The Perfect Family Getaway On A Tropical Thai Beach

However, we have just returned from our most recent family vacation and finally we can gladly report that we have found the perfect family getaway (providing your family enjoy beach holidays) and we wanted to share our find with all of you who take the time to read this post.

For the past few years my wife and kids have been searching high and low for the perfect holiday destination that has something for all of the family to keep everyone fully entertained, but at the same time offers peace, quiet and right environment to be able to immerse oneself in, totally unwind and get off the treadmill so to speak.

We have been to some really nice spots during our search, but in all of the experiences we enjoyed, each one was missing one or more of the key ingredients that we all agreed as being entirely necessary in order for all of us to be totally satisfied and content.

The Location

The place we found that has something to keep us all entertained and happy was a relatively unspoiled 20km stretch of sandy beaches on the Andaman coast with a tropical jungle backdrop.

The region is called Khao Lak and it is roughly an hour's drive from Phuket International airport, and within Khao Lak is 3 main tourist spots; Bang La On, Khuk Khak & Bang Niang. Khao Lak literally means Lak Mountain and there is a nature reserve on the mountain that makes for one of the local attractions which we thoroughly enjoyed during our nature walks and guided Jungle treks.

Each of the three spots are fairly quiet, and have accommodations ranging from the height of luxury all the way through to the backpackers spots to offer something for all budgets and make this quaint, beautiful location in Thailand accessible for all to experience.

Actually if you like the more quiet side of things while on holiday then Khao Lak is not only somewhere that is perfect as a family holiday spot, but also for anyone who is wanting to unwind and relax in nature, and in my opinion it makes for the ideal honeymoon location as there are many attractions that are impressive and interesting, while not being too flashy and intrusive.

If you want to go and Khao Lak at an especially quiet time of year then I would advise going during the low season months which are from April-November.

The Accommodation

Like I mentioned earlier in this post; there are accommodations to suit all budgets and cater for most tastes and requirements in a place to lay their head. We opted for renting a villa within a resort as we know from experience that this will make our lives easier with their being staff on all during most hours to support us with whatever we needed.

Also we like the privacy you get with a villa while still having a resort swimming pool, bar, restaurant and in this specific case - a Kids Club, which suited us perfectly. So during the days we could leave the children to enjoy themselves with whatever the Kids Club had organised for that day, while my wife and I would go off on our scooter or on a guided tour to investigate the nearby attractions and places of interest - which there are many.

The Villa also had a stunning sea view over the beach that according to local people had the best, most beautiful sunset in the province. The beach is your ideal, soft, sandy type and the sea water is warm and as clear as can be, actually scuba diving is known to be quite enjoyable in this area as there is lots of sea life and many interesting things to see. So if you enjoying diving, then be sure to book some fun dives when visiting Khao Lak.

If you are going to visit Khao Lak and you are going with the family then I can highly recommend staying at the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort and Villas for an unforgettable vacation for all the right reasons

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9937180

Vacation Rental or Hotel: 5 Reasons to Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel

Whether it is some much needed family time, a romantic getaway, or a girl/guy trip, vacation rentals by owners are always a better option compared to a hotel. There are so many different kinds of vacation rentals to choose from: houses, condos, cabins, chalets, or even tiny houses!

Just the fact that you’ll finally have more options for vacation accommodations is a BIG DEAL! In many cases it’s the largest expense in the vacation budget. So, if you’re a budget conscious traveler, you’ll definitely want to review these 10 reasons because you’ll find so many of them will save you money.

There are many reas­ons vaca­tion rent­als are a very good options for tour­ists. Here are five reas­ons why you should choose a vaca­tion rental for your next hol­i­day in Vienna:

Save Money: Vaca­tion Rent­als Less Expensive 

Usu­ally vaca­tion rent­als are avail­able at a lower price than hotels even though you have all of the amen­it­ies of a per­sonal home. Our vaca­tion rental is avail­able at EUR 75 per night which is below most 4-star hotels in the same region of Vienna and even less expens­ive than many 3-star hotels.

You also can save a lot of money by utilizing the kit­chen of the vaca­tion rental in order to avoid eat­ing every meal at a more or less expens­ive restaurant.

More Space: Whole Apart­ment Instead of Tiny Room 

One of the biggest advant­ages of most vaca­tion rent­als is the avail­able space in com­par­ison to hotel rooms. You might think that space is not much of a big deal, since you only use your room for sleep­ing. But wouldn't it be nice to talk about the day's exper­i­ences while sit­ting on a com­fort­able couch or din­ing table?

Our vaca­tion rental is applic­able up to 2 people, but there other vaca­tion rent­als offer­ing mul­tiple bed­rooms and/or bath­rooms. Thus traveling groups have plenty of space to spend time together.

Pre­pare Your Own Meals 

Most vaca­tion rent­als like our Holiday apartment include a fully equipped kit­chen, so you can save a lot of money by pre­par­ing your own meals and snacks. Another great advant­age of an included kit­chen is that it increases your flex­ib­il­ity a lot. You won't miss any break­fast when sleep­ing in.

You can even have your indi­vidual break­fast plate instead of the standardized break­fast offer in a hotel. And you won't have to get dressed up just for break­fast and spend your first morn­ing time with many oth­ers in the break­fast hall of the hotel.

More Amen­it­ies 

Vaca­tion rent­als are often stocked with all the basics you use in your daily life, includ­ing dish­ware, cook­ware, bed­ding, tow­els, laun­dry facil­it­ies, indoor/outdoor fur­niture, games and enter­tain­ment sys­tems. Our vaca­tion rental even provides bicycles to explore Vienna by bike.

Loc­a­tion: More Vaca­tion Rent­als than Hotels 

Vaca­tion rent­als can be found all over Vienna and nearly any­where you want to go. Thus book­ing a vaca­tion rental gives you a wider range of loc­a­tion to choose from.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6682361

Vacation Planning Tips - 10 Tips for Hotel Holiday Travel

Great fun! Here are 10 vacation planning and hotel travel tips to make the most of your next hotel visit.Staying in a hotel is great. Who doesn't love the luxury of knowing you can make a mess and someone else will clean it up, make your bed, pick up your towels, etc.

1. When choosing your hotel, be sure to check how far away it is from such places as the beach, shops, and the areas you plan to explore. Sometimes you will find misleading phrases such as "near the beach" or "within walking distance of shops and restaurants."

2. I like to pick a hotel that has a nice restaurant attached or as part of the hotel itself. They are usually open pretty early and stay open fairly late so that if you happen to get in late from your day, you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The ones that are open 24 hours are the best! If you are staying at one of the hotel resorts in Vegas, all the big ones have a 24-hour restaurant. I love that!

3. Go online and check for reviews of the hotel you plan to stay at. Make sure there are not a great number of negative reviews or unhappy customers. Also check travel guidebooks and see if there is a rating.

4. If you know someone who has visited the same place, ask them what hotel they stayed at and see what they recommend. Personal recommendations are always great.

5. Make your reservations early so that you can get all the amenities you desire such as a room with a view, a non-smoking room, and the size and number of beds you need.

6. If you are going to need a rollaway bed, check on this in advance, as there are usually a limited number available. If possible, try to get a room that has a sleeper sofa instead.

7. Saving money is nice but let's face it, the higher quality hotel, the higher the price normally. The better hotels have better construction, and thereby not so much noise or interruptions during the night, allowing for a good night's sleep. But even the high-priced hotels have deals and specials, and you can also get better rates during the off season.

8. Avoid rooms near the noisiest areas such as right by the elevators, the ice machine, or the swimming pool.

9. If you have a pillow that you can't sleep without, don't forget to bring it. If you are flying, you can use it as a travel pillow and just take it onto the plane with you as carry-on. I personally always travel with my Tempurpedic pillow.

10. The first thing I would do when arriving at the hotel is to fold up the comforter or bedspread that is on the bed and put it in a corner somewhere, then call down for extra blankets. The reason? The sheets are laundered daily but the bedspreads are not.

Use these vacation planning tips to make your next hotel stay much more enjoyable.

For fun vacation ideas and tips for the lowest airline fares visit the-cheap-traveler.com

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1118574

Auckland Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Unlike in Melbourne and Sydney, which has fed off a rich Mediterranean immigrant heritage, Asian cuisines here are plentiful. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and to a lesser extent, Thai, flavors are common. And some have worked their way into New Zealand’s contemporary, seasonally driven cuisine.

Regularly rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, Auckland—also called Tamaki Makaurau—has grown into a beauty of a destination. The sparkling harbor is sprinkled with gleaming white sails and ferries commuting to waterside suburbs and outlying islands. The largest Polynesian city in the world, Auckland has also become hugely multicultural, which is reflected in the dynamic dining scene.

You’ll find all of this and more in the Central Business District, or CBD, and the inner-city suburbs. In the CBD, historic High Street and Vulcan Lane have always drawn people in with their small-town charm, but the new kid on the block is recently rejuvenated Britomart, which brims with boutiques, alfresco cafes and restaurants.

Inner-city Ponsonby is a rambling residential neighborhood teeming with beautiful people and Victorian-era houses; it’s Auckland’s answer to New York City’s West Village. Ponsonby Road and nearby Jervois Road in Herne Bay are both lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Across the bridge, Takapuna—the moneyed northern suburb about a 15-minute drive from downtown—has long been known for its white-sand beach but is now gaining attention for its retail and culinary scenes.

Stick around for summer when the pohutukawa tree puts the coast into dramatic red relief – perched on cliffs and hanging from hilltops, this tenacious and gnarly New Zealand native has a sensational display of red flowers. It’s a special sight when the stamens fall to the ground and turn the white beaches and sidewalks a pinky-red.

While there is tons of entertainment in the city, there’s much more to this sub-tropical destination, including the harbor, Hauraki Gulf and its outlying islands, beautiful bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges, and the wild west-coast beaches of Piha, Karekare, and Bethells, to explore.

Best Time To Go

For the best weather, travel between November and April.

Transportation

The city and its inner suburbs are easily explored on foot, but you can also take the Inner Link bus ($2.50), which does loops around the city to Parnell, K Road, Ponsonby, and Victoria Park.

Weather

January and February are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 71ºF (21ºC). July and August are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 55ºF (13ºC).

Know Before You Go

Auckland’s public transportation can be a hassle, so book a car in advance if you’d like to see the entire city.

Language: English

Electric: Local voltage is 240AC, or 50 hertz. Power outlets take two-pin and three-pin plugs (Type I).

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/auckland

Atlanta Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Originally a railroad town that served as a gateway to more remote corners of the Southeast, the vibrant city is now the largest in Georgia and remains a crucial transportation hub. Home to world-renowned chefs, entrepreneurs, and media moguls, Atlanta’s magnetic charisma is grounded in its historic roots, but enhanced by its present-day charm and amenities.The beating heart of the American South, Atlanta is a bustling financial and commercial center that also boasts a thriving cultural community.

Known for having a diverse population, progressive views, and rolling hills, the Peach City also boasts consistently nice weather for much of the year. The best times to travel to Atlanta are in the spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom, and the fall, when the Appalachian foothill foliage is at its best. Atlanta winters are usually mild, and fewer hotels and restaurants are booked. (During the summer, however, average temperatures often exceed 90 degrees, and rain is frequent.)

The city was a touchpoint during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and visitors can learn about this era at the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, which includes access to the house in which the civil rights leader grew up and the church at which he was a pastor. Other popular attractions include the High Museum of Art, Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the hemisphere).

Piedmont Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Atlanta also has a burgeoning restaurant scene, with famous culinary talents bringing new interest to already dynamic neighborhoods, like chef Kevin Gillespie’s creative, genre-defying new Glenwood Park spot, Gunsmoke, or Angus Brown and Nhan Le’s ambitious Asian cooking at Octopus Bar in South Buckhead. A mix of big-name hotels and antique-adorned bed and breakfasts; sports bars and craft cocktail dens; and well-curated boutiques and artisanal shops provide locals and visitors endless options for entertainment. To help narrow down the choices, T+L’s Atlanta travel guide highlights the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit in Georgia’s state capital and the surrounding area.

Best Time To Visit

In spring, when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom, or fall, when the crisp and cool climate and orange-hued trees beckon you outdoors for concerts and festivals.

Atlanta Transportation

Despite its legendary traffic, Atlanta is a city best navigated by car, so rent one or have the number of a car service handy. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is a system of buses and trains that offer access to major attractions and destinations in the city, including the airport. Each ride is $2.50 and there are discounts for multiple rides.

Atlanta Weather

July is on average the hottest month, with an average high of 89°F (32°C). January is the coldest month, with an average high of 52°F (11°C).

Know Before Visiting

Atlanta might be an urban metropolis, but it’s only about 90 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, so pack some hiking gear and comfortable walking shoes so you can explore the surrounding natural attractions. The city itself also boasts several scenic parks and walking trails. The developing BeltLine (a historic 22-mile railroad corridor that is being transformed into a network of green spaces) is one outdoor jaunt every visitor should experience.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/atlanta

Amsterdam Travel Guide - Highlights Culture & Much More‎

Yet it’s no mere museum piece: T+L’s Amsterdam travel guide shows that, alongside the historic monuments and Old Masters, the city is a modern capital with all the trappings a traveler could want, including a wide range of hotels, innovative restaurants, and stylish shopping.With 60 miles of canals and nearly 7,000 buildings dating from the 18th century or earlier, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best preserved cities—the center has barely changed since Rembrandt’s time.

Colorful, quirky and charming, the old-world city is lined with 17th century building, canals, and the constant sight of bicycles whizzing by. But it also bears the hallmarks of a thriving and downright lenient metropolis. While many young people visit Amsterdam for the marijuana scene—and perhaps to peek at the legal prostitutes in the Red Light District—the city is teeming with high culture, from the world-class art in the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseumn to P.C. Hooftstraat, the shopping street where you can find plenty of the contemporary, cutting-edge design that has become a source of pride in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

There’s no bad time to go to this Dutch capital, but in general, May through October is the main travel season, when temperatures are warmest. Crowds peak in July and August. The other top time for a trip to Amsterdam is tulip season: The city bursts into bloom as early as March, and the plumage can extend into May. Rain is possible year-round, and winter can bring occasional snow and slush, so pack layers. Overall, it’s generally mild, but often wet, so bring an umbrella and suitable clothing at any time of year.

Best Time To Visit

July and August are popular—and busy. If you want to see the tulips, come mid-April to early May. You’ll find better deals and quieter crowds October to March, with the exception of New Year’s Eve. This is a unique and riotous celebration in Amsterdam, and well worth experiencing.

Amsterdam Transportation

Amsterdam is compact, so walking or renting bikes to make use of the great bike lanes is easy. Yet public transport (trams, metros, and buses) also is excellent. Buy a chip card at a ticket vending machine or counter, or ask the driver for a tourist pass (there are one- to seven-day cards starting at $8).

Amsterdam Weather

August is the hottest month, with an average high of 63°F (17°C), and the coldest is January, with an average high of 37°F (17°C).

Know Before Visiting

Some attractions (especially the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House) get very busy, especially in summer, so booking a ticket and time to visit in advance. The city is generally safe, but pickpockets operate widely; be careful on the tram and at the market.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/amsterdam

Viator VIP: Palace of Versailles Group Tour with Private

See the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) as French kings once did – with this small-group tour that includes a once-in-a-lifetime private viewing of the palace’s Royal Quarters. This exclusive tour gives you priority entrance to Versailles through a reserved door and provides you with unprecedented access to magnificent private rooms – such as Louis XVI’s library – which are normally off-limits to the general public, allowing you to see a side of the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles that most never will.

This VIP experience also includes a tour of two rooms in the State Apartments and the famous Hall of Mirrors as soon as the palace opens, before the majority of the crowd arrives. Your priority entrance ticket allows you to go straight inside the palace with your small group (maximum 16 people), beating most of the public to these rooms.

Highlights
Informative, friendly and professional guide
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
Skip the line
Small-group tour
Your VIP experience begins as you board a luxurious, air-conditioned minivan in central Paris and head west to the Palace of Versailles. When you arrive, meet your knowledgeable guide at the palace’s reserved entrance, and go straight inside with your priority access ticket.

Follow your guide to the State Apartments, where you’ll see two of the 17 rooms – the King’s Chamber and the Council Study. Then head to the fabulous Hall of Mirrors. Your group will be among the first of the general public to arrive at this famous room so you can enjoy the sumptuous setting in all its glory. Walk down the spectacular hall, lined with 357 mirrors that reflect the windows on the opposite wall.

Next, the exclusive part of your tour truly begins as you leave the crowd behind and pass through the velvet ropes into the palace’s restricted area. See the following Royal Quarters of Louis XV and Louis XVI:


The library of Louis XVI, said to be one of his favorite rooms
The dining room where Louis XV held dinners for lords and ladies
The clock room with its clock that has a crystal globe showing the planets revolving around the sun
The ‘corner room,’ which contains a cylinder desk belonging to Louis XV that is considered one of the most outstanding pieces of furniture in the world
You will then visit one of two additional royal sites, depending on daily availability: the Royal Opera House, built in 1770 to celebrate the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, or the Royal Chapel, where a series of paintings and sculptures depicts the notion that kings were chosen by God.

The guided portion of your tour now ends, and your friendly guide will answer any questions you have. From here, you have a few options to complete your Versailles experience. You can explore the other 15 rooms that make up the public State Apartments independently. You can enjoy lunch at Angelina’s restaurant located inside the palace (own expense). Or you can head outside and enjoy the beautiful Gardens of Versailles – a 1,977-acre (800-hectare) oasis of groves, sculptures, labyrinths and fountains. Depending on the day of the week that you are at the palace, you may catch one of the summer musical events – either the Musical Gardens or the Musical Fountains Show (known as the Grandes Eaux musicales), both of which bring the gardens to live with classical music; see the Itinerary section below for more details.

The gardens are also home to La Petite Venise, a popular restaurant with a lovely terrace, located in the former stables by the Grand Canal. It is your choice if you’d like to eat here, but you must make your way here to meet your guide for the drive back to Paris.