General consensus amongst seasoned cruise travellers is that just because you get sea sick on smaller boats and ferries does not necessarily mean you will be queasy on your cruise holiday. Some of today’s ships are truly enormous, and unless you are travelling through very rough seas you may feel very little movement, if any.
That said, you could of course be one of the unlucky ones, so it is worth packing some sea sickness tablets such as Stugeron in your bag, and take them at the very first sign that things could get choppy. In other words, the key here is to take them BEFORE you feel sick; once you do, it may be too late! For very severe cases, ship’s medical centres do occasionally give injections, but this is a very last resort; the heavy dosage can really knock you out, and you may get a hefty bill for your treatment. Patches are also available to wear behind the ear, but some people can suffer side effects.
Some people swear by wrist bands such as “Sea Bands”; these are elasticated bands with plastic studs which apply pressure to an acupressure point on the underside of each arm. Other drug free options include ginger and peppermint. Eat regularly (interestingly, sea sickness can be much worse if your stomach is empty), but avoid very rich and fatty foods. Pick a Caribbean Cruise rather than a transatlantic trip, but make sure you avoid the hurricane season!
read comments (0)Travelling to the Mekong Delta
> Posted by channel in Travel Destinations, Travel Guides, Travel Tips
Ho Chi Minh City is the jumping off point for a visit to the Mekong Delta – a river that meanders through seven countries before it splits into multiple tributaries in Vietnam.
Once in the area, trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta can be easily arranged by hotels or tour shops. These can be as short as one day, or, for a more comprehensive look at this fascinating area allow three days instead. On the longer trip you will be rewarded with richer, broader experiences.
Vendors still sell their fruit and vegetable crops off boats on the river and these markets are endlessly fascinating, crazy, and frenetic. Activity is particularly engaging early in the morning, as tourist boats vie with each other for the best position to see old wooden boats jam-packed with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Wares are advertised in a unique fashion. Boat owners have a bamboo pole tied to the bow of the boat with a sample of the produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables are quickly trimmed on board the boats to get ready for sale.
On a one day trip it is possible to see the floating village of Cai Be, although a two night trip will take visitors to see the larger and more amazing floating market of Cai Rang.
Along with the markets on the Mekong Delta, tours may also visit a fishing village to see fish farming, the minority Moslem village and a couple of towns on the edge of the river. Ben Tre and the Coconut Factory are famous for its delicious coconut sweets. Visitors are encouraged to sample the goodies on offer and then make a purchase.
Another activity often included in the trips is a cruise along the narrow waterways to see the daily activities of the locals close up. An easy way to see this area is by taking a tour that can be purchased upon arrival.
Shoppers will love the variety and price of goods available in Ho Chi Minh City. Shopping options range from street vendors who ply their trade to tourists as they walk along the street, to swanky shops in comfortable air-conditioned shopping malls.
What’s more, even though Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling city of over seven million people, several of the main shopping areas are within easy walking distance of each other. In District One, if you simply walked from the Ben Thanh Market, to the Saigon Centre, then the Tax Centre and on to the Vincom Centre and Parkson Plaza (which is opposite), it would take you around ten to 15 minutes.
The Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market jam packed with souvenirs, clothing and much more, whereas the upmarket Vincom Centre stocks imported designer labels and housewares. The Parkson Plaza has a wide range of cosmetics, clothing, luggage, housewares and even a supermarket. The Tax Centre is a great place to stock up on souvenirs or to replace your camera in air-conditioned comfort.
Being onboard ship on one of the seven seas for a week is a great holiday escape. Cruising can be an ideal holiday choice for anyone who wishes to enjoy a little bit of everything, from active adventures to relaxing in the sun. Another great aspect of taking a cruise holiday is the wide range of cruise deals that can be found all year round.
If you are lucky enough to have a flexible schedule, you should take the time to search the internet for sales, read passenger forums and keep your travel agent informed that you are looking for a cruise holiday. The best time to enjoy a cruise at a discounted price is during the shoulder season, which normally includes the early spring or late autumn months.
If you manage to get a great cruise deal, consider upgrading your room. Even though inside cabins are less expensive, some companies can upgrade the room for a lot less than you might expect, so it’s worth asking.
If you have found a cruise that sails through varied climates, be sure you are prepared for them. Not only will this avoid you having to pay premium prices for items you should have brought, it will make your trip much more pleasant knowing that you will have everything you need.
It is just as important to be prepared for other events such as evening dining and nights out. Don’t be afraid to pack everything from bathing suits to wind jackets to formal eveningwear. Remember that a good cruise offers passengers a variety of diverse experiences.
The Parthenon in Greece is one of the most recognizable icons in the world today and has withstood the assault of both man and nature for more than 2,500 years. Built to thank the patron goddess of Athena in ancient Greece, the building was known as the Temple of Athena the Virgin. The name was derived from the Greek word ‘parthenos’ which means ‘virgin’ and the temple was built in the Doric style of architecture, which is characterized by simple, unadorned and plain columns.
Millions of tourists walk around its ruined columns from the western end of the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Way, every year. It is one historical site that most tourists keep high on their must-visit lists because though archaeologists have been studying it for years nobody is sure how exactly it was built. A word of warning here: wandering around the ruins on a summer day is a very pleasant experience, but the sun can get really hot so it is better to start early or later in the evening unless, of course, it is overcast.
The Acropolis, which borders the Parthenon from the south and west sides, has streets filled with cafes and restaurants. A stroll down the streets is much better than driving up to the site. The Parthenon can also be reached from the Plaka and Monastiraki side, which again is an on-foot journey, and a walk uphill will give you a great view of the sights.
The theatre of Herod Atticus built in 161 AD by the Romans is still used for classical concerts and ballet performances, which will leave anyone attending them spellbound. The stone theatre of Dionysius, which was used for gladiator fights, is also a worthy tourist attraction.
Cruise Holidays – Should You Book One?
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Travel Destinations, Travel Guides
Cruises have become more affordable and popular than ever before. Most likely, you have friends or co-workers who have been on cruise holidays, and this has you thinking about whether or not you should book your own cruise holiday.
You should be aware that there are different types of cruise holidays available. Some have themes such as whale watching in Alaska whilst others will take you on a journey to taste the various wines of certain countries.
Some cruise lines also provide cruises for certain age groups such as singles and seniors. If you are planning to take your trip with children, then make certain in advance that your cruise line allows this. Many companies have cruises that are classified adult-only. This is mainly because the other passengers may not want to have children around.
Pricing will be a concern when booking any cruise holidays. You can look at the website of the cruise line itself or use a travel agent who will find the cheapest prices for you. Sometimes it is cheaper to not book through the cruise line – a good agent can advise you on this.
When choosing which cruise to go on, take a good look at the ship’s itinerary so that you can see exactly where your cruise will take you. You may wish to consider far east cruises or going to places such as Norway that are inaccessible by any other mode of transportation.
If you have decided upon booking your first cruise holiday, then take the plunge and start hunting for that perfect place to visit. You will not be disappointed.
Shop Online to Get the Best Foreign Currency Deals
> Posted by channel in Travel Tips
It’s been a long time since the only place travellers could exchange their foreign currency was at the airport. Foreign exchange booths can be found in cities across the world. UK holidaymakers can head to their local bank, travel agent, Post Office or branch of Marks & Spencer to obtain most major foreign currencies. In order to maximise your budget on cheap holidays, however, it’s worth shopping around to find the best rate.
Airports foreign exchange counters may be convenient, but their rates typically aren’t the best because a high commission is often charged. Likewise, a trip to the high street may offer good deals, but it’s still possible to find better. It’s not a question of discounts, commission rates or special offers, but the exchange rate itself. In other words, how much bang do you get for your buck.
The internet has proved a vital resource in this respect, and within seconds of going online it’s possible to get an accurate idea of what you should be getting. Once you’ve checked out several currency exchange websites and found the best rate, simply exchange your currency and have it credited to your bank account or credit card. Alternatively, have the cash delivered to your home, although you’ll need to give yourselves a few days to make sure that it arrives in time.
All this without leaving the house and without any surprises: you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Popular currency exchange websites include Travelex, ICE, FairFX, XE and my Travel Cash, while the Financial Times website is another useful resource for comparing currencies.
Holiday River Cruises: The Magnificent Nile
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Travel Destinations, Travel Guides
The traditional way to see the land of Egypt was by travelling down the Nile River in a slow-moving boat powered by sails or men. Queen Cleopatra herself is known to have voyaged this way to see her vast domain. These days, motors have generally replaced the sails and rowers, but river cruises up the length of the Nile remain a wonderful way to experience the ancient “land of the Pharaohs.”
Benefits of the Cruise Experience
Travelling abroad can be a daunting and hectic experience, but it does not have to be. A traditional tour or holiday you organize for yourself is most likely includes a series of hotels in various cities you would like to visit. Every time you have exhausted the attractions in one area, you must pack up all your belongings and find your way to the airport or bus station in order to continue your journey to the next stopping point, where you will unpack and begin the process all over again.
A cruise holiday is entirely different. Because your ‘hotel’ is itself a moving entity, you can settle down into one cabin or stateroom for the duration, knowing that you will only need to unpack your belongings once. Rather than wasting valuable holiday time figuring out how to use public transport or waiting in airport lounges, you can enjoy a cool drink on deck whilst the land of Egypt on both banks amazes you with sights never before imagined.
Madeira is a Portuguese island that is known for dramatic scenery, a lovely year-round climate, and beautiful subtropical flora. ‘The Floating Island’ as this small, unique island is called by the locals offers fascinating landscapes and a rich natural beauty. Madeira is a popular stop on both transatlantic and Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
Cruise ships stopping at Madeira dock at Funchal, the main port and capital city of the island, and most cruise lines will provide a shuttle to the town centre. Funchal is a charming old town that has a distinctly colonial feel to it, and offers excellent opportunities for shopping, strolling, dining, and visiting museums and tropical gardens. There are also a number of scenic hiking trails found in and around the city.
The coastline of Madeira is dramatic and rugged, and the beaches found on the island range from volcanic black sand to shingle and pebble beaches; visitors can relax at the many bathing complexes and lidos found here. Other activities to enjoy include a boat trip to Porto Santos, an island with a lovely and inviting sandy beach, or a cable car ride to Monte, an historical old town.
The cuisine found on Madeira, not surprisingly, has a heavy Portuguese influence; specialities include beef kebabs and all kinds of seafood, as well as honey soaked pastries and cakes that include the famous and delicious Madeira cake. Visitors should try and sample the sweet wines that are produced on Madeira, and tastings can be arranged at the numerous wine lodges that are located around the island.
A trip to Madeira also offers travellers the opportunity to check out the unique local handicrafts and folk art, wicker goods, exotic flowers, and embroidery work at the shops in and around Funchal.
Other ports that are visited on cruises that stop at Madeira may include Tangiers, Casablanca, Lisbon, Tenerife, and Barcelona. The ports of call will vary depending on the individual cruise.
Athens: Ancient sites of Wonder
> Posted by channel in City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips
Widely regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is home to a rich history. Once the centre of a great empire, it still remains a vibrant and fascinating city filled with sites that have astounded tourists and locals for many centuries.
The weather in Greece tends toward hot in the summer, which makes the other three seasons better times to plan a holiday in Athens. Once in the city, tourists will find that they can reach major landmarks without needing to travel long distances.
The Acropolis
One of the most visited sites in the city is the Acropolis with its ancient temples demonstrating that the Greeks knew how to design beautiful architecture thousands of years ago. The centrepiece of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, long regarded as the international symbol of both Athens and all of Greece.
The Agora
Another important tourist site is the ancient marketplace known as the Agora. The history of the Agora alone makes it worth a visit. This is the place where the philosopher Socrates discussed justice and morality with his students. Later, the Agora became the setting for St. Paul’s efforts to persuade the ancient Greeks to convert to Christianity.