A Luxury Travel Blog

If you enjoy all things luxurious and are particularly inclined to luxury air travel, you will be glad to know that luxury train travel boasts many advantages over traditional luxury air travel such as gorgeous scenic views, less monotony, ample space, spacious amenities, comfortable sleeping areas and bathrooms.

There is no doubt that the plane is the fastest mode of transport out there, and it’s also true that a plane offers stunning panoramic views. Having said this, the amazing plane’s window views do not last long as they are often broken by the view of clouds, whereas on a train ride you can relish scenic views en route.

Luxury train travel has truly come a long way and its popularity is on the up-trend. If you’ve never had the pleasure to enjoy a luxury train ride and are wondering about the world’s most luxurious trains, below we have a list of the most popular luxury train tour operators in the world.

Trans-Siberian Express

The Trans-Siberian Express is one of the largest and most famous luxury train operators in the world. A luxury ride on the Trans-Siberian Express means embarking on a journey spanning Russia and the Far East and crossing over several time zones.

India’s Palace on Wheels

India’s Palace on Wheels, is one of the world’s most luxurious trains and its renowned for its luxury coaches and amazing décor, which represent the opulent and rich heritage of India.

British Pullman

Luxury train rides do not come as fascinating and historic as the novelty British Pullman trains. British Pullman trains boast stunning vintage carriages that retain the grandeur and quaint art deco of early 1930s British trains.

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most scenic and luxurious train rides in the world which journey takes you through the memorable Canadian Rockies while taking in stunning natural sights.

James Jones is a travel writer for My Travel Guide Posts.

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For once, me and my travel partner decided, we would explore some new territory. As our season for vacations approached, we looked at the overwhelming trend of our past vacations: island hopping in the Pacific Rim, island hopping in the Caribbean, long stays in the Mediterranean and all of the surrounding countries. We had done all of these trips several times. Although they were all wonderful places and experiences, we felt like going to a completely foreign, almost untouched destination. To our surprise, our deliberations whittled down to one place: Alaska.

Although we both are American and speak English, Alaska sounded like one of the most foreign places we could travel to. With the numerous options different cruise lines offer, it wasn’t difficult to fill out our plans to see glaciers, whales, the frontier and the Aurora Borealis. We chose a relaxing, luxurious cruise with generous dabs of exciting scenery and experiences.

Frankly, I was surprised at the level of quality and personal experience this vacation offered. Because of the nature of cruising in Alaska, many of the ships in the line are smaller. This makes the experience far more intimate. Our suite (and almost everyone else) had a private balcony and exquisite furnishings. Like most luxury cruises, everything was included. But the fare aboard this ship was truly top notch. I often find that most cruise lines offer meals that measure up to decent catering service standards, but rarely exceed it. Well, this cruise did. Naturally, being in salmon country, there were some exceptional meals of this country’s most famous indigenous fare.

Our fees included unlimited shore excursions. We got to explore Grouse Mountain by tram in Vancouver, native art and totem poles in Katchikan, and heard the “white thunder” of crashing ice in the Hubbard glacier. For anyone interested in wildlife, I would highly recommend planning your trip according to the wildlife that you want to see. There are certain times of the year to get a look at particular groups of wildlife and scenery. The spring and summer are great times to catch the various whale migrations, and a number of smaller vessels specialize in whale watching tours. Conversely, the best times for seeing the Aurora Borealis is in the winter.

For all of the spectacular amenities aboard the cruise, and all the amazing sights and experiences that there are in the wild Alaskan frontier and water ways, there was one thing that stood out for me. By far, the most spectacular thing I experienced happened almost at the end of our journey on a warm, calm night. Even though it was summer, the Aurora Borealis blessed us with her dancing vivid presence. I won’’t soon forget the dazzling image of the Northern Lights dancing about us on one of the most spectacular vacations yet.

Carol Atkins is a Group Travel Leader with YMT Vacations.

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The newly launched, Dewsall, takes an escape to the country to a whole new level of luxury. It is a lavish hideaway, set in a pocket of real countryside which is rich in wildlife. Dewsall is the perfect destination for an ‘exclusive use’ serviced or un-serviced short let, residential short courses based on country lifestyle and wellbeing, and at different times throughout the year Dewsall will run as Britain’s first ever Pop-Up Hotel, meaning that it will be possible to enjoy the property and gardens without having to hire the entire house.

Dewsall is full of character, furnished with family antiques and fine art, giving it a very relaxing and down to earth atmosphere. After a stunning refurbishment, there are 10 wonderful ensuite bedrooms, all with feature bathrooms. There is an impressive master suite, billiard room, wine tasting cellar, and studio, as well as a large kitchen with 4 oven Aga and fireplace which is adjoined by a fully equipped chef’s kitchen.

This beautiful, stylish property in rural Herefordshire is set in 12 acres of garden and is nestled amidst 1000 acres of Duchy of Cornwall land, with far reaching views to the Black mountains so you can walk for hours straight from the back door without ever seeing a road and then afterwards slip into one fo the many decadently deep baths!

However, you choose to enjoy Dewsall, you can be sure it will be an escape to remember.

Sardinia, the dream holiday destination that appeals a lot of people, is an ideal choice even for golf enthusiasts and people who want to start playing golf. Sardinia, the splendid island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has a lot of golf hotels, hotels with a golf course or standing near a golf course. The offer is wide: golf courses for expert people, together with practice courses for people who is approaching the sport.

One of the most famous golf hotels in Sardinia is the Golf Hotel Is Arenas. Located in Narbolia, province of Oristano, this five star hotel stands in a beautiful landscape made of pine forest, dunes, lagoon, lakes and, of course, the sea. Golf Hotel Is Arenas is perfect for golf specialists. It houses a 18 hole par 72 championship golf course, designed by three famous American architects, Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, and harmoniously inserted in the natural landscape. Golf Hotel Is Arenas is a good choice even for who wants a wellness holiday: it has a SPA Boutique with gym, massage rooms, Turkish bath and beauty area.

Another splendid golf hotel in Sardinia is the Is Molas Resort, in Pula, south of Sardinia. It is a four star hotel in Sardinian style, immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. It offers an extraordinary panoramic view, and so even its golf courses. The hotel has a 18 hole championship course, that housed many famous competitions, and a more difficult smaller course, the Yellow one, with 9 holes. Is Molas golf course is the biggest one in Sardinia, the reference point for the golf in the entire island. It’s a splendid green garden with a mild micro climate that allows playing all year round. Furthermore, Is Molas Resort houses the Dan Williamson Academy, where guests can take part to golf lessons and courses.

Moving to the north of the island, we can find the Hotel Colonna Pevero, in Porto Cervo. This five star hotel standing in the heart of the exclusive Costa Smeralda offers to its guests luxury interiors and furniture. Known for its wellness centre, with hydromassage and beauty treatments, and its cuisine, a traditional Sardinian cuisine revisited by the best chefs, it stands near the Pevero Golf Club, famous all around the world, with a 18 hole par 72 course, overlooking the sea and surrounded by rocks, lakes and a flourishing vegetation.

Roberta Spiga is a Marketing Manager for Sardinia exclusive.

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If tasting fabulous wines, listening to knowledgeable wine experts, touring world-famous wineries and vineyards as you relax and cruise along the calm Rhine and Mosel Rivers in Europe sounds like the perfect vacation for you, I recommend you experience the same wine-tasting cruise from which I just returned. Boarding the luxurious yet wonderfully comfortable MS AmaLegro in Amsterdam in the cool dusk of a late fall afternoon, I immediately felt at home in the beautifully furnished river cruise ship which can hold up to 150 passengers but never felt crowded with its spacious lounge and large staterooms. Cruising up the Rhine River through Germany, we marveled at the virtually vertical vineyards which line the river banks and the ruined castles which loom over the meticulously groomed vineyards. A variety of delicious wines was presented with dinner and also with many of the lunches. At lunch one day, we had a very special meal, presided over by a local vintner, Mr. Loewenstein, who gave a commentary about the paired wines we had with our meal. It was fascinating to hear the history of each of the wines and to have explained what we should be tasting and experiencing.

Each of the wines we tasted in the evenings was described on the beautifully detailed menus with which we were presented at each meal. One white wine was a Vinum Confluentes and was described as “very fruity with a perfect round and complex body, a specialty from Koblenz”. The other choice, a red, was a Kremser-Zweigelt and was described as “Special Austrian grape, usually very heavy bodied wine, color is from deep red down to deep violet, comes quite spicy at the end, comparable to a Merlot”. At cocktail hour, before the Captain’s Gala Dinner one evening, we had a lovely drink called a “Mosel Royal” which was a combination of white wine with some peach liqueur and a fresh lime slice  and was fresh-tasting and delicious!

In Rudesheim, Germany we were treated to a wonderful meal and wine tasting by local vintner Georg Breuer, which included information about local wines and vineyards. Each of our meals and wine-tastings were more wonderful than the last and the variety of wines complemented the variety of the towns we toured. Each town with its lovely arched bridges, cobblestone streets, beautiful shops and houses and the requisite castles was more intriguing than the last. Then, after our tours, we could easily walk right back onboard the MS AmaLegro and ready ourselves for our next course of wine-tasting!

AmaWaterways is also offering some wine-tasting cruises in 2011 and, if you like wine and you enjoy cruising, I recommend this as the perfect way to combine both!

Jan Ross is Editor of The Travel Authority Blog.

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Spain is renowned for its fantastic cuisine, from the classics such as paella and gazpacho to the heavily seafood influenced dishes such as suquet (seafood stew) and empanada (bread pies filled with shellfish) – there are thousands of new and exciting flavours to try while holidaying in Spain.

If you are a bit of a foodie and are looking to try out some of the finest dishes while you’re away, then take a look at our guide to 10 of the best restaurants to visit in Spain.

1. El Bulli

El Bulli, the Michelin 3 star restaurant on the north-east tip of Spain, is regarded as being one of the very best restaurants in the World. El Bulli has featured as the number one restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine a record five times, and is run by head chef Ferran Adria.

Typical dishes include: hot and cold trout roe tempura and “tapioca”� of Iberian ham.

2. Mugaritz

Mugaritz features head chef Andoni Aduriz, who was an apprentice at El Bulli. Situated in San Sebastian, and similar to El Bulli, has been recognised as being one of the best restaurants in the World, with two Michelin stars. A fire destroyed the kitchen of Mugaritz in February 2010, but it was quickly restored to working order and opened back up for business.

Typical dishes include: ceramic potatoes and monkfish cheek.

3. Arzak

Another fantastic Basque restaurant is Arzak – situated in San Sebastian, with the cooking done by a unique father-daughter combination. Arzak mixes robust Mediterranean flavors with the 21st Century, delivering a truly once in a lifetime experience. Consider opting for the highly-recommended 16-course taster menu while visiting.

Typical dishes include: smoked white tuna with fresh figs and pine nuts.

4. Can Fabes

Can Fabes is dedicated to delivering some of the finest Spanish cuisine in the country, with classical dishes at the forefront of the menu.  ”The clock never ticks at Can Fabes” with it standing out as one of the unique restaurants in which you are encouraged to stay, talk and have an all round enjoyable evening after you have finished your meal. Can Fabes was also the first Catalan restaurant to be become a Michelin 3-star establishment.

Typical dishes include: hot-and-cold mackerel and tender pigeon with duck tartare.

5. Martin Berasategui

Spain’s Martin Berasategui is one of the most unique restaurants in Spain in the sense that you will very rarely hear about a bad experience being had by diners. Traditional cooking techniques are blended with science to coax out the most wonderful flavours in the boldest of dishes. As with some of the other big-hitters in this list, Martin Berasategui holds 3 Michelin stars.

Typical dishes include: grilled sole with liquid chili and smoked fish snout.

6. El Celler de Can Roca

Headed up by Joan Roca, El Celler de Can Roca is the work of three brothers. Along with a stunning Spanish menu, the popular restaurant is most well known for the dining experience, featuring a wine cellar offering diners a complete audio-visual journey through the five key wine regions in Spain, and a phenomenal dining space crafted with organic materials.

Typical dishes include: baby squids with onion rocks and Tahitian vanilla ice cream.

7. Jockey

A favourite amongst celebrity visitors to the region, Madrid’s Jockey blends traditional cuisine with French tendencies. The cuisine is “elaborated to satisfy the most demanding of tastes”, with each new chef priding themselves on developing new and creative dishes. Along with the Michelin-starred food, there is also a modest choice of over 700 varieties of wine and spirits to choose from.

Typical dishes include: grill-roasted young pigeon and sole filets with figs in Chardonnay.

8. La Terraza del Casino de Madrid

La Terraza del Casino de Madrid is another one of restaurants from El Bulli owner Ferran Adria, and lies on the top floor of Madrid’s casino. The an experimental yet mouth-watering restaurant, La Terraza offers some of the finest cuisine in the Spanish capitol, featuring attentive staff and service that is regarding by most as being perfect.

Typical dishes include: Asturian bean soup and jamon jabugo (cured ham from acorn-fed pigs).

9. Sant Pau

Sant Pau is a three Michelin starred restaurant headed up by Carme Ruscalleda – the only woman in Spain to receive 3 stars. Situated just north of Barcelona, Sant Pau is a fusion of traditional Catalan cuisine blended together with Ruscalleda’s modern twist. The dining area of the restaurant is split between a romantic first room with a contrasting summary second.

Typical dishes include: Iberian pork shoulder and stuffed calamari.

10. Cal Pep

Although one frequented by many tourists to the region, Barcelona’s Cap Pep is famous for its fresh sea food tapas and fantastic atmosphere. Cal Pep is known for being a true local experience, serving up a whole manner of Catalan classics in a warm and welcoming environment. This two-Michelin star restaurant aims to push the boundaries of the traditional palate.

Typical dishes include: shellfish a la plancha

What’s your favourite?

With so many fantastic restaurants across the breadth of Spain, there are endless possibilities no matter where you decide to venture out to this summer. Do you have a favourite place to experience some traditional cuisine while in Spain? We’d love to hear your suggestions!

Kieron Josep is an Online Marketing Execuitive at Thomson Al Fresco, a provider of family holidays throughout Europe.

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Many travelers dream of a luxurious holiday but believe they simply can’t afford it. In fact, there are many easy ways to extend your vacation budget, enabling you to afford more luxury than you might think. Here are some insider tips to get you started.

1. Flexibility

Be flexible with your travel plans. Consider traveling off-season when your vacation budget will go further. If you enjoy skiing, consider booking a holiday trip to Canada in March. There will still be snow on the slopes but far fewer tourists. Resorts will be offering special incentives to attract your business during the off-season. Likewise, look at tropical getaways and cruise holidays during the summer months. The prices drop substantially, allowing you to upgrade your accommodations or enjoy more entertainment for the same amount of money.

If you can be flexible about which days you travel, you can also save a bundle on your airfare. Check out the Flex Search on Orbitz. Enter in a date span of one month to see which days are cheapest to fly. You might have to leave on a Monday instead of the weekend, but you’ll still be able to request time off from work in advance, and you could save hundreds of dollars doing so!

2. Auctions

Auctions are a great way to extend your travel budget. Visit LuxuryLink.com for travel packages around the world at the most luxurious resorts, but at a fraction of the price. Not only will you save up to 65% off the regular price of a holiday at these top-notch resorts, they will also throw in special perks, such as spa packages and meals.

Websites such as eBay also offer many different holiday steals, from airfare to accommodations around the world. You can also bid to win entire packages that include airfare at a substantial discount off the price of going to a travel agency. With auctions you’ll need to be very careful about reading all the small print. Make sure the dates you want to travel are available before you bid.

3. Travel in a Group

A fun way to save money is to travel with several of your friends as a group. Hotels will offer a discount off multiple rooms, or you could consider sharing a house or villa. While the price of a holiday villa may seem outrageous, when you’re travelling with several of your friends the price per person is usually less than if you stayed in a hotel.

4. Condo Rentals

Many travelers are surprised to find out they could have rented a condo for less than the price of a hotel. Check out RedWeek.com to find out what condos are available to rent in the destination you’re dreaming of. RedWeek maintains listings of condos for rent worldwide. You’ll need to check each listing to make sure the dates you want to travel are available. When you rent a condo, you’ll also save money on food costs, because each unit contains a kitchen. You’ll be able to prepare your own meals at home, saving a bundle on what you would have spent in expensive restaurants.

5. Sign up for Mailing Lists

If you’ve got your heart set on a certain hotel, sign up for their newsletter and wait for a sale. You should also sign up with your favorite airline. Many travel websites will notify you of deeply discounted travel specials, such as Travelzoo.com. You’ll be the first to know about a sale in your desired location, but you’ll need to act fast because these specials usually sell out very quickly.

Heather Johnson is a writer for Honeymoon Destinations.

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Since 1st September 2010 and after several years of painstaking restorations, the Pera Palace, Istanbul’s most emblematic hotel, has opened its doors again to welcome discerning travelers who appreciate the ultimate in luxury and modern ammenities combined with an unequaled flair of art and history.

Pera Palace, Orient Express and Agatha Christie are un inseparable trinity of key words. The Queen of Suspense was one of the many writers and other artists who visited and lived in the Pera Palace Hotel and it was actually here, that she wrote one of her most popular crime novels: Murder on the Orient Express.

In fact, it was due to the Orient Express in the times when Istanbul was the luxury train’s final destination, that the Pera Palace came into existence. The infatuation of Europe with everything ‘oriental’, particularly Turkish, was already in full swing when the Orient Express brought wealthy, cultured and educated passengers to the city on the Bosporus. The only problem was, they had nowhere adequate to stay and therefore, the Architect Alexander Vallaury designed a luxury hotel in a combination of neo classical, art nouveau and oriental styles to accommodate the pampered clientele. The Pera Palace held its grand opening ball in 1895 and attracted its guests with many ‘firsts’, i.e. first electric elevator in Turkey, running hot water in the bath rooms, first fashion show in Istanbul in 1926 and much more.

The fabled Orient Bar became the favorite watering hole for such diverse celebrities as Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Jackie Kennedy, the already mentioned Agatha Christie and Eleanor Duse to name but a few.

Heads of state, kings and princes stayed in the hotel with its stunning views over the Golden Horn as did Atatürk who gave many a party and dinner here. Not to mention Istanbul’s debutantes and ladies who lunch.

I had a chance to visit the Pera Palace recently and I also got a tour whilst restorations were carried out which allowed me to see with how much attention to detail the hotel’s unique features such as the ball room ceilings were gilded by hand, specially woven carpets cleaned and restored and hidden treasures, such as hundreds of pieces of cutlery from Christofle/Paris, some still in their original wrappings and found in a cache in the basement, were cleaned and displayed to document the hotel’s history.

As far as modern day luxury hotels go, the Pera Palace is rather small and always has been. Thankfully no ugly annexes were devised, probably also because the plot the hotel is standing on would not allow for it. Many if the rooms and suite are themed and if you are an Agatha Christie buff you may want to stay in room 411, decorated in blood red and black and with a selection of Agatha Chrisie novels. If you love pastel you may want to choose in the Greta Garbo suite in beige, pink and gray.

The bathrooms are state of the art, some with claw footed bathtubs, othesr with rain showers, all with carrara marble and the best quality towels and goodies in the baskets.

Enter the hotel and go up to your room with the famous cast iron elevator (there are modern ones on the side),then maybe have a meal in the Agatha Restuarnt with it’s open kitchen and sipaly of antique silver. The hotel offers a spa, a small gym and beauty treatments in the basement. A definite highlight is the very beautiful hamam.

The Pera Palace is conveniently located within walking distance of Istaklal Street with its nostalgic tramway, art deco paradise Flower Passage and Taksim Square at one end. Right opposite the hotel you will find the Pera Museum with changing world class art exhibitions, most recently works by Frida Kahlo.

An ideal place to explore the many marvels of Istanbul as an as interested tourist but also with all necessary facilities a business traveler requires.

Inka Piegsa-Quischotte is author of GlamourGranny Travels.

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The small town of Andermatt is regarded as an Alpine gem enjoying expansive views along the valley floor but as yet has remained relatively undiscovered. It is currently being transformed by Orascom Development into an exclusive international carbon free resort comprising a car free village complete with six hotels, 25 private villas, 490 apartments and underground parking spaces.

What makes Andermatt different to any other skiing resort is its history; up until the new millennium Andermatt was kept a secret by the Swiss army and used as a training base for their Alpine troops. Since the army has dramatically scaled back their operations, Andermatt has grown into a more popular tourist destination with quaint hotels, friendly locals and picturesque scenary. Andermatt is located at the crossroads between North and South and East and West Switzerland and connected by three separate Alpine passes, in particular the Gotthard Pass – still today one of the most important routes in the Alps – which served to increase the fortunes of the village of Andermatt.

There is a clear building philosophy throughout Andermatt Swiss Alps which involves the use of materials according to the MINERGIE® standard and a conscious effort in place for the new Andermatt to blend in with its ‘traditional’ centre. Apartment options are underway, with new apartment buildings Murmeltier and Steinbock perfectly located on the west side of the development very close to the village centre and near to the picturesque River Reuss. Designed by Devanthéry & Lamunière, acclaimed architects based in Geneva.

Offering a mix of real estate design and architecture as well as a range of hotel accommodation, Andermatt Swiss Alps promises a harmonious lifestyle opportunity.  Whether you’re physically active or more interested in relaxation, young or young-at-heart: you will find just what you want in Andermatt, 365 days a year. This all year-round destination will deliver fantastic leisure facilities. In the summer, the region’s attractions include hiking, climbing and mountain biking in front of breathtaking mountain scenery, not forgetting the ecologically designed 18-hole golf course. Guaranteed snow during the winter months provide excellent skiing opportunities and in addition Andermatt’s ski facilities are being modernised, linking with the neighbouring ski area of Sedrun to form a single ski arena. Culture lovers will also be satisfied by the array of local festivals and classical concerts held in nearby Lucerne which have become world renowned. Summer promises al fresco dining by Lake Lucerne and a chance to wander through the historic town, open air theatre and excursions to the UNESCO world heritage site of Bern – all on the resort’s doorstep.

Apartments start at 15,500 CHF per sqm.

Rocksure Property have partnered with Quintessentially, a world leading private members’ club and concierge service to create an exciting new investment fund – The Quintessentially Rocksure Platinum Fund.

This will be the fourth fund created by Rocksure Property, continuing to provide investors with shared ownerships in luxurious properties, exquisite destinations, notable service levels, reduced investment risk and the comforts of a five star hotel.  Thepartnership symbolises the coming together of two market leaders to provide a lucrative lifestyle opportunity to a handful of the world’s most discerning individuals, Quintessentially for their ability to enhance the art of luxury living and this in turn benefits Rocksure investors with the highest possible service levels.

The Quintessentially Rocksure Fund will comprise of five properties sourced by the Rocksure team, with both investors’ desires and potential for capital gain in mind. The first property will be a 5-bedroom villa located within Barbados’ coveted Westmoreland Estate, providing shareholders with a fantastic Caribbean retreat. More exciting properties are being sourced in the South of France, the Algarve, Marrakech and Mallorca.

The homes within The Quintessentially Rocksure Fund will total to a combined value of over $20 million and investment starts at just £230,000 for a half unit. The life of the fund will be eight years, during which time owners can enjoy at least four weeks holiday at their choice of the five properties, as well as access to any of Rocksure’s other properties through the Inter-Fund Programme. At the end of the life of the fund all properties will be sold and the proceeds distributed to Shareholders.

Australia has it all for the adrenalin-loaded adventure junkie. Australia is home to is the exotic Great Barrier Reef, golden beaches, crystal clear water, flora and fauna, wide open spaces, basalt plains studded with extinct volcanoes, scenic mountain ranges, rugged wilderness, surrounding tropical islands, extensive coastlines, vast rivers, and the oldest, deadliest rainforest in the world. Read on to know more about the kinds of adventure activities you can enjoy in Australia.

1. Sea Diving

Australia’s crystal clear waters and teeming ocean life tempt people from all over the world to experience diving in Australian waters. The tropical waters of Australia’s East Coast which houses the Great Barrier Reef are an adventure diver’s delight. Another great diving experience is to be had on the exquisite Ningaloo Reef in West Australia, where you’ll find some of the most stunning marine life on earth. If you are a professional diver, you’ll enjoy the waters tremendously. For people who are not familiar with diving, courses are readily available, so there’s no need to feel left out.

2. Four Wheel Adventure Driving

Imagine rattling about on the roughest terrain imaginable, climbing up hills and rock mounds on Jeep Wrangler, hanging on for dear life! For the ultimate 4-wheel drive adventurer, there’s no place like the Australian outback, with its fantastic 4WD destinations that include Kakadu National Park, Cape York and Fraser Island. You can hire 4WD vehicles and hit the outback on your own, or even take a tour where someone else does the driving and you can just sit back and enjoy the thrill of driving on the terrain.

3. Rogue Wave Surfing

If diving deep underwater is not what gets you going, then stick to the surface! Surfing Australia’s rogue waves is no less thrilling; there’s nothing like the thrill of riding a huge wave, feeling the ocean rush past around you. Once you’ve surfed Australia’s waters, you’ll be hooked for life. Australian surf schools actually offer guarantees that students will stand up on their surfboards during their first session itself. That’s how dedicated people are to surfing there; no one wants to be left behind. What about you?

4. Jet Boating

Powering through rough waters on a jet boat, beating the speed of the waves with jet propulsion while enjoying the speed thrill of your life! Sounds fantastic? It is. Jet boating is the favorite adrenalin fix for many adventure junkies in the world. Australia sees its share of jet boating fans, visiting Gold Coast,

the Sydney Harbor and Perth’s Swan River every year for their jet boating fix. Check out this adventure option today if you’ve not tried it out yet!

5. Blue Sky Skydiving

Viewing the unbelievably beautiful sceneries of Australia from high up in the sky, while drifting along on a silk parachute. Sounds like nirvana? What can be better? How about what comes before you drift peacefully on that parachute? How about throwing yourself out of a plane that’s 10,000 feet high, experiencing a mind-blowing free-fall ecstasy, screaming for your very life, your heart thudding in your ears? If you are a true adventurer, you must try skydiving for the ultimate thrill, especially over the blue Pacific Ocean overlooking the picturesque Cape Byron Lighthouse.

6. Hot Air Ballooning

Take a break from the high adrenalin adventures for a day and try hot air ballooning for a relaxing thrill. Watch beautiful Australian shores, hills, forests, rivers and cities drift by below you as you float high above the ground in a balloon. You’ll never forget your first hot air balloon adventure, especially if you go on this magical thrill with a loved one. Try the hot air balloon tours over Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley, and watch the wildlife thunder past you on the ground as you drift.

7. White Water Rafting

Do you seek the ultimate thrill, pulled by the need to pit yourself against nature at her wildest? Then white water rafting is what you need. Sitting in an insignificant inflatable boat while hanging on to a plastic oar, trying to beat the roaring, churning and crazy waters of Australian rivers has to be the greatest thrill of life. Try out white water rafting on Mission Beach; raft down the Tully River, Australia’s most deadly white water rafting destination.

8. Backpacking

Experience true Australian wilderness on a backpacking trip through its forests, valleys and river plains, teeming with dangerous reptiles, crocodiles and other wild creatures. The Great Dividing Range in New South Wales is home to rugged lands, with magnificent virgin forests filling valleys, cloaking peaks and escarpments. In this area, the adventurer trekker and rock climber will find unlimited challenges, with vast bushlands, scenic fire trails and rugged back roads.

9. Jungle Surfing

The best way to explore Australia’s ancient rainforests is to whiz along on a series of flying fox cables and zip lines that’ll give you a great bird’s eye view of the rainforest over treetops. What better way to truly experience the magnificence of the rainforests than to speed through at a height, not having to actually be exposed to its many dangers? The Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours gives you this once in a lifetime adventure thrill in the Daintree Rainforest. Don’t miss it!

10. Sailing

Sail the open, exciting blue seas of Australia on a true blue sailing ship! Australia is home to some spectacular sailing destinations such as the Sydney Harbor and the Whitsundays. Enjoy a true nautical experience all around Australia’s sunny coast and feel the wind in your hair. Regular sailing trips are organized in and around coastal cities in Australia and you don’t have to be a boating expert to enjoy them.

11. Wilderness Camping

Camp in the Australian wilderness, and be home with this rugged country’s many creatures, old forests and dry plains. Ensure that you take plenty of water with you, and take all possible vaccinations before you leave. Pack the toughest camping gear you can find and hit the rugged wilderness and glistening beaches of Broome’s Cable Beach, Kununurra’s Lake Argyle , Windjana Gorge, El Questro, Kakadu and Darwin regions.

12. Flying

Jump into the cockpit of a vintage tiger moth and get going on a flight of a lifetime. Vintage Tiger Moth planes are available to take you flying on 60-minute trips over the inspiring Glass House Mountains and the exotic Bribie Island, where you can get a spectacular cockpit view of Australia’s bountiful nature and take all the pictures you want. If flying is your thing and if you enjoy the thrills of whizzing around in a small plane, dipping and bending with the wind, then Australia’s Tiger Moth flying adventures are for you.

13. Deep Sea Scuba Diving

Try deep-sea scuba diving in Lord Howe Island, off Australia’s East coast, in the world’s most Southern coral reef. Explore the 50 dive sites in this remote island; spot black cod, butterfly fish and other sea fauna in the exotic waters. Take videos and pictures of the volcanic seascape. Australia’s beautiful coral reefs offer exciting, unparalleled seascapes for the avid scuba diver in you.

14. Rafting, Canoeing And Kayaking

Are you an avid boating enthusiast? Is your idea of the perfect adventure tied to great rafting or kayaking experiences? Then you must experience the Great Dividing Range of Australia, which offers unlimited challenges for rafters and kayakers. Rivers carve their way through the ranges here, passing through narrow gorges, offering the best venues for canoeing and rafting.

15. Cave Exploring

Australia has everything for the avid foot adventurer, with its many rugged mountains, hills, valleys and escarpments. Needless to say, the hills of Australia are riddled with beautiful caves begging to be explored. For the cave explorer, Australian caves offer the opportunity to also study aboriginal art on cave walls deep into the mountains. What are you waiting for?

Teena Celis is a Content Developer at Adrenalin, an Australian experience provider.

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Tanzania is a country in East Africa which is rich in beautiful scenery, diverse culture and of course, fascinating wildlife – the type of animals you would only get to see on TV or in zoo’s in the Western world.

When recommending where to visit in Tanzania, I would suggest starting with some of the parks in the Northern part of the country, unless you have previously been to Tanzania and already toured the Northern circuit, in which case I’d suggest visiting some of the Southern parks.

The Best Wildlife Parks in Northern Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the end result of a volcano collapsing in on itself several millions of years ago. Over time, the crater and its surrounding ‘walls’ have flourished and have become scenically breath taking, as well as a safe place for wildlife to thrive – protected from the dangers of poachers, which can be a problem in other parks. For this exact reason, there is much better chance of seeing a rare black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater than most other Tanzanian parks.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a moderately small park, but fits in allot of big things, such as many of the large African Baobab trees and the biggest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania, with numbers estimated to have reached 2,500! During Tanzania’s dry season, you can spend the majority of your time in the park at the Tarangire River, as you watch wildlife in all its varieties come to rehydrate at the watering hole.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is not the most popular wildlife park in the world for no reason, this destination has well and truly earned its title. Its land is split into an amazing mixture of different ecosystems, such as; open grassy plains, swamps, woodlands, riverines and rocky hills. The variety of these ecosystems helps to attract a large variation of different animals.

A unique selling point of the Serengeti is that it is home to the most amazing mass movement of animals on this planet, the ‘great migration’. This mesmerising event sees over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their annual journey from the dryness of the Serengeti to the green, fresh grazing pastures of the Masai Mara in Kenya. If you are lucky enough to see the migration in action, then you may get the chance to witness the mass birthing of several thousand wildebeest calves in February, or the crossing of the Grumeti River in June.

The Best Wildlife Parks in Southern Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

For those wanting to get stuck into a bit of everything, and not wanting to be limited to touring the park in a safari vehicle, you can take a boating safari along the Great Ruaha River to get a bit closer to the animal and bird life which resides in around it. There are said to be over 400 species of bird which inhabit the park, and just as impressively, the population of elephants there is estimated to be over 10,000!

Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest wildlife park on this planet, measuring over 50,000 square Kilometres. It is host to many different types of animals, but there is one in particular that sets this park aside from others in Tanzania, the African wild dog. You are more likely to see this endangered canine in Selous than any other park in the world, as one third of the total African wild dog population live there.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is actually an extension of the same ecosystem that makes up Selous, however it still has its own unique characteristics. It is said that you are more likely to see a lion climbing a tree in Mikumi than in any other park, it is also a fantastic place to spot eland, which are the largest antelope in the world.

Tom Powell is the Marketing Manager of Tanzania safari experts Ziara Safaris.

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Even though most of us will never be ridiculously rich, we can travel and live like famous celebs with just a few tricks and tips. You don’t need to break the bank to rub elbows with the rich and mighty, just get rid of the Hawaiian shirt and other giveaways and get ready to live like kings.

Designer goods

The days of standing on the other side of the glass from designer bags and other couture items are over. Now you can wipe the drool from your chin and instead belly-up to the keyboard. Online companies like Bag, Borrow or Steal offer designer and couture items for a monthly fee. The only catch is that you have to return them at the end of the month. In the meantime though, you can dress to impress.

Private chefs

Private chefs are a luxury that only the uber rich can afford to have full time, but even modest budgets can afford to have a professional private chef cook for a dinner party. Fees vary, but for your buck you’ll get a chef to do the menu planning, shopping, cooking, serving and cleanup. Having a chef cook for your next dinner party will impress everybody and have them thinking you live like a star.

Vacations

Vacation rental services allow you the chance to travel like the ultra rich. Celebs and stars rent luxury villas and homes for maximum privacy when they travel, and you can too. In the off season, many of these homes become quite affordable, and if you split the costs between a group of people you can vacation in the same home as Madonna or Shaq. Besides, hotels have a lot of grossness and bad juju associated with them.

Celebrity grooming

Haircuts, manicures, pedicures and other grooming done at high-end salons and spas can easily run into hundreds of dollars. The trick is to sign up as a model for aspiring stylists. You’ll be in the hands of a student but under the direct supervision of an experienced stylist or technician. This way you can get top dollar treatments for very low cost.

Designer clothes for less

The trick to dressing like the rich without paying top dollar is to pay attention and be diligent. Bargain sites like Overstock, Amazon, BlueFly and others will sell designer labels at greatly reduced prices. You may not get the exact color you wanted, but with prices at least 50 percent cheaper, do you really care? The best deals go fast, so the best strategy is to browse often and jump on a deal when you see it.

Even though you may be slaving away at your 9 to 5, you can look, dress and travel like the rich. These few simple tricks will help you get some of the perks that are available only to those with fat wallets, and you won’t have to tell a soul your secret as you show up to work with a new designer handbag each month or when you jet off to some exotic island on your vacation.

Jennifer Williams is a freelance travel writer and author of All Over Tech.

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Approximately one sixth the size of neighbours Mozambique and Zambia and five times smaller than Botswana, relatively speaking, Malawi is a slither of a country. Despite this modest stature the region actually enjoys incredible natural and cultural diversity, a characteristic which is quickly establishing it as a rising star of African tourism.

Many of those visitors who are lucky enough to experience Malawi only enjoy a transitory encounter with this colourful nation, spending a few days there as they migrate onwards to Africa’s ‘big’ landmarks and more popular destinations. This partiality is a real shame but one that seems all too common. Malawi has an awful lot to offer the enthusiastic traveller; fantastic wildlife, fascinating culture and a landscape which encompasses grand lakes, grasslands, mountains and some of the best hiking and walking trails on the whole of the continent.

The Great Rift Valley dissects much of the country with that unmistakable scar-like trench meandering from North Africa to the central plains of Mozambique. A similarly linear geographical landmark is the colossal Lake Malawi which accounts over three quarters of Malawi’s eastern border with the rocky outcrops of Mozambique’s Niassa Province. The lake is itself a major draw for locals and tourists alike with its shimmering clear waters promising excellent conditions for snorkelling, diving and boating. Although it represents the second deepest body of water in Africa, the northern shore is extremely shallow meaning that families and young children especially can happily and safely enjoy swimming and other water sports. The tropical and fertile ecosystem that exists here reportedly supports the most diverse cohabitation of fish species in any lake on Earth; this fact seems to epitomise what Malawi stands for, a place that at a casual glance might appear placid but beneath its surface there exists a world thriving with life and vibrancy.

Perhaps the most spectacular scenery in Malawi is to be found in the southern Highland regions of Mulanje Massif and the Zomba Plateau; the former being home to the largest peak in Central Africa Mt Sapitwa. The unusual syenite granite topography makes this area of the country a must see, breathtaking rocky outcrops rise up out of the Phalombe Plains producing a truly dramatic panorama.

For wildlife enthusiasts Malawi does not disappoint either; Nyika National Park to the north of the country is abundant with countless large mammal and bird species as well as over 500 different types of wild orchid. Antelopes, zebras and one of the largest populations of leopards in Central Africa can be found here and Nyika was also one of the pioneers of the horseback safari which is becoming increasingly popular across the continent. Throughout Malawi the big five (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants) can be seen as well as large numbers of hippo which due to their frequency have almost become an emblem of Malawian ecology.

Malawi is a truly spectacular part of Africa; a beauty succeeded only by the charm and warmth of its people. Despite being subject to many trials and tribulations, historically and contemporaneously, Malawians are a fascinating and welcoming people who will make your experience utterly memorable. Malawi for a long time has stood in the shadows of other, more established African destinations but now, hopefully, this diminutive domain will begin to realise its true potential as a tourist haven; as the saying goes, diamonds are not made as big as bricks.

Greg Fox is a Director at luxury travel specialists Mahlatini.

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Visitors to Hong Kong in February 2011 can join locals in celebrating the biggest and most important festival on the Chinese calendar – Chinese New Year. This year it will the Year of the Rabbit and festivities include flamboyant flower markets, a spectacular night parade, stage performances, fabulous fireworks and lively sporting events, as well as plenty of other attractions. Chinese New Year celebrations run from 28th January to 17th February 2011, allowing visitors to discover all the wonderful events and attractions synonymous with Hong Kong.

Some key dates to look out for are:

3rd February 2011 – Joining the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade this year will be performers from the London School of Samba. The parade starts at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Spectator stands open at 7pm for ticket holders only. Tickets cost HK$350/ $300/ $220/ $180 per person.

4th February 2011 – Lunar New Year Fireworks, Victoria Harbour, 8pm between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

5th February 2011 – Chinese New Year Race Day (horseracing), Sha Tin Racecourse, Entrance HK$100 ‘Tourist Badge’ for admission to Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Members’ Enclosure or free admission to public enclosure (with presentation of valid travel document).

Located half-way between Darwin and dual World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, on the banks of the Mary River, a stylish new accommodation experience, Wildman Wilderness Lodge, opens its doors to visitors in April 2011.

Offering guests world-class wildlife experiences, the new property comprises of 10 cabins (habitats) with fixed structures and 15 luxury safari tents allowing guests to feel closer to the beautiful surrounding environment. Families are catered for with five of the safari tents including extra beds. A central open-plan lodge provides excellent seasonal Australian fare in the relaxed dining facilities and an opportunity to kick-back in the air-conditioned lounge bar.

The lodge and guest accommodation have been designed and built to view the pristine wetlands, billabongs and seasonal floodplains which are home to hundreds of bird and animal species.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities from a sunrise billabong cruise or a day’s touring of Kakadu to a walking tour of the surrounding wetlands or barramundi fishing safari ensuring that all guests are catered for. Guests with a particular passion such as photography or bush walking can request a special interest programme which will be tailor-made to meet their individual needs.

Opening celebratory package available until 30th November 2011 include:

Two Night Wildman Escape
From £298 (AU $485), per person based on two adults sharing a safari tent, a two-night stay includes breakfast and dinner daily and a Home Billabong Cruise where guests can enjoy a sunset or sunrise tour of the lilypad-filled billabongs whilst your guide points out the wildlife.

Three Night Wildman Kakadu Adventure
From £590 (AU $960), per person based on two adults sharing a safari tent, a three-night stay includes breakfast and dinner daily, a Mary River Rockhole Tour and a full day’s tour of Kakadu National Park. Throughout the break guests will picnic on a billabong, swim in beautiful waterholes, enjoy a 4×4 safari and enjoy canapés on an evening river cruise.

The lodge is a two-hour drive or 30-minute flight from Darwin and is hailed as one of Australia’s biggest recycling projects as the original structure of the main lodge and habitats were relocated from a disused property in Queensland (Wrotham Park Station Lodge). Wildman Wildness Lodge is the latest property from Anthology who’s current portfolio which includes the award-winning Bay Of Fires Lodge and Quamby Heritage Homestead in Tasmania as well as Wilpena Pound in South Australia.