Category Archives: Travel

Eight Indispensable Tips and Pieces of Advice for Those Who Are New to Birmingham

Moving to a new city or town can be a very stressful period in a person’s life. It may coincide with a new job, perhaps starting school or even a new relationship. When you first arrive, there is that time period where you need to get used to your new surroundings, learn where the basics are, figure out the best way to get around and, of course, it would be nice to meet some new friends. That’s a whole lot to embrace and attempt all at once, which is exactly why it can feel a bit overwhelming.

If you have recently moved to Birmingham, then the good news for you is that it is known for its welcoming vibe. The city in is located in the West Midlands and just so happens to be the second largest city in the UK. It is approximately 177kms northwest of London, so it’s definitely a jaunt but can still be reached via rail and road. It features both commercial and industrial area in the city and is known for being a cultural centre. What this means for you is that it’s got a bit of everything.

In order to help you adjust a little smoother, and start to realise all that the city has to offer, you’ll want to check out this list of nine indispensable tips and pieces of advice meant for newcomers to the city like yourself.

Tip One: Meet Up with People You Know in the City

It can feel rather scary and lonely arriving in a new city if you have moved all on your own, which is why it can be helpful to meet up with any friends or family you may have located there. You can have them show you a couple of their favourite hang-outs and hidden spots, and then you also have the opportunity to ask them about Birmingham in general.

Obviously, having that friend or two will help you adjust, but at the same time, you don’t want to rely too heavily on them. This is your opportunity to branch out and meet new people.

Tip Two: Go Ahead and Be a Tourist for those First Few Days

Sure you aren’t a tourist in Birmingham, you are now a resident, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy those first few days in the shoes of a tourist. This is actually a great way to start to familiarise yourself with your surroundings, and it gives you a chance to appreciate what the city has to offer.

Some of the sights and activities you may want to check out include a visit to the Symphony Hall, the National Sea Life Centre, St. Philip’s Cathedral, Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses and, of course, sampling the nightlife.

Tip Three: Travelling to the Airport

At some point, you may choose to go on holiday abroad and travel by air, which means you will be flying out of Birmingham Airport. The airport sees more than 12 million people flying through it each and every year, and a large number of destinations are served, so it tends to stay pretty busy.

One factor that newcomers don’t often think about is what they plan to do with their car when they arrive at the airport. Rather than driving around aimlessly trying to find a parking spot, and watching the precious time on the clock tick away, you may want to think about using birminghamparking.com which provides you with access to the Birmingham Airport car park 7, 5, 2, 3, and 1. What’s great about this service is that you can book a spot in advance so that you are guaranteed a place, and at a great rate. The gate prices are pretty hefty, so this is a great way to save time and money.

The company also offers meet and greet, park and ride, and drop and go services. It’s all about making your trip to the airport as worry-free as possible.

Tip Four: Enjoy Birmingham’s Top-Rated Food Scene

Did you know that just last year Birmingham was chosen as one of the premiere food destinations in all of the UK by Booking.com? That’s right, your new city of residence has quite the reputation in terms of dining, which means you’ve got a whole lot of cuisine to get out there and enjoy.

The city is home to a whopping five Michelin starred restaurants, which include Carters of Moseley, Adams, Turners, Simpsons, and Purnell’s, and it doesn’t stop there. Not only does it have a wide array of restaurants in all price points and featuring a vast selection of cuisine, but its street food scene is also well-known.

Tip Five: Make Use of the Public Transportation System

The great thing about living in Birmingham is that residents don’t have to own a car in order to get around the city. This is a city that is easily accessible by bus, metro, taxi, train, bicycle, canal, vehicle hire, and foot. What’s fun is that each method of transportation also opens up new pockets and views of the city that you can experience.

Tip Six: Do a Mock Run-Through of Your Work Commute

If you already have a job secured in Birmingham, then it’s also a good idea to do a mock run-through of your commute to and from the workplace before you actually get started. This can take a lot of stress out of your first day on the job, and it can help ensure that you don’t end up being late. If you’re having problems figuring out the best route, perhaps you can contact your boss and ask for some advice.

Tip Seven: Unpack as Much as Possible

You want to feel comfortable and at home in your new city as quickly as possible. Much of that will have to do with familiarising yourself with the surroundings, but there is also the fact that the sooner you unpack your belongings and get your place set up, the more at home you will feel. Perhaps you can set a daily goal for yourself where you will plan to unpack “X” amount of boxes each day. Getting your new place organised and set up will also make it possible for you to entertain that much sooner.

Tip Eight: Say Yes to Invitations You May Usually Pass Up On

The final tip is to step outside your comfort zone a little and start saying yes to invitations you may normally say no to. Putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences in Birmingham is a great way to start to fit in and build your own network of friends. Yes, it can feel intimidating to try new things, but at the same time, the results can be well worth it.

Making the Absolute Most of Your New City

By following these tips you’ll find that your big move to Birmingham can be a lot smoother, feature much less stress, and really open your mind and eyes to all kinds of wonderful new experiences. It’s all about embracing your new city and learning as much as possible about it.

Travel

How to Choose the Right Greek Island Holiday Destination for You

Anne Younger Leave a comment

Did you know that Greece has over 230 inhabited islands? All located in the Mediterranean Sea, these islands are all picturesque and unique in their own way. If you are thinking of visiting a Greek island for your next trip abroad, it can be overwhelming and difficult to choose which one you want to visit as each has its own highlights that will attract different people. However, there is no need to panic as we are here to help! Carry on reading if you want to know what each of the main islands has to offer and how to choose which one is right for you.

Best Scenery

Looking to visit the Greek island that offers the best scenery? Then you will definitely want to visit the iconic tourist hot spot of Santorini. While this island is now known for its breath-taking scenery, it also has a fascinating history too which will intrigue potential visitors. Way back in 1600 BC, the volcano on the island erupted, causing the centre of the island to plummet into the depths of the ocean. The views across this island are stunning and you can take in the scenes of towns and villages clinging to the tops of the cliffs.

The scenery that Santorini is best known for is its iconic town of Fira, where you can find the gorgeous white washed buildings with the blue tops sitting against a sea of blue. However, it is at its northern point of Oia where you will want to head to if you want to view the beautiful sunsets that are world famous. If you love a scenic beach, then make sure to visit the Red Beach which gets its mesmerising colour from the volcano.

Best Food

If you are a bit of a foodie, then Crete is the Greek island destination for you. This island has not yet succumbed to the ways of industrial farming and so all the food here is absolutely delicious and tastes just as nature intended it to. Some of the delicious fruits and vegetables that you will need to try when you are on the island include cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries. Crete is also known for its wine, cheese and olive oil production, and this alone is enough to attract millions of tourists to the island every year. When visiting here, make sure to eat out as often in possible in the local Greek cafes and tavernas if you want to experience these amazing ingredients.

Best Nightlife

If you want a good mix of stunning beaches, lovely scenery, warm weather and amazing nightlife, then there is no better Greek island to check out that Mykonos. Mykonos is known all over the world for its incredible nightlife and has an Ibiza vibe to it, but, dare we say it, is often classed as being a little classier than the Spanish island. Throughout the year, this is a fantastic beach destination, but once the peak summer months, this becomes a hub for night owls who are looking to party. The streets of Mykonos town are always bustling with party people and you may even find yourself swaying through the streets in a singular motion as they become so packed. It is not until later in the evening that Mykonos really comes alive, however, the party never really ends here and you can enjoy parties in the daytime then drinks at sunset in the amazing cocktail bars. If you are going to be hitting the party night life of Mykonos with a group of friends, then you will need to find the perfect accommodation. What many people love about this island is the Mykonos villas to choose from. There are Mykonos villas scattered all over the island and they are the perfect accommodation to act as your base to recover after late night outs enjoying the island’s nightlife.

Best for Water Sports

Want to go to the Greek island that is best for water sports and activities? Then we would recommend that you visit the island of Paros. This island offers great food and shopping but the main draw is the water sports you can enjoy here. The winds here during the summer months are strong which make it perfect of trying out sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing. Plus, this wind is also welcomed by those simply relaxing on the beach as it is a great break from the warm heat. July and August are the peak months to visit and you should check out the beaches Santa Maria and Pounda, both of which are famous for their array of awesome water sports that you can do here.

Family Fun, Resorts, Travel, travel ideas, Travel Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells

Summer Fun at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells

Anne Younger Leave a comment

At the end of June, our family was fortunate to escape our everyday life here in Green Bay and head down to Wisconsin Dells and enjoy some much needed summer family fun thanks to the fine folks at the Kalahari Resorts.

A few years ago, we took the kids to Wisconsin Dells and well, that summer trip didn’t quite go as planned and things were derailed when Alex ended up in the ER with pneumonia. I am BEYOND happy to report that this time around, our trip was nothing but absolute fun and filled with some great memories and according to our 3 little people, THE BEST VACATION EVER!

From the moment we checked in to the resort, we were captivated by the beauty throughout. Of course, Ellie and I couldn’t get enough of all of the elephants everywhere since we are elephant fanatics!

This beauty greeted us upon entering the lobby to get all checked in for our stay.

Getting Checked In

What was really great about our stay at Kalahari Resorts was that even though check-in wasn’t until 4pm, we could arrive as early as 12:00pm, and pre-register and begin to enjoy the waterparks, which was great because it was a very very warm summer day!

An aerial view of a small section of the main lobby of Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells.

I don’t even have the words to describe how amazing this lobby is. To me, I didn’t feel like I was in the lobby of a hotel, I felt like I was in the middle of the mall with a guest services counter nearby. This lobby is overflowing with things for everyone to do. There are places to eat, shop, snack, grab a coffee, hit the spa, and gain access to both the indoor and outdoor waterparks.

A Room with a View

When we arrived to our room, we were blown away by not just how beautiful it was but by the view, the layout and the size. Our room was a Royal Two Room Family Suite and it featured one king bed, a separate room with two queen beds, full-size sofa sleeper, two full bathrooms, fireplace, two televisions and a large patio/balcony. Check it out for yourself.

King Size Size Bedroom in the Royal Two Room Family Suite

1 of 2 full bathrooms with soaking tubs

Room with two queen beds within the Royal Two Room Family Suite

Full-size sofa sleeper, fireplace, 1 of 2 50 Inch Flat Screen TVs , table and chairs and a large patio/balcony. (Not pictured: 2 vanities, coffee maker, safe, refrigerator and microwave).

And last, but certainly not least, the view we had from our room was amazing!

Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark view from the balcony of our Royal Two Room Family Suite

We were so happy with our suite. It was extremely spacious, the kids all had their own spot to sleep, Alex and I had our own bed (even if it was invade by a small boy), it was clean, there was NO FIGHTING over the bathroom, the beds were comfortable and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend the night.

Indoor Waterpark

We spent a good portion of our time at the resort enjoying the 125,000 square foot indoor waterpark. During our trip, there was an extreme summer heatwave and the temperature outside was well over 100° the entire time we were in town. Even with being in the water outside, we just could not stand the heat and the sun constantly beating down on us. Thankfully, the indoor waterpark had more than enough for all of us to enjoy!

For the most part, we hung out in the Leopard’s Lair, a multi-level water tree fort for all ages! You can wade in the zero depth entry pool, zip down slides of all sizes, play in water features and get soaked from the cross-firing water cannons!

Leopard’s Lair

In addition to Leopard’s Lair, the indoor waterpark offers a wave pool with a small kiddie play area, a 920 foot lazy/torrent river for you to take a break and just relax, catch some waves on the Flowrider, all this in addition to some wicked water slides, a swim up bar, whirlpool spas and more!

We spent hours watching the kids run around, splash, play and have fun. Alex and I enjoyed chasing them in the water, splashing around, seeing the smiles on their faces and that they never got bored doing the same things over and over. To them, it never got old.

Ellie must have gone done the same slide no less than 50 times and every time she did it, this express and excitement was the same.

When we weren’t in the water playing with the kids, Alex and I enjoyed some time just sitting, relaxing and watching them enjoy every moment of everything they were doing. We also managed to share the biggest margarita we have ever had!

Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark

As I mentioned, we did not get a chance to check out the outdoor waterpark due to the extreme summer heat and the kids not wanting to spend the day out under the sweltering summer sun once again, so we only really saw it from our room. Although we didn’t get to enjoy it, you should be aware that it is jam packed with even more slides and more splash. You will find some giant water slides like the Anaconda, Swahili Swirl, Extreme Rush, The Smoke that Thunders, Wild Wildebeest and the Zimbabwe Zipper.

The Smoke that Thunders

Wild Wildebeest

Zimbabwe Zipper

On top of these wicked slides, there is a lazy river, a kids play area complete with tree fort and whirlpool spa.

We can’t wait until our next visit, hopefully sometime next summer, to check out the outdoor waterpark with the kids since they will all be bigger and hopefully it won’t be to hot to breathe outside!

Delicious Food Right Around Every Corner

The dining choices at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells were top notch and more than what we ever could have expected. Everything from the kids meals to the soups, the appetizers and the entrees and desserts, it was all delicious. During our stay, we enjoyed dinner at the Wisconsin Brew Pub where I had the best ever French onion soup made with my favorite New Glarus Brewing Spotted Cow Ale, gruyere cheese, and Bavarian pretzel bread.

The next morning, we had breakfast at Ivory Coast Restaurant right in the lobby of the resort. Alex had the Crab Cake Benedict and raves about it. I went with the Spinach & Artichoke Frittata, made with Spinach and artichoke dip with feta cheese on an open faced omelet and O.M.G. it was one of the most amazing things I have ever had for breakfast.

On top of these two restaurants, Kalahari Resorts also offers Double Cut contemporary steakhouse, Trapper’s Turn, Great Karoo Buffet, Java Manjaro (featuring Starbucks!), Sweet Hut Restaurant, Upper Deck Lounge & Lanes as well as the waterpark snack shacks and room service.

Shopping and Souvenirs

We had a lot of fun checking out the Zakanaka Kids shop at let each of the kids pick out a cool souvenir to bring home. There was such a large selection of items, the kids had a really hard time deciding what they wanted but in the end, we ended up letting two of them create their own Kenya and Kya stuffed elephants complete with sound while the other picked out some cool puzzles.

Ellie with Kya

In addition to the goodies they found in the shops, the kids also had fun collecting the different Kalahari medallions and flattened pennies.

Treat Yourself

Sadly, I did not get to do the one thing that I really wanted to do during our stay because, well we were just having so much fun with everything else that I ran out of time. I had planned on taking some time to treat myself with a trip Spa Kalahari & Spa to enjoy their new Halotherapy Service.

Salt therapy, or halotherapy, uses a halogenerator to vaporize pure salt into the air so it can be breathed deep into the lungs. Halotherapy is also recommended for healthy people as it boosts the immune system to help combat the high amounts of pollutants and bacteria we all breathe every day. The negative ions produced help combat stress and depression.

As someone who suffers from asthma, allergies, frequent ear infections and dermatitis, I really wanted to give it a try to see if it helped reduce my symptoms. Hopefully I will get the chance during our next visit.

Kalahari Indoor Themepark

After checking out, we hung around the resort for a few hours to let the kids unwind and burn some energy in the 100,000 square foot Kalahari Indoor Themepark. Since we had dined at the Wisconsin Brew Pub for dinner the evening before, we had purchased $10 Action Cards for the themepark at a discount of $6 each with each entree so the kids were ready to have some fun. Of course, we loaded their cards with some extra money to make sure they truly enjoyed themselves!

The indoor themepark was truly mind blowing. There was just so much to do and so much to take in. We could have spent an entire day there and they never would have run out of things to do.

Everything from mini golf, go-carts, a Ferris wheel, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, rock climbing walls, a carousel, a ropes course and so much more….IT IS NEVER ENDING

The last thing the kids did in the themepark, while I wrangled all their tickets for Alex to load them to their cards to redeem for prizes, was give the rock climbing wall a try. When we were planning our trip and I told them they had a rock climbing wall, they all wanted to give it a try.

This video does have sound but it is muted when you start it.

Ellie and Joey were also pretty excited to bump into Lou the Lion before heading home from our trip.

The last thing we did before leaving the resort was something to make me happy. All 5 of us crammed into a photobooth built for two to create some of the most epic family photos ever!

It sure was fun though and I will forever giggle at the results. If you look really hard you can see Alex in a few, you can tell that Alexander was not enjoying any of it, that I couldn’t stop laughing, that Ellie loved that fan in the booth blowing at us and that Joey didn’t have a clue what the heck was going on. Best vacation photos EVER!!!

Thank you for having us, Kalahari Resorts we had an AMAZING time. Everything during our stay was wonderful from check-in to check-out. The service, the food, the room, the waterparks, the theme park, the shopping, you name it. We loved it all.

According to our kids, this was the best vacation ever and they #LoveKalahari and can’t wait to come back to #AmericasLargest indoor and outdoor water park and resort. We hope to see you again next summer and stay longer and have even more fun!

Thanks for the hospitality and a truly wonderful and memorable trip for our family.

Not Just a Summer Trip

There is so much to do at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells that you don’t have to wait until summer when it is nice and warm to visit. Take advantage of the great deals they offer the rest of the year and enjoy the indoor waterpark, themepark, spa and fabulous dining as well as all of the other great indoor attractions in and around Wisconsin Dells. Be sure to look online to find the best Kalahari Resort deals!

Travel

10 Places You Must See on Your Visit to Malaysia

Anne Younger

(Image Source: Shutterstock)

Malaysia is a jewel that lies at the end of South East Asia. Whether you are looking for peace, serenity, fun or adventure, Malaysia has it all. It is one destination which will not disappoint travelers of any age group. When you visit Malaysia, Petronas towers will be definitely on your list. But there are other places which will make you wonder how much Malaysia has to offer. Here are ten places you must see on your visit to Malaysia.

Langkawi

Located at the Thailand border, Langkawi is a laid back and lazy place which is filled with iconic beaches, boulder dotted sands of Pantai Kok and is a haven for watersports. There are multiple resorts in the coconut groves of Datai Bay.

Simply put, it is the best place for sea, sun and scuba.

Gunung Mulu National Park

The ancient ridges of the National Park never fail to capture the imagination. It is a UNESCO site which represents one of the last enclaves of the untrodden land.

It is not easy to reach here; you will have to take a plane ride down to the asphalt of the Mulu airport or take a 12-hour riverboat between jungles. But it is absolutely worth it!

Cameron Highlands

With a height of more than 1,000 meters above the Malay Peninsula, the hill station known as the Cameron Highlands will take your breath away. It lies across the plateaus of the mighty ‘Main Range’ between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The highlands are dominated by tea villages and cool temperature.

Bako National Park

The Bako National Park is totally worth the visit. If you have come to Malaysia to view its beauty and wild jungles, the landscape of this national park will impress you.

It has chiselled rock stacks and dense forests as well as sheer-cut cliffs by the ocean that dominate the country. There is an array of fauna and many walking trails that cover the entire park.

Beautiful Gardens in Penang

The circular road around the magical island of Penang has the Tropical Spice Garden which is in a secluded spot. It is exceptionally set out and is an ideal place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sandakan Memorial Park in Borneo

The Park is a site of infamous Second World War death marches that started from its Japanese POW camp. There is a display of a short video with survivor recordings in the small museum which draws the attention of the visitors.

Lambir Hills National Park

Located near Brunei, the Lambir Hills National Park is flocked by visitors throughout the year. It is one of the smallest in Malaysia, and there is an old rainforest in addition to the gushing waterfalls.

There are wooden bridges as well as winding staircases that cut into the rock and make it an ideal place to walk and explore.

Kuching

If you visit Kuching, it will be your first taste of Borneo and Eastern Malaysia. The 200-year-old city comes with a backstory of the British colonialism and sultanate rule.

It is known for cultural diversity and is close to Bako National Park and Semenggoh orangutan reserve. You will find Chinese markets and Indian kitchens serving your favourite delicacies here.

Little India

Hundreds of shops sell traditional clothes, spices and materials at Little India in Kuala Lumpur. The food is another reason to visit here; there are a number of Indian delights which will leave you asking for more.

Taman Negara National Park

This national park is a jewel which sits at the heart of the Malay Peninsula. It covers more than 4,300 square kilometres and is one of the oldest established woodlands in the world. It has winding rivers and huge swinging rope bridges. It is being raised as the ecotourism mecca, and it is one of the popular hike trails.

Most Importantly

While planning your trip to Malaysia don’t forget to purchase travel insurance online. Having this insurance in place will give you the peace of mind during your vacation. Here are some reasons stating why you must purchase travel insurance online:

You may need an emergency medical evacuation during your vacation
Your flight may be cancelled
You may get sick or injured on your trip
Perhaps, your baggage may get delayed or lost, or your passport is lost

In all these situations, your travel insurance online policy will appropriately compensate you for the loss (financially).

You can buy this insurance online with few quick clicks, that too, from the comfort of your home or office. It’s that simple.

Malaysia is a vibrant tourist destination that offers an ideal blend of culture, adventure and lip-smacking cuisines. It is also an affordable destination that is easily connected to various cities across the globe.

With perfect weather throughout the year, it is always a good time to visit Malaysia. But before boarding your flight, make sure you have your travel insurance in place!

Travel

Activities to Try in Goa Within RS 3000 Budget

Anne Younger Leave a comment

A budget trip to Goa is always on the ultimate bucket list of every college-goer in India, whether they are from Delhi or Mumbai. But that dream seems quite difficult when you hear the amount of money people spend on their trips to Goa. The reason? Well, they don’t take tips from us!

And now that you are reading this article, we understand that you are travel-pro who knows how to get things done in their own way. Now we won’t waste your time more, so, check out these fun activities that you can try in Goa within Rs 3000 budget and get the best of your trip.

Water Sports

How can we even talk about activities to try in Goa without beginning with the amazing water sports, right? Beaches in Goa have plenty of water sports activities available at multiple price range suiting the needs of various travellers. Some of the popular water sports packages you can try within Rs. 3000 include parasailing, banana ride, boat ride, jet-ski and many more. When you are checking your Mumbai to Goa flight status, you can also book various water sports packages online and even get some discount coupons on early booking.

Scuba Diving

Another most sought-after activity to enjoy in Goa, scuba diving gives you the chance to discover the mysteriously beautiful world under water. Just like water sports packages, you can also book scuba diving packages within Rs. 3000 at selected beaches in North Goa. The activity lasts for about 45 minutes under the supervision of trained experts.

Kayaking

A budget kayaking tour in Goa will not even cost Rs. 1500. Yes, it’s that affordable! So, don’t miss it on your trip to Goa. Some of the places where you can enjoy the sunset kayaking are Mandrem Beach, Aguda River, Miramar Beach and Mandovi River among others. This two-hour long activity takes you through the mesmerising places where witnessing the sunset makes you forget all your worries and enjoy the beauty of life.

Go-Karting

Over the past few years, go-karting has become one of the favourite activities in Goa. There are two karting tracks in Goa; one in North Goa and other in South Goa. The best thing is that it costs you just 150 bucks! So, this is a perfect budget activity for a budget trip.

Snorkelling

The best place to enjoy snorkelling is near Fort Aguada where you can also get lucky to see dancing dolphins. The activity costs around Rs. 1,600-2000. The organisers use all the safety measure, and experts are there to train you how to snorkel.

Rafting

Another thrilling activity in the list, rafting in Goa takes place on Mhadei River for a stretch of around 10 km. It can cost you around 2000 as per the season. If you are going to Goa with your friends, whitewater rafting on Mhadei River is a must.

Trekking

If you have heard of Dudhsagar Falls, imagine how adventurous and thrilling it will be to trek to the majestic waterfall through the lush forests in a budget of just Rs. 2000! The enchanting trek will also take you to the mysterious Devil’s Canyon and fizzing ponds on the way to waterfall. Worth trying, isn’t it?

Planning budget trip is not a child’s play. But if you do your ‘homework’ properly, no one can stop you from a wonderful Goa-trip. Moreover, while planning the trip, do keep in mind the safety measures and avoid missing important things like checking your Mumbai to Goa flight status before going to the trip. All the best!