Pancake Rocks, New Zealand

Camper Van Holidays in New Zealand

New Zealand has an abundance of beautiful natural scenery and an added bonus is it is all in a relatively small area. A camper van is the ideal way to visit the many areas of spectacular beauty for several reasons. Visitors can currently get cheap flights to Auckland in the North Island or Christchurch in More »

Camper Van Holidays in New Zealand

May 17, 2012   admin   No comments
Pancake Rocks, New Zealand

New Zealand has an abundance of beautiful natural scenery and an added bonus is it is all in a relatively small area. A camper van is the ideal way to visit the many areas of spectacular beauty for several reasons. Visitors can currently get cheap flights to Auckland in the North Island or Christchurch in the South Island. It doesn’t matter where you start, travelling with a camper means no hotel reservations are required; travellers don’t need to set up camp every night and they can go where they want, when they want.

South Island

Visitors can drive in camper vans around the two islands and see some of the most spectacular sights New Zealand has to offer. Drive to Dunedin to visit New Zealand’s only castle. Larnach Castle was built on a hill on the Otago Peninsula for the majestic views of Otago Harbour, the Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean by William Larnach who became rich as a banker during the gold rush in Australia.

While in the Otago region, camper van tours visit Mount Aspiring National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage area. There are three large glaciers, hundreds of species of butterflies and moths, 59 bird species which can all be seen on the Routeburn Track. It is a two to four day walk through alpine country that is extraordinarily beautiful.

Located on the scenic southern route is Fiordland National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage area with fiords carved by ice, verdant valleys and breath taking views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. Visitors can boat, hunt, fish, rock climb, walk and much more. There are hundreds of islands from small rock stacks to Resolution Island.
Travellers continue to Milford Sound, considered a top travel destination in the world with over one million visitors a year. Visitors take boat tours to view the spectacular mountains and thousands of water falls, some of which flow backwards because of the strong winds produced in the sound.

Continuing north up the coast, travellers visit the ski resorts of Wanaka, Queenstown and Methven for some of New Zealand’s best skiing from July through September. There is excellent cross country skiing and places for snowboarding.

On the northern shores of South Island is Abel Tasman National Park with, golden beaches and beautiful granite cliffs. It has mild climate all year round. It is a great place for walking, kayaking and sailing.

North Island

Camper van holidays also visit Waitomo Glow Worm Caves on the North Island. The caves are over two million years old and were created from limestone that formed under the sea. There are three main caves with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites as well as hundreds of glow worms.

Rotorua is a favourite holiday destination for locals as well as tourists. It has a lot of geothermal activity with geysers and hot mud pools and is near Mount Tarawera, a volcano that erupted in 1886. Visitors can soak their feet in hot pools.

Egmont National Park with the volcano Mt. Egmont has spectacular scenery with forests, waterfalls, wetlands and viewpoints. It is in the rural heartland of New Zealand. There is no place like New Zealand for a camper van holiday.

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Quirky Things to Do In Glasgow

May 16, 2012   admin   No comments
Black-and-White-Loch-Ness-Monster-Loch-Ness-Scotland.jpg

Unique, Odd, & Unusual Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow – the largest city of Scotland has turned itself from an industrial city to a tourist attraction in a matter of a few years. This is known to be the shopping center of the British and is one of the most famous cities in Europe. While you can enjoy the shopping malls, Glasgow Science Centre and the Tall ship but there are other Things to Do in Glasgow that you will love. These tourist attractions are worthy to watch but there are also some odd and unusual places in Glasgow that you would like to see.

1. Things to Do in Glasgow: Meet The Loch Ness Monster!

things to do in Glasgow

While technically not in Glasgow, the lake where this legend resides can be driven to and fro in a day. The story goes that there is a serpent like monster living under the  loch. Many enthusiastic souls come to Scotland just to look at this mystic creature. If monster-spotting is not your thing, then you can take in view of the Loch Ness lake or enjoy a day of fishing.

2. Things to Do in Glasgow: Ghost Hunting

things to do in Glasgow

This can be found at the Arches that are below Glasgow Central Station. The legend says that a ghost who is called “The Little Girl” Resides here. This girl can be seen wearing old clothes under these arches and roam around during the night time. Eyewitnesses swear on a stack of Bibles that this “Little Girl” ghost does exist. If you’ve got the right constitution,  you might even like to visit this place at night…alone.

3. Things to Do in Glasgow: Reston Mather

things to do in Glasgow

Blochairn House and Provan Hall is yet another haunted destination worth your visit. Though nobody knows how the rumour started, the legend goes that the last owner and resident of the house Reston Mather is still living in this place, only without his body. If that weren’t enough, the Provan Hall of this house is supposed to house two more ghosts a boy (young, around 15) and a woman that is supposed to be a phantom. The legend says that these two were murdered in the same building and are still dwelling here.

4. Things to Do in Glasgow: Barlinnie Prison

things to do in Glasgow

Don’t worry, the ghost here is kept behind a firm wall of thick bricks. The origin is unknown but it is said that a women holding a lantern is seen in this prison, in the surgery wing of the old penitentiary. How she came to be there, nobody knows, but she is indeed there. If you do come across her, she’s easily recognizable by her Victorian clothes. And that fact that she’s dead of course. That’s sort of a giveaway as well.

What quirky or unusual things to do in Glasgow do you know?

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5 Unusual Things to do in Los Angeles

April 30, 2012   admin   No comments
Bronson Canyon, Los Angeles California film location

Los Angeles is just one those cities where there’s never any shortage of things to do. Even if you live in LA, chances are you haven’t been to these offbeat attractions.

1. Film Locations: Bronson Canyon, Vazquez Rocks Natural Park, and Lone Pine town

While it’s true that the conventional TV and film studio tours are exciting and interesting, there’s nothing like getting off the beaten path and checking out some of the more remote film locations. The Bronson Canyon was used for many cowboy and sci-fi films way back when. Who can forget such classic films as 1953’s Robot Monster. Anyone? No? It’s still a pretty cool locale to check out.

After canyoning for a bit, beam yourself up to nearby Vazquez Rocks where the Star Trek movie series was filmed.

The town of Lone Pine was the location of many old classic films like Gunga Din. It even has a great museum about the almost 400 films that were shot in this town. Here’s a piece of warning though: it’s 4 hours away from LA. But you can drop by Death Valley on the way back to make a day of it. These are great activities as well if you’re on a budget. Who says cheap Los Angeles holidays have to be boring?

2. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

If your tastes lean towards the macabre, then this might just be your kind of entertainment — the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is indeed one of the best kept secrets among things to do in LA. The celebrities laid to rest in this cemetery are from old Hollywood like Douglas Fairbanks, Jayne Mansfield, and Rudolf Valentino. Ring a bell?

3. LAX Firing Range

If you’re into guns, this is your chance to legitimately get hold of a 9mm semi-automatic Glock. The LAX Firing Range offers a 2-hour session to teach the basics and give you an idea what it’s like to be armed with a powerful weapon. Your teacher will be an ex-marine so you have to be ready get yelled at and shout, “Sir, yes Sir!”

4. Chicken Boy Studios

It’s actually known as Future Studio Designs but locals like to call it Chicken Boy because it was once a restaurant of that name in 1960s. You’ll know you have arrived when you see a 22-foot giant chicken-man on top of the building. Inside the studio, you can go on a tour and buy some groovy pop culture gift items and art.

5. The Wacko Soap Plant

Wacko Soap Plant, Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles

This 1971 soap plant was opened as a mom and pop operation and branched out to leather wares and ceramics. It stands out as an outrageous pop culture shop that now spans more than 6,500 square feet! It will take you more than a few hours to browse around this store but you’re bound to find something you like. It’s also known as party place with celebrities often seen popping in and out at all times of the day and night.

What unusual things to do in Los Angeles have you encountered?

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How to Have a Frugal yet Fabulous Trip to Barcelona

April 23, 2012   admin   No comments
La-Boqueria-market-Barcelona-Spain.jpg

With its unique cultural attractions, miles of beaches, vibrant nightlife, excellent tapas and the Barcelona FC stadium the vibrant city of Barcelona offers attractions for visitors of all types. For those who would like to visit the Catalan capital on a budget, this is a city that offers free attractions, inexpensive but delicious dining options and user-friendly public transportation. You can find comfortable Barcelona hotels at a cheap price. Here are some insider tips to help you enjoy a fabulous but frugal trip to Barcelona.

Free things to see and do

Parque Guell

The works of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi are among Barcelona´s most valuable cultural treasures. There is an admission fee of over 10 euros to visit monuments designed by Gaudi such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló and La Pedrera but Parque Guell, a lovely park designed by Gaudi, is completely free to enter. In Gaudi´s highly individualized style, the park is complete with colourful mosaics, curves, twists and organic shapes. Children will enjoy the bright colours, exotic shapes and the mosaic lizard.

Las Ramblas

This lively street, replete with shops, restaurants, street vendors and street performers, is one of Barcelona´s principal tourist attractions. The street performers are known to be particularly quirky and fascinating. Children and adults alike can spend hours on Las Ramblas enjoying the sights and sounds without spending a single euro.

Free Museums

Most of Barcelona´s museums offer free admission once a month. With some careful planning and good timing, you can visit the Picasso Museum or the Museu Nacional d´Arte de Catalunya for free on the first Sunday of the month. Practically all of Barcelona´s attractions offer senior citizen and student discounts as well as free admission for children. If travelling with children, take note that some museums offer free admission to children until six years of age while others set the age limit at 10.

Font Magia

Barcelona’s Font Magia is a free event that is surprisingly enjoyable. Font Magia is a light, music and water show at the . This completely free show happens on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from October to April and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from May to September.

Beaches

Another unique characteristic of Barcelona are the several miles of beaches within walking distance from the city centre. The beaches are public and therefore charge no admissions fee. If visiting with children, you may want to steer clear of nudist sections like the Playa de la Mar Bella.

Eating out Cheaply

La Boqueria

This market is a feast for the senses. The meats and fish, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and prepared foods provide options for hungry visitors of all types. Buying a piece of fruit or even a prepared vegetarian meal in La Boqueria does not necessarily have to be expensive but make sure you are clear on the price before you buy. Go for a fixed-price lunch menu. Most Spanish cafeterias and restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu known locally as a menú del día. They generally include a beverage, bread, a first course, second course, and desert and/or coffee. Especially if you wander away from the tourist centre and find a more residential neighbourhood, you can purchase one of these hearty local meal deals for less than 10 euros. Ordering individual menu items is significantly more expensive.

Other General tips

Public transportation

To save money, avoid the red tourist buses and taxis. Public transportation in Barcelona is user-friendly and inexpensive. Depending on how far you want to travel around the city, you may want to consider purchasing a transportation pass that gives you unlimited access to trains, metro, buses and trams.

Enjoying a fantastic but frugal trip to Barcelona is not difficult if you follow some simple insider trips. Take advantage of free things to see and do and make sure you choose places to eat wisely. If you stay in a centrally located hotel, you will be able to walk to many of the tourist destinations that you wish to see. When walking is not possible, take public transportation. Following these simple suggestions will allow you to enjoy your trip without breaking the budget.

This post was brought to you by HostelBookers.com the budget travel specialists.

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Airport Disability Services in the UK

April 17, 2012   admin   No comments
Persons with reduced mobility sign at airport

Passengers with disabilities in the United Kingdom are subject to the same frequent delays at airports as everyone else. The special requirements that folks with reduced mobility have though mean that they generally feel the delay a whole lot more.

Thankfully, many airports are making huge strides in the breadth and depth of disability services available to passengers, not just during delays, but as part of their regular operations as well.

Here’s a look around at some of the services offered to travellers with reduced mobility around the UK…

Luton Airport Disability Services

Luton airport offers the following amenities and services for travellers with disabilities:

  • A designated accessible door as an alternative to passengers not wishing to use revolving doors.
  • Complimentary porter’s assistance is available upon request by calling from the Special Assistance telephones situated throughout the terminal.
  • Complimentary wheelchairs are available from two separate designated areas.
  • Induction loops for the hearing impaired are located at both the customer service and special assistance desks.
  • Lowered, easily accessible payphones with inductive couplers for the hearing impaired and touch text facilities for the blind are located throughout the airport.
  • Accessible toilets in every washroom.
  • Assistance with specialized equipment to aid in both boarding and disembarking the aircraft.
  • Luton Airport Parking has designated disabled bays for Blue Disabled Badge holders as well as accessible bus service to the terminal.

Gatwick Airport Disability Services

Gatwick airport includes access to an agency called Travel Care in their line-up of disability services. Other offerings include:

  • Induction loops for the hearing impaired are available – just look for the the ‘sympathetic ear’ symbol.
  • Special assistance help points offering free assistance for all those with a disability or mobility difficulties are situated throughout the terminal.
  • Reserved seating areas are available and are clearly marked by special disability services assistance signs in general seating areas.
  • Unisex accessible toilets are provided near most toilet facilities, while others are located inside the men’s or ladies rooms.
  • Disabled (blue badge) parking is easily found at car parking Gatwick.
  • The aforementioned Travel Care – an independent charitable organization — offers advice to all who may need extra help on their journey, and is available free of charge. They are located in the south terminal and can be reached by dialling +44 (0)1293 504 283.

Birmingham Airport Disability Services

Birmingham Airport contracts their accessible service work out to a company called OCS. It appears that you may have to jump through a few more hoops (most notably arranging for assistance well beforehand) but here’s what you need to know:

  • For Wheelchair or Special Assistance for any part of your journey from arrival at the airport through to the aircraft or on your return journey, you need to contact your airline or tour operator at least 48 hours before departure or arrival and let them know the type of assistance you require.
  • Their direct helpdesk number is: +44 (0)121 767 7878
  • There are staff trained in sign language who can be contacted from the Special Assistance Reception Desk.
  • Induction Loop System and and mini-loop systems for hearing impaired passengers are installed in throughout the terminal.
  • Birmingham Airport Parking offers accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.

While most airports can cater to passengers with special requirements at anytime, for assistance with anything not listed here, it’s best to contact the airline, your tour operator, or someone from the airport’s disability services department well in advance of your trip.

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