Visit London in Summer

Top Things to Do in London this Summer

/in /by

London is arguably the world’s number 1 top tourist destination. It is not surprising at the city boasts plenty of top attractions for the tourist to feast their eyes on. This cosmopolitan capital offers so much for visitors. With a history of over 2000 years, London at heart remains astonishingly youthful and exuberant.

A visit to London reveals exceptional treasures for the tourist to savour all year round, but none more special than during the sizzling season of summer. No list can be comprehensive enough to detail all the gems in London’s trove of tourist treasures.

There are many ways to experience London to tantalise adventure for all tastes and ages from the London Bicycle Tours, river cruises and open hop-on-and-off bus tours.

London Zoo 
Said to be the oldest scientific zoo in the world, London Zoo is an ideal attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Since 1828 the zoo has been facilitating the study of animals. During the summer, the zoo hosts many thrilling exhibitions throughout the day overseen by leading curators. Some of these include bird displays as well as gorilla feedings.

Tower of London 
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is the iconic Tower of London. A must see for every tourist is a visit back in time to tales of historical drama, the Crown Jewels and the Royal Armouries.

St Paul’s Cathedral
Regarded as the spiritual hub of London, a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral should be on every tourist’s list of things-to-do. Apart from the fact that the burial chamber is the resting place of some of Britain’s more famous personalities – John Donne, Sir Christopher Wren, Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, lofty St Paul’s Cathedral affords some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Hampton Court Palace
A real treat for palace-loving enthusiasts is a call to Hampton Court Palace, once the home of King Henry VIII. London may boast its fair share of palaces, but what sets this legendary landmark apart from the rest are the visual displays of breathtaking gardens and a world celebrated hedge maze.

Thames River Cruise
Lined along the banks of the Thames River are visual symbols of London almost anyone in the world can identify: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, MI5, Canary Wharf. The waterway intertwines through the city making a river cruise the ultimate experience in witnessing London.

Buckingham Palace
No visit to London can be complete without a sighting of the world renowned Buckingham Palace. A visit here during the summer time is made all the more special as the doors are open to the public. The interiors and paintings on display in royal households are unrivalled and are a sight to feast one’s eyes on.

The London Eye
A relatively new addition to the arsenal of attractions London has to offer. A contribution to London’s millennium celebrations this structure is a giant observation wheel presents scintillating aerial views of the city.

View another 200 things to do in London

Travelling with children

12 Essential items needed when travelling with small children

/in /by

Travelling with small children may not be as difficult as you might imagine. A little time spent preparing, planning and organizing and you can enjoy a successful holiday with the happy and comfortable kids. Being unprepared spells stressed out parents and equally stressed out children.

1. Food to snack on
Snacks keep children nourished as well as entertained. Choose your child’s favourite snacks, the healthier the guilt free and better. Ideally these the kids can munch on themselves without too much of a mess. Dried fruit, raisons, pretzels, stick cheeses and cereal bars. On international travel, there may be laws governing bringing in of food items in some countries.

2. Nappies/diapers/pull-ups
These can be bought practically everywhere in the world. It is important, however, to carry enough for the first day or two of your journey. This is helpful in reducing luggage space.

3. Small first-aid kit
First-aid kits should comprise of pain reliever, bandages, antibacterial ointment, a thermometer, antihistamines, cough medicine, antiseptic cream, bug repellent and relief, tweezers, paracetamol, anti-diarrohea tablets and sunscreen.

4. A change of clothing
When travelling with small children a change of clothing is essential. In the event of any mishap ending in messed clothes which is a likely event, you are safe in the knowledge that you have spare until you reach your destination.

5. Wet wipes
Wet wipes are a mother’s best friend and come in handy to refresh faces or clean hands and when changing nappies.

6. Activity bag of favourite things
Included in here could be favourite music or story cd’s. Colouring and reading books, board games and finger puppets keep kids well entertained as well. Another idea suggests experts, is to introduce a few new toys too, they add to the novelty of the journey.

7. Ziplock bags
These are amazing essential versatile items useful in most non-life threatening emergencies and one can never have enough of them. They can double up as storage bags for food, small toys, and toiletries as well as for many other objects. Light weight and hardly take up any space at all, ziplock bags earn their place on the list of essential travel items.

8. Travel adaptors
On carrying electrical items on international travel, travel adaptors

9. An umbrella
Even if you’re travelling to a sunny and hot destination, an umbrella is useful in keeping your children out of the harmful rays of the sun and prevents sunburn. Sunglassess and a hat are a good idea too.

10. Comfortable weather-proof shoes
Be prepared for walking by taking along comfortable shoes. Sometimes you may experience unexpected downpours.

11. Disinfecting hand gel
These are great when no water is available and clean hands are a prerequisite against the spreading of germs.

12. Collapsible stroller

Strollers come in very handy when having to walk long distances with mall, tired children. The collapsible variety is a space-saver and can easily be checked in or stored away in the overhead compartment.

10 things to do in Cape Town

Top 10 things to do in Cape Town in Winter

/in /by

Cape Town in winter offers a magical myriad of indoor and outdoor attractions for both local and international visitors. Discover Cape Town and witness the city showcasing its unique culture and heritage in the arts, food and wine attractions.

1. Winter wining and dining
Whet your appetite at some of the most exquisite eateries in Cape Town. The Mother City boasts plenty of fine dining establishments where one can savour sumptuous meals in multiple course set menus. Food lovers are spoilt for choice with dishes ranging from Cape Malay inspirations to haute cuisine.

2. Shopping
Shopping enthusiasts are presented with an array of shopping destinations housed comfortably with the city of Cape Town. The premier V&A Waterfront, Cavendish Square and Canal Walk are just some the shopping malls offering unrivalled adventures to shopping connoisseurs of local and international fashion. The V&A Waterfront draws in huge numbers and is celebrated as an ultimate entertainment venue housing theatres, craft markets, specialty shops and pubs.

3. Theatre
World-class theatrical performances can be enjoyed at the Artscape, the Baxter and Masque Theatres and the Theatre-on-the-Bay. From ballet to drama productions to comedy shows there is something to suit every taste.

4. Winter music festivals
Pencil in a music festival whilst in Cape Town. The Cape Town International Jazz festival is a musical extravaganza of note. The fourth largest Jazz festival in the world highlights the talents of 30 international and local acts

5. Two Oceans Aquarium
Explore South Africa’s largest aquarium and savour the enchanting exhibits of aquatic life. The Two Oceans Aquarium promises to delight both the young and old alike. This popular tourist venue displays in excess of 3 000 marine life forms from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

6. Indoor Markets
A leisurely amble around the numerous indoor markets is a perfect introduction to the colourful culture and unique identity of Cape Town. Sample the local cuisine or soak up the buzzying atmosphere of Hout Bay’s Bay Market or V&A Waterfronts’s Market on the Wharf.

7. Historic Museums
Robben Island is synonymous with exile, isolation and imprisonment; this now world renowned museum located only 12 kilometres from Cape Town was where freedom fighter and former South African president Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life fighting oppression.

8. Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens
This top tourist attraction situated against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is celebrated the world over for the astounding beauty and diversity of Cape flora it is home to. Indigenous South African plants are grown exclusively in the 528 hectare estate.

9. The Ice Station
Labelled as a premier South African ice rink, The Ice Station provides experienced and novice ice skaters with plenty of pleasure-filled ice-scapades. Part of the exciting line-up of events held by The Ice Station is ice hockey games and figure-skating competitions.

10. Visit a wine farm
Cape Town is famed for its wine estates and excellent wine. A visit to one in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl or any of the other wine farms is highly recommended and should be included on every visitor’s itinerary.

30 more things to do in Cape Town

 

Airbus A350

Airbus A350’s maiden flight

/in /by

The Airbus A350’s maiden flight in Toulouse marked a milestone in the travel and aviation industries respectively. The successful four-hour flight was crewed by former fighter pilots – two British and French. On board the aircraft were heavy loads of test equipment.

The design and launch of this next-generation Airbus 350 is set to challenge and cut down the American Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner’s hold on the lucrative long-haul market for wide-body aircraft. The A350 sports two impressive Rolls-Royce XWB Trent engines. These highly efficient engines were built exclusively for the A350 and is said to be the “world’s most efficient” engines, each powering out 84,000 lb of thrust.

Wherein then lays the secret to the A350 airbus? Almost three-quarters of the aircraft casing are made up of lightweight carbon-fibre designed to economize on jet fuel. The combination of light weight body, super efficient engine and new aerodynamics allows for the A350 to burn up to 25% less fuel as compared to the Dreamliner. This economy would reduce the cost of long-haul flights up to as much as half the cost.

The aircraft has been in development phase for eight years which is approximated to have cost $15 billion. The A350 will be available in three variants with seating capacities ranging from 270 to 350 passengers in three class layouts.

The A350’s entry into service is scheduled for the latter part of 2014. This is after a delay of about 18 months. Much of the delay is due to the advanced changes in technology and materials. Both the manufacturers of the A350 and the Boeing have used lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic instead of the traditional aluminum alloy. The wings of the A350 is said to be the largest for a wide-body aircraft.

Chief executive of EADS, the parent body of Airbus, expressed optimism that the A350 airbus would be delivered to Qatar Airways towards the later part of 2014. The only challenges the parent company foresees is the acquiring of certification and the final run in production stage.

Apart from the launch customer, Qatar Airways which is due to receive 80 of all three variants of A350’s, other customers in line for the A350 include: British Airways and Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific. Airbus has already seen over 600 orders for the A350 which speaks of confidence in the new entrant in the long-haul wide-body aircraft market.

Thousands of Airbus employees and aviation devotees who had gathered to witness the landmark flight greeted the touchdown of the A350’s maiden flight with jubilant cheers. The success of the A350’s faultless maiden test flight is revealed in the words of Airbus’s chief test pilot, Peter Chandler, who after piloting the prototype aircraft said: “It just seemed really happy in the air,” and further added, “all the things we were testing had no major issues at all.”

Ways To Eliminate Stress And Make Travel A Breeze

/in /by

Travel, even for business, is a pleasurable activity. However, there are certain circumstances that can ruin your traveling adventure, and spending too much money is one of these. This article will address a few ways you can help to minimize travel expenses.

TIP! You must plan ahead if you are going to fly. It can take a lot of time to reach an airport that is located in a major city, because of location and traffic.

Keep a photo of your children on you at all times, in case they become lost. Losing a child is traumatic for any parent. Sometimes these kinds of things happen. Easy access to a photograph of the child can facilitate any necessary search efforts in they get lost.

TIP! If traveling with children, keep a recent, color picture of them with you at all times, just case they become lost. Even the thought of losing your child is one of the most terrifying experiences you can have.

If you have known food allergies, be very careful about food when traveling in foreign countries. If you do have an allergy, you will need to have a good handle on the language of the country you are eating in. This way you can be sure to alert wait staff of your allergies to specific foods and, in the worst case scenario, be able to inform medical professionals of your condition.

TIP! Do not hope that an airline will make you as comfortable as necessary on a flight. Provide your own blanket and pillow if you know that you will have a requirement for them, your own headphones too.

Do not hope that an airline will make you as comfortable as necessary on a flight. Make sure you bring along a blanket, pillow and if you will use them, headphones. Perhaps you should bring some snacks if it is allowed.

TIP! Try to purchase tickets to amusement parks in advance so that you could print them out. Although you may pay a service fee for this option, it is worth it to bypass long lines for entrance to the park.

Clothespins can be a useful item while traveling. Clothespins are not a typical travel item for many people, but should be reconsidered given their usefulness and versatility.

TIP! Take a couple of clothespins with you when you travel. While you might not think of them immediately, clothespins can perform many functions.

Hit the gym before you board your flight. A long flight can be extremely boring. Not to mention the effects sitting for long time can have on your body. Stretching or working out before taking a flight can help reduce soreness.

TIP! Before boarding your flight, get a quick workout in. It’s boring having to sit through a long flight.

Now that you know how to travel smart, you’re ready for smooth sailing. You will be much happier at your destination when you realize that you saved a lot of money without losing the enjoyment.

TIP! When you are traveling, it is important to remember to be aware of your vital belongings at all times. Keep your purse tucked under your arm.

The Best Travel Tips To Read Before You Leave

/in /by

Most people will travel to some place far from home at least once in their lives. There is always more to learn about travel, no matter how many times you have done it. In the following article, you are going to be given important advice about travel that you may need to use one day.

TIP! Do not bring anything valuable that you will not need. The more you take with you, the higher your chances of losing the items.

When traveling by air, you need to plan ahead. Many airports are located in major cities, and reaching them in congested traffic can be difficult and time consuming. Pack your bags, including your carry-on, before you go to bed. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your flight. There is little else that could be worse than not making your flight.

TIP! Create a list of what needs to be packed. Between one week and three months before you leave for a trip, sit down and write down every item you are going to take with you.

Always carry an updated color photo of your child with you. This will come in handy if they are ever lost. Losing your child sounds absolutely horrifying and you probably do not even want to think about it. With that said, it is best to be prepared for worst case scenarios. Having a photo on you to share with authorities could mean the difference in whether or not your child is found quickly.

TIP! Keep a photo of your children on you at all times, in case they become lost. Losing your child can be a scary prospect.

Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country in order to avoid bad liaisons. Most especially if you have severe reactions to foods, you need to become somewhat fluent in the food related words of the native language. This will enable you to tell your staff about your allergies and in times of emergency, you will be able to tell medical professionals about your condition.

TIP! Get a good workout in before leaving on a flight. This will help you avoid the tediousness of long flights.

It is important to remember that almost everyone wants to get out there and travel; if your time hasn’t come yet, it will. That is why it is crucial to learn all you can about traveling so you are prepared for your next trip! This article will help you have a stress free travel experience.

TIP! Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. For these services, a good tip for housekeeping would be from $2-$5 per day, and $1 per bag of luggage.

Amazing Travel Tips Just For You

/in /by

For both rookie and experienced travelers, visiting a place that you have never been can be both fun and frightening. Read this advice before even packing for your next vacation.

TIP! Airplane travels requires that you plan ahead to prevent problems. It can take much more time then expected to get to airports in major cities because of traffic.

Don’t bring a lot of valuables on any trip. With a lot of different activities in unfamiliar surroundings, losing things is very common on vacation. Even worse, you could be the victim of a theft.

TIP! Create a list of what to pack. Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you.

If you are a visitor to foreign cities, keep your eyes open for thieves that might be dressed as law enforcement or government personnel. Do not let anyone have your personal documents, such as your passport or license. Also, if you have to go somewhere with this person, be sure to walk along with them. Do not get in a vehicle with a local who you don’t know.

TIP! Try to purchase tickets to amusement parks in advance so that you could print them out. The small fee for such a service is worth it to avoid long lines.

Workout at the gym the day before you take your flight. Longer flights can be boring. Having to remain seated in one position that long can give you cramps in your back and legs. Getting in a workout, or at least some stretching, before you board the plane can help cut down or eliminate any leg and back muscle issues.

TIP! Workout at the gym prior to your flight. Long airplane trips can be tiring to your body.

The shoes you wear when you go flying should be comfortable, lightweight, and easy to take off and put on. They will have to be taken off when you reach the security checkpoint. Your comfort should be a priority. Traveling by plane results in a lot of sitting and very little walking, so heavy- duty footwear is not needed or recommended. Sandals and flip-flops are best for traveling.

TIP! It is customary to tip any hotel staff that makes your stay easier. An appropriate tip is considered $1 for each piece of luggage you have, and $2-$5 per day for the housekeeping service.

Remember the advice you read in this article, and you will have some new and exciting discoveries on your next trip. No matter if you are a seasoned or inexperienced traveler, your trip can be more wondrous and memorable than you may think.

TIP! Travel is an excellent way to educate your family members on the ways of the world. Traveling is a great way to educate your family about other cultures around the world, as long as you take the correct safety precautions.

Try These Traveling Tips For Easy Trips

/in /by

Have you traveled a lot before? Are you equipped with your own travel plan? If not, would you like to? Could you handle unknown occurrences or emergencies? If you feel that you are unsure of any of these questions, read the tips listed below to guide you to an answer.

TIP! Airplane travels requires that you plan ahead to prevent problems. Major airports are in big cities much of the time, so getting through traffic and to your gate on time can be a challenge.

Keep a photo of your children on you at all times, in case they become lost. Not knowing your child’s whereabouts is frightening. With that said, it is best to be prepared for worst case scenarios. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.

TIP! Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country in order to avoid bad liaisons. If you are allergic to certain foods, you should know what the name of the food is in the native language.

Be aware that in some foreign cities many criminals will pose as policemen. Do not ever give someone your passport; they may steal it. Walk or drive your own car to a police station if you are asked to. Always use common sense and never accept a ride from a stranger.

TIP! Try to purchase tickets to amusement parks in advance so that you could print them out. Although you may pay a service fee for this option, it is worth it to bypass long lines for entrance to the park.

When flying on a plane, you should plan ahead because an airline won’t always be able to meet your basic needs, even when the flight lasts for many hours. Make sure you bring along a blanket, pillow and if you will use them, headphones. You may also want to pack along a few snacks so you can have something substantial to eat during your flight.

TIP! D

When traveling by car to a port prior to cruising, search for lodgings where you can park at no cost and make reservations for the night before departure. Check with the hotel staff about parking deals even if none are published.

TIP! The bell hop and housekeeper should be tipped appropriately. For bell hops, tip a dollar for every bag they carry.

Are you feeling a lot more confident about your next vacation now? Have you made a plan, or improved a plan that you already had in place? Are you now able to add things that suit you as well as your budget? Are you aware of how you will handle an emergency or unexpected event? The advice in this article can help you find the answers to these questions.

TIP! Deserts are a place unlike any other, with sunny weather and a unique ecosystem. There is something especially memorable about deserts for the first-time visitor, and no one should go their entire lives without experiencing the austere majesty of the desert.

Travel Safely With These Easy To Remember Tips

/in /by

Traveling will require some work from you before you can finally relax. Fortunately, the process of planning travel becomes much easier if you have the proper knowledge and know where to start. This article is filled with useful advice on traveling and planning.

TIP! Create a list of what to pack. Anywhere from a week to a few months before you go on your trip, make a list of the things you absolutely need to pack.

Make a list of what you need to pack. Anywhere from a week to a few months before you go on your trip, make a list of the things you absolutely need to pack. Even if you end up packing at the last minute, this will help you remain organized and avoid unnecessary clutter.

TIP! If you are traveling with your child, carry a photo of your child just in case he or she gets lost. It can be a very scary thing to lose your child.

Make sure you are careful about any food allergies you may have whenever you visit a foreign land. If you do have an allergy, you will need to have a good handle on the language of the country you are eating in. This way you can be sure to alert wait staff of your allergies to specific foods and, in the worst case scenario, be able to inform medical professionals of your condition.

TIP! When traveling on an airplane, don’t rely on the airline for any of your comfort needs, even if it’s an international flight. Consider packing your own pillow or blanket, as well as headphones.

If you are leaving for your trip from a port city, stay at a hotel with free parking and get there the night before you are to leave. Inquire about reduced-rate parking at the hotel, regardless of whether you have seen any advertisements.

TIP! If you are going to be taking the red-eye, sleeping pills can help you to get some sleep. People often have difficulty sleeping on planes due to small spaces, aircraft noises, and fellow passengers.

Workout at the gym prior to your flight. Longer flights can be boring. Having to remain seated in one position that long can give you cramps in your back and legs. This is why hitting the gym or at least stretching before boarding a flight can lessen or completely eliminate any cramps.

TIP! Be sure your passports are current and not expiring soon. Most countries have specific guidelines concerning expiration dates.

As stated initially in this guide, prospective travelers may need to make a lot of decisions, and some find this to be intimidating. However, if you have the proper information and travel advice, planning a great trip becomes much easier. You can use the advice you learned in this article for a more enjoyable travel planning process.

TIP! Take the time to subscribe to e-newsletters of major airlines. E-newsletters show you any special discounts or last-minute offers they have available.

These Tips Will Help You When Traveling Abroad

/in /by

The average person will travel at least once in their life. There is always more to learn about travel, no matter how many times you have done it. You will find some great advice in this article if you plan on traveling.

TIP! When traveling by air, you need to plan ahead. Most major airports are situated in busy cities, so driving to an airport can take a very long time during periods of heavy traffic.

You should not take any extra belongings that are worth a considerable amount money. The more valuables you bring with you, the more chance you have of losing one or more of them or possibly having them stolen.

TIP! Create a list of all the things you need to pack before a trip. Your list should be made well in advance (7-30 days) and should include all of your necessities.

Always write down everything you need to pack in the form of a list. Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you. Creating a list is a great way to stay organized, and even if you procrastinate, it will be useful to get packing done quickly.

TIP! If you are a visitor to foreign cities, keep your eyes open for thieves that might be dressed as law enforcement or government personnel. Don’t give anyone your original passport, because this could set you up for theft.

If you have known food allergies, be very careful about food when traveling in foreign countries. If your food allergy is particularly bad, make sure to express this in their language. That way you can ask the waitstaff if their selections have the allergen in their ingredients.

TIP! With the rise in travel costs, airlines now often charge for many items previously considered complimentary. Bringing a blanket, pillow and headphones with you is a good idea.

Even on an international flight, you should be able to provide your own needs. Pack your headphones, a blanket and even a pillow if you feel like you will use them. You may also want to purchase a snack before boarding the plane.

TIP! If you have to drive a distance to the port to get on a cruise,drive there the night before and stay at a hotel that has free parking. Ask hotel staff about any parking deals if there aren’t any published.

Take clothespins when you travel. It is an unusual item to consider packing, however they can be quite useful.

TIP! Work off your flying anxiety with a jog before you head to the airport. Long airplane trips can be tiring to your body.

Keep your most important information and items close to you at all times. Carry your purse securely under your arm. Also, try not use a bag that is easily accessible in a crowded area like a subway. Keep these things in mind when you’re looking for a useful travel bag.

TIP! Stores tend to overcharge for these items, and the space saved is minimal, so save the money. Try folding your clothes in innovative ways that will take up less space.

To conclude, it is expected that most everyone will travel at some point in time. The information in this article will provide you with all the relevant travel knowledge that you might need one day. Follow our tips and you just might improve your next travel experience!

TIP! If you are a frequent National Parks visitor, it might be worth purchasing an annual pass. It is relatively inexpensive, $50 total, and it gives you open access to all national parks for a year.