African Escapes to Enjoy in 2014

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Lovely Annie

MOROCCO

Morocco is an exciting destination wooing tourists from all corners of the globe to its elusive magic and exotic mysteries. Her charms will leave you perplexed yet entertained with lingering memories of kids playing football in dusty squares, turbaned men selling crafts in the local souks and dining on spicy cuisines on the street cafes of Djemma El Fna.

It is also extra ordinary rewarding with various attractive holiday options such as relaxed beach holidays in Essaouira, historic and cultural experience in the cities of Rabat and Fez; adventure holidays up the Atlas ranges staying in accommodation near Marrakesh, desert camping in the harsh Sahara desert and exotic city breaks in Morocco. Whatever destination or type of holiday you choose in Morocco it is the nature of the place that penetrates deepest into your skin. It is so close to Europe yet so different with narrow winding alleyways, colorful tanneries and magnificent desert sandy dunes. It offers a great escape for any kind of break, from a Moroccan family holiday to a city break with friends.

SAFARI IN BOTSWANA

Botswana is a country where natural parks and vast private game reserves make up 40% of fenceless territories enabling huge herds of spectacular wildlife to roam freely in contrasting landscapes of breathtaking extremes. The vast Kalahari Desert plains attract animals of all kinds which have amazingly adapted to the extreme desert climate whilst the lush Okavango Delta offers relief to other herds who may find the Kalahari too hostile, the hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, zebras, lions and smaller animals thrive in the Okavango waterways.

It is a country that has a huge number of animals as compared to humans but it is also rich in culture and history. More and more archeological wonders are being discovered; rock art, potteries, Stone Age tools and stone wall ruins which mean that human activities in this region have been thriving for thousands of years.

Botswana offers a variety of experiences; from wetlands to dry lands and public parks to private parks. The accommodations in the parks are varied and exclusive whether you choose fixed or mobile lodges.

HOLIDAY IN NAMIBIA

Namibia is an expansive country with stunning landscapes and a variety of wildlife parks that give you the perfect safari experience. It boasts of Africa’s largest park the Namib Naukluft Park which is endowed with magical landscapes whose stunning appearances cannot be easily put in simple words. The ochre colored Sossulvei sand dunes are the highest in the world and have been accumulating for ages, in fact geologist have suggested that they could be possibly the world most ancient.

The Etosha national park is made up of desert plains, savannah and woodland areas that are thriving with spectacular wildlife. It is one of South Africans most important reserve with magnificent diversities of nature and perfect for Namibia safari holidays. There are various pans and waterholes in the park that fill up with water in the rainy seasons and they attract all sorts of animals ranging from birds to the ‘Big Five’. It is a place that will give you wonderful safari experiences that will remain memorable for years to come.

10 AMAZING DESTINATIONS FOR A WEDDING ABROAD

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Lovely Annie

A wedding is a special occasion and deserves to be celebrated in style; here are excellent locations from around the world where you can say ‘I do’:

KENYA

Kenya is a wonderful destination not only for its exotic wildlife safaris but also to exchange marriage vows under the sun. There are spectacular romantic wedding venues in Kenya to host a wedding occasion. You can opt to exchange vows with the wild jungle as your background in the Mara, wed in the numerous park gardens, lakeside weddings, luxurious resort weddings and church weddings. The Kenyan coastline is endowed with stunning sandy beaches which are ideal for beach weddings surrounded by lush coconut trees. There is the added element of culture, as you can have your vows presided over by a traditional African elder for an even more memorable experience.

NEW YORK

The Central Park in New York is one of the most vibrant places to get married on the planet. It gives you wonderful wedding locations such as the Ladies Pavilion, the Conservatory Garden, the Pond Cop Cot and the Belvedere Plaza.

MALDIVES

Maldives offers some spectacular locations and themes for the most romantic weddings. You can enjoy the sunset scenes as the backdrop for your beach wedding, pick a gorgeous Maldives water villa as your wedding venue, sail deep into the ocean and exchange your vows or head deep into the lush green mainland for scenic wedding. You are spoilt for choice in this exotic destination.

BALI

Bali is a dreamy island with stunning sceneries within and along its beautiful coastline. It is like a piece of heaven dropped right in the ocean, nature has already decorated it for you so all you need to do is say ‘ I do’.

MAURITIUS

If you are dreaming of a tropical destination, Mauritius gives you that dream wedding that you have always wished for. It gives you sun, beaches, lush palm trees and a fairytale wedding.

INDIA

India is vast with numerous romantic spots for weddings; from beaches to hill stations, from palaces to boat houses and from islands to vast deserts. This exotic destination gives you variety; it is hard not to find a place that you can comfortably exchange your vows.

CHINA

China is a vast country with vibrant cultures, magical landscapes and attractive ancient architecture. There are numerous romantic places for weddings, from parks, cities, countryside, riverside and even lakeside weddings. The cultural wedding element allows you to wed under the covering of ancient wedding vows, and it is the perfect starting point for a luxury holiday in China for your honeymoon.

FIJI ISLANDS

The Fiji islands present yet another romantic destination for weddings. You could arrange a beach wedding, resort wedding or a cruise ship wedding.

PARIS

It is the most romantic city in the world; why not exchange your vows with the Eiffel Tower as your background? Some would wish to say ‘I do’ on the tower itself but it is unfortunately impossible, however you can exchange your vows right in front!

MARRIAGE ISLAND IN TEXAS

Nature could not have been more elaborate in expressing love than forming a heart shaped islet on the San Antonio River in Texas. It is one of the most romantic and beautiful places to exchange your vows; on the charming heart islet that it is believed to bring luck to the newlyweds.

Thinking About Taking a Cruise? Your Decision Making Guide

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Lovely Annie

Have you ever dreamed of taking a luxurious cruise? Well, there’s no reason to wait. Cruise lines offer trips to many exotic destinations. If you’ve been holding off because you’re not sure what to expect – you don’t have to wait anymore. That’s right, we have got you covered! Here is your ultimate decision making guide:

Don’t Be Shocked by the Price

Many people choose not to cruise because of the cost. Yes, going on a cruise can be a bit pricey. However, it is important to consider that the price you pay upfront doesn’t just include the cruise itself. It also includes all of your food and drinks, accommodations, and on-board activities. So, even though taking a cruise may seem like a far more expensive vacation, it’s actually not much more than your average trip. You just need to keep in mind that you’re paying it all up front, rather than bit by bit.

There May Be Additional Costs

If you’re taking a cruise for the first time, there are a few things you need to know. Like, the fact that you may run into additional costs. While a cruise does cover your food and drinks, it won’t cover extras like a day at the spa or gratuities. So, you should always allow for a little bit more in your budget…just to stay on the safe side

You Likely Won’t Get Seasick

One of the biggest cruise related fears people have is that they will spend the entire trip laying in bed, feeling sick. While seasickness can happen, it’s not as common as you think. Cruise liners are big ships that are very well stabilized. Most of the time, you won’t even be able to tell that you’re moving! If you’re still concerned, you can always speak to your doctor about medical options to deal with seasickness.

Boredom is Not An Option

Are you someone who always likes to stay busy? Then being stuck on a ship for days at a time may not seem like the ideal choice. However, most people don’t get bored while on a cruise. This is because there is always so much to do. Cruise lines offer a variety of activities during the daytime – like swimming, the gym, rock climbing, guest speakers, and so on. At night, there are usually one or two forms of live entertainment. Add that to the shops, restaurants, and other on-board activities and you’ll see that getting bored is something you certainly won’t have to worry about.

You Can Still Keep in Touch With Loved Ones

Even though you’re at sea, there are still plenty of ways to stay up to date. Your room will have TV news channels and a telephone. Plus, most ships also have WiFi on board so that you can always send a quick email or surf the net. However you want to keep in touch, you can!

Sometimes half the fun is getting there. So, enjoy the process by lounging by the pool, eating well, and experiencing tons of live entertainment. Cruising is a great way to relax and see the world. If you’re debating on whether or not a cruise is right for you, think it over. You just may have the time of your life.

Gorgeous Things to Pack in Your Suitcase

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Lovely Annie

One of the joys of travelling is not just the trip itself, but the build up to it. Flicking through guidebooks, blogs and travel sites to plan some of the places you can visit and the food you can eat all adds to the excitement. And, taking a vacation is the perfect excuse to invest in a new travel wardrobe, particularly if you’re travelling somewhere with a completely different climate to the weather at home. Here are just a few beautiful, covetable pieces you might want to pack:

Ultra pretty accessories

While there’s never enough room in your case for packing all the clothes and shoes you want to take with you, you can fit in plenty of little accessories. This pair of drop earrings from Laviandbelle is bang on trend with the little stars. Saint Laurent’s fluffy star jumper became the celebrity must-have for autumn and winter and these earrings are a great way to incorporate the star style for summer.

Stunning sandals

These sandals probably cost more than your trip itself, but a girl can dream, can’t she? By Italian designer René Caovilla, they look more like a work of art than something you ought to wear on your feet. But, they would add a stunning element to any outfit. Handmade in leather, they are crafted with dozens of Swarovski crystals. Wear to glam up a pair of denim cut-offs or with a white maxi dress.

Versatile sarong

A sarong is a travel must have. You can throw on over your bikini when you head up to the beach bar for lunch, tying it round your neck to make it into a dress or casually around your waist. It also comes in handy for lying on for a trip to the beach, saving you from having to pack a bulky towel. If you’re travelling to Brazil, you’ll find using a sarong rather than a towel on the sand is the norm. This one from Simply Beach has a quirky, tongue-in-cheek design with fish swimming across a sea of turquoise.

The perfect summer dress

Dresses are the ideal pieces to pack to go on vacation. Throw on a dress and you have an instant ready-made outfit, without having to worry about separates. The floral stretch twill dress from Mademoiselle R at La Redoute simply screams summer with its tropical print. It’s also supremely flattering with a sweetheart neckline and gathered waist. You could wear with sandals and carry a slouchy bag for the beach or with this season’s metallic heels and a pretty matching clutch for an evening dinner date.

The classic beach bag

Make your accessories work for you by choosing a bag you can use both as hand luggage for travelling, and for the beach when you arrive. This one by Perfect Handbags will be bang on trend season after season with its nautical styling. You could clash prints and wear with a floral tea dress or work the monochrome look with a pair of wide-legged white trousers.

Whatever you opt to treat yourself to before you travel, you’re sure to have fun showing off your new purchases once you arrive.

Discover Italy through Italian Vineyards

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Lovely Annie

Italian wines are renowned all over the world not only for their quality, but also for their great variety and history that dates back many centuries ago. Ancient populations like Greek, Etruscans and Romans had an important role in the development of wine produce, the way the wine grapes were grown and wine traditions in general. So, if you are planning to spend your holiday in Italy, reserve your flights and head to Italy to start discovering Italy’s fabulous vineyards.

Piedmont

Starting our journey from the North, Piedmont is often considered the “Burgundy” of Italy, due to its small-scale family vineyards and their focus on quality. Nebbiolo are one of the most planted grapes in the region, and it certainly is one of grape types that guarantees great quality and reputation of its wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, with their tar and roses “bouquet”. From Barbera grapes, Piedmont produces some of the most superlative red wines, with a good acidity and the aroma of plums and cherries.

Tuscany

Tuscan wines are the most famous all around the world, but also the most prestigious ones. Vineyards spread inland from the Mediterranean coast to the beautiful hills where the red Sangiovese grapes grow. Tuscan wineries produce wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Sangiovese Grosso and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The renowned Chianti features Sangiovese and different blends of red and white grapes and is characterized by the aroma of red and black cherries, wild herbs, mint, and spices. Spend a day in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and join a wine tasting tour to discover the best wines Tuscany has to offer. You can find great accommodation options in Florence through webpages like http://www.venere.com/italy/florence/.

Puglia

Continuing your travel around the Italian vineyards, make sure to stop in Puglia, in the South of Italy, to taste some of their delicious wines. The Mediterranean climate, the sunshine and the sea breeze makes Puglia a perfect environment for viticulture. Primitivo di Manduria is the first DOCG in Puglia, a very strong wine, so called because the grapes used to make it ripen early. Negramaro vines, in Salento, produces instead a variety of red wines of invaluable intensity.

Veneto

Veneto is probably an Italian region that produces the broadest variety of red, white and sparkling wines. Garganega is the most prevalent white grape that is used to create Soave, a dry and refreshing wine DOC. Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes are behind the vast majority of the red wines of this region, like the famous Valpolicello. Prosecco is produced from Glera grapes and is slightly fizzy or sparkling and is exported all around the world.

Sicily

The wines produced on this Italian island have their own particular style that make them uniquely Sicilian. The grapes used by winemakers are a combination of varieties cultivated on the island and imported. Nero d’Avola and Catarratto are the most important wines in Sicily: Nero d’Avola is a red wine, with notes of black fruit, currant and clove. Catarratto is a white wine, fresh and fruity, often used in the Mediterranean cuisine.

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