August 2016 – Page 2 – Heavenly Plan

August 25, 2016April 15, 2020

5 Most Relaxing Holiday Destinations around the World

vacation-relaxation-holidays

If you are planning a relaxing family vacation, your best bet is to steer clear of the usual package-holiday resorts which are packed with people. The best places for a relaxing vacation with your loved ones are the places where you can rent a villa with a pool, enjoy a staycation at an apartment or find decent hotels depending on your budget and preference.

Here is a selection of quiet relaxing locations that offer a lovely place to laze around.

The Seychelles

The Seychelles are what you think of when you think tropical vacation. Miles and miles of soft white sand, crystal clear blue waters and a lush interior that will thrill adventure seekers.

Vancouver, Canada

Chic and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is Canada’s bustling city set amid mountains and situated by the water. So you can enjoy living the city life while being in the midst of nature. The city has the relaxed vibe of US’ west coast. Ensure that you go to the semi-wild Stanley Park, which makes up the city’s verdant core.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands are located at the extreme north of New Zealand, is the best place to get away to after the exciting adventure sports that are available in the country. A nature lover’s paradise- this subtropical group of islands is where you can observe whales, penguins and dolphins, with the major island – Urupukapuka – being far away from civilization and a stronghold of quietude.

Sacred Valley, Peru

Located just north of Cusco, the expanse of the Sacred Valley reaches out to Machu Picchu. If you are a history buff, here is where you will find the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, perched high above the river. Going downriver, you will come to Urubamba, a peace haven for spiritualists to unwind under the snow-laden peaks of the Andes.

Valladolid, Mexico

The Yucatán Is filled with quiet, scenic spots that are ideal for those seeking a relaxing family vacation. But the vibrant town of Valladolid is all about high spirits and great food – panuchos, small tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with pork are a local delicacy. The natural cenote (sinkhole) located along the outskirts is the perfect place to cool off after you have experienced the town.

Featured Image Credits

August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

3 Safest and Beautiful Destinations for Women Solo Travelers

Solo travel is quite a task in any country across the world. This task becomes all the trickier if you are a woman. Women too, especially young women in their 20s and 30s, want to experience the wide world around them. But safety in travel destinations for women is a paramount concern.

Though we might wish that every place was a safe haven for women, solo travel can be a dangerous undertaking. On the whole, in most places women should be safe if they follow the local customs of dress code and mannerisms. Some, unfortunately, are countries where women Here is a list of the safest travel destinations for women which are female-friendly and perfect for the wandering soul.

Iceland

Whale watching is a thrilling experience where you can see and even touch the whales as they come close to your raft. Experience the dancing aurora or Northern Lights that brighten up the night sky. The Skaftafell Glacier is definitely worth a visit if you are going here and love natural wonders. Visit the National and Saga museums in Reykjavik to trace Iceland’s Viking history as well as the Hallgrimskirkja church with the rotating glass dome.

Denmark

This is home to the world’s oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Amusement Park, Copenhagen. If you want to be a happy girl, Denmark’s second city Aarhus is the place to be because it was recently voted one of the world’s happiest cities. A visit to the majestic Kronborg castle is a must as is the stopover at the idyllic Faroe Islands.

Singapore

One of Southeast Asia’s most modern and vibrant countries, Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines and architectural styles. Visit the breathtaking Universal Studios with themed zones. For those with a longing for the sea, you will enjoy the oceanarium Underwater World where they can walk through glass tunnels with 250 species of marine animals.

Featured Image Credits

August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

Top 5 Peaceful Getaways in the Himalayas

ladakh

Travel to the majestic Himalayas means you will be greeted by snow-capped peaks and dense evergreen forests and rushing rivulets. The Himalayas are filled with off-beat places you could visit to spend some quiet time with nature.

Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Leh-Ladakh are a favorite of photographers who love to capture the striking landscapes, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and rugged mountains. These cities are also great for adventure seekers who can indulge in trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking due to the mountainous terrain. The Suru Valley is known for its natural bounty, with the grand ‘Kun’ and ‘Nun’ peaks.

Malana, Himachal Pradesh

Malana is a quaint village situated along the Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Recently discovered by ardent trekkers, this self-contained village is remarkably untouched by outsiders as villagers are wary of letting anyone entering their houses or temples. Tucked away in the recesses of the Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani peaks, this is a wonderfully ‘secret’ getaway if you want to go someplace unique. This tranquil settings can be very relaxing but one will need to live in the guesthouses in the outskirts.

Andretta, Himachal Pradesh

The village of Andretta is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The picturesque village is located near the Shivalik Hills and magnificent Dhauladhar range of the Indian Himalayas. This town was founded by Norah Richards, an Irish theatre artist in 1920s and is the haunt of artists and art connoisseurs. It is a well-known learning spot for pottery and craft making. The highlights of this pleasant village include ‘Norah Richard’s House’, ‘Shoba Singh Art Gallery’ and ‘Andretta Pottery and Craft Society’.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Another charming village located in the enchanting Parvati Valley near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is Kasol. Popularly known as the ‘Mini Israel of India’, you will see that this place is very popular with Israeli tourists, has several Israeli restaurants and hoardings in Hebrew. This is the place to relax, dabble in trout fishing, take a leisurely stroll along the babbling Parvati River, visit the well-known ‘Manikaran Gurudwara’ or trek to through a forest to nearby Tosh Village or Kheer Ganga.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is one India’s least populated places, located in the heart of the high mountain ranges in North-Eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. This land is a Buddhist haven with many old monasteries and waving prayer flags. Trekkers make it a point to stop at this scenic little valley, which is the access point to popular trekking routes like Pin-Parvati, Pin-Bhaba and Parang-La. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a homestay or explore the beauty of nature at the ‘Pin Valley National Park’ or ‘Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary’. The Spiti River is the perfect spot for thrill seekers who enjoy white water rafting.

Featured Image Credits

August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

Europe’s 10 Best Hidden Beaches for 2016

Best-Beaches-in-Europe-Top-10

Searching for a place to visit during your vacation? Europe is the place to be. Europe has some hidden beaches that will make you keep coming back for more vacations. Europe is ranked as one of the best tourist destination continent, having the best beaches ever.

For a stress-free holiday, consider visiting the following hidden beaches.

Cies Islands, Spain

Commonly known as the Galician Seychelles, Cies Islands is one of the European hidden beaches you should consider attending this year. Cies is part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Galian Seychelles Beach is located in Spain and is mostly characterized by white sand.

To all the tourism enthusiasts interested in visiting Galian Seychelles beach, accommodation is not a problem due to the presence of the Pazo Los Escudos mansion with luxurious rooms.

Notre Dame Beach, France

Notre Dame is a France hidden based beach which is surrounded by olives and vines. Notre Dame beach is located at Porquerolles. The beach is also surrounded by the forest that contributes to the beach’s fresh air and conducive environment.

Notre Dame beach is characterized by White and gold sand. Accommodation is checked due to the presence of the Villa Sainte-Anne hotel, which offers accommodation at a fair price.

Anamur-Iskele Beach, Turkey

Anamur-Iskele is a Turkey-based beach that provides the sense of belonging to the tourists due to its natural environment. This beach is surrounded by some resorts, a factor that has contributed to an increased number of visitors.

Anamur-Iskele beach is next to the Yan Hotel, a luxurious hotel that provides an excellent sea view.

Viveiro Beach, Spain

Viveiro, Galicia is a hidden beach located on Spain’s northern coast at the town of Viveiro. Viveiro, Galicia secret beach is the ultimate place for families willing to spend their vacation at a private and pure beach.

Tourists who have been visiting Viveiro hidden beach rents a room at Ego hotel which provides a great sea view.

Comporta Beach, Portugal

Comporta beach is a hidden beach based in Portugal and located at Troia. Comporta beach is characterized by the sand dunes, a factor that has been attracting tourists to the area. Comporta beach is surrounded by some resorts, including the Comporta Café.

Accommodation is offered by the Sublime hotel, one of the luxurious hotels in Portugal.

Paleochora, south-west Crete, Greece

Greece is one of the tourist destinations sites in Europe that now presents the Paleochora beach to the Tourism fanatics. Paleochora is a local hidden beach that is surrounded by nature. It’s located in the south of Hania.

Tourists who have been visiting the Paleochora beach rent rooms at the Manto Studios hotel, which is a family-managed hotel.

San Pantaleo, Sardinia

San Pantaleo is a hidden beach which is located at Costa Smeralda. San Pantaleo beach is characterized by white powdery sand and granite boulders. Visit the San Pantaleo beach and enjoy privacy and simplicity at a fair cost. Also, enjoy a stay at the Locanda Sant’Andrea Hotel at a reasonable price.

Koufonissia hidden beach

Koufonissia is a secret beach based at Greece. Koufonissia is comprised of the Lower Koufonisi and the upper Koufonisi. Apart from tourism, the locals also carry out fishing activities.

Koufonissia Beach is characterized by satin white sand. Visit this beach and enjoy a stay at the Koufonisi windmill port.

Palagruza Beach

Palagruza is one of the hidden beaches located in Dalmatia, Croatia. Palagruza has been one of the most visited beaches as it is an archaeological site. The beach is gorgeous in jewelry and other ceramic vases. Visit the Palagruza beach and enjoy a stay at the Palagruza lighthouse. The hotel offers tourists with groceries and seafood.

Mljet hidden beach

Mljet is a refuge island based in Dalmatia, Croatia. Tourists visiting the Mljet beach also enjoy a ride at the Mljet National Park. Also, this beach also contains a diving club which visitors can join for leisure purposes.

Visit Mljet hidden beach and while enjoying a stay at a five-star hotel, Hotel Odisej.

Featured Image Credits

August 24, 2016April 15, 2020

16 Most Unexplored Destinations to Visit in 2016

unexplored-vacation

If you are looking for offbeat places to vacation in 2016, here’s a compilation of the most unexplored places to pin on a map.

Mongolia is a destination that should be visited in 2016 because of its unique culture and geography. Nomadic herders move according to seasons using camels. The Gobi Desert is found in the country.

Georgia has beautiful Southern Caucasus mountain ranges. The mountains attract skiers, adventurers, nature walkers, and horse riders.

Papua New Guinea is a country of islands. The islands have thick jungles with diverse ecosystems.

The United States has an attractive North Cascades National Park. The park should be explored in 2016 because of its virgin forests and glaciated peaks.

Norway, Greenland, and Iceland are part of the Arctic. The three destinations have a lot of polar bear and blubbery bearded seals population.

The main attraction of Madagascar is the 106 lemur species. People who study prehistoric revolution illustrate that dinosaurs once roamed the area.

Patagonia Corridor has popular routes and also extensive wilderness. The Chilean part has winding waterways. However, Argentinean Patagonia comprises large and empty lands.

Iran has 19 UNESCO World Heritage venues. Examples of heritage sites in the country are the Lut Desert and the Persepolis.

Palau should be explored in 2016 due to its Rock Islands. Palau archipelago has beautiful emerald outcrops.

Taiwan has an indigenous culture. The Buddhism religion started in this island nation. The Taiwanese tea and food are very popular among Asian visitors.

Antarctica has diverse bird life. Thousands of king penguins reside in the area. The destination also has large populations of fur seals and arctic reindeer.

India has beautiful national parks with diverse ecosystems. The live version of the “Jungle King” was developed in India to market its parks. Two popular national parks are Kanha National Park and Nagarhole National Park.

Romania is a suitable destination for adventure seekers because of Carpathian mountain range. The mountain range can also attract people interested in skiing and hiking.

Honduras is located in Central America. It has extensive white sand beaches. The beauty of the city is further enhanced by the colonial cities.

Uganda is famous because of the silverback mountain gorilla and Lake Victoria. Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary is responsible for protecting orphaned chimpanzees.

Gabon has a lot of ecotourism potential. The West African country has protected marine reserves, dense forests, and national parks.

Featured Image Credits

August 23, 2016April 15, 2020

7 Most Romantic Vacation Ideas for Couples

Vacation Destinations for Couples

Romantic gateways for couples mostly involve beach walks, candlelit dinners, and luxury accommodations. The article illustrates 15 vacation ideas for couples.

Kerala, India

Vacations for couples are in three major areas: Thekkady, Munnar, and allepy. Kerala is attractive because of the tropical forests and the pristine beaches.

Couples are advised to visit Munnar. The destination has an attractive view of diverse wildlife. Thekkady and Allepy are appropriate destinations because of the enjoyable view of the glittering waterfalls.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is considered as an attractive destination for couples. This is because of the Zen temples, Enryaku-Ji, and Ryoan-ji romantic attractions.

The Zen temples have Chinese influenced gardens that generate a romantic feeling. Enryaku-Ji is an ancient Japanese temple that enables couples to observe breathtaking mountains. Ryoan-ji is located in western Tokyo and its main attraction is the rock garden.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui provides good vacations for couples. The romantic destination is viewed as magical because of white sandy beaches and historic villages.

Haleakala National Park is located in Maui. The park has the highest point on the island. Couples are thus able to have a complete view of the volcanic crater within the park.

Paris, France

The city is also referred to as the city of lights and the city of love. The three major romantic gateways in the city are Eiffel Tower, Palais-Royal, and Sacré-Coeur.

Viewing the Eiffel Tower is a romantic experience for couples. The couples can also visit the peaceful Palais-Royal secluded garden for leisure walk. Sacré-Coeur offers a nice sunset experience for the couples.

San Sebastian, Spain

The two main vacation ideas for couples in the city are Monte Igueldo and basque food. Monte Igueldo offers a good view of the sunset and the city. Basque food is best served in popular restaurants such as Arzak.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna has an attractive destination known as Schönbrunn Palace. The palace creates romantic feeling because of the picturesque garden scenery and pristine hedgerows.

Wellington, New Zealand

The destination has mystical ambiance that attracts lovers. The two top destinations in the city are the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Kapiti Island.

Wellington Botanic garden has many exotic plant species; for example, rare trees. Kapiti Island has the highest point in the city. The island, therefore, provides the best scenery of wildlife, plants, and the larger wellington area.

Featured Image Credits

August 23, 2016April 15, 2020

10 Travel Tips to Plan a Truly Relaxing Family Vacation

Family on vacation

Family vacation is important because it enables family members to build on good communication and relationship. The article discusses 10 tips for enjoying your travel during the vacation.

Take off the pressure during a holiday with family. The planners should understand that the relaxing vacation is aimed at creating a fun family experience. To ease the pressure, the vacation plans should be simple and easily achievable.

A flexible itinerary should be developed for the relaxing family vacation. Unplanned events may occur during the vacation period. For example, you might find out about a seasonal event while on the vacation. Time and resources for emergencies should thus be considered.

There should be collective trip goals. Each family member should know the vacation destinations.

Advance research is important. The research generates information about useful vacation areas and resources required.

Family members are advised to pack light. Packing light ensures light travel. A lot of baggage causes confusion when traveling. People should travel light with the intention of minimizing traveling effort.

People should choose a good traveling partner during vacations. This is because it is easy to maintain good communication with a friendly traveling partner.

Trip goals should be properly set. The vacation planner must indicate the vacation destination, and the resources that will be used during the vacation.

Vacation budget is important in ensuring proper utilization of finances. Good budget ensures relaxing vacation because important bills are sufficiently settled.

Families should consider staycation. Staycation is a cost effective vacation model because families engage in leisure activities within the home environment.

All vacation goals should be understood by all family members. The vacation planner should communicate the trip goals in a simple manner to ensure complete understanding. Clear travel goals reduce confusion during the relaxing family vacation.

August 22, 2016April 15, 2020

10 Top Heavenly Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is a friendly and exciting country. The country gives visitors diverse exploration or adventure experience. The topography of the country is mainly rugged with several dense forests, glaciers, mountains, thermal regions, and beaches. The article explains 10 top heavenly destinations in New Zealand.

Coromandel Peninsula is a peninsula that is located in north eastern part of New Zealand. The peninsula has attractive white and gold beaches. The area also has good coastal and natural forest scenery.

Abel Tasman National Park is located in the South Island. The national park has many plant and animal species. People travel to New Zealand to see animals such as blue penguins and wood pigeons.

The Sky Tower is also among the top places to visit in New Zealand. It is a telecommunication tower that has a height of 328 meters.

Napier Art Deco is a small city located within Hawke’s Bay. The city has attractive art deco architecture.

Kaikoura is appropriate for visitors who love seafood. The small town also provides a good venue for watching sea animals such as seals and sperm whales off the shore.

Franz Josef Glacier is found in the Westland National Park. The glacier is very accessible. Visitors can walk to the bottom of the glacier.

Rotorua is a thermal attractive that has several hot springs and geysers. The colorful Lady Knox Geyser is located in Wai-O-Tapu.

Tongariro National Park is the first in the country. The park has diverse ecosystems; for instance, active volcanoes and untamed forests.

Bay of Islands has 144 islands. The islands have good scenery, sandy beaches, and diverse marine life ecosystem that have whales and dolphins.

Milford Sound is a tourist site that has attractive coastal scenery. It is accessed through the Fiordland National Park. The site has dramatic peaks and offers good view of the dark blue waters.

Featured Image Credits

August 22, 2016April 15, 2020

8 Secrets to a Fun-Filled and Relaxing Family Vacation

family-vacation

A family vacation is something that brings families even closer. However, if the vacation ends up being a disaster, it serves as a bad memory. One can still have a relaxing family vacation. How? Here are a few tips.

Be open to exploration

For a vacation to be relaxing, one has to be willing to do what the travel partner loves. Being open to doing new things can help the other person or people involved feel loved and appreciated.

Understand limits

The slowest common denominator should determine the pace of the vacation. This could be an elderly parent or small child. This should be a huge consideration in planning the trip.

Eat in

When planning a holiday with family, it is wise to plan the eating arrangements in advance. This may involve making early reservations or renting an apartment where a meal can be easily prepared.

Entertain the kids

For those long drives, a good way to keep the children entertained is letting them watch movies. Also, when the adults want some time to themselves, movies are a nice way to keep the children busy for an hour or two.

Look for a babysitter

Enlisting babysitter services is a great idea when looking to spend some time away from the kids. Many local babysitter services are available throughout the day.

Spend time apart

A holiday with family is supposed to bring family together. However, not every minute should be spent with the travel partner. One should also seek to get some alone time by walking on the beach or finding a book to read. This is especially useful when dealing with teenagers.

Have planned activities for the whole day

Children tend to get cranky in the evening just before dinner. Instead of giving them that phone or tablet, find an interesting activity like card games or a scavenger hunt. This will keep them occupied before dinner and bed.

Enlist the grandparents’ help

When travelling with grandparents and want some time away from the kids, they are the perfect choice in looking after the children. It also helps if they rarely see each other regularly.

August 22, 2016April 15, 2020

6 Ways to Recharge Yourself during a Vacation as an Entrepreneur

business-vacation

Summer is the best time for a vacation, even for entrepreneurs. However, for an entrepreneur, a vacation can be a tough call. It is hard to let go of that business and take time to relax. So, for an entrepreneur to get the best out of a vacation, what is needed? Here are six tips:

Find a peak season

Most people go on vacation during summer. This means that an entrepreneur is left with a larger workload than usual. It is, therefore, advisable that entrepreneurs plan a vacation during the off-peak season when the rest of the staff is available to run the business. Also, an extended weekend during summer can do no harm.

Keep away from email and voicemail

If possible, one should not go on vacation with their laptop. Also, one should not spend every ten minutes checking their inbox. A vacation is a time to relax and to take a break from work.

Have a buffer day

When returning to the office, there is a probability that there will be a pile of work waiting. It is therefore recommended for one to have a buffer day before going back to the office. This is crucial in catching up with the progress of the business.

Create a clear plan

Before leaving the office, it is advisable for one to have a clear written plan for the entire vacation. Also, it is wise to ensure that duties and responsibilities are relegated before leaving. A key component of the plan should be travel planning. This will help in avoiding delays and missed flights.

Screen calls

During a vacation, an entrepreneur should appoint a single individual to be the point-of-contact, rather than allowing the whole team to call. Many work calls on a vacation only serve as a distraction.

Travel to an inspirational destination

One should find a destination that will bring refreshment and inspiration. This includes nature, a different culture or an activity such as hiking or camping.