Top Reasons To Visit Cambodia

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With a turbulent history, Cambodia made the headlines up until 1999 for all the wrong reasons. The nation was either at war with itself or a foreign (sometimes both!) power since the 1940’s. It was only after the assassination of Pol Pot – one of the world’s most evil mass murderers and dictators – that the country knew peace after 60 years of virtually non-stop war. 

Sadly, today that mind-boggling amount of time at war still leaves a legacy, with land mines and unexploded ordnance still remaining a problem in rural parts of the country. Though through war crimes tribunals putting on trial the last surviving members of the nation’s genocide in the late 1970’s, and the passage of time at relative peace, Cambodia has reconciled with the dark history and moved on into the 21st century with optimism about the future and rediscovering it’s former glorious past ancient history with the Angkor temple ruins. 

Phnom Penh

The kingdom’s capital admittedly does look a little rough around the edges, but do not let that deceive you: Phnom Penh is still worth a couple of days, if not only to get a sense of how this nation’s dark recent history continues to have an impact on it’s people, and it will certainly give you a sense of how just how resilient and enduring the people are. 

S-21 is a sobering experience to say the least: It was formerly a school prior to the Communist takeover of the country by a faction known as the Khmer Rogue, who killed around a  third of their own people in only 4 years, in which they turned it into a prison and torture camp for political dissidents. Many of the torture implements can be seen in the rooms and cells and an audio guide describes things like the photos of captives taken by prison guards as you walk around the complex.

It is highly recommended that after this, you head 45 minutes drive out of the city to a place known as “the killing fields”. This is where the prisoners were taken after being tortured and forced to sign confessions and were often executed in the most barbaric ways imaginable in order for the Khmer Rogue to save bullets. Methods of suffocating victims through tying plastic bags around their heads or clubbing them to death were not at all uncommon. 

Perhaps the most striking monument to this appalling tragedy is the Skull Stupa that has skulls of victims spiralling from the ground to the top spire of the stupa, erected as a memorial to the dead Some of these skulls are clearly the skulls of children, and some show head trauma indicating they were clubbed until skull fractures caused fatal brain damage, while others still show bullet holes. 

But Phnom Penh is not all doom and gloom. Today it is modernising at an incredibly rate and the Royal Palace located in the Riverside District devoted to virtually all the tourist infrastructure showcases Cambodia’s brighter history as a regional superpower, with nightly traditional Cambodian dancing. Riverside is also home to a buzzing nightlife as well as hundreds of restaurants and eateries.    

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is located about 4 hours drive west of Phnom Penh and is considered by most to be the much more appealing of the 2 cities. Interestingly, the ethnic and linguistic make up of Siem Reap is mainly Laotian, rather than Cambodia, and the local friendly and welcoming culture is certainly testament to Laos’. 

But of course, Siem Reap is most famous for being the gateway to the Angkor Ruins. Not Just Angkor Wat – the most famous temple ruin – but the whole Angkor empire, which is scattered over some 100kms of pretty rural and jungle Cambodian countryside. Indeed, every year that passes, dozens more temple ruins are discovered, and it is strongly recommended you go for the 3 day passes, as 1-day passes don’t even allow enough time to scrape the surface! 

Of course it’s impossible to list even 1/10th of the temples and palaces that make up the ruins of this lost empire, but the travellers favourites always seem to be Angkor Thom, which was featured in the movie Tomb Raider some years ago,  as well as the Bayon, which is a temple that features the four faces of Vishnu carved into each side of the upper towers.

Angkor Wat is of course sensational too, but to avoid the crowds go at first light to make sure you are first there. If you are lucky, guards will allow you access before official opening hours, in which you will then be able to climb to the top centre tower and have a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding jungle as the sun rises above it. Book a cheap flight to Siem Reap to explore this amazing area for yourself! 

Sihanoukville

Finally, The coastal town of Sihanoukville is worth a mention. About 3 hours south of Phnom Penh, it lacks the world class snorkelling and diving of Thailand and Indonesia, but offers up 5 different white sand beaches each with a different flavour, plus the opportunity to go to nearby Koh Rong island to get a glimpse of what Thailand’s islands were like back in the early 1990’s: Little visited, pristine and lacking any infrastructure and loud bars pumping out dance music until the early hours. 

So, although Cambodia still sometimes gets negative press based largely around a troubled past it is moving faster and further away from, ignore this. If anything, it is worth just visiting for the Angkor ruins which are unlike nothing else in the world.

Awesome Things To Do In The UK

Whether you live in the UK or you’re planning to visit this year, you might be wondering just what things to add to your itinerary to make sure you get the best of what the whole region has to offer. Many people don’t realise just how many amazing things there are to see and do in the UK, many of which are just in London alone. We’ve put together this short list for those planning a trip to the UK to make sure you don’t miss some of the most interesting (and unique) things to see and do – whichever part you might travel to!

London

London is arguably the best place to start on any trip to the UK. Not only is it home to some of the most impressive sites that hold history in their very walls such as the Tower of London, but you can visit almost all museums free of charge. Don’t miss Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Camden Town – an open air market area that is home to unique clothing, jewelry and art. For a step back in time to the darker side of London, why not visit Whitechapel and go on a Jack the Ripper tour?

The South West

There’s so many great things to say about the South West that we have to keep it short and sweet. With counties like Wiltshire and its rolling green hills, Somerset and its world class cider, Devon with its stunning coastline and back country villages home to seemingly ancient pubs and Cornwall – the Brit’s favourite holiday destination, there’s so much to love about this region. You will be hard pressed to pick just one area to explore, so why not rent a car and spend a week or two driving around all of them? You’re sure to be delighted and surprised at just what you can find when you spend the time travelling around the UK by car. Our favourite spots include St Ives in Cornwall, Salisbury in Wiltshire and Bath in Somerset for a taste of both shopping, history and culture.

Wales

Wales is a sure bet if you love nature, hiking and generally being outdoors. Not only that, but the Welsh are incredibly friendly and welcoming people, ready to help at any turn. For the best bets, check out the likes of Snowdonia in the north and climb Mount Snowdon for a unique and challenging activity. Visit some of the valley villages and stop for a cider in shady pubs that seem to be portals back through time. The south is home to Pembrokeshire, a coastal county with rugged hills, beaches and beautiful hiking trails that will leave you wanting more. For our personal favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire, check out Newgale and St David’s.

So whether you live in the UK or you’re visiting, hopefully this list of amazing things to see and do will help you plan the ultimate UK adventure, one that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Beating The Winter Blues

With Christmas and New Year come and gone, the winter doldrums seem to really set in. It can seem like spring is years away yet, and as the weather seems to get worse instead of better, it can be agonising to get through the weeks and months before spring sets in again and brightens everyone’s lives. If this sounds like life at the moment, you aren’t alone. Many people suffer from a bit of the winter blues, so here are a couple of great ways you can brighten your days – even if the sun is a couple months off.

Embrace Hygge

Hygge, pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ is a Danish concept of cosy living. Imagine big woollen socks, hot cups of tea, your favourite soft throw blanket and soft music with a good book. Hygge is all about being as warm and snuggly as you can and celebrating the indoors with good friends. Invite your loved ones round for a heartwarming dinner of stews, soups, homemade breads and biscuits to dine by candlelight. This is the essence of hygge and helps people battle those winter blues in snug, warm ways.

Get Outside

Opposite to hygge, there’s always getting outside and enjoying the winter time. While it depends where you live as to what you might be able to do, enjoying winter sports can be a great way to embrace the cold and snow. After all, you can only do these things at this time of year! Hit the slopes, go sledding, ice skating or build a snowman with the kids before heading indoors for a steaming cup of hot cocoa and your favourite feel good movie. There’s so much fun to be had in the winter, you just need to bundle up!

Book A Holiday

If you really want to escape the cold and snow, you can find a good last minute cruise deal easily online to jet off to a far flung place where you will bask in the sun on the top deck before heading down for the exquisite dinners often put on. Many take off to the Caribbean this time of year due to its sun, sea and sand, but other popular options include the Mediterranean, South Asia or even – if you want more of the cold – Alaska.

Bring More Warmth Inside

If you’re sick of the monochrome colours of winter you can always brighten up your inside world by bringing more brightness inside. Doing up your living room or bedroom with warm shades of reds, oranges and yellows can not only brighten a space but also make it feel warmer too. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Textiles can be a generally inexpensive way to inject more life, colour and warmth into a room without dedicating yourself to a total physical overhaul.

So if you’ve been struggling with the winter blues, worry no more. Hopefully with some of these great ways to beat that seasonal sadness you’ll be feeling perked up in no time flat. While we can’t change the weather, we can change how we react to it, so give yourself a reason to smile in the cold and try something new today!

Top UK Break Destinations For Your Autumn Or Winter Getaway

Now that autumn has well and truly set in and Christmas is on the way, you might be wondering just what you can do for that short break you find yourself needing toward the beginning of November. Just a little something to break up the monotony of the season before the hecticness of Christmas comes knocking, or maybe you’re looking for that great Christmas gift for the person who has everything. Perhaps you’ve been looking to find a cheap break somewhere in the UK – either for yourself or as a gift. Well look no further than one of these great options that will be sure to delight almost anyone.

Snowdonia

One of the most beautiful parts of the UK, Snowdonia is located in North Wales and covers an impressive swathe of land. Featuring Mount Snowdon, a relatively easy mountain to climb as well as truly breathtaking vistas, views and villages, Snowdonia continues to be a favourite for many. For the best experience, consider staying within the National Park itself, perhaps in a town such as Betws-y-Coed, a beautiful little sleepy village with a lot of charm and character. Catch the bus into nearby Beddgelert, a beautiful town where you can visit Welsh Prince Llewellyn’s former palace and learn about the fate of his loyal dog, Gelert.

Cornwall

The coast of Cornwall is awash with some of the most unique history in the UK. From the old copper mine chimneys that dot the skyline of the coast to the fun fair at Land’s End, and the magical history of such sites as Tintagel Castle, Cornwall is a place full of things to do for everyone from ages eight to eighty. Be sure to set aside time for just strolling the back streets of St Ives and driving the rugged coastal roads of the Lizard. Stop for giant cream teas at some of the most beautiful little tea houses and make friends with farmers who farm their ancestral lands. Cornwall has a little something for everyone, and is a unique place where you feel like you’ve come to another world.

Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and sought after places for holidaying in England. With its rolling green hills, lakeside cafes and twisting, turning roads that lead you into the depths of the countryside where you’ll only find yourself and nature, it’s a delight for the outdoorsy person in all of us. Stroll through medieval towns and hike through the high hills to find stunning vistas and views. If you have a car you’ll be able to visit many of the regional towns such as Keswick, Derwentwater and Windermere – all of which have something to offer everyone, even if it’s just a beautiful backdrop against stunning lakes.

So there you have a couple of great ideas for Christmas gift travel options for the person who has everything. So if you’re looking for something in your own backyard for your autumn or winter getaway, consider one of the above options. So get your car packed for the next best road trip – you won’t regret it!

 

Top Travel Ideas If You’re Flying Solo

Are you a singleton looking for a great adventure without necessarily having to recruit friends or family to tag along? Or maybe you really want to get away but can’t find anyone to go with. If you’re like most people who are single and travel, you probably have noticed by now that when you try to get a group of friends or family together, inevitably people begin to drop out one by one until it’s only you still left standing, heading out on the road solo anyway. Maybe you’re through with all that and you’re ready to hit the highway on a cool singles trip to meet new friends along the way. Check out these hot holiday ideas for solo travellers like yourself.

Backpacking

There’s nothing like heading out on an extended trip backpacking while solo. It’s no secret that you meet far more travellers and people when you’re travelling on your own than with a friend or a group. Backpacking holidays are likewise a great idea if you don’t have a timescale or a really solid plan. Many people choose several countries that are near to each other by land and just take off for anywhere from three to six months. Popular areas include South East Asia, South America and often working holidays in the likes of Canada, Australia, New Zealand or working for NGOs in Africa.

Ski Holidays

Do you love the powder, the rush, the adrenaline of shooting down the slopes at speed while the icy cool wind blows across your face? Well, a singles ski holiday might just be what you’re looking for. You can book a singles ski holiday to many different resorts through Europe, a great option if you’re planning to travel solo as there is often no single supplement when you book a singles specific holiday. That means you can spend more on going out and meeting other solo travellers, or going on excursions, taking on activities and more.

Cruises

Cruises are a great idea for solo travellers, especially shy and unsure travellers as the cruise company takes care of almost literally everything. All you have to do is show up on time to things like meals, excursions, shows and other events. Everything you could possibly need and more is found on board the ship and so you can rest easy knowing everything is being taken care of for you so you can spend more time on the top deck relaxing in the sun or enjoying the scenery as it passes by.

Beach Fun

Solo beach holidays sound like they could be boring, but nothing is further from the truth. When you book a singles beach holiday you will be in the same area as other solo travellers, meaning you can meet new, great people to hit the sand with. What could be better than hanging out with new friends, sharing a picnic on the sand and going on new and wonderful excursions together, creating memories to last a lifetime?

So there you have a couple of fantastic suggestions and ideas for great holidays that you can enjoy solo. Who ever said you must definitely have friends along for the ride when you can just meet the friends as you go? Sometimes it’s better that way anyway! So what are you waiting for? Get those bags packed and hit the open road.

A Wine Lover’s Guide To Earth’s Best Wine Regions

If you fancy yourself a bit of a wine connoisseur you may enjoy the tradition of vineyard tours and wine tasting. But where should you definitely go to experience the best that planet earth has to offer? With so many countries that offer their own takes on wine and winemaking, it can be daunting to choose the perfect place to head to if you’re a wine lover. That’s why this short guide to the world’s best wines will help you narrow down your next wine tasting destination.

Argentina

It’s no secret that the wines that come from Argentina are some of the world’s best. Add to that the fact that Argentina is an absolute delight to travel to and around and you’re onto a winner on all accounts. Between delicious Argentinian steak, the snow capped peaks of the Andes and the delectable wines, it’s easy to see why Argentina is the things dreams are made of. Take a week or two to stop at various ranches to experience the real Argentine life, wrangling and branding cattle and sipping wine with the backdrop of beautiful Patagonia in your sights.

Georgia

You might be thinking ‘Georgia the state?’ but you’d be wrong. This central West Asian country is nestled between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia and is home to such amazing climates throughout that it is ideal for growing all manner of fruits and vegetables – including grape varieties for winemaking. It’s been studied and shown that Georgian winemaking tradition goes back almost eight thousand years, making it one of the oldest and first winemaking regions in the world. That said, the Georgians really know what they’re doing when it comes to wine. Try it with kachapuri, a rich pizza-like dish laden with cheese.

Canada

Believe it or not, Canada is a huge wine producer, they just rarely export it, keeping it all within their borders for themselves, and for good reason. Produced in both British Columbia and Ontario mainly, the wines come in a variety of flavours and strengths. Such popular brands including Painted Rock, Cave Spring Cellars and Foxtrot, Canadian wines can usually be found throughout the country and are paired beautifully with local cuisines such as seared Elk steaks, regional lobster or buffalo. If you’re in the mood for something truly unique, have a taste of Canada’s famous Ice Wine – a wine produced by leaving the grapes on the vine until after the first frosts to produce a sweet, almost syrup like wine that is used almost exclusively for dessert.

South Africa

If you want to see the best Africa has to offer without diving into a totally different culture altogether by going to the likes of Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda, consider heading to South Africa – a perfect blend of Africa-meets-West. The western corner of the country around Cape Town is the best for sampling the wines on offer but they can be found most other places around the country as well. If heading out on safari take a bottle or two with you to enjoy after a day of watching the best of Africa’s wildlife go by in the likes of Kruger National Park, or head to your favourite Cape Town wine bar to toast a successful climb up Table Mountain. South Africa in their springtime is a great time to go, when the wildflowers are in full swing and you can find yourself lost in flower fields for ages. A perfect South African red wine would go down a treat on a picnic amongst the blooms.

So if you’re in the mood for a delicious glass or three of some of the world’s best vino, check out wines from one of the aforementioned locations. With wines steeped in history or challenging tradition, you will find the perfect flavours waiting for you in a bottle of one of these great options.

Take the Road Trip of a Lifetime: Wayanad Guide

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Kerala is immensely popular for the holy trinity formed by Munnar, Kochi, and Allepey, thrusting Wayanad into the shadows. This is a good thing as it saves the place from experiencing a tourist stampede.

The area experiences decent tourist traffic with great hotels in Wayanad, but it is still considered as an off-the-beaten destination in Kerala. Are you thinking of a road trip? Then, Wayanad has the perfect balance of sports, hiking, adventures, and sightseeing to make the trip a once in a lifetime event.

The Travel Basics

One of the very first things you should know before you set out to Wayanad is that it’s not a town or a city, it is actually a northern Kerala district. The area is largely covered by forest and is located in the southern end of Deccan plateau.

In addition, you also need to know that visiting Wayanad means that you will be visiting either Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta (Wayanad’s capital) or Mananthavady towns. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be able to sample all that Wayanad has to offer you in a single weekend. So, carefully choose what you really need to see and do!

Planning Your Trip

Unless you intend on visiting the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, you should make Kalpetta your base. Kerala and Karnataka State Government buses can take you there from Bangalore and Mysore. There are no airports in Wayanad district, but you can use those in Kozhikode or Bangalore.

One of the best things about Wayanad is that it offers visitors an excellent local network of buses that are both frequent and very cheap. In fact, you can visit just about any tourist destination on public transport – the perfect solution for the solo backpacker.

Top Attractions in Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is what can be considered as Wayanad’s gateway town, and the best location to stay if you intend on visiting the Mathunga Wild Life Sanctuary. The town’s name means the place where the king stationed his ammunition and army. Some of the top things to do and see in Sulthan Bathery include:

  • The Jain Temple
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Edakkal Caves

Kalpetta town offers you a bittersweet symphony of life that includes attractions like:

  • Chembra Peak, which looks over the Wayanad territory – but you’ll need permission and tickets from the forest department
  • The Banasura Dam, which also happens to be India’s largest earth dam and number two in Asia

Mananthavady town is home to Paskhipatalam, which is a protected forest area as well as a sanctuary for several bird species. The park is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is only 8km from Thirunelli, allowing you to enjoy two activities in a single itinerary item. Trekking reveals sweeping views of the Nilgiri hills as you pass through clear water streams, wild grass, and pristine forests.

The Thirunelli temple is another noteworthy ancient place of worship attraction in Mananthavady that features Kerala architecture. According to the locals, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, and it’s also an important pilgrim center in northern Wayanad.

Locals believe that taking a dip in the close by Papanasini river takes away all your sins while freeing you from any karma debts you have. Literary translated from Sanskrit, the name Papanasini means the destroyer of sins.

Conclusion

Wayanad is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of rural Kerala with waterfalls, woods, and wildlife. The vast mountains covered in mist, blue lakes, unending green meadows and wild forests make Wayanad a true “God’s own country!” In addition, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a break from the fast pace of city life.

Fancy Something Different? Flotilla Holidays Are All The Rage

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With 2018 already progressing full steam ahead and February having come up on us in the blink of an eye, it’s easy to see the fact that this year like many before it is going to be over seemingly in a blink of an eye. With that in mind, it’s never too early to start thinking about your holidays for spring and summer break, or even for breaks later in the year. With so many options about for family holidays, holidays for couples and more it can be difficult to choose the perfect combination of something new and wonderful that you haven’t tried before as well as something you have tried and loved. That’s why taking a flotilla holiday is one of the best ideas yet and it’s perfect for everyone from ages eight to eighty, with kids, without kids, swimmers and landlubbers and everyone in between. Here are a couple of great reasons you should consider a flotilla for your next getaway.

Amazing Locations

The Greek Islands have always been considered some of the most ideal in terms of holiday locations for the young and old alike and with a flotilla at your disposal it can make these holidays even better in terms of flexibility as well as style. Depending on your preferences, flotillas are available for rent for two week rotations in locations such as the Ionian, Saronic, Greek and Sporades Islands as well as throughout Croatia. If you have ever dreamt of whiling away the days on the deck of a yacht while island hopping some of the world’s most beautiful locations, then a flotilla holiday just might be for you.

Why Flotilla?

If you think of an RV you conjure up images of tables turned beds and living spaces on wheels, right? Right! Flotillas are essentially the same idea, but just in boat form. This means they’re economical, homey and a great way to still travel in style and class but without needing a road on which to do it. Flotillas come in sizes and sailing experience levels to suit almost anyone and so it’s easy to find the perfect boat for you and your party. If you have ever wanted to experience yacht living, this is the way to do it without needing to devote hundreds of hours or hundreds of euros to learning how to sail and buying your own boat. Flotillas are the perfect option for anyone who wants to get a bit of experience yachting before committing to the purchase of their own vessel.

Options

Flotilla holidays can be combined with other options too in order to make the most out of your holiday. One such option can be doing one week on the water and one week in a villa on a gorgeous island that allows you to explore the back alleys and lively cafes of local neighbourhoods just brimming with exciting experiences and friendly local people. This is the perfect combination for those who both like kicking back and relaxing as well as getting out and hobnobbing with the local community. So what will your choice be?

What’s Included?

The great thing about package flotilla holidays is the fact that a lot of things are included in the price of your overall holiday. Generally speaking the only real things you need to pay for as extras are your own food and drinks as well as insurances and waivers. The overall cost of the packages includes return airfare and all basics on the flotilla itself such as linen and towels, harbour fees and guides. This makes taking your own flotilla around the islands such as Ithaka and Lefkas or Erikoussa something that is not just a great time saver, but also a money saver as well.

Activities

The great thing about your own yachting holiday is that you are ultimately king and in control of what you do and when you do it. If you don’t feel like doing anything, you don’t have to aside from kick back on the deck with a glass or three of bubbly and watch the beautiful sunsets change the colours of the water from teals and blues to oranges and purples as night sets in. For those who like a bit of action though, stand up paddleboards are available to rent with your flotilla, meaning you can get on the water anywhere you want, any time you want without needing to head into town to pick up a rental when you think of it. Not only that, but dinghies are often available as well which means you can head into small coves to explore, and maybe even find your own slice of private beach on which to enjoy a picnic.

Develop A New Interest

Holidays aboard a flotilla aren’t just holidays – they can be entirely great new ways to develop a new interest. With having to navigate and control your own flotilla you get experience and knowledge that can lead to a new hobby. Imagine getting into sailing because you had such an amazing time aboard your own boat on holiday and then become one of the yachting club in your own right after purchasing your own vessel. These days sailing is becoming more and more accessible to those who aren’t part of the millionaires clubs, and many people with families own their own smaller vessels that they take around various locations for family getaways. What better way to spend summer holidays – or holidays all year round?

An Investment In Fun

Flotilla holidays aren’t just a holiday but they’re an investment in a great time doing something a bit different. If you’re tired of the same old thing, try something new aboard one of the great vessels on offer. Not only that, but with many flotillas sleeping as many as eight people this can be a fantastic way to spend your holidays with your parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles or several of your best friends.

So if you’re looking for something different from the typical sandy beach holiday this year, consider setting sail for the Greek or Croatian islands and spend a week or two hopping from island to island, taking in the harbour lifestyle of these unique and ancient lands. With so many options to spend your days from just relaxing on deck or exploring the back streets of tiny island villages, you never know what you will find with a flotilla holiday. So call up some friends, get your buddies on board and rent a flotilla for the holiday of a lifetime. Don’t delay – get in now to make the most of this summer’s sun, sea and sand.

Fantastic Florida – Not Just For Summer Anymore!

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Have you been looking for the perfect place to vacation this winter with the family? Are you stuck on where to go and what to do and you’re trying to make sure everyone stays happy? For the best in winter sun as well as a whole host of things to do, consider hitting up the southern state of Florida. Known as the Sunshine State, and for good reason, Florida is one of the best places to head for those who want to soak up the sun while having fun as well. Check out some of the top things to do in this vast and enjoyable state.

Amusement Parks

If Florida has one thing in spades, it’s amusement parks. Whether you want to while the day away alongside your favourite characters at Disney World or you want to hop on some impressive TV and film themed rides at Universal Studios, the world is your oyster. You can grab tickets and head to Universal Studios easily online and don’t forget to check out other options such as SeaWorld as well as the whole host of waterparks on offer too.

Miami

There is a reason Miami, FL is one of the country’s top spring break destinations. And it’s not just spring, or summer that make Miami a great Florida travel destination, but winter and fall too. Starting with the obvious beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, and renowned international food scene, Miami has become a virtual mecca for celebrities and any American who wants to enjoy perfect weather year-round. While Miami is not known for being a thrifty town, there are all sorts of family-friendly activities that don’t have to break the bank, including walkable architectural tours,  people-watching on Ocean Drive, or cozying up to a good book at one of Miami’s bookstores.

Daytona

Daytona isn’t just a beach city in Florida. It’s also home to the international Daytona Speedway which is home to the internationally acclaimed Daytona 500 which takes place each February, typically on President’s Day (18th). Be sure to book tickets in advance if heading down around this time as tickets and hotels sell out fast. A great day out for the family, especially the kids, so pack the sunscreen and hats and head to Daytona for a day to remember forever.

Florida Keys

For families and couples alike there is no place quite like the Keys. Located in Florida’s deep south, this string of pearlised islands in the deep blue Caribbean sea are perfectly located to have beach weather nearly all year round. Book in at one of the luxury resorts and hit the sand for some sun and relaxation with great views and calm seas.

Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Centre

A great day out for anyone in the family, the Kennedy Space Centre is ideal for learning about America’s race to the moon. Featured are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring artefacts from these days including space suits that have been on the moon itself, still covered in moondust. Come see the remnants of the rockets that took man past the earth’s atmosphere and if you’re lucky, book in to see a rocket launch in person at Cape Canaveral.

The Everglades

Deep in the south of the state you will find this vast area of marshy wetland known as the Everglades. Considered to be one of the most unique areas of wildlife habitation in the state, you can get tours around the area on hovercraft to see some of the residents of the area such as crocodiles and the mass numbers of birds that call this region home. A perfect way to spend a few days, especially with kids who have a penchant and love of animals and wildlife.

So if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your holidays this year, look no further than Florida. The Sunshine State is always open for business and ready with open arms to welcome you and yours to her sandy shores.

How to Stay Safe on a Long Vacation in South America

When you talk to people about traveling in South America, there are varied opinions about the safety level in countries like Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, and Ecuador. The main concern is the amount of theft, but personal safety in all aspects is a subject of concern. The fact though is that millions of travelers pass through South America every year without a single problem while there. In most cases, it’s all about being smart and aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid the major issues.

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Here are a few tips on how to stay safe when spending a long vacation in South America.

Don’t Flash the Bling-Bling

It’s a reality that in economically poorer countries, local people think all foreigners are rich. What they don’t realize is that only the people who can afford it go traveling while many people who cannot stay home; they only see the ones who can afford it, so their view is skewed. In any case, it’s impossible to make them believe that you aren’t rich, which sometimes can make you an unwilling target.

The best plan is to not wear any jewelry or a watch to avoid attracting attention. When you’re wearing expensive sneakers and branded clothing, people who are wearing copies of similar brands because the real clothing is too expensive for them to become jealous of you. Downplay your wardrobe, leave the electronic gadgets at home that you don’t need, and always be aware of whose eyes are on you.

Most Crime Is Opportunistic

Usually, opportunistic crime is the most common. Not paying attention to your bags when you’re shopping. Staying out later than advisable in a questionable area and not taking a safe taxi from a known taxi company back to the hotel, guesthouse, or hostel. Leaving your smartphone on the bar for “just a second,” turning around to speak to someone and then finding your phone gone when you turn around to pick it up again.

Whenever you travel, you can never have enough travel insurance. For the minimal cost of insuring yourself during your travels, there’s no excuse for getting on the plane without it. This is especially true in South America where the chance of being a victim of a theft is surprisingly high if you’re not careful with what you do and where you go.

Stay in the Safer Parts of Town

You want to stay in the safer parts of town, regardless of whether the hotel or guesthouse costs more. When you cannot walk around safely in the early evening, then it’s time to change locations. It’s not true that every place is unsafe. Just like anywhere else in the world, there are safer parts of every city and questionable parts where you don’t want to be. This is true of South America, North America, and Europe too.

Traveling in South America is safe if you take sensible precautions to ensure your own safety. It’s easy to walk down a dark alleyway alone and get yourself into trouble, but this is true back home too! The smart move is to stay in public places, watch for pickpockets, don’t take anything out of the hotel that you don’t need that day, and use the room or hotel safe liberally.