Perth, Australia (Creative Commons)

Traveling happens to be one of the most favorite activities for people today given the fact that airfare costs are cheaper than they used to be. If your next destination happens to be Perth in Western Australia, it would be awesome to check in on one of those charming hotels in the area such as Crown Perth. There’s much to do in the capital of Western Australia and even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend for your vacation, you won’t have to worry as there are several activities that you can do even if you don’t have deep pockets.

1. Take part in the local Sunday sessions. One of the best things about Western Australia is the sunset. There are beachfront restaurants in Perth where you can grab a meal while enjoying the view. This pastime is not only for tourists as locals even take the time to spend lazy Sunday afternoons on beach pubs in a habit known as Sunday sessions. Indeed, spending your time at the beach with a cold beverage in one hand and a great sun set at the background is surely a wonderful way to pass an afternoon.
2. Go fishing in Peel Inlet. If you are on a budget and you don’t mind a bit of adventure, catching your dinner at Peel Inlet would be something worth looking forward to. There’s enough seafood to fill a dinner plate in Mandurah estuary and inlet which includes prawns. You can look forward to a dinner with king prawns during autumn and a meal of river prawns during summer. There are also delicious blue manna crabs here and if you want to take part in the annual crab festival that features this tasty delicacy, time your vacation in Perth during the month of March.
3. Follow the Bibbulmun Track. The 1,000 kilometer trail from Perth’s eastern suburbs to Albany is considered as the one of the greatest long distance walk trails in the world. You can go for a leisurely day trip and explore the hills in Perth or you can spend the night outdoors in one of the numerous campsites along the way.
4. Play in the sand at Lancelin. Located just an hour from Perth to the North, a weekend at Lancelin is surely an adventurous one as this happens to be the home of the famous sand dunes. Racing up and down those dunes is well worth the experience whether you plan to do it by foot, with your motorbike, a sand board or a 4WD. The crystal blue water over the dunes is the perfect spot for a dip. This is also a great place to learn how to surf.
5. Sample Swan Valley’s Delicacies. Spending one of your afternoons in Swan Valley will allow you to sample the food in the area including olives, chocolate, beer, ice cream, and wine. While touring the area, you won’t even need to spend money unless you taste something that you can’t get enough of. Free samples of the delicacies and specialties of the valley are offered by numerous wineries and producers so be prepared for tasting a lot of stuff.
6. Pass a lazy afternoon outdoors at Kings Park. Considered to be the largest part in an inner city in the Southern Hemisphere, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for an afternoon nap or a picnic with the entire family. With the marvelous view of the city and lots of grass patches, you will definitely find a corner to set up your mat. There are free guided walking tours in the park and a visit in spring will bring you face to face with the blossoming flowers in the Botanic Gardens.

Sand-boarding in Lancelin

Ibiza by Philip Larson (Creative Commons)

The Spanish island of Ibiza is famed as being a mecca for partygoers the world over, but beyond the bright lights of San Antonio there is a whole world of Balearic charms to explore. In fact, the whole island has been designated as a World Heritage Site thanks to its wealth of culture and impressive biodiversity.

For Brits who are planning holidays to Ibiza, you only need to veer slightly off the tourist path to discover the ‘real’ Ibiza. Here are three must-see sights that will ensure that your Ibiza break is one to remember.

1.     Sa Trinxa

Nothing says relaxation like a stretch of stunning coastline and when it comes to ticking all the boxes for a perfect beach day out, Sa Trinxa does it best. Sa Trinxa is located on the popular Salinas Beach and is set against a stunning wild backdrop. As well as giving you the chance to enjoy all the usual beach activities, from splashing about in the crystal clear waters to napping on a sun lounger, Sa Trinxa is also the perfect place to make the transition from day to night.

Spend the day soothing your muscles at the natural baths and as the sun goes down, kick back with a drink and good company at the Sa Trinxa bar.

2.  Ibiza Horse Valley

Feel at one with nature at Ibiza Horse Valley, located in the picturesque village of Sant Joan. Run by David, aka the “Horse Whisperer” and his friend Cosima Jung, Horse Valley is a sanctuary for horses were visitors to the island can get up close with these gentle creatures.

For a truly unique experience, why not contact the owners prior to your trip and arrange a session swimming with the horses. Otherwise a spot of horse riding followed by a picnic makes for a magical day out.

Ibiza Sunset (Creative Commons)

3.     The waters of Cala Comte or Cala Salada

What better way to round off your holiday to Ibiza that watching the sun set from the comfort of your own “semi-rigid” boat? Explore the crystal clear waters of Cala Comte or Cala Salada in your own time, by hiring a boat from reputable companies operating in the area and enjoy a spot of snorkelling to really immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Alternatively, if you’d rather stay dry then why not simply enjoy watching the scenery pass by as you glide along the water’s surface.

Scattered with picture postcard islands, lined by idyllic beaches and with almost year round sunshine, it’s no wonder that the Caribbean is one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.

However with so many islands, countries, and oversees destinations to choose from, selecting the location for your Caribbean break isn’t always easy. If you’re struggling to tell your Aruba from your Puerto Rico, here are some of this year’s top Caribbean hot-spots to help you out.

For parties

Though the Caribbean may be best known for its glamorous resorts and secluded bays, if you pick the right island, you can have just as many wild nights and parties as on any party breaks.

Negril, Jamaica by Gail Frederick (gailf548) Creative Commons

One of the hottest party spots is of course Jamaica, the island made famous by reggae, rum and relaxation. Though there are plenty of party destinations to choose from, Negril, with its seven-mile stretch of sandy beach is a firm favourite.

Keep an eye out for the regular festivals and live music events which take place on the island and don’t miss any opportunities to soak up some local culture.

For culture

For many years, Cuba has been a mysterious but enticing Caribbean destination and with its tourism industry really starting to heat up, now is the perfect time to visit this legendary island.

From the minute you step off of the plane, the photo opportunities will hit you thick and fast. From the vintage cars to the crumbling buildings, everything in Cuba seems to have a story to tell. Cuban culture can be absorbed as you explore the alleyways of Old Havana, stroll along the beachfront in front of the setting sun, or sip a classic Cuban cocktail in a local bar.

Cuba Beaches by Mr. Philip Gabrielsen (Creative Commons)

For celebrities

Though celebrities can be found on most of the Caribbean Islands, one of the current favourites is St Lucia – and for good reason! With great facilities, a laidback atmosphere and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why it’s a magnet for the great and the good.

Luckily there are plenty of hotels and resorts offering Caribbean charm without the celebrity price tag, so everyone can enjoy a little piece of paradise.

With so much on offer, there are few places in the world that make better holiday destinations, so grab your passport, pack your bags and take off for paradise. As the Caribbean is conveniently close to the American mainland you can even combine your trip with excursions around the USA.

Holidays Florida are a popular choice, for example; you can enjoy all the cinematic thrills of Pirates of the Caribbean at the famous theme parks before exploring the area the action is set in for yourself.

Salema Beach, Portugal by F H Mira (Creative Commons)

From Groupon to travel agents to online comparison sites, there has never been a more competitive time to sell holidays. The upshot of that is when you’re looking for European package holidays or last minute deals, you have a variety to choose from whether you want relaxation in Greece, culture in Italy or exuberance in Croatia.

Finding the perfect last minute holiday

A bargain is only a bargain if you enjoy the end product. With that in mind, finding the right late deal is just as important as getting the best one. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:

• Flexibility – If you can choose from any date and time then you are in the best position to find a bargain. Anti-social mid-week hours are always going to have less demand, and consider waiting until the schools are back for significant discounts.
• Weather – It might be a tempting deal to go to Northern Europe but be sure to check the temperatures across the board. The likes of Athens, Madrid and Nicosia will be significantly warmer than Oslo, Warsaw and Saint Petersburg.
• Options – From all-inclusive to self-catering, there are always likely to be a number of possibilities for your late summer break. Don’t pigeonhole yourself but open up to hotels, villas or apartments to give yourself a better chance.
• Price Comparison – Often it’s easiest when you have everything in front of you and websites like TravelSupermarket and Ice Lolly give you that chance when looking for late deals.

European package holiday options

Sometimes it’s a bargain to book separately but it can be cheaper to book it all in one. Not just cheaper, but easier as well. Whether you want a lazy beach holiday, an eclectic nightlife or a sightseeing trip there are plenty of options. These include:

• Balearic Islands – One of the most popular, cheapest and warmest destinations within Europe, the islands have great beaches for sunbathing and swimming. The consistent warm weather means you can rely on that at least, all you need to do is decide whether you’re a Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca kind of group.
• Canary Islands – Another idea that gives you a diverse range of destinations is the Canaries. Nightlife to watersports to nature trails, whether you are a Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote lover there are plenty of cheap deals to be had across the internet.
• Portugal – Another destination that tends to come in packages is a trip to Portugal. Whether it’s Porto, the Algarve or Albufeira there are some lovely areas of the country perfect for last minute sun.

Cala Mondrago on Mallorca’s East Coast

Checklist time

Once you find where to go and when to do it, be careful not to fall into the trap of extras stacking up. Everything from airport parking to car hire to money should be organised and sorted well in advance. Don’t forget adapters or toiletries either and make sure your own home is order as you leave! Most of all, enjoy that last minute sun.

Thinking of taking a quick rejuvenating break in a compact yet very fascinating city? Allow yourself to indulge in Europe’s simple pleasures when you decide to stay in Cork City, Ireland for the weekend.

Blackrock Castle, Co. Cork (www.old-picture.com)

Heavenly Escape at a Top-notch Accommodation

There’s a vast array of fun and interesting activities you can engage in for your weekend retreat in Cork City. You can mix and match them according to your liking. But make sure to choose a great accommodation where you can settle in for the night and have a serene rest to charge up for the next day.

A lot of travellers choose the Clarion hotel in Cork for its clean, stylish, and classy amenities. You can take a dip in the indoor pool, avail of a soothing massage at the spa, or have a chat with your companions in the coffee shop. Indeed it offers a fantastic venue to complete your memorable weekend break in Ireland.

Tasteful Tidbits and Treats for Everyone

Whatever you’re into, there’s bound to be something in this fine city that will capture your fancy.

Are you interested in exploring history and culture? You ought to begin by visiting the 291-year old Church of St. Anne to experience ringing the bells in the tower, drinking up the historical flavor of the place, and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. In addition, art enthusiasts should not miss dropping by the famous Crawford Gallery to view the splendid masterpieces here for free!

If you’re a food lover, eager to find pleasure in the delicious Irish food, you must certainly dine al fresco in a restaurant and order some of the classic Irish dishes. From the traditional fish pie, to the typical fish and chips, already popular in England, Ireland will surprise you with its tasty specialties.

Don’t dare forego walking around the popular English Market, which had awed even Queen Elizabeth II back in the year 2011. You’ll discover a variety of delectable delicacies here while relishing the old-age, cultural ambiance.

Meanwhile, nature lovers can enjoy a stroll at The Lough in the midst of the wildlife and breathtaking greeneries. You can feed the swans here too as you unwind in the embrace of Mother Nature in Ireland. You may wish to also visit Fitzgerald’s Park for another environmental treat.

If you are into sports, there are plenty of things here to keep you busy. You can experience an exciting rugby match at Musgrave Park or watch a great kayak polo game in the Lee Fields.

Are you a hopeless adventurer constantly looking for new places to explore? Or, even better, maybe the love of your life is an even more passionate explorer just waiting to share his or her future adventures with you. Continuing on this route, maybe it just happens to be the case that you’re in the middle of planning an adventurous honeymoon trip, whether real or imaginary.

Daintree Rainforest by stephmcg (creative commons)

Either way, chances are you’ve run into the word ”ecotourism” while browsing through countless travelling brochures and adventure web sites. In an era of one global warming disaster after another, this eco-friendly travel initiative is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It’s a way of enjoying everything nature has to offer, while at the same time respecting its delicate biodiversity and ecology by reducing our environmental footprints. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the wave and ride it too!

Don’t know where to start? Well, honeymoon destinations in Australia are what you should be looking for. The list of breath-taking places on this continent is endless. Simply pick the destination that best fits your adventure requirements. If you’re into hiking and can’t wait to take on a virtually untouched rainforest, Bloomfield Lodge’s luxury resort in the northeast Queensland area may just be the perfect place for your honeymoon. The resort gives you the opportunity to explore the depths of the mesmerising jungle of the Daintree Rainforest – one of the most naturally diverse areas on earth.

Daintree Rainforest (creative commons)

Although you may be itching to take off into the jungle on your own for a private adventure with your special someone, a guided rainforest walk led by a highly knowledgeable jungle expert is strongly recommended. The guide will take you through the most fascinating parts of the jungle, giving you mind-blowing insight into the mysteries of the tropical rainforest, its magnificent ecosystem and the flora and fauna that inhabit it.

Now, if you and your partner are still determined to set out and explore on your own, there are marked walking trails around the Lodge to help you stay on track. Just make sure you inform the staff of your intentions in case they have to come looking for you. Because, as we all know, even the most experienced of adventurers find themselves lost on unknown territory from time to time. It could then be nice to know that at least someone knows where you might be.

Scooter in Thailand (Creative Commons)

Although you may not find yourself carrying huge sacks of rice, or transporting your entire family by scooter, you can still have a fantastic time discovering northern Thailand on two wheels. You’ll find that you’ll be able to explore the country at ease and have an amazing time doing it as well. Not only is this probably the best way to explore Thailand, it’s also the most fun and most adventurous. It can be a little dangerous at times, but this only adds to the experience and means you’ll have some great stories to tell your friends and family when you return.

Finding the Perfect Scooter

To be able to enjoy Thailand on two wheels, you’ll need to have two wheels to begin with. This may seem like a simple task, especially when so many of the locals use scooters as their only means of transport. However, quality and efficiency are two things you should look out for when renting a scooter; you don’t want to break down fifty miles out of the city centre.

Renting a better scooter may cost a little more, but you still won’t be breaking the bank, and it’s worth the extra buck or two to get one that works. Freeing up some money for your trip by finding cheaper flights, at sites like Cheapflights Australia, can also let you spend a little more when you’re actually out there too.

Where to Travel

After you’ve rented your perfect scooter, you’ll need to have a plan of where you want to travel. Sometimes it’s fun to let the open road take you, but this can be a little daunting for first time travellers to Thailand and you don’t want to miss out on some of the amazing sights that you should be visiting. One of the most popular routes to travel on is the Mae Hong Son Loop. This route begins and ends in Chiang Mai, and is full of twists and turns, bumps and bashes, that make for a real journey of a life time. As the route is around 600km long, you’ll need a strong stomach and a real feel for your scooter as you don’t want to get motion sick or be prone to injury!

Mae Hong Son loop (Creative Commons)

What You’ll See

Over about three to four days (which is considered the perfect amount of time to spend on the route) you’ll experience real Thai scenery and culture, with great places to rest your head overnight. A plethora of lakes and mountains await your eager eyes on this trip, all of which can be seen from your scooter, or you can choose to stop and explore a little on foot.

There are more interesting aspects of the road journey too; you can choose to visit the Karen Long-neck tribes. An incredibly cultural, but controversial side of the journey, it is down to you whether you agree with visiting the refugee camps. The Buddhist Temple in the town of Mae Hong Son is also worth a visit, even if you only view the building from the outside, make sure you do so at night, where you’ll get the full beauty of the town and the culture.

When deciding what to do while visiting the city of London, you may want to think about visiting the Mayfair casinos. These casinos are mostly historic with a few newer ones within the specific neighbourhood of London. Many of these casinos not only provide excellent places to partake in casino gaming but they are also classic examples of architecture. Keep in mind that while these casinos may be considered to be exclusive, one can still obtain membership. In order to accommodate travellers, the turnaround for membership approval is quite fast.

Of all the Mayfair casinos, the one with the most lenient membership requirements would have to be Aspinall’s. The casino was built in an older mansion for which a colonial theme was used to decorate it. There are four floors over which the casino can be found. Connecting all of the floors is a beautiful spiral staircase. Like many of the Mayfair casinos, expect to find a firm dress code to which the casino strictly follows. Smart casual is called for which would exclude casual attire like t-shirts and flip-flops.

Maxims Casino, London

Another historic casino within the Mayfair district is Maxim’s Casino. The casino was built in an older building which originated in 1862. Like Aspinall’s, the membership policy is a bit more relaxed here so visitors can expect a rather easy time of it when attempting to gain membership. It is also possible to apply for membership before travelling to London. Maxim’s offers a nice range of table minimums which appeal to many different types of gamblers. For the novice who has only played at an online casino, these are lower limits. On the other hand, higher table minimums are included for high rollers. Upstairs in Maxim’s some of Charles Dickens’s original work is on display for visitors to view.

Florida has long been a popular choice for family holidays to the US, and I think a major reason behind that is its great selection of theme parks – though the sunshine certainly has its part to play too! Each year ushers in some great new rides, which means that even if you’ve been on a theme park adventure in Florida before, chances are there’ll be lots of new things for you to do and see.

And, of course, since there are so many theme parks in this part of the world, it’s unlikely you’ll have been to them all. There are some really exciting additions to the theme park circuit this year, so I suggest you start planning your trip now – Cosmos Holidays is a reliable operator for affordable family holidays to Florida.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at what you really shouldn’t miss in 2013.

Transformers – The Ride – 3D

Transformers: The Ride – 3D

It seems that the bulk of the biggest new ride releases are taking place at the Universal Orlando Resort, so if your main aim is to check out the very latest attractions, this is where you should probably go. The most exciting new attraction is the much-anticipated Transformers: The Ride – 3D, which is brand new for summer 2013 and promises to provide a totally immersive experience.

Using the latest 3D media and flight simulation technologies, this attraction will whisk you into the world of the Transformers. Fight alongside the Autobots to thwart Megatron and his dastardly Decepticon compadres, who have a characteristically evil plan that’ll spell the end for humanity.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

It seems that this year’s all about the 3D, with the next of our recommended new rides also being a 3D thrill – and, as with Transformers, you’ll find it at the Universal Orlando Resort. Officially launched in 2012, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a fun ride that aims to provide just as many laughs as thrills – and we think it succeeds.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride

You’ll join Gru and be recruited as a Minion to help in his latest scheme. Alas, after you’ve been taken through his carefully created minion training things don’t go quite to plan and you’ll be launched on a hair-raising high-speed journey through the laboratory. Hold on tight!

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

Also officially launched last year, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the latest highlights of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Disney Walt World in Lake Buena Vista. Offering something a little bit different for theme park fans, this attraction is more of a walk-through experience than a ride – but that doesn’t make it less exciting.

This treat for the senses incorporates a host of special effects to throw you into the world of the Black Pearl, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the loveable rogue Captain Jack and see if you have what it takes to join his crew.

Falcons Fury

If you can’t make it to Florida in 2013, you can still look forward to catching some incredible new releases. In spring 2014, for instance, the ever-popular Busch Gardens Tampa will be unveiling Falcons Fury.

You’ll need to have a head for heights for this one, because it’ll haul you up a dizzying 300 ft straight in the air. And, in case that’s not terrifying enough, it’ll rotate you 90 degrees so you’re facing the ground – just in time for you to plummet back down to earth at 60 mph!

Many people do not bother looking at top-range hotels when searching for a holiday as they automatically assume these places will be well out of their price range. Little do people know, it is actually more than possible to nab yourself a luxury hotel at a dirt-cheap price. In reality, hardly anyone actually pays the full asking price for luxury hotels anymore due to the plethora of ways in which you can game the system to get a well-priced deal. By wising up and learning a few tricks that others might not know, you could find yourself relaxing in a luxury hotel before you know it. Here are just some of the ways by which you can grab yourself, your partner or your family a great deal.

Zero in on Special Offers

Online travel agencies and travel retailers are just like their brick-and-mortar counterparts in that they often have sales were they slash prices in order to move stock. If you can be flexible with your holiday dates and timing, then it is almost always worth waiting around for a sale and seeing what bargains you can find. The trick is to act quickly: many sales on travel websites are while rooms last or limited for a certain number of hours. Keep a keen eye and you will likely stumble upon a deal that could get you into a quality hotel.

Follow Your Favourites on Social Media

Perhaps one of the problems with flash sales and last-minute deals is that people can often beat you to the punch and snap up the best hotel rooms at the best prices before you can blink. If you feel like taking a luxury break soon but are waiting for a sale, then why not keep an eye on travel retailers via social media? By following travel agents and retailers on Twitter or Facebook, you can see when the best deals are happening as soon as they happen. Most travel retailers keep their pages busy and up-to-date (as you can see here), meaning you’ll never miss out on another deal again if you keep a hawk-eye on your social media feeds. If you are not a Facebook fanatic, then you can go old-school and sign-up for an email newsletter instead!

Last-minute Specials

The big secret of the holiday industry is that no hotel—including high-end luxury hotels— wants empty rooms, and because of this prices often drop massively as you approach a certain date. Many agencies and retailers capitalise on this fact to offer great deals to last-minute holiday makers, meaning that you can often get a great deal if you don’t mind going on holiday at the drop of a hat. Checking somewhere like the lastminute.com luxury hotel picks is a great way to find some of these last minute specials for high-end hotels. Just take a look and you will be amazed at the big brand hotels you can find, often at surprisingly low prices.

Prepping your strategy

Once you have a few of these tricks up your sleeve, it should be rather easy to find yourself a quality hotel within your price range. As always with hotels, flexibility is key: if you can book your travel around your hotel and not the other way around, you are likely to save a fortune in hotel fees. So stop assuming luxury hotels are out of your price range and get online and start searching: your dream luxury holiday could be right within your grasp.

Julia Nichols is a freelance travel writer and blogger on low-budget travelling and backpacking. She is travelling the world on a shoestring budget and shares her tips with fellow travellers on various outlets.