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  1. Top Cities to Visit This Summer

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    Summer is well and truly on its way and you are probably itching to get away from the office. City breaks are a great way to escape the rat race for a bit without spending too much money or using up too much of your work leave. 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore a new city, try all of its local food and beer and rest up before returning back to reality. So, if you only have a few days at your disposal, take a look at the top cities we recommend visiting this summer.

    Budapest, Hungary

    This European capital is one of the best destinations on earth as far as I’m concerned. Not only is everything incredibly cheap, but the city itself is beautiful with its fabulous architecture and the Danube flowing right through the centre. Be sure to check out the thermal baths while you’re there and to dig into some delicious goulash, Hungary’s national dish.

    Vancouver, Canada

    If you want a mixture of bustling city and breath-taking natural beauty then Vancouver is a one-stop destination for all your city break needs. The city itself is jam-packed with activity, from its thriving harbour to its shining malls. Grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous brunch hotspots before heading to Granville Island to check out the market. The next day hit the forest or the beach. There is so much to do in Vancouver you will never have a dull moment.

    Mumbai, India

    Mumbai feels like a different world to the rest of India. It is a sophisticated blend of modernity and antiquity, all underlaid by the remnants of British rule. Here, you will find cuisine from around the world (although I recommend sticking to Indian food because it is utterly divine). You will also find lively markets selling jewellery and saris; the Bombay stock exchange; and bars filled with trendy young people.

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Colossal in size and filled with culture and history, Buenos Aires is one of South America’s gems. Argentina is known for having some of the best wines and steaks in the world and where better to try them out than the country’s glittering capital. Spend your days gorging on gourmet food, checking out its numerous museums and ogling at the Parisian-esque buildings.

    Sydney, Australia

    You’ve probably seen photos of Sydney’s famous opera house but there is a lot more to this city than that quirky building. Sydney is the perfect destination for people who want to spend their days lying around on a beach but want to get back into the buzz of a city in the evening. There are hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs all waiting to welcome you in after a day in the never-ending sunshine.

  2. 5 Trip Ideas for Summer 2017

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    With summer 2017 just round the corner, there is no better time to start making exciting travel plans. Whether you’re in the middle of exams right now or are sweltering in your office, planning your perfect summer is bound to make you feel better. Of course, not everyone has the same idea of what constitutes the ideal summer trip. Some people like to laze around on a beach and move only when they need to eat, whereas others like to be constantly on the go. Fortunately, we’ve got all bases covered with our list of 5 amazing trip ideas for your summer 2017.

    Lombok for Beach

    If all you want to do this summer is work on your tan and splash around in the ocean then Lombok is the perfect destination. Lie around on Senggigi Beach soaking up those blissful tropical rays or sip cocktails at one of the beach bars. And, if you get bored of this beach, you can hop on a boat and head over to the Gili Islands for yet more beautiful beach-ery.

    Tanzania for Adventure

    Tanzania is one of the ultimate adventure destinations in the world. Start off your jam-packed itinerary with a trip through one of the national parks in search of the Big 5. Once you’ve had your fill of animal spotting, why not give Kilimanjaro a climb. Known as the ‘mountain than anyone can climb’ this colossal mountain is certainly no mean feat so make sure you’re prepared for the challenge.

    Switzerland for Nature

    The rolling hills and glassy lakes that pepper Switzerland’s landscape have been the inspiration for numerous artists, writers and poets and once you see them you’ll realise why. Switzerland is natural beauty encompassed. While you won’t get to hit the ski slopes if you go in summer, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had by walking along the country’s verdant hiking routes.

    Mexico for Foodie

    You’ve never had real Mexican food until you’ve eaten it from a cart along the side of the road in Oaxaca. Mexico is a taste sensation with guacamole on tap and tacos filled to the brim with spicy delights. Travel around this vast country sampling its culinary delights and wash it all down with a healthy swig of tequila. It might not be the healthiest holiday of your life but it will certainly be the most delicious.

    Italy for Culture

    Italy might seem like too obvious a choice for those seeking a bit of culture for summer 2017 but it simply has to be on this list. With more beautiful cities than anywhere else in the world, Italy is the hub of our civilisation and has ancient wonders around every corner. Ogle at the Coliseum in Rome, float along the canals of Venice or visit a gallery in Florence. This is a one-stop culture destination.

  3. 5 Tips for Travelling Around the World

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    A round the world trip is a lifelong dream for many people. Whether you are quitting your job and hitting the road or you managed to get you boss to agree to an extra long holiday, nothing beats the freedom of the open road. You’ll see natural beauty, thriving metropolises and cultures you never new existed and you’ll eat all kinds of exotic (and potentially ambiguous) foods. But, travelling around the world doesn’t come without hiccups and obstacles. Fortunately, 99% of the time, these problems can be avoided or overcome with relative ease, provided you know what you’re doing. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey around the world.

    Lower Your Expectations

    Things won’t always go to plan while you’re travelling so don’t waste your time worrying about it. Trains will be late, ATMs will be broken and your mattress might be a bit lumpy. All of this is fine – you just need to get used to it. In England, if your food takes more than 20 minutes it’s an outrage. In Peru, if your food comes within an hour you’re having a good day. Don’t expect everything to run smoothly and don’t get annoyed when it doesn’t – be patient, it could be worse. Save your energy for the things that matter.

    Cash is King

    If you are travelling anywhere in Africa, Asia or Latin America, you will very quickly realise the importance of having cash on you. Most of the countries found here operate on cash-based economies and your Amex isn’t going to get you very far if you want to buy a samosa from a street vendor. ATMs can be unreliable abroad so make sure you always have a back-up stash of cash at all times.

    Almost Nothing is Impossible

    If you really want to do something, you can almost always find a way to do it. I’ve had people tell me certain places are impossible to get to or that all the accommodation will be full only to discover that the complete opposite was true when I got there. Where there is a will there is a way, so don’t let anyone put you off doing something just because they think it can’t be done.

    Be Open-Minded

    When you experience a new culture you are likely to come across things that you don’t like or don’t understand. Keep an open mind and you will have a much better time on your travels. In some cultures spitting isn’t considered disgusting and burping can actually be a compliment. Try and throw all your preconceptions out of the window before you go.

    Don’t Be Scared

    Nowadays, the world seems like a pretty scary place but I can assure you it is not. The vast majority of people you will meet along your travels around the world will be lovely, helpful and interesting. People are not out to get you and there aren’t homicidal maniacs hiding around every corner. If you are in a poor country then yes you might be a target for theft but this is rarely violent – they just want your expensive things and can you really blame them? The world is full of goodness and the more you travel the more you will learn this.

  4. Top 4 Cruises in the World

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    Nothing screams luxury like lying on a cruise ship having your every need catered to. Well, not all cruises were created equal so forget everything you ever knew about cruises and prepare to be re-educated. These cruises take the concept of VIP living to a whole new level – the types of cruises that people who don’t bother looking at the price book. With everything on a sterling level, from the ship to the destinations to the service, read on to find on what are the top cruises in the world.

    Crystal Cruises

    Crystal Cruises has a pretty standard selection of all-inclusive packages but the reason why this company has made it on this list is because they have an array of extra snazzy packages for those willing to splash out a bit. Amenities in their luxury packages include golf lessons with PGA players, fitness classes and, if you book into their penthouse suites, you’ll even get your own butler. With trips all over the world you could be exploring the Middle East, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera and more.

    Celebrity Cruises

    The fleet at Celebrity Cruises consists of ships that carry a mere 100 passengers to monsters with a capacity of almost 3,000. Whichever boat you choose to fall on luxury will be the modus operandi. The cruise line sails to destinations across the globe with trips lasting from a weekend getaway up to around 18 days. With a world of options, the sea is your oyster. On board you can enjoy dance lessons, wine tastings and more.

    Disney

    If you are travelling with children (or just as adults) the Disney cruise ships have everything you need and more for a vacation that will blow your mind. The biggest ship in the fleet can accommodate a whopping 4000 people – but don’t worry, everyone is treated like royalty. With a big focus on the Caribbean, passengers might get to visit Castaway Cay – the company’s private island in the Bahamas. Other destinations include the Norwegian Fjords and the Mexican Riviera.

    Seabourn Cruise Line

    This luxurious cruise line has built up its reputation by having a fleet of smaller but more high-end boats that cater to an elite crowd. Passengers typically have a bit more cash to splash and an appreciation of the finer things in life. With gourmet dining and opulent suites on offer, you might find it a challenge to ever actually get off the boat. Seabourn Cruise Line has destinations all over the world, including Antartica for those looking for something a little bit different.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. How to get Car Rental Upgrades

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    There is no real strategy to getting car rental upgrades if you don’t rent a car very often. Like airlines, car rental companies like to treat their most frequent and loyal customers with perks such as an upgraded vehicle.

    Don’t set your hopes on getting a Mercedes Benz, Porsche, or BMW when you’ve booked a Ford. A car rental upgrade can mean you’re bumped up from a midsize vehicle to a full size or sometimes even an SUV. Though it all depends on what’s on the lot.

    Rent Often, Be Loyal

    The best way to get a car rental upgrade is to join a loyalty program. Most car rental companies will sign you up for free, but don’t expect that upgrade just for becoming a member. Unlike airlines, though, chances of getting a better car than the one you booked are higher than scoring a business class seat on your next flight when you’ve booked economy.

    National probably has one of the best upgrade schemes we’ve experienced, where members of the Emerald Club can pick any car on the lot (in a designated area) and go, at a growing number of locations. This approach often means that there’s a wide variety of cars available in all categories. I think our ‘best’ upgrade form a mid-size was a Mercedes-Benz C300 or a BMW X5, but these are rare. Expect to have your pick of some Full-Size cars.

    Why do we get Car Rental Upgrades?

    It’s all about supply and demand. An airline knows how many of what kind of seat it will have on a flight, and it knows at what time the passengers should be showing up. Rental Car companies, though they ask you for an arrival time, don’t know what time you and all their other customers will show up exactly. So it’s up to them to balance the cars they have (which may have to be driven into that location from an outside lot) with the people they expect to turn up.

    That might mean that during a busy period there are only SUV’s left on the lot and that’s what they’ll give you. For some this might be fun car rental upgrade but if you’re conscious about fuel consumption not so much. If you’re not happy with the vehicle you’ve been assigned, ask what else they have available. If nothing, then you should ask when they expect to have a more suitable vehicle available. Most companies will let you swap your ride without asking any questions. Just remember to fill up the tank before you return any vehicle.

  8. Things to do at your destination

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    We talk a lot about getting to your destination and let’s face it; it’s an important part of your trip. But your trip wouldn’t be much if you didn’t have anything to do when you get there. Getting inspiration on what to do can be easy for some places, such as visiting a Broadway show in New York, or seeing a concert in Las Vegas. We’ve partnered with AwesomeSeating.com to take a look at some of the things you can do and the best way to get tickets to these events. AwesomeSeating.com offers great deals and access to tickets for many major events with a 100% Order Guarantee.

    New York – Theatre shows

    There is no shortage of things to do in New York, and one of the most popular activities for visitors to the city is to catch a show on, or off Broadway. One of the longest running shows currently on Broadway is the Lion King. It debuted in 1997 in Minneapolis, but quickly made its way to Broadway, opening on October 15, 1997. Lion King Tickets NYC

    Las Vegas – Concerts

    Many of the world’s biggest performers host regular shows in Las Vegas when they’re not on tour, so rather than waiting for your favourite performer to come to you, why not go to them and enjoy the many other attractions that Las Vegas has to offer as well. For Example, you could get tickets to go seeElton John! Look for the “Million Dollar Piano” tickets to find his Vegas shows.

    Many other cities – Sports Events

    Few things compare to the local experience you get when you go to a sporting event in a destination city. Let’s face it; many Chicagoans are happy now that a 108-year drought has ended for the Chicago Cubs so you can bet that next year ticket sales will go through the roof. Visiting Chicago? Get your tickets here: Chicago Cubs Tickets. With the holidays coming up, getting an early start on tickets might not be a bad gift-idea! Or if baseball isn’t your fancy, have a look at the many other sporting events and other tickets you can get on AwesomeSeating.com Buy Tickets For Sports, Concerts & Theatre Events.

  9. Holiday Travel Options

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    The busy holiday travel season is just around the corner again. In the past we’ve looked at the best tips to get you to your destination whether it’s thanksgiving travel, or Christmas travel; many of us will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies again this winter. With so many options for holiday travel we thought we’d look some of the different types of holidays you can have.

    Stay-cationing with Family

    If you live far away from your family and you don’t get to see them often, the holidays form the perfect time to head over and reconnect. Maybe you go to a different family member’s house every year; or perhaps you always converge in the same familiar spot. Your options form part of your own experience and who are we to tell you what to do here. Having a familiar spot to hang your hat during your travels can’t beat even the best of hotels.

    Sun Seekers

    The further north we live, the further south we’re likely to travel in the winter. If, as mentioned above you are visiting family it might be an added bonus that these family members happen to live in a warmer location. Winter is prime time for islands in the Caribbean and the southernmost states in the US because of the warm climates.

    Hitting the slopes

    Whereas some people do what they can to avoid the snow, others seek it out. The more of the fluffy white stuff, the better. Skiing and snowboarding are heavily dependent on the season and it should be no surprise that winter is the best time to carve some powder. For those who are dragged along but don’t like to hit the slopes, many mountain towns and ski resorts offer a wide range of other activities and facilities such as spas and hot springs to pass time.

    Taking to the Seas

    A cruise can be a great way to spend a vacation. You typically get to sail around and see different ports while your floating hotel takes you there while you sleep. Modern cruise ships are known for their luxuries and fine dining, and you will be spoiled and pampered on your journey. You’ll certainly miss the daily turndown service and wish you could take all the staff that made your journey so comfortable home with you.

  10. Saving Time and Money on your next Car Rental

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    When it comes to travelling, not all places are equipped with a first-rate public transit system. North American cities and towns in particular are notorious for their lack of communal transportation. In these situations, sometimes your best option is to rent a car for your trip. So what are some of the things to watch out for when you’re renting a car? How do you score the best deals?

    Renting a car can be pretty involved if you don’t do it often. But even if you are an infrequent renter, you can save yourself lots of time by signing up for the rental agency’s loyalty programme. Doing this means that the rental car company has your information on file, and can just pull it off of their systems when you turn up to rent a car. You’ll still need to bring a driver’s licence and credit card; but often the contracts will come pre-printed for your reservation meaning all that you have to do is verify and sign, and you’re on your way!

    Not only is joining the loyalty programme a potential time-saver; it can also save you money with free upgrades and member-only discounts. For example, National offers a unique booking code to any of its members and lets you choose any car and go at many of their US destinations. Sometimes you can be lucky and get a full-size car or SUV when you book with the mid-size rate, just for being a member. Being an Emerald Club member at national also allows you to bypass the counter at their so-called “aisle” locations.

    Shopping around can also save you money. Not only between brands, but different locations in the same city of the same brand can yield savings. Sometimes airport rental locations charge a premium, whereas neighbourhood locations don’t; which can lead to substantial savings on the total cost; however, this isn’t always the case. In cities where parking comes at a premium cost, downtown locations will often pass this on to the consumer in the price of the rental and you might find that the airport is the best place to pick up your car.