You Will Thank Us – 8 Tips About – Canary Islands You Need To Know (1)

Scattered in the Atlantic off the North African coast, the Canary Islands offer unique holiday experiences. With a winning combination of year-round sun, stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes and lively nightlife, holidays to the Canary Islands keep travellers coming back for more year after year.

With seven different islands to choose from, a holiday in the Canary Islands has something for everyone. Find out why you should go and which island you should pick…

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a firm favourite with Brits as it’s possible to spend a week or two in the sun completely relaxing on a beach, but also to have a more active break playing golf, diving, hiking in Teide National Park or riding the waves on a surf board. And while families will love the attractions on offer such as the water kingdom” Siam Park, those after wild nights out will enjoy the lively nightlife in resorts such as Playa de las Americas.

Prepare to find yourself awe-struck at the extra-terrestrial landscapes of this extraordinary island, which boasts about 300 volcanoes. Even though all seven islands are of volcanic origin, Lanzarote has most recently felt the devastating effects of its volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, when some 200 square kilometers were scorched and covered in ashes.

This region of petrified lava make up the National Park of Timanfaya and its Mountains of Fire, where visions of a lifeless, prehistoric (or even apocalyptic) earth, with enormous craters of an incandescent red color, can be seen on a bus or even camel tour. Its unique atmosphere has made it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most impressive natural parks in all of Spain.

As the island is fairly small, you can simply travel to its extremities and go on excursions by car. Heading north, you’ll pass La Cueva de los Verdes, or Greens’ Cave,” created 3,000 years ago by lava streaming from an eruption, and also the Jameos de Agua, a network of subterranean caves and lakes and home to a rare species of blind crabs. At the northernmost point of the island, the prow-like Mirador del Rio extends over the ocean. Here at this windy spot, you can experience a magnificent panorama of the ocean and of the neighboring islet La Graciosa, which is a very recommendable ferry destination.

Not only is Lanzarote home to bizarre and fantastic landscapes but also to beaches which can compete with any found in the tropics. The best types are situated in the southern part of the island. Playa Blanca, one of the most popular, has long stretches of clear sand and crystalline waters, and so does the close by Las Coloradas beach. For a less touristy one, check out Papagayo , a beautiful large cove encircled by impressive cliffs.

Timanfaya National Park covers a huge part of the central eastern part of Lanzarote. The moonlike landscape you see today dates back from the eruptions that took place between 1730 and 1736, and from a smaller eruption in 1824. Access to the park is prohibited apart from 3 footpaths, of which two need to be done with a guide, that can be booked at the Timanfaya visitor center. The other one is a footpath along the coastline, which is free for everyone. Needless to say, you should stay on the path and take litter with you. The most used option is however to drive up to the El Diablo restaurant, and also to take of the bustours that start from there. Take the LZ-67 either from Mancha Blanca (from the north) or Yaiza (from the south) and follow the signs. Upon leaving the LZ-67, you will have to pay the entry to the park (€8). The ticket already includes the bustour. The bustour follows a 14 kilometre-long road, which was build under supervision of Manrique, and passes by the primary features of the park. Apart from the tour and some demonstrations (including burning scrubbushes, and pouring water in the ground to create an artificial geyser), there is not much more to do.

The Canary Islands’ climate is ideal for a week of enjoying the sun and making trips across the islands. Summers are mostly between 25º and 30º during the day and still above

South east of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria’s golden sands and bright sunshine attract holidaymakers every year, and the island’s natural beauty with huge stretches of dunes and pine forests make them fall in love with the destination.

The largest resort on the island, Playa del Ingles, is on the south coast and offers fun-filled holidays for visitors who enjoy strolling down its promenade and drinking in the bars and clubs. Other popular resorts include Playa del Ingles’ quieter neighbour, San Augustin; sophisticated Maspalomas with its world-famous sand dunes; pretty and exclusive Puerto Mogan; and stylish Meloneras.

The other three islands that complete the Canaries – La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro- offer serene holidays away from the crowds as they are still relatively undiscovered and unspoilt. Only La Palma is served by direct flights from the UK into Santa Cruz de La Palma airport (SPM) while you can reach all three islands via flight or ferry from Tenerife.

La Palma has celebrity connections – Madonna’s song La Isla Bonita is rumoured to have been about the island and Manolo Blahnik was born there – but don’t expect glitzy attractions when you arrive. Instead, visit the island for relaxing breaks taking in the beautiful scenery from rainforests to waterfalls and, if you are feeling active, long hikes in the mountains.

El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands and its western end was once considered the end of the world. Visit to truly get away from it all. La Gomera is slightly bigger and the perfect destination if you like exploring the great outdoors on foot or by bike. Alternatively, pack your beach bag and surf board and head to the black sands along the coast to sunbathe without having to fight for a spot.

Tenerife is serviced by two airports: Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS).

These airports receive a lot of flights from all over Europe , Tenerife South Airport having by far the most possibilities. Lowcost airlines like Easyjet (from London and Manchester ) and Ryanair have found their way as well, the last having most flights, including to/from Brussels , Dublin , Edinburgh , London , Glasgow , Madrid , Porto and Weeze (near Düsseldorf ).

Mount Teide and its surrounding volcanic craters and peaks of Las Cañadas make up the comprehensive Mount Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take the cable car all the way up near to the summit of Mount Teide, and if you’re up for some walking, load your lungs up with oxygen for the altitude. There are numerous hiking trails that showcase a view of an extraterrestrial landscape.

These mountain ranges separate the island into two climate zones, with the north being greener and more humid and the south being hot and dry. If you’re a wine connossieur, you would love a drive up north to Taraconte, famous for their red wines, where fertile vineyards contrast with coastline cliffs. There are also a number of beautiful old colonial cities to visit, including Garachico to the west, which has black sand beaches and naturally-formed pools, and La Laguna to the north, a historic city considered to be the cultural capital of the Canaries. La Orotava is another old city which is adorned with colonial mansions and beautiful gardens, located in the sea of banana plantations that make up the Orotova Valley.

The most surprising thing about the beaches in Tenerife are the stretches of thick, black sand found on some, for example on Playa de El Puertito and Playa del Roque on the eastern coast. In the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, two beaches are worth visiting: Las Teresitas, an artificial beach with 1,500 meters of sand taken from the Sahara desert, and Las Gaviotas, a impressive nude beach with black sand. For extraordinary waves and even more opportunities to get out in the nude, check out the beautiful, hard-to-access beaches of Playa de los Patos and Playa de Bollullo.

Tenerife Carnival; February; visit Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz for the biggest celebrations: Held just before Lent every year, this carnival sees tourists and locals partying into the night and includes a glitzy opening parade, the burial of the sardine” and the High Heels Marathon.

Dia de Canarias; May 30; throughout the Canary Islands: Canarian culture is celebrated on this public holiday to celebrate the autonomous Canary Islands’ Parliament’s first session in 1983.

Day of the Cross; May: Towns across the Canary Islands hold street parties on this day and numerous crosses adorned with flowers will be displayed.

From desert camel rides to surfing on Lanzarote – where will your island adventure take you? Here are some ideas for what to do on your holiday…

Families: For a day out with a difference, why not treat the family to a camel ride across the sand dunes of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria? From your elevated position, you’ll be able to take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Active types: Catch some waves at Costa Teguise on Lanzarote. Whether you’re a beginner or a well-seasoned pro, the ideal wind and wave conditions will give you plenty of opportunities to sharpen up your skills.

Trasmediterránea and Fred Olsen , are the main operators between the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Fuerteventura and El Hierro.

Canarian cuisine is a mix between African cultures, Latin and Spanish. Most of Canarian cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish, generally light meals, more simple to digest in a warm climate. Meat is normally consumed as a part of stews or as steaks.

Getting there: Direct flights to La Palma airport in the town of Santa Cruz de La Palma are available from mainland Spain, the other islands, and some cities in northern Europe. Ferries arrive in Santa Cruz de La Palma from Tenerife and Gran Canaria

This is the smallest island of the Canaries, as well as the least populated and least traveled, making it a perfect spot for those wishing to get away from it all and experience nature to its fullest. Its clean beaches and mountain scenery offer a relaxing, non-package tourist vacation.

A plateau and mountainous area make up the central part of the island, where rises up as the highest peak. From here, you can admire the views of the gulf, forests, volcanic craters, and of the entire island. The coast also offers a fascinating and unfamiliar sight with its cliffs jutting out from under the water, as if they were little crag islands. El Golfo is where the largest amount of cliffs can be found along with the some of the highest viewpoints of the area.

Other attractions on El Hierro include its natural swimming pools of tranquil water at Tamaduste and Monacal, both situated in the north. In La Frontera, separated from the rest of the island by mountains, you can taste some delicious products cultivated on its fertile lands: wines, smoked cheese, tortillas. A curious sight is the region of Sabinar, where the Sabinas, trees native to the island, can be seen. These trees are unlike any others, with their trunks bent over double and twisted into strange shapes by the strong winds of this region.

Arepas – tortas made from fine corn flour filled with minced meat, cheese, or sweet mango.

Do You Know How To Travel To China? Let Us Teach You!

China is home to the best hostels in the world, I’ll be unhappy to leave them behind. Most places with any tourist attractions will have a plethora of hostels to stay in, generally speaking a dorm bed costs around 25-50 RMB ($4-$8), with private twin/doubles costing around 100 RMB ($15).
We don’t want to point out the obvious for you here (i. e. should you bring your camera? ) but I do need to share a few things that most travelers to China often overlook. As you’re packaging your bag or luggage for the journey, carefully read through my suggestions beneath and plan accordingly.
Depending on the 10 years I’ve been traveling and living in China, I think you’ll be glad you did.
If there is any way to avoid it, there is a specific time during which you ought to avoid stepping foot in China – Spring Happening.
When traveling within cities, I favor to take the train whenever you can. But if tickets are sold away or a place is unavailable by train, your next smartest choice is to travel by long-distance bus or car. The good news is that China offers pumped considerable money into modernizing their road network in recent years. After traveling directly from India to China once, I has struck by how modern and clean China’s airports, train stations, and roads were. The bad news is that much of the huge and rural country is still unpaved.
Right now there aren’t too many places in China that you can’t go to in between the months of April and June. The only exception might be the far northern parts of Heilongjiang and Xinjiang, which can be quite cold during 04 and May.
Plug Converter: while everybody alerts you that China operates on 220v instead of 110v, that’s really not a big-deal. Most of our cellphones and computers can be plugged into 220v outlets (check the plug…it will usually say 110v-220v”). The problem arises when you want to plug in your two-prong or three-prong plug into a Chinese outlet. For that, you’ll need to be sure you have a light and inexpensive plug converter for China
Pepto-Bismol: I’ve lived here in China since 2006 and every period I return after a long stay back in the U. T., my stomach always needs about a week to adjust to the different cuisine. Pepto Bismol or some Immodium chewables is a lifesaver when your stomach decides that it can no longer take the regional food you’re ingesting.
For shorter routes, you may find mini-buses, which seat about 20 people. But they can take a long time since they usually wait until it’s completely full prior to leaving (to maximize their particular profits).
Revealed phone: if you have a smart phone that is out of contract, figure out how to unlock it for your trip to China (for example, here’s a tutorial on how to open your AT&T iPhone ). All you have to do once you arrive is buy a cheap SIM card (which is easy to do) and you have an instant ability to communicate. Or, if you’re not out of contract, just bring the phone and connect via Wifi when available (although I suggest you also get a VPN in China for protection reasons ).
Like the April and May months, Sept and October is an additional excellent time to visit China. Places like Xinjiang, that are normally blazing hot during the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season.
What I’ve shared above offers more with the day-to-day items that you’ll find essential, but there are still some aspects of international travel – especially travel here in China – that are very important to keep in mind. I’ll walk through a few of the most important ones below:
No longer Bring Too Much Cash: many people get worried about money, especially if they’re traveling outside the big Chinese cities. Do not. ATMs are everywhere in China and provide a decent exchange price. Traveler’s cheques are also a hassle to deal with. My advice is to bring enough cash to live on for some days (and split it among bags in case 1 gets lost/stolen), have traveler’s cheques as a backup and after that use your bank card in a ATM. (Also, read up on how one can get money into China )
An additional option is to hire a taxi for a half- or full-day. You’ll need to negotiate just how much you’re paying for a flat price (for all passengers, not per-passenger! ) and spell out where you want to go. As a very general guide, you may expect to pay about Y300-500 to hire a taxi for the day (as well as spending money on your driver’s lunch).
Renting a car in China makes about as much feeling as drinking the water from the toilet (and probably since likely to kill you! ). With the highest rate of vehicular deaths in the world-in addition to a lack of English indications – it doesn’t make sense. Evidently the Chinese government agrees with me because it’s actually forbidden for foreigners to drive across the country.
The only exceptions are that you can rent a car at the Beijing and Shanghai airports (to drive within the city limits). But you’ll need an international motorists license. A far more sensible choice is to hire a car using a driver. You’re best bet is usually to go with Avis () or Hertz (). You are able to rent a car & drivers through some hotels as well, but you’ll pay more since they’ll take a cut from the action.
A Mandarin phrasebook is also a huge help, especially if your Mandarin skills haven’t progressed beyond simple numbers and greetings. While it is definitely possible to travel to China without speaking Mandarin, you will find quite a few free Mandarin vocabulary resources that can be invaluable in your trip.
What is your favorite season or month to visit China? Why?

9 Irreplaceable Tips To Travel To India Less And Deliver More

Calangute Beach, You might think that India is not a spot to visit with your kids in tow, you might think it’s too bustling, busy, possibly even dirty, however if this is your viewpoint, prepare to have it changed completely.
Among the largest beaches in the Northern part of Goa is Calangute which is very popular among the tourists who come to visit the place all twelve months year round. One would be amazed to see the huge number of domestic and foreign tourists that come to this beautiful spot to celebrate the New Years Eve and the big day of Christmas! Also the other month in which you could enjoy here is the month of May. The Parasailing experience and the Tinto Market here is amazing just!
India is busy and it is bustling, especially if you head to Delhi, but knowing a few tricks of the trade beforehand will help make your adventure a little easier.
Most of the etiquette you’re likely to encounter relates to eating and drinking. Most Indians eat with their hands, but if you’d like to join them, remember that it’s bad manners to use your left hand. Indians often share food, but you shouldn’t drink from the same glass or use the same spoon as someone else. If you are eating as part of a combined group, it’s common to order many dishes to be shared with everyone – and it’s a good way to try lots of new tastes.
Wear extra clothes on the plane. If you are going hiking in the Indian Himalayas, wear your sweater, boots, long-sleeved T-shirt and trekking coat. “Washington Post” travel editor K.C. Andrews says she wears four layers on the plane always.
Bring only items you can’t acquire in India or do not absolutely need on the first day. If you need to shave shortly after arrival, do it with soap and warm water and leave the can of shaving cream at home.You shall need to consider how you want to get to India. You will need to discover which airports fly to India either directly or indirectly. There are very few direct flights to India from US. Likely mostly, you will have to take a connecting flight somewhere in Europe such as London or Amsterdam. Many flights are now stopping in Dubai. You can either book these fights with the numerous online travel agents or from your high street agents. Most airports from the UK fly to India either directly or indirectly.
The tip you must keep in mind is not to eat raw food , especially from the streets! Also, help your stomach acclimatise for a few days. Try the Indian food gradually. Ask for lesser chillies and spices till you are a veteran. Pharmacies are available easily, so if you run out of your own medicines, a suitable substitute can be made available!
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The other famous spot of Goa is the Candolim beach which the considered one of the longest beaches in the state with all the fun the tourists have in the waters. Situated in the Northern part of the state the place is very popular for its serene and calm waters and is a great meditation spot to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
Rickshaw – Public transportation in India
Health and Safety: Visiting India and not getting travelers diarrhea is pretty rare. Make sure you have a decent first aid kit and don’t ever drink the tap water. Eating street food is fine as long as it is well cooked and cooked in front of you, don’t eat stuff that may have been there forever. Omelette and potato type dishes appear safest. You should have vaccinations for some diseases – speak to a travel nurse – but although your doctor will recommend you take malaria pills it really isn’t worth it. Only Sikkim and Goa are risky malaria zones and only about thirty travelers a year in Goa get malaria. Anti-malarials have a complete lot of horrid side effects. Use bug spray and a mosquito net if necessary. Theft is a large problem in India but most of this can be avoided by not letting seemingly friendly people approach you. Nothing is free in India and as a rule the people see westerners as rich and stupid. Touts will sell you stuff at very high rates and people will outright lie to you about transport, prices and distances if they think they can make money out of you. If you decide to buy drugs don’t buy them from tuk tuk drivers. If the police catch you bribe them; about 500RS will get you off the hook assuming you only had marijuana usually. Foreign women will be stared at and approached by pushy Hindu men constantly. Wearing a ring can help but eventually it’s best to have a travel buddy. Shout loudly at people who touch or photograph you without permission. Never trust anyone with your belongings. Some Indians will even steal shoes from outside a temple. In my experience Sikhs and Muslims are much more reliable than the predominant Hindu population.
We mentioned Goa, and this is a great place for a grouped family beach break with a difference. You can rent a bike and go on a grouped family bike ride, or you can head off on a fishing boat. Kerala is another popular beach area for families, and the sights here are like something from a picture postcard truly. Periyar Tiger Reserve will thrill the kids, and you could head off on a boat ride here, or a guided nature walk.
Located in the town of Puri and the state of Orissa is the beautiful Puri beaches largely considered to be the holy place for the Hindus. A large number of tourists from India and abroad flock the place to watch the very popular Puri Beach festival where the local as well as international artists demonstrate sand arts with beautiful sculptures of Gods or otherwise.

10 Powerful Tips To Help You Travel To Italy Better

Rome, Italy
When is the best time to visit Italy? From my experience of holidaying in Italy many times and now from living here, without hesitation I can say that it is during the Spring and Autumn months.
Here’s the factor – your version of best” and mine could also be terribly various things. instead of creating some unwarranted declaration like, The best time to visit Italy is might seventh,” thus, I’m reaching to provide you the knowledge you’ll got to create your own call concerning once is best for your trip to Italy.
Weather
Scour the best hotel sites… but call the hotels directly
One of the best ways to get a feel for average hotel prices in your destination in Italy is, of course, to do some research. The booking site Venere is easily searchable and has tons of reviews. (Just be aware that in our experience, for whatever reason, these reviews tend to be a bit more on the positive side than those on other review sites). For hotels, Tripadvisor is also a good bet – check out some of travelers’ top choices in your price range and see if any fit the bill.
Southern Italy: This is the least visited region of Italy, but that just means its gems remain unspoiled. The Amalfi coast and Capri are perfect places for honeymooners and couples seeking romance. Calabria has some of the nation’s most pristine beaches. Naples offers a bustling escape, while the ruins of Pompeii await history buffs.
One of the easiest ways to save on staying in a hotel in Italy? Don’t stay in a hotel! Italy is chock-full of other options, some of which can be much better value than even a budget hotel. If you are set on a hotel, find out how to pick the perfect hotel in this weblog Here are some of our favorites.
An agriturismo
Farm-stays can be a great way to save on both accommodation and food
Budget
Christmas in Milan, Italy
Some times of year ar costlier in Italy than others, and this chiefly goes for expensive things like fare and accommodation – things which will have a giant impact on your overall travel budget. the foremost high-priced best times to visit Italy tend to be:
Want to stay in the center of Venice? You will want to at a convent guest house, like this one of the Suore Figlie di San Giuseppe del Caburlotto?
Getting around
Le Vespe, address: Via Ghibellina, 76. North-American food in a quirky, nice ambiance. Grab a table for brunch, lunch or dinner.
A B&B or pensione
Once you are in Italy, you can rent motorcycles, cars, or make use of public transportation to get around your destination. For those renting a motorcycle or car, you need to be aware of two driving requirements. First off, you must be at least 25 to rent a vehicle in Italy. Second, EU member state driver’s licenses are recognized by Italian authorities. If you are visiting from somewhere else, you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit.
‘Primo Piano’ Mercato Centrale. Why? It’s a fancy food court above the fresh food market that quite simply has every kind of dish your heart could desire, you can quite literally pig out in peace. There is seating and (ideally) WiFi.
But it is one of the loveliest times to visit Italy. There is still a deep warmth to the sunshine filled days, but with the beginning of a few cooler nights to ensure that the ability to sleep comes so much more easily.
Again, don’t worry about returning home pale. I will never forget my first trip to Italy when, after a picnic lunch stop on the steps of the Duomo in the stunning medieval town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, I returned to my apartment with a sun burnt neck! It was October!! And I only needed a cardigan for the evenings.
An apartment or villa
Italian winters are cold and wet – just like a lot of other places – but not without some gloriously sunny days. If you do plan to visit Italy in the winter there are some great accommodation deals to be had (see below) and you will leave with a better sense of life in the places you visit than when they are filled with other visitors during the summer.
Renting a short-term apartment can be among the best choices for saving on expensive city accommodation, especially for families. There are lots of options for renting homes or villas in the countryside, too. The bonus, of course, is that you can get separate rooms under one roof for the whole family, plus you have a kitchen, so you can save money by cooking at home. The downside? Don’t expect concierge service. Rentals by owner can be hit-or-miss, so be sure you know exactly what you’re getting! (For more information, check out our weblog post on 6 tips for booking your short-term apartment in Italy ).
While you used to have to use a commission-charging rental company to find apartments safely, it’s now a lot easier. Sites we like that let you search, and book, yourself – and which have photos and reviews from past guests – include AirBnB , HouseTrip , and HomeAway (They hold the money for you to make sure there’s no hanky-panky before delivering it to the apartment owner). While you can also find lots of listings in cities like Rome on Craigslist , be very wary, as scams there are rife. Never, ever send or wire any money to a Craigslist poster in advance.
Travel tips & recommendations
Libreria Brac. address: Via dei Vagellai, 18. This vegetarian place is a little find. Service is slow but you can sit at the bar and order a ‘piatto unico’ with some truly delicious options such as avocado sesame salad, seasonal lasagna and interesting crostini. Always, I mean always make a reservation, they get full.
The mediate times in Italy, the shoulder seasons” between the high and low seasons, usually provide the most effective combination of excellent weather and affordable costs. as a result of the season has mature a trifle on the far side its summer boundaries, the shoulder seasons ar shorter than they accustomed be – however I’d decision late March through early might and late September through early November Italy’s shoulder seasons.
• Make proper transportation arrangements: Don’t assume you will be able to rent a car or motorcycle. Book a vehicle in advance.
• Use public transportation: Italy’s public transportation systems are extremely efficient. You may find it easier to travel within and between cities using the nation’s public transportation systems.
If you haven’t had a family or friends gathering for a long time, why not do as our Italian friends do? Rent a villa or agriturismo and get everyone together and shop, cook, eat and have fun together… each couple or family with their own self-contained apartment to sleep in later.
Vini e Vechhi Sapori, address: Via dei Magazzini, 3. Small trattoria serving up local cuisine off a tiny street in piazza della signoria, I often take friends out of town here. But I also noticed every single time I have been, people were dining alone and pretty happily doing so. The service is fairly informal and the food is great, I love the bread with butter and anchovies.
Have a glass or two: Fun Places in Town
The Brewdog, via faenza 1. Besides the fact that this place has pretty damn good craft beer, the informal vibe and friendly bar-staff equals to fun for solo travelers craving a cold brew after a long day in town. I also like the fact that it is located on via faenza, a street that is growing in potential as a cool destination.
The price? 35 euros per person. Sure, we weren’t in Venice – but we were only a 20-minute drive from the city center. Since we were visiting Venice at the height of high season, that meant we not only got to save money, but that we were able to rest our heads somewhere tranquil, outside of the craziness of the center. While staying at a farm just outside Venice on a trip to see Venice might not be for everyone, it was for us.
Accommodation prices are, in most establishments, lower in the spring and autumn, doubling or even trebling in price for the months of July and August.

Living in Lanzarote

Moving to Lanzarote is so much easier with a bit of support and help from people who already live on the island. No matter if it is your family, friends, or people you just met. It is always much easier to settle when you get help from someone. Nowdays life in Lanzarote is easier fot english speakers than 5-10 years ago, as most of residents do speak english especially in places like Puerto Del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise. Beside Brits there are other nationalities living here: German, or Scandinavian. Before coming here it is recommended to keep yourself updated with Lanzarote's news , jobs and general information on what is going on the island. Life in here can be relaxing and job that has to be done today can be done Mañana, so everything you do, always Lanzarote remember you are not anymore in the UK, but in Spain and it means you have to get used to living in here. To get a job in Spain all Euro citizens have to have residencia” and NIE” – National Insurance Number. To apply for a NIE”, you should go do the local police office that is located in Arrecife and ask for an appointment. Usually, the ladies in the office are very busy and you can get an appointment within 1 month – it means you have to wait to get your NIE a month or so and in this time you are not allowed to work in Spain legally. When you are going for the NIE interview”, make sure you have a copy of your passport and also a receipt from the bank that shows that you have paid a registration fee. On the 9th of July 2012 The Spanish Government have issued new residency legislation PRE/1490/2012 relating to EU citizens. It means that new applicants for residency within Spain will be required to prove that they have sufficient finances to support themselves. Lanzarote is for those who like sun, ocean, good food and a bit of culture. The life in here is very relaxing and the weather in Lanzarote makes you want settle on the island for good, however the heat in summer as well as lack of rain is ofter very tiring. On the other hand winter season almost does not exist and you can enjoy the beach all year long. There are many shopping centres on the island ex. Biosfera in Puerto Del Carmen, where you can buy everything you need. Frequently asked question is: How much does the life cost in Lanzarote. It really depends on … you. Puerto Del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise are certainly more expensive in terms of renting a flat/house. Usually for a 1-2 bedroom flat in these towns you will be charged from 400-600 euro per calendar month + bills. If you would like to buy a car it will be more expensive than in the UK. Ex. a 10 years old Seat Ibiza in a good Lanzarote condition will cost you about 1,8 – 2k, wherease 10 years old Daewoo Lanos will cost you between 800 to 1k. Name Website Comment

England Hotel, England Hotels & Accommodation

The Counties of England (hover for name)
Welcome to England Hotels from who provide booking facilities for hotels across the whole United Kingdom and Europe. This section concentrates on areas of Great Britain that fall within the boundaries of England, other sections of cover Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
To the right are listed some of the major destinations in England. We have listed all of our hotels in price order with the cheapest hotel first. We have the best prices available and we are sure that our offers can n ot be beaten. Whether you are looking for a cheap hotel or top of the range luxury they are all here.
Looking at England on a world globe, the visitor from abroad may first consider England small but upon arriving many are surprised by the depth of variation. From the hustle and bustle of the face paced City of London to the slower paced and peaceful surroundings of rural England. There are a great many things about England that are known the world over. The famous standing stones of Stonehenge and the many castles ring of long gone times. Today many typify England with the Queen’s Guard, red buses and red telephone boxes but these things are very quickly becoming the past. A red telephone box is far more likely to be seen as a shower in a London apartment than on the streets. Yes you can still experience the changing of the guard but these things are now more of a tourist attraction.
Even the English family taking a holiday in England are often surprised at the differences they experience when they visit somewhere for the first time. London may still be one of the top tourist destinations but other towns and cities offer much to compete. Many now consider visiting Liverpool an important part of their holiday. Birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool is changing fast. In 2008 it will be the European Capital of Culture and well worth visiting then to experience the multitude of special events that will be celebrating the city. Liverpool is also has one of Europe’s most dynamic programmes of international festivals, attracting more than 9 million visitors to the city.
You can find out more about Liverpool at
Near to Liverpool is the city of Greater Manchester and also has much to offer the visitor to England. Similar to Liverpool, Manchester has glorious examples of galleries and museums. Steeped in it’s industrial history Manchester has a lively and vibrant culture with theatres showing the latest West End musicals and cutting edge drama. The Manchester music scene is almost as famous as the Liverpool scene and a healthy rivalry exists between these two cities. This rivalry can be seen most in the sporting arena with Manchester having possibly the world’s most famous football team, Manchester United.
You can find out more about Manchester at
You can find out more about Manchester United at
The north of England is well known for it’s industrial past and it’s major contribution to popular music. However the north is also home to some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom. The mountains may not be as tall and imposing of those found further north in Scotland but their beauty can be just as breathtaking. The Pennines run down the centre of northern England and Buxton and the Peak District offer the opportunity to experience many wonders including the famous “Blue John Cavern” Castleton. Moving further south we hit central England and the 2nd largest city, Birmingham famous for their Symphony Hall, Bullring and the NEC.
You can find out more about Birmingham at
After visiting England you will realise the diversity of landscape, architecture, customs, accents, and general atmosphere make a 2nd visit almost compulsory.

Fears Who Needs ‘Em

It is officially 9 days until I finally board that plane and start my big adventure across the world. I told a friend the other day that I feel as though I have been waiting for about one-thousand years for this day to arrive! Yet it was only just over six months ago that I took a deep breathe and finally paid out for a one-way ticket to Rome. Since then, I have been waiting in great anticipation of stepping onto that plane and experiencing a vast array of emotions: from jumping with absolute joy, to heart-pounding attacks of fear and self-doubt. Yes, travelling is something I have always loved to do, something I find myself thinking and dreaming about constantly. But, it is also something that scares me to the bone. Like anything – there is that element of unknown that both excites yet terrifies. With only one week to go I find myself oscillating between these two schools of thought – one minute I am literally jumping around the house unloading built up happy energy and then the next, I have an episode of the shakes.
My fears are popping up all over the place. I am going to die. I’m going to be banging up in jail for smuggling drugs like in Brokendown Palace (worst movie to watch before travelling to anywhere remotely close to Thailand). I may get robbed and be beaten to a pulp by some mafia macho. What about food poisoning? Or tropical diseases? Tsunamis? Plane crash? What about if I do actually make it out of Asia alive but then fail to find any work and end up wandering the streets of Rome with not a penny to my name? What about my friends and family in New Zealand? Isn’t it a selfish thing to do – to indulge myself in this most extravagant way? What if I hate it? What if I don’t meet any people and don’t make any friends? Will I just be a hermit crab without his shell only to be stomped on by those who are simply better? What if…what if…what if…
God, it is all coming out of the woodwork! I am doing the dishes, dreaming of stuffed olives, Mediterrean beaches, pastries…and BAM! Death! Destruction! Disaster!
But then I remember: this is what risk-taking is all about. Even here in New Zealand, where I feel everything is safe, secure and known – nothing is for certain. Statistically, I am safer on the plane to Bali than I am driving down the road to the local shop. It is unlikely that I will be targeted by drug smugglers or mafia machos. It is not a certainty that I will get food poisoning, or experience a Tsunami or not find a job.
What is likely? Typically, my extreme worries never come into fruition. Nothing is ever as bad as it may seem. It is likely that I will have an experience of a lifetime. It may not be perfect. There are bound to be obstacles along the way. I am bound to hit a few bumps in the road, but whatever they may be – I can handle it. I will figure it out along the way. Just take it one day at a time. That is what I will be telling myself.
But even the best travel isn’t without some amount of stress and discomfort, especially in a foreign country. We didn’t speak the language. We couldn’t read the road signs or the menus. That landmarks and sites were different from anything I’ve seen in the U.S. So many things were new and unfamiliar that our brains were on overdrive as we processed everything we were experiencing.
However, these challenges — even the most frustrating like getting lost several times or finding a parking ticket on our car because we didn’t know the parking rules — did something unexpected for us. They boosted our self-confidence and stretched us to adapt, to learn new ways, and to step out of the comfort zone of doing things the way we are accustomed to doing them.
– An excerpt from How to Build Self-Confidence Through Travel from Live Bold and Bloom by Barrie Davenport
Fears – who needs ‘em? Not me!
Take a stand against fear today and take action!
If you are new to KellyTravels – check out my new updated About page to see what I am all about. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on my favourite beaches in the Far North of New Zealand and a Kiwi Summer in Pictures!
#HappyNewYear everyone!!! Super excited for what this year of #freedom will bring! /1hTb0XS 4 weeks ago

Buying Wholesale Airfare

When I first heard the term ‘wholesale airfare’ it didn’t make any sense to me. When we say ‘wholesale something’ in everyday use, it usually has to do with goods that we may buy as bulk. But how can airfares be called wholesale?
In my quest to find an answer, here’s what I found. Wholesale airfare is a new term (kind of a fad) that is used for air tickets purchased as bulk which comes with discounted rates. But why would anyone purchase air tickets in bulk? The answer is quite simple. In terms of wholesale airfare, ‘bulk’ simply means more than four tickets; not dozens. So quite understandably, there will be thousands of people who will seek the option of buying wholesale airfare. After all, who doesn’t like discounts?
From where to get wholesale airfare is the next probable question in your mind. Travel consolidators and online air travel agencies are the main parties who provide wholesale airfare services. What happens is that they usually sign a contract with an airline which agrees on discounts when travel agencies purchase an X amount of tickets. Therefore, in order to reach this agreed number of tickets, online travel agencies offer wholesale airfare rates for anyone who purchases more than four tickets. This way, the traveler walks away with a low airfare while the agency too makes its profit.
So, if you are planning on a family vacation or a vacation with a bunch of friends or simply if you are planning to travel in a travel-buddy group, you should bear in mind that you are entitled to wholesale airfare rates. You may have come across travel agencies that offer super cheap prices if you’d like to join in a group of travelers on a guided tour. If the concept of group traveling being cheaper than individual or couple traveling, had bothered your mind, now you know the secret – wholesale airfares can work wonders!

Dont Give In To The Vacation Blues

Miss me? Did ya? Did ya?
You may have noticed that it has been one whole month since I have posted, and I felt I should apologise, but I won’t.
The thing is…my brain just went…poof! There was Zip. Nadda. Nothing.
There has simply been nothing to say. Nothing to vent. Nothing to enlighten. Nothing to share. It is sad, but true.
You could say I have been experiencing the almighty Vacation Blues.
Is there even such a thing? you ask.
Well, yes my friend – there is. I am the proof of that fact.
But, HOW? How can you feel sick to your stomach? How can you be consumed with sickly shudders of doubt? How can you feel so down, about going on vacation?!
It makes no sense, you say.
You are right. No sense. Zip. Nadda. Nothing.
However, this is not exactly a vacation” in the works. Sure, I will be spending the first 20 days of my travels playing tourist across Asia. Yet what lies beyond those first days of tour guides, sunscreen and cocktails is still disconcertingly unclear.
It is a Vacation aka Whole Life Change that is in the works. It is a drastic as it sounds. I don’t kid you.
So here is what happened: I met someone who has the potential to be the love of my life. He swept me off my feet in a matter of hours, and I fell for his every line, his every word, his every anything. I fell hard.
I did what no one should do; I started to doubt my 2014 plans of travel and adventure. I started churning over the reasons why I had made the decision to sell all my possessions, to quit my job, and to basically turn my life upside down and inside out.
What were those reasons? I didn’t know anymore.
It was like I had Love Amnesia.
Everything that I had been working towards, everything that had me bouncing up and down with excitement was just…gone. Zip. Nadda. Nothing.
Another no-no: I made some hasty alternative plans in my head.
I was panic-stricken. What if he found someone else while I was away? What if he realised during my absense that he could do better? What if coming with me wasn’t an option? What then? How could I possibly go ahead with my plan to travel for at least a year or more, knowing that I could possibly be walking away from something real?
There were too many questions, way too soon.
You can probably see where this is going…
It was over within a matter of weeks. I was devastated. There were tears. Many many tears.
I cursed.
I ate buckets of chocolate and popcorn.
I probably put on about 5 kilos in a matter of days.
Then I self-loathed.
You are a fool!” I said. A big, fat, ugly, stupid fool of a woman!”
What did you think?” I asked myself. Did you really think that you meet some perfect guy who would fall head over heels in love with you and make your storybook dream come true?”
Ha!
After a few days of riding this emotional roller-coaster, I was ready to admit the truth. It was staring me blank in the face…
I didn’t want to be alone anymore. And I certainly didn’t want to travel alone either.
The whole idea of this wacky adventure circulated around me traveling solo while coming to grips with life. The day I woke up and impulsively bought my one-way ticket to Rome, I felt in touch with what it was I needed to do. I was at a serious cross-roads: either continue with life as it was and be miserable, or make a drastic change and open myself up to a different kind of life. In fact, I felt as though
I had no choice. If I wanted to live a life of happiness, something had to give.
Travel was the only way forward. I felt the need to push myself into something big, something I had never done before. I was in desperate need of an adventure that would challenge me out of my comfort zone, one that would spark some spirit and enable me to stand on my own.
But here I was. Again, lost in misery and self-doubt. Zip. Nadda. Nothing.
However, now that I have been pushed off the Luuurrrrrrvveee Train, I have regained my memory and my previous motivations are now even clearer than before.
It is evident that I need to learn to be comfortable with my own skin without all the distractions. My body has been telling me all year that enough is enough. I need to slow down and take stock. I need to redirect my focus from work work and yet more work, and learn how to enjoy life by just being me. For this reason, I am choosing to travel alone. Sure, I hope I will meet people along the way with whom I can share my experiences with. I hope that I will make new, life-long friends. But the person I really need to befriend is…myself.
So yeah, I have been down and out, but I am back!
I am present, I am writing, and I am not giving up.
Brian
Hi Kelly! I saw this and i thought of your blog! missing your posts! hope you make one soon! I am off to America soon, travelling the world! this is the paragraph I found:
Did you know, you can quit your job, you can leave university? You aren’t legally required to have a degree, it’s a social pressure and expectation, not the law, and no one is holding a gun to your head. You can sell your house, you can give up your apartment, you can even sell your vehicle, and your things that are mostly unnecessary. You can see the world on a minimum wage salary, despite the persisting myth, you do not need a high paying job. You can leave your friends (if they’re true friends they’ll forgive you, and you’ll still be friends) and make new ones on the road. You can leave your family. You can depart from your hometown, your country, your culture, and everything you know. You can sacrifice. You can give up your $5.00 a cup morning coffee, you can give up air conditioning, frequent consumption of new products. You can give up eating out at restaurants and prepare affordable meals at home, and eat the leftovers too, instead of throwing them away. You can give up cable TV, Internet even. This list is endless. You can sacrifice climbing up in the hierarchy of careers. You can buck tradition and others’ expectations of you. You can triumph over your fears, by conquering your mind. You can take risks. And most of all, you can travel. You just don’t want it enough. You want a degree or a well-paying job or to stay in your comfort zone more. This is fine, if it’s what your heart desires most, but please don’t envy me and tell me you can’t travel. You’re not in a famine, in a desert, in a third world country, with five malnourished children to feed. You probably live in a first world country. You have a roof over your head, and food on your plate. You probably own luxuries like a cellphone and a computer. You can afford the $3.00 a night guest houses of India, the $0.10 fresh baked breakfasts of Morocco, because if you can afford to live in a first world country, you can certainly afford to travel in third world countries, you can probably even afford to travel in a first world country. So please say to me, I want to travel, but other things are more important to me and I’m putting them first”, not, I’m dying to travel, but I can’t”, because I have yet to have someone say they can’t, who truly can’t. You can, however, only live once, and for me, the enrichment of the soul that comes from seeing the world is worth more than a degree that could bring me in a bigger paycheck, or material wealth, or pleasing society. Of course, you must choose for yourself, follow your heart’s truest desires, but know that you can travel, you’re only making excuses for why you can’t. And if it makes any difference, I have never met anyone who has quit their job, left school, given up their life at home, to see the world, and regretted it. None. Only people who have grown old and regretted never traveling, who have regretted focusing too much on money and superficial success, who have realized too late that there is so much more to living than this.
winogirl
Hi Brian! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Where did you come across the passage? Would like to check it out
I will be posting again very shortly – thank you for the encouragement. Nice to know someone is reading and enjoying. Keep me posted about your travels – sounds exciting!!!

Cheap internal flight South Africa

Cheap internal flights South Africa are becoming more popular by the day and the introduction on more flights means more convenience for the travelers in terms of reduced fares due to competition and availability of flights at any time of the day.
Internal Routes
Both local and international flights cover internal flights in South Africa and they go between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. There are also some that link within the smaller cities like Bloemfontein and East London. Other than these cities, there are also quite a number that have airports meaning there are cheap internal flights servicing those routes. These airports include, East Gate, Richard bay, Kruger and Kimberly.
Cheap internal Flights
There are quite a number of airlines that are offering the cheapest internal flights i.e. cheap flights from Jonannesburg to Cape Town, cheap flight from Jonannesburg to Durban and vice versa. The cheapest ones are Mango, Kulula and NationWide (Nationwide has had some troubles in mid 2008). There is also 1Time, SAA and British Airways servicing these internal routes.
Cheap Internal Flights South Africa #1: Mango Budget Airline
This brightly colored cheap internal flight was launched in October 2006 as a subsidiary of the South African Airways. You can enjoy snacks and some drinks while on this flight.
Cheap Internal Flights South Africa #2: 1Time Budget Airline
This airline was officially launched in January 2004, it is one of the smaller airlines in South Africa i.e. has around 10 airlines (to date) and carries about a hundred thousand passengers per monthly.
Cheap Internal Flights South Africa #3: Nationwide Airline
This is one of the order airlines servicing the internal routes. They've been around since 1991. This airline has run into some trouble in 2008 and it's future is at stake.
Cheap Internal Flights South Africa #4: Kulula Budget Airline
This cheap internal flight South Africa was launched in 2002. You can enjoy a number of travel related services and also get food and drinks on board. These are not complementary i.e. must be paid for in.