London is all the buzz at the moment. But honestly, it always has been! The cultural heartland of the UK, this gargantuan, bustling city is jam-packed with a seemingly endless array of hotspots, and a thousand things to do.
A thriving cosmopolitan, the city is bursting with world-class attractions, edgy fashion, and a combination of modern day architecture and majestic buildings which date back nearly two millennia. No other city is full of this much excitement or allure.
But one incredibly difficult decision while in London, is chooing where to stay. Finding a London hotel with a great location is vital to an unforgettable British holiday.
We’ve chosen to review the H10 London Waterloo; a stylish luxury boutique, quintessentially British, and perfectly positioned on London’s famous Waterloo Road close to all the iconic landmarks you know. And, great news for those traveling to London before December 2018, Luxury Escapes is offering 61% off your four or seven night stay.
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Who would’ve ever thought that packing a carbon monoxide detector would be an essential and life-saving item in one’s travel-kit arsenal?
We certainly didn’t until tragedy struck and my husband nearly lost his life to carbon monoxide poisoning at a “boutique hotel” in Central Mexico.
After dropping our twins off at their much-anticipated 6th grade camp in a rural community outside of Guadalajara, Frank and I set out to enjoy our weekend together, knowing that our children would be in good hands in the company of their classmates and the Camp La Cañada counselors, including a medic on staff.
But instead of enjoying a romantic weekend of exploring and relaxing together, we spent it fighting for Frank’s life. So I pen an open letter to all travelers.
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Whether you’re planning on staying in Paris for a few days, a few weeks or a few months, staying in an apartment is the best way to get a taste of life as a local, among locals. Hotels are still popular, of course, but if you’ve ever dreamed of living the Paris lifestyle, it’s now very easy and affordable for travelers to pick up the keys to a proper home!
With more space, a kitchen, and a washing machine, more travelers are choosing to stay in apartments over hotels (especially in Paris), and it’s become quite a popular trend. So much so that rental agencies like Paris Attitude, who cater to travelers, have gone from a portfolio of 20 properties 10 years ago, to 7,000 today!
And why not?! You get to spread out in some of the city’s most famous residential buildings for often a fraction of the normal nightly hotel price. And you have far more choice when it comes to location, with apartments on every street corner, with views of your favorite monument / attraction.
There is a definite shift away from hotels in favor of apartment rentals, so we’ve covered some of the best apartment rentals in Paris for travelers.
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A quick Google search (or scanning of JK Rowling’s Twitter account) makes it clear that ethical volunteer tourism is a hot topic in today’s travel climate—and for good reason.
It’s important that we, as individuals who want to spend our time and resources in international service, are doing so in a way that is effective, productive, and sustainable. After all, no one “wants to become that volunteer who has just built a bridge where no bridge was needed.” —Lonely Planet.
So, should we write off all volunteer tourism as the wrong way to spend your vacation or extended periods living abroad?
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A city often overlooked by many tourists heading to Italy, Bologna is somewhat of a hidden gem. It may not have the iconic landmarks we all head to Italy to experience, but it has beautiful canals like Venice, leaning towers similar to Pisa, equally as stunning architecture as Florence, unbelievable food like Naples, and a large masterpiece of a fountain like Rome’s Trevi.
With 2,000 years of history, about the only thing the city doesn’t have is an amphitheatre that rivals the Colosseum. But something which does give it an edge over Rome is a distinct lack of mass tourism.
Bologna is a wonderful city to experience authentic Italy away from all the hype and commotion that often comes with Italy’s major cities. So if you’re looking to experience authentic Italy, here are 5 reasons to make Bologna your next Italian destination.
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With 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, island hopping is a popular way to experience Greece.
And as the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition, this is a great adventure for the people who love discovery.
If you’re dreaming of an island hopping adventure in Greece, the following tips will help you plan it out.
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Eastern Europe has a drinking culture which dates back centuries; toasting to another’s health or welfare is a long established custom, and the tradition of clinking glasses when first taking a sip has been passed through generations.
Bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, Belarus is firmly landlocked within the vodka belt of Eastern Europe. So as you would expect, it’s capitol city Minsk isn’t lacking in authentic bars.
But it’s not common to visit a bar several times a week just to grab a small beer near your home. In Minsk, going to a bar is a special event, where people spend more money and choose the best possible options.
Minsk nightlife isn’t made up of bars which are popular just for being cheap; the scene is very much made up of authentic places to drink, eat tasty food, and socialize. So we’ve put together a list of the 5 most authentic bars in Minsk.
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Nestled between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour on Australia’s stunning northern NSW coast is the relaxing seaside town of Yamba. Although it may not receive the same attention of larger cities in the region, make no mistake, Yamba offers travelers a wealth of adventure and excitement rivaling the likes of Sydney and Brisbane.
With stunning beaches, a wealth of outdoor recreation, iconic wildlife, and numerous parks and reserves, there’s a reason Australian Traveller Magazine named it Australia’s number one town! And the best part, is that Yamba allows you to escape the crowds.
Wrapped within 600 hectares of rainforest near famous Angourie surf beach, the luxurious Angourie Rainforest Resort is fast becoming a hotspot for travellers to northern NSW. And it’s one of the best places to base yourself for access to Yamba and surrounds.
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If you’re planning your next trip, you’ll most likely think about your flight, transfers, and accommodations. However, there is one vital aspect of traveling that you might have forgotten: travel insurance.
Most people don’t think that getting travel insurance is important, but it is highly recommended to do so to mitigate travel risks.
If you choose travel insurance that suits your needs, you ensure that you and your family are protected from unprecedented incidents while traveling.
Looking for the best travel insurance can be quite daunting. But if you follow these guidelines, it’ll be easy to find the best travel insurance.
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You really couldn’t ask for more out of a destination when it comes to things to do in Cairns, Australia. The gateway to Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef as well as the massive 110-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest, Cairns overflows with incredible beaches, abundant rare wildlife, picturesque secluded islands, caves, and much, much, more.
Enjoying a tropical climate in far North Queensland, the region showcases some of the best natural attractions Australia has to offer. So why not travel beyond the major metropolitan cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to embark on a true Aussie adventure in Cairns.
Once you arrive, there is definitely no shortage of epic day trips at your disposal, all within reach of Cairns’ best hotels. When planning your Cairns itinerary, we highly recommend adding the following day trips in the surrounds.
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Popular by the name of “The Pink City”, the Indian city of Jaipur is royalty well personified. Its enormous treasure of history, culture and architecture attracts a huge number of foreign tourists every year, and, full of colorful celebrations, there is a long list of interesting places to visit in Jaipur.
The city of Jaipur is reckoned exotic because of its royal palaces, temples, dance and music everywhere you go. Its charming rural serenity gives a sense of relaxation to every visitor.
Of the incredible places to visit in Jaipur, we have put together a shortlist of the best sightseeing. The following are experiences and Jaipur points of interest you shouldn’t miss!
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One of the essentials we all pack when traveling are our shoes. Whether you’re planning on hiking, nightclubbing, or spending most of your time at the beach, you’ll always pack at least 2 pairs of shoes.
And it’s easy to just toss these in your luggage, without any real concern, but hopefully after this post, you’ll understand the importance of shoe care!
For anyone who has ever ruined the shape of their shoes by packing them haphazardly, had foot odor stink out a suitcase full of clothes, or ended up with sore feet after a day traveling, the following are effective tips for taking care of your shoes while traveling.
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Shaped to resemble the sail of a ship, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an iconic luxury hotel, instantly recognizable as the most luxurious hotel in the world. In fact, it’s one of the world’s very few 7 star hotels.
Located on a manmade island, linked to the mainland by a private bridge, the distinctive sail-shaped silhouette is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai.
With the world’s largest fleet of Rolls Royces, 24 karat gold ipods, butler service, exquisite dining, and a rooftop helipad, spending an evening here is no doubt a pricey affair, but worth every penny if you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious splurge.
So what would it cost to stay in the most luxurious hotel in the world? The most expensive suite goes for $19,000 a night. But for those wanting to experience gold-plated opulence at its finest, Luxury Escapes is currently running a deal for $3,499 for two nights. It’s the holiday of a lifetime, and possibly, your chance to stay in the world’s most luxurious hotel!!
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Globalization has led to an increasing number of people working in foreign lands, often far away from countries they call home. And one factor that connects most expats, no matter where they live, is the need to send money abroad.
The reasons, of course, tend to vary. These may include paying bills, making mortgage payments, or simply sending money to family members or friends.
Sending money from one country to another has evolved considerably over the last two decades, so expats get to choose from different options now. Whether you want to know the best way to send money to India, to Australia, or China, these are your options for sending money overseas.
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In this increasingly divided world, there are still a few things which remain that unites us all. And one of those is that we all love a good old snooze. However, just as the language we speak and the food we eat differ depending on the country we live in, so too does how we sleep.
Unsurprisingly, our bedtime routines reflect the differences in everything from our environment, to our lifestyles and cultural values. Below are just some of the countless ways in which the world gets its rest on.
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India is a magical destination, known for its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage. And one of the best ways to experience both is with a stay in a magnificent palace hotel.
Before the Republic of India was born, this was a region divided into 565 kingdoms. So there were (and still are) many opulent palaces, which have been converted into luxury hotels today.
The following is a list of the most incredible palace hotels in India, which will make make even the humblest traveler feel like a Maharaja. These hotels were actually once home to India’s royalty, and in some cases still are.
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Planning a trip to Adelaide?
This is a bustling city full of sophistication, culture, fine art & cuisine, though with just as many natural wonders to explore. It’s a hub of city life and cultural activity, though with it’s close proximity to the sea, and beautiful natural surrounds, there are multiple options for the great outdoors.
It’s quirky, and has quickly become the lifestyle capital of Australia. Regardless of your interests, Adelaide has something incredible in store.
We’ve put together the following guide to make your time in Adelaide easy and amazing.
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Road trips can make for an amazing adventure, even if it’s only for a short amount of time. But have you ever wondered if your car is ok for a road trip? Or what you should check before driving off?
As easy as it is to just jump in the car and drive, road trips do require a little bit of prior planning, and there are some important checks you should run to ensure your safety.
The following are 5 tips on making sure your car is road trip ready; 5 most important vehicle checks before driving off.
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Many couples choose to visit Jamaica, the ideal place to relax your mind, body, and soul – the perfect place to enjoy a wonderfully simple romantic holiday.
Jamaica is a beautiful place to explore with your partner, where you can enjoy average temperatures of 80-degrees, but if relaxing at your hotel or resort, soaking up the sun is more your style, that’s perfect too.
To help you choose the perfect spot for your romantic getaway, here are some of the top romantic resorts.
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One of the most colorful seasons in Japan is Hanami; a season where the country’s famous cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show, a show cherished by tourists and locals alike. Groups gather in city parks to bathe in the pink atmosphere of the flowering cherry and plum trees, and spring parties are thrown which can last well into the night.
The Hanami season begins in March and lasts until late May, and fortunately, some of Japan’s most iconic cities are also the best places to witness the flowering spectacle. But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities only offer a short window of 2-3 weeks (you can check online flower forecasts to find peak viewing times across the country).
We therefore decided it was best to head on an organized tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to catch the cherry blossoms in 2018, is that Luxury Escapes is offering 40% off the tour we chose.
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When you imagine a tour of Vietnam, what visions come to mind? Perhaps wild jungles, white sandy beaches, and fantastic street food? Breathtaking natural beauty, ancient history, and adrenaline pumping activities?
Vietnam is home to a wealth of destinations that will seduce every type of traveler, and with a diverse mix of everything mentioned above, travel here quickly becomes addictive.
Situated between the South China Sea and Cambodia borders, the narrow country punches well above its weight when it comes to unforgettable experiences. Here are 7 places you can’t afford to miss.
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Kathmandu is a myriad of experiences: it’s dusty and beautiful, chaotic and serene, all at once. But one thing is definite: you’ll never discover all of it if you head here as just a tourist.
Come as an international volunteer, however, and you’ll get to discover the city’s secrets, learn its culture, and experience something so much more than a holiday.
Hannah, from Perth, Australia, is two months into a three-month research volunteer opportunity with UK-based charity Street Child, and she can’t believe how quickly her time in Nepal’s capital city has flown by.
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When I visited Manila, the one thing which blew me away was the culinary scene. Year by year, Manila’s local food scene has been flourishing, and it’s clear that mealtime reigns supreme in the capital of the Philippines.
Filipino cuisine has new legs to stand on thanks to a number of innovative and passionate Manila-based chefs who are not afraid to push boundaries. And there are now so many incredible places to eat.
Whether they’re flying in produce from far flung places, or staying true to locally sourced ingredients, it’s is an exciting time to dine in Manila. The following are not only the best restaurants in Manila for your taste buds, but also your meticulously curated Instagram feeds.
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Who says you can’t travel with all the comforts of home? Summer in Australia is fast approaching, and the Gold Coast is the country’s top coastal destination. An iconic Australian beach city famous for surf, sand, and sun.
And when it comes to choosing accommodation, we highly recommend an apartment; something which offers you ample space to lay out after an exhausting (but exhilerating!) day, and facilities that make a beach getaway easy; like your own laundry, kitchen, and a private balcony.
One of our favorites for contemporary self-catering apartments is Ambience on Burleigh Beach, in a convenient beachfront location between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta.
Fronting what is easily the best beach on the Gold Coast, it’s also a great base for more theme parks than you could ask for, as well as access to Queenslands most beautiful national parks.
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Whether you’ve traveled for an active adventure, or urban exploration, a very common goal among travelers is to get the most out of every day. After-all, you have limited vacation days, and you’ve traveled to an exotic location – you want to experience as much as possible.
But there’s no denying that moving around all day comes with one downside— tired and sore feet. A long day of traveling, sightseeing, and walking will definitely take it’s toll.
Many travelers experience soreness, pain, and foot fatigue overseas, and it can be especially difficult if you’re wondering how you can possibly head out again tomorrow.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do to alleviate foot pain so you can rise again and be ready for the next day’s adventures, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to heel that pain!
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