Huntsville ? Holiday with a Blend of Science and Nature

Where are you planning to spend the vacations of yours? Not given a thought to it yet? If yes than don’t waste much time, just start packing up your stuffs to have a tour to the city of Huntsville where you will find science and nature blending into one another. You will enjoy every moment passed in that city and will think of exploring it again.

A city located in the centre of northern part of U.S. state of Albama, a city characterized by Tennessee River and nearby hills and the major NASA’s Marshall space flight centre and biggest United States army aviation and missile command is none other than the beautiful Huntsville. Huntsville was founded in 1811, after the captain named John Hunt settled in this place. Because of scientific inventions and historic preservation, they have won this city a 2010 Distinction Award. It is also named as Rocket city because of it hosts the biggest NASA centre here in Huntsville.

This article will provide you with details on how to find the best hotel deals and discount cheap hotels and travel blogs that will help you direct while planning your journey to Huntsville.

While having adventure in the city of Huntsville you really need a room for wiping off the days wearisome. Some of the best rated hotel includes the Westin Hotel Huntsville, Marriott Hotel Huntsville and Courtyard Hotel Huntsville and Country Inn & Suites Huntsville By Carlson Huntsville. They are different deals offered that give discounts and gifts. For example the courtyard by Marriot Huntsville provides with a hostel deal that if you pay via visa card then you get up to in gift cards and breakfast. To get more information log on to discount cheap hotels website. You can also have a passport coupon that gives you discount on many things while your trip to Huntsville including the travel deals and discount hotel vouchers. This can be done by surfing the Huntsville official website.

 If these hotel deals don’t match your requirement then you can also book any hotel room of your choice ranging from luxurious to cheapest. To get more related information just log to http://www.discountworldhotel.com for hotel comparison facilities to get the right room for yourself. This allows you to choose hotel with cheaper rates as it is comparing same hotel from various providers.

There are so many places to see in Huntsville that you find it difficult to plan which one to visit and when to visit. Therefore if you would like to get the best out of your travel experience, make sure to check travel blogs as there are heaps numbers of traveler insider information to help you to plan effectively and efficiently as well as to have full fun within your budget. The main places to visit in Huntsville includes the Albama Village, early works museum, botanical garden showing the true colors of nature , museum of art revealing the ancient art pieces , science quest museum enlightening the intelligent minds behind the fabulous inventions, and US & space rocket centre an insignia of success in the field of science and nature. You would be deliriously happy to see the Big Spring River surrounded by the buildings and beautifully carved botanical garden.

 For traveller on budget, you can save cost of calling back to your home country by using calling card or phone card. Happy travelling! So, wait no more. Plan your trip, book your hotels and ready to travel!

Win a Holiday with Trivago, in the Tuscan Countryside

Have you already thought about your next holidays?

The delightful medieval town of Casole d’Elsa, located near Siena (Tuscany) hosts a residence called Borgo al Cerro offering several apartments endowed with any kind of comfort and many services dedicated to the guests’ wellness, such as massages, swimming-pools, keep-fit area and much more.

Borgo al Cerro is a wonderful Residence near Siena placed in the middle of the countryside and surrounded by the Tuscan rolling hills. From here, it’s possible to easily reach several famous and interesting Tuscan cities and ancient towns, like Florence, Volterra or San Gimignano

In addition, this year Borgo al Cerro joins the fabulous initiative promoted by Trivago, Europe’s biggest hotel price comparison, which make you win a free holiday!

Yes, you’ve got it! If you are football experts or just lovers, bet on the outcome of the World Cup matches and you will have the chance to win one of more than 150 hotel vouchers available!

Participating is very very simple. Let me explain you. First of all, you have to review at least one hotel on Trivago website and then place a winning a bet for a match.

1 hotel review = 1 chance to bet.

One winning bet means one chance to win a hotel voucher! In addition, you can earn score that allows you to choose your favorite voucher. You need 55 scores to get ours!

So…what are you waiting for? Guess and bet! You could win an unforgettable, relaxing week-end at the Borgo al Cerro Residence.

Visit now Trivago.it, review your favorite hotel and place your winning bet for the next match!

Borgo al Cerro is already considered as one of the best holiday apartments in Tuscany by users, as the positive reviews on Trivago and Tripadvisor show.

More info about Borgo al Cerro Residence

Website: www.borgoalcerro.com

Email: info@borgoalcerro.com

Tel. +39.0577.949004

Top Ten Sights to See on a Holiday in Asia

Asia is a huge place, bestriding the tropics and stretching from the mountains of Eastern Europe to the Siberian tundra, from the port of Vladivostok to the tip of Papua New Guinea. With the continent encapsulating such a vast area it’s hard to decide where to go and what to see. We look at the top ten sights to see and places to go while on a holiday to Asia, helping you narrow down your search.

10. The Mongolian Steppe

Our count down starts with some of the natural wonders that are on offer on an Asian Holiday, and the Mongolian Steppe is first. Staying in yurts, horse riding in unspoilt natural beauty and camel trekking in the Gobi desert are some of the highlights which are completely and wonderfully removed from anything in everyday life.

9. Mount Everest

The second of our natural wonders is Mount Everest. As the highest peak in the world, standing in the shadow of the mountain is absolutely awe inspiring and often life changing. One of the most incredible sights on our list, Everest is fairly low down because of its inaccessibility; to truly appreciate Everest’s beauty means climbing up to base camp or to the summit, which isn’t an option for most travellers for obvious reasons.

8. Seoul

As you would imagine, Asia has a huge number of villages, towns and cities, and the next five places in our list are taken up with some of the continent’s most incredible and exotic cities to visit.

Seoul is the first city in our top ten, and simultaneously one of the oldest and one of the newest. The city can trace its creation back to 18 BC, but most of the city was obliterated during the Korean War. Some important buildings, areas and historic palaces have been restored, but most of Seoul is populated with brand new buildings. Seoul is worth a visit because of its scale, scope and dynamism. Almost half of the population of South Korea live in the administrative limits of the city, and the city’s actual ground plan is huge – it has the second largest metropolitan area of any city in the world, and encompasses a vast amount for museums, bars, restaurants, stadiums and three world heritage sites!

7. Beijing

Beijing is often called the “Northern Capital” of China, and is the next city on our list. Beijing is a melding of old and new; a place where the skyline includes the Birds Nest Stadium and the Temple of Heaven, the CCTV tower and the Tian’anmen. The merging of the cultural, political, religious and economic forces in the city makes it a fascinating destination for any Holiday to Asia.

6. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is interesting as a destination for any holiday in Asia from its unique position in the world. As a special economic zone with huge cultural and political imperatives from China and Britain, the conurbation is a blend of the two cultures. As a city it is blooming and developing a singular personality, creating something completely new from the remnants of older regimes.

5. Toyko

The capital of Japan also mixes old and new, but with a pronounced slant towards the new. The atmosphere is electric and active, with a culture and society that is wonderfully alien (from a western point of view). It’s definitely worth a visit on an Asian holiday, even if it’s solely for the unique nature of the experience.

4.Moscow.

Moscow is almost the exact opposite to Tokyo. While not completely stuck in the past, the city does remain a gargantuan edifice of historical and religious importance, rooted in architecture that is incredible to behold. St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin in Red Square are often the focus, but the entire city has been designed with grandeur and influence in mind since the reign of the Tzars. A powerful and awe inspiring part of any Asian holiday.

3. The Forbidden Palace, China

The last three entries on our list are the work of human endeavour, famous structures that often took decades to build and many lives to create. They remain some of the most awe inspiring sights to see on any holiday to Asia, and are once in a lifetime experiences.

Number three on our list is the Forbidden Palace in Beijing. A part of Beijing’s attraction, the Palace is an amazing site in its own right. The Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty (1368 – 1912), the group of buildings is huge, often given the name the forbidden ‘city’ rather than just ‘palace’ due to its scale and the facilities it encompassed. No one could enter or leave the palace without the Emperor’s permission, and the inner city became a symbol of China’s power and majesty.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway

More of a whole journey than a destination in its own right, the Trans-Siberian railway straddles the spine of Russia in an epic and famous link between Moscow and Vladivostok. Passengers on the long distance train are embarking on their Asian holiday as soon as they step onboard, and whether they stopping along the way or just experiencing the journey, it will be a trip they never forget.

1. The Great Wall of China.

Though the idea of seeing the wall from space is a complete fallacy, it is easy to see why so many people believed it to be true for so long. The Great Wall of China is number one on our list, and given its scope, its awe inspiring presence and its great fame (which it more than lives up to) it is easy to see why. One of the top attractions in the world, let alone on a Holiday in Asia, the Great Wall of China is an absolute must see site.

Yatra.com offers an exclusive offer. Book flight tickets with us and get a FREE holiday in the cool Himalayan Hills. All you have to do is use the yatra promotion code while booking your flight ticket.

Book two air tickets (two one-way or one return) and get a 1 night / 2 days holiday worth Rs 2,000 in the cool northern hills

Book four air tickets (four one-way or two return) and get a 2 nights / 3 days holiday worth Rs 4,000 in a beautiful Himalayan hill station

How to get your FREE holiday:

Step 1: Search and book 2 or more domestic flight tickets. The tickets need to be on the same transaction.

Step 2: On the Payment Details page, enter the Free Holiday yatra promo code

FREEHOL1 if you have booked two tickets

FREEHOL2 if you have booked four tickets

Step 3: Within 48 hours of the booking, we will email the details of how to book your free holiday to the email address used to make the flight booking.

Hurry! Use this offer for a quick summer holiday. Terms & Conditions 1. The offer is solely and entirely implemented by Yatra Online Pvt. Ltd. (“Yatra”) for all eligible customers booking domestic flights with us. 2. Book 2 air tickets or 1 return ticket to any destination and you will be eligible for complimentary 1 night 2 days hotel stay for a couple at holiday destination. 3. Book 4 one way air tickets or 2 return tickets to any destination and you will be eligible for complimentary 2 night 3 days hotel stay for a couple at holiday destination. 4. Destination for free holiday voucher given in this offer may change depending upon the availability. 5. All tickets needs to be booked in single transaction. Separate transaction will not be eligible for above offer. 6. In case of ticket cancellation , the above offer stands invalid. 7. After the flight booking under this offer you need to contact Yatra within 15 days and make a proper request (with booking number and check-in date) to avail the Free Holiday Voucher under specified terms and conditions. 8. Your preferred check-in date for hotel stay needs to be communicated to Yatra 7 days in advance. Check-in dates for hotel stay under this offer are available to the eligible customer on first come first serve basis. In case of non-availability of hotel at the your preferred date Yatra would provide some alternative. 9. Hotel stay under this offer is available between 4th June 2010 to 7 January 2011. 10. The offer is open to only confirmed domestic flight bookings made with Yatra. 11. This offer is not valid for Travel Agents. Yatra reserves the right to recover the voucher/amount if such a case is brought or comes to Yatra notice. 12. The holiday voucher includes hotel accommodation on room only basis. 13. And any other charge for upgrade, additional adults/child, extended hotel stay, meals, facilities etc, taxes, surcharge and other statutory levies on the services will be charged as per actual from the customer. 14. All purchases made under this Promotion shall neither be amended nor cancelled/refunded. 15. Yatra Online Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right at any time without prior notice to add, alter, modify, all or any of these terms and conditions or replace, wholly or in part, this Offer by any other Offer, whether similar to this Offer or not or to withdraw it altogether. 16. This discount offer cannot be clubbed with other offer(s) from Yatra. 17. All other standard Terms & Conditions mentioned on the Website would apply. Terms & Conditions. 18. All hotel stay will be subjected to availability and will be governed by the standard hotel terms & conditions. 19. Any disputes arising out of this Offer shall be subject to the final decision of Yatra. 20. This promotion is open to all Yatra Online Private Limited (Yatra) customers only. This offer is not valid for Yatra’s & other business associates’ employees, their family, friends & relatives. 21. The Promotion will not be applicable if the Hotel is running a cash back /discount offer itself or declared black-out dates.

One of the things that I did not have time to cover in my last article on ‘Holidays ideas to beat the Credit Crunch‘   was a real killer money saver.  House Swapping, actually I noticed the organisations concerned prefer to call it exchanging, perhaps to avoid any overtones. This one seems a bit way out at first but offers some real savings if you still want to travel and gives much more chance to get into the local culture and pace of life than a traditional package.

The range of people and places who want to swap houses is really quite surprising.  At the biggest home exchange service Homelink there are over 14000 from 72 countries.  I think that sort of people this would suite would be slightly more independent and adventurous.  If you dislike the way you are treated like a tourist on conventional tours and hotels that are impersonal. I think Home Exchangers want to gain new experiences and like to feel in control of their precious leisure time.

Here are some of the reasons why some people find home exchange makes for an ideal holiday.

Holiday Ideas Cost-savings

The cost of accommodation is a major factor in holiday budgeting, especially for those such as teachers or parents of school-aged children who are tied to specific dates and so tend to pay inflated prices. For the price of annual membership (£120), accommodation budgets can be totally eliminated, irrespective of the duration of your stay. It is easy to see how this money could be put to good use: A more exotic destination perhaps? How about longer (or more) holidays? Or maybe you might have little more spending money to treat yourself to some special events that help to turn a good holiday into a great one. One home exchanger recently put the cost-savings into context for me when she said that her membership more than paid for itself on the first night of her first exchange!

You can keep it simple by merely exchanging homes, however you can save even more money by also agreeing to exchange cars, so that the holiday budget can be limited to cost of travel plus food / spending money.

Holiday Ideas Authenticity

Conventional tourism can sometimes thwart the principle of  “When in Rome….” as travellers are often treated as tourists. In this way you have the opportunity to parachute into a genuine local community and live like a local. So, if you like the idea of sauntering along to the local diner to ask for “eggs easy over and coffee”, home exchange could be for you. With this in mind you dont have to live in a touristy area yourself, either.

Holiday Ideas Flexibility

Remember also that there is no limit to the number of exchange holidays that you can take during your membership year. This should be appealing to retired or semi-retired members as they are more able than most to succumb to wanderlust. This also means that there are quite a high proportion of similar travellers, and the sites indicate both where people have children and where they are retired. Having members in over 50 countries also means that there is an enormous range of destinations from which to choose.

The emergence of local airports and low-cost airlines makes domestic and European destinations more accessible and so opens up the possibility of adding a number of cheap 3-7 day breaks to the main holiday of the year. On renewing for their second year, one family recently told me that they had completed seven exchanges in their first year!

Holiday Ideas Convenience

Well-matched home exchange partners go on holiday in the knowledge that their accommodation is likely to be tailored to their needs. For instance, parents of young children may find it easier to relax when their holiday home is child-friendly. Parents might also enjoy travelling light, as many normal accompaniments can be left at home as a car seat, high chair and a range of toys await them.

Furthermore, many members agree to take care of each other’s pets and/or garden maintenance so there may not be a need to pay for alternative arrangements or return home to a jungle after your holiday.

Frequently asked questions about Home Exchanges

How do I know my home will be Safe?

The answer is you don’t. However, arguably your home will be much safer when occupied by exchangers than if left empty. Home insurance companies know this, as do the police. HomeLink claims that in over forty years of exchanging they have had very few instances of damage and no reports of theft. Most problems are at the level of, “housekeeping standards,” at the home being visited. Even in these rare situations exchangers return to find their own home just as they left it. While you are setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family. You also know the other exchanger’s profession and have a good idea of the home involved before you make your first contact.

Most HomeLink members are professionals – doctors, engineers, teachers, etc.- business executives, and retirees. In general, they are in an upper income bracket, well educated and are experienced travellers. They are also very proud of their homes, which is why they’re not too embarrassed to let others enjoy their home whilst they’re away.

Who pays the bills?

Pay your mortgage and utilities as you normally would and agree beforehand who should pay extraordinary expenses such as long distance telephone calls. If a car-exchange is involved you should discuss who pays for minor or major damage.

Is my house covered by my insurance?

In general, most home insurance policies covers home exchangers. After all, they’re your guests, and it’s really no different from having friends or relations stay in your home whilst you’re away on holiday. Most insurance companies say they would much prefer you to have exchangers looking after your home rather than going off on holiday and leaving it empty.   However you would have to check with your insurers and personally I would ensure it either explicit in your policy or you have it in writing.

Planning and getting an exchange

There is a continual turnover of people joining such schemes and looking for exchanges,  many arrange an exchange within a couple of weeks. The most successful exchangers are those who are proactive and send many invitations. The more flexible your plans, the greater your opportunities. Generally speaking, short-haul trips are planned 3-6 months in advance with long-haul trips being planned 6-9 months ahead or more.

What’s actually involved? How do I prepare my house?

These recommendations from http://www.HomeLink.org will give you some idea of what you have to do to prepare your home.

1) Leave your home clean. Standards of cleanliness vary, so make sure that floors are cleaned, refrigerator emptied, oven and hob grease-free, bath and shower free of mould and grime, windows see-through, and surfaces dust-free. No need to repaint the house!

2) Clear away enough of your personal belongings to leave space on shelves and in wardrobes and drawers so that your guests can empty their suitcases, arrange their things in bedrooms and bathrooms and feel at home.

3) Leave at least two sets of clean sheets per bed and two sets of towels per person.

The island of Rhodes lies in the south-east corner of the Aegean sea, close to the Turkish mainland.

In Greek mythology, the green and lush island of Rhodes, child of the goddess of love, Aphrodite, rose up out of the Aegean Sea as a peace offering to the Greek god of sun, Helios. Helios promptly flooded the island in sunshine and made it the sunniest of the Greek islands.

Throughout time, the island of the sun’s strategically important geographical position has made Rhodes particularly attractive to many different people – friends and foe – and many have left their mark on the island in the forms of art, language and architecture. Today’s visitors find Rhodes a sunny, cosmopolitan hub of life offering culture, history, nature and entertainment.

Of particular historical and cultural importance are the medieval city of Rhodes, built by the Knights of St John and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient acropolis of Lindos and the ancient city of Kamiros. For those more interested in nature and its grandeur, a visit to Prasonisi, at the very southern tip of the island, is a must, as is a visit to the Valley of the Butterlies and Seven Springs. On a religious note, orthodox churches and monasteries are copious in number and to be found in even the most remote of areas.

Beaches and bays are in abundance around the coastline of Rhodes: In the Faliraki area the main sandy beach is well organised with good facilities and numerous watersport and mini cruise stations. The nearby bays of Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Tragunu are smaller, more graphic, less accessible bays hidden from view and favoured by locals. The recently renovated Kallithea Spa, an Italian monument built around the bay of Kallithea, is an area renowned for its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving attributes. Further south, along the east coast of the island, are the bays of Afandou, Colimbia, Tsambika, Stegna and Haraki. The bay of Lindos is known as the ‘jewel of Rhodes’ and is a mecca for all visitors to the island. South of Lindos, beyond Pefkos, the largest resort hotels can be found; this area is relatively undeveloped and isolated when compared to the north of the island, as is the rugged, windy west coast.

Beyond these natural and historical places of interest Rhodes is home to the biggest water park in Europe, an aquarium, numerous museums, cinemas and excellent designer shopping. Rhodes is also well positioned for day excursions to the other Dodecanese islands such as Symi, Kos, Tilos and to Marmaris, Turkey – check out Falirak Sea Lines for timetables.

In short, Rhodes is an unbeatable holiday destination – even the most demanding visitor will be impressed!

For professional bespoke weddings throughout the island of Rhodes contact Unique Weddings Rhodes

Are the first rays of spring sunshine putting you in the holiday mood? Although there are still a few weeks to go before the summer season starts, you will most probably find out you are not the only one wishing to act on that ‘holiday feeling’. Where to? That could be the question. If not Mallorca, the Algarve or the Canaries, what are the new tempting destinations for 2010? There are several summer as well as winter sun destinations emerging this year. The choice depends on what type of holidaymaker you are planning to be in the summer and winter sun season of 2010. To assist you, here is a short comprehensive list of some of the hottest undiscovered top five destinations.

Cape Verde, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its unique landscapes of volcano cones combined with fertile valleys carpeted with lush green plantations. It is a true paradise for hikers, bird watchers and those craving for some peace and quiet on the uncrowded beaches surrounded by unspoilt picturesque scenery. The ten islands of Cape Verde, although forming one region, present identity of their own in terms of nature, the coastline and culture. Thanks to its mild climate, Cape Verde is able to welcome visitors all year round.

The Azores form another archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean which will fascinate those keen on walking tours, whale watching and various watersports like windsurfing, sailing or fishing. There are nine islands to explore in total and they all offer spectacular scenery blended with local traditions and festivals. The cuisine here consists of delicious seafood dishes and the dark sandy beaches stretch for miles. The best time to visit the Azores is summer for the beach lovers and rest of the year for those wishing to explore the natural beauty and history of this region.

Ayvalik in Turkey will appeal if you like quieter beaches of the fairly undiscovered Northern Aegean Coast. The region boasts the longest sweep of sandy beach and a wonderful blend of Turkish and Greek cultures, which is apparent in many parts of the old town. Carpet shops, cozy coffee bars and tea houses and tiny souvenir shops complement the ultimate laid back feel atmosphere. Ayvalik faces the Greek Island of Lesvos and it is also within easy reach of the small Cunda island, both being ideal for day trips should you wish to venture further afield and explore or just get the taste of the delicious seafood in the local restaurants.

Alonissos is a true hideaway in the Aegean Region of Greece. This island provides Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, the cleanest crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and fantastic beaches. The rich history and culture of this island is reflected in everyday lives of the local people, in its traditions and cuisine. Try the succulent fish dishes, wonderful salads with tasty olives and mingle with the locals in the traditional tavernas. Walk around the picturesque harbours in Partitiri or Votsi or take a trip to one of the sandy beaches in Milia or Marpunta. Generally, unwinding on the beach is the order of the day on this marvelous island. Howeve,r you can also take advantage of the daily excursions and boat trips to historical places and the neighbouring islands, which will enhance your holiday experience.

The recently renovated Velassaru Island is a true gem in the Maldives. Spoil yourself in the truly stylish and sophisticated accommodation in Water Villas, Water Bungalows and Beach Villas where the tiffany blue waters invite you for the morning dip in the ocean straight from your terrace. The resort has a quiet and relaxed feel and its lush exotic beaches are never crowded. The resort’s spa provides the ultimate pampering in its overwater treatment rooms and offers a whole myriad of massages, oil treatments and ritual baths. Ideal for honeymoons and year-round escapes, Velassaru Island welcomes visitors all year round, providing you with the most unforgettable holiday moments.

Often you go on a vacation and only feel more tired by the traveling involved. There are so many places you want to visit but there is not time enough in hand. cruise travel, on the other hand, addresses both the concerns. A cruise itinerary usually covers a number of ports on way to the destination. At the same time, cruising can be very pleasant and a memorable traveling experience. Nowadays, cruise ships are full of the latest in entertainment and luxury. At the same time, you have a large number of destinations and calling ports to choose from.

If you want to indulge in the art and culture of Europe, you can choose a cruise that visits ports like Paris, Rome, Italy, Denmark, etc. On the other hand, you also have cruises which take you across exotic Asia. If relaxation is your objective then lazing on a deck chair under the sun should do the trick. The sea has a soothing effect on most people. If it is high energy entertainment you desire then you can indulge in the casinos or night club on board all cruise ships. There are many attractions for children on these ships which make them ideal for a family vacation. Most ships also have DVD libraries so that you can spend your evenings quietly in your room catching some movies. The dining experience on most of the cruise ships is something to be relished. Some ships also offer facilities like spa treatments to soothe your nerves frayed by the stress of day-in-day life.

A memorable time on board a luxurious cruise liner need not burn a serious hole in your pocket either. If you search the web sites of travel agents specializing in cruises, you will find many great cruise travel deals. You can choose from a number of cruise lines like crystal cruise, Disney cruise, carnival cruise etc. The larger your group, the better will be the deal. These travel agents are able to get you deals which the cruise lines do not widely offer to the public. These agents also give discounts to repeat travelers. In this way you can save a lot on the cruise costs.

Follow www.cruisedirect.com at https://twitter.com/Cruise_Lines

Having a few budget problems with your holiday plans…you’re not the only one, perhaps struggling to cope with normal monthly expenses, increases on your bond and fuel prices that make you regret ever buying a vehicle with such a big tank…not only are you losing with respect to running costs but you cringe as you see the same vehicles advertises in the for sale columns and realise how much capital value you have lost since you bought it.

Do not despair, renting someone else’s holiday home for your own family holiday offers a bargain of a lifetime…how does in week on the Royal Port Alfred marina in September for a luxury home that sleeps eight persons for only R6000 per week sound to you. A holiday with all the home comforts.

One of the most common problems is finding a holiday home that meets your needs, try www.staysa.co.za, a South African company who have specialised in bringing home owners and holidaymakers together.

Here are a few tips on how to go about it and some travel tips in general. Most common problems surround sourcing a home; reservations; dates ……these can be problematic despite the ease and simplicity of the internet. It is imperative when planning any holiday to any destination that all bookings are made well in advance, followed up either by e-mail or telephone a few days before your departure and still in time to rectify problems if discovered. After this has been done, prevent further problems by ensuring you have proof in the form of copies of any relevant document or reference number, this could be a receipt confirmation of a deposit paid or any item depending on your personal arrangements. This is one of those suggestions where prevention is definitely far better than cure.

Our second tip is all encompassing and covers the packing of essential items. Obviously these items might vary according to your personal plans but would perhaps include items such as passports and ID documents; applicable drivers licences; money – credit cards, wallets and other financial needs; mobile phones and camera’s, (get with it, preferably digital) are essential items nowadays, together with supporting items such as chargers and memory cards. On my personal list are always sunglasses, activity equipment, a few books, a pack of cards, a multi-purpose pocket knife and other smaller items or games which always come in handy.

How are we doing so far, the bottom line is that with tip numbers one and two you can go almost anywhere in the world and if you have forgotten anything else you can purchase them en route.

Tip number three is so absolutely boring you might well stop reading at this point but it remains one of the most common causes of holidays being cancelled. Before you leave home ensure that all domestic matters are resolved and tucked in to bed. These will again vary but will certainly surround adequate locking up and security issues; paying all accounts, in particular municipal services; cancelling any deliveries; ensuring access is available to a trusted friend or relative in the event of a fire or emergency; ensuring pets are adequately cared for and that someone responsible is able to contact you in the case of emergency during your holiday. Yes…boring….but oh so often the cause of having to either come back early or returning to face a smelly deep freeze or worse.

The basics are covered and now we can move onto the fun part, tip number four surrounds choosing the right holiday for your needs and enjoyment. To haul three children under ten years old to a game reserve for ten days will stretch your patience and theirs, you might enjoy spending half an hour looking at a bird or waiting for an Elephant to come to a waterhole while sipping a Chardonnay, they certainly wouldn’t. If you have had a really stressful year and are going on holiday for a time out, a few days in London followed by a few in Rome and a low cost flight via Moscow to save a few cents would mean lots of flights; too many airports and complicated transit arrangements. Our panel suggests taking a few extra minutes to analyse the real needs of all travelling partners before selecting your holiday destination.

You have analysed your own needs and decided on let’s say a scuba diving holiday as an example. Tip number five stays with destination choice and is all about research. That’s easy I hear you saying, once you’ve decided what type of holiday you want. However, you could also end up on a scuba diving holiday in monsoon season, perhaps to a great destination at most times of the year but in the month you have chosen, it’s infested with mosquito’s and a temperature of 45 degrees, is that what you wanted.

Perhaps you might be looking for a quiet and romantic getaway and choose a week in a Spanish seaside village only to find out it clashes with a local political election and the local school holidays. Time researching local conditions is well spent, beware particularly of special offers or discounts, these are usually offered for a reason and often due to seasonality or other sub-optimal characteristics of the destination at the time the offer applies. This same principle applies to discounted flights and packages, it’s important to be fully aware of which items and costs are included and not included in the price.

How far have we gone so far, in summary we have the logistics and essential equipment under control, chosen a stunning destination to ensure our needs are covered and we have selected the dates to suit the destination characteristics.

Tip number six is about the modern day wonder of the travellers’ world. You guessed it, the internet. This modern tool enables you to ensure you are fully au fait with all and any information you might need. From disco’s to dive centres, museums to mausoleums, cathedrals to camping grounds, the information is easily available to you from the comfort of your home; office or failing which, an internet café. Referring back to our Spanish village, if you want to know the history, what to see and do while you’re there, the internet provides this service. Even once you’re there, if you want to send pics and news to someone at home, the internet has really made this simple. I read recently that in excess of 70% of all travel arrangements are now made on-line, wow, that is an awesome number and it is no doubt climbing, not without reason.

A list of top ten tips would definitely be incomplete without a reference to the importance of adequate packing. Notice we say adequate as it does vary according to destination and travel method. A car trip to Port Alfred with a trailer and roof rack is a far different scenario than a flight to London. Tip number seven is to pack early; to pack correctly and most of all to pack according to a well prepared list. One often makes the mistake of packing too much, leaving little room for error and no space to include a few souvenirs or that tee-shirt that looked so good in the market. On a personal note our family has a rule, what you pack you carry, this has a fantastic effect of ensuring no one packs without a plan.  

The boring battle of the budget. We all have dream destinations we hope to get to one day; this is unfortunately not a reality for most of us. Tip number eight is to ensure you remain within your personal limits of expenditure. Interest rates are high and could get higher; credit offered by banks can be easily obtained by utilising the credit card options so often available. You don’t want to spend the year after your holiday stressed out about how you’re going to pay it back during the rest of the year. Plan adequately before and during your holiday. Whilst it’s certainly fun to spoil yourselves during a holiday, we suggest you allocate a daily allowance to each person and to the whole group; this will certainly help control costs, particularly in an international destination when one is not fully conversant, it can come back and bite quite hard.

The members of our panel are all seasoned travellers, local and overseas. In conversation we certainly learned that all had on occasion bumped their heads or made often silly mistakes. Our unanimous tip number nine is to enjoy South Africa. As residents of this beautiful country we are all absolutely blessed to live within a reasonable distance from either a beach; lake; mountain; game reserve or whatever it might be that appeals to your family. Too often we feel the need to travel far and wide when it’s all on our doorstep. We might travel to an exotic dive destination but haven’t yet experienced Aliwal Shoal; sit on a Mauritian Beach when our coast offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perhaps even camping in France when you’ve never been to the Drakensberg or Clarens.

It might be a cliché but we really do have it all in one country. We certainly hope that our leaders will take every action to ensure that it stays that way. We in turn need to appreciate it and invest in local tourism and the job creation it offers. Our panel felt that we need to market ourselves as a destination a little better than we do, encouraging local travellers that Cairo is perhaps not always better than Cape Town. Local is lekker, it has its place alongside braaivleis, biltong, sunny skies and all the rest.

This might be our last tip of the ten we were confined to but it is the simplest and most important – have fun! You’ve worked hard, you deserve your holiday, please don’t forget to enjoy it. In most cases when on holiday, one is surrounded by those your love the most, those dearest and closest.

What an absolute blessing to be able to spend quality time in a holiday destination with those you love.

Send in your travel tips to us and allow us to share them with others. We’re also looking for the top 50 items to pack, send your ideas along.

France is one of the world’s best and most famous snowboarding destinations, with a great choice of resorts. Freeriders, almost spoilt for choice, can experience extreme verticals and ideal terrain with fantastic views. Freestyle boarders will also be happy, as many of the better French resorts have great snow parks and half pipes. So, how to choose your next French snowboarding holiday?

Tignes in the Val d’Isere area of the French Alps is reckoned be one of the premier snowboard resorts; last year the Observer magazine actually named it top snowboard resort in the world. With 300km of piste, half pipes, terrain parks and great off-piste boarding, you can see why. Because Tignes is part of the massive L’Espace Killy you’re guaranteed never to run out of terrain, which makes it a popular return destination. The resort itself is classic Alpine French, with a good dose of cool.

Morzine – again in the Alps but in Les Portes de Soleil region – is currently buzzing among snowboarders in the know. With great access to Avoriaz, it has top quality snow parks, few drag lifts, trails for riders of all abilities and endless opportunities to board off-piste. The resort of Morzine is a busy market town so there’s plenty going on away from the slopes. Upmarket Chamonix also has access to miles of slopes and is a happening town, with floodlight tobogganing, ice skating and bowling as well as clubs, restaurants and bars.

A relaxed resort with a quieter scene is Alpe d’Huez. This free rider’s heaven in the Southern Alps has off piste runs through stunning scenery and a high quality snow park for freestyle boarders.

Whether you travel as a couple or large group, self-catering accommodation is a good option for comfort, freedom, economy, access to slopes and stunning mountain views. French holiday specialist French Connections lists chalets and apartments that sleep between two and ten people. Most have satellite TV and some offer music centres with mp3 port. For those who want meals provided, they also list catered lodges with facilities such as a sauna room, wi-fi internet access, computer and games console.

To get to your French snowboarding holiday destination, the travel options are road, rail or air. Morzine, for instance, is about 9 hours drive by autoroutes from Calais, with the choice of ferry or Eurotunnel for your channel crossing. By train, you’ll need to change at Paris for the line to Grenoble and the closest airport is Geneva, about 47km distant. Low-cost carriers fly from both Luton and Gatwick.