Wonderful Vacation Destinations For 2013

The summer is a time for festive occasions and beautiful locations, and that is why, in the coming months, you may want to look into a few special destinations to consider!

1. Magdalen Islands
A small strip of islands near Nova Scotia, the Magdalen Islands are great for summer outdoors enthusiasts. Featuring a variety of exciting landscapes (from rolling hills to beachside cliffs), these islands are ideal for adventurous water sports enthusiasts.

Magdalen Islands

2. Solomon Islands
The south Pacific region’s best destinations have largely been taken over by resorts and commercial interests, but in the Solomon Islands you can find a genuine and beautiful “old” south Pacific experience. Scuba diving and a thriving local culture are just a few of the perks.

Solomon Islands

3. Montreal, Canada
Mixing traditional elements of old world European cities with the vibrancy of a thriving modern metropolis, Montreal is a truly exceptional city in a beautiful location. Throw in the renowned local cuisine, and you’ve got a fantastic destination.

4. Rwanda
Often overlooked due to its genocidal history, Rwanda is now a peaceful country, and one that is gorgeous to visit. Perfect for incredible activities like safaris and gorilla tracking, Rwanda is an ideal African getaway.

Rwanda

5. The Greek Isles
Okay, so this isn’t a unique suggestion. But nothing matches the Greek isles for relaxation or beauty. Consider Mykonos as a destination, as the island has all of the beauty of Santorini with more affordable prices and a livelier atmosphere.

The Greek Isles

6. California, United States
If you’re considering visiting the States, California may be the way to go. Gorgeous coastline, famous wine country, and access to a number of America’s most interesting cities make this a great choice.

California, United States

7. Dominican Republic
Really, you can’t go wrong in the Caribbean. But with the Dominican Republic still emerging as a destination, it can offer the pristine beauty of nearby islands, often at a fraction of the cost.

Dominican Republic

8. Montenegro
Beautiful landscapes, a festive riviera, and an expanding array of magnificent hiking trails make Montenegro a dynamic and fascinating destination in Europe. It’s not cheap, but it’s a stunning vacation.

9. Brazil
Brazil is always recommended as a top travel destination, but in the next few years the recommendation should be emphasized. As Brazil gears up for major international events (both the World Cup and the Olympics), the region should only grow more impressive (and safer).

Brazil

10. Azore Islands
One of the most unique destinations on Earth, the Azores are located well west of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With their own culture, cuisine, and spectacular volcanic island scenery, the Azore Islands offer a gorgeous vacation.

Azore Islands

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Auckland Awesome-ness

Some places in New Zealand can come across like Jurassic Park, wild and unpopulated, its rugged landscape is what has made it popular with film makers and tourists alike. Auckland on the other hand is New Zealand’s most populous urban area. In 2011, Auckland was ranked third in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey.

Due to the level of people living in Auckland, it is easy to forget sometimes that that hill you are currently traipsing up is in fact a Volcano. Dormant Volcano’s seem to be a staple landmark in Auckland as there are in actual fact 50 all together, with Mount Eden being the largest. Of course people live on the slopes, and the top of Mount Eden is a popular tourist spot as its height provides a great viewing platform.

From here you can in fact see the next neighbourly dormant Volcano, mount Rangitoto. Just across the water –day trips are available to go over to Rangitoto Island where visitors are allowed to explore the cave like “lava tubes” of the Volcano. As long as you can run fast I’m sure.

One of the best ways to see this part of New Zealand is by boat. If you can curb your jealousy for long enough, you can spend days with families who spend their life on the water – sailing around in yachts, they catch their breakfast every morning and their dinner every night. At lunch time you’ll be treated to shellfish caught fresh straight from the ocean floor, and after that feel free to dive in and have a swim around. The water is crystal clear and if you’re lucky you might even see some of New Zealand’s ‘Blue Penguins’ who enjoy bobbing about in the water on their backs.

Waiheke Island – which is a name I find insanely hard to pronounce without doing a New Zealand accent, is also accessible by Ferry. Located just off the coast of Auckland it is most commonly known for its wine tasting and vineyards and is an actual fact nicknamed New Zealand’s “Island of Wine”. The climate is suitable for growing Bordeaux style grapes and chalets at the top of the island provide stunning views as you sip your wine in style. Well, style until you end up getting chased by some frantic bird with a blue body and a red beak. Which yes I later discovered to be a Pukeko, the countries least harmful bird. It was all very distressing.

Another aspect worth mentioning about Auckland is the museum. The National Museum of Natural History has recently opened a display showcasing the Giant Squid. Only in recent years has this elusive monster been seen by human eyes and Aucklands museum proudly boasts two, a male and a female measuring at 20 feet and 22 feet respectively. The museum is also home to tonnes of other native marine life, and is also a good place to learn about the Maori – New Zealands ancestral natives.

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5 Tips you must know for Staying Safe in Your Hotel

Whether you’re staying in a 5-star hotel or a backpacker hostel, there are many things you can do to help keep yourself and your belongings safe. These tips are particularly helpful if you’re traveling solo as you won’t have someone to watch out for you.

1. Never leave the “Please Clean” sign on your door.

 This signals that your room is empty and is telltale sign for someone who might be waiting for the perfect moment to burglar your room. Instead, call the front desk and let them know your room is ready for a cleaning.

2. Ask for a room close to the elevator.

 While this may be noisier than one at the end of the hall, if you do find yourself in trouble, it’s more likely someone will hear you if you need help.

3. Women… NEVER let a man in your room.

 Even if you’ve called room service and you’re fairly certain that he’s trustworthy. Keep the door open and conduct your business near the hallway. If a service person must get in the room, in the case of having to fix the air conditioning or television, keep the door open at all times. If you haven’t called someone, yet someone’s knocking, check with the front desk to confirm it’s someone from the hotel.

4. Ensure your privacy. Most hotel staff are trained not to say your room number out loud. If they do say it while you’re checking in and there are others in the lobby, ask for another room. You never know who might be listening and taking note that you are traveling on your own.

5. Keep your key safe. In less modern hotels, the room key is often on a keychain that may include your hotel name and room number. Simply slip the key off and carry it in a safe place so that, in the event that you lose it or someone picks it up, they don’t know where to find you.

- See more at: http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandertips/solo/tips-for-staying-safe-in-your-hotel/#sthash.IKEmqSon.dpuf

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Top 05 Beach cities for Sea Lovers

   1 . Vancouver, British Columbia

Photograph by Chris Cheadle, Photolibrary

Canada’s most adventurous metropolis is home to ten beaches, from the family-centric Jericho to the clothing-optional Wreck Beach, many of which offer commanding views of the Vancouver skyline and majestic North Shore Mountains. Sporty types prefer Kitsilano or “Kits,” a six-minute drive from downtown, for its free tennis and basketball courts, and its super-size heated saltwater pool.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Photograph by Eric Nathan, Getty Images

The African capital of cool sprawls on a peninsula that divides the icy Atlantic from the warmer Indian Ocean, putting some 20 beaches within striking distance. The Clifton beaches, known for the posh homes that overlook them and stellar sunset-viewing, are sheltered from the region’s strong trade winds by a mountainous ridge. Further north, the breeze is unleashed at surfing sweet spots Milnerton and Blouberg. Families favor the eastern False Bay coast for warmer water and tot-friendly tidal pools.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

Photograph by Chad Ehlers, Aurora Photos

Once an idyllic retreat for 19th-century Hawaiian royalty, Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach is now chockablock with resorts, some of them historic like the 1901 Moana Surfrider Hotel. The long, rolling breaks are ideal for novice surfers, but most beachgoers here are happy basking in the temperate, turquoise blue Pacific and killer views of the Diamond Head crater.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photograph by Francesco Zizola, Noor, Aurora Photos

The city that spawned Carnival and “The Girl from Ipanema” has a buzzing beach scene throughout its 25 miles (40 kilometers) of shoreline, from Copacabana— where bronzed Cariocas clad in skimpy swimwear and Havaianas stroll the wave-patterned promenade in the shadow of Christ the Redeemer—to the more upscale Ipanema, framed by the Rio skyline and the rocky peaks of Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers).

5. Sydney, Australia

Photograph by Narelle Autio, Agence VU/Aurora Photos

Sydney is rimmed with dozens of beaches, but Bondi—a 0.6-mile (one-kilometer) crescent of golden sand 20 minutes from downtown—has become synonymous with the laid-back Aussie lifestyle. Sydneysiders come here for the booming surf, but the beautiful-people-watching is unparalleled. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales from May to early October.

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11 Extra-Ordinary Hotels Worldwide

Today we’ll collect list of top 10 most extraordinary hotels all over the world which will caught your skills. Today hotels are not only seen concerning the spacious rooms and scrumptious canteens but they’re also about mind-dazzling outside and cool services which make you need to shower money for unique experience. We begin with increased ‘traditional’ one:

01 . Hotel Silken Puerta America Madrid – Spain :

A futuristic hotel in the Spanish capital which has been designed by world-renowned architects and artists. Don’t worry, this is one of those amazing luxury hotels which offers 5-star comfort and style for no extra rates. At the Silken Puerta America, no room is the same!

02 . Gamirasu Cave Hotel , Ayvali Village – Turkey :

Gamirasu Cave Hotel is situated in Ayvali Village in Cappadocia, Poultry. Your accommodation includes 30 rooms in troglodyte cave and was opened up in 1999. Being probably the most distinctive cave hotels in Cappadocia, Gamirasu was constructed of old Byzantine monastic retreat of 1 1000 years of age. Your accommodation along with the village provide many activities for his or her visitors for free equine riding to baking and wine-making.

03.- Hotel de Glace – Canada

To begin our top 3 is the Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The beautiful and unusual property is one of the few actual ice hotels and the only one of its kind in North America. Work has been under way for the upcoming season since June, when the hotel last melted and made its way into the St. Lawrence river. The upcoming season opens on January 6th. 

Impressive Igloo-like Facades at the Ice Hotel

Cozy and Warm Interiors

Indoor Hall

Beautifully decorated rooms

04.- Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Saariselka , – Finland

Igloo Village is a component of Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland, which supplies traditional and different advanced igloos throughout winter months for citizens to savor the snow sights and northern lights underneath the glass ceiling at 70 degrees.

05.- Karosta Prison – Latvia

*Drumrolls* And the world’s most amazing and unusual hotel of 2011 is… the Karosta Prison. This former KGB prison has been previously described as hell on Earth. Nobody knows exactly what went down behind the walls of the former Soviet penitentiary but the cast of the US Television Show “Ghosthunters International” called it the site with the most paranormal activity in the world. Sound scary? It sure does to us! Some people have gathered the courage to spend the night in the prison and most have interesting stories to tell. Would you be brave enough to give it a try? Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.karostascietums.lv/new/en/intro-en.html

Waiting for you with arms wide open

Check-in

No en-suite facilities but, hey…

Karosta Prison has been described as Hell on Earth

From haunted prisons to romantic and luxurious getaways, this list not only provides the most unique, unusual and amazing hotels in the world but also some of the best. If you were to stay in each of these hotels, you’d be able to experience everything: from being treated as a prisoner to being treated as royalty.

06.- Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai – UAE

Burj Al Arab is really a luxury hotel that’s situated in the centre of Dubai city in U . s . Arab Emirates. It is built to imitate sail from the ship and it is the 2nd highest hotel on the planet. Sitting on the artificial island Burj Al Arab is attached to landmass by private curving bridge. It’s both lavish and unique because of its form in addition to contents. Your accommodation has 28 double-story flooring and 202 suites as well as offers vices and enormous sea water aquarium.

07- Anantara Golden Triangle – Thailand

Some hotels captivated our readers’ sense of curiosity thanks to their unusual architecture but some of the less unusual earned their votes thanks to their beauty and magnificence. The Anantara Golden Triangle is the best example of this. Being located in the beautiful Golden Triangle should be enough to make it stand out but coupled with amazing structures and unique experiences, the Anantara Resort provides the perfect balance between uniqueness and luxury. Book here: Anantara Golden Triangle

Another pet-friendly hotel

The Impressive Hotel Lobby

Romantic dinner anyone?

Beautiful interiors at the Anantara Golden Triangle

08.- Museumotel – France

The museumotel in France is a truly unique piece of art. Designed by Pascal Haüserman in the 1960′s as the summer annex of a bigger hotel, the place was converted into the museumotel in 2006 and has since enjoyed the popularity and success it always deserved. Its interiors have a pop-art atmosphere and each bubble has a different theme. All images provided by Museumotel. © SARL Museumotel – SCI Modules. Visit the hotel’s website: http://museumotel.com/

Truly unusual

Funky Interiors

A romantic getaway

Colourful bubbles

09.- The Boot Hotel – New Zealand

It starts getting unusual from here on. Sleep inside a boot in New Zealand. Your experience will be enhanced by the beautiful green surroundings and countryside lifestyle. Visit the hotel’s website: http://www.theboot.co.nz/

The boot Hotel’s Facade

Boot Breakfast

Get away from the hustle and bustle

Comfort inside the Boot

10- Thorngrove Manor – Australia

From futuristic to natural to royal. Thorngrove Manor is a beautiful property in Adelaide Hills, Australia. Its beautiful decor and impressive facade attract guests from all over the world. Visit the hotel’s website: http://thorngrove.com.au/. Book here: Thorngrove Manor.

Fairy Tale Entrance to Hotel

Fit for the Royalty

A Home Away from Home

Romantic Australia

11.- Kolarbyn Eco Lodge – Sweden

Back to basics. And no better place than Sweden. Kolarbyn Eco Lodge tries to minimize the environmental impact by becoming part of nature. Beautiful cabins and huts are equipped with simple but comfortable furniture and appliances. Not sure you’ll get wi-fi here… Visit the hotel’s website: Click here

The woods

Candlelight Dinner

Not as cold as it seems

Cozy Bedroom

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