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Why spend your holiday in the Dominican Republic?

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Nothing beats a well-planned exotic getaway! Holidays should be all about spending fantastic time in places you’ve always dreamed of placing your fingertips! And toes, as a matter of fact! So pack your bags and prepare your passport for a wonderful sunny holiday in the amazing Dominican Republic region!

For years now, the Dominican Republic  has been a paradise for holiday seekers and for travelers all around the world looking to spend some quality time in heavenly surroundings. Although a Carribean island, the Dominican Republic has plenty more to offer than just white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. You can spend your time sunbathing and admiring a palm- fringed scenario but you can also discover a more adventurous side of this island that will capture your heart instantly. Windsurfing, exploring colonial history and luscious rainforest accompanied by impressive mountain ranges will color your holiday and fill your leisure time with plenty of activities for you to do.

Dominican Republic ( creative commons)

Dominican Republic ( creative commons)

Many tourists worry that a vacation like this may cost a huge amount of money or even worse leave them bankrupt after returning from the trip. You should plan your holiday in advance and organize your finances very carefully. Look for financial offers that suit your needs, open a trust fund to save you money or get informed about the best offshore accounts where fees are smaller or absent. This way you’ll have no worries during your sweet getaway, just relaxation and pure joy!

The Dominican Republic has some hot spots worth seeing while there: The Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo is one of the finest old colonial districts in the world and a wonderful place to chill out, too. Also, you should know that there are 19 national parks along the island, many natural and marine reservations. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see those bird species and butterflies that you’ve only seen on television.

Dominicans really know how to party so don’t think you’ll miss out all the fun while on holiday. Clubs over here scream of meringue music and passion for dance. The party has no limits in the Dominican Republic!

 

 

Adventure Holidays for Couples

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Romantic holidays may get boring after a couple of years. Why not try out an adventure with the one you love for a change? Explore and overcome your fears together by engaging in some of the most heart throbbing adventures out there. Create new memories with the one you love and try out these fantastic destinations.

The small South American country of Chile is an awe inspiring place to visit. The 4,300 km long and 175 km wide country is perfect for couples of all ages.  The capital, Santiago is home to some of the best ski centres. For those who love nature, the Lake District will give you the beautiful surroundings with pristine lakes and rivers, inspiring mountain ranges and even volcanoes. Other tourist attractions for couples include the Atacama Desert in the North and in the South Mountains, glaciers; fjords and ice-fields can be found.

Atacama Desert (creative commons)

Atacama Desert (creative commons)

For those who want to enjoy some of the rarest creatures in the world, a journey to the Galapagos Islands is a great idea. Famous as the place where Charles Darwin explored his theory in evolution, the island is home to unique tortoises, sea lions and more. The island is unique straddling the Equator; there is no better place for you and your loved one to explore than this island. One can enjoy boat rides to the small islets that grace the island. The isolated Espanola Island, Floreana Island and others are great spots for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

African Safaris are another ideal place to fall in love with each other all over again. What more adventure would you ask for than a Safari trip to the plains of Africa will be the makings of a second honeymoon for you. African Safaris are known to also come complete with beautiful sunrises and sunsets that you and your loved one can enjoy.  Animals that can be spotted include lions, elephants, leopards and other wonderful creatures that will take your breath away on your journey.

Borneo is another fascinating destination for couples who are after some adventure with its unique diverse wildlife. Orang-utans, elephants, and other exotic animals can be found in this area. Get chills down your spine as you and your partner track these “Wild men of Borneo” through the lush Borneo Rainforest while over 275 avian species fly above you and 110 mammals roam around you.

Borneo (creative commons)

Borneo (creative commons)

Couples will have the time of their lives while taking these wild adventures. Make unforgettable memories with your loved one on these dramatic holidays.

 

 

Why Save Up To Go To Maldives

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maldives-reef Creative commons Mohamed Lujaz Zuhair

maldives-reef Creative commons Mohamed Lujaz Zuhair

If you are saving up for a vacation, Maldives is one destination really worth considering.

Nestled amidst the glittering blue waters of the Laccadive Sea, Maldives is a little bit of paradise on Earth. As you walk along the beaches lined by white sand, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean brush your feet. The days are balmy and the nights breezy.  Beautifully coloured animals and coral lie in the depths of the waters. It has all the right ingredients for an ideal vacation.

This tropical country is one of the best places to come to when you want to get away from a hectic lifestyle. Don your beachwear, pick up your sunscreen and shades and head to the beach for a relaxing day. The Maldives has many different resorts to choose from, each with a different feel to suit different needs. All of them however have stunning coral beaches and warm shallow waters that are perfect for a dip with your family.

If you are the more adventurous type, you might want to go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters. The marvelous formations of more than 3000 coral reefs and thousands of different fish and underwater animals make for a breathtaking dive. The best part though, is that you need not be a professional diver to explore these waters. You can get anything from basic to advanced diving lessons and you can even try a drift dive with the help of a more experienced diver.

maldives Sarah Ackerman Creative commons

maldives Sarah Ackerman Creative commons

On small islands surrounded by kilometers of water all around, the best place to have fun is in the water- and the Maldives offers all kinds of water sports. From swimming and water polo to surfing and snorkeling, every resort gives you a variety of recreational activities. Parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing and a lot more activities can keep you occupied all day long. In the monsoon especially, this archipelago is the favourite destination of seasoned surfers.

Finally, a day time trip to one of the deserted islands of Maldives is an experience you will never forget- an entire island to yourself, unspoilt and peaceful.

Everyone needs a vacation and it is always a good idea to start saving for that perfect vacation well in advance. However saving up for a vacation can become a gruelling task, and with the added pressure of that money being taxable, does not make the prospect of saving very alluring. But with ISA, saving cash can get fairly simple. Banks today, have chalked down some of the best ISA plans to help save up. So if you are planning on having the best for your next vacation, open an ISA and start saving.

 

Active Holidays for Teenagers

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Let’s all go back a few (or maybe a lot) years ago and reminisce when we were teens-the partying, staying up late, adventure was  and still is all part of being a teen. When it comes to having a great holiday, there is no doubt that teens have a thing for adventure. There is no way your teen will enjoy his holiday if you take them someplace quiet and have them read books. With this in mind, here are some active holidays for teenagers that they will love.

New York is a place teens will surely love. Its rich street culture, cheap clothes and gadgets and the fact that it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world should be enough for teenagers to enjoy this amazing destination. Many of those films they love have been filmed here so you can never go wrong taking them to New York. And who knows? They might even be up for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art.

Museum of Modern Art, New York (creative commons)

Museum of Modern Art, New York (creative commons)

Mountain climbing or trekking is another activity that your teen will be happy to do. Morocco’s mightiest mountain Jebel Toubkal-the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains is a great destination for active holidays for teenagers. The mountains provide fantastic scenery while trekking to the top and one can enjoy the friendly locals and discover a different culture. A visit to Marrakech will enchant teens with acrobats, snake charmers and other night life entertainment that can be found here.

Believe it or not, even teens get tired of their high paced city lifestyles and will love to spend time away in the wilderness. A safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa will enchant anyone with its rich wildlife and game parks. A trip in the wild is sure to entertain the most hyperactive of teens so this is a sure win.

South African Safari (creative commons)

South African Safari (creative commons)

Giving your teen a chance to live like a King or Queen by renting out an entire Villa is another great idea for your holiday.  The best way to make sure this works is to team up with another family or more who also have teens-where there is a crowd, there is fun. Let them explore the villa and nearing village on their own while you and your honey spend some quality alone time.

Teens can be a hassle at home but we all know how much they enjoy holidays. Select the best places for your next holiday destination and they’ll love you for it. Perhaps, you’ll even get a kiss or two for your efforts afterward.

 

 

 

Polar Adventures

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Safaris, nature trips, kayaking, all these may have been the best adventure experiences at one time or another but times have changed. For a real adventure, you can now explore ‘no man’s land’ and what better place to start than somewhere in the Arctic?  Thanks to technology, one can now take a trip to these once ‘forgotten’ lands and enjoy nature in its purest form.

Cruises on one of the high tech ships are bound to be a unique experience. Depending where the cruise ship takes you, you will be able to enjoy interaction with some of the world’s greatest mammals. One of the favourites among the Antarctic cruises is a trip to the Falkland Islands which are considered to be as rich as the Galapagos Islands. Completely unique and diverse ecosystems can be found on this unique voyage including the rare macaroni penguin, nestling albatrosses, sea lions, elephant seals and fur seals. Historical places like the Shackleton’s grave as well as a whaling station are worth visiting.

Falkland Islands (creative commons)

Falkland Islands (creative commons)

The heavily iced area of Antarctica with its Weddell Sea is one of those places that humans seldom set foot on.  Visitors can have a true experience of the purity of ice as they admire the icebergs formed by the clearest water on the planet.  Huge penguin colonies, seals, a visit to some research stations and a glimpse of the exotic Weddell leopard are all part of the itinerary for this trip.

Literally be on top of the world and take a trip to the North Pole where there is no land, only ever shifting ice.  The experience of standing on 90° North with the world beneath is something each visitor describes differently. Part of adventure is witnessing the icebreaker ship make its way stubbornly through three meters of ice. Feel like the main attraction as polar bears stare at the ship like it was from another planet while arctic birds and walruses fly above.

Feel like you are coming out of a fairytale with a visit to Greenland and its icebergs and glaciers. The country is home to indigenous people and offers a unique cultural experience. With its scenic bays, colourful Inuit houses and adventure waiting around every corner, Greenland is a an amazing destination worth visiting.

Iceberg in Greenland (creative commons)

Iceberg in Greenland (creative commons)

The Arctic can be the last resort for those who are tired of traditional adventure tours. Whether you choose to be on top or at the bottom of the world, adventure is just waiting to happen.

 

 

Poll Indicates Some Couples Like Vacations

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In a stunning development, a new poll released this week by the U.S. Travel Association provides strong evidence that couples who take vacations together typically have stronger relationships and better sex lives. While the study was quiet on the point, it seems probable that these couples also have better tans and buy more luggage than couples who don’t take vacations or, if they do, spend them in the basement.

Thank you, scientific polling methodologies!

Thank you, scientific polling methodologies!

The survey is unashamedly designed to encourage people to travel more, ideally in the US, and so I can’t criticise its noble intentions. I can, however, delight in making fun of its methodology and conclusions.

For instance, apparently some 83% of the approximately some people who took part in the poll said that a weekend getaway was likely to spark romance. The Travel Association concludes from this that vacations cause whoopy. This rather blindly ignores the more likely and obvious interpretation — those of us who travel are more sentimental than those who don’t. We’re not romantic because we travel, we travel because we’re romantic.

Similarly, 77% of respondents who travel together say that they have a good sex life, compared with 63% of those who do not travel together. This means that both groups are doing pretty well in direct contradiction with real scientific studies that indicate that more than half of people in relationships are unhappy with their sex lives, so either this poll suffers some small selection bias or it sampled at most eight couples (or it’s complete bullshit from beginning to end).

According to the survey, couples who travel together are appreciably more likely to make it past the five year point. I wonder what conclusion could be drawn from that, apart from traveling together reinforces relationships? In light of the fact that most couples identify money as the single greatest source of dispute, could it be that those that can afford to travel are less likely to have financial issues? Yes, it could indeed be that.

Oddly enough, the one figure that’s difficult to misinterpret appears to have made it into the published results by mistake: “More than one in every four couples (28%) say their sex life improved after traveling together”. That’s right, this poll shows that almost 75% of couples experienced no change or a deterioration of sexual activity after traveling together. Now that bit would be worrying if this poll had any credibility at all but it doesn’t so it’s not.

Having said all that I’m pretty sure that a vacation — in that it’s time away from the kids in an anonymous environment that often involves bikinis and other people doing the dishes and not caring what the neighbours hear — is going to contribute to a healthy relationship. In fact I’ll go so far as to say that’s just stating the obvious and it certainly doesn’t need support from an unscientific poll sponsored by an industry lobby.

Up for a Caribbean Island Vacation?

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“Welcome to the Caribbean, Lad!!!” – The Pirates of the Caribbean

This one statement has drawn many a visitors to these exotic islands after it was first heard from Johnny Depp in the movies “The Pirates of The Caribbean”. The Caribbean compromises of around seven thousand islands that are surrounded by seas that are very crystal clear. The Caribbean provides the tourist a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the open blue sky and the plenty of beaches that surrounds it. This place is in fact considered to be a spot for both families and the newly wed couples. With plenty of islands around, the visitors can simply have a gala time visiting some of the most popular ones with their loved ones and enjoy their vacation to their full satisfaction.

Saline Beach at St. Barts: This is a very small V-shaped island which is just around 8 miles in radius. Inspite of its small shape, this place has been one of the perfect holiday destinations for the average people and the rich. People seeking tropical luxury can get in bounty from this place. The Saline Beach is located on the south coast and is considered to be the most secluded and perfect beach of this island. The sandy beach is white in color and horseshoe shaped and is very close to the country’s important village of Gustavia. Walking for around ten minutes from the car parking area, the visitor can easily enjoy the beautiful scenery that this tropical paradise has to offer.

Englishman’s Bay in Tobago: Tobago is regarded as the lesser developed half of the country of Tobago and Trinidad and is said to be the home to one of the best beaches found in the world. The beach present here is around a mile in length and u-shaped and is enclosed by a lush green headland of this island. A beautiful stream flows in the southern end, out into the sea from the tropical jungle and one could view the beautiful and brilliant coral reefs teeming with various types of tropical fishes that surround the white sands. This place is also secluded and has some small refreshment centers run by the locals.

The Pink Beach of Barbuda: The beautiful island of Barbuda and Antigua is situated in the centre of Leeward Islands, in the eastern part of the Caribbean. The island of Barbuda is said to be almost undeveloped and is considered to be still an untouched paradise, hence making it the perfect place for tourists having a liking for adventure and nature. However, there are various luxurious resorts and plenty of sublime beaches that provide the tourists with natural scenery and relaxation. This place is really ideal for those beach lovers who want to spend their vacation in luxury. The Pink Beach is very popular in Barbuda and is situated only a few miles to the south of the village of Codrington. The coral sands that are champagne colored tend to stretch almost around 8 miles from the Palmetto Point to Spanish Point and the offshore snorkeling is simply amazing. People who want to stay at lonely places would simply enjoy this beach and can stroll for miles without actually seeing another soul in sight.

Up For a Romantic Trip To The Maldives?

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Romance is in the air, and with places / travel destinations like Maldives, it is in the waters and the food and everywhere. So, if you are looking for a honeymoon location or an anniversary spot to celebrate that memorable day with your partner add this to the top of your list 😉. It hosts a tropical moody climate, with sunshine in abundance and not too much heat. So be it summer or winter season, you wouldn’t feel any different in Maldives climate. The name entails a collection of 26 islands and many more natural scenic beauties to explore.

The most beautiful things about these islands is the reefs, whether you are on a holiday trip with your love or on an adventure just like [“Jules Verne – Around the world in 80 days” ;). Nice book by the way!!] just take a deep breath and plunge into the variant, beautiful reefs that stretch across the whole sea. You could also take some swim suits with air vessels and explore the entire sea world like an explorer while discovering new life, making wonderful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

What better way to judge a travel destination than to explore the cuisines of these alluring surroundings. Being self-contained, all resorts prefer to have at least one restaurant to serve tourists with a variety of options which are mainly inspired by south-Indian and Sri-Lankan traditional dishes that serve spicy dishes – hot and flavoured with coconut. The dishes and options mainly revolve around fishes (“tuna”).

To experience the exotic taste of their culture and exquisite variety in food, you should try out the traditional dish served in almost every resort there. The traditional cuisine is served having rice that can be changed with roshi, a different version of roti to the one served in India, oh and not to forget the mouth-watering “clear fish broth”. This is one of many dishes on the menu that will leave you serving more and more, when after a while you’ll want to enjoy a walk along the beach side in the evening.

The Maldives, in recent years have become a popular travel destination for water-sports, where tourists from around the world join in to have a blast. “Can’t wait to go next year”! As a matter of fact with spots like Pavones, Costa Rica; Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France; Surfers Point, Margaret River, Australia in the list Maldives is ranked among the top ten surfing spots around the globe. But wait, this is not even the primary activity there, which is Scuba Diving, so if you have that inner kick to explore these waters and underwater sea life just plan a trip to Maldives since these coral reefs stretch hundreds of kilometres far from the land, while the water is clearer than anywhere else. Who knows maybe while your holiday trip you might come across something new and unexplored for the whole world to see and make it a happy memory for you and your family. J. Not to mention the best time for Scuba Diving is around January – April while the sea rests in calmness.

Up For Exoticism? Look No Further Than Thailand

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The country of Thailand has always been regarded as an exotic location for lovebirds and families alike. The location of Thailand gives it an added advantage over most countries especially where natural wonders are concerned.

This country is located in the south-east of Asia and is considered to be a wonderful nature’s hub with hills, jungles, waterfalls and sea beaches. This is therefore an ideal place for people to spend their time with their loved ones, families, friends, spouses and loved ones. There are also plenty of shopping destinations, gigantic malls and wonderful cuisines that are inviting to the tourists. This place is thronged throughout the year by people from all parts of the world.

The country of Thailand is also home to plenty of beaches that are exotic and enticing. Beaches in Phuket and Pattaya tend to pull crowd all the year round and offer plenty of sporting activities that include boating, surfing, wind surfing, sailing, scuba diving, para gliding, etc. The tourists can easily experience what nature has to offer. The island of Ko lanta Yai is another place that has a considerable amount of marine life.

Shopping is another frenzy activity that is carried out by the tourists in this part of the world. There are various retail stores that offer the tourists with eye-catching products. The visitors can simply spend their vacation by either by shopping, touring the country or by simply by relaxing on the beach side. Apart from this, the visitors can come across hundreds of Buddhist temples and monasteries that tend to appeal to their senses and soothe their nerves. Nature lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy safari and wildlife.

The rain forest of this wonderful country is packed with roaring cats and hungry hyenas. Exotic birds, reptiles and rhinoceros can be easily observed from close ranges. There are also sanctuaries and zoos that offer the visitors with variety of species that are only found in these regions. The major cities of this country also has plenty of night clubs, casinos, bars, spas, parlors and various other modern delights.

Another important reason for this country to gain international prominence is the low budget. Visitors require only need to spend a few amount of money to enjoy the bounty that this country has to offer. There are lots of budgeted and luxurious hotels available all over the country. People can simply select their type of accommodation based on their financial capabilities. Hence, finding accommodation is not a tough task for the visitors. Visiting this country is sure to make the visitors come again and again, as it provides complete satisfaction and provide value worth the money.

This country is also said to have great tourist infrastructure, which is considered to be the best in the world. Bangkok and Pattaya are cities that attract people in hordes. Pattaya is actually a sea-side resort city that has the best beaches in the whole of Asia and people visiting it can indulge themselves in water parks, nature parks, museums, etc. This is why, the tourists from all over the world consider Thailand as the perfect holiday destination.

Enjoying The Beaches of Hawaii

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There are plenty of beach in the world that are very popular among the tourists. However, the one that is said to attract people in thousands from all parts of the world at all times of the year is the Miami Beach. The Hanalei Bay beach on the Kauai island of Hawaii is said to have won consecutive awards for the best beach in America. This beach is very beautiful and cleanliness and this is what attracts the tourists ranging from honeymooners to families to come here and enjoy their vacation.

The sands of this beautiful and dazzling beach are white in color and are encircled with exotic palm trees. There are also some waterfalls in the distance that are very enchanting and these natural features allow the tourists to enjoy nature completely. The Hanalei Bay is said to be the inspiration for many photo shoots, films and paintings for the last six decades and a hit among the celebrities who visit this place often for their movie shootings or to relax their holidays.

In the year 2009, the Hanalei bay beach got recognition as the best beach found in the world and also was termed as the ultimate beach in the United States of America. Tourists visiting this wonderful beach can enjoy several undiscovered areas including snorkeling, surfing and swimming. The crystal clear emerald waters are considered to be ideal during the summer, whereas visitors can enjoy the surf at the other times of the year. The village of Hanalei tends to offer their guests with ordinary drinking and dining spots and provides a view of the best beach in the world.

This beach is also said to maintain various safety measures to ensure the safety of the visitors. Hawaii is also said to house some of the finest beaches across the globe. Hence, the visitors are easily spoilt with plenty of choices to spend their vacation in these parts of the globe. Most of the beaches present throughout Hawaii are said to be inaccessible by foot or road and secluded. Some of the other popular beaches in this region include the Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hulopoe Beach in Lanai, Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hapuna Beach in Big Island, etc.

Lanikai beach is considered to be very popular among the tourists, as it has plenty of water sports and recreations for all ages. Its waters are also crystal clear and the towering palms and the white sandy beach offer the visitors a panoramic view. The Kaanapali beach is known by several names and is the most sought after because of the adventure water sports it offers to its tourists. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues around for the visitors to enjoy. The Hulopoe beach is regarded as a picturesque beach and is an all time favorite among the recreational swimmers. The Hanauma Bay is somewhat circular in shape and unique and is formed by the filling of volcanic crater and an ideal location for snorkeling.