What Country Should You Travel To This Summer?

I have found now more then ever that people are seeking all types of different experiences from different destinations instead of traveling to the same place every year as I did as a child. With travel prices so low and affordable it's now accessible for a family to visit the other side of the world instead of having to compromise for the cheaper holiday destinations such as Benidorm in Spain. 

With this in mind, that more popular countries are now available to British families and tourists for less, I would like to know what country is for you? We all have our own tastes and requirements, we all have places we would love to see and we all have our own characters. I think your character has a big part to play in which country you would like to visit, so here is a quiz which will hopefully give you the right answer to where you should be this summer!

1) When your choosing a holiday do you purposely choose a destination which has...

a) Snow

b) Warm weather

c) Hot Weather 

d) Tropical weather

2) When choosing a holiday destination do you go for a place that has...

a) Activities 

b) Art, Museums and architecture 

c) Adventure and thrilling experiences

d) Vibrant, busy cities 

e) Hiking mountains and tropical treks through jungles 

f) Beaches and blue oceans  

3) When your on holiday, food is one of our favourite things yes?! What type of food would you like to eat on your dream holiday?

a) Burgers, fires, hot-dogs etc

b) Carb overload - Pizza's, Pasta's and bread

c) BBQ'S

d) Hot and Spicy 

e) Authentic street good 

f) Seafood

4) What type of clothes would you like to pack on your perfect trip...

a) Wool jumpers, cardigans, hat and gloves

b) Smart and Stylish 

c) Hippy clothes 

d) Loose clothes like linen for a hot climate

e) Hiking gear and boots bikini and flip flops 

f) Bikini and flip flops  

5) Your ideal and most perfect day on holiday would be spent doing...

a) Snow boarding and skiing

b) Visiting museums, art galleries and churches Being among the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city packed with culture

c) Cage diving with sharks and snorkeling with tropical fish 

d) Being among the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city packed with culture Relaxing on a white beach, gazing out at a never ending blue ocean 

e) Treking through a jungle and riding on an elephant

f) Relaxing on a white beach gazing at the never ending blue ocean

Now you have answered the questions let's add them up to see what country your character has led you to...

Mostly A's - Canada

Mostly B's - Italy

Mostly C's - Australia 

Mostly D's - India

Mostly E's - Thailand

Mostly F's - The Caribbean 

 I hope this has helped you in deciding what country is perfect for you! Have a lovely holiday! 

Top Travel Tips

If you're a frequent flyer you will have probably learned a few tricks and tips yourself along the way. That's why I believe in sharing any new tips I can with you to make your journey as easy, stress-free and pleasurable as possible so your feedback and suggestions are more than welcome!

Here I have put together my top tips for traveling abroad, I hope at least some of them will come in use for the next time you are off on your jollies:

1) Make a list - I have found making a list of items I need to take away is vital, without this list I feel lost and completely dis-organised, resulting in a very stressed lady! You can make a list and tick off each item as you place into your suitcase, this way there are no hidden surprises when you arrive at your destination and realise you've forgotten something.

2) Put your liquids into a bag before you get to the airport - This just saves time, the passport and security control at airports are bad enough for waiting and queuing so you're saving yourself a job of having to mess around buying plastic bags and containers to transfer your items.

3) Put your shoes into a plastic bag - When you're packing put your shoes into a plastic bag, this will prevent the soles of your shoes dirtying your nice clean clothes. Also if you have smelly shoes, it will stop your case from stinking!

4) Clear your history and cash - If you're looking to book a holiday or flights be sure to clear your cash by opening a new browser in a new incognito window. Some travel companies can track your history and then put up the prices based on your searches.

5) Put a towel over your clothes - When you're fully packed place a towel over your clothes and be sure to took it into the sides. This will help to prevent your clothes going everywhere and you can roll your clothes up to stop them from creasing too.

6) Don't forget to take your destinations travel adapter - Before you travel check out what type of adapter you will need to use your electrical appliances. I may be the only person dumb enough to make the assumption that every country used a European travel adapter...I know!

7) Check out travel apps for your destination - There are tons of travel apps available such as sky scanner but there may also be special apps for the particular destination you are traveling to. I know Europe have one for taxis.

8) Scan your documents and take extra copies - Scan your passport, ID and any documents such as booking confirmations etc and then email them to yourself so you have digital copies in case anything happens and you lose anything.

9) Place toiletries and liquids into containers or plastic bags - This will help to stop them leaking all over your clothes if they get damaged or broken in the airport luggage halls.

10) You can Google the status of your flight by entering the airline name and number.

So there you have it my top tips, hopefully these are useful to you. If you have any yourself please share by writing a comment. If you haven't chosen a destination to travel to yet I would like to recommend my favourite travel company eShores who specialise in multi centre holidays, luxury holidays and tailor made holiday packages.

Highlights of Lisbon

Portugal is extremely popular with holiday makers and its no surprise as this beautiful country offers an abundance of attractions, stunning scenery, activities for the kids, historic castles and cities, sandy beaches, great food and best of all its sunny!

What more could anyone possibly ask for? Here I would like to give you my top and most inspiring recommendations for Portugal on what to see, where to go and whats hot. Now you may already have your whole trip to Portugal planned out but if you're still unsure of where to stay, go and what to do here are my top recommendations for Portugal:

Where to go - Lisbon (Capital)

Quite right that Lisbon is Portugal's capital and is home to a wide range of stunning attractions including Gothic Cathedrals, grand monasteries, unique museums and a variety of exquisite restaurants and bars. Once you have seen all the captivating points in Lisbon, put down your map and get wanderlust in its quirky backstreets where you will find hidden boutiques, shops, bakeries, art galleries, ice cream and coffee parlours, jazz, rock and reggae bars and much more. Whether you're sitting outside a restaurant patio with a glass of red wine sampling their dishes and enjoying the beautiful scenery and people passing you by or you're on your own adventure making your way to each attraction and sight in Lisbon, I can guarantee you will feel completely content in this fabulous city. 

Sights and attractions - Convento de Cristo 

In you're a big fan of history or you appreciate it like me you will want to visit this magnificent attraction called Convento de Cristo which is the Knights Templar that was founded in 1160. Over the centuries this enormous stone masterpiece has been added to with chapels, choirs and cloisters by Kings and Grand Masters. The overwhelming Charloa is a 16-sided Templar church which is like no other in all of Portugal and is believed to have been inspired by the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. You can take a guided tour which will show you all of the Convento de Cristo including the impressive Charola, Church, Claustro de Cemiterio & Claustro da Lavagem and the Claustro Principle or walk yourself round with a map and take in the incredible sights that are rich with fascinating history. I don't want to spoil too much for you by giving you all the interesting facts but if you would like to know more Lonely Planet have plenty. 

Picture sourced from Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/pin/12807180164844141/

Sights and attractions - Mosterio dos Jeronimos 

Whether your religious or not, one can still appreciate the beauty of magnificent architecture and structure as well as rich and gripping history which the Mosterio dos Jeronimos has. This Unesco-listed monastery is completely breathtaking and spectacular with its spiderwebs of stone and tree-like pillars that tower and climb up into the ceiling. This incredibly detailed church glows in a soft honey coloured light from its great windows and has been used not only for prayer and religion but also a a school and orphanage. However this is not a free attraction but is still very cheap at 12 euros or 16 euros which will include the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia. 

Picture sourced from Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/pin/347199452494658265/

Tours - Lisbon Hop on Hop off 

Depending on how you like to see things and go about you travels there are plenty of different tours in Lisbon to choose from. One I have found which seems to be the cheapest is the hop on hop off tour with 4 different routes and tram included from £11. The four different bus tours included in this super saver are the Tagus tour, the Olisipo tour, the Belem tour and the Hills Tramcar tour which allow you to see Portugal's capital from all different points of the stunning city. You can simply hop on and hop whenever you like (in the same day), you get a free map and a headset to hear your guide as well as a discount book for the restaurants and museums! What a deal!! 

Where to eat - Belcanto 

Belcanto is a two-star Michelin restaurant and is highly regarded for its exquisite dishes and elegant service. If you like enjoy great tasting food you need to give this restaurant a try with mouth watering meal including sea bass with seaweed and bivalves, yum! You will need to make a reservation here though, they are very busy! 

Where to eat - 100 Manerias 

Now even though Belcanto is my first pick, you may not be guaranteed a table if they're really busy so this is my second choice. Its really cool this place, they have a 10 course tasting menu which changes everyday and every course is a surprise! Obviously if you have and food allergies best giving the chef a heads up. Make a reservation here too guys, not always as packed as Belcanto just still very popular. 

Entertainment - Park

If you didn't see enough from your hop on hop off bus tour then Park bar is the best place to go, by now I can also imagine your thirsty. Probably one the strangest yet most unique bars in all of Portugal as you have to climb to the top of a multi-storey car park to reach this spectacular roof top bar which has breathtaking views. Get yourself a delicious cocktail and chill out in this cool quirky bar whilst listen to jazz and house tunes.

Where to stay - The Algarve 

The Algarve is the most popular and visited destination in all of Portugal as it offers warm sun, sandy beaches, beautiful coastal locations, great cliffs and scalloped bays, activities, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Go surfing for the day, climb a cliff, go swimming, play beach volleyball, take a walk along the beach and strip, hire a boat out or try one of the trilling water sport activities on the beach. Whatever you're into The Algarve will exceed your expectations and that's what I love most about this destination, no matter what age you are you will have fun and you will fall in love. 

My Holiday in Portugal - The Algarve 

I happened to jump on my mum and dads holiday about two weeks prior to the date they were going as originally my sister was going with my little niece but she couldn't make it so I unselfishly took her place, quite right. I also managed to get my friend a place on the same flight and as the accommodation was already paid for she jumped at the chance as well. So there we had it, me, my mum, dad, niece and best friend all going to The Algarve in Portugal. 

The two bedroom apartment we stayed in was lovely, recently refurbished but still kept its original Portuguese style and character and it also had a pool, get in! We spent our day swimming in the pool and playing on the beach, we even managed to get my little niece on a pedalo boat with a slide which she absolutely loved. In the evening we would sample all the different restaurants that was on offer, I have to say the fish bars by the beach were my favourite, so delicious! Although every night we found ourselves in the same ice cream parlour, it was seriously yummy and the waiters were very cute. Me and my friend one night went to the strip which was really fun, however the next day wasn't as you can imagine! After a fantastic and lovely week sadly it was our time to come home, but I would most definitely go back again and I would recommend this to any family or couple. Below are some of fun and happy photos, enjoy! 

Top Festivals in the World

If you're anything like me who has a huge love and passion for music combined with a thrill for partying then you will probably enjoy reading this! 

So with this crazy, energetic and fun combination of emotions where could I possible be entertained other than a music festival?! Even if partying isn't quite your thing, a music festival is so much more then your typical hip hop club or birthday party. A music festival is where people of all ages unite to hear their favourite bands and artists play in front of a sea of people, where talents perform incredible shows and the worlds finest art is gathered to create the best and most amazing experience possible. 

Here are some of the worlds best festivals at your finger tips!

The wild and crazy

Coachella, Indio, California, United States, 10th April to 17th April 2015 

This spectacular dance festival is held in the Southern California desert once every year and is split across two weekends. The desert is transformed into a magical playground which hosts some of the most talented artists in the world ranging from rock bands to pop artists. Not only does this festival have the best musical talent across the globe but also a fantastic diverse range of art such as the burning man and DoLab. A beautiful but huge festival packed with music, art, cool vibes and sunshine! 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/558727897496108215/

Holi, India, 6th March 2015

The most colourful, vibrant and brilliant festival on the planet. The Holi festival is celebrated for the coming of the spring across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka usually during the last lunar cycle of winter around February to March time. Scenes of exploding colours fill the streets of India as people throw vibrant colour powders into the air along with water, so you can be sure you're in for a messy yet colourful experience! What I love about this festival is its peaceful and beautiful meaning, the celebration of Spring and all ages and races are welcome to join in. If you're a bit of a geek with the camera, take a snap of this while you can, it will blow you away! 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/313633561524942462/

AfrikaBurn, Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa, April 27th 2015

This fabulous festival is becoming more and more popular every year, bringing in guests from over 50 different countries across the world. Its 250 mile trek from Cape Town but don't let that put you off, it's certainty worth it! This festival has so many similarities to the Burning Man, but at the same time it possess its own uniqueness with an abundance of art plus healing camps, and a diverse selection of live music. This is defiantly one to sooth and satisfy your soul. 

   

Australian Surf Festival, Coffs Harbour, Australia, August 2015

Death-defying waves, beautiful sandy beaches and chilled vibes make this festival an ideal place to visit. This surf festival is the oldest of its kind in Australia, dating back to the mid 60's Even if you cant surf, you can surely sunbathe and watch the pro's master the sea then stick around to catch a bonfire and BBQ on the beach. 

Carnevale di Venezia, Venice, Italy, February 2015

Funnily enough my sister has just visited Venice when this festival was about to begin. My sister had no clue at all this festival was happening so you can imagine her surprise as she walks down an alley in the streets of Venice to be faced with a hundred Bauta, Moretta and Volto masks. After scaring her half to death she found herself completely overwhelmed by the extravagant costumes and masks. The festival holds elaborate balls for the most elite parties in the world, obviously costing an extreme amount of money to attend but you still get a great experience just from roaming the pretty streets and canals of Venice with people showing off their spectacular outfits. The reason this festival is so unique and special its the meaning behind it, its when everyone can come together to be anyone they want to be, no body is different here, unless you don't have a mask then you'll stick out like a sore thumb. 

Tet Nguyen Dan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 8th February 2016

This festival the Vietnamese welcome the New Year and the arrival of Spring, it marks the relationship of man with nature and the rebirth of a new year. I am particularly fond of this one, as people are so strong about their beliefs and culture and still to do this day celebrate it through the whole country. If you're lucky enough to be here at this special time you'll find the lovely people of Vietnam decorating their homes and shops and cleaning to get rid of any bad energy and luck from the previous year. 

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival), Chiang Mai, Thailand, November 24th 2015 

One word "WOW" just wow! This festival has to the the most prettiest, magical and breathtaking of all as thousands gather to set off lit lanterns into the night sky, while dozens of monks perform chants during the ceremony. The festival is spiritual, ancient and sacred and welcomes new beginnings and cleanses ones soul. Not only is the night sky lit up with beautiful lanterns but so are the waters as handmade boats and small vessels made from banana skins float out into the water covered with candles, flowers and incense sticks. There is no scene anywhere in the world that can compare! I will be here this year, very, very excited. 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/453737731178104828/

If you're thinking about visiting any of these festivals, or perhaps you're looking to book a holiday or city break I would recommend www.eshores.co.uk. I use them every time for their prices, help and great holiday packages. 

Valentines Escapes

Wouldn't it be great if we could escape to a romantic destination for Valentines Day? If you'are lucky enough to get away this Valentines Day but you haven't quite yet decided where you want to take your loved one, here are few of the most sexiest and romantic places on Earth.

Jukkasjaarvi in Sweden

I had never heard of this place until recently. This fantastic piece of art is re-constructed every winter and makes an incredible ice hotel. Not only is the hotel made of ice, which is completely spectacular to see it is also situated in Sweden Lapland, North of the Artic Circle where you can see the famous natural phenomena, the Northern Lights. Imagine you and your loved one all cuddled up in huge fur coats gazing up at a once in a life time scenery, unless of course you back to see the Northern Lights. A very unusual place to stay but breathtaking.

Venice in Italy

One of the more well-known and popular destinations, Venice oozes with  romance, culture and magnificent surroundings. An urban city surrounded by beautiful canals and busy little streets where you and your partner will get completely wanderlust. Take a Gondola down a canal while sharing a bottle of wine with your loved one, eat a world class Italian dish, fill your faces with ice creams and cakes and get lost in their heartwarming streets. There are many beautiful hotels to choose from in Venice that still holds the historic architecture and overlook the canals and streets.

picture sourced from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/454793262343600281/

Paris in France

You probably knew this city would pop up somewhere in this article, regarded as THE most romantic city on earth, Paris holds some of the most incredible architect, history, art and restaurants in the world. Imagine you and your loved up at the top of the Eiffel Tower sipping on champagne whilst gazing over the entire city. It is best to see everything in Paris on foot, that way you can get lost on your own little adventure and  discover the true heart of Paris. You will understand after your unforgettable experience why its known as the most romantic city in the world.

New York in America

You and you're partner can reenact the famous scenes from When Harry Met Sally at Katz Delicatessen and fall in love all over again, with each other and the city. The timeless appeal lies in its urban streets and neighbourhoods which offer something new yet familiar. Another fantastically romantic place in New York is Central Park, you and your loved one can be taken round this famous park by horse and carriage and then enjoy the huge ice skating rink, whether you take part of sit back and watch the skaters it is truly romantic scene.

Ladera in St Lucia

More on the expensive side but certainly worth it! This incredibly romantic resort looks over the stunning landscapes on the Caribbean, the crystal waters and the sky high green mountains. Each room in the resort has only three walls with open balcony's. It is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!

Visit www.eshores.co.uk who offer multi centre holidays and tailor made holidays. Their multi centre holidays allow you to choose up to seven different destination to see in one trip, while their tailor made holidays are designed around your exact requirements. It's a great way for you and your loved one to see everything you want to see and do in the same trip, making it that extra bit special.

Tailor Made Holidays | eShores

Eshores combines the best of what the high street travel agencies offer, with the added benefit of booking online. Each customer will receive a personal consultant to help them find the perfect package, who will be able to answer any further enquires you have about your chosen location.

Our tailor-made holidays are designed to fit around your exact requirements, plus any additional information you may require can be given from our experienced travel consultants. They will be able to give you advice and assist you in selecting the best destinations and hotels to meet your needs, but essentially you're in control of where you go and how long for. Whether it’s a short break or a complex round-the-world itinerary, we’ll help you find your perfect escape with the best prices guaranteed!

If you haven't already decided where and what you would like to see, eShores offer a range of adventurous, cultural, relaxing and exciting tailor made itineraries you can choose from: 

Tailor Made Brazil Holidays 

Tailor Made Caribbean Holidays 

Tailor Made Egypt Holidays 

Tailor Made European Holidays

Tailor Made Jordan Holidays 

Tailor Made Malaysia Holidays 

Tailor Made Maldives Holidays

Tailor made South Africa Holidays 

Tailor Made Sri Lanka Holidays 

Tailor Made USA Holidays

Tailor Made Vietnam Holidays

Feel free to browse through their itineraries and any holiday packages that catch your eye or if you would like some one to one assistance call eShores on 08006300799 or 01706753636. To make an enquiry via their website please click here. 

Visit www.eshores.co.uk today and remember to travel is to live. 

Multi Centre Holidays | Eshores

Are you thinking of traveling or going on holiday but your struggling to decide which destinations to explore? I found this problem myself as there are so many places I wanted to see and experience but the cost of doing them all separately seemed imaginable, then I found Eshores.

Eshores is a unique travel agency that offers Multi Centre Holidays for a range of stunning destinations which include:

Australia 

The Caribbean 

Egypt 

Europe 

 India 

  Malaysia 

South Africa 

Thailand 

The USA 

Vietnam 

They offer a range of intriguing itineraries which you can tailor to suit you and your requirements by adding different destinations you want to see the most. Their Multi Centre Holiday packages allow you to combine all types of different inspiring destinations from cultural and historic places to busy built up cities.

They're extremely helpful and have tons of knowledge on all countries, regions and resorts as well as travel information and advise. If you are unsure of where you would like to go they recommend their top 10 itineraries that are most popular with travelers and holiday makers which include:

• Vegas, San Fran and LA
• Complete Thai experience
• New York and Las Vegas
• Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket 
• KL, Boreno and Penang 
• Venice, Florence and Rome
• The Best of Vietnam
• Cape Town and Mauritius
• Cities of Australia 
• St Lucia and Barbados 

Their Multi Centre Holidays allow you to see all you want to see when you want to see it. Remember the world is a book and those who do not travel only get to read a page. 

Please visit www.eshores.co.uk today and explore all the different holiday packages available to you. If you would like to speak to a member of their team directly please call 08006300799 or email enquiries@eshores.co.uk.