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The Essential Madrid travel apps

Traveling to Spain can be very exciting, but if you rely on travel apps your experience can be even more fun. Like everyone in the world, you don´t want to worry about finding places and wasting your precious time in that amazing destination. From finding the nearest metro stop to searching for the best tasca for tapas, the ultimate Madrid travel apps can be very useful for your holiday or business trip to the Spanish capital. So why complicate ourselves while having the latest smartphone technology? It doesn´t matter if you are using either an iPhone or iPad, here you have 4 apps you can´t miss to make your life easier and discover the real Madrid! 1. Taapas.es: Excellent free Tapas-finder This is one of the greatest apps you can´t miss. For those that don’t know what a tapa is, we can say it’s a little snack the Spaniards have with a beer. So, if you are in the capital of Spain this is a must. Taapas.es is the ultimate app to find the greatest free tapas in the city. This inc

5 Things You Can Do to Make Traveling Easier

The summertime is the prime time for traveling. However, you could be met with a broad range of challenges that will bring out emotion in you that you never knew you had, like blind rage, stress related catatonia, and culture shock. These feelings could come from visiting a completely new country, delayed flights, and even not having proper transportation from the airport to your hotel. Travel specialists say that that there are a number of things you can do to reduce these emotions - emotions that could be more foreign to you than the countries you are visiting. Here are 5 things to do to make traveling easier. 1.    Visualize. Sometimes taking a deep breath and visualizing the trip can significantly reduce your stress. Being able to capture all the details of your getaway is important, because it won't feel so out of control. One of the main sources of stress when we travel is from not feeling in control of our circumstances. However, by mapping out your entire trip in your

Explore Tenerife

Looking to go away to Tenerife this year, or next? Then unless you're planning to spend all day by the pool, one of the best ways to explore this diverse and fascinating island is to hire a car. Check out this blog and online guide to car hire in Tenerife , courtesy of Tenerife Car Hire, which offers various pointers on the best places to visit and tips on some of the island's best sights. As you'll soon discover, there's much more to holidays in Tenerife than sun, sea and sand. source For starters, it has a number of superb national parks. The best-known is Teide National Park, a huge reserve right in the centre of the island, which is crowned by its namesake, Mount Teide. This soaring summit is actually a dormant

Keep Your Cool: Staying Cool this August in Israel

I remember the first time I visited Tel Aviv in the summer. Walking out of the airport feeling like I just stepped into a steam room with my clothes sticking to my body and sweat already dripping down the side of my temples- it was awful. This was not the Middle Eastern chic I was accustomed to. I looked around at the Israelis around me wondering how and why they were wearing jeans in 100+ degree weather. This was the summer of 2006, when I was on my Birthright Israel trip . Since then I’ve learned a few tricks about how to keep my cool when visiting the Middle East in the dead of summer, and want to share a few with you here: 1. I Scream - Satisfy that sweet tooth and keep your cool? Sign me up. Israel is a frozen yogurt lover’s dream- on any given street you’ll find a fresh fruit stand making fro-yo, smoothies or serving up ice cream. If you’re in a rush- grab a Magnum ice cream from a local corner store. The vanilla on vanilla crunch happens to be my fave. Go ahead, indulge.

Summer In Whistler- An Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise

From the moment you decide to spend your summer vacation in Whistler’s Resort and town, the excitement begins to builds. Even though Whistler is one of the world’s greatest ski resorts, summers in Whistler are an outdoor paradise to be explored from June to September. The distance from Vancouver to Whistler is only 73 miles, and Vancouver makes a wonderful city to start your summer vacation. When summer arrives, the locals shed their winter coats and boots and get out into the beautiful Canadian sunshine. The winter months are filled with down-hill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and even ice skating, but when the snow melts, the residents of Whistler leave their cars and hit the bike trails all across town. Whistler’s Valley Trail takes you all the way from one side of the valley to the other. In June and July, the air is filled with beautiful music from the free outdoor concerts on Whistler Olympic Plaza every week. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra even provide

Make It A Night To Remember In Toronto

Boutique hotels seem to be the trend these days, and this trend is most definitely because of boutique hotels like The Drake Boutique Hotel in Toronto, Canada. Toronto’s Drake Hotel certainly doesn’t disappoint. The hotel has all the amenities a guest could want and more. The hotel’s employees are waiting to help in any way that they can. A visit to this Toronto boutique hotel will surely be something you won't forget. While in Toronto, travelers should absolutely visit The Drake Boutique Hotel. A stay in this hotel is a unique experience, like a stay in the city of Toronto itself is sure to be unique. If you are well traveled, you will immediately notice the unique, international feel of the city of Toronto. The people are open, untrammeled and caring. Though this metropolitan city has been urbanized in the way the capital of any province is, it still manages to maintain a sense of community among the people. The kindness of the populace is unforgettable. In this way, The Drake

5 Most Attractive Places You Should Visit In Dunedin, New Zealand!

Are you planning for a vacation in the amazing country of New Zealand? Dunedin , being the second biggest city located in South Island, is considered as one of the most important cities in the region, given its historic past, cultural background and the geographic location. You can find a number of amazing tourist attractions in and around Dunedin that you will enjoy visiting. The city is regarded as the "Edinburgh of the South" and is very proud of its ancient Scots culture and heritage. The statue of poet Robbie Burns is present right in the center of the city, and a lot of its streets have got the same name as those in Edinburgh. Apart from this, Dunedin is also a university town, so you will see the city's colleges, churches, hidden streets and motorhomes when you go on the tour associated with the Univ. of Otago.                               Image Source: www.discovery-motorhomes.co.nz Mentioned here are some great tourist attractions that you must visit

The Ten Best Beaches in Sydney

Sydney city combines both coastal and urban lifestyles. The city offers numerous harbor coves and well-known surf beaches ranging from luxurious quiet beaches to iconic surf breaks. This makes it hard for us to select the best or favorite especially because we, Sydneysiders, value all beaches highly. Given that it is summer, the beaches will keep you smiling the whole day as they offer the best environment to relax. You can access the beaches using public transport or better still use care hire services.                                                         Image Source: www.discovery-carhire.com.au/sydney.php         At Concrete Playgrounds, we thought of enhancing your summer beach experience by giving you a list of the best beach-side playgrounds with the perfect wave. 1. TAMARAMA BEACH Despite being very close to the busiest beach in Australia, Tamarama offers a serene and luxurious beach environment to surf and sunbathe. The narrow inlet connecting the headlands at

The Top 10 Amazing Australian Attractions

                                           Image Source: www.discovery-campervans.com.au Previously known as the Outback, the country-cum-continent of Australia has emerged to be one of the most developed and progressive countries in the whole world. One of the main reasons is that it has achieved tremendous progress in a number of diverse fields like industry, science, medicine and manufacture. It also boasts of solid tourism. This is why the cities of Sydney and Melbourne end up attracting a number of travelers every year. The cities are known for their attractions as well as their sporty spirit. Also, people like to sample natural beauty and exotic flora and fauna. Here is a lineup of the 10 most amazing Australian attractions. 10. Tasmania The pretty coastal part of Tasmania remains to be one of the prettiest spots in Australia. The beaches and lagoons of Tasmania remain to be a hit with tourists and this is where they can savor water sports as well as some idyllic time

Why Smart Travelers Choose Vacation Apartments

If you are looking for an affordable and relaxing holiday, then there is no match for the vacation rentals. Vacation rentals have lots to offer to the people staying there. Not only they provide home-like luxury and comfort, but one can save lots of money that gets wasted when you book a hotel. If you have elderly people in your group or kids along with you, vacation rentals are the best choice for staying during your holidays because they offer you all sorts of customized services. You get friendly local people serving you along with hordes of on-site amenities such as: • Private swimming pools, fireplaces, beaches, spas, decks and many more • Home theaters • Master bedrooms and exclusive suites • Indoor game rooms e.g. billiard table, table tennis and others • Fully equipped kitchens along with dining areas • Gadgets for entertainment e.g. DVD, Wi-Fi Internet access and also other video games facilities.

Punta Riviera Resort, Bolinao Pangasinan

After our few days stay in Baguio City last year, we looked for a resort in Pangasinan and we found Punta Riviera Resort in Bolinao. We enjoyed the infinity pool and the beach view.  Contact details: Your Hosts - Aileen Respicio & Dr. Ian McFeat-Smith : Tel +(63) 756961350 / 756961274/ 9994432940/ 9063314518 Address - Punta Riviera Resort, Brgy. Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines e-mail to: puntarivieraresort@yahoo.com www.puntarivieraresort.com

5 Fun and Adventurous Family Vacation Activities

Family vacations are great times to get the whole family together to make memories and get away from the everyday routine of school and work. Often the best way to bond as a family is to try exciting, new activities, which will allow your vacation stand out from any other. Here are some suggestions of adventures your family can participate in which will expand your horizons. 1. Find a ghost tour in the area. Most cities and even towns have a ghost tour. This is a unique way to learn about the specific area and it's history. You may even learn things that aren't typically written in your average history book. Ghost tours can be found all over from Savannah ghost tours in Georgia to ghostly tales in Boston, Massachusetts of past politicians. They are educational, spooky and exciting. Plus, they often give you a sense of landmarks in the area and are ideal for when you first arrive. 2. Amusement parks can be fun for the entire family. A ticket to an amusement park such as Gr

Advantages and Disadvantages of All Inclusive Breaks

They’re certainly not for everybody, but all inclusive breaks definitely have their perks. Package holidays in general can be the ultimate in convenience, ensuring that everything is organised in one fell swoop - but what about when you’re at the resort? Half board and self-catering holiday options can get expensive, especially when you’re part of a family. This is where all inclusive breaks become an appealing option. As with other board types, there are pros and cons – weigh them up and see for yourself whether this type of holiday would suit you. Advantages  • All your food, drinks and snacks are included in the price meaning that the price you pay on booking is all you have to pay. • You don’t have to worry about finding oodles of money for spending when you’re in the resort because technically, you could relax in the resort for the duration if you wished. • Kids clubs, entertainment and activities are often included in the deal, so you and your children can take advanta

No more VISA needed to enter Japan!

Yes that is right, according to World Bulletin, Japan has lifted visa requirements for a number of ASEAN countries to help spur the nation's tourism industry and to develop the relationships with Southeast Asian countries.  According to Foreign Ministry’s pronouncement, visa exemption will be effective for Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Viet Nam after July, 1. Ministry underlined the decision is adopted to celebrate “40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.” Visa exemption is valid for short time visit no longer than 15 days. Japan cautioned those travelers who want to stay longer must still need a visa. The territorial dispute between Tokyo and Beijing lowered the Chinese travelers. Japan’s move to nationalize disputed islands at the East China Sea drew a harsh critic from Chinese’s officials and triggered a boycott from Chinese’s consumers and tourists. With no end in sight to the dispute, the Japanese government turned its eye to

Dandeli - Karnataka's Well Kept Secret

Dandeli is a beautiful small town in the historic and prestigious state of Karnataka in India that is slowly becoming one of the top tourist destinations of the country. What is unique about Dandeli is that not only is it a picturesque town, but it also offers a lot of options for entertainment to the tourists as per their mood and preference – whether you just want to relax & enjoy the beauty of nature, whether you want to do something adventurous, whether you want to want to explore wildlife up close – Dandeli has options for all. The state of Karnataka itself is a solace for the tourists, but Dandeli will surpass your expectations and take you for an adventure of a lifetime. It will offer you unexpected joyous experiences amidst the wilderness in the arms of nature… and without realizing it will be a home away from home for you. The sound of the flowing Kali River adds music to the rich blooming floras and faunal diversity of Dandeli. The people in Dandeli are very helpful a

6 Sight Seeing Spots You Can't Miss Out in Dubai

Dubai has recently become one of the hottest tourist destinations thanks to the huge sums of money developers put into the city.  Considered by many to be the most progressive vision and the quintessential city of the future, the desert makes an odd—yet intriguing—backdrop for such a place to spring up. So, if you're planning a visit to Dubai, be sure to check out these six tourist destinations that you can't afford to miss—no trip to Dubai would be complete without them! 1. The New Atlantis  Right on the waterfront of Dubai, you can rediscover the lost island of Atlantis—at least the new versions of it.  The Atlantis Resort is right on the Gulf, providing a family-friendly place to get away on one of the three man-made islands.  Take the three-mile trip to the main land on a monorail, enjoying the breathtaking sights of the city, the islands, the desert and the water all at once. When you're on the island of Atlantis, be sure to check out the extraordinary wa

Finding Airport Parking

If you're looking for airport parking in London, whether it's for Gatwick parking North Terminal or at another location such as Heathrow, your best bet is to get online and search for parking operators to find the best combination of availability and price. Believe it or not, one of the best places to start is through a tour operator like Thomas Cook. When you book through their 'Extras' range, they promise a high level of security at the parking facility with such features as security patrols, entry and exit barriers and floodlighting. On top of that, they offer a price promise with the best airport parking prices, along with a waiver on amendment fees (up to 24 hours prior to arrival) and no credit card fees. Find out more about their airport parking services, here - http://www.thomascook.com/holiday-extras/airport-parking/gatwick-north/ Another way to search for airport parking services is to use a search engine to find local parking agents. For instance, type

Après Ski Delights in Soldeu

While many skiers will choose a winter break focussed predominantly around the piste facilities, others will also factor in the après ski opportunities that are part of their chosen resort. For many, the après ski facilities are almost as important as the skiing itself, giving them a perfect environment to relax after a day on the slopes, socialising, making friends and enjoying the atmosphere. The après ski scene depends largely on the resort you choose, with some offering a relative tranquillity compared with others that pride themselves on their lively resort. As far as a Soldeu ski holiday is concerned, you have the best of both worlds. Après ski is probably the most popular in the Alps, where the bars at the bottom of the slopes are jam packed with skiers stopping for a beverage after their stint on the slopes while still donning their salopettes and boots.  Although predominantly an Alpine thing, it’s not unheard of elsewhere and Andorra has built quite the reputation for it

A Romantic Getaway in New York City

When my fiancé and I were looking for options on where we would go for our honeymoon, we finally settled on New York. Neither of us had ever been there and we thought it would be exciting. We found out that 'The city that never sleeps' is regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in the world and this is what sealed the decision for us. After our small wedding, we flew to New York for ten days of honeymoon bliss. We went straight to our hotel to freshen up. We found a great site and booked our New York hotel in advance . We had a spring wedding and we knew that New York as we knew that the spring and summer season would prove hard to get a good hotel room. We had planned to do as much as possible and see as much as we could especially since we heard that New York never ever sleeps. However, we were pleasantly surprised that our hotel room was quite quiet and we were able to get the rest we needed. The first day we went to the Empire State building at night and

Sizzling Summer Holiday Deals

Looking for a sizzling summer holiday deal? Everyone loves to save a bit of money when it comes to holidays, and thanks to high competition among today's tour operators - from early bird deals to last-minute special offers - there are more than a few cracking discounts out there. Late deals continue to be one of the most popular ways to save money, and tour operators are constantly advertising special offers on departures within the next few weeks. To bag the cheapest prices you should be prepared to vary your search criteria - for instance, try to be flexible on your departure dates, choice of local resort, destination and your style of hotel. Consider dropping down a star rating, or try bed and breakfast as opposed to half or full board. On the subject of board, all inclusive can be a great way to save money. You might pay a little more at the booking stage, but if you're generally happy to eat in the hotel restaurant during the day then you'll usually save a small

5 Must See Attractions in Kiev

Kiev is one of the great forgotten cities of Europe. As the birthplace of all Russian culture and a unique Ukrainian flavor of its own, Kiev is truly a city that should not be missed. Millions of hearts were broken when Ukraine was separated from Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, and for good reason; these must-see attractions make Kiev one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. E 1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra This gorgeous monastery overlooking the Dnipro river was built nearly 1,000 years ago and still stands tall, to the amazement of tourists from all over the world. Over the years, the monastery has grown, blending Byzantine and Baroque architecture into a massive complex that towers over the city. Several fascinating museums are held within the monastery walls, making Kiev Pechersk Lavra an important center of culture and history in this ancient Ukrainian city. 2. St. Sophia Cathedral Ukrainian history and culture are both deeply rooted in the religion

The Top 3 Most Romantic Locations in China

China is consistently considered to be one of the most popular honeymoon locations in the world, and with so many destinations and activities that are perfect for loved up couples, it’s not difficult to see why. Ranging from natural beauty and mesmerising history to big cities and luxurious beachfront resorts, there’s something for every couple visiting China to enjoy. For some inspiration, check out these three particularly romantic locations below: 1. Plover Cove, Hong Kong Located in Hong Kong’s New Territories, the Plover Cove area is one of the most unspoilt and least densely populated areas of the country, making it especially popular with couples looking for a quiet and serene romantic getaway. The region, comprising of the Plover Cove Country Park, the Plover Cove Reservoir, and many forested areas and natural pools, offers a variety of activities that appeal to all passions. Some of the most popular activities here include swimming under the cascading waters at Bride’s

5 Ways to Save Money on a Florida Keys Vacation

A sunny vacation in the Florida Keys is just what you need to take the edge off and get away from the stresses of daily life. Relaxing in the sand with a cool tropical drink during the day, enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze at night; it sounds like paradise. Don't fool yourself into believing that a heavenly vacation is outside your budget. Remember these helpful tips for saving money on your next tropical getaway. 1. Fly in the Off-Season Travel agencies, airlines and hotels get lots of business in the summer because most people take their vacations in the warm months. During the heavily traveled season these companies will hike up their prices and reservations will fill up quickly. It's much easier to get a good rate on your Florida Keys getaway by vacationing in the off-season. The whole resort industry will be experiencing a lull, and they'll be happy to accommodate you with more affordable prices. 2. Book Your Trip on a Weekday Any time you decide to fly,

5 Great Places to Visit in Ghana, Africa

Ghana is a country like no other. While it may not sit at the top of every traveler's list of must-visit locales, the unique beauty and complex history of this African nation are enticing to adventurous travelers all over the world. There is much to see and do in this country, but these fascinating destinations are not to be missed on any trip to Ghana. 1. Makola Market in Accra The capital city of Accra is full of fantastic travel destinations. A city in which modern architecture stands next to castles and shanty towns, this cultural hub is the crux of many a vacation to Ghana. At the city's bustling heart, travelers can find the Makola Market. This open-air market houses vendors of all kinds, giving travelers a unique look at the fascinating culture of Ghana. From delicious native cuisine to goods of all kinds, almost anything can be found in the old fashioned Makola Market; a place that is largely the same today as it was hundreds of years ago. 2. Kakum Rainfore

How To BBQ like A Pittmaster Pro

Summer is just around the corner and that means so is grill season, the time when you relax outdoors with friends and family, all gathered around to watch—and sample—your magnificent grill feats.  But are your grill chops up to snuff?  With a foodie sweep taking the nation, BBQ starring in several TV shows and even high-end chefs getting into the BBQ craze, expectations are running pretty high.  Not to worry, we’ll show you how to BBQ like a Pitmaster Pro. Know Your Grill Every master needs to know his or her instrument, whether that be a surgeon and a scalpel, a mechanic with a torque wrench, or a master Flamenco guitarist.  For Pitmasters that means knowing your grill : knowing the hot spots, the cold spots, how much temperature is lost through to grill cover or hood—which can make a dramatic impact on foods that require a long time to cook, like pork tenderloins, turkeys or the smoking of briskets and ribs.  So many grilling instructions for meats and other recipes use time as