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  1. 5 Very Good Reasons to go to Colombia

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    If you got hooked on Netflix’s Narcos, then you probably aren’t desperate to go to Colombia right now. Going by the series, the country is little more than a never-ending parade of drug cartels, terrorism and extreme violence.

    Except that it is not like this at all.

    In the past decade or so, Colombia has seriously cleaned up its act and it is now one of South America’s hottest travel destinations. Yes, the country still has its problems – name me on that doesn’t! But, the streets of Bogota and Medellin have replaced the sounds of gunshots with salsa music and laughter and the country is ripe for a big influx of tourism.

    Are you still on the fence about travelling to Colombia? Here are five very good reasons why you should pack your bag right now and head over there.

    It Is Cheap

    I’m not sure about you, but cost is always at the top of my list when it comes to travelling. I like to get as much bang for my buck as possible and in Colombia your money can go really far. Honestly, Colombia probably won’t stay this cheap as more and more tourists are flocking here every year. But, right now you can live comfortably on around £40 per day. If you are on a real budget, £20 or even £15 a day is also possible.

    It Is Insanely Beautiful

    Colombia has every possible landscape you could want. It has the Amazon Rainforest in the South; misty highlands in the coffee region; golden beaches on the Caribbean coast; and some seriously impressive volcanoes scattered around the country. Whatever kind of scenery you were looking for, you will find it and more in Colombia. And, of course, if you ever want to take a break from this natural beauty, there are gorgeous colonial towns such as Guatape, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Solento to enjoy.

    The People Are Friendly

    Again, Narcos painted all Colombians as malicious drug dealers who would shoot you in the face in a heartbeat. In reality, Colombians are as friendly as they come. In fact, most of the Colombians I met were just grateful that I had decided to visit their country despite its history. They wanted to tell me why Colombia was so great (not that I needed convincing) and to talk about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the country’s Nobel Prize winning author.

    You Can Disconnect From the Real World

    On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, just an hour or so from Santa Marta, is Tayrona National Park. This beautifully conserved patch of lush, emerald jungle stretches out for miles, until it reaches the golden sand of Colombia’s finest beaches. There are no fancy hotels here. Instead, there are a few cabins and a lot of tents. There is also no WiFi or any form of electronic entertainment. Instead it’s just you and nature, spending some much-needed quality time together.

    It Is an Excellent Place to Practice Your Spanish

    The Spanish they speak in Spain is hard to understand. Any Latino will tell you that. They speak very fast, blend their words together and pronounce their ‘c’ like a ‘th’. In Colombia, however, it’s a completely different story. The Colombians are very proud of their accent, and rightly so. Words are pronounced properly and clearly, making it very easy to understand what is being said – even for someone who is not super confident with their language skills.

  2. Summer Weekend Breaks in London

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    City breaks to London are becoming more and more popular by the day with the Eurostar and budget airlines like Ryanair bringing people in from the continent for next to nothing. London is a city unlike any other in the world but to the untrained eye, all the hustle and bustle can seem overwhelming. While most tend to focus on Central London to do their exploring, once there it is hard to know what to do. With just a couple of days at your disposal, it’s key not to waste time googling and planning, so we have done the hard work for you. Take a look at some of our top suggestions for how to spend your weekend in this gorgeous capital.

    See a Show

    If you are in Central London there is really no excuse for not experiencing one of the best things the West End has to offer. Shaftesbury Avenue and its surrounding area has a wealth of fabulous shows worth checking out. Laugh until you ache at the Book of Mormon or sing your heart out at the timeless classic that is the Lion King. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a good night.

    Get Cultured

    London has had an exceptionally fascinating and turbulent past and there is no better way to make the most of London than by wandering through the hallowed halls of its numerous museums. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has a sublime showcase of art from throughout the ages while the British Museum will blow you away with its wealth of artefacts from bygone eras.

    Eat in the Orient

    Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about British history, it is time to head over to Chinatown and indulge in some Eastern treats. This is a great place to stop to eat. Diners have a plethora of Chinese restaurants to choose from, including fancy sit down restaurants and all you can eat buffets. There are also eateries serving up food from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and more. Rosa’s Thai and Viet are both excellent choices if none of the Chinese fare takes your fancy.

    Soak up the Sun

    If the sun is out and you are tired of traipsing through the busy streets of the West End then it is time to retire briefly to one of London’s many Green Spaces. Hyde Park is an obvious first choice for many people who want to kick back in the grass and relax but Lincoln Inn’s Fields is another beautiful space, which, although a bit smaller, is perfect for picnics or chilling out in general.

    Go Shopping

    No trip to London would be complete without emptying your bank account in some of the world’s finest retailers. Central London is home to the world-famous Oxford Street but there are plenty of other places to splash the cash than this over-crowded thoroughfare. Why not head to the glitzy Burlington Arcade or meander through the picturesque boutiques that line the walls of Covent Garden.

    Stop for Tea

    The most quintessentially British experience of all, visitors to London simply must stop for a cream tea during their time here. Soho’s Secret Tea Room is absolutely perfect for satisfying this desire with their extensive range of different teas and their delicious selection of homemade cakes and baked goods. Naturally, the only way to do this properly is by ordering English breakfast tea, accompanied by scones with fresh cream and jam. If you’ve never had this before, prepare to have your world changed.

    Sleep Well

    There are plenty of fancy hotels throughout London, many of which belong to big international chains and can seem a little soulless. Set in an old 17th Century Victorian mansion, the Nadler Boutique Hotel on Carlisle Street is an affordable and attractive hotel that has done away with the fancy gyms and restaurants, in order to create a more intimate hotel that has maintained its style and comfort without tacking on a devastating price tag.

  3. 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Travels

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    There is a well-known quote in the travel world that says: “travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. It sounds painfully cliché but it really is true. People that travel have their eyes opened to new cultures and develop an appreciation for just how incredible and diverse the world is.

    But, there is a technique to travelling. A technique that will turn you into a super savvy traveller who makes the most of every second you are abroad. If you want to learn how to make your travels as amazing as possible and have the richest of experiences then check out these handy tips and you’ll be travelling like a pro in no time.

    Say Yes to Everything

    It’s another massive cliché but you never regret the things you do, only the things you wish you’d done. So, unless you have a really good reason for saying no to something, you should always be saying yes. Some of the best experiences you will have on your travels will occur when you threw caution to the wind and said yes to something completely spontaneous.

    Talk to People

    There are a number of reasons why you should talk to people while you travel. Firstly, people who travel invariably have a few good stories to tell, so purely from an entertainment perspective they are worth conversing with. Secondly, they might have been to places you are planning on visiting. If this is the case they may well have some valuable information that could end up changing your itinerary. They might tell you that a temple you are dying to see is actually closed to the public or that a museum you were going to skip is really worth checking out. You might end up having a far better time because you took a stranger’s advice.

    Embrace the Weird and Wonderful

    When you are abroad you can feel a bit out of your comfort zone at times. The language might be different, the food could be a bit obscure or there might be certain local customs that you just cannot get your head around. Rather than letting these differences bother you, open your mind and embrace them as whole-heartedly as you can. You might feel silly joining in with a traditional ceremonial dance but if you let go of your inhibitions and do it, you’ll have a much better experience. It’s these strange features that make a country unique and create the best memories.

    Learn the Language

    You don’t have to become completely proficient in Portuguese just because you want to visit Brazil. However, if you can pick up a few basic phrases – or even just ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ – then you will have a much smoother vacation. As English speakers we have it very easy when we travel. English is the universal language and everyone speaks it so why would we bother learning any other language? The truth is that speaking to someone in their native tongue is a sure-fire way to win them over – and this could really come in handy while you travel.

    Keep a Journal

    Writing in a diary might seem a bit childish but it is a really good way to capture your experience abroad. You don’t need to write pages upon pages every day detailing every single thing that happened. Simply jot down what you did and how you felt at the end of each day. In years to come you will look back at what you wrote and your words will bring back vivid memories. You can even use it to bore your kids and grandkids one day.

     

  4. Art Basel Miami

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    Art Basel started up back in the 1970s when three enthusiastic gallerists put on an international art fair in Basel, Switzerland. Around 16,000 people turned up to admire dozens of galleries and the entire affair was a roaring success. Since then the Art Basel fairs have gone from strength to strength and are now held in Basel, Hong Kong and Miami every year.

    The purpose of Art Basel is to give credit to art galleries by recognising the role they play in supporting and nurturing the careers of artists. The shows provide galleries with the opportunity to showcase some of their most prominent masterpieces.

    This year’s Miami offering of Art Basel will take place between December 7th and 10th and will be held in the Miami Beach Convention Centre. The galleries that will be exhibiting at this fair hail from all over the world and will be bringing with them some of their best modern and contemporary artworks.

    During the fair, the main exhibition hall will be jam-packed with incredible pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings and photographs. Meanwhile, the landscape outdoors will be decorated with yet more installations – particularly those of a larger scale.

    The show will be divided up into different sectors to make navigating the mass of artwork slightly easier. The main sector is called “Galleries”. Here, you will find leading international modern and contemporary galleries displaying art in all manners and formats. The pieces on show will range from debut works from young artists to masterpieces fit to be hung in a museum.

    The next sector worth noting is “Nova”. This sector is all about embracing the new. Nova will feature select galleries presenting just a couple of artists – or even just one – whose work has been created in the past three years. Some of the pieces will never have been seen outside of the studio before.

    Moving on you will find“Kabinett”, an interesting space where galleries can showcase a whole exhibition by an artist of their choice. This provides excellent curatorial possibilities and can carve the way for rising stars in the art world.

    Another sector making up Art Basel Miami is the “Survey” sector, which will showcase historical projects. The works on show will span a range of cultures, generations and themes and will come from a variety of artistic approaches.

    If you are planning on visiting the Art Basel Miami show with kids then you will be thrilled to know that your little ones will be well looked after whilst there. There is a free kindergarten on site where parents can leave their children while they wander around the show. The professionals in charge of the kindergarten will engage your child in all kinds of fun arty activities with the aim of bringing out their creative side.

    Those really looking to make the most of their visit to the art fair should consider taking a guided tour with one of the resident experts. The guides can give you information about the artwork and answer any questions you might have regarding what you can see. Art tours are available throughout the day in a variety of different languages.

    If you’ve got an artistic streak and want to escape to the sunshine of Miami Beach this winter then Art Basel Miami is the ideal event for your calendar.

  5. Where to Go on a Trip

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    Sometimes you only need a day or two to get the lay of the land of a new destination. In these cases, spending any more than a few days in said place can become rather tedious. The best advice I can give you is to know what kind of destination you are going to before deciding how long to travel there for. For example, you probably don’t need to spend two weeks in a city, but it’s likely that you would want to spend that long somewhere with loads of nature, beaches and great day trip opportunities. So, how do you know how long to spend somewhere? Well, everyone is different and everyone has different tastes but generally speaking I would recommend spending the following amount of time in the following places to give you an idea of how to do things.

    A Long Weekend:

    Paris, France

    This incredible city has a lot to offer but the hustle and bustle can get a bit much if you’re there for too long. A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to gawp at the wonders of the Louvre, stroll along the seine and fill up on crêpes before heading home.

    New York, USA

    The city that never sleeps is one of the most famous places on earth and is the ideal destination for a long weekend. Seek out the city’s cool art galleries and be a typical tourist at the Empire State Building for a few days here. Oh and be sure to tuck into a bagel or two while you’re there.

    1 Week

    Cancun, Mexico

    There is a lot more to Cancun that just parties and spring breakers (although it has these in abundance). Travellers can easily spend a week snorkelling in the warm water and taking day trips to see the stunning nature that surrounds the area. Spend at least one day out of the city to explore some authentic Mexican culture.

    Egypt

    Whether you want history, city or beach, Egypt just about has it all. If you are looking for a bit of adventure spend the day checking out the world famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Alternatively splash around in the Red Sea and dry off on the beach afterwards.

    Two Weeks

    Sri Lanka

    There is never too long to spend in Sri Lanka but not everyone has the luxury of prancing around the world forever. In this case, two weeks should suffice. Not only does Sri Lanka have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world but it also has rolling hills covered in verdant tea plantations and hundreds of breath-taking temples. You’ll never have a dull moment on this amazing island.

    South Africa

    The southernmost tip of the mighty African continent, South Africa has an array of wonders waiting to delight visitors. Simply driving along the scenic Garden Route is enough to make your jaw drop. Add in some cage diving and a whole load of delicious cuisine and you might just have the holiday of a lifetime.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Top 10 Things to do in Miami

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    Top 10 Things to do in Miami

    Welcome to Miami – the hip and happening Floridian city of Cubanos, heady nightclubs and stunning beaches. If you are looking for things to do in Miami then look no further, this ultimate guide will give you the ten must-see Miami attractions to make sure that your visit to the sunny city of the south satisfies your every need.

    1. Chill out on South Beach

    The iconic South Beach is the place to begin your Miami adventure. This long strip of glistening white sand is one of Miami’s most beautiful sights and is filled its most exciting flavors. Watch a game of beach volleyball, envy the super-fit as they roller skate along the promenade or simply sunbathe in your best swimsuit.

    2. Eat a Cubano in Little Havana

    Little Havana is the must-visit neighborhood of Miami. A stone’s throw away from South Beach, Little Havana is home to thousands of Cuban migrants who have made Miami their own. Tuck into a juicy Cubano sandwich, take in the smell of Cuban cigars or watch an intense game of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

    3. Dance in a nightclub

    Miami is known for its extravagant nightlife and non-stop party scene. Whether you want to partner up in a salsa club and take in a live band or experience electronic dance music played by world-famous DJs in super-clubs on South Beach, Miami is the place to do it.

    4. See Art Deco architecture

    Miami is the capital of Art Deco and its Art Deco District is ideal for budding photographers and historians alike. These perfectly-preserved 1930s buildings in their wonderful pastel hues lie in the heart of the modern city and provide some real Miami history.

    5. Shop at Bayside Marketplace

    Miami is world-famous for its shopping malls and Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. Located on the Miami Waterfront not only can you purchase some incredible souvenirs, the latest fashions and grab a bite to eat here, but you also get some of the most stunning views of the beach and waterfront.

    6. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Step back in time at Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an enormous mansion decorated with priceless exhibits and artifacts. The former home of James Deering, the estate dates back to 1916 and has been an important location for a number of famous events throughout history including a visit by Elizabeth II and the Pope.

    7. Visit the zoo

    Zoo Miami is a unique cageless zoo and the ultimate way to see wild animals in their near-real natural habitats. Ideal for a family day out, the zoo features over 2,000 animals and visitors take a safari track to see them in their open-air environments.

    8. Miami Children’s Museum

    The interactive exhibits on display at the Miami Children’s Museum are state-of-the-art educational and entertainment tools perfect for the whole family. Move seamlessly on a journey of exploration through galleries detailing communication, arts, culture and community.

    9. Dine like a movie star

    For Miami’s best steak and to sit among the ghosts of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, be sure to book a table at The Forge. Try to time your meal and book a weekly dinner party, which features additional live music and dinner specials.

    10. Take a trip to the Everglades

    The diverse swamp lands of the Everglades are just a short drive from Miami and worth a day trip. Take a guided boat ride through the waters or walk along boardwalks and spot crocodiles, snakes,