Travel Tips Archives - Page 4 of 9

June 30, 2019

4 Ways to Pamper Yourself in Tampa, Florida

Imagine spending the afternoon sipping on healing tonics while you soak in mineral water, then indulging in your love of treasure by treating yourself to a one of a kind jewel necklace. Envision living it up on a yacht as you savor shrimp and filet mignon before dancing under the stars to your favorite song. Materialize your fantasies in Tampa Bay. From the boutique to internationally known, many luxurious Tampa hotels are designed to nurture your mind, body, and soul.

Find Your Fountain of Youth

Tampa Bay has always been a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Florida has attracted visitors seeking healing waters for centuries. As the legend goes, Native Americans gathered around Florida’s therapeutic waters before Ponce de Leon searched for the “fountain of youth.” Today’s hydro massages and hot stone massages combine modern technology with ancient knowledge. If you want to get back to nature and find your bliss, try a healing massage at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

Upgrade Your Look with Help from the Beauty Experts

Tampa is full of options when it comes to pampering yourself. Certified estheticians are available throughout the area to ensure complexion perfection. There is a beauty expert waiting for you around every corner, whether you desire a manicure and pedicure that shows off your new peep-toe pumps or want to perfect your eyebrows.

Treat Yourself to One of a Kind Treasures

Historical Hyde Park Village’s brick walkways are lined with a combination of locally owned specialty shops and national retailers. While you are there, try out a new look at an upscale salon or prepare your mane for a night out on the town at the blowout parlor. You may want to stay for special events, such as live music and al fresco dining.

International Plaza and Bay Street are known as the crown jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Don’t call it a “mall.” It’s much more than that, full of high-end retailers, fancy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

There are over 100 stores and restaurants in the open-air Shops at Wiregrass. Located in the heart of an affluent neighborhood, these carefully chosen shops complement a luxurious lifestyle. Finding an exclusive treasure has never been so easy.

Satisfy Your Taste Buds with Fine Dining

Photo via Flickr by Sangre-La.com

Tampa is home to many fine dining options, but dining on the water provides an unmatched ambiance. A dinner cruise aboard the yacht StarShip is the best option for sailing around Tampa Bay while watching the city lights. Your picture-perfect vacation will be documented with a complimentary photo service on a yacht designed to cater to you.

Now that you know about Tampa Bay style pampering, are you ready to find a luxury hotel or resort? HotelPlanner.com makes booking rooms with AAA, military, business, and senior discounts effortless. They find low group rates and accept separate payments. Each hotel is reviewed by discerning guests. No need to stress and spend your precious time worrying about accommodations, you have a getaway to plan.

June 30, 2019

5 Picture-Perfect Islands for a Relaxing Florida Vacation

We have hectic lives, and there comes a time when we need a recharge. It’s vacation time, maybe for some personal rest and relaxation or a romantic getaway for two. Florida’s beautiful beaches and keys are a popular destination, but with a little more than 4,500 islands to choose from, that can appear a daunting choice. To give you a start, here are five picture-perfect islands that offer to relax, low-key vacations.

Merritt Island

Image via Flickr by mathewingram

If relaxation for you means adventure, Merritt Island may be the perfect fit. Home of the NASA Space Center, Merritt Island has more than rockets. It’s located on Florida’s east coast and boasts a selection of activities. Whether you’d like to dream of and discover astronauts and space travel, enjoy a quiet getaway into the 140,000-acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, or try your hand at parasailing, this island will satisfy the adventurer in you.

Longboat Island

If a more low-key, elegant vibe describes your perfect getaway, Longboat Island will fit the bill. With fine dining such as the acclaimed French restaurant Maison Blanche, this scenic island is perfect to bring lovers together. Enjoy the day golfing, or lounge on its 12 miles of white sand beaches. Then, unwind with a stroll through St. Armand’s Circle.

Captiva Island

If enjoying the outdoors is how you unwind, Captiva Island might be the right call. Do some kayaking and paddle boarding before hitting the local scene for a cup of coffee, a browse through boutiques, and a slice of pie from Key Lime Bistro. Located near Fort Myers, Captiva Island offers an array of activities, including biking, sailing, and cruises to rekindle your romance or work off stress. For a quick adventure in the woods, Cayo Costa is just a boat ride away.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Captiva’s sister island, offers a relaxing, fun atmosphere. Seashells abound along the sandy coast. If you’d like to know more about the shells you find, you can visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum where they also have live exhibits. After spending your morning on Sanibel Island shelling or hiking through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the Sea Breeze Cafe.

Matlacha Island

If even quieter is better for you and yours, Matlacha Island could be your go-to destination. Located west of Fort Myers, Matlacha Island is a tiny, artsy town offering an array of galleries like Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens. Historic Pine Island is a short distance away and has a bike trail which stretches Pine Island’s length. After an easy day spent paddling the calm backwaters, biking, or hiking through Pine Island’s Calusa Heritage Trail, you can visit Matlacha Island’s Great Licks Ice Cream Shop to recount the day’s adventure and maybe plan tomorrow’s.

We all need a getaway from time to time to recharge from our hectic lives and reignite our romances. Visiting one of these picture-perfect islands in sunny Florida could be just what you need. Your relaxation awaits.
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June 10, 2019

The City of Light The Top 10 Must-Do Things in Paris

You love exploring and are sure Paris is the place for you. Now you’re creating your travel plans! However, this exotic city is quite large and comes with a vast variety of activities to choose from. But don’t worry! Keep reading to find the top 10 things to do in Paris:

1. Try French Macaroons

French macaroons are delicious, and what better place to experience them than in Paris, France! In this city, you should have no trouble finding these delicious treats as they are available in nearly all of the bakeries. However, Macaroons don’t stay fresh forever so make sure you eat them within a few days time as you explore your Paris attractions.

2. Speak French

What better place to speak a foreign language than in a foreign country? If you’re traveling to Paris, be sure to learn at least a little French before you arrive.Not only will this help you be better able to communicate, but knowing a second language is also super fun! However, don’t just start up a conversation with any random stranger. Just as you would in your own country, be wise in who you talk too. Good options for practicing your French would be placing an order at a restaurant or asking a store worker about the latest styles.

3. Experience The Eiffel Towel

When visiting Paris, one of the most unique locations to visit is the Eiffel Towel. You can even go to the top to see an amazing view of the city surrounding it! And at night you can watch it glow for a few minutes each hour until 1 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that French sunsets may occur later than you’re used too. Sometimes it doesn’t get dark until around 10 pm.

4. Find A Delicious Restaurant

You know your own city very well and likely have a favorite restaurant. Before visiting a new place, do some research to find the best restaurants with great reviews.Also, remember that French restaurants may have different hours than your own country. Lunch lasts from 12 pm until 2 pm and dinner doesn’t start until much later in the evenings.

5. Go Shopping

Paris is well-known to be an awesome place for fashion, making shopping one of the best things to do in Paris. Here, you can explore the latest styles throughout the city. However, if you plan to update your entire wardrobe, make sure to pack light and leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Some of the best tips for packing light is to not bring anything extra you don’t need. For example, you can leave your hair dryer at home if you know your hotel will have one. The best times to shop are during the months of July and January, where you can discover amazing sales!

6. Write A Journal

While you’re exploring all the best places to visit in Paris, consider writing your travels into a journal so you won’t forget anything. Journaling is very enjoyable and it would be super fun to look back on your adventures later on. However, journaling is not the only option available. You could also make a scrapbook, collage of pictures, or printed mini book detailing all your experiences and the Paris attractions you explored.

7. Cruise on The River Seine

When you want to take a break from walking, another great way to sight-see is to go for a calm boat cruise on the River Seine. And if you want to explore on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower on the same day, be sure to plan a tour!

8. Take A Group Tour

There are many places to visit in Paris, and going with multiple people can be safer and more fun than exploring solo regardless of where you choose to travel. If you plan on seeing many Paris attractions consider taking a group tour. This way, you can explore all the coolest places while still staying safe at the same time. Also, while you’re on a tour, make sure to keep some cash with you so you can tip the tour guides. Tips can range between two and five euros.

9. Book A Room With A View

A room with a view might just be for you as there are plenty of options to choose from! When making your hotel plans, consider booking one with a balcony. This way, you can enjoy the fresh cool breeze and always get to see the sights of Paris. However, the best rooms have the potential to get booked quickly for peak tourism seasons so make sure you plan ahead to guarantee the best room possible.

10. Visit The Louvre Musem

The Louvre Musem is a unique place to visit in Paris, it’s outside is beautiful and clear while its structure resembles the shape of a pyramid. And inside you will find plenty of amazing artwork, including paintings such as the Mona Lisa! This Paris attraction also gets approximately 15,000 guests each day; to avoid crowds, be sure to visit during less busy hours.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Paris

There is a vast variety of things to do in Paris, making this city definitely a go-to destination every traveler should add to their bucket list. And as you’re finalizing your plans, be sure to consider some of the options mentioned above! What are your thoughts on the top things to do in Paris? Feel free to share your traveling advice in the comments below!
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May 29, 2019

Places To Visit in London On Fathers Day

London museums the old man will love this Father’s Day

In case you needed a reminder: Father’s Day is coming up, 16^th June to be exact. Finding dad-friendly presents can be tough. You’ve done the “best dad” mugs, bought him countless novelty socks and enough shirts to last him a lifetime. So why not plan a day to remember this Father’s Day in the capital?

Whether your old man is a history fanatic, keen on culture or a lover of science, London is brimming with a fantastic range of museums that suit any interest.

British Museum

The world-famous British Museum might be an obvious suggestion but for good reason. Located in the Bloomsbury area, the British Museum is one of London’s biggest and most visited attractions. First opened in 1759, the British Museum exhibits rare and historic global artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.

The museum has over 8 million objects in its collection, with roughly 80,000 of these on display giving dad plenty to explore. For any dad who loves history, the British Museum not only offers wonderful artifacts to ponder but a wealth of education too.

Natural History Museum

Does your dad think of himself as a bit of a David Attenborough? Then the Natural History Museum is the perfect place to take him this Father’s Day. With the Dinosaur gallery and the spectacular blue whale model, the Natural History Museum will allow you and the old man to get lost in the history of life on Earth.

Based in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum is close to the Science Museum and the V&A museum, if you want to visit more than one attraction. They also offer private guided tours, so you can really make Father’s Day personal and give your dad memories he’ll cherish forever.

Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

As previously mentioned, the V&A is a neighbor to the Natural History Museum. Dedicated to art and design with 3,000 years’ worth of artifacts from across the globe, the V&A is sure to impress the old man.

From the Islamic and Asian art exhibitions to Medieval Renaissance galleries, the V&A is great for the culture and design lovers alike. There are also regular events held at the V&A as well as temporary exhibitions you can check out.

London Transport Museum

If your dad is a transport enthusiast, why not treat him to the London Transport Museum? Based in Covent Garden, the museum explores the connection of transport with the social and cultural history of London.

Highlights include the iconic red London bus and the world’s first Underground steam train. To top off the Father’s Day treat, stop off at the souvenir shop and treat dad, adding another miniature model to his collection.

Museum of London

If you’re looking to take your dad on a trip to London for Father’s Day, why not learn about the history of the city and stop off at the Museum of London? Packed with historic objects and exhibitions that take you on a journey of London’s past, making it a great activity for Father’s Day.

The museum is located in the City of London, next to other top attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Stopping over? Check out Dorsett Hotel, City, which is primly located between all three sites.