Monday, September 29, 2014

South Devon is renowned for being one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK. Stunning coastline, wild grasslands and sandy coves can all be found around the Torquay area.

South Devon was designated as an AONB (an area of outstanding natural beauty) by the Government in 1960, the purpose of which is to protect areas of landscape and coast with special character by law, so that future generations can also enjoy them. Covering 60 miles of rugged coastline, remote estuaries, thriving villages and beautiful countryside between Torbay and Plymouth, the area continues to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Devon every year. As a coastal holiday destination water is a defining feature of the South Devon AONB with so many magnificent viewpoints.

Popular with both locals and visitors alike it offers sport, recreation, quiet contemplation and sheer pleasure, being part of a rich tapestry of local culture and ancient history. Land owners and planners are encouraged to follow guidance from organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and English Heritage on the way they manage the use of their land, so everyone can enjoy the features within it.

Habitats for wildlife such as seals, dolphins and bats, include the salt marshes, hedge banks, woodlands, reed beds and coastal grasslands. Public access to areas is important, but protection of the many wildlife species is always paramount. On the cliffs above Berry Head, between March and July you can find the largest breeding colony of Guillemots on the Channel Coast. Marine plants and animals flourish in the more out of sight areas, during calm seas between April to October it is possible to spot basking sharks and turtle migrations along the whole of the South Devon coastline.

With a packed events programme of walks, trails and workshops to enjoy across the AONB, there's sure to be something for everyone throughout the year if you are considering a holiday in Torquay. Planning your days out comes easy with so much to see and do whether you are a family, a lone traveller or a couple enjoying a break away.

Special favourites are the South West Coastal path which runs directly through Torquay offering visitors the chance to enjoy a mix of beautiful scenery, local culture and stretches of the coast all in one walk. The walk along the grassy headlands of Hope's Nose rolls seamlessly into the fascinating history of Torre Abbey and Torquays most famous resident Agatha Christie. It's then onwards past Abbey Sands beach, over rugged steps round the headland to Daddyhole Plain and Meadfoot Beach. Follow signs to the 'not to be missed' attraction of Kents Cavern, famous throughout the world for its prehistoric caves. After your visit there allow time to enjoy Anstey's Cove, a favourite coasteering location for the young and energetic. From there make your way towards the magnificent viewpoint of Wall's Hill, then finish your walk at Babbacombe. Here you can rest and enjoy a well deserved Devon Cream Tea in one of the quaint tearooms typical of the area!

Visit Barramore holiday apartments in Torquay, for exclusive getaway offers on our South Devon self-catering apartments, ideal for a great holiday away in the Torbay area.

All-inclusive vacation packages are some of the most popular travel packages offered by travel agencies and resorts. Looking back at when all-inclusive travel emerged, it was in the 1950s that Club Med resorts introduced an all-inclusive offering. Over the years, different resorts have altered the model depending on the services they choose to offer -- this means that you can't simply make an assumption because each package will vary from resort to resort.

What do all-inclusive packages actually include?

Many all-inclusive vacation packages cover the same basic staples, and here are some of the fairly standard items include the following:

three meals a day
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
transport services
sports facilities and equipment
instructors for sports like water aerobics, archery, and swimming
And some resorts even offer the following:

spa treatments
live shows
24/7 room service
laundry
airport transfers
We often get swayed by the "All Inclusive" sign on a deal thinking that this might be the best available at the quoted prices, forgetting to focus on the tiny asterisk that could literally cost us a fortune later. It is highly important to list all the things you need and don't need and then do your homework on the various packages offered in order to select the best one suited for your needs.

And what's not necessarily included?

The following are some of the things one must remember before booking an all-inclusive vacation:

No airfare - Most of the packages do not include airfare and one must be prepared to shell out for their own tickets.
Airport transfers - While some vacation resorts do offer free airport transfers for their all-inclusive packages, some -- like those in the Dominican Republic -- can charge up to $30 per transfer.
Limited alcohol - You should be aware that many of the hotels do not offer an all-you-can drink pass, and at some you might have to pay if you want an upgrade from a simple wine to a champagne-based cocktail. Premium brands of alcohol are also often an extra charge.
Sports - While most non-motorized sports facilities are included in these packages, several trademark destination-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and zip-lining are not included in the all-inclusive packages.
Services like babysitting, dry cleaning, tour excursions, and beauty treatments are also not included in all-inclusive vacation packages.
None of the packages include honeymoon and anniversary specials, nor are birthday parties included.
Room service - Although integral to almost all hotels, room services might not be included in your vacation package. In fact, some hotels might even charge you extra for having your meals delivered to your room.
Internet - While it is downright preposterous that one has to pay for wireless in the 21st century, unfortunately some resorts do charge you for connecting to their Wi-Fi services. Some resorts might have complimentary internet services in the lobby but be mindful of any that may surprise you at the end of yours stay with a wi-fi charge.
Hopefully this list helps you better prepare for your all-inclusive vacation!

Written by Lisa at Happy Holidays Guides.

If you found this article useful, we have also written an article about the non-tangible opportunity cost of all-inclusive travel -- what you may be missing out on in terms of vacation experience. Additionally, if you are interested in money-saving travel tips, battle-tested travel accessories, or provocative travel perspectives, simply visit our website at: http://www.happyholidaysguides.com

So you're not only content with seeing all the beautiful people walking around the streets of Stockholm, you want to stay somewhere beautiful but boutiqish too? Don't worry, Stockholm's trendy hoteliers got you covered.

1. Miss Clara by Nobis: Hosted in a building originally used as a girls-school, Miss Clara is Stockholm's newest designer hotel and puts you right in the mix of things in central Stockholm. If you've already found somewhere to stay, I can still recommend trying out the restaurant!

2. Lydmar Hotel: Located just opposite the Royal Castle on the waterfront of Stockholm's perhaps most beautiful street, Lydmar Hotel disappoints no one and has been a hang-out for the elite for more than a decade. This is also a hotel where the service will stop short of almost nothing to get you satisfied with your stay.

3. Story Hotel: If you are looking for contemporary, look no further; and if you're looking for a busy and cool hotel bar, then you've come to the right place. Wednesday through Saturday a DJ spins the plates so be prepared to want to go to bed late.

4. Hotel Rival: With Bjorn of ABBA as one of the owners, it is no surprise Hotel Rival attracts the cultural and hip folks of Sodermalm. If Sodermalm is your thing, then Hotel Rival is definitely the place to stay.

5. Hotel Nobis: Housed at the centrally located Norrmalm's-square which came to see the drama later giving rise to the term "the Stockholm Syndrome", Nobis competes with Lydmar as the mother of all Stockholm design hotels and receives nothing but great customer reviews.

6. Berns Hotel: The small Berzeli-park is a small oasis in the center of Stockholm, and provides the focal point for guests staying at stylish Berns Hotel. Berns has a famous night club and concert stage which caters many of the more intimate gigs played by world-known artists, upon visiting Stockholm.

7. Nordic Light Hotel: Conveniently located by the Arlanda Express departure at Stockholm Central Station, the Nordic Light Hotel caters for travellers looking for the genuine minimalistic form of expressions that has made Nordic design famous throughout the world.

8. Lilla RÃ¥dmannen: This cute little family-oriented hotel is located in the tranquil neighbourhoods of Vasastan and only a few yards away from all-time favourite burger place "Flippin' Burgers".

9. Hotel Diplomat: If you want the continental feeling, in this (one of) the most northern of capitals, look no further than Hotel Diplomat, where celebrities mix with business travellers in the sofa's and where the Sunday brunch can cure even the wildest of Saturday nights.

10. Hotel Hansson: Travellers looking for a laid back atmosphere in a "living-room" styled hotel-lobby should book a room at Hotel Hansson. The hotel is located right where you want to be, and provides amble opportunities for discovering central Stockholm.

Last but not least, I can recommend booking these hotels through http://www.gopolitan.com which also gives you cash back on your booking, to spend on something nice.

Bed and breakfast accommodation, or B&B - as it is popularly called, makes for a good replacement of a stay in any hotel or inn. Though quite small in size, compared to hotels and motels, a B&B generally provides a pleasant experience to the guests. Since B&Bs do not accommodate many guests, they can take better care of them.

True to its name, a B&B arrangement offers one bed plus breakfast, without any extra charge, meaning it is included in the rental. Many would offer the usual continental breakfast, comprising of eggs, cereals, fruits and pastries, but there are many places offering exceptional meals. Some are reputed for offering a fantastic meal, prepared by professional cooks. Surely, there are certain B&Bs offering the facility of made-to-order breakfast, though most have a permanent menu, and the guests are allowed to choose their favorites and to inform the management accordingly. In case you are on a special diet, or you are allergic to any kind of foods, you should check before hand with the innkeeper if they could accommodate you; in most cases, they would.

If you opt to visit a new place, to which you are not familiar, you can certainly seek help from the innkeeper, who will be more than pleased to provide any information. Usually, you'll find B&Bs to have the menus of local bars and restaurants, allowing you to conveniently decide the restaurants offering the kind of food you may prefer for lunch or dinner. Often, you'll find a B&B offering deals on tickets for local attraction at discounted prices. You may get your ticket booked at the time of booking the room.

B&B arrangements are a great option for special occasions or romantic escapades. Many offer special romance packages as part of the deal, or add the same as bonuses. Such packages may include quite many things, varying from Champagne plus chocolates and fresh flowers, to massages or spa arrangement for two, and even carriage rides in the area surrounding the inn. Given the lifestyle that most people have these days, it is really difficult to afford a long vacation. The next best option is to spend your weekend at some B&B to have a wonderfully relaxed time.

You can search for B&Bs on the net. You can go through the reviews of other guests and be prepared for what to expect. When traveling with kids and pets, you should check the policies of the inn beforehand to avoid any embarrassment. You should also check up if any discounts are available, since many offer discount for long stays or stays during the weekdays.

The charges of B&Bs would vary a lot, according to the location and the level of services they provide. You can expect to get one for around $100/night, but then there are B&Bs that charge as high as $500!

Are you looking for a fine bed and breakfast Albi? Come visit pur website and learn more about our B and B Albi!

Palm Cove is a very pretty resort sitting in North Queensland and about 25 minutes away from the rather better known Cairns.

Generally speaking, most there is what might be termed luxury to up-market in orientation. This isn't a huge resort and although it has undergone considerable expansion over recent decades, nevertheless, it retains a quiet charm for much of the year.

There is a bus service from the resort to the relatively nearby Cairns, though at the time of writing, there is no service to the slightly more distant town of Port Douglas.

So, who will be looking for Palm Cove accommodation and who will be inclined to like this stretch of the coast?

There is certainly plenty to do in and around the water and local surrounding countryside during those long hot days. For people that enjoy watersports, walking, and fitness-related pastimes, this can be something of a haven.

Now it is true that this coastal area does have advisories up at certain times of the year relating to local crocodiles and stingers in the sea but if you follow local guidelines and stay within marked areas, you should have no problems.

Even if you don't fancy the beach, most major accommodation sites here will have their own extensive water features. You can also find plenty of regular boat trips that will take you out to the Great Barrier Reef for some incomparable swimming and scuba opportunities.

Also available in the area are tours of local rainforests and aboriginal cultural areas, ballooning, horse trekking and some really great walking.

Remembering that this is probably regarded by most as a quiet and discreet resort for the discerning holidaymaker, don't expect riotous evening entertainment and a 'drink until you keel over senseless' culture in the streets at night. If you are looking for urban mayhem for your evening's entertainment then this is not going to be the resort for you.

What is on offer here is a great selection of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars (around 18 in number at the time of writing) serving a wide variety of cuisines but mostly with a distinctive Australian touch. There are some really good restaurants and some of the beach bars offer an ambiance that you'll be hard pushed to find anywhere else.

Some people describe this resort as the Cairns of 30 or 40 years ago. That's open to debate!

Certainly, it doesn't have quite as much in terms of civic amenities as its bigger and better known neighbour just along the Coast but it more than compensates for that in terms of its authenticity and relaxed charm.

Will you like it?

If you enjoy quiet but luxurious surroundings with a touch of tropical exoticness, then this place is going to appeal to you. If you prefer to have a rather more dynamic urban feel to your holiday with lots of shops and facilities on your very doorstep then you might be perhaps better looking at a holiday location in or close to Cairns itself.

This location normally scores quite highly on travellers' reviews and given the tendency for reviewers to be those with 'something to say' and who are perhaps inclined towards harsh realism, well, that is quite a testament to the attractions of the area.

So, if it sounds like the place for you, find yourself some Palm Cove accommodation and check this area out for yourself. You're unlikely to regret it.

Find your perfect accommodation FNQ Apartments offer spacious and luxurious one, two and three bedroom holiday apartments in palm cove is most demanded for families and couples looking for a package holiday.

The vast majority of people regard their wedding day as one of the most special events of their life.

Nobody really disputes that ultimately the only two things essential for a memorable day are the two people concerned but of course, their vows need to be set into a background context of enjoying others, such as families and friends, sharing a special day with them.

In a nutshell, that's why wedding venues are important.

What makes ideal wedding venues?

There's no set answer because different couples will have very different requirements and expectations but there may be certain of those that are common to many.

Ambiance

This is hard to define but it's about a sense of place and surroundings. Locations that have lovely grounds and nice views always go down well with guests and add a certain something to your big day.

The internals of your selected room or rooms are also important. Generally, it's perhaps more to modern tastes if venues are luxurious but intimate rather than vast and cathedral-like. If the venue is too big and too 'cold' in its scale then it can be intimidating.

That can act as a damper on the festivities.

The best in catering

Imaginary catering fiascos at weddings can be hilarious in the movies but are much less so if you're on the receiving end of one in real life.

It's imperative that your guests have not only the best food but also that which offers a degree of diversity given today's tendency for people to have very specific dietary needs and preferences.

Catering flexibility as well as culinary excellence at weddings is highly desirable for that reason.

Facilities

Your guests won't be able to sit there eating all day long. They'll want to stretch their legs - even if the wedding is carrying on to dancing in the evening.

So, having somewhere people can walk around (and perhaps do other things too) is a great idea. If there are also facilities to keep younger children entertained then so much better - unless you want them running riot around your main reception hall.

Also, don't forget the weather when selecting wedding venues. Adelaide and surrounding areas is n't always forgiving in that respect. Try to ask questions of the venue relating to just how you and your guests will cope if you're unlucky with the weather.

Look for plenty of internal spaces because your guests might not be able to spend much time outside if the weather's not great.

Service

If there is one day in your life that you should n't have to put up with shoddy service and 'attitude' it's on your wedding day.

Make sure that your chosen venue has an impeccable track record in that respect. You'll be able to verify that by taking up references and doing some online research - though remember to look at independent review sites rather than exclusively at the venue's own site testimonials.

All-in-one service

You can make all your own individual arrangements if you wish though that can add huge stress or you can let someone like the best man act as a project manager - though that can sometimes add even more stress!

If you're going for a seamless and professional looking wedding then you may wish to select wedding venues that are also able to offer a total service including things such as flowers, entertainment, catering and so on. Let a professional wedding service take at least some of the work off your shoulders, thereby allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your day.

Belairpark Country Club is a perfect venue for all kinds of events.It is one of the most elegant wedding venues in Adelaide, proving world class catering and other service to make your day more memorable. For more information please go through the website http://belairparkcountryclub.com.au/

Are you planning to go on vacation any time soon? If you are, then it would be wise to start searching for the best hotel deals. Many travelers decide to focus on the hotels offering the lowest prices. Price is one factor that you should consider while looking for a hotel, but you also need to check for the quality of services like morning breakfast, amenities, Wi-Fi, and so much more. There are numerous hotels that offer perks and extras to their customers at affordable rates. You can even search for hotels that offer specialized services such as accommodations for large families, business people, or people who would like to enjoy a themed holiday.

Reward Programs

Individuals who travel frequently can apply to become a part of the rewards program. If you stay consistent to the services of a hotel chain, you may be able to obtain rewards for each night spent at the hotel. The rewards are usually based on the amount of money that you spend. Sometimes these points can be accumulated and used to obtain free airline miles, free nights at the hotel, and even gift cards. Five star hotels usually have hotel chain credit cards and you should apply for one if you are a regular traveler to take advantage of the benefits that the hotel chain has to offer.

Internet Deals

There are many people who do not know that hotel deals can be found online. Many hotels offer special rates for Internet users who book their room online. If you do not find these offers online, then check through the advertised offers in order to find exactly what you are looking for. It would be a good idea to register with the hotel online in order to obtain free nights and rewards from the hotel. Also, check if there are membership discounts before you book your reservation online. Customers are offered special discount codes, thus you can save loads of money if you conduct proper research.

Travel Packages

There are usually travel packages for customers offered by hotel chains. These packages are usually for people who would like to enjoy a themed holiday and include features like attraction tickets, bonus points, transportation, wine, and so much more. If you don't get discounts on the hotel room, then you may be able to receive additional perks for staying at the hotel.

Searching for a great hotel deal means that you have booked a hotel room at a convenient location. So, learn about all of the hotels and special offers before you make your final decision.

The author publishes weekly articles and newsletters on a variety of topics including cheap hotels and airfares, last minute vacations and car rentals. They can be found here: superholidayfinder.com