Daily Archives for March 6, 2014

Volunteering Abroad – 5 Options for the Summer

Destinations - Ross French - March 6, 2014

 

WORK AT A SUMMER CAMP IN AMERICA

America is a country that is synonymous with camping and all over you will find kids from every corner of the world assembling in summer camps for the holidays. This therefore means that there is a demand for workers to help manage the kids and run the camps smoothly. The beauty of working at a summer camp is that you will be meeting with different kinds of people from all over the world and engaging in all sorts of fun games and activities aside from the money part.

TEACH ENGLISH IN SUDAN

Sudan is one of the most impoverished countries in the world and it lacks facilities for proper education and those that are available are not affordable for all the children. You can volunteer to teach the young ones in the lower classes and make a lasting impression of impacting knowledge in the children’s lives. It is an exhilarating experience making a difference in the community. Other places you can teach include colleges and universities. There are normally other projects going on to improve the quality of education and whenever you can spare some time you can get involved.

TURTLE CONSERVATION IN COSTA RICA

 

If you volunteer with turtles in Costa Rica it gives you an opportunity to get up close and candid with nature. It is a program that has been set up to ensure that the four species of sea turtles exclusive to Costa Rican beaches. It involves taking care of nesting areas along the beach until the eggs hatch and the hatchlings led safely to the sea. Sometimes eggs are collected from certain areas and kept in safe hatcheries where they are kept under watch until they hatch; once again the hatchlings are led to the sea. It is an exercise that is worthwhile as you are exposed to nature and as you help with the daily procedures you get to learn firsthand information about these fantastic creatures.

KIBBUTZ VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL

Israel is a country that is rarely mentioned especially as a travel destination or otherwise but is a land of close communities and complicated politics. Working in a Kibbutz will enable you to get a firsthand experience living as a part of the social community. People work together here and everything is provided and you can use it as a base to explore the Middle East and North Africa. If you are a student of political science, or a curious person who would like to experience a different life style, then a volunteer job here will enlighten you. Be sure to get a long term travel insurance policy for this kind of trip as there has been unrest in Israel and you wanted to be prepared for any event.

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE

The UN is involved in many humanitarian activities worldwide and you can help deliver their services in a country of choice. From healthcare, the environment and to business development the UN’s plate is full of opportunities. Choose your area of expertise and destination of choice and take off. The UN also tends to favor professionals but it is also well connected with other organizations such as NGOs that work under the UN where you can be placed.

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3 Ways to Enjoy the Ultimate in Luxury Travel

Travel Tips - Ross French - March 6, 2014

WIN A COMPETITION

Traveling in luxury is a dream that most wish to achieve but unfortunately lack resources and finances to fund this ambition. The good news is that there are competitions which run from different prize companies whose winning prize is a luxurious tour package to a chosen destination. If you have been trying for years to save money for luxury travel and you are still stranded, try out thinking out of the box.

You can win a luxury travel package simply by finding a lot of competitions and entering as many as you can. Some companies such as airlines may offer such packages to their loyal customers, if you fly often do not ignore such offers, just fill the forms and wait. You may be eligible for some of these competitions because of watching certain programs on TV, others from magazine subscriptions and others from using certain products. Just enter to as many competitions as you can, and chances are that you may get lucky in one!

TAKE A SABBATICAL AND HAVE AN EXTENDED HOLIDAY

Most people who work on regular jobs may only get two weeks in a year for a vacation, sometimes these two weeks are already filled up with activities that you have been planning all year. You may be planning to visit your friends or relatives whom you only get to see once a year, spending time with your family, doing your personal projects and resting. The two working free weeks you had cut down to one week which you may allocate to treat your tired bones to a luxury trip. If you take away the flying days, well, you only have numbered days and your luxury is cut short.

To make sure you enjoy your luxury trip to the maximum without your boss trying to reach you to solve some ‘emergency issues’ just take some real time off with a sabbatical and explore the world at your own pace. Your job may not give the memories or the experiences that being in an exotic luxurious destination would even if you worked for a whole century. In fact after a long sabbatical, you may come up with refreshing ideas to improve your work experience because your whole body and mind is restored to freshness.

ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP WITH A LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR

 

Traveling is indeed a tasking especially if you are a busy person, you may not have the time to go through websites to find the best places to go or read the finest details about your destination of choice. If you are such kind of person you need a luxurious organized trip to a destination of choice to enable you relax while on holiday. Tour operators will help create itinerary ideas that fit your interests as they have better knowledge of the destination than you, they help you save time. Tour operators may also be in the know about offers and all inclusive luxury holidays that they could suggest to you.

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Exploring the Globe in Search of the Best Luxury Holidays

Destinations - Ross French - March 6, 2014

ITALY       

Italy or rather “the boot” is a rather honored deluxe destination, promising luxury traveler’s contentment at every turn. This is because it is as beautiful as it is stylish; whenever you turn there is a breathtaking panorama such as displayed by the grapevine covered rolling hills, majestic Alps, captivating lakes and yacht swarmed Mediterranean beaches.

It is also home to gorgeous cities, medieval towns, picturesque villages and miles upon miles of magical coastline where the rich and famous have found a playground. Places such as Amalfi coast and Tuscany have been great places for luxury holidays, with some of the luxury villas in Tuscany enough to blow even the richest man’s mind..

For those that cannot just get enough of glamorous looks then Italy gives you an opportunity to improve your wardrobe by giving an opportunity to shop for latest hard to find designs from Armani, Prada, Gucci and Versace.

OMAN

It is the land of the fascinating legendary tales of Sinbad and the Sailor and has a lot to offer from ancient towns oozing history to the golden sandy dunes in the desert and sandy beaches. It is truly one of the Middle East’s underappreciated gems, making luxury holidays to Oman the perfect option. Muscat is a must-see destination as it is the capital of Oman and boasts of the most ancient town in the Middle East in the exotic and rustic atmosphere; the characteristic buildings, age old lanes, the Muttrah Souk, old filgrine houses and the spectacular water front with red sand. A cruise along the palm coast on a dhow will take you to the Fahal Island where you can spot dolphins; Fahal means luxury so expect the finest in life.

UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan holidays may remain below the radar for many travelers but it is worth visit for those seeking fascinating cultural heritage and ancient attractions. It is set on the old Silk Road with an impressive array of colorful and adventurous Muslim architecture. The many conquerors who once trod on the silk roads left indelible marks in form of towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara, elaborate mosques with bold minarets and the ancient cities that make up Samarkand.

In Tashkent you can enjoy the pleasure of staying in the City Palace Hotel and explore the old city, the Revolution Square, the Museum of Decorative and applied art and the bazaar. You can also enjoy a luxurious train ride through the Uzbekistan countryside all the way to Samarkand to explore the historical treasures in this region.

CHINA

China is fast becoming a top tourist destination as it has a wealth of historical treasures, cultural mix, traditions and customs that are still part of modern China. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, China will not disappoint.

The Forbidden City or rather Beijing which is the seat of Chinas ancient emperors is one of the places not to miss on a luxury trip of China. This magnificent city was out of bounds for anyone who was not a royal or an aristocrat before 1911 adding to its forbidden appeal.

The opulent summer palace is quite a spectacle: it was built by Empress Cixi from funds embezzled from the navy whilst the vast Temple of heaven is larger than the Forbidden City itself.

A luxurious cruise down the Huangpu River in Shanghai will do you a lot of good as you enjoy the beauty of nature and experience royalty treatment.

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5 Great Places for a European Break

Europe, Travel Tips - Ross French - March 6, 2014

Most travellers dream of experiencing the perfect European break: a magical place with extraordinary landscapes, magnificent pieces of art not forgetting the rich history and culture. Some great places to consider for an amazing European experience include:

FRANCE

France is a fairy tale land of remarkable gourmet meals, delicious wine, and excellent architecture. The art has inspired many not only rendering them speechless but also giving them sense satisfied contentment.

 

The capital of all things luxury, Paris and also lovers’ paradise is a major highlight of France will give you a whole new meaning of fashion and glamour not forgetting the culinary aspect.  There is a lot you can do on a family holiday in France: from skiing in the Alps in some of the world’s most luxurious ski resorts, biking along magnificent royal châteaux or experience wandering in the Hansel and Gretel villages that give you yet another dimension of France.

Many people love France so much that they buy a holiday home there. There are lots of French mobile homes for sale if you want to go down that route, though if you fancy something a bit fancier then a villa in the South of France might be to your liking.

PORTUGAL

Portugal is a place where a traveler’s quest is easily fulfilled, from its astonishing landscapes that opens from its magical coastline with gorgeous beaches to the charming countryside and the modern cities which still retain old fashioned hospitality. It is a place where you can step back in time and experience riding in ancient street trams in a modern city such as Lisbon, or spend some of the craziest nights of your life hopping from bars and night clubs some located in beautiful settings such as stunning river side’s. The countryside will cool you off from the heat of the cities with lush vineyards of the Duoro River valley and the mountains crowned with castles of past civilizations.

Stay in some of the most luxurious villas in Portugal like these for a fancy taste of the country, or try hopping from hostel to hostel along the coast if you don’t mind something a bit more rustic. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed by Portugal.

SPAIN

 

Rhythm and dance combine in harmony in Spain, the flamenco dancers do a great job in ensuring this. However, that is but the tip of what Spain has to offer. Tasty dishes can be found along the café lined plazas, if you love the outdoors Spain will be heaven for you as it is crisscrossed by mountain ranges that are ideal for biking or hiking and you can spend some time staying in any of the converted castles or monasteries to experience stepping back in time.  Spain is also packed with amazing historical sites, modern museums and beaches which are Spain’s most crucial hospitality asset. Some of the beaches are actually extensions to the cities you are visiting which makes it convenient to enjoy surfing in the morning and stroll through the city in the afternoon.

UK

UK is a place of extraordinary experiences: landscapes and cultures vary from one town to the next and is well appreciated. The cities ooze with ancient architecture and cosmopolitan cultures while the countryside remains charming and tranquil. The highlands are enchanting whilst the coastline is alluring with sandy beaches and isles which hold ancient mysteries are awaiting your discovery.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is home to the world’s most ancient democracies and also the place where Red Cross was first initiated. It is a place with extraordinary contrasts like the charm of rustic friendliness and the fascination of the high tech urban efficiency. In the Velvet Mountains you will experience the traditional charm of cowbell echoes while the city of Zurich will enchant you with its digital screens all things modern.

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LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS – THE DESTINATIONS TO CONSIDER

Travel Tips - Ross French - March 6, 2014

safari2

If you only think that Africa is just a place to experience uncomfortable wild safaris and hardy outdoor camping, well think again! You will be surprised by the number of luxurious options you will have, a luxury safari in Africa is a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget. Below are three of the best destinations to enjoy one:

TANZANIA

Tanzania is a fascinating safari destination boasting of numerous parks and reserves which contain massive concentrations of spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat. It is the land of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Masai culture.

In the north of Tanzania you can find stunning parks like Lake Manyara National Park with thousands of pink flamingos, Ngorongoro Crater the safe haven for animals, the Tarangire National Park with varied landscapes and the famous Serengeti National Park with beautiful open plains, hills, forests and the famed annual wildebeest migration. Another amazing feature of the northern Tanzania is the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro with its snow peaked summit and a place for great outdoor activities.

As you move southwards you will be amazed by the parks in this region, they include Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and the Selous Game Reserve which offers fascinating game drives.

On a Tanzania safari can enjoy luxurious safaris to different parks and staying in luxurious lodges and hotels offering world-class services right within the parks.

BOTSWANA

Botswana is a popular destination for luxury safari holidays; it offers a captivating wilderness characterized by remarkable deserts, water holes and pans that are homes to spectacular wildlife. Its national parks are a playground for animals and they cover vast tracts of land offering you memorable safari experiences.

The Okavango Delta is a hotspot for safaris as it hosts huge concentrations of water and land animals. It is a place of scenic beauty with canals that you can explore in traditional boats to the islands of the delta which are teeming with different species of antelopes, elephants, warthogs, bush babies, monkeys and even birds.

Interspersed throughout Botswana are rich collections of historical and cultural heritage, unique art rock, amazing geological wonders and traditional craft are just but a few of the attractions. You will fall in love with luxurious lodges offering cozy accommodations where you can relax after a long day in the wilderness.

NAMIBIA

Namibia is largely an arid country with vast open spaces, breathtaking sceneries and amazing contrasts; the ocean, dunes, deserts and mountains. Namibia safaris are the place to explore spectacular wildlife which has adopted the harsh climate of the desert. The vast desert country of rolling golden dunes and swirling mists intrigues the hearts and souls of travelers.

Namibia is also home to Africa’s largest game park, the Namib-Naukluft Park which features towering sand dunes at Sossulvei, desert plants and watering holes that attract animals. Discover the wonders of the Etosha national Park with its variety of wildlife. The Caprivi Strip is largely ignored by most travelers but it is captivating especially after being in the desert, it is a tranquil oasis of waterways and wildlife.

There are numerous luxury safari lodges with magnificent views of the wilderness strategically located in the major safari areas.

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