This is your last chance to see this years  Great Migration calving and save £800 doing so. February is the best month in the entire year to be a witness to the great migration calving in the Serengeti. During this time there are approximately 8000 wildebeest born every . . . → Read More: Africa Odyssey offer Serengeti, Tanzania The Great Migration 2012]]>

Africa Odyssey offer Serengeti, Tanzania The Great Migration 2012

This is your last chance to see this years  Great Migration calving and save £800 doing so. February is the best month in the entire year to be a witness to the great migration calving in the Serengeti. During this time there are approximately 8000 wildebeest born every single day.

The highest concentration of African predators, including lions, cheetahs and leopards is forming right now, and you can be right in the thick of the action with an amazing last minute package from African Odyssey staying at the mobile boutique Alex Walker’s Serian Camp.

Africa Odyssey (www.africaodyssey.com  (020 7471 8780) are offering a fantastic and unforgettable 4 night luxury safari adventure from only £2,500 each, a saving of £800 per person. Valid for departures until the 1^st April, this price included return flights from Heathrow, internal transfers, a 4 night stay at Alex Walker’s Serian camp with full board, game viewing drives in 4×4′s with open sides, park entrance fees and concessions.

Nature reserves and sanctuaries are common as are . . . → Read More: Mauritius has some of the most stunning beaches in the world]]> One of the most beautiful islands in the world must be Mauritius, which has some of the most stunning beaches anywhere. It also has a fantastic amount of wildlife and history. Mauritius is known as being an incredibly beautiful place and there are numerous sightseeing opportunities on the island.

Nature reserves and sanctuaries are common as are stunning historical monuments and forts. It is not just culture and natural beauty that attracts people to Mauritius and there is also a buzzing nightlife which will make any holiday particularly memorable.

The capital city is Port Louis and it is the governmental and commercial capital of the country. It is also a very popular destination with tourists and there are numerous must see attractions in the city. The Caudan Waterfall, Port Louis Theatre and Mauritian Chinatown are all destinations that should be visited in the city if you are on holiday here.

It is also possible to enjoy a panoramic view of Port Louis by climbing Signaux Mountain. As well as the sightseeing there are plenty of shopping opportunities in the city with numerous department stores and malls as well as bustling markets. Shopping is a big activity in Port Louis and if you are looking for the perfect souvenir to take home to friends or family then this would be the place to buy it.

The bustling markets have a lot of traditional Mauritian items that those back home are sure to appreciate. The beaches of Mauritius are internationally famous for their beauty and are a very popular location for people on their honeymoon. They are a wonderfully romantic holiday spot and there are a great deal of luxurious accommodation options nearby.

These beaches are responsible for attracting a great many of the tourists who come to this country and they come from all over the globe to enjoy them. Some of the most famous beaches in the country include Belle Mere Beach, Grand Bay, Grand Baie Beach, Cap Malheureux Beach, Pereybere Beach, and Flic en Flac.

The National Parks of Mauritius are vast and one of the most well-known is the Black River Gorges National Park. This is a part of the country that has an incredibly diverse amount of flora and fauna and it is definitely one of the most popular locations for any tourist to head to, especially those who are interested in nature.

There are a huge number of animals in the forest as well as plants that are incredibly exotic. The forest will contain such interesting animals as the Flying Fox as well as numerous types of tropical birds.

In this part of Asia, Mauritius is definitely one of the most popular holiday destinations. If you want to make the most of your holiday to this beautiful island then you should plan ahead carefully. There is so much to see and do that doing some research before you come is essential so that you make the most of your time away and take back memories you will cherish forever.

Famous for its wineries, but you can also enjoy getting into the wilderness, with camping . . . → Read More: Walla Walla county, wine in Washington]]> If you feel like modern life is getting too much, with all the hustle and the bustle, perhaps you should escape to south-east Washington, and the Walla Walla county. This is truly a chance to relax and get some real ‘you’ time.

Famous for its wineries, but you can also enjoy getting into the wilderness, with camping trips, bike rides, horse rides, hikes or just relaxing in a luxurious bed and breakfast. There are more than 90 wineries in the area, producing everything from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot to Sauvignon Blanc. If you are a wine expert, or just enjoy a glass or two, you’ll be able to tell that these are some of the greatest wines in the country.

There are many reasons why this area of the USA produces such great wine. The climate is fantastic for it, and the production is superior to many other winery areas, but the single biggest factor is probably the wine maker’s passion.

With all the wine around, and the wine tasting being such a big deal, you would be forgiven for thinking that that is all on offer, but you will swiftly see that this is not the case. In the city of Walla Walla, a quick stroll down Main Street reveals the strength of the art culture.

There are many art shops that sell pieces ranging from abstract paintings to modernist to sculptures to traditional landscapes. Around the city you can see many public statues. Just like the wine, you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the art in the city.

If outdoor activities are more your bag, then Walla Walla can fulfil your dreams. On the horizon you can see the Blue Mountains which are a base for many activities. If you want to go for a ramble or go camping, then the trails around the mountains are perfect.

Around the base of the mountains is the Umatilla National Forest. Hikers here are walking the same path as Lewis and Clark did back in the early 1800s on their transcontinental expedition. But be warned, if you’re hiking you must stay out of the way of the horse-back riders.

For accommodation, there are many excellent motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Shop around to find a great deal, with the Marcus Whitman Hotel and the luxury Cameo Heights Mansion B&B being two of the more famous places you can stay. Complimentary internet is standard, as is state-of-the-art security, but if you look around you can find fitness centres, spas and a whole lot more.

If you plan your event in advance then you can make it coincide with some of the incredible events in and around the city. From wine-tasting to hot air balloon ‘stampedes’ as well as art festivals and many more. There are calendars available from the city’s official site so make sure to pick the right time for what you want to see.

It’s held on April 30th each year and, as its name suggests, it’s in honour of the queen and marks her birthday. Just to confuse you, . . . → Read More: Amsterdam’s Queen’s Day festival: what to see and where to go]]> The Queen’s Day festival is one of Amsterdam’s biggest events and it’s a great opportunity to mingle with the locals, who all come out in force to celebrate this national holiday.

It’s held on April 30th each year and, as its name suggests, it’s in honour of the queen and marks her birthday. Just to confuse you, though, this date doesn’t actually apply to the current monarch – Queen Beatrix – it is, in fact, her mother’s birthday. She decided not to move the festival when she acceded to the throne in 1980.

Anyway, back to the important business of getting to Amsterdam and making the most of this extravaganza. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll still be able to enjoy the celebrations – here’s how.

Book early

If you’re hoping to stay in one of Amsterdam’s cheap hotels, you’ll need to make sure you book a bed well in advance. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city every year for Queen’s Day, so if you leave it too late you’ll either end up paying a fortune or sleeping on the street!

Seek out the free parties

The celebrations begin the evening before Queen’s Day – not surprisingly called Queen’s Night – when revellers take to the streets and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Of course, all the big clubs will be hosting lavish parties and entry can cost as much as €25 (£21), but if you’re aiming to spend as little money as possible, check out one of the free parties.

Listings for this year haven’t been announced yet, but make sure you check out what Sounds From The Loft are doing – in 2011 they organised a free open-air concert with musicians and DJs in Amstelveld.

Another top tip is to see what the Bredeweg Festival has planned. This annual fiesta is organised to coincide with Queen’s Day by the community in the city’s Oost district.

In previous years they’ve had musical performances from opera singers, Brazilian bands and rock ‘n’ roll groups, as well as hosting a fair and free market.

Line the canals on Queen’s Day

A quintessential Queen’s Day experience is to pick a spot on one of the many bridges over Amsterdam’s canals and watch as the lively procession of decorated boats float along the waterways.

Everyone onboard will be getting into the spirit of things, some will be wearing outrageous costumes and most will be playing loud music – have a dance, watch the spectacle and enjoy; best of all, it’s totally free!

Go bargain hunting

Ok, so this could set you back a bit of cash – but only if you find a bargain that’s too good to refuse! One of the highlights of Queen’s Day is the massive free market that springs up around Amsterdam’s streets.

Anyone can have a stall, so you’ll find an eclectic mix of items on sale. Browsing is great fun, even if you have no intention of buying anything.

Make sure you visit Vondelpark, where a huge free market dedicated to children is set up. Kids here can sell their old toys and clothes, try busking or just enjoy the host of activities on offer for youngsters. It’s a great atmosphere and certainly worth a visit.

Chill out to some tunes

If you’re still in the party mood after a spot of bargain hunting, you’ll find lots of open-air concerts going on all over the city – and most of them won’t cost a penny to attend.

Smederijplein, Rembrandtplein, Wertheimpark and Heinekenplein were among the hotspots last year, so make sure you see what’s going on at these places.

For something totally different, head to the Q-Park on Marnixstraat. Last year, this multi-storey car park was transformed into a huge party venue where you could dance the day away. Here’s hoping they repeat the event in 2012!

However, dismissing Turkey as simply a country for beach holidays in the summer could result in you missing out.

If you’re looking for a last minute break and see any late deals to Turkey advertised, below are five great reasons to go.

Listed below are some of the main pros and cons of each approach to help you make up your mind.

Franchisee pros

If you become a work from . . . → Read More: Franchise Vs. Independent – Work from Home as a Travel Agent]]> If you want to work from home as a travel agent, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make initially is whether to be completely independent or a franchisee.

Listed below are some of the main pros and cons of each approach to help you make up your mind.

Franchisee pros

• Buying power

If you become a work from home travel agent with the backing of a franchisor, you will have access to their buying power. This means you’ll be able to offer lower prices to your clients and are therefore more likely to attract new business.

• Knowledge and expertise

Most travel agent franchises come with initial training and ongoing support. This can be invaluable in the early stages while you’re trying to build up your travel agency business.

Franchisee cons

• Financial outlay

Many travel agent franchises require an initial financial outlay. However, there are some that don’t; instead they take a percentage of your monthly commission.

• Restrictions on what you can offer

If being in complete control of your work from home business is important to you, a franchise may not be the best option. As a franchisee, you’ll be restricted as to what deals and packages you’ll be able to offer your customers.

Independent pros

• More freedom

There’s certainly more flexibility with being an independent travel agent. For example, you can change prices, add new destinations, or choose to focus on a specific niche whenever you want.

• Lower costs

Being an independent travel agent means whatever profit you make is yours to keep. There are no monthly deductions or franchise fees to pay before you’ve even started.

Independent cons

• Lack of support

If you haven’t run a travel agency before, the lack of support could result in you making some basic errors while you learn the ropes. It’s hard to put a figure on how valuable it is to have someone experienced to turn to for advice when you work from home as a travel agent.

• Harder to compete on price

Without the bulk buying power of a large, established travel agency behind you, it’s likely your prices may be higher than your competitors’.

While that’s not the end of the world, you will have to work harder to add extra value to your service in order to be successful.

Author Bio: The Freedom Travel Group has opportunities to become a work from home travel agent with the benefit of being part of the Co-operative Travel Group. See their website for more details http://www.freedomtravelgroup.co.uk/

Built by the architect Niccolo Michetti, . . . → Read More: Estonia a new tourist destination]]> Located in north-eastern Europe with borders to Russia and Latvia is Estonia, which is a country with a unique natural environment and a wonderful number of small towns located throughout the country each with their own character. There are many fantastic attractions in Estonia that any visitor would delight in seeing.

Built by the architect Niccolo Michetti, the Kadriorg Palace was built as a place where the nobility and rich people of Russia would come to in the summer. Today the palace has been turned into a museum and art gallery but is also the place where the office of the President can be found.

The National Museum of Estonia can be found in Tartu and is mostly dedicated to the agricultural and peasant life that was once the countries primary industry. There are some fantastic farmhouses that have been recreated in the museum and details of the clothes that the people used to wear. Visitors will be pleased to find that everything has excellent descriptions in English.

In Tallinn, visitors will find the Open Air Museum which is located just outside of the old city. Here you will find over 70 buildings which date back to medieval times. It will give visitors an idea of how hard times gone past were for Estonians.

Tallinn is the capital city and in the heart you will find the old town which has wonderful cobbled streets and many mediaeval alleyways and homes. Around the ancient wall that surrounds the city are many beautiful parks which are a very enjoyable place to take a walk in the summer. The city became a world Heritage site as designated by UNESCO in 1997.

Sailing is a very popular activity in Estonia and in the summer the weather is perfect for it. There are numerous ports all around the country which provide good facilities for people wanting to take a sailing trip around Estonia. On the border of Estonia you can find one of the largest lakes in Europe. Despite its enormous size the depth of the lake is relatively shallow, with the deepest point being just 15 metres. This makes it a fantastic location for fishing and other recreational sports.

St. Olaf is a church that has a fascinating history dating all the way up to the modern-day. In recent years, the church was used as a lookout for KGB spies when the country was occupied by the Soviets. The view from the spire, which was utilised by the KGB, is spectacular and is open to anyone who wants to climb up the stone staircase. The views from the top are definitely worth the long climb up the stairs.