Category: Holiday
Lytham St Annes is situated on the beautiful Fylde Coast in Lancashire. The town is famous its Victorian heritage, and the town grew in popularity as a holiday destination for the well-heeled folk from the inland towns and cities of the industrial north.
Lytham sits alongside its rather noisier neighbour, Blackpool. Blackpool of course needs no further introduction, apart from to say that in recent years the town has undergone somewhat of a revival. The football team are sitting high in the premiership, and although the efforts to bring the supercasino to Blackpool ultimately failed, the town still has grand visions for a renaissance for much of its more salubrious areas.
But back to Lytham St Annes. The town has long been a haven for the retired, looking to settle down after a working career, in the quieter and refined surroundings of this picturesque place. Lytham is famous for its shopping and boutique stores, as well as its bustling cafe culture. St Annes is more of a holiday destination, boasting a wealth of quality hotels and holiday accommodation.
In particular, many of the St Annes hotels can be found along North Promenade, either side of the old Victorian pier. A lot of the hotels in St Annes cater equally well for families and business functions, although in line with many of the prevailing trends in recent years, many of them have had to move with the times and adjust their service offerings accordingly. A number of them have moved to exploit the wonderful array of golf courses in the area. Others now feature leisure facilities and spa packages.
Local hoteliers understand their market however, and pricing and facilities are always competitive. Hotel owners Lytham St Annes operate in a different environment than their counterparts further along the coast in Blackpool. Blackpool hotels very often rely for their trade in the peak summer months and the illuminations.
Lytham St Annes continues to thrive as a destination for holiday makers and day trippers alike, and with such a fine range of hotels, shops and attractions right on its doorstep, there is no reason why this shouldnt continue for many years to come.
Unexpected holiday plans can spring anytime and for any reasons and often such last minute situations can lead to confusion and travel goof ups. Last minute traveling can be little complicated to handle especially when there is so much to do and you have no idea where to begin or what to do.
Following are some of the key pointers you should keep in mind when planning a last minute holiday or when getting ready for that last minute travel:
Choose the destination
If this is some sudden plan of going out with the family for a day or two or if it’s some random idea of spending time with friends away from the rush of your city, always decide on a destination or a city before packing those heavy bags of yours. The best way is to either come with a common favorite place or call up friends or family members who might be able to come up with great holiday spot ideas. Another way is to decide is to consider factors like budget and time.
Find the cheaper airlines or hotels
Last minute travel can also be result of emergency or difficult to avoid circumstances leaving no time to plan a budget or to search for the most affordable way to travel or stay. At such situation, the best thing that could be done is to find cheaper online deals for airlines and hotel reservations. Internet is full of such last minute deals and can prove to be a good idea at such status of your travel.
Even the last minute holiday based on urgent account of affairs can be made suitable to one’s pocket by such deals. It is advisable to discuss the matter with any friend or family member who might have idea on affordable traveling ideas or might have any such experience.
Start the holiday one day in advance
It is always a good idea to mark the beginning of a holiday a day in advance, a day when you can sit think, plan and shop. A day in advance means lots of time and less of confusion especially if its one of those last minute holiday plans.
Make a list
For everything you plan, wish to do and still have to do make a list. By penning down every little thing you get to have a clear idea on what’s been done and what’s still not done, also it saves you from asking yourself ‘am I forgetting something?’, when you board your plane or train.
List making technique also helps in checking everything twice and ensures that you have planned it all.
Reach not on time, but before time
This is one of the important tips to follow when planning or getting ready for last minute holiday. Reaching the airport or station much before the time saves you from unexpected incidents that might delay you and gives you sometime to sit and think. Often, last minute holiday or last minute traveling makes you forget things you might have wanted to take with you or things you simply forgot to pick, with early arrival at your airport or station you get enough time to drive back, in case you have to. Also, reaching before time helps to unwind the trouble and lets you begin your journey with peace.
Holiday season is often an exciting time for lovers- exchanging gifts, going to affairs and parties, and going away for a vacation. But this feel-good atmosphere can sometimes be overwhelmed by the Holiday stress- preparing and cramming for family dinners, shopping, oceans of presents to wrap and crazy schedule to abide. Amid this rumpus, its always good for you to set aside some romantic things to do with your loved ones. To have a romantic- filled holiday season, here are some few suggestions that you can do.
1. Do the twelve days of Christmas countdown. This requires a bit of imagination, but it will be more than worth it. It doesnt need to be expensive or time consuming. For instance, in the 10th day of Christmas you can give 10 hickeys or in the 9th day you can give 10 baked cupcakes there are so many things that you can do together with the twelve days of Christmas. The great thing about this is both of you have something to look forward to everyday. Make this a tradition.
2. Romantic Paper Chains on your Christmas tree. In a colorful strip of paper, write down the qualities you adore about each other. Then glue each strip until it will make a long chain and have it wrap around your tree.
3. A romantic Christmas love letter. Instead of giving an ordinary card, why not make a letter of lovely sentiments about your loved one. Make your words count this holiday season.
4. Have a slow cruise around town sight seeing the wonderful Christmas lights and decorations, take pictures of each town you have gone to.
5. This holiday season, hang a hundred of mistletoe around your house! Be sure to kiss every time you are under a mistletoe.
6. Cuddle together and watch holiday special movies.
7. In a Christmas party, take the stage, have everybodys attention and dedicate a love poem or sonnet to your partner.
8. Surprise your partner with a lovely hotel suite with candle lit dinner.
9. This holiday season, have a group of carolers sing Christmas love songs to your partner.
10. This holiday season go to places where there are beautiful lights and ornaments, take time to walk around the park hand in hand, enjoy the view and each other.
11. If you havent cook for your partner, then do it now. There is no perfect way for you to surprise your partner with your rare culinary skills than this holiday season.
As in any foreign country, it is wise to follow precautions for safety and security when on a safari in Kenya. When on a Kenya safari holiday there are a few things to remember, not to walk in the bush without your guide, not going too close to or feeding the animals and not swimming in rivers in case of crocs and hippos.
Your guide should explain these kinds of safety issues, but other things to factor into your safety concerns include Kenya holiday insurance, medical preparations, looking after property and money and choosing the right kinds of food and drink. Here are some tips on how to keep safe on your Kenya safari holiday.
Money Tips
Travellers’ cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in Kenya. A small quantity of US cash, preferably, is useful. Kenya holiday makers should try to carry only a little cash with them make sure youre not an easy target for thieves. Only authorized dealers and banks are allowed to change currency. It is worth changing money at the banks or bureaus on arrival at international airports or in the major towns, where the rate of exchange is more favourable than those offered at lodges and hotels.
Security Precautions
It is important to have a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques when you go on a safari in Kenya, and to ensure that these items are kept in a safe place separate from the originals. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for valuable items. Avoid transactions with by-standers unless accompanied by your tour driver/guide. Beach traders can be a nuisance but they will leave you alone as soon as you firmly but politely decline any trade with them.
Medical Precautions
Malaria is endemic to much of East Africa, consult a doctor or health department for the latest anti-malaria precautions well in advance of your Kenya safari holiday, as well as finding out about any other recently recommended jabs or tablets.
Bring plenty of mosquito repellent and wear trousers, socks and perhaps long sleeves in the evenings to avoid being bitten. Most rooms, even tents, have mosquito nets or mosquito proofing and are sprayed by hotel staff before night falls. Beware of sunburn even at high altitudes where the air feels cool. Bring plenty of sun creams, hats and suitable clothing on your Kenya safari holiday.
Food & Drink in Kenya
Bottled mineral water is readily available all over Kenya and it is generally recommended that Kenya holiday makers steer clear of water other than this. There are no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcohol in Kenya and you will find a good selection of local beers and soft drinks available, as well as imported wines, beers and spirits in many places, although these can be expensive. The quality and value of food in Kenya is generally very good. However, do eat sensibly, particularly in the first few days of your Kenya safari holiday.
Kenya Holiday Insurance
Medical insurance is strongly recommended. Nairobi has two first-rate hospitals with excellent emergency facilities. In addition to this, travel insurance covering loss of baggage, third party liability, cancellation and curtailment, etc. is also recommended for Kenya safari holidays.
Want to rent a holiday home, but don’t want to get scammed or waste money on the house that you THOUGHT was your best choice, only to find out that you made a big mistake? Or are you interested in getting cheap holiday homes or even package deals!
Below are some solid tips you can use to find and rent your vacation home without any hassles or problems, and even save money.
Know what your getting
When you look for short-term vacation rentals, everything should be included. Always double-check for hidden charges on the invoice. Do you have Wi-Fi or internet? Is it basic or premium? Does the price involve the whole months cost? Maybe the internet is free up to the first 5 Gigabyte.
What if you have to leave early? will you get a partial refund? They might tell you that everything is included, but check the invoices just to make sure, because it might be up to some amount.
Knowing the manager
Knowing the manager of the holiday house is very important. Your contract should say they’re exact contact information for when you need help. What if your washing machine breaks, or the hot water won’t work anymore and you need to stay another 3 weeks on holiday.
Try keeping the contact information in and out the holiday home, so you can always get in touch. If you can get a second person to contact, do it! Make sure you have at least the telephone and e-mail of the owner.
Family and Pet friendly
If you are with a pet, look for pet friendly vacation rentals! Imagine traveling all the way to your holiday home just to find out that pets are not allowed in the house. Some people don’t like it when the previous guests had a pet (hygiene).
Or if you have 3 kids and the guest-room only has a king-sized bed, this could be a big problem. Make sure you see enough pictures of the house, to make sure. Check the location, is it safe for the kids? Is it close to local activities?
Booking early
Book early to make sure that everything will be as promised. Certain times in the year, villa rentals are very busy due to holiday seasons, so try to book early. You can look for holiday homes with the availability slightly out of season time, to get better deals.
Don’t be shy and contacts the owner/manager of the property, most of these villa renters have package deals. They might be able to offer a rental car, cheap flights, attraction tickets, and more. Just ask and see for yourself. Now you have the tips needed to rent a holiday home that fits your needs. But… this final tip is the most important one. Especially if you’re from out of the country, and don’t want to get scammed, conned or your money taken…
Learn to rent holiday homes safe and smart.