of London, to rural magnificence in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, from historic cities like York to gorgeous beaches in Cornwall, the UK has the lot. Outside of England, Wales boasts the stunning Snowdonia National Park and glorious north coast to explore. With luxury self catering in North Wales easy to come by, it’s a perfect place to mix the outdoors with some creature comforts! Venture up to Scotland and you’ll find more stunning cities in Edinburgh and Glasgow which will provide enough entertainment themselves. Keep heading north though and you’ll find some of the world’s greatest coastline which will take your breath away. Just pray for some sunshine…

Stunning Accommodation

The UK is packed with beautiful accommodation which spreads from budget B&Bs to luxury group accommodation in holiday homes up and down the country. Wherever you are visiting, whatever your budget constraints, you will be able to find somewhere quintessentially English to enjoy your stay. Hanging out with local B&B owners and learning about the area might be your idea of a fantastic domicile, though you might prefer a luxury stay in one of London’s most elite hotels. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it here on UK shores.

Wonderful Tours

If you’re not the kind of person who wants to walk down the road and not know where they’re heading, then a tour might be a better idea for you. And fear not, there are plenty of fantastic tour operators in the UK who can take you around every conceivable destination in exactly the way you want to go. They will tell you everything you need to know about everything you want to see and all the history behind it. Us Brits are pretty keen on stuff like that you see… If that’s not good enough reason to drop everything and start exploring the UK now then I don’t know what is. Stop worrying about the good old British weather and pack everything you need to cope with any eventuality. No weather should be bad enough it stops you seeing all this country’s got to offer. And, if you’re lucky, the sun might just shine and you’ll find yourself on the west coast of Scotland thinking you must be in the Caribbean!

This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations

3 Great Places for an Adventurous Family Holiday

Planning the annual family holiday always throws up difficult questions. Do you go somewhere just to keep the kids happy or should there be something for the adults too? Are you looking for a holiday by the pool or something a little more active? Do you stick to Europe or venture further afield?

For those families who fancy a break from the norm, we’ve put together a few options below which will offer both fun for the kids as well as interest and intrigue for the elder statesmen of the family!

Morocco

Morocco is becoming a much more common destination for family holidays and it’s no surprise when you’ve had the opportunity to sample the delights it has to offer. From the winding alleys in the souks of Marrakech to the expansive views over the Atlas Mountains, Morocco really is a country of huge diversity and beauty. If the mountains aren’t for you then you can venture to the sand dunes of the Sahara desert or the fantastic surf on the west coast. With fantastic accommodation options to match any budget, from a luxury hotel in Marrakech to tents in the dunes of Erg Chigaga, there really is something for everyone of any age.

Russia

A destination which has seen its difficulties over the years, Russia is starting to reappear on the tourist map with vigour. With the upcoming World Cup and destinations like Moscow and St Petersburg capturing the imagination of European tourists, Russia is now a great place to consider for a family break off the beaten track. These two cities offer so much to see and do and the opportunity to sample a different culture and open the eyes of your children who likely haven’t seen far beyond their own town or city. Moscow hotels vary from small boutique Russian offerings to lavish luxury boudoirs and everything in between, ideal for families looking for accommodation which falls into their budget. If you fancy a slightly more active city break with the kids, Russia should be high on the list – just don’t forget your jumper!

Germany

Germany might not seem too far off the beaten track, but it doesn’t get anywhere near the amount of interest for family holidays as places like Spain, Portugal and France. This might be because it doesn’t really fall into the beach holiday category, but it still has plenty to see and do for all ages. It certainly isn’t short of fantastic cities, with Berlin, Munich and Hamburg challenging any city in Europe in the entertainment stakes. Venture into the countryside and you will find quaint villages, flowing hills and friendly people more than happy to entertain you and the family. The Germans love their football too so if your kids like their sport then they won’t be short of opportunity to sample a football match. With a wealth of family hotels, Germany also provides accommodation requirements so you can easily take your pick.

So if you’re thinking of something slightly different for this year’s family holiday, consider the 3 destinations above for a bit of intrigue, excitement and alternative entertainment.

This is a guest post from Tom who writes for the online publication 'Abroad in Spain'.

Guest Post: Top Five New England Inns

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This is a Guest post from Noella Schink - who is a travel writer from Portland, Maine, a New England city she wouldn’t trade for the world. She loves to get away from it all with a night at a luxury hotel, inn or B&B whenever she can, and then delights in writing about her experiences!

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Nowhere else in the country ~ 

                           Offers the idyllic charm of a New England Inn:

Personalized service, thoughtful amenities and small town quiet await you at these classic northern escapes.

Maple Hill Farm Inn —11 Inn Road, Hallowell, Maine This renovated farm house just outside of Augusta boasts a working farm, hundreds of acres of nature trails and the biggest solar array in the state!

You’ll love the outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna after a “tough day” of relaxing in your plush room (outfitted with flat screen TV, DVD player and artfully chosen antiques).

There is a common kitchen area where you’ll always be greeted with fresh baked goods and coffee, as well as “the pub,” a cozy nook perfect for a nightcap, chatting with new friends or watching the Red Sox game. Touted as the one of the best inns in Maine many years running, owners Scott Cowger and Vince Hannan really go above and beyond in their attention to detail. Maple Hill Farm is a welcome relief from the chaos and bustle that takes over the coastal region every summer.

The Wentworth Inn —1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson Village, New Hampshire An impeccable example of the heyday of New England resorts, the Wentworth Inn is truly grand, in traditional European style. There are smoking and billiard saloons, a gilded ballroom and luxuriously appointed bedrooms with cozy crackling fireplaces, all tucked in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire. Wildcat Ski area is right down the road for the adventuresome types, or if it’s summertime, you can make use of the miles of serene, wooded hiking trails around Jackson village or the award winning 18 hole golf course. Dinner at the onsite restaurant will tickle even the most discerning palate, as Chef Brian Gazda is prestigiously trained and focused on locally sourcing almost all of his ingredients.

Three Stanley Avenue —3 Stanley Avenue, Kingfield, Maine Perfect for a quaint, romantic escape, Three Stanley Avenue will transport you back to a simpler time. Built in 1900 by the younger brother of the Stanley Steamer twins, the inn has simple Victorian décor, luxurious clawfoot tubs but no televisions! Stroll down the charming Main Street of Kingfield, relax in the gazebo or enjoy a world class “Maine Cuisine” meal at the restaurant next door, aptly named One Stanley Avenue. Tucked in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, it’s the perfect accommodation if you want to ski during the day and then come home to peace and quiet at night. You’ll love the unfussy attitude of the locals and the warm hospitality of owner Dan Davis, who has worked as executive chef and innkeeper since 1972.

Captain’s House Inn —369-377 Old Harbor Road, Chatham, Massachusetts Built in 1839, this famous B&B is a Cape Cod staple. Touted as one of the top ten most romantic inns in the country, its luxe amenities and impeccable service are second to none. The Greek revival style house is surrounded by peaceful gardens, winding walking trails and that sought after fresh sea air. You’ll be charmed by the quaint furnishings, working fireplaces, flowery wallpaper and old-school atmosphere within. Lounge in an Adirondack chair in the sunny yard, challenge your companions to a game of croquet or make for the waterfront where scenic cruises along the coast are the perfect vantage point for admiring Cape Cod. Just make sure you’re back in time for full English tea in the afternoon!

The Mayflower Inn —118 Woodbury Road, Washington, Connecticut This seemingly idyllic country inn offers more than meets the eye. Pamper yourself with a full menu of decadent spa treatments, dine in elegance worthy of the Hamptons yet still enjoy the tranquil New England location. The property’s guest suites offer four poster beds, cushy lounges and even an al fresco terrace overlooking the garden. The nearby Steep Rock Nature Preserve is a beautiful area of walking trails, bird watching and natural serenity, or if you prefer more active days, you can kayak or canoe along the Shepaug River. End your day with an artfully crafted meal of fresh local produce and even fresher seafood in the award winning dining room.

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Have you some interesting travel news, experiences of places to share? Get in touch - we'd love to house a guest post from you on our travel blog!

Guest Post by Elle-Rose Williams; works for No1 Traveller as their resident traveller writer. If you can’t find her at work… she’s probably travelling!

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The best New Zealand Adrenaline experiences

Many people come to New Zealand for the beautiful landscapes the clean air and the breath taking scenery. And whilst all of those things are more than fantastic – there are many of us who flock to this little country because of the adrenaline activities on offer. The country is more than perfect for those who admit to being an adrenaline junkie – with each city and town here offering their own unique take on adventure.
The truth is – it doesn’t matter where you planning to visit in NZ – as you’ll find something to satisfy your adrenaline needs in every town and every city. This country offers such variety and such diversity that you’ll never be short of ideas or things to do. But you might need a little help deciding which you’d prefer – so we’ve put together an awesome list to get you informed!

Queens Town

Queenstown offers the most diverse range of activities. You could probably spend weeks here just trying something new every day! The town has all sorts of incredible activities that will please both the adrenaline expert of the novice. Expect to find:

• Skydiving
• Rafting
• Bungee jumping
• Luge riding
• Helicopter flights
• Climbing
• Sailing
• Skiing (dependant on season)
• Snowboarding (dependant on season)
• Heli-skiing

Queenstown has an awesome nightlife too – it’s known as a bit of a party destination and has a reputation for late nights and lots of drink. So if you’re a fan of adrenaline and a fan of partying – this is without a doubt the place for you.

Auckland

As the capital of New Zealand, this is where most of the population of New Zealand actually live. You’ll find a great variety of activities here – not as many as Queenstown, but enough to keep you going! In Auckland you’ll find:

• Auckland adventure Jet
• Bridge Bungee
• Bridge Climb
• Canyoning (40 minute drive)
• Sky Jump
• Sky Walk

Auckland is an exciting city with lots of other things to do in-between all your adventure activities! There are some great shops for shopping in, some wonderful restaurants and great sights to see. You can also have fun exploring the other parts of the city’s suburbs too, which are a short drive out of the city.

Wellington

Wellington is a great city, full of life and full of character. There aren’t quite as many activities here for the adrenaline seeker – but you won’t be short of exciting activities and there are certainly some fantastic things to do and see. One of the main attractions in Wellington is sailing – so that should be your priority when visiting Wellington! There are all sorts of sailing trips available – from kayaking and canoeing to big ferry rides and whale watching.