It’s rare these days to find a destination where you can go from a downtown setting to literally being lost in the jungle in a matter of hours. But Peru does just that; a country which blends a diverse mixture of cultures, from the high plateaus of the Andes to the jungles surrounding the Amazon. And it’s wildlife is as colorful and vibrant as its cities and culture too.
But for all its diversity, this means attempting to tackle Peru on your own can be daunting. With so much to see and do you run the risk of missing a lot of what the country has to offer should you choose to do it alone.
So to really dive in, and make sure you don’t miss a thing, we recommend booking a tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to travel this year, is that Luxury Escapes is offering 20% off the tour we chose.
Read More
Mike and I recently quit our life of full time travel to buy a house and our previously sold stuff. And one of the first things we did was shop for travel prints for the walls. We wanted something to brighten the house up. And I hate bare walls!
While there are 79 pages of incredible travel photography you can buy as a canvas from Wall Art Prints, it only took me a second to decide. The travel print I wanted was staring at me right there on the third line.
I ordered a huge 150 x 100 cm of Magical Manarola, Italy; a town which, despite not having been able to take pictures myself, left a lasting impression on my mind.
Read More
With plant species found nowhere else on earth and numerous endemic subspecies of Australian fauna, Kangaroo Island is truly a magical destination much like the Galapagos. Its isolation from mainland Australia has created an oasis for native wildlife where they are protected from the devastating impacts of foxes and rabbits.
The island has retained over fifty percent of its natural habitat with over a third protected under national parks or reserves. A trip here means getting up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, glossy black cockatoos, seals, and more.
The sheer amount of wildlife you will see is almost unbelievable and in my opinion one of the best places in Australia where you can see such a large variety of iconic Aussie animals living in the wild.
Kangaroo Island’s incredible landscapes and wildlife are just the beginning though. It is an outdoor recreation dream offering horseback riding, sandboarding, caving, kayaking, and quad biking. Add the finest in food and wine along with luxury accommodation and you’ve got the complete package.
Read More
Phuket is a lovely place to take in the best Thailand has to offer however the newly opened MAI HOUSE Patong Hill gives you every excuse to stay in.
High up on the lush tropical hillside overlooking Patong Beach and the sparkling Andaman Sea, the exotic 79-room resort is one of the newest in Phuket, standing out as an oasis of modern Thai culture and chic relaxation.
With spacious rooms for families, couples or individuals, including rooms with private pool access, and private outdoor jacuzzi’s, local character and the historic flavor of Phuket Island intertwines with contemporary 5-star facilities to provide you with a magnificent and personal getaway to another world.
For those seeking a modern luxury experience in the Patong Beach district of Phuket, this is hotel opening you don’t want to miss!
Read More
Sharing a 2,000 km border with Sweden, in the northern European region of Scandinavia, Norway is a beautiful Nordic country, and in recent years rumors have begun to spread of it’s insane natural beauty.
A country defined by epic landscapes which rank among the most stunning in the world, the sheer drama of the fjords is alone worth the effort of coming here.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wildfire, though what can a traveler actually do? While 98% of its territory is uninhabited and impossible to live in, for those who choose to travel, there are unlimited possibilities for adventure. The following are our 5 favorite choices.
Read More
Guatemala is a hidden gem among tourists, and a perfect destination for those interested in an authentic cultural immersion experience. While gaping at the expansive landscapes, exploring volcanoes, and becoming entranced by the colorful artisan crafts of the Mayans, volunteering in Guatemala has become another point of interest for those seeking a more fulfilling travel experience.
It is no secret that Guatemala’s government struggles to provide adequate resources to their citizens. Being the biggest country in Central America, with the largest economy, it’s baffling to realize that over half of the people live in poverty. While the tourist industry booms, the common people suffer.
So if you are looking to volunteer abroad, Guatemala is a great place to start. There are projects for every type of personality, skill, and interest, so knowing your options is a great starting point. Check out these top volunteer projects in Guatemala, and make your next trip a reason to get involved.
Read More
The EM District is Bangkok’s newest tourist hotspot with its massive luxury shopping malls and some of the city’s finest cuisine. And a city in itself, once you arrive it’s difficult to find a reason to leave.
Perfectly positioned within walking distance to all the EM District has to offer, and with the peaceful retreat of Queen’s Park in its backyard, when it comes to Bangkok accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
Deal Alert: Save up to 67% off your stay at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park with package deals from Luxury Escapes.
Read More
We’re all familiar with the age-old maxim “it’s the journey that matters, not the destination”, and nothing embodies this more so than a vacation in an RV. You’re unrestrained by tight schedules, you get to see parts of a destination others don’t see, and it’s just you and the open road – you’re totally free.
But after you’ve decided to hit the open road, it’s a little bit more involved than just picking up the keys to an RV. There are quite a number of different classes of vehicle, and many differences are important to note as they make each class unique.
So to help you navigate the world of RV’s, and choose a rental which is right for your journey, Campanda has put together a great infographic to help you make a more informed decision on which one would be the best fit for you and your family.
Read More
One of my biggest tips for hearing about cheap flights is to sign up for airline newsletters, as they send deal alerts and information on sales. An issue however with this approach is that the deals are rarely relevant to my location, and between the 50 odd airlines who send me emails, my inbox overflows.
Though after signing up for emails from a newcomer called Next Vacay, I’ve been able to go through my massive list of airline subscriptions and hit unsubscribe.
The subscription economy is booming at the moment, and companies like Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime are leaving competitors behind. So the emergence of the subscription model in the travel industry was only a matter of time.
Leading with this idea, NextVacay is an new, online and personalized travel agency that aims to make air travel more affordable. It works off a subscription model of $25 per year and supplies real time sales, deals and error fares (those absurdly cheap flights posted as a mistake by the airline) directly to your inbox, according to your home base airport.
Read More
It’s finally time for your next big trip, and you’ve probably spent weeks, if not months, looking forward to it and planning everything you want to do. But have you spent as much time thinking about what you need to bring along?
Somehow, packing always seems to end up as a last-minute rush. Who doesn’t know the nagging feeling of having forgotten something at home just after leaving?
If you’re lucky, it’s only a luggage tag (did you know you can make your own?) or some sun cream; if you’re unlucky, it’s a memory card for your camera, or worse, your passport. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have everything you need the whole way.
Read More
Traveling to Thailand is one of the most exotic trips you can take, and luckily, it’s a very easy country to experience on a budget. Even first times travelers can easily spend under 100 USD a day, and that includes your hotel, activities and transportation!
There are many ways to save money while traveling in Thailand, but here are 7 tips for the budget traveler to come in under budget.
Read More
Stress is very dangerous, and dealing with it can be time-consuming. Though very few of us can afford to spend an hour a day meditating or doing yoga.
Whether you’ve got three young kids, or a demanding career, staying centred, healthy and stress-free can seem an impossible puzzle, but we’re here to give you our solution; spend those days you had planned for a weekend getaway in pure relaxation and recovery at a quality spa location instead.
The best spa centres know all about the different factors when it comes to decreasing stress in the body, from physically kneading out knots and tension in massage, to eating well and beautifying, a quality spa trip covers all the bases and will have you feeling calm and Zen in no time at all.
Read More
So you’ve planned for the most amazing adventures of a lifetime, enjoying all the most exciting, challenging activities the world has to offer.
I’m talking weeks skiing in the Alps, scaling and clambering up mountains in the northernmost parts of Scotland, hiking through Italy, or a month surfing down in Cornwall. There are some truly amazing experiences to be had out there.
But then that age old maxim rings true. You need a vacation from your vacation. After you return home you’re drained, you’re grubby, your feet have developed huge callouses and blisters.
Overall, you’re really not feeling your most attractive. Sure, there’s the whole warrior-woman, fresh out of the wild aesthetic, but it’s not the fourteenth century, and you’re really not feeling it.
That’s where a trip to the spa can come in handy. Perfect for dealing with those post-adventure blues, and for acclimatising back to normal life, a spa trip can also get you feeling healthy and attractive again.
Read More
A road trip is often the best way to explore if you’re looking to appreciate the diversity of natural scenery you would otherwise miss from a plane. And it’s an especially good idea if you’re one of those travelers who enjoys the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace.
With some truly stunning roads throughout the world, your first decision is planning out where you want to drive. And then you should conduct some research on how to stay safe, as every country will have different road rules, environments and landscapes.
Here are our 5 best tips for a safe road trip experience.
Read More
As The Economist’s most liveable city for the seventh year in a row, Melbourne is the place to be (plus, you won’t find a better coffee anywhere else in the world!).
Aside from the well-known Federation Square, MCG and Botanical Gardens, there are many other incredible areas to explore, and today we highlight the Docklands and Geelong as our two top picks for families.
Read More
Australia is an enormous and amazingly diverse country. In order to explore the vastness of the continent’s interiors, the best way is to embark on an outback journey and drive those rugged roads.
You can stop along the way for a cool swim, and stay on sprawling outback stations. Though there are many routes to the Australian Outback, many entry points, and many destinations.
You could enter along the rugged coastlines or through the western outback. Just make sure that your 4WD vehicle is in as good condition as you.
With your wheels donning on all season tyres, make sure that your vehicle is safe and sturdy before entering the heart of Australia and driving remotely. The following are 4 ideas on possible routes.
Read More
Paris is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, inspiring travel fantasies and capturing hearts and imaginations all over the world. But with so many highlights it can be a challenge to experience the city like a local would. And with 20 million odd travelers who visit the city every year, I wanted a more authentic experience than your average tourist would.
Short of moving to France (tempting), Cobblestone Paris offers that authentic experience even if you’re just visiting for a weekend; they rent impeccably furnished and conveniently located apartments which allow travelers to experience Paris the way a Parisian would.
Read More
For most people, the ideal vacation includes escaping to a sun drenched paradise, and at the mere mention of paradise, Bali instantly comes to mind.
Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, and resorts great and small, but it’s the scenic south-west, in Nusa Dua, where one resort out does them all.
Grand Hyatt Bali is the crown jewel of resorts in Nusa Dua, though this incredible 42-acre resort is more of an intimate beautiful Balinese river village than your typical resort.
With 5 star facilities, and a world-class shopping and convention centre at its front door, the hotel blends Balinese hospitality, tropical scenery, and modern convenience while oozing luxury across the board. And then there’s 650 meters of private white-sand beach, and activities galore.
Read More
Iceland has become somewhat of a trend in recent years, and as with any destination which has seen a recent surge in tourism, it’s quite difficult to find great value accommodation. Difficult, though not impossible. Especially if you’re looking at Iceland’s hostels.
With some of the highest standards of hostel accommodation in the world (in terms of cleanliness, character, rooms and facilities), if you’re heading to Iceland, it’s a no brainer to book a hostel. And if you’re looking for Reykjavík’s cream of the crop, we recommend a stay at the Loft Hostel.
Offering a range of dorms, twins and private rooms, it has a modern, clean interior, a buzzing vibe, and a great location right in the middle of the city’s bar, restaurant and cafe district. It was also voted the world’s best HI (Hostelling International) hostel in 2014. Awards aside, this is what else it’s got.
Read More
Travelers tend to group themselves into categories when it comes to what motivates them to experience the world. Some travelers’ sole aim is to taste new flavors (the “foodie”), while some are cultural travelers and history buffs. Some look to backpack on the cheap, while others simply want a break on an exotic beach.
There is an endless list of reasons why people travel, and a seemingly endless list of stereotypes to categorize them into. You’ve no doubt also come across the term eco-travel too. Though unlike being a foodie, a beach-bum, or a wine connoisseur, “eco-tourism” is one term which ultimately affects every kind of traveler, and something that, regardless of your interests, every traveler should care about.
Read More
Arising from Orchard Road like a beacon, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is one of the best located hotels in Singapore, offering luxury accommodation, with the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Singapore at your feet.
An iconic road which cuts through the very heart of the city, visitors can take full advantage of its central location and proximity to everything there is to see and do in the world’s greenest city. So for those who care about location, Orchard Road is where you’ll want to stay.
Until August 29, you can save up to 61% by booking a package deal via Luxury Escapes.
Read More
Whether it be for socio-economic circumstance, ambition, or even wanderlust, you’ve made the decision to settle down abroad and become a fully-fledged expat. Congrats!
Many people dream of moving abroad; to experience life as part of a new culture and have the chance to discover an exotic new land. But as enjoyable as it is to plan and plot where we’d like to go and what we’d like to do, there are some very real considerations to take into account.
Here are 7 things to consider once you’ve decided to settle down overseas.
Read More
You can pretty much guarantee that every adventure will come with it’s bumps in the road, but with careful planning and a few handy travel accessories you can be prepared for anything.
The accessories you travel with will depend on a variety of different things – the environment you’re heading to, the length of your journey, the type of transit you prefer, and even the weather. And then the rest of the time it comes down to personal preference.
Accessories most commonly found in a travelers bag include a first aid kit, flashlight, camera, headphones, and perhaps a travel hoodie, though to cover all possible bases, we’ve listed and discussed 15 more.
Read More
Kettering is a hidden gem of a town located in Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Tasmania, land of the ferociously cute devils, incredible cuisine, and talented artistry, has really exploded onto the tourism radar with the Hobart region seeing some of the greatest influx of holiday makers.
Just 20 to 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Tasmania’s capital of Hobart lies Kettering. A town fit for artists, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone looking for ultimate relaxation in an incredibly beautiful landscape. And the Cove Kettering offers luxury accommodation for your stay.
Deal Alert: Save up to 54% off your stay at the Cove Kettering with package deals from Luxury Escapes.
Read More
Traveling the world may sound glamorous, and many moments are indeed. However let’s not pretend that there aren’t just as many moments where you begin questioning whether all the headaches are worth it!
I long for the day when I win the lottery and can fly First Class, with fancy additions like compression socks, slippers, pajamas, and those seemingly much more high tech headphones. Upon seeing them on my last flight I was jealous enough that I finally looked into replacing my free tangled mess given to me by the flight attendant.
I came across Sennheiser’s PXC 550 Wireless noise cancelling headphones. A German based company that specialises in premium audio products, there are headphones, and then there are these.
Read More
