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5 Ways to Manage Your Finances to Take That Dream Vacation

Weeks spent swimming in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, hiking the historic trails of the Andes, and sipping mai tais on Fijian beaches don’t come cheaply. However they’re not out of your grasp. Read on to discover how to free up your finances for your dream vacation.

Open a Travel Bank Account

Image Via Flickr by Philip Taylor PT

It’s important to make your money work for you. Open a high interest account simply for travel to kick-start your vacation budget. Many banks have accounts which offer high interest rates every month you make a deposit and no withdrawals. This arrangement provides an extra incentive to keep saving. Pay a set amount into this account every month and watch your money grow.

Cut Out the Luxuries

No one wants to live like a monk, but there are always areas that we can cut costs. You might start brown-bagging your lunch rather than buying it, or start jogging around your neighborhood rather than paying expensive gym fees. Consider whether you really need new outfits every month, or whether you’re even reading the magazines you subscribe to. Every dollar you spend on these indulgences is a dollar diverted away from your vacation fund.

Spend Less on Groceries

If you’re going to forgo those fancy dinners for evenings in, you might think your grocery bill will rise. However, it needn’t take a massive jump if you shop smart.

Prepare a meal plan every week which ensures you’re making use of any foods that will spoil. Try buying items in bulk and spreading them across several meals. A large can of tuna, a big bag of rice, or a whole chicken can go a long way. Adding vegetarian meals to your repertoire can also help you save money. Look for coupons and in store specials, and stock up when you find a great deal.

It’s not just what you buy, but how often you buy, that matters. Studies show that people who shop often spend more because they purchase more impulse items. These snap decisions can add as much as 30 per cent a month to your grocery bill. Doing a large shop once or twice a month is the best way to keep your costs down.

Entertain with Potluck Dinners

Working hard towards your savings goal can be a bit isolating. But you don’t need to miss out on social time because you’re skipping happy hour. Potluck dinners are an affordable way to bring friends together. With everyone pitching in and preparing a dish, there’s less financial pressure on the host.

Start Car Pooling

With the average American household using more than 1100 gallons of gas every year, this is an obvious area to cut costs. It’s hard to cut down your travel, but you can reduce the costs by creating a carpooling roster for your workplace. Sharing carpooling duties with four other people will see you slash your gas bill by 75 per cent! If you drive a tiny buzzbox don’t worry. The spacious vehicles from Pitre Buick GMC New Cars are large enough to comfortably seat your local co-workers, and economical to run.

The beaches of Barbados, the ski slopes of Aspen, and the rainforests of Borneo beckon; where will your savings take you?

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Make Your Trip Lively With Nightlife Around Charing Cross Pubs, London

Enjoy London nightlife around Charing Cross

If you’re staying in the Charing Cross area, central London’s vibrant metropolitan nightlife is all on your doorstep. Whether you’re on holiday, attending a course or an interview or just making the most of the fantastic shopping on and around the Strand and Oxford Street, you owe it to yourself to have some fun while you’re in town.

Fun in Soho

You don’t have to walk far from your Charing Cross hotel to find the world famous nightlife of ‘swinging Soho’. You’re unlikely to bump into Terence Stamp or Julie Christie, and to be honest Carnaby Street lost its allure some time ago, but the thriving media community between Oxford Street, Regent Street and Charing Cross Road means its still very much the place to be for the city’s young bohemians, and a city centre magnet for the hipper tourist as a result. It’s not even expensive to have a fantastic night out in Soho. Check out the Prince Charles cinema just off Leicester Square for an incredible range of recent releases at prices that belie its West End address. Then wander among watering holes ranging from slick cocktail bars to traditional pubs like The Bear and Staff with its range of real ales and ‘old-London’ atmosphere. Finish up in Chinatown at Wardour Street’s Wong Kei, once notorious for hilariously rude table service and still offering great food at impressive prices.

Try a Shoreditch pub crawl

If Soho has whetted your appetite for mingling with creatives and artistic types, you’ll want to investigate the drinking potential of Shoreditch and Hoxton. This vibrant area of East London, easily accessible via Old Street tube, is famous for its role in the cultural life of the city, and is a great place to see London street art. Among the trendy art galleries and cutting-edge new media companies, there’s a wealth of friendly pubs and bars along Old Street and in the streets on either side. Charlie Wright’s music lounge in Pitfield Street is a favourite for Student Nights London, and the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen is the area’s most popular gig venue among those with their fingers on the musical pulse. Between Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street is a warren of smaller streets and lanes littered with cool pubs and bars and definitely worth a wander.

Explore Covent Garden

Back at base, you’ll find you’re also a stone’s throw from historic Covent Garden, famous for its Opera House and permanent market. If opera’s not really your bag, don’t despair. There’s a wealth of theatres in the area, from the crowd-pleasing Fortune Theatre to the cutting-edge Donmar Warehouse, and once you’ve fed your mind, the opportunities for stylish eating and drinking in this quarter are second-to-none. Experience the original Victoriana of the Sherlock Holmes or the chic modernity of the lobby bar at One Aldwych. Samuel Pepys loved the atmospheric, underground Gordon’s Wine Bar, or try locals’ favourite hideaway the Cork and Bottle for a taste of real London nightlife. You can’t really go wrong.

Visit Camden

The area around Camden High Street and the famous Camden Lock market is world famous for its role in the UK’s musical history. The thriving music venues and bustling bars of the area made it rightly pivotal to the Brit-pop movement, and it’s still a great place to hang out, hear bands established or obscure, and hob-nob at the bar with local musicians. Don’t forget to visit the famous Dublin Castle on Parkway for the authentic local vibe and a chance to discover the next big thing.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Etienne Moreau is a music writer from Paris with a particular personal interest in English pubs

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Do You Know How To Make Your Hiking Trip More Enjoyable?

If you enjoy the outdoors, going on hikes can be the perfect way to enjoy nature while getting all the exercise you need. Hiking in different locations can help you to explore new territory and you can avoid the boredom of seeing the same sights. A change of scenery can be a lot of fun and it can reinvigorate you when you discover new trails. Before you set off looking for that new trail, you need to make adequate preparations to ensure that you get the best from your hiking trip. Getting the right gear and equipment will go a long way in enhancing your hike so here are 5 types of items that can enhance your hiking experience:

 1. Camping equipment

If you are planning an overnight or weekend trip, you will require camping equipment. You will need items including a tent, tarp, sleeping bags, lighting and fire starting materials, cooking equipment and utensils, adequate food and a cooler, clothing, plenty of water, soap and hand sanitizer and other outdoor gear that you might need. Having everything you need, will enhance the experience.

2. Portable shelter

Leaving your car at the mercy of the elements is not a good idea. You can protect your vehicle by carrying a portable shelter or garage. There are different types of shelters that are ideal for vehicles of any size. They are easy to erect and you can carry one with you everywhere you go, ensuring that your vehicle is safe from the elements while you are out hiking or when you are asleep.

3. Hiking boots

If you are serious about hiking, you have to invest in good hiking boots. You have to be comfortable as you walk through different trails. Hiking is no place for your old tennis shoes, you have to ensure that your feet are protected and you are safe from slippage. Visit a store that sells outdoor wear and find boots that fit well and are ideal for the terrain you will be hiking on. By investing in the right shoes, you will enjoy the experience much more.

4. Trekking poles

Trekking poles go a long way in enhancing the hiking experience. They are especially handy when you are hiking on hilly terrain. You will be doing your leg muscles a huge favor by using the poles, and you can cover more terrain when you have these ‘hiking aides’. The modern poles are convenient and easy to carry around in your backpack when not in use. When buying the poles, you have to look for the right size, those that are ideal for your height. As a rule, look for poles that come up to eye level.

5. Binoculars

To get the most from your hiking trip, you have to be able to enjoy the scenery. Investing in a good pair of binoculars will allow you to take in all the sights. If you enjoy bird watching, this is a good opportunity to try to spot a few interesting species. You can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and even spot large game as you enjoy everything that Mother Nature has to offer!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Today’s post is written by Karen Young, who is a travel enthusiast. She recommends portable garages as they are not difficult to carry and help protect your car.

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Top Ten Cultural Sites To See In Spain

Spain as a country and as a culture has had a huge effect on Western history. From the religious campaigning and famous treasure hunting of the conquistadors to the funding of Christopher Columbus, from Cervantes to Goya, tapas to flamenco, Spanish culture is a big part of our world view. When travelling to Spain, the country is vast and the sites are many, so it’s best to research the types of things you want to see before you go. As part of the Euro zone, you don’t have to worry about foreign currency as such, as they implemented the Euro in 2002. But just because their currency has changed, doesn’t mean their unique culture has. Whether it’s beaches or bars, museums or art, Spain has something for everyone.A country steeped in history and tradition; here’s a taste of the top ten cultural delights that await:

Madrid

1. The Royal Palace (Palacio Real)

The largest palace in Europe and probably the most sumptuous and splendid. An example of baroque/classical architecture, the palace was built on the ashes of Royal Alcazar, a medieval fortress destroyed by fire in 1734. King Philip V ordered the new construction in 1738, but it was Charles III who first dwelt there in 1764, imposing his tastes on the decoration. Apart from the gorgeous decor, the Palacio Real houses works by famous artists including Goya, Tiepolo, Velazquez and Caravaggio.

2. Prado Museum

Art takes centre stage at the Prado Museum, which is situated in the city centre. As well as a vast collection of works by numerous European masters, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Spanish art, particularly Goya and Velazquez.

3. The Royal Monastery of El Escorial.

This Royal monastery is a World Heritage site just outside Madrid. It is an imposing sixteenth century granite monastery in the Herrerian architectural style. It has nine towers, thirteen cloisters, 86 staircases, 88 fountains and over 1600 paintings.

Barcelona

4. Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

Geese, gargoyles and gothic architecture – these are the characteristics of Barcelona’s glorious gothic cathedral. Dating from 1450, the cathedral’s roof is dotted with gargoyles and its quaint flowering cloister hosts a pond and thirteen white geese. Outside there is a band piping on the cathedral steps and dancers gently bobbing in a circle performing the popular sardana, an age-old Catalan tradition.

5. Picasso Museum

While in the cathedral area, you can wander through the narrow streets of the Barrio Gotico (the old quarter), until you reach Carrer Montcada, where five large historical buildings (13th-15h centuries) house the Picasso Museum. You can step inside and admire the master in numerous examples from each of his diverse artistic periods.

6. Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is the city of Gaudi. His most important work, the Sagrada Familia, astounds us; we are puzzled and dazzled by all the gleaming juxtaposed geometry and ornate intricacy. This phantasmagorical creation was started over a century ago and work is still ongoing. Other Gaudi landmarks are the Pedrera on the Paseo de Gracia, and the open-air fantasy of Parque Guell.

Santiago de Compostela

7. Santiago de Compostela

A World Heritage site since 1985, the historic Romanesque/baroque/gothic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia attracts many pilgrims, being the alleged burial place of the apostle Saint James. Ever since medieval times the ‘Way of St. James’ has been a famous pilgrim-route, and still today many follow the ancient tradition and arrive on foot.

Pamplona

8. Running of the bulls

Here you experience popular culture and run with the bulls. Or rather, wave and clap encouragingly as you watch a platoon of intrepid young men, dressed in traditional white, courageously run through this historic fortress city as they race the bulls to the bull-ring. This grand spectacle, a unique event, is part of the ‘Festival of St. Fermin’, celebrated in July.

Seville

9. Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral

The Old Town of Seville contains the Alcazar Palace and the huge gothic Seville Cathedral, both World Heritage sites. The city is famous for its sombre and mysterious Holy Week processions, followed by the animated Seville Fair dedicated to dancing, singing, drinking and general socialising. Colourful marquees are set up, the women wear fancy flamenco dresses, and people dance Sevillanas in the streets.

Granada

10. Alhambra

A pearl set in emeralds’ is how Moorish poets described Alhambra. A rather austere exterior in pale colours, surrounded by green woodland, is what prompted this description. The palace complex is adorned by pools, fountains, arcades, columns and gardens. It is a beautiful example of rare Berber Islamic architecture.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular
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•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://photodune.net/licenses/photodune_regular

Gavin Whittaker is a journalist with years of experience in the finance and travel industries. Whittaker can just as easily explain the advantages of a Tuxedo currency card, present new technologies for credit card safety and analyse the financial markets as he can share travel tips and lifestyle advice. He shares his insight on these issues with readers of a wide variety of blogs, online- and print-magazines.

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Enjoy great golf in Pembrokeshire

If you’re a golf lover looking to play the game on holiday, I really think you should consider Wales. You’ll come across plenty of championship-quality courses when you do, so you should find your clubs will get plenty of use. The real question, however, is where exactly to go? I suggest you visit Pembrokeshire – you certainly won’t regret it!

While this corner of south-west of Wales has long been a popular destination for all kinds of sports and outdoor activities, I believe it is especially well-suited to golfers. There are many courses in the county, but I recommend you stop off at the following.

Priskilly Forest Golf Club

Established in 1992, Priskilly Forest Golf Club in Haverfordwest is a great choice if you’re searching for a challenging nine-hole course to play at. In fact, the final hole here is often deemed one of the best closing par 5 holes you will find anywhere in Wales and you’ll need your full concentration to complete the course.

That said, I think it’d be a shame if you didn’t take the opportunity to soak up the venue’s stunning natural surroundings at least every now and again. Priskilly is located in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside and you can gaze out at oak and sycamore trees during your game, as well as wildflowers. Look above the treetops and you may even catch a glimpse of the Preseli Hills in the distance.

Newport Links

The Newport Links course is another wonderful place if you’re hoping to feel at one with nature during a game of golf. This pristine venue is situated near Carningli Mountain (which translates as Mountain of the Angels in English) and you can soak up views of the Nevern Estuary as you play.

Obviously, you shouldn’t let the amazing scenery distract you so much that you lose focus on your game as, if you’re not careful, it could end up severely damaging your overall score.

Perhaps one of the most challenging holes on the par 71 course is the 12th, which is some 468 yards long. I think you’ll also need to concentrate hard when on the fourth hole; at 564 yards, this is the lengthiest one you will have to overcome on the course.

If you’ve worked up an appetite at the end of your game, you should head to The Links Restaurant for a bite to eat. This fantastic eatery serves a range of delectable modern fare, including dishes such as Jerusalem artichoke risotto and pork loin served with creamed celeriac and caramelised apples, though you are advised to book in advance.

Tenby Golf Club

Lastly, if you’re looking to take a golf holiday in Wales I suggest you play a round or two at Tenby Golf Club. Established in 1888, this is the oldest affiliated golf course in Wales, so I’m sure you’ll find playing here to be a memorable experience.

The course’s par varies depending on what tees you use. Select the white tees and you will challenge yourself on a par 72, while opting for the red means you will be up against a par 75 challenge. No matter which you choose, though, I’m quite confident that you’ll have an amazing game that you will never forget.

Bear in mind that you will need to adhere to a dress code in order to play here – jeans and other items of denim clothing are not acceptable – so make sure you check what the rules are before leaving your holiday cottage for the day. Once your game is over, head into the luxurious clubhouse where you can enjoy a game of snooker and watch satellite TV in the comfortable bar area.

These are just some of the best golf courses that Pembrokeshire has to offer, but if you can think of any others that are worth playing at please let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Caribbean destinations to consider for your 2013 holiday

It’s that time of year when everyone’s thoughts turn to planning their next major holiday – and the increasingly dreary British weather means exotic climes are likely to be at the top of the list! One sunshine-filled region well worth considering is the Caribbean. Read on to find out where to go and what to do on your 2013 getaway.

Antigua

If you’re a beach bum, Antigua is for you. With more than 360 beaches (and new ones opening all the time), perfect water conditions for snorkelling and diving, and a generally laidback vibe (especially on the neighbouring isle of Barbuda, which is extremely quiet), this island paradise is the ideal place in which to top up your tan.

Antigua is also a great destination to visit if you like to get active; the steady, warm winds here make it the perfect sailing location, as proven by the many boating events that occur around the island every year. There are plentiful hiking, golf, kayaking and biking opportunities, too.

Look for fantastic all-inclusive deals to Antigua with specialist resorts such as Blue Waters for a truly indulgent experience that offers value for money to boot.

St Lucia

This is the place to go if you want to relax in stunning natural surroundings. St Lucia’s Piton Mountains, which you’ll see jutting up from the island as you approach it, are ideal for challenging hikes and climbs, while the lush rainforest and stunning beaches invite further exploration.

All this spectacular scenery makes St Lucia perfect for romantic getaways, but it’s also a great location for a family holiday thanks to its water parks, kids’ clubs and wildlife-spotting opportunities. So, if you fancy a change from the usual British or Spanish seaside summer break, take advantage of the lower prices in the off-peak season (July to September).

Dominica

Dominica is another haven for nature lovers thanks to its diverse terrain, which ranges from towering mountains and hot springs to rainforests and waterfalls. The recently completed Waitukubuli National Trail, which winds its way from the northern tip of the isle to its southernmost point, makes the island an excellent choice for an active break in beautiful surroundings this year.

There are also plenty of historical and cultural attractions to take in for a well-rounded holiday, especially in Roseau, the capital. Creole music and cuisine reigns supreme in Dominica, to the extent that it hosts the World Creole Music Festival each October.

Don’t miss out on the fantastic diving, too. The clear waters offer visibility of up to 100 ft and harbour around 22 dolphin and whale species, as well as a host of other marine life.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s diverse culture, gorgeous beaches and famously laidback atmosphere make it the perfect place for a really relaxing holiday in 2013. New accommodation options are springing up all the time, offering plenty of choice for a range of budgets, and the wide range of activities and attractions mean you’ll never be stuck for something to do should you decide to take a break from sunbathing every now and then.

Explore the island’s close connection with its African past and its present-day melting pot of various nationalities by wandering around bustling towns and cities like Kingston, taking in the architecture and sampling the fiery cuisine along the way. Or, attempt a trek up the imposing Blue Mountain if you want to challenge yourself on your getaway.

 

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Lanzarote’s top historical attractions

As the oldest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has a long, rich history that began 22 million years ago, when the isle was created by volcanic activity. That’s why I think discovering some of the local historical attractions is an absolute must on holidays here.

What most charms me about Lanzarote’s historical sites is that they’re really varied. On the one hand, you’ve got castles and museums, while on the other you’ve got awe-inspiring, almost unearthly landscapes that tell the story of the island’s origin and formation.

Cesar Manrique

In my mind, one of the most important historical attractions in Lanzarote has to be the house of Cesar Manrique, which was built back in 1968. There are several reasons for this – firstly because Manrique is easily among the island’s most famous former residents, having been born here in 1919.

In fact, by visiting his house today, you can view some of his works, as well as those by artists like Joan Miro. Secondly, this amazing house actually incorporates the local landscape into its structure to create something truly unique – five of the main rooms here are formed from volcanic bubbles.

Thirdly, Manrique was instrumental in the island achieving UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status back in 1993. You see, while Manrique left Lanzarote to travel for a good few years, he returned in 1966, at a time when the island began pushing tourism. Manrique called for sustainability measures to safeguard both the island’s natural wonders and its culture – principles that are still upheld today.

Timanfaya National Park

My next historical attraction is actually a landscape, but, as I mentioned briefly above, Lanzarote’s terrain has its own story to tell about the local history. Timanfaya National Park is a 5,107-hectare reserve resulting from the island’s volcanic eruptions – not just one, but those that have occurred throughout its lifetime.

So, it really is worth coming here to look at the lunar-like landscape. A particularly good point to view it from is Montana Rajada, since from here you can see across the weird and wonderful terrain all the way out to sea.

Castillo de Santa Barbara

Next on my list is Castillo de Santa Barbara, which is the Canaries’ oldest fort. You’ll find it in Teguise, at the top of the Guanapay peak, giving great views across the plains.

It was built back in the 16th century and, since falling into disuse, has been restored to house the Museo del Emigrante Canario, which tells the story of the history of migration to and from the islands. While being quite small, this museum is really interesting and definitely worth a look, while the castle itself is seriously impressive to behold.

Palacio Spinola

Last on my list is Palacio Spinola, which is also in Teguise. A large palace, it’s located in the Plaza de la Constitucion and was built between 1730 and 1780. In 1895, it was given to the Spinola family – one of the island’s most prominent families – which is where it gets its name.

These days, it’s the official residence of the Canary Islands government, making it an important slice of modern history. You can simply come and admire the outside, of course, which is striking in itself, but I’d also recommend nipping inside and checking out the museum, where you can see some period furniture.

Located around 12 km away, Costa Teguise is a decent place to base yourself for your holiday, thanks to its mix of a gorgeous beach, traditional buildings and lovely little boutiques. If you’re still hunting for hotels, you can see some good options at http://www.sovereign.com/destinations/Spain/Lanzarote - both in Costa Teguise and other parts of the island.

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