Travel Vacations tips

Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

More Holiday Ideas To Beat The Credit Crunch

One of the things that I did not have time to cover in my last article on ‘Holidays ideas to beat the Credit Crunch‘ was a real killer money saver. House Swapping actually I noticed the organisations concerned prefer to call it exchanging perhaps to avoid any overtones. This one seems a bit way out at first but offers some real savings if you still want to travel and gives much more chance to get into the local culture and pace of life than a traditional package.

The range of people and places who want to swap houses is really quite surprising. At the biggest home exchange service Homelink there are over 14000 from 72 countries. I think that sort of people this would suite would be slightly more independent and adventurous. If you dislike the way you are treated like a tourist on conventional tours and hotels that are impersonal. I think Home Exchangers want to gain new experiences and like to feel in control of their precious leisure time.

Here are some of the reasons why some people find home exchange makes for an ideal holiday.

Holiday Ideas Costsavings

The cost of accommodation is a major factor in holiday budgeting especially for those such as teachers or parents of schoolaged children who are tied to specific dates and so tend to pay inflated prices. For the price of annual membership 120 accommodation budgets can be totally eliminated irrespective of the duration of your stay. It is easy to see how this money could be put to good use: A more exotic destination perhaps? How about longer or more holidays? Or maybe you might have little more spending money to treat yourself to some special events that help to turn a good holiday into a great one. One home exchanger recently put the costsavings into context for me when she said that her membership more than paid for itself on the first night of her first exchange!

You can keep it simple by merely exchanging homes however you can save even more money by also agreeing to exchange cars so that the holiday budget can be limited to cost of travel plus food / spending money.

Holiday Ideas Authenticity

Conventional tourism can sometimes thwart the principle of “When in Rome….” as travellers are often treated as tourists. In this way you have the opportunity to parachute into a genuine local community and live like a local. So if you like the idea of sauntering along to the local diner to ask for “eggs easy over and coffee” home exchange could be for you. With this in mind you dont have to live in a touristy area yourself either.

Holiday Ideas Flexibility

Remember also that there is no limit to the number of exchange holidays that you can take during your membership year. This should be appealing to retired or semiretired members as they are more able than most to succumb to wanderlust. This also means that there are quite a high proportion of similar travellers and the sites indicate both where people have children and where they are retired. Having members in over 50 countries also means that there is an enormous range of destinations from which to choose.

The emergence of local airports and lowcost airlines makes domestic and European destinations more accessible and so opens up the possibility of adding a number of cheap 37 day breaks to the main holiday of the year. On renewing for their second year one family recently told me that they had completed seven exchanges in their first year!

Holiday Ideas Convenience

Wellmatched home exchange partners go on holiday in the knowledge that their accommodation is likely to be tailored to their needs. For instance parents of young children may find it easier to relax when their holiday home is childfriendly. Parents might also enjoy travelling light as many normal accompaniments can be left at home as a car seat high chair and a range of toys await them.

Furthermore many members agree to take care of each others pets and/or garden maintenance so there may not be a need to pay for alternative arrangements or return home to a jungle after your holiday.

Frequently asked questions about Home Exchanges

How do I know my home will be Safe?

The answer is you don’t. However arguably your home will be much safer when occupied by exchangers than if left empty. Home insurance companies know this as do the police. HomeLink claims that in over forty years of exchanging they have had very few instances of damage and no reports of theft. Most problems are at the level of “housekeeping standards” at the home being visited. Even in these rare situations exchangers return to find their own home just as they left it. While you are setting up your exchange you will get to know the other family. You also know the other exchanger’s profession and have a good idea of the home involved before you make your first contact.

Most HomeLink members are professionals doctors engineers teachers etc. business executives and retirees. In general they are in an upper income bracket well educated and are experienced travellers. They are also very proud of their homes which is why they’re not too embarrassed to let others enjoy their home whilst they’re away.

Who pays the bills?

Pay your mortgage and utilities as you normally would and agree beforehand who should pay extraordinary expenses such as long distance telephone calls. If a carexchange is involved you should discuss who pays for minor or major damage.

Is my house covered by my insurance?

In general most home insurance policies covers home exchangers. After all they’re your guests and it’s really no different from having friends or relations stay in your home whilst you’re away on holiday. Most insurance companies say they would much prefer you to have exchangers looking after your home rather than going off on holiday and leaving it empty. However you would have to check with your insurers and personally I would ensure it either explicit in your policy or you have it in writing.

Planning and getting an exchange

There is a continual turnover of people joining such schemes and looking for exchanges many arrange an exchange within a couple of weeks. The most successful exchangers are those who are proactive and send many invitations. The more flexible your plans the greater your opportunities. Generally speaking shorthaul trips are planned 36 months in advance with longhaul trips being planned 69 months ahead or more.

Whats actually involved? How do I prepare my house?

These recommendations from http://www.HomeLink.org will give you some idea of what you have to do to prepare your home.

1 Leave your home clean. Standards of cleanliness vary so make sure that floors are cleaned refrigerator emptied oven and hob greasefree bath and shower free of mould and grime windows seethrough and surfaces dustfree. No need to repaint the house!

2 Clear away enough of your personal belongings to leave space on shelves and in wardrobes and drawers so that your guests can empty their suitcases arrange their things in bedrooms and bathrooms and feel at home.

3 Leave at least two sets of clean sheets per bed and two sets of towels per person.

About the writer:  Rachel is a travel enthusiast and writer. Visit her blog Find holidays4U Blog or get you own unique holiday ideas by taking the free profile at Findholidays4U

The North West Coast Of Sardinia

Sardinia’s northwest coast shelters a trio of the most attractive seaside resorts on the island interspersed with some really spectacular coastline. The principal town on this stretch is Alghero.

Sardinia stands in sharp contrast to the Italian mainland and Sicily and Alghero provides an even sharper contrast to Sardinia itself.

Alghero was not greatly disturbed by foreign influences in modern times until it suffered bombings during World War II. Alghero is one of those places that the Italians have been happy to keep to themselves.

Every year thousands upon thousands of main land Italians swarm to Alghero for the first two weeks of August the traditional Italian holiday season.

Alghero has become a major package destination yet it has retained its distinctive Catalan character the result of intense Spanish colonisation in the fourteenth century.

Strangely given this faintly exotic tinge it is simultaneously the most “Italian” of Sardinia’s holiday towns its old centre a tight web of narrow lanes packed with boutiques bars and restaurants.

The town has countless boutiques and a busy weekly market as well as a fruit vegetable fish and meat market held in the town centre on Monday to Friday.

Alghero is often compared to mainland resorts like Sorrento or San Remo and if it lacks their glamorous edge it’s also refreshingly free of their cynical hard sell. Even a short stay should be enough to get acquainted with the abundance of enticing beaches in the vicinity and to investigate the area’s most important archaeological sites not to mention the famous Grotta di Nettuno Neptune’s Grotto on the point at Capo Caccia.

Outside the resort the northwest coast presents a wild and rocky aspect sparsely populated and ideal for roaming.

Although public transport services are adequate for travelling between the main towns and villages hiring a car gives you more freedom while renting a bike is an enjoyable way to cover the shorter distances.

The local terrain is rewarding and challenging for walkers with few overly strenuous tracts though they should be aware that the rough and rugged nature of the coast means that much of the alluring Alghero Bosa stretch for example must be tackled on the road; fortunately it’s free of much traffic most of the time.

Alghero is a very rare Italian phenomenon: a tourist town that is also a flourishing fishing port giving it an economic base entirely independent of the summer hordes.

The predominant flavour here is Catalan owing to the wholesale Hispanicisation that followed the overthrow of the Doria family by Pedro IV of Aragon in 1353 a process so thorough that the town became known as “Barcelonetta” and is still known as Little Barcelona to the locals.

According to some Alghero’s name is derived from the Arabic alghar meaning cave or cavern possibly a reference to the celebrated Grotta di Nettuno nearby still Alghero’s largest tourist attraction. To access the caves you can either take a boat trip or a drive along the coast.

The boat stops at the entrance to the caves the drives involves a rather energetic walk down approximately 750 very steep steps. The views are amazing on the walk down just bear in mind that you’ll have to climb the 750 very steep steps after touring the caves with only the rock face to look at!

Others suggest that its original name was S’Alighem L’Alguer in Catalan meaning “seaweedy” or “place of algae” though there’s little evidence of this today in the clear blue seas although the Lido beach in the town does get rather a lot of seaweed accumulating on it’s shoreline.

In fact it is the purity of the water together with the spectacular coast that have helped to put the town on the map in recent times Tour operators homed in on Alghero in the postwar holiday boom which gave birth to the boom of hotels and restaurants that exist today catering to a constant influx of mostly British and German tourists.

As you might expect the choice of accommodation is extensive but booking is essential at any time. Although over the past forty years hotels have sprung up all along the coastline the Alghero town council still has very strict building laws for the area to stop the coastline from becoming a skyline of high rise hotels.

Thankfully the resort has escaped the fate of many other Mediterranean holiday spots and resisted the lure of tweeness and commercial saturation.

Instead it remains a fairly easygoing place with a sharp but goodhumoured population who themselves like nothing better than a good night out in a trattoria or a stroll along the passagiata a one and a half mile promenade. In fact the quality of Alghero’s restaurants is generally impressive the presence of the fishing port ensures a regular supply of the freshest seafood and the varied local cuisine also makes good use of the Catalan culinary tradition.

The town is additionally blessed by its proximity to some of Sardinia’s most famous vine yards producing eminently quaffable wines most notably Sella Mosca. As well as wonderful local Sardinian food it’s possible to find some wonderful Pizzeria’s in the town one of the best and most popular being Passaparola Pizza on Via Gilbert Ferret.

However the real attraction of Alghero is its atmospheric old town centre an intricate mesh of mainly carfree lanes at the heart of which Via Carlo Alberto Via Principe Umberto and Via Roma have most of the bars and shops.

The old town’s finest architecture dates from the sixteenth century built in a congenial CatalanGothic style; a walkabout should also take in the series of seven towers which dominate Alghero’s centre and the stout girdle of walls that encompass it.

The Spanish connection is never far away: the street names are all in the Catalan dialect carrer for “via” placa for “piazza” iglesia for “chiesa and palau for “palazzo” though they’re also in Italian which is what most of the locals use. Beyond this historic core the new town’s grid of parallel streets In little of interest beyond its restaurants and hotels.

The drive out to the north of Alghero will take you through the lowkey resort of Fertilia an alternative place to stay if Alghero is full. If you do stay in Fertillia be sure to check out the old Roman bridge that still stands acrocc the river.

Fertillia was built during the 1940′s as one of Mussolini’s land reclamation projects there are a few bars and trattoria’s here but only enough to keep you amused for a day. Close by is the area’s most important nuraghic complex Nuraghe di Palmavera not to mention some fine beaches such as La Bombardi Lazzaretto and Mugoni. Inland you could drop into another archaeological site belonging to an earlier era the necropolis at Anghelu Ruju set amidst the endless vineyards that produce Sardinia’s excellent Cannonau wine.

Further a field the undeveloped coast south of Alghero is a jagged and dramatic interplay of rock and sea with a few select beaches tucked out of sight There are no habitations here not until you climb to the village of Villanova Monteleone situated inland amidst a bare mountainous terrain.

In the opposite direction the country north of Alghero is much flatter but there are a couple of places worth exploring: Lago di Baratz harbouring protected wildlife and the abandoned mining centre of Argentiera dominated by the eighteenthcentury workings of a once flourishing industry.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Sardinia HolidayPlease feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our siteYou may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.Harwood E Woodpecker

Food And Wine In Koh Chang

Upon arrival have your first meal on the island at the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Restaurant in Klong Son village. It is under the resort of the same name and offers Thai international and seafood cuisine.

Ton Sai Restaurant is set on top of a banyan tree thus the name. It is located at White Sand Beachand serves fusion food.

Relax after dinner by sitting back at the nearby Sabay Bar. The bar is lively with the music from a Filipino band and firetwirling shows by skillful performers.

Blues Cha Cha bar set along the main road at Kae Bae just across The Chill is a place to
wine and unwind. Live bands plays nightly and firehouses play to the tune that fire up the atmosphere of a lively evening.

If you are looking for a 5star environment Breezes bar at the Amari Resort would be your best pick.

Featuring a trendy decor the cozy bar plays live music 6 days a week and offers a wide selection of cocktails beers and wines as you would expect from a 5star hotel.

If you are a bit tired there is the sofa bed for you to stretch out. Patrons can also choose to relax at the outdoor quiet lounge facing the sea.

The White Sand Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach where guests can bask in the gentle sunshine or relax under the starry sky while dining.

The restaurant serves Thai and European menus as well as dishes individually prepared by the chef.

Alina Restaurant Ban Thai Restaurant and Banpu Koh Chang Restaurant are inhouse restaurants for resorts of the same names on White Sand Beach.

It is an added advantage for the guests of the said resorts since these restaurants which serve seafood Thai and international favorites are only a step away from their accommodations.

If dining under the starry sky is your current leisure pursuit then Cookies Restaurant is the place to visit. For those seeking a Swedish dining experience Heli’s Kitchen is definitely the right choice.

Pizza lovers should be delighted to know that there are at least three pizza places on the island. If you prefer a fine dining ambience with candlelit tables try Invito Italian Restaurant. Pizza Ban Nuna is meanwhile down to earth.

Sassi at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort is famous for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its bright and vibrant atmosphere is cosy yet lively. The restaurant’s air conditioned indoor ambience complements the fine tastes of Italy.Outdoor servings are available if you prefer the natural air supply.

Just one level below is the Just Thai restaurant stylishly designed with contemporary Thai
decor. Expect the more innovative Thai delicacies and fresh seafood. The restaurant turns a bit Japanese with an additional 5course dinner menu every Mondays and Thursdays. Outdoor seatings are available here too.

The Cove Terrace boasts of an allday a la carte menu in a bright airy setting. Check out the special theme buffet available on some evenings.Exclusive romantic sunset dining right on the beach can be arranged.

Buffalo Bill Steak House on White Sand Beach serves one of the best steaks on the island . The wild west steak house has a very relaxed ambience and a friendly staff Here the portions are American size but not the prices.

The Milky Bar on White Sand Beach is an ideal place for those who want to spend the night singing to the tune of music.

The Terrace Restaurant in the premise of the Chang Buri Resort and Spa on White Sand Beach is on a hillside terrace where diners can enjoy food in a natural environment. The restaurant prepares both Thai and European cuisines.

The resort’s Beach Bar Restaurant is perfect if you prefer to dine by the beach where the menu is similar to that of the Terrace Restaurant.

For fine dining experience amongst the vegetation of a rainforest overlooking the sea go to Saffron On The Sea. This boutique restaurant offers Thai amp; Western delicacies in the open space with a good view of the mountain and the sunset.

For a change in scenery schedule a breakfast or lunch date at The Cinnamon Restaurant at the Aana Resort on Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is located along the river and now provides free WiFi connection for its patrons.

If a light meal is all you need at the moment then visit The Hill Bar at the same resort. Before heading down to dinner drop by at the same bar for a sunset aperitif.

For a more relaxed dining experience get down to Aana’s The Beach Bar for street food drinks and cocktails.

Imagine dining in a tropical garden setting with the sound of the lapping waves of the nearby sea. Remark Cottage Restaurant at the Klong Prao Beach makes that experience possible plus letting you enjoy a wide variety of seafood.

A healthconscious vacation is now possible at the Boutique Restaurant where they serve health and vegetarian foods.

Just inside the Chai Chet Resort is the Chai Chet Seafood which serves the best in seafood cuisine to its inresort patrons. However they will also be happy to welcome anyone who’ll come visit them.

Enjoy a homey cozy atmosphere while dining at the K.B. Restaurant that serves local favorites fresh seafood and international food.

Let Siam Beach Restaurant’s chef prepare for you only the best Thai food a la carte and discover what it is like to experience the socalled dinner in paradise.

The Bay Restaurant at the Dusit Princess Koh Chang has a delightful selections of seafood and international cuisine. Modern decor in bright colours with a view of the Bai Lan Bay will further enhance your appetite.

The fishermen’s village in Bang Bao is the place to go to for the best seafood. Here you can expect the freshest catch of

the day at famous restaurants. One of the most reputable seafood restaurant here is the Ruan Thai Restaurant. Set above the sea the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood prepared the local way at reasonable prices.

For a romantic culinary adventure try the Tantra Restaurant at the Nirvana Resort in Bang Bao where contemporary European and Thai cuisine are prepared by their renowned chef. An innovative promotion called the Nirvana Twilight Nights include a breathtaking view of the sunset amid soothing beats and refreshing cocktails an illuminated jungle walk and a 3course dinner at the restaurant set on stilts overlooking the fishing village and the calm sea. Fine wines and an extensive drinks menu add to the delight.

On the eastern coast a vegetarian outletSpa Koh Chang Restaurantis fast becoming popular among travelers. Its “Food for Health” slogan makes it a distinct choice for healthconscious diners.

Salakphet Seafood Restaurant is built above the waters giving the place a relaxing ambience and a feel of being part of the fishing community.

Watering holes or beer bars can be easily found on every beach on the island.

Other than Koh Chang most resorts on other islands include meals in their packages. Nevertheless some restaurants such as the Makathanee Restaurant on Koh Maak also serve a la carte menus. The place which is under the resort of the same name serves seafood local and international favorites.

Get a feeling of the island by dining at the Shantaa Restaurant on Shantaa Koh Kood. It is where local favorites are enhanced with the cooking secrets of local chefs.

But just before heading down to the restaurant take a detour to the resort’s Shantaa Beach Bar for your favorite drinks and snacks.

You can find more information in Koh Chang at http://www.kohchang.com

About the writer:  I’m Web Master and Web Marketing of Kohchang.com and Kohchangholiday.com Online reservation services for hotels and resorts in Koh Chang Koh Kood Koh Mak Trat Thailand.