My Travel Blog

It used to be such a derogatory term. Saying something was cheap used to mean a lot more than just how much you paid for it. It meant that it was poor quality, poor service and it probably wouldn’t last long without breaking or spoiling in one way or another. And I suppose it can still have that meaning, only not so much these days.

Finding something cheap is now also a synonym of being wise or smart. Like being street wise, only with shopping. If you find a listing for cheap clothes, shoes or even cheap luxury items or cheap luxury hotels, you’ll jump at the opportunity to hunt down some of those bargains.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, I’m just surprised at how the Internet has changed the way we look at price tags. Like it or not, in some places of the US, for example, people like to brag about how expensive things are. This, of course, is probably the most annoying thing anyone can do when it comes to talking about prices. It’s good to know that hunting for bargains is done by almost everyone now, and has become more of a pastime than a necessity.

Odds are you’ve experienced some problem with your flight’s timing. Whether it is delayed or canceled, it happens to all of us. If you’ve never had to handle this problem, here are a few pointers in case it happens to you.

Weather is the most common culprit behind flight delays. Even if the weather is fine at your departure gate, weather at the destination may not allow flights coming in. The problem with flight delays is that it will have a domino affect across the board. Airports not allowing planes to land, will also not allow them to depart. With only one airport held up, it can throw off schedules around the world.

If this happens to you, you will probably have to consider finding last minute accommodation. Although this seems impossible, airports do anticipate these problems, and have facilities such as nearby hotels with complimentary shuttle access for such occasions. Even if you have a long layover between flights, you can find cheap hotels at Heathrow Airport, or where ever you are.

Because you won’t be the only person with a postponed flight, you’ll want to book your accommodation fast. If the nearby hotels are not available, you might need to take a cab into the city center to find a hotel.

Whether you’re planning your first vacation, or are familiar with the whole process, everyone can use a few tips. Planning and organizing anything can be stressful, and the last thing we need is added stress while thinking about our holiday. If you plan on doing it on your own, without the added help of a travel agent, here are some easy guidelines to follow.

Obviously the internet will be your primary resource for all holiday planning. When it comes to your hotel room or your plane ticket, it can all be done and booked in the comfort of your own home. Using a hotel search to reserve your accommodation is the fastest way, and also the easiest way to find a favorable rate. Same goes for the plane tickets. Compare airlines, find cheap rates, and book all online.

However, don’t rule out the power of the phone. Booking online can often give you the best rates, but calling the hotel or airliner directly can lead to some surprising savings. They often offer their own incentives and deals for booking directly with them. Take advantage of this and give them a call. If you’re on your honeymoon, for example, they may offer you a special price or an added perk just for announcing this.

To anyone in the industry, and even those outside it, it is common knowledge that there are a few key cities in the world that are known for leading the fashion forefront. These cities are New York, Milan, and Paris. Some of the biggest designers in the world come from France, and it could easily be the origins of widespread fashion. It is a metropolis of style and luxury, which is a breeding ground for bold designers, unique fashion, and legends.

The only thing more famous than fashion week in New York, are the runways of Paris. If you are truly looking for the heart of the fashion world, you must turn to France. Parisian life is based on style. Whether it is clothing, appearance, social standing, or just your outlook on life, everything must be chic. Paris is the ideal destination for any who are in love with all things fashion, even if you don’t plan on attending the runway shows. The shopping in Paris is some of the best in the world. There are stores for miles, all featuring the best names in fashion. Paris Hotels are just as glamorous, so it is easy to surround yourself with luxury on your vacation.

For those of us who crave flexability and freedom on their vacations, we seem to have few options. It is common for the main stream, chain hotels to have all the deals. When you book your plane ticket, for example, you will have the option to bundle in hotel stay as well, at one of the major names. This provides tourists with a variety of choice, all the major hotels are battling it out to get their business, so the prices are competitive. This doesn’t mean, however, that we are out of options.

There are plenty of ways to vacation for less, and still retain the freedom and adventurous nature that we pride ourselves on. For example, there is always camping. These days campsites are furnished with all the luxuries of home, so we hardly feel as if we are “roughing it”. There is also the option of a self catering holiday, another great way to escape the impersonal and cold atmosphere of a hotel, and have some peace and quiet on your long deserved holiday. At this kind of accommodation, you will have all the facilities you need with an environment that suits your disposition.

If you have ever heard any of your friends boast about their China Holidays, then you will no doubt realise the country is stunning and an amazing place to visit.

One of the most special holidays you can have in China, is taking a ride on the Himalayan Express.

The project’s travel directors have named China’s new railway the Himalayan Express, which stretches 1142km between Tibet and Qinghai. The name is slightly catchier than the official name T27 or T28, depending on which way you are travelling.

So what makes this railway special compared to any other ones round the world? Well it is that the peak altitude is 5072m which makes for an exciting and spectacular ride.

This amazing feat of engineering took thousands of workers four years to build and was completed in 2005 ahead of schedule. As well as the track itself, the railway workers built 44 new stations including the worlds highest at Tanggula at 5068m. The total cost of the project has been reported at $3.68 billion.

So what can you expect if you take the plunge and take a ride on this amazing railway? Well depending on what station you board the train and where you depart, this will determine what sites you will witness.

One popular journey is travelling from Lhasa to Xining. On this journey you will travel across the Tibetan Plateau, taking in dramatic landscapes and cross through the Kunlun and Tangula Mountains. Once you arrive in Xining, you will be able to visit the amazing Ta’er Temple.

The train itself has many amenities to make your trip comfortable. There are tea and coffee stations, a simple Chinese menu to choose from and information boards that let you know statistics about your journey (speed, outside temperature).

It is always advisable to be aware of the hazards of travelling at high altitudes. If you travel up to quickly and fail to acclimatise properly, you may get sick. If you are travelling with an organised tour, they will make sure you are well looked after and take the appropriate measure so you won’t get ill.

So if you are considering China Tours as a possible holiday in the near future, why not take a trip on the Himalayan Express and see China in style.

While Palmer and Parker’s holiday villas are generally rented for vacations, they’re an excellent choice when you need to travel abroad for business. Instead of renting numerous rooms in a hotel, you can enjoy the luxury and comfort of a spectacular villa or chateau.

A villa is a great choice for a small group, but even better if you are having a business conference or meeting with a large group of people. Many of the villas will sleep up to 14 people, but they also offer chateaus that can sleep as many as 46 people.

You will have more privacy and be able to work at your own pace and not be confined to the restraints and time limits of a rented conference room at a hotel. You will have the advantage of spreading the work out over several days and spend the rest of the time enjoying your trip.

Maid service is included with each villa and you can even request a cook to prepare all of the meals. After you’ve finished with the business for the day, you’ll be able to relax around a private pool. And, many of the larger villas and chateaus even feature tennis courts.

Although a villa or chateau might be a little more expensive than a hotel, it won’t be much more than renting numerous rooms if there are a lot of people attending. And, with the privacy that a villa or chateau offers, you won’t have to deal with all the distractions that can occur in a public hotel.