Five Important Things to Bring to Your Cottage Holiday Destination

Cottage holiday destinations are fast becoming popular because they are affordable and they are real homes away from home. When you rent one, you can run it the way you manage your home. Cottage holiday destinations are ideal for the whole family. You can easily find a cottage that will suit your budget while allowing you to enjoy your holiday with your family.

Most holiday cottage destinations are located in the beach resorts or in farms. This will be a great change to staying in a hotel. In some holiday cottage destinations, there are no grocery stores, shops, pharmacy, and even entertainment. To avoid the inconvenience of driving to these places, pack the following essentials.

1. Personal Items

Pack just enough clothes for the duration of your stay. Include a sturdy pair of shoes for hiking and jogging. Bring umbrellas. They will protect you from the rain and from the sun.

Bring both light and warm clothes. Wear light clothing during the daytime when it is sunny. No matter how good the weather is, you cannot predict when it will rain or when the nights will be cold. Packing warm clothes will prepare you for any weather changes.

Are there golf courses or tennis lawns in your destination? Have a sportswear with you so that you can play anytime.

Include personal care necessities such as sunscreen, lotion, soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and whatever you use on your face and body every day.

2. Medication

You would never know if there is a chemist in your destination. To be sure, have medicines with you just in case someone has a stomachache, toothache, slight fever, and diarrhea. These are just common ailments but they can ruin your vacation. Stop this from happening by packing some medicine with you.

3. Food and Drinks

Most holiday cottage destinations are self-catering. They have a kitchen where families can prepare their meals. Bring condiments because you might have difficulty finding them in your destination. Pack instant coffee, tea, milk, cereals, and some canned foods just in case you do not have much time to cook. Some holiday cottages provide fruits or snack packs but only for your first day. Remember that food in these places could be expensive.

An icebox where you can keep your drinks will save you money. Some of the most expensive items in vacation destinations are drinks. Bring drinks in a can and a bottle or two of wine if you are looking forward to a celebration.

4. Entertainment

Do you have your children with you? Nowadays, holiday cottages have television. But it could be boring after a day or two. To keep your children occupied, bring some games for them. Pack their favorite films so that they will have something to watch at night.

5. Other items

If you are bringing your pets, buy enough food for them. There might not be a store close to your destination that sells pet foods. Other essential items include phone chargers and socket adaptors.

With all these things packed, you are now ready to relax and have fun at your holiday destination.

The Ultimate Beach Vacation Checklist

The sunny days are here and it is time to party at the beach! Beach festivals are the place to be, enjoying the warm days while listening to great music. With some events lasting days, you should definitely remember to pack all the essentials before hitting up one of those popular beach festivals or for your annual vacations by the sea.

Whether you’ll be holidaying in Cornwall or California, Morecombe or the Maldives, there are some essential items you will need to pack to ensure the trip goes smoothly.

Swimwear

Whether you plan to hit the water or not, you should never forget to pack your swimwear. You can party on it (just wrap a bandana, use a cover-up or even just keep it under your clothes), splash around in the water on it, or simply use to sunbathe.

Sun Protection

If you are especially fair-skinned, staying under the sun the whole day can be disastrous. Make sure you pack some sun protection. Sunscreen is important, just remember to apply it several times a day and after you get wet. Sunglasses with UV protection will protect your eyes from the strong glare of the sun. A wide-brimmed hat will keep your face from turning red like a tomato.

Packing for the beach

Beach Furniture

There are many cool and comfortable things that you can use beyond just your towel. There are chairs or lounges for sunbathing or simply enjoying the music, there are also open but covered tents to give you some more protection from the sun, and even from some rain if it comes. They are also great for keeping your things safe (though you should never leave your valuables inside)

Another wonderful idea is to pack a great float to simply chill on the water. They come in funny designs like a huge pizza or even a unicorn. They are eye-catching, fun and simply a must-have at the beach.

Eating Essentials

While there might be food stands, you can also bring your own gear. Check if grills are allowed, or simply bring battery-operated cooking equipment for some quick meals. You can also bring a water cooler (some are also battery-operated) to keep your drinks cool.

Just In Case It Rains

While summer days should always be sunny, you can never avoid some drops while in the festival. So make sure you pack a light poncho, just in case.

For Your Suitcase

Make sure to include some essentials in your suitcase or backpack, like a towel to dry yourself off, your favorite pair of flipflops for walking on the hot sand, and a cardigan or hoodie for when the nights get cool.

For Your Memories

Do not ever forget your camera, or your smartphone, to be able to take some cool photos with your new friends at the festival. Not only can you keep memories longer, but you can show them around to friends and family afterward.

Other Activities by the Beach

For some beach yoga, bring your own mat. You can also use it to lie on the sand as well. When you also want to do something else, bring your favourite book with you as well.

When partying at the beach, you will not be able to easily run to the shops to buy some things. So to be safe, make sure you pack the essentials with you and you will also not have to pay the exorbitant tourist rates.

Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2018

Who says that only the rich can afford to travel the world? Satisfy your wanderlust this 2018 without spending beyond your budget. Discover places that are not yet blemished by modernization. Prices are amazingly low and you will be able to stick to your budget with a little extra to buy some souvenirs. Here are the best budget-friendly destinations in 2018.

Tallinn, Estonia

If you are looking forward to enjoying Mother Nature, learning some history, staying in affordable accommodation, eating good food, and doing some exploration, then Tallinn must be your next travel destination. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the oldest towns in Northern Europe. You can explore this town on foot, and do some sight-seeing along the way. Staying in dorms or private homes will cost you very little. Tallinn is famous for its tasty and affordable street food. For a few dollars, you can enjoy a hearty delicious meal. You can also enjoy food and cooking tours at reasonable prices.

In Tallinn, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Baltic Sea, visit museums, and go on a bike tour. One popular attraction in Tallinn is the underground passages that date back from the 16th century. These tunnels were believed to be the hiding places of the soldiers and their ammunition every time Russian warriors would attack.

With everything that it offers at budget-friendly prices, Tallinn is an ideal travel destination for 2018.

Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a port city and resort found on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. While some tourists avoid it during the summer season because of the strong wind coming from the Atlantic, wind and kite surfers consider It a paradise as the rough sea becomes their playground. The best time of the year to visit is during autumn and spring. Food is very affordable and delicious, especially the seafood that has just been brought in from the sea. You can stay in the traditional Moroccan homes and palaces called “riads” and experience living in great comfort and luxury at very low rates.

The view is fantastic. The golden beaches and the crowded sea-colored boats make up its picturesque harbor. Explore Skala de la Ville, which is featured in the “Game of Thrones” as the Astapor. A visit to this lovely place will be within your budget.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a lovely city in Scotland. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, this is your chance to see the place where JK Rowling wove the tales about witches and wizards and about the magical school of Hogwarts, the Scottish castle where students study how to do magic.

Stroll the streets of West End and breathe in the bohemian atmosphere as you shop in one of its boutiques or have a cold drink in the numerous pubs and bars. If you know where to look, you can easily find a dorm or a private accommodation that will not exceed your budget. Food is budget-friendly at £5 for a hearty and delicious meal.

Consider these three affordable destinations in Europe if you are traveling on a tight budget. Accommodation and food are reasonably-priced and most tourist attractions offer free admission. For more inspiration read travel guide book Lonely Planet’s list of the top ten best value places to visit in 2018, or find some more great ideas in this video below:

Take a Trip to the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe

Every now and then, we need to reset our mind and body, to take a long vacation away from our desks and just relax and enjoy time with ourselves. When we think of relaxing holidays, we generally mean lazy days in beautiful sandy beach destinations. We’re lucky in Europe that there are some fantastic vacation options in coastal hotspots with amazing places to stay by the sea. So why not take a trip and experience some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe?

Why Europe, you ask? There are certainly a lot of good attractions out there in the world, but none can compare to the majestic and relaxing sceneries that the continent has to offer. What better way to clear your mind but with a wide view of dramatic coastal scenery and the waves rippling across the horizon.

Here is a list of the best beach holiday destinations that you can find in beautiful Europe:

Portugal

The Algarve in South West Portugal has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe. It remains serene and rarely has establishments around and it is almost deserted. Cool spots for you to visit are Praia de Albandeira and Sudoeste Alentejano, as well has the popular seaside towns of Lagos and Sagres.

Italy

Gorgeous sea views and beaches can be found in the country of Italy. We strongly suggest going to more than just one place to make the most of your stay here. Places to visit are Amalfi Coast, Cala Goloritze in Sardinia, Cala Tonnarella in Sicily, Trieste and Venice. When here take a drive along the coast to experience panoramic sea views.

Scotland

It may not be warm, but Scotland has some wonderful white sand beaches backed by dramatic mountains. It makes a great place for outdoor adventures by the coast, with plentiful accommodation options. The Scottish Isles, in particular the Isle of Skye, has some of Europe’s best beaches and possibly the best sea views anywhere in the world.

Spain

San Sebastian, Formentera and Barcelona are two of the best city beaches in Spain. Here you can enjoy shopping, dining, swimming and partying. If you want to get away from the congested beaches and prefer a place more private and with fewer people, Cala Macarella beach in Menorca is perfect for you. Just a heads-up though – getting there is not easy. You may need to travel far and hike a couple of miles, but all that effort will be totally worth it.

Ireland

Dublin actually has beaches. It is common knowledge that Ireland has cold weather. But if you are looking for a fantastic sea view, Dublin is also home to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway’s Dolphin Beach houses are top tourist spots, too.

France

The Bay of Biscay is known as the Hamptons or White Islands of France. Nice is also perfect during the summer, particularly the Blue Beach and Plage Beau Rivage.

Croatia

The Zlatni Rat in Brac, Split and Dubrovnik are one of the best beaches and sea views in Croatia. They are perfect places for sailing and relaxation. Most of the beaches here are isolated and peaceful.

Turkey

Bodrum and Istanbul are the best places to visit in Turkey. They are clean and probably some of the most peaceful beaches in the Mediterranean.

Greece

The Santorini Caldera has one of the world’s spectacular shorelines. The sunsets are best to view from terraces. It has been described as “majestic” by most. The Navagio beach in Zakynthos, Greece is popular for its limestone cliffs and ancient shipwreck that is buried in its center.

These amazing places in Europe are perfect and you can choose to go to sites that are not as crowded like other destinations out there. Travel and open your mind and soul to the sea.

Why Savvy Travellers Book Villas in Asia

For many in western countries, staying in a self-catering cottage is a great way to save money especially when traveling as a group. This is because hotel rooms can end up too expensive, and the option to cook allows you to save money from having to eat out. However, in Asia, choosing to stay in that cottage or villa is the way to have a luxurious holiday. This is what you can expect from your rental cottage or villa in Asia.

You Can Have Your Own Beach

Why share the beach with hundreds of other hotel guests when you can have your very own strip all to yourself? Forget about watching other people half naked and burning under the sun, and enjoy lying on the sand without worrying about anyone disturbing you. In Asia, you can rent your own beachside villa, get out of bed and go straight to the water in a matter of minutes.

You Do Not Have To Do Anything

In the UK, for example, you would have to do your own cooking and cleaning while staying in a self-catering cottage. You might perhaps pay for general cleaning at the end of your stay, but you will still need to do the day-to-day chores like washing the dishes and doing the laundry. In Asia, you can very easily coordinate with your travel or booking agent to arrange for someone to do the housework, the cooking, and just about anything you would love not to do while you are on vacation. It is much like staying in your own space, but getting the daily cleaning services like in a hotel. You can finally spend your holidays truly being lazy the whole day.

You May Enjoy Exotic Spots

Whether it is by the beach, overlooking a volcano, over water, or in a rice field, cottages in Asia can be found in the most unique of locations. However, many would not have the full amenities like cottages in the UK, so if having a kitchen is important for you, you would find the list of options limited. Instead, many just arrange for daily meals to be delivered or simply go out to eat. Another wonderful thing is, eating out is much cheaper here.

You Can Order Just About Anything

More than just having your meals delivered to your doorstep, you can pretty much arrange for almost everything. You can have massage therapists do their magic while you lie on your own bed, you can have beauty treatments done there as well. You can also arrange for a personal driver who will come pick you up and drop you off, and drive you all over town (and beyond) for as long as you want them to.

In fact, staying in a villa or a cottage in Asia is equated to having a luxurious holiday, as opposed to those who opt to stay in budget hotels or hostels. You can also live in the traditional houses of the country you are visiting, which certainly adds to the exotic experience. So when you plan for that grand Asian trip, do not hesitate to book a cottage or a villa and enjoy all the benefits you deserve.

Kaziranga National Park

So far the history of Kaziranga is concerned Lady Curzon first heard about Rhino of Kaziranga from her British tea planter friends and came to Assam in 1904-05. Although she could not see the animal but spotted hoof prints with three toes. Which concerned Lady Curzon that such an animal did exist. On her return she persuaded Lord Curzon to do something to save these animals from total annihilation. Lord Curzon set the wheels of British bureaucracy rolling and on 1st June, 1905, a preliminary notification announcing the intention of the Government to declare 57, 27360 acres of Kaziranga as a reserved forest was issued. Finally Kaziranga was declared as reserved forest on 3rd January, 1908 and was officially closed for shooting.
On 28th January, 1913 the area of reserved forest was expanded with the inclusion of another 13509 acres. Kaziranga was declared as “Game Sanctuary” on 10th November, 1916. In 1938 the then conservator of forest, A.J.W. Milory stopped all poaching and opened Kaziranga to visitors. Because the word ‘game’ connotated animals for hunting, in 1950, the then senior conservator of forest Mr. P.D. Stracey, changed the term to ‘wildlife sanctuary’. Gradually the sancturary begun as a nucleus encompassing a small area, expanded to its present size. 0n 11th February, 1974, the designation was changed to “Kaziranga National Park’. And finally Kaziranga National Park was declared ‘World Heritage site”.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary

Beside of course the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

Other Attractions In Kaziranga

Elephant Safari: The vast open country makes Kaziranga National Park very accessible and wildlife viewing fairly pleasurable. Here one can leave in the early hours of the dawn for an elephant-back-ride. Authorized and trained Mahouts who guide visitors through the park train the Elephants. One could see wild Elephant herds roaming around or Indian Rhinos browse past visitors unconcernedly. Since Kaziranga wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible, its provides a chance to see animals in the wild at such close quarters, thus making a trip to this National Park a very rewarding experience.

Sightseeing in Kaziranga: Tourists can stroll through the lush coffee and rubber plantations of the nearby Karbi Anglong. Or visit the Karbi villages, meet the Karbi people and observe their way of living. You can also venture through the tea gardens that Assam is so famous for and watch how one gets one’s daily cup of tea. Film shows on wildlife can be arranged at the various tourist lodges in Kaziranga, on request

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park

 Kaziranga’s visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.

Remote Fishing Locations For The Adventurous

Fishing enthusiasts are willing to travel great distances just to find that perfect catch. Sometimes it is not only about the actual catch; it is about the trip itself and the experience overall. This is why many anglers want to head out to some of the remotest places on the Earth, to get away from everyday life. They want to experience the adventure, the solitude, the wilderness of the location. We prepared a few words about some of the most remote fishing locations where a few dare to venture.

Alaska

Some say this is the last true wilderness of the United States. This is a vast arctic region covering thousands of square miles of nothing but wild expanses. People who come back from Alaska come back stronger, mentally and physically. Fishermen love it because of the clean waters, wonderful scenery and the wild feeling of the place.

 Canada

Canada is simply huge. You can travel for days without meeting another human. Canada has miles and miles of rivers and streams and thousands of lakes, so fishing opportunities are endless. Just to illustrate our point: most of the locations in Canada are so remote that you will need a float plane to access.

Amazon river

The sheer size of the gigantic waterway tells you everything. Just to put things in perspective: there are tribes in the Amazon watershed which still have not made contact with modern civilization. That’s how remote this area is. And the fish here is huge, but so are the snakes and the crocodiles.

Patagonia

From the northern tips of the Americas, we head to the utmost south. Patagonia is a rugged and barren land on the edge of South America, belonging to the states of Argentina and Chile. Many parts of Patagonia are still untainted by human activity. The waters here are crystal clear and abundant with fish.

Kamchatka

Making this list without mentioning Russia would be sacrilegious. Here we will only concentrate on a small region within Russia – Kamchatka. This unique peninsula hides so many secrets. But be prepared to fight the wilderness here.

Festivals Of North East India: A Joy For All Your Senses

The Indian peninsula is an all-out attack on all of your senses. See the architecture, feel the heat and the cold, taste the food, smell the spices, touch the sand. Most importantly, meet the people. Festivals around India all share the same underlying purpose – for people to meet at one place and feel good. Join them, book your ticket and visit the colorful festivals/

Pangsau Pass Winter festival

The region of Nampong is something to behold. There are so many wonderful things to see here, not even counting the festival. This wonderful town is situated close to the border with Myanmar, in the Changlang district. You can visit the historical Stilwell Road. This was the most important trading route for the entire region. The serpentines here are breathtaking. Also, you can see the World War Two cemetery which holds the bones of brave soldiers who fought for freedom and protected India.

Shine a light festival in Sohra

This festival arose from the desire of a few local enthusiasts to keep Rock n Roll alive. It started out as a way to show support to local bands and performers and grew into something much larger. This is three days of pure Rock n Roll in the region of Cherrapunjee. While you spend your night headbanging, you can have some fun during the day hiking in the surrounding hills. You can explore the nature around the town and enjoy the beautiful wilderness.

Hornbill festival in Kohima

One of the easternmost regions of India, the state of Nagaland hosts the Hornbill festival in the city of Kohima. The whole town becomes a carnival during the festival days. There is something for everyone here, so make sure you spend more than a few days in this beautiful country.

Ziro Music festival in Ziro

This is a large event which attracts thousands of people to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. There are many national and international performers and every time this festival offers something new. The crowd will dance into the night, moving along with the sound of music. This is truly something to feel. Furthermore, this event raises awareness about the Indian art, culture, and music.

Things To See In Meghalaya

The north-east of India holds so many secrets. This region is enclosed in the clouds, as though it is hidden from the rest of the world. People here call it the Abode of the Clouds. It is one of the wettest regions in the world, so make sure you bring your raincoat. But more importantly, bring your spirit because this place will make it shine. We prepared a list of the must-see places in Meghalaya.

The Living Root Bridges

This may be the most famous attraction here. You will have to travel the dense forests and endure the beating rain, but, in the end, it will all be worthwhile. These bridges are true evidence of man’s ability to subdue the natural powers and harness them to his own will. The Khasi tribe trained the trees to grow a certain way and form these monuments of nature.

Mawlynnong Cleanest Village

The scenic area around this small village offers wonderful images of wilderness. Many people call it the “cleanest village in Asia,” while other also use the “God’s garden” nickname. This marvel of eco-tourism is a bamboo village with a beautiful platform which will give you beautiful views of Bangladesh, sitting just a few miles away.

The Sacred Forest of Mawphlang

You will need about 45 minutes from Shillong to get to Mawphlang. This is a sacred place worshipped by the Khasi tribe, abundant with various kinds of medicinal plants. You can explore the region and soak up the culture of the Khasi. If you have a good amount of energy in you, go ahead and take the David Scott trail. The 16-kilometer trail will take you from MAphlang to Lad Mawphlang.

Meghalaya Caves

This country is full of caves; there are more than a thousand of them. The most famous one is Mawsmai, near Cherrapunji. The cave is tourist-friendly, lit up and prepared for scores of visitors. Other caves are not so accessible, so you might have a bit of trouble to reach them. Many local tour operators offer organized visits to various caves.

The Shillong Bazaar

A true, traditional market of the Indian North East, the Shillong Bazaar stood the test of time and beat all the invaders and economic hardships. People here are used to this chaotic rumble of people and goods. One more thing: do not leave before you try the local street food!