Travelling with Glasses: What to DO

Packing isn’t easy for anyone, but those of us who wear glasses or contact lenses have a few extra special concerns. Clearly, it’s of the utmost importance to be able to see while on holiday, but how do we protect our delicate eyewear from damage while travelling? We completely understand your eyewear woes, so we thought we’d create a quick list to help you keep those eyeglasses and contact lenses in one piece. We want you to be able to see it all on tour!

Protecting Your Glasses with a Travel Case:

• Know your prescription just in case you need to replace your specs while you’re away

• Bring another pair: Keep one in carry on and one in checked luggage

• Keep glasses in a hard case so they are less likely to break if crushed

• Pack a repair kit and lens cloth

• Prescription sunglasses are a great thing to have since you’ll probably spend a good deal of time outside.

Contact lenses:

• Try to avoid wearing your contacts on the airplane. They tend to dry out.

• Bring travel size bottles of contact lens solution and rewetting drops to keep those contacts feeling comfortable.

• Keep contacts, your contact lens travel case and all related supplies in your carry on to make sure they’re safe and with you at all times.

With these few simple tips, you should be well prepared to keep your spectacles or contact lenses safe from harm so you can take in all the sights with comfort and ease.

Packing Tips for Happier Trips

We’ve all been there, standing over an empty suitcase feeling a little bit panicked about what to bring and what not to bring. If you pack too much, you wind up lugging all kinds of stuff you never use, but if you bring too little, you’ll inevitably find yourself very uncomfortable at some point on your trip. So, what’s a traveller to do?

We’ve culled this handy packing list for you so that no matter where you’re going, you’ll be perfectly prepared and expertly packed

Suitcase Packing Tips
• Make and check your packing list
  Make a check list of everything you packed so you don’t lose or forget anything
• Roll, don’t fold
  This helps prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled and it also saves space in your suitcase
• Use fresh, clean shoes as packing cubes
  Save space by putting small items like socks, underwear, cords, costume jewellery, etc. in them
• Ziploc bags and elastics are your friends!
  Use these for anything: packing and separating liquids, dirty clothes, water proofing, separating clothes or souvenirs
  Hold cords and clothing together with elastic
  Elastic hair ties are great to use since they double as hair elastics
• Put a shower cap over your shoes
  It prevents other things in your suitcase from getting dirty
• Put heavier items like shoes near suitcase wheels
  This keeps it level so it will not topple over
• Leave plenty of empty space in your suitcase
  You’ll need it for souvenirs!
• Packing cubes or compression bags
  Help you stay organized
  Save space•Bring an around the world adapter

  It saves money over time and can be used anywhere

• Put dryer sheets in between your clothes
  They keep your things smelling fresh and help prevent wrinkles

Travel Wear
• Do your homework and study the climate you’ll be visiting
• Pack safe colours and items
  Jeans, khakis and other neutral colours like black are always versatile choices
  Comfortable (neutral if possible) shoes. If you have new shoes, break them in before your trip
• Layering
  Is convenient for all types of weather
  Saves room in your suitcase instead of packing unnecessary bulky items

Air Travel Tips
Check your airline’s baggage restrictions so you know:
  Weight restrictions  Bag limits   Bag fees

• Never check important items!
  Your valuables are always safest with you. If your luggage gets lost, you’ll at least have your most important items accounted for.

• 3-1-1 liquids rule

Make sure liquids are in up to 3.4 oz. or less size containers for carry on
Place them in Ziploc bags to prevent accidental spillage

With these packing tips in mind, your suitcase should contain only what you need to be comfortable and prepared for your fantastic journey. Happy packing!

Article written by Allison Faria. As a Marketing Communications Intern at Collette, Allison has travelled throughout the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and still counting. She enjoys trying unique foods, spontaneous adventures, and kayaking her way around little Rhode Island.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

Quick Tips to Finding a Good Travel Companion

Some people prefer to travel alone while others feel a little nervous about it. If you’re in the second group, we encourage you to find a travel buddy to share your journey. It can be really exciting to travel with a new friend because you get to learn about each other while exploring a new place together. It’s a great way to develop a lifelong bond with someone in a short time and we encourage you to think about it. We put together a few tips to help you find someone great to share the adventure.

Find a friend online

There are websites out there dedicated to helping people just like you find a travel companion. Try looking at Travellers Meeting to find people to talk to about travel, share your stories with and hopefully you’ll even find someone to join you on your next adventure.

Join a group or travel club

Group tours are a fantastic way for the solo traveller to get out and see the world. Church groups and other clubs like garden clubs or walking groups are a great place to start. Group travel is safer than travelling alone, and it’s much easier and more efficient to follow an itinerary that’s been designed by an expert who has comfort, safety and all the best places to see already planned out. While on tour, you’ll no doubt find at least a few fellow travellers who you click with. They can make excellent travel buddies in the future, so be open to making lots of new friends.

What to look for in a travel buddy

Make a list of the characteristics about yourself that your travel buddy would need to match. This can be anything from your energy level, sense of humour, food preferences, ability to handle challenges and even what time you go to sleep and what time you wake up. For example, a night owl and an early riser are not a great match.

Look for people who have similar interests and go from there. If you’re a foodie, find another foodie. Love to take photos? Hook up with another shutterbug. If you love shopping, seek someone who shares your passion. Doing something you enjoy is sweeter if you have someone who shares that interest.

When talking to potential travel companions, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and to share important things about yourself. You want to be completely honest and let the other person know what your expectations are and be clear about what they are looking for as well.

Good luck finding your new partner in adventure!

Kristen Gilbert - As a Digital Content Copywriter at Collette, Kristen has travelled extensively. When she’s not busy writing about fabulous tours, she’s dreaming of being in a place where she can sip an umbrella drink with her toes in the sand and a good book in her hand.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette

Five Best Places to Visit in the Spring

Springtime is a wonderful time to travel. The weather is mild and the crowds haven’t shown up to all the prime locations yet. Prices are a bit lower still and since the summertime tourists haven’t arrived yet, you practically have the whole destination to yourself. Many places are lovely to travel to in April and May, but we thought we’d put together a short list of best bets to get your started.

1) Amsterdam

It is an absolute delight to visit Amsterdam in spring! Starting in early spring you can watch winter layers melt away to make way for stunning and colourful blossoms and blooms that will take your breath away!

2) The Grand Canyon

One of the best reasons to visit the Grand Canyon in springtime is to avoid the huge summer rush. Enjoy clear paths to lookout points over the most majestic and iconic sites without waiting in line or getting a stranger’s head in your photos!

3) Vancouver

Surrounded by mountains and beaches, Vancouver is a natural playground with lots to do when the weather is fine. This is another city that comes back to life in the spring. Springtime festivals bring locals out of the winter doldrums to enjoy their outdoorsy lifestyles. You can literally feel the joy in the air!

4) Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Springtime there is actually autumn. It’s a time when crowds thin, foliage pops with colour and the weather is still lovely and the water warm.

5) London

Mild weather in early spring makes for the perfect time enjoy all that is wonderful about this bustling iconic destination just before it becomes even more bustling in the summertime. See the parks blooming with flowers and lush green grass and trees. The smell of spring is definitely in the air!

Don’t wait until the summer to travel. Springtime is every bit as lovely as summer and travelling in April and May has many great benefits.

Kristen Gilbert;  As a Digital Content Copywriter at Collette, Kristen has travelled extensively. When she’s not busy writing about fabulous tours, she’s dreaming of being in a place where she can sip an umbrella drink with her toes in the sand and a good book in her hand.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

3 Things That Make Central and South America More Amazing

The dynamic region of Central and South America is filled with so many wonders that it is hard not to fall in love with such a beautiful destination. Lose yourself in the upbeat atmosphere as you sway to the samba music, taste test the local food, and travel to many heights to get spectacular views you cannot find anywhere else. You’ll experience more then you could ever imagine when travelling this destination and here is why.

More Amazing Cuisine

Savour the flavours of South American cuisine! Find the most divine ceviche from a street vendor in Peru and wash it down with a tangy pisco sour. Discover your new favourite comfort food in the empanadas of Argentina and indulge in dulce de leche as a sweet treat. No matter where you travel in South America, you’ll find foods influenced by Native American, African, Spanish and Italian cultures grown in a place where the climate and geography provide for a variety of meats, fruits, vegetables and spices that lend themselves to many unforgettable culinary delights.

More Cultural Experiences

The cultural experiences you’ll find as part of our South American itineraries are wonderful travel moments that range from great to small. You’ll enjoy sightseeing trips to see the fantastically diverse and abundant wildlife population, visits to some of the world’s most iconic sites, and dining on a diverse variety of foods that make for many delightful culinary experiences. These special inclusions have been selected by our experts to allow you to truly come to know South America, and more importantly, the people (and animals and plants) who call it home.

More Inspiring Landscapes

South America is an intriguing land known for some of the world’s most iconic sites. It’s home to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Torres Del Paine National Park, the Galapagos Islands, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and many more sought after locations. Take a full-day cruise through the breathtaking Chilean Fjords, spend a day exploring unspoiled nature trails through the jungle, discover the alluring city of Santiago or swim in the natural pools of the Amazon. No matter what you choose, the unforgettable sights of South America will leave you absolutely speechless.

Diana Ditto, one of Collette's Product Managers, has been travelling all her life. You can find her seeking out the best of Ireland, Scotland, England and beyond. If you see her out on the road be sure to say hello and raise a glass of Guiness.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

Why You Should Travel to Europe in the Off Season

There are many ways to make winter extraordinary, but travelling surely tops the list for most. Whether immersing in the holiday season, travelling Europe in the off-season, or being whisked away to a tropical paradise, when travelling with Collette, you get more of what makes guided travel so special.

The holiday season is a whimsical time of year and travelling during this time is truly magical. Send your travellers a fun and festive adventure unique to this time of year. There is nothing like discovering the holiday traditions of another culture; exploring the world’s iconic sites adorned with shimmering lights and colourful decorations; and experiencing the cheerfulness that resonates from the locals – that is travelling during the holidays.

Don’t forget about the benefits of travelling to Europe in winter – its off-season.

Amazing ValueYou can save up to 40% when you travel to Europe during select months. Experience a wealth of classic destinations at a wonderful value.
Local LivingAs the pace slows in winter everyone has more time to share stories. Sink into the local culture as you are visiting neighbourhood markets or sitting in a cozy cafés. Also experience the holiday festival and markets that are a tradition.
Get Closer
With smaller crowds comes the chance to spend time with the Mona Lisa and marvel at the work of Michelangelo. Take advantage of this sometimes underappreciated off-season perk.
Winter Cuisine
There is something a little more satisfying when there’s a tinge of cold in the air. Warm yourself with a bowl of beef bourguignon or some hot chocolate.
Mild Temps
Many parts of Europe are relatively warm in the winter. From the sun you’ll find in Spain and Portugal to comfortable days in Italy, it’s the best time weather wise to visit.

When you want to escape the winter, take the opportunity to renew, refresh and grow by travelling the world with Collette. You will be fulfilling your dreams of a faraway place that shines bright during the wintertime with an extraordinary guided travel experience.
Cassie Stetkiewicz

As a member of the Collette team, Cassie shares tips and stories drawn from her years of industry experience that has brought her to 28 countries and counting! She believes that travel is about truly experiencing the world and is passionate about preserving its treasures. Volunteering with the organization Tourism Cares is one way she does her part to help.  Blog copy used with permission from Collette.

The last secret of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City was China’s seat of power. Delve into the symbolism, architecture and the last ‘forbidden’ site of this great cultural treasure in Beijing.

In the 15th century, the Chinese regarded their country as the centre of the world. In the heart of their seat of power stood the emperor’s palace: the Forbidden City. The walls concealed a world of extreme wealth where mere mortals were banned for 600 years. Now the city attracts up to 20,000 visitors a day, but there is one place where nobody has ever entered which will soon be accessible to the general public.



In 1402, General proclaimed himself emperor and ordered the construction of a city for the ‘Sons of Heavens’, as the emperors from the various dynasties were known. Millions of labourers worked for 14 years to build China’s ultimate seat of power. In 1421, the emperor took up residency in the palace complex and made Beijing the new capital of China. Twenty-four emperors would rule from the Forbidden City. In 1912, the last emperor was placed under house arrest in the palace. In 1924, the monarchy was abolished and replaced by the People’s Republic of China

For a long time, it remained a mystery how the Chinese managed to build this enormous city. The complex is filled with heavy slabs of marble topped with intricate sculptures. The largest is 16.8 metres long and three metres wide. Scientists recently concluded that these incredibly heavy pieces of marble were probably transported over icy roads. By flooding the roads in the long, cold winters with a thin layer of water, the builders were able to transport these huge slabs of marble using the labour of only fifty people.

Yellow is power, red is good fortune.
Colour played an important role in the Forbidden City. Yellow symbolised the highest power and was exclusively reserved for the emperor. Practically everything he touched and wore was yellow: from his clothing and bedding to the floor tiles and dishes. Even the roof tiles in the Forbidden City are glazed in yellow to clearly announce his divinity.

Red is associated with fertility and good fortune so all of the buildings and defensive walls are red. But this colour also symbolises fire and that is the reason why the library roof is the only roof in the city that is black, instead of yellow. Black symbolises water and would extinguish the flames in case of a fire.

The Feng Shui philosophy
One of the key factors for determining the location of the Forbidden City was Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese philosophy which works with finding locations that are in harmony with nature. Another important element of Feng Shui is symmetry, and therefore the design of the Forbidden City is mostly symmetrical. The north-south axis in the centre is lined with the most important buildings. The other buildings are placed symmetrically on both sides of the centre.

Number 9 for masculinity
The Forbidden City is filled with references to the magical number nine, which is of great importance in Chinese numerology. The number nine represents the ultimate masculinity and thus the emperor. To gain access to the emperor, one had to pass through nine gates. The Forbidden City also has 9,999 rooms, only one room less than the mythical 10,000 rooms of the palace in heaven. On the roof of the Imperial Palace, you will see nine mythical creatures that were supposed to protect the emperor. The nails on the gates have been applied in rows of nine, containing nine nails each.

The final secret
Although the Forbidden City is now open to the general public, one spot has always remained a mystery. When the last emperor fled the Forbidden City in 1924, the doors of one of its largest treasures, the Qianlong Garden, were sealed. But within a few years, this secret garden will be inaugurated to the public. The garden was built by the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty as part of his private quarters. He issued a decree that after his death the garden should remain untouched for eternity. The bamboo furniture, the silk paintings, the jade ornaments and the 18th century glassware: everything has been preserved in a pristine state. The restoration began in 2008 and the garden is expected to reopen by 2020.

Amazing things to visit in Ecuador

1. Cotopaxi
Ecuador is famous for its volcanoes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain peak in the country, and one of  Its unique features is its one of the few glaciers located along the equator. Cotopaxi is near Quito, which makes for a  great day trip for visitors who are staying in Quito but looking to get out of the city for the day.

2. Quilotoa
800 years ago this beautiful lake was formed high in the Andes when a volcano blew up. The lake is more than 250 meters deep and holds stunningly beautiful water in its basin. Try and explore it on a sunny day to witness the waters shift from eye-catching blue to an earthy green.

3. The Basilica of the National Vow
The Basilica is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere never completed. Local legend suggests the completion of the cathedral will bring about the end of the world.

4. El Panecillo
 El Panecillo stands watch over the city of Quito. This 45-metre tall representation of the Virgin Mary is made up of 7,000 separate pieces of aluminum and is one of the only structures of the Virgin Mary to feature angel wings.

5. Malecon 2000
Guayaquil is a city with a unique youthful vibe, and Malecon 2000 is the center of its activity. This vibrant Riverwalk offers the fine art, museums, food and a place where community convenes. Malecon 2000is  a great place to have a meal, a drink or partake in world-class shopping while in Ecuador.

Restricted Driving Zones in Italy Explained

Traveler's Guide to ZTL Driving Zones in Italy

 

When you're getting ready to embark on a tour of Italy by car, it's important to familiarize yourself with the Limited Traffic Zones (called Zona Traffico Limitato or ZTL in Italian) found in most major cities. Many popular Italian travel destinations, such as Rome and Florence, have ZTL's in place to reduce congestion in high traffic areas, helping to slow the inevitable structural decay of their historic city centers.

Driving into a ZTL without the appropriate authorization will lead to a steep fine, and in nearly all cases tourists and non-residents are forbidden from being issued passes, as only local drivers are allowed to drive in these zones. The fines for crossing into a ZTL boundary are issued by ticket-cameras placed at the entrance of each zone, and these tickets will vary in price based on the city you're driving in. Typically you can expect to pay approximately 65 EUR if you drive into a ZTL zone in Italy, plus a "Traffic Violation Fee" of around 25 EUR charged by your local car rental supplier.

Helpful Tips for Avoiding ZTL Italy Tickets
Reading Italy ZTL Road SignsCamera-Ticketing: Streets with ZTL access are regulated by ticket-cameras that process fines instantaneously, the second your vehicle breaches a ZTL boundary. The ticket is processed electronically and sent to the address listed on the car's registration (if it's a rented vehicle, the ticket is sent to the billing address of the credit card listed on the rental voucher).

GPS Doesn't Always Help: Because ZTL regulations are determined individually by each city - and because they change periodically - GPS systems do not include ZTL boundary information, and usually suggest the shortest possible route to a specific destination. Drivers should be aware that this can lead them to accidentally cross into numerous ZTL's where they could accumulate many tickets.

Don't Be A Follower: While touring an Italian city in your rental car, you will most likely see some drivers crossing into a ZTL and might think that you can follow them without incurring a fine. This is incorrect. Most local drivers have passes allowing them ZTL access, so be careful when following others.

This information provided by our partner Auto Europe -  Click here for maps and zone information

The best Game of Thrones locations

The best Game of Thrones locations in Ireland

SPECTACULAR FILM LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Captivating coastline

Portraying Theon Greyjoy, actor Alfie Allen endures great agony. Yet he can never get enough of the filming. “I love this spectacular coastline. If Northern Ireland had a slightly better climate, it would be like New Zealand.” Allen spent most of his time donning a harness and roaming Ballintoy Harbour, the stunning setting for the Iron Islands. In between takes, the actors often visited the Giant's Causeway, the famous nearby basalt columns.

The Iron Islands

Theon Greyjoy was born on the Iron Islands. Here, in the sea along the coast of Pyke (Ballintoy), he is baptised in the name of the Drowned God to prove his loyalty to Ironborn.

Cushendun

Ancient delivery room

The role of merciless priestess Melisandre in Game of Thrones has brought Dutch actress Carice van Houten great fame. And the most talked about scene is undoubtedly the one in season two, when her character gives birth to a baby of black smoke. This pivotal scene was filmed in the Caves of Cushendun, which were formed by more than 400 million years of the sea pounding on the crumbling coastline.

Dragonstone

After the infamous scene in the caves of Cushendun, the Red Woman leaves Dragonstone in search of Robert Baratheon’s lost illegitimate son. She finds him and brings him back to the castle along the rugged coast for a very special reunion.

Castle Ward

Archery in Winterfell

In a series where each episode sees dozens of characters dying a bloody death, it is nice to have a less vengeful family. That is the role of House Stark: the friendliest of the warring parties in Westeros. Home base Winterfell is mostly filmed on Castle Ward: an 18th century country estate where part of the set still stands and visitors can try their hand at archery.

Winterfell

A castle with character

The towers of Castle Ward are easily identifiable among the CGI walls and towers of Winterfell. But there is more to Winterfell than CGI: prior to filming the Winterfell scenes, over 100 crew members worked for eight weeks to transform the castle into the Stark family fort.

Dark Hedges

Eerie tree tunnel

Game of Thrones is often described as the feuds of The Sopranos set in the Middle-Earth of The Lord of the Rings. Such a magical setting wouldn’t be complete without a place like the Dark Hedges: a bizarre lane of trees just outside the village of Armoy and one of the most photographed views in Northern Ireland. In the series, the lane portrays the most dangerous road in Westeros. An excellent choice: it’s easy to imagine a three-eyed raven among the sinister twisted branches.

Doors with stories

Doors with stories

The Dark Hedges is one of the most iconic film locations of Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, some of the over 200-year-old trees from the set were destroyed by a storm in 2016, but have been turned into doors with the help of some artistic carpenters.
 Each wooden door represents one episode from season six of Game of Thrones and they can be admired in several pubs, bars and inns across Northern Ireland. At the end of each episode, the location of the next door is revealed. The Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle is one of the proud owners of such a door. See what’s behind it as you wander into Tollymore Forest, the place where men from the Night’s Watch stumble upon a White Walker in the first season’s pilot episode.

Quitin Bay

Star beach

Quintin Castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture on the east coast of Northern Ireland. However, the 12th-century castle was skilfully edited out of Game of Thrones to make room for the fictional Castle Stokeworth of mercenary Bronn. Producers felt that Quintin Bay – with its ominous rocks and barren beaches – was the real star of the local landscape. Of course that doesn’t include the character of Jaime Lannister who can be seen here trudging through the sand.

Empty promises

Bronn finally gets what he thinks he is entitled to. But when he is promised Castle Stokeworth, this comes at a price. His prospect of riches and a beautiful wife are short-lived when life turns out different than expected and he is persuaded to go on a new quest.

Uncover San Francisco's Beat Trail

Uncover San Francisco's Beat Trail 

By: Monograms

As anyone who strolls down Jack Kerouac Lane can guess, San Francisco is a city that relishes its literary memories. In the 1950s, a flood of free-spirited writers rejecting the leaden conformity of Cold War society traveled here to create the “San Francisco Renaissance.” These bohemians congregated in the low-rent Italian neighborhood of North Beach, frequenting the smoky jazz bars and cheap pasta joints in the area. 

The most famous resident was Kerouac, author of On The Road, who coined the term “beat generation” to describe his restless friends. (The name came from underground slang, and mixed a sense of being downtrodden and rebellious, Kerouac said, with “beatific” and saintly; San Francisco newspaper writer Herb Caen later transformed “beat” into the popular term “beatnik” a few years later). Kerouac arrived here with his friend Neal Cassidy, who appears as the character Dean Moriarty in On the Road, and the poet Allen Ginsberg, who debuted his epic poem Howl at a riotous reading in the neighborhood Six Gallery, a literary event that turned into a famous all-night party. 

Today, the City Lights Bookstore (cnr. Columbus Avenue and Jack Kerouac Alley) is one of the city’s most beloved shrines: It was founded in 1952 by the beat poet Lawrence Ferlenghetti, and remains one of America’s great bookstores. After browsing the collection, pull up a chair at the Vesuvio Bar next door; in the ‘50s, this was the beats’ favorite watering hole. It was here that Kerouac was way-laid on his way to meet the great author of Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller; while the elderly Miller waited, Kerouac became too drunk to leave. Kerouac’s boozing and willingness to push himself to the limits would finally be his destruction: He died of complications due to alcoholism in 1969, only 47 years old.

Let Monograms and The Little Travel Consultant help you build the perfect vacation to San Francisco!

Unfold the History of Hadrians Wall in England

Join Globus and Unfold the History of Hadrians Wall in England

By: Globus

The English countryside is thick with historical ruins, but some of the most formidable were created by the world’s first superpower, ancient Rome. Conquered by Emperor Claudius in 69 AD, Britain became one of the remotest provinces of the sprawling Roman Empire, and amongst its most troublesome. 

Decade after decade, Roman legions were dispatched to subdue the Pictish “barbarians” of the northern part of the islands (modern Scotland), but were defeated by its dismal weather, rugged terrain and savage resistance. Worse, defiant Pictish raiders swept down from the highlands to pillage peaceful Roman settlements, causing endless headaches for local governors. Finally, in 180 AD, the visionary Emperor Hadrian had had enough of the troublesome frontier. He decided to build a 180-mile-long defensive wall through the narrowest neck of the island, with military towers set up every mile; forts would be manned by 1,000 men each to keep the enemy at bay. 

These sodden, windswept outposts were amongst the least popular postings in the Empire for Roman soldiers, who longed for the warmer climates of the Mediterranean, but thanks to their impregnable stone barrier, they successfully kept the peace in Roman Britain for over 200 years. Only when the Roman Empire itself began to crumble around 400 AD, and the once-disciplined Roman soldiers themselves became vicious bands of marauders, was Hadrian’s Wall abandoned. Even so, the edifice remained more or less for another thousand years; until the Normans in the Middle Ages realized that the beautifully-cut Roman stone would make excellent material for their castles, so the masonry has been largely pillaged. 

Today, anyone driving from England to Scotland can turn off from the main highways and visit the eerily abandoned remains of Hadrian’s once-splendid Wall – now peaceful and picturesque, wandered by herds of sheep instead of wild-eyed barbarians.

Great storytellers don’t use scripts. They use itineraries. Bring the stories of England to life with Globus. Contact The Little Travel Consultant and get started.

Explore the Swiss Alps

Explore the Swiss Alps with Globus

By: Globus

Switzerland is small in area, about a third the size of New England, but it is grand in stature, the tallest country in Europe. Sixty percent of the land is mountainous.

The Swiss Alps sweep across the country from the eastern borders of Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein and Italy in the south, to the hills above Provence in southern France, in an imposing meringue of stiff peaks formed of rock, ice and snow, perched like a scoop of ice cream on the cone of northern Italy. Du Four Peak is the highest mountain in Switzerland (15,634 feet), just a bit shorter than Mont Blanc (15,774), which rests along the French, Italian and Swiss borders. The watershed flows west from the run off of St. Gotthard Massif Alpine Range in the west central area of Switzerland, becoming the source of both the mighty Rhine and Rhone Rivers.

The Alps may be high and imposing, but they are also porous. For thousands of years they’ve allowed travelers, traders, armies, and in Hannibal’s case, elephants, passage through central Europe. Today there is even a 14-day ski excursion that hundreds engage in every year, crossing the Alps from France all the way to St. Moritz and Zermatt near the eastern border of Austria.

The Alps are the defining image of Switzerland and are spectacularly awe-inspiring. They can be frightening close up, depending on weather, but heartbreakingly beautiful when admired at a distance from alpine meadows, villages, towns, cities and on the roads or rails through this magnificent country, the roof of Europe.

Destinations aren’t just places on a map. They’re the backdrop for some of the most fascinating stories in history. Experience the Swiss Alps with Globus and The Little Travel Consultant!

La Piazza Della Signora

La Piazza Della Signora

By: Globus

What’s the best vantage point to ponder the most illustrious town square in Florence, the Signoria? An outdoor table in the venerable Caffè Rivoire – preferably over a delicious, if not painfully expensive cioccolata con pane, a dark and mud-thick hot chocolate. Late at night, when the crowds have gone, you can search the long shadows and imagine that very little has changed here since the 1400s.

The Signoria is the most elegant sculpture garden in Europe. Masterpieces include the splendid Neptune Fountain by Ammannati, Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli and a precise copy of Michelangelo’s David, all strategically poised in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. This grand public space has been the centerpiece of Florence since the 15th Century, the golden age when the city was established as the most beautiful in Europe. Eminent merchants in their ostentatious finery met here to discuss business in the midst of Florence’s raucous daily life: the din and odors from the produce vendors, butchers and fishmongers were as intense as any Indian bazaar. Barbers also plied their trade in the open air; preachers harangued the crowd for their wanton ways; children played palla al calico, a type of soccer; while young gentleman enjoyed chess and dice on the stone steps.

With so many Florentines crowded together, the Signoria was also where sudden eruptions of violence might occur – some with political aims, other seemingly by accident. The city records show that a runaway horse once charged into the piazza, knocking over stalls and creating general panic. City officials thought that a revolt was in progress, so they locked the palace doors and the public executioner went into hiding, fearing retaliation from the friends and families of his victims.

Akrotiri Thera

Akrotiri Thera: after seven years it was well worth the wait!

By: Voyages to Antiquity

Aegean Odyssey really was in the right place on Sunday when we were the first cruise ship to visit the re-opened Akrotiri Thera site on Santorini. Regarded by many as the 'Pompeii of Greece' the site was destroyed by a volcanic eruption nearly 4,000 years ago and was closed to tourists after a safety incident in 2005.

Many of our guests were unaware that the site was being re-opened and as the first cruise ship into the island, we were assured of a warm welcome and most importantly few other visitors.

Commenting on his first visit to site, Dr Matthew Nicholls, one of our guest lecturers onboard said, “The winding road up from the port takes you over the rocky spine of Santorini and you can imagine what life would have been like on the island before the volcanic eruption which covered the town and its inhabitants. The archaeological site has been completely rebuilt and covered with a new steel roof and is now fully open to visitors.

"We were lucky to have been accompanied by one of Voyages to Antiquity's tour guides which helped us uncover the wonders of the site. You really need a guide to get the most out of the visit as many of the signs and info boards have yet to be completed. This made our whole experience so much richer and enjoyable."

"One of the best parts of a Voyages to Antiquity visit is you don't have to fight through hordes of visitors. We had the site to ourselves and were able to see so much. This really is a 'must see' for anyone interested in Greek history. The whole site dates back 850 years before Homer and is truly unique. We were privileged to have seen the re-opened site in its newly refreshed style and I hope to be back in the coming years to discover more."

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle

By: Globus

The Belvoir Castle has a strong history in the United Kingdom and dates back to Norman times (1066-1247). After his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror gave a grant of land in Leicestershire to his standard bearer, Robert de Todeni. Todeni, in 1085, used the grant to build a castle atop a hill and called it Belvoir - “beautiful view.” The English, who couldn’t latch onto the building’s French pronunciation, called it Beaver Castle and do so to this day – a truth that would surely horrify Todeni.

Another fact that might surprise Todeni is the “15-minutes of fame” Belvoir Castle has experienced in Hollywood. Helicopters buzzing around the castle in 2005 probably had locals wondering what was happening on this historic hill, but staff were sworn to secrecy until May 17, 2006 – the day The Da Vinci Code movie was released worldwide. The movie shoot at this infamous castle involved a week of exterior filming and a lot of hustle and bustle … all for a brief shot of the landmark in the movie. Producers chose Belvoir Castle because it fit the description of Castel Gandolfo in the best-selling book. A modern star even before this blockbuster movie, Belvoir Castle has also been featured in popular TV programs and other films including Little Lord Fauntleroy, The Haunting, as well as a Jim Henson production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Soon, the castle will be seen in another secret film project or two.

The Duke of Rutland resides in the famous Belvoir Castle (his royal ancestors have inhabited the castle since 1509) with his wife and five children and feels he’s a trustee to pass the estate on to succeeding generations. You can discover this and other enchanted historical sites throughout the United Kingdom, and just imagine the famous dramas you could relive with Globus and The Little Travel Consultant!

Assisi: The Patron Saint of TV

Assisi: The Patron Saint of TV

By: Globus

Saint Francis may be Assisi’s most internationally famous son, the charismatic preacher who has been the subject of numerous bio-pics. But his female counterpart, Saint Clare, evokes almost as much devotion amongst Italians. Her life story reads like a medieval inversion of The Sound of Music: 

A beautiful young woman born into a wealthy family, she was betrothed at an early age to a dashing local noble and seemed destined for a conventional life of luxury and pleasure. But her future was transformed in 1210, when she saw the handsome young Francis, espousing the sacred virtues of poverty in the streets of Assisi. Clare immediately cut off her long golden hair, took a vow of celibacy, gave away all her fine clothes and began to dress in a simple cassock. She soon founded her own religious order for women, the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare, which demonstrated a devotion to good works that matches the all-male Franciscan order of monks. 

 In fact, she is often known to Catholics as alter Franciscus, another Francis. Among Clare’s lesser-known honors is that she is the patron saint of television. She was actually given this designation by Pope Pius XII in 1958, on the basis of a miracle that occurred at the end of her life: One Christmas Eve, Clare had been too ill to attend Mass, but the entire religious service was transmitted to her miraculously in a vision. 

 The Pope also designated Clare the patron saint of all telecommunications, including the telephone, an invention dear to the hearts of cellphone-obsessed Italians. Today, Claire’s body can actually be visited in the lovely crypt of the Basilica di Santa Chiara. It’s a romantic setting: She is clothed in an immaculate habit, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers and seems to be peacefully dreaming beneath a ceiling that is painted as a starry sky. No cellphones or televisions are on display. The world is a library. What story might you discover on a Globus vacation in Italy with The Little Travel Consultant?

Recognizing an Inconvenient Truth

Recognizing an Inconvenient Truth

By: Globus

The Galapagos ranks as one of the most important sites in the Western Hemisphere in regards to biodiversity and scientific research. As such, the Ecuadorian government is one of the first countries to include environmental legislation in the form of a constitutional amendment. 

The Special Law for the Galapagos is a landmark piece of legislation which has far-reaching and unprecedented language to protect biodiversity and foster a culture of conservation. The law aims to promote conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of the Providence of Galapagos. 

The legislation recognizes not only the biological framework necessary to protect Galapagos, but also the intellectual and sociological aspects. The principal goal of this piece of legislation is to create a harmonious existence between people and the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. 

So enjoy the lush scenery, plants and animals that await you because they are heavily treasured and guarded in these pristine Islands! The world is a library. What story might you discover on a Globus vacation in The Galapagos with The Little Travel Consultant? 

Why Oxford is Called the City of Dreaming Spires?

Why Oxford is Called the City of Dreaming Spires?

By: Globus
Oxford has long-served as an inspiring landscape to writers, artists and dreamers. In his poem, “Thyrsis,” written to commemorate his friend, Arthur Hugh Clough, who died in 1861, Matthew Arnold famously captured Oxford in the view from Hinksey Hill with the evocative expression, “that sweet city with her dreaming spires,” describing the elegance of the famous university buildings.

Today, the view from Hinksey Hill is less dreamy, despite the greensward foreground of “Matthew Arnold’s Field,” which was purchased by the Oxford Preservation Trust in 1928. Now, those spires are best appreciated from atop St. Mary’s or Carfax Towers in town. Other literary treats lie in Oxford’s Christ Church College, where Charles Dodgson (a.k.a. Lewis Carroll) was a mathematics tutor from 1855 to 1898. He created his stories Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass to entertain the daughters of Dean Henry Liddell. Much of his inspiration came from Christ Church, including the long-necked “firedogs” that hold the logs in the fireplace (Alice’s neck stretched long), the narrow spiral staircase down which the Dean would disappear after meals (down the rabbit hole) and the mulberry tree outside the library where a cat would perch (the Cheshire Cat).

Today, a stained glass window in the Hall depicts scenes and characters from the stories. And, of course the Hall was used in the Harry Potter movies as the dining hall at Hogwarts. For the less lofty, a stained glass window in Christ Church Cathedral tells the story of St. Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint, with her deathbed panel bowing to modern convention. The window was made in 1858 – a year after the aptly named Thomas Crapper invented the flush toilet. Thus, a flush toilet sits clearly in the background of the final dramatic panel of this famous stained window.

Destinations aren’t just places on a map. They’re the backdrop for some of the most fascinating stories in history. What story might you discover next with Globus and The Little Travel Consultant?

3 Big Benefits to Booking a Condo with a Travel Agent

3 Big Benefits to Booking a Condo with a Travel Agent

By: Outrigger Condominium Collection
Recently we've all been hearing a lot of our clients telling us that they are booking a condo directly with an owner, rather than with a travel agent, because it costs less.
Before you make that decision, let us explain the benefits of booking through a travel agent and a reputable management company, like Outrigger Hospitality. Here are three great reasons to book with a travel agent.

1. You will be able to check-in and check-out at the front desk of the property vs. having to go to another off-property location, like a realty office, to pick up the key.
2. You will enjoy regularly scheduled housekeeping services.
   • With owner-direct bookings, the unit may only be cleaned only after the guest leaves.
   • If you need or want certain types of housekeeping or maintenance services during their stay, and if they booked direct with the owner, they may have to arrange for these services themselves, via the owner or the owner's representative. If you book through the agent, we'll take care of this for you.
3. You will have overall peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced travel agent behind you if you need assistance to make your vacation experience match your expectations.

It's your vacation and your time to relax. Let us book your condo for you. Give The Little Travel Consultant a call to book your next Outrigger getaway to any of the Hawaiian Islands.

Best of Italy

Best of Italy

By: Francis Touschek and Insight Vacations
1500 miles of undiluted history of art, architecture and above all, human endeavour. A cross section of 3000 years of history, beautifully displayed, tangibly visible and also “exhausting”.

Every moment of this tour is a constant reminder of human ingenuity and fallibility. An exhaustive trip to the roots of western civilisation. A trip of a lifetime.

From the primordial and indigenous tribes of the Italian Peninsula, to the nomadic tribes of Asia Minor, the exciting Greek influence, the glories of the Roman empire, the gloom of the dark ages and the Barbaric hords, the Arab and Norman invasions, the sophistication of the Swabe dynasty, the apotheosis of the Italian Renaissance, the gradual decline, the Spanish and French invasions and finally the utopic dream come true, the unity of Italy in 1861.

Italy is not only a beautiful and fascinating country, it is also a beautiful way of life. Every facet of this country is to be experienced, understood and frequently pardoned. It is sometimes confusing and yet proud, chaotic and efficient at the same time, a world-leading industrial and financial reality and yet politically a banana republic. A country of extreme contradictions. A country of sailors and poets, a country of frustrations and indifference.

Every moment of the “Best of Italy” is aimed to share with you a whirlwind experience of a country worthy of many repeat visits, a taste of (always) better things to come, never a dull moment. You leave with a lingering feeling of enrichment and an extraordinary feeling of humility. You will leave with a sense of achievement.

For all the above reasons and many more, you have to experience the truly Best of Italy.

Contact The Little Travel Consultant and get ready for the Best of Italy.

The Lake District, England

I was fortunate to be able to return to the Lake District in May and find it to be one of the most beautiful areas of the England.  The Lake District is a National Park in the northwest of England, and is a popular holiday destination.    It is known for it’s lakes, rugged mountains and historic literacy associations.

All the land in England higher than 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level lies within the National Park.  The highest mountain in England and the deepest and longest bodies of water in England.

The precise extent of the Lake District was not defined traditionally, but is slightly larger than that of the National Park, the total area of which is about 885 square miles (2,292 km2). The park extends just over 32 miles (51 km) from east to west and nearly 40 miles (64 km) from north to south, with areas such as the Lake District Peninsulas to the south lying outside the National Park.

It is the most visited national park in the United Kingdom with 15.8 million annual visitors and more than 23 million annual day visits, the largest of the thirteen national parks in England and Wales.

There are many paths over which the public has a right of way, all of which are signposted. Within the area of the National Park in 2012 there were 2,159 kilometres (1,342 mi) of public footpaths, 875 kilometres (544 mi) of public bridleways.

Many of these tracks arose centuries ago and were used either as ridge highways or as passes for travelling across the ridges between settlements in the valleys. Historically these paths were not planned for reaching summits, but more recently they are used by fell walkers for that purpose.

The Lake District is intimately associated with English literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thomas Gray was the first to bring the region to attention, when he wrote a journal of his Grand Tour in 1769, but it was William Wordsworth whose poems were most famous and influential. Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud", inspired by the sight of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, remains one of the most famous in the English language. Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey became known as the Lake Poets.

During the early 20th century, the children's author Beatrix Potter was in residence at Hill Top Farm, setting many of her famous Peter Rabbit books in the Lake District.

http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

America's First Eco Lodge

    

 

Even if you can’t stay overnight, be sure to visit the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, perhaps the most beloved of all National Park historic accommodations: its soaring, 92-foot lobby, erected in 1904, is a marvelous thatch-work of gnarled and knotted tree trunks, evoking the sensation of being inside the primeval forest of Yellowstone.

 

Its architect Robert C. Reamer wanted to capture the wild, unruly essence of nature, arguing that the Inn should look as if it actually grew on the spot. (“I built it in keeping with the place where it stands,” Reamer wrote. “To try to improve upon it would be an impertinence.”)

 

Today, the Inn’s older rooms still have their original raw pinewood walls, marble sinks and claw-foot cast-iron baths; on cooler nights, the wind can sometimes whistle through old logs that make up the exterior walls. In 1959, an earthquake caused some structural damage, and its famous gabled roof is now sadly off-limits to the public – except for two individuals who are permitted to accompany a staff member raising and lowing the flags every dawn and dusk. (Not surprisingly, the ritual is hugely popular and booked up a year in advance, although it is worth asking at the reservation desk if someone has canceled).

 

Would-be roof-climbers should be aware that it’s not a trip for those leery of heights. Starting from the lobby, one ascends a series of rickety old stairs that seem to be suspended in mid-air as they sway underfoot like trapeze ropes. These pass by the precarious ‘Crow’s Nest’ – a tree-house for adults, where in the early 1900s a small musical ensemble would gather after dinner, to serenade the guests dancing below in formal dress. But for those lucky few visitors who make the climb, the view from the roof across the steaming fumaroles of the Upper Geyser Basin is magical. We design our journeys around the stories they will tell.

 

By Globus;  OnTarget by Nexion

 

Paris must see sites...

Paris Must See Sites

By: Globus
Paris is a city full of sites to see. Make your European trip one to remember by checking out these exciting Parisian destinations.

Montmartre, Latin Quarter
Try a walking tour of the Montmartre district, where artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh worked. Your Local Host can suggest other intriguing walking tours of areas such as the Latin Quarter, the fashion district, or where to find the graves of Jim Morrison and Chopin in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Sacré-Coeur
While in Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart). This pristine, white-stone church was proposed as a memorial to the soldiers killed in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but it was not completed until the end of World War I. The church features one of the world’s largest mosaics, which depicts Christ with outstretched arms, and a massive 19-ton church bell. Enjoy wonderful views of Paris from the Sacré-Coeur steps.

Musée d’Orsay
Stroll through centuries of artwork at the Musée d’Orsay, which houses an extensive collection of impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne. You can als
o admire Rodin’s statues, and do not miss the spectacular reception room.

Sainte-Chapelle
Fifteen intricately designed panels of stained glass—commissioned by Louis IX— depict 1,100 story-telling scenes.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc du Champ de Mars
Families may like to take a stroll in one of the famous parks and take a whirl on their charming carousels. You can also see the “pétanque” players, or sit on one of the “so typical” Parisian green chairs.

Seine Bridges
Find your favorite bridge. There are 37, and they are all different—from plain to gilded and from new to over 400 years old. The special atmosphere they create across the Seine River helps to make Paris one of the most romantic cities.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
In the Roaring 20s, this quirky bookstore on the Bohemian Left Bank was the meeting place for some of literature’s greats—like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Joyce to name a few. It continues to serve as a cultural magnet for struggling writers and visitors alike.

Markets
Ask your Local Host how to get to the flea market for affordable objects d’art, or visit one of the food markets. The French know how to turn food display into an art form. See rainbows of fresh fruit and vegetables, soft palettes of bread, and colossal wheels of cheese—France has over 400 varieties of cheese. And when you’re ready for dessert, specialty stores abound—from tarts and pastries to crêpes and pains au chocolat. Other specialties to try include onion soup with a fresh baguette, coq au vin (a classic chicken dish), croquet monsieur, quiche Lorraine, escargot, steak-frites, and famous French wines and champagne.

Champs-Elysées, Shopping
Shop at haute couture boutiques by the Champs-Elysées. Perfumes and scarves are classic gifts, as well as French berets, lace, collection dolls, and pottery. Use your included specially arranged discounts at the famous Galeries Lafayette, or check out the Printemps department store.

OnTarget by Nexion

Banqueting House, London

 

 

When you stroll through the streets of London, history surrounds you with every step. For instance, if you walk from Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall through the arch, you will pass beneath the former office of the Duke of Wellington and the window from which the Queen Mother used to watch the annual Trooping the Color.

Cross the street and you will be at Banqueting House, the site where Charles I was executed on January 30, 1649 by Oliver Cromwell’s men on a scaffold built out from a first floor balcony (“first floor” in England means one floor above the ground floor). Turn around and look at the clock above the Horse Guards Building and you will see a black splotch behind the “2,” set there to mark the dark hour of the king’s beheading. Banqueting House is also the only building in Whitehall to survive the Great Fire of 1666. Don’t just bring home stories.

Bring home unforgettable memories.

By: Globus

OnTarget by Nexion

Capri: The Emperor's Hideaway

Rising like a whale from the ocean, the spectacular island of Capri has held a particular attraction for celebrities trying to “get away from it all” over the centuries. In former times, it lured the writers Goethe, Oscar Wilde and Graham Greene; these days, it attracts American stars like Leonardo di Caprio, Harrison Ford and Mariah Carey. But Capri first became famous in 26 AD, when the Roman Emperor Tiberius “dropped out” here to escape the political in-fighting in Rome. For 16 years, he ruled the Empire from his luxurious cliff-side palace – flashing his orders to the mainland via a lighthouse.

Today, the remains of the Emperor’s notorious Villa Jovis is a key attraction for any visitor to Capri. Tiberius was a dour, secretive man who chose his island home as much for its security as its beauty. Protected by 500 foot cliffs, Capri had only one landing point, and his villa, located on a remote headland offered sweeping 300 degree views of the ocean. But according to the muckraking Roman author Suetonius, he went wild in this prime piece of real estate, hosting round-the-clock parties. Also, he apparently enjoyed conducting mock trials of political enemies, after which he would personally eject them off a precipice. After his death, Romans became amused with Tiberius’ reputation as a satyr, and tourists would visit the Villa Jovis to inspect the sexual imagery painted on his bedroom walls; his antics have since been recreated in the BBC series I, Claudius and the Penthouse-funded film Caligula.

Today, the Villa Jovis has decayed into a poetic ruin. But ever since the Romans left, Capri itself has maintained a reputation for extraordinary luxury and sensual abandon. In the Victorian age, the British turned to it as an escape – and in the 1960s, film makers like Jean-Luc Goddard used it as a setting for chic thrillers like Contempt (starring Jack Palance and Bridget Bardot).

OnTarget by Nexion