Ten things to see in Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol in Cyprus is famous as the harbour where the two queens, Queen Joan of Sicily, sister to King Richard I the Lionhearted of England, and Berengia of Navarre, her future sister-in-law, took refuge from a storm during the Third Crusade. They foiled the Byzantine governor's plan to hold them for ransom, and the next year King Richard conquered Cyprus and was married there, then sold the island to the Knights Templar. Modern visitors may not have quite that exciting a time, but Limassol still offers plenty to see and do. Convenient Limassol villas provide a perfect headquarters for exploration.

Museums

Limassol Castle dates from 1000 AD and is now a museum. It was in the chapel of this castle that King Richard is said to have married Berengia. Medieval artwork, artefacts and weaponry are attractively displayed.

The photo above shows a view of Limassol Castle.

Image Source: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2209/1601661008_7ec93180a7_m.jpg
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelingotter/1601661008/

Kolossi Castle, 15 kilometres from Limassol, is a thirteenth century tower that served first as the headquarters of the Knights Templar and later of the Hospitallers. Reached by a short drawbridge, the structure contains an interesting mural of the crucifixion. A nearby building originally held a sugar mill to process the sugar that was once the foundation of the island's economy.

The six-room Folk Art Museum holds items that offer insight into the popular culture of Cyprus over the last two centuries. The costume collection is particularly interesting. Jewellery, wooden chests and country tools are also on display.

The Archaeological Museum houses artefacts dating back to Neolithic times as well as more recent items all the way up to Roman times. From stone axes to Roman coins, the museum features an array of material from Limassol and the adjacent cities of Amathus and Curium.
Outdoor attractions

The Public Garden, situated on the Coast Road, provides a green place equipped with both domestic and exotic botanical specimens for visitors to study or simply enjoy. The garden also houses a garden theatre and a natural history museum. A zoo is located on the grounds where big cats, monkeys, exotic birds and other animals are housed.

The Promenade, built on reclaimed coastal land, features a series of sculptures. Extending 1.6 miles along the sea coast, the exhibit contains works from artists both domestic and international. Paved walks with plentiful seating offer views of harbour traffic and the antics of the resident cats.

The photo above shows a view of Limassol Promenade.

Image Source: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3380/3570713660_760e06755f_m.jpg
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hewy/3570713660/

 

Lady Mile Beach is perfect for family relaxation. The water is quite shallow and the broad stretch of golden sand inviting, if sometimes crowded. Restaurants and tavernas dot the area just inland, and on the sands itself sea turtles have occasionally been reported.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a facility that houses and cares for donkeys. The staff is quite knowledgeable and very willing to share their expertise with visitors. The refuge offers donkey adoptions, allowing animal lovers to provide sponsorship for one of their residents.
Shopping

MyMall Limassol is Cyprus's largest shopping mall. In addition to shopping for more than 200 brands of high-quality merchandise, visitors can choose from a wide range of eating options. The mall also offers a playground for young children, a bowling alley, a video arcade and an ice rink.

Platres Chocolate Workshop offers home-made chocolates in an amazing variety. While the price is high, so is the quality, and the fillings are made from local ingredients often unique to the area. The Aphrodite Cream filling is especially well recommended. The shop also offers lessons for visitors with an interest in the process.

Limassol makes a great holiday destination. The beautiful Cyprus villas in the Limassol area are suitable for family fun, intimate romantic getaways or even larger groups. Limassol villas are easily booked on-line or through a travel agent, and come in sizes and arrangements to suit any situation.

Ten things to see in Limassol, Cyprus

Posted by Ash K 3 comments

Limassol in Cyprus is famous as the harbour where the two queens, Queen Joan of Sicily, sister to King Richard I the Lionhearted of England, and Berengia of Navarre, her future sister-in-law, took refuge from a storm during the Third Crusade. They foiled the Byzantine governor's plan to hold them for ransom, and the next year King Richard conquered Cyprus and was married there, then sold the island to the Knights Templar. Modern visitors may not have quite that exciting a time, but Limassol still offers plenty to see and do. Convenient Limassol villas provide a perfect headquarters for exploration.

Museums

Limassol Castle dates from 1000 AD and is now a museum. It was in the chapel of this castle that King Richard is said to have married Berengia. Medieval artwork, artefacts and weaponry are attractively displayed.

The photo above shows a view of Limassol Castle.

Image Source: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2209/1601661008_7ec93180a7_m.jpg
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelingotter/1601661008/

Kolossi Castle, 15 kilometres from Limassol, is a thirteenth century tower that served first as the headquarters of the Knights Templar and later of the Hospitallers. Reached by a short drawbridge, the structure contains an interesting mural of the crucifixion. A nearby building originally held a sugar mill to process the sugar that was once the foundation of the island's economy.

The six-room Folk Art Museum holds items that offer insight into the popular culture of Cyprus over the last two centuries. The costume collection is particularly interesting. Jewellery, wooden chests and country tools are also on display.

The Archaeological Museum houses artefacts dating back to Neolithic times as well as more recent items all the way up to Roman times. From stone axes to Roman coins, the museum features an array of material from Limassol and the adjacent cities of Amathus and Curium.
Outdoor attractions

The Public Garden, situated on the Coast Road, provides a green place equipped with both domestic and exotic botanical specimens for visitors to study or simply enjoy. The garden also houses a garden theatre and a natural history museum. A zoo is located on the grounds where big cats, monkeys, exotic birds and other animals are housed.

The Promenade, built on reclaimed coastal land, features a series of sculptures. Extending 1.6 miles along the sea coast, the exhibit contains works from artists both domestic and international. Paved walks with plentiful seating offer views of harbour traffic and the antics of the resident cats.

The photo above shows a view of Limassol Promenade.

Image Source: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3380/3570713660_760e06755f_m.jpg
Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hewy/3570713660/

 

Lady Mile Beach is perfect for family relaxation. The water is quite shallow and the broad stretch of golden sand inviting, if sometimes crowded. Restaurants and tavernas dot the area just inland, and on the sands itself sea turtles have occasionally been reported.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a facility that houses and cares for donkeys. The staff is quite knowledgeable and very willing to share their expertise with visitors. The refuge offers donkey adoptions, allowing animal lovers to provide sponsorship for one of their residents.
Shopping

MyMall Limassol is Cyprus's largest shopping mall. In addition to shopping for more than 200 brands of high-quality merchandise, visitors can choose from a wide range of eating options. The mall also offers a playground for young children, a bowling alley, a video arcade and an ice rink.

Platres Chocolate Workshop offers home-made chocolates in an amazing variety. While the price is high, so is the quality, and the fillings are made from local ingredients often unique to the area. The Aphrodite Cream filling is especially well recommended. The shop also offers lessons for visitors with an interest in the process.

Limassol makes a great holiday destination. The beautiful Cyprus villas in the Limassol area are suitable for family fun, intimate romantic getaways or even larger groups. Limassol villas are easily booked on-line or through a travel agent, and come in sizes and arrangements to suit any situation.

What to look for from a hotel on a business trip

From wireless internet access to its proximity to the airport, there are many factors that govern the choice of a business trip hotel.

Travelling for your business can be arduous. Long journeys and lonely nights can build up to a
stressful and unsettling experience, especially if the hotels you stay at don't provide you with a
comfortable experience. That's why it's so important to do your research before booking a business
hotel, to ensure that you're staying in a place that's homely and offers you essential business
amenities. If you're not sure how to begin looking for a perfect business hotel, here are a few tips to
get you started.

Today, the most important business consideration when booking a hotel is internet access. Most
businesspeople assume that the hotel they'll be staying in will have internet access, but this isn't
always the case. Sometimes, a hotel will provide internet access only in its public areas - for example,
in the lobby, bar or restaurant - but not in its rooms. The best accommodation for business travellers
offer free wireless internet in all rooms, so look out for these hotels when booking your stay.

Next, you need to consider the location of your hotel. In some big cities like London, it can take
longer than expected to travel across town. For instance, if you have business in the city centre but
you're staying in Earl's Court in west London, it could take up to 40 minutes to travel between the
two locations on the tube. So it makes more sense to book a hotel near the location of your business
meetings, one that's either a short taxi ride away or within walking distance.

If you're arriving at your business destination early in the morning or late at night, this should also
have a bearing on the hotel that you choose. Airport hotels can be very convenient if you're flying
at awkward hours, and are often tailored particularly towards business travellers. If you choose an
airport hotel, ensure that it is located near quick transport links into the city. For example, if you're
staying at one of the many London hotels near Heathrow Airport, the Heathrow Express train will take you into the city centre in just 15 minutes.

For business travellers planning to stay in Last minute hotels for more than one or two nights, the business amenities available in your accommodation should be very influential when making your choice. If you plan to host meetings, for instance, you may wish to look for a hotel that has meeting rooms for hire. You may also require printing, copying and scanning facilities, so it's advisable to check exactly what business facilities are available - and how much they cost to use - before making a booking.

About the Author :  Javier Bravo writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

What to look for from a hotel on a business trip

Posted by Ash K No comments

From wireless internet access to its proximity to the airport, there are many factors that govern the choice of a business trip hotel.

Travelling for your business can be arduous. Long journeys and lonely nights can build up to a
stressful and unsettling experience, especially if the hotels you stay at don't provide you with a
comfortable experience. That's why it's so important to do your research before booking a business
hotel, to ensure that you're staying in a place that's homely and offers you essential business
amenities. If you're not sure how to begin looking for a perfect business hotel, here are a few tips to
get you started.

Today, the most important business consideration when booking a hotel is internet access. Most
businesspeople assume that the hotel they'll be staying in will have internet access, but this isn't
always the case. Sometimes, a hotel will provide internet access only in its public areas - for example,
in the lobby, bar or restaurant - but not in its rooms. The best accommodation for business travellers
offer free wireless internet in all rooms, so look out for these hotels when booking your stay.

Next, you need to consider the location of your hotel. In some big cities like London, it can take
longer than expected to travel across town. For instance, if you have business in the city centre but
you're staying in Earl's Court in west London, it could take up to 40 minutes to travel between the
two locations on the tube. So it makes more sense to book a hotel near the location of your business
meetings, one that's either a short taxi ride away or within walking distance.

If you're arriving at your business destination early in the morning or late at night, this should also
have a bearing on the hotel that you choose. Airport hotels can be very convenient if you're flying
at awkward hours, and are often tailored particularly towards business travellers. If you choose an
airport hotel, ensure that it is located near quick transport links into the city. For example, if you're
staying at one of the many London hotels near Heathrow Airport, the Heathrow Express train will take you into the city centre in just 15 minutes.

For business travellers planning to stay in Last minute hotels for more than one or two nights, the business amenities available in your accommodation should be very influential when making your choice. If you plan to host meetings, for instance, you may wish to look for a hotel that has meeting rooms for hire. You may also require printing, copying and scanning facilities, so it's advisable to check exactly what business facilities are available - and how much they cost to use - before making a booking.

About the Author :  Javier Bravo writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Barcelona´s water life

The hot summer months in Barcelona are often spend along or in the water, and the long beach is a great way to spend the day. If you would like a more active day at the beach several water activities can be carried out to have an exciting day. What is a better activity for a hot summer day than one of the water sports Barcelona has to offer? A broad range of choices will give you something to your preferences.

First of all, surfing, a popular sport which is executed a lot in Barcelona. It of course depends on the waves and the weather but when walking along the beach the chance is big to spot a surfer. There are many places near Barceloneta where surfboards can be rented. The average renting price will be 20 Euro´s per hour. When surfing seems out of your league the stand-up-surf sport will be something for you. A paddle can be used to propel yourself trough the water. If you like water sports and are interested in trying something new this stand-up-surfing will be interesting for you. When interested in a more relaxing activity the popular kayaking is nice way to enjoy the sea. You can make a route along the beach costs or if you don´t feel like paddling you can be carried by the sea and have a look at the amazing view. Some routes even allow you to explorer the dark caves. The price of on average four hours will be around 50 Euros. The short but very exiting experiences that can be rented are jet skies and banana boats. These give the opportunity to go through the water very fast but they are however costly and therefore often purchased only once. The final proposition of water sports in Barcelona is Scuba diving. If you are interested in the sea and would like to discover it even more you can now see the breathtaking Mediterranean coast under water.

These activities allow you to experience the Barcelona sea and cool off during a warm summer day. Water sports can be both active and relaxing and the city offers you a variety of activities. When you have become more interested in Barcelona these vacation apartments Barcelona can offer you a comfortable stay. If you are interested in a current accommodation take a look at these properties in Spain. This article was written by a travel blogger for Apartime, Sanne.   

Barcelona´s water life

Posted by Ash K 1 comment

The hot summer months in Barcelona are often spend along or in the water, and the long beach is a great way to spend the day. If you would like a more active day at the beach several water activities can be carried out to have an exciting day. What is a better activity for a hot summer day than one of the water sports Barcelona has to offer? A broad range of choices will give you something to your preferences.

First of all, surfing, a popular sport which is executed a lot in Barcelona. It of course depends on the waves and the weather but when walking along the beach the chance is big to spot a surfer. There are many places near Barceloneta where surfboards can be rented. The average renting price will be 20 Euro´s per hour. When surfing seems out of your league the stand-up-surf sport will be something for you. A paddle can be used to propel yourself trough the water. If you like water sports and are interested in trying something new this stand-up-surfing will be interesting for you. When interested in a more relaxing activity the popular kayaking is nice way to enjoy the sea. You can make a route along the beach costs or if you don´t feel like paddling you can be carried by the sea and have a look at the amazing view. Some routes even allow you to explorer the dark caves. The price of on average four hours will be around 50 Euros. The short but very exiting experiences that can be rented are jet skies and banana boats. These give the opportunity to go through the water very fast but they are however costly and therefore often purchased only once. The final proposition of water sports in Barcelona is Scuba diving. If you are interested in the sea and would like to discover it even more you can now see the breathtaking Mediterranean coast under water.

These activities allow you to experience the Barcelona sea and cool off during a warm summer day. Water sports can be both active and relaxing and the city offers you a variety of activities. When you have become more interested in Barcelona these vacation apartments Barcelona can offer you a comfortable stay. If you are interested in a current accommodation take a look at these properties in Spain. This article was written by a travel blogger for Apartime, Sanne.   

Other Winter adventures

Think winter sports and most people think of snowboarding and skiing. One or two might add
sledding or snowshoe walks to the list, but for years the snowsports world has been dominated
by those two activities. There are, however some great alternatives for those who are looking for
something a little different this season. Here are a few other options to think about:

-Ice climbing. Where skiing is all about coming down the mountain in style, ice climbing is all about
going up. Armed with a pair of ice axes and with spiked crampons on your boots, you'll make your
way up a spectacular frozen mountainside, or even climb a frozen waterfall.

You don't have to be an expert to give ice climbing a try. There are even a few indoor ice climbing
centers scattered around the world, so you can give it a go in a very controlled environment. Even if
you aren't going to be anywhere that offers indoor ice climbing, most Alpine and winter mountain
resorts are home to guides and instructors who will be more than happy to take you out and give
you a taste of this incredibly exciting sport.

-Snow holing and snow survival courses. Every kid wants to build an igloo at some point, and there
are plenty of adults who'd like to give it a try too. With expert instruction you can learn how to build
your very own igloo or snow hole home-away-from-home. Winter survival courses can also teach
you about assessing avalanche risk, how to move across snowy slopes safely, and a whole lot more.
They're ideal for people just starting out in the winter sports world but even the most experienced
mountaineer will probably learn something new.

-Ice diving. The tropical fish are nowhere to be seen but nevertheless, scuba divers are taking to the
icy waters around Canada, off Iceland, and in Russia's Lake Baikal in increasing numbers. The appeal
lies in exploring a strange and new underwater environment and seeing sights few people ever
dream of- very few ever see an iceberg from below. With the right training and the right equipment
it's even possible for recreational divers to get into the water underneath the North Pole.

-Dog sledding. One of the most popular of these winter alternatives, dog sledding trips are now run
from many of the biggest and most famous Scandinavian winter destinations and also in a number
of US states and Canadian provinces and territories. There are plenty of tour companies that offer
a one or two day dog sledding option too, so there is no need to spend a whole week on a sled. You
can either sit back and enjoy the ride, try handling the dogs yourself, or even join in dog sledding
race across the frozen countryside.

Jess Spate is a devotee of all kinds of winter sports. She writes for Appalachian Outdoors, one of
America's finest providers of winter sports clothing and equipment. They supply everything from North
Face Summit Series jackets to backcountry ski accessories.

Other Winter adventures

Posted by Ash K No comments

Think winter sports and most people think of snowboarding and skiing. One or two might add
sledding or snowshoe walks to the list, but for years the snowsports world has been dominated
by those two activities. There are, however some great alternatives for those who are looking for
something a little different this season. Here are a few other options to think about:

-Ice climbing. Where skiing is all about coming down the mountain in style, ice climbing is all about
going up. Armed with a pair of ice axes and with spiked crampons on your boots, you'll make your
way up a spectacular frozen mountainside, or even climb a frozen waterfall.

You don't have to be an expert to give ice climbing a try. There are even a few indoor ice climbing
centers scattered around the world, so you can give it a go in a very controlled environment. Even if
you aren't going to be anywhere that offers indoor ice climbing, most Alpine and winter mountain
resorts are home to guides and instructors who will be more than happy to take you out and give
you a taste of this incredibly exciting sport.

-Snow holing and snow survival courses. Every kid wants to build an igloo at some point, and there
are plenty of adults who'd like to give it a try too. With expert instruction you can learn how to build
your very own igloo or snow hole home-away-from-home. Winter survival courses can also teach
you about assessing avalanche risk, how to move across snowy slopes safely, and a whole lot more.
They're ideal for people just starting out in the winter sports world but even the most experienced
mountaineer will probably learn something new.

-Ice diving. The tropical fish are nowhere to be seen but nevertheless, scuba divers are taking to the
icy waters around Canada, off Iceland, and in Russia's Lake Baikal in increasing numbers. The appeal
lies in exploring a strange and new underwater environment and seeing sights few people ever
dream of- very few ever see an iceberg from below. With the right training and the right equipment
it's even possible for recreational divers to get into the water underneath the North Pole.

-Dog sledding. One of the most popular of these winter alternatives, dog sledding trips are now run
from many of the biggest and most famous Scandinavian winter destinations and also in a number
of US states and Canadian provinces and territories. There are plenty of tour companies that offer
a one or two day dog sledding option too, so there is no need to spend a whole week on a sled. You
can either sit back and enjoy the ride, try handling the dogs yourself, or even join in dog sledding
race across the frozen countryside.

Jess Spate is a devotee of all kinds of winter sports. She writes for Appalachian Outdoors, one of
America's finest providers of winter sports clothing and equipment. They supply everything from North
Face Summit Series jackets to backcountry ski accessories.

Australian scuba diving and snorkelling

Australia is one of the great scuba diving destinations. Every stretch of coast has its own unique dive
sites. They vary dramatically from the warm, tropical waters of the north to the chillier Southern
Ocean dive sites along the opposite coast. No matter where you go on the Australian coast, there
will almost certainly be a new underwater world to explore, but the country also has a handful of
truly world class diving and snorkelling meccas.

By far the most famous is Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Most visitors arrive at Cairns or another
coastal city, the reef is truly staggering in size. It runs for about 1600 miles down Australia's north
east coast. In fact, it's so big that it's clearly visible from space, and is widely regarded as the biggest
permanent structure made by living organisms.

Literally millions of visitors come to the Great Barrier Reef every year. They come to take boat tours,
to snorkel amongst a huge variety of tropical fish, to scuba dive, and even to hire tiny one-person
submersible crafts. The crowds are carefully managed to prevent the reef from being damaged but
there is no denying that you'll see a lot of people as well as a lot of fish!

On the north west coast, there is a less popular but maybe even more spectacular reef. Ningaloo
World Heritage area encompasses some of the most beautiful and most pristine reef on the globe.
About 450 different species of fish have been counted there, ranging from tiny, brightly coloured
tropical gems to the massive whale shark- a gentle creature that can be anything up to 40ft long.

Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, which sits just off more than one major Australian town, Ningaloo
is several hours from the nearest urban centre. It's a lot harder to get to than most other dive
resorts but many people argue that the combination of peace and quiet and a beautifully unspoiled
environment make the journey more than worthwhile.

There is also great diving to be had in the cooler southern waters. Drive south from Sydney and
you'll find a long chain of great dive sites, from the incredibly clear waters of Jervis Bay to the rocky
headlands and sandy beaches around Ulladulla, Batemen's Bay, and Moruya. The brightly coloured
tropical fish are less common, although a few do drift down from warmer waters in summer and
early autumn. There are, however, other attractions- cuttlefish and octopi, sharks, seals, and
stingrays for example.

Jess Spate is a keen diver who started out snorkelling along Australia's south east coast. She writes
for an underwater housing and camera company.

Australian scuba diving and snorkelling

Posted by Ash K 2 comments

Australia is one of the great scuba diving destinations. Every stretch of coast has its own unique dive
sites. They vary dramatically from the warm, tropical waters of the north to the chillier Southern
Ocean dive sites along the opposite coast. No matter where you go on the Australian coast, there
will almost certainly be a new underwater world to explore, but the country also has a handful of
truly world class diving and snorkelling meccas.

By far the most famous is Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Most visitors arrive at Cairns or another
coastal city, the reef is truly staggering in size. It runs for about 1600 miles down Australia's north
east coast. In fact, it's so big that it's clearly visible from space, and is widely regarded as the biggest
permanent structure made by living organisms.

Literally millions of visitors come to the Great Barrier Reef every year. They come to take boat tours,
to snorkel amongst a huge variety of tropical fish, to scuba dive, and even to hire tiny one-person
submersible crafts. The crowds are carefully managed to prevent the reef from being damaged but
there is no denying that you'll see a lot of people as well as a lot of fish!

On the north west coast, there is a less popular but maybe even more spectacular reef. Ningaloo
World Heritage area encompasses some of the most beautiful and most pristine reef on the globe.
About 450 different species of fish have been counted there, ranging from tiny, brightly coloured
tropical gems to the massive whale shark- a gentle creature that can be anything up to 40ft long.

Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, which sits just off more than one major Australian town, Ningaloo
is several hours from the nearest urban centre. It's a lot harder to get to than most other dive
resorts but many people argue that the combination of peace and quiet and a beautifully unspoiled
environment make the journey more than worthwhile.

There is also great diving to be had in the cooler southern waters. Drive south from Sydney and
you'll find a long chain of great dive sites, from the incredibly clear waters of Jervis Bay to the rocky
headlands and sandy beaches around Ulladulla, Batemen's Bay, and Moruya. The brightly coloured
tropical fish are less common, although a few do drift down from warmer waters in summer and
early autumn. There are, however, other attractions- cuttlefish and octopi, sharks, seals, and
stingrays for example.

Jess Spate is a keen diver who started out snorkelling along Australia's south east coast. She writes
for an underwater housing and camera company.

Tips for Making a New Zealand Vacation Affordable

Sticker shock is probably the biggest deterrent for people looking at vacations to New Zealand. It is true that a trip to New Zealand can be pricey compared to domestic vacation destinations. However, there are several ways you can make your New Zealand vacation more affordable.

Tip #1 – Use Your Frequent Flier Miles

If you want to go on a vacation to New Zealand your most expensive purchase will be your airfare. Fortunately, you can reduce the price of your ticket or even get it for free if you use your frequent flier miles.
To get the most value from your frequent flier miles program find a program that offers double or triple miles for special purchases. Then use your card for all of your purchases during the year. At the end of each month you can apply the money that you would normally spend on your monthly purchases to paying off your credit card bill. This will allow you to earn maximum miles without carrying a large balance on your credit card and without having to pay interest.

Tip #2 – Buy an Island Hopping Ticket

There are a lot of fabulous islands found near New Zealand. If you want to hop from island to island and explore this corner of the world, this type of ticket will provide you with the most value. It will also keep your travel expenses to a minimum.

Tip #3 – Earn Your Keep

If you want to spend an extended period of time in New Zealand you can save nearly 100% on your room and board by working for farmstays and homestays. It is called whooffing. Help in the kitchen, do some yard work, help harvest produce or help around the farm and you can earn your lodging and meals. This is a great way to shave $100 or more dollars a day off of your vacation cost.

Tip #4 – Travel by Bike

To save money on your travel expenses once you are in New Zealand consider renting or bringing a bicycle with you. If you travel by bike, you do not have to rent a car, pay for insurance or pay for gas. You can rent a bike for a few dollars a day, or you can bring your own bike with you and pay nothing. Biking through New Zealand is a great option.

Tip #5 – Food Festivals and Local Producers

To save money on food consider sampling local foods. Food festivals are a great option as a low entrance fee will give you access to a large selection of regional delicacies. Sometimes these events are even free.

Tip #6 - Stay at Hostels

New Zealand is quite different than many other countries. They have excellent hostels called, The BBC. Joining it is very inexpensive and you get free maps and a guide with your membership. Families and people of all ages stay at hostiles in NZ. My daughter and I loved taking with people from all over the world over breakfast or dinner. Many hostels also allow you to pitch a tent.

Tip #7 - Shop at the Food Warehouses

The have all name brands, fresh produce and you will find the prices just right. We carried a cooler in the care for perishables and a box filled with dry foods. Our name was on the box. Hostels allow you to put things in the refrig and have selves for food boxes.

Viist our New Zealand Vacation site for information on all the hostels we stayed at over a 6 month period. and for more tips go to New Zealand vacation blog to get more articles and interesting places to visit in NZ.

Tips for Making a New Zealand Vacation Affordable

Posted by Ash K No comments

Sticker shock is probably the biggest deterrent for people looking at vacations to New Zealand. It is true that a trip to New Zealand can be pricey compared to domestic vacation destinations. However, there are several ways you can make your New Zealand vacation more affordable.

Tip #1 – Use Your Frequent Flier Miles

If you want to go on a vacation to New Zealand your most expensive purchase will be your airfare. Fortunately, you can reduce the price of your ticket or even get it for free if you use your frequent flier miles.
To get the most value from your frequent flier miles program find a program that offers double or triple miles for special purchases. Then use your card for all of your purchases during the year. At the end of each month you can apply the money that you would normally spend on your monthly purchases to paying off your credit card bill. This will allow you to earn maximum miles without carrying a large balance on your credit card and without having to pay interest.

Tip #2 – Buy an Island Hopping Ticket

There are a lot of fabulous islands found near New Zealand. If you want to hop from island to island and explore this corner of the world, this type of ticket will provide you with the most value. It will also keep your travel expenses to a minimum.

Tip #3 – Earn Your Keep

If you want to spend an extended period of time in New Zealand you can save nearly 100% on your room and board by working for farmstays and homestays. It is called whooffing. Help in the kitchen, do some yard work, help harvest produce or help around the farm and you can earn your lodging and meals. This is a great way to shave $100 or more dollars a day off of your vacation cost.

Tip #4 – Travel by Bike

To save money on your travel expenses once you are in New Zealand consider renting or bringing a bicycle with you. If you travel by bike, you do not have to rent a car, pay for insurance or pay for gas. You can rent a bike for a few dollars a day, or you can bring your own bike with you and pay nothing. Biking through New Zealand is a great option.

Tip #5 – Food Festivals and Local Producers

To save money on food consider sampling local foods. Food festivals are a great option as a low entrance fee will give you access to a large selection of regional delicacies. Sometimes these events are even free.

Tip #6 - Stay at Hostels

New Zealand is quite different than many other countries. They have excellent hostels called, The BBC. Joining it is very inexpensive and you get free maps and a guide with your membership. Families and people of all ages stay at hostiles in NZ. My daughter and I loved taking with people from all over the world over breakfast or dinner. Many hostels also allow you to pitch a tent.

Tip #7 - Shop at the Food Warehouses

The have all name brands, fresh produce and you will find the prices just right. We carried a cooler in the care for perishables and a box filled with dry foods. Our name was on the box. Hostels allow you to put things in the refrig and have selves for food boxes.

Viist our New Zealand Vacation site for information on all the hostels we stayed at over a 6 month period. and for more tips go to New Zealand vacation blog to get more articles and interesting places to visit in NZ.

Things To Do In Oxford

Oxford is an historic city that is steeped in the rich traditions of architecture and education. However, the city is also now bustling with a number of tourist’s attractions, shopping centres, and restaurants. A short break in Oxford is a memorable mini-holiday that has something of interest for everyone. Families, couples, and friends alike will all find festivals, points of interest, and gorgeous views that are sure to create fantastic memories.

A train ride from London to Oxford takes less than an hour, making it a quick and easy getaway destination. Once you have arrived, there is an array of accommodations to choose from such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camp sites. While some hotels are centrally located near the centre of the city, others are tucked away in more rural areas with gardens and sprawling grounds. Many hotels in Oxford also feature spa services and function rooms to host private events.

There are more than enough tourist attractions in Oxford to fill your time while on a short break. There are tours available in a variety of methods such as cycle tours, bus trips, and even ghost tours for a bit of the city's haunted history. Tours are a great way to view Oxford's landscape and architecture, including University Park, Cherwell Boathouse, and the Headington Shopping Area. The city is most well-known for its thirty-eight colleges that make up Oxford University. Founded in 1264, Oxford University at Merton College is among the oldest colleges in the city. Many of the colleges feature gorgeous architectural detailing such as the ornate drainpipes at St. John's and the stained glass windows in the chapel at Lincoln College.

In addition to its infamous university, Oxford is known for "The Boat Race" between Oxford University and Cambridge University. The rowing competition between the two boat clubs is now done on London's River Thames at the end of March or beginning of April. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to watch the four-mile race live and millions more watch the race on television. The race has had a long and rich history since the first competition in 1829.

Oxford also has many fine dining options as well as pubs and bars for a fun night out. In addition to restaurants that offer local dishes, there is also international cuisine at restaurants like Cafe Rouge, Saffron, and Bella Pasta. The bar and pub scene in Oxford is lively with local music and entertainment. The Pub Oxford, The Fox, and The Gloucester Arms are just a few of the dozens of places to grab a drink with friends for the evening.

Shopping is popular in the city as well and varies in experiences. Farmers markets offer excellent local produce, while Oxford's covered market has a number of specialty shops. High-end boutiques can be found at Henley on Thames and the designer retail outlet Bicester Village. Oxford is a great place to find unique and fashionable items.

Things To Do In Oxford

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Oxford is an historic city that is steeped in the rich traditions of architecture and education. However, the city is also now bustling with a number of tourist’s attractions, shopping centres, and restaurants. A short break in Oxford is a memorable mini-holiday that has something of interest for everyone. Families, couples, and friends alike will all find festivals, points of interest, and gorgeous views that are sure to create fantastic memories.

A train ride from London to Oxford takes less than an hour, making it a quick and easy getaway destination. Once you have arrived, there is an array of accommodations to choose from such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, and camp sites. While some hotels are centrally located near the centre of the city, others are tucked away in more rural areas with gardens and sprawling grounds. Many hotels in Oxford also feature spa services and function rooms to host private events.

There are more than enough tourist attractions in Oxford to fill your time while on a short break. There are tours available in a variety of methods such as cycle tours, bus trips, and even ghost tours for a bit of the city's haunted history. Tours are a great way to view Oxford's landscape and architecture, including University Park, Cherwell Boathouse, and the Headington Shopping Area. The city is most well-known for its thirty-eight colleges that make up Oxford University. Founded in 1264, Oxford University at Merton College is among the oldest colleges in the city. Many of the colleges feature gorgeous architectural detailing such as the ornate drainpipes at St. John's and the stained glass windows in the chapel at Lincoln College.

In addition to its infamous university, Oxford is known for "The Boat Race" between Oxford University and Cambridge University. The rowing competition between the two boat clubs is now done on London's River Thames at the end of March or beginning of April. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to watch the four-mile race live and millions more watch the race on television. The race has had a long and rich history since the first competition in 1829.

Oxford also has many fine dining options as well as pubs and bars for a fun night out. In addition to restaurants that offer local dishes, there is also international cuisine at restaurants like Cafe Rouge, Saffron, and Bella Pasta. The bar and pub scene in Oxford is lively with local music and entertainment. The Pub Oxford, The Fox, and The Gloucester Arms are just a few of the dozens of places to grab a drink with friends for the evening.

Shopping is popular in the city as well and varies in experiences. Farmers markets offer excellent local produce, while Oxford's covered market has a number of specialty shops. High-end boutiques can be found at Henley on Thames and the designer retail outlet Bicester Village. Oxford is a great place to find unique and fashionable items.