New Zealand - Piha Beach

Top Five Beaches in New Zealand

If you are traveling to New Zealand, you surely have a laundry list of Lord of the Rings sites, bungee jumps, hiking trails and epic vistas on your itinerary; the country is a veritable playground of beauty and fun! Take a breather from all the action and spend a day relaxing on one of these world class beaches. Somewhat under-rated, New Zealand’s beaches boast clear blue lagoons and fine sand that will make you feel like you’re in Bora Bora—except instead of cabanas and cocktails, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a quintessentially “Kiwi” brand of beach fun.

Piha Beach

Just west of Auckland, through winding, jungle, one-lane roads, you’ll suddenly find yourself overlooking Piha. This tiny town of 600 started New Zealand’s surf culture in 1958, when they caught the bug from Malibu. A dramatic black sand stretch, it is crowned by Lion Rock, a national icon and former Maori defensive citadel. Watch international surfing competitions from your vantage point atop the rock, or try “hanging ten” yourself, at your own risk. From Piha you can hike into the lush Waitakeres to find Kitekite Falls, where there are chilly swimming holes and 260 feet of tiered falls.

90 Mile Beach

Though someone got a little overzealous with this beach’s name (it’s really only 55 miles long), it is still a formidable stretch of golden sand. Reaching all the way to the northern tip of the country to Cape Reinga, it is bordered by the remarkable AupouriForest. Don’t miss a walk around the ancient and towering kauri trees in the forest just because you are too eager to get to the beach! You’ll want to rent a “dune board” before you head out onto the sand; sand-boarding down the massive dunes is a true thrill (much faster than you expect). Expect to be covered from head to toe in sand by the end of this day. You can also just hike to the crest of the dunes to relax and enjoy the windswept, far reaching view down the coast.

New Zealand Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach

If you venture out onto theCoromandelPeninsula, you’ll be treated to a truly unique beach experience. About two hours after low tide, bring your shovel to Hot Water Beach. The locals will show you how it’s done! Here, you can dig your own therapeutic spa in the sand! Packed with restorative minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium, the warm water will sooth even the most harried traveler’s aches. Not the best swimming beach (rip currents are strong and sporadic), this is the perfect beach if you are feeling quite lazy and in need of some TLC.

Kaiteriteri

The gateway to the famous Abel Tasman track, along the north edge of the south island, this beach is coveted for its hidden coves and scenic coastline. Rent a kayak and paddle to secret nooks where there’s no one else in sight. Let the pristine turquoise waves tickle your toes as you lounge on glittering gold sand or take a stroll along the coastal walking paths. This sunny town offers seafood right off the boat-style in its casual restaurants and will be the perfect start to your trek on Abel Tasman.

New Zealand - Palm Beach

Palm Beach

WaihekeIslandis just off the coast from downtownAuckland, but you’ll feel worlds away. Rural and old-school, some may say that Waiheke is stuck in the 60s, which you’ll understand when you catch on to the residents’ flower child, veggie-market, beat up ’70 VW Beetle vibe.Palm Beachis the biggest beach on the island, a white sand cove where visitors and locals alike chill with a picnic, take a dip and get naked. What?! You heard me: naked. The western cove of the beach is open for all of your unhindered and unclothed whims. Highly recommended for the ideal tan (as you’ll quickly notice from the condition of the bronzed veterans), but first timers best slather up with SPF, or be caught with sunburn where one never wants sunburn.

About Author:

Noella Schink is a travel writer from Portland, Mainewho yearns for the year she spent exploring New Zealand. She recommends you start your Kiwi adventure with a hotel booking in Auckland and then losing yourself in these gorgeous islands.

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Travel Cheap: Live the High Life for Less

 Whether you prefer strapping on your skis, hitting the waves or strolling round the golf course when you travel abroad, you can generally expect to be paying a hefty price for the pleasure.  Here’s a look at some of the more costly holiday activities to show you how you can get the most from your money.

Ski on a budget

The cost of a week skiing can mount up, especially with the additional costs of buying the correct gear and weekly lift passes. Choose your destination and accommodation wisely, to cut down costs and keep to a budget.

The cheapest destinations tend to be Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Slovenia and Croatia, which offer inexpensive accommodation and lift passes. Book self-catering or all-inclusive accommodation and pack your own lunches for the slopes, as these will help you budget your trip more effectively.

Lift pass prices can vary depending on when you are going skiing. They are usually cheapest for pre-season weeks and near the end of the season, whilst peak weeks like school holidays will generally be more expensive. You will often be able to find lower priced lift passes for children and seniors and families can also make the most of any reduction if booking as a group.

Some of the best deals and offers come towards the end of the season, so time your trip for March for great value and quiet slopes. If you’re booking a year ahead aim for the week before Christmas, but check the expected snowfalls first. If you’re likely to be skiing again it can be cheaper to invest in your own gear rather than frequently hiring. However, be wary of additional airport charges for flying with ski gear as these differ with each airline. To make getting to the airport easier and cheaper, drive your gear yourself and park with an external airport parking company such as Heathrow parking specialist Purple Parking, who regularly offer a range of great deals and are much cheaper than the airport’s own car parks.

City break on a budget

Even a short city break can prove costly once accommodation, dining and entertainment have been taken into account, particularly as costs can be much higher in cities compared to country retreats.

Short-haul European cities such as Paris or Amsterdam are cheaper and easier to reach, especially if you can travel there by ferry, train or even by car. Make sure you budget for road tolls as the cost of these can mount up.

For exceptionally low-cost options for dining, entertainment and shopping, consider heading slightly further afield to Eastern European cities such as Budapest in Hungary, Tallinn in Estonia or Prague in the Czech Republic. These beautiful regions offer stunning architecture and a fun atmosphere with relatively cheap prices.

Many of the most reasonable deals for Europe will be during winter outside of school holidays. If you don’t mind wrapping up, these colder months can be an ideal time to take a city break.

Choosing a hotel outside of the centre will also cut accommodation prices, with just the small additional cost of a bus or train journey. This has the added benefit of allowing you to see more of a city than the central tourist district. Or consider renting an apartment, particularly if travelling as a group, as you can cook for yourself and save on expensive dining bills.

Golf on a budget

Some of the top budget destinations for golfing holidays include the Algarve, Turkey and Spain and there is a wealth of options within a short-haul flight of the UK with a variety of great deals on flights and accommodation. Destinations outside the Euro will help your money go much further and booking a golfing package holiday can also save you cash.

There are also some fantastic golfing options in the UK and Ireland which you can drive to, meaning you can enjoy a break away from home without having to spend on flight costs at all.

Do your research ahead of booking and take advantage of any deals courses may have. Most destinations have cheaper courses and tee times available, so perhaps avoid some of the more popular ranges if you’re on a tighter budget.

Save yourself the cost of hiring clubs by bringing your own. If you’re flying overseas, make sure you’ve checked out the baggage allowance first, as some flight companies charge to bring bulky gear on board.  It’s worth considering the combined price of the flight and the additional baggage, as sometimes more expensive flights can work out cheaper once costly extras have been taken into consideration.

Cruise on a budget

Cruising is often viewed as an expensive holiday option, but with accommodation, entertainment, food and drink included in the initial price, it can be a great way of ensuring you keep on top of your budget and escape too many additional costs.

Destination-wise, there are plenty of options for Mediterranean cruises which are likely to be much cheaper than longer-haul destinations like the Caribbean, whilst still including gorgeous weather and stunning sights. In fact, they offer the perfect opportunity to visit a series of idyllic destinations without having to incur too many additional transportation costs. You will usually need to take flights to and from your cruise’s initial and final port, which will be cheaper if you stick to short haul.

Staying in a lower deck room or inside cabin will also help to cut costs. Avoid the additional shore excursions or tours, which can often be over-priced. You can easily book these yourself or use local transportation to explore on your own terms.

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Vacation Tips

Vacation Tips. As a child, the word conjures up grand visions of no school, staying up late and eating ice cream until you pop. You carefully count down the days and scream with excitement when the final bell rings. Even as a full-fledged grown-up, the word vacation can put a spring in our step, a smile on our face and provide enough motivation to sit through yet another mind numbing meeting at work. Although most Americans only get two weeks vacation, making the best use of the time we do get is paramount. Spending some time planning your next vacation will assure that you end up looking back on the vacation with fond memories, rather than swearing that you are never going to the beach/Walt Disney World/Rome/Grandma's (insert your vacation-gone-wrong here) again!

Decisions, decisions

You know you have some days off. You know you don't want to sit around the house. But you don't know what exactly would make your vacation one to remember. You need to ask yourself what is most important to you for your next vacation? Are your priorities sitting on the beach all day with your toes in the sand or seeing all the museums of Paris? Do you want to traipse across the Andes Mountains, sleep by the campfire or dine at the best restaurants Europe has to offer?

Research

After you have decided what you want to do, your next step is gathering information to see what your options are. There is an abundance of information out there, to the point it can be overwhelming at times. One of the best ways to gather useful and reliable information is to learn from other people who have vacationed there before. Using travel forums is an excellent way to talk to someone that might have just returned from your vacation spot, who has some tips that may save you some time, cash or may even help you land the perfect beach house.

Organization

After doing all that research, keeping it all organized is a must! It is impossible to keep track of the different packages, hotels, and activities that you have heard about without a little organization. Keeping a notebook or a folder is one idea to keep everything in place as well as to be able to compare prices and vendors side by side in order to make your final decisions.

Booking

When you have arrived at your decisions, booking them is your next hurdle. Booking early will almost always give you the best prices and the greatest amount of choice. That being said, if you can stomach the risk, last minute bookings are famous for giving out some of the best deals of all. Of course, if you must have a certain date, hotel, or restaurant, then it is best to try and book early to avoid disappointment. A little planning goes a long way in helping your next vacation become your best yet.

This guest blog was written by Freedom Travel, specializing in military travel financing and military lending since 1983. Freedom Travel offers military cruises at discount to destinations all over the world. They even offer military airfare discounts.

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Olympic Stadium by: jeffbr13 (Flickr)

From climbing Kilimanjaro to walking the Great Wall of China, it seems there is a new trend in putting your body through its paces on holiday. If you’re an excercise-aholic then the annual Athens marathon offers the perfect opportunity to combine some summer sunshine with the challenge of a real endurance race- with a dose of culture, history and delicious food thrown in for good measure!

Why Athens...?

There are now 500 marathon races worldwide each year, but the annual Athens event remains the original and, many argue, the best.

Athens is, of course, synonymous with ancient civilisations, historical monuments and the Olympics. Legend has it that it’s also the place where a soldier namedPheidippides collapsed and died, having run 26.2 miles, without stopping, to announce that the Athenians had beaten the Persians in the Battle of Marathon.

In 1896, when the International Olympics Committee formed and started to plan the first modern Olympic Games, a French delegate named Michel Bréal was so captivated by the legend of Pheidippides that he proposed the inclusion of a long-distance running event to celebrate the story. Other delegates loved the idea and the legend was used to drum up interest in the games. Bréal even donated a silver trophy for the winner and the marathon as we know it was born.

The first marathon was the final event at the 1896 Athens Olympics, and inspired replica races all around the world with Boston being one of the initial cities to follow suit.

This year’s race…

This year’s race takes place on Sunday November 11^th, which gives you a good ten months to get training! It’s open to anyone over 18 and there’s no qualifying time so amateurs and professionals alike can take part. You can use BUPA’s training planto help you prepare for the challenge, if you plan to run.

Temperatures in Athens in November peak at about 18°c, but with the race starting at 9am it should be much cooler for the bulk of the run.

The course…

The route starts at the battlefield in Marathon which Pheidippides is said to have run from, and follows his route to Athens. Today, the terrain of the 26.2 miles (42.2 km) is wholly tarmac, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing your running shoes – look out for good support and cushioning. The first 12km of the route is fairly flat, with the next 19km being made up of gently sloping hills and the last 11km providing a downhill finish.

You’ll be following the very route that was used in the 2004 Athens Olympics and with the race ending at the world-famous Olympic Stadium, so you’ll truly feel like an elite athlete as you cross the finish line.

Once you’re in Athens, make the most of it...

You’ll probably want a day or two of chilling out by a swimming pool or on the beach post-race. However, once you’re up to it there’s a whole host of things to see and do in Athens; from devouring delicious cuisine, to exploring the ancient ruins, to shopping in quaint markets!

Where to recuperate...

If R&R is top of your agenda then take a trip to Greece’s original Fish Spa (Aiolou 45) and let the garra rufa fish sooth your worn feet or enjoy some reflexology or a traditional massage. There’s also the Hammam Baths (Melidoni 1) where you can enjoy a full body scrub and then a traditional massage on warm marbles- booking is advised. Finally, why not bag yourself a bargain at the fleamarket in Monastiraki or hit a more modern shopping precinct on Ermou Street where you can reward yourself for all your hard work and commitment?

Where to eat...

Greek food is world-renowned and Athens is home to some incredible restaurants. Favourites include Strofi (25 Rovertou Galli) which offers traditional Greek dishes- the feta parcels and baklava are both recommended - and a view of the Acropolis to die for from the open-air top level; Oroscopo (42-44 Antinoros Street), where the fantastic service is regularly praised and beautifully fresh seafood is on offer; and Funky Gourmet (Paramithias 13 & Salaminos)- the destination for cutting-edge, experimental haute cuisine, prepared by classically-trained chefs. What better way to replenish the calories you lost running the marathon?

What to see...

If you’re after some culture, you’ll be able to find it in every nook and cranny in the city! You must, of course, visit the famous ruins and there are plenty for you to choose from, from the big names: the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion , to the lesser-known Temple of Hephaestus, the Agora and the Odeum of Herodes Atticus.

Where to Stay…

For under £400pp, the 4* Polis Grand is right next to the Acropolis and close to the old streets of Plaka, where markets are held. The hotel also has a roof garden where you can chill out after a long day in the November sun. There is also, the 4* Hotel Titania is in the historical hub of Athens, with a Greek brasserie restaurant for guests and a top floor piano bar that has stunning views of the Acropolis. It’s located between Syntagma and Omonia Square, so you’re in the right place for exploring the city and seeing the marathon.

How to Get There…

Athens is easily reached from major UK airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh, with easyJet Holidays. The flight time is just over 3 hours and you’ll arrive in Athens International Airport, just 20km from the main city centre, just a short bus or taxi ride away.

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How to Live Abroad as a Military Family

Military families are required to move often as part of the services in the Armed Forces. Among the areas that families might move, military bases situated in overseas locations are a possibility. In fact, many military families spend a few years overseas as part of their military service. While moving is a fact of life for any military family, moving abroad is a different experience and requires some additional preparation before the family relocates.

Cultural Differences

Military families are often adept at moving and adapting to new locations. Within the United States, the adaptation is somewhat easier because of the similar culture and common language. When moving overseas, this adaptation requires taking time to learn about the culture of the area.

Overseas locations are different than the states. Countries will vary in their culture and misunderstandings can arise as a result of misunderstood cultural differences. Taking the time to learn some of the cultural aspects of the new location, particularly as it relates to body language, can help smooth the adaptation.

Language Differences

While military bases overseas will often have the necessities like groceries, it is often a requirement to venture beyond this area. The language is likely to differ unless the base is in an English speaking country. This might mean some confusion and might require taking some time to learn the basics of the language. Some basic phrases like ordering food or asking directions are usually appropriate to learn before going to avoid as many complications as possible.

Housing Patience

Moving abroad with the family might be an exciting time, but not all military bases abroad will have housing immediately available. It might be necessary to wait as arrangements are made either on or off base. This is particularly true of bases that are undergoing any renovations to keep it safe and updated or simply do not have enough housing units for the number of families moving in.

Schooling for Children

The schooling situation for children of military members will vary depending on the particular location. Areas in the world that have excellent educational systems might require children to attend a local school in the area. Children will end up learning the local language as they attend school, often assisted by the local school system with tutors and English speaking teachers.

Areas that do not have good educational systems will have schools on base that are set up through the Department of Defense. These schools are designed by the military to provide education to children of military members.

The Department of Defense Education Activity will make appropriate arrangements for children of military families, regardless of the country. Those who are going to the local school will often have tuition costs paid by the Education Activity to ensure quality education while abroad.

Using the Support Center

Military families who are moving abroad will have a military family support center available on the military base. This center is designed to help families adjust to the new location and work out any potential problems that might arise as the result of different cultures and languages. The center will help as issues arise or give specific information about the area when first moving in to minimize the complications that might arise.

Living abroad as a military family is primarily about adapting to the new language, culture and location. The new country might differ dramatically from the original or it might have enough similarities for comfort, depending on the location. Regardless of the country, the family will need to take time to learn, adapt and use resources that can ease their way into the new environment.
Photo credit: Aeroplane by Vox Efx

About Author: Kenny Alvarez is an advisor to military veterans and also writes for militaryeducation.org, a site which explores military educational opportunities and all the secondary education benefits to veterans and their dependents; for instance check out this information on air force scholarships.

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Ten Great Things to do in Tenerife

Carnival de Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is renowned for its beaches, long sunny days and coastal resorts. But there’s more to Tenerife holidays than just a typical beach break. Drag yourself away from the coast and explore the island to discover a whole host of other experiences.

 1. The architecture of La Laguna

In complete contrast to Tenerife’s beach resorts head inland a little to the Aguere Valley and the city of La Laguna. Established in the late 15^th century as the first capital of Tenerife by the Spaniards, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the historic streets and marvel at the intricately carved wooden balconies of the traditional houses; stumble across flower-filled courtyards, and discover La Laguna’s intriguing history at its heritage museum.

 2. Explore a unique forest

The Anaga Rural Park in the far north of Tenerife is a magical landscape of valleys, ancient woodlands and isolated villages barely touched by tourism. It’s a protected area within which are the Anaga Mountains, and the park offers some of the islands most challenging and rewarding nature walks.

La Laguna

3. Take a hike

In the spectacular Teno Rural Park lies the picturesque hilltop village of Masca. After browsing in the craft shop and admiring the view from the café, take a hike down the narrow gorge to the sandy Masca beach. Take a boat from the beach to the harbour at Los Gigantes and save your legs the 3-hour trek back up.

 4. Come face to face with exotic birds

The Katandra Treetops aviary at the Loro Parque wildlife centre is the size of Sydney Opera House and contains more than 100 different species of parrots alone as well as other birds including cockatoos and lorikeets. Loro Parque began life as a parrot park but is now focuses on conservation and has a wide variety of species including sea lions, turtles, crocodiles and monkeys.

 5. Go whale watching

The sea between Tenerife and the neighbouring island of La Gomera attracts many species of whales as well as turtles and pods of dolphins. For a moving and unforgettable experience on holidays to Tenerife, take a boat trip from Los Gigantes on the southwest coast to see the whales up close. Sightings of the resident pilot whales are guaranteed almost all year round.

6. Discover a dramatic volcanic landscape

Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, rising 3718 metres above sea level and is within the country's most visited national park. The winding road climbs through small villages and a dramatic volcanic landscape to emerge from the clouds into a unique lunar landscape. Take the cable car up the last 1000 metres to the highest point of Mount Teide and be rewarded with breathtaking views over Tenerife.

Teide Forests

 7. Golf with a view

Tenerife has nine golf courses, all offering either stunning coastal, mountain, or countryside views. Spain’s second oldest golf course, the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife is located on the north side of the island, while a handful of newer courses have attracted some of the world's best players.

8. Party at the carnival

February is the time to enjoy holidays to Tenerife to experience the island’s annual carnival, ranked one of the top three carnivals in the world. There are events all over the island, but Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz are the main locations. Take to the streets and join in with the dancing and partying and revel in the music and experience.

9. Try the local cuisine

The traditional food of the Canary Islands includes fresh fish and seafood as well as meat casseroles, often accompanied by local-style potatoes served with red chilli peppers and mojo sauce. The island has in recent years gained a reputation for fine dining with many restaurants featuring delicious international cuisine.

10. Pamper yourself with 5-Star luxury

Tenerife has long been a budget break destination but the island has an increasing number of 5-star hotels, such as the Costa Adeje Gran Hotel, that offer luxurious spas, beautiful pools, fine dining restaurants and first class evening entertainment. For upmarket Tenerife holidays, Costa Adeje on the south coast is packed with top class hotels include the Bahia del Duque.

About the author:

K. Frost is a travel content writer and writes for the easyJet holidays website.

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