Monthly Archives: November 2014

Top 3 Picnic Spots In the Cape Winelands Where Family and Friends Can Spend a Day

Top-3-Picnic-Spots-In-the-Cape-Winelands-Where-Family-&-Friends-Can-Spend-a-Day

If you are among those who love to picnic in the backdrop of lush greenery (and did we say near a great winery?) and blissful serenity, Cape Winelands have several perfect options for you. Those who have booked tickets on flights to this beautiful part of South Africa should certainly try picnicking at some of these places. For those who are wondering where to start, here is a quick peek into just three of the most popular picnic spots.

Allée Bleue

Considered to be one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape, Allée Bleue is a gorgeous place that offers an amazing spot to picnic. While the refreshing views will definitely keep the guests in good spirits, it is the hospitality and the scrumptious food that makes the picnic so perfect. Pick up your favourite bottle of wine as you look at the beautiful vineyard, and try the ciabatta with smoked chicken and mayonnaise – a happy time is surely guaranteed!

Where: Franschhoek

Buitenverwachting

This is arguably the most favourite picnic spot in the Cape Winelands. The elegant Cape Dutch farmstead and winery outline the lush gardens where you can book your picnic. The elegant tables beneath oak trees take the ‘picnic’ term to a next level of sophistication. Picnics are always served in baskets packed with cold meats, meatballs, cheeses, salads and much more. There is also a special arrangement for kids.

Where: Constantia

Spier

Family travellers who have booked flights tickets to Cape Town and are visiting Stellenbosch should definitely consider picnicking at Spier. There are a number of picnic options you can choose from. Those who prefer a gluten-free meal and often have to say ‘no’ to many picnics can simply choose to opt for Gluten-Free Picnic. It includes farm cheeses, homemade hummus, gluten free crackers and much more. There is also a customized picnic for vegetarians. Those who wish to enjoy wholesome food can choose Relaxed Picnics.

Where: Stellenbosch

Stroll Along Auckland Walkways to Immerse In the Distinctive Kiwi Splendour

auckland-walkways

Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand is a fabulous amalgamation of rural charm, glistening waters, appealing wildlife and stylish streets. The sheer might of city’s varied avenues can be best revealed through its different walkways. Grab air tickets to Auckland and let the heat within fuel the adrenaline in you! Have a look at two of the popular walks of the city which are certainly worth the bundles spent on air tickets aboard flights arriving in New Zealand.

North Shore Coastal Walk

Brimming with a wonderful string of glittering beaches and sheltered bays, the scenic coastline of Central Auckland’s North Shore is one of the most popular walkways in New Zealand. The walk at the coastline is a small section between the Milford Beach and Takapuna Beach which further leads to the much celebrated North Shore heritage trail. North Shore Coastal Walk starts from Long Bay Regional Park and passes through some of the best beaches and suburbs of the shore, and reaches out to Devonport, a historical seaside village. Throughout the route, holidaymakers may see or even join the locals in different activities including surfing, swimming, fishing, kite flying and many more. The entire route is of approximately 23 kilometres; however visitors may choose to do the whole trail, or just sections of it, as there are numerous entry and exit points en route.

Hunua Falls Upper Lookout Walk

Yet another compelling walkway of Auckland which is sure to set nature lovers on a mad quest to net air tickets for New Zealand is Hunua Falls Upper Lookout Walk. A part of East Auckland, the walking trail starts from the gorgeous Hunua Falls which is one of the most popular tourist attractions for both hikers and walkers in the bush-clad Hunua Ranges. The fall is almost 30 meters high and cascades over a hard volcanic basalt ledge. Also, the entire Hunua Fall is surrounded by lush green forests which are home to many native trees and tree ferns, including Cabbage Tree, Ponga, Tanekaha and Totara. Giving a quick window to the amazing flora of the region, this is one of many walks through the Hunua Ranges, which can also be combined with other short trails.

November Events Illustrating the Christmas Preparations in Seattle, Washington

settle-christmas

With Christmas being round the corner, the beautiful city of Seattle is all set to celebrate this joyful festival by hosting an array of events and jamborees. Like any other holiday destination in the world, Christmas celebrations start here a month before. Here is a list of November events and festivals for tourists who have already grabbed air tickets on USA bound flights.

Festival of Trees, November 22nd – December 3rd, 2014

Ever since 1978, members of the Dr. Forrest L. Flashman Guild have been organizing a very unique and colourful event, Festival of Trees which is a beautiful display of well decorated Christmas trees. Each year, around 21 designer trees are out on display in the grand motor entrance and lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. The biggest attraction of this 10-day long event is that every tree is decorated in a unique style and theme. Interested visitors may sponsor a particular tree or purchase different decorative as a part of the charity programme. Entry tickets for the event may be purchased online through the official website of the festival.

Christmas Ship Festival, November 28th – December 23rd, 2014

Yet another compelling festival of Seattle that is sure to deliver a gratifying holiday experience to holidaymakers is the Christmas Ship Festival. Organized by Argosy Cruises, the festival aims at bringing together different communities to celebrate the festive season with the utmost of fun and excitement. During the festival, the Argosy Christmas Ship sails to over 45 different Puget Sound waterfront communities with people from different natives onboard.  Special arrangements are made on the cruise to organize traditional programmes including choirs and dance. People gather around roaring bonfires for a special carolling tradition and other festivities that mark the start of Christmas celebrations.

Garden d’ Light, November 29th – January 3rd, 2015

Garden d’ Lights is one of the largest light events in USA that lure streams of patrons and international tourists who book tickets on flights to the nation. Held at Bellevue Botanical Garden, Seattle, the festival features a spellbinding show of colourful, glittering lights which transform the venue into a blossoming winter wonderland. The entire show is dedicated to different plants found in Northwest gardens and around the world. An exciting adventure for all ages, the festival sees over 100,000 guests who buy entry tickets just to be a part of this dazzling and magical display of multi-coloured lights.

Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka Creating a Sense of Opulence for Sybarites

srilanka-hotels

With its breathtaking natural attractions, rich culture and enigmatic mythological enchantments, Sri Lanka never ceases to charm its guests. Hospitality is another highlight which entices travellers to board flights to this tear-drop nation. And when it comes to luxury accommodation, there is no dearth of choices. While there is a long list of luxury hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, there are few that always sit at the top. Let’s check three popular ones!

Ceylon Tea Trails

Often considered to be the first tea bungalow resort in the world, Ceylon Tea Trails is a spectacular property rested at an altitude of 1250 metres in the breathtaking Ceylon tea region of Sri Lanka.  The hotel features four bungalows that are connected by walking trails through gorgeous Ceylon tea Gardens. Each bungalow is unique in its own way. A conventional day of the guest starts with a hot bed tea served by the butler. After you are awake and ready for the meal, the chef suggests you the dishes prepared with freshest ingredients and home grown vegetables and herbs.  Western or typical Sri Lankan, the food is always great in this hotel. Do not forget to try the afternoon cream tea; they say it is worth missing your flight!

Amangalla

Situated in the port of Galle, Amangalla is a perfect accommodation for any luxury traveller who is booking tickets on flights to Sri Lanka to visit this part of the country. The hotel is within the walls of the 17th-century Galle Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation options here have been categorized into five parts – individual bedrooms, Chambers, the Garden House, normal Suites and finally, Amangalla Suite. The suites, with a colonial style décor and meticulous perfection, are packed with top-rated modern amenities and facilities. High quality materials have been used for all the rooms. For example, the floorboards that grace the rooms are of Burma teak, looking pristine for more than 300 years. Apart from the luxurious rooms, the hotel offers excellent food with warm service.

Reef Villa & Spa

Majestic Indian Ocean in the backdrop, golden sandy beaches, lush tropical garden and a large swimming pool – these are just few of the many charms that keep the guests fascinated at the Reef. Reef Villa & Spa is located in the seaside hamlet of Wadduwa and ranks high among luxury travellers as well as romantic couples. Honeymooners who are booking air tickets to visit this part of Sri Lanka should definitely stay at this property to make this trip the most memorable one. The suites are palatial, the food is heavenly and the service… well, experience it yourself!

Seychelles Holidays: An Adventurous Experience Awaits All!

seychelles-holidays

Seychelles, a popular Indian Ocean holiday destination brims with glittering beaches, turquoise seas and incredible weather; all of this is enough to encourage travellers to seek tickets on flights to the nation. Seychelles has for long been a top destination for explorers and adventurers, throughout the globe. The island-nation offers a distinct adventure break, filled with discovery, action and wildlife. Here are some of the most popular adventurous activities in the country that never cease to impress international holidaymakers disembarking flights in Seychelles!

The Waters…

The most celebrated highlight of Seychelles is its incredible shoreline and deep, clear waters that cast a magical spell over one and all. The shoreline allows the travellers to relish a plethora of water activities available across popular islands including Mahé, Praslin and Silhouette. The diving and snorkelling scene of the island is one of the biggest draws among both locals and visitors. Travellers can even dive into the clear, colourful underwater nature reserve of the Seychelles’s tropical reefs and see large stretches of coral alongside tropical fish, rare shells and sea turtles. Moreover, yachting and canoeing in Seychelles are two unique activities that allow travellers to explore the hidden islets and coves situated closer to seashore. Travellers may even try their hands at fishing.

The Land…

Most of the islands in Seychelles are dotted with rare flora and fauna, which collectively makes the destination a popular stopover among nature lovers. The idyllic surroundings of this archipelago promise a new and exciting adventure, every day. Holidaymakers may spend few days island-hopping in Seychelles. This is an interesting way to explore some of the uninhabited parts of the country. Hire a taxi-boat and visit some of the places across the different islands and grab the opportunity to interact with the locals. Further, Seychelles is blessed with an extensive network of hiking and walking trails, which usually pass through the unspoilt regions of the nation. Keen vacationers may try cycling or take a horse-ride along the coastline, which surely makes for an exciting voyage filled with fun and discovery!

Top Reasons to Visit Singapore this Christmas

singapore-christmas

A place where lifestyle is as sensational as its skyline; culture is as diverse as its archipelagic topography; shopping is an obsession and options for hanging out are both soul and sense-tingling; Singapore hardly disappoints people who buy tickets to sojourn here! But during Christmas, the Lion City turns more magical and draws holidaymakers from far and wide. From the fascinating vigour of the annual fest to a colourful brew of art & history and the cool balmy climate; there is much more than the usual decoration that people visiting Singapore near Christmas can enjoy. Take a look!

Shopping at Orchard Road

The entire Singapore celebrates Christmas in style, but the famous Orchard Road takes the merrymaking to a whole new level. Resplendent in festive fervour, malls and shops in this one of the largest shopping precincts in Southeast Asia offer irresistible Christmas gifts, promotions and deals that make your shopping experience a little more merrier and worth every penny spent on flights and holiday deals.

From the big names in luxury fashion to local vendors selling quirky Singaporean concepts; this area on has a fantastic independent shopping scene which couldn’t get better than this during the festivity of Christmas.

Festive Feast

Christmas celebrations unveil ample of opportunities to feast. Many eateries on the island serve the most delicious cuisines and invite to savour delicious festive foods like potatoes, roast turkey, log-cakes and gingerbread cookies in an amazing festive vibe. You can head to the Ginger Garden at the Botanic Gardens for a sumptuous buffet of over 40 delicacies. Or contemplate a visit to 21 on Rajah, a Christmas communal set dinner that features mouth-watering baked salmon and braised duck leg confit.

Sentosa Island: Where Nature intermingles with Culture and Adventure

Singapore’s Sentosa Island is a holidaymaker’s dream come true destination with some of the island’s most fascinating attractions like Resort World Sentosa, Underwater World, Universal Studio and many sandy beaches. Wonderful dining and nightlife options also make this place a must-visit for all who have booked tickets onboard flights for Singapore holidays.

Top Things to Do on a Heavenly Sojourn to the Bay of Islands, NZ!!

About a three hour drive from Auckland, on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island lays the beautiful and historical Bay of Islands! A cluster of 144 small islands, many of them are too small to consider, the archipelago in New Zealand is widely acclaimed for its romantic charms and exciting adventures. From diving to scenic flights and world-acclaimed game fishing, there are many things that travellers who spend on flights’ tickets for holidaying here can enjoy. This blog pens up a few popular ones.

Scenic Helicopter

bay-of-island

Enjoy some of the best coastal scenery of New Zealand with a helicopter ride over the glittering Bay of Islands! Head to the infamous “Hole in the Rock” after taking in the 360 degree views of the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett!  The beachfront helipad in Paihia is where the flights take-off for this mesmerising excursion.

Explore Rich Cultural Heritage

Culture-enthusiasts buying tickets to sojourn here are surely in for a treat, as this wonderful place is embellished with an interesting culture and history. Head to the historical towns of Paihia and Russell for a remarkable cultural discover on both land sea. Russell, once the capital and the first European settlement in New Zealand, boasts many glorious buildings featuring a unique blend of architecture. Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia is where the Maori and European signed the famous Treaty of Waitangi. Also, don’t miss the Culture North Light Show which depicts the real story of New Zealand.

Camping in the Far North

If it is peace and tranquilly in the lap of nature you’re seeking, grab a tent and head up into the Far North! One of the most serene and scenic areas in New Zealand, this part of Northland is a nature-lover’s dream come true: spend your day exploring the tranquil coastline, set up a camp at night and wake up to the melodious chirping of birds with the sun peeping into your tent and cool breeze caressing your face! Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

Dolphin Cruise

For a nature-lover, nothing compares the delight of seeing the cheerful dolphins cavorting in their never-ending aquatic playground! There are many agencies which offer dolphin cruise to this ‘Jewel of Northland’. Depending on which season tourists choose to visit here, they can see a variety of aqua species including dolphins playing in the clean and clear waters, here.
Swimming, snorkelling and fishing are other fun activities that tempt many to board flights to visit this heavenly place in New Zealand.

Important Safety Tips for an Enjoyable Holiday in Goa

goa

India’s beach capital, Goa is safe to travel around. No place, however, is completely crime-free. So people contemplating a holiday in the province should always exercise precaution to ensure a safe and secure holiday experience. Here are some basic yet important safety tips that holidaymakers’ buying tickets on Goa flights should pay heed to.

Carry Money in a Safe Place

The best and safest place, for a traveller, to carry cash is a money belt, well hidden from public sight. Besides, tourists can keep the money inside the socks or their coats to ensure it’s safe. It’s always advisable to carry debit and credit cards, instead of too much of hard cash. North Goa has plenty of ATMs from where travellers can withdraw money at a moment’s notice. But if you travel to the southern part of the state, make sure you carry enough cash to pay your bills; there are not so many ATMs in this part of Goa.

Don’t Leave Luggage Unattended

When in a foreign land, you cannot trust anyone to look after your luggage. So keep it with you at all times, especially at crowded places like beaches, railways stations and bus stands. While venturing out for sightseeing or any other excursion, it’s good to place your travel documents like return flight tickets, passport and visa in the hotel’s locker.

Check the Weather

People who have invested in flights for holidaying in this lively state of India should note that weather conditions in Goa change quite frequently. So it’s vital to check the climatic conditions before heading out for seaside fun in Goa. Don’t swim in the prohibited areas, especially during monsoon when waters in Goa can turn rough anytime. Sleeping on the beach at night is also illegal and may land you behind bars.

Respect Locals and their Customs

Be silent inside a place of worship or at a religious monument. Take permission if you want to take photos and if it’s prohibited, don’t argue. It’s good to talk politely and with smile on the face. Avoid being in an argument with any shopper, taxi driver or stranger.

World Food Championships – A Pass for Gourmets to Board Flights to Las Vegas

las-vegasGlitterati and gambling are two of the most prominent facets of Las Vegas. The splendour of the Sin City gets all the more breathtaking with its gastronomic allurements that are scattered all around. Culinary treats in Las Vegas are not only limited to plush restaurants and theme-based dining. Gourmets can also participate in various festivals and events where food plays the protagonist. Travellers disembarking flights at this USA city in November must add World Food Championships (WFC) to their itineraries for tasting the delicacies prepared by world-class chefs and watching them boasting their masterpieces. Here is a little more info on this event that stands as one of the most eminent annual festivals in Las Vegas.

A Bit about the Culinary Competition

This unique festival is about flaunting your cooking and presentation skills to nail competitions in various categories ranging from burgers to chilli based dishes, sandwiches to seafood and BBQ to bacons. Other categories one can compete in are recipe, pasta and dessert. Besides, renowned chefs not only from the USA but from the entire world compete for the coveted title of World Food Champion.

Schedule

This 7-day affair is scheduled to take place at Downtown Las Vegas from 12th to 18th November. Tickets for various events and competitions are available online.
Major Highlights/Contests for 2014 World Food Championships

Friday Night Rib Fest: Start your weekend with tasting the most scrumptious ribs prepared by notable BBQ chefs from several countries. Buy tickets for this event on 14th November to gorge on juicy ribs while listening to music by Out of the Desert, Tony Marques and other artists or bands.

Cocktails & Champions: On Sunday, 16th November, this competition will add a new epicurean enchantment to your Las Vegas holiday when nine finalists show their skill set at the Final Table. The menu here is prepared by Tony Gemignani, who clinched the title of World Pizza Champion for 11 times.

Private Chef’s Table: This event allows you to take your pick from multi-course chef’s table hosted by World Food Championships host Ben Vaughn along with Robin Leach, the host of Las Vegas edition of WFC. Ben Vaughn’s celebrity chef friends will prepare a private dinner for 30 attendees. Buy tickets to be one of these lucky 30!

Most Popular Attractions in Penang – the Best of Sightseeing, Dining & Nightlife!

penang-aLush green hills and magnificent temples – Penang is a beautiful mix of a lot of things that are easy on the eyes. A number of travellers book tickets on flights to Malaysia every year to visit this beautiful place. As there is so much to see, sometimes it becomes quite difficult for a traveller – who is short on time – to decide the ‘what’s’ and ‘where’s’! Here is a quick compilation of the best of everything that Penang has to offer from each important holiday aspect – sightseeing & activity, food and nightlife.

penangSightseeing spot

Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and the Penang Road of Georgetown – no holiday trip can be considered complete without visiting these iconic places of Penang. Penang hill is known for its panoramic views and a smorgasbord of activities. Hop on the train to enjoy the lush sceneries or simply walk and explore; the heavenly fresh air of the hill is sure to revitalize your senses. Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the world. The architecture is a blend of Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles which gives the temple a uniquely aesthetic appearance. Why should you visit Penang Road of Georgetown? Because it is perfect blend of contemporary and old world charm and is packed with top notch restaurants, karaoke joints and bustling nightclubs. Travellers can also explore the fashionable boutiques and antique shops here.

Places to Eat

Street food, dining on budget or fine dining – Penang has it all to suit the preferences of varied travellers. Love street food? Try the Mee Goreng at Bangkok Lane. If you are looking for some cheap and decent places to eat, Char koay teow stall, De Tai Tong café and Zealand Seafood are the best places. Luxury travellers who have booked flights’ tickets to Penang and wish to dine at an upscale restaurant, 1885 Restaurant and Kebaya Restaurant are the apt spots.

Nightlife

Over the years, Penang has witnessed a significant change in its nightlife. There are a number of places that blossom as the sun goes down. Auto-City and the Night Market are two of the most popular places to sample the wonderful nightlife of Penang. For lady travellers, F.A.M.E (Glo) at Georgetown is a perfect place. It is considered to offer the best ladies’ night in the country!