travel

The Benefits of Luxury Villas Over Hotels

written by Joy

We tend to look for the best deals and try to save when planning a holiday. We’ve covered a lot of budgeting and budget-friendly holiday tips here on Joy’s Flair. However, affordable hotels are not always the best choices to look into. In fact, going for luxury villas often brings more benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits and see why luxury villas can sometimes be a better deal than hotels.

Share the Experience

One of the first benefits you will be able to enjoy when you choose to stay in a luxury villa is the ability to host more people. This means you can share the experience with friends or the entire family. In turn, that makes the cost of staying in a villa more affordable than you think.

A luxury villa such as the Villa Punto de Vista in Costa Rica can house up to 24 guests and 3 additional kids for as little as $3,000 per night. When you divide that number, the cost of staying in the luxury villa per person is often more affordable than booking several hotel rooms.

More importantly, you are actually sharing the experience. A luxury villa rental also provides you with a living room and other amenities instead of just separate rooms. At night, you can gather and enjoy a lovely time with everyone.

The Luxury Treatment

There is another thing that makes luxury villas very good value: the luxury treatment. You may be able to save a little by opting for a budget hotel, but spending that little bit of extra money will get you pampered from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave the property.

I’m talking about the best designer toiletries, amazingly comfortable beds, world-class chefs cooking your meals and various other things that will make your vacation that much more enjoyable. You also have staff available to take care of your needs.

Most luxury villas are children-friendly and have on-site activities to keep children entertained. You can make special requests ahead of your arrival too. If you’re allergic to certain food types, for instance, you are free to choose your own menus.

Location & Privacy

Let’s not forget that luxury villas have the best amenities. The Villa Punto de Vista we talked about earlier is actually situated in a tropical reserve with Costa Rica’s best wildlife living just steps away from your villa. You also have access to the Manuel Antonio Bay and its beautiful beaches.

Other luxury villas may come with a private beach or even an entire island as part of their amenities. Your vacation will be so much better thanks to the extra privacy this affords. Enjoying the day sunbathing on a private beach – with no one else but your friends and family there – while drinks and food are served is just too good an opportunity to miss out on.

With these benefits to enjoy, there are plenty enough reasons to check out the best luxury villas the next time you plan a holiday. I do have to warn you though; once you’ve tried staying in a luxury villa, you’ll never want the vacation to end.

Image credit: Bart Speelman – https://flic.kr/p/9dJg5d

September 29, 2016 0 comment

lifestyle Tips vacation

8 Ideas for Planning the Perfect Weekend Away

written by Joy

The best way to relax and relieve the stress of a long work week is through a weekend away. Following your interests will let you enjoy yourself wherever you are, thus an ideal getaway may not take you far from home.

Good company like being with your loved ones or friends will bring more enjoyment and make the weekend trip a memorable and rejuvenating experience. Below are suggested ideas if you are planning for the perfect weekend away.

#1. Cruise to Nowhere

Everyone deserves a great vacation option. You can try a cruise to nowhere for a night or two with a ship that literally goes nowhere. It is indeed a perfect quick vacation for a very reasonable price. With no ports of call you can enjoy and relax to the fullest, enjoying ship’s amenities like restaurants, movie-watching, take in a comedy show or other forms of entertainment, spas, shopping and more. Most major cruise lines offer cruises to nowhere from various cities.

#2. Rent a House, a home away from home

If you are planning on getting away with your family and friends to celebrate a family occasion or just simply go for a short vacation, you could rent a house for a weekend, which is a truly great option. If you’re part of a large group and are wanting a luxurious stay, house rentals are definitely cheaper than booking several rooms in a hotel. It has all the comforts of home with a fully stocked kitchen equipment, bedding, towels, washing machines and more. You and your family will have plenty of time to just relax and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Most importantly, these houses are available for exclusive-use, thus you are assured of your privacy.

#3. Camp Out

How about a weekend in the woods? Camp out or stay in a rustic cabin, enjoy kayaking down a river, or picnicking near a lake. If you are looking for a perfect escape from your hectic daily work schedules then communing with nature is the best. Find nearby campsites which offer plenty of activities to do like hiking, fishing, swimming and more. It is refreshing to wake up in the morning with the smell of fresh air and chirping birds.

#4. Wander in an Amusement Park

There are a lot of amusement and theme parks that offer discounts and great deals.It is said to be the happiest place on Earth where you can always rekindle the inner child in you. Scream on roller coaster rides, scare yourselves inside the house of horror booth or simply enjoy other entertainment attraction which brings endless fun and excitement. Find a near amusement park then take off for a weekend of screaming and cotton candy.

#5. Have fun walking, go hiking

For people who have a great love for hiking adventures, a long and vigorous walk is a great way to see the world. Hiking can be a perfect weekend getaway, however, not everyone is fit to this kind of adventure. It requires fitness, so for beginners it is recommended to start with small trips, and get used to walking long distances before you start going up mountainous regions and tougher trails. Itinerary – route to take, proper clothing, hiking staples like carabiners, walking stick and first aid kit are important things to consider when planning a hike.

#6. Chill out, bask in the sun on the beach

Book an ocean-facing room for a weekend away. Take pleasure by basking in the sun on the beach and get that sun tan. Engage in water sports activities or just lie down lazily on a hammock reading a good book. Yet, do not forget to read reviews and opinions before you book your best beach resort trip

#7. Get Pampered

For a change, why not pamper yourself with a beautifying treat. An aromatherapy body massage, an invigorating body spa, a facial treatment and a good haircut. A makeover for the new you. You can check for the nearest pampering hideout near you.

#8. Museum -hopping

If you have kids, enrich their minds through museum-hopping. It will be a worthwhile family activity. Kids and adults alike are amazed seeing a collection of historical objects and artifacts, galleries of beautiful paintings and halls filled with exhibits full of relics from the past.

Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure you plan ahead and thoroughly look into the option that will suit you best.

June 28, 2016 0 comment

travel

Discovering the Best Tours in Israel

written by Joy

Are you going to visit the Israel but have a very limited time? Don’t worry! We will help you to plan your tour to Israel. Israel has a lot of beautiful, religious and historical places to offer to you. If you want to have the best tours in Israel, here are the topmost attractions which you should include in your itinerary.

Best Israel Tours In Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Tel Aviv is the commercial and cultural center of Israel. The night life here is amazing and the beaches and the restaurants are world famous. It is also referred as the one of the best cities in Middle East. The old city of Jaffa, right next to Tel Aviv is the city which has its root to the biblical times and possibly older than that. Here you can make your best Israel tours.

Jerusalem

A visit to the capital city of Israel, Jerusalem will be one of your best tours in Israel. This city is one of the most sacred places in the world. Jerusalem is a holy place of 3 major religions which are Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The city is encircled by imposing stone walls which date to the Ottoman period and many holy sites such as the Western wall, the Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be found there. You will find some best Israel tours here due to the abundance of places worth visiting.

Masada

The fortress of Masada is among the best Israel tours and is definitely worth visiting. It stands on the rock plateau in south eastern part of Israel. The story of Masada fortress is very peculiar and dates long back in history. If you are feeling adventurous, you can walk up to the Snake Path to the top of the Fortress. There is also an option of the cable car otherwise. You can still find the remains of the settlement and the battery which Romans built to get to the settlement.

Tours In Israel And The Dead Sea

If you have not visited the Dead Sea, you have missed one of the best tours in Israel. The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the earth which is at 1,360 feet below sea level. The water is ten times salty than the ocean waters and this makes it possible to float on water without moving even a finger. But don’t splash any water in your eyes which will make it very unpleasant. Those who have skin problems will find the mineral rich water very effective. The reason why it is called Dead Sea is that there is no life in it due to over saltiness of the water.

Galilee

You can make your best tours in Israel in the Galilee region which is a large region in the northern part of Israel. Galilee has a beautiful highland, green fields, agriculture and so much history in it. There is a lot to visit here like the Sea of Galilee, ancient cities of Tiberias, Safed and Acre and the famous Jordan River.

The show does not end here. You have a long list for best Israel tours and once you visit this country, you will come to know about them.

Image By David Shankbone – David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3321001

April 27, 2016 0 comment

lifestyle places travel

Thrill-Seeing Activities To Enjoy In The UK

written by Joy

The UK is renowned for being a country that’s full of tranquil getaways, unspoilt countryside and a relaxing atmosphere. While these qualities are true in some areas, the UK is also home to plenty of thrill-seeking activities for those of us with a real sense of adventure. The demand for these experiences has boomed with more and more people looking to get their adrenaline fix. If your idea of a fun time is pushing your limits and increasing your heart rate, you absolutely need to try out some of these.

Take a Zipline ride in Snowdonia

A common feature in some of the best action films, zip line rides are the experience of a lifetime. Snowdonia has the longest and fastest zipline ride in Europe, suspended 500ft above the Penrhyn Quarry. The line may only be a just under a mile long, but you will reach speeds of up to 100 mph all while travelling head first down cliffs and mountains. This is said to be the closest experience to skydiving without jumping out of a plane and makes the ideal activity for any wannabe stunt man or woman. If this doesn’t sound that exciting, enough the Zip world centre also offers zip lining and obstacle courses inside of caverns and caves too.

Image credit: Jeremy Thompson – https://flic.kr/p/8faxVT

Get on a rollercoaster in Blackpool

Visit Blackpool and take a trip to their famous pleasure beach amusement park. Some of the UK’s most iconic and unique roller coasters and rides are based here. Prepare yourself for a day filled with extreme thrills that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. Infusion, for example, is the first looping coaster to be suspended over water and Revolution is the only 360-degree coaster in Europe. Having these incredible rides all in one place is a bonus and should not be missed if you’re looking for a breath-taking experience.

Dine above the buildings in London

If you want to try out something truly unique and daring, why not try a dine above the sky experience. Their sky platforms include a large table with roller coaster style seating which can comfortable sit around 22 people. The platform is then raised 25 metres in the air and will leave you and your group suspended while you dine. You may not be moving quickly or doing some daring manoeuvres. But the feeling of being suspending will be exhilarating and almost unnerving to begin with. Seeing the look on everybody’s face as you get lifted above building will make this activity, even more, fun. Plus you’ll also get a whole new perspective of London as you’ll be seeing it from almost a bird’s eye view.

These thrill seeking activities are not for the faint hearted but are definitely worth experiencing. They will open your eyes to new sights and challenge you to try new things. Whatever you choose to do, carefully listen to the safety advice given to you by the guides. Also, always wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Safety has to be a priority, even when you’re having the thrill of a lifetime.

December 23, 2015 0 comment

travel wedding

Top 5 Exquisite Honeymoon Destinations in the Philippines

written by Joy

The Philippines has slowly made its mark in the international tourism industry. Here you can find paradise-like islands, luxury resorts, warm and hospitable people and a truly diverse culture and cuisine. It is no wonder, the Philippines has become one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Foreigners and locals alike, have booked weddings and honeymoons in some exquisite destinations in the country. Here is a shortlist of the most romantic places to spend your honeymoon in the Philippines.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, Palawan never gets old on the list of destinations or bucket list for local and foreign travelers. Its paradise-like beauty is tucked away remotely from the city, yet easily accessible so you can have all the rest and relaxation with your loved one. What makes El Nido the ideal destination for honeymooners is the sheer beauty of nature that surrounds you, delicious food options, accommodation for all types of budget and activities that couple will thoroughly enjoy. You can find great deals for hotels and honeymoon packages in El Nido from credit cards such as metrobank credit card.

Legazpi City, Albay

A booming city for tourism, Legazpi City has more than just romantic places to offer for eager honeymooners. The scenic Mt Mayon, the majestic beauty that rivals Mt. Fuji can be seen from any vantage point around the city. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the tragic and powerful love story of Daragang Magayon. Visit Cagsawa Ruins, Mayon Sky Park and Planetarium, Daraga Church, Embarcadero or take on a gastronomic feast of sweet, creamy and chilly cuisine that includes Sili Ice Cream, Laing Bicol Express and Pili Candies.

Baguio City, Benguet

A favorite among newlyweds, Baguio City boost of cool and crisp climate perfect for cuddling. Suggested hotel accommodations include The Manor, Camp John Hay Country Club, Ridgewood Residences and others. This city is popular for its unique and versatile cuisine, vintage and thrift shops and it is also the jump off point for adventure seeking couples. From Baguio City you can easily proceed to climb Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet, head out to Banaue or to Sagada to explore more of culture and heritage of the Cordilleras.

Boracay Island, Aklan

Boracay island is considered to have one of the best beaches in the world making it a popular destination not only for newlyweds but for all types of travelers as well. Couples can soak up the sun in the islands’ powdery white sand and enjoy the crystal clear waters. There are plenty of luxury hotels and quaint restaurants that cater to honeymooners so you have a lot of options. You can spend intimate moments and at the same time try out thrilling water sports during your honeymoon in Boracay Island.

Cebu City, Cebu

Cebu City is a thriving metropolis with less traffic and pollution compared to Metro Manila. This bustling city has so much to offer for newlyweds wishing to spend their honeymoon in the island province. The city itself is located near wonderful beach resorts so you can follow up your credit card application philippines while you spend a couple of days in the city’s choicest resorts. Luxury resorts such as Movenpick, Radisson Blu, Sumilon Bluewater are attractive destinations for honeymooners.

Image credits to: JW Marriott Guanacaste Costa Rica, on Flickr – https://flic.kr/p/hwePbx

June 24, 2015 0 comment

travel

How To Not Go Broke While Visiting Rome

written by Joy

Whether you have to force yourself to stick to a super tight budget or you simply are not a fan of spending more money than you have to, you might want to consider various ways to save on hotels in Rome and on the various things you will do while there. To help you get started on the right path, you are going to want to check out the following tips.

The very first thing that you are going to want to do is to make sure that you are making reservations for a quality hotel as quickly as possible. It is important to remember that Rome can become extremely busy during major holidays and events so if you will be traveling during that time, you will want to make sure that you are making your reservations as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that you are going to have a lot of options to pick from.

Another thing to consider is that you do not always have to pay the price as advertised on some major website. You might be able to get a cheaper deal by doing a few things. The first thing you are going to want to do is to make sure that you are contacting a travel agent that is very familiar with Rome. He or she might already have access to cheaper rates that can be passed directly to you. Then there is the option of calling the hotels in Rome to ask about available discounts. Depending on their specific hotel policy and what you might qualify for, you might find that there are senior citizen, college student, large family, and auto insurance discounts that you might be able to take advantage of.

You are also going to want to plan your activities before you leave for Rome. While you might want to make sure that you are leaving a little wiggle room in your schedule for the random things you could not have foreseen, you are going to want to make sure that you are going to Rome with a game plan. This will not only ensure that you are getting to do and see as much as possible with the time that you have, but that you are able to research the best ways to save money.

All you have to do now is take these tips and put them into action.

April 28, 2015 0 comment

Tips travel

Time to Travel: How to Prepare for Going Abroad

written by Joy

If you are planning on traveling to another country sometime in the near future, you can probably barely contain your excitement about the upcoming adventure. Though it’s important to think clearly, so you can take care of things before you leave. Make sure you take the time to do these things before leaving for your trip, and leave room for any extra tasks you didn’t think about.

image credits: pixabay.com

Take Care of Your Health

First and foremost, you have to take care of your health before you go anywhere. See your dentist or oral surgeon in Tampa, and have any cleaning or exams you need done. As Westchase Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center remind us, insurances will often not cover you if an emergency should happen while abroad. Have a physical done and make sure you have all of your immunizations. It’s important to make sure your body is strong and healthy enough to travel, plus you shouldn’t have to worry about having any dental work or medical care done while you’re overseas.

Make Sure Your Papers are in Order

Get all your papers in order before leaving. Make sure your passport is up-to-date, and submit any visa requests as far in advance as possible. Ensure that your flying plans and accommodations are fully secured before your anticipated travel date. Handling everything as far in advance as possible can help you save money, and ensure your travel plans aren’t delayed or ruined.

Arrange for Your Belongings to Be Cared For

You might be nervous about leaving your home and belongings behind when you travel, so make sure you have a plan in mind for taking care of everything. Consider putting your items in storage if you rent, then, you can move out of your rental and save money if you are going to be overseas for a while. Otherwise, consider installing security cameras and a burglar alarm in your home, and ask a friend or neighbor to take care of things for you. Arrange for things like someone to take care of your pets, bring in your mail, and keep your home as well-kept as possible.

As you can see, there are a few things you need to take care of before you make plans to leave for your overseas trip. Luckily, following these tips can help make for the best possible trip when you do leave.

December 10, 2014 0 comment

Tips travel

Travelling on a Shoestring Budget: How to Do It

written by Joy

Just about anybody can go travelling. Whether your dream is to travel to one country in particular or to travel to multiple countries, anybody can do it – even on a shoestring budget! If you’re very careful, you can still have the time of your life while travelling. Let’s take a look at a few different tips that can help you along the way:

Image credit: anaa yoo on Flickr – https://flic.kr/p/8LeC4c

Search Online for Good Deals

The first thing you need to do is search online for good deals. Sites such as Tripadvisor and Skyscanner are great for this. On Tripadvisor you can read real reviews of places to stay, and get an idea of where you’re better off going. Skyscanner will allow you to compare flights, hotels, and other aspects of travel to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your budget. It’s all about proper planning at this stage!

Eat Street Food

While you’re away, the best thing you can eat is street food. You can usually get a full meal for very little at all. Although you might be tempted to eat out at restaurants, I’d only do this once in a blue moon if you want your shoestring budget to stretch further. Street food is usually delicious, and you get a real taste of the place you’re staying.

Travel Light

By travelling as light as possible, you may save money on luggage costs. You’ll also save yourself the hassle of dragging a load of heavy stuff with you every time you go some place new. Anything you need you’ll be able to find while you’re travelling. This means you’ll also be living like a real traveller! You can find more tips on this here.

Couch Surf

The cheapest way to stay in a certain place is to couch surf. Couch surfing isn’t mainstream yet, but it’s certainly becoming more popular. In most cases, it’s free to stay on a stranger’s couch. Don’t worry though; this is all done through a proper website, so you know you’re unlikely to be kidnapped by a crazy person. This isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, I know that. If it’s not yours, the best thing you can do is check multiple accommodation sites to find the right place for you. You can check out some deals here.

Find Some Work

If you plan on travelling for a long time, then you may need to find some work while you’re over there. Saving up as much money as possible before you start your travelling journey is always a good idea, but your budget may dwindle faster than you think. If this happens to you, find some work to make ends meet. You’ll still be able to have a great time if you find some part time work in a bar, for example! You’ll also meet some great locals, and possibly more traveller friends.

Just about anybody can travel with the right attitude and knowledge. You don’t need to have thousands of pounds behind you to get started! Use these tips and see how far you get. Have fun!

October 1, 2014 0 comment

lifestyle travel

Packing Right: Travel Hacks You Need to Know

written by Joy

Knowing what to pack can be a difficult and daunting task before any vacation. Sometimes we take too many things with us, and need to cut down on space. Using these helpful travel hacks will make packing a whole lot easier. This article is going to cover some travel hacks every traveler needs know before hitting the road.

Image credits to: Brent Hellickson on Flickr – https://flic.kr/p/8z4ARK

Packing Light

We all know the feeling of wanting to pile up everything in the bag, just in case, but most likely you’re not going to use all that stuff. Packing light will save you time, money, and energy. You can buy whatever you need once you reach your destination. Adding more luggage than necessary will only add extra fees to your plane ticket if you’re flying. Leave all of your soaps and shampoos at home. The hotel you’re visiting will, most likely have some there for you to use. Leave your bulky laptop, smartphone, videos games, and cameras at home as well. Bring a tablet instead. These tablets have all of those entertainment devices rolled into one.

Pack Neatly

Organizing your stuff will significantly increase the amount of space you have in your bag. Roll up your clothes instead of folding them as this will create more room for packing. Everything you want to take with you will connect together similar to Lego blocks. Keep shoes packed tight at the bottom and make sure you have a place to put dirty clothes for later. According to staff at the BCMI Mgmt hotels in Lloydminster AB, when suitcases are neatly packed away during the day, it is much easier for cleaning as well.

Keep Important Documents Separated

Don’t keep your credit cards, debit cards, IDs, and passport all in one place. Mix them up in different areas. If one item gets lost, you won’t lose everything. Make copies of your passport and IDs so just in case you lose something, you’ll have some documentation to present to the embassy if they ask to see proof of your identity. If you lose your cards, you can always cancel them and spend your cash money, and vice versa, if you lose cash, you can always use your debit cards to take money from an ATM.

Keep these travel tricks in mind when packing, and you should be fine. You can become a travel packing expert in no time. Make sure you’re safe and have everything you need. Have a great trip.

September 18, 2014 0 comment

hiking hobby lifestyle travel

The First Timer’s Guide to Hiking

written by Joy

If you’re feeling pretty out of shape, or just want to embark on a journey to a healthier life, one way you can do this is through hiking. You can make your hikes as easy or as hard as you like; go on a serious trek, or a take a fun stroll. Hiking is the perfect way to prepare your body for strenuous activity, so it’s a great starter exercise. Here’s the first timer’s guide to hiking to help you:

image credit: http://flic.kr/p/7NDU8y

1. How long do you have to hike?

Ideally, you want trails that you are able to complete in less than a day to start off with. This means you won’t need to take an extra change of clothes, pack a tent, or anything else that could complicate things. You’ll need to select a hike dependant on the time you have – is it a whole Saturday, or just a couple of hours on a Thursday? Start off small and you’ll be able to climb island peak before you know it!

2. Are you hiking alone, or with a group?

Hiking on your own, is likened by some to meditation. It can be very therapeutic! However, you need to be careful as hiking by yourself can be more dangerous, depending on where you’re going. Hiking is a great way to bond, so ask a friend or a group of friends to join you!

If you must go hiking alone, make sure you tell somebody where you’re going and what time you think you’ll be home. Did you ever see the film 127 hours? It’s enough to put anybody off hiking alone! Make sure you tell somebody you trust the appropriate details so that they can contact the authorities if you don’t return.

3. What do you plan on wearing?

It’s very important that you’re comfortable for your hike. You can either wear proper hiking boots (these can be uncomfortable) or trainers. It’s totally up to you! You’ll need to try to find some socks that won’t make your feet sweaty and uncomfortable, or give you blisters. Pants are a must (we hope you’d wear them anyway), as well as comfortable trousers. Dress depending on the weather too! Hats, wind jackets, and waterproofs are also acceptable.

4. What are you going to pack?

Even if you’re just going on a beginners hike, there are a few things you’ll need to take with you.

A small backpack
An outdoor blanket just in case you would decide to camp out.
A charged mobile phone. Preferably a smartphone so you can use some of the great hiking apps and listen to a playlist!
A camera.
A book or kindle (try finding a beautiful location and getting lost in a book for a few hours!).
Sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh rays.
Bug spray to avoid bites.
A first aid kit just incase.
Sunglasses.
Food to keep your energised.

So, now you should be ready to go on your first hike! Why not track your hike, using an iPhone app or buy investing in a Nike Fuel band to keep you motivated? Make a great playlist, take plenty of water and some nuts to snack on, and you’re ready to go!

February 11, 2014 6 comments

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