Tag Archives: beach holidays

The Top 25 Beaches in the World – The Travellers Choice by TripAdvisor

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TripAdvisor has released another one of their “Top 25” lists, and this time they have listed the top 25 beaches in the world.

Voted for by travellers, this latest list names a few of my own favourite beaches such as Whitehaven Beach in Australia and Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, but I was quite surprised to find that beaches in Britain took not one, but two spots on the list, and that the number one spot went to a beach in the Mediterranean…

Well, it just goes to show that you don’t have to sit on a plane for days on end to find your little piece of paradise (although if you want some sun with your sea and sand you are definitely going to have to go a bit further than Brighton!), and that the world’s best beaches may be a whole lot closer to home than you think!

So without further ado… Here are the Top 25 Beaches in World, as voted for by TripAdvisors Travellers Choice:

  1. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
  2. Gracy Bay, Providenciales – Turks and Caicos
  3. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland – Australia
  4. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
  5. Flamencos Beach, Culebra – Puerto Rico
  6. Playa de las Catedrales, Raibadeo – Spain
  7. Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande – Brazil
  8. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Southampton Parish – Bermuda
  9. Eagle Beach – Aruba
  10. Rhossili Bay, Rhossili, Swansea – Wales, UK
  11. Playa Paraiso Beach, Cayo Largo – Cuba
  12. Playa de ses Illetes, Formentera – Spain
  13. Chesterman Beach, Tofino – British Columbia
  14. Playa del Norte, Isla Mujeres – Mexico
  15. Ka’ anapali Beach, Lahaina – Hawaii
  16. Siesta Key Public Beach, Sarasota – Florida
  17. Anse Lazio, Paslin Island – Seychelles
  18. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola – Florida
  19. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth – Australia
  20. Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde – Florida
  21. Akumal Beach, Akumal – Mexico
  22. The Baths, Virgin Gorda
  23. Seven Mile Beach, George Town – Grand Cayman
  24. White Beach, Boracay – Philippines
  25. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe – United Kingdom

Where is your favourite beach in the world?  Drop us a line and let us know!

Guess the Beach and Get a Whole Lot Closer to One!

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Today I made the huge mistake of looking for a specific photograph on our backup box.  Three hours and around 10,000 photos later, I have just realised that I haven’t done any work this afternoon, and have instead, been around the world at least five times reminiscing about all those wonderful places we have been!

My afternoon may have been ‘wasted’, but it was so wonderful to look through those photos we have taken over the years (the aging part is not so wonderful!), and it gave me an idea for today’s blog…!

If you love to be by the sea, then you probably love beaches as much as I do.  Yes, the sand can get in awkward places, and yes, the sea salt does all kinds of nasty things to your hair, but sitting on a warm sandy beach with a cool beer in hand is my kind of paradise!

We are lucky enough to have sat on many beaches over the years, and so I thought I would pick out 10 of my favourite pictures, and ask you all to see if you can guess where these beaches are. Of course, such a task is timely and not terribly easy, so whoever guesses all ten correctly will receive a £100 travel voucher from us that is redeemable against any of our tours or tailor-made packages…!

Best Beaches in the world - But where are they? CIMG0073 CIMG0091 CIMG0536 CIMG6473 Cruise 2008 185 Golf, Party, Birthday 013 IMG_0195 IMG_0459 Marigot - Anguilla 008

Answers tomorrow – good luck! :)

Want to Live Longer? Holiday More!

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If you love to go away on holiday but feel guilty about spending your hard-earned cash on exotic trips abroad, you will be pleased to know that the results of a recent survey carried out by Nuffield Health and Psychotherapist Christine Webber, indicate that regular holidays are not only good for our health, but they can also make us live longer.

Holidays that make you live longer - Melia Hotel Zanzibar, Tanzania

The study involved 12 people who were given health assessments, psychological tests, lifestyle and dietary advice, and heart monitors to wear before being split into two groups.  One group went on with their everyday lives at home, while the other group were sent on holidays to Thailand, the Maldives or Peru.

Holidays that are good for your health - Fiji Islands Tailor Made Travel

Two weeks after the holidaymakers returned, both groups underwent medical and psychological tests, and the results showed quite conclusively that those who had been on holiday had lower blood pressure than those who had not, and that their mood, energy levels and sleep quality had improved significantly.

Additionally, the holidaymakers were found to have a higher resilience to stress than those who had stayed at home, they had decreased blood glucose levels and that their body shapes had improved (lost weight around their middles).

The holidays that were ‘road-tested’ during the survey included a small group escorted tour, a volunteer holiday, and a beach break in a luxury resort, and while they all had slightly different effects on those taking part in the survey, the results were all positive.

Holidays, it seems, really do improve our mental and physical health, and as many of us make life changing decisions while away or implement lifestyle changes that we learnt in a foreign land when we get home, the benefits could last long after our two weeks in the sun have passed.

So if you are feeling down, tired or ill, book your next holiday abroad – it’s good for your health and you might just live a bit longer!

 

 

 

 

 

12 Days of Christmas – Travel Style

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I was going to write this on 13th December, but what with 12/12/12 and all the extra work that one finds on their desk in the run up to the festivities, I am a tad late… Oh well, here is my (tongue-in-cheek) version of the 12 Days of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…  A South African Safari…

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Five Golden Rings (don’t see a need to change that bit!)…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Eleven days in Chile…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Twelve months to travel…Eleven days in Chile…Ten weekend trips…Nine new adventures… Eight days a sailing…Seven nights in Rio…Six Luxury Suitcases…Five Golden Rings…Four days in Vegas…Three week in Fiji… Two Europe City Breaks…and a South African Safari…

If anyone buys me perfume after that, there will be trouble! Merry Christmas!

Disappearing Islands – Will you have time to visit before they are gone for Good?

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With the hectic lifestyles we lead today it can be easy to put things off and promise ourselves that we will visit the holiday destinations on our bucket list “soon”, but with global warming affecting the climate and sea levels, many of the picture-perfect paradise islands we dream about could soon be gone – and for good!

Coastal erosion, salt water, and turbulent weather patterns have been taking their toll on secluded islands for centuries, but now that global warming has arrived, many islands in the sun are struggling to cope with the ever-changing weather conditions and rising sea levels.

While the islands will not disappear overnight, the clock is most definitely ticking, and if you want to swim along the shores of the following destinations, it’s time to get packing!

Solomon Islands

Sitting east of Papua New Guinea, the majestic Solomon Islands are surrounded with coral reefs, underwater volcanoes, and turquoise lagoons that attract divers from across the world. Threatened by cyclones and disastrous floods, these stunning islands are already showing warning signs and suffered a 5.2 magnitude earthquake just two-days ago.

Kiribati Islands, Pacific Ocean

If you close your eyes and think of a true island paradise, the image in your mind will look just like the Kiribati Islands! Swaying Palm trees, coconuts, and tropical vegetation come as standard, and those who manage to reach their remote destination rarely want to leave.  Sadly, rising sea levels have already claimed many of the tiny islands, and some scientists estimate that the rest could sink within the next 100 years.

Sylt Island, Germany

If you think global warming only affects countries far, far away, you may be surprised to learn that Sylt Island, Germany’s playground for the rich and famous, is also at risk of disappearing into the North Sea.  Drastic actions have been taken to prevent the devastating erosion, and the beaches are now lined with huge concrete “tetra pods” to stop further deterioration, but only time will tell if it will last.

They say, “Nothing lasts forever”, and if you want to visit any of the above, sooner is most definitely better than later!

Keep ‘Cool’ and Avoid the Top 10 Reasons Couples Argue on Holiday

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Our holidays are supposed to be a time of rest, relaxation, indulgence, and if we are lucky, a little romance, yet recent surveys carried out by tour operators and travel companies show that more than three-quarters of couples have at least two arguments during their annual break!

Many arguments start at the holiday booking stage, with up to 37 per cent of couples unable to agree on a destination.  If you do manage to find a holiday that suits both your needs, you should make the most of the peace, as if the survey results are anything to go by, you could be having your first row by the end of day three!

Exhaustion, stress, and the flared tempers that ignite when we spend two weeks together in a cramped hotel room are to blame for our ‘trouble in paradise’, so if you really want to avoid arguing with your loved one, you might want to think about upgrading to a suite!

The Top 10 Reasons couples argue on holiday are listed as:

  1. Checking out other men/women on the beach or by the pool
  2. One partner drinking too much
  3. Disagreements about what to do (apparently women prefer to sunbathe, while men prefer to be more active)
  4. Packing – taking too much, not enough, or packing the wrong things for your partner
  5. Driving and map reading (this is not just on holiday I am sure!)
  6. Disagreeing on what and where to eat in the evening
  7. Currency Conversion
  8. Spending too much money
  9. Taking too long to get ready for dinner
  10. Agreeing on a time to get to the airport for the return flight home

However, before you get disheartened, the surveys go on to show that 56 per cent of couples agreed that their relationship was stronger after a holiday, and 74 per cent said their beach holiday was every bit as romantic as the imagined it would be.

Five Hotels, Five Countries, Five Fabulous Holiday Destinations!

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If you have left planning your summer holiday until the very last-minute, now is the perfect time to search through those shiny travel brochures or scour the internet for that special holiday you have been dreaming about since your last trip somewhere warm and exotic.

With our busy lifestyles, it can be easy to put things off, but with just 168 days until the end of the year (sorry!), you may find that if you do not book your trip soon, another year will pass you by and your bucket list will be getting longer rather than shorter!

The world is big and the choice is vast, so to help you get in the holiday mood, we thought we would share some of our favourites – with 5 Hotels, 5 Countries, and 5 Fabulous Holiday Destinations:

Mondrian Hotel, Miami Beach, USA

Miami Beach is a wonderful destination at any time of year, and while you may see some rain during the next couple of months, the temperatures remain warm and there is still plenty of sunshine around.  The Mondrian Hotel is an uber-cool luxury hotel on the bay side of Miami, far enough away to relax and unwind, but close enough to enjoy everything the gorgeous sunshine state has to offer.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gansbaai, South Africa

It may still be ‘winter’ in the Western Cape of South Africa, but there is much for the traveller to see and do.  Safari’s, wine tasting tours, and shark-cage diving are just some of the activities waiting for you, and if you treat yourself to the magnificent Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, you will stay in one of the finest hotels in all Africa.

Vila Joya, Algarve, Portugal

The Vila Joya (Jewellery Box) Hotel is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets.  Perching on the cliff tops overlooking the Mediterranean; it is a fantastic destination for those looking for something truly unique.  Upon arrival, you are greeted with the words “welcome to paradise”, and once you have dined on one of their exquisite 7-course menus, you will understand exactly why they call it that!

Meliá Zanzibar Hotel, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, also referred to as ‘The Island of Spice’, is an enchanting island sitting in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.  A short hop from Tanzania mainland, this island in the sun is perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway, and if you are looking for luxury, look no further than the Meliá Zanzibar Hotel.  A five-star all-inclusive property with private beach, it is simply breathtaking.

Sofitel Hotel, Costa Do Sauipe, Brazil

While we usually avoid large chain hotels in favour of smaller, locally owned properties, the Sofitel Hotel on the Costa Do Sauipe coast of Brazil is certainly worth a mention.  Combining the luxury of a five-star hotel with a huge expanse of coastline, this is a wonderful destination for beach bums who enjoy nothing more than sipping an ice-cold Caipirinha while listening to the soft sounds of the waves and the Samba!

Wherever you are heading off on holiday – we hope you have the time of your life!

Summertime Cocktails – What’s Your Favourite Holiday Tipple?

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There is nothing more exciting than booking a summer holiday to somewhere warm and exotic, but if you have to work right up until the last-minute, have literally hours to pack, and cannot fit that 7th pair of shoes in your suitcase, the process can leave you feeling somewhat exhausted, and definitely in need of a break!

For me, the holiday really starts once we have unpacked, changed into tropical coloured bathing suits (that we wouldn’t dream of wearing to the local swimming pool!), and secured our prime location next to the pool armed with a great book, and most importantly, a fruity summertime cocktail!

From Piña Colada’s and Mai Tai’s to Caipirinha’s and Rum Punch, there is nothing that says, “I’m on holiday” more than a huge colourful beverage decorated with fresh fruit, flowers, and of course, the all important umbrella, and as they generally pack quite a punch – you will be in the holiday mood in no time!

Something we do not generally drink at home, a cocktail feels far more ‘summery’ than a glass of red wine, so if you are heading off somewhere exotic soon, why not try one of our favourites:

The Mojito

If you find piña colada’s a bit heavy, we can highly recommend you try the Mojito instead!  Crisp, refreshing, and light, it includes simple ingredients of fresh mint leaves, sugar, ice, white rum and a splash of soda water.  Some add fresh lime, others do not, but either way – it’s delicious!

Sunset Beach

We found this deliciously fruity cocktail at Maya’s Bar in Shoal Bay, Anguilla.  A delicious blend of ice, orange juice, mango juice, white rum, and Cointreau, it is both refreshing and thirst quenching, and the perfect cocktail to drink on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean.

Long Island Iced Tea

This cocktail really does taste just like Iced Tea, but it packs an almighty alcoholic punch so beware!  Made from a blend of crushed ice, gin, white rum, tequila, vodka, triple sec, lemon / lime juice, a pinch of sugar, and a splash of coke, this is one powerful cocktail.

The Margarita

Lastly, the Margarita is a holiday staple, and if you are visiting Mexico or the Caribbean it will be impossible to leave without trying one.  The traditional recipe includes tequila, triple sec, lime juice and salt, but most bars and restaurants offer a whole range of different flavours including Strawberry, Mango and Peach.

So wherever you are heading on your summer holiday, we wish you a wonderful trip and plenty of fruity cocktails! Cheers!

Facebook Travel Surveys – Savvy Airlines turn to Social Media

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We can be in no doubt that social media is changing the way we travel, and savvy airlines are now turning to the World Wide Web to gain vital information on travel trends and customer preferences.

British Airways have recently conducted a travel poll via their Facebook page, asking their followers to vote for their favourite flight routes and holiday destinations, and as a result, they have added extra flights to their follower’s favourite summer holiday destination – the Caribbean.

A representative for British Airways stated, “We had a great response to our Facebook Poll which just shows how important holidays are to people”, and due to the increased demand for certain routes, they will now offer daily flights from the UK to Barbados, St Lucia, and Antigua, and have added an extra flight per week to Jamaica.

The Facebook survey also suggested that we prefer to take ‘a relaxing beach vacation’ rather than a city break or adventure trip, and that those not heading to the Caribbean for their 2012 summer holiday will, instead, be heading off to the ‘dream destinations’ of South Africa, the Maldives or Florida.

With the current economic ‘turmoil’ in the Euro Zone, it is no surprise that travellers are heading further afield in 2012, and if the results of this poll are correct, it seems those in search of a dream beach holiday are taking long-haul flights to get to their idyllic destination.

The world of social media has opened many doors for travellers, and if those working in the travel industry join the revolution, we can help more people see more of this beautiful world we live in!

Are You a Pool Person or a Beach Person?

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I have come to the conclusion that there are two types of people in this world, those who like getting sand between their toes, and those who do not!

White sandy beaches may look idyllic and inviting, but those fine grains of sand manage to work their way into the most inconvenient places (including ones sandwich!), and if you have ever applied sun lotion before sitting down on a windy beach, you will know what a sugar-covered donut feels like!

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore pure sand, crystalline waters, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, but I enjoy the experience a whole lot more if I am sitting next to an infinity pool, safely lifted from those pesky grains of sand below.  Therefore, I must concede that I am a ‘pool person’, but I’m pretty sure I am not alone.

The pool scene in the US is huge, and if you have ever experienced one of the Sunday afternoon pool parties in Las Vegas, you will know exactly what I am talking about!  Beautiful bodies, loud music, and free-flowing cocktails are standard, but it might not be the best place in the world if you want to relax and read your book…!

Europe is still behind when it comes to the whole ‘pool scene’, although many of the larger resorts are now trying to copy their American counterparts by setting up large white sofa beds, ultra cool cabana’s, and offering ridiculously overpriced cocktails.

Destinations like Fiji and Mauritius seem to get it right when it comes to the pool scene.  With separate areas for children, and strategically placed sun loungers, it is easy to find your perfect spot, be it next to the live band playing tropical music, or shaded under a palm tree in complete solitary.

So if you find yourself digging sand out of your Speedo’s this summer, head off to the pool – it’s a whole less complicated!