Truly Affordable

The world’s smallest continent and largest island is Australia. It is almost as large as the 48 adjacent U.S.. There are about 20.4 million people and they are generally concentrated in th eastern and south eastern coastal urban regions. This means that there are wide open areas to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best done by car. Picturesque coastlines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wildlife are there for the traveler to see.

A visitor with an international driving licence or a valid American or European driving permit in English can easily organise for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are dozens of car hire companies providing many types of vehicles, from diverse makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is constantly a vehicle type to suit any need or requirement. For instance, those who enjoy camping can find campervans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come outfitted with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Deluxe models even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini-kitchen. There are 4WDs that would be suitable for more tough terrain. If budget is sensitive, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars, if you want to travel in style.

Driving in Australia can be different from other countries: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. The car rental company will usually supply you with detailed information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), what to do in case of emergency, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation ahead will ensure a successful and pleasant car vacation in Australia.

Unfortunately, most people don’t have a place to stay everywhere they go, whether it’s on holiday or for a business trip. Those who travel a lot for business will be most familiar with hotels, especially chain brands. There are many ways a hotel can “win” or “lose” the popularity contest. Here are just a few of those factors.

1. Lobby bars. Hotel lobby bars can be hours of fun or a scene of complete sadness and desperation, depending where you are. This can make or break a business trip. Most of all if you are stuck in a small town with no other nearby nightlife.
2. Bathrooms. A flimsy shower curtain or a drippy sink tap can ruin a hotel stay. But one that includes high quality toiletries and soft towels deserves an instant win.
3. Beds. Hotel beds are of course the most important part of a stay as sleep is the reason you are there. Clean sheets and duvets, comfortable mattresses, and fluffy pillows are musts. Nobody wants to see a rogue stain or wake up with a stiff back.
4. Televisions. It’s a common cliche: spending your holiday in your hotel room watching TV. Let’s be honest, we always watch the TV in the hotel room at least once during our stay. If you only get 5 channels, and 3 of them are in another language with no subtitles, that’s an awful shame. Especially if you’re jetlagged, can’t sleep, and everything is closed.

This post is from our recent trip to Waikiki. Ive got to say, if you ever have the chance to make it to Hawaii, you should definitely take the opportunity. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It is so amazing to have such a fantastic location in our nation.

The hospitality there is awesome. We took a widsurfing lesson, rode a canoe, caught a few hula shows and even had a chance to try out some real Hawaiian food at a luau. They say ono out there, it means delicious. The Kalua Pig is to die for and be sure to stop by for a lava flow drink at Dukes. Its a little spot on Waikiki beach, great for an evening night cap. One of the most memorable aspects was when we treated ourselves to a massage. It was spectacular, super relaxing and well deserved after a hard years work.

Hawaii is exceptional. Don’t stress that you won’t do it all, because you can’t. Figure out what is most important to you and focus on that. Take time to unwind and savor just being there. Needless to say, we will be going back as soon as possible.

Cyprus has been home to many cultures over the ages, but what it is best known for is its spectacular climate, which has made it a very popular destination for Europeans, with over 2.4 million visiting its many resorts. Cyprus basks is more than 330 clorious days of sun each year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. With plenty of travel agents able to arrange Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines such as Easyjet offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, it has never been easier to get there.

Cyprus attracts tourists from all over the world, but the majority come from Europe. Affluent eastern Europeans and Russians have also joined the crowd in recent years. The British Armed Forces have long has a presence in Cyprus. The UK retains a military base in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East. As such the Brits are now almost as local and the locals, and this has in turned resulted in areas that are less traditional and more contemporary in culture. English is widely spoke and understood among nearly all age groups to driving on the left side of the road. A major attraction for many Brit tourists is that the island offers all of the comforts and familiarities of home, but we also get to bask in the sun.

For many reading this, the prospect of taking a holiday away from England only to be greeted at the airport by a hire car representative hailing from Croydon and being served an authentic Mediterranean dish of steak and chips will not appeal. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. As soon as you leave the packaged paradise and clubbers haven of these areas and hit the road the real country reveals itself.

A trip well worth taking is into Cyprus largest mountain range, the Troodos Mountains. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. If you are a wine lover, there are treats in store for you. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.