Reviewz & Newz: Travel

The Great American Road Trip

It’s pretty much at the top of everyone’s bucket list; taking on one of America’s incredible highway’s. It is part and parcel of having everything anyone could possibly ever hope to see in one giant country. It is also one of those things that people have been spurred on to do through the glamour and grit of films, music, books and even rock n’ roll. They’ve all had their part to play whether it be Kerouac or Dylan, or even Dennis Hopper. It’s a coming of age thing that we’ve all got to do at some point, the problem is picking the right one, and maybe even the right car. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in. We’re here to help you decide on which terrafirma you’re gonna tear across. Yeehaw.

Dana Point to Leggett

This is the almighty California State Route 1, which runs along the Pacific ocean from San Diego right into Redwood country. It’s what most of us can only describe as epic. What’s more, if you’re looking for a far from strenuous introduction into life on the road, then this is the one for you. That doesn’t mean it is boring, quite the opposite. It’s exciting, and that is because there is a ton of stuff to see, especially in the summer. There’s Route 101, the Point Reyes National Seashore, Malibu and Santa Monica, and even a touch of Long Beach. So get yourself a slick convertible, maybe even a classic pony car and enjoy what is on display.

Image source

LA to Vegas

It’s one of the greatest experiences any of us can hope to live and tell; jumping in a car and driving off to the city of sins with nothing more than overnight bag and pink showgirl headdress. It’s a weekend away with you and your closest friends, your partner and theirs too. Of course, the drive itself is pretty much nothing but 300 miles of desert, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Especially if you all decide to chip in and do it properly. No, we’re not talking about getting a limo. We’re talking about shofur bus; we’re talking and booking yourself a tour bus; turning up at Vegas in the same fashion The Rolling Stones would can only be awesome.

Coast to Coast

This is a fantasy for many. It’s the very truest road trip, it’s one for the purists; driving from one coast of the US to the other, taking in approximately 3,500 miles of tarmac along the way. Of course there are numerous different routes you can take, but we recommend you tackle Route 20, which covers Newport and Oregon and Boston, as well as Yellowstone. It’s hard to say what makes this a must-do, but it definitely has something to do with the fact you’re looking at two-three weeks on the road, not to mention it’s pretty fast and easy too.

Miami to Key West

This is one of the shortest you can do, but given it touches the Everglades and rolls onto the Ocean Highway, it is one of the most awe-inspiring road trips anyone can take. And we haven’t even mentioned the jewel in the crown; the Seven Mile Bridge. No points for guessing how long it is.

How to plan the best vacation

Who is ready for a vacation? I now I am. I just booked my hotel for a weekend getaway using Hotels.com. The process was quite simple. Go to Hotels.com, enter your destination, dates you will check in and check out and the number of rooms you will need for the stay! The next page will bring up your available options including prices. It does not get much easier that that! Once you have entered all your information, you will get an email with your confirmation.

Hotels.com shows you all the hotels from budget friendly deals to your preferred hotel chain. You can also earn free nights through Hotels.com, find secret deals and save a ton of $$ when you book your flight and hotel at the same time! To get even better deals, you can download the app to your phone and book from there.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a quick weekend getaway, Hotels.com can help you plan your stay. Where will you go on your next vacation or getaway?

Thanks to Hotels.com, I was able to book my vacation, For my readers, you will have a chance to win a $50 Hotels.com e-gift card! Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours.
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Galveston is a coastal city in the state of Texas. Once one of the largest ports in the US, it is now known for its tourism, healthcare, finance and shipping industries. With beautiful beaches and a warm climate, it is an ideal holiday destination.

The nineteenth century was known as the Golden Era of Galveston. During this time it was a thriving port town. On 8th September 1900, the area was hit by a devastating category 4 storm. It left 6,000 to 12,000 people dead. The storm ended the Golden Era.

In the present day, you can expect to find a warm, friendly welcome and plenty to keep you occupied, from stunning beaches, to thriving festivals and nightlife.

Where To Stay

There are plenty of places to stay, from swanky resorts to budget accommodation. It’s also a great destinations for road trippers. Look out for the RV parks in Galveston, where you can enjoy first class facilities and easy access to local amenities.

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Beaches

You can’t visit Galveston without visiting one of its many beaches. The biggest beach is East Beach, which is known locally as Houston’s Playground. This is due to its proximity to Houston. East Beach has a bit of a reputation as a party beach, and you can expect a busy and fun vibe. Children are welcomed with annual sandcastle competitions.

Stewart Beach is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Pack plenty of sunscreen and your sunnies and enjoy a relaxing day. Sun umbrellas and chairs are available for rent. And the more active among you can take part in the many activities such as volleyball.

If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, opt for one of the private beaches like Pirate’s Beach or Porretto Beach.

Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is one of the top leisure and educational facilities in the Southwest. It receives approximately 2 million visitors each year. Opt for a one-day or two-day pass to make the most of the attractions which include an aquarium, rainforest, and theaters. There are lots of seasonal events to enjoy including the Festival of Lights in December.

Mardi Gras

If you visit in February, try and time your vacation to coincide with the Mardis Gras. This colorful and vibrant extravaganza begins with more than 3 million beads being thrown and includes parades, performances, and feasts.

Dickens On The Strand Festival

For over 40 years, Galveston has hosted an annual Dickens On The Strand festival in The Strand National Historic Landmark District. During this internationally-renowned weekend event, locals and visitors dress as Victorians with a nod to author Charles Dickens and Victorian London. The next Dickens On The Strand festival takes place on 9th and 10th December.

Museums

A vacation away wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the museum and Galveston has them in abundance. Museums include the Children’s Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum, the Railroad Museum and many more. There’s something to suit all tastes, and you won’t be disappointed.

Galveston is a great destination for a fun, family vacation. It offers beautiful beaches, gardens, museums, festivals, a thriving nightlife and so much more. Time your visit with one of the world-renowned festivals and enjoy a hearty Texan welcome.

Discover The Magical Island Of Mykonos

Image Credit: Ion Androutsopoulos

Christmas is coming!

The holiday season means a well-earned rest from work plus opportunities to visit loved ones, not to mention plenty of time to plan your next amazing travel adventure! Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or just fancy a romantic rendezvous for two, the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the ideal moment to book a holiday.

Thanks to its golden sandy beaches, turquoise skies and hours of endless sunshine, the Greek island of Mykonos is the perfect place for a sunny spring vacation. Mykonos, located in the Aegean sea, is fondly known as Greece’s ‘designer island’ and is home to opulent hotels, exclusive villas, and luxurious boutiques. Here, bougainvillea-lined boulevards are teeming with upscale restaurants, colourful bars famous for their signature cocktails and VIP nightclubs where renowned DJs show off their skills.

The best beaches are to be found on the south side of the island and where many beach bars, surf shops, and jet ski rentals stay open till late. Visitors are charmed by the soft golden sands and crystal waters of Paradise, Super Paradise and Lia as well as the chance to try their hand at kite surfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and so much more!

Paradise Beach, Mykonos: Image Credit: Iris

On Mykonos, accommodation options are endless with a range of holiday resorts, elegant hotels, and luxurious villas all nestled amid the spacious island. Mykonos Villas offer all their guests a superb ‘home away from home’ experience with a range of luxury properties featuring stunning views, private terraces and pristine infinity pools - perfect for family gatherings, private parties, and intimate celebrations.

Some of the freshest, tastiest food can be found amongst the numerous taverns, restaurants, cafes and even within local houses. For an incredible culinary experience and outstanding five-star service why not head to M-Eating? Loved by locals and tourists alike this restaurant is

a gorgeous, intimate venue in the heart of Mykonos Town.

M-Eating has a romantic outdoor terrace, spacious garden dining and, for those special occasions, you can even book an exclusive private table. Their stylish menu features a range of mouthwatering dishes such as a Trilogy of Goat Cheeses, Rib-eye veal as well as the Mini Gateaux Cappuccino.

Little Venice: Image Credit Steve Summers

Mykonos was once voted the best European island to visit, and it’s not hard to see why so many visitors fall in love with its picturesque landscape. This beautiful region is steeped in culture and each year thousands of tourists visit the medieval Panagia Paraportiani, the Church of Our Lady, one of the most photographed buildings in all of Greece. Countless writers and artists are inspired by the charming paved streets of Little Venice, where the balconies of these colourful fishing houses overhang the sea.

Mykonos at sunset: Image Credit David Schroeder

Once belonging to wealthy merchants and boasting underground passages, people believed that the absent owners of these unique dwellings were secret pirates! These days, this row of magnificent houses plays host to art galleries, little shops, and cafes as well as providing loving couples a quiet, romantic spot to watch the sunset.

Why outdoor play is important

This post is sponsored by The Voice of Play.

You can do so many things to encourage outdoor play when the weather is cooler. We took this opportunity to visit a local park and enjoy the sights while we played along the trails in Tallulah Falls. Kids love to play outside and when you can show them the beauty of nature, you can create a learning experience, too.

When your kids are playing outside and getting fresh air, it does your body and soul good! You can go to your local playground , state park, or even your backyard for outdoor play The possibilities are endless. Bottom line, outdoor play is FREE and you should take advantage of it every chance you get.

Ask your friends to tag along for outdoor play! There is not anything more beautiful than seeing kids playing with one another outdoors. The clean crisp air this time of year is perfect for outdoor play.

Your kids can play year round. It keeps kids moving, lets them get exercise, and encourages their imaginations. I cannot think of anything better you can do for your child than outdoor play!

Visit Voice of Play to learn more about this initiative.

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

You Brexit Believe It! UK Vacations Are More Affordable Than Ever

It’s confirmed. The UK will be leaving Europe, and the news has reduced the value of the pound. This means that it now costs less to enjoy a vacation over the pond in the UK. And there is so much choice at this time of year too! If you’re looking to make the most of your hard-earned dollar, now is the time to finally see what Britain has to offer.

London

The capital of England remains one of the most popular cities in the world. If you’re visiting other parts of Europe, you have just a few months left to make the most of your Euros in the UK. There are very few areas outside of the capital that will accept them at all, so it’s best to invest in the pound while the exchange rate is so good.

There are so many attractions that are easy to get to using the London subway system. London Underground, or The Tube, is well mapped, and your day ticket can take you anywhere above or below ground on public transport. There is also a good level of disabled access and assistance if you need it. This means you can get around all the best tourist hotspots with ease.

The British Museum remains really popular, and most of it is free. The London Eye gives you a great view of the capital and is best on a clear, dry day. You can take a river boat to explore the Thames. You’ll see the Houses of Parliament, and the cultural center of South Bank opposite each other. But, of course, it’s Buckingham Palace that makes a visit to the UK extra special. Check out the Changing of the Guard!

Buckingham Palace pic from Flickr

North West

England’s North West is full of surprises for the visitor who wants to see more. There are Theme Parks, beaches, and vibrant cities to keep you busy for your entire vacation. The home of The Beatles is here. Liverpool remains a music epicenter to this day and is home to some of the best nightclubs in the country.

Blackpool pic from Flickr

Manchester is the city famed for its soccer team. Football is the national sport, but Manchester United is the team that won’t disappoint. Try to take in a match and see if you can fall in love with it too. The North West is also home to the most stunning landscapes the UK has to offer. If you love varied and rugged landscapes like the Great Smoky Mountains, then you need to spend a few days in the Lake District. The walks in the hills and around the lakes are very well documented. So grab your wet weather gear and hiking boots and see what incredible views you can see.

East

The East coast is vast and magnificent, whether you stay in the South or venture up to the North. There are many areas of outstanding natural beauty and several wildlife sanctuaries. They protect some of the most beautiful species of bird, fish and mammal in the world. Inland, you’ll find lots of quaint villages to explore with little tea rooms and interesting local delicacies to try.

Lincoln Cathedral pic from Flickr

Lincoln isn’t too far inland. It offers some of the most peculiar and interesting architecture, both new and old. It’s a popular student city as well so you can be guaranteed a great night out. Colchester, in the northern tip of Essex, has some of the oldest buildings you can find. It provides great access to some of the most interesting little villages too.

South

The south coast is also known as the Jurassic Coast. You can almost guarantee to find some fossils on the beaches as you walk through this area. Dorset is one of the prettiest counties in the UK. Road access isn’t the easiest, but it’s not impossible to navigate when you get used to the windy country lanes. The most populated areas here are Bournemouth, Poole, and Portsmouth. All offer a great English Seaside experience. You can also enjoy a lot of fun watersports from each area.

Midlands

Birmingham has become one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the UK. It is very multicultural and also prides itself as home to the great British Curry. But there is far more to Birmingham than just fun foods. You can enjoy some great shopping, and some of the best sporting venues too. And the nightlife is varied and vibrant.

There are great cultural centers with arts, music, and museums offering great days out. Nottingham offers many great venues for theater and the arts too. Both cities are connected by good road and rail connections. Each also has an international airport nearby.

Scotland

There are several amazing cities in Scotland. But the one that attracts the most visitors is Edinburgh. This city is home to the world famous Fringe Festival. It’s not cheap to visit at this time, but it’s certainly worth the extra expense to stay in the city. Further into Scotland’s landscape, you can find Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster that lives in the water. And up in the Highlands, you may even find some good skiing if the weather is right.

Scotland pic from Flickr

Wales

Cardiff is one of the best cities in the world to visit. It’s multicultural, and it’s one of the best places to find out more about Welsh history, culture and language. But it’s the small towns and villages in the Valleys that provide the most charm here. There is also plenty of coastline to explore, and some incredible views of the landscape.

Northern Ireland

No visit to the UK is complete without taking a short ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. Belfast is the biggest city, and it isn’t too far until you happen upon the Giant’s Causeway. This remarkable natural wonder is worth a visit even if your itinerary is full. Music is very important in Ireland too. You can find some interesting instruments and sounds on a night out.

If you’re looking for a fun-packed vacation of a lifetime, you can’t go wrong with the UK. It has everything you need, no matter what the weather throws at you. Will you make the UK your next vacation destination?

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