Travel Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Oh My Heartsie Girl

December 4, 2019September 30, 2020

4 Benefits of Renting a Car on Your Next Vacation

If you are trying to decide whether to rent a car for your next vacation or risk the local transportation system, you have come to the right place. The benefits of renting a car, whether that be for a family vacation, an adventure with friends or a solo trip are unparalleled, with convenience, affordability, and peace of mind all featuring highly.

Still, need convincing?

Keep reading to find out the many reasons why renting a car for your next vacation is the right decision for you and your family.

1. You have more freedom

If you wake up one morning on your vacation and think ‘hey, I want to go here today’, you can. No questions asked. You can simply jump in your car hire, pop on the satnav and be on your way.

You also have the freedom to stay at your chosen location or attraction for as long, or as little, as you want; there is no last bus to catch or taxi to try and contact. Not to mention, you can visit more remote (and unspoiled) areas of natural beauty without having to worry about how you are going to get home after.

2. You can save time

Your vacation is a treasured experience, one that you probably save up for all year round, so why would you want to waste your precious time waiting for a train, finding a reputable local taxi company or even just walking from A to B. The car rental process at the airport is now smoother, quicker and more streamlined than ever before, so you can pick up your car and be on your way in a matter of minutes.

3. You can save money

You may think that hiring a car abroad is expensive, and yes, of course, there is an upfront cost of booking a vehicle for your vacation. However, if you add up all the costs of transport for a vacation without a car, you will be surprised at how much you actually spend.

Public transport can be cheaper, but if there is a large number of you traveling, it soon starts to add up. Plus, there will undoubtedly be times when you have to resort to booking a taxi; maybe your kids are exceptionally tired, or you have missed the connecting train – whatever the reason, taxis abroad are expensive.

You can also find some great car hire deals if you book in advance – click here for more info.

4. You will be more comfortable

If the thought of dragging all your travel belongings onto an overcrowded and deafening bus brings you out in a cold sweat, then you should probably choose to hire a car for your next vacation.

Hiring a car allows you to take as much stuff with you on your day trips as you want, plus it is a lot more comfortable than having to share your personal space with three other people at the back of a smelly (aren’t they always) coach or train.

If you are renting a car for a site seeing and to avoid the additional cost of a carwash to keep the car clean during a long overnight stops check out the car cover review.
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which means I might receive a small commission if you make a purchase using a link at no extra cost to you.

November 25, 2019

List of 5 Star Resorts in Australia

If you’ve ever wondered where you can go live in luxury for even a short amount of time in Australia, we’ve got you covered. There are over a hundred vacation destination spots in Australia, and what’s important is that some of the most popular areas are also home to the best 5-star resorts for the ultimate experience that you can stay in so you can create the memories to last a lifetime.

Have you ever wanted to go surfing, diving, or just bask in the vast deeps of the jungle? Or do you want to experience the amazing desert locations inhabited by local aboriginal tribes of the lands? Either way, we’re going to tell you about a couple of Australia’s special gems that can make you possibly never want to go back to your busy daily life!

Lizard Island Resorts
Lizard Island is home to numerous 5-star resorts. They have a ton of activities that you can do in the area, or you can just go sit on your very own private beach. The main lodge is also home to numerous spa treatment facilities that can give you a special selection of fine wining and dining, along with a marine experience that can show you the bright blue ocean the way you’ve never seen it before.
Qualia
Actually spelled qualia in lowercase, this location is a resort that sits on the very edge of Hamilton Island and allows you to see all of the Great Barrier Reef in its glory. You can visit the spa, as well as enjoy a fitness club, private library, and dining area, and they are one of the few places in Australia that has a championship golf course, in which guests have access to more than others. You can even do everything you could imagine at the reef, from diving, and even snorkeling or take special low-flying helicopter trips over the reef. If you’re looking to relax, this beach is built to give you the opportunity to do just that.
Arkaba
Located in South Australia, Arkaba is a scenic mountain resort that was transformed from an old sheep farm and is located in 60,000 areas of secluded landscape in which 10 guests can get some exclusive rest and relaxation in. Not only that though, but they’re also are a ton of safari drives you can take, as well as enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and still get to explore the outback as you’ve never seen it before.

Conclusion

These are just a few resorts that are offered to guests in the wonderful world down under. If you’ve ever wanted more information, you can visit Luxury Lodges of Australia and enjoy planning your perfect destination location, see a ton of lodges available, and even plan a special vacation trip full of itineraries and special offers you just can’t pass up.

On a special note, if you ever wonder just what exactly you can do when it comes to visiting Australia, or looking for an exclusive vacation that you could take anywhere in the world, you just may be overwhelmed by all that you see in Australia compared to any other continent!
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October 24, 2019

Hotel Review: Westgate NYC Hotel

There are many reasons why New York is an internationally acclaimed vacation destination. From the Broadway shows and Times Square to the Statue of Liberty and traditional New York pizza, The Big Apple offers something for everyone. If you want to ensure a great first visit, there’s one thing you should be sure to do: make sure you stay in a nice hotel in a central location. If you can stay somewhere that’s located near public transportation, that’s even better. Although several hotels meet these requirements, there’s one, in particular, that stands out: The Westgate NYC.

Westgate New York Hotel Location

Usually, realtors are the ones who say “location, location, location”, but if you’re working with a travel agent, they’ll probably tell you that same thing about hotels in New York. Having a centrally located hotel in New York can make all the difference in the world. The Westgate is located in Midtown East Manhattan and is within walking distance to several local attractions. It’s also right next to the renowned Grand Central Station, which provides transportation to most of New York’s most popular areas. If you can’t find a direct route to where you’re headed, chances are you can get to a transfer point. Even if you’re not going anywhere, you may still want to take a look at the historical landmark which has been featured in hundreds of movies over the past several decades.

Westgate at a Glance

The Westgate was originally built in 1931, so it has the classic old town New York feel, but it was completely renovated in 2012. The interior is both modern and comfortable. The hotel can accommodate large events, such as conferences, weddings, and reunions. The conference room is approximately 3,500 square feet. There are a total of 300 guest rooms available. The hotel is also pet-friendly, though an extra fee may apply.

Hotel Amenities

One of the things you probably look for first when trying to find a hotel is their amenities. Rest assured, the Westgate offers several amenities for their guests to enjoy.

24-hour front desk
Elevator
On-site fitness center
On-site restaurant
Marketplace and bar
Complimentary newspapers are available
ATM
Free WiFi in the hotel lobby
Laundry and Dry Cleaning available
Valet parking available for a fee

Rooms and Suites

The rooms at the Westgate Hotel were designed with both comfort and convenience as the two highest priorities. All of the rooms feature Serenity Beds and triple-pane windows to lessen the noise of New York’s busy streets. There are several different kinds of rooms to choose from, there are one bed and two-bed options. There are also accessible rooms available upon request. Their signature Queen and King rooms are approximately 250 square feet, they each include work stations and can sleep up to two people. The Signature one-bedroom King Suite is approximately 420 square feet. It includes a separate living room with its own wet bar. It has a full private bathroom with a bathtub. There are a workspace, coffeemaker and flat-screen TV that comes with premium channels. The balcony provides a private outdoor space where you can see views of the city. According to google’s hotel reviews, the rooms at the Westgate are much more spacious than the average hotel room.

Destination Fee

There is a nightly destination fee that can enhance your stay. The fee is $30 plus tax and includes a $20 food and beverage credit that can be used at the onsite marketplace and bar. It also includes in-room WiFi, all local calls, access to the Fitness Center, daily newspapers in the lobby and the ability to print out your boarding passes before you head to the airport.

Friendly and Attentive Staff

One of the most common things that guests have to say about this hotel is its friendly and attentive employees. Because New York is commonly referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps”, it’s important to stay somewhere that has 24/7 front desk staff available. Not only does the Westgate ensure staff availability at any hour of the day, but they also ensure their staff is respectful and courteous at all times. Management takes pride in catering to their guests’ needs to the best of their ability.
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October 4, 2019

8 Easy Tips To Reduce Vacation Stress Effectively

Vacations are the time to unwind after months of slogging and following a daily routine. After all, everyone deserves a break and there is no better way to get one than going on a holiday. But this is just one side of the picture because vacations can be stressful as well. Right from planning a holiday to making travel and accommodation bookings, packing, long flights and more, every aspect involves stress. Financials and logistics can be equally challenging. What’s more, you may feel even more hassled if planning a trip with children. So what can you do to minimize the hassles? Is there a formula to make vacations totally stress-free? Yes, there are some easy tips that work and they are listed as follows:

Have a plan in place

Nothing works unless you have a proper plan in place and this rule applies to holidays as well. Start planning your vacation by deciding the destination and timeline, while considering the budget as well. Explore your options and shortlist the ones that fit into your budget. While you plan the trip, consider the fact whether you are going to travel solo, with friends or with family. Having everything drawn on paper in detail will definitely give you a good start and make bookings and arrangements easier.

Make arrangements in advance

The biggest stress that you may come across while planning a holiday relates to arrangements. Whether it is your flight tickets or accommodation reservations, book everything in advance. At the same time, do extensive research to find the best deals. Booking early not only makes you stress-free but also serves as the best way to economize travel. However, check the cancelation policy before making advance reservations because you may have to cancel at the last moment.

Pack smartly

A major hassle that people face while planning for vacations is about packing stuff. They may feel like carrying a lot but end up only tugging and towing heavy suitcases, with clothes they wouldn’t wear during the holiday. Reducing your packing stress is as easy as having a checklist of essentials and following it as you pack. Stick only to the essentials in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Don’t miss the stuff that you absolutely need, such as medicines, camera, and chargers.

Don’t over-schedule

Over scheduling your travel itinerary will only elevate your stress levels and you may end up feeling exhausted. Obviously, you will want to see and do everything at your destination and time will be a constraint. But over scheduling is the worst mistake you can make. The best way to deal with the situation is by making a list of places to visit and allocate optimal time for each. You may even consider researching online or talking to a local to find about the must-visit places. In fact, skipping some places may not be a bad idea as you can keep them for the next time.

Provide a buffer

When it comes to travel planning, you can never be sure because emergencies happen at any time. You can plan the timelines but cannot stick to the clock. Flexibility is the key to taking the stress out of planning and this is best done with a buffer time at the starting and end of the trip. A day off before you leave will give you plenty of time to pack and get ready for the trip. Similarly, you can really do better with a buffer day at the end of the trip so that you get some rest before rejoining work. This becomes all the important if you are traveling long distances because you will probably experience jet lag.

Choose a relaxing destination

If you really want to do away with stress, choose a destination that offers relaxation. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy peace and privacy. You can check online to find the best spa resorts and meditation centers to relax and rejuvenate. Consider staying in a holiday home rather than a crowded resort or hotel if you want to enjoy alone time. You may also consider a solo trip if the motive is de-stressing. Traveling with the family is fun but not something that you may always want to do. So opt for holidaying alone once a while without feeling guilty!

Be extra ready if vacationing abroad

Traveling abroad requires some extra preparation and being ready will keep you sorted out. To start with, you need to have all the documents. Do check the validity of your passport and have your visa done well in time. You would not want to get into a last-minute hassle with the immigration authorities. Paperwork is not the only thing that you need to worry about. Make sure that you exchange the currency at home itself because you may face difficulties at the new location. Carry enough cash to last through the trip so that you are fully covered. Safety is important as well, whether you go for a weekend getaway or travel internationally.

Have realistic expectations

Vacationers often have unrealistic expectations as they travel to their dream destinations. Don’t expect the trip to be perfect because problems may come up at any time. For example, you may not find a hotel room to be as good as you expected. Similarly, a sick child, bad weather and flight delays are some other problems that can ruin your plans. You can deal with the stress by having realistic expectations in the first place. Always have a plan B in place to keep things hassle-free on every front. Maybe you can explore a holiday villa if you don’t like your hotel room. Who knows what you may end up loving the experience!

The purpose of a vacation is to do away with stress and rejuvenate your body and mind. If you feel stressed during the holiday, it defeats this purpose itself. Following these tips can go a long way in making your trip enjoyable. So you must absolutely ensure that you do everything you can to avoid any hassles.
[…]
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