2021-Travel Archives

How To Choose The Perfect Villa Escape

Most people can’t wait to start traveling again, but not everyone is keen to stay at a hotel. So the answer is a reclusive villa where you can enjoy privacy, freedom, independence with the ability to be as quiet (or as noisy) as you like.

Perhaps you want to get away with a group of girlfriends, arrange a big family celebration or find a romantic hideaway for two. Here’s our pick of the best villas, with many of them featuring private pools, from the experts at 101 Holidays.

Get away with the girls

If you want to relax with a small group of girlfriends, a villa is perfect. Your best option is one with lots of bathrooms, and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. For example, on the Greek island of Corfu, Vintage Travel suggests Arhondiko which has four double / twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus a single. Local tavernas are a short walk away.

In Provence in the South of France, you could rent Mas Mayeaux with Oliver’s Travels. It sleeps up to 12 and enjoys complete privacy, but there are shops, bars and restaurants all within a short walk.

Celebrate in style

If you’ve got a big birthday or anniversary to celebrate – and a budget to match – you can rent a superb villa with staff to look after your every need. In Tuscany, A&K Villas has Villa Machiavelli, a 15th-Century conversion with 10 rooms and suites sleeping up to 20 people. It’s fully-staffed with indoor and outdoor pools.

How about the Caribbean? In Barbados, CV Villas suggests the spectacular Crystal Springs which was decorated by Oliver Messel and sits directly on the beach. It sleeps 10 and is really the last word in luxury.

European Waterways operates luxury hotel barges on some of the most beautiful rivers and canals in Europe. You can book a berth or charter the whole boat with gourmet dining, fine wines and excursions included.

Just the two of you

In steamy Andalucia in the south of Spain, we couldn’t imagine anywhere more romantic than Casa Rustica, available to rent through Vintage Travel. It oozes rustic charm and has a private pool overlooking lakes and mountains.

Cornwall has been put firmly on the global map by the G7 Summit. In the lovely village of Fowey, Rural Retreats has Barnacles, a gorgeous waterfront cottage with beaches and pubs on your doorstep.

If you want to be be on the water, Fleewinter has crewed yachts sailing between the Greek islands. You can take a berth for two or charter the whole thing.

Get wed in paradise

It’s estimated that 240,000 weddings have been postponed in the UK alone during the pandemic. The figures worldwide will stretch into millions. The importance of creating special memories is more clear than ever. A romantic setting, a gorgeous place to stay and plenty of bedrooms for family and friends. You may want to stay at a hotel.

With Virgin Limited Edition, you can hire Son Bunyola, Sir Richard Branson’s private estate on the island of Mallorca. It is made up of three separate villas and is absolutely superb.

Or head to the romantic Scottish Highlands where The Big Domain has Highland Hall, an elegant country house set in six acres of gardens and woodland. Salmon fishing, golf and shooting are all available on your doorstep.

Multi-generational family reunions

One of the biggest post-pandemic travel trends is multi-generational family get-togethers. Typically, the mums and dads organize it and the grandparents pay. You’re looking for a house that is child- friendly and close to a beach, but without too many steep steps.

Turquoise Holidays suggests Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives. It’s a cool, contemporary resort with lots of playful touches and one island dedicated to families with a choice of villa accommodation.

In the Greek Pelepponese, GIC The Villa Collection suggests Sea View Villa which sleeps up to 10 with daily maid service and the option of hiring a private chef. Beach and tavernas are within walking distance, and Granny and Grandad have the option of taking the master suite in the main villa with the rest of the family in the guest wing.

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Why Travelling With The New Boyfriend Can Reveal Your Compatibility.

If I can offer any piece of advice to a new couple, it would be to travel together early on in your relationship.

My reason behind this is simple, you learn who they truly are very fast on a trip. Maybe it is the small little traits and habits that they have. Or behaviors that help you determine who they morally as a person. I recently went on a vacation with my new boyfriend and I can honestly say it was the best thing for our relationship!

It’s really funny actually the little things you pick up on when you are alone together for a long period of time. Like what side he lays on to fall asleep, how they like their coffee, and learning that they absolutely love it when you rub their back in the morning and adore it when you help them pick out an outfit to wear.

If you were to ask me the important part of a relationship is the little things.

If a large portion of the little things don’t match up or go together how are you supposed to piece together the big things in a relationship?

My boyfriend and I went to Florida for a vacation! While we were there we did an array of different things. One of the first things we did was go shopping at the outlet centers in Orlando. Working in retail I saw this to be the perfect time to see what kind of “shopper” he was. Trust me if you work retail you know exactly what I’m talking about! and just as I was expecting he was the best kind of shopper you could hope for. He’s very conscious of sale associates. And he is (of course) one of the most well-mannered man (trust me they are hard to come across!)

Of course, when you are vacationing in Florida you are going to frequent the beach! There are two types of people when it comes to the beach. Those who are not the biggest fan of the beach and those who run to the water and throw themselves into it! I am the one who throws myself into the water! My boyfriend on the other hand… not too much. In his defense he cant because of a medical condition but he so badly wants too, so he gets a free pass on that one!

When on vacation if you are super lucky it wont rain at all, but nine times out of ten that doesn’t happen. We were not that 10 percent. We had a few rainy days where we were stuck in the house. Thankfully we had shopping and Netflix! One day we just stayed inside and found a show we both wanted to see and it became “our show” we cuddled and watched the show all day! It was amazing! We learned how the other liked to be cuddled. This is actually a very important and intimate part of a relationship.

This trip really brought us together.

We learned a lot about each other on this trip. And it could have either made us or broken us and we made it!

10 Things To Help You Find Your True Happiness That Doesn’t Include Chasing A Man

Am I the only 20 something who feels like there is something wrong with her because she doesn’t want to “chase a man”? I mean come on ladies it’s 2021 we can literally do ANYTHING we set our minds to, we do not need to find our happiness within a significant other. Trust me. I know this is going to sound so extremely corny but it’s oh, so true. That feeling of real and true happiness is something we won’t find in anyone else. That is the happiness we can only find within ourselves. Life Coach Spotter suggests hiring a happiness coach. They can reframe your perspectives and help you better appreciate the good things in your life. This makes you feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment which is a great step in the right direction. Here are 10 other things you can do to try and find that feeling of true happiness without having to try and find that happiness within someone else.

1. Start your own business

Tired of the same old 9 to 5? Leave! There is nothing wrong with starting over, and doing what you love! Starting your own business can be challenging at first and it would be of great advantage to have a life coach like Mia Hewett to guide you both in business and in life.

2. Take that dream vacation

Sometimes you just want to get away from everything you know and just take a breather, and sometimes you just need inspiration

3. Work on raising your credit score

I know they say money can’t buy you happiness but money can buy you, your dream home and your dream car and that’s pretty close to happiness!

4. Go back to school

Even if you don’t know what you want to go for, just take a couple of classes and get your feet wet! I mean you have to start somewhere!

5. Adopt a dog

I promise you a dog will be your absolute best friend, they will always be there for you. They will always love you.

6. Plan a vacation JUST FOR YOU!

Get away from everything and everyone. Find yourself and explore an exotic place!

7. Take yourself out on a shopping trip!

Do it just because, treat yourself and buy the bag because life is too short so buy the shoes!

8. Volunteer and help mentor young kids.

Be THAT person that YOU needed when you were younger because I can promise you that some other little kid needs that person too.

9. Get away from social media

Delete the apps off your phone! (you don’t actually have to delete your accounts) Get away from the toxicity that is everybody on the internet’s opinion and just be you.

10. LET IT ALL GO!

Go to the dollar store, and buy a glass plate and some sharpies, write everything that weighs you down everything you regret, and everything that you are mad at or feel bad about. drive to a road that is not always being driven on blast your music and SMASH IT! When you smash that plate let all of those regrets and all of that negativity go!

Things to Know When Visiting Lisbon

Happiness is visiting Lisbon. There are many reasons to visit such a beautiful city. Such as the charming streets, the easy navigation, and the relaxed and friendly vibe. To help you with your trip I will share some of our tips. Here are things to know when visiting Lisbon.

1. Pink Street in Sodré

In the busiest nightlife area in Lisbon, there is something for everyone. From cocktail bars to wine bars to nightclubs, hardly you won’t have a good time and find a night stand.

If you aren’t a night owl, there are several other ways to hookup in Lisbon.

2. Hills

You should bear in mind that Lisbon is very hilly, which means if you plan to walk it’ll be very up and down, but fun too. But, we can all agree that this is nice because it adds style to the city. One of the benefits of the hills is that you’ll find lots of fantastic viewpoints around the city. Almost all of them are free to access. One of the highest spots is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

3. Cobbles

Most of the Lisbon streets have cobbled pavements. These are really pretty and they add a very nice feeling to the city. They could also easily become very slippery when it rains, so keep this in mind when planning what to pack for your feet.

4. Language

Although predominantly Portuguese you’ll find many hotels and restaurants that can speak English and might even have an English version of the menu. You may come across some places where English isn’t the strongest skill but it’s definitely not a huge struggle to get by.

5. Cheap and affordable

Many attractions, eateries, and even hotels can be very affordable in Lisbon. And for budget travelers and backpackers there are hostels where a dorm might cost very low per night.

In terms of food, you could easily budget for around €15-€25 for a meal out, although always check the menu first.

6. Transportation

You’ll notice that Lisbon is quite walkable, although if you struggle with hills then you may want to consider some of the other transport options. These include trams (the famous one is Tram 28), the subway, Uber, and taxis which can quickly get you around the city.

Another great feature of Lisbon is that even the subway has an airport connection. This means that once you arrive you can easily get from the airport to the center of the city and it is both cheap and quick.

7. Tiles

As you will start to explore Lisbon you will constantly notice stunning facades. These often contain colorful patterned tiles. These are extremely attractive to look at and also very charming.

8. Very photogenic

For photographers, you’ll be in for a treat as Lisbon comes with lots of fantastic photo opportunities. From incredible (and of course free) viewpoints to grand historic landmarks.

9. The attractions are somehow spread out

The attractions in Lisbon are somehow spread out, meaning you’ll likely need to get some form of transport if you wish to see everything. For instance, some of the most significant attractions such as the Belem Tower are a little bit out from the center. Although you can easily get there via taxi or train – it is also cheap.

10. It’s a little bit breezy – especially at night

When you decide to visit Lisbon, even during peak summer you should still consider bringing a jacket. This is because there can often be a gentle breeze from the sea, and when you are up the viewpoints it can be a little chilly.

11. Custard Tarts

You shouldn’t leave Lisbon without trying the custard tarts – Pastel de Nata. They are considered a highlight of the visit. You’ll find it almost at all bakeries. They make a good snack, or dessert after a meal. Just try not to eat too many in one go!

12. Fish

For fish lovers, you’ll find many restaurants that offer fresh and delicious dishes. From octopus, roasted fish, to specialty dishes such as Bacalhau a Bras.

13. Fado

The traditional music in Lisbon is considered Fado music, and as you explore the city you may stumble across performers on the street or at cafes and bars. The music is enjoyable to listen to and often involves a Portuguese guitar and expressive singing.

14. Lisbon Nights

You can also expect magnificent and great things from the nightlife in Lisbon. Over the past years, Lisbon Stag Do‘s are receiving more and more attention for their late-night action. Lisbon is listed among Europe’s best party destinations.

15. Weather

The summer months are generally the hottest ones in the city with average temperatures around 24°C. But, during the winter months, the temperature drops to an average of around 12°C. Rain is also less common in the summer months, but a lot more likely in the winter.

16. Sintra

Another highlight of Portugal’s capital is Sintra. Sintra is around an hour away from Lisbon and easily accessible using a train, taxi or Uber. While in Sintra be sure to visit Pena Palace as well as the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira.

About The Author

Andy Braddell is a UK citizen with tremendous experience in traveling. He wants to encourage people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into their lifestyle than they already have. He wants others to look at him and say ‘Because of you I didn’t give up’

The 6 Best Places To Travel In 2021

Now that there is the hope of a vaccine for COVID-19, considering how long the year 2020 was, several people, are beginning to plan for a vacation in 2021. This year has taught us to make the best out of the time we have, and having a nice treat at one of the most beautiful places in the world is the right choice.

You know you need that vacation but cannot seem to pick the right place to visit. Not to worry, we are here for you. Of the various places to visit for tourism and relaxation, we have made a list of the top six places to travel to in 2021.

In making our list, we considered the ease in securing entry, your safety, and to a large extent, the set of people who will be most likely interested in these places. In summary, there is a place for everyone on the list.

Top 6 Places You Should Visit in 2021 For Your Vacation

See below the best places for you to visit for a vacation in the coming year.

Maldives

The Maldives is one of the famous islands in the world. It is a small country located in South Asia blessed with a lot of beautiful sceneries. This spot is suitable for lovers, couples, or even families and friends who want to enjoy nature’s beauty. The Island has an abundance of beaches, plantations, and tropical bushes. While on your trip, you are sure to enjoy different water sights and delicious kinds of seafood.

The government has invested a lot in tourism, making the Island one of the most visited places. There are provisions for accommodation, security, feeding, and every other basic need to ensure you have an unforgettable experience on the Island.

Lake Powell

If you do not intend to go far-away from the United States, then the Colorado river’s artificial reservoir in Utah is your spot. Lake Powell is just the place for you if you are a lover of adventures. You can have as much fun as you want from fishing, camping, boat race, hiking, waterskiing, and so on. The lake scene is breathtaking, and it is one of the safest places you can visit in 2021 with a limited budget.

Seychelles

If you want to visit a country with countless resorts and tourist centers, you should consider Seychelles. The African country, East Africa, to be precise, gives you a mind-blowing combination of nature, art, and culture; you are sure to enjoy everything the country offers.

The country is home to Islands, national parks, beaches, natural forests, and mountains. You should imagine the countless number of exciting activities you can have at this place.

Santorini

This volcanic Island will be the highlight of your 2021 if you eventually decide to visit. Asides from the natural scenes you will enjoy, the hospitality of the residents of this Island is that you won’t forget in a short while. It is almost like everyone is determined to make your stay memorable.

One thing you will also enjoy here is the quality of the wines. Watching the sunset in Oia by the waterside with one of the best wines in your hand is an experience you want to have with your loved ones.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Dubai is known primarily for tourism. With the government’s quality of input to develop the nation as a top location for tourism, you can never go wrong with this choice. The Asian country offers you various scenery and fun experiences like the dancing fountain, Dubai Miracle Garden, the famous Dubai Mall, and the highlight of it being the most talked-about sky scrapper, the Burj Khalifa. If you plan a tour with your family, this is one of the best places to travel.

Antarctica

For a once in a lifetime experience, you should consider this continent. You will forever be able to talk about visiting a place where only less than 10% of the world population has visited. This massive stretch of ice land currently uninhabited offers you an unforgettable experience. You should prepare adequately for the cold, and book your trip to Antarctica a few months in advance.

Now that you have enough suggestions to pick from, you should decide where to visit and start making adequate preparation in advance. You can start by making your research to add to the information we provided on those places. You may want to inquire on specifics like the cost, benefits, regulations, and policies at your chosen destination.

While planning your travel, you should not forget to add the acquisition of an international drivers license to your checklist. You get the best travel experience when you prepare adequately.