Posted on
July 31, 2007 by
dorisch
Need some cool suggestions for lakeside destinations? Here are the Top 10 for your pick. Though I do prefer oceans and beaches, some lakeside places can be charming and relaxing too. Among these Top 10 recommended lakeside destinations suggested by TripAdvisor, I am glad that I had been to Lake Taupo, New Zealand... it was truly a romantic and serene place to unwind and relax. So check them out!

1. Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
2. Lake Placid, N.Y.
3. Lake Windermere, United Kingdom
4. Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, Mich.
5. Lake Taupo, Taupo, New Zealand
6. Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
7. Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Utah
8. Lake George, N.Y.
9. Lake Geneva, Montreux, Switzerland
10. Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Category
New Zealand North Island, new zealand
Posted on
July 28, 2007 by
dorisch

This place looks like a romantic paradise for couples, honeymooners or vacationers who seek pure relaxation and indulgence outside Italy. Situated high above the green hills of Italy's northwest coast, overlooking the Ligurian Sea, this is Cinque Terre all to myself. Though you may be rubbing shoulders with a tourist everywhere you go, there are ways to escape the crowd and find some serenity and quietness.
Take a eight mile walk can be a unique experience at the Sentiero Azzuro, also known as the 'blue trail'. Though it may be a challenging terrain as one travels between the five villages, the natural charm of the trail is discovered along the way. Alternatively, rent a sea kayak and snorkel gear at the
Coopsub Cinque Terre in Riomaggiore. You can choose to join other tourists or outdoor seekers for the trip if you are all alone. This may be just another way to tuck away from the summer sun and enjoy a cool dip on a hot day.
Category
exotic destinations, italy
Posted on
July 20, 2007 by
dorisch
Most of us love to travel but going on a holiday can be costly unless you do some careful planning. Here are some ways to save:
• Airfare
Compare carrier: Unless you are going on a package tour, you can save quite a bit by choosing the right airline to fly with. The carrier you chose can vary between S$200-S$500. Look out for promotional prices and travel fairs.
Direct flights usually cost more than those with stopovers. But don't forget that you will waste more time for transits or stopovers.
Flying by day or night can also determine a price difference. Depending on destinations, some carriers charge more for night flights than day ones.
Peak or off-peak? As we all know, peak periods (school holidays or holiday season) can be dearer. You can save about $300 when flying on non-peak periods.
• Accommodation
Spending your nights in a three-star would cost less than a five-star hotel. Chances are, you won't be spending that much time in the luxurious room. Check on last minute deals (ratestogo.com or wotif.com) which can be cheaper than usual. Tip: Avoid doing this during peak season. Last minute deals mean you can't book way way ahead.
• Sightseeing
If you are on budget, choose a package where everything is included.Travel agents can get better rates with no hidden costs. However, all-sights inclusive option can mean lesser flexibility.
Category
travel tips
Posted on
July 17, 2007 by
dorisch
Some friends call me 'travelling mom' and I do have to live up to that name! I took Clayton on his first overseas trip when he was 3 months old - took him in my Baby Bjorn and we hopped up the coach and that was exciting.

Besides Singapore, Clayton has been to New Zealand and Australia, he is trained to be a good traveller cos his mommie is a travel freak :) I am very used to planning my own travel vacations but I know some may prefer to get help through a network or travel company.
Many vacation providers assist individuals, families or even corporates by catering to their vacation needs. This may include travel arrangements related to air travel, accommodation booking, tours, itinerary planning, car rentals and more. Usually, vacation providers get good rates from these hotel or tour operators and these savings can be significant in reducing your travel costs.
The choice of planning a vacation depends on your style, personality, preference and needs. And you need to do your own research whether you decide to go Free and Easy or seek advice from a vacation provider.
Category
travel ideas
Posted on
July 15, 2007 by
dorisch
Looking for travel ideas? Here are the TOP 10 to places spoil yourself rotten:
| 1. |
Maui, Hawaii
|
| 2. |
Paradise Island, Bahamas |
| 3. |
Positano, Italy |
| 4. |
Naples, Fla. |
| 5. |
Los Cabos, Mexico |
| 6. |
Sedona, Arizona |
| 7. |
Baden-Baden, Germany |
| 8. |
Carmel, Calif. |
| 9. |
Bali, Indonesia |
| 10. |
Turks and Caicos |
Category
top 10, travel ideas
Posted on
July 12, 2007 by
dorisch

One of the places in my 'must see' list is the UK... London, Italy, Spain, Prague are the tops in the list! Yet, I have heard much about how expensive accommodations can be in the UK where even 3 star hotels can cost around $100. So it is worth spending time researching and comparing hotels and prices once you have decided where you are travelling.
With so many accommodation choices and options, how do you go about with choosing the right place to stay? Here are my suggestions on choosing a hotel in the UK:
1) It is useful to find out WHERE exactly the hotel is located.
Is it near the heart of town? How far is it from the airport? Is it near any places of attraction?
2) What sort of rooms are available?
Deluxe? Superior? Bedding configuration? Smoking/Non-smoking floors?
3) What are the rates for different room types?
Any discounts or promotions available during your travel period? Does the rate include breakfast or taxes?
4) Are credit cards accepted?
The types of credit cards the hotels accept. Some smaller establishments such as Bed and Breakfast or Guest Inns accept only cash.
5) Can you book online?
If yes, will you be issued a confirmation number? What are the cancellation policies? Any additional charges when booking online?
6) What are the facilities available in the hotel?
Internet connectivity? Business services? Restaurants? Kitchenette? Leisure or recreational available?
7) Is it child-friendly?
This is important as not all hotels esp adult hotels accept children. Some hotels only accept children above a certain age.
With the above suggestions, you can also find out detailed information of hotels and plot out your itineraries with information available online. View the different kinds of accommodations from country retreats to classic hotels, to luxury ones or those in the heart of the city.
Whatever it is, do your research and plan before you travel. This will ensure a smooth vacation for you and your family.
Category
accommodation, travel tips
Posted on
July 10, 2007 by
dorisch

I want to go to the Carribean islands! I've never been there but I read from some advertisers' websites that some of these all-inclusive vacations come with a beachfront property and a stay-in nanny who will look after your kiddo! Wow, that means DH and me can go snorkelling, beach walking, jet skiing, do all the extreme adventures without worrying about little Clayton. And the crystal clear waters in the Carribeans is marvelous! Just by looking at those vacation pictures, I'm already in that vacation mood.

Plus, these family-friendly resorts cater fun activities for children so they too can enjoy themselves while the adults have their time of relaxation and serious fun too! Let's see - Jamaica sounds nice... sipping cocktails by the beach and witnessing the most beautiful sunset... all these sounds too enticing!
Category
carribeans, dream vacations, exotic destinations