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  1. Top 4 Luxury Resorts in the World

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    It is a sad but true fact that the vast majority of us will never spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a few nights in one of the world’s most luxurious resorts. However, there is absolutely nothing stopping us from ogling these incredible accommodations and imagining being there. Sure, we will probably just make ourselves seethe with jealousy in the process but there is something that always compels us to look at this kind of thing nonetheless. If you’re ready for your mind to be blown, keep reading and learn all about the most luxurious resorts in the world.

    Constance Moofushi – Maldives

    This is where people come when they want to look at nothing but crystal clear water and pearly white sand for a week or two. Not only is the resort itself out of this world but it takes the term VIP to a whole different level with its private airport lounge, establishing complete luxury before you’ve even set foot on the property. Of course, once you’ve arrived the opulence continues from the rooms to the food to the private decks.

    North Island – Seychelles

    Staying on a tropical island is generally a pretty luxurious experience but when you throw a glamorous villa into the works it suddenly becomes a vacation fit for royalty. Imagine waking up each morning to the sound of the ocean gently lapping the shore and the coconut palms swaying in the wind. This pretty much sums up what it’s like to stay in the North Island resort, an accommodation choice that has attracted a whole host of celebrities from around the world, including George Clooney and Prince William.

    Laucala Island – Fiji

    Having a luxury resort at your disposal is one thing but it doesn’t mean much without a standard of service to match. Laucala Island has one of the best staff to guest ratios on earth with almost 4 members of staff per visitor – meaning you get to spend your vacation in true VIP style. Each of the villas exudes style and comfort and they even come with their very own buggy so you can explore the island at your leisure. In the evenings fine dining is the only thing on the menu in the resort’s five incredible restaurants. Fresh fish infused with coconut followed by a cocktail or cigar as the sun sets makes for an evening you’ll never forget.

    Emirates Palace – Abu Dhabi

    Costing around $3 billion to build, the Emirates Palace is one of the most extravagant constructions on the planet. Boasting dozens of pools, conference rooms and spas, the resort caters to every kind of traveller and has almost 400 rooms and suites available for guests. With its own private beach and glamorous foyers built from imported marble, nothing has been spared on this unique accommodation. If you want to spend a few days in the footsteps of royalty then this is the place to be.

  2. Top 5 Child-Friendly Vacations

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    Anyone who has ever attempted to take their children on holiday will be well aware of the challenges that such an endeavour presents. Suddenly a nice hotel and a beach isn’t enough to make a perfect vacation. You need to make sure that your little ones have as good a time as you do and you can be sure that they aren’t going to be content spending days on end lounging around by the pool. Kids have unbounded amounts of energy so if you are going to take them on vacation you need to make sure that your destination has plenty of ways for them to expend it. So, here are some of our suggestions for great places to take your kids on vacation.

    Florida, USA

    With sun, sea and sand in abundance, Florida is one of the best beach vacation destinations in the US – and possibly the world. But, Florida is much more than just a pretty face. Head over to Orlando and you will be met with theme parks galore. This is what makes it the perfect vacation destination for you and your kids. Alternate between soaking up rays at the beach and getting your adrenaline fix at Busch Gardens, Universal Studios or Disneyworld.

    Thailand

    While Thailand is usually thought of as being a backpacker’s destination, it is actually a fantastic place for families with kids. For something a bit cultural, you can take a look at the ruins in Ayutthaya or the temples in Bangkok before heading to the islands for beautiful beaches, complete with water sport options and plenty of delicious food for you and your young ones to sink your teeth into. You could even spend a day or two in an elephant sanctuary, an experience your kids will never forget.

    Costa Rica

    If there’s one place on the planet that truly has everything it’s Costa Rica. From the smouldering peaks of its many volcanoes to the perfect golden sand of its coastline, this vacation destination is nothing but pure beauty. Whether your kids want to spend their time searching for animals in the rainforest, swinging on ziplines or taking surfing lessons one thing is for sure: they will never, ever be bored.

    Croatia

    Greece has typically held the island-hopping crown of Europe but Croatia is getting more and more popular by the day and has the advantage of being considerably cheaper. Your kids will love exploring the beautiful cities of Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Zagreb while they lap at ice cream and gawp at street performers. You can also bustle them onto a boat and take a trip to Hvar and Croatia’s other stunning islands for some beach time.

    Israel

    Perhaps not the first place you might think to take your kids on vacation but Israel has a huge array of activities to keep the whole family entertained. If your family has an active streak then hiking in the Negev or climbing Masada are great options. Alternatively, head down to the Dead Sea and bob around like a cork in the super salty water. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you leave time for a falafel or three in Tel Aviv.

  3. Top 5 Adventure Vacations

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    While some of us use our vacations to do absolutely nothing as an antidote to our stressful work lives, there are others who use their precious vacation time to pump as much adrenaline through their body as possible before returning to the mundanity of everyday life. If you fall into the latter category, then you’re in luck because this article is going to tell you all about the top 5 adventure destinations in the world. So whether you like deep-sea diving or climbing to the highest peaks, read on and let yourself be inspired.

    South Africa

    There is absolutely no shortage of adventure activities in this exciting and diverse country. Perhaps one of the most popular activities in South Africa for thrill-seekers is cage diving. During this activity, travelers are submerged in the sea inside a cage in order to get an up close and personal look at the Great White sharks that live there. In equal parts terrifying and incredible, this is certainly not to be missed. If you prefer to stay on terra firma then seek out some big game on a safari or take a road trip along the Garden Route.

    Nepal

    Home to the highest mountain on earth – Mount Everest – Nepal has been a mecca for hikers from across the globe for centuries. Trek along the Annapurna Circuit or make your way to the Everest base camp for an experience you will never forget. Even if hiking isn’t your thing there is plenty of excitement to be had exploring the temples of Durban Square in Kathmandu and Nepal’s other royal cities.

    Peru

    Home to more Incan ruins than you could ever dream of, Peru is a land of mystery and mystic charm just waiting to be explored by those seeking adventure. Of course, the most popular site in the country is the famous hilltop ruins of Machu Picchu and its accompanying Inca Trail. However, if you are after something a bit less touristy, check out the Salkantay Trail, the Choquequirao trek or head to Iquitos for a bit of jungle mayhem.

    Borneo

    There are three separate countries on this fascinating island: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Whichever country you decide to choose as your base camp, you are sure to have an amazing time in Borneo frolicking with orangutans and exploring the dense, lush jungle. Borneo can also be a bit of an adventure when it comes to food so be sure to try as many of the local dishes as possible!

    Greece

    The Greek islands are some of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet and if you’ve ever been you’ll know why. Not only are there beautiful beaches all over the place, but the potential for adventure is enormous. Visitors to many of the islands can choose from scuba diving, quad biking, paragliding and all kinds of other activities. Alternatively, you can simply strap on your trainers and go walking alongside the rugged cliffs.

  4. Planning a Road Trip this Summer

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    A road trip is a quintessential way for adventurous people, old and young, to spend their summer vacation. With all the money saved on flights, a road trip can be a great budget option for those who want to get away from home but don’t have the resources to fork out on air travel. What’s more, travelling in your own car gives you the freedom to go exactly where you want for however long you want. This means if you’re driving along and you see something cool, you can just pull over and explore for a bit before carrying on your journey. That liberating feeling alone makes a road trip completely worthwhile. So, how do you go about planning a road trip? Here are a few tips to help you make the whole ordeal a breeze so you can just hit the gas and enjoy the open road.

    Road Trip

    Plan Your Route Before You Leave

    I really cannot stress this enough. If you don’t plan your route before you leave then your road trip will consist of aimlessly driving around and chances are you won’t see anything interesting. Sit down and have a think about what you want to see and then plan a route that will take you in that direction. Of course, you might take a few detours along the way and make some additional stops but at least you will have an idea of which way you want to travel. Google Maps is a great tool for planning a road trip and you can either download the route onto your phone or GPS or go old-school and print the maps off.

    Work Out A Budget

    While a road trip might be cheaper than summer vacations requiring you to travel by air, there is still a whole host of costs that you need to consider. Naturally, your number one expense is going to be petrol. There is really no way around this but you should always be on the lookout for the cheapest prices. For example, petrol stations along motorways tend to be more expensive than those within towns. Your next big cost will be food. You can lower this cost somewhat by taking a hefty load of food with you in a cooler but be aware that this will make your vehicle heavier and will cause you to spend more on petrol. Weigh up the pros and cons and work out how much food you should take with you and how much you should buy on the road.

    Make Sure You Car Is OK

    Before you even set foot in your car you need to make sure your car is going to be able to withstand the long journey on which you are about to embark. If you don’t know anything about cars then ask around your friends and family to see if anyone might be willing to give you a hand. If that fails then consider taking it to a mechanic’s. The price of a check up will definitely be less than whatever you might have to pay if you break down along the way.

  5. Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations

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    After all the stress that leads up to planning a wedding, it is little wonder that newlyweds need a couple of weeks abroad afterwards. Your honeymoon is supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime but this in itself can add a little bit of pressure to the whole thing. Fortunately, a lot of this pressure can be relieved by choosing the right destination. Once you know you’re heading to a paradise destination for your honeymoon everything else will just fall in to place. So, where in the world should you travel for your honeymoon? Take a look at our suggestions for a bit of inspiration.

    Sri Lanka

    If you are looking for a paradise island with beautiful beaches, lush mountains and delicious food then Sri Lanka is your dream honeymoon destination. Not only does it have scenery that is sure to take your breath away but it won’t set you back too much either. With a meal and a drink often costing less than $3 your honeymoon budget is going to go a lot further here than elsewhere in the world.

    Peru

    Full of ancient Incan mystery, Peru is the ideal destination for couples looking to inject a bit of adventure into their honeymoon. From the famous ruins of Machu Picchu to the verdant swathes of Amazon jungle that cover Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, Peru will never leave you with a dull moment. Of course, if you need a bit of downtime as well you can always head North to Trujillo and chill on the beaches for a while.

    Italy

    When it comes to food, there are very few places on earth that beat Italy – so if you and your beloved consider yourselves to be foodies, this wonderful nation is ideal. However, Italy is so much more than just pasta and pizza. Home to a plethora of world famous artists, opera singers and monuments, Italy is Europe’s number one cultural hub – simply oozing with unrivalled beauty.

    Morocco

    There is sunshine and wonder waiting in abundance in Morocco for those who dare step out of their comfort zone. From the bustling markets of Marrakech and Fes to the nation’s beautiful medinas, Morocco is full of chaotic excitement and pockets of blissful calm. Whether you’re hiking through the Atlas Mountains, exploring the Erg Chebbi sand dunes or wandering through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, this fascinating destination is guaranteed to enchant and delight you.

    Costa Rica

    For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a heaven on earth. Boasting numerous national parks filled with exotic animals as well as some of Latin America’s most impressive volcanoes, this Central America gem is truly a wonder to behold. Newlyweds can spend their time soaking up the sun in Manuel Antonio National Park or spotting whales in Bahia Ballena before feasting on fresh seafood as they watch the sunset. This is honeymoon perfection.

  6. The Best VIP City Break Destinations

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    Everyone needs a city break now again, right? The difference between this and a full-blown holiday being that you don’t need to use up too much of your annual leave and you won’t be spending hours on a long haul flight. A city break is the perfect chance to spend a couple of days away from the office, exploring a new city and making the most of the delicious local cuisine. If you’re already convinced that you need a bit of time off and want to get booking, check out http://booktravel.vipupgrades.com/ for a myriad of VIP city break options. If you’re not quite there yet, read on for some of our top city break destination suggestions.

    Prague

    Home to some of the best beer you will ever have the pleasure of tasting, this magical city is as romantic as it is fascinating. Small enough to cover on foot, there is so much to see and do in Prague, you’ll need at least a long weekend to make the most of it. Walk along the picturesque Charles Bridge, admire the architecture in the Old Square and feast your eyes on the views from the top of Petrin Hill. This is a city break you’re not likely to forget in a hurry.

    Venice

    Famed for being one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, Venice will capture your heart and intrigue your mind. The main feature of this city is, of course, navigating along its waterways from the comfort of a chauffeured gondola. However, there’s a whole lot more to Venice than just a boat ride or two. With numerous boutiques, galleries and cafes throughout the city, there is plenty of opportunity to sit and people watch as you indulge in a coffee or stock up on some of the latest wonders in the world of Italian fashion.

    New York

    When they say New York is the city that never sleeps, they’re not joking. This bustling city is by far and away one of the most exciting cities in the world and those who choose this destination for their city break are guaranteed a jam-packed experience. From the shops on 5th Avenue to the serenity of Central Park to the crowds in Times Square, every corner of the city is worth exploring. Be sure to stop off in Little Italy for a bite to eat before heading to Chelsea for a drink or three.

    Paris

    Officially the most visited city in the world, Paris is the gem in the crown of Europe. Perhaps the most stand-out thing about this French masterpiece is the fact that there is unprecedented beauty everywhere you look. If you weren’t interested in architecture before your city break, we can guarantee that Paris will change that. The buildings themselves are so stunning you don’t even need to go inside. Of course, if you do you will be able to admire even more eye candy, such as the artwork within the Orangerie or the fashion in Galerie Lafayette.

    Dubai

    Slightly different to a European city break, Dubai offers less by way of beauty and more by way of excitement. Visitors here will have the chance to make the most of the very best this shiny desert playground has to offer. From the blissful air-conditioning of the super-malls to the adrenaline rush of a desert safari, Dubai has just about everything you need for an awesome city break. Naturally, if you’re in need of a bit of down time, it’s beaches galore along this city’s shimmering coastline.

  7. Winter Sun and no Jet Lag

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    tropicalbeachWhere to go for winter sun and no jet lag! If you live on the East Coast then winter has to be escaped once in a while. When the temperatures plummet rather than hibernate you need to find some sunshine.Just a few hours due south on a plane and you’ll find yourself soaking up some winter sun without having to endure any sleep-wrecking jet lag. Without further ado, allow us to present our top suggestions for a winter break without switching time-zones.

    Colombia

    Despite its turbulent past, Colombia is open and ready for business when it comes to tourism. The once intimidating cities of Bogota and Medellin have become vibrant metropolises where you can sip on a coffee or a cocktail and watch the world race by. If city life doesn’t do it for you then the coastal areas of Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla are the perfect getaways. Each is home to a plethora of breath taking colonial buildings in bright yellows, oranges and pinks as well as fresh, delicious seafood on every corner.

    Cuba

    Now that it’s finally legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, we should all be taking advantage of what this unique little island has to offer. Ogle the old fashioned cars that putter down the roads, take a salsa lesson or search high and low for the very best mojito – there is fun and excitement around every corner, from Havana to Trinidad and beyond. Make sure you do some research before you get there though because local customs are very different to what you’re used to at home.

    Jamaica

    You are unlikely to ever find a more chilled out country than Jamaica. People take their time here and that’s what makes this tropical island so charming and alluring. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning to the soft sound of reggae and the smell of fresh mango floating on the air. With beaches to die for, mountains to hike and waterfalls to marvel at, Jamaica is ideal for nature lovers looking to embrace the great outdoors and a splash of winter sun.

    Guatemala

    Guatemala might be small but it sure packs a punch for those who venture within its borders and with just one hour time difference, you won’t waste precious time to jet lag. While Guatemala City might not be much to look out, once you’re out of the capital the country takes on a lush green tinge, speckled with the ashy black of its many volcanoes. During your holiday here be sure to spend time wandering through the old colonial town of Antigua, explore the glistening pools at Semuc Champey and discover the ruins of Tikal.

    Costa Rica

    Without wanting to sound too cliché, Costa Rica is one of those countries that has it all. From the staggering rainforest filled with exotic creatures, to the pristine beaches that line both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Yet, perhaps the main draw to Costa Rica is its multitude of national parks, some containing volcanoes, some jungle and some marine life beyond anything you could have ever imagined. All of which are perfect for exploring under the golden rays of some winter sun. Oh and the food here isn’t too shabby either.

  8. Top 5 things for airline travel

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    Flying is without a doubt the worst part of any holiday, but what are the top 5 things that can help for your flight experience? Travel and particularly airline travel is almost always an unavoidable part of going on vacation so we have concocted a list of things that are guaranteed to make your travel experience slightly less terrible. Tuck these five magic items into your carry-on next time your travel and you’ll never dread flying again.

    TravelEssentials

    Travel Pillow

    This is an absolute essential for airline travel no matter how far you’re going. These marvellous inventions wrap around the back of your neck, providing support for your head as you doze off. No more waking up to a crick in your neck or your head flopping down mid-snooze. Even if you’re not planning on sleeping, the extra level of comfort that the travel pillow provides makes it worth using anyway.

    Water

    This might sound obvious but if you’re flying, drink plenty of water. Perhaps one of the most common plights of airline travellers is dry lips, skin and throat so keeping well hydrated will help you avoid looking like a snake by the end of your journey.

    Entertainment

    The majority of modern airlines have TV screens on the back of every seat with a pretty decent collection of films. However, if you really want to enjoy your flight, don’t restrict yourself to the selection of films that the airline provides, fill up your tablet/phone/laptop with your favourite series, films or music and spend the duration of your journey enjoying your own entertainment. Don’t forget to take a portable charger as well to keep your devices functioning throughout the whole flight.

    Flight Socks

    There is a risk, when flying long distances, of contracting deep vein thrombosis, a rather unpleasant condition caused by sitting for prolonged periods of time and the blood in your legs not flowing as it should. In order to reduce the chances of being affected by this, flight socks are essential as they provide your legs with the support they need to keep your blood flowing properly. Of course, you should combine this with regular walks up and down the plane.

    Baby Wipes

    Sitting on a plane for hours on end can leave you feeling groggy and even a little bit unclean. Travel, and particularly airline travel, by all accounts is rarely the most hygienic thing in the world. When you start feeling sweaty or that you might smell a bit, it’s useful to have a packet baby wipes with you to make yourself feel a little bit cleaner. You certainly won’t regret taking them with you.

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  9. How To Complain About A Substandard Hotel Experience

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    There are few things worse than booking the holiday of a lifetime only to have it ruined by substandard hotel service. You’ve got the sun shining, the beach glistening and the cocktails flowing but back in your room it’s a completely different story. Maybe your hotel room is damp or the bathroom looks like it hasn’t seen a cleaning product in far too long, whatever the case, it is important to know your rights and know how to effectively complain about your experience.

    Firstly it is important to know exactly what to expect before you go. Read reviews online and do a bit of research about the hotel before you book. This way you will be able to tell more easily if the hotel is not performing like it should. If you book your hotel as part of a package there is a chance you might be given one of the cheaper rooms, so be sure to clarify this with the agency when making your booking.

    Once you are there it was be very easy to tell if your room is up to standard or not. If you are paying top dollar then you should expect next to perfection. This means everything is clean and comfortable, the room is sound proofed and all the amenities it should have are present and in good working order. As soon as you notice anything not quite right with the room you should report it immediately to the Duty Manager. Do not suffer in silence! You should get what you paid for.

    The majority of the time hotel complaints are dealt with effectively and the issue will either be resolved or you will be offered a different room or financial compensation. If this is the case then your job is done and you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. If, however, the hotel is not co-operating sufficiently then you have a bit more work to do.

    If you cannot resolve your issue at the hotel then you will need to make a formal complaint and submit it in writing. Take the names of the people you communicate with at reception, take photos of everything wrong with your room and make sure to be specific about exactly what was wrong with the hotel room. The more details you provide, the more credible your complaint and the more likely you are to be compensated for your poor experience.

    If you booked your hotel room as part of a package then your first port of call should be the agency through which you booked. You can contact the Association of British Travel Agents if you need more help dealing with this. If you booked the hotel independently then you will need to contact the management of the hotel. It is also worth noting that if you paid for you accommodation on credit card then you should be able to get some assistance from your credit card provider.

    So, in brief, as soon as an issue arises, calmly and politely explain to the management what’s wrong and ask if they are able to fix it. A big smile and a pleasant demeanour are worth their weight in gold in this situation and doesn’t cost a penny so don’t lose your cool until you absolutely have to.

  10. The best winter vacations

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    Winter is rarely anyone’s favourite season but it doesn’t have to be dreary days and frosty nights for months on end while we wait for summer to come back around. You can’t stop the snow from falling so why not take advantage of it by booking yourself a luxurious winter vacation in one of the world’s top ski resorts? Here are our top destinations for a bit of winter fun.

    Banff, Canada

    Home to three separate resorts that offer thousands of acres of skiing terrain as well as a thriving community packed with bars and restaurants, Banff is perfect for people who want a mix of flawless slopes and evening entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, Banff is pretty hard to beat when it comes to scenery, so be sure to spend some time marvelling at the beauty of the Rockies in between runs.

    Breckenridge, USA

    An excellent spot for beginners and pros alike, Breckenridge has a huge number of lifts and trails, which cater to all skiing abilities. The resort also has four different parks so if you want to get the adrenaline pumping then you need look no further.

    Sapporo, Japan

    Japan is steadily rising in popularity among powder hounds and Sapporo is among the crème-de-la-crème of Japanese ski resorts. Those who have had the pleasure of skiing here have lauded the resort’s consistent and deep swathes of powder. Also, being one of Japan’s largest cities, there is plenty of fun to be had off-piste so your winter vacation fun doesn’t have to stop when the slopes close.

    Val d’Isère, France

    Val d’Isère is truly a snow-lovers paradise with a multitude of slopes that are neatly linked, making the resort wholly accessible – a must for stress-free skiing. With breath-taking views of the Alps in the background, this French beauty queen offers more than a few photo opportunities so you can take the best of your winter vacation home with you. In the evenings, be sure to make the most of the fine-dining scene and the raucous nightlife.

    Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

    There’s a lot more to Italy than its fantastic food and staggering art collection. For first-time skiiers and those looking for a more low-key vibe, there are few places on earth that beat Cortina d’Ampezzo. The skiing here is top notch and there are over a hundred runs to keep you occupied throughout the entirety of your winter vacation. When you’ve worn yourself out, settle in for the evening with a glass of vino and a bowl of delicious spaghetti.