Travel to the French Riviera

Many of us have heard of this area of France as a hot spot for movie stars and jet setters.  Well with the help of some good resources, France-Voyage.com.  A European French Riviera adventure is within your grasp.  The French Riviera is located between the Alps, the Italian Border, and the Mediterranean Sea it is a beautiful pocket of Earth where it is sunny and mild almost all year round.  There are many sights to see in the area and also some incredible places to catch a tan.  The Côte d’Azur is famous the world over for its famous destinations like Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez.  There are also incredible beaches and seaside resorts including the Baroque heritage and charming villages like Eze and Bormes can be made into a fun off shot of a visit to a bigger local city.

It is easy and fun to plan a French vacation for yourself.  With tons of pictures and information available it is easy to find. From simple short breaks to family holidays through weekends with friends, there is something for everyone at France-Voyage.com.  The site is easy to follow and fun to explore as the French country side opens up before you begging to be explored.  As well as unique and special restaurants and cafes which pepper the area.  Many difficult to find unless pointed out but they will create long lasting memories of exquisite meals.  There are even general trip outlines which can be used to have a specific itineraries but can also be tweaked to extend your stay into a certain area or spend some more time at the vineyards or the beaches.  France-Voyage.com is a great resource and should not be missed when planning your next trip to France.

5 Tips to traveling to the Lake District

When setting off for your next adventure in the Lake District there are several things to keep in mind besides having the best time of your life. There are places to visit, sites to see, and nature to enjoy. In an effort to help you get the most out of your holiday, we have identified some tips in which you will want to take note of while on your trip.

  1. Pack accordingly. There are so many amazing things to do in the Lake District, that you want to make sure that you are prepared with the proper attire. With the wide variety of outdoor activities to partake in such as but not limited to hiking, fishing, cycling, and boating, you will surely want to pack comfortable clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Also be sure to pack proper shoes. It would not serve you well to pack your favorite Converse All-star shoes to go hiking. You may want something a bit more suitable by brands such as Columbia or the North Face.
  2. Wear sunscreen. While the weather will vary in temperature and the clouds may come and go, it is still important to be prepared with sunscreen. The gorgeous landscape can take your breath away and also provide great access to your skin. If you are not a fan of wearing sunscreen, opt for a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. This will keep you from getting scorched by the warm sun which could cut your vacation short if you were to get sun poisoning.
  3. Drink water. While on vacation, regardless of where you are traveling to, it is important to stay hydrated so that you can enjoy your time to the fullest. If you are dehydrated, your body may not be able to keep up and may require frequent rest stops or worse, a hospital visit. Eat and drink to nourish your body so that you can be as active and adventurous as you want to be.
  4. Try something new. One of the best things about going on holiday is that you are most likely going to a place where you can experience and try new things. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and attempt something that you have never done before. Perhaps you are new to boating or you have never heard the stories of Beatrix Potter. Whether you stop by the Beatrix Potter Museum for a spot of tea and biscuits, or you go on a boating excursion, trying something new will provide a long-lasting memory from your travels.
  5. Take photographs. The Lake District provides some of the most outstanding backdrops for scenic photographs. Whether you photograph the gorgeous Tarn Hows or Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse, be sure to take many so that you can remember the lovely trip you had. It is also a good idea to get a few photographs of you and those you traveled with.

The Lake District is gorgeous and has something for everyone. When you are traveling, be sure to remember our friendly tips and have a great time!

How to Choose a Perfect Trip Destination

Many people face the exciting challenge of settling for a good place to visit. While other factors may sometimes dictate the destination, many people are stuck with the decision on where exactly to go. Picking the right and the most appropriate place is the beginning of a successful journey.

Here are some factors to consider when settling for a destination.

Budget: You can only work with what you have. Enough planning and thorough research always works to provide the best experience. While at it, check offers in your preferred destinations if you are working on a tight budget. If possible, schedule your trip against the masses.

Security: Tourists tend to be terrorists’ frequent targets. Given that terror threats are real, make sure to pay close attention to travel bans and advisories.

Thieves also target visitors. An attack could leave a tourist quite horrified. Many people, if not all, who undergo a robbery ordeal suffer trauma among other things. Hence, avoiding polarized areas or politically unstable regions is wise. Keep to the sectors that are secure.

Weather: A shift from one extreme weather condition to another instantly may take a toll on your body making a supposedly enjoyable holiday a misery. Before getting to make the travel arrangements, it is essential to take note of the weather. This information should also be a pointer to what the suitcase will contain. The climatic conditions will determine the types of clothes to be carried.

Reason for visit: Different reasons prompt excursions and travels for different people. A doctor going on duty may not need a very defined itinerary. On the other hand, a vibrant group headed for a dancing experience will need to consider some things.

According to Cindy and Steve Clough from https://www.justforkix.com/girls/cat, a dance troupe has to think of all the details, from a seamless transport arrangement to well-chosen dancing costumes and gear, for the maximum thrill. Of course, the luggage will reflect the purpose of the visit.

Time difference: Regions differ in time zone. You will need to familiarize yourself with the time zone in which your destination lies. The last thing you would wish to experience is missing your flight, train or whatever means of transport in a strange place. In case you are on safari, ensure you work with the timings of the wild.

Travel documents and other requirements: Some of the questions to ask are, are their travel documents required to get into the country of choice? Are the travel documents such as passport, Identification cards, and others valid? Some countries facilitate visas on arrival while others require one to process in advance. As it varies from one country to another and their relationships, every traveler should do their due diligence.

Understand the state relations and all requirements in advance. There are also some vaccines recommended or required when entering some regions. I am sure checking into ER does not feature in your travel plan.

Language and Culture: While some destinations are great sites, their locations are extremely remote. Indigenous populace might not be able to express themselves in foreign languages due to lack of exposure and foreigners. If the place is a rich historical site, then a visitor might end up not getting sufficient background information. One would be advised to consider engaging a translator in such cases.

Going by the example of a group of teenage and youthful dancers, be conscious of the local cultural practices. Western countries are extremely accommodating in regard to dressing.

However, in the Middle East or some parts of Africa, some dresses may be deemed offensive.

Customer Review: Always find time to check what others said about the proposed destination before settling on the particular spot you would wish to visit. Other people’s experiences and recommendations can save you headaches by helping you identify the most preferred destinations. Once you settle for the right destination, the other details will easily fall in place.

Are You Planning to Spend a Weekend in Jaipur?

Whether you want to travel solo, with family or as a couple, Jaipur – The Pink City, has a lot to offer. Jaipur is one of the most visited places in India. Every year, millions of people travel to the city from all over India and the world. Located approximately 165 miles from Delhi, the national capital of India, Jaipur has become a favorite tourist destination amongst the local Delhiites. The city can be reached within 5 or 6 hours by undertaking a smooth drive along National Highway 8. Furthermore, the recent India Government announcement of constructing a control access highway between Delhi and Jaipur is expected to reduce the travel time to just 2 hours. This development shall further enhance the appeal of the city of Jaipur as a weekend destination.

While Jaipur has easy road access from Delhi, what about rest of India? Thankfully, the city is also well connected by air. There are direct flights to Jaipur from all the major cities in India namely, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The Jaipur international airport also runs several international flights from cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bangkok and Singapore.

Finding an accommodation in the city is also not difficult. There are several hotels in Jaipur befitting every budget and pocket. Booking a hotel in Jaipur is also not difficult. Portals like Yatra, which means travel in ‘Hindi’ will ensure easy and comfortable booking for one’s stay.

So, Why Spend a Weekend in Jaipur?

The metropolis of Jaipur is the gateway to the State of Rajasthan, the home ground to the erstwhile Indian royalty, located West of India. It is also the State’s capital and is the seat of administration, commerce and Industry. Like any other State or provincial capital, the city of Jaipur is bustling and crowded. Many foreign tourists reach Jaipur only to disperse to other parts of the State like Jodhpur (the blue city), Udaipur (the city of lakes) to experience the rich and cultural traditions of Rajasthan. However, is you are in Jaipur you must spend a weekend in the city to experience the royal hospitality that it’s known for.

Jaipur Weekend Itinerary

You need a minimum of 3-4 days to explore the city like a true locale. However, if hard pressed on time, we recommend that you Plan your visit on a weekend when the city is most charming and beautiful. So, here’s what the weekend itinerary in Jaipur should look like –

Morning Attraction – Explore the city of Foot

The best way to explore the city of Jaipur is by foot. Morning is the best time of the day to start this exploration. There are many old havelies (palaces) and temples. Reach the main market of Jaipur also known as Johari Bazaar. It is one of the oldest markets in Jaipur which is also the best place to shop for local jewelry, gemstones, clothes, artifacts etc. Along the market, is also located the iconic Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. In fact, the market is surrounded by several tourist attractions like the Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, Jantar Mantar.

Slightly away is Amer Fort overlooking the Maoto Lake which is a reminder of the Rajasthani royalty of the bygone era. Just in case you are an adventure enthusiast, do not miss the aerial view of the city from a hot-air balloon. This activity is organized by various operators in the city, an inquiry about it can be made online.

Evening Attraction – Visit Choki Dhani-

Choki Dhani is an experiential village set-up right in the heart of Jaipur. The establishment is built to impart the authentic and vibrant village culture of Rajasthan. Sprawling and widespread the facility offers Live entertainment session that includes a puppet show, street performances and traditional Rajasthani dances. The structures are built with mud walls and the entrances and window frames are hand painted and decorated with oil lanterns. These depiction and structures are very Indigenous to the region.

A lavish spread of food that includes a wide range of lentils, vegetables, Indian bread, chutney’s and pickles cooked in local spices is yet another reason why you should visit Choki Dhani. All in all, to dip into the true Rajasthani culture within a few hours, Choki Dhani is the place to visit.

Conclusion –

October to February is the best time of the year to visit Jaipur. The climatic condition of the State of Rajasthan is arid and desert-like and is warm during the day in winters and extremely hot during the summer days. Therefore, if you are visiting Jaipur make sure you carry a lot of sun protecting gears, cotton clothing and that you keep hydrated always.

The top 5 things to do in Oahu

Summer is upon us and planning your annual family holiday is probably taking great stock in your mind. Planning a big trip can take lots of time, energy, and attention to detail. When putting your vacation agenda together, you have to take into consideration the interests of everyone who will be on the trip as well as costs associated with the activity. If you are planning to travel to Hawaii this summer, Live Your Aloha can help make the preparation process smooth and stress-free. This article will also help you plan as it will identify 5 fun things to do in Oahu!

  1. History! Oahu is home to several historical landmarks that date back to the day that will forever live in infamy, December 7, 1945. Taking your family to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, or the Battleship Missouri Memorial will be both educational and unforgettable. While there are many fun things to do on the island, taking time to visit the memorials and learn about Pearl Harbor is a once in a lifetime opportunity. While some visit the memorials on their own, it is best to go with a tour guide. When booking a tour, you will not have to worry about fighting the crowds for tickets or worrying about where to park. The tour guide will take care of all the logistics. All you have to do is show up.
  2. Nature and Parks. Grab your sunscreen and set out to explore the gorgeous land that is Oahu island. There are many parks to visit. Many include opportunities to hike or relax on the beach. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to use sunscreen generously and stay hydrated.
  3. Sailing. There are many ways to enjoy the ocean in Oahu. Take your family on a sailing excursion or an evening dinner cruise. Perhaps you may have an interest in snorkeling or fishing. The opportunities to experience the ocean and marine life are abundant in Oahu. If you are not much into experiencing the ocean by boat, consider taking a helicopter ride to experience the island from above. See picturesque views that are remarkable and will leave you mystified by the beauty.
  4. Food and drink. The island offers a great deal of bars, restaurants, flea markets, and swap meets. Whether you are interested in purchasing fresh produce while on your vacation or bartering with the locals at a flea market, there is something for everyone in Oahu. After a morning at the market or swap meet, stop by a local bar and grill for a bite to eat and a cold, refreshing beer.
  5. Valley of the Temples. If you are interested in religious monuments or simply want a place to worship or meditate, there are many places to do so in Oahu. The Valley of the Temples is located in the mountains, surrounded by well maintained lush vegetation and small gold fish ponds. Local cats are known to wander around the property so do not be alarmed if you make a new furry friend.

There is something for everyone in Oahu. Pack your bags and have a magnificent time!

How to Have a Stress-free Family Vacation in Orlando

Family vacation times can get hectic, even with the world’s best organizer at the helm. And with so much to see and do in Orlando, Florida, you might be wondering how you will manage with kids in tow and a long list of must-see places. The good news is that — since Orlando is a popular destination for families — many thousands have faced this dilemma. Here are some of the best tips and tricks from seasoned travelers on how to plan well and have a good time during your upcoming Orlando trip.
1. Use a vacation package.

Want to cut down on the hassle of booking a hotel and then making sure you have tickets for Walt Disney World? Westgate Orlando vacation packages offer this kind of convenience. Allowing you to save both on time, as their hotel is close to Disney world, as well as on money. Packages range from $59 to $199, including Disney tickets and a luxurious studio suite. Having your tickets in hand when arriving at Disney World will allow you to head for the gates right away without dealing with lines. And for those who want to see other attractions, Westgate Resorts has a package for SeaWorld as well as Universal Studios. Save yourself ticket hassle by booking package deals for these parks, too.
2. Plan for an extra night.

Can you and your crew experience the magic of Walt Disney World in one day? Yes, but only if you have arrived the night before. Flying to Orlando at the crack of dawn and hustling from the airport to the park is a recipe for tired and stressed out kids and parents. Get there the night before so you can fully relax and enjoy your day at Disney or whatever other amusement park you have booked.

3. Be reasonable.

With so much to do, it is easy to overbook your days. Vacation is supposed to be enjoyable. But if you feel like you are spending your time rushing from one attraction to the next, chances are high you are not finding this relaxing. It is okay to have a long list of nice to-do things. But also be realistic in what you can fit into each day without it exhausting you and overstimulating the kiddos. When you find yourself or your kids at the breaking point, pull back. Even if it means nixing an evening activity and replacing it with room service at your hotel. Regrouping when needed will allow you all to get a breather and recharge for round 2 or 3.

4. Pack your own drinks and snacks.

Being hungry and thirsty while at an amusement park and having to waste time standing in line for overpriced popcorn is no one’s idea of fun. Often kids will bug you about concession snacks that they will end up not eating. Or end up eating, but the sugar high will make them cranky and you crazy. The night before, hit up a supermarket and pick out carefully considered treats that your kid loves but that also aren’t too high in sugar content. Ditto for drinks. Pull out your pre-packed snacks and skip the lines for food. Spend time where it really counts–the attractions.
5. Include the family on the planning.

Heard of after-vacation blues? A common contributor to post-vacation depression is where someone complains that they were not able to do a ride or go to a location they wanted to go to. This particular complaint can be prevented by a little thoughtful planning. Have your kids come up with 2 must-do rides for each amusement park. This will relieve you of the pressure of feeling like you have to see and do everything. If you have done the things at the top of each child’s list, then you can consider your trip a success.

5 Districts of LA to Visit Based on Interests

Thinking of visiting Los Angeles but feeling overwhelmed by the size of the city? You aren’t alone. So how do you plan a trip to the city without feeling overwhelmed? It’s all about learning how to focus your own interests. Let’s break it down for you:

1) West Hollywood

This section of the city is well known for its shopping and nightlife. It’s the perfect match for the younger crowd, as well as the seasoned veterans of the city. There are enough music clubs to fill your nights, and enough places to shop to fill your days. Ever heard of Santa Monica Boulevard? If you want to visit this hot spot, come with an appetite. This strip of road is lined with restaurants for those who want to see and be seen, such as Sunset Beach or Katana.

West Hollywood is also well known as the home of Sunset Strip, where you can visit great music clubs like the Viper Room or stop by The Comedy Store. If you want to sit at a café and watch for celebrities, you want to stop by Sunset Plaza on the strip. Some of the best, most luxurious hotels in west hollywood are along this stretch of road.

2)Studio City

If you like walking and moving at a leisurely pace, Studio City is the place to visit. This was once the mecca of homes for the actors working for studios. Now it boasts some of the most upscale dining and shopping in all of LA. Do you love sushi? You want to take a walk down Ventura Boulevard’s famous “sushi alley” to get a wide variety of great rolls.

Studio City is the perfect section of LA for the foodie. Just stay close to Ventura Boulevard and enjoy a wide variety of high-end cuisine.

3) Universal City

Want to take a studio tour and enjoy great shopping? Visit Universal City. This section of LA became famous for its studio backlot tours, drawing in a large crowd of tourists. You can Ride the Movies, visit Universal Studios Hollywood, and shop. Heard of CityWalk? It’s a stretch of shopping that inspired the modern version of malls. It’s full of restaurants, novelty shops, street performers, and more.

Universal City is perfect for the tourist who loves Hollywood entertainment.

4) Downtown LA

Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural differences in the downtown district. Visit Chinatown for a real taste of Chinese cuisine and culture. Enjoy a number of museums. See a live show at the Walt Disney Music Hall. Take in an NFL, NBA, or MLB game. Enjoy a helicopter tour of the city.

If your tastes are more cultured and you enjoy arts, architecture, and museums, you want to stay in Downtown LA.

5) Beverly Hills

There is no place in LA for the shopaholic quite like Beverly Hills. From jewelry to clothing to baseball caps, everything in this section of the city is high end, which also comes with a high price tag. If you plan on staying in Beverly Hills and shopping, make sure you save a lot of cash before you come. Before heading out to dinner in Beverly Hills, make sure you have a reservation. Many of the more upscale restaurants won’t have a place for you if you don’t.

If you love to shop and treat yourself, Beverly Hills is the perfect match for your LA experience.

During your trip, you may want to plan for a few extra days on the side to visit Santa Barbara. You can enjoy wineries, the beach, and the mountains all in one laid-back location. And it’s only 90 minutes from LA.

 

Phuket as a Group Vacation Destination

While most travelers to Phuket are going solo or in small family-sized units, it is actually an ideal destination for larger groups, if you’re willing to invest a little effort into planning adequately.

First things first, when traveling with a group of eight or more persons, hotels may not give you the best value for your accommodation dollar. For this reason, it is definitely worth checking out Phuket villa rentals as an accommodation option.

At first glance the price to rent one of these villas may seem high, but when you break the cost down on a per person basis (and factor in the added value and pleasure you get from having exclusive use of the facilities), you’ll find it actually can be quite reasonable.

Exclusivity has its benefits

Phuket is a very popular destination. So, for example, if you choose a certain luxury hotel on the basis that it has a swimming pool and fitness facilities available, you may find those facilities to be practically unusable due to the sheer number of people who also had the same idea when booking. In that case, your enjoyment of the facilities would be less than you anticipated, leading to disappointment.

When you rent a villa, you already know in advance exactly what is included in the price, and you also know that all the facilities are exclusively available to your group, so you’ll get the full measure of enjoyment.

Another thing to consider is that managing a villa is much easier than managing a hotel, so the property and its facilities are likely to be maintained far better than even the most majestic of hotels. It really can make a world of difference to the quality of your experience.

Dining out as a group

Phuket offers a vast abundance of options, from hawker stalls to fine dining establishments with award-winning chefs. You’ll find all the various Thai regional cuisines represented here (each region has its own predominantly preferred style), and the many expat restaurant owners and chefs also contribute a wide range of international cuisines.

Dining out together as a group can pose some challenges, but with proper planning you can provide the best chance of a successful outcome.

The first thing to check is that the venue is up to the required standards. It’s quite easy these days to find online reviews and recommendations. Asking locals for advice can also be helpful. The important factor is that you need to get these recommendations as early as possible, so you can build a shortlist of potential candidates.

You also need to know about the food preferences and any allergies of the individuals in your group. Surprising your vegan friends with a visit to a steakhouse may not go over quite as well as you expected. So do remember to ask about anything you’re not completely sure of.

Finally, you also need to make sure the venue can accommodate a group of your size. Once all of these points have been met, you will be able to go ahead and make a reservation with confidence.

Group activities

Once again, knowledge and planning are the keys to ensuring a great day out for everyone in the group. It’s generally easier if everyone in the group is around the same age, has the same level of fitness and physical ability, etc.

When there’s considerable disparity in any of these factors, you may need to put a little more effort into choosing your activities. Some tried and tested that will have broad spectrum appeal include:

  • Relaxing at the beach – this one is self-explanatory, and is the main activity on Phuket. Or inactivity, depending on how you look at things.

  • Dolphin Bay Nemo – an excellent and ethically operated dolphin show that is truly enjoyable for almost anyone.

  • Gibbon Rehabilitation Project – although a short hike through the National Park is required to participate in this activity, it’s accessible to most people.

Activities that may be a little more challenging for some include:

  • Swimming at Bang Pae Waterfalls – to access this, participants would need to be able to climb some fairly steep and potentially slippery steps. The reward is definitely worth the effort if everyone is fit and able-bodied enough to get there. It’s located just a short trek from the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project mentioned above.

  • Flying Hanuman zipline – zipping through the rain forest 40m (or 130ft) above the ground is an awesome experience, but it’s obviously not for everyone. Participants need to be medically fit and brave enough to complete the course.

  • Snorkeling the reefs – this is another fun activity, but participants should be strong swimmers and have good situational awareness.

Group travel can be a highly rewarding experience

As you can see, group travel requires a bit of effort to be put into the planning, but ultimately it’s a great way to travel. Shared experiences are always more fun, and these kinds of adventures are a great way to strengthen bonds within the group while having a great time. Phuket is a natural choice due to the diversity it offers and the high quality on offer.