Why You Should Add Tampa, Florida to Your Travel List

November 10, 2019 by Mandy

Tampa has, in the past, flown a little under the radar when it comes to Florida holiday locations. For years it had a reputation as being a bit gritty and edgy, and therefore tended to lose out to more popular spots like Miami and Orlando. But the last few years have seen a huge burst of energy, vibrancy and excitement in the city, with new restaurants, bars, and cafes popping up everywhere, and the city getting a new lease of life.

When added to the amazing attractions that were already here, just waiting to be discovered, this new renaissance makes Tampa somewhere that is well worth considering when planning a trip to Florida. Whether you want to make it part of a Florida road trip, or you are arriving in the city before departing on a cruise from Tampa, there’s a whole bunch of reasons to visit this exciting, beautiful and still slightly undiscovered treasure.

Amazing wildlife

Florida is bursting with exotic wildlife, and Tampa is one of the best places to get up close and personal with the amazing creatures who inhabit the state, as well as beasts from even further afield. Busch Gardens is well-known for its rollercoasters, but it started life as an animal park, and still houses one of the largest zoos in North America. The Big Cat Centre and Lowry Park Zoo are also fantastic, combining cutting edge conservation with the opportunity to come face-to-face with lions, tigers and big cats of all stripes. Finally, the Manatee Viewing Centre is a truly extraordinary spot which takes advantage of warm waters beneath the Tampa Electric Company’s plant to allow visitors a glimpse of manatees in their natural environment.

Superb museums

Tampa is one of the most cultural spots in Florida, and is home to some of the best and most innovative museums in the state. For history lovers, the SS American Victory is a floating museum housed in a World War II warship, and a time machine back into the past. The Tampa Bay History Centre is a fascinating and uniquely interactive exploration of the city’s history and culture, while the collections in the Tampa Museum of Art will delight lovers of contemporary art. Finally, the Ybor City State Museum takes you deep into the rich traditions of the city’s Latin community.

Year-round beaches

Tampa’s location on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico make it the perfect location for beach lovers and sun worshippers, and guarantees beach days pretty much year-round. Clearwater Beach is the most popular spot, a gorgeous golden stretch of sand full of sophisticated clubs, bars and restaurants. However, locals often seek out less crowded options like Indian Rocks and Honeymoon Island, which are just as beautiful.

A little slice of Cuba

The Cuban expat community in Tampa is a big part of the city, based in the beautiful and historic Ybor City district. For many years Cuban cigars were manufactured here, and the delicious Cuban sandwich was invented in the city! There’s even Jose Marti Park, a tiny little greenspace in the centre of Ybor City, which is officially Cuban territory, gifted to the country in 1956.

So when planning your trip and packing your bags, resist the bright lights of Miami or the thrills of Orlando, and find a more interesting and slightly undiscovered experience in the charming city of Tampa!

Where to go on a road trip in Australia and New Zealand

November 8, 2019 by Mandy

Going to Australia and New Zealand will be on most people’s bucket list. The landscapes and cultures appeal to a lot of tourists, and some may only make it here once in their lives. Others may feel like their home and stay a lot longer.

However, there’s nothing like a road trip to learn about a place and the people you’re traveling with. So why not explore Australia and New Zealand on four wheels? These are just some suggestions you may want to think about if this sounds like the journey of a lifetime to you.

Pacific coast

If you’re looking for a typical flavor of Australia, then going along the coastal roads of New South Wales and Queensland will give you all you expect and more. Starting in Sydney, you’ll wind your way north towards Brisbane, with plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore just a little bit of the eastern side of this vast country.

Make a pit stop at places such as Port Stephens, Newcastle, and Byron Bay and discover the surfing beaches, seaside towns and national parks along the 900km route. You could even go west at Newcastle and check out the Hunter Valley region: perfect if you like cheese, olive, or chocolate as you find these local producers.

Vehicle hire experts such as Advantage Rental Car will be able to offer you a rental car for your trip. See if you can pick it up direct from the airport at the start of your trip – that way, you can get out onto the open road and start your exciting drive as soon as possible.

Perth to Exmouth

For those on the west of the country, there’s this route that begins at Western Australia’s main city and goes up towards Exmouth, just as the coastline turns northeast. The 1,200km journey shows off this part of the world’s coral coast, and other beautiful views.

As well as the turquoise Indian Ocean, there’s the Pinnacles Desert, Shark Bay, and the gorges of Kalbarri National Park to look at in awe. If you go between June and September, then you get the added bonus of seeing the colorful wildflowers across the landscape.

Auckland to Cape Reinga

Many tourists will use Auckland on the north island as their base when going to New Zealand – and if you don’t have many days in this picturesque country, you’ll still get to explore some of it’s best places from here. Head north out of the city, and you’ll not only see magnificent landscapes but have fantastic experiences.

Make your way to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, which is made up of 144 islands with green countryside and blue waters. You can swim with dolphins here or, if getting into the sea isn’t your thing, you can take a ferry to the historic town of Russell. Then head up to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – the top of New Zealand – and onto the Kauri forests and waterfalls that are inland.

9 Amazing Reasons for Visiting Vietnam This Year

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

How do you fancy visiting somewhere with delicious food, flawless beaches, and tropical forests? What if we said it’s also extremely affordable, filled with friendly people, and rich in culture?

Visiting Vietnam is a must for anyone who wants adventure mixed with surprising ease. This beautiful and mountainous South East Asian country has got so much to offer that a single vacation won’t be enough.

Read on to discover why Vietnam should be top of your vacation wish list.

1. Don’t Break Your Budget

From hotels to food, Vietnam is a very affordable country to travel in. Tours, travel, and activities are often considerably cheaper than you’d find back home.

You can eat out for just a couple of dollars and the street food scene is world-famous. Pick up souvenirs and stay in opulence for little money.

2. Fall in Love with the Cuisine

Vietnam’s cuisine will charm you from the moment you take the first bite. From the classic noodle soup Pho to the intricate flavors of the local herbs and spices, you’ll be buying a Vietnamese recipe book before you leave.

3. Hike Amongst the Rice Paddies

Hiking here is outstanding with mountainous regions, tropical forests, and rice paddies. Head to Sapa valley in Northwest Vietnam and prepare to have your mind blown. Hike through the incredible landscape and don’t forget your camera.

4. Relax on the Beaches

Vietnam’s beaches are out of this world. With vast cliff backdrops, white sand, and clear water, you can lie back and forget about everything but the present moment.

Travel to Phu Quoc to visit Star Beach and Long Beach. Go snorkeling in the beautiful water and lie under coconut palms dreaming of lunch.

5. Visit Stunning Towns

This country is full of wonderful villages and towns that show you what everyday life is like here. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An and hire a bicycle. Explore the stunning streets with yellow houses and sample the town’s renowned restaurant scene.

6. Explore Vast Cave Networks

You might not know this, but Vietnam is famous for having some of the most amazing caves on the planet.

Travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and explore the Son Doong cave, the largest in the world.

7. Get to Know the Locals

Is Vietnam safe to visit? That question will be answered as soon as you leave the airport because you’ll quickly discover that the Vietnamese are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Even with a language divide, locals will be happy to give you directions and help you out. Homestays are a great way to get to know Vietnam’s wonderful people.

8. Embrace the Activities

From hiking and ziplining to kayaking and snorkeling, Vietnam is a country rich in activities. With 30 National Parks, there’s plenty of walking and nature hikes to be had.

Cooking courses are also a fun activity and you’ll go home with expert local tips and tricks to impress all your friends with.

9. Enjoy the Easy Travel

Vietnam has the perfect balance of backpacker trails and friendly people. It’s easy to get around and you can take tours wherever you go. Many Vietnamese in the tourist trade speak English and help is never far.

Make Time for Visiting Vietnam

With so much to do and in such a phenomenal landscape, visiting Vietnam is a no-brainer. Pack flip flops and sunscreen and be whisked away on an adventure you’ll never forget.

5 Reasons You Have to Visit New York

September 30, 2019 by Mandy

New York is one of the world’s most famous cities and there is so much on offer in the Big Apple for tourists. For anyone who loves to travel New York has to be at the top of your list of cities to visit and when you go you will understand exactly why so many millions of tourists have walked these streets. Whether you are looking for a long weekend break, or even a longer vacation in this epic city, I would recommend that you grab yourself a ticket to New York, and here is exactly why.

Melting Pot

The phrase melting pot can be applied to New York more than any other city on Earth and there is a reason why they call this place ‘immigrant city’. In just a matter of streets you can be deep in Little Italy, absorbing all of the Italian culture here, and then you could be in the heart of Chinatown which actually feels as though you’ve stepped into the middle of a Chinese city. The food, the music, the culture and the people in New York have come here from all over the world which makes it a fascinating place to discover.

Broadway

They say that if you can make it here then you can make it anywhere and the bright lights of Broadway have long attracted the biggest and best in the world of theater. There are over 30 theaters here on Broadway with performances each and every day. Going to see show on this big stage is a special moment and it is reason enough to visit the city. Check online for best prices, we did this when we went and found Mean Girls tickets from $78, much cheaper than on the street.

Attractions

New York has some of the most iconic tourist attractions anywhere in the world and seeing places like the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and the famous bridges like Manhattan and Brooklyn are a rite of passage when visiting the city. Beyond this you have places like Central Park, Yankee Stadium and Times Square, famous places which you can visit with ease during your time in New York.

Museums and Galleries

New York offers some of the most famous art galleries and museums anywhere in the US and places like The Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art are must-visit places. In terms of other museums you’ll also find the likes of Sea, Air & Space museum, as well as the American Museum of Natural History. If you like museums and galleries then this is your city.

Food

Because of the rich blend of cultures which you’ll find in the city, there are food options from everywhere in the world. Furthermore there are some of the finest restaurants in America situated in New York so if you consider yourself something of a foodie, this city is going to blow you away.

Don’t wait any longer, get yourself booked up for a vacation in the Big Apple, you won’t regret it.

Five Tips for Planning a Dream Trip for the Family

August 6, 2019 by Mandy

Source: Unsplash | Limor Zellermayer

How many times have you found yourself flipping through photos that friends or family have posted of their yearly vacation only to find yourself wishing you could experience those same memories with your family? A family vacation is one of those things that isn’t just memorable in the moment, it’s the kind of memories that last a lifetime. It gives you a chance to experience new destinations, incredible sights, and culture with the kids, allowing them to learn more about the world that they live in. Of course it’s also about giving mum and dad a chance to relax and get away from the everyday stresses.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and plan a dream trip for the family, here are five tips that you can use to ensure it all goes smoothly.

What Kind of Trip Do You Want to Have?

The first thing to think about is the kind of trip you want to have, or the style of trip. Do you want something that is built around rest and relaxation, if so then a beach vacation may be perfect. Then again maybe you want to plan an active vacation, where there are non-stop activities for everyone to take part in. Or maybe you want to plan something that has an educational spin to it.

In other words there are all different styles of vacations to choose from, and your answer will help to narrow down the destination options.

Research Destinations Before Making a Final Decision

Once you come up with a list of potential destination contenders, it’s a good idea to do a little research before you make a final decision. This could include online research, checking out what other travellers have to say, speaking to friends and family who have visited the destination, and even speaking to a travel agent.

Get Input from the Kids

If your kids are old enough to start forming their own likes and dislikes, you may also want to include them in the decision making process. What piques their interest, what is it that they want to do on holidays?

Make Sure You Book Accommodations that are Kid-Friendly

Another tip is to make sure the accommodations you book are in fact kid-friendly. These accommodations tend to have amenities and features that appeal specifically to kids, are in prime locations, and even offer larger rooms and suites ideal for families.

What About the Finances?

Of course the final thing you’ll need to think about is how you plan to pay for the trip. Not every family has the extra cash available to pay for a trip up-front, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question.

Instead you can look into options such as a short-term loan that would allow you to pay for the trip over time. You can go to BingoLoans and apply now for a loan. This is perfect for those looking to borrow £2000 and pay it back over 18 months. It’s a great way to make the trip happen without going broke.

A Trip Everyone Will Remember

With these helpful tips in mind, you’ll be able to book a trip that everyone will remember.