Mini Cruise: Nothing Small About this Vacation

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Marionomad

Do you work hard? Of course you do, but do you play hard as well? All work and no play can make you a dull person. The best way to put some excitement in your life is to get away and take a vacation. This is why, despite your financial means, there should always be time for a vacation. Since your money and time is limited, this article will concentrate on advice to help you take that vacation you deserve. Take a mini vacation, and there is no better way to do this then by taking a mini cruise. Mini cruises can be booked last minute, last for a weekend, and cost a fraction of what you would pay for a full length cruise.

Cruises like the Carnival Valor, one of the most enjoyable forms of vacation. You do not have to worry about booking a hotel, finding places to eat, and as long as you can find the ship, you have everything you could want with in walking distance. As if that was not good enough, you are treated like a monarch on deck. Anything that you could possibly want or think of is at your fingertips. If you wish to relax, then soak up those sun rays and get a massage from one of the world famous masseuses on deck. Many people love to shop and most cruise liners have their own mall on them so you can shop your heart out in the middle of the magnificent sea. While others are relaxing in the sun or shopping, you might prefer a little friendly competition. You can play shuffle board, water basketball, run track, and more to feed your urge for competition. At night, the cruise ships come alive with entertainment. There are restaurants, clubs, and best of yet a beautiful view. You are the master of your own destiny when on a cruise.
Mini cruise breaks offer all of these luxuries at less cost and time. Not only do you pay less, but you go for fewer days. There is no better way to recover from a stressful work week then the open seas and activity filled decks of a mini cruise. Better yet mini cruises can be training wheels for a full length cruise. Many first time “cruisers” will try a shorter cruise to see if they will like it and if they will become sea sick. When leaving on a cruise, who could know that a two day vacation would become a once in a lifetime experience.

The question that comes to mind to many people is where to find a mini cruise. You can easily find a one anywhere there is coast line. Even mini cruises from New York are available for the people of the Big Apple to get away for a weekend. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near the coast line. No need to fear, many cruise lines offer an air/sea program. This includes the flight to and from your city, baggage, transportation from the airport to the cruise liner, and the cruise itself. Another aspect to take in consideration when making a travel budget is whether the cruise is all-inclusive or there are items that must be paid for. An all-inclusive cruise will cover things like drinks, food, shore excursions, etc. Generally, this type of cruise may seem like it should cost more, but in the long run inflated prices on board may make a non-inclusive cruise a very pricy and stressful one.

If the price of your cruise is still an issue, try choosing a different room. Depending on the location and view of your room, your price may sky rocket. Rooms range from the most expensive, a stateroom with a verandah, to a more modest room on the inside of the ship with no view of the ocean. Inside cabins may lack the relaxing feeling the others have, but if you’re trying to save money and plan on just sleeping there, it is a smart choice. Generally when all said and done, if you are living near the port you are looking around $500 minimum for your vacation. If you have to fly in you are looking more around $700 for your weekend getaway.

Remember that all work and no play make you a dull person. Even if that mini cruise seems out of your reach now there still is hope. Just like when you were a kid set aside a piggy bank. Every paycheck make sure you pay “yourself” first before spending any of the money you earned. You will be surprised with how short it takes to raise the money to get to your mini cruise. Wither it is $100, $50, or pocket change every little bit will help you reach your goal. Instead of sitting at your job wishing that you can get away on a cruise, set a goal date of your cruise, budget it, and go! This small idea can become a big reality with dedication. After all, who wants to be dull always?

Choosing A Retro Hotel

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Marionomad

Anyone interested in planning a vacation but looking for a new twist on standard hotel rooms and board has the option of selecting a retro hotel to spice up their travel arraignments. Retro hotels offer the same amenities and comforts as a normal institution, but do so by taking you back in time to relive the decades past. The size and capabilities of such hotels range from small bed and breakfast joints that may have rooms designed to look and feel centuries old, to larger scale buildings that emulate the classical feel of a 70s pad. Retro hotels do not usually cost more than their contemporaries, making them a place that is off the beaten path for intrepid travelers. Some are well known, like the Habbz Hotel Retro of Mexico, while others are hidden gems on your path across a country.

Of all the “time warp” styles, perhaps the most commonly used in the best retro hotels is the nostalgic 1950s setting. The Retro Suites Hotel in Chatham, Ontario features the authentic decor of brick walls and vibrant wallpaper to enact a scene that may be familiar to some travelers’ childhoods. The Retro Suites is one of the more popular stays in all of Canada for the lengths they go to in order to look and feel authentic to their time frame. The hallway and lobby have an elegant air and antique furniture, while a downstairs wine bar allows travelers to mingle in the same style of their parents — or perhaps grandparents! Each room has its own name, giving a sense of autonomy in comparison to modern day hotels with cookie cutter rooms. The television resembles a decades old cube but provides full satellite and digital cable channels. The Retro Suites are not only known for their style but also their cleanliness and service; many customers say that it is one of the most spotless rooms they have ever stayed overnight in.

The Palms Retro in Atlantic Beach, Florida, takes the passion for the styles of bygone years to a new level. They too boast rooms with names, but do so to emulate celebrities of the past, ranging from a room designed around Lucille Ball to John F. Kennedy to Marilyn Monroe. Famous pieces of art line the walls while biographies in book and movie form are neatly arraigned on the table. The courtyard, which boasts a classic modeled swimming pool, pumps the very first chords of rock n roll through the deck while a malt shop and diner allows you to experience the cuisine of yesteryear. Indeed, the Palms Retro functions as often for social events and large gatherings as it does for rooms; many honeymooners or anniversaries are spent inside their walls while business meetings or even full blown family reunions provide a fun spin on a normal pastime.

If you want something more recent and something you may be able to relate to, the Phoenix Hotel and Civic Center of San Francisco takes you back to the height of the seventies. Described as an oasis among pop art and palm trees, the Phoenix Hotel spares no expense to be a blast from your past. Thoroughly decked out in thick shag carpeting, the vibrant rooms and lobby are designed with fung shui in mind to properly attune each area with a person’s self. A favored pit stop of rock legends over the past few decades, the Phoenix has several rules — some fairly strict — about policy and procedure, but provides an enjoyable stay to those who stay inside the guidelines. Many claim that the company and conversations you pick up just lounging about the pool and bar make the visit worthwhile.

Of course, along your travels you may find the retro hotel known more for their nightlife than for the quality of their night’s rest. The Bristol Arms Retro Hotel in Sydney, Australia has the reputation of being one of the best stops for clubbing and dancing in the entire city. Offering capacity for parties from ten to a thousand guests, the Bristol Arms boasts theme nights for their clientele. One fun such night is Goodstock, a tribute to the history of music and free love, in which you can get in free by dressing as a peace happy hippie. Likewise, the Retrobics nights encourage customers to dress in the aerobic fashions of yesteryear to dance in antiquated comfort. On select occasions, there are retro game nights, where members can play anything from Hungry Hungry Hippos to Pong for prizes or free drinks.

If you want a change from a normal traveling routine, a retro hotel may be right up your alley. Rather than a bland room, you get the inspiration and design of ages past. Some may have limited space, so booking ahead of time ensures a spot when you roll into town.

Benefits of Hays Travel

Posted on October 24, 2010 by Marionomad

Hays Travel is the largest independently owned travel agency in the UK. They specialize in quality holidays and are well known for their excellent customer service. They are independent from tour operators, which mean they offer a much larger range of traveling opportunities. Luxury cruises, low cost flights, late deals, long haul specials, package holidays, and tailor made getaways are some of the main services that they provide. Hotel rates can be exclusively negotiated during the holiday season for extra competitive pricing. The company has 3 call centers and 35 branches, although the main branch is based in Sunderland, England.

History

Hayes Travel was founded in 1980 by John Hays, a travel entrepreneur. Hays started his first branch with no previous industry experience and with no more equipment than a desk in the back of his mother’s children clothes shop. After a few years in Seaham, Hays set up a second shop in Sunderland, the same place the now holds the Hays empire headquarters. The move required a huge investment of over 130,000 pounds, but the company managed to expand by subletting to other offices. Slowly, its number of travel agencies began to grow and by 1990, it had eight offices.

This company has continued to be successful to date, and has a revered reputation throughout the world for their quality customer service, adequate pricing, and good value. In addition to operating travel agencies, the company also includes home working, websites, calls centers, and hosts a total of 300 agents.

The Hays Travel Independence Group was formed in 1995 as a consortium for retailers who wanted benefits from the buying power and back office expertise of the company. This group is made from more than 130 various independent traveling agencies that can be found in the UK and as far away as Hyderabad. Hays Company now employs over 800 people and was recognized as one of the Top 100 companies in the UK.

Advantages and Perks

The Hays Company specializes in helping people to find their perfect holiday or getaway vacation. Travel advisors are always available to give impartial and specialized advice to help every customer to help them find a vacation area that suits their budget and their specific needs. All additional factors, such as insurance, transfers, and car hire can also be arranged by the agent beforehand. A foreign exchange bureau is provided with branches all across the North East where you can change your currency free of commission.

There are more than one hundred independent travel agency retailers operating under the bonds and licenses of this company. This means that there are other agencies, which you can sign up with agents that provide many of the same benefits as the Hays agency itself. This can be convenient if there you are in an area that does not have a Hays company presence.

Signing up with the Hays travel group will provide you with a personal travelling consultant to help you plan your holiday by searching through hundreds of destinations, accommodations, and cheap flights. You will need to tell the agent your preferences so they can tailor make your holiday to meet your specific needs. If you already have some plans of your own, simply tell the agent so he can incorporate them into the overall package. Even if you already have a pre-planned destination, you can still benefit from the cheaper Hays travel exchange rates and flight tickets provided by your agent. They may also be able to tell you the best time to travel and which accommodations are the cheapest.

A specialized flight search program is available on their website so you can find cheap flights to almost any destination in the world. Last minute flights can also be booked for long distance destinations like the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Europe, Canada or the US. You can find you discounted flight by simply searching for your airport, and typing in the date and destination. Their flight searching machine will scan hundreds of airlines to make sure you get the best fares. If you book early, you will get the best price and choices for almost any holiday.

A large selection of Hays travel cruises is available for destinations like North America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Far East, the Red Sea, and Alaska. They have teamed up with some of the leading cruise lines to provide special discounts and offers on the best cruise ships in the world. Cruises can be almost anything that you want them to be, because there are new destinations every day. Facilities can include restaurants and bars, gaming arcades, kids clubs, sports facilities, spas, and much more. Whether you are on a honeymoon or have a family with young children, the extensive array of itineraries and ships provided by Hays Travel will ensure that there is something for everyone to do.

Cheap and Highly Affordable Matheran Hotels

Posted on October 23, 2010 by Marionomad

Visiting Matheran of Maharashtra, India provides people with utmost relaxation from the hustle of the city. Located in the hill range of Sahyadri, Matheran is a great vacation spot for people looking to find peace and tranquility amidst the beauty of nature. Spectacular sceneries of lush green valleys, picturesque waterfalls, lakes, and trails are only among the attractions that await tourists in this area of India. Although Matheran is nestled in a small hill and may only be a small hill station, there is no shortage of hotels here. Matheran hotels and accommodation packages abound in the area, ranging from heritage resorts, luxury hotels, and budget and economy hotels.

Most of the hotels in Matheran are rated three stars, and there are several of these hotels in the area. Prices of these hotels are already at a low but people may still find some cheaper alternatives to these hotels if the want to. There are many affordable hotels in Matheran that are just perfect for people who are in a shoestring budget but would like to experience what Matheran has to offer.

The Sayeban Hotel Matheran is one of the many budget hotels Matheran that tourists may enjoy staying at. The establishment has received positive reviews from several visitors who have stayed in this humble inn during their visit to India. Some of the amenities and facilities that tourists can find in this hotel Matheran include deluxe, self contained rooms, laundry service, function area for games and small gatherings, restaurant that offers Punjabi, Chinese, and Gujarati Thali dishes, an ambulance and a doctor on call during emergencies, spacious rooms decorated with modern technology and amenities, recreation area, CCTV, and many more. The Sayeban Hotel also offers tourists easy access to the different sightseeing spots of Matheran.

Another hotel that is worth checking while visiting Matheran is the Panorama Hotel. Rated three stars, the Panorama Hotel offers affordable rates to its patrons while still maintaining good service. Amenities and facilities that visitors can enjoy in this establishment include a laundry service, room service, car parking, tennis court, 28 furnished rooms with hot and cold water, CCTV, telephone, badminton court, children’s park and baby care facility to name just a few. The Panorama Hotel also has a swimming pool, banquet area, and health club for those who are health conscious.

Another three star hotel in this area is the Horseland Hotel and Mountain Spa. Nestled in Vitthalrao Kotwal Road, this establishment is only a stone’s throw away from Matheran Railway Station. It also provides easy access to Mumbay Airport and Matheran Car Park Bay. Moreover, guests staying in this hotel can enjoy ayurvedic massage, steam bath, sauna, and yoga classes if they want to. The hotel provides these amenities to their guests. Other facilities and amenities offered by this hotel include a doctor on call during emergencies, massage parlor, discotheque, mini fridge for each room, free room service, safety deposit box, colored TV, conference room, and function room to name a few.

Another hotel Matheran that may attract tourists because of their economy and budget packages is the Rangoli Retreat. This is not a three star hotel but merely a budget hotel meant to provide tourists affordable rates on accommodations. One of the cheap hotels in the area, Hotel Rangoli Retreat, provides its guests with convenience and relaxation during their stay. The establishment is situated near the railway station and provides people easy access to the marketplace. It is also near some of the beautiful scenic spots of Matheran, allowing people a good view of some of the spectacular falls, lush green mountainsides, and striking canopy of vegetation.

Some of the facilities and amenities offered by Hotel Rangoli Retreat include a convention center, secure parking space, swimming pool, secretarial assistance, travel desk facility, banquet hall, in-house movie, doctor on call, and safety deposit box to name a few. Guests can choose from three room accommodations in this hotel, namely, double, deluxe, and suite accommodations.

Hotel Royal is also another cheap hotel to look out for in Matheran. It is located very near the local market and is built with 60 rooms, all lavishly decorated to provide elegance and comfort to its visitors. This is one of the many cheap hotels Matheran that not only provide rates that are easy on the wallet, but also great service to its visitors. Hotel Royal is an award winning hotel in Matheran and it boasts of staff that offers warm hospitality to guests. Tourists staying in this hotel can enjoy amenities such as refrigerators in all rooms, room service, doctor on call, restaurant that offers multiple cuisines, children’s park, satellite TV, and laundry service to name a few.

Matheran hotels may be cheap and highly affordable but they are mostly clean and designed specifically to provide comfort and convenience to guests.

Relax and Enjoy the Jewel of the Seas Cruises

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Marionomad

The Jewel of the Seas is one of the Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ships, which regularly sets sail from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Boston, or Harwich, England. Originally launched in 2004, the ship has a capacity of housing around 2,500 passengers. Among its lineup of destinations, you will find it visits Alaska(read the Travelling Everywhere about the best Alaskan cruises) , the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and Mexico. Jewel of the Seas cruises are, in some instances, limited to specific times of the year due to poor weather conditions. This happens to most cruises in the region, including the world famous Carnival Valor series too.

Cruises include onshore visits as well to the different countries visited during the course of the cruise where you are able to see local tourist attractions and enjoy the culture of other countries. They vary in length anywhere from four nights aboard to their 14 night Transatlantic cruise.

Jewel of the Sea Cruises

Shorter Normal or mini cruises, departing from Tampa, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, range anywhere from four nights to seven nights on board ship. Currently they are offering a 4 night Western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel, Mexico; and a 5 night cruise that visits Tampa, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Their 7 night Canada/New England cruise will visit Maine; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, where different interesting local tourist spots will be visited and explored.

If you are looking for a Jewel of the Sea cruise that lasts for more than one week you may be interested in their 10 night Panama and Caribbean cruise, where they visit Haiti; Colombia; Panama; Costa Rica; and Grand Cayman. An 11 night trip will add Oranjestad, Aruba in place of Haiti with the rest of the places visited remaining the same as the 10 night trip.

If you would like to spend a couple of weeks visiting the Caribbean, there are 13 and 14 night cruises available. On the 13 night trip, you will get to visit Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Willemstad, Curacao. Meanwhile the 14 night trip will take you to some different locations, as you will travel to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Willemstad, Curacao; and Oranjestad, Aruba.

Westbound transatlantic cruises leave from England, while the eastbound cruise leaves from Ford Lauderdale. Cruises range from 12 to 14 nights. The eastbound cruise will take you to Azores, France and England. The westbound tour will visit France, Ireland, Iceland, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Finally, if you are interested in visiting Northern and Eastern Europe you may enjoy the Scandinavian and Russian Jewel of the Seas cruise, which visits Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Sweden. This tour also leaves from England. But if you are planning to go on a cruise to Alaska I recommend you to read my other post about the best Alaskan cruises.

Jewel of the Sea Cruise Ship

This ship is purported to be one of the most beautiful of the fleet of Royal Caribbean ships. The ship has ten decks, which are accessed via glass elevators that face the ocean, giving you a breathtaking view as you go up. Beautifully decorated with themed bars and activity centers, the highlight is the ten story glass Centrum.

There is plenty to keep you occupied while on the sea. There are several activities offered and activity centers on-board, including a rock climbing wall, pool tables, a golf simulator, youth facilities, a spa and fitness center, swimming pools for adults and children and a volleyball and basketball court. While many of the activities cater for adults, including the on-board casino, there are also excellent facilities for children and teens. Staff prepare activities such as treasure hunts and talent shows to keep the younger set occupied and busy. Teenagers have their own disco, complete with its own juice bar.

There are quite a few different restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from. With a specialty Grill and an Italian restaurant on-board, you will be able to order whatever you like from the menu selection. The Lido offers buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are also several cafes on board where you can grab a quick lunch or dinner. The casino offers slot machines, Poker, Roulette, Blackjack and Craps. Several Broadway or Las Vegas style shows are performed during the voyage during the evening.

The cabins are neat and more spacious than you would come to expect on board a ship. One third of the outside cabins have a balcony facing the ocean. Rooms are equipped with a mini bar and television. You can also access the internet from your cabin, should you so desire. Luxury cabins are also available for those willing to pay the extra cost needed to secure them.

If you enjoy cruises, you will find that the Jewel of the Seas cruises have a lot to offer both children and adults. With plenty of on-board entertainment, excellent facilities and many bars and restaurants to choose from, you should be able to relax and enjoy the cruise as well as your trips to shore. The staff is friendly and outgoing and the food is great; all the makings of a wonderful, memory filled holiday.

Try out the Monarch of the Seas Cruise Ship

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Marionomad

The Monarch of the Seas Cruise Ship is one of the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line ships. It made it’s debut into service on November of 1991. The ship’s Godmother is Lauren Bacall. It measures eight hundred and eighty feet long and cruises at nineteen knots. This floating resort has everything needed to keep passengers entertained during their cruise vacation. This fabulous ship can accommodate 2,744 guests per sailing. The Monarch sails from Port Canaveral Florida to Caribbean destinations. It currently offers three or four night cruises. Ports of call on a Monarch of the Sea cruise include Cococay and Nassau Bahamas.

Service is the reason passengers keep coming back to the Monarch of the Seas. The Gold Anchor Service Program is their promise to make the cruise memorable. Crew members go above and beyond the normal level of service. Our crew takes special interest in making the guest’s stay the best it can be. It is the little things, such as remembering the guest’s anniversary, or their child’s teddy bear’s name that make it feel like home. This unique approach to caring for the cruise passengers makes the Gold Anchor service approach stand out. Monarch of the seas cruise reviews rave about the level of service provided.

The Monarch has so many things to do on board that passengers find it hard to leave the ship. There is a rock-climbing wall that towers two hundred feet above sea level. The view from the top of the wall is phenomenal. Of course, all the standard safety features are available. The Casino Royale offers a place to try your luck. The atmosphere is authentic and fun. Adults can treat themselves to the luxury of the day spa and fitness center. Enjoy a relaxing massage or work out with the state of the art fitness equipment. Teens will enjoy the Adventure Ocean facilities. It features a teen-only area with activities that target the teen audience. There is even an open air basketball court that is popular with kids and adults. There are two outdoor pools and two whirlpools.

The Monarch creates the ability to manage business with pleasure. Their business facilities include three conference rooms and seven meeting rooms. The facilities include up to date business accessories such as overhead projector, podium, easels, TV, VCR and more. Whatever the need, the Monarch has it covered. What a marvelous place to hold a business retreat. The company can combine work and play in one convenient place.

Passengers can enjoy a wide range of gourmet cuisines. With my time dining, guests can choose when they wish to dine in the main dining room. The dining room is open between 6tpm and 9:30pm daily. The guests simply make their reservations for the following day. The dining room also features periodic shows and entertainments. A prepaid gratuity is charged for utilizing my time daily reservations. Tradition dining and family dining options are also available in the main dining room. If you wish for something different and less formal try the Windjammer cafe, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Options such as salads, hamburgers and like items provide a simple yet tasty fare. Latte-tudes offers a light snack and a cup of java to boost the guest’s energy levels in order to keep going through the afternoon. There is even a Ben and Jerry’s place to enjoy a refreshing treat. Room service is always and option twenty four hours a day. There is a service charge for late-night services. If a guest is a wine enthusiast, he or she can pre-purchase a wine package. There are several packages from which guests can choose. The same is true of nonalcoholic beverages. Fountain sodas, juices and bottled 0water can be pre-purchased with the cruise.

Passengers have the opportunity to learn lots of new things while on board. Guest can take Salsa or Swing dance lessons. Learn to cook or participate in wine tasting and classes. Take casino and card game lessons to improve the chances of winning the big bucks. The crew on the Monarch can help guests master everything from vegetable carving to napkin folding. If you already have a talent, show it off at the Karaoke party or Gotta Dance competitions. The ship also has theme nights that cover everything from a Toga party to a mystery dinner theater. Kids are not left out either they have their own theme night parties featuring such themes as pirate night.

If all this action is not enough for the guests, there are optional add on shore excursions such as picnics, jet ski trips, snorkeling and more. Do not forget the time that can be spent exploring the exotic ports of call. Lots of shopping will provide the opportunity to purchase all those souvenirs to remember the trip by. The Monarch of the Seas makes the perfect weekend getaway for an individual, couple or family. If the guest has more time, he or she can combine hotel stays before and after the cruise to complete the vacation experience.

Holidays to the Maldives

Posted on October 20, 2010 by Marionomad

Perhaps you are looking for a vacation outside of the country, or perhaps you just want a break from ordinary holidays of having to compete with other tourists for sightseeing locales. Whatever you situation, holidays to the Maldives are a way to break the tension and unwind in a tropical paradise. The Maldives Islands are a chain of over a thousand individual coral islands, with some eight inhabited locations and two dozen tourist resorts. Lodged in the Indian Ocean some two hundred miles away from the southern tip of India, the Maldives contain astounding coral reefs and beautiful beaches, but are a different sort of vacation than one might expect.

Tourism makes up a major percentage of the country’s economy, but the devastating tsunami of 2004 did so much damage to the islands — especially the northernmost — that they are struggling to rebuild to this day. Thus, you may find an all inclusive resort, hotel, and spa on one island, while other islands may literally be ghost towns, devoid of inhabitants after the destructive two story waves. The Maldives are an Islamic nation; this means they have very strict laws but remain friendly to Westerners and tourists. It is important, however, not to step outside the bounds of behavior tolerated by foreigners.

Many of the resorts are effectively “bubbles” against Islamic law, so while it may be forbidden to drink alcohol, eat pork, or practice non-Islamic worship; there are no penalties for tourists doing so. At the same time, however, alcoholic drinks are extremely expensive due to a wide range of taxes and markups; likewise it is difficult to find actual pork as so few Muslim staff members are even willing to handle the unclean meat.

A holiday to the Maldives is not doom and gloom — far from it. On these islands, you can see a variety of seascapes and aquatic life that is unique across the globe. While some tourists are perfectly happy to lounge about on the white sand beaches or frolic in the crystal clear water, many more come to the Maldives in order to snorkel and scuba dive on the reefs. As the islands are all geologically built on a coral base, this means there is literally no way to miss a reef upon leaving the land — everywhere you turn, you will find coral! Coral, in turn, provides an entire ecosystem that supports beautiful fish, graceful rays, sharks, the occasional whale, and sea turtles. Even wrecks of ships dating up to four hundred years old are known to the best tour guides and ship captains. Whether you spend a day or a month out in the water, there’s no way you can run out of things to see.

Luxury holidays to the Maldives are the means of traveling in style and comfort. As the resort towns function exclusively at the behest of tourism, the cost of staying is high — as high as a thousand dollars per night for the top end room and board, and about a thousand dollars per week for the economic packages. Forget cheap holidays to the Maldives, as you can only stay at resorts, which charge high fees, include a ten percent service fee, and have all their employees work for tips. The only good news is that you do not need to change currency, as US dollars and credit cards are accepted at every resort.

Just because they are pricey, however, does not mean the resorts are a rip off. Indeed, by setting up package holidays to the Maldives with local establishments, the fee you pay covers every amenity, including tour service for swimming and scuba diving, meals and supplies, and whatever equipment you may require. Family resorts have day care facilities for younger kids, restaurants that serve favorite meals, and enough activities to keep kids who cannot scuba, snorkel, or swim well occupied. Some resorts have over water bungalows, so that couples can fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the waves beating against the dock.

Food in the Maldives draws upon sources of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Sri Lankan fare. Many tourists say that it is nothing like they have had before due to the odd combination of spices in their meals. Seafood is understandably a major staple but vegetables are rarer, so a standard meal is a roasted fish with soup and chili curry. Coconut milk complements the spices nicely, providing a base against food that is too hot. Fried fish pastries, puffs, and cakes are used as side dishes or snacks, each boasting a different taste and consistency.

Holidays to the Maldives can be an excellent break from a normal routine. The cost of a vacation is high, but allows a couple or family to see sights they would never see elsewhere. Some airlines have discount flights and rates, so if budget is a concern book well ahead of time for the best options.

Relax Surrounded by Pristine Tropical Beauty with a Maldives Holiday

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Marionomad

The Maldives, an island country set in the Indian Ocean about seven hundred miles off the coast of Sri Lanka is considered by most who visit to be a tropical paradise. Twenty six atolls, made up of approximately 1,200 small islands are spread over fifty-six thousand square miles. Only two hundred of the country’s small islands are inhabited, the rest are used for either tourism or agriculture. The country has expanses of beautiful white beaches, coral reefs, unique and fascinating local markets and both budget and luxury accommodations and hotels. A Maldives holiday will be sure to provide you with plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation in absolutely stunning surroundings.

Each of the approximately ninety Maldivian resorts is located on their own island. Each resort is different, with some catering more to families, others to honeymooners. There are plenty of water sports and scuba diving opportunities, though again some resorts are better equipped than others. One thing to note is that this type of holiday is perfect for those who want to get away from everything and spend time lazing around on the powdery white sands but perhaps not as well suited for the type of person who enjoys a lot of variety and sight-seeing.

Many travel agents offer complete Maldives holiday packages. When deciding on which package you would like it is important to determine first of all how much you are prepared to pay for your holiday and then to decide what facilities are important to you. Generally, you will only have access to the facilities present on the island where you stay, although hotels can arrange boat trips to fishing villages or back to the Maldives capital, Male. Some packages off an AI or “All Inclusive” package. Others will provide you with bed and breakfast, and then expect you to buy your own lunches and dinners. Be forewarned, however, that ‘all inclusive’ may mean different things at different hotels. For example, an all inclusive deal with one hotel may mean certain alcoholic beverages are included, while at other hotels you may be restricted to eating at specific restaurants only and have to pay for your own drinks. It is also important to note that all of the food, toiletries and other necessities are imported thus, they can be quite expensive to buy locally. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of toiletries, sunscreen and anything else you may need with you, as costs will quickly mount if you have to buy these items.

If you are considering taking your children with you on your Maldive holidays, you may be limited to which resorts and islands you can stay at. Some islands are off limits to all children, others have restrictions on the age of the children allowed at the resort. This is done in part to provide honeymooners and other couples with peace and relaxation, without having lots of children running around. That said, there are also plenty of hotels who welcome children, many with kiddy pools, children’s menus and babysitting facilities. Just be sure, if you will be traveling with your children, to choose a hotel that is child-friendly.

Once at your destination there are some activities and tours offered. The Maldives is considered a haven for those who enjoy snorkeling. Surrounded by coral reefs, the underwater sea life is both exotic and plentiful. Many resorts have reefs within swimming distance and they will provide you with snorkeling equipment and arrange snorkeling tours so you can experience the underwater world first hand. If you are a beginner, lessons in both snorkeling and scuba diving are available. Some hotels will require you to rent the equipment on a daily basis, which can be expensive. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the water snorkeling you may want to bring your own equipment with you.

There are also many Spa resorts that include daily spas as a part of their package. This will often include massage and aromatherapy with Indian oils and herbs.

Of course, one of the main attractions is the beautiful, pristine beaches that are covered in soft, fine white sand. The waters around the islands are tropical, meaning that they are warm all year round and beautifully crystal clear. Aside from swimming in the tropical waters or watching the colorful fish as they swim around the coral reefs, you may also get a chance to watch dolphins and whales, as it is one of the top five most popular places for this in the world.

If you are looking for cheap holidays, Maldives may not be the most ideal place for this. However, they do have four-star hotels and if you book through a travel agent, you will find there are plenty of options for cheaper accommodation. One of the best ways to benefit from cheap holidays in the Maldives is to look for cheap airfares, as this can cut down your costs considerably. While it may not be the cheapest place for a vacation, a Maldives holiday is sure to be both pleasurable and relaxing.

For a Fun and Different Vacation, Try Renting a Holiday Home

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Marionomad

People generally tend to have very different ideas about what they want to do on vacation. Some people love to travel, while others enjoy the peaceful and scenic beauty of the countryside. Many people flock to the beach during their summer vacation, while others prefer to take a leisurely sea cruise. Perhaps you enjoy camping or fishing. Problems can arise in a family when everyone wants to do something completely different. When a situation like this arises, there is one solution that may help ease the situation. Try renting a holiday home for the duration of your vacation.

It is often much easier to come to a peaceable agreement if you vacation in an area where everyone can do what they most enjoy doing. For example, if some of your family love to explore and do not want to ‘waste’ one minute of their vacation, while others want to lounge by the pool or on the beach, you could easily satisfy everyone by renting a holiday cottage near a beach yet in a location where there are also opportunities for exploration and adventure. Look for a town or seaside resort with a good public transportation system so people are able to get to where they want to quickly and easily. You can even base from the cottage and take two or three day excursions to more distant tourist locations, to add a bit of variety to things.

Self catering holidays are increasing, especially as more people plan to spend their vacations in their own country as opposed to traveling abroad. In fact, in some countries it is the fastest growing sector of the vacation market. Because of this, there are usually plenty of holiday homes for rent, although you often need to book well in advance in order to secure the dates you would like to have. It is fairly common these days for people to rent out their homes during the holiday season. Sometimes, they are planning to vacation themselves, and they are looking for someone to stay in their home while they are away. Other times people have bought a home specifically so that they can rent it out during the holiday months as that effectively enables them to pay for their own vacation from the money earned through renting out their home while they are away.

If you are interested in this possibility, you can often find holiday homes to rent advertised in local newspapers. There are quite a few online sites, including caravan park sites, where holiday homes are advertised. Sometimes real estate agents will also carry listings of cottages and homes that can be rented. You can also find suitable accommodations by advertising yourself in local papers. If you plan to look into holiday home rentals for your family, you will need to be prepared to bring your own linen and towels, toiletries and food. In case you are not sure of what is needed, you can usually ask in advance what items will be supplied and what you will need to bring with you.

Sometimes family groups or friends will rent a larger sized vacation home together. This is ideal for groups of people who enjoy look forward to spending their vacation with one another. It is also a great idea in that it can significantly cut back on vacation costs, which is very beneficial for people who are trying to be more austere with their vacation plans and expenses.

It can also cut back the cost of vacationing abroad considerably to rent a cottage for the summer vacation. While you will need to pay rental on the property you are leasing you will not have to cover expensive hotel accommodation. Buying your own food and cooking your own meals is usually another substantial saving. This often means that you will have more funds available for entertainment or sightseeing than you would normally have if you were paying for hotel accommodation.

Perhaps you would like to take part in the holiday home rental business yourself by renting out your home. If so, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. First of all, the home or cottage will need to be fully furnished. In other words, you will need to make sure that it has all the needed furniture, kitchen equipment and basically everything that is needed for your guests to live comfortably and prepare their own meals.

Not only does renting a holiday home give you an opportunity for exploring different parts of a country at your leisure, but it is also a great way to save on your overall vacation costs. You are able to make your own decisions about where and when you want to sightsee and you can keep to your own schedule. It also provides the opportunity for variety amongst couples or family groups as each person can enjoy their vacation in their own manner.

The Sensational Carnival Sensation Cruises

Posted on October 17, 2010 by Marionomad

Carnival cruise lines, based in Miami, as the Florida, have been conducting the business of pioneering inexpensive cruise travel since 1972. With 21 vessels currently in operation, Carnival is not only one of the most recognizable names in cruise travel, but also the largest. With multiple classes of cruise ships including: Fantasy, Destiny, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, and the Carnival Valor, the Carnival operation can be divided amongst luxury, family and adult-friendly themes. The Carnival Sensation, built in 1993, has been in operation since its launch and has offered adults a fantasy vacation for less within its Fantasy class of travel. Carnival Sensation cruises have become a popular choice amongst both singles and adult couples who want to escape from the redundancy of their 9 to 5 for a memorable vacation overseas and docks at Nassau, Bahamas.

But before we continue I recommend you to check my post about mini cruises !

With so many cruise lines to choose from, and even more ships within these specific cruise lines, choosing the perfect ship to step foot on can be a daunting task. Trust the Carnival Sensation cruise ship reviews claiming the experience to be truly “sensational” when booking your next week long venture to unknown territories and charters. The experience has recently improved with the 2009 refit that included an overhaul and the addition of 98 private balconies to the ocean view rooms available to be booked online.

The beauty of traveling by cruise rather than plane is that you can enjoy every moment of your vacation without being bogged down by connecting fighting and boring air time. The minute that the ship leaves the dock the party starts within the Fantasia Lounge, Polo Lounge, Plaza Lounge, and Seaview Bar & Grill just to name a few. With a cruise line that is fully stocked with activities, entertainment, delicious dining and drinks, as a traveler you no longer need to worry about planning each day of your vacation. Simply check out the daily events and activities listed in your daily bulletins, and you can pick and choose last minute and enjoy your voyage without stress or anxiety.

Within the Sensation are sensational rooms of all types. The Fantasy class cruise ships have a high percentage of inside cabins and the top two suite categories offer balconies. Rooms include the 1100 sq ft Owner’s Suite, the 330 sq ft suite, the Balcony 186 sq ft suite, the Oceanview cabin of 186 sq ft and the lowest priced inside cabin, which measures to 186 sq ft. While many assume all cabins have limited space, this ship is well designed with more than enough storage and closet space for bags and garments. While the standard suites have a simplistic decor that is warm and inviting, suites are embellished with seating areas and refrigerators for comfort and convenience. With 22 staterooms designed for wheelchair accessibility, all guests will be impressed with the size and set up of their cabin no matter what pricing criteria.

There is no limit to the activities abroad for all of the family. With children’s activity rooms, parents can trust their little ones are in good hands and well entertained the whole time. The refurbishments to the Carnival Sensation cruise liner added not only a 9-hole mini golf course, but also children’s water park complete with slides and splash areas, as well as a much appreciated adult’s only Serenity deck. These are just a few of the favorites on the list of things to do in the wonderful world of cruising.

A common appreciation goes into the unlimited food options that are included in the cost of traveling via a cruise ship. On board the Carnival Sensation cruise restaurants serve open-seating breakfast and lunch everyday the cruise is in operation. Don’t miss dinner, as the restaurant dinners are served in assigned seating sessions during specific time frames throughout the night. The Lido buffet and Seaview Bistro are also available as alternative dining spots, complete with self-serve ice cream, pizza and even a sushi bar. For those who prefer to eat in, room service is always available.

Carnival sensation cruise ship reviews rave about the on board casino, complete with slots and tables for travelers to enjoy while voyaging through the water on the way to the Bahamas. After the sun sets, the shows put on nightly are entertaining, funny and amazing, and will impress all.

Amenities abroad do not differ much from what is included in a four-star resort on land. With in-cabin safes, WiFi, fitness classes, gym, hair salon, a sauna, spa, steam room, five bars, dance club, library, showroom, video game room, laundry services, computer room and children’s programs, all of your bases are covered from point A to point Z. Visit Carnival online, or call your trusted travel agent to book your next Carnival Sensation cruise, and be amazed and astounded by the luxury and brilliance this cruise liner offers all. Travel abroad and enjoy your stay on the ship just as much as your venture on land in Nassau, Bahamas.